Beverages - Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products https://www.dherbs.com/tag/beverages/ Buy the best herbal supplements, natural remedies, and herbal remedies from Dherbs. We're the #1 alternative medicine store online. ✓ Visit and shop now! Tue, 02 Apr 2024 22:50:20 +0000 en-US hourly 1 6 Helpful Tips To Keep Produce From Going Bad https://www.dherbs.com/articles/6-helpful-tips-to-keep-produce-from-going-bad/ Wed, 03 Apr 2024 09:21:00 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/?p=169986

Do you find that your fruits and vegetables go bad not long after buying them? These tips may keep your produce fresh for longer.

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According to a 2023 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 90% of Americans don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables. To avoid being a statistic, you buy fruits and vegetables and plan to eat them, but something happens: they go bad before you get the chance to use them. You throw out your produce and don’t even bother to compost because it’s too upsetting to throw money down the drain. 

One report found that about 25% of American families throw away one quarter of the food and beverages they buy. Fruits and vegetables comprise 22% of that, while processed produce (canned fruits and vegetables) contribute another 8% of waste to landfills. We don’t say all this to make you feel guilty; rather, we want to help you make the right changes to keep your produce fresh for longer. 

The primary reason people throw their produce away is because they lack the proper storage knowledge. If you do not store your fruits and vegetables properly, they can spoil easily. Do those greenish-yellow bananas you buy turn brown quickly? Do your herbs turn slimy and brown? What about those cucumbers or apples? If you want to stop throwing your fruits and vegetables away, learn from the following tips. 

Limp, Slimy Lettuce

Big heads of lettuce in the grocery store inspire large bowls of salad and optimal health, as they should. The problem is that storing your lettuce improperly can cause those crispy leaves to become soggy, slimy, and limp. Moisture in the fridge causes most fruits and vegetables to lose their crisp texture and go bad. One way to counteract this is to line your fridge’s vegetable drawer with paper towels or terry-cloth towels. In doing so, the towels absorb excess moisture and keep produce, like your lettuce, crispier for a lot longer. The same rule applies for those bagged salads or tubs of greens!

Sprouting Potatoes

If you are tempted to buy the 10-pound bag of potatoes to save some money, make sure that you store them properly if you aren’t going to use them right away. Potatoes start to sprout more quickly if you keep a large bag on hand. To keep your spuds from sprouting, store them in a cool, dry place with as little moisture and sunlight as possible. Some people have had great success keeping potatoes fresh by throwing an apple in with the potatoes, but some experts warn against this. The reason not to do that is because apples emit ethylene, which can encourage sprouting. 

Mushy, Brown Bananas 

Like apples, bananas emit ethylene gas to ripen themselves. Some people swear that wrapping the top of a banana bunch with plastic wrap delays the ripening process, but that doesn’t solve the issue. Ethylene is produced throughout the banana, not just the stem. The best way to store bananas is to hang them on a hook, so that they get plenty of air circulation. Additionally, don’t store them near apples because the ethylene from apples will cause bananas to ripen more quickly. 

Slimy Mushrooms

Mushrooms are great vegetables that can make their way into myriad dishes, unless they become slimy and unappetizing. To avoid a slimy, mushy mess, make sure that you do not store mushrooms in plastic bags. Plastic traps moisture, which causes mildew and mushy mushrooms. Keep mushrooms in a paper bag so that they can breathe and moisture can escape. If you don’t have paper bags, keep mushrooms fresh by keeping them in their original packaging, but poke holes in the plastic to allow ventilation.

Rubbery Celery

Celery can become tasteless if you allow it to go from crispy to rubbery. You can, however, lengthen its time in the fridge if you store it properly. Experts encourage you to separate, wash, and dry the stalks before wrapping them in aluminum foil. That keeps most of the air and moisture in, while still allowing the ethylene gas to escape. If you store celery in a plastic bag, the moisture stays in the bag, which can accelerate the ripening process and turn your celery rubbery. 

Moldy Berries

Berries can be quite pricey, especially if they are not in season. To ensure that you don’t waste your berry money, protect them by giving them a bath in water for 10 seconds. What about soaking them in a vinegar bath? Well, that can leave a vinegar residue and cause your berries to taste unappetizing. Hot water can inhibit mold growth, according to research. The last step is to make sure that your berries are completely dry before storing them in the fridge. The hot water bath and proper drying before fridge storage can help extend their ripeness.

