As a functional medicine physician, I believe that most illnesses are rooted in inflammation. The majority of inflammation comes from our diets and our guts. For this reason, the first step in helping to restore the health of my patients is to change their diet and repair their gut.
Below is my favorite Powerhouse Wellness Smoothie that will help restore your body’s natural inflammatory response while nourishing your gut by maintaining a healthy mucosal lining.
Ingredients that support a healthy inflammatory response and nourish the gut:
Mango has various antioxidant compounds like quercetin and isoquercetin, which help to protect the body against colon cancer. It’s also filled with Vitamin A, C, and many different carotenoids that help to boost the immune system and support a healthy inflammatory response.
Papaya has several proteolytic (protein-digesting) enzymes called papain and chymopapain that support a healthy inflammatory response. It is also high in vitamins C, E and beta-carotenes, which are good at maintaining low inflammatory levels.
Ginger has high levels of gingerol, which gives it its natural spicy flavor, and supports in combating inflammation in the body.
Turmeric is a member of the ginger family that contains the active ingredient curcumin, which is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Turmeric itself has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties as well.
Cinnamon has been shown in studies to reduce levels of cytokines (inflammatory regulatory molecules) in the body. It also has antibacterial and antiviral properties.
Flax seeds, chia seeds, and walnuts are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, which are potent aids in restoring a healthy inflammatory response.
L-Glutamine is an amino acid that is fundamental to the well-being of our digestive and immune systems. This is the star ingredient in Leaky Gut Revive®, among other gut-nourishing herbals such as marshmallow root and deglycyrrhizinated licorice. It is great for repairing damage to the gut and helping to support regrowth of the gut lining. I recommend 3 to 5 grams a day.
Powerhouse Wellness Smoothie
Protocol:
Servings
4
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups 360.00 ml unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk
- 1/2 cup 120.00 ml mango diced, frozen
- 1/4 cup 60.00 ml papaya diced
- 1/4 cup 60.00 ml walnuts
- 1 tsp 4.93 ml ginger powder
- 1/2 tsp 2.46 ml turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp 2.46 ml cinnamon
- 1 scoop Leaky Gut Revive®
- 1 Tbsp 14.79 ml chia seeds
- 1 Tbsp 14.79 ml flax seeds
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients into a blender
- Blend until smooth
- Pour into a glass and enjoy!
