There are many fad diets that focus on cutting out entire food groups, calories, and more. Unlike those diets, the portfolio diet focuses on strategically incorporating specific cholesterol-lowering foods into your daily meals. Don’t think of this as a diet; rather, it is more akin to a plant-forward way of eating that helps you maximize health benefits, particularly for optimal cardiovascular function.

What Is The Portfolio Diet?

Any smart business person knows that it is best to diversify investments. You want to make your portfolio perform as best as it can, which is why this diet focuses on combining a specific combination of functional foods. You don’t count calories; rather, you prioritize nutrient synergy. Basically, the foods you eat work together to deliver strong cholesterol-lowering effects.  The diet is built around the following food categories:

• Viscous (soluble) fiber
• Plant-based protein
• Plant sterols
• Nuts

Many studies indicate that each of those components can independently improve cholesterol markers in humans. When you combine them, their effects are amplified and they can better support lipid profiles, reduce inflammation, and improve cardiometabolic health. Although this diet is compared to the DASH diet or Mediterranean diet, it is different in that it places more emphasis on foods clinically proven to lower cholesterol levels. 

How To Follow The Diet

The beauty of this diet is that it does not require perfection. As long as you are consistent and thoughtful with your food choices every day, you can be successful. 

Core guidelines:

• Base most of your meals around plant-based foods
• Replace saturated fats with unsaturated fats
• Include multiple portfolio components daily
• Limit or avoid consumption of ultra-processed foods and refined sugars

Daily targets:

• Viscous fiber: 10 to 25 grams (g) per day
• Plant-based protein: several servings per day
• Plant sterols: 2 g per day
• Nuts: 1 to 2 ounces (oz) per day

Viscous (Soluble) Fiber Sources:

• Oats and oat bran
• Psyllium husk
• Eggplant
• Barley
• Rye
• Chickpeas
• Beans and lentils
• Okra
• Vegetables
• Whole grains
• Apples, berries, and citrus fruits

Plant-Based Protein Sources:

• Lentils
• Chickpeas
• Black beans and other beans
• Legumes
• Split peas
• Soy foods (tempeh, tofu, soybeans)

Plant Sterol-Rich Foods:

• Fortified yogurts
• Fortified juices
• Certain fortified spreads
• Fortified plant milks

Nuts:

• Almonds
• Walnuts
• Hazelnuts
• Pecans
• Pistachios
• Nut butters
• Peanuts

Foods To Limit Or Avoid:

• Red and processed eats
• Fried foods
• Sugar-sweetened beverages (such as sodas and juices)
• Refined carbohydrates
• Butter, cream, and full-fat dairy
• Packaged snacks high in trans fats

Health Benefits Of The Portfolio Diet

The primary benefit is that this way of eating helps to lower cholesterol levels. Clinical trials found that combining portfolio foods can significantly reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. In fact, the effects were comparable to low-dose statin therapy in some individuals. That is largely attributed to the plant sterols blocking cholesterol absorption and soluble fiber binding to bile acids. A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials involving adults with hyperlipidemia found that combining the portfolio diet with a standard cholesterol-lowering background diet significantly reduced LDL cholesterol by 17%. 

It’s possible that following the portfolio diet may help reduce inflammation, as many portfolio foods contain anti-inflammatory properties. Research shows that plant-based dietary patterns, such as the portfolio diet, is associated with lower inflammatory markers linked to heart disease.

Due to the inclusion of more viscous fiber in the portfolio diet, you may experience better gut health. This soluble fiber produces short-chain fatty acids that support both digestive and metabolic health. Research found that increasing soluble fiber intake improved microbiome diversity. In fact, systematic reviews of plant-based dietary patterns in adults, such as the portfolio diet, increased beneficial bacterial groups in the gut.

