If you have ever eaten at a Japanese restaurant, then you are probably familiar with miso soup. It is a classic starter, but not every restaurant hits it out of the park. Although some bowls comfort the soul, others leave you wanting more flavor. Fortunately, you don’t have to go out to eat if you want to enjoy this gut-friendly soup in a much healthier way. You can quickly and easily make it at home and omit the tofu!

Before we continue, we recommend that you purchase properly prepared miso for the highest quality soup and flavor profile. Miso contains a lot of probiotic benefits, and making it from scratch means that you get to avoid the additives and excess sodium that this soup is often associated with. What sets miso apart from other soy products is that it is a fermented sources of soy, similar to natto and tempeh. Fermenting soybeans yields a completely different set of nutrients! For this reason, you can enjoy miso, natto, or tempeh to promote better gut health.

There are three primary types of miso that you can purchase, including red, white, and yellow/bronze. Red miso has a longer fermentation process, which gives it the bold red color. White miso has a slightly sweeter flavor profile and is more refreshing. The yellow/bronze miso is simply a mixture of those two, so you get to enjoy both flavor profiles. This soup calls for white miso, and it also contains the added benefit of higher vegetable content. It consists of mushrooms, onion, garlic, ginger, and collard greens.

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There are foods that support gut health and there are foods that create gastrointestinal problems. The foods that support gut health contain microbes that feed beneficial bacteria in the gut. Foods that are unhealthy upset the gut microbiome, tipping the scales in the favor of unhealthy gut bacteria. This article intends to inform you about the foods that ruin your gut health.

Firstly, we must establish that each person reacts differently to different foods. Each person’s gut health also depends on diet, food sensitivities, allergies, and lifestyle choices. Someone with food sensitivities may suffer from gut health issues when he/she eats a food that promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

What Is The Significance Of Gut Bacteria?

The human gut contains over 100 trillion bacteria, known as gut flora. Some of these bacterial species that inhabit the gut are friendly, while others are not. Friendly gut bacteria destroy harmful bacteria and microorganisms, and they are necessary for digestion. They also produce vitamin K, short-chain fatty acids, and folate. Harmful gut bacteria increase the risk of insulin resistance, obesity, weight gain, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), chronic inflammation, and colorectal cancer. This is why it is important to have more good than bad bacteria present in the gut at all times. Below, you’ll find numerous foods that harm gut bacteria. 

Diet Soda

A lot of people drink diet soda because it is free of calories and sugar. It was originally marketed as a healthier alternative to regular soda, but this is not the case. Diet soda contains artificial sweeteners, which upset microbes in the gut. A small study in Israel examined the effects of aspartame, sucralose, and saccharine on the gut. Results indicated that they altered gut bacteria and increased glucose intolerance, which increases a person’s risk of type 2 diabetes.

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol in excess has many adverse effects on the body, one major one being that it creates inflammation and an imbalance of gut flora. Excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of bacterial overgrowth, which leads to acid reflux and poor digestion. Drinking a glass of red wine every now and again isn’t harmful, but pounding sugary margaritas and beers can harm gut-friendly bacteria.

Dairy Products

Roughly 65% of the world’s population has problems digesting lactose, which is the primary sugar in dairy products. Diarrhea, bloating, and gas are the three common symptoms of lactose intolerance. If you experience any of these symptoms after consuming dairy products, please consider cutting back on dairy. However, cultured products like kefir contain beneficial probiotics that are much easier on the digestive system; and they promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

Soy

Besides the fact that soy is one of the most genetically modified foods on the planet, soy is a lectin-rich legume that can be difficult to digest. A common reaction to soy consumption is bloating or abdominal pain. Some people can handle small amounts of fermented soy, like natto or tempeh, because they are easier to digest.

Processed Foods

Chips, cookies, pretzels, toaster pastries, and almost every other packaged food item is loaded with preservatives and additives that harm gut flora. These foods don’t contain gut-friendly fiber, and the refined sugars and carbs only lead to the growth of unhealthy gut bacteria. Skip the snack aisle and focus on freshness for a healthier gut.

