How do you use avocado oil? You probably use it in a variety of culinary applications, such as salad dressings, stir-fries, and more. Did you ever think to lather it on your skin, though? Just like olive oil, avocado is a great carrier oil that provides beneficial nutrients that may help improve the health of your skin. 

For starters, avocado oil can benefit your skin, especially if your skin is rough, dry, mature, or easily irritated. Avocado oil is naturally rich in oleic acid, which is a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid. It also contains linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, along with vitamin E, phytosterols, and other compounds that help researchers understand avocado oil’s benefits. However, avocado may not benefit everyone’s skin in the same way. It is richer than lightweight oils, such as jojoba oil, so people with acne-prone skin may need to use it cautiously. Continue reading to learn how avocado oil promotes healthier skin. 

Fights Inflammation

If acne is a concern, will avocado oil improve the health of your skin? Avocado oil does help people with inflamed skin conditions, such as acne, due to the inherent anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. You do not have to strip your skin of oil to reduce breakouts. In fact, that may worsen acne symptoms. Some people, not all, find that avocado oil provides necessary moisture to the skin, which decreases the likelihood of sebum overproduction, which may cause acne. 

May Soothe Sunburn

One scientific review from 2011 determined that avocado oil is rich in vitamin E, vitamin D, beta-carotene, lecithin, and essential fatty acids. That makes it a great addition to after-sun care. Although avocado oil is not a replacement for mineral sunscreen, it may help soothe the skin and reduce the side effects of sunburn.

Supports Skin Barrier

The skin barrier is the skin’s outermost layer and it works to keep out harmful aggressors and maintain hydrated, healthy skin. It depends on fats to remain resilient, flexible, and hydrated. Avocado oil supplies emollient fatty acids that soften the outer layer and reduce feelings of tightness caused by dry skin. That is why you commonly see avocado oil in creams, moisturizers, shower oils, cleansing balms, and other skin care products. Although you can use avocado oil on its own, many people find that it works best when paired with other humectants, such as aloe vera or vegetable glycerin, or other ingredients that support skin barrier function. 

Exhibits Anti-Aging Properties

Aging is a natural part of life, but that does not mean you cannot do little things to fight that process. Collagen production declines with age, making the skin appear less youthful, dryer, and rougher. Consider using avocado oil to help combat skin dryness and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. A scientific review of plant oils observed the topical application of avocado oil on animal subjects. The review noted that avocado oil increases collagen synthesis and reduces the amount of inflammatory cells during the wound-healing properties. Additionally, research found that avocado seed extracts exhibited a protective effect against UVB-damaged fibroblasts. That means that avocado oil has anti-photoaging properties. 

May Improve Psoriasis 

Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune skin condition that causes inflammation and the development of scales or plaque. According to the results of a clinical trial published in the Dermatology journal, a vitamin B12 cream containing avocado oil revealed steady beneficial effects on people with psoriasis over a 12-week period. At the end of the study, researchers noted that the B12 cream with avocado oil had considerable potential for long-term topical therapy for psoriasis. 

May Calm Eczema-Prone Skin

Avocado oil is not a cure for eczema; rather, it serves as a supportive, moisturizing ingredient. People with eczema tend to require gentle, fragrance-free products that help encourage a healthy skin barrier and reduce dryness. Avocado oil is a natural emollient, so it may help soften flakey, rough areas of skin and reduce itching or discomfort that comes with dryness. One thing to note is that you should not apply avocado oil to open, infected, or actively weeping skin unless approved by your dermatologist. Always do a patch test to see if you have an allergy before applying liberally.

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Health is wealth, as they say, and that couldn’t be more accurate. The best way to enjoy summer is to stay healthy by establishing habits that work to enhance your lifestyle. These habits range from improving sleep to including seasonal foods in your diet. In order to make these changes habitual, you have to stick with them and make them a part of your regular routine. Feel your best by establishing a routine you know you can stick to. Do that and you’ll be well on your way to a healthier summer. 

Find A Way To Move A Little 

For some people, exercise is something they love to do. They could live in the gym, provided that was a possibility! For others, exercise is the bane of their existence. They know it will benefit them, but the thought of doing any sort of movement is exhausting and laborious. In order to make exercise a habit, you have to determine your fitness goals and find a routine that helps you reach that goal. Going to the gym and working out on your own might not be what you need. You may need a group fitness class, such as Zumba, Pilates, yoga, or spin, with a motivating instructor that helps you get you excited about working out. 

