If you want to improve your digestion, this smoothie can help. Whether you suffer from gas, chronic bloating, or simply want to prevent colon cancer, incorporating digestive-healthy foods is important (especially as we age).
One of the greatest risks for developing colon cancer is having a poor diet, low in nutrients and fibre. In fact, most Americans only consume 10 grams of fibre a day – this is 3 times less than the recommended fibre intake of 30-40 grams (1).
Eating inflammatory foods and red meat also increases mucus secretions in the lining of your intestines. This makes it hard for the delicate villi of the intestinal tract to properly absorb nutrients (2).
It is common for semi-digested foods to stick to intestinal walls (especially things like gluten!). This can cause toxins to build up, making you feel bloated and fatigued. It may even cause headaches as well.
Drinking this smoothie every morning for 2 weeks for breakfast can greatly help your digestive tract. While drinking it, also try to avoid red meat, refined sugar and alcohol (the effects you experience after the fact will be shocking – trust me!).
I really like this smoothie for the digestive tract because it contains flaxseed, avocado, chia seeds and banana. You are also welcome to add an apple to this smoothie for extra digestion-boosting benefits.
Chia seeds have the ability to absorb water to create a gel-like substance which clears your intestinal tract and facilitates nutrient absorption. Flaxseeds also have the ability to prevent colon tumour development, and are useful for fighting pre-existing cancerous cells.
Avocados are also incredibly high in fibre. The same is true for bananas, which also help restore normal bowel function thanks to their electrolytes like potassium, which may be lost due to runny stool.
Ingredients: (serves 1)
– 2 ripe bananas
– 1 avocado
– 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
– 1 tablespoon chia seeds (soaked in 3 tbsp. water for 10 minutes)
– 1 teaspoon honey
– 1 cup water
Method:
Stick all of the above ingredients in a blender, and blend until uniformly smooth.
Rebecca Cook says
Jan 9, 2018 at 6:12 pmHi Carly,
I've just blended this smoothie and plan to do it for the 2 weeks. Just wondering if you can add more water to it? Or is it thick to help digestion? Also can I freeze the Banana and avocado for this smoothie?
Thank you,
Rebecca
PS. my fussy toddler enjoys it too. ?
Carly Fraser says
Jan 9, 2018 at 8:08 pmHey Rebecca – you can definitely add more water to the smoothie if it is too thick for you! You can also use frozen banana and avocado for the smoothie if you prefer those textures 🙂
Sara Scheuermann says
Jan 10, 2018 at 6:18 pmHi Carly,
I started my week with this breakfast smoothie (made a few adjustments – added spinach, didn't use honey) and 3 days in I'm feeling increased bloating. Some googling has informed me that drastically increasing fiber intake can do that and recommends a more gradual introduction. In that light, would you suggest halving the recipe (I calculated this smoothie has just over 20 grams of fiber), smoothie it up every other day for the first two weeks, or wearing looser pants in the interim?
Thank you kindly,
Sara
Carly Fraser says
Jan 11, 2018 at 12:34 pmHey Sara – yes, this smoothie can definitely do that if your colon is a bit backed up. If it is too much, try halving the recipe and go a little slower with the introduction. Also be sure to drink plenty of water to help with the flushing process.