NutraChamps Blog

Tag: hydration

  • 5 Ways to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy

    5 Ways to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy

    Growing fully to a size of about a fist, our kidneys play a vital role in our body. These two bean-shaped organs are located under the rib cage on each side of the spine. Their main job is to act as a filtration system and remove waste products from the body. Our kidneys also regulate hormones, maintain our body fluid at the correct levels for optimal function, and control body chemistry regulating the amount of salt, water, and other chemicals moving around. A pillar of good health is having well-functioning kidneys, so it’s important to take care of them in the best ways that you can.

    In this blog post we’re going to cover 5 natural ways you can keep your kidneys healthy and strong.

    Staying hydrated

    Did you know that we’re made up of about 70% water and almost every part of our body needs it to function properly? Drinking enough water and staying properly hydrated is important for the kidneys because it helps to remove waste in the blood and helps water flow more freely around your body and towards the kidneys. Make sure to drink at least 2 liters of water per day and even more than that if you’re very active or out in the sun and sweating.

    Eat nourishing foods

    It’s no surprise that what we eat on a daily basis plays a vital role in our overall health and how we feel. When it comes to kidney health, this is no exception to the rule. Eating a well balanced diet, especially full of fresh fruits and vegetables is a great way to protect your kidneys. Fruits and vegetables not only contain a plethora of antioxidants, micronutrients, vitamins, and minerals, but they’re also an important source of hydration for the body. One of the best ways to ensure that you’re eating a balanced variety of fruits and vegetables is to buy them in a bunch of different colours! These colours are not only fun to admire, but they all serve a unique purpose with the incredible benefits they provide. Since on the topic of nourishing foods, in order to protect your kidneys and other organs it’s a good idea to stay away from processed foods. 

    Exercise regularly

    We hear it everywhere now, exercising is a huge pillar in bettering our health, when it comes to protecting the kidneys it’s essential too! One of the ways a lack of exercise can impact the kidneys in a negative way is from weight gain. As weight goes up, so does the stress on your kidneys. Not only is this a reason to exercise more, but movement also plays an important role in blood circulation and delivering oxygen to all of the organs. Whether you’re a fan of walking, biking, sprinting, cycling, or swimming just make sure to work out your body for at least 150 minutes every week. 

    Be mindful of recreational habits

    Don’t mistake short term satisfaction for potential long-term consequences when it comes to health and the body. Although it might seem fun to take up habits like smoking and drinking, more and more research is emerging about the many negative impacts they have on the body. It’s no surprise that some of these bad habits can also compromise optimal functioning of your kidneys. It can be tough when you’re tempted by external factors and peers, but just remember that nothing is more important that your health!

    Taking NutraChamps Kidney Cleanse Supplement

    Sometimes a gentle cleanse is necessary to help your body get rid of what is no longer serving you. At NutraChamps, we created a gentle kidney cleanse formula which includes a 22 ingredient blend of nature’s most powerful antioxidants, herbs, and fruits. Our kidneys work hard everyday to remove excess fluids and waste from the body through our urine. Sometimes they could use a little extra love and attention to operate at their potential. Whether you’re looking to support gallbladder health, the urinary tract, or flush away impurities, this formula does the job. This product is new and if you want to learn more about the incredible ingredients and benefits, you can check it out by clicking over here.

    Overall, when it comes to taking care of your kidney health it’s really just about getting back to the basics! Life is all about balance, when you take care of your body it will do it’s best to take care of you too. Kidneys are such a vital organ and work in unison with the rest of the body and by following these simple tips, you can keep everything running and moving smoothly within!

  • The Most Hydrating Fruits and Foods for Summertime

    The Most Hydrating Fruits and Foods for Summertime

    It’s getting hot out here! Depending on where you’re geographically located during these summer seasons, temperatures can reach a high, leaving you feeling scorched! Although the summertime provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy beach days and outdoor activities, it’s super important to stay hydrated. 

    Why is hydration important? Well, because we are made up of water! As we sweat more in the summertime, we need to replenish our bodies with fluids. Adequate hydration supports so many different functions within us, from regulating our temperature to delivering nutrients to our cells. 

    Although drinking water is the most important thing you can do to stay hydrated, there are also plenty of water based vegetables and fruits that are not only tasty, but super hydrating as well.