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A finger lime is not a common produce item in the average person’s kitchen. While it is not exclusive to Michelin Star restaurants, it is not as common as the standard lime. As the name suggests, it is similar in size to a human thumb. It comes in several varieties with skins in varying shades of yellow, green, purple, and red. And each of those colors exhibits a subtle variance in flavor. 

What Are Finger Limes?

The finger lime is endemic to Australia and although their outer skin is similar to a regular lime, the inside couldn’t be more different. When you cut one open, you will find tiny little pearls, also known as vesicles. It’s almost as if these fruits are like nature’s caviar! These juicy pearls exhibit a tart flavor and the texture is reminiscent of the classic Pop Rocks candy. Finger limes are also like kumquats, in that you can eat the entire fruit, including the skin, if you so choose. It is the pearls, however, that most people use when cooking. 

Health Benefits Of Finger Limes

Just like other members of the citrus family, finger limes offer some unique health benefits. Researchers attribute these benefits to the many phenolic compounds in the skin and vesicles. The primary phenolic compounds in finger limes are flavonoids, which offer potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which support the body in myriad ways. Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of finger limes. 

High Antioxidant Activity

Antioxidants are substances that can help protect the body from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. The body naturally produces free radicals, but you don’t want an excess amount in the body. Research shows that too many free radicals in the body can increase the response to smoking, stress, pollution, and other environmental factors. They cause damage to cells and contribute to chronic diseases, early signs of aging, and other health conditions. The antioxidant compounds in finger limes aim to protect the body’s cells and support overall health. 

They Have Antimicrobial And Antiviral Properties

According to emerging research, finger limes (among other native citrus fruits) may contain compounds rich in antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Researchers believe these compounds support immune resilience. More research is necessary to determine the efficacy of these compounds in relation to improved immune function. 

They Are Rich In Fiber

Health experts encourage adults to eat at least 14 grams of fiber for every 1,000 calories consumed. That equates to about 28 to 34 grams of fiber per day for most men and 25 grams for women, although most consume less than half that amount. Fiber also helps balance gut microbiome, regulates blood sugar levels, and lowers the risk of certain cancers. One serving of finger limes (7 limes) offers three grams of fiber. Although they are not a high-fiber food, three grams is an excellent start on the road to the recommended daily intake. 

Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

Inflammation is the immune system’s normal response to stress, trauma, or infection. Problems arise when inflammation becomes chronic, as it contributes to issues such as arthritis, autoimmune disorders, heart disease, and other conditions. Some of the compounds in finger limes work to reduce inflammation by blocking the production of cytokines, which are made by the body during an inflammatory response. By reducing the production of inflammatory cytokines, you may help alleviate symptoms associated with chronic inflammation.

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What is a warming winter smoothie? Don’t worry, it isn’t a hot cup of soup. In order to properly define a warming smoothie, we have to journey into the Ayurvedic perspective on healthy beverages, such as smoothies. As you know, especially if you are familiar with our website, we love smoothies with all sorts of ingredient combinations. Like all things in Ayurveda, each ingredient can affect each person differently because of their unique blend of doshas (fundamental energies). There are, however, certain ingredients in Ayurveda that have a warming effect on the body.

In the case of this smoothie, nothing is cold. Say goodbye to ice cubes and frozen bananas. Ayurveda believes that cold beverages can weaken the digestive fire and lead to inflammation. Drinking beverages, even smoothies, at room temperature or warm can help boost overall health. Certain herbs, such as ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and mint, can not only promote digestion, but also warm the body’s internal fire. Whether or not you subscribe to this is entirely your opinion, but maybe you will have different thoughts after you drink this smoothie.

This smoothie contains pears, ginger, hemp seeds, raw almond butter, and homemade almond milk. This combination of ingredients provides the body with healthy fats, protein, fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins and minerals. Once everything in the blender is a smooth consistency, you can leave it blending for a while longer if you want to really embrace that warm sensation. That last part is entirely up to you!

