It’s not often that you get to say, “I can’t wait to dive into this bowl of raw vegan ice cream that doesn’t contain added sugars.” That’s not a sentence that people ever utter, but maybe we should change that. This mango pineapple turmeric ice cream is creamy, perfectly sweet, fruity, and mouthwateringly delicious. You’ll wish your bowl wasn’t empty after you devour your first scoop or two.

Not only do mango and pineapple provide the sweetness, but they also do wonders for your gut health. The addition of turmeric makes this raw vegan ice cream anti-inflammatory in nature. Plus, this recipe contains fresh liquid and meat from young Thai coconuts. Fresh coconut water is naturally sweet and provides electrolytes that help enhance your hydration efforts. If you cannot get your hands on a young Thai coconut in the grocery store, feel free to use a regular coconut with hard meat. The water is not as sweet, but it provides similar electrolytes and flavor. Alternatively, just use filtered water!

If you like a sweet and refreshing dessert after dinner, this is going to be your new favorite recipe. You can top it with unsweetened, desiccated coconut, raw agave nectar, berries, or any other type of fresh fruit. If you want to be experimental, feel free to blend strawberries into the ice cream. Lastly, it is sweet enough to the point where you don’t need agave nectar or maple syrup. In fact, you can even serve it to your kids as a healthy treat!

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According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), constipation is one of the most commonly reported health problems. The data suggests that about 16% of U.S. adults and one in three adults over age 60 experience constipation. Although there are over-the-counter medications available to treat constipation, not all of them are safe for everyone. That is why many people decide to turn to natural laxatives to encourage bowel regularity. 

Who Can Benefit From Natural Laxatives?

There are many laxatives available to help people who frequently experience constipation. Herbal teas, detox tinctures, pills, enemas, and more work in various ways to achieve the same result: elimination. Some laxatives are stimulant agents, while others are bulking agents or osmotic products. Natural laxatives, however, get the job done without the unpleasant side effects of over-the-counter products. 

Although over-the-counter laxatives may get the job done in the short term, they don’t fix underlying digestive issues. They may even make the body dependent on them in order to use the restroom. That is why health experts encourage people to eat more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and lots of water. Additionally, it is beneficial to get sufficient sleep and practice relaxation techniques to reduce stress. If you need help promoting regular bowel movements, the following foods may be your ticket to long-term regularity. 

Water

Water is life and the benefits of drinking it are legendary. The kidneys and liver require water to operate effectively and efficiently, as these organs require water to clean the blood, produce urine, and help the body get rid of waste. If you don’t drink enough water, your risk of constipation or poor digestion is much higher. Keep things moving by drinking half your bodyweight in ounces of water every day. If you weigh 150 pounds and divide that by two to get 75, you should be drinking 75 ounces of water per day. 

Chia Seeds

Known for their omega-3 and fiber content, chia seeds have an ability to absorb water in the gastrointestinal tract. Because of that, chia seeds work similarly to a laxative. They combine with liquid to form a gelatinous substance that moves easily through the digestive tract. Make sure to enhance your fluid intake when you consume more chia seeds. Try to soak the chia seeds before adding them to a recipe or smoothie for maximum benefits. Place them in a 1:10 ratio of chia to water, let them sit for 30 minutes, and then add that to the smoothie. 

Leafy Greens

If you want to consume various vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber, and antioxidants while promoting optimal digestion, eat more leafy greens. Not only do leafy greens provide a lot of fiber, but they also contain plenty of magnesium. Magnesium is an electrolyte that naturally and safely softens stool, drawing water in from the gut. Without enough magnesium in the body, it is difficult for stool to move easily through the digestive tract. Magnesium also relaxes muscles in the digestive tract, helping you pass stools more easily. 

Coconut Water

As a quick note, make sure that you purchase 100% coconut water. A lot of coconut water varieties contain excess or added sugars, artificial colors and flavors, and other preservatives. Opt for pure coconut water for the best nutritional benefits. Coconut water can help you maintain healthy electrolyte levels, helping to clear out the urinary tract. Coconut water is a great option for some people who experience constipation because it helps loosen stools, making elimination easier. 

Fiber

If you want to eliminate with ease, you need to consume more fiber. One meta-analysis found that dietary fiber increased stool frequency in patients with constipation. Ideally, you should consume between 25-40 grams of fiber per day, with adult men requiring a little more than women and smaller individuals. Get your fiber from whole, unprocessed foods whenever possible, instead of choosing artificial fiber supplements. Great high-fiber foods include berries, apples, pears, avocados, Brussels sprouts, okra, peas, and figs. 

