As more and more people answer curious thoughts about kombucha, there is also a growing influx of questions about their experiences. Out of all the FAQs, you’re probably wondering why does kombucha make you poop? It doesn’t have any fiber to keep you going to the loo, but it might be due to the gut-healthy contents of kombucha.
Let’s discuss how kombucha makes you poop and should you be concerned about this experience. Kombucha continues to raise some eyebrows due to the lack of some science-backed health benefits. However, an increasing number of people swear by its good effects on gut health.
Q: What is in kombucha that makes you poop?
Unlike fibrous fruits and vegetables, kombucha has no fibers that bulk up the stool that let it pass quickly. However, since it is a product of fermentation, it contains loads of good bacteria or probiotics that improve gut health.
Our gut is home to millions of good and bad bacteria. If there is an imbalance between the two, it will impair the ability of the body to regulate blood sugar and absorb nutrients. It can also cause some conditions like bloating, constipation, and other GI tract problems.
How do probiotics improve how you poop?
Probiotics like kombucha, kimchi, and sauerkraut restore the healthy balance of gut bacteria in your body. As the optimal digestive processes resume, your GI tract will become more efficient in digesting your food, allowing you to have regular bathroom time.
Probiotics help prevent disease-causing bacteria to cause illnesses and maintain healthy communication to the brain through hormones and nerves. Keeping your gut healthy is a holistic approach since it’s not only linked to improved digestion but also enhances your overall well-being.
Other possible causes why you poop when drinking kombucha
Having regular pooping sessions is mostly attributed to probiotics. However, there are some theories that it can also be because of the following reasons:
- Too much acidity: Much like the effect of apple cider vinegar, kombucha contains acetic and lactic acid that may upset a sensitive stomach. The acidic environment in the GI tract speeds up the breakdown of food which leads to more frequent pooping sessions.
- A possible detox effect: One of the purported health benefits of kombucha is its ability to improve and detoxify liver-kidney functions. As a natural part of the detox process, you’ll likely let go of all the toxins more frequently than before.
- Reaction to the food or drink that you consumed: Another possible angle to look at is the reaction of your gut to the foods and drinks you consumed alongside kombucha. Kombucha is acidic and consuming another acidic beverage or food may upset the stomach.
Is it safe to replace your poop-inducing drinks(coffee) with kombucha?
Leaning on the side of caution, Dr. Brent A. Bauer from Mayo Clinic cites that each person may have a different reaction to kombucha and there are considerable risks in taking it. He advises avoiding it altogether until further medical research validates its health benefits.
On another note, if kombucha works for you and improves your health, you may continue to do so. However, ensure that you will only consume your booch within 12 oz. daily recommended intake to avoid serious side effects.
If you are taking any medication for a medical condition, it’s best to consult your doctor first before drinking kombucha. When it comes to health, it’s always better to stay safe than sorry.
Which type of kombucha makes you poop?
The healthy bacteria in kombucha is present in unpasteurized or homebrewed kombucha. Most commercial brands pasteurize their booches to ensure their safety for the general public and extend their shelf-life. Since buying an unpasteurized kombucha can be sketchy due to risks of contamination, it’s better to brew your booch at home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why does kombucha give me diarrhea?
Kombucha contains caffeine that triggers digestive problems like diarrhea. Drinking too much kombucha allows the sugar in your body to draw more water into the GI tract, leading to diarrhea.
Does kombucha clean your colon?
Kombucha may help you digest food faster and prevent constipation. However, there is no valid research or study that can tell if it can help clean the colon.
Does kombucha make you poop green?
Yes. Occasional green poop is normal. It can be because you ate green foods like leafy vegetables. It can also indicate that your body digests your food too fast, resulting in green color due to the excretion from the bile.
