10 Awesome Healthy Gift Baskets for your Loved Ones this Christmas is part of The Healthy Juice & Diet Life Best Gifts for Healthy People - Ultimate Gift Guide, featuring products found in Healthy Gift Baskets.
As one of the most popular healthy gift options out there it's no surprise that healthy gift baskets and selection boxes, filled with a range of delectable treats and goodies that don't come packed with guilt, make for some of the best presents you can give in the Christmas and festive season.
With an ever increasingly growing community of health-conscious individuals across the globe now reaching significant numbers, we find ourselves blessed with an awesome array of healthy products and nutritional goodies that make the gift-giving season a real wonder to discover- often alighting on a few little treats that we could ask for ourselves for our next birthday or gift giving occasion! Fresh fruit hampers, seasonal varieties, dried fruit, meat, wine, cheese, snacks, and various nut selection boxes found in this list are some the best healthy gift basket options not only thanks to their awesome flavors and taste but also come in beautifully presented packaging and design for that extra pzazz and 'wow' factor. Check out 10 awesome healthy gift baskets for your loved ones this Christmas below! 10 Healthy Christmas Gift Baskets1.) Merry Christmas Fruit & Treats Tower |
How about these great gift ideas for fellow sufferers and loved ones being brave in the face of adversity and hard times?
Great products for diverticulitis sufferers (UK)
Let’s Face it, Today’s Modern Lifestyle can be Stressful!
It can be so easy to get swept up in a busy lifestyle that we often fall into the trap of offsetting our good deeds for others as justification for our own personal health and wellbeing needs not being properly addressed and even falling by the wayside.
I mean, who realistically is going to tell you to stop helping out when they themselves probably also feel busy and have grown accustomed to or even reliant on your assistance? And after all, what’s wrong with holding down a job? Right? Surely we *should* be doing these things? Who has time for meal prep anyway? And do we really need 5 a day?
Unfortunately for many of us we are prisoners to our mindset. Combine this with our ‘modern’ cultural and social climate and it is easy to see how we have been towed along the path to membership into one of the sickest ‘herds’ our population has ever had.
So What is Going on with our Health?
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association created an index for measuring American people’s health from birth up to age 64 which highlights which illnesses are lowering the quality of life for people across the nation.
The most impactful health conditions found were:
- Hypertension — National Health Impact 12.5%
- Major Depression — National Health Impact 9%
- High Cholesterol — National Health Impact 8.6%
- Coronary Artery Disease — National Health Impact 7%
- Type 2 Diabetes — National Health Impact 5.5%
- Substance Use Disorder — National Health Impact 3.4%
- Alcohol Use Disorder — National Health Impact 3.3%
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) — National Health Impact 3.3%
- Psychotic Disorder — National Health Impact 2.9%
- Crohn’s Disease/Ulcerative Colitis — National Health Impact 2.7%
What are the Numbers Really Telling us?
With (9 + 3.4 + 3.3 =) 15.7% of the National Health Impact coming from Major Depression and Substance, and Alcohol Disorders, one can’t help but wonder if it is indeed the poor health of the nation, coupled with the stressful and downbearing socio-economic factors that have influenced these numbers. Please note: we make no great claims about the root cause or treatment in terms of chronic depression and always recommend you consult your doctor in the first instance of changing thought patterns and behaviours.
At just under 40% of the impact falling under our responsibility, clearly the power to do something about these numbers lies in our very own hands! If it is our lifestyle that has lead us to poor health, then it is the style of our life that must change!
But how do you undo years of habitual activity? Is there really a way to snap us out of our dreary day to day cycles of cut corners, consistent “cheat days” and poor nutrition? Can we truly recover our health and regain control of our best-life destiny?
The answer, of course, is YES!
This is where the Juice Retreat / Health Getaway Experience really comes into its own.
Why the Juice Cleanse and Health Retreat Getaway is Essential
In fact, once you've experienced the rich personal rewards and physical benefits of your first health retreat experience we have no doubt you'll be racing to book your next in no time at all!
Whichever you choose, the rich and plentiful rewards come in abundance. Below are some of the main reasons why it is essential that every single one of us experiences a juice cleanse, detox, exercise and nutrition, or health retreat style getaway at least once in our lives.
IMMEDIATE HEALTH BENEFITS
With your body revitalized and remineralized and a completely recharged immune system as you come towards the end of your stay you will definitely see just how differently your body feels and moves. There is nothing quite like it - it feels amazing!
MINDSET & MOTIVATION
Negative trends and patterns can be easily broken once you get to the core of the issue, your mindset!
HEALTH & NUTRITION EDUCATION
TRAVEL (BEAUTIFUL LOCATIONS & ENVIRONMENT ESCAPE)
Just take a look at some of these gorgeous retreats dotted across the USA such as the “4 Days Juice Cleanse, Yoga, and Hiking Retreat in Arizona”, “6 Days Radiance, Bliss & Inner Peace Health & Meditation Retreat in Magical Maui Hawaii” or the “4 Days Yoga and Detox Retreat in Las Vegas, Nevada”.
