What do we know about pooping? Well, we know that maintaining regular bowel movements is a key indicator of good digestive health. The frequency of bowel movements, however, can vary widely among people. When you understand what constitutes “normal” bowel habits, you can make the necessary changes or seek medical advice to maintain optimal digestion. So how often should you poop? Continue reading to find out. 

How Often Should You Poop?

Bowel frequency is an interesting topic of conversation. Many health experts suggest that it is perfectly normal to have anywhere from three bowel movements per day to three per week. One study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology confirmed that information, regardless of age or gender. There is also no general answer for how often you should poop, but people tend to have their daily bowel movement habits. If you poop three times per week or less, something is going on. We always say that eliminating between one to three times per day is an indication of optimal digestive health.

What Affects Poop Frequency?

Hydration

When you drink enough water, your stool softens and becomes easier to pass. That is why staying hydrated is an important factor for maintaining regular bowel movements. According to research, increasing your fiber and fluid intake can significantly enhance stool frequency. One study showed that participants who consumed 25 grams of fiber daily, in addition to two liters of water, showed greater improvements in stool frequency than those with lower fiber and fluid intake. 

Stress

Emotional stress and poor mental health can actually alter your bowel habits and affect frequency. Research suggests that psychological stress can influence functional gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A little stress can make it more difficult to empty the stomach, which stimulates colonic transit. That ultimately leads to alterations in stool consistency and frequency. Another study involved 10- to 16-year-olds and found that exposure to stressful life events was linked to bowel movements that occurred less than three times per week. Additionally, those bowel movements were often painful or strained. More research on children between the ages of nine and 10 found that psychological stress and negative family factors increased the rate of constipation. 

Physical Activity

It is well-documented that regular exercise stimulates peristalsis, the intestinal contractions that encourage bowel movements. One analysis found that vigorous exercise positively influenced women, but results were mixed among male participants. Another study found that moderate exercise, such as cycling or jogging, accelerated gut transit time, but did not alter stool weight or frequency. Additionally, a Nurses’ Health Study suggests that daily physical activity can lower the risk of constipation. 

Diet

Increasing fiber intake from vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can influence stool frequency. It is rather unsurprising, then, that vegetarian and vegans tend to have more frequent bowel movements than meat-eaters. That isn’t to say that all vegans and vegetarians have optimal regularity, but they do tend to eat more fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains than meat-eaters. Another study found that increasing fiber intake increased stool frequency and made stool softer. Vegans with the highest fiber intake experience the most frequent bowel movements, even more than vegetarians and omnivores.  

What Does The Consistency Of Your Pooping Mean?

Both the consistency and frequency of stool is integral to overall health. The Bristol Stool Form Scale classifies stool types from 1 (hard lumps) to 7 (watery liquid). You want to be somewhere around type 3 or 4, which is considered normal. These types are well-formed stools that are easy to pass, meaning they are soft and sausage- or snake-like. You can support healthy pooping by: 

• Stay hydrated: drinking at least half your body weight in ounces of water per day. If you weigh 150 pounds and divide that by two to get. 75, you should drink 75 ounces of water per day.
• Exercise regularly: Movement leads to movement, if you catch our drift. Walking, jogging, swimming, and other forms of light to moderate exercise can benefit your digestive health. 
• Increase fiber intake: Ideally, aim to consume 25-30 grams of fiber per day. Aim to get your fiber from fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. 
• Manage your stress: Experiment with different stress-reducing techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises to reduce stress and promote healthy bowel movements.

SHARE:

The post How Often Should You Poop?  appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

When the sun is shining, you need a refreshing beverage, in addition to your water of course. You need to have water on you all day during these hot summer days, but you can enhance your hydration efforts, while delivering some much needed nutrients and electrolytes to your body, with this peach mango agua fresca. What is an agua fresca, you ask? The literal translation means “fresh water,” and it is a light, non-alcoholic beverage popular in Mexico and Central America.

