Burdock Root Benefits: How Can You Use This Powerful Plant?

Today, more and more people are discovering the health benefits of burdock root, particularly for skin, digestion, and detoxification. What's more, you can enjoy this little-known gem as a tasty root vegetable!

Burdock has some interesting Trivial Pursuit or Jeopardy facts surrounding it. If you've ever removed a sticky round burr from your clothing after hiking through the forest, there's a good chance you've encountered seeds of the burdock plant. Burdock's ingenious mechanism for seed dispersal was the inspiration for Velcro.^[1] However, the plant's roots, not the seeds, pack the most powerful health benefits.

What Is Burdock Root?

Burdock (Arctium lappa) is a big-leaved biennial plant with purple, thistle-like flowers. Native to Asia and Northern Europe, you can find burdock plants growing throughout the world. Its many uses are gaining popularity in the United States and beyond. In homeopathic circles, you may have seen burdock sold as lappa.

Burdock root is an underground tuber that you can use as food or as a medicinal herb. In Japan, people use burdock as a food source in many dishes and call the root gobo. The root is crispy with a sweet, earthy flavor that resembles celery.

You can use burdock root to improve your health and well-being since it is rich in essential nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants.^[2]

Top 10 Benefits of Burdock Root

Traditionally, people used burdock root for a number of ailments, including joint discomfort, sore throats, respiratory infections, and skin-related conditions. Today, research also points to its powerful ability to boost your immune system and so much more.^[3] Read on!

1. May Promote Normal Wound Healing

One study looked at how the Amish take care of burns; they apply a mix of therapeutic herbs and then wrap the burn in burdock leaves — which have many of the same biological compounds as the root.^[4]

Did you know that burdock leaf acts as an effective remedy for wounds or burns?

The researchers found this practice resulted in no infected wounds, no "trauma" when changing wound dressing, and minimal or no discomfort.^[4] Researchers concluded that the burdock dressings were an effective alternative to conventional burn care.

Burdock may have antibacterial properties. Studies have documented that compounds in burdock repel certain harmful organisms.^[5] Burdock root contains chlorogenic acid (which also happens to be a component of green coffee beans); this compound reduces redness and swelling — not to mention, it also promotes normal blood glucose levels and fat metabolism.^[4]

2. Reduces Redness & Swelling

Over time, toxins build up in your body from the foods you eat, water you drink, and air you breathe. These toxins, as well as exposure to UV light, can cause your cells to generate free radicals that oxidize or damage cells. The build-up of these toxins and the resulting cell oxidation can lead to systemic redness and swelling in your body, which, in turn, causes discomfort — and may lead to a host of other ailments.

As an antioxidant, burdock root can stop toxins and free radicals from wreaking havoc on your body.

Burdock root contains antioxidants and other bioactive compounds that counteract free radical damage in your body. Besides chlorogenic acid, scientists have isolated arctigenin (a lignan, if you know your biological compounds) and arctiin as two major bio-active components in burdock root that reduce redness and swelling.^{[4, 6]}

3. Boosts Skin Health

Whether you have dry skin, acne, eczema, or psoriasis, the properties in burdock root make it a great choice to make your skin glow!^[7] Burdock's active ingredients promote blood circulation, pushing blood to the surface of the skin^[2] — which make it look supple and younger-looking.

If you're looking for healthy, glowing skin, give burdock root a try!

No need to search for the fountain of youth — research shows that burdock root can lead to healthier-looking skin.^[8] Whether you take it in a capsule, tea, or extract — or you eat burdock root for dinner — its effects work from the inside out. Some studies have found it helpful when applied topically, as well.^[8]

4. Promotes a Healthy Body Weight

Burdock root is low in calories, with just 72 calories per 100 grams. But that's not what makes it helpful in managing body weight.

Compounds found in burdock root may boost your metabolism and improve weight loss!

Burdock contains inulin and chlorogenic acid, which improved fat metabolism and promoted normal levels of cholesterol and blood sugar in animal studies.^{[2, 9, 10, 11]}

One study found that taking burdock promoted normal body weight in rats, and also had fat-reducing properties in human cells in vitro.^[8] According to the study, "These results suggest that burdock root is expected to be useful for body weight management."^[12]

5. May Prevent Cell Proliferation

A number of studies have looked at how burdock root affects the harmful and excessive growth and spread of cells in the body. Burdock root acted against liver cell masses in vitro (in a lab study on cells), and prevented them from growing.^[13]

The lignan arctigenin in the root has been shown to work against harmful breast tissue cells as well.^[14]. Overall, burdock root may have positive effects on overall health and longevity by keeping cells in a healthy state.

6. Aids in Digestion

The inulin in burdock root is a natural dietary fiber that is not absorbed or digested by the stomach. It acts as a prebiotic, which means food for beneficial bacteria found in your gut. Once burdock (and the inulin it contains) moves through your intestines, probiotics (friendly bacteria) use it to flourish. And the helpful gut microbes keep your digestion working well.

Did you know that burdock root acts as a prebiotic? This helps probiotics thrive in your gut.

Burdock root has been used in traditional Brazilian medicine for centuries for the digestive system.^[15] That therapeutic benefit now has scientific evidence to back it up. At least one animal study showed that burdock root might soothe digestive disorders by thickening the colon wall and reducing redness and swelling.^[15]

7. Natural Diuretic for the Kidneys

Burdock root is a diuretic which can increase urine output, making it a natural alternative to water pills if you should need a temporary reduction in swelling.^{[4, 6]}

Diuretics stimulate and detoxify your kidneys, helping to promote fluid balance and cleanse your body of waste.^[2] Burdock root also deters harmful organisms that are sometimes associated with kidney and urinary discomfort.^[16]

8. Promotes Liver Health

Watch out! Burdock root may be your new go-to for liver health.

