Digestive problems? A drink similar to beer will solve the problem, doctors from Brno are testing it
A slightly sparkling fermented drink with beneficial effects on the human body is becoming a reality in Brno. Specialists from the Bohunice University Hospital are currently testing a specific drink that tastes like cider, wine or prosecco. Czech kombucha Loklok received a grant from the European Union for a clinical study related to the so-called colorectal project, the research at the Brno University Hospital started already at the beginning of this year.
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A sparkling drink similar to beer, cider or prosecco. This is how you can describe the fermented drink called Loklok, whose effects on the human body are now being tested by experts from the Bohunice University Hospital.
| Photo: courtesy of Loklok
It took the manufacturer over two years to create a unique formula. A special type of fermented tea contains a bacterial strain that achieves statistically proven results in a positive effect on Crohn’s disease, diabetes, cholesterol levels or digestive problems such as gastroenteritis. “The study will monitor whether drinking Loklok, i.e. a therapeutic intervention with a drink, can help people who are awaiting surgical intervention of the digestive tract, such as partial removal of the intestine. This is a very strict test in demanding conditions,” explained the head of Loklok, Michal Ďuriník.
The research is to show how kombucha can help patients with preparation for the procedure, but also with subsequent regeneration. The study is so-called double-blind. So the patients have no idea whether they are getting a fermented drink or a placebo, and neither do the hospital staff who care for them. The researchers thus want to prevent a possible distortion of the results due to subjective influences. “Last year, the preparatory phase took place, and now, since January, the first participants in the study have been receiving the monitored kombucha drink, or a drink without probiotic culture as a placebo in the comparison group. Then they prepare for surgery. We plan to include sixty patients in the study, half with the monitored drink and half with a placebo,” said Tomáš Grolich, a doctor on behalf of the Brno University Hospital.
The tested kombucha contains a probiotic culture of Bacillus coagulans and other ingredients with possible antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Therefore, this drink is studied from the point of view of multiple functions, from the adjustment of the bacterial composition of the digestive tract with an effect on digestion problems, through the improvement of psychological functions, to preventive anti-tumor effects. “It is precisely the task of similar studies in the near future to objectively verify these possible effects in different groups of people with certain difficulties,” added Grolich. The recruitment of patients will continue at least until the middle of the year, the goal of the experts will be the subsequent processing of the results.
Unlike other kombuchas, the drink of Czech production does not need to be stored in the refrigerator. Under normal conditions, the explosiveness of an unrefrigerated fermented drink often exceeds that of even beer. “This unique feature gives us greater options in supply and logistics. We managed not only to preserve all its valuable substances and probiotics, but we even improved its health benefits. However, research and development continues, as the potential of this drink is far from being fully exploited. Loklok kombucha can improve the intestinal microbiome, which is the basis of a healthy body. To a large extent, the immune system resides in it,” explained Ďuriník.
The original live culture, which ferments the tea from the very beginning and which the producer uses to this day, is currently of a size incomparable to the first fermentation. “We call her Vilma and her efficiency is admirable, as she manages to produce tens of thousands of bottles a month. With each new fermentation batch Vilma will grow a new layer, similar to the rings of trees, so it is now huge and very heavy. Customers can also take home a piece of Vilma with a complete production set and start a new hobby, which will also create their own kombucha,” enticed creator Michal Ďuriník.