Traditionally, an agua fresca blends fresh fruit with water and some sort of sweetener, typically a lot of sugar, and maybe a hint of lime juice, depending on the recipe. What separates this agua fresca recipe from the others is that it does not contain an entire bucket of sugar. The natural sweetness from the peaches is all you need, but you can add the optional agave nectar if the beverage is not sweet enough for your liking. You may also prefer the agave nectar if the lime you use has a little extra zing or zest to it, meaning it is tarter than you expect.

Unlike other juicing recipes, this one does not require a juicer. Blend everything together in a blender until it is very smooth and you no longer see any bits of peach or ginger. To serve, you have to pour the mixture through a cheesecloth or nut milk bag to avoid taking large gulps of peachy ginger pulp.

SHARE:

The post Peach Mango Agua Fresca appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Summer is approaching quickly, which means warmer days and an increased risk of dehydration. The intense heat calls for more water consumption, but plain H2O can bore the palate. Since water is still the ultimate hydrating beverage, you cannot abandon it completely, but you can enhance it by making detox waters.

What Are Detox Waters?

Detox waters are easy to make because all you have to do is include a variety of fruits, herbs, or vegetables in your water. Not only do these ingredients add refreshing flavors to your water, but they can also assist with fat burning and toxin elimination. Think of detox waters as a simpler version of homemade juices or smoothies without all the prep work. You still reap the benefits of the ingredients in the water! Additionally, people are more inclined to drink water that has flavor, as opposed to regular water. 

If a slimmer body is your summer goal, the best gift you can give yourself is a series of detox water recipes. Since hydration is one of the most integral components to weight loss, it is wise to drink up, but not with caloric-rich beverages. During warmer weather, people tend to eat less and sweat more. That’s great news if you want to lose weight. You do, however, have to replenish the electrolytes you lose via sweat. Add the following detox waters to your summer weight loss regimen and you could emerge a slimmer, healthier version of yourself. 

5 Detox Water Recipes

Green Apple, Cucumber, & Mint Detox Water

All of the ingredients in this detox water have a common denominator: they’re all green. Mint is a natural breath freshener and aids with digestion. Cucumbers enhance hydration and contain antioxidants that may reduce the risk of heart disease. Apples are rich in fiber and the minerals may work to enhance metabolism. In a pitcher, combine half of a cucumber (thinly sliced), half of an apple (thinly sliced), and a handful of mint. Fill with water and refrigerate for a couple hours before serving.

Lemon Blueberry Detox Water

Besides being one of the most beautiful detox waters on this list, this lemon blueberry detox water is rich in antioxidants. According to several studies, blueberries may help to improve memory, fight urinary tract infections, and reduce overall cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Both blueberries and lemons are naturally rich in vitamin C, which can enhance immune function. Lemons also help to promote alkalinity within the body, and they assist with toxin elimination. In 16 ounces of water, combine about 4-6 thin slices of lemon and 10-15 blueberries. Refrigerate for a couple hours and then enjoy.

Pomegranate, Mint, & Lemon Detox Water

There isn’t a negative thing to say about the ingredients in this detox water. Pomegranates have been known to decrease the risk of joint pain, heart disease, and certain cancers. Many studies attribute these abilities to the antioxidants. Lemon is the most used fruit during summer and it has been known to boost weight loss efforts. The vitamin C also works to rejuvenate the skin. Similarly, mint also contributes to healthier skin, and it may act as a stimulant for those who experience depression. Pour two liters of water into a large pitcher. Add in about one cup of pomegranate arils, the juice of half a lemon (then add in the half you juiced), and a handful of mint. Refrigerate this for a couple hours and then serve. 

Apple Cinnamon Detox Water

This classic dessert duo does more than make apple pie delicious. Cinnamon works to naturally boost metabolism and enhance your body’s fat burning power. As well mentioned earlier, applies are rich in fiber, which may assist with improving digestion. Additionally, apples are low in fat and can help alleviate breathing troubles for asthmatics. To make this detox water, add half of an apple (thinly sliced) and one teaspoon of cinnamon to 24 ounces of purified water. You can add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to the mix if you want to boost the fat-burning benefits. Just like the other recipes, refrigerate this mixture for a couple hours before serving. It works best if you drink this in the morning.

