weight loss

Best Dandelion Tea Brand on the Market

Dandelion health benefits and best tea brands

Dandelion tea, made from the dandelion plant’s roots, is well known due to its multiple health benefits and some of the best dandelion tea brands. Of course, the best dandelion tea brand is delicious and health-boosting.

People make the perfect dandelion tea from the roots or leaves of the dandelion plant. Usually, roots have a richer flavor because they are roasted to a specific temperature for getting the perfect aroma of this tea. Other than its delicious taste, it has many health benefits.

Best dandelion tea brand

Today, we will have a detailed discussion on the health benefits of this tea and the renowned dandelion tea brands. For the ease of reading, we have divided the article into two halves, which are:

  • Health benefits of dandelion tea
  • Best dandelion tea brands

Health benefits of dandelion tea

Dandelion tea is very famous for treating different health issues. It’s been used in folk medicine for many years. Following are the health benefits associated with dandelion tea:

  1. Promotes liver health: The liver is responsible for a healthy bile function in our bodies. In addition to this, it stores glycogens, vitamins, and minerals in our body. There could be multiple reasons for liver dysfunction. However, dandelion tea is considered the best remedy to cleanse the liver. Also, it was in use by many people in history who made folk medicines. In the old times, when a person is detected with any liver disease, dandelion tea roots are considered the best medicine. It detoxifies the liver and promotes healthy liver functioning.

      
  2. Treat high blood pressure: High blood pressure is typically the main reason behind many other chronic diseases like a heart attack or brain hemorrhage. Dandelion tea is one of the best remedies to cure high blood pressure. Many folk medicines that were used for treating high blood pressure have dandelion roots. However, as per the new world, scientists have not enough knowledge about the exact quantity that one should intake at a time to get rid of this issue. Further research is going on, but people worldwide are using it regularly and occasionally to get rid of high blood pressure issues.

     
  3. Promotes healthy skin: Dandelion tea is famous for getting rid of many skin issues like acne, eczema, rashes, and others. In old times, women use dandelion roots to make a paste with water, apply it to the face to get rid of all skin issues and promote healthy skin. However, other than its numerous benefits for the skin, some people are allergic to it. It’s better to do a patch test on any other part of the body before applying it to the face to have an idea if it reacts to you or not.

     
  4. Control of diabetes: In addition to many other benefits related to health, this magical dandelion plant has anti-diabetic properties as well. It has a soluble fiber “inulin,” responsible for the growth of healthy bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. It has a significant impact on the sugar level of the human body because healthy bacteria slow down the sugar flow from the intestines to the blood, which in return will lower the blood sugar level. A study from 2016 has confirmed that it can stimulate cells in the pancreas to produce insulin.

                    
  5. Anti-cancer properties: Dandelion tea roots are responsible for killing cancerous cells in the human body. Due to these properties, it is known as an anti-cancer agent. The studies have proved that when a person takes dandelion tea regularly, anti-cancerous cells form in his body. As time passes, these cells will kill all cancer, causing cells in the body, and replace them with healthy cells. However, forgetting the perfect results, one must use the dandelion roots that have this property by taking an expert’s help.

  6. Fights inflammation: Inflammation, whether inside our body or on the outside of any body part, is the root cause of many diseases. Dandelion tea has the properties to fight against inflammation. One can consume it to treat the internal body inflammation or apply its mask on the external body part to get rid of inflammation.

     
  7. Reduces water weight: During periods, many women face the issue of bloating. In reality, bloating is a major cause of water weight. Consuming dandelion tea at that time will give instant relief from bloating, and it’s useful for menstrual cramps as well. It can increase urine output, which will provide relief from bloating.

Best organic dandelion tea brands

There are many brands famous for selling the best dandelion roots that are organic and effective. Following is a list of brands:

dandelion tea made from dandelion flowers
  1. STARWEST botanicals:

    Starwest is the top best dandelion tea brand. It has a wide range of Dandelion root products for the customers to buy the one that is suitable for them or that they require. The vide range includes organic cut and sifted dandelion root, organic dandelion root powder, and organic roasted dandelion root. Each of them has the perfect taste, and the brand ensures that the dandelion roots have locked-in health benefits. ==> GET Starwes botanical ORGANIC DANDELION tea HERE

     
  2. Art of tea:

    Art of tea is another famous brand for selling a wide range of drinks across the globe. The best part of this brand is, it has organic products and 100% customer satisfaction. Therefore, one can always choose this brand for buying dandelion tea roots without worrying about its expiration date or non-organic nature. They deliver the most exceptional quality in the best packing to the customers. 

  3. Tealyra:

    Dandelion tea is famous for its quality of detoxification. It has numerous health benefits, but the common one is the cleansing of the body. Tealyra brand is proudly announcing that they have the best dandelion tea roots that 100% work on body detoxification. They assure the customers that this dandelion tea will naturally pass the toxins from their liver and other body parts, and increase the bile flow with locked-in antioxidants. ==> GET Tealyra DETOX DANDELION blend HERE

  4. Buddha Teas:

    Buddha teas brand is famous for its rich earthy dandelion tea roots. The company claims that they have experts who have a deep understanding of different types of dandelion tea roots, and we only provide the best ones to our customers. They have a massive list of satisfied customers and a definite success rate due to their utmost quality of dandelion tea roots. ==> GET Buddha Teas DANDELION LEAF tea HERE

     
  5. Traditional medicinal:

    If you are in search of perfectly roasted dandelion roots, then traditional medicinal is so far the best brand till now. The best part about the brand is, it is organic certified and non-GMO product verified, which has rapidly increased the number of customers, and that keeps on growing. In addition to the quality, their dandelion tea has the best-roasted taste. In addition to this, the brand is consistent with the quality and taste. ==> GET Traditional medicinal ROASTED DANDELION ROOT tea HERE

  6. Dandy blend:

    Dandy blend brand has claimed that its dandelion tea roots have the quality to reduce inflammation in your body. However, pure dandelion tea has anti-inflammatory quality. After reading the majority of customer reviews, this brand’s tea is among the best ones to cope with the issue of inflammation. ==> GET Dandy blend DANDELION HERBAL beverage HERE

  7. Yogi tea:

    Yogi tea is another brand famous for its perfectly roasted dandelion tea roots. These roots are responsible for body detoxification, and so far the best among all other types of roots. It is helpful for the natural cleansing of your body without any side-effect.

     
  8. KIss me organics:

    This brand is famous for selling the best quality dandelion tea bags. Unlike the other brands, they are famous for selling raw dandelion root tea bags. Normally brands sell dandelion tea roots in the roasted form but kiss me organics sell the pure raw form, which is incredible in taste. In addition to this, the raw form has a maximum quantity of vitamins and minerals. They have two sizes of packages; one has 20 tea bags, and the other one has 100 tea bags.

  9. Frontier:

    Frontier brand is not only famous for selling high-quality dandelion tea roots but at the same time, it sells many other types of herbal teas too. This brand is also famous for selling raw dandelion roots that have the perfect size to make instant tea. It means the brand has made the tea packages by cutting the raw dandelion roots into the finest shape and size for the ease of their customers. The roots that they sell are of high quality as per customer reviews.

     
  10. Feel good organics:

    Although “feel good organics” is a new brand that has started selling dandelion tea roots but it has quickly made its space in the market by selling the highest and finest quality dandelion tea roots. They sell raw roots, which are certified organic. In addition to this, the brand is determined for a full refund to your money if you will not be satisfied with their product.

Final thoughts

The topic concludes that dandelion tea is one of the best options to get multiple health benefits without investing much. Also, the best dandelion tea brands are very easy to access, and they sell the finest quality.

Can Collagen Supplements Cause Weight Gain?

Collagen and weight management: can collagen supplements cause weight gain?

As we age, our bodies go through a great deal of changes. One of those changes is that our bodies lose collagen over time. Some people choose to take collagen supplements in an attempt to restore what they have lost with age. There are both positive and negative effects from collagen supplements. We will be covering a lot of those effects, as well as explaining exactly what collagen is, and why it is important. The focus of this article is on whether or not collagen supplements cause weight gain, but we will also take a look at the benefits and side effects of taking collagen supplements regularly.

Can collagen supplements cause weight gain

What is Collagen?

Collagen is a protein found in your body. In fact, collagen is the most abundant found in your body. Collagen is found in your bones, skin, muscles, and tendons. You could almost think of it this way, if your body was a brick house, collagen would be the mortar that holds all the bricks together.

