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The “Miracle Juice”: The truth behind the celery juice fad

Celery juice is today’s latest fitness trend. Fitness bloggers and celebrities are raving about this “miracle juice,” and are taking over instagram with artfully displayed glasses of grass-green juice. Anthony William, aka “The Medical Medium” is credited with starting the celery juice fad, but William is neither a doctor nor a nutritionist. Yet, he began circulating the claims that drinking a glass of celery juice a day can support weight loss and even cure diseases like cancer. So is celery juice the miracle cure we’ve been waiting for? We’re here to debunk these incredible claims.

Why Celery?

Celery has a lot to offer in the dietary department. Even though it is made of 94% water, it actually packs a lot of nutrition into its stalks. Celery contains high levels of vitamins K, A, B-2 and B-6, and C. It is also a good source of folate, potassium, and dietary fiber, and antioxidants. And, because it has such a high concentration of water, it is low in calories, making it a staple of weight loss diets. It’s crunch and mildly salty flavor makes it a great healthy alternative to chips when paired with dips, and can help reduce junk food cravings.

The Claims

Some proponents of this “miracle juice” claim that drinking celery juice first thing in the morning strengthens your digestive system, which allows you to easily process everything else you eat. Others report that drinking celery juice has helped clear skin conditions like shingles and psoriasis. Some even claim that this juice can put cancer and autoimmune diseases into remission.

There is no scientific evidence to support any of these claims. They are anecdotal at best, and many nutritionists believe that the positive effects people describe are due simply to changes in diet. For some of these people, drinking celery juice regularly is part of a switch to a healthier diet in general. Their “miracle” cures may actually be a combination of medical treatment and that new, healthier diet. There is also the possibility that everything they are experiencing is purely a placebo effect.

For some people, drinking celery juice can actually be harmful. Those who suffer from IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) or other gastrointestinal issues might experience flare ups if they begin a celery juice regimen.

The Reality

Celery juice is NOT a miracle. In fact, there is not one cure-all treatment for any of these issues. That being said, celery is nutritious, as well as high in fiber and water, which gives it strong diuretic properties. For some people, this can support a weight loss regimen. Drinking celery juice for breakfast will not fix acne or cure cancer, but it is a healthy alternative to high-sugar cereals. And, remember, for some people, drinking celery juice is actually detrimental to their health. As with any trendy new health program, always check with your doctor and do your own research before deciding to try it out.

Save our reefs! Make the switch to reef-safe sunscreen.

Coral reefs are home to 25% of the ocean’s marine life. These fragile ecosystems are actually living creatures and are being irreparably damaged at an alarming rate. Over 35% of the world’s reefs have died; in high-traffic places, like the caribbean, that number is a staggering 80%. This puts millions of aquatic creatures at risk! Scientists point out that it will take hundreds of years to regrow some of this coral, but there are small changes we can make to help protect them right now. One of those changes is as simple as replacing your bottle of sunscreen.

What’s happening?

There are many things, such as warming ocean waters, extreme weather events, and disease, that can impact the health of coral reefs. Water pollution, especially from the chemicals found in sunscreen, plays a large part in the destruction of coral. Every year 14,000 tons of sunscreen containing harmful chemicals like oxybenzone is absorbed by the reef systems. While these chemicals are considered safe for humans, even miniscule amounts rapidly bleach coral and slow new growth. One study found that a single drop in 4.3 MILLION gallons of water (think 6 Olympic-sized pools) is enough to kill coral.

Thankfully, environmental scientists and lawmakers are teaming up to save these “rainforests of the sea,” as they are sometimes described. In 2018, Hawai’i passed a bill banning the sale of sunscreen containing harmful chemicals. Shortly after, Palau followed suit. If more states take action to protect the reef, there’s a chance we can slow down the damage, and even reverse it.

How you can help

Check the label: look for a “reef-safe” sticker on your sunscreen. Choose mineral-based sunblocks using zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, both reef-friendly options.
Check the list: The Environmental Working Group rates sun protection products on their environmental impact. Look at the list before completing your summer shopping.
Skip the spray: Aerosol spray bottles are not as effective as lotion sunscreens, and experts estimate that as much as 70% of aerosol sunscreen winds up on the sand instead of on your body! When a harmful sunscreen lands on the sand, it is easily washed into the ocean. Protect yourself and the reef by switching to a mineral-based lotion sunscreen.

It’s not too late to save these international treasures! Coral reefs are a beautiful sight to behold, and are critical parts of our marine ecosystem. Without them, millions of aquatic creatures are out of a home. By making small changes, we can all do our part to help protect these delicate reefs.

