Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, detoxifying, beautifying… this is pretty much the perfect beverage.
The formula is simple: unsweetened alt/milk as a base, frozen wild blueberries, protein powder, collagen, and optional add-ins based on what you’re looking for (heavy metal detox, anti-inflammatory, energy, stress, anti-aging, allergies, etc). I always add a pinch of pink salt as well.
This recipe was originally called the Heavy Metal Detox smoothie, a name coined by Anthony Williams, aka the “Medical Medium”. Using the same powerful functional ingredients in his recipe, I adapted a version without all the excess sugar from orange juice and bananas. The synergy of key ingredients like wild blueberries, cilantro and spirulina pull heavy metals and other toxins out of the body, making it the perfect daily antidote to modern living.
Quick rundown of the all-star ingredients in the OG Heavy Metal Detox…
Wild blueberries are known for their extraordinarily potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting anti-aging, weight management, gut health, brain health, reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and more. They are low-sugar, and delicious… Ideally, look for frozen wild blueberries that are also organic. In NYC, I order these from Farm to People.
Cilantro is a powerful antiviral and antibacterial plant, able to pull heavy metals like aluminum, mercury and lead out of the body. I often will buy cilantro sprouts/microgreens too as they are extra nutrient-dense.
Atlantic dulse (aka seaweed) is high in essential mineral iodine and other nutrients, helps balance the thyroid, and helps detoxify heavy metals. You can add the actual seaweed flakes, but I prefer to use this liquid version as it is much more mild of a flavor.
Barley grass juice powder is an antioxidant powerhouse that reduces inflammation, balances the gut microbiome, and supports healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. I order this.
Spirulina, otherwise known as blue-green algae, is cancer-protective, anti-inflammatory and heart-healthy. It is known to lower blood pressure, provide allergy relief, aid in weight loss, and strengthen eyes, teeth and the immune system. I order this, or sometimes the combo pack of both, if available.
I changed the name to SOS because I wanted to offer a more foundational version without all the expensive add-ins—although they are an option if you want to up your game. This recipe can be adapted any way you like, with or without protein (but I highly recommend!), pared down to a base of milk and wild blueberries, or with mixed and matched ingredient add-ins. I just love the smoothie format because you can truly throw a million things in there at once and check allll your boxes.
Key ingredients in the foundational SOS Smoothie…
Protein. I add a combination of complete protein powder (Be Well by Kelly tastes amazing and is dairy-free, Mt. Capra is best whey, or Ballerina Farms combo of whey/colostrum/hemp/collagen) AND collagen.
We all need .75-1g of protein per pound of body weight daily to keep our body running smoothly. Protein is not just for “gains”; every cell in our body needs it to function properly, including the brain. If your goal is weight balance, protein is the least calorie-dense and the best way to get there. So if you are 130 lbs for example, at MINIMUM you need to consume 98g of protein per day. And that isn’t to gain muscle. That’s foundational, “gas for the car”, and to avoid LOSS of key lean mass (the kind of lean mass that burns more fat at rest). Aka, the way to gain the ideal improve body composition.
I view collagen as a supplement as it isn’t a complete protein, plus it’s low in calories and makes the smoothie very creamy. It is amazing for skin, hair, nails, joints and general anti-aging. After age 30, our body starts to lose collagen every year, so supplementation will help replenish these stores. “Hydrolyzed collagen peptides” is the most bioavailable version for us to consume and reap the maximum benefits, and making sure it’s grass-fed and pasture-raised is key for quality. Beyond making us AGELESS, collagen in combination with a complete protein balances blood sugar, supports energy, appetite control and lean muscle synthesis.
Tools:
I use my Nutri-Bullet to make this smoothie in 2 minutes.
INGREDIENTS:
serves 1
Base Recipe:
1/2 - 1 cup organic, unsweetened nut milk — I’ve been loving hemp milk, Three Trees almond or pistachio milk, or tache unsweetened pistachio milk. you could also use grass-fed/raw milk.
1/2 - 1 cup frozen organic wild blueberries — I buy this one in NYC
1 scoop grass-fed collagen peptides
1/2 - 1 scoop clean complete protein like Be Well By Kelly (dairy-free), Mt. Capra (whey/casein complete + easy to digest), or Ballerina Farms (combo of whey/collagen/hemp/colostrum).
greens — broccoli microgreens/sprouts, cilantro or the microgreens/sprouts, or frozen/fresh spinach
pinch of pink/sea salt
few drops organic liquid stevia, if desired
Optional Add-Ins:
Heavy Metal Detox:
handful of fresh cilantro, or cilantro microgreens/sprouts — I buy, chop and freeze to always have on hand!
1 scoop of organic spirulina powder
1 scoop of organic barley grass juice powder
1 dropperful liquid Atlantic Dulse, OR 1 small handful atlantic dulse flakes
Detoxification and Debloating
1 dropperful chlorophyll — loving this one with trace minerals, or this one (both mint flavor but you can get without)
1/2 cup frozen pineapple (reduces puffiness) or 1/2 banana (magnesium helps with bloating)
handful fresh mint leaves
1/2” piece fresh ginger root, chopped
Energy and Blood Sugar:
1-2 T unsweetened nut butter
1 T MCT oil
Gut Health:
large spoonful of unsweetened probiotic coconut yogurt — Cocoyo, Culina, or Coconut Cult (smaller scoop for this one)
1/4 - 1/2 cup plain kefir or other probiotic unsweetened yogurt
Right now, I’m doing the base recipe + 1 dropperful mint chlorophyll + handful cilantro + broccoli microgreens + spoonful cocoyo coconut yogurt + 1 tsp spirulina.
STEPS:
Add all to a blender or the cup of your Nutri-Bullet. Blend. Decant into your favorite glass, and enjoy!
This is so good it’s crazy