Dr. Oz: All-Natural Cures for Your Mood Swings
For Anxiety: Holy Basil
A member of the mint family, holy basil has been used for thousands of years in India to lower the intensity of anxiety and stress responses. Studies show that taking holy basil at 500mg twice daily after meals has a significant effect in reducing generalized anxiety, stress and depression. The remedy costs roughly $8 and is available at vitamin and health food stores.
For Crankiness: Lemon Balm
One of the biggest causes of crankiness is being over tired. Lemon balm is used for controlling anxiety and- thanks to its mild sedative effect- it also helps improve sleep, helping to prevent sleep deprivation-related crankiness. Take about 60 drops added to water before bed. Lemon balm is sold at vitamin stores for $6.
For Nervousness: Passionflower
Nervousness is often times the culprit behind mindless eating. Passionflower is a great natural solution because it has the same properties as some prescription medicines used to promote calmness and relaxation. It can be taken in liquid or capsule form. Both cost about $10 at vitamin or health food stores. Take 2ml of this supplement three times a day.
For Stress: L-Theanine
Stress is a major contributor to belly fat because of the hormones, like cortisol, it causes your body to produce. L-Theanine is an amino acid, found in black, white and green teas, that helps you think more clearly and cope better with stress. Studies have shown that people with high anxiety experienced increased attention and improved reaction time 15-60 minutes after ingestion. You can take 200mg with a full glass of water. This supplement costs $8 and is especially great if you don’t have time to make tea or don’t like the taste.
Shiitake Hot and Sour Soup as Seen on Dr. Oz
This delicious soup was designed for super immunity. The shiitake mushrooms along with the garlic, ginger, onions, and chili peppers all have immunity-boosting properties. Bolster your defenses against germs while enjoying this hearty dish.
Ingredients
Serves 4
1 tbsp grapeseed oil
1 jalapeño, minced with seeds
1 tbsp minced ginger
1 tbsp minced garlic
2 bunches scallions, green and white parts sliced, 2 tbsp greens reserved
1 lb shiitakes, stems removed and tops 1/4-in sliced
2 1/2 quarts chicken stock or low-sodium chicken broth
2 tbsp naturally brewed soy sauce
Juice and zest of 2 lemons
1 block silken tofu, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 cups shredded carrots
Freshly cracked black pepper
Directions
In a stockpot over medium-high heat, add oil and swirl to coat the bottom. Add jalapeño, ginger, garlic and scallions. Sauté until aromatic, about a minute. Add shiitakes and sauté 2 minutes, until softened.
Add stock and soy sauce, bring to a simmer and reduce by 20%, about 5 minutes. Add lemon juice, tofu and carrots and cook gently for 2 more minutes to heat tofu through. Season with black pepper.
Ladle soup into serving bowls and garnish with reserved scallion greens and lemon zest
Skinny Sangria
Skinny Sangria
Ingredients
Makes 1 serving: 170 calories
1 lemon
1 orange
1 peach
1 strawberry
3 oz Pinot Noir
1/2 oz pear vodka
1 tsp orange blossom honey
1 oz rosé sparkling wine
Directions
Thinly slice the lemon, orange, peach and strawberry. Place 1 slice of each fruit into a Collins glass and fill with ice. In a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice, add the wine, pear vodka, and orange blossom honey. Shake until the tin is frosted. Strain into a prepared glass over ice and add the rosé sparkling wine. Serve with a straw.
Pomegranate Martini
Pomegranate Martini
Ingredients
Makes 1 serving: 190 calories
1 oz citrus vodka
1 oz vanilla vodka
2 oz unsweetened pomegranate juice
1/2 oz natural sugar substitute simple syrup
Directions
In a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice, add the ingredients. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Guilt-Free Margarita
Guilt-Free Margarita
Ingredients
Makes 1 serving: 90 calories
1 oz jalapeño tequila
1/2 oz pear nectar
1 lime, juiced
1 tsp orange zest
Directions
In a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice, add the four ingredients. Shake until the tin is frosted. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wedge on glass rim.
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