For centuries, people around the world have turned to a variety of herbs, tonics, and specialized drinks for health benefits. Tepache originated in Mexico and kombucha originated in northeastern China. So it’s safe to say that each culture has their own beneficial, gut-enhancing beverage. To this day, there is no shortage of drinks that promise better gut health. Some drinks have made this list due to clever marketing, but a growing body of research shines a light on the digestive benefits of certain beverages. With so many drinks that claim to support gut health, though, how can you know which one is really worth its salt? 

Why Should You Drink Gut-Healthy Drinks?

Your goal should always be to support the gut microbiome with prebiotics and probiotics. Your microbiome consists of good bacteria and unhealthy bacteria. The more good bacteria in the gut, the better your digestive and immune systems function. Researchers continue to learn all the ways the microbiome affects overall health via new studies. 

Gut-healthy drinks work to support the gut microbiome, but the benefits don’t stop there. The beverages in this article contain important vitamins and antioxidants that exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. Sure, probiotic supplements and foods have these benefits, but sometimes it is a little easier to reach for one of the following drinks. 

Apple Cider Vinegar

As a quick note, it’s imperative that you do not take a shot of apple cider vinegar. That can burn the throat and cause acid reflux. Instead, mix a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar in about 12 ounces of water. You can add a squeeze of lemon to mellow the intensity of the vinegar if you prefer, as lemon will only enhance the benefits. Apple cider vinegar, much like kefir or kombucha, is a fermented liquid. Make sure to purchase apple cider vinegar with “the mother,” which is a thick layer of bacteria and yeast that ferments the apple juice. It contains probiotics that encourage optimal gut health. Some research indicates that apple cider vinegar helps to ease bloating, while other research shows that it may worsen gastrointestinal symptoms. 

Green Tea

Green tea has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine, but it is a popular beverage in present day. There is a lot of research to substantiate green tea’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The gut breaks down green tea’s polyphenols to promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Enjoy green tea hot or iced, as the temperature does not affect the benefits. What does affect the benefits, however, is what you add to it. If you add tons of sugar, milk, or syrups, you essentially cancel out the benefits. 

Ginger Tea

Ginger is a zesty spice that lends itself to a variety of different foods and beverages. Historically, it has been used in various medicinal applications because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help relieve nausea, soothe a sore throat, and promote stomach motility, which is the process the gut performs to digest food and liquids. Encouraging this process can ease symptoms of heartburn and bloating. All of that said, more research is still necessary to show ginger’s effect on gut health. The good news is that ginger and ginger tea are both widely available and affordable. You can boil ginger root on its own or steep the tea bags in hot water. It does have a kick, so feel free to sweeten it with raw agave or stevia.

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When the pipes are clogged, life is no fun. You sit and strain on the toilet, but nothing comes out, except intense grunts and frustration. The fact is: you are constipated. Constipation, in addition to being quite frustrating, is fairly common, affecting between 12 to 19% of the American population chronically. 

What Is Constipation?

Constipation is the most common digestive complaint and is associated with reduced quality of life and a substantial amount of economic costs. The Mayo Clinic classifies constipation as having fewer than three bowel movements per week. Additionally, people also have difficulty passing stool, and the stool is hard, dry, and lumpy. It typically stems from a lack of fiber and fluids in the diet and lack of physical exercise, but it can be caused by certain health conditions and medications. 

For a select number of people, constipation is a chronic condition. For others, it is a rare occurrence that can be remedied by changing routine, changing dietary habits, and exercising regularly. No matter the cause of your constipation, you can find relief; it just depends on how you do it. Continue reading to learn about several tips to relieve constipation at home. 

Adjust Your Diet

If you are struggling with constipation, look to your kitchen for answers. You need to enrich your diet with fiber in order to keep your stool soft and bulky. Some great fiber-rich foods include oats, lentils, chickpeas, broccoli, flaxseed, black beans, carrots, apples, pistachios, raspberries, kale, and pears. Additionally, eliminate highly processed foods, fried foods, and high-fat foods from your diet, as they have very little fiber and can contribute to cardiovascular disease. As a final note on fiber, it is possible for too much to cause bloating and gas. Always pair your fiber intake with water, or else constipation may worsen. 

