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20 Cleaning Products Never to Mix Together

June 3, 2020 by Power of Positivity

When you’re cleaning your house, it can be tempting to mix cleaning products to maximize their effectiveness or try killing two birds with one stone. Chances are, though, that your actions will not have positive results – and the results might even harm you.

Cleaning products are packed with complex chemicals that can react with other complex chemicals to produce dangerous or toxic gases. At best, some of these bad reactions will damage the thing you’re trying to clean. At worst, they’ll poison you and those in your home. Here are 20 cleaning products to never mix together.

Never Mix These 20 Cleaning Products

Mixing these chemicals poses extreme danger.

1. Ammonia and Bleach

Ammonia is commonly found in many window and glass cleaners. This is because ammonia is an incredibly powerful cleaning substance, and greatly enhances the effectiveness of just about any cleaning product.

When mixed with bleach, however, it creates chloramine gas. This gas can cause the following symptoms:

Chest pain and shortness of breath
Irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat
Nausea and watery eyes

2. Detergent and Disinfectants

Sometimes, desperation moves our hand to try combinations that seem to be the potential answer. For example, detergents and disinfectants should create a positive result, right?

Unfortunately, most market-based disinfectants use ammonia, which can react badly with most detergents and create all sorts of toxic vapors. Instead, you should try the following:

Create a soapy solution with detergent and warm water
Apply the solution directly onto the desired area
If all else fails, hire cleaning experts for help

Here are five essential oils that effectively replace toxic cleaning products.

3. Bleach and Oven Cleaner

Bleach is known to be a powerful cleanser, but it really should be used on its own. This is because it’s main ingredients – the secret behind its effectiveness – can have disastrous chemical reactions with other off-the-shelf cleaners, such as oven cleaners.

Mixing the two together can create chlorine gas, which can cause the following symptoms:

Nausea and vomiting
Breathing difficulties
Blurred eyes

4. Bleach and Vinegar

Like bleach and oven cleaners, mixing bleach and vinegar also produces chlorine gas. This is because vinegar is an acid – when an acid comes into contact with bleach, it will create chlorine gas.

Even at low levels, chlorine gas is perfectly capable of causing:

Burning
Shortness of breath
Skin irritation

5. Bleach and Drain Cleaner

No matter how much positive thinking tells you otherwise, this would result in something highly effective, drain cleaners and bleach do not mix. In reality, they combine to create chlorine gas – which is dangerous and corrosive.

If exposed to it in any way, the CDC recommends the following:

Move away from the chlorine gas if outdoors
Move to higher ground if indoors, as chlorine gas sinks
Remove the clothes quickly. Do not pull them over your head – cut them up instead
Seal the clothes in two layers of plastic bags to protect others and yourself
Inform health and safety personnel
Wash thoroughly with large amounts of soap and water

6. Bleach and Rubbing Alcohol

Chloroform is infamous for being used in movies to knock someone out. In reality, you will need large amounts of chloroform to make someone pass out – but any amount created by mixing bleach and rubbing alcohol together will still be a problem.

Here are some of the things associated with chloroform:

Accumulates as carcinogenic substances in the lungs
Causes hepatic and renal damage
Dizziness and drowsiness
Nausea and vomiting
Convulsions

7. Castile Soap and White Vinegar

On their own, castile soap and white vinegar are some of the best natural cleaning products you can get. Combining them won’t give you a net positive, however. Unfortunately, they are both alkali and acidic, respectively. As a result, they neutralize each other’s beneficial cleaning abilities and create useless white gunk.

Instead, consider using them one after the other – a vinegar wash should easily remove any remaining scum left behind by castile soap.

10 Tips for using hand sanitizer and performing handwashing the right way.

8. Baking Soda and Vinegar

Both baking soda and vinegar on their own are fantastic natural cleaners. Unfortunately, when combined, they simply become useless – here are some reasons why it is so:

Both are acidic substances, so they do not create more extra cleaning power together
When mixed, they simply form lots of water and some sodium acetate
The resulting mixture will foam up and potentially explode

9. Mildew Remover and Bleach

When combined, mildew stain remover and bleach produce chlorine vapors – a dangerous and toxic gas. Here are some of the more acute symptoms of chlorine gas:

Blisters, redness, and pain on exposed skin
Eye, nose, and throat irritation
Tissue damage

10. Bleach and Toilet Bowl Cleaner

You will have to use either bleach or toilet bowl cleaner – combining the two can otherwise create disastrous results. More specifically, it can create chlorine gas. Here are a few ways to identify chlorine gas should an accident occur:

The gas itself takes on a yellow-green color
The gas sinks to the bottom, as it is heavier than air
There is a pungent and irritating odor, much like the scent of bleach

11. Two Different Kinds Of Drain Cleaners

Unless you’re willing to reach in physically and pull out whatever it is that’s clogging your pipes, you will normally reach for the drain cleaner. However, if the first round doesn’t work, the solution is not to pour in a different drain cleaner. You might create an explosion by accident!

Instead, you should do the following:

Choose a product proven to work
Ensure that you have followed the instructions correctly
Be prepared to call the plumber should the product fail to work

12. Vinegar and Water – For Certain Floor Types!

Vinegar and water is a handy, natural cleaning solution that works for most floors. However, the acidic nature of vinegar can actually damage hardwood floors, dulling their otherwise beautiful appearance. Water can also cause warping and moisture damage to your hardwood floors if you’re not careful.

Instead, reserve your mixture for cleaning these types of floorings:

Ceramic tiles
Carpets with synthetic fibers
Vinyl floors

13. Bleach and Glass Cleaner

The main ingredient in bleach is sodium hypochlorite, which interacts with ammonia to create toxic chloramine fumes. Unfortunately, most glass cleaners feature ammonia as their main cleaning ingredient.

