Wormwood sounds like an herb that you would receive from a shaman during a medieval quest. Believe it or not, wormwood is one of the three key ingredients in absinthe, which Pablo Picasso, Edgar Degas, and Vincent Van Gogh used to drink. Maybe that’s why they were such incredible artists!

What Is Wormwood?  

Wormwood, known scientifically as Artemisia absinthium, helps to eliminate intestinal worms, specifically roundworms and pinworms. The plant, which is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, has a bitter taste and has been used for centuries in medicinal applications. Researchers note that wormwood is a perennial herb that exhibits a wide range of health benefits. Continue reading to learn about six of the many impressive health benefits of wormwood.

Aids Digestion

According to historical evidence, wormwood has helped treat flatulence, indigestion, gastritis, and other digestive issues. Wormwood contains bitter compounds that stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, which enhance the absorption of nutrients from the foods you eat. The terpenes in wormwood also stimulate saliva, stomach mucus, and intestinal secretions, all of which may ease digestive symptoms. Wormwood may also reduce stomach acids that contribute to acid reflux and peptic ulcers. 

It Exhibits Anti-inflammatory Properties

Wormwood contains artemisinin, a compound that researchers believe to have potent anti-inflammatory properties. A few studies suggest that wormwood may also temper the actions of cytokines, which are proteins that help instigate inflammation. In doing so, wormwood may ease redness, warmth, swelling, and other symptoms of inflammation. Most of the research about wormwood’s anti-inflammatory properties have been focused on people with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. A 2016 study monitored people who took 150 milligrams of wormwood extract per day for 12 weeks. The results indicated that they experienced less joint pain than the group that took a placebo. 

It Has Antimicrobial and Anti-parasitic Effects:

Wormwood has exhibited potent antimicrobial properties against many pathogens, from bacteria to fungi, and even parasites. Studies show that wormwood is most effective when it comes to eliminating pinworms and roundworms from the body. Other studies found wormwood to be effective against gut parasites like Giardia lamblia and Helicobacter pylori. For these reasons, wormwood may be a promising natural alternative to traditional anti-parasitic medications or drugs.

Enhances Liver Function

Historically, wormwood was used to help support liver function. Wormwood contains compounds that help promote the secretion of bile, aiding in the breakdown of fats and toxins. Reports suggest that regular consumption of wormwood may help detoxify the liver, which helps protect it from free radical damage.

May Fight Cancer Cells

Several studies found that the artemisinin compound in wormwood may fight against iron-enriched breast cancer cells. It actually fights these cancer cells the same way it eliminates malaria-causing parasites. Cancer cells can be rich in iron because they soak it up, which facilitates cell division. A 2012 study tested samples of breast cancer cells and normal breast cells that had been treated to maximize iron content. After that, the cells were treated with a water-soluble form of artemisinin. Results revealed that normal breast cells showed little change. Within 16 hours, however, the cancer cells were dead, with only a few normal cells killed. 

May Offer Pain Relief

In the past, wormwood was used in herbal remedies as a pain-reliever. Because it contains analgesic properties, wormwood may alleviate various forms of discomfort, including headaches, menstrual cramps, and muscle pain. Researchers don’t fully understand the mechanisms behind these effects, so more research is necessary.

Precautions

Although wormwood offers a variety of health benefits, it is crucial to exercise caution when using it. Because wormwood contains thujone, a compound that can be toxic if consumed in excessive amounts, there are certain people that should avoid it. Pregnant women, individuals with seizure disorders, and those with liver disease should not consume wormwood. Should you want to incorporate wormwood into your diet, consider speaking with a healthcare professional, especially if you have a health condition or take specific medications.

SHARE:

The post 6 Impressive Health Benefits Of Wormwood appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

A smoothie is one of the easiest things to make if you are trying to be a healthier person. Throw a bunch of ingredients into a blender, flip the switch, blend until smooth, and then enjoy. It takes all of five or so minutes for it to come together, especially if you are quick at prepping ingredients. Plus, you can load them with vegetables, fruits, nut butters, plant-based milks, and more in order to pack the smoothie with as many nutrients as possible. There is truly no better feeling than knowing you have a belly full of amzing nutritious ingredients!

