[ad_1]
The ideal Dinacharya (daily practices) for staying healthy occupy a generous amount of space in ancient Ayurvedic texts. A large part of the Ayurvedic literature details how to live in a manner that leaves no room for disease. The caveat is that if you worked every single practice into your life, you’d have very little time left to do anything else!
[ad_2]
[ad_1]
From the moment that food enters your mouth to the moment it exits your body, every ingredient you ingest goes on a winding journey of digestion, absorption, and excretion. But while the process takes between 24 and 72 hours to complete, there are some foods that are naturally easier to digest than others, which can have a major impact on the comfort of your body after eating.
[ad_2]
[ad_1]
Your liver, lymphatic system, kidneys, and gallbladder are largely responsible for detoxification as well as processing and removing toxins like alcohol, pesticides, mold mycotoxins, and the waste products of your own metabolism. If your detoxification system is impaired by inflammation, toxins can build up in your body further perpetuating inflammation and causing swelling, rashes, pain, and damage to your organs.
[ad_2]
[ad_1]
Novel proteins are becoming more common in dog food recipes, and for good reason. Along with being great for dogs with allergies and sensitivities, they’re also better for the planet and ensure dogs get all the nutrients they need to be the happy, healthy goofballs we love. Here are some reasons to help guide you when considering adding novel proteins to your dog’s diet.
Allergies and food sensitivities are among the most common causes of skin problems in dogs. Effects on the dog can be seen in the form of itching, scabs, fur loss, infections, discomfort, and more. While there are conventional and alternative treatments for allergies, the best remedy is always avoiding the trigger(s). When it comes to food allergies and sensitivities, the most common triggers include beef, chicken, dairy, and wheat. Beef and chicken are among the most popular ingredients in many dog foods, so opting for foods made without these triggering proteins can be a start to helping dogs with allergies and sensitivities to these specific animal proteins.
For example, a combination of plant-based proteins like lentils, quinoa, and sunflower seed can help manage, and sometimes prevent, allergic reactions, support healthier skin, lessen itching, lend to a shinier coat, and effectively meet your dog’s protein needs.
Certain health conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease or other gastrointestinal disorders, may benefit from novel protein diets. These proteins can be fed in an elimination diet to identify and manage food sensitivities or other underlying issues.
Novel proteins come from many sources, some of which are better for the environment than others. Pet food production accounts for over 64 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions every year. Furthermore, producing protein from meat requires vast amounts of water and land. By contrast, plant and insect proteins are often more sustainable and better for the environment because they use less land and water, contribute to biodiversity, produce fewer emissions and less pollution, and help conserve natural resources.
Protein is the most important functional ingredient for dogs, and it’s made up of amino acids that dogs need for energy, immunity, hormone production, and more. However, not all proteins contain all the essential amino acids. With a rotational diet that regularly switches novel proteins, you ensure your dog eats a complete and balanced diet with all the nutrients and amino acids. And when you add plant-based proteins to your dog’s diet, you actively contribute to reducing your dog’s paw print on the environment while positively contributing to their digestion and overall health.
Pro tip: Dogs, like humans, can also get bored with eating the same food every day. Rotating proteins can enhance the palatability of their meals, making feeding times more enjoyable and encouraging better eating habits.
Wisdom Air-Dried recipes from Earth Animal contain novel and conventional proteins that are great for allergies, the planet, and rotational feeding. Protein choices include:
Earth Animal’s plant-based From The Seed recipe contains 100% hypoallergenic proteins from lentil, alfalfa, quinoa, sunflower, and potato and provides all the essential amino acids. Their insect-based From The Soil recipe is made with cricket and black soldier fly larvae, and like From the Seed, it is also hypoallergenic while providing all 10 essential amino acids.
Visit Earth Animal to learn more about novel proteins and Wisdom Air-Dried recipes.
Animal Wellness is North America’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being.
[ad_2]
Animal Wellness
Source link
[ad_1]
To make this green drink even more nutritious, add a scoop of mbg’s organic greens detox+. This supplement includes prebiotic fiber, digestive enzymes, probiotics, and an impressive range of organic fruits and vegetables like kelp, spirulina, kale, broccoli, carrots, beets, and various berries.
