The leaves change, the weather gets cooler, and the scent of pumpkin spice emanates from almost every coffee shop. If those things do not indicate fall, we don’t know what will. A lot of people also spend more time indoors, due to colder weather, and that just so happens to coincide with the arrival of cold and flu season. If you like to take a more proactive approach to health, which includes strengthening the immune system, that can only benefit you this fall.

Why Prioritize Immune Health Now?

The immune system works round the clock to protect the body from harmful pathogens. There is no magic pill that guarantees full immunity, but there are many practical, science-backed methods that can help you enhance immune defense. Getting a head start on immune support is integral to having a vibrant fall and winter. Build up your resilience before you come down with the common cold or flu. Consider the following strategies to fuel your immune system this fall. 

Get Creative When You Feel Too Tired To Exercise

Movement is better than no movement at all, as physical activity improves circulation, lowers stress, and helps immune cells travel throughout the body with ease. Physical activity can also boost energy levels, enhance digestive function, and improve brain health. Sometimes, you don’t want to go to the gym or spin class on colder fall days. That’s completely fine, but it’s important to get creative in order to fit some movement into your day. That can be as simple as a 15-minute walk through the neighborhood, following a 25-minute yoga video in the living room, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Consistency is key, and even short bursts of activity can help encourage better immune function. 

Stay Hydrated

When the weather is colder, it is more common for people to avoid water. The reason for this is because they don’t feel like they need to hydrate because of the summer heat. Water works to carry nutrients to cells and helps the body flush out toxins, two processes that are vital to optimal immune function. By drinking plenty of water throughout the day (more than you think you need), you can help keep up the body’s natural defenses. You can also enhance hydration by eating water-rich foods and drinking herbal teas. Just remember that caffeinated beverages and sugary drinks can dehydrate the body. 

Prioritize Quality Sleep

Sleep is not a luxury; rather, it is a necessity. That is true whether you are discussing immune function, mental health, stress, or digestion. During sleep, the body produces cytokines, which are protective proteins that are essential for fighting inflammation and infection. Sleep experts encourage people to get seven to nine hours of sleep per night. To maintain healthy sleep habits, establish a consistent sleep schedule, even on the weekends, and create a relaxing bedtime routine to ensure restful sleep. Lastly, make sure your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet to facilitate healthy sleep. 

Keep Stress Levels Down

It’s common to experience stress every now and again. Maybe your in-laws are visiting or you have $20 riding on a football game. Problems arise when stress becomes chronic, as it can actually suppress the immune system and make you more susceptible to illness. Finding ways to manage stress can go a long way in keeping cortisol levels in check. Try spending time in nature, connecting with loved ones, meditation, yoga, or engaging in hobbies that take your mind off things. If stress becomes unmanageable and overwhelming, consider talking to your primary care provider or a mental health specialist. 

Don’t Forget Hand Hygiene

This is a simple act that offers a lot of protection, yet many people neglect proper hand hygiene. Perhaps their hands come in contact with many high-touch surfaces (shopping carts, doorknobs, etc.) and then they put their hands in the eyes, mouth, or nose. If those surfaces had germs on them, those germs could then enter the body and cause infection. If you touch something dirty, take 20 seconds to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water. That is especially true after you cough, sneeze, or use the restroom.

Fuel The Body With Nutrition

What you eat impacts your overall health, including your immune system. Health experts suggest people focus on consuming an array of colorful fruits and vegetables as a way to diversify antioxidant intake. Whole fruits and vegetables also offer integral vitamins, minerals, and compounds that encourage healthy immune function. In addition to eating the rainbow, it is best to consume: 

• Whole grains: they provide sustained energy because of the fiber content. Fiber works to enhance gut health, which is closely linked to immune function. 
• Healthy fats: essential for reducing inflammation and enhancing nutrient absorption, you can find these in nuts, seeds, avocados, olive oil, and avocado oil.
• Probiotic foods: sauerkraut, kefir, yogurt, kombucha, kimchi, natto, and miso are all rich in probiotics, which support a healthy microbiome. A higher presence of healthy bacteria in the gut has been linked to better immune function.

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You have to keep your salads interesting if you want to keep your taste buds interested. A bland salad with the same ingredients and dressing is neither appetizing nor satisfying. In fact, you’ll probably seek out some more food shortly after eating it. That is why we recommend experimenting with different ingredients. Consider taking out leafy greens (even though we love them) and focus on a variety of other ingredients.

This salad takes inspiration from the classic Middle Eastern salad, which tends to have several variations from country to country. It is very simple, but the flavors are bright, powerful, and highly addictive. Plus, it is naturally rich in water-rich produce items, so eating it contributes to your overall water intake for the day.