Grapefruit Mint Detox Water

For this final detox water, get ready to experience numerous health benefits and optimal hydration. Grapefruit is naturally rich in vitamin C and has been known to aid with liver cleansing, skin rejuvenation, cholesterol reduction, and fat burning. Additional studies found that grapefruit may increase metabolism, encourage optimal digestion, and protect against kidney stones. Mint may be able to treat your stomach woes, but it can also enhance immune function, given that it’s rich in vitamins A, C, D, & E, and phosphorus and calcium. To make this detox water, cut a large grapefruit into thin slices and add them to a pitcher of water that has four to five cups of filtered water. Add a handful of mint and give it a stir. Refrigerate for a couple hours before serving. 

SHARE:

The post 5 Great Detox Waters For Summer Heat appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

With a limited season of availability, apricots should be on your summer grocery list. They are known for their distinctive orange color and signature sweetly tart flavor. They also boast an extensive list of health benefits, making them more than just a scrumptious summer snack. Health experts consider apricots to be a nutrient-dense food with lots of fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Some studies indicate that they may help reduce inflammation and even treat dry eyes. We will explore many of their benefits in this article. 

What Are Apricots?

An apricot is an edible fruit that comes from the apricot tree. Apricots belong to the stone fruit family, which includes peaches, nectarines, plums, cherries, and almonds. The belief is that they are either native to China or Japan, or Armenia, but now they are cultivated worldwide. Regardless of the tree’s origins, apricots have been a staple in many cultures for hundreds of years. Egyptians, for example, used apricots to make a traditional juice, while English settlers used apricot oil in the 17th century as a way to reduce inflammation. 

Nutrition

Raw apricots are low in calories but high in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and other important micronutrients. Most of the calories come from carbs, not protein or fat. A one cup serving or raw apricots exhibits the following nutritional profile:

• 74.4 calories
• 17.2 carbohydrates 
• 0.6 grams (g) of fat
• 14.3 g of sugar
• 3.1 g of fiber
• 2.2 g of protein
• 15.5 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C
• 401 mg of potassium
• 15.5 mg of manganese
• 0.6 mg of iron
• 35.6 mg of phosphorus
• 0.9 mg of niacin
• 1.4 mg of vitamin E
• 149 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin A
• 5.1 mcg of vitamin K

Promotes Eye Health

As an excellent source of vitamin A, apricots are beneficial for eye health. In fact, a deficiency in vitamin A can result in dry eyes, vision loss, and night blindness. Apricots are also rich sources of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Additionally, they contain zeaxanthin and lutein, two carotenoids that support macular function and protect against oxidative retinal damage, which is a long-winded way of saying apricots do wonders for the eyes.

Enhances Hydration Efforts

Apricots are naturally rich in water (about 85%), meaning they may help maintain fluid balance in the body. They also contain a lot of potassium, an integral electrolyte that supports hydration by regulating fluid levels in the and out of cells. That makes apricots a great snack for warm weather and for people with active lifestyles. 

Rich In Antioxidants

Apricots provide a long list of micronutrients, but they also exhibit impressive antioxidant activity. These are plant compounds that protect against free radicals and damage to cells. It’s possible that the reduction of free radicals can reduce the risk of certain conditions, including heart disease and certain cancers. Apricots contain a lot of carotenoids, which give the fruit its signature orange hue. One study found that apricots are especially rich in beta-carotene, gamma-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin.

Supports Regularity

Fiber moves through the body without being digested, adding bulk to stool and preventing constipation. One analysis looked at research that showed how increasing fiber intake was able to increase stool frequency in patients with constipation. Sweet apricot seeds are actually sold as snack foods and can supply more fiber than the fruit itself. A quarter-cup serving contains five grams of fiber, which meets up to 20% of the recommended daily intake for fiber. 

May Reduce Blood Pressure

As we mentioned earlier, apricots provide a lot of potassium, a key electrolyte and mineral that helps regulate blood pressure. It does this by balancing sodium levels in the body. According to research, adding more potassium-rich foods to your diet may reduce the risk of hypertension and support cardiovascular health. A higher potassium-to-sodium ratio in your diet helps relax blood vessels, which ultimately reduces the strain on the cardiovascular system. 

