It should be no surprise at this point that the foods you eat influence your overall health. Your diet affects energy levels, digestion, stress hormones, skin appearance, and joint mobility. If you have arthritis, you understand that certain foods can worsen symptoms. These foods are inflammatory and tend to be rich in saturated fats and sugars. 

Joint pain can stem from several causes, including a hard workout, physical injury, arthritis, or general inflammation. If your joints are not sore from physical activity, then your diet may be the root cause of the issue. Joint pain can easily be the result of a food sensitivity, and you can test that via a food sensitivity test or an elimination diet. You can click here to learn more about the process of an elimination diet, which can be time-consuming and frustrating at times. 

If you want to skip testing and are into the idea of eliminating certain foods from your diet, we suggest avoiding the common foods below. They tend to be very inflammatory, impairing range of motion and increasing stiffness. Avoid the following foods and you may find that you improve mobility and experience less joint pain. 

Salty Foods

The best of all the snacks, right? Well, too much salt has a negative affect on both blood pressure and inflammation in the joints. Additionally, it’s common for salty foods to contribute to fluid retention, which can decrease range of motion. Table salt isn’t the only salt source that limits your mobility, though. Chips, pretzels, frozen pizza, TV dinners, canned soups, and other processed foods are loaded with sodium. This is why many Americans exceed the recommended daily intake of sodium by more than 40%. Avoid prepackaged foods and opt for natural foods that are low in sodium, and you may find that joint pain decreases. 

Nightshades

This group of produce has one thing in common: they contain the compound solanine. According to several studies, nightshades trigger arthritic pain and experts believe that removing it from the diet may improve symptoms. Nightshades include bell peppers, potatoes, eggplant, chili peppers, and tomatoes. Nightshades may worsen symptoms of arthritis, so a great first step is to exclude them from your diet for a couple weeks. One by one, reintroduce these foods to see if you experience joint pain after consumption. It can beneficial to keep a food journal during this process. 

Refined Cooking Oils And Flours

If a sensitivity test isn’t easily accessible, take initiative and consider swapping the cooking oil that you use. Many people cook with refined oils that easily cause inflammation. Instead of using vegetable oils, opt for avocado oil, extra virgin olive oil, or coconut oil to reduce your intake of omega-6 fatty acids. Using healthier oils helps to increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids, which work to reduce inflammation. Additionally, the types of flour that you cook or bake with can affect your joint health. Not all flour is created equal, though. Consider experimenting with coconut flour, almond flour, buckwheat flour, whole wheat flour, or quinoa flour. 

Foods High In Purines

People with gout tend to be the most susceptible to foods that are high in purines. A low purine diet may decrease uric acid in joints, helping to reduce stiffness and pain. The body converts purines into uric acid, which can accumulate in the bloodstream and cause a gout attack. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that alcoholic beverages, cured meats (bacon or lunch meats), red meat, organ meat, and certain seafood products are high in purines. Eliminate these foods from your diet and see if your joints feel better. If you have gout, you may notice that avoiding these foods improves the condition. 

Inflammatory Fats

As you know by now, many foods can trigger inflammation in the body. There are several types of fats that increase inflammatory markers, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Should you experience inflammatory joint pain, eliminate omega-6 fatty acids, trans fats, and saturated fats from your diet. Omega-6s are in vegetable oils, including corn, sunflower, vegetable, and safflower oils. Many Americans consume omega-6s in excess, which is why many people deal with inflammation. Meat, butter, and cheese contain saturated fat, which should only account for less than 10% of a person’s total caloric intake per day. Trans fats should be avoided whenever possible. These fats can increase cholesterol and inflammation levels. Removing trans fats from your diet can help lower inflammation and improve heart health, according to research. 

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Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes scaly, red rashes on the elbows, knees, hands, back, and scalp. Experts attribute the condition to an immune abnormality, but genetics can also contribute to the development of psoriasis. The red, itchy areas of skin result from excessive multiplication of skin cells, 10 times faster than the normal rate in fact. 

Because psoriasis is an inflammatory condition, many people seek alternative remedies to help treat symptoms. These remedies or lifestyle modifications may not cure the condition, but they have been known to decrease the severity of symptoms. While many people tend to search for topical solutions to fix the problem, it’s actually better to encourage healing from within. We’re talking about decreasing symptoms via diet modification. 