Key Ingredients

Cucumber: Cucumber is a naturally detoxifying effect on the body, working to cleanse the liver. In addition to being a natural diuretic, cucumber also contains several integral nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin K, magnesium, and potassium, among others.

Tomatoes: They are plump, juicy, and naturally rich in lycopene, beta-carotene, flavonoids, folate, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Studies indicate that tomatoes may help protect the skin, eyes, ones, and heart, in addition to helping reduce inflammation.

Basil: The classic pesto leaf has many purposes, and several health benefits to boot. Many researchers attribute basil’s health benefits to the diverse antioxidant profile. Basil works to reduce inflammation, enhance immune function, protect the liver, and regulate blood sugar.

Red onion: Not everyone enjoys onion in their salad, but they do work very well with the other ingredients in this specific salad. They have a diverse and rich nutritional profile, offering lots of fiber, potassium, vitamin C, B vitamins, and potassium, a mineral that aids cellular function, fluid balance, muscle contraction, and more. Researchers confirm that onions are an excellent source of antioxidants, containing at least 17 different antioxidant compounds, including anthocyanins.

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For many people, constipation and digestive troubles are not comfortable topics to discuss in public. We do not believe in talking about such topics in private because they affect millions of people worldwide. Nobody wants to struggle on the toilet, especially when eliminating with ease is very attainable. All you have to do is give the body the right foods, engage in some light physical activity, and make a few other small adjustments.

When you maintain a fiber-rich diet and drink a lot of water, you can help prevent constipation. You can increase your fiber intake and enhance hydration efforts by drinking certain smoothies, such as this recipe for constipation relief. This smoothie is the perfect blend of liquid and fiber. Plus, it is pre-digested, meaning the body does not have to work hard to break down the food to absorb nutrients.

One of the ingredients that benefits digestion is pineapple, which contains the enzyme bromelain, which works to improve digestion and reduce inflammation. Bromelain works to break down protein in the body, and some studies indicate that it may support weight loss because bromelain can increase the speed at which the body digests fats. Additionally, bromelain exhibits anticancer effects, but this research was limited to in vivo and in vitro studies. More research is still necessary to confirm these results in adults.

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Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a type of palm that is native to the southwestern United States. It is commonly used in various supplements to improve prostate health, prevent hair loss in men, and balance hormone levels. Saw palmetto has actually been marketed as a natural remedy for an enlarged prostate. In fact, more than a third of all adults in the U.S. who take saw palmetto supplements do so specifically to improve prostate health. 

Although more research is needed on saw palmetto’s effect on men’s health, the existing research shows great promise. Some people, including those who may be pregnant, should avoid saw palmetto. Continue reading to learn about the top four benefits of saw palmetto.

May Support Prostate Health 

The prostate gland is located between the bladder and the penis. It is responsible for maintaining sperm health, but an enlarged prostate can get in the way of healthy urinary flow and sperm production. According to various research studies, saw palmetto can support prostate health and help prevent issues, such as benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer. Other studies indicate that saw palmetto may reduce BPH-related urinary symptoms and inflammation. One 15-year study of 30 participants with BPH found that 320 milligrams (mg) of saw palmetto extract per day may help prevent the progression of BPH. 

May Reduce Inflammation

There are numerous animal studies that suggest that saw palmetto exhibits anti-inflammatory activity, which may benefit certain health conditions. One study from 2015 in rats with BPH found that saw palmetto effectively decreased inflammation and improved antioxidant status. A separate 2015 study in mice with enlarged prostates found that saw palmetto extract decreased several inflammatory markers, including interleukin 6 (IL-6). Although these studies are promising, research on humans is lacking. For this reason, there isn’t enough scientific evidence to claim that saw palmetto reduces inflammation in humans. 

May Improve Urinary Tract Function

It’s possible that saw palmetto may benefit BPH, which is a condition that causes an enlargement of the prostate gland, leading to decreased urine flow. A small 12-week study including participants with BPH found that those who took 1,000 mg of saw palmetto oil mixed with beta-sitosterol experienced significant improvements in BPH symptoms. Another 24-week study of 354 participants found that supplementing with 320 mg of saw palmetto decreased BPH symptoms and improved urinary flow and sexual function. More research is still necessary to determine whether saw palmetto supplements aid urinary tract function in the general population. Current research is promising, though. 

