Gut Health Blog

April 17, 2024

Is AG1 Supplement Good for You?

Hi Everyone,

I am often asked, “Is AG1 supplement good for you?” And I have to say no! When I first saw it (I like to keep up to date with new products so I ordered a packet for myself) I was horrified by the ingredients. I was so horrified that I returned the product. Let me explain so you can learn how to spot problematic ingredients too.

What is AG1?

AG1 is a multivitamin and herbal powder formula that you mix with water to make a healthy drink. It is heavily endorsed by doctors and celebrities and marketed with phrases such as ‘Promotes Gut Health,’ ‘Supports Immunity,’ and ‘Helps Recovery.’

But the extensive list of ingredients doesn’t stack up to be as healthy as it makes out.

Are Supplements Safe?

Is AG1 Good or Bad for You?

The Risks of Taking AG1

Why the AG1 Ingredient Soy Lecithin Has Health Risks

How is Soy Lecithin Produced?

Is Inulin, Another AG1 Ingredient, Safe?

 

Are Supplements Safe?

Firstly, everyone needs to know that supplements are not FDA-approved (Food and Drug Administration). Supplement manufacturers are responsible for their products’ safety but do not need to prove their safety.

Nor do they need to prove the effectiveness of the supplements.

A supplement manufacturer may do business with another manufacturer who may verify the safety of their ingredients before they use them. But the other manufacturer does not have to prove the safety of their ingredients, either.

The Food and Drug Administration provides no safety certification for supplement formulas – or their ingredients, including

additives. Additives have never been rigorously tested.

For reassurance, I always advise using a trusted brand, like Minami or Solgar who extensively research their ingredients and products. You can see more brands I love and trust on my Yalda Loves page. However, no matter how good a supplement is, it cannot replace a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Also, please ask yourself what you want from your supplement. For instance, you can easily reach your weight loss goals, manage depression, ease pain, optimize energy levels, and discover glowing skin by following the EBS anti-inflammatory lifestyle! The effects are incredible, and they keep on coming!

What Do Supplements Contain?

Many popular supplements contain unnecessary excipients, fillers, stabilizers, bulking agents, and preservatives. A supplement company can get away with using cheap additives because they don’t have to comply with any food and drug laws. This lack of regulation and use of cheap filler ingredients is partly why supplement manufacturing is a billion-dollar industry!

It is essential to know what to look for in a good quality supplement and to spot cheap, unnecessary ingredients. I urge you not to be swayed by endorsements from doctors or celebrities or to buy things online without understanding the ingredients.

 

Is AG1 Good For You?

AG1 has been around for a while, is recommended by doctors, and has famous people as investors. So, there’s a lot to ‘trust’ about the brand. Endorsed by Dr. Chatterjee, Dr. Mark Hyman, Huberman Lab, and Dr. David Sinclair, it is not a surprise that their revenue numbers are apparently through the roof. Doctors are telling you that it is good for you.

AG1 was founded in 2010 and was originally called Athletic Greens. It is a blend of 75 vitamins, minerals, superfoods, probiotics, and adaptogens, with no GMOs, herbicides, pesticides, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. According to their website, AG1 is made from the highest quality ingredients under the strictest standards – but bear in mind that there are no strict standards in place by the FDA.

 

The Risks of Taking AG1

Supplements are huge money-makers, and the manufacturers don’t need to prove their safety.

Even when taking supplements from ‘reputable’ brands, it’s always wise to ensure that you go over the ingredients with your nutritionist or healthcare provider. This minimizes the risk of :

  • Contraindications with medications or other supplements.
  • Accidentally taking too much of a vitamin or mineral.
  • Sensitivities to ingredients that are not classed as dangerous to health.

AG1 is full of active ingredients beneficial to health such as B vitamins, zinc, and vitamin C. However, this high amount of active ingredients may be difficult for some people to digest and assimilate. And many of the herbals have well-recognized potential risks. For example, too much licorice can lead to hypokalemia and hypertension and some people are more sensitive to licorice exposure (Kwon et al., 2020). There is no caution about this on their website, by the way.

The most significant problem I noticed within seconds of looking at the ingredients is soy lecithin.

Soy lecithin harms the gut microbiome (Miclotte et al, 2020) and may trigger gut dysbiosis. It is NOT good for gut health, the immune system, or aiding recovery. It does the complete opposite.

Why the AG1 Ingredient Soy Lecithin Has Health Risks

Soy lecithin is added to products as an emulsifier, not for health benefits. You could argue that AG1 is using it for this reason and the good ingredients will outweigh any harmful effects. But, soy lecithin is the second largest ingredient in the supplement!

Research is ongoing into the impact of emulsifiers like soy lecithin on health, but so far we know that:

  • Higher levels of soy lecithin encourage Enterococcus and Clostridium bacteria in the microbiota. These are pathogenic and lead to disease.
  • Soy lecithin is associated with a decline in the diversity of the gut microbiome (Miclotte et al, 2020).
  • By disrupting the microbiome, emulsifiers contribute to a pro-inflammatory state and the development of Metabolic Syndrome (Miclotte et al, 2020).

Disruption of the gut microbiome leads to a dysregulated immune system, which leads to chronic inflammation.  This manifests in different ways for each individual and can show up as alopecia, candida & H-pylori, depression, IBS, bloating, migraines, obesity, Metabolic Syndrome, skin inflammation – the list goes on!

So, if you have an inflammatory condition and you regularly take a supplement containing a large amount of soy lecithin, you could be making your condition worse.

A footnote at the end of the label states: This product contains a premium lecithin for phosphatidyl serine and phosphatidylcholine. The metabolism of phosphatidylcholine from soy lecithin in the gut microbiota has been linked to cardiovascular disease, as discussed in studies (Wang et al., 2011, Tang & Hazen, 2014).

How is Soy Lecithin Produced?

To make soy lecithin you must first extract soybean oil from raw soybeans using an industrial solvent. The oil then goes through a process called degumming. This involves mixing water with the oil until the lecithin separates from it. After that, the lecithin is then dried and often bleached. The DNA in soy lecithin is degraded during this process, so it is impossible to tell whether it is GMO or not. Also, I am not sure what AG1 means by premium soy lecithin.

Is Inulin, Another AG1 Ingredient, Safe?

The other AG1 ingredient linked to health issues is inulin, the fourth ingredient listed.

Inulin is a prebiotic fiber that can alter your microbiota. In some instances this can be helpful but if your microbiome is already out of balance there is the risk of feeding the harmful microbes.

Animal studies show that inulin disturbs systemic cholesterol and bile acid metabolism and may have detrimental effects on liver function. (Pauly et al., 2020).  And be careful if you have digestive problems as inulin can cause bloating, excess wind, cramps, and diarrhea (WebMD).

Again, many articles state the health properties of inulin. It is important to run through ingredients with your nutritionist (or contact us if you are a member) to make sure they are right for you and your specific health needs.

Reading one of AG1’s clever marketing statements “AG1 empowers the gut for whole body health” I’m afraid I have to disagree. Soy lecithin disempowers your gut, increasing the risk of disease. But I do agree with their statement: We can’t achieve a healthier everything else without a healthy gut.

 

Beware of Marketing Words!

They could cost you your health.

The key takeaways here are:

  • The FDA does not regulate supplement companies and their products.
  • Marketing slogans exist purely to make you buy the product.
  • Always read the ingredients list on any supplement carefully and speak to your healthcare practitioner (or us, if you are an EBS Member) before taking them.
  • Taking supplements – even those endorsed by doctors and famous people – may leave your body susceptible to disease if they contain potentially harmful ingredients.

If you haven’t heard my podcasts or the recent Instagram Live with Dr. Dawn Sherling about the dangers of food additives, check them out.

AG1 or Eat Burn Sleep – Which is the Best Investment For Your Health?

