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26 Anxiety Management Tricks That Prevent Panic Attacks

A panic attack is an immediate surge of overwhelming fear that appears without warning and without reason. Panic attacks can produce symptoms so severe that the victim may feel as if they are dying.

The American Psychological Association (APA) cites the symptoms of a panic attack as:

  • racing heartbeat
  • difficulty breathing, feeling as though you “can’t get enough air”
  • terror that is almost paralyzing
  • dizziness, lightheadedness or nausea
  • trembling, sweating, shaking
  • choking, chest pains
  • hot flashes, or sudden chills
  • tingling in fingers or toes (“pins and needles”)
  • fear that you’re going to go crazy or are about to die

 

What are you supposed to do when facing such an overwhelming experience? How do you know what will bring relief?

 

Here are 26 Tips to Help You Prevent Panic Attacks

anxiety quote

1. Use deep breathing:

Take slow, deep, complete breaths. Deliberate, deep breathing forces your body to relax, which is essential to stopping the rush of adrenaline.

2. Distract yourself:

When you’re feeling highly anxious and tense, find a way to take your mind off of your symptoms. Play a game, listen to calming music, or eat a favorite snack.

3. Yell “Stop!”:

Seriously, this might just work. The reason: panic attacks are a buildup of worry in own heads, and something dramatic may just shock the system.

4. Understand the impermanence:

Recognize that you’re having a panic attack while reminding yourself that it will soon pass. Then, try relaxing your body.

5. Focus on one thing:

A panic attack causes a surge of adrenaline, making it hard to concentrate. This is exactly why you should try anyway. Pick an object in clear sight and notice its color, shape, size, and other properties.

6. Do some light exercise:

Get your body moving, and your mind may just slow down. Exercise also releases feel-good hormones that can help combat debilitating anxiety.

7. Try lavender:

Certain smells have a way of relaxing the brain, and this includes lavender. If you’re prone to anxiety or panic, keep lavender essential oil on hand and breathe in the scent.

8. Repeat a mantra:

Choose a mantra that has personal meaning to you and repeat it until you feel the anxiety start to subside.

9. Practice visualization:

Visualization can serve as a powerful antidote to anxiety and panic. Practice visualization, picturing an ideal landscape until you relax and feel at peace. With this skill in your arsenal, it’ll be hard for anxiety to shake you up.

10. Top-down relaxation:

Top-down relaxation is useful because it engages your mind and body. It works by focusing on relaxing one muscle at a time. Progressively moving up or down your body, relax one muscle after another until your whole body is calmer.

11. Close your eyes:

Your brain is uber-sensitive when in panic mode. Slow the stimuli of information from the external environment by closing your eyes.

12. Take a shower:

Warm or cold water, your choice. Make sure it’s a shower and not a bath. The reason you don’t want to draw a bath when panicky is that it takes too long, and you run the risk of the symptoms worsening.

13. Force a smile:

Studies show that smiling, even when it’s forced, activates the areas of the brain associated with happiness.

14. Listen to your favorite music:

This one is wholly dependent upon the individual. If you’re sensitive to external sounds, this may not be a good idea. However, if you’re a music lover and external distractions help relieve anxiety, go for it.

15. Don’t run away:

Some individuals who become panicked try running or pacing quickly; for them, these things cause the panic attacks to subside. If this doesn’t work for you, stay in place and distract yourself.

16. Or sprint:

Then there’s doing the total opposite: as in running as fast as you can until you’re completely out of breath. If it works, that’s all that matters!

17. Hold your breath:

According to some who suffer from panic attacks, holding their breath allows them to prevent hyperventilation. Hold your breath four to five times, for 10-15 seconds each time. After the last round of breath holding, deeply inhale to the count of 7 and exhale to the count of 11.

18. Splash cold water on your face:

The point here is to shock the system. Another (colder) alternative is breaking up some ice cubes and submerging your face in ice water.

