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.

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When you are sick, you’d give anything in the world to feel healthy. Are we right or are we right? You drink tea, hydrate beyond belief, take hot baths, gargle with salt water, do a sinus rinse or two, and nourish the body with healthy foods to accelerate your recovery. What if you took care of your body like that all the time, though? There is nothing wrong with giving your immune system a helping hand year-round. 

The immune system does a phenomenal job of protecting the body against microorganisms. Sometimes, it fails and a germ successfully invades the body and causes sickness. Now, it is enticing to strengthen and support the immune system to defeat invading pathogens. The first line of defense is to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, maintaining good sleep hygiene, and keeping stress levels in check. When you do these things, every part of your body functions better, especially the immune system. Boost immune function all year with the following healthy-living strategies. 

Get A Good Night’s Sleep

According to sleep experts, sleep and the circadian rhythm are strong regulators of immunological processes. One study found a bidirectional communication between the central nervous system and the immune system. This connection is mediated by shared signals (neurotransmitters, cytokines, and hormones) and direct innervations of the immune system via the autonomic nervous system. Basically, the body releases proteins (cytokines) during sleep. By boosting cytokine production, you can help strengthen immune function. Additional research found that people who do not get the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep per night are more susceptible to colds and respiratory infections. 

Keep Stress Levels In Check

Most people encounter stress, at least a small amount, on a weekly (if not daily) basis. The trick is to minimize the amount of stress that you experience, while also finding ways to handle the stress you cannot avoid. Stress can have a variety of effects on mental and physical health, especially the immune system. Chronic stress can decrease the production of lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that help the body fight off infection. If you want to reduce stress, consider adopting a variety of stress management techniques, such as deep breathing, yoga, meditation, Tai Chi, grounding, and more. 

Exercise 

A lot of research indicates that exercising at moderate intensity for 30 to 60 minutes three to five days per week is highly beneficial to the immune system. You don’t have to hit the gym for hours every single day; rather, a brisk walk in the neighborhood, a bike ride, or laps at your local pool can be highly beneficial. Elevating your heart rate works to increase the circulation of immune cells. These cells are the body’s first line of defense for fighting off foreign invaders, so the more you have circulating, the better you are able to protect the body. As a quick note, though, long bouts of high-intensity exercise can actually weaken the immune system. So don’t think that a marathon a day keeps the common cold and flu away.

Eat Immune-Boosting Foods

It should not come as a surprise that eating a well-balanced diet benefits overall health. Supplying the body with a diverse mix of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, healthy fats, protein, fiber, and more can only benefit you. A balanced diet that consists of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, lean proteins, and healthy fats can eliminate the need for taking lots of supplements. If you want a few foods that help encourage healthy immune function, consider the following:

• Berries contain flavonoids, which are antioxidant compounds that have demonstrated an ability to reduce respiratory illnesses. 
• Leafy green vegetables offer lots of beneficial antioxidants that are vital to cellular health. 
• Ginger exhibits antioxidant and ant-inflammatory properties that may enhance immune function. 
• Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, lemons, and limes) contain lots of vitamin C, which supports the production of white blood cells. 
• Fermented foods, kombucha, kefir, natto, yogurt, and miso can help promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which is linked to immune health. 

Maintain A Healthy Weight

Obesity, which is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more in adults, has been linked to impaired immune function. Obesity may also lower the efficacy of numerous vaccines, including influenza, tetanus, and hepatitis B. If you are looking for safe ways to maintain a healthy weight, start first by assessing your diet. Develop a consistent aerobic exercise routine, watch your caloric intake, get sufficient sleep, and avoid being sedentary. The Full Body Cleanse may be an excellent option to kickstart your weight loss journey. 

Still need a little assistance optimizing immune function? Try the Dherbs Immune Booster Kit, which contains four of our signature formulas that aim to support optimal immune function. These supplements may assist your body in protecting itself from external threats.

