
34 Practical Products For Spring That Will Make Any Thirtysomething Go 'Yep, I Need One Of Those'
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
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This "cashmere" shave oil is about to be the MVP of your shower.
1. Olay Super Serum Body Wash that will make anyone with dry or dull cold weather skin REJOICE — this is packed with niacinamide, shea butter, and collagen peptides for 24-hour hydration that will make you feel as ~luminous~ as the spring sunshine. (Psst — this is the body wash version of their TikTok-famous, super effective facial Super Serum, so you KNOW they mean business.)
www.instagram.com, Amazon
Check out a TikTok of the Olay Super Serum Body Wash in action.
Promising review:"I recently tried the Olay Super Serum Body Wash, and I am absolutely in love with it! The formula is incredibly hydrating, leaving my skin feeling soft and smooth after every use. It lathers beautifully and has a lovely, light fragrance that isn't overpowering. After just a few uses, I noticed my skin looked more radiant and felt deeply moisturized. The addition of serums in the body wash is a game changer. My skin feels nourished, and I no longer need to apply lotion right after showering. Highly recommend this to anyone looking for a luxurious, skin-loving body wash!" — Darina
Get it from Amazon for $12.97.
2. And Olay Super Cream with Sunscreen SPF 30, a luxury moisturizer (and another iteration of the iconic facial Super Serum!) engineered with niacinamide and collagen not just to protect your skin from the sun, but to help reduce dark spots and fine lines. This ultra-hydrating, lightweight cream also plays well with makeup and doesn't leave any kind of white cast.
Note that the AAD recommends using at least SPF 30 and reapplying as needed for skin protection. You can read about sunscreen myths and facts from dermatologists for more information!
Promising review: "Super nourishing. I have extremely sensitive skin and this helps with protection from every day friction and irritation from elements like wind burns. Will be repurchasing." — Tricia D.
Get it from Amazon for $34.94.
3. Eos' Cashmere Skin Collection Shave Oil — yes, that's right, the astronomically TikTok-famous Eos "cashmere" body lotion now comes in shave oil form, just in time for potential spring shaving shenanigans. Reviewers are notably impressed by how close of a shave they can get with this, particularly in sensitive areas, helping spare you from razor burn and ingrown hairs.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I am absolutely loving this serum! I t creates the smoothest shave I've ever had, leaving my skin feeling incredibly soft and hydrated. The serum glides on easily, providing a close shave without any irritation or nicks. My razor moves effortlessly, and I'm impressed by how nourished my skin feels afterward. The light, refreshing scent is an added bonus! It's a must-have for anyone looking to upgrade their shaving routine and enjoy a comfortable, irritation-free experience. Highly recommend!" — Shay
Get it from Amazon for $7.97 (available in three scents).
4. Ocusoft's Original Foaming Eyelid Cleanser that reviewers with dry, itchy, and allergy-prone eyes swear by. This mild, non-irritating wash removes oil, pollen, and eye makeup to not only cleanse your eyes, but soothe and refresh eyelid discomfort.
Promising review: "Genius! I moved to a new part of California and my eyes kept watering. I tried allergy meds, but they didn't help much. Finally someone mentioned Ocusoft and I figured it couldn't hurt. What a difference! Ocusoft twice a day and keeping my eyeglasses spotless has totally solved the problem. All those tiny pollen spores that were stuck in places that irritated my eyes are gone. Really worth a try if you find your eyes are irritated seasonally." — Lindley Karstens
Get it from Amazon for $9.11.
Psst — if your allergies are bad bad bad and you want to go turbo on eye relief, Ocusoft also has allergy-relief eye scrub pads!).
5. And Pataday's Once Daily Relief Extra Strength Relief Eye Drops for anyone whose eye situation come allergy season can be summed up with 👀. These antihistamine drops are designed to provide 24 hour relief from pollen, pet dander, grass, and ragweed with just one drop in each eye.
www.amazon.com
Learn more about different kinds of eye drops and what they can do at Cleveland Clinic. Note that eye drops can potentially mask symptoms of eye conditions, so you should talk to your eye doctor about what's right for you.
