Latest news with #TheHealthyKetoPlan
Daily Record
08-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Anyone with tea bags at home told to 'make an urgent change'
Health expert Dr Eric Berg has warned that people who consume tea bags made with plastic could be putting their health at risk, Tea enthusiasts, particularly those who rely on tea bags, are being urged to rethink their daily cuppa. Health expert Dr Eric Berg, DC, has issued a warning, advising people to switch to paper bags or loose tea leaves in a video titled "Critical: detoxify your brain from microplastics." In the video, Dr Berg explores the potential health risks associated with everyday items containing plastic. He specifically highlights tea bags as a source of microplastics and nanoplastics in tea, which could lead to health issues if consumed regularly. The concern centres around tea bags made with plastic or those using plastic sealants, as long-term ingestion of these tiny plastic particles may compromise gut health and weaken the immune system. However, many brands now offer plastic-free alternatives, such as paper bags with compostable bioplastics or organic cotton. Dr Berg begins his video by stating, "Today I'm going to discuss a very important topic: how to detoxify the plastic out of your brain microplastics." He emphasises the severity of the issue, noting: "The brain accumulates the most microplastics of all of the organs. The brain accumulates seven to 30 times more microplastics than the liver and the kidneys." Dr Berg, a nutritionist and chiropractic doctor with a reputation for his deep understanding of diet and weight loss, is often known as The Knowledge Doc. He has authored works like The 7 Principles of Fat Burning and The Healthy Keto Plan, and shares his insights on health through his YouTube channel. He's voiced concerns over the perils of 'forever' chemicals found in some plastic food and drink containers, warning of their potential to jeopardise our wellbeing. Dr Berg warned: "They can bind with proteins in your blood, creating problems as they bioaccumulate in the body over time." Ongoing studies into the health implications of consuming microplastics have flagged up possible hazards such as cellular harm and interference with hormonal systems. Referencing research from the University of New Mexico, Dr Berg noted that an average human brain now contains about seven grams of microplastics, which is a shocking 50% more than what was reported in 2016. What do studies suggest? In light of this, Dr Berg advises against using tea bags with plastic, pointing out their potentially harmful effects. He recommends "natural tea bags without plastic," supporting findings from the American Chemical Society, which showed that plastic tea bags may release billions of minuscule particles into your brew. A study by academics at McGill University has revealed that a single plastic tea bag could release up to 11.6 billion microplastic and 3.1 billion nanoplastic particles into a cup of tea. The full impact of these particles on our health is yet to be fully understood, but it's clear that ingesting plastic isn't beneficial for our wellbeing. These particles come from polypropylene, a common material used by many manufacturers to seal tea bags. Recent studies have shown that these microplastics are often found in various food and drink products, including bottled water, but tea bags have been found to release quantities thousands of times higher than other sources. Is loose leaf tea better than tea bags? Several factors must be considered when deciding whether loose-leaf tea is superior to tea bags. Loose-leaf tea tends to retain more of its essential oils and nutrients, potentially leading to greater antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. It also provides a broader range of flavours and varieties for enthusiasts to try, including unique regional and herbal blends. Loose leaf tea is generally more eco-friendly as it avoids the need for packaging associated with tea bags, which may contain plastic or non-biodegradable elements. Tea bags offer a swift and fuss-free solution for tea lovers, negating the need for a teapot or infuser. While top-tier tea bags may come at a higher cost, they often provide a more economical choice for those who enjoy a daily cuppa. Can you 'detoxify' yourself? When it comes to 'detoxification', one approach is fasting for a minimum of 18 hours to kickstart autophagy. However, fasting isn't suitable for everyone, and medical advice should be sought before embarking on any fasting plan to confirm its safety. He added: "Plastics and forever chemicals create oxidative stress in the body, which can be countered with strong antioxidant systems. Foods high in sulfur, such as garlic, onions, and cruciferous vegetables, can help strengthen your body's antioxidant networks. NAC and milk thistle are great for detoxification." To reduce microplastics in your system, choose fully biodegradable, plastic-free tea bags made from organic or plant-based materials. Look for tea bags that are labelled as "free of epichlorohydrin," a substance used by some manufacturers to enhance the strength of the bags. Ways to minimise microplastics in your system: Use a water filter Eliminate plastic cutting boards Avoid dishwasher pods Switch to biodegradable coffee filters Use sea salt from an ancient seabed Avoid plastic baby bottles Use a stainless steel water bottle Use plastic-free sponges Avoid canned food and liquids Use bamboo toothbrushes Use glass Tupperware Avoid plastic dental floss Use 100% organic cotton tampons Opt for completely biodegradable tea bags that are plastic-free, organic, or made from plant-derived materials. Seek out tea bags marked as "free of epichlorohydrin," a chemical that certain manufacturers employ to boost the bags' strength.
