How To Make Turmeric Tea

CAN PROBIOTICS HELP WITH TREATING DEPRESSION?

There’s no denying the mind-gut connection, but are probiotics alone enough to treat depression? While mental health is complicated and there’s no quick, easy fix guaranteed to work for everyone, a new study shows a strong link between probiotic use and improved depression symptoms in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Here’s what went down: Researchers had people who were depressed and had IBS (real talk: dealing with gut problems on the reg will 100 percent mess with your mood) take either a probiotic every day or a placebo pill. Participants who took the probiotic had fewer stomach problems, and more improved moods than the other group.

Related: 5 Benefits of Probiotics other than Digestion

“This study shows that consumption of a specific probiotic can improve both gut symptoms and psychological issues in IBS,” says gastroenterologist Premysl Bercik, MD, the study’s lead researcher. “This opens new avenues not only for the treatment of patients with functional bowel disorders but also for patients with primary psychiatric diseases.”

Related: Could your Gut health affect your sleep?

Considering that IBS can become self-reinforcing—often people stress that they will experience gut problems, which in turn causes it to actually happen—it’s encouraging that probiotics can serve as a solution to both.

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14 COCONUT USES YOU MAY NOT HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT.

Coconuts always make me picture the beach. Long stretches of white sandy shore, the calming lap of waves, beautiful views out to the horizon over the ocean, tall palms bending in the breeze, and plenty of sunshine.

Coconuts have become the fruit (that’s right, they’re a fruit, not a nut!) of the moment recently, in no small part due to their versatility. Their possible uses go way beyond the culinary ones.

Coconuts mainly grow near the equator in the tropical climates in parts of Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Pacific. In the United States, you’ll find them in Hawaii and Florida.

HOW TO BOOST YOUR GUT HEALTH

Conventional wisdom says that if you’re dealing with a touchy gut, you should just start taking probiotics and eating more yogurt and sauerkraut. But when British nutritionist Jeannette Hyde hears this kind of advice, it makes her cringe.

“If you just throw a ton of prebiotic and probiotic foods at somebody who’s got gut problems, you can actually make things worse,” she says. “I get a little bit shocked when I see scientists say things like, ‘Lentils are prebiotic—they feed the good bacteria in the gut and everybody should eat loads of them.’ That is the absolute last thing I would do with somebody with gut problems. They could be on the toilet for days.”

To set the record straight, Hyde wrote The Gut Makeover, a four-week, systematic plan for rebalancing the bacteria in the digestive tract with minimal misery. All of the hacks within are backed by science, yet laid out in a way that’s been proven to work outside of the lab, based on Hyde’s years of clinical practice.

6 Probiotic Added Foods That Are Probably Not Worth Buying.

Packaged foods made with a shot of probiotics are kind of like those boxed cereals that boast about being fortified with extra vitamins or minerals. You know you're probably better off just eating something that doesn't come in a box or bag, but the added dose of nutrition makes the item in question seem so…wholesome.

But is it, really?

In the case of probiotic-added foods, the answer is still largely up for debate. (Vitamin-fortified ones are another story.) More and more, patented probiotic blends like GanedenBC30 are showing up in packaged foods—and manufacturers say that these strains can give you a health boost. 

Gout - 5 Natural Treatments To Relieve The Discomfort.

If you awaken from a sound sleep to excruciating joint pain in your big toe, you may be experiencing one of several gout symptoms.  Gout is on the rise in America, affecting millions of people each year. In fact, the latest research, from 10 years ago, found that the rates of gout doubled in 20 years prior. More than eight million Americans have gout.

Many believe this dramatic increase is due to poor diets, obesity and a lack of exercise, although genetics is also thought to play a role.

Too much uric acid in the body can also cause kidney stones and in more severe cases lead to kidney failure due to the blockage caused by uric acid crystals.  In addition, if the root cause of gout is not addressed, you may be at a greater risk of developing certain types of cancer and heart disease.

Statistically, men are far more likely to get gout than women. However, it is becoming more common in women, particularly after menopause.

