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15 Things to Remember When You Are Feeling Low

September 11, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Just as no one is always happy, no one will be sad forever. We all go through times in life where we feel as though we can’t win, bad things keep happening, and it feels as though the world is against us. If this is the case for you, there are just a few things to remember to help you turn your life around.

Important Things to Remember When You’re Down

Sadness is apart of life, but also something that we can learn from. Read on for 15 things to remember whenever you start to feel low.

1. This Will Pass

There is nothing that is quite as overwhelming as the feeling that good things will never happen again in your life. In these situations, it seems like you’re forever stuck living the worst days of your life.

While these types of dark days do come, they aren’t destined to stay this way. Though you may be feeling one way right now, remember that everything will come to an end.

Your life’s darkest phases and bad times will end and you’ll feel happy again.

2. You Are in Control

It’s hard to feel good about yourself when so many things in life feel like they’re out of your control.

Whether you’ve lost a job or had a medical emergency, handling life’s uncertainties can make anyone feel hopeless. Thankfully, there’s always a reason to have hope.

Whatever is making you feel as though life is out of control is only here for the moment. You are the one behind the reigns of your life and you have the ability to get yourself out of any situation you may be in.

While it may take a fair amount of creativity and outside help, regaining control of your life will completely transform your confidence.

3. Tomorrow is Coming

When sadness hits, it can seem like you’re stuck with the same low feelings day in and day out. While everything may not change overnight, it’s important to realize that there are better days on the horizon.

Know one truly knows what tomorrow will bring. Miracles happen on a daily basis that will bring the hope back into your life. While it may take some time and dedication to build the life of your dreams, knowing that tomorrow is the first day of the rest of your life can be a game-changer.

4. Express Your Gratitude

It’s hard to want to be grateful if you’re not feeling in good spirits, but gratitude is an essential part of feeling better about yourself.

The power of “thank you” goes beyond responding to someone holding the door for you. By exercising gratitude and saying “thank you” for all life’s blessings, you’ll sense that your perspective on life is changing.

Everything in life is a blessing. From experiencing good health, and having family and friends, to having food to eat and a bed to sleep in at night, these little details have a bigger impact once you are grateful for them.

As you examine all of your blessings, you’ll feel a newfound sense of positivity in life. Even if you’re going through a rough patch right now, your gratitude will help you see the way out.

5. You’ll Become Stronger

Life’s lessons and tests may be uncomfortable to experience but they do have a very clear benefit: they teach you how to be strong.

Every situation that dared to break us in life really serves to develop our character and grow our resistance. While we may not enjoy these trials in the moment, they teach us everything we need to know about fighting for what we want and growing into the best versions of ourselves.

6. Look for the Good

Looking for the good in a difficult situation may sound silly at first, but it is one of the best ways to shift from a negative mindset to a positive one.

Just as a rainbow typically follows a storm, your greatest success in life is sure to be on the other side of this difficulty.

When dealing with challenging experiences like a bad breakup or losing a job, it’s easy to focus on the bad feelings you have but once you look beyond that, you’ll see that there are good things on the horizon. Whether it’s falling in love with a better partner or finding the perfect career, your best life is just beyond your current situation.

7. Every Problem Can be Solved

As we learned in math class, there is a solution to every problem.

Even if you can’t immediately see how to escape the issue you’re currently facing, there is always a solution somewhere. By focusing on things to remember like building your strengths, asking for help, and analyzing your problems, you’ll be able to come up with a way to solve your issue.

8. Know You’re Never Alone

It’s not hard to feel alone in life. It can feel as though you’re the only one in the world that cares about you, but that isn’t true. There are countless people who love you or are waiting to fall in love with the person you are.

If you don’t have one already, get connected to a community. By befriending like-minded people in your area, you’ll see how lovable you are.

9. Be Mindful

Mindfulness is a practice that can dramatically shift the way you live your life.

Using mindfulness techniques like meditation and breathing, you’ll be able to better cope with life’s stress. Practice being mindful every day to benefit from this life-affirming technique.

10. Elevate Your Mind

It’s human nature to think ourselves into circles when something is bothering us.

Whether it’s a relationship issue or a job-related conflict, when something negative happens, it seems as though it will never leave our minds. However, endlessly thinking about bad things will force you into a loop of negative emotions. Put a stop to this cycle by thinking about positive things and eliminating your negative thoughts.

11. Learn from the Pain

When considering things to remember to help you get through in life, you’ll learn that pain is unavoidable in life, but you are responsible for how you react to it.

Instead of letting the pain control you or build into resentment, let it transform you into leading a life that uplifts others and yourself.

12. See Negatives As Positive

At times, bad things that happen in life are a blessing in disguise. Though a letdown may seem like a disappointment at the time, it could be that it’s preparing you for something greater.

Didn’t get accepted into the program of your dreams? Haven’t found your dream partner yet? Don’t let it get to you. There’s an even better opportunity available for you elsewhere.

13. Don’t Obsess About the Future

Thinking about the future makes some worry that they won’t achieve their deepest desires. This is especially true if life doesn’t seem to be going your way right now.

However, instead of worrying what tomorrow will bring, whether you’ll get your dream job next year, or if you’ll fall in love and get married in the next five years, learn to appreciate today. By seeing the beauty in the present moment, you’ll be able to enjoy what you have while saving some hope for the future.

14. Life is a Journey

We all have certain goals or milestones that we aim to complete. If we’re not careful, it can feel as though our lives center on reaching these goals.

