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Germany Closing All Coal-Fired Power Plants, Choosing Renewable Energy Instead

April 25, 2019 by Power of Positivity

On the 26th of January, the German government announced that it, and 16 regional states, would be putting a bold renewable energy plan to work. This involves shutting down all coal-fired power plants producing and using coal by the year 2038.

The lawmakers reached this compromise after 20 hours’ worth of talking and discussion among 28 individuals from different backgrounds. As a result, a whopping €40 billion, the equivalent of
US$45.7 billion, is now set aside to provide aid and compensation to impacted areas. Furthermore, plans to shut down coal can now move forward.

Germany began pushing to make the change to renewable energy a while ago and has also been working on halting the use of nuclear power in the country. Renewable energy now accounts for
over 40% of the nation’s energy, beating out coal.

Environmental activists and concerned individuals around the world watching the news of climate change unfolding are eager to see this plan put into action. But what exactly does it entail?

Germany Closing All Coal-Fired Power Plants, Choosing Renewable Energy Instead

Here’s everything you need to know about Germany’s plan to close all power plants that are coal-fired.

1. The Plan

This plan began being worked into fruition back in June 2018. Germany currently holds 84 power plants that are coal-fired, and all of them are set to be closed for good within the next
two decades. The country then aims to mainly rely on renewable energy, hoping to pave the way for other European nations. Here are the positive results that may come from this proposal.

Climate Saving:

This accomplishment has been touted as a historic one by commission leaders, and it may potentially allow Germany to cut carbon emissions enough to meet its 2030 targets
for climate change and management. This is according to commission chair Ronald Pofalla.

Economic Changes:

It is likely that this proposal will begin to prepare a path for a better future with more renewable energy. Though currently, the idea of living with no coal is a difficult concept for some to grasp, it is hoped that this could become a reality, even in very coal-dependent countries.

Affordable and Sustainable:

It is hoped that the plan will allow the nation to secure future energy supplies that are affordable and reliably renewable. This will aid environmental efforts and ensure that the country does not lose energy supplies for the foreseeable future, according to environmental professor and fellow commission leader Barbara Praetorius.

There is plenty of support within the country for this plan. Environmental groups plan to ensure the government is held accountable, applies what was discussed into usable law,
and is on-target throughout the carrying out of this plan.

Some business owners and leaders remain concerned about the potential inflation that may occur with power prices with such a quick exit plan from coal. Others claim 2038 is
far too soon. However, many are still in support of the plan and welcome it.

Chancellor Angela Merkel is also doing her part to be supportive of this move. She has since stated that her nation would completely withdraw from all production based on coal by the
year of the deadline.

2. Consumer Compensation

One of the major concerns regarding Germany’s decision to shift to renewable energy and leave behind the days of coal production is compensation for the consumers. To better
understand why this is such a big deal, let’s understand the implications of this shift. The first step in this plan involves shutting down the capacity of some coal-fired power plant
operators. This includes:

Rheinisch-Westfälisches Elektrizitätswerk AG
Vattenfall
Energie Baden-Württemberg AG
Uniper SE

These plants, among many others, must reduce their capacity by around 12.7 gigawatts by the year 2022. To put that into perspective, 12.7 gigawatts is
approximately the same capacity produced by two dozen power station units – a significant number, and a great sacrifice for overall positive change. These plans would lead to Germany’s capacity of coal power cutting itself by over 50% to only 17 gigawatts by the time we reach the year 2030.

But this impressive amount does not come without some blows to the people, and compensation is required for these companies in order for them to feel comfortable complying.

As of now, compensation – as well as other details – will be:

Determined with individual operators
Done through contractual methods
Non-applicable to plants that are currently being built or have not yet begun
operation (such as the Datteln 4 facility of Uniper SE)
Likely to be determined by holding power plants in standby
Likely to be determined through capacity tenders

Many people have voiced concerns regarding the possibility of increased energy prices, and compensation is expected to be made available for households and companies alike in this
regard.

So far, the reserve payments have reached a whopping €600 million in past years. This number may hit €2 billion annually, though we will have to wait until 2023 to determine the
actual figure.

3. Next Steps

So, we know that Germany plans to shift to renewable energy. But what happens now? What are the next steps we can expect to see from the government? Here are a few areas
that the federal government plans to look at in the near future.

a) Agreements On Cost-Sharing

The 16 states of Germany and its federal government will need to come to an agreement regarding the cost of this huge shift towards renewable energy usage. This includes the possibly very high expenses of leaving behind the production of brown coal. That’s because they are one of the world’s largest producers of the resource.

Stanislaw Tillich, a conservative and the Saxony region’s former premier, states that all states must evenly or fairly share these expenses, including those that are not involved in coal production. The burden of changing to clean energy is certainly a heavy one. And it is one that Tillich believes the whole country must share.

Tillich also hopes that this drastic change will serve as an example and the starting point for other European nations and regions to follow in their footsteps. This may allow new jobs and industries to rise quickly so that people are able to continue earning wages in new work sectors.

b) Baseload Capacity Replacement

The generation capacity of Germany’s hard coal and lignite has dropped over the years, with a 45.4 gigawatts figure last year compared to the slightly but notably higher 48.9 gigawatts back in 2008 – a mere one decade prior. Regardless, both hard coal and lignite remain behind over 35% of total generation throughout the year of 2018. Approximately the same amount of that total generation is taken up by renewable forms of energy. Meanwhile, nuclear energy and natural gas are responsible for filling most of the last remaining few percentages.

Of course, the fact remains that Germany also plans to move away from nuclear energy. This means that about 47% of the county’s generation’s baseload capacity will need to
be replaced. It’s a significant amount to catch up to, and a notable challenge that the country must face.