Fried Foods

Simply put, fried foods are very difficult for the body to digest. The oils that are used for frying typically contain high amounts of saturated and trans fats, both of which irritate the stomach, causing bloating, gas, or diarrhea. In addition to increasing the risk of liver disease, fried foods also promote the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut.

Sugar

Sugar is the evil ingredient that people keep coming back for. It is extremely addictive and very harmful to your gut health. Various animal studies found that sugar slows the production of proteins that keep gut flora balanced.

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There’s no sexier feeling than snorting or coughing and feeling like you still have some mucus that is too stubborn to leave your throat. We’re joking, obviously. Instead of looking and sounding like a disgusting monster in front of your friends, coworkers, or family, you head to the bathroom to deal with the problem. What if this is happening and you aren’t even sick? If you aren’t sick, you shouldn’t have that mucus, right? Well, not exactly.

As it turns out, certain foods can increase mucus production and lead to the buildup of phlegm in the body. Excess mucus in the body can increase your risk of respiratory infections, including sinusitis, colds, flus, and more. While it is easier to blame the weather, a friend’s child with a runny nose, or a coughing coworker, the reality is that your diet may be the culprit of your congestion and constant hacking.

What Is Mucus?

Mucus lines many tissues in the body and it helps to prevent organs from drying up. It also has the job of keeping bacteria and other airborne particles from entering the body, and mucus contains enzymes and antibodies that work to kill bacteria and other infections. While mucus works to protect the lungs and respiratory system, having an excess amount of mucus can jeopardize respiratory health.

Foods That Trigger Mucus Production

Soy Products

First off, we encourage people to avoid soy because it is one of the most genetically engineered foods on the planet. Now we have a new reason to steer clear of soy. Soy products lead to more unhealthy mucus accumulation in the body than any other plant foods. Not to mention, the mucus that accumulates is unhealthy mucus and can worsen your symptoms if you are sick.

Dairy Products

Dairy products can thicken pre-existing mucus and increase mucus production. People who consume milk, cheese, or yogurt while they are sick can commonly experience difficulty swallowing or thickened saliva. Dairy products contain a protein known as casein, which can increase the secretion of mucus, cause digestive troubles, or increase risk of sinus infection.

Caffeinated Beverages

Sorry, folks, but drinking that coffee, soda, black or green tea, and other caffeinated beverages can increase the risk of dehydration, which leads to thicker mucus production. Not only does drinking water and herbal teas keep you sufficiently hydrated, but it also keeps mucus secretions lubricated and thin.

Foods Allergens

Some people know they have allergies or sensitivities to foods, yet they continue to eat them. Strange…we know. The continued consumption of food allergens can increase mucus production, a common allergic response to foods containing gluten, dairy, or soy. The symptoms typically manifest in the form of nasal congestion, sneezing, or coughing. Eliminating certain foods may help decrease the amount of mucus buildup in the body. Click here to learn more about an elimination diet.

Red Meat

Due to the high protein content of red meat, it is very common to experience mucus production in the throat after consumption. Additionally, a lot of red meat is highly processed, filled with antibiotics, and rich in fat, all of which lead to mucus buildup. If you are going to purchase meat, it is best to purchase grass-fed grain-free meat, or opt for wild-caught fish for a healthier option.

In closing, everyone will react differently to the foods mentioned in this article. Some people may experience tremendous mucus buildup after they eat soy, while others may experience nothing. Pay attention to the foods that you eat and eliminate the ones that cause negative reactions.

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Most people think that they have to get healthy by summer. If they don’t achieve their ideal beach bodies, people tend to abandon fitness goals and forget about diet and exercise. This mentality propels you towards an unhealthy fall and holiday season, which is when most people gain the majority of their weight. Instead of giving up on health, use this midway point in the year as a chance to turn over a new leaf and reset your health goals.

The first step towards a healthier diet involves cleaning out your cabinets and refrigerator. Sugary and salty snacks, canned vegetables or soups, and other packaged things with ridiculously long shelf lives commonly line the shelves of many cabinets and refrigerators in American homes. Eating foods with long shelf lives doesn’t mean you add years to your life. Finding new healthy alternatives can be challenging, but they are out there and more prevalent than you think. Here are a few suggestions to make your kitchen a healthier space.

