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Psychology Explains Why New Love Feels Like an Emotional Roller Coaster

March 20, 2023 by Sarah Barkley

Falling in love sends you on an emotional roller coaster that can leave you confused and exhilarated. It changes your brain chemicals, affecting the way you feel and behave.

During the beginning of your relationship, you often experience the honeymoon phase, which involves the most change. You’ll know something is different about your partner, and all the moments during that time can send you on a roller coaster.

The roller coaster of emotions isn’t simply a cliché about love. Instead, it’s a psychologist-backed phenomenon from going through so many ups and downs with someone new.

New love triggers a rush of overwhelming excitement, joy, and other positivity. It’ll make you want to return to experience those feelings repeatedly, encouraging the roller coaster of love.

What the Research Shows About New Love Feeling Like an Emotional Roller Coaster

Research shows that new love triggers areas of the brain that make them feel good. It also affects you mentally, emotionally, and physically. To determine this, experts took functional MRI images of brains to compare how they react when they see someone they romantically love instead of seeing an acquaintance.

Dopamine

They used 2,500 images to determine that seeing someone you love romantically triggered the area of your brain rich in dopamine, a feel-good neurotransmitter. These areas include the ones associated with pleasure, attention, and motivation to seek rewards. The images showed that these areas stay lit up for various timeframes depending on the couple.

When feel-good chemicals flood your reward system, you might notice that your cheeks flush, your heart races, and your palms sweat. Plus, you’ll experience passion and anxiety simultaneously. These changes occur because it triggers the same reward center as alcohol or cocaine.

Cortisol and Serotonin

New love can also contribute to increased cortisol levels (a hormone associated with stress) and decreased serotonin. Low serotonin levels can trigger intrusive thoughts and behaviors that preoccupy you from other aspects of life. It leads to infatuation, making you want to keep experiencing the situation.

Oxytocin and Vasopressin

Romantic love also involves the chemicals oxytocin and vasopressin. These chemicals release during sex or skin-to-skin contact, so they’re high during loving relationships and for pregnant or nursing parents.

Oxytocin increases attachment and bonding, making you feel closer to your new partner. It also encourages feelings of security and contentment, deepening loving feelings.

Vasopressin also deepens attachment, encouraging you to stay loyal in a long-term, monogamous relationship. This chemical is why attachment grows the longer you’re with your partner, even when passion fades.

Neurological Pathways

Falling for someone deactivates neurological pathways responsible for fear, judgment, and other negative emotions. It can make it hard to assess someone you’re romantically interested in so you don’t see any flaws initially. Rather than seeing them imperfectly, you’ll think everything they do is cute and exciting.

How to Know if You’re Experiencing the Roller Coaster of New Love

There are signs you can watch for to verify if you’re on a roller coaster in your new romance. Some things to watch for include:

Difficulty Sleeping

Since being in love increases cortisol levels, you’ll feel too stressed to fall asleep sometimes. Even if you don’t feel too stressed, the hormone affects your sleep-wake cycle, making it hard to sleep no matter how you feel.

Voice Changes

Experts believe that women change their tone of voice around a romantic interest. One study shows that their voice gets higher and softer, showing affection for their partner. It can strengthen your bond and make your partner feel nurtured.

Other research shows that women match their partner’s pitch to show they’re connected. It also indicates that she desires affection from her love.

Changing Appetite

Early in a relationship, the surge of hormones and brain activity can cause you to lose your appetite. However, once you’ve fallen for someone, you’ll experience an increase in cortisol levels that increase your appetite.

Feeling Like You’ve Known Them Longer

You may feel like you’ve known your partner your whole life when you’re on an emotional roller coaster. With the shifts in oxytocin and vasopressin levels, you’ll experience a sense of calmness, security, and connection that builds a strong bond. It also encourages long-term attachment and planning, helping you continue into a long-term relationship.

Other Signs to Watch For on That Emotional Roller Coaster Ride

You may notice other changes that indicate you’re on a roller coaster, including that you:

feel addicted or obsessed
get flustered easily
become forgetful and stressed when they’re around
constantly want to be around your partner
feel anxious when you’re away from them

The Benefits of Embracing the Roller Coaster of Feelings

An emotional roller coaster can be overwhelming, but choosing the right person makes it worth the adventure. The benefits include:

Learning About Yourself

As you go on the roller coaster ride, you’ll learn what hurts or makes you happy and how to prioritize your feelings. It’ll help you become more mature and move on from old relationships. You’ll also learn how to handle your current and future relationships, including those with friends and family.

Gaining Perspective

Falling for someone helps you recognize that things you may not think are a big deal are important to others. You’ll likely start to care about things you didn’t before because what upsets them will upset you too. This learning opportunity helps you recognize that your perspective isn’t the only one because others feel differently.

Increased Empathy

When you’re experiencing these intense feelings for someone, your empathy increases. You’ll become more relatable and open with others and can read them better. The skill increase goes beyond your romantic relationship and allows you to experience empathy toward all others.

Improved Ability to Face Emotional Challenges

Going through all the emotions involved in new love can help you face future challenges. You’ll know you can get through anything, making you more confident moving forward.

When the Emotional Roller Coaster Stops

The chemical changes in your brain when falling for someone can be intoxicating. However, the intoxication is momentary, and you’ll find calm and ease as your relationship progresses and evolves.