Consider how much it will cost you to make you unhealthy in the long run:

  • AG1’s ‘BEST VALUE’ package is for two people at £2,328.00 ($2,796.70) a year.
  • For a single subscription (at the time of writing, there was an offer of £79 per month), which is £948.00 (approx.$1,140) a year for a ‘health’ supplement!
  • Our Premium EBS Membership, which gives you access to everything you need to support your health, is only £250 a year, without health risks and long-term positive effects.

 

Knowing what is good for you and how your body works is the best way to take care of yourself. And the EBS platform enables you to do exactly that.

A year’s subscription to Eat Burn Sleep gives you the knowledge and tools you need. It is the equivalent of having a personal nutritionist and a year’s gym sessions with unique exercises not found anywhere else. You can access Movement videos, guided Meditations, meal plans, food lists, and an ever-expanding anti-inflammatory cookbook with recipes from around the world, like Catalan Roasted Vegetables, Chicken Marbella, and Moroccan Burgers.

EBS is family-friendly and world-friendly. Our members are getting happier and healthier, changing their tastebuds and optimizing their microbiome. They are living a better life as the days and years go by.

This is what Dr Sara Fernandez, MD, has to say…

“I am really impressed with the quality of your work and couldn’t agree more with your principles. Your ability to formulate a lifestyle strategy around improving health is outstanding.

EBS is an excellent professional platform sustained with thorough research and scientific information. You not only cover research for anti-inflammatory nutrition but for all medical conditions. This demonstrates how what we eat contributes to their regression or progression as chronic illness.”

 

Do take care. Your health is precious. Have a great day!

 

Yalda Alaoui is an expert Naturopathic Nutritionist (with a foundation in Biomedicine) who studied with the College of Naturopathic Medicine in London.
She has spent over a decade performing groundbreaking research into chronic inflammation and gut health.

 

PinterestFacebookTwitterCopy Link

Author

Eat. Burn. Subscribe.

Join the Eat Burn Sleep email newsletter and be the first to hear about new tips, and recipes!

Continue Reading

Is Stress Always Bad For Your Health?

The Irritable Bowel Syndrome Self-Care Diet

Can Diet Help Relieve Hay Fever?

April 14, 2024

Is Stress Always Bad For Your Health?

When you hear the word “stress” do you think it’s good or bad? I believe most people think of stress as bad. And this makes sense, given that we talk about feeling stressed when we’re tense, angry, and frustrated. But what a lot of people don’t know is that there are different types of stress. So, is stress always bad for your health or are there some benefits?

Good Stress Vs. Bad Stress

It was Dr Hans Selye who first identified the negative effects of bad stress on the body. He identified 3 distinct stages of stress (Tan and Yip, 2018):

1. The alarm stage: Your initial response to a stressful situation.

2. Resistance phase: Your body attempts to adapt to being under stress by maintaining elevated levels of stress hormones.

3. Exhaustion: You exceed your capacity to cope with the stress and reach burnout.

Many of the clients I see for executive nutrition coaching are in the resistance phase or the exhaustion phase. They have been under a great deal of negative stress for a long time and simply don’t have the resources to keep going anymore.

However, at the other end of the scale is eustress or good stress. This is the kind of short-term stress that provides a sense of achievement, growth, or fulfillment.

Eustress is the buzz you get when you achieve something significant and challenging like completing a new work project or mastering a new skill. Regular bouts of positive stress keep you alert, motivated, and interested in life.

woman at top of mountain

Stress, Immunity, and Inflammation

Stress hormones like cortisol interact with your immune system and inflammatory processes.

In the short term, positive stress can help to keep your immune system working efficiently. The “fight or flight” response that kicks in when we encounter stress is designed to help us survive. Small amounts of short-term stress prime the immune response and help you fight invading pathogens effectively (Dhabhar, 2014). And the little bit of oxidative stress that occurs during this response is dealt with before it causes too much inflammatory damage.

Problems arise when stress becomes negative and long-lasting. Scientists estimate that 75-90% of human diseases are linked to stress, with stress-induced inflammation being the root cause of many of these conditions (Liu, 2017).

Chronic stress can increase your risk of:

 

What Turns Good Stress Into Bad Stress?

We all respond to stress differently and have a unique capacity to cope. What feels like negative stress for one person may be a positive thrill for another, and vice versa.

In general, though, good stress starts to become harmful when it is prolonged and you don’t give yourself the right resources to cope with it. The resources we need to manage long-term stress are rest, good quality sleep, regular daily movement, relaxation, and of course, the right kinds of foods.

woman doing exercise

How to Stop Bad Stress From Ruining Your Health

If you’re dealing with ongoing stress, it is important to pay attention to these resources.

Here on the EBS platform, we have all the resources you need to prevent the negative effects of stress:

  • Movement videos help you stay fit, strong, and active without intensely stressing your body.
  • Guided meditations to help you relax, rest, and get a good night’s sleep.
  • Health Masterclasses that offer support for specific conditions.
  • Videos explaining key health concepts and nutrition trends.
  • Meal plans, food lists, and recipes are designed to nourish your energy levels, mental well-being, hormone health, and resilience to stress.

woman preparing a meal in the kitchen

Following a holistic anti-inflammatory lifestyle like the Eat Burn Sleep approach is the best option for building resilience to stress. Our members see fantastic results with their health and feel empowered by the wealth of information available on the platform.

This is what EBS Member Mahget has to say:

I follow your EBS platform, and if anyone is undecided, jump in.

Just do it.

I read all labels now, and when you think something is too good to be true, it usually is, especially when the ingredients list ends with emulsifiers, gums, and all the things that cause inflammation. We tend to trust people in white coats or athletes, but clearly, they are being paid to support something that is not good for us.

The Eat Burn Sleep platform educates us on what is good and what is not.

Thank you, Yalda, your EBS approach is spot on.

 

Don’t let the negative effects of bad stress destroy your health. Explore our membership options here and discover how to create the diet and lifestyle you need to stay strong and resilient.

Find out more about the benefits of the EBS lifestyle approach in these podcast episodes and articles:

Podcast – Using Sounds to Calm Your Mind

Podcast – Unstressable

Depression, Anxiety, and Gut Health

Does Cortisol Cause Weight Gain?

 

With love,

Yalda x

 

 

PinterestFacebookTwitterCopy Link

Author

Eat. Burn. Subscribe.

Join the Eat Burn Sleep email newsletter and be the first to hear about new tips, and recipes!

Continue Reading

Is AG1 Supplement Good for You?

The Irritable Bowel Syndrome Self-Care Diet

Can Diet Help Relieve Hay Fever?

April 07, 2024

The Irritable Bowel Syndrome Self-Care Diet

Are you one of the millions of people who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome? This common condition affects 5-10% of the world’s population, with women more commonly affected than men. There’s a vast amount of diet advice on the internet for IBS sufferers, but unfortunately, a lot of it is not backed by scientific evidence. So, what is the best Irritable Bowel Syndrome self-care diet? Let’s find out.

 

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is the name of a group of symptoms that affect your small and large intestines (also called the colon).

The symptoms are:

  • Pain
  • Bloating
  • Alternating constipation and diarrhea
  • Excess gas
  • Noisy, rumbling sounds and sensations (borborygmus)

There are 3 different categories of IBS according to what type of bowel movements you experience when your symptoms flare up.

  1. IBS-D is characterized by predominantly soft, watery stools and diarrhea.
  2. IBS-C causes constipation and dry stools that are harder to pass.
  3. IBS-M is a mixture of both constipation and diarrhea.

What Causes IBS?

Most IBS sufferers have a combination of triggers for their symptoms. These range from stress, processed food, and poor sleep to anxiety, food intolerances, and pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS). Some people develop IBS after a bout of food poisoning or a gut infection.

There is, however, one clear connection between these triggers: They all affect the balance and diversity of the gut microbiome.

The billions of different microbes that make up your gut microbiome are responsible for digestive health, bowel regularity, immune health, managing inflammation, and supporting mental well-being.

