If you are trying to achieve glowing skin and the smoothest complexion, you may think that you need a 10-step skin care routine. You may also think that you have to eliminate all sorts of foods and limit your consumption of others. True skin resilience begins with a more balanced approach: simplify your skin care routine and diversify your diet. You do not need to hit the beauty aisle and grab a cart-load of products, nor do you need to demonize so many foods. 

A lot of health experts believe in the gut-skin connection. Basically, you can prepare different meals or eat specific foods that encourage healthier skin. Below, you will find three tips that not only change how your skin looks and feels, but also how you feel in it. None of the tips are restrictive, which is a huge bonus.

Watch Your Blood Sugar

As a quick note, you do not have to track your blood sugar daily. Even if you do not track your blood sugar, your skin can tell you that something is awry. Blood sugar spikes can promote inflammation, which can trigger flare-ups in certain skin conditions, such as acne, rosacea, and eczema. You do not have to swear off carbs or sugar forever, though. Just know that it’s all about balance, and pairing your carbs with protein can help curb spikes in blood sugar. Instead of eating oats on their own, for example, add some Greek yogurt and almond butter to the oats. Ideally, consume 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of bodyweight, which is ideal for a sedentary person. A moderately active adult will need significantly more protein, with very active individuals needing a higher amount. 

Count Your Plants

According to research, the state of your gut can reveal itself on your skin. One of the best ways to support a healthy gut microbiome is by eating a diverse mix of plant-based foods. Some research from the American Gut Project examined stool samples from healthy individuals. The researchers noticed that the common denominator between the samples was that the gut microbiome was very rich. Most of the participants consumed at least 30 different plants per week. That is not normal for people who follow the typical Western diet, which lacks fiber and plant diversity. 

Most people eat about 14-16 grams of fiber per day, but the recommended daily intake (RDI) is 25 grams for women, and 38 grams for men. In fact, nearly 95% of American children and adults fail to meet their daily fiber needs. Keep things simple by aiming to consume five different plant-based foods every day. If you do that seven days a week, you will consume 35 different plant foods per week. When you go grocery shopping, your cart should look like a garden exploded in it. 

Eat More (Especially Protein)

It is very common to under-eat, especially protein. Your skin needs way more protein than you think it does, especially if you have wounds you are trying to heal. If you want to repair or enhance your skin barrier, you also need to focus on protein intake. Doubling your protein at meals can have a big impact, not just on your skin, but also on your energy, sleep, and overall mood. Protein is essential for skin health because it provides the aminos acids necessary for building and maintaining collagen and elastin, both of which work to keep your skin firm, elastic, and youthful.

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When it comes to balancing and healing your gut, you can experiment with different diets, lifestyle changes, and so much more. You may experiment with probiotics, increasing fiber intake, detox plans, or other supplements that promise less bloating and regular elimination. Even after all of those efforts, you still may not be able to get your gut under control. Have you thought about your alcohol intake, though?

Most people who drink alcohol can typically recall a time when it caused them digestive troubles. A night of drinking can lead to irregular bowel habits or bloating, depending on the alcoholic beverages you drank. Alcohol also affects many other aspects of your overall health, not just the digestive system. In this article, we will take a look at how much alcohol impacts gut health, which can affect your mental health, hormone balance, energy levels, and much more. 

It Can Affect Immune Function

A large portion of the body’s immune cells are created in the gut, so an imbalance in your gut microbiome can affect this production. In fact, an imbalanced gut can increase the likelihood of a weakened immune response. Additionally, the integrity of your intestinal lining helps support optimal immune function, but that lining is broken down with regular or chronic alcohol consumption. 

It Creates An Imbalance Of Gut Microbes 

If you take a high-quality probiotic to help balance gut microbes, it’s likely that alcohol consumption is sabotaging that effort. That is true whether you drink alcohol a couple times per week or daily. Researchers note that certain unhealthy gut microbes feed off alcohol, which makes your cravings more irresistible, especially if you regularly imbibe. 

It Can Contribute To Leaky Gut

When you drink alcohol, you increase the risk of leaky gut, or intestinal permeability. This is because alcohol destroys epithelial cells in the gut lining. That increases toxic byproducts of bacteria and cell damage, which triggers inflammation in the gut. Intestinal permeability can also be a cause of many autoimmune diseases, food sensitivities, or other immune concerns. 

