This is a cashew-based yogurt that is best eaten with fresh fruits and some chopped raw walnuts or almonds to. It is essential to put this in the fridge for a couple hours to allow the yogurt to firm up to a similar texture of real yogurt.

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In case you didn’t know, water is kind of a big deal in regards to your health. When you are consistently hydrated you can experience better digestion, feelings of satiety, better circulation, and better bowel movements. If regular water can aid these processes in the body, what is alkaline water good for? Is it even necessary for optimal health?

What Is Alkaline Water?

Alkaline water contains a higher pH level that regular filtered water. Americans are fortunate to have access to clean drinking water, but a lot of tap or filtered water can contain traces of heavy metals and fluoride. Alkaline water is filled with alkalizing compounds that include silica, potassium, calcium, bicarbonate, and magnesium. Some people are a little skeptical of alkaline water because they believe that the benefits aren’t real.

Many people endorse alkaline water, but there is limited research on its benefits for the human body. That being said, alkaline water theoretically helps to make the body less acidic. The Standard American Diet (SAD) reportedly makes the body more acidic, which can lead to chronic health problems like acidosis, a condition that can lead to hormonal imbalance and metabolic & bone problems.

Because of the overly acidic bodies and diet-related health issues in America, many companies try to push the sales of alkaline water by saying that it can help boost the metabolism, slow bone loss, reverse aging, and improve nutrient absorption. Just as you cannot out supplement a poor diet, you also cannot become healthier by drinking alkaline water and eating the SAD. Alkalizing the body is complex, and alkaline water isn’t the quick fix to a healthier body.

A healthy body has a blood pH of 7.4. There is a natural alkaline/acid ratio of 60/40. A person’s blood pH doesn’t really change because a pH change of 0.05 could have negative effects. People eat overly acidic foods and don’t eat a lot of alkaline foods. Obviously, the body isn’t going to let itself die, so it makes pH adjustments throughout the body to help maintain that 7.4 blood pH level. So the body may borrow minerals from bones, teeth, or organs to neutralize excess acidity. This is where alkaline water comes into the picture.

The idea behind drinking alkaline water is to aid with system and organ function in the body. Some people believe that these benefits are attributed to the minerals in alkaline water as opposed to the pH level. These minerals are beneficial for a healthy body and lowering acidity in the body, which is attractive for those with high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Just remember that 60/40 blood ratio that was previously mentioned. Too much alkalinity can disrupt the body’s natural blood pH level.

Possible Alkaline Water Benefits

Alkaline water doesn’t need to be dismissed or feared. You just have to look at the whole picture (i.e. your entire diet) when it comes to overall health.

Beneficial For Athletes:

Physically active people may benefit the most from drinking alkaline water because exercise causes muscles to produce more hydrogen than one can effectively eliminate. The acidity can induce fatigue, but drinking alkaline water may temper this acidity and improve athletic performance. The mineral content of alkaline water can help people retain more fluid in the cardiovascular system during exercise, which may also help people feel hydrated.

Gut Health:

Ionized water has a negative oxidation-reduction potential, meaning that it has disinfectant properties. These properties can help keep your gut free of harmful microorganisms that could be detrimental to optimal digestive function.

Glycation and Alzheimer’s Disease:

Glycation is a reaction that occurs when simple sugar molecules, like glucose or fructose, become attached to proteins or fats without enzyme moderation. This can result in advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs), which are rogue molecules that can increase a person’s risk of diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. In a recent animal study, ionized water lowered glycation levels and reduced liver damage in rats with poor blood sugar levels. Because rats are not humans, more studies need to be done to know if alkaline water has the same effects on humans.

It is possible that alkaline water may offer benefits to some people, but it cannot make you healthier without some sort of dietary intervention and effort on your part.