PEOPLE
In so many of the health retreat reviews and write-ups you will see statements commending the trainers and program leaders for making the experience truly one of a kind, oftentimes leading to lifelong friendships being forged, leaving you with not just knowledge and experience from your retreat, but also a dependable and reliable healthy support network bound together by your aligned vision and shared ideologies.
LIFE EXPERIENCE = LIFE INFLUENCE
There is power in action. One you become ‘active’ in your pursuits you elevate from the zombie state and start to become the beacon you were meant to be. As a beacon of positivity you become the example that others will use to then begin taking their first steps.
The immensely powerful transformation of positive health changes from within you will be the catalyst that benefits everyone you come into contact with - from your children and dearest loved ones following in your footsteps, to the stranger in the street who will now meet you at your best.
This, in turn will fuel your desire even further, as you recognise the positive influence you now command, with accelerating velocity towards your ultimate health mastery.
How could you ever go back to the old ways!? Would you even want to? Would you even like the old you!?
CONSIDERING BOOKING YOURSELF ON A HEALTH RETREAT / JUICE FAST?
Back to our Guide: The Healthy Juice & Diet Life Guide To Juice Retreats, Detox Breaks and Other Health Getaways
ARIZONA
$ 3 Day Juice Cleanse and Yoga Retreat (Scottsdale, AZ)
$$ 4 Day Health & Self-Love, Sound & Meditation Retreat (Scottsdale, AZ)
$$$ 14 Day Juice Fasting Health and Wellness Detox Retreat (Sedona, AZ)
CALIFORNIA
$ 4 Day Personal Retreat for Health, Leisure & Spiritual Refreshment (Nevada City, CA)
$$ 5 Day New Year Pilates, Yoga, and Meditation Retreat (Santa Margarita, CA)
$$$ 4 Day Boutique Wellness, Fitness, and Detox Intensive (California Hot Springs, CA)
COLORADO
$ 3 Day Weekend Women's Meditation and Yoga Retreat (Moffat, CO)
$$ 4 Days Canyons Hiking, Hot Springs, and Yoga Retreat (Manitou Springs, CO)
$$$ 6 Days Yoga, Spiritual Exploration, and T'ai Chi (Pilgrim, CO)
FLORIDA
$ 4 Days Yoga and Relaxation Retreat (Palm Beach, FL)
$$ 4 Days Fitness Adventure and Yoga Holiday (Miami, FL)
$$ 8 Days Wellness and Liver Support Detox (Palm Beach, FL)
$$$ 5 Days Boating, Healthy Food, Unique Workshops, and Yoga Holiday (Islamorada, FL)
$$$ 8 Days Ayurveda Rest & Relaxation Health Retreat (Alachua, FL)
HAWAII
$ 3 Days Shakti Sacred Healing Ceremony Yoga Retreat (Papaaloa, HI)
$$ 5 Days Rest and Rejuvenate Retreat (Kapaau, HI)
$$$ 6 Days Radiance, Bliss & Inner Peace Health & Meditation Retreat (Maui, HI)
MAINE
$ 3 Days Digital Detox Retreat with Yoga (Industry, ME)
$$ 5 Days Wellness Cruise and Yoga Holiday (Camden, ME)
$$$ 7 Days Nature Healing, Meditation and Soulful Yoga (Island Falls, ME)
MASSACHUSETTS
$$ 5 Days From The Heart Yoga Retreat (Nantucket, MA)
$$$ 15 Days 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training with Holistic Wellness (Cape Cod, MA)
NEW YORK
$ 3 Days Rejuvenating Meditation and Yoga Retreat (Sullivan County, NY)
$$ 4 Days Yoga Restoring Retreat (Southampton, NY)
$$$ 5 Days Catskill Mountain Self-Renewal Detox Retreat (Ellenville, NY)
NORTH CAROLINA
$$ 6 Days Women's Autoimmune and Thyroid Retreat (St Wilmington, NC)
NORTH GEORGIA
$ 3 Days Listen Deep Women's Weekend Yoga Holiday (Elohee, GA)
OHIO
$$ 4 Days Weekend Yoga Retreat (Hocking Country, OH)
TENNESSEE
$ 4 Days Yin Yoga and Meditation Holiday (Maryville, TN)
VIRGINIA
$$ 4 Days Wellness and Rejuvenation Therapy Health Retreat (Eupepsia, VA)
$$$ 4 Days Wine, Hiking, and Yoga Retreat (Afton, VA)
UTAH
$ 5 Days Healing Mindfulness, Meditation, and Yoga Retreat (N Altonah, UT)
$$ 4 Days Yoga with Stacy Levy and Amy Owen (St. George, UT)
$$$ 7 Days Fitness, Weight Loss, and Yoga Retreat (S Salt Lake City, UT)
FOR FURTHER HEALTH GETAWAY, YOGA AND DETOX HOLIDAYS
Book Detox Retreats
Book Meditation Retreats
Book Yoga Retreats
HAVE YOU SEEN THESE AWESOME TOP REVIEWED HOME JUICE CLEANSE, DETOX AND WEIGHT LOSS PRODUCTS?
