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20 Surprising Things That Cause People To Fart

May 31, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Fart, toot, flatulence, or a bit of wind. No matter what you call it, it’s embarrassing when foul-smelling gas slips out in public. Some people wonder why this happens. So, what are 20 things that cause you to fart?

When a large amount of gas is in our stomach or intestines, you get bloated and gassy. This excess makes you fart, which is just your body getting rid of the gas. Farts can stink to high heaven. This odor is because the gas escaping from your anus contains sulfur, which can have a rotten egg smell to it.

Do you have fart a lot?

It may seem obvious when you have gas, but there are several symptoms of gas you may not be as aware of

Lots of burping-Belching or burping during or after meals is typical. But if you are burping a lot, it could be because you swallowed too much air while you were eating. The wind didn’t reach your stomach but escaped through your mouth.
Farting-You fart around thirteen to twenty-one times a day. Believe it or not, most people on average have anywhere from .5 to 1.5 liters of gas floating around in their digestive tract.
Bloating-When your stomach feels full and maybe swollen. Air is not expelling as a burp or a fart.
Pain in your stomach- This condition happens when you have a lot of air in your stomach that doesn’t move through your intestines.

Things that cause you to fart

Everybody farts, but some everyday things cause farting.

1. Swallowing air

It’s common to swallow air when you eat or drink. Certain foods or drinks cause you to take in more breath than usual, and this makes you fart or burp. These include.

Carbonated sodas, seltzer water
Chewing gum
Hard candies

You also swallow air when you do some things

Smoke
Drink too quickly
Eat too quickly
Wear loose-fitting dentures

When you swallow air, you’ll burp, but some air goes into your stomach then into your intestines, causing you to fart.

2. Bacteria in the large intestine

Sometimes your stomach and small intestine don’t wholly digest foods-especially fibers, sugar, or starches. These undigested carbs move into your large intestine, where they start to ferment as the bacteria begin to break them down. The result is especially smelly farts that could make your cat pass out.

3. Eating gas-producing foods

Some foods have a reputation for causing gas.

Cruciferous vegetables-cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts
Legumes-lentils, black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans
High fructose fruits-apples, watermelon, mango
Sweeteners-Xylitol, sorbitol, and mannitol can cause bloating and gas
Sodas-The combination of carbonation and sugar can pack a punch when it comes to producing gas.

4. Having IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS causes bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. If you notice that you get gas when you eat certain foods, you may want to try to eliminate these foods. Most people who have IBS eat a Low FODMAP diet to ease their symptoms. FODMAP stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharide, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols, which are carbohydrates and sugar alcohols that your body doesn’t easily digest.

5. Hormonal changes

As if going through menopause isn’t enough, hormonal changes like this increase the gas in your body. Doctors aren’t sure if this is due to progesterone or estrogen, but studies show that postmenopausal women said they had changes in their bowels, such as excess farting.

6. You’re lactose intolerant

If you’re lactose intolerant, your body can’t completely digest the lactose found in milk and milk products. Lactose intolerance is uncomfortable and embarrassing if you fart a lot after eating dairy products. This scenario happens because your body doesn’t have enough of an enzyme called lactase. Most people who are lactose intolerant can substitute milk and dairy products for almond milk, coconut milk, and cheeses made from nut fats (like cashew cheese).

7. Celiac disease

Celiac disease or CD is a rare disease. Those who have CD suffer from bloating and excessive farting, which can cause embarrassment and discomfort. Many people with CD avoid social or professional gatherings. It’s a rare disease that isn’t serious but can lead to complications like anemia, malabsorption, osteoporosis, or internal lymphoma.

Studies found that CD is very rare. Many people who think they have it have Irritable bowel disease, pancreatic insufficiency, lactose intolerance, or an overgrowth of bacterial growth in the intestines. If you’re diagnosed with CD, you should eat a gluten-free diet to reduce symptoms.

8. Fructose intolerance

If you have fructose intolerance, your body can’t digest sugar fructose, which is the simple sugars in fruits. Eliminating high fructose foods helps reduce the side effects of fructose intolerance like farting and bloating.

Studies found that some people suffer from hereditary fructose intolerance because they lack an enzyme that helps break down the fructose. This deficiency makes them prone to conditions like hypoglycemia or low blood sugar or liver problems.

9. Smoking

Studies suggest that although smoking doesn’t cause farting directly, indirectly, it contributes to the problem. This outcome is because smoking affects your digestive system causing heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, ulcers, and some liver diseases. Smoking puts you at risk for heartburn, which causes burping and farting.

10. Constipation and hot farts

No, the term “hot farts” does not refer to the name of a new rock band. When constipates, your gastro system doesn’t work correctly, so you get backed up. This crowding means there is less room for gas to move around.

You won’t pass as much gas, so your farts come out hot or warm. Other things that can cause hot farts are spicy foods, too tight of pants, and diarrhea. So, if anyone asks you about hot farts, consider yourself informed.

11. Overgrowth of bacteria

If you have an increase in bacteria in your small intestines, you’ll end up with gassiness. Bacterial imbalances in your gut happen when you’ve had the stomach flu or an infection. It takes a while for your gut to get back to the right balance of flora in your gut. In the meantime, you’ll be tooting more. Take probiotics to help your gut return to normal.

Learn the lesser-known red flags of early stages of colon cancer (including gassiness).

12. Peptic ulcers

A peptic ulcer causes a tear in your stomach lining and your small intestine’s upper area. The symptoms often get worse at night with burning and severe pain. One study reported that people who have peptic ulcers have symptoms like gut discomfort, flatulence, nausea, or vomiting three hours after eating.

