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12 Reasons Women Are Attracted More To Introverts

July 6, 2019 by Power of Positivity

It’s not a bad thing to be an introvert. If you’re a man reading that, chances are that women prefer you over extroverted men. The reasons for this are many. In general, introverts are observant, self-aware, deep thinkers, focused, low maintenance, trustworthy, appreciate genuine relationships, spend time with fewer people, make good listeners and more.

It’s no surprise women find these traits highly attractive, but let’s explore why women love these traits in men. If you’re an extrovert, don’t feel bad. However, you might want to try to develop these traits as well. It’s not about “getting the woman.” Rather, it’s about self-growth and offering something of quality to have an amazing relationship with an equally amazing woman.

12 Reasons Women Are Attracted More To Introverts

1. Safety

Introverts are less likely to be risky because they’re not so concerned with showing off for others. Extroverts feed off of interaction and attention. This means they’re constantly doing something to stand out and get a reaction while in the company of others. Safety is important for many people. Many women want a man who can be safe because this ensures that he doesn’t get hurt or die, and it keeps a woman from injury and fatality as well. If you want to have a quality life, safety needs to be at the forefront of anything you do.

2. Honesty

An introverted man has several qualities that make him more likely to be honest. Being self-aware, understanding personal strengths and weaknesses, not needing to impress others, appreciating quality relationships and other qualities make introverts honest. They’re honest about what they do, what they think about, how they feel, and they give honest feedback. For a mature woman, it’s important to receive honest feedback. A boyfriend or husband isn’t just about romance. A woman needs a best friend too. Best friends should be able to be honest with each other because it’s one of the most loving things they could do for each other.

3. Good Listening Skills

It’s a sad reality that there are several partners who fail to truly listen. It can happen for many reasons: self-absorption, not valuing what their partner is going through, boredom or not taking their partner serious enough. Whatever the reason, it’s a huge problem for relationships. Introverts tend to be better listeners. They don’t just listen to what’s being said, they think about what’s being said and lend valuable responses in return. They paraphrase what’s being said so that the person talking feels listened to and understood. It’s fruitless to enter a relationship that won’t last. Poor listening skills will kill a relationship quickly.

4. Seriousness

While you want to be able to laugh with your partner, you also need one who can be serious to an extent. Introverts tend to think more seriously about life in regards to responsibilities, achieving goals and building a family. This quality spills over into many other things women might like in a man, such as stability, financial security, being a good father, handling tough situations and being reliable. Many women need a partner they can build a life with. It’s difficult to make progress with someone who is not serious about life.

5. Communication

We touched on good listening skills, which is an aspect of communication. However, it’s important to be able to express oneself clearly. Extroverts are generally afraid of what others think while introverts are less concerned with this. An introvert may care what their loved ones think, but they feel more confident in expressing themselves honestly, and they tend to communicate something of value. Because extroverts feel the need to play for the crowd, they’re less likely to be honest about what they want to express, and they may just talk to pass the time. Introverts appreciate quality, and they’re less likely to say something unless it’s beneficial in some way. Many women appreciate this trait in men because communication is an important factor in successful relationships.

6. Self-Awareness

Introverts tend to be more self-aware. This is because they spend a long time thinking about things. They consider how they feel about things, how to make things better, how to achieve their goals, how they self-sabotage and more. This gives them a pretty accurate view of their strengths and weaknesses. This allows them to be in-tune with themselves and their partners. Many women appreciate this quality because they know where they stand with an introvert. Extroverts are usually not very aware of why they do what they do and can give shallow answers at times, which can lead to frustration when a problem arises.

7. Observant

Many women appreciate a man who’s observant. It’s not just about noticing a new hairdo, but many women want a man who truly delights in them. An introvert is more likely to notice the way his girlfriend or wife’s nose crinkles when she notices something odd. He’s more likely to notice when she’s uncomfortable with something without her saying so. He’s more likely to know how she takes her coffee. He’s more likely to notice the little things about his wife or girlfriend, and many women love this. Because an introvert is more likely to be observant, he’s also more likely to see and appreciate the love his girlfriend or wife has to offer.

8. Quality Relationships

Introverts tend to appreciate quality relationships, which means they are less likely to enter a relationship they don’t value to a high degree. Many women want to be in a relationship with someone who genuinely wants to be there. It’s a waste of time for everyone to be with someone without really wanting to be with them. There are safety, security, and loyalty in a relationship with someone who genuinely wants to be there. Extroverts are less interested in the quality of their relationships and more interested in the number of their relationships. Women generally don’t like this because it pulls their partners away from them, emotionally and physically. It’s good to have your own space every now and then, which is important to an introvert. However, an introvert won’t constantly be unavailable from spending time with others.

Tips on growing intimacy.