19. Do some push-ups:

Pushups aren’t fun and everyone knows this, which may be why doing a few may help. Exerting your muscles a bit may be all that’s needed to calm your system.

20. Watch something funny:

If you feel your anxiety levels ratcheting up, find something that always seems to tickle your funny bone. Have a favorite movie clip or YouTube video? Fire it up!

21. Write:

Journaling has a way of getting us out of our head. One reason we’re so anxious is the mistaken belief that the only place for our thoughts is in our noggin. Instead, write about how you’re feeling, where you are, what you’re thinking about, what your plans are for the day, and so forth.

22. Read a children’s book aloud:

That’s right. Find a child’s book like Green Eggs and Ham, and read it aloud as you would to a child. You may just relax and soothe yourself!

23. Practice mindfulness:

Anxiety arises when we’re overthinking the past or future. Try directing all of your attention on what’s happening at this moment.

24. Do a puzzle:

Doesn’t matter what kind of puzzle, but if you have a go-to, break it out. Engaging your mind in something may help fend off feelings of anxiety and panic.

25. Listen to nature:

There are a bunch of nature sounds available online and for download. It may be a good idea to listen to these when feeling anxious.

26. Get a stress ball:

These things haven’t become popular for no reason. Squeezing a stress ball may help get some of the stress and tension out.

Final Thoughts: Consider Getting Help

Panic attacks are a symptom of Panic Disorder, a condition that occurs in around one in 75 people. While the techniques mentioned here may help to prevent panic attacks, they are not considered a permanent solution.

Only a board-certified physician can effectively rule out any underlying medical causes and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Examples of treatments prescribed by doctors include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), “cognitive restructuring,” mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), and anti-anxiety medications. As always, do not be afraid to seek out a second opinion!

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References:
http://www.apa.org/topics/anxiety/panic-disorder.aspx

http://www.nlppati.com/articles/end-panic-attacks.shtml
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-stop-a-panic-attack#1
https://www.quora.com/What-are-panic-attacks-like

7 Things That Happen To Your Body When You Start Drinking Water Regularly

There is one thing that all creatures – large and small – have in common: water is essential to their survival. The human body is no exception. Our body is composed of roughly 60 percent water. Thus, water is vital to numerous bodily functions.

Here is a short list of what water does for us:

  • forms saliva
  • normalizes body temperature
  • converts food to minerals used by the body
  • delivers oxygen all over the body
  • lubricates joints
  • flushes body waste
  • permits the growth and maintenance of cells
  • moistens mucosal membranes
  • absorbs shock to the brain and spinal cord

In short, water aids absorption, circulation, digestion, nutrient transportation, regulation of body temperature, and more. Let’s get a bit more specific about the benefits of H20.

Up to 60% of the human adult body is water. According to H.H. Mitchell … the brain and heart are composed of 73% water, and the lungs are about 83% water. The skin contains 64% water, muscles and kidneys are 79%, and even the bones are watery: 31%. – The United States Department of the Interior

Drinking water is a must: here’s what happens if you do not

Dehydration can lead to a range of health issues. Here are ten things that can happen if someone is not drinking water in sufficient amounts:

health quotes

  1. Thirst: This is the most immediate and unmistakable sign. The body signals its need for fluids by making you feel thirsty.
  2. Dark Urine: Dark yellow or amber-colored urine can indicate dehydration. Typically, hydrated urine is light yellow to clear.
  3. Dry Skin: The skin can become dry and less elastic. The “pinch test,” where the skin takes longer to return to its normal position after being pinched, can be an indicator.
  4. Fatigue: Dehydration can lead to feeling tired or lethargic. Water is essential for cellular processes, and a lack of it can slow down bodily functions.
  5. Headaches: Dehydration can lead to headaches or migraines as the brain temporarily contracts or shrinks due to fluid loss, leading to pain.
  6. Constipation: Water helps to soften stools and promotes regular bowel movements. Thus, a lack of water can lead to harder stools and constipation.
  7. Dizziness or Light-headedness: Reduced water intake can lead to a drop in blood pressure. As a result, one may have dizziness or light-headedness.
  8. Rapid Heartbeat and Rapid Breathing: The heart has to work harder to pump blood as the blood volume decreases due to dehydration. That may lead to an increased heart rate. Breathing may also become rapid as the body tries to get more oxygen.
  9. Reduced Kidney Function: The kidneys require a sufficient amount of water to help filter waste from the blood. Chronic dehydration can lead to kidney stones and other kidney problems.
  10. Cognitive Impairments: Dehydration can affect cognitive functions, leading to difficulties in concentration, alertness, and short-term memory.