Sources:

https://draxe.com/alkaline-water/

https://www.livestrong.com/article/498701-what-are-the-benefits-of-drinking-alkaline-water/

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-berardi-phd/alkaline-water_b_7762588.html

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The body depends on water to survive. In fact, every cell, tissue, organ, and system in the body needs water to function properly. When you don’t supply the body with a sufficient amount of water, the body cannot effectively remove waste, maintain temperature, or keep joints lubricated. You can also experience headaches, a weakened immune system, constipation, fatigue, or brain fog when you are dehydrated.

How To Recognize Dehydration:

Recognizing dehydration is of the utmost importance to overall health. You can look to your urine to see if you are sufficiently hydrated or dehydrated. If urine is darker than usual or there is little to no urine, you are most likely dehydrated. A hydrated person will have clearer or light yellow urine. Other symptoms of dehydration can include:

• Dry mouth
• Extreme thirst
• Headaches
• Dizziness (or feeling lightheaded)
• Sleepiness or fatigue
• Brain fog
• Confusion

Three Tips For Staying Hydrated

Eat More Fruits & Vegetables:

A recent study, which was published in the American Journal of Clinical Medicine, found that children who regularly ate fruits and vegetables were more hydrated than those who didn’t. Adults can also help themselves stay hydrated by eating hydrating fruits and vegetables. Some of these include carrots, pineapple, tomatoes, kiwis, bell peppers, cucumbers, watermelon, spinach, broccoli, and berries.

Drink Half Your Bodyweight In Water:

It is easy to say, “Drink more water to stay hydrated.” Because each person is different, it is best to use the bodyweight rule to stay hydrated. Drinking half your bodyweight in ounces of water is the way to stay hydrated. If you weigh 150 pounds and divide that by two to get 75, you should be drinking 75 ounces of water every day.

Exercise:

Exercise works to naturally increase circulation, which helps you stay hydrated. You can do this by circuit training, doing cardiovascular exercise, weight training, or going for a simple walk. Movement helps to boost electrolyte levels and works to circulate more nutrients into your cells. You do have to drink water while you exercise, though, to help facilitate this process.

You should be drinking water all the time, no matter what day it is. You can take part in a water challenge with a group of friends to challenge each other to stay hydrated. This can propel you into good hydration habits. Now that we are moving into summer and the heat is more powerful, always remember to hydrate!

Sources:

https://familydoctor.org/hydration-why-its-so-important/

https://draxe.com/how-to-stay-hydrated/

https://piggybackrider.com/blog/hydration-day/

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This is probably the easiest Alfredo sauce you will ever make. While the nutritional yeast is an optional ingredient, it gives the sauce a “cheesier” flavor, so we recommend using it!

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The changing of seasons brings new seasonal produce. Summer produce items are some of our favorite produce items out there. Stone fruits (apricots, plums, peaches, and nectarines) are the best during the summer because they are so plentiful. There are also a lot of other fruits and vegetables you should buy on your grocery runs. You can even head to the farmers markets for the freshest varieties. Check out the best summer produce items below.

Apricots

Apricots have been shown to improve heart health, strengthen bones, improve metabolism, and treat anemia. Apricots are rich in fiber and are, therefore, good for smooth bowel movements. The impressive health benefits of apricots are due to the high vitamin content, including vitamins A, C, K, E, and niacin. Apricots are also rich in potassium, copper manganese, magnesium, and phosphorous.

Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe is a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, folate, and the micronutrients copper, iron, and zinc. Cantaloupe is naturally low in sodium and contains some dietary fiber and calcium.

Cherries

Cherries possess an anti-cancer compound, called ellagic acid, and are high in vitamins A and C. They also contain biotin, potassium and have antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. Also, eating cherries may help boost melatonin levels in your body, which can improve sleep quality.

Figs

Figs contain a plethora of beneficial nutrients, such as vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, phosphorous, manganese, sodium, potassium, and chlorine. Figs have been shown to lower cholesterol, control diabetes, strengthen bones, and they are quite useful in treating various respiratory disorders like whooping cough and asthma. They also work to combat indigestion.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers contain vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin C, Calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc. Who needs a multivitamin? Plus, they help to keep you hydrated because they are more than 90% water.