Wales Online
08-07-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Anyone who drinks tea urged to 'reconsider' for grim reason
Anyone who drinks tea urged to 'reconsider' for grim reason Health expert Dr Eric Berg DC has revealed why making a tea with plastic tea bags should be avoided If you're concerned, consider using loose-leaf tea or switching to tea bags made from natural material (Image: Getty ) Tea drinkers are being prompted to 'reconsider' their tea-drinking habits, especially those partial to a brew using tea bags. Health expert Dr Eric Berg, DC, issued this warning, suggesting opting for paper bags or loose tea leaves in his video "Critical: detoxify your brain from microplastics." Dr Berg's video delves into the potential risks posed by everyday items due to their plastic content. He specifically calls out tea bags as culprits for introducing microplastics and nanoplastics into your cuppa, which could lead to health complications if consumed regularly. The concern primarily targets tea bags made with plastic or those that use plastic sealants. The long-term ingestion of these tiny plastic particles may lead to compromised gut health and a weakened immune system. Fortunately, there's a silver lining, reports the Express. Many brands now offer plastic-free alternatives, such as paper bags with compostable bioplastics or organic cotton. At the beginning of his video, Dr Berg said: "Today I'm going to discuss a very important topic: how to detoxify the plastic out of your brain microplastics." He continues to highlight the severity of the issue by noting: "The brain accumulates the most microplastics of all of the organs. The brain accumulates seven to 30 times more microplastics than the liver and the kidneys." Article continues below Dr Berg, a nutritionist, researcher and chiropractic doctor renowned for his expertise in diet and weight loss, is affectionately dubbed The Knowledge Doc. He's penned titles such as The 7 Principles of Fat Burning and The Healthy Keto Plan, and regularly imparts health wisdom online, including on his YouTube channel. He has raised concerns about the dangers of 'forever' chemicals present in some plastic food and drink containers, highlighting their potential to harm our health. Dr Berg cautioned: "They can bind with proteins in your blood, creating problems as they bioaccumulate in the body over time." While research on the health effects of ingesting microplastics is ongoing, some studies suggest potential risks, including cellular damage and disruption of the endocrine system. Citing research from the University of New Mexico, Dr Berg pointed out that the average human brain contains about seven grams of microplastics, a staggering 50% increase from findings in 2016. What does the research indicate? When it comes to tea bags, Dr Berg recommends steering clear of those containing plastic due to their possible toxic effects. He advocates for "natural tea bags without plastic," echoing findings from the American Chemical Society that revealed plastic teabags can leach billions of tiny particles into your cuppa. Research by scholars at McGill University discovered that a single plastic tea bag might release up to 11.6 billion microplastic and 3.1 billion nanoplastic particles into a mug of tea. While the complete impact of these particles on our health is yet to be fully understood, it's clear that consuming plastic is not conducive to good health. A single plastic tea bag might release up to 11.6 billion microplastic (Image: Willie B. Thomas via Getty Images ) The particles originate from polypropylene, a common material used by numerous manufacturers to seal tea bags. Recent research has found that these microplastics are often present in various food and beverage products, including bottled water, but tea bags have been shown to release quantities thousands of times higher than other sources. Are loose tea leaves better than tea bags? When it comes to the question of whether loose tea leaves are superior to tea bags, there are several factors to consider. Loose leaf tea tends to retain more of its essential oils and nutrients, which could lead to greater antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. It also offers a wider range of flavours and varieties for enthusiasts to explore, including unique regional and herbal