Promising review:"Allergy season keeps getting worse every dang year. This one was off the charts bad! Like 'doctor write me a prescription before I claw my eyes out' bad. No prescription eye drop worked for me. Eventually my doctor gave me a week of steroids just to mute the swelling of my eye tissue, which frequently had me awaken to my eyes swelled shut. Unbelievable! This product, though? Wow. It's the antihistamine ingredient that really works. Regular allergy eye drops don't cut it. Prescription eye drops don't either. This one does. Seriously." — Victoria
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $22.90.
6. Londontown "Nail Veil" Protectant, which is designed not only to protect your nails, but to act as a sheer tint to enhance their natural look. It's basically "no makeup makeup," but for your fingernails.
Londontown is a small business that specializes in nail care products.
Promising review: "This nail veil is so pretty and perfect for a simple, bare nail look! It applies very smoothly, and one to two coats work well. With a top coat, it lasts almost perfectly for about five days, but chips are not very noticeable, so you can easily wear it for longer! I also feel confident in this brand's use of healthier, higher-quality ingredients, which makes it well worth the extra cost. My nails aren't left damaged by this product, and it has become my go-to when I don't have the time for a full-color look but still want my nails to look polished and pretty!" — Sofia K
Get it from Amazon for $17 (available in nine shades).
7. Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum, aka humidity's WORST ENEMY 😈. This super lightweight argan oil solution is designed for all hair types to help manage frizz and define waves and curls without weighing them down, and will be the MVP in your hair arsenal in the warmer temps.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I've struggled with frizzy hair for years, but this has been a game-changer for me. A few drops of this lightweight serum applied to damp hair before styling tames frizz instantly, leaving my hair smooth, shiny, and incredibly manageable. The argan oil infusion adds a touch of nourishment and helps to prevent future frizz. I'm so happy I finally found a product that actually works to control my unruly hair!" — Kleo
Get it from Amazon for $6.97 (also available in larger sizes and multipacks).
8. An affordable, Lululemon-esque longline sports bra so comfy, supportive, and versatile that reviewers love it both for outdoor workouts, gym use, *and* errand running. This is designed be supportive without being too compressive, with lightweight fabric that keeps you breezy in the heat.
Promising review:"LOVE. It is super comfortable to wear and is great for supporting my chest when I go on a run. Doesn't collect sweat, very nice and cool material for hotter environments. I have it is so many colors because I love them so much. HIGHLY recommend!" — Cheyenne
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–XXL and 29 colors).
9. And a charming and oh-so-comfortable tennis skirt with built-in shorts — reviewers *also* compare the buttery soft quality to Lululemon's Align version, and love the secret inner pocket on the shorts for stashing keys and tennis balls.
Promising review: "I wear this going on walks or elevating an outfit to run errands. The side pocket is perfect to fit my phone or wallet. Very comfortable, especially in the spring/summer! Packs well for trips. It's a staple in my closet. Great quality for the price." — Jamie
Get it from Amazon for $27 (available in women's sizes XS–XXL and 20 colors).
10. A three-pack of vintage-inspired polarized sunglasses for anyone who needs to stock up on a few "these look like Ray-Bans, but I won't cry into my Baja Blast if I accidentally leave them in the Taco Bell parking lot" pairs this year. These are especially handy because you can match the subtle prints to whatever 'fit you're wearing!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I've been buying these for years. They replaced my Ray-Bans that look identical! Fit great and with the price point I don't have to worry too much with my kids and being on the go!" — Jessica M
Get a pack of three from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in 16 sets, as well as two-packs and individual pairs).
