The idea that an overly acidic body leads to a variety of illnesses is not a new concept. In his 1933 publication of A New Health Era, Dr. William Howard Hay argued that all diseases are caused by “self-poisoning,” due to the accumulation of acid in the body.

The presence of too much acid weakens the body and it can become dangerous for your organs and systems. The blood needs to have a 7.4 pH because a change in blood pH of 0.2 could be lethal. Now, the body doesn’t want to drop dead; therefore, it borrows essential minerals like magnesium, calcium and potassium from other organs and bones to neutralize the acidity. This is why people may not realize that they have highly acidic bodies for years.

Too much acidity is caused by poor nutrition. Americans typically consume acidifying foods like meats, processed ingredients, dairy products, refined carbs, and oily foods with saturated fats. Habits like drinking caffeine, smoking cigarettes, or consuming alcohol also contribute to acidifying the body.

How Do You Make The Body More Alkaline?

Let’s clear this up: drinking alkaline water and consuming a Standard American Diet is not going to make the body more alkaline. Since the body is 80% alkaline and 20% acidic, it is recommended to balance your diet according to those percentages. The acid/alkaline balance is integral to maintain healthy tissues, cells, and fluids. There are some foods like citrus fruits, all of which are considered acidic. When ingested, however, they supply the body with alkaline minerals. The diet is the most efficient way to balance your pH levels, which is why we are giving you some of the best alkaline foods!

Spinach:

From a nutritional standpoint, spinach is one of the most complete foods out there. It is rich in vitamins A, C B2, B9, E, & K, manganese, potassium, calcium, iron, and dietary fiber. These minerals help the body to complete its primary functions. Additionally, spinach is rich in chlorophyll, which is incredibly alkaline and beneficial for the blood.

Chestnuts:

Chestnuts are number one when it comes to alkaline-forming nuts. Their alkalizing effect on the body is primarily due to the high water content (about 52%). Chestnuts are also rich in vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant. You can also consume chestnuts to increase your intake of manganese, copper, magnesium, folate, and vitamins B1, B2, and B6.

Cucumbers:

Cucumbers are about 95% water, which is where most of the benefits come from. They are also low in calories and high in antioxidants like lignans, which have been associated with inhibiting chronic diseases. Cucumbers can be used in various ways and contain selenium, copper, potassium, iron, zinc, and vitamins A, C, K, and B-complex.

Lemons:

Even though these are acidic outside the body, lemons deliver alkaline minerals when you ingest them. Each lemon has a pH of 9.0, which helps to alkalize the blood during digestion. They are also rich in potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium, dietary fiber, and the mighty vitamin C! Remember: lemons are not acidic in the body, even though they have the citric acid taste.

Broccoli:

Broccoli is a great source of plant-based protein and contains tons of chlorophyll, which can help with cell production. The dietary fiber in broccoli also aids with the reduction of blood acidity. Broccoli is commonly recommended for cardiovascular health because it boosts the immune system and supports the metabolic process. The potassium in broccoli works to remove excess sodium from the body, which is beneficial for people who are trying to lower their blood pressure.

It is beneficial to start eating a lot of plant-based foods to help alkalize the body. Continually eating acidic foods with minimal fruit & vegetable intake is a surefire way to maintain an acidic body. Focus on legumes, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.

Other Alkaline Foods Include:

• Celery
• Avocado
• Kale
• Bell Peppers
• Basil
• Lima Beans
• Sunflower Seeds
• Cauliflower
• Ginger
• Lentils
• Asparagus
• Cabbage
• Garlic
• Tomato
• Sweet Potato
• Zucchini
• Beet Greens

Sources:

https://steptohealth.com/6-best-alkaline-foods-planet/

https://www.care2.com/greenliving/10-benefits-of-a-properly-alkalized-body.html

http://efm.net.au/best-alkaline-foods/

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A lot of people neglect rose plants once the flowers are gone. This is a shame because that is the time when rose hips (also known as rose heps, rose haw, or fruits of the rose plant) begin to grow, often times forming in late summer or fall. They are usually red and contain a high concentration of nutrients. They are little super fruits, much like blueberries, but more powerful.