Collagen is what makes your body strong and durable. There are two general categories of collagen. The first is endogenous, which is natural and is produced by the body. The other type of collagen is exogenous, which is synthetic, and usually comes from an outside source like a supplement. Typically, endogenous collagen is preferable, but as our bodies produce less and less collagen naturally as we get older, it is sometimes necessary to consider a supplement to reinforce bones, muscles, and joints.

Do collagen supplements cause weight gain?

Let’s get to the meat of this article right away. You may have been considering a collagen supplement lately, but maybe you are hesitating because you have heard rumors that collagen supplements can cause weight gain. The truth is, collagen supplements can actually lead to weight loss! While a lot of the science is still out on this subject, the popular theory is that collagen helps to build muscle, and lean muscles burn fat and calories faster than weak muscles.

That means that, while collagen itself does not actually burn calories or cause weight loss, it does help to promote strong muscles, and strong muscles promote weight loss. That being said, there is still the possibility that certain collagen supplements could cause you to gain weight, but only under certain circumstances. For instance, if the specific brand of collagen supplement you are using is loaded with unhealthy ingredients like too much sugar, it could cause you to gain weight.

Woman on collagen supplements that help to build muscle and lose weight

However, this just means you need to do your research and be sure that you are taking the best possible supplement. Read up on articles and reviews about different brands, so you will know what others had to say about it before you try it for yourself. Another way that it is possible for a collagen supplement to cause weight gain is if you are misusing the product.

Be sure that you always read the instructions and follow them carefully. Misusing any kind of dietary supplement can be hazardous to your health, and cause many unwanted side effects. Overall, collagen supplements are very safe in regards to weight gain.

Why take collagen supplements?

We mentioned this briefly already, but it bears repeating that our bodies do not stay the same as we get older. The older we get, the more we lose muscle mass, and the easier we gain fat. One of the reasons that our bones, joints, and muscles get weaker as we grow older is that we produce less and less collagen naturally.

As we explained earlier, collagen is sort of like the glue that holds the body together. If your body produces and utilizes collagen properly, your bones, joints, and muscles will be much stronger and healthier for it. However, as you get older and you start to experience the effects of less endogenous collagen, it may be necessary to look into introducing some exogenous collagen into your diet in the form of a supplement.

A collagen supplement can help your body produce enough collagen to reinforce joints and bones and keep your muscles strong. Remember, collagen is the most prevalent protein in your whole body, so you can imagine how vitally important it is to your strength and overall health. That gives you an overall look at why collagen supplements can be good for you, but let’s take a closer look at what specific benefits they can provide when taken correctly.

==> KETO FRIENDLY COLLAGEN

Good for the Skin

Collagen is very important to the health of your skin, which means you need collagen if you want smooth, hydrated, and wrinkle-free skin. As you age and lose collagen, your skin loses elasticity and this can cause wrinkling. Skin also dries as it loses collagen, making it more difficult to maintain the proper levels of hydration.

Even with lotions, and drinking plenty of water, it can be difficult to keep your skin from getting too dry if you are losing collagen. Taking a collagen supplement can also help the production of other proteins like elastin and fibrillin. Collagen supplements can help to increase the levels of collagen in your skin, improving elasticity, hydrations, and the overall health and glow.

Good for the Joints

Many studies have shown that taking a collagen supplement, particularly as you begin to lose collagen due to aging, can help to reinforce the cartilage that protects your joints. As you age and lose collagen, one part of your body that can feel the loss even more than others is our joints.

Knees, wrists, elbows, shoulder, ankles, and knuckles can all begin to develop pain as your cartilage weakens due to the decrease in collagen. A collagen supplement can help to maintain the integrity of your cartilage, keeping it healthier and stronger, and reducing joint pain. This is, perhaps, one of the most important uses for a collagen supplement, since joint pain can make exercise difficult, which can lead to a less active lifestyle.

A decrease in physical activity can lead to weight gain and degenerative joint disorders. As disorders develop, activity decreases, weight increases, and you can see the vicious cycle that it is possible to get stuck in. A collagen supplement might help to avoid that by keeping joints strong and healthy.

Good for the Bones

You have heard it all your life that you need to drink plenty of milk so you can get calcium and keep your bones strong, but did you know that bones are actually made mostly of collagen?

That’s right, the protein collagen is actually the main ingredient in the makeup of your bones, so you can imagine what happens when your body slows down the production of collagen. Several studies have shown that taking a collagen supplement can help to strengthen your bones and improve their general health. While more studies are needed to have definitive results, there is good reason to believe that collagen supplements are highly beneficial to the health of your bones.

Good for the Muscles

Anywhere between one to ten percent of your muscle mass is made up of collagen. You lose collagen as you age, which means you lose muscle mass as well. Taking a collagen supplement could potentially help to slow the loss of muscle mass, and perhaps even help to increase it.

Like some of the other benefits of a collagen supplement, the effects it has on muscles are not entirely certain, but there are reasons to believe that it could be very good for overall muscle health. Some researchers have even theorized that taking collagen supplements can promote the production of other proteins that help with muscle growth like creatine.

Side Effects of Collagen Supplements

While most of the common side effects of collagen supplements are mild and not terribly dangerous, there are a few important things to keep in mind. For one thing, if you have a fish, egg, or shellfish allergy, you should be very careful about which kind of collagen supplement you use, as many of them are made with these ingredients.

The most commonly reported side effects of collagen supplements are mild digestive issues or a bad taste in the mouth. Typically these are nothing to worry about, and you may just have to take a smaller dosage, or give up the supplement for a limited time. Using any product without reading and following the instructions can lead to harmful side effects, so pay attention to the directions and do not take more than the recommended amount. There are very rarely any reported side effects that mention weight gain.

One more thing to watch out for when it comes to collagen supplements. Several brands have been recalled by the FDA in the past for claiming to provide benefits that they do not actually provide. Do your research and exercise caution when reading labels.

There is little evidence that collagen supplements will cause weight gain in most people. The benefits typically outweigh the risks when it comes to collagen supplements, but that is always assuming you are using it properly.

Red Light Therapy Fat Loss Reviews

Red light therapy for burning fat


Losing weight can be one of the most stressful, and seemingly unrewarding experiences for many people today. You can struggle with diets and workout routines for weeks or even months and hardly see any result at all. After all of that work, and the minimal results, it can be tempting to just give up and stop trying to get the thin and healthy look you want, not to mention the extra energy that comes with a healthy body. Before you throw in the towel, consider looking into red light therapy fat loss reviews.

Positive red light therapy fat loss reviews

This fairly new and revolutionary treatment for burning away stubborn fat tissue has been showing some very promising results, and it might just be what you are looking for if you haven’t been making progress with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise. In this article, we will take some time to discuss the reasons why weight loss is important, as well as the positive impact it will have on your life. After that, we will explain red light therapy for weight loss, and help you decide if it is right for you.

Why should you want to lose weight?

Before we get into the revolutionary method of weight loss known as red light therapy, we should take a little time to discuss the reasons why losing some of that extra weight will benefit you. Losing weight is not just about appearances, although that is part of it. Your whole health and welfare depend on not having too much excess fat. We will explain that here

Appearance


There is nothing wrong with wanting to shed a few pounds just for the sake of looking the way you want to. We’ve all got a self-image that we strive toward. Losing some weight can help you achieve the goals you set in regards to appearances, which can help to boost confidence. However, sometimes even as we are shedding pounds, we aren’t seeing the results that we hope to see. There are alternative treatment options that may be able to help, and that is what we will discuss as you read on.

Heart health

Excess fat does not just build up under your skin, it also has a tendency to build around your organs, including your heart. For that matter, being overweight can increase the likelihood that you will suffer from high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Put simply, being overweight is bad for the health of your heart, so losing a few extra pounds can make all the difference. Remember that your heart is the organ that pumps blood through your whole body, and the blood is the means by which all of your nutrients and oxygen are distributed to the other organs and limbs. Heart disease is responsible for the untimely deaths of over 600 million Americans per year, so it is something all of us should be taking very seriously. Treat your heart well, and you’ll be rewarded with a healthy body.

Energy levels

Being overweight can be a drain on your energy levels. If you have ever had a dramatic fluctuation in your weight, you were probably able to tell the difference between the level of energy you felt when you were thinner, as opposed to your energy when you were heavier. Because excess fat puts a strain on your heart, lungs, and limbs, burning it off can give you a major boost of energy.

Man exercising on a treadmill to burn fat

Weight loss techniques

There are so many diets and exercises out there that it almost seems impossible to cover them all in one article. Here are a few of the important and popular methods that people have tried.

