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Researchers Reveal Breakthrough Way to Predict Psychosis Before It Happens

June 27, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Psychosis. The word alone raises alarm bells. Images come to mind of a dirty, ragged individual acting erratically, talking to himself or an unseen provoker, potentially angry or violent. For the family members and the victim, psychosis is a potentially devastating symptom of an illness that can destroy the future of the patient.

Psychosis can be treated, but it cannot be cured in certain diseases. For all mental illnesses, it’s a symptom of to what extreme places the mind can go without intervention. Of course, early diagnosis is the best way to curtail the dangerous path psychosis can take.

Now an early diagnosis may be possible, or far closer than before, as researchers have revealed a breakthrough way to predict psychosis before it happens.

What is psychosis?

Psychosis is a broad term for a sensory experience that has no basis in reality. It is a symptom, not a diagnosis. The sensory experiences, according to Medical News Today, usually consist of:

Hallucinations – interacting with things that are not really present but are believed to be perceived through one of the five senses. Most frequently, it is a voice directing or commenting to the person.
Delusions – a strong belief that no amount of logic can dissuade. Usually, delusions are associated with “delusions of grandeur” or “delusions of paranoia.”
- In delusions of grandeur, the individual believes he is someone great. Most commonly, Jesus, God, or a great ruler/king.
- Delusions of paranoia consist of the belief that someone is trying to harm or kill you. That person can be anyone or a believed demon, devil, etc.
Disorganization – this can show itself through behavior, speech, or thoughts.
Disordered thinking – leaping from one subject to another with little to no correlation or connecting thoughts together that don’t fit (i.e. the sky is blue, so I am wearing red shoes).
Catatonia – sitting, standing, or lying without responding to any stimuli.
Difficulty concentrating – difficulty focusing due to increased thoughts or sensory perceptions.

What illnesses can demonstrate psychosis?

The average person most commonly associates psychosis with schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a brain disease most often recognized as a mental illness.

A person must exhibit psychotic behavior sporadically for six months or more before they can be diagnosed. They must also not show other signs of illnesses that may cause psychotic symptoms.

Psychosis is not limited to schizophrenia. It can happen from a variety of diseases or causes. According to Psychology Today, three out of 100 Americans will have a psychotic event in their life at some point. Every year, about 100,000 teens or adults experience their first psychotic event.

Psychosis, while it does occur in mental illnesses like Bipolar Disorder or severe depression, can also occur in other conditions.

Up to 50% of individuals with Parkinson’s display symptoms of hallucination.
About 20% of people with a form of dementia called “DLB” show signs of visual hallucinations.
Sleep disorders can create psychotic symptoms.
People withdrawing from alcohol, cocaine, or meth often hallucinate.

Other causes can include:

HIV
Extreme cases of Postpartum depression
Strokes
A tumor or cyst in the brain

Diagnosing psychosis

As with any pervasive illness, early diagnosis is critical. The earlier psychosis gets recognized, diagnosed, and treated, the better prognosis for lessening both the frequency and severity of the symptoms.

In diagnosing psychosis, there are certain symptoms that come to light before actual psychotic symptoms. After the psychotic symptoms have started, there can be different symptoms.

According to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), symptoms of “before psychosis” include:

Job performance or grade decline
Difficulty thinking clearly or able to focus
Uncomfortable around and suspicious of other people
Lack of hygiene
Isolating themselves more often than usual
Extremes of emotions – either extreme outbursts or apathy. These emotions may also demonstrate themselves inappropriately such as laughing at a sad scene in a movie.

After psychosis symptoms begin, the more obvious symptoms begin to show, in addition to the ones listed above:

Hallucinations
Delusions
Further removed from friends and family
More difficulty with mental tasks and concentration

The initial symptoms are referred to as prodromal syndrome. Prodromal is a medical term used to categorize a group of symptoms that have been recognized to precede the onset of mental illness. It is this stage in which researchers have been focusing their research to better determine individuals at risk of developing psychosis.

Technology using speech analysis to diagnose those at risk for psychosis

Amazingly enough, an AI analyzing speech density and the frequency in which a person discusses voices and sounds has proven to have a 90% accuracy in determining those at risk of developing psychosis. An article published in npj (nature research journal) details this research project conducted at Emory University and Harvard University by Neguine Rezaii, Elaine Walker, and Phillip Wolff.

Their theory rests on the fact that individuals tend to use language to display knowledge, thoughts, and behavior patterns through speech. So by analyzing this pattern, a “digital phenotype” can be created.

The fact that our speech is a reflection of our thought process is vital in recognizing psychosis because the first elements of pre-psychotic symptoms lie in the decline of cognition and communication.

There are various studies referenced in the article which validate changes in verbal fluency, word comprehension, connecting words, and brevity of word use, to point to multiple stages of psychosis.

The scientists chose to focus on two distinct factors.

Scarcity of word choice or use. This a pre-determining symptom to psychosis.
The theory that auditory hallucinations may be able to be predicted due to the subject talking about voices and sounds more frequently.
- Hallucinations are an established psychotic symptom.

The foundation of language analysis is what is called semantic density, defined as the recognition that our common vocabulary usage is not usually technically accurate based on a literal definition. Rather, we tend to speak in the implications of societal understood phrases. Therefore, word choices, meanings, and phonetic use of these words change frequently.

They utilized two different methods to ascertain their results.

Vector unpacking: the splitting apart of semantic density and their meanings, then dividing the number of words in a sentence to determine the fullness of the meaning in the sentence. The goal is to determine the core essence of the sentence.
Latent content analysis: Comparing how the subject uses language in comparison to a broader audience. In the case of this study, the contrast was 30,000 individuals on Reddit.

The specific markers they analyzed semantic density consisted of.

Idea density: related to the number of propositions used in a specific vector.
Information value: the amount of information relayed in a vector length.
Poverty of speech: comparison of semantic density vs the amount of speech produced.

The results of this study demonstrated that individuals later diagnosed psychotic during the two-year follow-up had displayed a lack of sentence variety (semantic density). They also demonstrated an increased slant toward conversations about voices or sounds.

