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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Do you feel a bit of brain fog in these hotter months? It’s logical to think that your sleep pattern may be to blame, but the heat may have a bigger influence on brain health than you realize. A few summers ago, researchers in Boston studied young adults living in college dorm rooms during a heat wave. Some of the participants had central air conditioning (AC) and slept in a 71-degree Fahrenheit (F) environment. Other participants did not have AC and the room averaged 80 degrees F.

For nearly two weeks of the study, students took a few tests every morning administered via their cell phones. The students who had to sleep in the hotter environment performed measurably worse on the tests than the students who slept in the cooler environment. One of the tests involved math, requiring simple addition and subtraction. A second test, the Stroop test, jumbled words and colors. If the participants saw the word “red” in a blue circle, they had to respond “blue,” according to the study authors. 

If your reaction time is slower, then you may get tripped up more easily on certain questions. Researchers behind the study found that heat slows your reaction time. In fact, they saw reductions in the order of 10% in response times and accuracy. Part of that may stem from interrupted sleep, or lack of sleep. When the sleeping environment is hotter and you are not accustomed to heat, it is much more difficult to get quality sleep. That said, a body of research suggests that the heat itself interferes with cognition. 

What Does Other Research Say?

A similar study from 2021 documented reduced cognitive performance at temperatures of 79 degrees F. As the temperatures rose during the study, researchers observed lower activity in the parasympathetic nervous system, which is the anti-stress system that can help you remain calm. Additionally, researchers noticed that oxygen saturation levels in the blood were much lower at higher temperatures. That most likely explained the reduction in cognitive performance. 

Other studies found that higher temperatures in an office setting made office workers score lower on standardized tests. One of those studies found that productivity in the workplace was higher when the air temperature averaged 72 degrees F. Productivity began to decrease once temperatures reached the mid-70s. Additional research found that high school students performed more poorly on standardized tests when the days were hotter. Hotter days also made students more irritable or moodier, which may result from elevated cortisol levels. Too much cortisol in the body can induce frequent stress responses. 

Given that extreme heat waves are more common nowadays, health experts are more interested in understanding how heat can influence mechanisms that influence anxiety-related problems and mood. A study from 2022 found that hospital visits for mental health-related issues rose during extremely hot weather. That is consistent with what a lot of physicians explain. 

How Do You Combat The Effects Of Heat?

First and foremost, you need to hydrate as much as possible when the weather is hot. In hotter weather, you lose more sweat, so you have to replenish those fluids. In addition to water, drink electrolyte beverages (preferably not sugary sports drinks) that help replenish lost nutrients. In regards to the first study we discussed at the beginning of the article, students that slept in hot rooms drank less than six glasses of liquid per day. Prior research showed that being slightly dehydrated led to impaired cognitive performance. Drink plenty of water to keep your physical and mental health working optimally!

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One of the scariest things about heat stroke is that people are not aware of when they are in danger until it’s too late. By the time symptoms occur, you are too confused or delirious due to nerve damage. If you want to ensure that your health is never in harm’s way during hot weather, take preventative measures to hydrate the body and keep yourself cool. Additionally, avoid actions that increase your risk of developing heat stroke, such as engaging in hot yoga or exercising in direct sunlight. 

What Is Heat Stroke?

Heat stroke is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the body is no longer able to regulate its internal temperature. That causes core temperature to rise rapidly, typically to temperatures above 104 degrees Fahrenheit. That is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate attention to save your life. Without prompt treatment, heat stroke can result in organ damage, brain injury, or even death. The two primary types of heat stroke are:

• Classic (non-exertional) heat stroke: This type of heat stroke affects vulnerable populations, including young children, older adults, and people with chronic illnesses. It usually occurs after prolonged exposure to high temperatures in poorly ventilated areas during heat waves. You do not need to physically exert yourself to develop this type of heat stroke. 
• Exertional heat stroke: This type of heat stroke affects healthy, active individuals, especially military personnel, laborers, and athletes. They perform intense physical activity in hot and humid conditions, and heat stroke can progress rapidly. 

Once the body’s core temperature rises, all of the innate processes that are in place to regulate core temperature break down. That creates serious, life-threatening problems, such as loss of consciousness or organ damage. If the heat index is higher than 90 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, the number of deaths caused by heat illness increases. Do your best to stay cool and prevent heat-related illness and heat stroke with the following tips. 

