What's the Deal With Kombucha?
Image from Mae’s Menu
When you hear the word ‘kombucha,’ what typically comes to mind? Many would say vinegar, spice, yogis, healthy, yeast and other things along this line. Some people have trouble getting on board with the idea of kombucha, but there are so many reasons why you need to give it a try.
For decades, people have claimed that kombucha helps prevent illnesses and strengthens the immune system. It is believed to ease Irritable Bowel Syndrom, or IBS, (something many college students can relate to), prevent heart disease, and even help with weight loss. Kombucha has this ability because it’s filled with probiotics and antioxidants, which aid in the digestive process and prevent damage at a cellular level.
All these benefits have been promoted for years, but have you ever heard that kombucha can be a hangover lifesaver? After a night of drinking, your stomach is wiped clean of germs- both good and bad ones. Alcohol is known to kill probiotics, which are important to perform essential tasks in the gut.
Many college students who maintain the party lifestyle don’t realize that when alcohol kills all these germs, it’s easier for bad bacteria and viruses to thrive within the gut. Drinking kombucha the day after is a great way to keep your immune system up. It puts all the healthy antioxidants and probiotics back into your body so it can fight off nasty bacteria and other viruses.
That first sip might be hard, but once you get used to it, it will help your body recover at a quicker rate. It can reduce stomach inflammation and get rid of the stomach pain and nausea that often comes the day after. Kombucha is also very high in electrolytes, which will help replenish and rehydrate the body, and get rid of those headaches!
If you haven’t tried it as a hangover helper yet, you should! There are tons of brands to choose from, each one tasting similar yet different from the last.
Synergy Raw Kombucha is one of the top-rated kombucha brands that prides itself in being made of 95% raw kombucha and organic fruit. Their products have pulp and sometimes small seeds from organic fruits at the bottom, which is very different from other brands.
Health-ade kombucha, referred to as a “probiotic tea”, is another highly trusted brand. Their bottle shape is very distinct and different, and the labels of their different flavors are colorful and vibrant. There is no pulp or seeds in it, so it’s very easy to drink and not as intimidating for first-timers. They are very easy to find around Elon- the Fountain Market and Winter Garden Cafe both sell them!
While there are countless other brands, home-brewed kombucha can often be found at local farmers’ markets. Finding kombucha in this setting is a great way to try something new and support the locals!
Remember, you can’t say you don’t like it if you don't try it. Introduce kombucha into your daily life to keep healthy and beat those college hangovers!