In support of traditional use, animal studies have found that burdock root may help cleanse and detox the liver from certain harmful substances. One animal study showed that the antioxidants found in burdock root may help protect liver cells from acetaminophen (Tylenol) damage.^[17]

It's well known that alcohol is bad for your liver. Avoiding alcohol altogether is ideal, but if you do partake in occasional alcohol, certain herbs and foods may cleanse your liver.

A second animal study found burdock root improved several markers of liver health caused by drinking too much alcohol. These markers include glutathione and cytochrome P450^[18] — a substance that increases in heavy drinkers and activates bad chemical reactions in the body.^[19]

9. Promotes Healthier Hair

Pro tip: Try burdock root to eliminate dandruff or dry scalp!

Whether you want to eliminate the dry scalp that causes dandruff or stop hair loss, burdock root is an effective tool to add to your hair care arsenal.

Burdock contains fiber, essential fatty acids, and vitamins that are all good for healthy hair, but scientists have pinpointed the antioxidant lignan arctiin as the biological component that may promote hair growth and prevent hair loss.^[20] People use burdock root oil for dry scalp, itching, and dandruff, though there are limited studies on its effectiveness.

10. Acts as a Natural Aphrodisiac

If you're looking to boost your libido, look no further than burdock root. The plant extract has long been used as a natural aphrodisiac to stimulate sexual drive and response — benefits that have been verified scientifically, as well.^[21]

In one study, burdock increased testosterone and several components of sexual performance in rats.^[21] The researchers credited burdock's diverse array of flavonoids, saponins, lignans, and alkaloids for this effect.

How to Use Burdock Root

Burdock root is versatile and can be used in a number of ways, depending on your personal preference and reason for using it. If you want to consume it as a vegetable, look for it in the produce section. If you can't find it, look at an Asian market.

Many people drink burdock root in tea, which you can find online or in specialty markets, including health food stores or Asian markets. You can also take burdock capsules filled with the root powder or take it in liquid extract form.

Always look for high-quality, organic extracts. You can purchase these in your local health food store. It is best to avoid alcohol-based extracts.

You can use the roots raw as a salad vegetable, or cook them in stir-fries as you do carrots. Burdock root doesn't require much seasoning; cooked and sliced, it can be enjoyed with salt and drizzled with olive oil, or with a healthy vegan dip.

Simple & Tasty Burdock Chips

Ingredients

• Several burdock roots
• Organic olive oil
• Himalayan pink salt

Directions

1. Heat oven to 450 F. Wash and scrape your burdock roots and cut into thin strips.
2. Drizzle olive oil on the sliced roots until lightly coated.
3. Sprinkle with Himalayan pink salt.
4. Bake for about 10 minutes.
5. Once browned on the bottom, flip and bake the other side for 5 to 10 minutes.
6. Enjoy!

Dried Burdock

You can purchase dehydrated burdock root herbs — which may contain just the root or other plant parts — or make them yourself. Once dried, you can steep it in tea, add to a recipe, or grind and add to a capsule.

Ingredients

• 1 burdock root

Directions

1. Wash thoroughly.
2. Cut the roots into small pieces with a paring knife or grate the root.
3. Arrange the root pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet to dry in the sun for 3 or 4 days, or bake them at 250 F for 4 hours.
4. Dried roots will keep in an airtight container for up to a year.

Burdock Root Tea

You can purchase pre-prepared burdock root tea or use dried roots you've harvested yourself.

Ingredients

• 8-10 strips of burdock root (dried)
• 2 cups of water
• 1 teaspoon of raw honey to sweeten (if desired)

Directions

1. Place burdock root strips in a teapot.
2. Bring water to a boil and steep strips for 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Pour the tea, add your preferred sweetener, and drink up!

Burdock Nutrition

Burdock root is chock-full of important nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and B complex.

Burdock also contains folate, manganese, calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium as well as antioxidants like quercetin, luteolin, and phenolic acids.

One serving of burdock root can contain nearly 4 grams of dietary fiber.^[22]

Precautions & Side Effects

While the use of burdock root is generally safe, it is important to exercise caution and use responsibly. Here are a few known side effects.

• Both topical use and oral consumption may cause allergic reactions. If you are allergic or sensitive to any plants in the Asteraceae family, including ragweed, marigolds, daisies, and chrysanthemums, avoid burdock root.^[23]
• While burdock root can promote normal blood sugar levels, people with diabetes should exercise caution when using herbs that affect blood sugar, especially if they take insulin.^[24]
• Do not use burdock if you are taking blood-thinning medications (including aspirin), because that can increase the risk of bleeding, especially in people with bleeding disorders.^[2]
• Avoid using burdock root if you are pregnant or nursing, as it may cause oxytocin-like effects and stimulate your uterus.^[25]
• If you are harvesting the plant in the wild, be aware of what you are picking. Belladonna and nightshade, both deadly weeds, closely resemble the burdock plant.
• As a general rule of thumb, if you are on any medications, speak with your healthcare provider before using a new supplement, including burdock root.

Points to Remember

Whether you are looking for a natural remedy for a particular ailment or want to support and improve your overall health, burdock root is a popular and versatile option to consider.

