9 Healthiest Drinks To Drink (Besides Water)
While nothing truly competes with pure clean water for keeping us hydrated, sometimes we crave a little extra flavour. Fortunately, there are plenty of drinks that not only quench our thirst but also offer additional health benefits. Let’s look at 9 of your healthy drink best choices.
We hear it all the time, and for good reason – stay hydrated. Every cell in our body relies on water to function optimally. Proper hydration helps prevent infections, supports metabolic efficiency, and even improves our mood and sleep quality (Pross et al., 2014).
How Much Water Do We Really Need?
You’ve probably heard the recommendation to drink “eight glasses of water a day”, but the reality is that your needs depend on factors such as age, activity level, weight, climate, and overall health status.
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While water should be a daily staple, you can also diversify your hydration with other nutritious, gut-friendly drinks.
The Benefits of Healthy Drinks
Incorporating the right health drinks into our daily routine can be a simple yet powerful way to address these issues. Whether we are dealing with the persistent bloating of IBS, Candida overgrowth, or the inflammation tied to IBD, specific beverages can help alleviate symptoms and promote healing.
Beyond managing gut-related conditions, these drinks can serve as preventative measures, keeping our gut microbiome in balance and supporting long-term health.
Additionally, drinks play a crucial role in digestion, promoting regular bowel movements, and even enhancing skin health.
But while severe dehydration that requires medical attention is rare in healthy people, even mild dehydration can lead to noticeable symptoms like fatigue, irritability, or impaired cognitive function. Mild dehydration is something many us may be unaware of. Are you drinking enough water to now the difference?
4 Key Benefits of Healthy Drinks
1. Source of Vitamins and Minerals
While clean, pure water is essential for hydration, it doesn’t contain the necessary electrolytes, vitamins and minerals to replace what’s lost during illness or intense exercise. Healthy drinks, especially those rich in electrolytes, are in liquid form, allowing for easier digestion and quicker absorption, which helps prevent electrolyte imbalances.
For example, coconut water serves as an excellent natural rehydration therapy. It not only replaces fluids lost during severe dehydration but also contains antioxidants that can neutralise free radicals, making it particularly beneficial after extended periods of exercise. Coconut water is one of my favourite drinks.
2. Healthy Drinks Can Be a Digestive Aid
Healthy beverages offer enhanced nutritional benefits because they’re in liquid form, making nutrient absorption quicker and easier. Your stomach doesn’t have to work as hard to break them down, allowing the nutrients to reach your system faster than solid foods, which require chewing and digestion.
Probiotic drinks, created through fermentation, are particularly beneficial. During fermentation, healthy gut bacteria feed on the sugars and starches in the drink, producing lactic acid. This process preserves nutrients like B vitamins, beneficial enzymes, and multiple strains of bacteria, all while making the beverage more digestible.
3. Healthy Teeth, Gums, Skin, and Hair
Healthy drinks rich in vitamin C, like lemon water, are packed with antioxidants that provide multiple benefits for your teeth, gums, skin, and hair. Vitamin C is the most abundant antioxidant in human skin, offering vital protection against oxidative stress from free radicals, which can accelerate aging.
Vitamin C also plays a crucial role in collagen production, a key protein for maintaining the structure of skin, teeth, and gums. As a co-factor in enzyme functions that stabilise collagen, it helps retain skin elasticity and strength. Its anti-inflammatory properties can assist with skin conditions like acne and rosacea, promote healing, and prevent hyperpigmentation.
Because humans cannot synthesize vitamin C naturally, we must obtain it from external sources. Healthy drinks made from citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, strawberries, papaya, and broccoli are great ways to meet these needs. Historically, sailors carried vitamin C-rich foods and drinks to avoid scurvy, a condition marked by bleeding gums due to vitamin C deficiency.
In addition to vitamin C, regular consumption of green tea can support dental health. Research shows that green tea helps maintain periodontal health by preventing bone loss, reducing bacteria associated with gum disease, and limiting inflammation. (Guar et al., 2013).
The antioxidant catechin found in green tea has been linked to these benefits, as well as helping inhibit acid-producing bacteria that cause dental cavities (Goenka et al., 2013).