Aloe Vera

A lot of health experts agree that 100% pure aloe vera juice is one of the best natural laxatives in existence. Aloe vera juice contains enzymes, vitamins, electrolytes, and minerals that work to soften stool and aid digestion. Anthraquinones are compounds in aloe vera that act like laxatives because they increase intestinal water content. They also stimulate mucus secretion and increase intestinal peristalsis (contractions that break down food). Aloe vera juice also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling in digestive organs. This juice may also help normalize the acid/alkaline balance in the gut, in addition to encouraging the growth of healthy digestive bacteria. 

Flaxseeds

An excellent source of fiber, flaxseeds add bulk to your stool and help it pass through the digestive tract. In addition to providing three grams of fiber per tablespoon, flaxseeds help to treat constipation and diarrhea, according to studies. Just as with chia seeds, make sure to drink a lot of water when you eat high-fiber foods like flaxseeds. Without sufficient fluid intake, you may have more bathroom troubles!

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Coconut water is a trendy beverage, as is evident by the many cartons and bottles in grocery stores. It is the clear liquid that some people refer to as the nectar of the gods. In tropical regions, coconut water has long been an integral component of diets and healthcare practices. Ayurveda, for example, used coconut water to help support urination, semen production, and digestion. Nowadays, though, people mainly drink it to boost hydration and increase electrolyte intake. 

What Is Coconut Water?

Not to be confused with coconut milk, which combines coconut water and coconut meat, coconut water is the clear liquid inside coconuts. The right coconut water exhibits a sweet, nutty flavor profile. Younger coconuts tend to have the best tasting water, whereas the water in older coconuts with hardened meat tends to be more pungent. Coconut water is low in sugar and calories and contains potassium, magnesium, and sodium. These electrolytes work to replenish nutrients you lose via sweat. Although coconut water is not a replacement for regular water, it is better than any sugary sports drink you’ll find. Continue reading to learn more about the health benefits of this delicious elixir. 

Electrolytes Galore:

Coconut water is the natural, refreshing, healthier alternative to sugary sports drinks. One cup of coconut water, for example, contains 600 milligrams (mg) of potassium. That satisfies 16% of the daily value (DV) of potassium, which works to improve muscle contractions and kidney function. Additionally, potassium also works to regulate sodium levels in the body, which may help improve heart health. Coconut water also has fewer carbohydrates than bottled sports drinks, making it an excellent choice for post-workout rehydration. 

Kidney Stone Prevention

According to U.S. health surveys, 6% of women and 11% of men experience kidney stones at least once in their lifetime. One of the best ways to avoid kidney stones is to stay hydrated. A 2018 study monitored participants without kidney stones who drank coconut water. The researchers noted that coconut water helped participants expel more citrate, chloride, and potassium during urination. That means that coconut water may help loosen stones or prevent them from forming. A 2021 study had similar findings, including the fact that coconut water may alleviate kidney damage from diabetes. 

May Lower Blood Sugar

As of now, most of the studies about this ability involve animals, not humans. For that reason, more human studies are needed to confirm the following benefits on humans. A 2015 study found that rats with diabetes were able to maintain better blood sugar control when treated with coconut water. The same study observed that the rats that were given coconut water had lower levels of hemoglobin A1c, indicating better long-term blood sugar control. A separate 2021 study on rats with diabetes found that coconut water was able to reduce blood glucose levels. Another blood sugar benefit of coconut water is that it contains magnesium, which may help improve insulin sensitivity. 

Reduce Your Added Sugar Intake

Now, there is something to clarify in regards to this benefit. If you buy coconut water from grocery stores, you have to make sure that there are no added sugars or “natural flavors” on the ingredient list. You should purchase 100% coconut water that doesn’t come from concentrate. Harmless Harvest coconut water, for example, is an excellent option that is pure coconut water. Drinking 100% coconut water ensures that you don’t consume added sugars that are commonly in sodas, bottled juices, coffee drinks, and sports drinks.

Great After Prolonged Exercise

As we mentioned earlier in this article, coconut water is an excellent source of electrolytes. Replenishing electrolytes lost during exercise can help you maintain proper fluid balance and muscle function. Vital electrolytes include potassium, calcium, sodium, and magnesium, and coconut water happens to be rich in magnesium and potassium. Several studies found that drinking coconut water post workout is more beneficial than drinking water after exercise. A 2014 study found that coconut water improved exercise capacity better than a sports drink or water!

