Page 1022

Science Explains How Cilantro Can Remove Toxicity of Heavy Metals From Your Body

June 19, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Did you know that heavy metals can produce toxicity in your body? We have a variety of heavy metals all around us, from the batteries in our storage drawer, to pesticides, to our tech that we use every day. Amazingly, science has found that cilantro can remove much of the heavy metals from our bodies.

There are about 23 different types of heavy metals that can cause toxicity in our bodies. That toxicity can create a wide array of symptoms affecting our gastrointestinal, neurological, and respiratory systems, as well as other bodily functions.

While breathing in or consuming heavy metals in amounts leading to toxic overload is rare, it is still worth protecting yourself. Babies or children tend to more sensitive to heavy metals. It’s essential to be aware of which heavy metals are harmful, which we need in appropriate doses, how they each can affect us, and potential treatments.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly about Heavy Metals

Have you ever bought a house? If so, you probably received information regarding lead poisoning if the home was older than 1978. Prior to 1978, lead was a common ingredient in paint, and the effects of lead were less known. Now, we are aware of its dangers, and it is required for all homeowners to be informed before purchasing a home.

On the other hand, copper has long been praised for its excellent connectivity to our bodies and aiding in treatment for arthritis, pain, sleep problems, and more.

Copper and lead are both are classified as heavy metals. Why is one suitable for us and another not?

What is a Heavy Metal?

Before we can discuss which are good or bad, it’s essential to understand what heavy metals are and where they come from.

Many people probably think of heavy metals as something mankind created. In actuality, they come from the Earth’s crust and can vary in quantity and concentration depending upon location. Merriam Webster defines metals as: “any of various opaque, fusible, ductile, and typically lustrous substances that are good conductors of electricity and heat, form cations by loss of electrons, and yield basic oxides and hydroxides.”

In short, a heavy metal is a shiny material of variable consistencies that conducts electricity and heat. It also forms positive ions by transferring its electrons to another source. Just think of your batteries. One side is negative, and the other is positive. It shares its electrons with the device to create an electrical charge. Most metals are solid but can become liquid or gas under differing extremes of temperature.

What are the “good” metals that our body uses?

After reading that definition, it seems rather odd to say that our bodies need certain metals. Remember, however, that our bodies contain electricity or energy as well. Our electrical force is obviously not as strong as what fuels our light bulbs or the lightning striking down from the sky.

We are composed of atoms, which are made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons, the same energy source as electricity. Those cells communicate with our brain from our various systems. We would be incapable of doing anything without them.

The “good” metals in our bodies have many positive roles for all of our systems:

Blood pressure regulation
Balancing blood sugar
Energy management
Bone and teeth growth
Blood clotting
Muscle contraction
Keeping fluids balanced

Many also share the common role of activating enzymes. According to Harvard Health Publishing from Harvard Medical School, there are 10 “good” metals that we need in relatively low amounts:

Calcium
Chromium
Copper
Magnesium
Manganese
Molybdenum
Potassium
Sodium
Zinc
Iron

Please keep in mind: too much of these “good” metals can also be dangerous to us.

What are the “bad” metals that our bodies don’t need?

Metals are naturally formed from the Earth, as well as manmade. Oftentimes metals end up in our soil, our water, or our food from soil erosion, wind eroding the earth, mining, runoff, sewage, and pesticides sprayed on crops. Some of the aforementioned “good” metals can potentially become “bad” heavy metals if they are consumed in large amounts. Below is just a list of a few “bad” heavy metals:

Arsenic
Lead
Mercury
Cadmium
Chromium
Aluminum
Nickel
Selenium
Platinum
Thallium
Tin
Cobalt
Bismuth
Gold
Lithium

The “Ugly” about Heavy Metal Toxicity

What are the “ugly” consequences of getting heavy metal toxicity? How can one be exposed to metals in their daily lives?

WEbMd states that a person may get heavy metal toxicity by eating or drinking something contaminated with heavy metals or if they inadvertently breathe in fumes or dust containing metals. You may run an increased risk if you:

Eat a lot of fish that come from areas with a lot of mercury in the water. Remember, runoff often goes directly into oceans or seas.
Consume herbal medicines; these can potentially contain metals.
Work in a factory which contains or uses a lot of heavy metals.
Breathe in the dust from old paint in a home. The home must be built prior to 1978. It is also cautioned that the paint can flake and a child may ingest it.

Additionally, it can be found in mines, emissions from factories and electrical generating plants, and specific tech devices.

If there is a sudden and massive intake of metals, you will experience symptoms similar to any common overdose:

Dizziness
Headache
Nausea or vomiting

However, long-term chronic exposure to heavy metals can have an ugly and devastating effect on all your bodily systems. The consequences may vary depending upon the metal, the concentration, the form, and your age:

Cardiovascular decline
Neurological decline
Renal failure
Cancer
Memory loss
Tremors
Depression
Bone marrow depression

How Scientists showed Cilantro can remove Toxicity of Heavy Metals from Your Body

Cilantro is a fragrant herb from the mint family. Scientists have been studying it because it’s believed to either prevent or decrease heavy metal toxicity. CNN posted an article in 2013 about how scientists discovered cilantro removed lead from water in Mexico City. Mexico has had a long-running problem with the dumping of chemicals and various metals running off into its water source and crops.

The team, led by Douglas Schauer of Ivy Tech Community College in Lafayette, Indiana, tested different plants for potential filtering properties. They discovered cilantro to be the most powerful in removing lead from the water. They were able to dry out the herb and grind it. It could then be used in a tea bag to filter out a pitcher of water or could be placed in a tube with water running through it into a glass. It only required a handful of cilantro to purify a pitcher of water.

The researchers planned to test cilantro on heavy metals in different areas of Mexico.

That by itself is pretty compelling evidence of its benefits. In 2001, a report was published regarding a study performed using mice. Male mice had lead added to their drinking water over a period of 32 days. They then received Chinese Parsley, or cilantro, for 25 days following the first 7 days of the mice consuming lead.

