Lemon Ginger Detox

Detox is a process in which the body gets rid of unhealthy and toxic substances. Our body strives to maintain a balanced, healthy environment and the liver is the vital organ in charge of our natural digestion, metabolism, hormone production and detoxification. There are times, due to the excess of environmental toxins from pesticides, bad air, unfiltered water, our liver becomes unable to successfully perform its 500 or so duties. And that’s when we need a little detox solution.

Infused waters are an effective way to detox because the inherently healing properties of the ingredients are exposed. 

Ginger is a naturally powerful detoxifier that strongly boosts metabolism. Lemons are great detoxifiers - the most alkaline substance for balancing pH - and they are a diuretic food, helping to release toxins from the body. And pure water is the quintessential detox element. 

What do we need to make a lemon ginger detox water?

• The juice of 1 lemon
• 1-2 inches of ginger root (1 tablespoon of freshly sliced ginger)
• 2 cups of pure water

1. Bring to boil the water. Remove from heat.
2. Cut the ginger root into slices and add it to the water.
3. Leave infusing and cooling down for 20 minutes.
4. Add the juice. Mix and drink.

Recommendations:

• You can prepare the lemon ginger detox water a night before, so the next day is ready to drink.
• Drinking it with an empty stomach multiplies its effects.
• You can also make a jar to drink throughout the day.
• Do it everyday for one week or two if you feel you need a better detox.

~Thanks to Andrea Roa

10 Foods For Happiness

1. Purple Cauliflower
When you see it at the farmer's market, buy two! Cauliflower is full of vitamin B6 and folate, which your body uses to make neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.

Essential fact: Neurotransmitters are how brain cells communicate with each other, so they underlie all mood and cognition, including memory, sex drive, pleasure and attention. For example, low levels of serotonin are often found in depressed patients.

Bonus: the purple color comes from antioxidants that reduce inflammation in the brain.



2. Walnuts
Nuts are “nature’s multivitamins” because of all of the trace nutrients they contain.

Walnuts, in particular, are high in oleic acid, which has been clearly linked to decreased risk of depression.

They also have lots of digestion-promoting fiber, and a healthy gut is essential in making sure the nutrients in your food make it to your brain.

3. Oysters
These supposed aphrodisiacs come with a whopping serving of vitamin B12, which protects myelin, a material that insulates brain cells. It's essential for neurons to communicate with each other, and healthy neuron communication is the basis for thinking and decision-making.

Oysters also contain zinc and a high dose of brain-boosting omega-3 fatty acids.

4. Red Beans
A little known fact: Red beans are the top antioxidant containing food (According to the USDA)! Even more potent than blueberries.

They’re also a near-complete protein, and those all-important neurotransmitters are made of the amino acids in protein.

Finally, they have lots of iron. Iron deficiency is the biggest preventable cause of brain disorders.






5. Blue Potatoes
It’s both the healthy carbs and the skin of a blue potato you want. The skin contains vitamin C, which helps protect your brain fat, and lots of iodine, which is needed for healthy thyroid function. Thyroid problems lead to significant mood and energy issues and weight gain.

And the bright blue color equals beaucoup antioxidants.

6. Beets
Beets contain betaine, a cousin of folate, which is really helpful in keeping your neurotransmitter factories humming.

And don’t throw out the greens!
They’re packed with magnesium and uridine, a substance that Harvard University researchers found could prevent depression.

7. Anchovies
Anchovies are a seriously fabulous source of DHA, the most abundant omega-3 fat in your brain. The brain uses it to make hormones that combat harmful inflammation and to protect brain cells when you’re stressed.
Low levels have been associated with depression, bipolar disorder, and ADHD.

Bonus: They’re low on the food chain, so you’re not going to have to worry about mercury.

Using anchovy dressing to drizzle on salads is an easy to consume these.

8. Sweet Potatoes
These orange tubers have more beta-carotene than carrots. This vitamin is linked to a decreased risk of dementia.

They’re also high in B6, which belongs to a group of compounds that are increasingly used to threat mood disorders.

9. Grass-Fed Beef
Meat gets a bad rap, and often it's justified.

While the Happiness Diet is primarily plant-based, farm-fresh meat that comes from grass-fed cows (free of antibiotics, steroids, etc.) is healthy to eat occasionally, say, about once a week.