The accuracy of prediction was 93%.

While this study consisted of a small number of participants (40 people), the potential for such an aid to help in early diagnosis in the future is the answer to a prayer for many.

Treatment for Psychosis

Treatment for psychosis as it relates to mental illness should be multi-focused. Indeed, NAMI referenced the National Institute of Mental Health who conducted a study that outlined the better treatments for psychosis.

The core of the results stated that having a Coordinated Specialty Care program available proved to be the most effective for the patient and family members. Patients tended to stay in treatment longer also. The care team has several points of focus:

Support and Education for the Family. Psychosis doesn’t just affect the patient, but also the family. It helps to ease stress if the family understands the illness, psychosis, various programs available, etc.
Going through the symptoms of psychosis, and the underlying cause of the psychosis can do a number on your self-esteem and view of the future. It is important that one speaks to a therapist. Additionally, therapy also helps to teach you how to recognize and handle your symptoms in a pro-active manner to decrease the length and severity of the episodes.
Medication management. Finding medication that can effectively treat the psychosis and the underlying cause can be a frustrating, time-consuming process. Yet, studies have shown that individuals have a better life once that proper formula is found.
Education and employment assistance program. It is essential that the patient doesn’t feel as if his education or employment is lost. Thus, a supportive team will find programs to ensure continued education in a safe environment. Of course, they can also explore employment opportunities.
Peer support. Any illness creates the illusion that the victim and the family are alone. So meeting with other families and individuals who are coping and finding solutions is a fabulous way to not feel alone.

Conclusion:

Psychosis does not need to cripple an individual for life. There are many programs available to assist victims and families to better cope and treat the symptoms with the underlying causes. Early diagnosis is key to making psychosis as minimally impactful as possible.

This breakthrough way to predict psychosis before it happens through speech is remarkable. Of course, we look forward to future findings and tools to make this a reality.

If you suspect your teenager, partner, sibling, or friend may be experiencing symptoms related to psychosis, please do not be afraid to speak to them and try to get help for them.

10 Things to Stop Telling People

June 27, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Words are powerful. You can use them to brighten someone’s day or completely ruin it. We often discount the power that they hold. You can use them to present yourself well or terribly. You can lie with them, tell the truth with them, and change lives with them. This means that the things you say to others may have more of an impact than you think. As such, it’s necessary to take responsibility for what you say, and to always choose your words carefully! Are there things you often say that might be causing harm to others? But what if it’s time in your life to stop telling people certain things altogether?

Here Are 10 Things To Stop Telling People

1. “You’re too sensitive!”

From your perspective, someone in your life may be reacting disproportionately to something you or someone else has said or done. They may be crying about something you’d never dream of feeling hurt over. They might tell you that you’ve upset them, and you personally couldn’t imagine how that bothered them at all.

When this happens, you might be tempted to berate them for being so sensitive. Similar sentiments include:

“You’re overreacting.”
“Learn to take a joke!”
“Come on, it’s not that deep.”
“You just don’t have a sense of humor.”
“Calm down.”
“I didn’t mean it that way, relax.”

But here’s the thing about hurting someone else. It’s basic manners to apologize when someone says you hurt them. You don’t lecture them on how to avoid being hurt by you in the future – you listen, say you’re sorry and discuss the problem if you need to.

2. “Why can’t you be more like (insert person here)?”

Comparisons are ugly, they don’t help anyone, and, for the most part, they’re unnecessarily hurtful. In moments of frustration, you may wonder why someone in your life can’t be like someone else – but that is a toxic, pointless thought. You may want to say:

“Why can’t you listen to me like my mom does?”
“I wish you were less of a troublemaker, like your brother.”
“You should be more like (insert name).”
“Well, how many marks did your classmates get?”
“(Insert name) seems fine with it, so you should be, too.”

Why don’t comparisons work? It’s simple: no two people are alike. Everyone is unique, and therefore it is completely pointless to compare those around you. Of course, they will be different, have different progress rates, and have their own issues in life; they’re different people!

On top of that, if you’re using comparisons on a young child, you could be damaging their self-esteem and self-worth. They may continue this pattern of decreased positive thinking and comparison well into adulthood as a result. (1)

3. “No offense, but …”

The next time you’re about to preface a statement with “no offense, but …”, take a few seconds to think about why you feel the need to do so. Often you’ll find that the reason you need to prepare those around you for a potential offense is because what you’re going to say is fairly offensive!

“No offense, but …” is one of those phrases that is about as effective as “not to be racist, but …” because all you’re doing is warning people in advance that what you’re about to say is definitely not pleasant. You have to figure out which things are worth saying and which are much better left unsaid.

Need to say something that may hurt? Prepare by phrasing it productively, and then just say it! You’ll find that your reception is often a lot more positive when you sound like you’re being upfront and honest, as opposed to trying to avoid getting into trouble.

4. “Get over it.”

Maybe you’re sick of hearing about how upset someone is, or how sad something that happened has made them. In your annoyance, you tell them to just get over it. This is completely unproductive and not a healthy coping mechanism at all. Definitely a statement you should stop telling people.

The problem is that even if the other person listens to you and decides to forcefully “get over it,” they’re not actually doing so. What they’re doing instead is repressing the problem and pushing it to the back of their minds, where it will sit and fester. Eventually, this will cause even more problems for them, leading to resentment.

It is healthy to deal with problems. We have to confront them, live with them, and work them out in our own time – even if we have some help from other people – in order to truly overcome them. That’s how to deal with them in a positive way. Some issues and painful emotions take longer to overcome than others – and it is not your place to hurry them along or force. (2)

5. “You’ll change your mind one day.”

Many people, especially those on the younger side, hear all the time that the decisions they’ve made aren’t valid. These decisions may be about:

Dating
Getting married
Having children
Studying
Jobs

The so-called “superior” wisdom that comes with age may have imparted you with better judgment and knowledge, but it hasn’t allowed you to tell the future. If a young adult says they don’t want kids, it’s very silly to try and convince them that they will one day – especially since that doesn’t impact you at all!

