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10 Things To Remember When The One You Love Suffers From Addiction

March 19, 2017 by Power of Positivity

For both people who have addiction and those who love them, darkness is an all too familiar place. Loving an addict sometimes requires “showing light” when everything feels dark.

Feelings of futility and dread are felt by both parties – and overwhelming uncertainty about what the future holds persists.

A feeling of impossibility.

Not every addict will experience the same fate; nor will every person who loves them. Loving an addict can be incredibly frustrating. It’s not uncommon for addicts to lie, manipulate, and guilt-trip in order to experience the only thing that will make them “right” again: the next fix.

As frustrating as loving an addict may be, it is a path to be taken. How we determine to walk that path is up to us.

Here, we discuss 10 things to remember when someone you love suffers from any form of addiction. We’ve approached this issue with both objectivity and compassion; applying many recommendations from experts on the topic.

Always remember:

“Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.” -Helen Keller

10 Things To Remember When The One You Love Suffers From Addiction

1. Addiction changes the person

Once an addiction grabs hold of someone, they are not the same – an unfortunate truth, but the truth nonetheless. Addiction rewires the brain, distorting reality to the point that the addict no longer recognizes themselves. They ultimately become a different person.

The sooner a loved one realizes and accepts this fact, the sooner they can begin responding to the addict in a way that promotes healing (more about this below.)

2. Don’t be afraid to say “No.”

Overcoming addiction is only possible when the addict realizes that staying the same is worse than the alternative. Addiction controls the person, not the other way around – and loved ones must understand and accept this.

In an addicted state, they’ll go to their family and friends for “help.” Maybe twenty bucks, a ride someplace, borrowing a cell phone, etc. In reality, this “help” is an enabler. It’s important to have the strength to say “No” when this is the case.

3. Be realistic about things

Loving an addict will always produce some sense of fear. The most convenient way to defeat fear is to deny its presence, which many people do. Loving an addict requires that one maintains a realistic outlook; this means not denying when something feels “off,” and resisting the urge to look past the addiction for a “favor.”

4. Don’t accept their distorted beliefs

More specifically, do not buy into their belief that they cannot live without their addiction. This isn’t easy, as an addict will indeed reach a point where they believe this to be true. Even though they may not know change is possible, you do. Recovery demands accountability from both the addict and their inner circle; of which, the latter plays a significant role.

5. Be resolute, even if things seem to get worse

When a loved one decides to stand their ground and reject any more excuses or distorted beliefs, the addict will become difficult to handle. Prior efforts to lie or manipulate are often elevated, as the addict desperately seeks resources to support their habit. A determined, undeterred mindset in this regard is critical.

6. Set clear (but loving) boundaries

Setting strict boundaries with an addict may seem harsh and unfair, but this couldn’t be any more untrue. Establishing limitations is essential, as is unbudgingly sticking with them. Boundaries allow the loved one to maintain a clear outlook; one free from the self-imposed, false realities of the addict.

7. Keep yourself in mind

As evident, loving an addict involves a significant amount of effort and stress. It is important, then, that the loved ones realize the importance of taking care of themselves. Recognizing that caring for themselves first will enable them to better care for the addict is vital

8. Distinguish between helping and enabling

When our loved ones are suffering, it is natural to offer our support in response. When dealing with an addict, understanding the difference between “helping and “enabling” may be the difference-maker in their recovery. In short, helping an addict supports the person. Enabling supports the addiction.

9. Don’t blame the addict or yourself

Although an addict may bear some responsibility for their habit, it is important to refrain from laying blame on them. Though they may not say it, they’re likely already deeply ashamed of their addiction. Blaming hurts the loved one as well, by inciting emotions of anger and regret.

10. Let them know they’re loved

Gosh, how important this last one is. Letting the person know that you have – and always will – love them is so very powerful. Say it as often as you can.

9 Ways Smart People Deal With Toxic People

March 16, 2017 by Power of Positivity

For most of us, daily life is stressful enough. We face a myriad of responsibilities, both personal and professional, that often push us close to our limits. It is, therefore, necessary to mitigate stressors that threaten our mental, emotional and physical well-being.

Similar to toxins in the environment, toxic people can inflict serious harm. Unlike many toxins, however, there is no type of “warning” that educates us on the threats such people pose. Thus, we must rely on our judgment, instincts, and will to effectively counteract toxic people.

