To fast is to abstain from all or some kinds of food or drink. Fasting has been practiced in many religions for thousands of years. Water fasting is a type of fast that restricts all foods and beverages except water. In recent years, it has become a popular way to lose weight quickly, but this practice offers several other health benefits. That said, there are some risks involved, so a water fast may not be suitable for everyone. 

Several studies found that water fasting may reduce the risk of chronic diseases and stimulate autophagy, a process that helps the body break down and recycle old cell parts. Human studies on water fasting are quite limited, so more research is necessary to determine the full benefits. When the body perceives environmental stress, such as restricting food, it adjusts activity of genes relevant to defending the body from stress. That changes that occur truly depend on how long you fast. 

What Is A Water Fast?

A water fast is a type of fast during which you cannot consume anything besides water. Typically, a water fast lasts 24-72 hours and you should not follow a water fast that lasts longer than 72 hours without medical supervision. The main reason that people engage in a water fast is to improve their health. Popular diets like the lemon detox cleanse are modeled after a water fast, but you get to consume a mixture of lemon juice, water, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper during that detox.

How To Do A Water Fast

Although there are no scientific guidelines on how to start water fasting, it is relatively straightforward. People with gout, types 1 & 2 diabetes, or eating disorders, in addition to older adults, pregnant people, and children should not do a water fast. If you have never done a water fast before, you should spend three to four days preparing your body beforehand. Eat smaller portions for your meals or consider eating intermittently in the days leading up to your fast. Most people generally drink two to three liters of water per day during a water fast. It is possible to feel weak or dizzy during this time, so try to do it when you have days off and can rest. Read on to learn more about the benefits. 

May Help Reduce Blood Pressure

According to medically supervised water fasts, people with high blood pressure were able to lower blood pressure levels. In one study consisting of 48 obese or overweight people, water fasting for an average of 17 days under medical supervision reduced systolic blood pressure. Another review found that water fasting significantly reduced blood pressure levels and body weight in people with high blood pressure. Although more research is necessary to evaluate whether or not short-term water fasts reduce blood pressure, initial research is promising. 

May Reduce The Risk Of Chronic Diseases

Some evidence indicates that water fasting may reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, certain cancers, and diabetes. Research suggests that water fasting may protect that heart from damaging free radicals. Additionally, a 2013 study followed 30 healthy adults who did a water fast for 24 hours. After the fast, they experienced significant reductions in blood triglycerides, a risk factor for heart disease. Several animal and human studies found that water fasting may suppress genes that aid the growth of cancer cells. 

May Promote Autophagy

Autophagy is an integral mechanism for maintaining optimal health. During this process, the body recycles cellular components, like amino acids, to make new proteins and mitochondria, which ultimately makes new energy for the body’s cells. Several animal studies suggest that autophagy may protect against Alzheimer’s disease, certain cancers, and heart disease. Other animal studies consistently found that water fasting promotes autophagy, and that autophagy may extend longevity. All that said, few human studies on water fasting and autophagy exist, so more research is necessary.

May Improve Insulin And Leptin Sensitivity

Both insulin and leptin are hormones that affect metabolism. Leptin helps the body feel full, while insulin helps the body store nutrients from the bloodstream. According to research, water fasting may make the body more sensitive to leptin and insulin. Greater sensitivity ultimately makes these hormones more effective. Being more sensitive to insulin makes the body more efficient at reducing blood sugar levels. Higher leptin sensitivity may help the body process hunger signals more efficiently, which may reduce the risk of obesity. 

The Risks Of Water Fasting

Although water fasting may have certain benefits, it does come with some health risks. One of the risks is that you may lose the wrong type of weight. A water fast restricts calories, so you can lose a lot of weight quickly. Unfortunately, most of the weight you lose in the beginning comes from water, carbs, and even a small portion of muscle mass. You may also become dehydrated during a water fast, which sounds too strange to be true. The reason for that is because about 20-30% of your daily water intake comes from the foods you eat. If you drink the same amount of water and are not eating food, you may not have enough water in the body. Dizziness, nausea, headaches, constipation, and low blood pressure are common symptoms of dehydration. 