Do you really, really want to make sure that someone knows you suspect they’ll change their mind? Just say, “Let me know if you ever change your mind!” for a more positive ending to that conversation.

6. “You’re too attractive to (insert action here).”

We live in a world filled with stereotypes about how people’s looks relate to what they do in life. In addition, the world we live in is filled with ideas of what is and isn’t conventionally attractive. It’s difficult not to fall prey to those ideas every once in a while, especially if you were raised believing them.

Sometimes, you might find yourself saying that someone is too attractive to be doing a rugged activity. Or you may say that you didn’t think they were smart or tough because of how attractive they look. All this does is make you look like a bad person, and it isn’t going to be taken as a compliment, no matter how hard you try to sell it.

People’s looks and what they do are not mutually exclusive, and to believe otherwise is to be prejudiced. It’s a very narrow-minded way of looking at the incredibly diverse world that we live in. This is one of those things you should stop telling people.

7. “Happiness is a choice.”

We see people use this phrase all the time, whether to cheer someone up or try to knock someone out of bad states. Unfortunately, not only is this incredibly condescending to those in bad circumstances or with mental disorders, but it’s also just scientifically inaccurate. Happiness in people is decided through the following three things:

· Circumstances

Someone’s place in life largely affects the way that they feel – this can range from very little to around 15%.

· Set Happiness Points

A good portion – a little less than half of it – relies on your genetics and your natural temperament, and this cannot be changed.

· Intentional Behavior

Personal activity accounts for approximately 40% of your happiness. This means that you can only really control less than half of your mood.

Basically, trying to will someone into positive thinking by telling them to choose happiness just doesn’t work. The previous three points don’t even account for mood disorders that can only be managed, not cured. By making someone believe that it’s their fault that they aren’t happy, you’re doing way more damage than you’re alleviating. (3)

8. “What’s in it for me?”

No one likes a person who is always asking for something in return. You paint yourself as lazy at work, not to be trusted among friends and family, and calculative in romantic relationships. It’s not a good look for anyone.

Does this mean you should be a “yes man”? No, of course not! Set your boundaries where necessary. At the same time, though, don’t insist on always being repaid for good deeds. Acts of kindness are no longer born out of kindness if you’re expecting to be paid in some way for it.

9. “This is all your fault!”

Deflecting blame in self-defense is a very easy thing to do. It’s much harder to admit when you’re in the wrong – or to simply admit that you had a part to play. So you might say things like:

“I didn’t know!”
“You should have told me.”
“How was I supposed to know?”
“Look what you made me do!”
“This is your fault.”
“If you’d (insert action here), maybe this wouldn’t have happened.”
“Next time, you should (insert action here).”

But passing blame around like a hot potato isn’t going to help you solve any of the problems at hand. Sometimes it’s your fault and sometimes it’s not. Sometimes everyone is to blame. And at the end of the day, who cares?

When a mistake happens, no matter who is chiefly to blame, now you have to work on finding solutions. That’s just how life works. Getting caught in a game of pointing fingers will likely not help your case. If this is a phrase you use, it’s something you need to stop telling people.

10. “I hate you.”

“Hate” is a very strong word when it is used seriously and not as part of a joke. No matter how you say that you hate someone, you sound childish – and the other person gets the satisfaction of being able to walk away as the bigger person.

But the real reason this is on our list is that this three-word phrase is very commonly used in moments of heightened emotion. You might shout it at your parents, or your significant other, or a friend, or a family member. In your intense anger, you may scream this out, even though you don’t really mean it.

Unfortunately, that one moment can significantly damage your relationship with the other person. Even if you apologize, you can’t take back what you’ve said, and they will remember it. That’s why it’s important that you choose your words wisely.

Final Thoughts On Some Things To Stop Telling People

Do you say any of these 10 things that you should stop telling people? It’s not too late to change! Start avoiding these phrases and start adopting more positive, productive, compassionate ones instead. You’ll find that the people around you respond to you in a better way.

5 Signs Your Ears Are Clogged (And How to Unclog Them Naturally)

June 27, 2019 by Power of Positivity

It’s safe to say that almost everyone has experienced some degree of ear clogging at some point in their lives. It’s an experience that ranges from annoying to painful, and if it’s irritating enough, it can affect your positive thinking for that whole day!

There are plenty of reasons that clogging can happen. Illness, wax buildup, trapped water, and infections can all lead to ear congestion. Obstructions within a small canal in your ear called the Eustachian tube can also lead to clogging. This tube is located between the middle ear and the nose and balances out middle ear pressure.

Whatever reason your ears are clogged for, chances are you want to get rid of all that congestion quickly. But do you even know that your clogged ears cause your problems?

Here Are 5 Signs Your Ears Are Clogged, And How To Unclog Them Naturally

1. Sinus Stuffiness or Pain

One of the most common signs of clogged ears is a stuffy or painful feeling due to sinus pressure. This is typically caused by Eustachian tube congestion, which can make your ears feel excessively tight and lead to added pressure on your sinuses.

Relieving this type of stuffiness is fairly easy, and there are countless different ways to do so. Here are the best tried and tested natural methods for the most positive results.

· Look Up

Looking or bending down can significantly worsen your pain when your ears are clogged this way. This means saying “no” to yoga routines and certain exercises, and instead focusing on recovering first.

Stand or walk around often, sit up straight, and prop yourself up with some extra pillow in bed to help relieve some of the pain and promote decongestion.

· Stay Hydrated

Drink a lot of water throughout the day to help thin out the stuffiness. This will allow the congestion to thin, clearing out more easily as you go. If you tend to have trouble sleeping because of congestion, drink extra water at night.

Another option for hydration and moisture is a nasal spray. A simple saline spray does the trick when used a few times throughout the day. This can help to dilute the congestion so it can flow out more easily instead of getting clogged.

