Great!

You may have tried in the past, and you may have not had important tools to help you along the way. Here are our top 9 Keto Zone Products and Habits for a Healthy Weight. They include clear, concise plans, tips, products and more.

You’ve got the drive, now add the tools that will help you get there!

Best 9 Keto Zone Products & Habits to Meet Weight Goals the Month

1. A Clear & Easy Keto Plan

Sure, you can spend hours online searching for keto tips and recipes.

But especially if you’re just starting out with Keto Zone® eating, it is much easier to use an all-in-one guide.

You’re in luck. There’s one written specifically for a Keto Zone® lifestyle: Dr. Colbert’s Keto Zone Book.

From the beginning, you’ll get clear instruction on how to start a Keto Zone® lifestyle and reach a healthy weight. Not just philosophy or research (although it’s science-backed), but a complete plan.

2. MCT Oil and Fat Bombs

Medium Chain Triglycerides, or MCTs, are a special type of saturated fats that are digested easily and provide many health benefits in the body.

In fact, they aide in fat loss and energy production.

When MCT oil is obtained from foods like coconut oil, it is isolated and concentrated for maximum health benefits and a healthy weight.

MCT Oil is a must have product for your weight loss goals because it:

• Supports Heart Health. Medium chain triglycerides have been shown to improve cholesterol profiles by decreasing LDL cholesterol, decreasing the number of LDL particles, and increasing HDL cholesterol (1, 2).
• Helps the body burn fat. The most potent fatty acid in MCT oil is concentrated in MCT Oil Powder, and it helps your body burn fat as fuel rather than carbs (3,4).
• Increases ketone production and provides amazing fuel for your brain. In fact, when using the Keto Zone diet, MCT Oil will help the body produce ketones quicker. Ketones can also boost mood.
• Increases energy. Want more energy while losing fat? MCT Oil is easily digested and used by the energy-powerhouses of the cells as a sustained energy source (5).

Fortunately, there are 2 great ways to consume MCT Oil from the Keto Zone®. Try MCT Oil Softgels and MCT Oil Powder  today. Many of these Keto Zone® Fat Bomb Recipes and Tips utilize MCT Oil!

3. Ketone Strips

When aiming for the Keto Zone®, you may want to know if you’re actually in ketosis or not. An easy and inexpensive way to know is by using Ketone Strips.

When your body is utilizing fat for energy and making ketones, they are detectable in your urine. By simply using a ketone strip, you can find out if ketones are present in mere seconds.

Ketone strips take the guesswork out of Keto Zone eating.

4. Easy Starter Tips

Want real-life tips from real-life Keto Zone users? Try these! We’ve gathered some of the most effective, inexpensive, easy tips to help you in your healthy weight journey.

These tips include daily habits, keto tips, and exercise.

They’ve done it, and so can you!

5. Food Diaries

As you’ll see from the real-life tips, food diaries and carbohydrate apps can really help.

A food diary is an amazing tool for any weight loss journey. Simply write down your intake. Use an app or other resource to become familiar with carbohydrate amounts in foods. To learn more about carbs and reading food labels, check out this post.

While there’s nothing magic about food diaries, they do help by:

• Allowing for self-accountability
• Adding up the grams of carbohydrates and seeing how that affects weight loss
• Troubleshooting issues with weight loss, hunger, etc.
• Keeping a record to repeat successes and avoiding challenges

It’s easy and free to keep an online food journal or simply a written one.

6. Add Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting is amazing for promoting overall health and healthy weights (5). And, it can be extremely motivating to jumpstart weight changes now.

An easy way to start intermittent fasting is to stop eating at 7:00 every night, and resume at 11:00 am every morning. Between waking up and eating at 11:00, you can have non-carb drinks such as coffee, coffee with MCT Oil and Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder, tea, or drinks that utilize healthy sugar substitutes (erythritol, stevia, etc.).

At 11:00 or so, eat a Keto lunch, and then eat your Keto dinner around 6:00. Between lunch and dinner add 1-2 Keto Zone snacks such as fat bombs or other healthy favorites.

7. Replacement Recipes for Your Favorite Foods

Do you miss some of your favorite foods? Do you crave them?

Why not replace them?

Your Keto Zone® food choices should not be boring or bland. In fact, you’ll likely find you don’t miss foods at all once you learn a few new recipes.

There are many amazingly satisfying recipes on this site. They include:

No-Bake Keto Zone Chocolate Almond Cookies

Keto Zone Lemon Curd

Keto Zone Cheesecake

In addition, the Quick and Healthy Keto Zone Cookbook is now available! And, you can find ample Keto Zone recipes here or on other Ketozone.com pages.

8. Daily, Weekly, and Overall Goals

Can you really change your weight in the next 6-8 weeks? You can. Set your goals now.

First, take time to set daily “habit goals.” These goals need to be action-based and in your control. For example:

• I will fast from 7:00 pm to 11:00 am each day.
• I will not eat more than 25 grams of net carbs per day.

Then, set weekly goals. These should also be in your control. They can include exercising 3 times per week, sticking to your daily eating goals each day, or journaling.

And lastly, set a goal overall for the next 6-8 weeks. Is your goal to lose 15 pounds? Set it and write it down.

Write all of these goals down and put the paper in a place you can read it when the going gets tough. It will keep you motivated to stay on track.

You can do it!

9. Support and Ongoing Challenges

Finding a supportive community is a big help on your weight loss journey.

First, you can find a lot of encouragement, tips, and Keto Zone recipes on this blog.

Next, consider joining the 21-Day Keto Zone Challenge. This challenge is the perfect way to get started, especially if you’re using the other tools listed above.

During the challenge, you’ll receive support and encouragement with blog posts, tips, and recipes.

Bonus: The Divine Health Keto Zone Starter Kit includes Dr. Colbert’s Keto Zone® book and many of the other must-have products listed above.

Bottom Line

Changing your weight may be a challenge, but you can do it! Take time to use our top Keto Zone® products and habits listed above. Each will make your journey easier. Start today!

The post Best 9 Keto Zone Products & Habits For a Healthy Weight Now appeared first on Keto Zone® | Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

In fact, while getting into, and staying in the Keto Zone®, you need more electrolytes and more fluids than those who are not in the Keto Zone.

Why?

Let’s dive in. Here’s why you are more at risk of dehydration, and how to make sure your keto hydration is up to par this summer!

Keto Hydration: How Much Fluid Do You Really Need?

You Need Extra Fluid and Electrolytes in the Keto Zone

Why does the Keto Zone® increase your fluid needs?

Simply put, you need more fluid because your body holds less in the Keto Zone®. As you get into ketosis, your body will make less insulin. With less insulin, your body will store less carbs in its system, including glycogen (stored carbohydrates in muscle tissue). Glycogen is a heavy compound that holds fluid with it.