People with psoriasis often benefit from elimination diets because they assist with determining if a specific food causes a flare-up upon reintroducing it to the system. A 2018 study in the JAMA Dermatology journal suggests that certain diets can slow the progression of psoriasis. Focusing on heart-healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes is very beneficial for the skin. Ideally, it’s best to limit the consumption of fish, meats, sugary foods, processed foods, and dairy product. The following foods are common triggers for people with psoriasis, and you should avoid them to improve the condition.

Nightshades

Many experienced dietitians attribute psoriasis flare-ups to the consumption of nightshades. In fact, they are among the most common foods that cause itchiness. The solanine in nightshades can impair digestion and may cause inflammation. Common nightshades include peppers, potatoes, eggplants, and tomatoes.

Processed Foods

Not only does the consumption of processed, high-calorie foods increase your risk of heart disease, metabolic syndrome, and obesity, but it also can lead to chronic inflammation in the body. Since excess inflammation may be linked to psoriasis flare-ups, it is ideal to avoid canned fruits or vegetables, packaged food products, processed meats, or processed foods that are high in saturated fats, salt, and sugar.

High-Fat Dairy Products

Dairy products play a big role in the development of psoriatic lesions. Eggs, dairy products, and red meat all contain a polyunsaturated fatty acid known as arachidonic acid, and studies show that it can worsen psoriasis. Studies have shown that high-fat dairy products can also increase inflammation. Since psoriasis is already an inflammatory condition, it’s beneficial to avoid inflammation-causing foods. Full-fat dairy products contain saturated fat as well, which is not beneficial for heart health. 

Gluten

Celiac disease is caused by an autoimmune response to the protein known as gluten. While people with psoriasis don’t necessarily have Celiac disease, research has shown that psoriasis patients have increased gluten sensitivity, which can increase itchiness and redness. People with psoriasis are encouraged to avoid pasta, noodles, baked goods containing wheat, certain sauces or condiments, wheat & wheat derivatives, rye, barley, malt, beer, and certain processed foods. 

Red Meat

Similar to dairy products, red meats also cause inflammation. Since people with psoriasis benefit from anti-inflammatory diets, excluding red meat is a step in a less-itchy direction. Dietitians say that red meat may not directly worsen psoriasis, but a red meat-centric diet can increase the risk of heart disease. Statistically, people with psoriasis have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, so it’s best to avoid red meat if you can. 

Alcohol

Many people with psoriasis report that alcohol consumption tends to worsen psoriasis symptoms. Preliminary research indicates a connection between flare-ups and alcohol consumption. Logically, then, consuming less alcohol can reduce the severity and frequency of flare-ups. Alcohol dilates blood vessels, so other substances and white blood cells gain easier access to the skin’s surface. This promotes the inflammatory flare-ups. Lastly, alcohol can dry out the skin by dehydrating the body, which can increase itchiness. 

Take the time to eliminate these foods from your diet and see if they improve the condition. People with psoriasis may also want to experiment with a gluten-free diet, a vegan diet (omitting nightshades), a Mediterranean diet, or an autoimmune protocol diet.

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Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that affects about 2.6% of the American population. Yes, psoriasis is an annoying autoimmune skin disease that results in inflamed and scaly patches of skin, but it can worsen. In fact, about 30% of people with psoriasis experience psoriatic arthritis, which is characterized by joint inflammation. People explore conventional treatment options to “bandage the condition,” so to speak, but rarely do they address the real problem.

What Causes Psoriasis?

Dermatologists believe that psoriasis beings with an immune abnormality, involving a white blood cell known as T-cell. The reason that inflamed, red, itchy patches occur on the body is because people with psoriasis have skin cells that rise to the skin’s surface too quickly. Normally, healthy skin experiences cell turnover once a month. When underlying cells reach the skin’s surface and die, the volume of cells causes the raised, itchy plaques that characterize the condition.

How The Foods You Eat Affect Psoriasis

Many studies have found that diet plays a significant role in the development and treatment of psoriasis. A small 200-person study concluded that the people with psoriasis had high levels of oxidative stress and reduced levels of antioxidants. Because antioxidants work to reduce oxidative stress, the researchers conducting the study determined that antioxidant-rich foods may play a role in combating the condition.