4. Detoxification
Wondering how to detox your body naturally? Healthy drinks are an excellent way to cleanse your system from harmful toxins, making you feel and look healthier. These beverages are often packed with liver-cleansing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant-rich ingredients that energise and rejuvenate.
Herbs like dandelion, lemon, and stinging nettle leaf are known for their potent detoxifying properties. They contain bitter components that help isolate and flush out toxins from the body. Some researchers believe it is “time to re-think bitters” in our diet. (McMillan et al., 2015).
Digestive bitters, in particular, stimulate the production of gastric juices, improving digestion, nutrient absorption, and the efficient removal of toxins. Bitters also have been proven to help glycemic (blood sugar) control, and can help us loose weight more easily, perfect for diabetics. (Rezaie et al., 2021).
Incorporating these herbal drinks into your routine can offer a natural way to support your body’s detoxification processes.
Are Soda Drinks Healthy?
Despite the well-known risks, many people still consume large amounts of soda daily. These drinks are loaded with artificial colors, flavorings, preservatives, and excessive amounts of sugar—whether in the form of real sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Popular soda drinks, like cola, are infamous for their high sugar content, making them a serious health hazard. Soda remains a leading contributor to obesity in children and adults (Hu et al., 2023).
Research shows that frequent soda consumption leads to the loss of essential minerals such as calcium and magnesium through increased urination. Over time, this can significantly impact your health, raising the risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer.
The reason so many people drink soda drinks is their addictive quality. Despite well-known risks, soda remains popular due to its addictive qualities, it offers an immediate reward that appeals to our brain’s pleasure centres.
Why Is Soda So Addictive?
How to Kick the Soda Habit
Breaking the soda habit takes time, but replacing it with healthier options like water and unsweetened tea can significantly improve your health in the long run.
Unhealthy Drinks to Avoid
Reduce Coffee & Tea and Drink More Water
Reducing coffee and tea intake while increasing water consumption is one of the simplest and most effective steps toward better health. Many people dealing with chronic issues often don’t realize they’re not drinking enough water, relying instead on caffeinated beverages.
While coffee and tea can offer some benefits, they do not replace the essential hydration that clean water provides. Considering that more than 70% of your body is made up of water, proper hydration is vital for functions like temperature regulation, digestion, joint cushioning, circulation, and waste removal.
Drinking more water, especially in place of coffee or tea, can make a significant difference in your overall health and well-being
Our Body Needs Water In Winter Too
The habit of drinking water can be easy to overlook, especially in colder months or when sedentary. However, your body needs consistent hydration throughout the year. A simple first step is to replace one cup of coffee or tea with a glass of water each day.
This gradual shift can help reduce caffeine intake and promote better hydration. It’s important to drink water when you wake up, before, during, or after meals, and anytime you feel thirsty. While the “eight glasses a day” rule is often cited, your body’s needs may vary depending on your activity level, diet, and individual requirements.
A Sign of Dehydration
Paying attention to the color of your urine can be a useful guide to ensure you’re drinking enough water. Dark, strong-smelling urine is often a sign of dehydration, while clear or pale yellow urine indicates proper hydration.
Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, dry skin, and digestive problems, so it’s essential to monitor your intake throughout the day. Small, regular sips of water are more effective than drinking large amounts all at once, as your body can only process a limited amount of water per hour.
Additionally, drinking pure, filtered water is important, as tap water may contain chlorine, fluoride, and even traces of pharmaceutical drugs, all of which can be harmful to your health.
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Consume Alcohol Wisely
Regular alcohol consumption significantly increases the risk of liver disease, pancreatitis, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and mental health disorders. Daily drinking can lead to liver inflammation, fatty liver disease, and eventually liver cirrhosis, impairing liver function and overall health. It’s important to re-consider daily alcohol use, as it is also linked to leaky gut syndrome, or increased intestinal permeability (Engen et al., 2015).