Long-lasting relationships don’t typically involve feeling like you’re on a roller coaster. Things calm down, and you’ll experience less stress and instead turn to your partner for a buffer from overwhelm. You’ll still have passion, but your serotonin and cortisol levels will stabilize and allow you to experience pleasure and reward without having a constant craving.

Additionally, you may experience deep, compassionate love without the overwhelming feelings of when the relationship was new. Things become routine, and you may form habits that don’t allow you and your partner to focus on one another as much. Plus, work, children, and other aspects of life can disrupt what you once had.

You might sometimes miss the spark you and your partner shared in the early days. However, the good news is that you can rekindle it no matter how long you’ve been together.

Studies show that couples married for decades can still be madly in love with one another. The same areas of the brain lit up for those couples, indicating high dopamine levels. This research proves that if you aren’t feeling the excitement of romance anymore, you can find ways to reactivate it.

However, rekindling the spark in your relationship doesn’t mean you’ll experience the roller coaster feelings again. Instead, you can embrace the excitement without apprehension.

How to Rekindle the Spark

There are many ways you can find excitement in your long-term relationship. Some ideas include:

Prioritizing sexual activity: Being intimate with your partner can increase oxytocin levels, activating the brain’s reward circuit. It’ll make you and your partner desire one another more, rekindling the spark in your relationship.
Talking to them without distraction: When you’re first falling for someone, you likely talk to them all the time to build a connection. As the relationship continues, you’ll talk less or focus on something else while talking. Communicating without distractions can make all the difference in bringing the excitement back.
Expressing gratitude and showing appreciation: During the early days of your relationship, you’re more likely to tell your partner that you appreciate them and what they do. Later on, you might assume your partner knows, but taking the time to express gratitude can make a difference.
Doing something new together: Trying something neither of you has done before can help you find excitement as you make new memories. You can always use adventure to rekindle your spark, and it encourages quality time.
Being affectionate: Physical affection is one of the best ways to rekindle your spark. It increases feel-good chemicals in your brain and makes you feel loved, safe, and cared for.
Prioritizing regular date nights: Life gets busy, and falling into a routine with your partner is bound to happen. However, even with your daily routine, make time for one-on-one date nights, even if you stay home and do something fun together.

Final Thoughts on Why New Love Feels Like an Emotional Roller Coaster

Experiencing new love can make you feel like you’re on an emotional roller coaster. The ups and downs and overwhelming emotions can make the situation hectic, but it doesn’t last forever.

Embrace the excitement you feel in the moment because, eventually, it’ll calm down if the relationship continues. When you find yourself in a long-term relationship missing the excitement of the early days, don’t be afraid to rekindle the spark without the stress.

Psychology Explains Being in Love vs. Loving Someone

March 20, 2023 by Sarah Barkley

Most people have experienced being in love and use the term interchangeably with loving someone. However, loving someone and being in love differ and often depend on your relationship stage and depth.

Falling in love is exhilarating but eventually mellows out as emotions calm down. Exhilaration and later calmness are one part of the difference between the two. It evolves during a relationship, with emotional and behavioral aspects changing.

Understanding the differences between being in love and loving someone can help you recognize what you’re experiencing. It can also help you consider ways to improve your relationship and maintain passion and intimacy.

Psychology Explains the Differences Between Being in Love vs. Loving Someone

You may not realize it, but there’s a big difference between being in love and loving someone. Once you know the differences, you can interpret your feelings for your partner. It can help you determine your next steps in the relationship.

Seven Key Signs of Being In Love

When falling for someone, you likely experience infatuation, happiness, excitement, nervousness, sexual attraction, and lust. These experiences occur for the following reasons:

1 – The Relationship is Emotionally Charged

You’ll notice a strong desire for that person, with emotions constantly running high. There’s so much excitement and anticipation during this phase that you experience heightened emotions. Your hormones change, triggering intense emotional responses.

You’ll experience:

increases in dopamine and norepinephrine, encouraging pleasure, giddiness, and euphoria
decreases in serotonin, triggering infatuation
increased libido and lustful feelings due to changes in testosterone and estrogen
oxytocin and vasopressin increase, leading to more trust, empathy, and attachment

2 – You Want to See Them Constantly

If you want to see someone after they’ve just left, you might be in love with them. You’ll spend all day with them and then wonder what they’re doing or thinking, yearning for the next time you can be together.

Spending time apart is beneficial, but you may not want to do it. You’ll look for ways to see them before the next time you have plans together. Even when you’re busy, you’ll try to rearrange things so you can see them for a few minutes.

Your desire to spend time with them might even lead to you exploring their interests and hobbies. It gives you more of a chance to engage in their life, but you must be careful not to give up your interests. It’s common to want to see your partner, but don’t ignore the rest of your life to spend all your time together.

3 – It’s Fleeting

The feelings of being in love fade over time as the newness of your experience fades. The intensity you once experienced turns to indifference as daily stressors take precedence in your mind. You’ll develop a deeper connection or realize your romance isn’t strong enough to last long-term.

Eventually, you’ll notice your partner’s flaws and recognize your need for independence, even in a relationship. You can’t hold onto the idea of perfection in your partner forever, and you’ll eventually have to accept them.

Once problems occur, you’ll realize the excitement of being in love fades. You may begin to feel distant or question your partner.

4 – You’re Always Excited and View Things in a New Way

When you fall for someone, it can change the way you view the things around you. Your daily activities and tasks will seem more exciting, and you’ll enjoy even the most mundane experiences. It’s also easier to look at things differently, opening your mind to new experiences and opportunities.