This mango kale smoothie only contains four ingredients. Because it is packed with fiber, protein, omega-3s, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and complex carbs, it makes for a great breakfast. It is perfect whether you are raw vegan, Paleo, gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, or literally any person with any diet. You cannot go wrong by drinking this smoothie! Just make sure that you remove the ribs from the kale before adding them to the blender. The ribs, or thick central stems, are very bitter and fibrous, so your smoothie will have an off-putting flavor if you include them. You also need to blend on high to ensure you don’t have any kale pieces floating around in your smoothie.

Now, if you are not a mango person, you can replace the mango with a banana. You can replace the kale with spinach if you do not enjoy kale. Consider adding a tablespoon of chia seeds or hemp seeds for a boost of protein and healthy fats. Those are all optional choices, as the smoothie is delicious as is. Whatever you do, just enjoy being healthy!

SHARE:

The post Mango Kale Smoothie appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

At Dherbs, we receive a lot of questions related to cleansing, most of which are about diet. People want to know what they can and cannot eat while cleansing. Another common question is, “Can I workout while cleansing?” It is completely fine to exercise while cleansing, but you have to be more in tune with your body while doing so. Allow your body the time, room, and space it requires to digest, process, reset, and restore, especially regarding its natural capabilities and functions. 

If you are a fitness enthusiast and love getting in a good workout, you may be tempted to give it your all while cleansing. Remember that you are not eating as many calories and have to listen to your body, so as not to push it too much. Ideally, engage in light- to moderate-intensity physical activity. Aerobic exercise tends with light strength training is what we usually recommend, as both promote detoxification via sweat, lymphatic drainage, and healthy circulation. 

Tailor Exercise To Your Cleanse

While cleansing, choose the right intensity and type of exercise that supports your body. The last thing you want to do is put undue stress on a body that is out of its element. Low-impact activities, such as yoga, walking, gentle Pilates, swimming, and biking, are great options. These exercises help maintain a steady heart rate while promoting stress reduction. If you want to focus on mindfulness during your cleanse, consider focusing on yoga, Tai Chi, and stretching. 

Always Listen To The Body

Since you have to follow a raw vegan diet, you are not consuming as many calories as you would outside the cleanse. That isn’t to say that you eat an unhealthy diet, but it is to say that most foods in the American diet are calorically dense. Some people who cleanse may have more energy than others. If you feel up to it, engage in a more strenuous workout that gets your  blood pumping. Just make sure to listen to your body and strike a balance between feeling drained and revitalized. 

Measure Progress And Celebrate Achievements

It is very common to notice changes in the body while cleansing. You may notice that your skin looks clearer and that your mind isn’t as foggy. We hope you notice some weight loss if that is your goal! Keep track of your progress, mentally, emotionally, and physically. Celebrate the wins, even the small ones, such as completing a yoga flow or walking an extra mile. A positive mindset goes a long way in helping you succeed while cleansing. 

Always Hydrate

You will be drinking more water than usual while cleansing, but pay extra attention to water intake when exercising. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workout to support the detoxification process and prevent dehydration. Additionally, fuel the body with nutrient-dense foods before and after the workout to encourage energy and muscle repair. Leafy greens, chia pudding, nuts, energy balls, and smoothies can be great options to provide energy. 

Embrace Movement

Whether you are just starting your fitness journey or building on your love of exercise, one thing is for certain: movement is better than no movement at all. When you exercise regularly, you can enhance your metabolism, which increases the body’s ability to eliminate toxins. Plus, engaging in low-impact workouts can help reduce inflammation, promote better digestion, and improve sleep quality.

SHARE:

The post How To Exercise While Cleansing appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

One of the best things about summer celebrations is the food. People get to show off their culinary skills, usually in the form of dips, snacks, and appetizers. Finger food is exactly what you want at a potluck, picnic, barbecue,  or cookout. Although you can use slow cookers, Instant Pots, or grills to make main dishes, they don’t have anything on snacks and apps! That’s why this article is all about dippin’ and chippin’.