Your gut hosts around 70% of your immune cells and produces 60% of your neurotransmitters. These gut bugs are critical to health! When they are disrupted, they can trigger inflammation and unpleasant IBS symptoms (Menees et al, 2018).

 

What Else Might be Causing These Symptoms?

The symptoms of IBS are similar to many other bowel conditions and it’s important to have these issues ruled out by your doctor:

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

Diverticulitis.

Celiac Disease.

Bowel and ovarian cancer.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

Parasite infection.

 

Why is an Anti-Inflammatory Diet Important for IBS?

Although IBS isn’t classed as an inflammatory bowel disorder, research shows that low-grade inflammation is involved in the development and progression of the condition (Ng et al, 2018).

So, where does this inflammation come from? As I mentioned before, your gut microbiome plays a key role in regulating inflammation in the digestive system and throughout your body.

When the gut microbes are disturbed by stress, infection, poor diet, chronic lack of sleep – or any other triggers associated with IBS – inflammation occurs. Because of this, the best diet for IBS is one that:

  • Reduces inflammation.
  • Contains the nutrients you need to manage stress and optimize mental well-being.
  • Supports a healthy, balanced gut microbiome.

woman standing eating salad

The Best Irritable Bowel Syndrome Self-Care Diet

If you are overwhelmed by nutrition advice for IBS and gut health, I urge you to start with our Eat Burn Sleep program. The Eat Burn Sleep anti-inflammatory lifestyle is the best safe, natural, long-term, 360-degree treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

The program includes extensive food lists, meal plans, and recipes based on anti-inflammatory foods. These foods support healthy gut function and help you build resilience to stress.

Our Movement videos help you stay active and strong without causing additional stress to your body. After all, stress is a major trigger for IBS, and exercising too intensely can be unhelpful.

And if anxiety and poor sleep are worsening your IBS, our Meditation Guides are perfectly suited to support relaxation and restful, restorative sleep. Your gut does a lot of ‘housekeeping’ work while you sleep and proper rest is vital for managing IBS.

 

Still unsure whether EBS can help? This is what EBS member Pina says about our program…

The IBS and Digestive Issues Masterclass was amazing. Great information on what to avoid during flare-ups. The sugar and fiber were an eye-opener for me. This is why I always renew my membership!

And Naouel no longer has stomach aches and bloating:

I used to have stomach aches after each meal and I no longer have these. I lost 16kg in one year with no feeling of being hungry or frustrated and I have no more bloating. I move, work, socialize, and face problems with no effect on my health whatsoever.

I have not taken painkillers or pills since I have been following the EBS lifestyle. An amazing life change!

 

If you’d love to have results like these, check out what’s on offer in our membership options here and say goodbye to IBS for good.

You might also enjoy these videos and articles

Exploring Inflammation and Gut Health

Inflammatory Dairy Products: A Guide to Safe Consumption

What is Gut Health?

Depression, Anxiety, and Gut Health

 

Wishing you well,

Yalda x

 

 

 

PinterestFacebookTwitterCopy Link

Author

Eat. Burn. Subscribe.

Join the Eat Burn Sleep email newsletter and be the first to hear about new tips, and recipes!

Continue Reading

Is AG1 Supplement Good for You?

Is Stress Always Bad For Your Health?

Can Diet Help Relieve Hay Fever?

March 24, 2024

Can Diet Help Relieve Hay Fever?

Spring is here which means seasonal allergies are too! Tree, grass, and weed pollen make life miserable for millions of hay fever sufferers every year, causing sneezing fits, sore throats, and stuffy noses. Antihistamine drugs may help but often have side effects like drowsiness. But what about food? Can diet help relieve hay fever?

 

What Is Hay Fever?

Hay fever, or seasonal allergic rhinitis as it is officially known, occurs when your immune system reacts to pollen from grasses, trees, flowers, and weeds.

The pollen irritates the lining of your nose, eyes, and throat, causing immune cells to release histamine and other inflammatory chemicals. This leads to itching, swelling, and irritation.

Typical hay fever symptoms include:

    • Sore throat.
    • Tickly cough.
    • Runny or blocked, stuffy nose.
    • Itchy, watery eyes.
    • Sneezing.
    • Headache.
    • Mucous in your throat.

 

When Is Hay Fever Season?

Hay fever season starts in late Winter / early Spring when the tree pollens appear. This is soon followed by grasses in late Spring and early Summer and weed pollen in Fall. Spring and Fall are often peak seasons for seasonal allergic rhinitis, although pollen levels vary according to your location and climate.

 

Who Is Prone to Hay Fever?

Anyone of any age can suffer from hay fever. Some people grow out of their childhood hay fever and no longer experience any symptoms as an adult. Others develop it for the first time in their twenties or thirties, or even later. Many women start with seasonal allergic rhinitis and other allergies during menopause when hormone changes affect immune and gut health.

 

How Long Does Hay Fever Last?

This varies from person to person. If you are only sensitive to one type of pollen, your symptoms will subside when that pollen level drops. If you are sensitive to several types of pollen your symptoms can potentially last from late Winter through to Fall.

 

Why Is My Hay Fever So Bad All of a Sudden?

There are several reasons why seasonal allergies can suddenly get worse.

Stress has a major impact on immune health. If you are under a lot of stress, your immune system may not work as effectively.

Illness and infection can affect the membranes lining your nose and throat and leave you more sensitive to pollen.

Location change. If you’ve moved to a different city or even a different part of the same city, the pollen levels may be higher than where you lived before.

Air pollution from traffic fumes can make hay fever worse for some sufferers.

Weather patterns affect pollen levels. A mild winter followed by a cool spring and a sudden burst of warmth in early summer can trigger a pollen burst that can worsen symptoms.

 

Can Diet Help Relieve Hay Fever?

Yes! Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle can be hugely beneficial for managing seasonal allergic rhinitis. The clue here is in the name of the condition. The word “rhinitis” translates as “inflammation of the nose,” meaning the membranes lining the nose are inflamed.

The Eat Burn Sleep anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle program minimises inflammation by supporting gut and immune health. These two systems are intrinsically linked because so much of your immune system resides in the gut.

Alongside these immune cells, your gut microbiome is also hard at work supporting immunity. It helps to regulate immune responses and inflammation and communicates with other microbiomes in the body, such as the oral and nasal microbiomes.

Research shows that people with allergic rhinitis have an altered microbiome in the nasal passages which may be associated with inflammation (Chen et al, 2022). As we can’t micromanage individual bacteria within a microbiome, it’s important to create the right environment for beneficial species to thrive. Following an anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle is the ideal way to do this. I suggest the 6-Week Reset as the place to start – it has all the meal plans, food lists, and guidance you need to begin your anti-inflammatory journey.

 

Here’s what EBS Member Eleonora has to say about the program:

I’m in the sixth week of the Six Week Reset and I cannot thank Yalda enough for the EBS lifestyle. During the last two years, I’ve struggled a lot with various issues like bloating, being overweight, psoriasis, thyroid malfunction, and acne, but now I’ve found the lifestyle that is the answer to all my problems.

I finally started losing weight, changing my body composition, feeling energetic all day long, less bloated, fewer cravings in my PMS phase, and still counting the benefits!

This lifestyle completely switched my body and my mind, and I cannot live without all the specialized advice I can find on the EBS platform anymore. Again, thanks Yalda for your great work!

Want to know more about Eat Burn Sleep? You can take a sneak peek around the platform here and check out our membership options here.

 

And you might also like to read:

The Anti-inflammatory Diet and Lifestyle

Does Sleep Help With Inflammation?

What is Gut Health?

 

Here’s to a happy and healthy hay fever season,

Yalda x

PinterestFacebookTwitterCopy Link

Author

Eat. Burn. Subscribe.

Join the Eat Burn Sleep email newsletter and be the first to hear about new tips, and recipes!

Continue Reading

Is AG1 Supplement Good for You?

Is Stress Always Bad For Your Health?