    In this article we’re going to list some of our favorite produce for summertime hydration!

    The Most Hydrating Fruits

    1. Watermelon: It’s no surprise that this fruit makes the top of our list because it contains the word “water” in it! Watermelon is made up of a whopping 92% of water, so eating this fruit you really can’t go wrong. Watermelon also contains antioxidants, and is high in potassium. Potassium can even help to alleviate cramps after a workout! 
    2. Tomato: Although many of us would consider tomato a vegetable based on how we use it, it certainly is a fruit. You might be surprised to know that tomatoes are made up of 95% water. They’re also a great source of Vitamin A which is great for the skin, eyes, and immune system. 
    3. Strawberries: Good news! These delicious and versatile berries are packed with water and nutrients. They’re made up of 92% water in total and they’re a Vitamin C superstar! You may think oranges are in the lead for Vitamin C but it’s actually strawberries. 
    4. Grapefruit: This tasty citrus fruit is super hydrating and also quite high in Vitamin C. Made up of 91% water and 100% of your daily requirement for Vitamin C intake. Due to its high Vitamin C content it’s fantastic for skin health!
    5. Peaches and plums: Juicy and delicious, peaces and plums are the perfect afternoon snack and filled with hydration. They both contain almost 90% water and they’re an excellent source of Vitamin A, C, fiber, and potassium. 

    The Most Hydrating Vegetables

    1. Cucumbers: Out of any solid food we consume, cucumbers contain the most water, 96% to be exact! Cucumbers are also very low in calories and contain vitamin K, B, C, copper, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium.
    2. Iceberg lettuce: Raw lettuce is another fantastic way to stay hydrated! It’s also made up of about 96% water and contains Vitamin A and Folate. 
    3. Celery: Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant rich, we really can’t go wrong with celery! It contains 95% water and is also stacked with Vitamins A, K, C, and potassium.
    4. Asparagus: Delicious eaten raw, grilled, or steamed, asparagus is made up of 92% water and tastes incredible. Another fantastic summer food!

    These are just some of the amazingly hydrating foods that exist and will keep you feeling great and energized all summer long. Many people get bored of drinking plain water to meet their hydration needs, that’s why incorporating these foods throughout the day is such a good idea! Stay safe this summer everyone!

  • Top 7 Natural Ways To Keep A Healthy Brain

    Top 7 Natural Ways To Keep A Healthy Brain

    Your brain is one of the most important organs in your body. It controls all of your actions, thoughts, and bodily processes. There are many natural ways to keep your brain functioning at its best in your current stage of life and for years to come. Below we will review a few easy ways to avoid major cognitive impairment and keep your brain tuned for good health.

    What Is a Healthy Brain?

    A healthy brain is essential for cognitive health and overall well-being. Your brain needs a continual supply of oxygen and nutrients in order to function properly. The brain also requires a balance of chemicals in order to maintain communication between cells.

    The brain needs stimulation in order to keep brain cells active and to promote the growth of new cells. There are a number of things you can do to keep your brain healthy, including eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and staying engaged in mentally stimulating activities.

    Cognitive stimulation – such as reading, doing puzzles, and learning new skills has also been linked with better brain health.

    By following these natural and simple tips, you can help keep your brain healthy for years to come:

    Diet

    Diet and environmental factors are some of the largest contributors toward the health of our brain, spinal cord, and nerves. These vital organs are responsible for sending messages back and forth between your body and your brain.

    This communication is essential for everything from coordinating muscle movement to processing information and forming memories.

    Proper nutrition is essential for avoiding cognitive decline as we reach old age. The fats found in olive oil or avocados, for example, are important for the proper development and function of nerve cells. Switching out the loads of refined carbohydrates and seed oils with natural healthy fats can make a larger positive impact than you might think.

    Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, are critical for nervous system health. Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids may help to protect the brain structure from age-related damage. They are an integral part of cell membranes throughout the body and influence the transmission of signals between cells.

    If you’re looking for ways to keep your brain healthy, think healthy fats, nuts, dark chocolate, turmeric, blueberries or omega 3 heavy proteins like wild caught fish or grass-fed meats.

