We have all seen it before; a person is interested in leading a healthier lifestyle so they begin drinking Kombucha to help boost their immune system and detox their body. But the burning question that often gets asked is “Can I drink coffee after Kombucha?”.
The medical perspective suggests that coffee, or other caffeinated drinks, should be avoided after drinking Kombucha. This is because both Kombucha and coffee contain caffeine. Additionally, experts believe that drinking a mixture of caffeine-containing drinks in quick succession can lead to what is referred to as ‘caffeine overload’. This overload can not only cause you to feel agitated, but it can also bring on a feeling of being overwhelmed. Consequently, it is recommended that coffee be avoided for at least 2 hours after drinking Kombucha.
Furthermore, the health benefits of Kombucha are related to its low levels of caffeine. Caffeine limits the body’s abilities to absorb the health benefits of Kombucha, by blocking the absorption of nutrients. Additionally, there are some studies that suggest that Kombucha’s health benefits are maximised when there is no caffeine present in the body. Therefore, if one was to drink coffee directly after drinking Kombucha, it would defeat the purpose of drinking the latter in the first place.
The quality of the Kombucha one decides to drink can also be of great importance when trying to avoid caffeine overload. Caffeinated Kombuchas contain more than double the amount of caffeine than traditionally brewed Kombucha. If a person is looking to drink Kombucha for its health benefits, then it is a good idea to opt for a traditionally brewed, low caffeine option. This will maximise the body’s ability to absorb the health benefits of the Kombucha whilst at the same time, avoiding a caffeine overload.
It might also be helpful to look at how much caffeine is present in the coffee one decides to drink. Unfortunately, most people do not know how much caffeine is present in their cup of coffee. This number can vary greatly depending on the type of beans used and the brewing method. Therefore, it is always recommended to research the type of beans used in the coffee before consuming it. Some drinks, such as dark roast coffees and espresso, contain more caffeine than light roast coffees and decaffeinated varieties.
Finally, it is important to pay attention to one’s body when consuming Kombucha and coffee. Our bodies are very capable of telling us when something is not right, and it is important to listen to it. If one experiences a feeling of uneasiness or agitation after drinking coffee and Kombucha, it is a good idea to steer clear from drinking the two drinks together.
Other Tips for Minimising the Effects of Caffeine
Whilst drinking coffee and Kombucha is best avoided, there are some other tips one can heed in order to minimise the effects of caffeine. The most obvious one is to curb the amount of caffeine one consumes in a given time period. This will help one avoid becoming overly stimulated and having a bad reaction to the combination.
Additionally, drinking water is key when it comes to avoiding caffeine overload. Make sure to drink plenty of water to help replace any fluids lost when consuming Kombucha and coffee, as well as to help dilute the effects of caffeine.
Furthermore, multivitamins can also help to combat the adverse effects of too much caffeine. B vitamins and magnesium are particularly effective, as they can reduce the physiological effects of caffeine in the body.
Finally, getting adequate amounts of sleep is also recommended when trying to reduce the effects of caffeine. Research has shown that much of caffeine’s effects can be lessened when one is well rested.
Different Varieties of Kombucha
Kombucha is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ beverage, as there are a variety of types available on the market. It is important to be conscious of the different types of Kombucha, in order to make an informed choice.
The most widely consumed type is green tea Kombucha, which is brewed with green tea leaves. This type of Kombucha is said to be higher in antioxidants than other types and can offer a range of health benefits, such as aiding in digestion and boosting energy levels.
Additionally, many people opt for herbal or other flavoured types of Kombucha. These varieties are often made with a combination of fruit juices or other herbs and spices. Whilst these types of Kombucha might not provide the same health benefits of green tea Kombucha, they do offer a variety of interesting flavours.
Finally, there are also some ‘superfood’ varieties of Kombucha, which are made with superfoods such as turmeric and ginger. These varieties are said to offer a host of health benefits, as they are packed with antioxidants and vitamins.
