I’m a huge fan of kombucha and all plant-based fermented foods – I love them for their unique flavors and potential health benefits. Kombucha, in particular, has gained immense popularity in recent years as a trendy and health-conscious beverage option. With claims of various health benefits, it’s no wonder people are eager to jump on the kombucha bandwagon. However, before you make your next purchase, it’s essential to understand what probiotics are in kombucha and why you should think twice before buying it. In this article, we will delve into the world of kombucha, exploring its probiotic content and shedding light on important considerations.
Kombucha is known for its many health benefits, and one of the reasons for this is the presence of probiotics. But what exactly are the types of probiotics found in kombucha? Let’s explore this question and uncover the key players in this fermented beverage.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide various health benefits when consumed. In kombucha, the primary types of probiotics are bacteria and yeast. These beneficial microorganisms work together to create the unique flavor and health properties of this fizzy drink.
One of the most common bacteria found in kombucha is the acetic acid bacteria. This type of bacteria is responsible for the fermentation process, converting alcohol to acetic acid. Acetic acid not only gives kombucha its tangy taste but also offers potential health benefits, such as improved digestion and immunity support.
Another important type of bacteria in kombucha is the lactic acid bacteria. This group includes various strains, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Lactic acid bacteria contribute to the overall balance of probiotics in kombucha and may promote gut health and enhance nutrient absorption.
In addition to bacteria, yeast also plays a crucial role in kombucha fermentation. Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida milleri are commonly found yeast strains in kombucha. These yeasts consume the sugar present in the tea, producing carbon dioxide and alcohol. The alcohol is then further metabolized by the bacteria, resulting in the lower alcohol content typically associated with kombucha.
It’s important to note that the specific types and amounts of probiotics in kombucha can vary depending on various factors, including the fermentation process, tea type, and added ingredients. Commercially produced kombucha often undergoes rigorous testing to ensure the presence of beneficial microorganisms.
Drinking kombucha provides you with a diverse range of probiotics, mainly consisting of acetic acid bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, and yeast. These probiotics work together to provide potential health benefits, supporting digestion, immunity, and overall well-being. So, when you enjoy a refreshing glass of kombucha, you’re not only quenching your thirst but also nourishing your body with these beneficial microorganisms.
But let’s be real… drinking kombucha is expensive! We’re talking around $5 all in with tax for one bottle. And if you drink 2-3 a week (or even more perhaps. And what about families/couples?!), we’re talking about a $60 or $120 (or more) monthly habit for an individual or couple. Sheesh! It sure adds up.
Are you getting the full benefit of probiotics and B vitamins in kombucha tea? Is it worth spending so much on this beverage? To answer these questions, it’s important to understand the difference between transitory and resident-forming probiotics.
Transitory probiotics are like motel guests who just stay for a short while and then move on. On the other hand, resident-forming probiotic strains take up residence, creating their own communities and staying for the long haul.
It’s clear that not all probiotics are the same. The term “probiotics” encompasses a wide range of strains with varying effects. Now, let’s dive deeper into the specifics.
Transient probiotic strains, like visitors passing through a motel, enter and pass through your digestive system before being eliminated from the body. While they can provide some health benefits by fighting certain bacteria and boosting the immune system, their effects are temporary.
Imagine a motel visitor who stays for a short period of time, enjoying meals at local restaurants and contributing to the local economy. They positively impact the community during their stay, but their influence is limited to that specific time frame.
Similarly, the probiotic strains found in kombucha, such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus, and others, fall into the category of transient strains. They provide benefits while passing through the digestive system, but they do not establish a long-term presence.
From a cost-effective standpoint, you can view kombucha as a delicious treat, especially when transitioning away from sugary beverages. However, if you are seeking the full benefits of probiotics (improved digestion, clearer skin, increased energy, etc.), it would be more advantageous to consider a high-quality probiotic supplement.
The same principle applies to fermented foods like Probiotic & Enzyme Salad, also known as raw kraut or kimchi. One of the primary strains found in these foods is Lactobacillus plantarum, which can survive stomach acid but remains transient in nature.
While fermented food has been a part of the Beauty Detox dietary program from the beginning and offer some benefits, relying solely on them without proper supplementation will not maximize the desired outcomes. Additional supplementation is necessary because we require…
Resident bacteria strains, become permanent gut dwellers and live on the walls of your intestinal tract. There, they form a coating that protects against pathogenic, aka “bad” bacteria.