As mentioned earlier in this article, water fasting is not for everyone. People with gout, eating disorders, and types 1 & 2 diabetes should not do a water fast without first seeking medical advice. A water fast may aggravate these conditions and worsen symptoms.

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There are many things to love about summer: warmer weather, longer days, and the arrival of cherries to local farmer’s markets and supermarkets. They are juicy, scrumptious, and happen to boast myriad health benefits. In fact, researchers say that people who eat cherries experience reduced cholesterol & blood pressure levels, improved sleep, decreased oxidative stress, and less inflammation. Keep reading to find out more about this sweet and tart summertime fruit.

What Are Cherries?

Obviously, a cherry is a fruit and there are two primary types: the sweet or wild cherry, and the sour cherry. Cherries are native to the Northern Hemisphere, and they are difficult to maintain, which explains their higher price tag per pound. They have a very short season, as they are only available from late-June to late-August. One cup of cherries meets 15% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin C, and it only amounts to 100 calories. Get your hands on them while they’re in season!

Health Benefits Of Cherries

They May Treat Gout

Commonly affecting the big toe, gout is an arthritic condition that results from uric acid accumulation in the body. When too much uric acid is in the body, uric acid crystals form in the joints and cause uncomfortable pain and limited mobility. According to a study that was published in Arthritis & Rheumatism, people with gout benefitted from consuming cherry extract. Of the 633 patients with gout, 35% experienced decreased gout attacks after taking cherry extract.

They May Improve Your Sleep

Several studies found that cherries, especially sweet cherries, are naturally rich in melatonin. Melatonin is necessary to experience restful sleep because it works to control your circadian rhythm and regulate sleep patterns. Consume a handful of cherries an hour or two before bed to improve sleep. You may also find that more melatonin in the body gets rid of irritability and headaches.

They Are Rich In Antioxidants

Antioxidants have many important roles in the body. The anthocyanins and cynanidan in cherries exhibit powerful anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, one study that was published in the Journal of Natural Products found that these antioxidants decreased inflammation better than aspirin. The anthocyanins from sour cherries help reduce inflammation, and preliminary studies show that they may inhibit the growth of human colon cancer cell lines. Finally, adding antioxidant-rich foods like cherries to your diet can decrease your risk of macular degeneration, glaucoma, and other conditions caused by oxidative stress.

They May Relieve Osteoarthritis

Cartilage in the joint acts as a cushion, preventing the bones from rubbing together. Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage between the bones and joint wears down, eliminating that cushion between the bones. About 33 million American adults suffer from osteoarthritis, and they may benefit from consuming cherries. The Osteoarthritis Research Center examined 58 non-diabetic patients, who drank two eight-ounce servings of fresh sour cherry juice daily over a six-week period. The results indicated a decrease in WOMAC scores, and patients reported relief from osteoarthritis symptoms.

They Are Packed With Phytochemicals

Ellagic acid is a naturally occurring phytochemical that is present in sweet cherries. Several studies found that ellagic exhibits anti-cancer and antioxidant activity. Other studies found that the anti-cancer properties proved effective at inhibiting the growth of skin, colon, prostate, pancreas, and breast cancer cells. Ellagic acid binds to cancer-causing molecules and makes them inactive. If that’s not a reason to enjoy cherries, we don’t know what is!

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Elderberry is one of the most common natural remedies for the common cold or flu. People consume elderberry in the form of tinctures, extracts, teas, syrups, or supplements. Elderberry wasn’t always used to boost the immune system, though. Native Americans used elderberry to treat infections and Ancient Egyptians used it to remedy burns and improve complexion. To this day, Europeans gather elderberry to use it in traditional folk medicine.

What Is Elderberry?

The European elder (Sambucus nigra) is the most commonly used species, especially for tinctures or supplements. This species of elderberry is native to Europe, but it grows in many parts of the world. The plant has cream-colored flowers and produces small black/blue berry bunches. In order to consume the berries, they must be cooked, but the flowers can be eaten in their raw form. Historically, various cultures used the flowers for pain relief and inflammation, while the bark was used as a diuretic. The dried or cooked berries proved to be effective at treating influenza, swelling, headaches, and nerve pain.

