Why drink Kombucha Tea?
  • Drinking Kombucha promotes good health and helps millions of people with its excellent detoxifying and immune-enhancing
    qualities.   There are no known negative reactions from drinking kombu tea, except for improper brewing methods.  
  Its origins are lost in history, but in the earliest records two thousand years ago it was known as ‘the elixir of long life’.

  • Kombucha is not just a health tonic; it is a complete therapy.

  • Kombucha has proved itself to be a quite remarkable therapeutic drink, made from sweetened tea into which a Kombucha
    culture (a symbiosis of bacteria and yeasts) is placed.  It can taste similar to apple cider or a refreshing light wine, depending
    on the fermentation time and type of tea used.

  • There are at least six million Kombucha brewers world-wide.

  • Doctors, consultants, and practitioners are now recommending Kombucha to their patients.
The Western World is becoming Malnourished!

It is well recognized that a high percentage of the Western population is getting insufficient nourishment from
modern diets and, as a consequence, our health, and that of society as a whole, is suffering. Kombucha is a
food rich in vitamins and minerals which are essential to good health. Many doctors believe that supplementary
vitamins and minerals are unnecessary, saying that we get sufficient of these in a balanced diet. While that may
be true in theory, who gets a really balanced diet now? Much of the food that we purchase, even so-called fresh
food, has been grown with chemicals - herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers. After this, they are sprayed with
even more chemicals to preserve their colour and shelf life.
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Many of the fast foods that we eat are processed to the point where most of the beneficial nutrients have
disappeared altogether, leaving the meal virtually barren. The nitrogen fertilizers used in commercial
agriculture stimulate plant growth too rapidly for the uptake of the trace elements and minerals essential
for our bodies, resulting in the food lacking nutritional value. British government studies show that our
intake of essential minerals and vitamins has fallen greatly since 1936, before the chemical revolution.  
The truth is that in the Western world we are malnourished!
As Hazel Courteney tells: "Over 50,000 chemicals are either being sprayed on fruits, vegetables and
grains, or added to our food. Many of these chemicals have now entered the food chain and we are
reaping a bitter harvest. Our fruits and vegetables contain substantially less vitamins and minerals than
they did 50 years ago, sperm counts are dropping, overuse of antibiotics is causing new resistant strains
of bacteria which trigger food poisoning. What is happening today, with the tidal wave of illnesses from
heart disease, diabetes, Candida and high blood pressure to asthma and arthritis, is that our bodies are
telling us they have had enough. It is imperative that we wake up and educate ourselves and others in
ways of protecting ourselves and our planet."
Many people, including doctors and scientists, don't realize how much our immune systems are
vulnerable to the effects of sophisticated forms of pollution. There are also the chemicals added to our
food (both in farming and in food processing) that are supposed to make us enjoy them more. These are
not friendly chemicals; they destroy the body's functioning, cause allergic reactions, digestive disorders
and pollute our blood - they are poisoning us! In the worst cases, of the common prescribing of
powerful drugs like antibiotics, cortisone and steroids, the homeostatic balance of the body is disrupted.
Some people who were suffering from the side effects of these drugs believe that Kombucha therapy
was in great measure responsible for restoring their metabolic balance and health.
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Encouraging Self-Empowerment