11. Tree Hut's iconic Moroccan Rose Whipped Shea Body Butter, aka *the* way to keep your skin hydrated, glowy, and nourished while also smelling like you stepped out of a garden in an early era Taylor Swift music video.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"This product is amazing. It moisturizes the skin without feeling sticky or too thick. Also, the fragrance lasts for hours." — Megan
Get it from Amazon for $7.94.
12. A bottle of callus-removing gel so effective at sloughing off dead, hardened skin that one reviewer described it as, " Horrifically satisfying." It's also super easy — you presoak your feet, apply for five minutes, and rub a pumice stone or foot file on the calluses and corns to watch them effortlessly slide off.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
You can grab a pumice stone or foot file on Amazon!
Promising review:"Best foot callus remover I have ever used! I read a lot of the reviews before purchasing this product. Most callus removers I have purchased in the past were not very effective. So, I was encouraged by the reviews. I saw that a lot of reviewers mentioned being very careful not to leave it on longer than three or four minutes. My feet were the softest they had ever been. Love love love." — Cheri whisker
Get it from Amazon for $8.49 (also available in an extra strength version).
13. A cheerful, ridiculously roomy corduroy tote bag that you'll want in every pattern this spring. This lightweight number is strong enough to handle your groceries but also adorable enough to demand that you stick a little Trader Joe's bouquet in them to peek out the side. Also ... it has an inner POCKET.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I love this bag. It holds everything. I even used it as my extra allowed personal item on the plane, and I had all I needed tucked right in this bag. Even my water bottle and reading materials fit well. It's got cute style. It's easy to locate in the house because of its bright colors. Washes up fantastically. The snaps work great, so things do not easily spill out. The inside pockets are perfect for phone and small wallet and provide easy access to them." — L.
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 40 styles).
14. A hybrid berry basket and colander designed not just to make cleaning your fruit way easier, but to keep your fruit fresh for as long as possible, so you can snack on your farmers market haul without racing the clock.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "My blueberries stay fresh and crisp in this container, rather than the familiar fate of becoming soggy and moldy! I love how I can wash the berries in the strainer, pop it into the basket, and then look forward to the BEST blueberries EVER!!!!!" — Anonymous
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
15. A set of Bala Bangle-inspired wrist and ankle weights to get your ~fitness~ on this spring — these serve all the same cuteness and function without the $55 price tag. Not to mention this has a TON more colors available to match your 'fits.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
These are ultra adjustable thanks to a strong velcro and the ability to add and remove some of the weights to tailor it to your workout!
Promising review: "I love these! So great for yoga or mat Pilates. I like that they are 2 pounds each, which is the perfect weight, and you can even take off weight as well. I use them every week for my workouts. Very durable band as well!" — Robyn
Get a pair from Amazon for $22.79+ (available in two sizes and 14 colors).
16. Oxo's compact Cold Brew Rapid Brewer to make cold brew in FIVE MINUTES (!!) instead of overnight, like competing pitchers. Not only is it faster than comparable models, but it's cheaper, entirely portable, and doesn't need to be charged or plugged in. 🤯 You're going to be swimming in a RIVER of delicious, affordable cold brew with this gizmo.
Amazon
You can use this to brew hot coffee *and* cold brew by adding coffee grounds to the top portion, tamping it down, letting it steep, and pumping into a carafe full of hot or cold water.
Promising review: "Simple to use and cheaper than that other brand. This is about the best tasting coffee I have ever made at home. Easy to clean. Sturdy. Portable." — Alex Bonick
Get it from Amazon for $39.99.
17. An "Exfoliate & Glow" premium scrub mitt for sloughing off all the dead skin from winter (one reviewer saw all the dead skin left in their shower floor and dubbed themselves a " Lizard Person" after shedding it). This is great for helping even out skin texture and tone, preventing ingrown hairs, calming keratosis pilaris, and removing self-tanner, too!
Seraphic Skincare is a small business that specializes in brushes, razors, and other personal care products.
Head's up that you should start very gently, and that you really only need to use it two to four times a month to get good results without over-exfoliating and compromising your skin barrier.
