The leaves change, the weather gets cooler, and the scent of pumpkin spice emanates from almost every coffee shop. If those things do not indicate fall, we don’t know what will. A lot of people also spend more time indoors, due to colder weather, and that just so happens to coincide with the arrival of cold and flu season. If you like to take a more proactive approach to health, which includes strengthening the immune system, that can only benefit you this fall.

Why Prioritize Immune Health Now?

The immune system works round the clock to protect the body from harmful pathogens. There is no magic pill that guarantees full immunity, but there are many practical, science-backed methods that can help you enhance immune defense. Getting a head start on immune support is integral to having a vibrant fall and winter. Build up your resilience before you come down with the common cold or flu. Consider the following strategies to fuel your immune system this fall. 

Get Creative When You Feel Too Tired To Exercise

Movement is better than no movement at all, as physical activity improves circulation, lowers stress, and helps immune cells travel throughout the body with ease. Physical activity can also boost energy levels, enhance digestive function, and improve brain health. Sometimes, you don’t want to go to the gym or spin class on colder fall days. That’s completely fine, but it’s important to get creative in order to fit some movement into your day. That can be as simple as a 15-minute walk through the neighborhood, following a 25-minute yoga video in the living room, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Consistency is key, and even short bursts of activity can help encourage better immune function. 

Stay Hydrated

When the weather is colder, it is more common for people to avoid water. The reason for this is because they don’t feel like they need to hydrate because of the summer heat. Water works to carry nutrients to cells and helps the body flush out toxins, two processes that are vital to optimal immune function. By drinking plenty of water throughout the day (more than you think you need), you can help keep up the body’s natural defenses. You can also enhance hydration by eating water-rich foods and drinking herbal teas. Just remember that caffeinated beverages and sugary drinks can dehydrate the body. 

Prioritize Quality Sleep

Sleep is not a luxury; rather, it is a necessity. That is true whether you are discussing immune function, mental health, stress, or digestion. During sleep, the body produces cytokines, which are protective proteins that are essential for fighting inflammation and infection. Sleep experts encourage people to get seven to nine hours of sleep per night. To maintain healthy sleep habits, establish a consistent sleep schedule, even on the weekends, and create a relaxing bedtime routine to ensure restful sleep. Lastly, make sure your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet to facilitate healthy sleep. 

Keep Stress Levels Down

It’s common to experience stress every now and again. Maybe your in-laws are visiting or you have $20 riding on a football game. Problems arise when stress becomes chronic, as it can actually suppress the immune system and make you more susceptible to illness. Finding ways to manage stress can go a long way in keeping cortisol levels in check. Try spending time in nature, connecting with loved ones, meditation, yoga, or engaging in hobbies that take your mind off things. If stress becomes unmanageable and overwhelming, consider talking to your primary care provider or a mental health specialist. 

Don’t Forget Hand Hygiene

This is a simple act that offers a lot of protection, yet many people neglect proper hand hygiene. Perhaps their hands come in contact with many high-touch surfaces (shopping carts, doorknobs, etc.) and then they put their hands in the eyes, mouth, or nose. If those surfaces had germs on them, those germs could then enter the body and cause infection. If you touch something dirty, take 20 seconds to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water. That is especially true after you cough, sneeze, or use the restroom.

Fuel The Body With Nutrition

What you eat impacts your overall health, including your immune system. Health experts suggest people focus on consuming an array of colorful fruits and vegetables as a way to diversify antioxidant intake. Whole fruits and vegetables also offer integral vitamins, minerals, and compounds that encourage healthy immune function. In addition to eating the rainbow, it is best to consume: 

• Whole grains: they provide sustained energy because of the fiber content. Fiber works to enhance gut health, which is closely linked to immune function. 
• Healthy fats: essential for reducing inflammation and enhancing nutrient absorption, you can find these in nuts, seeds, avocados, olive oil, and avocado oil.
• Probiotic foods: sauerkraut, kefir, yogurt, kombucha, kimchi, natto, and miso are all rich in probiotics, which support a healthy microbiome. A higher presence of healthy bacteria in the gut has been linked to better immune function.

