18 hours Ago By [email protected] (Kate Lally)
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info An NHS doctor has issued a warning over a type of health drinks that can be very popular.
Surgeon, author and social media star Dr Karan Rajan, known as Dr Raj on Instagram and TikTok, regularly shares handy medical advice with his millions of followers. He is also known for debunking or clarifying other health claims made by users on these platforms. In a recent post, Dr Raj urged people to ditch certain shop-bought drinks and whip up their own versions instead, for better health benefits.
He said: "Stop buying these and make your own wellness drinks at home that can actually improve your gut health." Dr Raj suggested starting with lemons and oranges, which "contain a soluble fibre called pectin that acts as a prebiotic to feed your gut bacteria", and went on to explain: "Both these citrus fruits are rich in flavonoids, which reduce inflammation and contain high amounts of vitamin C, which is key to maintaining the gut lining." The doctor also recommends adding a "cheeky bit of ginger for those gingerols", which he said help to speed up gastric emptying, "reducing the chances of bloating, nausea and discomfort".
The surgeon then highlighted the powerful combo of black pepper and turmeric on the ingredient shortlist, noting "work synergistically as the anti-inflammatory compound piperine in black pepper enhances the absorption or cucurmin found in turmeric". Next up he added olive oil, because "all the active compounds I've mentioned so far are fat soluble, therefore more easily absorbed with a source of dietary fat - not to mention olive oil is rich in polyphenols which itself is a prebiotic for your gut bugs". Dr Raj said that store-bought versions lack fibre since the "most important bit" - the pith and the pulp - get "filtered out and discarded".
To round off his concoction, he added: "All the fibre and acidity could so far could add some bitterness, which is why I add some honey to the mix and has some prebiotic properties too. "And add some mint for that menthol which relaxes the muscles of the intestine, and helps relieve abdominal discomfort. Mix it all up and add some water as desired, depending on how chunky you want it.
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