THANKS FOR STOPPING BY!
Are you considering going on a health retreat? Have you been to any of the juice retreats and health centers above? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
~The Healthy Juice & Diet Life~
It's great to have you with us as we delve deep into the oozing world of a most wonderful, sticky delicacy our lovely planet provides - MANUKA HONEY!
If you haven't already been fortunate enough to have had this awesome, medical grade, New Zealand-born honey cross your path then you sure are in for an eye-opening, sweet treat today!
Read on below to get the full raw Manuka honey lowdown covering questions such as what is Manuka honey, where and what to look out for when buying Manuka honey, how to use Manuka honey, a look at some of the best Manuka honey products available and, of course, why there's such a buzz around the benefits of Manuka honey.
We've even thrown in a bonus Manuka Honey Smoothie Recipe from our post 'The 5 Best Manuka Honey Smoothie Recipes for you to Try!' Be sure to bookmark the rest for later.
What is Manuka Honey? |
In short, manuka honey is simply a mono-floral honey from New Zealand. Simple!
But what does that mean for us? The honey is harvested from bees that ONLY collect pollen from the Manuka bush (Leptospermum Scoparium). The Manuka bush is a tough, hardy, perennial flowering evergreen, native to New Zealand, whose countless benefits, from medicinal applications to aromatherapy and therapeutic uses, have been known to the original inhabitants of New Zealand for thousands of years.
However, despite the long-dating use of Manuka honey in its native region, it was only since the 1980's when a Dr Peter Molan of Waikato University began researching into the healing and antibacterial properties of manuka honey that the way was paved for today's centralized understanding of its commercial application and global benefits! Thankfully so as manuka honey is one of the worlds most rewarding researched honeys' to date!
How we use the Manuka Bush?
Methylglyoxal is the active ingredient responsible for setting manuka-based products apart in the antibacterial game. Its powerful antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties lead to it traditionally being used for wound healing, soothing of sore throats, improved oral hygiene from prevention from tooth decay and boosting the digestive function as well as reversing many digestive issues!
The mild antiviral and antibacterial benefits of your typical honeys comes in the form of peroxide-based agents, which are susceptible to breaking down when exposed to heat, light and moisture, thereby reducing the effectiveness of desired therapeutic benefits. The antibacterial and antiviral agents found within manuka honey, however, come in a non-peroxide form, in a significantly higher concentration. Manuka honey ratings sometimes use NPA (non-peroxide activity) as a measure of strength - more on this later.
Today these benefits can be seen across the board with Manuka Essential Oils as well as cosmetic and beauty products such as Manuka Lip Balms, Hair Washes, Facial Masks and more. The manuka bush is set to be one of the most rewarding rediscoveries of the 20th century in a range of fields from culinary and medicinal applications, to cosmetic and therapeutic practices!
Manuka Honey Health Benefits
The health benefits of manuka honey far outweigh that of any other honey thanks to its higher concentration of the ingredient Methylglyoxal.
Used for culinary purposes and consumption this hugely taste-packed ingredient can sway the flavour of an entire meal, visually enhance that perfect, mouth-watering glaze or give a natural, nutritious immunity boost to any slap up meal or smoothie! But don't make the mistake of thinking that pot in the cupboard is only for your stomach!
Here are a few of the fantastic health benefits of Manuka honey:
- IMPROVED DIGESTIVE FUNCTION
Clostridium Difficile (often called C. diff) is a particular bacteria responsible for causing severe diarrhoea and inflammation of the bowel. Manuka honey has been observed to kill C. diff strains. Common digestive disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and more complex issues such as Ulcerative Colitis and Diverticulitis will find effective soothing and analgesic effects (pain relief) using Manuka Honey. Manuka honey has been proven to improve antioxidant status and reduce inflammation.
- WOUND, BOIL, BLISTER AND SORE TREATMENT
Since ancient times, honey has been used as a remedy to treat ailments from burns to blisters and sores. In more recent years the US FDA approved Manuka honey as an option for wound treatment (since 2007). Studies across the world have corroborated the findings which all indicate that wounds treated with Manuka honey not only benefited from an increased rate of tissue regeneration but also were noted to be less painful and, further, where scarring occurred, it was more malleable and less stiff.