SHARE:

The post 6 Ways To Fuel Your Immune System This Fall appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

From breaking down food and absorbing nutrients to enhancing immune function and energy production, the gastrointestinal tract plays a large role in your overall health. Maintaining a healthy digestive system benefits both your mental and physical well-being. There are many ways to encourage optimal digestive function, but one of the easiest ways is to add smoothies to your daily routine. 

When you make smoothies a part of your daily regimen, you can help support regularity, improve nutrient absorption, and decrease bloating and digestive discomfort. Just because you drink a smoothie, that doesn’t give you an excuse to eat whatever the rest of the day. A large cup of nutrient-dense ingredients will not cancel out a calorically-dense, sodium-rich fast food meal. 

Set yourself up for a bloat-free day by starting your day with any of the smoothies detailed in this article. As a quick note, not all of these smoothies are cleanse-approved. The reason for this is because some of the ingredients, such as oats and yogurt, offer pre- and probiotics that some raw vegan ingredients do not. If you make one or more of these smoothies and experience better digestive function, let us know in the comments. 

Pineapple Ginger Green Smoothie

This is a refreshing green smoothie that tastes like a little slice of tropical paradise. Many of the ingredients in this smoothie contain compounds that help reduce inflammation and calm the stomach. Ginger, for example, exhibits natural soothing properties, while spinach offers iron, magnesium, protein, folate, and other essential vitamins and minerals. Pineapple adds some sweetness, along with bromelain, a digestive enzyme that helps break down proteins. That makes this blend of ingredients perfect for soothing the digestive tract. 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup spinach
• 1/2 cup pineapple, cubed
• 1 banana, peeled and sliced
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. 
• Pour into two large cups and enjoy immediately. 

Pear Cardamom Oat Smoothie

Talk about fall in a cup! Pears are not only seasonal fall fruits, but they are also excellent sources of fiber (both soluble and insoluble) and sorbitol and fructose, two sugars that stimulate digestion. Both soluble and insoluble fiber help maintain bowel regularity by softening stool to make it easier to pass. Oats also contain fiber, protein, and complex carbs. 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pear, cubed
• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 2 teaspoons agave nectar
• 1/2 cup ice
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. If the smoothie is too thick, add a little more almond milk or water to thin it.
• Pour into a large cup and enjoy immediately. 

Cucumber Mint Probiotic Smoothie

Ideal for warmer days, this smoothie is as cool and hydrating as it is beneficial for the digestive tract. Mint, just like ginger, works to soothe the digestive system, while yogurt provides essential probiotics to help maintain healthy gut flora. It is a refreshing smoothie choice for anyone looking to boost digestive function. 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cucumber, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup mint leaves
• 1/2 banana, peeled and sliced
• 1 teaspoon agave nectar
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
• Pour into a large cup and enjoy immediately. 

Avocado Banana Yogurt Smoothie

Is this a smoothie or a milkshake? We’ll leave that for your taste buds to decide! This ultra creamy smoothie is rich in healthy fats and probiotics. Studies show that avocado works to soothe the digestive tract, while Greek yogurt supplies the gut with beneficial bacteria. Both the ground flaxseed and cinnamon add fiber and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help relieve bloating. 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 avocado, pitted and peeled
• 1 small banana, peeled and sliced
• 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
• Dash of cinnamon

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. If you want, you can freeze the banana prior to blending to make the smoothie extra creamy.
• Pour into two large cups and enjoy immediately. 

Creamy Paleo Green Smoothie

Silky smooth and undeniably delicious, this creamy green smoothie is naturally rich in chlorophyll, fiber, iron, and vitamins C, K, and so much more. It contains flaxseed and avocado, both of which provide omega-3 fatty acids, which benefit brain and heart health. Ground flaxseed also helps to regulate bowel movements and improve energy levels, due to the presence of lignans. Just remember that a little flaxseed goes a long way. 