13. Too much fiber

All you hear about is to eat lots of fiber, but you can overeat fiber. The tough parts of some plants can cause problems for some people. The body has trouble digesting it. Undigested foods get to the large intestine or colon, so bacteria in the bowels start to ferment, which produces smelly farts. Both soluble and insoluble fibers can cause this in plants such as beans, greens, fruits, and some vegetables. Eat a balanced diet of grain and other food so you won’t overload your gut.

14. Diabetes

If you have diabetes, you will be prone to excess farts. This is because of the medications you take or the excess glucose in your blood. All in all, your gut bacteria balance is off, so you will find yourself tooting a lot.

15. Eating high sulfur foods

Eating foods high in sulfur causes some people trouble. These foods and drinks include:

Beer
Wine
Cider
Apple juice
Grape juice
Dried fruits
Alum vegetables: onions, garlic, chives, leeks, shallots
Cruciferous vegetables: broccoli, cabbage

Certain nuts, grains, and meats also are high in sulfur and cause you to fart more than usual.

16. Gluten intolerance

For some people, gluten is a problem. It causes a swollen stomach and lots of farting. Gluten is a protein that’s in wheat, barley, and rye. It’s also hidden in soy sauce, beer, and even some tortilla chips.

17. Processed foods

You knew that processed and fast foods weren’t healthy, but did you know they make you fart? Burgers, pizza, and fries are high in fat and low in nutrition. Overeating processed food will upset your gut health. You’ll feel more bloated, burp more, and fart a lot. So ditch the fast food for fewer farts.

18. Significant changes to your diet

If you’ve made any significant changes to your diet, you may experience gas and excess farting. Going vegan or vegetarian, cutting out, or adding food to your regular diet can upset your gut’s balance. Your stomach should settle down eventually, but in the meantime, you’ll probably be tooting up a storm.

19. Flying

You may never fly again without thinking about this fact: flying makes you fart. If you don’t believe it, check out the study that says flatulence occurs when you’re flying due to cabin pressure changes. If you try to hold it in, you’ll feel very uncomfortable. But letting it rip will cause you social discomfort. It’s a problem. Don’t say you weren’t warned.

20. Healthy eating

So you try hard to eat well, and what do you get? Farts. That’s right; many of the healthy foods you eat don’t get digested at the same time. Undigested foods that sit in the small intestine start to ferment, causing smelly old farts. It doesn’t seem fair, our healthiest foods like vegetables, whole grains, and beans, cause the smelliest farts.

Final Thoughts on Understanding the Causes of Farts

Farts can be embarrassing, especially the stinkers. But, rest assured, they are a natural part of the human body’s digestive process. So. Go ahead. Let ‘er rip. Just have someone nearby who you can blame for the eruption.

4 Things You Shouldn’t Try During Self-Isolation

May 31, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Self-isolation can be disorienting. You may suddenly have a lot of free time and no way or place to spend it. That boredom can lead to a lot of different solutions, some of which are more ill-advised than others.

A lot of people attempt new things during social isolation. To some degree, that’s a positive way to keep your mind engaged, but when taken to an extreme, it can endanger you and those around you.

Here are four things you shouldn’t try during self-isolation.

1. Handy Projects

When you’re stuck at home, you’re more likely to notice problems around the house – and you’re also more likely to cause those problems since your home is now where you are almost 24/7. You may break things, notice more appliances that need maintenance, or simply wind up overusing something into its last legs.

There’s a reason that there are actual professionals who train specifically to do these types of tasks. You need to have an understanding of how these projects and a lot of underlying factors work before you can pull them off without a hitch. Here are some projects you just shouldn’t DIY:

· Glass Repair

Repairing glass is harder than it sounds, and it’s dangerous. When there is more than half an inch of damage in the glass, perhaps in the form of divots, holes, or chips, replacements and fixes need to be made – by a professional!

Repairing glass often involves the pouring of resin into the cracks and broken areas. It sounds simple, but the process is far from it. This is because the way resin sets may vary based on factors such as humidity and temperature. Resin can contract and expand, so putting too much resin can cause it to harden into an even worse chip, hole, or divot, thus becoming more of a safety concern.

Even glass repair kits aren’t fully reliable. For safety purposes, get a professional to do the job.

· Remodeling

It’s tempting to finally get around to fixing or remodeling your home when you have all this free time in social isolation. But projects for home improvement and reconstruction aren’t all safe to do on your own. The most basic DIYs are doable, but more complex or ambitious projects require a more expert hand.

Projects, where you need to work from heights, can put you in danger without the right equipment. Those that involve your home’s essential systems could wind up damaging them. New construction projects could be too weakly built and wind up in danger of collapsing. Difficult-to-use tools can cause injuries. All in all, if you’re looking to do remodeling, you should leave it to the pros.

· Plumbing

Plumbing is essential to a home, and it’s tempting to want to fix plumbing issues by yourself, especially since you may not be able to hire a professional but could need plumbing work done urgently. You should consider the complexity of the job first. If you’re not confident in your ability to fix the damage, you should just hire a professional plumber Sydney. If you’re dealing with problematic drains at home, you may look for a plumber that can provide you with the best drain cleaning solution.

For example, opening the catcher of a sink and emptying it out to stop clogging is a simple job that you’re unlikely to need too much expertise for. The same goes for unclogging a toilet that just needs a little help.

But when it comes to things like replacing pipes, fixing issues that you aren’t 100% sure about, or taking apart a toilet bowl to figure out why it’s leaking, you had better wait for professionals instead. Even in times of isolation, plumbers are essential workers who will likely be available for hire – but think carefully about how urgently you need the issue fixed before leaping. Craftsman Plumbing – plumbing installation in Seattle may be contacted by Seattle homeowners who need to replace or install new plumbing fixtures.

Read tips on getting an organized home on a tight budget.

2. Visiting Friends

Loneliness is one of the critical problems with social isolation. Even introverts who prefer their own company within their own four walls need some degree of social interaction. Those who led vibrant social lives or are extroverts that thrive in social situations will likely feel this pain even more.

