We are back again with another trending blog where we break down the latest digestive trends that seem to be taking the social media world by storm. With the constant influx of information that raids the internet these days, it can feel overwhelming to try and decide which digestive trends are worth trying. We are here to help you better understand the different trends and their potential setbacks and benefits.
Since every person is different, the most important thing to remember is to speak to your physician if the health trend is right for you specifically. The more we find out about our digestive system, the better we will be at maintaining it. Let’s dive into whether the following trends are worthwhile to explore.
Food Combining and Its Potential Setbacks and Benefits
The general consensus is that a well-balanced diet contains a mix of all the different nutrients that nature has to offer, but there is a method that certain people follow called food combining. Food combining is the opposite of the general consensus where you separate the different macronutrients in your diet; essentially it is eating your protein, carbohydrates, and fats all individually. The idea behind this diet is that by separating your macronutrients you will achieve optimal digestion, because it will allow your body the chance to focus on digesting each macronutrient individually.
However, there are some flaws to this way of dieting. First, foods can often fall into several of the macronutrient categories rather than just one. Secondly, the idea that digestion is easier when food combining does not add up when you consider how your digestive process is separated. The digestive process uses several parts of your body to break down the foods we consume, and there are already designated areas aimed at focusing in on certain macronutrients. This being said, it actually thrives off of having a mix of different nutrients.
Eating a wide variety of nutrients is also essential for your gut health in general. It strengthens your microbiome and promotes the growth of healthy bacteria. In conclusion, food combining truly is just a dieting fad that has circulated society for quite some time now, but in reality should be considered with precaution due to its lack of evidence and support. As always, before starting any new diet, consult with your physician on the best course of action for your health in specific.
Aloe Vera Juice for Digestion: Is It Worth It?
Aloe vera juice is yet another beverage people have turned to in hopes that it will rid them of their digestive ailments, but does it really work? Aloe vera is a succulent plant that the juice is derived from and later packaged for consumption. Aloe vera can be used topically and orally. Its benefits range widely including the following:
- Aloe vera contains high amounts of the essential vitamin called vitamin C. Vitamin C is known to help boost immunity levels, reduce inflammation, and helps the body absorb certain nutrients from foods.
- Aloe vera helps support gum health by reducing the amount of plaque and bacteria in the mouth when used as a mouthwash.
- Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera can help to alleviate digestive pain and flare-ups. It can specifically help intestinal pain and inflammation in the gut. It can also act as a laxative, so be cautious if you are experiencing irregular bowel movements. However, on the other hand, if you are experiencing constipation, aloe vera can be very helpful in pushing your body to have a bowel movement.
- Aloe vera is also a great option for those who struggle to stay hydrated and are constantly looking for a tasty drink. Aloe vera juice is low in calories and artificial sweeteners while still giving you a better taste than water alone. However, certain aloe vera juices sold on the market tend to add artificial sweeteners so be sure to check labels before purchasing.
While aloe vera juice should not be relied on as a quick fix for your digestive complications, it can be very beneficial for many reasons. If you enjoy the taste or if you want to reap the benefits above, you should consider adding aloe vera juice to your next shopping list.
Soda Alternatives for a Healthier Way To Satisfy Your Coca Cola Craving
Soda alternatives claiming to be a healthier way to satisfy that fizzy-craving have been around for quite some time now, but recently some have claimed that not only are they a healthy alternative but can be beneficial to your gut health. These soda alternatives list apple cider vinegar or related probiotic ingredients in their ingredient list. Probiotic ingredients are definitely beneficial to your gut health, but the other ingredients within these soda alternatives must be taken into consideration as well. While it might have digestive-benefits in one way, it can also include artificial sweeteners which will completely dismantle the benefits the other ingredients caused.
It is crucial to review the ingredient list of any product, but especially products that claim to be an alternative to an otherwise unhealthy option such as soda. While certain soda alternatives might hold some merit, they still might be triggering for certain people due to its carbonation levels. Carbonated drinks can cause an excess of gas in the gut creating bloating and constipation.
If you are someone who struggles with cutting soda out of their diet, you should consider trying flavored beverages such as fruit juices or herbal teas. These beverages can help to spice up your meals without giving you the negative side effects that soda offers. Eliminating something from one’s diet can be a journey, and sometimes cutting it out cold turkey can cause you to binge said product later on. It is okay to slowly phase out soda from your diet, and to treat yourself from time to time. As always, it is crucial to consume everything in moderation. So while some of these soda alternatives are definitely more beneficial to your health, consuming them in excess can also have its own adverse effects.