9. Easy to Please

An introvert tends to be easy to please. They don’t need a lot of excesses to make them happy. For this reason, anything you do for them tends to make them happy. Extroverts can be hard to please. For the woman who tries to be a people-pleaser, she could run herself ragged trying to make an extrovert happy. The same relationship will most likely run into a dead end quickly for the woman who knows it’s impossible to “make” someone happy. As long as you’re caring, loving and considerate, the simplest gesture will make an introvert happy. This takes a lot of stress off the relationship, and both partners feel happy.

10. Trustworthiness

An introverted man is generally more trustworthy than an extroverted one. An introvert knows the importance of keeping things secret. Extroverts tend to say everything to everyone. An introvert notices this about people and decides not to be like this. An introvert wouldn’t want their personal life shared with others. As such, they keep everything to themselves. Many women appreciate this quality because they want things between themselves and their partners to stay within the relationship.

11. He Genuinely Wants the Relationship

Extroverts generally enter relationships because they get bored or figure that they need to enter the next part of their lives. They generally don’t enter a relationship wholeheartedly. This means that they see how a relationship can benefit them instead of thinking about what they have that could benefit someone else. An introvert is content in being alone. When they start thinking about being in a relationship, it’s not because they don’t feel fulfilled. They consider what they have to give a woman. These types of relationships are less stressful because there aren’t any unrealistic expectations placed on the other partner.

12. Challenges Their Partner to Be a Better Person

Women, along with men, want someone who won’t try to change them, but an introverted man can encourage a woman to become a better version of themselves. This is important for a relationship. You don’t want someone putting pressure on you to be different, but you want someone who will bring out the best in you too. You want someone who will tell you, “Good job,” but you want someone who will also say, “You can do anything,” and, “I think you should go for your dreams.” You don’t want someone who will stand by and never encourage your growth. An introvert generally cares deeply for the welfare of his partner and encourages her growth.

If you’re a man and have some or most of these qualities, that’s awesome. Be sure that you find a woman who will contribute to your relationship. You can’t be the only one pulling the weight in a relationship. If you’re a woman reading this, consider what you have to contribute to your relationship as well. It’s important to note that any person may have both introverted and extroverted qualities. To really love anyone, it’s not about what you get. It’s about what you give. Take the extra time to develop quality traits before you enter any relationship. It’s well worth your time, and it’s definitely worth your partner’s time.

10 Positive Affirmations That Will Change Your Life

July 6, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Positive affirmations help us rewire our brains. Though the world can be draining, creating a habit of saying these affirmations and truly believing them will allow us to accomplish anything we want in life.

Ten Powerful Positive Affirmations

Wherever you may be in your journey to accomplish your goals, don’t lose sight of them. Use the following 10 affirmations to help you stay inspired as you go throughout your life.

Positive Affirmations to Live By

1. I am capable of greatness.

Whether you believe this statement initially or not, repeating this affirmation over and over will shift your mindset.

We are all capable of achieving every dream that we have.

The first step in achieving these dreams is believing that you can. The only way to push yourself towards this greatness is to stir the flames of the belief that you can do it.

Regardless of whatever resources you begin with, telling yourself that you are capable of anything you set your mind to will completely change the way that you pursue your goals.

2. I love myself and accept myself for everything that I am.

Loving one’s self is a lifelong journey.

That being said, oftentimes we want to withhold this self-love until we become the best version of ourselves.

This isn’t beneficial to your growth as you should love yourself wherever you are in life.

We are all works in progress and will spend the rest our lives growing.

Find out who you are in this moment and love that person. Whatever you may like or dislike about yourself should never change the love that you have for yourself.

Everything about you is deserving of love.

3. My mind is sharp, my soul is peaceful, and my body is strong.

These types of positive affirmations speak to your mind, body, and soul.

Every part of your life must be in balance for you to truly be at peace with who you are.

You are in control of how you feel and you should be intentional about this through the positive affirmations you tell yourself.

Regardless of what is going on in your life, you can take control of your situation by speaking truth to them.

Telling yourself that your mind is sharp, your soul is peaceful, and your body is strong (even if you don’t feel that way at the moment), will allow you transition into feeling like this.

By speaking this into your life, you’ll eventually find these statements to be true.

4. I can do anything.

A lot of times, most of us feel that we can accomplish certain things in our lives, if only we had more of something.

Whether it’s more money, more education, more professional experience, or anything similar, most people end up holding themselves back from moving forward in life because they believe they need to wait before they can begin.

The best way to start going after a goal is to do it. It doesn’t matter what resources you have—you can do anything just as you are with what you have now.

These positive affirmations encourage you to use the energy, strength, mental stamina, and resources you have right now to get started.

5. Everything that happens to me is for the greater good.

Positive affirmations like this one show you that everything in life is working together for your greatest good.

Certainly, good things and bad things can happen in life, but that’s life.

