Examining the Safety of Drinking Kombucha While Breastfeeding
Kombucha has exploded in popularity in recent years as a refreshing fermented tea with touted gut health benefits. With so many new moms reaching for the kombucha in the refrigerated section, questions arise around whether it's safe to enjoy while breastfeeding.
Determining what's ultimately best comes down to examining what we know about kombucha and lactation. Keep reading for a thorough look at the limited current research, potential concerns, and expert recommendations on drinking kombucha while nursing.
What We Know from Limited Kombucha & Breastfeeding Research
Very little formal research exists analyzing the effects of drinking kombucha specifically while breastfeeding. Much more scientific investigation focuses on alcohol consumption instead. And since kombucha contains trace amounts of alcohol from the fermentation process, experts extrapolate insights from alcohol studies to make judgment calls regarding kombucha intake.
However, alcohol studies themselves show conflicting findings on whether maternal alcohol consumption impacts breastfed babies. Some research found no effects while other analyses noticed subtle changes in milk makeup and infant sleep patterns, for example. But experts criticize these studies for dependence on maternal self-reporting and difficulty separating alcohol effects from other variables.
So the consensus remains that more rigorous clinical trials must occur before making concrete declarations. We have limited quality evidence definitively linking maternal kombucha consumption to problems in breastfed infants.
Potential Concerns Around Drinking Kombucha While Nursing
In the absence of extensive research, experts exercise reasonable caution speculating about potential issues with drinking kombucha while breastfeeding. Here are two main concerns that get cited:
Alcohol Content
Kombucha goes through fermentation processing where yeasts convert natural tea sugars into alcohol. But that alcohol content gets converted again into acidic acids by acetic acid bacteria. That second fermentation dramatically reduces the leftover alcohol.
While trace alcohol remains, tests show kombucha normally contains less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV) which is considered non-alcoholic. Still, any alcohol consumed by a nursing mother can theoretically pass to the infant through breast milk. For infants, ethanol exposure may negatively impact development, sleep cycles, and feeding patterns.
Toxin Risk
Improperly fermented kombucha poses higher risks of containing excess alcohol or dangerous contaminants. While rare, there are isolated reports of liver damage or stomach problems in some kombucha drinkers. Breastfeeding moms want to avoid exposing their vulnerable infants to any potentially toxic substances.
Additionally, some medical professionals categorize many kombucha ingredients like green tea, ginger, fruit juices and probiotics as foods and herbs to use cautiously while pregnant or nursing. Their effects on breastfeeding specifically require further evaluation as well.
Expert Guidance on Drinking Kombucha While Breastfeeding
Until direct clinical trials on kombucha consumption and breastfeeding complete, experts lean on caution based on tangential evidence. Here is a summary of expert consensus and recommendations on drinking kombucha while nursing:
Limit Intake
Most medical guidance agrees breastfeeding women should limit kombucha intake to approximately 8 oz per day out of an abundance of caution. Consuming massive amounts could potentially impact an infant even in the absence of proof.
Avoid DIY Brews
Mothers should not drink homemade kombucha while breastfeeding because of higher risks of contamination or excess alcohol. Manufacturers monitor commercial kombucha drinks to keep alcohol amounts in check.
Consider Infant Sensitivity
Some babies show more sensitivity to mom's diet than others. If a nursing infant experiences digestive troubles, gassiness, or changes in bowel movements, consider restricting kombucha for a time to see if symptoms improve.
Each woman and infant pair need to decide what feels most comfortable for their situation. While unlikely that small kombucha amounts cause issues, exercise some caution as research continues evolving.
Making Your Own Decision on Drinking Kombucha While Nursing
Unfortunately no authoritative consensus yet exists on whether drinking kombucha while breastfeeding remains completely safe. Until higher-quality clinical research concludes, uncertainty persists.
In the meantime, full prohibition seems unnecessarily strict given lack of evidence of harm. As with most pregnancy and breastfeeding guidance, experts recommend a balanced approach.
If you wish to drink kombucha while nursing, limit intake to a reasonable level. Pay attention for any reactions in your baby like digestive troubles, poor feeding, or disrupted sleep patterns. And avoid homemade kombucha with more variable processing.
This balanced, conscientious approach allows breastfeeding mothers to make the personal choice that they feel gets interpreted as most appropriate based on their unique situation and infants needs.
The Takeaway on Drinking Kombucha While Breastfeeding
Can you drink kombucha while breastfeeding? No definitive evidence exists either way yet. Caution remains warranted, though full prohibition ignores daily realities for many new moms. Most medical experts Landing on middle ground seems most sensible.
If breastfeeding mothers limit intake of commercial kombucha, pay attention to infant reactions, and adjust consumption downward if any concerns arise, then the most current guidance gets reasonably interpreted.
Remember that research continues progressing. As we learn more about kombucha and breastfeeding impacts, recommendations may shift towards more liberal or more restrictive stances. But for now, exercising moderation and tactful observation allows nursing mothers the freedom of choice.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Add Comment