Hazards of Brewing Kombucha

Kombucha is a type of tea which many people believe can cure certain ailments. It is made by fermenting various species of yeast and bacteria. Although the tea is believed by some people to be curative, it can be harmful to the health of human beings.

Acidosis

• Kombucha tea has high levels of acid. The amount of acid in the tea is toxic and consumption may lead to a disease known as acidosis. Most people may claim this is a myth, but studies have shown that a number of deaths have been directly linked to acidosis from drinking the tea. The tea is more dangerous to people who have weak immune systems.

Liver Damage

• Consumption of kombucha tea may also lead to liver damage. The most common liver disease caused by the tea is jaundice. This is the yellowing of the skin and the eyes. It is caused by bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is meant to be removed from the blood by the liver once old red blood cells are destroyed. As the liver is damaged, it will not perform this function well, which leads to jaundice.

Cutaneous Anthrax and Aspergillus

• If kombucha tea is brewed at home, it may cause the brewer to have ulcers, swelling and a skin disease. These are the effects of cutaneous anthrax. Aspergillus is a fungus that may form in kombucha tea. This fungus is especially dangerous to people with AIDS as they have weak immunity.

Lead Poisoning

• Lead poisoning is a common problem for people who brew their tea in ceramic pots. Ceramic pots, or pots that may have been painted on the inner walls contain acids. If the tea is brewed in such pots, the acid will be absorbed by the tea. If a person drinks kombucha tea that has lead in it, he may get lead poisoning. Most people do not immediately know they have lead poisoning.