If you choose to drink, red wine in moderation is a better option. As part of the Mediterranean diet, moderate red wine intake has been shown to offer health benefits. Research indicates that moderate red wine consumption, particularly when integrated into a Mediterranean lifestyle, can support overall health and reduce the risk of chronic degenerative diseases (Hrelia et al., 2023).
The Best Healthy Drinks
With so many beverages on the market laden with different forms of sugar, empty calories and artificial ingredients, finding healthy alternatives can be a real challenge. But don’t worry, there are plenty of delicious, nutrient-packed drinks to try when you want something beyond plain water.
The drinks I’m recommending not only help keep you hydrated but also provide vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other essential compounds that support your overall health.
Why Drinks Matter for Gut Health
Our gut, often called the “second brain,” has a profound impact on our overall health. A balanced gut microbiome is essential for proper nutrient absorption, immune function, and mental clarity. Incorporating the right health drinks into your daily routine can provide targeted support and relief for these conditions.
Maximising Benefits of Newly Introduced Drinks
To truly reap the benefits of these health drinks, consistency is key. Here are some tips to help you incorporate these beverages into your daily routine:
Whether you’re aiming to improve digestion, balance gut bacteria, or simply diversify your hydration options, these beverages can make a significant difference. Each drink offers unique benefits that help maintain gut health and promote long-term wellness. Let’s now take a look at some of your best options when it comes to healthy drinks:
Here’s a list of the top healthy drinks (besides water) that you can enjoy throughout the day:
1. Lemon Water
Many patients share that they don’t enjoy drinking water because it lacks flavor. Often, this means they crave sweetness or carbonation. Fortunately, there are simple, healthy ways to enhance water’s taste without sacrificing its benefits.
Don’t Like Water? Here’s How to Improve the Flavour
One easy fix is adding a splash of lemon or lime juice—this can work wonders for the flavour. Using natural cordials or syrups in small amounts, sweetened with stevia, is another option. Just be sure to avoid the refined white sugar, or “added sugar”. For some reason, I find a few ice cubes seem to add to the appeal.
It’s possible to make your water both delicious and healthy. For something more exciting than plain water, look for drinks that offer vitamins and minerals without artificial sweeteners or high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS).
You can even create your own refreshing infusion by adding sliced strawberries, orange peel, and fresh mint to pure water. Not only will it taste great, but it will also help curb cravings for sugary drinks, a leading cause of obesity in both children and adults.
Healthy Lemon Water
Lemon water is not just a tasty addition to your daily hydration routine; it comes packed with benefits. Lemons are rich in vitamin C, with a single lemon offering around 51% of your daily requirement. This powerful antioxidant supports skin health, boosts immune function, and can even enhance your hair’s vitality.
Beyond health, lemons are super versatile—they can also be used for cleaning, scenting, and adding zest to your life. Incorporating lemon water into your daily routine not only improves flavour but can also support long-term gut and immune health.
Lemon –A Most Alkalising Drink
The Lemon Drink is a powerful morning beverage with an impressive alkalizing effect on your body. While it may take some getting used to, it’s highly effective for tackling bacterial or yeast infections and preparing your body for a cleanse.
Lemon juice not only alkalizes your body, especially the digestive system, but it also creates peroxide, promoting apoptosis (the death of rogue or pre-cancerous cells). This drink delivers a potent antioxidant boost and is particularly beneficial for the liver and gallbladder, acting as a natural cleanser and regenerator. If you consume olive oil regularly, lemon juice enhances the detoxifying effects, as both are key components in liver and gallbladder flushes.
By drinking lemon juice before breakfast, you create an environment that discourages dysbiosis (SIBO) and helps eliminate harmful yeasts and bacteria, without affecting beneficial gut flora.
The Lemon Drink Recipe
* Caution with straight lemon juice in your mouth. You may notice that your tooth enamel may be sensitive to the effects of citric acid, so be sure to rinse with clean water after and swallow afterwards.
2. Coconut Drinks
Coconut water is known for its impressive electrolyte content, making it an excellent hydrating option, particularly after exercise. Benefits include replenishing lost fluid and providing essential minerals like potassium and magnesium.