Here are seven science-backed benefits of drinking water on a regular basis

Now that you know the issues that may arise from NOT drinking water, here are the benefits of proper hydration:

1. Higher Energy Levels and Better Brain Function

The brain weighs about three pounds. Water accounts for approximately 2.2 pounds of this. It’s hardly a surprise that water directly impacts brain function.

Dehydration consistently indicates compromised cognitive health. Evidence from cortical function tests confirms that even mild dehydration can weaken mental capabilities in younger individuals. Often, cognitive disturbances due to dehydration manifest as delirium.

2. Relief of Digestive Problems

Water is critical for saturating the gut and softening food for digestion. Food cannot be efficiently absorbed and passed out of the body without it. Drinking water is shown to help relieve constipation. Water helps soften the stool and maintain and improve intestinal health.

3. Accelerated Weight Loss

Water increases satiety – the feeling of being full. As a result, we eat less both during and after meals. Additionally, water boosts our metabolic rate, allowing us to burn more calories at rest. Many studies show that drinking water may increase the metabolism for up to 30 percent for as long as 1.5 hours.

4. Fewer and/or Milder Headaches

Dehydration is a leading cause of headaches and migraines. To illustrate, consider the morning after having too many glasses of vino. That headache? Acute dehydration causes it.

Drinking water doesn’t lead to fewer headaches for everyone. However, studies show that drinking large quantities of water may help to shorten a headache’s span. It may also reduce the intensity of the symptoms.

5. Better Mood

Who doesn’t want to have a better mood? Perhaps you’ve been dealing with a bit more volatility than usual. Drinking more water may help!

In a study published in the journal Appetite, 120 female college students documented everything they ate and drank over five days. After analyzing participant responses to mood assessments, the outcome was clear: “The greater the water consumption, the better the mood.”

More specifically,  confusion, depression, and tension scores decreased as water intake increased!

6. Better Physical Performance

Studies show that as little as a two-percent loss of the body’s water content can cause physical performance to suffer. For example, consider that athletes can lose between 6-10% of water levels through sweat.

Increased water consumption results in better temperature control, higher motivation, less fatigue, and more physical and mental vitality. This is especially important during periods of physical strain – for example, exercise.

7. Improved Urinary Health

As you probably know, water is the main component of urine. It is also critical to the health and functioning of the renal system, which “produces, stores, and eliminates urine.” Water also helps to detoxify the kidneys and improve their function.

One such example of H20’s effect on the urinary system is apparent from studies regarding kidney stones. Water destabilizes the components that make up kidney stones, allowing them to be passed through the renal system at a higher rate. As a result, the time frame for total recovery drops. Water may also help to prevent the formation of stones. (Additional studies are required to verify this.)

drinking water

Final Thoughts on Drinking Water for Peak Health

Your body relies on water to survive. Aside from preserving life, water also enhances it. It improves the performance of every bodily system.

More debatable is the question, “How much water do we need?” Per the Mayo Clinic:

“Most healthy people can stay hydrated by drinking water and other fluids whenever they feel thirsty. For some people, fewer than eight glasses a day may be enough. But other people might need more.”

The Clinic states that 64 ounces (roughly eight cups) of water daily is enough for most people. Factors that affect the amount of water you need include exercise, environment, overall health, and pregnancy. You can adjust your water intake according to your situation.