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1/2 avocado, peeled and pitted
• 1/2 cup spinach
• 1/2 banana, peeled, sliced, and frozen overnight
• 1/2 tablespoon ground flaxseed
• 1/2 Medjool date, pitted

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. 
• Pour into a large cup and enjoy immediately. 

SHARE:

The post 5 Smoothies To Help Improve Digestion appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

We aren’t late to the party; rather, we were just waiting until the Fall Equinox before posting a pumpkin spice recipe. We can officially say that it is pumpkin spice season, which means warm fall flavors with colder weather on the horizon. While pumpkin spice lattes are not for everyone, the pumpkin spice flavor itself is highly versatile. It lends itself to a variety of sweet treats, smoothies, beverages, and more. In fact, it makes for a great addition to energy balls made with nuts and dates.

Do dates sweeten the energy bites? Yes, they do, but they also pack a lot of protein and fiber, two things that help you sustain energy and keep you full between meals. They also help bind all of the ingredients together. Dates are not the only energy-boosting ingredient in these balls. The raw almonds and chia seeds provide healthy fats, protein, fiber, and other macro and micro nutrients. Together, the almonds, dates, and chia seeds create the base, but the fun comes when you add the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice.

Should you want a nut-free version, you can replace the almonds with pumpkin or sunflower seeds. Additionally, you have the option to roll the energy balls in raw cacao powder or desiccated coconut, but that may yield a different flavor. The cacao powder will add a bitter element, which some people prefer because it balances the natural sweetness of the dates. We hope you enjoy this first taste of fall because many more pumpkin spice recipes will follow suit. Be on the lookout for all things pumpkin spice and everything nice.

SHARE:

The post Pumpkin Spice Date Energy Balls appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

When the pipes are clogged, life is no fun. You sit and strain on the toilet, but nothing comes out, except intense grunts and frustration. The fact is: you are constipated. Constipation, in addition to being quite frustrating, is fairly common, affecting between 12 to 19% of the American population chronically. 

What Is Constipation?

Constipation is the most common digestive complaint and is associated with reduced quality of life and a substantial amount of economic costs. The Mayo Clinic classifies constipation as having fewer than three bowel movements per week. Additionally, people also have difficulty passing stool, and the stool is hard, dry, and lumpy. It typically stems from a lack of fiber and fluids in the diet and lack of physical exercise, but it can be caused by certain health conditions and medications. 

For a select number of people, constipation is a chronic condition. For others, it is a rare occurrence that can be remedied by changing routine, changing dietary habits, and exercising regularly. No matter the cause of your constipation, you can find relief; it just depends on how you do it. Continue reading to learn about several tips to relieve constipation at home. 

Adjust Your Diet

If you are struggling with constipation, look to your kitchen for answers. You need to enrich your diet with fiber in order to keep your stool soft and bulky. Some great fiber-rich foods include oats, lentils, chickpeas, broccoli, flaxseed, black beans, carrots, apples, pistachios, raspberries, kale, and pears. Additionally, eliminate highly processed foods, fried foods, and high-fat foods from your diet, as they have very little fiber and can contribute to cardiovascular disease. As a final note on fiber, it is possible for too much to cause bloating and gas. Always pair your fiber intake with water, or else constipation may worsen. 

Drink Lots Of Water

Water is essential for many bodily processes, including lubricating the digestive tract to help the body pass stool. Feeling backed up? Pour yourself a nice tall glass of water and drink it immediately. Additionally, reduce your intake of caffeinated beverages, as caffeine dehydrates the body by increasing urination. Health experts also warn against alcoholic beverages because they can irritate the digestive tract. 

Squat

You do not have to squat all the way down to the ground, which may be quite difficult for some, in order to poop. That said, the best position for pooping involves the knees to be above the hips. That position helps move things along without the need to strain. These days, there are many products that can help you get into that squatting position. You can also hug your knees or rest your feet on a small stool while you sit on the toilet. 