There’s undoubtedly much to be said about loneliness and positive thinking, as well as mental and physical health in general, and these effects can linger for months. Potential problems include:

Higher mortality rates
Higher risk of mental degeneration
Increase symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and anger

In this time, you might be tempted to simply sneak out of your social isolation and meet with a friend, especially if you’re young or think you’ll be safe. Sometimes all you want to do is just talk for a bit, or hug someone.

But these actions put your life and the lives of others at risk. Even those who don’t experience symptoms may be carrying viruses. So you or your friend could have the disease without even realizing it since you don’t usually seek a test that could come back positive when you have no symptoms.

Instead of visiting a friend in person, you can:

Text
Take part in video calls.
Play online games together
Watch a movie or series at the same time.

Read ten fun ways to make your Zoom calls to friends and family more engaging.

3. Appearance-Related Changes

There are a lot of jokes surrounding drastic appearance-related alterations during times of self-isolation. There’s a scientific reason for this, too – when a lot of things feel out of control, people attempt to take control over whatever they can to regain some positive thinking. This can result in changing aspects of oneself that wouldn’t have been changed otherwise.

It’s usually fine to make some changes – experimenting with new styles of makeup or fashion, using henna or non-toxic body paint to make aesthetic changes, and even dyeing hair are all relatively safe options for changes that can be made. But there are some things you have to leave to the professionals. Here are some examples:

· Waxing

Waxing is already such a painful process in itself when done by professionals, and even professionals can leave you with some bleeding or wounds. Trying to do it all yourself can potentially be harmful to you, and without an expert on hand, you’ll have nowhere to go for help.

If you’re aching to remove some hair, try shaving first, or get your hands on some hair removal cream. And if you really are that desperate for a wax, stick to less difficult areas like your legs.

· Haircuts

Cutting your own hair seems to be a common theme in self-isolation, especially among those who usually have short hair that is now getting out of control. It’s tempting to reach for the scissors and get to snipping without the help of a pro!

It’s usually pretty harmless to try cutting your hair on your own, but you have to be prepared for the consequences. Ask yourself if you’d feel alright with an absolutely awful haircut that you have to see in the mirror every day in self-isolation. More likely than not, that will affect your positive thinking. That said, if you’ve cut your hair on your own with satisfactory results before, there’s no reason you can’t try doing so again now.

· Dermaplaning

Dermaplaning isn’t a widespread form of skincare, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t people who do it. Therefore, they might be tempted to try it on their own. Dermaplaning refers to the act of shaving your skin very close to your face to remove peach fuzz and dead skin.

This very close shaving means you risk injuring yourself with cuts and even permanently causing paralysis and other issues due to incorrect action. Luckily, there are DIY-safe options that, as long as you perform them gently, can work as alternatives. Microneedling and dimmer rollers are examples of safe options that can do the trick without professional aid.

· Piercings

Some people get a feeling of adrenaline surge when they think about piercing their skin. But it’s a hazardous process, and when done unprofessionally, it can lead to medical complications involving infections, nerve damage, and other severe conditions.

Even if you do manage to escape medical consequences, you still run the risk of uneven piercings, lousy choice of piercing location, and incorrect aftercare that can cause the hole to close again. Let’s leave the piercings to the experts.

· Botox

Almost no one thinks of Botox as something safe to do themselves, but it warrants a reminder regardless. When someone is used to regular botox treatments, being alone and unable to access that treatment might make them choose to attempt it at home.

The only way to access non-official Botox is via the black market, which contains unregulated products. You don’t know for sure what’s in any of those kits, and they can wind up paralyzing you or severely damaging your face through necrosis, infections, and irreversible damage.

Even if you do manage to get your hands on a genuine Botox product, chances are you won’t know how to inject it properly. This is something you need to leave to professionals.

Don’t neglect your self-care during self-isolation.

4. Working Longer Hours

If you’re fortunate enough to be working from home with the same or close to the same salary during self-isolation, you need to adjust to your living space now functioning as your workspace. For those who aren’t used to working from home, this can cause decreased productivity, but it can also cause the complete opposite – like being unable to switch your brain’s work-mode off.

When your personal and professional lives collide, you may begin to have trouble putting a clear separation between them. Combine that with self-isolation boredom, and you may feel the urge to work non-stop. This habit isn’t a positive one, and it can mess up your sleep cycle while adding to depressive symptoms.

Work the same number of hours you worked before self-isolation. If you’re looking for a way to fill your time, consider these options instead:

Pampering yourself with self-care
Do a little spring cleaning.
Engaging in a hobby you don’t usually have time for
Learning a new skill
Relaxing with a book, TV show, or game you’ve wanted to get into

Avoid becoming a workaholic during self-isolation.

Final Thoughts On Some Things You Shouldn’t Try During Self-Isolation

Self-isolation is difficult as it is. You don’t need to add to its struggles by trying out difficult or dangerous things at this time! Leave hard jobs to the professionals, abide by self-isolation guidelines, and take care of your mental health first.

12 Budget Cuts Your Family Will Barely Notice

May 30, 2020 by Power of Positivity

If the phrase budget cuts, conjure up visions of your family eating beans and rice for the next month, think again. Simple budget cuts can create significant savings. It takes a bit of planning and creativity, but you can make budget cuts without your family even noticing… too much.

12 Budget Cuts That Your Family Will Not Mind

1. Use energy-efficient light bulbs

Who would have thought you could save money by simpling changing your light bulbs? It’s true! Using an incandescent light bulb for five hours a day for one year costs you approximately $16 depending upon where you live in the U.S. But if you use an LED light bulb for the same length of time, it costs you only $6 a year. Energy-efficient LED bulbs’ initial cost will be more, but your overall savings using them will be significant. It’s a simple way to cut your budget, and your family will be none the wiser for it.

