DRINKS TO SUPPORT GUT HEALTH
6 min read/1400 words
Alright, so by now, you probably know that gut health is a big deal, right? But did you know that what you drink can have a massive impact on keeping your gut in tip-top shape? Today, I’m gonna spill the tea, quite literally, on the top 5 drinks to support gut health.
Table of Contents
Why Gut Health Matters
Keeping your gut healthy is vital to keep your whole self healthy.
Your gut is linked to just about every other system throughout your body, so naturally, taking care of it will care for those other systems, too. From boosting your immune system to influencing your mental health, a happy gut means a happier you.
If your gut is unbalanced(you can check the signs of an unhealthy gut here), don’t fret. It’s not too late to turn things around. With some targeted steps and focus areas, you can turn your gut health around.
One way to lend your digestion a hand is with what you put in your cup.
The Science Behind Gut-Healthy Drinks
While water is hands down the best drink you can put in your cup, there are others that can help give your gut a healthy boost. With ingredients like probiotics, prebiotics, and anti-inflammatory properties that help balance your gut flora and improve digestion.
- Probiotics contain live microorganisms that help maintain and improve the balance of the healthy or “good” bacteria in your gut.
- Prebiotics or resistant starches that are difficult for your body to digest work to feed the healthy bacteria or probiotics so they can survive and do their job.
- Anti-inflammatory properties help reduce inflammation because of their high antioxidant levels.
Now, on to the good stuff. Here are the top five drinks to support gut health.
5 Top Drinks to Support Gut Health
1. Kombucha
Kombucha is a fermented tea packed with probiotics. These friendly bacteria help improve digestion, boost your immune system, and detoxify your body.
Health benefits: probiotics, detoxification, aids digestion
When choosing kombucha, look for brands that are low in sugar and high in natural ingredients.
Cheers to a fizzy, gut-friendly drink!
2. Kefir
Kefir is a fermented milk drink that’s rich in probiotics and vitamins. It’s like a supercharged yogurt that’s great for your gut.
Health benefits: high probiotic content, calcium, vitamins C, A, B, and K
Drink it straight, add it to smoothies, or use it in your favorite recipes. One cool thing to note here is that Kefir is lower in lactose, making it a great drink for my fellow lactose-intolerant folks.
Your gut will thank you for the extra dose of beneficial bacteria.
3. Ginger Tea
Ginger is a powerhouse when it comes to gut health. It has anti-inflammatory properties and helps with digestion.
It’s so simple to make ginger tea at home; just steep some fresh ginger slices in hot water, add a bit of honey, if desired, and squeeze in a little lemon juice. Sip after meals for the most benefit.
Health benefits: eases nausea, anti-inflammatory, potassium, magnesium, zinc
Drink daily for maximum benefit!
4. Bone Broth
Bone broth is full of nutrients like collagen and amino acids that support your gut lining and digestion.
You can make it at home by simmering bones with veggies and herbs or grab a high-quality store-bought version.
Health benefits: hydration, stimulates stomach acid, increases beneficial bacteria in the gut, anti-inflammatory
It’s a cozy, nourishing drink that’s perfect for any time of day.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar Drink
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) promotes gut health with its acidity and probiotic content.
To make an ACV drink, mix 1-2 tablespoons of ACV with a glass of water. Add a bit of honey or lemon for taste. Drink it before meals to aid digestion.
Health benefits: detoxifies live, lower blood sugar levels, reduces bloating, heartburn, nausea, promotes gut-friendly bacteria growth
Be mindful, however, when consuming. You’ll want to drink this only occasionally. Too much can exacerbate digestive issues, damage tooth enamel, and potentially cause potassium levels to drop too low.
Tips for Incorporating Gut-Healthy Drinks into Your Routine
Making these drinks a regular part of your routine can be easy and fun.
Adding these gut-healthy drinks to your daily routine doesn’t have to be a chore. Here are some practical tips to help you seamlessly integrate them into your lifestyle:
- Start Your Day with a Boost: Kickstart your morning with a glass of kombucha or kefir. These refreshing drinks pack a probiotic punch that sets a positive tone for your gut health for the rest of the day.
- Post-Meal Ritual: Make it a habit to enjoy a cup of ginger tea after your meals. It aids digestion and can help soothe any post-meal discomfort. Plus, it’s a cozy way to end your meal.
- Midday Snack: Swap out your usual snacks with a warm cup of bone broth. It’s filling, nutritious, and great for your gut. You can prep a big batch and store it in the fridge for a quick and easy snack option.
- Pre-Meal ACV Drink: Incorporate an apple cider vinegar drink into your pre-meal routine. Mixing 1-2 tablespoons of ACV in a glass of water with a splash of honey or lemon juice can help prime your digestive system for the meal ahead.
- Mix and Match: Don’t feel like you have to drink all five every single day. Rotate them based on what feels right for you. Maybe start with kombucha on Monday, ginger tea on Tuesday, and so on. Listen to your body and see what works best.
- Get Creative: Incorporate these drinks into your recipes. Use kefir in your smoothies, add ginger tea to your cooking water for grains, or use bone broth as a base for soups and stews. The more you mix it up, the less likely you are to get bored.
- Consistency is Key: The benefits of these drinks come with consistent use. Try to incorporate at least one gut-healthy drink into your daily routine and build from there. Your gut will thank you for the steady supply of nutrients and probiotics.
See what I’m saying? Incorporating drinks to support gut health doesn’t have to be difficult.
Conclusion
There you have it—five amazing drinks to support gut health and help you feel your best. By making these drinks a part of your daily routine, you’re taking a significant step toward better digestion, a stronger immune system, and overall improved well-being.
Remember, the journey to a healthy gut doesn’t have to be complicated. Small, consistent changes can lead to significant improvements over time. Start with one drink and gradually incorporate more into your routine. Your gut health is vital to your overall health, so treat it with the care it deserves.
Have you tried any of these drinks? Do you have any other favorites that help your gut feel great?
Next Steps
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Stay healthy, friends!