With every gram of glycogen decreased, your body will excrete 3 grams of fluid.

This means less fluid held, and more needed to keep your body in good keto hydration and balance.

Your Kidneys are Working Hard

As you decrease stored carbs and fluid, your kidneys will work to excrete the water grams rather than retain them.

You will feel less bloated and begin to look leaner and better.

However, your fluid losses means you need to ingest more fluid in your diet to both keep your body in a state of hydration and decrease the workload on your kidneys. Dehydration can hurt your kidneys overtime (1), so drink up!

Avoid the Biggest Keto Hydration Mistake

Of course, fluids are very important to hydration, no matter how you eat. But, electrolytes are the key to keto hydration.

Why?

First, they are excreted with the glycogen grams of water.

Second, electrolytes in your fluids help your digestive tract absorb them.

Third, electrolytes are vital to life. They are minerals that enable many functions in the body, including muscle contraction, heart contraction, hydration of the whole body and brain, nerve function, digestion, and much more (2). If you’ve ever been extremely dehydrated or low on electrolytes, you know your body will dysfunction in a hurry.

The most important and most impacted mineral electrolytes are sodium, calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

Ever Experienced Keto Flu? It’s the Missing Electrolytes

As you get into the Keto Zone®, electrolytes tend to rebalance without the glycogen. But, if you’re just beginning, or cycling in and out of ketosis, you’re at risk of low electrolytes again and again.

Low electrolyte status is also known as the Keto Flu.

As electrolyte levels fall, you can begin to feel symptoms of heart racing, headaches, poor digestion, and more. This is just an adjustment period, but it can be avoided. And, you can easily keep electrolytes balanced in general while in Keto Zone.

The Low-Down on Keto Hydration Electrolytes

Since you’ll no longer carry electrolytes in glycogen, it’s imperative you replenish them through your diet.

Here’s how:

1. Sodium: You can simply add more salt. Although salt, in general, has a bad name, it’s a vital mineral electrolyte and simply needs to be consumed according to your diet and lifestyle. Keto Zone eaters need more; athletes need more. You can drink bone broth or a zero-carb electrolyte drink for added sodium.
2. Potassium: With a good variety of foods in your diet, you can easily obtain potassium through whole foods. Eat salmon, nuts, avocados, veggies, and mushrooms to get enough.
3. Calcium: Calcium is also readily available in the Keto Zone®. You can get calcium in fortified non-dairy milk, like coconut milk and almond milk, in high-fat dairy products, like Greek Yogurt, and in dark leafy greens, broccoli, and fish. If you choose to supplement, make sure you’re also consuming vitamin D.
4. Magnesium: Magnesium is incredibly important (3), and often deficient mineral in adults. It’s found in hemp heart seeds, raw cacao, leafy greens, and more. However, it’s not easily absorbed by humans and may need supplementation. If concerned about magnesium levels, read 7 Signs of a Magnesium Deficiency.
5. Electrolytes in Balance: A great way to get a baseline of electrolytes (with the exception of sodium) in a balanced formulation is to also add Dr. Colbert’s Enhanced Mutlivitamin each day!

How Much Fluid & Electrolytes Do You Really Need?

So, how much fluid should you drink? How should you add electrolytes?

1. For most in the Keto Zone®, you can simply aim for 64-80 oz. fluids per day. You can usually accomplish this by drinking to thirst. Older adults are typically more at risk for dehydration (4). Make sure to consume at least this amount of fluids throughout the day.
2. Then, unless you have high blood pressure, consume salt with meals and add 1-2 daily servings of bone broth, boullion, or zero-carb electrolyte drinks while re-entering the Keto Zone®. Then, add a daily dose of Dr. Colbert’s Enhanced Mutlivitamin.
3. Make sure to eat a variety of high potassium, calcium, and magnesium foods. Most adults should also supplement with 200-400 mg of magnesium per day.
4. If you notice you’re sweating when working outside or exercising, add 24-32 oz. fluid and 600-800 mg sodium for every hour of your workout. This does not need to be consumed during the workout, but before, during as needed, and after is fine. You can use low-carb electrolyte drinks, like NUUN, if desired for exercise.
5. Be diligent after any period out of the Keto Zone®. You’ll go through the glycogen-depleting phase again, and need to supplement with extra electrolytes to avoid the Keto Flu.

Bottom Line

It’s getting hot out there. This means it’s time to stay on top of your keto hydration. Form a plan to drink enough each day. Don’t forget electrolytes; add electrolyte drinks, bone broth and Dr. Colbert’s Enhanced Mutlivitamin. Then, have a hydrated, safe, and healthy summer in the Keto Zone.

The post Keto Hydration: How Much Fluid Do You Really Need? appeared first on Keto Zone® | Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

Instead of a full garden, try growing an easy-to-maintain container garden. It’s easy, and it doesn’t take much space at all. You can use a window seal, a small balcony, or a stoop.

The best part?

You can take any dish, smoothie, and drink to the next level, in terms of both flavor and nutrition benefits, by adding herbs. In fact, container gardens are a great option. First, growing herbs is much more cost-effective than buying them. Second, herbs contain amazing antioxidants and phytochemicals that impact your health – and you can add them every day. Third, even with just a small amount of dirt, you can enjoy the many health benefits of gardening.

Here’s a few to try and why you should.

5 Amazing Keto Zone® Fresh Herb Container Garden Herbs

1. PARSLEY for Heart Health

Parsley is one of the most-used herbs in culinary preparations worldwide. It’s no wonder since parsley adds a fresh, delicious flavor to almost any dish.

What’s more, parsley is incredibly healthful (1, 2). It:

• Encourages Heart Health: Parsley is a great source of carotenoid antioxidants, which have been found to support heart health. In fact, carotenoid-rich diets have been shown to improve heart disease risk factors like chronic inflammation, as well as elevated blood pressure and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels (3). One 12-year study of over 73,000 nurses found an inverse association between dietary carotenoids, like those in parsley, and the incidence of coronary artery disease (4). Another study of over 13,000 people suggested that those with higher blood levels of carotenoids had lower rates of heart disease mortality than those with lower carotenoid levels (5).
• Supports healthy blood sugars: In animal studies, researchers have found that the antioxidants in parsley reduce high blood sugar levels (6).

Parsley is a great choice for your fresh herb container garden!

2. BASIL to Fight Oxidative Stress

Basil is a superstar of nutrition among foods. It offers many health benefits (7). In fact, it:

• Reduces inflammation and oxidative stress:  Basil’s flavonoids, especially orientin and vicenin, are phytonutrients that protect cell structures from radiation and oxygen-based damage (free radicals/oxidative stress).  And eugenol, one of basil’s volatile oils, works to block the inflammatory activity of an enzyme (cyclooxygenase) in the body.
• Improves blood flow:  Basil’s vitamin A and magnesium can improve blood flow. Leafy greens like basil keep your artery walls strong and clear of plagues. Then, the magnesium in basil prompts muscles and blood vessels to relax, which improves blood flow out of the heart and throughout the body. 

