Tag Archives: GI

Homemade Flavored Aloe Water (Amino Acid Rich Hydration)

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Looking for an easy way to add additional Amino Acids to your overall daily intake while hydrating with something as good as water, but only better? This Homemade Flavored Aloe Water is just the thing.

  • 2 c Real Aloe Gel (Company: Real Aloe Inc.) (See notes 1, 2 & 3)
  • Blend well until smooth. Pour into a 1-gallon container.
  • Fill the rest of the 1-gallon container with water. Shake to mix. Keep refrigerated.

FLAVORING YOUR ALOE WATER:  The above is your basic recipe. The next step is to add your favorite flavoring. You can mix and match your favorite flavors like Tart Cherry, Pomegranate, Blueberry, etc. Just look for 100% concentrates that are naturally lower in sugar. Other options include flavored amino acid powders or flavored liquid L-Carnitine, such as NutraKey L-Carnitine (see note 3), for increased cellular metabolic function.

DON’T WANT TO MAKE A GALLON? Blend the Real Aloe Gel in a blender until it is a smooth consistency. Pour it back in the original bottle and keep it refrigerated. Any time you are thirsty, put 2 Tbsp per serving of any liquid of your choice. Key #1 is to add your aloe to a hydrating liquid like water, herbal tea, etc. Key #2 is that the hydrating liquid is low glycemic. If you need a little sweetness, you can add a scoop of D-ribose.  D-ribose will add a light sweetness AND also provide extra nutrient-value your cells need to function properly.

 

NOTE 1: The brand “Real Aloe Gel” is hand filleted and not processed in any manner that would diminish its nutrient health properties. It contains a comprehensive Amino Acid profile, along with many other nutrients. You can use any Aloe gel, just check the labels to ensure you are getting a quality product.

NOTE 2: Consumer Labs has distributed information on an aloe recall for products that contain the naturally occurring latex-containing portions of the aloe plant. These products now have to be labeled in the state of California with a Prop 65 warning. When contacted about this information, Real Aloe Solutions (the manufacturer of Real Aloe Gel products) responded with the following statement:

“Our aloe vera products are hand filleted. We do not process the ‘whole leaf’ and the California law does not pertain to us or our products. Further questions can be directed to support@realaloesolutions.com”

NOTE 3: I do NOT receive any benefit or compensation from any product recommeded on this page. The recommendations are based solely on my own research of available products and personal preference.

Resources:

Aloe Vera: A Short Review (includes nutritional profile)

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral aloe vera gel for active ulcerative colitis

Effect of Aloe vera preparations on the human bioavailability of vitamins C and E

Tart Cherry & Ginger Digestive Tonic

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This tonic can be used for a vast number of digestive issues.  Help digest a heavy meal (high in meat protein or high in carbs).  Increased digestion aids in regular bowel movements.  Both the Tart Cherry and Ginger can help regulate blood sugar.  Ginger contains Zingibain, known to boost immunity against viruses and bacteria and can cleanse the gut by dissolving both parasites and their eggs.  Ginger is also useful in settling the stomach after eating something less than agreeable; or to assist with nausea or vomiting.
NOTE:  Softer stools are normal but some people are more sensitive to high doses of ginger and may need to work up to higher or more frequent doses to avoid diarrhea.  (Diabetics need to monitor blood sugar level when using this tonic.)

In a microwavable cup, mix the following:
2 tsp Tart Cherry Concentrate
6 oz Water (more or less to taste)

Warm mixture slightly in the microwave.  (If adding Collagen Powder or other amino acids, it should be no more than luke warm; otherwise, the heat will destroy certain amino acids such as glutamine).  Then add:

1 mL Zingiber Officinate (liquid Ginger Extract), preferably alcohol free

Optional but highly recommended:
1 tsp D-Ribose (Adenine from Ginger and D-Ribose combine to form Adenosine, the nucleoside precursor to ATP)
1/2 to 1 tsp TwinLab Super C, multisourced vitamin C powder (helps boost immune system and acts as a powerful antioxidant, supports collagen utilization; can also increase absorption of iron if taken together)
1 serving Arthred Collagen Powder [available via several sources such as NutriCology or Source Naturals] (This is an excellent way to add another serving of collagen protein and this trademarked product also contains a comprehensive amino complex.)

Resources:

Positive Effects of Tart Cherry on Metabolic Syndrome: Reduced Cholesterol, Triglyceride, Glucose and Insulin Levels and Increased Antioxidant Capacity

The Effects of Ginger on Fasting Blood Sugar, Hemoglobin A1C, Apolipoprotein B, Apolipoprotein A-I and Malondialdehyde in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Ginger Assists in Digestion

Ginger Supports Immune System

Protective Effect of Ginger Extract Against ROS Generation During Mitochondrial Stress in Selected Tissues Under Ethanol Withdrawl Condition

Neuroprotective evaluation of extract of ginger (Zingiber officinale) root in monosodium glutamate-induced toxicity in different brain areas male albino rats

Nephro-protective effects of a ginger extract on cytosolic and mitochondrial enzymes against streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic complications in rats

Efficiency of ginger (Zingbar officinale) against Schistosoma mansoni infection during host-parasite association

 

GI Tonic (Calming GI upset and IBS)

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This simple tonic can be used to help sooth the GI and allow for healing.  It can assist in normalizing bowel movements (whether the problem is loose or hard stools) and reduce the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).  By normalizing the GI, it also may help with certain types of indigestion. Depending on the quality of the Aloe product used, it can improve nutrient absorption up to 200%.  The chlorophyll provides vital yet easily digestible nutrients that take advantage of this increased absorption, assisting in improved overall digestive health.

1/2 cup Unfiltered Organic Apple Juice (should appear cloudy due to pulp content)
2 Tbsp 100% Aloe Vera Juice
2 Tbsp food-grade Chlorophyll
*2 Tsp Psyllium Hulls (husk)
*Mix the hulls in last and immediately consume it, as the hulls will start to expand when added to the fluid.

Consume at least once per day, but it has been safely tolerated when consumed as needed, up to twice a day (morning and night).

NOTE:  Psyllium is a type of soluble fiber. If you have issues with consumption of fiber, this should be considered.

*When considering something new, always evaluate it in regards to your individual circumstances and needs. You should always discuss ideas and options with a trusted and knowledgeable healthcare provider before starting something new.

Resources:

Psyllium as Therapeutic and Drug Delivery Agent

Composition and Applications of Aloe Vera Leaf Gel

Effect of Aloe Vera Preparations on the Human Bioavailability of Vitamins C and E

Micronutrient Information Center: Chlorophyll and Chlorophyllin