Seasonal Soups: Summer Herbs & Vegetables for Digestion

Freshly chopped summer vegetables are prepped and ready for a rejuvenating soup cleansing session.

Enjoy the bounty of summer with light, cooling soups that support your gut and keep you feeling refreshed. Whether you’re a seasonal eater or curious about a gentle soup cleanse, these recipes highlight nature’s finest herbs and veggies to aid digestion.

Enhance Summer Digestion with Cooling Herbs

Summer’s heat can slow digestion and leave you feeling bloated. Incorporating aromatic herbs like mint, basil, and cilantro into your soups not only adds vibrant flavor but also stimulates the digestive tract. Mint, for instance, contains menthol, which can relax intestinal muscles and ease discomfort. Basil offers anti-inflammatory compounds, such as eugenol, which help soothe the gut lining and support healthy digestion.

Seasonal Vegetables to Support Gut Health

Focusing on in-season produce ensures peak flavor and maximum nutrient content. Consider these summer stars:

• Zucchini: High in water and fiber, zucchini helps maintain regularity without weighing you down.

• Cucumber: Its cooling properties hydrate and calm the digestive system.

• Tomatoes: rich in antioxidants, such as lycopene, which supports a healthy gut microbiota.

• Bell Peppers: Packed with vitamin C and fiber, they encourage bile production for fat digestion.

• Carrots: A source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, carrots help bulk and promote stool movement.

Simple Summer Soup Recipes

Cucumber-Mint Gazpacho

Blend peeled cucumber, fresh mint leaves, a splash of lime juice, and a touch of Greek yogurt for creaminess. Chill and serve cold for instant digestive relief.

Zucchini-Basil Broth

Sauté garlic and onions in a bit of olive oil. Add chopped zucchini and fresh basil, then cover with vegetable broth and simmer until the zucchini is tender. Puree for a silky texture.

Tomato-Cilantro Cooler

Roast cherry tomatoes with garlic, then blend them with cilantro and season with lime and sea salt. This tangy soup supports digestion and offers antioxidant benefits.

Incorporating Soup Cleansing for a Gut Reset

If you’re looking to give your digestive system a break, consider a gentle soup cleansing protocol. By consuming purely liquid-based meals for a day or two, you can reduce the burden on your gut and allow beneficial bacteria to rebalance. Start with mild, fiber-rich broths in the morning and transition to more herb-forward soups in the evening. Always stay hydrated and listen to your body—soup cleansing is not a long-term diet but a short reset tool for digestive health.

Tips for Maximizing Gut Benefits

Mindful Eating: Sip your soup slowly to encourage proper enzymatic activity.

Hydration: Pair soups with water or herbal teas to help fiber move through the gut.

Diverse Herbs: Rotate herbs weekly to introduce different phytochemicals that feed various gut microbes.

By embracing summer digestion–focused soups, you’ll harness the power of seasonal produce and aromatic herbs to promote comfortable and efficient digestion throughout the season.