The roots can provide nourishment and healing, particularly for long-term chronic illnesses caused by redness and swelling. Other health benefits include promoting healthy skin and hair, detoxifying the kidneys and liver, helping digestion, and limiting the growth of bad cells or harmful organisms.

Burdock root is generally safe for most people, so try it out and see how it helps your health and well-being.

Have you tried burdock root? Do you have any favorite recipes? Share your story below!

The post Burdock Root Benefits: How Can You Use This Powerful Plant? appeared first on Dr. Group's Healthy Living Articles.

source https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/burdock-root/

Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide: Top Uses, Benefits, & More

You’re probably familiar with hydrogen peroxide and know it can be used to whiten teeth, sterilize a cut, or as a mouthwash. However, do you know about food grade hydrogen peroxide?

Watch below or read on to learn about the basics, benefits, and uses of food grade hydrogen peroxide.

What Is Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide?

Length: 7 minutes

What Is Hydrogen Peroxide?

Hydrogen peroxide is a naturally acidic compound that has two hydrogens and two oxygens. It is stable in an acidic environment, and it releases and decomposes into oxygen gas inside the body.

Most people are familiar with three-percent hydrogen peroxide — the concentration typically found at the drugstore — and use it to clean wounds. However, there’s a 35-percent concentration of hydrogen peroxide that’s often referred to as food grade hydrogen peroxide.

3% vs. 35% Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide

Three-percent hydrogen peroxide is the variety you've seen at your grocery store, and I don't recommend taking it internally. Thirty-five percent hydrogen peroxide is less commonly found on store shelves but is available online. It’s sometimes used by alternative medicine practitioners.

Three-percent hydrogen peroxide typically contains stabilizers like tetrasodium phosphate, sodium stannate, acetanilide, and phenol — none of which are good for you. Food grade hydrogen peroxide is pure and doesn’t contain stabilizers. However, it is caustic, and you still need to be careful with it.

For example, if you spill it on your fingers, it will turn your skin white, and you’ll experience what's called a “hydrogen peroxide burn.” It goes away in a few hours, but be extremely careful — especially if you have children.

Regardless of the strength, you should never drink any undiluted hydrogen peroxide — even if it's food grade. Also, you should not ingest large quantities of any hydrogen peroxide.

Benefits of Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide

One of the best features of food grade hydrogen peroxide is that it’s a strong oxidant. So, whenever you have high levels of oxidants in your body, food grade hydrogen peroxide bonds to them to activate enzyme systems and stimulate oxygenation and detoxification.

Food grade hydrogen peroxide is healing, but it's also a good idea to follow up with antioxidants when using it.

Some natural health practitioners use hydrogen peroxide or ozone therapies, then wait a couple of hours and administer high doses of vitamin C — a potent antioxidant (vitamin C is just one type of supplemental antioxidant that can be used). The oxygen grabs on to the positively charged toxins and harmful organisms. Drinking purified water and taking antioxidants helps to cleanse the body.

Uses of Hydrogen Peroxide

Here in Houston, we’re constantly exposed to smog and different types of chemical residue. There’s mold, fungus, and other stuff floating around in the air — issues that are present in any big city. To help soothe the irritation those things cause, I use a hydrogen peroxide sinus rinse.

I mix six drops of 35-percent food grade hydrogen peroxide in about four ounces of water. Shake it up, and then put it in a nasal sprayer. It’s a really effective solution for flushing and soothing the sinuses.

Of course, that’s just one way to use hydrogen peroxide. Other common uses include:

• Mouthwash
• Toothpaste
• Teeth whitening
• Wound care
• Toothaches
• Colds
• Bad breath
• Acne
• Kitchen disinfectant

How Much Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide Should You Take?

When I take food grade hydrogen peroxide, I'll usually mix three drops with about eight ounces of water to dilute it. I'll do that two times per day, working myself up if I'm going to be doing an oxygen infusion. The next day, I'll mix six drops, and the following day I'll mix 12 drops, and so on. However, I never go above 20 to 25 drops twice per day.

Should You Mix It With Apple Cider Vinegar?

Food grade hydrogen peroxide can be mixed with organic raw apple cider vinegar because the apple cider vinegar is an acid, and hydrogen peroxide is stable in an acidic solution. Some people combine lemon juice, water, and a little hydrogen peroxide. You could use only organic apple cider vinegar which should be fine because acids help to stabilize reactive oxygen species.

Points to Remember

Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful natural remedy for many ailments. I prefer 35-percent food grade hydrogen peroxide because it does not contain stabilizers.

While hydrogen peroxide offers several benefits, keep in mind that it’s caustic. Be careful about drips and spills — especially if there are children around. Never drink undiluted hydrogen peroxide. Also, you should not ingest high quantities of any hydrogen peroxide.

Have you tried food grade hydrogen peroxide? What do you use it for? Share your comments below!

The post Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide: Top Uses, Benefits, & More appeared first on Dr. Group's Healthy Living Articles.

source https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/food+grade-hydrogen-peroxide/

Wait, My Urine Color Means WHAT? 7 Colors Explained

"Peeing in a cup" is often one of the first tests your healthcare provider gives you, and it has long been a helpful diagnostic tool.^[1] Sometimes just looking in the toilet can tell you a lot! People use the Bristol poop scale to diagnose issues with digestion, among other things, but you can also analyze your urine color to gain insight into your health — especially your level of hydration.