Drink Lots Of Water

Water is essential for many bodily processes, including lubricating the digestive tract to help the body pass stool. Feeling backed up? Pour yourself a nice tall glass of water and drink it immediately. Additionally, reduce your intake of caffeinated beverages, as caffeine dehydrates the body by increasing urination. Health experts also warn against alcoholic beverages because they can irritate the digestive tract. 

Squat

You do not have to squat all the way down to the ground, which may be quite difficult for some, in order to poop. That said, the best position for pooping involves the knees to be above the hips. That position helps move things along without the need to strain. These days, there are many products that can help you get into that squatting position. You can also hug your knees or rest your feet on a small stool while you sit on the toilet. 

Do Not Hold It In

This seems like a no-brainer, but there are a lot of people who refuse to poop unless they are in the comfort of their own home. When nature calls, do not ignore it. Do not avoid a public restroom, unless it is unfathomably dirty. Additionally, do not become too busy for your body, as that is a common trigger for constipation.

Increase Physical Activity

If you want to get things moving, you have to move yourself. In fact, take your poop not moving as a sign to get moving! When you exercise, you accelerate several bodily functions, such as circulation and the amount of oxygen that exists in the blood. You also engage the muscles that are responsible for pushing waste out of the body. A 10-minute walk or several chair exercises may be enough to get things moving. 

Give Yourself Some Time

If you feel that your time to eliminate is in the morning, try to wake up a little earlier to give yourself more time. You can eat breakfast, read an article, or watch a show before allowing your bowels to move. Warm drinks, such as hot tea or black coffee, can encourage you to go. Plus, you probably feel more relaxed using your bathroom at home. Don’t get too relaxed, though, because the more time you spend on the toilet, the likelier you are to strain, which can cause hemorrhoids. Limit your toilet time to 10 minutes and don’t force anything out. 

Manage Your Stress

There is a connection between what goes on in your head and what happens in your gut. In fact, it is very common for people with depression or anxiety to experience constipation. When the body is stressed, it is in fight-or-flight mode. Excess stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol, flow throughout the body and can slow digestion and other bodily functions. Long-term stress can lead to a sluggish gut, so learn to manage your stress with breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, or journaling. Find what works for you and run with it!

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When the sun is shining, you need a refreshing beverage, in addition to your water of course. You need to have water on you all day during these hot summer days, but you can enhance your hydration efforts, while delivering some much needed nutrients and electrolytes to your body, with this peach mango agua fresca. What is an agua fresca, you ask? The literal translation means “fresh water,” and it is a light, non-alcoholic beverage popular in Mexico and Central America.

Traditionally, an agua fresca blends fresh fruit with water and some sort of sweetener, typically a lot of sugar, and maybe a hint of lime juice, depending on the recipe. What separates this agua fresca recipe from the others is that it does not contain an entire bucket of sugar. The natural sweetness from the peaches is all you need, but you can add the optional agave nectar if the beverage is not sweet enough for your liking. You may also prefer the agave nectar if the lime you use has a little extra zing or zest to it, meaning it is tarter than you expect.

Unlike other juicing recipes, this one does not require a juicer. Blend everything together in a blender until it is very smooth and you no longer see any bits of peach or ginger. To serve, you have to pour the mixture through a cheesecloth or nut milk bag to avoid taking large gulps of peachy ginger pulp.

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People have been searching for ways to boost their immune systems forever. Researchers continue to investigate supplements, nutrients, and diet modifications that can encourage healthy immune function. The good news is that the lack of scientific evidence hasn’t stopped new products from emerging, usually with creative delivery systems. 

One of the more recent and popular items for healthier immune function is wellness shots. These are not alcoholic shots, nor are they the kind administered via a needle, just to be clear. These little shots claim to deliver immune-boosting nutrients via one gulp of liquid. They are readily available in grocery stores, health food stores, and juice bars. And because people want quick and efficient ways to make it through cold and flu season unscathed, these little shots are very popular. 

What Are Wellness Shots?

