Once upon a time it stood in the kitchen in a three-liter jar, causing horror in children and pride in adults. Today it is returning to trends as a “natural weight loss aid.” We are talking about kombucha, or, as it is now fashionable to say, kombucha.
After social networks were flooded with photos of people losing weight on Ozempic, many began to look for safer and cheaper ways to lose weight. And suddenly they remembered about the old Soviet mushroom in a jar, which, as it turned out, can change the intestinal microflora and help the body get rid of everything unnecessary.
Experts tell us whether this drink from childhood can really replace expensive drugs and strict diets.
What the Research Says
Recent research conducted in Brazil has shown that regular consumption of kombucha can significantly change the composition of the gut microbiome – especially in overweight people.
Volunteers simply drank 200 ml of homemade kombucha per day – without dieting, sports or calorie counting. After 8 weeks, the balance of bacteria in their intestines changed: the species responsible for accelerating metabolism, controlling sugar and reducing inflammation began to multiply more actively.
The number of bacteria Akkermansia muciniphila and Subdoligranulum has especially increased – they strengthen the intestinal barrier, reduce chronic inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity.
Simply put, the body began to work “like a skinny person” – without pills and marathons on a treadmill.
Expert opinion
General practitioner, chief physician of a private clinic, creator of the Telegram channel about rational medicine “Just a Pill” (18+) Alexander Lavrishchev on the page of the online magazine “woman.ru” (18+) says: kombucha can really help restore intestinal microflora, and with it metabolism. But there is no point in turning it into a “magic cure”.
“Kombucha improves the growth of beneficial bacteria that affect metabolism, but this does not mean that it replaces diet or physical activity. Without proper nutrition and exercise, there will be no result,” explains the doctor.
He adds: scientists have long proven that intestinal microflora is directly related to weight. There are even exotic techniques like transplanting feces from a healthy donor to obese people – and they work. Kombucha has a milder effect, but the direction is the same: it helps to “reflash” the microbiome.
Who is it suitable for?
Despite all the “naturalness”, kombucha has contraindications.
- With increased acidity or stomach diseases, it can irritate the mucous membrane.
- Homemade kombucha is sometimes too acidic, which can cause discomfort.
- Store-bought versions often contain sugar or sweeteners, which is a negative for your figure.
Therefore, before adding a drink to your diet, especially with chronic gastrointestinal problems, it is better to consult a doctor.
Kombucha is a completely modern functional drink. It can gently support microflora, improve digestion and help the body regulate weight naturally.
But it is important to remember: no drink, even the most magical one, can replace reasonable nutrition and movement. It may not replace Ozempic, but it will definitely help your body work a little better without chemical additives.
Important: This information is not a substitute for consulting a doctor. The body's response to changes in diet/training may depend on individual physiology, genetic predisposition and health status. It is recommended to consult a specialist.