Easy to maintain and grow, basil will be a superstar of your fresh herb container garden this summer.

3. OREGANO as a Potent Antibacterial Agent and Medicinal

Oregano is actually part of the mint family. It can also impact health in many ways (8). It:

• Has antibacterial properties. Its primary phytochemicals, thymol and carvacrol, fight infections and bacteria. Meanwhile, its antioxidants help reduce and prevent cell damage.
• Is a potent medicinal when used as an essential oil. It is considered a “hot oil,” and must be diluted correctly for topical use. When used, it’s known to support immune function, digestion, nasal health, and potentially joint pain.

For full-body wellness, don’t skip oregano in your fresh herb container garden.

4. CILANTRO for Brain and Blood Sugar Support

Known as a wonderful flavor agent when added to Mexican, Chinese, Southeast Asian, and Indian cuisines, cilantro is versatile and great for your body. Interestingly, the seeds of cilantro are known as coriander, and the leaves are called cilantro.

How can it affect your health? Cilantro is a great herb to grow this summer because it can:

• Support normalized blood sugars: Amazingly, cilantro has been shown to increase an enzyme in the body that removes sugar from the blood. It’s so potent that those taking blood sugar medication, or those who are at risk of low blood sugars, need to use some caution when eating it (9, 10).
• Promote brain health: Brain ailments associated with inflammation may also benefit from cilantro intake. One animal study found that coriander extract exhibited protection against damage to nerve cells following seizures. Another concluded that it may improve memory in those suffering from degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer’s (11, 12).

Add cilantro from your garden this summer for more flavor and health!

5. PEPPERMINT in Folk Medicine and Aromatherapy

For centuries, peppermint has been used in folk medicine and aromatherapy. It has been shown to:

• Improve pain management associated with irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS: It works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the colon, which relieves pain. It may also reduce bloating and other digestive symptoms (13, 14, 15).
• When used in aromatherapy, peppermint may help fight nausea.
• Fight oral bacteria and bad breath.

Peppermint is a great addition to your diet and your container garden. Since it spreads like a weed, you can control it well when in a container.

Great Ways to Use the Herbs from Your Container Garden

There are many great ways to use your fresh herbs. They include:

• Try herb sauces to add flavor to cooked meats, salads, and more. Try this delicious parsley-based sauce like Keto Zone® Chimichurri or Fresh Basil Pesto (recipes below)!
• Add herbs to smoothies. While you may have never thought of an herb in a smoothie, it’s actually a great addition! Try our Glowing Skin Basil Smoothie (recipe below).
• Boost your salad flavor by adding fresh mint or other herbs.
• Add any herb to your dessert (berries, whipped cream and basil make a delicious low-carb treat.
• Try fresh herbs on your burger, taco, or other Keto Zone® favorite!

Keto Zone® Fresh Herb Recipes

• Easy Keto Zone® Pesto: Place 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves, 2 cloves garlic, ¼ cup pine nuts, and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice in a food processor or blender. Process until  coarsely chopped. Add 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil. Process until fully incorporated and smooth. If desired, add salt and pepper to taste. Optionally, add in 1/3 cup shredded parmesan and mix thoroughly.
• Keto Zone® Chimichurri: Mix 1/2 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1/2 cup finely chopped parsley, 3-4 cloves minced garlic, 2 small red chilies (chopped finely and seeded), 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 level  teaspoon coarse salt, and pepper (to taste) in a bowl. Allow to set at least 2 hours before enjoying.
• Energizing Basil Smoothie: Place 8 ounces brewed green tea OR 1/2 teaspoon matcha green tea powder, 1/2 cup coconut milk (canned, full fat), 1/2-1 cup fresh basil leaves, 1 lemon, zested & juiced, 1/4 cup blueberries (or any kind berries), 1 scoop Keto Zone ®Hydrolyzed Collagen, 1 scoop Divine Health® Green Fermented Supremefood, and water or ice (as needed for desired consistency) in a blender. Process until smooth.  Enjoy the energy!
• Peppermint Tea: Boil 2 cups of water, remove it from the heat, then add in 4-5 torn peppermint leaves. Cover the pot with a lid, and steep for 5 minutes. Strain the tea, pour it into a mug, and enjoy!
• Easy Daily Green Plan: Add 1-2 servings of Divine Health Red and Green Supremefoods® to your daily routine and get real-food organic herbs, greens, fruits, and more!

Bottom Line

There is no downside to growing a Keto Zone® Fresh Herb Container Garden of herbs. Each herb boosts amazing nutrition benefits, you’ll be healthier just with the act of gardening, and you can add flavor to your foods and drinks all summer long. Get yours growing today!

The post Grow a Keto Zone® Fresh Herb Container Garden appeared first on Keto Zone® | Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

Here are 7 ways to make this Memorial Day a healthy day of remembrance and celebration.

7 Healthy Memorial Day Keto Tips

1. Stay Hydrated – It’s Getting Hot!

While it may just be the start of summer, many states are already experiencing very hot weather. Dehydration and heat-related fatigue are common issues in hot summer months. When you’re in the Keto Zone, especially when you’re first trying to get into ketosis, dehydration is a greater risk (even more so for older adults (1)).

What can you do?

The best way to maintain optimal hydration in the summer months is to add a daily dose of Instant Ketones with water or other fluids. Each serving adds an optimal amount of sodium and exogenous ketones to help you get into and stay in the Keto Zone. Then, hydrate well throughout the day with water and green tea.

For full tips on avoiding dehydration in the Keto Zone this summer, click here. 

2. Keep it Low-Carb

It may be challenging to stay in the Keto Zone on special occasions, but you can do it. Simply think through each portion of your meal and stick to low carb options.

How?

• Focus on Proteins, Fats, and Veggies: Focus on the delicious foods you can have. Choose a nourishing protein such as seafood, steak, chicken, duck, or bison. Add sautéed or fresh vegetables (verify that these are sautéed in oil or butter, without extra sauces). If needed, add extra butter, cream, or olive oil to round out your meal.
• Trim the Starches: Identify any starches or grains in your meal and omit them from the get-go. This means no pasta, rice, potatoes, beans, tortillas, bread, etc. In their place, add extra vegetables.
• Watch Out for High-Carb Sauces: Ketchup, BBQ, Sriracha, Buffalo Sauce, and most gravies contain sugars or flour.
• Bring Keto Zone dishes you want: Others will likely appreciate low-carb options as well, so bring some to share.  Concentrate on the course of the meal that you think will give you the most trouble. For example, bring meat with a high-fat delicious sauce, low-carb salads, heavy whipped cream and berries, dessert, or meats and cheese.
• Keto Zone Drinks: It’s no surprise that many people completely derail their healthy eating plans with just one sugary drink, whether eating in the Keto Zone or not. In fact, a typical sugary punch packs in 30+ grams of sugar and carbohydrates per serving (2). Opt for a “skinny” cocktail or mocktail, green or black tea, water with cucumber and lemon (always a party pleaser), or another low-carb drink. Again, if needed, bring something to share.

