kombuscha/contraindications

[Guest guest]

I certainly don't want to be difficult, but I am one of the people who because

of severe leaky gut had adverse reactions to kombuscha. I have done much better

by purchasing higher end probiotics with quality controls in place.

You can find some really interesting reading to help balance out all the postive

info out on the web by searching " kombucha, side effects " . Keep in mind that

folks who sell scoobys are only going to post the positive info.

Joan

Kombucha Tea

Other common name(s): Manchurian tea, Kargasok tea, tea fungus

Scientific/medical name(s): none

Description

Kombucha tea is made by fermenting sweetened black tea with a flat, pancake-like

culture of yeasts and bacteria known as the Kombucha mushroom. It is not

actually a mushroom but is called one because of the shape and color of the sac

that forms on top of the tea after it ferments.

Overview

Available scientific evidence does not support claims that Kombucha tea promotes

good health, prevents any ailments, or is effective in treating cancer or any

other disease. Serious side effects and occasional deaths have been associated

with drinking Kombucha tea.

How is it promoted for use?

Kombucha tea is promoted as a cure-all for a wide variety of conditions

including baldness, insomnia, intestinal disorders, arthritis, chronic fatigue

syndrome, multiple sclerosis, AIDS, and cancer. Supporters assert that Kombucha

tea can boost the immune system and reverse the aging process. Kombucha tea is

said to contain antioxidants, compounds that block the action of free radicals,

activated oxygen molecules that can damage cells. For people who have cancer,

proponents claim the tea can improve the body's defenses (especially in the

early stages of cancer) by detoxifying the body and enhancing the immune system.

After the body has been detoxified, the tea is said to help repair and balance

the body and fight off disease.

What does it involve?

The culture used in Kombucha tea varies, but consists of several species of

yeast and bacteria. It may include Saccharomycodes ludwigii, Schizosaccharomyces

pombe, Brettanomyces bruxellensis, Bacterium xylinum, Bacterium gluconicum,

Bacterium xylinoides, Bacterium katogenum, Pichia fermentans, Candida stellata,

and Torula species, among others.

Kombucha tea is made by steeping the " mushroom " culture in tea and sugar for

about a week. During this process, the original mushroom floats in the tea and

produces a " baby mushroom " on its surface. These new mushrooms can be passed

along to other people for starting their own cultures or can be kept to make new

batches of the tea when the original mushroom " goes bad " (indicated when it

turns dark brown). Proponents often recommend drinking very small daily doses of

the tea (1 to 2 ounces), to start and slowly increasing it over a few days or

weeks.

Some proponents also encourage people to remove all chemicals from their diets

and eat only fresh fruits and vegetables in order to help the " detoxification "

Process. They may also be told to avoid to quit smoking and avoid caffeine, soft

drinks, alcohol, hormone-fed meat, fertilized or sprayed foods, preservatives,

and artificial coloring and flavoring.

Kombucha mushroom cultures can be obtained from commercial manufacturers in the

United States; however, most people obtain Kombucha mushrooms from friends.

Because of increased demand, some companies now sell bottles of brewed Kombucha

tea. Other products include capsules made from the dried tea and Kombucha liquid

extract, drops of which are put under the tongue.

What is the history behind it?

Kombucha tea originated in East Asia and was introduced into Germany at the turn

of the century. Since the early 19th century, Kombucha tea has been promoted as

an immunity-boosting tea, that can strengthen the body against many ailments. It

has become prevalent in the United States because it can be grown and harvested

at home. It is especially popular among people with HIV and the elderly because

of claims of its immunity-boosting and anti-aging powers.

What is the evidence?

No human studies have been published in the available scientific literature that

support any of the health claims made for Kombucha tea. There have, however,

been reports of serious complications associated with the tea. In April 1995,

two women who had been drinking the tea daily for 2 months were hospitalized

with severe acidosis—an abnormal increase of acid levels in body fluids. Both

had high levels of lactic acid upon hospitalization. One woman died of cardiac

arrest 2 days after admission. The second woman's heart also stopped, but she

stabilized and was able to recover. The mushrooms used by both women came from

the same " parent " mushroom. While no direct link to Kombucha tea was proven in

this case, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned consumers to

use caution when making and drinking the tea.

Are there any possible problems or complications?

