Knowing what types of beverages work best for your body is essential in understanding how best to maintain a healthy gut. In general, it is important to remember to maintain your hydration levels, because water helps to break down any substances you consume, as well as helps to soften your stool in order to make it easier to pass. However, aside from water, there are other types of beverages that can actually be beneficial for your digestion and overall health. For example, there are herbal teas that can improve certain aspects of your health, and today we are going to break those down along with other types of beverages!
Types of Tea and How They Are Beneficial to Your Health
Green Tea
Green tea contains polyphenols, catechins, and other helpful antioxidants. Polyphenols can be found in a variety of different teas and are known for reducing inflammation in your body. A catechin is an antioxidant that is known to help prevent cell damage in the body. Green tea is also a great alternative for your daily dose of caffeine, because it contains just the right amount to give your body an energy boost without promoting any symptoms of uneasiness. The caffeine can also help to keep your digestive system up and running. Lastly, the catechins in green tea can help to minimize the growth of bacteria in your mouth.
Chamomile Tea
Due to its floral flavor, many people tend to favor the taste of chamomile tea over others, but its flavor is not the only factor making this tea a big hit! Similarly to green tea, chamomile is known to have many anti-inflammatory properties which can help with issues such as arthritis. The compounds in chamomile tea help to promote the production of digestive gut health enzymes that can help your body break down the food you consume. It can also help to soothe digestive ailments such as acid reflux, and upset stomach, and constipation. Lastly, chamomile contains apigenin which is an antioxidant known to come together with receptors in your brain that allows your body to relax and enter a state of sleepiness.
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is known for its freshness, but can actually be used as more than just a breath freshener. Peppermint tea helps to regulate the muscles of your stomach, which can help to minimize issues such as bloating, cramping, and gas. Peppermint tea in general is known to be a muscle relaxant and helps to alleviate pain such as migraines and stomach pain. If you are in need of a sinus relief, peppermint tea might also be able to unclog your sinuses due to its antibacterial/antiviral properties. Although peppermint tea does not contain caffeine, it is known to help reduce fatigue in some people which can be really helpful if you are trying to find ways to improve your energy levels without caffeine.
How Kombucha Can Be Beneficial For Your Digestive Health
Kombucha is a very popular drink that goes through a fermentation process consisting of tea mixed with bacteria and yeast. It is especially known for containing probiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms that are known to be beneficial for your digestive process by protecting your gut’s health.
Probiotics help to promote the growth of healthy bacteria in your gut, and help to protect your gut from any potentially harmful bacteria from festering. When you have a bacterial imbalance in your gut it can lead to unpleasant effects such as abdominal pain and constipation. Probiotics can also be taken in the form of a bloating supplement such as our very own Probiotic Renu.
The beneficial bacteria that kombucha provides can also help your immune system in addition to your digestive system. Since your digestive and immune system are closely connected, when one system is given a boost of support, the other tends to feel supported as well. However, it is important to keep in mind moderation when you are considering the consumption of kombucha. Drinking too much kombucha can actually have adverse effects on your digestive system.
Since kombucha is created using tea as a base, it is important to remember you will also be gaining the benefits from the tea that is used in the beverage. For example, some types of kombucha use green tea as a base for its drink, meaning that on top of the probiotic benefits, you will also get the benefits that green tea has to offer.
The Factors to Keep in Mind When it Comes to Drinking Coffee
While it is not recommended to gain a dependency on coffee and the caffeine that comes along with it, there are actually many benefits that can be reaped from drinking a cup of coffee in the morning. The caffeine helps to give your body a boost of energy, which can be beneficial in helping you achieve your daily tasks. The stimulant in the coffee can also help to boost your digestive system, so if you are feeling especially constipated or bloated, coffee can help to move things along. Coffee is also known to help with weight management, because people who drink coffee are also more likely to stay physically active. If you find yourself struggling to get out of bed for that morning workout, coffee might be just the thing you need to give yourself that boost.
It is important to keep in mind that drinking coffee in excess can decrease its benefits and actually cause adverse symptoms to occur. Be sure to drink coffee in moderation. It is also prudent to keep the additional sugars and creams out of your coffee, especially if you are trying to maintain your weight. The sugars that are added to your specialty coffee at your local coffee shop can be processed which will not be beneficial for your health in the long run.
Lastly, it is recommended that you eat before drinking your coffee first thing in the morning, so that you are not giving your body a spike in energy on an empty stomach. For some, this could lead to jitters and other unpleasant symptoms. All in all, the types of beverages you consume and supplements for bloating that you take all have an impact on your digestive system and overall health.