The use of castor oil dates back to Ancient Egypt, where it was used as fuel and for medicinal purposes. Despite its historical use, many people are discovering castor oil for the first time. Some people include it in various folk and alternative medicine applications, while others use it to help encourage healthier hair and skin. 

What Is Castor Oil?

Castor oil comes from the castor seed, which is native to India. Today, the majority of castor oil is produced in India, where it is still used as a laxative and in skin and hair care products. According to the FDA, castor oil is safe for treating constipation, but researchers are still investigating other potential health benefits. As of now, researchers attribute many of castor oil’s purported health benefits to ricinoleic acid. Reportedly, Cleopatra used castor oil to brighten the whites of her eyes, but you shouldn’t put it in your eyes.

Does Castor Oil Induce Labor?

Occasionally, castor oil is used internally to induce labor, but available research doubts its efficacy. Taking castor oil internally can cause intense diarrhea, so the idea is that it can also stimulate uterine contractions. Some people choose to experiment with castor oil to induce labor, but it may come with some side effects. That is why a lot of people prefer the external use of castor oil, so they don’t have to deal with diarrhea.

What Are Castor Oil Packs

Basically, the idea is that you pour castor oil on a piece of cloth and apply it to the skin for at least one hour with a heat source. The idea behind this is that it stimulates lymph and nerve function. Unlike other detox methods, the use of castor oil heat packs is not said to have any negative side effects. Many anecdotal accounts report that castor oil packs help improve sleep, enhance energy levels, and clear skin symptoms. 

Even if you use castor oil for external use, you may want to consult a doctor or naturopath to ensure that it is a safe remedy for you. Do not use castor oil packs if you are pregnant or struggling with a medical condition. Additionally, perform a small patch test with castor oil on a small part of your arm before using it on a larger area of the body. Wait 24 hours to see if you have a skin reaction. When you determine that it is acceptable for you to use, you can place the castor oil pack in certain places for the following benefits:

• Place castor oil packs directly on sore muscles or joints to help reduce inflammation. As a quick note, these packs are not a substitute for medical care; rather, they may help accelerate the healing of minor injuries or soreness. 
• Try to place castor oil packs on the lower abdomen to help reduce menstrual pain and difficulties. 
• Apply a castor oil pack to the right side of the abdomen or the whole abdomen to help support digestive and liver function. Some gallbladder specialists recommend castor oil packs for holistic treatment. 

What Does A Castor Oil Pack Do?

Essentially, a castor oil pack works to harness the anti-inflammatory and lymph stimulating benefits of castor oil for safe external use. What that means is that they aid liver detoxification, support uterine and ovarian health, and improve lymphatic circulation. Unfortunately, there are no conclusive studies involving the use of castor oil packs externally. A long history of traditional use in many cultures, however, does speak to the efficacy of castor oil packs. Some evidence does indicate that castor oil packs may have a suppressive effect on tumors and a positive effect on arthritis. 

How To Do A Castor Oil Pack

You can do a castor oil pack simply at home. When you apply them, you must be still for at least one hour. That is typically a hard task to accomplish! They can also be a bit messy, but if you prepare them properly then it will be just fine. There are also castor oil kits for sale if you do not want to purchase the following items. 

What You’ll Need:

• High-quality castor oil
• Unbleached and dye-free wool or cotton flannel (you can use up to 30 times)
• Hot water bottle or heating pad
• Glass container with lid
• Old clothes, towels, or sheets because castor oil stains
• Patience

How To Use A Castor Oil Pack

• Begin by cutting a large piece of cotton flannel and fold it into thirds to make three layers. If your original piece is 20 inches by 10 inches, it will be seven inches by 10 inches when you fold it. 
• Thoroughly soak (without completely saturating) the flannel in castor oil. The easiest way to do this is by folding the flannel and placing it into a quart-size mason jar. Add the castor oil to the jar one tablespoon at a time, every 20 minutes or so. You can screw on the lid and shake the jar between adding more oil. 
• Carefully remove and unfold the soaked cloth. Lie flat on an old towel or sheet and place the cloth on the desired body part. 
• Cover the area with the wrap or cotton flannel and place a heating pad or hot water bottle on top of it. Lie flat and elevate your feet, relaxing for 30 to 60 minutes. 
• After the desired time, remove the pack and return the flannel to the glass jar. Store in the fridge for later use. 
• Use a natural soap to remove any leftover castor oil on the skin. Relax and rest.

