Trust Your Gut

America has a lot to offer - beautiful natural wildernesses, vibrant cities, and a mixing pot of cultures and languages. Something that’s unfortunately all-too-American? The Standard American Diet, also known as SAD. That acronym is no misnomer, because this diet is characterized by excess consumption of red meat, processed foods, refined sugar, and a noticeable lack of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. And yes, a hot dog can be a delicious indulgence now and then. But over time, eating a SAD can lead to a series of health complications that include poor digestion. And since poor digestion itself has been linked to a number of chronic conditions, it’s important to take care of your gut - having a balanced and diverse microbiome is essential for overall health and well-being.

What do I mean by microbiome? Well, our digestive system is home to almost 2 kg of microbial bacteria, two-thirds of which is unique to an individual. Your microbiome is your own population of gut bacteria, which can be influenced by the food you eat, the environment you live and spend time in, as well as the air you breathe. A diverse microbiome is ideal, and can help you digest food, absorb nutrients, support good immunity, and assist in the production of key vitamins. However, all too often a ‘typical’ American lifestyle and diet lead to a gut that is… kind of SAD.

An unhealthy gut can manifest in a whole slew of symptoms, ranging from weight change, skin irritation, sleep difficulty, and indigestion. But since two-thirds of your gut is your unique bacteria, you can make choices that will support its overall health. Studies have shown that consuming pre- and probiotic rich foods and drinks contribute to a diverse microbiome. Lucky for you, apple cider vinegar has a living culture that can help!*

This Maple-Ginger Tummy Tonic is warming, slightly spicy, and infused with all the digestive goodness of ginger and apple cider vinegar. This is a great drink for heading into fall and winter months when your body moves into a slower season. Ginger, after all, has been used as a medicinal herb for over 5000 years, and the ancient Greeks used vinegar to treat various health ailments. The Tummy Tonic will keep you warm from the inside out on a blustery October day! Plus, taking a moment to relax with a cozy beverage might reduce your stress levels (another great way to support gut health!).

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*These statements have not been approved by the FDA, and if you think you might have a more serious condition, it’s always a good idea to consult your health care practitioner!