Elderberry’s Health Benefits

Scientists attribute elderberry’s health benefits to anthocyanin, which is a potent antioxidant that helps to reduce oxidative stress in the body. Additionally anthocyanin has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent common infections and pain. Read about elderberry’s top five benefits below.

May Benefit Heart Health

Preliminary studies found that elderberry extract may help reduce bad cholesterol and fat levels in the blood. Due to the high antioxidant content of elderberry, scientists believe that it can reduce the risk of heart disease when combined with a balanced diet. One study with 34 people, who took 400 milligrams of elderberry extract three times daily for two weeks, found no reduction in blood cholesterol levels. Another study in mice, however, found that including elderberry extract in their diets reduced cholesterol in the liver and aorta, but not the blood.

Reduces Uric Acid In The Blood

High uric acid levels are commonly associated with gout and joint inflammation. When uric acid crystals form in the joints, it can be quite painful and cause joints to become stiff. Additionally, high uric acid levels can increase blood pressure and negatively affect heart health. Due to the anti-inflammatory properties, elderberry extract may reduce levels of uric acid in the blood.

Provides Pain Relief

As mentioned earlier in this article, anthocyanin reduces inflammation in the body. The anthocyanin in elderberry helps to inhibit nitric oxide production in the body’s immune cells. Nitric oxide is a molecule that signals inflammation response for injuries or diseases. The anthocyanin tempers this response to alleviate swelling or pain. Since there have only been a few studies examining these benefits, more studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of these initial findings.

Relieves Constipation

To encourage a bowel movement using elderberry, it is best to drink tea made from dried elderberries. Consuming this tea has been proven to have a laxative effect, which is attributed to anthraquinone, an organic compound that inhibits the absorption of water in the intestines. As a result, intestinal pressure increases and stimulates peristalsis to encourage bowel movements. It is safe to use elderberry tea as a laxative for up to five days.

Say Goodbye To Colds & Flus

The ability to reduce the severity of cold and flu infections is what elderberry is known for. According to various studies, elderberry syrup helps to reduce the duration and severity of infection if taken within the first 48 hours of the exhibiting the first symptoms. A 2019 study found that elderberry substantially improved upper airway symptoms for people with common colds. Another study monitored 60 people with influenza. They all took 15 milliliters of elderberry syrup four times daily and showed improvement within two to four days. The other group who took a placebo took seven or eight days for symptoms to improve.

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Winter squash are often viewed through a negative lens, due to them being high in carbohydrates and starchy. This limited view of squash can scare people away form reaping the myriad health benefits, including the healthy carbs that people love to hate. The complex carbohydrates in squash slow the release of sugar inside the digestive tract after consumption. Squash even show up low on the glycemic index (GI) scale.

What Are Squash?

Often identified as vegetables, squash are technically fruits that include zucchini, marrows, pumpkins, courgettes, butternuts, kabocha, acorn, and spaghetti varieties. People have simplified the many types of squash by categorizing them into summer and winter varieties. Squash may be one of the largest food groups cultivated on earth, with archaeological evidence suggesting that squash were grown over 10,000 years ago. They are very versatile for culinary applications and contain a diverse mix of vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and organic compounds. Let’s explore some of their most notable benefits below.

Anti-Inflammatory

Inflammation is not solely reserved for arthritis or gout patients; rather, it can occur anywhere in the body and cause a variety of symptoms. The carotenoids (lutein, beta-carotene, and zeaxanthin), omega-3 fatty acids, and polysaccharides called homogalacturonan in winter squash have demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity. Preliminary studies show that winter squash may reduce gastric inflammation, including ulcer reduction.

Ultimate Nutrient Support

Now you can enjoy winter squash for more than the delicious flavors! Winter squash are vitamin superstars, being some of the richest plant-based sources of B vitamins. They are also rich in vitamins A, C, E (from the seeds), K, and an array of carotenoids. As far as the mineral content goes, most winter squash are great sources of iron, zinc, copper, potassium, magnesium, and small amounts of calcium. All of these macronutrients, antioxidants, phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals provide comprehensive nutrient support.