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The liver is the largest internal organ in the body and is tasked with several important duties. It works to remove toxins, such as alcohol, from the bloodstream, regulates blood clotting, and aids with bile production. Much like most other organs and systems in the body, the liver is prone to damage based on certain lifestyle habits. The more damaged the liver is, the worse it functions. 

It’s estimated that liver disease affects 4.5 million adults in the United States. Liver disease is a broad term that encompasses different conditions, which impair healthy liver function. Liver conditions include liver cancer, hepatitis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Sometimes, symptoms of an impaired liver happen immediately, but they can also take time to show up. Additionally, they usually don’t show up until there is significant liver damage. 

How do you know when something is wrong with the liver? How do you know what to do to address the problem? Hepatologists want you to know about the five most important warning signs of liver disease, and what to do if you notice them. 

Dark Urine, Even If You Are Hydrated

Usually, dark urine indicates dehydration, and it is quite common to see in the morning or after long periods without fluids. Dark urine is also typical for people with liver conditions. This is due to the buildup of bilirubin, which causes urine to appear dark orange, brown, or amber in color. If you regularly hydrate and still notice issues with urine color, something else is likely afoot, so consult your healthcare provider to determine the cause. 

Swelling In The Legs, Ankles, Or Abdomen

Swelling may not be the first thing you associate with the liver, but swelling in the legs and feet may indicate a problem in the body. This is especially true when you have cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver. Cirrhosis basically slows the flow of blood through the liver and increases pressure in the vein that delivers blood to it. The pressure in the portal vein, as it is called, can lead to fluid buildup in the legs and abdomen. The swelling may also occur if the liver cannot produce enough of certain blood proteins, such as albumin. 

Yellowing Of The Skin Or Eyes

Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, can be a subtle sign of liver disease. Jaundice occurs when there is excess bilirubin, which is a pigment created during the breakdown of red blood cells. The liver typically processes bilirubin and removes it from the body, but too much can cause jaundice and other liver issues. High levels of bilirubin, however, are not always a concern for adults, which is why it is crucial to speak with your healthcare provider if you notice jaundice. 

You Bleed Or Bruise Easily

It is possible for people with liver damage to bruise or bleed easily when injured. The reason this happens is because the liver produces proteins necessary for blood clotting. If the liver is not functioning optimally, then you are at greater risk of bleeding or bruising easily.

Confusion

It is perfectly normal to forget things from time to time. You walk out of the house without your lunch after just packing it, or you can’t find your sunglasses, which you put on your head. You should not ignore major changes in your mental state, though, as they may indicate liver problems or other underlying issues. A person who is generally healthy can develop acute liver failure, which can manifest in mental changes or disorientation, even personality changes. 

What To Do If You Think You Have Liver Damage

Do not dismiss liver issues, so do not dismiss these symptoms if you notice them. It is common for people to experience liver problems if they have type 2 diabetes, drink alcohol heavily or moderately, or share needles. It is also common to experience liver problems if there is a family history of liver disease. Discuss any liver damage symptoms with your doctor to determine the right course of action. Stool changes, appetite changes, and exhaustion are also symptoms of liver problems.

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Ahhh, cholesterol…you’ve seen it on nutritional labels and your doctors tell you to keep it in check to reduce the risk of heart disease. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that the liver produces. You obtain it by eating dairy, eggs, meat, and other animal products. The liver produces less cholesterol if you consume a lot from food sources, so dietary cholesterol doesn’t usually have a huge impact on total cholesterol levels. 

If that is the case, why should you worry about cholesterol? Well, eating foods that contain high amounts of saturated fat, trans fat, and sugar can elevate cholesterol levels. Keep in mind, though, that there are different types of cholesterol. “Good” HDL cholesterol is beneficial, while “bad” LDL cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart attack. Oxidized LDL cholesterol is more likely to adhere to arterial walls and form plaques, which narrow the arteries. To learn some helpful tips to lower cholesterol with your diet, continue reading. 