Although this is a difficult achievement, Germany leadership leaned towards a greener, more sustainable world in the past, though many consider its inability to reach its emissions target for 2020 an “embarrassment”. Still, the country has sufficient political will to make it happen. Then, we can keep our positive thinking on for success.

c) Legal Questions

Peter Altmaier, Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy stated that there are some legal issues that will come up due to this phasing out of coal power plants. These legal questions will have to be thoroughly addressed, and the overall process may take several months.

On the positive side, the budget necessary for legal support and other similar support systems is in place, as the government has proactively set up programs to aid in this change.

d) Still More To Do

Many experts believe that simply striking out coal isn’t nearly enough to truly help the environment. Take, for example, Hambach Forest, the site of many, many protests from environmental activists hoping to protect it from lignite mine development.

Hamback Forest is an ancient and highly valued location that is vital as a woodland habitat. But recently, the energy company that owns the land, Rheinisch-Westfälisches Elektrizitätswerk (RWE), prepared to clear the area completely in order to provide space for lignite mine extensions. These extensions would be part of the biggest open-pit mine for lignite in all of Europe.

This controversial issue shows that the country still has a way to go in changing their system and how it functions. But steps are being made in the right direction. Besides that, there’s significant progress that suggests a permanent switch certainly could occur. However, it is worth noting that they eventually ruled that this expansion by RWE was not desirable. Therefore, the decision prevented the company from making use of their main lignite source.

On the bright side as well, the executive director of Greenpeace International, Jennifer Morgan, is one of many hoping to see the phasing-out hurry along. Morgan says that the projected timeline for this phasing-out still will likely not be enough to provide people and the climate with what it needs to survive.

This is likely why Greenpeace International has also stated that these efforts are not sufficient for the total protection of the climate. Greenpeace International, along with Deutscher Naturschutzring and Friends of the Earth Germany, are assuming firmly that coal will no longer be in use before 2035.

Final Thoughts On Germany Closing All Coal-Fired Power Plants, Choosing Renewable Energy Instead

This historic decision is certainly a large one to take up, but many people are looking forward to positive thinking. If it reaches success, it would have been the second of the serious energy market
interventions conducted by the country in the last decade.

For now, meeting the 2038 deadline is the main goal, and so far, things are right on schedule. A decision for a full phase-out will be made in 2032 as well as a determination for the feasibility of this goal. A report has stated that the plan will be able to reach completion by 2035.

Environmental issues affect all of us around the world. Indeed, it is good to see a country taking steps to curb the climate change issues we face. It is still too early to say definitively whether this plan will succeed. But for now, we wait with hope.

21 Positive Quotes To Make Your Life Brighter

April 25, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Reading quotes to help you through certain times in your life may seem pointless and like it won’t really help, but the opposite has been proven to be true. Judy Belmont, a mental health author, motivational speaker, and psychotherapist explained that quotes have proven to inspire positive thinking, give comfort, remind you of what is important, help you to become a better person, help you through hard times, and many other benefits.

There are times in life when you could use some extra brightness in your day. Days when you are feeling down about yourself or something awful happened, little pick-me-ups could make all the difference. Other days, you might just be in a funk and in need of some positivity and light.

When this is the case, the best positive quotes could be a simple solution to make your life brighter. There are positive, uplifting quotes relating to any issue you may run into, making the possibilities seem endless when you are looking for that extra dose of inspiration. Some of the best positive quotes are listed below, and there is a little something for everyone at any walk in life.

Best Positive Quotes

Finding quotes is easy, but finding the ones that apply to your situation and your feeling is a little more difficult. The best positive quotes are perfect because you can find positive ones about any topic or situation. While all of the quotes here are intended to make your life brighter, they are also broken down into categories of common situations that may require uplifting quotes.

The Best Positive Quotes For When Things Aren’t Going Your Way

One situation that everyone experiences on multiple occasions is when things just aren’t going your way. Whether this means that something didn’t work out the way you intended or if you were let down by someone close to you, the pain is there regardless.

While generalized quotes may help, quotes that are more specific to your hurt, disappointment, or heartache may be more beneficial to bring happiness to your life. It is important to remember that each bad moment in your life will eventually pass, and these quotes may be a helpful reminder of that.

1. “Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and the word happy would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness. It is far better to take things as they come along with patience and equanimity.” – Carl Jung

2. “Life is a journey, and if you fall in love with the journey, you will be in love forever.” – Peter Hagerty

3. “The struggle you’re in today is developing the strength you need tomorrow.” – Robert Tew

4. “The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with
the rain.” – Dolly Parton

5. “Life is tough, my darling, but so are you.” – Stephanie Bennett-Henry

6. “Perhaps you were made for this moment: to walk through blazing fire and come forth as gold.” – Morgan Haper Nichols

Positive Quotes For When You Are Going Through a Change

Change is inevitable, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it is easy. Sometimes, change is unwanted and, even if it is wanted, it is likely going to be difficult to make a habit of the change or learn to accept it.

Since change is so hard, you may need some positivity in your life to help you through and to remind you of why the change is necessary and potentially good for you. Luckily, there are some positive quotes to assist you throughout the process.

7. “If you want light to come into your life, you need to stand where it is shining.” – Guy Finley

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” – Barack Obama

“The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do. You can act to change and control your life; and the procedures, the process is its own reward.”
– Amelia Earhart

Positive Quotes For When Someone Doesn’t Like You

You are, of course, going to come across people in your life who just don’t like you. Whatever the reason may be, you have to learn to accept this fact. You cannot change the opinions of others, you can just ignore it and continue being your best self.

Ignoring when someone doesn’t like you and moving on is easier said than done, however. If you can’t seem to brighten your own thoughts, there are positive quotes to help with this situation, as well.

