One of the easiest and most sustainable ways to improve overall health is to eat more whole foods. ThitareeSarmkasat / iStock/ Getty Images Plus
By Jillian Kubala
A new year often signifies a fresh start for many people. For some, this means setting health goals, such as losing weight, following a healthier diet, and starting an exercise routine.
<p>However, more often than not, the health and wellness resolutions chosen are highly restrictive and unsustainable, leading most people to break their resolutions within a few weeks. This is why many people make the same resolutions year after year.</p><p>To break that cycle, it's important to make resolutions that can not only improve health but also be followed for life.</p><p>Here are 23 New Year's resolutions you can actually keep.</p>
<h2>1. Eat More Whole Foods</h2><p>One of the easiest and most sustainable ways to improve overall health is to eat more <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/21-reasons-to-eat-real-food" target="_blank">whole foods</a>.</p><p>Whole <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/food/">foods</a>, including vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and fish, contain a plethora of nutrients that your body needs to function at an optimal level.</p><p>Research shows that following a whole-foods-based diet may significantly reduce heart disease risk factors, body weight, and blood sugar levels, as well as decrease your risk of certain diseases, such as type 2 diabetes.</p><p>What's more, adding more whole foods to your diet can be done slowly and consistently. For example, if you're not used to eating vegetables, start by adding one serving of your favorite veggie to your diet every day.</p>
<h2>2. Sit Less and Move More</h2><p>Whether it's due to having a sedentary job or simply being inactive, many people sit more than they should. <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/why-sitting-is-bad-for-you" target="_blank">Sitting too much</a> can have negative effects on health. In fact, it may be linked to an <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4960753/" target="_blank">increased risk of overall mortality</a>.</p><p>Making a resolution to sit less is an easy and attainable resolution that can be tailored to fit your lifestyle.</p><p>For example, if you have a desk job that requires long periods of sitting, make a resolution to go for a 15-minute walk at lunch or to get up and walk for 5 minutes every hour.</p>
<h2>3. Cut Back on Sweetened Beverages</h2><p>Cutting back on <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/13-ways-sugary-soda-is-bad-for-you" target="_blank">sweetened beverages</a> is a smart idea considering that sugary drinks are linked to an increased risk of obesity, fatty liver, heart disease, insulin resistance, and cavities in both children and adults.</p><p>Though quitting sweetened beverages cold turkey is always an option, gradually minimizing your intake may help you kick your sugary drink habit for good.</p>
<h2>4. Get More Quality Sleep</h2><p>Sleep is an <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-reasons-why-good-sleep-is-important" target="_blank">essential part of overall health</a>, and sleep deprivation can lead to serious consequences. For instance, lack of sleep may increase your risk of weight gain, heart disease, and depression.</p><p>There are many reasons why people don't get enough sleep, so it's important to focus on your schedule and lifestyle to determine the best ways to improve sleep quantity and quality.</p><p>Decreasing screen time before bed, reducing light pollution in your bedroom, cutting back on caffeine, and getting to bed at a reasonable hour are some simple ways to improve sleep hygiene.</p>
<h2>5. Find a Physical Activity That You Enjoy</h2><p>Every New Year, people purchase expensive memberships to gyms, workout studios, and online fitness programs in hopes of shedding excess body fat in the year to come. Though most people start strong, the majority don't make their new routine into a lasting habit.</p><p>Still, you can increase the chances of making your fitness resolutions stick. To get started, <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-to-start-exercising" target="_blank">choose an activity</a> based on enjoyment and whether it fits into your schedule.</p><p>For example, taking a half-hour walk, jog, or bike ride before work, or swimming at a gym that's on your way home, are simple and sustainable exercise resolutions.</p><p>Then, set an attainable goal, such as planning to walk a few specific days per week instead of aiming for every day.</p><p>Making a more realistic goal can enhance the chances of making your new routine last, especially if you're new to working out.</p>