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We are a little over a week into 2026 and many people have already begun their Dry January journey, a month of abstaining from alcohol. There are many reasons that draw people to participating in this yearly event. It’s possible that the body is in desperate need of a break after a week of spiked eggnog and celebratory bubbles. It’s also possible that concerns are more serious.

According to research and surveys, alcohol has become more of a problem in society since the COVID-19 pandemic. Drinking to excess, including binge drinking, increased by 21% in the United States during the pandemic. Researchers project that a one-year increase in alcohol consumption will cause 8,000 deaths from alcohol-related liver disease. 

It makes sense that people resorted to alcohol during the pandemic, which was full of uncertainty. Alcohol hits the neurochemical pathways in the brain to release endorphins that make you feel good. Many researchers state that sitting down with an alcoholic beverage provides a temporary sense of ease and comfort, making it a popular go-to for people to unwind. 

Why Do People Do Dry January

January marks the start of a new year, a fresh start to wipe the slate clean. The culture has programmed everyone into thinking that it is a time to break habits that no longer support your health. If you are concerned about your use of alcohol, the New Year may be the fresh start you need. You can join the masses who participate in Dry January, especially if you notice that your drinking habits have increased. Drinking more than seven alcoholic beverages per week can lead to a slew of health issues, so a month-long break may kickstart your efforts into changing up your beverage intake. Come February, you may find that alcohol doesn’t have the same place in your life as it did previously. 

You May Reduce Bloating And Lose Weight

Depending on how much you drank prior to Dry January, you may or may not lose a few pounds this month. Boozy beverages add empty calories to your diet, meaning they don’t fill you up the same way food calories do. Because of that, you can either keep drinking, or you increase your consumption of unhealthy foods, which leads to a caloric surplus. A lot of people also feel bloated as a result of drinking alcoholic beverages, especially from beer. Research states that chronic alcohol use can inflame the gastrointestinal tract, which can wreak havoc on the body. 

You May Sleep Better

A popular reason for drinking alcohol is to help relax the body and fall asleep. The reality is that while alcohol may put you to sleep, the sleep you get after drinking isn’t the best. You often wake up more frequently during the night and cannot get sufficient deep sleep. A small study found that drinking alcohol caused decreased sleep time and sleep efficiency. Dry January may benefit your sleep and energy levels, helping you feel more clear-headed and motivated. With that extra energy, you may have more energy for other activities, such as working out. 

You’ll Save Money

It is very easy to spend too much money when you hit the bars with friends. Shelling out $10 to $16 for a craft cocktail or pour of wine can put a serious dent in your wallet. Even if you don’t go out all the time, buying alcohol from the store several times a week can also add up. When you take a month off, you’ll notice that your bank account doesn’t decrease as rapidly. Realizing that may cause you to change your drinking habits once Dry January comes to a close. 

Your May Enhance Immune Function

A 2015 study found that healthy people who had an episode of binge drinking experienced a reduction in disease-fighting immune cells. Being intoxicated can suppress immune function, which makes you more vulnerable to pathogens. Chronic drinking, on the other hand, can increase your risk of inflammatory reactions throughout the body. Even one night of heavy drinking can impair your body’s ability to fight off infections for 24 hours. All that is to say that abstaining from alcohol may improve your body’s defense against viruses, bacteria, and pathogens. 

You’ll Have A New Relationship With Alcohol

When you hit the pause button on alcohol, you may realize that you don’t have to drink every day, or even at all. Learning that you don’t need alcohol in your life can be a valuable lesson for many people. Maybe you thought you needed alcohol to fall asleep, but you found that you slept better without it. The main thing is to analyze how you feel and assess the pros/cons of Dry January. It is very common that people view alcohol in a different light and have a more positive relationship moving forward. 

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Can too much stress in your life cause sickness? This was once thought to be a wellness cliché, but a growing body of research suggests that there may be real truth behind this theory. Chronic stress not only affects how you feel on an emotional level, but it also alters immune function on a cellular level. Ultimately, that changes how well the body defends itself against foreign invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, pollutants, and other germs. 