2. Online grocery shopping

Online grocery shopping has become famous for its convenience, but you can also save money using these services. Buying your groceries online helps you to see exactly what you’re paying for each so you can stick within your budget. Grocery stores place items strategically at the end of aisles, so shoppers will pick up things when they walk by. Your impulse buying will go down when you buy your groceries online. Choose online grocery services that off coupons or free delivery, if possible. For even more savings, check out discount coupons online on HotDeals. This site aggregates the latest deals and promotions across various grocery retailers, making it easier for you to find and apply them to your online orders. Whether you’re ordering groceries for delivery or planning a pick-up, using coupons can make a big difference. By combining the convenience of online shopping with the savings from coupons, you can enjoy a more budget-friendly grocery experience without ever having to leave home.

Another option is to use your grocery store’s delivery service or pick up service. These services are free. All you do is order the things you want and arrange a delivery time. Or your store will do the shopping for you and all you need to do is pick them up. Most grocery stores have specially marked parking spots where you park, and someone brings your groceries out to your car.

3. Thrift store shopping

Thrift stores are packed with budget-saving items. Buying gently-used clothing is an easy way to save a bundle on clothing for your growing kids. Choose a store that is clean and well maintained. Charity organizations often run these stores, so you’re helping your community while saving money at the same time.

Clothing-Used clothing is excellent for growing kids. You can find slightly worn teeshirts, skirts, dresses, shorts, and jeans at thrift stores. Be picky though, don’t buy your kids used shoes-it’s not good for their feet. Kids grow so quickly. It’s great to find functional used clothing for a fraction of the cost of new.
Sporting equipment-Many thrift stores sell gently used sporting equipment. Avoid buying hats or helmets for hygienic reasons.
Household items- Dishes, glasses, wine goblets, and serving bowls are sold cheaply at a thrift store. Sometimes you can find a set of brand new dishes that have been donated from a large store.
Other things-Gently used toys, pictures, candle holders, jewelry, and books.
Discount Coupons– To maximize your savings, don’t forget to look for verified discounts from PriceThis. Using these coupons can further lower your spending and help you get even more for your money, whether it’s at the thrift store or your favorite grocery store. You can find everything from clothing to household goods while making the most of your budget!

4. Limit eating out

Eating out with a family is expensive; it can quickly trash your budget. Try taking your family out to eat once a month instead of once a week. Or you can order a take-out pizza from your favorite pizza place, using coupons if they offer them, instead of taking the whole family to the restaurant where you’re sure to spend more money. Find restaurants that offer kids-eat-free night or two dollar tacos once a week. Be strategic, most restaurants have coupons or exclusive deals, but you will need to shop around for them.

Check out our 30 expert personal finance tips for a new respect for your money.

5. Purchase flawed fruits and vegetables

Several online companies are selling imperfect fruits and vegetables. This produce often comes straight from local groceries but was rejected because it wasn’t perfect looking. You may get some misshapen carrots, but the produce is fresh and tastes great. These companies usually charge you a fee depending upon how much produce you want, so you won waste what you buy. The produce is conveniently delivered to your door, so you’ll save time as well as money.

6. Kids take their lunches

Another simple way to cut your budget is to have your kids take their lunches to school. Purchase good lunch containers,so the food stays hot or cold. There are many well-made boxes with convenient compartments. If your kids really want to buy lunch at school, arrange for them to buy once or twice a week. The school sends out the monthly menu so you and your kids can plan ahead what meals they want to buy.

7. Shop around for good cell phone prices

Your cell phone company may cut you a deal if they think you’ve decided to go with a switch cell phone carriers. You can also save a lot of money by switching to one of the smaller cell phone companies that use the same towers as the four bigger companies.

8. Keep a well-stocked pantry & create a weekly menu

Meal planning is a great way to save money. When you plan your meals, you won’t impulse buy or waste food. Plan your meals, then make a shopping list. Go to the store with your list in hand and only buy what is on the list.

Another great way to save is to have a stocked pantry at all times. This is helpful for last-minute cooking, baking, or when guests drop in. A stocked pantry should include:

Baking goods-flour, sugar, baking flour, baking soda, vanilla, chocolate chips, yeast, and corn starch.
Oils and vinegars-Olive oil, vegetable oil, coconut oil. Balsamic, apple cider, and white vinegar.
Spices-Salt, pepper, kosher salt or sea salt, basic spices you typically use.
Rice, Beans & Grains-Oatmeal, brown rice, white rice, quinoa, black and pinto beans, chili beans, pasta (assorted types your family likes.)
Potatoes and onions
Canned goods-Tomato sauce and tomato paste, canned diced tomatoes, spaghetti sauce, beef or chicken stock, canned chilis, salsa, canned corn or green beans.

Go through your pantry once a month to see what you need so you can keep it stocked up at all times.

Try our personal finance tips and get your money back on track.

9. Use those leftovers

Using leftovers will stretch your food budget. You’ll need to plan ahead so you can make use of your leftovers in the best way possible. See what proteins you plan to use that week, then think of various ways you could use the leftovers for other meals.

Here are some suggestions if you made

Left-over baked chicken turns into chicken tacos
Leftover rice turns into stir-fried rice (include scrambled eggs for protein)
Spaghetti turns into spaghetti pie (freeze it for next week)
Leftover hamburgers can chop up and turn into shepherd’s pie or hamburger mac and cheese

Your family won’t notice that you’ve stretched your food bill, but you will when you see the savings adding up.

10. Shop around for cheaper internet

Another way to save on your family budget is to shop around for cheaper internet service. Call your internet provider telling them you’re thinking of moving to another provider for a such-and-such rate. They’re motivated to keep you as their customer, so they’ll be willing to negotiate with you.