Diets

Let’s face it, we all hate going on a diet. It would be nice if we could just eat ice cream or whatever else we want all day, and never gain a pound. Unfortunately, that just isn’t going to happen. If you want to lose weight, or avoid putting more on, the fact is you will need to go on some kind of diet. There are so many possible diets, including the keto diet, the south beach diet, the Atkins diet, and so many more. How can you ever be sure which one makes sense for you. This isn’t really the point of this article, so we will just cover the basics on how to choose the right diet for you.

First, do not start a diet with any extreme restrictions. Other than the occasional day or two of fasting, there are no real health benefits to cutting yourself off from food. Your body needs nutrition to function properly.

Second, look for diets that promote overall health and welfare, rather than promising fast weight loss. If the diet is guaranteeing that you will lose dozens of pounds in a very short time, it is not likely to actually improve your health. Choose a diet that gives you the right balance of vitamins and minerals, and helps reduce cravings so that you don’t over-indulge.

✅ Start your path to a healthy lifestyle

Exercise

Like dieting, exercise is usually not much fun. Unlike dieting, exercise is actually something you can get used to in a relatively short amount of time, and probably start to enjoy. The fact is, our bodies are designed to be active and engaged.

A sedentary lifestyle is one of the most damaging and unhealthy things for your body in the long run. If you really want to lose weight and improve your overall health, take the time to create a solid workout routine and stick with it. One little tip, remember that strength training and cardio are equally important. Do not choose one over the other, but find a good balance of both.

What if diet and exercise do not work?

Over the long haul, a healthy diet and proper exercise do work. However, some people find themselves struggling much harder than others, and seeing less results. Certainly this can be frustrating, and to make it worse, you are never able to take your workouts to the next level, because you aren’t getting the strength and energy you expect from the regular exercise routine.

This is a common situation, and there are options. Red light therapy for weight loss is showing promising results in several studies. This might be the boost you need to get on the road to a healthy body.

Red light therapy fat loss reviews are reliable

There is a lot of controversy about the effectiveness of red light therapy for weight loss. The companies that offer the service claim that it is a non-invasive alternative to cosmetic surgery and that it has proven results. However, several cynics and critics say that the studies performed on the therapy were flawed and that there is very little proof for whether or not the therapy really works.

The claim of red light therapy providers is that they perform the procedure, otherwise known as photobiomodulation or PBM, by applying low levels of red light to the skin using lasers or light-emitting diodes (LED). The light is absorbed as much as eight to ten millimeters into the patient’s skin, where it interacts with the body to so many different beneficial things. According to the providers and advocates, the red light is capable of speeding the recovery of damaged tissue, slowing hair loss, reducing acne, and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging. Most relevant to this particular article, it also affects fat cells and essentially encourages your body to rid itself of the fatty tissue under the skin.

Red light therapy device

There was a study done in 2011 on women from the ages of 25-55. The women were divided into two groups. One group combined treadmill exercises and red light therapy twice per week. The other group did the same exercises, but did not take part in the red light therapy. By the time it was done, the women that had combined their exercises with the red light therapy were showing visibly better results than the women that only exercised. This is not the only study that has been performed with positive results.

The cost of the therapy is not a terribly great investment or risk. A single session of red light therapy for weight loss costs anywhere from $25-$85. There are also home LED kits available for around $25-$225. There are also excellent and effective led light products that deliver scientifically-proven wavelengths of light you can buy online and customers are mainly happy with their purchases. Most of the red light therapy fat loss reviews are positive, rated beyond 4 stars.

Final thoughts: Red light therapy fat loss reviews

With that being said, there are those that claim that the studies were not accurate, and that the results were flawed. They also point out that red light therapy is not approved by the FDA, although it is “cleared for market”, which is a much less invasive process and does not guarantee that the product is safe or effective.

Whether the critics or the proponents are right about red light therapy remains to be seen. Perhaps only time will really tell. What we do know is that many people swear by it, and that it is at least one plausible alternative for those that struggle to shed unwanted pounds the old fashioned way. Do some research, ask those that have tried it themselves, and consult your doctor about this fascinating new treatment, red light therapy.

Is Soy Sauce Keto Friendly?

The Keto Diet and Soy Products: Is Soy Sauce Safe for Keto?

The keto diet has exploded into being one of the most followed diet trends of the past few years. The famous low carb, high fat diet is known to melt fat off when ketosis is reached. There are many well keto foods that are known to work perfectly with the diet, such as seafood, broccoli and cauliflower, cheese, avocados, meats, some nuts, and more. But many people wonder about other products that might instead tiptoe a fine line for the title of “keto-friendly.” A common question for many people who are on keto is “are soy products keto-friendly” and more specifically, “is soy sauce keto-friendly?” Since this question needs to be asked so frequently, you can probably guess that soy products and keto aren’t a match made in heaven, and we’ll go into why and how much you can get away with. 

Soybeans and soy sauce as a keto friendly nutrition on a keto diet

Qualms with the keto diet:

The keto diet is ragingly popular right now, and for good reason. It really works, people really lose weight fast, and it’s very viable for people without greatly changing the foods that they eat. Instead, many people end up cutting a lot out of their diet, but it isn’t as if a slew of new foods or methods are introduced, just don’t step outside the keto regulations, otherwise you’re somewhat free to make keto how you want it to be.

But there are some rebuttals to those people who sing the praises of the keto diet. First, the keto diet doesn’t have a lot of long-term research on it, since it’s a new diet that really only rose to prominence within the last decade. It has been confirmed that the keto diet can help those who have problems with epilepsy, but that study also uncovered that those study participants encountered a slew of side effects such as constipation, but none of the side effects were worse than the impacts of epilepsy, and thus it was deemed that keto might be worth it for those who have epilepsy.

In addition to a lack of research, it can be difficult to follow the keto diet without making yourself prone to nutritional deficiencies and also it usually entails your saturated fat intake skyrocketing. These saturated fats can be bad for your heart and can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke. If you can manage to keep saturated fats low and stay on keto, then you’re doing well. And the diet itself is just considered a bit of an extreme diet in that it can get you extremely quick results, but there’s likely a side effect of a nutritional deficiency or eating too much fat.

It’s certainly true that many of the low-fat processed foods that were advertised as being diet foods starting before keto was really in the headlines are very bad for you due to high sugar contents. However, this doesn’t also mean that you should swing entirely the other way and eat anything as long as it’s low carb and not processed.

Ideally, you’re still crafting your daily diet around the nutrients that you need for your body and mind to function their best, and the fact is that keto probably isn’t the answer for people who are looking for weight loss without sacrificing nutrition. That being said, in terms of rapid weight loss, it seems to be one of the more attractive options out there.

Are soy products good for the keto diet?

Many of your favorite soy products probably are not good for the keto diet. This might come as a surprise, since the soy alternatives to many foods are often seen as “healthier,” but the keto diet comes with stringent regulations and soy simply doesn’t pass many of these regulations. For example, many soy products contain a lot of phytoestrogens, which can interfere with the ketosis process. Soy products such as soymilk and tofu don’t make the cut simply because they’re high in carb count, which is square one for keto.

Soy products

Also, many soy-based foods are made in a very processed manner, and the keto diet urges its followers to not eat processed foods. So, if something is made with soybeans and you’re wondering whether it’s keto-friendly, the best guess without further research would be “no,” but there are some soy products that are better than others, and a select few might even be able to make the coveted “keto-friendly” list.

What is soy sauce made of?

Soy sauce is made with fermented soybeans and what. Its origins trace back to China as long as 3,000 years ago, although its name comes from a Japanese term for soy sauce. Additional key ingredients in soy sauce include salt and yeast. Outside of these key ingredients, soy sauce can vary based on who is manufacturing it and where it’s manufactured. The fermenting time for a traditional batch of soy sauce to be ready is usually anywhere from five to eight months.

However, these traditional soy sauces are generally much more expensive, due to their time requirements. For that reason, much of the soy sauce that you consume is probably chemically produced. To chemically produce soy sauce, they use a method called acid hydrolysis. The time it takes to make a batch of soy sauce using the chemical process is only a couple of days. As you would expect, the chemical process comes with a few unhealthy downsides, including carcinogens.

To be sure that you’re buying the traditional soy sauce, look for any soy sauce labeled “naturally brewed.” Those who are made chemically will be listed as “hydrolyzed.” The differentiation in these methods of production won’t have a large impact on whether or not the soy sauce you eat is keto-friendly, but the traditionally produced sauce will be healthier in terms of what the long-term consequences might be for consuming its chemical counterpart. As with many foods today, with soy sauce you must weigh how worth it is to you to eat healthy. There is no doubt that it’s harder to eat healthy on a budget, but it can be possible if you do your research.

Is soy sauce good for the keto diet?

