It seems that all of the recent health-related news is focused on immune health, or how to keep the immune system strong. You should always aim to strengthen the immune system, but you shouldn’t neglect the rest of the body. Your overall wellness is of the utmost importance and the health shots in this article use fresh ingredients that offer a wide range of nutrients.

Synthetic vs Natural Nutrients: Does It Matter?

Some people swear by the vitamins they take and can’t imagine life without them. The average American doesn’t get enough nutrients from diet alone, and this is primarily due to the Standard American Diet. Roughly 50% of the American population takes synthetic nutrients like multivitamins. The debate is whether or not these synthetic vitamins offer the same benefits as natural nutrients. Some argue that synthetic nutrients can be dangerous, depending on the ingredients and processing.

Synthetic Nutrients: Typically made artificially in an industrial process, synthetic nutrients exist in capsule, tablet, liquid, or powder form. They are made to mimic how natural nutrients act in our bodies.

Natural Nutrients: These are obtained via diet from whole food sources. It is optimal to get your nutrients from whole foods because they are free of chemicals. Note that certain companies, like Dherbs Inc., use natural nutrients to make supplements by only using natural plants, herbs, or plant extracts.

We must not forget that plant-based foods, especially fresh fruits and vegetables, contain the freshest, chemical-free forms of nutrients. Additionally, different food combinations can assist with nutrient absorption and help increase the bioavailability of other nutrients. For example, the body absorbs turmeric more easily when consumed with black pepper.

Time For Shots:

While these may not be the shots that you look forward to, they are extremely beneficial for the body. All five of these vibrantly colored and intensely flavored shots can assist with maintaining overall wellness. Let us know which one you like most in the comments below.

Iron Shot

Don’t let your iron levels get low! Low iron levels have been associated with fatigue and dizziness. Take this tasty green shot that works to improve the delivery of oxygen throughout the body. You may find that you get an energy boost!

Ingredients:

• ½ pineapple, peeled and chopped
• 1 handful of parsley
• 1 cup coconut water
• 1 tablespoon liquid chlorophyll

Instructions:

• Add the pineapple, parsley, and coconut water to a blender and blend until smooth.
• Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a glass jar. Discard the solids.
• Stir in the chlorophyll and mix well. Take the shot!

Immune-Boosting Shot

Turmeric joins forces with ginger in this wellness shot to help enhance immune function. And as we mentioned earlier, the pinch of black pepper helps to increase turmeric’s bioavailability.

Ingredients:

• 2 (1-inch) pieces of ginger root, peeled and chopped
• 8 tangerines, juiced
• ¾ cup filtered water
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• pinch of black pepper

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
• Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a glass jar. Discard the solids.
• Take the shot and enjoy!

Flu Shot

You’ll be craving more of this once you take a shot of this magical elixir. Containing ginger and turmeric, this shot helps to improve sinus function, reduce swelling, and alkalize the body.

Ingredients:

• 2 oranges, juiced
• 2 lemons, juiced
• 3-inch piece of ginger root, peeled and chopped
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 4 black peppercorns
• 2 tablespoons raw honey

Instructions:

• Add the orange juice, lemon juice, ginger, turmeric, and black pepper to a blender and blend until smooth.
• Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a glass jar. Discard the solids.
• Stir in the honey, screw the lid on the jar, and shake well to combine.
• Enjoy this anytime of day.

Morning Energizer Shot

This tangy shot is perfect for anyone who enjoys working out in the morning. It contains ingredients that help you put a little pep in your step!

Ingredients:

• 1 beet, peeled and chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup pineapple, cubed
• 1 lemon, juiced

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. You may need to add a little bit of filtered water to ease the blending process.
• Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a glass jar. Discard the solids.
• Take the shot before your morning workout for best results.

Skin Shot

The skin is the largest organ in the body, so let’s treat it right! This shot contains ingredients that are rich in vitamin C, which is an important nutrient for healthy skin cells.

