Powerful Probiotic Drink Recipes to Heal Your Gut
Maintaining
the health of your gut is probably the number one thing you can do for your
overall health. While you might think your gut is in perfect shape, it may not
be! After all, the body is an integrated ecosystem, so imbalances in one area
of the body can manifest themselves in an entirely different area.
Researchers
are becoming increasingly aware that an unhealthy gut can compromise things
like immunity, cognitive function, healthy weight, hormonal balance and much
more. One of the easiest things you can do to heal your gut is to add
beneficial bacteria, known as probiotics, to your daily diet.
Here’s why:
Enjoy Greater Immunity
Surprisingly,
80% of our immune system is located in our digestive system! That means by
boosting gut health, we naturally boost our immunity too.
Many studies
have shown that regular intake of probiotics has a positive effect on immune
health. Even when our bodies are under extreme pressure probiotics can give us
a much needed boost, with research showing that long-distance runners who
supplement with probiotics enjoy greater immune function.
Treat Inflammation
Chronic inflammation
in the body is linked to a multitude of illnesses like asthma, allergies, heart
disease, cancer, premature aging and more. Probiotics may actually help quell
this excess inflammation and prevent or improve its associated conditions.
One study,
carried out in Ireland, found that certain probiotic bacteria can help treat
patients with inflammatory conditions such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, psoriasis
and ulcerative colitis.
Reduce Blood Pressure
A review of
nine studies has shown a definite link between consuming beneficial bacteria
and lower blood pressure levels – something that should be of particular
interest to the one in three Americans suffering with hypertension.
Lower Cholesterol
Probiotics
may be one of the many foods and drinks that can help lower cholesterol,
according to a study of middle-aged men. They found that a daily fermented milk
drink (a natural source of probiotics) reduced total cholesterol and LDL
(‘bad’) cholesterol levels by 6% and 10% respectively.
It should be
noted that not all studies have achieved these positive results, leading researchers
to think that only certain strains of the bacteria are effective at reducing
cholesterol.
Improve Learning and Memory
The brain and
gastrointestinal system share an intimate connection – known as the brain-gut
axis – which is why a healthy gut leads to a healthy brain. In one piece of research,
healthy women given a probiotic-rich yogurt for four weeks displayed improved
brain function when compared to either the placebo or control groups.
Boost Mood
The brain-gut
axis may explain why probiotics have been found to help fight depression and
anger too. In a study carried out in the Netherlands, scientists discovered
that participants who took probiotics had a significant reduction in negative
and aggressive thoughts.
Alleviate IBS
Some
probiotics can alleviate the inflammatory and digestive symptoms associated
with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) according to a review of 19 studies. These
friendly bacteria may also maintain remission of Crohn’s Disease and avoid the
recurrence of pouchitis – a complication of the surgery used to treat
ulcerative colitis.
Prevent or Treat Diarrhea
Taking probiotics
increases the ‘good’ bugs in your system, which work to crowd out the ‘bad’
ones – the ones that lead to diarrhea and other stomach problems. It’s no
surprise then that several studies have found probiotics shorten the course of
diarrhea in sufferers, particularly those with antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
It’s also a
good idea to load up on probiotics before traveling, as they are a safe and
effective way to prevent infectious diarrhea, says an analysis of 23 trials.
Cure Urinary Tract Infections
Some research
says UTIs – which affect over 50% of women – can be prevented with regular
intake of probiotic foods, drinks or supplements.
Prevent Childhood Eczema and Allergies
Childhood
eczema is an early sign of allergies – and probiotics may just help prevent
both conditions in infants.
In a study of
241 women, scientists discovered that those who took probiotics while pregnant
experienced a decrease in the occurrence of childhood eczema in their babies.
While 71% of infants in the placebo group suffered eczema at least once, just
29% of infants in the probiotic group did.
Lose Weight
At least one
piece of research suggests it may be possible to use probiotics to treat
obesity. Keep in mind that a sluggish digestive system (which can be improved
through probiotics) hinders weight loss.
Improve Oral Hygiene
There is a
growing body of research to highlight the beneficial role of probiotics in
taking care of your pearly whites – particularly when it comes to preventing
and treating oral infections, dental caries, periodontal disease and bad
breath.