With a little planning, any summer get-together can stay in the Keto Zone.

3. Keto Zone Picnics

Beyond the tips above, there are even more ways to enjoy and share food at a picnic. Did you know there are many Keto Zone Sandwich recipes? It’s true! Try these for your next picnic: 

Amazing Keto Zone Sandwiches

In fact, you’ll find Keto Zone sandwiches made with large flat pickles in place of bread (yum!), low-carb wraps, and great options for low-carb sandwich bread.

4. Barbeques

Barbeques are another great opportunity to stay in the Keto Zone. In fact, many grilling menus center around meats and veggies. 

There are many great Keto Zone cookout options. From appetizers to drinks to desserts, here’s a great list that will help you keep it in the Keto Zone:

Summer Keto Zone Cookout Menu & Tips

Barbeques are great for Keto Zone living!

5. Fresh Herbs on Everything

You can also take your Memorial Day Keto menu to the next level.

How? Add colorful nourishing herbs to every part of your meal. For example:

• Add fresh mint to your salad.
• Make delicious pesto or chimichurri for your steak, burgers, or chicken (see recipes below).
• Add basil to your dessert (berries, whipped cream and basil make a delicious low-carb treat.

In fact, you can make your entire summer (and year) healthier by growing herbs in a full-fledged garden, a simple container set-up, or within a community option. No time for gardening? Support your local grocer or farmer’s market and improve your health at the same time. Herbs are full of antioxidants, phytochemicals, anti-inflammatory agents and more(3)! 

Easy Keto Zone Pesto: Place 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves, 2 cloves garlic, ¼ cup pine nuts, and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice in a food processor or blender. Process until  coarsely chopped. Add 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil. Process until fully incorporated and smooth. If desired, add salt and pepper to taste. Optionally, add in 1/3 cup shredded parmesan and mix thoroughly.

Keto Zone Chimichurri: Mix 1/2 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1/2 cup finely chopped parsley, 3-4 cloves minced garlic, 2 small red chilies (chopped finely and seeded), 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 level  teaspoon coarse salt, and pepper (to taste) in a bowl. Allow to set at least 2 hours before enjoying.

6. Celebrate Outdoors

When you spend time outdoors, you automatically improve your health. In fact, being outside is known to reduce stress, increase vitamin D, and improve moods (4).

For even more benefit, take a walk and get a little exercise in. Exercise, especially outside, combats stress and supports whole-body health (5). To learn more, read these 10 Amazing Benefits of Walking!

On the other hand, allergy sufferrs may not always feel great when outside. If you’re worried about allergy symptoms, you’re not alone. Try these tips: Naturally Alleviate Allergy Symptoms.

7. Remember The Fallen with Gratitude

Of course, Memorial Day is not about food. Food can be a part of our gathering. But, the point of Memorial Day is to always remember those who have died while serving in our Armed Forces.

May we never forget. And, may we always be grateful.

Bottom Line

This Memorial Day, remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.

And, whether you’re gathering with loved ones or staying home, take the steps to keep your food in the Keto Zone. Summer is a wonderful time to focus on healthy, fresh food. Our Memorial Day keto tips will help you make it a healthy day!

The post 7 Healthy Memorial Day Keto Tips appeared first on Keto Zone® | Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

The post Jumpstart Weight Goals with 2 Keto Fasting Styles this Spring appeared first on Keto Zone® | Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

If you are one of the 50+ million Americans who suffer from allergies each year (1), it’s time to do something about it. Here’s how:

7 Keto Zone® Foods that Reduce Allergy Symptoms

1. Raw Cacao and Magnesium-Rich Foods

Magnesium is a mineral that works throughout the body. Thankfully, it may help reduce allergy symptoms and severity.

In fact, a recent animal study found subjects with lower magnesium blood levels exhibited significantly higher histamine levels than those with more magnesium(2). Histamine is an immune system compound that is released in the body during an allergic reaction. It causes inflammation, which can lead to a plethora of reactions including runny nose, congestion, watery eyes, itchy throat, rashes, and more (3).

Additionally, experts believe magnesium opens up and relaxes muscles, including bronchial muscles. This further reduces allergy symptoms and severity. 

High magnesium foods include cacao, cashews, kelp, and nuts.

2. Keto Zone Foods High in Quercetin

Quercetin is a naturally occurring polyphenol flavonoid rich in antioxidants. Amazingly, it has antiallergic functions that inhibit histamine production, reduce the immune response, and decrease inflammatory reactions (4)!

If you want to reduce allergy symptoms, choose Keto Zone foods high in quercetin. These include onions, berries, cabbage, cauliflower, garlic and tea.

3. Garlic

In addition to being high in quercetin, garlic and garlic extract have many properties to help reduce allergy symptoms. In fact, studies have found that garlic can help decrease allergic reactions and prevent the production of histamine (5).

What’s more, garlic is highly anti-microbial and supports immune function (6).

It’s easy to add garlic to almost any dish. Or, try slow-roasting it!

4. Apple Cider Vinegar and Spicy Foods

Raw, organic apple cider vinegar has long been a champion of sinus health and reduction in allergy symptoms. Why?

First, it has been found to support immune factors and protect from an allergic reaction (5).

Second, it works as a natural decongestant. This means it causes your sinuses to drain after you consume it. 

Similarly, spices and spicy foods work as decongestants and can be consumed alongside apple cider vinegar for a double-dose!

One caveat: ALWAYS dilute apple cider vinegar. Taken straight, it can damage your esophagus. Try 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in 2-4 oz. water. Optionally, add ½ teaspoon ginger, cinnamon, and/or turmeric. Add organic stevia to taste. Take 2-3 times per day during allergy season.

5. Healthy Bacteria and Probiotics

It’s amazing: your gut is linked to almost every health aspect in your body. Brain health, hormone health, and yes, immune and allergy health.

Fermented foods and healthy bacteria (probiotics) can reduce inflammatory responses in the body, thereby reducing allergy symptoms.  One recent study of 173 people who suffer from seasonal allergies found that taking a daily probiotic with lactobacillus strains significantly improved their “quality of life” scores from baseline to peak pollen compared to a placebo group. Probiotics increase regulatory T cells to improve allergen tolerance (6).

