The gut microbiome is an essential part of our health, contributing to our immunity and even mood. The microbiome is made up of microorganisms that live in the digestive tract, and it’s incredibly important to keep that gut healthy.
Studies show that a diet high in fiber can help prevent gastrointestinal diseases such as colorectal cancer. So what does this mean for those looking to maintain their overall health? Juicing! Juicing allows you to get more nutrients from fruits and vegetables than you would by simply eating them whole or cooked. There are many ways you can juice for optimal gut health:
QUERCETIN
Researchers have found that quercetin is an antioxidant that may help prevent cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Quercetin is found in a variety of fruits and vegetables including apples, onions and tea.
Quercetin reduces the risk of chronic conditions by:
- Increasing your body's ability to fight inflammation
- Reducing oxidative stress on cells
- Boosting immunity
Beets
Beets contain a compound called betacyanin, which is responsible for its dark red color. Betacyanin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the gut. Beets are also rich in nitrates and antioxidants, vitamins C, B6, B1 and folate (folic acid).
Beetroot juice is a good source of dietary nitrates which are converted to nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide dilates blood vessels allowing more blood flow to your muscles during exercise (good for athletic performance) and improving circulation throughout the body including the gastrointestinal tract where it can help heal leaky gut syndrome.
Apples
Apples contain quercetin, a flavonoid that has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve gut health in animal studies. Apples also have pectin, which can help speed up your digestion by binding with cholesterol and taking it through your system faster. Apples are high in fiber, so they’re great for maintaining regular bowel movements—and they may even lower your risk of colon cancer by removing toxins from the intestines before they can be absorbed into the bloodstream. On top of all that, apples are rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and polyphenols (so-called “superfruits”), making them an excellent defense against oxidative stress in general.
Celery
Celery is a great source of quercetin, a compound that can help protect the lining of your gut and has been shown to lower inflammation in the gut.
It's also a good source of vitamin K, which plays an important role in supporting good bone health by helping with blood clotting and cell growth. It also helps maintain strong bones and joints.
In addition to being a great source of vitamin C (which is essential for maintaining healthy gums), celery provides plenty of folate—a B vitamin known for its ability to prevent anemia by alleviating fatigue from heavy menstrual bleeding or pregnancy—as well as potassium, which can help boost energy levels when you're feeling tired after eating something heavy like steak or potatoes at dinner.
Ginger
Ginger is one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory foods. It's also a great source of vitamin C, manganese, and magnesium (all nutrients that help reduce inflammation). Ginger also provides antioxidant protection against free radicals that cause damage to cells throughout your body.
If you're suffering from gastrointestinal issues like colitis or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ginger juice may help improve symptoms. The specific mechanism of action isn't known yet but scientists think it could be due to the presence of volatile oils in ginger that suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines in your gut flora (gut bacteria). Ginger is included in our Bounce Beet, Southside, Liquid Gold, and Afterparty.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice that has been used for thousands of years in Indian cooking, but more recently it's been recognized for its ability to aid digestion and promote gut health. Turmeric contains curcumin, a plant-based compound that has shown promise in treating inflammatory conditions like arthritis and heart disease.
To get the most out of your turmeric juice, make sure you're using organic turmeric powder—many varieties have arsenic lurking on the surface!
Quercetin is the strong antioxidant to use for gut health and immunity. Beets, celery, apples, ginger and turmeric are some of the best juice ingredients for gut health.
Quercetin is a strong antioxidant that has been proven to help with gut health and immunity. Beets, celery, apples, garlic, ginger and turmeric are some of the best juice ingredients for gut health.
Conclusion
When it comes to gut health, you don’t have to reach for an expensive supplement or take a prescription drug. Juicing is one of the easiest ways to get all the nutrients that your body needs for a healthy gut and immune system. So if you want to keep things simple and avoid expensive medicines, try out some of these juice recipes that are perfect for your digestive system!