It Can Affect Your Mood

Believe it or not, your gut microbiome plays a role in how you feel. Your gut supports mood via the release of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, and supports the communication of the gut-brain axis. If you have an unhealthy balance of bacteria in the gut because of alcohol consumption, you may worsen symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mood disorders. 

How Much Alcohol Does It Take To Impact The Gut?

In all honesty, it does not take much. A few drinks per week or a single alcohol binge (more than four to five drinks in one sitting) can prevent you from having optimal gut health. Alcohol’s toxic nature and the byproducts it creates when the body metabolizes it can affect normal gut bacteria and jeopardize the gut’s lining. Unfortunately, the effects become more problematic when you drink more. If you want to help improve gut health after cutting back on alcohol intake, consider the following:

• Take probiotics because they can help establish healthy bacteria in the gut. By increasing the amount of beneficial bacteria, you can help improve immune function, enhance digestion, and feel better overall. If you notice that a probiotic harms the gut or worsens existing symptoms, you may need to modify your diet even more. Eliminating gut-irritating foods, such as dairy, grains, gluten, and corn, may help improve gut health. 
• Increase your fiber intake by adding a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes to your diet. Researchers state that adding more fiber to your diet is one of the best ways to enhance your gut microbiome. You should also increase your intake of prebiotic fiber, which you can find in oats, apples, artichokes, bananas, and sunchokes. 
• Replenish integral nutrients, such as B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin D, magnesium, and more, because alcohol can deplete them. Nutrients like zinc, vitamin C, and omega-3s can help rebuild the gut lining and benefit those with leaky gut.

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Sorry cleansers, but this dressing is not for you. Once you finish your cleanse, though, feel free to make this Japanese-inspired miso vinaigrette dressing. Not only is it vegan and gluten-free, but it is also free of added sugars. It tastes just like a classic vinaigrette from a Japanese restaurant, only it is much healthier. We were inspired to use miso in a dressing, as miso is a nutrient-dense, fermented paste made from soybeans. It is naturally rich in probiotics and offers significant benefits to gut health, immune function, and nutrient absorption.

Having a healthy gut microbiome can help defend the body against harmful bacteria and foreign invaders. Not only does it enhance digestive function, but it also reduces gas, bloating, and the risk of constipation. A. oryzae is the primary probiotic strain found in miso. According to research, this probiotic may help reduce the risk of digestive problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The fermentation process of miso also helps improve digestion by reducing the amount of anti-nutrients in soybeans. Anti-nutrients naturaly exist in founds, including soybeans and other grains. Consuming too many anti-nutrients can cause them to bind to nutrients in the gut, which reduces the body’s ability to absorb them.

We decided to use avocado oil for this dressing because olive oil’s flavor can clash with miso, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. We also added hot water to help thin the dressing and break down the miso paste without having to whisk too much. Once you make the dressing, you can store it in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to two weeks.

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

What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?

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

Reach For Foods Rich In Omega-3s

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

Embrace Prebiotics

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

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

Eat More Probiotics

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

Avoid Alcohol

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

Spice Up With Saffron

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

Prioritize Vitamin D

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

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

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

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

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

Mangos

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

Kiwi

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

Figs

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

Apples

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

Prunes

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

Psyllium

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

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

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To be very clear, fostering a healthy gut is not just about improving digestion and avoiding tummy aches. Establishing a diverse microbiome can enhance immune function and even support your mood. Sure, the food you eat influences gut health, but the drinks you consume play a bigger role than you think. Sugar-sweetened sodas and juices, alcoholic beverages, and coffee with more creamer than coffee can all wreck your gut. Instead, focus on creating a happier, healthier microbiome with the beverages in this article. 

Kombucha

This fermented beverage is more than a fizzy health trend. Kombucha contains live probiotics that can help improve gut microbiome. It is also rich in antioxidants, which work to combat inflammation. Kombucha’s gut-improving benefits stem from its fermentation and probiotics. Fermentation creates fatty acids, which work to reduce inflammation and aid the production of enzymes and B-vitamins, which help enhance immune function.

Jun

We remain on the fermented beverage train with this healthy option made with green tea and raw honey. It contains living probiotics that help support the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. Unlike kombucha, Jun tastes a little gentler and is softer on the digestive system, primarily because of its lower acidity and honey-based fermentation. The probiotics in Jun work to repopulate healthy bacteria, while the green tea contains antioxidants that reduce gut inflammation.