Watermelon

Watermelons have antibacterial and anti-cancer properties, vitamins A and C, iron, and potassium. Watermelon has been shown to reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and improve athletic performance. Watermelon also contains lycopene, which is linked with bone and heart health.

Celery

A great low calorie food, celery also makes a great juice ingredient that goes well with both fruits and other vegetables. The high levels of silicon in celery are beneficial for joints, bones, arteries, and connective tissues. It is said that chomping on a stalk of celery is just as good for your teeth as brushing them. Who knew!

Onions

Onions contain a naturally occurring chemical, which has been found to promote bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. They also contain high levels of quercetin, an antioxidant that helps lessen free radical damage. Red onions can also help to lower blood sugar levels, due to their trace amounts of quercetin.

Summer Squash

Squash is an important source of many nutrients, including vitamin C, magnesium, and other antioxidant compounds. These vitamins and minerals are important antioxidant components, which help to neutralize free radicals throughout the body. Squash has been shown to boost the immune system and improve lung and heart health. It is also a good source of B-vitamins, which are essential for regulating metabolic activity.

Sources:

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

http://fsi.colostate.edu/cantaloupe/

https://www.rebootwithjoe.com/weight-loss/a-z-fruit-veggies/

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-figs-or-anjeer.html

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

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There are so many national days all year round, but we have a special affinity for National Smoothie Day. Not only is National Smoothie Day an excuse (not that we needed one) to drink more smoothies, it is also the first day of summer! We don’t think there is a better combination than a hot summer day and a cold smoothie full of nutrients.

Smoothies are appealing for a variety of reasons. They are easy to prep, easier to make, and the easiest to drink. One of the best things about drinking smoothies is that they are pre-digested. Because the ingredients are already blended, the body doesn’t have to work to digest the food and absorb the nutrients. Just make sure that you aren’t adding any sugary, bottled juices to your smoothies; all those chemicals counteract the consumption of the fresh fruits and vegetables.

If you need to include more green vegetables in your diet, smoothies are the answer. If you want to have a simple substitute for a meal replacement, smoothies are the answer. Finally, if you want to control your portions and avoid complex cooking techniques, smoothies are the answer. Are you ready to take part in the celebration of National Smoothie Day? Try some of our favorite smoothie recipes below.

Tropical Immune Boosting Smoothie:

Pineapple contains beneficial enzymes that promote healthy digestion. The manganese in pineapples also helps to promote enzymes that help you feel energized, so drink this in the morning and you’ll be ready for the day!

Click here to make the smoothie.

Banana Berry Protein-Packed Smoothie Bowl:

The great thing about starting your day with a smoothie or smoothie bowl is that your body doesn’t have to work hard to digest the food or absorb the nutrients. This helps you to stay energized until you consume your next snack or meal.

Click here to make the smoothie bowl.

You Can’t Beet This Breakfast Smoothie:

Beets aren’t necessarily everyone’s first choice when it comes to smoothie ingredients, but they should be. They help promote natural detoxification and they are rich a ton of vitamins and minerals.

Click here to make the smoothie.

Refreshing Strawberry Nectarine Smoothie:

The refreshing flavors of summer are here! Embrace the seasonal fruits and use them in creative ways. People don’t usually put nectarines in smoothies, but they should because their inherent flavors work well with other ingredients. We hope you enjoy this summer smoothie!

Click here to make the smoothie.

Healthy Carrot & Pineapple Smoothie With Bananas:

Carrots are extremely beneficial for eye health, while pineapples and bananas can actually help you get rid of bloating. The enzymes in pineapples help to improve your digestion, which is a major part of being healthy.

Click here to make the smoothie.

Sip on a refreshing smoothie today and invite the summer season into your life. Let us know what smoothie you make and how you like it in the comments.

