Boost Your Health with These 10 Affordable Drinks

COFFEE, tea, squash, perhaps wine and beer - some of the drinks many of us have day-to-day. But what if you upgraded your drinks selection to support your health and lifestyle a little more? It turns out there are a fair few drinks on the market that could help boost your health; from helping you recover after exercise to getting things moving down there so you can comfortably go for a number two. Give this lot a try for extra wellbeing support this winter.

1. Beat the bloat

Feeding your gut with good bacteria helps maintain a strong microbiome; the bacteria, fungi, and viruses that live in our digestive tract. Fermented foods and drinks contain live cultures; good bacteria which support a thriving microbiome, and therefore a healthy gut.

Kombucha is an example of a gut-loving fermented drink. Holland & Barrett Focus Kombucha (£1.80) also contains ginkgo biloba, a botanical that research has found useful in supporting brain health for better focus and memory.

2. Post workout

Sweaty run or intense gym session? Afterwards, you might want to consider topping up your electrolytes to rehydrate your body and help it to repair faster. A drink such as Carabao Sport Isotonic Orange (£1, Morrisons) contains electrolytes to help with endurance and hydration plus it contains B vitamins for energy. Maintaining a healthy level of electrolytes could also be a useful tool for weight loss as it could help lessen pesky cravings.

Fancy making your own electrolyte drink at home? Nutritionist Rob Hobson recommends mixing 400ml of water with 100ml of squash (not the sugar-free variety), and a pinch of salt.

3. For perimenopause

Fluctuating hormones can result in many unwanted symptoms during perimenopause, the period after the menopause itself. But ensuring that your body is getting all the nutrients it needs during this time, can help to minimise these symptoms.

The A.Vogel Perimenopause Balance Multi-Nutrient Drink for Women is a one-a-day strawberry flavoured drink which contains several essential nutrients needed during perimenopause including vitamin D3, magnesium, zinc, potassium, and calcium – and it costs £1.28 per day. Magnesium helps reduce tiredness and fatigue whilst zinc helps support the immune system as well as helping to maintain normal skin, hair and nails. Vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, and potassium all work together to help release energy, and to support bones and muscles, which can often become weaker due to hormonal changes.

4. Cancer risk

Your morning coffee does more than just perk you up. There’s evidence to suggest that coffee is associated with lower rates of colon, rectal, breast and endometrial cancer. However, it’s best to avoid calorie-laden store-bought coffees such as mochas, flavoured coffees, and anything with cream, as the fat and sugar content of these could potentially outweigh any of the coffee benefits. Try Grind coffee pods (£9.95 for 20), which are compatible with any Nespresso style coffee machine.

5. Cut constipation

Alcohol, processed foods, stress, and a diet low in natural, high-fibre foods, can make going to the toilet an impossible feat. Swap your usual alcohol-filled shot for a fibre-packed one. Unrooted shots (£2, Ocado) are mini but mighty and contain the African superfruit Baobab, which is filled with fibre, for good gut health, and vitamin C, to help your body fight off nasty winter bugs.

6. Brain boost

Groggy head? Certain nutrients can help you to focus when your brain won’t play ball, including the mineral Zinc, as well as vitamin B5 and caffeine to help improve alertness and concentration. All of these are found in C4 Smart Energy drinks (£1.49, WH Smith), which help to increase mental performance by using natural ingredients and zero sugars. These also contain vitamin C and BrainBerry, an extract from Aronia melanocarpa berries, which is said to enhance cognitive performance.

7. Avoid a cold

Another morning shot to dust off the cobwebs and kickstart your day is The Turmeric Co.’s Raw Turmeric and Ginger shot (£1.95, Sainsbury’s), which is also great for helping support your immune system. Social events, kids, the gym, public transport, busy supermarkets and just general day-to-day encounters are all breeding grounds for bacteria. Turmeric contains the compound curcumin, which has been proven to help support immune health whilst fiery ginger is anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, helping to again, fend off winter bugs.

8. Happy heart

For a herbal brew that helps your heart, look no further than a mug of green tea. Although more evidence is needed, research has found that green tea could have a positive effect on blood pressure and blood lipids, such as cholesterol. It’s all thanks to catechins, a compound found in green tea said to help with cardiovascular health. Try Twinings Green Tea (£2.25 for 20 tea bags, Sainsburys), letting your tea brew for around two minutes before drinking.

9. Strong bones

Your skeleton needs support throughout life, and as we get older – particularly for females – bones can become weaker, increasing the chance of osteoporosis. Kefir, a fermented milk product, isn’t just filled with gut health benefits thanks to its high probiotic content, but it’s also packed with calcium, to help support bone health. Biotiful Kefir Drink (£1.60, Ocado) contains vitamin B12 too, to help support immune health.

10. Bye, hangover

The next morning hangxiety, sore head, and nausea are bad, but it’s worse when you have to deal with a busy day. Luckily, there are now a number of hangover-helping supplements and drinks to make life a little easier. Bounce Back (£2, Asda) contains choline, an essential nutrient that supports normal liver function as well as several other vitamins, minerals, and amino to help perk your mind and body back up. The formula has been made to work while you sleep, making this an ideal pre-bed drink.