8. “Just be yourself. Let people see the real, imperfect, flawed, quirky, weird, beautiful, magical person that you are.” – Mandy Hale

9. “I don’t go by or change my attitude based on what people say. At the end of the day, they, too, are judging me from their perspective. I would rather be myself and let people accept me for what I am than be somebody who I am not, just because i want people’s approval.” – Karen Patel

Fun Positive Quotes

If you are in a silly mood, fun positive quotes can help brighten your day. These quotes could be said with children, too, making them fun to share with the whole family. Fun quotes tend to be light-hearted, but they are also full of meaning.

Since children (and writers of children’s books) have a different perspective on the world, quotes that are more intended for children offer insights that you may not have thought of on your own.

9. “You’re off to great places, today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so get on
your way.” – Dr. Seuss

“If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.” – Roald Dahl

General Quotes to Make Your Life Brighter

There will be times when nothing is actually wrong, but you could still use some help bringing brightness into your life anyway. When this is the case, it can be helpful to think about happiness and other positive aspects of life.

Reminders to do positive deeds and to think positive thoughts are helpful to everyone. These quotes are also useful to share with others who could use some positivity and uplifting in their lives.

10. “Happiness is the only thing that multiplies when you share it.” – Albert Schweitzer

11. “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.” – Marcus Aurelius

12. “Be so happy that, when other people look at you, they become happy too.” – Anonymous

13. “If you look to others for fulfillment, you will never be fulfilled. If your happiness depends on money, you will never be happy with yourself. Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the world belongs to you.” – Lao Tzu

Quotes For When You’ve Made a Mistake

It happens to everyone; we all make mistakes in our lives. The sooner you can admit you’ve done so, the easier it is to get past. Sometimes, a positive quote or two may help you feel better about the situation or enlighten you on a way to fix the situation.

14. “No one is perfect – that’s why pencils have erasers.” – Wolfgang Riebe

“Mistakes are part of the dues one pays for a full life.” – Sophia Loren

Other Positivity Inspiring Quotes

Some of the best positive quotes are more difficult to categorize. These quotes are more generalized, and they can be applied to many different situations. When you’re having trouble staying positive but can’t quite figure out how you’re feeling, there are still many quotes that can help make your life brighter.

15. “You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” – A.A. Mine

16. “The happiness of life is made up of the little charities of a kiss or smile, a kind look, a heartfelt compliment.” – Samuel Taylor Coleridge

17. “It always seems impossible until it is done.” – Nelson Mandela

18. “Virtually nothing is impossible in this world if you just put your mind to it and maintain a positive attitude.” – Lou Holtz

19. “The sun himself is weak when he first rises and gathers strength and courage as the day gets on.” – Charles Dickens

20. “Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.” – Denis Waitley

Final Thoughts On Positive Quotes To Make Your Life Brighter

No one is safe from the unexpectedness of life. At any given moment, you could be thrown a curveball and need something to make your life brighter. This could be when things just aren’t going the way you had planned, or it could be when you are going through a change.

No matter the cause of your curveball, brightening your day and working your way through the situation in a positive way is so important. One safe, effective way to do this is by reading quotes that relate to your feelings. This list of quotes should hold at least one quote that will help you through and make your life brighter.

20 Foods That Relieve Constipation

April 24, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Constipation is very real for many people but is rarely discussed openly. Most people fail to understand that an essential diet shift can permanently eliminate these constipated feelings.

The human digestive system is a complex network of organs and tissues that work together to break down the food we eat into its parts, absorb nutrients and water, and eliminate waste. The elimination of waste is a critical function of the digestive system as it ensures that harmful toxins and waste products are removed from the body, allowing for the healthy functioning of all the other body systems.

The waste elimination process begins in the large intestine, also known as the colon. The colon absorbs water and electrolytes from the digested food as it passes through, forming feces. These feces are then moved through the rectum and out of the body through the anus. The rectum is a muscular tube that stores feces until it is time to eliminate them.

The movement of feces through the large intestine is controlled by a series of muscular contractions known as peristalsis. These contractions help to move the feces through the colon and towards the rectum. Several factors, including the amount of food in the colon, the body’s hydration level, and the balance of electrolytes, regulate the timing and strength of these contractions.

In addition to the large intestine, other organs in the digestive system also play a role in waste elimination. The liver produces bile, which helps to break down fats and eliminates toxins from the body. The pancreas produces enzymes that help to break down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, and the gallbladder stores and releases bile as needed. Together, all these organs and processes ensure that waste efficiently eliminates from the body, allowing optimal health and well-being.

Twenty Foods to Relieve Constipation

Constipation can result when the process described above does not function as necessary. The solution that can restore gut balance is to eat healthily. We are what we eat. The foods we consume can either build us up or back us up. If you’ve ever dealt with this issue in the bathroom, you certainly know this to be true. If you’re ready to treat constipation, read on for twenty superfoods that will do just that.

1. Olives and Olive Oil

Did you know the cure for constipation was sitting in your pantry?

If you have olives or olive oil on hand, you can stimulate your body’s production of bile juice. This extra bile will help your body better digest food.

The entire process helps remove toxins when excreting as well.

Take advantage of these constipation-boosting benefits by ingesting at least one teaspoon of this oil daily.

2. Dark Chocolate

Many people often hear that dark chocolate is healthy, but few realize all the excellent benefits of eating dark chocolate. With dark chocolate, you can boost your body’s magnesium intake.

The magnesium will work to loosen the muscles in the digestive tract (as well as the rest of your body). This helps improve your go and reduce the risk of becoming constipated.

Look for a chocolate bar that is all-natural and made with 72% cocoa. The purer the dark chocolate, the better you’ll enjoy its benefits and relieve constipation.

3. Flaxseed Oil

While consuming flax seeds will bulk up your stool, the flaxseed oil acts as a laxative, promoting regularity with your stool. Take the flaxseed oil before eating anything to maximize its benefits when treating constipation.

4. Radishes

If you’ve never found a reason to eat radishes, relieving constipated feelings is undoubtedly good. This vegetable has the unique benefits of detoxifying the liver and boosting the body’s peristalsis process.