You get a better mix of fats for the brain [than in factory-farmed] —more omega 3s and CLA (conjugated linoleic acid).

10. Full-fat yogurt
Your Greek yogurt addiction, justified!

Along with your healthy dose of probiotics, yogurt has been shown to reduce the activity of brain cells linked to anxiety.

And while you might want to reach for a low-fat version, he recommends keeping the fat in. As long as it comes from a grass-fed source, the fats will act like healthy brain boosters. And you're getting less sugar (always higher in low-fat items).

~Thanks to Drew Ramsey, M.D., assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Columbia University Medical Center

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Herbal Remedies for Digestion

Herbs have long been used medicinally to treat stomach conditions and to maintain a healthy digestive system. While digestive issues can take many forms, one thing seems to remain constant for any condition – getting relief comes from treating the underlying condition instead of just treating the pain. This is where herbal medicine is superior to conventional medicine. Herbs provide a whole body healing approach, helping the body to thrive and function from a place of wellness instead of simply putting a band-aid on the problem.

There are many herbal remedies for digestion!

Peppermint is one of the most studied herbs for digestion, and the research proves its effectiveness for people with indigestion, gas, nausea, diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Several tests conducted by The University of Maryland Medical Center confirm that peppermint helped 75% of people with IBS. Compounds in the peppermint plant seem to activate the anti-pain channel in the colon, and they calm the muscles of the stomach, improving the flow of bile and allowing gas to pass. For people with heartburn or GERD, however, peppermint should be avoided.

How can you take peppermint as an herbal remedy for digestion?

Try hot tea that has peppermint in it, like Naturally Calming Tea or an herbal supplement that contains peppermint, like Erba Vita Digest, which also includes many of the other herbs we have listed below, or Erba Vita Gastro, which is includes peppermint in its unique formulation.

Fennel has traditionally been used by many cultures to relieve gas in adults and children alike. It works by soothing the stomach muscles, stimulating the production of digestive enzymes, reducing inflammation in the stomach and intestines, and it even helps the body absorb the nutrients from our food. Fennel seeds are carminatives, which means they help treat and/or prevent gas. Fennel helps not only with gas, but also indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, and it may also help fight off intestinal bacteria and fungi. Fennel is often used to treat colic in infants.

How can you take fennel as an herbal remedy for digestion?

Try an herbal supplement that contains fennel. For kids, try Erba Vita Gassy Kids Syrup, which contains not only fennel, but also chamomile, lemon balm and linden. You can also add fennel seeds to your meals to add flavor and help with digestion.

Anise helps to promote digestion and relieve gas, indigestion and bloating. It is antispasmodic, allowing relaxation of the stomach and intestinal muscles, and it can even help prevent bacterial infections in the intestines.

Ginger has been highly studied by the medical community. It has been proven to stimulate the release of digestive enzymes in the body, helping the body break down food and absorb the nutrients from it. It is effective at treating nausea, motion sickness, morning sickness, gas, diarrhea, vomiting, indigestion and stomachaches. Just remember that less is more in the case of ginger because too much can backfire and actually cause heartburn, bloating and gas.

How can you take ginger as an herbal remedy for digestion?

Try hot tea that has ginger in it, like Green Chai Tea or an herbal supplement that contains ginger, like Erba Vita Digest, which also includes many of the other herbs we have listed in this article.

Chamomile is a wonderfully calming herb, especially when it comes to the stomach. It is antispasmodic so it helps to relax the stomach and intestinal muscles, making it an effective treatment for stomach cramps, indigestion, gas, diarrhea, colic and irritable bowel syndrome. It is also anti-inflammatory, helping to heal the intestines and stomach after an infection.

How can you take chamomile as an herbal remedy for digestion?

Try hot tea that has chamomile in it. For kids, try Erba Vita Gassy Kids Syrup, which contains not only chamomile, but also fennel, lemon balm and linden.

The Next Health Food Trend: Millet!

Lately, millet has been popping up everywhere – baked into artisan breads, featured in cookbook authors’ award-winning dishes, even making a splash on the menus of the hottest international restaurants. So we are beginning to wonder, is millet the next big food trend?