The fact is that some people are more adept at handling toxic people than others; as such people often possess a keen sense of emotional intelligence and other attributes, along with the will to act when necessary

Toxicity: The degree to which a substance (a toxin or poison) can harm humans or animals. Acute toxicity involves harmful effects in an organism through a single or short-term exposure. – MedicineNet

This brings us to the topic of this article. We’re going to discuss 9 ways that smart people efficiently and swiftly deal with toxic people.

Here’s how smart people handle toxic people:

1. They’re very self-aware

Psychology Today defines the term as “accurate appraisal and understanding of your abilities and preferences and their implications for your behavior and their impact on others.”

A keen sense of self-awareness is also an incredibly powerful prevention tool – and a essential one. Being self-aware allows us to acknowledge, understand and account for any internal or external influence that threats to “throw us off our game.” Of course, this includes toxic folk.

2. They forgive, but don’t forget

The gray matter between our ears is not the only determinant of intellect. Intelligence is multifaceted. As it pertains to handling toxic people, emotional intelligence takes the cake.

Emotionally intelligent people understand forgiveness as a necessary component of psychological well-being. However, they also understand the importance of not forgetting those who betrayed their trust. This intelligence allows the person to focus their efforts on building relationships with individuals who have earned such a right.

3. They’re unaffected by circumstance

Let’s not kid ourselves: it isn’t easy to remain emotionally neutral when amongst toxic people; however, it is an absolute necessity. Resilience is an attribute of emotional intelligence – and one that pays significant dividends when having to deal with toxic people.

Since we’re on a “definition-fest,” we’ll define resilience as “that ineffable quality that allows some people to be knocked down by life and come back stronger than ever.” Make no mistake, toxic people cause many to be “knocked down,” but resilience allows us to come back strong.

4. They quickly establish boundaries

Smart people often possess the innate ability to remain productive and effective. To this end, they’ll quickly mitigate any detectable threat that may affect that ability. Relatedly, when smart people detect toxic people, they’ll take swift and effective action.

This doesn’t mean they’ll be rude and abrasive. They’ll be polite and firm, yet unambiguous and uncompromising. They just won’t allow negative people to effect them in any way, shape, or form.

5. They’re “energy-smart.”

While toxic people thrive by draining others’ energy, smart people thrive by maintaining their energy supply. Being “energy-smart” simply means understanding how to manage one’s energy in the most efficient way possible.

When we’re energy-smart, we won’t allow toxic people to drain this precious resource. Instead, we’ll conserve it in order to take positive action.

6. They focus on the task at hand

When it comes right down to it, toxic people are simply another external distraction. This perception isn’t dehumanizing – it’s realistic and fair. In fact, many toxic people intend to distract others with their antics.

Smart people just do not allow permit such distractions. They’ll focus on what’s in front of them and move on…regardless of who is around them.

7. They look for their support system

As mentioned, smart people are often driven people – individuals that seek a better life for both themselves and their loved ones. It’s also quite likely that such individuals understand the importance of mentorship and teamwork.

When faced with the challenge of a toxic person (or group of people), smarties will tap into their pool of trust mentors and co-workers to rectify the situation.

8. They’ll quickly check negative self-talk

Even those with high emotional intelligence are susceptible to negative self-talk from time-to-time. Toxic people can induce negative thinking in others if the recipient is unprepared for such – and this happens to all of us.

However, smart people are often able to quickly recognize and neutralize negative self-talk. The ability to neutralize includes counterproductive thoughts that arise from a toxic person.

9. They’re solution-oriented

As is apparent by now, intelligent people have the talent for seeking out solutions to problems. Dealing with a toxic person or group of people is just another issue that demands a solution. In typical fashion, emotionally intelligent people will assess their options and take the appropriate action.

References:
Furnham, A., Ph.D. (2016, November 27). Self Awareness. Retrieved January 03, 2017, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/sideways-view/201511/self-awareness
Hendricks, D. A. (2015, July 09). 8 Ways Emotionally Intelligent People Deal With Toxic People. Retrieved January 03, 2017, from http://www.inc.com/drew-hendricks/8-ways-emotionally-intelligent-people-deal-with-toxic-people.html
Whitbourne-Krauss , S., Ph.D., Bernhard, T., J.D., & Flora, C. (n.d.). Psychology Today. Retrieved January 03, 2017, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/resilience

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

40 Things Every Person Should Know By Age 40

March 16, 2017 by Power of Positivity

Are there things that everyone “should know” by age 40?