May Relieve Menopausal Symptoms

Due to the fact that apricots contain phytoestrogens, apricots may help relieve menopausal symptoms. Phytoestrogens are compounds that support hormone balance and reduce hot flashes and mood swings. The potassium and iron in apricots may also ease certain symptoms of menopause. Plus, the antioxidant properties may also support hormonal balance and inflammation reduction, potentially helping with mood swings and hot flashes in menopausal women.

SHARE:

The post Apricots Benefit The Liver, Digestion, Eyes, And More appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Flaking, itchiness, and dryness can be signs of a dry scalp. Perhaps you spend a lot of time in the sun, wash your hair too frequently, or use the wrong hair care products. Whatever the case, having a dry scalp can be a real bummer. You don’t want to have to worry about whether or not you have visible flakes on your shoulders or hair. The good news is that you can make a few simple changes to moisturize the scalp and hair.

What Is Dry Scalp?

Not to be confused with dandruff, dry scalp is different, even though it exhibits similar symptoms, primarily flaking and itchiness. If your scalp is dry, the skin becomes irritated and flakes off. Dandruff is the result of too much oil production on the scalp, in addition to an overgrowth of yeast, Malassezia, that already exists on the skin. You can tell the difference between dandruff and dry scalp because dandruff flakes are larger and may look oily and have a yellow tint. Dry scalp typically produces small, dry flakes. 

Dry Scalp Causes

The primary reason that a person experiences a dry scalp is due to lack of moisture, which can have several causes. Changes in weather, washing hair too frequently, using certain hair products, age, and different skin conditions (such as psoriasis or eczema) can cause dry scalp. Certain hair products may cause contact dermatitis, which occurs when the chemicals in those products react negatively with the skin. Some products also strip the hair and scalp of their natural oils, which reduces moisture content. Additionally, too much sun exposure without proper protection can burn the scalp, causing dryness and irritation. All of those things and more can harm the scalp’s natural moisture defenses. Basically, you can damage the outer layer of skin and experience flakiness and itchiness. 

Avoid Alcohol In Hair Care Products

If you notice alcohol on the ingredient lists of any of your hair care products, throw them out. The reason for this is because alcohol dries out the scalp. It tends to be used in a lot of styling products to help hair dry faster. Alcohol also wicks moisture from the hair and scalp. In addition to alcohol, look for other drying ingredients, such as menthol, eucalyptus, and sulfate. Those ingredients actually cause a pH imbalance on the scalp!

Protect The Scalp From The Elements

The scalp can experience sunburn, just like any part of the body exposed to sunlight. Once the scalp is burnt, you can experience irritation, but it doesn’t just become irritated from sun exposure. Extreme dry and cold weather can cause dryness and itchiness. To prevent this from happening, wear a hat in the summer and a beanie in the winter to shield the scalp from the elements. The more you protect your scalp and keep it covered when outside, the healthier and happier the scalp will be. 

Change Up Your Shampoo Routine

If you feel your scalp drying out on you, reduce the amount of times you wash your hair in a week. Over-washing can strip the scalp and hair of natural oils, which are already lacking if you regularly experience dryness. You may want to consider changing up your shampoo, especially if you notice dry scalp on a somewhat regular basis. As we mentioned earlier, steer clear of shampoos that contain sulfates and alcohol. Instead, look for nourishing, moisturizing ingredients, such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, or avocado oil. Some shampoos also contain ingredients that offer anti-fungal and anti-yeast properties. 

Hydrate 

Failure to drink enough water every day can do more than impair digestive function. The skin, including your scalp, can experience dryness, flakiness, itching, and irritation if you are dehydrated. The itching and dryness can actively damage the skin, making you more susceptible to dandruff. Make sure that you drink enough water every day by drinking half your body weight in ounces of water. Keep a water bottle next to you at all times, adding cucumber or lemon to it to increase your desire to hydrate. You can also drink herbal teas and eat water-rich foods to promote hydration.

