Liver – the heaviest and the second largest organ in the human body. It is probably one of the most hardworking organs of the body and performs a number of functions.

The health and wellness sphere is constantly in flux, with discoveries and focuses emerging regularly when it comes to supplements - and yes, there are supplements to reduce cortisol. Cortisol is often dubbed the body's primary stress hormone, produced by our adrenal glands. It is indeed instrumental in many bodily functions, including the regulation of

When your body is filled with toxins, you may need a colon detox. Many diuretics and fruits can help you do so. Learn about 16 ways to cleanse your colon here.

Maca root -- an ancient superfood that can naturally boost your energy, help you manage stress, sharpen your memory, and even increase your libido.

Was your New Year’s resolution to lose some weight? Sadly, the year has already begun, and you probably haven’t made as much headway as you’d like to.

After years of half-truths and relentless ads on our TVs, cholesterol has, quite unfortunately, earned itself a bad name.

A fatty liver diet plan is an eating plan to improve liver health. Find out how it works, what foods to eat and which ones to avoid if you have a fatty liver.

Thyroid imbalance can have a significant impact on your life. The thyroid diet offers an effective and natural way to manage hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

Keep your thyroid in tip-top shape by trying these fantastic juicing recipes for thyroid health and healing!

Are Adrenal Fatigue and IBS causing issues with your digestion? Do you know what signs and symptoms to watch out for? Read this article to find out!

High creatinine levels can be bothersome as they may cause many other complications. Know what causes high creatinine levels and how you can control them.