Heart Health

Due to the magnesium and potassium content, winter squash provide defense against cardiovascular problems. Potassium acts as a vasodilator, meaning it relaxes tense blood vessels and arteries, which ultimately helps to increase blood flow. This process makes it easier for oxygen to travel to various organs and it reduces stress on the heart. The pectin and fiber content of winter squash also help to scrape built-up cholesterol from arterial walls, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis, stroke, and heart attack.

Healthy Vision

The average serving of winter squash typically contains over 400% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin A. This is attributed to the high amount of beta-carotene, which is an enzyme to form vitamin A in the body. Beta-carotene is necessary for healthy vision, and higher levels of this carotenoid has been associated with reduced risk of glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and other vision complications.

Bone Health

If you want to make your bones stronger, it’s time to fill up on winter squash. The high vitamin and mineral content in winter squash helps develop bone matter and bone density. According to a study conducted by Michigan State University, the zinc, manganese, calcium, and other trace minerals in winter squash can reduce the risk of osteoporosis as you age, and make your bones more durable overall.

Now that you have all of this information about squash, you need to know how to incorporate it into your diet. Experiment with different squash and find which ones you like the best. Here are some of our favorites to start you off.

Roasted Butternut Squash And Carrot Soup

Fall is just around the corner, which means that there are new produce items to cook with! Try one of our fall favorites: butternut squash!

Click here to make the recipe.

Baked Spaghetti Squash (Vegan + Keto)

Replace those unhealthy carbs from enriched, processed pasta with the essential nutrients in spaghetti squash! Make this your next dinner.

Click here to make the recipe.

Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash

Take advantage of butternut squash while they are still in season! Bake this simple butternut recipe to enjoy the classic flavors of fall.

Click here to make the recipe.

Vegan Stuffed Acorn Squash

Filled with the spices and ingredients of fall, these stuffed acorn squash are the perfect fall entree.

Click here to make the recipe.

Smoky Butternut Squash Sauce With Pasta And Greens

While this recipe requires some extra effort, you won’t regret it once you take that first bite. It’s smoky and sweet with a hint of spice.

Click here to make the recipe.

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Summertime means picnics in the park, beach days, backyard barbecues, and indulging in sweet, juicy stone fruit. Peaches, plums, apricots, nectarines, pluots, and cherries all belong to the stone fruit family, meaning that they all contain pits inside. The stone fruit season typically lasts from May to the beginning of October, but the most succulent varieties are available in June, July, and August.

Stone fruits contain large quantities of antioxidant compounds, primarily because they mature early. The polyphenols and antioxidant activity in peaches, plums, and nectarines, for instance, have been tested to analyze their proanthocyanidins. According to several studies, nectarines have the highest levels of flavonoids, phenols, and antioxidant activity. Proanthocyanidins, which have been know to help remedy urinary tract infections, were found in abundance in cherries, peaches, and nectarines, while hydroxycinnamic acids, powerful polyphenols that benefit intestinal health, were present in apricots, peaches, and plums.

How To Select Stone Fruit

As with most fruits and vegetables, use your fingers to feel how squishy or firm they are, and check to see if the fruits are bruised. When you buy peaches, nectarines, apricots, and plums, they should be firm and free of bruises and wrinkles. You should also be able to smell their sweetness.

How To Store Stone Fruit

A lot of people don’t know how to store stone fruit, so they are commonly thrown out as a result. Nectarines and peaches ripen quickly and typically last two or three days in the fridge when you pick ripe selections. Purchasing under-ripened fruits will change this shelf life. Apricots and plums last about five days in the refrigerator, while cherries are good for one week in the fridge. Please note that you should not wash your stone fruits until you are ready to eat them. Washing them before storing them in the fridge only accelerates the ripening process.

