Despite how integral water is to overall health, a high percentage of people are regularly in a mild state of dehydration. Water helps regulate body temperature, prevent infections, keep joints lubricated, and maintain proper organ function. When the body is properly hydrated, you are able to sleep better and improve overall mood and cognitive function. Adults who don’t drink enough water may age faster and face a higher risk of developing chronic diseases. 

In order to stay hydrated, the clear solution is to drink more water. That is a seemingly easy solution, yet many people find it difficult to drink the right amount of water every day. In general, health experts recommend drinking about 50% of your bodyweight in ounces of water per day. If you weigh 160 pounds, aim to drink between 70-80 ounces of hydrating fluids per day. You can adjust that amount based on activity levels. 

The Importance Of Hydration

Researchers at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University found that mild dehydration can impair cognitive performance. Mild dehydration can be as little as losing one to two percent of the body’s water content. This contrasts the previous belief that a person needed to have a two percent or greater body water deficit to see these cognitive effects. In addition to the cognitive benefits of water, one can also experience decreased joint pain when optimally hydrated. Cartilage in the joints contains about 80% water, so daily hydration helps lubricate the joints, reducing friction by creating cushion between bones. 

A 2020 study from Japan found that increasing daily water intake provided several benefits, including blood pressure regulation and kidney protection. Proper hydration may also dilute blood waste material and stabilize heartbeat. Research also indicates that drinking water helps the body produce sweat when overheated during activity. That cools the body down, which is an integral mechanism that helps prevent heat stroke and other heat-related conditions. Basically, staying hydrated helps the body maintain its everyday processes, so read on to learn how you can stay properly hydrated.

Drink Enough Water

If you want to hydrate the body, then you have to start with water, although water isn’t the only factor involved with hydration. As mentioned earlier in the article, you should aim to drink 50% of your bodyweight in ounces of water or hydrating fluids each day. The amount of fluids that you intake is just as important as the amount of fluids you lose. If you exercise or go outside on a hot day, you’ll lose more fluids than if you were to just sit at your desk. In those situations, you need to drink more water. You can also look at your urine as an indicator for hydration. Dark yellow means that you are in desperate need of fluids! Ideally, your urine should be very light yellow to clear. 

Balance Your Electrolytes

In addition to drinking more water, you also have to consume magnesium, calcium, potassium, and sodium, all of which are electrolytes. You can get these nutrients via fruits and vegetables, which we’ll detail in the next point. Fruits and vegetables work to combat electrolyte imbalance, which in turn aids your hydration efforts. Nowadays, though, there are many electrolyte beverages, including sports drinks and powders. Some powders are highly beneficial and contain a balanced mix of electrolytes, while others are rich in processed ingredients and added sugars. When you add electrolytes to your water, you actually reduce the amount of fluid necessary to consume during the day. This is excellent news if you plan to exercise or be outside on a hot day.

Eat More Fruits And Vegetables

Many fruits and vegetables can aid hydration efforts because they are naturally rich in water and electrolytes. One study examined the contribution fruits and vegetables had on children. Researchers noted the dietary records and urine samples of 442 school children and found that regular intake of fruits and vegetables improved hydration status. Some of the best hydrating fruits and vegetables you can eat include:

• Watermelon
• Kiwi
• Bell peppers
• Tomatoes
• Berries
• Celery
• Cucumber
• Zucchini
• Pineapple
• Radish
• Citrus fruit
• Broccoli
• Grapes
• Carrots
• Avocado

Consume Sea Salt

Whenever you use salt, try to use Himalayan salt or Celtic sea salt, as opposed to regular table salt. Sea salt exhibits a long list of benefits, many of which center around hydration. When you drink water, you also need to consume sodium and potassium. In fact, research shows that sodium and potassium enhance hydration efforts. Unlike table salt, sea salt helps the body balance water and potassium levels because of the sodium content. Sea salt also works to alkalize the body.

Avoid Dehydrating Beverages

Dehydrating beverages are very enticing, and many people are powerless to them. These dehydrating drinks include coffee, alcohol, sugary sodas and fruit juices, and energy drinks. They increase urination and electrolyte loss, which can quickly lead to dehydration if you don’t do your part to hydrate with the right beverages and foods. Sugary sodas or artificially sweetened juices can increase the risk of inflammation and other side effects like brain fog, headaches, and blood sugar fluctuations. 