Chips

Some people have no self-control when it comes to chips. One second they are opening the bag and five minutes later they are showering the crumbs into their mouths. Chips are filled with sodium (salt), dyes, processed ingredients, artificial flavors, and trans fats. All of these make it difficult for your body to function optimally.

Swap With Dehydrated Root Vegetables or Air-Popped Popcorn

Many stores sell dehydrated root vegetables, which don’t have all the processed ingredients that chips have. You can air-pop organic dried kernels in an air-popper yourself. It is an easy and healthy snack, provided you don’t drown the popcorn in butter and salt.

Canola Oil

Did you know that canola oil increases your risk of heart disease? It causes arterial build-up and can lead to improper kidney and liver function. Additionally, over 90% of canola oil is genetically modified.

Swap With Extra Virgin Olive Oil

This is the good stuff! It is rich in heart-healthy fats and contains a variety of antioxidants that are beneficial for fighting inflammation and cholesterol build-up. Unlike canola oil, olive oil is protective against heart disease. Remember, extra virgin olive oil is great for sautéing, but safflower oil may be better if you are cooking at higher temperatures.

Canned Vegetables

Many canned vegetables are laced with BPA, which is an industrial chemical in food or beverage containers. Canned vegetables can be pasteurized, precooked, preserved, and often contain excess sodium and sulfites.

Swap With Real Vegetables

The average American only consumes about 1/3 of the recommended daily vegetable intake. And canned vegetables don’t count! Try to focus on fresh vegetables because they contain high concentrations of vitamins and minerals. Once you cook the vegetables, the heat begins to kill the nutritional value.

Instant Oatmeal

Instant oatmeal is not real oatmeal! They contain so much sugar, corn syrup, trans fats, processed ingredients, and hydrogenated oils. All of these ingredients can increase your cholesterol levels, ultimately increasing your risk of stroke or heart attack. Instant oatmeal packets even contain ingredients that you can’t pronounce! If you can’t pronounce it, avoid it.

Swap With Steel Cut Oats

Regular, unflavored steel cut oats are a power food, being a great source for plant-based protein and fiber. Additionally, steel cut oats contain compounds that help reduce blood pressure. They have a low glycemic index, which makes them a beneficial food for diabetics. They can be made the night before to avoid the hassle of making breakfast in the morning, and you can add your own fruit for an added nutritional boost.

White Rice

Most white rice is devoid of nutrients because it is heavily processed. Since it isn’t a whole grain, a lot of the fiber, vitamins, and other nutrients are removed during processing. It isn’t the worst food for your body, but there are better options.

Swap With Organic Quinoa

It has twice as much fiber as other grains and it’s not even a grain…it’s a seed. A lot of people don’t like quinoa because it is flavorless. The key to enjoying quinoa is to add spices to the water during the cooking process. You can add curry powder, turmeric, pepper, sea salt, oregano, cumin, chili powder, paprika, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, or any other spices. It is rich in iron, magnesium, and is a great plant-based protein source.

Butter or Butter Spreads

Butter spreads typically contain hydrogenated oils and trans fats, and regular butter contains a lot of fat. Despite the current hype about butter due to the ketogenic diet, we suggest avoiding butter because of the saturated fats, which contribute to weight gain.

Swap With Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has been trending in the health world for quite a while. It can help support weight loss, boost the metabolism, and it is beneficial for your skin. Try to opt for virgin, unrefined coconut oil, and if you cook with it, cook on medium heat because coconut oil cannot withstand high temperatures. It is also a 1 to 1 swap with butter, if you are following a recipe.

Bottled Smoothies/Juices

Most bottled juices and smoothies have turned healthy foods into sugar-laden, processed, unhealthy foods that trick you into thinking that they are healthy. These drinks are heavily processed and pasteurized to the point where the natural nutrients get removed and synthetic vitamins and minerals must be added. Additionally, these drinks have a high sugar content and are incredibly concentrated. It’s like you might as well be drinking a soda!