Promising review:"Not to be gross, but when I lightly use this on my dry skin, I can see the dry skin cells flying off! Great for cellular turnover. I use it on dry skin before showering and finish after showering with good moisturizing oil. Makes my legs feel soft and smooth. Don't run too hard! Gentle strokes." — Juliet
"Color me converted. It's so disgusting that you want to look away, but morbid curiosity keeps making you turn back. That's really a 'you' creature in the bottom of the tub. You really sloughed off a second skin like a Lizard Person and have now emerged a new person. One that will no longer trust brand-name products because they are a lie. Seriously. Buy this. You don't even know you need it, but you do. You really, really do." — Mandi Konesni
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (also available in a set of two).
18.
Naked Sundays SPF 50+ Hydrating Glow Mist infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid that heard a little voice in the dark ask, "What if my setting spray had SPF and combined two steps in one??" and said, "Bet." This is designed to spray as a hydrating fine mist that *won't* leave you oily, and will keep your makeup perfectly intact. Take that, spring sun rays!
Note that the AAD recommends using at least SPF 30 and reapplying as needed for skin protection. You can read about sunscreen myths and facts from dermatologists for more information!
Promising review: "I have always struggled with oily skin. I've finally gotten my oil under control thanks to my current skincare routine, but SPF remained a challenge. Nearly everything I tried left me shiny or quickly got greasy during the day. This SPF spray is a super fine mist that almost feels like nothing is spraying on my face. It doesn't leave behind anything shiny, which is unheard of for a SPF 50 spray. I personally love the smell however, some may find it a bit too much for their liking." — Stephanie Hushcha
Get it from Amazon for $22.99.
19. An oversize button-down shirt that is about to become the MVP of your entire closet (that is, if it ever makes it off your body in the first place). This breezy but sophisticated layer pairs perfectly with an elevated or casual look on those "too hot for a sweater, too chilly to risk it" kind of days.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Big Dart is a small business that specializes in fashion-forward button-down shirts.
Promising review: "I am randomly and surprisingly obsessed with this shirt! I didn't expect it to fit or feel good because it's from Amazon. But this shirt is truly fantastic. The oversized style is just right, so even if you buy your size, you're not swimming in it. The fabric is very lightweight with a crisp hand but still feels great on your skin. And it's also not see-through like most white shirts. It's a great shirt on its own or as a light coverup. Can't recommend it enough. I love it so much I just bought the brown version!" — Amanda
Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in women's sizes S–XXL and 22 styles).
20. A compact windproof travel umbrella with one of those fancy buttons that makes it fan out on command. This is affordable enough that you will kiss your past self for buying a few to slip into bags and glove compartments. And it comes in enough patterns that you'll be dodging rain clouds *and* compliments.
Promising review: "This umbrella is a 10/10. It's very sturdy and great for the price. I used it all day walking around campus with heavy rains and very strong winds it did the job!! I definitely recommend this umbrella better than some higher end ones." — Kaelynjones
Get it from Amazon for $9.85.
21. SeoulCeuticals 97.5% Snail Mucin Moisturizer Cream, a reviewer-beloved skin barrier-repairing K-beauty staple that is making an enemy out of dry, irritated, and acne-prone skin with every application. This multifunctional moisturizer has a slightly higher concentration of snail mucin than most competing products, giving it extra repairing strength to help firm, brighten, and hydrate skin.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I have really dry skin in the fall and spring. I applied this for three consecutive nights and my flaky cheeks and scaly nose were no longer flaky and scaly. It felt more supple and soft too. It doesn't really have a strong scent, but what's there is unique. Not unpleasant, but different." — Sarah Birdsong
Get it from Amazon for $20+ (available in two sizes).
22. A crochet succulent car air freshener holder that will not only keep your car smelling fresh, but will be an adorable little buddy to keep you company on long commutes. Note — this includes a glass bottle to hold essential oils, but not the oils themselves, so you can pick your favorite!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
You can grab a sampler of essential oils for under $10 on Amazon — or take the advice of a reviewer who emptied Air Wick refills into the little glass canister!
