Last week, over half a million bottles of prazosin hydrochloride, a blood pressure medication, were recalled by drug manufacturer Teva. The reason for the recall was because testing revealed higher-than-acceptable levels of impurities known as N-nitrosamines. All of this information was released by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) via an enforcement report.

The enforcement report detailed a Class 2 event, indicating that the affected medications, “…may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.” The recall is for 1, 2, and 5 milligram (mg) doses of prazosin hydrochloride. This medication is an alpha-blocker that is FDA-approved to help treat high blood pressure. Some people also use prazosin hydrochloride to treat benign enlarged prostate, nightmares related to PTSD, and temporary discoloration in the extremities due to cold exposure. 

You can check the lot number on your prescription to see if it was included in the FDA’s list. The FDA and Teva did not indicate whether consumers should throw out prazosin included in this recall. For the Class 2 recalls, however, the FDA states that people can typically keep taking the recalled medications unless otherwise stated by the manufacturer. That is entirely your decision to make, as stopping medication in certain instances may be more harmful. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions regarding your medication. 

What Are N-Nitrosamines?

These chemicals commonly exist in water and foods, including cured and grilled meats, dairy, and vegetables. Most people are exposed to some amount of nitrosamines, but that depends on diet and other factors. 

The N-nitrosamine impurities can form during the manufacturing or storing processes of a drug. According to the FDA, the N-nitrosamine impurities may increase the risk of cancer if people are exposed to them above acceptable levels and over long periods of time. If you happened to take a medication with nitrosamine levels at or below accepted levels, every day for 70 years, you wouldn’t be expected to have a higher cancer risk. As that is an estimation, you may not want to take that chance. 

At Dherbs, we are not medical professionals, so we cannot legally advise how you should proceed with this current recall. If you do take this specific blood pressure medication, though, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have not received any information from the manufacturer. We are always here to help you improve your health and we encourage you all to do your research regarding not only our products, but anything that you decide to put in your body.

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Although these a wellness shot is tiny, it packs a mighty punch. You are probably used to seeing ginger turmeric wellness shots, especially in health food stores, such as Whole Foods. Those are amazing anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting little shots, but they can be a little spicy, especially for the uninitiated. While ginger and turmeric receive a lot of attention regarding immune health, elderberry deserves equal, if not more, attention.

There are elderberry gummies, elderberry syrup, and even elderberry kombucha. Why can’t there be elderberry wellness shots? Thing of this recipe as a concentrated version of all of those recipes. You can use fresh or dried elderberries for this recipes, but you have to cook them first because they contain cyanogenic glycosides. Although they are not poisonous, they can be toxic and cause digestive discomfort, especially in people with sensitive digestive systems. The safest way to consume elderberries is to make sure that they are cooked first.

Although these shots have a vibrant purple hue because of the elderberry, the taste does not come from elderberries. In fact, elderberry doesn’t really have much of a flavor, which is why elderberry syrups and such are flavored by other ingredients, such as lemon, cinnamon, and ginger. Lemon provides vitamin C, which helps control inflammation and increase nutrient absorption. Finally, these shots contain echinacea, which, like elderberries, may help reduce the length and severity of viral illness, especially when it comes to bacterial infections. So although these wellness shots won’t cure an illness, they may help enhance immunity and improve recovery time.

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Whether you are young or old, it’s easy to get into the Halloween spirit. It is fun and exciting to dress up and embrace all things scary, but this day is really all about the candy. A child loves the opportunity to walk door-to-door in costume and retrieve candy from those eager enough to pass it out. Adults will walk by a bowl of candy in the office, sneakily grabbing a couple every now and again. Parents may even take some select treats out of the Halloween night’s big haul!

A good bag full of treats is hard to resist. Although the various candies can taste amazing, they often come with a cost: dental problems. A new report found that 35% of Americans have experienced candy-related dental issues. Dentists encourage people to make smarter choices when it comes to which candy they choose to enjoy. Daily or frequent consumption of candy will result in negative consequences for the teeth. According to that new report, the following dental issues may be caused by candy.