Another study with 1,206 psoriasis patients showed that different dietary changes improved symptoms in most people. Eliminating nightshades, reducing alcohol and gluten intake, supplementing with vitamin D, and eating more vegetables proved effective. Some diet modifications worked for some, while others experienced no improvement. An elimination diet, however, did seem to work for most people in the study.

The Benefits Of Cleansing To Reduce Psoriasis Symptoms

Cleansing is a great way to rid the body of built-up toxins and waste, especially any pollutants that reside in the liver or kidneys. In the modern world of chemicals, environmental pollutants, and processed ingredients, the body easily becomes overwhelmed. According to research studies, psoriasis can be caused by toxemia, which results in cellular breakdown. This occurs when too many toxins accumulate in the body.

How Does A Cleanse Remove Toxins?

When you consider the Dherbs Full Body Cleanse, for example, the herbs in the different supplements help to cleanse and nourish the various organs and systems in the body. The raw vegan diet supplies the body with essential nutrients and aids with the cleansing process. While cleansing, people drink more water than they usually do and eliminate all the foods that are common sensitivities. Dairy products, meats, poultry, processed foods, gluten, alcohol, and fried foods contain ingredients that cause mild reactions, or worsen symptoms of psoriasis. Removing these foods and cleansing the body can not only contribute to healthier skin, but also improve digestion, energy levels, and mental clarity.

Choose Foods That Fight Inflammation

During your cleanse, it is wise to consume foods that contain anti-inflammatory properties. By eliminating trigger foods, inflammation naturally reduces, but you can enhance this step by consuming inflammation-fighting foods. Click here to learn about anti-inflammatory alkaline foods. As mentioned earlier in the article, antioxidant-rich foods may positively influence the condition. Vitamin C, beta-carotene, selenium, and vitamin E are excellent antioxidants to focus on. You can find them in olive oil, nuts, seeds, herbs and spices, berries, cherries, leafy greens, and fruits.

While there is no cure for psoriasis, there are things that you can do to improve your condition. A cleanse won’t work for everyone, but ridding the body of built-up toxins may help clear up your skin.

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Affecting millions of people every year, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are traditionally treated with antibiotics. Many people are simply unaware of the alternative remedies that help remedy UTIs and keep them from recurring. This article aims to detail these remedies, so that you have the knowledge if you experience a UTI in the future.

Because antibiotics are the most common treatment option, some people have developed antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which make it more difficult to get rid of infection. Additionally, antibiotic resistant bacteria make recurring infection a major concern.

What Is A UTI?

A UTI is an infection that affects any part of the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, ureters, urethra, and bladder. The most common cause of a UTI is bacteria from the bowels, but fungi and viruses can cause infection as well. The Staphylococcus and Escherichia coli bacterial strains are responsible for about 80% of cases. Statistically, over 50% of women will develop at UTI or UTI symptoms at some point in life. The reason for this is because the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the bladder) is shorter in women than men. As a result, bacteria have an easier time accessing the bladder.

5 Home Remedies For UTIs

Remove Bladder Irritants From Your Diet

There are many foods that can irritate the bladder, especially if you already have a UTI. Spicy foods, nicotine, carbonated beverages, caffeine, and alcohol make it harder for the body to heal, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Eliminate these foods from your diet and focus on high-fiber carbohydrates, which include lentils, steel cut oats, and sweet potatoes.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

When you have a bacterial infection, the goal is to flush it out of your system. Drinking water, herbal teas, fresh made juices, and coconut water aid this process. According to a 2013 study at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, mild dehydration or low fluid intake increased the risk of getting a UTI. For every meal that you eat, drink a glass of water. Drink another glass for every snack you eat. This will help flush out bacteria that can worsen the infection.

Oregano Oil

Researchers have a firm belief that oregano oil is a valuable antibacterial remedy for accelerating the healing of bacterial infections. A 2012 study found that oregano oil was effective against many clinical bacterial strains. For example, it helped to inhibit the growth of E. coli, which commonly causes UTIs. Additionally, oregano oil prevents the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and it may be superior to some prescription antibiotics. Plus, you don’t have to deal with the side effects of antibiotics when you take oregano oil. To take it internally, mix it in water or coconut oil. Finally, you should not take oregano oil internally for more than two weeks at a time.