    Regular exercise

    It’s no secret that exercise is good for your health. Regular physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, heart rate, and blood pressure. It can also reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. But did you know that exercise is also good for your brain?

    Research has shown that regular exercise can help to improve memory and brain function. Physical activity helps to increase heart rate and blood flow to the brain, delivering the essential nutrients and oxygen needed.

    Exercise also helps to stimulate the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that helps to support the growth and development of new neurons. Regular exercise has been linked to a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

    Aerobic exercise helps relax blood vessel walls, lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, boost mood, and raise “good” HDL cholesterol.

    So, if you’re looking for a way to keep your mind sharp and healthy, keep moving!

    Stay social

    There are a lot of benefits to staying social. In addition to the obvious emotional benefits of maintaining relationships with friends and family, there is also evidence that staying social is just plain good for your mental health. In fact, social interactions can help to keep the mind sharp and may even help to prevent cognitive decline.

    One way that staying social can help you avoid cognitive decline is by providing you with a mental exercise. Just like our muscles, our brains need regular stimulation in order to stay strong and healthy. By engaging in conversations, playing games, and learning new things, we give our brains the workout they need to stay sharp.

    As we age, it’s important to have a supportive network of people we can rely on. This social interaction can help us to cope with stress and adversity, keeping our mind healthy.

    By maintaining relationships and interacting with others, you can give your brain the exercise it needs to stay sharp while also helping you avoid neurological disorders caused by isolation.

    Proper Hydration

    Dehydration can lead to high blood pressure, putting added strain on the brain. This can reduce the number of connections made between brain cells and ultimately impact brain function.

    In one study, participants who were dehydrated performed significantly worse on tests of attention and short-term memory than those who were properly hydrated.

    There is evidence that maintaining proper hydration throughout life may help us to avoid neurological disorders as we age. So drink up my friend! Your brain will thank you for it.

    Sleep Habits

    Most people know that getting a good night’s sleep is important for overall health, but few realize that sleep is also crucial for maintaining a healthy brain.

    During sleep, the brain has an opportunity to rest and repair itself from the day’s wear and tear. Sleep also helps to regulate blood pressure and protect against heart disease.

    Sleep plays a vital role in helping to form new brain connections. These connections are essential for learning and memory, which can be weakened by lack of sleep.

    As a result, getting enough sleep is essential for keeping a healthy brain. So next time you’re feeling run down, give your brain what it needs and catch a few extra Z’s – your brain will thank you for it!

    Meditation & Yoga

    Meditation has been shown to be an effective way to maintain a healthy and positive mind. The power of your thoughts have a direct impact on your health and wellbeing.

    The practice of meditation has been shown to decrease the amount of stress hormones in the body, which can damage brain cells.

    In addition, meditation has been found to increase the levels of healthy neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine. These help us manage stress and avoid mood disorders.

    Meditation is a healthy habit that can promote brain health by forcing you to slow down, empty your mind, and shift your brain away from negative thought patterns.

    Saunas and hot yoga are great ways to boost the benefits of your meditation practice. Increasing your heart rate and blood flow during a hot yoga session can add additional benefits. Meditate or exercise regularly for a long period of time and see if your body begins to crave it.

    Heat exposure experienced during a sauna can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body, including in the brain. Anything you can do to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the brain is sure to benefit you in the long term. Consider a regular sauna or hot yoga session, it may just help!

    Natural Remedies

    Ashwagandha is an herb that has been used in traditional Indian medicine for centuries. Ashwagandha promotes neuronal plasticity (the connection between brain cells), the repair and regeneration of nerves. It may also prevent the death of brain cells.Mushrooms such as Lions Mane and a few other fungi are great natural remedies that show promising positive impact on your brain’s ability to make connections. Lion’s Mane in particular has two terpenoid compounds: hericenones and erinacines. These compounds may stimulate the synthesis of nerve growth factor (NGF).

    Panax Ginseng is a herb that has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is thought to boost brain function and improve mental clarity. If you’re looking for a natural way to support your brain health, Panax ginseng could be a great option.

    There are many different ways to keep your brain healthy, and it really depends on what works for you. Regardless of the path you choose, we want to encourage you to take control of your health and make small changes that can have a big impact.

    Remember that your brain is always changing, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you. With a little effort, you can make sure that your brain stays healthy for years to come.