The Health Benefits of Psyllium

What is psyllium?

Psyllium is a form of fiber made from the husks of the Plantago ovata plant’s seeds. It sometimes goes by the name ispaghula.

It’s most commonly known as a laxative. However, research shows that taking psyllium is beneficial to many parts of the human body, including the heart and the pancreas.

Your bathroom buddy

Psyllium is a bulk-forming laxative. This means it soaks up water in your gut and makes bowel movements much easier. It also helps promote regularity without increasing flatulence. It can be used as a one-off to ease constipation, or it can be added to your diet to help promote regularity and overall digestive health.

People with irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease are all too familiar with the banes of the bathroom. The results of studies on psyllium’s effectiveness in treating these conditions are still mixed.

Some research has shown that consuming 7.9 grams of psyllium per day (+/- 3.6 grams) with probiotics is a safe and effective way to treat Crohn’s disease. However, other results show soluble fiber like psyllium can make symptoms worse for some people.

Besides keeping your bowel movements regular and managing a chronic condition, psyllium has the ability to soften your stool. This can come in handy with short-term ailments, such as constipation. Used in this way, it can prevent complications of constipation, such as hemorrhoids and anal fissures.

Preliminary research shows that psyllium may help the painful symptoms associated with these conditions. Since there is no real scientific consensus, talk to your doctor to see if psyllium could help you.

Heart health

Research has shown that taking soluble fiber can help people manage their cholesterol levels. Proper cholesterol regulation is important for everyone, but vital for people over the age of 50. One study shows that at least 6 weeks of daily psyllium intake is an effective way for people who are obese or overweight to lower their cholesterol with very few side effects.

If you’ve been told that you need to watch your cholesterol, ask your doctor if adding psyllium to a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet will help you.

High cholesterol is merely one way a bad diet can affect your heart. Numerous studies have shown that fiber like psyllium, taken as part of a healthy diet, can help lower a person’s risk of heart disease. Psyllium can affect your heart by lowering blood pressure, improving lipid levels, and strengthening heart muscle.

Watching your weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is a concern for many people, especially those with a chronic condition like diabetes. Besides being good for your heart and blood sugar levels, psyllium may help you lose weight.

Because psyllium absorbs liquid in your body, it can help give you a feeling of being full. This can help you control the amount of food you eat. Talk to your doctor about the possibility of taking psyllium if they have suggested you lose weight.

Diabetes

People with diabetes are constantly watching their diet to maintain a healthy balance of insulin and blood sugar (glucose). Some research has suggested that fibers like psyllium can help people maintain a healthy glycemic balance.

One study found that taking 5 grams of psyllium twice a day can help patients with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar. Another study of men with type 2 diabetes found similar results, but stressed that psyllium therapy should be tailored to the individual.

How can I get psyllium?

Psyllium is most commonly consumed in powder or wafer form. It is also available in capsules, granules, and in liquid form. It is the main ingredient in many over-the-counter laxatives

Follow the directions on packaging, and remember that a key component of psyllium’s work in your lower intestine is its ability to soak up liquid, so make sure to drink plenty of water daily. 

You can find Psyllium Husk products at IHERB.COM

Making your own natural beauty products

Making your own natural beauty products is fun, and it’s a great way to save money and avoid the toxic stuff that shows up in a lot of beauty products. You can find these ingredients and other food items (organic, without GMOs, paraben-free, toxin-free) at iHerb.com.

This face mask is easy to make, and it is perfect for all skin types – from super oily, sensitive and acne-prone (like mine) to dry, mature or damaged skin.

Ingredients:Green Tea
Manuka honey (optional)
Vitamin E oil
Coconut oil
Turmeric (optional)

Instructions:

First heat about 1/4 cup of water to near boiling (I use a 900 watt microwave and heat for about 2 minutes).

Add a green tea bag to your cup of water. I like Yogi Tea Green Tea Super Antioxidant for drinking of course, but it’s also perfect for this facial mask recipe because it’s got added herbs that are full of antioxidants and other nutrients (grapeseed extract, amla extract, jasmine, burdock root, dandelion, irish  moss, alfalfa leaf, lemongrass and licorice root). I love the licorice root for brightening and reducing the look of red and brown spots.