Cook With Herbs And Spices

It is very common to season meals with salt and pepper. Excess salt intake can increase the risk of heart problems, but you can achieve intense flavor in your food using less salt and more herbs and spices. Garlic, turmeric, and ginger, for example, offer great flavor and have proven effective at lowering cholesterol when eaten regularly. Eating one clove of garlic per day for three months has proven to lower total cholesterol by 9%. Additionally, many herbs and spices contain antioxidants that help prevent LDL cholesterol from oxidizing, which reduces the formation of plaque. 

Avoid Artificial Trans Fats

Trans fats, which you should avoid in general, occur naturally in dairy products and red meats. Most people’s primary source, however, is artificial trans fat, which is common in processed foods and restaurants. Artificial trans fats are the result of hydrogenating, or adding hydrogen to, unsaturated fats like vegetable oils. That ultimately changes their structure to solidify them at room temperature. A lot of research indicates that artificial trans fats increase LDL cholesterol and lower HDL cholesterol. Watch out for words like “partially hydrogenated” on ingredient lists. The good news is that artificial trans fats were banned from use in restaurants in 2018, so they are easier to avoid now. 

Follow The Mediterranean Diet

Health experts agree that a Mediterranean-style diet is a great diet for longevity and improving heart health. The diet places a large emphasis on fruits, olive oil, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and fish. It is very low in red meat and most dairy. This style of eating includes a lot of foods that help naturally lower cholesterol and avoids foods that elevate cholesterol levels. Research indicates that following a Mediterranean-style diet for three months can reduce LDL cholesterol by an average 8.9 mg per deciliter (dL). 

Eat A Lot Of Fruits And Vegetables

Studies have shown that adults who consume at least four servings of fruits and vegetables daily experience 6% lower LDL cholesterol levels than people who eat fewer servings. Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and anti-inflammatory properties. All of these nutrients help prevent LDL cholesterol from oxidizing and forming plaques in the arteries. Additionally, researchers noted that people who consumed the most fruits and vegetables have a 17% lower risk of developing heart disease over 10 years compared to people who ate the least. 

Consume Soluble Fiber

Soluble fiber exists in beans, legumes, whole grains, flaxseed, apples, and citrus fruits. Humans do not possess the right enzymes to break down soluble fiber. It passes through the digestive tract and absorbs water to form a thick paste. Soluble fiber absorbs bile as it travels and both are eventually excreted in stool. Bile is made from cholesterol, so the liver pulls cholesterol out of the bloodstream when it needs to make more bile, which helps naturally lower cholesterol. Regularly consuming soluble fiber has been associated with a 5-10% reduction in total and LDL cholesterol levels in just one month. Consume at least five to 10 grams of soluble fiber daily for the best cholesterol-lowering effects.

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Should you elevate your feet and relax during pregnancy? Absolutely, but physical activity is integral for your health and your baby’s health. Rock climbing and other high-intensity workouts may not be in your future, but light-to-moderate-intensity exercises are highly beneficial. 

One of the best forms of exercise to practice while pregnant is yoga. Prenatal yoga, especially, is customizable and can support the body as it grows. Certain poses can even help prepare the body for labor, delivery, and postpartum. As you practice yoga throughput your pregnancy, you’ll notice that certain poses you could do in the first trimester are not possible during the third trimester. That said, there are modifiable positions for every stage of pregnancy, and they can benefit you in the following ways:

• Relieve symptoms and discomfort, such as joint pain, fatigue, and headaches. 
• Create a calmer mental state
• Optimize the position of your baby before labor
• Maintain strength and flexibility during pregnancy
• Learn breathing tools to aid with difficult moments, especially labor

First Trimester Yoga Poses

The body goes through a lot during the first trimester of pregnancy. You may not see that baby bump for a while, but the body does quite a bit to start developing the fetus. Yoga poses, especially hip-opening poses can make you feel good. You can also engage in your normal yoga routine, so long as you feel okay doing them. Yoga is about listening to your body, so tap into that mindset and be gentle with yourself. Here are a couple poses to try during the first trimester.

Ankle To Knee Pose

Sit down in a cross-legged position on the floor or yoga mat. Place your left ankle on your right knee, keeping the left shin parallel to the floor. Breathe in for a count of three and elongate your spine. Exhale for three counts and continue this breathing sequence two to three times before switching sides. You should feel a stretch in the hip joint. You can also place a bolster under your buttocks for extra cushion. 