Various tests were run to see what the results were. Most of the lead accumulated in the femur of the mice, but in significantly lower amounts than expected. Even better, there was a marked decrease in damage to the kidneys. Two chemicals commonly found in high quantities after lead toxicity, delta-aminolevulinic Acid (ALA), and delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD), also showed a significant decrease. The premise of this study was that cilantro was able to prevent or suppress many of the typical lead toxicity elements.

In both of these studies, scientists believe that cilantro was effective due to it containing a chelation agent. A chelation agent is one in which metals from the bloodstream bind to it and then are excreted from the body. The treatment for removing heavy metals is called Chelation therapy. Currently, it involves the injection of a chemical called ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). This must be performed by a professional certified in this therapy.

Other studies have shown that other natural treatments can reduce heavy metal toxicity. This includes garlic, taurine, and selenium. Those studies also recommend that using a natural method for reducing heavy metals should be accompanied by a supplement shown to enhance the chelation agent. These are chlorella, vitamin C, milk thistle, and probiotics.

Conclusion:

Heavy metal toxicity is not a common occurrence in the United States. It is more common in less developed or financially stable countries.

Additionally, other studies point to heavy metals, at a less-than-toxic level, that may also contribute to the symptoms or severities of other diseases.

Adding a chelation agent to your diet with a supplement can serve as a preventative measure. Should heavy metal toxicity be verified, then any treatment must be performed by a doctor.

Science has shown that adding cilantro to your diet may remove heavy metals from your body and either suppress or limit their effects. It’s a great bonus that it is a tasty herb that can easily be added to many dishes and soups.

Researchers Reveal How Frankincense Can Relieve Depression and Anxiety

June 19, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Frankincense – that exotic aroma wafting through the air from the burning of its incense. This aromatic resin from the Boswellia tree has stories stemming from before the Old Testament. It is an incense still commonly used in religious and cultural ceremonies due to the belief that it will raise your soul to spiritual ecstasy. Given its reputation, no wonder researchers have linked it to relieving depression and anxiety.

Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety exist as a way of life for more than 300 million people around the world. This statistic is estimated from the World Health Organization.

The National Institute of Mental Health states at least one major depressive episode happened to at least 16.2 million adults in the U.S. in 2016. That translates to 6.7% of the U.S. adult population. Depression affects most people between the ages of 18-25, with women twice as frequently affected than men.

Symptoms of Depression

Depression exists as a debilitating, and in some cases, deadly disease. It has more than one form, each with varying levels of depression and additional symptoms. Depression and anxiety tend to co-exist in their diagnosis.

The symptoms of depression usually include:

Extreme tiredness or fatigue
Low energy
Feeling worthless or hopeless
Negative or pessimistic thinking
Sleep disorders
Lack of interest in things which once made you happy
Eating disorders
Chronically feeling extremely sad, down or “empty”
Foggy thinking – difficulty focusing, remembering specific details, or making decisions
Low tolerance, high frustration or irritability
Body pains that persist
Stomach or digestive issues
Anger issues
Focus on the past or mistakes in the past, with common associations to guilt
Suicidal or homicidal thoughts or actions

Types of Depression

Multiple forms of depression exist. They are usually distinguished by how they manifest, how long the symptoms occur, and how regularly you experience them.

Events in your life can trigger some milder cases of depression. Examples include a death, family event, break up, or a significant change in your life. These, while still possibly requiring therapy and medication, are considered a normal reaction to an event. They do not necessarily indicate a disorder.

Diagnosed depressive disorders:

Major Depressive Disorder.

This is a single, debilitating episode of depression that lasts longer than six months.

Persistent Depressive Disorder.

This depressive disorder is also known as Dysthymia. It is associated with a chronic, low-level depression that occurs for two years or longer. An individual with this disorder may experience all the above symptoms of depression, but they are not usually suicidal and can function in life. This is mostly related to “Functional Depression” in which an individual may not even seem depressed to the outside world. Only those closest to them know of how they struggle every day to keep a handle on the symptoms.

Bipolar Disorder.

Bipolar is most commonly known for the extremes of moods. One mood is depressed and the other is very hyper or manic. There is a Depressive Type Bipolar where the individual experiences mostly depressive symptoms, but at least three times a year has an unexplained surge in energy that may not reach the height of a manic stage. This surge in energy is usually deemed as “hyper,” and the individual may seem more energetic than their norm.

Seasonal Depression.

Seasonal depression is a form that is affected by the amount of sunlight or lack of sunlight. During the months in which the sun is out less, autumn and winter, the individual experiences depressive symptoms. During summer and spring, they are just fine.

Postpartum Depression.

Postpartum Depression occurs in some women after the birth of a baby. Having a baby is difficult for any mother. You are tired, your hormones are in flux, you’re stressed, and you don’t physically feel like yourself. When these symptoms worsen and continue for weeks or months, then it becomes a form of depression. If not recognized and treated, then it can become extremely dangerous for the mother and the baby.

Psychotic Depression.

Psychosis is a state of mind in which a person starts to hear, see, feel, or smell things that aren’t there. They may also begin to have pervasive thoughts involving grandiose ideas or paranoia. These thoughts are called delusions. They are an altered way of thinking in which others cannot convince you to the contrary.

Depression is a real and treatable disorder if diagnosed. It is not something to be ashamed or embarrassed by. If you suspect that you, or someone you know, may be depressed, seek help from a medical professional immediately.

Treatment for Depression

The majority of treatment for most forms of depression require antidepressants. Psychotherapy is also recommended to be used in conjunction with medication. A person will have a reduced risk of relapse if psychotherapy is used with medication, as opposed to just medication alone.

In the case of seasonal depression, vitamin D and a “light” lamp are added to therapy. This is a light that puts out the same type of rays as the sun.

Taking medication for depression can be a bit of trial and error. There is no sure-fire way of knowing which medications are going to be effective. Depending upon your symptoms, more than one medication may need to be used. The more medications you are on, the more complicated it can be and the number of side effects increases. Sometimes these side effects are too much or make you feel worse than without medication. In those cases, people look for alternative treatments.