There is also the option of using a humidifier in your home to promote more moisture in the air. It’ll be better for your air quality, too, and bad air quality can often lead to congestion. If you don’t want to get a humidifier, take a hot shower whenever the pain flares up.

· Blow Your Nose Right

If the clogging isn’t too bad, you may be able to blow your nose to get rid of the ear congestion. Cover one of your nostrils and blow out, gently, through the other one. Sometimes blowing your nose normally doesn’t work, so doing it one nostril at a time can be helpful.

· Balance The Temperature

If you’re congested, you’ll want to stay in situations with nicely balanced temperatures. This is the wrong time to go out in the snow, and it’s the wrong time to sit in a sauna. Make sure you feel comfortable, as extreme temperatures can cause the congestion to worsen.

You may want to go the non-natural route if your issues are particularly severe. You can do so with the following methods.

· Pain Medication

If you’re feeling a lot of sinus pressure that is causing severe pain and headaches, over-the-counter painkillers can do wonders. Acetaminophen is a great option in those situations, as are naproxen and ibuprofen.

· Decongestant Sprays

We’ve discussed using nasal sprays before, but some home-done saline solutions just don’t cut it. Buy a nasal decongestant spray for quick and easy relief, but do not overuse it. Using them for three days or more in a row can cause extra congestion.

· Decongestant Tablets

They’re less popular, but plenty of pharmacies sell tablets that you can take which help break down clogs. Talk to your local pharmacists about options, and remember not to take more than the recommended dose!

2. Decreased Hearing or A Full Feeling

Sometimes, your ears might feel like they’re stuffy on their own – and that’s the only sign you need for clogging! They feel full, congested, and stuffy, sometimes to the point of giving you some hearing trouble, where everything around you seems to sound a little muffled. Here’s what you might need to do to get this feeling to die down.

· Irrigation

You can irrigate your ear to help flush out soft earwax, though it won’t work on overly hardened wax. Ear irrigation must be done carefully, but you can do it yourself at home with no problem if you follow instructions. Look up a guide before doing so!

· Oils

Olive oil, mineral oil, and baby oil are all great ways to help clean out your ears from that full feeling. Choose the type of oil you want to use, take around three tablespoons of it, and warm it up so it’s not cold. Before proceeding, test the oil against your wrist to ensure it isn’t too hot!

Using a dropper of your choice, take some of that oil and gently drop a little bit into your ear – just one or two drops will do. Leave your head tilted with the oil inside your ear to flow in well, maintaining the position for around fifteen seconds.

You should do this a second time on the same day; continue to do so twice daily until you don’t feel clogged anymore. But don’t exceed five days in a row!

· Hydrogen Peroxide

Just like with mineral oil, you can use drops of hydrogen peroxide to help clear out your ears. Get some warm water and mix a little hydrogen peroxide into it, then apply the mixture to the inside of your ear with a dropper as you would for oils. You can also use carbamide peroxide otic the same way.

If your ears feel very full, you may want to forgo natural unclogging methods and go for medicinal ones – like over-the-counter ear drops! Till then, keep your positive thinking up!

3. Dizziness

Dizziness can be a result of excess pressure that is building up within your ear. If you’re so dizzy that you can barely stand, you must go to a doctor. But if it’s just mild lightheadedness, there’s a good chance it’s from sinus issues.

Unfortunately, there aren’t many ways to get naturally treat this issue. Your best bet is avoiding certain things, such as:

Caffeine
Alcohol
Salt
Cigarettes (and other tobacco)
Fast movements
Intense exercise

Ear Specialists Explain Why You Should Stop Cleaning Ears With Cotton Buds

4. Sneezing or Coughing

It’s one thing to have some simple clogging, but when you start to cough, sneeze, or display other flu-like systems, you know the clogging is due to a full-blown flu or cold. In these cases, you may do better seeing a doctor. But if you’re still looking for positive natural unclogging methods for your ears specifically, these may work.

· Get A Warm Compress

Use a warm compress beneath your clogged ears to help drain out your nasal passages quickly and effectively. To do so, start by warming up some water. While it’s hot, grab some clean cloth and gently soak it in that water. Ensure it’s not too hot; you don’t want to burn your skin!

Squeeze the cloth so it isn’t dripping, then apply it gingerly right under the ear that is clogged. Leave it there for between five and ten minutes for the best results.

· Steam Yourself

Steaming your face can help relieve the clogging in your ears while promoting healing for coughs, sneezes, and colds. The easiest way to do this is by running boiling water in the shower and then sitting outside in the bathroom to bask in the steam. You can also take only hot showers for as long as you’re congested.

You can also do this more instantly for even more effectiveness. Start by boiling some water in a pot on your stove. Once it’s boiled, take it off the stove and move it somewhere convenient.

Once that’s done, cover your head and the pot with one big towel, hovering your head over the pot. Close your eyes and breathe in deeply to get that steam in your system!

· Try Essential Oils

Essential oils tend to hold a lot of properties that allow them to fight inflammation and congestion. They often also have antibiotic, antifungal, and antiseptic properties that give them lots of positive uses.

Peppermint oil, tea tree oil, and eucalyptus oil are all great essential oil options for this purpose. Use a diffuser and breathe them in to help clear the clogging in your ears. (You can also inhale the scent straight from the bottle!)

Do note that you should never apply pure essential oil directly onto your skin, which can lead to burns!

· Use Salt Water

Salt water is a go-to solution for basically most conditions. Grab some warm water and mix a little salt into it, then use this as a mouthwash. Basically, you need to gargle with that salt water solution.

Swish it around your mouth for a few seconds to help reduce mucus as the salt draws out the moisture from its surroundings. Spit it out once you’re done.

5. Ringing Ears, Discharge, and Other Signs

Are your ears ringing? Is there discharge coming out of them? Do your ears hurt very severely? Are you so dizzy you’re losing your balance? It’s time to go to the doctor.

Sure, there are plenty of ways for you to deal with clogged ears naturally, but it’s equally important to know when it’s time to get help. You may have an ear infection or a sinus infection that is causing your clogged ears.