Tooth Pain

If candy causes damage to your teeth, fillings, or crowns, you can experience general tooth pain. If you bite into some candy and crack your tooth, it can be extremely painful. A cracked tooth that cracks all the way to the root or nerve can be excruciating and typically requires immediate dental work. 

Chipped Or Cracked Tooth

Not all chips or cracks go all the way down to the tooth’s root. Some people easily chip their teeth on lollipops or other hard candies and don’t fix the chip for months! It is very difficult to chip a tooth and not notice! That said, you can chip part of a tooth while eating and not notice it because it may not hurt. If you don’t address the problem and don’t see a dentist soon after chipping or cracking a tooth, you run the risk of nerve exposure or infection. A cracked tooth loses the outer layer, the enamel, and a cavity can progress at a quicker rate. 

Jaw Discomfort

When you chew hard or sticky candies, you put unnecessary stress on the temporomandibular joints (TMJ). These are the two joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull. If you repeatedly chew hard or sticky candies, you may lead to TMJ pain. Plus, hyperextending for opening the jaw wide to eat larger candies can increase general jaw discomfort. 

Teeth Sensitivity

Bacteria in the mouth can metabolize into simple carbohydrates (sugar) and lower the overall pH in the mouth. An acidic environment can erode the enamel on your teeth, which makes them more sensitive to tooth decay. Even if the bacteria doesn’t metabolize into sugar, it can cause sensitivity to other areas without enamel. Your teeth “feel” via tiny tubules in the dentin layer of the mouth. These tubules have fluid in them, and that fluid can expand or contract in response to cold or hot liquids, sweets, or other food items. People with gum recession are typically more susceptible to tooth sensitivity. 

Gum Infection

Although the report didn’t mention gum infection as a dental issue caused by candy consumption, it is a possible outcome. Little pieces of candy can get trapped between the teeth in the gums or in gum pockets, where floss cannot reach and remove the candy. If candy remains wedged under the gums or between the teeth, you can experience cavities or a periodontal abscess, which is a localized gum infection. 

Damaged Fillings Or Crowns

If you eat sticky candy and you have a filling or crown, you run the risk of pulling out a piece of the filling or crown. If the candy does pull out the filling or crown, the sugar from candy can become trapped in the tooth, which can lead to tooth decay. Candy doesn’t directly harm filling or crown material in that way because decay develops differently. Candy typically infects the tooth at the margin of the filling or crown (where the tooth meets the crown or filling).

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Who needs Larabars when you can easily make your own with three simple ingredients? These are perfect if you have been looking to enjoy healthy snack options during your cleanse. They provide outstanding flavor and lots of fiber, healthy fats, and protein, all of which help keep you full between meals. The dates and cashews establish a great balance of nuttiness and sweetness, and the pinch of sea salt gives the bars a little extra pizzazz. It’s almost like a pinch of sea salt on a chocolate chip cookie or delectable caramel. You truly can’t go wrong with a pinch of sea salt in sweet treats.

For this recipe you will need Medjool dates, raw cashews, and sea salt. Dates are naturally sweet and sticky, providing the base for these bars. Make sure your dates are soft and fresh. Need assistance blending? Soak the dates in warm water for about 15 minutes prior to blending them in the food processor. Raw cashews also blend a little easier if you soak them for an hour or so. Just make sure that you discard the soaking water for both the dates and cashews if you decide to soak them. Not a fan of cashews? You can swap them for any raw nut in the same amount. Walnuts, pecans, pistachios, and more work great!

After you blend the ingredients and achieve a sticky, dough-like consistency, you will transfer the mixture to an 8″x8″ baking pan lined with parchment paper. Press the mixture into the pan until you have an even layer that is about 1/2-inch or so thick. Freeze for 30 minutes and then remove from the freezer. That will ensure that the bars are somewhat solidified to the point where you can cut them into 10 bars. Separate them and consider wrapping them individually in plastic wrap. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.