We must accept both the good and the bad as we work to become stronger people. It’s important not to victimize yourself when bad things happen.

Say this affirmation to yourself and apply it to your life, regardless of what happens. Everything that you go thought serves to make you a stronger person.

Positive affirmations like this one teach you that everything happens for a reason.

6. I choose what I want to happen for myself.

You are the creator of your life.

You are in control of what happens in your life: you choose what friends you have, what work you do, how you spend your time, and what long-term goals to work towards.

Starting the day with this type of affirmation allows you to set the tone for the day. Everything that you do throughout the day will work to further create the life you are building.

If you don’t like the direction your life is heading, it is your responsibility to change it. As you are the architect of your life, you can choose to change your life any time you see fit.

7. I am letting go of the hurt I’ve felt in my past.

Things that have hurt you in the past should stay in the past.

Certainly, healing takes time, but if you are still burdened by past events, it’s time to start letting go.

There’s a reason the old saying explains that holding on to past hurt is akin to taking poison hoping the other person gets sick. The only person that is being hurt from this anger and unforgiveness is you.

Holding onto the pain you’ve felt in the past will only keep you in the past.

Replaying these events in your head will prevent you from growing into the best version of yourself.

Once you’ve made the choice to forgive, release the hurt you feel and decide to use this experience as a lesson as you move forward in life.

Use these following tips to help you let go of past hurt:

1. Choose to let go.

Making the decision is the first step in letting things go. Though you may still feel hurt, make a conscious effort to let go.

This means avoiding replaying these things in your head and choosing to let the past become the past.

2. Express your pain.

Expressing what you feel is part of the process. If you feel pain, experience it.

Feel the hurt—cry about it, write out your feelings, or talk to a friend. However, you choose to express these feelings, getting out all of these emotions is essential to moving past your pain.

3. Don’t victimize yourself.

Part of moving on from the past is choosing to avoid being a victim. At the heart of the situation, you may have been wronged, but it’s time to stop holding onto those feelings.

You are no longer a victim—you’re a survivor.

You came out of this stronger and are going to carry that strength with you for the rest of your life.

Now that you’ve let go, these events, this trauma, and the victimizer has no power over you anymore. You’re in control again.

8. I can conquer any challenges that come before me.

Your abilities are limitless.

Sure, life will throw curveballs your way, but you are capable of handling all of them.

The only limits in your life are the ones that you put there yourself.

Believe it, then achieve it.

Whatever you want in life is achievable and you have the power inside yourself to handle whatever it takes to get there.

Are you afraid of the potential outcome? You have greatness inside of you and you shouldn’t be afraid of anything.

Repeat this affirmation every day and remind yourself of how strong you are.

9. You are deserving of love, one of the most powerful positive affirmations.

There are times when we feel like no one might want or love us.

Regardless of how unlovable we may think we are, the truth is that we are all deserving of love.

Whoever you are, wherever you are in life—you are loved.

No one is perfect and no one should expect you to be. The right people in your life will love you for who you are, exactly as you are.

If you find that someone can’t love you without trying to change you, they aren’t the right person for you.

The first place you should find unconditional love is in yourself. Anyone else’s love should be an additional benefit to the love you already have for yourself.

10. My future is bright. Greater things lie ahead than what I’ve left behind.

Use this affirmation to remind yourself that the best is yet to come.

Things are going to keep getting better for you from here on out. Whatever has happened in the past has brought you to where you are now.

Use all of these life lessons to keep motivating you to pursue the greatest that life has to offer.

Your future is brighter than you can imagine and your dreams are closer than you think. Keep going!

Final Thoughts on Positive Affirmations

Positive affirmations let you take a few moments each day to reset your mind and transform your outlook on yourself and your life. This life is the only one you’ll get, so it’s time to start living as you mean it.

Use these affirmations to get started on your mindfulness journey. As you spend more time meditating on what you’d like out of life, create some affirmations of your own that will refuel your lust for life.

Researchers Reveal How Being Grateful Makes You Live Longer and Be Happier

July 6, 2019 by Power of Positivity

As a child, you were probably taught that you should be grateful for what you have and for what people do for you. It is not an unfamiliar idea, but it is sometimes difficult to always show gratitude. Even when you don’t act ungrateful, just feeling that way can be a problem.

What you may not realize is that feeling ungrateful can actually be detrimental to your well-being. One aspect of showing gratitude that you may not have been taught is that it improves your life in many ways. Before discussing how being grateful improves your life, however, it is important to understand what it really means to feel gratitude.

What It Means to Be Grateful

It is difficult to definitively explain what gratitude is. Gratitude has been described as many things including “an emotion, an attitude, a moral virtue, a habit, a personality trait, or a coping response.” Professionals have not been able to agree upon a single definition for it, so it can sometimes be tricky to understand.