8 Toxic Foods (That Most People Eat Anyway)

Diet is extremely important to almost all aspects of your health. After all, you are what you eat. With a growing obesity epidemic in almost every developed country in the world, keeping track of what you’re eating has never been more important. We’ve all read the stories about the toxic foods that you think are healthy but really aren’t. However, did you know that there are some food items in your kitchen pantry that aren’t merely unhealthy, but also downright toxic?

If you’re not careful, you might actually be putting your life in danger. We’re not talking allergies, but toxins hidden in everyday groceries you probably buy regularly. Here are some foods that you probably didn’t know could cause damage to your health.

Here Are 8 Toxic Foods (That Most People Eat)

“Your diet is a bank account. Good food choices are good investments.” – Bethenny Frankel

1. Green tomatoes

Surprised? Everyone says that tomatoes and all other kinds of vegetables are healthy, not toxic. However, tomatoes actually contain a poisonous component called solanine, an alkaloid that can cause a very fussy stomach. This dangerous alkaloid is mainly found in the stems and leaves of the tomato plant, and in green (unripe) tomatoes. Technically, solanine can’t actually kill you – you’d have to consume a lot of it for that to be the case. Still, avoid eating those parts of the tomato plant and your stomach will thank you for it!

2. Green Potatoes

A staple of any diet, potatoes can be found in almost any traditional cuisine around the world. However, solanine, which we mentioned regarding tomatoes, is also found in potatoes. In this case, it is found in the vegetable itself. It comes in much higher concentration, as this element serves as the potato’s natural defense mechanism against vermin. Solanine can cause stomach upsets but also headaches, diarrhea, and even paralysis or coma. To be careful, avoid potatoes that have a green tinge; throw these potentially toxic foods away instead of consuming them.

3. Apple seeds

One of the most delicious fruits also hides dangerous toxins. Apples have a chemical in their seeds called amygdalin, which partially contains cyanide. While you can’t really eat enough to poison yourself, you should still be careful because this chemical can cause unpleasant stomach upsets and headaches. Whenever you’re eating apples, or any fruit with pits and seeds, stay away from those seeds as much as you can.

4. Tuna

Most canned tuna is absolutely safe in controlled portions; however, some tuna contains amounts of mercury, which can be toxic. Some doctors even recommend that pregnant women abstain from eating tuna as it’s easier for the baby to absorb the mercury. Either way, it’s always good to monitor your tuna intake and make sure you’re not eating too much of it, as it can cause serious stomach upsets.

5. Peanuts

On the surface, it doesn’t seem like peanuts should be considered one of the potentially toxic foods. However, peanut allergy is the most common type of allergy in the U.S. and the anaphylactic shock that comes as a result of this allergic reaction can be very extreme and even cause death. It’s not just peanuts – things like peanut butter or peanut oil can also trigger it. You might not even know if something you’re eating contains traces of peanut, so if you’re allergic, be very careful and always check out the ingredient list when shopping.

6. Raw Almondsdigestion

Almonds are very healthy and really good for children to eat, as they’re beneficial in developing the brain. However, bitter (or raw) almonds can often contain cyanide, which is highly toxic. This is also found in wild almonds. In fact, there have been cases of almonds being recalled from organic food stores because their levels of cyanide were too high. Cyanide poisoning is reversible, but if you see any of the signs you should contact your doctor straight away. Also, avoid any almonds that market themselves as “raw,” “wild,” or “organic.”

7. Rhubarb Leaves

Great for baking, but not so great to eat whole. If you enjoy the sweet, tangy taste of rhubarb, make sure to always cut off the leaves first. They are considered toxic foods because they contain a dangerous chemical called oxalate, which can cause kidney stones. Fortunately, you would have to consume large quantities to be affected – and you probably won’t just start eating rhubarb leaves anyway (but don’t experiment with it, because you never know).