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Halloween has either been canceled, restricted, or modified in recent years as a result of COVID-19. Parties, events, and the classic trick-or-treating are now back in full swing, and people can’t wait to get their spooky on. Whether you visit pumpkin patches or walk home with a giant bucket of candy after trick-or-treating with the kids, you can easily veer off the healthy path. 

Chances are, you aren’t getting apple slices with almond butter in place of chocolate bars and sour candies. And most people just buy candy to have in the house or the office now, so these treats are more accessible than ever. The Halloween aisle at grocery stores is almost too tempting, and it can be hard to resist if you or your child has a sweet tooth. Now, candy shouldn’t be off limits; rather, it should be a treat that you enjoy in a mindful way. Sit down, put the sweet on the plate, and take your time to eat and enjoy it. When you stuff your face with candy, you overload the body with sugar and you don’t really enjoy the eating process. The following tips, however, can help you make this trick-or-treating season a little healthier. 

Not All Sugars Are Created Equal

Added sugars are much different from natural sugars that exist in whole foods. Food manufacturers will add sugars to foods, even the ones that are not particularly sweet. Added sugars help to satisfy your taste buds and keep you coming back for more. Honey, brown or white sugar, and high fructose corn syrup are examples of unnatural sugars in processed foods. Natural sugars occur in whole foods like fruit, and they are beneficial for your health. If you don’t have pre-existing health conditions like diabetes, you don’t have to worry about natural sugars in whole foods. As for added sugars, you should limit your intake to less than 10% of your daily calories. That is the American Heart Association’s recommendation for maintaining a healthy body.

Take A Break From The Sauce

Although trick-or-treating may not be a thing for adults, the Halloween fun doesn’t stop when you reach adolescence. Many adults live for Halloween and the many festivities that are spooky-themed. For many adults, though, Halloween events and parties typically involve a lot of alcoholic beverages. Oftentimes, there is a cauldron of alcoholic punch or Halloween-inspired cocktails that entice you based on looks alone. Excessive drinking can lead to an imbalance of electrolytes, which can cause dehydration and fatigue. Alcohol is also a source of empty calories, so all that drinking contributes to weight gain. Plus, most Halloween-themed cocktails are high in sugar, which can wreck your gut and make hangovers worse. Take a break from the sauce or limit your consumption, making water or sparkling waters your replacement beverages. 

Get Creative With Scary-Themed Healthy Foods

You can gain a lot of inspiration for art projects and recipes on Pinterest, especially for Halloween decor and recipes. There are many snacks and treats that are both spooky and healthy because they are made from whole foods with natural sugars. You can always transform healthy fruits and vegetables in a way that satisfies your sweet tooth. Take some time to whip up your own festive foods for Halloween parties by clicking here. 

Beware Of Overeating Sugar

It’s one of the easiest things to do, especially for children after coming home with a large amount of candy on Halloween. In the interest of health, limit yourself and your children from gorging on candy after trick-or-treating. Beware of getting tricked into a sugar rush! When you eat too many high-sugar foods, you increase the risk of obesity and weight gain, both of which are precursors to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Even if a sugar rush isn’t part of your daily life, one day of unusually high sugar intake can cause a short-term spike in blood sugar and insulin levels. This can lead to increased cravings, mood swings, dips in energy, and acute inflammation. If you or your children struggle with pacing your sugar intake, opt for treats that take longer to eat, for example, lollipops. 

Protect Your Teeth By Avoiding Certain Candies

Sugary snacks are loaded with preservatives, added sugars, and artificial colors and flavors that can ruin your blood sugar levels and your teeth. Eating a lot of candy in one sitting can make your next trip to the dentist more like a horror flick than a regular checkup. Sour candy is one of the major culprits when it comes to tooth decay. The highly acidic nature of these candies makes it easy for them to erode tooth enamel. Try to limit your consumption of gummy candies and sour candies because these can cause serious tooth problems. Plus, they can be very difficult to get out of your teeth, even if you floss and brush thoroughly.

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Given the season, you might be craving all things pumpkin. Allow us to steal your focus away from the mighty pumpkin and direct it toward butternut squash. Much like pumpkin, butternut squash has an orange flesh that is celebrated for not only its flavor, but also its nutritional benefits. 