<h2>6. Take More 'Me Time' and Practice Self-Care</h2><p>Taking time for yourself is not selfish. In fact, it's imperative for optimal health and wellbeing. This is especially true for those in caretaker roles, such as parents and healthcare workers.</p><p>For people with busy schedules and limited time, making a resolution to engage in <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/self-care-for-depression#1" target="_blank">self-care</a> may take some planning. However, it's well worth the time investment.</p><p>Self-care doesn't have to be elaborate or time consuming. It can simply mean taking a bath every week, attending your favorite weekly <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/13-benefits-of-yoga" target="_blank">yoga class</a>, preparing a healthy meal for yourself, going for a walk in nature, or getting an extra hour of sleep.</p>
<h2>7. Cook More Meals at Home</h2><p>Research shows that people who <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/home-cooking-versus-takeout" target="_blank">cook more meals at home</a> have better diet quality and less body fat than people who eat more meals on the go.</p><p>In fact, a study in 11,396 adults found that those who ate 5 or more home-cooked meals per week were 28% less likely to be overweight, compared with those who ate fewer than 3 home-cooked meals per week.</p><p>Start by making one meal a day, then increase the frequency over time until you're making the majority of your meals and snacks at home.</p>
<h2>8. Spend More Time Outside</h2><p><a href="https://www.healthline.com/health-news/spending-two-hours-a-week-in-nature-can-help-your-health" target="_blank">Spending more time outdoors</a> can improve health by relieving stress, elevating mood, and even lowering blood pressure.</p><p>Making a New Year's resolution to spend more time outside every day is a sustainable and healthy goal that can benefit most everyone, no matter where you live.</p><p>Taking a walk outside during your lunch break, hiking on weekends, going camping with friends, or simply soaking in the beauty of your backyard or local park are all ways to incorporate nature into your daily routine.</p>
<h2>9. Limit Screen Time</h2><p>Many people depend on their phones and computers for work and entertainment. However, spending too much time on electronic devices — particularly on social media — has been linked to depression, anxiety, and loneliness in some studies.</p><p>Setting a resolution to <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/limit-your-screen-time" target="_blank">cut back</a> on the time you spend scrolling through social media, watching TV, or playing computer games may help boost your mood and enhance productivity.</p>
<h2>10. Try Meditation</h2><p><a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-benefits-of-meditation" target="_blank">Meditation</a> is an evidence-based way to promote mental well-being. It may be particularly helpful for people who have anxiety or depression.</p><p>Trying out this practice is a perfect New Year's resolution because there are many ways to meditate, and it's easy to find books, podcasts, and <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/top-meditation-iphone-android-apps" target="_blank">apps</a> that teach you how to start a meditation practice.</p>
<h2>11. Rely Less on Convenience Foods</h2><p>Many people rely on convenience foods, such as packaged chips, cookies, frozen dinners, and fast food, for a quick meal or snack. Though these items may be tasty and readily available, they can have detrimental effects on your health if eaten too often.</p><p>For example, frequent <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/fast-food-effects-on-body" target="_blank">fast food intake</a> is associated with poor overall diet quality, obesity, and an increased risk of numerous conditions, including heart disease and diabetes.</p><p>To cut back on your consumption of convenience foods, make a resolution to prepare more meals at home using healthy ingredients.</p>
<h2>12. Stop Dieting</h2><p>Chronic dieting is harmful to both physical and mental health. Plus, most people who lose weight through restrictive dieting regain up to two-thirds of the weight lost within 1 year.</p><p>Dieting can also make it harder to lose weight in the future.</p><p>Rather than setting a New Year's resolution to lose weight by using restrictive measures, such as a fad diet, try a healthier, more <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-to-lose-weight-as-fast-as-possible" target="_blank">sustainable method of weight loss</a> by focusing on increasing physical activity and eating healthier foods.</p>
<h2>13. Go Grocery Shopping Regularly</h2><p>Having a well-stocked pantry and fridge is necessary to prepare healthy, home-cooked meals.</p><p>If you're not used to going <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/healthy-grocery-list" target="_blank">grocery shopping</a>, make a New Year's resolution to go to the supermarket or farmer's market more regularly to stock up on nutritious ingredients.</p><p>Depending on your schedule, it may be helpful to designate one day each week as your day to shop. Ensuring that you have time to buy the groceries you need to make tasty, nourishing meals is a savvy way to improve your diet quality.</p>