To add probiotics and healthy bacteria to your diet, try plain greek yogurt, kefir, kombucha, kimchi, Probiotic Supplements and Divine Health® Fermented Green Supremefood®.

6. Foods High in Omega-3s 

To reduce allergy reactions, it’s important to reduce chronic inflammatory responses in your body. Studies have shown that those with seasonal allergic reactions and asthmatic allergies actually have higher underlying inflammation even when they are not showing symptoms (7). 

To reduce inflammation, increase your intake of foods high in omega-3 fats while decreasing pro-inflammatory omega-6 fats.

How?

First, increase omega-3s by eating:

• Fatty fish and seafoods
• Colorful vegetables
• Ginger and Turmeric
• Seeds like chia seeds, flaxseeds, and hemp heart seeds
• Omega-3 Supplements such as Dr. Colbert’s Wild Alaskan Salmon Omega-3 Supplements

Then, avoid highly inflammatory processed foods. Avoid foods and drinks high in sugar, refined grains, and cheap oils such as soybean oil.

7. The #1 Sinus Health Supplement

There’s an amazing supplement you can add to your diet to support sinus health and reduce allergy symptoms. It includes vitamins, amino acids, anti-inflammatory compounds and more!

In fact, Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Sinus Formula contains quercetin, bromelain, glutathione, and stinging nettle to reduce allergy symptoms, promote sinus health, and support mucus membranes without drowsiness.

It’s a great first line of defense this allergy season. Don’t wait – try yours today!

Bottom Line: Reduce Allergy Symptoms

The foods you eat make a difference when it comes to allergy symptoms. Will this be the year you reduce yours? Try our 7 Keto Zone foods that reduce allergy symptoms, including Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Sinus Formula, and feel great this season!

The post 7 Keto Zone Foods that Reduce Allergy Symptoms appeared first on Keto Zone® | Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

Easy, Delicious Valentine’s Keto Chocolate Truffles

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup canned coconut milk cream (dig out solid portion) or organic heavy cream
• 10 oz. dark chocolate, at least 70% cacao, divided (such as Simple Truth Organic)
• 2 tablespoons organic coconut oil OR organic unsalted butter
• ¼-½ teaspoon organic liquid stevia, or to taste
• Pinch sea salt, optional

Optional add-ins:

• 2 teaspoons Keto Zone® MCT Oil Powder (Dutch Chocolate Flavor) 
• 2 teaspoons Keto Zone® Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder (Chocolate Flavor)
• 2 teaspoons pure peppermint extract
• 1 teaspoons red chili flakes
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped orange or lemon peel
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh ginger
• 3 tablespoons cocoa nibs
• 4 tablespoons finely chopped nuts or 2 Tbsp nut butter

Instructions:

1. In a heavy pan on the stovetop, bring the coconut milk (or heavy cream) to a boil. Or, using a glass bowl, heat the coconut milk in a microwave for 60 seconds on high.
2. Remove coconut milk from heat.  Stir in 6 ounces of the dark chocolate (should be about ¾ cup or 171 grams). Stir continuously until melted and smooth.  If using a microwave, place the mixture back in the microwave and heat for an additional 15-20 seconds at a time, stirring in between heating, until melted and smooth.
3. If desired, stir in one of the optional add-ins.
4. Cover the mixture tightly and refrigerate for 1-2 hours or freeze for about 20-30 minutes, until firm but not solid.
5. Meanwhile,  place a spoon or melon baller in the freezer for 15 minutes.
6. Once the chocolate and coconut milk mixture is firm, use a spoon or melon baller to create the round truffles. Set aside.
7. Combine the remaining chocolate, coconut oil or butter, and stevia in a saucepan or glass bowl.  Heat and melt mixture over medium heat on stove top, or microwave on high in 15-20 seconds intervals. Stir continuously on stove top or between intervals in the microwave.
8. Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or waxed paper. Dip truffles into the melted chocolate mixture using a fork or toothpick. Place onto the prepared baking sheet.  Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt, if desired, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to harden.  Enjoy!
9. To get fancy for Valentine’s Day in the name of heart health, make several varieties of the truffles like you’d find in boxed chocolates.  After making the original chocolate and cream  mixture, pour it into greased muffin pan circles and add different “optional add-ins” into each. Be careful to reduce the amount of each add-in according to how much mixture is in each circle. Follow instructions as written otherwise.

Makes ~24 truffles.

Nutrition Information (per truffle without add-ins): 83 calories, 7 gram fat, 4 grams net carbs (6 grams total carbs, 2 grams fiber), 1 gram protein

Science-Backed Chocolate Heart Health and Whole Body Benefits 

First, let’s get through the names and spelling. Chocolate is made from cocoa or cacao beans. These two names are often used interchangeably. However, cacao is processed differently. 

Raw cacao is made from fermented, dried, and unroasted cacao beans. Cocoa beans are roasted at high heat, damaging some of the living nutrient components and reducing the flavanols by up to 60%. While cocoa still provides benefits, cacao is superior for health. (1).

Choose raw cacao and cacao products whenever possible. Here’s why.

Cacao Supports Heart Health and Reduces Inflammation

It starts with nitric oxide. When it increases artery dilation and blood flow, it reduces blood pressure especially in older adults and those with hypertension (2, 3).

What’s more, cacao may reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack.  One review of over 157,000 people showed that higher chocolate consumption was associated with a significantly lower risk of heart issues, stroke and death (4).

Reducing inflammation is also important for heart health. Cacao’s flavanols reduce proinflammatory cytokines while increasing anti-inflammatory ones (5).

Lastly, cocoa may reduce bad LDL cholesterol and has a blood thinning effect similar to aspirin.

Beyond Chocolate Heart Health, Cacao Provides More Health Benefits in Addition to Heart Health

1.  Cacao Supports Brain Function and Stress Reduction

Let’s start here.

Cacao contains health-benefiting compounds called flavanols. They cross the blood-brain barrier to affect brain health and mood (6).

One flavanol is phenethylamine (PEA). It has natural pain- and stress-reducing properties. It also increases endorphins to improve focus.

What’s more, cacao improves mood by raising serotonin levels and contains theobromine, a mild stimulant sometimes used in the treatment of depression.

Increased blood flow encourages optimal brain health. Cacao’s flavanols increase blood levels of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide dilates arteries to improve blood flow.

One study resulted in an increase of more than 40% in blood flow in post-menopausal women compared to the control (7). Another study of older adults showed an increase of 10% brain blood flow with just 2 weeks of cacao consumption (8).

There’s more to these keto chocolate truffles.