Peristalsis is the contraction and relaxation of your intestines. Thus, adding radishes to your diet should do the trick if you struggle with your bowel movements.

5. Prunes

Prunes have long since been considered the go-to food for constipation. By making prunes a regular part of your diet, you can ensure that you remain regular.

If you feel backed up, eat a few prunes at breakfast and before bed. The more prunes you eat, the more regular you will be.

However, drink a fair amount of water as you consume these prunes. Since prunes are a great source of diet, they are quite effective as laxatives.

6. Yogurt

While not every yogurt has laxative qualities, certain types will help improve your go. Homemade organic yogurts have a significant amount of probiotics. In addition to improving the health of your gut, this kind of yogurt will help to boost your regularity.

7. Fermented Vegetables

Though many people don’t relate fermented veggies with regularity, the truth is that these veggies are higher in fiber and are rich in probiotics.

Vegetables like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickles are some of the best foods to relieve bathroom issues.

While you can buy these fermented vegetables in the store, you may get the best benefit from vegetables that you ferment yourself. Brining these veggies on your own will ensure they are full of powerful intestinal enzymes and microorganisms that improve your go.

8. Leafy Greens

Ever been told to eat your greens? If you’re constantly being backed up, you likely need more greens.

Leafy greens like kale, beet greens, collard greens, bok choy, and watercress are all excellent options for relief.

Packed with many phytonutrients, these leafy greens will give you a fresh dietary fiber and magnesium dose. Eaten fresh, these greens provide the maximum amount of vitamins and nutrients, keeping you healthier overall.

9. Sweet Potatoes with Skins

While some people tend to avoid potatoes due to their starch content, sweet potatoes have many health benefits, including boosting one’s fiber intake.

With 4.8 grams of fiber, sweet potatoes are a very healthy way to treat constipation.

Cook your sweet potatoes in the oven or boil them to take advantage of their powerful health benefits. If you want to keep this meal as healthy as possible, avoid frying them and consume the potatoes with the skin on.

10. Nuts

From walnuts to peanuts to Brazil nuts, this superfood offers many options if you ever need to improve your ability to go.

While nuts are relatively high in calories, they are just as high in fiber. If you’re struggling to go, grabbing a handful of nuts should help you release sooner rather than later.

11. Pears, Apples, and Fruits

Whole fruit is another must if you need fiber. With pears, apples, and plums, you have many high-fiber options, as their skins contain a significant amount of the fiber pectin.

Uncooked pears provide 4.4 grams of fiber, and an apple with the skin on offers 3.3 grams of fiber. While cooking these fruits will still provide you with nutrients, you’ll benefit the most from these three fruits if you eat them raw.

12. Broccoli

Broccoli is another superfood that is high in fiber. If you are a fan of uncooked broccoli, this is the best way to take advantage of its fiber content.

Though cooking the broccoli will limit the amount of fiber you consume, consider baking, broiling, or steaming your broccoli if you must.

13. Cereal

Cereal is often starchy and loaded with carbs and sugar, but a few high-fiber cereal options will help improve constipation.

While fiber-filled cereals in the past have tasted like cardboard, these days, there are a wide variety of tasty cereals to choose from. Consider cereals with wheat bran or flaxseed to ensure a hearty dose of fiber.

14. Whole Grain Breads

Whole grain bread isn’t just healthier than the white alternative.

Low in fat and high in soluble fiber and complex carbs, whole-grain bread is the perfect solution for anyone searching for a bit of relief. Once you start eating whole-grain bread regularly, you’ll find that you can use the bathroom easily.

15. Dried Fruits

Apricots, figs, and dates are all dried fruits that will help relieve you if you are backed up. Just as prunes have long since been a go-to for this condition, these other fruits all provide the same function.

Whether you consume these fruits as part of trail mix or eat them by themselves, you’ll find that the more they become a staple in your diet, the easier it will be to use the bathroom.

16. Legumes

Many people opt to add legumes to their diet to improve their protein intake, but there are many more benefits to eating beans. With kidney, navy, Lima, and pinto beans as a steady part of most of your meals, you’ll find that you’ll rarely experience any constipated feelings.

As versatile as legumes are, you can consume them in several ways. Whether you like to eat rice and beans or try making a bean burger, eating more legumes will do your body good.

17. Popcorn

While popcorn is usually thought to be a buttery, sugary movie companion, it’s much more than that. Popcorn often surprises most people once they learn that this is a high-fiber food.

Low in calories and instead filling, popcorn is an all-around healthy snack that fits in with many people’s dietary restrictions.

Whether you cook your popcorn on the stove or in a microwave, eating popcorn by itself is an excellent way to get things flowing in the bathroom.

18. Bananas and Raspberries

Superfoods like raspberries and bananas are packed with fiber. Half a cup of fresh raspberries contains two grams of fiber, so this fruit is the perfect snack for satiating hunger and keeping you regular.

Bananas are also an excellent option. As they contain magnesium and potassium, they are a popular choice for anyone needing to go to the bathroom easily.

19. Wheatgrass or Barley

Adding barley or wheatgrass to your daily diet will keep you regular. Do so by blending three barley or wheat grass teaspoons into the water.

Take this serving once or twice a day to keep things consistent. While this beverage may not be particularly tasty, it will benefit your intestinal tract and improve regularity.

20. Water

While water isn’t necessarily food, it is the source of all life. Staying hydrated is one of the most important ways to keep yourself from becoming backed up.

Ideally, drink between eight and twelve sixteen-ounce glasses of water a day. The more hydrated you are, the better your body will function.

Final Thoughts on Foods to Relieve Constipation

The food you eat must come out. To ensure that this digestion process culminates as simply as possible, make sure the foods you’re eating keep you regular and healthy.