While it’s important to have something to work towards, there’s more to living than crossing items off your to-do list.

Understand that life is an adventure that we’re all in the midst of. All the good and bad in life happens for a reason, whatever it may be. Though this journey has its highs and lows, learning to fall in love with the journey that is life will teach you how to overcome any sad or negative emotions.

15. Know You’re More Than Enough

At our lowest lows, it can seem as though we’ll never feel good enough. Whether it’s not feeling qualified enough or feeling as though someone won’t accept us, this sort of negative thinking is the reason many people feel low.

When it comes to finding love, developing friendships, making money, or making your dreams come true, know that you’re more than enough.

Everything you are right now is all you ever need.

These Are Important Things to Remember When You Feel Low

While the above things to remember may seem like nothing more than positive sayings, if you really take them to heart, they’ll change the way you feel about yourself and the world. While sadness won’t disappear overnight, you can be confident that your feelings will eventually change.

If you’re feeling low today, you should know that tomorrow is a new day. Keep these 15 positive things to remember in mind as you try to bring more happiness to your life.

Doctors Explain Ketogenic Diet Hacks To Lose Weight Faster

September 11, 2019 by Power of Positivity

The Ketogenic Diet is one that many people turn to for quick weight loss. While this diet is one that helps most people lose weight, in order to make this diet effective, its followers must be consistent and intentional. And so, we share diet hacks from doctors to help you on your journey.

Ketogenic Diet Hacks for Weight Loss

Want to lose weight with Keto but not sure where to start? While losing weight with Keto may seem easier on paper, with the right strategies and tips, anyone can make this diet work for them. The guide below features important hacks for weight loss when following the Keto diet:

1. Swap Your Ingredients

Swapping ingredients is one of the quickest ways to make eating Keto easier. By replacing high-carb foods that you love with similar Keto-friendly options, you’ll be able to make the transition to the Ketogenic Diet that much easier.

Consider a favorite like noodles and similar starchy foods. Instead of using typical spaghetti, use zucchini noodles with parmesan, pesto, mug bread, and cauliflower rice.

2. Manage Your Macros

Once you’ve gotten used to eating your basic Keto foods, it’s time to start focusing on the carbs, protein, and fat in your diet.

Success in Keto is based on managing your intake of carbs, protein, and fat. This Ketogenic Diet hack is important for anyone that is trying to lose weight.

By strategically targeting your macros, you’ll be able to progress faster towards your goal of weight loss.

3. Choose to Eat like a Carnivore

Many keto dieters find focusing on a carnivorous diet to be more beneficial when following Keto.

While it’s best to consult a doctor before going on a completely carnivorous diet, there are a few things to keep in mind when consuming meat. Most Keto dieters focus on eating meats like ribeye and ground beef compared to other types of meat that contain skin, other organs, excess fat, and glands.

4. Follow the Basics

The basics of eating Keto will help you stick to your weight loss goals. The basic Keto diet includes one that is low carb and high in fat.

This bare-bones way of eating Keto is one of the most effective ways to lose weight. As you get back to basics, you’ll quickly see the diet take effect on your body.

5. Remember “Shalom”

Another favorite Ketogenic Diet hack that will make sticking to the keto diet easier is the acronym “Shalom”.

By remembering Shalom (which is Hebrew for peace), you’ll have a better idea of everything you can and can’t eat.

Sweeteners

When eating Keto, it’s best to avoid processed sugars. Sweeteners are the ideal way to add something sweet to your meals. Opt for low-carb sweeteners when eating Keto to make sure you are still working towards your goal of losing weight. Sweeteners like Monk Fruit and Stevia help to regulate your sugar levels.

If you’re looking for an artificial sweetener that works with the Keto Diet, Sucralose and similar options are fine as well.

High-Fat Dairy

The “H” in Shalom will help you to remember to stick to eating high-fat dairy options. These types of products are high in fat and protein and contain lower amounts of lactose.

This stipulation means to avoid dairy products like goat’s milk, buttermilk, and regular milk.

Not sure what dairy choices are safe? Eating butter, creams, and full-fat cheeses should be fine.

Avocados

Avocado itself is an incredible Keto hack. This versatile food has a variety of health benefits.

With only 2 grams of carbohydrates for 100 grams of avocado, you can fill your diet with this fruit when eating Keto and watch the weight melt off.

Low-Carb Veggies

Veggies that are low in carbs are the best options for Keto lovers. These types of veggies include artichokes, broccoli, eggplant, kale, bell peppers, garlic, green beans, mushrooms, tomatoes, celery, lettuce, cucumbers, cauliflower, zucchini, and more.

Remember: To make sure you’re getting the most out of your greens, be sure to stick to the low-carb rule.

Other Fats

Good Keto fats include those that are saturated, monounsaturated. polyunsaturated, natural, and trans fats.

Avoid bad fats like processed unsaturated or processed trans fats.

Meats

When looking for your meat options for the Ketogenic Diet, many choose to eat cuts of meat like pork belly, baby back ribs, bacon, lamb chops, chicken thighs, t-bone steaks ribeye, and New York strip.

While some Keto dieters have their own opinions about leaving the skin on meat, many swear by it.

6. Try Intermittent Fasting

Before trying intermittent fasting, be sure to consult with a doctor as it can have negative side effects for certain people.

Intermittent fasting aims to limit one’s eating windows to a few hours each day.

