Thoughts on drinking kombucha

lindsayroseee

I've been drinking kombucha almost daily for about four years now, including my entire first trimester. I looked it up when I was six weeks and read a few articles about how it's good do drink while pregnant. Today I came across a forum about kombucha being very dangerous because it has caffeine and less than 0.5% alcohol per volume. The stuff I drink has about 30mg caffeine per bottle and I read that it's okay to have up to 200mg a day. As far as the alcohol content it's so incredibly low that I can't see it having much of an effect. Especially since I read an article stating its okay to have two glasses of wine a week (not at one time), and wine contains between 9 and 14% alcohol per volume. I love my kombucha, it's full of antioxidants, probiotics, B vitamins, folate, ect. What's your opinion on kombucha consumption while pregnant?

cav4christ

I would be curious about others' opinions on this as well. I have been steering away from it because I knew it was fermented, but maybe it would help with some of my digestive issues?

PaneVino

I have also been wondering about Kombucha. I was drinking it every day for about a year but I stopped when I found out I was pregnant because I wasn't sure if it was ok. I asked my doctor and she wasn't sure either so she said probably best to stay away from it. I've been really bummed because I love it!

daylynj

I miss kombuchca...a lot. I was drinking it daily for the past year and I also quit when I found out I was pregnant as I wasn't sure if it was ok. I havent heard much about the caffeine or alcohol content, but more so of the bacteria being potentially harmful, especially if it's a bad batch. I also read that a pregnant woman shouldnt have more than the recommended 4oz of day. I would like to hear other people's opinions though! I have been craving it like crazy!

LeighPA

I brew my own, as well as milk kefir and water kefir. I love it, and will never give it up. The general consensus in the home brewing communities is that:
1) if you're already drinking it, it's fine to continue drinking, as you're accustomed to it and less likely to experience die-off or detox.
2) it's generally got as much alcohol as orange juice does - trace amounts.
3) home brewers can use decaf tea. It's suggested to use organic decaf teas.

daylynj

@LeighPA I've always wanted to home brew! That's amazing!

LeighPA

It's a lot of fun! And a lot easier than I thought it would be. My husband thinks it's weird, though.

mollyjeanh

I drank it about 3x per week with my last pregnancy. Haven't this time cause it just hasn't sounded good.

I would love to try home brewing, just haven't gotten around to doing it!

CMDD

I've stopped brewing my own and stopped buying it at all. I figure, why not give it up and wait?

groovylocks

Treat it like alcohol. Go easy on it - one or two small glasses per week should be fairly safe, according to my own doctor's advice on wine. If you're abstaining from alcohol, again, treat it like alcohol.

EDIT: It actually may not contain much alcohol. I just know it gives me a buzz. So i treat it the same way i treat alcohol.

missphil

I gave it up as well. I'd rather just wait and drink carbonated juice instead. When I drink kombucha, I get all woozy as if I was drinking alchohol so I avoid it.

livebeautifully

I've been drinking it my whole pregnancy. It has never worried me one bit. I buy mine from the store because I'm too worried to start making my own and mess it up and then give myself food poisoning!!

But the kind with ginger was a lifesaver when I felt queasy!! It's carbonated and the alcohol helped relax me. Even though it's only the tiniest bit. And I'm not opposed to drinking caffeine while pregnant (in moderation). I usually only drink about half a bottle at a time. I'd go for it if I were you. Especially now that it's later in your pregnancy, you don't need to worry about the alcohol in it at all.