7 Signs of Hormone Imbalances

December 31, 2015 by Power of Positivity

Feeling off lately? It might be that the change you’re noticing is due to a hormone imbalance. No matter how much you may remember from your biology class, now that you’re focusing on your health and well-being, it may be time to re-learn what your hormones are actually doing for you.

Whether you’re male or female, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, insulin, serotonin, thyroid, and other hormones that you’ve never heard of are coursing through your body right now. When all of these work together as they should, our bodies function well.

Although women are more often accused of “being hormonal,” men also experience hormone changes that can affect their physical appearance and behavior. Women go through menopause, men go through andropause, and all of us are going through hormonal changes as we age.

When your hormones are imbalanced, your health and well-being can suffer as a result. Here are 7 signs of a hormone imbalance to talk with your medical provider about.

7 Signs Of A Hormone Imbalance

Keep attuned to what your body tells you. Do you have these symptoms?

1. Trouble sleeping

If you’ve noticed that your sleep patterns have changed, especially if you sleep less than before, you may be experiencing a hormone imbalance. For women, this could mean low progesterone and for men, this could mean lower testosterone. Women may experience less sleep when they feel uncomfortable from hot flashes or night sweats that are associated with menopause.

Getting less sleep than usual as a result of hormonal changes is more common over the age of fifty. Women can use progesterone cream and men can use nutritional supplements to increase these hormone levels.

2. Libido changes

A reduction in your desire for sexual intimacy usually means a decrease in hormone levels for both men and women. For men, this is due to lower testosterone; for women, lower estrogen levels than normal. Women who are experiencing menopause also may see a decrease in their desire to have sex due to vaginal dryness or pain during intercourse as a result of lower estrogen.

The good news for women is that orgasm was shown to increase estrogen levels according to a study by the University of Michigan. Women can also make dietary changes to increase estrogen or get a prescription from their doctors. Men can increase the amount of muscle-building exercise to improve their testosterone levels.

Women also experience breast changes or pain as well as period changes or pain. These uncomfortable symptoms are also associated with hormone changes. Feeling pain associated with these hormonal changes can certainly have an impact on your sex life.

3. Memory Problems

Having trouble remembering where you left your car keys? Lower estrogen might be to blame. Foggy thinking can also stem from low cortisol levels. Chronic stress can leave the adrenal glands unable to continue to produce cortisol. Stress produces cortisol, which in small doses is healthy for you but chronically high cortisol can deplete your adrenal glands later in life.

4. Digestive problems

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be due to lower levels of serotonin. Women sometimes see IBS symptoms increase close to their periods as a result of changes in estrogen and progesterone.

Gastrointestinal discomfort can also come from low cortisol levels. Cortisol is naturally high in the morning to help you wake up but again, depleted adrenal glands can leave your cortisol lower than usual.

5. Appetite changes

Changes in your sleep habits may have an unpleasant result with regard to your weight. If you are getting less sleep than usual, your levels of the hormone ghrelin are higher than normal. Ghrelin makes you hungrier than usual while leptin and oxyntomodulin, suppress your hunger.

In one study of volunteers who were sleep-deprived, their ghrelin hormone levels were extremely high so they felt hungry. Being chronically tired may result in your tendency to gain weight just as a result of your increased hunger sensation.

6. Mood swings

If you’ve been on an emotional rollercoaster lately, it could be the result of hormonal changes leading up to menopause. Excess estrogen can be a cause of mood swings, whereas anxiety can be due to lower progesterone, and depression could be due to lower estrogen levels.

7. Weight changes

Lower progesterone levels and an excess of estrogen can lead to an unexplained weight gain in women while men can see weight gain as a result of excess estrogen. Weight loss for men can be a result of testosterone deficiency.

Balancing hormones may require diet and lifestyle changes or it may require the intervention of a medical professional. Some herbs have been known to help enhance hormone production as well. In Chinese traditional medicine, for example, horny goat weed or yin yang huo extract has been used to increase libido in both men and women.