Swap With Homemade Smoothies/Juices

Drinking unheated, pure, natural, and cold pressed juices or smoothies is one of the best ways to heal and nourish your cells. Get some fresh fruit and vegetables, throw them in a blender, add ice, blend it up, and there you have a healthy smoothie. Similarly, put fresh fruits and vegetables in a juicer to make nutritious juices. We prefer smoothies because they contain fiber, whereas the fiber gets removed when you run ingredients through a juicer.

Cream-Based Soups

These soups are loaded with empty calories, processed dairy products, food dyes, corn syrup, excess sodium, and other chemical fillers that harm the body. We are referring to cream of mushroom, cream of broccoli, corn chowder, and clam chowder soups, among other cream-based varieties.

Swap With Vegetable Broth & Homemade Soup

Vegetable broth is a great base for homemade soups, so long as you purchase the organic broths without any added sodium. Quickly sauté your favorite vegetables, season the broth with spices, and let them simmer. Eating that is much healthier for your heart, and you get a lot of antioxidants and immune boosting nutrients.

Whey Protein Powder

Finding the right protein powder can be hard. Don’t resort to whey protein powder because whey protein can cause loss of appetite, gout, osteoporosis, kidney damage, fatigue, headaches, inflammation, or even cramps when taken for extended periods of time. It also has a lot of calories, sugars, and added fats, which contribute to weight gain.

Swap With Plant-Based Protein Powders

There are a lot of plant-based protein powders on the market now (and we are not talking about soy products). Plant-based protein powders are easily absorbed by the body, which makes it easier for the body to use protein more efficiently. Just remember that some of the biggest animals in the world only eat plants.

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There are over 20 million Americans suffering from a thyroid condition, but it’s safe to assume that they majority of them don’t think about their thyroid when it comes to diet and nutrition. Having a thyroid condition is no walk in the park because various nutrients can heavily influence how they thyroid functions. The secret to improving thyroid health is to pay close attention to what you eat, because foods cause the most harm.

Regulating the metabolism and the release of hormones, the thyroid is the butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the front of your neck. The most common thyroid issue is hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid condition that is associated with weight gain, forgetfulness, extreme fatigue, and depression. Some factors, which lead to the development of hypothyroidism, are out your hands. You cannot control family history and environmental pollutants, but you can control what foods you put on your plate. You can either choose thyroid friendly foods, or foods that continue to damage the thyroid.

Becoming mindful of what you eat can take time, but the road to a balanced thyroid is not easy. The best place to start is by eating your colors (i.e. fresh fruits and vegetables of all colors), trying your best to purchase organic, and avoiding artificial colors and flavors. As much as it may pain you to hear, it is wise to exclude fried foods, processed foods, sugary treats, ice cream, and alcohol from your diet. To help guide you in a healthier direction, steer clear of the following foods that can worsen hypothyroidism.

Tuna And Swordfish

Swordfish, shark, kingfish, mackerel, and tuna are predator fish and tend to contain more mercury than smaller fish. The longer the life of the fish, the more chemicals it can accumulate. It is acceptable to eat about two servings per week of these predator fish. You should also cut out farmed fish like salmon from your diet. Their mercury levels are high because they are fed the chum of other fish.

Soy

Some researchers have posed the link between excess soy consumption and an increased risk of hypothyroidism. Containing isoflavones, soy has been known to interfere with healthy endocrine function, meaning that soy can disrupt hormonal balance in the body. One study found that women who ate soy products experienced the same hormone altering results as when they were given tamoxifen, a drug used for breast cancer patients. Foods that contain soy include natto, tofu, soy sauce, most fake meat products, soy lecithin, soybean oil (vegetable oil), tempeh, and soymilk.

Gluten

The American population has become accustomed to consuming a diet rich in processed white flour, so the idea of not eating gluten and grains is not typically received with a sense of joy. Increasing research is pointing towards a strong link between the consumption of gluten-rich foods and the increased percentage of autoimmune diseases. A 2017 article in the journal Endocrine Connections found that celiac disease and hypothyroidism are often present together. Someone who eats a lot of gluten increases their risk of protein particles, like gliadin, entering the blood. The immune system recognizes this as an intruder and takes care of the problem, but increased gluten consumption over years can cause the immune system to attack healthy tissue. This is essentially what happens in those with Hashimoto’s disease.