Don’t Forget To Exercise

It may seem counterintuitive to exercise for hydration because that can cause the body to lose water. According to research, physical exercise increases circulation and improves electrolyte levels. Movement also delivers more nutrients to your cells. Any form of movement can support these processes, whether you engage in strength, cardiovascular, or interval training. You can even go for a walk, practice yoga, or dance to your favorite music!

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If you want to properly hydrate your body, you need more than high quality H20. Electrolytes are essential for hydration because they help cells maintain fluid balance. They direct water and soluble fiber to areas of the body that need them. During exercise or in hot weather, you sweat and lose electrolytes, and it is your job to replenish those charged particles to keep a healthy balance within your body.

A lot of people think that sports drinks are the only way to intake electrolytes. Most of these bottled beverages contain added sugars, artificial dyes, and preservatives. And drinking those beverages while sedentary doesn’t do anything for your body. One of the easiest ways to consume electrolytes is by eating watermelon, or drinking freshly made watermelon juice. This is because watermelons contain magnesium, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus, in addition to L-citrulline, an amino acid that may enhance athletic performance.

The lime and ginger help to give this juice a refreshing taste. Plus, ginger exhibits anti-nausea properties, which can help during the recovery period post exercise. This is especially helpful after extreme activities, where a queasy stomach is common after working out. Fruit juice alone is low in salt, which is surprisingly a crucial component for optimal hydration. For this reason, we added a pinch of Himalayan salt to the juice. Just don’t add too much salt, or this juice may taste off-putting and it may send you straight to the restroom.

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When it comes to exfoliating the skin, sugar scrubs flood the DIY skin care market. Haven’t you had enough of sugar scrubs, though? It’s time to get a new exfoliation go-to that sloughs off dead skin cells and bacteria in no time. The best way to do that is with a few simple ingredients, one of the best ones being Himalayan pink salt. 

What Is Himalayan Pink Salt?

Himalayan pink salt contains up to 98% sodium chloride, making it chemically similar to table salt. What makes it different from table salt is the fact that is consists of trace minerals, including potassium, calcium, and magnesium. These minerals, in addition to iron oxide, give the salt its signature pink hue. It is extracted from the Khewra Salt Mine, located in the Himalayas in Pakistan. It’s one of the oldest and largest salt mines in the world. In fact, experts believe that the salt in this mine was formed millions of years ago as a result from the evaporation of ancient bodies of water. 

What Makes Salt Different?

The natural harvesting process of Himalayan salt allows it to retain as many trace minerals and elements as possible. In fact, some people estimate that Himalayan pink salt contains over 84 different minerals and trace elements. The processing of table salt eliminates these minerals and trace elements, making it an unhealthier version. 

This article isn’t focused on the consumption of salt; rather, it’s about using salt to enhance the health of the skin. Below, you’ll find a few surprising ways that Himalayan pink salt helps to restore your skin and body. 

Exfoliating

Exfoliating the skin is the most efficient way to remove dead skin cells. Himalayan pink salt is a gentle exfoliate and the mineral content helps to restore and hydrate the skin. It’s as though you get a two-for-one deal when you exfoliate with Himalayan pink salt. As you remove dead skin and bacteria, the mineral content nourishes new skin cells. 

Improves Glow

Everyone wants to look younger, but how do you do that without plaguing the skin with harmful ingredients? Himalayan salt has anti-inflammatory properties and it works to help balance the skin’s pH levels, both of which help to brighten the skin’s complexion. Additionally, the actual exfoliation helps to improve glow as well. Sloughing away dead skin cells gives your skin that beautiful shine you want. It also helps to keep acne at bay and allows the skin to breathe freely, revealing smoother skin.

Cellulite Reduction

One of the best ways to get rid of the bumps that are indicative of cellulite is to increase circulation to the skin’s surface. Exfoliation helps to remove clogged pores and dead skin cells, allowing the skin to breath. Additionally, massaging the skin with a salt scrub helps to break up the fat underneath the skin, helping to reduce those cellulite dimples.