Coconut Water: A Hydration Powerhouse
Coconut water is an exceptional hydration source, particularly known for its high electrolyte content, including potassium, sodium, and magnesium. These essential minerals help maintain fluid balance, regulate nerve function, and rehydrate the body, especially after exercise.
Though technically classified as “water,” coconut water stands out with its sweet, nutty flavor and natural nutrient profile.
It’s often referred to as “nature’s sports drink” due to its replenishing properties. Unlike sugary sports drinks, it provides hydration without added sugars, chemicals, or excessive calories.
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For best results, opt for brands labeled “100% coconut water” without added sugars or flavorings. If you find the taste too strong, try blending it into smoothies or mixing it with sparkling water for a refreshing twist.
Many travelers to Pacific Islands have long enjoyed coconut water for its purifying and hydrating properties. Coconut water is among nature’s purest liquids, offering essential electrolytes and nutrients, including proteins and healthy fats. It also aids digestion and can ward off parasites and stomach bugs while traveling. Compared to commercial sport which often contain excessive sugars and salts, coconut water offers a natural, healthier alternative without synthetic additives.
Whether you drink it from a fresh green coconut or a store-bought bottle, coconut water is an all-natural way to stay hydrated, detoxify, and nourish your body with vitamins and trace elements. It’s a refreshing, nutritious option to keep you energized and hydrated throughout the day! its sweet, nutty flavor and nutrient profile. It’s rich in electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and magnesium, which help maintain fluid balance—perfect for a post-workout boost.
For the best results, choose brands labeled “100% coconut water” and avoid those with added sugars or flavourings. If you find the taste too strong, try incorporating it into smoothies or mixing it with sparkling water.
Coconut Milk: A Tasty Antifungal
Coconut milk is sold in both cartons and cans, with key differences between the two. Carton coconut milk is typically more diluted and may contain stabilisers, added sugars, flavourings, and additional nutrients.
These nutrients can support heart health, reduce inflammation, and improve blood sugar control. However, it’s important to check labels for added sugars, as some products may contain high levels of them.The great thing about coconut milk and cream is they contain caprylic acid, and antifungal fatty acid. You’ll typically find more in coconut oil, but it’s also in the milk and cream.
Coconut milk and cream also contain contains capric, and caprylic acid, but not as much as coconut oil.These fatty acids are known to be antifungal, but can also induce satiety and keep you fuller for a longer duration.
Coconut Drink Recipes
Homemade Coconut Cream Recipe
Instead of buying coconut cream, you can easily make your own! Simply blend organic shredded dried coconut with lukewarm water. A 1:3 or 1:4 ratio of coconut to water works best. For maximum creaminess, add 1 cup of boiling water to 4 parts shredded coconut and blend immediately. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or colander. This creamy coconut milk will keep in the fridge for a few days, but it’s so delicious, it probably won’t last that long. For extra flavor, add vanilla bean to the mix.
Hot Coconut Drink Recipe
Using your homemade coconut cream, pour 1 cup into a small saucepan. Add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract or half a dried vanilla bean, then heat it up while stirring for a few minutes. Once it’s hot, remove from heat and pour into a mug. This soothing drink is perfect to enjoy before bed.
3. Tea
Plain tea is one of the most soothing and healthful beverages, packed with flavonoids that support health. It’s not just your heart that benefits—many types of tea also offer significant advantages for gut health, helping to improve digestion, balance gut bacteria, and reduce inflammation in the digestive tract.
Plain tea is best drunk with no sugar, a little milk is fine. If you must need a natural sweetener, try a little honey. Here are a few popular teas and their gut-health benefits:
Green Tea
Known for its high levels of antioxidants, green tea also has impressive gut health benefits. Studies show that green tea polyphenols can stimulate the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. These bacteria play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy gut environment, aiding digestion, and boosting immunity. The catechins found in green tea may also help reduce inflammation in the gut, making it a good option for those with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Lets now look at a few herbal teas and the benefits they can bring, especially to our digestive health:
Dandelion Tea
Dandelion root tea is a powerful detoxifier, especially beneficial for the liver, but it’s also excellent for gut health. Its high inulin content makes it a prebiotic, meaning it feeds the good bacteria in your gut. This can improve digestion and nutrient absorption, while helping reduce bloating and constipation. Dandelion tea can also stimulate bile production, which aids in breaking down fats and supports smoother digestion.