Promising review: "This is adorable. I love the colors and how soft it is. I put some essential oils in mine but love how I could replace it with a little keepsake or something. Absolutely love this little thing!" — Justinn Casey Dark
Get it from Amazon for $13.59 (available in five ridiculously adorable styles).
23. An oh-so-charming patio bistro set so the next time you sip sweet tea while sharing spilled tea, you can do it out on the porch in the sunshine.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This set was just what I needed to add a pop of color to my porch. It seems sturdy and tolerant of extreme weather conditions. My friends and neighbors love the bright yellow." — Judith J.
Get the set from Amazon for $109.99 (available in four colors).
24. And an easy-to-install padded hammock chair to lovingly swaddle you on the porch for all your springtime sunshine naps, so you can finally be as cozy and content as all the neighborhood cats.
Promising review: "I have this hung in my front yard to sit back and relax. It's large and easy to use. The fabric is well made and thick and easy to assemble. I love to lay back in it and it cradles you while you relax." — arabie102408
Get it from Amazon for $47.98+ (available in two sizes and seven colors).
25. A beautifully packaged, spring-friendly Touchland Power Mist hydrating hand sanitizer for anyone who's like "mindfully practicing health and safety, but make it fashion." Unlike other sanitizer sprays, it's infused with niacinamide to keep your skin hydrated, and has the most luxurious floral scents.
Amazon
Touchland is a small business that specializes in hand sanitizers.
Check out a TikTok of Touchland in action.
Promising review:"Touchland's hand sanitizers are absolutely beautiful! Not only is the packaging functional for travel, but it's pretty! Absolutely no issues with the product or the design of the packaging leaking, and it's extremely easy to use! No sticky residue, and your hands feel completely hydrated and soft after each use. I'm especially impressed with this perk, considering most hand sanitizers leave your skin feel tight and dry. No leaks, great hydration, phenomenal fragrance…. what's not to LOVE!!!? 🤍 SPOIL YOURSELF, NO EXCUSES NECESSARY!" — Briana R.
Get it from Amazon for $16 (available in Lily of the Valley and Rose scents; check out Touchland's Amazon storefront for more options).
26. A quick-dry anti-chafing "Fresh Breasts" lotion formulated with tapioca starch, oatmeal, and glycerin to help absorb wetness like *snaps fingers* THAT, and prevent chafing, aching, rashes, and soreness in your poor, unsuspecting underboob region as the temps start to rise again.
Fresh Body is a small business that specializes in personal care products.
Promising review:"This stuff is amazing. I am a sweaty person. Apparently, I have no thermostat because randomly, I will just start sweating, and it's a lot. Well, I ended up with yeast under my breasts, and it gets red and sore. After you shower, dry off real well and apply this cream (a little dab will do ya) under your breasts and say goodbye to the inflammation and soreness. I also use in down there region too. I will be buying this forever." — Deb Warwick
Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in different pack sizes).
27. A cooling ice mask set for some real "mix and match" allergy and cold relief this spring season when all your sinuses, lymph nodes, and miscellaneous inflamed/achey bits are competing for your attention at once.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review: "I love this kit! The packs cool quickly even in our mini fridge at work. They stay cold much longer than needed and are just the right size. I look a little freaky wearing it, but it does the job well and makes it easy to travel if you have to for work or need to be icing throughout the day." — Cynthia W.
Get it from Amazon for $19.99.
28. An oh-so-classic pair of slip-on pointed toe ballet flats reviewers *love* as a cheaper alternative to the beloved Vivaia and Rothy's version, especially since these are also designed for all-day wear without any painful break-in periods.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"They are SO comfortable and breathable, and my poor footsies are ruined from wearing heels everyday when I was younger. These look fabulous and feel great. What a great find! I'm gonna have to buy them in another color now." — JeGo
Get it from Amazon for $28.04+ (available in women's sizes 6–10 and 14 styles).