Stone Fruit Benefits

Improved Skin

Most stone fruit, especially peaches and nectarines, are loaded with vitamin C, which works to increase collagen production. Vitamin C also helps to prevent cell damage, arterial build-up, and works to boost the immune system. Eating one large peach, according to research, will provide you with 15% of your recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin C.

Gout & Insomnia Remedy

We are singling out cherries here because they have been known to decrease the pain of a gout attack. According to a study in Arthritis & Rheumatology, gout patients who ate 10-12 cherries per day, over a two-day period, reduced their risk of gout attacks by 35%. Cherries on the tarter side are naturally rich in melatonin, a hormone that helps to induce sleep. One study found that melatonin levels increased dramatically after consuming tart cherries. Perhaps a handful of tart cherries an hour or two before bed may help you sleep through the night.

Better Vision

There is more and more evidence that eye health is associated with a balanced diet that is rich in carotenoids. These antioxidants, which are found in brightly colored produce like carrots, sweet potatoes, and stone fruit varieties, have been known to promote healthy eyesight. Plums and apricots are excellent sources of carotenoids, and peaches contain lots of beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, which is linked to improved vision.

Stronger Bones

Vitamin K is a nutrient that is often overlooked, but it plays a big role in maintaining strong teeth and bones. Healthy vitamin K levels can help you stave off tooth decay and reduce your risk of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. While vitamin K is commonly found in leafy green vegetables, plums happen to be rich in vitamin K. Two plums satisfy about 10% of your RDI of vitamin K.

Improved Digestion

All stone fruits are excellent sources of fiber, which the body needs to efficiently move food through the digestive tract and regulate bowel movements. Rather than spending lots money on laxatives, consume a regular amount of fiber to keep waste moving through the intestines. Make sure to drink lots of water as you increase your fiber intake, otherwise you may experience constipation.

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Gout, which is a type of arthritis, affects about 8.3 million people in the United States. It is an inflammatory joint condition that can be controlled via dietary and lifestyle changes. The problem is that most people do not know what lifestyle changes they should make or what foods they should consume and avoid to improve their condition. In order to naturally improve gout, we are going to review the best diet for people with gout.

What Is Gout?

Involving sudden pain, swelling, and the inflammation of joints, gout is a form of arthritis that typically affects big toes (about 50% of gout cases start here), fingers, wrists, knees, and heels. Gout symptoms take place when there is too much uric acid, which is a waste product that the body makes after digesting certain foods, in the blood. Too much uric acid can lead to uric acid crystal formation in the joints, triggering pain, inflammation, and swelling.

Most people cannot eliminate uric acid efficiently because they eat foods that lead to uric acid accumulation in the blood. If you have gout, you may have noticed that you experience pain after eating certain foods, shellfish being one of the most common food groups that causes irritation. Most of these foods are rich in purines, which the body digests and makes uric acid as a waste product. For help concentrating on which foods to eat and which foods to avoid, follow the guidelines below.

Foods You Should Avoid

If you find that you are more prone to gout attacks, you should try to avoid high-purine foods. These foods contain about 200mg or more of purines per 3.5 ounces. You should also steer clear of foods that are high in fructose because they contain about 150-200mg of purines per 3.5 ounces. High-purine foods to avoid include:

• Sugary beverages (sodas, bottled fruit juices, alcohol, or energy drinks)
• Seafood (scallops, shrimp, roe, and crab)
• Fish (anchovies, sardines, mackerel, tuna, trout, and herring)
• Added sugars (high-fructose corn syrup or honey)
• Game meats (pheasant, venison, and veal)
• Yeasts (brewer’s yeast, nutritional yeast, and other yeast supplements)
• Organ meats (liver, sweetbreads, brains, and kidneys)
• Refined Carbs (white bread, cookies, and cakes)

Foods You Should Eat

While it may seem like you can’t eat anything, there are a lot of low-purine foods that are beneficial for those with gout. These foods have less than 100mg of purines per 3.5 ounces. Focus on the foods in this list to help naturally lower uric acid levels and improve your gout.

