One out of two times, I ask that question I get that answer. The other half of the time, I get an enthusiastic “Yes!” from a Nashville hipster who loves kombucha, especially kombucha on tap locally.

Whether or not you can relate to person one or two more, I think it’s fair that I give you a brief definition of kombucha. It is not alcohol, it is not vinegar, and it is not a supplement. It is simply sweet tea fermented. Hence the word “simply.”  Kombucha is fermented tea in its most simple form, but it’s kicked up a notch when other herbal teas, natural flavors, spices, and juices are added.

Some people drink kombucha because of its health benefits; some drink it for its taste. Suppose you’re like me, you drink it for both of those reasons. Kombucha’s leading health benefits are noted in its probiotic live cultures. Probiotics are found in some fermented foods, but they are also naturally found in our bodies. The majority of them are found in our GI, more specifically the colon. Our probiotics help support a balanced gut, and a balanced gut is a healthy gut! But it is very easy for our gut to get out of balance due to its sensitivity. Our gut bacteria composition can easily be altered by the environment, smoking, age, antibiotics, and especially our diet. So, many people buy their probiotics, in the form of foods or supplements, to help restore balance in the gut. 

When it comes to food, probiotics can be found in fermented foods like sauerkraut, yogurt, kimchi, and kombucha. However, make a note, not all fermented foods contain probiotics. To be considered a probiotic, the food has to contain sufficient live bacteria that survive processing, and the bacteria that survive the processing must benefit human health.  With those requirements in mind, I have to say; not all kombuchas are created equally. Many commercial kombuchas are pasteurized, thus killing many of the live probiotics. Additionally, some companies will add in synthesized probiotics to the kombucha so they can still advertise “billions of live cultures.” 

You see, sometimes, it is just hard to know what you are getting with processed kombuchas in the big-name grocery stores. So here’s my advice, buy your komboocha locally when you can. Local products are typically less processed.

I’m happy to mention that two Nashville local brands Booch and  Walker Brothers pride themselves on no pasteurization, thus preserving the live cultures in the product! Walker Brothers sell their products online and offer free doorstep delivery in Nasvhille. Booch is sold in many local Nashville shops, like E+Wellness Café. A full list can be found on their website. You can also contact them if you’re interested in kombucha on tap. 

Speaking of “on tap,” Here are some places where you can fill up your growler and purchase kombucha on tap locally.

__Float Nashville:__ Float Nashville is a local spa and wellness place that offers kombucha on tap. For CBD fans, some of their daily selections include CBD infused kombucha.

__Turnip Truck:__ Turnip Truck is a full-service grocery store with three locations in Nashville. The East Nashville location is right in the heart of the historic Edgefield neighborhood. Here you can make use of the growler filling station for kombucha and beer.

__High Garden__, *honorable mention*: This is our very special honorable mention because though the shop on Woodland no longer exists, the High Garden legacy lives on. 

*“On March 3, 2020, a class F4 tornado pulled the shop from its roots and flew it for 100s of miles.  We like to think that it became part of nature on that fateful day.  That it burst open ready to become something anew all the while planting seeds from torn open bags of herbs that will come to life for years to come.”- Leah and Joel*

Though we can’t walk into the magical, community filled, “hobbit hole,” and fill up our growler with our favorite kombucha, we are still able to enjoy the presence of High Garden in other ways. High Garden has an online store where owners Leah and Joel sell local teas and herbal infusions. They also offer herb guidance consults in addition to different educational workshops. Leah and Joel aren’t sure what the next installment of High Garden will look like, but they’re sure it will take on a new form. As they eagerly await the vision, so do we.  


One out of two times, I ask that question I get that answer. The other half of the time, I get an enthusiastic “Yes!” from a Nashville hipster who loves kombucha, especially kombucha on tap locally.

Local Kombucha

Kombucha pour

Do you ever walk barefoot? Growing up in the South, bare feet outside the house was perceived as "country," but today, it is surprisingly a trend! Though trending, growing research shows that walking barefoot is more than just a hipster thing to do. This practice, also referred to as grounding, can be part of your wellness regimen.  All of the evidence seems to point back to the electrons on the earth's surface. Research suggests that as our body comes into contact with the negative electrons of the earth, we can reap health benefits from improved immunity, better sleep, and decreased inflammation.  This practice is called earthing. 

Grounding is a form of earthing. Earthing refers to contact with the earth's surface electrons by walking barefoot outside or sitting or working, or sleeping indoors connected to conductive systems, that transfer the energy from the ground into the body (1).  So, as you can see, earthing isn't just walking barefoot. It can be done in various ways that connect you to the earth's surface. However, walking barefoot has become the more popularized form of earthing, and with good reason. In this pandemic era, people are looking for ways to improve immunity and stay healthy. Grounding is a free, practical, and generally, safe way to potentially improve your health. There is evidence that grounding can have a significant impact on one's immune response. Take inflammation, for example. 
Inflammation is a natural immune response that occurs in the body. It is commonly associated with chronic disease; however, our inflammation triggers our bodies to fight infection, toxins, and injuries. It's our body's protective mechanism. Yet, our inflammatory response has adverse effects when it is prolonged due to smoking, alcohol, certain foods, and chronic stress. This chronic inflammation can cause our body to remain in a constant state of alert, over time, causing damage to healthy cells, tissues, and organs. Thankfully, many things can help reduce inflammation, like foods high in omega-three fatty acids and antioxidants and even GROUNDING!

That's right, walking barefoot can potentially help reduce inflammation. Here's what the science has to say. Research shows that when our skin comes into contact with the earth's surface, its electrons spread over the skin and into the body. There are numerous pathways in which these electrons can enter the body; one way is via acupuncture points. Acupuncture points are places where nerves, muscles, and connective tissue can be stimulated -  our feet are covered with them! It is hypothesized that these electrons enter the bodies and neutralize free radicals that contribute to inflammation. As a result, inflammation is reduced (2).
Here's another example! One study observed antibody concentrations in people who received a vaccination. What they found was the participants who practiced grounding had an increase in the antibody concentration, gamma globulin. This finding suggests that grounding could potentially accelerate the immune response (3). 

There is a bunch of evidence that shows how walking barefoot could offer some health benefits.  However, I do want to urge you to take precautions; grounding may not be for everyone. If you are allergic to grass, I wouldn't recommend walking barefoot outdoors. Also, if you have diabetes and experience neuropathy in your feet, grounding may not be safe. If you're wondering whether walking barefoot is the right move for you, it's always best to consult your primary doctor before hitting the grass.

Are you interested in activating the health benefits of grounding? 
You can start by walking barefoot or in your backyard, or explore the many green spaces Nashville has to offer!


Do you ever walk barefoot? Growing up in the South, bare feet outside the house was perceived as "country,"

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Local Kombucha

Bare yourself for This: The Benefits of Walking Barefoot