The Irritable Bowel Syndrome Self-Care Diet

March 17, 2024

Habit Stacking – The Key to Making Your Health Habits Last

Have you heard of habit stacking? It’s a way of making positive changes to your life by adding a new habit to one that is already established. But is there any evidence behind this technique? And how do you get started?

 

What Are the Benefits of Habit Stacking?

Habit stacking is a popular method for supporting sustainable behavior change. The author S.J. Scott is credited with coining the term for his 2014 book Habit Stacking: 97 Small Life Changes That Take Five Minutes or Less. It is now recommended by health professionals all over the world, including the American Heart Association and the American Institute for Cancer Research.

The habit stacking technique helps you embed new healthy habits into your daily routine in a manageable, sustainable way.

Making changes to your diet and lifestyle isn’t always easy! Many people give up because they try to change too many things at once. This can feel overwhelming, especially if you already have a lot of demands on your time. It’s far easier to add one new habit at a time and attach it to something that is already part of your routine.

 

How Do I Start?

First, make a list of all the changes you would like to make in your diet and lifestyle. Get everything down on paper – big ideas, small ideas –  then highlight the ones that are most realistic for you right now.

For example, you might want to run a marathon but realistically, you don’t have enough time for long training runs. However, you could fit in three shorter runs each week, so you could add that to your list.

Once you have your ideas organized, decide which one is your top priority. This is the first one to stack.

There are 3 ways to habit stack.

  1. Pairing is when you add a new habit to a fun activity you already do. For example, if you plan to meditate more often, you could listen to a guided meditation while enjoying your morning coffee.
  2. Make a chain: Link your new habit to something you repeatedly do. Want to drink more water every day? Keep a small glass by your kitchen sink and top yourself up every time you wash your hands during the day.
  3. Sequence: Add your new habit to an established sequence of events. Think about the small routines you have every day, such as having a shower, cleaning your teeth, and getting dressed. Or coming home from work, getting changed, and having a snack.

 

Add your new habit into one of these routines. For example, if you have a new vitamin pill, keep the bottle next to your toothbrush and take it when you clean your teeth. Need to add a stretch routine into your day? Keep your yoga mat by your after-work clothes and do the stretches before having a snack.

person pouring a glass of water for a new habit

What is the Evidence for Habit Stacking?

Scientists have known for decades about the benefits of habit formation for promoting health changes (Gardner et al, 2012). Making small, consistent changes that are linked to other external cues (i.e. other habits or behaviors) enables your brain to quickly form new connections in the areas associated with learning and behavior.

This plays out in the research too. One study compared a control group with participants who were given simple diet and activity suggestions for weight loss. The group with the new habit suggestions lost an average of 2kg over 8 weeks compared to 0.4kg in the control group (Lally et al, 2008).

 

Habit Stacking and the Eat Burn Sleep Lifestyle

The Eat Burn Sleep approach is perfect for habit stacking. Each part of the program comes with meal plans and food lists, plus recipes, guided meditations, movement videos, and health Masterclasses.

It is designed with busy people in mind as I know only too well what it’s like to juggle work, family, and health issues. Too often our health is the thing that suffers and I don’t want that to happen to you.

cup of herbal tea and a napkin that says build good habits

Here are some of the incredible, life-changing results our Eat Burn Sleep members enjoy…

“I have been following the EBS lifestyle and wanted to thank you for all your work in creating this program – it has been life-changing for me.

I have ulcerative colitis, and I have never gone this long without a flare-up. I also travelled to America at the end of last month and for the first time in 5 months managed to travel without any bleeding.

My other half has been following along with me and he has lost almost 2 stone in under 7 weeks.

I can’t believe the improvements in my energy, sleep, and skin.”

Claire

 

Start making your healthy habit ideas a reality today. Check out our membership options here and begin your journey to optimum health.

 

You might also like to tune into these podcast episodes:

Mindset Tips for Long-Term Health

Finding Self Love

And enjoy these articles:

Financial Wellness with The Dura Society

A Compilation of 5 Incredibly Nutritious Healthy Food items

 

Happy habit stacking!

Yalda x

 

PinterestFacebookTwitterCopy Link

Author

Eat. Burn. Subscribe.

Join the Eat Burn Sleep email newsletter and be the first to hear about new tips, and recipes!

Continue Reading

Is AG1 Supplement Good for You?

Is Stress Always Bad For Your Health?

The Irritable Bowel Syndrome Self-Care Diet

March 10, 2024

How Does Sleep Help With Inflammation?

Are you sleeping well? This is a question I ask my executive coaching clients, and the answer is frequently no! Modern life is full of things that disrupt sleep. Eating ultra-processed foods, scrolling social media, late-night Netflix, lack of exercise –  it’s little wonder that people are struggling to sleep. And yet sleep is critical to health especially if you are dealing with an inflammatory condition. So, how does sleep help with inflammation?

 

Sleep and Inflammation

Your body does a great deal of cellular repair work while you sleep. If you don’t get enough sleep, this healing work is compromised.

There are 4 stages of sleep in each sleep cycle, and we go through several cycles each night.

Stage 1 is the first stage of non-REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. It is a light sleep that lasts a few minutes as the body and brain start to relax and wind down.

Stage 2 is the next phase of non-REM sleep during which our core temperature drops, muscles relax, and heart rate and breathing slow down.

Stage 3 is deep non-REM sleep. This is the deep, restorative sleep that allows the body and mind to heal, repair, restore energy, and consolidate memories. This is the most important stage of sleep for optimum health and managing inflammation.

Stage 4 is REM sleep. Brain activity picks up and we may experience vivid dreams. REM sleep is thought to be essential for healthy brain function and processing information.

Studies show that sleep loss and disrupted sleep lead to raised levels of inflammatory mediators (Dzierzewski et al, 2020) which are linked to the development of chronic conditions and metabolic disorders like Type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease (Mullington et al, 2010).

In turn, the pain and discomfort of chronic inflammatory disorders can interrupt healthy sleep patterns, leading to a negative spiral of poor sleep and further inflammation.

Chronic low-grade inflammation is an underlying factor in so many conditions. From obesity and weight gain to depression, fertility problems, and thyroid issues, tackling inflammation is the secret to optimum health and vitality.

 

Sleep and Gut Health

At Eat Burn Sleep we recognise just how important gut health is for overall health and wellbeing. Your gut microbiome influences almost every aspect of disease and constantly communicates with your brain and immune system.

Messenger molecules produced by gut microbes help to regulate your sleep-wake cycle, the internal 24-hour clock that determines when you are asleep or awake. If the balance of microbes in the gut is disturbed – we call this microbiome dysregulation – it can interfere with healthy sleep patterns and promote a state of inflammation.

These microbes also produce some of the neurotransmitters that help you sleep. For example, over 90% of serotonin is produced in the gut and it is serotonin that converts to melatonin, the sleep hormone.

GABA (gamma amino butyric acid) is another important hormone. It has a calming effect in the central nervous system helping you wind down and relax. If the microbiome is out of balance, it struggles to produce enough of these vital neurotransmitters.

Nutrition and Sleep: An Anti-Inflammatory Approach

The evidence is clear: an anti-inflammatory diet that supports a healthy and diverse gut microbiome is vital for managing sleep problems.

The EBS program is acclaimed by healthcare professionals worldwide. Each stage of the program includes recipes, meal plans, exercise and movement videos, guided meditations, and access to health Masterclasses. We are a supportive community, here to help you eat well, sleep well, move well, and be well!

 

This is what some of our members have to say:

“It is an amazing platform that I joined in 2020! Well substantiated with research, it links a lot of illnesses to inflammation and has helped thousands of people to educate themselves and change their lifestyle, lose weight, and heal from various conditions!

I always go back to her recipes, medication advice, and personalized advice.

Her food lists are a great way to keep healthy. I love Yalda and EBS!”

Joanna

 

“The EBS platform has been like a mentor, coach, and friend.

