As for what those beverages are, you have quite a few options, so it’s really up to personal taste. From tangy to soothing to fizzy, these are the best expert-backed drinks to sip on after your meal to support digestion and ease your stomach. Apple cider vinegar may also be particularly useful after eating carb-dense meals, explains integrative medicine and nutrition expert Jaime Schehr, N.D., R.D. One study even shows that daily vinegar intake (about 2 to 6 tablespoons per day) improved the glycemic response to carbohydrate-rich meals1, but more research is needed. We do know that apple cider vinegar may increase stomach acid levels, which is great if your levels are on the lower side. But it can also backfire, leading to heartburn if you make enough stomach acid on your own. For that reason, it’s important to dilute your ACV beverage rather than drink it straight. Since it’s very acidic, too much ACV may be harmful to your esophagus and your tooth enamel2. “I generally recommend having one to two tablespoons with a glass of water immediately before meals,” says Schehr. “It can be taken during or after meals but is likely most effective when consumed before meals.” Along with diluting your ACV with water, Jessie Inchauspé (aka The Glucose Goddess) recommends drinking it through a straw to help protect your teeth. “Ginger root stimulates saliva flow, bile and gastric juice production, which can help with digestion.”* explains Schehr. You may feel sluggish after eating if your food is taking a while to digest or you had an especially large meal, so something like ginger tea can help the digestive process and leave your gut feeling great. Don’t own a juicer? No need: Just mix 1 tablespoon of mbg’s organic veggies+ with water for a nutritious alternative. This greens powder is formulated with 31 powerhouse ingredients including a range of organic fruits and vegetables, probiotics, and prebiotic fiber to aid in digestion and nutrient absorption so you can get the most out of your meal.* If you want to liven things up a little, try this green juice mocktail as well.