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What is cinnamon vanilla cashew butter? Please, allow us to introduce you to your new, favorite indulgence. It is regular homemade cashew butter, but with the addition of warming cinnamon and vanilla. It’s as though plain old cashew butter got dressed up for a night on the town. Didn’t this recipe arrive just in time for this cooler fall weather? Not only is it incredibly easy to make (although blending process can be a little lengthy), but it is also brimming with flavor.

If you have ever browsed the raw vegan nut butters at the grocery store, you know that they can be quite expensive. That is especially true for cashew butter and almond butter. Instead of paying $21 for a small jar of raw cashew butter, buy a large bag of raw cashews and you can make multiple jars yourself. All you need is a food processor, the cashews, cinnamon, and alcohol-free vanilla extract. Just keep in mind that it can take 10-15 minutes to become velvety smooth. You will have to stop blending, scrape down the sides of the processor bowl, and continue blending to ensure all of the cashews blend evenly. You can also leave it a little chunky if that’s what you prefer.

One thing to keep in mind about this highly addictive cashew butter is that it does come with a small price. It is naturally rich in calories and fats, even though they are healthy fats. Keep servings small because you can rack up a lot of calories very quickly if you go at this jar with a spoon. If losing weight is your goal, keep yourself away from this, or keep your portions very small and limited.

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The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends consuming at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. That is about two cups of fruits and two and a half cups of vegetables, but there is nothing wrong with consuming more than that. In fact, some studies suggest that consuming more than five servings of fruits and vegetables per day may provide additional health benefits. 

Smoothies can help you reach your five servings per day in no time, especially if you drink more than one during the day. The beautiful thing about smoothies is that you do not have to follow a specific formula to make them successfully. There are few rules as to what you should throw in a blender. For example, you can add spinach, bananas, strawberries, blueberries, peanut butter, almond milk, chia seeds, and more and it will likely taste incredible. Just remember that smoothies should be a diverse mix of fruits and vegetables, not just fruits, as that can increase your blood sugar. 

Immune Boosting Smoothies

When you are looking to support the immune system, you can add immune-boosting ingredients to your smoothies. Ideally, you want to include fruits and vegetables that contain vitamins A, C, E, D, and K, zinc, selenium, and B-vitamins. The following smoothies are designed to optimize immune function. Drink them when you feel a tickle in your throat or if you feel like your health needs a boost. You can also enjoy them whenever you like, even if you feel like a million bucks! 

As a quick note, if you feel a little run down and require some extra immune-boosting assistance, feel free to add some Dherbs products to your smoothies. You can empty the capsules of our Immune Formula, Vitamin C, or Anti-V supplement into the smoothie and blend it up. That is also a great way to consume our supplements if you have difficulty swallowing capsules. Enjoy our smoothies that support the immune system.

Vitamin C Smoothie

The best way to load up on vitamin C is by consuming foods that are rich in this antioxidant. This smoothie is full of vitamin C, which benefits the immune system, skin, and more. 

Click here to make the recipe. 

Persimmon Smoothie

Persimmons, ginger, mandarin oranges, homemade almond milk, and more come together for a tasty, autumnal immune-boosting smoothie. Plus, with fall in full swing, there has never been a more optimal time to enjoy persimmons!

Click here to make the recipe.

Citrus Smoothie

This smoothie looks more like a drink you’d order while lounging by the pool on vacation, as opposed to a healthy, immune boosting smoothie. Not only is this drink visually stunning, but it also provides a long list of nutrients that help support the immune system.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Kale Ginger Smoothie

A refreshing and filling kale, ginger, and mango smoothie that’s brimming with immune-boosting vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Citrus Carrot Smoothie

Don’t neglect your immune system! Keep up your body’s defenses against bacteria, fungi, and viruses by regularly drinking this smoothie. It is loaded with vitamins A and C.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Tropical Smoothie

Is this a piña colada or an immune-boosting smoothie? Feel like you’re in the tropics when you drink this refreshing smoothie that boosts energy levels, aids digestion, and enhances immune function with numerous vitamins and minerals. 