<h2>14. Use Healthier Household Products</h2><p>It's obvious that what you put into your body can significantly impact your health. However, what you choose to put onto your body and what products you use in your home matter, too.</p><p>Make a New Year's resolution to purchase more <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/natural-makeup" target="_blank">natural beauty products</a>, household cleaners, laundry detergents, and personal care products to create a healthier environment for yourself and your family.</p>
<h2>15. Add More Produce to Your Diet<br></h2><p>Adding more cooked and raw vegetables and <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/20-healthiest-fruits" target="_blank">fruits</a> to your diet can go a long way towards improving your health in the new year.</p><p>Numerous studies have shown that eating a diet rich in produce helps protect against various illnesses, such as diabetes, heart diseases, certain cancers, and obesity, as well as overall mortality.</p>
<h2>16. Cut Back on Alcohol</h2><p>Though <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/alcohol-good-or-bad" target="_blank">alcohol</a> can certainly fit into a healthy diet, imbibing too often can negatively affect your health. What's more, drinking alcohol frequently may keep you from reaching your health and wellness goals.</p><p>If you think cutting back on alcohol may be helpful for you, set a reasonable goal to keep yourself on track, such as limiting drinking to weekend nights only or setting a drink limit for the week.</p><p>If you need a non-alcoholic beverage idea to replace your usual cocktail of choice, try fruit-infused sparkling water, kombucha, or one of <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/happy-hour-fatigue/mocktail-recipes" target="_blank">these fun mocktails</a>.</p>
<h2>17. Be More Present</h2><p>Research shows that being more present may improve life satisfaction by decreasing negative thoughts, which may thereby improve psychological health.</p><p>Making a New Year's resolution to be more <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/mindfulness-tricks-to-reduce-anxiety#1" target="_blank">mindful</a> and present may help you feel more content in your everyday life.</p><p>Spending less time on your phone, stopping to notice your environment, and listening intently to others are simple ways to be more present.</p>
<h2>18. Take a Vacation</h2><p>Taking a vacation — even a short one — may have significant and immediate positive effects on stress levels and may enhance well-being.</p><p>In the new year, make a resolution to take a vacation with friends or family members, or on your own. Whether you travel to an area you've always wanted to visit or simply plan a <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/staycations" target="_blank">staycation</a> at home, taking some time for rest and relaxation is important for health.<span></span></p>
<h2>19. Try a New Hobby</h2><p>It's common for adults to let once-loved hobbies fall by the wayside as they get older due to busy schedules or lack of motivation.</p><p>However, research shows that partaking in a hobby that you love can help you live a longer, healthier life.</p><p>Make a resolution to try out a hobby that you've always been interested in — or pick back up a hobby that used to bring you joy.</p>
<h2>20. Stop Negative Body Talk</h2><p>Talking negatively about your body can lead to feelings of body shame. In fact, research shows that engaging in and hearing negative body talk is associated with higher levels of body dissatisfaction and decreased self-esteem in both women and men.</p><p>Make a healthy New Year's resolution to engage in <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/positive-self-talk" target="_blank">positive self-talk</a> regularly and reduce negative body talk. This may not only help improve your relationship with your own body but also encourage others to stop talking negatively about themselves.</p>
<h2>21. Visit Your Doctor</h2><p><a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/physical-examination" target="_blank">Getting examined regularly</a> by your healthcare practitioner is important for many reasons. Having regular blood work and necessary screenings can help spot potential problems before they turn into something more serious.</p><p>Though your pace of doctor's visits depends on many things, including the type of medical care, your age, and your medical history, most experts recommend seeing your primary care physician at least once a year for a checkup.</p>
<h2>22. Take Care of Your Teeth</h2><p>Maintaining your <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health" target="_blank">oral health</a> is a New Year's resolution idea that can and should be sustained for life.</p><p>Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly can help prevent oral conditions like gum disease and bad breath.</p><p>What's more, some research suggests that gum disease may be associated with serious health conditions, such as Alzheimer's and heart disease, making oral care all the more important.<span></span></p><p>In addition to regular brushing and flossing, most dentists recommend a checkup and cleaning at least once a year.</p>
