Two thousand years ago, people in China believed that drinking fermented tea was good for you. Nowadays, this drink is called kombucha. Recently, kombucha has become very popular and labeled as a super beverage that supports gut health.

The cause of these benefits are all due to symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast. Yeast and bacteria are the most important foods for the bacteria in your gut, most of them being firmicutes. These bacteria break down fibers and carbohydrates that regular bacteria in your digestive system cannot.

Maintaining your gut health is more important than we may believe. According to UC Davis Health, a “healthy gut contains healthy bacteria and immune cells that ward off infectious agents like bacteria, viruses and fungi.” A healthy immune system can help the body get over sicknesses and stop harmful bacteria. Kombucha is a very popular option to strengthen your gut and immune system.

Another fact that UC Davis Health discovered was that a “healthy gut also communicates with the brain through nerves and hormones, which helps maintain general health and well-being”. By drinking kombucha you are not only improving your physical health but your mental health as well. 8th grader Kylie Cullen described drinking kombucha as “weird at first, but after a while it made me feel better…like I was in a better mood”.

Out of ten students, 100% knew what kombucha was. Out of the 100% that knew of it, only 50% actually liked it, while the others hated it. Those that didn’t like it said that it tasted sour and made their stomach hurt, while those who did like it said that it was refreshing and tasty. This health beverage seems to be a hit or miss.

With Covid-19 still going on, kombucha is on the rise. National Center for Biotechnology information found that, “consumption of kombucha aids in supporting the immune system due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cholesterol reducing properties”. This boosted the market for kombucha and made it all the more popular. According to the National Center for Biotechnology, It is estimated that by 2027 the consumption of kombucha will be almost triple that of the current consumption percentage, 22.35%.

Signs of an unhealthy gut can be bloating, upset stomach, skin inflammation, you have trouble sleeping in general, weight gain and loss without trying, and you can be intolerant to some foods.

Although this drink can be very expensive, it’s really important to take care of your gut. Other foods that you can eat would be fermented foods that contain healthy amounts of bacteria and yeast. Fiber is also amazing for your gut and it helps keep the inner lining of your gut intact. Yogurt, beans, broccoli, dried fruits, cider, kimchi, almonds, and others are a great way to keep your gut healthy.

For more information on how to keep your gut healthy, visit:

• 15 foods for gut health
• 10 signs of an unhealthy gut
• Top 10 fiber foods to improve digestion