Kombucha has helped with a wide variety of acute and chronic conditions. Some of the most enthusiastic
responses we have had to Kombucha have come from those people with difficult long-term illnesses such
as arthritis, digestive disorders, high blood pressure, poor circulation, high cholesterol and cancer, and
from older people, many of whom doctors have been unable to help. In addition, alarming numbers of
young people are developing illnesses resulting from poorly functioning immune systems, such as eczema,
acne, allergies, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME), etc.
When Kombucha was widely publicized by the media a few years ago as a trendy new health craze, of the thousands who started to brew many gave up
because they were not getting their ‘quick fix’, were not able to make a pleasant tasting drink, or because their culture failed. It is also very helpful to
know of the dozens of other applications of Kombucha. For example, Kombucha tea is excellent applied topically, as a compress, or added to the bath,
and made into an effective cream that can help to heal leg ulcers and fungal nail infections. Kombucha can also be used in food recipes, with animals, in
gardens & around the home.
Kombucha tea was known in the East, and found its way across Russia in the 1800s, becoming widely established as an effective folk medicine in many
rural communities. In the 1950s, it surfaced dramatically when Soviet doctors discovered whole communities which had apparently been protected from
dangerous environmental pollution by a nutritious drink called ‘tea-kwass’ or Kombucha tea.
There are some over-sensational claims for Kombucha’s benefits as a panacea for all ills, to is not. It is difficult, in a symptom-based medical system, for
people not to expect a cure for their specific illness, rather than seek an understanding of the underlying causes of that illness or imbalance. The human
body constantly seeks health and balance, but when it has been abused for many years, this balance is compromised. Once brought back to strength
through detoxification, improved functioning and an enhanced immune system, the body can initiate its own natural mechanisms for healing.
Kombucha - a Nutritious Food
The Kombucha beverage should be regarded principally as a food unusually rich in nutritive properties, rather than just a health drink. As in
yogurt, the bacteria are a great source of nutrition, but in addition Kombucha has a wide range of organic acids, vitamins and enzymes that give
it its extraordinary value. It contains the range of B vitamins, particularly B1, B2, B6 and B12, that provide the body with energy, help to
process fats and proteins, and which are vital for the normal functioning of the nervous system. There is also vitamin C which is a potent
detoxifier, immune booster and enhancer of vitality.
Tea and Sugar's Role in Kombucha
Tea (Camilla sinesis) is very nutritious, especially in its unfermented green form. It is high in fluorides and has anti-carcinogenic properties; it
provides nitrogen, minerals, vitamins, and other substances essential for nutrition, and promotes the growth of the micro-organisms and the
cellular construction of the Kombucha culture. Green tea is also high in vitamin C.
Sugar plays an essential part in Kombucha's brewing process, providing a nutrient solution for the culture, assisting in the feeding and
respiration of the micro-organisms, and activating the yeasts. It also gets the fermentation process going. The yeast cells make certain organic
acids, vitamins and supplementary yeasts, while the bacteria produce carbonation, ethanol and other organic acids. The bacteria break down the
sugars into acetic acid and carbon dioxide.
How Does Kombucha Work?
Kombucha is an effective metabolic balancer (helping the various organs work together), probiotic (supporting the beneficial bacteria),
adaptogen (balancing processes that get out of kilter) and detoxifier. The probiotic case for Kombucha is that it encourages healthier intestinal
flora by introducing lactic acid-producing bacteria. These work in a similar way to acidophilus bacteria, the active ingredient in live yogurt. An
old saying, ‘healthy gut, healthy body,’ puts it simply. The acidity level of the gut is all-important, as is the health of its microbial flora which
play a crucial role in the functioning of the whole body.
Bacteroides and Bifidobacteria
The bacteria in the intestines can be divided into two main types;1 the less acid-forming bacteroides are responsible for the decaying matter in
the colon; elderly people tend to have more gastric disorders; these stem from a low hydrochloric acid production in the stomach, creating
more room for fungi and parasites to take hold; bacteroides are encouraged by a diet high in fats and proteins.
The more acidic ones, called bifidobacteria, are more beneficial because they produce essential organic acids, such as acetic, lactic and folic
acids, which raise the acidity of the intestines, preventing invading pathogens from taking hold. In addition, by keeping down the bacteroides
population, they discourage the putrefaction from becoming toxic. The bifidobacteria are favoured by a diet high in carbohydrate, fiber and
lactose-vegetarian food and are more common in individuals who were breast-fed as babies. They are also assisted by drinking Kombucha tea.

Kombucha – a Nutritious Food
Kombucha culture has a wide range of organic acids, vitamins and enzymes that give it its extraordinary value. It contains the range of B
vitamins, particularly B1, B2, B6 and B12, that provide the body with energy, help to process fats and proteins, and which are vital for the
normal functioning of the nervous system. There is also vitamin C which is a potent detoxifier, immune booster and enhancer of vitality.
Probiotic Organic Acids
There are two organic acids produced by Kombucha culture which encourage the activity of the resident bifidobacteria, thus restoring a healthy
balance with the bacteroides:
Lactic acid which is essential for healthy digestive action (through its derivative lactobacilli) and for energy production by the liver, and is not
found in the tissues     of people with cancer.
Acetic acid which is an antiseptic and inhibitor of pathogenic bacteria.
Kombucha’s Vital Organic Acids
Other valuable organic acids produced by the Kombucha culture, some of which have a more direct effect on other organs include:

