Drinking fresh citrus juice daily has contributed to better gut health and eased belly bloat.
This year, my health has taken center stage. Life can get hectic, and if you don’t create room for specific habits, they often fall by the wayside. At the start of the year, I enhanced my workout routine, focused on nutritious eating, and made intentional choices for my overall well-being. A new favorite habit? Making freshly squeezed juice each morning. It’s not just tasty; it has also significantly improved my gut health, which was a primary goal.
I’ve long enjoyed fresh fruit as a snack. The sweet flavors are not only delightful, but I genuinely feel better after opting for fruit instead of salty chips or processed candy. Citrus fruits, in particular, provide a mild acidity that can positively influence digestion.
As noted by Dr. Kezia Joy, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, “Citrus fruits can help stimulate the flow of digestive enzymes by increasing digestive juice production. Consequently, many individuals report better digestion and less bloating after meals. Additionally, citrus fruits can help meet your hydration needs.”
While citrus fruits may not be a standalone solution for bloating, they definitely enhance overall health and wellness when included in your diet.
It’s easy to grab a bottle of “freshly squeezed” orange juice at the supermarket. However, making juice at home can be simpler than you might think. Homemade juice is fresher and retains fiber, aiding in bloat reduction. Plus, you gain complete control over what gets added to your juice, steering clear of preservatives and added sugars that often lead to digestive discomfort.
“Store-bought juice is convenient; however, its quality can vary,” explains Dr. Joy. “Many store-bought varieties often include ingredients that might cause digestive issues for some people. Choosing the least processed options available will support your digestive comfort.”
Juicing Was a Seamless—and Enjoyable—Habit to Incorporate Into My Mornings
I pulled out my trusty SMEG Retro-Style Citrus Juicer, grabbed some blood oranges, and got to work.
I was initially hesitant about home juicing because I don’t have the time or patience for complicated gadgets. You know the types—those that end up collecting dust after a one-time use due to complicated setups and clean-ups.
My mornings and days are typically jam-packed, and I dislike adding extra steps that might disrupt my workflow. But my pastel blue SMEG Juicer had an inviting “Good morning, it’s time to juice!” flair. I was pleasantly surprised by how straightforward the process was. Prioritizing wellness is essential, and this small habit added just a few minutes to my morning but was undoubtedly worthwhile. My SMEG Juicer features a stainless steel reamer and strainer that are dishwasher-safe, which simplifies the cleaning procedure.
Additionally, I admit: I have high standards for my kitchen decor. You won’t find anything dull in my space! The retro juicer was the ideal addition to my updated white kitchen.
The Importance of Initiating Each Day with Healthy Routines
There’s something incredibly satisfying about returning home from my morning walk and making fresh juice. It boosts my mental health, and I firmly believe that starting the morning with healthy habits fosters success throughout the day. Research backs this belief.
“Morning habits significantly influence digestive function and bloating later in the day. Key routines to reduce bloating include exercise, a nutritious breakfast, morning sunlight, and mindfulness,” says Avery Zenker, MAN, RD.
It Helped Alleviate My Belly Bloat
Most mornings, I wake up feeling a bit bloated. However, I’ve discovered that going for a brisk walk, soaking up some sunshine, and then returning to make and enjoy freshly squeezed citrus juice—sometimes from blood oranges or grapefruit—has helped significantly reduce the discomfort. I committed to this routine for 30 days and truly appreciated the results.
According to Zenker, “The acid in citrus fruits, particularly citric acid, can help increase stomach acid production. This aids in breaking down food before it reaches the intestines. The fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and polyphenols found in these fruits also contribute to digestive health. Research indicates that consuming orange juice regularly correlates with lower inflammatory markers, such as CRP.”
It’s crucial to understand that drinking citrus juice isn’t a magic fix. Instead, it complements a well-rounded lifestyle. After 30 days of home juicing, I’ve found a permanent place for this practice in my routine. My stomach feels healthier, and I start each day feeling rejuvenated with this regimen.
What to Know About Belly Bloating
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Belly bloat generally arises from everyday habits, like indulging in gas-inducing foods or swallowing excess air while eating.
“Bloating isn’t always indicative of a problem. In healthy individuals, it often suggests that digestion and motility require better support, rather than something more serious,” shares Katrina Cox, a Registered Dietitian for 15 years specializing in gut health. “Common causes of bloating include swallowing air (especially during high-intensity workouts or from carbonated drinks), consuming large meals (the larger the meal, the more challenging it is to digest), food intolerances (particularly carbohydrates that can ferment in the gut), and constipation.”
If you’re contemplating adding homemade citrus juice to your routine, I wholeheartedly recommend it! Experts advise sipping citrus juice when it feels comfortable for you, but I favor mine in the mornings to maintain that successful mindset throughout the day.
