NutraChamps Blog

Tag: natural

  • Trying to Ditch Caffeine? These Are 7 Natural Energy Boosters!

    Trying to Ditch Caffeine? These Are 7 Natural Energy Boosters!

    Are you addicted to your morning cup of coffee and don’t know what you’d do without it? You’re not alone! Many people steadily rely on caffeine to get them through the day and actually deal with side effects if they skip their cup of Jo. A stat from Statista in June 2022 surveyed 1,592 Americans about coffee consumption. A massive 73.9% of them said that they drink coffee every day! This just goes to show how much coffee is actually consumed in America. 

    Although the coffee craze definitely isn’t going anywhere, more and more people are starting to look for other alternatives to caffeine. Even though it does the job, if you consume too much of it some side effects can occur such as:

    • Restlessness
    • Insomnia
    • Dehydration
    • Anxiety
    • Dizziness
    • Headaches

    Whether you’re dealing with a caffeine addiction or just looking to cut back and try alternatives, we are going to give you some of the best natural ways to boost energy and get you feeling alive! 

    Here are 7 ways to boost your energy levels without caffeine:

    Exercise

    You might be used to rushing around in the morning and coffee being your saving grace, but what if gave yourself more time and started the day with a morning workout? There is plenty of research out there showing that morning exercise improves focus, mental clarity, and energy levels. Exercising helps to increase oxygen and nutrients in the body. Not only that but physical activity also helps bump up the brain’s feel-good neurotransmitter, endorphins which provides you with more happiness.

    Staying hydrated

    Did you know that mild dehydration could be a reason as to why you feel tired? If you’re not drinking enough water throughout the day chances are you could feel a lot more sluggish. Water helps to flush toxins out of the body, transport important nutrients, and provide energy. If you aren’t a fan of drinking water you can always try adding some lemon or fruits to make it taste better!

    Breathe deeply

    You might not even be aware of it completely but shallow breathing can make you feel more sleepy. If you find yourself hitting an afternoon slump and wanting to reach for another cup of coffee, try deep breathing instead! Taking a couple of minutes away from what you’re doing to take some deep and consistent belly breaths will provide your body and mind a dose of rejuvenation and refreshment. 

    Eat healthy snacks

    Although it’s easy to get tempted by a chocolate bar of bag of chips when we’re lacking energy, reaching for a healthy snack can make a huge difference. Food is fuel and giving your body some extra nutrients can help sustain energy levels throughout the day. Some examples of great snacks that provide energy include: peanut butter and banana toast, greek yogurt and granola, hummus and veggies, or a handful of almonds!

    Supplements

    It can be tough to get all of the essential nutrients our bodies need to thrive on a daily basis. Supplements can be a fantastic support for energy levels and plenty of other health concerns. Some of our favorite NutraChamps supplements for energy include: Korean Panax Ginseng, D3+K2 drops, Maca powder, and B complex drops!

    Get a good night’s sleep

    This one might seem like a no brainer but it’s definitely one that shouldn’t be skipped. Nothing beats a good quality sleep for sustained energy levels. It’s during sleeping that our body and brain repairs and recovers. Some proven ways to help get a better night’s sleep include limiting or eliminating caffeine, creating a relaxing nighttime routine, and even taking a supplement like magnesium!

    Reduce alcohol consumption

    Although a few glasses of wine at night can feel good in the moment, overtime alcohol causes damage in the body. It has been shown that drinking alcohol impacts blood sugar levels which can deplete energy. Even just overdoing it on the weekends can cause energy levels to be impacted throughout the week. If you want to feel more clear, energized, and refreshed then you should definitely limit the amount of alcohol you’re consuming.

    We hope that these tips have made you realize that it actually isn’t difficult to cut back or eliminate caffeine consumption with so many natural alternatives that exist! The truth is, when we take care of our body then our energy levels will follow. If you do experience chronic fatigue accompanied with any other symptoms, there might be an underlying cause. We always recommend consulting with a professional healthcare practitioner to further inquire about long-term fatigue. 

    If you’ve made it this far, let us know which one of these energy tips was your favorite in the comment section below the article!