29. Plus a set of washable Flat Socks, aka the ultimate no-show socks hack for springtime flats and sneakers — you can install these soft, odor-preventing liners into the bottom of your shoe, and the moisture-wicking material will keep your feet from rivaling the swamp Shrek lives in.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "What a cool product! I found these on a 'got to have' list off Facebook. I throw shoes out because of the smell rather than wearing them out as I hate wearing socks. Bare feet all the time in shoes is not a winner. These are great at preventing stinky shoes — trim to size and just toss in the washer when needed! I will be buying several additional pairs!" — Amy
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in two sizes and three styles).
30. Aaaand a blister-preventing foot balm that basically magics an extra layer between your skin and your shoe, so you can break in and wear your favorite spring flats, heels, and sandals without worrying about getting big ole blisters on your feet.
Amazon
BodyGlide is a small business that specializes in chafe-preventing personal care products.
Promising review:"I was so excited to get a new pair of my favorite brand of summer sandals but the first time I wore them they ripped up my heels. Since they were not returnable and I wasn't about to trash them, I was desperate and gave this balm a try. It worked beautifully! I applied the balm liberally to each of my heels when I put my shoes on and the back of my foot/heels were protected all day long! I can't say enough positive things about this product." — Guerra-Diaz
Get it from Amazon for $8.99.
32. A facial steamer that's basically as close as you can get to bringing a mini hot spring right into your home. This uses a specialized nano-ionic steam to loosen congestion and gently penetrate the skin, giving you nasal relief *and* the kind of glowy refresh you'd get at a spa for a FRACTION of the price.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
This also comes with a stainless steel tool kit for skin extractions, but be sure to use those only if you've been properly educated on them to avoid damaging your skin!
Promising review: "I absolutely love this product. I purchased it when I was congested because I wanted to use steam to break up congestion. This steamer felt amazing. It definitely helped with my congestion and it opened up my pores too. I used the skin tool kit and that worked great as well. I love that this comes with so many settings including a humidifier and towel warmer as well. This was an absolute game changer for me and I highly recommend it." — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $32.95 (available in teal or silver).
33. A set of homeopathic jet-lag pills for anyone about to go on a bunch of spring trips and wants to show all time zones and weary post-travel limbs who's boss. This doesn't have any side effects and won't mess with your *actual* attempts to sleep, but may help you feel more refreshed after long flights or (sighs deeply) red-eyes.
www.amazon.com
According to the instructions, you should take them at take off and then every two hours and then again once you arrive to help with relaxation and combat sleepiness.
Promising review:"I heard about this product from my cousin who used it for a trip to Japan and it was very effective. I used it for a trip to Washington, DC, that had a number of stops and delays — total of 15 hours to get to my destination. I was comfortable upon arrival. The next morning I was ready for a work day." — ELEANORE
Get a pack of 32 pills from Amazon for $16.99.
34. An itty-bitty ~floating~ hydroponics plant terrarium you can either use as a soil-free propagator for plants like mint and dill before you transfer them, or as teensy flower vases for little buds.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This is the cutest planter. I have a pothos that just is thriving, so I got these to repot some of it. The picture was when I first set it up and now they're roots have completely taken over the little bottles. Th at window gets sun all day and they cast light all through the room through the bottles." — Dee Danford
Get it from Amazon for $16.98.