The truth is that people will eat almost any dip at a party or gathering, so long as it is tasty. We don’t mess around with flavor here at Dherbs! Every dish you make needs to impress your taste buds, but that doesn’t mean each dip requires a long list of ingredients. As with most recipes, the quality of the ingredients is what makes the dish. If you make vegan bruschetta, for example, opt for heirloom tomatoes in place of Roma tomatoes. Quality ingredients elevate an average dish to something spectacular!

Why make your own dips when there are so many dip options in grocery stores? This is a valid question, and the simplest answer is that almost every store bought dip contains processed ingredients and preservatives. Do you want to worry about high sodium levels when you are dipping on Labor Day? We didn’t think so. With the following dips, you can both enjoy their flavors and feel good about eating them. If you make some of the dips, drop a comment to let us know if you enjoy them!

Homemade Bitchin’ Sauce

Bitchin’ Sauce is a brand that is readily available in many supermarkets, and you can typically find various flavors. This homemade version doesn’t contain any preservatives or excess sodium and it is 100% raw vegan

Click here to make the recipe. 

Mango & Watermelon Radish Salsa

Refresh your palate and elevate your salsa game with this raw vegan dip made with mango, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, cilantro, and watermelon radish.

Click here to make the recipe. 

The Best Guacamole Ever

When you make food in an authentic way, it tends to taste beyond delicious. That’s why this dip is the best guacamole ever.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Homemade Baba Ganoush

A healthy and traditional Mediterranean dip that’s sure to impress, baba ganoush is a unique, roasted eggplant dip with bold flavor and a subtle char.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip

Make this roasted garlic white bean dip with five simple ingredients in just five minutes of hands-on prep work. You’re going to love it!

Click here to make the recipe. 

Watermelon Avocado Salsa

Refresh your palate and indulge in this sweet, zesty, and slightly spicy watermelon avocado salsa that embodies the flavors of summer. This salsa is so versatile and ideal for raw vegans, vegetarians, and carnivores alike.

Click here to make the recipe.

Healthy Homemade Hummus

Whip up a batch of this healthy homemade hummus and enjoy a smooth, creamy dip that is m

Click here to make the recipe.

SHARE:

The post 7 Great Dips To Make For Labor Day Festivities appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

You can count on Labor Day being one thing: hot. If you live on the west coast of the U.S., you know that the heat is real, and spending time outside is difficult. Naturally, many people want to escape the congested city life and embrace nature before fall starts. People seek higher elevation in places like Big Bear, Mammoth, Sequoia National Forest, Lake Tahoe, and more to relish in cooler temperatures. 

When you escape the city, you don’t have to abandon healthy eating habits as well. Your diet isn’t the hot weather that you are trying to escape! This is especially true if you are still cleansing. There are plenty of recipes in our cleanse-approved recipe section (click here) that are wonderfully refreshing and tasty. You can make snacks, dips, spreads, entrees, desserts, drinks, and more, and all of them are raw vegan! 

Since the primary dishes during Labor Day celebrations tend to be appetizers, beverages, and snacks, we thought we’d focus on those for you. The great thing about the following recipes is that you don’t have to be cleansing in order to enjoy them. Surprise the taste buds of people at your gathering with a few raw vegan dishes. They might find them so delicious that they ask you where you got the recipes and what your journey is. There’s only one way to find out!

Kiwi Salsa

Your taste buds aren’t going to know what hit them! This kiwi salsa has incredible depth of flavor and is bright, savory, and refreshing.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Pineapple, Jicama, & Cucumber Salad

Refreshing with a hint of spice is the name of the game for this healthier spin on a classic Mexican pineapple jicama salad with cucumber.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Peach Tomato Basil Salad

Summer never tasted so good! The sweetness of ripe peaches mingles perfectly with the acidic tomatoes and aromatic basil. Get all of these ingredients before summer officially ends!

Click here to make the recipe. 

