"C" IS FOR CELERY

It’s exciting how trends like bone broth, apple cider vinegar shots, and now celery juice have become such hot topics, because this means that we are looking for whole food-based solutions to our wellness woes. Celery juice seems to be the latest buzz, so let’s dive into this one.

I first began researching celery juice about a year ago while trying to help a client with very severe IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and leaky gut. She was in a lot of pain and was willing to try anything. I didn’t have to convince her of the benefits of drinking celery juice because she tried it—and it worked! Her pain and symptoms decreased and her quality of life immediately improved. She became a believer. Her results were inspiring, and I was quite intrigued. I immediately dusted off my juicer, and bought baskets of celery….now I’m a believer, too.

Here’s what I found about this green goodness: The antioxidants in celery help soothe inflammation in the body, specifically in the gut. Our gut health depends upon a balance of “good” and “bad” bacteria, and celery starves unfriendly bacteria. It also flushes out yeast, mold, fungus, and viruses that are present in the body, as well as toxins in the intestinal tract and liver. Simultaneously, celery helps “good” gut bacteria thrive, and has the power to cleanse and repair intestinal linings. This is HUGE for anyone suffering from any form of GI distress. Celery also contains enzymes that aid in digestion so that food doesn’t putrefy. This feature alone helps to prevent a host of gastrointestinal disorders. Not that celery wants to brag, but here are a few highlights from its’ impressive resume:

• Has a natural laxative effect that relieves constipation

• Contains potassium, magnesium, B vitamins, and Vitamin C

• Helps to lower blood pressure

• Contains at least 8 anti-cancer substances and has been found to shrink tumors

• Lowers LDL cholesterol

• High in fiber, beneficial enzymes, vitamins and minerals

• Fights free radicals

• Reduces migraines

• Lowers inflammation

• Protects the liver

• Helps kill off unfriendly but bacteria

• Rebuilds hydrochloric acid so that better digestion of protein can occur

• Provides hydration by keeping electrolytes balanced

• Can aid in conditions like IBS, colitis, diverticulitis, indigestion, and bloating

   

Want to try it and see for yourself? Drink a 16 ounces of fresh celery juice daily on an empty stomach. Increase to two 16-ounce glasses of fresh celery juice a day if you are in need of more. 

For those among us who need a little coaxing, and might need to warm up to the flavor of straight celery juice, Try this recipe. As time goes on, peel back the other ingredients until you are drinking celery juice straight.

Use organic ingredients:

• 1 bunch of celery

• 1 large cucumber

• 1/2 lemon

• 1/2 green apple

• several sprigs of fresh parsley

Juice and drink within 24 hours.