Let it steep for about 60 seconds and then add a tablespoon of manuka honey. This is optional if you’re vegan or allergic to honey. I love PRI manuka honey in my tea, and it’s also perfect for hydrating skin and killing bacteria. This ingredient is perfect for acne-sufferers like myself.

Next, add a tablespoon of coconut oil (I’m using Spectrum organic coconut oil). I think everyone knows how great coconut oil is for all skin types. It helps with dry or oily skin, and doesn’t clog pores – especially if you use it as a rinse-off mask instead of a moisturizer. If your skin is over-producing sebum because you keep drying it out with acne medication, this will help! It’s also a natural bacteria killer.

Next, add a teaspoon of Vitamin E oil. I’m using a very concentrated version – Sundown Naturals Vitamin E Oil 70,000 IU. Because it’s so concentrated, it has major skin healing and moisturizing properties. But it’s also very sticky (like honey), so dissolving it in your face mask will help it apply easily (I also use it as a spot treatment at night to heal acne spots). There’s no mineral oil or anything in the Sundown Naturals Vit E oil – just pure Vitamin E!

Finally, add a teaspoon of turmeric. I’m using Simply Organic Turmeric, which is organic (hence the name!) and very inexpensive. So, here’s the deal with turmeric – it’s a great antioxidant and is really great at reducing inflammation (which is a major issue for those with acne). BUT – it will stain! You want to be careful not to get it on any clothing or nice towels. And it will stain your face unless you follow the mask with a good face wash or scrub. It’s so good for your skin, but if you have to go somewhere right after your mask, you might want to save it for cooking instead!

When you’re done mixing all the ingredients, let it cool for an hour or two. Don’t put it in the fridge, or it could harden up and then you’d need to heat it up again. It’s not going to be pretty, but your skin will thank you for it! You may have to add more of the thicker ingredients (honey, coconut oil, Vit E oil) if it’s too watery. Mine came out as a sort of watery paste that I was able to apply with my fingertips. I left mine on during my workout for about 45 minutes (mostly to test it for you guys – to make sure it wouldn’t stain my face and make me yellow forever!), but you only need to leave it on for 15 minutes or so. And voila! Happy skin face mask!

You can pick up all these products and mask ingredients at iHerb.com. As I mentioned before, I’ve been a customer for YEARS and I find that they pretty much always have what I’m looking for. They sell over 35,000 products, so I mean – if you need it, they most likely have it! Plus, they ship to over 160 countries. iHerb is also a Google trusted store and you can talk to customer service in 10 different languages. Pretty impressive! If you’re a new customer, click here to get $5 0ff your first order.

Smoothie Recipes and Tips

Smoothies are a delicious way to consume lots of fruits and veggies, and they’re the perfect way to start your day.

 Check out this video for awesome tips on how to get the most out of your smoothies - plus three recipe ideas for inspiration!

Mentioned Products:

Organic Hemp Seeds

Organic White Chia Seeds 

Organic Hemp Seed Oil 

Chloroxygen 

Sunwarrior Vanilla Protein Powder 

Other smoothie add-ins:

Sprouted Almond Butter

Klamath Lake Blue Green Algae

Health Benefits of Aloe Vera

The aloe vera plant is considered to be a miracle plant because of its numerous curative and healing benefits. Aloe vera leaves are filled with a gel containing vitamins like A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, C and E, and folic acid.

Minerals found in aloe vera juice are copper, iron, sodium, calcium, zinc, potassium, chromium, magnesium and manganese. All these nutrients have tremendous health benefits.

Health experts regard aloe vera as nature’s most impressive and versatile herb. This herb is safe to use externally and internally. People across the globe use this herb for treating various health conditions from minor burns to cancer.

Here are the  health benefits of aloe vera.

1. Immune Booster

Aloe vera is full of antioxidants, which are natural immune enhancers that help combat free radicals in the body. Free radicals are unstable compounds that are bad for your health and contribute to the aging process.

Drinking aloe vera juice regularly gives the body a regular supply of antioxidants, which can boost and enhance the immune system.