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Homemade Strawberry Cashew Milk https://www.dherbs.com/recipes/recipe/homemade-strawberry-cashew-milk/ Fri, 29 Mar 2024 17:29:00 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/?post_type=recipe&p=169940

Perfectly creamy, fruity, nutritious and delicious, this homemade strawberry cashew milk is raw vegan, dairy-free, and free of refined sugar.

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It is a gift to be able to make your own nut milk because you know exactly which ingredients go into it. Besides the fact that they do not contain any emulsifiers, thickening agents, or added sugars, homemade nut milks simply taste better than anything store bought. They taste fresher and are usually creamier. Because they are homemade and do not contain preservatives, they have a much shorter shelf life. Homemade nut milk, such as this strawberry cashew milk, has a shelf life of about three days, so be sure to drink it all up.

Carrageenan is probably the most common ingredient that you’ll see in a store bought nut milk. It’s a potentially carcinogenic ingredient that you should avoid if you can. Even “clean” nut milk companies will uses ingredients like carrageenan, which doesn’t instill confidence in buyers. A great nut milk should consist of a few ingredients: nuts, water, and a sweetener, such as raw agave nectar, grade A maple syrup, or dates.

For this homemade strawberry cashew milk, there is no sweetener; rather, the strawberries serve as the sweetening component. Choose your strawberries right and you’ll have a perfectly balanced sweet and slightly tart flavor. Now, you can make this strawberry cashew milk in one of two ways. Either you add all of the ingredients to a blender and then strain through a mesh sieve or nut milk bag, or you juice the strawberries and then mix that juice with the strained cashew milk. Choose your destiny and let us know how you like it!

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Homemade Cinnamon Date Cashew Milk https://www.dherbs.com/recipes/recipe/homemade-cinnamon-date-cashew-milk/ Mon, 25 Mar 2024 17:46:00 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/?post_type=recipe&p=169899

Creamy homemade cashew milk is flavored with cinnamon and sweetened with dates, making it perfect for smoothies, baking, and more!

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Are you an almond milk fanatic, or do you prefer oat milk? Maybe you enjoy macadamia nut milk or hemp seed milk instead. There is nothing wrong with these non-dairy milk alternatives; rather, quite the opposite, so long as you buy the unsweetened varieties with minimally processed ingredients. Better yet, if you make your own plant-based milks then you are really killing the game. We will say, though, that if you have never tried cashew milk, you are in for a treat, especially with this recipe.

Cashew milk can be quite expensive in stores, so making it at home may help you save a little money. Plus, as you know by now, making your own nut or seed milk is an incredibly easy process, especially if you have a nut milk bag. In the case of this recipe, the cashew milk offers a warm, sweet, and slightly richer flavor than your typical store bought variety. It also drinks smoother and has a creamier texture, which is great if you want to add this to your post-cleanse cup of coffee.

The great thing about this cashew milk, besides the highly addictive flavor, is its versatility. It goes great in smoothies, baked goods, energy balls/bars, cereal, or coffee. The options are truly endless and you can feel great about enjoying this cashew milk because it doesn’t contain the emulsifiers, thickening agents, added sugars, or preservatives, all of which are usually in store bought varieties. If you like this recipe and want to see more like it, drop a comment below so we know!

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6 Tips To Get Better Sleep In The Hospital  https://www.dherbs.com/articles/6-tips-to-get-better-sleep-in-the-hospital/ Tue, 13 Feb 2024 09:16:00 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/?p=169057

A hospital is far from an ideal place to get optimum rest, but there are several tips that you can use to get a decent night’s sleep.

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When you think of an ideal location for the best sleep possible, a hospital never crosses your mind. The bright neon lights, the strange smells and noises, and, most importantly, the bed is not conducive to a good night’s sleep. The sheets are scratchy and your reason for being in the hospital often gets in the way of optimal sleep. Although you won’t get the best rest of your life in a hospital, there are a few tips to help you catch some quality shut-eye. 