One such alternative treatment is repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. This uses magnetic pulses that target the areas of your brain that control your mood. It requires six weeks of treatment at five days per week. This is also an alternative for those who are resistant to medication.

In very extreme cases, electroconvulsive therapy is used. ECT consists of electrical currents running through the brain. The severe cases of depression generally involve a form of psychosis or comatose states. Sometimes, while certain people seem non-responsive to medication or unable to tolerate it, they can respond to this form of therapy.

How can Frankincense relieve depression and anxiety?

Often, even with medication, those with depression or anxiety still have depressive traits that they cope with on a near-daily basis. Usually, their overall mood eventually improves and they can think with less pessimism, yet certain symptoms hang on. These lingering symptoms affect their families, their work performance, and the individuals’ own sense of personal security and success. A few of these symptoms may include:

Enough energy to get through the day and handle stress
Continuing episodes of sleep problems
Still fight to maintain focus and concentration
Need to push themselves to keep the motivation going
Still struggle with using food as a coping mechanism
Fight to stay positive and hopeful
Have difficulty with crowds, loud noises, or too much stimuli

Since scientists still aren’t sure what causes depression, they can only treat some of the major symptoms. While helping to decrease extreme emotions is still a huge step, it leaves millions of people looking to other ways.

Many tend to focus on meditation, exercise, yoga, and other alternative supplements. Finding alternative ways to alleviate, or further reduce, these symptoms is something scientists are still studying.

One such possible alternative is the use of Frankincense.

A group of Israeli and American scientists performed a study on a group of female mice. The basis of the theory was that a chemical called TRPV3 had been shown to exist in the neurons of the brain. Their purpose was unknown. It was known that it acts to aid in the sensation of warm skin. What it did in the neurons was still a mystery.

Frankincense (Boswellia) resin had already been proven to activate TRPV3 and was shown to create, among other things, anti-depressive behavior in wild rats.

The scientist isolated the chemical in Boswellia resin that created this effect, incensole acetate (IA). The mice were injected with IA and then put through specific psychological tests, which were the standard testing format. These tests are physical feats that test the mice for emotional stability and motor skills when faced with adversity.

The conclusion? Boswellia resin did have an effect on sensation and emotional status. The study also proved that TRPV3 has some relationship to the way in which the central nervous system processes emotion and behavior.

While these studies are yet to be performed on humans, they provide great groundwork for further study in the treatment of depressive and central nervous system issues.

Conclusion

Finding additional methods to treat depression and anxiety is paramount to the success and happiness of our society. The fact that so many people, even with treatment, battle each day to live life with joy and hope proves that we still have much to learn about how depression affects the brain.

Frankincense has been around for centuries, serving multiple religious purposes. How glorious would it be if the researchers added to its spiritual enhancing capability with a way to relieve depression and anxiety? That would be a true miracle for all those diagnosed with depression and anxiety who currently seek better solutions.

10 Hidden Signs of Gastritis to Never Ignore

June 16, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Gastritis is a disease characterized by stomach lining inflammation. When untreated, it can lead to stomach ulcers and even cancer. As such, it’s no surprise that many people want to be aware of the signs of this condition.

You would think such a disorder would be easily noticed, but it can be surprisingly sneaky. Its symptoms are subtle and can easily be attributed to other, less dangerous causes.

In addition, Helicobacter pylori, or H. Pylori, the type of bacteria that causes gastritis, will show itself in specific symptoms often overlooked when its infection first takes root. But approximately half of the world’s population has H. Pylori in their body, so there’s a good chance you’re at risk for the disease!

Don’t worry, though. A little positive thinking and a bit of knowledge go a long way. If you’re aware of what to look out for, you’ll be able to know if something is amiss.

Here Are 10 Hidden Signs You Have Gastritis

1. Nausea

Bile is a liquid substance created in the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Typically, its job is simple; it helps the small intestine digest lipids. You may also know it as the product you expel when you vomit – which is why an increased amount of bile can cause you to feel nauseated.

When the bile inside your liver starts to move around due to H. Pylori infection, it can cause feelings of nausea. This infection causes the bile to become displaced, reaching the stomach instead of the duodenum or the small intestine. It may also cause you to feel bile creeping up your throat when you belch regularly. This is called bile reflux.

Of course, bile movement isn’t necessarily a sign that you have gastritis. It can also point to other issues, such as indigestion, or acid reflux, so don’t rule out other possibilities.

2. A Deficiency In Vitamin B12

Are you deficient in vitamin B12, even though you’re eating the right foods? This vitamin plays a very crucial role in your DNA and blood-related functions. Consuming foods with sufficient B12 can provide plenty of positive benefits. These foods include:

Eggs
Trout
Liver
Low-fat milk
Clams
Salmon
Fortified cereal
Greek yogurt
Sardines
Beef
Chicken breast
Ham

If you’re eating all these foods, then it’s likely that you are getting enough B12 in your diet. But what happens when you have symptoms of a deficiency regardless? You may have signs like:

Fatigue
Paleness
Gas
Smooth tongue
Numbness and tingling
Loss of vision
Loss of memory
Heart palpitations
Lightheadedness
Diarrhea
Constipation
Breath shortness
Depression
Muscle weakness
Loss of appetite
Behavioral changes

Research has revealed that, when you have gastritis, the body is unable to process consumed protein sufficiently. Without this processing, the B12 vitamin cannot be easily extracted from food. Studies show that this can significantly decrease the levels of B12 within the body.

3. Diarrhea and Abdominal Cramps

Gastritis is quite an unforgiving illness. When it attacks, it does so with several symptoms that often stick around for a minimum of seven days. If this is the case, then you would think that it would be easy for someone to notice something is wrong, with a week’s worth of symptoms to show.

But here’s why this is often overlooked. One of the more obvious symptoms is abdominal cramping, diarrhea, or both. It’s easy for a lot of people to ignore these symptoms, especially if they are not particularly severe. Some people might think it’s just food poisoning, even if it comes with vomiting.

