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A clean gut is a happy one.

However, millions of Americans still suffer from digestive health and turn to drugs for help. Why is digestive health so important? Basically, it has to do with what nutrients are absorbed and what toxins are booted out. What’s the point of drinking up that seven dollar antioxidant fused, all-natural cleansing drink if your body isn’t going to take in all the goods? We want to keep our gut nice and clean so we can get the most out of our food.

The magic of kefir

Kefir is an enzyme rich, cultured drink similar to yogurt. We all have both good and bad bacteria (badteria 😉 ) in our gut, but for most of us with an unhealthy digestive tract, there is far more bad bacteria. Kefir has been show to help restore good bacteria in the gut. It is filled with friendly bacteria known as probiotics, giving it its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. There are so many different, delicious flavors – there’s no reason not to opt for this natural probiotic over drugs!

The coolest seed on the block

Flaxseeds are super tiny and adorable, but they’re also very high in vitamins and minerals, fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. All that fiber helps our gut by alleviating constipation and cleaning up our digestive tract. The more regular the better! Flaxseed has a subtle, nutty taste but whether you get it whole or grounded, it’s so easy to sprinkle on foods or add a spoonful to a smoothie or drink.

The power duo

It just so happens that these two power foods go together like two peas in a pod. Make a smoothie with kefir as a base and add a spoonful of flaxseed or add some fruit and treat it more like a yogurt. My favorite concoction is perfect for a late night snack and a great way to curb your sweet tooth!

Mix a cup of kefir with a tablespoon of flaxseed and then mix in the following:

• Half a banana, sliced
• A scoop of protein powder (chocolate tastes best!)
• Half a cup of granola
• A tablespoon of peanut butter
• A drizzle of honey