You can have a saliva test done to check your hormone levels. Your physician can determine your hormone levels and consult with you about how to make adjustments to restore your hormonal balance.

25 Reasons to Eat a Banana Every Day

December 31, 2015 by Power of Positivity

Everyone knows that bananas are healthy. They’re a tremendous source of nutrients, and one of the best sources of potassium. Most people who have eaten a banana can also say that they’re pretty tasty too! Would you eat a banana every day? Containing an essential mix of nutrients, vitamins, and fibers, a banana is one of the healthiest fruits at the supermarket. So, what are the benefits of eating this yellow-skinned treat?

“C’est banana! Hahaha! Miam miam!” – Minions

Here are 25 health benefits of a banana, and why you should eat one daily:

1. Bananas help with depression.

Someone with depression usually has a chemical imbalance of serotonin in the brain. Containing a high level of tryptophan, which is converted into serotonin, bananas can help alleviate symptoms of depression.

2. Boosts energy.

Bananas contain three natural sugars – fructose, glucose, and sucrose, and are a good dose of fiber. This potent combination provides an instant and sustained boost of energy. Just two bananas provide enough energy for a 90-minute workout!

3. Help you lose weight.

At just 100 calories a serving, bananas are a good option for people trying to lose a few pounds. They also contain three grams of fiber, helping us feel more full and keep cravings at bay.

4. They’re great brain food.

Bananas release energy slowly, which helps the brain stay alert for a longer period of time. The high potassium levels keep us more alert and the magnesium helps the brain to focus.

5. Boosts libido.

Containing a high level of potassium and B6 vitamins, bananas are a good source of nutrients necessary for hormone production.

6. Relieves heartburn.

The high potassium level of bananas helps reduce the stomach’s acidity, while the fiber helps aid digestion; both of which are essential to alleviating heartburn.

7. Lowers blood pressure.

Research has shown that eating two bananas a day can lower blood pressure by 10%. For those with blood pressure issues, bananas contain low sodium and high potassium, making them a great dietary choice.

8. They’re good for our blood.

Containing a good amount of iron, bananas are great in keeping the blood healthy and lowing the risk of anemia. Containing high levels of B-6, bananas also aid with the production of white blood cells.

9. They’re good for our bones.

The nutrients in bananas helps build and sustain strong bones by increasing calcium absorption.

10. Protects against illness.

Bananas contain a high level of antioxidants, providing cell protection against free radicals that cause illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and muscular and tissue degeneration.

11. Help you quit smoking.

While potentially a contentious claim, it needn’t be. Bananas contain a potent mix of potassium, magnesium and vitamin B6. Together, these nutrients are known to reduce nicotine withdrawal, which is crucial to kicking the habit.

12. Treats stomach ulcers.

While doctors in India have been proclaiming the benefits of bananas to treat peptic ulcers for generations, it wasn’t until recently that doctors in England discovered the same thing: bananas contain sitoindosides (sigh-toe-in-doe-sides), which prevents and heals ulcers.

13. Helps with hangovers.

By containing high levels of electrolytes, bananas are good food choice for somebody that had one-too-many. Thus, they’re great for regulating electrolyte levels and getting the body back to a healthy state.

14. Helps with constipation.

Okay, so perhaps not the most pleasant thing to discuss, but we’re all adults here, right? That said, bananas are high in fiber, and fiber aids in the normalization of bowel movements. Not really a surprise, as we’ve already discussed bananas and their positive effect on digestion.

15. Protects against brain disorders.

Rich in magnesium, bananas aid in the conversion of fatty acids into DHA, an important Omega-3. Scientists have discovered an important link between DHA deficiency and neurological disorders such as ADHD and Alzheimer’s disease. Containing a high level of B-vitamins, bananas also assist in preventing Parkinson’s disease.