2. Cacao Promotes Better Energy 

In addition to a small amount of caffeine, cacao delivers anti-fatigue nutrients. These include (9): 

• Iron. Cacao is high in absorbable iron, which increases oxygen delivery to the cells.*
• Magnesium. One serving of cacao provides 100 mg of magnesium, ~25% of daily needs. Magnesium is typically deficient in adults. Adequate magnesium is associated with better energy, better sleep, fewer muscle cramps (including night cramps), and better overall health.*
• Nitric Oxide (NO). When cacao’s flavanols increase NO, they help the body deliver and use oxygen better in the cells, decreasing fatigue.*

A small study from London showed a decrease in fatigue symptoms, in those with conditions involving fatigue, after 8 weeks of cacao treatment (10).

3. Cacao Encourages Insulin Sensitivity

When cells are more sensitive to insulin, they are healthier. They deal with carbohydrates better, require less insulin to store them, and store less fat.

The flavanols encourage insulin sensitivity, and they (8):

• Slow down carbohydrate digestion and absorption in the gut*
• Improve insulin secretion*
• Stimulate the uptake of sugar out of the blood into the muscle*
• Lower risk of unhealthy blood sugars*

4. Cacao Fights Cellular Overgrowth

Individual components of cacao have been shown to induce “harmful cell” death and prevent the spread of these cells in test tube studies (9).

In animal studies, scientists have found that cacao components support breast, pancreatic, prostate, blood, liver and colon cell health (9).

The animal and human studies are promising, but general. More research is needed.

5. Cacao Reduces Free Radical Damage

Sure, free radical damage sounds bad. But what is it and what causes it?

Unfortunately, most everything around you can cause it.

In fact, sun exposure, cigarette smoke, toxic chemicals in the environment and foods, pollution, and even some of our own body’s biochemical reactions can cause free radical damage and its accumulated oxidative stress.

When we consume antioxidants, we consume compounds that neutralize free radicals and work to heal cells.

Cacao has more than 300 different antioxidant chemical compounds and more than 20 times the antioxidant power of blueberries. And while other foods’ antioxidants diminish with time, cacao has demonstrated stability in samples over 75 years old (10)!

Our keto chocolate truffles are just what your heart needs!

Bottom Line

What more could you want this Valentine’s Day? Choose raw cacao and raw cacao products for the most chocolate heart health benefits. Enjoy delicious keto chocolate truffles with loved one’s this month!

The post Delish Keto Chocolate Truffles & Heart Health for Valentine’s Day appeared first on Keto Zone® | Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

In fact, it’s a great time to focus on your health. Why?

As we head into a new year, it’s important to realize that your nutrition, fitness, and overall health affect almost all aspects of your life including mental health and immune health (1). There’s no time to waste! Make 2022 the year you want it to be!

Ultimate High-Metabolism Keto Zone® Reboot 2022

1. Get Started (or Restarted with Keto Zone)

Are you new to Keto Zone? Or, have you started it in the past and just need to get back on track? The absolute best places to start are:

• Purchase the Keto Zone Starter Kit: It includes Dr. Colbert’s Keto Zone Diet Book (Comprehensive Guide), Keto Zone Cookbook, Instant Ketones, MCT Oil  Powder, Ketosis Test Strips and Keto Zone Collagen Powder!
• Join the 21-Day Keto Challenge. It’s free and will help guide you with tips, recipes, and more.
• Read through our Keto Zone Start Guide to prepare.
• Join the Keto Zone Facebook Group for an online community, recipes, tips, and more.

What will you learn?

You will learn the basics of Keto Zone, how to make it a healthy lifestyle and maintain your weight goals, and how to continue it for years to come.

In fact, you’ll start with learning about sugars and carbohydrates, and how too much of them negatively affects health and weight. Then, you’ll learn how to remove them from your diet to get into the Keto Zone, which allows your body to use an extremely healthy, alternative source of fuel, ketones. You’ll find that ketones support health throughout your body while allowing you to lose fat.

You’ve got nothing to lose! You can absolutely make this life-altering change in 2022!

2. Add Metabolism Boosts for a Keto Zone Reboot

Believe it or not, your metabolism isn’t fixed, stuck, or doomed to be slow. Sure, you may not be burning as many calories and fat cells as you want right now, and that is likely due to an overload of carbohydrates in the diet OR cells that aren’t responding to insulin as well as they should.

That’s right, unhealthy cells can wreck your metabolism. But never fear, you can change it in 2022! Here’s how:

• Start by getting into the Keto Zone as described above.
• Add ice-cold showers. Research shows that both ice-cold showers and drinking ice water recruit brown and beige fat cells, increase calories burn, and may even reduce seasonal illnesses (2).
• Drink Keto Coffee. Recent studies have found that coffee stimulates brown fat to make heat, thereby increasing calorie output, improving mitochondria health, and boosting metabolism (3, 4, 5).
• Fast intermittently. Intermittent fasting targets the health of your cells and body to support healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels, healthy aging, healthy weights, normalized blood sugars, and more.(6). To simply fast 15-16 hours per day, finish eating at 7 pm each day, and fast with only non-carbohydrate liquids (like coffee) until 10 am or so.
• Drink Green Tea. Green tea has been found to increase thermogenesis. Since green tea contains both catechins and caffeine that can increase fat oxidation, it may work in different ways than by converting and activating brown fat (7).
• Stop sitting all day. It’s important to stand, walk, and be active as much as possible. If your work requires that you sit, break it up to improve metabolism outcomes. One study found that getting up occasionally from sitting improved self-perceived energy and vigor, mood, levels of fatigue, and food cravings (8).

Want to learn more about metabolism, which exercise is best, how much to sleep and more? Read our full article here.

3. Easy Hacks to Make Keto Zone Easier and More Effective

Hacks are simple habits or tips that make everyday living easier. Keto Zone Reboot hacks make staying in the Keto Zone easier, without too much extra work. Here are 6 of our favorites:

• Track your carbs and stay below 25 grams of net carbs each day (net carbs are total carbs minus fiber). Use a carbohydrate app or food diary. This can make all the difference!
• Try 1-2 new Keto Zone Recipes per week or month. This will improve your kitchen skills, keep you from getting bored with foods, and improve your health. Try recipes from Dr. Colbert’s Quick & Healthy Keto Zone Cookbook, KetoZone.com Recipe Archive, and DrColbert.com Recipe Archive.
• Drink a lot of water and add electrolytes. While entering and eating within the Keto Zone, one of the biggest issues is dehydration and the “keto flu.” Typically, this is due to electrolyte imbalance. There’s good news! It is easily solved by drinking a lot of water and adding Instant Ketones several times per day. 
• Look beyond the scale. Sometimes we lose “weight.” Other times we change our body composition and add muscle. In addition to the scale, consider your body composition. Use a simple flexible tape measure to measure your waist, chest, neck, and hips. Also, consider how clothes fit.
• Bone broth for the win! Bone broth is delicious and can keep you full. It is also great for health (9)!
• Start walking. Just walk a little to start, and then gradually increase your distance.

