Is Kombucha Acidic? Is It Good For Acid Reflux?
The combination is pretty weird! Black tea, yeast, and sugar, and you got kombucha.
Kombucha lovers say this fermented tea is great for boosting energy, helping in digestion, and removing toxins from your body. But others say they have issues with the versatile taste-sometimes sweet or sometimes tangy.
You must be wondering about the diversity. And trying to figure out if kombucha is acidic or not?
Kombucha is acidic with the pH range between 2.5 to 4.2. When you ferment the kombucha tea, it produces less than 1% acetic acid which has a pH level of 3.0-3.5. This acid is responsible for the tangy nature of kombucha. Surprisingly, moderate amount kombucha is good for reducing acid reflux too.
However, the actual pH level is dependent on the tea types, tea-sugar-yeast ratio, brew time, room temperature, and the length of fermentation.
Keep reading to learn more about the acidic nature of kombucha and its relationship with acid reflux.
Kombucha – Acidic Or Alkaline?
In one line, kombucha is acidic, not alkaline. Let me explain why!
Black tea, green tea, white tea, or oolong tea are used for making kombucha. However, black tea for its oxidized leaves nature is mostly preferable for making a perfect kombucha.
And the pH of black tea is 4.9-5.5 which is a good range to grow yeast perfectly.
With time, the yeast of SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast) starts eating the sugar content of the kombucha. That results in producing ethanol and it gradually turns acidic.
What about green tea or white tea kombucha? Well, they are neutral or basic, but with the fermenting process over time, the alkaline nature will vanish and turn into acidic for the yeast.
pH of Kombucha
The pH of kombucha is directly related to the fermentation time. However, tea types and ratios also take part in the pH level of kombucha.
And the pH value defines whether kombucha will taste sweet or tart. The pH like 3.5 ensures it will taste sweet. The lower pH like 2.5 makes the kombucha tart.
| Type | pH |
| Homemade Kombucha | 2.5 – 3.0 |
| Black Tea Kombucha | 5-5.5 |
| Green Tea Kombucha | 3.05 |
| White Tea Kombucha | 2.5 – 3.5 |
| Kombucha Rosella Tea | 2.86 |
| GT’s Kombucha | 2.5 – 3.5 |
| Kombucha brewed | 2.5 – 4.2 |
| Humm Kombucha | 3.0 |
| Sweet Kombucha | 3.5 |
3 Ways: How To Raise The pH Of Kombucha?
When you ferment kombucha, acetic and gluconic acid start producing by the fermenting bacteria. That results in a lower pH level and makes the taste too tart.
Also, lower pH means the kombucha is highly acidic which is not good for you especially if you are struggling with acid reflux.
Besides, when the taste is too tart, you may want to make it a little sweet. To make kombucha sweet, you have to increase the pH level. Here 3 ways to increase the pH of Kombucha –
1. Less Ferment Time
In general, the fermenting process takes from 7 days to 30 days. The more you ferment, the kombucha will be more acidic and vice versa. To make it less acidic, you can brew after the first fermentation which may take 6 to 10 days.
2. Keep It in Room Temperature
Kombucha brewing temperature affects the pH value directly. More than 85°F speeds up the culturing, which will result in lower pH.
To increase the pH level, you should keep the kombucha vessel at room temperature in between 68-78°F.
3. Maintain The Tea Leaf Ratio
Using more tea leaves can cause lower pH for the tea leaves’ oxidation nature over time. For each one-gallon batch, keep the ratio 6:1 for the tea leaves.
You can use 6 teaspoons of loose tea or 6 tea bags for each batch. So, keep the ratio perfect to get a higher pH kombucha.
How Acidic Is Kombucha For The Body?
Kombucha is acidic, but after drinking, it alkalizes the body. It’s because when you make kombucha using black or green tea, there will be several essential minerals such as manganese, potassium, copper, iron, fluid iron, etc.
The pH of our blood is 7.4 regarded as neutral. When these minerals of kombucha enter our bloodstream, that creates an alkalizing effect and results in a neutral state of our body.
Who Should Not Drink Kombucha? Are You in the 4 Categories?
Kombucha is considered safe and healthy to promote a healthy and smooth digestive system, boost energy and remove body toxins.
However, you are prohibited to drink kombucha under the following health conditions-
1. People With A Weak Immune System
As bacteria and yeast take an active part in kombucha, that may cause infection for people with weak immune systems.
2. Diabetics Patient
Kombucha contains a good amount of sugar. So it may increase blood sugar levels. Also, alcohol production during fermentation can cause complications for diabetic patients.
3. Pregnant, Breastfeeding Women And Kids
For the alcohol and caffeine, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid kombucha. Similarly, the bacteria and yeast might be harmful to the developing baby.