As a result, mixing them with bleach is an idea fraught with danger – no matter how much positive thinking suggests that this combination might double their cleaning power.

Instead, consider keeping the following tips in mind for clean and streak-free windows:

Invest in a good-quality squeegee
Wipe down the squeegee regularly
Replace the rubber blade of the squeegee when it gets dull

14. Hydrogen Peroxide and Vinegar

On their own, hydrogen peroxide and vinegar are two excellent cleaners. They can be used one after another to clean fruits and countertops, so long as each one is wiped clean before the next.

When mixed, however, the two create peracetic acid. This acid could be a decent cleaner in and of itself – if it weren’t so dangerous to use in most households without preparation.

At low concentrations, this acid is:

Corrosive
Potentially toxic
Irritating to the eyes, skin, and upper respiratory tract

15. Bleach and Lysol

Lysol and bleach are, on their own, excellent cleaners and disinfectants. That does not mean that they can be combined for a more effective cleaning solution, however.

When mixed, bleach interacts and oxidizes the 2-benzyl-4-chlorophenol found in Lysol. This creates fumes that are corrosive and harmful to human health.

The potentially harmful effects of 2-benzyl-4-chlorophenol include:

Toxic vapors
Skin irritation
Eye irritation

16. Bleach and Dish Detergent

Ammonia is a common ingredient in dish detergents. This substance can improve the effectiveness of dish detergents but will create chloramine gas when mixed with bleach.

Instead, consider doing the following for better cleaning effectiveness:

Use warm or hot water
Ensure that the detergent and water have been mixed together in appropriate amounts
Soak dishes in the mixture for a while to loosen stubborn particles and stains

17. Bleach and Lemon Juice

When mixed with any kind of acid, bleach will produce chlorine gas. As a result, bleach reacts with lemon juice like any other cleaning product off the market and creates chlorine gas.

That said, lemon is a powerful thing to use on its own. Consider the following ideas:

Putting lemon slices in vinegar to give it a fresh, citrusy smell
Let the lemon juice sit on the affected area for a minute before wiping it clean
Use the oils in lemon rinds to clean and shine items

18. Some Types Of Pesticides and Water

You might want to check the instructions on the label. Upon contact with water, some strong pesticides can create phosphine gas. This gas is colorless, flammable, and highly toxic.

Here are some of the effects of inhaling phosphine gas:

Convulsions
Irregular heartbeat
Shock
Coma
Liver and kidney damage

19. Bleach And Most Cleaning Products

In general, most household cleaning products available on the market use ammonia. This allows them to be highly effective in removing dirt and grime. Unfortunately, when mixed with bleach, they will react and create chlorine gas.

Some examples of household cleaning products that will contain ammonia include:

Wood cleaner
Toilet cleaner
Glass cleaner
Floor cleaner
Dishwasher detergent

20. Any Cleaning Products From Different Brands

A blog on https://abcopro.com.au says unless you take the time to examine every single ingredient on the list and cross-reference them with the ingredients in the cleaning products back home, you are always in danger of creating some deadly chemical reaction.

Instead, consider doing the following for your own safety:

Stick to one brand only
Use gentler alternatives
Make natural and organic cleaning solutions
Keep only one type of cleaning product for each purpose on hand
Take your time to invest in a proven cleaning product

Final Thoughts On Some Cleaning Products To Never Mix Together

Generally, you shouldn’t be mixing products together without understanding them. Each cleaning product is designed for a specific use, and using them one by one may take longer, but it is much safer. It’s better to be inconvenienced than ill or dead, after all!

If you need fewer products, opt for multi-purpose cleaners that cover a wide range of different functions. This way, you can use a single product for multiple items without harming yourself or others.

10 Behaviors That Reveal Someone is a Manipulator (And How to Defend Yourself)

June 3, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Life is hard enough without having a negative person always around putting down you and everyone else. You want a friend that can pick you up and make you feel better about yourself and situations. Additionally, relationships can never be one-sided. You need someone that cares as much about what you have to say as you care about them. A manipulator is a master at the game.

It may be exceedingly difficult for you to identify their character from your first meeting. However, the best way to spot someone who uses manipulation is by the way they make you feel.

Usually, the process goes on, and you’ve become so trapped in their lives that you don’t know how to cut ties and run. Though you want to get away, these people will do anything they can to keep you entangled into their web. Sadly, one of the biggest problems with becoming involved with this person is that they won’t let you go.

They continue to use their games and tricks to keep you entwined in their messy life. If you are involved with a person that you think maybe manipulating you, then here are some signs.

10 Behaviors That Reveal a Manipulator

1. They Justify Their Actions

If you are involved with a toxic person, then they make all their wrongdoings seem like the only option they had. They have a way of winning you over because they make you feel that they made the right decision.

The problem is that most of them aren’t truly listening to what you had to say, they just want you to see their point of view regardless of what you think or feel.

2. They Play The “Dumb” Card

Toxic people need constant help, and they will drain the energy right out of you. When someone calls them out on it, they will act like they haven’t the faintest clue what you are talking about.

If they solicit your advice about a situation and you give them an answer they don’t like, they may take the stance that they can make whatever choices they want as it’s their life. They would never value your advice anyway as it might damage their high self-confidence level.

3. They Lie and Tell Half-Truths

A half-truth is a whole lie. A manipulative person will use the truth to their advantage. They will leave out the information that might expose them or their misdeeds. They justify this in their mind feeling that it’s better than just lying straightforward.

They will skirt the truth more than a person facing a life sentence in a court of law. They don’t want to pay for their crimes or have themselves exposed as anything less than perfect. Remember, at the crux of most of these people’s lives is trauma that has changed their brain patterns. Some might say it’s a defense mechanism.

4. They Will Put You on A Guilt Trip

A manipulator loves to put you on a guilt trip by making themselves look innocent. If you’re busy with work or your family and don’t have time for this person, they can turn on the guilt and try to make you feel that you’re not there when they need you.