Pigeon Pose

Begin in Downward Dog position and make sure to widen your back and stick your tailbone to the sky. Bring your right leg forward and step into a low lunge position. Let your shin fall to the mat, so that your knee is under your right shoulder. Extend your left leg behind you and let the top of your left foot rest on the mat. Remain in this position, or lower your upper body down so that you rest your forearms on the mat. That will yield a deeper stretch. Hold for 30 seconds before switching sides. 

Second Trimester Yoga Poses

Some women find that they have more energy in the second trimester. If you had morning sickness or fatigue in the first trimester, you may find that those symptoms fade away during the second trimester. Dynamic prenatal yoga poses can be highly beneficial during this stage, as they can increase stamina, strength, and stability in the legs, hips, and glutes. As always, listen to your body and practice the poses accordingly. Also, use tools, such as blankets or bolsters, to support yourself as your belly grows.

Reclined Bound Angle Pose

Sit up straight on your butt with your legs extended out in front of you. Bend your knees and allow them to fall to the sides, drawing the heels of your feet into your groin area. Grab your feet and touch your soles together. You can remain here in this traditional Bound Angle pose. For more relaxation, place a yoga block or folded blanket under each knee and lay down on the mat. Allow your arms to fall to the sides and remain in this position for 30 to 60 seconds.

Dynamic Squats

Stand up straight with your feet hip-distance apart and arms by your sides. Place a yoga block horizontally between your upper and inner thighs. Squeeze your glutes and inner thighs to make sure the block doesn’t fall. As you do this, bend your knees to lower into a squat, but not a deep squat. Think Chair pose, or something around that level of deepness. Keep the block steady, actively pressing the mat apart between your feet. Hold for a second before returning to the starting position. Continue squatting for 30 seconds. 

Third Trimester Yoga Poses

During the third trimester, you want to take it easy, as you are preparing your body for labor and delivery. Restorative yoga poses can help alleviate circulation changes, weight gain, and dehydration. Plus, these relaxing poses give your neck, shoulders, back, calves, and feet a little more love and care. Hip openers are also beneficial in the third trimester. 

Knees Together Feet Apart

Kneel down on your shins and place a blanket under them for added support. You can also place a yoga bolster between your calves and buttocks if necessary. Bring your knees together and spread your feet apart. Set yoga blocks up on either side of you for support. Keep your back straight and remain here, rocking side to side to deepen the stretch.

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Some people do not like to discuss poop, especially at the dinner table. We are all about it, folks, no matter the time or place. Your poop can inform you about what’s going on inside your body, so it can be useful to learn what different colors mean. Generally speaking, poop is light to dark brown, but it does come in different colors. It’s possible to see bowel movements that are yellow, green, black, orange, and white. 

It is not unusual to see different colors in your stool, according to gastroenterologists. Different colors usually result from what you eat, such as vibrantly colored produce or foods that contain dyes. Although different colors can be normal, frequently colorful poop may indicate a severe health condition. Tan-colored poop, for example, can indicate a liver, gallbladder, or pancreas problem. Continue reading to learn more about stool colors and what they mean. 

What Is Normal Stool? 

Typically, stool is dark or light brown, but health experts consider all shades of brown as normal stool color. It is not uncommon for stool to change color, especially if you eat a lot of green vegetables, beets, or carrots. If your poop turns color because of a health condition, though, you have to address the underlying cause. Adjusting your diet may be a great place to start. 

The Meaning Of Poop Color

We may not have the answer to the meaning of life, but we can help with the color of your poop. Color changes are often due to the foods you eat, but brown is usually the norm. Brown is associated with the natural breakdown of bile in the gastrointestinal tract. The liver secretes bile and assists the body with the breakdown of fat. If your poop isn’t brown or green, you may want to take a closer look as to why that is. If you notice a change in color or consistency, or you are worried about a color with accompanying symptoms, reach out to your healthcare provider. 

