Drinking anything on an empty stomach always sounds like a bad idea, and it has more negative connotations in my mind than positive, but can you drink kombucha on an empty stomach?
Before I answer that question, it’s essential to learn what kombucha can and can’t do for you, along with addressing other common related questions that are sure to come up.
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What are the pros and cons of kombucha?
If you are just learning about kombucha, you’ve probably heard of all the amazing things it will do for your health and well-being.
Most advocates will agree that kombucha aids in digestion, boosts energy, and rids your body of toxins. Fermented food like kombucha is good for the microbiome.
Pros
- Immune system booster (Vitamin B and Antioxidants)
- Good bacteria
- Healthier than soda and juice
- Tons of flavors
- Natural detoxifier
Cons
- Highly acidic
- It contains sugar (The SCOBY eats most of it)
- May contain caffeine
- It may contain alcohol (under 0.5 ABV)
- An acquired taste
Does kombucha Cleanse your gut?
Kombucha is a potentially good source of probiotics, a critical component of gut health.
The health of your microbiome (your gut) is controlled by having more good bacteria than harmful bacteria, so if you drink kombucha regularly, you’re giving that gut an extra boost of nutrients, which isn’t bad.
Can you drink kombucha on an empty stomach?
Yes! Drinking kombucha on an empty stomach is recommended to give your digestive system an early morning boost.
Consuming on an empty stomach means that the living cultures within can reach the large intestine more efficiently and aid digestion throughout the day.
Since I brew kombucha, I have at least 4 ounces every morning on an empty stomach, and that’s the amount I’d recommend starting with to see how your system agrees with it.
What happens if you drink kombucha every day?
Drinking fermented drinks like kombucha with probiotics is generally safe for most people.
I drink kombucha every day and have no ill effects, but since kombucha has sugar and caffeine (much less than coffee), you’ll want to evaluate your health goals and drink it accordingly.
Finding kombucha brands that don’t add excess sugar is essential, or better yet, how about no sugar? Remedy Kombucha has a fermentation process that results in zero sugar!
Kombucha has a naturally occurring vinegar taste, so it’s not surprising that some brands add sugar to make their drinks more appealing to people with a sweet tooth.
Healthline recommends limiting your intake to one to two servings per day, and most bottles are 16 ounces for a total of two servings.
What is the best time to drink kombucha?
Kombucha tastes excellent in the morning, afternoon, or evening; drink some whenever you feel like it.
I especially like kombucha with ginger or other herbs to complement foods with a little bit of spice.
Should I drink kombucha before bed?
Since kombucha has small amounts of caffeine from the tea it’s brewed from; this is at your discretion. If you have a sensitivity to caffeine, it’s probably not recommended, but for everyone else, it’s should be okay.
I enjoy kombucha at night, even before bed, with no ill effects, so you’ll have to see how you feel and adjust accordingly.
Who should not drink kombucha?
While almost everyone should be able to enjoy kombucha, you shouldn’t drink it if you’re pregnant, and when breastfeeding, you should allow time after drinking it before nursing.
One reason is that it contains trace amounts of alcohol, about the same amount as non-alcoholic beer or a ripe banana, around 0.5% ABV and lower, but homebrewed offerings can be higher, as much as up to 3% ABV.
Kombucha is also unpasteurized, which is the process that kills harmful bacteria like salmonella and listeria.
The FDA recommends avoiding unpasteurized foods during pregnancy, including milk, soft cheeses, and raw juices.
As mentioned, kombucha has caffeine derived from the tea used in brewing, usually black or green or a combination of the two.
Although most studies show that consuming caffeine during pregnancy in moderation is safe and has no harmful effects on your fetus, it’s still something to consider.
Additionally, anyone with a weakened immune system should consult their doctor before drinking kombucha for all the above reasons and others that may not be so obvious.
Conclusion
First and foremost, to give your digestive system an early morning boost, you most certainly can drink kombucha on an empty stomach!
Generally, you can drink kombucha any time of the day, even every day, but if you’re considering having some at night, be mindful of the caffeine content.
Pregnant women should avoid drinking kombucha, while women who are breastfeeding should allow enough time to pass before nursing, and anyone with a weakened immune system should consult their physician.
Cheers!