Urine carries metabolic waste out of your system. It typically contains nitrogenous (nitrogen-based) compounds and gets filtered through the kidneys. Before leaving the body through the urethra, your bladder temporarily stores urine. So what turns yellow pee into all shades of the rainbow? Are you curious about what your urine color says about your health?

What Does Your Urine Color Mean?

Pro tip: Do a self-diagnosis of your urine to make sure you're drinking enough water!

Water makes up most of your total body weight and is a component of blood, body tissues, and, of course, urine. Seeing the color of your urine can offer a quick self-diagnosis — mainly about how hydrated you are — but sometimes it also provides insight into your health. Below are the main colors of urine when in a "normal" or healthy state plus some colors that may indicate a health concern.

Normal Urine

Normal urine ranges from transparent to a light amber color. The yellowish hue comes from "urochrome" (also called urobilin) — a yellow pigment found in your body. Your urine should have a mild smell, but not a strong odor, unless you're seriously dehydrated or have a medical condition. In some cases, even healthy urine may appear abnormal due to medication or diet. Read on to learn more.

Transparent

Good job! You've been drinking lots of water. Usually, transparent urine goes hand in hand with a high frequency of peeing: you're drinking water faster than your kidneys are producing waste to send with it.

If your pee is transparent and you drink a lot of water, add electrolytes to your drinks!

If you are constantly peeing clear, consider adding electrolytes to your diet to be sure you aren't washing nutrients from your system. Natural electrolyte boosters include coconut water, coconut aminos, magnesium, and Himalayan pink salt — though be careful not to consume too much salt, which can dehydrate you. Aim to drink half your body weight in ounces daily to stay hydrated.

Pale Straw Color

A pale straw or light honey color is common to see in urine. This means you are drinking a healthy amount of water and there are no telltale signs of infections or problems. If you are worried about being dehydrated, you can know that you've had enough water when your pee reaches this pale yellow color.

Dark Yellow or Amber

Warning! This is the first sign that you're dehydrated.

A dark yellow or amber color typically means that you're dehydrated. When the body is short on water, metabolic waste products get more and more concentrated in your bladder, leading to more urochrome pigment and less water.^[2] Mild dehydration can be treated quickly by drinking a few glasses of water. Dehydration may also come with a headache.

Abnormal Colors

You can tell a lot about your hydration state from the ranges of yellow in your urine, but some colors can come as a total shock.

Medication or food dyes — natural and artificial — carried through your digestive system can cause you to see abnormal colors in your toilet bowl. However, sometimes unusual urine colors are caused by more significant health triggers, so keep a watchful eye if it continues beyond a short period of time or accompanies any other worrying signs.

Dark Brown

Dark brown urine is most likely a sign of extreme dehydration. Severe dehydration requires urgent action. Please drink water immediately! Adding electrolyte supplements to your water can help your body regain mineral salts, as well.

Pro tip: To avoid extreme dehydration, aim to drink half your body weight in water per day.

Other things may cause brown urine. Eating large amounts of certain foods, including fava beans, rhubarb, or aloe vera — or artificially colored foods — may "brown" your urine.^[3]

Liver or kidney conditions, such as jaundice, are the most common medical cause of dark brown urine; these can cause bile (bilirubin) to build up in the urine.^[4]

Certain sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) also cause brown urine, particularly chlamydia,^[5] as can some urinary tract infections^[3] — though more often it will be pink or red. If drinking water does not lighten your urine, visit your healthcare provider to get a more in-depth analysis.

Orange-Red

Did you know that carrots may tint your urine?

Carrots are great for your health, but if you eat a lot, the dark orange-colored beta-carotene they contain can tint your urine orange-red or brownish.^[6] Eating a lot of foods rich in B vitamins, such as legumes or grains, or taking excessive B vitamins may also have this effect.^[6] On the other hand, orange urine can be a sign of dehydration — drink up if you're not sure!

Orange-red urine is a common side effect of a few medications, and if you take them, the color alone should not cause alarm: phenazopyridine (for UTIs and other urinary conditions), rifampin (an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis), or warfarin (a blood clot medicine).^[6] More seriously, a liver or a bile duct problem that causes bilirubin to build up in the urine could result in orange urine.^[3]

Reddish Pink

Wait! Did you know that beeturia is when beets cause red-colored urine?

Seeing a pink or red tint in the toilet feels alarming. However, it is often a result of eating foods such as beets, blackberries, or anything with red food coloring, like cake frosting.^{[3, 6]} Beetroot causing red-colored urine is so common that it has a name — beeturia!

Other causes may include a woman's menses, medications, or red blood cells from health conditions. Medicines that give a pink or red tone to urine include some laxatives, ibuprofen, and rifampin, an antibiotic.^{[3, 6]}

Seeing pink in your urine is usually only of medical concern when you have blood in your urine that is not associated with a menstrual cycle. Urinary tract infections are the most common cause of pink or reddish urine. During a UTI, red blood cells may get into the urethra and exit the body in urine.^[3]

Kidney stones may also result in reddish urine, or sometimes a more serious kidney or prostate condition.^{[3, 7]} If you feel any pain, itching, or burning while peeing, have other symptoms, or have not eaten any of the listed foods, we recommend you visit a healthcare provider.

Blue or Green

A blue or green color is probably the last thing you expect to see in your toilet bowl! Back in ancient times, the philosopher Avicenna viewed blue urine as a sign of a "severe cold nature."^[1] But, today, we understand its medical causes.

Typically, green urine results from medication, food coloring, or pigments produced by Pseudomonas bacteria.