11 Supplements That Could Help You Live Longer.

Stay stronger, longer

The recipe for awesome aging? Healthy whole foods and enough exercise, of course, but a few strategically selected supplements can help keep that youthful pep in your step too, says Andrew Weil, MD, director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine. Here are his recommendations for six age-related maladies. Just be sure to get the green light from your doctor before adding anything new to your current supplement lineup. 

*Dosage may vary depending on specific needs or supplement brand, so consult your doctor.

Could Your Gut Health Affect Your Sleep?

Almost 60 million Americans spend their nights in fitful slumber; tossing and turning, wrestling with the need to get to sleep, and yet torturously being unable to do so.

We all know those nights when no amount of counting sheep will work and each hour stretches by with increasing frustration.

Yet there are many options to help you sleep better, ranging from meditation to aromatherapy. But what if the solution was actually in your gut of all places?  

 

Tell Me About The Sleep-Gut Connection! 

Believe it or not, what’s happening in your belly right now will play a factor in how well you sleep tonight. 

Why? Because the gut influences our brain, and the brain regulates our sleep.

Previously, it was thought that the gut simply oversaw the digestion of our food. As it  turns out, our gut does a whole lot more than digestion. 

Our gut actually has a profound impact on many neurological functions. In fact, your gut contains so much neural tissue that it has been called ‘the second brain’. 

Furthermore, our gut plays host to over 30 types of neurotransmitters (like the ones found in your brain). The gut also contains 100 million neurons, which is higher than the amount found in our spinal cord! And if you need more proof of your gut’s brain-like properties, at least 95% of serotonin - an important neurotransmitter for cognitive function - is produced in your gut! Whoa, right? 

7 Anti Inflammatory Foods You Should Increase In Your Diet.

Some kinds of inflammation in the body helps us heal, but chronic inflammation is the root of many modern day ailments and issues – among them, heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease, according to Dr. Andrew Weil. A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods is a simple and powerful way to help the body stay balanced, calm and in vibrant health.

We loved sharing this advice from The Beauty Chef a while back and thought we’d revisit the topic with this useful list of foods that will encourage great skin, daily detoxification and better overall health. Most anti-inflammatory foods are also rich in antioxidants – think leafy greens and bright berries. Many are also high fiber and and full of omega 3s. Find a few favorites and make them a bigger part of your daily diet…

Anti-Inflammatories - Ginger and Turmeric

Some useful tips. What do you think?

Fermented Foods? Can They Help Your Gut Health.

When it comes to understanding the role of bacteria in our health, consider this – we are actually more bacteria than we are human.

A healthy balance of the bacteria in our gut governs the functioning of many systems including the immune system and metabolism. It plays a critical role in our mood and brain function – and it helps us maintain our body size.

The health of the gut is central to every aspect of health. It is through our digestive system that we absorb all of the goodness from our food, a process that is essential for life. Yet today, many people suffer with an array of gut-based illnesses or dysfunction, which can have a broad-reaching impact on many other areas of our health.

Fermented foods are like a big hug for your gut and a wonderfully nourishing addition to your diet, whether you have experienced gut dysfunction or not. Fermented foods are foods that have been through a process of lactofermentation in which natural bacteria feed on the sugars and starches in the food creating lactic acid. This process preserves the food and produces beneficial enzymes, B-vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and are a source of probiotics.

5 Natural Powerful Antibiotics You Should Consider.

Hospital antibiotics have become one of the most over-prescribed "medicines" today. As a result, people have ruined their digestive systems and ironically, have lowered their natural immunity to all types of infections in the future.

 Get rid of infections without the digestive destruction, with these five powerful natural antibiotics.

1. Garlic

Up first is the natural antibiotic garlic! Garlic has been used medicinally by cultures around the world for thousands of years. In fact, it was used in the 1700s to ward off the plague. 

Garlic possesses potent antibiotic, antiviral, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties and is able to help protect and facilitate removal of unfriendly bacteria. It is also very high in natural antioxidants that destroy free radicals, which also supports a strong immune system.

The active ingredient in garlic, allicin, is the key component to killing and warding off harmful bacteria. Crush it to activate these compounds, and eat it raw, in a warm tea or in lightly cooked food.

Coconut? Will it Help With Weight Loss?