Soy sauce is actually one of the better keto diet soy-based foods. One tablespoon of soy sauce only gives you 1g of carbs, which for a soy product stacks up pretty well. Also, since soy sauce has a lot of sodium and electrolytes, this is actually positive for keto dieters since these can be difficult to intake while maintaining a low carb restriction. However, soy sauce isn’t low enough in carbs to just use it willy nilly, so make sure that you’re still keeping close track of how much you’re using to meet your daily goals.

Soy sauce on a spoon

Other soy products that are surprisingly not bad for the keto diet are edamame, which works as a great snack, and silken tofu. The fact that these few soy items aren’t bad for the keto diet, while others are utterly impossible to eat while on keto, creates the confusion for many keto dieters who assume that all soy products can be lumped into the same category.

There are many foods out there that don’t fit in the keto diet. If you examine most of the foods that the average American eats and ask “is it keto-friendly,” the answer will be no more likely than not. And when you have foods that are made from something that is high carb, such as soybeans, it can be easy to write off that entire group of foods as being not an option for the keto plan. But the reality is that even within these subgroups, soy products for example, there are some that might work with keto and others that certainly won’t.

Final thoughts: Is soy sauce keto friendly?

Today, we found out that soy sauce is one of the few soy products that is in fact okay for those on the keto diet (with some caution). And this is also why many of the most successful keto followers have been on the keto plan for a long time, because it is a nuanced diet that gets easier to follow as you develop an internal database of what you can and can’t eat, rather than going to Google or an app each time you sit down to eat.

So, if you’re thinking about getting into keto or you’re on keto currently, you should first make sure that you’re doing plenty of research so that you can keep close account of what you’re putting in your body to make sure that you’re getting the best results and not neglecting anything for the sake of weight loss. And if you’re preparing an Asian seafood dish for your keto plan, feel free to add a little bit of soy sauce and enjoy it.

Dr. Nowzaradan Diet Plan After Surgery

Dr. Nowzaradan’s Pre and Postoperative Diet Plan

Dr. Nowzaradan, also known as the abbreviated “Dr. Now,” rose to fame after his diet plan successes on the TLC show “My 600-Lb Life.” He is a surgeon from Houston, Texas who has helped the various extremely obese people on the show to regain control of their eating habits through his stringent diet plans. In this post, we are publishing recommendations on dr. Nowzaradan diet plan after surgery.

Dr. Nowzaradan explaining his diet plan after surgery

First impressions of how Dr. Now operates with his clients indicate that he is a realist. Dr. Now doesn’t turn down anyone who comes to him and needs help. Surprisingly, many doctors do turn down patients that might be more of a tall task to help get them back on track, such as the participants on the hit TLC show that Dr. Now is a part of. Also, Dr. Now doesn’t sugarcoat the situation of any of his patients or the process that it will require to get them back into shape. His realistic approach lets his clients know how much danger they are in and how difficult and how much determination it will require for them to curb that dangerous aspect. This approach often gets clients all the more ready to buckle down and endure a long period of strict dietary guidelines to get their life back on track.

Many of Dr. Now’s patients are people who plan on undergoing weight loss surgery. However, even to those who are receiving this surgery, they might need to still lose a large portion of their weight prior to receiving surgical assistance in their weight loss journey. Dr. Now recommends dieting prior to surgery because surgery can bring greater risks for people who are extremely overweight. But even beyond that, he wants to start psychologically training his clients before they have the surgery so that after the surgery, they won’t feel the need to go back to eating how they used to. If he begins to restrict their diet prior to the surgery, they have already started to build that willpower that’s necessary for them to excel in their weight loss goals after the surgery.

What is Dr. Now’s diet plan?

Dr. Now’s famous diet is also known as the “1200 Calorie Diet Plan.” Usually those on his diet hover their daily caloric intake around 1200, although some of the more severe cases might require caloric intakes as low as 1000 each day. And in addition to the caloric restriction, Dr. Now removes a large number of foods that are deemed unhealthy and unfit for those trying to lose massive amounts of weight.

His plan and the foods within it are generally low-fat, low-carb, and high in protein. Through his suggestion, a lot of their meals are made using plant-based proteins which also assist in the low-carb and low-fat categories. But the biggest catch of the diet, and what probably allows so many morbidly obese people to find great success with it, is the extensive list of items that are prohibited by the diet.

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These foods that are strictly forbidden include:

  • Sugar and desserts (cookies, ice cream, etc.)
  • Fruit that has been sweetened and froyo
  • Chocolate
  • Potatoes in any form
  • Crackers
  • Bread
  • Nuts (including peanut butter)
  • Juice
  • Noodles and rice
  • Soda pop, Gatorade, energy drinks, and similar sugary drinks

These are not even the entire list, Dr. Now himself might be the only that knows how exactly to plan the diet from start to finish, but this list covers some of the most difficult foods to give up, such as bread. Also, Dr. Now must find ways to provide any nutrition that these foods would otherwise have provided in his clients’ diets. Many of these items offer very little nutritional gain, but some of them, such as bread and juice, could have provided key vitamins and fiber for his patients. This diet is effective when you’re under supervision of someone such as Dr. Now who can keep you at that low-calorie level while still maintaining your nutrition, but it can be difficult to maintain if you aren’t under the supervision of a medical professional to ensure that you’re not depriving yourself.

Dr. Now describes the list of foods that he has forbidden as “trigger foods” that can lead to excessive weight gain, food addiction, and the need to consume large amounts and large portions. Often, Dr. Now will not allow his patients to go through with their surgery if they haven’t successfully found ways to lower their portions and eat more weight and nutrition-friendly foods. He also prohibits pre-packaged and processed foods and recommends that his clients switch over to a diet that is based more in real foods and the raw ingredients of what makes up our food, without the chemical and sugary component that is often added in throughout the food processing sequence.

Dr. Now also recommends that his clients avoid eating frequently, including snacks in between meals. This is one of the leading causes of obesity and chemically increases the amount of fat that you put on in your midsection. To aid his patients in cutting their calories back extremely, which can be extremely difficult to do, Dr. Now prescribes a high protein and fiber diet to keep those following the plan feeling full for a longer period of time.

Otherwise, a low-calorie diet would leave those who follow diet feeling unbearably hungry, increasing their temptation to snack in between meals. Another diet item that assists in making 1200 Calorie dieters feel full is drinking a lot of water throughout the day.

Differences from keto:

When reading about Dr. Now’s diet plan, it’s hard not to draw similarities to the keto plan and assume that they’re one and the same. But rather, he does not want his patients to be on the keto diet or to be entering ketosis because the keto diet is often a high-fat diet.

The issue with many high-fat foods that contradict what Dr. Now is trying to do with his patients is that they’re often high calorie. Furthermore, high-fat options can be even more unhealthy for those who are already obese as it could put additional strain on their hearts.

Postoperative diet plan:

For those who have undergone surgery successfully and were following Dr. Now’s plan leading up to their surgery, there are various factors that determine how their postoperative diet will be structured. These factors include their pre-surgery weight, their weight loss goals, their existing diet, their age, their gender, and any other medical complications or dietary restrictions that they might have. A combination of these factors help Dr. Now to craft a diet plan that will be successful for this clients and custom made just for them.

For those in the postoperative stage of the diet, the list of forbidden foods generally remains the same, but certain groups of foods come with additional warnings and suggestions attached. Obviously, sugary foods are still strictly forbidden. Vegetables are recommended to be dark green or brightly colored to supplement vitamins and minerals. Dairy products must be low fat or no fat options, as the Dr. Now diet is predicated on the low-fat ideal. Whole grains are allowed but should be minimal in the entirety of the diet.

Essentially the idea of the pre- and post-surgery plans are that they are similar so that you’ll grow accustomed to that diet before your surgery. So, overall there aren’t any glaring differences to the pre and postoperative diet, just minor adjustments made for each specific situation.

In addition to the difficulty of cutting back on food and eating smaller portions and healthier foods comes some psychological troubles. The diet can bring about mood swings and emotional highs and lows due to the sudden change in diet. Also, there are major life adjustments that are required to successfully complete Dr. Nowzaradan diet plan after surgery, such as staying strong when on a busy schedule and at social events where food is present. All of this is motivated and pushed along, however, by the positive psychological reaction at seeing a thinner and more healthy you in the mirror each day and knowing that the end goal is going to be positive and cause for much celebration.

Final thoughts: Dr. Nowzaradan diet plan after surgery

Overall, Dr. Now’s diet is a good alternative diet plan for those who are excessively overweight and are strong enough and have researched enough to go through with it. It’s not recommended that you pursue a diet such as this without dietary guidance, although there are sample daily plans available if you want to try a few days of the plan and see how manageable it is for you, before seeking professional guidance.