<h2>23. Create a Sustainable, Nourishing Diet</h2><p>You may be making a resolution to eat healthier or lose weight year after year because you're prioritizing short-term changes over long-term health benefits.</p><p>Instead of making a plan to follow yet another restrictive fad diet, this New Year, make a resolution to <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/yo-yo-dieting" target="_blank">break the dieting cycle</a> and create a sustainable, nourishing eating pattern that works for you.</p><p>The healthiest diet is one that's rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods and low in heavily processed, sugary products. A healthy, long-term diet should not only be nutritious but also adaptable, meaning you can follow it for life — no matter the circumstances.</p><p>A sustainable eating pattern can be maintained on vacation, during holidays, and at parties because it's unrestrictive and suited to your lifestyle. Check out <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/healthy-eating-for-beginners" target="_blank">this beginners' guide to healthy eating</a> to get started.</p>
<h2>The Bottom Line</h2><p>Though most New Year's resolutions are only kept for a short period, the healthy resolutions listed above are sustainable ways to improve your physical and <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/emotional-health" target="_blank">emotional health</a> that can be followed for life.</p><p>Creating a healthier relationship with food and taking better care of your body and mind can drastically improve your health in various ways.</p><p>This New Year, try out a few of the resolutions in this article to help make this year — and the years that follow — the healthiest and happiest possible.</p>
<p><em>Reposted with permission from <a href="http://healthline.com" target="_blank">Healthline</a>.<br></em><em>For detailed source information, please see the original story on <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/realistic-new-years-resolutions#The-bottom-line" target="_blank">Healthline</a>.</em></p>
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An increasing number of Americans are taking the wheel under the influence of marijuana. JasonDoiy / iStock / Getty Images Plus
The Center for Disease Control's (CDC) latest survey found that an increasing number of Americans are taking the wheel under the influence of marijuana, according to a new report released on Thursday.
<p>As the narcotic becomes more acceptable for recreational use and more widely available, there has been a substantial rise in the number of motorists who apparently feel disposed to drive after consuming it, as <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/12/19/driving-and-marijuana-cdc-reports-nearly-50-spike-high-motorists/2705204001/" target="_blank">USA Today</a> reported. In fact, the number of motorists who admitted to driving after inhaling or ingesting marijuana rose 47 percent over a 4-year span.</p><p>The data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration found that 12 million people admitted to driving under the influence in 2018, which was 4.7 percent of all motorists, as <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/12/19/driving-and-marijuana-cdc-reports-nearly-50-spike-high-motorists/2705204001/" target="_blank">USA Today</a> reported.</p><p>In fact, the researchers found that in the 16-25 age group, the percentage of those driving after consuming weed more than tripled, from 3.2 percent to 10.8 percent, according to <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/12/19/driving-and-marijuana-cdc-reports-nearly-50-spike-high-motorists/2705204001/" target="_blank">USA Today</a>.</p><p>While that trend alarms public health officials, it is also small compared to the nearly 20.5 million people, or 8 percent of motorists, who admitted to driving after drinking, as <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/19/health/marijuana-driving-study/index.html" target="_blank">CNN</a> reported. The good news is, that number actually represents a decline in drunk driving. In 2014, 27.7 million motorists drove while impaired by alcohol.</p><p>Additionally, 2.3 million said they had driven under the influence of illicit drugs such as cocaine or methamphetamine, which totaled 0.9 percent of motorists.</p><p>As a caveat, this is also self-reported data, which means the numbers may reflect a growing acceptance of marijuana so people are more willing to admit to consuming it as it becomes less taboo.</p><p>"Impaired driving is a serious public health concern that needs to be addressed to safeguard the health and safety of all who use the road," CDC researchers said, according to <a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/healthiest-communities/articles/2019-12-20/cdc-drugged-driving-a-serious-public-health-issue" target="_blank">U.S. News and World Report</a>.</p>