Get Some Natural Vitamin D

Sure, you can take a vitamin D supplement, but summer is the best season to get some vitamin D the old-fashioned way. Spend a few minutes of your day absorbing a little sunshine. Depending on your skin tone, you may only need five to 15 minutes of sun per day for the body to make the vitamin D you’ll need for the rest of the day. Plus, there is no better cure for a bad mood than heading outside, especially if you can be in nature. The fresh air and natural setting helps reset your mood and reduce stress. 

Don’t Forget To Hydrate

As the heat rises, so does your risk of dehydration. Don’t fall behind on your water intake, especially if the sun is blazing! If you feel thirsty, you’re already in a state of partial dehydration. Carry a reusable water bottle (preferably one that is insulated to keep the water cold in the heat) with you at all times. Abide by the hydration rule that states to drink half your body weight in ounces of water throughout the day. If you weigh 150 pounds and divide that by two to get 75, you should be drinking 75 ounces of water per day. If you exercise or sweat excessively in the heat, you will need to increase your water intake from that amount. 

Establish Good Sleeping Habits

When your sleep hygiene is on point, you have essentially laid the foundation for a healthier, happier version of yourself. Most adults require eight to 10 hours of sleep every night to function optimally. Stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, and excessive screen time can interfere with healthy sleep. Before you even think about going to bed, do your best to steer clear of screens, calm the mind, and avoid eating or snacking a couple hours before bed. The one- or two-hour period before bedtime should be intended for ultimate relaxation. Engage in meditation, stretching, breathing exercises, or gentle yoga to help calm the mind and body. 

Enjoy Seasonal Produce

Want to enjoy the best produce? Make sure to shop locally and seasonally because summer invites an array of beautiful fruits and vegetables. Enjoy everything from freshly picked melons and green peppers to summer squash stone fruit varieties. By visiting a farmer’s market, you can ask the vendors how to use produce that may be unfamiliar to you. Additionally, buying directly from the farmers means that your produce is as fresh and nutrient-dense as can be. 

Establish A Solid Morning Routine

You can wake up in the morning and thrive, believe it or not. You don’t have to dunk your face in a bowl of ice water at four in the morning to do that, though. A morning routine can look like a cup of tea with a journal or a smoothie to go along with your guided meditation. You can also lace up your sneakers and hit the pavement for a morning run or conquer an at-home workout. Whatever you decide to do, make the routine consistent and you will likely have more energy and focus to check off daily tasks. Do your best to wake up at the same time every day to remain consistent and to make the most of your day!

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Asparagus is a popular green vegetable, but it also comes in white and purple varieties. It is used around the world in dishes like stir-fries, pastas, frittatas, salads, and so many others. Enjoy it raw or cooked and enjoy its unique nutritional profile, which includes vitamins A, C, E, and K, folate, potassium, phosphorus, fiber, and protein. So is it good for you? According to researchers, it offers beneficial antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support overall wellness. 

What Is Asparagus? 

Asparagus belongs to the lily plant family, and there are over 300 species grown worldwide. Asparagus is native to most of Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa. Historians found that it was first cultivated over 2,500 years ago in Greece. In Greek, the word for asparagus translates to “shoot” or “stalk.” 

Although there are three main varieties of asparagus, the most common one is green. White asparagus is more delicate and harder to harvest, while purple asparagus is smaller and mildly fruity in flavor. Continue reading to learn about more health benefits of asparagus. 

Great Source Of Antioxidants

Antioxidants work to protect the body’s cells from damaging free radicals and oxidative stress. Research shows that oxidative stress contributes to the development of many diseases, including cancer, and chronic inflammation. Similar to other green vegetables, asparagus is rich in vitamin E, vitamin C, glutathione, and other flavonoids and polyphenols. It is especially high in isorhamnetin, kaempferol, and quercetin. A handful of test-tube and animal studies found that those compounds are integral for disease prevention. Health experts believe that glutathione helps to slow the aging process and protect the skin from damaging pollutants. 