Americans and Europeans have used rose hips for their medicinal properties for hundreds of years. The therapeutic properties can be attributed to the antioxidant concentration, phenolic compounds, phytochemicals, and healthy fats. Additionally, they contain nutrients like calcium, iron, selenium, zinc, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins A, C, E, and B-complex.

Recently, rose hips have undergone several studies to explore their health benefits. Researchers have found that they may have the potential to naturally remedy certain skin disorders, arthritis, inflammatory disorders, or hyperlipidaemia, among several others. We have detailed five of their amazing benefits below.

Skin Care:

People always want their skin to look smoother, younger, and free of blemishes. Hundreds of creams, cleansers, or lotions claim to do these things, but how many of them work? And are they even beneficial for you? The vitamin A content in rose hips helps to improve skin elasticity to avoid wrinkle development. The vitamin C also works to produce healthy skin cells to help your skin look more youthful.

Improve Circulation:

Iron, which is necessary for the creation of red blood cells, is a prominent nutrient in rose hips. Regularly consuming rose hips can help oxygenate essential organs, which helps to increase metabolic activity. This, in turn, helps to optimize organ function and boost circulation.

Anticancer Activity:

The onset of cancer is typically related to intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which ultimately leads to DNA mutations and tumor development. Research suggests that the antioxidants and phenolic compounds in rose hips may have an effectiveness in fighting back against cancer cells. The antitumor effects have been tested on various cancer cell lines and the results are very promising. They may be even more effective when combined with other herbs, which have similar anticancer properties.

Digestive Aid:

In addition to the pectin content, rose hips contain a variety of acids, which help to induce urination and excretion. In the past, many people have used rose hips as a diuretic to flush toxins, excess salt, and liquids from the body. Because rose hips help to regulate bowel movements, they can help people avoid many of the discomforts and symptoms people experience during constipation.

Immune Booster:

Vitamin C is a notorious immune booster. Rose hips are full of vitamin C, which helps to stimulate white blood cells and support the respiratory system (one of the reasons why vitamin C is recommended if you have a cough or cold). If you come down with the cold or flu, consider drinking rose hip tea to naturally fight off the virus.

Sources:

https://www.livestrong.com/article/117457-rose-hips-benefits/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5485961/

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/rose-hips.html

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Let your garlic breath be loud and proud because April 19^th is National Garlic Day! Although the origin of this day remains a mystery, we are overjoyed that there is a day to honor the magical, pungent little clove. What you should do to celebrate all that garlicky goodness is head to the kitchen and cook up a garlic feast!

Garlic can do some amazing things and we want to share what it can do with you!

Keeps You Warm:

Although you may not want your breath to smell like garlic, it is certainly a powerful, immune-boosting herb with antibacterial and antiviral properties. Garlic is a natural vasoldilator, which means that it helps to widen blood vessels and prevents blood cells from clumping. In case you were wondering what else garlic does, it works to improve the health of your heart and lowers glucose metabolism in those with diabetes.

Helps With Ear Infections:

This may sound a little odd, but putting a few drops of garlic oil (or an entire garlic clove) in your ear is a great natural remedy.  The compounds in garlic help to attack the bacteria or virus in the inner ear, while the antiseptic properties of garlic work to inhibit the infection from spreading.

Aids Digestion:

Garlic has antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, and it acts as a prebiotic, which helps to nourish beneficial gut bacteria. It also helps to cleanse the colon, making it an overall digestive helper.

Helps To Kill Parasites:

Garlic has been known to treat intestinal parasites for quite some time. It works to kill harmful microorganisms and encourages the removal of heavy metals from the body.