These little one- or two-ounce bottles contain a mixture of fruit or vegetable juices, apple cider vinegar, and herbs and spices. Some of the herbs and spices in these wellness shots have been used in traditional and folk medicine for hundreds of years. A 2022 report on the beverage industry found that these beverages have become a preferred way to obtain vitamins, more so than pills or gummies. You can down them quickly, making them more attractive than smoothies or juices. 

What Health Claims Do These Shots Make?

Lots of juices are advertised as “immune-boosting” or “germ-fighting,” but how valid are these claims? Like most foods, immunity and wellness shots can be marketed with similar vague health claims. Because they are not subject to the approval of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), wellness shots can use these types of phrases. Marketing language, therefore, is often exaggerated. 

A few common phrases that are associated with wellness shots can include “boost immunity” or “strengthen your immune system.” That means that these wellness shots imply that they will help you not get sick, or recover faster if you are already sick. In reality, the immune system is a lot more complicated than that. 

According to dietary research, adequate vitamins, minerals, macronutrients, and calories play a role in how your immune system functions. Some nutrients do have more of an impact on the growth and function of immune cells. Getting “mega doses” of those nutrients doesn’t supercharge your immune system, according to health experts. That is because the body can only use a certain percentage of those nutrients.

What Does The Research Say?

Research shows that diet will not prevent you from catching a cold, flu, or even COVID-19. That said, there is some evidence that a wellness or immunity shot can help ease cold or flu symptoms if they contain certain nutrients. Research states that both vitamin C and zinc can help shorten the duration of a cold, provided you supplement with them before getting sick. Unfortunately, the dosages of those nutrients that have been studied are not the same as the amount in immunity shots. 

Some wellness shots claim to boost energy levels or improve mental clarity, but they don’t define what that means. We need not discount the positive effects of a balanced diet, though. Diet does help improve the way the immune system functions, but it’s not the end-all, be-all. The unfortunate reality is that no food or special diet can prevent all sickness and disease. Too many other factors are out of an individual’s control. 

What To Look For In A Wellness Shot

If you want to know if a wellness shot is worth the hype, you have to check the ingredient list. Focus on the first one listed because ingredients are listed by weight. The first ingredient is the bulk of the wellness shot, according to health experts. Researchers note that several ingredients have undergone lots of scientific studies and are great additions to wellness shots. Those ingredients are as follows:

• Turmeric
• Ginger
• Oregano oil
• Vitamin C
• Zinc

The Takeaway

If you are a healthy individual, wellness shots are not going to harm your routine, unless you’re allergic to the ingredients in the shots. Unfortunately, there is no proof that taking these shots will improve your overall health or shorten the duration of illness. That said, a well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables will contribute to vibrant overall health.

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An estimated 63% of adults in the United States drink sugar-sweetened beverages at least once per day. Although these fizzy, sugary drinks are very popular, they are the number one source of added sugar in the American diet. Too much of the sweet stuff can increase the risk of developing numerous health problems, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. 

Soda has an addictive quality. That sugary, refreshing carbonation, especially when it is just the right amount of chilled, makes it seem like nothing is wrong in the world. If consumed in excess, though, these beverages can be quite unhealthy and dangerous for your health, due to the calories and sugar content. A single 12-ounce can of soda contains about 36 grams (g) of sugar, which is more than the recommended daily intake (RDI). To help you kick your soda habit, continue reading to learn about seven healthy soda alternatives. 

Iced Or Hot Green Tea

Potentially one of the healthiest soda swaps you can make, green tea is free of sugar, unless you add some. With only a handful of calories, green tea is refreshing hot or cold. Unlike soda, green tea contains powerful antioxidants that may help reduce inflammatory markers. Beyond the anti-inflammatory benefits, green tea may also help slow cell aging and reduce overall body weight. Brewing it at home means that your tea will not contain added sugars, unless you add a little sweetener yourself. If you do sweeten your green tea, add some raw agave nectar, stevia, or raw honey. 