Stinging Nettle Leaf Tea
Nettle tea has anti-inflammatory properties that extend to the gut, making it a great choice for soothing digestive discomfort. It can help reduce symptoms associated with IBS and other digestive disorders by calming inflammation in the intestinal lining. Rich in nutrients like magnesium and iron, nettle tea may also help ease bloating and improve overall digestive function. When I had my clinic I’ve had good feedback from a few patients that this tea is a good tea for bloating and gas.
Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus tea is not only a deliciously tangy drink, but it’s also great for gut health. Its natural diuretic properties can help reduce water retention and bloating. Hibiscus is also rich in antioxidants and has mild antimicrobial effects, which can support a healthy balance of gut bacteria. It may also aid in digestion by enhancing the breakdown of starches and sugars, preventing spikes in blood sugar.
Turmeric Tea
Turmeric is widely known for its anti-inflammatory benefits, and these extend to the gut as well. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has been shown to reduce gut inflammation, making it particularly beneficial for those with digestive disorders like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Turmeric tea can also help support bile production, which aids in fat digestion, and may improve gut motility, reducing constipation.
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is a classic digestive aid. The menthol in peppermint helps relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, making it highly effective at relieving bloating, gas, and indigestion. It’s often recommended for people with IBS, as it can ease cramping and reduce discomfort in the gut without causing side effects.
Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is another digestive powerhouse. It’s commonly used to soothe nausea and aid digestion, but it also has anti-inflammatory properties that benefit the gut. Ginger can help stimulate digestive enzyme production, making the digestive process more efficient. It also reduces bloating and gas, making it a popular choice for improving overall gut function.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is well-known for its calming effects, but it’s also great for gut health. It has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which help relax the muscles in the digestive tract and soothe discomfort. Chamomile is often used to treat indigestion, nausea, and bloating. Its gentle nature makes it a good option for people with sensitive stomachs or those recovering from gastrointestinal upset.
Raspberry Leaf Tea
Raspberry leaf tea is traditionally used for women’s health, but it also offers digestive benefits. The tannins in raspberry leaf can help tone the digestive system, reducing inflammation and soothing diarrhoea. The high fiber content also supports regular bowel movements, making it a good choice for gut health.
Rooibos Tea
Rooibos tea is packed with antioxidants, and its anti-inflammatory properties are great for gut health. It has been shown to help balance gut bacteria, particularly by promoting beneficial bacterial strains. Rooibos tea is also caffeine-free, making it a good option for those with sensitive digestive systems, as it won’t irritate the gut or lead to acid reflux.
Incorporating these teas into your daily routine not only supports overall health but also strengthens gut function by promoting digestion, balancing microbiota, and reducing inflammation. For optimal benefits, enjoy a variety of teas that target both your gut and your overall health, fostering wellness from the inside out.
4. Coffee
Good news for those who love coffee, moderate coffee consumption can be part of a healthy diet and may even offer several health benefits. Research shows that drinking coffee is associated with a reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes and contains antioxidants which promote eye health. (Huxley et al., 2009). Studies also suggest coffee may lower the risk of dementia, stroke, and inflammation (Bidel et al., 2013)
Coffee consumption is more often associated with benefit than harm for a wide range of health outcomes across exposures including high versus low, any versus none, and one extra cup a day (Poole et al., 2017).
Caution With Added Sugar
However, these benefits can be easily offset by sugary additives like syrups and heavy cream. To maximise the health benefits, it’s best to enjoy coffee with a splash of fat-free or plant-based milk and save the sugary, high-calorie drinks for special occasions. It’s why I prefer to drink coffee I make at home myself, that way I know exactly what’s in it.
As Frank Hu, chair of the Department of Nutrition at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, explains, “The overall evidence has been pretty convincing that coffee has been more healthful than harmful.” Moderate coffee intake, defined as 2–5 cups per day, has been linked to a lower risk of several conditions, including heart disease, liver and endometrial cancers, Parkinson’s disease, and depression. It may even help reduce the risk of early death.
