Is Kombucha All That It's Cracked Up to Be? Many people love the taste of Kombucha and advocate the use of its powerful probiotics. But there are also some downsides. 1. If not stored properly, it can cause foodborne illness because it has live bacteria and yeast. 2. Many of the health claims are not backed by research. 3. Buying pasteurized brands provides zero benefit, as the bacteria is killed off. 4. Homebrewed batches are often not sterile and can make you sick. 5. Adverse effects have been reported by the Mayo Clinic, including upset stomach, infections and allergic reactions. While some health benefits have been documented, many of the results have only been examined under a microscope in a laboratory. Torey Armul, registered dietitian nutritionist for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, via 'HealthDay'
