When it comes to DIY for keeping digestion strong this daily drink tops my list!

There are so many incredible reasons why I love having this drink first thing in the morning but above all is its ability to fire up a sleepy digestive system.

This drink is simple, takes only a minute to put together, and consists of 5 ingredients that most people already have in their kitchen cupboards. I like to make a liter of this and drink before each meal and throughout the day for a little pick me up.

What's in this magical gut cocktail and the benefits of each ingredient:

Fresh Squeezed Lemon:

Lemon is best known for its cleansing and alkalinity properties. When taken prior to a meal it helps boost metabolism and stimulate the body to produce hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes. Lemons are high in minerals and vitamin C and help to normalize you PH and nourish your body. Al though lemon seems like it would be acidic it is actually very alkaline in the body which helps promote a healthy balance especially when eating more acidic foods.

Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar:

Also known as ACV this wonder liquid helps improve the digestive system by increasing digestive enzymes and HCL, balancing the body's PH and blood sugar, emulsifying fats, and increasing healthy bacteria in the gut lending to an improvement in gut health and gut related diseases. ACV also helps to cleanse the lymphatic system and detoxify the gallbladder and liver helping with overall digestive function.

Fresh Ginger Root:

One of my all time favorite ingredients! I use raw ginger indices, smoothies, soups, and cooking and baking. It has a great warming effect on the body and acts as a wonderful anti-inflammatory. Ginger is also one of the most well known digestive aids and often used after a meal in the form of a tea to improve digestion and calm bloating. Ginger also acts as an anti fungal, anti parasitic, anti viral, and anti bacterial keeping you protected from any possible invading pathogens.

Cayenne Pepper (Turmeric Root if on AIP):

Cayenne acts as a natural fat burner boosting metabolism and has anti-inflammatory properties making it great for digestion. If you have an Autoimmune disease this is on the foods to avoid list so using turmeric in its place would be appropriate and beneficial.

Raw Honey:

A strong immune system starts in the gut and raw honey has many amazing immune properties to it. It is high in valuable minerals and enzymes helping strengthen digestion and nourish the body. If you really want to UP your health game you can choose Manuka honey which has even more potent anti viral and anti bacterial properties than regular honey. Great for supporting a strong immune system!

Recipe:

*Note this is for a single glass so increase quantities appropriately for larger amount if drinking throughout the day*

1 Tbsp raw apple cider vinegar
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1-2 wedges)
1 Tbsp raw honey
¼ tsp ginger
Dash cayenne pepper (seriously just a dash!)

Instructions:

Mix ingredients in a glass or small jar and add about an ounce of warm water. Drink all at once before eating in the morning.
Repeat before each meal for best digestion and in afternoon when energy is low for a natural non caffeine pick me up.

Trust me when I tell you that this drink takes some time getting used to so if you are having trouble drinking it, start with a tablespoon of the drink mix before each meal and slowly increase as you tolerate. I have also had some people tell me that if they add more water and drink it cold it is more palatable.

As unpleasant as this may taste I can assure you that the health benefits you will receive by choking down this concoction are more than beyond worth it!

Over the next few weeks as you include this into your daily routine you will begin to notice a difference. Some people report that their skin clears up, they lose weight through this drinks amazing ability to break down stored fat. I have also had clients with daily gallbladder pain and spasm report a decrease or even disappearance of symptoms after drinking this for several days.

In addition to its digestive supporting abilities this drink is incredibly cleansing especially when consumed on an empty stomach prior to meals and when drank though the day to help keep blood sugar levels stable during times of no food.

This is a great accompaniment to a wellness lifestyle and a healthy diet. I hope you enjoy and if you have some good results please leave a comment for myself and others to enjoy in the comments below.

In great health!

Brandy Augustine PhD

"The Gut Healer"