The obesity epidemic in the United States is saddening and it’s unfortunate that plans like these are what is required, but it’s also admirable when a successful comeback story surfaces and someone regains control of their weight and their health. If you’re considering surgical weight loss, this diet might be perfect for you since that is what it’s application is most often.

How Long does it Take for Garcinia Cambogia to Work

Garcinia Cambogia – how does Garcinia cambogia help you lose weight?

Many people around the world place their trust in weight loss supplements. People who are trying to lose weight as their main goal may find that making good food choices isn’t enough so adding a supplement or diet pill may be considered to speed up the process. For these people, Garcinia Cambogia can be a good choice. If you’d like to know how long does it take for Garcinia Cambogia to work, read on.

Garcinia Cambogia

In any case, there are various dieting procedures to help individuals achieve weight loss goals and objectives. The beneficial thing about Garcinia Cambogia is that it helps burn fats and increase your vitality. Additionally, you should monitor the nutrients and foods you are taking in, along with what is in the diet pills you choose. This will guarantee you are safe and that you experience the outcomes you want.

How long does it take for Garcinia Cambogia to work?

Having this pill will help boost your digestion while pushing you past a plateau and helping achieve the weight loss you dream of. It starts working quickly and suppresses the appetite shortly after being consumed, you should feel effects the same day you start taking it.

A brief introduction to Garcinia Cambogia

Garcinia Cambogia is an eating regimen supplement that specialists prescribe to treat obesity. The concentrate has come to be from a tropical natural product known as Malabar tamarind, whose skin contains stable weight reduction properties, which can bring down triglycerides and LDL cholesterol.

It contains HCA, which has been concentrated by specialists and demonstrated to lessen cravings, boost digestion and decrease the pace at which starches are changed over into fat in the body. By slowing down the accumulation of fat and interrupting this transformation of starch, we reduce the amount of fat retained in the body.

Maybe one reason Garcinia is so famous is a result of the weight loss that can be achieved regardless of one’s way of life. Numerous individuals have seen excellent outcomes with it even without changing their eating routine or way of life.

How Garcinia Cambogia helps to lose weight?

  • Suppress Appetite: Garcinia cambogia is extraordinary compared to other craving suppressants that are accessible over the counter. As indicated by the clinical examinations, HCA Garcinia Cambogia gives a feeling of fullness that allows you to eat less. When you begin to consume fewer calories you will start losing weight. It likewise increases the serotonin level that shuts off hunger so you will feel full always, and it will help you to feel happier. By increasing the serotonin you improve mood, reduce depression, increase focus and maintain mood stability, all of which help in losing weight.

  • Lessen Fat Absorption: HCA is known to lessen the retention of fat and assist you with disposing of stomach fat, regardless of how obstinate it is. It also limits the oxidation stress and diminishes the level of triglycerides in the blood. Individuals who were given a portion for an average of two months have noticed the reduction in triglycerides and cholesterol levels. Garcinia cambogia controls the protein citrate lyase, which is responsible for fat creation. It lowers the levels of fat cells found in the blood as a way to stop weight gain.

  • Rev up Metabolism: Another advantage of Garcinia Cambogia is that it increases the metabolic rate. The digestive system creates energy from nourishment, it used the nutrients and foods that we consume to fuel our body. When HCA found in Garcinia Cambogia increases the metabolism of the body, as opposed to engrossing the starches, uses them for energy, burning them rather than storing them.

  • Boost Immunity: Aside from helping calorie counters get in shape, garcinia Cambogia offers numerous other medical advantages. It can increase immunity along with the metabolism protecting the body against diseases like influenza, cold, sore throat, and so on. The regular utilization of Garcinia Cambogia additionally keeps the liver and gut healthy and balanced. Moreover, it settles the cholesterol level and lowers heart rate. The circulatory strain of an individual consistently influences the heart, state of mind, and general wellbeing. It additionally lowers the danger of stroke and respiratory failure.

  • Lower risk of stroke and heart attack: HCA brings down the lipids accumulated in the blood and keeps the veins and the circulatory system from being clogged by far and lipids. It is known to increase the production of lipoprotein, which lowers cholesterol and decreases the danger of coronary illness related to cholesterol. These effects lower the risk of stroke or heart attack in people of any weight.

What does it take to lose weight with Garcinia Cambogia?

As we have talked about above, Garcinia Cambogia is a weight reduction supplement that advances a fast outcome. It has been helping individuals get thinner for a long while. As it begins working immediately you can expect to results within weeks, perhaps even one week.

All in all, how long does it take for Garcinia Cambogia to work? It is somewhat hard to estimate the weight one can lose utilizing Garcinia Cambogia as everyone is different and their body will respond differently. People who only have a little weight to lose can remain on a low dose and with added activity can lose weight quickly, while others may have more to lose so it will take longer before their goals are met.

female flat belly resulting from taking Garcinia Cambogia supplement

It is also often true that it is easier to lose weight when you are more overweight, for the first few pounds the body will be able to shed them more easily than the last few when you are smaller and closer to your goal weight. Weight reduction likewise relies upon the nourishment you take, especially when you are on a weight loss journey.

Even though Garcinia Cambogia is an enhancement that is sufficiently able to make you shed pounds without following an eating regimen plan, still one needs to deal with what they eat and attempt to evade fast foods and sugary treats. As it is a hunger suppressant, it helps you to control the cravings. As you will not feel hungry it is capable of assisting with weight loss even without adding activity and exercise into your day.

How frequently would it be advisable for you to take the supplement?

To find the correct dosage it is important to see your doctor and get help with finding the right dosage for your needs. Each dose should be taken about an hour before you eat, but in some cases, it is safe and productive to take one dose each day and it will work for the entire day.

Before consuming, talk to your doctor, particularly if you have underlying health conditions, are pregnant, nursing, or plan to become pregnant, and if you are taking any prescription medications.

An easy way to track your goals

When you begin using it, monitor the amount you take every day and how it makes you feel. Monitoring your reactions and weight loss each week is imperative to see the progress.

Extraordinary Precautions and Cautions

  • For pregnant and breast-feeding women: There isn’t sufficient dependable data about the safety of taking Garcinia if you are a pregnant or breastfeeding person. Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Liver malady: Garcinia may hurt the liver. This product is not recommended if you have a liver ailment.

Final thoughts: How long does it take for Garcinia cambogia to work

This product can assist in maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle when taken as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. When used safely and under doctor guidance it can have results quickly, suppressing the appetite shortly after the first dose and continuing as long as it is healthy and necessary to meet your goals. This should not be taken by anyone with health concerns that contraindicate its use.

Bioidentical Hormones and Weight Loss

Can bioidentical hormones help you lose weight?

Many people would like to lose a little weight, or maybe they would like to lose a lot. According to The National Center for Health, 39.8% of Americans over the age of 20 were obese in 2015, and over 7% of them were severely obese. We start diets, workout plans, and New Years resolutions, but sometimes we feel the need to take more extreme measures to shed unwanted pounds. In this article you’ll find out all you need to know about bioidentical hormones and weight loss.

Combine that struggle with the weight that many women gain during menopause, and it’s no wonder that people are looking to other possibilities. While bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is not intended as a weight-loss procedure, it might be something worth looking into. It is important to always consult your doctor before making any decisions concerning your health and body.

The link between bioidentical hormones and weight loss

Bioidentical hormones are hormones that are designed to be identical on a molecular level to the hormones produced within your body (endogenous hormones). The idea behind bioidentical hormones is that side effects will be lessened, and effectiveness will be increased by introducing hormones that are identical to what your body already produces.

The science on these claims is not yet complete, so there is nothing to say that this is true or false. Ahead, we will discuss the details of bioidentical hormone therapy, particularly as it relates to weight loss. We will also cover several other weight loss techniques so that you are able to compare and contrast.

What are hormones?

Not everyone knows the science behind hormones. For the sake of simplicity, think of hormones as a sort of communication system produced inside your body. Your body produces several different kinds of hormones and uses them to control many functions.

For instance, adrenaline is often produced in high-stress situations that require your body to react more intensely than usual. Adrenaline gives your body a short boost of strength and hyper-awareness that is intended to help you fight or flee danger. Other hormones work in many different ways.

What are bioidentical hormones?

Bioidentical hormones are synthetic hormones that are produced with a highly complicated and scientific process, so we won’t attempt to dig too deep into the science of it. There is no point in confusing anyone with the jargon and numbers behind the science. However, you always want to have a basic understanding of what is being put into your body.

The first step in the process is for a lab to collect a sample of your saliva and/or blood. With this, the specialized lab is able to produce hormones that match yours on a molecular level, as well as determine the hormone levels in your body so that a treatment plan can be formed. The claim is that these highly customized plans, combined with bioidentical hormones are more effective and less harmful. Again, there is little evidence to support or deny these claims.