SHARE:

The post 4 Tips To Help Prevent Dry Scalp appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

One of the scariest things about heat stroke is that people are not aware of when they are in danger until it’s too late. By the time symptoms occur, you are too confused or delirious due to nerve damage. If you want to ensure that your health is never in harm’s way during hot weather, take preventative measures to hydrate the body and keep yourself cool. Additionally, avoid actions that increase your risk of developing heat stroke, such as engaging in hot yoga or exercising in direct sunlight. 

What Is Heat Stroke?

Heat stroke is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the body is no longer able to regulate its internal temperature. That causes core temperature to rise rapidly, typically to temperatures above 104 degrees Fahrenheit. That is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate attention to save your life. Without prompt treatment, heat stroke can result in organ damage, brain injury, or even death. The two primary types of heat stroke are:

• Classic (non-exertional) heat stroke: This type of heat stroke affects vulnerable populations, including young children, older adults, and people with chronic illnesses. It usually occurs after prolonged exposure to high temperatures in poorly ventilated areas during heat waves. You do not need to physically exert yourself to develop this type of heat stroke. 
• Exertional heat stroke: This type of heat stroke affects healthy, active individuals, especially military personnel, laborers, and athletes. They perform intense physical activity in hot and humid conditions, and heat stroke can progress rapidly. 

Once the body’s core temperature rises, all of the innate processes that are in place to regulate core temperature break down. That creates serious, life-threatening problems, such as loss of consciousness or organ damage. If the heat index is higher than 90 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, the number of deaths caused by heat illness increases. Do your best to stay cool and prevent heat-related illness and heat stroke with the following tips. 

Avoid Sugary Drinks, Caffeine, And Alcohol

Hydration is the goal when the weather is hot, so there is no sense in drinking beverages that dehydrate the body. Avoid sugary drinks, alcohol, and caffeine because they dehydrate the body by increasing urination and expediting electrolyte loss. Consuming too much sugar can also lead to inflammation, which makes heat stroke even worse. Sports drinks are marketed to keep you hydrated during physical activity, but many of them contain excess sugar and added chemicals. Opt for a natural electrolyte drink instead, such as unsweetened coconut water, mineral water, and even pickle juice. 

Check Your Medications

There are many medications that can increase the risk of heat stroke. The reason for this is because they affect how the body reacts to the heat, or they interfere with your salt and water balance. Some medications that can alter the body’s ability to deal with hotter temperatures are:

• Laxatives 
• Diuretics
• Antihistamines
• Antibiotics
• Medications for seizures
• Antipsychotics 
• Antidepressants
• Drugs for heart disease, cholesterol, and blood pressure

Drink Lots Of Water

The most important thing you can do for the body when the weather is scorching is to drink a lot of water. The heat makes you sweat, which means that you lose both water and electrolytes. Drink two to four cups of water every hour when you are outside or exercising. If you wait until you are thirsty to drink water, you are already in a mild state of dehydration. Keep drinking water to lower your risk of heat stroke, and make sure that your children and those higher at risk do the same. 

Eat Hydrating Foods

In addition to drinking water, you can also eat water-rich foods. Many fruits and vegetables contain a lot of water, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other valuable electrolytes that benefit the body. These fruits and vegetables can help you maintain fluid balance, keep blood pressure levels in check, and aid with nerve signaling. Some of the best hydrating foods include:

• Watermelon
• Tomatoes
• Cucumbers
• Grapes
• Kiwi
• Coconut water
• Zucchini
• Bell peppers
• Berries
• Pineapple
• Broccoli
• Avocado
• Radishes

Avoid Direct Sunlight

If you are sensitive to hot weather, avoid heat stroke by limiting your time in direct sunlight. If you have to be outside, do your best to find shade, or bring an umbrella and hat to keep yourself shaded. Midday heat is the worst, so do your best to avoid being outside during that time of day. If you want to exercise outside, schedule your workouts earlier or later in the day when the temperatures are cooler.