These twenty tips will help relieve constipation and keep you as healthy as possible. Even if you don’t try all these foods, make it a point to supplement your diet with a few and see how they improve your life.

10 Signs Someone Is Thinking About You

April 24, 2019 by Power of Positivity

It’s flattering to imagine someone thinking about you. There’s something comforting about knowing you’re on someone else’s mind, especially if there’s a special someone you’re hoping has you running through their head. Naturally, you’d want to know if that’s happening!

Of course, there are other reasons someone might be thinking of you. They might dislike you, or they may even have a dangerous obsession with you. In this case, you’d also want to know so that you can take steps to defend yourself.

Essentially, you’d always want to know if you’re on another person’s mind. But surely there’s no way to do that, right? After all, reading minds is the stuff of fantasy. It’s something you’d see in a superhero movie.

What if I told you that there are psychic energies that reach you whenever someone has you in their thoughts? It sounds far fetched, but it’s true! It’s possible to tell if you’re occupying someone’s mind if you know what to look for.

Here Are 10 Signs Someone Is Thinking About You

1. Sneezing

This belief has its roots in Asian culture. It is stated that when someone thinks about you, your nose might start to itch, which causes repeated sneezing.

Of course, this doesn’t apply if you’re sick at the time. But if you’ve caught a case of the “achoo’s” for no discernable reason and you don’t have a cold, you just might be the center of someone’s thoughts.

Can you tell what kinds of thoughts they are? Two sneezes in a row indicate that someone is talking negatively about you. For three consecutive sneezes and above, then that someone has only positive thoughts about you and might even be missing you or in love with you!

It’s also traditional to ask someone around you to give you a random 3-digit number. This can be used to calculate the initial of the person who is causing these sneezes. If you are given the number 735, for example, you add them together like this: 7 + 3 + 5 = 15. The 15th letter in the standard alphabet is O, so that means someone whose name starts with O is thinking of you.

2. Burning Sensation In Ears or Cheek

Imagine the aftermath of a slap. Your face tingles and burns slightly. That’s the feeling you might get if someone is thinking about you and speaking badly of you – as though they are slapping you in the face, but with words.

This may also manifest more physically than a faint burning sensation. For example, you might notice that your cheeks or ears are flushed in a significant way. This doesn’t mean you look like you’re blushing cutely; it can sometimes involve a lot of redness!

If you’re not feeling embarrassed, you aren’t feeling particularly warm, and you haven’t overdone your blush to ridiculous levels, suffice to say that the burning sensation and the bright flushes are a good way to tell that someone is throwing shade your way. Some people also believe that flushed ears alone mean that someone has feelings for you.

3. Hiccups

Getting the hiccups can be quite annoying. It’s pretty common to get them after eating, but completely random hiccups can mean that there’s someone who is thinking about you. Unfortunately, it usually means someone is badmouthing you or complaining about you, but keep your positive thinking – there’s also a way you can tell who’s thinking them!

You might notice that you tend to get hiccups when you’re around a certain person. This means that that is the person who has been talking smack. Now you can confront them or steer clear of them – whichever you prefer.

Before you jump to conclusions, though, make sure you rule out these other possible causes for hiccups:

Eating in excess
Drinking in excess
Eating very quickly
Abdominal surgery
Nerve-irritating diseases
Medication

4. You Get A Random Eye Itch or Twitch

There is a superstition that many people believe is more than just the itching or twitching of an eye. If you suddenly find that your eyes are exhibiting this behavior, it could indicate that someone out there has you on their mind.

In men, it is believed that right-eye itches and twitches point to positive thinking about you, while in the left eye, those thoughts are negative. This is reversed in women, so their left eye twitching indicates positivity while right-eye itches aren’t too good.

Naturally, if you’re dealing with allergies or any problems that might affect your eye, you can safely ignore this omen. Do note that stress, diet, tiredness, and other factors can lead to eye twitching, too; additionally, that some serious eye conditions can cause itching, so don’t overlook medical causes.

5. Discomfort While Eating

Picture this. You’re enjoying a meal quietly by yourself. You’re not eating or rushing, so there’s no reason for anything bad to happen. You’re focused on your food and enjoying life.

Then, all of a sudden, you begin to feel like food isn’t going through your esophagus so smoothly. You might start to cough or choke, even though you were very careful. Surely this is just a weird body quirk, right?

Wrong! Look around you. There could be someone nearby who is experiencing a lot of tension, and it might be concerning you. Your body is then responding in kind to that tension and finding it difficult to swallow smoothly.

No one around you? Then it’s almost certain that you’re running through someone’s mind! They might be tense and thinking about you at that moment, causing you to feel that tension even from far away, affecting your subconscious.

6. Finding A White Feather

White feathers are very touching symbols. They typically turn up after you have lost someone you care about. It’s difficult dealing with someone you love passing away, but if you come across a white feather, you can rest easy.

These feathers symbolize the fact that the one you’ve lost is in a better place and is thinking of you while they are there. They are trying to send you a calming message so that you no longer worry about them. They are telling you that they are watching over you and want you to be happy.

7. Feeling Unexplained Physical Touch

Do you ever just suddenly feel like someone is touching you, but you turn around and no one’s there? It’s definitely a rather concerning feeling and it can make you anxious and worried about the paranormal. Don’t worry, though, as there’s an explanation!

If someone is thinking about you very, very strongly, their thoughts could manage to transmit a message to you that manifests in a manner similar to physical contact. It’s a type of telepathic contact that means the person in question has very intense thoughts towards you.

Are these thoughts positive or negative? There’s no sure way to tell, but sometimes you may get a certain vibe from these touches that informs you of them. For example, a pleasant touch might be from a loved one or someone who has feelings for you. Meanwhile, a creepy touch might be from someone who is angry at you or sad about you.