Butternut Squash Nutrition

Even though butternut squash is typically available year round, it tends to be most abundant during fall. A lot of people consider it to be a vegetable, but it is technically a fruit, although it lends itself to both sweet and savory applications. It exhibits a slightly nutty and decadent flavor that beautifully absorbs warming spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric. The following nutrients are present in 100 grams (g) of raw butternut squash:

• Calories: 48
• Protein: 1.15 g
• Carbohydrates: 10.5 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Folate (vitamin B9): 55 micrograms (mcg)
• Magnesium: 15 milligrams (mg)
• Vitamin C: 7.6 mg
• Potassium: 329 mg
• Iron: 0.21 mg
• Manganese: 0.075 mg
• Calcium: 22 mg

Butternut squash is also a rich source of carotenoids, including beta-carotene, which are plant pigments that give it the vibrant orange color. Those compounds are provitamin A carotenoids, which the body converts to retinal and retinoic acid (the active forms of vitamin A). Vitamin A is necessary for cell growth, eye health, bone health, and optimal immune function. Continue reading to discover why you should add more butternut squash to your diet. 

May Lower The Risk Of Heart Disease

A 2016 study in 2,445 people demonstrated that the risk of heart disease lowered 23% for every additional serving of yellow or orange vegetables. Butternut squash contains antioxidants that have a positive impact on the heart. Although more research is necessary to better understand the relationship of butternut squash on heart health, the existing research is promising. Butternut squash also contains potassium, which helps lower blood pressure, enhance muscle strength, and aid overall heart function.

Helps You See Better

Thanks to the carotenoid content, butternut squash is one of the best foods for eye health. The body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A in the body, which works to promote healthier vision. Butternut squash also contains lutein and zeaxanthin, which are other carotenoid compounds. A review of several studies found that those carotenoids help minimize the damage from ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun and blue light exposure. Butternut squash also contains vitamin C, which works in conjunction with vitamin A to help prevent age-related vision issues, such as macular degeneration and cataracts. 

Supports Healthy Digestion

One cup of butternut squash provides nearly 10% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of fiber. The squash provides both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber moves slowly through the digestive system and forms a gel-like substance that helps feed healthy bacteria in the gut. Insoluble fiber helps the body process waste, improve overall gut health, and prevent constipation. Since fiber helps to fill you up, eating butternut squash may help stave off hunger cravings and aid weight loss efforts. Foods that are rich in fiber also help lower total cholesterol levels, improve blood sugar, and reduce the risk of heart disease. 

Benefits Immune Function

In case it isn’t evident by now, butternut squash is rich in beta-carotene, but that isn’t the only antioxidant it contains. Butternut squash is also rich in vitamins C and E, both of which lend a helping hand to the immune system. Researchers note that all of the antioxidants in butternut squash help fight free radical damage, support immune function, and encourage optimal cellular health. During cold and flu season, which tends to coincide with fall, you should eat more vitamin C-rich foods, such as butternut squash. 

May Benefit Diabetes Treatment And Prevention

The body converts the food you eat into energy as carbs that are broken down into sugar (glucose). Most people don’t typically monitor blood sugar levels on a regular basis. That isn’t the case for people with diabetes, and the CDC estimates that one in 10 Americans has type 2 diabetes. You can prevent the disease or eradicate the need for medication by making smarter, healthier lifestyle choices, such as eating a balanced diet. Butternut squash offers some anti-diabetic properties, according to some research. Although it contains carbohydrates, which get a bad rap, the other nutrients are of greater importance.

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Do you have a cabbage obsession? If you don’t, you’re about to love this low-calorie superfood. Not only does it add texture and color, but also a subtle and humble flavor to your salads. For this salad recipe, though, we eliminated the lettuce and went straight to shredded cabbage for the base. It’s more of a slaw than a salad, but we aren’t about to debate the qualifications of a slaw versus a salad. The fact of the matter is that this recipe embraces fall ingredients and is quite delicious.

