Is Drinking Kombucha Recommended for IBS?

Kombucha is a popular fermented tea beverage. According to a 2014 study, it has antibacterial, probiotic, and antioxidant properties.

Although there are health benefits associated with drinking kombucha, it may be a trigger for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) flare-ups.

Kombucha and IBS

Foods that trigger IBS flare-ups are different for each person. But kombucha has some specific characteristics and ingredients that could cause digestive upset, making it a possible trigger for your IBS.

Carbonation

As a carbonated beverage, kombucha can cause excess gas and bloating by delivering CO2 (carbon dioxide) into your digestive system.

FODMAPs

Kombucha contains certain carbohydrates called FODMAPs. The acronym stands for “fermentable oligo-, di-, and monosaccharides and polyols.”

FODMAP food sources include fruits, high-fructose corn syrup, milk and dairy products, wheat, and legumes. For many people with IBS, these ingredients can cause digestive distress.

Sugar and artificial sweeteners

Sugar is used in the fermentation of kombucha and some manufacturers add additional sugar or artificial sweeteners. Some sugars, such as fructose, can cause diarrhea. Some artificial sweeteners, such as sorbitol and mannitol, are known laxatives.

Caffeine

Kombucha is a caffeinated beverage. Drinks with caffeine stimulate the intestine to contract, causing possible cramping and laxative effects.

Alcohol

The kombucha fermentation process creates some alcohol, although not a great quantity. The alcohol level is typically higher in home brewed kombucha. Alcohol consumed in excess can cause loose stools the following day.

If you purchase bottled or canned kombucha, read the label carefully. Some brands contain higher levels of sugar, caffeine, or alcohol.

What is IBS?

IBS is a common chronic functional disorder of the intestines. It affects an estimated 7 to 21 percent of the general population. Women are up to two times more likely than men to develop the condition.

IBS symptoms include:

  • cramping
  • bloating
  • abdominal pain
  • excess gas
  • constipation
  • diarrhea

While some people can control IBS symptoms by managing their diet and stress levels, those with more severe symptoms often require medication and counseling.

While IBS symptoms can be disruptive to everyday life, the condition will not lead to other serious diseases and is not life-threatening. The exact cause of IBS isn’t known, but it’s thought to be caused by multiple factors.

Managing IBS with diet

If you have IBS, your doctor may recommend that you drop certain foods and beverages from your diet. This may include:

  • gluten, such as wheat, rye, and barley
  • high-gas foods like carbonated beverages, certain vegetables like broccoli and cabbage, and caffeine
  • FODMAPs, such as fructose, fructans, lactose ,and others found in certain vegetables, grains, dairy products, and fruits

Kombucha can have the properties of two of these food groups that are often suggested to be eliminated from IBS diets: high-gas and FODMAPs.

When to see your doctor

See your doctor if you experience diarrhea or constipation that comes and goes and is accompanied by bloating or abdominal discomfort.

Other signs and symptoms may indicate a more serious condition, such as colon cancer. This includes:

  • rectal bleeding
  • weight loss
  • difficulty swallowing
  • continuing pain that cannot be relieved by a bowel movement or by passing gas

Takeaway

Kombucha has characteristics and ingredients that could cause digestive upset. But that doesn’t mean it will for you. If you have IBS and want to drink kombucha, talk to your doctor about how it might affect your digestive system.

If your doctor agrees, consider trying a brand with low sugar, low alcohol, low caffeine, and low carbonation. Try a small amount at a time to see if it triggers your IBS.

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