8. Getting Goosebumps

Goosebumps are typically a reflection of very strong, emotion-based thoughts surrounding your person, so they’re a surefire sign someone is thinking about you. Though they can be a physical reaction, they are also very rooted in emotion – hence why you get goosebumps from memories and other factors.

It’s highly likely that if you get goosebumps for no discernable reason, someone could be thinking of you because they find you very attractive and want to be with you. Usually, though, thoughts manifesting as goosebumps mean that the person in question has psychic abilities – so you’ll want to think about how to deal with the situation!

9. Dream Contact

If you keep seeing someone in your dream, especially someone you haven’t seen in a long time, they might be thinking of you. Their thoughts regarding you might be strong enough to transmit to you and manifest in a visual form when you dream.

Your dreams may show you what they are thinking, or what kind of vibe their thoughts have; much of the time, however, a dream with someone in it doesn’t give you a lot of detail. In this case, there’s no way to know for certain whether they are thinking positive thoughts or bad ones.

Still, dreams can be mysterious. If someone is in your dream, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they are thinking about you; you naturally create dreams from personal memories or experiences. But you can always reach out to them and find out for sure!

10. Sudden Emotional Changes

You’re having a good day, when suddenly you experience a rush of sadness. You’re not feeling too great, and suddenly you feel warm and fuzzy. You’re angry, and then you’re suddenly calm. You might be super focused at work, then suddenly are too distracted to keep your eyes on the screen.

All these emotional changes could be the thoughts of someone else getting to you. It’s usually pretty clear what kinds of type of thoughts are involved when you get these sudden changes. It can be disconcerting to feel things that aren’t your own emotions but know that this means someone is thinking about you pretty intensely.

Final Thoughts On A Few Signs Someone Is Thinking About You

Not everyone believes in psychic-like transmissions that indicate someone is thinking about you. If you don’t, that’s totally fine – but you can’t deny wondering about it sometimes when sudden occurrences throw you off-balance.

Thoughts are very powerful tools, and the mind is even more powerful. We don’t even understand the full extent of the human brain’s capabilities at this juncture. Who knows how someone’s thoughts could affect you? Who knows how someone’s mood could be picked up on by you?

At the end of the day, there are a lot of odd, sudden things that could happen to you that may indicate someone’s thoughts are infiltrating your brain. So the next time any of these things pop up, just smile to yourself and know that, somewhere out there, you’re on somebody’s mind!

10 Gluten Free Grains That Make You Healthier

April 24, 2019 by Deborah Tayloe

Grains in various bread, flour, cereal, crackers, rice, and pasta are staples in our diet. They have a long history in humankind’s past as well our progressive development. But are you allergic to them? Specifically, are you allergic to gluten?

You’ll find the protein gluten in wheat, rye, barley, and triticale (a cross of wheat and barley). You can find wheat, rye, and barley in almost every recipe, as gluten helps food maintain its shape and acts as a glue to hold it together. In addition to the above list of grain products, you will almost also certainly find it in condiments, malt, food coloring, soups, salad dressings, beer, Brewer’s Yeast, sauces, and more.

If you are allergic to gluten or are gluten intolerant, what grain options do you have? Are they nutritionally beneficial? We’ll first go over the history of gluten and then get into some great gluten-free alternatives.

Grains in human history

Grains have been an essential part of humanity’s history for thousands of years. Breadcrumbs of a pita-like flatbread were discovered in July 2018 in northeastern Jordan that dated back 14,500 years. Originally, archeologists had dated breadmaking back to the start of agriculture in the Neolithic era. This last finding places breadmaking 5,000 years earlier. It was attributed to a group of Stone Age hunter-gatherers called Natufians.

How does the body react to gluten?

Gluten is a term used for multiple proteins or prolamins found in wheat, barley, rye, and triticale. The prolamins in wheat are called gliadin and glutenin, while the primary one in barley is called hordein.

Oddly enough, gluten proteins are highly resistant to protease enzymes which break down proteins through digestion. This incomplete digestion of protein allows large units of amino acids, or peptides, to go through the wall of your small intestine into the rest of your body. Your body may see these amino acids as enemies and attempt to kill them. Our body is designed to get rid of excessive proteins or protein-creating cells. This attempt to eliminate these “enemies” shows itself as an immune response that can create various symptoms in a person.

What Happens When Someone Is Gluten Intolerant?

Three conditions may manifest as a result of having a gluten intolerance.

Celiac disease:

This disease is a combination of a genetic disorder and environmental conditions which impact about 1% of the world’s population. It is considered an inflammatory autoimmune disease of the small intestine. Some people with Celiac disease also have other autoimmune disorders. For those with Hashimoto’s, a thyroid disease, Celiac is four times higher than the general public.

By eating grains containing gluten, damage occurs to enterocytes, which are cells lining your small intestines. This leads to intestinal damage, poor nutritional absorption, and possibly weight loss and diarrhea. It can additionally contribute to anemia, osteoporosis, neurological disorders, and skin diseases. Some can have no symptoms at all.

This condition is best diagnosed by an intestinal biopsy or by blood testing for specific genotypes or antibodies. The only “cure” is to eliminate gluten from your diet.

Wheat Allergy:

One study reveals that a wheat allergy affects more children than adults, and like Celiac, it is an immune response to proteins in wheat. These symptoms can be mild nausea to anaphylaxis – a reaction that causes the throat to close up due to an allergic response. It is possible to have both a Celiac and a wheat allergy. Wheat allergies are usually diagnosed by a blood or skin-prick test.

Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity:

It is possible to have intestinal symptoms and other symptoms when one consumes gluten without technically receiving a diagnosis of food allergies. Some of the other symptoms may be headache, fatigue, and joint pain. It is important to rule out the other two possibilities before being diagnosed with Non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Like the other two diagnoses, removing gluten from your diet results in an improvement of symptoms.

Researchers explain that there is no test to see if you are non-celiac gluten sensitive. You must eliminate gluten from your body and see if your symptoms decrease or go away.