Gets You Goin;

Garlic may seem like an odd food to be on an aphrodisiac list because it has a lasting effect on your breath. If you both eat it, though, there won’t be any problems! Ancient Egyptian priests were actually forbidden to eat garlic because they feared that they wouldn’t be able to control their desires. Allicin, known for lowering cholesterol, helps to increase blood flow.

Try one of the following garlic recipes and let us know how you like it.

Roasted Garlic & Cauliflower Hummus With Pesto:

The roasted garlic in this hummus really takes it to a whole other level. Swirl in the kale pesto for a great flavor combination that is both earthy and fresh.

Click here to make the recipe.

Garlic Lime Cashew Zoodles:

The sauce in this recipe knocks this dish out of the park. You’re taste buds are going to be impressed with the layered flavors. If you want to crank up the heat a few notches, don’t be shy with the chili paste.

Click here to make the recipe.

Roasted Garlic & Red Pepper Sauce With Zucchini Noodles:

You don’t have to eat a mound of carbs if you want to eat pasta. Spiralizing zucchini to make noodles is great substitute! If you have secret sauce ingredients or family recipe ingredients that you’d like to add to this recipe, go ahead and season away!

Click here to make the recipe.

Sources:

https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/garlic-day/

https://nationaldaycalendar.com/days-2/national-garlic-day-april-19/

http://www.top10homeremedies.com/superfoods/top-10-artery-cleansing-superfoods.html

https://www.dherbs.com/articles/spice-up-your-love-life-with-these-aphrodisiac-foods/

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A.D. Dolphin, the CEO of Dherbs Inc., will appear on The Real on April 18th, 2018, to talk about cleansing and the importance of proper waste elimination. The average person can hold up to 20lbs of waste in the digestive tract, and A.D. has tips and a very special product to help you keep your colon healthy.

Roughly 80-90% of diseases start in the colon because of bacterial build up. According to new research, about 16% of Americans suffer from chronic constipation, and general constipation accounts for over six million visits to the doctor’s office every year! There are an additional 700,000 visits to the emergency room. These numbers are saddening because constipation can be easily avoided, and A.D. has the information you need to help keep you regular.

If you are constipated, bloated, having an issue with weight loss, and are not eating enough fibrous foods like vegetables and fruits, you are in some serious trouble. The Standard American Diet is ruining the digestive system day by day. A.D. will explain how to keep a healthy colon and how keep the digestive system functioning like it should. Additionally, he has an all-natural product that can help anyone experiencing constipation, bloating, or gas. It promotes toxin elimination and can nourish the GI tract.

Don’t forget to tune in to The Real on April 18^th, 2018, because you won’t want to miss out on A.D’s beneficial tips that not only help to relieve constipation, but also help with weight loss, better metabolism, and overall digestion. Check your local listings for show times and channel information or visit http://thereal.com/.

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Herbs bring a lot of powerful flavors to the table. They contain potent medicinal properties, which have been used by various cultures for thousands of years. A lot of people have small herb gardens, and those who don’t have gardens like to purchase herb bunches from the store. After you harvest herbs or bring them home, how often do they go bad before you use them? Drying your fresh herbs may be the solution to this problem.

Difference Between Dried & Fresh Herbs:

There are a lot of herbs and spices, all of which have varying nutritional benefits. Cinnamon, for example, is only consumed in its dried form and has been known to regulate blood sugar levels and promote weight loss. Green herbs like thyme, rosemary, mint, or oregano may have some nutrients that get lost in the drying process, but this doesn’t mean that they aren’t beneficial.

Comparing Nutritional Content Of Dried & Fresh Herbs:

For this comparison, we are going to use basil as an example. One ounce of fresh basil provides you with 30% of the daily value of vitamin A, 145% of the daily value of vitamin K, 8% of the daily value of vitamin C, and contains 88mg of omega-3 fatty acids. One tablespoon of dried basil, on the other hand, provides you with 4% of the daily value of vitamin A, 43% of the daily value of vitamin K, 2% of the daily value of vitamin C, and only contains 33mg of omega-3s. It is evident that the numbers decrease, but there are still nutritional benefits of consuming dried herbs, especially if you dry them yourself.