Glucuronic acid, normally produced by a healthy liver, is a powerful detoxifier and can readily be converted into glucosamines,
the foundations of our skeletal system.
Usnic acid has selective antibiotic qualities which can partly deactivate viruses.
Citric acid is an antiascorbic.
Oxalic acid encourages the intercellular production of energy, and is a preservative.
Malic acid also helps the liver to detoxify.
Gluconic acid is a sugar product which can break down to caprylic acid to work symbiotically with —
Butyric acid (produced by the yeast) protects human cellular membranes, and combined with Gluconic acid which is produced by
the bacteria,strengthens the walls of the gut in order to combat yeast infections such as Candida.
Nucleic acids, like RNA and DNA, transmit information to the cells on how to perform correctly and regenerate.

A product of the oxidation process of glucose – glucuronic acid – is one of the more significant constituents of Kombucha culture. As a
detoxifying agent, it has come into its own today in our highly polluted world. It is one of the few agents that can cope with the pollutive
products of the petroleum industry, including all the plastics, herbicides, pesticides and resins. It ‘kidnaps’ the phenols in the liver which are
then eliminated easily by the kidneys. Another byproduct of glucuronic acid are the glucosamines, the structures associated with cartilage,
collagen and the fluids which lubricate the joints. Collagen reduces wrinkles, while arthritis sufferers have their deficient cartilage and joint
fluids replenished.
Amino acids, which are constituents of proteins, produce important enzymes, such as glutathione a powerful antioxidant which provides
protection from alcohol and pollution, and which is depleted by drug regimes.

Sugar, Yeast and Tea
When Kombucha tea is made correctly, all the sugars are fully converted into organic acids during fermentation, enabling Kombucha tea culture
to be is safely drunk by diabetics and Candida sufferers. Also the yeasts found in the Kombucha culture do not stimulate the Candida yeasts as
they are of a different type; Candida sufferers have therefore often found considerable relief in taking Kombucha. Black or green tea may be
used as a nutrient for the culture, but as green tea has anti-carcinogenic properties, is beneficial to the heart and blood circulation and is
particularly nutritious, it is preferable to use.
Balancing the Body

Metabolic balancing is perhaps the most important function of Kombucha. This is one reason why it is not symptom specific – why it does not
always help a specific immune-related illness, but rather seems to go to a person’s own weakness or personal imbalance. Such a substance
which has no specific harmful effect is called an adaptogen.  Kombucha’s adaptogen effect is seen mostly through its influence on the liver, the
blood and the digestive system, where it normalizes the acidity or pH.
The Acidity Factor
Human metabolism depends on the acid-alkaline balance which is constantly responding to the food that we eat, the air that we breathe, and to
our emotional state. The body has a remarkable balancing system that maintains the different organs at the pH level each requires for health. A
cell’s pH balance is disturbed by toxins, which create more acidity. The body gets rid of toxic acids by various means. One is through breathing
– that is why deep breathing is so therapeutic – it makes the blood more alkaline. Another is by flushing out – one of Kombucha’s roles is to
flush out the toxins through the kidneys.
The Liver Filters Toxins
The liver is vital to life; it has the ability to restore itself and has many functions – to assist digestion, to store important vitamins and minerals,
to metabolize proteins, fats and carbohydrates to provide energy for the body, to recycle red blood cells, and remove toxins from the body.
Because of its role in pH regulation and of its detoxifying acids, Kombucha is a valuable restorative of liver function.
Blood – Brings Life to the whole Body
When blood gets too alkaline calcium tends to crystallize out of the blood solution.  These crystals are deposited near the joints, causing joint
tenderness, arthritis, rheumatism and allergies. Older people’s blood becomes more alkaline, which can affect their circulation, oxygenation and
energy. An acidic blood condition can lead to diabetes where fat and protein wastes are not being discharged. Another acidic condition results in
adrenal depletion and general exhaustion.
Conventionally, blood is thought to be sterile. But through his dark-field microscope research, Professor Gunther Enderlein has shown that it is
teeming with microbiological life. Normally these micro-organisms are in a mutually beneficial symbiotic state of balance but, for example, the
lowering of the oxygen content of the blood, nutritional deficiency and toxicity may lead to the development of pathogenic microbial flora which
can result in disease in other organs of the body. These micro-organisms can travel freely between the blood plasma which surrounds the blood
cells, and the interstitial fluid which surrounds the fixed tissue cells of the body.6 Kombucha is known to have a balancing effect of the pH of
the blood which is likely to make it less hospitable to pathogenic bacteria.

