Ok. Digestion isn’t the coolest topic, but it’s a favorite at Loveleaf Co. – because poor digestion is the root of so many health issues (learn about why it’s so important here). And smoothies are one of our go-to breakfasts.
Smoothies can be easier to digest because they’re blended (some of the work is done for you!), but here are a few tips to make them even more digestion-friendly.
How to Make Smoothies (Even) Easier to Digest
- CHEW IT. Chewing actually signals your brain to trigger an adequate production of saliva. Saliva is a complex mixture of electrolytes, hormones, and enzymes necessary to breakdown food. If you have trouble chewing a smoothie (it’s a weird concept, we get it), turn it into a smoothie bowl – and maybe add some toppings like granola, seeds, nuts, and/or coconut flakes.
- USE STEAMED FROZEN CAULIFLOWER. Instead of ice, which can be cooling for the digestive system, use steamed frozen cauliflower instead (just add a little more liquid if needed). The smoothie won’t be quite as cold.
- BE MINDFUL. Be aware of food sensitivities. Keep it non-dairy if needed and only use foods you know your body loves.
- RELAX. Smoothies tend to be a grab-and-go type of food. Do the best you can to relax as you drink (or eat!) them. Because digestion starts in the brain, you need to be in a parasympathetic, relaxed state to properly digest food.
Our Favorite Healthy Digestion Smoothies
And now, our favorite digestion-friendly smoothie recipes, boosted with natural probiotics, enzymes, and fiber. Click the links to jump to the recipes!
Mango & Turmeric Healthy Digestion Smoothie
Blueberry & Beet Healthy Digestion Smoothie
Pineapple & Kale Healthy Digestion Smoothie
Mango & Turmeric Healthy Digestion Smoothie
WHY IT SUPPORTS HEALTHY DIGESTION
Yogurt or Kefir. Yogurt and kefir contain probiotics, aka “good” bacteria, to help keep your gut healthy. If you’re dairy-free, opt for unsweetened coconut yogurt, like GT’s Cocoyo.
Hemp Seeds. Hemp seeds are high in both soluble and insoluble fiber, both important to keep your gastrointestinal system regular. Fiber also feeds the probiotics, creating more beneficial bacteria.
Turmeric. Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory spice due to the polyphenol curcumin. Curcumin has been shown to provide therapeutic results in small studies of inflammatory bowel disorders (source).
Blueberry & Beet Healthy Digestion Smoothie
WHY IT SUPPORTS HEALTHY DIGESTION
Banana. Bananas contain fiber and prebiotics, which provide fuel for the beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Beets. Beets contain high levels of folate and manganese, which supports gallbladder function. The gallbladder stores bile, which is crucial for the digestion and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins.
Lime Juice. Like lemons, the acidity of lime juice may help stimulate stomach acid (HCl) production, which is necessary to properly digest foods.
Flaxseed. Flaxseed contain high levels of a gel-forming fiber that moves through the digestive system without being digested, supporting colon detoxification. Just two tablespoons of flaxseed will provide about 25% of your daily fiber needs.
Pineapple & Kale Healthy Digestion Smoothie
WHY IT SUPPORTS HEALTHY DIGESTION
Pineapple. Pineapple contains bromelain, a proteolytic and anti-inflammatory enzyme that helps break down foods naturally.
Lemon. The acidity of lemon juice may help stimulate stomach acid (HCl) production, which is necessary to properly digest foods.
Ginger. Ginger stimulates digestion, relieves intestinal gas, relaxes and soothes the intestinal tract, and inhibits the formation of inflammatory compounds.
Chia. Chia seeds are very high in fiber, which promotes regularity. Chia seeds also absorb water and expand in the stomach, helping to keep you feeling fuller longer (source).
Pineapple & Kale Healthy Digestion Smoothie
Print
Pineapple and Kale Healthy Digestion Smoothie
- Prep Time: 5 Minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Blend
- Cuisine: American
Description
An easy pineapple and kale smoothie for healthy digestion.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsweetened dairy-free milk
- 1/2 cup ice
- 1/2 cup frozen pineapple chunks
- 1/2 frozen banana
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped kale
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger root
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 pitted Medjool date, optional
- pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Add a bit more dairy-free milk, if needed, to reach desired consistency.
Mango and Turmeric Healthy Digestion Smoothie
Print
Mango and Turmeric Healthy Digestion Smoothie
- Prep Time: 5 Minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Blend
- Cuisine: American
Description
An easy mango and turmeric smoothie for healthy digestion.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsweetened dairy-free milk
- 1/2 cup ice
- 1/2 cup unsweetened yogurt or kefir (dairy-free if desired)
- 1 orange, peel and white pith removed
- 1 large carrot, coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup frozen mango chunks
- 2 tablespoons raw hemp seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
- very small pinch of black pepper (increases the bioavailability of the turmeric!)
- pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Add a bit more dairy-free milk, if needed, to reach desired consistency.
Blueberry and Beet Healthy Digestion Smoothie
Print
Blueberry and Beet Healthy Digestion Smoothie
- Prep Time: 5 Minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Blend
- Cuisine: American
Description
An easy blueberry and beet smoothie for healthy digestion.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsweetened dairy-free milk
- 1/2 cup ice
- 3/4 cup frozen blueberries
- 1/2 frozen banana
- 1 small beet, grated or cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 1 pitted Medjool date, optional
- pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Add a bit more dairy-free milk, if needed, to reach desired consistency.
Looking to Improve Your Digestion?
Check out these related posts.
6 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR DIGESTION NATURALLY
HOW TO TAKE THE BAKING SODA STOMACH ACID TEST FOR DIGESTION
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