Always by my side, whether it’s in my kitchen, on my exercise mat, during conversations with friends and family, or even during my walks. I smile every time I hear you say “Hello everyone” and know I’m in good hands.

I have more energy and motivation, I’m less bloated, and I notice my emotions are less affected by my hormones.

Your platform is easy to navigate and allows me to follow the lifestyle with relative ease.”

Kris

 

The EBS program is proven to relieve a huge range of health conditions and can help you enjoy the deep, restorative sleep you need.

Find out more about our membership options here. I recommend starting with the 6-Week Reset as the best way to begin your journey to better sleep, health, and vitality.

 

Enjoyed This Article? You Might Like:

Using Sounds to Calm Your Mind – on the Anti-Inflammatory Pioneer’s Podcast

Monday Motivation – Sleep Function and Tips video

Worst Foods for Gut Health

 

Sweet dreams,

Yalda x

PinterestFacebookTwitterCopy Link

Author

Eat. Burn. Subscribe.

Join the Eat Burn Sleep email newsletter and be the first to hear about new tips, and recipes!

Continue Reading

Is AG1 Supplement Good for You?

Is Stress Always Bad For Your Health?

The Irritable Bowel Syndrome Self-Care Diet

March 03, 2024

Endometriosis: Which Diet Is Best?

Are you one of the millions who suffer from the chronic inflammatory condition endometriosis? Do you struggle to know which diet is best?

The Office on Women’s Health estimates that 6.5 million American women aged 15-44 are affected by the condition. But with an average diagnosis period of 7 years, this figure is likely to be much higher.

There is currently no known cure for endometriosis and mainstream medical care focuses on hormonal contraceptives and surgical options. These methods fail to acknowledge the influence of food, movement, and lifestyle on hormone health. So, what is endometriosis, and which diet is best?

 

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition where cells similar to the ones lining the womb (endometrial cells) grow elsewhere. They can grow anywhere in the body including the lungs, brain, bowel, bladder, and digestive tract.

Each month these cells follow the same pattern as regular cells lining the womb. They grow, break down, and bleed. But unlike normal endometrial cells that leave the body via menstruation, the blood from these cells has nowhere to go. This can lead to the formation of painful cysts, scar tissue, and adhesions (tissue that binds organs together).

 

What causes endometriosis?

Doctors still do not know exactly what causes endometriosis but there are several theories:

Immune dysregulation: Immune cells fail to recognize and deal with the cells growing outside the womb.

Genetic predisposition: Endometriosis can run in families and there may be a genetic heritability factor to the condition (Nouri et al, 2010).

Retrograde menstruation: Menstrual blood may flow into other parts of the body and deposit womb cells.

woman holding a model of a uterus

Symptoms of endometriosis

The main symptom of endometriosis is pain which can be felt in the pelvic area, the groin, the lower abdomen, and the lower back.

Other symptoms include:

Dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps)

Heavy or irregular bleeding

Pain during sex

Gastrointestinal disturbances such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting

Pain when defecating

Frequent urination and/or pain during urination

 

The driving force behind these symptoms is chronic inflammation and excess amounts of estrogen, produced by the endometrial tissues (Bulan et al, 2019).
woman clutching her stomach

 

Dealing with “endo belly”

“Endo belly” is the tight, bloated abdomen endometriosis sufferers experience during their monthly cycle. It can be accompanied by pain, wind, or changes in bowel habits. The bloating may get worse just before a period when hormone levels peak.

The best way of dealing with endo belly and the many other symptoms of endometriosis is through food and lifestyle changes.

What you eat and how you live influences your hormone health every single day.  If you want to drive down excess estrogen and be free of inflammation you need to live more harmoniously with your hormones.

 

Which diet is best for endometriosis?

We believe the most effective approach for managing endometriosis is an anti-inflammatory diet that supports gut health and liver function.

This approach addresses the underlying causes of endometriosis:

Inflammation: Endometriosis is characterized by painful, inflammatory symptoms. A typical Western-style diet rich in ultra-processed foods and low in fiber and antioxidants will fuel this inflammation and make your symptoms worse.

Estrogen excess: Estrogen needs to be detoxified through the liver and excreted via the gut. The gut microbiota contains a special subset of bacteria called the estrobolome which is responsible for processing estrogen. If the estrobolome is disrupted it can recycle old estrogen back into circulation, adding to the overall hormone imbalance.

Jiang et al (2021) show that endometriosis is associated with gut microbiome disturbances which in turn lead to immune dysfunction and further inflammation. This two-way connection between endometriosis and the gut microbiome must be addressed with diet to help reduce inflammation and optimize microbial balance.

 

Why the EBS diet and lifestyle is best for endometriosis

At EBS we believe in a whole-body approach to managing endometriosis. Our programs encompass foods, movement, and meditation, to support health holistically.

The EBS platform is used and prescribed by healthcare professionals worldwide for endometriosis and other chronic inflammatory conditions. It treats inflammation at a systemic level, supports optimum hormone balance, and reduces pain where needed.

 

This is what some of our  EBS members with endometriosis have to say:

“Just finished Week One and I feel great already. The main reason I’m following the EBS lifestyle is suffering endometriosis. I lost 1kg on Week One and feel less bloated. Overall, I think mentally I feel better as well!!”

Niloofar

 

“I have some great news that I wanted to share with you. My endometrioma finally started to shred one year after the diagnosis, and after joining the EBS, it was stable, and I thought it was never going to shred.

In February 2022 it was down by 1.5cm, and now it is down by 2.5cm! I couldn’t believe my doctor! I thought that surgery was the only way to get rid of it!

I am so happy that I finally see the healing. The brain is incredible.

I believe reducing stress, body mobility, and whole foods are keys to sustainable health.”

Safae

 

Ready to be free from the pain and bloating of endometriosis? Join Eat Burn Sleep today and get started on your path to a pain-free life. Take a sneak peek around the platform here and check out our membership options here.

 

And you might also enjoy:

The Anti-inflammatory Diet and Lifestyle

Women’s Pelvic Floor Health – Podcast

Worst Foods for Gut Health

 

Wishing you well,

Yalda x

PinterestFacebookTwitterCopy Link

Author

Eat. Burn. Subscribe.

Join the Eat Burn Sleep email newsletter and be the first to hear about new tips, and recipes!

Continue Reading

Is AG1 Supplement Good for You?

Is Stress Always Bad For Your Health?

The Irritable Bowel Syndrome Self-Care Diet

February 25, 2024

Heart Health: Do You Have a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle?

Heart disease is the number one cause of death worldwide. Nearly 18.6 million people died from cardiovascular disease in 2019, yet most cases are preventable. Along with Type 2 Diabetes, cancer, and obesity, heart disease is one of a growing number of non-communicable diseases that can be prevented through diet and lifestyle changes.

Here at Eat Burn Sleep we firmly believe in the power of an anti-inflammatory lifestyle and the benefits it has for heart health. But do you have a heart-healthy lifestyle?

 

What is heart disease?

Heart disease or cardiovascular disease as it is better known is the collective name for conditions that affect the heart and circulatory system. Some of these conditions are congenital and people are born with them, while others can be triggered by diet, stress, and lifestyle.

Heart disease includes:

  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Coronary Artery Disease: This includes arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and atherosclerosis, where arteries are blocked by fatty deposits.
  • Cardiomyopathy – weakening of the heart muscle
  • Stroke
  • Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)
  • Angina
  • Heart failure

 

How do I know if I am at risk of heart disease?

Heart health research reveals 5 major risks for cardiovascular disease:

Chronic inflammation: We all need to have some level of inflammatory response to illness and injury as this is part of a normal and healthy immune reaction. However, chronic or systemic inflammation is harmful to health and linked with a wide range of conditions including heart disease.

Metabolic issues like obesity, insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and poor cholesterol balance (too much LDL cholesterol and not enough HDL cholesterol).

Smoking.

Lack of physical activity.