Medicines including propofol (often used before surgeries), promethazine (an antihistamine for allergies and motion sickness), cimetidine (antacid), or thymol (a natural component of thyme) may color the urine green or blue.^[8] Food coloring can also cause blue or green urine.

Foamy

Foamy urine is just like it sounds — white foam shows up in the toilet bowl. In an analysis of over 100 patients who had foamy urine, 22 percent had proteinuria.^[9] Proteinuria is when the kidneys allow proteins to pass out of the body as waste instead of becoming building blocks for your cells. Healthy kidneys filter out most proteins and cycle them back into the bloodstream. Proteinuria, or high concentrations of protein in the urine, is an early warning of kidney disease.

A common assumption is that foamy urine is usually caused by proteinuria.

However, since only 22 percent had confirmed proteinuria, other conditions may be even more common. These include simply having an overfull bladder that makes foamy bubbles when peeing quickly, or the result of sediment waste molecules in the urine such as creatinine, phosphate, or albumin.^[9]

How to Maintain Kidney Health

The kidneys are crucial regulators of water balance, blood pressure, and heart health.^[10] Kidneys filter toxins and chemicals from your bloodstream before sending it back to the heart. Having a problem with your kidney "filter" could impact how you absorb nutrients. Here are a few common ways to keep your kidneys healthy.

Drink Enough Water

The first step to a healthy kidney system — and transparent yellow urine — is simply drinking enough water. But how much water is enough?

You may have heard of the 'eight glasses per day' rule of thumb. But it's a bit more complex than that. I recommend you drink half your weight in ounces every day.

Feedback from your own urine can come in handy here! If your urine is transparent or light yellow, then you can assume you're drinking enough water. Otherwise, you might need more. We lose excess water during exercise through sweat, so make sure to stock up on it before, during, and after.

Eat Healthy Foods

You can keep your kidneys happy by eating foods that support healthy kidney function. Cranberries help fight off UTIs and kidney beans can mitigate kidney stones — just make sure you cook them well to remove lectins.

Did you know that people consume 20% of their water intake through food?

Not all of the water you consume comes in a cup. There are many hydrating foods, including watermelon, cabbage, celery, carrots, broccoli, and bananas — to name a few. People usually consume about 20 percent of their daily water intake through food.^[11]

Stop Smoking & Consuming Alcohol

The more toxins we put in our bodies, the harder it has to work to detoxify. Like putting miles on your car, your body slowly carries the weight of your life's wear and tear. Stopping smoking and consuming alcohol will promote kidney and liver health. Make choices that help your body continue to regulate toxins for the long haul. You can check out our guide on how to quit smoking for more ideas.

Try a Kidney Cleanse

A kidney cleanse can be useful for soothing and toning the urinary tract. There are several kidney cleansing drinks, teas, herbs, and foods that can restart your system with a clean slate. This can support your kidneys' ability to detoxify your blood and send waste healthfully out of your body.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

If you see an abnormal urine color come out of your body, pay attention. If it's dark brown or orange, start drinking water right away.

While it could be dehydration, it could be something more serious. When abnormally colored urine is accompanied by pain, itching, burning, or other symptoms, when it persists beyond a few hours or a 24-hour period after eating something unusual or taking a medication, then see a healthcare provider right away.

Points to Remember

Knowing what to look for in your urine can empower you with information about your body. While medications and food dyes can impact urine color, darker-colored urine is most likely an indication of hydration status.

There are many colors of urine that are caused by food or medications; beets coloring your urine is so common it has a name, beeturia! However, sometimes a change in urine color may indicate a health condition.

Pinkish-red may indicate a urinary tract infection or blood in the urine. Dark brown, orange, or reddish colors may indicate a kidney or liver condition. If discolored urine continues or you have additional symptoms, it's wise to see a healthcare provider.

No matter the color, always stay hydrated. Aim for urine that is pale yellow or clear, and drink half your body weight in ounces of water daily. You can even try kidney cleansing to support your kidney function.

Have you ever looked in the toilet and found a surprise: green, blue, red, orange, or another color urine? What was the cause? Leave a comment below with your thoughts or questions!

The post Wait, My Urine Color Means WHAT? 7 Colors Explained appeared first on Dr. Group's Healthy Living Articles.

source https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/urine-color/

My Life as an Eating Psychology Coach: Lena Schellenberg

What made you want to become an Eating Psychology Coach?

I already held a certificate in exercise and sports nutrition but wasn’t gaining any long term success with clients. I always knew eating challenges weren’t about food per se, having suffered with bulimia for 7 years, and I wanted to offer something life changing for clients, and know more about myself in the process. I found the Institute for the Psychology of Eating and I knew that it was going to change the game with my practice, and it has!

What do you love about being an Eating Psychology Coach?

I love being an Eating Psychology Coach because I know that what I’m offering to people is more than just another diet or meal program. I’m offering the tools and coaching they need to truly change their lives by empowering them to be vulnerable and intimate with themselves and others. They have more courage to face the challenges they’re going through.

How did your education at the Institute prepare you to work successfully with clients?

My education has led me to so many different people, clients, and opportunities that never would have happened had I not had this specific Training. People are interested when you talk about the psychological side of eating and how their emotions and life reflect the way they eat; they can sympathize with that. People are looking for something different, everything else has failed them, and this is an aspect of health and eating that most people haven’t heard of before. People are willing to try something that’s not another diet.

What was your favorite aspect of the Training?

My favorite part of the training was all the information I learned. Marc David really over delivered in the lessons that were taught. Truly, the information is priceless.