Avoid Sugary Drinks, Caffeine, And Alcohol

Hydration is the goal when the weather is hot, so there is no sense in drinking beverages that dehydrate the body. Avoid sugary drinks, alcohol, and caffeine because they dehydrate the body by increasing urination and expediting electrolyte loss. Consuming too much sugar can also lead to inflammation, which makes heat stroke even worse. Sports drinks are marketed to keep you hydrated during physical activity, but many of them contain excess sugar and added chemicals. Opt for a natural electrolyte drink instead, such as unsweetened coconut water, mineral water, and even pickle juice. 

Check Your Medications

There are many medications that can increase the risk of heat stroke. The reason for this is because they affect how the body reacts to the heat, or they interfere with your salt and water balance. Some medications that can alter the body’s ability to deal with hotter temperatures are:

• Laxatives 
• Diuretics
• Antihistamines
• Antibiotics
• Medications for seizures
• Antipsychotics 
• Antidepressants
• Drugs for heart disease, cholesterol, and blood pressure

Drink Lots Of Water

The most important thing you can do for the body when the weather is scorching is to drink a lot of water. The heat makes you sweat, which means that you lose both water and electrolytes. Drink two to four cups of water every hour when you are outside or exercising. If you wait until you are thirsty to drink water, you are already in a mild state of dehydration. Keep drinking water to lower your risk of heat stroke, and make sure that your children and those higher at risk do the same. 

Eat Hydrating Foods

In addition to drinking water, you can also eat water-rich foods. Many fruits and vegetables contain a lot of water, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other valuable electrolytes that benefit the body. These fruits and vegetables can help you maintain fluid balance, keep blood pressure levels in check, and aid with nerve signaling. Some of the best hydrating foods include:

• Watermelon
• Tomatoes
• Cucumbers
• Grapes
• Kiwi
• Coconut water
• Zucchini
• Bell peppers
• Berries
• Pineapple
• Broccoli
• Avocado
• Radishes

Avoid Direct Sunlight

If you are sensitive to hot weather, avoid heat stroke by limiting your time in direct sunlight. If you have to be outside, do your best to find shade, or bring an umbrella and hat to keep yourself shaded. Midday heat is the worst, so do your best to avoid being outside during that time of day. If you want to exercise outside, schedule your workouts earlier or later in the day when the temperatures are cooler.

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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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Summer translates to carefree fun in the sun, outdoor activities, and social gatherings, but it also invites unhealthy cravings. Foods that people consider classic refreshments, snacks, and desserts rack up excess calories. If the goal is to stay slim and summertime fine, the last thing you want is to accumulate waste in the body. Unfortunately, summer snacks and drinks can easily make that happen. 

That’s where detox iced teas come enter the equation. Sip rejuvenating beverages that enhance hydration efforts and simultaneously aid with flushing harmful toxins out of the body. Regular consumption of these detox iced teas may aid weight loss efforts by increasing metabolism. It’s important to note that drinking detox teas and maintaining an unhealthy diet will not yield positive results. The teas do not simply cancel out poor lifestyle choices and unhealthy eating habits. Losing weight requires a multi-faceted approach, and these teas merely enhance weight loss efforts.

How Can Teas Boost Weight Loss?

One of the primary compounds of green tea leaves is caffeine. It acts as a mild stimulant that works to improve exercise performance and fat burning. According to research, the most impressive aspect of green tea’s nutritional profile is the antioxidant content. Researchers confirmed that drinking green tea works to slowly increase blood antioxidant levels. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the standout antioxidant in green tea and it has been known to boost metabolism. 

In order to burn fat, the body has to break down fat cells and move them into the bloodstream. EGCG works to inhibit an enzyme that breaks down norepinephrine, a hormone involved in fat burning. By inhibiting this enzyme, norepinephrine increases to enhance the breakdown of fat cells. Caffeine may also enhance the efforts of EGCG on fat cells. Additionally, EGCG increases the body’s ability to burn more calories, even at resting metabolic rate. Most studies confirmed that people who drank green tea experienced a 3-4% increase in metabolism. If you follow a 2,000 calorie per day diet, that translates to about 60-80 calories. 

We gathered three impressive detox iced tea recipes that can enhance your weight loss efforts. Sip them throughout summer and let us know how you enjoy them in the comments. 