Kefir

The third and final fermented drink on this list is kefir, a fermented dairy product made by two types of fermentation. The first method is lactic acid fermentation via the fermentation of milk sugar known as lactose. The second method is alcoholic fermentation done by the fermentation of yeast via kefir grains. The fermentation process creates bioactive compounds, including organic acids, peptides, and kefiran. Research notes that these compounds contribute to kefir’s ability to fight harmful bacteria in the gut. 

Ginger Tea

Supporting gut health by stimulating digestion and promoting motility, ginger tea may encourage daily bowel movements. Add some fresh ginger root to a mug and pour hot water over it. That’s it! You can sweeten it with raw honey, agave nectar, or stevia for a better taste. Ginger’s anti-inflammatory and carminative properties work to soothe the digestive tract and reduce bloating. That’s why it is an excellent option for gut health!

Peppermint Tea

Just like ginger tea, peppermint tea is a wonderful beverage for your gut. Research shows that peppermint tea can help relax the muscles in the gastrointestinal system. It may also help reduce bloating, indigestion, and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The refreshing flavor of peppermint makes it a great post-meal drink to soothe the stomach and keep you feeling light as you get ready for bed. 

Prune Juice

According to nutritional data, one serving of 100% prune juice contains four grams of fiber, which is necessary for optimal digestive health. Several studies indicate that drinking prune juice can help relieve constipation naturally, due to the fiber and sorbitol. 

Beet Juice

Researchers note that beets boost blood flow, especially to the digestive tract, because they are rich in nitrates. Not only does increased circulation to the gut promote healthy digestion, but it also helps relieve sluggish bowels and may even reduce gut inflammation. Beets also contain fiber, polyphenols, and compounds such as betaine, which has been linked to improved liver function and digestion. If you don’t like the earthy flavor of beets, you can add in some fresh orange, carrot, or apple juice to make it more palatable.

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Do you regularly cycle through different skin care products in search of the fountain of youth? Perhaps you have your skin care routine dialed in, but you notice that it isn’t yielding the results you want. Instead of spending more and more money on miracle skin care solutions, registered dietitians suggest that you pay more attention to the foods you eat. Your grocery list may be the secret to clearer skin. 

Many people are under the impression that a 10-step skin care routine is necessary to achieve great skin. This is primarily due to skin care ads and beauty influencers. What these ads don’t tell you is that eliminating certain foods from your diet can do your skin a great deal of good. Your skin is resilient, provided you feed it the goods it needs and craves. Instead of complicating your skin care routine, simplify it and diversify your diet. Rotate the foods you eat, not the products you use. 

Many nutritionists state that there is a connection between gut health and the appearance of your skin. In order to improve your gut health to clear up your skin, consider the following eating habits. You may notice how your skin looks and feels, but more so how you feel in your own skin. The great news is that these are not restrictive eating tips!

Keep Your Blood Sugar In Check

You don’t have to track your blood sugar to understand if your skin is trying to tell you that something is awry. For example, some people with recurring acne or eczema can experience flare ups if they eat foods that spike their blood sugar. That is primarily because big blood sugar spikes promote inflammation. Inflammatory skin conditions, such as rosacea, acne, or eczema, do not respond positively to sugar. 

That doesn’t mean you have to eliminate carbs and sugar completely from your diet. Don’t demonize them; rather, balance your carb intake with protein to curb a blood sugar spike. Add some Greek yogurt to your oats, for example. Pairing 20 grams of protein with a serving of starch can make a big difference, both for your skin and energy levels.  

Count Your Plants

No, not the amount of plants that are growing in your garden. According to research, one of the best ways to support a healthy gut microbiome is to diversify your plant intake. According to the American Gut Project, stool samples from healthy individuals indicated that they had a very rich gut microbiome in common. Most of these individuals were eating at least 30 different plants per week. 

That is drastically different from the typical American diet, which usually lacks fiber and a variety of plant-based foods. Most people only consume 14 to 16 grams of fiber per day, and the minimum is 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men. Research confirms that 95% of American adults and children fail to meet their daily fiber needs. To meet your fiber needs, aim to consume five different fruits and vegetables per day, every single day of the week. And while you’re at it, do your best to enjoy fruits and vegetables that are all colors of the rainbow to get your share of different antioxidants. 