Orange Poop

There are a few causes of orange stool, the most common of which include:

• Diet: Eating a lot of foods with beta-carotene can color your stool orange. Beta-carotene is a carotenoid that gives orange food its color. Carrots, pumpkins, cantaloupe, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash contain lots of beta-carotene. Orange soda and candy can also cause orange stool. 
• Medications: Antacids and antibiotics that contain aluminum hydroxide can cause stool to turn orange in color. 
• Liver health: If your liver doesn’t produce enough bile, you may excrete orange poop. That said, liver problems usually cause white or tan-colored stool. 

Green Poop:

Green-colored stool may have to do with your diet, or how quickly food moves through your digestive tract. Some possible causes may include:

• Dumping syndrome: This is characterized by food moving too quickly from the stomach to the small intestine. This is very common after stomach or esophageal surgery. Gut motility may also be the problem because food is passing through the digestive tract too quickly for bile to turn stool brown. 
• Diet: Green stool may very well be from eating a lot of leafy green vegetables or a dish with green dye. You may even see bits of some vegetable roughage in your stool, such as kale. 

Yellow Poop

Yellow stool, or mustard-colored stool, is very common and normal in infants, especially breastfed infants. Adults can notice yellow stool in certain instances, though, such as:

• Diet: Just as with every other color mentioned so far, certain foods can color your stool yellow. Foods that are high in fat may also cause stool to appear pale yellow. 
• Giardiasis: This is a parasitic infection caused by Giardia lamblia, which is typically contracted after consuming contaminated water. This parasite also exists in stool or soil. Other symptoms may include abdominal pain, fever, headache, and vomiting. 
• Celiac disease: This autoimmune disorder, which is triggered by gluten, damages the small intestine. Stool can appear yellow, oily, and greasy on occasion. Following a gluten-free diet is usually the best plan of action to help restore stool to normal color. 

Black Poop

Black-colored stool in babies can be a sign of eating too many foods like blueberries. It can also indicate a more serious health problem and may require medical attention if stool is tar-like. Possible causes include:

• Diet: Eating too many blueberries, lots of blood sausage, or black licorice may turn stool black, but the consistency will remain the same. 
• Bleeding: Black-colored stool can indicate bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach or beginning of the small intestine. Blood in that area can also give stool a tar-like consistency, which may stem from ulcers, sores, or tumors. 
• Supplements: Activated charcoal, iron supplements, and even Pepto-Bismol can cause black stool, on occasion. 

Red Poop

Some foods, such as beets or red gelatin can cause reddish poop. A bright red color, however, typically indicates bleeding in the lower part of the digestive tract. Health conditions that may cause gastrointestinal bleeding include:

• Proctitis
• Anal fissure
• Diverticular disease
• Hemorrhoids
• Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), such as Crohn’s disease
• Cancer
• Infection

White Or Tan Poop

Tan poop is usually caused by a problem with the biliary system, which includes the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. The liver produces bile, which is a yellowish-brown substance that is stored in the gallbladder. When bile is released into the stomach, it helps break down fats from various foods you eat. Bilirubin, a compound in bile, gives stool the signature brown color. A lack of bile, and ultimately a lack of bilirubin, can result in stool that is tan or white. Several healthy conditions can also reduce the amount of bile, such as:

• Biliary cirrhosis
• Cysts
• Gallstones
• Alcoholic hepatitis
• Biliary stricture
• Sclerosing cholangitis
• Structural defect
• Tumors
• Viral hepatitis

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Did you have a few too many cocktails at the summer BBQ? Perhaps you ate a full bag of salty chips, a hamburger, and a long list of other fattening foods. What’s done is done and you cannot change the past. Don’t dwell on the past because the only way out of the depths is forward. One of the best ways to nurse yourself back to proper health is by following up all of that bad eating and drinking with a morning detox smoothie.

This detox smoothie is chock-full of nutrient-dense ingredients, including cucumber, ginger, and kale. Every detox eating regimen should include kale because it has a long list of nutritious benefits. Kale is an excellent source of fiber, which works to enhance digestive health and keep cholesterol levels down. Kale is also rich in quercetin and kaempferol, which are phytonutrients that may help neutralize inflammatory markers in the body.

Cucumbers help promote detoxification in a slightly different way. These water-rich produce items are advantageous for the liver because they aid in flushing out toxins and promote optimal liver function. Additionally, cucumbers contain flavonoids and beta-carotene, which may aid inflammation reduction and support the liver’s natural detoxification processes. Cucumbers, kale, and the other ingredients in this smoothie will not immediately fix your health, but it can kickstart the body’s detoxification processes and set you up for success.