[ad_2]
[ad_1]
What you eat and drink can be the potential cause of autoimmunity, or the most nourishing influence in terms of helping to prevent or reverse autoimmunity. But what principles should you keep in mind when you eat for the long term? There are four main areas to address via nutritional modulation when you have an autoimmune disease: nutritional gaps, poor digestion, toxic backlog, and blood sugar spikes. Let’s dig into the importance of each:
[ad_2]
[ad_1]
As much as us coffee lovers may not want to accept it, the rumors are true: That midday cup can affect your hormone balance. This is why some experts recommend subbing the caffeine for other blood-sugar-balancing foods. But let’s be real—not everyone can cut out afternoon caffeine right away. That’s why we’ve offered the perfect middle ground to help you limit your caffeine intake, if that’s of interest to you; plus, it adds a healthy glow to your skin and promotes gut health, while you’re at it.*
[ad_2]
[ad_1]
“Ultra-processed foods are also nutrient-poor, meaning they lack essential vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds,” Harvard-trained, board-certified internal medicine physician Anant Vinjamoori, M.D., chief medical officer at Modern Age, tells mindbodygreen about the food category. “Consistently consuming these foods can lead to nutritional deficiencies and inflammation, which can shorten one’s life span and lead to obesity and a variety of diseases.” And, for the purposes of this article, compromise skin health.
[ad_2]
[ad_1]
Bloating—we’ve all been there, but with Pardee’s tips, we don’t have to succumb to the discomfort. By being intentional with your meals, sipping on water throughout the day as opposed to chugging while you eat, and skipping sparkling water (for now), you’ll find your digestion in a much better place. Get yourself a stellar probiotic while you’re at it, and you should be all set!
[ad_2]
[ad_1]
Probiotics – nicknamed “good” or “helpful” bacteria by health professionals – are live bacteria and yeasts that help keep your gut healthy and improve digestion. However, when you start upping your probiotic intake (either through supplements or eating probiotic-rich foods, like yogurt), it’s not always easy to spot the signs that probiotics are working. “There are no magic telltale signs that probiotics are working, but you may see an improvement in abdominal pain, bloating, inflammation, and weight,” Kumkum Sarkar Patel, MD, MPH, a board-certified gastroenterologist in California, tells POPSUGAR. If taken as intended, probiotics can restore and improve your gut environment, or “flora,” and overall health in several ways. If you feel the following improvements after taking probiotics, it’s likely that they’re working properly.
When it comes to probiotics, the benefits are plenty. Ahead, experts weigh in on positive probiotics side effects and signs that your probiotics are actually working.
While it might seem like general knowledge, it turns out that a decrease in overall gastrointestinal symptoms is one of the easiest ways to tell if your probiotic is working. “Decreasing the stretch imposed on the small bowel and colon, [which] is typically caused by ‘bad’ bacteria, can lead to decreased pain and discomfort in the abdominal region,” Julia Hughes, MD, a gastroenterologist in North Carolina, tells POPSUGAR.
Similar to how probiotics can help eliminate gastrointestinal symptoms through a more diverse gut flora, they can also reduce fermentation and bloat caused by an unhealthy balance of gut bacteria. “When the ‘good’ bacteria predominate, they can reduce the production of excess gas production and distention on the bowel,” Dr. Hughes tells POPSUGAR.
You may have heard the the rumor that taking probiotics can make for a few more trips to the bathroom. But do probiotics actually make you poop more? According to experts, yes. Probiotics can help regulate gut motility, as well as bowel movements. “By moving the intestines and emptying the bowels, many people experience relief from constipation and other abdominal pain,” Dr. Patel says. Dr. Hughes adds that this benefit can also relieve diarrheaand other irregular bowel movements.
A diet rich in healthy, whole foods and probiotics can help your gut physically feel better, in part because of its effects on digestion. “A balanced gut flora can help with digestion of food on a day-to-day basis and, in certain situations, even help reduce symptoms of indigestion, dyspepsia, and sluggish motility,” Dr. Hughes explains.
If you’re feeling more energized and haven’t been knocked down by a cold recently, it’s possible that your probiotics may have helped play a role. “Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome can also boost immunity and energy by aiding in proper digestion and absorption of nutrients,” Dr. Hughes explains. “So, not only is the microbiome responsible for protecting us against infection in the gut directly, it also contributes to our overall well-being by allowing us to use what we are feeding our body efficiently.”
Because probiotics help maintain a healthy gut biome, those with inflammatory bowel disease or other similar inflammatory conditions may notice relief after taking them. “In certain patient populations, live probiotics, in combination with traditional medical management, have helped reduce inflammation in the small bowel and colon,” Dr. Hughes says.
While exhibiting one, two, or all of these changes can be a sign that your probiotics are working, Dr. Patel explains that it’s highly individual and dependent on each person’s gut flora. “There is no set time for probiotics to ‘kick in’ or no immediate cause-and-effect responses seen by taking probiotics as they participate in a complex web of responses to regulate mental, gut, and immune health,” she says. Additionally, Dr. Hughes recommends checking in with your doctor after one to two months of consistent, intended use to reassess whether symptoms are improving.