SHARE:

The post How To Stay Cool And Prevent Heat Stroke appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Maintaining proper hydration is one of the most important aspects of life, regardless of the season. The body needs water for many bodily functions, including circulation, temperature regulation, and even immunity. When you drink a sufficient amount of water, you may even help balance your mood and improve sleep quality. Dehydration, on the other hand, can lead to a handful of unpleasant symptoms, including headaches, fatigues, decreased cognitive function, and dizziness. In severe cases, dehydration may cause heat exhaustion or stroke. 

In order to avoid the effects of dehydration, you have to stay on top of your water intake. Drinking water isn’t as exciting as drinking other beverages, but it is necessary for your health. You can always enhance your hydration efforts by drinking herbal teas, freshly made juices or smoothies, or drinking electrolyte-rich drinks (preferably not the bottled varieties with processed ingredients and added sugars). 

You can help meet your daily hydration goals by eating water-rich foods. Foods that contain water, in addition to the other nutrients, help protect the body from dehydration. Plus, the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, protein, and more in these foods benefit your health in other ways. The top choices include watermelon, tomatoes, cucumbers, celery, strawberries, spinach, lettuce, and zucchini. For inspiration, here is a list of seven hydrating recipes to enjoy this summer. 

Summer Heirloom Tomato Salad

Do summer right when you whip up this refreshing heirloom tomato salad. It is as beautiful as it is tasty, so please enjoy!

Click here to make the recipe. 

Refreshing Cucumber Peach Salsa

Dive into this divine and refreshing cucumber peach salsa, which is both Whole30-friendly and 100% Full Body Cleanse approved. Peaches are freshest during the summer months, making this the perfect seasonal dish.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Tangy Thai Cucumber Noodle Salad

Tangy, refreshing, and perfect for a hot day, this Thai cucumber noodle salad is going to revolutionize your salad game during your cleanse. Not only that, the cucumbers, tomatoes, and fresh herbs, and lime juice keep you on the path to optimal hydration.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Zoodles With A Mint Parsley Pesto

Yet another zucchini noodle recipe is about to impress your taste buds. These zoodles are tossed in a herbaceous mint parsley pesto.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Watermelon Cucumber Basil Lemonade

A perfectly refreshing drink recipe for warmer weather! This watermelon cucumber basil lemonade is free or added sugars and may help enhance your hydration efforts. 

Click here to make the recipe. 

Homemade Cantaloupe Popsicles

With the days getting warmer, that can only mean one thing: summer has arrived! To cool you off, try these homemade cantaloupe popsicles! They are so easy to make and cool you off in no time.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Subtly Sweet Strawberry Sorbet

Strawberries are one of our favorite summer fruits, which is why we wanted to make them into a dessert! It is sweet, but not overpowering. The zesty zap from the freshly squeezed lemon juice is exactly what you want when the sun is out!

Click here to make the recipe.

SHARE:

The post 7 Healthy And Hydrating Recipes For Summer appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

When the weather is warm and inviting, it’s hard not to be outside. That summer sun is just too amazing to ignore! Well, that’s true until you turn red like a lobster as a result of not applying sunscreen. Besides taking proper care of your skin, you have to be careful not to overheat and dehydrate when the weather is hot. That is especially true if you exercise or engage in hard labor in the sun. The simple tips in this article help you work out safely in the heat because there is no reason to not enjoy the outdoors while getting in your physical activity.

Plan Wisely

Now, if the temperatures are very hot, you should not exercise outside at the hottest time of day. No reason to go for a jog at two in the afternoon in peak heat. Make sure to choose a cooler time of day to avoid the sun shining on you at its hottest. Generally, mornings and late-afternoons/evenings are great times to workout to minimize direct sun exposure. If you are an early bird, consider getting up before the sun even rises to exercise outside. 

Hydrate And Then Hydrate Again

This seems like an obvious statement, but most people fail to realize how quickly they dehydrate in the heat. If you exercise outside, you will sweat out the water you drink, accelerating the dehydration process. According to research, going into a workout hydrated can decrease the risk of dehydration. Additionally, eating electrolyte-rich foods before and after your workout can help you retain and restore electrolyte balance. Pure coconut water, watermelon, cucumber, celery, citrus fruits, carrots, tomatoes, and other foods can help provide essential nutrients and aid hydration efforts. 