Diets that are low in fiber, good fats, fruits, and vegetables, and high in Ultra Processed Foods, refined sugar,  and unhealthy fats.

Genetic predispositions – remember though that genes can be “switched on” by lifestyle factors and inflammation.

 

Menopause and heart health

The risk of heart disease increases greatly after menopause when estrogen levels are much lower. This is because estrogen supports heart health in several ways (Ryczkowska et al, 2022):

  • Keeps blood vessels supple and flexible so they can respond to changes in blood pressure.
  • Regulates cholesterol levels.
  • Decreases the risk of blood clots.
  • Provides antioxidant protection against inflammation.
  • Supports energy production in heart muscle cells.

 

The earlier menopause occurs, the greater the risk of developing heart disease.  This is important for women who go through menopause before the age of 40 and for Black and Hispanic women as research shows they may reach menopause earlier than white, Japanese, and Chinese women (Harlow et al, 2022).

But no matter what your age or ethnicity, there is so much you can do with an anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle to mitigate this risk! To find out more see my Perimenopause and Menopause video where I explain in detail how the EBS approach can help manage the effects of menopause.

 

What is Heart-Healthy Living?

Heart-healthy living involves recognizing and understanding your risk of heart disease and taking positive steps to reduce this and improve your health and well-being.

The idea of heart-healthy living is built into everything we do at EBS. Tackling chronic inflammation with diet and lifestyle changes addresses several key risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Diet

The EBS Food Lists and meal plans are built around colorful, tasty, anti-inflammatory foods. They support gut health and a healthy immune response and address the nutritional imbalances that are at the root of metabolic issues like Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance – key risk factors for heart disease.

Specific fruits and vegetables are part of our Food Lists for two very important reasons. Firstly, they contain natural anti-inflammatory phytochemicals, and secondly, they are natural modulators of proinflammatory gene expression (Zhu et al, 2017). This means they can influence gene expression and literally “turn off” pro-inflammatory genes.

To help you incorporate these foods into your daily life we have meal plans and over 330+ recipes to choose from.

 

Physical activity

At EBS we believe movement is key to healthy longevity. We have a library of 180+ different anti-inflammatory movement videos designed to fit into even the most hectic of lifestyles. These videos help with healthy circulation, body composition, weight balance, physical strength, and mental resilience. Above all, they are the perfect antidote to a sedentary lifestyle!

And it’s not just food and movement. Mental well-being and stress management are crucial for managing inflammation and living a heart-healthy lifestyle. In EBS you will find guided meditations for mental health and a series of Masterclass sessions to inform and inspire.

Remember, conscious effort combined with science is powerfully effective in the fight against heart disease.

Want to know more about Eat Burn Sleep? Take a sneak peek around the platform and check out our membership options here.

 

And you might also like to read:

How Do You Reduce Your Cholesterol?

The Anti-inflammatory Diet and Lifestyle

10 Reasons to Walk

 

From my heart to yours,

Yalda x

PinterestFacebookTwitterCopy Link

Author

Eat. Burn. Subscribe.

Join the Eat Burn Sleep email newsletter and be the first to hear about new tips, and recipes!

Continue Reading

Is AG1 Supplement Good for You?

Is Stress Always Bad For Your Health?

The Irritable Bowel Syndrome Self-Care Diet

February 18, 2024

Raynaud’s Awareness Month

February is Raynaud’s Awareness Month. Raynaud’s (pronounced Ray-nodes) disease is a painful circulatory problem that affects around 10 million people in the UK. Like many conditions that are linked to autoimmunity and inflammation, it affects more women than men, often appearing before age 30.

Raynaud’s Awareness Month aims to raise the visibility of this condition and help people access support and resources to manage symptoms.

The classic signs of a Raynaud’s attack are:

    • An extreme reaction to cold and changes in temperature that cause small blood vessels in the extremities (fingers, toes, ears, nose, lips, and even nipples), to constrict.
    • The affected areas turn blue, purple, or white, and feel cold and numb.
    • Pain or tingling which can get worse as the circulation returns.

Once an attack subsides and blood flow returns, the affected areas regain normal color and sensation.

Emotional stress is another common trigger for these attacks, while caffeine, alcohol, and certain medications can make symptoms worse.

What causes Raynaud’s?

There are two forms of Raynaud’s:

Primary Raynaud’s (often called Raynaud’s disease) is the less serious form, affecting the majority of sufferers.  Most people with this condition have no other problems associated with the disease and can manage their symptoms themselves.

Scientists are yet to uncover the cause of Primary Raynaud’s. Normally, when the body feels cold, it diverts blood from the extremities toward the heart and vital organs. With Raynaud’s, this response is heightened, making the blood vessels in the extremities contract faster and tighter than normal. The symptoms can also be triggered by emotional stress, which suggests a link with the “fight or flight” sympathetic nervous system response.

Secondary Raynaud’s (also known as Raynaud’s Syndrome or Phenomenon) is caused by another condition. This is usually scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus – inflammatory conditions that affect connective tissue in the body. Other causes of Secondary Raynaud’s include smoking, repetitive vibration injury, and arterial diseases.

This secondary form requires regular careful monitoring by a healthcare professional in case there are complications such as skin ulcers or gangrene.

 

Is there a genetic link?

This question remained a mystery until a recent study (Hartmann et al, 2023) identified two genetic variants associated with Raynaud’s disease.

These are:

– The alpha-2A-adrenergic receptor for adrenaline (ADRA2A)

– The IRX1 gene.

Both of these genes influence blood vessel contraction, particularly in small blood vessels.

How these genetic variants become activated is the next part of the mystery to unravel but we already know that diet and lifestyle play a big role in genetic expression.

 

How to manage Raynaud’s Disease

There is no known cure for Raynaud’s and mainstream medical treatment options are limited. Most sufferers learn to cope with their attacks and avoid situations that may make their symptoms worse.

Practical tips include:

  • Wearing layers of warm clothing.
  • Drinking hot or warm drinks instead of cold.
  • Getting regular exercise.
  • Regular relaxation. This is vital for downregulating the “fight or flight” response and promoting inner calm. Deep relaxation places the body into the “rest, digest, heal, and repair” state which can help deal with the impact of any emotional triggers.

 

Can an anti-inflammatory diet help Raynaud’s?

An anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle like the Eat Burn Sleep (EBS) approach is a great option for managing symptoms – especially Secondary Raynaud’s caused by inflammatory conditions. Research consistently highlights the benefits of foods and nutrients in managing inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune issues.

The Bupa Global-approved EBS program is safe, natural, and evidence-based. Health professionals all over the world use it with their patients every day.

The EBS lifestyle is a holistic approach to care, covering diet, lifestyle, mindset, movement, relaxation, and sleep support. We firmly believe all of these factors are needed to achieve optimum health.

When managing Raynaud’s for example, our recommended foods include warming herbs and spices like ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper. They form a key part of the EBS Anti-Inflammatory Food Lists and recipes. These foods can benefit circulation and tackle the root causes of inflammation.

Our library of movement tutorials is suitable for all levels of ability and can easily fit into your day no matter how busy you are. Our meditation and mental wellness videos will help you relax and build resilience to everyday stresses that may trigger your Raynaud’s.

Find out why anti-inflammatory foods and stress management are so important in the EBS lifestyle with my podcast episodes:

Anti-inflammatory Lifestyle

Unstressable

The Mediterranean Diet

And you can also dive into these articles:

Signs of inflammation that may surprise you

How to reduce inflammation

 

If Raynaud’s is affecting your life, act now! Check out our membership options here and begin your journey to optimum health.

Wishing you well,

Yalda x

PinterestFacebookTwitterCopy Link

Author

Eat. Burn. Subscribe.

Join the Eat Burn Sleep email newsletter and be the first to hear about new tips, and recipes!

Continue Reading

Is AG1 Supplement Good for You?

Is Stress Always Bad For Your Health?