10 Under 10: 10 Spring Cleaning Projects In Under 10 Minutes

Spring is a time to refresh, and what better place to start than your home? Here are 10 spring cleaning projects you can do with just 10 minutes of free time. So turn on some music, open the windows to let in some fresh air, set a timer, and get started!

Sort papers: If you’re like me, you’ve got at least a few stacks of paperwork around the house – mail, receipts, schoolwork, and other documents. Take 10 minutes to sort them out! Shred what’s not necessary, and file away the rest. Going forward, consider switching to online or automatic bill payments.
Clear the counters: Does your kitchen feel cluttered? Having too many appliances, fruit bowls, and decorations on a countertop can be visually overwhelming and leave you short on space . Consider leaving out only things you use on a daily basis, and tuck everything else away into drawers, cabinets, or the pantry.
Organize your desktop: Not that one, the digital one. Opening your computer up to a cluttered home screen can raise stress levels and decrease productivity. If you have an external storage system, this is a great time to back up photos, videos, and documents. You can also offload them from your desktop to a cloud-based storage system. Another option would be to organize them into folders by date, subject, or even just by year. Trashing documents that you no longer need, like your child’s classroom contact list from three years ago or a series of blurry photos, can clear out space on the harddrive, resulting in a faster computer!
Empty out your inbox: Take ten minutes to go through emails, trash spam mail, and unsubscribe to the chain, spam, or business emails that flood your inbox. If you’re not willing to let go of all advertisement emails, consider changing the frequency with which you receive them. Going forward you might look into having one email address for advertisements and promotions, separate from your personal or professional email.
Clean out your fridge: This is my least favorite task, but it’s got to be done! With 10 minutes you can check expiration labels and trash what’s out of date, get rid of old leftovers, and wipe down the shelves and outside of the refrigerator. If you have any time left over, start on the pantry or food cabinets!
Tidy your workspace: For some it’s a desk, for others it’s the kitchen table. Wherever you do your work, scoop up pens and pencils and deposit them into a jar (maybe repurpose one of the old condiment jars you just cleared out from your fridge!) or cup, organize your stacks of paper and work supplies, and wipe down the area.
Let in some light: Wipe down the windows in one room! If you have time, do more than one, but in 10 minutes you can definitely clean all the windows in one room and dust the blinds. Having clean windows lets in more light and can make a room feel more open and airy. While you’re at it, crack the windows and let in some fresh air!
Tidy up your entryway: This is the first area guests see. It sets the mood when you come home from work, and is the first place to fill up with clutter. You can hang up coats and put away any other items that don’t belong, store seasonal items that no longer serve you (goodbye, scarves and mittens!), and put loose change into a jar or cup. If you, like me, have stacks of library books to be returned and packages to mail, put them all in a tote bag and bring them out to the car!
Kitchen cleanse: Do you have a whole cabinet of plastic food containers? You can quickly sort through them, recycling anything that’s stained beyond recognition, warped from too many trips through the dishwasher, or that doesn’t have a matching lid. Next you can tackle kitchen drawers: take everything out, and you might find that you have multiples of the same tool or gadget. You can repurpose anything you don’t need by giving to your local buy-nothing group or donating to a local organization or thrift store.

For shelves of decorative odds-and-ends, sometimes less is more.
Sort out shelves: Whether it’s bookshelves, decorative art, or storage, pick a shelving space and get to organizing. If it’s a storage shelf, consider sorting by color, size, or utility. Clearly labeling shelves helps other household members know where things are, and where they should be returned. If you’re working on your bookshelf, you can swap out old, tattered books and donate them to a library or retirement community, making space for your new spring reads. For shelves of decorative odds-and-ends, sometimes less is more. Try clearing off your favorite knicknacks to let one or two complementary pieces shine.

Routine maintenance:

Spring cleaning can be much less burdensome if we make tidying a part of our weekly routine! With some simple systems in place – like keeping a change jar at the entryway table, or going through emails and unsubscribing weekly – clutter can be reduced overtime, making spring cleaning tasks less daunting. That way you have more time to focus on more enjoyable spring projects, like spending time with friends and family or starting a garden**

Bringing The Outdoors Inside: Indoor Plants To Brighten Up Your Home

Having indoor plants can bring life and color to a room. Plants help improve air quality and can boost productivity, focus, and attitude. But what to do if you’re horticulturally challenged? Luckily, there are many plants that are beginner-friendly and hardy enough to withstand erratic watering, low light, and changes in temperature. With practice and patience, you can turn your black thumb green! Here are 5 easy, no-hassle indoor plants for beginners.