Encourages A Healthy Pregnancy

Asparagus contains a significant amount of folate, which is a vital nutrient for healthy pregnancy. Folate works to decrease the risk of neural-tube defects in fetuses, making it essential for women to consume enough of it. It works alongside vitamins B12 and C to help the body break down, use, and create new proteins. Folate also aids the formation of red blood cells and helps the body produce DNA, which is the building block of the human body. 

Great Source Of Vitamin K 

Vitamin K is the body’s primary blood clotting vitamin, but that’s not all it’s good for. Many studies have found that vitamin K works to improve bone health because it works with vitamin D to aid bone mineralization, tissue renewal, and cell growth. Various studies confirm that vitamin K not only increases bone mineral density in osteoporotic people, but also reduces fracture rates. Additionally, vitamin K plays a crucial role in supporting heart health, preventing arteries from hardening and keeping calcium out of artery linings and the bodily tissues. 

May Help Lower Blood Sugar

Several animal studies found that asparagus extract was able to lower blood sugar in diabetic rats. Those studies also showed similar effectiveness to glibenclamide, a medication to help manage type 2 diabetes. Other studies found that asparagus extracts were effective at lowering blood sugar and improving insulin levels in diabetic rats by reducing cholesterol, glucose, and oxidative stress. More research is necessary in humans to see if asparagus can help lower blood sugar levels. 

May Help Fight Cancer

Asparagus may be of special interest to men because the extracts derived from it may help protect against prostate cancer. Some studies suggest that one extract of asparagus exhibits selective cytotoxicity on cancer cells, but not on non-cancerous cells. The compound glutathione works to destroy carcinogens, and researchers believe that glutathione levels in cells can help determine longevity. Glutathione also plays a role in enhancing immune function and reducing persistent inflammation. 

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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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Longevity is a term that can refer to lifespan, or lifespan and health-span. The internet has no shortage of articles supplying you with tips and tricks that tell you how to increase your longevity. Truly, why not? Most people want to live longer, especially if there is a possibility to harness the vitality of younger years at an older age. Longevity also comes with a happiness bonus, as feeling and looking younger tends to make people a lot happier. 

A 2025 McKinsey report found that up to 60% of people regard healthy aging as a top priority. Many supplements claim to promote longevity or reverse aging, but that isn’t always the case. Many health experts are divided on what really works to promote longevity. Some experts believe that some supplements are more context-dependent, or depend on a person’s specific needs. Although the consensus for the perfect longevity supplement is not yet determined, health experts believe the following supplements may offer some help. 

Omega-3s

The research on omega-3s for longevity is limited, but some clinical trials suggest that they may slow biological aging (the age of cells) by up to four months. That is especially true when you take omega-3 supplements in conjunction with vitamin D and regular exercise. Omega-3s offer anti-inflammatory properties and support cardiovascular health. Most people do not get enough omega-3s in their diet, so supplementing may help meet daily requirements. Health experts note that although fish oil benefits healthy aging, it does not slow aging or offer longevity benefits. 

Vitamin D

Research confirms that low vitamin D levels can increase the risk of age-related illnesses, such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and Parkinson’s disease. Daily supplementation with about 2,000 I.U. of vitamin D may help slow the way cells age. Considering nearly 40% of Americans are vitamin D deficient, a daily supplement may help longevity and overall health. At this time, the data and research is still emerging on whether or not vitamin D is beneficial for its longevity benefits. 

Magnesium

Low magnesium levels are more common in old age and may increase inflammation and free radical damage as a result. Both inflammation and an overabundance of free radicals are associated with age-related illness and the general aging process. Taking a magnesium supplement may help you maintain optimal magnesium levels, which can contribute to healthy aging. Some animal studies indicate that magnesium can improve longevity, but that research does not exist in humans yet. A magnesium supplement may benefit longevity because it is relatively low risk with positive data supporting its usage. 

Protein Supplements

Muscle loss is a natural part of the aging process, and that can affect physical function. It may also increase the risk of hospitalization (as a result of falling) and lead to loss of independence. Studies suggest that combining a protein supplement with an active lifestyle can help older adults build and retain muscle mass. Adding protein to your meal, especially plant protein, has been linked to a greater chance of healthy aging. People consume far less protein than they need to maintain or gain muscle mass. Although sarcopenia (age-related loss of muscle mass) is slow, silent, and it begins earlier than you think. 

Some longevity supplements are overhyped, especially resveratrol, ashwagandha, berberine, and NAD. Those supplements may help other aspects of your health, but there is little to no evidence that they improve mechanisms involved with aging and longevity.

