Aloe For Gut Health

Got gut inflammation? Today’s post is for you! This is all about one of my fave superfoods that doesn’t get as much hype as turmeric or matcha, but (in my opinion) is JUST as trend worthy and particularly good for your gut.

Today I want to talk all about ALOE. Yes, that plant in the desert is incredible for your gut!

Aloe vera is a great go-to if you aren’t sure what’s going on with your belly but something doesn’t feel quite right. It’s soothing, calming and cooling – there is a reason they call it “The Plant of Immortality,” it is a master healer. I find myself turning to this superfood when I am feeling that internal sunburn (inflammation) coming on. Whether it be needing to get my digestion back on track after my summer travels, or looking to give my gut some extra TLC.

This superfood has some serious power to cleanse our insides having been used (and trusted) for thousands of years by ancient civilizations. Specifically in traditional Chinese herbal medicine they used aloe vera to promote a healthy stomach, help heal ulcers, and treat constipation. In other words it helps you poop.

To make the aloe a part of your everyday life I’m sharing three recipes plus where to get this good gut stuff below.

Where to get aloe:

Lucky for us, there are a number of ways to get this good goop into our bodies. With all aloe products – a little goes a long way! Think of it more like a supplement (it is!) and start small, increasing if you feel you need more.

• Raw aloe vera – Yes, you can scoop raw aloe right out of the leaf and consume that (just make sure you scoop out the clear jelly and don’t eat the leaf exterior itself)! If you don’t have a plant yourself many health foods stores carry whole leaves you can buy for consumption. Most of the time these leaves are HUGE so you can buy one and keep it in your fridge for awhile. You can also rub it on your skin!
• Aloe vera juice – This is a great option if you can’t find whole leaf aloe vera, or if scooping it from the leaf weirds you out 😉 Caution: there are quite a few “aloe drink” products on the market. Many are less aloe vera juice and more sugar or fruit juice. Check the ingredients before you buy!
• Fermented Aloe Booster Powder from New Chapter – This powder is a nourishing blend of Aloe, Turmeric, Cardamom and Peppermint to support the body’s digestion and gently detoxify. It’s great to keep stocked in your kitchen or to bring with you when you travel!
  

Here are a few of my favorite recipes featuring aloe:

You can simply blend a little aloe vera juice, pulp or powder into smoothies or add to water, or try one of the recipes below!

• Go with Your Gut Shot – Try this shot first thing in the morning to get things moving: Simply combine 1 to 2 ounces pure aloe vera juice, ½  ounce raw apple cider vinegar, and a squeeze of lemon juice and shoot it down just like you’d take a shot of tequila with your girls on a Saturday night (almost the same plant!)
• Fermented Aloe Tonic (featuring the New Chapter Fermented Aloe Booster Powder)
• Cleansing Aloe Smoothie – ¼ cup aloe vera juice (the water like kind not the gel, like George’s brand linked above), 1 cup pineapple chunks (frozen), 1 ripe banana (frozen), 1 cup spinach, 1 teaspoon ginger (fresh, grated), 1 cup water

If you make one of these recipes, I want to see it! Snap a photo and post your drink or dish to social media – make sure to tag me @robynyoukilis and #YourHealthiestYou so I can see your gut soothing creations!