There are a few things that I can not live without for my daily morning routine, okay, fine there are more than a few. Does this make me high? Maybe so, but health is my number one priority, so I will take that title.
I have put together an easy to understand list and little visual aid of my daily potions as my husband likes to call them. Everything mentioned before is part of what I either drink in the morning to get my day started or what I drink to keep it going.
This may seem overwhelming to you, but start slow. I started with one thing to add into my routine, week by week. I recommend to pick just one or two things to start with and go from there. As you start to feel a difference and enjoy the benefits, keep adding.
My Daily Morning Routine Must Haves: Left to right
Triphala- This comes in a pill or powder format. I actually use the pill form but either is great. I first learned about Triphala from Dr. Junger’s clean program diet. Triphala is an herbal concoction that’s been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda. Traditionally used as a bowel tonic, it’s often prescribed as a mild laxative. It is not a laxative per se, but just something to keep everything flowing smoothly. I first started taking this in 2014 and I love it. It is completely gentle, so gentle in fact you may wonder if it is working but it is. I recommend this brand.
Milk Thistle Extract- Milk thistle, a natural herb that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, is commonly used to detoxify the body, especially the liver. As an herb that’s considered a “hepatic, galactogogue, demulcent and cholagogue,” milk thistle is able to promote healthy digestive function by helping with enzyme formation, increasing bile production and decreasing inflammation. While it has many different benefits, milk thistle is most well-known for being a natural liver supporter and detoxifier. The liver constantly works hard to help defend us from toxins that are common in our everyday life, acting like a filter and removing harmful substances from the body. Milk thistle is shown to decrease, or even reverse, damage to the liver that’s been caused by prescription medications, antibiotics, pollution, heavy metals and so on.
Collagen- I have spoken about collagen extensively here. Take a read but in short benefits range from growth and strengthening of hair and nails, to clearing up acne, to maintaining weight, to anti aging of the skin to lessening joint pain. I recommend the marine sourced variety versus bovine as I do not eat red meat. It is easy to incorporate into your routine as it is tasteless and dissolves in any liquid. Vital proteins is my brand du jour and can be bought here.
Matcha- I feel like if I talk about Matcha one more time you may never come back. Read my post here. I. FREAKIN. LOVE. MATCHA. I can not live without this in my routine.
Rhodiola- Rhodiola is another adaptogen and it’s superpower is the ability to improve oxygen absorption. This product is mildly stimulating in nature. Rhodiola improves mental clarity, may promote creativity and stamina, helps immune strength and may support weight balance, longevity, and focus. I like the sun potion brand, but tons are available here. I use this as an addition to my morning coffee routine. I only use a pinch as I find the taste quite strong. Not bad, just strong.
Kombucha- Not only is this health drink unbelievably delicious (once you get past the vinegar smell) but is also is insanely beneficial and healthy for you. This fermented tea drink has been around for centuries. Regular drinkers of the fizzy vinegar smelling tonic claim it aids digestion, sleep, weight loss and detoxification; stimulates the immune system, prevents cancer, stops hair loss, and improves liver function. Want to know more? Read this post here about Kombucha. My personal favorite is the Health- Ade Cayenne Cleanse flavor. This is a must in mu routine, I usually have half a bottle around 11am and the other half around 3 – 4pm to beat the afternoon slump.
Maca- Maca is considered an “adaptogen”, a name given to certain herbs, plants, and natural substances that help the body naturally adapt to stressors like a busy schedule, demanding job, or illness, for example. (Source). Maca is said to increase fertility in both men and women, balance hormones, boost the immune system, increase energy,stamina, and improve sexual function, memory, and focus. (Source 1, Source 2). I started to use when I was told about it’s PMS stabilizing benefits and once I started taking, my energy sky rocketed and I was hooked. I use the yellow gelatinized Maca in my morning coffee and tea. You can even use to bake with. I like this one, but there are tons to choose from.
Mucuna Pruriens- This caramel tasting powder, Mucuna Pruriens is one of the only naturally occurring (and the most concentrated) sources of L-Dopa, an amino acid that is a precursor to Dopamine. This is the closest thing that exists to a natural, safe non-addictive antidepressant or mood enhancer. Nature’s prozac baby! I use this daily in my morning matcha or mushroom coffee. I love the moon juice brand or sun potion. You can check out this post for a more in depth look at Mucuna.
MCT Oil- This needs a whole post dedicated to it but I will lightly touch on this here. “MCTs” are medium-chain triglycerides, a form of saturated fatty acid that has numerous health benefits, ranging from improved cognitive function to better weight management. Coconut oil is a great source of MCTs. It is also called “MCFAs” for medium-chain fatty acids. It is said to be missing from the diets of people eating “the standard Western” diet, most likely because the public has been led to believe that all forms of saturated fats are potentially harmful (not true). Medium-chain fats are digested easily and sent directly to your liver, where they have a thermogenic effect and the ability to positively alter your metabolism. This is one reason why many people claim that MCTs, including coconut oil, are burned by the body for energy, or “fuel,” instead of being stored as fat. MCT Oil is said to boost energy, improve brain function and help weight management. I use the Bulletproof coffee brand and add it to my morning matcha or coffee routine. This is the MCT oil I buy, Brain Octane.
What will you start with to add to your morning routine?
