Executive Summary:
- Starting the day with a glass of lemon water will hydrate the body and support digestive processes.
- Herbal teas like ginger, peppermint, and chamomile contain anti-inflammatory properties which may help ease digestive distress.
- Manuka honey's nutrients have powerful antibacterial properties that help maintain a healthy gut microbiome.
Optimize Digestion for Summer: Lemon Water, Teas & Manuka Honey
Summer is a time to get more active, soak up the sun’s rays, and enjoy outdoor activities. However, a healthy digestive system is crucial for optimal nutrient absorption to power those fun-filled summer activities. So, how can you support your digestive health this season?
Surprisingly, Manukora’s Manuka honey has tons to offer here. It can help maintain optimal digestion, ensuring you spend time enjoying the warm weather rather than tending to digestive woes. In this article, we explore three simple habits, including a daily teaspoon of Manuka honey, that can support your digestion and vitality throughout the summer months.
The Role of Lemon Water in Digestive Health
Beginning the day with lemon water starts your day off on the right foot. A glass of lemon water may help prevent dehydration, especially considering your body has likely used up many of its water stores throughout the night.
Hydration is essential for proper digestion. After all, it’s no secret that the body is 60% water.
Water is necessary for various processes throughout the body. In terms of digestion, it helps sustain the mucosal lining of the digestive tract and supports the transport of nutrients throughout the body.
The vitamin C in lemon water also provides powerful antioxidant properties that support immune function. This antioxidant helps prevent free radical cell damage from oxidative stress, supporting both immune function and digestion.
An additional benefit of drinking lemon water first thing in the morning is that it helps to stimulate saliva production. This reduces dry mouth and freshens the breath. It also supports digestion since saliva and chewing jumpstart the digestion of many foods before they even make it into our stomachs.
Herbal Teas for Digestion
Herbal teas are well known for their soothing properties. They can also support proper digestion. Herbal tea flavors such as ginger, chamomile, and peppermint contain anti-inflammatory properties that maintain optimal digestive functions. Many also claim that such teas help reduce symptoms like bloating, gas, and indigestion.
In fact, herbs like ginger and fennel are known to stimulate the production of digestive enzymes. These enzymes then break down food, improving nutrient absorption.
Ginger is especially effective for relieving nausea and queasiness from heat or dehydration.
During intensely hot weather, dehydration or electrolyte imbalance may cause stomach muscle spasms. Yet, peppermint and ginger tea have antispasmodic effects on the digestive tract. This helps relax the digestive tract muscles, making way for smooth and easy digestion.
The Benefits of a Daily Teaspoon of Manuka Honey
A teaspoon of Manuka honey a day provides a delicious sweet treat and plenty of nutritional value. New Zealand’s Manuka honey is famous for its unique properties. Its beneficial nutrients offer several digestive benefits, especially MGO (methylglyoxal).
Manuka contains a unique mix of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and enzymes that are fantastic for overall well-being. These nutrients support metabolic processes and digestive health.
MGO is a crucial compound responsible for Manuka honey’s antioxidant and antibacterial properties. These properties help promote a healthy gut microbiome. In fact, the more MGO content, the stronger the honey’s antimicrobial activity.
Combining Lemon, Tea, and Manuka Honey for Optimal Results
Combining lemon, tea, and Manuka honey creates a powerful daily routine to support overall health and digestion. Here are some suggestions for adding them to your daily routine, including digestion-boosting drink recipes.
Daily Integration
- Begin the day with a warm glass of lemon water infused with Manuka honey. Squeeze the juice from half a lemon into a warm glass of water, and then add a teaspoon of Manuka honey. Mix well and take on an empty stomach.
- Treat yourself to a cup of mid-afternoon herbal tea. Select flavors like peppermint, ginger, or chamomile, which are best for digestive health. Adding a teaspoon of Manuka honey will sweeten and enhance the soothing effects. You can also opt to make these iced teas by letting them cool down in the fridge before consuming them.
- Wind down in the evening with another herbal tea infused with Manuka honey. This can help calm your digestive system after a day of meals and support relaxation before bedtime.
Drink Recipes
Lemon Ginger Detox Tea
- Steep the ginger slices in 1-2 cups of hot water for 5-10 minutes.
- Remove the ginger slices and stir in a bit of lemon juice and a teaspoon of Manuka honey.
- Enjoy this refreshing and detoxifying tea.
Peppermint Honey Tea
- Steep the peppermint tea bag or leaves in hot water for 5 minutes.
- Remove the tea bag or strain the leaves.
- Stir in a teaspoon of Manuka honey until dissolved.
- Sip slowly to enjoy the soothing and digestive benefits of peppermint and honey.
Chamomile Lemon Honey Tea
- Steep the chamomile tea bag in hot water for 5 minutes.
- Remove the tea bag.
- Stir in the lemon juice from half a lemon and one teaspoon of Manuka honey.
- Relax and unwind with this calming and digestive-supporting tea.
Support Your Digestion This Summer With Manuka Honey
With plenty of options to choose from, this summer can be your best one yet. To support your digestive system every step of the way, lemon water, teas, and Manuka honey are there to help. From vacations to weekend getaways, you can even opt to bring the above tea recipes to your next BBQ or gathering.
Want to learn more about Manuka honey and how it can elevate your wellness routine? Check out our other articles.
Sources
What percentage of the human body is water?
Antioxidant properties and antimicrobial activity of manuka honey | PMC