11. Join a warehouse store

Warehouse stores are great places to save money. Buying in bulk saves money and means you’ll make fewer trips to the grocery store. Many warehouse stores accept coupons, so you get double your savings on food, paper goods, diapers, and household items. Most warehouse stores charge you an annual fee, but you will easily get your money back. It’s a simple, painless way to cut your budget, and your family won’t notice… unless you make your them carry in all the stuff you bought.

12. Batch cooking and menu planning

The National Institute of Health recommends cooking your meals in batches to save money. Cook extra batches of taco meat or spaghetti sauce and then freeze them so they’ll be ready to pull out when you need them. This not only saves you time but also helps you resist the urge to order out when you’ve had a rough day at work. Create a two-week dinner menu. Then create your grocery list from your menu. Even if you decide to change a meal out from one night to another, you’ll have all the ingredients you need. This way, you have a plan, but you have some flexibility without going over your budget.

Final Thoughts: Budget Cuts Need Not Be Painful

There are so many simple but strategic ways to cut your budget. Your family won’t notice most of the little things you do. Whether it’s switching out your light bulbs to more energy-efficient ones or shopping at large warehouse stores to buy in bulk, small budget cuts can save you big bucks.

Use your creativity with leftovers and give your internet provider a call to see if they’ll offer you a better deal. Shop around for restaurants that offer special eat free nights for your kids, or use their coupons for discounted buy one, get one free item. There are lots of ways that make small budget cuts, so why not get started today?

How to Make Kombucha to Relieve Gas and Bloating

May 30, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Kombucha is an ancient beverage that originated in China more than 2,000 years and experienced an unexpected surge in popularity in the West in recent years. Slowly but surely, these specialty teas have made their way out of the refrigerated corners of specialty health food stores into the mainstream.

You’ve likely seen some of the more well-known brands on sale at your local grocery store. Even budget-friendly big-box retailers sell them now. The industry amasses nearly a billion dollars in sales annually.

What most consumers don’t realize is how easy and fun fermented tea can be to produce on your own. The equipment and raw materials are inexpensive. The process is surprisingly straightforward.

Among the many health benefits of kombucha is its impressive ability to alleviate gastrointestinal distress like gas and bloating – even when conventional medicines fail to promote relief.

In this article, we’ll introduce you to the world of fermented tea brewing, what you need, some tips for beginners, and the benefits of making your own.

What is Kombucha?

Traditionally, this fermented concoction is a simple combination of oolong tea, sugar, a bit of friendly “mother” bacteria called a SCOBY, and time. The tea is brewed commonly, after which the SCOBY and sugar are added. SCOBY is an acronym that stands for “symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast.” We’ll discuss the benefits of SCOBY later.

The mixture is covered with a cloth and let to brew for roughly two weeks.

Later in this article, we’ll offer step-by-step instructions to make perfectly brewed kombuchas every time. You don’t have to be an experienced chef or know your way around the kitchen — anyone can brew their own from home.

When it is finished, your tea will have a sweet-and-sour taste and a bubbly texture that sets it apart from any other tea incarnation in terms of sensory experience. The taste, as many home-brewers can attest to, is truly addictive.

The Science Behind Kombucha’s Gut Health Benefits

Understandably, the health-boosting claims of proponents of these teas may seem hard to believe initially. When we delve into the science, though, the benefits become easier to swallow.

Before we go in-depth into the benefits, we must understand what occurs during the brewing process. During the roughly 10-day brewing period that the brews remain in your cabinet, the SCOBY (a colony of beneficial bacteria) are busy eating all the sugar that you left them in the tea and reproducing. They eat and breed like rabbits, boosting their numbers substantially by the time the process finishes.

The tea becomes carbonated due to the fermentation of the bacteria. So, in the end-product, you have a delicious, bubbly drink full of these health-promoting bacteria.

Your gut “microbiome” hosts between 300-500 different types of bacteria. Some are “good” bacteria because they promote healthy digestion and mineral uptake, whereas others are “bad” because they cause distress and, in extreme cases, like candida overgrowth.

Unfortunately, in our modern diets, we tend to consume foods that feed harmful bacteria while starving the beneficial ones. We’re looking at you, McDonald’s!

When the good microbes are starved for fuel while the bad boys of the gut are eating high on the hog, imbalances can occur that are frequently the cause of poor gut health and symptoms like gas and bloating.

These teas contain strains of good bacteria in the SCOBY, most notably lactobacillus, that help to restore optimal ratios of good to harmful bacteria and, in effect, promote better health.

Kombucha’s Role in the Mind-Gut Connection

What’s important to understand about gut health is the incredibly close connection between the gut and the brain. Poor gut health can negatively impact mental health, even triggering conditions like depression in people with no previous mental health issues. The reverse is true as well – mental anguish can adversely affect gut health.

Researchers often refer to the connection between the brain and the gut as the “gut-brain-microbiome axis.” This connection explains how stress can contribute to disruptions to digestion, such as gassiness and bloated belly. Only in recent years have scientists begun to fully appreciate the vast interconnection between the two systems.

In fact, the gut contains more than 100 million neurons. That’s almost enough to constitute an entirely separate brain!

With these data-points in mind, understand the enormous impact that improving your gut health through healthy practices like drinking fermented teas benefits your mental well-being.

Most people who take up their fermented tea-drinking habits are not aware of any of the science when they begin drinking these teas — they simply enjoy the taste and the sensations of the carbonation, and it seems like a good alternative to soda (it is!).

Although a number of lifestyle modifications contribute to the overall improvement in well-being, this fermented specialty tea can serve as a large part of your gut-health solution. You will likely feel better physically, emotionally, and mentally after adding it to your daily routine.

These fermented teas are not a cure-all. But if you have battled gastrointestinal issues like gassiness and/or bloated belly and found no relief from your current strategies, consider adding them to your diet and see if you experience the positive results that so many others have.