A doctor can give you a diagnosis that works, and they may be able to provide you with more positive, effective methods to clear out your ears. Natural methods are great, but don’t forget they’re not a replacement for professional medical help!

Final Thoughts On Some Signs Your Ears Are Clogged And How To Unclog Them Naturally

Clogged ears are annoying, unpleasant, and even painful. Several other symptoms can sometimes throw you off from realizing that your ears need attention. Watch for these five signs your ears are clogged, and feel free to use those natural methods to deal with the problem!

Cucumber For Weight Loss: Weight Loss Smoothies + Health Benefits

June 27, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Are you looking for a delicious way to aid your current diet? Eating cucumbers for weight loss doesn’t need to be a tasteless dreadful affair. Research shows eating your vegetables assists you in dropping pounds without starving your body of the nutrition and hydration it needs. (1)

Cucumber smoothies are one fun way, and you don’t need fancy juicing equipment either. A regular blender will do the trick.

Cucumber Facts

These lean green machines contain (2):

Antioxidants
Vitamin K
16 calories per serving
High water content
Provides more hydration than water (3, 4)

Although we commonly call it a vegetable, cucumbers are actually fruits and belong to the same family as melons. You can enjoy the whole food or puree them to add to smoothies and other beverages. The only wrong way to eat cucumber is to not eat them.

Do your best to leave on the peel though. That’s where a large part of the nutrients reside. Avoid seedless varieties for more healthful benefits too since they contain calcium and minerals. (5)

6 Reasons to Enjoy Cucumbers

1. You Could Lose Weight

The calories in a single serving of this filling food will help to keep you fuller longer, and if you’re replacing unhealthy foods, you should see results on your scale.

At only 16 calories a serving with low carbohydrates, protein, and fat, the cucumber can find a home in nearly any type of diet or lifestyle.

2. You Could Lower Your Blood Sugar

Animal studies show promising results that cucumbers will naturally reduce your blood sugar. They also assisted in controlling levels.

Other studies that fed cucumber peel found similar results to eating the whole cucumber too.

While cucumber along might not reverse diabetes, research supports that it can make a healthful addition to a diabetic’s food choices. Some scientists wish to further study it to determine if a diet rich in cucumbers helps prevent diabetes and prediabetes.

3. Promotes Regular Bowel Movements

A common cause of constipation is dehydration. Cucumbers contain a fiber called pectin. Both the fiber and water content fight constipation and assist in keeping you regular.

4. Hydration

Obtaining water from fruits and vegetables assists our bodies year-round to maintain healthy hydration levels. Without a constant source of water, your body can’t work properly.

5. Antioxidants to Fight Free Radicals and Might Reduce Cancer Risks

Oxidative stress wreaks havoc on your body inside and out. It causes advanced signs of skin aging, breaks down healthy cells, and it can cause or promote cancer and chronic illnesses. One defense you have in your arsenal is to consume foods high in antioxidants.

6. Could Promote Healthy Bones

We often think of calcium when referring to bone health. Did you know your body also requires vitamin K for a strong skeleton system? Low-density levels and fracture incident actually has a correlation to low vitamin K levels.

A 2000 study, featuring elderly women and med, witnessed a hip fracture reduction rate in participants who consumed healthy amounts of vitamin K.

Are There Risks in Consuming Cucumbers?

One concern comes from the Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen list, which contains vegetables and fruits commonly found loaded with pesticides with links to cancer and disease. Cucumbers no longer make their list as of 2018 though.

They still recommend purchasing organic when possible or growing your own to reduce your exposure to harmful and potentially harmful chemicals.

Cucumbers might contain wax coating to protect them during shipping. This applies to both organic and conventional varieties. You should remove this before eating.

Also, remember to vary your vegetable choices. Load up your plate with a variety of vegetables and fruits to ensure you receive the different nutrients your body requires to work well.

Vitamin K Concerns

Because cucumbers have a moderate amount of vitamin K, some people taking certain medications should speak with their doctor. Most notable are blood-thinning, antibiotics, prescription and over the counter weight loss medications, and cholesterol-reducing medications.

These medications can increase the likelihood of low vitamin K levels as well as induce deficiency side effects.

Tasty, Healthful Ways You Can Enjoy Cucumber for Weight Loss

The easiest way to enjoy your cucumbers is in slices. Nosh on them with your favorite low-calorie dip, fill with hummus or pop them plain. Second to this would be as a salad topper.

However, some people aren’t a fan and avoid them completely. Cucumber smoothies offer you a chance to hide your fruits in veggies under the mask of a sweet or tropical flavor.

Cucumber Smoothies

Detoxifying Cucumber Smoothies

Ingredients:

2/3 cup of unsweetened plant-based milk
¾ cup of ice
1 ½ cups of kale, chopped
1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
½ green apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
1 tbsp. flax seed, ground
Honey to taste, optional

Directions:
1. Combine ingredients in a blender.
2. Blend until you’ve reached your desired consistency.
3. Enjoy

Cucumber Melon Protein Smoothie

Ingredients:

1 cup of yogurt or dairy-free alternative yogurt, unflavored and no added sugar
One cucumber, peeled and chopped
½ cup of cantaloupe or honeydew melon
1 tbsp. vegan protein powder

Directions:
1. Combine ingredients in a blender.
2. Pulse until desired consistency is reached.
3. Enjoy as a drink, smoothie bowl, or mix in some granola or Muesli.

Antioxidant Booster

This is a go-to favorite around cold and flu season, and I reach for it any time I start feeling ill.

Ingredients:

¼ cup of mango, chopped
An orange, peeled
1 cup of cucumber, peeled and chopped
1 tbsp. flax seeds, ground
One cup of spinach or kale

Directions:
1. Combine all ingredients in a blender.
2. Mix until you’ve reached your desired consistency.
3. Enjoy over ice or as is.

Cucumber Juice

Technically not a cucumber smoothie recipe, but it’s a beverage you can enjoy that offers similar benefits.