• Fruits (you can essentially eat every kind fruit)
• Vegetables (the more vegetables the better; try to limit your consumption of regular white potatoes)
• Nuts (all nuts and seeds are acceptable, especially if they are raw)
• Herbs & Spices (all herbs and spices are acceptable, but try to consume sea salt as opposed to regular table salt)
• Plant-based oils (coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil, and flaxseed oil)
• Whole grains (oats, brown rice, and barley)
• Beverages (herbal teas and limit consumption of coffee)

Employ these eating rules and you can help naturally lower uric acid levels. In addition to following the detailed guidelines, it is recommended to regularly exercise (at least 30 minutes a day), stay sufficiently hydrated, and limit or avoid alcohol consumption. All of these things assist with lowering uric acid levels. Let us know if these tips help you in your quest to improving your gout.

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Cucumber juice is beneficial for naturally lowering body temperature and is a great alkaline food. Consuming more alkaline foods helps to remove uric acid from joints, for example, in in people with gout. The combination of celery and ginger also work to reduce inflammation and promote cleansing.

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Uric acid is natural waste that the body produces after digesting foods that contain purines. Some of these foods include sodas, seafood, certain meats, beer, and beans, but the body also produces and breaks down purines on its own. The body has the natural ability to filter out uric acid via the kidneys and urine; however, continuously consuming foods that are high in purines can cause uric acid to build up in the bloodstream.

As purines reach a point of decomposition, the body creates too much uric acid. The build-up of uric acid in the bloodstream is commonly associated with development of gout, kidney disease, skin problems, or metabolic acidosis. People with gout are encouraged to follow a strict diet and avoid high-purine foods. Using the following foods to your advantage, you can help naturally lower dangerous levels of uric acid.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Some people may contest that apple cider vinegar is not conducive for those who are trying to lower uric acid levels. While it may be acidic outside the body, apple cider vinegar has an alkalizing effect inside the body. Add two teaspoons of raw apple cider vinegar to eight ounces of filtered water and consume this twice a day to help reduce uric acid levels.

Cherries

Known for their anti-inflammatory properties, cherries also contain anthocyanins, which are flavonoids that have antioxidant effects. Anthocyanins work to reduce overall uric acid levels and they help prevent uric acid from crystalizing and depositing in joints. Cherries may also reduce overall inflammation.

Fiber-Rich Foods

Great foods that contain fiber include apples, blueberries, broccoli, pears, cucumbers, carrots, steel cut oats, strawberries, and celery. Adding high-fiber foods to your diet helps to lower uric acid levels because they absorb uric acid in the bloodstream and work to eliminate excess uric acid via the kidneys.

Vitamin C Foods

Vitamin C is a natural cleanser, helping to flush toxins from the body. Including vitamin C-rich foods in your diet can help disintegrate uric acid bloodstream and flush it from the body. Start including kiwis, guavas, green leafy vegetables, and citrus fruit in your diet. Similar to apple cider vinegar, citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges have an alkalizing effect inside the body. The reason for this is because they are low in sugar, meaning they are alkaline.

Green Tea

Green tea contains powerful antioxidants that can help decrease uric acid levels in the body. People with hyperuricemia who consume green tea have been known to decrease their risk of developing gout. One cup of green tea a day is sufficient.

In addition to adding this list of foods to your diet, it can be beneficial to avoid consuming sugary beverages. Fructose in juices or sodas is absorbed quickly, spiking your blood sugar levels and leading to higher amounts of uric acid in the body. Replace those sugary beverages with freshly made juices or smoothies. And don’t forget to drink lots of water!

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Celery is often neglected because of its low-calorie nature, but this crisp, crunchy vegetable has more to offer than people realize. Whether it is enjoyed in smoothies, soups, stocks, juices, salads, or as a snack with almond butter on top, celery is a trusted source of beneficial antioxidants and enzymes. You should always enjoy food for the taste, but you should also enjoy celery for its numerous health properties.

For centuries, traditional folk medicine has used celery as an anti-hypertensive agent, primarily due to celery’s positive impact on the cardiovascular system. Present day scientific studies have even found that celery’s antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties work to improve heart health by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure levels. You’ll find more reasons why you should consume celery below.

