ABPA - Kombucha fungus

Question

Hello,

can self-made Kombucha (a beverage from tea and also the Kombucha fungus) at home be envetually a problem for a CF patient with ABPA (allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis) ?
The fungus is only be covered in a glas with a slide of paper towel.
Many thanks in advance.

Answer

Hello,

in general there are no objections against the intake of self-made Kombucha in case of CF and ABPA, as it is taken as a beverage and is not inhaled. In case of inappropriate handling it is possible that mould fungi from the air can settle down on the so-called Kombucha fungus, whereby the beverage is spoiled.
Essential for the growth of mould fungi (i.a. aspergillus) is a too high pH-value (over 4.6). Therefore, when steeping one should pay attention to a pH-value below 4.6. If this is not the case, you could add some vinegar. The prepared beverage should have a pH-value of 3-3.5, on which most mould fungi are not able to grow anymore. Medical dipsticks are available in every pharmacy.
I consider the high alcohol content in self-made Kombucha of up to 3 vol.% to be detrimental in case of liver involvement of the illness of CF.
The intake of manufactured Kombucha is comparatively beneficial concerning the alcohol content (up to 0.5 vol-%) and because of pasteurization. The beverage is pasteurized in the end stage of the production, so that germs (mould fungi and unfortunately also so-called probiotic cultures) are destroyed. The antioxidative effect stays however and is comparable to other fermentation drinks (kefir, kwass(bread drink) and milksour vegetable juices).
I hope to have answered your questions herewith,

Yours sincerely,
S. van Dullemen

30.04.2014