Method #1: Air Dry Your Herbs

Air-drying your herbs is probably the easiest method for drying herbs. After picking your herbs or buying a few bunches from the store, wash them under some cool water. Make sure that your herbs are held together in bunches. You can use a light rubber band or string to tie up the stems. Lightly pat the herbs dry with a paper towel. Once they are dry, attach them to a string (using a clothespin and string works fantastically) and hang them stem side up in an open space that has a breeze. You can also place them near a ceiling fan.

Now, you wait. Pay attention to them to make sure they aren’t growing mold. Once they have dried, take them down and process them separately in a coffee grinder of food processor. Store them in separate glass airtight containers and use them as you please.

Method #2: Dehydrate Your Herbs

This method takes much less time than air-drying your herbs. Wash your herbs and pat them dry (detailed in Method #1). Place the herbs and stems on your dehydrator trays and set them inside your dehydrator. Dehydrate your herbs at 115 degrees F and check them periodically to see if they are dried. Drying times will differ depending on the type of dehydrator you have; it may take a couple hours or it may take eight hours. Once they have dried, take them down and process them separately in a coffee grinder of food processor. Store them in separate glass airtight containers and use them as you please.

Now you have two awesome methods for drying your herbs. They aren’t devoid of nutrients just because they are dried!

Sources:

https://nutritionovereasy.com/2011/04/do-dried-herbs-and-spices-have-nutritional-value/

https://morningchores.com/drying-herbs/

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that can either cause diarrhea, constipation, abdominal cramping, or even bloating. Even though symptoms of IBS are uncomfortable, it does not change your bowel tissue or increase your risk of developing colorectal cancer like Crohn’s Disease. IBS is a chronic condition, but people can keep symptoms under control by managing diets, lifestyles, and stress.

Symptoms of IBS:

Because IBS can affect each person differently, people will experience varying symptoms, but the primary symptom is abdominal discomfort. If you are a woman, symptoms can worsen during menstruation. Symptoms of IBS can include:

• Abdominal bloating
• Constipation
• Abdominal cramping
• Gas
• Diarrhea
• Mucus in the stool
• Loss of appetite
• Sudden urge to have bowel movements

Natural Remedies For IBS

Exercise:

Exercise can be a beneficial remedy for those with IBS because it helps stimulate proper intestinal contractions. Additionally, exercising may help to relieve stress and anxiety, both of which can induce symptoms of IBS. If you don’t exercise regularly, you may want to start with low-intensive exercises like walking, swimming, riding an exercise bike, Tai Chi, yoga, or even Pilates. It is recommended to exercise 30 minutes a day for five days a week to see positive effects.

Drink Water:

Hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate some more. When you have IBS, it is important to drink water because energy, caffeinated, or alcoholic drinks can make diarrhea worse, and carbonated drinks can induce gas or bloating. It is recommended to drink half your bodyweight in ounces of water each day. If you weigh 150 pounds and divide that by two to get 75, you should be drinking 75 ounces of water every day.

Change Your Diet:

It can be beneficial, for IBS symptoms as well as overall health, to avoid processed foods, dairy products (especially if you are allergic to them), meats, fried foods, sugars, salts, and stimulants. These foods can often inhibit proper digestive function or worsen symptoms of IBS. Switching to a more plant-based diet can help regulate gastrointestinal health and eating fibrous fruits and vegetables can help firm up stools or promote bowel movements.

Avoid Certain Foods:

Certain foods are notorious for producing gas. It can be optimal to eliminate these foods from your diet to decrease the amount of gas you have. These foods include beans, cabbage, cauliflower, bran, Brussels sprouts, pears, raisins, onions, and the list continues. Additionally, you should avoid carbonated drinks, eat slowly, and chew your food thoroughly.