Many people find that they put their own needs on the back burner to attend to this toxic person and their desires. The schemer needs someone to give them advice and soothe their guilty conscience, which they are not going to listen too anyway.

5. They Redirect and Change the Subject Often

All the lies that the con artist tells you will come back and bite them at some point. If you confront them on something they have said or done, they will try to change the subject into something else. Their goal is to steer the conversation to what they want to talk about and their needs.

Even if you start to talk about your life, they will quickly change the subject back to themselves. Though they may like having you listen to them, their needs are the only ones that they care about fulfilling.

6. They Are Full of Insults About Others

Some people don’t like to be around a manipulator because they are rude and sometimes abrasive. It’s not the same kind of fun that you would have when you are poking at someone. Instead, they take their jabs and blatant insults to the extreme level, and it seems that they don’t know how or when to stop.

They often use this uncouthly tactic when they are in a social setting. They are like a high school bully that still loves to make fun of others and make others feel smaller than them by using harsh words. They are not an excellent person to hang around within a social environment.

7. They Play the Victim

A manipulator loves to turn things around and make themselves the victim. They can talk or guilt you into doing or buying something that you wouldn’t ever consider. The fact is that they are using you, and they are not a true friend.

Their lies only have one goal: to manipulate you to give them what they want. They may borrow money, ask you to buy things for them, or even ask you to babysit or do other significant tasks consistently.

8. They Alienate Many People

Because a manipulator is a bully, they will often have few friends. Additionally, they may have few family members that are involved in their life either. When they spread rumors, call names, and act immaturely, it causes many people to alienate themselves from them.

There are many different ways that a person establishes their dominance. The sad fact is that this person is suffering from low self-esteem and needs to make others feel bad to make themselves feel good.

9. They Always Blame Others

Should you ever have a concern about this person or their behaviors, you will find that they blame someone else for the issue. It’s always someone else’s fault. It can be mind-numbing trying to deal with a person that will not accept any guilt.

These people are so adamant that they are innocent that even if you catch them red-handed, they will still find someone else to blame. Schemers are faultless.

10. They Can Turn on You Quickly

While you may like the person who has manipulative ways, don’t ever think that they are your friend. If you don’t see things their way at any time, they can turn on you in an instant.

They will use any dirt they have learned about you to make you take the fall for ending your relationship. Remember, they are not capable of loving and having a healthy connection with anyone until they get help.

Comebacks for The Manipulator

If you are in a situation where you have no choice but to deal with a manipulative person, then you may want to learn some techniques to handle them. Here are a few things you can say to put them in their place kindly.

1. Use the Words “I Need”

“I need you to stop insulting me, and you will speak to me with kindness, or we won’t speak at all.” By using the term “I need,” you are throwing them for a loop. They see everything in this world revolves around their wants and needs, so when you turn the tables, you will show them how you expect to be treated.

2. Give Directions with the Words “You Need.”

A great way to put someone in check is to tell them that their emotional state is off. When you start any sentence with “You need,” then they are going to listen. A manipulative person doesn’t want to hear about what they need to do.

You should let them know that you are not going to engage in their behaviors unless they calm the fear or anger down.

3. Say Nothing at All

If you find that a person has crossed ethical barriers and has made you feel bad, then the best thing to do is walk away. You could stand there and defend yourself, but you’re wasting your breath.

They have a skewed view of the world where everyone is against them. They promote themselves from within to make up for this low self-worth. Sometimes, you say it best when you say absolutely nothing at all.

Final Thoughts on Handling a Manipulator

It’s difficult dealing with a manipulator. You want to be their friend and try to like them, but they give you 101 reasons to walk the other way. If you have no choice and the manipulator is a relative or colleague, then using some of the techniques above can help you to put their behavior in check.

Life is hard enough without having a negative person always around putting down you and everyone else. You want a friend that can pick you up and make you feel better about yourself and situations. Additionally, relationships can never be one-sided. It would be best if you had someone who cared about what you have to say as you care about them.

5 Ways To Relieve Headache Symptoms (Without Medication)

June 3, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Headache symptoms can be very disruptive to everyday life. The pain from them can ruin your concentration, decrease productivity, and lead to generally lowered positive thinking.

Sadly, headaches are also widespread, and almost everyone will deal with them at some point in their lives. If you have frequent headaches, then that’s even worse!

Thankfully, some methods can be used to reduce their severity naturally. Here are five ways to relieve headaches symptoms without medication!

1. Lifestyle Changes

This info should come as no surprise – many people are living incredibly unhealthy lifestyles. As such, making sure that you are engaging in a healthy lifestyle may sometimes be enough to resolve any headache symptoms you have. Here are a few ideas to get started with:

· Exercise Regularly

It’s the last thing you may want to consider, but exercise gives positive results with headaches. Studies have proven that cycling indoors for just 40 minutes per day, three times a week, actually beats out typical relaxation techniques in efficacy. If cycling isn’t feasible for you, a great way to start will be to start walking more often to your destinations.

· Learn Relaxation Methods

Sometimes, the cause of your headaches is actually due to the tension you are holding in your body. Methods like yoga, meditation, or even basic stretches may be more than enough to ease your headache. Positive thinking, when assaulted by a headache, might also help. If all else fails, consider getting a professional massage, or consult your doctor about physical therapy for a more direct approach.

· Get Enough Sleep

One of the symptoms of sleep deprivation is an increased severity and frequency of headaches. Studies prove that those who sleep for only six hours or less often develop worse headaches. That said, the inverse isn’t necessarily better – too much sleep can also cause the same thing. Therefore, it’s best to keep your rest between 7 to 9 hours long for the best results.