blends. Loose leaf tea is generally more environmentally friendly as it bypasses the need for packaging associated with tea bags, which may contain plastic or non-biodegradable elements. Tea bags, on the other hand, provide a quick and convenient method for brewing tea without requiring additional equipment like a teapot or infuser. While premium tea bags might be pricier, they usually represent a more cost-effective option for daily tea consumption. Some brands offer plastic-free tea bags (Image: Getty ) How can you 'detoxify'? Regarding 'detoxification', one suggestion is that "Fasting for at least 18 hours is one of the best ways to induce autophagy." However, fasting isn't appropriate for everyone, and it's important to consult with a doctor before starting any fasting regimen to ensure it's safe for you. He continued: "Plastics and forever chemicals create oxidative stress in the body, which can be countered with strong antioxidant systems. Foods high in sulfur, such as garlic, onions, and cruciferous vegetables, can help strengthen your body's antioxidant networks. NAC and milk thistle are great for detoxification." Ways to minimise microplastics in your system: Use a water filter Eliminate plastic cutting boards Avoid dishwasher pods Switch to biodegradable coffee filters Use sea salt from an ancient seabed Avoid plastic baby bottles Use a stainless steel water bottle Use plastic-free sponges Avoid canned food and liquids Use bamboo toothbrushes Use glass Tupperware Avoid plastic dental floss Use 100% organic cotton tampons Opt for completely biodegradable tea bags that are plastic-free, organic, or made from plant-derived materials. Seek out tea bags marked as "free of epichlorohydrin," a chemical that certain manufacturers employ to boost the bags' strength. Article continues below
Daily Mirror
19-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Doctor shares major signs your body is lacking a crucial mineral
A doctor has shared the symptoms of a deficiency that could lead to "hair loss, low testosterone and low libido." A doctor has shared the signs and symptoms of a mineral deficiency that could lead to "hair loss, low testosterone, or low libido", as well as chronic infections or even your food lacking taste. These signs might suggest a lack of zinc in your system. We depend on a variety of vitamins and minerals, ideally sourced from a balanced diet, to maintain optimal health. A deficiency in these essential nutrients can hinder the body's ability to function effectively. Zinc is an essential nutrient found in a variety of plant and animal foods, as well as supplements. It plays a key role in skin health, immune function, and cell growth and may protect against acne, inflammation, and other conditions. According to the NHS, zinc helps with making new cells and enzymes, processing carbohydrate, fat and protein in food and wound healing. Good sources of zinc include meat, shellfish, dairy foods such as cheese, bread, and cereal products like wheatgerm. The NHS says men aged 19 to 64 need around 9.5mg of zinc a day, while women need around 7mg. It adds that you should be able to get all the zinc you need by eating a varied and balanced diet. Dr Eric Berg DC, author of the bestselling book, The Healthy Keto Plan, specialises in healthy ketosis and intermittent fasting. He detailed the symptoms you might notice if your body is deficient in zinc. The doctor took to his YouTube page, which has a following of 13.5m, to share the information. The YouTube Short was titled "zinc deficiency warning signs." In the clip, he said: "Your body is begging for zinc if you're experiencing hair loss, low testosterone or low libido. If you have a chronic infection or an ulcer or some type of wound that won't heal suspect a zinc deficiency. "If your food is tasting too bland that can also be a zinc deficiency because zinc controls taste and smell." Signs of zinc deficiency According to Healthline, there are a number of signs that could indicate a zinc deficiency. These include: Decreased immunity Thinning hair Impaired taste or smell Dry skin Fertility issues Impaired wound healing Diarrhoea It added: "Zinc deficiency is difficult to detect using laboratory tests due to your body's tight control over zinc levels. Thus, you may still be deficient even if tests indicate normal levels."
