You can add anything you want to make it a drink to your liking (Image: Getty)
Doctor Karan Raj, an NHS GP, has shared a wellness drink he loves which keeps his gut healthy. But not only is it good for your gut, it helps with “bloating, nausea and discomfort” – perfect for people who suffer with these symptoms whether it’s due to an illness or anxiety.
In his video uploaded to , which has over half a million views, the expert with the username , shared that people should stop buying wellness drinks at shops and instead, make it at home if you can. He explained: “Stop buying these [store bought] and make your own wellness drink at home that can actually improve your gut health.”
He continued: “Start with lemons and oranges. Both contain soluble fibre called pectin which acts as a pre-biotic to feed your gut bacteria. Both these citrus fruits are rich in flavonoids which reduce inflammation and contain high amounts of vitamin C which is key to maintaining the gut lining.”
Adding ginger for gingerols, he says this helps to increase gastric emptying, reducing “bloating, nausea and discomfort”. Next, he spices things up with “black pepper and turmeric. These spices work synergistically as the anti-inflammatory compound Piperine in black paper enhances the absorption of the curcumin found in turmeric”. He also adds olive oil, explaining that the reason behind this, as it may seem odd, is that “all the active compounds I’ve mentioned so far are fat soluble so therefore more easily absorbed with a source of dietary fat, not to mention olive oil is rich in polyphenols which itself is a pre-biotic for your gut bugs.”
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Urging people to make the easy at-home drink, he says “most of the commercial wellness shots are devoid a fibre because they’re juiced up and the pith and pulp are filtered out and discarded, which is the most important bit”. Adding some sweetness next, he says that “all the fibre and acidity so far could add some bitterness which is why I add some honey to the mix and it has some pre-biotic properties to it.”
Adding mint for “menthol which relaxes the muscle of the intestine and helps relieve abdominal discomfort.” Next, all you need to do is mix it all up and add some water as desired depending on how chunky you want it.”
One viewer questioned whether adding turmeric will stain teeth with Dr Karan reassuring them that it won’t, replying: “In this sort of quantities..not really. Unless you plan on eating huge amounts daily”. There are no exact quantities mentioned, instead you can add however much you like. But here’s a handy shopping list for you below.
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Gut health drink at home!
What you will need…
- Lemons
- Oranges
- Ginger
- Olive Oil
- Black Pepper
- Turmeric
- Honey
- Mint leaves (fresh)
In the comments one said: “Tried this at home and it’s a game-changer! My gut feels so much better. Thanks for the awesome !.” Another added: “I make almost the exact same one except I add a pinch of cayenne and clove of garlic.”
A third noted: “and add carrot for vitamin A” with the doctor replying: “You can add whatever you want”