<p>The report found that the most likely group to drive under the influence of marijuana were non-Hispanic males, aged 21 to 25, followed by males aged 16-20. Narcotic use amongst younger drivers is of "special concern" according to the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/68/wr/mm6850a1.htm?s_cid=mm6850a1_w" target="_blank">report</a> since that demographic is the most inexperienced set of drivers and most prone to accidents, according to <a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/healthiest-communities/articles/2019-12-20/cdc-drugged-driving-a-serious-public-health-issue" target="_blank">U.S. News and World Report</a>.</p><p>The authors of the report found that the increased availability and accessibility to marijuana as more states legalize it for recreational use means public health officials need to develop methods to quickly identify if a driver is affected by pot or another narcotic, as <a href="http://cnn/" target="_blank">CNN</a> reported.</p><p>The researchers also believe there is a need for a nationwide standard for toxicology tests and a need for law enforcement and public health officials to improve their detection and prevention of impaired driving. Unlike the nationwide tests for detecting drunk-drivers through blood alcohol content, there is no nationwide standard for detecting drivers under the influence of drugs, as <a href="http://cnn/" target="_blank">CNN</a> reported.</p><p>"[E]ffective measures that deter driving under the influence of drugs are limited," researchers said, according to <a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/healthiest-communities/articles/2019-12-20/cdc-drugged-driving-a-serious-public-health-issue" target="_blank">U.S. News and World Report</a>.</p><p>"Any person who uses cannabis should not be operating a motor vehicle. Period,'' said Robert Glatter, an emergency room physician at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, as <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/12/19/driving-and-marijuana-cdc-reports-nearly-50-spike-high-motorists/2705204001/" target="_blank">USA Today</a> reported. "It places themselves, other drivers and all pedestrians at risk for death and injury.''</p>
<p>However, Glatter added that he sees many more patients involved in crashes under the influence of alcohol rather than marijuana, which is commensurate with national statistics. Every year more than 100,000 Americans die in alcohol-related traffic accidents, according to <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/12/19/driving-and-marijuana-cdc-reports-nearly-50-spike-high-motorists/2705204001/" target="_blank">USA Today</a>. The CDC does not have a tally of marijuana-related traffic fatalities.</p>
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Like many other plant-based foods and products, CBD oil is one dietary supplement where "organic" labels are very important to consumers. However, there are little to no regulations within the hemp industry when it comes to deeming a product as organic, which makes it increasingly difficult for shoppers to find the best CBD oil products available on the market.
<p>Here you can learn about the importance of organic hemp oil, why it's better for the environment, and which CBD companies actually make trustworthy products with sustainable farming processes. origins which weigh heavily on many consumers who want to buy a product that's produced in the best way possible for not only themselves to ingest, but for the environment as well through sustainable farming methods. </p><h2>What Is CBD Oil?</h2><p>First things first, CBD stands for cannabidiol, and it's a cannabinoid found within cannabis sativa plants. This plant compound is believed to have many potential benefits, and it is primarily derived from hemp plants via a CO2 extraction process. </p><p>Since CBD is extracted from industrial hemp, which contains only trace amounts of THC (the psychoactive component in cannabis plants), this means that CBD won't make you feel high like marijuana, which has much higher levels of THC that causes psychoactive effects. Instead, the effects of CBD are much more subtle and promote a general sense of calm and relaxation in most users.</p><h2>What Makes a CBD Oil Organic?</h2><p>In terms of organic labels, perhaps the most important (and prominent) certification comes from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This government organization has been labeling foods as "organic" for many years, but what exactly does this certification entail? Essentially, a label indicating that a product is "USDA Organic" or "Certified Organic" means that at least 95% of the ingredients are obtained from organic sources.</p><p>For a crop to be considered organic by the USDA, it must be grown without the use of industrial solvents, irradiation, genetic engineering (GMOs), synthetic pesticides, or chemical fertilizer. Instead, farmers rely on natural substances and <a href="https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2012/03/22/organic-101-what-usda-organic-label-means" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">mechanical, physical, or biologically based farming</a> techniques to cultivate healthy and organic crops.</p><p>Before the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, no hemp-derived products could be dubbed as "certified organic" since the hemp plant and its extracts were still categorized as a Schedule I Controlled Substance. However, it's still difficult for CBD companies to obtain a USDA certified organic label for their products due to the legal grey area that still surrounds CBD extracts. </p><p>Because of these challenges, and due to the fact that industrial hemp has only recently become an agricultural crop, very few CBD oils are USDA certified organic. Rather, many CBD products contain hemp extracts from plants that were grown in organic conditions but may not be federally certified.</p><h2>What are the Best Organic CBD Oil Brands?</h2><p><em>Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.</em></p><em><br></em>
