Your Root chakra is the gateway to all of your energy alignment. If your root is off balance, there is a good chance you feel off balance as well. Your root is your primal force, the first chakra, located at the base of your spine and the color associated with your root is red. This chakra is your "rooted" connection to your body and the earth, it is your center of feeling grounded, safe and secure, and it also supports healthy digestion, stress-management, inflammation and overall centered wellbeing. What does this mean for you? If you are having stomach issues, feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from yourself, experiencing sciatic pain, or an overwhelming feeling of stress, using nutrition to balance your root could benefit you on many levels. 

As a Reiki Master I teach and help align chakras energetically, but as a health coach, I am taking chakra healing to another level and sharing with you 5 Foods to add to your plate (or your glass) for optimal Root chakra balance and vitality.

BEETS. Root vegetables are significant and nourishing for your root chakra because quite simply put, they come from the earth and are red, the element and color associated with this chakra. However, beets have layers of added benefits, not only because their red/purple pigment, betacyanin, is known to be cancer-fighting, but beet roots also contain fiber that are excellent for digestion. Tips for Eating: Blend beet roots in with a smoothie, they are loaded with folic acid, fiber, manganese, and potassium.

TURMERIC. Turmeric is a spice that comes from a root, which makes it naturally grounding. Native to Asia, Turmeric contains a powerful compound called curcumin, an anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory element that has also been shown to have positive effects on depression, colon cancer, and brain disorders. *curcumin extracts that have high levels of this element seem to be the most effective. Tips for Eating: I personally like to cut about a half inch piece of the root (or use the powder) and mix it with my smoothie in the morning, it does add a bit of spice. Turmeric tea is also a soothing option for ingestion.

GARLIC. Garlic grows below the ground, surrounded by soil, so it is naturally a supportive food for your root. Then, let's layer in the many nutrients fresh garlic contains that studies find are anti-inflammatory, good for your heart, antibacterial, and it is even good for your skin. Tips for Eating: Fresh chopped garlic is best, so toss it into your food just before your are finished cooking or if you want to skip the garlic breath ask your doctor about the best garlic supplement to take.

GINGER. Ginger is na herb with grounding roots that has been around for thousands of years and is scientifically proven to be good for digestion, nausea, and is also helpful in reducing inflammation. Tips for Eating: If you feel a cold coming on, make yourself some ginger tea. Here is a ginger tea recipe from A Couple Cooks that is simple, refreshing and effective.

REISHI MUSHROOMS. Reishi is known as the "mushroom of immortality" and is found growing in the ground or on dead tree trunks. An intelligent fungi, Reishi helps us fight stress, strengthens our immune system, has anti-cancer properties, helps us with fatigue, and much more! Tips for Eating: Sprinkle Reishi powder in your favorite morning beverage. Also, mixing it with other adaptogens, such as ashwaganda, and Ayurvedic herb, has additional health benefits. 

 Written by Julie Skon. 

Julie is a life, trauma healing, and health coach, global meditation teacher, author, Reiki Master, and creator of MY RITUELLE.