Spider Plants

One of the easiest plants to care for, spider plants are glorious when they grow. They come in many varieties, with different stripes, colors, and shapes. Spider plants do well in low light, though they thrive in bright indirect light. When well cared for they will shoot off thicker vines with baby plants called “spiderettes”. You can clip these spiderettes and put them in water until roots grow, thus expanding your spider plant collection. Spider plants will tell you when they’re being neglected: they droop and grow paler if they need water or sun, but almost always bounce back.

Light: Okay in low light, best in bright indirect sunlight.

Water: When the top of the soil is dry. Can stand quite a bit of neglect.

Snake Plants

Sanseveria family plants are also called “mother-in-law’s tongue” for their sharp, pointed shape. Unlike many mother-in-laws, they are incredibly easy to please. While they prefer bright, indirect light, they can survive easily in low light conditions.

Light: Anywhere from bright light to shady corners.

Water: Infrequently. Avoid over-watering.

Pothos

Also called “devil’s ivy” for their hardiness and creeping tendrils, Pothos-family plants are low maintenance and can add a decorative flair to any room. Try adding a trellis to support upward growth, or using thumb tacks alongside the vines to encourage wall-clinging. These plants are toxic to cats and dogs, so make sure you keep them out of the reach of pets. Bonus: as your pothos grows, you can clip bits of the vine and propagate them in a glass of water or pot of soil.

Light: Bright indirect sunlight

Water: Insert a finger to knuckle-depth. If the soil is dry it’s time to water.

Aloe

Aloe is technically a succulent, and is as resilient and hardy as any plant you’d find in the desert. Because it’s a succulent, aloe prefers to dry out completely between waterings. Plant aloe in a terracotta pot, as terracotta absorbs excess water and over-watering can cause this plant to rot. Many of us know of aloe’s healing properties: break off a chunk and inside you’ll find a medicinal gel that can be used to treat cuts, bruises, and sunburns.

Light: Bright to medium indirect sunlight.

Water: Allow to dry thoroughly (up to three weeks, depending on your climate), then give a deep watering.

Dracaena

These palm-like, frilly plants are favored by offices and malls for their easy care and dramatic presence. There are nearly 40 different types of plants in the Dracaena family, and most of them resemble small trees or shrubs. They can survive low light and prefer dry conditions.

Light: Low to bright indirect sunlight.

Water: Sparingly – the soil should never be soggy. Dracaena enjoys a misting on the leaves in between waterings.

Bringing indoor plants into your home is a great introduction to gardening. Keeping something alive and watching it grow is thrilling! You can take propagations and plantlets from many of these plants to expand your collection, or share the joy with family and friends.

Giving Back: Giving Blood

In honor of World Red Cross Day (5/8) and International Nurse Appreciation Day (5/12), we want to highlight the innumerable benefits and (relatively!) painless process of giving blood. To locate a blood drive near you, please visit the Red Cross’s blood drive finder.

two fingers nect to each other with a heart connecting them with the words "donate life" around them. — *One single blood donation supplies enough blood for between 1 and 4 patients.*

Benefits

While there are feel-good benefits of giving back by donating blood, blood donations are also vital for our healthcare system. They are essential for emergency rooms treating trauma patients, as well as for medical facilities performing surgeries and transplants, or treating blood disorders and cancers. One single blood donation supplies enough blood for between 1 and 4 patients. When donating blood, you can choose between a “whole blood donation” (which includes all red cells, plasma, and platelets), or an “apheresis donation”, (which includes only one component of your blood, with the rest being returned to your body). You can donate blood every 8 weeks, up to 6 times a year.

Eligibility

checklist with green checks on it on a clipboard. — *You have to be elgibile in order to give blood.*

Doctors and Nurse Practitioners at the donation site will screen you for the following criteria:

You must be 18 years old or have parental permission if you’re 16 or 17. There is no age cap for donors.
You must weigh 120 pounds or more.
You need a valid driver’s license or a passport for identification.
You must be free of any major organ disease, including heart disease, lung disease and bleeding tendencies.
You must not be taking antibiotics or other supplements that could influence the donation.
You must wait 12 months if you have gotten a tattoo in a state that does not regulate tattoo facilities, including the District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Utah and Wyoming.