How has being an Eating Psychology Coach impacted you personally?

Being an Eating Psychology Coach has impacted my personal life on so many levels, I don’t even know where to begin. Embracing my femininity and learning to love and listen to my body has been life altering. I always had walls up to protect myself, even if that meant hurting myself in the process. Letting go and accepting my story really helped me break free from a lot of shame I experienced in my past.

What do you see for yourself in your future as an Eating Psychology Coach – where is your work evolving towards?

Like I said, I’m writing a book right now. It’s about changing your mindsets around food and body in order to transform our lives and our health. I’m running my business, taking personal clients, and hope to do some public speaking soon.

Why Would You Recommend the Training to Others?

If you want something different than every other diet or meal system that actually works, Eating Psychology is the way to go. Once you dive into what true health really looks like, nothing else will satisfy.

NAME: Lena Le Huray (Lena Schellenberg) EPC, PFT
BUSINESS: Jaded Nutrition
WEBSITE: jadednutrition.com

BIO: My ultimate passion is nutrition and seeing people’s lives change by the choices they make with food. My interest in the food/body connection started in my late teens as I suffered through an eating disorder that lasted 7 years. I knew that the issues in my life were reflecting my food choices and the way I behaved towards food and my body, and was compelled to dig deeper into this intimate connection. After spending countless hours doing my own inner healing, formal research and talking to professionals about how to overcome my eating disorder, answers and insights began to emerge. I’d like to say that everything changed in an instant, but it certainly did not. I refrained from the physical act of bulimia but still had disordered thinking about food and body. That’s when I found The Institute for the Psychology of Eating. Already holding a certificate in Sports and Exercise Nutrition, I knew that I needed something different for myself and my clients that would truly help them overcome any eating challenge they might have by helping them look into every other area of life that may be affecting their choices. The more work I began to do, the more healing that took place and the more confident I became in who I am as a person and as a practitioner. My mandate is to help people succeed with food and body challenges by giving them practical and useful tools, powerful insights, and realistic strategies.

P.S. – To learn more about the breakthrough body of work we teach here at the Institute for the Psychology of Eating, please sign up for our free video training series at ipe.tips. You’ll learn about the cutting-edge principles of Dynamic Eating Psychology and Mind Body Nutrition that have helped millions forever transform their relationship with food, body, and health. Lastly, we want to make sure you’re aware of our two premier offerings. Our Eating Psychology Coach Certification Training is an 8 month distance learning program that you can take from anywhere in the world to launch a new career or to augment an already existing health practice. And Transform Your Relationship with Food is our 8 week online program for anyone looking to take a big leap forward with food and body.

source https://psychologyofeating.com/my-life-as-an-eating-psychology-coach-lena-schellenberg/

My Life as an Eating Psychology Coach: Carmen Morcos

What made you want to become an Eating Psychology Coach?

The mother of a dear friend had stage IV lung cancer, despite never having smoked a cigarette in her life. They were both in NY as part of a cancer trial. Our hearts broke when her mother eventually passed away. I witnessed their journey, and my heart opened up to a whole new awareness for nutrition, health, spirituality, and overall “wellness.” I began to read incessantly and started questioning how all these were integrated. That is when my own journey began. I became an Eating Psychology Coach with the Institute for the Psychology, which opened up many more doors for me. I then went on to also become a RYT200 through Abhaya Yoga, and a Living Meditation teacher under the guidance of David H. Wagner.

What do you love about being an Eating Psychology Coach?

I love helping people break down the barriers that hinder the attainment of an explosive, visionary life.
I love helping people delve deep into one of the most intimate relationships they will ever have, one that will be with them forever.
I love helping people develop and sustain a nourishing and pleasurable relationship with food.
I love helping people embrace the sensuality of food and their bodies.
It humbles me to see people step into radical transformation and obtain what they deserve – to live in beautiful abundance – body, mind, and spirit.

What does your practice look like?

My background working in the private and nonprofit sectors gives me a unique perspective into corporate environments. I hold a joint-degree, Masters in Business Administration and Foreign Service from Georgetown University, which has enabled me to pursue both career paths. I have experienced the highs and lows, pros and cons of each working environment, and am keenly aware of the health challenges posed. I feel proud to offer a whole suite of services in an integrated fashion. I am a one-stop shop: yoga, meditation, and nutrition. I offer classes and workshops for different organizations around the city including the corporate offices of International Planned Parenthood, New York College of Podiatric Medicine, and Movement Improvement Physical Therapy. I also teach at Abhaya Yoga in Brooklyn, as well as offer private 1:1 sessions and workshops in my home in Brooklyn.

How did your education at the Institute prepare you to work successfully with clients?

My training gave me all the tools (practical and theoretical) to successfully work with clients, delve deep into their psyches, and become an investigator not only of their issues with health/nutrition, but of their lives. It taught me how to go beyond the basics of nutrition to work with people on a human, soul level – which is where true lasting transformation happens and takes hold. It taught me so much about how our relationship with food reflects our relationship with life, and teach clients this connection which is so often lost on them.

What was your favorite aspect of the Training?

My favorite aspect was everything! In particular the live event – meeting my fellow trainees, Marc and Emily, and connecting in person blew my heart wide open. I will never forget that weekend. It was the ultimate culmination of so many months of soul work that ended with one of the largest heart openings I’ve ever experienced.

How has being an Eating Psychology Coach impacted your professional life/financial well-being?