What You Need to Brew Your Own in Your Kitchen

You don’t need to spend $5 every day on a bottle of brew to achieve better health. For just pennies on the dollar, you can make your own at home.

To get started, just assemble the following cheap materials and ingredients.

Equipment needed for home brewing:

Glass jar (at least a quart)
Breathable cloth or filter (coffee filters work)
Rubber band
Strainer
Measuring Cups

Ingredients needed for home brewing:

Three cups of clean water. The water must be pure. Any excess amounts of chlorine or other chemicals will nullify the SCOBY’s ability to thrive.
One-fourth cup sugar.
Two tea bags (or more, depending on how strong you like your tea)
A healthy SCOBY.

Learn more about the lesser-known probiotic kefir.

How to Find a SCOBY

The most hard-to-come-by ingredient on this list is the SCOBY. You can purchase all the other ingredients at nearly any retailer.

You have a few options for locating your SCOBY. Your best bet, if it’s an option, is to borrow a SCOBY from a friend who brews. Home-brewers who have been active for a while tend to have tons of refrigerated SCOBYs lying around. They will likely be glad to have a way to get rid of them when you call.

The second-best method of obtaining a SCOBY is through social media. Several Facebook groups exist for brewers to trade tips. Often, members will offer SCOBYs to neighbors in their areas free of charge.

The other, more expensive, option if you don’t know any home-brewers is to buy your SCOBY online and have it shipped to you. Several companies offer SCOBYs delivered to your doorstep.

Always remember to refrigerate your SCOBY when you are storing it long-term. This will help keep the bacteria alive, so it will grow once you introduce it to the tea.

Step-by-Step Instructions For Brewing Your Own

To make your own delicious blends, follow this simple guide:

1. Brew tea as you normally would. Green tea or black tea is best.

2. Let the tea cool until it reaches room temperature. You can speed the process up by leaving it in the refrigerator for several minutes.

3. Add your sugar and gently stir.

4. Add your SCOBY.

5. Cover the glass jar with the breathable cloth and fasten the rubber band around the lid.

6. Leave in a dark, cool, clean location at room temperature for 7-30 days.

7. After the brewing process is complete (you’ll know by the sour taste and growing SCOBY), move the batch to the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts on the Kombucha Brewing Process

First of all, SCOBYs are hardy creatures. It takes a lot to kill them, so don’t obsess about it dying if you follow the instructions.

Alcohol is a byproduct of the fermentation process. Kombuchas generally contain no more than 0.5% alcohol content. However, if you add to much sugar or let it brew for too long in a warm environment, you run the risk of producing kombuchas with higher alcohol content.

The ideal brew time, in my experience, is around ten days. The fermentation process moves more quickly in warmer environments and more slowly in colder ones.

You can taste-test your tea blends throughout the brewing process and make judgments based on your preference regarding when to move it to the fridge.

Brewing blends in your home is easy and fun – not to mention a huge boon to your gut health. Once you’ve gained some confidence in your skills, you can begin to experiment with adding fruits and new flavors to your brews.

Therapist Explains How to Restore Emotional Intimacy After a Fight With Your Partner

May 30, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Conflicts, arguments, and disagreements are bound to happen in the course of any relationship. Sometimes, it gets so bad that the discord escalates from a moderately annoying dispute to a full-blown heartbreak. You or your partner are bound to say harsh and hurtful things to the other that create obvious issues in your love paradise. And afterward, it can be challenging to return to your previous emotional intimacy.

While both physical and emotional bonds are instrumental in making any relationship healthy, after a fight, it can be quite challenging to want to share your body and emotions. Recovering from a bad conflict or any form of betrayal from your partner is a long healing process. It’s possible to get back to where your relationship was before the conflict or even make it better, but it requires patience and wisdom.

Which begs the question in this piece’s segment: How do you restore emotional intimacy in your relationship after a bad conflict? The experts in relationship matters will guide you through a few steps that can help you salvage your relationship and bring your partner closer.

Step to restoring emotional intimacy after you fight with your partner

Keep these things in mind as you move forward after an argument.

It starts with you

The need for change has to start from somewhere. You might want to begin the healing process from within yourself. Take some time to reflect on the happy times, the sad times, the mistakes, and begin to forgive yourself first.

Healing a broken relationship requires multiple gentle and open moves while thinking about your partner. Release all the anger and start working on committing to the relationship rather than trigger another argument. Avoid getting defensive, justifying your mistakes, and ignoring the real problem.

Change your mindset from blaming to forgiving and moving on. It will help you stay calmer.

Someone has to make the first move

As earlier discussed, healing a broken relationship requires gentleness and patience. It also needs someone to save that relationship, drop the ego, and take the responsibility of protecting it. It’s common for both parties to feel like the other party needs to admit to their mistake.

You will need some wisdom to overcome this challenging phase where you get to make the first move. If you are the voice of reason in your relationship, then it’s your responsibility to approach your partner and remind them of your attachments and connections. Consider making the first move when things are calm, and when your partner seems to be in the right mood.

Communication is paramount

Therapists insist for the longest time now, that communication and comprehension work hand in hand in a relationship. Looking at things, you could spend the entire day communicating with your partner about your feelings and thoughts, but if they don’t understand you, it’s all void. Choose a time when your partner is in the mood to communicate and reach an understanding with you.

You could begin this talking phase by hinting at it and let them prepare to discuss and let out their emotions when the time comes. When the time is right, communicate openly about the disagreement. Try to be calm and honest about what you feel. In most cases, conflicts don’t come up because of one event but a culmination of build-up emotions.

The only way you and your partner get to move on from the full-blown heartbreak is through communicating. Get to understand what your partner has been going through. Let them see your troubles and heartbreak through your eyes too.

