What Does Drinking Kombucha Do For You?
I’ve been drinking kombucha for over 14 years now, and it’s become such a natural part of my lifestyle that I don’t even notice that I drink it nearly every day.
When I don’t have a fresh batch of home-brewed kombucha ready, I usually reach for GT’s Synergy or Buchi—two brands I’ve trusted for years.
Buchi is a regional (local) company out of Marshall, NC. You can use their store locator to find a store in your area - they are at EarthFare, Wegmann’s, Whole Foods, Publix, Sprouts, Winn Dixie, and Ingles.
My favorite flavors of GT’s are: Lemon Berry, Mango, Elderberry Juniper, and Watermelon Wonder. Both GT’s and Buchi have that tangy, effervescent taste I love, and they’re reliable when I want something nourishing and fizzy on the go.
Most gas stations now carry kombucha or OLIPOP, so I’m able to make a quick stop for a cold, refreshing, thirst quenching, healthy drink.
What Is Kombucha?
Kombucha has been around for centuries in Asia. Sometimes called “kombucha tea” or “kombucha drink”, it begins as sweet tea and transforms through fermentation with a living culture known as a SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast). This natural process creates probiotics, organic acids, and antioxidants, creating unique health benefits.
In Chinese, kombucha has been referred to as “tea of immortality,” reflecting its long history in ancient wellness practices. Today, it’s enjoyed worldwide as an alternative to soda or other sugary beverages.
Kombucha Health Benefits
So, what does drinking kombucha do for you? The benefits mainly come from probiotics and organic acids produced during fermentation. These support digestion, immunity, and overall wellness.
Some of the top benefits of kombucha include:
Digestive Health – probiotics balance the gut and ease bloating
Immune Support – a healthy gut helps defend against illness
Detox Support – organic acids aid liver function
Antioxidants – protect the body from oxidative stress
Energy & Mood – thanks to B vitamins and a balanced microbiome
In simple terms, kombucha does a lot for your belly—it feeds good gut bacteria and helps digestion feel smoother.
Is Kombucha Alcoholic?
Because kombucha is fermented, people often ask: “Is kombucha alcoholic?” The answer is yes, but very little. Most commercial kombucha contains less than 0.5% alcohol, which is about the same as overripe fruit. This tiny amount comes naturally from the fermentation process.
Is It Okay to Drink Kombucha Every Day?
Many people wonder, “Is it okay to drink kombucha every day?” For most healthy adults, yes.
A glass of kombucha per day is often beneficial, especially for gut health. That said, moderation is best—too much may cause bloating or digestive discomfort if your system isn’t used to probiotics.
Think of kombucha as a health-supporting tonic, not a replacement for water. One bottle or small glass daily is usually a safe and beneficial amount.
The Takeaway
Kombucha isn’t just a trendy health drink—it’s a beverage that connects us to ancient traditions while offering modern health support. Whether you sip a chilled bottle from the store or brew it yourself at home, kombucha stands out as a wellness ally.
Curious to make your own? Check out my homemade kombucha recipe and experience this special drink in your own kitchen.
Scientific Research
2025 — Arce-López
Effect of fiber-modified kombucha tea on gut microbiota
This study looked at kombucha enriched with dietary fiber and its effects on gut microbiota composition and biochemical markers. Results suggest fiber-modified kombucha may more strongly modulate the gut microbiota and support improvements in triglycerides and other metabolic markers.
2025 — Fraiz
Benefits of Kombucha Consumption
This systematic review examined existing clinical trials and human studies. It concluded that kombucha shows potential benefits for gastrointestinal symptoms, constipation relief, and microbiota modulation. Some metabolomic improvements were noted, though results for glucose metabolism were inconsistent.
2024 — Ecklu-Mensah
Modulating the human gut microbiome and health markers through kombucha consumption: a controlled clinical study
An 8-week clinical trial with healthy individuals on a Western diet compared kombucha drinkers to a control group. The study found kombucha led to modest changes in gut microbiome composition but did not strongly shift inflammation markers or biochemical parameters overall. Some individual participants showed increases in beneficial gut bacteria.
2023 — Mendelson
Kombucha Tea as an Anti-Hyperglycemic Agent in Humans with Diabetes
A pilot study with adults who have type 2 diabetes tested 8 oz of kombucha daily for 4 weeks. Compared to placebo, kombucha significantly decreased fasting blood glucose levels. The trial was small but provides promising evidence for blood sugar management.
2023 — Viera de Oliveira
Kombucha benefits, risks and regulatory frameworks
A comprehensive review of kombucha’s potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties. It also highlights safety considerations, possible risks, and the importance of regulatory frameworks for kombucha production worldwide.