8. ‘Raw’ Cashews

Maybe as part of your latest diet, you’ve taken to buying “raw” cashews at the supermarket. The truth is, they aren’t raw, and there’s a good reason why: cashews grow in a toxic shell that comes from the same family as poison ivy and poison sumac. All cashews that we eat are processed to get rid of the anacardic acids that can be found both in the shell and the oil that comes from it. So, make sure to stay away from any unshelled cashews you come across.

Final thoughts

It’s not really fun to know that a variety of the foods in your pantry or fridge are potentially toxic. As long as you take reasonable precautions and don’t experiment unnecessarily, you should remain perfectly healthy. At the same time, always make sure to double check the ingredients on anything, especially if you have an allergy. This precaution may protect you from toxic foods and end up saving your life.

https://youtu.be/KKB0jThAfnQ

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved
References:
https://www.inc.com/magazine/201307/adam-bluestein/the-best-foods-for-leaders-to-eathtml.html
http://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/2014/01/31/10-deadly-foods-probably-have-in-your-kitchen.html
https://www.cosmopolitan.com/food-cocktails/news/a41525/foods-you-didnt-know-could-kill-you/
https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/america-s-obesity-epidemic-reaches-record-high-new-report-says-n810231
https://nutritionstripped.com/healthy-foods-deceptively-bad/
https://www.botanical-online.com/tomato_toxicity.htm
https://www.thedailymeal.com/eat/your-potato-poisonous-here-s-how-tell-if-its-toxic
https://www.edf.org/oceans/mercury-alert-canned-tuna-safe
https://acaai.org/allergies/types/food-allergies/types-food-allergy/peanut-allergy
https://www.livestrong.com/article/494578-can-almonds-cause-cyanide-poisoning/
https://indianapublicmedia.org/amomentofscience/why-cashews-arent-sold-in-the-shell/

10 Things You Can Do to Change Your Life In 30 Days

At some point in life, many if not most people will become dissatisfied with themselves. Whether the issue is professional plateaus, low self-esteem, or something else, people who want to lead healthier, happier lives need to implement strategies that will facilitate long-term change.

Here are 10 ways to change your life in 30 days:

1. Meditation

If you want to change your life now rather than later, tap into the power of meditation. Meditation is one of many self-help strategies that people can oftentimes see immediate results with. This is because meditation enables people to immediately clear their mind of negative thinking patterns. For example, you could use a mantra meditation to reduce or eliminate negative thoughts by silently reciting words of positivity or affirmation like “Love and light” or “I am enough.”

2. End Unhealthy Relationships

Once you decide to change your life in 30 days, make sure that you end unhealthy relationships. While accepting responsibility for your own well-being and happiness is important, it’s equally important to ensure that your external environment is conducive to holistic wellness. In many cases, people do not realize their ultimate potential because they are constantly surrounded by negative individuals who undermine them. If you know that there is someone in your life who consistently degrades you in a subtle or salient manner, find the strength within yourself to bring the relationship to an end.

3. Develop Goals

Another strategy you can implement to change your life is goal development. Consistently setting and realizing goals is known to improve an individual’s self-esteem, and this is why people who have decided to change their life for the better should tap into the power of regularly creating and accomplishing objectives. Make sure that your goals are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-Specific. A sample goal would be “I will run for thirty minutes per day three times a week to lose three pounds per month.”

4. Yoga

As many wellness experts know, yoga is oftentimes the exercise modality that takes an individual’s level of living from average to amazing. This is the case for many reasons, including the fact that yoga heightens mind-body awareness. Once individuals become more aware of things like the sound of their own heartbeat or irregular beating patterns, they oftentimes experience great outcomes like the ability to regulate their own physiological systems or a deeper dimension of self-love. This is to say nothing of all the wonderful health benefits that can be attained through a consistent yoga practice, some of which include boosted immunity and lower blood pressure.

5. Keep A Journal

Once you decide that you want to change your life for better, it’s time to begin keeping a journal. The journal will help you vent negative emotions in a manner which does no harm to self or the people around you. Also note that journals are oftentimes the vehicle through which individuals attain deeper dimensions of self-knowledge. This is the case because the journal allows individuals to discuss issues, feelings, thoughts, and emotions that they may not feel comfortable sharing aloud. Also note that journaling is a writing enterprise, and writing consistently can optimize your cognitive processes so that you begin to consistently think in a more creative, critical manner.