For example, many people that practice intermittent fasting focus on avoiding calories for 14 – 16 hours each day. The rest of the day is dedicated to eating healthy meals.

During this time that the body is fasting, it will work to break down fats and use them as energy during times of fasting.

7. Do the Egg Fast

Anyone turning to the Keto diet to lose weight should consider the egg fast/diet as many long-time practitioners of Keto swear by it.

This fast involves eating an eggs-only diet for three days straight. These three days can be overwhelming, but the key to surviving this fast is to cook the eggs in a variety of ways.

By focusing on this eggs-only fast, you’ll be able to accelerate weight loss easily.

8. Create Meal Plans

Meal plans are an important part of Keto diets. While we all have the best intentions of eating as healthily as possible, when we have to eat in a rush, it’s easy to fall off the train.

If you hope to stick to the Keto diet, do so by focusing on a meal plan. Meal plans will help you stick to your diet by scheduling everything you’ll eat in advance.

Once you’ve decided what to cook several days before hand, you can go to the store and pick up the necessary ingredients so that you’ll have everything on hand when it comes time to prepare the food and to eat.

9. Set Realistic Goals

Oftentimes, many people sabotage themselves before getting started with their Keto diet. While many people turn to Keto as a weight loss option, you need to start this diet with the right goals in mind.

To get the results that you hope for, you need to approach the diet with a realistic mindset. Don’t expect to see drastic weight loss in the first few weeks of this diet. Similarly, don’t make the mistake of assuming this diet is easy.

The main goal anyone should follow when starting to eat Keto this: establishing a sustainable diet that you can follow consistently.

10. Keep it Simple

When approaching Keto, it’s easy for things to get confusing. In order to actually lose weight on this diet, you’ll need to create a calorie deficit. This deficit will lead to fat loss and must be sustained in order for you to lose weight over time.

Those that swear by the Keto diet to lose weight are able to work with a sustainable diet that isn’t too restrictive.

If you start eating Keto and find that you’re not losing any weight or that it’s harming your health, you need to rethink this diet.

Avoid this type of harmful approach to Keto by keeping it simple. Rapid weight loss is usually achieved by sticking to Keto basics like eating low-carb foods, avoiding high-carb foods, eating more veggies, and limiting processed foods.

11. Try to Adapt

Anyone new to Keto will often experience something called the Keto flu. When the body is restricted to 50 grams of carbohydrates, hormones levels will change and the body will lose water weight quickly. This results in a loss of electrolytes and will essentially cause flu-like symptoms.

While some can get through this Keto flu quickly, this feeling can be avoided if new Keto dieters help their body better adapt to the diet before launching into it head-first.

When starting Keto, experts recommend the following:

Adding MCTs to the Diet

Studies show that medium-chain triglycerides increase ketone levels which will help the body avoid any Keto flu symptoms.

Drink Caffeine

Caffeine helps to stimulate the body’s production of ketones, making dieting with Keto much easier.

Try Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting will increase ketone production, which helps the body adjust to the shift in energy caused by the Keto diet.

Increase Physical Activity

Physical activity is an important part of getting through the Keto diet. Working out regularly helps the body produce more ketones. Exercises that work well with the Keto diet include low-intensity options like yoga or walking.

Final Thoughts on Trying These Ketogenic Diet Hacks for Weight Loss

The Keto diet has its benefits, but only if you know how to make it work for you. With the hacks in this guide, you’ll be able to avoid any drawbacks or mistakes and reach the weight loss goal you have in mind.

Whether you’re just getting started with Keto or you’ve been following the Ketogenic Diet for a while with minimal results, stick to it. By following these important hacks, you’ll be able to totally transform your diet and lifestyle.

12 Skin Conditions that Cause Red Skin

September 10, 2019 by Power of Positivity

The human skin is considered the largest organ in the body. It’s the most visible part of your body. We often underestimate its importance until we start noticing its camouflage to red skin. Remember when you were a teenager fighting off that stubborn acne?

Skin redness is likely to tamper with your peace of mind. Various skin conditions could be the probable cause to the redness in your skin ranging from infections, underlying health conditions, allergies to certain foods or items, and accidents such as burns. Skin redness varies from mild to severe, depending on the skin’s condition.

The abnormalities may trigger panic, especially if they tag along with other problems such as inflammation, painful sores, or skin peeling. Before proceeding with home care treatments, you might want to dig into this piece and find out some of the most common reasons for skin redness. So, what’s causing your skin to light red?

Probable Causes of Red Skin

1 – Sunburns

Sunburns are common among people who spend a lot of time in the sun without adequate protection. The sun emits powerful ultra-violet rays that damage the skin’s surface. The body reacts to this skin damage by redirecting more blood to the burnt area to repair the damage left by the sunburns.You may experience extra tenderness, blisters, skin peeling, and itchiness on the burnt area. Consider investing in high-quality sunscreen to prevent red skin. Other remedies include wearing protective wear, staying under the shade when the sun is too hot and applying sunscreen appropriately.

2 – Rosacea

Your face may be Rosacea’s first target. It manifests itself in the form of redness on the forehead, chin, cheeks, and nose. If left untreated, the skin condition continues to intensify, and blood vessels may become apparent.

In some rare cases, you may notice skin redness on the back, chest, and neck areas. Rosacea may also affect eyes, making them look bloodshot and watery. Individuals with developing Rosacea may also have red solid bumps or pimples filled with pus. Experts recommend medical therapy to manage the signs and symptoms of Rosacea, as there is no known treatment.

