If digestion has been sluggish and your colon overexerted, then take 5 minutes to juice a 2-ingredient cocktail of pineapple and kiwi. It’s low-calorie and helps promote weight loss! Drink with a light, low-carb meal and enough water throughout the day to flush out your system.
Ingredients:
- ½ small pineapple (cut into chunks)
- 3 kiwis
It’s that simple!
Pineapple for Digestive Health 
Pineapple is rich in a compound called bromelain, which is made up of proteolytic enzymes that help break down protein. Undigested protein is dangerous because it leads to the accumulation of toxins in the large intestine. If your digestive system isn’t adequately breaking down proteins, you can experience symptoms such as:
- Bloating
- Gas
- Weight Gain
- Lower back pain
- Body odor
- Bad breath
According to University of Maryland Medical Center, bromelain helps ease stomach issues, such as heartburn and diarrhea.
Pineapple also helps optimize digestion because it is high in soluble fiber. Soluble fiber pulls water into your gut and slows digestion so your body can absorb more nutrients from your food. The insoluble fiber in pineapple then helps eliminate waste from your system, thereby promoting regular bowel movements.
Pineapple is also rich in vitamin B1, manganese, and vitamins A, C, and E. Vitamin C helps defend against free radicals, which can damage healthy colon cells and instigate the development of colon cancer cells.
So enjoy the subtle blend of sweet and tart pineapple flavor! But don’t go overboard. Too much pineapple can make for an upset tummy.
Kiwi for Digestive Health
Studies have shown that kiwi helps your body digest proteins, such as those found in red meat, dairy, and fish. It’s packed with a proteolytic enzyme called actinidin, which breaks down proteins faster than digestive enzymes do. Working alongside complex carbs (prebiotics that help feed the healthy bacteria in your gut) and fiber, actinidin fine-tunes your digestive system quickly and helps promote the perfect feeling of satiety—not hungry, but not too full.
One study showed that when 33 chronically constipated Chinese patients ate kiwi fruit they had more complete spontaneous bowel movements, reduced constipation, and didn’t have to use laxatives as much. Another study made up of 33 elderly patients indicated that kiwi may help with regularity and produce bulkier, softer stools.
Kiwis are also high in vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, and essential fatty acids, so drink up!
