Today’s blog is republished from my friends at TheAlternativeDaily, a leading publisher of daily alternative health tips that I personally read every day.

By Susan Patterson, TheAlternativeDaily.com

Coconut oil has been gaining a lot of popularity in the fast growing community of health conscious people. People in Asia and the Pacific Rim have used coconut products for thousands of years. They drank the milk, ate the flesh, turned the tree sap into sweet syrup, and weaved baskets with the leaves of coconut trees. In the 1950s, coconut oil, which you receive when you press the meat of the coconut, could be found in every household.

With the low-fat craze that swept through the Western world, coconut oil gave way to margarine and vegetable oils. The “experts” demonized saturated fats. People touted highly processed vegetable oils as heart-healthy, but only in very small amounts.

Fortunately, coconut oil is seeing a comeback of epic proportions. From slathering your baby’s bottom to cooking up some fabulous-tasting eggs, coconut oil is making its way to the top of the charts. How about putting some coconut oil into your morning cup of coffee?

Of course, those who have been using coconut oil for years never truly believed the lipid hypothesis that said saturated fat was bad for us. More and more evidence is being uncovered to say just the opposite.

What is coconut oil?

Coconut oil is a medium-chain fatty acid with a high saturation level. The main fats in coconut oil are caprylic acid, lauric acid and capric acid. Most fats take much more effort from the body to be digested (26 steps), whereas coconut oil is digested much easier (3 steps). Because it is a medium-chain fatty acid, coconut oil is processed by the liver, so it is converted into energy rather than stored as fat.

Coconut oil is a solid at room temperatures and it has an amazing shelf life due its saturation. It is also an ideal oil to cook with because medium-chain fatty acids are much more stable and will not break down during cooking.

Healthy saturated fat is not only good for us, but essential for numerous bodily functions. Did you know that more than half your brain is made up of saturated fat? Coconut oil is described as one of the healthiest saturated fats on the earth.

Coconuts are revered by people all over the world for their amazing medical and nutritional properties. They have been used for ages by diverse cultures and races, all of whom respect the magnificent qualities of this tree-growing nut. Fortunately, the Western world is quickly catching on. Now there are even numerous studies supporting some of the health claims that so many of us already know to be true.

Medicinal uses for coconut

In traditional medicine, people use coconut for a wide number of health problems. These include kidney stones, nausea, rash, scurvy, infections, wounds, asthma, colds, constipation, cough, earaches, fevers, jaundice, kidney stones, lice and ulcers, to name a few.

Modern medicine is finally coming alongside traditional medicine and echoing the amazing health benefits of coconut. Published studies in a number of prominent health journals note the benefits of various forms of coconut.

Several studies have confirmed that coconut oil has the ability to increase the good cholesterol HDL. In other studies, women and men were fed a diet containing coconut oil and butter. Researchers found that coconut oil increased energy in study participants and was able to help with weight maintenance or weight loss.

What is even more amazing are the results of a study of women with stage III and stage IV breast cancer. The 60 women were fed a diet containing virgin coconut oil and experienced an overall improved quality of life. Coconut oil also reduced the side effects of chemotherapy.

Other benefits of coconut oil

As you can see, saturated fat isn’t necessarily the bad guy, when it is from a good source like coconut oil. The lauric acid in coconut oil can actually prevent high blood pressure. Below, find a list of other proven health benefits of coconut oil which will make you want to run to the store and stock up on this amazing fat.

Proven treatment of Alzheimer’s disease

The brain produces its own insulin in healthy people. In people with Alzheimer’s disease, this function is limited or stopped. The ketones produced through coconut oil consumption increase energy for people with Alzheimer’s and can help improve brain function.

Reduces inflammation markers

A study conducted in India found that the antioxidants in coconut oil were able to reduce inflammation in study participants when taken regularly. Researchers have also found coconut oil to be of great value to people with arthritis.

Antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties

It is the lauric acid present in coconut oil that has been credited with helping treat parasites, like candida. It is necessary to use coconut oil on a daily basis and usually several times a day.

Improves endurance

The liver processes coconut oil, so it provides a quick boost of energy and endurance. This makes it extremely valuable for athletes, especially those needing a lot of energy for longer workouts.

Helps slow down aging process

The antioxidants in coconut oil can slow the aging process, as stress on the liver is decreased and detoxification is increased.