Rainbow Collard Wraps

Get ready to roll! These rainbow collard wraps are full of colorful vegetables, so you know that you are getting a ton of antioxidants.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Avocado Mango Salad With Lime Dressing

A refreshing, slightly spicy, but utterly delicious and tropical avocado mango salad with a highly addictive lime dressing.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Pineapple Popsicles

Cool off those taste buds with these 3-ingredients, homemade pineapple popsicles! They are so much better than store bought varieties.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Dragon Fruit Banana Sorbet

Cool off your taste buds by making this refreshing and sweet dragon fruit banana sorbet. It is 100% raw vegan and has an impressive nutritional profile.

Click here to make the recipe. 

If you make these recipes, feel free to tag us on social media when you post pictures. We love to see when people create the recipes we publish on our website. Have a great Labor Day celebration, people. Make it tasty!

SHARE:

The post How To Have A Raw Vegan Labor Day Celebration appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

The before and after photos seem to captivate people. The success stories of the “miracle” weight loss solutions that are GLP-1 drugs have taken the country by storm. People who have struggled with weight loss for decades can now shed pounds using an injectable drug. Some medical professionals find the drugs great for patients they have counseled about their weight for years. Other healthcare professionals remain skeptical of these drugs. 

Within the last few years, people have seen breakthroughs in treatments for obesity, primarily due to semaglutide drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, or tirzepatide drugs like Mounjaro and Zepbound. These drugs work by slowing down stomach-emptying and reducing appetite. A patient administers one injection per week. It should be noted that GLP-1 drugs are a class of medications intended for diabetics, as they help manage blood sugar levels. Only recently have they been popularized as weight loss medications. 

Statistically, people using these medications lose about 10% to 20% of their body weight. People who have cardiovascular disease and are overweight or obese can see a 20% reduction of adverse cardiac events while using the drugs. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of many health problems, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, arthritis, and more. Considering that nearly 40% of U.S. adults are obese (with another 30% being overweight), many doctors and patients have embraced these GLP-1 drugs with open arms.

Drugs Don’t Address The American Health Crisis

Many people have adopted these new medications, but a high percentage accept them without recognition of their limitations. There is a lack of long-term safety data in addition to the long list of potential side effects, including vomiting, nausea, and a handful of other complications. In fact, Ozempic is currently facing over $2 billion in lawsuits! Poison control centers have reported an increasing amount of calls relating to medication overdoses, which can cause extreme low blood sugar and similar symptoms, such as dizziness, confusion, and irritability. 

GLP-1 medications that people use for weight loss typically cost over $1,000 per month for each patient. More than 50% of employer insurance plants in the U.S., in addition to Medicare, do not cover these medications. The price tag is troubling when you consider that the U.S. spends more than the rest of the world in health care costs and faces big disparities within the health care system. The cost of the drugs is especially questionable when you consider the fact that you have to take them for a long time to prevent weight regain. Additionally, if you stop using the drugs, you typically gain the weight back because the effects wear off. 

Using these medications to treat everyone with obesity in the U.S. would bankrupt the country. Not only that, but it doesn’t cultivate the type of health and change that a lot of healthcare professionals would like to see in this country. Every single person has unbelievable access to ultra-processed, calorically-dense foods that contribute to weight gain. High levels of inactivity do not help the problem either. Plus, the multibillion-dollar pharmaceutical industry does not prioritize disease prevention. 

Lifestyle Change Is True Health

True health is not just about the number on the scale; rather, it is more about adopting healthy habits that support long-term change. For example, switch your focus from ultra-processed foods and incorporate more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and lean proteins into your diet. True health is engaging in some sort of physical activity every day and getting restorative sleep at night. Perhaps you add some stress management techniques to your day with positive affirmations. 

You need a plan to start, though, as many people struggle to make change without an outline. Lifestyle changes are often affordable and low-risk. People who start to eat better, exercise more frequently, stop smoking, and manage stress can reduce their risk of coronary artery disease by over 80%. Finally, the risk of type 2 diabetes decreases by over 90% if these changes are made. 