May Help Reduce Blood Pressure

Research suggests that including more potassium in your diet can help support heart health by reducing blood pressure. Potassium works to ease tension in your blood vessel walls, which helps to reduce blood pressure. Most Americans consume more sodium than they do potassium, which can increase blood pressure and risk of stroke. Eating more potassium rich foods like coconut water can help blunt the effects of sodium.

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Making up 60% of the human body, water is necessary for you to live. It helps you flush toxins from the body, maintain a healthy weight, and contribute to regular bowel movements. When you drink enough water every day, you can experience more youthful-looking skin, optimal muscle performance, and higher energy levels. Failure to drink enough water, however, can cause adverse symptoms that contribute to an unhealthy body. 

One of the quickest ways to put the body in a mild state of dehydration is to avoid drinking water before, during, and after workouts. You lose water and electrolytes via sweat when you exercise, and dehydration can prevent you from achieving your workout goals. The amount of water in the body affects the way your muscles, cells, and even brain functions. When you properly hydrate, you may actually optimize exercise performance. 

Drinking enough water helps your blood pump more efficiently and works to cool you down more quickly. The exact amount of water you need to drink will depend on your workout and level of exertion. The temperature, humidity, location of workout, and intensity level will influence your water needs. One of the best indicators of being hydrated is by looking at the color of your urine. The goal is to have pale yellow urine, not a darker yellow. Continue reading to learn more about hydration mistakes that most people make during exercise. 

You Don’t Drink Enough Before, During, And After A Workout

Exercise experts advise people to drink about 17-20 ounces of water in the two hours leading up to a workout. Additionally, you should drink another eight ounces about 20-30 minutes before you start your workout. During a workout, aim to drink another eight ounces of water every 10-15 minutes. Once you complete your workout, drink about 12-24 ounces of water. If you had a real sweat session, you will need to drink more fluids and electrolytes, which brings us to the next mistake people make. 

You Don’t Replenish Electrolytes You Lose

On average, people lose up to half a liter of sweat every 30 minutes during exercise. This will depend on how intense the workout is and whether or not you regularly take breaks. It can rise to three or four liters of sweat per hour, especially if the metabolic rate is high. Sweat consists of mostly water, but it also contains magnesium, calcium, sodium, potassium, and chloride. These minerals are electrolytes and they assist with numerous bodily functions. For example, they aid with waste removal, nutrient absorption, and water distribution. Sodium is the most prominent electrolyte you lose via sweat, so it is wise to consume electrolytes post workout, or even during a workout to counteract your loss of these minerals. 

There Is No Plan For Hydration

If you go for a jog, take a long walk, or go on a hike, you may not always bring water. This is a mistake. Always have water at the ready if you plan to engage in physical activity. Do not rely on water fountains to keep you hydrated, because they won’t. People who forget to bring water tend to get dehydrated and then guzzle water after their workout. By then, it’s too late for the body to experience the benefits of hydrating before and during your workout. Plan your hydration around your workout and you won’t put the body in a state of dehydration. 

Your Sports Drink Choice Is All Wrong

Gatorade, Pedialyte, Powerade, and Vitamin Water tend to be the go-to brands for electrolyte drinks. Unfortunately, these drinks contain a lot of sugar and may only benefit you if you are really breaking a sweat. A better electrolyte-rich beverage is coconut water because it contains sodium, manganese, potassium, and has a low sugar content. Always check the label, though, because some brands sneak added sugars into the drink. Avoid caffeinated, high-sugar energy drinks because they can actually raise blood pressure and increase the risk of dehydration. 

You Count On Thirst As An Indicator Of When To Drink

When you need fluids, the body will let you know, right? It will, but only after you are in a mild state of dehydration. The body doesn’t send you a strong signal that it needs water until you are 2% dehydrated. This degree of dehydration may not seem like it affects your health, but it is enough to negatively impact your performance. It may also make your workout seem a lot harder than it is. Don’t wait until you are thirsty because you are too late at that point and you’ll start the process of catching up. 

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This week on Top5, we’ll be telling you the Top 5 Reasons To Drink Coconut Water!

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Yogurt may be one of the best breakfast foods. It’s too bad that packaged yogurt products are replete with artificial flavors and excess sugars. You can easily make your own yogurts with natural, raw vegan ingredients. Normally, our cleanse-approved yogurt recipes use cashews or banana as the base. Both of those ingredients provide optimum creaminess, which helps replicate the texture of real yogurt.