I initially did the training purely out of interest and inspiration – with no plans to offer myself professionally. Yet Life had a different plan for me. I created my own health & wellness practice and now offer yoga, meditation, and health coaching. Clients and opportunities are flowing in. My vision is to integrate this work with my other passion – international development and philanthropy and offer workshops specifically to people in my field, tailored to their contexts and life situations (including the at-risk youth we serve).

How has being an Eating Psychology Coach impacted you personally?

It has changed my life. It has opened up so many doors that I didn’t know existed. It has expanded who I am, and what I’m meant to give to this world. It has inspired me to develop my unique gift in ways I never imagined.

What do you see for yourself in your future as an Eating Psychology Coach – where is your work evolving towards?

My work is evolving towards offering more courses and workshops for people in international development & philanthropy, many who travel to the field or work in the communities they serve, with little time for themselves. They spend a vast amount of time helping others, and often do not have enough time to replenish. Many live overseas, are isolated, and do not have access to in-person workshops or sessions. I want to offer my work online, so that everyone can have access. I also want to translate my offerings to Spanish to reach more of those that do not traditionally have access to this kind of work.

Anything else you’d like to share?

Best investment I’ve ever made.

NAME: Carmen Morcos
BUSINESS: Corporate and 1:1 Coaching for Yoga, Meditation & Nutrition
WEBSITE: carmenmorcos.com

BIO: Carmen Morcos is a Certified Eating Psychology Coach, Living Meditation Teacher, and Yoga Instructor. Amidst all the chaos, business, and travel, she helps people find balance and a sense of inner peace. Life is much more enjoyable when one has the tools to navigate it.

P.S. – To learn more about the breakthrough body of work we teach here at the Institute for the Psychology of Eating, please sign up for our free video training series at ipe.tips. You’ll learn about the cutting-edge principles of Dynamic Eating Psychology and Mind Body Nutrition that have helped millions forever transform their relationship with food, body, and health. Lastly, we want to make sure you’re aware of our two premier offerings. Our Eating Psychology Coach Certification Training is an 8 month distance learning program that you can take from anywhere in the world to launch a new career or to augment an already existing health practice. And Transform Your Relationship with Food is our 8 week online program for anyone looking to take a big leap forward with food and body.

source https://psychologyofeating.com/my-life-as-an-eating-psychology-coach-carmen-morcos/

My Life as an Eating Psychology Coach: Wynne Meisenbach

What made you want to become an Eating Psychology Coach?

After spending several decades battling my own eating psychology struggles and having countless friends and strangers alike ask me for help with their eating psychology issues, I felt an overwhelming urge to share what I had learned. When I discovered the Institute for the Psychology of Eating, I knew that I had found the structure I had been looking for what would enable me to convey the wisdom which is necessary to grow from a place of contraction around food and body to a place of ease and well being. I have a grand passion for helping others find freedom from the ties that bind them, be they of a nutritional, emotional, physical or spiritual nature.

What do you love about being an Eating Psychology Coach?

Being an Eating Psychology Coach is rewarding in just about every way I could imagine. I am able to earn a living helping people resolve issues on which they had long ago given up hope. Watching my clients’ lives transform from “just going through the motions” to “feeling alive, empowered and engaged” is more satisfying than I could ever adequately describe.

What does your practice look like?

I see clients who are dealing with a broad spectrum of concerns, because I am also a Certified Neurofeedback trainer, a Certified Medical Support Clinical Hypnosis Practitioner, and a Certified Birth Into Being Facilitator-in-Training. However, the training I received through the IPE is applicable to almost all of my clients. I work a lot with those who are dealing with issues of binge eating, overeating, body image, energy and fatigue, perfectionism, and weight loss. Probably every person I see is someone with whom I work on stress management in some form or another. I specialize in working with musicians and mothers and families preparing to welcome a new child into their family. I work with clients in person, as well as through video call.

How did your education at the Institute prepare you to work successfully with clients?

My training at the Institute helped me to have a framework in which to work with clients. There is so much that goes into helping people who are suffering with unwanted habits or unwanted health issues. The Training gave me an understanding of where to start, ideas on how to structure sessions, a long list of helpful exercises I can give my clients and thoughtful information on running a business in this day and age.

What was your favorite aspect of the Training?

It would be difficult to pick one aspect of the IPE training that was my absolute favorite. They all work together so beautifully to create a deep and rich understanding of the material. If I had to pick, I would probably say that I got the most out of the the Facebook group and the staff support offered there.

How has being an Eating Psychology Coach impacted your professional life/financial well-being?

Adding Eating Psychology Coaching to my business has drawn in a new type of client and made me better at helping the ones I already had. I constantly hear from my clients how important the work that I do is in their lives and I am getting more referrals than I had prior to my IPE training.

How has being an Eating Psychology Coach impacted you personally?

Prior to my training, I had read hundreds, if not thousands, of books on Mind Body Nutrition and related subjects. Instead of creating a feeling of being well informed, this only served to generate a fear of missing out. Training with IPE has resulted in a much more relaxed relationship with the way I approach learning as well as with food and my body. This has translated into a more joyful experience in life in general, increased my overall well being and has improved my relationships.

What do you see for yourself in your future as an Eating Psychology Coach – where is your work evolving towards?

In the future, I hope to focus on addressing the needs of mothers and families who are welcoming a new soul into their family. The experience a child has during the pre and perinatal period sets them up for how they will relate to others, their bodies, and their life. If I can help families to elevate their consciousness, become more embodied, and find their joy. I believe that we will all benefit from a higher quality of life.