Just like in the world of fashion, food trends fluctuate every year. And for 2017, Whole Foods predicted it's going to be the year of coconut everything. It's going way past your basic coconut water. Think coconut butter, chips, ice cream. Coconut everything, everywhere.

But if you think the new health food fad is the key to helping you drop pounds this year, you might want to read the fine print. We spoke with nutritionists to find out whether going cray-cray for coconut is worth the hype.

It Can Help Crush Cravings

As it turns out, coconut has properties that can keep you fuller longer. “The fat content in coconut is a medium-chain triglyceride, which helps with satiety,” says Lisa Cohn, R.D. consultant for miVIP Surgery Centers. Plus, the fruit provides sugar for quick energy while the fat digests slowly. That winning combo gives you long-lasting energy and prevents hunger and cravings by keeping your blood sugar levels in check.

Cohn recommends adding jarred or fresh coconut to juices and smoothies, and coconut flakes to hot or dry cereals, fresh salads, and cooked dishes. 

5 Foods To Heal Digestion.

Studies estimate that 60 to 70 million Americans currently suffer from digestive diseases, including celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and lactose intolerance, as well as general gassiness and bloating. Leaky gut syndrome is another common digestive disorder that occurs when the digestive tract becomes damaged, allowing proteins like gluten, bad bacteria, and undigested food particles to pass into the bloodstream. Over time, these particles cause inflammation, an immune reaction, and continued poor digestion. 

But no matter what the specific condition, it's safe to say that there are a lot of people feeling uncomfortable each time they eat—and looking for a quick solution!

Singling out the root cause of all those tummy troubles can be difficult, but it's likely that for most of us, our diets and lifestyles are to blame. The typical Western diet, heavy in refined carbohydrates, unhealthy fats, and low-quality protein sources—with very little in the way of fresh fruits and vegetables—can wreak havoc on our bodies and, in particular, on our digestive systems. But the good news is that, while bad food choices can cause major damage to the digestive system, good food choices can have the opposite effect. By introducing certain foods into your diet, you can begin repairing your gut and healing digestion naturally.

Can Omega 3 Help With You Quitting Smoking?

There's a natural tactic to help you quit smoking, and it'll also help your brain and heart—without any side effects. This isn't a pitch for a drug, it's the truth about omega-3s, according to research from the University of Haifa, Israel.

The researchers investigated how omega-3 supplements impacted smokers, defined as people who smoked an average of 14 cigarettes a day and who had been smoking for an average of 11 years. Those on a 30-day omega-3 supplement regimen enjoyed an 11 percent decrease in number of cigarettes smoked. They also experienced a significant decrease in nicotine cravings.

Seven Superfoods To Help Boost Your Health.

While there is no strict scientific definition out there, superfoods are usually packed with essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals, a hefty dose of fiber, or lean protein. Superfoods also typically have anti-inflammatory properties from healthy omega-3 fats and anti-aging benefits from antioxidants. 

If you want to upgrade your health and well being while lowering your risk for disease, these seven superfoods are excellent places to start!

1.Berries

Raspberries, blueberries and açaí berries are all rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which help slow aging and lower your risk of cancer and heart disease. High levels of omega-3s fight inflammation, while the fiber in berries balances blood sugar levels.

Taking Ibuprofen For Week Could 'Increase Heart Attack Risk'.

Routinely taking common painkillers, including ibuprofen, could put people at a heightened risk of heart attack, new research has found.

Experts have drawn a link between taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are used to treat pain and inflammation, and an increased risk of heart attacks.

Doctors should consider the “risks and benefits” before dishing out the commonly prescribed drugs, particularly at higher doses, the authors cautioned.

Researchers from Canada, Finland and Germany conducted an analysis of previous studies, which held data on almost 450,000 people - 61,460 of whom had suffered a heart attack.

They found that taking any dose of NSAIDs, including ibuprofen and naproxen, for one week, one month, or more than a month was associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack), according to the study published in The BMJ (British MedicalJournal).

How To Cleanse Your Liver

Really informative video about Liver cleanse from Dr. Axe. How you find it useful? Let us know what you think.