DIY Himalayan Salt Scrub

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons virgin coconut oil
• 1 cup Himalayan pink salt
• 5-10 drops frankincense essential oil

Instructions:

• Add the coconut oil to a heat-safe vessel and melt it in either a microwave or double boiler. If your coconut oil is already melted, you can skip that step.
• In the same vessel in which you melted the coconut oil, add the Himalayan salt and essential oil and mix well. 
• Spoon the scrub into a glass jar and store in a cool, dark place. 
• Use weekly by massaging a small amount on the skin after a shower. Make sure to rinse the skin after a couple minutes and pat dry so you don’t wipe away the coconut oil.

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Contrary to popular belief, the air in your home is not as clean as you think. Given that most people spend almost all of their time at home nowadays, it’s vital to keep indoor air free of harmful toxins. The air you breathe shouldn’t harm your lungs; rather, it should enhance your lungs and respiratory system. It should be a break from the many airborne toxins and pollutants that exist in outside air, but this isn’t always the case.

More often than not, indoor air contains a combination of carbon dioxide, pet dander, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The air quality will depend on several factors, including the city or area in which you live. Humidity levels, living next to a freeway, or being in farming areas can decrease air quality in your home. Some buildings can even remain damp enough to cause mold and bacterial growth, which negatively affects asthma patients. 

People spend about 93% of their time inside now, so it’s integral to keep indoor air clean and fresh. Dust, mold, and pet dander are common things that exist in the house. So make sure to clean the house regularly to avoid dust mite accumulation or bacterial build-up. If you want to naturally purify the air in your home, use the following tips. 

Beeswax Candles

Do you enjoy dining or relaxing in a bath by candlelight? Start using beeswax candles instead of paraffin candles. Beeswax candles help to purify the air because they are made from natural compounds. Ready for some science? Beeswax burns and creates negative ions that bond to positively charged pollutants in the air. This results in cleaner air that smells delicious!

Himalayan Salt Lamps

Salt lamps have been known to reduce the presence of airborne pathogens, irritants, and allergens by extracting vapor out of the air. Himalayan pink salt can naturally pull toxins from the environment and neutralize them because that type of salt is a natural ionic air purifier. Add a Himalayan salt lamp to a room in your house and you’ll notice the difference. You can also leave it on at night without it disrupting sleep. The orange light it emits doesn’t disrupt sleep hormones. 

Indoor Plants

Invite greenery into your home! Indoor plants beautify the home, but they also help to filter the air. Certain indoor plants work to remove carbon dioxide, toluene, heptane, and other VOCs from the air. Some of the best plants to have in the home include the snake plant, aloe vera, spider plant, and the weeping fig. If you want to learn more about indoor plants improving air quality, click here. 

Cut Down On Cooking Pollution

Believe it or not, cooking can worsen the air quality in your home. Gas ovens emit about 130-546 ppb during the cooking process. This exceeds the World Health Organization’s recommendation for indoor exposure to nitrogen dioxide at 106 ppb. When you cook on a gas range, it emits about 82-300 ppb. Gas stoves also increase the presence of carbon monoxide in the home. The way you can cut this down is by replacing common oils that have a low cooking temperature with oils that have a higher cooking temperature, for example, coconut oil or sunflower oil. 

Use Natural Cleaners

Do you ever notice that it feels difficult to breathe after using chemical cleaning products? Well, the chemicals can linger in the home and worsen the air quality. That sounds counterintuitive, considering people use them to rid surfaces of bacteria and germs. They clean surfaces, not the air; just remember that. Great natural cleaning products that don’t reduce indoor air quality include hydrogen peroxide, distilled white vinegar, essential oils, baking soda, and isopropyl alcohol. 

Clean Your Carpets Regularly

If you want to thoroughly clean your carpet, the first step is to get a great vacuum. Carpet in your home is like a giant toxic sponge that absorbs dust, bacteria, pet dander, and more. It’s wise to not wear shoes in the house for this reason. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, if you wipe your shoes at the door and don’t wear shoes in the house, you can reduce common toxins in your home by 60%. 