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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- Yahoo
Psyllium husk is being touted as ‘nature's Ozempic' – here's what experts say
As Ozempic and similar GLP-1s have transformed the world of weight loss, health companies and influencers have been scrambling to find 'nature's Ozempic' – cheaper, non-prescription products they claim can help with weight loss. The latest buzzy supplement? Psyllium husk. 'Psyllium husk has become popular thanks to a wave of social media influencers and wellness personalities touting its ability to suppress appetite, regulate digestion and even mimic the effects of more costly medications,' says Lena Beal, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. But comparing it to Ozempic is 'oversimplified and misleading', she warns. On TikTok, more than 12,500 videos boast the psyllium husk tag. But this substance is not new; it has long been popular in India and across south Asia. Is psyllium husk a miracle weight-loss substance? No. But there are benefits, experts say. The outer covering of any seed is called a husk. Psyllium husk comes from the seed of Plantago ovata plants, a type of shrub that grows in sandy deserts and steppes. In the US, 'it is best known as the active ingredient in over-the-counter laxatives like Metamucil', says Beal. Psyllium husk can be consumed in pill or powder form. It can also be consumed whole, when is resembles tiny wood shavings. When combined with water, it creates a gloopy, gel-like substance. That gloopiness may not sound appealing, but it's part of what makes the product useful. Psyllium husk is a good source of soluble fiber, explains Katherine Zeratsky, a registered dietitian at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. Soluble fiber – unlike insoluble fiber, which remains unchanged during digestion – attracts water during digestion and turns into a gel. This gel can soften stools and add bulk to them, which helps in the management of constipation and diarrhea, says Julia Zumpano, a registered dietitian with the Cleveland Clinic Center for Human Nutrition. Related: What is okra water and is it good for your health? Additionally, Zumpano says, this gel can bind with the bile in your gut, which is composed of cholesterol, and remove it with the body's waste, thus reducing the amount of cholesterol in your body. Beal points to a 2018 meta-analysis in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition which found 10-15g of psyllium husk a day significantly reduced LDL (or 'bad' cholesterol) and total cholesterol in 'healthy individuals and those with high cholesterol'. By slowing the rate of glucose in the bloodstream, it can also help in blood sugar management, says Zumpano. Psyllium husk can also increase one's overall consumption of fiber, a significant benefit given that only 5% of people in the US and 9% of adults in the UK eat the recommended amount of 25-30g of fiber a day. Psyllium husk provides about 7g of fiber per tablespoon. Eating fiber in any form has many benefits, says Zumpano, including 'slowing down digestion and increasing satiety, which are both benefits of weight-loss drugs'. (She is careful to add that fiber does not accomplish either of these outcomes to the extent GLP-1s can.) When increasing your fiber intake, start slowly and adjust as necessary, says Zeratsky. She suggests starting with a powder form, which gives you control of the amount. Experts emphasize that it's extremely important to consume psyllium husk with enough water: roughly 500ml of water per 20g of fiber. Because psyllium husk expands quickly with liquid, without an adequate amount of water, it can become a choking hazard and potentially lead to gastrointestinal obstruction, says Beal. This also means it may not be ideal for everyone. 'People with swallowing difficulties, bowel strictures or severe gastrointestinal conditions like Crohn's disease should consult a healthcare provider before using psyllium,' says Beal. Fiber and psyllium can also potentially interact with certain medications, warns Zeratsky, so consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking it. Also, thinking of it as 'nature's Ozempic' comes with its own risks, experts say. Overconsumption can lead to digestive discomfort, she warns, adding that people may overly rely on a single ingredient instead of a 'holistic lifestyle change'. If psyllium husk isn't your thing, there are plenty of other foods that offer similar benefits, says Zeratsky. 'Fruits, vegetables, beans and other legumes, and whole grains, particularly oats, barley and quinoa, all contain soluble fiber' and a variety of other beneficial nutrients, she says.


New York Post
8 hours ago
- New York Post
Entitled mom expected play center to staff to clean up her child's vomit: Is this a normal experience?