A recent study published in Frontiers in Immunology found that insomnia and anxiety were linked to significantly lower levels of natural killer (NK) cells. These cells are among the immune system’s first line of defense. Findings indicated that the more severe the anxiety, the steeper the decline in NK cells. That means that stress and anxiety may actively thin your immune system’s army, in a way, making you more susceptible to illness. 

What Are NK Cells And What Do They Do?

NK cells belong to the innate immune system, which you can think of as the body’s rapid-response team. These cells monitor blood and tissues, identifying and destroying damaged, infected, or abnormal cells before problems arise. There are two subtypes of NK cells:

• CD16+CD56dim cells: These cells make up the majority of NK cells and are very cytotoxic, which means that they directly destroy harmful cells. 
• CD16+CD56high cells: These cells assist with regulating immune signaling and inflammation. 
• If NK cell numbers decline too much, the immune system may find it difficult to both contain infections and abnormal cell growth in the early stages. That ultimately raises long-term health risks. 

What Did The Study Reveal?

To begin, researchers examined 60 female university students aged 17 to 23. Participants completely validated questionnaires, assessing self-reported anxiety and symptoms of insomnia. They also provided blood samples in order for researchers to measure different NK cell populations. 

Researchers noted that mental health responses were very bleak, with 75% of participants reporting anxiety symptoms. Roughly 17% and 13% of participants fell into moderate and severe categories. Additionally, 53% of the participants experienced sleep difficulties that researchers found consistent with insomnia. Besides these startling findings, researchers noted that blood samples revealed a much clearer picture:

• The severity of anxiety mattered, with mild anxiety showing minimal, non-significant changes. Moderate to severe anxiety was associated with a notable reduction of NK cells. 
• Students who reported anxiety symptoms exhibited both lower numbers and lower percentages of NK cells, including cytotoxic types. 
• In students who reported sleep disturbances, higher anxiety scores revealed an even greater decline in total peripheral NK cells. 

An Important Note

The study focused on young women between the ages of 17 and 23. Sleep disorders and anxiety are rising the fastest in this age group. Although that makes the findings relevant, it also limits how broadly they can be applied. Researchers need future studies across different ages, sexes, and regions in order to fully understand how stress affects immune function. 

The Takeaway

Stress is not just something that lives in the mind. The constant edge that you cannot shake or racing thoughts may reshape the immune system and how it functions, leaving your body more vulnerable to illness. This study serves to remind people that having stress management practices can help your emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing. Allow your whole body to flourish in the immediate and long-term when you get your stress under control.

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Why would you want to build resilience? Well, building resilience helps you overcome challenges, grow as a person, and face adversity. Unfortunately, you are not born with resilience, but anyone can practice and build it. Through various self-care practices, you can not only stay emotionally and mentally well, but also move through hard times and learn from experiences. This year, make it a point to become stronger and more resilient with these mental health practices. 

Set Realistic Goals

In order to set yourself up for success, you have to set realistic goals, which is essentially the practice of breaking down challenges into smaller, more manageable tasks. Not only will you build resilience by meeting your goals more often, but you’ll also move forward more quickly. If you want to run a 5K, for example, and you do not have a regular running routine, you cannot expect to be race-ready in a week’s time. Gradually build up your skills as a runner, jogging more each day until you have built up enough endurance to run one mile. Then you can run two miles and be closer to your 5K. 

• Break up those bigger goals into smaller steps. 
• Commit to each step and work toward your goal with a daily practice.
• Make sure each of your steps is realistic and doable. 
• Celebrate each accomplishment. 
• Gather support by reaching out to people who are working toward similar goals.