5 – You Willingly Make Drastic Sacrifices

When you fall for someone, you often want to do anything to make them happier or improve their life. You’ll want to be there for them in any way you can, and your hormone fluctuations can affect your decisions. It can sometimes lead to making drastic sacrifices, uprooting your life, or sending you on a different path than you wanted.

While making sacrifices is part of any relationship, you must take the time to consider whether you’re doing it for yourself. You don’t want to give up on your dreams or goals to make someone else happy.

6 – Your Sex Life is Great

When your romance is new, your intense hormones can increase your sex drive. It can make intimacy more passionate, making your sex life great. You also want to explore each other’s interests more during this time, furthering the excitement and enjoyment of your experiences.

7 – You Think They Are Perfect

You’ll likely idealize your partner when you’re in love, focusing on their best traits and ignoring red flags. Remember to watch for deal breakers. It sometimes helps to listen to what people you trust say about them to help you notice anything you overlooked.

8 Key Signs of Loving Someone

Romances change over time, and you’ll eventually go from being in love to loving someone. Some of the ways it differs are that loving someone includes:

1 – It Doesn’t Involve a Whirlwind of Emotions

Being in love can evolve into a mature relationship that doesn’t involve an emotional roller coaster. Rather than experiencing feelings based on passion and infatuation, your emotions come from deep-rooted attachment and maturity. Once the excitement and anticipation ease, you’ll find a sustainable romance that doesn’t involve overly heightened emotions.

2 – You Feel Secure

As your relationship strengthens, you’ll feel secure enough to be yourself and let loose a little. You won’t always need to present the best version of yourself because you know your partner won’t walk away. When you’ve reached this point, you’ll be comfortable showing your flaws around them.

3 – You Don’t Hold Back

When you have a deep connection with your partner, you won’t feel the need to keep quiet about your opinion. The emotions of the early days can make you agree with everything your partner says, but you won’t do that in a long-lasting romance.

You’ll share your thoughts and feelings without worrying your partner will leave you because of it. When you disagree, you either respect each other’s opinions or talk your way through the situation.

4 – It’s Long-Lasting

When you deeply care about someone, you’ll continue having feelings for them even when they make you angry or upset. It provides lasting joy and comfort based on respect, honesty, and trust. You and your partner can overcome problems together, sometimes deepening your bond as you work through them.

5 – You Accept Their Imperfections

As your relationship deepens, you’ll see your partner’s imperfections and flaws. You’ll experience their undesirable traits or habits. Even still, you’ll cherish them and their strengths and weaknesses, accepting them for who they are.

Sometimes you’ll even start to find annoying things about your partner that you used to like. Their quirks may have seemed cute, but now they get under your skin. However, you still accept and embrace them for who they are.

6 – Intimacy Isn’t Always a Priority or Desire

When you’re in a long-term, stable relationship, you may have sex less often than you used to. Other life demands can leave you tired or stressed, with intimacy the last thing on your mind. You can prioritize this aspect of your relationship and increase your sexual activity, but it is a common aspect of loving relationships.

7 – You Have to Put More Work into the Relationships

When the initial excitement wears off, and mundane daily tasks take over, it’s not as easy to prioritize your relationship. You want it to work out but can’t find the time or energy to spend quality time together. This stage of love often occurs, but you can change it by putting in the extra effort.

While you may not crave time with your partner as much, putting in the extra work is worth it. It’ll remind you why you enjoy time together and help you rekindle your relationship. Plus, it shows your partner you care and wants to make things work.

8 – Your Connection is Deeper

Forming a deep connection takes time and doesn’t happen right when you fall in love. It occurs after loving someone you trust long enough to develop a strong bond.

You’ll know you’ve reached it if you know what your partner likes and values and if you can quickly name their strengths. Another way to recognize if you have a deep connection is if you want to turn to them with your good news before going to anyone else. You’ll feel like a team, working through everything together.

Being in Love Can Lead to Loving Someone Long-Term

Despite their differences, being in love can lead to loving someone. You will build a deep connection as time continues, although the anticipation of a new romance fades. Couples who have been together for many years can still experience excitement, allowing them to rekindle their romance.

Being in love can help you identify if your partner is the person who will bring out the best in you. It allows you to see if the person fits into your life in a way that benefits you both. When you find the one, it’ll turn into a healthy, long-term relationship.

Final Thoughts on Being in Love vs. Loving Someone

The early stages of romance often involve infatuation and intense emotions. It indicates that you’ve fallen in love with your partner, but it’s different than loving someone. The two terms are similar but describe entirely different experiences.

Understanding the differences between being in love and loving someone can help you identify where you are in your relationship. It can help you evaluate if you’re with the right person and what you want your next steps to be. Being in love can lead to long-lasting commitment, so it’s worth seeing it through.

10 Signs You’re in Lust, Not in Love

March 19, 2023 by Sarah Barkley

When you experience strong feelings for someone, you might be in lust, not in love. It can be hard to tell the difference, especially if you’ve been seeing your partner for a while. Love and lust often get used synonymously but have very different meanings.

The differences come down to desire or deep affection, with the latter necessary for love. You might wonder whether you love someone or question your partner’s feelings. Either way, knowing what to look for can make a difference in finding the truth.

Recognizing the signs can help you identify when you or your partner are not in love. Or it could help you determine that your feelings are true and that it goes beyond physical attraction.

What is Lust?