As the “generations” evolve, so does the experience of “growing up.” For example, the “Greatest Generation” had it different than the “Baby Boomers”, who (certainly) have experienced life differently than millennials. No offense, young ones. Generational differences aside, the accumulation of “life knowledge”– at least to an extent – depends on involuntary factors (e.g. sex and type of upbringing). In creating this list, we’ve taken these things into account.

This question is very subjective. 40 years is a long time (at least in human years), and many of us have very likely gained life experiences and knowledge that are applicable to other 40-somethings.

In other words, it is highly probable that many in this demographic have a shared understanding – at least at a basic level – of “how the world works.” So, we’re going to list 40 things everyone ‘should’ know by age 40? Why 40 things? We’ll let you try and figure that one out.

It is important to understand that this article, as with many we publish, are intended to be fun, humorous…and, maybe, a bit insightful. Some of these may apply to you, some (most likely) will not.

We just want you to have fun, laugh a bit, and maybe (maybe) take away something else.

“Life really does begin at 40. Up until then, you are just doing research.” – Carl Jung

Anyways…here are those 40 things/experiences/lessons:

1. Weekend benders are ALWAYS a bad idea

2. Nothing beats a good night’s sleep

3. One’s “career path” can include multiple forks in the road

4. Having your own den/mancave/hideout is irreplaceable

5. Your social circle has become smaller and smaller – and for the better

6. A night alone or with a significant other beats “hitting the town” almost every time

7. You’ve had at least one great love that took some time to get over

8. To have kids or to not have kids? Odds are, you know the answer by now

9. To have a pet or not have a pet? Same thing…it’s either your “thing” or not

10. You’ve experienced at least one tragedy, unfortunately

11. You’ve ate something completely strange…and now love it

12. You’ve fought for something bigger than yourself…by donating money, giving time, etc.

13. Singing karaoke is enough to induce a panic attack if sober

14. Singing karaoke can be a blast (or at least tolerable) when you’ve “had a few”

15. Fashion sense matters as much as the color of your toilet’s lid

16. You’ve (hopefully) realized the inevitability of death – and seek to live to the fullest

17. If you’re not a “people person,” you’ll (probably) never be one

18. Fatty foods seem to have an immediate bloating effect

19. Exercise is a wonderful antidote to just about anything

20. A good read is a wonderful antidote to just about anything

21. The word “success” takes on much, much less meaning

22. Intimacy (i.e. “sex life”) is wonderful in moderation…and when you’re in love

23. The youngsters look to you for advice more often – for better or worse

24. Dancing is either (a) completely acceptable (you can dance), or (b) completely off limits (just, no)

25. 99 percent of the stuff learned in college is not – and never will be – an important part of your life

26. Slippers, a robe, a cardigan – you either own one of these…and/or you enjoy crossword puzzles

27. Marijuana (aka, “pot”)…you either enjoy the occasional hit, or you absolutely refuse

28. Your internal bull**** meter has been finely-tuned, or at least received a tune-up

29. Talking to people on the phone is limited to (a) co-workers or (b) family – about 99 percent of the time

30. Being “uninvited” to something can feel really, really good

31. Formal work events almost always suck

32. Playing videogames, computer games, and/or other games are still really fun…or not

33. Not having “a plan” has been totally worth it…or the “plan” has yielded a good life

34. Incoming phone calls, e-mails, and other communications are looked upon with disdain

35. Taking the time to learn something new is almost always stoked by passion, not persuasion

36. Arguing with someone is: (a) pointless, (b) a waste of energy, and (c) “isn’t my favorite show on right now?”

37. You’ve either wished to travel the world, don’t care, or have obtained a passport

38. Come to realize that hangovers are both miserable and completely avoidable

39. The “Snooze” button looks really, really good from Monday through Friday…maybe even Saturday and Sunday…

40. Realized that 40 is still young…and you’ve got plenty left in the tank – and you’re grateful for that.

How about you, dear reader, can you identify with any of these 40 “things you should know by age 40?”

We’d love to hear your feedback!

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

How to Train Your Brain To Fall Asleep in 1 Minute or Less

March 14, 2017 by Power of Positivity

In our constantly plugged-in, fast-paced society today, it’s no wonder why so many people have problems falling asleep. Some doctors and researchers have even called lack of adequate sleep a public health epidemic due to the number of sleep-deprived citizens today. In fact, according to a Gallup report, a staggering 41% of Americans don’t get the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep per night.

