Interview with John Leith, creator of Hemp Oz Kombucha
Tell us About Finding Out You Had Type 2 Diabetes?
When I first learned I had Type 2 Diabetes, I was utterly devastated! It was a major turning point in my life. I desperately wanted to get my life back, so I followed the doctor’s orders, took medication, but I felt awful.
So, when the doctor suggested an alternative treatment – combining the superfood Hemp and the trendy fermented tea drink, Kombucha – I put aside my own scepticism and decided to try it.
I made my own hemp kombucha at home and drank 1 litre every day. Within a few weeks, I felt so much better. My diabetes symptoms literally went away. My blood pressure and glucose levels were better. Everything was better! My doctor was surprised that the treatment had been so effective. And I couldn’t believe everybody else wasn’t onto it!! Most people had heard of kombucha but few knew hemp was a perfectly legal superfood!!
When you consider that Type 2 Diabetes is the fastest growing condition affecting other 1.3 million Australians, I knew I needed to spread the word and help as many people as I can.
What Was It Like Being Part of the Medicine or Myth Program?
I was thrilled to be part of the new SBS program Medicine or Myth. I wanted to share my story and hopefully help other people with Type 2 Diabetes. If my hemp kombucha recipe could be tested in a clinical trial, it would validate what I experienced for myself.
Meeting the amazing Dr Charlie Teo, Dr Ginnie Mansberg and Professor Ashraful Haque was such a humbling experience. It’s so refreshing to see the medical community open to alternative, natural health, and being willing to invest in independent clinical studies.
It’s vital for health products to be 100% evidence-based and give consumers the assurance that the product does what it says it will do.
What is So Special about Hemp Kombucha?
I believe my Hemp Oz Kombucha is so amazing because firstly, it’s fresh, unpasteurised kombucha, so the live probiotics stay happy and healthy inside the bottle and are more effective when they reach your gut. Probiotics support a healthy gut microbiome, which regulates other parts of your body too, like your blood glucose levels. But the boost of hemp oil takes it to the next level.
Researchers are finding that hempseed is amazing for heart health and can reduce blood pressure, thanks to its perfect ratio of Omega 3:6 and 9. Scientist also think it can have a greater synergistic effect when combined with fermented foods like kombucha.
This drink the world’s best kept secret. I can honestly say Hemp Kombucha changed my life.
When I found Hemp Kombucha worked for my diabetes symptoms, I was so inspired. I knew it would make a world of difference and I wanted to make it available for everyone. I was really proud to create Australia’s first Hemp Kombucha and even more proud when everybody loved it! Over 250 retailers, cafes and chemists now stock my Hemp Oz Kombucha and starter kits, including Flannerys wholefoods.
Remember to first consult your doctor to see if this might help you.
View John sharing his Hemp Kombucha live on SBS, Medicine or Myth and find out what the panel of experts think. Monday 1st July 8.30pm, SBS
