As a four year Colitis and Crohn’s fighter, I can honestly say I’ve tried a wide variety of medications, supplements, alternative therapies, foods, beverages, and just about any concoction that’s recommended by anyone and everyone. So when I heard of a new kombucha being made right here in Louisville, my heart skipped a beat.
If you haven’t heard of them yet, please let me introduce you to Elixir Kombucha:
Lavender Lemonade, Blueberry Pomegranate, Watermelon Jalapeno, & Pineapple Ginger.
This past week I met one of the owners, Ryan Cheong, as he kindly delivered their four flavors right to my door. What a kind guy, right? Not only is he kind, but he and his business partners (Corey & Danielle Wood) started brewing kombucha to help cure their individual family health issues ranging from ulcerative colitis to Sjogren’s disease.
Soon after they started brewing with their SCOBY (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast), they learned that kombucha, historically referred to as “The Immortal Health Elixir,” also helped relieve symptoms in their loved ones. Together, they began experimenting with flavors, honing their craft, and started whipping up some tasty flavors. Fast forward three years to today, they believed it was time to share this delicious drink not only with their family and friends, but with the world. Filled with passion and a tasty beverage, ELIXIR Kombucha was born in the wonderfully weird city of Louisville, KY. Aren’t we so lucky to have them?
Their “Louisville Cultured” kombucha, is “raw, local, & weird.” ELIXIR Kombucha is made with a live culture, and is packed with nutrients including probiotics, digestive enzymes and antioxidants. They handcraft their brew in small batches to ensure the best quality buch. ELIXIR Kombucha is brewed and bottled in Louisville, Kentucky and is a Kentucky Proud beverage. Yay, life!
Meet the crew that brings you this magical ELIXIR:
(L-R; Ryan Cheong, Danielle Wood, and Corey Wood)
More about Crohn’s & Kombucha:
Crohn’s is an inflammatory disease of the intestines that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. It is thought that Crohn’s disease is an autoimmune disease, in which the body’s immune system attacks the gastrointestinal tract, causing inflammation. In most Crohn’s patients, the condition produces stomach pains, diarrhea, vomiting, or weight loss. It can also create problems outside the gastrointestinal tract such as skin rashes, arthritic pains, inflamed eyes, tiredness, and issues with concentration.
The connection between Crohn’s disease and Kombucha is not completely clear. However, the beneficial qualities of Kombucha tea have been well documented for a full century, mostly by German medical research of Crohn’s. Their results found that Kombucha is helpful in cases of digestive disturbances, constipation, hemorrhoids, kidney stones, gall bladder problems, and inflammatory bowel diseases.
* I cannot personally guarantee that drinking Kombucha will help improve Crohn’s disease, but I can vouch for Kombucha as a long time consumer of Kentucky Kombucha and GT’s Kombucha. I believe that Kombucha has helped me along with my digestive issues. It is not a magic potion, I advise anyone to work with their doctor and other trained medical professionals to resolve their issues.
Kombucha tea has many beneficial qualities. Not only does Kombucha help to introduce friendly intestinal flora for proper digestion, but it can also help the body to release and eliminate toxins and boost your immune system, allowing the body to begin to heal itself. Some people are known to drink Kombucha when a digestive upset occurs; this is where Kombucha can be useful for Crohn’s patients and possibly bring them some kind of relief. *It is always important to speak to your Gastroenterologists and tell him/her that you are drinking Kombucha. In some cases, your medical professional may advise you to avoid ingesting this substance.
Anita says
I have tasted two Elixir flavors and love them! I am a cousin to Corey but I would say the same even if not a relative ;) Great work guys!
Anita says
I enjoyed trying the Elixir Blackberry Lemonade, and I’m sure these drinks can help me. I have mild Diverticulitis and have to watch what I injest. Great job guys! Best of luck.
Nancy