In first world countries, it can sometimes seem like everyone is overweight. According to the American Heart Association, an astonishing 60-75% of the United States population is overweight or obese!1 People swing in and out of challenging diets, and gain and lose weight in cycles. The good news is that by using lifestyle and nutritional tactics that consistently help burn fat, you can make long-lasting healthy weight loss a reality. Also, boosting the function of your thyroid gland helps to keep you lean. This is because the thyroid plays a crucial role in controlling the metabolism of your cells, the rate at which they use energy or the rate at which your cells perform their duties. If you’re looking to lose weight, you should know that the thyroid and weight loss are deeply connected. Hypothyroidism not only slows down your metabolism, making it take longer for you to burn calories, it also can make you gain water weight. 9 Ways to Burn Fat and Boost Your Thyroid 1. Eat Foods in a Traditional Mediterranean Diet A Mediterranean diet, a diet rich in whole plant foods and omega 3 fats from plants and fish, has been evidenced to fight disease in a multitude of scientific studies. Importantly, a review of randomized controlled studies found that a Mediterranean diet consistently helps people lose weight.2Whole plant foods like vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts, and seeds help to keep blood sugar and insulin within healthy (or lower) ranges because the sugars in these foods are absorbed more slowly than processed carbohydrates. The higher your insulin, the more energy you store and the fatter you tend to get. Interestingly, chronically high insulin causes itself to lose its ability to signal satiety, leaving you feeling hungry all the time (which leads to overeating).3 Nuts consumed in a Mediterranean diet might increase the rate at which you burn energy, and the olive oil, which is traditionally eaten, has been shown to help people lose weight as compared to reduced fat diets.5,6 Exclusive Bonus! Download the FREE report ‘10 Top Foods To Boost Your Thyroid’ by clicking here. 2. Reducing Calories Let’s get this boring one out of the way. Reducing calories does help people lose weight.4 More interestingly, reducing calories can also lower fasting blood glucose and inflammation throughout your body.4, Lower glucose means less insulin that causes you to store calories, and inflammation has been implicated in promoting weight gain and causing insulin resistance. 3. Ashwagandha Ashwagandha has been used for thousands of years in Indian Ayurvedic medicine and can bolster thyroid function. In humans, more thyroid hormone was produced as a result of daily Ashwagandha supplementation. Patients’ levels increased in the range of 7-24%.7, This herb is also indicated to help burn fat and promote muscle growth.8 So take Ashwagandha to be a lean, mean, muscle machine. 4. Guggul Guggul has also been used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for close to 3,000 years. In animal studies, this herb has been shown to promote thyroid function, and there is some evidence that it reduces body weight.9 5. Berberine This is a powerful alkaloid found in some plants. It can be taken as a supplement and is a powerful anti-diabetes herbal compound. A clinical study has shown it to be as effective as metformin, a popular diabetes drug, at lowering numerous parameters of diabetes-like insulin, glucose, and plasma triglycerides.10 Once again, lower insulin and glucose means less fat storage. Berberine also activates an enzyme, AMPK, that increases glucose and fat energy usage in cells.11 AMPK is important for keeping a lean body because it reduces fat storage and lowers insulin resistance. (Note: If you want to discover the top 10 foods that Master Herbologist and Nutritionist Dr. Donna Schwontkowski recommends to boost your thyroid, then you can check out the guide here.) 6. Cayenne Pepper This spice is a great adjunct herb for boosting metabolism and energy expenditure. (This means it burns up fat.).12 Cayenne has been thought of as having thyroid-mimicking stimulatory effects, and it is a great tool for fighting the clinical disease signs that accompany weight gain: diabetes and metabolic resistance.12 7. Ginseng Ginseng has been shown to promote weight loss in humans and might increase thyroid hormones.13,14Ginseng has also been shown to reduce levels of the thyroid hormone-inhibiting factor, “reverse-T3”.14 8. Coconut oil It might seem paradoxical, but coconut oil (which is a densely fat substance) has been shown to reduce abdominal fat in humans.15It's thought that the medium chain triglycerides in coconut oil speed up fat burning in our bodies. And although there is little research at this time that relates coconut oil to the thyroid, many practitioners and hypothyroid sufferers swear by coconut oil’s ability to help vitalize the thyroid. 9. Green Tea Green tea is evidenced to have mild weight loss effects.16 Polyphenols in green tea can inhibit fat absorption in the intestines, and they also activate AMPK, the enzyme that helps you burn fat.17 Change Your Body with Lifestyle and Nutrition These are just a few of the ways that nutrition and lifestyle habits can help burn fat or invigorate thyroid function. There are plenty more. But as you can see, there are realistic and easy ways in which you can fight fat storage and give your thyroid a boost. By eating healthy, using lifestyle and nutritional tricks to burn fat, and invigorating your thyroid, you’ll feel more energetic, slim, and just plain better. Natural Ways To Support Normal Thyroid Function Did you know that you can naturally support your thyroid function with certain foods and herbs without the harsh effects of prescription drugs? It’s true - and we’d love to share them with you! Evan Burns, lead nutritionist and researcher at Nutracraft, shows you exactly what foods and herbs work to naturally maintain normal thyroid balance and function. Click here to download this FREE report now. These foods are easy to get and found at nearly every grocery store -- and they’re delicious!

