Is Kombucha Actually Safe to Drink While Breastfeeding?

Is Kombucha Safe to Drink While Breastfeeding?

Kombucha has grown in popularity over the years as a fermented tea drink touted for its potential health benefits. However, if you are currently breastfeeding, you may be wondering if it is safe to drink kombucha during this time.

When breastfeeding, it is important to closely monitor your diet to ensure what you consume does not negatively impact your milk supply or quality. For this reason, many nursing mothers have questions around drinking kombucha.

What is Kombucha?

Kombucha is a fermented tea made from combining tea leaves, sugar, bacteria, and yeast. The fermentation process allows the tea to become carbonated as the yeast and bacteria break down the sugar.

This fermented raw tea has become popular due to claims around its gut health properties. However, there are some safety concerns, especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Is Kombucha Safe During Breastfeeding?

There are no scientific studies examining the safety of kombucha specifically during breastfeeding. However, there are some factors to consider before consuming kombucha if you are currently nursing:

Alcohol Content

All kombucha contains trace amounts of alcohol due to the fermentation process. Levels are usually less than 0.5% alcohol by volume. While tiny, alcohol does pass into breast milk after drinking kombucha.

Alcohol consumption is not recommended while breastfeeding. If you plan to drink kombucha, limit intake to 4-8 oz per day and always with food to minimize the effects.

Caffeine Levels

Since kombucha is made from black or green tea, it also contains caffeine. Caffeine passes into breast milk after maternal consumption.

Excess caffeine intake can lead to irritability, trouble sleeping, and intestinal issues for some sensitive babies. To be safe, restrict kombucha intake to less than 300mg caffeine per day.

Sugar Content

Sugar is required for fermentation when brewing kombucha. While most of the sugar is used up in the process, kombucha can still contain 1-3 grams of sugar per 8 oz serving.

High sugar maternal diets have been linked to childhood obesity and excess infant weight gain. Limit kombucha to a reasonable portion that fits into your overall recommended carbohydrate needs.

Contamination Risk

There is a risk with any unpasteurized food, including kombucha, of bacterial contamination leading to food poisoning. Symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting can impact your breast milk supply.

Only consume pasteurized brands of kombucha from reputable companies while nursing. Homebrewed kombucha may be higher risk and is not recommended.

Medications in Breast Milk

Little research exists on kombuchas medicinal properties. However anecdotal reports suggest the bacteria and yeast in kombucha may impact the way medications are broken down and excreted.

If taking any prescription medications or herbal supplements while breastfeeding, check with both your doctor and pharmacist before consuming kombucha to ensure safety.

Other Foods That Impact Breast Milk

In addition to kombucha, there are other foods that may not be recommended while nursing including:

• Unpasteurized dairy
• Raw meat, fish, eggs
• High mercury fish
• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Spicy foods

Benefits of Kombucha

While more research is still needed, kombucha may offer some health advantages thanks to the probiotics formed during the fermentation process. Potential benefits may include:

• Enhanced gut health
• Immune function support
• Detoxification and liver support
• Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects

Probiotics in Breast Milk

One reason some breastfeeding mothers consider kombucha is for the probiotic content. The healthy bacteria may help support the infants microbiome and immunity through breast milk.

However, research has not confirmed if the probiotics actually survive digestion to exert benefits. Eating a varied diet rich in fiber with yogurt or fermented foods may be better sources right now.

Antioxidant Potential

The tea polyphenols and vitamins in kombucha provide antioxidant support. These compounds help fight free radical damage linked to inflammation and disease risk.

By reducing inflammation, kombucha may support healing, immunity, and overall wellness. Always check with your doctor before using to treat any specific conditions.

Precautions with Kombucha and Breastfeeding

While kombucha appears relatively safe for most healthy women in moderation, take these precautions:

• Limit intake to 4-8 oz per day max
• Always consume with food
• Eat a balanced diet rich in nutrients
• Keep total caffeine intake under 300mg per day
• Stick to pasteurized brands only
• Watch for infant intolerance symptoms

Avoid Kombucha If:

• You have a health condition or take medications that may interact
• You are following a restricted diet that limits sugars/carbs/caffeine
• You have concerns over supply issues or infant intolerance
• You do not enjoy the tart acidic taste

If avoiding kombucha altogether during this time, consider trying it again later once you have finished breastfeeding.

Bottom Line

Due to the lack of scientific evidence around safety, most health organizations recommend avoiding or limiting kombucha intake to small amounts while breastfeeding.

Pay attention to your individual tolerance as well as any signs of intolerance from your baby. Discontinue use if any concerns arise and be sure to stay well hydrated.

While kombucha may offer some advantages, exercise caution until more research confirms the benefits outweigh any potential risks, especially for breastfeeding mothers and infants.

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.