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For many people, the New Year marks the start of something new and exciting. There are so many workout, weight loss, and diet resolutions, and only a select percentage of people see them through. There are those who don’t abide by the “New Year, new me” mentality, and perhaps they consider the spring season a fresh start. The warm weather and longer days inspire people to not only spring clean their homes, but also their health.

Sticking to new habits is difficult, no matter what the start date is. In general, it’s better to take baby steps and slowly build a habit. Jumping into the deep end, while it may work for some, is not the best plan of attack to accomplish goals. Don’t enter a state of exhaustion because you overwhelm yourself from the start. Many nutritionists state that wellness doesn’t happen overnight. It’s impossible to completely change your health by snapping your fingers. 

It is possible to change your health, and spring is an excellent time to adopt healthier habits. Consistency is key, but it’s easier to attain better health when you create a successful environment for yourself. Convince your brain that the process will not be miserable and you’ll be lightyears ahead on your way to better health. Dive into the following springtime habits to spruce up your wellness. 

Opt For Natural Sugars

The body is ready to detox as it emerges from the darker winter months. Many health experts recommend swapping conventional sugar for fresh fruit to increase your intake of micronutrients. The natural sugars in fruit do wonders for the body, so long as you don’t overload on them. A juicy, sweet fruit on a warm day is more satisfying than you can imagine. Shop seasonally and locally for the freshest fruit varieties!

Get Outside

There are people who can’t get enough of the outdoors, no matter what season it is. The colder winter weather, however, tends to bog some people down. Not to mention, the darker days tend to cause seasonal affective disorder. The best way to counteract that and revive yourself is by going outside in the spring. Open the windows, go out into the world, and replenish your body with vitamin D and energy! A 2021 study found that being in an outdoor green environment relaxed people and made them feel better. 

Shop Locally

Spring may have some of the best seasonal produce, and it’s a season that exemplifies freshness. Head to your local farmer’s market weekly and make a commitment to buy a new produce item each week. Converse with the growers about the flavor profile of the produce item and how you should handle it. By incorporating new produce items into your diet, you increase your recipe arsenal and your intake of different nutrients. 

Move In Ways That You Enjoy

Gyms are not for everyone, and that’s perfectly fine. Movement is an essential component to optimal health, though. Get active in a way that excites you! Because the weather is warmer and the days are longer, you have more options for activities. You can take an evening neighborhood stroll without experiencing the frigid cold of winter. It’s also possible to head to the beach or lake for a day of swimming. A mere 30 minutes of movement every day is a big step in a healthier direction. 

Spend Time With People Who Motivate You

The people you hang out with can have a massive impact on your health and well-being. Spring is a time for personal growth, so try to surround yourself with people who motivate you. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the liver and gallbladder are the organs related to spring. The gallbladder relates to your ability to finalize decisions, while the liver relates to an ability to plan ahead. Work on your relationships and surround yourself with motivational and supportive people to encourage positivity within your being. In doing so, you can help protect the liver and gallbladder!

Release Your Tension

Many people can’t wait for the transition from winter to spring, but spring is a transitionary season in and of itself. It’s a time to evaluate what changes you need to make as you move forward. Since stress tends to be the starting point for anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, addiction, obesity, etc., it’s wise to practice relaxation techniques. Be it breathing exercises, massage, or acupuncture, release your tension and you’ll free yourself from internal blockages that get in the way of optimal energy flow.

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The liver may not be the body’s largest organ, but it is one of the most important ones, making it paramount to keep it as healthy as possible. The American Liver Foundation conducted a study that concluded that 100 million U.S. citizens had some form of liver disease. An estimated 1.8% of the population has been diagnosed with liver disease. An additional 80-100 million adults had a fatty liver, but were unaware of their condition. 

What do those liver statistics have to do with yoga? Well, different yoga asanas can benefit the liver in myriad ways, stretching it or allowing more oxygen flow to the organ. Continue reading to learn how these yoga asanas benefit the liver and how to do them correctly. 