Why Good Sleep Matters

You know how much better it feels to wake up after a night of sound sleep than after a night of tossing and turning. Health experts understand the link between sleep and recovery, and that’s especially true if you are in the hospital. If you are in the hospital, you are most likely sick or in pain. Since the body is under a lot of stress, quality sleep can help accelerate recovery, and lack of sleep will only make your issues worse. According to sleep experts, quality sleep aids your recover in the following ways:

  • Reduces stress hormone levels and increases alertness and energy.
  • Decreases inflammation, which helps your tissues heal faster.
  • Supports the immune system by allowing the body to produce antibodies, which the body produces less of when sleep is less than great.
  • Improves your body’s ability to metabolize sugar. Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) can get in the way of the body’s recovery, according to researchers. 

All that is to say that sleep matters a great deal for your immune system and overall healing. Sleep during a hospital stay is integral for recovery, especially for older adults, because lack of sleep contributes to delirium. Without sufficient deep sleep, the brain cannot properly get rid of toxic metabolites, which leads to disorientation and agitation. That’s why experts have detailed the following tips for better sleep during your hospital stay. 

Stay Consistent With Your Sleep Schedule

Ideally, replicate the same schedule you have at home during your hospital stay, or as close as you can. Avoid big meals close to bedtime and skip alcohol and caffeinated beverages in the evening. If you turn off screens at 9 p.m. and read for another 30 minutes to aid sleep, maintain this practice. Be consistent with any routines you may have, and that includes waking up at your usual time as well. 

Be Active During The Day (If Possible)

This will all depend on why you are in the hospital and your overall ability to engage in light exercise. Remaining in your bed all day leads to poor sleep, and experts agree on the sentiment that being vertical by day leads to better sleep horizontally at night. Try to get out of bed as much as possible and move around to the best of your ability. If you cannot get out of bed, change the incline of the bed to be in a seated position. You can also engage in chair exercises, which you can learn more about by clicking here. Lastly, take care not to nap too much because excessive napping makes it harder to fall asleep at night.

Reduce Sound And Light At Night

In a hospital, it is very unlikely that you can replicate the blackout curtains and quiet comfort of your bedroom. Cover your eyes with a sleep mask to establish darkness and use ear plugs or headphones to help block out sound. You can also use a white noise machine, or an app on your phone if you are unable to bring your sleep machine from home. Try to avoid bright blue light from screens, especially an hour before you go to sleep. 

Request Comfortable Items

If you can boost your comfort, why not? If you cannot bring a pillow or your cozy blanket from home, you can ask for extra pillows or blankets to make your bed more comfortable. You can also request to move to a room without a roommate if yours is disruptive. 

Check Your Hospital’s Sleep Protocols

If you have to spend the night in the hospital, you may be woken up several times. Phlebotomists, for example, usually collect blood from patients at 4 a.m., so that labs are ready when physicians make their rounds. Nurses may stop by once or twice to check your blood pressure as well. None of that is conducive to a good night’s sleep! Researchers note that taking vitals from every hospitalized patient every four hours may not be necessary. It is better to talk with your doctors and nurses to contribute to better sleep. For example, you can ask for your blood to be drawn during waking hours, and whether you need overnight vitals. If they must wake you during the night, ask to have everything done at once. That will lead to fewer nighttime disturbances and better sleep. 

Get Light During The Day

Exposing yourself to natural light during the day can help the body better prepare for sleep at night. Open your blinds during the day and engage in light exercise if possible. Depending on your room setup, that may or may not be possible. Just remember that natural light in the day and darkness at night is beneficial for your circadian rhythm.

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Cucumber Grapefruit Juice https://www.dherbs.com/recipes/recipe/cucumber-grapefruit-juice/ Mon, 22 Jan 2024 18:05:00 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/?post_type=recipe&p=168802

Cucumber grapefruit juice is incredibly easy to make and perfect for lazy mornings. It aids hydration efforts and may control insulin levels.

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Isn’t it amazing when you get to wake up a little later on a Saturday morning? The sun peaks through your curtains/blinds and helps you wake up when you enter the rest of your house. Basking in the glow of morning sunshine helps to boost your mood and provide natural energy. Maybe you sip some morning tea or lemon water and pop a squat on your couch while doing so. The only other thing that can enhance a morning such as this is a refreshing and nourishing cucumber grapefruit juice.