3 – Allergic reactions to drugs

People are different and have various reactions to drugs. You may experience an allergic reaction to medications such as:

Epilepsy medications.
Penicillin and some antibiotics.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or aspirin.

If you take medication and begin to see skin rashes, hives, swelling, and skin itching, allergies could explain these reactions. Due to the response of the skin by swelling, itching, and rashes, your skin is bound to become red. Avoid medication that triggers allergic reactions to prevent the occurrence of anaphylaxis.

4 – Cellulitis

It is a potentially severe bacterial skin condition. The infection subjects the skin to appear red and swollen. Most patients complain of pain and warmth in the affected area. Cellulitis appears typically on the lower legs, arms or face.

If left unattended to, the skin will continue to crack open, inviting bacteria to breed on the inflamed area. The bacteria may spread to the bloodstream and lymph nodes which passes the fatal line. Do not ignore skin redness if it tags other severe symptoms such as fever, fatigue, chills, drowsiness, and cold sweats.

5 – Lupus

Lupus isn’t necessarily a skin condition, but it can trigger skin redness. It is a chronic autoimmune condition that forces the immune system to attack specific body organs and tissues. In some cases, the targeted body organ is the skin.

You may notice rashes on the scalp, face, and neck once lupus begins to develop. Normally, the skin redness appears in butterfly shapes that are swollen. The redness, swelling, and inflammation range from mild to severe, depending on the progress of lupus.

6 – Psoriasis

This is yet another chronic autoimmune condition that triggers rapid and unusual production of skin cells. People with psoriasis usually will have a type of scaling accompanied by redness on the skin’s surface. Individuals may also complain of inflammation around the scales.

Psoriatic patches manifest themselves on the skin in whitish-silver colors and gradually develop into thick and layered, red patches. In some cases, the spots may break and begin to bleed. These scales tend to occur on the scalp, elbow, and knees and may appear and disappear in phases. Consult a specialist of the best natural remedies for psoriasis and put the red skin to an end.

7 – Shingles

Also known as Herpes Zoster is a skin condition that homes a dormant chickenpox virus in your nerve tissues. Infected individuals may exhibit localized pain and blistering rash as one of its earliest symptoms. The shingles rash can be painful and itchy, causing skin redness in apparent shades.

The rash typically lasts anywhere between two to four weeks before making a complete recovery. According to experts, shingle rashes are quick to diagnose due to their unique formations and appearance. Shingles only affect people who have had chickenpox in the past.

8 – Heat rash

Heat rash is quite common across all age groups, especially babies. The skin condition occurs when the skin’s sweat glands get blocked and prevent the sweat from being excreted through the pores. The accumulation of sweat in the glands becomes toxic, resulting in a painful rash.

Common signs of a heat rash include red bumps on the skin and itchy or prickly feeling. Due to inflammation and itching effect, the rashes appear as reddened skin accompanied with tiny blisters. Often, heat rashes develop in areas of the skin that fold such as groin and elbow creases.

9 – Dermatitis

According to dermatologists, the term dermatitis is a general word used to refer to skin inflammation. Your skin will appear red, swollen, and dry. Although dermatitis isn’t contagious, the redness on the skin, pain intensity, and dryness vary among people.

There are multiple types of dermatitis in which some are more prevalent among children and others in adults. Some types can last a long time while others just appear and disappear only when triggered. Dermatitis skin conditions are common but can easily be mistaken for other infections. Consider going to an expert for an accurate diagnosis.

10 – Burns

Aside from sunburns that we earlier discussed, there are other ways to contract burns that trigger redness in the skin. They include:

Radiation burns from exposing the skin to radiation cause redness in the skin. These burns can be a side effect of radiation therapy during cancer treatments or tanning your skin.
Chemical burns occur after exposing the skin to irritating chemicals such as acids or harsh detergents.
Thermal burns are arguably one of the most common. They occur when the skin comes into contact with a hot substance such as hot liquids, flames, or steam.
Friction and electrical burns come about when your skin glazes against rough material or strong electrical current from exposed wires.

Any of these kinds of burns mentioned above can cause red skin in all their forms. Doctors classify burns according to their severity ranging from first-degree, second-degree and third-degree burns come last as the most severe. The pain and redness in a first-degree burn should subside after a few days.

11 – Bites and stings

No one plans to play in the grass and get stung by bees. Insects, wild animals, or birds could inflict bites. Depending on the type of insect or animal that bites or stings you, an irritation from the poison injected into your skin could follow. You will notice swelling, soreness, itching, and redness at the site of the bite or sting.

Even in the absence of toxin in the sting or bite, you will feel some pain in the affected area and adjacent muscles. The redness should be apparent around the sting or bite mark. Consider taking an antihistamine to calm down any allergic reaction triggered by the toxin from the bite or sting.

12 – Scarlet fever rash

Scarlet fever frequently affects kids with strep skin infections and strep throat. The strep bacteria are notoriously known for making a toxin that causes red skin and an abnormally bumpy rash. With time, the rash covers most of the skin.

The scarlet fever rash epitomizes a severe sunburn but with added bumps whose texture feels like sandpaper. The rash may accompany an itch and could go away after about six days in which the skin begins to go back to normal skin color.

A final note on the causes of red skin

Developing red skin isn’t always an alarming symptom. Sometimes it’s mild from staying out in the sun that can quickly go away from applying sunscreen and moisturizers. However, skin conditions shouldn’t persist for extended periods.