Sugar

Just like gluten, sugar can be a tough one to give up because it’s in so many things that people enjoy eating. Most people consume an excess amount of sugar, which contributes to excess fat storage in the body. Because hypothyroidism slows the body’s metabolism, it cannot efficiently burn the sugar you eat, which is a common reason for weight gain. In order to balance blood sugar levels, one should consume fruits with protein sources, like raw nuts, seeds, or green vegetables, to avoid glucose spikes. Solely consuming sugar from fruit is a great way to enhance thyroid function, balance blood glucose, and encourage weight loss.

Alcohol

Alcohol wrecks thyroid hormone levels; there’s no two ways about it. In addition to damaging thyroid hormone levels, alcohol can also affect the thyroid’s ability to produce thyroid hormones by suppressing the gland. In addition to affecting thyroid hormone production, the sugar in alcohol can cause glucose spikes and contribute to weight gain. People with hypothyroidism should eliminate alcohol from their diet to increase thyroid function.

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The Standard American Diet is filled with processed ingredients and chemicals that slowly deteriorate overall bodily health. Aggressive marketing campaigns aim to convince people to buy foods, which people know are not good for them. Despite not being able to pronounce ingredients or understanding what is actually in dangerous food products, people continue to eat them happily and continue about their day.

One of the most recent debates in the food world is whether or not soybean oil is healthy. Several research studies have revealed that it is harmful to the human body, but it is one of the most common ingredients in foods that are especially popular for children and adolescents. Soybean oil is commonly in chips, crackers, candies, and more, and it has been thought to be a heart-healthy oil like extra virgin olive oil or virgin coconut oil.

How Is Soybean Oil Made?

Understanding how soybean oil is made reveals how unhealthy it is for the body. Unlike extra virgin olive oil or other heart-healthy oils, soybean oil is not cold-pressed; rather, it undergoes a high heat and bleaching process, and contains chemical solvents and deodorizers. All of this is done during the process of extracting edible oil from soybeans.

• Mechanical pressing (using heat and pressure to obtain oil)
• Residual oil left in soybean meal is extracted (using a solvent known as hexane)
• Hexane is a toxic solvent that has to be removed from the oil (by way of using steam and vacuums)
• Soybean oil is then bleached to remove impurities
• The last step is a high-temperature deodorization process to remove oxidation products (found in the oil)

According to scientists, soybean oil should be the last oil you choose to cook with or eat. The reason for this is because soybean oil (and actual soybeans) is not recommended for human consumption, due to the fact that soybean oil provokes steroid hormone production, ultimately increasing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Regular consumption of soybeans or soybean oil can lead to imbalanced sexual hormones in men and women, in addition to premature puberty in younger children.

On top of all the negatives surrounding soybean oil, soy products are some of the most GMO-rich food products on the planet. Roughly 94% of soy products contain GMOs! Additionally, soybean oil contains a lot of polyunsaturated fatty acids, meaning that is has poor oxidative stability compared to avocado or extra virgin olive oils, both of which have a higher degree of saturation. Consuming too many of these fatty acids can lead to chronic inflammation or excess free radical damage, which can lead to cancer development.

One of the most common denominators for illnesses like chronic inflammation, cancer, obesity, heart disease, and diabetes is diet. While the average person can speculate that meat is to blame for the obesity epidemic, it is more accurate to say that processed foods, a high percentage of which contain soybean oil, are helping to drive up obesity rates. A lot of these foods contain excess calories, and soybean oil contributes a hefty amount of calories to the average American’s diet. This is not to say that soybean oil is the sole cause of obesity in the world; rather, it plays a role.

The more important takeaway is that soybean oil consumption can lead to an unhealthy ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-6s are beneficial for the body, but omega-6s are pro-inflammatory, meaning that an overabundance of omega-6s in the body causes it to be in a constant inflammatory state. This leads to chronic inflammation, which is a risk factor for a variety of illnesses. Omega-6s aren’t unique to soybean oil. Other unhealthy oils have the same problems, but soybean oil is just much more present in the foods we eat.