2. Watch What You Drink

The human body is made up of about 60-70% water. As you can imagine, this means that dehydration can cause all sorts of imbalances in the body – with headaches being one of them. Here are some ways to fix that problem:

· Drink Enough Water

One of the most significant symptoms of chronic dehydration is headaches – a fact that has been proven and backed by multiple studies. And it’s not just headaches you’ll get – dehydration also causes irritability and impairs concentration, which can contribute to your headache.

A relieving positive is that drinking water can resolve most migraines and tension headaches within 3 hours. To make sure that doesn’t happen in the first place, though, you should make sure to always keep hydrated throughout the day.

· Drink Herbal Tea

If the taste of plain water isn’t your thing, you might wanna consider herbal teas instead. In addition to keeping you hydrated, herbal teas can also contain natural compounds that may ease your headaches.

For example, calming teas like chamomile, peppermint, and lavender may relax you enough to undo tension headaches.

For a more direct approach, a 2013 study suggests that ginger tea (i.e., ginger powder and warm water) can ease migraines in a way that is similar to medicines meant for migraines. So perhaps that may be of help!

· Drink More Caffeine

Everyone who has a coffee addiction knows better than to go cold turkey – the headaches you get afterward aren’t worth it. Withdrawal symptoms aside, it turns out that caffeine provides benefits that relieve headaches.

For example, it constricts blood vessels, improves one’s mood, and increases alertness – all of which can make it easier to bear a headache.

Caffeine in coffee and tea can even boost the effectiveness of painkillers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen, which may be just what you need. So consider adding some caffeine into your life – but make sure to watch your intake!

· Limit Alcohol Consumption

A drink or two isn’t going to cause headaches in most people, but about one-third of headache sufferers might find that alcohol is a migraine trigger for them. This is because alcohol is a vasodilator – in other words, it widens blood vessels and increases blood flow.

This can often cause all sorts of cluster and tension headache symptoms. This isn’t even taking into account that alcohol is a diuretic, which can dehydrate you and worsen your headaches. In light of all this, just stick to a drink or two at most.

3. Use Tried-and-True Relief Methods

Sometimes, a painkiller isn’t necessary. Consider taking into account these ideas when trying to relieve your headaches:

· Use A Cold Compress

Cold or frozen compresses can help by constricting blood vessels and reducing inflammation – all of which are associated with headaches. Placing them on the neck can also slow down nerve conduction, dulling the pain and offering relief.

A study has also proven that cold gel pack applied to the head can also significantly reduce the pain of a migraine – though there’s no guarantee this might work for you.

Either way, there’s no harm in trying it – just fill any waterproof bag with ice and water and apply it to your head, temples, or back of the neck for relief. Remember to wrap the bag in a towel to prevent ice burns!

· Turn Down The Lights

Sometimes, bright or flickering lights can act as a migraine trigger. The sources can range from your electronic screens to the sun outside. If you notice that this is the case for you, try wearing sunglasses when outdoors and use blackout curtains at home.

Attaching anti-glare screens to your electronics may also be helpful. If you’re willing to invest in it, consider swapping over to daylight-spectrum bulbs as well.

· Ease Any Pressure

Watch out for headaches caused by external compression. Tight headbands and swimming goggles can often cause headaches. Even wearing hats can be a source of headaches, so take those off as well.

If you also wear tight ponytails, try loosening them or undoing them entirely – a study found that relaxing one’s hair made the participants’ headaches disappear. It’s possible that this may be the culprit for your headaches.

4. Watch What You Eat

Some foods may affect you negatively and cause all sorts of problems with your body. One of those things includes headaches. Here are some examples of what to look into to help with your headaches:

· Avoid High-Histamine Foods

Histamine is found naturally in many foods and is vital for the regulation of several essential systems in the body. Unfortunately, studies suggest that some people are sensitive to histamine, and exposure triggers their migraines.

Others lack the enzyme necessary for breaking it down and can’t remove excess histamines from their body – thus resulting in headaches.

Try reducing or eliminating high-histamine foods from your diet to relieve yourself of headaches.

· Avoid Nitrites and Nitrates

Commonly found in foodstuffs like sausages and bacon, nitrites and nitrates are food preservatives meant to prevent bacterial growth. While they help keep food fresh, they also can be a headache trigger for some people.

This is because nitrites expand your blood vessels, similarly to alcohol. This increase in blood flow may be the cause of headaches. As such, try to avoid processed meats and nitrate-related foodstuffs in your diet.

· Make Sure You Don’t Have A Food Intolerance

Food allergies are noticeable and demand immediate attention – by contrast, food intolerances tend to slip under the radar. This is especially so if they’re our favorites, and we’re biased towards thinking that it’s just a coincidence.

Unfortunately, all the positive thinking in the world won’t let you avoid the truth. If your headaches tend to turn up after meals, it might be a good idea to start recording what ingredients were in your dish – you might find your cause that way.

5. Engage Your Sense Of Smell

Studies have proven that there is a strong connection between the olfactory senses and your immune system. At the very least, the right scent might help relax you and ease your tension headaches. Here are a few options to consider:

· Lavender Essential Oil

Popular for its soothing properties and alluring fragrance, lavender essential oils can also help alleviate headaches.

To take advantage of this yourself, put a few drops of lavender essential oil on some tissue and waft the scent to your nose or add two drops to 2 cups of boiling water and breathe in the scented steam.

You could alternatively mix about 2-3 drops with a tablespoon of olive or almond oil and use that as a massage oil for your forehead instead.

· Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint contains menthol, which gives it that great spicy scent. Menthol can also be used to help regulate blood flow and may help relax clogged blood vessels. This, in turn, may help relieve headaches.

And it’s likely not a placebo effect too – when compared to a placebo, a study found that peppermint oil helped in easing tension headache symptoms.

Try inhaling the scent in a dark, cold room, or mix three drops with a tablespoon of almond oil and use the oil to massage the back of your neck or your temples. You can also try crushing peppermint leaves and apply them directly to your forehead.