Apologize and let it go

It takes two to tango; both you and your partner need to acknowledge your mistakes and feel sorry for the wrongdoings. Apologize to your partners after accepting your mistakes and give them the chance to do the same thing. You can only move to the next step if both of you forgive each other and accept to let it go.

What is next?

Now that you are past the worst, you might want to solve the problems that caused the conflict to avoid a repeat of the fight. How did the conflict come about? Was it a lack of quality time? Perhaps a lack of communication? Maybe your intoxication and abuse of alcohol led you to blow things that hurt your partner.

Whatever the reason, it doesn’t matter now after you have already forgiven each other and promised to work on the shortcomings. Focus on coming up with a solution to solve the problem at hand. You might decide to see a relationship therapist or perhaps support your partner and enroll them for rehab.

What if the conflicts keep recurring?

Fighting fair is also another effective strategy that helps you improve your communication and prevents another harsh fight. The approach focuses on attacking the mutual problem eating into your relationship, rather than each other. Just because you’ve moved on, doesn’t mean other conflicts won’t erupt.

Nonetheless, it takes wisdom to know how to approach the conflict and when to unleash the tactics. Downplaying the disputes won’t solve the problem. Consider contacting an expert for great fighting fair tactics that will help you stick to the mission.

Time to restore that bond

With all the burden lifted, this should be the right time to work on your lost or weakened bond. Without a doubt, the healing process is a painful process that requires effort, patience, time, love, and lots of forgiveness. Try not to bring up things from the past; it only makes the process harder.

Numerous ways can help you restore the bond in your relationship. For instance, you could go back into memory lane and do the things you both loved to do in the past. Practice regular date nights together, go to movies, or even cook a meal together. Instead of focusing on the conflict moments in your relationship, you could drive your energy into having fun together and recreating those wonderful memories.

Move onto emotional intimacy

Emotional intimacy revolves around so much more than sex. Someone had to say it. Work on reconnecting with one another intimately through using non-sexual methods.

We promise, it’s not going to get boring, and it only gets better. Emotional intimacy entails having deep conversations with one another and enjoying the quality time just between you two. Find unique ways to express your love and appreciation through cuddling, hugging, kissing, touching, and admiring one another.

Through these tips, you will make a great way to reconnect with your partner physically and sexually. It all starts with the emotions first.

Give yourself time

Like we said a little earlier, healing takes time and patience. You can’t just dive into where you left and proceed smoothly. Reconnecting intimately after the bond with your partner was broken will take time.

The last thing you want after coming this far is struggling to create a sexual connection with them because you haven’t built intense emotional intimacy. You might want to start working on trusting your partner again and avoid forcing the process. There isn’t one timeline that defines when you are ready for the next level.

Every relationship, situation, and individual is different. Consider communicating your own healing process with your partner and let them know how you feel every step of the way. When the time is right, you will know.

Seek to find a balance between your relationship and yourself

The strongest relationships are made of two interdependent partners striving to be together against all the odds. As you continue to heal, don’t lose yourself to the relationship. Before you two met, you had your hobbies, a social life, and a professional life; don’t tamper with that.

Ensure that you take care of yourself as much as you strive to take care of your partner and his or her feelings. Allow your spouse to do the same and then come together as a strong, trusting, and secure couple. Again, remember to employ fighting fair whenever an issue comes up, and when an unhealthy argument is about to blow up.

Emotional intimacy doesn’t happen immediately

Nothing good is built overnight. Therapists can’t necessitate this enough. We understand that words hurt, actions replay in your mind, being in love is a risk, and nothing is certain, including restoring emotional intimacy to its previous settings.

It’s important to understand that repairing and redeeming your emotional intimacy with your partner will take time. Before it gets better, there will be tears, spoiled days, and rough nights. However, don’t get discouraged; you will get there with the right amount of effort, energy, hope, and positivity.

Continue finding your way around your partner and work on restoring your romantic side. Intimacy soon follows after everything else is in place. Remember, forgiving, forgetting, and moving on is your relationship’s strongest motto.

Final thoughts on restoring emotional intimacy after a fight

The basis of any strong relationship is an emotional connection. By being gentle, loving, mindful, and caring, you will eventually make yourself a better partner. It starts with you.

Once you’ve made a safe haven for your partner to open up and be a better partner, you will be on the right track to saving your relationship. It’s the little things that count.

15 Healthy Benefits of Eating Guava Every Day

May 30, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Guava is a fruit in almost every grocery store across America, yet few truly know anything about it. This superfruit is one of the richest sources of dietary fiber on the planet. It has a fragrance that is intoxicating yet sweet.

The Hindi people call this fruit the “am rood,” and in Central America, they call it the “sand plum.” It has an oval appearance with yellow skin. The inside can be white, pink, or red, depending on the stage of ripeness. It also has an abundance of small seeds like dragon fruit.

The Nutritional Value of Guava

Many people reach for a banana to increase their potassium levels, but they can also ingest guava for the same if not better benefits. It’s loaded with nutritional values, and it can help to improve your immunity. Eating four ounces of this fruit has only 68 calories, which is far less than 120 calories in the average banana.

15 Reasons to Make Guava a Healthy Addition to Your Diet

This super fruit is low in sugar, high in calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous. Here are 15 other benefits to this tasty nectar that should be eaten daily to see improved health.

1. It Has Low Glycemic Index

The low glycemic index of this fruit makes it diabetic friendly. Plus, you won’t have to fear sudden spikes in your sugar levels. As an added benefit, the fiber content of this beauty helps to keep you regular.

2. It Can Stop Toothache Pain

Due to the potent anti-inflammatory powers of this fruit, it can fight off infection and kill germs. In many cultures, they will rub the meat from the fruit on the skin near a toothache for instant relief. It can also help with oral ulcers or swollen gums as it helps to eat away the infection. Instead of popping an over-the-counter pain reliever, you can use nature to heal your discomfort.