<h2>Why Organic Hemp Oil Matters</h2><p>Hemp is a unique plant, not only for its rich cannabinoid content, but also for its ability to absorb a wide variety of components in soil. But this trait poses great risks when it comes to the creation of CBD products derived from hemp.</p><p>Because hemp has a high capacity for compound uptake, this means that the plants can retain <a href="https://www.remedyreview.com/industry/lab-test-results/" target="_blank">harmful chemicals like pesticides</a>, heavy metals, and other residual solvents. This is especially true when it comes to synthetic chemicals that are more toxic to humans, and difficult to remove once they have been absorbed by the hemp plant.</p><p>Organic farming practices help reduce the risk of hemp crops absorbing harsh chemicals that may later end up in CBD oil after extraction. When you're taking CBD as a wellness supplement to help alleviate your symptoms or improve your overall well-being, the last thing you want is to ingest compounds that might negatively outweigh the benefits of CBD. This is an important reason to look for third party lab test results when shopping for CBD products since these certificates of analysis can show the full cannabinoid and terpene profile of a hemp extract, as well as test results that search for the presence of any residual solvents.</p><p>In addition to creating a better end product, organic farming practices are also better for the environment. Sustainable and organic farming methods may <a href="https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/organic-foods.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">reduce pollution, conserve water, reduce soil erosion, increase soil fertility, and use less energy</a>. The use of natural pest deterrents as opposed to chemical pesticides is also better for nearby animal populations and ecosystems.</p><h3>Organic vs. Natural</h3><p>While there are only a select few companies offering certified organic ingredients in their products, almost every brand in the CBD market creates "natural" products. The term "all-natural" or "plant-based" does not mean that a product is organic, and since hemp oil is a natural derivative of hemp plants, these products are often referred to as all-natural. However, there are some synthetic CBD oils that should be avoided because they are chemically constructed and may produce unwanted side effects that are not caused by naturally derived CBD extracts.</p><h2>What are the Benefits of Organic CBD Oil?</h2><p>There's a long list of potential CBD oil health benefits, and some of the most common wellness advantages include:</p><ul class="ee-ul"><li><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2503660/" target="_blank">Chronic pain relief</a></li><li><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171/" target="_blank">Anti-anxiety effects</a></li><li>Better sleep</li><li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/inner-source/201901/cbd-oil-mental-health-should-you-take-it-too" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Improvements in mood</a></li><li>Internal balance and regulation</li></ul><p>When dealing with pain, inflammation, sleep issues, and mental health struggles, it can be hard to find sufficient treatment options. The use of certain prescriptions can cause unwanted side effects, yet they are often the only solution for patients with these medical conditions. In search of other therapies, people have started to flock towards CBD oil as an alternative remedy for a variety of conditions. However, it should be noted that CBD products are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and you should seek your doctor's advice before using CBD if you have a serious medical condition.</p><h2>Look at the Labels Before You Buy CBD Oil</h2><p>When you go online to buy CBD oil, you'll quickly realize there is an overwhelming number of brands that are saturating the market. It can be difficult to determine which products are truly as good as they make themselves out to be. Always look for up-to-date third-party lab tests so you know you are getting a great product, and don't hesitate to contact the brand if you have any additional questions. And if you're intent on purchasing 100% organic CBD oil, it's best to look for certified products or brands that are held to strict regulatory standards.</p><p><strong>Melena Gurganus </strong>is the Reviews Editor at EcoWatch. She is passionate health and wellness and her writing aims to help others find products they can trust. Her work has been featured in publications such as Health, Shape, Huffington Post, Cannabis Business Times, and Bustle.<br></p>
Spruce