Sources:

https://www.blenderboyz.com/drink-mix-smoothies-blog/national-smoothie-day-a-day-to-celebrate-the-goodness-of-smoothies/

https://whatnationaldayisit.com/day/Smoothie/

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Any damage to the joints from disease or injury can cause a lot of discomfort. The pain can be sharp and quick, or it can be chronic and unforgiving. However, joint pain can also be caused by other conditions or factors. Fortunately, there are several herbal remedies that can help alleviate joint discomfort. We have detailed them below.

Turmeric:

The health benefits of turmeric come from the inactive ingredients, curcumin and cucuminoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. This spice can be added to your diet, taken in supplement form, or even applied topically to sore joint to help decrease pain. The recommended dosage is 500 milligrams twice per day.

Ginger:

Ginger has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and joint-protective properties. Recent experiments show promise with the use of ginger to prevent joint inflammation. The fresh root is available in grocery stores and can be brewed into tea. Researchers at the University of Georgia in Athens and Georgia State College & University in Milledgeville reported in the Journal of Pain that a few tablespoons of grated ginger could help ease muscle pain caused by exercise.

Cat’s Claw:

Cat’s claw originated in the South American rainforests. A recent experiment on the effectiveness of cat’s claw had positive results towards the relief of joint pain. For medicinal purposes, the root and bark of the cat’s claw vine are made into tea, tinctures, or herbal supplements.

Green Tea

A recent study found that green tea may have an active compound that reduces inflammation and swelling. Green tea is high in catechins, a compound with joint-relieving properties. There are additional compounds in green tea that contribute to overall well being, such as polyphenols and antioxidants. Drink one or two cups of green tea per day to help relieve joint pain.

Sources:

https://flexcin.com/herbal-remedies-for-natural-joint-pain-relief/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213434416300056

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11950006

https://www.healthline.com/health/rheumatoid-arthritis/ultimate-guide-herbs-vitamins-supplements#effective

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The sinuses are small cavities in the skull that are normally filled with air. They make mucus, which helps keep the nasal passages clear of allergens and pollutants. When the sinuses are blocked and filled with fluid, germs can grow and cause an infection. Sinus infections are typically caused by inflammation in the nose and many cases tend to go away on their own without any medical treatment. Don’t wait for the infection to go away. Be proactive and use these home remedies to help get rid of the infection quicker.

Rinse Your Nasal Passages:

Nasal irrigation (as weird as that sounds) with a saline solution can clear out mucus and keep your sinuses moist. Use distilled, sterile, or boiled water to make up the irrigation solution. A saline wash thins mucus and helps flush it out of the nasal passages. Saline washes have been studied and proven to be effective, and should be the first line of defense against sinus infections.

Drink Water:

One easy and natural remedy to help thin out the mucus and clear any stuffiness is to stay hydrated. Drinking a lot of water will also help to thin mucus within the sinuses, which reduces any blockages. A general guideline is 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 drink 75 ounces of water.

Steam:

Hot water vapor can help loosen mucus in the sinuses. A hot, steamy shower or bath can also help to loosen up mucus and debris that is stuck inside your nostrils. You can also breathe in steam from a bowl of warm water. Create a tent by draping a towel over your head and the bowl. The steam vapors ease congested and swollen nasal passages. You can also add eucalyptus essential oil to the water to promote better breathing.

Spicy Foods:

Spicy foods such as mustard seed, hot peppers, curry, and fresh wasabi root may help clear sinuses. The reaction of a runny nose and watery eyes to spicy foods will help release the blocked mucus and open the blocked nasal airways. Another option is to make a tea with ginger. A useful tea is made with ginger, lemon, and honey to help decongest the sinuses.

Allergy-proof Your Home:

Get ride of excess dust, install an air filter system, use bedding with allergen-barriers, and keep any pets out of the bedroom to help alleviate nasal allergies. Remove items that collect dust, such as tabletop books and magazines. Find an air filter that has a small particle or HEPA filter. Encase pillows, mattresses, and box springs in dust-mite-proof covers. Wash sheets and blankets a least once a week in hot water.

Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/allergies/sinusitis-and-sinus-infection#1

https://www.everydayhealth.com/sinus-health-guide/natural-remedies-for-sinus-pain.aspx

https://www.thespruceeats.com/spicy-foods-that-help-fight-congestion-3877348

https://www.richmondent.com/sinus-allergy/patient-information/healthy-living/allergy-proofing-your-home/

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Start your mornings off fresh by making this smoothie bowl for breakfast. You can customize it and make it even more nutritious by adding your favorite cleanse-approved toppings. Don’t be scared of avocado being in your breakfast because you can’t even taste it!

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Believe it or not, chia pudding is not solely reserved for dessert. In fact, you may be ahead of the game if you have been adding chia seeds to your morning routine. Chia seeds are fairly tasteless, but they are somewhat magical: they become gelatinous after being in liquid. Is chia pudding worth all the hype that is getting, though? Let’s find out.

Omega-3s:

People often turn to salmon or fish oil to get their omega-3 fatty acids, but chia seeds are incredibly rich in omega-3s. Two tablespoons of chia seeds contain the same percentage of omega-3s as four ounces of salmon. They are easier for your body to digest and they help to boost intellectual growth as well.

Protein & Calcium:

Two tablespoons of chia seeds contain about four grams of protein, but you also get a sufficient amount of calcium. The body needs calcium to maintain and build healthy bones, but calcium is also necessary for optimal nerve, muscle, and heart function.

Loaded With Fiber:

You can get 30% of your recommended daily intake of fiber by eating two tablespoons of chia seeds. A diet that is rich in fiber helps to keep your digestive system functioning optimally.

All the cool kids are eating chia seeds, so jump on the bandwagon! We have five delicious chia pudding recipes to enhance your breakfast game.

Golden Milk Chia Pudding:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup organic unsweetened almond milk
• ¼ cup filtered water
• 5 teaspoons turmeric powder
• 5 teaspoons cinnamon powder
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup

Instructions:

• Put all of the ingredients in a glass jar and shake well. Refrigerate this overnight and enjoy in the morning.

Strawberry Chia Pudding:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup organic unsweetened almond milk
• 1 cup strawberries, sliced and frozen overnight
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• a few fresh strawberries, sliced for topping

Instructions:

• Put the almond milk, frozen strawberries, and maple syrup in a blender and blend until smooth.
• Pour this mixture into a glass jar and add the remaining ingredients, except the fresh strawberries. Shake well and refrigerate overnight.
• When you’re ready to eat this, garnish with the sliced strawberries.

Chocolate Chia Pudding:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup organic unsweetened almond milk
• ¼ cup filtered water
• 1 tablespoon cacao powder
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• ½ banana, sliced

Instructions:

• Put all of the ingredients in a glass jar and shake well. Refrigerate this overnight and enjoy in the morning.

Match Chia Pudding:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup organic coconut milk
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon organic matcha powder

Instructions:

• Put all of the ingredients in a glass jar and shake well. Refrigerate this overnight and enjoy in the morning.

Blueberry & Banana Chia Pudding:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups organic unsweetened almond milk
• ½ cup blueberries, frozen overnight
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• fresh blueberries, for topping

Instructions:

• Put the almond milk, frozen blueberries, and maple syrup in a blender and blend until smooth.
• Pour this mixture into a glass jar and add the remaining ingredients, except the fresh blueberries. Shake well and refrigerate overnight.
• When you’re ready to eat this, top with fresh blueberries.

Sources:

http://healthawarenesscommunity.com/heres-why-you-should-eat-chia-pudding-for-breakfast/

https://rawvana.com/five-favorite-chia-puddings/

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/health-benefits-of-chia-seeds-eat-them_us_568d42f8e4b0c8beacf52647

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