As you’ve probably heard before, our cells regenerate during sleep, allowing us to carry out all the tasks of a day’s work. However, improper sleep can lead to poor mental and physical health. In fact, David Earnest, Ph.D., a professor at Texas A & M University’s College of Medicine, warned that “Sleep deprivation’s effect on working memory is staggering. Your brain loses efficiency with each hour of sleep deprivation.”

Sleep deficiency can lead to chronic health problems, including high blood pressure, obesity, anxiety, depression, heart disease, and cancer, to name a few. Researchers found that the genes affected controlled inflammation, immunity, and stress response.

So, what can we do about this ever-growing sleep problem? For starters, it would help to learn how to fall asleep again, something that came very naturally to us as children. However, due to life stress and all the things that come along with “growing up,” many of us have simply forgotten how to fall asleep quickly. Our minds keep us awake at night, inducing anxiety and restlessness.

How to Train Your Brain To Fall Asleep in 1 Minute or Less

While clearing your mind before sleep may seem difficult, Dr. Andrew Weil recommends a simple breathing technique to help you relax. He points to the 4-7-8 breathing technique as a natural sleep remedy for the nights when sleep seems to elude you. Below, we’ll discuss exactly how to do this breathing exercise.

First, ensure you have the right posture to allow deep breathing. (Sit up straight, relax your shoulders, etc)
Place the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth behind your front teeth. Keep it there throughout the exercise, even as you exhale.
Exhale completely.
Inhale through your nose to a count of four.
Hold your breath for a count of seven.
Exhale through your mouth to a count of eight.
Then, complete the sequence three more times.

It might take a few nights of practice to work, but consistency is key. You might have trouble concentrating on doing the exercise at first, but remember to set aside some time before bed so that you can focus on nothing but breathing.

So, why does this technique work so well, you ask? We have three main reasons. Firstly, it allows you to slow your breathing, automatically making you feel more relaxed. Secondly, you will have more oxygen coursing through your body by taking deeper breaths. Thirdly, concentrating on solely your breathing will teach you mindfulness, which many scientists have proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and racing thoughts.

Maybe we’ve forgotten how to sleep because we’ve forgotten how to breathe, but by practicing this breathing exercise, you’ll fall asleep quicker and have a more restful sleep.

You can also do other things to induce sleep, a few of which we have outlined below.

More Tips on How to Fall Asleep Faster

Don’t do any work in your bed. You need to associate your bed with sleep and relaxation, not anything else.
Keep the house comfortable. Studies have shown that people sleep better when the thermostat is set to cool.
Write down any thoughts you might have before you go to sleep. This way, you can get out all of your stress and frustration before sleep so that you won’t lie awake thinking of everything under the sun that worries you.
Remove any distractions. Turn off your cell phone, TV, and other digital devices to prepare for sleep and avoid keeping your mind active.
Try to keep your house quiet. However, if relaxing music helps you fall asleep, by all means, turn it on before bed.
Have a routine. Our bodies require a specific wake-sleep cycle to function correctly, so go to bed at the same time each night and wake at the same time each morning.

Final Thoughts on Making Sleep a Priority in Your Life–You Deserve It!

Remember, sleep is vital to living your best life, so honor your needs and prioritize your sleep. You’ll feel more vibrant and happy once you have a regular sleeping schedule. Sweet dreams!

References:
In U.S., 40% Get Less Than Recommended Amount of Sleep. http://www.gallup.com/poll/166553/less-recommended-amount-sleep.aspx?utm_source=alert&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=syndication&utm_content=morelink&utm_term=USA%20-%20Well-Being
The 4-7-8 Breath: Health Benefits and Demonstration. https://www.drweil.com/videos-features/videos/the-4-7-8-breath-health-benefits-demonstration/

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

How Changing The Clock Changes Your Brain

March 12, 2017 by Power of Positivity

Daylight savings time is a fairly modern invention and it became a popular idea for practical and financial reasons. When people first used artificial light, they had to either burn either gas or oil lamps. The use of these fuels cost money, and the more dark hours that people were awake, the more money it took to light the home.