Fruit Or Veggie Water

Cucumber water is not something that you only enjoy at the spa. Add a little pop of flavor to your regular iced water by adding in some fresh fruit, vegetables, or herbs. Not only is it calorie-free, but the fruit or veggies also add a little pizzazz, extra hydration, and electrolytes to your water. Water helps to hydrate the body, aid in the transportation of nutrients throughout the body, and support digestion. Don’t buy infused water, as it can contain added sugars or hidden flavors. To get the most flavor in your water, allow the fruit, herbs, or veggies to infuse in the water for about two hours before you drink it. 

Homemade Lemon Lime Soda

If you have a love affair with citrus-flavored, sugary soda, you do not have to give it up; rather, you just have to make a healthier version instead. Begin with a glass of plain sparkling water. Add a few slices of lemon or lime (or both) and a dash of stevia, which is calorie-free. If you do not like the flavor of stevia, skip the stevia and consider monk fruit sweetener or a small squeeze of raw agave nectar. Additionally, add some freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice to the glass and then enjoy!

Iced Coffee

If it isn’t the fizz but the caffeine that you crave from soda, you do not need all that sugar. A healthier beverage choice for caffeine consumption is plain iced coffee. Research suggests that drinking black coffee in moderation can benefit certain health conditions, including dementia, depression, heart disease, metabolic disease, and stroke. The thing to keep an eye on is the add-ins. We are, of course, referring to syrups, creams, milks, etc. If you try to stay away from caffeine later in the day, consider a small cup of decaf coffee, as it contains the same beneficial antioxidants as the fully-caffeinated stuff.

Coconut Water

A quick word about coconut water: be cautious when you buy this nectar of the gods. A lot of store bought coconut water can contain added sugars, preservatives, and other unhealthy ingredients. There are many healthy options, though, including fresh coconut water that comes from young Thai coconuts. Unsweetened coconut water only contains 12 g of sugar per cup, but it also contains potassium, magnesium, and sodium, three integral electrolytes. Even though coconut water contains natural sugars and fewer calories than soda, the numbers still add up, so be careful not to consume too much. 

Kombucha

Even though kombucha is technically fermented tea, it will satisfy your carbonation craving while reducing your sugar intake. Many reports suggest that kombucha consumption leads to better gut health and faster metabolism. Additional studies are needed to test the health effects of this tangy beverage, but it is arguably better than soda. It does contain a small amount of alcohol, so you may want to avoid it if you are sensitive, pregnant, or nursing. 

Plain Sparkling Water

Filtered water is not always as satisfying as a cold glass of soda, primarily because it lacks carbonation. If the fizz is what you seek, consider drinking a glass of seltzer or sparkling water. Some research suggests that carbonated water may aid digestion and increase feelings of fullness. If you want to lose weight or want to avoid sugar for health reasons, please be advised that not all sparkling waters are created equal. Tonic water, for example, contains quinine, a compound that gives it a bitter flavor. Plus, tonic water has over 32 g of sugar in a 12-ounce can. Additionally, flavored sparkling waters may have hidden added sugars by way of the “natural flavors.”

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Currently, there is available research that indicates the benefits of adding some spice to your life. The active ingredient in cayenne, known as capsaicin, is believed to be the source of cayenne’s benefits. We’ll get into that as we move through this article. All that said, does drinking cayenne pepper water mean that you’ll get all the goodness from capsaicin? Continue reading to find out. 

Cayenne Pepper And Capsaicin

Cayenne pepper kicks any dish up a notch. In recent years, celebrities have publicly sworn by sipping on cayenne pepper water. The claims are that it promotes weight loss and may aid with pain management. Can a few sips of pepper water really benefit the body that much, though? There is about 2,500 micrograms of capsaicin per gram of cayenne pepper powder, according to information from 2017. 

Researchers note that large amounts of cayenne could cause potential toxicity in the body. The amount of capsaicin found in cayenne is so small that drinking cayenne water won’t do much harm. Preliminary animal research found that rodents benefitted from capsaicin intakes that made up less than one percent of their diets. Researchers estimated that dosages in the range of 30 to 40 milligrams may be appropriate for the average person. The good news is that that is way more spice than most people could naturally eat, even those who can tolerate spicy food. 

