People who have diabetes must watch their sugar and carbohydrate intake to help control their blood glucose levels. Chronically high blood glucose levels could result in serious side effects such as kidney disease, eye problems and an increased risk of strokes and heart attacks. Monitoring dietary intake plays a key role in preventing these conditions. If you want to consume certain products such as kombucha tea, read the label to determine sugar content.
Kombucha
Some people think kombucha is a mushroom, but kombucha, despite its physical appearance, is actually a combination of yeast and bacteria. Some people use kombucha as a supplement to help conditions such as headaches, high blood pressure and cancer. Some believe kombucha may also help reduce blood glucose levels. However, Dr. Brent A. Bauer of the Mayo Clinic states that no medical journal has reported a human trial associated with kombucha. This means that, although kombucha may have health benefits, as of 2011, no proof exists to recommend kombucha as a therapy for diabetes or other conditions.
Tea
Many people make or purchase kombucha tea. For this process, kombucha must ferment initially and then be brew with sweetened black tea. The tea typically contains a significant amount of sugar. Drinking a highly sweetened tea may result in increased blood sugar, increasing your risk for complications associated with diabetes.
Other Concerns
Kombucha use may also result in serious side effects. Some reactions include allergic reactions to kombucha and stomach problems. Brewing kombucha tea may also produce toxic reactions with components in the tea pot, and, in some instances, using kombucha farmed under poor hygienic conditions may result in serious health complications. In 1995, the Centers for Disease Control reported one Iowa woman's death as related to consuming kombucha tea.
Considerations
Do not begin using kombucha without first consulting your healthcare provider. Diabetics and people with other serious health conditions should always discuss supplements with their doctors prior to using a product. Your doctor can help you evaluate the level of risk associated with trying a product, and together you can weigh the risks against any potential benefits of kombucha
Posted in: Diabetes