There’s so much content online on ashwagandha and its reported health benefits that it can be overwhelming trying to figure out the truth from the hype. Especially when it comes to things like weight management. In this article, we look at the real truth about ashwagandha and weight gain, plus what the science says about how to safely and effectively manage weight. Let’s get started! What is Ashwagandha? Ashwagandha is an ayurvedic herb, but it’s not just any old herb. It's primarily popular for being an adaptogen, a substance that helps reduce the negative effects of stress on the body. But it also takes pride in its place in Indian indigenous medicinal systems as a 'royal herb' of sorts for its reportedly powerful antioxidant benefits on the human body. Fun fact: The word ashwagandha means “smell of horse" but there’s a lot more to it than its distinctly quadrupedal aroma. It also refers to how the herb adds to strength and virility, specifically in men. Scientific research has backed this up to some extent in early findings, but we’ll cover more of its proven benefits later in this article. Ashwagandha is also variously known as Indian Ginseng, Withania Somnifera, and Winter Cherry. Click Here For SuperFeast Ashwagandha Click Here For Teelixir Ashwagandha Ashwagandha and Weight: Is There a Connection? Based on current studies and research, ashwagandha doesn’t have a direct impact on weight. What it does is act on other factors that may influence the amount of weight you have on your body. For example, research suggests that ashwagandha can help reduce weight in people experiencing chronic stress. People with chronic stress may eat more because of the increased production of cortisol which increases appetite. They may also develop a tendency to exercise less. Ashwagandha helps reduce cortisol levels, thus regulating the appetite, improving well-being, and improving eating habits. This, in conjunction with exercise, can lead to a reduction in weight. Does Ashwagandha Make You Gain Weight? There is no existing scientific study or research to back up the claim that supplementing with ashwagandha helps in weight gain. However, there is evidence to suggest that ashwagandha can help increase muscle mass and muscle strength in men, which can mimic the effects of weight gain. What About Ayurvedic Products Like Ashwagandha Lehyam That Reportedly Help You Gain Weight? Several ayurvedic products are available in the market that claims specific health benefits. But just like there isn't a single science-backed and safe "miracle pill" to make you gain or lose weight (yet!), it isn't recommended to consume random products off the shelf in the hope that they will get you the same result. But that doesn't mean Ayurveda can be dismissed, either! Ayurveda and Individualised Treatment Ayurveda is an Indian system of holistic medicine that emphasises returning the body to balance as a means to restore wellness. Unlike western medicine, Ayurveda develops treatment protocols catering to each individual's unique constitution. Treatments comprise plant-based medicines, detoxification therapies, and external applications of medicinal oils, powders, and packs. While ashwagandha is a key herb in Ayurvedic medicine, traditional Ayurvedic practitioners will evaluate your constitution and current state of health before arriving at the correct combination of treatment protocols for you. These will include the specific herbal-based powders, ointments, decoctions, pills you may be asked to take, lifestyle modifications, and dietary changes. While Ayurveda is seen as safe and without side effects, Ayurvedic doctors undergo years of college-level training to achieve the expertise to assess diseases accurately and provide a prognosis. They must be licensed by a central body to practice in India. Researchers in the west have confirmed several health benefits of ashwagandha. But more in-depth studies are required to explore how ashwagandha can benefit the human body from a scientific perspective. So, What Does Ashwagandha Help With? While the jury doesn't have enough information to arrive at a verdict within the scientific community, here's what we do know about this impressive herb. Click Here For SuperFeast Ashwagandha Click Here For Teelixir Ashwagandha Ashwagandha Benefits Here are 10 research-backed ways ashwagandha can benefit you: Helps with stress, anxiety, and depression management — Ashwagandha is known to contribute to the reduction of cortisol levels in the human body. Cortisol is a hormone produced by your adrenal glands that increases in response to stress. According to research, ashwagandha is beneficial in reducing stress and anxiety levels by reducing cortisol in the body. While there are some promising early findings for the management of depression, further research is still needed in this area. Helps reduce blood sugar levels — Research suggests that ashwagandha may help in managing the symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes because of its ability to increase insulin secretion. Insulin helps break down the foods you eat for energy the body can use. People with diabetes don't produce enough insulin to keep their blood sugar levels under control. Helps increase levels of testosterone — Early research confirms that ashwagandha is beneficial in improving the levels of testosterone in men. It also benefits male fertility by increasing sperm concentration, semen volume, and sperm motility in men with low sperm counts. This backs up Ayurveda's claims of increased virility through the usage of ashwagandha. Helps reduce inflammation — Ashwagandha has neuroprotective effects and contains specific compounds that can help reduce inflammation in the body. Helps reduce cholesterol and triglycerides — Ashwagandha benefits in reducing the bad cholesterol (also called LDL cholesterol) and triglycerides, a type of fat in your body. The less bad fat, the better! Helps boost energy — Ashwagandha shows benefits in increasing the levels of hemoglobin in the body, which in turn increases the amount of oxygen transported in the body. As a result, we feel more energetic when taking the herb. Helps increase stamina — There is evidence to suggest that ashwagandha may increase cardiorespiratory performance, which is related to the amount of stamina an individual has. When you have more stamina, you can do more and for longer periods. Helps improve the functioning of the immune system — Ashwagandha may help boost your immune system, which is the system