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDY4NjI3OC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyOTM2NzgzOX0.axY0HjeqRctJsR_KmDLctzDpUBLBN-oNIdqaXDb4caQ/img.jpg?width=980" id="774be" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="8379f35b1ca8a86d0e61b7d4bfc8b46e" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="spruce organic cbd oil" data-width="710" data-height="959" /><p>As one of the best brands in the business, Spruce CBD is well-known for its potent CBD oils that feature many additional beneficial phytocannabinoids. This brand works with two family-owned, sustainably focused farms in the USA (one located in Kentucky and one in North Carolina) to create its organic, small product batches. The max potency Spruce CBD oil contains 2400mg of full-spectrum CBD extract, but the brand also offers a lower strength tincture with 750mg of CBD in total.</p>
$89
CBDistillery
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDcwMjkzNC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyMTU4OTM4Nn0.ypRdeDSBcE87slYrFfVrRwtJ2qGIK6FD5jBB4pndTMo/img.jpg?width=980" id="b473b" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="9930b53c9d58cb49774640a61c3e3e75" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="cbdistillery cbd oil" data-width="1244" data-height="1244" /><p>All of the products from CBDistillery are <a href="https://ushempauthority.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">U.S. Hemp Authority Certified</a>, and for good reason. The company only uses non-GMO and pesticide-free industrial hemp that's grown organically on Colorado farms. Its hemp oils are some of the most affordable CBD products on the market, yet they still maintain a high standard of quality. CBDistillery has a wide variety of CBD potencies across its product line (ranging from 500mg to 5000mg per bottle) and offers both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD oils to give customers a completely thc-free option.</p>
$35
FAB CBD
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDY4NjIyNS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2NDIwOTEyMn0.MlTjz096FJ0ev_-soK7_Z-FeQeJczWoeh9Qi9SSkHsY/img.jpg?width=980" id="04b26" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="76aa4862f44603242e318982acea6646" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="fab cbd oil" data-width="800" data-height="800" /><p>For an organic CBD oil that has it all, FAB CBD offers plenty of variety for any type of consumer. All of its products are made with zero pesticides and extracted from organically grown Colorado industrial hemp. FAB CBD oil comes in five all-natural flavors (mint, vanilla, berry, citrus, and natural) and is also available in four strengths (300, 600, 1200, and 2400mg per bottle).</p>
$39
NuLeaf Naturals
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDY4NjIxOS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1NzExNTgyMX0.D6qMGYllKTsVhEkQ-L_GzpDHVu60a-tJKcio7M1Ssmc/img.jpg?width=980" id="94e4a" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="3609a52479675730893a45a82a03c71d" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="nuleaf naturals organic cbd oil" data-width="600" data-height="600" /><p>As an industry-leading brand, it comes as no surprise that NuLeaf Naturals sources its CBD extract from organic hemp plants grown on licensed farms in Colorado. The comany's CBD oils only contain two ingredients: USDA certified organic hemp seed oil and full spectrum hemp extract.</p><p>NuLeaf Naturals uses one proprietary CBD oil formula for all of its products, so you will get the same CBD potency in each tincture (60mg per mL), but can purchase different bottle sizes depending on how much you intend to use.</p>
$38.50
Charlotte's Web
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDcwMjk3NS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0MzQ0NjM4N30.SaQ85SK10-MWjN3PwHo2RqpiUBdjhD0IRnHKTqKaU7Q/img.jpg?width=980" id="84700" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="a2174067dcc0c4094be25b3472ce08c8" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="charlottes web cbd oil" data-width="1244" data-height="1244" /><p>Perhaps one of the most well-known brands in the CBD landscape, Charlotte's Web has been growing sustainable hemp plants for several years. The company is currently in the process of achieving official USDA Organic Certification, but it already practices organic and sustainable cultivation techniques to enhance the overall health of the soil and the hemp plants themselves, which creates some of the highest quality CBD extracts. Charlotte's Web offers CBD oils in a range of different concentration options, and some even come in a few flavor options such as chocolate mint, orange blossom, and lemon twist.</p>
$60
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Extracted from the sap of the coconut, the "lambanog" was once considered a lowly peasant's drink whose potency they claim puts those of well-known liquors and spirits around the world in the shade. JAY DIRECTO / AFP / Getty Images
Christmas celebrations turned sour when 11 people died and over 300 were hospitalized in the Philippines after drinking a batch of poisonous coconut wine, local police said on Monday.
