Kombucha is deemed as the next big thing after seltzer. It sits at the horizon between an alcohol substitute and a health drink. Finding out the best time to drink kombucha will help you maximize its health benefits and enjoy its effervescent quality.
Due to its potency and diverse acid content, drinking it at a specific time can either improve your health or make it worse. In this post, we will discuss the best time to consume your favorite booch safely based on your health goals.
Despite its addicting, sweet & tart taste, it is necessary to drink kombucha moderately and at the right time to avoid experiencing its side effects.
Q: When is the best time to drink kombucha?
The best time to drink kombucha depends on what benefits you want to have out of it. Dr. Berg explains that kombucha serves as a probiotic which is good for the lower GI tract and digestion. So, most kombucha drinkers consume it on an empty stomach or before meals to maximize its benefit in the gut.
Currently, there is no scientific evidence if kombucha is a real health drink or a product of a fad diet. There are no scientific proofs that can attest if you’ll reap its benefits by drinking it at a certain time of the day.
However, Dr. Megan Rossi explains that the lack of scientific evidence does not necessarily mean they don’t have a benefit, instead enough research is not yet done. Kombucha is claimed to be beneficial for:
- Digestion
- Gut health
- Metabolism
- Immunity
- Liver function
- Managing high blood pressure
- Arthritis relief
In a study conducted by researchers from Cornell University, the diversity of acid in kombucha is the main reason behind its anti-microbial activity in the gut. However, this study is not enough to answer all the claims and generally conclude the benefits of kombucha.
Despite the lack of scientific evidence, kombucha lovers can’t resist sipping the tangy beverage. It is safe to drink daily with a recommended maximum amount of 12 oz. and a perfect alternative for sugary drinks and typical booze.
What happens if you drink kombucha during a specific time of the day?
If you’ve been drinking kombucha for a while now, you’re probably wondering why your booch can both make you feel energized and drowsy on different occasions. Well, most people think it is more about when you drink kombucha and how your body magnifies its effect.
Check out how drinking kombucha at a certain time of the day impacts your health:
On an empty stomach
Probably most people who have been drinking kombucha for years will recommend drinking it on an empty stomach. Without any food or any substances that block the stomach, the beneficial bacteria can reach deeper into the intestines.
Dr. Bindiya Gandhi shares in an interview that kombucha provides diversity in gut bacteria which helps improve your immune function, decrease inflammation, aid in detoxification, and improve your energy. Researchers in Switzerland also cited that drinking kombucha is as healthy as eating yogurt.
Drinking kombucha on an empty stomach is not for everyone. Some people may experience an upset stomach due to low tolerance to the acids in kombucha. If you have a sensitive GI tract, start drinking 4 oz. and gradually increase it to 12 oz. a day.
During breakfast
If you are feeling sluggish and need some kick to wake up in the morning, kombucha might be an ideal alternative to your morning coffee. Unlike coffee, your favorite booch contains around 15 to 30 mg of caffeine which is enough to wake you up without crashing your energy levels for the rest of the day.
At lunch
Drinking kombucha during mid-day helps give you an energy boost to get through the afternoon slump. The enzymes in kombucha also help with digestion and prevent bloating. Kombucha also makes a good alternative if you are fond of having sweets after a sumptuous lunch.
At dinner
Most people love to drink kombucha as a winding down drink after a long day. It contains 0.5% alcohol which can help them calm down without getting drunk or bearing the next-day hangover.
Due to its minimal alcohol content, kombucha is perfect for those looking for a healthier alternative to wine and other beverages with higher alcohol content. You may also drink kombucha before bed. However, Dr. Berg warns that kombucha contains too many acids and caffeine that may increase your heart rate and disrupt your sleep.
When is the best time to drink kombucha for a specific fitness goal?
If you are planning to drink kombucha to lose weight or improve a specific aspect of your health, here are the noteworthy timelines to magnify its benefits:
Best time to drink kombucha for weight loss
Maximize the fat-burning effect of green tea-based kombucha by drinking ½ cup or 4 oz. of booch before and after your workout. Pre-workout, kombucha can increase your energy level, while drinking it post-workout will magnify the fat-burning effect of exercise.
Kombucha alone will not cause weight loss. It is a tool to make your weight-loss efforts more efficient and effective.
Best time to drink kombucha for gut health
Allow the beneficial bacteria in kombucha to reach the lower part of your gut by drinking it on an empty stomach in the morning. It is also the best time to drink kombucha for detox since your body can prioritize digesting your booch.
However, not everyone can tolerate its potency. It contains acids that may cause an upset stomach for beginners. The tip is to start small by drinking 4oz. or half a cup on an empty stomach and increase it as your tolerance improves.
Best time to drink kombucha for seniors
Generally, most medical experts advise that people with weaker immune systems like seniors, immunocompromised, and pregnant women should not drink kombucha. The acidic and unpasteurized nature of kombucha may cause live bad bacteria to mix into the blood and cause serious illnesses.
In 2015, the CDC cites that kombucha is the possible cause of death of a 59-year-old woman after she drinks her home-brewed booch at home. Though kombucha claims many health benefits, it is best to err on the side of caution and skip drinking it if you are in your senior years.
Best time to drink kombucha while on a keto diet
Kombucha is a perfect low-carb drink that you can consume while on a ketogenic diet. You can drink it anytime you want, as long as you don’t go overboard. Otherwise, it will kick you out of ketosis.
A cup of kombucha contains 3.9 net carbs from the sugars left after fermentation. From the 50g daily carb window, 3.9 net carbs fall at 7.8% of your allowed carb intake. However, you have to read the labels of store-bought kombucha since some of them contain more sugar, especially the flavored ones.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it OK to drink kombucha at night?
Yes, if you want to drink kombucha as a substitute for alcohol or wine to relax after work. However, avoid drinking it close to bedtime. The acidic nature of kombucha may increase your heartbeat and disrupt your sleep.
Is it OK to drink kombucha every day?
Yes, you can get the benefits of kombucha every day as long as you keep your daily consumption at 12 oz. Going beyond that limit may cause side effects like upset stomach and sleep problems. People who consume too much kombucha are at a higher risk for life-threatening conditions like lactic acidosis or too much acid in the blood.
When should you not drink kombucha?
Refrain from drinking kombucha if your immune system is compromised, like when you are sick or if pregnant(for women). You should also consider alternatives if you have alcohol issues and anxiety since the alcohol and caffeine in kombucha may make it worse.