More confusingly, the consumption of spicy or spoiled foods can cause these symptoms to worsen. This is because the H. Pylori is affected and intensified by these items, causing them to affect you even more negatively.

4. Feeling Full Quickly

Do you tend to feel sated – and perhaps too sated – after even small meals? You’ve barely touched your lunch, but all of a sudden you’re feeling like you can’t eat another bite. This could be a hidden sign of gastritis.

Why does this happen? H. Pylori often causes excess gas to be stored within the stomach, which causes you to feel full and makes it hard for you to want to eat. Unfortunately, you aren’t actually full – so cutting down on your meals, as a result, can lead to nutritional problems on top of the bacterial infection.

Take extra note of how your body feels when this happens. Is it just a bloated fullness that you can attribute to a menstrual cycle or prior activity? Or is it also accompanied by discomfort in your upper body? If you said yes to the latter, speak to a doctor, as it may be gastritis.

5. Intestinal Bleeding

It’s safe to say that intestinal bleeding is never a good sign, and no amount of positive thinking will change that! Usually, the most obvious symptoms will appear in your vomit or feces in the form of blood among the waste, but there may be some other indicators, such as:

Dizziness
Pale skin
Abdominal cramps
Breathing shortness
Fatigue
Tarry stools
Black stools
Feeling faint
Weakness

Blood showing up in waste is always a good reason to take a trip to a doctor’s office. Even if it’s not gastritis, a test known as an endoscopy will need to be done to ensure that nothing is wrong.

There is a whole host of conditions that have this as a symptom. Plus, acute bleeding can cause you to actually go into shock. Symptoms of this include:

Lack of urination
Blood pressure decrease
A high pulse rate
Losing consciousness

If you experience these symptoms, get to a doctor right away, or call for emergency assistance!

6. Feeling Bloated

Bloatedness is a prevalent symptom of countless different things. A lot of them are, admittedly, not serious. You may deal with bloatedness as a result of:

Too much salt consumption
Weight gain
Drinking too many carbonated drinks
Overeating:
- Carbohydrates
- Dairy
- Fat
- Fructose
Eating too quickly
Excess gas
Overeating
Constipation
Menstruation
Celiac disease

In most cases, there’s not much you have to worry about when it comes to stomach bloating. The issue comes when certain other problems come into play, such as:

Constant bloatedness
Bloatedness after meals
Belly discomfort
Diarrhea
Indigestion after every meal
Loss of appetite
Fever
Weakness

If you experience bloatedness with these symptoms, then it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor, as it could point to gastritis. If you’re lucky, it may just be dyspepsia – but it’s always better to be safe than sorry when your health is involved!

7. Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBS) is an annoying disorder that can cause a lot of havoc within the digestive system. Unfortunately, it also puts you at a higher risk for developing gastritis. But it’s not the only condition with this unhappy effect. Ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease, also causes this issue.

If you are diagnosed with either of these conditions – or any other digestive problems – keep yourself extra vigilant on the watch for gastritis. If you notice symptoms, speak to a doctor. More than 30% of all ulcerative colitis patients develop H. Pylori infections!

8. Weight Loss

A lot of us see weight loss as a purely positive thing. This is a very dangerous mentality, though. Why? It can cause us to overlook that sudden, unexplained weight loss is typically a sign that something is wrong. Case in point: cancer patients often lose a lot of weight; it’s one of the more apparent symptoms (and the fact that gastritis can progress to stomach cancer makes this even more concerning).

Pylori doesn’t necessarily cause you to stop being able to absorb food. But it provides plenty of other symptoms that can slowly but surely chip away at your weight and lead to eventual slimming over time. For example, your quick fullness after small meals will prevent overeating, while bloatedness and nausea cause decreased appetite.

9. Burping More Than Usual

We already mentioned a lot of times that H. Pylori causes gas buildup, which is why you might feel bloated or full when you have gastritis. Another side effect from this same issue is that you may burp – or even pass gas – more than usual.

Why, though, is burping such a prominent gastritis symptom? Well, the stomach uses specially produced acids to process, break down, and digest the bits of food we eat. In order to properly protect the lining of the stomach, a mucus barrier is created.

Pylori causes the mucus barrier to become less strong. Over time, this can lead to painful stomach ulcers. But initially, it mainly manifests in unattractive belches as the enzyme activity within the stomach changes.

10. Anemia

Anemia refers to a lack of red blood cells in the body. In most cases, this is caused by a lack of iron – but, in other cases, it is because of a different underlying condition, like gastritis. If you have a positive diet that incorporates a good amount of iron, then be cautious of anemia signs. Here are some symptoms of anemia:

Lack of energy
Breath shortness
Quick heart rate
Dizziness
Cramps in the legs
Fatigue or exhaustion
Skin paleness
Headaches
Insomnia

How does anemia occur in gastritis? Specifically, it is a symptom of a rarer form of the disease known as erosive gastritis. This disorder variation causes stomach ulcers, which may cause your stomach to bleed. This chronic blood loss can easily lead to anemia.

Final Thoughts On Some Hidden Signs You Have Gastritis

Gastritis can become highly dangerous if it is allowed to progress for too long. The good news is that if you know the lesser-known symptoms of gastritis, you will be able to protect yourself from it.

Just as with any condition, the earlier you catch it, the better off you’ll be. If you notice many of these ten hidden signs you have gastritis, speak to a doctor as soon as possible!

10 Things You Never Have to Explain to Anyone

June 16, 2019 by Power of Positivity

In today’s world, it can be hard not to seek validation from others. For starters, social media has increased societal expectations. Additionally, all sorts of other factors can lead you to try desperately to explain certain aspects of your life and yourself to other people.

But here’s the truth: in most cases, you don’t have to explain everything, and you certainly don’t owe anybody a justification. By trying to provide that, you can be diminishing your own self-worth and defining yourself by what others think, instead of trusting yourself.

Here Are 10 Things You Never Have To Explain To Anyone

1. You Don’t Need to Explain Why You Need Alone Time

Everyone needs a little time alone. There’s absolutely no shame in having to explain that this weekend is just for you to spend in your home instead of going out with friends. You might want to read a book or watch a series or just curl up in bed. This doesn’t make you anti-social; it makes you smart and aware of your needs.

