### Kombucha and Rheumatoid Arthritis: What You Need to Know Kombucha is a fermented tea that has gained popularity for its potential health benefits, including boosting the “good” bacteria in your gut. However, if you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you should be cautious about drinking kombucha. #### What is Kombucha? Kombucha is made by fermenting sweetened black or green tea with a type of acid called acetic acid. This process creates a drink that contains live bacteria and yeast, which are types of probiotics. Probiotics are also found in other foods like yogurt and kefir, and they are available in pill form as dietary supplements. #### Potential Benefits Proponents of kombucha claim that it helps restore the balance of good and bad bacteria in your digestive tract, which can lead to better digestion and other health benefits. Some studies suggest that probiotics can lower signs of inflammation in the body, which could be beneficial for people with RA. #### Risks and Concerns However, kombucha is not federally regulated, so it’s hard to know exactly what each drink contains. Experts advise caution because kombucha is essentially a mix of bacteria and yeast, and it’s important to be careful with that. There have been no controlled studies in humans that show kombucha helps with any health condition, including RA. #### Interaction with RA Medications If you are taking prescription drugs for RA, such as biologics, be aware that these medications suppress your immune system to reduce inflammation. This means you may be at higher risk of infections, and some doctors have reported severe infections in people with weakened immune systems who took probiotic supplements. #### Safety Tips If you decide to try kombucha, it’s safer to buy it from a store rather than making it at home, where the mix of microbes can be unpredictable. Also, kombucha made in ceramic pots has led to cases of lead poisoning. #### Protect Your Teeth Kombucha contains acetic acid, which can erode tooth enamel. To protect your teeth, drink kombucha with a straw or rinse your mouth with water after drinking. #### Dietary Recommendations Instead of relying solely on kombucha, consider making broader dietary changes to lower inflammation and improve your gut health. Drink more water, eat more fruits and vegetables, and include fiber-rich foods like whole-grain bread in your diet. Avoid overly processed foods. Healthy bacteria thrive on fiber, so gradually adding more fiber to your diet can help improve your gut health and potentially ease RA symptoms. Remember, there isn’t one magic food that will fix rheumatoid arthritis, but slow and steady dietary changes can make a difference.