Kombucha Side Effects

Kombucha tea is a fermented type of tea, which is reported to have a lot of medicinal uses. Currently there is no established research to back the healing ability, this tea supposedly has. However, it is commercially available in many countries now. Kombucha tea side effects have been reported which I will discuss here.

Kombucha Tea Brewing and Benefits
Kombucha tea can be brewed at home with fermentation of tea, by a symbiotic set of microorganisms, collectively called a Kombucha culture. It is made by adding a culture of pancake shaped patty (which includes the culture), mixed with black tea, added sugar and left to ferment. The earliest reports of this type of tea being used, are from Eastern Asia and Soviet region. Kombucha home brewing package contains many different cultures, coupled with organic acids, active enzymes and polyphenols. Kombucha has been approved and checked by the US Food and Drug administration for consumption.

There are various claimed health benefits of Kombucha tea consumption. They include, constipation relief, sharper eyesight, improved skin condition and increased energy. It is supposed to contain several anti-oxidants which help in detoxifying the body.

Reported Kombucha Side Effects
Here is a compilation of reported side effects of Kombucha tea. These side effects have been documented over the years, since Kombucha tea has been made available as a herbal remedy for many diseases.

Cutaneous Anthrax
Some people prefer home brew of Kombucha tea. There have been reported cases of cutaneous anthrax contamination, through such home brewed Kombucha tea servings. The risk of contracting cutaneous anthrax is indeed a deadly side effect of Kombucha tea. Cutaneous anthrax disease is a particularly dangerous form of anthrax, which affects the skin. It causes swelling, as well as ulcers on skin. This may be caused by dormant spores of Bacillus Anthracis in the Kombucha tea.

Aspergillus Infection
Aspergillus is a type of mold which can grow in Kombucha tea causing toxic side effects, if consumed. There have been reported instances of allergic reactions due to Aspergillus infected Kombucha tea. It is particularly dangerous for people with immune system diseases like HIV/AIDS and auto-immune diseases. This is another reported deadly Kombucha side effects.

Lead Poisoning
There have been reports of lead poisoning due to Kombucha tea consumption. The reason being the brewing of the tea in vessels, with lead based glazing.

Allergic Reactions
There have been several other reported incidents of allergic reactions, which were Kombucha side effects.These include, indigestion, vomiting and nausea. The organic acids in Kombucha can cause an allergic reaction in individuals, predisposed to acid sensitivity.

Headaches
Some people have been reported to have headaches, caused due to Kombucha tea consumption.

As one can see, most of these Kombucha side effects occur, due to contamination or growth of harmful bacteria and molds, during its brewing. They can be avoided by using more hygienic brewing conditions. Pregnant women and people with immune problems should avoid consumption of Kombucha tea. The side effects of Kombucha tea reported here are rare, but they have occurred. Though, it is claimed to possess several health benefits, none have been conclusively proved through research. People who want to experiment with natural cures can go ahead with Kombucha tea, but, let they be reminded of the alerts conveyed by Kombucha tea side effects.