However, you should take action if the redness on the skin is stubborn, covers large skin areas, and spreads rapidly. Also, if the skin condition tag other unusual signs such as pain, fever or shows signs of an infection such as pus alongside redness, seek help immediately.

Some conditions appear in returning cycles. Many people will ignore such infections. Pay attention to every skin abnormality and seek remedies to treat the condition for good. Everyone wants good, healthy, and glowing skin.

Vitamin D Deficiency? Science Shows What Happens to Your Body

September 10, 2019 by Power of Positivity

For those who may not be aware, vitamin D is a pro-hormone that helps the body better absorb calcium, supporting strong bones and teeth and protecting against certain diseases.

Despite being referred to as a “sunshine” vitamin, some people, depending on the region where they live, may not be able to get enough of this vitamin through sun exposure alone. Fortunately, receiving the recommended daily allowance of this much-needed vitamin through whole foods and supplements is also possible. In this article, we will detail how much vitamin D the body needs and how a deficiency can affect your health.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT VITAMIN D?

In addition to being a pro-hormone and being billed as a “sunshine” vitamin, vitamin D is one of four fat-soluble vitamins that the body needs to function properly, the remaining three being A, E, and K. It is also important to note that vitamin D is classified as D2 and D3 as this distinction will help us further understand how the body produces this essential vitamin.

In short, we can get vitamin D2 by taking supplements or consuming fortified foods, such as low-fat dairy products, fatty fish, and liver. Conversely, we can receive vitamin D3 by being exposed to sunlight, consuming fortified foods, or taking supplements. Vitamin D2 and D3 are considered essential vitamins because the body is incapable of producing these vitamins on its own. Instead, they must come from outside sources, namely food, sunlight, and supplements.

HOW MUCH VITAMIN D DO YOU NEED?

Age is a critical factor regarding how much vitamin D2 and D3 the body needs. As such, the U.S. Institute of Medicine recommends the following micrograms (mcg) and International Units (IU) based on an individual’s age:

Infants from 0 to 12 require 400 IU (mcg) of combined vitamin D2 and D3.
Children between 1 and 18 should aim for 600 IU (15 mcg).
Adults between 18 and 70 will need 600 IU (15 mcg).
Adults aged 70 and over should aim for 800 IU (20 mcg).

Also, please note that pregnant or lactating women will need 600 IU (15 mcg). Of course, this information is a general guideline. If you believe that you are deficient in vitamin D2 and D3, it would be a good idea to speak with a physician who can help you determine how much you need based on your age and health.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY?

The symptoms associated with a vitamin D deficiency can vary depending on how deficient an individual is in this essential vitamin. The same also applies to the severity of the symptoms as well. That said, some of the more common symptoms include

Becoming more susceptible to illness and infection
Chronic fatigue
Bone pain
Back pain
Hair loss
Depression
Wounds that don’t heal or are slow to heal

Also worth noting, the longer an individual remains vitamin D deficient, the more serious the symptoms will become; some of the symptoms associated with a long-term deficiency can include

Extreme weight gain
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Neurodegenerative disease
Fibromyalgia

HOW TO CORRECT A VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY

If you aim to boost your vitamin D2 or D3 levels, you don’t want to increase your intake too drastically. To that point, most physicians, dieticians, and nutritionists will urge individuals not to exceed more than 4,000 IUs per day to avoid toxicity. According to several studies, consuming large amounts of this vitamin can cause hypervitaminosis D, a condition characterized by excessive bone calcification and hardening of the blood vessels, kidneys, and heart. Additional hypervitaminosis D symptoms can include

Constipation
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Xerostomia (dry mouth)
Headaches
A metallic taste in the mouth
A loss of appetite
Hair loss

The United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not monitor or regulate supplements. Thus, it is always best to consume foods rich in vitamin D3 instead. Along with low-fat dairy products, fatty fish, and liver, vitamin D2 is also abundant in chicken, swordfish, cod liver oil, and raw maitake mushrooms.

Obviously, this is not suggesting that supplementation is ineffective. Still, you will likely get better results by consuming whole foods and getting at least 10 to 20 minutes of sun exposure daily.

HOW CAN VITAMIN D2 AND D3 IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH?

Now that we have a basic understanding of how being deficient in vitamin D2 and D3 adversely affects the body, let’s take a look at how optimal levels of this essential vitamin can improve one’s health:

1 – STRONG TEETH AND BONES

The body needs vitamin D2 and D3 to regulate calcium and also to maintain adequate levels of phosphorus in the blood. These two components are critical to both strong bones and teeth. Without vitamin D, the calcium that we consume, either as whole foods or as supplements, would be excreted by the kidneys like any other waste material. The body’s inability to absorb calcium also leads to a drop in phosphorus levels as well, which further complicates matters.

2 – STRONGER IMMUNE SYSTEM

Vitamin D2 and D3 can help strengthen our immune system. And that effort goes a long way toward fending off a variety of illnesses. According to a study published by Today’s Dietitian, a news source for dietitians and nutritionists, the essential vitamin can reduce the risk of influenza by as much as 40 percent.