Use Ginger:

Use ginger as a natural remedy any chance you get! Ginger helps to stimulate saliva, bile, and gastric juices, which can help stimulate proper digestion. The easiest way to reap the benefits of ginger is to make tea. Pour hot water over freshly sliced ginger and stir in 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1 teaspoon of raw, organic honey. Drink this once or twice a day until IBS symptoms subside.

Slippery Elm:

Slippery elm, which is obtained from the inner bark of the red elm tree, may help heal irritated tissues in the digestive tract. You can obtain slippery elm powder and make it into a tea. Take 1 teaspoon of the powder, 1 teaspoon of raw honey, and put them in 2 cups of boiling water. You can add cinnamon for added flavor if you like. Drink this concoction once or twice a day.

Sources:

http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/ibs-home-remedies-that-work

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART00680/Irritable-Bowel-Syndrome-IBS.html

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Pecans are more than just pie or trail mix ingredients. The health properties in pecans are vast and may help to improve digestive health, cardiovascular problems, bone health, and aid with weight loss. While people may argue that pecans are bad because they contain fats, pecans contain fats that boost antioxidant production and reduce inflammation.

Pecan Fact: The pecan pie, which Americans have come to know and love, is actually a classic South American dish that features pecans as the primary ingredient.

Good For Heart Health:

Pecans are beneficial for your heart because of their antioxidant content. The monounsaturated fats also work to prevent coronary artery disease and stroke, but only if you are making other dietary changes to decrease your risk of heart disease. Pecans also help to inhibit the oxidation of blood lipids, which may reduce the risk of heart disease.

Reduces Inflammation:

The copper in pecans works to strengthen the anti-inflammatory properties, especially in people with arthritis or joint pain. Pecans are commonly recommended to those who have arthritis. Studies have shown that increasing magnesium intake can help reduce chronic inflammation, and pecans have magnesium! Just don’t eat too many at once.

Boosts The Immune System:

Pecans are rich in manganese, which is a powerful trace mineral and potent antioxidant that works to protect nerve cells from free radical damage. Regular intake of manganese is essential for healthy brain and nerve function.

The rich, buttery flavor of pecans is what makes them great to use in homemade energy bites or desserts. April 14^th is National Pecan Day, so let’s make some recipes! Speaking of using them in recipes, try making one of our favorite pecan recipes (listed below) and let us know how they turn out for you in the comments.

Blueberry- Pecan Breakfast Bowl:

This is what you would call an atypical breakfast. It is unique, filling, and replete with tons of vitamins and minerals to fuel your day.

Click here to make the recipe.

Pumpkin Pecan Bites:

Chewy pecan and cranberry “crusts” topped with creamy pumpkin frosting. A gluten free and vegan treat perfect for fall parties!

Click here to make the recipe.

No Bake Pecan Energy Bites:

You can never have enough snacks, especially when you are cleansing. Make these energy bites on the weekend so that they are ready to go when you need them. These are like bites of pecan pie goodness!

Click here to make the recipe.

Sources:

https://www.hudsonpecan.com/15-amazing-benefits-pecans-skin-hair-health/

https://draxe.com/pecan-nutrition/

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If you don’t have raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar in your pantry already, you are missing out on some serious health benefits. Apple cider vinegar, commonly referred to as ACV, has been used as a natural remedy for a variety of health conditions. In addition to all the benefits of ACV, it is very affordable and readily available in most stores.

Before we continue, we have to mention that it is integral to purchase organic, raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar. Bragg makes an incredible product. Regular ACV that isn’t raw or unfiltered will not give you the same health benefits because it has been processed differently.

Why Is ACV So Special?

When you ingest ACV, healing begins to take place very quickly (depending on the condition you are treating) on a cellular level. Made from fermented apples, ACV contains healthy prebiotics, which are organisms that feed good bacteria (probiotics) that live in the digestive system. Keeping a healthy balance of good bacteria in the body with nourishing, plant-based foods is a great way to stay healthy. Consuming ACV won’t do this alone, but it can help reduce inflammation in the digestive system, joints, the blood, heart, and more.