Losing weight the old fashioned way

Odds are, if you’re looking into somewhat more extreme ideas like bioidentical hormone therapy, you’ve probably already tried a good old fashioned diet and exercise. However, we should take the time to discuss this option anyway, because it is by far the safest and most effective way to lose weight and get healthy for most people.

When we hear the word “diet”, most of us just want to run and hide. That’s an understandable reaction, but diets don’t have to be a scary thing. Many diet plans that trend these days are one extreme or another. They suggest cutting out carbohydrates completely or sticking to strictly liquids for a time.

These diets are not always advisable. Although it can take longer to see results, the best possible diet is simply to lower your sugar and fat intake and increase the amount of vegetables you eat. It’s that simple. To put a number on it, think of 20/80. Make 20% of your diet just whatever you want to eat, and 80% healthy meats like fish, and lots of vegetables. It really doesn’t sound so bad when you look at it that way. It might help to make a list of everything you eat so that you can see your problem areas and focus on those specifically.

The only thing that might scare many of us more than a diet, is exercise. That can be doubly true for menopausal women, who already have unique struggles all their own. We are already so busy with work and family that committing time and energy to something that we don’t really want to do in the first place can be very difficult.

However, exercise doesn’t have to mean torturing yourself. Simply committing yourself to a vigorous walk at the beginning or end of every day can make all the difference in the world. It doesn’t have to be an intense workout that leaves you panting and sweating. A generally active lifestyle, combined with moderate workout routines can give amazing results.

Obese woman exercising with ball

Although there are literally zero negative side effects to a great diet and workout, assuming they’re done correctly, there are some downsides. One issue is that diet and exercise take self-discipline and commitment. It doesn’t come naturally to most people, and that can make it a constant struggle. Another problem is that you will not see results quickly. It can take months, or even years, to really see a noticeable change in your body.

However, a healthy diet and a solid workout routine are far and away the safest and most effective weight loss plan. Also, when you do finally get the results you want, they will be lasting results that won’t be easily undone.

Extreme diets

It is hardly an exaggeration to say that there is a new extreme diet trending every couple of months. The point of calling them “extreme diets” is not to suggest that they are automatically wrong for everyone. Many of these diets might have some merit as a temporary plan to get results.

The South Beach Diet, created in 2003, is perhaps less extreme than many similar diets. In general, it is a low carb, high protein plan. Using a glycemic index, and glycemic load, the idea is to determine which specific types of carbs you should avoid. The great thing about this is that it leaves room for plenty of other options, including lean meats and other proteins.

The Keto diet is a more extreme version of many similar diets. The idea behind the keto diet is to consume zero carbs and a great deal of protein in order to force your body into a metabolic state of ketosis, in which your body begins to burn fat rapidly and use it for nutrition and energy. While many people have seen great results from this diet, there are several inherent risks with forcing your body into any state that it does not take on naturally.

The link between bioidentical hormone therapy and weight loss

As a disclaimer, bioidentical hormone therapy is not a weight loss plan. The point of this article is to help readers understand what it is, how it’s done, and what the impact is on your body. One of those impacts, particularly on a menopausal woman’s body, is that they tend to lose a great deal of weight.

Hormone therapy, in this instance, is meant to help the levels of estrogen and progesterone in a woman’s body while she goes through menopause. This type of therapy does come with inherent risks, although the weight loss is proven to be a typical result.

There are several potential side effects to hormone therapy of any kind:

  • Patients tend to experience grogginess and a general lack of energy.
  • Hair loss is not uncommon among hormone replacement therapy patients.
  • Even those that are not in menopause might experience many similar symptoms as those that are.
  • Muscle and bone changes may occur, which can cause some temporary pain in your joints.
  • Certain types of hormones can decrease the overall density of your bones.
  • Hormone therapy can cause headaches.
  • You may experience some mood swings and depression.
  • Blood clots are another possible side effect.

These are just a few examples of the many possible side effects. The point of this is not necessarily to scare you away from bioidentical hormone therapy but to help you make a fully informed decision.

Final thoughts: bioidentical hormones and weight loss

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy has been known to help menopausal women shed quite a few pounds. During menopause, the estrogen and progesterone levels in a woman’s body tend to drop, which can cause sudden weight gain. Bioidentical hormone therapy can increase these levels again, which causes many patients to lose as much as 10-15 pounds. Considering how difficult it can be to lose weight even without the added struggles of menopause, ten or fifteen pounds is nothing to shrug about.

It is important to remember that dangerous weight loss techniques are never advised. Consult a doctor and do plenty of research on your own before committing yourself to any medical plans or changes that could impact your health. Bioidentical hormone therapy is cutting edge medicine, so ask your doctor if it is a good fit for you.

Himalayan Salt Cleanse Benefits under Scrutiny

Himalayan salt flushes: a detox based on testimonials rather than science

In the past few years, detoxing and cleansing have become increasingly trending in circles of fitness and health. Their legitimacy is often questioned and the science behind them as well, but many who do cleanses report feeling much better after doing so, indicating that there may be something to them after all. Two common cleanses that have grown out of the increased attention are salt cleanses and juice cleanses. Today we’re talking about salt cleanses and Himalayan salt cleanse benefits specifically.

Pink Himalayan salt cleanse benefits and side effects explained

The two main types of salt that are commonly used for salt cleanses are light grey Celtic sea salt and pink Himalayan salt. Although both of these salts work similar effects, we’ll be focusing on the results and what you can expect when participating in a Himalayan salt cleanse. You’ve likely seen Himalayan salt used in many forms, so let’s learn a little more about what Himalayan salt is exactly, and why it seems to be everywhere you look.

What is Himalayan salt and how is it good for you?

While you might think that Himalayan salt and table salt share similar properties, they’re actually very different. Pink Himalayan salt contains up to 98% sodium chloride. The remainder of pink Himalayan salt is made of minerals, including potassium, calcium and magnesium. It’s these minerals that make Himalayan salt pink in color. Himalayan salt has an incredible range of uses, including cutting boards, dishes, bath salts, lamps, and of course salt cleanses or “flushes.”

An entire article could be written on the benefits of Himalayan salt lamps and you probably know someone who has one in their house or apartment. The benefits of these lamps include putting you in a better mood, lessening the impact of allergies and asthma, increasing circulation, energizing you, and equalizing electromagnetic radiation among other benefits. So, you’re probably realizing right now that Himalayan salt is one of those materials provided by the Earth that seems to have boundless applications and benefits, indicating that there’s something special to it.

In addition to these many uses, it can also be used in place of table salt to give your body the sodium supply that it needs. This of course doesn’t mean that Himalayan salt is necessarily “healthy” for you and that you should eat as much of it as you can. It’s still salt, and we all know that excess sodium is not good for you, although your body does require a daily intake of sodium to help it function. Sodium helps our muscles to work without cramping, it helps keep you hydrated, it maintains your nervous system and helps to keep your blood pressure from bottoming out.

A Himalayan salt rock which is used as a food additive as table salt, for cooking and also colon cleanse, decorative lamps, and spa treatments

The American Heart Association recommends consuming no more than 2300 mg of sodium per day, with the ideal range being under 1500 mg daily. If you exceed these limits, you can start to see negative side effects and health impacts such as high blood pressure and an increased risk of stroke, heart failure, osteoporosis, and more. So, be careful with your salt intake, but make sure to get some each day to keep your body running smoothly.

What is a detox and is it worth it?

Now to the detoxes and cleanses and the science, or lack thereof, behind them. Detoxing, short for detoxification, is ridding your body of toxins and harmful bacteria. The basis for detoxing is that these negative substances in your body can cause cancer and disease, according to those who buy into the detox theory.

Advocates for cleansing state that the benefits include feeling better, more energetic, having better skin health, losing weight, and maintaining a healthy gut. But the reality is that none of this is based in science and there are little to no studies that back up these claims behind cleanses and detoxing. Doctors cite better alternatives to cleansing that offer many more benefits, including drinking more water or eating more whole grains and vegetables.

One confirmed useful application of cleansing is for those rehabbing from substance and drug use, as cleansing can help to flush drugs from your body to cope during withdrawal periods. It’s true that your body does take in a lot of toxins. Toxins come in many forms, from air pollution to mercury and arsenic in your water supply, to chemicals in your food, and more. But flushing out your colon really doesn’t do anything in terms of ridding your body of these toxins.

