Have trouble sleeping? This incredible sleep aid smoothie will help fix that.
Sleep is one of the most healing processes the body goes through – it helps clear away toxic byproducts in our cells and brain (which would normally otherwise pile up and cause problems later on), it allows the liver to build and synthesize instead of detoxify (which is what is does during wakefulness), your blood pressure drops (as well as your body temperature), growth hormones are synthesized and hunger hormones are regulated.
When we don’t get enough sleep, our health rapidly deteriorates. Therefore, finding techniques that can help you sleep are very important. Insomnia can be brought on by an imbalance of the neurotransmitters in our brain. Neurotransmitters help nerves “talk” to each other in the brain, and include things like serotonin, acetylcholine, GABA, and sex hormones testosterone and estrogen.
A major cause of insomnia involves the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is manufactured in the body from the amino acid tryptophan. Herbs and foods high in tryptophan that help restore serotonin levels include spirulina, bananas, kiwi, St. John’s wort and others. Chamomile is also another great herb for relaxation, because is releases a chemical in the body called glycine, which relaxes nerves and muscles and acts like a mild sedative.
Drink this smoothie at least 1 hour before going to bed. Your body will thank you for it!
Sleep Aid Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients: (1 serving)
– 2 ripe bananas
– 1 tbsp. spirulina
– 2 kiwi, peeled
– 1/2 cup chamomile-infused water
Method:
1. To make the chamomile water, simply take some loose chamomile or chamomile tea bags and steep in hot water. From this, use 1/2 a cup once it has cooled.
2. Place all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy!
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