Prevents osteoporosis

The antioxidants in coconut oil fight free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, both of which count as the main culprits for osteoporosis. Additionally, coconut oil increases calcium absorption. Researchers have found that bone loss due to osteoporosis decreases in patients who take coconut oil regularly.

Coconut in coffee

Replacing processed coffee creamers with organic coconut oil is a smart move. Although it may sound strange, the result is actually quite delicious and highly nutritious. The combination of caffeine and saturated fat gives the body a lasting energy boost.

Prepare a tropical twisted coffee drink by brewing a high-quality organic cup of coffee and place it in a blender. Add in one tablespoon of organic coconut oil, blend and enjoy.

The resulting coffee drink is frothy and rich, with a wonderfully smooth taste that is very satisfying. If you like your coffee sweetened, add one teaspoon of coconut crystals.

Add coconut oil to your coffee for a great way to supercharge. Give your body a burst of energy to make it through the day, not to mention all of the other amazing health benefits of coconut!

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Original article is found here.

The post Coconut Oil In Your Morning Coffee? Absolutely appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

By: Cat Ebeling, RN, MSN-PHN, co-author of the best-sellers:  The Fat Burning Kitchen, The Top 101 Foods that Fight Aging & The Diabetes Fix

Several years ago, when I was racing my bike in the hot, humid St. Louis summers, I was looking for an effective electrolyte replacement drink. Those temps in the high nineties combined with super high humidity would certainly make you lose lots of fluids and electrolytes.

Being a health fanatic, there was no way I was going to resort to drinking those corn syrup sweetened, artificially colored and flavored “Sports drinks”. No way!

What I did discover was coconut water. Totally natural and full of thirst-quenching electrolytes. The perfect drink.

Coconut water—not to be confused with high fat coconut milk—is 95% water. Coconut water comes from the liquid from the young, green coconuts.

Even though coconut water only recently exploded in popularity here in the US, it’s been consumed for years in the tropical areas where it grows, around the world. In traditional natural medicine, coconut is believed to help treat dehydration, digestion, and other health matters.

1. Natural Electrolyte Replacement Drink

Coconut water contains a lot of potassium, some magnesium, and a small amount of sodium. And it’s low in calories and sugar. Compared to typical sports drinks, coconut water has fewer calories, no added sugars, less sodium, and higher amounts of potassium.

Coconut water contains more the 10 times the potassium as most sports drinks. Potassium is a vital mineral that helps maintain the proper balance of fluids in the body and help the heart pump blood. When you sweat, one of the electrolytes lost in your sweat is potassium, so it’s important to replace this as soon as possible.

Potassium also helps to balance our sodium levels and while we lose sodium in our sweat as well, consuming potassium helps to balance out these levels, and even help to lower blood pressure. Potassium helps to prevent muscle cramps during and after a hard workout.

Coconut water also contains small amounts of magnesium which helps to aid the muscles, helps with energy production, and prevent muscle cramping and spasms. While coconut water contains more calcium and magnesium than most other sports drinks, it does not contain large quantities. Coconut water contains less than 5 percent of your recommended amount of both calcium and magnesium.

If you are a serious athlete, coconut water may be a little too low in sodium, especially if you are exercising over an hour in the heat. But for light recreation and a refreshing drink coconut water may be just what you need to rehydrate.

2. Improves Heart Health and Blood Pressure

Drinking coconut water may help reduce heart disease risk and cholesterol. In a study from 2008, researchers fed test subjects a diet rich in fat and cholesterol. One group also was fed high doses of coconut water. After 45 days, the coconut water group had lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, similar to the effects of taking a statin drug.

Another study shows that coconut water is beneficial to lower blood pressure, most likely due to the blood-pressure lowering effects of the potassium in the coconut water.

Potassium, one of the electrolytes in coconut water, can help lower blood pressure, according to American Heart Association. The AHA states that potassium-rich foods help lower blood pressure because the electrolyte reduces the impact of sodium, which can raise blood pressure.

Another study on coconut water and blood pressure, published in the West Indian Medical Journal, found that 71 percent of those who drank coconut water for two weeks experienced a significant decrease in their systolic blood pressure (top number), as compared to those who only drank bottled water. Additionally, 29 percent had a significant decrease in their mean diastolic blood pressure (lower number).

3. Kidney Stone Prevention

One of the best ways to help prevent kidney stones is to drink plenty of fluids—especially plain water. However, two small studies show that drinking coconut water may be the best fluid to help prevent kidney stones.