Ingredients:

• ½ lemon, juiced
• ¾ cup pomegranate seeds
• 1 cup filtered water
• 1 tablespoon rose water, food grade

Instructions:

• Add the lemon juice, pomegranate seeds, and water to a blender and blend until smooth.
• Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a glass jar. Discard the solids.
• Stir in the rose water, screw the lid on the jar, and shake well to combine.
• You can enjoy this daily to improve the health of your skin.

Sources:

https://blog.hellofresh.com/ginger-shot/amp/
https://activevegetarian.com/recipes/3-powerful-wellness-shots-no-juicer-required/
https://dailyburn.com/life/recipes/health-boosting-wellness-shots-juice-recipes/

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Given the current state of viruses in the world, it is wise to do everything in your power to make sure the immune system is functioning optimally. Since the lungs play a large role in immune health, enhance their function by consuming ingredients that encourage lung health.

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These are strange times in which we are living. Empty shelves where toilet paper used to be have become a normal sight in your average store. Fighting over hand sanitizer and toilet paper is not the answer to a healthier future, people. Nonetheless, you may need to start thinking about some toilet paper alternatives if you can’t find any. We hope this post becomes irrelevant in the future, but we’d be doing a disservice if we didn’t highlight ways to keep your behind clean.

We must not forget that humans lived without toilet paper for thousands of years. It is possible to make it through life without it, especially since there are infinite modern conveniences that didn’t exist back then. That being said, people should not flush anything other than toilet paper down the toilet. If you do so, you can compromise the septic system and cause back-ups or additional work for septic or municipal companies. In fact, many towns are already dealing with the aftermath of people flushing the wrong things down toilets. Filling a receptacle with used toilet paper alternatives is a foreign concept for many of you, but it may be a necessary sacrifice to make.

Don’t call 9-1-1 if you run out of toilet paper. They cannot help you and it is not an emergency crisis.

If you’ve exhausted all of the grocery stores, major retailers, and online shopping, know that they will eventually have plenty of toilet paper back in stock. Additionally, watch out for price gougers online that are trying to sell packs of toilet paper for hundreds of dollars. If you happen to be running low and don’t want to keep going from store to store, increasing your risk of viral exposure, save time and learn about the following toilet paper alternatives.

Bidets:

The bidet is very popular in many countries around the world, but Americans haven’t caught on to the trend yet. This is probably the number one toilet paper alternative, but they are selling more so don’t wait too long if you are considering one. From bidets that are separate from your toilet to bidets that can be added to your toilet seat, many types exist and are decently priced and easy to install. Bidets save money, trees, and water your butt. People who use bidets often find that their tushies are much happier.

Use Towels Or Family Cloth:

Cloth diapers were a thing once, right? Well, some argue that they are still the only way to go. Let’s take a page of the baby playbook and use family cloth that includes rags, flannel cloth, fabric squares, and other cloth-like materials. Towels can also be another option. All you have to do is cut towels into smaller squares and use them to wipe. Keep clean towels in a basket on top of the toilet and place the used ones in an airtight, waterproof container next to the toilet. Don’t forget to use the softest materials that you can find. Old T-shirts, flannel blankets, old bed sheets, or worn out socks are great options. Wash the used cloths as you would cloth diapers.

Get In The Shower:

If you are opposed to using towels and cloth, hop in the shower if toilet paper shortages become a serious concern. It is best if you have a showerhead that is attached to a hose so you can hold it in your hand. After you do your business, hop in the shower, rinse yourself, rinse off, and towel off afterwards. This method probably gets you cleaner than wiping with toilet paper anyways!

Random Paper Products:

These products are not necessarily environmentally friendly, nor are they the best toilet paper alternatives. When you are looking at the last few sheets of your last roll of toilet paper and don’t have any other options, these items may come in handy. Once again, these products should not be flushed down the toilet. You may want to use:

Coffee Filters: These are relatively cheap at the store and work decently as an alternative to toilet paper.

Facial Tissues: Tissues are great for wiping and keeping your behind clean.

Newspaper: This is probably the roughest of the bunch and we don’t encourage it unless absolutely necessary.

