Post-holiday detox: Try this gut‑friendly smoothie fix
Not even thinking about cooking dinner? After the holidays, we often feel overstuffed and complain about digestive issues. Holiday dishes are quite fatty and can heavily burden the liver and stomach. That's why it's worth opting for light meals today and preparing a detoxifying smoothie.
A smoothie is a great idea for a snack, and today it might even replace a meal. You can compose its ingredients to help with constipation, a bloated stomach, and other ailments that occur after hearty meals. A liquid diet will help relieve the liver and stomach. We have an idea for a smoothie that is affordable, simple, and effective. You might not even need to shop for it—you probably have everything you need right in your kitchen. You can drink this smoothie in the morning or during the day. And don't abandon this habit! It's beneficial to do it regularly, not just after the holidays.
Important base
Dairy-based smoothies are popular because they are filling and high in protein. Do you often use milk, yogurt, or buttermilk for them? This time, try kefir. It is an excellent prebiotic, containing microorganisms that help alleviate digestive system issues. Regular consumption offers many benefits, as it regulates bowel movements, reduces bloating, and eases the feeling of fullness. The second important ingredient of the smoothie is bran. Bran is the outer layer of the grain, from which other cereal products such as flour and groats are made. It contains fiber, protein, carbohydrates, as well as vitamins, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus, and is low in calories. For the smoothie, choose natural bran. It contains the most fiber, which enhances digestion.
Fruit additions
Kefir and bran are the base of the smoothie, but additions also influence its taste and effects. The first is dried plums. These fruits, even in this form, are a prebiotic and have long been known for facilitating digestion. They owe this to fiber. Dried plums also contain a lot of sorbitol, a natural laxative, and that's why these fruits help relieve constipation. Before using them in the smoothie, soak them in hot water for a few minutes. You can also add kiwi to the smoothie, but it's an optional addition. Besides fiber, kiwi contains potassium, an electrolyte that influences the proper functioning of the digestive system. An important component of kiwi is actinidin, a digestive enzyme. It ensures the proper functioning of the stomach and intestines.
Recipe for a detoxifying smoothie
Ingredients:
- 4 dried plums, previously soaked in a cup of water
- 1 kiwi (optional)
- 1 tablespoon of bran
- 1 cup of kefir
Preparation method:
- Put the peeled kiwi, wheat bran, and plums with the soaking water into a blender. Finally, add kefir.
- Blend the mixture until it reaches a smooth consistency.
- Drink this smoothie in the morning or during the day. You'll get the best results if you consume it regularly. Besides benefiting your intestines, the smoothie will also provide valuable vitamins and minerals.