Kidney stones can be created in the body by a variety of substances and there are four types: calcium oxalate, uric acid, struvite, and cystine. Some people are more susceptible to kidney stone formation than others.

In a 2013 study in rats with kidney stones, coconut water prevented the crystals from adhering to the kidneys and the resto of the urinary tract. It also reduced the number of crystals formed in the urine.

Another small study from 2018 found that coconut water flushes the kidneys, which also helped the body clear potassium, chloride, and citrate in individuals, thus helping prevent kidney stone formation.

4. Helps Manage Diabetes

Coconut water, which is very low in natural sugars, can also help to lower blood sugar levels and lower other biomarkers of diabetes including HbA1c.

In this study from 2015, diabetic subjects treated with coconut water maintained better blood sugar levels than the control group. The same study also found that coconut water lowered levels of hemoglobin A1c, the long-germ marker for blood sugar). Another study from 2021 also found similar results lowering blood sugar.

Another added benefit of coconut water for diabetics is that it’s a decent source of magnesium which helps to increase insulin sensitivity and decrease blood sugar.

Do keep in mind however, coconut water does contain some carbohydrates and calories, so beware about drinking too much of it.

One interesting natural ingredient of coconut water is L-arginine (a precursor to nitric oxide) known for its antidiabetic and antithrombotic effects.

5. Full of Antioxidants

Coconut water also has a good share of antioxidants that help to fight free radicals which cause damage to our DNA. Free radicals can come from environmental toxins in the air or water, chemicals in processed foods or even from hard exercise.

When your body has an overload of free radicals, you can be at a higher risk for other chronic degenerative diseases like heart disease, cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer’s and more.

Research on animals has shown that coconut water contains important antioxidants that may help modify free radicals so they no longer cause oxidative stress or harm to health.

In one 2012 study, insulin-resistant rats consuming a high fructose diet were treated with coconut water. Free radical activity decreased, as did blood pressure, triglycerides and insulin levels

While these studies are interesting, it’s important to note these studies used animals as test subjects, so results on humans need further studies.

6. Reduces Stress and Tension

Some of the electrolytes in coconut water, especially the triad, potassium, calcium and magnesium, can help reduce stress and muscle tension.

So many people are often short of these critical minerals in their diets. Calcium, magnesium and potassium actually work together to maintain bone health, muscle health, and our heart.

While magnesium gets called the “relaxation” mineral, it has over 300 functions in the body. One of its primary functions is in the parasympathetic nervous system, the part of the nervous system that helps us relax. It also helps with better sleep, and contributes to the creation of serotonin, our “happy hormone.”

7. 100% Natural, Low in Sugar, Low in Calories

Natural coconut water is low in sugar and low in calories, making it a great drink, especially for replacing electrolytes and quenching your thirst. And it’s 100% natural with no added chemicals, coloring, etc.

Coconut water—with no additional sugar added, is only about 10gms of sugar, and 60 calories per serving. Beware though, many coconut waters come in a tall can that contains 2 servings, making that a 120 calorie drink. While that is still less than many sports drinks or sodas, those calories can add up quickly.

Funny story of my own—when coconut water hit the store shelves, I was a big fan. Riding my bike in the sweltering summers of St. Louis, Missouri, I needed a good electrolyte replacement and coconut water fit the bill. Before I knew it, I was drinking about 3 of those big cans a day. I was hydrated! I also noticed after about a month of chugging the coconut water, my clothes were a bit tight. I had gained weight. Thinking through my recent diet, I thought, “I haven’t been eating any more than usual, so why would I be gaining weight?” Then it dawned on me and I grabbed a can of coconut water to check out the calories I was guzzling a day. About 360 extra calories or so…so yes, too much coconut water can be fattening. Go easy on this stuff.

Best Coconut Juices to Buy

The very best kind of coconut water or coconut juice to consume is fresh from a young, green coconut. And you’ll know exactly what’s in it. Nothing but pure coconut water. However, fresh coconuts may be harder to find and purchase and may have to be shipped for miles and miles if you don’t live in a tropical area.

The next best choice would be cold-pressed coconut water which is not super processed. Other coconut waters are usually pasteurized, which kills off many of the beneficial enzymes, vitamins, minerals and nutrients. When coconut water does not need to be refrigerated, you can bet it’s probably pasteurized to prevent it from spoiling.

Many companies add sugar, fruit juices or other ‘flavorings’ to the coconut water, but this only adds sugar and calories and should be avoided. The primary ingredient in coconut water should be 100% coconut water or coconut juice, which is the same thing.