Enter The Full Body Cleanse

The Dherbs Full Body Cleanse is an all-natural herbal cleanse accompanied by the raw vegan diet. Not only is this about one-tenth of the price of GLP-1 drugs, but it is also much healthier for the body. It is difficult, but it sets you on the right path to make long-term changes. Additionally, it’s possible to lose between 10-30 pounds during the 20-day cleanse, but that depends on how much weight the body has to lose and if you have underlying health conditions that inhibit weight loss. 

With GLP-1 drugs, you can lose an average of one to two pounds per week. It’s possible to lose more, but health experts suggest that that number is fairly accurate across the board. Unlike the Full Body Cleanse, GLP-1 drugs come with a long list of side effects. Not to mention, these drugs do not encourage people to change their lifestyle habits, which means that they can easily gain the weight back once they stop taking the drugs. 

The bottom line is that there is no magic pill or miracle drug for weight loss. It is better to teach the next generation to promote healthy behaviors and implement these practices in their own lives. Make the right choice, even if it is a little more difficult. Just because something is easy does not mean it is healthy for you. Do yourself and your health a favor and cleanse today!

SHARE:

The post GLP-1 Drugs vs. Lifestyle Change: What’s The Key To Long-Lasting Health? appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Ozempic, which is an injectable semaglutide, is one of the most popular type 2 diabetes drugs on the market. Within recent months, it has become more difficult to acquire because of how many people seek it out. There is one reason for the growing demand: dramatic weight loss, which is one of the common side effects. 

Wegovy, another drug and medicine, also contains semaglutide, which helps regulate blood sugar. Semaglutide helps people feel full and eat less because it curbs appetite and slows digestion in the stomach. Besides weight loss, other side effects of semaglutide include diarrhea, nausea, headaches, and constipation. 

Ozempic and Wegovy have been on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug shortage list for several months. Although there are other type 2 diabetes medications that work in a similar fashion, they don’t induce weight loss in the same way. Because of the shortage and high out-of-pocket cost, many patients decided to stop taking Ozempic. How could they maintain the same weight loss they experienced while taking the medication? That depends on each person, but it’s also possible to experience the following things after stopping Ozempic. 

Appetite Returns

While taking Ozempic, people eat less because semaglutide slows digestion. That keeps food in the stomach for longer and increases feelings of fullness. Ozempic also trigger changes in the brain that actually reduce hunger and curb feelings of satisfaction that accompany eating. For example, you may only be able to eat a few bites of pizza while using semaglutide, whereas you could eat half a pizza prior to using it. That rapid feeling of fullness goes away as soon as you stop taking Ozempic, causing you to eat more, so following a low-calorie diet becomes very difficult. 

You’ll Regain Weight

When you stop feeling full and your appetite returns, the first thing that you reach for is more food. The unfortunate reality is that medication, like Ozempic shouldn’t be the only treatment plan for people with type 2 diabetes or obesity. Healthy lifestyle changes, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise, are necessary for long-term success and health. Without those lifestyle changes accompanying the use of Ozempic, users will most likely regain weight and suffer from poor blood sugar control.

Blood Sugar Climbs

For those with type 2 diabetes who take Ozempic to manage blood sugar, halting treatment may cause blood sugar to return to pre-medication levels. Endocrinologists explain that Ozempic treats the chronic disease of diabetes, so people can expect the condition to worsen once they stop using it. As previously explained, Ozempic helps people eat less, so stopping treatment may cause them to eat larger portions and more calories. All of that amounts to an increase in blood sugar. Even if people manage to control their eating habits once they stop taking Ozempic, blood sugar may still rise because the drug boosts insulin production, a hormone involved in blood sugar control.  

Ozempic Face Will Go Away

Experiencing rapid weight loss from Ozempic use can affect the skin and reduce fat all over the body, including the face. Ozempic users who lost dramatic amounts of weight reported that their faces appeared shrunken, dehydrated, and gaunt. Dubbed “Ozempic face,” this physical change is contingent with other instances of dramatic weight loss. Stopping Ozempic can reverse these facial changes, especially if users regain weight. If the face doesn’t return back to normal after stopping treatment, injectable facial fillers from a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon can address the situation.