The elimination of toxic substances is one of the functions of the liver and kidneys

Alternatively, it’s usually your kidneys and liver that handle the task of getting rid of toxins. Those who have liver disease are the only ones who should be concerned about their liver not being able to handle the toxins that their body is throwing at it. But even in those circumstances, no studies back up claims that detoxing helps those who suffer from liver disease. And some medical professionals have even gone as far as to say that flushing your colon does more harm for your body than it does good.

Flushing can disturb microbes that help to remove bad bacteria from your colon, and it can put stress on the organs that actually do the real detoxing, your liver and kidneys. So, if you’re considering a salt cleanse, keep these things in mind.

However, in spite of all of these forewarnings, many people still engage in saltwater flushes, and it’s because those who do it often report feeling better afterward. So, who’s right, science or those who have experienced it? They’re likely both right, saltwater cleanses can help you to feel better, lighter and feel more energetic, but it can come at a cost.

What is a saltwater flush and what are Himalayan salt cleanse benefits?

Himalayan salt for salt water flush

The main idea behind saltwater flushes is that you drink a homemade saltwater mixture in a specified period of time to force a bowel movement. This is said to help your digestive process by regulating it and helping you to feel less bloated and lazy.

Proponents of flushes say that those people who don’t have regular bowel movements can have a build-up of toxins and heavy metals that can inflame your colon, weigh you down, and even lead to disease. These people who don’t have bowel movements frequently enough are said to make up one-fifth of the population.

It is also cited as a quick way to lose weight, although keep in mind that you’re not losing any fat from flushes, you’re simply losing weight by removing the slow-moving food in your digestive system. So, don’t expect the weight you lose from a flush to stay off, as once you eat again you’ll likely gain that weight right back, similar to sweating out “water weight.”

If you’re experiencing frequent constipation, the cause of that most likely isn’t toxins in your colon, but rather a nutritional deficiency, for example, a lack of fiber or water. Other benefits of saltwater flushes are regulating your body’s pH levels, getting rid of water trapped in your body, regulating hormone spikes, boosting your metabolism, and all of the benefits of consuming your daily sodium, which were mentioned earlier.

There are levels to detoxing and laxative supplements, and when it comes down to it, saltwater flushes are one of the more healthy options, but that doesn’t mean that they’re good for you, just kind of a lesser evil.

How to do a saltwater flush

If you’re still interested in a saltwater flush after two paragraphs of listing their long list of negatives and short list of positives (some causes require sacrifice, I suppose), here is how a salt water flush is carried out. We hope you will experience as many Himalayan salt cleanse benefits as possible.

  • It’s best to do the cleanse on an empty stomach in the morning before you eat breakfast. Make sure that you have two hours to spare, since you’ll be experiencing a very large and urgent bowel movement within that timeframe, so you don’t want to be stuck in traffic or in a meeting. Your flush will likely require more than one bowel movement, but in total it will take about two hours.

  • Those who do saltwater flushes recommend 2 teaspoons of Himalayan salt in one liter of hot water, mixed thoroughly, with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. You can do this in a jar with a lid to make it easier to mix by shaking.

  • Drink the mixture within a five-minute time frame, and lay on your side and massage your stomach, alternating sides, and hold the salt in your system for a half an hour if possible. After that, your bowel movement should begin.

  • Even those who do saltwater flushes don’t do them often, only once every few weeks. Listen to feedback your body is giving you and adjust how you feel best.

Final thoughts: Himalayan salt cleanse benefits

Although there is a lot of hype around Himalayan salt and flushes, both are based on testimonials more than they’re based on science. However, it can’t be denied that testimonials go a long way, so if you plan on doing a salt water flush, do them in moderation and keep an eye out for symptoms or complications. You’re probably better off adjusting your diet and drinking more water and eating more fruits and vegetables to regulate your digestion.

14 Day Water Fast Weight Loss

Water fasting: What to expect in an extended fast and tips to succeed

Water fasting is perhaps the fastest viable option to lose weight. It does have its downsides, but if you can manage it, it can work for you. Water fasting is subsisting only on water for an extended period of time. This means no food, no calories, just water. Many people consider the upper limit of water fasting to be about 14 days before the negatives start to outweigh the positives. In this article, you can find useful tips for achieving 14 Day water fast weight loss results.

Fasting has been known to have many purposes outside of weight loss as well, for spiritual reasons or otherwise. Depending on what source you look at, many say that fasting longer than 3 to 14 days will require medical supervision and will likely require vitamin supplements and more to make sure that you’re still functioning.

So, if you’re unsure, you should probably stick to the lower end of that spectrum until you do consult a doctor. However, for the purpose of seeing what the extremes are like, we’ll be looking at a 14-day water fast weight loss for this article. But note that if you’re unsure how long you should be safely permitted to fast, consult a medical professional first, or do a partial, extended fast.

A woman drinks water during 14-day water fast weight loss

There have been a few positive studies on water fasting, claiming that it can help to lower your risk for cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. However, these studies are limited and not fully accepted at this moment.

Furthermore, water fasting can initiate a process in your body called autophagy, in which your body self-disposes of old and detrimental cell particles. As mentioned earlier, there are potential drawbacks to water fasting if done too long or if you have an existing condition.

Potential negatives of water fasting:

To start off the list of negatives, we’ll mention the groups of people who absolutely should not consider water fasting. These people include those with gout, diabetes, an eating disorder, elderly people, children, and expecting mothers.

It’s advisable if you haven’t water fasted yet to start eating smaller meals in the few days leading up to your fast to allow your body to adjust to not eating once the fast begins.

Signs that you should stop water fasting are if you’re noticing that you’re beginning to feel dizzy, and also if this happens, refrain from driving or doing anything that could be potentially harder as a result of dizziness.

A woman experiencing dizziness due to long term water fasting

The list of potential negatives due to water fasting begins with where you’ll be losing your weight from. It’s possible that you’ll lose mostly fat and the fast will work great for you, however, it’s also possible that in the absence of calories, your body starts to burn off weight that you don’t want to lose, such as muscle, carbs, and water.

You might also put yourself at risk for dehydration if you’re not drinking at least 2 liters of water each day. Much of our daily water intake comes from our food, so in the absence of food, you need to up your daily water intake. Be wary of symptoms of dehydration such as dizziness, lethargy, headaches, nausea, constipation, and decreased blood pressure. Those who water fast often report symptoms of orthostatic hypotension, which in layman’s terms is simply when you get lightheaded as you stand up.

If you experience side effects of fasting be careful and use wise judgment before doing anything that could be dangerous to do while dizzy or under the risk of fainting. And for those who have the medical conditions stated earlier who should not water fast, keep in mind that doing a water fast will not be helping your situation at all.

Potential positives of water fasting:

In addition to losing up to 2-3 pounds each day, the positives of water fasting are that you can experience a decrease in your blood pressure, as a great majority of those who water fast report this. People in these studies were doing a 14 day fast under medical supervision.

You might also help to boost your metabolism by increasing your response to insulin and leptin, the main hormones that affect your metabolism. Insulin is what preserves nutrients for the body to consume and leptin is what creates that “full” feeling that helps you to stop eating. And this can also lead to lower blood sugar.

And lastly, it can decrease the potential for you to contract diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Water fasts have been shown to lower cholesterol, which makes for a healthier heart and the body can dispose of any harmful cells. Overall, it’s not fair to say that water fasting doesn’t have its potential benefits, it certainly does if you do it right and don’t get overzealous to the point where it can become dangerous.

14-day water fast weight loss – what to expect:

Now what you can expect from 14-day water fast and tips for doing it safely. You should be consuming around 2-3.5 liters of water each day, but you should be wary not to drink your water too fast, and to instead spread out your water consumption throughout the day. If you drink the water too fast, you can put yourself at risk for hyponatremia, which is where you consume water faster than your kidneys can handle and it can have fatal results. To avoid this, drink less than half a liter or 16 ounces each hour.

Many people recommend working out or exercising on water fast if it lasts less than 3 days. Beyond the 3-day mark, your body will start to convert the protein or muscle fiber in your body into glucose and burn it. But at the start of your fast, exercising can speed up the process of burning fat. For extended fasting, however, you should be wary of working out, and if you work out at all, consider keeping it light to avoid burning muscle. Many people recommend light cardio and weightlifting, and keep in mind that you most likely won’t be able to keep up with your existing workout routine due to lower energy stores.

Tips for success:

Empty fridge - A good tactic during fasting is to get rid of all the calorie foods

While on water fast, those who have done it recommend to put any food away that might be laying around on your countertops at home. Also, if you begin to get a headache, many people recommend going on a short walk. If the headache persists, just continue with caution. Many people report headaches even in the beginning days of their fast, in this instance it’s best to listen to your body and it’s ultimately your choice to stop fasting. It is wise to consult a medical professional if you’re experiencing prolonged headaches.

