Despite kombucha’s possible therapeutic benefits, the fermented beverage isn’t right for everyone, and there’s a risk of several adverse effects from drinking too much kombucha, especially when it’s prepared improperly.
Stomach Upset
Even though kombucha may promote gut health and improve digestive conditions like constipation, drinking too much kombucha can cause stomach upset, nausea, and diarrhea.
Its naturally high acid content may be to blame for some of this discomfort, especially in people who aren’t quite used to it.
Some kombucha brands also have sweeteners added to them, and consuming too much sugar and sweeteners can lead to diarrhea or watery stools.
If your body isn’t used to consuming large amounts of probiotics, consuming too many too quickly (such as the amount in kombucha) can lead to similar symptoms.
Headaches
Headaches are another possible adverse side effect of drinking too much kombucha.
The exact cause is unknown, but kombucha does contain caffeine and alcohol, which alone or together may induce headaches in those who are sensitive.
While caffeine is sometimes used as an effective headache reliever, repeated exposure to this stimulant can have the opposite effect, triggering chronic daily headaches in some people.
Lactic Acidosis
Though the occasional kombucha drinker doesn’t need to worry about this side effect, those drinking multiple bottles of kombucha every day may be at risk for a condition called lactic acidosis.
Lactic acid is an organic acid naturally produced in the body. While rare, overconsuming kombucha can lead to an accumulation of this acid in the bloodstream, causing the body’s pH to become too acidic. This acidity can lead to symptoms including muscle aches, disorientation, nausea, headaches, fatigue, rapid heart rate, and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin). It can also incite problems with liver and kidney function and become life-threatening.
More research is needed to determine the amount of kombucha that can cause this condition, as well as how home-brewing methods and conditions may impact a person’s risk.
Lead Poisoning
Overfermentating kombucha during the preparation process may lead to severe lead poisoning under certain brewing conditions. The risk of poisoning is greater when kombucha is home-brewed in a clay vessel or ceramic pot containing high levels of lead. The lead can leach or dissolve into the beverage, ultimately causing a buildup of lead in the body.
Symptoms of lead poisoning include high blood pressure, headache, abdominal pain, mood disorders, difficulty concentrating, and muscle pain.
Tooth Damage
Drinking too many beverages with high acid levels, such as kombucha, can wear away your tooth enamel, leading to decay, sensitivity, and discoloration over time.
Because kombucha has a high acidity that may be harmful to your teeth and gums, it’s recommended that you drink through a straw to help reduce the direct contact the beverage has with your teeth. And immediately after you finish your drink, rinse your mouth out with water to help remove the sugars and acidic components from your mouth.
Excess Sugar Consumption
While kombucha contains significantly less sugar than some other popular carbonated beverages like soda, it’s not sugar-free like tap or unsweetened sparkling water.
An occasional kombucha is unlikely to lead you to overdo it with sugar, but consistently reaching for this beverage instead of sugar-free options can add up over time, contributing to inflammation, weight gain, and more.
Allergic Reaction
Problems could also arise if you’re allergic to kombucha tea.
Signs of an allergic reaction vary from person to person, but can include shortness of breath, throat tightness, nausea, and dizziness after consuming the drink.