Dietitian reveals major change she felt after drinking kombucha every day
Kombucha isn’t a new concept. In fact, the drink is thought to originate in Northeast China over 2,000 years ago during the Qin Dynasty.
Famed for its so-called health benefits and distinctive flavour, the wellness favourite is an industry titan, with Booch News reporting that the market is projected to reach $4.5 billion (£3.34 bn) by 2028.
If you’re hoping to ditch sugary fizzy drinks in 2026 and want to reach for something more natural instead, then kombucha could be the perfect option.
But is it healthy enough for you to drink every day, replacing your 3pm Diet Coke?
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Well, a dietitian has conducted a week-long study to reveal the answers - and they may surprise you.
What is kombucha?
Kombucha is a fermented, mildly-carbonated drink that is typically made with either green or black tea.
According to Momo Kombucha, there are only three other ingredients in traditional versions of the beverage: water, sugar, and a Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeast (SCOBY).
The SCOBY eats up the sugar, converting it to alcohol. Bacteria in the SCOBY simultaneously converts alcohol into acetic acid.
As kombucha ferments, a cellulose pellicle grows across the top, filling the drink with healthy live cultures.
It usually takes around 10 days for the drink to be ready. It’s at this stage that companies like MOMO add bubbles and flavours.
Health benefits of kombucha
Kombucha contains probiotics, which support a healthy microbiome, Jenna A. Werner told Eating Well.
As well as being good for your gut, the fizzy beverage is considered anti-inflammatory and may improve cognitive functioning, thanks to the polyphenol content of black tea.
Previous animal-based studies suggest that drinking kombucha may reduces liver toxicity, and improve two markers of heart disease, ‘bad’ and ‘good’ cholesterol, in as few as 30 days.
"Kombucha has vitamins B1, B6, and B12, which help boost your immune system, regulate your mood, and produce red blood cells," added Dr Will Bulsiewicz, a gastroenterologist and gut health expert.
He told Bustle: “You'll also get some vitamin C, an antioxidant important for your skin, bone health, and heart."
Is it safe to drink kombucha every day?
With heaps of health benefits attached, you may be wondering if you can guzzle a bottle of this wonder juice every day without any repercussions.
According to dietitian Lauren Manager, the short answer to this question is yes: but you’re likely to see some changes.
Writing for Prevention, the health expert explained that the first thing she noticed was that consuming a bottle of kombucha every day forced a behavioural shift.
“I inadvertently forced myself to take a break. Usually, around 3:00 p.m., I’m frantically typing emails or rushing between appointments. But because I had this designated ‘kombucha time,’ I actually sat down to enjoy it,” she revealed.
“The carbonation is intense enough that you can’t exactly chug it, so I had to sip slowly. It became a nice little ritual of mindfulness in the middle of my chaotic afternoons.”
As well as becoming a mindfulness ritual, sipping on the drink caused her to feel more hydrated, and digestion was ‘smoother’.
“I tend to get a little bloated after lunch, especially if I eat quickly, but sipping on the kombucha seemed to help settle things down,” Manager confessed. “It wasn’t a magic wand that erased all digestive woes instantly, but it felt good to know I was feeding my gut microbes something they actually liked.”
Who should avoid drinking kombucha?
Anyone who is trying not to drink alcohol, whether it be for health reasons, your pregnancy, or because you are breastfeeding, should avoid kombucha, the dietician claimed.
Because of the fermentation process, there are traces of alcohol in the liquid refreshment—usually 0.5 percent ABV.
“Therefore, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult their doctor before drinking it. Parents and caregivers should be cautious when offering kombucha to children for the same reason,” Manager stated.
Moreover, people who have a compromised immune system should be cautious.
Diseases, the side effects of certain medications, and receiving an organ or stem cell transplant are the most common causes of a compromised immune system, as per the Cleveland Clinic.
“While the bacteria are generally ‘good’ a compromised system might not handle raw live cultures well,” Manager reasoned.
Anyone who suffers from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or has severe acid reflux may find kombucha a trigger.
Ella Scott