- IMPROVED ORAL HEALTH
Wait a minute! I thought sweet things were bad for your teeth!? While it may seem counter-intuitive using something sticky and sweet as a means of improving oral health, due to the antibacterial properties of Manuka Honey, that is exactly what it does! In order to maintain healthy teeth and gums we must minimise the bad bacteria while trying to keep the good ones intact. Manuka honey is not your typical candy made from refined sugars. Research shows the high antibacterial activity is effective at inhibiting the growth of harmful oral bacteria like P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans, while not contributing to cavities. Provided use was not excessive results observed were not detrimental. Awesome!
- SORE THROAT AND TICKLY COUGH RELIEF
Manuka honey has been found to decrease the bacteria Streptococcus Mutans, a type of bacteria responsible for sore throats. Not only working as an antiviral and antibacterial reducing pain and inflammation. Manuka honey also physically lines the throat and digestive tract for immediate relief and a soothing effect, reducing symptoms of tickly cough and dry, sore throat.
- MANUKA HONEY FOR ACNE
At one time or another many of us have had the unpleasant joy of waking up to somewhat of a 'rough patch'. While acne usually presents itself around puberty as a result of hormonal changes it is also true our diet, hygiene and stress play an important role in their popping up. While more research is needed to confirm the current findings, Manuka honey's antibacterial properties have been seen to reduce inflammation associated with sore spots by cleansing bacteria from clogged pores thereby reducing recovery time.
- PREVENTION OF GASTRIC ULCERS
Stomach ulcers are one of the leading afflictions of today's poor diet and excessive alcohol consumption. H. pylori is a type of bacteria that is responsible for the majority of gastric ulcers. Once again Manuka honey's powerful antibacterial properties act as both a symptomatic cure and preventative. With the research still in its infancy the cat is still in the bag with this one but we have every confidence the correlation is true.
- SYMPTOMATIC RELIEF FROM CYSTIC FIBROSIS
An inherited condition affecting the respiratory tract and lungs, Cystic Fibrosis affects the cells responsible for producing mucous causing it to be abnormally thick and sticky. For this reason upper respiratory infections are unfortunately commonplace for those with Cystic Fibrosis. Manuka honey has been shown to attack the harmful bacteria and inhibit their growth leading to significant relief in observed patients.
Manuka Honey Smoothie Recipes?
Naturally, here at the Healthy Juice and Diet Life we like to do our bit to take things that one step further, breaking free from the typical boundaries and limitations to the possible health benefits we can squeeze out of any situation - Manuka Honey doesn't escape our grasp!
As avid lovers of mouth-watering, nutritious smoothies we just couldn't miss out on such a fantastic opportunity to play around and make a few of our own. Below is a smoothie recipe taken from our post 'The 5 Best Manuka Honey Smoothie Recipes for you to Try!' -which we fully recommend you check out! Each smoothie has been uniquely designed as a perfect blend of intense, distinctive flavour and nutritional content to leave your thirst quenched, and taste buds dancing, with a stoked immune system, and rejuvenated bodily function! What more could you ask for!?
The Cinnamon Honey Pear - Manuka Honey Smoothie Recipe
- 35g Oats
- 1 Large Pear
- 3/4 Banana
- 1/2 Tsp Cinnamon
- 100g Greek Yogurt
- 150 Ml Milk
- 1 Tbsp Manuka Honey
PREPARATION
Simply toss the ingredients into a blender and blend until an even consistency throughout. Pour and enjoy!
Check out our other manuka honey smoothie recipes in our post 'The 5 Best Manuka Honey Smoothie Recipes for you to Try!'
What to look out for when Buying Manuka Honey? UMF/NPA?
Typical honey attributes its mild antibacterial properties to the hydrogen peroxide antiseptic released when the enzyme glucose oxidase produced by the bees as a preservative in the honey comes in contact with moisture in the body. However, this activity is easily destroyed by heat, light and other fluids. In Manuka honey the antibacterial effects come from Non-Peroxide Activity which is more potent and stable - leading to our immense list of benefits.
WATCH YOUR RATINGS!
A WORD OF WARNING. Be wary of other rating systems. UMF / NPA is the only official standardised rating system to measure the actual effectiveness of the Manuka by means of both concentration and potency.
For example one company, Wedderspoon, have created their own KFactor rating system which they say is to measure the 'purity' of the honey. While we would hope that all products already are arriving in their jars in a pure state regardless of the ingredients, the main issue here is the rating system disregards measurement of the active, beneficial ingredient responsible for the effects you probably wanted the honey for in the first place, namely the Non-Peroxide Activity agents.
However, as a cheaper 'Manuka honey' alternative it is easy to see why many are choosing to buy it as it serves as a great introduction at a more accessible cost. However, make sure you know that what you are buying falls into the category of 'premium honey' rather than 'medical grade', which cannot promise to deliver on the therapeutic benefits with a honey with UMF 10 or above.
Where to Buy Manuka Honey?
IN STORE
If you're the kind of person who likes to visit a store for your purchases we are pleased to say this is possible!
