It is fairly common for people to gain an average of one pound per year during the holiday season. Unfortunately, that one pound doesn’t tend to go anywhere, and those pounds accumulate as the years go by. There are several factors that contribute to this weight gain, such as lack of exercise or motivation to go to the gym, stress, or seasonal depression. One of the most common factors, though, is the fact that many holiday-themed meals contain hard-to-digest ingredients that are quite fattening. 

Most holiday favorites, from stuffing and pie to peppermint mocha lattes and beyond, contain lots of sodium, fats, unhealthy carbs, and refined sugars. These dishes may taste delicious, but they leave you feeling exhausted because of the energy required to digest them. Holiday classics like turkey, ham, and stuffing can take between one to two days to digest. Next-day bloating isn’t inevitable, though. You can avoid sluggishness and discomfort with the following strategies. 

Avoid Allergies Or Intolerances

Sometimes, people will willingly eat foods they know do not agree with them simply because those dishes are specific to the holidays. Sure, there are lactose-free versions of many holiday staples, but the body can still experience some side effects from eating these foods. The body stores excess water when you eat carbohydrates and the class of sugars found in milk products. When planning your holiday menu or eyeing certain holiday treats, try your best to not overdo it with foods that slow you down. Aside from milk and wheat products, onions, garlic, beans, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower can cause digestive side effects in some people. 

Take A Walk

It’s no secret that working out is quite uncommon during the holiday season. People are busy with end-of-year projects, traveling, holiday parties, school events, and so much more. Plus, a lot of people plan to lose weight or get fit in the new year, but we all know how that resolution tends to go. Take a walk whenever you can, be it on your lunch break or around the neighborhood before you leave for work. Additionally, take a 15- or 20-minute walk after you finish eating to aid digestion. Encouraging blood flow helps kickstart your metabolism and sweat helps flush excess toxins from the body. 

Save Room For Fiber-Rich Foods

We believe the saying, “Save room for dessert,” should be changed to, “Save room for fiber.” The reason for that is most people do not eat a sufficient amount of fiber in their daily diet. Dense foods that are full of refined sugars, simple carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats take forever to travel through the digestive tract. Incorporating more fiber-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables, can make digestion a little easier this holiday season. Consider starting your meal with a salad or blended vegetable soup. Focus on fibrous greens, as they will help you feel full without overeating. 

Drink In Moderation

In addition to the fattening, hard-to-digest foods, alcohol also contributes to sluggish digestion and bloating. Mixed drinks tend to be high in refined sugar and air buildup from carbonated drinks like beer or champagne can cause excess gas. Additionally, the extra carbs in beer can leave you feeling slow, bloated, and sluggish. 

Check For Additives

We don’t want to generalize or insult any home chefs out there, so we’ll tread lightly here. Many holiday dishes utilize canned, boxed, or frozen foods that contain a lot of preservatives and excess sodium. Even a holiday staple like turkey can contain added sodium and pesticides. Additives can slow the digestive process and lead to water retention, two things that increase bloating. This year, opt for cleaner foods that are homemade. Consider roasting some seasonal vegetables or making blended vegetable soups. Knowing exactly what’s on your plate and in your food can help reduce the risk of bloating.

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Do you stuff your face with as much food as possible on Thanksgiving Day? If yes, you are not alone, but all that eating can put a lot of stress on the digestive system, in addition to other systems and organs in the body. Thanksgiving food is typically high in fats (more saturated than not), dairy products, sugar, salt, and packaged products. Fortunately for you, there are thoughtful Thanksgiving portion control tips that allow you to savor the dishes you want without overindulging. 

Why Does Portion Control Matter?

Sure, most people let themselves succumb to every temptation at the Thanksgiving feast. High-calorie dishes like mashed potatoes, buttery stuffing, dense pumpkin and pecan pies, oily ham, and so much more fill the table. It is perfectly fine to indulge in your favorite dishes, but excessive overeating can lead to bloating, stomach discomfort, and overall setbacks to your health goals. By practicing portion control, you can enjoy the holidays and family without derailing your health. 

Begin The Day With A Balanced Breakfast

That’s right, folks, portion control begins before any of your favorite Thanksgiving dishes are even made. Start the day on the right track by making a balanced breakfast. Opt for a fruit and vegetable smoothie, chia pudding, overnight oats, or plain Greek yogurt with fresh fruit and almond butter. 