Go For Probiotics

Probiotics are available in supplement form, but they are found in fermented foods like kombucha, miso, kefir, and sauerkraut. Many research studies advocate the usage of probiotics for improved digestive health because they balance gut bacteria. Newer studies link the consumption of probiotics to a reduced risk of UTI. One specific study found that the probiotic strain, lactobacillus, helped prevent UTI symptoms in adult women. Antibiotics disturb the balance of gut bacteria, so the preliminary research about taking probiotics to combat UTIs is great news.

Load Up On Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, and research shows that increasing vitamin C intake can protect against UTIs. The theory behind this research is due to the fact that vitamin C increases acidity levels in urine; thus, inhibiting the growth of bacteria that cause infection. If you have a UTI, avoid citrus fruits because they can irritate the bladder. Instead, focus on dark leafy greens (kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, watercress, and mustard greens), parsley, thyme, bell peppers, blackberries, papaya, and kiwis.

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Most of us have the annual thought, typically around the New Year or spring, that we need to eat healthier foods. That can mean swapping your daily soda with lemon water or eating carrots and hummus instead of chips. The intention is there, but the follow through is not. The majority of Americans have become accustomed to a diet rich in processed foods, sweets, refined grains, fried foods, and saturated fats, all of which negatively affect your intentions to eat healthier foods.

It’s easy to read that and say, “Well, then it’s not my fault.” No, it is your fault if you make the decision to eat those foods, which have trained your taste buds to crave them. That being said, you can retrain your taste buds to crave healthier foods the same way you influenced your taste buds to crave unhealthy foods. According to several brain imaging studies, sugar and fat are addictive substances that are comparable to substances like morphine or heroin. Hyper-palatable foods establish a neuro-chemical addiction, meaning that you may be chemically dependent on the very foods that you are trying to eliminate from your diet.

Taste buds have an average lifespan of ten days, meaning that your body is constantly producing new ones throughout adulthood. If this is the case, then it is possible to retrain them to crave fewer refined foods and enjoy refreshing, nutrient-dense plant-based foods instead. When you eliminate dairy products, gluten, refined sugars, and other processed foods from your diet, you’ll notice that they taste different, perhaps sweeter or saltier, than they did before. Use the following tips to get started on developing taste buds that crave healthier foods.

To Start The Retraining Process

Eliminate Sweet & Salty Foods

In order to eliminate your dependence on these foods, you have to remove them from your diet. For optimal results, eliminate them from your diet for about two to three weeks to help you establish a new baseline for flavors. During this time, you should introduce umami, bitter, or sour flavors into your diet. These foods include mushrooms, miso, pickled or fermented foods, and leafy greens. This helps to condition your taste buds to crave those healthier foods, which possess similar salty and sweet flavors.

Practice Mindful Eating

Mindful eating is the practice of being present and in the moment when you sit down to eat a meal. Don’t watch TV or scroll through social media; rather, just be there with your food. You’ll find that this practice helps you enjoy wholesome foods and reduce stress. Eventually, you will be able to reintroduce certain salty or sweet foods to your diet. A few mindful bites of some chips or a piece of cake will satisfy your craving and you won’t need to indulge any further.

To Overcome Fat Cravings

When it comes to eliminating cravings for fatty foods, it’s all about the substitution game. If you like to bake, use organic unsweetened applesauce in place of butter, because they both add the same rich consistency. You really need to pay attention to the oils you use, though. Vegetable, soybean, corn, and safflower oils contain too many omega-6 fatty acids, whereas olive, avocado, and coconut oils are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Too many omega-6 fatty acids in the body can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Processed foods are also rich in safflower, soybean, or corn oils, so avoid them as well. Focus on omega-3s to avoid cravings for fatty foods.

To Overcome Salty Cravings

First thing’s first: get your butt in the kitchen and start cooking from scratch. A high percentage of people regularly eat out or purchase pre-made frozen meals, and these dishes are often packed with sodium or added flavors. When you cook at home, you are in control of how much salt you consume, and there won’t be added preservatives. Additionally, and we can’t stress this enough, eliminate deli meats and frozen meals from your diet because they worsen your salt addiction. Finally, try to find substitute seasonings for salt. Himalayan pink salt and sea salt are healthier options, but you can also use other spices and dulse flakes to avoid using salt.

To Overcome Sugar Cravings

When it comes to reducing sugar cravings, most people don’t look for the right foods to eliminate. They may stop consuming baked goods and processed foods, but some of the biggest sugar sources are soft drinks and alcohol. These greatly affect blood sugar levels, causing spikes and crashes that can make you crave sugary foods even when you aren’t hungry. Swap your cup of coffee with herbal tea, your soda with water, and try to avoid the sugary mixed alcoholic drinks. A glass of red wine here and there won’t be the worst thing for your health.