Cayenne pepper is not the hottest pepper in the world, especially when you consider the Scoville heat scale. It contains about 5,000 to 25,000 heat units, while pure capsaicin tops the Scoville scale with 16 million heat units. Depending on your spice tolerance, too much cayenne may cause mouth pain or upset stomach. Fortunately, cayenne pepper water also includes lemon juice, so the lemon may help balance the spice. You can enjoy it warm or iced and experience the following possible benefits. 

Improves Digestion

In Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, food researchers concluded that cayenne pepper is a potent gastrointestinal stimulant. It may help to increase the digestive tract’s ability to receive and process micronutrients. Capsaicin also boosts gastric blood flow. Additional research from 2016 found that capsaicin was able to stimulate the digestive process. Researchers did emphasize, however, that more research was necessary to determine the right dosage of cayenne to provide these benefits, and that didn’t include cayenne water. 

Provides Antioxidants

Of all the possible benefits in this article, this one has the most evidence and research. Cayenne pepper, in addition to other vibrantly colored produce, is a natural source of antioxidant compounds. A 2016 review found that cayenne’s antioxidants can help fight off damage to cells. Regularly consuming foods and beverages high in antioxidants can help lower the risk of developing heart disease and certain types of cancers, according to the Cleveland Clinic. 

Protects The Heart

Due to its ability to help dilate blood vessels, cayenne pepper water may have some cardiovascular benefits. By dilating blood vessels, blood can flow more freely, which helps promote better circulation. Some animal studies indicate that this blood vessel dilation may discourage plaque formation in the arteries. It isn’t clear yet how these results translate to humans, nor is it clear how much cayenne pepper water one would have to drink to reap those benefits. 

Supports Weight Loss Efforts

A lot of people report that cayenne pepper water is the miracle weight loss beverage. How true is that, though? There is some evidence that links capsaicin to fat breakdown, but it isn’t the quick-fix weight loss drink it’s touted as. In various small human and animal trials, capsaicin was linked to breaking down fat cells and increasing the rate at which calories are burned at rest. There is no recommendation on how much cayenne pepper water a person would have to consume to promote weight loss yet. It also does not counteract poor dietary choices, and there are more sustainable ways to lose weight.

May Suppress Appetite

A small 2014 study found that adding capsaicin to the diet of a small group of adults increased feelings of fullness and satisfaction. This may help ward off overeating. Just keep in mind that the small study used capsaicin pills at about 1.3 grams of red chili pepper that had a Scoville heat unit of 39,050. Each participant ate a dose for each meal for 36 hours and did not drink cayenne pepper water.

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This is about to be your go-to immune support tea, which you desperately need if you feel a cough or cold coming on. It’s always possible to get sick, especially if you encounter bacteria or viruses, even during the summer. It is warming and contains immune-boosting ingredients, such as lemon, cinnamon, orange, ginger, and turmeric. Don’t worry, you get to sweeten the tea with raw agave nectar, so it won’t be too intense for your palate. If you want to be successful with this tea, we have a couple suggestions:

If you want to make a larger batch of tea to store for later, make sure to strain the tea before serving. That will ensure that the flavor isn’t too intense. Another option is for you to store it in the fridge and use it as iced tea, if you don’t like drinking warm beverages when the weather is hot.

Always choose fresh ingredients if they are accessible. Ginger and turmeric are great in dried form, but the fresh varieties have stronger flavors and higher nutritional content.

Always listen to your body because everyone reacts differently to various herbs and ingredients. You can customize the ingredients in this tea, so long as they are cleanse-approved. If you change out ingredients and add onion and garlic, for example, keep in mind that the flavor will either intensify or change.

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Detox drinks have gained popularity as popular drinks that aid your weight loss efforts. They contain a mix of fruits, vegetables, herbs, or natural ingredients that boost the body’s ability to eliminate toxins. Think of “detox beverages” as an umbrella term for infused waters, juices, smoothies, teas, and other related drinks. Their appeal is simple: they offer a natural way to encourage detoxification in a refreshing, tasty, and easy-to-consume way. 

What Are The Benefits And Claims?