Plants:

While these are more fitted for a camping or survival scenario, certain plants make excellent toilet paper alternatives. Ideally, you want to look for soft leaves and make sure that the plants you choose are not harmful to the skin. Some of the best plants include:

Moss: Moss is very soft and typically found in damp environments. From your backyard to the forest, moss grows easily and can be useful in a pinch. Don’t forget to inspect it for bugs.

Mullein and Lamb’s Ear: These are water absorbent, fuzzy leafed plants that are very common. Keep your eyes open for them.

Corn Husks: Traditionally, corn husks were actually used as toilet paper. Green husks are soft, which is optimal, so make sure to soak dry husks in water if you use them.

There is so much that we cannot control right now, but we find reassurance in learning about creative ways to make the best of the situation.

Sources:

https://thewirecutter.com/blog/toilet-paper-options/
https://parade.com/1011639/nicolepajer/toilet-paper-alternatives/
https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2020/03/toilet-paper-alternatives.html

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A person’s diet and immunity go hand in hand. Regardless of how you choose to boost your own immune system, one thing is for certain: the foods in this soup contain powerful immune-boosting properties. The flavors are vibrant and they help to soothe a sore throat, and the soup can be ready in 10-15 minutes.

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As many of you know, what you put in your body can have a big influence on your overall health. The same goes for your lungs, because many foods or substances can damage lung tissue or negatively impact their function. If you have an existing lung condition, such as asthma or COPD, or just want to boost overall lung health, the foods in this article are about to come to the rescue.

How Do The Lungs Work?

The lungs are comprised of thousands of branching tubes that end in tiny air sacs, also known as alveoli. There are over 300 million alveoli in your lungs! In terms of space, they could fill up the entire surface area of a tennis court. And these alveoli maximize the exchange of gases because they are thinner than tissue paper. The lungs are quite remarkable and should be cared for like a prized possession, especially since they play a large role in immune health.

We are constantly exposed to various microbes and pollutants on a daily basis. The mucus in the lungs actually capture these microbes and expel them via tiny cilia for us to cough out. It can take much more than avoiding cigarettes to keep the lungs healthy, which is where foods come into play.

How Does Food Affect The Lungs?

A diet that is rich in nutrient-dense foods can benefit all of the body’s systems and organs by providing antioxidant protection. Specific nutrients assist with healthy breathing, and some can even help reduce symptoms of respiratory conditions. The food you eat produces carbon dioxide, which is a waste product that is expelled through exhaling. Different foods produce different amounts of carbon dioxide. Reports have shown that a low-carb diet that is rich in healthy fats can assist with healthier breathing. A diet rich in unhealthy fats (think saturated fats and trans fats found in processed foods and meats) has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer. Finally, higher consumption of fruits and vegetables has exhibited healthier lung function. Eat the following foods to help you breathe easy.

Garlic:

Garlic contains powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that work to combat oxidative stress in the lungs and the rest of the body. One study found that consuming raw garlic at least twice a week led to a decreased risk of developing lung cancer over time.

Green Tea:

Many people love green tea because of its high antioxidant content that includes quercetin, which acts like a natural antihistamine. By slowing the release of histamines, quercetin helps to reduce inflammation and protect the lungs from any irritants. Green tea is also rich in the antioxidant flavanol known as epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which has been known to benefit the cardiovascular system and have anti-cancer properties.

Water:

Water is life, people! There’s no reason to omit water from your diet because filtered water works to keep blood flowing to and from the lungs. Water helps to hydrate the lungs and keep mucus flowing. As we mentioned earlier in the article, mucus helps trap microbes, toxins, and other pollutants and move them out via cilia. When you don’t drink enough water, the lungs have to work harder and may not be as effective. Click here if you need help drinking more water.

Ginger:

Known for soothing a sore throat, ginger is a powerful spice that has been extensively studied for its myriad medicinal properties. When it comes to lung health, ginger has been known to help decrease lung damage and protect against inflammation in the lungs. Preliminary animal studies revealed that ginger extract prevented DNA and tissue damage in the lungs caused by alcohol.