Want more? Find more real life tips here.

4. Dream Up New Goals for 2022

Lastly, decide what 2022 will be for you. What do you want to do? Do you have any dreams that you want to “go for” this year?

Of course, life can get in the way of dreams. You may not accomplish them all. But, if you start the year knowing what you want, you are much more likely to accomplish them.

What does this have to do with a Keto Zone Reboot? Healthy habits are important for almost any goal or dream. It is so much easier to stay motivated for healthy habits when you realize you can accomplish your dreams when you adhere to them. Then, they don’t feel like obligations or restrictions. They feel like opportunities that power your dreams!

Bottom Line

The Ultimate High Metabolism Keto Zone Reboot is just what you need! Use our strategies above to get into the Keto Zone, boost your metabolism, stay in the Keto Zone, and dream big. Your healthy New Year awaits!

The post Ultimate High Metabolism Keto Zone Reboot for 2022 appeared first on Keto Zone® | Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

It’s easy. It’s incredibly healthy. And, it’s practically free since you’ll have likely already paid for a turkey anyway.

Here’s how to make turkey bone broth, concentrate the nutrients, and store it for the months to come.

Keto Zone® Nourishing Turkey Bone Broth

Ingredients

• leftover bones from your roasted turkey
• 1 medium yellow onion, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• ½ cup raw apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup chopped parsley
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• salt

Equipment

• Stock Pot, Electric Pressure Cooker, or Slow Cooker
• Fine-mesh Strainer

Instructions

On the stove:

1. 1. Place the turkey bones, onion, garlic, and apple cider vinegar into a large stockpot. Cover the ingredients with water by two inches, and then bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, immediately turn down the heat to medium-low, and keep at a low simmer for 4-6 hours.
2. Add the parsley and thyme, and allow to continue to simmer for ~30 minutes.
3. Strain the broth, serve, or transfer to a jar for storage.

In an Electric Pressure Cooker (such as an InstantPot) : 

1. Follow instructions above, but fill water to the max line. Seal. Pressure cook on high for 2 hours. Allow pressure to release naturally.
2. Add the parsley and thyme. Pressure cook on high again for 5 minutes. Allow pressure to release.
3. Strain the broth, serve, or transfer to a jar for storage.

In a slow cooker:

1. Follow instructions above, but slow cook on low for 6 hours. 
2. Add the parsley and thyme. Then, continue to slow cook on low for an additional 30 minutes.
3. Strain the broth, serve, or transfer to a jar for storage.

To store the broth, first, adjust seasoning with salt as you like it. Serve the strained broth immediately, concentrate the nutrients (see below), or store it in a mason jar for up to 1 week in the refrigerator and up to 6 months in the freezer (make sure to allow 2 inches of headspace in the jar if freezing).

Concentrating the Nutrients:

After straining broth, add Keto Zone® Collagen Powder and stir well until dissolved. For added immune support nutrients, also add one serving of Dr. Colbert’s Immune Support daily.

Turkey Bone Broth & Collagen Benefits

There are many health benefits to drinking bone broth and taking collagen. In fact, you can get double the nourishment by making the broth and adding collagen. These include:

1. Healthy Digestion

Bone broth, the gelatin in it, and collagen (hydrolyzed from gelatin) have been shown to restore strength and promote health in the gut lining. This means your digestive tract can absorb better, deal with food intolerances, and work to more effectively digest food. What’s more, it can make a difference in your small intestine’s healthy bacteria colonies since they depend on a healthy gut lining.

A recent report from The Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology found that gelatin promotes intestinal health, integrity, and reduced inflammation (1).

In addition, studies have found that collagen supports digestive balance and strong digestive tissue (2).

2. Healthy Immune System Function

When digestion malfunctions, inflammation is increased throughout the body. When inflammation is increased, the entire body can suffer as immune responses attack healthy cells and the body deals with chronic inflammatory reactions.

On the other hand, your digestive tract and immune function are supported by bone broth and collagen. In fact, lab studies have found that bone broths support both healthy inflammatory responses and normal immune system function (3).

3. Joint Protection

Bone broth, gelatin, and collagen also support joint health. As we age, cartilage wears down and degenerates. The gelatin from bone broth can actually act like a soft cushion between bones that helps them “glide” without friction. What’s more, its amino acids become building blocks needed to form and maintain strong bones.

One study from the Department of Nutrition and Sports Nutrition for Athletics at Penn State University reported a decrease in joint discomfort and improved athletic performance when athletes supplemented collagen for 24 weeks (4). Moreover, another review of over 60 studies found that  hydrolyzed collagen stimulates collagen-dependent tissue regeneration by increasing not only collagen synthesis but other minor components’ synthesis as well. With long-term consumption, collagen can promote pain-free joints, improved bone density, and healthy skin (5).

3. Maintains Healthy Skin

Collagen helps form elastin and other compounds within healthy skin. The major structural constituents of the matrix outside cells in the skin are collagen, elastic fibers, and hyaluronic acid (6,7,8). Collagen likely makes up >70% of the dry weight of the human skin dermis (9,10). Amazingly, ingesting collagen and bone broth supports these structures and can increase skin’s hydration, elasticity, and health.

Double-blind, placebo-controlled studies investigating the age-defending properties of collagen have found that ingesting 2.5–5 grams of collagen hydrolysate daily for eight weeks supports and improves skin elasticity, skin moisture, transepidermal water loss (dryness) and skin roughness (11, 12).

Collagen is great for skin!

5. Boosts Glutathione

Glutathione is an amazingly potent antioxidant made by the body. However, the human body requires certain substrates and nutrients to produce it. Many believe that modern diets do not contain enough of these substrates.

Thankfully, bone broth and collagen contain potassium, glycine, and cysteine. These nutrients support cellular health glutathione production. One review published in the Scientific World Journal (13) found that glutathione helps with elimination of fat-soluble compounds and the detoxification of health metals like mercury and lead. It also helps with the absorption of various nutrients, the use of antioxidants and with liver-cleansing functions.

6. Supports Brain Health and Reduced Headache Severity

Millions of Americans suffer from acute or chronic headaches each day. Collagen may just help with this issue as well.

One animal study found that bone broth and collagen suppressed headache pain and sensation, and thus may provide neuroprotective activity for reducing migraine risk (14).

Bottom Line

There are many great reasons to make bone broth with collagen! For a triple immune punch, make this nourishing turkey bone broth, add Keto Zone® Collagen Powder and take Dr. Colbert’s Immune Support this Thanksgiving and throughout the cold months to come!