As lighting technology evolved, electrical bills made for a similar financial problem. By changing the time on the clock, we could save money by keeping the lights on less time that we were awake. At the other end of the clock in the morning, farmers were getting up with first light to work their fields no matter what the clock said.

Daylight Savings Time and Your Brain

Due to the tilting of the Earth on its axis at the Winter Equinox, we in the Northern Hemisphere loose precious hours of daylight while those in the Southern Hemisphere experience the reversed seasons. According to timeanddate.com, legislators in Canada were the first to propose that we simply shift our clocks to say that when the nights are too long, we extend waking hours by moving the clock forward an hour.

When the sun would be setting at around 6pm, we shift our clocks to say that sunset is now at 7pm, giving us an ‘extra’ hour of daylight. Time is a fluid concept in the sense that we have artificially assigned a number to the hour of the day. For example, the number 12 represents either noon or midnight. But we could just as easily call noon by the number 4 or 8.

According to the American Journal of Physiology, daylight savings time can have detrimental effects on the human brain, partly due to decreased levels of melatonin. The researchers say ‘We recently reported that humans have mechanisms, like those that exist in other animals, which detect changes in day length and make corresponding adjustments in the duration of nocturnal periods of secretion of melatonin and of other functions. We detected these responses in individuals who were exposed to artificial “days” of different durations.’

Our human senses have evolved to be able to detect changes in the natural light around us. The ability to detect small changes in light resulted in ancient humans developing the ability to increase secretion of melatonin and of other functions as they sleep. However, modern man isn’t adapting well to changes in daylight savings time.

Research shows that our use of artificial light has reduced our natural ability to detect daylight changes as the seasons change. The scientists say ‘The results of this study suggest that modern men’s use of artificial light suppresses responses to seasonal changes in the natural photoperiod that might otherwise occur.’

Circadian Rhythm and Your Mental Health

The amount of daylight we are exposed to can affect mental health by increasing the risk for depression. Depression from a lack of sunlight is a very real mental health condition. Sufferers of Seasonal Affective Disorder are those who feel the ‘Winter Blahs’ particularly strongly as symptoms that are like those of a depressed mood. The winter season with less sunlight can cause a lack of appetite, lack of energy, lack of desire to do anything, depressed feelings, and withdrawing from social activities.

By manipulating the amount of artificial light that a group of study participants received in the morning, researchers in the American Journal of Psychiatry were able to reduce symptoms of depression that are brought on by reduced daylight. The scientists found that the optimal amount of light was a 250-lux dawn simulation over a 2-hour period of time to reduce the effects of winter depression from a lack of daylight.

Avoiding Mental Health Problems During Daylight Savings Time

To improve your mental effectiveness during waking hours in the darker months and prevent psychological problems, look for light bulbs that give you a full spectrum of light. Using full spectrum light bulbs in light fixtures that you turn on in the morning will help your body to sense the artificial daylight and respond with more alertness.

During the winter months when daylight savings time is in effect, try to spend at least 15 minutes outside when the sun is at its strongest, usually between noon and 2pm. A small amount of exposure to sunlight will fulfill your requirements to get your daily Vitamin D benefit. In the winter, even with typical head to toe body coverings, we need only approximately one square inch of skin exposed to the sunlight for about 30 minutes to produce adequate Vitamin D for our bodies.

Improving your diet with foods fortified with Vitamin D or dietary supplements will allow your body to have access to more of the only vitamin that your body naturally produces with exposure to sunshine. This may be necessary, especially in winter months if you limit your exposure to sunlight when it is cold.

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

Sources:
http://time.com/4560579/daylight-savings-mental-health/
Suppression of men’s responses to seasonal changes in day length by modern artificial lighting
http://ajpregu.physiology.org/content/269/1/R173.short
History of daylight savings time : timeanddate.com
https://www.timeanddate.com/time/dst/history.html
Dawn simulation treatment of winter depression: a controlled study
http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/abs/10.1176/ajp.150.1.113
http://www.amazinghealthfacts.org/Portals/8/AH_Sunlight_preview.pdf’ver=2012-10-24-171652-683

How To Make Spicy Turmeric Ginger Tea For Knee And Joint Pain

March 5, 2017 by Power of Positivity

If you were to Google “turmeric pain benefits” or “turmeric pain benefits study,” you’d be astonished at what comes back. Study after study, institution after institution, confirms and reconfirms the astounding health benefits of turmeric or curcumin.