<p>Holiday revelers in the provinces of Laguna and Quezon, south of Manila, fell ill after drinking a wine called lambanog, a traditional Filipino alcoholic drink that is made from coconut sap. It generally has a high alcohol content of around 40 percent, and is often distilled in informal and unsanitary environments.</p>
<p>Those who consumed the drink were rushed to hospitals with symptoms including stomach aches, vomiting and numbness, while some collapsed and lost consciousness, according to the police report. Two were reportedly comatose before arriving at the hospital for treatment.</p><p>The deaths occurred in Rizal, a small municipality of Laguna province, between Thursday and Sunday. Rizal's mayor, Vener Munoz, told local media that two people who were in critical condition were on the mend, and that the wine had been produced there.</p><p>"All had a sad history of lambanog ingestion," Reuters quoted the local police department as saying. "Some bought for leisure drinking and birthday party, while others were donated by local officials during their Christmas party."</p>
<p>Last year, more than 10 people died after consuming the same drink. Jose Jonas Del Rosario, a doctor and spokesman for Manila's Philippine General Hospital, told AFP that methanol, a chemical that can cause blindness and death, is one of the byproducts of coconut wine fermentation.</p><p>Some lambanog producers choose to keep the high levels of methanol because it allows for a larger production volume and is thus more profitable, he added.</p>
<p><em>Reposted with permission from <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/eleven-dead-300-hospitalized-after-drinking-poisonous-coconut-wine/a-51777344" rel="noopener noreferrer">Deutsche Welle</a>.</em></p>From Your Site Articles
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Trending
Food Politics
Nature, the prestigious science magazine from Great Britain, has just published a commentary with a provocative title–The toxic truth about sugar—and an even more provocative subtitle—Added sweeteners pose dangers to health that justify controlling them like alcohol.
The authors, Robert Lustig, Laura Schmidt and Claire Brindis, are researchers at the University of California medical center in San Francisco (UCSF).
They argue that although tobacco, alcohol and diet are critically important behavioral risk factors in chronic disease, only two of them—tobacco and alcohol—are regulated by governments to protect public health.
Now, they say, it’s time to regulate sugar. By sugar, they mean sugars plural—sucrose as well as high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Both are about half fructose.
Their rationale?
- Consumption of sugars has tripled over the last 50 years.
- Many people consume as much as 500 calories a day from sugars (average per capita availability in the U.S. is about 400 calories a day)
- High intake of fructose-containing sugars induce metabolic syndrome (high blood pressure, insulin resistance), diabetes, and liver damage.
- Sugars have the potential for abuse.
- Sugars have negative effects on society (mediated via obesity).
- Too much of a good thing can be toxic.
Therefore, they argue, societies should intervene and consider the kinds of policies that have proven effective for control of tobacco and alcohol:
- Taxes
- Distribution controls
- Age limits
- Bans from schools
- Licensing requirements
- Zoning ordinances
- Bans on TV commercials
- Labeling added sugars
- Removal of fructose from GRAS status
In a statement that greatly underestimates the situation, they say:
We recognize that societal intervention to reduce the supply and demand for sugar faces an uphill political battle against a powerful sugar lobby, and will require active engagement from all stakeholders.
But, they conclude:
These simple measures—which have all been on the battleground of American politics—are now taken for granted as essential tools for our public health and well-being. It’s time to turn our attention to sugar.
What is one to make of this? Sugar is a delight, nobody is worried about the fructose in fruit or carrots, and diets can be plenty healthy with a little sugar sprinkled here and there.
The issue is quantity. Sugars are not a problem, or not nearly as much of a problem, for people who balance calorie intake with expenditure.
Scientists can argue endlessly about whether obesity is a cause or an effect of metabolic dysfunction, but most people would be healthier if they ate less sugar.
The bottom line? As Corinna Hawkes, the author of numerous reports on worldwide food marketing, wrote me this morning, “there are plenty of reasons for people to consume less sugar without having to worry about whether it’s toxic or not!”
For more information, click here.