Many people report no issue falling asleep at night on a fast, although some say that they find themselves waking to use the bathroom more often, which is expected since you’re consuming more water and you’ll be peeing more as a result. Your ketone levels will likely increase as a result of your fast, they’re the survival chemicals that keep you going when your body thinks it’s starving. As a consequence, you might encounter brief periods of euphoric feelings.

A lot of people report days 2 and 3 of the fast being the most difficult and surprisingly the days when complications such as headaches can be most prevalent. You will likely notice slower normal body functions such as body hair growing slower, fingernails and toenails growing slower, and obviously less bowel movements since you aren’t eating.

You should keep an eye on your blood glucose levels and get medical attention if you drop below 70 mg/dl or if you encounter symptoms like blurred vision, shakiness, increased heart rate, feeling foggy, etc. Also keep an eye on your weight, if you reach your goal before your fasting day-limit, there’s no sense in needlessly continuing the fast. Celebrate hitting your goal and stop the fast prematurely.

Once you are done fasting, as hard as it may be, you shouldn’t gorge yourself on a giant meal. Instead, start with smaller meals such as smoothies and increase your meal size throughout the first day off the fast. If you’re doing a longer fast, you might want to up this period of meal size-increases to as many as three days. After this period passes, you should be fine to go back to normal eating.

Final thoughts: 14-day water fast weight loss

In summary, water fasting is not necessarily a dangerous weight loss option as long as you’re listening to the feedback that your body is giving you and you don’t overdo it. It is possible that you’ll lose weight that you don’t want to lose in the process, and you might not be as effective during the fast.

There are easier weight loss methods than fasting with water, but most people who are considering fasting do not intend to lose weight but to improve their overall health and well-being or just take on a challenge.

Sugar-Free Keto Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

How to snack on keto without blowing it and a bonus sugar-free peanut butter fudge recipe

As you probably know, sugar is the enemy of the keto diet. To some on the keto diet, it can be difficult to even find out how to snack throughout the day when you get hungry. Unfortunately, being hungry more often is a part of dieting, so what is the easiest and best way to take the edge off of your hunger when you need it, but still maintain your dietary progress and goals? We’ll look at best ways to snack on keto, and we’ve included a sugar-free keto peanut butter fudge recipe that is keto-friendly and is a great alternative to other sugary snacks that would ruin your diet.

Peanut butter fudge as a healthy snack if you're on keto diet

Finding keto-friendly snacks can be the key to buying yourself some time before your next meal or large portion consumption. It’s great for those who are hungry while at work or during strange times of the day when you just need something to take the edge off and don’t want to eat an entire meal.

However, you should really only use these snacking tips when you absolutely need them. Think of them as a lifeline for when your hunger is negatively affecting your ability to think or produce or is damaging your mood. You can also try to avoid hunger by adding more fat to your meals instead of simply snacking more. This is where counting your macros can help you to positively adjust your keto plan to fit your schedule and your eating habits.

Here are some keto-friendly snack options:

Whole foods are a great way to take the edge off and enjoy a tasty treat. Whole foods are great time-saving options as well because they require little to no prep and are usually ready to eat. Some examples of great whole food snacks are cheese, avocados, olives, cold cuts and macadamia nuts which aid in increasing healthy fat and reducing carb intake. Keep in mind to avoid purchasing processed foods when buying items such as cold cuts, since non-processed fresh cut options will always be healthier for yourself as well as for the environment and maybe local businesses as well.

Vegetables and dip can be a great snack that is satisfying, not plain if combined with dip, and can give you sustenance to carry on throughout your day. Consider trying celery, cucumber, peppers, or carrots (although carrots are on the higher end in terms of carbs). Combine these great vegetable options with a low carb dip or cream cheese.

A little less keto-friendly than vegetables, but not completely off the table, are berries and cream. Berries must be consumed modestly, since eating too much could certainly knock you out of ketosis. The best berries for keto dieters are blackberries, raspberries, or strawberries. Dip these into heavy whipping cream. This option is a great way to satiate your sweet tooth and avoid those sugary desserts that will certainly knock you out of ketosis. Also, keep in mind not to add any sweetener or sugar to your fruit, since that nearly defeats the entire purpose of eating the fruit in the first place. Also, check out our recipe at the end of this article for another great dessert alternative to keep you on track and moving towards your goals.

Dark chocolate is surprisingly somewhat keto-friendly. The darker the chocolate the better, and make sure to keep it only to one or two squares. Even normal dark chocolate is too much for your keto guidelines, so go with something above 70% cocoa to ensure you’re staying within your boundaries. This shouldn’t be a regular thing, but it can work when the time calls for it and you simply need to get your hands on something sweet.

Other great treats that are quick and fall in line with your keto plan are pork rinds. Pork rinds amazingly have zero carbs and can provide you with a salty crunch that really hits the spot. With the keto boom, there are more pork rind varieties out there than ever before, so chances are you’ll find multiple different options to try, which helps you to not get sick of eating the same flavor for a long time. Beef jerky also works usually but beware of any jerky that is prepared with excess sugar. Always make sure you’re checking the nutritional information of what you’re eating, especially if it’s a flavored or prepared food like jerky. If you’re a hunter, consider making your own jerky for a great homemade snack.

Snacks to avoid on a ketogenic diet

Some common snacks that are deceivingly bad for keto participants are grapes, bananas, coffee with a lot of added milk and sugar, cashews, and juice. Drink your coffee black, avoid sugary sports drinks, and keep in mind that fruit can be dangerously high in carbs.

As stated before, just always double-check the nutritional info of what you’re eating if you have time. It’ll go a long way in preventing honest mistakes that you could’ve avoided. And at all costs avoid the things that you would expect to be bad and are in fact terrible, like donuts, chips, and candy (other than that high cocoa dark chocolate mentioned earlier).

Keto peanut butter fudge recipe

As promised, we have a great keto-friendly sugar free peanut butter fudge recipe that you’ll love and that will help to appease some of your cravings and get on with your day without being hangry or tempted by some real sugary foods. This recipe allows you to enjoy the richness of peanut butter fudge without the sugar that will derail your keto goals.

We are in strong agreement here that peanut butter and chocolate are the not only the best food combination ever, but they are definitely the two best flavors of fudge, so we’ve found a recipe from buttertogetherkitchen.com that perfectly combines these two amazing tastes into one perfect peanut butter fudge recipe. It’s also great because although you leave out the sugar, you don’t sacrifice the amazing texture that makes fudge to popular and irresistible in the first place. This recipe utilizes Lakanto’s Powdered monk fruit to achieve that famous fudge texture and make for a delicious sugar alternative that you’ll be satisfied and snacking on this fudge happily all week long.

For the chocolate part, the perfect complement to peanut butter out there, you’ll need to use sugar-free chocolate chips. The most keto-friendly options for chocolate chips, however, are Lily’s chocolate chips or Fat Fit Go’s Chocolate Chips. They offer the best option for anyone following the keto diet because they’re made with simple and clean ingredients, but they also taste incredible despite a healthier and more keto-friendly makeup.

A spoonful of peanut butter for keto peanut butter fudge

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup Lakanto powdered sweetener
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
  • 1/3 cup Lily’s baking chips

Baking instructions:

  • First, heat the heavy whipping cream and butter in a pot on the stove on medium-high heat.
  • Next, whisk in Lakanto’s powdered monk fruit until consistently mixed in and bring the pot to a low boil.
  • Stir continuously and add the vanilla extract. Keep cooking over medium heat until the mixture begins to thicken and starts to turn light brown.
  • Once the mixture has thickened, remove the pot from the heat source, and whisk in the peanut butter until the mixture is consistently smooth throughout.
  • Transfer the mixture from the pot into a loaf pan or similar pan lined with parchment paper.
  • Allow the mixture to cool a few minutes, then top with chocolate chips over the top of the fudge.
  • Put the fudge into the freezer for one hour, then move it to the refrigerator for another 2 hours.
  • Slice the fudge and serve. If you have leftovers, store any remaining leftovers in a sealed container in the freezer.

Final thoughts: Keto peanut butter fudge recipe

Hopefully, this article provided you with some great tips on snacking while maintaining ketosis and dropping that weight. It can be difficult to maintain ketosis, but learning more great tips like this can keep you on top of your game and the more you learn and the more you practice eating keto-friendly, the more you’ll find yourself in a groove and planning your meals and snacks better.

Don’t get discouraged by a slip-up, just learn from it and plan better next time. And take advantage of these great tips by filling your grocery cart with the items mentioned above, and don’t forget the ingredients to the fantastic peanut butter fudge recipe!