May Help Regulate Testosterone Levels

Many people who want to naturally boost testosterone levels may turn to saw palmetto oil as an option. Testosterone affects body composition, sex drive, mood, brain function, and more. Testosterone levels naturally decline naturally with age and can interfere with quality of life. Some research suggests saw palmetto may boost testosterone levels by decreasing the activity of 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT, to help preserve testosterone. A 2020 review found that saw palmetto may also block the uptake of DHT and reduce its ability to bind to androgen receptors by almost 50%. A smaller and older study found that supplementing with 1,200 mg of Resettin, a supplement containing saw palmetto and astaxanthin, increased serum testosterone levels by 38%. Looking to boost testosterone levels, consider the Dherbs Testosterone Booster as a natural alternative. 

May Prevent Hair Loss

Hair loss is very common among men and has numerous causes, from genetics and hormonal changes to certain medications and health conditions. Some people tend to use saw palmetto to balance hormone levels and reduce hair loss. As previously mentioned, saw palmetto may block 5-alpha reductase, which is linked to hair loss. By reducing the uptake of DHT in your hair follicles, saw palmetto may help decrease DHT’s ability to bind to specific hormone receptors. A 16-week study from 2023 involving people with androgenic alopecia who took a specifically formulated saw palmetto supplement found that saw palmetto reduced the rate of hair falling out. It also contributed to hair growth and improved scalp appearance compared to a placebo.

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There are many people who like to start the year with a cleanse. It’s a fresh start, a chance to wipe the slate of holiday eating away. A cleanse is also a way to help promote weight loss, which is a common New Year’s resolution. The great thing about a cleanse, especially one like the Full Body Cleanse, is that it provides a clear plan for the user to succeed. But why reserve detoxification efforts for one time of year when you can aid the body’s detoxification processes with vegan foods year round?

What Is A Detox Food?

A detox food is something that assists the body in eliminating harmful toxins and waste. These foods not only have diverse nutritional profiles, but also powerful properties that aid detoxification. If you are feeling sluggish, for example, incorporating the foods in this article into your diet can give the body a helping hand. As a n added bonus, these vegan foods are naturally rich in antioxidants and fiber. They are low in saturated fat and cholesterol, while being rich in vitamins and minerals. Add the following foods to your plate to aid detoxification.

Beets

This vibrant red root veggie is one of the best detoxifying foods in the game. It works to push toxins out of the body while supporting the liver’s phase 2 detox. A healthy liver is necessary if you want to keep the body as clean as possible. The liver helps to cleanse the body, leading to better hormone balance, higher energy levels, and lower cholesterol levels. Beets are also rich in betaine, a potent antioxidant, and pectin, a fiber that clears boxing’s that the liver removes from the blood. Beets have also been known to aid immune function, fight inflammation, and assist with blood pressure management. 

Asparagus

Those green spears are not only tasty, but also incredibly good for you. Asparagus contains glutathione, which is an antioxidant that aids detoxification. Asparagus also contains iron, fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, E, and K. Several studies confirm that asparagus may help lower blood pressure and promote healthy kidney and bladder function. 

Grapefruit

A grapefruit is not just a food that belongs on an elderly person’s breakfast plate. It is naturally rich in vitamins A, C, and B1, in addition to pantothenic acid, fiber, biotin, and potassium. Researchers note that the enzymes in grapefruit work to break down the fat in the body, which helps encourage weight loss. Due to the fact that grapefruit interacts with certain medications, please consult your healthcare professional before increasing or starting your grapefruit intake. 

Garlic

Many cultures have used garlic for its medicinal properties for hundreds of years. Historically, it was incorporated into herbal remedies to aid detoxification. Studies show that the vitamin C and other antioxidant compounds in garlic work to clean the blood, support immune function, and aid cholesterol reduction. The beauty of garlic is that you can incorporate it into your diet easily because it lends itself to myriad dishes. 

Artichokes

First of all, eating spinach artichoke dip with chips does not count, and it definitely doesn’t aid detoxification. If anything, it gets in the way! Artichokes work to clean the liver and kidneys, while also helping to purify the blood. Artichokes cantina cynarin, an antioxidant that helps the liver produce bile, expel toxins, and digest fat. They also contain silymarin, which works to protect liver cells and membranes, allowing the liver to do its job and prevent against liver toxicity. 

Ginger

Ginger is one of nature’s best medicinal plants, and it is especially helpful for the digestive system. Studies show that ginger helps to move toxins through the digestive tract more efficiently. That helps reduce gas and helps prevent bloating. Additionally, ginger is naturally rich in antioxidants, which protect your cells and boost immune function. A 2022 review found that the antioxidants identified in ginger may enhance or complement the treatment for obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease.