3. It’s a Natural Immunity Booster

Oranges are always taunted as having significantly high levels of vitamin C, but they aren’t the only fruit with this vitamin content. Guava has four times more Vitamin C than oranges. Additionally, it will help to keep any illnesses or pathogens at bay.

4. It Effortlessly Improves Eyesight

This super fruit is full of Vitamin A, which is known to boost your vision. As you age, your eyesight degrades. However, eating this fruit daily can slow or even stop cataracts or conditions like macular degeneration from the beginning. While carrots still get the award for having the most Vitamin A, this fruit comes in second.

5. It’s Heart Smart

This magic fruit helps keep the right heart balance due to the high sodium and potassium levels in this magic fruit. Those with hypertension can see benefits in their blood pressure when consuming it daily. Also, it’s known to help lower both good and bad cholesterol levels.

Learn about the 25 healthiest foods for anyone over 40 (guava included).

6. It Handles Constipation with Ease

Did you know that one guava can give you 12 percent of your daily recommended fiber amount? Your digestive system will function better, and you will have regular bowel movements. The seeds can be excellent for those who need laxative benefits. There’s no need to buy harsh chemicals at the drug store when nature provides all you need for regularity.

7. It Can Relieve Stress

Everyone seems to have the magic pill for stress. Doctors want to give antidepressants, and the marketplace offers expensive herbal mixes. Perhaps, all you need it the benefits of pure nature. This fruit can help both the muscles and nerves in your body to relax. Additionally, it can combat stress and boost your energy system.

8. It Can Lower Your Cancer Risk

There’ve been many studies conducted that prove that the foods you eat can reduce the risk of contracting cancer. This fruit has potent antioxidants that can neutralize any free radicals within the body, which eventually grow into cancer cells.

It’s also abundant in lycopene and quercetin, which can help keep both breast and prostate cancer at bay. It’s easier to eat this pure fruit every day than to pay the tens of thousands of dollars in cancer treatments.

9. It Helps Fetal Brain Health

When a mother is pregnant, the health of her fetus is of the utmost importance. Since guava has folic acid, B-9 vitamins, and a plethora of other health benefits, it can help the baby’s brain and nervous system during development. It’s known to stave away any neurological conditions too.

10. It Helps Your Brain Health

Since this fruit has such a dramatic impact on a baby’s brain, what can it do for an adult? Well, niacin and pyridoxine, known as vitamins B3 and B6, are essential for daily consumption.

They help to relax the nerves and improve cognitive function. Many people toss the antidepressants and supplement their stress and anxiety with B vitamins, so eating a delicious fruit may be the answer you need.

Read up on the benefits of another healthful fruit–plums!

11. It Enhances Your Complexion

Your skin should look radiant and fresh. Did you know you can use fruit to create a DIY scrub at home? Mix the surface of the guava with egg yolk, and then you must mix it thoroughly. Apply it to the face, and let it sit for 20 minutes. Rinse the mixture with warm water and towel dry.

Use this method once or twice a week, and you will see a dramatic improvement in your skin. It will not only lighten your complexion but will remove any dead cells from your face. The skin often becomes discolored and develops dark spots as you age, which is entirely normal.

However, the abundant source of Vitamin K will help to combat those spots as well as dark circles and redness. It’s an inexpensive way to get glowing skin.

12. It Fights Cough and Colds

When you’re dealing with colds, the doctor always tells you to boost your Vitamin C content. This vitamin has a long history of helping with both bacterial and viral infections.

For this purpose, it’s best to use the juice of one of the immature and not quite ripe varieties. The fruit’s delicate makeup can cut through both mucus and heal the respiratory tract and even the lungs.

13. It’s Great for Weight Loss

Are you tired of fighting the battle of the bulge? Have you done everything that you’re supposed to do, but nothing seems to help? Guava may be the thing you need to kick your weight loss into high gear.

Not only is this fruit a very filling snack, but it’s lower in sugar than other fruits. Forgo the apples, bananas, oranges, and grapes as this one won’t bother people with diabetes. Since it’s so filling, you can eat less and still feel full.

Plus, all the fiber and proteins can help boost your metabolism and turn your body into the ultimate fat-busting machine.

14. It Improves Skin’s Texture and Elasticity

Every bit of this fruit can be used to tighten skin and improve its elasticity. The fruit itself has high astringent properties. Shockingly, the leaves of this plant have even higher properties than the meat inside.

Mix the fruit into a paste and apply it to your face. Then, cover the wet mixture with the leaves and allow them to sit for 20 minutes. By doing this a couple of times each week, you will see flabby skin begin to tighten as collagen production is boosted.

15. It Keeps Fine Lines and Wrinkles Away

It seems this fruit can do more than any cream you buy at the store. Another fantastic advantage is that it can help smooth fine lines and wrinkles, and it can keep them from developing in the first place.

The key is the carotene and lycopene inside the meat. It’s powerful enough to keep your skin glowing, healthy, and wrinkle-free. Why wouldn’t you want to eat this fruit and use it as a mask? Its benefits are astounding.

Final Thoughts on Adding Guava to Your Menu and Enjoying Improved Health

How many times have you strolled through the produce section at your local supermarket and never noticed this fantastic fruit? You may have passed and wondered what it was as you kept going. So many people reach for strawberries, apples, bananas, and grapes because they are the most common.

The sad fact is that many are passing up what could be the answer to their health dilemma. This one fruit is so versatile and can help so many aspects of your body. It can be mixed as a smoothie, added to other fruits in a salad, and even made into a paste for massive skin benefits.

The best part about using nature as a health remedy is that it’s inexpensive and has no harsh side effects. Stop reaching for prescription and over-the-counter medications when there are things that have the potential to give the same if not better results. Always trust Mother Nature first.

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