Daily Mirror
17-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'Natural sedative' drink can boost sleep and reduce inflammation
Dr Eric Berg has explained why you should drink water with cloves every night and discussed its health benefits A doctor is recommending people drink more of an affordable beverage that can greatly improve health and well-being. The specialist says consuming a glass of water with cloves can offer various advantages for your body. These can include detoxing your liver, aiding in digestion and reducing inflammation, decreasing cravings and helping with better sleep. The drink has also been praised for its antiviral and antibacterial properties. You can usually find whole cloves at any supermarket without any difficulty. Tesco currently has a 30g pack of whole cloves for £1, and Asda's 34g pack is also £1. This means you can whip up a glass of clove water for just a few pennies. Dr Eric Berg DC, author of the bestselling book, The Healthy Keto Plan, specialises in healthy ketosis and intermittent fasting. He detailed the benefits of daily clove water consumption on his TikTok page, which has a following of 2m. Dr Berg says clove water has a number health benefits. At a glance, the expert suggests that daily consumption of clove water could help you get to sleep, help to decrease night time cravings, aid in liver detoxification and digestion while you sleep. Explaining the benefits of the drink, Dr Berg said: "What would happen if you drink clove water every night before you went to bed? Clove is loaded with something called eugenol, which can act as a natural sedative to help you drift off into a wonderful sleep. "Clove also helps you decrease the cravings that you might get late at night, improving your liver detoxification and digestion while you're sleeping. "Clove is an anti inflammatory so you wake up less stiff and can help improve your immune system." How to make clove water Take four or five cloves Put them in a cup of water bring to a boil Take it off boiling and leave to simmer for five minutes (cover it to contain vapours) Leave to cool for one hour - this can be in the fridge but it up to personal preference Optional extra: add half a teaspoon of honey to sweeten it up
Irish Daily Mirror
17-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
Anyone who wakes up between 2-3am urged to see doctor for important reason
A health guru has sounded the alarm for those who find themselves waking up between 2-3am - suggesting it's time to see a GP as it might indicate an underlying health issue. Dr Eric Berg DC, who has a whopping 13 million followers on his YouTube channel, issued the warning in his video titled: "This Was DESTROYING My Life". Dr Berg, a proponent of healthy ketosis and intermittent fasting, penned the popular The Healthy Keto Plan and runs Dr Berg Nutritionals. He's hung up his practitioner hat to dedicate himself to educating people on wellness via social media. According to the expert, if you're tossing and turning at 2am, your cortisol levels could be out of control. Cortisol, the body's stress-response hormone, should be hitting its lowest levels around that time, but for some, it's peaking instead, leading to disrupted sleep. He recommends that people get checked by a doctor if they have low levels of magnesium, as a deficiency can cause issues with cortisol and sleep. Sharing his own health battle with poor sleep, he said: "How do you go back to sleep if for some reason you wake up between 2-3am in the middle of the night? "I would consider myself an expert in insomnia because I had this for over a decade and it was destroying my life. It was not just getting up at 2-3am in the morning, sometimes I wouldn't even sleep for one minute the entire night, I would lay there. It was basically torture. "What's unique about 2am is something called the circadian rhythm with cortisol. Cortisol should be at the lowest point in this rhythm at 2am and the highest point at 8am. For me everything was backwards I was very awake at 2am, but I was extremely tired at 8am in the morning. "I tried everything, I even tried prescription medications, it didn't work. In fact what I didn't know at the time was those medications actually worsen and raise your cortisol." Poor sleep can lead to a host of health issues including cardiac problems, dementia, and diabetes. Sharing some tips on how to tackle high cortisol levels, Dr Berg remarked: "One big one is magnesium. Magnesium has the ability to lower cortisol and your cortisol can actually go up if you're deficient in magnesium." Studies suggest that magnesium may be effective in reducing cortisol levels. Being deficient in magnesium can cause an increase in cortisol levels, which is the primary stress hormone in the body. Lack of magnesium can exacerbate