I’m big on routines, specifically morning beverage routines and after trying many I think I have finally found my favorite one. I’ve been having warm lemon-ginger-cayenne pepper water for the past six months now and I can honestly say that it has made a significant difference to my overall health and energy level.
As a Los Angeles commuter who spends about 2 hours per day in traffic (stay tuned for my next post “Coping With Your Commute”), along with the physical demands of my work as a Chiropractor and exercise routine, the way I live my life made it difficult to not feel completely run down by the end of the week. I experienced sore throats more often and had increased digestive sensitivity issues from these life stressors. I also felt like I needed a “go to” on mornings when I had to get up early after enjoying a bit too much of the LA night life and coffee only depleted me more. While I, of course, still come down with occasional colds, after starting the warm lemon-ginger-cayenne pepper water, my immune system and digestion feel stronger and more stable. Also, it feels soothing on the throat.
I drink the warm lemon-ginger-cayenne pepper water Monday through Friday but usually take the weekend off to enjoy other morning beverages like coffee, unless I feel like my immune system is being challenged. My routine is as follows: Get up, drink at least 12 oz of filtered, room temperature water (I use Berkey filtered water. Boil filtered water, chop up 3-4 thin slices of fresh ginger, squeeze ¼ of a lemon, and add a few shakes of Simply Organic cayenne pepper to my travel mug. When the water starts to boil, I pour it over the ingredients in the mug. I let the drink steep as I shower and get ready for my day and then I drink it as I drive to work.
So why do I do this?
Lets break down the benefits of the three main ingredients: ginger, cayenne pepper, and warm lemon water.
Ginger
Ginger is a powerful mind and body food. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help fight the flu, improve digestion and brain function while reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Ginger contains a substance called (6-gingerol) that may also help prevent cancer and has been shown to have health benefits for your heart as well as anti-diabetic properties as it can lower blood sugar and decrease the bad cholesterol (LDL’s). And for women, it has been shown to reduce menstrual pains! [1]
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is also an anti-inflammatory agent that helps with digestion by stimulating the production of saliva. It increases the flow of enzyme production and helps to stimulate gastric juices that help break down foods and boosts your metabolism in flushing out toxins. Additionally, it eases ulcers, upset stomach, decreases bloating, diarrhea, food sensitivities and decreases symptoms of leaky gut. As an added bonus it helps to prevent bad breath!
Other benefits include: migraine relief, prevents formation of blood clots, relieves joint and nerve pain, and treats skin conditions like psoriasis (used in the form of capsaicin cream). Cayenne pepper also helps to fight off common colds and flu as it helps boost your immune system along with the ability to kill fungus and prevent the formation of fungal pathogens. Lastly, it has been shown to help prevent lung cancer in smokers as it has the ability to stop the formation of tobacco-induced tumors in lung tissue. Similar findings were found when liver tumors were exposed to cayenne pepper. [2]
Warm Water with Lemon
Warm lemon water aids the digestive system, increases the elimination of waste products, helps with overall bowel health and has been used for weight loss. It also helps to maintain a healthy immune system and is a blood purifier. Lemon is high in vitamin C and so it plays a crucial role in the formation of collagen, which is important for healthy skin and hair. It also helps to reduce inflammation in the joints and can help dissolve uric acid (a major problem for those with Gout). It also strengthens the liver by balancing the concentration of liver enzymes and helps to replenish body salts after a long strenuous workout.
I know this beverage can be somewhat of an acquired taste, but just remember how much you hated the taste of wine or tequila when you first tried it!;) The difference though is that becoming familiar with this beverage has lasting health benefits to help combat the daily life and environmental stressors and toxins we expose ourselves to.
If you prefer the taste, smell, or effects of other morning beverages and are not willing or ready to make the swap just yet, you can add a small cup of warm lemon-ginger-cayenne pepper water before your morning “cup of Joe”. And if that still seems like too much to ask then I highly suggest making yourself one after nights of increased consumption of alcohol, cigarettes, and lack of quality sleep or if you feel you’re coming down with a cold. [3]
Happy drinking!
References
[1] "11 Proven Health Benefits of Ginger." Authority Nutrition. N.p., 18 Aug. 2016. Web. 20 May 2017.
[2] "Cayenne Pepper Benefits Your Gut, Heart & Beyond." Dr. Axe. N.p., 28 Mar. 2017. Web. 20 May 2017.
[3] Health, Underground. "16 Health Benefits Of Drinking Warm Lemon Water." FOOD MATTERS®. Food Matters, 16 May 2017. Web. 20 May 2017.