Contamination and Toxicity

It is important to remember that Kombucha has a home-brewing safety track record of two millennia. Contamination of the culture by moulds
is not a problem if normal standards of kitchen hygiene are observed and if the ambient temperature of the fermentation is adequate. If it
occurs, the culture and brew are disposed of, just as one would a moldy tomato paste. Kombucha tea has its own protection against pathogens,
as it contains an antibiotic and, containing acetic acid (vinegar) it is self-protecting. Those who mention toxicity in connection with Kombucha
misunderstand the nature of what is called a ‘healing crisis’ – the discomfort experienced with rapid detoxification of the liver. Kombucha is a
powerful detoxifier and we always recommend anyone who begins taking Kombucha starts with a small amount to avoid any discomfort,
gradually building up to the normal dose of 150 mls (one wineglass) three times a day.

Research on Kombucha’s Benefits

There is an extensive literature (some 300 books and research papers) dealing with the analysis of Kombucha Tea and its therapeutic effects.
The independent medical research has been conducted principally in Russia and in Germany over the whole of the present century. Among early
reports were those listing the benefits of Kombucha for stomach, digestive and intestinal disorders. One of the most famous of the later
researchers was Dr. Rudolf Sklenar of Oberhessen who recognized the detoxifying properties of glucuronic acid in Kombucha for removing
waste matter such as cholesterol and toxic deposits. He developed a biological cancer therapy based on Kombucha, and it is his recipe which is
still generally used today and for the production of the commercially bottled brew. He became a champion for the remedy, which he found
helped invigorate the entire glandular system and the metabolism. He successfully treated arthritis, constipation, obesity, arteriosclerosis,
impotence, kidney stones, rheumatism, gout and significantly, cancer, especially in its early stages.
The Importance of Polysaccharides in Cancer and Digestive Disorders
Sugars also play a part as polysaccharides, which form the fundamental connective tissue of all human organs. Their ability to cope with
metabolic waste products is a crucial part of a healthy body. The Japanese have conducted interesting research with these substances within
the area of immune-therapeutics, very much the domain of Kombucha therapy. These tests focus on the role of polysaccharides which are
found in Kombucha and their positive effect on macrophages and T-cells. One trial showed that the survival rate in cancer sufferers given
polysaccharides was twice that of patients undergoing conventional treatment. A German naturopathic clinic in Gaggenau, Germany, did trials
which showed the curative effects of polysaccharides on gastro-intestinal ailments as well as cancers.

By obtaining your own kombucha culture or kombucha tea you can start your own detoxifying program or simply use it as a daily health tonic.  
Traditional, Kombucha is used for aiding the body in detoxifying the body, maintaining metabolic balance, but it is said to also promote overall
wellbeing throughout the body.  People from all parts of the world use it as a general daily health tonic.
Use before meals to lose weight, after meals to gain weight.

Anahata Balance has freshly brewed and bottled organic Kombucha tea, organic basic and deluxe starter kits, mushroom extract available.  We
brew this tea ourselves, guarantying fresh and strong brew each batch.
Start brewing your own daily tonic at home with one of our starter kits.  Cost less than $1 per gallon batch, a bit more for organic ingredients,
to keep a continual batch of tea brewing!

Kombucha tea and cultures bought through Anahata Balance website is guarantied to be from organic sources, free from harmful pathogens,
and is bottled fresh, after you place your order, for purity and quality control.  Our tea is brewed and processed at a state licensed facility
through the Michigan State Agriculture and Food department to insure that the kombucha tea or kombucha culture starter kit you receive is in
compliance with health regulations and made under sanitary conditions.  
Because of this freshness guaranty our tea may take up to 2 to 7 days before shipment is made.

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