You might have heard by now that your gut plays a major role in your overall health, and maintaining a healthy gut may be a crucial part of reaching your weight loss goals. That means that in addition to cutting out unhealthy, processed options, adding probiotic-rich, gut-healthy foods and beverages to your diet is a great idea. Luckily, there are tons of great choices out there.
To discover some of the best beverages you can drink for optimal gut health and a flatter belly, we spoke to Krutika Nanavati, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist from ClinicSpots. She told us that kombucha, kefir, and apple cider vinegar-based beverages are all fantastic ways to go. Find all of her expert insight below!
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1. Kombucha
If you're in the mood for something a little fruity that won't ruin your health, kombucha can be a great option. Nanavati explains that kombucha, a type of fermented tea, is "often brewed with green or black tea and sugar." Because it's fermented, this tasty beverage is typically loaded with healthy bacteria, which she notes "aids in better digestion and increases nutritional absorption." She also says it "has a lot of antioxidants and can strengthen the immune system," which makes it a fantastic option for your overall health. Drinking kombucha regularly can keep your gut health in check, reduce inflammation, and possibly even boost your metabolism, all of which will help you achieve a flatter belly.
2. Kefir
Kefir is another probiotic-rich fermented beverage, which is made from kefir grains and milk. "Similar to kombucha, it has a bacterial composition that supports digestion, enhances nutrient absorption, and strengthens the immune system," Nanavati raves, noting that it's also "abundant in calcium, protein, and advantageous B vitamins." Overall, this is another great drink to sip on for digestive health and weight loss.
3. Apple cider vinegar water
You may have heard about all the benefits of apple cider vinegar, including the fact that it may help aid weight loss by suppressing your appetite. As it turns out, Nanavati says that although not all apple cider vinegar contains probiotics, it "can still be considered a probiotic drink." She tells us that the acetic acid in ACV is produced when apples are fermented with yeast. "It has a lot of good probiotics, which can aid in promoting digestion and reducing intestinal inflammation," she says, explaining that ACV can also help pack in immunity-boosting antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals into your diet for optimal gut health and weight loss. Just be sure to dilute apple cider vinegar with water rather than drinking it straight. You can also work it into a range of recipes—Nanavati suggests trying it out in salad dressings and marinades.
So, next time you're in the mood for a tasty beverage, put the inflammatory, sugary soda down and reach for one of these gut-healthy alternatives. Your digestive system (and your waistline) will thank you.