Ingredients:

3 cucumbers, peeled and diced
1/2c-1c of water
Melon slices, lemon juice, or mint sprigs, optional

Directions:
1. Place cucumber in a blender or food processor. Blend until no chunks remain.
2. Slowly add water until you reach your desired consistency.
3. Add optional ingredients, sip, and enjoy.

Moderation is Key with Your Cucumber Smoothies

Supplemental juicing and plant-based smoothies are an excellent way to obtain more nutrients from your food.

However, if your goal is weight loss, you’ll want to stick to lower sugar fruits. Juicing and smoothies can be made healthful, but the sugar in fruit can also sabotage your efforts. Another study showed a juice only fast slowed metabolisms.

Be mindful of your frequency if you’re eating cucumber for weight loss, and exercise moderation when using high-sugar fruits and juices in your smoothie recipes.

Cucumber Sandwich Ideas

Not everyone enjoys cucumber smoothies, so here are some additional ways to get more cucumber or vegetables into your diet.

Cucumber sandwiches make for fun finger food that’s also portable. The prep work takes almost no time too, so it’s great for busy people. All you need to do is peel (optional) and slice the cucumbers, then pick a filling.

Healthy Filling Ideas

Hummus
Meatless luncheon meat and dairy free cheese slices
Cream cheese or cream cheese alternative spreads
Almond butter
Tuna or salmon
Egg salad

Bonus: Pickles and Chips!

Refrigerator Pickles

No canning materials needed for this quick and easy pickle recipe from Bless This Mess Please. You maintain many of the benefits of eating cucumbers, but you can increase its them with the addition of apple cider vinegar.

Fermented Pickles

Interested in fermenting your pickles for even more healthful, probiotic benefits? Did you know fermented foods promote weight loss?

You can make a single batch or multiple jars if you have the proper canning equipment.

Spiced Cucumber Chips

Try this healthy, baked alternative to the potato varieties. Adapted from Karissa’s Vegan Kitchen.

If you have a food dehydrator, you can use your machine instead of the oven. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Ingredients:

2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. ground cayenne pepper
Pinch of salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 170 degrees.
2. Layer slices between paper towels to drain excess moisture.
3. Combine seasonings in a bowl. Add slices and toss to coat.
4. Lay in a single layer on a parchment lined baking pan.
5. Bake for about 3 ½ to 4 hours

Final Thoughts on Cucumber for Weight Loss, Cucumber Smoothies, and Other Healthful Ways to Eat More Cucumber

Cucumbers are a great addition to any diet because of their nutrient-rich profile. The water, vitamins, and minerals replenish your body after workouts and refresh you instantly. Plus, they’re inexpensive and available year round, making them the perfect addition to a weight loss or maintenance program.

Remember, if you’re not a fan of certain vegetables or fruits, you can easily mask their taste and/or texture in healthful cucumber smoothies.

Cucumber based dishes and treats might be the answer you’re seeking. Either way, incorporating a few of these delicious recipes into your weekly meal plan sure will not harm your health.

Researchers Reveal Connection Between BPA Exposure and Gene Linked to Autism

June 27, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Have you ever seen those “BPA-free” stickers on water bottles and other plastic containers? It turns out that there may be an excellent reason. For if a joint research team from the University of Virginia School of Medicine and North Carolina State is to be believed, BPA exposure increases the risk of transgenerational autism.

Indeed, it seems that most health experts and public health agencies concur that BPA is a potentially dangerous chemical – even in small amounts. Moreover, products advertised as “BPA-free” may not be much healthier.

In this article, we’re going to clarify what BPA is as well as the known dangers of the chemical. We’ll also discuss the study in more detail and what you can do to safeguard the health of yourself and your loved ones. Finally, we’ll give you some tips on how to identify products that contain BPA.

First, let us acquire a good understanding of what BPA is.

What is BPA?

In 2015, four million tons of bisphenol A – most often referred to as simply “BPA” – was produced and allocated. Most of these four million tons were made exclusively for the manufacturing of polycarbonate plastic. The biggest consumers of the raw material are, by far, companies involved in the plastics industry.

First discovered in the early 1890s by the Russian chemist Alexander Dianin, bisphenol is produced by catalyzing a 2:1 mix of phenol – a white crystalline organic compound – with acetone – a colorless, flammable and volatile liquid.

Shortly before his death, Dianin would again use bisphenol A to produce another chemical composite: Dianin’s compound. Since Dianin’s discovery, chemists have found a more efficient way to produce the chemical on an industrial scale.

Bisphenol A is most often referred to as simply BPA. BPA is often mentioned in the context of the production of many types of plastics and resins; namely, epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastics. The latter is frequently used in the production of consumer storage products, including water bottles. Because of the durability of BPA-based plastics, it is also used to produce CDs and DVDs, and even sports equipment.

Other products that may contain BPA include:

Canned foods
Dental filling sealants
Eyeglass lenses
Household electronics
Feminine hygiene products
Plastic bottles and containers (including baby bottles)
Toiletries
Thermal print receipts

BPA is considered an important pollutant despite its relatively rapid biodegradation and short soil and water half-life. Per the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over one million pounds of BPA are released into the atmosphere annually. BPA waste is ubiquitous, coming from – among other places – wastewater treatment plants, irrigation pipes, leaching, and recycling companies.

What is Autism?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder typified by abnormal social interaction and the display of repetitive behavior and thought patterns. According to Autism Speaks, one in 59 children is affected by autism. Autism is often referred to clinically as an autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, due to the multiple subtypes of autism. Experts attribute the development of autism of both environmental and genetic factors.

Other developmental disorders that fall under the umbrella of ASD include autistic disorder, Asperger syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS.)

The symptoms and signs of autism are numerous and may include:

Atypical body posture and facial expressions
An atypical tone of voice
Behavioral difficulties and disturbances
Eye contact avoidance
Language comprehension deficits
Irregular social interactions
Intense focus on and preoccupation with specific topics
Lack of empathy
Learning difficulties
Monotonous tone of voice
Social isolation
Repeating of phrases or words
Repetitive movement
Self-abuse
Sleep disturbances

How is BPA dangerous?