2. Enhances Skin Health

Aloe vera is one of the natural herbs commonly used in skin care products. It soothes the skin, hydrates it, nourishes it and accelerates the regeneration of new skin tissue. By applying fresh aloe vera gel on your face, you can enjoy well moisturized, glowing and flawless skin.

In addition, aloe vera can be used to treat sunburned skin, blisters, insect bites, allergic reactions, minor burns, inflammations and more. Even people who have sensitive skin can use aloe vera without any problem.

3. Regulates Weight and Energy Level

Drinking aloe vera juice aids in natural cleansing of the digestive system. There are many food substances that can cause fatigue and exhaustion, which you can combat by drinking aloe vera juice.

When consumed regularly, aloe vera juice will also help increase your energy level and help you maintain a healthy body weight.

4. Cures Gum Disease

Aloe vera is extremely helpful for your mouth and gums due to its natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. It also contains vitamins and minerals that promote cell growth and healing of bleeding gums and mouth ulcers.

When suffering from gum disease, just massage your gums with fresh aloe vera gel. You can also sprinkle some aloe vera powder on your toothbrush before brushing and within a few minutes your mouth will feel much better. Drinking aloe vera juice regularly also helps promote strong and healthy teeth.

5. Ends Constipation

Aloe vera juice has natural fiber that aids digestion and improves bowel movements. Being a natural laxative, aloe vera juice can also be used to treat constipation.

When constipated, drink two ounces of aloe vera juice daily. Remember that after taking aloe vera, it takes about 10 hours to get positive results.

6. Halts Inflammation

Aloe vera can be used externally to ease inflammation of joints and reduce arthritis pain. You can also drink aloe vera juice to reduce inflammation throughout the body. People who drink aloe vera juice for two weeks typically begin to experience a significant reduction of inflammation and pain symptoms.

Aloe vera is also considered an excellent home remedy for mild to moderate ulcerative colitis because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

7. Treats Acne

Aloe vera gel is used in a number of different skin care products to treat a wide variety of skin problems including acne.

Acne is a very common problem in which the sebaceous glands become more active and produce more oil. The oil combines with dead skin, dirt and bacteria to block the skin pores, causing inflammation and leading to acne.

The anti-inflammatory properties present in aloe vera help get rid of acne and pimples when the gel is applied on the affected skin twice daily. You can also use aloe vera skin care products to treat the scars and redness associated with acne.

8. Makes Hair Smooth and Shiny

Aloe vera has both emollient and moisturizing properties, which help make your hair smooth and shiny.  It even helps maintain the pH balance of the hair.

Plus, its rich nutritional profile promotes hair growth. It even prevents breakage, reduces scalp itching, and treats dandruff.

1. Cut 2 aloe vera leaves and extract the gel with a spoon or scooper.
2. Add the juice of half a lemon and blend the ingredients in a blender.
3. Apply this mask on damp hair using your fingers, starting from scalp till the hair ends.
4. Wrap your hair in a warm towel for 15 – 20 minutes.
5. Finally, wash your hair with lukewarm water and a mild shampoo.
6. Use this hair mask once a week or every fortnight.

9. Stabilizes Blood Sugar Level

Aloe vera juice can lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes by stabilizing blood sugar level and reducing triglycerides. For best results, drink aloe vera juice regularly for three months to see a significant drop in fasting blood sugar levels.

Also, aloe vera supplements can help treat peripheral neuropathy (hands and feet going numb) associated with diabetes.

10. Lowers High Cholesterol

Some studies suggest that aloe vera gel can lower high cholesterol levels. When taken internally, the gel improves the quality of the blood and also lowers high cholesterol.

A study published in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology suggests that regular intake of this magic potion can help lower liver production of cholesterol by about 30 percent. Consult your doctor for the proper dosage of aloe vera supplements to take for your specific cholesterol condition.

To conclude, due to the medicinal potential of aloe vera, it is essential to have this herb in your kitchen garden. This wonderful herb will help you solve many health problems at home without the need to go to the doctor’s office.

You can find Aloe Vera products at IHERB.COM