in your body that fights and controls infections. In a double-blinded, placebo-controlled study, it was observed that leaf and root ashwagandha extracts standardized with withanolide glycosides possessed potent immune-stimulatory properties. Helps improve sleep — Because of its adaptogenic properties, ashwagandha essentially calms your body down. It has also been observed to have a small but significant impact on improving the quality of sleep. Good for memory — Ashwagandha has shown benefits in boosting brain health and cognitive function, including in older adults, chiefly in the areas of memory, processing, and reaction time. If you're curious what brands to choose, check out our review of the best ashwagandha supplements to help you get started! Ashwagandha Side Effects Generally, ashwagandha is safe and well-tolerated if taken for short periods of time, such as three months, and in the recommended doses (between 300 to 1500mg per day). In terms of the side effects of ashwagandha, take note of the following: Because ashwagandha helps reduce cortisol, you may find it makes you more drowsy if you're taking it in combination with other medications that could cause the same result. It's best to avoid ashwagandha if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, already on blood pressure medication, or undergoing surgery with at least a two-week window. Remember to consult your GP if you already have any health conditions, are taking medications, and want to try ashwagandha. For a full list of side effects and our recommendations, refer to our comprehensive resource: "Does Ashwagandha Have Side Effects?" Click Here For SuperFeast Ashwagandha Click Here For Teelixir Ashwagandha The Real Science Behind Body Weight Management in Adults The fundamental truth to weight gain is that your weight can increase if you eat more calories than you're burning through exercise or other activities. How well you burn calories depends on a couple of different factors like your body size, composition, gender, age, genes, how your hormones are working, what you're eating (your diet), how well you're sleeping, and the amount of physical activity you engage in. Some people are just more genetically predisposed to being underweight. But being lower than your ideal weight range can put you at risk for more serious health conditions. Sometimes, a person may have a health condition or mental health disorder such as anxiety, depression, or an eating disorder that makes them not want to eat as much. How to Gain Weight In A Healthy Way Minus the Fads and Gimmicks If you're underweight, have no health conditions, and want to help your body achieve healthy weight gain, aim to eat a wide variety of nutritious and healthy foods. You can also try eating smaller meals more often during the day. Eat more of: Full cream milk, but you can add skimmed milk powder to drinks, soups, stews, and curries. Grated cheese sprinkled on top of your salads or added to your sandwiches and soups. Protein powder mixed in with your drinks and smoothies. Healthy fats like olive oil and avocado. Avoid or eliminate as much as possible unhealthy foods such as sugar, sugary drinks and colas, fried foods and takeaways, cakes and pastries, and refined carbohydrates. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1. Can ashwagandha cause weight gain? There is no research to back up this claim at this time. However, a scientific study reported that participants who were given ashwagandha root extract showed a significant increase in muscle mass and muscle strength. An increase in muscle mass can mimic the appearance of an increase in body mass. Scroll up to read more about the science between weight gain or loss and how to effectively gain weight. 2. Which ashwagandha is best for weight gain? Given the lack of scientific data that backs up ashwagandha's benefits for weight gain, there is no specific ashwagandha sub-type that can be recommended either. Research is still ongoing on this one. 3. Which ayurvedic medicine should we take for weight gain? Ayurveda is a holistic Indian system for managing disease and maintaining good health. The treatments are recommended based on a detailed review of the constitution of the patient, medical history, and current health conditions. Given the treatments are individualistic, it is not recommended to use off-the-shelf Ayurvedic products. If they do not match your constitution, they can do more harm than good. 4. Does ashwagandha increase weight in females? There is no scientific evidence confirming ashwagandha supplements on their own can cause weight gain in males or females. 5. Can we use ashwagandha with milk or ghee for weight gain? If you'd like to take ashwagandha or any plant-based and natural medicinal systems like Ayurveda, we recommend you reach out to licensed practitioners who can recommend the appropriate remedies for you. Ayurveda takes a holistic approach, so instead of just popping a pill or powders or mixtures with ghee, warm water, or milk, you may be asked to make lifestyle changes, take up therapies like external applications of oils/powders, and adopt improved dietary habits. The chief goal is to bring your body back to its natural state of wellness and optimal health. 6. Can I take ashwagandha for weight loss? While there is no direct evidence to suggest that ashwagandha can cause weight loss, scientific studies indicate that taking ashwagandha root extract may be helpful for individuals who are looking to manage their body weight, especially those experiencing chronic stress. This is because ashwagandha can lower cortisol levels, which is a stress hormone that can contribute to weight gain. Moreover, ashwagandha is rich in antioxidants that help control body weight. Studies have shown that ashwagandha can also lower blood sugar and triglycerides, further supporting its potential for weight loss. Click Here For SuperFeast Ashwagandha Click Here For Teelixir Ashwagandha Final Thoughts The bottom line is that Ashwagandha can help with weight gain, but the best way to ensure that it works for you is to create healthy habits and use this herb as a supplement. Incorporating healthy lifestyle changes like mindful eating, regular exercise and adequate rest can go a long way in helping manage your weight. So instead of relying on quick fixes, take the time to make smart decisions each and every day towards your goal. You'll find that you have more energy, better motivation and a brighter outlook as you continue on your journey.

