Sleep is essential for your overall health, but you may not feel well-rested if you have obstructive sleep apnea. That is true even if you sleep for more than eight hours a night. Obstructive sleep apnea causes repeated pauses in your breathing, so your brain wakes up for a little to reopen your airway. That repeated pattern of sleep interruption, which can last 10 seconds or longer and occur at least five times per hour, can limit your ability to get restful sleep. 

There are many factors that worsen symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, especially weight gain. Eating healthier foods can help people with obstructive sleep apnea manage their weight. There are also certain foods that contain nutrients that may help people with obstructive sleep apnea improve sleep quality and ease symptoms. Continue reading to learn what those foods are. 

Nuts

Almonds, pistachios, walnuts, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts, and other nuts can help support heart health, reduce inflammation, and manage weight. They may also improve sleep quality, and those benefits can be attributed to the following nutrients:

• Protein and fiber help you feel full, which can make it easier to maintain a healthy body weight. 
• Vitamin E is an antioxidant that exhibits anti-inflammatory activity. Vitamin E may also be helpful with obstructive sleep apnea, since they tend to have higher levels of inflammation and oxidant compounds. 
• Magnesium works to relax muscles and can help promote better sleep. 
• Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycle, eating melatonin-rich foods may help people get more restful sleep on a consistent basis. 

Berries

Nighttime pauses in breathing that results from obstructive sleep apnea can reduce oxygen levels. That can lead to a state of oxidative stress over time, during which there is an overabundance of cell-damaging compounds in the body. Oxidative stress can also increase the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cognitive issues. Berries are rich in antioxidants that help reduce that inflammation and fight the free radicals that lead to oxidative stress. They also contain a lot of fiber, which helps you feel full for a while, supporting weight management. Great berries to consume include strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries. 

Leafy Green Vegetables

The combination of low oxygen levels and higher oxidative stress can lead to inflammation, which worsens symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. Leafy green vegetables, such as kale, spinach, Swiss chard, and collard greens, contain compounds that may help reduce inflammation. Reducing inflammation and swelling in airway tissues may lead to better sleep. Leafy greens also provide magnesium, which works to relax muscles and support better sleep quality. Leafy greens are also low in calories and high in fiber, two things that support healthy digestion and weight management, which may help improve symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. 

Whole Grains

People with obstructive sleep apnea can benefit from weight loss, but it can be hard to do that without eating a balanced diet that contains fiber-rich foods. Whole grains work to support healthy digestion and keep you feeling full for longer. The fiber also helps you keep your blood sugar steady, which may support better sleep and limit inflammatory markers, both of which are essential for obstructive sleep apnea. Fiber-rich whole grains to consume include brown rice, bulgar wheat, oats, and quinoa. 

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Statins are prescription drugs that people take to lower their levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol. Health experts refer to LDL cholesterol as “bad” because of the fact that it builds up inside the arteries, making it harder for blood to move through them. Statins work by interfering when the liver produces cholesterol. They also help to lower triglycerides and may even increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol. Unlike LDL, HDL brings cholesterol to the liver, which gets it out of the body. 

Before getting on statins, some people want to see if they can lower LDL cholesterol with lifestyle changes. We encourage that decision and although diet and exercise may not lower cholesterol for everyone, a lot of people can benefit from healthier habits, some of which we detail in this article. If your cholesterol levels are already in normal range, you can help maintain them with the Dherbs Cholesterol Formula. To help lower cholesterol before statins, consider the following tips. 

Consider The Portfolio Diet

The Portfolio Diet is a plant-based eating plan that emphasizes foods that are naturally rich in fiber and healthy fats. Conceived some 20 years ago, the diet has a proven ability to lower LDL cholesterol, but none of the trials proving this lasted more than six months. For this reason, more long-term studies are necessary. When followed consistently, though, research suggests that the Portfolio Diet may lower LDL cholesterol by up to 30%, an effect comparable to a first-generation statin for some people. 