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What if you could relieve stress, soothe sore muscles, and improve the overall health of your skin at the same time? Well, you can if you soak in the relaxing bath salt mixture that’s in this article. Unlike your typical bath salt mixture, this recipe contains black salt, which comes from the salt mines in the Himalayas. It can also come from areas where salt mixes with lava rock, for example, in the Hawaiian Islands. 

Historical Use Of Black Salt

According to historians, black salt has been used in Ayurvedic practices for centuries. It’s a common healing ingredient because of the inherent medicinal properties. Anecdotal reports claim that it can help improve digestion, reduce muscle cramps, relieve heartburn, and eliminate toxins from the skin. Many scientists believe that the rich essential mineral content is responsible for these benefits. More scientific research is necessary to solidify these claims. 

Types Of Black Salt

Black Lava Salt

Commonly known as Hawaiian black salt, black lava salt has an earthy flavor and comes from the Hawaiian Islands. It’s not a common seasoning in dishes; rather, it works better as a finishing salt. It has a smoky aroma and offers robust flavor. 

Himalayan Black Salt

This salt is more common in cooking, especially in Indian cuisine. Known as Indian black salt, Himalayan black salt has a powerful smell that is reminiscent of sulfur. The smoky, savory flavor works well in rich stews or sauces, and the mineral content offers a wide range of medicinal benefits. 

Black Ritual Salt

Sometimes this salt is known as witches salt, but it won’t cast a spell on you. Well, it may enchant you with its benefits, provided you believe in the supernatural. This salt is not meant for ingestion, so please do not eat it. Some people sprinkle this salt under the bed or around the yard to ward off bad energy or evil spirits. 

Black Salt And Your Bath

Adding black salt to your bath offers numerous benefits for the skin. Once you mix it in with the bathwater, soak in it and gently rub your skin. This can help exfoliate and unclog your pores, whereby the minerals from the salt enter your pores to clean and nourish them. If you suffer from dry skin or cracked heels, black salt offers relief from the itching sensation. Many of the minerals have anti-inflammatory properties, which help to rejuvenate the skin. Lastly, the mineral content works to strengthen the hair and scalp, so don’t be afraid to sink your head back into the bath. 

DIY Black Salt Bath Salt Mixture

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Hawaiian black lava salt
• 1/4 cup magnesium flakes
• 1 tsp PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
• 20 drops balsam fir essential oil
• 12 drops chamomile essential oil
• 8 drops lavender essential oil
• 1/4 tsp gold mica
• 1/3 cup dried marigold
• 1/4 cup dried jasmine buds

Instructions:

• Add the Hawaiian black salt to a large mixing bowl and set aside.
• In a small bowl, mix the magnesium flakes and mica powder. 
• In another small bowl, combine the Glyceryl Cocoate and the essential oils. Stir to combine. 
• Pour the magnesium flake mixture and the essential oil mixture to the large bowl with the black salt. Finally, add in the dried marigold and jasmine buds and give the mixture a good stir to combine. 
• Transfer the bath salt mixture into a large glass jar and store in a cool, dry place. 
• When ready to use, add 1/3 – 1/2 cup of the bath salts to a warm bath and stir to dissolve. Soak in the tub for 15-20 minutes. 

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Anyone with a skin care routine knows that exfoliation contributes to clearer, smoother, healthier skin. Exfoliation is also necessary when it comes to your scalp and your ability to boost hair growth. When you scrub your scalp with natural ingredients, you help to unclog hair follicles and get rid of any built-up dead skin cells or oils that get in the way of you having luscious locks.

While hair loss is much more prevalent in men, both men and women commonly experience pattern hair loss at some point in life. Women tend to experience thinning hair or hair loss in different patterns than men, and it happens much later in life for them. Experts believe that hormonal issues play a role in female hair loss. Men, on the other hand, can lose hair early on in life and about 95% of male hair loss is due to androgenetic alopecia. This is a genetic trait that causes receding hairline, thinning hair, or pattern baldness.

The Scalp’s Role In Hair Growth

If you don’t regularly scrub your scalp, you can kiss your dreams of thick hair goodbye. Just like your skin, the scalp has a dermis and an epidermis, but it also has a large concentration of terminal hair follicles. Diet, medications, illnesses, and hormones, can alter the growth cycle of these hair follicles. According to scientific research, a healthy and balanced diet plays a major role in the health of hair follicles, hair thickness, and the survival of hair.