[ad_2]
Emily weaver
Source link
[ad_1]
If you’re seeking better digestion, abdominal comfort, and regularity—look no further than a probiotic. But not all probiotics are created equal—you’ll want one with meaningful levels of clinically studied probiotic strains and limited extra ingredients. That’s where mindbodygreen’s own probiotic+ comes in.
[ad_2]
[ad_1]
Embark on a journey to well-being with these four profound Japanese concepts: Ikigai for purpose, Moai for community, Hara Hachi Bu for mindful eating, and Kintsugi for resilience. Discover insights to a healthier and happier life in the modern world by embracing the ancient wisdom of Japanese culture.
Culture is a powerful force that influences the type of person we become. In the pursuit of well-being, different cultures can often teach us different lessons on what it means to live a good life.
First, what is culture? The American anthropologist Edward T. Hall created the “Cultural Iceberg” framework to help us analyze the many factors that determine what a culture is. The theory illustrates that only 10% of culture is what we see (language, diet, music, fashion), while 90% of culture is hidden from us (beliefs, values, norms, and expectations).
Here’s what the “Cultural Iceberg” looks like:
Generally we see the culture we grew up in as the default mode of being. This includes how people dress, what people eat, and what music they listen to, but also deeper aspects of life such as beliefs, values, morality, and how people approach life from a broader perspective.
Culture, tradition, and social norms shape our map of reality, the choices we make, and how we navigate our world. If you’re raised in a society that only values materialistic goals like money, fame, or popularity, you’re naturally going to live a life in accordance with those values, especially if they go unquestioned.
When we explore new cultures through traveling, reading, or meeting new people, we learn that there are many different ways we can approach life and the way we were raised isn’t necessarily the only way to live.
One simplified but general way we can categorize different types of culture is Western vs. Eastern ways of thinking. Western cultures tend to be more individualistic, rational, and materialistic, while Eastern cultures tend to be more collectivist, holistic, and spiritual.
Keep in mind, these are broad categorizations. Every country and culture is different. This also isn’t a judgment of “right” or “wrong” ways of thinking, but rather observing different personality types on a cultural scale.
My experience from a Western perspective is that learning about various aspects of Eastern culture and philosophy (such as Buddhism, Taoism, or Confucianism) gave me a taste for different ways to look at the world and different perspectives on life that I otherwise wouldn’t have been exposed to.
One popular country to look at is Japan which has a rich history, deep cultural roots, and long-held traditions that have been passed down over multiple generations. In this article, we’re going to cover four powerful Japanese concepts that provide universal lessons on how to live a healthier and happier life. Each concept reveals core values and beliefs that shape the way many Japanese people live.
These powerful ideas include: Ikigai (“a reason for being”), Moai (“meeting for a common purpose”), Hara Hachi Bu (“belly 80% full”), and Kintsugi (“golden repair”). Now let’s dive deeper into each one!
a reason for being
The Japanese concept of “Ikigai” is about finding a purpose in life. It directly translates to “a reason for being,” and it’s often described as the intersection between what you love, what you are good at, and what the world needs.
Ikigai is a combination between intrinsic motivation (an activity you enjoy doing) and extrinsic rewards (an activity that creates value in the world and improves people’s lives). Psychology research has shown that ikigai is associated with elevated feelings of dedication, accomplishment, meaning, and fulfillment.
This is in contrast to a lot of other cultures that just see work as a means to a paycheck or higher income, rather than reframing work as something that serves a higher purpose, both to yourself and society as a whole.
Ikigai has been shown to benefit both physical and mental health. It can reduce stress and anxiety, which contributes to longer lives and less risk of cardiovascular disease and other ailments. In addition, ikigai is associated with greater resilience in the face of negative events. One interesting study found that ikigai helped people better cope with stress after an earthquake or natural disaster.
Here’s a visual of what constitutes ikigai:
If you can find activities that meet all of these requirements, then you’ve found your ikigai.
Discovering your ikigai can take time and patience though. It involves careful introspection, understanding your strengths, passions, and talents, and finding ways to use those powers to fulfill the needs of the world.
Once you find your ikigai, it’s important to align your daily activities with it if you want to build a more purposeful and meaningful life.
meeting for a common purpose
Human connection is vital for our well-being, and the Japanese practice of “Moai” emphasizes the strength of communal bonds.