Move Your Body Every Day

Exercise is a powerful and easily accessible tool that may help lower cholesterol levels naturally. Ideally, engage in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, in addition to two days of strength training. Physical activity helps to elevate HDL cholesterol, lower triglycerides, and reduce visceral fat, which is metabolically active fat stored around internal organs that contributes to cardiovascular risk. People who lose between 5% to 10% of body weight can significantly improve cholesterol levels. 

Prioritize Fiber

Fiber is an often overlooked nutrient, with many people not getting enough every day. In fact, more than 90% of women and 97% of men do meet the recommended daily fiber intake. Not all fiber works the same regarding cholesterol, though. Soluble fiber exhibits the strongest LDL-lowering effect. It forms a gel-like substance in the gut, binding to cholesterol in the gastrointestinal tract and escorting it out to prevent reabsorption. Great sources of soluble fiber include:

• Apples
• Barley
• Beans
• Chia seeds
• Flaxseed
• Lentils
• Oats
• Psyllium husk

Build Your Plate Around Whole Plant-Based Foods

If you want to lower cholesterol levels in a meaningful way, eat more whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, legumes, seeds, nuts, and whole grains. All of these foods contain plant sterols, which are natural compounds that resemble cholesterol, which helps block the body’s absorption of it in the digestive tract. The sterols in vegetable oils, seeds, nuts, whole grains, vegetables, and certain fortified foods can all help lower cholesterol. In fact, getting two grams of plant sterols daily can lower LDL cholesterol by up to 12%. 

Reduce Intake Of Refined Carbs And Added Sugars

Health experts always suggest people to steer clear of saturated and trans fats if they are concerned about LDL cholesterol. Avoiding these types of fats can also help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Refined carbs and added sugars are just as dangerous, as they can raise triglycerides and increase cardiovascular risk. Sugary drinks, white bread, packaged pastries, and ultra-processed snacks contribute to insulin resistance, which affects cholesterol levels. It is better to consume whole grains and limit your consumption of added sugars to help improve triglycerides and HDL cholesterol levels. 

Some Natural Supplements May Help

Before you decide to take supplements to help naturally lower cholesterol levels, consider speaking with a healthcare professional. Some products can come with side effects or may interact with other medications or supplements that you already take. Certain supplements, though, have some proven ability to lower cholesterol. For example, psyllium supplements can lower LDL cholesterol by about 7%. Omega-3 supplements can also help reduce triglycerides, but they don’t significantly lower LDL levels.

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Unless you avoid all things new (and we wouldn’t blame you if you did), you are probably aware of RFK Jr.’s inverted food pyramid. Federal officials released the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, emphasizing the importance of protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Is that a bad thing? It actually urges Americans to limit their intake of added sugars, explaining that “no amount’ is considered part of a healthy diet. 

The new nutrition guidelines also state that no meal should contain more than 10 grams of added sugar. Health officials are targeting highly- or ultra-processed foods and refined carbohydrates. They recommend consumers avoid packaged, prepared, or ready-to-eat foods because they contain excess sodium, added sugars, trans fats, and more. Additionally, health officials encourage Americans to “eat the right amount for you,” basing daily caloric intake on weight, height, age, sex, and level of physical activity. Portion sizes and proper hydration are just as integral to your health as what you eat. 

RFK Jr. states that his inverted pyramid acts as a guideline to help people return to the basics. He wants people to prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods and reduce the intake of highly processed foods. This sounds great in theory, but there are a few issues with the new guidelines. We will explore what health experts think about the pyramid in this article.

Fear-mongering About Plant-Based Diets

It is no secret that plant-based diets have their health benefits. All you have to do is look at the supporting research. The new guidelines single out vegetarian and vegan diets as risky, exaggerating nutrient gaps without sufficient evidence. Yes, vegan and vegetarian diets have limited food options that contain some vital nutrients. There are fortified foods and supplements that can fill those gaps, though. In fact, supplementing key nutrients, such as vitamin B12, is an inexpensive and safe way to eat. The guidelines also ignore extensive research revealing the substantial health benefits of plant-based eating. If more people were plant-based, the country could save hundreds of billions of dollars in healthcare costs. 

Should You Consume More Full-Fat Dairy?

