The average person spends approximately one-third of their life sleeping. Assuming you live to 70 years old, that’s about 23 years of sleeping, so it is important, to say the least. During sleep, the body has a chance to health and rejuvenate. Without proper rest, you will likely not feel your best, which can also trigger you to make unhealthy decisions, from the food you eat to lack of exercise. 

If you cannot sleep or experience difficulty falling asleep on a regular basis, you may require some natural sleep aids. Tens of millions of people experience difficulty focusing due to lack of sleep. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that millions of people nod off while driving. 

Fortunately, you do not have to let sleep get the better of you any longer. You can make some simple lifestyle changes, such as using natural sleep aid options that help you feel more refreshed. Additionally, being in sync with the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, the circadian rhythm, can also help improve overall sleep. In addition to experimenting with the following sleep aids, consider establishing a consistent bedtime routine, avoiding caffeine too late in the day, and getting away from screens too close to bedtime. 

Magnesium

Studies confirm that people who are deficient in magnesium have more difficulty falling and staying asleep. Alternatively, people with higher magnesium levels tend to experience deeper sleep. That is especially true when sufficient magnesium intake is coupled with calcium intake, as calcium optimizes magnesium absorption. If you need help getting more magnesium in your diet, consider the following food ideas and combinations:

• Banana with almonds 
• Steel cut oats with dark cherries
• Kefir with turmeric and cinnamon
• Chamomile, passion flower, and valerian tea
• Avocados
• Crackers with almond butter
• Pumpkin seeds
• Dark chocolate

Valerian Root

According to research, valerian root exhibits relaxing and sedative effects. Typically, it is used in combination with chamomile, especially in relaxing tea blends. Valerian works to increase the amount of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), which helps calm nerve cells in the brain. The Dherbs Nerve Formula contains valerian root for that exact reason, as it helps calm the nervous system. GABA also works to block Brian signals that cause anxiety.

St. John’s Wort

Depression is one of the most common conditions that can cause lack of sleep. Studies suggest that St. John’s wort, which contains adhyperforin and hyperforin, may drive mood and work as powerful as antidepressants. The National Sleep Foundation reported that insomnia is also common among depressed people. People who have insomnia are also at a higher risk for developing depression. Research shows that using St. John’s wort to treat depression may lead to more restful sleep.

Lavender

Well-known for its calming properties, lavender essential oil may help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. A randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the effects of lavender and sleep hygiene practices versus sleep hygiene alone on sleep quality. Study authors separate the 79 college student participants with sleep troubles into two groups. Both of the groups practiced strong sleep hygiene and one of the groups wore an inhalation chest patch with lavender. The study took place over five days, with a two-week follow-up. The group with the lavender chest patch improved sleep quality. 

Chamomile

Similar to lavender, chamomile is also known for its calming effects. Drinking chamomile tea or taking it as a supplement can help you relax and fall asleep more easily. A 2015 study involved 80 Taiwanese postnatal women with poor sleep quality. The researchers split them into two groups, one of which drank chamomile tea for two weeks, while the other was a control group. The chamomile group demonstrated significantly lower scores of physical-symptoms-related sleep inefficiency. Researchers noted that the chamomile group, while the effects were positive, were only limited to the immediate term. 

Passion Flower

Not only does anxiety affect how you sleep, but it also affects the brain’s ability to turn off. Passion flower provides a calming effect that may help an anxious person’s circle of thought. Clinical trials confirm that passion flower can reduce anxiety as effectively as benzodiazepine oxazepam, a commonly prescribed anxiety medication. A four-week, double-blind study of people with general anxiety disorder compared passion flower to that drug. Although oxazepam worked a little faster, passion flower was equally as effective. That confirms that passion flower is a powerful anti-anxiety aid that may in turn benefit sleep. 

Essential Oils

There are many essential oils that help calm the mind and body, and most of them do not cause adverse reactions. One study on cancer patients, a common group with sleep issues, aimed to understand if aromatherapy using essential oils could help them achieve better sleep. Each patient received aroma sticks over a 13-week period. Of the participants, 94% reported using the aroma sticks, while 92% reported that they would continue to use them. Of the essential oils, bergamot, frankincense, lavender, mandarin, and sandalwood essential oils proved most effective for aiding sleep.