When it comes to being grateful, it isn’t just something that you feel or show when you receive a gift or when someone does something nice for you. It is a feeling you can have over even minor parts of your day, such as being grateful you have a warm sweater to put on when you get cold.

Instead of focusing on the negative parts of your life, when you are grateful, you will focus more on all the positive parts. When bad things do happen, you will still find the good in your life.

How Being Grateful Can Improve Your Life

Feeling and showing gratitude can improve your life in more ways than you think. It isn’t as simple as feeling happy at that moment. Gratitude can increase your overall well-being, improve your mindset, and even make you healthier.

Studies have actually shown that people who show gratitude more frequently tend to live longer than those who do not. Those who are happier and show their appreciation more often live up to 10 years longer. They also have a much lower chance of developing heart disease.

Some of the more specific ways that showing gratitude can improve your life include:

Feeling more positive emotions
Feeling more energetic and lively
Sleeping easier and more peacefully
Strengthening and/or repairing relationships
You may get sick less often
You may be more kind
Appreciating and loving yourself more
Feeling happier
Being more patient

Showing that you are grateful for someone can repair or strengthen your relationship.

Even if it is just by spending time with another person, showing gratitude for them can benefit your relationship immensely. It will allow that person to see they are a meaningful part of your life.

Having strong, healthy relationships generally leads to being happier, so this is a great way to improve your life and show your gratitude at the same time. It may also help you cope with stress in a better way.

By showing gratitude to your spouse or children, you are strengthening your bond with them. Studies have shown that showing appreciation for your spouse can lead to longer marriages than for those who do not show gratitude. Additionally, when you show gratitude to your children, they are learning how much you truly appreciate and love them.

You learn to appreciate yourself more.

When you begin to realize how thankful you are for the things and people around you, you will also begin to notice your own great qualities more. You may begin to love things about yourself that you used to hate, and you’ll begin to feel more confident and comfortable with yourself.

You will feel happier.

Studies have shown that feeling grateful leads to less depression and stress. When you think about the positive things in your life instead of focusing on the bad, the bad parts aren’t so difficult to handle anymore. When things start to seem overwhelming, think of something that went well for you today.

You will be more patient.

When you spend your time being thankful for the little things in life, you will generally be calmer and able to make more sound decisions. One article shares that those who show gratitude are often more composed, as well.

How You Can Teach Yourself to Have More Gratitude

Grateful people aren’t perfect. They still have bad days and moments when they could have shown more gratitude for how a situation played out. The difference is that they do not make it a habit to focus on the negative.

In order to change your mindset and become the type of person who doesn’t have a habit of thinking negatively, you have to continuously work at it. Instead of focusing on what went wrong in your day, try to form habits that help you feel appreciative of the little things in your life.

Some of the ways you can teach yourself how to have more gratitude include:

1. Say “thank you” for even small favors.

When someone does something for you, even just a small gesture, you should show your appreciation by thanking them. By making a conscious effort to do so, you will be reminding yourself that the other person was thinking about you. In turn, you will remember to feel gratitude for that situation.

2. Think about the things in your life that you are the most thankful for.

If you are ever having trouble feeling gratitude, make a mental (or even physical) list of all the things in your life that you are thankful for. It could be simple things like shoes to wear, to larger things such as a roof over your head. You could even think about things outside such as flowers blooming or the snow falling from the sky.

Going further than that, you can think of the meaningful things in your life that you are thankful for. This could be a smile from your child, a hug from a loved one, or even an old letter from someone who is now gone.

3. Remind yourself that there is always something to be thankful for.

As mentioned before, you can be appreciative of the smaller parts of life as well as the big parts. When something goes wrong, allow yourself to think about all the good that you still have in your life. By shifting your mindset to something more positive, you may be able to start feeling gratitude again quickly.

4. Write in a journal.

It isn’t necessary to write in a journal every day, but you should do it a couple of times a week. Spend 10-15 minutes (or longer if you want) writing about the things in your life that bring you joy or contentment.

While it is useful to mentally think about these things each day, it is equally important to write them down regularly. Studies have found that writing it down can lead to even more feelings of gratitude.

5. Do something nice for someone else.

It is easy to show gratitude when you receive an unexpected gift or favor. Being thankful for being the recipient of a gift or favor can fade quickly, however, and soon be forgotten. When you are the one giving the gift or favor, though, the feeling of happiness and gratitude will last much longer.

Gratitude leads to happiness.

One way to make a habit of this is to return the favor to someone else every time something nice is done for you. Send flowers to your mom, compliment the cashier at your local grocery store, or hold the door open for someone. All of these things will help you appreciate life a little more, as well. This is because making other people happy has a way of boosting your emotions.

6. Volunteer for a worthy cause.

When you have empathy for a cause, you can offer to help out in some way. By using your talents to help others, you will feel more peaceful and reflective, which leads to feeling more gratitude for your own life and well-being.