3 – REDUCED CANCER RISK

Along with helping to reduce the risk of diabetes, evidence suggests that vitamin D2 and D3 might also reduce the risk of developing certain cancers. According to one study, adequate levels of vitamin D2 and D3 have been shown to reduce cancer progression by contributing to the following:

Regulating cell growth
Improving communication between cells
Developing new blood vessels in cancer-plagued cells
Inhibiting the spread of cancer to other lymph nodes and organs
Promoting cancer cell death

4 – IMPROVED OVERALL HEALTH

Optimal vitamin D2 and D3 levels have been shown to reduce the risk of developing diabetes by promoting insulin secretion and glucose tolerance. This essential vitamin can also reduce the risk of developing the following health problems:

High blood pressure
Swine flu
Rheumatoid arthritis
Alzheimer’s disease
Autism

5 – HEALTHY PREGNANCY AND HEALTHY INFANTS

For soon-to-be moms, maintaining a healthy level of vitamins D2 and D3 is critical to a healthy pregnancy. Mothers should also make it a point to provide their newborns and infants with the right amount of essential vitamins for their overall health and development. According to a study published in the National Institute of Health, one of the world’s foremost medical research centers and part of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, low vitamin D2 and D3 levels during pregnancy have been linked to bacterial vaginosis and gestational diabetes mellitus.

It can also lead to preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication that can damage vital organs and also cause high blood pressure. As far as infants are concerned, a deficiency in this essential vitamin can lead to an increased risk of food allergies, eczema, and asthma. Also noteworthy, infants and young children with low vitamin D2 and D3 levels are more likely to develop rickets, a disease that causes their bones to soften.

6 – OSTEOPOROSIS

Like children, adults with low vitamin D2 and D3 levels can also develop weak bones; however, unlike rickets, the condition connects to osteoporosis. In addition to low bone density, osteoporosis can also cause muscle weakness. That said, osteoporosis is especially common in post-menopausal women and men aged 70 and over.

Great Reasons to Get Your Vitamin D

To sum it up, there many reasons to stay on top of your vitamin D2 and D3 levels. The best way to do this is by making subtle dietary changes, taking supplements, and getting enough sun exposure. Speaking with a physician, dietician, or nutritionist is also a good idea. Those pros can help you identify how much of this essential vitamin you need based on your age and health to avoid possible vitamin toxicity.

31 Quotes About Being Happy You Need Right Now

September 10, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Many of us search for happiness without realizing that happiness isn’t as far as we might think. While life has its fair share of highs and lows, we can all find joy in every moment. Be happy!

The Best Quotes About Being Happy

The best quotes about being happy reveal the truth: happiness is something each one of us has to cultivate for ourselves. Even in the darkest of situations, we can find that bright light inside of us to keep the flame of happiness burning. The following 31 quotes about being happy show you how to find happiness for yourself:

1. “Freedom is found in doing things you like. Happiness is found in liking everything you do.” –Frank Tyger

We won’t always get to do what we want in life, but if we can find something positive to appreciate everything in life, happiness won’t be far away.

2. “Be happy with all that you have. Get excited about everything you want.” — Alan Cohen

Gratitude is at the heart of happiness. Once you love what you have, you’ll have room to be excited about all the goals you’re working towards in life.

3. “Life’s a journey. If you start falling in love with the journey, you’ll feel this love forever.” –Peter Hagerty

Life is only enjoyed once you learn to start appreciating and loving every aspect of the journey.

4. “Much of the anxiety that we feel doesn’t happen as a result of too much work. We feel this anxiety from never finishing what we start.” –David Allen”

Stress is prevalent in today’s world, but we have the ability to reign in this anxiety. Work to follow through on all your personal projects and work responsibilities to improve your happiness.

5. “Looking to others to fulfill you will leave you forever unfulfilled. Be content with everything you have and rejoice in how things are. Once you see there’s nothing lacking, your world will belong to you.” –Lao Tzu

Though we tend to look outside ourselves for fulfillment in life, this will never make us happy. Look to yourself and understand that everything you have is everything you need.

6. “Anyone that wants to be happy must set a goal to command their thoughts, liberate their energies, and inspire their hopes.” –Andrew Carnegie

Happiness must be manifested. By setting out to create happiness through your thoughts and actions, you’ll find it.

7. “One’s capacity to find happiness in things and objects is only a cover for the more important range of psychological and emotional needs, like the need for love, respect, expression, and understanding.” –Alain De Botton

Don’t make the mistake of sacrificing your essential connections in life for material objects–this will rob you of happiness.

8. “Happiness isn’t a place that one can travel to, own, earn, wear, or consume. Happiness is an experience that one can gain by practicing grace, gratitude, and love.” –Denis Waitley

We create our own happiness by being graceful, gracious, and loving.

9. “Happiness isn’t a station one arrives at–it’s a way of traveling through life.” –Margaret Lee Runbeck

Many of us make the mistake of spending our time trying to find something that makes us happy. By cultivating a positive mindset, we can learn to live in happiness.

10. “One finds joy not in finishing something but in the process of doing it.” –Greg Anderson

Learn to live joyfully rather than waiting to reach a goal you think will make you happy.

11. “Reflect on each of your blessings rather than past misfortunes.” –Charles Dickens

Happiness is at the heart of gratitude. As such, counting your blessings will improve your joy.

12. “Even the happiest lives aren’t without some measure of darkness. However, it’s far better to accept what comes with equanimity and patience.”–Carl Jung

Happiness isn’t a cure-all for life’s troubles. Even as you strive to be happy, remember to have patience when the sad and dark times do happen.