There is no denying that people regularly ingest pollutants and artificial chemicals on a daily basis. From environmental pollution to heavily processed foods, harmful chemicals and pathogens are near impossible to avoid. Consuming detox drinks can give the body’s natural detoxification processes a helping hand. In fact, some healthcare experts praise detox drinks because they help relieve bloating, gas, headaches, fatigue, and may even help cleanse the liver and digestive tract. 

Because detox drinks contain a diverse mix of natural ingredients, they work to enhance weight loss efforts and reduce inflammation. You may find that you experience a renewed sense of energy after consuming one or more of the drinks in this article. By promoting detoxification, you may experience reduced acne, hydrated skin, better digestion, fewer aches and pains, weight loss, and healthier hair. As always, though, maintaining a healthy diet, optimal sleep, and regular exercise is necessary for optimal health. The following beverages can aid your detox efforts, but they won’t counteract unhealthy diet and poor lifestyle habits. 

Cucumber Mint Detox

Mint can help improve the flow of bile in the stomach and cucumbers help protect the body from oxidative stress. The combination of cucumber, mint, and lemon works well for maintaining the body’s fluid and mineral balance as well. All three ingredients contain beneficial antioxidants that may help improve digestion and neutralize free radicals. Prepare this drink by washing, peeling, and slicing two cucumbers. Add the sliced cucumbers, a handful of fresh mint leaves, and a sliced lemon to a large pitcher. Fill with water, stir, and refrigerate for about an hour so the flavors can infuse into the water. Sip and enjoy.

Orange Carrot Ginger Detox

Get ready for a major dose of beta-carotene and vitamin C, two antioxidant compounds that contribute to optimal digestion and immune function. According to health studies, beta-carotene may aid your weight loss efforts by improving digestion, just like ginger. Praised for its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger may reduce bloating, improve digestion, and reduce stomach cramps. In order to make this drink, juice one large carrot and two oranges separately. Pour both the orange and carrot juices into a blender and add one tablespoon each of freshly grated turmeric and ginger root. Blend for 30 seconds, strain the mixture, and then serve. 

Pomegranate Aloe Vera Detox

Not only is this a visually stunning beverage, but it also does wonders for your digestive and immune systems. The important instruction here is to use fresh aloe vera, not store bought aloe juice. You want that gel straight from the source! Aloe vera has been known to reduce bloating, regulate bowel movements, relieve constipation, and improve digestive discomfort. Beet juice works to cleanse the liver, improve circulation, and cleanse the blood. Pomegranates happen to be one of the richest sources of antioxidants, which fight free radicals and boost immune function. To make this juice, peel the rind from an aloe vera plant leaf. Discard the rind and reserve about two tablespoons of aloe vera gel. Add that to a blender with two cups of unsweetened pomegranate juice and 1/2 cup of diced beet. Blend until smooth and mix in a dash of black pepper prior to serving. 

Simple Lemon Detox

Drinking water is obviously beneficial for your health, promoting optimal circulation and waste elimination. Infusing your water with lemon can help enhance those efforts. Lemons are naturally rich in vitamin C, which benefits your bones, gums, skin, and immune system. It’s very easy to create this detox drink because all you have to do is squeeze two to three lemons in one liter of water. Add a pinch of sea salt, mix, and enjoy over ice. 

Ginger Lychee Lemon Detox

As stated earlier, ginger is rich in anti-inflammatory properties that may ward off inflammation. Some research indicates that ginger may help the body cleanse certain organs. Additionally, lychee fruit contains epicatechin and rutin, two antioxidant compounds that help protect against chronic diseases, cataracts, oxidative stress, and more. Find a large mason jar and place a half-cup of minced ginger, half-cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and one cup of fresh lychee juice. Add ice to your desired temperature and a pinch of sea salt, mix, and then enjoy. You have the option to add some sliced grapes and a couple tablespoons of chia seeds for added nutritional benefits.

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It is no secret that we love to create recipes that utilize seasonal produce items. The summer sun is shining, which means a plethora of new produce items should be showing up in your local grocery store. Among those items, you should see an array of melons, including watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, and maybe other varieties, depending on your location. Although not technically a melon, cucumber is another popular summer fruit. Believe it or not, cucumber belongs to the same plant family, Cucurbitaceae, as watermelon.