Enter the Good News: Gluten-free Grains

The good news? There are plenty of gluten-free grains available, and they all have several nutritional benefits. It should be cautioned that it is best to buy these grains as “Certified Gluten-free,” as many of the companies that package these grains also package wheat, rye, and barley-related products. Even traces of gluten from the dust of those grains can be enough to create a reaction. “Certified Gluten-Free” verifies that the company has made a point not to package gluten ingredients and non-gluten grains from the same machinery, so there is no cross-contamination.

Here are ten gluten-free grains that make you healthier:

Try these alternatives.

Sorghum:

This is generally used as a cereal grain or produced to make sorghum syrup or even some alcoholic beverages. It contains plant compounds with antioxidants; studies have shown it to have anti-inflammatory properties and an ability to reduce blood sugar and insulin. It contains 12 grams of fiber, 22 grams of protein, and almost half of your daily dose of iron in one cup.

Quinoa:

This is an amino acid powerhouse – having all 8 amino acids. It also has a high number of antioxidants. Nutritionists at the University of Pittsburgh Medical, UPMC, explain that quinoa contains 8 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber. It also has almost your daily dose of magnesium, manganese, and phosphorous.

Millet:

Nope, it is not just for the birds! Researchers proved that this grain could help decrease blood triglycerides and inflammation and lower blood sugar and glycemic responses. One cup contains 2 grams of fiber, 6 grams of protein, and 19% of the daily dose of magnesium.

Buckwheat:

It may sound like you should avoid this, but it actually does not contain gluten or wheat. A study showed that it could help achieve positive wellness outcomes:

Reduced risks of high blood pressure
Weight control
Decrease the chances of developing heart disease
Reduce the chance of developing gallstones.

One cup delivers 17 grams of fiber, 23 grams of protein, and over 90% of magnesium, copper, and manganese for your day.

Amaranth:

An old and cherished grain, historians trace amaranth back to the Inca, Maya, and Aztec civilizations. Studies find it helpful to treat inflammation and decreasing blood triglycerides and LDL cholesterol levels. One cup contains 5 grams of fiber and 9 grams of protein. It also meets 29% of daily iron needs as well as other minerals.

Teff:

Teff is the smallest grain in the world at 1/100th the size of a kernel of wheat. Because of its tiny size, you can use it as flour or paste in your recipes.

The Journal of Food Science and Technology notes that this tiny grain contains powerful benefits. They cite these reasons to add teff to your menu:

Teff contains all eight amino acids our bodies need
Low risk of sensitivity or food allergies
Excellent fiber content
Useful in helping to prevent diabetes
It May help prevent anemia

Nutritionally, it has approximately twelve grams of protein and twelve grams of fiber in just one cup. The protein and fiber make it a great way to help one feel full to reduce cravings, boost metabolism, and improve regularity. It also contains B vitamins. Wow! What a powerhouse!

Wild Rice:

This grain may be temperamental in how it grows, but it is full of nutritional value and flavor. It provides the body with protein, fiber, folate, Vitamin B6, niacin, and other minerals. It has been discovered that it has 30 times greater antioxidant activity than white rice and effectively lowers cholesterol and other fatty lipids.

Brown Rice:

This is the healthier version of white rice, as it retains both the bran and germ of the grain that white rice lacks. This gluten-free grain is high in protein and fiber and is commonly known to decrease the risk of diabetes, weight gain, and heart disease.

One cup yields 4 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein. Brown rice also contains magnesium and selenium.

Corn:

Another grain used generously throughout humankind’s history, corn is also prevalent. It is high in antioxidants, lutein, and zeaxanthin – which aids in eye health and decreases cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. One-half of a cup of yellow corn contains 6 grams of fiber, 8 grams of protein and is also high in magnesium, vitamin B6, thiamin, manganese, and selenium.

However, corn can cause symptoms to flare up in people who suffer from digestive issues or irritable bowel syndrome.

Oats:

Oats already have an excellent reputation, being recognized for lowering LDL and total cholesterol levels. It has also been shown that it may slow the absorption of sugar and lower blood sugar and insulin levels. A 1/4 cup of oats provides 4 grams of fiber and 7 grams of protein with B vitamins and minerals thrown in for good measure.

Please also note that while oat is gluten-free, sometimes some gluten-intolerant people may become sensitive to avenin, the protein found in oats. Additionally, it is more likely that oats will be cross-contaminated at packaging plants. So, make sure only to buy “Certified Gluten-Free” oats.

Final Thoughts on Adding Gluten-Free Grains to Help Reduce Sensitivities

As you can see, gluten-free grains not only have a long history of use but contain several health benefits, including their levels of protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. Whether you are gluten intolerant or want to eat healthier, these 10 gluten-free grains will definitely make you healthier in multiple ways!

10 Herbs and Spices That Heal Your Body

April 24, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Adding spices and herbs that heal your body has been an ever-increasing interest in the United States. This is partly due to the high cost of medications and the realization that current medications have severe side effects that are almost as deadly as what they treat. In addition, since people are living longer, there is increasing interest in preventable measures to promote a higher quality of life in their older years.

The use of herbs and spices in mankind’s history dates back centuries. It pre-dates recorded history. We even have several medications that contain roots from certain herbs and spices. Is it any wonder that we would search out better ways to live by returning to what has been part of our history and that science has been utilizing?

The study of herbs and spices that have healing properties is still in its infancy to verify purity, dosages, and the validity of medicinal claims. There are 10 herbs and spices which have science proves useful to heal the body.

Definition of Herbs Versus Spices

The definition of an herb and a spice can be unclear, and there are some exceptions to the rule.

According to Cambridge Dictionary, an herb “a type of plant with a soft stem” or “a type of plant whose leaves are used in cooking to give flavor to particular dishes or in making medicine.”

