Pregnant and breastfeeding women, children, and individuals with liver or kidney disease, HIV, impaired immune systems, and alcohol dependency should avoid kombucha. For others, kombucha is a wonderfully refreshing beverage that has many benefits, when made safely and consumed moderately.
Both apple cider vinegar and kombucha are acceptable to consider as an addition to your kidney diet. Check with your physician and dietitian to learn more about how to incorporate these items into your lifestyle.
Caffeine found in coffee, tea, soda, and foods can also place a strain on your kidneys. Caffeine is a stimulant, which can cause increased blood flow, blood pressure and stress on the kidneys. Excessive caffeine intake has also been linked to kidney stones.
Drinking black coffee, instead of coffee with high-potassium and high-phosphorus milk or high-calorie sugary drinks, will be your best bet. Unsweetened green tea: Green tea has been studied almost as much as coffee. A cup of green tea is full of compounds called "polyphenols," which function as antioxidants.
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding or who have weakened immune systems should avoid kombucha tea. Others may drink the tea if they like the taste, but only if it comes from a trusted source. Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
Research has shown that kombucha may have health benefits such as reducing cholesterol levels, decreasing the spread of cancer, improving liver and gastrointestinal functions, and boosting the immune system.
People with alcohol use disorder should avoid kombucha. Diarrhea: Kombucha contains caffeine. The caffeine in kombucha, especially when taken in large amounts, can worsen diarrhea. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Kombucha contains caffeine.
Diets high in salt are high in sodium, which can increase blood pressure and, in turn, harm your kidneys. Flavor your foods with herbs and spices instead of salt. Over time, you may find it easier to avoid using added salt (sodium) on your food.
How Often Should You Drink Kombucha? Probiotic foods like kombucha can, and should, be consumed on a daily basis. "Gut health is not just about healthy digestion — in fact, the gut is now considered central in driving immunity, energy, metabolism, mood, and even how much your skin glows!” says Trout.
Using probiotics (“good bacteria”) for removal of uremic toxins from the colon could help to maintain healthy kidney function.
How much kombucha is OK to drink? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that drinking approximately 4 ounces (oz) of kombucha per day “may not cause adverse effects in healthy persons.”
Lemons contain citrate, which helps prevent calcium from building up and forming stones in your kidneys. Interestingly, the benefit doesn't seem to be present in oranges, making lemon a unique tool in kidney stone prevention.
A kidney is an organ with relatively low basal cellular regenerative potential. However, renal cells have a pronounced ability to proliferate after injury, which undermines that the kidney cells are able to regenerate under induced conditions.
When your kidneys are failing, a high concentration and accumulation of substances lead to brown, red, or purple urine. Studies suggest the urine color is due to abnormal protein or sugar as well as high numbers of cellular casts and red and white blood cells.
Weight loss and increased urine output may be signs your kidney function is returning.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) also recommends that kombucha be consumed in moderation, and one to three 4-oz cups per day is safe to consume. That means you shouldn't generally consume more than 12 ounces of kombucha a day.
Mike mentioned that kombucha never tastes good after a cup of coffee. The theory is that pairing bitter foods with higher-acid foods isn't pleasant, and the floral and fruity notes of the kombucha are lost.