Detox Blueberry Coconut Iced Green Tea

Ingredients:

• 2 green tea bags
• 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
• 1.5 tablespoons raw honey
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 4 cups coconut water, boiled

Instructions:

• Add the tea bags, blueberries, honey, and lemon juice to a heat-safe pitcher. 
• After boiling the coconut water, pour it into the pitcher. Allow the ingredients to steep for 5 minutes. 
• Remove the tea bags and serve over ice. Garnish with optional fresh blueberries and mint. 

Cinnamon Turmeric Detox Iced Tea

Ingredients:

• 1 green tea bag
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon raw honey
• 4 cups warm water

Instructions:

• Add the tea bag, cinnamon, turmeric, and raw honey to a heat-safe pitcher. 
• Pour the warm water into the jar and stir gently. Allow this to steep for five minutes.
• Remove the tea bag and serve over ice. Garnish with additional cinnamon or turmeric.

Lemon Ginger Basil Iced Tea

Ingredients:

• 2 lemons
• 3/4 cup basil leaves
• 5 thin slices of ginger root, peeled
• 1 green tea bag
• 3 teaspoons raw honey

Instructions:

• Cut the lemons in half and squeeze the juice into a big pitcher. Make sure to avoid dropping seeds into the pitcher. 
• Add the squeezed lemons to the pitcher, along with the basil, sliced ginger, and green tea bag. 
• Pour enough warm water into the pitcher to completely submerge all of the ingredients. Add the honey, stir gently, and steep for five minutes. 
• Remove the tea bag, lemon halves, ginger slices, and basil by pouring the tea through a sieve. 
• Serve the liquid over ice and enjoy.

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In order to avoid dehydration, you have to drink the right amount of fluids. That is true whether you are exercising or not. Knowing the risks of dehydration is paramount when deciding what to drink during a workout, though. You probably don’t want to reach for the iced latte when it’s time to do five sets of squats. Water or electrolyte-rich beverages may help you replenish lost fluids and electrolytes, while other drinks can help provide protein and carbohydrates post-workout.

When you consider that more than 60% of the body is made up of water, it is clear that water is necessary for the body to function. It is very easy to lose water when you work out, especially if you are someone who sweats a lot. Drinking water not only helps to lubricate the joints, but it also aids tissue function, regulates body temperature, and helps transport nutrients throughout the body.

Choose The Right Beverage

Oftentimes, the simplest solution is the best one, and that’s especially true for a workout beverage. The average person only requires water during and after a workout, according to nutritionists. If you are an athlete or you spend more than three hours at a time doing your workout, you may want to opt for chocolate milk post-workout. Nutritionists explain that chocolate milk contains sodium and calcium, both of which you lose via sweat. The protein aids cell and tissue repair, but keep in mind that you can feel sluggish if you drink chocolate milk after a workout. Instead, coconut water or sports drinks may be better and healthier choices. Avocados, bananas, orange juice, and other foods can also help you replenish electrolytes.

Don’t Drink Too Much

Believe it or not, it is possible to drink too much liquid during a workout. That said, it is more of a risk during triathlons and marathons. Athletes who consume a lot of fluids, even sports drinks, without intaking enough sodium can develop hyponatremia, a life-threatening condition. The symptoms of hyponatremia include:

• Agitation
• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Muscle cramps, weakness, or twitching
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Seizures or coma

Make Sure To Consume Protein And Carbs

It’s no secret that exercise is beneficial for your overall health. It’s common to experience minor cell or tissue damage as a result of working out, though. Protein can help repair that damage, so consuming a beverage that contains protein after an intense workout may accelerate recovery. You can also expend a lot of energy during exercise, so you want to consume three times more carbohydrates than protein. That’s why some people drink milk or milk with protein powder after a workout. 

Consume The Right Amount

You don’t want to “drink until failure,” but there is also no set amount of water to drink during a workout. If you want to calculate your sweat rate, though, you will need to weigh yourself before and after you exercise and do some calculations. As a general rule of thumb for hydration, you should drink about half your bodyweight in ounces of water per day. That means that if you weigh 150 pounds, you divide that by two to get 75, so you drink 75 ounces of water per day. You can also drink four to eight ounces every 15 to 20 minutes during your workout if you don’t want to do the math, or if you sweat a lot. 

Know The Risks Of Dehydration

A lot of complications can result from not drinking enough water, the most common of which is fatigue. Your blood thickens and the heart has to work harder if you don’t consume enough water. Not only does that tire you out quickly, but it can also increase the risk of the following:

• Fainting
• Confusion
• Shock
• Quick breathing
• Infrequent urination
• Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat)

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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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