16. Improves memory.

Technically, this should have been filed under #4, but since so many people are worried about their memory it deserves its own number. Yes, bananas can help improve and sustain memory because of high levels of tryptophan, potassium and magnesium.

17. Promotes heart health.

Not really a surprise here, given the banana’s high levels of nutrients and vitamins. Increasing potassium intake and decreasing the intake of sodium is probably the most important thing someone can do to protect their heart, and the banana is a high-potassium, low-sodium food. The fiber, vitamin C and B6 ingredients in the banana also promotes health and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.

18. Reduces the risk of asthma.

Imperial College of London conducted a study in which researchers found that children who ate at least one banana a day had a 34% less chance of developing asthma.

Impressive. Anything we can do with the peel? Well…

19. Can shine your shoes(?)

Apparently rubbing the inside of a banana peel on a leather shoe and then polishing it with a dry cloth can produce a nice, quick shine.

20. Whitens the teeth.

Another interesting use for a banana peel: rubbing the inside of the peel on the teeth for a quick whitening job! Some ingredients in a banana, including magnesium, manganese and potassium, aids with whitening tooth enamel. Interesting.

21. Soothes itches.

Banana peels can help relieve the itchiness caused by bug bites, such as those caused by mosquitos. Also, the properties of banana peels can relieve the effects of contact with poison ivy.

22. Removes splinters (!)

Woodworkers and clumsy people, unite! So just tape a piece of banana peel to a splinter and within ten minutes, the enzymes will remove the wood shrapnel.

23. Relieves burns and cuts.

Okay, now…parents unite! If the little one falls and cuts themselves or burns something, grab a banana peel and let the little guy or girl rub it on their boo-boo. In short, that pain will be gone pretty quickly.

24. Meat tenderizer.

Adding a banana peel to a roast can add enough moisture to prevent the meat from becoming dry.

25. Helps with the garden.

Banana peels provide a versatile gardening by-product in performing a variety of functions, including tomato plant fertilization, aphid, and pest control, and can be suitable food for roses.

The Top 15 Articles of 2015

December 31, 2015 by Power of Positivity

As 2015 comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to appreciate our community and the real positive changes people have decided to make in their life. Thousands of messages of positive change have been delivered, and we are excited to see what 2016 will bring.

To reflect, we wanted to share 15 of the most popular articles from the past year, and share what our community has enjoyed the most. Perhaps one of these will even help you make a great start to 2016!

Here are 15 of Our Most Popular Posts From 2015:

#1. 10 Things You Should Do Every Day Before 10AM

You don’t have to be a morning person to benefit from morning rituals. Most people hit snooze, roll out of bed and into some clothes while plunging into their day without a plan.

You, however, can choose to approach your day mindfully. Being mindful will increase the odds that you will feel good, be more productive and end up happier when it’s all over.

Click Here to Read the Full Article

#2. 11:11 – Is It Happening To You? Here’s What It Means

Our Spirit Guides, angels, or higher selves like to speak to us through various methods, such as playing a recurring song on the radio that may have special significance, answering a prayer, flipping to a certain page in a book we’re reading, or even directing our attention to repeating numbers on a clock or sign, such as 11:11. At first, this occurrence might seem like a silly coincidence, but by looking further into it, you will find that it has a powerful spiritual message hidden within.

Click here to read the full article

#3 5 Gut Instincts You Should Never Ignore

We c an essentially decode this often indescribable gut feeling we get in certain situations, because that pang in your stomach, sudden bout of fatigue, or strong urge to help the person next to you can reveal more than you think.

Click here to read the full article

#4. 10 Things You Should Never Sacrifice For A Relationship

Relationships can either bring mutual growth and happiness, or feel suffocating and debilitating after a while. All relationships serve their purpose, whether you stay with someone for a few weeks or for an entire lifetime. Any relationship should support, encourage, uplift, and challenge you to become a better person, not drain you of energy and make you feel bad about yourself.

If you have to sacrifice any of the following things for your relationship, you might need to reevaluate what value the person adds to your life.