Once in a while, spending time alone is very good for you. Numerous studies indicate the value of taking time to just be with yourself. It can give you tons of benefits. For instance, you:

Become more creative
Get more done and are productive in a more positive way (1)
Have the chance to do things you’ve really wanted to do
Can get to know yourself more
Build up happiness and positive thinking levels
Become more empathetic
Think more clearly and relieve stress
Enjoy yourself

2. The Company You Keep

People are always a little nosy about who you spend your time with, especially if romance and intimacy are involved – but for everything else, too. Here are some things regarding the people you surround yourself with that you don’t have to explain.

a) Your Choice Of Partner

Your family may not approve of your significant other. Perhaps your friends will never understand what you see in your partner. Even your community may be bigoted and dislike your preferences.

Ultimately, only you should get to decide what kind of relationship you want to be in, and with who. This doesn’t mean ignoring abusive behavior. It means taking a stand for the person you have feelings for.

b) Your Friends

This doesn’t mean you should be blind to the possibility of being involved with the wrong crowd. It just means that you should be allowed to choose your companions. If your friends make you feel good, there’s no issue! At the same time, if you choose to end your relationship with a friend, you don’t have to explain that to anyone.

c) Family Members You’re In Touch With

Not everyone’s family life is great. You may have your reasons for cutting certain toxic family members off. People will try to tell you that you’ll regret those decisions, but trust yourself to know what’s best for you.

d) Your Lovers

People are always interested in what goes on in the bedroom. Men are judged for not having enough lovers. Women are judged for having too many. You may be judged for one-night stands, or friends with benefits, or because you have certain preferences.

At the end of the day, as long as what you’re doing happens between two (or more!) consenting adults, it’s all good. It’s no one’s business but yours.

e) Being Single

People often make being single sound like the worst thing ever when it’s really, really not. Just got out of a bad breakup? Need some time to figure things out? Just not interested? Very picky? Whatever applies to you, it’s all fine. You’re not worthless because you’re not in a relationship. And you don’t need to explain yourself for it either.

3. Your Favorite Things

If you’ve been on the Internet at all, you’ll be aware of a phenomenon known as “cringe culture.” This essentially refers to the active shaming and mocking of people who enjoy certain things that have been deemed “uncool” or “lame” by other Internet-users.

There’s also a lot of talk about how problematic some movies, books, celebrities, and other things can be. If you say you like them, all of a sudden, you’re a bad person, and people get angry at you about it.

But guess what? It’s okay to like what you like. It’s okay to like things that other people cringe at. You have the choice to be aware that something is problematic and still enjoy it. It’s all okay! Enjoy what you enjoy, and don’t bother telling anyone why.

4. Your Career

Some jobs are unconventional. Some are ones you hate, but that pay well. Certain vocations are practical but boring. Some ignite a passionate spark within you but cause you to barely scrape by each month.

Sometimes, you stick with jobs that aren’t the best because you like the environment. At times, you quit well-paying jobs because you’re sick of them. Sometimes, you turn down promotions that would take away time from your family. This is all completely fine.

Your career influences your life and no one else’s (except those dependent on or partnered with you). As such, you have the power to decide where you want it to go, and no one can take that away from you.

5. Your Beliefs

Differences in beliefs and values can cause a lot of tension, especially in today’s politically tense world. But here’s the thing – the chances of anyone changing someone’s mind about their personal beliefs are slim, so why waste time attempting to explain yourself if you don’t want to?

Here are some areas of personal beliefs that you never have to explain to anyone:

Religion
Spirituality
Principles
Priorities
Ethical beliefs
Moral values
Political leanings

Nothing is perfect. Every belief has enough negative sides for someone to dislike it. But as long as you’re happy with the positives and know what works best for you, you owe no one any explanation – ever. If someone is going to discriminate against you as a result, then find like-minded people to converse with instead.

6. Refusing Or Agreeing To Apologize (And Forgive)

Why would you say you’re sorry when you’re not? It gives the other person incorrect expectations, and it’s a lie. You are never under any form of obligation to tell someone you’re sorry, even if it makes you look bad. Similarly, you can choose to apologize because it’s the right thing to do, even if you don’t totally mean it. It’s your decision.

The same goes for forgiveness. There’s a mentality that dictates that, even when someone has wronged you, you have to forgive them. You don’t. You can learn to move on without ever forgiving them. At the same time, if you choose to forgive, it’s no one’s business but your own.

7. You Shouldn’t Have to Explain Your Identity

Do people call you weird? Do they say you’re annoying? Or maybe they tell you to tone something down? Well, you don’t have to. Constructive criticism is good, but you have to be able to filter out the bad ones from the good.

Self-improvement is something you should always strive towards, but never feel the need to justify the person that you are. Who you are is beautiful, unique, and special. No one has the right to cause you to feel inferior.

Everyone is different. Don’t be afraid to express your own differences!

8. Being “Slower” Than Other People

Your classmate from high school is now married with kids. You have a college friend who is now working a high-paying job. Your younger siblings are graduating before you. These types of scenarios can lead to a lot of judgment from others.

But life isn’t a race. Progress isn’t a competition. Plus, everyone deals with their own struggles. You’re not in any rush to achieve the standard everyone expects of you, and that’s okay!

Continue to work towards your goals at your own pace, arming yourself with positive thinking and determination. Eventually, one day, you’ll get to where you want to be – and that place doesn’t even have to be where other people are going. It’s all up to you.

9. Even If You Did Explain Your Pain, Would People Truly Understand If They’ve Never Been Through It?

People often engage in misery competitions. How many times have you heard that you should just use positive thinking because other people have it worse? How many times have your complaints about exhaustion been scoffed at because someone got less sleep than you?

Your pain is valid. Whether it is worse or better than the pain of others is completely subjective – and, more importantly, it doesn’t matter. Other people’s issues don’t cancel out your own. In fact, this type of denial is extremely bad for you and can severely damage your mental health.

