Charcoal Kefir Smoothie

It’s all a bunch of hocus pocus. The last quarter moon, a balance of inky black and milky white, rises on All Hallows’ Eve, casting its glow across the autumn sky. This lunar phase allows you to release emotions, reflect, and discover your personal power. Celebrate this enchanting night with our charcoal moon bowl: a nourishing way to welcome some magic into your life

Blueberries and lemon juice give this smoothie a healthy dose of vitamin C, which plays a crucial role in the creation of collagen, the most abundant protein found in our bodies. Collagen helps repair and restore dead skin cells as well as plays a role in wound healing. Activated charcoal has the unique ability to bind other substances on its surfaces, such as cholesterol, bile acids, and gases in the intestines. This may reduce cholesterol levels as well as indigestion and heartburn. 

Why Probiotics Matter:

Probiotics can help balance the microbiome by replenishing the good bacteria, which may lead to improved digestion and better immunity. We’ve discussed before how our brain and gut communicate with each other. Scientists previously thought there was a one-way communication between the brain and the gut, but now realize that it’s a two-way line. Basically, your gut, which is comprised of millions of neurons called the enteric nervous system, is also talking back to your brain.

On top of alerting your immune system to foreign invaders, and digesting and absorbing nutrients, your gut also produces serotonin. In fact, about 90% of the serotonin in your body is produced by the cells in your gut. 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.

Cultured Dairy: The Nutrition Benefits You Actually Need to Know

With increasing research linking the correlation between probiotics, gut health, and immunity, it’s no secret that the integrity of our gut is vital to our health. Although additional factors such as stress, antibiotic usage, and individual health conditions can contribute to the condition of our gut, a focus on healthy food choices is one of the easiest ways to support the microbiome.

Several studies have shown a strong association between the gut-brain-microbiota. Probiotics introduced to the gut have been found to support immunity, improve allergies, and improve digestion.

Studies have shown that reduced diversity of healthy gut bacteria during early years is associated with an increase in food allergies during school-age years. In addition, kefir made from whole milk helps absorb key nutrients such as Vitamins A, D, E, and K. Vitamin K is important because it helps your bones absorb calcium. It’s important to know that kefir contains a special trio: vitamin D, K, and calcium – all three crucial elements to support bone health.

Prebiotics + Probiotics = a Healthy You

Prebiotics are non-living, non-digestible carbohydrates naturally found in a variety of foods. Your body actually can’t digest prebiotics, so they’re what probiotics feed off of to remain actively working in your digestive system. They help the digestive system by promoting the growth of good bacteria. Prebiotics and probiotics work together in balance to make sure our digestive system stays on track and regular. Research has found that consuming a variety of prebiotic and probiotic food sources may improve your body’s natural functions, including both your immune and digestive systems.