Why You Should Consider Eating Dinner Early
Eating late may disrupt blood sugar—according to a new study conducted in Spain and led by Massachusetts General Hospital. 845 healthy adults were given dinner either early (4 hours before bedtime) or late (1 hour before bedtime) on different days: ➡️Melatonin levels were naturally 3.5 times higher at the time of the late dinner. ➡️Eating late resulted in lower production of insulin. ➡️Eating late resulted in higher blood sugar levels. The pattern was more pronounced in individuals who had a genetic variant for the melatonin receptor gene (MTNR1B G-allele) but… 😕The disrupted blood sugar levels when eating late were seen in the overall group. What do you think—are you an early or late-night eater? Will you reconsider your habits because of this study?
Waking at 3 AM?
It’s…LIVER TIME!!! According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, each body organ system has a time of day when it is more active than others. For the liver? It’s 1-3 am. That means that if you repeatedly wake up at 3 AM, your liver may be overworked or you need additional detoxification support. Here are some things to consider to give your liver a break: • Go light or stop the alcohol altogether • Watch your caffeine intake. • Eat dinner early in the evening. • Get regular exercise (and sweat!) • Decrease sweets to support blood sugar balance. • Try a gentle herbal tea to support detoxification. • Consider a whole-foods cleanse. Your body was built to detoxify every day naturally. You can support this process with some simple lifestyle changes. And a possible side effect? There’s a chance it might help you sleep a little more soundly
Spotlight on Glutathione
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant in every cell of your body. Even though our cells make it every day, here are some reasons your body might have a higher need for this incredible antioxidant: • Weight gain • Poor eating habits • Alcohol consumption • Aging • Stress But…if you don’t have any of those, you can just stop reading now. Anyone For those of you still with me, here’s why glutathione is called the “master” antioxidant. • It neutralizes free radicals • It regenerates other antioxidants—like vitamins C, E, and CoQ10 • It’s needed for liver detox pathways • It supports immune cell function Basically, without glutathione, our cells would be overtaken by free radicals and oxidative stress with unimaginable consequences. Best we do everything within our power to support glutathione. So here are some ways: • Fresh meats, dairy, fruits, and veg contain some glutathione, but food processing destroys it. • N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a precursor to glutathione and can be supplemented to support glutathione levels. • Glutathione can be supplemented directly as long as it is in a high-quality and absorbable form! There are lots of ways to support your body’s antioxidant defenses, so we pick and choose what makes the most sense for each patient. But almost all antioxidant strategies? They end up supporting glutathione.
5 Benefits of Beets
Beets are America’s 2nd most hated vegetable (second out only to turnips). I came across that in a survey a couple of years ago and actually find it a bit hard to believe! There are so many reasons we should all love beets… • Beets are a good source of fiber, for digestion and detoxification. • Beets are nutrient-dense, meaning they’re high in nutrients and low in calories. • Beets are rich in folate, which we need for blood cell production, heart health, and more. • Beets are rich in manganese, a trace mineral needed for bone health and many enzyme systems in the body. • Beets contain naturally occurring nitrates, which support healthy blood pressure and endurance. Beets are actually quite sweet and delicious. You can roast them, juice them, or even grate them raw over a salad. Rather save yourself the hassle of preparation? You can even buy canned beets or beet chips at the store. I’m talking about the beetroot here, but there are also countless benefits of beet greens, so don’t throw those away!
Castor Oil Packs
It’s a classic naturopathic therapy that really is timeless. A castor oil pack is a piece of flannel, soaked in castor oil, and placed on the abdomen with a hot water bottle. Let’s break down the why and the how… Why would I use a castor oil pack? ● Castor oil contains fatty acids that are absorbed through the skin.● Castor oil packs stimulate circulation and bile flow.● Castor oil packs are relaxing.● Castor oil packs support detoxification, with the domino effect of helping with a wide range of concerns. How do I use a castor oil pack? ● Fold a piece of flannel into 3-4 layers, large enough to cover the abdomen. ● Soak the flannel in castor oil. ● Wrap the soaked flannel in plastic wrap. ● Lie flat on an old towel (in case the castor oil drips) and place the pack on your bare abdomen. ● Place a hot water bottle or heating pad over the pack as a heat source. ● Rest like that for 15-60 minutes (best to talk with a practitioner about this to choose the amount of time appropriate for you). ● Save the pack in a sealed bag in the refrigerator for reuse. Castor oil packs are best used in the context of other strategies to support detoxification. We are here to empower you with education and information to live a healthier life, but this post should NOT be considered medical advice. There are some pitfalls, and castor oil packs are not appropriate for everyone or all situations. Please consult with a healthcare professional if you have any questions about how to safely use castor oil packs or other detoxification strategies. You can book a consult with us through our website!