Examine The Spread Before Grabbing A Plate

Before you grab a plate and begin your mission of eating, go over to the spread and give it a good scan. Identify your “must-have” dishes and locate the ones you can live without. That strategy will help you focus on enjoying your favorite dishes without eating unnecessary calories from dishes you are iffy about. 

Use A Small Plate

According to dietary research, using a smaller plate can help you naturally eat less while still feeling satiated. By using a smaller plate, you force yourself to be more mindful about your portions and food choices. It also reduces the temptation to overfill the plate. It just takes a little more effort on your part to avoid returning to the buffet table over and over again.

Employ “The Plate” Method

This method involves some simple calculations on your part when filling your plate. Keep half of your plate available for vegetables (not including potatoes), a quarter for starches or grains, and a quarter for lean protein. Filling your plate in this way ensures that you will enjoy a balanced meal with plenty of nutrients that support portion control. 

Practice Portion Awareness

Are there spoonfuls of dishes on Thanksgiving, or is everything served in piles? It is very easy to underestimate portion sizes, especially with rich Thanksgiving classics. One serving of turkey should be as big as a deck of cards. A serve of mashed potatoes should look like a half-cup measuring cup. 

Stay Hydrated

Water is a necessary part of life, but it is especially helpful on Thanksgiving Day. The reason to ensure proper hydration is to help you feel fuller and prevent overeating. Additionally, sufficient water intake helps optimize digestive function. Before you go back to the buffet for a second helping, drink a full glass of water. 

Choose Your Favorite Dessert

Most Thanksgiving desserts are often irresistible, but that doesn’t mean you have to sample them all. You probably know what most desserts taste like, so choose your favorite dessert and savor every bite. Either that or consider choosing two desserts in moderation. Maybe a relative or friend wants to split a dessert and that’ll work in your favor!

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Navigating Thanksgiving can be quite a challenge, especially if you are trying to adhere to a diet or keep your weight in check. Thanksgiving does not have to sabotage your healthy journey or your weight. With a little knowhow, you can enjoy your annual favorites and make it out of Thanksgiving without entering a massive food coma. The only thing that should be stuffed on Thanksgiving is the turkey! In this article we’ll detail some thoughtful tips to help you stay as healthy as possible this Thanksgiving Day.

Eat Breakfast

It is very common for people to avoid eating until the big meal. The thought process is that saving up calories will be a smart play. Nutritionists suggest that eating a small, balanced meal in the morning can give you more control over your appetite. Begin the day with a fruit and vegetable smoothie, cup of chia pudding, bowl of oatmeal (not the packaged stuff), or a cup of overnight oats. Eating a fiber-rich meal with a variety of vitamins and minerals will actually help you control yourself at the Thanksgiving table. 

Lighten It Up

What we mean by this is that you should have some lighter food options at your Thanksgiving table. Whether you are hosting or attending, bring a couple dishes that contain far less fat, sugar, and calories than everything else. Try using salt-free chicken broth to baste the turkey or make the gravy. Experiment with fruit puree instead of oil in baked goods. You can also make a fall-themed roasted vegetable medley, salad, or root vegetable puree in place of mashed potatoes. 

Get Active

There is no need to go hard in the paint, but it is a great idea to move the body before the big meal. You will likely not want to move after, so burn off some energy and calories earlier in the day. Go on a long walk with family, engage in an at-home HIIT workout, or do a family yoga practice. Make fitness a family affair! You can even encourage everyone to go on a post-dinner stroll to help encourage healthier digestion. 

Skip Seconds

It is difficult, but we believe that you have the willpower to resist a second helping of food. Plan your plate accordingly and enjoy the food you selected. Save a little room for a piece of dessert you want and let that be the end of the meal. Choose the best selections at the buffet, not just a little of everything because it’s all there. Nutritionists state that roasted sweet potatoes, thin gravy, plain vegetables, and white turkey meat are your best lower-fat, lower-calorie options. Plus, you can always have another plate the next day when you reheat leftovers. 

Go Easy With Alcohol

It can be easy to overindulge in both food and alcohol, especially if you are watching the games with family and friends. Alcohol, especially beer, can increase your caloric intake quite a bit, and that is something you don’t need on Thanksgiving. Enjoy sparkling water, plain water, or iced or hot teas on thanksgiving to promote healthier digestion. Additionally, avoid sugary sodas to limit sugar and caloric intake. 