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Having a thyroid issue can completely change the way you live your life. Detecting a problem with the thyroid can take some doctors a couple years. Some people with thyroid conditions get prescribed different medications that are not conducive (or sometimes even for the thyroid) to thyroid health. These medications can lead to mood swings, constipation, sugar cravings, or extreme fatigue.

How Important Is A Healthy Thyroid?

The thyroid is one of the most important glands in the body. It regulates the endocrine system, which includes all of the glands in your body that are responsible for hormone production. Since the thyroid is almost like the gland in charge, the endocrine system (and the rest of your bodily functions) can become faulty. An improperly functioning thyroid basically throws your body out of whack.

It is possible to naturally reverse your thyroid condition through food. By eliminating certain foods and adding healthier foods, the thyroid can naturally improve its functions. Always remember that it is best to avoid meats, meat products, dairy products, flour, processed foods, junk foods, fried foods, and refined sugars. Plant-based foods are always best for your body!

Avoid Soy Products

Eliminate all soy products (including edamame) from your diet when trying to heal your thyroid. About 94% of all soy is genetically engineered, and you don’t want those hormones in your body. Additionally, you should eliminate gluten, especially if you have Hashimoto’s disease, because both gluten and soy can have negative effects on normal thyroid function.

Sea Veggies

Since iodine is an extremely important nutrient for the thyroid, you should eat your sea vegetables. Insufficient iodine levels can limit the production of thyroid hormones, which ultimately inhibits healthy thyroid function. The best sea vegetables to eat include spirulina, kelp, wakame, hijiki, or nori sheets.

Brazil Nuts

Selenium helps to convert thyroxine to T3 hormones, and Brazil nuts are full of this mineral. It’s important to not eat too many Brazil nuts, though. Only eat three a day. Other sources of selenium include chia seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, and flaxseeds. Note: Sometimes people with Hashimoto’s disease are recommended to avoid selenium, but selenium is needed for glutathione production to decrease thyroid antibodies.

Chlorophyll

Due to the antioxidant properties in chlorophyll, it can decrease and absorb mold toxins, for example aflatoxin B, which can cause liver complications and cancer. Additionally, chlorophyll helps to boost energy levels and remove heavy metals, which may be negatively affecting the thyroid. Make sure to eat your green vegetables to get your daily dose of chlorophyll.

Cruciferous Vegetables

There have been many studies indicating that cruciferous vegetables may help to prevent thyroid cancer. Cruciferous vegetables include cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, collard greens, kale, turnip greens, watercress, bok choy, arugula, cauliflower, and mustard greens. It is best to eat them raw to absorb their phytonutrients.

Remember: Always listen to your body, especially when you change your diet. Include these foods in a well-balanced, plant-based diet and see if your thyroid improves.

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May has been designated as National Melanoma Month. Melanoma Monday (May 1^st this year), as it has become known, aims to raise awareness about melanoma. Since melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer, it is important that people know the warning signs. While there are many types of skin cancer, melanoma accounts for 75% of all skin cancer deaths.

Knowing the warning signs and symptoms of melanoma is beneficial, especially since the condition is increasing in people under age 40. It is always optimal to attack the problem before it worsens or spreads, so it is best to continually examine moles or skin spots that you may have on your body. This is why you should know the ABCDEs of the condition.

A is for Asymmetry

If you imagine a line that divides your mole in half, are both sides equal? If they are not, then the mole is considered asymmetrical and you should seek medical advice.

B is for Border

If the border or edge of the mole looks uneven then you may want to consult a medical professional.

C is for Color

Moles tend to be one uniform color. If there are several colors or shades in a mole, this could be an indication of melanoma.

D is for Diameter

Diameter is the length of the entire mole. Melanomas typically have a diameter of 1/4inch (6mm), so keep an eye on the size of your mole(s) to detect melanoma early.

E is for Evolving

It is best you keep track of your mole(s) to make sure that the size, shape, and color are the same. If there is any difference, such as itching, bleeding, or puss from the mole, then it could indicate that the mole is malignant.