Click here to make the recipe. 

Fruit Smoothie

Trying to get over a cold and give your immune system a helping hand? Drink this smoothie for some awesome health benefits.

Click here to make the recipe.

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You have to keep your salads interesting if you want to keep your taste buds interested. A bland salad with the same ingredients and dressing is neither appetizing nor satisfying. In fact, you’ll probably seek out some more food shortly after eating it. That is why we recommend experimenting with different ingredients. Consider taking out leafy greens (even though we love them) and focus on a variety of other ingredients.

This salad takes inspiration from the classic Middle Eastern salad, which tends to have several variations from country to country. It is very simple, but the flavors are bright, powerful, and highly addictive. Plus, it is naturally rich in water-rich produce items, so eating it contributes to your overall water intake for the day.

Key Ingredients

Cucumber: Cucumber is a naturally detoxifying effect on the body, working to cleanse the liver. In addition to being a natural diuretic, cucumber also contains several integral nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin K, magnesium, and potassium, among others.

Tomatoes: They are plump, juicy, and naturally rich in lycopene, beta-carotene, flavonoids, folate, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Studies indicate that tomatoes may help protect the skin, eyes, ones, and heart, in addition to helping reduce inflammation.

Basil: The classic pesto leaf has many purposes, and several health benefits to boot. Many researchers attribute basil’s health benefits to the diverse antioxidant profile. Basil works to reduce inflammation, enhance immune function, protect the liver, and regulate blood sugar.

Red onion: Not everyone enjoys onion in their salad, but they do work very well with the other ingredients in this specific salad. They have a diverse and rich nutritional profile, offering lots of fiber, potassium, vitamin C, B vitamins, and potassium, a mineral that aids cellular function, fluid balance, muscle contraction, and more. Researchers confirm that onions are an excellent source of antioxidants, containing at least 17 different antioxidant compounds, including anthocyanins.

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It is not uncommon for people to seek out new ways to lose weight, get fit, or become healthier overall. From eating more vegetables and exercising daily to meditating, there are many ways to be healthier. But what practices unlock optimal gut health? Health experts suggest that adopting a consistent morning routine can set your digestive system on the right path every day. 

Starting the day with poor digestive function can make you feel uncomfortable, sluggish, and tired. If gut issues become chronic, you could face more serious health issues. Prioritize a morning routine to kickstart your metabolism, regulate bowel movements, and reduce bloating. Consider the following tips to enhance gut health, optimize nutrient absorption, and prevent constipation. 

Drink Water As Soon As You Wake Up

Mornings can be very hectic, and it is very easy to go straight for the caffeine if you feel very tired. You don’t need to start your day with an Instagram-worthy breakfast, but you should at least make it a point to drink 16 ounces of water before you put anything else in your body. Not only does this put you on a path to avoid dehydration, but it also positively affects the lining of the intestine. Studies show that properly hydrating can help prevent constipation and help the body break down food in the stomach. Ideally, you should drink half your body weight in ounces of water throughout the day, but starting the day with 16 ounces is the way to set your digestive system up for success.

Engage In Gentle Movement

You do not have to engage in an intense interval workout first thing in the morning. In fact, most people don’t have the energy for that upon arising from a deep slumber. Try your best to incorporate 15 to 30 minutes of light cardiovascular exercise into your morning routine. Gastroenterologists agree that colorectal cancer (the second most lethal form of cancer in the U.S.) cases are on the rise. They encourage people to move their body to avoid health risks that stem from constipation and other serious digestive disorders. 