Coconut water is delicious in smoothies, diluted with water or sparkling water or with a squeeze of lemon or lime added to it.

References
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/coconut-water-benefits#2.-May-have-antioxidant-properties
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318394#Potassium
https://parade.com/1215657/kaitlin-vogel/coconut-water-health-benefits/
https://draxe.com/nutrition/is-coconut-water-good-for-you/
https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/kidneystones
https://foodfacts.mercola.com/coconut-water.html
https://www.livestrong.com/article/465036-coconut-water-blood-pressure/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/robertglatter/2012/08/31/the-truth-behind-the-coconut-water-craze/?sh=67544d9a1f8c
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/coconut-water/faq-20207812

The post Coconut Water: 7 Legitimate Reasons it’s Good for Your Health appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

By: Cat Ebeling, RN, MSN-PHN, co-author of the best-sellers:  The Fat Burning Kitchen, The Top 101 Foods that Fight Aging & The Diabetes Fix

I bet if you look in your kitchen cabinets, you probably have a box of baking soda, otherwise known as sodium bicarbonate, or sodium hydrogen carbonate.

Baking soda is a longstanding formula of natural sodium ions and bicarbonate ions, that has many health and household uses, beyond an ingredient for baking or for deodorizing the fridge.

Baking soda is especially good for your health, primarily because of its ability to alkalize the body and counteract acids.

Baking soda is not the same thing as baking powder. While both are used to help make cakes and baked items rise, baking powder contains other ingredients such as cornstarch.

Baking soda is an inexpensive, natural health and household helper. Baking soda typically costs about a dollar a box and is safe and easy to use. Let’s take a look at some of the amazing things that baking soda can do to improve your health.

1. Baking Soda Helps Autoimmune Disease

A daily dose of baking soda may help reduce the destructive inflammation of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, scientists say.

The right pH balance in the body is necessary for overall health. When one is too acidic (generally the result of a poor diet, high in sugar), a variety of health issues can show up. And it is true, many alternative health practitioners say it’s much better to be slightly alkaline than too acidic.

In April 2018, the Journal of Immunology medical journal published a study that showed drinking water mixed with baking soda could reduce chances of getting inflammatory conditions.

After the test subjects spent two weeks drinking the baking soda and water mixture, scientists found that their immune cells appeared to change what they were doing. Researchers said that the immune cells began to focus on reducing inflammation instead of promoting it.

It appears that the baking soda acted as a way to “turn on” the immune cells’ anti-inflammatory response. Chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases could benefit from these anti-inflammatory properties.

The scientists in the study combined 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda with 20 ounces of water, and the mixture was sipped throughout the day. Experts suggest starting by mixing 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda with a glass of water and drinking it a few times a week.

2. Prevents Kidney Disease

Baking soda can help promote healthier kidneys and lessen the chances of kidney disease. A clinical study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology looked at the effects of sodium bicarbonate on patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and low blood bicarbonate levels.

It was found that the subjects who supplemented with bicarbonate tolerated it well and were significantly less likely to experience rapid progression of their kidney disease. Additionally, there were less patients that developed end-stage renal disease in the bicarbonate group compared to the control group. Overall, the researchers concluded that the study showed bicarbonate supplementation slows the rate of progression of renal failure.

Kidney stones are considered to be extremely painful, and once you get them, you may be more prone to have recurring kidney stones. So not only is there motivation to prevent future kidney stones, but more importantly, untreated kidney stones can sometimes worsen into kidney disease.

Kidney stones are made of a variety of substances and if kidney stones tend to be uric acid, it is because their urine is too acidic. Adjusting the pH of the urine, reduces the risk of uric acid stone formation and can also help dissolve existing stones. Sodium bicarbonate can be used to alkalinize the urine.

3. Baking Soda and Cancer

Cancer tends to flourish in an acid environment. Baking soda is known to alkalize the pH of acidic tumors without affecting the pH balance of healthy tissues and the blood.

There is some research that shows oral doses of sodium bicarbonate may lower the acidity of the tumor pH and inhibit metastases (spreading to other areas of the body) in animals with metastatic breast cancer.

Cancer cells are generally fast-growing, and chemotherapy drugs tend to target the fast-growing cells. However, many cells in solid tumors have their oxygen supply shut off, causing the pH levels of the cells become acidic.