There are natural remedies that can help those who have melanoma. The following remedies may help to improve the condition, but it depends on the severity and the person.

Remove Toxins From Your Diet

It is imperative to your health, if you have melanoma or any type of cancer, to remove any sort of toxic foods from your diet. It is beneficial to avoid processed foods, acidic foods, soy products, refined sugars, meats, meat products, hydrogenated oils, fast food, and junk food. Try to focus on eating plant-based foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains. These foods can help supply the body with the essential nutrients that it needs, and they also help to keep the body alkaline. Having an alkaline body with balanced pH levels can help to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

Use Eggplan

You may not know this, but eggplant is surprisingly beneficial for treating the affected cells in melanoma. There are phytonutrients, glycosides, and glycoalkaloids in eggplants that can help destroy cancer cells without harming the other cells in the body. Mash eggplant into a paste and apply it to the affected spots. You can enhance the healing properties by mixing in a little raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with the eggplant.

Essiac Tea

It is beneficial for those with melanoma to consume essiac tea. This tea is a mixture of the following herbs: burdock root, slippery elm bark, sheep sorrel, and Indian rhubarb root. Together, all of these herbs can aid in reducing tumor growth, help relieve pain, and they help to boost the immune system. The best thing about this tea is that it helps to reduce inflammation while also repairing cells.

Turmeric

Turmeric has been known to be a natural cancer remedy. Studies have indicated that curcumin, the active healing ingredient in turmeric, can help prevent cancer cell growth. Turmeric has been most effective for people with colon, breast, bowel, and skin cancers.

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We live in a world of various health trends and people always wonder what the healthiest protein sources are. Many people enjoy making pre-workout protein shakes, but you may be unsure of which protein powder to use. The first thing to keep in mind, when it comes to protein powder, is that you are what your protein ate.

When it comes to protein, you have to take into account the living conditions of the protein source. If you are getting your protein from a hormone-injected cow that lives indoors it’s entire life as opposed to organic vegetables, can you see how the former won’t be as good for your body? To better explain the difference between animal protein and plant-based protein, here are answers to common questions that are asked about them.

Why is animal protein bad for you?

Where do we start? Animal protein is attractive because it is familiar and you know that you get protein if you eat it. Protein that comes from animal sources contains all of the essential amino acids that we need. The downside is that animal protein comes with gifts like cholesterol, hormones, and saturated fats, which can not only make you fat, but also put you at risk for heart disease and stroke. Additionally, animal protein is filled with chemicals that the body cannot properly process. For example, it breaks down into uric acid, which eats away at kidney tissue and can cause kidney stones. This causes digestive problems and can leave toxins in the body, which can inhibit proper organ function.

Whey is a popular protein powder. Can I have that?

There are several problems with whey protein powder. First of all, whey is severely processed, which degrades the quality of the protein. Since whey protein is derived from the liquid leftover when milk is turned into cheese, there are added artificial sweeteners to make the protein powder palatable. These sweeteners are terrible for the body and can lead to digestive problems.

Can I use soy protein powder since it is plant-based?

The problem is that about 94% of soy is genetically modified. Soy happens to be one of the most processed and genetically modified foods in the world, so soy protein products are best avoided.

Why is plant-based protein better than animal protein?

All plants have protein. Some plant-based foods like chia seeds, hemp seeds, quinoa, and buckwheat have all the essential amino acids that the body needs. As long as you eat foods like legumes, nuts & seeds, fruits, and vegetables daily, you will get the protein you need. Plant-based protein powders have little to no artificial sweeteners, are easier to digest, and are more efficiently absorbed by the body.

It is always beneficial to go for plant-based proteins over animal proteins. Avoid soy products and make sure you read the ingredient lists when you are buying products. Stay away from words you can pronounce and try to stick with hemp or pea proteins.

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There are a lot of foods out in the world that have been promoted as healthy, but they actually are not. Certain food products get advertised as healthy to make us believe they are good for us. The reality is that there are many unhealthy foods we perceive as “healthy.” Knowledge is power, so here are some “supposedly good” foods that you should stay away from.