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A lot of people think about pumpkin seeds when it comes to roasting the seeds of squash. Roasted kabocha squash seeds are a great alternative to pumpkin seeds and make use of an under-appreciated fall ingredient: kabocha squash. Since you have to hollow out the squash and remove the stringy parts and seeds before you cook the squash, you should save them and make this recipe. To make them, start by scooping out the seeds from a fresh kabocha squash and removing any stringy flesh. Make sure to rinse the seeds thoroughly to clean off any remaining squash. Once clean, pat them dry with a towel because they will not crisp up nicely if you roast them while they are still damp.

Once dry, scatter the seeds, which you’ll season liberally, across a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You don’t have to use parchment paper, but it makes for an easier clean up process. Roast them in a preheated oven at around 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and become crunchy. Be sure to toss the seeds halfway through the cooking process in order to ensure even roasting. Once they are nice and crispy, let them cool slightly before enjoying. You can also store them in an airtight container for about 5 days before tossing them out.

Kabocha squash seeds are a rich source of healthy fats, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-3s work to support brain and heart health. These seeds also contain a lot of fiber, which aids digestion and promotes feelings of fullness. Additionally, kabocha squash seeds are high in magnesium, zinc, and antioxidants like vitamin E, which can help enhance immune function, improve skin health, and reduce inflammation.

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Hormones serve as chemical messengers that coordinate different functions within the body. There are several glands, organs, and tissues, which make up the endocrine system, that produce and release hormones. These hormones are vital for metabolism, growth, development, mood, and reproduction. 

What Do Hormones Do?

These chemical messengers affect and manage hundreds of bodily processes, many of which involve a chain reaction of several hormones. A hormone acts on a part of the body if it fits, e.g. the cells in the target tissue have receptors that can receive messages from that hormone. A hormone is like a key and the cells in the target tissues act as the lock. If the hormone fits the receptor on the cell wall, it will act appropriately and work, delivering a message that causes the target site to carry out a specific action.

The body uses hormones for two types of communication. The first type is between two endocrine glands, where one gland releases a hormone, stimulating another gland to change the levels of hormones that it is releasing. For example, this communication exists between the pituitary gland and the thyroid gland. The pituitary gland releases thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which cues the thyroid to release its hormones that affect different bodily processes. The second type of communication is between the endocrine gland and a target organ. For example, the pancreas releases insulin, which acts on the muscles and liver to help produce glucose. 

Several studies support the fact that promoting a healthy microbiome can have a positive impact on hormonal balance. Consuming probiotics and a plant-rich diet may improve the body’s regulation of ghrelin, cortisol, and insulin. Read on to learn about foods that may help restore hormone balance. 

Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds contain lignans, which are a type of phytoestrogen that can mimic estrogen in the body. Researchers have studied them for their potential ability to reduce estrogen levels, particularly in regards to menopause and menstrual cycle irregularities. Flaxseeds are naturally rich in fiber, which may further support hormone balance by promoting a healthier microbiome. 

Leafy Greens

Swiss chard, kale, spinach, arugula, and other leafy greens contain a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support hormonal health. The antioxidants in leafy greens work to reduce inflammation and assist the body with hormone production. The iron content may also help prevent anemia, while the magnesium content may help the body regulate cortisol. That ultimately leads to a more balanced stress response. 

Berries

Not only are berries low in sugar, but they also contain a lot of antioxidants, which can help fight inflammation, a factor that contributes to hormonal imbalance. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries may cause a slower and lower rise in blood sugar and insulin levels. Additionally, the fiber in berries helps maintain stable hormone levels by promoting optimal gut health. 

Avocados

Praised for their monounsaturated fats, avocados are always welcomed in your diet. Those monounsaturated fats play a crucial role in hormone production, as they serve as the building blocks for hormone synthesis. Avocados are also rich in fiber and magnesium, two nutrients that may help regulate estrogen and cortisol, respectively.

Quinoa

Technically a seed but grouped with whole grains, quinoa is a great source of complete protein, meaning it means all essential amino acids that the body does not make on its own. Those essential amino acids are necessary for bodily functions, including hormone production. Additionally, the complex carbohydrates in quinoa help slow digestion and nutrient absorption, contributing to more stable blood sugar levels. That ultimately helps balance the body’s insulin response. 