· Avoid Strong Smells

Some of you may find that intense aromas and scents worsen your headaches – and common culprits tend to be cleaning products or perfume. You’re not alone in this – a study has found that migraine or tension headache sufferers are hypersensitive to scents and have their episodes often triggered by strong odors.

This condition is called osmophobia, and it is prevalent among sufferers of chronic migraines. If you notice a correlation between smells and headaches for you, avoiding sources of strong scents may help reduce migraine risks.

Final Thoughts Ways To Relieve Headache Symptoms

It’s always great when you’re able to manage a problematic everyday issue in a natural and non-intrusive way, and these methods can all help relieve headaches without the use of pills or prescriptions.

Of course, if your headache symptoms are chronic, severely affecting daily life, or giving you a very, very difficult time, you should consider medication as an option for managing them.

All in all, speak to a doctor about your options.

Dietitians Share the Pros and Cons of the Whole30 Diet

June 3, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Does it seem like every time you turn around, you see a flashy infomercial for yet another diet program, such as the Whole 30 diet? Since statistics show that Americans spent at least 2.5 billion dollars on commercial diet programs in 2014 alone, it stands to reason that the numbers have increased.

Unfortunately, many current studies about how effective these programs are, prove to be inconclusive.

Doctors and registered dieticians use the 2015 revised USDA food guidelines as a standard for maintaining a healthy weight. These guidelines have been studied for years and have proven results for healthy adults and children. However, some of the recommendations may be modified under medical supervision for effective weight loss.

Why Try Whole30?

If you have battled the bulge any time during your life, you’re no stranger to fad diets. Some of them range from the benign to the bizarre. Most of these ask you to take nutritional supplements, drink unpalatable shakes, follow complicated menus, or nix some of the primary food groups your body needs. Your body craves a variety and will bore quickly with limited food options.

At first, people tend to lose some weight with fad diets, which is often water loss. Most people eventually fail on these impractical diet scams, and they gain back the weight plus some. The results are heavier people with slimmer wallets who are still part of America’s obesity epidemic.

Remember the wise saying that things which sound too good to be true usually are? Science and research demonstrate that people who lose at a slow and steady pace are apt to lose more weight and keep it off than with fad dieting. Unlike many of the countless diet trends on the market today, the Whole 30 diet plan doesn’t make unrealistic claims of quick weight loss with minimal effort.

Before you launch another diet and fitness program like the Whole30 diet, consider the pros and cons that dieticians have shared. As with similar commercial diet programs, experts have analyzed how nutritionally sound and safe this program is. The Whole 30 diet has a lot in common with other high-protein, low-fat, and low-carbohydrate diets.

How Does the Whole 30 Diet Plan Work?

This eating plan was the brainchild of Dallas Hartwig and his wife, Melissa Urban, who introduced it in 2009. The Hartwigs are certified nutritionists interested in eliminating certain foods to minimize body inflammation while encouraging weight loss and boosting energy. It was a process of trial and error.

For thirty days, the couple determined to eat only whole, minimally processed food. They eliminated sugar, dairy, whole wheat, soy, alcohol, and processed food since they can cause inflammation. After the month-long trial, the Hartwigs were impressed with their success and decided to share their program with the world in a best-selling book.

The Hartwig’s plan is an elimination diet that targets certain food groups as the enemy. These diets have been around for a long time and continue in cycles. The usual culprits up for elimination include starchy foods (carbohydrates), sugar, dairy, legumes, caffeine, alcohol, most fruits, and anything processed.

The food elimination list from the Whole 30 diet plan is hardly unique. Your monthly eating plan includes red meat, fish, poultry, most vegetables, fruit, and heart-healthy oils instead of forbidden food. According to the Hartwigs, you don’t need to measure foods or count calories to lose weight and feel great on their plan.

While most of the plan looks good on paper, how does it measure up to nutritional guidelines and long-term success? Is Hartwig’s plan sustainable for weight loss, or can it be chalked up as another fad diet? Consider these pros and cons of the Whole30 diet plan.

Pros of the Whole30 Diet Program

1. The Diet Encourages You to Eat Whole Foods

You remember the axiom that says if you can’t pronounce the ingredients, don’t eat it? The Whole 30 diet plan centers around whole foods and those that are processed as least as possible. Some nutritionists advise that the best foods to consume are those with five or fewer ingredients.

Since experts recommend that we eliminate as many overly processed foods as possible, the Whole 30 diet plan complies. Processed foods are often laden with sugar, salt, and questionable additives high in calories and low in nutrition. You are bound to see good results if you incorporate more whole foods and less processed ones into your diet.

2. The Whole 30 Diet Program Includes Heart-Healthy Fats

Medical science concurs that a diet low in saturated fats is healthy for your heart and your body. Consuming too much puts people at risk for obesity, heart conditions, diabetes, strokes, and other maladies. Many circulating fad diets distort these facts and encourage adherents to all but eliminate fat from their meals.

Health experts explain that our bodies need a certain amount of fat in our diets to be healthy, such as unsaturated fats. The Whole30 diet plan allows you to eat heart-healthy fats like olive oil, fatty fish, and nuts in moderation. These fats nourish your body cells and are necessary for proper brain function.

3. This Diet Eliminates Added Sugar and Sodium

Most people realize that too much sugar and salt in their diets can be catastrophic for their health. Yet, you would be surprised at the seemingly innocent foods that are secretly loaded with salt and sugar for taste quality. No wonder so many diet programs, including Whole30, encourage people to read labels and eliminate these.

However, the Whole 30 takes it a step further and asks followers to nix artificial sweeteners and natural ones like honey, maple syrup, and agave—the only approved sweetener in certain fruit juices. Since the Whole 30 diet discourages added sugar and salt, it follows healthy guidelines.