Do Not Hold It In

This seems like a no-brainer, but there are a lot of people who refuse to poop unless they are in the comfort of their own home. When nature calls, do not ignore it. Do not avoid a public restroom, unless it is unfathomably dirty. Additionally, do not become too busy for your body, as that is a common trigger for constipation.

Increase Physical Activity

If you want to get things moving, you have to move yourself. In fact, take your poop not moving as a sign to get moving! When you exercise, you accelerate several bodily functions, such as circulation and the amount of oxygen that exists in the blood. You also engage the muscles that are responsible for pushing waste out of the body. A 10-minute walk or several chair exercises may be enough to get things moving. 

Give Yourself Some Time

If you feel that your time to eliminate is in the morning, try to wake up a little earlier to give yourself more time. You can eat breakfast, read an article, or watch a show before allowing your bowels to move. Warm drinks, such as hot tea or black coffee, can encourage you to go. Plus, you probably feel more relaxed using your bathroom at home. Don’t get too relaxed, though, because the more time you spend on the toilet, the likelier you are to strain, which can cause hemorrhoids. Limit your toilet time to 10 minutes and don’t force anything out. 

Manage Your Stress

There is a connection between what goes on in your head and what happens in your gut. In fact, it is very common for people with depression or anxiety to experience constipation. When the body is stressed, it is in fight-or-flight mode. Excess stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol, flow throughout the body and can slow digestion and other bodily functions. Long-term stress can lead to a sluggish gut, so learn to manage your stress with breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, or journaling. Find what works for you and run with it!

SHARE:

The post 7 Tips To Relieve Constipation At Home appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

For many people, constipation and digestive troubles are not comfortable topics to discuss in public. We do not believe in talking about such topics in private because they affect millions of people worldwide. Nobody wants to struggle on the toilet, especially when eliminating with ease is very attainable. All you have to do is give the body the right foods, engage in some light physical activity, and make a few other small adjustments.

When you maintain a fiber-rich diet and drink a lot of water, you can help prevent constipation. You can increase your fiber intake and enhance hydration efforts by drinking certain smoothies, such as this recipe for constipation relief. This smoothie is the perfect blend of liquid and fiber. Plus, it is pre-digested, meaning the body does not have to work hard to break down the food to absorb nutrients.

One of the ingredients that benefits digestion is pineapple, which contains the enzyme bromelain, which works to improve digestion and reduce inflammation. Bromelain works to break down protein in the body, and some studies indicate that it may support weight loss because bromelain can increase the speed at which the body digests fats. Additionally, bromelain exhibits anticancer effects, but this research was limited to in vivo and in vitro studies. More research is still necessary to confirm these results in adults.

SHARE:

The post Constipation Relief Smoothie appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Pooping is something everyone does on a daily basis, ideally once or twice per day, but nobody wants to talk about it. We love to talk about it! If you aren’t eliminating on a regular basis, then something is going on, be it poor eating habits, insufficient exercise, stress, or a digestive problem. Whatever the case may be, it can be quite frustrating (and painful) if you cannot poop.

According to available data, constipation affects 18% of adults in the United States. It is a common issue that people of all ages can experience and it has various causes. Lack of fiber, delaying bowel movements, traveling, certain medications, and hormonal changes can all cause constipation. It can also be a symptom of other health conditions and some common symptoms include:

• Fewer than three bowel movements per week
• Hard, dry, or lumpy stools
• Straining during bowel movements
• Bloating or abdominal pain
• Feeling like you still need to eliminate after using the toilet

What you eat can have a big impact on digestive function. Certain foods can also help you improve symptoms of constipation. Foods that are naturally rich in fiber, fluids, and natural laxatives can make stool easier to eliminate. Enjoy the following foods to help stimulate bowel movements. 