The Process

The entire process of giving blood takes less than one hour. You will first meet with a nurse practitioner for a quick physical examination and blood pressure check. They will then insert the needle and draw your blood into vials. The usual donation volume is approximately 1 pint. Following the blood draw your nurse will encourage you to sit for 10-15 minutes and have a small snack or drink to ensure you don’t leave feeling lightheaded.

Pain Levels

caucasian mans arm getting prepped by a medical professional with gloves on to get a needle put in. — *The entire process of giving blood takes less than one hour, and almost painless.*

While you might feel a small, uncomfortable prick when the needle is inserted, you shouldn’t feel any pain while the blood is being drawn. If you are concerned about pain after the procedure you might consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever to manage the soreness. There’s a slight chance that you will experience weakness in the arm blood was drawn from, so try to avoid physical activity or heavy lifting for the next few hours.

There is always a need for blood donors in this country! Your donation can save a life, so talk to your doctor about your individual health situation if you wish to give blood.

Making The Most Of Daylight: 5 Ways To Spend Time Outside This Spring

Remember just a few short months ago when it was dark by 5pm? In the depths of winter, the days can seem to stretch on forever, and it sometimes feels like crawling into bed immediately after dinner is a great idea.

With the spring season comes longer days, warmer weather, and a sense of rebirth. It’s time to make the most of the beauty of springtime by enjoying time outside.

sun shining through clouds outdoors in a green field. — *People of all ages report decreased levels of stress and depression, increased energy levels, and an overall improvement in positive outlook with regular time in nature.*

The Great Outdoors

Spending time outside can increase your physical fitness, positively impact your health, and change your whole mood. A study on the impact of therapeutic landscapes on wellbeing in seniors ages 65-86 found “how a relatively mundane experience, such as hearing the sound of water or a bee buzzing among flowers, can have a tremendous impact on overall health”. Indeed, people of all ages report decreased levels of stress and depression, increased energy levels, and an overall improvement in positive outlook with regular time in nature. However, this doesn’t mean you need to go scaling mountains or running marathons. Here are 5 delightful ways to enjoy the great outdoors this season.

Take a walk

Call up a friend, lace up your shoes, and hit the pavement. Many specialists recommend 7,000 to 10,000 steps a day – with 2,000 to 3,000 at a brisk pace – to achieve the maximum benefits of walking. Many cities and towns have designated green spaces with lovely walking paths, but you can also take a stroll around your neighborhood or to your local coffee shop. It’s a great time of year to look at your neighbor’s gardens and say hello!

caucasian hand holding a plan with the root with a woman in the background smiling. — *Gardens take less than an hour of maintenance a day but create a calm and beautiful environment.*

Start a garden

Speaking of gardens, you can always start your own. If you have the outdoor space, having a vegetable garden right in your own backyard can encourage plant-based healthy eating, mindfulness, and a newfound appreciation for the farm-to-table experience. Some easy vegetables for new gardeners include cucumbers, zucchini, greens like spinach, and a wide variety of herbs such as basil, chives, or rosemary. Gardens take less than an hour of maintenance a day but create a calm and beautiful environment for reading, writing, or just basking in the sun. If you don’t have your own outdoor space you can look into community gardens nearby or offer to help a neighbor care for theirs.

Explore your neighborhood

Many neighborhood parks offer recreational programming in the spring and summer seasons. These might include outdoor concerts, fairs and festivals, and fitness programs like tai chi or yoga. Any of these would be wonderful reasons to get outdoors and support the local government’s efforts. You can check out your city or town’s Department of Recreation website or social media pages for more information.

Go bird watching

There are many Audubon Society approved bird-watching parks and sanctuaries across the country. You don’t need expensive equipment to enjoy this hobby, just take a walk through the park and listen for the chirps and chatter of avian friends. If you’re interested in learning more, you can always pick up one of the many birding guides available at local libraries. Bird watching is a perfect way to spend an afternoon – pack up a picnic and invite family or friends to enjoy the sun with you!

farmer's market with people walking around. — *Browsing the farmer’s market supports the local economy, gets you a breath of fresh air, and can fill your home with delicious goodies.*

Browse a farmer’s market

Farmer’s markets happen throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Generally the farmers will have more produce to sell in the summer and fall, as spring is primarily a planting season. Your local farmer’s market will still have things for purchasing, though: you might see honey, fresh baked goods, homemade beauty products, pickled goods, or handmade arts. Browsing the farmer’s market supports the local economy, gets you a breath of fresh air, and can fill your home with delicious homemade goodies.

There are so many great ways to spend time outdoors during this beautiful season! Enjoy every last minute of it.

Tag: healthy lifestyle