Health Benefits of Kombucha
With an increasing number of people looking to lead a healthier lifestyle, Kombucha has become a popular beverage choice due to its range of health benefits. For example, green tea Kombucha is believed to help strengthen the immune system whilst aiding digestion.
Additionally, Kombucha is rich in antioxidants and has been linked to the prevention of some chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes. Moreover, some experts believe that Kombucha might help to slow down the ageing process and improve cognitive function as well.
Furthermore, Kombucha is believed to help with weight management, as it contains probiotics. Probiotics are bacteria that can increase the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. This means that the body is able to get more out of the foods eaten and this can reduce cravings.
Finally, the natural acids present in Kombucha can help to neutralize stomach acid and calm an upset stomach. This can make Kombucha a great choice for those who suffer with digestive complaints such as bloating and gas.
Common Misconceptions about Kombucha
Whilst Kombucha is a very popular beverage, there are some common misconceptions that have arisen over the years. It is important to be aware of these misconceptions, in order to make informed decisions when it comes to health.
The first is that Kombucha is an alcoholic beverage. Whilst Kombucha does contain trace amounts of alcohol, the levels are usually less than 0.5%, which is regarded as being non-alcoholic for most countries.
Additionally, Kombucha does not contain a large amount of sugar. Most Kombucha brands contain only natural sugars from fruits and herbs, and these are not in excessive amounts.
Furthermore, some people believe that Kombucha has the ability to ‘detox’ the body. This is not the case, as the body gets rid of toxins in a range of different ways and Kombucha does not promote any form of bodily detoxing.
Finally, it is important to note that Kombucha should not be consumed as a replacement for water. Whilst Kombucha can provide some health benefits, it is not an adequate substitute for water and should only be consumed in moderation.
Precautions when Consuming Kombucha
Although Kombucha is generally regarded as being safe when consumed in moderation, there are a few precautions to consider when drinking the beverage. For example, Kombucha should not be consumed by people who suffer from weakened immune systems, as it can lead to certain illnesses. Additionally, Kombucha should also be avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding women, as some of the acids present can cause complications.
Furthermore, people with health conditions such as diabetes should also avoid consuming Kombucha. This is due to the fact that Kombucha contains natural sugars and these can have a detrimental effect on a person’s blood sugar levels.
Finally, it is important to note that Kombucha should be avoided by people with gut issues. This is because Kombucha is a fermented beverage, and the fermentation process can aggravate certain digestive problems.
Tips for Making Your Own Kombucha
Many people prefer to make their own Kombucha rather than buy it from a store. Making your own Kombucha at home is easy and can be quite enjoyable, as one can experiment with different flavours.
The first step is to make sure that one has the necessary equipment, such as a SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) and a fermentation jar. Once these are obtained, one can then begin to make the Kombucha.
Making Kombucha requires the tea, sugar, and SCOBY to all be combined into a jar with cold water. The jar should then be covered with a cloth and placed in a warm location for the next 7-10 days whilst the ‘fermentation’ process takes place. After this period is over, the Kombucha can be strained and flavoured if desired.
It is also important to note that Kombucha is a fermented beverage, and as such it is important to practice safe handling techniques when making it. This means wearing gloves, cleaning all surfaces with soap and water, and storing the Kombucha away from exposure to sunlight.
How to Decide which Kombucha is Best for You
With a wide range of Kombucha available on the market, it can be hard to decide which one is best for you. The best way to decide is to think about why you want to drink Kombucha in the first place. Are you looking for a low-caffeine beverage or are you after the health benefits of fermented green tea? Once you have answered these questions, you can then begin to narrow down the list of potential Kombuchas.
Additionally, it is also important to pay attention to the labels of the Kombuchas. Most Kombuchas should have a list of ingredients and a description of the health benefits on offer. Many brands also provide nutrition facts, so make sure to check these if you are after a low-calorie alternative.
Finally, one should also consider the variety of flavours on offer. Many Kombucha brands offer a range of flavours, from fruity to herbal to spicy. Therefore, consider which flavours you like and look for brands that offer those specific flavours.