Why Should You Scrub Your Scalp?

As we mentioned earlier, dead skin cells, oil, dirt, and grease can accumulate on the scalp, blocking pores and contributing to unhealthy hair. Exfoliating your scalp helps to remove all that build-up and naturally balance your scalp’s pH level. When you massage the scrub into your scalp it helps to increase blood flow, and several studies show that better circulation to the scalp boosts hair growth. Try the following scalp scrubs to strengthen, grow, and protect your hair.

Pink Salt Scalp Scrub

Himalayan pink salt helps to scrub away dead skin cells and dandruff, unclogging hair follicles in the process. By exfoliating the scalp, the pink salt helps to boost the penetration of other ingredients to your hair follicles. The peppermint essential oil also aids with exfoliation, but it works to unclog hair follicles and make your hair shinier. Finally, the coconut oil helps to nourish the scalp and strengthen your hair.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup Himalayan pink salt
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil
• melted coconut oil

Instructions:

• Add the salt and peppermint oil to a bowl, and pour in enough melted coconut oil to form a spreadable paste. Stir the mixture and let it sit for 30 minutes to one hour before you use it.
• Take a dollop of the mixture and massage it into your scalp. Let it sit for a few movements and then shampoo out. Use this once every two weeks.

Brown Sugar And Oatmeal Scalp Scrub

This scalp scrub is all about gentle exfoliation, which is perfect if you have sensitive skin. The combination of sugar, oats, and your favorite conditioner works to exfoliate without drying the scalp or adding excess oils. Many cultures use oats in hair care routines to facilitate hair growth and contribute to thicker hair.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rolled oats, ground
• 2 tablespoons hair conditioner

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a bowl and mix well.
• Get in the shower and shampoo your hair to remove any products, oil, and dead skin cells.
• Scoop a small amount of this scrub into your hand and massage it into your scalp in a circular motion. Rinse hair thoroughly after two minutes.

Lemon Scalp Scrub

This scrub is honestly the perfect one-two punch, offering moisturizing and exfoliating properties. The citric acid in lemon is a powerful exfoliator that helps to remove built-up oils or dead skin cells. Olive oil contains vitamins A and E, two powerful antioxidants that fight free radicles, which contribute to hair loss.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons sea salt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

• Add all the ingredients to a bowl and mix well.
• Before you use this scrub, make sure your hair is damp. Massage the scrub into your scalp in a circular motion and then rinse well with warm water.
• Follow with regular shampoo and conditioner regimen.

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Before people knew about sea salt, Himalayan salt, black salt, and Celtic sea salt, salt was just salt. It remained unchanged for centuries, but there are numerous salts in the spice aisle of the grocery store nowadays. The primary salt battle exists between sea salt and regular table salt. To the untrained palate, there is no difference between them, but one is much healthier than the other.

Sea salt comes from evaporating seawater (the ocean), whereas manufacturers mine table salt from salt deposits and process it into fine crystals. Table salt is fortified with iodine, which happened as a result of iodine deficiencies in the United States in in the early 1900s. Manufacturers use chemical additives in table salt to prevent clumping, whereas sea salt comes from direct evaporation of seawater. It is not processed and therefore retains trace minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, and other nutrients.

What Is Table Salt?

Table salt is called table salt for a reason: it is on every table in restaurants or homes. It is found in high quantities in almost every processed food item or fast food meal. This is one of the primary reasons that Americans consume more sodium than they should, which has led to increased rates of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and water retention.

Table salt is heavily refined and heated, so all of the inherent nutrients are gone before you season your food with it. Finally, some manufacturers add fluoride, bleaching compounds, and monosodium glutamate (MSG) to table salt. The final product is filled with harmful ingredients, which is why nutritionists look down on it, but natural sea salt is a different story.

What Is Sea Salt?

Table salt is highly processed and refined, whereas natural salt like sea salt is not heated or manipulated. Because the chemical structure is unaltered, it retains the naturally occurring minerals. In fact, sea salt can contain as many as 60 different trace minerals, some of which include zinc, boron, iron, magnesium, silicon, calcium, and copper.