Why Would You Recommend the Training to Others?

I would recommend this training to others who find themselves stuck in a rut in their life, to those who want to make a difference in the lives of others, and to those who already have some kind of helping practice but who find themselves at a loss when it comes to discussing matters of food, body, or spirituality.

Anything else you’d like to share?

Overall, this training has given me a comfort and confidence that I did not know was even missing in my life. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such an incredible and knowledgeable group of thoughtful professionals.

NAME: Wynne Meisenbach
BUSINESS: Liberty Brain Training, LLC
WEBSITE: libertybraintraining.com

BIO: Wynne Meisenbach is a musician-turned-healer whose modalities include Eating Psychology Coaching, Neurofeedback Training, Clinical Hypnosis and Birth Into Being. Her struggles with health and food eventually transformed into a passion for guiding others in overcoming their health and food struggles to find their own personal power and freedom.

P.S. – To learn more about the breakthrough body of work we teach here at the Institute for the Psychology of Eating, please sign up for our free video training series at ipe.tips. You’ll learn about the cutting-edge principles of Dynamic Eating Psychology and Mind Body Nutrition that have helped millions forever transform their relationship with food, body, and health. Lastly, we want to make sure you’re aware of our two premier offerings. Our Eating Psychology Coach Certification Training is an 8 month distance learning program that you can take from anywhere in the world to launch a new career or to augment an already existing health practice. And Transform Your Relationship with Food is our 8 week online program for anyone looking to take a big leap forward with food and body.

source https://psychologyofeating.com/my-life-as-an-eating-psychology-coach-wynne-meisenbach/

My Life as an Eating Psychology Coach: Miriam Byrne

What made you want to become an Eating Psychology Coach?

I have a deep curiosity about human behaviour. Why do people do what they do when they know that it’s not in their best interest and damages their health and wellbeing? I wanted to look beyond food when supporting clients to heal their relationship with eating and body image and this course resonated deeply with me. Giving clients detailed dietary recommendations on their own is not enough to effect powerful and lasting change, I feel that the emotional side was every bit as important as food and exercise.

What do you love about being an Eating Psychology Coach?

I love that this approach to eating is innovative and invites the client onto a journey of discovery and self-reflection. It is not another ‘new diet’ that sets the client up for more failure. Also I can give clients recommendations, such as slowing down their pace of eating, which they can start implementing at the very next meal so this helps build momentum for working on more challenging areas.

What does your practice look like?

I work with women from all backgrounds, from high achieving career women to busy stay-at-home mothers. My own background in Corporate Finance (I initially trained as an accountant) helps me to understand the relentless pressure women can find themselves under trying to juggle all their commitments at work and at home. I work with weight loss resistance, emotional eating, stress, and hormonal imbalances.

What was your favorite aspect of the Training?

As an auditory learner, I found the most useful aspect of the course to be the audios which I downloaded and listened to everywhere – especially in the car. Each time I re-listened to a lecture I absorbed something new, there is quite a volume of information on this course and it takes time to fully integrate it so you can confidently apply the distinctions with clients.

How has being an Eating Psychology Coach impacted your professional life/financial well-being?

Being able to offer prospective clients eating psychology coaching alongside recommendations around nutrition and lifestyle helps to set me apart from other nutritionists in my area so it is a source of competitive advantage for my practice. I am first person in Ireland to complete this training at IPE so that gives me a USP!

How has being an Eating Psychology Coach impacted you personally?

I have gained so much on a personal level from training to become an Eating Psychology Coach. I have had my own struggles with erratic eating, especially during times of high stress. It has helped me to develop a more empowered relationship around food and this has ripple effects for my confidence in other areas of my life.

What do you see for yourself in your future as an Eating Psychology Coach – where is your work evolving towards?

I would like share my knowledge of nutrition and eating psychology with a wider audience through workshops and events. I will continue working on a 1-1 basis with clients as the satisfaction I get from witnessing their breakthroughs is immense. I am also writing a book and have got a publisher so this is another way I am bringing my message to more people.

Why Would You Recommend the Training to Others?

The Training is thorough and innovative and equips you to work confidently and skilfully with people in effecting powerful changes in their lives around such areas as eating, body image, digestion, and mood. There is a growing demand for coaches who can do this work in a compassionate and heart-centred way. Our busy and frantic world needs people with this Training!
The Training leads you on a path of self-exploration and healing your own relationship with food and opens up doorways to a rewarding and meaningful career.

NAME: Miriam Byrne
BUSINESS: Founder of Women’s Nutrition

BIO: Miriam Byrne is a holistic nutritionist and Eating Psychology Coach based in Cork, Ireland. She is founder of Women’s Nutrition and is passionate about inspiring and empowering women of all ages to live a happy and healthy lifestyle focusing on nutrition, hormones and emotions. She is widowed with two sons.

P.S. – To learn more about the breakthrough body of work we teach here at the Institute for the Psychology of Eating, please sign up for our free video training series at ipe.tips. You’ll learn about the cutting-edge principles of Dynamic Eating Psychology and Mind Body Nutrition that have helped millions forever transform their relationship with food, body, and health. Lastly, we want to make sure you’re aware of our two premier offerings. Our Eating Psychology Coach Certification Training is an 8 month distance learning program that you can take from anywhere in the world to launch a new career or to augment an already existing health practice. And Transform Your Relationship with Food is our 8 week online program for anyone looking to take a big leap forward with food and body.

source https://psychologyofeating.com/my-life-as-an-eating-psychology-coach-miriam-byrne/