Savor Your Food Slowly

Eat slowly this Thanksgiving, savoring every bite of food you put in your mouth. Put your fork down between bites and pay attention to each mouthful. That’s the best way to feel satisfied with your plate of food. Additionally, choose dishes that contain whole grains, vegetables, and broth-based soups this year. 

Focus On Family And Friends

Yes, Thanksgiving revolves around food, but it also is a time to be thankful for the relationships between family and friends. The main event of the day should be socializing with friends and family. Spend quality time with them because you may not see some of them again for a while.

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Thanksgiving Day is not the healthiest day of the year, not by a long shot. It is a day of indulgence, a time for loose-fitting clothing that allows the stomach to expand. Just because the Thanksgiving meal is not healthy, that doesn’t mean you can’t establish little tricks to make it slightly healthier. Not only will these tips keep you from entering an uncomfortable food coma, but they will also keep you from becoming one with the couch all night. 

A lot of people usually pack on at least one pound during the holidays. Statistically, that weight tends to stay on the body and accumulates as the years go by. Thanksgiving doesn’t have to sabotage your weight, nor does it have to make you feel like a slob. With a little knowhow, you can build a healthier meal for yourself this year, and for years to come. 

Start With Soup

Now, soup isn’t always at every Thanksgiving table, but you can change that by making a pot. That can be your contribution to the big meal, if you are not already covering other aspects of the meal. When you go to get food, pour yourself a large bowl of soup, which should be made from seasonal vegetables. A simple butternut squash soup, potato and leek soup, or even a broccoli and carrot soup with thyme. By starting the meal with soup, you will slow down while eating and may even reduce the amount of calories you consume throughout the meal. 

Go Crazy With The Veggies

This is a rule that everyone should live by: fill up at least 50% of your plate with non-starchy vegetables. Mashed potatoes and candied yams do not count, as they are loaded with butter, sugar, dairy, and other ingredients. Brussels sprouts, green beans, carrots, roasted bell peppers, or even a green salad count toward that 50%. Dietitians recommend sticking with smaller portions of starchy vegetables, such as potatoes, corn, winter squash, and green peas to reduce caloric intake. 

Scoop Sides Sparingly

The majority of calories actually come from the side dishes, as they contain the most carbohydrates and unhealthy fats. We are talking about Mac n’ cheese, dinner rolls, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, candied yams, and green bean casserole. If you take a serving of these sides, it should be no larger than half of a baseball. Also, you don’t need a dinner roll. We all know what bread tastes like!

Fill Up On Skinless Turkey Breast

Compared to most other classic Thanksgiving dishes, the turkey itself is relatively low in calories. That is especially true if you stick to skinless white meat, such as the turkey breast. Nutritionists generally recommend three ounces of protein (about the size of a deck of cards), but they say it’s acceptable to eat a little more than that on Thanksgiving. You definitely do not need five times that serving amount on your plate, as that is not an appropriate portion size, which you have to keep in mind if you want to be healthier this year. 

Practice Portion Control With Your Dessert

It is difficult to adhere to correct portion sizes when presented with a giant buffet of delicious foods you only eat once per year. Yes, you should watch your dessert portions, but keep portions in check for the entirety of the meal as well. In regards to dessert, most nine-inch pies are designed to be cut into eight slices. Most people cut six slices, and those portions are way too large. Limit the variety of desserts you eat, if the dessert table is your weakness. Stick to one slice of your favorite dessert and don’t add additional calorically-dense, sugary items like ice cream or whipped cream to your dessert. 

Lastly, you should enjoy the Thanksgiving meal with the people you love. Savor the bites you take and don’t waste your calories on foods that you find “just ok.” Eat foods that you cannot get any other time of year, such as homemade cranberry sauce, specialty sides, and pumpkin pie. Skip the mashed potatoes, chips, and rolls because you can get those any time you want.

