The holiday season is here and with it comes an abundance of rich and indulgent foods. While delicious, these treats can sometimes lead to heartburn and indigestion. Don’t worry—at the Co-op, we’ve got you covered with products to help you feel your best!
The Secret to Healthy Digestion
The key to good digestion is having a healthy gut! This means that the good bacteria in your intestines are thriving. Plus, keeping the beneficial bacteria levels boosted also leads to a strong immune system! That’s especially important during cold and flu season when extra defenses come in handy.
So how can you keep your gut happy and healthy? The answer is simple: probiotics!
Boost Your Gut with Probiotics
Probiotics are essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system. You can find probiotic supplements, like Mary Ruth’s Organic Liquid Probiotics, in the Wellness section of the Co-op or you can incorporate them naturally by eating fermented foods! Be sure to start adding these into your diet now. You’ll want to give them plenty of time to get to work.
Try these:
- Drinks: Health-Ade Kombucha, Forager yogurt smoothies, kefir, probiotic sodas
- Foods: Atlantic Sea Farms “Sea- Chi” Kelp Kimchi*, Sauerkraut, Thirty Acre Farm Fermented Hot Sauces*, fermented pickles
These are delicious and easy ways to add good bacteria to your routine.
Aid Digestion with Bitters
Bitters are also a great way to help support digestion. When you consume bitters before a meal, it increases saliva production and stimulates the digestive enzymes. At the Belfast Community Co-op, we carry many options including:
Bitters: Urban Moonshine Citrus bitters, Avena Botanicals Digestive bitters*
Did you know that you can also simply start your meal with a bitter vegetable? Try eating a kale salad before the rest of your meal. It’s that easy! Other bitter greens include: mustard greens, collards, turnip greens, broccoli rabe, radicchio, chicory, and endive.
Ginger: A Stomach Soother
If you are experiencing an upset stomach, ginger is your go-to remedy! Some of our favorite products include:
- Maine Root Ginger Beer*
- GinGins Ginger Chews
- Health-Ade Plus Ginger Pineapple Belly Reset Kombucha
Not a fan of ginger? Try a comforting tea made with hot water, Manuka honey, and Sewall’s apple cider vinegar with the mother* to ease your belly.
Find Your Favorites at the Co-op
Find these great products at the Belfast Community Co-op and stock up so you’re ready for any holiday indulgence. With these solutions on hand, you’ll be ready to enjoy the festivities all winter long. Here’s to a happier and healthier season!
*local options available at the Belfast Community Co-op
During this busy time of the year, let us help with your shopping! Visit our website here to shop online. Don’t forget owners can also pre-order large quantities of regularly stocked items at a discounted price to prepare for all of the wonderful holiday baking and entertaining! Save time and extra trips to the store! Email info@belfast.coop for more info.
Everyone is welcome to shop at the Co-op; it is our mission and our pleasure to bring locally-sourced, reasonably priced, organic and natural products to all.
Owned by you. Food for all.