The new guidelines recommend three servings of full-fat dairy products (with no added sugars) per day. The guidelines state that “dairy is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.” Health experts agree that one serving of full-fat dairy per day (about 1 to 1.5 ounces) is sufficient. There is not enough evidence to support the escalation of three servings per day. 

Plus, when you consider that roughly 65-70% of the world’s population is lactose intolerant, increasing dairy intake may not be the best idea. It’s also important to note that multiple servings of full-fat cheese can quickly exceed the recommended limits of daily saturated fat and sodium. Elevating cheese or full-fat dairy as a prominent health guideline may not benefit long-term health. 

Healthy Fats Are Encouraged

Healthy fats are vital for heart health, brain function, hormone production, and inflammation reduction. Additionally, they help the body absorb essential vitamins and keep you full for longer. Encouraging the consumption of healthy fats is not a bad thing, but you have to be careful where you get them. Prioritize foods that contain essential fatty acids, such as olive oil, avocado oil, walnuts, chia seeds, flax seeds, and other food sources. 

There are several contradictions about the consumption of healthy fats within the new guidelines, though. There is a numeric recommendation to limit saturated fat to 10% of your daily caloric intake. On the other hand, the guidelines emphasize meat and full-fat dairy consumption and varied portion sizes, so it is difficult to understand your limits in a real world diet setting. 

Not All Fruits And Vegetables Are Equal

The new guidelines encourage Americans to eat fruits and vegetables throughout the day, focusing on their whole forms. It is no secret that a diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables can deliver valuable nutrients to the body. The suggestion is three servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit per day. 

While vegetables belong in any healthy diet, starchy vegetables (such as corn and potatoes) should be consumed in moderation. Additionally, fruits contain beneficial nutrients, but they can contain high levels of sugar, which will not benefit those with blood sugar issues. Berries are low-glycemic fruits and may be better than apples or bananas for people watching their blood sugar. 

The Best Advice For A Balanced Diet

Ideally, focus on simple, well-established dietary patterns that are supported by a large body of research. You don’t have to follow guidelines just because a guy said so. We believe it is best to focus on consuming a wide variety of plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains. Be mindful about your portions, especially if you choose to consume animal-based foods, such as meats and dairy products. Should you choose to consume meat, make sure the beef is grass-fed/grass-finished, your poultry is free range and organic, and your fish is wild caught. Dairy should be organic as well. 

Don’t focus on hitting specific nutrients or rigid targets. Make your goal to build a balanced, flexible diet that you can maintain over time.

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

Benefits Of Magnesium

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

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

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

Legumes And Pulses

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

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

Chickpeas: 78.7 mg per cooked cup

Whole Grains

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

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

Leafy Greens And Vegetables

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

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

Nuts And Seeds

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

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

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There is a common misconception about breast cancer, and it is thinking that you aren’t at risk if you don’t have a family history of it. The simple fact is that only 12% of people diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of the disease. There are other risk factors that you should be aware of, including a sedentary lifestyle and taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Health experts estimate that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Given that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s an important time for women to focus on prevention, education, and early detection. When you are knowledgeable about breast cancer, you can help reduce the risk of developing it and detect early issues. Continue reading to learn about five things every woman should know about breast cancer. 

Know Your Risk Factors

As is the case with many forms of cancer, risk factors vary from person to person. Family history, aging, and more are beyond your control, but understanding them can help you develop preventative measures. Statistically, women with close relatives (sister, mother, or daughter) who have had breast cancer have a higher risk. BRCA1 and BRCA2, which are genetic mutations, also significantly increase the chances of developing breast cancer. Early menstruation, late menopause, and not having children are other risk factors to consider. When you know your risk factors, you can work with your healthcare provider to create a personalized screening plan.

When To Start Screening

Ideally, you should have annual breast exams at the doctor’s office starting at the age of 18. Annual mammograms should begin between the ages of 35 and 40. Health experts also encourage women to examine their own breasts monthly at the end of their period when breasts are the most tender. You should know your breasts better than anyone, so you should alert your doctor if you notice any lumps, swelling, nipple discharge or inversion, or any other changes. 