Lust is passionate and makes you feel you can’t get enough of your partner. You’ll experience intense physical attraction and longing, and it won’t always go beyond that. It dominates your thoughts and can cause you to do things you typically wouldn’t do to satisfy your desire.

These feelings get triggered by the hypothalamus in your brain, which is the area responsible for sex hormones. Your brain gets flooded with feel-good chemicals during sex that leads to craving more, making you feel like you want to spend time with the other person.

Lust occurs in loving relationships, but experiencing the feeling without caring deeply about your partner indicates you’re not in love. If your relationship focuses on physical intimacy, it shows that you’re not in love.

Ten Signs You’re Not in Love

Some aspects of your relationship can help you determine when you’re in lust instead of love. It can help you recognize the basis of your relationship and address where it’s heading.

1 – It Happens Suddenly

Love takes time to form, so intense affection early on likely isn’t it. It requires caring deeply about someone and can last long-term. Falling in love doesn’t happen suddenly, although you might see the potential for it in the early days of your relationship.

Lust can also turn into love, so you must decide if you enjoy your time with this person and want to continue the relationship. Enjoy these feelings, and remember that they can deepen as you get to know each other better.

2 – You Don’t See Their Flaws or Imperfections if You’re Not in Love

When you only care about the physical aspect of your relationship, it’s easy to ignore your partner’s flaws. You’ll highlight the good things about them while avoiding everything else. Recognizing and accepting your partner’s imperfections is one of the first steps to falling in love.

3 – You Don’t Try to Initiate Plans

When you don’t prioritize someone, you won’t try to make plans with them. It shows that you’re not contributing to the relationship and have little interest in spending time together. Likewise, if your partner never texts or calls you to make plans, it shows that they’re likely not in love.

4 – You’re Secretive or Keep Things to Yourself

When you or your partner don’t take the time to get to know one another, it’s a sign of lust. Being in love will make you want to share things about yourself because it helps you build a lasting connection.

Hiding things, pretending to be different, or trying not to let them discover something about you are all signs that you’re not in love yet. Love can’t happen unless you know one another and develop an appreciation for who both of you are.

5 – You Feel Obsessed When You’re Not in Love

Lust leaves you feeling like you can’t get enough of the physical aspect of your relationship. You’ll fantasize about it rather than daydream of other non-sexual scenarios with your partner. Another sign of obsession is looking for ways to see your partner even when it interferes with other aspects of your life.

6 – You Don’t Know Them Very Well

Consider what you know about your partner and their life. You should know more than the surface of their passions, including why they feel so deeply about them. If you don’t know anything more, it’s a sign that you’re in lust, not in love.

Likewise, you can recognize that you don’t know someone well when you don’t feel comfortable being yourself. If you still feel like you must impress your partner and show only the best parts of yourself, it’s likely not love yet. When you’re in love, you’ll know your partner well enough to trust that they accept your flaws and quirks.

7 – You Don’t Enjoy Time with Them Unless It Involves Physical Intimacy

When you’re in love with someone, you’ll want to be around them no matter what you do. If you only want to be with them when you’re being intimate, it’s a sign of lust.

You might notice that you want more space than usual, signifying the newness is wearing off, and lust is all that remains. Your time should be full of laughter and fun, with you wanting to spend time together doing other things. If that’s not the case, it’s a sign that you don’t love them.

Being relieved when they can’t go to events with you is another sign that your relationship isn’t full of love. You also won’t mind when they don’t show up for important events or when they break planned dates.

8 – You Don’t Feel a Deep Connection if You’re Not in Love

If you’re not in love with your partner, you won’t feel a deep connection to someone. You also won’t be interested in forming one as the relationship remains surface-level and based on outward attraction. Once your desires get met, you don’t want anything else from the relationship.

9 – You Feel Selfish When You’re Not in Love

Loving someone requires compromising so that you’re both happy. When you’re in lust, you won’t want to do that because you’ll only care about your needs. You won’t worry about satisfying your partner or treating them like they mean more to you.

10 – You’re Okay with Not Hearing from Them for Days

If you’re in a loving relationship with your partner, you’ll want to hear from them. You don’t have to be in constant communication, but it’s natural to want to talk to one another. Communication is essential and desired when you’re in love, so not feeling that way indicates lust.

Keep in mind that someone who loves you will be in contact. Your partner won’t go days without calling or texting (unless there’s a valid reason) unless they don’t care deeply.

7 Signs That You Have Found True Love Not Lust

Now that you know the signs you’re not in love, you might wonder how you’ll recognize if you are. Experts discovered that a brain looks different when someone is in love, making it clear that lust manifests differently. While you can’t see your brain, you can recognize the following signs:

1 – You Feel Like They’re Different

If you think your partner is unique and view them differently than others in the past, it’s a good sign you’re in love. The dopamine released during this part of your relationship will urge you to remain monogamous because it improves your attention and focus.

Experts indicate that when lust-induced serotonin levels stabilize, your body produces more oxytocin. When this happens, it can lead to wanting a serious relationship with your partner.

2 – You Can Work Through Problems Together

Being in love with someone makes it possible for you to work through your problems. You’ll want to talk to your partner to overcome any issues.

3 – You Focus on the Positive Aspects

When you’re in love, you’ll know your partner has flaws but choose to focus on their positive qualities anyway. You’ll accept the negative traits, allowing you to idealize your partner.

4 – You Can’t Stop Thinking About Your Partner

Studies show that being in love consumes your mind and reduces cognitive control. It can make you struggle to focus on anything but your partner. If your consuming thoughts about your partner aren’t about physical intimacy, it’s a sign of love.

