Cleanses, or detoxes, can help remove toxins from your body and improve your overall health. A kombucha cleanse is easy to adhere to and, when done correctly, introduces a host of nutrients and probiotics to your GI tract.
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What Is a Kombucha Cleanse?
Unlike the juice cleanses we often hear about, a kombucha cleanse does not replace your regular diet with raw kombucha. It is simply the addition of kombucha and its many health benefits to your already existing diet. The idea is to receive all of the benefits of kombucha quickly, almost like a jolt of probiotics and antioxidants.
The main idea of a kombucha cleanse is to drink the fermented tea consistently over a one or two-week period. After that, you can continue drinking it regularly (once daily) to maintain the benefits.
*Note that the CDC recommends keeping your consumption up to or under 4 fl oz of kombucha 1-3 times a day to avoid any possible adverse side effects.
Does Kombucha Detox Your Body?
Because kombucha is so rich in antioxidants, enzymes, and bacterial detoxifying acids that naturally occur in our bodies to aid in the detoxification process, relieving some of the burdens from the liver and pancreas.
How to Start a Kombucha Cleanse
- To begin a kombucha cleanse, you first need to source your raw kombucha. It is your choice to use store-bought kombucha or brew your own. You can typically find raw, organic kombucha in a grocery store or online.
- Next, prepare a schedule and timeline. Having a clearly defined schedule will make it easier to keep up with your daily kombucha intake. Remember that kombucha is usually made with black or green tea containing caffeine, so you may want to schedule your intake for earlier in the day.
It has also been found that drinking kombucha as part of a post-workout diet may be best because it aids the body in repairing itself. There is no problem with working out on a kombucha cleanse (assuming you work out regularly). - Finally, choose the quantity you will drink each day. As I stated earlier, the CDC recommends no more than 4 fl oz of kombucha 1-3 times a day, but during a cleanse, the point is to consume more than you usually do. However, I don’t recommend drinking more than one bottle (12-16 fl oz) daily.
Though it is unnecessary, you may want to consider your diet during this cleanse, as it is meant to detoxify your body and improve your gut health. You can look into different types of healthy meal prep or perhaps consider incorporating more raw fruits and veggies during your cleanse. Drinking kombucha may make you feel fuller for longer, promoting weight loss.
What Are the Benefits of a Kombucha Cleanse?
You can reap many health benefits doing a kombucha cleanse, including:
- Influx of antioxidants that reduce inflammation
- Many B vitamins, essential minerals, and organic acids that can fight against bacterial growth
- Promotes detoxification by helping the liver get rid of unwanted compounds
- May help lower cholesterol and blood sugar
- May aid in cancer prevention
- Improves liver and GI functions
- Promotes gut health because of the living probiotics present
However, there are some risks involved with drinking kombucha, including the following:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- GI distress and bloating
- Going into ketoacidosis (a medical emergency when there is too much acid in your blood)
- Possible lead poisoning if the fermentation process takes place in a container that leaches lead
*Disclaimer: Allergic reactions are also possible.
Who Should Not Do a Kombucha Cleanse?
Kombucha is a fermented drink, meaning that it may contain some alcohol. That said, people who should not partake in a kombucha cleanse include pregnant women, young children, people with chronic diseases (particularly kidney or liver diseases or HIV), and people with compromised immune systems.
There are some non-alcoholic kombuchas available, as well as other types of digestive cleanses you can do if you fall under any of the categories mentioned above. A few popular options include a ginger-lemon tea (with or without cayenne pepper), apple cider vinegar and honey, or an orange, carrot, and ginger cleanse.
Should You Cleanse With Homemade or Store-Bought Kombucha?
It is up to you whether you use homemade or store-bought kombucha for your cleanse. If you choose to brew your own, make sure your SCOBY is appropriately stored and you follow best practices for the brewing process. Brewing kombucha can be a rewarding process, but it can be a lengthy process, so keep that in mind if you are planning to start your cleanse soon.
If you choose to go with store-bought kombucha, there are several choices. Health-ade kombucha is a best-seller and can be found on Amazon or in-stores.
They even offer a cayenne cleanse kombucha, or you can choose to go with a variety pack including different flavors like Pink Lady Apple, Bubbly Rose, and Pomegranate.
A store-bought kombucha cleanse will be significantly more expensive.