Ultimately, eating healthy is all about rhythm. Once you find your groove, you’ll be able to keep repeating your steps and advance to the next level. Set weekly goals to build confidence and you’ll be eating healthy foods without thinking about it in not time.

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There’s no sexier feeling than snorting or coughing and feeling like you still have some mucus that is too stubborn to leave your throat. We’re joking, obviously. Instead of looking and sounding like a disgusting monster in front of your friends, coworkers, or family, you head to the bathroom to deal with the problem. What if this is happening and you aren’t even sick? If you aren’t sick, you shouldn’t have that mucus, right? Well, not exactly.

As it turns out, certain foods can increase mucus production and lead to the buildup of phlegm in the body. Excess mucus in the body can increase your risk of respiratory infections, including sinusitis, colds, flus, and more. While it is easier to blame the weather, a friend’s child with a runny nose, or a coughing coworker, the reality is that your diet may be the culprit of your congestion and constant hacking.

What Is Mucus?

Mucus lines many tissues in the body and it helps to prevent organs from drying up. It also has the job of keeping bacteria and other airborne particles from entering the body, and mucus contains enzymes and antibodies that work to kill bacteria and other infections. While mucus works to protect the lungs and respiratory system, having an excess amount of mucus can jeopardize respiratory health.

Foods That Trigger Mucus Production

Soy Products

First off, we encourage people to avoid soy because it is one of the most genetically engineered foods on the planet. Now we have a new reason to steer clear of soy. Soy products lead to more unhealthy mucus accumulation in the body than any other plant foods. Not to mention, the mucus that accumulates is unhealthy mucus and can worsen your symptoms if you are sick.

Dairy Products

Dairy products can thicken pre-existing mucus and increase mucus production. People who consume milk, cheese, or yogurt while they are sick can commonly experience difficulty swallowing or thickened saliva. Dairy products contain a protein known as casein, which can increase the secretion of mucus, cause digestive troubles, or increase risk of sinus infection.

Caffeinated Beverages

Sorry, folks, but drinking that coffee, soda, black or green tea, and other caffeinated beverages can increase the risk of dehydration, which leads to thicker mucus production. Not only does drinking water and herbal teas keep you sufficiently hydrated, but it also keeps mucus secretions lubricated and thin.

Foods Allergens

Some people know they have allergies or sensitivities to foods, yet they continue to eat them. Strange…we know. The continued consumption of food allergens can increase mucus production, a common allergic response to foods containing gluten, dairy, or soy. The symptoms typically manifest in the form of nasal congestion, sneezing, or coughing. Eliminating certain foods may help decrease the amount of mucus buildup in the body. Click here to learn more about an elimination diet.

Red Meat

Due to the high protein content of red meat, it is very common to experience mucus production in the throat after consumption. Additionally, a lot of red meat is highly processed, filled with antibiotics, and rich in fat, all of which lead to mucus buildup. If you are going to purchase meat, it is best to purchase grass-fed grain-free meat, or opt for wild-caught fish for a healthier option.

In closing, everyone will react differently to the foods mentioned in this article. Some people may experience tremendous mucus buildup after they eat soy, while others may experience nothing. Pay attention to the foods that you eat and eliminate the ones that cause negative reactions.

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Atopic dermatitis, commonly referred to as eczema, is a skin condition that results in dry, itchy patches of skin on the body. It is commonly the result of inflammation in the body, and this inflammation is primarily caused by the foods you eat. With that knowledge, it is possible to reduce symptoms and prevent inflammation by eating foods that are considered to be eczema friendly.

There is no known cure for eczema, but over-the-counter creams, ointments, or medications exist to reduce the inflammatory responses. In addition to the prescribed creams, doctors may suggest avoiding specific foods that release inflammation causing T cells and immunoglobulin-E or IGE, an antibody that the body produces when a threat is present. Some of these threats can include nuts, milk, and wheat, all of which have been linked to inflammation.

The road to a body with reduced eczema symptoms is long and ever changing. It can take years to learn how to manage and improve the condition, trying out elimination diets or using holistic approaches with natural ingredients. Your diet, however, is the first place to begin, and that is why we have detailed beneficial foods for eczema and the foods you should avoid in this article.