Click here to read the full article

#5. 25 Things Creative People Do Differently

While most think of creative people as “right-brained” or artsy, creativity exists within all of us – even the most logical, linear thinkers.

However, some of us have honed our creative sides a little more than others, and know how to capture and express that imaginative energy. Creative people cover a broad spectrum of personalities, from the stereotypical starving artist to the entrepreneurial businessman. They share some common traits that allow them to bring that creativity to life, including the following:

Click here to read the full article

#6. 10 Signs You Found Your Soul Mate

Many people believe that we don’t choose our partners, and that destiny puts us together. Whether that’s true or not, it’s important to know if the person you’re in a relationship with truly has the potential to warm your heart forever. To gain a clearer vision when seeking your soul mate, these 10 signs should not go unnoticed

#7. 5 Ways to Make Love Without Having Sex (Click here to read)

If you want to feel the most powerful energy in the Universe, make love. It’s one of the most unforgettable experiences anyone can ever encounter. Simply put, making love is creating energy, sourced directly from the divine.

Usually this is a collective effort between two people. But contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to get in-between the sheets to “do it”. There are many ways to create this divine energy, and you can find an outlet for it in many different facets of life.

#8. 9 Signs It’s Time to Let Go of A Relationship (Click here to read)

Letting go of a relationship that we did (or still do) care about is a very difficult thing for us all. Whether it’s a significant other, friend, or family member, we naturally do not want to bring any hurt upon them or ourselves.

There are times, however, where letting go of someone may be the best thing to do – even when it doesn’t feel good in the present. After all, this is your life…and only you can make the ultimate decision whether or not that person fits into it.

#9. 10 Signs It’s Time to Change Your Life (Click here to read)

There is usually some catalyst (or several of them) that leads someone to the decision that some serious change is in order. Unfortunately, it is easy to live with these signs for a long time before even noticing what they are trying say. The key to understanding what is going on in our life is recognizing how we feel. If we are feeling anxious, discontent or bitter, it could be our body’s way of telling us it’s time to try something new.

#10. 20 Signs Of An Emotionally Abusive Relationship (Click here to read)

An emotionally abusive relationship is harmful to your confidence and self-esteem, and you may not even be aware of the abuse. Unlike physical abuse that causes physical pain and leaves visible markings, the signs of emotional abuse are not as apparent.

All abuse directly attacks our self-esteem, but emotional abuse does it directly by linking our self-worth to being loved. You might be surprised to learn that several studies show emotional abuse occurs at the hands of men and women at equal rates. It can happen in any relationship.

#11. 20 Things You Don’t Owe Anyone (Click here to read)

How many times have you pretended to feel fine and tried to convince someone of this fact even though it is clear you don’t feel fine at all? We’ve all done it. Instead of faking fine try just being real without the need to apologize or explain. Give yourself the freedom to … Just. Be. Human. Everyone has imperfections, why bother to hide it?

Explaining takes your power and gives it to the other person. The best decisions come when we listen to how we feel and our gut instinct. But those sources aren’t usually well received in an explanation, so we make up an explanation the other person can relate to.

Unfortunately, there are many of us that feel the need to explain even though we know we shouldn’t. An explainer is waiting for someone else’s approval, and there is a lot of wasted energy in the waiting. It’s this waiting period that doubt creeps in; depression begins to expand, and unhappiness takes root. Waiting is wasted time.

When we explain, we move away from our greatest source of wisdom – our inner guide. We stop honoring ourselves and start placing more importance on the other person.

It’s hard to overcome the tendency to explain, but it can be done with focus and intention. Awareness is the key. To help you become more aware, here are 20 things you don’t owe anyone an explanation for.

#12. If You See Someone With A Semicolon Tattoo, Here’s What It Means (Click here to read)

The semicolon represents the fact that you have complete power over yourself, and can choose to keep fighting, even if you feel like giving up at times. The entire movement aims to bring people together, to empower one another and show that we can all overcome the obstacles we face, no matter the size. You can always rewrite your story, start a new chapter, and recreate your life even if you feel you have nowhere to turn. Your story doesn’t have to end if you simply believe in your ability to create new beginnings.