Side Effects Will Subside

In addition to weight loss, Ozempic users can experience nausea, constipation, vomiting, heartburn, gas, headaches, and dizziness. Not all users experience these side effects and some only experience mild versions of those side effects. How you eat and what you eat can also make a difference in whether you experience side effects or not. Reducing the consumption of dietary fat, consuming smaller portions, and not skipping meals can help reduce the chances of experiencing these side effects. Users that stuck with Ozempic treatment and still experienced those side effects would see them go away after stopping the medication.

SHARE:

The post 5 Things That Can Happen After You Stop Taking Ozempic appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

The link between diet and the risk of developing dementia is not new. Various eating patterns can either reduce or increase a person’s dementia risk. For example, the Mediterranean and MIND diets prioritize foods, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and legumes, that improve cognitive function. On the other side of the equation, there are foods that increase the risk of cognitive decline. 

It should not come as a surprise that sugar is under a white hot light. Research indicates that excess sugar intake can harm both overall health, including brain health. According to the researchers behind this new study, sugar can interact with your genetics and impact long-term brain health. Continue reading to learn about key points of the study. 

About The Study

Researchers asked the following questions for this study:

• Does sugar intake (including added and total sugars) increase the risk of dementia?
• Does a person’s genetic makeup change that relationship?

In order to answer those questions, researchers observed dietary data from over 158,000 people in the UK Biobank, a massive study looking at how genetics, environment, and lifestyle habits influence disease. Researchers also calculated the genetic risk scores for sugar metabolism, dementia risk, and gut bacteria. The reason they examined gut bacteria is because of the role the gut-brain axis plays in disease development. They monitored the number of participants diagnosed with dementia for about 10 years. 

How Does Added Sugar Increase Dementia Risk?

The results of this study were consistent with previous studies: sugar intake increases the risk of dementia. Specifically, a higher intake of free sugars (the sugars added to foods or those found in syrups and fruit juices) was linked to a 43% higher risk of dementia. In fact, even natural sugars found in fruits and dairy products were linked to a minor increased risk of dementia. That said, the presence of fiber and antioxidants in those foods outweighs any potential downsides. 

Through the study, researchers noticed that genetics influence the risk of dementia. Participants who had genes tied to poor sugar metabolism, higher dementia risk, or certain gut flora were more vulnerable to the effects of sugar. Specifically, Oscillospira and Ruminococcaceae UCG-014, two types of gut bacteria, stood out as influential to dementia risk. 

Why Are Added Sugars So Problematic?

Added sugars and free sugars (found in pure sugar sources like honey, syrup, and fruit juices) are quickly and easily absorbed into the bloodstream. Because of that, they spike blood sugar and insulin. Additionally, these foods lack the fiber and nutrients that offer brain protection, which ultimately makes them more harmful over time. 

How To Reduce Your Risk Of Dementia

There are a number of ways to reduce the risk of dementia, such as exercising and taking certain vitamins. In the case of this study, you can protect your cognition by reducing the intake of free and added sugars. Perhaps you opt for plain Greek yogurt instead of sugary, fruit-flavored yogurt. You can replace unhealthy, carbs snacks with whole foods, such as apples and almond butter. Swap out the sugary drinks with unsweetened varieties. Cook your meals at home to control the sodium and sugar content. Other science-backed ways to reduce dementia risk include:

• Stay active: Exercise benefits the heart and the brain! A 2024 study found that being physically active every day, be it walking the dog, gardening, or household chores, can help improve cognitive processing speed, which ultimately keeps the brain sharp.
• Limit alcohol intake: Various studies show that excessive alcohol intake increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. If you currently drink alcoholic beverages, consider reducing the amount and frequency at which you do so. 
• Take a vitamin D supplement: According to one study of over 1,600 older adults, those with a moderate vitamin D deficiency had a 50-70% higher risk of dementia. Supplementing with vitamin D is an effective way to help prevent a deficiency. Consult your healthcare professional to determine the right amount to take. 
• Prioritize your sleep: Quality sleep matters, not just for energy levels, but also for your brain. In fact, it is one of the most powerful ways to maintain cognitive health. Sleep helps support memory retention and reduces brain inflammation.