Beneficial Foods For Eczema

Eczema-safe foods are typically nutrient dense and rich in anti-inflammatory properties that promote skin repair. One can almost compare an eczema diet to an anti-inflammatory diet, because the goal is to avoid foods that induce eczema flair ups.

Probiotic-Rich Foods

Probiotics are bacteria that work to promote gut health. They work to increase the amount of healthy bacteria, lessening the amount of harmful bacteria in your microbiome. This can help to reduce inflammation, inhibiting the development of eczema, so consume the following probiotic foods:

• Kombucha
• Miso
• Fermented foods
• Unpasteurized sauerkraut
• Kefir

Foods Rich In Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids have been known to fight inflammation and increase circulation in the body. Many Americans are often deficient in omega-3s, and the lack of anti-inflammatory omega-3s in the body contributes to the development of inflammatory conditions like eczema or arthritis. Omega-3 deficiency has also been linked to dry skin and poor skin elasticity, so eat the following omega-3 rich foods to improve skin health:

• Flaxseeds
• Chia Seeds
• Hemp Seeds
• Brussels Sprouts
• Algal Oil

Anti-Inflammatory Fruits And Vegetables

Many raw fruits and vegetables are loaded with anti-inflammatory properties, and they help to reduce the body’s acidity. A more alkalized body can improve immune function and reduce the risk of inflammatory conditions. For those with eczema, it is wise to eat an assortment of colorful fruits and vegetables to obtain inflammation-fighting flavonoids. Some of the best anti-inflammatory foods to eat include:

• Turmeric
• Apples
• Cherries
• Spinach
• Kale
• Broccoli
• Blueberries
• Ginger

What To Avoid

When you have eczema, there are specific foods that commonly trigger flare ups, primarily because they are food allergens or contain inflammatory compounds. Food-related eczema reactions will occur between 6-24 hours after eating a particular food, but the reactions can be delayed longer. In order to determine what foods cause eczema reactions, try an elimination diet. You can read more on elimination diets. The main foods you should avoid are as follows.

Eggs

Aside from being eczema triggers, eggs often worsen most skin conditions. People who have allergic reactions to eggs develop increased histamine levels, increasing redness on the skin or triggering skin rashes.

Processed Foods/Junk Foods

Put the fries and chicken strips down, and don’t even think about touching that bag of chips or cookies. Processed foods and junk foods are typically rich in artificial preservatives, flavors, and dyes, all of which can weaken the stomach lining and lead to inflammation, increasing the risk of an eczema flare up.

Certain Fruits

While it is encouraged to consume fresh fruits and vegetables, specific fruits can trigger reactions based on their salicylate content or amines. The following fruits can sometimes disrupt the chemical balance in people with sensitive systems, leading to itchy symptoms.

• Kiwi
• Oranges
• Tomatoes
• Grapes
• Avocados

Foods Containing Nickel

People who have dyshidrotic eczema, which commonly affects the hands and feet, are encouraged to avoid foods that contain nickel. Depending on where the foods are grown, the soil can contain trace amounts of nickel, which gets absorbed into the food. Foods that contain nickel include:

• Black Tea
• Nuts
• Lentils
• Peas
• Shellfish
• Soy
• Chocolate
• Beans

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You just finished the Full Body Cleanse. You haven’t weighed yourself during the cleansing process because you wanted to surprise yourself with how much weight you released. You haven’t felt this energized, youthful, and healthy in a long time, so you dust off the scale, take your shoes off, remove everything out of your pockets…you might even get naked because every ounce counts. After stepping on the scale, you realize that you are not far from your pre-cleansing weight. We are talking about zero to five pounds of weight loss. Perhaps you stuck to the raw foods diet, took the capsules as directed, and those efforts did not yield 10-30 pounds of weight loss. While it is easy to blame the cleansing program, it is important to look at the body during this time to make sure that everything is functioning optimally.

When it comes to losing weight, it is important to eat healthily and incorporate exercise into your daily routine. While the two work hand in hand, you have to continually alter what you are eating and change up the exercises in your workout routine to yield progress. The body can become accustomed to repetitive exercises and meals; therefore, new routines are necessary to avoid complacency and increase your chances of weight loss.

How Was Your Exercise?