- For our USA readers you can find Manuka Honey in Walmart, Whole Foods and most large stores.
- For those in the UK Manuka Honey can be found in most larger supermarket stores: Boots, ASDA, Morrisons, Tesco etc.
*Just beware of the rating system as we mentioned previously and you should be well on your way!
ONLINE (recommended)
In the digital era it's hard not to see the benefits the internet has afforded us. When it comes to grabbing something as specific as a medically graded honey we would always recommend doing so online from a trusted source. No where else can you so specifically search out a particular product and have all the customer feedback in one place that you can trust is both accurate and up to date.
What's more we've already done the leg work and found the best Manuka honey products available online!
Our Manuka Honey Recommendations.
Thanks for sticking about!
If you did like this article, please feel free to share this information with friends, family and anyone you know that likes their honey or could benefit from a little extra bang for their buck!
Happy honey hunting! :)
~The Healthy Juice & Diet Life~
The 5 Best Manuka Honey Smoothies
Being such a potent ingredient with a fantastically rich and complex flavour, it's obvious to see how manuka honey can be used to work wonders in our smoothies! For those familiar with the sweet, rich, nectar prepare to be left with your mouth watering and taste buds tingling as we bring you the 5 best manuka honey smoothie recipes for you to try!
Manuka Honey Smoothie Recipe #1
-The Bloodberry Fondue
INGREDIENTS
- 45g Strawberries
- 45g Raspberries
- 40g Blueberries
- 1 Scoop Greek Yogurt
- 1 Tsp Manuka Honey
PREPARATION
Simply slice up the ingredients and blend into a rich, nutritious burst of phytonutrients, antioxidants and immune-boosting antivirals.
Manuka Honey Smoothie Recipe #2
-Banoffee Split
INGREDIENTS
- 1 Large Banana
- 2 Scoops Greek Yogurt
- 1.5 Tbsp Manuka Honey
- and/or 1 Optional Extra*
*OPTIONAL EXTRAS:
- 250 Ml Apple Juice
- 1 Tbsp Peanut Butter
- Hemp Protein Powder
- 30g Frozen Summer Berry Mix / or made up of Blackberries, Raspberries, Blueberries etc.
PREPARATION
Making this delicious manuka honey smoothie recipe couldn't be easier - simply decide on your optional extras for which way you want to sway the flavour, blend the ingredients to the blender, serve and enjoy!
Manuka Honey Smoothie Recipe #3
-The Orange Vitamin Sea
Combining the awesome antibacterial and antiviral effects of the Manuka Honey with other immunity-serving ingredients we arrive at the glorious and gorgeous Orange Vitamin Sea.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 Carrots
- 1 Peeled Orange
- 1 Tbsp Manuka Honey
- Lemon Juice (1/4 Lemon Squeezed)
- Lime Juice (1/4 Lime Squeezed)
- 1/2 Cup ice
PREPARATION
Wash the carrots, peel the orange and chop the lemon and lime ready for use. Add the carrots and orange to the blender followed by the freshly squeezed citrus juices. Scoop one healthy tablespoon of raw manuka honey and blend!
Experiment with the amount of ice to vary consistency to your preference - Enjoy!
Manuka Honey Smoothie Recipe #4
-The Cinnamon Honey Pear
INGREDIENTS
- 35g Oats
- 1 Large Pear
- 3/4 Banana
- 1/2 Tsp Cinnamon
- 100g Greek Yogurt
- 150 Ml Milk
- 1 Tbsp Manuka Honey
PREPARATION
Simply toss the ingredients into a blender and blend until an even consistency throughout. Pour and enjoy!
Manuka Honey Smoothie Recipe #5
-Avocado Pudding
INGREDIENTS
- 1 Avocado
- 1 Cup Coconut Milk
- 1 Tbsp Manuka Honey
PREPARATION
Prepare the avocado then simply chuck all the ingredients in the blender and blend until rich, creamy and smooth! Delicious!
Short on a few ingredients?
We Recommend you Try These Manuka Honey Brands
Readers from select US States and London, UK can take advantage of a fantastic growing service provided by Amazon - namely Amazon Fresh. Amazon Fresh is a subsidiary of Amazon that specializes in delivering whatever you fancy be it your fresh groceries, everyday essentials, or items from your favorite stores including Whole Foods (US) and Morrisons (UK).
They offer both attended and unattended delivery so for those who just simply cannot find the time to shop this could be your answer! It is a revolutionary service that is still in its early days however for those that this opportunity is available to we would whole heartedly recommend you trial.
Clicking the picture or button below will take you to a page where you can find out more information and even begin a free trial for the AmazonFresh service if you wish to do so! Neat, huh?
You will, no doubt, have heard of the concept of a subscription service before we are sure, however, did you know that many online sellers now offer these kinds of discounts for everyday products as well including fresh vegetables, herbs, spices as well as other kitchen cupboard items including honey, jams and spreads and other therapeutic consumables? A growing number of online businesses are offering what they call 'subscription discounts' on a range of items that previously you would just have had to simply replenish at full price once gone!