5 Health And Performance Benefits of Probiotics

To put it simply: Bacteria follow the food you eat. The easiest way to manipulate your gut flora is by enriching your diet with a variety of probiotics and prebiotics. Probiotics are the actual bacteria that live in your gut. Prebi- otics are the substances that the bacteria eat. Food sources are the best way to get both of these, since the diversity of the bacteria in supplements is not as smart as nature; your second choice could be a high-quality, specific-flora supplement.

Once you've established a healthy colony, you have to care for it. Just as you wouldn't plant a garden and not feed or water it, you can't just pour some kefir on top of a bad diet and expect those beneficial microorganisms to grow and flourish. You need to feed them! Fiber from a balanced diet is one way to nourish your gut microbiome.

Every day scientists are discovering more benefits of having teeming, diverse gut colonies. Some probiotic health and performance benefits we know for certain include:

5 Gut Health Mistakes You May Be Making Unwittingly.

A healthy, balanced diet rich in probiotics and prebiotics is the key to developing a thriving, diverse gut colony. But you can't expect your happy and healthy microbiome to withstand the gut bombs many of us throw their way—sometimes every single day.

Here are some common enemies of your beneficial bacteria and how to protect your microbiome from harm.

What To Eat To Stay Ahead Of Inflammation.

Inflammation is right up there with sugar in terms of scary wellness words. You’ve probably heard the laundry list of ailments it’s tied to: acne, sleeping problems, gut issues, and even life-threatening conditions, like heart disease.

The good news is that you can eat your way to better health—as long as you’re filling up on the right foods. Sure, turmeric gets a lot of the glory when it comes to fighting inflammation, but how many golden lattes do you need to sip a day for it to actually make a difference? And is there anything else you can nibble on that works just as well?

 Nutritionist Barbara Mendez, who’s also trained as chemist and a pharmacist, helped to build an anti-inflammatory food pyramid—with the most beneficial foods at the bottom and the not-so great ones at the top. (Cough…gluten…cough.)

 It’s kind of like the triangle you memorized in elementary school, only with way more superfoods (and way fewer cartons of milk).  

Dr. Oz answers: "What supplements do you take?"

Here is a video from Dr Oz showing the supplements he takes regularly.

6 Inflammation Causing Foods You May Not Have Thought About.

There’s a five-alarm fire sounding these days about inflammation, and with good reason. Heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and acne are just some of the possible consequences of too much inflammation in the body.

According to Nicholas Perricone, M.D., the pioneering nutritionist and dermatologist (who wrote the book on anti-inflammation eating), our bodies actually depend on temporary inflammation to help fight off sudden injuries or infection. But when that inflammation becomes chronic, “the immune system mistakenly attacks normal cells, and the process that ordinarily heals becomes destructive.”

Do You Need A Multi - Vitamin? 3 Reasons Why You May Not Need One.

About a third of Americans take a multivitamin regularly, according to a 2016 Memorial Sloan Kettering study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. 

That might seem like a good thing—you can never get too much of those superstar vitamins and minerals, right?—but research tells a different story. "I used to take multivitamins and recommend them to my patients, but no more," says Dana Simpler, MD, an internal medicine specialist at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore. Here's what you need to know before you swallow your next pill.

Algae? Superfood or Not?

Now that golden milk is enjoying its moment in the sun, many wellness influencers have moved on to another good-for-you beverage: blue algae lattes. Heralded by many as a superfood, spirulina has taken over cafe menus (hello, unicorn latte) as the smoothie booster du jour. Other forms of algae, like chlorella or E3’s proprietary strain Blue Majik, are riding the wave of spirulina’s popularity.

But just as doctors were singing its praises, the buzzy ingredient was making headlines for another reason: Algae was called out as the reason why people became violently ill after eating Soylent bars. Um, yikes.

So what’s the deal—is it safe to sip your oh-so-Instagrammable blue latte with impunity? To find out, I tapped Global Healing Center founder Edward Group, DC and NP, who spent five years researching and studying various types of algae.

The Dangers of Antibiotics - Are Antibiotics Safe and Effective?

Really informative video about the dangers of too much antibiotics. Hope you find it useful. Let us know what you think.