#13. 9 Ways to Attract Someone Who Adores You (Click here to read)

Adoration – love, devotion, respect, reverence or strong admiration – is one of the strongest emotions that we feel. To adore someone is to be in awe of their being. Further, it creates very strong feelings of attraction. By exhibiting our qualities, we indeed create feelings of attraction and admiration in someone else.

Perhaps you possess some of the following qualities, perhaps you don’t. However, it doesn’t mean that you can’t develop them. Here are nine demonstrable qualities that cause attraction and adoration:

#14: 12 Habits of Unhappy People (Click here to read)

Happiness is something that we all strive to attain. As human beings we can accept the fact that: (a) life is short, and (b) unhappiness makes our lives difficult. As is common knowledge, our habits have a big impact on the quality of life that we live; specifically, these habits directly impact our happiness (or lack thereof). To make a clear distinction, there is a strong difference between clinical depression and chronic unhappiness. Depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain, while unhappiness is a disposition that is often acquired through how we choose to live our lives. Similar to depression, however, unhappiness can be diagnosed and treated.

#15: 5 Techniques to Quiet Your Mind (Click here to read)

You can actually free your mind, even if it seems impossible in the beginning. Humans are very adaptable creatures, and pick up on new habits throughout their lives. So, in this way, our brains become rewired because we have installed a new operating system in our minds: chaos. To create a peaceful mind, you just need to revert back to your original nature of harmony and balance. Sound difficult? Well, here are some effective techniques to help you regain control of your mind again.

We truly hope you’ve enjoyed 2015 with us, and look forward to being the beacon of light for positivity worldwide for years to come. Happy New Year! – Chris, Kristen, and the entire Power of Positivity team

6 Signs You Have Dirty Lungs

December 31, 2015 by Power of Positivity

What do we know about our lungs? “Well, isn’t that where we store air to breathe… to, uh, stay alive and all?”

Yes, the lungs perform that vital function, but they’re magnificent organs when explored. So, before we examine what harms these critical organs, let’s take a closer look at what they entail.

Our lungs are sponge-like in texture and serve as the refining organ in the consumption and breakdown of oxygen. When we inhale air through our nose or mouth, the air travels down into the larynx and through the trachea. This air then reaches our left and right bronchi, transporting the air to the lung. The air then moves to the alveoli – microscopic sacs that absorb oxygen from the air – via the bronchioles. The alveoli then transfer the oxygen into our bloodstream. Finally, the carbon dioxide waste taken from the air is transferred back from the blood to the alveoli, where it is exhaled.

What Happens When Someone Has Dirty Lungs

Okay, so the biology lesson is over. It’s not as simple as just breathing in and out. Remarkably, such a complex process completes in a matter of just a couple of seconds. Unfortunately, any miscue in this complex process usually results in either chronic or acute lung damage.

If someone suffers from a lung condition, it’s usually a result of damage to the alveoli (the lung’s air sacs) of the bronchi (large lung airways). Three of the most common ailments of the lungs – bronchitis, asthma, and emphysema – result from an abnormality involving the bronchi or alveoli.

Smoking is so damaging because it stunts normal lung function. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, most commonly occurs in those that smoke. This lung damage creates difficulty breathing out, resulting in shortness of breath. Emphysema (a type of COPD) is usually the result of smoking, like tobacco smoke damages the alveoli, trapping air in the lungs and making it difficult to breathe normally.

While smoking is undoubtedly a cause of lung damage in many cases, but it’s not the only factor – infections and genetics also play a role. As mentioned, the lungs are only a part of a complex system, and damage to any part of this system can result in severe lung problems.

The positive news (finally!) is that the lungs can be repaired. Obviously, the extent to which the lungs can heal depends upon the circumstances. But there are certain actions that we can take to aid this healing process.