Broccoli

Broccoli, in addition to other cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage, is a great food for supporting the liver. It is naturally rich in sulforaphane, a compound that helps fight off infectious cells in the body. Sulforaphane may also stimulate the liver to produce enzymes that aid with the detoxification. Broccoli also helps reduce inflammation throughout the body and promotes digestion by supporting a healthy microbiome.

If you are looking to aid detoxification during your efforts to go vegan, consider our Going Vegan 20-day Challenge. It has essential nutrients that many vegans struggle to get from foods alone, so it will only aid your dietary efforts and lifestyle shift. For a limited time (from 9/15/25 – 9/21/25), you can use code “GOVEGAN15” at checkout to get 15% off the product.

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

What Is Wormwood?  

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

Aids Digestion

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

It Exhibits Anti-inflammatory Properties

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

It Has Antimicrobial and Anti-parasitic Effects:

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

Enhances Liver Function

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

May Fight Cancer Cells

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

May Offer Pain Relief

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

Precautions

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

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If you have spent time in our recipe section, especially browsing the Full Body Cleanse-approved ones, you know how much we love cheesy dishes. Cheese is the primary ingredient that stops vegetarians from becoming vegans. While there are vegan cheeses available in the grocery store, some of them are lacking in flavor. That isn’t the case for this raw vegan nut-free parmesan cheese. It combines pumpkin seeds, nutritional yeast, hemp seeds, garlic powder, and sea salt. You’ll want to sprinkle this on everything you make, especially your salads while cleansing.

Most vegan parmesan cheese recipes contain nuts, particularly cashews. In fact, most vegan cheeses use cashews because they are creamy, but if you are avoiding nuts due to an allergy, this recipe is perfect for you. Nuts do not agree with everyone, causing inflammation or poor digestion in certain people. That isn’t necessary the case with pumpkin seeds and hemp seeds, both of which offer impressive nutritional profiles. Pumpkin seeds are naturally rich in zinc, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, and vitamins E, K, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Hemp seeds are highly nutritious, offering good amounts of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron, vitamin E, and phosphorus. A single serving (about three tablespoons) of hemp seeds has nearly 10 grams of protein, which works to curb hunger and energize the body between meals. The antioxidants in hemp seeds may also help lower blood pressure and protect against free radicals, which are molecules that increase the risk of chronic inflammation, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and other conditions.

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

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

About The Study

Researchers asked the following questions for this study:

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

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

How Does Added Sugar Increase Dementia Risk?

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

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

Why Are Added Sugars So Problematic?

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

How To Reduce Your Risk Of Dementia

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

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

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Depending on who you are, breakfast may or may not be the most important meal of the day. Some people skip breakfast as part of an intermittent fasting meal plan, while others require the nutrients from that meal to power them until lunch. Given that breakfast is the first meal of the day, it is your chance to give your body nutrient-dense foods for energy and focus. 

The unfortunate reality is that there are many breakfast foods in the Standard American Diet that do more harm than good. Fueling the body with bacon, eggs, and toast is not on par with homemade chia pudding, for example. Some breakfast foods provide all-day clarity, while others cause stress and wreak havoc on your brain. Continue reading to learn about a number of breakfast foods that can cause stress and make the brain tired. 

Loaded Coffee

What is a loaded coffee? We can assure you that it is not a velvety cup of black coffee that you made with a French press or pour over. A loaded coffee contains refined sugars (a lot of them), artificial flavors, and dairy, all of which increase inflammation in the brain and body. Inflammation can increase symptoms of psychological stress and impair cognitive functions. Avoid the sugary treat and consider straight black coffee or an almond milk cappuccino. 

Cereals

There are a handful of breakfast cereals that have their benefits, but most cereals are loaded with sugars. Are they easy to prepare in the morning? Absolutely, but that is because you only need to add your choice of milk or non-dairy milk. Unfortunately, cereal boasts no cognitive benefits, as most varieties are devoid of nutrients. It is better to nourish the body with whole grains, nuts, and healthy fats. A great example of that is a bowl of oatmeal or overnight oats. Don’t miss your opportunity to nourish your body!

Fruity Yogurts

You have seen the strawberry banana or vanilla yogurt with granola pack in the grocery store before. These are sugar bombs, but the yogurt aspect makes you think it is a healthy breakfast choice. Plain Greek yogurt with fresh berries, however, is a great breakfast option that can promote gut and brain health. Fruit-flavored yogurts are different, and you can see that difference by reading the nutrition label. For your reference, four grams of sugar equates to one teaspoon, so make sure that you are not consuming eight to 10 grams of sugar per serving on something that is supposed to be healthy. 

