While kombucha isn't a proven treatment for acid reflux or GERD, its probiotic-rich nature is known to improve overall gut health, so it's likely to relieve some of the uncomfortable symptoms of both these ailments.
Kefir, or fermented milk, is a great, gut-healthy probiotic that's important for sustaining healthy bacteria in your stomach and reducing heartburn. It's also a good option if you're looking for a milk substitute.
Drinks such as ginger tea, certain fruit and vegetable juices, and plant-based milks may benefit people experiencing acid reflux and heartburn. Avoiding citrus juices, carbonated beverages, and alcohol can also help to reduce symptom frequency and severity.
Despite its physical properties of being a weak acid (~pH 3), kombucha has been shown to alkalize the body (much like lemons, which are also acidic). Our blood is slightly alkaline, around pH 7.4 (pH 7 being neutral).
Some foods and drinks are known to help ease gastritis symptoms, and people found that kombucha is one trusted ally in managing gastritis. Kombucha is a great source of probiotics that promotes healthy digestion by adding helpful gut bacteria to the existing flora and can prevent stomach complications.
Kombucha and other fermented foods are full of antioxidants and probiotics, or live bacteria, that boost the health of intestinal cells, improve immune function and aid in food digestion. “They make the body more efficient,” said Braxton.
There are a few populations that should never ingest kombucha. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, children, and individuals with liver or kidney disease, HIV, impaired immune systems, and alcohol dependency should avoid kombucha.
"Everything should be enjoyed in moderation. While a glass of kombucha is A-OK, drinking multiple servings every single day may not be the best choice," Manaker says, noting that it might invade the space of good ol' H2O, can contain some caffeine from the tea, and could do a number on your teeth due to its acidity.
Since kombucha sits in an acidic range below 4.6 pH, the FDA states that preservatives are not needed. And that's good news for the live cultures in the bottle. The symbiosis is perfect for the growth of gut-friendly cultures while the acidity prevents bacterial growth.
Is yogurt a good choice? Yogurt that is not too sour is also excellent for acid reflux, because of the probiotics that help normalize bowel function. Yogurt also provides protein, and soothes stomach discomfort, often providing a cooling sensation.
If you suffer from acid reflux, your doctor may recommend that you avoid foods and drinks that are known to make stomach acid reflux worse. These include fatty foods, alcohol, chocolate, caffeinated drinks (such as coffee, tea, soda), peppermint, spearmint, and spices.
Antacids provide fast heartburn relief. They start to work in seconds* to neutralize stomach acid, making your stomach contents less acidic and reducing the chances that acidic liquid will leak into your esophagus (the muscular tube that connects your mouth and stomach).
Yakult probiotic has been biotechnologically strengthened and cultured so that it can withstand gastric acid and bile to reach the intestines alive. Hence, helping to maintain a healthy digestive system.
Best Drinks for GERD Patients
According to the pH level, gin, tequila, and non-grain vodkas are the lowest acidity options; choosing drinks made with these alcohols will be best on your stomach.
Water. Most notably, mineral water with an alkaline pH – this may reduce the acidity of the stomach and help to denature the enzyme pepsin. It's this digestive enzyme that is thought to be responsible for much of the damage associated with reflux.
Some people may experience digestive upset when drinking kombucha, or from drinking too much. Symptoms such as gas, nausea, and vomiting may occur. These side effects may be more likely in people who drink too much kombucha.
“Kombucha is nearly as acidic as a pop and energy drinks,” he said. “Acidic drinks mess with the pH level of the saliva which ideally should be 7 or 7.3, when the saliva level becomes more acidic it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria which can take over the mouth.”
In the end, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to how much kombucha you should be drinking. However, drinking around 4–12 ounces of kombucha per day is a safe amount for most people.
Drinking kombucha on an empty stomach is the best way to maximize the potency of the living cultures found within. With your stomach clear of any food, the living cultures can pass through your stomach quicker and reach your large intestines to clear harmful bacteria and improve function.
First off, kombucha is rich in probiotics, which help to create a balance in your gut. They can help with digestion, bloating and a whole range of ghastly gut-related issues. Even weight loss! Kombucha also contains antioxidants, which fight free radicals in the body.
A small amount of research suggests that kombucha tea may give benefits similar to probiotic supplements. For example, some research suggests kombucha tea may support a healthy immune system and prevent constipation. But there are few valid medical studies of kombucha tea's role in human health.
What is Kombucha Called in Chinese? In China, the kombucha origin country, kombucha is referred to as “hong cha jun.” In English this translates to “black tea mushroom.” Today's kombucha, however, does not taste like mushrooms.
FODMAPs: Kombucha contains high levels of FODMAPs, which can cause digestive distress for some people. FODMAPs are sugars that are not completely absorbed in our intestines, and as result are the perfect “food” for the bacteria in our gut.