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When you think of chocolate spread, you probably think of Nutella. It’s a classic spread that not only contains hazelnuts, but also milk, soy, vegetable fats, flavorings, and sugar…lots of sugar. A one-tablespoon serving of Nutella has the following stats:

• Calories: 80 calories
• Fats: 4.6 grams (g)
• Carbohydrates: 8.6 g
• Sugar: 8.4 g
• Protein: 0.9 g

If it is truly a hazelnut spread, why is sugar the first ingredient? That is never a good sign for your health. Fortunately, this recipe is the perfect dip, spread, or breakfast topping. You can even eat it by the spoonful! Just be mindful of how much you eat. because cashews also contain a lot of calories. It does taste good on just about anything and satisfies your chocolate cravings in a healthier way than Nutella does.

Besides the ingredients, the other primary difference between this recipe and a store bought chocolate spread is that is not shelf-stable. This recipe only lasts for about a week, but you have to store it properly in order for this to happen. You will need raw cashews, raw cacao powder, agave nectar, vanilla extract, coconut oil, and sea salt. It’s possible that the chocolate cashew butter will separate slightly, due to the fact that it contains agave nectar and coconut oil. Just give it a good mix every time you eat it and you’ll be fine!

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Fall and winter invite many different squash types. They are gorgeous in color, unique in shape, and are quite versatile. You can steam them, roast them, boil them, puree them, and even add them to foods such as breads and pies. Although the more unique and seasonal varieties show up at local farmers’ markets, you can typically find a good variety at most major grocery stores during fall and winter. 

Squash is very dense and packed with flavor and nutrients. Most squash tends to have an orange flesh, such as pumpkins, butternut squash, or kabocha squash, which means it is rich in carotenoids. Those plant compounds benefit eye health, skin health, and immune function. They also contain complex carbohydrates and make great alternatives to classically unhealthy starches. Continue reading to learn more about winter squash and how to use them. 

Butternut Squash

A popular winter squash that is typically available year round, butternut squash is the sweetest and most flavorful during the fall and winter. It has a deep, orange-colored flesh that is sweet, nutty, and rich. You can use it in both sweet and savory recipes, such as soups, salads, vegetable medleys, baked goods, casseroles, and pies. You have to peel butternut squash and cut it in half to remove the seeds and stringy bits. 

Acorn Squash

An acorn squash is typically showcased in a themed, decorative box when you enter a grocery store during fall. It has a dark green skin and the shape resembles an acorn, hence the name. The flesh is either bright white or orange. This squash is perfect for roasting. Cut it in half, scoop out the seeds, and roast it cut-side down until you can easily pierce it with a knife. Serve it as a side dish or stuff the center of a roasted half with quinoa and diced vegetables.

Delicata Squash

This is a cylindrical squash with a delicate, cream-colored skin that has splashes of orange, green, and yellow. The delicata squash, also referred to as the peanut squash or Bohemian squash, can be sliced into rounds or half-moons. It is best roasted, but make sure to scoop out the seeds prior to cooking. It makes for a great side dish, but it can also be a main course if you want to stuff it with different things, such as rice, quinoa, or meat. 

Sugar Pumpkin

The sugar pumpkin, or pie pumpkin, is potentially the most popular winter squash. It is the type of pumpkin that you use if you want to make pumpkin pie from scratch, or if you want to make your own pumpkin puree. They have a bright orange skin with bright orange flesh and tend to be much smaller than traditional carving pumpkins. The rich, buttery flavor lends itself to both sweet and savory recipes. If you roast the pumpkin, you can also add it to a blender and blend with other ingredients to make a pumpkin soup. 

Spaghetti Squash

We saved the most unusual for last, as this oblong winter squash has a stringy flesh that resembles spaghetti once you cook it. Make sure not to overcook the squash or else it will just become mushy. When cooked properly, the strands come apart and you can use it as a pasta substitute. It has a mellow flavor, so it easily takes on a variety of herbs and spices, or even sauces. Cut it in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and roast cut-side down until you can pierce the skin easily with a fork.

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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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It’s not secret that cherries offer numerous health benefits, given that they are nutrient-dense. Sour cherries, in particular, work to fight inflammation, may reduce muscle soreness, and boost immune function. Some research also suggests that tart cherries, or tart cherry juice, may help people improve their sleep. The key to a more restful night’s sleep could be in the refrigerator!

Why Tart Cherry Juice?

About one-third of Americans report that they do not get enough sleep every night. A lot of people suffer from insomnia, restlessness, and other health issues that impact sleep quality and quantity. Tart cherry juice enters the equation because, although it is not an insomnia cure, it may lead to better and longer sleep. Researchers attribute this to the melatonin and tryptophan in tart cherries. 