What constitutes a solid workout? While everyone has a different definition of exercise, an agreeable definition is a workout program that leaves you tired, sweaty, and a little sore. You don’t want to be immobile or in pain, but you should feel like you gave it your all, especially during a cardiovascular workout. Cardio is integral, but one should also practice strength training and balance exercises to hit all of the pillars of exercise. Additionally, heading to the sauna after a workout promotes more sweating (one great way to release toxins), but it also helps to lubricate the joints to reduce inflammation and tension. If you have access to an ice bath, jumping into the freezing water works to burn calories (the body burns calories to maintain its internal core temperature), decrease inflammation, and improve recovery time. Being able to get in the sauna and then the ice bath is the ultimate way to continue the workout.

What if you ate different foods, changed your exercises, and still only experienced minimal weight loss? While we can’t give you an exact answer, we can give you a few probable causes, the first of which relates to the thyroid gland. Keep in mind that you should not take this as medical advice. They are merely suggestions for you to research and become more in tune with the inner workings of your body.

Thyroid Issues

There are 20 million Americans living with a thyroid disorder.Of those 20 million people, only about 30-40% are aware of their thyroid disorder. An undiagnosed thyroid condition can increase a person’s risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and can make it difficult to lose weight. Theses common disorders include hypo- and hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease, and Hashimoto’s disease.

Hormonal Imbalance

While this can be linked to a malfunctioning thyroid or adrenal problems, hormonal imbalance can often be linked to lifestyle or the foods you eat. If you aren’t getting enough fiber, for example, estrogen levels can climb because fiber helps to excrete estrogen from the body. Too much estrogen can lead to bloating, water retention, or gas. This typically tends to be an issue for menopausal or pre-menopausal women.

Cortisol, the stress hormone, is another hormone that can interfere with weight loss. An overabundance of stress hormones can cause you to store fat (specifically in the abdominal area), and can be linked to sugar cravings, food addiction, or depression. You may want to consider taking a break from caffeine after cleansing or consider yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, or other stress-relieving techniques.

Don’t Lie About What You Ate

If you cheated during the cleanse, that is completely acceptable, but don’t say that the cleansing process failed you. Eating raw for a couple days and then eating some bread or chicken with a soda or two does not mean that you ate raw. Don’t feel bad about cheating; rather, let it go and try to do the best you can the next day.

Food Intolerances

An estimated 15 million adults suffer from food allergies, but that doesn’t account for all the people who have food intolerances or sensitivities. Doing a food allergy test may be illuminating for some people, but the rest can greatly benefit from an elimination diet or a food sensitivity test. The elimination diet is a short-term program that forces you to eliminate certain foods, which may be causing allergic or digestive reactions, from your diet. After about a month without the foods in your diet, you can slowly reintroduce them in order to identify which foods the body does not agree with

We hope this information helps and we wish you the best of luck with your weight loss goals.

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Some of the most common health problems are diet-related. Just as food can serve as medicine, it can also cause your health to decline. Rather than feeding disease, isn’t it more advantageous to eat to encourage a healthy immune system, gut microbiome, and well-functioning organs?

A high percentage of people live with undiagnosed food sensitivities. It’s actually estimated that about 20% of the world’s population is sensitive to certain foods. You may not even suspect that your body is sensitive to certain foods because they have become commonplace in your diet. You may be thinking that you need to cut junk food or sugar, and while these foods are not healthy, they may not be causing your symptoms.

Common Food Intolerance Symptoms

• Brain fog
• Fatigue
• Inflammation (in muscles and joints)
• Digestive troubles
• Bloating
• Runny nose
• Flushing of skin
• Reflux
• Rashes

Difference Between Food Allergies And Sensitivities

While food allergies involve the immune system and result in an immediate response like a swelling or hives, food sensitivities will have a more delayed reaction. When a person, who is sensitive to dairy products, consumes milk, for example, he or she may experience poor digestion, migraines, or some sort of inflammation. Food sensitivities are harder to diagnose because of the delayed immune response, meaning that you could eat an assortment of foods and not know which food caused the symptom.

To help you discover whether or not you are sensitive to certain foods, we are going to detail the most common food sensitivities below.

Dairy Products

A lot of people are lactose intolerant, while others are sensitive to casein, a protein in dairy products. In addition to lactose and casein, the hormones, synthetic vitamins, and antibiotics in cows, in addition to the corn diet and unhealthy living conditions, also cause indigestion, bloating, and gas. A healthier option is a fermented dairy product like grass-fed kefir, which doesn’t really affect people who are sensitive to casein.