SHARE:

The post Eating Too Much Sugar Can Increase Dementia Risk appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

What do we know about pooping? Well, we know that maintaining regular bowel movements is a key indicator of good digestive health. The frequency of bowel movements, however, can vary widely among people. When you understand what constitutes “normal” bowel habits, you can make the necessary changes or seek medical advice to maintain optimal digestion. So how often should you poop? Continue reading to find out. 

How Often Should You Poop?

Bowel frequency is an interesting topic of conversation. Many health experts suggest that it is perfectly normal to have anywhere from three bowel movements per day to three per week. One study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology confirmed that information, regardless of age or gender. There is also no general answer for how often you should poop, but people tend to have their daily bowel movement habits. If you poop three times per week or less, something is going on. We always say that eliminating between one to three times per day is an indication of optimal digestive health.

What Affects Poop Frequency?

Hydration

When you drink enough water, your stool softens and becomes easier to pass. That is why staying hydrated is an important factor for maintaining regular bowel movements. According to research, increasing your fiber and fluid intake can significantly enhance stool frequency. One study showed that participants who consumed 25 grams of fiber daily, in addition to two liters of water, showed greater improvements in stool frequency than those with lower fiber and fluid intake. 

Stress

Emotional stress and poor mental health can actually alter your bowel habits and affect frequency. Research suggests that psychological stress can influence functional gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A little stress can make it more difficult to empty the stomach, which stimulates colonic transit. That ultimately leads to alterations in stool consistency and frequency. Another study involved 10- to 16-year-olds and found that exposure to stressful life events was linked to bowel movements that occurred less than three times per week. Additionally, those bowel movements were often painful or strained. More research on children between the ages of nine and 10 found that psychological stress and negative family factors increased the rate of constipation. 

Physical Activity

It is well-documented that regular exercise stimulates peristalsis, the intestinal contractions that encourage bowel movements. One analysis found that vigorous exercise positively influenced women, but results were mixed among male participants. Another study found that moderate exercise, such as cycling or jogging, accelerated gut transit time, but did not alter stool weight or frequency. Additionally, a Nurses’ Health Study suggests that daily physical activity can lower the risk of constipation. 

Diet

Increasing fiber intake from vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can influence stool frequency. It is rather unsurprising, then, that vegetarian and vegans tend to have more frequent bowel movements than meat-eaters. That isn’t to say that all vegans and vegetarians have optimal regularity, but they do tend to eat more fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains than meat-eaters. Another study found that increasing fiber intake increased stool frequency and made stool softer. Vegans with the highest fiber intake experience the most frequent bowel movements, even more than vegetarians and omnivores.  

What Does The Consistency Of Your Pooping Mean?

Both the consistency and frequency of stool is integral to overall health. The Bristol Stool Form Scale classifies stool types from 1 (hard lumps) to 7 (watery liquid). You want to be somewhere around type 3 or 4, which is considered normal. These types are well-formed stools that are easy to pass, meaning they are soft and sausage- or snake-like. You can support healthy pooping by: 

• Stay hydrated: drinking at least half your body weight in ounces of water per day. If you weigh 150 pounds and divide that by two to get. 75, you should drink 75 ounces of water per day.
• Exercise regularly: Movement leads to movement, if you catch our drift. Walking, jogging, swimming, and other forms of light to moderate exercise can benefit your digestive health. 
• Increase fiber intake: Ideally, aim to consume 25-30 grams of fiber per day. Aim to get your fiber from fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. 
• Manage your stress: Experiment with different stress-reducing techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises to reduce stress and promote healthy bowel movements.

SHARE:

The post How Often Should You Poop?  appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Summer is approaching quickly, which means warmer days and an increased risk of dehydration. The intense heat calls for more water consumption, but plain H2O can bore the palate. Since water is still the ultimate hydrating beverage, you cannot abandon it completely, but you can enhance it by making detox waters.

