Dose of Prose
Do you often crave something sweet after you eat? Have you experienced frequent bloating, heartburn, gas or stomach aches after a meal? I have. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had a sensitive stomach. Sometimes my stomach might hurt because of stress (yikes – I know, I’m working on it), or because of Mother Nature (TMI fellas, but I’m talking about menstruation)…but other times, my stomach hurts because of food. I got to the point where I was taking an antacid (i.e. TUMS) every day and I would have to have sparkling water with dinner to keep my stomach settled. Obviously this is not normal behavior and trust me, I’m sick of talking about my stomach just as much as my parents are tired of hearing about it (and I’m sure you are tired of reading about it).
My Gut Health Journey
After one too many complaints, my family finally pushed me to see a gastrointestinal specialist and figure out what was wrong. Health/wellness is a big industry, especially in LA and lately I’ve been researching and learning all about gut health. I’ve made it a point to dedicate my time towards putting more effort into prioritizing gut health and healing my digestive system. In terms of my personal gut health journey, I’ve had some tests done, and need to get more done, but because of the pandemic, I haven’t been able to follow up. I’ll keep you posted, but so far, in addition to figuring out my exact food intolerances and allergies, I’ve also found that probiotics, fresh pressed juices, sparkling tonics and digestive enzymes have been really helpful in settling my stomach when I consume meals.
Today’s blog post is a gut guide, featuring healthy soda brands that include prebiotic sodas, kombucha drinks, sparkling water options and other carbonated alternatives/substitutes for those who are also looking to curb cravings and improve overall gut health. I wanted to make this guide because I know that I’m not alone in my digestion issues. Many people, especially women, suffer from stomach problems. I figured that this post would help and serve as a resource for those who want to learn about holistic, non-medicinal options that make you feel good inside and out. As always, I’ve included links to everything so you can directly shop whatever interests you. Happy sipping!
Prebiotic Drinks
Poppi
My dad takes apple cider vinegar ‘shots,’ and I tried to do it myself but I just can’t get over the smell and taste. I recently found out about these ACV drinks, called Poppi, which taste great and are optimal for gut health. Each can is low calories (20 or less), low sugar (5g or less) and has multiple health benefits such as: aiding digestion, boosting immunity, reliving bloating, supporting glowing skin and natural detoxification. Normally I’m not a huge fan of stevia, which is a plant-based sugar substitute, but in these drinks, I don’t mind it because it’s not overpowering. My favorite flavors are blueberry and raspberry rose, but you can’t go wrong with any of them. Check it out!
SHOP THE SIP
Olipop
Another great prebiotic option is the sparkling tonic brand called Olipop. These drinks have the great taste of soda, without all the bad stuff. The ingredients feature plant fiber and botanicals to support and benefit your digestive health. I take grad school classes via Zoom at night and I love to sip on these while in class. I recommend the Vintage Cola and Strawberry Vanilla flavors, but again, you can’t beat any of the flavors.
SHOP THE SIP
Kombucha
I’ve been on a kombucha kick for years and it’s become a staple in my fridge. For those who are unfamiliar with this drink, kombucha is basically fermented tea. I know is sounds weird and gross, but it’s actually really tasty. The word ‘bacteria’ often has a negative connotation to it, but contrary to popular belief, there are both good and bad bacteria that exist. Kombucha, has the ‘good’ bacteria and for those who want a little buzz, you can also get kombucha with alcohol for an added experience. Below I’ve listed my favorite kombucha brands and flavors. Give them a try and thank me later.
- Buddha’s Brew – peach mint
- Better Booch – golden pear, morning glory & ginger boost
- Health-Ade – blood orange-carrot-ginger & pink lady apple
- The Bu – lavender
- GT Kombucha – Synergy Trilogy & Synergy Guava Goddess
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Coconut Water
If you’re feeling dehydrated, either from too much salt, a tough workout or a hangover, it’s essential to rehydrate your body with the proper electrolytes. In addition to water, one of my favorite ways to hydrate is with coconut water. Do not confuse this with coconut milk. Coconut water is the liquid that’s in a coconut when you crack it open. It basically tastes like water with a coconut flavor. I’ve listed my favorite brands below.
SHOP THE SIP
Non-Alcoholic Beers
Reed’s
If you like ginger ale, then you’ll love ginger beer! This, in my opinion, is what real ginger ale should taste like. There’s no artificial ingredients and the taste is crisp and fresh. Try it!
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Heineken
I’ve tried some non-alcoholic beers/wines before and honestly, haven’t found one that I really like. It can be a hit or miss for sure. I recently got a sample of Heineken’s new 0.0 beer and I’m pleasantly surprised to say the least. The beer taste is spot on – it’s hard to believe it’s not real beer. The initial taste is bubbly with malt sweetness, followed by some tang. If you like beer, but are a designated driver, want a low cal drink alternative or don’t drink at all you’ll like this one. Highly recommend!
Classic Soda Alternatives
If you are a soda lover and don’t care for the taste of the options I’ve listed above, don’t worry, I’m here to help! Sometimes it’s not easy nor is it realistic to just cut habits cold turkey and adjust your tastebuds. Trust me, I get it – which is why I’ve included some soda brands in this post. Although it is soda, it’s still a healthier option because these brands have real cane sugar, are lower in calories and are made with better ingredients than traditional soda brands. You don’t wanna take the leap? No problem. Just take a step. The soda brands I’ve listed below are a step in the right direction.
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Pressed Juice/Smoothies
Nothing beats a cold, refreshing glass of fresh pressed juice in the morning or after a workout. I’ve found that ginger and any sort of green juice makes me feel good from the inside out. If you like making your own juice, I have a recipe already up on my blog, which you can check out here. Otherwise, if you’re like me and prefer to get juice on-the-go, here are my recommendations:
Whole Foods
Green & Glowing
- Green & Glowing
- mango
- pineapple
- banana
- spinach
- flax seed
- coconut shreds
- milk (I get mine with oat milk)
Doctors Order
- celery
- cucumber
- apple
- spinach
- parsley
- lemon
- ginger
Green Lemonade
- apple
- kale
- spinach
- lemon
- +add ginger
Erewhon
ALG
- Granny Smith apple
- lemon
- ginger
Citrus Immunity
- orange
- grapefruit
- lemon
- lime
- astragalus extract
Matcha-cado
- banana
- matcha powder
- almond milk
- bee pollen
- avocado
- raw honey
- seamoss
- ashwagandha
- collagen powder
- astralagus
Kreation
Green-Tastic
This smoothie (similar to the matcha-cado) will soothe your stomach and keep you full for hours. I definitely use it as a meal replacement!
- cucumber
- kale
- celery
- parsley
- spinach
- romaine lettuce
- orange juice
- banana
- avocado
- almond milk
- whole milk probiotic yogurt
- vegan probiotics (organic garbanzo beans extract, cellulose powder)
- green wellness blend (chia seeds, chlorella, pulse leaf, flax meal, hemp seeds, horsetail herb, kelp, mara, matcha, mesquite, probiotics, spiraling, tocos, turmeric powder, wheatgrass)
- lemon
- honey
- himalayan salt
Sparkling Water
I’m listing sparkling water last because I know it’s a popular (and unpopular – apparently people love to hate it) soda alternative. I’m obsessed with sparkling water and have tried pretty much every sparkling water brand that is on the market. I’m listing my personal favorites in this post, but I’ll leave the rest up to you.
SHOP THE SIP
I hope this post was helpful and gave you some options you can reach for instead of conventional soda. If you end up trying any of these brands, leave a comment and let me know!