Mushrooms:

Part of maintaining a healthy immune system is getting a sufficient amount of vitamin D. Nutritionists have explained that low vitamin D levels are associated with increased childhood asthma, whereas healthy vitamin D levels help reduce asthma attacks. Obviously, one of the best ways to increase vitamin D intake is by absorbing sunshine, but mushrooms can help you up your vitamin D levels as well. Mushrooms, especially ones that were exposed to a lot of sunlight, are some of the best natural sources of vitamin D. Aim to eat maitake and Portobello mushrooms.

Turmeric:

Turmeric is praised for its ability to help reduce inflammation, and this is largely attributed to curcumin, the active ingredient. Curcumin can help relieve chest tightness and inflammation, both of which are associated with asthma. One study followed 77 participants with mild or moderate asthma. They took curcumin capsules for 30 days, and the results found that they had reduced obstructions in airways.

Leafy Greens:

One of the best ways to encourage healthier lungs is by protecting them from inflammation and infection. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, arugula, chard, collards, and romaine lettuce are rich in anti-inflammatory properties and chlorophyll, which helps to support blood flow to the lungs. Additionally, leafy greens contain carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin, which help remove potentially harmful free radicals from the body.

Sources:

https://sunwarrior.com/blogs/health-hub/foods-for-lung-health
https://draxe.com/nutrition/best-foods-for-your-lungs/
https://parade.com/906361/nicolepajer/the-best-foods-for-healthy-lungs-and-the-ones-to-avoid/

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It seems as though “wash your hands,” “stay at home,” and “keep your distance” are the only things being said nowadays. Diligent hand washing is one of the most effective ways to keep germs away, but all this hand washing can take a toll on your skin. As if the dropping stocks, Safer At Home laws, and crazed toilet paper hoarders weren’t enough, now you have to worry about really dry hands.

Guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that people should scrub hands with antibacterial soap and water for 20 seconds per wash. When soap and water are not available, people are encouraged to use hand sanitizers, but these aren’t as effective at getting rid of germs. The frequent use of hand sanitizers and nonstop hand washing can lead to dry or cracked skin. While hand washing is paramount for keeping yourself germ-free, you need to take proper measures to care for your skin.

Wash With Warm Water:

According to many surgeons, who wash their hands upwards of 70 times a day, washing hands with lukewarm water is the best option. Dr. Daniela Kroshinsky, director of pediatric dermatology and inpatient dermatology at Massachusetts General Hospital, said that very hot water can dry things out, stripping your hands of natural oils. Keep your hands healthy by washing with lukewarm water and plenty of soap.

Blot Dry:

The way you dry your hands is equally as important as the way you wash them. The best way is to blot your hands dry, as opposed to wiping them because that can cause micro-abrasions on the skin. Paper towels are best because they are single use and disposable. If you use towels at home, everyone in the home should get his or her own towel and the towels should be replaced with clean ones every three days.

Apply Moisturizer:

When you don’t seal water into the skin after washing, the skin can become very dry. Creams, ointments, or moisturizers are better than lotions because lotions have high water content, meaning they don’t block water from escaping the skin. You want to use a product that helps the skin retain moisture. Moisturizers work to restore the barrier function of the epidermis, providing a protective film on the skin. If you need a few DIY all natural moisturizers, click here.

Use A Cuticle Oil:

While you have to worry about moisturizing your hands, you need to pay equal attention to your cuticles. Cuticles can dry out easily with frequent hand washing, so you may want to keep cuticle oil on your desk, in your bag, in your car, or somewhere that is near your person so that you can apply it regularly. Click here to make an easy cuticle oil.

Moisturize Before Bed:

Apply your moisturizer or carrier oil to your hands before bed so that they can heal overnight. If you don’t want to use a moisturizer, you can use jojoba oil with a few drops of tea tree oil to encourage healthier skin. Before you climb into bed, let the moisturizer or oil soak into your skin, so you don’t immediately wipe it off onto your sheets.