So not only do you save yourself the hassle of having to replenish each item as it runs out, but also helps on the bottom line, making a little saving along the way!
All the products below are such examples, relevant to the manuka honey smoothies above and offer savings from 5% - 15% depending on the overall quantity of orders placed. Done right, it can work out to generate some quite lucrative and considerable savings! Definitely worth checking out.
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What are you waiting for!?
Let us know in the comments below!
~The Healthy Juice & Diet Life~
Ulcerative colitis is a condition that affects between 250,000 and 500,000 people across the USA and just shy of 150,000 people in the UK. These are not small numbers!
With something as important as quality of life at stake for this many people we know just how frustrating it can be trying to find reliable, accurate and trustworthy information to point you in the right direction for specific ailments and conditions when it comes to not just medication but also, more importantly, effective, natural and nutritious goodness!
So, if you're sick of feeling sick, this article will set you well on your way to a full and well rounded understanding of Ulcerative Colitis, what it is, what it means for you and what you should (and shouldn't!) be doing. We also give you some great examples of juice recipes for Ulcerative Colitis to get your taste buds tingling and have found some of the best resources available online to assist in maintaining a, flare-free, full and rewarding life with Ulcerative Colitis.
Let's get to it!
What is Ulcerative Colitis?
The main symptoms of Ulcerative colitis include:
- Abdominal cramping and stomach pains
- Frequent diarrhoea, often containing blood, puss, or mucus
- Feeling the need to empty your bowels more than usual
When a 'flare up' occurs some people also encounter symptoms in other areas of the body including:
- Mouth ulcers
- Arthritis (Painful and swollen joints)
- Irritated, itchy, red eyes
- Patches of red, painful, swollen skin
Having to empty your bowels 6 or more times a day is defined as a serious case of Ulcerative Colitis and has been documented with additional symptoms such as:
- Fever and having a high temperature
- Shortness of breath
- An irregular or fast heartbeat
- More prominent blood in stools
Depending on the extent of the affected area, Ulcerative colitis is identified in differing terms: Ulcerative Proctitis refers to when just the area inside the rectum is affected, Proctosigmoiditis involves the rectum and the Sigmoid colon (the lower end of the colon), Distal (or commonly 'left-sided') colitis includes the rectum and up the left side to the Sigmoid and descending colon, and finally, Pancolitis refers to when the entire colon is affected - at this stage one should absolutely seek both medical and nutritional intervention if not already doing so.
Progression from Pancolitis to the more life threatening Fulminant colitis is absolutely avoidable with a diligent focus on diet, which we highly recommend as further progression from this stage can lead to severe and lethal conditions including toxic megacolon and bowel perforation! Not to get the wind up your back!
Where did you come from where did you go!?
Ulcerative colitis is a tricky condition to tackle with a 'one size fits all' approach. While there are certain preferences in terms of food groups and types, lifestyle factors including stress and more typical factors such as local infection, Ulcerative colitis 'flare ups' can come and go with almost very little to no warning and often with seemingly no identifiable cause.
The coming and going of Ulcerative Colitis flare ups (relapses) and subsequent periods of milder symptoms (remission) can make life particularly troublesome if a good understanding of the nutritional and medical requirements during each phase is not in place.
Ulcerative Colitis Diet - What to Eat / Keep Close!?
In general, people with Ulcerative colitis will benefit from dietary changes including:
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals. 5-6 smaller meals is preferable over 3 main meals.
- Hydration is key make sure you do not become dehydrated especially during bouts of severe diarrhoea. Water, water, WATER is your go-to.
- Nutritional supplements. As a condition of the intestine, often our nutritional uptake is negatively affected - be sure to keep on top of your daily vitamin and mineral intake! Your GP should be able to advise if this course of action is likely to benefit you. Typically the increased intake of magnesium and potassium is advised to recover those nutrients lost from the body during diarrhoea.
- Blackberries, raspberries and blueberries contain phyto-nutrients are rich in polyphenols and antioxidants which induce intestinal anti-inflammatory responses.
- Apple, pears, guavas, plums, gooseberries and oranges, along with other citrus fruits contain large amounts of pectin which soothes the intestinal mucous membranes.
- Apricot, beetroot, carrot and papaya are high in beta-carotene which heals inflamed intestinal mucous membranes.
- Cabbage, dandelion, and garlic are high in organosulfur (organic sulphur/sulfur) which plays an important part in the effective protection of the liver function while healing the bowel.
- Leafy, green, cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, brussel sprouts, kale, spinach and pak choi (bok choy) are high in vitamin K which strengthens the immune system positively enhancing natural gut bacteria decomposition.
Ulcerative Colitis Diet - What not to Eat / Avoid!?