Juice is so easy to make, even if you don’t have a juicer. As a quick note for people who want to make juice without juicers, blend your ingredients in a blender and then pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve, pressing the pulp to extract as much liquid as possible. You may end up with some bits and pieces in your juice, but the flavor is there and that’s what matters! Just keep in mind that your blended mixture will not yield as much juice as is in the blender. This is because you remove the fiber from the ingredients, which is leftover in the pulp.

This cucumber grapefruit juice is low in calories and incredibly refreshing. The spicy kick from the ginger adds a little zing that wakes up your palate. Both cucumber and grapefruit have a water content that exceeds 90%, so they aid your hydration efforts. Grapefruit is rich in vitamin C, which aids immune function, and it may help prevent insulin resistance, which can lead to diabetes. Studies suggest that eating grapefruit can help regulate blood sugar levels and keep insulin levels controlled. How amazing is that?!

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Can An Alkaline Diet Reduce Your Risk Of Cancer? https://www.dherbs.com/articles/can-an-alkaline-diet-reduce-your-risk-of-cancer/ Wed, 27 Dec 2023 09:25:00 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/?p=168643

Consuming alkaline foods may help change the pH of your urine and saliva, but does this diet prevent cancer? Let’s explore this topic.

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Before delving into the juicy topic of alkalinity and reduced cancer risk, please understand that no single food or food group is known to prevent cancer. Some test-tube, animal, and even human studies indicate that certain foods exhibit cancer fighting properties, but they don’t singlehandedly get rid of cancer. Researchers note that maintaining a nutritious diet, keeping stress levels down, and exercising regularly may potentially reduce the risk of cancer. 

Proper nutrition is very effective as a cancer deterrent, but only when you pair that with a healthy lifestyle. That means avoiding foods, things, or habits that harm the body, such as tobacco and alcohol. Maintaining a healthy body weight also plays a role in cancer risk. Lately, the alkaline diet has been generating a lot of interest surrounding its ability to reduce the risk of cancer. In this article, we aim to discuss whether an alkaline diet helps prevent cancer. 

A Quick Lesson In Chemistry

Scientists report that the blood’s normal pH range rests between 7.35 and 7.45, making it slightly alkaline. Thanks to the body, blood pH is tightly regulated via several respiratory and metabolic systems. Blood pH that is too alkaline can be very fatal and calls for immediate treatment to return blood pH back to normal range. 

What Is The Alkaline Diet?

This diet is based on the theory that certain foods can change the body’s acid levels, or pH levels. The goal of the alkaline diet is to reduce the level of acidity within the body. Based on the information above, no food can alter the pH level of your blood. You can, however, experience changes in both the pH of your urine or saliva because those are waste products. You could never eat enough alkaline foods to impact your blood. The alkaline diet, though, involves consuming different foods and beverages that are categorically alkaline, meaning they have a pH between 7 and 14. Some popular alkaline foods include:

  • Leafy green vegetables (kale, arugula, chard, collard greens)
  • Citrus fruits
  • Cauliflower
  • Broccoli
  • Onions, garlic, and ginger
  • Nuts (raw and unsalted)
  • Root vegetables
  • Some seasonal fruits

On the other end of the spectrum, you have acidic foods. Eating too much of these foods can lead to a series of health complications, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Some popular acidic foods include:

  • Red meat
  • Poultry
  • Dairy products
  • Eggs
  • Processed foods
  • Fish
  • Refined grains and sugars

Do Cancer Cells Thrive In An Acidic Environment?

Some research indicates that tumor cells may thrive in an acidic environment. Oxygen-starved cancer cells become highly acidic, causing them to become dormant. That occurs when acidic conditions in the body shut down the production of proteins in those cells. By disrupting their metabolic activity and circadian clocks, you essentially force the cells into dormancy. The unfortunate reality is that cellular dormancy can lead to drug resistance and cancer recurrence, so it is problematic. 

Some researchers believe that you can reverse this dormancy by counteracting acidity and resulting effects on cancer cells. That has actually led some people to wonder if the alkaline diet or baking soda can help prevent, or even treat, cancer. Based on the available information and research studies surrounding pH levels and cancer, it is unlikely for a couple primary reasons. 