Melatonin is a sleep hormone that the body secretes at certain times of the day to signal the body that it is time for sleep. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that helps the body produce melatonin. Tryptophan is not just something people talk about during the holidays when turkeys are cooking. There are nine milligrams (mg) of tryptophan in a 100 mg serving of tart cherries. Evidence suggests that drinking tart cherry juice also increases the available melatonin in the body and promotes better sleep quality. 

How Much Tart Cherry Juice Should You Drink?

One study indicated that participants who drank eight ounces of tart cherry juice twice a day for two weeks experienced improved sleep. When you choose tart cherry juice, make sure to pick the one without added sugar. Adding too much sugar to your diet can negatively affect blood sugar levels and may cause energy spikes before bed. If the sour flavor of tart cherry juice is too strong, you can buy tart cherry extract as a supplement. 

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplement reports that there are no safety concerns with drinking up to 16 ounces in a single day for two weeks. It also states that it is acceptable to take 480 milligrams (mg) of tart cherry extract capsules once per day for up to two weeks. If you take a melatonin supplement, pill, or gummy, talk to your doctor before adding tart cherry juice to the equation. 

When Should You Drink Tart Cherry Juice For Sleep?

Just like a consistent bedtime routine, consistency is key. Drink the tart cherry juice at the same time every day to help increase the body’s melatonin production. Consider adding tart cherry juice to your bedtime routine, but don’t drink it right before you go to sleep. That said, researchers found that tart cherry juice can improve sleep no matter what time you drink it. If you prefer a glass at breakfast or lunch, you can still experience the same benefits as drinking it before bed. Should you choose to drink it at night, drink it about an hour or so before bed to prevent having to wake up and use the restroom in the middle of the night. 

Additional Benefits Of Tart Cherry Juice

In addition to improving your sleep, tart cherry juice may also provide the following health benefits:

• Reduced pain: It’s possible that tart cherry juice may help reduce pain in instances other than athletic recovery. Studies show that people with arthritis who consumed tart cherry juice experienced reduced pain and stiffness. Those same people also experienced improved biological markers associated with arthritis after drinking tart cherry juice consistently. 
• Improved muscle recovery: There are antioxidants in tart cherry juice that have demonstrated an ability to reduce muscle damage in athletes. Drinking tart cherry juice or taking tart cherry capsules before exercise may help reduce muscle pain and improve athletic performance. 
• Improved memory and brain health: One study found that older adults with dementia who consumed six ounces of tart cherry juice for 12 weeks experienced improvements in both short- and long-term memory. This is because the antioxidants in tart cherry juice work to protect against degeneration and help keep the brain healthy.

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Whether you are young or old, it’s easy to get into the Halloween spirit. It is fun and exciting to dress up and embrace all things scary, but this day is really all about the candy. A child loves the opportunity to walk door-to-door in costume and retrieve candy from those eager enough to pass it out. Adults will walk by a bowl of candy in the office, sneakily grabbing a couple every now and again. Parents may even take some select treats out of the Halloween night’s big haul!

A good bag full of treats is hard to resist. Although the various candies can taste amazing, they often come with a cost: dental problems. A new report found that 35% of Americans have experienced candy-related dental issues. Dentists encourage people to make smarter choices when it comes to which candy they choose to enjoy. Daily or frequent consumption of candy will result in negative consequences for the teeth. According to that new report, the following dental issues may be caused by candy.

Tooth Pain

If candy causes damage to your teeth, fillings, or crowns, you can experience general tooth pain. If you bite into some candy and crack your tooth, it can be extremely painful. A cracked tooth that cracks all the way to the root or nerve can be excruciating and typically requires immediate dental work. 

Chipped Or Cracked Tooth

Not all chips or cracks go all the way down to the tooth’s root. Some people easily chip their teeth on lollipops or other hard candies and don’t fix the chip for months! It is very difficult to chip a tooth and not notice! That said, you can chip part of a tooth while eating and not notice it because it may not hurt. If you don’t address the problem and don’t see a dentist soon after chipping or cracking a tooth, you run the risk of nerve exposure or infection. A cracked tooth loses the outer layer, the enamel, and a cavity can progress at a quicker rate. 