When you make beverages with naturally sweet ingredients, such as the cantaloupe, you do not need to add extra sweeteners, such as maple syrup or raw agave nectar. Cantaloupe is not only sweet and delicious, but it is also rich in a variety of nutrients and health properties. Like apricots, grapefruit, oranges, peaches, tangerines and mangos, cantaloupe is a great source of beta-carotene. This valuable carotenoid gives cantaloupe its orange color, but it also converts to vitamin A in the body, where it is used to fight free radicals and benefit eye health, immune function, and support red blood cells.

Although cantaloupe provides great nutrition and sweetness for this refreshing beverage, we cannot ignore the cucumber. Like cantaloupe, cucumber is a wonderfully hydrating fruit that helps enhance immune function due to its vitamin C content. Some test-tube and animal studies indicate that cucumbers may help regulate blood sugar levels. In a 2016 test-tube study, for example, cucumbers were effective at reducing oxidative stress and preventing diabetes related complications. More research is still necessary on this matter, though. What does not require more research is the deliciousness of this refreshing summer beverage!

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To be very clear, fostering a healthy gut is not just about improving digestion and avoiding tummy aches. Establishing a diverse microbiome can enhance immune function and even support your mood. Sure, the food you eat influences gut health, but the drinks you consume play a bigger role than you think. Sugar-sweetened sodas and juices, alcoholic beverages, and coffee with more creamer than coffee can all wreck your gut. Instead, focus on creating a happier, healthier microbiome with the beverages in this article. 

Kombucha

This fermented beverage is more than a fizzy health trend. Kombucha contains live probiotics that can help improve gut microbiome. It is also rich in antioxidants, which work to combat inflammation. Kombucha’s gut-improving benefits stem from its fermentation and probiotics. Fermentation creates fatty acids, which work to reduce inflammation and aid the production of enzymes and B-vitamins, which help enhance immune function.

Jun

We remain on the fermented beverage train with this healthy option made with green tea and raw honey. It contains living probiotics that help support the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. Unlike kombucha, Jun tastes a little gentler and is softer on the digestive system, primarily because of its lower acidity and honey-based fermentation. The probiotics in Jun work to repopulate healthy bacteria, while the green tea contains antioxidants that reduce gut inflammation.

Kefir

The third and final fermented drink on this list is kefir, a fermented dairy product made by two types of fermentation. The first method is lactic acid fermentation via the fermentation of milk sugar known as lactose. The second method is alcoholic fermentation done by the fermentation of yeast via kefir grains. The fermentation process creates bioactive compounds, including organic acids, peptides, and kefiran. Research notes that these compounds contribute to kefir’s ability to fight harmful bacteria in the gut. 

Ginger Tea

Supporting gut health by stimulating digestion and promoting motility, ginger tea may encourage daily bowel movements. Add some fresh ginger root to a mug and pour hot water over it. That’s it! You can sweeten it with raw honey, agave nectar, or stevia for a better taste. Ginger’s anti-inflammatory and carminative properties work to soothe the digestive tract and reduce bloating. That’s why it is an excellent option for gut health!

Peppermint Tea

Just like ginger tea, peppermint tea is a wonderful beverage for your gut. Research shows that peppermint tea can help relax the muscles in the gastrointestinal system. It may also help reduce bloating, indigestion, and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The refreshing flavor of peppermint makes it a great post-meal drink to soothe the stomach and keep you feeling light as you get ready for bed. 

Prune Juice

According to nutritional data, one serving of 100% prune juice contains four grams of fiber, which is necessary for optimal digestive health. Several studies indicate that drinking prune juice can help relieve constipation naturally, due to the fiber and sorbitol. 

Beet Juice

Researchers note that beets boost blood flow, especially to the digestive tract, because they are rich in nitrates. Not only does increased circulation to the gut promote healthy digestion, but it also helps relieve sluggish bowels and may even reduce gut inflammation. Beets also contain fiber, polyphenols, and compounds such as betaine, which has been linked to improved liver function and digestion. If you don’t like the earthy flavor of beets, you can add in some fresh orange, carrot, or apple juice to make it more palatable.

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