Some sea salt varieties have larger crystals, but this depends on where they are sourced. The source of sea salt can also increase the mineral content. For example, sel gri (gray sea salt) comes from salt beds that contain clay, and it has over 100 different minerals. Finally, it is lower in sodium than most other salts, including sea salt.

Don’t Pass The Salt…Switch To Natural Sea Salt

You don’t need to view salt in a negative light. Natural salts like sea salt or Himalayan pink salt have alkalizing properties and minerals that the body needs to function optimally. Avoid the chemically processed and altered table salt because there are no benefits. But this doesn’t mean you should season the heck out of your food with sea salt. When consumed in excess, sea salt can be detrimental to your health. Use sea salt in moderation and it will benefit your overall health. When you over-salt your food, you increase your risk of cardiovascular health complications.

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The changing of seasons can make your skin do some weird things. You may look down and be appalled by cracked, red, or dry hands or skin patches on the body. Dry skin is not only unpleasant to look at, but it can make you feel self-conscious. Listen, nobody is perfect and everybody has that one item in his or her skin care routine that contributes to flawless-looking skin. This Himalayan pink salt scrub could be that item for you.

You may be thinking, “Isn’t Himalayan pink salt meant for seasoning food? Isn’t that what those hipster salt lamps are made of?” You are correct on both accounts, but it is actually incredibly beneficial for your skin. Mined in the foothills of the Himalayan mountain range, primarily in Pakistan, Himalayan pink salt is one of the purest forms of salt. Ancient oceans deposited these salts in the Himalayas over 250 million years ago, and the salt beds were covered by lava, ice, and snow for millions of years. This makes Himalayan pink salt free of modern-day pollutants. Isn’t that cool?

Benefits Of Himalayan Salt

Rich In Magnesium

Magnesium is necessary for many chemical reactions in the body, but the primary functions include muscle relaxation and nervous system regulation. Himalayan salt has trace amounts of magnesium and a scientific review found that magnesium can possibly enter the lymphatic system via the skin. While you should obtain magnesium via dietary sources, you can also increase your magnesium intake with a scrub containing Himalayan salt.

Powerful Exfoliator

In general, salt is a natural exfoliator that works to remove dead skin cells that accumulate on the skin. The essential trace minerals in Himalayan salt work to soften the skin and restore hydration as it scrubs away the dead cells, so you aren’t left with dry or raw skin.

Great For Acne, Eczema, And Psoriasis

The antimicrobial properties of Himalayan salt have been known to be beneficial for clearing up blemishes on the skin. You can apply the salt to the skin via a scrub, like the one in this article, or you can add it to a bath and soak in it. That’s especially beneficial if you have acne on your back. Mineral baths have also shown to be beneficial for people with eczema or psoriasis. The salt helps to reduce the redness, scaling, and irritation that is commonly associated with these conditions.

DIY Pink Himalayan Salt Coconut Oil Scrub

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups ground pink Himalayan salt
• 1/3 cup virgin unrefined coconut oil

Instructions:

• Combine the Himalayan salt and coconut oil in a large bowl and mix well with a spoon or your hands. Make sure that both ingredients are thoroughly combined.
• Spoon this mixture into a glass jar and screw on the lid for optimal storage. You are now ready to use it!
• You can apply this scrub several times a week to help reduce dryness and combat other skin conditions.  

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There are your regular kitchen essentials, and then there are your raw vegan kitchen essentials. We aren’t talking about the fresh fruits and vegetables, which you will become very familiar with; rather, we are referring to specific pantry ingredients that will make your raw food diet a lot easier, and a lot more flavorful.

We recommend stocking your kitchen with a few key ingredients, regardless of whether you are eating raw foods or not. These ingredients are rich in essential nutrients and they add powerful flavors and textures to the snacks, desserts, entrees, appetizers, and breakfasts that you will make while cleansing. Many of these items are the foundation of a lot of recipes that we post in our Full Body Cleanse Approved recipe section. Aside from stocking your spice cabinet, you should consider purchasing following items to make it through the cleansing diet with ease.

