NORTH DAKOTA ( KXNET ) — Summer means unwinding, spending time outside, and enjoying refreshing drinks.

But for those who want to be conscious of their gut health, mocktails are a fun way to stay hydrated and support digestive wellness.

Why should you choose gut-healthy mocktails?

They’re a great alternative to sugary or alcoholic drinks. Using ingredients that support digestion and hydration means that you can sip guilt-free and enjoy the flavors.

Another drink that’s emerging is the “Sleepy Girl Mocktails” — which claims to aid relaxation and promote better sleep — and people are wondering if they’re beneficial.

These drinks feature tart cherry juice and magnesium powder. Tart cherry juice does contain melatonin and anti-inflammatory properties and magnesium acts as a natural muscle relaxant.

Incorporating both into your bedtime routine can provide benefits, but they’re not a guaranteed solution for sleep issues.

Here are four creative and nutritious mocktail recipes from Gastro MD that your taste buds and gut will love.

1. Cucumber Basil Cooler
   • Ingredients: Fresh cucumber slices, basil leaves, lime juice, and sparkling water
   • Benefits: Cucumber hydrates and soothes. Basil supports digestion. Lime provides Vitamin C for immune support.
2. Berry Bliss Spritzer
   • Ingredients: Mixed berries (raspberries, blackberries, etc.), coconut water, splash of lemon juice
   • Benefits: Berries are packed with antioxidants and fiber which help with gut health and reduce inflammation. Coconut water adds electrolytes for hydration.
3. Pineapple Ginger Refresher
   • Ingredients: Pineapple chunks, ginger slices, coconut milk, sparkling water
   • Benefits: Pineapple contains digestive enzymes and Vitamin C. Ginger aids digestion and reduces nausea. Coconut milk adds healthy fats.
4. Herbal Citrus Infusion
   • Ingredients: Herbal tea (chamomile or mint), citrus slices (lemon, orange), honey (optional), sparkling water
   • Benefits: Herbal tea calms the stomach. Citrus fruits provide Vitamin C. Honey (if used) offers prebiotic benefits for gut flora.

Some fun facts about gut health and summer mocktails include:

• Benefits of hydration
  • It’s crucial for digestive health, especially in warm months. Mocktails with coconut water are not just refreshing but replenish electrolytes.
• Fiber and digestive wellness
  • Berries are rich in fiber which promotes healthy digestion by supporting bowel movements and feeding beneficial gut bacteria.
• Role of antioxidants
  • Berries and citrus fruit are high in antioxidants, which combat stress and inflammation in the gut.
• Importance of fresh ingredients
  • Using fresh fruit and herbs maximizes their nutrient content and flavor.
• Gut microbiota support
  • Some ingredients (like honey) act as prebiotics that nourish beneficial gut bacteria and promote a balanced microbiome.

Here are some tips for mocktails that are gut-healthy:

• Use fresh ingredients to maximize flavors and nutritional benefits.
• Experiment by mixing and matching ingredients to make mocktails that suit your dietary needs and tastes.
• Mocktails contribute to daily fluid intake which is essential for hydration in the summer months.

These gut-healthy drinks can elevate summer gatherings while promoting digestive well-being, staying cool and hydrated, and feeling fantastic.

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