“The Detective”

We are giving this name to the classic combo of donuts and coffee, due to the stereotypical police officer/detective eating donuts and drinking coffee. Plain black coffee can provide some valuable nutrients, but that donut does away with it all. Not only does eating a donut make you want to eat more, but it also makes you crave unhealthy carbs. Donuts are loaded with pro-inflammatory carbohydrates and inflammatory oils. Both can set you up for short-term brain fog and poor memory outcomes in the long run. 

All-Fruit Smoothies

A smoothie is a great way to deliver a lot of nutrients to the body in one fell swoop. It is a great breakfast item, but the problem is when you only include fruit in the smoothie. You don’t want to make a sweet milkshake in disguise, which is why we encourage you to blend a mixture of fruits and vegetables. If you only consume all-fruit smoothies, you may experience a big blood sugar spike, which can cause an energy crash a few hours later. Don’t let yourself become a victim of fatigue, anxiety, and general irritability! 

Breakfast Burritos

A breakfast burrito can be made with healthy ingredients. If you only include eggs, bacon, potatoes, and cheese, though, you may wind up feeling bloated and run-down. The tortilla also introduces unnecessary simple carbohydrates and refined starches. If you want to make a breakfast burrito healthier for the gut and brain, consider skipping the wrap and enjoy some scrambled eggs with fresh vegetables, black beans, and a splash of salsa.

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A new study investigated the release of microplastics from natural and synthetic chewing gums. According to researchers, chewing a single piece of gum could release hundreds to thousands of microplastic particles into saliva. Those particles originate from the gum’s base, which tends to contain synthetic polymers. The study suggests that regular gum chewers may be ingesting significant amounts of microplastics without knowing it.

What Are Microplastics?

As the name suggests, microplastics are small pieces of plastic that range from one micrometer to five millimeters long. These synthetic solid polymeric matrices are insoluble in water. They cause pollution by entering natural ecosystems through a network of different sources, including clothing, cosmetics, food packaging, renovation, and construction. The actual term “microplastics” differentiates larger, non-microscopic plastic waste from the micro fragments. 

What Did The Study Show?

The pilot study was presented at the American Chemical Society’s spring 2025 meeting, revealing the dangers of microplastics entering saliva via chewing gum. The microplastics in saliva are potentially ingested, posing a larger risk to overall health. Researchers at UCLA conducted experiments involving a single participant who chewed seven pieces each of 10 different gum brands. The gums were both natural and synthetic varieties. Researchers took saliva samples after chewing and analyzed them using filtration and chemical analysis techniques, including microscopy, to quantify and identify microplastics. 

In order to ensure accuracy, microplastics that were present in initial rinse samples were subtracted from the ones researchers found in chewing gum saliva samples. The researchers tested 10 popular chewing gum brands of synthetic and natural gums. For clarification, synthetic gums are made from plastic-based polymers, while natural gums are derived from plant-based materials, such as chicle.

The participant chewed each type of gum, and this person’s saliva was analyzed after chewing each piece. The goal was to quantify the number of microplastics released while chewing each type of gum. Study authors focused on the initial minutes of chewing, the time during which most microplastic release was expected to take place. 

The Study’s Key Findings

Researchers observed that, on average, one gram of gum released approximately 100 microplastic particles. Some brands even released up to 600 particles per gram! That means that a large piece of gum could potentially release more than 3,000 microplastic particles. The majority of the identified microplastics were released within the first eight minutes of chewing. 

Both synthetic and natural gums released similar amounts of microplastics, averaging 100 particles per gram. The particles that researchers identified included polymers, such as polyolefins, polyacrylamides, polystyrenes, and polyterephthalates. These materials are commonly found in consumer plastics. For people who chew around 180 pieces of gum annually, that could result in ingesting over 30,000 microplastic particles per year. 

Dangers Of Microplastics

It should be noted that the study did not identify a direct link between microplastic ingestion from gum and certain health conditions. That said, other studies have found microplastics detected in various human tissues, including the lungs, placenta, bloodstream, and brain. The presence of microplastics in the body is linked to inflammation, organ dysfunction, and DNA damage. 

More research is still necessary about the specific risks from gum-derived microplastics. Health experts suggest that you avoid regular gum chewing due to the potential health risks associated with microplastic consumption. Some of those risks include:

• Chemical toxicity: Microplastic particles can carry environmental toxins, including heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which can be released into the body after ingestion.
• Gastrointestinal issues: It’s possible for microplastics to irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to general discomfort and inflammation. 
• Endocrine disruption: There are certain chemicals leached from microplastics that can interfere with hormone functions. That could lead to metabolic disorders and reproductive health issues. 
• Cellular damage: There are several studies that suggest that microplastics can cause DNA damage and oxidative stress.

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