1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Extra virgin olive oil is the cornerstone of a great kitchen. Used in dressings, marinades, sauces, dips, condiments, and more, olive oil adds a wonderfully luscious, slightly briny flavor to dishes. Extra virgin olive oil should be your go-to base for cleanse-approved salad dressings, but coconut and avocado oils are two great options for alternate flavors. If you get tired of dressing salads with olive oil, consider massaging it into the hair and scalp to inhibit dandruff and encourage healthier hair.

2. Coconut Oil

Not too long ago, the American Heart Association said that coconut oil was fattening, causing a lot of people to lose faith in its health benefits. Fear not because coconut oil contains healthy fats and lauric acid, which actually helps to fight fat in the body. It can be used to make your own beauty products or as a base for salad dressings. Don’t cook with it because it is not a high heat oil. Try to only buy virgin coconut oil that is unrefined.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

This is a necessity if you are taking part in one of our cleanses. It adds depth of flavor to dressings and helps to naturally alkalize the body. Try your best to purchase raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar for the best benefits. If you need to improve digestion, try drinking one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in eight ounces of filtered water 30 minutes before your meal. You can also use this same recipe to help speed up metabolism or raise alkaline levels.

4. 100% Grade A Maple Syrup

This is one of the best (and only!) sweeteners you can use while cleansing. Best used in moderation, dousing your recipe with maple syrup can make your entire meal taste like maple syrup. The reason that 100% grade A maple syrup is acceptable to consume while cleansing is because it doesn’t cause blood sugar spikes like many other sweeteners do. It also has antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

5. Sea Salt

Regular table salt is not allowed while you are cleansing; rather, the acceptable salts to use include sea salt, Himalayan salt, or Celtic sea salt. These salts are in their purest forms, which means that they contain essential trace minerals that regular salt does not. Remember that you shouldn’t over-salt your food with these salts, especially if your goal is to naturally lower blood pressure levels. If you want a slightly

6. Frozen Bananas

Frozen bananas are life during your cleanse. This is a pro-tip for frozen banana prep: make your life easier by peeling and slicing the bananas prior to storing them in bag or container in the freezer. Frozen bananas make smoothies creamy, give smoothie bowls a thicker consistency, and can be the perfect base for a raw ice cream! Not to mention, bananas are naturally rich in complex carbohydrates, which are necessary for those who want to exercise while cleansing

7. Raw Nuts

Unless you have a nut allergy or are trying to avoid arginine foods, nuts are absolutely essential to have on a raw foods diet. They are great for snacking because one handful can help satiate you between meals and keep cravings at bay. They are rich in protein, selenium, magnesium, healthy fats, and other nutrients. You can also make your own nut milks from scratch because you cannot consume the processed nut milks that are sold in grocery stores. Try to keep these separate when snacking in order to normalize digestion.

8. Dried Fruit

First off, there are a couple rules to follow when buying dried fruit. Make sure that there are no added sugars and that there are no added preservatives, especially sulfur dioxide. Depending on the dried fruit you purchase, you can add them to salads, homemade energy bites, or raw desserts. After exploring our recipe section (click here), you may find that dates come in handy, particularly for people with a sweet tooth.

9. Nutritional Yeast

Not to be confused with baker’s yeast, nutritional yeast is a delicious powder that has somewhat of a cheesy flavor. It is essential for making raw cheese sauces or for thickening raw dressings. Loaded with vitamin B-12, nutritional yeast is considered to be a superfood, which solidifies that it should be a staple in raw foodie’s kitchen.

10. Raw Cacao Powder

You can’t open a chocolate bar or open a pint of chocolate ice cream while cleansing, but you can make raw renditions of your favorite chocolate treats with raw cacao powder. Note that there is a vast difference between cocoa and raw cacao, which possesses all of the antioxidants that get lost during processing. Raw cacao has more calcium than milk per gram, it is rich in magnesium, and it is the highest plant-based source of iron. Use raw cacao to make raw chocolate pudding, a raw chocolate shake, energy bites, or raw brownies!

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Most people adopt the “just deal with it” attitude when it comes to coping with adrenal fatigue. Every single person can experience the condition, known as hypoadrenia, to a certain extent, especially when a series of stressful events occur. Even the little annoyances of modern day life can build up stress hormones and put unnecessary wear and tear on the adrenals. Given that health care professionals often overlook adrenal issues, how can someone identify when the adrenal glands are not functioning optimally?