You need to learn to confront pain of all kinds in a positive way. Ignoring it will not make it go away. By facing the pain, processing it, and acknowledging it, you help yourself move on from the suffering. You do not need the validation of others for your pain to be valid. It is always valid. (2)

10. How Much You Know You’re Worth

There’s a huge difference between being confident and being arrogant. You can value yourself and know your worth without being cocky and delusional. No matter your identity and who you are, your worth should never be called into question. This is one of those things you never have to explain.

This can mean sometimes putting yourself first – if not most of the time! Doing so has a lot of positive effects on us, and it’s a great thing to get used to doing. And no, it does not make you selfish! Here’s why: (3)

You get a good recharge – thus reducing symptoms and risks of depression, anxiety, stress, and other issues.
It saves you from the mentality that forces repeated productivity, eventually leading to burnout.
It prevents negativity and overly critical thought regarding yourself and others.
Taking time to put yourself first helps you make sure you have enough of yourself to keep and thrive, while still providing more to give if you choose.
It stops you from draining others or hurting those around you.
It allows you to be gentle and kind to yourself.

Final Thoughts On Some Things You Never Have To Explain To Anyone

It would be lovely if everyone you cared about or knew wholeheartedly supported every inch of your life. But that isn’t how things work. People are going to disagree with you, and they may demand explanations.

Remember that you do not need anyone’s validation. Your worth is enough as it is. If you find yourself being questioned about these 10 things you never have to explain to anyone, then you know you’re not obligated to justify yourself. Just live your life and chase your own idea of happiness!

7 Signs A Muscle Cramp Means Something Worse

June 16, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Muscle cramps aren’t exactly unusual. You get them from overexerting yourself, from carrying heavy weights, and even just from sitting, standing, or sleeping in an awkward position.

But sometimes, a muscle cramp isn’t the real issue. It’s just a symptom of a bigger, more serious problem. If that’s the case, you want to be informed enough to know when it’s time to seek medical help.

Here Are 7 Signs A Muscle Cramp Means Something Worse

1. It Impacts Your Daily Life

Doctors typically take you more seriously when you explain that a condition is affecting you in multiple ways throughout your day. This is because a lot of pain can be annoying, or even limit your mobility – but a pain that renders a huge part of your life unbearable is a different thing altogether.

As an example, a muscle cramp that’s worse than the standard might:

Cause you to be unable to sleep
Make it difficult to focus or concentrate
Render you totally bedridden
Result in periods throughout the day where you cannot do anything
Significantly slow you down to the point where you become unproductive
Result in so much pain that you can’t walk, talk, or do basic chores

A normal muscle cramp has pain in bursts, typically not lasting longer than a quarter of an hour at the time before reverting back to a dull, background ache. When they last longer and overwhelm your life, there are more possible issues, such as:

Pinched nerves
Ovarian masses
Pinched arteries
Lack of sufficient blood circulation

On that note, even if it is just a normal cramp, don’t try to push through with positive thinking if the pain is really overwhelming. Talk to a doctor about pain medication and other means of support. (1)

2. The Site Of The Injury Changes Appearance

A muscle cramp doesn’t typically show itself outside and is only felt through pain. As such, a change of appearance around the area that hurts is usually a sign that something is wrong. Many times, this type of change in a leg can point to a blood clot, which can be potentially dangerous if it enters the bloodstream.

Here are some changes to look out for:

Swelling
Redness
Discoloration
Rashes

3. The Pain Is Either Too Isolated or Too Widespread

The location of the pain can tell you a lot about the severity of the cramp, and if it’s really just a cramp at all. Here are some details about where your pain is that indicate it’s something worse and that it’s time to see a doctor.

a) Overly Specific Pain Locations

In most cases of muscle cramps, the pain can be felt over the whole of the affected muscle. If you’ve just started working out and have soreness, it can even affect your whole body overall.

But if you’re able to directly point at the site of the pain with no issue, and if the pain only seems to occur from that one tiny location, it may be an injury. It can be a sign of a ligament, tendon, or muscle that has been pulled or otherwise injured.

b) Pain Isolated To One Side Of The Body

When you’ve got a muscle cramp from exercise or physical activity, it’s typically felt on both sides of the body, such as your right and left legs simultaneously. It would be quite difficult to only strain one limb. But what happens when the pain only seems to be happening on one side of the body?

It’s very rare for someone to manage to seriously injure muscles on both sides of the body, so if you only feel pain on one half, then it may be a more serious type of cramp. You may have pulled a muscle or a ligament, or there may be an infection.

c) Pain That Radiates Over An Entire Supposedly Uninjured Limb

Did you know that a serious issue in one particular spot of the body often winds up being felt all over? An example of where this might happen is in herniated disks; though only the spinal area is damaged, you can feel pain all the way through your legs.

This means that what you think is a muscle cramp might actually be a symptom of a much more serious problem. If you’re worried about this and want to be 100% positive about what’s wrong, talk to a doctor. (2)

4. You Experience Stiffness Or Are Above The Age Of 50

If you’re getting on in years, you are more prone to degenerative disorders that cause pain in your joints, often resulting in stiffness. This stiffness can travel throughout your body and may even be felt in your muscles, despite the fact that they are joint-related. This is because muscles contract when the body is in pain.