Pay Attention To Breast Rashes

Inflammatory breast cancer is a very aggressive form of cancer that presents itself as a rash. Some of the symptoms include:

• Swelling
• Redness
• Pain and/or itchiness
• Severely enlarged pores on the breast(s)

Doctors tend to misdiagnose inflammatory breast cancer as dermatitis (a common skin infection) or mastitis (breast tissue inflammation) because it looks like a regular rash. If your rash does not respond to antibiotics within five days, your doctor may need to take a skin sample to test for cancer. 

Lifestyle Choices Make A Difference

Although not all cases of breast cancer are preventable, certain lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk. Statistically, people who consume a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds have a lower risk of cancer than those who consume a lot of processed foods, saturated fat, and refined carbs. Additionally, regular physical activity, such as 30 minutes of moderately-intense exercise per day, can help reduce the risk of breast cancer. Finally, health experts urge women to maintain a healthy weight, especially after menopause, because excess body fat can increase estrogen levels and contribute to cancer risk. 

Symptoms To Watch Out For

Most women know to look for lumps, as that is the most common indicator of breast cancer. Changes in breast size, shape, or skin texture (dimpling) can be red flags. It’s also possible for some women to experience redness or swelling of the breast, which could indicate inflammatory breast cancer (as we mentioned earlier). Early detection of these symptoms can lead to quicker diagnosis and treatment. If you notice something, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor about it. 

At Dherbs, we believe that Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to value the importance of early detection. That said, we don’t think that women should just focus on their health during October. Maintaining overall health and wellness is a year-round endeavor. Should you want to help cleanse the female reproductive system and optimize female health, consider our Female Cleanse.

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When you decide to make the switch to a vegan diet, it can feel like stepping into a whole new world. The ingredients may be unfamiliar and it’s common to face unexpected challenges. It’s also common to face way more chickpeas, greens, whole grains, and nuts than you ever thought you would. 

It can be tough to go vegan, especially if you are going it alone. That is especially true if you are the primary cook in the family and have to prepare other non-vegan foods for others. It’s possible for your family to react with confusion or even resentment, but it’s a commendable dietary change. That’s especially true if you make the shift for health reasons. Going vegan is not always about taking the moral high ground. 

All of that said, there are some common mistakes that people make when switching to the vegan diet. Continue reading to understand what to watch out for when you go vegan. We hope the information helps you during this major transition. 

Lacking Strong Motivation

Approaching the vegan diet like a new diet is actually a mistake. The reason that many people stick with their vegan diets for so long is because their motivation is rooted in values and ethics. Some people make the switch because they no longer want to support mass animal farming, which is perfectly understandable. Perhaps your motivation is to avoid certain illnesses that run in your family. Be it climate crisis, personal health, or the mistreatment of animals, find your reason and let that be your guiding light. 

Buying Foods Without Reading Ingredient Lists

There are many foods that seem vegan, but are actually not. For example, it’s possible for chips to have chicken powder or salad dressing to have milk powder or eggs. Some sugar may even be processed with bone char, which manufacturers use during the refining process to whiten sugar. Even non-dairy creamers can contain small amounts (less than 2%) of sodium caseinate, a milk-derived product. Do your research and always read ingredient labels to avoid slipping up on your new diet. 

Believing Food Is Healthy Just Because It’s Vegan

There are many unhealthy foods that are technically vegan, such as French fries, Oreos, some sour candies, faux meats, pasta, bread and more. Just because it is vegan doesn’t mean it is healthy. You could consider yourself a vegan if you only eat fries, pasta, and Beyond burgers. If you made the shift to veganism for health reasons, focus your efforts on balancing those unhealthy vegan foods with an abundance of fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Don’t let a food’s vegan label make you think that it is healthy!

Relying On Faux Meats

It is true that many fast food restaurants and other establishments have vegan burgers or options on their menus. If you are used to eating chicken and rice or meat and potatoes for dinner, it can be tricky to have veggie-centric meals all the time. Faux meats qualify as vegan, but they are lab-generated and full of processed ingredients. Sure, they can fill you up, but there are many problems with those foods. There is an abundance of incredibly delicious meal options that a vegan diet offers. Don’t be afraid to look at mealtime through a different lens. Get inspiration from social media or different websites and experiment!