- Fiber. Whilst the intake of a certain amount of fiber aids smooth digestion, those suffering from severe Ulcerative colitis want to avoid a high-fiber diet as this will help reduce the frequency of bowel movements and abdominal cramps.
- Most high-fructose corn based products, processed fruit juice, honey and molasses are poorly absorbed leading to typical digestive irritation including bloating, gas and diarrhoea.
- Caffeine. Found in chocolate, coffee, tea and many carbonated drinks. Caffeine has been identified and pointed to as a potential cause of irritation and flare-ups across the globe.
- When looking for pectin, be aware soft fruits such as grapes, cherries and strawberries only contain small amounts. See above for high-pectin foods.
- Dairy products are well-documented as an 'avoid' food group for many digestive disorders. The consumption of too much lactose can negatively affect digestion and can cause or develop symptoms including diarrhoea, gas, and cramping.
- Alcohol. On the best of days alcohol doesn't do wonders for our digestion. As a rule it is best avoided or consumed in regulated quantities in line with a balanced lifestyle.
- Nuts and Seeds can cause cramping, abdominal pain and, bloating and diarrhoea. Small seeds may become lodged in the intestine and can cause, or irritate, a flare-up.
- Gluten - found in wheat, rye, barley and many processed white-bread products can trigger symptoms of Ulcerative colitis.
Ulcerative Colitis Smoothie / Juice Recipes!
So, here are three fantastic juicing recipes for Ulcerative Colitis pain management for you to get whipping up!
*PLEASE NOTE* As fiber is not our intended goal here please ensure you use a pulp-separating juicer and not a blender when following the recipes below.
- THE CRUCIFEROUS BETA-CRUNCH!
- THE BANANA, ORANGE, AND RASPBERRY DELIGHT
- DOUBLE APPLE AND PEARS PAIRED WITH CARROT
There are many many more great smoothies and juices we whole-heartedly recommend too so don't feel limited - use the category headings on the right hand side of this page to click on an ingredient to see all our recipes containing that particular ingredient if you have a preference or see our links below to some of the best resources online for Ulcerative colitis treatment, natural remedies and management strategies!
With an improved diet and the inclusion of smoothies and juices packed with nutritional goodness we have every confidence that in no time at all you will feel like a totally new you! Good luck!
Did you know about these awesome products for Ulcerative Colitis sufferers (USA)?
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The Cruciferous Beta-Crunch! Juicing Recipe to Combat Digestive Disease and Chronic Inflammation
4/19/2019
Overview
Ingredients
- 2 Carrots
- 3-4 Celery Sticks
- 3-4 Cabbage or Dandelion Leaves
- 1/2 Beetroot
- 1 Large or 2 Smaller Apples OR Pears
- 3 Spinach Leaves
Optional extras can be added to enhance specific nutritional content and/or flavour and preference - feel free to experiment with different ingredients until you find your perfect combination!
Optional extras include:
- 3 Apricots
- 1/2 Red Onion
- 1 Papaya
- 1 Clove of Garlic
- 1 Cup of Blackberries
- 1 Cup of Chopped Fennel
Preparation Advice
After washing down the ingredients to prevent any unwanted contaminants making their way in, proceed to chop your ingredients and send them all through your juicer.
Inflamed intestines sometimes are unable to stomach (pardon the pun) such a concentrated mixture depending on your chosen optional extras. It is thoroughly recommended that the yielded juice be diluted to approximately 50% strength using either water or a suitable herbal tea replacement (see below).
You should aim to be making enough for approximately 1 Litre (35oz) of diluted juice per day, which should be consumed over the course of the day in quantities of approximately 5-7oz servings. (Roughly 5-7 servings per day).
SUITABLE HERBAL TEA INGREDIENTS
The herbal tea ingredients below have a restorative effect on the intestine and bowel and can be used in the place of water above to dilute down the concentrated juice.
- Golden Seal
- Marshmallow
- Dandelion Root
- Chamomile
- Cinnamon
What's in it for me!?
- Blackberries, raspberries and blueberries contain phyto-nutrients are rich in polyphenols and antioxidants which induce intenstinal anti-inflammatory responses.
- Apple, pears, guavas, plums, gooseberries and oranges, along with other citrus fruits contain large amounts of pectin which soothes the intestinal mucous membranes.
- Apricot, beetroot, carrot and papaya are high in bera-carotene which heals inflamed intestinal mucous membranes.
- Cabbage, dandelion, and garlic are high in organosulfur (organic sulfur) which plays an important part in the effective protection of the liver function while healing the bowel.
- Leafy, green, cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, brussel sprouts, kale, spinach and pak choi (bok choy) are high in vitamin K which strengthens the immune system positively enhancing natural gut bacteria decomposition.
THE LARGEST PALEO RECIPE COLLECTION EVER!
Feeling Lazy? Just watch the video!