The adrenals have a major influence on the body, and symptoms of adrenal fatigue can often mimic those of other disorders. While it is understood that weight gain, brain fog, insulin resistance, and extreme fatigue are common symptoms of adrenal fatigue, these symptoms don’t always confirm that someone is experiencing adrenal fatigue.

What Is Adrenal Fatigue?

Introduced as a new condition by Dr. James L. Wilson in 1998, adrenal fatigue is stimulated by chronic stress. When the adrenal glands are constantly over-stimulated, cortisol (the stress hormone) is constantly released into the blood, leading to insulin resistance, an associated symptom of the condition. People who experience adrenal fatigue typically have low levels of DHEA, the “parent hormone” that helps to create necessary hormones in the body. In a nutshell, adrenal fatigue puts the body in a constant fight or flight state, depleting adrenal stores. Hormones become imbalanced as a result and people commonly experience:

• Slow metabolism
• Insulin resistance
• Fat preserving
• Feeling unusually fatigued all the time
• Extreme dizziness every time you stand up
• Brain fog
• Loss of libido
• Hair loss (especially around the outer eyebrow)
• Heightened cravings
• Rapid weight gain (especially around the abdomen)

Is Adrenal Fatigue Real?

Because the symptoms can be indicative of other conditions, many people have a hard time acknowledging the validity of adrenal fatigue. Since it is a relatively new condition, not a lot of scientific research has been conducted to fully understand it as a whole. It is also hard to diagnose adrenal fatigue because high cortisol levels, which are associated with the condition, are chalked up to be “inside the normal range.” Additionally, adrenal fatigue has to be addressed and remedied via diet and lifestyle adjustments, which doctors don’t interpret as legitimate medicine. We know that food is medicine and are here to present you with the healing foods for those with adrenal fatigue.

Magnesium Foods

High cortisol levels must be met with magnesium-rich foods in order to support adrenal health. Working to relax muscles, improve sleep, and calm nerves, magnesium is a highly beneficial nutrient for those who experience adrenal fatigue. Start consuming avocados, almonds, Brazil nuts, bananas, pumpkin seeds, bananas, and leafy greens to increase your magnesium intake.

Himalayan Salt

People with adrenal fatigue tend to be dehydrated, but they can also dilute the circulating electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and chloride) if they drink too much water. Drinking plain water can alter the balance of potassium and sodium, so it is wise to add ¼ or ½ teaspoon Himalayan salt to most glasses of water. This salt contains trace minerals that initiate chemical reactions in the body. Himalayan salt will most likely make your body feel better, especially if it is extremely fatigued. You’ll have to adjust the amount of salt you add to water based on your body’s response. Too much salt will make you nauseous, so start with ¼ teaspoon in 8-12 ounces of water and go from there.

Licorice Root

Available in extract form, licorice root helps to increase the DHEA count in the body. It is meant for people with lower cortisol levels, because it may increase cortisol levels in certain cases. Licorice root has been associated with some side effects, though, so be cautious about the quality of the licorice root you purchase. Do not take it for more than four weeks at a time, and do not take it if you are pregnant or if you have heart, kidney, or liver problems.

Cruciferous Vegetables

People with adrenal fatigue commonly have partially blocked detoxification pathways. This means that they cannot efficiently eliminate toxins, leading to more strain on the adrenal glands. In order to help open up detoxification pathways, consume cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, and Brussels sprouts.

Starchy Vegetables

Do not interpret this to mean that it is acceptable to load up your plate with pasta, breads, and French fries. The starchy vegetables we are talking about include carrots, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, beets, plantains (technically a fruit) and spaghetti squash. Working to balance blood sugar levels, starchy vegetables help to promote calmness by keeping your adrenals in tune with the body’s natural rhythms. Eat these types of foods at dinner to help improve your sleep.

Note that one should avoid certain foods to maintain healthy adrenal glands. Those with adrenal fatigue are encouraged to avoid:

• Sugar and sweeteners
• Caffeine
• Hydrogenated oils (soybean, corn, and canola oils)
• Processed meats
• Carbohydrates or gluten
• Soy
• Dairy products
• Alcohol

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The post Diet To The Rescue: Healing Foods For Adrenal Fatigue appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.