Mangos

The mango is a juicy, tropical fruit that is a staple in many smoothie, dessert, and salad recipes. You can also cube it up to use it as a topping for acai bowls or chia pudding recipes. According to several studies, mangos can aid with constipation relief. Mangos are naturally rich in fiber, which adds bulk to stool, allowing it to move more easily through the digestive system. One study found that participants who ate 300 grams of mango (about one to two mangos) per day over four weeks saw an improvement in constipation. 

Kiwi

As a vitamin C superstar, kiwi is an excellent fruit to help boost immune function. It may also be an effective constipation remedy, as it is naturally rich in soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber helps optimize gut microbiome, while insoluble fiber helps maintain regular bowel movements, but you can click here to learn more about the difference between them. Several studies indicate that kiwis work to improve complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBMs), bowel habits, and transit time. Researchers attribute the constipation relieving abilities to the fiber content in kiwis. Another study found that eating two kiwis per day can reduce abdominal discomfort and improve constipation. 

Figs

These soft, sweet, fruits are not for everyone, but they do help relieve symptoms of constipation. They are less popular than apples and prunes for improving bowel movements, but studies show that fig paste can improve transit time and stool consistency. One study monitored people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) who ate four dried figs per day reported a decrease in symptoms of constipation, including hard stools, compared to those who ate a placebo. 

Apples

According to surveys, apples are the most consumed fruit in the United States. They are naturally rich in pectin, a type of soluble fiber that works to improve the transit time of food in the digestive system. Pectin helps to absorb water in the digestive tract, which creates larger, softer stools that are easier to eliminate. Researchers note that supplementing with pectin can increase colon transit time and decrease constipation symptoms. 

Prunes

Potentially one of the most effective constipation remedies, prunes are rich in fiber and sorbitol, making them a natural laxative that can stimulate bowel movements. Studies indicate that prunes significantly improve stool consistency and increase the number of CSBMs when compared to psyllium, another form of soluble fiber that is occasionally used as a laxative. 

Psyllium

To round out the list of foods that help you poop, we have psyllium. Psyllium can come in husk or powder form, and supplement manufacturers use it in laxatives because it increases the bulk of stool. It does this by drawing in water to ease the passage of stool. According to several studies, psyllium can reduce straining, improve stool frequency and consistency, and reduce stomach pain. Although psyllium isn’t as effective as prunes, it is a natural laxative to experiment with if you have a prune allergy. 

Still need a little help encouraging a bowel movement? Consider our Bowel Motion formula, which contains herbs designed to alleviate bloating and gas. It also stimulates peristalsis and helps maintain regular bowel movements.

SHARE:

The post 6 Foods To Help You Poop appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

There is no doubt that you have seen or been to a smoothie establishment. There are healthy options, seemingly healthy options, and glorified milkshakes. Some of the recipes even state that they contain juice and ice cream. Those smoothies do not do anything for your overall health. In fact, they only make you crave unhealthy foods and increase your sugar intake. 

On the other hand, a smoothie can be an excellent source of easy-to-digest fuel for the entire body, especially your muscles. That should be of great interest if you are focusing on your gains in the gym. With the following ingredients, you can ensure your smoothies will be nutrient-dense, instead of detracting from your progress. 

Spirulina

It’s possible that this ingredient may not be a go-to selection for you, but it is one of the most nutrient-dense ingredients on this list. Familiarize yourself with spirulina, which is a blue-green algae that is rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, B-vitamins, zinc, iron, beta-carotene, and so much more. Just remember that a little goes a long way and it can have a seaweed-like taste, so don’t treat this like protein powder. 

Beets

Yes, you can add beets to your smoothie and make it taste good! Beets exhibit anti-inflammatory activity and are rich in iron, folate, and several B-vitamins. A one-cup serving of beets also offers 442 milligrams (mg) of potassium, which may help lower blood pressure. The body can better absorb iron when you consume it with vitamin C, so pair beets with citrus fruits, apples, and carrots for better nutrient absorption.