The post Don’t Waste It! Make Nourishing Turkey Bone Broth this Thanksgiving appeared first on Keto Zone® | Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

Leafy greens and other vegetables offer many beneficial nutrients. They have fiber, antioxidants, and more. But the top reason to eat them may surprise you. Every plant contains compounds that allow it to grow and stay healthy. But, did you know their compounds can work in your body in much the same way.

Do you get your daily dose of chlorophyll?

Here’s why you should continue to eat greens all winter long and why chlorophyll is arguably the top reason to do so.

Keto Zone® Chlorophyll Green Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 scoop Divine Health® Fermented Green Supremefood®
• 1 scoop Keto Zone® Fiber Zone
• 1/4 avocado
• 1/4 cup berries (any kind)
• 1-2 cups spinach
• 1 tablespoon organic coconut oil
• juice from 1 lemon (about 1/4 cup)
• 1 cup of water
• organic stevia to taste
• ice, as needed for desired texture

Instructions

Place all ingredients, except sweetener and ice, in your blender or food processor. Process until smooth. Add sweetener to taste. Add ice until desired consistency is reached. Makes 1 serving.

Nutrition info (per entire recipe): 300 calories, 20 grams fat, 3 grams net carbs (16 grams carbs, 12 grams fiber), 4 grams protein

What Makes this Green Smoothie and Must-Have for Winter?

There are many outstanding ingredients in this smoothie that support the detoxification of cells and systems in the body. In fact, all 6 detox systems in the body can benefit from this smoothie. They include your:

• liver
• kidneys
• digestive tract
• skin
• lymph system
• respiratory tract

Detoxification is simply supporting, fortifying and strengthening these specific systems through nutrition. This includes consuming nutrients that help them, and avoiding foods, chemicals and ingredients that hurt them. From there, these systems do the rest.

The vegetables and grasses in Divine Health® Fermented Green Supremefood®, the inulin and psyllium husk in Keto Zone® Fiber Zone, and the fresh fruits, greens, and healthy fats in the recipe all promote health and detox.

What’s more, this Keto Zone Detox Green Smoothie smoothie boasts a vital compound for cleansing the body. It’s chlorophyll, and it’s found in the greens, grasses, and algae. As you might remember from biology, chlorophyll is a pigment that gives plants their green color. Plants use chlorophyll along with sunlight to get their nutrients.

But how does chlorophyll support human health and detoxification? The compound, and the foods that contain it, works wonders for humans as well.

Chlorophyll for Human Health and Detox

Vegetables, grasses, and algae contain chlorophyll. Wheatgrass, chlorella, and spirulina are potent sources of chlorophyll. Spinach and parsley also contain good amounts of chlorophyll. In supplements, chlorophyll is typically added as chlorophyllin, which is a water-soluble derivative of natural chlorophyll. This makes it easier to digest when supplemented.

Whether through supplements or natural foods, chlorophyll supports human health and detox. Here’s how:

Natural Detoxification

Chlorella, spirulina, algaes, wheatgrass, and greens promote natural detoxification in the body. Chlorophyll is one of their main agents responsible for cleansing. In fact, studies have found that these foods support the removal of toxins, heavy metals and other harmful compounds from the body (1, 2, 3).

One 2011 animal study from Japan found that mice given chlorophyll shots excreted much more mercury from their systems than the control group after exposure to it (4).

Heavy metals can accumulate from ingesting them through foods and supplements, inhaling them from the air, or working in toxic environments with harmful chemicals.

Experts believe chlorophyll promotes cellular and blood detox by binding the heavy metals and helping the body excrete them (2).

In addition, chlorophyll may reduce the amount of other non-metal harmful chemicals in the body. For example, chlorophyll has been found to reduce blood levels of dioxin, a known hormone disruptor (5, 6).

Blood-Building Properties

Hemoglobin is often measured to assess the iron status, oxygen, and health of a person’s blood. Chlorophyll is chemically similar to hemoglobin.

In fact, researchers have suggested that supplementation with chlorophyll through wheatgrass may improve hemoglobin levels when deficient. This means better energy, health, and well-being!

Anti-Aging and Skin Health Compound

As a topical application, chlorophyll may reduce signs of skin sun damage. A study found that a topical chlorophyll gel improved skin condition for 12 days after its application (7).

What’s more, it may be effective against blemishes and enlarged pores. One study found that a gel containing chlorophyllin helped reduce facial blemishes and large pores (8). Yet another study concluded that the combination of phototherapy and chlorophyll resulted in fewer blemishes and less oily skin (9).

One of the primary ways the body deals with toxins is through the skin. As chlorophyll helps the body rid itself of toxins, it may also promote skin health.

Wound-Healing Properties

When the body is healthy, it has an amazing ability to heal itself. A 2008 review found that chlorophyll supplements promoted better wound healing, fewer wound odors, and potentially fewer infections in wounds (12).

Natural Deodorant

When toxins are present in your body, you may also experience more body odor.

Researchers have studied chlorophyll for its potential as a deodorant for many years. Studies have found that chlorophyll supplementation may reduce body odor from digestion (in the case of a colostomy) and skin (10, 11).

In fact, some deodorants and mouthwashes now contain chlorophyll to help reduce body odor through toxin removal.

Alkaline Environment

Lastly, chlorophyll is highly alkaline and promotes an alkaline environment in the body. How does this help with detox, cleansing, and overall health? Alkaline diets can (13):

• Improve the potassium-sodium ratio in the blood, which supports bone health, muscle growth and maintenance, and healthy blood pressure
• Increase human growth hormone production which supports cardiovascular health and brain health
• Improve levels of intracellular magnesium which supports enzyme production, vitamin D activation, and hormone balance

As you add more chlorophyll-containing foods and supplements to your diet, you can support whole-body health, cleansing, and detox!

Potent Sources of Chlorophyll in our Green Detox Smoothie

Chlorophyll is found throughout the ingredients in our green detox smoothie. The most potent sources are found in Divine Health® Fermented Green Supremefood®. These include (13):

• spirulina
• chlorella
• wheatgrass
• spinach
• kelp
• parsley
• spinach
• kale
• green tea

In addition, fresh spinach, lemon juice, and the inulin and psyllium husk found in Keto Zone® Fiber Zone are potent cleansing agents in our Chlorophyll Green Smoothie.

Bottom Line

Ready to add more detoxifying greens in your diet? Look no further than Divine Health® Fermented Green Supremefood®. There’s no reason to not get in all the nutritious compounds, and specifically chlorophyll, this winter. Make this winter count and rejuvenate your health!

The post Drink This Detox Green Smoothie For Great Winter Health appeared first on Keto Zone® | Dr. Don Colbert, MD.