Some examples of conditions to look out for include:

Polymyalgia rheumatica
Rheumatoid arthritis
Osteoporosis

5. It Comes With A Fever, Chills, or Congestion

Muscle cramps on their own are less telling than muscle cramps that are accompanied by a variety of other symptoms, such as chills, congestion, a fever, nausea, headaches, vomiting, and other problems. You should always see your doctor if this is the case with your condition. Here are some illnesses that manifest in muscle cramps, alongside other symptoms.

a) Flu

Between the 1st of October, 2018, and the 4th of May, 2019, there have been between a whopping 37.4 million and 42.9 million cases of influenza. This actually broke records in regard to hospitalization, so humanity isn’t facing a very positive run with the illness. (3)

One common flu symptom is the soreness of the muscles, which occurs because of the breaking down of proteins throughout the body. Without sufficient treatment, the flu can severely damage your immune system, and some individuals can be at high risk of complications from it.

b) Food Poisoning

If you’re vomiting alongside your muscle cramps, it could be a sign of food poisoning. While many cases pass on their own, it’s still a good idea to speak to a doctor about the issue.

c) Infection

An infection may usually make itself easily known, but in some cases, it won’t. Isolated pain and prolonged pain can both be a sign that your cramped muscle is actually facing an infection.

d) Dehydration

We underestimate the importance of water for the body. If you’re not drinking enough water, a lot of standard bodily functions start to shut down. Make sure you’re getting at least 8 glasses of this liquid daily.

e) Lyme Disease

Usually characterized by a rash, Lyme disease can cause a lot of flu-like symptoms, including muscle cramping and pain. This tick-transmitted condition is very serious, so if you feel muscle cramps and other symptoms after being out in the wilderness, go to a doctor immediately.

6. Your Last Workout Was Especially Intense

In today’s world, everyone is encouraged to work out more and more, going through increasingly intense exercise routines. You may do CrossFit, HITT, or other similar types of routines.

Unfortunately, all that intensity can cause you to overdo the workouts. Overtraining can lead to a number of serious conditions, like rhabdomyolysis, and it can also make you more vulnerable to injury. If you’re in severe pain after each workout, it’s time to slow down.

7. It Doesn’t Go Away (Especially If It Gets Worse)

This is a fairly simple concept. If you have a simple cramp but it doesn’t disappear after a week – and especially if it continually gets worse and worse and worse – then it’s time to see a doctor. There is a long, long list of conditions that can manifest in cramps of all kinds. To figure out whether yours has gone on too long, here are some things to look out for.

a) Prolonged Pain

Standard muscle cramps and soreness last up to around 72 hours, and very rarely last a week, though they may if you’ve just started working out again, or if the pain fades away very slowly.

With that being said, if you can still feel sharp and unwavering pain seven days into a cramp, it may be a sign of some form of injury. If left untreated, the injury may become permanent.

b) Recurring Pain

Do you have a muscle cramp that comes and goes? If you can always count on it to return eventually, whether seemingly unprompted or with a specific trigger, it signifies a chronic or long-running condition left unchecked.

As an example, conditions such as fibromyalgia, which is a chronic pain disorder that results in widespread pain, can flare up and lead to pain after stressful moments. Other conditions may cause worsened pain in extreme temperatures, after periods of inactivity, and more.

c) Pain That Worsens Over Time

Muscle cramps are supposed to get better. They are not supposed to continue worsening for days or even weeks on end. Sure, some types of pain get worse before they get better, so you may be used to braving it with positive thinking. But the key is that they must eventually get better.

If your pain doesn’t let up, and it is continually increasing instead, then you must see a doctor as it can be a sign of an infection or another disease that is growing.

d) Pain That Worsens With Use

If you’ve ever worked out or done some form of physical activity while your muscles were still sore or cramped, you likely noticed that the pain is bad first, but once your body warms up enough, it is barely felt anymore as you continue your exercise.

This is normal for standard, non-serious muscle cramps. But if what you have causes repeated pain no matter what you do, and every time you use it, it is time to speak to a doctor.

Final Thoughts On Some Signs A Muscle Cramp Means Something Worse

For the most part, muscle cramps aren’t something to panic about. Usually, they resolve themselves, and pain medication works well for reducing the ache. But when that pain is different from the typical description of a muscle cramp, it’s time to seek help.

If you have any of these 7 signs that a muscle cramp means something worse, visit a medical professional as soon as possible. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

10 Things That Make Your Nails Healthier

June 16, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Fingernails can serve as a visual indicator of our health, says the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). It behooves us, then, to care for our nails, and if need be, make our nails healthier.

Do you know why we have nails? No, it isn’t to serve as a backscratcher or homemade guitar pick (trim those things before you hurt someone!)

“Well, to protect our precious fingers and toes!” you may say. While certainly a good guess, it’s not the correct one. But you do bring up an excellent point. Keratin, a hardened protein that constitutes multiple layers inside of the nails, helps protect our (and other primates’) soft tissues of the fingers and toes.

In fact, we have nails because of the biological order, primates, to which we belong. Other primates include apes, lemurs, and monkeys. Something else you’ll notice about primates is that they all have five fingers and opposing thumbs, as well.

So, evolutionary anthropologists and biologists, along with other experts, posit that our fingernails and toenails are essentially claws. “Most mammals have claws,” says biological anthropologist John Hawks, adding that most mammals use these special features to “grab onto … climb … scratch … (and) to dig holes.”

Scientists believe that we primates adopted flatter, broader fingertips to aid movement. We can see this in our primate brethren, who are able to traverse rainforest canopies effortlessly; something they would have much more trouble doing with long claws.

There is one other reason why we developed fingernails: to serve as a visual indicator of our health, says the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). It behooves us, then, to care for our nails and keep them healthy.

If you’ve been doing a subpar job caring for your fingernails, or need someone to show you how, you’ve come to the right place! We’ll focus our attention here on things that will make your nails healthier. We’ll also discuss why you may want to reconsider a seriously unhealthy splurge.

Things that Make Your Nails Healthier

Here are ten things that make your nails healthier:

Biotin

Biotin, also known as coenzyme R, vitamin B7, and vitamin H, helps promote healthy skin growth while aiding in the metabolization of amino acids necessary for protein synthesis.

Research indicates that biotin may help to strengthen brittle nails. In a study of 35 people, participants who consumed 2.5 milligrams (mg) of biotin over a 1 ½- to 7-month period experienced a 63 percent reduction in the number of symptoms associated with brittle nails.

The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for biotin is 30 micrograms (mcg) per day. Biotin-rich foods include liver and other meats, egg yolk, yeast, nuts and seeds, salmon, dairy, avocado, and sweet potato.