Ardha Matsyendrasana

Also known as King of the Fish pose, this is thought to benefit a damaged liver. By putting pressure on the liver, this pose helps to strengthen and stimulate a liver that suffers from apoptosis, fibrosis, inflammation, and stress. If you are currently undergoing a medical intervention for your liver, consider avoiding this pose so that you don’t put unnecessary stress on the liver. 

To do the pose, sit down on the floor with your legs extended out in front of you. Bend your right leg at the knee and bring your foot back toward your left buttocks. Bend your left leg to raise your knee and then step your left foot over your right knee, placing it on the floor. Twist to your left, crossing your right arm over the outside of your left thigh. Maintain this posture for 30 seconds, breathing deeply throughout, before returning to the center. Repeat on the other side. 

Gomukhasana

The more common name for this pose is Cow Face pose, which is great for correcting poor posture. It is also a great pose if you have fatty liver or cirrhosis. If you have liver cirrhosis, blood flow and oxygenation is prevented by scar tissue. The liver can no longer remove toxins or pathogenic bacteria, nor can it metabolize fats. Practicing this pose can help stimulate the liver, which promotes oxygenation and blood flow to the organ. 

Sit on a chair and ground both of your feet. Lift your right arm up towards the ceiling and bend at the elbow to bring your hand between your shoulder blades. Bring your left arm by your left side, bend at the elbow, and reach your left hand towards your right hand between your shoulder blades. Try to clasp your hands, but do not force yourself to experience discomfort. You can use a towel to bridge the gap if needed. Hold this pose for 30 seconds and then switch sides to repeat.

Kapalbhati Pranayama

Pranayama is a type of breathing exercise that helps to boost the health of the liver, especially in those with cirrhosis, jaundice, or hepatitis. Kapalbhati pranayama, or Yoga Skull Shining Breathing Exercise, works to stimulate the liver and aid the functionality of the spleen. 

This breathing exercise works best when you sit up straight in a cross-legged position, ideally on an even surface. The goal of this breathing exercise is to inhale deeply and breathe out with force through your nostrils every time. Your main focus should be on exhalation, forcing all of your air out with each exhale. Isolate your abdominals for this breathing exercise to expel that air. For this to be effective, practice for at least 15 minutes daily. 

Dhanurasana 

Also known as Bow pose, this asana is beneficial for people who suffer from fatty liver disease. It works to stretch, strengthen, and stimulate the liver, helping the body use the fat deposits in it as a source of energy. 

Lie facedown on your mat with your arms by your sides. Take a few breaths in this position before lifting your arms and legs off the mat, engaging your glutes and lower back muscles. Bend your right leg toward your right hand and grab the outside of your shin. Do the same with your left leg. Lift your chest and arch up like a bow. Hold for three deep breaths and then relax. Repeat two more times.

Naukasana

Naukasana, or Boat pose, is an effective asana to help strengthen your core. It also works to stimulate and strengthen the liver, allowing it to clean the harmful toxins from the body. Practicing it regularly can aid liver function. 

Start by sitting up straight with your legs extended straight out in front of you. Bend your knees so that the soles of your feet are planted on the ground. Lean back slowly and simultaneously extend your feet up, creating a “V” shape between your torso and thighs. You can have your shins remain parallel to the ground. Reach your arms past your thighs and keep your back straight. Hold this pose for 30 seconds before returning to the starting position.

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The body stores blood fats, triglycerides, in order to give you energy throughout the day. The extra calories, sugars, and alcohol that you consume convert into triglycerides. And if you need a little extra energy between meals, hormones release triglycerides. That sounds wonderful, and it is necessary for the body to function, but too many triglycerides in the bloodstream can be dangerous to your overall health. 

The liver can convert triglycerides into glucose, but excess triglycerides end up in fat cells, or adipose tissue. Fatty buildup in the arteries can stem from excess triglycerides in the bloodstream. Higher triglyceride levels can also cause pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas. 

Are There Symptoms Of High Triglycerides?