“Knee pain on the whole is a very common condition and frequent problem presenting to general practitioners. The overall prevalence of knee pain in the population is approximately 19%.” – Virtual Medical Centre

And here’s another one:

“Several recent studies show that turmeric/curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties and modifies immune system responses…A 2010 clinical trial found that a turmeric supplement (provided) long-term improvement in pain and function in 100 patients with knee OA (osteoarthritis). – The Arthritis Foundation

Although ginger is not as widely recognized within the medical community, it too has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. As a side note, ginger is also known to treat acute conditions such as motion sickness, nausea, and digestive problems. Ginger is generally accepted as one of the healthiest foods in existence due to its nutritional density.

Combining these two natural ingredients into a single recipe yields a potent pain-relieving mix. While there are plenty of recipes that provide some pain relief measure, few, if any, are as versatile and powerful as turmeric and ginger tea.

In this article, we discuss how to make this simple and tasty beverage. In as little as 10 minutes, you can be enjoying this wonderful concoction. We’ve supplemented the recipe with some necessary information, including recommended dosages and potential prescription drug interactions (please be sure to read!)

Benefits of turmeric

Turmeric has so many great benefits. Here’s a list of some of the best benefits you get from drinking tea made with turmeric. Some benefits include relief from the following conditions:

Heartburn
Stomach ache
Diarrhea
Gassiness
Liver problems
IBS symptoms
Lowers cholesterol
Inflammation
Fatigue
Headaches
Bronchitis
Respiratory infections
Fibromyalgia
Diabetes
UTI
Kidney problems

What causes inflammation in your joints and knees?

Drinking turmeric tea is a great way to fight the inflammation in your body. Inflammation is part of your body’s natural defense system to fight off an infection or injury. But inflammation can damage your healthy tissues and joints, causing you pain. If you suffer from chronic pain that lasts for months or years, it can be debilitating. Researchers are doing studies on the underlying causes of inflammation and inflammatory diseases. Your inflammation can be due to various things, but here are some possible sources for you to consider. Your inflammation may be caused by

Insect bites like ticks or mosquitos
Chemicals in the environment
Bacteria, viruses, or fungus

Your doctor can do tests to diagnose if you have an inflammatory disease properly. They may not know the cause, but once you understand that you have a disease, it’s easier to know how to treat it.

What diseases cause inflammation?

Certain diseases are known for producing chronic inflammation. Diseases that cause inflammation include

Heart disease, high blood pressure
IBS
Autoimmune diseases
Asthma
Depression
Type 2 diabetes
Parkinson’s disease
Cancer

If you suffer from chronic knee and joint pain, it could mean that you are in the early stages of one of these diseases. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and what could be causing your inflammation pain. They can do tests to find out exactly what’s going on.

How does the knee work?

Your knee joints are the strongest in your body. Your knees support your leg movements from your thigh downward. You need your knees for movement-everything from walking, running, sitting, and standing-depends upon your knees. Your knee joints include your femur, shinbone or tibia, your kneecap, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. Normal knees should work smoothly without pain. As you age, every part of your knee is susceptible to injury and damage. For this reason, it’s important to take good care of your knees.

What are some common knee problems that cause inflammation?

Here are twelve proven ways to reduce knee pain.

Osteoarthritis

This type of arthritis is common in the knees. The degeneration of the cartilage causes it in your knee joints as it wears out. It’s common in middle-aged people who have been active in sports all their lives. Stress on your knees, repeated movement, or injury contributes to osteoarthritis. This stress causes inflammation and destroys cartilage.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis is an inflammation of tendons due to overuse because of physical activities like jogging, biking, or jumping. It’s often associated with sports injuries that strain your tendons. Rest your knees if you’re suffering from tendonitis. You can also take Ibuprofen and ice your knees when you exercise.

Torn cartilage

Torn cartilage in the menisci, the part of your knee that acts as a shock absorber and gives you stability, is a common knee problem. These tears sometimes need to be corrected by surgery. Wear a knee brace if you’re prone to tears in your knee. A knee brace can protect your knees from more damage.

Sprained knee

Another common knee ailment is a sprain. Sprained ligaments or muscles around your knee occur from getting hit in the knee or twisting your knee. Your doctor can x-ray your knee to make sure there aren’t any tears. Once they’ve diagnosed the problem as a sprain, you can treat it by following these four practices, remembering it by the RICE acronym.