Exercise daily, eat healthily but struggle to lose weight? Learn how to recognize & restore a healthy hormone balance and accelerate your fat loss within weeks.

Here's how to naturally heal your gut and restore your good bacteria after taking gut-wrecking antibiotics.

Are you looking for tips on health healthy exercise? Check out these tips for assessing and improving your heart health and exercise.

You don't have to wait until Monday to make healthy choices. Here are 10 super simple things you can do TODAY to be healther.

For years, I struggled with what exactly it meant to be healthy. I googled “How To Be Healthy,” and I would read articles, and one would say one thing, and then I would read another article that would say something completely different. It was super confusing and frustrating. This whole get healthy and stay healthy thing

Here are TOP 10 Home Workouts that you can do with little or no equipment. Don't wait any longer - feel the ENERGY and improve your STRENGTH now.

Discover the best exercises for women over 60. From walking to yoga, strength training to swimming, find the perfect self-care routine tailored to your needs. Stay fit and healthy at any age!

Nutritional needs change as we age and our metabolism slows: Here are seven superfoods to include in your diet at 50+.

Yes, it's possible.

Pesto with a Basil Alternative is a fantastic way to make basil pesto without basil leaves. We love this recipe for it's ease and simplicity.

If you want to begin living a healthier lifestyle, begin by applying these 11 things healthy people do every morning to your daily routine!

Caving to all your food cravings? Follow these 8 steps to train your brain to crave healthy food . . . because healthy eating affects you in so many ways.

There are plenty of healthy fats that seniors can consume that are not harmful AND that will also provide you with nutrients your body needs for good seniors health.

Holistic nutrition considers the individual as a whole to reach optimal health, developping healthier eating habits and a saner relationship with food.

Here's 20 hormone balancing recipes that aren’t just great for balancing your hormones, but also look and taste delicious. Featuring smoothies, salads, desserts + more.

"The key to longevity is to take really great care of your heart."

A wellness day is a perfect way to rejuvenate, heal and recover your body faster + spend some time doing self care. Here's everything you need to know!

Energizing Plant Based Nutrition W/ Digestive Support. Our 3-Phase: Detoxing, Alkalizing & Digestive Support. Soy Free. Dairy Free. Gluten Free. Vegan. Non GMO.