Canned Tomatoes

Since tomatoes are prominent in many delicious recipes, this is hard to hear. You are better off using fresh, organic tomatoes to make those recipes. Why aren’t canned tomatoes good for you, you ask? Most cans contain BPA, which is a toxic chemical that leads to an increased risk of developing prostate or breast cancer, diabetes, heart disease, malformation of organs in children, obesity, or other health problems. Tomatoes are naturally acidic and that causes the BPA to leak into the food. Some cans say that they are BPA-free. Don’t be fooled! Companies started removing BPA from products after severe pressure from the public, but they started using another product called BPS, which is just as bad. Avoid cans and go for glass jars.

Salad Dressings

We like eating salads with different flavors. Our taste buds have become used to salad dressings, but most all of them are unhealthy and counteract the nutrients of the vegetables. Most commercial salad dressings are full of sugar, hydrogenated vegetable oils, artificial chemicals, and trans fats. A great way to get the proper nutrients from salads is to make your own dressings. Apple cider vinegar and extra virgin olive oil are the two best ingredients for a salad dressing base. Add the spices or herbs of your choice, or try these recipes.

Vegan Junk Food

It doesn’t mean it’s good just because it has the word vegan in it. It’s still junk food, which means it’s processed. Case in point.

You will find that many of these products have soy in them. Soy is commonly used to replicate the appearance of meat, such as burgers, hot dogs, or chicken. Soy is one of the most genetically modified (GM) crops that is produced in the country. In fact, it is said that about 94% of soy is genetically modified. Soy is abundant in most vegetarian processed foods, and is labeled as soy protein isolate or soy protein concentrate along with a list of derivatives. This includes soy burgers, soy oil, soy ice cream, and soy cheese. Not only is the food GM, but it contains unhealthy fats and other compounds.

Pre-made Smoothies or Juices

Those pre-made or store bought smoothies and juices aren’t as healthy as you think they are. These smoothies are not the best kept health secret. They are actually loaded with sugar and can contain 680-1,000 calories. The high sugar content in these can cause blood sugar levels to spike or drop, which can lead to type 2 diabetes. Even those bottled green drinks aren’t giving you the healthy nutrients you think you’re getting. There can be as many as 50 grams of sugar in one of those bottles. You are way better off making your own smoothies or juices to actually get the nutrients from fresh fruits and veggies. Plus you don’t have to worry about pasteurization.

Trail Mix

Trail mix is a great snack, if you make it right. Most people like the ease of grabbing a handful or a small bag of trail mix to snack on. The reality is that most trail mixes are high in calories, contain high amounts of sodium and sugar, have chocolate or candy-coated pieces, or have dried fruit, which contains sulfur dioxide and sugar. Most trail mixes are full of trans fats, refined carbohydrates, and simple sugars. Look for trail mixes that have unsalted nuts and no sugar. Better yet, make your own using raw, unsalted nuts and seeds and freshly dehydrated fruits.

Soy Protein Isolate & Unfermented Soy Products

The health facts you have come to believe about soy are lies. The number one problem with soy is that 90-95% of soybeans, from which soy is derived, grown in the US are genetically engineered. Most soybeans are designed to be “Roundup ready,” meaning they are supposed to survive lethal herbicides. The primary ingredient in Roundup, glyphosate, can disrupt the female reproductive cycle. Whether or not you eat soy milk or tofu, you have to pay attention to labels because there are many names for soy additives. You can be eating genetically modified foods without even knowing it. Cracker, chips, bread, breakfast bars, and pre-made desserts all have soy products in them. In addition to soy protein isolate, you should avoid all unfermented soy products. You should only eat soy products if it is organic and has been properly fermented such as natto, miso, or soy sauce. Other than that, stay away from soy.

Whenever you buy food, be it organic or locally grown, look for the highest quality product you can get. Avoid foods that have been grown with pesticides, genetically modified organisms, and have added growth hormones. Seek out your local farmer’s market or organic grocery store to get the best foods you can. Places to get actual healthy food are more abundant and closer to you than you think.

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