Calming Adaptogen Smoothie

There is no better way to kick off the holiday season than with a chill smoothie blend. We have teamed up with Rritual to give your smoothie Saturday an adaptogen twist. Kefir, matcha, and reishi may work together to reduce stress, ease anxiety, and boost your mood with probiotics and amino acids that control the production of stress hormones. Cheers to nourishing your inner calm!

Your Gut Matters

Eating habits also play a role in mental health and stress. Research has shown that probiotic-rich foods decrease anxiety and boost the mood. That makes kefir a great well-being tool because it contains 12 live and probiotic cultures. Psychiatrist James Greenblatt explained that “the gut is really your second brain. There are more neurons in the GI tract than anywhere else except the brain.” As research continues to develop, it’s becoming more and more apparent that there is a link between the gut and the brain. What was once suspected as one-way communication (brain to gut) is now understood to be more of a two-way system. Thus, the health of our gut may directly impact the health of our minds.

Yoga, exercise, painting, and gardening are some great ways to connect the mind and body. Science even says that looking at colors can relax you! The colors that affect the mood in a positive way are blue, green, pink, white, violet, grey, and yellow. That is why spending time in nature is one of the most important factors when it comes to mental health and easing stress.

Drinking Kefir

Kefir is an ancient healing superfood from the Caucasus Mountains that has provided microbiome support for over 2,000 years. It’s an all-natural, fermented dairy drink that’s high in protein, calcium, and vitamin D. The 12 live and active probiotic cultures in our kefir may help to support a balanced gut microbiome and healthy immune system. 70-80% of the cells that make up the immune system are located in the gut, so nourishing it with probiotics may help to keep it balanced and ready to fight off infection. The gut plays an integral role in protecting you against pathogens and viruses. Just as your skin protects you against foreign invaders on the outside, your gut lining protects you on the inside.

90% of serotonin, a hormone that affects mood, is produced by the cells in the gut. An unbalanced gut can trigger anxiety, depression, and mood swings, which can weaken your immune system. Research has shown that probiotic foods decrease anxiety and boost mood. There are so many ways to enjoy kefir, use it as a dairy substitute in your favorite recipes, pour it over granola and fresh berries, or enjoy it on its own for an on-the-go delicious snack.