Constipation is not a pleasant condition to deal with. Fortunately, in most cases, it can be relieved with simple changes in diet and exercise. Recent research is showing that the trendy drink kombucha may be beneficial to the condition.
What is Kombucha?
Kombucha is a sweetened, fermented black tea drink. It is made with tea, sugar, bacteria, and yeast.
To make the drink, the bacteria and yeast are grown together to form a culture. The culture is added to the sugar and tea. Then fermentation takes place.
The process yields a beverage that is high in vitamin B and amino acids.
Kombucha and Constipation
Like most fermented products, kombucha is rich in probiotics that offer digestive benefits. The probiotics in kombucha are said to relieve digestion. But this has not been backed by clinical studies.
Many studies establish that probiotics may be beneficial to constipation. A 2019 study found that they may relieve irritable bowel syndrome symptoms including constipation. A 2017 study showed that they prevented constipation in 10-40% of senior study participants. A 2020 study found probiotics can help with stool frequency and consistency.
However, none of these studies specifically looked at the probiotics in kombucha.
Kombucha can also be beneficial to people with constipation because it helps with hydration. Sufficient hydration helps stool pass through the digestive tract. It makes the stool softer and easier to pass.
Kombucha can help keep a person hydrated especially if it increases the amount of hydration a person gets daily.
According to experts, adult males need around 125 ounces of fluid a day while females need 91 ounces to offer optimal hydration. However, these numbers vary depending on a person’s age and weight. Talk to a doctor to find out how much liquid you should be drinking daily.
Downsides of Kombucha
Although kombucha is beneficial because it aids with hydration, it should not be the only liquid source a person consumes. It comes with its share of downsides including:
- Digestive Issues: Kombucha has been known to cause digestive issues in some individuals.
- Added Sugars: Kombucha contains added sugars which may be detrimental to health.
- Bacterial Exposure: The beverage is homemade and unpasteurized which means it contains bacteria and yeasts which may pose a risk of exposure to infections. It can also lead to cross-contamination.
- Acidity: The drink becomes acidic when it undergoes the fermentation process. Its acidity may lead to tooth decay.
- Liver Toxicity: Some studies show that kombucha may have negative effects on liver health. However, this is based on just a few case reports. Studies have not been conclusive.
- High in Caffeine: Kombucha contains caffeine and may not be the ideal beverage for people with caffeine sensitivities.
Kombucha is a trendy drink that many people consume for the health benefits it provides. Some say it may help with constipation, but more studies are needed to establish whether this is the case. Will you be trying it to see how it can aid your digestion?