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The body needs vitamin D, along with calcium, to build bones and keep them healthy. If the body does not have enough vitamin D, it cannot effectively absorb calcium. Vitamin D is not reserved for the formation of healthy bones; rather, it is involved with immune and muscle function and it helps keep brain cells healthy. 

That brings us to new research, which found that people with higher vitamin D levels in middle age may have a lower risk of developing dementia. For the study, researchers measured vitamin D blood levels in about 800 adults with an average age of 39 at the beginning of the study. Nearly 16 years later when they were in their 50s, participants had PET scans of their brains to measure the accumulation of tau and beta-amyloid proteins, both of which are tied to increased dementia risk. 

Researchers found that adults with higher vitamin D levels at the beginning of the study had lower levels of tau protein on brain scans taken at middle age. Vitamin D may play an integral role in preventing or slowing down changes in diseases like Alzheimer’s or dementia. It may also have anti-inflammatory effects in the brain, enhancing antioxidant activity and reducing the  amount of abnormal tau protein. 

Higher Vitamin D Levels Associated With Less Tau Buildup

The participants in the study had an average vitamin D blood level of 38 nanogram per milliliter (ng/ml). Measurements below 30 ng/ml were considered low, and nearly one-third of participants fell into this group. Those with high vitamin D levels had less tau buildup in their 50s, including areas of the brain where that protein tends to accumulate first in people who develop dementia. 

Researchers noted that the connection between high vitamin D levels and reduced tau buildup remained steadfast throughout the study. That was even when researchers accounted for several factors that could impact that association, including sex, age, and the exact amount of time from the start of the study to the end. However, the study did not find a link between midlife vitamin D levels and later amyloid buildup. Researchers stated that that is possible because tau buildup begins earlier in the progression of dementia, whereas amyloid tends to build up later in life. 

The Study Had Some Limitations

It’s important to note that the study was not a controlled experiment designed to prove whether or how specific vitamin D levels could directly prevent or slow the progression of dementia. For example, one of the study’s limitations was that the participants were predominantly white. That means the results the researchers found may not apply to people from other racial or ethnic groups. 

Another drawback is that researchers observed vitamin D levels at a single point in time. That makes it near impossible to determine how any changes in vitamin D levels over the years could impact future dementia risk. Even still, the study suggests that vitamin D levels may be a potential risk factor for dementia that people can control. 

What the study results suggest is that low levels of vitamin D in midlife may be a modifiable target to reduce dementia later in life. The results do not prove that vitamin D causes or prevents dementia, though. More studies will be necessary before vitamin D checks are recommended in the community.

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The skin can take a beating during the winter, and many people experience excessive dryness as a result. Crisp wind, dry and cold air, and heat from furnaces create an unfriendly environment for the skin. You may notice flakier, drier skin that’s prone to itchiness as the temperatures drop. And it seems that all the lotion in the world can’t get rid of the dryness!

Just like any other system or organ in the body, the skin requires nutrients that help it grow and repair on a cellular level. When you eat the right foods or focus on the right nutrients, you can help rebuild the skin’s natural moisturizing factor (NMF). This is a protective barrier that seals in moisture and protects the skin from environmental damage. It’s also beneficial to focus on water-rich foods that help hydrate the skin from within. 

We aren’t saying that your skin care routine is ineffective or outdated; rather, it may simply need a little enhancement. For example, using a moisturizer may prevent transepidermal water loss, but this won’t matter if the skin’s moisture barrier is weak. Attack the problem from all angles and your skin will be hydrated, moisturized, and supple before you know it. Continue reading to learn about the nutrients that will help hydrate the skin during the winter. 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Many dermatologists recommend people to eat avocado, chia seeds, olive oil, and fatty fish if they want glowing skin. The reason for this is because these foods contain omega-3 fatty acids, which help to improve the skin’s hydration. Omega-3s are an integral component of the skin’s lipid content, and they work to improve the barrier function. If the barrier is working properly, the skin retains more moisture and helps to keep irritants out. Additionally, omega-3s may support the skin by way of hydration and antioxidant photoprotection. 