Since baking soda neutralizes acid, some researchers believe drinking it could reduce the tumor’s acidity and cause the cells to become easier targets for cancer treatments.

So far, most of the evidence for sodium bicarbonate’s effect on cancer cells comes from animal studies and laboratory experiments—not human studies. Due to the lack of clinical studies on humans, use of sodium bicarbonate as a complementary cancer therapy should be approached with caution and always notify your doctor.

4. Stops Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections are one of the most common infections people get, according to the CDC. Women usually get them more often than men, due to the fact that their urethras are shorter, and bacteria can easily travel up the urethra.

Women who tend to get UTI’s frequently also had more acidic urine. In a study, women who took baking soda daily for four weeks had significantly less UTI’s. Overall, baking soda appears to be an easy and inexpensive way to prevent UTI’s without the side effects of antibiotic use.

5. Improves Athletic Performance, Lessens Fatigue

Competitive athletes are always looking for a way to boost their performance, and if you look at the supplement market for athletes, there is a huge variety of supplements to choose from.

Baking soda can be one of the least expensive—and legal—ways to boost performance, increase endurance, lower lactic acid, and lessen muscle soreness. Some studies show that baking soda can help you perform at your peak for longer, especially during high intensity training and sprinting.

During high intensity exercise, muscle cells produce lactic acid. Lactic acid is generally responsible for that ‘burn’ and fatigue in muscles. Since lactic acid is an acid, it lowers the pH inside your cells, causing those tired burning muscles.

Baking soda helps to counteract this fatigue as it neutralizes the lactic acid. This is thought to delay fatigue, allowing you to exercise at your peak longer.

This study found that people who took baking soda exercised for an average of 4.5 minutes longer than people who didn’t take baking soda. While this doesn’t seem like a lot, it can mean the difference between winning a sprint in a race, and not winning. The baking soda not only improves exercise output but can also help reduce damage to the muscle and helping with post-workout soreness.

While some studies recommend taking 300mg of baking soda per 1 liter of water, an hour or two before exercising, other studies suggest taking it 3 or more hours prior to exercise with food.

Note: Bicarbonate loading for athletic purposes can cause nausea, excessive gas, cramps and diarrhea that can definitely impair athletic performance. Best to start with low dose amounts of baking soda on a full stomach.

6. Relief from Heartburn and Indigestion

Heartburn results from an overabundance of hydrochloric acid and other acids in the stomach. It often happens from eating too much greasy, rich food or spicy foods. Sometimes food sensitivities can also spark heartburn.

Baking soda is one of the most effective remedies for heartburn. So much so, that many over the counter heartburn preparations contain baking soda, like Alka-Seltzer. For occasional heartburn, simply add half a teaspoon baking soda to two cups of water about an hour after eating.

Baking soda is not recommended for frequent heartburn, as it neutralizes the effects of stomach acid which are there to break down food. If you have heartburn on an ongoing basis, checking for food sensitivities may be a good idea.

7. Brightens and Whitens Teeth, Removes Plaque

One of the best ways to remove plaque and stains from your teeth without having to visit the dentist, is to brush with baking soda. Baking soda works as a gentle abrasive to remove stains. Baking soda also helps to neutralize acids produced by bacteria in the mouth and to freshen breath.

Using baking soda can be antibacterial and can actually help eliminate germs associated with plaque. By reducing the number of germs on the teeth, the glossy surface of the tooth enamel is better protected. To brush with baking soda, wet your toothbrush, then dip into a teaspoon or so of baking soda, or mix with your favorite toothpaste.

8. Fight Colds, Flu and Sore Throats

Because baking soda helps to alkalize the blood in the body, it is thought to be an effective cold/flu preventative. Even back in 1920’s, while the Spanish flu was raging, Arm & Hammer quotes Dr. Volney S. Cheney in their booklet, “Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Medical Uses.”

“In 1918 and 1919 while fighting the ‘flu’ with the U. S. Public Health Service it was brought to my attention that rarely anyone who had been thoroughly alkalinized with bicarbonate of soda contracted the disease, and those who did contract it, if alkalinized early, would invariably have mild attacks.

I have since that time treated all cases of colds and influenza…by first giving generous doses of bicarbonate of soda, and in many, many instances within 36 hours the symptoms would have entirely abated…”

While the treatment for colds and flu has no formal scientific studies, it is harmless and can even be good for you and is worth giving it a try. Numerous anecdotal accounts of baking soda preventing colds or flu have been passed on through the years.

