Discover how the bodily benefits of fermented tea can ease the mind, too, in an excerpt fromThe Big Book of Kombucha.
The stress response is one of the body’s most valuable defense mechanisms. When our body perceives a threat, a snap decision must be made — fight or flight. Adrenaline and cortisol are released to increase heart rate, sharpen the senses, and prepare muscles for quick action. This is exactly what we need when surviving in the wild.
The modern human, however, confronts multiple stressors — almost always non-life-threatening — on a daily basis, and this overactivation of the stress response has proven detrimental to our health, creating a host of adverse effects on the body.
While many medications and treatments can alleviate the symptoms of chronic overstimulation of the stress response, they don’t tend to address the source of the problem, which is that modern humans are stressed out to the max. There are solutions: making time for exercise, getting enough sleep, enjoying the company of good friends, communing with nature, taking time to unplug from the doom-and-gloom news and electronic media. Adding kombucha to the mix can help too! Here are five ways kombucha relieves stress.
1. Kombucha is an adaptogen.
An adaptogen is a plant or plant-based derivative (fermented tea in this case) that normalizes and balances the body, benefiting the entire physiology rather than a specific organ or system. Adaptogens are generally very good sources of antioxidants, which eliminate free radicals that cause oxidative stress. They also provide liver protection, reduce cravings for sugar and alcohol, and boost immunity, energy, and stamina.
2. Kombucha supports healthy digestion.
Kombucha regulates the digestive system by increasing the acidity of the gut. Gut acidity is crucial for easing digestion and absorbing nutrients from food. Stress often manifests in the gut as irritable bowel syndrome or ulcers, both of which are aided by improved digestion and acidity.
Kombucha contains vitamins B1(thiamine), B6, and B12, all of which are known to help the body fight depression, stabilize mood, and improve concentration. It also contains vitamin C, which suppresses the release of cortisol (one of the stress hormones). Higher levels of cortisol in the blood contribute to hypertension, depression, and impaired mental clarity.
Moreover, while these vitamins are found in kombucha in trace amounts, they are bioavailable — that is, they are in a form that the body has evolved to assimilate instantly. In contrast, oftentimes the vitamins in supplements are not easily assimilated into the body; they lack the cofactors or enzymes found in whole foods that are needed to catalyze the absorption process.
4. Drinking kombucha can reduce caffeine and sugar intake.
Choosing kombucha over coffee as your morning eye-opener means less caffeine in your system. And the L-theanine in tea counteracts the harmful effects of caffeine, providing focused, calm energy.
5. Low amounts of alcohol have a beneficial effect on the body.
Kombucha is not an alcoholic ferment like beer or wine, but it does contain trace amounts of alcohol. These naturally occurring low levels of alcohol increase feelings of well-being and decrease stress. Numerous studies show that moderate consumption of alcohol has many positive benefits.
Hannah Crum and Alex LaGory created Kombucha Kamp (http://www.kombuchakamp.com) to provide the highest quality brewing supplies, information, and support. Known as “The Kombucha Mamma,” Crum speaks at consumer and corporate events nationwide. LaGory is a writer and producer who, with Crum, mentors homebrewers and serves as commercial brewing consultant. The couple co-founded Kombucha Brewers International in Los Angeles, where they reside.
Many people feel good and have an improved mood after drinking kombucha due to its amino acids, antioxidants, probiotics, B vitamins, healthy flavorings such as chia seeds and goji berries, all of which have been found to improve mood and reduce symptoms like depression and anxiety after eating or drinking them.
Many people feel good and have an improved mood after drinking kombucha due to its amino acids, antioxidants, probiotics, B vitamins, healthy flavorings such as chia seeds and goji berries, all of which have been found to improve mood and reduce symptoms like depression and anxiety after eating or drinking them.
A large number of bacteria also grow in the mixture. Kombucha contains several species of lactic acid bacteria that may have a probiotic function. Probiotics provide your gut with healthy bacteria. These bacteria may improve many aspects of health, including digestion, inflammation, and even weight loss.
Beside L-theanine, kombucha tea resulted from this ratio of green tea concentrate and water contains total polyphenol 1.03%, total solids 11.67 %, total acids 0.53 % and reducing sugar 27.4 mg/mL, and total microbial counts of log 5.88 CFU/mL or 7.72 x 105 CFU/mL.
Looking to test the connection between social anxiety and fermented foods, researchers conducted a survey that provided tremendous insight into the connection. The result: yes, fermented foods like kombucha can actually lower social anxiety levels.
It also contains vitamin C, which suppresses the release of cortisol (one of the stress hormones). Higher levels of cortisol in the blood contribute to hypertension, depression, and impaired mental clarity.
It is unlikely that you will get drunk from drinking a lot of kombucha. Even at the legally non-alcoholic maximum of 0.5% AVB, it would be very difficult. In fact, an increasing number of people are switching the bubbly, beer, or cocktails for kombucha lately, for a tasty treat without an alcohol buzz.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that drinking approximately 4 ounces (oz) of kombucha per day “may not cause adverse effects in healthy persons.” Note that most kombucha bottles sold at the store are more than 4 oz. Check recommended serving sizes before chugging down a whole container.
Kombucha is an ancient fermented tea that may have many health benefits, such as improving digestion, boosting the immune system, lowering cholesterol levels, and supporting cardiovascular health. Today kombucha is widely available in stores, and kombucha starter kits can be purchased to make at home.
To brew kombucha, you have to go through two phases: 1st fermentation and 2nd fermentation. F1 typically takes around 7-12 days, though some people like to go longer. During that time, the sweet tea ferments and is transformed into kombucha by the starter tea and a kombucha culture (a SCOBY).
Summary: Fermented foods such as kimchi and kombucha contain amino acids which are key to the production of serotonin and consuming these foods can have a positive impact on mood and stress reduction. Researchers say fermented sugar-based and vegetable-based products are best for both gut and brain health.
Additionally, kombucha is a good source of iron and B vitamins that have been linked to helping boost energy and fighting fatigue. Kombucha is an all-natural and delicious alternative to commercially-found sodas.
One easy way to do that is to eat fermented foods. Fermented foods contain live probiotics that support digestion and help keep your gut bacteria in balance. Aim for 1-2 servings of fermented foods each day like sauerkraut, yogurt, kefir, kombucha, kimchi, miso, and tempeh.
This is thought to be due to its ability to increase levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and GABA in the brain, which can lead to a calming effect.
That's because it naturally contains caffeine as well as B vitamins like riboflavin and niacin, both of which can lead to increased energy levels. Plus, there are lots of other compounds in kombucha — including lactic acid and acetic acid — that can also contribute to increased energy levels.
Kombucha is significantly lower in sugar when compared to other beverage options. As such, people love to drink this beverage because it not only tastes great and makes them feel good, but because it helps curb sugar intake from their diet.
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