  • Best Natural Remedies for Menstrual Camps

    Best Natural Remedies for Menstrual Camps

    In her reproductive years, a woman’s body goes through four phases of the menstrual cycle. These four phases include: the menstruation phase, the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase. Each of these phases serves a unique and necessary purpose for preparing a woman to become pregnant, or to get a period each month. A lot of these phases of the cycle go unnoticed within the body except for the menstrual phase.

    During this time, not only does a woman begin to bleed -she may also experience a variety of symptoms and sensations that accompany the shedding of the inner lining of the uterus. Some of these symptoms can include: 

    • bloating 
    • breakouts
    • pimples
    • fatigue
    • cramps

    The severity of these symptoms range from woman to woman, some being more severe than others. One thing is for sure, it’s definitely not always a pleasant experience. Luckily, there are some great natural remedies that can alleviate some of this discomfort during a woman’s period. 

    Keep on reading to find out our favourite natural ways to alleviate cramps and other period symptoms!

    Light stretching and yoga

    Not only is yoga a gentle way of moving your body, it also helps you connect with your breath which can help oxygen to circulate in the body. In turn, this can help with muscles and especially the uterine muscles which cause the cramping to occur. 

    Some of the best poses to try out with period cramps include:

    Cobra pose – Begin by lying on your stomach with legs extended behind you. Place the palms next to the shoulders and slowly lift your chest off the ground. This helps to support the spine and get the breath flowing deep into the lower body.

    Cat-Cow Pose – Start by going onto your hands and knees. To enter cow pose, begin to inhale deeply and drop the belly while tilting your head upwards. Tilt your pelvis back so your tailbone sticks up. For cat pose you’re going to tilt your pelvis forward and tuck your tailbone. The spine should naturally round and you’re going to drop your head and gaze towards your belly button. This is going to help and gently stretch the abdominal muscles as well as increase circulation within the body.

    Childs pose – Begin on your hands and knees, lower your hips back towards your heels, and rest your forehead on the mat or a prop. Relax your shoulders and hips, breathe deeply, and hold the pose for 30 seconds to a few minutes before releasing. It’s a great way to stretch your back, hips, and thighs while calming your mind.

    Using a heating pad

    Heating pads are a lifesaver to so many women during the time of their period, especially when it comes to cramping. Heat helps to relax muscles and provides a sense of comfort and relief. 

    If you don’t have a heating pad, no sweat! You can also try taking a warm bath or shower to receive the same benefits.

    Drinking herbal teas

    Tea is comforting, it’s warm and delicious – almost like a hug in beverage form. There actually are several teas with scientific evidence of reducing menstrual cramping and pain! 

    Some of the most highly recommended include:

    • Ginger tea
    • Chamomile tea
    • Fennel tea
    • Green tea

    Taking magnesium

    This mineral is a saviour when it comes to effectively relaxing muscles. The uterine muscles contract during menstruation and that’s why cramping can be a result of this. One great way to get magnesium is through eating magnesium rich foods such as dark chocolate or leafy greens. Substituting with a high quality supplement is also a great way to help out! At NutraChamps we have a magnesium, zinc, and D3 supplement which will definitely support this time of the month.

    Massaging

    One study from the National Library of Medicine found that massage therapy can help to alleviate uterine spasms by relaxing the uterus. This is not only great for those who experience period pain, but also women who have endometriosis. 

    It’s important to get a gentle abdominal massage for this pain but getting a full body massage can always help to promote all-around relaxation and less stress as well.

    If as a woman you dread this time of the month, hopefully trying out some of our natural remedy suggestions help you out! Dealing with monthly pain isn’t always an easy thing, but there are absolutely ways to support the body during a period. Here’s to more pain-free periods overall!

  • 6 Natural Beauty Hacks You Need in Your Life

    6 Natural Beauty Hacks You Need in Your Life

    When we look good, we feel good. When we take care of ourself on the outside, it definitely shows! Self-care and beauty tricks don’t have to be overcomplicated and expensive. What if we told you that many everyday things you buy from the grocery store can actually take your appearance to the next level? In this article we are going to be spilling all the tea on natural beauty hacks that are super easy to try and completely non-toxic.

    Nowadays, so many beauty products on the market are loaded with tons of harmful additives and preservatives. It can be tough to navigate what products are good for you and which will do more harm in the long run.