your stress response, yet scientific findings are somewhat varied and more research is necessary for a conclusive understanding of these effects. Magnesium is often depleted during stress, making it difficult to handle stress efficiently. Crucial in muscle relaxation, magnesium's function can be hindered by excessive cortisol. The regulation of the nervous system by magnesium aids in a more composed reaction to stress. If you're feeling anxious or irritable, it might be down to low magnesium levels which can cause cortisol to spike, according to studies. Dr Berg has some advice for those experiencing muscle tightness or cramps: "If you're watching right now and you have any tightness in your muscles - your upper back, lower back or if you point your toe and it cramps - that's a sure sign that you are deficient in magnesium. The type of magnesium that I would recommend taking is something called magnesium glycinate. It can help relax your muscles and reduce cortisol." He also suggests the best time to take this supplement: "You want to take it at night before you go to bed. Towards the later part of the morning, right around 6am, is when you have the least amount of magnesium in your tissues, this is also probably why a lot of health problems occur in the early morning - like heart attacks, stroke restless leg syndrome, because a lot of these things are influenced by magnesium." Dr Berg also points out another symptom to watch for: "One last indication of magnesium deficiency is twitching, so if you're getting this twitch underneath your eye or your arm that's a sure sign that you are deficient in magnesium. Magnesium controls calcium and when you don't have enough magnesium you get more calcium and the calcium just causes cramping in different areas of the body." Magnesium is a vital mineral that aids in metabolism, energy utilisation, muscle function, and protein usage. Although it's rare to have a magnesium deficiency, it can occur in individuals who struggle to absorb magnesium due to factors such as surgery, severe burns, malabsorption issues, certain medications, or low calcium levels in the blood. Foods rich in magnesium include: Low magnesium levels can result in sleep problems, including insomnia and various sleep disruptions. This essential mineral plays a crucial role in managing the body's biochemical processes and circadian rhythms, helping you fall asleep and maintain restful sleep. Magnesium promotes relaxation by inhibiting certain neurotransmitters that activate the body while boosting those that have a calming effect. Those with digestive diseases, diabetes, alcohol dependence, and older adults are most at risk of magnesium deficiency. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency can include low mood, fatigue, headaches, constipation, heart palpitations, numbness, anxiety, irritability, nausea, weakness, twitching, cramping, or cardiac arrhythmia. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should consult your doctor. Taking magnesium supplements may alleviate symptoms of insomnia. Research indicates that magnesium glycinate can help reduce anxiety, insomnia, and stress, while magnesium chloride may calm the nervous system. Studies suggest that magnesium supplements could decrease the time it takes to fall asleep, improve sleep quality, and reduce symptoms of insomnia, particularly in older adults with low magnesium levels. If you've been diagnosed with a magnesium deficiency, consult your doctor about taking magnesium supplements. If you frequently experience poor sleep, inform your GP as soon as possible to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Dr Berg added: "Low blood sugar can increase cortisol and cause you to wake up at night. If your diet is high in carbs, your blood sugar may decrease while sleeping, and your body will increase cortisol levels to normalize your blood sugar. "If you're waking up at 2am, evaluate what you ate the day before. Refined starches, MSG, alcohol, snacking, and eating late can disturb sleep. Salt cravings can signify a sodium deficiency. Sodium helps lower cortisol, so add more sea salt to your meals throughout the day if you're having salt cravings." Here are a few additional sleep tips to help improve your sleep at night: The health guru highlighted: "The liver detoxifies the body between 1am and 3am. Night waking during this time frame could signify a problem with the liver. Milk thistle before bed can help. "Restless legs syndrome can be related to a B1 or magnesium deficiency. Lower your carb intake and increase your consumption of these nutrients. A high pulse rate could signify a potassium deficiency, which can also interfere with sleep. Apple cider vinegar before bed can help stabilise blood sugar for better sleep, but make sure it's diluted."