Vitamin A

During the fall and winter months, it’s very easy to get your daily dose of vitamin A. Many seasonal produce items are naturally rich in this nutrient. Winter squash, sweet potatoes, carrots, or even collard greens and kale are excellent sources of vitamin A. Not only does vitamin A help to maintain skin elasticity, but it also works to fight inflammation, which can contribute to dry skin during the winter. 

Antioxidants

You can include vitamins A, C, E, and other phytonutrients in this category. Antioxidants work to combat free radicals, which can impair the skin’s barrier function and increase the risk of transepidermal water loss. Eating a wide variety of colorful fruits and vegetables can provide you with enough antioxidants to keep the skin hydrated. Astaxanthin, a unique phytonutrient, helps to improve skin elasticity and moisture levels. It may also protect the skin’s collagen layer. Other antioxidants may work to protect the skin from UVB rays and make positive changes to skin microbiome. 

Water-Rich Foods

In addition to drinking water every day, it can help to consume foods with high water content. Roughly 20% of the body’s water intake comes from diet, specifically fruits and vegetables. These foods also offer beneficial antioxidants and nutrients that help protect the skin barrier. Water helps to transport nutrients to your cells, while simultaneously getting rid of toxins. Keeping cells plump and healthy also discourages dry or dehydrated skin. Watermelon, cantaloupe, celery, lettuce, cucumber, radishes, and tomatoes are excellent water-rich produce items. 

Vitamin D

According to dermatologists, it’s easy for the skin to dry out if you are deficient in vitamin D, which is a fat-soluble vitamin. Vitamin D actually triggers receptors that help promote the formation of the skin barrier. Food items provide a low amount of vitamin D, so a supplement may be necessary. Consult with your doctor to determine the correct dosage for your body. As a general note, it’s often better to take a smaller dose every day, as opposed to a larger dose once a week. 

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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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Winter is the season for cozy sweaters, steaming mugs of tea, nights around a crackling fire, and dry and itchy skin. For people with eczema, winter is a time of itchy skin and flare-ups. Life doesn’t have to be this way, though. If you have eczema, you don’t have to fear winter and think that it equates to itchy-skin misery. There are steps you can take during the winter to keep flare-ups and dryness at bay. 

Why Is Eczema Worse During The Winter?

Eczema is a skin condition that causes dry, scaly, and itchy rash on the top of the skin. People with eczema can experience severe itching, thick or scaly skin, dry patches that look scaly, and even raw or sensitive skin. It’s possible to experience more flare-ups or more severe itchiness during the winter. The moist outdoor conditions of snow or rain and indoor heat can cause dry skin, itchiness, or flare-ups. It’s also possible to experience flare-ups as a result of wearing too many layers, taking showers or baths that are too hot, or using too many blankets while sleeping. 

When you take the proper measures to protect the skin, eczema is manageable condition. There isn’t a single remedy or answer that works for every person, but there are tips to help calm symptoms or winer flare-ups. Learn more about these remedies below. 

Avoid Rapid Temperature Changes

Any time the skin experiences a rapid change in temperature, it starts to feel itchy and dry out. The constant back and forth between colder outdoor temperatures and warm, dry indoor temperatures can cause the skin to dry out quickly. If you have eczema, try wearing gloves, scarves, and beanies or winter hats when outside so as to keep the skin warm. Try your best to not let the skin get cold and protect sensitive areas from rapid temperature changes. Avoid hot water when you’re cold and make showers or baths warm, not scalding hot. 

Glove Up

Hands dry out quickly during the winter, and people with hand eczema can experience deep cracks, peeling, or blisters. Protect your hands from this damage by wearing gloves when you’re outside. Dermatologists agree that protecting the hands from the winter environment can help them retain moisture. Don’t use wool gloves, though, because they can cause itchiness to eczema-prone hands. 

Moisturize…Then Moisturize Again

If you want to control your eczema during the winter months, you need to have moisturizer at the ready. One study found that parents, who were educated about moisturizing their children who had eczema, were able to significantly improve their children’s skin during the winter. Using emollients is advisable because they help lock moisture into the skin, while also allowing it to breathe. Moisturize the skin within three minutes of exiting the shower or bath to help seal the moisture into the skin.

Use Gentle Soap

With the presence of new COVID-19 variants, health experts continue to encourage frequent hand-washing. If you have eczema or sensitive skin, it’s best to avoid harsh soaps or bath products that have harmful ingredients. Try your best to use gentle, moisturizing soaps that don’t contain dyes, alcohol, or fragrances. Harsh soaps are also laundry detergents, so look for those ingredients in detergents as well if you want to keep your skin healthy.