Consider A Pre-Workout Shower

Does showering before a workout make sense? In your mind, maybe not, but research suggests that manipulating pre-exercise body temperature can influence workout performance. It may also be an effective strategy for athletes who compete in stressful environments. Taking a short, cold shower or quick swim before exercising in the heat can help reduce body temperature. 

Listen To Your Body

Knowing your limits can benefit your body when exercising in the heat. If you notice that you feel light-headed, nauseous, dizzy, or something similar, take time to rest and drink water. Excessive sweating can quickly lead to heat exhaustion, which can have serious consequences. Make sure to monitor your water intake and energy levels at every stage of your outdoor exercise routine. 

Allow The Body Time To Acclimate

If you are not used to exercising in hotter weather, you have to give the body time to adjust. Gradually increase your exposure to heat over the course of one to two weeks. Start with shorter, less intense workouts in the cooler parts of the day. Increase the intensity and change the time at which you exercise as you progress. Starting slow, though, helps your body improve its ability to regulate temperature and increase sweat efficiency. If you skip the acclimation period, you run the risk of getting a heat-related illness.

Wear Light-Weight Clothing

The goal is to stay as cool as possible when you exercise in the heat. Try to wear light-weight clothing and moisture-wicking garments that bring sweat to the outer surface. Loose-fitting shirts also help you remain cool. In addition to the type of clothing you wear, consider the color as well. Avoid dark-colored clothing because black and dark blue clothing, for example, can cause you to overheat. Opt for white clothing or even bright options that reflect the sun. 

Keep It Short

If you are not used to exercising in the heat, especially for longer periods, make sure to keep your workout routine short. Start with a 20-30 minute low-to-medium-intensity routine to allow your body to acclimate to the heat. That advice holds true whether you are exercising in the outdoor heat or in a heated yoga class.

SHARE:

The post How To Work Out Safely In the Heat appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Although it’s not officially summer, the sun is out and the weather is warming up. That means that your exposure to UVB rays from the sun is inevitable. These rays cause the skin to redden and blister if you don’t take the proper measures to protect your skin. Allowing the sun to damage the outer protective layers of the skin increases the risk of dry skin and skin cancer. In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) said that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer at one point during their lifetime. 

There’s nothing like a relaxing day in the sun. While it’s important to swim in the lake or ocean, get a tan, throw a football, and enjoy snacks outside, it’s equally as important to protect the skin while outside the water. You may find it shocking that a recent study found that 46% of Americans never wear sunscreen. The same study revealed that 62% of Americans use anti-aging products. This is strange, considering that sun-damaged skin looks older, as too much sun exposure damages the outer layers of the skin. It’s actually better to apply a natural sunscreen daily to keep the skin looking young and healthy. 

Summer is around the corner, which means that sunburns are as well. The sun can burn your skin quickly if you are not prepared. Keep the following tips in mind to help you prevent sunburn this summer. 

Be Selective About Your Outdoor Time

If you want to keep your skin healthy and safe, avoid time in the direct heat, which tends to occur during peak sun hours. Generally speaking, peak sun hours range from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., but these times may vary upon your location. If you are out on the lake or on the beach, water reflects the sun’s rays, giving you more sun exposure. Not only does spending time in peak heat increase the risk of sunburn, but it also makes you prone to dehydration. If you have to be in the sun during peak hours, wear sunscreen, light clothing, and a hat for extra protection. 

Apply Sunscreen At The Right Time

There are sunscreens that are both gentler on your skin and eco-friendly. They are reef-safe, meaning that they don’t damage the coral, which is dying or already dead in most areas of the ocean. Apply sunscreen about 15 to 30 minutes before you go outside. This allows the sunscreen time to set on the skin, and you won’t start sweating it off immediately in the sun. You should also choose a lip balm with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. 