To date, studies involved cancer cells in a lab and didn’t account for the complex or unpredictable behavior of tumors in the human body. Secondly, as stated earlier in the article, you cannot eat enough alkaline foods or beverages to alter the pH level of the blood. That is because the kidneys and other organs work round the clock to keep blood pH levels in a specific range. 

Do Acidic Foods Cause Cancer?

There is some research that shows that cancer cells are more likely to grow in acidic environments. Unfortunately, no evidence-based research indicates a link between the alkaline diet and reduced cancer risk. That said, what you eat is integral to optimal health and cancer prevention. There are plant-based superfoods that offer antioxidants and other nutrients that may enhance overall health and reduce the risk of cancer. The American Institute for Cancer Research recommends a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, and lean proteins for better overall health. 

The scientific community supports eating alkaline foods for a separate reason: to improve digestive health. Less acidic foods are easier on the stomach and better tolerated if you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If you experience acid reflux on a regular basis, consider eliminating acidic foods and focus on consuming alkaline foods. 

In conclusion, the alkaline diet does not specifically alter your blood’s pH level, so it cannot prevent or treat cancer. Focusing on fresh foods, including alkaline foods, can help improve other aspects of your health, which may enhance the body’s ability to fight cancer.

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Sucralose: 4 Reasons To Avoid This Artificial Sweetener https://www.dherbs.com/articles/sucralose-4-reasons-to-avoid-this-artificial-sweetener/ Thu, 30 Nov 2023 09:27:00 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/?p=167588

Artificial sweeteners can prevent diabetes and obesity, right? Not so fast! Researchers want you to avoid them, especially sucralose.

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One of the biggest lies in the modern world is that artificial sweeteners can prevent diabetes and obesity. These sweeteners exist in low-calorie and diet foods and beverages. Although the marketing makes it seem like these are healthier food and beverage options, there are serious health risks associated with these artificial sweeteners, such as Splenda (sucralose). Research continues to uncover the negative health effects of artificial sweeteners like sucralose. 

Instead of grabbing one or two white or brown cane sugar packets, people opt for yellow or pink packets of artificial sweeteners, such as Splenda. The “sugar-free” option is a healthier substitute, or at least that’s what manufacturers want you to think. The reality is that it is better to opt for healthier sugar alternatives that provide natural sweetness, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. 

What Is Sucralose?

As a chlorinated sucrose derivative, sucralose is derived from sugar and contains chlorine. There is a multistep process that goes into creating sucralose. One has to replace three hydrogen-oxygen groups of sugary with chlorine atoms. This process ultimately intensifies the sweetness of sucralose, which was found via the development of an insecticide compound. Later, the public was introduced to sucralose as a “natural sugar substitute.” And in 1998, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved sucralose for use in 15 food and beverage categories. These categories included products like gum, water- and fat-based products, baked goods, frozen dairy desserts, and beverages. 

Data shows that the range of product utilization with sucralose is quite extensive. It is very popular in food and beverage products because it is readily soluble with ethanol, methanol, and water. For this reason, it has applications in water- and fat-based products. Other artificial sweeteners, like saccharin and aspartame, are not as soluble. 

Reasons To Avoid Sucralose

Linked To Leaky Gut Syndrome

As of now, the understanding is that the body cannot digest sucralose. It travels through the digestive tract and damages as it goes, harming the intestinal walls, which can potentially cause leaky gut syndrome. According to one animal study from Duke University, Splenda reduces beneficial bacteria in the gut and increases fecal pH levels. That indicates the amount of nutrients you can absorb in the gut. 

Associated With Weight Gain

Isn’t it interesting that the food that was supposed to help you lose weight does the opposite? There are epidemiological human studies that suggest an association between the consumption of artificial sweeteners and weight gain. Artificial sweeteners, such as sucralose, also increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease. Although these studies didn’t directly identify sucralose’s effect on weight gain, they did show that it doesn’t help with weight loss

One study monitored two groups of children, which received either an eight-ounce can of no-calorie sweetened beverage or sugar-sweetened beverage. At the end of the study, the overall calorie consumption was greater for the group that consumed sugar-sweetened beverages. That said, the sucralose group gained more weight during the study period. 