Eat A Balanced Breakfast

A lot of people are confused on what a balanced breakfast looks like. To some, a balanced breakfast is an egg on toast with some tomatoes and a glass of milk. To others, a balanced breakfast is a sugary bowl of packaged oatmeal. Ideally, you consume a variety of foods that contain healthy fats, fiber, protein, and complex carbohydrates. Consider plain Greek yogurt mixed with almond butter and fresh berries. A fruit and vegetable smoothie is another great breakfast option. Steel cut oats with almond butter and diced apples is another option. Avoid processed foods like frozen waffles and refined, sugary carbs, such as white bread, donuts, and packaged baked goods. A nutrient-rich breakfast helps feed the good bacteria in the gut, which not only fuels the digestive system, but also keeps you energized and full until your next meal.

Drink Lemon Water Before Your Coffee

As we mentioned earlier in this article, it is best to start your day with 16 ounces of water. The next step could be drinking a cup of warm water mixed with the juice of half of a lemon. Sip this slowly and do not gulp it down for maximum benefits. Drinking lemon water can help stimulate bile production, which helps the body break down fats. It can also alkalize the body to reduce gut inflammation, while simultaneously hydrating the intestines for smoother, easier bowel movements. 

Practice Deep Breathing Before You Eat

Before you eat your healthy, balanced breakfast, make sure to engage in some deep breathing exercises. Stress can interfere with optimal digestive function, as it triggers gut-brain axis dysfunction. This can commonly lead to indigestion, so we encourage you to try five minutes of diaphragmatic breathing for five minutes before you eat.

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For centuries, people around the world have turned to a variety of herbs, tonics, and specialized drinks for health benefits. Tepache originated in Mexico and kombucha originated in northeastern China. So it’s safe to say that each culture has their own beneficial, gut-enhancing beverage. To this day, there is no shortage of drinks that promise better gut health. Some drinks have made this list due to clever marketing, but a growing body of research shines a light on the digestive benefits of certain beverages. With so many drinks that claim to support gut health, though, how can you know which one is really worth its salt? 

Why Should You Drink Gut-Healthy Drinks?

Your goal should always be to support the gut microbiome with prebiotics and probiotics. Your microbiome consists of good bacteria and unhealthy bacteria. The more good bacteria in the gut, the better your digestive and immune systems function. Researchers continue to learn all the ways the microbiome affects overall health via new studies. 

Gut-healthy drinks work to support the gut microbiome, but the benefits don’t stop there. The beverages in this article contain important vitamins and antioxidants that exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. Sure, probiotic supplements and foods have these benefits, but sometimes it is a little easier to reach for one of the following drinks. 

Apple Cider Vinegar

As a quick note, it’s imperative that you do not take a shot of apple cider vinegar. That can burn the throat and cause acid reflux. Instead, mix a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar in about 12 ounces of water. You can add a squeeze of lemon to mellow the intensity of the vinegar if you prefer, as lemon will only enhance the benefits. Apple cider vinegar, much like kefir or kombucha, is a fermented liquid. Make sure to purchase apple cider vinegar with “the mother,” which is a thick layer of bacteria and yeast that ferments the apple juice. It contains probiotics that encourage optimal gut health. Some research indicates that apple cider vinegar helps to ease bloating, while other research shows that it may worsen gastrointestinal symptoms. 

Green Tea

Green tea has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine, but it is a popular beverage in present day. There is a lot of research to substantiate green tea’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The gut breaks down green tea’s polyphenols to promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Enjoy green tea hot or iced, as the temperature does not affect the benefits. What does affect the benefits, however, is what you add to it. If you add tons of sugar, milk, or syrups, you essentially cancel out the benefits. 

Ginger Tea

Ginger is a zesty spice that lends itself to a variety of different foods and beverages. Historically, it has been used in various medicinal applications because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help relieve nausea, soothe a sore throat, and promote stomach motility, which is the process the gut performs to digest food and liquids. Encouraging this process can ease symptoms of heartburn and bloating. All of that said, more research is still necessary to show ginger’s effect on gut health. The good news is that ginger and ginger tea are both widely available and affordable. You can boil ginger root on its own or steep the tea bags in hot water. It does have a kick, so feel free to sweeten it with raw agave or stevia.

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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. 

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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.

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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!

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