Dandelion Coffee & Tea
Have you ever tried dandelion coffee made from roasted dandelion roots, or dandelion tea brewed from dried leaves? Dandelions are rich in iron, vitamin A, calcium, and potassium. Dandelion root coffee supports liver health, while tea from the leaves has a stronger effect on the kidneys. The dandelion root and leaves both help eliminate toxins through these organs, making them excellent additions to any cleanse program.
Powerful Dandelion Drink Recipe
To make a dandelion brew,
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5. Kefir
Kefir is a milk or water-based drink produced by the action of bacteria and yeasts that exist in symbiotic association inside kefir grains. The sugars in the milk are broken-down by the micro-organisms life inside the grains to create a fermented dairy drink. Kefir contains many types of probiotic bacteria known to have probiotic qualities. (Bourrie et al., 2016)
Water Kefir
Water kefir is also a fermented beverage, but in this instance it is not made using milk, but water. It is made with water, sugar, and kefir grains. The sugar gives the beneficial bacteria and yeasts found in the kefir grains the food it needs to stay alive. You can taste a slight carbonated fizz in water kefir, which is a bit like a tasty soda water or similar to kombucha, also a kind of fermented tea.
The lactic acid, enzymes, vitamins, probiotics, and other healthy substances produced as a result of the fermentation process, turns sugar into carbon dioxide, which causes natural carbonation, and other by-products from the bacteria and yeasts in the kefir grains.
The flavour of water kefir is described as mildly sweet and a little acidic, quite similar to a carbonated soda drink. After fermentation, water kefir can be flavoured with fruit, herbs, or other liquids to provide a variety of flavours.
Like milk kefir, water kefir has several health benefits, such as enhanced nutrient absorption, immune system support, and better digestion because of its high beneficial bacteria content. Water kefir is a cooling, high-probiotic beverage that can be a great substitute for sugar-filled sodas or other less healthful options.
Coconut Kefir
While traditional kefir is dairy-based, variations can be made using non-dairy liquids such as coconut water or coconut milk. These alternatives, however, may differ in nutrient content compared to dairy kefir.
Regardless of the base, the fermentation process remains crucial in developing kefir’s characteristic tangy taste and beneficial microbial composition.
Coconut kefir is particularly beneficial for those with candida overgrowth because of the capric and caprylic acid content.
Key Articles About Fermented Foods
6. Apple Cider Vinegar Drinks (That Actually Taste Good)
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has long been celebrated for its numerous health benefits, particularly when it comes to gut health. This versatile natural remedy is rich in acetic acid, which plays a key role in promoting a healthy digestive environment.
By increasing stomach acid production, ACV helps break down food more effectively, ensuring that nutrients are better absorbed and reducing the likelihood of indigestion and bloating.
Additionally, the fermentation process used to create apple cider vinegar fosters the growth of beneficial bacteria, which can help balance the gut microbiome and improve overall digestive health.
To incorporate apple cider vinegar (ACV) into your routine, add one to three tablespoons to a glass of warm water. This can be consumed during or between meals. Don’t be afraid to add some pure honey to this mixture, and a little lemon juice. It can become a very tasty and tangy healthy recipe.
You may be interested in our Oxymel Recipe, a pleasant and medicinal way to take ACV.
Throughout your Ultimate Candida Cleansing Program, ACV serves as a beneficial daily beverage, thanks to its ability to alkalize the digestive system. While some claim that ACV can eliminate an internal Candida yeast infection, this hasn’t been my experience.
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A diluted mixture of apple cider vinegar and water can aid digestion and balance stomach acidity.
7. Smoothies
Smoothies are blended drinks made from a combination of fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-dense ingredients like yogurt, seeds, nuts, or protein powders. They are popular for their convenience and ability to pack numerous nutrients into a single serving.