Lentils

Similar to other legumes, lentils are rich in fiber, which works to support balanced insulin levels and a healthy microbiome. Like quinoa, lentils are a great source of plant protein and have a low glycemic index, helping you maintain steady blood sugar. The B-vitamins and magnesium in lentils also support hormone production and function. 

Seaweed

Kelp and nori are a couple examples of seaweed that you can eat and they have the potential to influence estradiol levels in the blood. They may also increase the excretion of hormone-related substances in the urine, which can help balance all estrogen types. By potentially regulating estrogen levels and positively impacting gut bacteria, seaweed may be a great option for hormone health. 

Broccoli

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower are naturally rich in indole-3-carbinol. This compound supports the liver in metabolizing estrogen. Broccoli is also a great source of dietary fiber, which aids the regulation of insulin and other hormones.

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Found throughout the entire body, primarily in bones, muscles, and non-muscular soft tissue, magnesium is an essential mineral with many roles in the body. Even though it helps carry out many bodily functions, roughly 50% of people in the United States do not consume enough of it daily. Failure to consume enough in your daily diet can increase the risk of developing high blood pressure, osteoporosis, diabetes, and heart disease. 

Benefits Of Magnesium

Magnesium is part of a group of helper nutrients, including fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. These nutrients help protect blood vessels and work to improve insulin resistance. Magnesium also helps the body convert vitamin D into an active form that the body can use. It helps the kidneys and liver metabolize vitamin D. Being deficient in magnesium actually reduces the body’s ability to use vitamin D, which ultimately impacts calcium absorption. Magnesium also assists with:

• Energy production
• Muscle and nerve function
• Bone density
• DNA repair
• Protein synthesis
• Blood sugar control
• Blood pressure regulation

Although almonds contain a good amount of magnesium, among other minerals, there are other foods that offer more magnesium. Continue reading to learn more about them. 

Legumes And Pulses

Legumes and pulses include chickpeas, lentils, peas, beans, soybeans, peanuts, green peans, and snap peas. Most legumes and pulses have less magnesium per serving than almonds, but others provide more than double. As a quick note, the body absorbs about 30% to 40% of magnesium from food. Some foods, such as legumes and pulses, have molecules that make it harder for the body to absorb magnesium. Soak your legumes to increase magnesium absorption. Consider the following amounts from different legumes and pulses:

• Soybeans: 148 milligrams (mg) per cooked cup
• Lima beans: 126 mg per cooked cup
• Black beans: 120 mg per cooked cup
• Adzuki beans: 120 mg per cooked cup
• Edamame: 99.2 mg per cooked cup
• Navy beans: 96.5 mg per cooked cup

Chickpeas: 78.7 mg per cooked cup

Whole Grains

Providing fiber, vitamins, and minerals like magnesium, whole grains can be great additions to your diet. Whole grains, unlike refined grains, contain all three parts of the grain (bran, germ, and endosperm), which are removed from refined grains during processing. Milling reduces the magnesium content, which explains why white rice has about 20% of the magnesium that exists in brown rice. The following whole grains offer the most magnesium:

• Amaranth: 160 mg per cooked cup
• Teff: 126 mg per cooked cup
• Quinoa: 118 mg per cooked cup
• Brown rice: 85.8 mg per cooked cup
• Buckwheat groats: 85.7 mg per cooked cup

Leafy Greens And Vegetables

There are not too many vegetables that contain a lot of magnesium. Researchers agree that some leafy greens and select vegetables have more than almonds offer per serving. Green vegetables are highly versatile, as they can go into omelets, smoothies, salads, stir-fries, soups, or stews. Some great magnesium-rich vegetables include:

• Spinach: 157 mg per cooked cup
• Swiss chard: 150 mg per cooked cup
• Beet greens: 97.9 mg per cooked cup
• Acorn squash: 88.2 mg per cooked cup

Nuts And Seeds

Besides almonds, there are other nuts and seeds that offer good amounts of magnesium, in addition to zinc, selenium, and vitamin E. There are also nut butters and flours that contain magnesium. Use nut flours in place of standard all purpose flour to get more magnesium for your buck. And while most nuts and seeds contain some magnesium, the following ones provide more per serving than almonds do:

• Hemp seeds: 210 mg per one ounce
• Pumpkin seeds: 168 mg per one ounce
• Brazil nuts: 107 mg per one ounce
• Chia seeds: 95 mg per one ounce
• Pilinuts: 85.6 mg per one ounce
• Cashews: 82.8 mg per one ounce

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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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If you have spent time in our recipe section, especially browsing the Full Body Cleanse-approved ones, you know how much we love cheesy dishes. Cheese is the primary ingredient that stops vegetarians from becoming vegans. While there are vegan cheeses available in the grocery store, some of them are lacking in flavor. That isn’t the case for this raw vegan nut-free parmesan cheese. It combines pumpkin seeds, nutritional yeast, hemp seeds, garlic powder, and sea salt. You’ll want to sprinkle this on everything you make, especially your salads while cleansing.