4. You May Discover New Foods and Seasoning Options

When you have several foods restricted from your diet, it may force you to consider other options. Since the program advocates meals that are generous with veggies, you may try some that you’ve never tasted. You will be expanding your palate while reducing your waistline.

Since salt is a no-no on the Whole30 plan, you may delight in experimenting with fresh herbs and spices for new taste sensations. Many herbs and spices have other health benefits that you may reap after a while. You may be amazed at what you’ve been missing.

Cons of the Whole 30 Lifestyle

1. Forbidden Fruit Tastes the Sweetest

Boredom and the feeling of deprivation are the chief saboteurs of any diet plan. You probably enjoy variety in your food choices as much as anyone else. When you hear that food is forbidden, you usually ruminate over it until you give in to your cravings.

Instead of teaching people to make smart choices and everything in moderation, the Whole30 diet eliminates entire food groups, like whole grains and beneficial carbohydrates. Such a restrictive diet may be unrealistic and set you up for failure.

2. This Diet Eliminates Dairy Products

While it’s true that some people who are lactose intolerant should steer clear of dairy products, the same isn’t right for everyone. Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese are rich sources of the calcium and Vitamin D necessary for healthy bones, teeth, and other systems in your body.

Eliminating dairy from your body may cause you to be deficient in calcium and Vitamin D, putting you at risk for brittle bone disease and osteoporosis. A better approach would be to choose low-fat dairy products and keep your daily portions controlled.

3. Should You Eliminate Whole Grains for Your Diet?

Unless you have celiac disease or can’t tolerate gluten, nutritionists recommend a diet fortified with delicious whole grains. Do you honestly think you can create a sustainable lifestyle by eliminating an entire food group that benefits your health?

Much of the fiber you consume each day is provided by whole grains like wheat, oats, brown rice, and popcorn. Your body requires fiber for proper digestion and to boost the feelings of fullness. Whole grains are also nutritional powerhouses linked with lower risks of cancer, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

4. This Plan Doesn’t Fit Every Budget

As you read through the Whole30 plan, suggested menus and recipes, you may notice many ingredients that aren’t on your usual grocery list. These items may be difficult to find in your area, and you may need to order them online. Additionally, many of these suggested foods can be quite pricey and may not be practical on a limited food budget.

You may sacrifice and purchase luxury ingredients for a while, but it can be discouraging and hard on your wallet. If a diet requires expensive components that are a bother to find, chances are you won’t stick to it. If you enjoy a generous grocery budget, are single, or there’s just the two of you, this objection may not be an issue.

Final Thoughts on Deciding if the Whole 30 Program is Right for You

If you can deal with a restrictive diet that may increase your grocery budget, then the Whole30 menu may be for you. However, these restrictions can be detrimental to your health in the long run and maybe hurt more than help. Before you consider this or any other diet and fitness regimen, talk to your healthcare provider or a registered dietician.

10 Long Distance Date Ideas for Couples to Build Bonds

June 2, 2020 by Power of Positivity

They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder, primarily when you long distance date, your love. Perhaps you swooned over stories about lovelorn ladies writing to their beaus who were soldiers overseas. These heartfelt situations make some of the best romantic movies.

Some of the most common distant relationships still involve deployed military personnel and their lovers or spouses. Studies reveal that regular communication is vital to keep the bonds of love healthy while another partner is away. They found that hearing each other’s affirmation of love helped them cope with the difficulty of being apart.

Another familiar way that couples must love from a distance is while attending college. These couples realize that their education is essential to their future, so they sacrifice proximity for successful home life in the long run. For others, a lucrative out-of-town job may keep their partner away for days or weeks.

The temporary separation may be even more challenging for the partners who are away because they are homesick and lovesick at the same time. For centuries, love letters were the glue that kept distant relationships together. Today, computer applications like Zoom and Skype provide couples a chance to chat face-to-face in real-time.

How to Bring Your Hearts Closer When Your Lover Is Away

No one said that long-distance relationships are easy. It involves patience, understanding, and a lot of communication. However, relationship experts warn against constant contact because it could be perceived as controlling or desperately needy.

Are you cultivating a long-distance date night with your person? It’s not easy to be away from the one who holds your heart. However, you can still boost the romance factor in your relationship with long distance date ideas.

1. Watch a Movie Together

What were the movies you watched together when you first started to date? Surprisingly, not every couple bonded over romantic comedies or drama. Many found common ground while watching slap-stick comedy, adventure, and even thrillers.

Why not choose a flick from your favorite genre and watch it together on Zoom or Skype? Bring the total movie theater experience and suggest that your partner also makes some popcorn and snacks. Sit back, relax, and revel in each other’s company as you watch a beloved movie or pick a new one to view.

2. Have a Dinner for Two

Many treasured dates are spent around the table enjoying excellent food, drink, and romance. Food has been the language of love since the beginning. Even a lavish plate of delicacies and a vintage wine doesn’t taste the same when you dine alone.

You needn’t forego dinner reservations just because your sweetheart is miles away. Recreate the ambiance for dinner pour Deux over the computer, complete with candles and roses. Both of you dress in your most beautiful, have your preferred meal delivered, and dine together via Facetime.

3. Play Your Favorite Board Game or Video Game

Thanks to modern technology, you can play videos with other gaming enthusiasts from around the world. You can see the gaming scene, but specific programs allow you to see and talk to the other players. If you and your distant amour are gamers, it makes an ideal long distance date.

Ok, what if you both prefer traditional board games over high-tech video ones? Use a face-to-face program to play many of the classic games you love. These virtual games are just as easy to play as the real ones, and you can enjoy quality time with a little friendly competition.

4. Enjoy a Beautiful Sunrise or Sunset

What is it about the heavenly bodies that mesmerize us or instantly put us in a romantic mood? Think of the sweet whispers of love you’ve shared while gazing at a breathless sunrise or sunset. The minutes between dusk and dawn have always had a magical quality that entrances lovers.