6. Optimize Your Eating Habits

In many cases, an individual’s life is disappointing or merely mediocre in part because of their food habits. Note that the Standard American Diet (SAD) is comprised largely of processed foods. These chemical-laden items detract from general well-being in multiple ways. In addition to causing lethargy, they can precipitate weight gain and brain fog. This is why individuals who want to change their lives for the better should focus on optimizing their eating habits. Luckily, there are many ways that individuals can realize this objective.

7. Make A To-Do List

If you really want to change your life for better, get in the habit of making a daily to-do list. This is a success strategy that many people have utilized to become more organized in their personal and/or professional lives. The power of the to-do list is two-fold. First, the lists enable you to see which activities are the most important, thereby helping you prioritize so that you’re accomplishing the most critical tasks first. Second, the to-do list allows you to physically or digitally cross off tasks once you’ve completed them. This factor will prevent confusion regarding whether you’ve actually done everything you need to do to keep your life going and growing.

8. Maintain A Grateful Attitude

As many researchers know, maintaining a grateful attitude towards the world can improve your life in many ways. For example, being grateful can empower you to retain a positive state of mind. This outcome is incredibly important in a world where negative thinking is prevalent. If negative thinking is not dealt with, it can lead to various diseases of the mind and body. Another reason that you should definitely focus on maintaining a grateful attitude is because doing so can connect you with other individuals who have chosen to adopt this disposition towards the world. Once this happens, you’ll find yourself constantly coming in contact with people who are consciously looking for the good in themselves, other individuals, and the world at large. There are several ways that you can get the process of maintaining a grateful attitude underway. As noted by Chris Winfield, you could begin by creating a gratitude journal and developing a list of three things that you feel grateful for every day.

9. Stop Watching Televisiontoxic relationship quote

If you really want to change your life, stop watching television. There are multiple negative effects that result from regular television consumption. For example, one study found that participants who watched over 3 hours of television each day were more likely to perform poorly on cognitive tests. Additionally, Psychology Today reports that prefrontal cortex activity decreases when individuals watch television. While the regions of the brain responsible for decision making, concentration, and self-control are hindered with television consumption, the practice also activates the amygdala. This emotional center can trigger problematic emotions such as aggression and anger while also fueling impulsive behavior. Giving up television may have a wide range of wonderful effects, including your ability to cultivate and maintain a calmer, more thoughtful way of being in the world. Note that there may also be a link between abandoning television and your ability to generate wealth. One research study indicates that most wealthy people watch television for an hour or less per day.

10. Take Self-Care Seriously

One final technique you can deploy to change your life in 30 days is by taking self-care seriously. Because of the ongoing stress that many if not most people experience while working or socializing, it’s important to implement strategies that will help you limit the experience of anxiety while also cultivating a disposition of self-respect. Some of the self-care strategies that other people find beneficial include massage, yoga, and meditation.

Change Your Life Now!

There’s nothing quite as disheartening as waking up to realize that you’re dissatisfied with your life. Whether you’re experiencing a health issue, compromised self-esteem, or some other significant problem, feeling as if something is amiss can detract from your quality of life in numerous ways.

Once people realize that they are no longer satisfied with the substance and scope of their personal or professional world, it’s time to start thinking about what they can do to begin moving forward.

If you’re ready to change your life for better, know that the key to success is accessing and implementing strategies that will yield substantive results. You can begin to change your life now by implementing some or all of the simple strategies outlined in this quick reference guide!

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved
References:
https://www.inc.com/chris-winfield/a-simple-30-day-challenge-that-will-actually-change-your-life.html
https://www.livescience.com/52959-television-cognitive-function.html
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/reading-between-the-headlines/201309/violence-the-media-and-your-brain

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eltx2WGABkw

How to Make Detox Ginger Wraps At Home to Flush Toxins In Your Lungs

We’re going to teach you how to make honey ginger wraps to detox your lungs naturally. Why honey and ginger? Let’s talk about that a bit.