Recommended dosages from the Arm & Hammer Company for colds and influenza back in 1925 were:

• Day 1 — Take six doses of ½ teaspoon of baking soda in glass of cool water, at about two-hour intervals
• Day 2 — Take four doses of ½ teaspoon of baking soda in glass of cool water, at the same intervals
• Day 3 — Take two doses of ½ teaspoon of baking soda in glass of cool water morning and evening, and thereafter ½ teaspoon in glass of cool water each morning until cold symptoms are gone.

9. Helps Sore Throats

Sore throats often accompany colds and flu, and while the saltwater gargle has been a popular natural soothing agent, baking soda and water—or baking soda, salt and water, can help relieve a sore throat too.

Gargling with this solution can also kill bacteria that may reside in the throat, and also prevent the growth of yeast and fungi.

Because baking soda is a natural anti-inflammatory, baking soda appears to direct immune cells to reduce inflammation, instead of prompting it. In other words, baking soda helps boost the body’s anti-inflammatory response, putting out a calming signal instead of an emergency attack signal, which is most likely why baking soda is effective at helping colds, flu and sore throats.

According to the National Cancer Institute, gargling and gently swishing a combination of 1 cup warm water, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt every three hours will help.

10. Soothes Canker Sores

Canker sores occur on the inside of the mouth and it’s thought they generally come from a diet too high in acid-forming foods, such as processed foods, acidic food or drinks, and sugar. The higher acid content in the body, combined with inflammation is thought to cause the canker sore.

When the alkalizing baking soda comes into contact with acid, it neutralizes it. Baking soda on canker sores helps to balance the pH of the sore and speeds up the healing of the whole mouth. It also helps to kill bacteria and freshen the breath.

11. Soothes Skin Rashes, Bug Bites and Sunburn

Skin rashes, eczema, mosquito bites, bee stings, poison ivy, sunburn and even splinters, can all be soothed and helped with baking soda.

Itchiness, redness and irritation are all a result of inflammation in the skin. The anti-inflammatory virtues of baking soda ease the itchiness and burn from all these skin conditions.

Simple make a paste and apply it to the affected area—or add 1 cup of baking soda to a warm bath and soak in it for 15 minutes.

For splinters, make a paste of baking soda, apply a small bandage to cover the area and within a day or so, the splinter usually comes out of the skin on its own.

When to Avoid Baking Soda

Like everything else in life, ingesting too much baking soda can be too much of a good thing. A tablespoon of baking soda dissolved in a glass of water and taken occasionally is okay, but taking too much could have adverse effects.

For many people, ingesting baking soda can cause vomiting, gas, cramping and diarrhea. It’s always good to consult with your health care professional when starting to use baking soda on any regular basis.

Baking soda can interact with certain medications.

High sodium concentrations in baking soda can cause high blood pressure, seizures, dehydration, and kidney issues. Always be sure to consult with your doctor before supplementing with baking soda, especially if you are being treated for a specific health issue.

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References
https://www.verywellhealth.com/baking-soda-cancer-5086575
https://draxe.com/nutrition/baking-soda-uses/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-causes-kidney-stones-and-what-to-do-2019051716656
https://www.thehealthy.com/home-remedies/healthy-uses-baking-soda/
https://draxe.com/nutrition/baking-soda-uses/
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/baking-soda-may-be-what-the-doctor-ordered-for-rheumatoid-arthritis#How-baking-soda-works
https://www.verywellhealth.com/baking-soda-for-inflammation-5093321
https://draxe.com/health/kidney-stone-symptoms/
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/914574
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/04/180425093745.htm
https://www.miraclesofhealth.com/10-benefits-of-baking-soda/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/baking-soda-benefits-uses#2.-Mouthwash

The post Eleven Healthy Reasons to Use Baking Soda Every Day appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

By: Cat Ebeling, co-author of the best-sellers:  The Fat Burning Kitchen, The Top 101 Foods that Fight Aging & The Diabetes Fix

Green smoothies and green juicing have taken the world by storm. Everywhere you look, there are green smoothie detoxes, and green juice powders, and green drink “cleanses”.

These green smoothies or green juices often contain a large amount of spinach, kale, chard, collards, arugula, or other greens.  Yes, we have heard our whole lives that we should be eating more greens, but the green juice/smoothie cleanse may have taken it a step too far. While a little may be good, too much is NOT GOOD.

