Constipation causes discomfort and it can lead to embarrassing gas and uncomfortable bloating. Laxatives, which help evacuate stool from the bowels, are the go-to solution for most people dealing with constipation. Effective as that may be, some laxatives have mild to severe side effects, especially with long-term use. Side effects range from diarrhea, cramping, and rectal irritation to confusion and heart palpitations. (more…)
If you're looking for natural ways to raise your metabolism, you'll be happy to know that your metabolic rate can be altered without using medications or other unnatural means. Your basal metabolic rate is the number of calories your body burns to stay alive, including breathing and maintaining optimal body temperature. However, your overall metabolism includes not only your basal metabolic rate but also calories expended in your daily activities. Most people think that your weight is just calories in minus calories out. But that’s not true! Certain things can […]
Are you getting enough vitamin D? You might think so, but unless you consistently eat a balanced diet, get sunlight exposure, and take supplemental nutrients, you may not get enough vitamin D. You may even have a vitamin D deficiency. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 30 to 40 percent of the United States population doesn't get enough of this critical micronutrient.[1] This is of importance to all of us as vitamin D has a significant impact on your overall health and well-being.[2] […]
If you have a leaky gut — also called increased intestinal permeability — substances that should stay in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract pass through spaces called tight junctions. In a healthy gut, tight junctions act like gatekeepers, keeping partially digested food and microbiota in and allowing nutrients out. But if physical damage, chemical damage, pathogens, or illness injures the GI tract, the tight junctions loosen, leading to a leaky gut. A leaky gut is a risk factor for developing other conditions, including Crohn’s disease, allergies, and autoimmune and neurological disorders. […]
From antiseptic mouthwash to natural deodorant, tea tree oil is an essential oil with a multitude of uses and benefits. It tends to be pale yellow or colorless, with an aroma that is similar to eucalyptus or camphor and boasts antibacterial, antiprotozoal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. Here's a deep-dive into all that it can do. (more…)
