From one-morning coffee drinker to another I just had to give up the habit. I was one of those with a large mug of hot coffee as soon as my eyes were open. Sip it for half an hour as a priceless morning ritual. Everything else could wait. This was my 30 minutes of the day. No breakfast, no food. Just a pot of coffee with a splash of milk. And I have been doing it for at least 20 years.

Until of course, my body said it is enough. We can’t live anymore with the acidity. You have been ruining us for too long and it’s time we rebel. After each cup, there would be stomach cramps, heartburn, and just plain old pain. So going from morning coffee to what exactly? Check out my suggestions. There are great things out there. Much better than coffee. All of us, that don’t really need food first thing in the morning but we still need that little something to start our day. For more simple advice to improve your health check 5 Small Things That Can Impact Your Health.

1. Flaxseed

Recognized as one of the oldest seeds to be cultivated. I buy the whole seeds, roast them in a pan for 5 minutes and ground them in my grinder. Make sure to break the shells. First thing in the morning mix one tablespoon of grounded flaxseed with a glass of warm water. Stir and drink.

Flaxseeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which will help you to lower your cholesterol. But more importantly, they are rich in lignans. Lignans are plant compounds that have antioxidant and estrogen properties. Both of which can help to lower the risk of cancer. The other benefit of drinking flaxseed is they are rich in fiber. Just have in mind not to expose them to high temperatures cause that could potentially destroy their healthy ingredients.

There are so many different ways you can add flaxseeds to your diet but this is my favorite one. Just drink them straight up. They are mild and gentle for your belly and you will get all the health benefits of this great plant.

2. Fennel Tea/ Fennel Water

I usually take a teaspoon of fennel seeds, crush them in my mortar and boil them for 2 minutes. Strain the tea after another 2 minutes and you are ready to go. The taste is mild and requires no added sugar but you can always add a spoon of honey or maple syrup. Why exactly fennel you ask me?

Fennel is a great source of vitamin C critical for our immune system. It also acts as a strong antioxidant in our body helping us to fight unstable molecules called free radicals. Both fresh fennel and fennel seeds contain the mineral manganese which is important for our metabolism, cellular protection, and bone development. It also contains powerful essential oils that are very rich in antioxidant compounds that can even fight cancer. It is a well-known fact that drinking fennel tea will help you in suppressing your appetite.

If you are looking for an even milder version than fennel tea try soaking a teaspoon of fennel seeds overnight. In the morning just strain the water and drink it. The water will taste refreshing and you can drink it as much as you want. Just be careful if you are pregnant. Fennel contains high levels of estrogen so check with your doctor before drinking larger amounts of the tea.

3. Sage Tea

People all around the world know and love this unique flavor and scent. This pungent herb has been used by people since Ancient Times, Greeks, Romans, and Ancient Egyptians all burned sage in their rituals and used its healing properties for various health conditions. Native Americans and other indigenous people have burned sage for centuries as part of a spiritual ritual to cleanse a person or space. Also to promote healing and wisdom.

Sage contains antioxidants, and vitamins A, C, and E in small amounts. It also has over 160 types of polyphenols that are antioxidants made from plant matter. Sage has been used for digestive problems, including loss of appetite, gas (flatulence), stomach pain (gastritis) bloating, and heartburn.

It has been proved that certain types of sage can improve learning, memory, and information processing in people with mild and moderate Alzheimer’s disease. That is why is very commonly used in aromatherapy. You can consume sage in tea. But you can also sprinkle dry sage into your meals in small amounts.

4. Honey And Warm Water

A glass of warm water and a generous tablespoon of honey. Is there anything better to have in the morning? Sweet but refreshing. It will make you feel full and help you to be healthy. Honey is considered a natural cure for respiratory infections and it has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Honey also contains amino acids, minerals, and vitamins that help in the absorption of cholesterol and fat, thereby preventing weight gain.

When honey is dissolved in water it helps in indigestion. Just make sure that the water is only warm and not hot. It will keep you hydrated and it could help you reduce allergic symptoms and make you relax. When buying honey keep in mind to look for organic and raw honey. Honey can flush out toxins from your body, improve your metabolism and make you feel more healthy.

5. Warm Water

If you are not a tea drinker, or maybe not a fan of flaxseeds and honey here is one thing that doesn’t ask for much effort but the health benefit will still make you very healthy. Drinking warm (not hot) water in the morning will keep your body hydrated but can also provide other health benefits. Warm water can relieve the symptoms of a runny or stuffy nose. It can also activate the body’s metabolism resulting in fat burning throughout the day. Drinking warm water helps cleanse the intestines and eliminate waste in the body.

When we drink warm water the body temperature rises and activates the endocrine system making it easier to sweat which in turn helps detoxification of our body. Drinking warm water every day on regular basis will help the body to break down fat, make you more relaxed, and hydrate your body on a cellular level. Just drink as much as you personally need and want since every person is different.