Spring Renewal: A Food as Medicine Detox Drink

 As winter fades into memory, there's a palpable shift in the air. It's not just the flowers beginning to bloom or the days stretching longer; it's nature itself whispering to us that it's time for renewal.

If you've felt the weight of winter in your joints, the challenge of managing blood sugar, or the frustration of weight loss plateaus, this is your invitation to realign with nature's rhythm.

Why Spring, Why Now?

Spring is the season of renewal, not just for the world around us but within us. The natural cycles of cellular renewal are at their peak, making it the ideal time to introduce practices that support your body's health.

Every day, we dismantle and create approximately one million cells. Cleansing and nourishing our bodies to build the most robust and vital cells is the 1% improvement we can make every day in our health.

Today we introduce you to a simple, yet powerful, homemade detox drink that aligns with the principles of food as medicine, shown to:

1. Melt fat,
2. Reduce inflammation,
3. Regenerate the liver,
4. Address the root causes of diabetes, and
5. Rejuvenate your health. 
   
   

I first learned about this powerful turmeric drink called Jamu when I lived in Indonesia. This version incorporates additional Food As Medicine components to make it a more powerful healing elixir. 

The Science Behind the Drink

Here's how each ingredient works in harmony to support your health:

• Pineapple - With its enzyme bromelain, it's a natural anti-inflammatory, soothing those achy joints and aiding digestion, which is crucial for metabolic health.

• Turmeric - Its curcumin content is pivotal for improving insulin sensitivity, helping to manage blood sugar levels effectively [12]. Research also suggests it can reduce liver fat, directly addressing NAFLD, one of diabetes's root causes [13].

• Ginger - Known for its thermogenic properties, helping to boost metabolism for weight management. It's also linked to better insulin response, offering hope for those managing diabetes [15].

• Lime/Lemon - Rich in vitamin C, they fight oxidative stress, supporting your body's natural defenses against aging and disease.

• Tamarind (optional)- Provides a tart, digestive-friendly flavor, aligning with traditional healing practices.

• Coconut Water - Hydrates and supports liver detoxification, essential for metabolic health.

• Black Pepper - A small addition that significantly boosts curcumin absorption, ensuring you get the most from your drink.

This drink is just one small part of an overall strategy to detoxify and regenerate your body, setting you on a path to not just manage but thrive in your health journey. Learn more here: 

The Spring Detox Drink Recipe:

This drink is incredibly easy to make, requiring just a blender and a few minutes of your time:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen pineapple, cubed. 

• 2 tsp of fresh turmeric root, about 1 inch (or 1 tsp turmeric powder)

• 1 Tbsp piece of fresh ginger, peeled

• Juice of 1 lime or lemon

• 1 tablespoon of tamarind paste (lime or lemon juice can be substituted)

• 1 cup coconut water (plain water can be substituted)

• A pinch of black pepper

• A couple teaspoons of maple syrup, if desired

• Optional: A few mint leaves for freshness

Combine all ingredients in your blender and blend until smooth and enjoy!

Mint can be blended in or used as a garnish.

The Bigger Picture

If the idea of detox and revitalization  sounds good to you, keep reading. 

We're at a pivotal moment, where the seasons align with our health goals.

To fully embrace this season of transformation, you are invited to get on our VIP Revitalization Reset Detox announcement list.

You'll be the first to be alerted when doors open and only those on this waiting list will be eligible for our Spring Bonuses.

We'll guide you through a comprehensive and delicious detox and revitalization program complete with menus, shopping list, recipes, yoga and self-reflection and more. 

Learn more and get on the VIP list here!

References:

1. Na LX, Li Y, Pan HZ, et al. Curcuminoids exert glucose-lowering effect in type 2 diabetes by decreasing serum free fatty acids: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research. 2013;57(9):1569-1577. doi:10.1002/mnfr.201200818.

2. Usharani P, Mateen AA, Naidu MU, et al. Effect of NCB-02, atorvastatin and placebo on endothelial function, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, 8-week study. Drugs in R&D. 2008;9(4):243-250. doi:10.2165/00126839-200809040-00004.

3. Kunnumakkara AB, Bordoloi D, Padmavathi G, et al. Curcumin, the golden nutraceutical: multitargeting for multiple chronic diseases. British Journal of Pharmacology. 2017;174(11):1325-1348. doi:10.1111/bph.13621.

4. Mahluji S, Attari VE, Mobasseri M, Payahoo L, Ostadrahimi A, Golzari SE. Effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale) on plasma glucose level, HbA1c and insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetic patients. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition. 2013;64(6):682-6. doi:10.3109/09637486.2013.775223.

5. Maeda-Yamamoto M, Ema K, Shibuichi I. In vitro and in vivo anti-diabetic effects of anthocyanins from mulberry fruit, Oryza sativa L. indigo plant leaves, Hibiscus sabdariffa L. flower and Ipomoea batatas L. leaf. Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology. 2007;53(3):233-9. doi:10.3177/jnsv.53.233. (For broader context on plant-based anthocyanins and diabetes)

6. Johnston CS, Beezhold BL, Mostow B, Swan PD. Plasma vitamin C is lower in postprandial state but not fasting state in subjects with type 2 diabetes: The effect of citrus juice supplementation. Journal of the American College of Nutrition. 2007;26(6):676-80. doi:10.1080/07315724.2007.10719653.

7. Aggarwal BB, Yuan W, Li S, Gupta SC. Curcumin-free turmeric exhibits anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities: Identification of novel components of turmeric. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research. 2013;57(9):1529-42. doi:10.1002/mnfr.201200838. (Providing background on turmeric's comprehensive health benefits)

8. Panahi Y, Hosseini MS, Khalili N, et al. Effects of curcuminoids plus piperine on glycemic, hepatic and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Drug Research. 2015;65(10):500-8. doi:10.1055/s-0034-1390481. (For liver health and curcumin's role in diabetes)

9. Sahebkar A. Potential efficacy of ginger as a natural supplement for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. World Journal of Gastroenterology. 2011;17(2):271-2. doi:10.3748/wjg.v17.i2.271. (Directly addressing ginger's effect on NAFLD)

10. Pavan R, Jain S, Shraddha, Kumar A. Properties and therapeutic application of bromelain: A review. Biotechnology Research International. 2012;2012:976203. doi:10.1155/2012/976203. (For understanding bromelain's anti-inflammatory effects)