7. Make it fun.

You can make it a fun activity to show gratitude, making it an even more positive part of your life. Derrick Carpenter from Happify Daily mentions an activity that could help you feel more gratitude for small moments throughout the day. When something good happens or someone does something nice for you, write it down on a slip of paper and put it into a “gratitude jar.”

This makes those smaller moments more recognizable, further benefiting your sense of well-being.

Final Thoughts on How Being Grateful Improves Your Life

Now that you know how feeling and showing gratitude improves your life and how to teach yourself to be grateful, make sure you try it out. Take a moment to think of something that might seem small that you are actually extremely thankful for right now. Something as simple as the sun shining or that someone held the door open for you this morning could be an opportunity to show gratitude.

After you take a moment to just focus on feeling the gratitude, pay attention to how you feel. You might feel just a little less stressed, or you might have a more positive outlook on your long week. This simple change can completely transform your mindset and lead to you being naturally happier.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyQihyQ66hg

Diabetes Friendly Diet : 7 Foods That Lower Blood Sugar Levels Immediately

July 6, 2019 by Power of Positivity

It is always important to be careful with your diet, but if you have diabetes, or are at risk of developing it, you have to watch what you eat even closer. Diabetes is a disease where your body has issues with the hormone insulin.

The results of this disease can range from difficulty processing carbohydrates to increased levels of glucose in your blood and urine. Long-term effects from this disease can range from the amputation of limbs or even blindness. A consultation with your physician can determine if you have diabetes.

If you test positive for diabetes, your physician will run other tests to determine if any damage has been done to your body due to this disease. This disease, if allowed to get out of control, can cause blindness, loss of limbs or several other frightening health problems.

That is why it is so important to listen to your doctor and follow their advice. You will also want to avoid foods that will spike your insulin level. Foods that contain a lot of starch, or are high in carbohydrates, should be avoided. Read all food labels so you can avoid foods with hidden sugar, glucose or other ingredients that could spike your blood sugar.

Here are some foods you can safely eat, and they offer many wonderful benefits in addition to blood sugar control.

7 Foods That Lower Blood Sugar Levels Instantly

Greens

Greens are amazing vegetables you should add to your daily diet. Spinach, kale, and arugula are very healthy types of greens. Romaine lettuce is great as well, but you should try to eat mostly dark greens. These types of greens are filled with much more nutrition than the lighter lettuce varieties.

Avocado

Avocado is a fantastic fruit. It has been said to be a super food, as it contributes to many health benefits to its consumers. Among these benefits is the ability to increase insulin sensitivity. Low insulin sensitivity means your chance of developing a metabolic disease such as diabetes increases, so keeping that sensitivity level higher should be a goal of healthy eating.

Fish

Fish is a lean protein that is easy to come by. With types of fish on the market such as tuna, salmon, tilapia or halibut and the many ways to prepare them, you can have fish every day. The protein from fish will not spike your blood sugar levels. Another perk from eating fish is since it is filling, it should help keep you away from more unhealthy foods.

Berries

Berries are a delicious way of satisfying your sweet tooth without raising your insulin levels much. Dark berries such as blueberries or blackberries are great for combating low insulin sensitivity. Raspberries are also excellent choices.

Strawberries are good, but they tend to be a little sweeter than other berry types. However, eating them every once in a while is fine.

Nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds are especially good foods to incorporate in your diet. Some of them have a higher carbohydrate count than others. Cashews, peanuts or pistachios can be enjoyed occasionally. Almonds, pecans or macadamia nuts have a lower carb count and can be eaten more often. It is very easy to overeat these tasty natural morsels, so make sure you measure your serving size.

Eggs

Eggs are considered to be one of the best dietary foods. They are high in protein and will leave you feeling fuller longer. Boiled eggs are amazing for snacks or chopped on top of a salad. Adding eggs to your diet can help keep the cravings for sugary carbohydrates away. Best of all, eggs will not kill your grocery budget.

Cacao

Cacao is another delicious way to stabilize your insulin levels. Keep in mind, the cacao mentioned here is not what you may be used to. It is not a confection blended with nut butter and sugar to make a spread for your morning toast. Cacao is the raw form of these delectable treats before they are refined and processed. It contains a flavanol known as epicatechin. This helps to regulate the creation of glucose by activating special proteins. This is how it helps regular blood sugar levels.

Know the factors that impact your diabetes.

Incorporating the foods mentioned above in your daily diet will not create an instant miracle, but it will help you learn to control your blood sugar long-term. If you experience diabetes symptoms like extreme thirst, unexplained weight loss or gain or blurry vision, you may need to see your doctor. Other diabetes symptoms to watch out for are dry mouth, fatigue or persistent headaches. Together with your doctor you can prevent or control metabolic diseases. Be disciplined in your exercise regime. Stay on track with your diet and live life.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yG-G9_LOkLA

15 Facts You Might Not know About Asthma

July 6, 2019 by Power of Positivity

When a person has asthma, their breathing is affected. It can interfere with their daily life and, sometimes, it can even lead to death.