Sources:

https://www.washingtonian.com/2020/03/11/were-washing-our-hands-more-often-here-are-5-tips-to-keep-them-from-getting-dry/
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/how-to-keep-your-skin-healthy-while-washing-your-hands-often#5.-Use-skin-balm
https://time.com/5800275/covid-19-wash-hands-dry-skin-tips/

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Perfectly crunchy kale chips can be tricky to achieve, unless you are using a dehydrator. The dehydrator is the secret to crunchy kale chips that you will never want to stop eating. Don’t tell anybody the secret, okay? Let’s just keep that between us.

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Women have been cultivating and harvesting herbs, berries, mushrooms, and flowers for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Female herbalists, who familiarized themselves with the healing properties of various plant life, have existed in many cultures. To this day, certain herbs possess qualities that specifically benefit the female biology. It is the intention of this post to highlight the top five herbs that are catered to women’s wellness.

Women have to deal with changing hormones, menstrual cycles, fertility windows, pregnancy, and menopauses. These different stages in life can pose different challenges, and women can occasionally be unsure of how to handle them naturally. Using herbs is a great way to naturally support female health, especially since they don’t contain synthetic hormones, chemicals, or other added ingredients that can cause a long list of side effects.

There are almost too many herbs in existence, which is why we have selected the ones that are most supportive to various stages of a woman’s life. Continue reading to learn more about those herbs.

Red Raspberry Leaf:

This is an herb that supports all around female health. In fact, it is been referred to as “the queen of herbs for women’s health,” according to the Bulk Herb Store. It is rich in iron, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and vitamins A, B, C, and E, most of which are beneficial for strengthening the uterus before and during pregnancy. The great thing about red raspberry leaf is that the body easily absorbs the iron and calcium. Women who regularly drink red raspberry leaf tea have reported reduced PMS symptoms and healthy hormonal levels.

Ashwagandha:

Ashwagandha has a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, specifically because of the anti-stress and anti-anxiety benefits. Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb, meaning it adapts to the body’s needs. For example, menopausal women often experience sleep disturbances and high stress levels, which can worsen hormonal imbalance. Ashwagandha has been known to help calm the nervous system and promote more restful sleep. What woman is going to say “no” to that?

Red Clover:

Menopausal women are often encouraged to use red clover because it may help reduce hot flashes, mood swings, and night sweats. Red clover is a nutrient-dense herb that contains isoflavones and phytoestrogens, which are plant hormones that can reduce certain menopausal symptoms. The best way to get the most out of red clover is to use it fresh. The blossoms, which are the most potent part of the plant, can be eaten fresh in salads, or they can be brewed into a tea.

Dong Quai:

Popularly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, dong quai has been used as a liver and blood tonic because of the high mineral content. Many women have used it to help calm both menopausal and menstrual symptoms because it helps to strengthen and balance the uterus. Some female herbalists have referred to dong quai as one of the most useful female tonic herbs. Avoid taking it during pregnancy and during menstruation. Instead, take it a few days before the menstrual cycle.

Nettle:

Similar to red raspberry leaf, nettle or stinging nettle contains vitamins and minerals that support optimal female health. While the nutrients in nettle can be useful for any person who is feeling sluggish, these nutrients are especially beneficial for reducing PMS symptoms, supporting the body through menopause, and assisting with fertility issues. Nettle is a benevolent herb, but be careful when picking fresh nettle because the needles on the stems can sting you.

Sources:

https://traditionalcookingschool.com/health-and-nutrition/5-herbs-every-woman-should-know-about/?utm_source=pinterest&utm_medium=pinterest&utm_campaign=pinterest
https://wellnessblessing.com/blog/a-guide-to-herbal-wisdom-for-women?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes&utm_term=861524574_36669780_381003
https://thesimplelifesimplified.com/herbs-for-womens-health/

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The biggest news of 2020 is out and it is: #StayHome. TikTok videos, Facebook couch concerts, Instagram live stories, FaceTime calls, and Zoom meetings have become the norm because people are encouraged to remain indoors to curb the spread of the coronavirus. When people leave the house, many choose to don face masks and slip into disposable gloves, so long as they are available. These are hot ticket items, but do they even reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19?

