Kombucha OK? « Back to Group Discussions

[Goddess3_2005]

I usually drink kombucha and I never thought that maybe its not ok during pregnancy, anyone have any idea?

[JynxGirl]

From what I've read and heard, there's seriously conflicting advice regarding Kombucha. It's not even the fermentation process that's the worry, it's the detoxifying effect.

I think this is one of those things where you'll have to make your own judgement call.

[belltree]

I always thought part of the problem with homemade fermented drinks is the unknown alcohol content. That said, I am known to follow my guts and cravings during pregnancy. Meaning, I do eat raw fish, and eat unpasteurized cheeses, I drink an occasional cup of coffee. I do not drink alcohol, as it just does not feel right for me, and I don't crave it, but I don't think an occasional drink in moderation would be terrible harmful. I do ride bikes (who came up with that rule?), but I don't waterski.

[hollyann]

I haven't been drinking it because I read that green tea a no no in the first trimester.

[katroshka]

I've never heard that green tea is a no no, but also I think that kombucha is usually brewed with black tea. Personally, I wouldn't drink homemade kombucha due to the contamination risk, but I always drink a lot of store bought when I am pregnant. A good friend of mine drank lots of kombucha to get rid of Group B Strep during one of her pregnancies, it's impossible to say whether the kombucha was responsible, but she did clear it up.

I personally don't think it's much different than eating yogurt, and cultured things are typically considered good for pregnant women.

[pregnova]

I think the thing with green tea is excessive consumption right? Like more than 6 glasses a day or something? And, I think then, there's no actual correlation or research to back that up? More like speculation that certain things that are normally GOOD in green tea can actually cause problems for brain development or something if an excessive amount of them built up. 

[forestmushroom]

as long as you drank it before pregnancy and you drink it at about the same amount.  Like I wouldn't go out and drink 10 of them.... hehe.... but if you are used to it it should be fine... :)

[KM84]

ditto forestmushroom, but I'd also add to stick to brands / makers you know and trust. With komboucha in particular there's risk of bacterial contamination if it isn't prepared properly. So if you're doing it yourself make sure to properly sterilize everything and if you're getting it at the local farmer's market, stick to the sellers you already know and love.

[Goddess3_2005]

Ok Cool! I will stay away from the home brew and stick with GT's for now. Which is fine because they have the awesome Synergy with Chia now!

[layne]

I am making dp guinea pig the homebrew.  If he survives both the first and second ferments, I consider it safe.  Thankfully, he likes homebrewed kombucha.  I need the detoxing and probiotics big time, especially with cold season coming.

[Goddess3_2005]

I prefer the taste of Homebrew too. I think is milder. i might just have to make a batch anyways because I don't want my scoby to die.