Nightshades

The severity of a nightshade sensitivity will determine the reaction a person has after consuming nightshades. This plant group consists of peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, goji berries, potatoes, and certain spices that contain alkaloids. Nightshade sensitivity commonly causes inflammatory responses.

Caffeine

While this is a sensitivity that people wish they never knew about, caffeine sensitivity is a real thing. The average adult can safely consume up to 400mg of caffeine a day without experiencing side effects, but some people, however, are hypersensitive to the slightest amount of caffeine because they tend to have difficulty metabolizing it. People who are hypersensitive to caffeine can experience insomnia, jitters, restlessness, anxiety, and nervousness after consuming the slightest amount.

Legumes

Legumes have played an integral role in many people’s diets, but everyone cannot properly digest the lectins and phytate proteins in legumes. Let us not forget that peanuts are also legumes, which is why many people struggle to digest them. Out of all the legumes, soy and peanuts typically cause the most gastrointestinal stress.

FODMAPS

Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols, referred to as FODMAPS or fermentable sugars, are not fully digested in the gut. Because of this, they begin to ferment, releasing hydrogen that can cause distention to the intestines, which can lead to IBS, gas, constipation, or diarrhea. FODMAP foods are often healthy, but remember that everyone reacts to foods differently, even natural foods. If you have a FODMAP sensitivity, you may need to avoid certain nuts, grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and grains.

Sulfites

Found in certain foods like aged cheeses and grapes, sulfites are chemicals that are typically used to preserve drinks, some medications, and foods. They are commonly found in dried fruit to prevent browning and in wine to prevent spoiling. People with sulfite sensitivity usually have asthma, but people who don’t have asthma can also be sensitive to sulfites. Common signs of sulfite sensitivity include hives, wheezing, flushing, diarrhea, or stuffy nose.

Nuts & Seeds

The lectins, phytates, and roughage of nuts can cause digestive irritation. Most nuts that people purchase are commonly coated in inflammatory oils, like soybean or canola, or hydrogenated trans fats that can cause digestive problems as well. If you have a nut sensitivity, you may want to consider purchasing raw nuts because they are void of seasonings, oils, and added flavors. Sometimes people are sensitive to salicylates, which are naturally produced by plants for protection against insects. When people ingest them, however, they can have adverse reactions.

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For a great many people, grains have to be included in their diet. Some people can’t imagine a diet without grains, while others have conditions or intolerances that require them to limit grain consumption, or eliminate grains from their diet entirely. National Grain-Free Day hopes to educate people about food intolerances, while simultaneously exhibiting the many possibilities of grain-free eating.

Grain Fact: Corn is a vegetable, grain, and fruit, all at the same time. The kernel is considered to be a grain, but corn on the cob is considered to be a vegetable. In case that wasn’t complicated enough, a lot of grains (like popcorn) are considered to be a fruit. The reason is because they come from the seed of the plant.

Due to the intense processing and genetically engineered nature of grains, a high percentage of people are grain-intolerant. Grains in America are not what they used to be, which explains why eating pasta in Italy, for example, won’t yield the same bodily reactions as eating processed, enriched pasta in America. Many people pass off bloating, bowel inconsistency, headaches, or mouth ulcers as nothing, but these are common signs of grain intolerance or gluten-sensitivity. If you suspect that you are intolerant or sensitive to grains, experiment with an elimination diet to determine the causes of your system. Read more about an elimination diet here.

To help celebrate National Grain-Free Day, try some of the following grain-free recipes below.

Broccoli Sushi Rolls With A Mango Ginger Dipping Sauce

Can’t eat sushi because you are intolerant to rice? Don’t fret because this nutritionally dense broccoli sushi is exactly what you need!

Click here to make the recipe.

Baked Spaghetti Squash

Whether you are on the ketogenic diet or you are eating grain-free, spaghetti squash will be your saving grace if you are a pasta lover. It is rich in potassium and vitamins A & C!

Click here to make the recipe.

Cauliflower Fried Rice With Veggies And Pineapple

Do you love fried rice but don’t want the carbs or enriched nutrients? Try this paleo, vegan cauliflower rice that is too tasty to resist!

Click here to make the recipe.

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The post 3 Tasty Recipes To Celebrate National Grain-Free Day appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.