If you have questions about COVID-19 and how to effectively avoid it, you are not alone. Photos from large metropolitan cities have captured people in face masks and disposable gloves because they don’t want to become infected. Before we continue, it is worth noting how coronavirus actually spreads.

How COVID-19 Spreads:

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the virus that causes COVID-19 spreads easily in the community, also known as “community spreading.” This means that people in one area can be infected with the virus, and they are often unsure of how they become infected. It spreads from one infected person to others via droplets in the air that are released via coughing or sneezing. These droplets must be land on others or be inhaled to infect them. It can also spread through close contact (e.g. touching a contaminated surface and then touching the mouth, eyes, or nose before washing hands), which is why social distancing has been enforced. That being said, Amesh A. Adalja, M.D. at Johns Hopkins Center for Health and Security informed that this is not the primary method of spreading.

Disposable Gloves

So Can Wearing Disposable Gloves Reduce Your Risk Of Coronavirus?

There has been no recommendation from the CDC to wear disposable gloves to reduce the risk of COVID-19. However, people who are caring for someone with COVID-19 are encouraged to wear protective gloves. Plenty of people are wearing disposable gloves, even when they go about their daily routines. The sad part is that most people don’t wear them appropriately. They wear them in the grocery store and don’t remove them before they get back in their cars, or they take the same pair on and off when using their phones. Medical latex gloves are not designed for everyday use and can rip easily. Additionally, people have a natural tendency to touch their faces, even when they are wearing gloves, which is the main way COVID-19 spreads.

How To Properly Remove Disposable Gloves:

If you choose to wear disposable gloves when you go out to get supplies, you need to know how to properly remove them. Follow the guide below:

• Pinch and hold the outside of the glove near the wrist and peel downwards away from the wrist to turn the glove inside out.
• Pull the glove away until it is fully turned inside out and then hold the inside-out glove with the gloved hand.
• Take your ungloved hand and slide your finger under the wrist of the glove, carefully avoiding the outside of the glove.
• Peel downwards away from the wrist to turn the glove inside out and the inside-out glove will end up in the glove you are removing.
• Dispose of the gloves and then wash your hands with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer.

Face Masks

Do Masks Protect Against Coronavirus?

In short, a physical barrier like a surgical or cloth mask will not protect you from contracting the virus, according to Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee. The reason for this is because people don’t wear them properly, often dropping them below their noses or below their mouths when they eat. Surgical masks are designed to be single-use, and people who are not used to them run the risk of auto-contamination (you touched an infected surface, then touch your mask, and continue wearing it). They become useful if you are in close counters with people who become infected. Unless you are sick and are hoping not to infect others, you don’t need a face mask.

Face Masks Vs. Respirators:

The term “mask” has been loosely tossed around, but not all masks are created equal. People have been using surgical masks, DIY barriers, ski masks, reusable cloth masks, and respirators to protect themselves, but most use them incorrectly. An N95 respirator may help protect you from a respiratory virus, if worn correctly, but most places are out of stock. And people shouldn’t be stockpiling these because respirators and masks are needed for people who are actually caring for infected COVID-19 patients.

Healthcare workers need respirators and gloves more than everyday citizens do. People without specialized training may use these items incorrectly and increase their risk of contracting the virus.

Sources:

https://www.prevention.com/health/a31400700/does-wearing-gloves-prevent-coronavirus/
https://www.livescience.com/face-mask-new-coronavirus.html
https://thewirecutter.com/blog/your-coronavirus-questions-answered/
https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/keeping-the-coronavirus-from-infecting-health-care-workers

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Quinoa is one the world’s most popular health foods because it is high in protein and gluten-free. Not many plant-based foods have that quality! Not only does it contain all nine essential amino acids, but it is also rich in B-vitamins, iron, fiber, vitamin E, potassium, and calcium.

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