Lowers Inflammation

The polysaccharides in celery have been known to act as anti-inflammatory agents, especially the inherent flavonoids and polyphenols. While these fight free radicals, which can contribute to chronic inflammation, they also help to create a more alkaline environment.

Reduces Stress

Stress is something that we can all live without, yet most people have excess stress hormones in their bodies. If you are stressed, eat one cup of celery to obtain a fair amount of magnesium, which works to decrease the amount of stress hormones in the body.

Supports Digestion

Celery contains a compound known as apiuman, which has been proven (in animal studies) to decrease stomach ulcers and improve the lining of the stomach. Additionally, celery seeds contain an oily compound (NBP) that has a natural detoxifying and diuretic effect on the body. Eating celery can help reduce bloating and boost the natural digestive process.

Helps With Weight Loss

The great thing about celery is that it contains a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and electrolytes. This means that you can obtain a lot of nutrients without consuming a lot of calories. Essentially, you won’t overeat to get the nutrients you need. Eating celery is also beneficial because it works to regulate lipid (fat) metabolism, which is important for losing weight.

Helps Prevent Urinary Tract Infections

Celery works to reduce uric acid build up in the body, which is beneficial for those with arthritis or gout. It also encourages healthy urine production and can help fight off bacterial infections in the digestive tract and reproductive organs. While cranberries have been a classic food to consume to fight UTIs, celery should be consumed to help with UTIs or bladder disorders.

Helps Reduce Blood Pressure

Roughly 46 percent of American adults have high blood pressure, which accounts for the second-largest number of preventable heart disease-related deaths. Celery seeds contain anti-hypertensive properties that help to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Additionally, celery seeds contribute to regulating healthy blood pressure levels.

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Whey protein is commonly used in many protein supplements or powders. Most of the popular protein powder companies use whey in their products and people like it because some of them can taste like milkshakes. Newsflash: you shouldn’t be drinking milkshakes if you are trying to get in shape. A lot of people are attracted to whey protein because they can consume a couple types of whey even if they are lactose intolerant. What about plant-based protein powders? Those are made for people who are lactose intolerant, or for people who aren’t looking to damage their bodies.

What Is Whey?

Whey protein is obtained from the byproduct of cheese, which comes from cow’s milk. This byproduct gets filtered to remove any fat or lactose and gets turned into powder after a drying process. If you consume too much whey protein, however, you could experience one or more of the following side effects.

Side Effects

• Loss of appetite
• Headaches
• Damage to kidneys
• Osteoporosis
• Fatigue
• Swelling
• Cramps
• Diarrhea
• Rash or hives
• Difficulty breathing

You Could Develop Gout

A lot of people, who consume whey protein products in excess, run the risk of developing gout. There are a lot of processed amino acids, which aren’t plant based, in whey protein. If the body cannot process these amino acids, it becomes difficult for the liver and other organs to filter them out or use them efficiently. This accumulation of unprocessed amino acids can lead to uric acid build-up, and ultimately gout.

Liver Damage

The liver helps process nutrients that are absorbed by the body, in addition to it being the primary detoxification organ. Frequent consumption of whey protein supplements may overload the liver, causing damage that can inhibit its other functions.

Kidney Stones

If you already have kidney stones or kidney problems, whey is not your friend. In fact, it can worsen a preexisting kidney condition. A lot of people try to help out their kidneys by eating fibrous fruits and vegetables to counteract the effects of consuming whey protein. It’s still recommended to eat a healthy plant-based diet, but try eliminating whey and switching to a plant-based protein powder feel the difference in your health.

Packing on the Fat

Consuming whey protein supplements may inhibit you from building lean muscle. This is because many whey protein supplements contain added calories, sugars, and added fats. Some whey supplements are considered “gainers,” which people take to bulk up, but these contain extra carbohydrates. If you can’t burn off the extra carbs, then you will “gain” excess fat in the process.

The Solution???

Avoid whey products. It’s as simple as that. Fuel your body with natural foods or plant-based protein powders that will benefit it, not make it worse.

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