Most vegan parmesan cheese recipes contain nuts, particularly cashews. In fact, most vegan cheeses use cashews because they are creamy, but if you are avoiding nuts due to an allergy, this recipe is perfect for you. Nuts do not agree with everyone, causing inflammation or poor digestion in certain people. That isn’t necessary the case with pumpkin seeds and hemp seeds, both of which offer impressive nutritional profiles. Pumpkin seeds are naturally rich in zinc, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, and vitamins E, K, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Hemp seeds are highly nutritious, offering good amounts of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron, vitamin E, and phosphorus. A single serving (about three tablespoons) of hemp seeds has nearly 10 grams of protein, which works to curb hunger and energize the body between meals. The antioxidants in hemp seeds may also help lower blood pressure and protect against free radicals, which are molecules that increase the risk of chronic inflammation, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and other conditions.

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Peaches have a very short season, so we encourage you to get your hands on them right now. Squeeze as many peachy delights as you can into your diet during the summer months. Trust us when we say that you won’t regret it. This green smoothie is more like a creamy milkshake than it is a smoothie. It energizes the body and powers it with pure plant goodness. If you don’t have the time to make your own almond milk, feel free to use filtered water, although that will make it less milkshake-like. You can also use homemade cashew milk if you prefer the flavor.

This smoothie only has four ingredients: homemade almond milk, peaches, spinach, and orange. Spinach is a powerhouse of a leafy green, offering magnesium, iron, protein, fiber, folate, vitamin K, and antioxidants. The peach, which you should pit, cube, and freeze ahead of time, is the source of sweetness in this recipe. Peaches are rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals, such as fiber, vitamins & C, potassium, niacin, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, and some B vitamins. While peaches are highly impressive from a nutritional standpoint, they are purely delicious, especially during peak season.

The homemade almond milk is the ingredient that makes this smoothie taste more like a milkshake. Homemade is just better! It offers a subtle nuttiness that complements the peaches and spinach. Finally, the orange offers lots of vitamin C and a hint of sour, which is refreshing break from the sweet, succulent peaches. Make it and let us know if you like it so that we can post similar recipes!

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Is rice a nutritious food? White rice typically undergoes processing, so manufacturers enrich it with added nutrients. The hull is missing, but so is the bran and germ. Brown rice, on the other hand, has the hull removed. White rice tends to have a low fiber content, which may cause digestive issues. All that said, many communities around the world eat white rice on a daily basis.

Rice is available in many varieties with different colors, grain lengths, flavors, and textures. That’s ringht, folks, white rice isn’t the only option available! The nutritional quality also varies depending on the type of rice, milling process, agricultural environment, and processing. For example, some varieties have a higher protein and fiber content and exhibit a low glycemic index. Other types of rice that undergo more processing may have a lower fiber, vitamin, and mineral content, which can increase the glycemic index. 

Some types of rice are more suitable for certain dishes, such as sushi rice or jasmine rice for fried rice. If you want rice that exhibits a more nutritionally diverse profile, you may want to avoid white rice and opt for other colors and varieties. Continue reading to learn more about them. 

Black Rice

Rich in antioxidant compounds, specifically anthocyanins, which give the rice its signature purple-black hue. According to researchers, including a lot of anthocyanins in the diet can improve blood glucose and lipid levels, in addition to lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease. Nutritional data states that half a cup of cooked black rice provides 3.3 grams (g) of protein, 17.2 g of carbs, 82 calories, and 1.5 g of fiber. It also contains B vitamins, selenium, zinc, and magnesium. Choose lightly milled or whole black rice varieties because milling can decrease the nutritional content. 