19 Powerful Probiotic Drink Recipes to Heal Your Gut
While you may
be aware of the many probiotic-rich foods, there is also an impressive list of
beverages that contain beneficial bugs. Here are some of the best:
Kombucha –
sweet, tart and fizzy, kombucha is an acquired taste that is high in
probiotics, a powerful antioxidant called DSL and Vitamin C. This fermented tea
is said to detoxify the body and protect against cell damage and inflammation,
all whilst boosting the immune system.
Simple Milk
Kefir – this fermented milk drink is made with a starter known as ‘grains’ (a
symbiotic blend of bacteria and yeasts). A tangy probiotic wonder-food, milk
kefir is delicious on its own or blended into smoothies. It can usually be
consumed without problem by those who are lactose intolerant.
Simple Water
Kefir – this refreshing drink is easy to make and is suitable for vegans and
the dairy-free. Once your batch is done, you can enjoy it immediately, or
double ferment it with a fruit juice to make a refreshing, sparkling drink that
pleases both kids and adults alike.
Raw Almond
Milk Kefir – technically not kefir, this recipe certainly tastes like it! It’s
ideal for those who can’t get their hands on milk kefir grains as it uses
high-quality probiotic capsules along with organic almond milk. Perfect for
vegans and those with severe dairy allergies.
Probiotic
Lemonade – an easy lacto-fermented probiotic drink that you can make with basic
ingredients from your grocery store. Although it’s not quite your traditional
lemonade, it’s still popular with kids of all ages.
Homemade
Lavender Kombucha – this home-brewed soda, beautifully bottled and presented,
would make the perfect gift! For an extra homemade feel, use organic lavender
from your very own garden.
Herbal Kefir
Iced Tea – an all-natural vitamin water and energy drink made by adding an
herbal infusion of iron-rich nettle and dandelion to water kefir – just another
reason to pick these backyard weeds with extraordinary health benefits!
Beet Kvass –
traditional in Russia and the Ukraine, this jewel-toned lacto-fermented
beverage is earthy, salty, sour and sweet and full of probiotic goodness. Drink
it straight-up, use it in salad dressings and soups or as an interesting
cocktail mixer!
Easy
Probiotic Strawberry Limeade – a healthy alternative to pure fruit juices yet
just as popular with little ones, this easy beverage is made with honey,
stevia, strawberries, fresh lime juice and unflavored kombucha.
Coconut Water
Kefir – a refreshing drink which combines the power of probiotics and coconut
water.
Beat Winter
Bloating Probiotic Green Smoothie – there are at least 13 reasons to drink
green smoothies, although this recipe adds in yet another one…it’s rich in
beneficial probiotic bacteria! Made with coconut water kefir, apple, pear,
cucumber, spinach, avocado, celery, ginger, lemon and lime, it’s also bursting
with nutrients and flavor!
Fermented
Orange Juice – filled with probiotic goodness, this deliciously sparkling and
subtly sweet drink is reminiscent of Orangina! It also makes a delicious jello.
Ginger Bug
Ginger Ale – adults and kids alike will get their dose of beneficial bacteria
without even realizing it thanks to this gingery soda. Ginger, known for aiding
digestion and alleviating nausea, is blended with lemon juice, salt, sugar and
a ‘ginger bug starter’ for a truly healing treat.
Cultured
Strawberry Soda – a ginger bug starter will also come in handy for this fun,
summertime drink flavored with strawberries.
Gut Friendly
Blueberry Smoothie – antioxidant rich blueberries blend with milk kefir,
banana, avocado and chia seeds for a quick, easy and gut-friendly breakfast.
Probiotic
Green Juice – as if green juices weren’t healthy enough, this recipe comes
along, adding a sneaky probiotic capsule to the mix of spinach, kale, celery
and parsley!
Kombucha
Coffee – described as an ‘unusual’ flavor, this drink – a kombucha coffee
instead of tea – is only for the adventurous!
Apple Pie
Apple Cider Vinegar Drink – naturally fermented raw and unpasteurized apple
cider vinegar boasts a ton of health benefits and provides your daily dose of
beneficial bugs along with the great taste of organic apple juice, liquid
vanilla stevia and cinnamon.
Bonfire
Cider, The Natural Flu Remedy – say goodbye to cold and flu by keeping this
culture on hand throughout the fall and winter months. Simply take raw apple
cider vinegar, add immune boosting and antimicrobial herbs and spices, and
leave it to ferment for a month.
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