Additionally, kids should not drink kombucha. The carbonate effect of kombucha will cause stomach upset.
4. People With Stomach Ulcers
If you have stomach ulcers, kombucha may make it worse. The bacteria and acidic nature of kombucha can potentially aggravate stomach ulcers.
Is Kombucha Good For Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux occurs when you eat or drink high acidic or high-fat content food and drinks. if you have a lower esophageal sphincter (LES), your stomach content leaks up back. That causes acid reflux.
Now the question is what about kombucha? Is it good for acid reflux or promotes acid reflux?
The nature of kombucha is acidic, so you may think it’s not good for acid reflux. But the truth is kombucha is good for people who are suffering from acid reflux.
Kombucha contains lactic acid which has probiotic properties. That can kill harmful bacteria as well as promote smooth digestion. So far, lactic acid is beneficial to reduce the chances of acid reflux.
The tea drink is a great source of vitamin B. vitamin B can improve your gut health by controlling the production of stomach acid.
Several essential minerals of kombucha neutralize the acidic properties and make it alkalizing for your body.
For these activities, kombucha is good for acid reflux. However, you should be concerned about your daily intake. You can drink around 4 ounces per day to avoid health complications. Also, avoid adding high sugar content to it to get the best result.
Is Kombucha Bad For Acid Reflux?
Drinking too much kombucha causes acid reflux. The recommended level is 4 ounces per day for 1 to 3 times.
However, kombucha will be bad for acid reflux under certain health conditions.
First of all, if you already have the symptoms of acid reflux, drinking too much kombucha may make it worse.
Kombucha contains a decent amount of caffeine and alcohol. Both can increase the acid production in your stomach and irritate your digestion which causes heartburn too.
A lengthy fermentation process makes kombucha carbonated. And the carbonated nature feels your stomach fuller and pressurizes your lower esophageal sphincter. As a result, the acid flow starts moving back into the esophagus which leads to acid reflux directly.
In addition, the acetic acid of kombucha may also be responsible for acid reflux or GERD by disturbing your regular digestive system.
Various Forms Of Kombucha And Its Acidity
In the USA, around 14. 1 percent of adults drink kombucha in various forms such as kombucha tea, raw or hard kombucha for several purposes. The pH level and acidity are also different for each type.
Is Kombucha Tea Alkaline Or Acidic?
Kombucha tea is acidic with a pH range of 2.5 to 3.5. However, using tea bags instead of tea leaves makes kombucha tea more acidic for rapid oxidation.
The type of tea affects the acidity of kombucha. If you use pure black tea, it will make kombucha too acidic as black teas are already acidic in nature.
pH wise oolong tea kombucha will be almost the same as the black tea version. Though green tea and white tea kombucha seem alkaline for their higher pH values. But during the fermentation process, the basic nature will be removed.
Whether you use either green or white tea, the resulting kombucha tea will be acidic with a pH below 4.6. However, adding fruits or herbs can reduce the acidity of kombucha tea.
Related Post: Is Tea Acidic? 5 Non-acidic Alkaline Tea for You!
Is Hard Kombucha Acidic?
Hard kombucha is more acidic than kombucha tea. It’s the boozier version of the regular or raw kombucha. As hard kombucha fermented at 28°C/82.4°F or higher for 5 to 14 days, it will taste tangy and slightly vinegary.
Warm temperatures and lengthy fermentation, increases the ABV (alcohol by volume) and decreases the pH level to around 2.5.
Is Raw Kombucha Acidic?
Raw kombucha is not pasteurized though it’s acidic with a pH of less than 4.6. Mostly, the pH level of raw kombucha is 2.5-3.5. During the fermentation period, the yeast starts feeding the sugar content and creates a suitable environment to grow gradually. This process enhances the pH level of the raw kombucha drink.
Fun fact: Do you know when and where the kombucha tea originated? In 220 BC, kombucha originated in China. Then it reaches Russia, USA, Germany and all over the world.
FAQs
Is Kombucha Highly Acidic?
Yes, kombucha is highly acidic. The pH level of kombucha can range from 2.5 to 3.5, making it acidic. However, the acidity of kombucha is not harmful and can actually be beneficial for your health.
Is Kombucha Good For An Acidic Stomach?
Yes, kombucha can be good for an acidic stomach. This is because kombucha is rich in probiotics, which can help to balance the levels of acid in the stomach. At the same time, it can improve digestion, reduce inflammation and promote a healthy immune system.
Is Kombucha Acidic For Teeth?
Drinking too much kombucha is acidic for teeth. The acidity and sugar in kombucha can lead to tooth decay and other dental problems damaging tooth enamel. This is why it’s important to drink kombucha in moderation and to brush your teeth after drinking it.
Is Kombucha Bad For Ulcers?