Build Problem-Solving Skills

Solving problems effectively is a great way to build resilience. To become more adept at problem-solving, you have to develop the knowledge and skillset to tackle problems with strategies that work. Consider these steps:

• Begin by identifying the problem you want to solve.
• Do your best to describe the problem by either writing it down or voicing it out loud.
• Try to determine the cause of the problem before trying to solve it.
• Think of several possible solutions for the problem. 
• Not the results and continue experimenting until you find a solution. 
• Having the right mindset will get you that much closer to solving the problem. 

Develop A Growth Mindset

When you have a growth mindset, you can see life’s challenges as new opportunities to learn. Basically, a growth mindset is the belief your abilities are not fixed; rather, you can develop new strengths and skills at any time. When you encounter something difficult, you do not retreat. You face the situation head on with the understanding that you will emerge a stronger person on the other side, and that you may learn a lesson to benefit you in the future. To help cultivate a growth mindset:

• Have realistic expectations of what you can accomplish. 
• Learn to embrace imperfections.
• Embrace the journey of learning via experience. 
• Learn to value and accept any and all criticism. 
• Reframe your idea of what failure means and learn from mistakes. 
• Give yourself the time and space to work through challenges or problems. 

Don’t Forget About Self-Care

What does self-care mean, and how does it help you build resilience? Well, you cannot move through difficult situations if you are not emotionally, mentally, and physically well. Self-care is any activity or practice that nourishes you. That could be reading a book in a bubble bath, meditating, or watching a couple episodes of your favorite show while doing a facial skin care routine. Common self-care practices include:

• Eating a nutrient-rich, balanced diet. 
• Practicing daily habits that help relieve stress, such as meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness.
• Prioritizing sleep.
• Writing and reflecting on thoughts, feelings, or life experiences. 
• Engaging in regular physical activity that you actually enjoy.

Embrace Change And Be Flexible

The last thing you want to be is rigid when it comes to building resilience. Life is about embracing change and adapting to things when you encounter them. Your resilience is dependent on your ability to change directions when necessary. It’s also about appreciating imperfections and learning from unexpected things or experiences. Some ways you can do this are as follows:

• Try to look at the bigger picture and know that overreacting to something difficult does not help you move forward. 
• Understand that change is a part of life and that even if things get shaky, the only thing you can control is your reaction. 
• Try to maintain some hope, even if life throws you a few curveballs. Difficult situations can be unexpected, but the same applies for good situations. 
• Become more mindful of fixed thoughts, such as, “There is no way I’m doing that.” Or, “Everything is going to be this way forever!”

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Do you ever feel like the winter just slows you down? You wouldn’t be the first person to answer “yes” to that question. During the winter months, when daylight hours are reduced and temperatures are cold, it is common to feel more tired. Mental health experts estimate that about 5% of people meet the criteria for seasonal affective disorder (SAD). 

What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?

This type of depression is related to changes in seasons. SAD typically begins around the same time every year, if the person has it. Most people with SAD start to feel symptoms in the fall and continue to experience them through the winter months. SAD drains you of energy and can cause moodiness, sluggishness, or general sadness. It is possible to reduce symptoms of SAD via light therapy, which aims to counteract the lack of sunlight during the winter. Although this therapy can help reduce symptoms, so can several diet tips. Learn about specific food choices that may improve symptoms of SAD. 

Reach For Foods Rich In Omega-3s

It is never a bad idea to include more omega-3 fatty acids, or omega-3s, in your diet. They are beneficial for brain health, as they encourage serotonin production. Omega-3s may also aid heart function and inflammation reduction. Some research indicates that omega-3s may reduce symptoms of depression. A meta-analysis from 2019 showed that omega-3 supplementation with at least 60% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) at doses of one gram or less helped reduce symptoms of depression. Omega-3 rich foods include walnuts, flax seeds, chia seeds, avocados, fatty fish, and more. 