For gut health, smoothies can be particularly beneficial due to their ease of digestion, and they can serve as a way to deliver probiotics, prebiotics, and fibre—all essential for maintaining a balanced gut microbiome. Smoothies can also be tailored to support specific digestive conditions such as Candida overgrowth, Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
Candida overgrowth, which occurs when the yeast Candida grows unchecked in the gut, can be managed with smoothies rich in anti-inflammatory and antifungal ingredients. Ingredients such as coconut oil (with its caprylic acid content), ginger, and low-sugar fruits like berries are ideal. Smoothies for Candida should avoid high-sugar fruits, which can feed the yeast. Incorporating prebiotics like flaxseeds or chia seeds can also help nourish the beneficial bacteria that keep Candida in check, promoting a healthy gut balance.
For those dealing with conditions like SIBO, IBS, or IBD, smoothies can offer relief by providing easily digestible nutrition without aggravating the digestive system. Low-FODMAP ingredients are often recommended for people with SIBO or IBS, as they reduce fermentation in the gut, which can trigger symptoms like bloating and discomfort. Inflammatory Bowel Disease, including Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis, can benefit from anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, leafy greens, and omega-3-rich seeds in smoothies. Smoothies allow people with these conditions to absorb essential nutrients without stressing their digestive systems, making them a valuable part of a gut-healing diet.
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8. Aloe Vera Drinks
Aloe vera juice is a powerful natural remedy that has gained popularity for its ability to support gut health and soothe digestive discomfort. Known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and healing properties, aloe vera is particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with conditions such as Candida overgrowth, Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
Aloe vera juice is rich in compounds like polysaccharides and enzymes that promote gut healing, reduce inflammation, and support overall digestion. Its mild, soothing nature makes it an ideal choice for those with sensitive or inflamed digestive systems.
For those with Candida overgrowth, aloe vera juice can act as a gentle antimicrobial agent, helping to regulate the balance of bacteria and yeast in the gut. It contains compounds that combat Candida and other pathogens, while also promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria. Aloe vera’s detoxifying properties may also aid in flushing out excess toxins and yeast by improving bowel movements and bowel turn-over, which can otherwise exacerbate Candida symptoms.
Aloe vera juice is also highly beneficial for those suffering from SIBO, IBS, or IBD. In the case of SIBO and IBS, the anti-inflammatory and gut-soothing properties of aloe vera can help reduce bloating, cramping, and discomfort by calming the gut lining. Its natural laxative effect can also promote regular bowel movements, which is particularly helpful for individuals with IBS who experience constipation. For IBD sufferers, aloe vera juice is renowned for its ability to promote healing of the gut lining, making it an effective remedy for reducing intestinal inflammation and aiding in the repair of damaged tissues.
In addition to its specific benefits for these conditions, aloe vera juice supports overall digestive health by improving nutrient absorption, soothing acid reflux, and regulating stomach acidity. Its ability to maintain a balanced gut environment can be particularly useful for people who struggle with chronic digestive issues, because it is a gentle prebiotic, gently encouraging the production of friendly bacteria.. By providing both immediate relief and long-term healing, aloe vera juice can be a valuable part of a gut health regimen for those suffering with any kind of gut-related issue
If you are going to purchase aloe vera, be sure to purchase a reputable brand and to take according to their instructions. I’ve been growing aloe vera plants for many years and found the ideal aloe vera drink for me is to fill a large pitcher or carafe with water and add a large slice of aloe vera leaf. You can keep the water at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Top up the water with filtered water each time you drink. Replace the leaf once a week. Keep the glass container clean.
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9. Fruit and Vegetable Juices
Vegetable and fruit juice-based diets have gained significant popularity over the years, but controlled research studies with clinical outcomes that provide concrete scientific evidence of their health benefits are still quite limited. However, we have found when included in a Candida cleanse or other gut treatment protocol, the consumption of certain vegetable and fruit juices can offer essential nutrients and boost overall health as well as support gut function in several ways .
Fruit and vegetable juice are both rich in biologically active compounds that contribute to overall health and may reduce the risk of many acute and chronic diseases (Henning et al., 2017).
Among these, phenolic compounds are particularly abundant, offering a range of health benefits. Polyphenols, a specific type of naturally-found phenolic compound, have been shown to have anti-oxidative, immune-improving, and antimicrobial effects (Li et al., 2014).