With air pollution on the rise, the disease is becoming increasingly more prevalent in both children and adults. Statistics show that one in 12 adults suffer from asthma, and nine adults die each day.

Asthma is also one of the most common diseases in children, with 9% of children diagnosed with it in the United States. Even though it is a common disease, there are many facts that you may not know.

Things You Might Not Know About Asthma

1. Lack of ventilation can make it worse.

In areas with little or no ventilation, symptoms can flare up. One unexpected source of this is in solar-powered homes and buildings. With solar power, there tends to be less ventilation. There must be other ventilation options available in order to prevent issues.

2. Being exposed to germs during childhood can be beneficial in the long run.

Studies have shown that when children were exposed to dirt, bacteria, and other germs, they are less likely to develop the disease later on. Children who were kept overly clean and not exposed to many germs had higher instances of asthmatic diagnoses and attacks. Likewise, when the environment a child is usually in is overly clean, that child is being stripped of the chance to build a strong immune system. The lack of immunity can lead directly to asthmatic issues.

3. Aerosol sprays and household cleaners can cause an attack.

Popular sunscreen sprays commonly lead to serious attacks because of the aerosol included in the ingredients. While parents think they are protecting their children by spraying sunscreen on them, it can actually be worse for the child in other ways. Even just spraying these aerosol cans near an asthmatic child can lead to an attack.

The same goes for all other aerosol sprays. These sprays are always unhealthy but, for an asthmatic person, they could be life-threatening.

Common household cleaning products can also trigger an attack. The cleaners are full of toxic chemicals and should be avoided.

4. There is a link between asthma, allergies, and eczema.

These three issues tend to go hand in hand. If a child is diagnosed with one, their chances of being diagnosed with the other two are high.

Experts are still unsure of the exact reasoning behind the link, and it is still being studied so more information can be gathered.

5. Symptoms can be sporadic.

Sometimes it is a difficult disease to diagnose because the asthma symptoms can come and go. The symptoms may be present one day and then gone for a month. Symptoms can be present every day for a week, go away for a few days, and then come back. It is so unpredictable.

6. Wheezing doesn’t always occur.

Commonly, wheezing is known as one of the more frequent asthma symptoms. This is true but it may not always occur. Sometimes the wheezing is present but just too quiet for the human ear to hear. Other times, there may be no wheezing at all. It cannot be used as a sure way to diagnose the disease.

7. It is highly treatable, but it cannot be cured.

A cure hasn’t been found yet, but the asthma symptoms can be treated. The available treatment options will allow the person to live a full, productive, and enjoyable life.

There is more than one treatment option available, as well. Some treatments may not work as well for one person as they do for another, so it may take some trial and error to get it right.

Once the correct treatment option is in place, the disease shouldn’t flare up as often as before. With treatment and the avoidance of triggers, it shouldn’t interfere with everyday life anymore.

8. Physical activity is still an option.

It is true that those with this disease have to be more careful than others, but that doesn’t mean they cannot participate in physical activity at all. With the right medication, asthmatic sufferers can live a normal life, including being active. Moderation is also important but, as long as the asthmatic person is aware of their limits, it isn’t an issue.

The asthmatic person will be able to participate in all the sports they love, and exercise just as often as a person who does not have the disease.

9. Triggers may be different for each person.

It isn’t likely that two people will have all of the exact same triggers. Usually, specific triggers will be different for each person.

Some common triggers include:

Cigarette smoke
Perfume or cologne
Allergens (dust mites, pollen, mold, pet dander, cockroaches)
Respiratory illness (cold, flu, bronchitis, pneumonia)
Physical activity
Cold air
Strong emotions
Stress
Certain medications
Crying or laughing
Thunderstorms
Open fires
Other air pollutants

10. It can be inherited.

Children who have at least one parent with the disease have a greater risk of developing the disease. With this being the case, it is important for the parents and children to watch for asthma symptoms throughout the child’s life.

However, it is important to point out that a child won’t be sure to develop the disease just because their parent has it.

11. Children who have frequent respiratory illnesses are more likely to develop the disease than others.

Respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia cause the airways to narrow. If a child has many of these illnesses, their airways may not function normally, and they may develop the disease.

Additionally, a child who often becomes ill with bronchitis and pneumonia may get these illnesses because of their susceptibility to asthmatic issues in the cold weather.

12. Children may be able to outgrow the disease or some of the triggers.

Children who have been diagnosed may be able to outgrow the disease. This isn’t always the case, but it is possible. Unfortunately, the disease can return when they are an adult or when serious triggers are involved.