Increases Risk Of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Ongoing evidence supports that sucralose may cause symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease. One researcher made note of this years ago after examining a rapid increase of IBS among residents of Alberta, Canada. Sucralose seems to have a more detrimental effect on gut bacteria than other artificial sweeteners. A more recent study found that the use of artificial sweeteners, such as sucralose, doubles the risk of Crohn’s disease. 

May Increase Diabetes Risk

One study found that consuming sucralose dramatically increased the risk of diabetes. Another small study found that daily consumption of diet soda increased the risk of metabolic syndrome by 36% and type 2 diabetes by 67%. Researchers note that these findings indicate that sucralose is one of the many unexpected triggers of diabetes. The answer, then, is that sucralose is dangerous for diabetics and non-non-diabetics alike. 

For the first time, researchers evaluated this phenomenon in human subjects. 17 obese and insulin-sensitive individuals took oral glucose tolerance tests after consuming sucralose with water. The tests revealed an increase in peak plasma glucose concentrations, but they also noted a 23% decrease in insulin sensitivity, which prevents glucose absorption in cells.

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5 Nightly Habits For Better Thyroid Health https://www.dherbs.com/articles/5-nightly-habits-for-better-thyroid-health/ Mon, 16 Oct 2023 09:19:00 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/?p=164165

The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland, is essential to your overall health, and these nightly habits may promote better thyroid health.

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Everyone has their own bedtime routine. Some people pamper themselves by lathering on the skin care products, while others prefer to read in bed for 30 minutes. Maybe you draw a warm bath, light some candles, and enjoy a cup of herbal tea to help relax the mind and body. What you may not know is that your bedtime routine can affect your thyroid gland. 

That little butterfly-shaped endocrine gland in your neck is vital to your overall health. It works to control your metabolism and aids other bodily functions like digestion, breathing, brain development, and fertility. You thrive when your thyroid does! That said, certain habits can either benefit or inhibit optimal thyroid function. The following nightly practices can help your thyroid function at its best. 

Skip Soda

Soda is tempting because of its fizzy deliciousness, but soda and other sugary-sweetened beverages contribute to inflammation. Harvard Health Publishing explains that added sugars trigger inflammation, and chronic inflammation affects the thyroid. Additionally, sipping on these types of sugary beverages can increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other metabolic conditions. Added sugar should only contribute to 10% of your daily total calories. The problem is that sodas and other sugary beverages make up the majority of added sugar consumption in the American diet. Give your thyroid some love and skip the nighttime soda (and anytime, really). Stick to water and herbal teas. 

Go For A Walk

A post-supper stroll is a simple yet effective strategy that can both benefit your thyroid and your digestive system. Moderate exercise, such as a 20-minute walk, helps all your systems and organs function their best. Not only does walking reduce your risk of certain chronic illnesses, but it also strengthens your bones and muscles, helping you maintain a healthy weight. Walking is a great way to reduce stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol, and it helps to boost endorphin production. Managing stress is essential if you want to keep your thyroid healthy.

Make Meditation A Habit

As previously stated, reducing stress can benefit your thyroid. Researchers note that a nightly meditation routine, especially mindful meditation, is a great approach to reduce the body’s response to stress. Focus on the present moment and engage in breath work to improve both anxiety and depression. You don’t have to become a full-blown monk, but taking a few minutes to meditate every night can help you clear your mind and wind down before bed. Meditation may also contribute to better quality sleep. 

Eat Plenty Of Vegetables With Dinner

The general recommendation from dietitians is to fill at least half your plate with vegetables. Eating more vegetables means that you’ll consume more antioxidants, which work to fight free radicals and inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation can potentially affect your thyroid over time, contributing to illnesses like heart disease, stroke, arthritis, and more. Research shows that there is a direct connection between eating more anti-inflammatory foods and better thyroid health. For reference, the average adult should consume at least two to three cups of vegetables per day, but a couple more cups won’t hurt you!

Prioritize Sleep

It’s safe to say that sleep qualifies as a nightly habit, but a lot of people experience sleep difficulties. If you don’t get enough sleep, you won’t function at your best. A July-September 2021 study found that people with sleep problems experienced an increase in certain hormones on thyroid function tests. This concluded that poor sleep quality may affect thyroid hormones. Researchers believe that the connection between sleep and thyroid health has something to do with stress. To experience better thyroid health, try to sleep between seven and eight hours every night.