For this cabbage apple salad, you can use red or green cabbage, or a mix of both if you want more contrasting colors. The same can be said for the apples. You can use Granny Smith (green) apples, Fuji apples, Honeycrisp apples, or Red Delicious apples. Can’t decide which one to use? Use a combination of two or more apple varieties to establish sweet and tart flavors in this salad. The combination of cabbage, apples, walnuts, and sweeter dressing creates a lovely mix of sweet and savory flavors. Will you serve yourself on a separate plate or eat straight out of the salad bowl?

When it comes time to prepare the salad, you can choose to cut your ingredients uniformly or slightly different. You can thinly slice the apples, or you can cut them into matchsticks to be more similar to the shredded cabbage. Crumble the raw walnuts and then drizzle the dressing over everything. If you want to make this recipe more fall-themed, consider adding some dehydrated cranberries or pomegranate seeds. Dried cranberries are pictured, just FYI. Just make sure that the dehydrated cranberries are free of added sugars and preservatives.

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When you are sick, you’d give anything in the world to feel healthy. Are we right or are we right? You drink tea, hydrate beyond belief, take hot baths, gargle with salt water, do a sinus rinse or two, and nourish the body with healthy foods to accelerate your recovery. What if you took care of your body like that all the time, though? There is nothing wrong with giving your immune system a helping hand year-round. 

The immune system does a phenomenal job of protecting the body against microorganisms. Sometimes, it fails and a germ successfully invades the body and causes sickness. Now, it is enticing to strengthen and support the immune system to defeat invading pathogens. The first line of defense is to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, maintaining good sleep hygiene, and keeping stress levels in check. When you do these things, every part of your body functions better, especially the immune system. Boost immune function all year with the following healthy-living strategies. 

Get A Good Night’s Sleep

According to sleep experts, sleep and the circadian rhythm are strong regulators of immunological processes. One study found a bidirectional communication between the central nervous system and the immune system. This connection is mediated by shared signals (neurotransmitters, cytokines, and hormones) and direct innervations of the immune system via the autonomic nervous system. Basically, the body releases proteins (cytokines) during sleep. By boosting cytokine production, you can help strengthen immune function. Additional research found that people who do not get the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep per night are more susceptible to colds and respiratory infections. 

Keep Stress Levels In Check

Most people encounter stress, at least a small amount, on a weekly (if not daily) basis. The trick is to minimize the amount of stress that you experience, while also finding ways to handle the stress you cannot avoid. Stress can have a variety of effects on mental and physical health, especially the immune system. Chronic stress can decrease the production of lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that help the body fight off infection. If you want to reduce stress, consider adopting a variety of stress management techniques, such as deep breathing, yoga, meditation, Tai Chi, grounding, and more. 

Exercise 

A lot of research indicates that exercising at moderate intensity for 30 to 60 minutes three to five days per week is highly beneficial to the immune system. You don’t have to hit the gym for hours every single day; rather, a brisk walk in the neighborhood, a bike ride, or laps at your local pool can be highly beneficial. Elevating your heart rate works to increase the circulation of immune cells. These cells are the body’s first line of defense for fighting off foreign invaders, so the more you have circulating, the better you are able to protect the body. As a quick note, though, long bouts of high-intensity exercise can actually weaken the immune system. So don’t think that a marathon a day keeps the common cold and flu away.

Eat Immune-Boosting Foods

It should not come as a surprise that eating a well-balanced diet benefits overall health. Supplying the body with a diverse mix of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, healthy fats, protein, fiber, and more can only benefit you. A balanced diet that consists of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, lean proteins, and healthy fats can eliminate the need for taking lots of supplements. If you want a few foods that help encourage healthy immune function, consider the following:

• Berries contain flavonoids, which are antioxidant compounds that have demonstrated an ability to reduce respiratory illnesses. 
• Leafy green vegetables offer lots of beneficial antioxidants that are vital to cellular health. 
• Ginger exhibits antioxidant and ant-inflammatory properties that may enhance immune function. 
• Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, lemons, and limes) contain lots of vitamin C, which supports the production of white blood cells. 
• Fermented foods, kombucha, kefir, natto, yogurt, and miso can help promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which is linked to immune health. 

