According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we came to know that more than 37 million Americans are suffering from diabetes, and nearly 90%-95% of them have Type 2 diabetes.
As you know, Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes that happens only when your blood sugar (blood glucose) is too high in your body.
While there are many medications available to control blood sugar, one such alternative that has been gaining popularity in recent years is Kombucha – a fermented tea beverage.
Is Kombucha safe for diabetics? Looking for a perfect guide to know more?
Then, this blog is specially curated for you! Without any further ado, let’s get into the post right away.
Understanding Kombucha
The term Kombucha may be new to you, but it has been around since 220 B.C. and emerged in northeast China. It gained popularity only during the AIDS crisis in the 1980s and early 1990s. But it is more familiar in China, Korea, and Russia. The name Kombucha is derived from a Korean doctor Dr.Kombu.
So why all the buzz?
Due to its numerous health advantages, Kombucha, the fermented tea beverage, has gained popularity in recent years. This historic beverage has been refreshing and is renowned for its flavorful, unique fizz.
Fermentation Process Of Kombucha
A symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) in the shape of a pancake is used in the fermentation of Kombucha. After that, a sweetened tea mixture is added, left to ferment for one to three weeks at room temperature, and then bottled for 1-2 weeks to hold the CO2 that will emit and promote carbonation. The fermentation and carbonation processes are then slowed down by placing the bottled Kombucha in a refrigerator.
The SCOBY is a living colony of bacteria and yeast that consumes the tea’s sugar and creates organic acids, vitamins, and enzymes as byproducts of fermentation. The product has a fizzy, slightly sweet, and tangy flavor that many people find more refreshing.
Quite intriguing, huh?
Mechanism Behind Kombucha’s Potential Effects on Managing Blood Sugar in Type 2 Diabetes
A study found that after 4 weeks of consumption of Kombucha, the average baseline glucose level decreased to 116 mg/dL from 164 mg/dL. The main advantage of the fermentation process is the production of bioactive substances. These substances may have an impact on inflammation, glucose metabolism, and insulin sensitivity, all of which are essential for maintaining blood sugar management.
You have heard more beneficial things about Kombucha, still, you will have more questions in your mind like,
- Who should drink
- When to drink?
- Is it safe to consume?
- How to get the right one?
These are your main concerns, right?
So, we are here to clarify all your doubts before starting to consume Kombucha.
Is Kombucha Safe for Diabetics? Do’s and Don’t
- Although Kombucha is safe to consume, you should still be cautious. If not correctly prepared, homemade Kombucha might be hazardous to your health. To protect safety, always purchase from reliable sources.
- Before consuming Kombucha, pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems, and those with certain medical concerns should talk to their doctors.
- As Kombucha is a fermented beverage, it has traces of alcohol. If you are worried about drinking alcohol or taking drugs that may interact with alcohol, then consult your doctor.
- Are you sensitive to caffeine? Then, don’t consume Kombucha in the evening. It will make you drowsy.
- It’s important to monitor your blood sugar levels carefully if you are going to try Kombucha.
- Picking up low- or sugar-free sugar variants is advised. Additionally, search for Kombucha products in stores that have passed the appropriate fermentation and quality control procedures.
- Before adding Kombucha to manage blood sugar in type 2 diabetes in your routine, you should talk with your doctor. They can offer you personalized advice based on your health condition.
Stay safe and healthy!
“Always remember Life Doesn’t End with it and your Best Days are Yet to Come!”
We came to the conclusion that Kombucha is a fermented tea beverage with a unique flavor and possible health advantages for controlling blood sugar in type 2 diabetes.
Last but not least, never forget to talk to your doctor before incorporating Kombucha into your diabetes control plan. They can give you personalized guidance and keep a track of your health.
Happy reading!