We think the answer is yes. Here’s why:

5 Reasons Millet may be the Next Health Food Trend

1. Naturally Gluten-Free – Riding the wave of the gluten-free movement, millet has begun to rise in popularity.
2. Nutritious Whole Grain – Comparable to quinoa in protein (both contain about 4 grams of protein per 3.5 ounce serving), millet is also a good source of magnesium, copper, and phosphorus.
3. Quick to Cook – Millet cooks using the same method as quinoa (which is about half the cook time compared to brown rice) and shares a similar taste and texture.
4. Affordable – At about one-fourth the cost of quinoa (less than $2/pound for millet  compared to about $8/pound for quinoa), millet is a more affordable whole grain that has the ability to reach consumers who have been priced out of the quinoa superfood trend.
5. Versatile – Browse Pinterest and you’ll see there is no shortage of recipes with millet, whether it’s served hot or cold or for breakfast, lunch or dinner… it’s even popping up in recipes for dessert! Millet has begun to replace oatmeal as the next hot cereal for breakfast. It is being used in place of rice for pilafs and stirfrys, folded into pastry crusts, incorporated into veggie patties, and baked into muffins, cookies, granola, and more.

Whole grains, especially those that are naturally gluten-free, continue to be a hot topic in the health and food world – so we think it’s about time you got in on the action! Introduce millet to your family & friends as a tasty, delicious, and affordable alternative to rice, oats, or quinoa.  They'll be happy to discover this incredible whole grain and will quickly see that it makes the perfect pairing for their next picnic, potluck, or dinner party.

~Thanks to Mollie Dickson

Use Yoga to Combat Depression

“Happy begins here.” I love that saying. I try to remind myself daily that happiness comes from within me. All the while, we seem to be surrounded by anxiety and depression - we are all human and we all have emotions. Anxiety usually stems from worrying too much about the future and your “to do” list. Depression, on the other hand is when we get stuck in the past.  Depression is a real thing and it’s difficult to be in the depth of it and feel somewhat helpless. Everyone’s case of depression or anxiety stems from different sources and it’s ideal to be able to find someone to talk to when things get really overwhelming. I do believe that moving the body and connecting the breath and mind and spirit is extremely beneficial as well. Practicing yoga helps ground ourselves in the present moment so we can feel truly happy.

Stand up, and rock forward to the front of your feet (or sit bones, if you’re seated) and notice how it produces anxiety, moving in to the future too fast. Now, lean back in your seat or to the heels of your feet; notice how you slump your shoulders forward and feel a little down. Finally, feel yourself anchored right in the middle of your seat or your feet and feel grounded and present. Try this exercise whenever you find yourself a little too anxious or a bit depressed.

Because depression stems from harboring past emotions or feeling stuck with unresolved anger, it’s important to focus on future moving postures and heart opening. If you look at a depressed person, their shoulders are rounded forward and their heads hang down. Backbends open our chest, force us to lift our heart center and raise our heads high. It’s like the expression “fake it till you make it”.  Often times, we just have to physically change our bodies, and our spirits and minds will follow. Even just making yourself smile (it will feel unnatural at first) can help us shift our outlook and attitude. Others may notice and smile back! And certainly, exercise is the best natural medicine I know of. Take a walk in nature, go for a jog or bike ride, hit the slopes or the tennis courts and practice yoga. I promise you it will make a huge difference. 

Here are some of my favorite yoga poses for combatting depression:

Camel–This is an awesome posture for lifting the chest and opening the shoulders. Start on your knees and place your hands on your lower back. Squeeze your shoulder blades together and raise your chest up to the ceiling. Stay here or reach back for you heels. Hold position, and breathe 5 breaths. Come up and repeat one more time. 

Dancer’s Pose–It’s almost impossible to do this pose and not feel some sort of joy! Start standing and bend your right knee back as you grab hold of the top of your right foot. Extend your left arm forward and join the thumb and forefinger to touch. Lengthen your right leg back behind you as you backbend your chest towards the ceiling and look up to your left hand. Hold position for 5 breaths then repeat on the opposite side. 

Inclined Plank–I love this posture for really opening up the shoulders and elevating my mood. Start seated with your legs stretched out straight in front of you; place your hands about 10 inches behind your hips with fingers facing forward. Press in to your hands and feet and lift your entire body off the floor. Hold position for 5 breaths then lower down - you will notice the opening in your heart center. 

~Thanks to Kristin McGee