We’re talking about using the paleo diet to have the energy of a primal warrior. Become a health superstar. Reach your ideal weight while eating foods you love and have a well-oiled immune system that never quits! Problem is, if you’re like most people, you’re barely scraping the surface. Your busy schedule keeps you from really enjoying the foods you are eating on the paleo diet. Then, when you finally do get ready to cook you get tripped up by not knowing what paleo creation you’re going to make next.
Amazing Things To Enjoy On The Paleo Diet!
Burn fat and keep it off.
Slow down the aging process
Improve Your Digestion
Increased Energy.
Better Immune System Response.
Many people, after eating paleo, notice that they are sick much less frequently and are able to fight off illnesses much more quickly thanks to their paleo-charged immune system.
Reduced Inflammation.
Better Cognitive Function.
What Types Of Recipes Are Included?
More Than Just A Recipe Book...
The “1000 Paleo Recipes” is a collection 15 eBooks that are packed full of delicious, healthy, step-by-step recipes. PLUS! As an added bonus, 31 Dessert Recipes and a Paleo Diet Quick-Start Guide are included ABSOLUTELY FREE! All designed so that beginners in the kitchen can get started quickly while even the most hard-to-impress taste buds will fall in love!
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Many people find themselves in this position. They are working hard on their approach and taking care to follow their diet to the letter. But yet, something is amiss. The scale just isn’t going downward and they aren’t getting the results they were hoping for.
What gives?
Often, the big problem is not their effort or motivation. The problem is that they are letting certain foods into their diet plan that are sabotaging their results. Often these foods are designed to be fat loss foods but they really aren’t. Instead, they’re holding you back from success.
What are these foods? Let’s go over three foods that you need to cut out of your diet immediately.
Fruit Flavored Yogurts
Next time you’re picking out your favorite yogurt, double check the sugar content. You might just find yourself surprised to know there are 15 or more grams of sugar per serving.
Of course you can purchase the sugar-free varieties, but then you’ll be taking in a number of unwanted artificial sweeteners, which can be just as bad for you.
Instead, opt for plain Greek yogurt. Flavor it yourself by adding a handful of fresh berries.
Fat-Free Products
But ask yourself, if the fat is removed, what is added? Something had to be added otherwise these just wouldn’t taste good.
The answer to that is sugar. Sugar has often been added to these foods and is what is causing them to still taste appealing.
And, if you are trying to lose body fat, sugar is just as bad — if not worse — than fat is.
Protein Bars
But once again, you need to check that sugar content. Most protein bars are upwards of 15 grams of sugar or more per bar. Some measure in as high as 30 or even 40 grams of sugar depending on the calorie content.
In actuality, these aren’t much more than a glorified chocolate bar. While you can buy a few bars that do keep the sugar content very low (five grams or less per bar), you do need to search for those. Be careful about buying these bars.
So there are three foods that you may be currently eating that could be causing you some issues. Are any of these in your diet?
If you want to learn the two must-eat foods that will help catapult fat loss into high gear, make sure you check out The 3 Week Diet, a great weight loss program that covers the harmful and helpful foods for weight loss and much more.
Sadly, many dieters miss out on one or more of these rules, and it costs them their success.
So buckle up because here we go!
1. Thou Shall Eat More Protein
Don’t let your protein intake fall short. Aim to consume some in every meal and snack. For some unexpected sources of protein, consider quinoa, bulgur, avocado, and whole wheat bagels.
2. Thou Shall Eat Regularly
Feed your body frequently throughout the day to avoid food cravings and energy lows. Those who follow this guideline are more likely to stick to their diet or weight loss program.
3. Thou Shall Prioritize Fresh Foods
Eliminate processed food and give your diet a major boost. Focus on natural foods, like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and oils, and lean proteins. This isn’t the Garden of Eden—reaching for the apple is the right choice.
You could call this commandment the Golden Rule of dieting. If you make only one change to your diet plan, make this one.
4. Thou Shall Set Short Term Goals
You should also ensure that you put your goals in writing and tell a friend or family member about your intentions. The accountability will redouble your commitment.
Try thinking in two-week segments. Two weeks is generally the period necessary to form good habits, so it’s the perfect amount of time to build behaviors that stand the test of time.
This is precisely why The 2 Week Diet was created. It will help you stay motivated and consistent until good decisions become automatic. We'll be releasing more about this amazing weight loss program in the articles to come but for more information on achieving your goals throughout life in general you might be interested in our article: Tear Down These 3 "Success Floodgates" To Flood Your Life With Success!
5. Thou Shall Avoid Fruitless Comparisons
Instead, start comparing yourself today to yourself from yesterday. That will give you everything you need to know. If you improve every day, or hold fast to your diet program, then you are already a success.
Keep these diet commandments in mind. Focus on them and be confident you are on the track to building a truly righteous body!
Further Reading
THANKS FOR STOPPING BY!
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