CAN I DRINK KOMBUCHA IF I HAVE IBS & BLOATING

1. CAN I DRINK KOMBUCHA IF I HAVE IBS & BLOATING?

2. WHAT IS FERMENTATI ON? WHAT IS IBS? IBS stands for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It is a common digestive disorder that affects the large intestine (colon). Symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain and cramping, bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea. IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder, which means that it affects the way the gut functions, but does not cause any structural changes or damage to the gut. The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but it is thought to be related to a combination of factors, including altered gut motility, increased gut sensitivity, stress, and changes in gut bacteria. It is also a chronic condition, and while it is not life-threatening, it can greatly impact a person’s quality of life. Treatment for IBS often involves dietary changes, stress management techniques, and medication to manage symptoms. In some cases, a combination of these approaches is used. CAN I DRINK KOMBUCHA IF I HAVE IBS & BLOATING? Kombucha is a fermented beverage that has gained popularity for its health benefits. It is made from tea, sugar, yeast, and bacteria that create a fizzy, slightly sour drink. Drink kombucha is a source of probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that live in our gut and help keep it healthy. Some people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and bloating report that drinking kombucha helps ease their symptoms. While kombucha may not be a cure for IBS, it can help support a healthy gut and potentially reduce symptoms in some people. The probiotics in kombucha drink can help improve the balance of bacteria in the gut, which can help regulate digestion and improve gut health. Additionally, the organic acids and enzymes produced during the fermentation process can help improve digestion and reduce bloating. It’s important to note that everyone’s body is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s also important to remember that kombucha

3. KOMBUCHA AS A PROBIOTIC We know we sound like a broken record when we say this, but authentically brewed, raw kombucha is an amazing source of good gut bacteria. Kombucha can be a good source of probiotics, but it depends on the quality of the kombucha and the brewing process! Authentically brewed and fermented kombucha can contain live bacterial cultures that promote good gut health. During the fermentation process, the yeast and bacteria in kombucha can produce a variety of probiotic microbes that can help balance the levels of bacteria in the gut. But, remember! Not all kombuchas are created equal. The probiotic content can vary greatly depending on the type of yeast and bacteria used, the brewing process, and the time it has fermented. Some commercial kombuchas are pasteurized after fermentation, which can kill off the beneficial bacteria and reduce the probiotic content. Therefore, it is best to look for high-quality, unpasteurized kombucha that has been brewed using traditional methods. Try to shop locally and from small businesses, because we care about our kombucha cultures! At Twisted Kombucha, we make sure to preserve all that probiotic goodness in each bottle of kombucha we make. No added sweeteners, and a surplus of good gut bacteria! Ex Squeeze Me • 2020

4. OTHER DRINKS THAT CAN HELP WITH IBS Now that you know how safe kombucha is for IBS, you may be ready to try out new drinks to help your tummy. Apart from kombucha, these drinks are beneficial when it comes to bloating and IBS: Kefir Probiotic drinks Milk dairy alternatives such as almond or coconut milk Green juices Decaffeinated coffee Pure water CONCLUSION In general, no matter what kind of healthy drink you choose, avoid sugary and artificially-sweetened beverages, dairy milk, and high-fructose fruit juices, as all of these irritate the gut microbiota. It is important to remember that every person is different and that various foods and drinks will affect them in different ways. Kombucha has been reported to improve digestive health and reduce bloating in some people, while Kefir and green juices are better for others. The only way you’ll know for sure what works best for you, is by trying it out!