Maintain A Healthy Weight

Obesity, which is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more in adults, has been linked to impaired immune function. Obesity may also lower the efficacy of numerous vaccines, including influenza, tetanus, and hepatitis B. If you are looking for safe ways to maintain a healthy weight, start first by assessing your diet. Develop a consistent aerobic exercise routine, watch your caloric intake, get sufficient sleep, and avoid being sedentary. The Full Body Cleanse may be an excellent option to kickstart your weight loss journey. 

Still need a little assistance optimizing immune function? Try the Dherbs Immune Booster Kit, which contains four of our signature formulas that aim to support optimal immune function. These supplements may assist your body in protecting itself from external threats.

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It is not uncommon for people to seek out new ways to lose weight, get fit, or become healthier overall. From eating more vegetables and exercising daily to meditating, there are many ways to be healthier. But what practices unlock optimal gut health? Health experts suggest that adopting a consistent morning routine can set your digestive system on the right path every day. 

Starting the day with poor digestive function can make you feel uncomfortable, sluggish, and tired. If gut issues become chronic, you could face more serious health issues. Prioritize a morning routine to kickstart your metabolism, regulate bowel movements, and reduce bloating. Consider the following tips to enhance gut health, optimize nutrient absorption, and prevent constipation. 

Drink Water As Soon As You Wake Up

Mornings can be very hectic, and it is very easy to go straight for the caffeine if you feel very tired. You don’t need to start your day with an Instagram-worthy breakfast, but you should at least make it a point to drink 16 ounces of water before you put anything else in your body. Not only does this put you on a path to avoid dehydration, but it also positively affects the lining of the intestine. Studies show that properly hydrating can help prevent constipation and help the body break down food in the stomach. Ideally, you should drink half your body weight in ounces of water throughout the day, but starting the day with 16 ounces is the way to set your digestive system up for success.

Engage In Gentle Movement

You do not have to engage in an intense interval workout first thing in the morning. In fact, most people don’t have the energy for that upon arising from a deep slumber. Try your best to incorporate 15 to 30 minutes of light cardiovascular exercise into your morning routine. Gastroenterologists agree that colorectal cancer (the second most lethal form of cancer in the U.S.) cases are on the rise. They encourage people to move their body to avoid health risks that stem from constipation and other serious digestive disorders. 

Eat A Balanced Breakfast

A lot of people are confused on what a balanced breakfast looks like. To some, a balanced breakfast is an egg on toast with some tomatoes and a glass of milk. To others, a balanced breakfast is a sugary bowl of packaged oatmeal. Ideally, you consume a variety of foods that contain healthy fats, fiber, protein, and complex carbohydrates. Consider plain Greek yogurt mixed with almond butter and fresh berries. A fruit and vegetable smoothie is another great breakfast option. Steel cut oats with almond butter and diced apples is another option. Avoid processed foods like frozen waffles and refined, sugary carbs, such as white bread, donuts, and packaged baked goods. A nutrient-rich breakfast helps feed the good bacteria in the gut, which not only fuels the digestive system, but also keeps you energized and full until your next meal.

Drink Lemon Water Before Your Coffee

As we mentioned earlier in this article, it is best to start your day with 16 ounces of water. The next step could be drinking a cup of warm water mixed with the juice of half of a lemon. Sip this slowly and do not gulp it down for maximum benefits. Drinking lemon water can help stimulate bile production, which helps the body break down fats. It can also alkalize the body to reduce gut inflammation, while simultaneously hydrating the intestines for smoother, easier bowel movements. 

Practice Deep Breathing Before You Eat

Before you eat your healthy, balanced breakfast, make sure to engage in some deep breathing exercises. Stress can interfere with optimal digestive function, as it triggers gut-brain axis dysfunction. This can commonly lead to indigestion, so we encourage you to try five minutes of diaphragmatic breathing for five minutes before you eat.

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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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