Let’s discuss six common signs of dirty lungs first:

If you have any of these symptoms, your lungs might need some TLC.

Sign #1: Chronic cough

When a cough lasts for over a month, it is considered chronic. In all likelihood, medication has been tried and failed. This should be taken as a sign that something is wrong with the respiratory system.

Sign #2: Persistent mucus production

When our airways are irritated or infected, they produce mucus (or phlegm) as a defense. If this continuous mucus production lasts longer than a month, it may be a warning sign of lung problems.

Sign #3: Lasting chest pain

Chest pain that inexplicably lasts for longer than a month may be a warning sign. It’s a sign that the lungs are involved if the chest pain is brought on or made worse from inhaling, exhaling, or coughing.

Sign #4: Shortness of breath

When shortness of breath occurs, it is usually due to a heart or lung condition. This symptom can be narrowed down to either/or since both are involved in transporting oxygen to tissues and removing carbon dioxide. When either one of these problems occurs, it results in shortness of breath.

Sign #5: Coughing blood

When coughing up blood, it’s always a problem with the lungs or the upper respiratory tract. Needless to say, this is something that requires immediate attention, as it may signal a severe health problem.

Sign #6: Wheezing

Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound that usually occurs when breathing out (exhaling) but may occur when breathing in. This is typically a sign that a foreign object blocks the normal air flow into the lungs or constricts the lung’s airways.

Six Ways to Help Promote Healing of Your Lungs

Now that we know what to look for, here are six ways to help purify your lungs.

1. Don’t smoke

If it isn’t apparent by now, smoking is probably the worst thing someone can do to their lungs. Hopefully, an education on what this harmful habit does to the lungs is enough to get someone to quit; if not, seek out some people for support. There are plenty of terrific, free resources available online that could help. There’s even a smoking hotline.

2. Breathe deep

Deep breathing for half an hour a day can help purify the lungs. This practice flushes out many of the impurities that accumulate in the lungs. Meditation and yoga are two great practices to take on for this purpose, and they will help with the mental aspect of purification.

3. Drink green tea

Catechins are antioxidants that may help reduce the risk of lung cancer, and green tea is a rich source. In a study done at Chung Shan Medical University in Taiwan, researchers discovered that drinking green tea could reduce the risk of lung cancer by up to five times. Dr. I-Hsin Lin states: “The antioxidants may inhibit tumor growth,” and “Green tea can protect them from lunch cancer risk, a cup or more a day (is recommended,” according to the lead researcher.

4. Load up on antioxidants

Ingesting antioxidants appeared to be a recurring theme in researching this article. Another source states that drinking 400 ml of pineapple or cranberry juice before bed helps fight infection-causing lung bacteria.

5. Use the eucalyptus

Eucalyptus contains a natural expectorant (decongestant) compound that helps clear our lungs of toxins. Apparently, the plant is terrific in helping to soothe a sore throat and sinus problems. A great way to achieve this effect is by putting 5 to 10 drops of eucalyptus oil in a bowl of hot water, placing the head over the bowl, and covering the head with a towel. That certainly sounds refreshing!

6. Get some oregano

Another natural decongestant is oregano, which also contains anti-histamine properties. Combined, these elements effectively clear nasal pathways and assist respiratory function. To get these terrific benefits, sprinkle some oregano into food or drink daily.

5 Plants That Will Help You Sleep Better

December 31, 2015 by Power of Positivity

Good sleep is almost synonymous with good health. We know that our bodies require rest, but sometimes getting enough is difficult. Stress, caffeine, our busy schedules, and our connection to our technology can prevent us from getting enough sleep to function at our best the following day.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, insomnia is a serious public health concern that affects the quality of life of millions of Americans. Lack of sleep can lead to lost time at work and safety concerns like falling asleep while driving. The National Department of Transportation estimates drowsy driving responsible for 1,550 fatalities and 40,000 nonfatal injuries annually in the United States.