5 – You Experience Mood Swings

You’ll experience a roller coaster of emotions when you fall for someone. Experts indicate that these mood swings are like those addicted to drugs experience. The research also shows that when shown a picture of their partner, specific brain regions activate, which can cause emotional instability through mood swings.

6 – You Envision or Plan a Future Together

It’s a good sign you’re in love when you think about your future and envision your partner. Likewise, planning it with them indicates that you have a deeper connection.

7 – You’re Willing to Sacrifice

Being in love makes you want to compromise and sacrifice to make your partner happy. A healthy relationship won’t involve doing things you don’t want to or are detrimental to your life. However, making choices, you’re both happy with, and benefit from is part of being a partner.

Final Thoughts on Signs You’re in Lust, Not in Love

Knowing the signs that you’re not in love can help you identify where your relationship is going. It can also help you decide whether to continue being with your partner.

You might realize that you or your partner are in lust, not love, or you might learn the opposite. Whichever way it plays out, recognizing these signs can help you improve your life and relationship.

How to Naturally Detox Sugar From Your Body

March 19, 2023 by Kristen Lawrence

If you haven’t tried a sugar detox, you might consider it to improve your overall well-being. Did you realize some experts say sugar is eight times more addictive than cocaine? While some scientists disagree with this statement, it’s pretty evident that many people have become addicted to sugar. You can find it in almost any prepackaged or processed food item since it increases palatability.

In nature, fruits, grains, and some vegetables contain sugar in various amounts. However, what makes it highly addictive and hyper-palatable is when it’s extracted and isolated. Just like grapes become wine and poppies get processed into opium, sugar can take the form of delicious treats like donuts, candies, and ice cream.

When ingesting a pleasurable substance like wine, opium, or sugar, it activates the brain’s reward center. If you continue indulging in the substance, it increases the potential for abuse because of how quickly it’s absorbed into the bloodstream.

But if you have a sugar addiction, don’t criticize yourself or feel hopeless about the situation. If you believe in yourself, you can overcome anything with enough willpower and dedication.

Even though the modern food system is engineered to create disease, you can choose to live differently. It just requires undoing harmful habits and seeing food as energy rather than a source of pleasure. Below, we’ll give you some tips on how to detox from sugar naturally and regain your health.

How to Do a Sugar Detox To Reset the Mind and Body

1. Keep sweets like soda out of sight.

The easiest way to detox from sugar involves not buying any treats at the store. If you have access to sugary snacks and drinks, you can overindulge in them. Instead, purchase whole, fresh foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, seeds, and lean meats.

If you crave something sweet, you can eat an apple or banana rather than a candy bar. This may not seem appealing initially, but you’ll eventually start to feel more vibrant and healthy because of your positive habits.

Plus, studies show that sucrose and fructose, commonly found in sodas and sweetened snacks, can lead to obesity. That’s why it’s best to avoid consuming these food items while you’re trying to detox. Eating sweets occasionally won’t cause any harm, but the brain needs time to reset before you can safely enjoy them.

So, toss any problematic foods in the house, like ice cream, cookies, or chocolates, in the trash. It’s not easy to throw away delicious food, but your blood sugar and waistline will thank you.

2. Eat regular meals with plenty of fiber, healthy fat, and protein.

One primary reason people become addicted to sugar is that they don’t eat regular, filling meals. In the modern world, we’ve become addicted to convenience and have forgotten the sacredness of food and life itself. In ancient cultures, people ate their meals with gratitude and savored the food on their plates. They didn’t rush through a meal or get distracted halfway through by other responsibilities.

Plus, eating throughout the day helps stabilize blood sugar, which will help you overcome cravings. When you go for long periods without eating, it causes your blood sugar to drop dramatically. Then, you naturally reach for foods with the greatest energy density, like pizza or cake. When the body thinks it’s starving, it will always want foods that provide a quick burst of energy.

So, ensure you fill up on foods that promote balanced blood sugar and insulin levels during a detox. Some ideas of foods to include with your meals include:

non-starchy vegetables like carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage
whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, whole-grain pasta, and oatmeal
foods with Omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, avocado, olive oil, nuts, and seeds
high-protein foods such as chicken, turkey, tuna, soybeans, tofu, lentils, and beans

Whole grains have more fiber than refined carbohydrates like white rice, bread, and pasta, so you’ll feel more satisfied. Also, protein increases satiety by reducing the hunger hormone ghrelin levels, so you won’t feel tempted to eat sugary treats. Studies show that eating more protein improves dopamine functioning, which can help stave off cravings.

3. Practice mindfulness or meditation to detox from sugar.

How can mindfulness assist your efforts to detox from sugar? Being mindful has everything to do with our everyday habits and quality of life. When you act out of instinct, you’re running on autopilot and don’t consider the consequences of your actions. You’re simply performing tasks according to programmed patterns in your brain.

That’s where mindfulness is handy: it helps you slow down and pay attention to your actions. During a sugar detox, you must remain mindful of what triggers your cravings so you can learn to control them. When stressed and frazzled, you naturally want comfort to ease your mental pain. Many people find this relief in sugary treats, which explains why they’re called “comfort foods.”

So, increasing your awareness can help immensely during a sugar detox. You’ll start to notice the patterns of behavior that drive you to seek out rewards in the form of food. Then, you can begin building more beneficial habits to manage stress, such as exercising, meditating, or listening to calming music.