BPA is known to be an endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC). Scientists have slapped BPA with the EDC label because it appears to alter the way that the body’s hormones work. To help us understand why this is a significant problem, let’s quickly talk about the roles of the endocrine system.

The endocrine system is comprised of numerous hormone-producing glands. These hormones are responsible for numerous physiological functions, including:

Growth and development of the body and brain
Metabolic regulation
Reproduction
Sexual function
Sleep and mood
Tissue function

BPA’s mechanism of action involves mimicking or interfering with the function of estrogen and other hormones. Research shows that BPA causes these disruptions even in very low doses.

The Studies

“Animal studies have linked BPA to anxiety, aggression, and poor learning and social interactions. Studies of human populations report associations between BPA and neurobehavioral issues like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism.” – The Endocrine Society (source)

Studies find that exposing mice fetuses to BPA interrupts cellular formation in the brain – and that these effects act across generations, exhibiting “transgenerational” properties. Worse, these damaging findings seem to also act across species.

In other words, “… if your [grandmother] was exposed to BPA … and [no other] relatives came into contact with BPA, your brain would still show these effects,” says Emilie F. Rissman, a professor of biochemistry and molecular genetics at the University of Virginia School of Medicine.

According to a study conducted by the Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine (RowanSOM) and Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (NJMS) and published in the journal Autism Research, children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) metabolize BPA differently than in otherwise healthy children.

Like nearly every other chemical, BPA binds to glucose in the liver, is converted into a glucuronide, and excreted in the form of urine. This process, called glucuronidation, is critical for the removal of toxins – chemical and otherwise – from the body. Relatedly, Stein and his team made ascertain these findings after administering and analyzing the urine specimens of 100 kids – 52 healthy and 46 with ASD – for free BPA and BPA concentration levels.

Stein and his team detected a 3-times higher concentration of total BPA levels in the 15-times higher average concentration of partial BPA levels in the ASD children than the non-ASD children.

Says Stein of the experiment:

“…(our study) is the first to show (endocrine disruption of BPA) in humans and the first to associate it with autism,” noting previous experimental findings tying BPA to endocrine system disruption.

Final Thoughts: “BPA-free” and Limiting Your Exposure

Walk through any supermarket, and you’ll see a trove of plastic products with the “BPA-free” label. While these products may be high quality, it may be worth investigating what the manufacturer uses to “replace” BPA. Why? Because according to a 32-study systematic review published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, BPA substitutes bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF) may be just as harmful.

Per the review, both BPS and BPF appear to act of hormones in a way that is very similar to BPA. Moreover, BPS exhibits hormonal potencies that are similar to the sex hormone steroid estradiol. More specifically, BPS acts on pathways that are critical to cellular activities such as proliferation and differentiation. Finally, both BPS and BPF exhibit other potentially damaging effects on the organs and reproductive system.

So how do you protect yourself from BPA?

Well, the good news is that many manufacturers and retailers, including the big players Toys “R” Us and Wal-Mart, are trying to ban the chemical from their inventory entirely. The bad news is that BPA is still everywhere.

Nixing your plastic habit is probably the most surefire way to avoid BPA. Try to think of ways that you can cut back on your plastic consumption, especially if you’re a water bottle or storage container consumer.

Here are a few other tips for limiting your exposure to BPA:

Avoid thermal paper.

Thermal paper is a paper coated with a material that often contains BPA. Cash registers, ATMs, and adding machines usually dispense thermal paper.

Clean and dust your home.

BPA is present in dust (albeit in small amounts), so make sure to dust, mop, and vacuum regularly.

Check your kid’s toys.

If you have kids, look for BPA-free toys (just make sure to do your research). Better yet, look for toys made from wood or some other material.

Double-check those containers.

Shop for food containers and other storage products marked “Dishwasher safe” and “Microwave-safe” as these products are less likely to contain BPA.

Check the recycle codes.

You’ve seen those green arrows on plastics that form a triangle, right? (They’re everywhere, just look!) Inside that triangle, you’ll find a single-digit called a recycling code. Plastics marked with the numbers 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 contain BPA in negligible amounts, if at all. Plastics with the recycling codes 3 and 7 typically have higher concentrations of BPA.

Use metal-based utensils.

Plastic forks, spoons, and cutlery have tested for BPA. Consider using an alternative.

Anti Aging Skin Care (The Best Daily Routine)

June 27, 2019 by Power of Positivity

You want to look younger every day. However, you might not have a clue of how to achieve your anti aging goals. You might also be wondering if it is vital to use all these products that are recommended and sold in the beauty products market.

Another primary concern that you might have is the choice of product that will work best for your skin. Also, you might be wondering how and when you should use these products. This also includes the number of times that you should use anti aging skin care products.

To put your mind at ease, here are steps that will be your guide to your anti aging skin care routine. This routine is straightforward. It has four steps; one that you can use for your morning routine and another that you can use at night to complete the day. If you would like to achieve the best results for your skin care, then you should consider setting an appointment for microneedling for younger looking skin.

The routine will also include some of the best product picks that you can use. An expert has approved these products. The tips, also recommended by an expert, are easy steps that you can use for your anti aging skin care routine. If you’re also interested in Anti- Aging Treatments, it’s important to know exactly what to expect, so you can get the most out of the experience.

Morning Routine

Step 1: Wash Your Face

After sleeping, you will wake up with facial skin filled with impurities and oil. Therefore, washing your face should be the first thing that you do after waking up. To do this properly, use a cleanser that is compatible with your skin type.

Your skin can be oily, sensitive or prone to acne. If you have oily skin, the right cleanser for you will be a gel cleanser. Select a gel that has charcoal in it. The charcoal will remove the impurities from your skin like a magnet.

Charcoal also dissolves excess oil, makeup, and dirt from your skin. If your skin type is dry, you should select a cleanser that will hydrate your skin even when you are cleaning your face. A hydrating cleanser will remove any impurities and makeup from your face.