Beginning in the gut and cells, inflammation can be caused by excess stress, poor sleep patterns, or more commonly an unhealthy diet that consists of processed ingredients, refined grains and sugars, meats, caffeine, alcohol, dairy products, and manmade fats. Typical symptoms of inflammation include joint pain, headaches, digestive problems, fatigue, acne, and more. To remedy these symptoms, people resort to over-the-counter medications that can actually contribute to more inflammation.

Remember: ACV cannot heal the body on its own. It can help reduce symptoms of inflammation, but it is more effective when you implement lifestyle changes along with its consumption.

The acetic acid in ACV gives it the tart taste, but this acid has an alkalizing effect when the body metabolizes it. ACV also contains polyphenolic compounds like epicatechin, quercetin, chlorogenic acid, and catechin. The alkaline pH level in ACV works to keep the blood from becoming too acidic, and acidity levels in American bodies are quite high. Consuming ACV for reduced inflammation can be done in the following ways.

ACV Tea: Add one or two tablespoons of raw, unfiltered ACV to one cup of warm water with a little freshly squeezed lemon juice. Drink this in the morning to promote detoxification.

ACV Salad Dressings: ACV is a great salad dressing ingredient because it provides that signature tang. Whisk it with olive oil and your favorite seasonings for a simply delicious dressing. For more dressings with ACV, click here.

ACV Morning Tonic: Add one or two teaspoons of ACV to one cup of filtered, room temperature water. Stir and enjoy. This works well when consumed in the morning or after a workout.

Cleansing Super Shot: You will create a one-ounce shot of ACV, water, lemon juice, a dash of cayenne pepper, and a little raw agave for sweetness. You may have to experiment with liquid ratios to get the flavor right.

It is best to use one or two of the above suggestions with a healthy, plant-based diet. ACV cannot be as effective if you are consuming foods that harm the body.

Sources:

http://www.onegreenplanet.org/natural-health/how-to-use-apple-cider-vinegar-internally-to-relieve-inflammation/

http://www.naturallivingideas.com/apple-cider-vinegar-for-arthritis/

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We live in a toxic age with pesticides, genetically modified organisms, and processed ingredients in our food. This can mean that our bodies are full of toxins. Toxic build-up in the body can take a toll on overall health, and the health of the colon. If the colon doesn’t function properly, this can cause the rest of your body to operate at a lower level.

Even though your body does an efficient job of cleansing itself and eliminating waste, certain toxins may be difficult for the body to detox without any help. Additionally, the body may have trouble detoxing if the person continually eats toxic foods. These include processed foods, junk foods, fried foods, meats, dairy products, salty foods, and refined sugars.

Help your body detoxify by cleansing your colon. Eating a healthy diet and exercising are beneficial for the detoxification process, but sometimes a colon cleanse or colonic is necessary for optimal health. Below are the benefits of colon cleansing.

Increases Energy:

Having all those extra toxins in your body can slow you down, ultimately decreasing your energy levels and concentration. When you cleanse your colon of toxins, it allows you to better absorb vitamins & minerals, which can help increase energy levels. And if you have more energy, then you can be more active and have better mental clarity!

Improves Digestion:

The colon is the last part of the digestive tract, so it can impair digestion if it isn’t functioning right. Built up toxins in the colon can lead to constipation, bloating, or gas. If waste lingers in your colon, your body doesn’t properly absorb nutrients. This takes a toll on your entire body and can weaken the immune system. Cleansing the colon allows for regular bowel movements, proper nutrient absorption, and it prevents constipation, which is never fun.

Improves Overall Colon Health:

All the toxins that you ingest inevitably have to make their way out through the colon. If the colon isn’t cleansed, the toxins stay in the body and can be the cause of different health conditions. Many health conditions actually originate in the colon, so cleansing it can keep it and the rest of your body healthy. Plus, detoxing the colon encourages the growth of beneficial gut flora.