Petroleum jelly

Per the American Academy of Dermatology, petroleum jelly is excellent for rehydrating your nails. As we’ll discuss later, the products often used in nail salons are counterproductive to nail health. One reason for this is that many professional nail products will dehydrate the nails. If you frequent nail salons, consider applying petroleum jelly to the nails and cuticles regularly.

Besides providing hydration to the nails, petroleum jelly will also help to prevent nail chipping and brittleness. You should not apply petroleum jelly to dry nails. For the best results, apply the product when your nails are damp.

B vitamins

Vitamin B12 helps the body absorb iron, which in turn ensures the proper delivery of nutrients to the nails. Another B vitamin important for making your nails healthier is folate (B9), which aids with nail growth. The RDA for both B vitamins is 2.4 mcg for B12 and 400 mcg for B9.

Folate is found in beans, citrus fruits, lentils, avocado, nuts, peas, and seeds. B12 is primarily found in meat, fish, poultry, dairy, and eggs. Vegetarians may wish to supplement B12.

Iron

As mentioned, iron is critical for the delivery of oxygen and, therefore, nutrients, to the nails. The RDA for iron varies considerably depending on age, gender, and other conditions. Most people should take between 8 to 18 mg.

Foods rich in iron include shellfish, spinach, legumes, and pumpkin seeds.

No polish

As we’ll get to shortly, nail salons are a dirty business – both in terms of actual business practices and the toxic fumes wafting around. We’ll focus on the latter here.

Nail polish is slathered on in salons. While the product may look pretty, polishes are rife with harmful chemicals like acetone. Acrylics, nail polishes, and nail polish removers all contain substances that can dehydrate and damage your nails.

A good nail file

First things first, you want to trim your nails before filing. Trim each nail in a straight line before curving the tips.

Next, use a nail file with the appropriate file grade. The exact file that you use doesn’t matter too much, provided that it doesn’t rough up the skin around your nails. A medium-grit file (180 to 220 grit) is preferred by many manicurists for general smoothing and shaping.

Finally, make sure that you file unidirectionally. That is, don’t saw back and forth as this can weaken both the nail and the surrounding areas.

Magnesium

Magnesium, “Mg” on the periodic table, is involved in over 300 reactions in the body, including protein synthesis, which is needed for proper nail growth. Not getting enough magnesium can lead to ridging of the nails as well.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that up to 4o percent of the U.S. population is deficient in magnesium. The RDA for magnesium is 310 to 320 mg for women and 400 to 420 mg for men, respectively.

Food sources of magnesium include almonds, cashews, dark leafy greens, edamame, and black beans.

No nail hardeners

This article hasn’t exactly been unsparing to the nail products industry, so why not add another “no-no” to the list? Nail hardeners.

Don’t buy them. Nail hardeners, like most nail “care” products, haven’t been studied in a laboratory and scientifically validated. Would you put something in your body that you knew hasn’t been appropriately tested?

Protein

As mentioned, the substance that gives nails their firmness is keratin, which is a structural protein. Without it, our nails would be susceptible to all kinds of damage. As such, consuming adequate protein is critical for increasing keratin production and creating strong nails.

The RDA for protein is 0.36 grams per pound or 0.8 grams per kilogram (kg) of body weight. Foods rich in protein include animal products like eggs, dairy, fish, meat, and poultry, and the plant foods beans, legumes, lentils, nuts, seeds, soy, and whole grains.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C drives the production of collagen, a protein critical to the formation of elongated fibers that make up connective tissue. Collagen is crucial to nail formation, shape, and strength.

The RDA for vitamin C is 75 and 90 mg for women and men, respectively. The best sources of vitamin C are citrus fruits like grapefruit, lemons, and oranges. Other good sources of “C” include bell peppers, green vegetables, and tomatoes.

Final Thoughts: Avoid Nail Salons and Other Nailcare Tips

“The study provides some of the first hard evidence that these environments are dangerous for workers and that better policies need to be enacted to protect them.” – Lupita Montoya, lead author/Research Associate at the University of Colorado (source)

Besides most nail polishes being toxic, it turns out that nail salons are one of the most noxious places that you can visit.

In a study titled “Occupational exposure to volatile organic compounds and health risks in Colorado nail salons,” published in the journal Environmental Pollution, researchers observe the following:

“Nail salon technicians face chronic exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can lead to adverse health outcomes including cancer.”

The research team performed three key measurements:

(1) The indoor levels of VOCs – benzene, ethylbenzene, formaldehyde, toluene, and xylene

(2) Estimated VOC exposure levels of nail salon technicians

(3) A VOC measurement and healthy questionnaire administered to 20 nail salon workers

After analyzing the data, the research team found the following:

Approximately 70 percent of all nail salon workers experience at least one health issue directly resulting from their vocation.
Elevated concentrations of formaldehyde in all six salons studied. Formaldehyde exposure is linked to an increased risk of multiple cancers and leukemia.
Workers are up to 38 times more likely to develop cancers of the nose and throat, and up to 135 times more likely to develop leukemia.

Let’s be clear about one thing: these findings aren’t written here to dissuade anyone from visiting their favorite nail salon. As far as health risks go, the study doesn’t mention patrons, just those who work in nail salons.

But the study should warrant a bit of concern. If not for health reasons, then perhaps for the rampant economic exploitation.

To wrap things up, here are some tips to make your nails healthier:

Keep ‘em clean and dry: Thoroughly clean and dry the surface of and underneath your nails. This helps to prevent bacterial growth and troublesome conditions like split nails.

Moisturize: Skin is prone to dryness, particularly in less humid environments. Use lotion to counteract this drying effect. Exposure to cold, heat, harsh soaps, and the sun can also contribute to dry skin.

Practice good nail hygiene: Use only sharpened manicure clippers or scissors. Trim your nails straight across and gently curve the tips.

Major Depressive Disorder.

Persistent Depressive Disorder.

Bipolar Disorder.

Seasonal Depression.

Postpartum Depression.

Psychotic Depression.

Biotin

Petroleum jelly

B vitamins

Iron

No polish

A good nail file

Magnesium

No nail hardeners

Protein

Vitamin C

The Community

Our Free Community of Positively Powerful SuperFans

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!