Wear Sunscreen Responsibly

To piggyback on the aforementioned tip, you should wear the right type of sunscreen. If you are going to spend time near or in the water, purchase water-resistant sunscreen, otherwise it will wash away easily. Another thing to consider is that you should apply enough sunscreen to fill a shot glass when you first apply. Additionally, opt for non-spray sunscreens for your children. According to the FDA, spray sunscreens are discouraged for children because the chemicals can be inhaled and cause respiratory problems. Many people think that spray sunscreens are easier to apply, but they don’t apply enough and it’s easier to miss spots. 

Don’t Be Shy, Accessorize

Hats and sunglasses are your friends during the warmer summer months. While a regular baseball cap may suit you on a slightly sunny day, a hat with a wide brim that goes around the hat is best for peak heat sun time. Sun hats and farmer/beach hats offer wonderful protection for your ears, neck, and face. While all sunglasses are beneficial, sunglasses that have polarized lenses with 99-100% UV protection better protect your eyes and the surrounding skin.

Seek Shade When Possible

Naturally, an efficient way to avoid sunburn is to seek out shade. Depending on how shady the area is, though, you may still need to apply a layer of sunscreen for protection, especially if you are prone to sunburn. If you have fair skin, 15 minutes of direct sun exposure can lead to sunburn. A good rule of thumb is to spend at least as much time under cover as you do in the sun. 

SHARE:

The post Tips To Help You Prevent Sunburn This Summer appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

If you want to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet, start making smoothies. You can customize smoothies to align with your taste preferences, tailoring levels of sweetness, tartness, or bitterness to your liking. Plus, smoothies can help fill you up, provide you with lots of nutrients in one fell swoop, and help cool you down on hot summer days. 

What flavors do you want to refresh your palate during the summer months? Tropical ingredients, such as mango, pineapple, papaya, kiwi, and acai tend to do just that! You don’t have to rush out to a specialty grocery store to grab the most exotic, tropical fruits you can find. A simple banana, blueberry, spinach, and mango smoothie will do you right! If you want to mix it up, though, you can enjoy the recipes in this article. 

The Benefits Of Smoothies

Not only are smoothies delicious and refreshing, but they also provide essential nutrients that encourage optimal, overall health. Fruits, especially tropical varieties, tend to overpower the flavor of greens, which is great considering that a lot of people don’t consume enough greens every day. Spinach, however, does not exhibit strong flavor, despite the fact that it transforms the color to a rich emerald. 

Hydration is of extra importance during the summer months. Most people don’t drink enough water as it is, and tend to drink dehydrating beverages, such as soda, alcohol, or caffeinated drinks. You can enhance your hydration efforts by consuming smoothies, especially when you add water-rich fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon, cucumber, citrus, or melons. 

Finally, smoothies can be a helpful tool for total weight management. Smoothies are typically low-calorie meal options, unless you add lots of nuts or nut butters. The fiber from the fruits and vegetables helps keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer periods of time, which prevents overeating. If that sounds great to you, continue reading for five healthy and refreshing summer smoothies. 

Watermelon Mint Smoothie

How refreshing! A watermelon mint smoothie is the seasonal hydrating beverage you need to cool you off on these hot summer days. 

Click here to make the smoothie. 

Cucumber Apple Smoothie

This green smoothie is a refreshing combination of crisp cucumber, crunchy and tart apple, zesty lime, herbaceous mint, and hearty kale. 

Click here to make the smoothie.

Lemon Blueberry Smoothie

A gorgeous lemon blueberry smoothie with refreshingly sweet and tart flavors. This is easy to make and you can add nutritional boosters too! 

Click here to make the smoothie.

Pineapple Grapefruit Detox Smoothie

Boost your fiber, vitamin, and mineral intake and promote detoxification by enjoying this pineapple grapefruit smoothie.

Click here to make the smoothie.

Antioxidant Beet Berry Smoothie

A bright red antioxidant beet and berry smoothie is a secret weapon for your health! Frozen bananas and dates naturally sweeten this smoothie.

Click here to make the smoothie.

SHARE:

The post 5 Healthy And Refreshing Summer Smoothies appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.