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Is There A Connection Between Being In The Rain And Catching A Cold? https://www.dherbs.com/articles/is-there-a-connection-between-being-in-the-rain-and-catching-a-cold/ Sun, 15 Oct 2023 09:25:00 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/?p=164162

Despite what your mother or ancient, wise elders may have told you when you were a child, colds result from viruses, not rain.

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A hot topic that is constantly up for debate is whether or not being in the rain causes you to catch a cold. Although being wet for long periods of time may lower immune function, colds result from viruses, not rain. You may or may not believe that, but if you are like most people, you grew up hearing that you were going to get sick if you played outside in the rain. How truthful was that piece of wisdom and does it affect how you live your life? Do you need to avoid the rain in order to avoid sickness?

According to health experts, you may have a greater risk of getting sick after spending prolonged periods in the rain. The reality is simply more complex than the old saying goes. The body gets cold after prolonged exposure to rain, which can lower the effectiveness of your immune system. When your immune system is down, you are more likely to contract a cold virus, but that doesn’t mean you’ll get a cold. 

Does Being In The Rain Make You Catch A Cold?

A 2022 study found that being cold (lowering body temperature) can negatively affect the immune system. Although the rain itself won’t give you a cold, being wet outside for a long time weakens the immune system, increasing the risk of cold if you come in contact with certain viruses. As stated in the beginning of the article, though, colds happen because of viruses, not rain.

How Do You Catch A Cold?

There are over 200 viruses that can cause colds. They are contagious viruses that easily pass through the air or through close physical contact. Colds can also spread if a person touches their mouth, eyes, or nose with their hands after coming in contact with cold germs. Once you catch a cold, it is very hard to make it disappear, but there are things you can do to lessen the symptoms. Once you feel sick, keep the following tips in mind:

  • Get enough sleep
  • Avoid unnecessary touching of the eyes and mouth
  • Wash your hands frequently
  • Focus on whole food ingredients, not processed foods and dairy products
  • Don’t share food, beverages, or household items with other people, or you may infect them

Can You Shorten A Cold?

If you catch a cold, there may be a few home remedies that can accelerate the recovery process. Some remedies work for some people, while others are more effective for other people. A lot of people resort to over-the-counter cold and flu medications, which can occasionally provide some relief. If you prefer not to take cold medications, consider the following home remedies to help kick your cold:

The Takeaway

Being out in the rain does not mean that you will contract one of the many viruses that can cause a common cold. If you are wet for a prolonged period, though, it may weaken immune function, making you more susceptible to a cold, should you encounter viruses. If you catch a cold, you don’t have to be alarmed. Most colds resolve themselves within one to two weeks, but notify your doctor if symptoms become severe or linger for more than a couple weeks.

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The post Is There A Connection Between Being In The Rain And Catching A Cold? appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

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Homemade Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte https://www.dherbs.com/recipes/recipe/homemade-vegan-pumpkin-spice-latte/ Fri, 29 Sep 2023 18:03:00 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/?post_type=recipe&p=162529

Made in matter of minutes using whole food ingredients and a blender, this vegan pumpkin spice latte is your new fall drink of choice!

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In September, you start to hear murmurs of the fabled pumpkin spice latte. It usually appears on coffee menus before the official start of fall and remains there until the holidays are over. We fully support the pumpkin spice craze, but we don’t support the high caloric intake and high sugar content that accompanies it. That’s why we decided to make a nutrient-dense, low-sugar, and healthier vegan pumpkin spice latte.

There are many recipes for pumpkin spice lattes on the Internet. You can replicate the famous one from Starbucks, but that one is not vegan. A pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks contains milk and pumpkin spice sauce, which is a mixture of condensed skim milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, colors, flavors, and preservatives. It also contains coffee, whipped cream, and pumpkin spice topping. Although an occasional pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks won’t kill you, drinking one every day can be a problem.

This homemade pumpkin spice latte is made with real pumpkin, naturally sweetened with maple syrup, and made creamy with cashews. You can’t have a pumpkin spice latte without pumpkin spice, though. Now, if you don’t have pumpkin spice in your pantry, you can make your own by clicking here. Once you sip this cozy fall beverage, you may never want the calorically-dense sugary drink from Starbucks again! Let us know how you like it in the comments.

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