13. “Though one door may close, another will open. We often look to the closed door and we miss the one that has opened for us.” –Helen Keller

Quotes about being happy like this one show us how focusing on the negative aspects of life will cause us to miss out on our greatest treasures.

14. “One finds happiness by appreciating what they have, not necessarily having what they want.” –Unknown

We won’t always get everything we want in life. However, the more we grow to appreciate everything we have, the easier it will be to achieve happiness.

15. “True happiness comes from one enjoying themselves.”–Joseph Addison

Self-love is the key to true happiness.

16. “Happiness is a state of consciousness that comes from achieving one’s values.” –Ayn Rand

Living life in a way that aligns with our values is key in our journey of living a happy life.

17. “Many of us are as happy as we decide to be.” –William Adams

Oftentimes, the only thing standing between our happiness is our decision to live that way.

18. “Happiness is wanting whatever you get while success is getting everything you want.” –Dale Carnegie

Though we all strive to be successful, it is possible to be happy in every circumstance.

19. “Money doesn’t bring creativity and happiness. Your happiness and creativity bring money.” –Sam Rosen

Many people believe that happiness is found in a certain amount of financial success. However, it is by being happy and harnessing one’s creativity that one will reach true success.

20. “Happiness is experienced through loving life.” –Robert McPhillips

Falling in love with life may be harder than it sounds, but learning to love and live in the moment is the truest form of happiness.

21. “Give me the serenity to accept what I can’t change, the courage to change what I can, and the sense to understand the difference.” –Reinhold Niebuhr

and:

22. “Gratitude unlocks our fullest life. Being grateful for everything we have now will make us feel the most fulfilled in life.”–Melody Battie

Our circumstances should never limit our happiness. We have everything we need to be happy right now. Through gratitude, we can view our blessings in life in a positive light.

23. “If you do everything you’ve always done, you’ll keep getting what you’ve always gotten.” –Sue Knight

Quotes about being happy like this are a reminder that if you want to see a change in your life, you need to do something different. If you hope to live a happier, more positive life, it’s time to make the change today.

Start by shifting your mindset, learning to practice gratitude, and being your true self. Though this is a lifelong journey, this is the key to being happy.

24. “Happiness is made of little charities like a kind look, heartfelt compliment, a smile, or a kiss.” –Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Don’t overlook the small things in life. By seeing all of life’s precious moments for what they are, you’ll see happiness isn’t far away.

25. “Happiness arrives when we ding it, rarely when we seek it.” –J. Petit Senn

Looking for happiness will rarely result in you achieving what you hope to find. Instead of searching for your joy, learn to look at your life and be content with everything you already have.

26. “Happiness isn’t what makes us grateful, but gratefulness can make us happy.” –Albert Clarke

Choosing to be grateful will help to cultivate joy in our lives.

27. “Roll with life’s punches, but enjoy every minute as well.” –Meghan Markle

Our lives won’t always be sunshine and roses. However, learning to enjoy every second of being alive is essential to living joyfully.

28. “The mere experience of being alive is enough to bring joy to one’s life.” –Emily Dickinson

Don’t take your days for granted. Quotes about being happy like this remind us that life’s little blessings are enough to be happy.

29. “Being true to yourself is really the only thing required to be happy.” –Goldie Hawn

It’s not always easy to be true to one’s self, but this is essential for anyone hoping to find happiness.

30. “Happiness comes and goes. If it has left you now, it will find you again.” –Unknown

It goes without saying that one won’t always feel happy all the time. If you’re not feeling happy right now, don’t worry–you’ll find happiness again.

31. “By letting go of everything you thought you were supposed to be or do in life, you’ll be able to find happiness. ” –Unknown

Many of us try to shape our lives to fit an image that we’ve been told our lives should look like. By giving up this notion and taking life as it comes, you’ll be able to live happily and free.

Final Thoughts on Quotes About Being Happy

Happiness seems elusive, but it doesn’t have to be. The truth is that all of us have the tools right now that we need to be happy. Wherever we may be in life, by learning to be grateful and determining to live a more positive life, we all have a shot at being happy.

These quotes about being happy teach us that a joyful life isn’t far away. Keep these words of wisdom in mind as you try to make positivity and being happy a way of life.

10 Behaviors That Reveal Borderline Personality Disorder

September 10, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Are you curious about the misunderstood topic of Borderline Personality Disorder?

Mental health is one of those topics that can always feel intimidating. For many people, fighting through the societal stigma of mental illnesses like and what it means to other people can be daunting enough. And, let alone actually mustering the courage to seek treatment for it. Unfortunately, this is also one of the reasons why people don’t seek treatment in the first place.

Are you someone who is worrying about whether or not you’re suffering from a mental illness? If so, we understand that this can be a difficult time for you to open up about your feelings. This is why it’s important to familiarize yourself with symptoms of various mental illnesses. Also, you must seek help.

Because Borderline Personality Disorder is something that is widely misunderstood by a majority of the population, we wanted to provide you with 10 symptoms to keep track of. Familiarize yourself with the following symptoms. Only then can you help to dispel any myths about this mental illness.

10 Behaviors That Can Indicate Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline Personality Disorder that both in public opinion and the media misrepresent frequently. This is why we’ve created a list of 10 symptoms that can indicate the condition:

#1. Impulsiveness (to a Fault)

It’s no secret that everyone can be impulsive every once in a while. This is a natural way to make mistakes and subsequently learn from them. However, if you are somebody who is unable to not be impulsive, then you might want to consider whether or not it is the result of an underlying mental illness.