Eat More…Especially Protein

Although there is an obesity epidemic in the United States, it is very common to under-eat, especially protein. Most people overeat carbs, sugar, caffeine, and unhealthy fats and do not eat a sufficient amount of protein, and that can negatively affect the skin. The skin requires more protein than you think, particularly if you want to enhance your skin barrier or repeat any wounds. Doubling your protein intake at meals can have a large impact on your skin, energy levels, and even your sleep. Just make sure to consume lean protein, such as wild caught fish, cage-free boneless skinless chicken, and turkey. There are also plant-based protein options to enjoy, such as legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.

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Is there anything better than a good night’s sleep? You wake up in a good mood and when you sit up and get out of bed, it’s as though your body thanks you for that rest. Contrast to the mornings when you wake up after a minimal amount of sleep. You don’t feel like yourself and you usually see dark circles under your eyes. You feel sluggish and would give anything for a few more hours of sleep. 

Growing evidence indicates that sleep is necessary for maintaining long-term health. The body can typically handle a few nights with minimal sleep, but it is not sustainable over time. There will be a price you pay if you continually get insufficient sleep, according to health experts. In this article, we’ll detail some of the health problems linked to sleep deprivation.

Type 2 Diabetes

People who experience minimal sleep or poor quality sleep tend to have poorer blood sugar control, especially in people with diabetes. Additionally, sleep deprivation can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to some studies. In a group of middle-aged Caucasians, researchers observed a strong connection between poor sleep quality and metabolic syndrome, fasting blood duster levels, insulin levels, and insulin resistance, a precursor for type 2 diabetes. 

Kidney Issues

Unfortunately, the link between insufficient sleep and kidney health has not been as firmly established as the link between poor sleep and other health conditions. Researchers note that people with chronic kidney disease tend to have sleep disorders, including restless leg syndrome and insomnia related to their condition. Some evidence shows that poor sleep quality may increase the risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Researchers believe that the link could be related to disruptions to the circadian rhythm. 

Depression And Anxiety

According to research, people who have chronic insomnia have a higher rate of depression and anxiety. An estimated 40% of people with insomnia have clinical depression. The relationship between your mood and sleep is complex and bidirectional. That means that depression or anxiety can negatively impact sleep and lack of sleep can negatively affect your mood. Sleep experts consider insomnia to be an independent risk factor for developing mental health disorders, such as depression. You may need to address your sleep problems and anxiety or depression separately in order to improve your overall health. 

A Less Healthy Gut

The gut microbiome is a complex system of trillions of microorganisms found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Experts believe that the more diverse the microbiome, the better a person’s overall health is. Some studies suggest that altered sleep patterns, such as those consistent with night shift workers, may impact gut health. One study used Mendelian randomization, a method that looks at genetic variation to study the effects of different health variables. This study found that sleep issues may alter the abundance of bacteria in the gut. 

Hypertension, Stroke, And Heart Disease

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), the smallest changes in sleep have been linked to heart issues. After the clocks change in March, there are 24% more heart attacks for the first three to four days. When the clocks “fall back” in November, the AHA estimates a 21% reduction in heart attacks because people gain an hour of sleep. Sleeping for five hours or less per night on a regular basis has been associated with a two to three times greater risk of coronary artery buildup. That decreases the flow of blood to your heart, so sleep deprivation may increase the risk of coronary artery disease. 

Reduced Immune Function

Sleep experts suggest that insufficient sleep or poor sleep quality can harm immune function. Evidence shows that poor sleep increases your susceptibility to various infections and illnesses. Studies show that people who sleep less than seven hours per night are three times more likely to develop the common cold compared with people who get eight hours or more of sleep per night. 

Additional research states that insufficient sleep can make it more difficult for the body to produce disease-fighting antibodies, specifically after receiving flu, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B vaccines. Participants who only slept four hours per night in the days before and following vaccination developed lower levels of antibodies compared to those who had great sleep. 

Weight Gain

Unfortunately, there is a strong connection between sleep issues and being overweight or having obesity. Failure to get enough sleep every night can cause a hormonal imbalance, and these are the hormones that regulate appetite. Ghrelin makes you feel hungry and leptin helps you feel full. Leptin levels tend to rise during sleep, so the theory is that insufficient sleep causes a decrease in those levels. That makes you feel hungrier, which leads to unnecessary eating. Additionally, sleep disturbances of any kind can increase the production of ghrelin, which increases appetite. Studies suggest that insufficient sleep can make people burn 100 more calories per day. While that sounds wonderful, the extra wake time increases how much people eat or drink by more than 250 calories per day. Over time, that can cause people to gain weight.

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