Think of the people that form little villages or vibrant neighborhoods within a city. They love it and defend their hood from being overrun with rodents or crime or whatever threatens, by banding together and keeping an eye out and defending when need be.
But even though resident-forming strains are long-term residents, they still need to be consistently replaced, on a regular basis. This is because we live in a polluted world with heavy metals, pesticides, countless contaminants in our air, food, water supply, stress, and eating less than ideal food (none of us eats perfectly!), and so the resident-forming bacteria will nearly always need support and replenishment.
The difference is that resident bacteria are not only protective but last with us long enough to produce B vitamins , key acids and other much-needed, nutrients. So they fight for us AND support our bodies nutritionally.
Many products on the market are based on Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus and Bifibacterium, which are resident-forming but are far from the only or even most important resident bacteria, especially when it comes to filling in needed gaps. So what are the most important resident strains? One group I’ve written and spoken extensively about are SBO’s.
One of the remarkable aspects of soil-based organisms (SBOs) is their status as a powerful group of strains that have the ability to form a resilient presence in our bodies. These probiotics resonate with the notion that our ancestors consumed plant matter directly from trees or soil for millions of years, making them a representation of our evolutionary heritage.
SBO probiotics possess distinct characteristics that set them apart. For instance, their inherent structure renders them naturally resistant to the harsh conditions of the upper digestive tract and stomach. Unlike other non-soil-derived probiotics, SBO-containing probiotics showcase exceptional stability and do not require specialized coatings or preservatives in order to deliver a clinically relevant amount of beneficial bacteria to the appropriate regions of the gut.
While the most effective SBO probiotics are based on symbiotic bacterial communities found in natural environments or soil, it is crucial to clarify that they are not directly harvested from the earth before bottling. Instead, they are carefully cultivated in controlled environments that prioritize the specificity of the strains used.
Unlike lactic acid bacteria such as Lactobacillus, the various species of Bacillus have their own unique life cycle of spore proliferation and release within the gut. This activity continues even after the ingestion of soil-based bacteria, creating a truly exceptional symbiotic relationship within the body.
An excellent probiotic formula includes a variety of Bacillus species, such as Bacillus brevis, Bacillus macerans, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus polymyxa, Bacillus subtilis, as well as strains from families like Arthrobacter, Azotobacter, Bacteroides, Brevibacterium, Pseudomonas, and Streptomyces.
As I noted earlier, I’m a huge fan of drinking kombucha and all plant-based fermented foods. I’ve been an avid consumer and recommender of kombucha and cultured veggies since I began as a nutritionist, and that isn’t changing now.
Consuming kombucha and other fermented foods is often believed to provide beneficial probiotics. However, it’s important to understand the distinction between transient and resident-forming strains, as the latter offers greater health benefits. If the goal is to not only restore gut health but also address issues like gas, bloating, weight loss, skin health, energy, nutrient absorption, and overall well-being, focusing on resident-forming probiotics becomes crucial.
Of course, I’m partial to the probiotic that I created and sell , but there’s a reason for that!
Solluna’s probiotics are more effective for several key reasons. First and foremost, we’ve prioritized the inclusion of resident-forming probiotic strains in our formula. These strains are known for their ability to establish themselves in the gut and form a stable, long-term presence. This is crucial because resident-forming strains can provide ongoing benefits for gut health and overall well-being.
Secondly, we’ve focused on maximizing both the quantity and diversity of probiotic strains in our formula. A diverse range of probiotics can target various aspects of gut health and address specific issues such as digestive discomfort, bloating, and nutrient absorption. By including a wide array of strains, our probiotics offer comprehensive support for your digestive system.
Furthermore, our probiotic formula is backed by extensive scientific research and developed in collaboration with top experts in the field of gut health. We’ve taken a meticulous approach to ensure that our probiotics are not only effective but also safe for long-term use.
Ultimately, if you have the budget to get probiotics, kombucha and raw sauerkraut – go for it. The SBO’s will help maximize the health benefits you get from both resident and transient bacteria you ingest.
However, if budget is an issue – and healing your gut, or dealing with something like candida or another debilitating issue is important to you — then remember the math we did above. It doesn’t take many kombuchas or $10 bottles of raw sauerkraut to equal a bottle of high quality probiotics . And the latter will deliver MUCH more healing value to your body.
Now you understand why.
Lots of love, Kimberly