This product is sold as a dietary supplement in the United States. Unlike drugs

(which must be tested before being allowed to be sold), the companies that make

supplements are not required to prove to the Food and Drug Administration that

their supplements are safe or effective, as long as they don't claim the

supplements can prevent, treat, or cure any specific disease.

Some such products may not contain the amount of the herb or substance that is

written on the label, and some may include other substances (contaminants).

Actual amounts per dose may vary between brands or even between different

batches of the same brand.

Most such supplements have not been tested to find out if they interact with

medicines, foods, or other herbs and supplements. Even though some reports of

interactions and harmful effects may be published, full studies of interactions

and effects are not often available. Because of these limitations, any

information on ill effects and interactions below should be considered

incomplete.

Because several types of yeast and bacteria can grow under Kombucha tea's

brewing conditions, different Kombucha teas may contain different varieties.

Since cultures and preparation methods vary, Kombucha tea may contain

contaminants such as molds and fungi, some of which can cause illness. After the

tea is fermented, it is usually highly acidic and contains alcohol, ethyl

acetate, acetic acid, and lactate.

Deaths have been linked with the tea. Drinking excessive amounts of the tea is

not recommended. Several experts warn that since home-brewing facilities vary

significantly, the tea could become contaminated with harmful germs, which could

be especially dangerous to people with HIV, cancer, or other immune problems.

Allergic reactions, possibly to molds in the tea, have been reported, as have

anthrax of the skin and jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes that is

usually caused by liver damage

Kombucha tea should not be brewed in ceramic, lead crystal, or painted

containers, as the acidity of the tea can cause it to absorb harmful elements

from its container. Lead poisoning has been reported in at least two people who

brewed Kombucha tea in a ceramic pot.

Since the potential health risks of Kombucha tea are unknown, anyone with an

immune deficiency or any other medical condition should consult a physician

before drinking the tea. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should not use

this tea. Relying on this type of treatment alone and avoiding or delaying

conventional medical care for cancer may have serious health consequences.

Additional Resources

More information from your American Cancer Society

The following information on complementary and alternative therapies may also be

helpful to you. These materials may be found on our Web site (www.cancer.org) or

ordered from our toll-free number (1-800-ACS-2345).

* Guidelines for Using Complementary and Alternative Methods

* How to Know What Is Safe: Choosing and Using Dietary Supplements

* The ACS Operational Statement on Complementary and Alternative Methods of

Cancer Management

* Complementary and Alternative Methods for Cancer Management

* Placebo Effect

* Learning About New Ways to Treat Cancer

* Learning About New Ways to Prevent Cancer

References

Boik J. Cancer & Natural Medicine: A Textbook of Basic Science and Clinical

Research. Princeton, Minn: Oregon Medical Press; 1996.

Cassileth B. The Alternative Medicine Handbook. New York: W. W. Norton &

Co;1998.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Unexplained severe illness possibly

associated with consumption of Kombucha tea-Iowa, 1995. JAMA. 1996;275:96-98.

Derk CT, Sandorfi N, Curtis MT. A case of anti-Jo1 myositis with pleural

effusions and pericardial tamponade developing after exposure to a fermented

Kombucha beverage. Clin Rheumatol. 2004;23:355-357.

Mayser P, Promme S, Leitzmann C, Grunder K. The yeast spectrum of the 'tea

fungus Kombucha.' Mycoses. 1995;38:289-295.

Phan TG, Estell J, Duggan G, Beer I, D, Ferson MJ. Lead poisoning from

drinking Kombucha tea brewed in a ceramic pot. Med J Aust. 1999; 170:454.

Sloan-Kettering. Kombucha, Clinical Summary. Accessed at:

http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/69274.cfm on June 10, 2008.

Spaulding-Albright N. A review of some herbal and related products commonly used

in cancer patients. J Am Diet Assoc. 1997;97:S208-215.

Teo AL, Heard G, J. Yeast ecology of Kombucha fermentation. Int J Food

Microbiol. 2004;95:119-126.

US Food and Drug Administration. FDA Talk Paper: FDA cautions consumers on

" Kombucha mushroom tea. " Rockville, Md: National Press Office; March 23,1995.

Talk Paper T95-15.

Note: This information may not cover all possible claims, uses, actions,

precautions, side effects or interactions. It is not intended as medical advice,

and should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultation with your doctor,

who is familiar with your medical situation.

Last Medical Review: 11/01/2008

Last Revised: 11/01/2