July 20, 2022 | OWL Venice

5 Gut Nourishing Ingredients You Need To Try

OWL was founded in the search for gut-healthy foods that not only heal, but nourish. Our goal is to improve the quality of life for as many people as possible so that we can flourish together as a community. So it’s no surprise that we are huge proponents of different ways to promote good gut health. More and more scientific evidence is proving that gut health can affect so many other aspects of your health including your immune system, skin health, and your mental health.

Through our own research and experiences, we have compiled a collection of the top five ingredients that will naturally nourish your gut. These foods will accompany you on your healing journey, leaving you feeling your best self. We use some of these in our own products and want to share with you all the positive impacts they can have on your gut and your health.

Aloe Vera

This plant has long been used for its healing properties, dating all the way back to ancient Egyptian times. Different uses include soothing skin issues, wound healing, and antibacterial super powers. As an added bonus, aloe vera contains vital nutrients that help your organs function smoothly. Vitamins and minerals found in aloe vera include vitamins B, C, E, folic acid, calcium, copper, chromium, sodium, selenium, magnesium, potassium, manganese, and zinc. Almost the entire alphabet.

But aside from all the nutrient goodies found in the succulent, consuming its juice can help with healing a few digestive issues as well.

Constipation

We already know that hydration is important for a smooth-functioning GI tract. Your intestines draw water to your stool to help it pass without any speed bumps. When there is a shortage of moisture from which to draw, your digestive system becomes sluggish. Aloe vera juice is a great source of nutrient dense hydration used to help relieve constipation¹, and the additional immune benefits come from the antibacterial bonus found within the plant itself. This helps keep the balance of your gut flora by promoting healthy bacteria growth within your tummy

Digestion

Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Ulcerative Colitis are some common digestive issues that can ruin your day. If you’re someone who suffers from these chronic conditions, aloe vera juice might help. One study shows (short term treatment usage²) positive results and improvement in symptoms for IBS including constipation, abdominal pain, and flatulence¹.

Another placebo-controlled trial³ of oral aloe vera gel resulted in some Ulcerative Colitis patients achieving clinical remission, and a handful experienced clinically improved symptoms.

Triphala

Triphala has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine since ancient times as well as a multi-purpose treatment for symptoms ranging from stomach ailments to dental cavities. Triphala is a combination of dried fruits of three different plants native to India.

Amla, commonly known as Indian gooseberry, is an Ayurvedic remedy for constipation. It contains antioxidant plant compounds that help soothe the digestive tract and calm inflammation. Some of these include circuminoids, tannins, and polyphenols⁴.

Bibhitaki, native to Southeast Asia, is a large tree that contains powerful plant compounds used to treat common viral and bacterial infections. Research on this plant is focused on its anti-inflammatory properties.

Haritaki, another tree that grows all across Asia, from the Middle East to Thailand. Ayurvedic medicine uses its fruits to treat a wide collection of ailments including ulcers and stomach conditions such as constipation⁵.

OWL Vegan Bone Broth

Bone Broth

The beauty of bone broth is that it doesn’t only calm inflammation⁶ in your intestines through healing minerals and compounds. It also heals the mucosal lining of the intestines⁷. Due to the presence of collagen, gelatin, amino acids, glutamine, and arginine, bone broth assists in sealing the lining of your gut and reduces intestinal permeability. This, in turn, keeps any excess inflammation under control and gives a boost to your immune system.

OWL Bone Broth Elixirs

What makes our Broth Elixirs stand out among other bone broths? We use a proprietary blend of organic, healing herbs that take the meaty taste out of our concoctions, so it sips more like tea. Combine that with organic, sustainably and locally sourced bones, and you have a mug of golden goodness warming your hands and, more importantly, your gut.

papaya

Papaya

Like aloe vera, another plant with an extensive list of benefits is papaya. This tangy, deliciously refreshing fruit comes packed with anti-inflammatory, antioxidants⁸, heart healthy vitamins and minerals⁹, and protection against skin damage.

And of course, we love the digestive benefits of this healthy tropical native.

Digestive Enzymes

Papayas contain papain which is a proteolytic enzyme that specializes in breaking down protein into amino acids. One study¹⁰ shows that people who consumed a papaya based formula for a little over a month experienced a significant improvement in bloating and constipation. Patients with IBS also experienced improvements in their symptoms.

OWL Bone Broth with lemon & Slow Roasted Halibut with lemon

Lemon

Ahh, lemons. A refreshing summer flavor - and a first string player in overall health. Lemons contain oodles of Vitamin C, a hefty dose of fiber, and an array of plant compounds. These nutrients give a boost to your heart health¹¹ and can help prevent kidney stones and anemia¹².

The soluble fiber found in lemons can also improve gut health, including the improvement of chronic constipation symptoms¹³. Lemon fiber also slows the digestion of sugars and starches¹¹, and helps the proliferation of good gut flora. However, to get the benefits of fiber from lemons, you need to eat the pulp. Toss a few in your salads or use them as a zesty sauce to flavor your chicken or fish!

Give Your Gut Some Goods

Healthy living starts in your stomach. There is no part of your body that a healthy gut can’t reach. The glow of a radiant life just needs a small spark from the inside.

Sources:

Julie Weller

Julie is a self-made writer on a forever journey of fitness and health. As a high school music teacher, she has seen and experienced the challenges of maintaining good health while simultaneously balancing a career and healthy relationships.

Julie has always lived a healthy and active lifestyle. She loves the outdoors, hiking, and camping. Over the years she has continued to learn smarter and better ways to take care of her body while continuing to do the things that make her smile. Naturally, all of her teacher friends wanted to know how she did it - what was her secret?

Julie found herself explaining over and over everything she'd learned in her research, and sharing her experiences through trial and error. Her friends would take her advice, try some new things, and then come back to ask how to take it to the next level.

"You should charge for this kind of information!" Became a constant phrase, and so began her career of writing to share her knowledge with the world through health and wellness companies looking to spread healing and healthy habits within their communities. Now Julie gets to combine two of the things she enjoys most - writing and wellness - and use them to affect change in a real way.

When not making music with her kiddos, or writing wellness tips for a higher quality of life, you can find her reading, hiking, drumming, and fitnessing

Tags: bone broth, gut health, ingredients