Cinnamon

Fruits and vegetables get a lot of love and support as smoothie ingredients, but spices like cinnamon are typically neglected. Cinnamon is as versatile as it is aromatic and flavorful. According to several studies, cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar, making it an excellent choice for people with diabetes. It may also reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol. It is also a warming spice that goes great with bananas, almond butter, maple syrup, chia seeds, pears, and more.

Bananas

Believe it or not, every smoothie does not have to contain bananas, but it is a useful ingredient, both nutritionally and texturally. Frozen or soft, bananas bring both a natural sweetness and creamy texture to your smoothies. They are also rich in potassium, fiber, complex carbs, and vitamin B6, which is integral for optimal brain and immune function. 

Almond Butter

If you have the option to purchase raw almond butter, please do so because other varieties can include added sugars and problematic oils. Almond butter is a great smoothie ingredient because it contains monounsaturated fat and doesn’t have nearly as much saturated fat as peanut butter. It is also rich in protein and fiber, two nutrients that help keep those hunger pangs at bay. 

Non-Dairy Milk

Although water is a perfectly acceptable liquid to use in a smoothie, non-dairy milks make smoothies more creamy and filling. One of the primary benefits of non-dairy milks is that they increase calcium absorption. Regarding protein content, soy milk is the best option, but soy can be inflammatory for many people. Both almond milk and cashew milk are great options for smoothies as well. Whichever non-dairy milk you select, make sure to buy unsweetened varieties, as many contain added sugars, stabilizers, and other processed ingredients. You can also make your own non-dairy milks, which is the best and most nutritious option.

Chia Seeds

These seeds may be small, but they are mighty, packing a lot of heart-healthy omega-3s and fiber per serving. Research suggests that chia seeds may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Don’t add too many chia seeds to a smoothie, or else the texture of the smoothie may feel closer to chia pudding. As a side note, chia pudding is a great pre- or post-workout snack to fuel your muscles. 

Spinach

Popeye was leading the charge about popularizing spinach! It is a great green to add to smoothies because it doesn’t really flavor your smoothies. Add bananas and some other fruits and you won’t even know the spinach is there, besides the color. Spinach is a great source of protein, magnesium, folate, iron, and more. It also contains lutein, which promotes healthy eyesight. Spinach is also a great source of vitamin K, with one serving providing nearly 200% of the daily value. 

Raspberries

To round out the list, we have raspberries, which are low in sugar (five grams per cup) and full of fiber (eight grams per cup). Raspberries are also rich in potassium, vitamin C, and a variety of antioxidants. Pair raspberries with a protein source and your smoothie will be great for muscle building and anti-aging.

SHARE:

The post Top 9 Smoothie Ingredients For Men appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

We are back with yet another energy ball recipe, only this time it is for vegans because it has oats. The oats not only act as a binding agent, just like the dates, but they also help to fill you up. They are naturally rich in protein, fiber, healthy fats, iron, zinc, and other vitamins and minerals. Oats are one of the best sources of beta-glucans, a soluble fiber that may help lower cholesterol, especially bad LDL cholesterol. That soluble fiber also slows digestion, increases feelings of fullness, and may increase bile acid production. It may also help to reduce blood sugar and insulin after a carb-heavy meal.

This recipe is just another way to show you that snacking can be healthy. You just have to use the right ingredients that provide valuable nutrition and sustenance. The problem with many store bought snacks, such as chips, cookies, or other packaged goods, is that they do not fill you up. You can eat an entire bag of chips and still feel hungry, but that is also because they contain ingredients that keep you coming back for more. These raspberry energy balls are completely sugar- and gluten-free, making them a great snack to power you up between meals.

From this recipe, you should get about 20 balls, but it depends how big you make them. Ideally, roll them into about the size of a tablespoon or smaller. When you place them on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper, make sure to space them out in order to prevent them from sticking together. After freezing them for about 30 minutes, remove them and roll in the desiccated coconut before placing them back in the freezer to harden. Enjoy when ready!

