Gut-Friendly Drinks for Summer: Refreshing Beverages for a Healthy Gut

As the summer heat intensifies, staying hydrated becomes essential. While water is the ultimate thirst quencher, adding gut-friendly drinks to your routine can provide additional health benefits. A healthy gut is the foundation of overall well-being, aiding digestion, boosting immunity, and improving energy levels. If you’re looking for drinks for summer that support a healthy gut, we’ve got you covered. From traditional probiotic-rich kanji to refreshing lemonade, here are some of the best gut-friendly drinks to keep you cool and healthy this season.

1. Kanji – The Fermented Indian Probiotic Drink

Kanji is a traditional Indian probiotic drink made from black carrots or beets, fermented with mustard seeds, and water. It is rich in natural probiotics that promote gut health and digestion.

Benefits of Kanji:

• Boosts gut microbiota and improves digestion

• Enhances immunity with its probiotic content

• Helps detoxify the body and reduce bloating

How to Make Kanji:

Ingredients:

• 3–4 black carrots (or regular carrots/beets)

• 5 cups of water

• 1 tablespoon mustard seeds (coarsely ground)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cut the carrots or beets into thin strips.

2. In a glass jar, add the water, mustard seeds, salt, and chili powder.

3. Stir well and place the jar in sunlight for 3–5 days, allowing it to ferment.

4. Once fermented, strain and refrigerate. Enjoy chilled!

2. Lemonade with a Gut-Boosting Twist

A summer classic, lemonade can be turned into a healthy gut drink by adding ingredients like honey, ginger, or apple cider vinegar (ACV).

Benefits of Gut-Friendly Lemonade:

• Lemons aid digestion and flush out toxins

• Apple cider vinegar supports gut bacteria

• Honey is a natural prebiotic that nourishes good gut bacteria

How to Make Gut-Friendly Lemonade:

Ingredients:

• 1 glass of water

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

• 1 teaspoon honey

• ½ teaspoon grated ginger

• A pinch of salt

• Ice cubes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix all the ingredients in a glass.

2. Stir well and let it sit for a few minutes to blend the flavors.

3. Serve chilled and enjoy a refreshing summer drink!

3. Buttermilk (Chaas) – A Cooling and Probiotic Drink

Buttermilk, or chaas, is an excellent summer drink that aids digestion and keeps the gut healthy. It is packed with probiotics, vitamins, and minerals.

Benefits of Buttermilk:

• Contains probiotics that enhance gut flora

• Cools down the body and prevents dehydration

• Reduces acidity and aids digestion

How to Make Buttermilk:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain yogurt

• 2 cups water

• ½ teaspoon cumin powder

• A pinch of salt

• Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Blend yogurt and water until smooth.

2. Add cumin powder and salt, mixing well.

3. Pour into a glass and garnish with coriander leaves.

4. Serve chilled for a refreshing drink.

4. Coconut Water Kefir – A Natural Probiotic Drink

Coconut water kefir is a probiotic-rich drink made by fermenting coconut water with kefir grains. It’s an excellent alternative to sugary beverages and sodas.

Benefits of Coconut Water Kefir:

• Rich in probiotics that promote a healthy gut

• Hydrates and replenishes electrolytes

• Supports digestion and detoxification

How to Make Coconut Water Kefir:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh coconut water

• 1 tablespoon water kefir grains

Instructions:

1. Pour coconut water into a glass jar and add the kefir grains.

2. Cover the jar with a cloth and let it ferment for 24–48 hours at room temperature.

3. Strain out the kefir grains and refrigerate the drink.

4. Enjoy chilled for a gut-boosting refreshment!

5. Green Tea with Mint – A Gut-Soothing Drink

Green tea is packed with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great drinks for summer choice. Adding mint enhances digestion and provides a cooling effect.

Benefits of Green Tea with Mint:

• Supports digestion and gut health

• Refreshing and hydrating

• Rich in antioxidants that promote overall health

How to Make Green Tea with Mint:

Ingredients:

• 1 green tea bag

• 1 cup hot water

• A few fresh mint leaves

• Honey (optional)

Instructions:

1. Brew green tea and let it cool.

2. Add fresh mint leaves and let it infuse for a few minutes.

3. Add honey if desired and serve chilled.

6. Aloe Vera Juice – A Natural Gut Healer

Aloe vera juice is a soothing drink that helps maintain a healthy gut and supports digestion. It has anti-inflammatory properties and aids in detoxification.

Benefits of Aloe Vera Juice:

• Improves digestion and soothes the stomach lining

• Hydrates and cools the body

• Supports detoxification and gut health

How to Make Aloe Vera Juice:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons fresh aloe vera gel

• 1 cup water

• 1 teaspoon honey

• A few drops of lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Blend the aloe vera gel with water until smooth.

2. Add honey and lemon juice for flavor.

3. Serve chilled for a cooling summer drink.

   FAQ

   • Why are gut-friendly drinks important in summer?

     Gut-friendly drinks help in maintaining digestion, preventing bloating, and keeping the gut microbiome healthy, which is essential during the hot summer months when dehydration and digestive issues are common.

   • What are the best gut-friendly drinks for summer?

     Some of the best gut-friendly summer drinks include Kanji, lemonade, buttermilk, coconut water, fermented rice water, kombucha, and herbal teas like ginger or fennel tea.

   • How does Kanji help in improving gut health?

     Kanji is a probiotic-rich drink made from fermented black carrots or beets. It promotes healthy gut bacteria, aids digestion, and enhances immunity.

   • Is lemonade good for gut health?

     Yes, lemonade (especially with honey and a pinch of rock salt) aids digestion, provides hydration, and supports the gut by balancing pH levels. Adding mint or ginger can further enhance its digestive benefits.

   • Can I drink these gut-friendly beverages every day?

     Yes! Most of these drinks, such as buttermilk, coconut water, and herbal teas, can be consumed daily. However, fermented drinks like Kanji or kombucha should be consumed in moderation (a small glass per day) to avoid excessive fermentation in the gut.

   • How long does it take for these drinks to improve gut health?

     Consistency is key. Regular consumption of gut-friendly drinks, along with a balanced diet, can show noticeable improvements in digestion and overall gut health within a few weeks.

Staying hydrated is crucial during the summer, but why not take it a step further and nourish your gut with these healthy gut drinks? From fermented kanji to refreshing lemonade, these beverages are not only cooling but also beneficial for digestion and overall wellness. Try incorporating these gut-friendly drinks into your daily routine and enjoy a healthier summer!