Most treatment for insomnia is focused on avoiding things that will keep you up, like caffeine, and learning good sleep habits like going to bed at the same time every night. Traditional medicine also offers solutions in the form of over-the-counter or prescription sleep medicines.

For those looking to avoid a medical remedy for lack of sleep, indoor plants may be a holistic health alternative. House plants are an inexpensive solution that provides health benefits and can also help you sleep better.

5 Plants That Will Help You Sleep Better

Here are five plant sleep helpers to try in your home.

1. Lavender

Lavender is well-known for its use as an aromatic herb that induces a state of calm when we experience its fragrance. The calming, soothing effect of lavender aromatherapy has also recently begun to be used in hospital settings to ease patient discomfort.

One study found that lavender aromatherapy used in the Intensive Care Unit of a hospital for 9 hours at night significantly improved the sleep quality of patients with heart disease.

Lavender plants require a good amount of sunlight and moist but not wet soil. A grow light will also help your lavender plant to stay healthy. Find a south-facing window for an indoor lavender plant.

2. Valerian

Research has shown that valerian extract does help improve sleep quality, especially when given in multiple doses over a more extended period.

Valerian is an herb and a mild sedative. Dried valerian root is commonly used in tea to enhance sleep.

Although it is not a common houseplant, valerian can be sprouted in well-drained soil and kept indoors in a sunny spot. It is unlikely that your one houseplant will produce enough roots to harvest for making your sleep remedy, but you can cut a portion of the root, and the plant will continue to grow.

Valerian also has white flowers that have been used in perfume. The blooms may also induce a calm state which will help you sleep better. The leaves of valerian can also make a milder sedative tea than the roots.

3. Passionflower

Passionflower is an exotic, beautiful, purple flowering tropical vine that you can grow indoors. It likes lots of light but no direct sunlight. You might need to put a trellis or frame in the pot when you plant it to give it support to grow.

The leaves of Passionflower can be dried and used as tea for relaxation. They can also be combined with valerian as a sleep aid. Passionflower has also been used for anti-anxiety medicine. In one study, passionflower extract was as effective as the drug oxazepam in relieving generalized anxiety disorder.

4. Peace lily

The tall white flowers of the peace lily are lovely to look at. But the plant does a beautiful job at cleaning your air of toxins. Our homes have many artificial components that are released into the air, causing breathing distress for us. Peace lilies can help remove benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, ammonia, and trichloroethylene from the air.

Removing these chemicals from the air that you breathe will certainly you’re your sleep as well. Peace lilies are toxic to animals and humans, so keep these plants out of reach of children. They like indirect sunlight and moist, mulch-covered soil.

5. Ferns or palms

Ferns and small indoor palm trees have more leaf surface area and are just as effective at removing similar air toxins as peace lilies are. The surface area of the leaves of ferns and palms extracts more carbon dioxide from the air as you breathe at night and returns oxygen to the room that they are in.

These plants also prefer moist soil with low light, away from a sunny window. The humidity given off by the moist soil of these and other houseplants can reduce the amount of mold and bacteria in the air, helping you to breathe easier and sleep better. You can read more about how plants can improve your health here.

Avoid chemical pesticides for your houseplants to not introduce toxic chemicals back into your home environment. Similarly, look for a natural, organic fertilizer to keep your plants healthy.

Herbs are wonderful to use for healing. However, please seek medical guidance to ensure that you do not experience side effects with other medicines or supplements that you are taking. It is also advisable to see your doctor if your insomnia is causing you distress.

Here’s Why You Should Stop Drinking Bottled Water Forever

December 31, 2015 by Power of Positivity

Bottled water is a $35 billion worldwide industry, and the United States is the largest consumer of these products. You can bet that this billion-dollar industry has a lot at stake to keep you hooked on the bottle.