SHARE:

The post Raspberry Energy Balls With Oats appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

There are many people who like to start the year with a cleanse. It’s a fresh start, a chance to wipe the slate of holiday eating away. A cleanse is also a way to help promote weight loss, which is a common New Year’s resolution. The great thing about a cleanse, especially one like the Full Body Cleanse, is that it provides a clear plan for the user to succeed. But why reserve detoxification efforts for one time of year when you can aid the body’s detoxification processes with vegan foods year round?

What Is A Detox Food?

A detox food is something that assists the body in eliminating harmful toxins and waste. These foods not only have diverse nutritional profiles, but also powerful properties that aid detoxification. If you are feeling sluggish, for example, incorporating the foods in this article into your diet can give the body a helping hand. As a n added bonus, these vegan foods are naturally rich in antioxidants and fiber. They are low in saturated fat and cholesterol, while being rich in vitamins and minerals. Add the following foods to your plate to aid detoxification.

Beets

This vibrant red root veggie is one of the best detoxifying foods in the game. It works to push toxins out of the body while supporting the liver’s phase 2 detox. A healthy liver is necessary if you want to keep the body as clean as possible. The liver helps to cleanse the body, leading to better hormone balance, higher energy levels, and lower cholesterol levels. Beets are also rich in betaine, a potent antioxidant, and pectin, a fiber that clears boxing’s that the liver removes from the blood. Beets have also been known to aid immune function, fight inflammation, and assist with blood pressure management. 

Asparagus

Those green spears are not only tasty, but also incredibly good for you. Asparagus contains glutathione, which is an antioxidant that aids detoxification. Asparagus also contains iron, fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, E, and K. Several studies confirm that asparagus may help lower blood pressure and promote healthy kidney and bladder function. 

Grapefruit

A grapefruit is not just a food that belongs on an elderly person’s breakfast plate. It is naturally rich in vitamins A, C, and B1, in addition to pantothenic acid, fiber, biotin, and potassium. Researchers note that the enzymes in grapefruit work to break down the fat in the body, which helps encourage weight loss. Due to the fact that grapefruit interacts with certain medications, please consult your healthcare professional before increasing or starting your grapefruit intake. 

Garlic

Many cultures have used garlic for its medicinal properties for hundreds of years. Historically, it was incorporated into herbal remedies to aid detoxification. Studies show that the vitamin C and other antioxidant compounds in garlic work to clean the blood, support immune function, and aid cholesterol reduction. The beauty of garlic is that you can incorporate it into your diet easily because it lends itself to myriad dishes. 

Artichokes

First of all, eating spinach artichoke dip with chips does not count, and it definitely doesn’t aid detoxification. If anything, it gets in the way! Artichokes work to clean the liver and kidneys, while also helping to purify the blood. Artichokes cantina cynarin, an antioxidant that helps the liver produce bile, expel toxins, and digest fat. They also contain silymarin, which works to protect liver cells and membranes, allowing the liver to do its job and prevent against liver toxicity. 

Ginger

Ginger is one of nature’s best medicinal plants, and it is especially helpful for the digestive system. Studies show that ginger helps to move toxins through the digestive tract more efficiently. That helps reduce gas and helps prevent bloating. Additionally, ginger is naturally rich in antioxidants, which protect your cells and boost immune function. A 2022 review found that the antioxidants identified in ginger may enhance or complement the treatment for obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease.

Broccoli

Broccoli, in addition to other cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage, is a great food for supporting the liver. It is naturally rich in sulforaphane, a compound that helps fight off infectious cells in the body. Sulforaphane may also stimulate the liver to produce enzymes that aid with the detoxification. Broccoli also helps reduce inflammation throughout the body and promotes digestion by supporting a healthy microbiome.