Moai refers to a group of people who come together for a shared purpose, providing emotional, social, and even financial support. Often a moai includes family, friends, and neighbors within a local community. They will see each other frequently, talk and catch up on each other’s lives, and organize group activities such as game nights, fitness groups, music performances, or dance parties.
This tight sense of community provides an important sense of belonging. It also comes with physical benefits like healthier lifestyles, exercise, social connection, and financial support if someone finds themselves in a tough situation.
In today’s world, many people are suffering from loneliness and depression. One major cause of this is hyper individualism and atomistic lifestyles that no longer promote community values. Many Americans report having zero close friends and only 38% say they have “5 friends or more.” This is in stark contrast to the moai way of life which can often include 10-12+ lifelong friends.
While there’s plenty of research showing the physical and mental benefits of social support, one of the most common examples of moai can be found in Okinawa, Japan, which has been identified as a “blue zone.”
Blue zones are places around the world that are associated with better health and longevity. Often there are high numbers of centenarians in them (or people who have lived over 100). The recent Netflix documentary Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones by public health researcher Dan Buettner has a great episode dedicated to Okinawa that shows how the moais work there.
Many health professionals and experts are now claiming we are in a “loneliness epidemic,” with over 1 in 4 adults saying they feel socially isolated. This can have serious health consequences such as increased risk of anxiety, depression, heart disease, stroke, dementia, and overall shorter lifespans. The negative effects of loneliness have been compared to the effects of daily cigarette smoking.
As communities continue to decline and feelings of social alienation increase, the moai mentality is needed now more than ever.
belly 80% full
In a culture often associated with healthy living and longevity, the Japanese concept of “Hara Hachi Bu” teaches us the art of mindful eating. Translated as “belly 80% full,” this practice encourages moderation in our meals.
Obesity is a growing problem around the entire world. Recent reports show that 39% of the global population in 2023 is obese or overweight, and this is a sharp increase from 23.9% in 2008. If this trend continues, researchers predict that over half of the global population will have obesity by 2035.
One factor in this rise in obesity is having abundant access to ultraprocessed foods, including the convenience of fast food and junk food. The modern diet is filled with supernormal foods that hijack our natural instincts for sugar, salts, and rich flavor, which is why many people end up over-eating during meals or late night binging.
The lesson of Hara Hachi Bu is more relevant now than ever. By reminding ourselves to only eat until we are 80% full, we encourage slower and more mindful eating. This lets you enjoy your meal more by paying attention to each bite and savoring it, rather than quickly moving from one bite to the next without fully appreciating it.
Many people eat unconsciously. Often it’s eating while watching TV/movies, checking their phones, scrolling social media, or socializing with friends. Their main focus is on one thing, while eating is just something happening in the background. These distractions can lead you to eat more than you otherwise would.
Slowing down your eating will lead to less consumption, better digestion, and improved body awareness of how you respond to certain foods, the best times of the day to eat (or not), and what it feels like to be “50% full” → “80% full” → “100% full” → “110% full.”
Adopting Hara Hachi Bu not only contributes to physical well-being by maintaining a healthy weight but also cultivates a mindful approach to eating that can lead to a stronger connection with the food we consume.
golden repair
Derived from the Japanese words “kin” (golden) and “tsugi” (repair), Kintsugi is the art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum.
Here’s what it looks like:
Instead of hiding the cracks and flaws, the practice of kintsugi embraces the broken parts by highlighting them in gold. It celebrates its imperfections, while at the same time making them stronger and more beautiful.
Many find inspiration when applying this concept to their personal lives. It helps them to accept the challenges and obstacles they’ve had to face over the years – the physical, mental, and emotional battle scars – and see them as jumping points for growth and improvement.
No one’s life is perfect. We all suffer from weaknesses, flaws, insecurities, and vulnerabilities. Our instinct is to hide them, ignore them, or deny them, but the paradox is that when we accept them is when we actually become stronger.
Kintsugi promotes resilience, growth, and grit. It shows that no matter how many times you get broken, you can always repair yourself in gold.
Each of these Japanese concepts – Ikigai, Moai, Hara Hachi Bu, and Kintsugi – offers a kernel of wisdom that we can all apply to our daily lives.
While these ideas are ancient, they are more relevant to modern living than ever before. Ikigai teaches us meaning and purpose, Moai teaches us social connection, Hara Hachi Bu teaches us mindful eating, and Kintsugi teaches us growth and resilience.
Which concept do you need to embrace the most right now?
Enter your email to stay updated on new articles in self improvement:
[ad_2]
Steven Handel
Source link