Embrace Prebiotics

People like to focus on probiotics, which are incredibly beneficial to gut flora, but prebiotics are equally as important for a healthy microbiome. Prebiotics work to feed probiotics, and studies show that they exhibit mood-enhancing effects. Some common prebiotic foods include:

• Leeks
• Apples
• Garlic
• Onions
• Asparagus
• Jerusalem artichokes (sunchokes)
• Flaxseed
• Bananas
• Legumes

Eat More Probiotics

There are trillions of microorganisms that make up the gut microbiome. According to research, this community of microbes has close ties to the brain via a network of nerves that travel through what is known as the gut-brain axis. This can play a large role in your overall mood, or mood disorders like depression. Registered dietitians agree that eating more probiotic-rich foods can help increase the amount of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Not only does this support immune function, but it also influences the production of neurotransmitters and reduces inflammation associated with depression.

Avoid Alcohol

Statistically, spending more time indoors can lead to increased alcohol consumption. It is best to limit your consumption, or completely avoid, alcohol if you want to boost your mood. Alcohol is a depressant that can interfere with gut health, sleep, and the absorptions of micronutrients. All of those things can have an effect on mood, and may lead to other health complications. A 2020 study identified a link between higher levels of alcohol consumption and an increased risk of depression. 

Spice Up With Saffron

If you have a little extra income to spare, you may want to splurge on some saffron, which is one of the most expensive spices. Research suggests that saffron offers mood-enhancing properties. In fact, saffron may have antidepressant effects, helping to alleviate symptoms of mild to moderate depression. Saffron also contains croci and safranal, which are active compounds that may influence serotonin levels in the brain. 

Prioritize Vitamin D

If you want to boost your mood this winter, don’t try to make it through without vitamin D. Sunlight is the primary source of vitamin D for the majority of people, but it can be difficult to get sufficient sunlight exposure in the darker winter months. Meeting your vitamin D needs through food alone can be challenging. You can focus on fortified foods with vitamin D, such as orange juice and almond milk, or fish like salmon and tuna. Vitamin D is also found in certain mushrooms, depending on how they are grown. Lastly, you can take a vitamin D supplement, but you may need to consult your doctor about the right dose.

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Looking to tame the beast and condition the beard in the process? Sounds like you need a quality beard oil! Although there are many beard oils on the market, the good news is that you can easily make your own with natural ingredients. No need to worry about mystery fragrances or problematic chemicals damaging your skin!

Why Use Beard Oil?

By using beard oil, you can help soften beard hair and add shine. It can also tame those scraggly hairs, so your beard can look a little neater. If you notice that your skin is flaky or dry underneath the beard, using beard oil can help moisturize the skin, keeping the beard and skin supple and healthy. Some people find that regular use of beard oil helps reduce beard itch. Plus, beard oil can make your beard smell great!

Anecdotal reports state that beard oil can help promote beard growth, but this is not scientifically proven. Some essential oils used in beard oil, however, may help encourage or support beard hair growth. Beard oil is most effective as a moisturizer for the skin under the beard. After regular use, you should notice an improvement in the condition and appearance of the skin and beard. All skin types require nourishment, even oily skin. If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, consider using a beard oil with essential oils that exhibit antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Key Ingredients

If you want your beard to look well-groomed and shiny, as opposed to dusty and shaggy, you only need a few quality ingredients. The good news is that you don’t have to spend money on an expensive beard care kit! Consider the following ingredients when you make your own beard oil:

• Coconut oil is a great moisturizing carrier oil that helps to soften beard hair, which allows you to reduce itchiness. It is a common ingredient in hair and skin care products because it helps to hydrate the skin.
• Jojoba oil’s molecular structure mirrors human sebum, which the skin naturally produces. It is an emollient, which makes it effective for soothing skin and unclogging hair follicles. 
• Sweet almond oil is mild, lightweight, and great for all skin types. Due to its light texture, it is easily absorbed by the skin, helping to quickly add moisture.
• There are numerous essential oils out there, so it can be difficult to select which ones you want to use for your beard oil. Cedarwood essential oil has a woodsy aroma and may help reduce skin irritation, due to the antiseptic properties. Sandalwood is another common oil in beard care products, and its aroma may provide a sense of calmness. You can even use tea tree oil, peppermint essential oil, or eucalyptus essential oil for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. 