Health and safety are definitely a concern for people who drink bottled water. However, in some cases, laws for regulating the safety of tap water are more stringent than those for the bottled water industry. Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, citizens can demand to know the quality of public drinking water. Still, the consumer’s right to know does not extend to commercially produced bottled water at this time.

Why You Should Stop Drinking Bottled Water Forever

Let’s examine why you should ditch drinking bottled water for good.

1 – Bacteria levels

According to the Natural Resources Defense Council website,

City tap water can have no confirmed E. coli or fecal coliform bacteria (bacteria that indicate possible contamination by fecal matter). FDA bottled water does not have to follow these rules.
City tap water from surface water must be filtered and disinfected. There are no federal filtration or disinfection requirements for commercial operations.
Commercial bottling plants must test for coliform bacteria just once a week; engineers test big-city tap water one hundred or more times a month.

Natural mineral water usually flows from springs and occasionally from borehole sources. Various organisms, including coliforms, can be found in mineral water and will survive for a considerable length of time, particularly in uncarbonated water supplied in plastic bottles or bottled by hand. Drinking bottled water has recently been identified as a possible risk factor for Campylobacter infection acquired abroad.

2 – The environmental and economic cost of bottled water

According to the Pacific Institute, a global sustainable water think tank, producing water bottles for American consumption in 2006 required the equivalent of more than:

17 million barrels of oil, not including the energy for transportation.
The process of bottling produced more than 2.5 million tons of carbon dioxide.
It took 3 liters of water to produce 1 liter of final, sellable product.

Although recycling is widely available, only one out of every seven discarded units ends up in recycling plants. Most end up in landfills; unfortunately, some end up as litter on our planet. Lying there exposed to the elements, they take 450 to 1000 years to degrade.

Financially, we spend thousands of times the amount of money on bottled water than we would on tap water. The typical gallon of water for a household costs only a penny. Ever wish you had more money? Quit spending it on bottled water, and you could save your family hundreds of dollars per year.

3 – Plastic in our water

Petroleum products and other chemicals go into manufacturing the plastics used for bottling. Depending on the production methods used and the storage conditions for the bottled water product before you purchase it, the plastic container can begin to degrade, causing plastic compounds to leak into the water.

The plastic chemical compounds found in the containers include bisphenol A (BPA), nonylphenol (NP), tert-octylphenol (tOP), dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), di(2-Ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) and di(n-octyl)phthalate (DNOP). A study found that “Most of these compounds were detected in bottled water from different brands purchased from local market.”

You may have heard by now that bottled water manufacturers are discontinuing bottles containing BPA due to public pressure. This is because studies have shown that the plastic compound can leak into the water. BPA acts like a hormone in our bodies linked to a higher rate of breast cancer.

4 – Better water purity is a myth

Many people prefer bottled water’s convenience, taste, and perceived cleanliness. Consumers believe that they are getting better quality than tap water. This is despite reports of many quality contamination incidents with commercial products.

In one study of bottled water versus tap water, bacteria levels were higher in most of the bottled water samples taken than they were for the tap water. In some cases, the bacteria was much higher than the tap water.

The researchers say that “The 15 samples of bottled water that were not as pure as tap water contained significantly more bacteria. Of those 15 samples, the bacterial counts were more than twice that of the most contaminated tap water sample drawn from the water plants to almost 2000 times that of the highest tested tap water sample.”

Read how canned water may soon replace bottled water…and why.

Final Thoughts: Alternatives to these bottled water products

A stainless steel, insulated, wide-mouth thermos is a sustainable way to carry your own water with you. The insulation keeps your drink cool or hot, and the wide mouth lets you clean it more easily. Handwash your thermos every other day with a stiff-bristled brush, warm water, and a bit of anti-bacterial soap to keep it fresh and germ-free.

You can find a link to your own local tap water quality Consumer Confidence Report through the Environmental Protection Agency’s link. You can also purchase a water quality tester that will allow you to test the water quality in dissolved solids parts per million for your home tap water. Home filtration systems will give you an even more purified water source at your tap.

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