Mostly, kombucha can be bad for people with ulcers. The fermented tea drink contains acetic acid, which can irritate the already inflamed lining of the stomach and intestines. In addition, the probiotics in kombucha can also increase gastric acid production, further exacerbating the symptoms of ulcers.
Is Kombucha Part Of An Alkaline Diet?
Kombucha is part of an alkaline diet. The fermentation process of kombucha results in a slightly acidic beverage with a pH between 2.5 and 3.5. However, after the drink is consumed, it leaves behind alkaline ash in the body that helps to neutralize acidity.
Does Kombucha Make Your Body Acidic or Alkaline?
Kombucha is acidic but it makes your body alkalize when it enters the bloodstream. The acidic nature neutralizes by the neutral pH of the blood and acts like alkalize to your body.
Bottom Line
Now it’s time to wrap up the discussion on: “is kombucha acidic”. Hopefully, you can understand the acidic nature and its role in acid reflux.
In summary, kombucha is acidic but a moderate amount is good for acid reflux. Also, the probiotics of kombucha are beneficial for sound digestion, weight loss, preventing GERDs as well as keeping your skin healthy.
Eat healthy, live healthy.
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Are Nutri Grain Bars Healthy? Expert Insights and Nutrition Analysis
‘Nutri’ and ‘grain’- reading this, you might be wondering if all the healthy stuff is infused in Nutri Grain bars, right? Nutri Grain bars are indeed one of the most popular snack food items on the market right now, but are Nutri Grain bars healthy as you might think?
Nutri Grain bars are marketed as nutritious, low-calorie snacks that contain lots of essential vitamins and minerals, like calcium and iron. Yet Nutri Grain bars aren’t as healthy as you might think; in fact, their high calorie and sugar content can do more harm than good if you eat them regularly.
Here are some reasons Nutri Grain bars may not be as healthy as you think they are and some healthier alternatives to fill you up!
Are Nutri Grain Bars Healthy?
Who doesn’t know the Nutri Grain bars you find at the grocery store? They’re those delicious, crunchy little bars made of whole grains and nuts that are supposedly good for you, right? However, it turns out not so much.
Here are a few reasons Nutri Grain bars may not be as healthy as you think they are
- Excess Sugar, High Fructose Corn Syrup, And Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils
Many people think that just because it’s healthy to eat whole grains like oatmeal or wheat toast, it must be good for you to eat Nutri Grain bars as well.
While Nutri-Grain bars contain some whole grains, they also contain a lot of sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and hydrogenated vegetable oils. These ingredients can offset any health benefits that whole grains might provide.
- Inclusion Of Unnecessary Ingredients
While some of the ingredients in Nutri Grain bars are healthy, like whole grains and dried fruit, there are also a lot of unnecessary ingredients like added sugars and artificial flavors. And while they may be advertised as all-natural, the ingredient list proves otherwise.
For example, one bar includes a natural maple flavor but also contains monosodium glutamate (MSG) as well as partially hydrogenated soybean oil.
- Additives Contain Questionable Ingredients
If you take a look at the list of ingredients on a Nutri Grain bar, you’ll notice that many of them are additives. Additives are substances added to food to enhance its flavor, texture, or shelf life. These preservatives can be harmful to your health and may offset any benefits you would get from eating whole grains.
Some people avoid these additives because they may be unnatural and unhealthy. In fact, artificial sweeteners have been linked to an increased risk for cancer and neurotoxicity in lab animals!
- Contains Low Protein And Fiber Content
Although Nutri Grain bars contain negligible vitamins and minerals, they lack protein and fiber. Protein and fiber are essential nutrients that help keep you feeling full and satisfied after eating.
Low-quality protein also means a reduced ability to build muscle, repair tissues, and fight inflammation. On the other hand, fiber helps with digestion and may also help regulate blood sugar levels by slowing down the release of sugar into the bloodstream.
Related Article: Are Waffles Healthy? Exploring Expert Insights for Nutritious Choices
Nutritional Value of Nutri Grain Bars
Let’s look at the nutritional value of nutri-grain bars.
Nutritional fact of kellog’s Nutri Grain bar Mixed berry – 1 bar (116 g)
| Calories | 130 |
| Total fatSaturated fat | 3 g0.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 105 mg |
| Potassium | 85 mg |
| Total carbsDietary fiberSugar | 25 g2 g13 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| CalciumIron. | 2%4% of DV. |
While Nutri-Grain bars may be marketed as a healthy snack option, they may not be as healthy as you think.
For one, they are high in sugar. In fact, a single Nutri Grain bar can have up to 16 grams of sugar. All other flavors of these bars contain the same amount of sugar – plain strawberry (12 g), blueberry (13 g), and apple cinnamon (13 g).