As you have probably heard me say over and over again, “Eat REAL food”.  I have never been a huge fan of smoothies, shakes and juices. Real food is where it’s at.  I certainly don’t think our primal ancestors lugged a blender or juicer around during the day to blend up all those berries and greens they gathered. Nope, chewing is important, and it is necessary part of good digestion and good health.

Smoothies sound great, but since they are liquefied food, you generally end up consuming WAY more than you normally would if you were eating those things as solid food. What would fill a massive bowl as whole food, gets blended down into the size of a large drinking glass. There is often too much fruit, too much sugar, too many greens, too many carbohydrates, etc. All downed with a just a couple of gulps.  And as we’ll show you in a minute, there can also be TOO much of some problematic compounds in these green smoothies or green juices that you need to know.

So–how can a green smoothie be bad for me? It’s got everything good in it, right?

Yes, dark green leafy greens and cruciferous veggies can be powerfully healthy, and they contain a boatload of antioxidants like beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin and other fantastically healthy phytochemicals as well. They can help fight cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. These veggies also boost immunity by lowering inflammatory responses, reduce cell damage, and aid in digestive health too.

And yes, I know it sounds crazy for me to be cautioning anyone to watch out for overdosing on green vegetables, but the fact is, you CAN overdose on them, and many people are doing that without realizing it.

Spinach and other green leafy vegetables including chard, dandelion greens, kale, collards, beets, arugula and broccoli, all contain substances called oxalates. Oxalates bind to calcium and iron in the body and actually prevent the body from absorbing these important minerals. See more foods and oxalate content here.

What’s more, when oxalates bind with calcium they can create kidney stones, exacerbate painful gout, and cause other arthritic joint problems. Calcium oxalate is actually responsible for almost 80% of kidney stones. Oxalates can accumulate in the body and build up in the kidneys, causing serious problems, as was the case with this woman who ended up in the ER as a result of a green smoothie cleanse. Research shows that green juices and smoothies contain high levels of soluble oxalates and that drinking these green drinks too often can not only cause oxalate kidney stone formation, but even lead to renal failure.

People with certain inflammatory diseases including gout, arthritis, and even vulvodynia should avoid foods containing oxalates, because they can make those conditions much worse. Oxalates have been considered as playing a role in these diseases:

• Thyroid disease
• Vulvodynia
• Calcium-oxalate Kidney Stones
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Sarcoidosis
• Asthma
• COPD
• Autism

Excess oxalate can also lead to oxidative damage and the depletion of glutathione. Glutathione is one of the most powerful antioxidants in the body, and works to optimize liver function, helping to metabolize environmental toxins that enter the body.

Generally, most people can break down and process reasonable quantities of oxalate in the digestive system and it passes out of the body through the stool. However, those who have Crohn’s disease, IBD, intestinal permeability, poor fat digestion, celiac disease, inflammation, prolonged diarrhea and other digestive disorders may not be able to process oxalates out of the body as efficiently. Antibiotic use also eliminates the necessary bacteria that break down oxalates in the intestines, so they can harmlessly pass out of the body.

Many diet and health ‘specialists’ promote green smoothies or green juicing as a detox. And unfortunately, as is the case with smoothies and juices, you can over consume green leafy veggies, because you’re ingesting WAY more than you could if you had to chew them up and eat them as a whole food. And over consumption of even healthy foods like greens can actually bring on kidney failure, as in this case of a green detox gone bad.

According to this handy reference guide, a high oxalate intake is defined as consuming 250 mg oxalate per day. But a mere cup of raw spinach contains around 656 mg oxalate, and some people are using several cups of spinach and kale in these smoothies and juices, which is a massive quantity of oxalates. So, you can see how easy it is to consume too many oxalates in one glass of green smoothie or green juice!  Especially if you were doing a detox and having two or more green smoothies or juices a day.

Another issue with eating—or drinking—too many cruciferous vegetables like kale, collards, arugula, broccoli, cabbage and bok choy is that these vegetables can pick up a heavy metal mineral called thallium from the soil they are grown in. Thallium, for some reason, tends to concentrate in cruciferous vegetables, even if there is not much in the soil. This means if you happened to be eating an overabundance of cruciferous vegetables, you could be overloading your body with this toxic metal as well. Overdosing on thallium can cause strange symptoms like patchy skin issues, hair loss, arrhythmias, nausea, diarrhea, peripheral neuropathy, foggy thinking, digestive issues and more.

