Kombucha, a fermented tea, is full of probiotics. Probiotics offer the body numerous health benefits, including aiding digestion. Does kombucha make you poop? Not precisely, but it does jump-start your digestion, which may lead to a bowel movement.
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What Happens to Your Body When You Start Drinking Kombucha?
Kombucha is full of probiotics. Probiotics, or live bacteria and yeast, are great for your digestive system. They help balance ‘good bacteria’ and ‘bad bacteria’ in your gut. Consuming probiotics is also an excellent way to increase good gut bacteria after you’ve been sick or taken antibiotics.
When you drink kombucha, the probiotics cycle through your intestines and help support a healthy gut. Your mood and overall health can improve as your gut microbiome gets stronger.
The fermentation process of kombucha also infuses it with B Vitamins like B1, B6, and B12. B Vitamins have been shown to help improve mood and brain function. Kombucha supplies your body with the B Vitamins to support a healthy brain.
When you start drinking kombucha, you may also notice the following:
- A boost of energy
- Slight relief from stress
- You feel hydrated
Does Kombucha Cleanse Your System?
Kombucha has enzymes, organic acids, and probiotics, making it a natural detoxer. It works with your kidneys and liver to support detoxifying your body. Kombucha tea has been promoted as a health elixir, and while it has many health benefits, it was not designed to cleanse your system.
Your body already has natural detoxers that remove waste from your body—your liver and your kidneys. Kombucha helps support digestive health, which can help your liver and kidneys work to their full potential.
Can Kombucha Cause Diarrhea or Constipation?
Kombucha should not cause diarrhea or constipation. Probiotic drinks like kombucha have been shown to ease constipation and relieve diarrhea. Probiotics increase bowel movement frequency by speeding fecal matter through the digestive tract. Probiotics have also been shown to promote regular bowel movements.
Diarrhea can be a sign of dehydration. Since kombucha is made from tea and water, it may help relieve dehydration and any associated diarrhea. Good hydration is essential for the digestive system to work correctly. If you experience chronic diarrhea, consult with your doctor. Be cautious of kombucha with added sugar since sugar can further harm compromised gut health.
Kombucha is not designed to treat any health issues. The probiotics in kombucha may act similarly to other probiotic supplements by improving gut bacteria. They can relieve diarrhea, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Is Kombucha a Laxative?
No, kombucha is not a laxative. Kombucha contains probiotics and water and may make you poop or urinate shortly after drinking. The combination of probiotics and water moves food quickly through the digestive tract, creating bowel movements in a short amount of time. Laxatives are made specifically to treat constipation. Though kombucha may help with constipation, it is not a laxative.
What Are the Side Effects of Drinking Kombucha?
Kombucha has many health benefits, though some people may experience some adverse effects when drinking kombucha.
The health benefits of kombucha include:
- A stronger immune system—the probiotics and antioxidants provide your body with healthy bacteria to help strengthen your immune system.
- Stable blood sugar levels—kombucha helps slow digestion, so your blood sugar doesn’t spike.
- Reduced inflammation—kombucha contains glucosamine, which helps the body protect tissues and organs, and muscles.
- Weight loss—the caffeine and green tea in kombucha can help support your weight loss efforts.
Some negative effects of kombucha are:
- Bloating—the probiotics can cause bloating if your body isn’t accustomed to them.
- Higher caffeine consumption—if you are sensitive to caffeine, stick to under 8 oz of kombucha daily.
- Upset stomach—kombucha is fizzy; some people may experience stomach distress.
Look for kombucha without added sugar to keep the calorie content low. Consuming sugary drinks high in calories can lead to weight gain.
Does Kombucha Make You Urinate More?
Kombucha may cause you to urinate more. This fermented tea is made from green tea or black tea and water. It can help hydrate you, unlike coffee or soda. When you are hydrated, you tend to urinate more frequently.
Make sure to drink plenty of water along with your kombucha tea to stay as hydrated and healthy as possible.