Nonetheless, they also often contain large amounts of artificial sweeteners like sucralose, which may provide instant energy but has been linked to liver toxicity and stomach ulcers in the long run.
Moreover, there is no ingredient in the bars rich in protein, for which the protein content is equivalent to 1 g. It is not an ideal energy snack when you are on a diet or doing heavy workouts.
Finally, the fats found in many Nutri-Grain bars are typically unhealthy saturated fats that increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Related Article: Are Ritz Crackers Healthy? Expert Insights and Tips
Side Effects of Over Consuming Nutri Grain Bars
One mixed berry Nutri Grain bar from Kellogg’s contains 13 grams of sugar! Plus, the artificial ‘blueberry’ filling contains many additives. So, imagine what if you consume 4 bars at a time every day- that’s nearly 54 grams of added sugar, which is over the limit of the daily value (25-36 grams).
Compared to the number of calories in a single bar, which is 130-140, this much sugar content is insane.
Moreover, there is an unacceptable amount of sodium content in a single bar. The American Heart Association used to recommend 2300 mg of sodium daily in a normal adult’s diet, but now they recommend 1500 mg.
Covered by the sweetness of the bars, you may feel like there is no sodium in them. But unknowingly, you are consuming the same amount of salt as compared to a salty snack.
Sugar and salt are already slow poison that leads to many short- and long-term health problems.
Some side-effects of over-consuming Nutri-Grain bars include:
- Spike in blood sugar
- Abdominal pain
- Allergic reactions
- Weight gain/ obesity
- Diabetes
- Lower immune system
- Spike in blood pressure.
You won’t see these side effects in a single day or two unless you don’t overeat these unhealthy Nutri-Grain bars.
Who Should Avoid Nutri Grain Bars
Don’t worry; Nutri-Grain bars are not fatal and won’t kill you! Since it contains many unhealthy ingredients and somewhat allergic ones, some people should eat it as little as possible or even avoid it.
- People with celiac disease or gluten intolerance should avoid eating Nutri Grain bars as they contain gluten in the form of enriched flour to obtain that chewy texture.
- Additionally, people with nut allergies should avoid them as they contain nuts.
- Those following a vegan diet may also want to stay away from these bars as they may contain animal products like milk and eggs.
- Even though Nutri-Grain bars are marketed as a healthy snack, they may not be the best choice for diabetic patients. This is because Nutri-Grain bars are high in sugar and carbs, which can cause blood sugar levels to spike. If you have diabetes, limit your Nutri Grain bar consumption to one or two bars a week.
Related Article: Are Pretzels Healthy? – Pros, Cons and Healthy Alternative
Healthy Alternatives to Nutri Grain Bars
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to Nutri-Grain bars, try making your own granola bars at home. Plenty of recipes online use healthy ingredients like oats, honey, and dried fruit. Not only are they filling, but nutritious too. With a few variations in flavor, it’s easy to make them taste just the way you want.
Meal-replacement shakes can also be an excellent option if you need something filling but don’t have time to prepare food. It takes just seconds to blend up a shake with yogurt, milk, protein powder (whey or soy), fruit, peanut butter or almond butter, and ice cubes. The options are limitless!
FAQs
Are Nutri-Grain bars good for weight loss?
Nutri Grain bars may not be the best choice if you’re trying to lose weight. Though they’re convenient and easy to eat on the go, they’re often high in sugar and calories, which can lead to weight gain. In the long run, if you continue to eat them on a daily basis, you may be able to gain weight instead of losing it.
Are Nutri-Grain bars vegan?
While many Nutri-Grain bars are vegan, some contain honey, which is a non-vegan ingredient. In addition, some of the flavors of Nutri-Grain bars contain dairy and other animal-based products.
So, it is always better to read the labels to see what ingredients are your preferred bars made of.
Are Nutri-Grain bars healthy for toddlers?
If you’re looking for a healthy snack for your toddler, Nutri Grain bars may not be the best choice. Because they’re high in sugar, the ingredients aren’t natural, there’s no nutritional value in the sugar, and they contain artificial flavors.
Moreover, they’re loaded with fats that raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. And finally, they don’t give children enough vitamins and minerals that they need to grow up strong and healthy!
Are Nutri-Grain bars good for diabetics?
While Nutri-Grain bars may be marketed as a healthy snack option, they may not be the best choice for people with diabetes. This is because Nutri-Grain bars are high in sugar and added sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to spike.
Final Thought
If you are thinking – are Nutri Grain bars healthy – it’s time to throw out Nutri-Grain bars from your regular diet. The high sugar and calorie content can offset any nutritional benefits, and the processed ingredients may not be ideal for everyone.
However, there is no harm in treating yourself with one bar once in a while. The bottom line is that there are healthier options out there than Nutri-Grain bars.
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