How To Make Beard Oil

You will need a small, ideally amber glass, bottle before you start mixing ingredients. The dark amber glass can help protect the health properties of the essential oils you use. Now, you can use your own measurements if you are brave and willing, but we have a sample recipe below for you to try.

DIY Beard Oil

Ingredients:

• 1/2 ounce jojoba oil
• 1/2 ounce sweet almond oil
• 1 tablespoon fractionated coconut oil
• 4 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 4 drops sandalwood essential oil

Instructions:

• Add the jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, and fractionated coconut oil to the glass bottle. 
• Next, add the essential oils to the bottle, place the cap on tightly, and shake well to combine. 
• To use, drop a few drops into your hands and then massage into your beard and onto your cheeks. Brush your beard for the finishing touch.

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The beginning of the year is a time when people set goals to inspire positive changes in their lives. Many people return to the age-old tradition of making New Year’s resolutions, while others prefer to set intentions. Some people choose to make vision boards, and many people don’t care to do any of that. If you are someone who enjoys making resolutions, this article will help you adopt three healthy habits that can improve your overall lifestyle and health.

Historians suggest that New Year’s resolutions date back more than 4,000 years to the Babylonian civilization. This was the first known society to celebrate the New Year. During the Akitu festival, the Babylonians presented themselves before their gods and pledged to repay debts and return borrowed items in hopes of a prosperous year ahead. To this day, paying off debts tends to top New Year’s resolutions, but neither paying off debts nor spending more time with family and friends is possible without good health. 

With that said, we have several healthy habits that you can easily adopt in 2026. If you do not eat healthy and exercise regularly, you will likely gain weight. Sedentary lifestyles and highly processed foods are large contributors to the growing obesity problem in the United States. You don’t have to adopt an all-or-nothing mindset; rather, you can make small adjustments over time. The key is to be consistent, as that is how you make lasting habits. 

Get Enough Sleep

Sleep plays a crucial role in your overall health, as it is the body’s natural way to rejuvenate and recover. You don’t want to oversleep, but you don’t want to stay awake all night, either. Life is about balance, and the research supports this. Some sleep data showed that people who slept fewer than five hours or more than eight to nine hours had worse blood sugar over time. Insufficient sleep can also lead to stress, overeating, and ultimately weight gain. Prioritize consistent sleep hygiene in order to achieve better health. Go to bed and wake up around the same time every day. Develop a consistent bedtime routine. You can even consider meditation, breathing exercises, or other relaxation techniques within an hour before bedtime to promote better sleep. 

Be More Active

Commit to moving your body more in 2026, especially after meals, as this habit can help improve metabolism, blood sugar, and overall wellbeing over time. Studies show that taking a short walk, even just for 10 minutes after a meal can lower blood sugar. Doing this after every meal is an easy habit to incorporate into your daily life. It is beneficial to involve the entire family, as that encourages more time outdoors, more time with family, and promotes physical activity for everyone. It is best to make an activity fun, as that is a great way to help it stick. Dance while cleaning up the kitchen or play games outside. By turning movement into quality time, you can help make it a habit. 

Follow A Healthy Diet

Your diet is the cornerstone of your health, and you cannot out-exercise a poor diet. Enjoy a diverse mix of colorful fruits and vegetables (eat the rainbow) to help enhance your intake of various vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytochemicals, and more. Some people prefer to adopt a dietary pattern, such as a vegan diet, Mediterranean diet, MIND diet, or DASH diet. These diets lead to better health markers, including improved heart function, lower inflammation, and reduced rates of cognitive decline. Ultimately, it is best to reduce your intake of sugar and ultra-processed foods. Even if you start there, you will drastically improve your health. Just one additional serving of a sugar-sweetened beverage per day can increase the risk of diabetes by 13 to 27%. Drink plain sparkling water with a squeeze of fresh lime, lemon, kiwi, or even basil, in place of sodas or sugary beverages. Additionally, replacing highly processed foods with fiber-rich and whole foods can make a significant difference to your health.