Also, try to look at unhealthy foods as a punishment for your mind and body since they cause damage in the long term. In the same way, think of nutritious foods as a reward because they enhance your health and provide clean energy to fuel your body. When you reframe foods in this light, you’ll naturally start craving healthier options when you notice how much better you feel.

Final Thoughts on Ways to Detox From Sugar

It’s not always a cakewalk to detox from sugar, no pun intended. It requires incredible dedication and perseverance to overcome food addiction because it initially causes pain. When you abstain from any deeply ingrained habit, you feel a sense of loss and may experience withdrawal symptoms.

But if you persist, you’ll notice that a sugar detox cleanses your body, mind, and spirit, helping you feel renewed eventually. You can succeed in detoxing sugar by not purchasing tempting foods, eating frequent, healthy meals, and practicing mindfulness. Here’s to your health and happiness!

Neurologists Explain 10 Foods That Are Bad for Brain Health

March 19, 2023 by Lakeisha Ethans

Brain health is essential because the brain is one of the human body’s most complex and vital organs. Our cognitive center controls our thoughts, emotions, and behavior, responsible for everything from movement to memory. Like any other organ in the body, the brain requires proper nourishment to function at its best.

Our foods significantly impact brain health, cognitive function, mood, and memory. Recently, there has been growing interest in the relationship between diet and brain health. Notably, there’s interest in how certain foods can either support or harm the brain.

The relationship between diet and brain health has been an area of increasing interest and research in recent years. And neurology has shown that what people eat can significantly impact cognitive function, mood, and memory. The brain relies on a steady supply of nutrients to function correctly. A diet that is lacking in essential nutrients can negatively affect brain health.

On the other hand, a diet that is rich in brain-boosting foods can support cognitive function and improve overall brain health. A diet high in saturated fat and trans-fat links to an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Processed foods and foods high in sugar can also affect brain health negatively.

This is mainly because they can contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress. And ten foods seem worse than all others regarding their effect on brain health.

10 Foods That Are Bad for Brain Health

1. Sugary Drinks

Sugary drinks, such as soda, energy drinks, and sports drinks, have been shown to affect brain health negatively. These drinks are high in added sugars, contributing to inflammation and oxidative stress. Both issues are associated with poor cognitive function and a higher risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

Studies have found that consuming high sugar levels can impair cognitive function. Amongst these functions are poorer memory, slower learning, and decreased overall brain volume. One study found that individuals who drank sugary drinks regularly had lower total brain volume and poorer memory function.

This was when compared to those who did not consume sugary drinks. Additionally, consuming sugary drinks can lead to type 2 diabetes. This disease has been linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

2. Processed Foods

Processed foods, high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, negatively affect brain health. These foods include fast food, chips, and snack foods. And they can contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. As mentioned, this can lead to impaired cognitive function and a higher risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

Processed foods can also lead to obesity and type 2 diabetes. Both diseases have been linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia. To support brain health, limiting or avoiding processed foods is recommended. You should opt for whole, unprocessed foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources.

These foods contain essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can support brain health and cognitive function. Incorporating healthy fats like those in nuts, seeds, and fatty fish can also support brain health.

3. Fried Foods

Consuming fried foods has been shown to have adverse effects on brain health. Fried foods are typically high in unhealthy fats and often coated in refined flour. Studies have found that consuming high amounts of fried foods can impair cognitive function and a higher risk of dementia.

For example, eating fried food more than four times a week leads to a 28% higher risk of developing cognitive impairment. This is compared to the risk of people limiting their consumption to less than once a week. Plus, consuming many fried foods is linked with a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Limiting or avoiding fried foods and opting for healthier alternatives is recommended to support brain health. For example, go for baked, grilled, or roasted options, and choose whole, unprocessed foods. Healthier cooking choices, such as baking, grilling, or roasting, are good.

4. Alcohol

Alcohol consumption has both short-term and long-term effects on brain health. In the short term, alcohol can impair cognitive function, decision-making, and memory formation. This can lead to poor judgment, impaired coordination, and increased risk-taking behaviors. Over the long term, chronic alcohol consumption can have even more detrimental effects on the brain.

Alcohol consumption can also lead to nutrient deficiencies that can affect brain health. Moderate alcohol consumption may not have significant negative effects on brain health. Heavy and chronic alcohol consumption can lead to long-term damage. It is essential to be mindful of alcohol consumption and to consume it in moderation or to avoid it altogether.

5. Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners are often used as a sugar substitute in many processed foods and beverages. While they may seem like a healthier alternative to sugar, research has shown that they can negatively affect brain health. Some studies have found that consuming artificial sweeteners may lead to changes in gut bacteria, which can impact cognitive function and mood.

Additionally, consuming artificial sweeteners may lead to overeating and weight gain. This can have harmful effects on brain health over time. There is also some evidence that consuming artificial sweeteners may increase the risk of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

6. High-Fat Dairy

Consuming high-fat dairy products has been associated with negative effects on brain health due to their high content of saturated fats. These fats can contribute to inflammation in the body, leading to a higher risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. Inflammation might contribute to other health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

However, not all fats are bad for brain health. Some fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and nuts, may contribute to better cognitive function and lower the risk of dementia. It’s all about consuming a balanced diet that includes healthy fats and limiting the consumption of unhealthy fats found in high-fat dairy products and other sources.