There are many lifestyle habits that can cause high triglyceride levels, also known as dyslipidemia. You typically won’t develop symptoms if you have high triglyceride levels, though. That said, there are several complications that can result from high levels, some of which include:

• Pancreatitis
• Stroke
• Coronary heart disease
• Multifactorial chylomicronemia syndrome 
• Lipemia retinalis, a condition that changes how the blood vessels in the eyes look

Risk Factors For High Triglycerides

You may have a higher risk of high triglyceride levels because of the following: 

• Menopause
• Lipid metabolism disorder
• A family history of high triglyceride or cholesterol levels
• Pregnancy
• Being of Mexican or South Asian ancestry

What Causes High Triglycerides But Normal Cholesterol?

This is a bit of conundrum because the two usually go hand in hand, or so you’ve been told. Despite what some people say, cholesterol and triglycerides are two different substances in the bloodstream. Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the body, storing extra calories and converting them into energy. Cholesterol is a waxy substance produced by the liver that produces hormones and builds cells, among other functions. If you have normal cholesterol levels but high triglyceride levels, consider the following:

• Obesity
• Insufficient exercise
• A diet high in carbohydrates, saturated fats, and calories
• Heavy alcohol use
• Smoking cigarettes
• Liver or autoimmune diseases

Knowing all of this information can help you make better lifestyle choices to avoid high triglyceride levels. You may be unaware of certain lifestyle habits that are raising triglycerides. Learn more about these habits below. 

Lack Of Exercise

You burn off excess calories when you exercise, which means those calories don’t convert into triglycerides. Exercise boosts the production of lipoprotein lipase, an enzyme that aids with the removal of triglycerides from your bloodstream. According to a small study of 38 people with coronary heart disease, participants who performed moderately intense aerobic exercise for eight weeks significantly reduced triglyceride levels compared to the group that didn’t exercise. 

What And How Much You Eat And Drink

A diet high in sugar and simple carbohydrates can raise triglyceride levels. These foods contain hydrogenated oils, trans fats, or white flour. Oils, butters, and fats that you eat also create triglycerides, and the extra calories from those foods produce more triglycerides. Drinking a lot of alcohol can also raise triglyceride levels. In fact, one study monitored people who had eight or more alcoholic drinks per week. Their odds of developing high triglyceride levels increased two- to eightfold. 

Certain Health Conditions

There are several health conditions that can cause high triglyceride levels, some of which include:

• Liver disease: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatitis, and cirrhosis can cause metabolic issues that affect the liver’s ability to secrete triglycerides and increase their production.
• Thyroid disease: An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), can slow hormone production and the rate at which you burn calories. Together, those two things can raise triglyceride levels. 
• Chronic kidney disease: If your kidneys are damaged, they may produce more triglycerides and decrease the body’s ability to clear them from your bloodstream.
• Obesity: If you are obese, the excess body fat, especially the body fat around your stomach, can release free fatty acids that convert into triglycerides when they enter the bloodstream.
• Type 2 diabetes: Diabetes is a metabolic condition that can raise triglyceride levels because of insulin resistance, which can potentially cause buildup in the bloodstream. 

Certain Medications

Sometimes, you have to consult your doctor about the different side effects of medications, especially if you have elevated triglyceride levels. Common medications that increase triglycerides include:

• Retinoids for acne
• Diuretics and older beta blockers that treat high blood pressure
• Corticosteroids that reduce inflammation
• Estrogen in birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy
• Antiretroviral drugs that treat HIV

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We did it, folks. We managed to list every single ingredient in the title of this recipe, minus the ginger water. Now, there are many things that people should tell you in this life. Such instances include:

• When your zipper is down
• When your shirt is inside out
• If a pocket on your purse or backpack is open
• If you have toilet paper on your shoe
• When you have a giant booger hanging out of your nose

These are just things that people should tell you. You know what else people should tell you? It’s that beets are incredible. Not only are they good for you, but they also taste great and go great in juices, smoothies, salads, or roasted vegetable medleys. Chances are that if you were never exposed to beets, you don’t include them in your diet. They have a reputation of tasting like dirt, but that’s only if you do not know how to prepare them.

In the case of this beet smoothie, you hardly notice the earthy flavor. That is because you blend them with other sweet and tangy ingredients, including carrots, oranges, and bananas. Carrots, oranges, and beets make for an excellent trio, but you need the banana to help make the smoothie creamy. The banana also lends another element of sweetness to this beet smoothie. Want to make an even creamier smoothie? Freeze the banana pieces overnight before blending them.

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