It’s comforting to know that wherever your darling is, you can see the same sun, moon, and stars. If you are both in different time zones, you can schedule a long distance date to revel in a sunrise or sunset. Even if you are a day behind, you can watch the sunrise while it sets where your lover is and wish each other good morning or sweet dreams.

5. Get Cozy with a Good Book

The famous author C.S. Lewis proclaimed that when we read, we know that we are not alone. If work, school, or military deployment has taken your partner to faraway places for a while, you know about lonely. A long-distance date idea you might consider is sharing a good book.

Think of it as a book club for two. Choose a title, get a copy for both of you, and then read and discuss it during your virtual date. Do you have a panache for poetry? Why not learn to each other from your favorite poet or share some sonnets of love.

If you love to read, you probably enjoy writing, too. Have you ever thought of penning a short love story with you and your partner as the main characters? You might also try your hand at writing a heartfelt poem dedicated to your darling.

6. Share a Night of Romance under the Stars

Imagine lying with your lover on the lawn, caressed by the moon under a blanket of stars. Have the two of you ever relaxed in a hammock on a balmy evening and wished on a shooting star? Stargazing is a heavenly way to spend your long-distance date.

Bring your computers outside and use your video camera to give each other a glimpse of the night skies as it appears on each other’s side of the world. Try to trace the constellations as you delight in your lover’s company. Imagine you both are whisked away into the Starry Night by Van Gogh during this extended distant date.

7. Bring Out your Inner Artists

Since nobody has figured out if life imitates art or the other way around, we can assume that the two are intimately connected. Are you or your distant sweetheart a budding artist? You needn’t be Leonardo Da Vinci to channel what inspires you onto paper.

While it’s attractive to use various mediums for your art, a simple pencil and a sheet of paper will do. Have fun on your virtual long-distance date and hone your artistic skills together. Have you ever considered posing for each other to draw romantic portraits? These inspiring drawings can be as intimate as you like since they are for your eyes only.

8. Brainstorm and Daydream Together

Some of your fondest memories may have been the times you spent planning your future as a couple. Perhaps you lay on a blanket on the beach listening to the waves thunder their approval of your dreams. A long distance date may not have been on your plan, but you can still embrace the hopes and dreams that sparked your love.

While chatting live on your long-distance date, continue to share your dreams. You might need to adjust the goals and timing a bit, but they are still yours. Keep a journal together of your aspirations, and revisit them when you long to be together in person.

9. Fall in Love Again with Your Favorite Music

Just about every couple has an enduring song they claim as their own. Usually, this song invokes a particular time and place when you first heard it. Maybe it was played the first time you danced together or a song from your wedding.

Bring the magic of music into your time together and listen to some of your favorite songs. If you like to sing, you might surprise your distant mate with a karaoke version. If you are instrumentally talented, you can play the piano or guitar while you serenade each other.

10. Surprise Gift Exchange

Have you ever bought a gift for your lover just with the thoughts of the look on his face when he opens it? Unfortunately, you can’t have the same satisfaction when you send your gift through the mail, or can you? If you can resist the temptation and wait, you can open surprise gifts as a long distance date idea.

Send each other something thoughtful that each will love, and it needn’t be expensive. Are you a crafty person? Why not create a beautiful item by hand rather than to buy something? Handmade gifts are often more treasured than something from the department store.

On your face-to-face long distance date, open the gifts simultaneously to see the reactions. For some of these virtual gift exchanges, you both may consider gifting a humorous gag item for a memorable laugh. It doesn’t need to be a birthday or a holiday to send your special someone a gift that says you long to be with them again.

Final Thoughts of Keeping a Connection with These Long Distance Date Ideas

Modern technology and telecommunications have made virtual dating a reality. Whether your partner or spouse is in another city or across the globe, try some of these long distance date ideas. When you are in love, time and distance don’t matter.

Nutritionists Reveal 15 Reasons to Add Dandelions to Your Menu

June 2, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Are you quick to chop down the dandelions that grow in your yard? Does the very sight of their presence make you see red? Before you fire up the lawnmower or weed eater to get rid of this weed, you may want to gather some up for your kitchen?

You can use the entire dandelion from the root to the flower. It has many health properties that can improve your wellbeing. This weed has been used since ancient times, and it belongs to the Asteraceae family.

Dandelion flowers are a delicacy in many areas. They have been used since the 19th century to help with medical issues. In fact, it was a pharmacist that first discovered their medicinal properties.

Most people cut these flowers down, but if they are left to grow, they can get up to 24″ tall. Shockingly, the roots can grow up to 15′ in length. Some people say they taste like coffee when you drink them in tea.

15 Ways Dandelion Promotes Better Health

How can this annoying weed be so beneficial to your body? It’s packed with vitamins like A, B, C, and D, but it also has fantastic minerals like zinc, potassium, and iron. Here are 15 reasons why you need to think twice before whacking that pesky weed from your lawn.

1. It Can Lower Your Cholesterol

Studies prove that eating the root of dandelions can lower your cholesterol levels. It can reduce both bad cholesterol and triglycerides.

Additionally, it will increase the good cholesterol too. It’s way better for you than the statin drugs with all the side effects.

2. It Can Help with Your Weight Loss

This edible weed is exceptionally beneficial if you need help fighting the battle of the bulge. The root of this flower can help to strengthen your liver by removing the toxins from your body.

The fat in your food is flushed rather than absorbed. The extra fat deposits are avoided, and they are used for the energy you need to thrive.

3. Dandelion Can Ease Jaundice

Jaundice is a dangerous condition where the liver is not functioning correctly. Thankfully, this weed helps to promote liver health, and it will also regulate your bile production. It’s a natural diuretic, so it will cause you to urinate and remove the overproduction causing the problem.

