Why smoothies are bad for your health
Sometimes, even though you have good intentions with your health, it can go wrong. Like with smoothies, which are one of those things that slowly can turn into problem(s) as you will do harm to your gut every time you think you do good. Smoothies can actually hurt you.
Smoothies may harm your digestive system
Throwing a bunch of things in a blender like veggies, fruits and maybe yoghurt might seem healthy, but is bad for your gut system. Throwing a bunch of ingredients to your digestive system all at once will make it hard for the organs to break down the food and make use of the nutrients.
The best intentions can actually hurt you
In addition to this, when you blend the veggies and fruits, the blender breaks down the fibers in the plants which isn´t good if you want your digestive system to be able to absorb nutrients.
And importantly, your gut system doesn´t like cold. Cold slows down the digestive system and this can actually cause headaches and fatigue, and lead to something Chinese medicine call “Spleen deficiency”, commonly seen in clinic.
Eat and drink warm
Smoothies might seem good, but they can make your blood sugar level rise quickly. And that affects your mood to quickly go up too, and then quickly back down. This can lead to you waking up in the middle of the night, because your liver will be telling you it's suffering, since your liver is sensitive to emotional stress and mood swings.
Smoothies can also cause pain and inflammation because of the cold and raw ingredients. Especially if you already have a gut that is suffering. The best intentions can actually hurt you.
What do to insted
Start your day with hot water and maybe some ginger. It will warm your gut. And prepare your gut for breakfast, preferably warm. Sit down when you eat. And never eat while emotionally upset or thinking about work. Emotions and mental work will make your qi rise up to your head. And that leaves your digestive system to work much harder and will put it though lots of stress. This is one reason why IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and insomnia are rising in our society. Lunch meetings must be the worst invention ever.
Digestive harmony
If you suffer from digestive problems, acupuncture can do a lot for you. Preferably in a combination with looking over your diet. Herbs are also recommended, even as prevention. One of the herbal formulas I love the most is Baohe Wan, used in Chinese medicine to stimulate digestion and regulate the stomach function. DAO Labs have created an amazing version of this called Digestive Harmony. It's one of their most popular blends, “offering a soothing yet powerful solution for balancing one’s stomach, upgrading digestive health, and generally delivering gut happiness when other western options have fallen short”.
I you really love your smoothies
If you can’t live without your smoothies, then try using only few (two) ingredients, no ice, and no frozen veggies. Use veggies and fruit that is in season. In winter, it’s not reasonable to drink a strawberry juice, for example. Nature provides guidance for what’s reasonable to eat and drink during the seasons. Less is more when it comes to your gut system, and smoothies might be something you can get away with during summer.
If you want help with diet advice or acupuncture, look for an acupuncturist in your area or ask around for recommendations.