7. Processed Meats

Processed meats have been preserved by smoking, curing, or adding chemicals, such as bacon, sausage, and deli meats. These meats are often high in unhealthy fats, sodium, and nitrates, which can contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress. Several studies have found that consuming high levels of processed meats increases the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

Some unprocessed meat, such as lean poultry and fish, can be part of a healthy diet. They may even have some cognitive benefits. However, it’s best to limit the consumption of processed meats. Choose healthier protein sources whenever possible to promote better brain health.

8. Trans Fats

Trans fats are a type of unsaturated fat that is commonly found in processed foods, baked goods, and fried foods. And they’ve already been mentioned a few times when linked to other foods. Consuming high levels of trans fats has been linked to negative effects on brain health. As mentioned, trans fats can contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain. This, in turn, will affect your brain health.

To promote better brain health, it’s essential to limit the consumption of trans fats. Try to choose healthier fats, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These fats are often found in nuts, seeds, and fatty fish. Reading nutrition labels and avoiding processed and fried foods can also help reduce the intake of trans fats.

9. White Bread

White bread is a highly processed food stripped of natural nutrients, including fiber and vitamins. As a result, white bread is a less healthy option than whole-grain bread, which contains more nutrients and fiber. A diet high in refined carbohydrates, like white bread, may negatively affect brain health.

Consuming a diet high in refined carbohydrates may lead to insulin resistance, affecting brain health. Insulin resistance links to cognitive impairment and an increased risk of developing dementia.

Therefore, most medical professionals suggest limiting the intake of highly processed and refined carbohydrate foods, including white bread. Go for whole-grain bread, which has more beneficial nutrients and fiber that can promote better brain health.

10. Caffeine

Caffeine is a natural stimulant in coffee, tea, and many other beverages and foods. It has a well-established reputation for improving alertness and concentration. As such, it is often consumed to combat fatigue or drowsiness. So, in small doses, it can even positively affect brain health. But, in large quantities, the effects are less than desirable. It can quickly make you anxious and restless.

However, it is worth noting that the effects of caffeine on brain health may vary depending on individual factors. Genetics and tolerance levels may influence how your body interacts with caffeine. Excessive caffeine consumption can negatively affect physical and mental health, such as increased anxiety, irritability, and disrupted sleep patterns.

Final Thoughts on Some Foods That Are Bad for Brain Health

Several types of foods can have adverse effects on brain health. These foods typically contain large amounts of added sugars, trans fats, or saturated fats. Consuming these foods regularly can lead to inflammation, impaired cognitive function, and an increased risk of developing neurological diseases.

To maintain good brain health, it is essential to eat a balanced diet. This should include many fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Staying hydrated and regular exercise can also help promote good brain health. While indulging in these unhealthy foods can be tempting, it is essential to remember that the long-term consequences can be significant.

By making simple diet changes, we can protect our brain health and reduce the risk of developing cognitive decline or neurological diseases later in life.

10 Ways to Detox Your Body

March 18, 2023 by Lakeisha Ethans

When you detox your body, you remove harmful toxins from the body. Toxins can come from various sources, including the food you eat, the air you breathe, and the products you use. In addition, they can build up in your body over time. So, they can contribute to various health problems, such as fatigue, headaches, skin issues, and digestive problems. Thus, the need to detoxify.

There are many ways to detox the body; popular methods include fasting, juicing, and supplements. In addition to these natural methods, there are several artificial ways to detoxify. For example, medical detox programs are often used for people addicted to drugs or alcohol. They involve using medications and other treatments to help flush out toxins and restore the body’s natural balance. However, this article will focus on the natural ways to detox your body at home.

While there are many ways to detox the body, it’s essential to approach the process cautiously. Try to consult with a healthcare professional before trying any new methods. Some detox methods can be harmful or ineffective. And it’s essential to understand each approach’s potential risks and benefits.

10 Ways to Detox Your Body

1. Drink More Water to Detox Your Body

Drinking enough water is essential for good health and helps to flush out toxins from the body through the kidneys and urinary tract. The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood, and water helps to keep the kidneys functioning properly. Without enough water, the kidneys may be unable to remove toxins effectively.

This can lead to a build-up of waste in the body. In addition, water helps to support the liver, which is also responsible for detoxifying the body. When dehydrated, the liver must work harder to eliminate toxins. This can put additional stress on this vital organ. Therefore, drinking plenty of water throughout the day to help support healthy liver and kidney function is essential.

2. Eat Healthy Foods to Detoxify

Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean protein can give the body many nutrients. These are the nutrients it needs to support its natural detoxification processes. In addition, healthy foods are high in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can help to support the organs involved in detoxification.

For example, leafy greens such as kale, spinach, and arugula are high in antioxidants and chlorophyll. They can help to support the liver and promote the elimination of toxins. Berries, citrus fruits, and other fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C can support the immune system.

Lean protein sources such as fish, chicken, and legumes are essential for building and repairing tissues that toxins can damage. Additionally, avoiding or limiting processed foods, alcohol, and sugar can help reduce the liver’s burden and support healthy detoxification.

3. Reduce Intake of Processed Foods and Sugar

Processed foods and foods high in added sugar can contribute to inflammation in the body. This can interfere with the body’s natural detoxification processes. In addition, processed foods are often high in salt, unhealthy fats, and preservatives, which can increase inflammation and oxidative stress. Inflammation can lead to the production of free radicals.

These are highly reactive molecules that can cause damage to cells and tissues and interfere with the body’s natural detoxification processes. Sugar, especially in the form of high-fructose corn syrup, can also contribute to inflammation, as well as insulin resistance, and other metabolic problems.