No one warns you that stepping foot into a play center during winter is like entering the Hunger Games… but with a lot more snot (we're talking code green). When Melbourne mom, Emily, took her 18-month-old daughter for a play date at her local play center she got much more than she bargained for. 'My friend's daughter vomited in the soft play area over foam mats. She immediately cleaned up the vomit with baby wipes,' Emily shared with Kidspot. However, baby wipes can only fight so many battles. Which is why Emily's friend decided to notify staff. 'They were unable to clean it themselves due to OH&S' 3 TikTok User LifeOfEmily94 took to TikTok to share her fellow mother's experience. 'We expected that staff would have gone to put some signage up to avoid the area, and disinfect the area. Instead, the staff tried to give her (Emily's friend) water, paper towel and an unknown spray and told her she had to clean it up herself,' the mother recounted. Emily said her friend told staff that she would clean it after changing her daughter out of the soiled clothing. 'They insisted that it needed to be cleaned then and there and that they were unable to clean it themselves due to OHS,' Emily explained. 'Due to their persistence, I volunteered to clean it while my friend was cleaning up her daughter in the change room.' The mother cleaned up the mess and let the workers know when she was done. 'I told the staff that I had wiped it, but that it needed further cleaning. It was reiterated to me that staff could not clean it up,' Emily shared. 'The staff were notified that the child had peanut butter for breakfast as we exited. I am unsure if this prompted them to do a thorough clean.' Taking to TikTok the mum retold the story to determine if the process was normal for play centre businesses. 'Is this a normal play center experience?' she wrote on the video. Commenters were quick to chime in with their opinions. 'Honestly play centers just harbor bacteria. I avoid them. We end up sick every time we go to one. It's all young people working,' one parent wrote. 'That is disgusting and a hazard! I would not be going back there,' a second criticized. A third added: 'If you want your kids dosed up on hand, foot and mouth, take them to a play centre.' 'My intention is not to shame the play centre' The incident has left Emily questioning if she'll return to a play center in the future. 3 The staff told the mom multiple times that they could not clean the vomit themselves due to OH&S. retbool – 'It's made me concerned about the spread of germs, especially as we are now in winter. I definitely won't be attending any play centre that does not have an appropriate response to cleaning up bodily fluids,' Emily said. The mother wanted to ensure her video educated parents, without causing damage to the business' image. 'My intention is not to shame the play centre, but to bring awareness to other parents that play centres may not be as sanitary as we thought,' Emily explained. The owner provided a statement after Kidspot reached out for comment: 'I was actually here that day. I have instructed my staff not to clean vomit as I will not allow them to get sick should it be a virus. My staff come first. The mum did clean and her girlfriend came to the counter. She was given gloves, sanitiser spray and paper towel. The mum left straight after. My staff went and sprayed Glen 20 on the affected area (which wasn't left wet) and we sanitised the whole centre when we closed. We do have in our rules that we request sick children not to attend our centre. We are the cleanest centre around and take sanitising very seriously. Not sure how they could say we didn't do anything re signage etc when they left straight away. I also will not leave a sign in the middle of the play area for a child to hurt themselves on or throw around. No other parent has ever complained about cleaning up 'their' child's vomit and have never expected us to clean up for them.' While the mother didn't name the business, Bumblebeez Indoor Playcentre & Café at Werribee came forward to clarify their policy in a post on their Facebook page: 'Our policy is that we do not clean your child's vomit. I will not allow my staff to clean it incase your child is unwell, I do not want my staff members or their families to get sick… especially whilst we are short staffed atm (at the moment). Parents are given a cloth, disinfectant, paper towel, gloves and a bag. We will then spray the area with Glen 20 and do a deep sanitisation that night. Please note all floors and equipment is wiped down nightly for hygiene purposes. What are your thoughts???' 3 The mother claims that her intention is not to 'shame the play center.' Better Health Victoria advises that when handling spills of body fluids it's crucial to adhere to infection control procedures. Isolation of the area, wearing protective gear, using disposable paper towels or a chlorine-releasing agent to absorb the fluid, cleaning with a bleach solution followed by hot water and detergent are all advised. It's also recommended that the area is thoroughly dried, waster is disposed of correctly and hand hygiene is maintained. Contaminated clothing should be rinsed in cold water, soaked in bleach, and washed separately in hot water.