Honey

Honey acts as a natural remedy for a number of ailments. It possesses potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which makes honey a powerful ingredient for detoxing the lungs. Honey is also loaded with nutrients, enzymes, and minerals. Finally, honey’s thick and viscous texture helps tone, soothe, and nourish the lining of the lungs.

To clarify a popular misconception, raw honey is healthy when consumed in moderation. Much confusion seems to stem from not understanding the specific differences between natural sugars and the manufactured (“added”) variety. The former does not lead to the same health problems so prevalent in the latter. A debate continues as to the safety of raw honey for diabetics. Still, the fact that such a dialogue continues to take place speaks volumes.

Here is an excerpt from an article in The Insider:

… consuming natural sugar is completely healthy; it’s added sugar you need to worry about … As the name implies, added sugars are processed forms of sugar, like syrups, that are added to certain foods when they’re being made. Because these sugars are processed and not natural, they’re not good for your body. Nutrients (in natural sugars) help to stabilize your blood sugar levels, which prevents you from feeling hungry soon after eating…”

honey

Here are the known medicinal qualities of raw honey:

  • helps maintain a healthy weight.
  • natural allergy reliever.
  • strengthens the immune system.
  • a natural source of energy.
  • a powerful antioxidant.
  • helps promote restorative sleep.
  • heals wounds and ulcers.
  • reduces the risk of developing diabetes.
  • is a natural cough syrup.

Ginger

Ginger’s central claim to fame may be its incredible anti-inflammatory benefits. Combine this with nutrients like magnesium and vitamin C, and you’ve got a fantastic ingredient for loosening phlegm. It also helps treat the inflammation linked to various lung conditions, including lung disease.

To label ginger as a miracle herb isn’t a stretch. Indeed, it provides some of the most potent medicinal properties of any food. Ginger has been shown to:

  • aid digestion.
  • eliminate nausea.
  • combat cold and flu.
  • help with osteoarthritis.
  • lower blood sugar.
  • lower the risk of heart disease.
  • treat chronic indigestion.
  • reduce menstrual pain.
  • lower cholesterol levels.
  • improve brain function.
  • and many more.

Instructions for Ginger-Honey Wraps to Detox the Lungs

“Medicine’s a funny business. After all, dispensing chemicals is considered mainstream and diet and nutrition is considered alternative.” – Charles F. Glassman, author of Brain Drain: The Breakthrough That Will Change Your Life

Without further delay, here is how to make lung-cleansing ginger and honey wraps!

First, the ingredients:

  • One tablespoon of ginger powder
  • Two tablespoons of raw honey
  • One tablespoon of olive oil
  • Two tablespoons of flour
  • Medical tape (or similar adhesive-based tape)
  • A few napkins
  • Gauze wrap

Now, the preparation instructions:

  1. Thoroughly mix the raw honey with the flour. Allow a smooth liquid texture to form.
  2. Continuing to stir, add the ginger powder and olive oil. Mix until the liquid is consistent and even.
  3. Pour a small amount onto a napkin and wrap with some gauze.
  4. Fix the wrap onto your chest or back by wrapping adhesive tape around the torso.

Adults can wear the wrap for a few hours or overnight if desired. Children can comfortably wear the wrap for two to three hours.

https://youtu.be/7BNGVmwxoHI

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved
Sources:
http://naturalhealthyhabit.com/ginger-wraps-can-eliminate-the-mucus-from-your-lungs-overnight/
http://www.thisisinsider.com/fruit-sugar-natural-sugar-health-benefits-2017-4
https://draxe.com/the-many-health-benefits-of-raw-honey/
https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/alternative-medicine
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-benefits-of-ginger#section11

5 Foods That Are Toxic for Your Kidneys

Your kidneys are powerhouses that filter waste out of your body. Without them, your blood would become overloaded with toxins. Luckily, they’re hardy organs and very efficient, so much so that people can live with only one working kidney. If they’re always in a weakened state, however, you can become at risk for conditions like kidney stones and even kidney failure.