The Irritable Bowel Syndrome Self-Care Diet

December 31, 2023

Immunity and Common Cold Remedies

The common cold is a viral infection that affects millions of people worldwide.

Colds are a common illness that can cause a range of symptoms, including a runny nose, sore throat, cough, and fatigue. While there is no cure for the common cold, you can do several things to help relieve your symptoms and feel better faster.

In this article, I explore briefly how diet and lifestyle affect your immune system and what natural remedies and supplements you can take to help relieve common cold symptoms.

Diet and Lifestyle

Diet
Poor gut health can lead to chronic inflammation, weakening the immune system and making you more susceptible to the common cold. Having a diverse gut flora is essential for your immune system function, and now more than ever, it is important to keep your gut strong by eating the right foods and feeding your good bacteria.

All the food shared in the green list on the Eat Burn Sleep platform is packed with nutrients such as Vitamin C, antioxidants, and minerals to support your immune system.

Lifestyle
Poor sleep patterns, smoking, excess alcohol, and drug abuse contribute to an unhealthy lifestyle, as does lack of exercise, being overweight, being underweight, and following calorie-restrictive diets.

If you are stressed, then your sympathetic nervous system kicks in. The sympathetic nervous system shuts down the immune system and the parasympathetic nervous system, which is essential for gut motility and health.

Cortisol levels trigger the activation of the sympathetic nervous system which in turn shuts down the digestive system and immune system.

You can use the tips and meditation routines shared in the mental wellness section of the Eat Burn Sleep platform to support your mental well-being.

Supplementation

If you are looking for ways to help relieve the symptoms of cold, cold supplements may be a good option for you. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.

rainbow foods background with a spoon in the foreground containing supplements and pills

While a well-balanced diet should be the primary source of nutrients, supplements can provide additional support for your immune system.

Cold remedy supplements are dietary supplements that can help reduce the severity and duration of a cold. There are a variety of different cold supplements available, each with its own unique benefits. Check out my favorite products on the Yalda Loves page.

Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that has been shown to shorten the duration of a cold. It is recommended to start taking zinc supplements within 24 hours of the onset of a cold (Singh and Das, 2011). It can be taken in the form of a lozenge, capsule, or syrup, but always check the ingredients list against the food list on the Eat Burn Sleep platform.

Echinacea
Echinacea is a herb that has been shown to boost the immune system and help to fight off infection. It can be taken in the form of a capsule, tincture, or tea. More studies are needed to prove that echinacea treats a common cold. However, a review of over 3000 people showed that echinacea was more effective than a placebo in preventing and treating the common cold (Melchart et al., 2000).

Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. It is also thought to help to boost the immune system. Vitamin C can be taken in the form of a supplement, fruit, or vegetable. Foods high in Vitamin C include strawberries, bell peppers, papaya, broccoli, oranges and Brussels Sprouts.

Probiotics
Probiotics are live bacteria similar to the good bacteria that naturally live in the gut. They can help to maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which is important for overall health and immunity. Probiotics can be taken in the form of a supplement or food.

There is no one-size-fits-all cold supplement routine. The best routine for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. However, a general guideline is to take cold supplements as soon as you start to feel symptoms.

Natural Remedies

In addition to a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition, you can try a natural common cold remedy to alleviate symptoms and promote recovery.

Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, herbal teas, and broths (such as my Chicken Bone Broth), can help soothe a sore throat.

Rest and sleep
Providing your body with ample rest and sleep allows it to focus on healing and fighting the cold virus.

Warm salt water gargles
Gargling with warm salt water can help relieve a sore throat and reduce inflammation.

Nutrition
Warming, nutritious stews and soups, such as my Immune Boosting Chicken Soup, are a great way to get those all-important antioxidants and nutrients into your diet to support your immune system.

A bowl of Greek chicken soup with inflammation reducing turmeric, which has given it a wonderful golden colour. A healing soup.

Even the healthiest people can still catch a cold, and some suffer more than others. Check out my recent article on How to Recover From Virus Infections.

Read 10 Ways to Boost Your Immunity Quickly for more ways to improve your immunity.

The best source of treatment is prevention. Following an anti-inflammatory lifestyle, such as The Eat Burn Sleep lifestyle, focuses on lowering inflammation, improving gut health, and consequently achieving an improved immune system, among many other benefits.

I recommend the popular Six-Week Reset as an excellent place to start.

Yalda xx

PinterestFacebookTwitterCopy Link

Author

Eat. Burn. Subscribe.

Join the Eat Burn Sleep email newsletter and be the first to hear about new tips, and recipes!

Continue Reading

Is AG1 Supplement Good for You?

Is Stress Always Bad For Your Health?

The Irritable Bowel Syndrome Self-Care Diet

December 20, 2023

Festive Gut-Friendly Recipes

Gut-friendly recipes play a crucial role in promoting overall health, especially during the holidays when indulgent food is abundant. These recipes focus on incorporating ingredients that support gut health, such as fiber-rich vegetables and low-sugar options. For a delicious and healthy Christmas salad, one can mix fresh ingredients like pumpkin and coconut yogurt, creating a gut-friendly dish that is both tasty and nourishing. Additionally, incorporating gut-friendly ingredients, like low-sugar, grain-free and dairy-free options, can make holiday recipes more suitable for those with specific dietary needs. By being mindful of gut health during the holiday season, these recipes ensure that festive meals contribute positively to overall well-being.

Festive Gut Friendly Recipes- Nourish, Celebrate, Thrive!

In this article, I will share some delicious and nutritious recipes that will satisfy your taste buds and support a healthy gut.

During the holiday season, our digestive system often faces challenges due to the consumption of alcohol and rich foods, leading to frequent indigestion. This year, consider incorporating gut-friendly ingredients such as miso, sauerkraut, and coconut yogurt into your diet. These foods are rich in beneficial bacteria and probiotics, supporting the optimal functioning of your gut and digestive system.

Incorporating these recipes into your festive season menu will impress your guests and support your overall well-being.

Drinks
Appetizers
Mains
Sides
Desserts

So, go ahead and try them out! Enjoy the festive season with a happy and healthy gut.

 

Drinks

Healthy Hot Chocolate

This simple and easy-to-make hot chocolate is a perfect alternative to shop-bought ones and is not only comforting and nourishing but anti-inflammatory, too. Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this delightful treat.

Moroccan Spiced Coffee

My Moroccan spiced coffee is fantastic as it contains cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove. These warming spices have incredible anti-inflammatory properties that help stabilize your blood sugar levels and offset some of the adverse effects of caffeine. See how easy it is and perfect for the season. I cannot wait for you to try it.

Appetizers

Deviled Eggs

Devilled eggs are a classic festive dish that never fails to impress. With their creamy, tangy filling and beautiful presentation, they are sure to be a hit at any festive gathering.

Pure Seeds Crackers

These little bites of goodness are a crowd-pleaser and a great way to kick off any meal or gathering. These crackers are perfectly gut-friendly healthy snacks with a wonderfully satisfying crunch.

Wild Salmon Spread

Enjoy this wild salmon spread on crackers topped with fresh parsley for a great-looking festive appetizer.

Guacamole

This would work perfectly with the salmon spread for festive, gut-friendly nibbles. You can also serve it on its own with crudites. This guacamole contains no raw onions, which can be hard to digest sometimes, so I hope you all enjoy it!

Mains

Roast Christmas Chicken

Christmas Chicken with bacon, a delectable twist on the traditional turkey! This mouthwatering dish will inspire you to create a memorable holiday feast. Succulent chicken, perfectly seasoned and roasted to perfection, wrapped in crispy, smoky bacon. The combination of flavors is simply irresistible.

Sides

Brussels Sprouts With Pancetta & Sage

This dish will make a great side and is easy and quick to prepare. I love to make it around this time of the year!

Roasted Carrots & Parsnips With Cumin Seeds

Carrots are incredibly nutritious and are a fantastic prebiotic for your microbiota, reducing inflammation and taking care of your immune system. They are excellent for skin, hair, nails, and eyes and are anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. Paired with parsnips, this dish makes a warming side dish to your traditional roast dinner.  Especially with the fantastic rich, earthy, warm, and citrus of cumin, the anti-inflammatory spice!