In most cases, however, it is not outgrown. There is always a chance that it will happen, but it cannot be counted on.

It is possible to outgrow some of the triggers, as well. Certain things that used to trigger an asthmatic attack may not be a problem anymore.

13. Some foods can reduce symptoms.

Believe it or not, eating certain foods can improve the functioning of your lungs and airways. With each food, there is a different reason why it helps. The foods that improve the function of lungs include:

Pumpkin

Pumpkin contains beta-carotene which turns into vitamin A. Vitamin A has been proven to improve lung health.

Sweet potato

Just like pumpkin, sweet potatoes have beta-carotene.

Orange or other sources of vitamin C

Vitamin A has been linked to healthy lung function. Since oranges have high vitamin C content, they are a good source.

Leafy greens

Leafy greens, more specifically dark leafy greens, have high folate content. Folate has been linked to the prevention of asthmatic symptoms.

Dark chocolate or other sources of antioxidants

Sometimes asthmatic episodes can cause oxidation of cells. Antioxidants reverse the oxidation damage.

14. It can unknowingly cause anxiety.

Experts still do not know the reason for this, but it appears that asthma can cause anxiety. Shortness of breath and the feeling that the airways are restricted commonly lead to anxiety and panic attacks.

Asthma makes people struggle to catch their breath.

In turn, since stress can make it worse, the anxiety may make the asthmatic episode even worse. It can be a vicious cycle if not controlled.

15. Environmental factors can be a cause.

When you think of environmental factors you may instantly think about pollution and smog but, while that is correct, there are other environmental factors that you never realized could cause the disease. Traffic pollution and overall poor air quality are huge factors, but things like chlorine in a pool can be an issue as well.

Asthma Symptoms

There are many symptoms, but a person with the disease will probably not experience every single symptom. Sometimes only a couple of symptoms are present, making it difficult to diagnose without testing. Some symptoms are more severe than others.

Dry cough
Wheezing
Whistling noise while inhaling or exhaling
Tightening in the test
Shortness of breath
Trouble finishing sentences
Confusion or agitation
Drowsiness
Allergies
Difficulty sleeping
Anxiety

Final Thoughts on Things You Might Not Know About Asthma

While asthma is a common disease, there are many facts that are not well known, even to those who suffer from it. It is important to know the facts, however, so the disease can be more successfully controlled and treated. The disease differs for each person, so the symptoms and triggers will change from person to person.

Being knowledgeable about asthma is the best way to understand the disease, the risks, and all other aspects of it. It will help you when asking your doctor questions, and when you are trying to explain your problems to others.

20 Amazing Benefits Of Okra For Your Skin, Hair And Body

July 6, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Okra is one of the most overlooked vegetable powerhouses out there. The vegetable is sometimes called ladies’ fingers. This unique vegetable is a flowering plant that belongs to the mallow family, and it is highly valued for its seeds. Most people don’t know what to do with it as it has become less and less of a common dish, but it can be quite versatile and delicious if you know how to use it. Best of all, it is a nutritional goldmine. Read on for 20 amazing health benefits of this unique vegetable.

1. High fiber content

It has a high fiber content, which serves several important functions in the body. For one, it helps keep you fuller for longer. In addition, fiber is a crucial component in your digestive system’s health. For better digestive health (and all of the health benefits that come with a healthy gut) it is a worthy addition to your fridge. Its ability to help you feel full can also keep you from eating excess snacks later on in the day.

2. It aids in digestion

Once again, this vegetable’s fiber content is really the rockstar here. Having a healthy digestion is really a major key to your health. More than ever, doctors are realizing the crucial role your gut health plays in your overall health. The state of your gut and everything related to it plays a major role in your mental health and is intrinsically linked to your brain function. Having a healthy gut also keeps your immune system functioning well. Gut health is one of the most overlooked and powerful okra benefits.

3. It is low-calorie

Any food that is low in calories but high in nutrition is a major win. Most veggies fit that description, and this one is no exception. If you’ve been counting calories and macronutrients but eating any sort of food you want, you may want to re-think your approach. Eating a diet that consists of nutrient-dense whole foods will naturally help you eat the right amount of calories for your body. Calorie counting can be restricting and tiresome; instead of trying to restrict the number of calories you eat, try to focus on adding in nutrient-dense whole foods to your diet.

4. It is a neutral diuretic

While too many diuretics at the same time can be a bit of an issue, they are necessary and useful for your body. Diuretics can help you shed excess water weight and help you go. If you’ve ever been bloated after a big meal, you know how powerful diuretics can be in de-bloating your body and removing that constricting puffy feeling. For a natural diuretic that doesn’t come in pill form, add this vegetable to your next meal.