However, their absorption in the small intestine is limited, which allows significant amounts to reach the colon. In the colon, polyphenols are metabolised by beneficial bacteria into smaller compounds, which in turn help balance and boost our gut microbiome (Wang et al., 2022). Additionally, fruit and vegetable juices serves as a prebiotic, further supporting gut health.
Focus on Greener and More Dense Vegetables
Juicing and blending are excellent ways to boost your immune system with essential vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants, all crucial for managing Candida overgrowth and promoting gut health. Incorporating fibre-rich ingredients into your juices can enhance their health benefits. While fruits can raise the glycemic load, small amount of fruits like green apples and berries are perfectly fine in most cases. However, focusing on the greener, more dense vegetables will provide more balanced nutrition while keeping sugar levels low. The pay-off is bitterness, however, this can be improved with the addition of ginger, green apple, berries, or a drop of honey.
Increase Your High-Fibre Intake
If you want to increase your insoluble fibre intake, one option is to add a spoonful of pulp back to your juice. It’s an easy way to increase your high-fibre intake. A second option is to add chia seeds. Chia seeds are full of fibre and are commonly found in juices for the same fibre-bulking reason.
When dealing with gut conditions like Candida overgrowth, SIBO, IBS, and IBD, the right dietary choices can make a world of difference in managing gut symptoms and promoting healing. Juices, particularly those rich in anti-inflammatory and gut-healing properties, can play a supportive role in this process.
Juices Have Gut Health Benefits
For those struggling with these conditions, it’s essential to focus on juices that not only offer hydration but also provide nutrients that aid in balancing the gut microbiome, reducing inflammation, and soothing the digestive tract.
A recent study found that consuming fruit and vegetable juice for three weeks enhanced the diversity of our gut microbiota and increased the proportion of Faecalibacterium bacteria. The author suggests that incorporating more fruits and vegetables may help alleviate bowel symptoms and fatigue (Choi et al., 2018). Other studies have found low levels of Faecalibacterium to be typically associated with several diseases (Martin et al., 2023).
Certain types of fruit and vegetable juices are particularly beneficial for people with gut issues. For instance, pomegranate juice and cranberry juice are packed with antioxidants that reduce inflammation, support immune function, and help regulate gut bacteria.
Vegetable juices, like carrot and beet juice, contain nutrients that are gentle on the digestive system and support detoxification, while also promoting healthy digestion and gut repair. Incorporating these juices into your diet may help ease symptoms of Candida overgrowth, SIBO, IBS, and IBD by supporting gut health and reducing flare-ups.
Best Fruit Juices
If you are buying fruit juices, be sure to check the label for any added sugars or other unwanted ingredients.
Best Vegetable Juices
Key Points:
Healthy Drink For Gut Cleansing
The Potassium Broth
Potassium broth is a nutrient-rich soup made primarily from root vegetables, offering high levels of potassium, calcium, and magnesium. This drink is an excellent tonic for detoxifying and alkalising the body. It’s especially beneficial for those recovering from surgery, chronic illness, or for women seeking a health boost post-childbirth.
To get the most out of your potassium broth, use the freshest vegetables, preferably homegrown or organic. For added benefits, mix in a few tablespoons of liquid whey (from homemade yogurt) during the cooling stage to enhance digestion and nutrient absorption.
The Potassium Broth Recipe
Method
Ultimate Candida Cleanse System
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You get a structured, step-by-step program, professional clinical guidance, and supplements designed to support each stage of recovery. No guesswork. No confusing protocols. Just a clear roadmap and the right tools to help you finally reduce symptoms, rebalance your microbiome, and feel like yourself again. The Ultimate Candida Cleanse System is everything you need to make real progress — naturally, safely, and effectively.
Eric Bakker N.D.
Greetings! I am a naturopathic physician from New Zealand. Although I’ve retired from clinical practice since 2019 after 34 years of clinic. I remain passionate about helping people improve their lives. You’ll find I’m active online with a focus on natural health and wellbeing education through my Facebook page, Reddit page and YouTube channel, including this website.
