Promote digestion with smoothies
Smoothies not only taste delicious and are healthy, they can also help specifically to promote good digestion. If the basic ingredients are chosen appropriately and supplemented with a few natural fibers, one drink per day is enough to get the intestines going again, without having to resort to expensive remedies from the pharmacy.
Dietary fiber: wheat bran and flaxseed meal
For example, I've gotten into the habit of adding one tablespoon of wheat bran and flaxseed to each smoothie (my bottle holds 0.6 liters). I do that before mixing, as you can see in the picture. The mash perfectly blends under the drink, swells slightly, makes you full without tasting good, and provides the intestines with the fiber necessary for healthy digestion.
Likewise, oatmeal, wheat germ, nuts and other grains can be added. Psyllium seeds, for example, contain mucilage, swell up, are gluten-free and very well tolerated, similar to flaxseed. Chia seeds are also rich in fiber, antioxidants, proteins, vitamins and minerals. High-fat nuts such as Para or Macadamia nuts also help digestion, but should be moderately consumed due to their caloric content.
Select basic ingredients correctly
Already with the basic ingredients for a Smoohie can do a lot for the digestion: fruits such as apples or pears not only provide fiber, but also contain pectin, which calms the digestive tract. In general, I've found that I tolerate many fruits or vegetables much better when they have been crushed extremely. When mixing smoothies you can also leave the peel on it, which also provides important nutrients and fiber.
In general, processing into smoothie allows digestive leafy vegetables, usually cooked on the table, to be eaten raw. Spinach, for example, supports the pancreas, gastric mucosa and bile. A handful of fresh spinach leaves also turns every fruit or vegetable smoothie into a nice green. Likewise, green lettuce leaves, herbs or even pulled sprouts can be mixed. The latter contain fiber as well as important phytochemicals, which can also support digestion.
Even dried fruits such as raisins, plums or apricots, which are digestive due to the minerals contained, can be processed in sweet smoothies. Suffice it a small amount, as dried fruits contain many calories. Incidentally, my simple blender does not make soft dried fruit really small, which does not detract from its health effects.
The right liquids and spices
Smoothies do not necessarily have to be made with water only. If a part of the liquid is replaced by yoghurt, buttermilk or kefir, the intestine (and thus the immune system) is doing well. Kefir contains lactic acid and acetic acid bacteria and yeasts, which support the intestinal flora and strengthen the defense.
By choosing suitable spices, the digestion can be additionally boosted. For advanced users, I recommend some fresh chilli, a juicy garlic clove and a piece of raw onion in a vegetable smoothie. Those who love it less odor, rather resort to thyme, which also stimulates the intestinal activity.
If you want to soothe your bowels, you can spice up your smoothie with anise, fennel, caraway or ginger. The essential oils, tannins and bitter substances of peppermint stimulate the digestion of fat. Cinnamon also helps with bloating and bloating and tastes great in sweet smoothies, such as banana.
In general, care should be taken to ensure that the smoothies are prepared with enough liquid, or that extra-thick smoothies are supplemented with a glass of water so that the fiber does not clog the intestines.
Editor's tip:
For a quick and convenient smoothie preparation we recommend the AEG PerfectMix.