According to Cambridge Dictionary, a spice is “a flavoring for food made from part of a plant, such as its fruit, seeds, or root, usually dried and made into a powder.”

It is essential to point out that herbs can be used as a spice and that spices can have medicinal uses. The most important part of each definition is more on the parts of the plants rather than what the plants are used for. It is also possible for the same plant to have one name as an herb and another as a spice. For example, cilantro is considered an herb but its seeds, when ground, are called coriander.

An additional point of interest is how the definition of an herb specifies that the leaves are used in cooking to give flavor or make medicine. When used for medicinal purposes, a plant is not limited to the leaves. Instead, any part of the plant may be used and individual parts of the same plant may have different benefits, or even be toxic.

History of Herbs and Spices

One of the oldest known ingredients for “flavor enhancement and preservation” is salt. It dates back in recorded history as far as 6,050 BC. Likely, salt was used even before this. Salt played a crucial role in mankind’s desire to trade; it also found use as a currency in many parts of the early world. Yet, salt is not a spice. It’s a mineral. However, with the salt-inspired trade came the discovery of other spices and herbs in various parts of the world.

As far back as 3,500 BC, ancient Egyptians used spices for cosmetics, food flavoring, and embalming the dead. The oldest written evidence of plants used for medicine is on a Sumerian clay slab from Nagpur about 5,000 years ago. This slab had the recipes for 12 different medications with over 250 plants used in the preparation.

From then on, there are multiple references to herbs and spices being used for medicinal uses, a form of currency, in negotiations for territories, in religious books, and more. It was not until the early 19th century that there was a change in the knowledge and use of medicinal plants with the growing aid of science.

Current Medicines Based on Herbs and Spices

While we often distinguish herbal medicine from traditional medications, many current prescribed medications come from herbs. Such as:

Morphine came from seed pods of the poppy
Penicillin from bread mold
Digoxin, a cardiac stimulant, came from foxglove
Salicylic acid, a precursor to aspirin, came from willow bark
60% of all cancer therapeutics on the market or in testing are plant-based
70% of the 177 drugs used to treat cancer are based on natural products and then improved with other chemistry.

It is estimated that about 25% of the drugs prescribed worldwide were derived from plants and about 121 such active compounds are in use.

Herbs and Spices that Heal the Body

Turmeric:

Curcumin is the active ingredient found in turmeric. It has been recognized as a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and digestive aid. Indeed, some studies state it may even treat or prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

Ginger:

There are hundreds of compounds in ginger that create various benefits. This spice has long been recognized for its beneficial effects in treating nausea, but it also has digestive benefits, antioxidants, and mild anti-inflammatory effects related to joint pain. Some studies show its potential use for preventing and treating cardiovascular disorders; it helps relax blood vessels and stimulate blood flow.

Black Pepper:

Recognized to reduce cholesterol, have antioxidant properties, and reduce inflammation.

Cinnamon:

One of the oldest spices and among the most used. It has been proven that half of a teaspoon to 2 teaspoons a day can reduce blood sugar by 20% in diabetics. It aids in the reduction of cholesterol and digestion and can provoke blood flow while reducing peripheral vascular resistance, making it great for your circulation.

Coriander:

The seeds of the cilantro plant, coriander, may treat diabetes and cholesterol. There are also some studies in regard to it being used to reduce platelet aggression.

Rosemary:

Aids reduces allergy reactions in the nose and sinus congestion and acts as an antioxidant. Also, some evidence shows that the smell of it can boost brain function.

Garlic:

Probably one of the most used plants in cooking, garlic has an ingredient called allicin. This contributes to both its pungent odor and its health benefits. Evidence links garlic to increased cardiovascular health, lower cholesterol (possibly up to 9%), and a 5% reduction in blood pressure. It is also an antioxidant and has antibacterial effects. Additionally, several studies point to various benefits related to blood anti-clotting and reducing cholesterol from the arterial walls.

Cayenne Pepper:

This spice has been used in ointments targeted toward arthritis through the active ingredient capsaicin. It creates a warming or thermal heating from the body. Thus, it aids in reducing joint pain, increasing fat burning, and decreasing appetite. Sadly, if you are accustomed to eating hot peppers, it loses its effectiveness; your body can build a tolerance to it.

Clove:

This little seed is used to prevent or relieve gas build up, increase hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which aids in digestion, fight acid reflux, and help to absorb B12, calcium, iron, and protein. Additionally, some dentists use its essential oil form as a pain killer in emergencies.

Thyme:

Traditional healers used thyme treating respiratory infections such as bronchitis. It reduces mucus production and coughing and has proven to inhibit bacterial growth.

Americans now take a keen interest in herbal solutions. Thus, it is important to understand why it is taking science so long to “approve” their use:

Isolating the active ingredient(s) and from which part of the plant.
Isolating an effective dosage.
Determining the survival of active ingredients through our digestive enzymes.
Determining the most effective form for each benefit; essential oil, pill, tea, cream, crushed, ground, whole leaf, etc.
Deciding if it requires a second or third treatment for best results.
Determining longevity and conditions for the lifespan.

The future potential of returning to the more natural use of spices and herbs in treating or preventing mankind’s various health issues looks great. However, not everything you read regarding the benefits of herbs or spices has been verified.

Final Thoughts on Using Herbs for Better Health

Be sure to research science or medical reports before taking any herbal supplement. This saves money and the potential toxicity from wrong dosages or irresponsible marketing making false statements. Many of these herbs or spices, when used medicinally, can create an unfavorable interaction if you are currently on medications. Use any natural remedies with caution and under the supervision of a medical professional. If you aren’t taking medications, the above-listed spices and herbs are generally safe in recipes or as stand-alone health remedies.

Sorghum:

Quinoa:

Millet:

Buckwheat:

Amaranth:

Teff:

Corn:

Oats:

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