Not Having Fun With Food

Do not fall into a rut of making the same thing over and over again just because you know it is vegan. You have to keep your taste buds interested, so treat cooking as a creative exercise. Experiment with different spices, explore different cuisines, and try new recipes. Going vegan is not about deprivation, but about discovery. If you avoid the common mistakes in this article, then you will find that your new lifestyle can be as joyful as it is nourishing. 

And if you need a little assistance with your dietary transition, consider our Going Vegan 20-day Challenge (click here for more information). It has nutrients that support your transition into veganism. It may be more helpful than you realize!

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“Eating vegan is expensive,” “veganism is just a fad,” and “vegan diets are unhealthy.” Do these statements sound familiar? The vegan diet is often misconstrued, especially with false claims and misinformation on the internet and social media. There is a lot of poorly researched content that is readily available, but there is also a lot of information detailing the benefits of veganism. You just have to filter what you read to get the real story. 

If you are going vegan, though, you may be a little hesitant, which is perfectly natural. How do you know what to believe? Do you have to milk almonds in order to get their milk? Will you be able to get any protein? Will going vegan damage your relationship with others? It’s amazing what myths exist about this diet! Don’t believe everything you read or hear about the vegan diet, folks. What you can believe, however, is the information in this article. We detail five common myths about going vegan. 

You Can’t Get Protein

This is potentially the most common vegan myth in existence. Believe it or not, you do not have to eat meat or animal products to obtain protein. It is true that there is protein in meat, but that doesn’t mean it is the only source. In fact, protein exists in many fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains. Some common, high-protein foods in the vegan diet include:

• Nuts (cashews, walnuts, pistachios, peanuts, and almonds)
• Legumes (black beans, lentils, edamame, pinto beans, and kidney beans)
• Whole grains (brown rice, bulgur wheat, and quinoa, which is not technically a grain but commonly used as one)
• Green vegetables (broccoli, green beans, kale, peas, spinach, and seaweed)

With this information, you can have a few vegan go-to protein-dense meals, such as a whole wheat sandwich with almond butter, chia seeds, and bananas. Add quinoa to your salads and blend cashews into your dressings to make salads more filling. The options are endless!

The Vegan Diet Makes You Weak

First of all, there are many professional vegan athletes who are thriving. The common thought is that you need animal protein to build muscle, but new research shows that that is not 100% true. Vegan diets are rich in many essential nutrients, but you may occasionally have to supplement, especially with vitamin D and vitamin B12, in order to give the body what it needs. There are, however, many vegan foods that are fortified with these specific nutrients. 

You Can Have Honey

Now, there is debate among vegans about honey. Here’s the deal: bees make honey naturally, but for themselves, not for humans. Honey is winter food storage for bees, which is why they work all summer to make it. Similarly, cows make milk for their calves. The honey from farmed bees is taken from the hive and sold for human consumption. Essentially, the bees lose their natural food source, which affects immunity and may be a reason for why bee colonies are collapsing. Most vegans believe that honey is not for their consumption, but there are some who do not see any harm in consuming it. If you are a strict vegan, you will not consume honey and opt for maple syrup or agave instead. 

Being Vegan Damages Your Relationships With Family

This is not true, plain and simple. Now, there are vegans who want to preach the gospel to everyone about why they are superior to others. We are here to tell you that there is no moral high ground to going vegan. It’s important to establish a healthy conversation about veganism in order for more people to be receptive to the idea. Sure, some family and friends may not subscribe to the idea of being vegan, but that doesn’t mean it ruins relationships. You may not like rock music and your best friend does, and yet you still get along. The same applies to your diet!

Vegan Food Is Flavorless

First of all, seasonings are 100% vegan. That means that you can season your food with sea salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, rosemary, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and more. You don’t need artificial flavoring components when you have the real seasonings! Season your vegetables, whole grains, legumes, tempeh, or whatever else falls in the vegan diet and enjoy yourself. Be creative and have fun with your new diet. Just remember that your food doesn’t have to be bland!

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Resources for improving mental health are abundant. From in-person therapy sessions to calming apps on your phone, there is no shortage of mental health tools, many of which are free. Mental health is more than just a buzzword, though. It is about the functionality of the brain and everything that impacts it. Many factors influence your mental health, such as genetics, family history, and life experiences. 