The liver plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar and insulin levels. Insulin resistance can interfere with the liver’s ability to detoxify harmful substances. Therefore, reducing your intake of processed foods and added sugars can support your body’s natural detoxification processes.

4. Try Juicing or Fasting to Detox Your Body

Juicing and fasting are two methods that some people use for detoxification. But it’s essential to approach them cautiously and speak with a healthcare professional before trying them. These methods can even lead to certain eating disorders. So, make sure you only do them with the guidance of a professional.

Juicing can be an excellent way to increase your intake of fruits and vegetables. These are important for supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes. However, it’s important to remember that juice is not a substitute for whole foods. Plus, some juices can be high in sugar and calories.

Fasting involves abstaining from food or reducing food intake for a certain period. Some people use fasting to detoxify the body, as it can give the digestive system a break. In addition, it can allow the body to focus on other processes, such as detoxification. But fasting can be challenging for some people and may not be appropriate for everyone.

5. Exercise to Detoxify

Exercise can be essential in supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes. Your heart rate increases when you exercise, and blood flow is stimulated throughout the body. This increased circulation can help eliminate toxins through the skin, lungs, and other organs.

Exercise can also help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which can interfere with the body’s natural detoxification processes. Exercise can help to support the lymphatic system. This is a network of vessels and tissues that helps to remove waste and toxins from the body.

The lymphatic system does not have a pump, like the heart, to circulate fluid throughout the body. So, it relies on movement and exercise to promote lymphatic flow. Activities like brisk walking, running, cycling, or swimming can help to support the lymphatic system and promote the elimination of toxins.

6. Practice Meditation

Deep breathing and meditation can be valuable tools for supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes. When you experience stress, the body produces stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones can interfere with the body’s natural detoxification processes.

Chronic stress can also contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. This can cause damage to cells and tissues and interfere with the body’s ability to eliminate toxins. Deep breathing and meditation can help to activate the parasympathetic nervous system.

This is responsible for the “rest and digest” response in the body. Deep breathing and meditate on can also help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. This can contribute to improved health and well-being.

7. Drink Green Tea to Detox Your Body

Green tea is high in antioxidants, specifically catechins, and polyphenols. They have been shown in animal studies to support liver function and promote the elimination of toxins from the body. The liver filters and detoxifies the blood, removing toxins and waste products from the body.

The antioxidants in green tea can help to protect the liver from damage and support its natural detoxification processes. In addition, the compounds in green tea have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.

They can help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. This is important as chronic inflammation and oxidative stress can interfere with the body’s natural detoxification processes.

8. Use Natural Cleaning Products

Many conventional cleaning products contain chemicals that can harm our health and the environment. These chemicals include phthalates, perchloroethylene, triclosan, and synthetic fragrances. These have been linked to various health issues, including respiratory problems, skin irritation, and hormone disruption.

In addition, these chemicals can negatively impact the environment, contributing to air and water pollution. Using natural cleaning products can be an effective way to reduce our exposure to toxins. Natural cleaning products are made from plant-based ingredients and do not contain harmful chemicals. In addition, they are often biodegradable and environmentally friendly. So, they’re a better choice for our health and the planet.

9. Try Dry Brushing to Detoxify

Dry brushing is a technique that involves using a natural bristle brush to massage the skin. This can help to promote lymphatic drainage and detoxification. The lymphatic system removes toxins and waste products from the body. And dry brushing can help to stimulate this system and promote the elimination of toxins.

Dry brushing is typically done circularly, starting at the feet and working upward toward the heart. The pressure should be firm but gentle, and care should be taken to avoid sensitive areas of the skin. Dry brushing can be done before showering or bathing.

But it should be followed by a shower to remove the dead skin cells and other debris loosened by the brushing. Dry brushing has been shown to have a range of benefits for the body. They include improved circulation, exfoliation of dead skin cells, and cellulite reduction.

10. Get Enough Sleep to Detox Your Body

Getting enough restful sleep is essential for the body to regenerate and eliminate toxins. During sleep, the body works to repair and regenerate cells, tissues, and organs, including the liver and other organs responsible for detoxification. In addition, sleep is vital for reducing stress and promoting relaxation.

This can support the body’s natural detoxification processes. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body may not have enough time to detoxify. This can lead to the accumulation of toxins in the body.

Chronic sleep deprivation can also lead to various health issues, including inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and weakened immune function. All these issues can interfere with the body’s natural detoxification processes. A regular sleep schedule is essential to promote the body’s natural detoxification processes.

Final Thoughts on Some Ways to Detox Your Body

There are many effective ways to support the body’s natural detoxification processes and promote overall health and well-being. All these have their benefits, from drinking plenty of water and eating a healthy diet to exercise meditation, and restful sleep. Many factors can help to promote the elimination of toxins and reduce the accumulation of harmful substances.

Techniques such as dry brushing, juicing, and natural cleaning products can help support the body’s natural detoxification processes. Try taking a holistic approach to detoxification and incorporating a range of healthy habits and techniques into your daily routine. The body has a remarkable ability to heal and regenerate.

And supporting our natural detoxification processes can have a powerful impact on your overall health and well-being. Make simple changes to your diet and lifestyle, and practice self-care and stress reduction techniques. This way, you can promote the elimination of toxins and support optimal health and vitality for years to come.

Editorial note 08.21.2023: Updated/added context to green tea study.

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