R-Rest your knee
I-Ice your knee
C-Compression-wear a knee brace
Elevate your knee when sitting down.

How To Make Spicy Turmeric Ginger Tea For Knee And Joint Pain

Here’s what you’ll need:

One cup of water
¼ teaspoon of (preferably organic) ground turmeric
¼ teaspoon of (again, preferably organic) ground ginger
Up to a tablespoon of honey to provide some sweetness (optional)
A strainer

Instructions

Bring the cup of water to a boil
Add the ¼ teaspoon of turmeric and ¼ teaspoon of ginger
Reduce the heat to a simmer
Let cool for 10-15 minutes
Strain mixture to eliminate hardened compounds
Sip, and add honey to preferred taste

Additional notes

As many of us are quite busy, some may prefer the convenience of a supplement. Supplements are ubiquitous and sold at most whole food and nutrition retailers.

Both ginger supplements and turmeric/curcumin supplements and are ordinarily sold individually. However, there are a few quality products that combine the two ingredients. Just make sure that you conduct the proper research when choosing the product.

Turmeric/curcumin supplements are very healthy, provided that the manufacturer adheres to sound production techniques.

As with any dietary supplement, turmeric should be consumed at recommended levels. This can be a bit confusing, as turmeric is produced in a variety of ways. The main five turmeric products are:

Fluid extract
Fresh turmeric root
Turmeric supplement with a certain percentage or ratio of curcumin
Tincture
Turmeric dried root powder.

Recommended Dosage

Per the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), the permissible dosage of each type of turmeric product are as follows (as a ratio of turmeric to curcumin for two):

Fluid extract (1:1) 30 to 90 drops a day
Dried, powdered root: 1 to 3 grams per day
Standardized curcumin powder (1:1): 400 to 600 milligrams, 3 times daily
Cut root: 1.5 to 3 grams per day
Tincture (1:2): 15 to 30 drops, 4 times per day

UMMC adds: “Turmeric and curcumin supplements are considered safe when taken at the recommended doses. However, taking large amounts of turmeric for long periods of time may cause stomach upset and, in extreme cases, ulcers. People who have gallstones or obstruction of the bile passages should talk to their doctor before taking turmeric.

We also want to share a few additional ways you can make curcumin tea.

Other turmeric tea recipes to fight your joint and knee pains

Turmeric tea isn’t difficult to make. You can use fresh grated turmeric or ground turmeric. If you choose freshly grated turmeric for these recipes, add an extra amount since ground turmeric is stronger than fresh turmeric.

Milky turmeric tea

This tea is sometimes called golden milk because of its rich yellowish gold color.

Ingredients:

1/2 to 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric powder (adjust to taste)
A pinch of ground black pepper (this is supposed to help the absorption of the turmeric, so don’t leave it out)
2 cups almond milk or coconut milk
1 teaspoon almond oil or ghee
A teaspoon of honey or maple syrup for sweetness (adjust to taste)

Directions:

Mix all the ingredients. Pour into a saucepan.
Over medium heat, let the tea simmer for 10 minutes. Don’t boil it.
Remove from heat and cool slightly. Serve.

Turmeric and ginger milk tea

Ingredients:

1 cup of coconut milk or almond milk
1 teaspoon coconut oil
1/2 to 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
¼ inch ground ginger root, grated
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of honey (adjust to taste)

Directions:

Blend all the ingredients.
Put into a saucepan and heat for 10 to 15 minutes.
Let simmer, but don’t let it boil.
Remove from the heat and cool for a few minutes. Serve.

Lemon ginger and turmeric tea

Ingredients:

3 cups of water
1/2 to 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric
1/ 2 teaspoon of ground ginger
1 lemon, juiced (some people like to grate the lemon rind and put it into the recipe)
1 to 2 teaspoons of real maple syrup (optional). You can use honey if preferred
1 pinch of cayenne pepper or black pepper (these help the absorption of the turmeric)

Directions:

In a small pan, add water, ground turmeric, ground ginger, lemon (and rind if preferred), maple syrup, and cayenne pepper.
Simmer over medium heat, but don’t boil. Allow the tea to simmer for 10 minutes, but don’t boil.
Remove from heat and serve.