Although you may not have full control over the hand you’re dealt, you can influence many other aspects of your mental health. Your ability to improve your mental health can help you maintain a more even-keeled mental state. 

Why Is Mental Health So Important?

Whether it’s the way you handle stress, relate to others, or make choices, your mental health influences a lot. Caring for your mental health can help:

• Clarify your thinking
• Reduce anxiety
• Improve your mood
• Enhance self-esteem, confidence, and self-worth
• Deepen relationships

By nurturing your mental health, you can also help manage mental health conditions that are worsened by anxiety and stress. This nourishment also helps you perceive the world through a clearer lens and helps you handle things that life throws at you. Continue reading to learn about daily habits that can boost your mental health. 

Reduce Social Media Engagement

When you constantly consume information about other people’s lives, you compare your own experience to theirs, whether you know it or not. This can promote feelings of low self-worth and self-esteem, both of which fuel depression and anxiety. To spend less time on social media, try to keep your phone in a drawer or outside your bedroom while you’re in bed. Turn off social media notifications, so you are not prompted to check it every time you get a “bing.”

Move Your Body On Your Own Terms

There is no denying that regular exercise benefits mental health and brain function. Scientific studies have proven that exercise can elevate mood, relieve stress, and help manage symptoms of depression and anxiety. Not everybody exercises or moves their body in the same way, though. That’s why you have to move on your own terms, be it in a Zumba or Pilates class, boxing boot camp, walk around the neighborhood, or gardening in the backyard. There are many fun physical activities that you can do outside the gym. Take stretch breaks every hour during work or go on a family hike! You do not need a vigorous workout in the gym to support mental health. 

Get Restful Sleep

Sleep is the body’s natural way of rejuvenating itself. In fact, sleep is a nonnegotiable element of physical and mental health. According to an American Psychological Association (APA) report from 2023, sleep deprivation makes people more anxious and less happy. Sleep is vital, but the quality matters even more. Disrupted sleep can worsen mental health symptoms. To ensure that you get quality sleep, start with these habits:

• Make your bedroom quiet, clutter-free, and relaxing
• Try to keep the temperature in your bedroom between 60ºF and 65ºF
• Avoid caffeinated beverages after 3 p.m.
• Try to wake up and go to bed at the same time every day

Know When To Take It Easy

It’s very possible that on a difficult day, you may not have the energy to do anything. That can make you feel even worse about yourself, but sometimes you have to allow yourself a day to take it easy. Turn to compassion and find accessible strategies, for example: 

• Engage in breath work, even if only for a few minutes
• Take a bath or long shower
• Give yourself permission to rest
• Avoid snacking on processed foods, such as chips, cookies, and candy

Spend Time In The Sun

Not only is the sun a great source of vitamin D, but studies show that spending time in the sun can improve attitude and mood. You do not have to spend your entire day in the sun, so don’t worry about frying like an egg. Experts suggest five minutes of uninterrupted blue skies per day to benefit the mind and heart. You do not just have to stand in the sun; rather, you can take a short walk, exercise outside, eat lunch at a park, open a window near your desk, or take a phone call outside. 

Savor Nutrient-Dense Foods

There are certain foods that detract from mental health, but there are also foods that support it. Dietitians encourage people to focus on foods that contain mood-boosting nutrients, some of which are: 

• Whole grains
• Beans
• Bananas
• Berries
• Omega-3s

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can also help you avoid dehydration, which actually denies your brain and body the nutrients necessary for optimal function. Alcohol, caffeine, refined carbs, and added sugars can actually worsen anxiety, so limit your consumption of those foods. 

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A lot of people, especially overweight people, turn to diet soda to reduce their caloric intake. The appeal is that it is a sugar-free, carb-free, fat-free, zero-calorie beverage. It does, however, contain aspartame, which is about 200 times sweeter than regular sugar. So why is it that a calorie-free drink makes you hungrier?

Let’s remove diet soda from the equation for just a moment. It stands to reason that if you are hungry, you eat something and the hunger goes away. Unfortunately, it isn’t that simple. You have more than likely eaten meals that fill you up more than others, even if you’ve eaten the same amount of food. For example, you go back for chow mein when you’ve already had a full serving. 