Use A Humidifier

The heating system in your home makes the air dry, which can irritate your eczema. Add moisture back to the air by combatting the warm, dry air with a humidifier. There are portable humidifiers that you can place in each room, but you can also invest in larger ones that you can hook up to a heating system. Make sure to frequently change the water in the humidifier (every three days is sufficient) to avoid fungal or bacterial build-up. 

Supplement With Vitamin D

The skin naturally creates vitamin D when it is exposed to sunlight. Because of the lack of sun during winter, it’s more difficult to get the vitamin D that the skin needs for repair and maintenance. One study found that people with eczema who supplemented with vitamin D during winter were able to reduce flare-ups. A review of studies from 2016 found that vitamin D supplements help to improve eczema symptoms. Consult with your health care professional about which vitamin D supplement is best for you. 

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If you have hypertension (high blood pressure), management is key in order to minimize your risk of heart attack or stroke. In order to manage high blood pressure, you have to avoid or limit certain foods, in addition to supplements, as they can affect blood pressure, or make matters worse. 

High blood pressure is characterized by a blood pressure reading of 130/80 mm Hg or higher. Older adults have a higher risk of the condition, due to large arteries getting stiffer with age. If you cannot control blood pressure on your own with lifestyle changes, medication may be necessary. The American Heart Association (AHA) estimated that 46% of American adults have high blood pressure. Should you have the condition, avoid the supplements in this article. 

Licorice Root

Licorice root is not solely used as a flavoring in food, candy, and even tobacco products. In fact, it has a long history of use in folk medicine, treating wounds and relieving symptoms of lung disease and liver disease. Licorice root contains glycyrrhizic acid (GA), which can elevate blood pressure. Researchers note that doses as low as 100 milligrams (mg) can raise blood pressure. Other supplements with GA can also interact with diuretics and blood pressure meds. It may affect how well blood pressure meds work and increase the risk of side effects. If you have high blood pressure, it is best to avoid products that contain licorice root. 

Arnica

Some people use arnica ointment to reduce swelling and bruising, while others take it orally as a supplement. Arnica belongs to the sunflower family and is usually taken by mouth homeopathically. There are typically no. active ingredients in homeopathic products, so side effects are unlikely. That said, taking arnica by mouth can increase blood pressure or potentially damage some organs, including the heart. This is not for certain, but if you have high blood pressure, avoid arnica supplements. 

Bitter Orange

Taken from the fruit or peel of a bitter orange, this supplement is typically used to aid weight loss or improve athletic performance. The fruit and peel of bitter orange can also be used to flavor drinks or in perfumes and other beauty products for aromatic purposes. Bitter orange does contain p-Synephrine, which is a type of stimulant similar to ephedrine. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned ephedrine stimulants because they can cause health issues, such as heart attack and stroke. Although bitter orange is not on a banned list, use it with caution, especially if you have high blood pressure. Studies show that this supplement can not only raise heart rate and blood pressure, but also increase the risk for heart attack and stroke. Bitter orange found in food and drinks is not likely to cause these issues, though. 

Vitamin D (In High Doses)

The body produces vitamin D when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Vitamin D is necessary for optimal bone health, inflammation reduction, and other bodily functions. It is naturally available in foods and supplement form. Some research indicates that vitamin D may play a role in treating high blood pressure, specifically in doses of 200 – 8,000 International Units (IU) per day. Doses larger than 10,000 IU per day can lead to dangerous side effects, such as high calcium levels (hypercalcemia). Over time, hypercalcemia can cause high blood pressure. High doses of vitamin D can also interact with certain diuretics, which are commonly used to treat high blood pressure. The body may not get rid of enough calcium, raising calcium and blood pressure in the process. 

St. John’s Wort

This plant is often used to treat symptoms of menopause and depression. Despite its longstanding use in traditional medicine, this plant may negatively interact with a variety of medications. St John’s wort weakens the efficacy of medications used to treat high blood pressure. Some of the blood pressure meds that St. John’s wort interacts with include Talinolol, Verelan, and Procardia. The interactions are likely due to the fact that St. John’s wort blocks the medication from being absorbed by the body.

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