Impulsiveness might also be a harmful thing when it begins to affect your life and your loved ones. For example, if you are somebody who has trouble staying in relationships due to fear and doubts that settle in, this might be a sign of mental illness. However, it’s also worth noting that this behavior is not necessarily indicative of Borderline Personality Disorder (i.e. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder also includes significant worry), so you should check with a medical professional to get their opinion.

Being impulsive can also be quite alarming when it is the intention. Though some people feel as though their impulsiveness is the result of being chronically lazy, others can’t resist the urge to sabotage their own life through impulsiveness.

This can be problematic when it allows someone to tarnish their life in ways that they might not be able to recover from. This is why a medical professional should diagnose and treat excessive impulsiveness.

#2. Feelings of Depression

If you feel unrelenting sadness that you can’t quite place, it might be possible that you’re dealing with some form of depression. This doesn’t necessarily mean that depression can only happen when there isn’t a reason, though. In fact, many people who experience trauma or loss might spin into depressive episodes as an afterthought. On top of this, depression can also be a symptom of Clinical Depression, among many other mental illnesses.

#3. Unstable Relationships with Others

Those who suffer from Borderline Personality Disorder often experience very short-lived relationships due to different emotional levels not allowing them to maintain constant connections. If you are somebody who experiences something of this nature, it’s important that you recognize it before it becomes a serious issue.

If you are in a relationship with someone who appears to have Borderline Personality Disorder, you should show compassion whenever possible. Trying to communicate honestly regardless of the situation is a cornerstone to a healthy relationship.

#4. Having Uncontrollable Anger

Many of us can feel very upset and find it difficult to calm down sometimes, but those dealing with Borderline Personality Disorder might find it impossible to calm down. If you constantly feel upset at the smallest things, it might indicate an underlying mental disorder. On top of this, it is important that you receive help to make sure that your anger doesn’t eventually cause you to harm yourself or someone else.

#5. Emotional Episodes

Those who suffer from personality disorders often chronicle their life as being split up into parts. This is often due to one’s emotional foundation continually changing, something that causes their life to feel fragmented. These fragments are called episodes. Episodes are often a key indicator of a mental illness being present, causing those afflicted by the condition to feel like their life does not have sufficient stability as a result.

#6. Harm Ideation

Harm ideation is one of the most severe parts of dealing with Borderline Personality Disorder. This often manifests in the form of one’s brain contemplating thoughts of self harm or harming others. If you are experiencing any of these feelings, it is important that you contact a medical professional immediately. For the sake of convenience, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255.

#7. Shifting Sense of Self

Have you ever looked in the mirror one day and felt that you were disconnected from your body? What about having constant worries about who you are as a person, not being convinced that you are living your life to its fullest potential? These can both be signs of a shifting sense of self, something that is particularly unhealthy because it causes an individual to not feel comfortable in their own body or decisions. This is a unique symptom as it can manifest both in feelings of dissociation or severe doubt.

#8. Feeling Unfulfilled

This symptom is a bit similar to experiencing depression but is different due to the fact that it can feel more specific. While depression can take on many forms and sometimes just indicate a general sense of melancholy, feeling unfulfilled can make someone feel as though their life is generally pointless and out of their control. This can be a particularly stressful feeling to deal with, requiring those afflicted to seek immediate medical attention, if possible.

#9. Not Feeling in Control of Your Emotions

If you’re somebody who is having trouble separating your own emotions, it could be a sign of Borderline Personality Disorder. Of course, it’s important to acknowledge that our mood can change due to our behavior or someone else’s behavior. But these types of change are more natural.

For example, if you are walking down the street and suddenly feel your mood drastically change, that can be a sign of an underlying mental illness. To the same effect, sudden emotional changes in conversation might go unnoticed. However, it can still be significant warning signs.

#10. Unresolved Trauma

Many people who deal with mental illness might report it as having been a sudden change in their life or behavior. This can manifest in a variety of different ways. However, sometimes it is due to unresolved trauma in their past. Unresolved trauma can be from 10 years ago or 10 days ago. Unfortunately, it can still be equally problematic for someone. It is also possible for someone’s trauma to come bubbling up to the surface after a long period of time—it doesn’t have to be constant. Trauma is a unique thing in the sense that it can completely change the way your brain works, causing potential mental illness to also form or be provoked.

If you are or have been a victim of trauma, it is important that you see a mental health professional if you have not already dealt with the condition. If you don’t do this, you risk other types of mental health conditions becoming more present later in life.

Final Note About Borderline Personality Disorder

As we wrap up our list of symptoms, it is important to note that those who are feeling as though their mental health is unstable should see a medical professional. No amount of internet-based research replaces the effectiveness of a doctor’s appointment. So, you should keep this in mind if you are feeling particularly vulnerable.

Do you need help? Are you worried you’ll harm yourself or someone else? Then, immediately call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

The symptoms listed above are not necessarily indicative of feelings that are exclusive to Borderline Personality Disorder. For example, a symptom as flexible as depression can be seen in many other types of mental illnesses. Those might include Clinical Depression, Bipolar Disorder and others.

A final precaution regarding this article is that you should not use it to monitor or diagnose issues. Psychoanalyzing other people is not a healthy practice and more often than not contributes to the stigmatization of mental health. However, if you are concerned about someone in your life, it is possible for you to let them know that you care for them. And, always recommend that they try and see a specialist.

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