Sometimes, it’s not the nutrient density (or lack of nutrients) of the meal that gets in the way of satiating you. It can often be the beverage you drink alongside your meal. A new study found that non-caloric sweeteners that are typically found in diet sodas interfere with the brain’s hunger responses. Basically, these sweeteners make it more difficult for the brain to discern if you are actually full or not. They may even make you feel hungrier. 

How Do Non-Caloric Sweeteners Mess With Hunger Cues?

Aspartame, sucralose, stevia, and erythritol are the most popular sugar substitutes used in diet sodas and some low-calorie processed foods. Unlike regular sugar, these substitutes do not add additional calories. The problem is that consuming these types of sweeteners confuses the brain. In an ideal situation, the brain perceives calories coming in when you consume a food or beverage. That isn’t the case with diet soda, so the brain increases appetite in order to obtain other calories. 

To put it in simpler terms, non-caloric sweeteners confuse the brain. The body is programmed to expect some calories when it consumes something sweet. Zero-calorie sweeteners do not fulfill that expectation, so that mismatch stimulates the brain’s hunger cues and you end up eating more than you normally would as a result. 

Although artificial sweeteners can confuse hunger cues for every person, some people don’t experience as severe an effect as others. During the study, researchers noted that men and women with obesity had a heightened response to non-caloric sweeteners. The difference in reactions between people with obesity and people without obesity was quite evident. People with obesity had a very strong response in the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that regulates hunger. If people with obesity drink diet soda, they are more likely to overeat than people without obesity who drink diet soda. 

How To Better Understand Hunger Cues

Why do people with obesity experience a greater impact? Researchers don’t exactly know at the moment, but they suspect it to be a consequence of obesity. Being overweight is just the tip of the iceberg regarding obesity. Many bodily functions and processes influence how a person responds to food. The only thing you can do to fight back is to better understand the body’s hunger cues. 

All dietitians and researchers recommend avoiding diet sodas and other non-caloric sweeteners whenever possible. Ideally, avoid sugar as well, but it can be difficult to do that. Sugar consumption is linked to weight gain, but so is non-caloric sweetener consumption. Hunger and thirst are also easily confused. The body sometimes sends the same signals for hunger and thirst, due to overlapping mechanisms. This can result in unnecessary snacking, so with that in mind, make sure you maintain proper hydration levels.

If you feel hungry all the time, you most likely are not consuming satiating nutrients, including protein, healthy fats, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. Focusing on foods that contain these nutrients, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds, can help you get more of those nutrients. Practice mindful eating, chewing each bite slowly to savor the flavors. Additionally, try to have a dedicated space for eating and don’t sit on the couch, for example, as that can cause mindless eating, so you’ll consume more than you need to without realizing it.

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As soon as the weather starts to cool down, we start thinking about warming fall recipes. We are talking about soups, stews, and savory warm salads. You roast some parsnips, beets, sweet potatoes, squash, or other fall vegetables and toss them with some whole grains and sturdy greens. In the case of this fall harvest salad, you roast some golden beets and sweet potatoes before tossing them with quinoa and mixed greens. You can also use kale and bulgur wheat if you have those items on hand. You can also use couscous or wild rice in place of quinoa.

This works great as an entree salad, side salad, or meal prep dish for a couple days. If you decide to meal prep this salad, though, we recommend that you use kale, as it doesn’t get soggy like other greens. If you plan to eat this right away, use the mixed greens in the recipe ingredients. Additionally, do not dress the salad if you meal prep, as that will cause all of the ingredients to get a little soggy. We don’t know about you, but we’d prefer to not eat a soggy salad!

Roasting the vegetables is the time-consuming part of this recipe. beets can take a while to roast, so cut them uniformly and on the thinner side. The same rule applies for the sweet potatoes. You want the vegetables to roast evenly, so make sure to spread them in an even layer on a baking sheet. If you do that, they should take about 30-35 minutes to roast. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before assembling the salad. And remember, you can cook the quinoa, prepare the rest of the ingredients, and make the dressing while the veggies are roasting.

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