Candy and Halloween go hand and hand but that doesn’t mean it’s healthy.
Halloween is a fun and festive holiday for many families nationwide. Like most holidays, Halloween usually means some well-deserved indulgence. However, candy overload can leave us feeling groggy, bloated, and dehydrated. Here are some simple, natural tips for feeling your best after this sugar-filled holiday.
Trade in Milky Ways for Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is a member of the ragweed family. Named after the white veins on its prickly leaves, milk thistle is known for its antioxidant properties. It is also the favorite snack of Eeyore from the Hundred Acre Wood. Many people use milk thistle to aid liver detox, insulin resistance, and to lower LDL cholesterol. Research shows milk thistle can be beneficial for people suffering from diabetes and liver disease. However, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of this flowering herb also make it a great remedy for indigestion. Milk thistle can be taken as a capsule supplement or as a tincture to speed up your sugar detoxification process.
Spice Up Your Life
Turmeric is the powerful spice that gives curry its orange color. The main active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. Curcumin is a powerful anti-inflammatory and a strong antioxidant. Turmeric and curcumin have been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years as a digestion aid, liver detox, and pain reliever. You can add turmeric powder to any of the normal foods you cook or take it as a capsule.
Eat Your Greens to Reduce Sugar
Artichokes are a superfood in almost every sense of the word. They are very high in antioxidants and fiber, both of which play a crucial role in healthy digestion. In fact, artichokes have the highest fiber content of any vegetable, and more than many grains. Cynarin, a phytonutrient found in artichokes helps reduce bloating. Inulin, the biggest source of fiber in artichokes, is a prebiotic. Prebiotics help increase the number of probiotics in your stomach, which are very important for a healthy digestive system.
There’s a Tea for That
Burdock root, known in the scientific community as Arctium lappa has been used for centuries as a diuretic and digestive aid. The root contains powerful antioxidants and was traditionally known as a blood purifier. In addition to thinning blood, burdock root can increase urine production, further aiding in the detoxification process. Use burdock root tea in moderation to help recover from your sugar overload.
Back to Basics
The easiest and most important thing you can do to combat sugar overload is to drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps ensure your body’s natural detoxification processes are working as smoothly and quickly as possible.
For more information on individualized treatment plans and healthy lifestyle solutions, book an appointment to see Dr. Brody at the Personalized Natural Medicine Clinic in Newtown, CT.