As a business focused on authentic, natural and fresh Kombucha, we're often asked about the health benefits of this ancient, fermented health tonic, made using tea.
While many people know that authentic Kombucha is a tasty balance of tart and sweet flavours, with a light fizz, (try a REAL Kombucha here) and is known to have many benefits linked to our gut health, few realise its full delicious potential for boosting immunity.
It is important to note that this post relates to authentically produced, fresh, unpasteurised, and totally natural Kombucha, which can be hard to find in shops. Read our tips on shopping for good Kombucha here.
In this post, we'll delve into the science behind Kombucha's immune-boosting properties and provide tips, easy recipes, and home-brewing secrets so you can incorporate it into your daily routine.
The Gut-Immune Connection
The immune system is made up of a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs which work together to protect us from harm. A huge part of our immune system is the gut (some say it is between 70 - 80%).
The gut microbiome is an ecosystem of microbes held in your intestines. It is made up of trillions of microorganisms, and is totally unique to each of us.
Things such as having pets, how we were born, and courses of antibiotics can have a huge impact on our gut microbiome health and diversification, each one of us totally different, which makes the topic of gut health very difficult (but also very interesting) to study.
A healthy gut microbiome helps to:
- Regulate the immune response
- Produce vitamins and hormones
- Maintain the integrity of the gut lining
- Support the growth of beneficial microorganisms
Kombucha: A Fermented Tea Drink with Immune-Boosting Properties
Kombucha, a fermented tea drink, has been consumed for centuries in various parts of the world. This tangy, slightly tart drink is made by adding a live culture, called a SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast) to sweetened black or green tea.
The SCOBY (shown in the photo below) kickstarts the fermentation by consuming the sugars, and after around 7 - 10 days, produces a delicious, natural drink rich in beneficial microorganisms, antioxidants, and other compounds, we call; Kombucha.
10 Ways Authentic Kombucha Boosts Immunity
While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of Kombucha on our immunity, the existing evidence suggests that authentic, traditionally brewed Kombucha may be:
- Rich in Probiotics: Support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, essential for a strong immune system
- Antimicrobial: Protect against pathogens and infections, thanks to compounds like gluconic acid
- Packed with Antioxidants: Shield the body against oxidative stress and inflammation, which can weaken the immune system
- Boost Glutathione: Increase levels of this powerful antioxidant, critical for immune function and overall health
- Support Lymphatic System: Aid in the removal of toxins and waste, promoting a healthy immune response
- Reduce Inflammation: Help to regulate the immune response and reduce inflammation, which can exacerbate chronic diseases
- Contain Immunoglobulins: Provide proteins that can help support the immune system and neutralise pathogens
- Support Th1/Th2 Balance: Promote a balanced immune response, essential for preventing autoimmune diseases and other immune-related disorders
- Contain Beta-Glucans: Stimulate the immune system and increase its response to infection
- Have Prebiotic Properties: Feed beneficial gut bacteria, promoting a healthy gut microbiome and supporting immune function
Tips for Incorporating Kombucha into Your Daily Routine
If you're new to Kombucha, here are some tips for incorporating it into your daily routine:
- Start with a small amount: Begin with a small serving (50 - 100ml) and gradually increase as you become accustomed to the taste and effects.
- Try making your own Kombucha, or choose to buy a high quality authentic, fresh, natural & traditionally brewed Kombucha: Look for products that are stored in the fridge, not pasteurised, have sediment in the bottle, and are made with a live Kombucha cultures (SCOBY).
- Make it a habit: Incorporate your daily Kombucha into your normal routine, such as drinking it first thing in the morning (like me), with breakfast or as a mid-morning pick-me-up.
Kombucha Starter Kits: A Convenient and Cost-Effective Way to Brew at Home
If, after reading about all of the goodness to be had from an authentic, fresh Kombucha, you want to get brewing at home, our famous Kombucha Starter Kits are 5 star rated, come with a lifetime of brewing support, and are a super convenient and cost-effective way to get started.
Our kits include everything you need to succeed in setting up a delicious, unlimited, continuous Kombucha brew, & come with a lifetime of brewing support from us too!
By brewing your own Kombucha at home, you can ensure that you're getting a high-quality, fresh, authentic product that's rich in beneficial microorganisms and compounds.
Once you're set up with your Kombucha station, you can get experimenting with recipes from Our Kombucha Recipe Club, keep an eye out for the recipes with EXTRA immune boosting ingredients too, such as our Lemon, Lime & Ginger Kombucha, or the Spearmint & Lime Kombucha.
At BooChaCha, we're passionate about providing the best Kombucha starter kits and educating our customers about the benefits of this fermented tea drink.
We make sure it's easy to get brewing at home, no matter how busy or bad in the kitchen you are, and our brewing method even lets you have as many holidays as you like!