Special Note: Drug interactions with curcumin

Though a natural substance, turmeric/curcumin can interact with certain medications. Individuals prescribed the following drugs should consult a physician before taking turmeric/curcumin in any form:

Blood-thinning medications: Turmeric can exacerbate blood-thinning drugs’ effects, making the patient more prone to bleeding. Common blood thinners include Coumadin (generic: Warfarin), Plavix (generic: Clopidogrel), and aspirin.
Diabetes medications: Turmeric can enhance diabetes drugs’ effects and increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Stomach acid medications: Turmeric can increase acid levels within the stomach when taken with stomach acid meds. Common medications include: Nexium (generic: Esomeprazole), Pepcid (generic: Famotidine), Prevacid (generic: Lansoprazole), Prilosec (generic: Omeprazole), Tagamet (generic: Cimetidine), and Zantac (generic: Ranitidine).

How can you take good care of your knees and joints?

Your joints need special care to stay strong and healthy. Follow these practices to keep your joints healthy and pain-free.

Keep your weight at a healthy level.

Being overweight puts stress on your knee joints, your back, and your hips. Researchers say that every extra pound you carry puts an extra four pounds of pressure on your joints. Maintaining a healthy weight can keep your joints healthy and strong.

Move

Stay active even if you feel stiff in your joints. Do exercises with low stress on your knees, such as swimming, biking, stretching, or yoga. Start slow and work your way up. If you start too quickly, you can damage your knees or joints. Do yoga or stretching to keep your joints limber.

Healthy diet

Eat a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, lean meats, nuts, and seeds. Don’t skip the fat. Cook with olive oil, coconut oil, or almond oil in your cooking. Eat whole grains. These add fiber to your diet.

Wear good shoes

When you jog or walk, be sure to wear good supportive shoes that have a proper arch. Good running or walking shoes must be replaced every four to six months because they wear down quickly.

Improve your posture

Good posture is often overlooked as a natural way to protect and maintain healthy joints. When you have poor posture, you put undue pressure on your joints and muscles. Pay attention to your posture when you’re working out, standing, or sitting around the house. Don’t slouch. Stand straight, allowing your spine to be in proper alignment. Visit a chiropractor to help your posture improve. This natural treatment not only eliminates your back pain but can protect your joints from injury.

Final thoughts on turmeric tea and making other changes for healthier knees

Your knees and joints keep you moving all day long. Taking good care of them is essential to prevent injury or damage over the years. Eating well, maintaining a healthy weight, having good posture, and exercising to stay strong contribute to healthy knees and joints. It’s the little things that add up, so start caring for your joints and knees early on, so you’ll be able to keep doing all the things you love free from pain for many years.

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Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!

10 Things To Remember When The One You Love Suffers From Addiction

1. Addiction changes the person

2. Don’t be afraid to say “No.”

3. Be realistic about things

4. Don’t accept their distorted beliefs

5. Be resolute, even if things seem to get worse

6. Set clear (but loving) boundaries

7. Keep yourself in mind

8. Distinguish between helping and enabling

9. Don’t blame the addict or yourself

10. Let them know they’re loved

Here’s how smart people handle toxic people:

1. They’re very self-aware

2. They forgive, but don’t forget

3. They’re unaffected by circumstance

4. They quickly establish boundaries

5. They’re “energy-smart.”

6. They focus on the task at hand

7. They look for their support system

8. They’ll quickly check negative self-talk

9. They’re solution-oriented

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Anyways…here are those 40 things/experiences/lessons:

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Benefits of turmeric

What causes inflammation in your joints and knees?

What diseases cause inflammation?

How does the knee work?

What are some common knee problems that cause inflammation?

Osteoarthritis

Tendonitis

Torn cartilage

Sprained knee

How To Make Spicy Turmeric Ginger Tea For Knee And Joint Pain

Recommended Dosage

Other turmeric tea recipes to fight your joint and knee pains

Milky turmeric tea

Turmeric and ginger milk tea

Lemon ginger and turmeric tea

Special Note: Drug interactions with curcumin

How can you take good care of your knees and joints?

Keep your weight at a healthy level.

Move

Healthy diet

Wear good shoes

Improve your posture

Final thoughts on turmeric tea and making other changes for healthier knees

The Community

Our Free Community of Positively Powerful SuperFans

Rise and Shine On! Master Your Day with the Ultimate Positive Morning Guide + Checklist

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Us

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!

Rise and Shine On!
Master Your Day with the Ultimate Positive Morning Guide + Checklist