Kick-Starts Weight Loss:

When the digestive system is functioning properly, it can greatly benefit your weight loss goals. A lot of people have trouble losing weight because of built-up waste in the colon. In combination with exercise and a healthy diet, the digestive system needs to be firing on all cylinders for weight loss. Cleanse the colon to help kick-start your quest to losing weight.

Give your body a fresh start by cleansing your colon, and focus on eating healthy, plant-based foods to supply your body with the nutrients it needs for optimum health.

Sources:

http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/5-benefits-of-colon-cleansing/

http://www.everydayhealth.com/digestive-health/colon-cleansing.aspx

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It can be difficult to lose weight and keep it off, especially if you have an underactive thyroid. People with underactive thyroids typically have low amounts of T3, the active thyroid hormone that helps to regulate metabolism. When it comes to losing weight with hypothyroidism, it is important to break down the process and tackle each challenge accordingly.

There are a few dietary changes you can make to help you lose weight. These changes can help you get your hypothyroidism under control, thus making weight loss a little easier. Use the strategies below to help kick-start the weight loss process.

Eliminate Simple Carbs & Sugars:
It is recommended to focus on complex carbohydrates (starchy vegetables and legumes) and completely eliminate simple carbs, which are comprised of one or two sugar molecules. Simple carbs are quick sources of energy because they are rapidly digested. Complex carbs are typically rich in fiber and found in plant-based foods. Sugars, added sugars, and simple carbs have zero nutritional value and are excess calories. Cutting down on these foods is a great step in the right direction.

Stick To Smaller, More Frequent Meals:

You have to make sure that you are consuming enough calories in order to avoid a stress response, which results in decreased T3 production. Eating smaller meals more frequently is a great way to do this. Smaller meals that consist of macronutrients, plant-based proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbs help to maintain blood sugar levels. Additionally, your body doesn’t have to work hard to digest larger meals.

Consider A Gluten-Free Diet:

People, who have gone gluten-free, with hypothyroidism have had success losing weight. Gluten can suppress thyroid function and it contains goitrogens, which interfere with iodine uptake. Because there has been a prevalence of celiac diagnosis in people with autoimmune thyroid conditions (such as Hashimoto’s disease), it is advisable to remove gluten from your diet. Hypothyroid patients who have eliminated gluten have shown improved thyroid response and have reduced thyroid medications.

Get Your Zinc & Selenium:

These two minerals are critical for those with hypothyroidism because they help maintain a healthy thyroid and metabolism. The reason why the thyroid contains the most selenium out of all the organs per gram of tissue is because it helps the body recycle iodine. Foods high in selenium include Brazil nuts, legumes, shiitake mushrooms, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, broccoli, spinach, and cabbage. Zinc, on the other hand, is needed to regulate thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). The best zinc-rich foods include legumes, nuts, seeds, steel cut oats, nutritional yeast, miso, broccoli, peas, and garbanzo beans.

Take Regular Walks:

It is nearly impossible to out-exercise a bad diet. People with hypothyroidism have metabolisms that are slower than normal, which is why healthy eating and exercise can boost the metabolism and weight loss process. To lose weight, you have to expend more calories than you consume. You don’t have to become a professional athlete; rather, low-intensity cardiovascular exercises like walking, swimming, biking, rebounding, or yoga are extremely beneficial. Boost your metabolic health just by walking 30 minutes a day!

Additional Tips To Lose Weight With Hypothyroidism:

• Get good quality sleep (not sleeping enough can derail your weight loss progress)
• Drink tons of water
• Control your portions (try eating from smaller plates with smaller utensils)

You have to constantly work at losing weight when you have an underactive thyroid. Weight loss won’t happen like magic, but you can use these tips to help the process.

Sources:

https://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/healthy-living-with-hypothyroidism/weight-loss/

https://www.glutenfreeschool.com/2013/09/03/gluten-free-low-thyroid/

https://www.dietvsdisease.org/how-to-lose-weight-with-an-underactive-thyroid/

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