A molecular biologist, Ernie Hubbard, found similar symptoms amongst many of his health-conscious clients who were experiencing bizarre reactions that did not seem to fit any type of disease pattern. After a thorough investigation, he was able to trace their problems back to thallium toxicity from an over consumption of cruciferous vegetables.

There is one more issue with cruciferous vegetables. Cruciferous vegetables, which include the ever-popular ingredient, kale, contain compounds called glucosinolates, which inhibit iodine uptake by the thyroid. Iodine is a very necessary nutrient for thyroid health.

These goitrogens, as they are called, have been scientifically studied and are known to interfere with proper thyroid function. An overabundance of cruciferous vegetables (especially raw) in the diet can actually decrease thyroid hormone output, resulting in a hypothyroid situation. Hypothyroid symptoms include weight gain, hair loss, lack of energy, sleepiness, depression, anemia, and decreased immune function.

What Does this Mean — Avoid Greens Altogether?

Use organic veggies if you are making green smoothies—and don’t overdo it! As mentioned above, too many green smoothies can defeat the ‘detox’ part of a cleanse. Cut back or rotate the green leafy vegetables with high oxalate content to limit the oxalate levels you are taking in.

Opting to eat your greens and cruciferous veggies in their whole-food form is probably the best and healthiest option. You get the nutrient qualities of the greens without overdoing it and causing an overload of any other unwelcome ingredients. Chewing whole foods, as in a salad or side dish, is the best way to eat any food, not blended and masticated as juice or a smoothie.

Final Thoughts

Overdoing ANYTHING—even a good thing, can be bad, whether they are green smoothies, detox cleanses, juicing, etc. Green smoothies and green juices can contain too much thallium, oxalates, and goitrogens.

Smoothies of any type are a concentrated way to gulp down way too many calories, too much sugar, and too many other undesirable ingredients as well. A ‘detox’ diet of green smoothies or green juices may actually overload your body with toxic substances. Smoothies in any form are a concentrated way to drink down a massive amount of calories, and as you can see, a whole lot of other stuff too.

Veggies can be an awesome thing to have in your diet, and I still recommend you include a good portion of multicolored vegetables in your diet—as whole foods.

While you cannot avoid oxalates in green leafy vegetables, be sure to choose organic vegetables to reduce the amount of toxic metals such as thallium, and toxic residues. Conventionally grown spinach and kale both contain high amounts of toxic pesticide residues.

Certain types of beneficial bacteria in the gut actually help to break down and process oxalates in food. Supplementing with probiotics and fermented foods that contain Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium animalis will help to break down and prevent oxalate buildup in the body.

Just remember, too much of any kind of good thing can go bad.

[Mike’s note:  Although some people seem to do fine eating leafy greens, I personally discovered about 3 years ago that leafy greens did NOT agree with my body, and was harming my digestion.  I probably ate a leafy green salad every night for 15 years and never questioned it, because everybody tells you to “eat more veggies”, especially leafy greens.  

However, whenever I tested eliminating the salad and focusing my meals more on meat, starch, avocado, and cooked veggies, my digestion would dramatically improve, I would have no bloating, and would feel better overall.  My bowel movement the next morning would be much better too when avoiding leafy greens.  Then, I would test adding leafy green salads back into my daily meals, and my digestion would suffer again…including bloating as well as a bowel movement the next morning that was excessively loose.  So I FULLY removed all leafy greens from my diet 3 years ago, and it was the best thing I’ve ever done for my digestion.  The more I talked to other people, friends, Naturopathic Doctors, etc, I kept finding time and time again that there are a lot of people that don’t digest leafy greens well at all, and do better with cooked veggies and roots like carrots, beets, and sweet potatoes.  As a nutritionist, I can say with 100% certainty that there is NOTHING “essential” about eating leafy greens… we can get every single nutrient we need from other foods like non-leafy veggies, fruits, nuts, meats, eggs, etc]

References:
http://alwayswellwithin.com/2010/04/27/high-oxalate-foods-can-trigger-pain-and-inflammation/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002934313003446
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352364615300092
https://robbwolf.com/2018/03/07/can-a-green-smoothie-cleanse-put-you-in-the-er/
https://chriskresser.com/the-dark-side-of-green-smoothies/?_ke=bWlrZWdlYXJ5OThAZ21haWwuY29t#comments?utm_source=klaviyo&utm_medium=email&utm_term=dark-side-green-smoothies&utm_content=4_19_18&utm_campaign=ck_consumer

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