Sweet Potato Mash

This is a wonderful way of preparing this superfood – that will support and protect your gut. This is all you need to do to enjoy sweet potato’s nutrition and taste. Make it in advance and reheat it on the day of serving.

Healthy Cranberry Sauce

You have to try this cranberry sauce recipe! It’s caramelized, tangy, woody, and slightly tart, with a deep berry flavor and a slight spice of heady cinnamon.

Desserts

Ginger Cookies

If you are looking for a cookie recipe to make during the Christmas holidays and enjoy with the kids, this is for you! They are grain-free, dairy-free & gluten-free, and they taste delicious!  They are perfectly seasoned with a combination of spices. All spices used possess anti-inflammatory properties and offer excellent nutritional benefits!

Pumpkin Pie

This anti-inflammatory pie tastes like a delicious traditional dessert, but it is refined sugar-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, grain-free, and GUILT-free! It will leave you feeling satisfied without the symptoms of bloating or overindulgence.

Caramelized Apple & Cinnamon Crumble

I love this recipe with a side of coconut yogurt. It is delicious and uses simple ingredients. Apple and cinnamon are always a winning combo!

Cinnamon Oranges

What better way to celebrate the season than with the delightful aroma of cinnamon oranges filling the air? Cinnamon oranges are a classic holiday treat that brings a touch of magic to any gathering. The sweet citrus scent combined with the comforting spice of cinnamon creates a symphony of flavors that instantly transports us to a place of happiness and nostalgia.

Healthy Speculoos Biscuits

A spectacular speculoos biscuit recipe: the healthy version of the traditional recipe, which means that your gut microbiota will love them, too! The warming, sweet, aromatic, creamy, citrus, peppery, and spicy flavors make these biscuits incredible.

2-ingredient Dark Chocolate Mousse Pot

These little chocolate bombs are easy to make, delicious, and simple. You can use nice glasses for individual portions and garnish them with nuts, berries, or cacao nibs.

Christmas is a time of celebration and indulgence, but that doesn’t mean we have to compromise our health. All recipes on the Eat Burn Sleep platform are designed to satisfy your taste buds while keeping your gut happy.

Indulge in mouthwatering dishes that are not only festive but also beneficial for your gut health and overall wellness. Impress your friends, family, and loved ones while being gentle on your digestive system, ensuring you can enjoy your holiday feast without any discomfort.

Yalda x

PinterestFacebookTwitterCopy Link

Author

Eat. Burn. Subscribe.

Join the Eat Burn Sleep email newsletter and be the first to hear about new tips, and recipes!

Continue Reading

Is AG1 Supplement Good for You?

Is Stress Always Bad For Your Health?

The Irritable Bowel Syndrome Self-Care Diet

November 26, 2022

Can gut inflammation cause weight gain?

The Intricate Connection Between Gut Inflammation and Weight Gain

In the pursuit of optimal health and effective weight management, understanding the intricate relationship between gut inflammation and weight gain is crucial. This article explores the impact of chronic inflammation on the gut, its association with weight-related issues, and how adopting a healthy lifestyle, supported by anti-inflammatory practices, can contribute to weight loss and overall well-being. At Eatburnsleep, our method involves more than just what you eat.

 

The Gut, Inflammation, and Weight

Chronic inflammation in the gut is increasingly recognized as a factor linked to weight-related problems. Research, including studies on mice, published on PubMed and NIH, highlights the role of inflammation in weight gain and obesity. The gut, a complex system of microbes and cells, plays a pivotal role in the body’s response to inflammation.

The Gut Microbiome and Obesity

The gut microbiome, comprising various bacteria, has been identified as a key player in the regulation of body weight. Disturbances in the balance of gut bacteria, often associated with a diet high in inflammatory foods and chronic stress, can lead to weight gain. Obesity has been linked to changes in the gut microbiota, affecting the body’s metabolic processes.

Inflammatory Foods and Weight Management

The foods we consume play a significant role in either promoting or reducing inflammation. Diets rich in sugar and processed foods have been shown to contribute to chronic inflammation, potentially leading to weight gain. Choosing anti-inflammatory foods can help manage inflammation, supporting healthy weight loss.

Gut Inflammation and Insulin Resistance

Chronic inflammation in the gut is closely associated with insulin resistance, a condition that can lead to diabetes and increased fat storage. Understanding the link between inflammation and insulin resistance is essential in addressing the root causes of weight-related issues.

The Role of Stress in Gut Inflammation

Stress, both acute and chronic, has a profound impact on gut health and inflammation. Elevated stress levels can lead to gut disturbances, causing inflammation and potentially contributing to weight gain. Managing stress is a crucial aspect of a holistic approach to weight management.

Sleep, Gut Health, and Weight

Quality sleep is integral to overall health and plays a vital role in regulating inflammation. Disrupted sleep patterns can contribute to gut inflammation, potentially influencing weight gain. Prioritizing good sleep hygiene is essential for those seeking effective weight management.

Gut Inflammation as a Contributor to Disease

Beyond weight gain, chronic gut inflammation has been associated with various diseases. Research published in reputable journals like NIH and other authoritative sources highlights the potential link between gut inflammation and conditions such as cardiovascular disease and autoimmune disorders.

Anti-Inflammatory Lifestyle for Weight Loss

Adopting an anti-inflammatory lifestyle is key to addressing gut inflammation and promoting weight loss. This includes incorporating a healthy diet, managing stress, ensuring sufficient sleep, and engaging in regular physical activity. These lifestyle changes can positively impact gut health, leading to weight loss and improved overall well-being.

DE- STRESS: While our emphasis on weight loss often centers around diet and exercise, it’s crucial to recognize the significance of mental and psychological well-being. Persistent high stress levels contribute to ongoing low-grade inflammation, making it essential to address stress for holistic health. Engaging in activities like yoga, meditation, or a brief daily walk can offer swift psychological relief and induce anti-inflammatory effects physiologically. Effectively managing and coping with stress on a daily basis is paramount to prevent the initiation of new inflammation or the exacerbation of existing inflammatory conditions.

The Impact of Gut Inflammation on Food Choices

Gut inflammation can influence food choices and eating habits. Understanding the connection between the gut and the brain, particularly the role of neurotransmitters produced in the gut, sheds light on how inflammation may lead to cravings for unhealthy foods, contributing to weight gain.

Symptoms of Gut Inflammation and Weight-Related Issues

Recognizing the symptoms of gut inflammation, such as digestive issues, bloating, and discomfort, is essential for proactive weight management. Addressing these symptoms through dietary changes and lifestyle modifications can be instrumental in achieving weight loss goals.

In conclusion, the complex interplay between gut inflammation and weight gain underscores the importance of adopting a holistic and anti-inflammatory approach to health. By making informed dietary choices, managing stress, prioritizing quality sleep, and embracing a healthy lifestyle, individuals can address chronic inflammation in the gut, leading to weight loss and improved overall well-being. The journey to optimal health involves understanding the role of the gut in inflammation and leveraging this knowledge for sustainable weight management. At Eatburnsleep we are not aiming for perfection but we encourage setting realistic goals.

By Yalda Alaoui

Yalda is a qualified Naturopathic Nutritionist (with a foundation in Biomedicine) who studied with the College of Naturopathic Medicine in London. She has spent over a decade performing groundbreaking research in chronic inflammation and gut health.

Subscribe to the Eat Burn Sleep email newsletter for updates

PinterestFacebookTwitterCopy Link

Author

Eat. Burn. Subscribe.

Join the Eat Burn Sleep email newsletter and be the first to hear about new tips, and recipes!

Continue Reading

Is AG1 Supplement Good for You?

Is Stress Always Bad For Your Health?

The Irritable Bowel Syndrome Self-Care Diet