This recipe is a game changer because raw coconut meat makes for the perfect yogurt base. Not only is it inherently sweet, but it offers a unique nuttiness that enhances the flavor of the yogurt. You will have to get your hands on some young Thai coconuts in order to make this recipe, but it’s so worth it. Make sure not to throw away the fresh coconut water because you’ll need it for the blending process.

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Sometimes, you may want to reach for an unhealthy, artificially flavored, unnaturally sugary sports drink because you think it will increase immune function or improve your workouts. Let’s get rid of that notion and focus on fueling the body with real ingredients and high quality H20!

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Whether you are engaging in moderate exercise to high-intensity circuits, you will lose sweat. In addition to losing water when you sweat, you also lose calcium, potassium, sodium, and chloride, which are essential electrolytes. You must replenish electrolytes in order to assist with muscle and nerve recovery post workout. This drink is much better than those sugary, bottled electrolyte drinks that don’t do anything for the body.

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Some people refer to coconut water as the “nectar of the gods,” appreciating the refreshing sweetness that has been known to cool people down and boost hydration. Coconut water is trendy because it is marketed as one of the best natural sources of electrolytes. We don’t want to take anything away from coconut water, but most bottled varieties go through intense pasteurization and contain preservatives, added sugars, flavors, concentrate, and mature coconut water.

The Sneaky Ways Of Coconut Water Brands

Unfortunately, chemicals and processing methods ruin coconut water’s inherent benefits, making it harmful instead of beneficial. The best coconut water is from green coconuts because they are young and the water is sweet and full of nutrients. Most companies use older coconuts because they are cheaper for manufacturing. Since the water is bitter, companies need to add sweeteners and flavors during processing for a palatable experience for the consumer. Those “natural flavors” are not so natural. In addition to the preservatives that are listed on the ingredient label, many coconuts are sprayed with sodium metabisulphite or formaldehyde for transportation to keep them fresh.

All of that said, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with drinking coconut water straight from the coconut. Fresh, raw coconut water from younger green coconuts is rich in fiber, protein, vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, and manganese. If you can’t get your hands on young Thai coconuts, a great coconut water brand is Harmless Harvest, which purchases organic coconuts from fair trade farms and doesn’t use any preservatives or pasteurization. You can view the benefits of coconut water below.

Boosts Immune Function

Containing anti-viral and antibacterial properties, coconut water helps to enhance immune function and supply the body with necessary electrolytes and other nutrients. The inherent antioxidants work to fight oxidative stress, but keep in mind that most bottled varieties that go through pasteurization have reduced antioxidant content.

Anti-Aging Properties

Coconut water is rich in cytokinins, which are actually the hormones that help plants grow. According to several studies, these compounds have anti-aging properties that help to hydrate the skin and make it appear more youthful and glowing. There have been several claims about the cancer-fighting properties of cytokinins, but no major studies have confirmed these statements.

Great For Muscles

Your muscles require calcium almost as much as you bones and teeth do. Calcium assists with proper muscle contraction and relaxation, and accelerates the recovery of broken down muscle fibers after a workout. Now, in order for calcium to improve muscle function, the body also requires magnesium, which is in coconut water. Magnesium helps deliver both calcium and potassium to muscles, aiding with proper contraction and relaxation. While coconut water contains calcium and magnesium, you’ll need to seek out other dietary sources to obtain the recommended daily intake of these minerals.

Boosts Hydration

Nearly every single person could use some help in the hydration department. We’ve written several articles on how to keep the body hydrated (view our most recent post here). You don’t need sugary sports drinks because research has shown that the body actually responds positively during exercise when fresh coconut water is consumed prior to working out. The sugar content and processed ingredients in sports drinks will actually dehydrate the body, whereas the electrolytes in coconut water boost hydration.

Improves Heart Health

People with high blood pressure often have disproportionate levels of electrolytes. Potassium is an essential electrolyte that helps to balance fluid and electrolyte levels, and an eight-ounce glass of coconut water contains as much potassium as a banana. Some nutritionists recommend that people with high blood pressure drink one cup of fresh coconut water in the morning to assist with electrolyte balance for optimal heart health. The magnesium content in coconut water also contributes to healthy heart function.

There are a lot of coconut water brands out there, and most of them are not beneficial to drink. Always read the labels and strive to drink coconut water from young green coconuts for optimal sweet flavor and higher nutrient content.

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Get a healthy dose of electrolytes when you drink either one of these three energy-boosting drinks. These are only Full Body Cleanse approved if you use raw coconut water from fresh coconuts. Bottled coconut water can often have preservatives or added sugars, so make sure you are using raw coconut water!

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