Jaw Discomfort

When you chew hard or sticky candies, you put unnecessary stress on the temporomandibular joints (TMJ). These are the two joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull. If you repeatedly chew hard or sticky candies, you may lead to TMJ pain. Plus, hyperextending for opening the jaw wide to eat larger candies can increase general jaw discomfort. 

Teeth Sensitivity

Bacteria in the mouth can metabolize into simple carbohydrates (sugar) and lower the overall pH in the mouth. An acidic environment can erode the enamel on your teeth, which makes them more sensitive to tooth decay. Even if the bacteria doesn’t metabolize into sugar, it can cause sensitivity to other areas without enamel. Your teeth “feel” via tiny tubules in the dentin layer of the mouth. These tubules have fluid in them, and that fluid can expand or contract in response to cold or hot liquids, sweets, or other food items. People with gum recession are typically more susceptible to tooth sensitivity. 

Gum Infection

Although the report didn’t mention gum infection as a dental issue caused by candy consumption, it is a possible outcome. Little pieces of candy can get trapped between the teeth in the gums or in gum pockets, where floss cannot reach and remove the candy. If candy remains wedged under the gums or between the teeth, you can experience cavities or a periodontal abscess, which is a localized gum infection. 

Damaged Fillings Or Crowns

If you eat sticky candy and you have a filling or crown, you run the risk of pulling out a piece of the filling or crown. If the candy does pull out the filling or crown, the sugar from candy can become trapped in the tooth, which can lead to tooth decay. Candy doesn’t directly harm filling or crown material in that way because decay develops differently. Candy typically infects the tooth at the margin of the filling or crown (where the tooth meets the crown or filling).

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If you, like millions across the nation, enjoy the warming fall aromas, then you are going to love this recipe. And if you love pumpkin spice everything, this is the nourishing lip scrub you never knew you needed in your life. It only contains natural ingredients that cater to the skin on your lips. Your lips will look more luxurious than ever!

What Is A Lip Scrub?

Just like a body scrub or facial scrub, a lip scrub contains particles that help slough away dead, dry, or flaky pieces on the lips. Lip scrubs naturally, not chemically, remove these dead cells, allowing your lips to better absorb moisturizing agents and protectants. If you ever apply lip balm and have to reapply 15 minutes later, your lips probably require exfoliation. DIY lip scrub recipes like the one in this article, are very simple to make and even easier to use. 

What’s In A Lip Scrub?

More often than not, a lip scrub will contain an exfoliant, such as sugar, a carrier oil, vitamin E oil, and some flavoring or scented ingredients. This pumpkin spice lip scrub in this article contains both brown and granulated sugar, sweet almond oil, vitamin E oil, and pumpkin pie spice. If you know that your lips are sensitive, consider just using brown sugar because granulated sugar can be a little intense for those with sensitive skin. 

How To Use A Lip Scrub

Wet your lips just as you would wet your face prior to cleansing. By wetting your lips, you help prevent abrasive friction. Apply the lip scrub directly to your damp lips and use small, circular motions with your fingertips to massage it in. Do this for about 30 seconds before rinsing off with lukewarm water. This process is highly beneficial if you want to soften and smooth your lips before applying lip balm or lipstick, or even if your lips are flaky from cold weather. If your lips are sunburned or have open cuts, please do not use a lip scrub because it may cause unwanted irritation. 

What Do You Do After Using A Lip Scrub?

After you scrub your lips, you have to then apply a repairing lip balm. Some people like to use pure petroleum jelly because it seals in moisture, which soothes your cleansed lips. Providing the lips with moisturizing ingredients post scrub can rehydrate the skin’s outer layer, sealing in as much moisture as possible. If you don’t like petroleum jelly, which is completely understandable, you can use this DIY lip balm. 

DIY Pumpkin Spice Lip Scrub

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 3 drops vitamin E oil
• 3 tablespoons sweet almond oil

Instructions:

• Whisk the sugars and pumpkin pie spice together in a small bowl until they are thoroughly combined. 
• Pour the vitamin E oil and sweet almond oil into the bowl and stir to combine. The mixture should be thick, just like a body scrub. 
• Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and store in a cool, dark place for up to three months. 
• If your house is hot, it’s possible that the scrub may appear oily on the surface when you go to use it. Just make sure to mix it up if you see a layer of oil on the top. Then you can use it as you please.

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