Remember that every decision counts, but you won’t have results without intention. Start small, but make consistent choices around sleep, exercise, and diet. You will see the difference over time and be able to live a longer, happier, quality life. Need a little kickstart in the new year? Get things moving and grooving with the 20-day Full Body Cleanse!

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If you have hypertension (high blood pressure), management is key in order to minimize your risk of heart attack or stroke. In order to manage high blood pressure, you have to avoid or limit certain foods, in addition to supplements, as they can affect blood pressure, or make matters worse. 

High blood pressure is characterized by a blood pressure reading of 130/80 mm Hg or higher. Older adults have a higher risk of the condition, due to large arteries getting stiffer with age. If you cannot control blood pressure on your own with lifestyle changes, medication may be necessary. The American Heart Association (AHA) estimated that 46% of American adults have high blood pressure. Should you have the condition, avoid the supplements in this article. 

Licorice Root

Licorice root is not solely used as a flavoring in food, candy, and even tobacco products. In fact, it has a long history of use in folk medicine, treating wounds and relieving symptoms of lung disease and liver disease. Licorice root contains glycyrrhizic acid (GA), which can elevate blood pressure. Researchers note that doses as low as 100 milligrams (mg) can raise blood pressure. Other supplements with GA can also interact with diuretics and blood pressure meds. It may affect how well blood pressure meds work and increase the risk of side effects. If you have high blood pressure, it is best to avoid products that contain licorice root. 

Arnica

Some people use arnica ointment to reduce swelling and bruising, while others take it orally as a supplement. Arnica belongs to the sunflower family and is usually taken by mouth homeopathically. There are typically no. active ingredients in homeopathic products, so side effects are unlikely. That said, taking arnica by mouth can increase blood pressure or potentially damage some organs, including the heart. This is not for certain, but if you have high blood pressure, avoid arnica supplements. 

Bitter Orange

Taken from the fruit or peel of a bitter orange, this supplement is typically used to aid weight loss or improve athletic performance. The fruit and peel of bitter orange can also be used to flavor drinks or in perfumes and other beauty products for aromatic purposes. Bitter orange does contain p-Synephrine, which is a type of stimulant similar to ephedrine. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned ephedrine stimulants because they can cause health issues, such as heart attack and stroke. Although bitter orange is not on a banned list, use it with caution, especially if you have high blood pressure. Studies show that this supplement can not only raise heart rate and blood pressure, but also increase the risk for heart attack and stroke. Bitter orange found in food and drinks is not likely to cause these issues, though. 

Vitamin D (In High Doses)

The body produces vitamin D when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Vitamin D is necessary for optimal bone health, inflammation reduction, and other bodily functions. It is naturally available in foods and supplement form. Some research indicates that vitamin D may play a role in treating high blood pressure, specifically in doses of 200 – 8,000 International Units (IU) per day. Doses larger than 10,000 IU per day can lead to dangerous side effects, such as high calcium levels (hypercalcemia). Over time, hypercalcemia can cause high blood pressure. High doses of vitamin D can also interact with certain diuretics, which are commonly used to treat high blood pressure. The body may not get rid of enough calcium, raising calcium and blood pressure in the process. 

St. John’s Wort

This plant is often used to treat symptoms of menopause and depression. Despite its longstanding use in traditional medicine, this plant may negatively interact with a variety of medications. St John’s wort weakens the efficacy of medications used to treat high blood pressure. Some of the blood pressure meds that St. John’s wort interacts with include Talinolol, Verelan, and Procardia. The interactions are likely due to the fact that St. John’s wort blocks the medication from being absorbed by the body.

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