    With these 6 natural beauty hacks, you won’t have to worry about whether these are clean alternatives or not. We got you covered with proven tips and tricks that will give you a radiant glow. 

    Coconut oil pulling

    Many of us have a jar of this laying around our kitchen, but it’s also a great addition to your bathroom cabinet! Coconut oil comes with a host of great benefits, not only taken internally but used externally too. Coconut oil pulling is an ancient practice that has been used to get rid of mouth bacteria and promote oral hygiene. Many people have noticed a difference in better breath, prevention of cavities, improved gum health, and even whiter teeth!

    To try coconut oil pulling you need to measure one tablespoon of it and swish it around your mouth for 15-20 minutes. Be careful not to swallow any and start for a shorter period of time if you’re just trying it out. Once you’re done swishing, spit out the coconut oil and rinse your mouth with water.

    Try this out consistently to see the best results! We also recommend trying this out first thing in the morning.

    Using a gua sha

    This method is another ancient practice, used in traditional Chinese medicine, to be exact. A gua sha is a smooth edged tool that is meant to be used on your face to increase circulation, blood flow, and relieve muscle pain. If you’ve been on tiktok, you have probably seen that this method has caught on as a craze, especially during covid. Many people have seen noticeable results after using a gua sha consistently and now can’t live without it! 

    Some of the best practices for using this tool include:

    • Using light to medium pressure
    • Being mindful 
    • Never rubbing or pulling delicate skin around the eyes
    • Using upward motions

    Apple cider vinegar rinse for hair

    Another versatile product that has been used both internally, as well as externally! Apple cider vinegar hosts a ton of amazing benefits, one of them being a star of detoxifying. An apple cider vinegar rinse for the hair can leave you with a healthier scalp, stronger hair, less frizz, and proper cleansing. Experts say that an apple cider vinegar hair rinse is safe for all hair types! 

    This hack is especially great for those who use a lot of hair products such as dry shampoo, hairspray, etc. It helps to remove all of the icky buildup and leaves you with a clean scalp! 

    All you need to do is mix five parts water to one part vinegar in a spray bottle, spray it on your scalp and work it in well with your fingers. It’s always best to leave it for a few minutes before rinsing and once your done just using a light conditioner. It’s best to do this once per week for the best results!

    Castor oil for eyelash and eyebrow hair growth

    This oil comes from the castor bean which grows in Eastern parts of the world. It is high in antioxidants and omega 6’s. Although there is no scientific evidence that proves castor oil for hair growth, many people have noticed incredible results from using this consistently. It nourishes and can be used daily on eyebrows and eyelashes. Experts say that within two to three weeks you should notice a difference in less breakage and more luster in your lashes and eyebrows. 

    It definitely doesn’t provide instant results but definitely worth trying in comparison to growth serums that can be filled with harmful or dangerous ingredients.

    Ground coffee for exfoliating 

    Oh the mighty coffee bean, so great for providing so many of us with the daily energy boost we need. Next time you have some extra ground coffee laying around, don’t put it to waste. These grounds can be used as a skin exfoliant in the shower and leave your skin feeling softer and smoother. 

    All you need to do is mix ground coffee, sugar, coconut oil, and a touch of water to form an exfoliating paste for the body. This will help to scrape away dead skin sells and leave you feeling invigorated and energized. It’s excellent to use before shaving as well for less bumps and ingrown hairs!

    Biotin for hair, skin, and nails

    One natural hack that is so underrated is taking biotin! It is also known as vitamin B7 and seriously helps your hair to grow long and strong! It also strengthens your nails and gives you a healthy skin glow. There are natural food sources of biotin that exist out there but one of the best ways to ensure you’re getting enough for those beauty benefits is through taking a quality supplement. NutraChamps sells biotin in two forms- gummies and liquid drops! If you look at the reviews on nutrachamps.com or Amazon you will see so many thrilled customers noticing a difference from taking biotin!

    All in all, beauty doesn’t have to be super complicated. By incorporating some of these natural hacks into your self-care routines you will begin to see and feel results. Do you have any natural beauty hacks that you love? Let us know by commenting on this article!