Three of My Favourite Digestive Tonics
Today I wanted to share with you three of my favorite tonics for healthy functioning digestion to assist in eliminating toxins & well, straight up eliminating (yep I’m talking poo)! I have struggled with digestive complaints for the large majority of my life and through this, I have come to really know what agrees & what doesn’t agree with my body.
Your “guts” or digestion is everything!! When our digestive flora is off, we often” feel” off… or “unable to digest life” put simply. So today I thought I would share with you my very simple and cost effective ways to keep your gut health in check.
1. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
This stuff is cheap as chips! You can purchase it from the health food section of most major super markets & health food stores, it will only set you back a few pennies too (though I would lean toward supporting more local businesses rather than Coles/Woolworths) MAKE SURE IT IS RAW & UN FILTERED. I use BRAGGS
WHY I CHOOSE IT
Apple Cider Vinegars Health benefits are so broad! Curing the common cold & flu, helping lower your cholesterol & eliminate body fat to name a few. Apple Cider Vinegar has an alkalizing effect of your body when ingested, therefore when you drink it, it encourages healthy bacteria growth in your guts & cleanses your cells. It also holds antiseptic qualities & helps to clean out sinus problems, clean teeth, encourage health bowel motions, clear up skin complaints & ATT: LADIES – helps to decrease cellulite due to it’s toning properties.
HOW TO USE IT
Upon rising, have 1 tablespoon in 500ml of water before consuming anything else… Gargle first thing in the morning before regular brushing for whiter teeth… 1 teaspoon straight down the hatchet will cure the hiccups.. Dress your salads with a couple of tablespoons mixed with cold pressed olive oil. Also any recipes asking for vinegar you can use Apple Cider instead for a healthier alternative, for instance – make homemade mayonnaise with it..
2. LIQUID CHLOROPHYLL
I have been drinking this stuff since I was in my early teens… You can buy it also at major super markets & health food stores/chemists. Depending on the brand it ranges from $18-$35 for a bottle of concentrate. I use SWISSE
WHY I CHOOSE IT
Chlorophyll is a naturally occurring molecule that gives plants their green color. It is also the molecule that is responsible for facilitating one of the most incredibly miraculous processes on earth – photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process that converts sunlight energy, water and carbon dioxide into our primary source of fuel – glucose. All animals and humans obtain their life-sustaining energy supply form plants, making photosynthesis to be the sources of all life.
Chlorophyll is a powerful blood cleanser and blood builder. It is both a potent oxygenator and helps alkalize your blood, which helps your body fight off disease, strengthening your immune system. It is a cancer preventative, and is high in amino acids, acting as a powerful detoxifier. Chlorophyll helps reverse protein deficient anemia, clears skin disorders & cleanses your G.I tracts promoting healthy elimination. pow!!
PLUS is is tasty, kind of pepperminty in a grassy kind of way!
HOW TO USE IT
Have a 30ml shot at the beginning of your morning in 500ml of water if you are not in to the flavour. I put 30ml in a water bottle and sip it throughout the day.You can buy tablet form, though I have actually never done this as I always prefer the most potent source I can get my mitts on, which is normally liquid form. Dilute it in water and then pour in to ice cube trays and put in your water in summer for a cold tonic!!
ALSO any green veggies you get in to will be packed full of this stuff, go for the leafy veg for the highest levels of chlorophyll..
3. SAUERKRAUT
There are so many brands and varieties out there… Peace Love & Vegetables do a couple of great ones (a local Byron Bay brand) but most health food shops will have a few different varieties, make sure it is raw & made with filtered water… it’s price is usually between $8-$15 for a big jar that will last you a good few weeks to a month depending on how in to it you get!!
WHY I CHOOSE IT
Raw Cabbage… what?!! I know – your thinking, that has to be forming some nasty gas side effects for sure.. not true however. Why?
IT’S PACKED FULL OF PRO BIOTICS!
Cabbage contains cancer-fighting properties, as long as you choose the un pasteurised sort, sauerkraut is teeming with beneficial lactobacillus bacteria – more than is in live yoghurt – which increase the healthy flora in the intestinal tract. This helps the immune system fight infection, and aids digestion, hence it’s reputation as a remedy for upset stomach and constipation…
HOW TO USE IT
I whack a mouthful in every time I have my melon in the fridge! Before, or accompanying a meal is a great time to include it to assist in the digestive process. It is also great with eggs for breakfast or in salads…I have 2 tablespoons before bed each night with a big glass of water…
Does anyone else have a daily tonic that assists with their immune function or digestibility (physical or emotional) ??