The food you eat indirectly affects your kidneys because their job is to filter out leftover waste and toxins once your liver metabolizes the nutrients.

Maintaining a healthy, kidney-safe diet is crucial to keeping them healthy and functional. If you eat too many of these potentially damaging foods, consider a diet change for long-term health.

Here Are 5 Foods That Can Be Toxic for Your Kidneys

1. Red Meats and Other High-Protein Foods

Protein is an important power source for your body, but too much can be damaging. There is nowhere for your body to store excess protein, so it has to be filtered out through your kidneys. In small amounts, protein is more easily processed; in large amounts, however, protein can increase the load on your kidneys.

This can eventually cause the organs to start breaking down.

Additionally, red meats have been linked to an increased risk of disease and failure. The amount of uric acid they produce in the body can cause kidney stones and inhibit function.

Substituting some red meat for white meat  – such as swapping pork out for poultry in dishes – can decrease the load on your kidneys.stop eating meat

“When we consume vastly more protein than we need, our kidneys struggle to process it, resulting in protein in the urine. Too much protein from meat may also contribute to kidney stones.” – Bee Wilson

2. Excess Salt

Everyone needs salt in their diet to keep their body functioning, but too much salt is damaging in many ways.

Excessive salt in the blood causes the kidneys to store up more fluid so that it can dilute blood as it passes through the organs. This can also alter the sodium-potassium balance in the kidneys and reduce function overall.

Sodium also increases urinary calcium, which can cause kidney stones – especially in people with already high blood pressure. This is common in those who maintain high-salt diets. Most of your salt intake comes from sodium that is already in the food you’re cooking. Avoid adding extra salt to your dishes whenever possible.

3. Caffeine

Many people are guilty of dependency on coffee. You likely know that coffee in moderation can have some health benefits, but excess caffeine in coffee and other caffeinated drinks could cause damage. Caffeine is a stimulant and increases blood flow and blood pressure, which puts a strain on your kidneys. A study has also shown that it increases calcium output in the urine, which can cause kidney stones even in people who aren’t prone to having them. If you drink more than one cup of coffee a day, consider lowering your caffeine intake. You might try switching to other stimulants, such as ginseng and vitamin C supplements.

4. Shellfish

Though there are no studies done with humans, a study done with mice showed that shellfish causes damage by way of domoic acid. Domoic acid is also known to cause brain damage at high levels. Contaminated shellfish eaten in large amounts is dangerous. Seafood typically only contain domoic acid in safe levels for the brain, but eating too much shellfish could be putting your kidneys at risk.

If you only eat shellfish on occasion, you shouldn’t worry too much. But people who eat seafood on a daily basis – such as those in Southeast Asian communities – could be at risk. Be sure that the shellfish you purchase is sourced and cleaned safely.

5. Artificial Sweeteners

After becoming popular in the early 1900s, artificial sweeteners are found in everything from diet soda to diabetic-safe, sugar-free foods. But the most common ingredient in artificial sweeteners, aspartame, may have bad effects on your kidneys. The most common result of excess aspartame is extraneous urinary calcium output, which causes stones.

One study showed that those who consumed artificially-sweetened diet sodas experienced decreased kidney function. The challenge is, it’s hard to say if it was specifically due to the sweeteners or the other ingredients in the soda. Either way, the safest thing for people looking for alternative sweeteners is to take a natural route. Sweeteners like agave, stevia, and maple syrup are popular choices for anyone looking to leave cane sugar behind.

Final thoughts

Kidney function is crucial for the health of your blood and your entire body. Make sure to eat kidney-healthy foods and decrease your intake of toxins, and your body will thank you for it.

References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15247728
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/02/140207083619.htm
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