What Are Detox Waters?

Detox waters are easy to make because all you have to do is include a variety of fruits, herbs, or vegetables in your water. Not only do these ingredients add refreshing flavors to your water, but they can also assist with fat burning and toxin elimination. Think of detox waters as a simpler version of homemade juices or smoothies without all the prep work. You still reap the benefits of the ingredients in the water! Additionally, people are more inclined to drink water that has flavor, as opposed to regular water. 

If a slimmer body is your summer goal, the best gift you can give yourself is a series of detox water recipes. Since hydration is one of the most integral components to weight loss, it is wise to drink up, but not with caloric-rich beverages. During warmer weather, people tend to eat less and sweat more. That’s great news if you want to lose weight. You do, however, have to replenish the electrolytes you lose via sweat. Add the following detox waters to your summer weight loss regimen and you could emerge a slimmer, healthier version of yourself. 

5 Detox Water Recipes

Green Apple, Cucumber, & Mint Detox Water

All of the ingredients in this detox water have a common denominator: they’re all green. Mint is a natural breath freshener and aids with digestion. Cucumbers enhance hydration and contain antioxidants that may reduce the risk of heart disease. Apples are rich in fiber and the minerals may work to enhance metabolism. In a pitcher, combine half of a cucumber (thinly sliced), half of an apple (thinly sliced), and a handful of mint. Fill with water and refrigerate for a couple hours before serving.

Lemon Blueberry Detox Water

Besides being one of the most beautiful detox waters on this list, this lemon blueberry detox water is rich in antioxidants. According to several studies, blueberries may help to improve memory, fight urinary tract infections, and reduce overall cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Both blueberries and lemons are naturally rich in vitamin C, which can enhance immune function. Lemons also help to promote alkalinity within the body, and they assist with toxin elimination. In 16 ounces of water, combine about 4-6 thin slices of lemon and 10-15 blueberries. Refrigerate for a couple hours and then enjoy.

Pomegranate, Mint, & Lemon Detox Water

There isn’t a negative thing to say about the ingredients in this detox water. Pomegranates have been known to decrease the risk of joint pain, heart disease, and certain cancers. Many studies attribute these abilities to the antioxidants. Lemon is the most used fruit during summer and it has been known to boost weight loss efforts. The vitamin C also works to rejuvenate the skin. Similarly, mint also contributes to healthier skin, and it may act as a stimulant for those who experience depression. Pour two liters of water into a large pitcher. Add in about one cup of pomegranate arils, the juice of half a lemon (then add in the half you juiced), and a handful of mint. Refrigerate this for a couple hours and then serve. 

Apple Cinnamon Detox Water

This classic dessert duo does more than make apple pie delicious. Cinnamon works to naturally boost metabolism and enhance your body’s fat burning power. As well mentioned earlier, applies are rich in fiber, which may assist with improving digestion. Additionally, apples are low in fat and can help alleviate breathing troubles for asthmatics. To make this detox water, add half of an apple (thinly sliced) and one teaspoon of cinnamon to 24 ounces of purified water. You can add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to the mix if you want to boost the fat-burning benefits. Just like the other recipes, refrigerate this mixture for a couple hours before serving. It works best if you drink this in the morning.

Grapefruit Mint Detox Water

For this final detox water, get ready to experience numerous health benefits and optimal hydration. Grapefruit is naturally rich in vitamin C and has been known to aid with liver cleansing, skin rejuvenation, cholesterol reduction, and fat burning. Additional studies found that grapefruit may increase metabolism, encourage optimal digestion, and protect against kidney stones. Mint may be able to treat your stomach woes, but it can also enhance immune function, given that it’s rich in vitamins A, C, D, & E, and phosphorus and calcium. To make this detox water, cut a large grapefruit into thin slices and add them to a pitcher of water that has four to five cups of filtered water. Add a handful of mint and give it a stir. Refrigerate for a couple hours before serving. 

SHARE:

The post 5 Great Detox Waters For Summer Heat appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.