4. It Treats High Blood Pressure

Remember how we said that dandelion is a natural diuretic? Well, flushing the excess fluids from your body can help to lower your blood pressure. Additionally, the high potassium content is also great for your BP.

5. It Can Reduce Inflammation

Did you know that inflammation is the root of most major illnesses that occur within the body? When a person has a high rate of inflammation, they can develop things like cancer or heart disease.

The root from the dandelion plant can help ease inflammation in both the joints and muscles, making moving around much more manageable. People suffering from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and other ailments that cause stiffness can significantly benefit from its healing properties.

Learn 18 juice recipes to support your immune system (including a dandelion root juice)

6. Improve Your Bone Health

The calcium-rich content in the dandelion can help to strengthen the bones. Plus, this weed is high in antioxidants that can prevent damage caused by the aging process. Since it’s packed with Vitamin-C and Luteolin, the powerful components are a powerhouse to protect the bones.

7. Antioxidants to Promote Cellular Health

Dandelions help to prevent free-radical damage that occurs in the cell’s DNA. The aging process affects not only the body but the cellular structure too. Every single part of this weed is rich in antioxidants.

Since it has such a high vitamin A and C content, it improves liver function. The liver makes a chemical called superoxide dismutase. What is superoxide dismutase?

It’s an enzyme that breaks down oxygen molecules in the body that are malignant. The more of this enzyme you have in your body, the healthier you will be.

8. Eliminates Your Reliance on NSAID Medications

Dandelions have leaves that stop inflammation–and pain– before it starts. However, they also suppress COX-2 enzymes in the body. It has the same benefits as taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug you get at the local drugstore.

While going to the drugstore for an NSAID medication may help, there are numerous risks to taking these drugs long term. You can develop stomach problems or even have a heart attack.

Dandelions don’t have any of these risks, and they are good for you and what ails you.

9. Good for Eye Health

Everyone thinks that carrots are the highest fruit or vegetable with beta-carotene. However, while they do have a high level, others can compare. Dandelion root has as many carotenoids as carrots, which means they are loaded with beta-carotene.

Making sure you have an adequate level of carotenoids important. Macular degeneration is a significant problem as people begin to age, and it’s the leading cause of blindness for those over 65 years of age.

However, dandelions can reduce the risk by up to 43 percent of developing this condition. The abundant levels of carotenoids are good for your eye health.

10. Resolves Digestive Problems

Digestive problems can often cause constipation. Chronic bouts with illness can be painful to bear. By taking the root of several dandelions and crushing them into a powder, you can improve your digestion.

Another benefit to the root of this weed is that it’s been known to help with appetite suppression. If you always have an upset stomach and reach for the “pink stuff” to cure it, you should try something that nature provides. There are no side effects or horrible aftertaste to this plant.

11. Fights Against Kidney Disorders

Dandelion root is full of sodium, which can help you to eliminate toxins in your body. Your kidneys need sodium to remove salts, waste, and excess water from you. This process helps to purify the blood and replace any potassium that’s been lost.

Another benefit to those who have kidney disorders is that it can clear microbial growths. These growths come from bacteria within the urinary system. This process also flushes these growths to thwart any potential infections, which can be deadly when you have compromised kidneys.

12. High in Iron to Fight Anemia

Anemia is a condition where the body lacks iron. Having a blood level too low in iron can be dangerous as it can cause fatigue, dizziness, and a plethora of other problems. Thankfully, dandelion root has a high iron content.

The high content of iron can help your body to build red blood cells, which can treat anemia. If you’ve ever had to take iron supplements, you know how awful they can be on your system. Dandelion root is a much better option.

13. Shows Promise in Fighting Cancer

Cancer has become so prevalent in our society that it’s almost a plague. Surprisingly, studies show that dandelion root shows great promise in treating colorectal cancer. If someone already has cancer and starts taking this weed, it can slow the growth.

The study cited stated, that dandelion root “selectively reduced the metabolic activity of aggressive colon cancer cells.”

Could this be the answer that the medical community is looking for?

14. Diabetes Care

Diabetes patients have a responsibility to get their sugar down quickly. Cell and nerve damage begins when levels are over 200 MPD. The problem with this condition is that insulin production is decreased, and it’s not sufficient to keep the body’s glucose levels where they need to be.

To treat this medical condition, you need to use medications or insulin, both of which come with substantial side effects. Dandelion gives patients another option. Did you know that dandelion can help a person with diabetes to maintain proper sugar levels?

You may be able to decrease or stop diabetic medications with the help of this edible weed and your doctor.

15. Dandelions Make an Awesome Tea

Whether to savor or for medicinal purposes, dandelions are amazing. You can fry these edible weeds, put them in soups, or make a delicious tea. Here is a great tea recipe that you should try:

•1 Tbsp. roasted/baked dandelion root
•1/2 Tsp. chopped, organic ginger
•1 Cardamom Seed
•12 oz. of water
•Honey to your taste

Directions:

Put all ingredients except honey in a pot and bring to a boil. Allow it to boil for five to ten minutes. Strain away the seeds and add honey or another sweetener. This tea can be served hot or cold, and you can experiment by adding other fruits to the mix.

Final Thoughts on How the Simple Dandelion Can Change Your Life

There are many weeds in the garden of life. Some of these weeds are a nuisance, and others have amazing medicinal properties. The dandelion is such a flower that can bring powerful resolve to your medical issues.

Whether you have diabetes or high blood pressure, this pure weed can take care of it. It’s delicious to eat and even better for your body. Quit wasting money on over-the-counter remedies that may work but have terrible side effects.

Rather than reaching for ibuprofen or aspirin, why not reach for nature’s equivalent? From the root to the leaves, it’s all usable. You can cook with it or drink it as a tea, but it can keep you healthy as can be.

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