March 19, 2007

A Little Bacteria Might Save You.
I Said "Might!"
Feng Shui and the Power Panty
Feng Shui and the Power Panty

Most people don’t believe that bacteria and food mix particularly well together. I would tend to agree except in a few instances, Kombucha being one of them.

Before I go into my obsessed ramblings about this wonder drink that, I have to say, I am absolutely addicted to (in a good way), I will give you the basic details. Kombucha (kom-BOO-cha) is a raw, fermented, handmade tea from China that is filled with naturally-occurring active enzymes (like those you might find in yogurt), probiotics, amino acids, antioxidants, and polyphenols. It is said to help with digestion, metabolism regulation, immune system bolstering, appetite and weight control, liver function and the health of your skin, hair and cells. Is this not gold? Is it not the anti-aging elixir that scientists have been attempting to recreate? Why are we not shouting Kombucha’s praises from the rooftops?! Okay, a bit carried away maybe, but just wait until I give you the even more staggering stats!

Probiotics (translates to “for life” in Greek) are microorganisms that monitor the immune system and digestive track, keeping bad bacteria out and upping the amount of the good bacteria that wards off illness and maintains a healthy system. Studies have shown that those who consume probiotics are two and a half times less likely to call in sick and more likely to keep the whole bowel movement process swift and regular. Umm, that’s a good thing you know!

Because I have the tendency to push my addictions and neuroses on all who surround me, you are in store for a slew of very exciting new things to try!

So back to Kombucha. The suggested use is one bottle a day and I follow that prescription to the word (not that there are very many words in “one bottle a day”). I admit that I get a little crazed if I am ever deprived of my favorite obsession, so I hoard it. Now, the stuff tastes a tad like vinegar and it has little bacteria floaters that stick to the bottom until gently shaken, which causes a slight agitation to the naturally occurring carbonation, which tends to bubble up when the cap is first unfastened…BUT, you’ve got to take the benefits into consideration, plus the fact that the average serving contains only 35 calories and 7g of carbohydrates. And, you know what, even with the hint of vinegar and all, the stuff is seriously tasty!

Get it at your natural food market, but don’t even try to buy it at mine, I already hit them up for all they’ve got. Stick with one bottle a day for two weeks before you even consider giving it up. Then get back to me on how you feel. Oh, one more small detail, each drink is around $3 a pop. But hey, if a daily dose keeps my waist trim, the doctor as far away as possible and satiates my sugar cravings, that’s fabulous!!!