If you are looking to aid detoxification during your efforts to go vegan, consider our Going Vegan 20-day Challenge. It has essential nutrients that many vegans struggle to get from foods alone, so it will only aid your dietary efforts and lifestyle shift. For a limited time (from 9/15/25 – 9/21/25), you can use code “GOVEGAN15” at checkout to get 15% off the product.

SHARE:

The post 7 Vegan Foods That Aid Detoxification  appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

The link between diet and the risk of developing dementia is not new. Various eating patterns can either reduce or increase a person’s dementia risk. For example, the Mediterranean and MIND diets prioritize foods, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and legumes, that improve cognitive function. On the other side of the equation, there are foods that increase the risk of cognitive decline. 

It should not come as a surprise that sugar is under a white hot light. Research indicates that excess sugar intake can harm both overall health, including brain health. According to the researchers behind this new study, sugar can interact with your genetics and impact long-term brain health. Continue reading to learn about key points of the study. 

About The Study

Researchers asked the following questions for this study:

• Does sugar intake (including added and total sugars) increase the risk of dementia?
• Does a person’s genetic makeup change that relationship?

In order to answer those questions, researchers observed dietary data from over 158,000 people in the UK Biobank, a massive study looking at how genetics, environment, and lifestyle habits influence disease. Researchers also calculated the genetic risk scores for sugar metabolism, dementia risk, and gut bacteria. The reason they examined gut bacteria is because of the role the gut-brain axis plays in disease development. They monitored the number of participants diagnosed with dementia for about 10 years. 

How Does Added Sugar Increase Dementia Risk?

The results of this study were consistent with previous studies: sugar intake increases the risk of dementia. Specifically, a higher intake of free sugars (the sugars added to foods or those found in syrups and fruit juices) was linked to a 43% higher risk of dementia. In fact, even natural sugars found in fruits and dairy products were linked to a minor increased risk of dementia. That said, the presence of fiber and antioxidants in those foods outweighs any potential downsides. 

Through the study, researchers noticed that genetics influence the risk of dementia. Participants who had genes tied to poor sugar metabolism, higher dementia risk, or certain gut flora were more vulnerable to the effects of sugar. Specifically, Oscillospira and Ruminococcaceae UCG-014, two types of gut bacteria, stood out as influential to dementia risk. 

Why Are Added Sugars So Problematic?

Added sugars and free sugars (found in pure sugar sources like honey, syrup, and fruit juices) are quickly and easily absorbed into the bloodstream. Because of that, they spike blood sugar and insulin. Additionally, these foods lack the fiber and nutrients that offer brain protection, which ultimately makes them more harmful over time. 

How To Reduce Your Risk Of Dementia

There are a number of ways to reduce the risk of dementia, such as exercising and taking certain vitamins. In the case of this study, you can protect your cognition by reducing the intake of free and added sugars. Perhaps you opt for plain Greek yogurt instead of sugary, fruit-flavored yogurt. You can replace unhealthy, carbs snacks with whole foods, such as apples and almond butter. Swap out the sugary drinks with unsweetened varieties. Cook your meals at home to control the sodium and sugar content. Other science-backed ways to reduce dementia risk include:

• Stay active: Exercise benefits the heart and the brain! A 2024 study found that being physically active every day, be it walking the dog, gardening, or household chores, can help improve cognitive processing speed, which ultimately keeps the brain sharp.
• Limit alcohol intake: Various studies show that excessive alcohol intake increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. If you currently drink alcoholic beverages, consider reducing the amount and frequency at which you do so. 
• Take a vitamin D supplement: According to one study of over 1,600 older adults, those with a moderate vitamin D deficiency had a 50-70% higher risk of dementia. Supplementing with vitamin D is an effective way to help prevent a deficiency. Consult your healthcare professional to determine the right amount to take. 
• Prioritize your sleep: Quality sleep matters, not just for energy levels, but also for your brain. In fact, it is one of the most powerful ways to maintain cognitive health. Sleep helps support memory retention and reduces brain inflammation.

SHARE:

The post Eating Too Much Sugar Can Increase Dementia Risk appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.