The best hydrating cleanser should contain honey and sweet almond extracts. These anti aging products condition, pamper and comfort the skin. Additionally, your skin will feel soft, clean and supple.

On the other hand, if your facial skin is aging, the best cleanser to use is a foaming cleanser. Choose a foaming cleanser that has been formulated with a micro-exfoliating lipo-hydroxy acid. Such a cleanser can remove impurities, address uneven skin tone, remove visible dark spots, and remove dull looking skin.

If your skin is sensitive, use micellar water. The water has micelle molecules. These molecules cluster together and surround the impurities lifting them away.

The molecules will also remove your makeup without any harsh rubbing or rinsing. To further make your skin look refreshed and bright, exfoliate a few times a week with a scrub in your morning routine. The scrub will remove the dead skin building up from the surface leaving a more polished skin.

Step 2: Antioxidant Serum

Serum should be a must-have product in your anti aging morning routine. These products, albeit highly concentrated, consisting of vitamins, nutrients and other ingredients that benefit the skin. They can also target specific concerns for your skin.

Additionally, serums have the advantage of improving the entire complexion of your face making it appear better. Some serums can even protect against free radicals which prevent premature signs of aging. Moreover, serums reduce wrinkles leaving your skin looking younger.

Step 3: Eyes

The area surrounding your eyes will be the first place on your face to show any signs of aging. This area is delicate, and it can be filled with wrinkles and fine lines. Therefore, for your anti aging skin care routine, you can use an eye cream to minimize the appearance of premature skin aging.

The eye cream can also remove any signs of aging on your eyes. In the morning, use a cream that has SPF to protect against UV light exposure throughout the day. The UV light is known for making dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles in the eye area more pronounced.

The UV light also adds more signs of aging around the eye. Hence, using an SPF sunscreen will defend, enhance, and optimize the entire area around your eye. Such products are useful since they work best for the thin and sensitive skin structure around the eye.

Step 4: Moisturize

Moisturizing your skin is essential every time you wash your face. The re-introduction of moisture helps to hydrate your skin. Thus, your skin is prevented from getting dry.

Well, balanced moisture maintained on your skin ensures that the anti aging signs are reduced on your face. This is because moisture minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines visible on your face. As an added benefit, you can choose a moisturizer that has SPF as one of its ingredients.

Just like the eye cream, the SPF helps to protect your face against any UV rays that are harmful to your skin. A moisturizer will also provide your face will hydration properties throughout the day. Thus, your skin will look young and soft all day long.

Moreover, your moisturizer will give your skin the ability to fight any visible effects that come from environmental skin damage. In case your moisturizer does not have SPF, choose a sunscreen that has SPF to work as a supplement. Also, make sure that you apply the SPF as the last thing during your morning skincare routine and reapply it after every two hours.

Night Routine

Step 1: Wash Your Face

Similar to your morning routine, you should wash your face with a cleanser before you go to sleep. You can even use the same formula that you use in the morning. Nevertheless, you can decide to use a different method for your morning routine.

You can also swap your cleanser for an exfoliating cleanser a few times during the week. The purpose of the exfoliating cleanser is to remove the dead skin cells that are building upon the surface of your face. These dead skin cells give your face a dull appearance.

When choosing an exfoliating cleanser, pick one that will brighten your skin and at the same time cleanse your face deeply. A cleanser that has finely ground and sustainable argan nutshell will provide the best exfoliating effect while at the same time remaining gentle to your skin. Look for added benefits in products that contain vitamin c and multi-fruit acid.

In case you wear makeup every day, ensure that you use a toner after cleansing your face. The toner will remove all the cosmetics, pollution, dirt and grime from your face. Use an alcohol-free toner that will tone, hydrate and comfort your skin.

An alcohol-free toner is also useful for all skin types. The pH balance of the toner will additionally give you optimal comfort. Besides, it will not dry or strip your skin of its natural oils.

Step 2: Apply Retinol

Retinal is a product that is widely known to be valid for anti aging. This is because it reduces the signs of wrinkles, fine lines and age spots that occur from intrinsic aging or the environment. Using a retinol product at night is also more effective because it breaks down in UV light due to its photosensitivity.

Choose a product that has pure retinol of about 0.5 percent. Also, you can consider a product that will have bisabolol. These properties will help to calm your skin from irritations that occur from using retinol.

Therefore, when you start to use retinol, start with products that have a lower concentration of the ingredient. You can increase the concentration gradually with the increase in tolerance for your skin. Otherwise, stick to lower concentrations to avoid skin irritation.

Step 3: Moisturize

Moisturizing should also be a constant part of your anti aging skin care routine in the evening or at night before you sleep. You should moisturize your face after cleansing. However, since you do not need SPF in the evening, you can use a moisturizer that has ingredients that prevent aging.

Such ingredients include retinol, glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, and LHA. All you have to do is ensure that the product you choose will correlate to your skin type. For instance, if you have dry, normal or combination skin type, you should use a moisturizer that has restorative power for your skin’s appearance.

The restorative power of the product will give you a good night’s sleep look. Hence, when you wake up, your face will be radiant looking, and you will also look as though you had enough rest. However, if you applied pure retinol on your skin during the second step, use a moisturizing night cream that does not contain retinol to avoid irritating your skin.

Step 4: Eyes

Before you go to sleep, apply the same eye cream that you use in the morning to the area around your eyes. The cream will give you a youthful appearance in the morning. If your morning eye cream has SPF, use a different eye cream at night.

For your night routine, choose an eye cream that will increase moisture levels and enhance anti aging by targeting dark circles and wrinkles. The eye cream is an essential skin care routine step for both young and mature skin. Another added skin care tip that you can use at night is using a face mask.

The face mask will give your skin the extra TLC it needs. For maximum results, choose an overnight face mask that will moisturize your face intensively overnight. The mask will provide you with soft and smooth skin while you sleep.

Conclusion

Always remember that anti aging products can only do so much for your skin. For instance, you cannot substitute evening skin care products for actual sleep. If you are tired, the skin will show the signs.

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