Purple Rice

Different from black rice, purple rice is also a rich source of anthocyanin antioxidants. Unlike black rice, purple rice has a sweeter flavor. Half a cup of cooked purple rice contains 90 calories, 19 g of carbs, 2 g of protein, and 1 g of fiber. A small study found that bread made with purple rice did not increase blood sugar levels as much as bread made with white rice. There was, however, no significant difference between white bread and bread made with purple rice. More research is still necessary to understand purple rice’s effect on blood sugar. 

Wild Rice

Did you know that wild rice is actually the seed of an aquatic grass? It has a higher protein and lower fat content compared to other rice varieties, with half a cup of cooked wild rice providing 83 calories, 17.5 g of carbs, 3.3 g of protein, and 1.5 g of fiber. Wild rice also contains a higher resistant starch content than both white and red rice. One study found that digestive starch increased glucose levels more than resistant starch. Researchers state that that is because resistant starch isn’t as digestible, making it more suitable for blood sugar regulation. 

Brown Rice

Being that brown rice is a whole grain, it does create a more balanced meal for blood sugar management. In fact, brown rice has a lower glycemic index than other rice varieties, but it does contain more arsenic than white rice. The outer layer of the grain contains arsenic, which is removed during the milling process to make white rice. This toxic metal only causes acute toxicity in high doses. Long-term exposure of arsenic through diet, though, can pose potential health risks, such as an increased risk of diabetes. A half cup of cooked brown rice offers 109 calories, 23 g of carbs, 2.3 g of protein, and 1.8 g of fiber. 

Red Rice

This type of rice is commonly eaten in southern France, Bhutan, and Thailand. It has a similar nutty flavor and aroma to basmati rice, but red rice has anthocyanins, which is what gives red rice its color. The anthocyanin content isn’t as prevalent in red rice as it is in purple or black rice, which explains the lighter color. Half a cup of cooked red rice contains 92 calories, 19 g of carbs, 2.1 g of protein, and less than 1 g of fiber.

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What do you need to make one of the best seed milks you’ve ever tasted? Two ingredients, although we added a few extra just to enhance the flavor. Hemp milk is quick and easy to make, and the best part is that you don’t have to strain it like you would almond milk or cashew milk. It is smooth, creamy, and rich, making it a great choice for smoothies, baking, or even cooking. You could even take it to the next level and make a hemp cream, but we don’t have time for that recipe today.

If you have never had hemp milk, you are probably wondering what it tastes like. It has a similar nutty flavor to almond milk, but is creamier than both almond milk and soy milk. Hemp milk also exhibits subtle earthy notes, which is similar to the flavor of hemp seeds themselves. That’s why we decided to add raw agave nectar and alcohol-free vanilla extract to distract your taste buds from those earthy notes. Flavor notes aside, hemp milk is incredibly nutritious, exhibiting impressive amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Hemp seeds are also rich in vitamin E and minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, and potassium.

Hemp seeds are very tender, which means that they break down easily during the blending process. No soaking required to soften them! Simply add the hemp hearts and other ingredients to the blender, blend, and serve! You don’t need a nut milk bag or cheesecloth because there is no pulp!

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Who doesn’t love a good snack? It’s so easy to open up a bag of chips and just start eating handful after handful. The same can be said for a bucket of popcorn. Unfortunately, we all know that these snacks are empty calories and only leave us wanting more. Plus, the sodium content is through the roof! The good news is that it’s possible to enjoy a crunchy snack in a healthy way.

That’s right, folks, we are talking about kale chips. These crunchy creations are not only addictively delicious, but also highly nutritious. Closely related to cabbage, broccoli, collard greens, and cauliflower, kale offers an assortment of nutrients, including vitamins, A, B6, C, & K, manganese, magnesium, riboflavin, folate, fiber, calcium, and other important plant compounds. The antioxidants in kale include quercetin and kaempferol, both of which are present in large amounts in kale. According to test-tube and animal studies, these compounds work to support heart health, reduce inflammation, slow the growth of cancer cells, and protect against chronic diseases.

What separates these kale chips from the next batch is that you dehydrate them after covering them in a creamy cashew cheese sauce. Because of that, the kale takes a lot longer to get crispy. You will need about 12 hours of dehydration in order to yield a crispy, cheesy kale chip. Before you sauce the kale in cashew cheese sauce, make sure to massage it with sea salt and lemon juice. Once the leaves are coated, you can toss them in the cashew sauce before placing them on dehydrator sheets. Don’t overlap the kale pieces or else they won’t get crispy.

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