5. It can help regulate cholesterol levels.

Your cardiac function is crucial to your health, and this vegetable contains nutritional compounds that can help lower LDL cholesterol, which will ultimately improve cardiac function over time. Okra contains phytosterols (which are found in most vegetables) which can help lower cholesterol. They also contain almost no cholesterol or fat themselves. These compounds can compete with cholesterol molecules for absorption into the body during your body’s digestive process.

6. It has Cancer-fighting properties

Like many vegetables, it contains important antioxidant properties that help to fight off cancerous cells. While many people opt to take antioxidants in the form of pills, some studies suggest that antioxidants are better absorbed and utilized in the body in whole food form. If that is the case, eating foods that are high in antioxidant properties like okra are a vital piece in your overall health strategy. Its cancer-fighting properties are one of the most desirable okra benefits.

7. Okra benefits your gut health

Prebiotics are a source of food for probiotics or the addition of good bacteria in your body. Your body’s ability to function properly depends on its gut health, which is ultimately fueled by the healthy presence of good bacteria in the body. Fiber-rich foods can act as a prebiotic and help to encourage the presence of good bacteria in the gut.

8. Okra benefits fertility and pregnancy

It contains potent amounts of floats which are important in the pre-conception stay. It can also decrease the occurrence of neural tube defects in babies when eaten along with a healthy diet. Folates are beneficial overall for pregnant mothers and their children. Fertility is an often forgotten but very important benefit of this vegetable. If you want to ensure a healthy pregnancy and healthy babies, consider adding it to your diet.

9. It can stabilize blood sugar levels

Like many fibrous vegetables, adding this vegetable to your diet can slow down your body’s absorption of sugar into the digestive tract. Eating high amounts of sugar can spike your body’s insulin levels, causing a whole cocktail of undesirable effects. Making sure to eat plenty of fibrous vegetables can help to reduce these effects and keep your insulin levels in check.

10. It can help prevent diabetes

Because of its ability to lower insulin levels, it has the potential to help fight off diabetes as a part of a nutritious and fiber-rich diet full of foods that contain high levels of antioxidants. Be sure to include nutrient-dense foods if you want to ward off diabetes, as well as consuming a normal amount of sugars from plant-based foods.

11. It can reduce asthma symptoms

It contains plenty of vitamin C, which has been shown to be able to reduce the severity of asthma symptoms. Vitamin C is a powerful addition to your diet overall; like antioxidants, it is best absorbed in whole food form and not in supplements. The unique combination of compounds and nutrients present in whole foods makes them uniquely able to be bioavailable.

12. It can help prevent kidney disease

Some research suggests that consuming okra benefits your kidney health and can reduce the severity and likelihood of kidney damage over time. Your kidneys are vital in detoxifying your body and making sure that it is clean and healthy.

13. It can help with hair health

If you boil this vegetable with lemon juice, it can be applied to your hair as a leave-in conditioner. Adding this to your hair can give it a shiny finish and bouncy consistency.

Read to learn natural hair regrowth remedies.

14. It can help with brain health

Okra benefits your brain health is considered by some to be one of the best foods for brain function and is often eaten by students (especially in Eastern countries) as a supplement to help with schoolwork.

15. It has anti-inflammatory properties

Because of its antioxidant properties, okra benefits your body by helping to reduce the level of inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is one of the primary causes of illness in the body; reducing inflammation by exercise, proper diet, and good gut health can do wonders for your overall health. Because of its fiber and antioxidant-rich properties, it can help be an important part of the puzzle in this regard.

16. It can help with eye health

Vitamins C and A can help with eye health, both of which are present and abundant in the okra plant. There are more veggies than just carrots that can help with eyesight.

17. It can help with bone health

Because of the folates we already discussed, along with its high vitamin K content, it can help to support healthy and strong bones and prevent diseases like osteoporosis.

18. It is high in collagen

Collagen is hugely important for your skin and hair health. While you can mix it with lemon juice or coconut oil as a leave-in conditioner, you can also just eat it to gain the powerful benefits of collagen. It contains plenty of vitamin C as well, which is important for the skin.

19. It is a decent source of vegetable protein

It contains 2 grams of protein per cup, which is not much when compared to other vegetable sources of protein like seeds or nuts. However, its micronutrient content like folates and collagen will serve to improve your body’s overall strength and energy levels much more than its protein will.

20. It can help to heal ulcers

It actually coats the digestive tract when it is consumed, which helps to speed the healing of peptic ulcers. As we have previously discussed, your body’s gut health and gastrointestinal tract are crucial in your overall health.

Luckily, you don’t have to remember all the great benefits of including nutrient-dense plant foods into your diet; you can simply focus on including a wide variety of whole foods that you enjoy and are practical for you to make. However, it is worth including new and novel foods so that you can make sure your body is getting a diverse blend of nutrients. There are tons of surprising okra benefits that you can discover by adding it as a part of your regular diet. As with anything, be sure to find ways of cooking this vegetable that allow you to enjoy it.

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