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15 Hidden Signs of Bladder Cancer to Never Ignore

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Bladder cancer is, as its name suggests, a type of cancer that affects your bladder. The bladder is an organ that stores urine in the body, and it is located in the pelvis, where it rests slightly behind and above your pubic bone. It is responsible for 80,400 patient cases in America alone on an annual basis, making it one of the more common cancers that someone can experience. 

Bladder cancer begins within the cells along your bladder lining, which slowly grow until they become tumorous. But how can you tell if you’re at risk of developing this disease? 

 

Here Are 15 Hidden Signs Of Bladder Cancer To Never Ignore

 

  • Swollen Feet

 

Swollen feet in bladder cancer typically only occur in late stages. This happens when cancer has already begun to spread to a variety of other spots in the body, including the feet. This means that your feet may be infected with cancer by this point, causing them to form lumps or collect fluid.

Do note that swollen feet are also a common symptom of kidney cancer as well as bladder cancer. The metastasization of cancer to various body parts is typically the cause behind this symptom in almost all forms of cancer that it is applicable to.

 

  • Blood In Urine

 

The most obvious and clear sign of bladder cancer – and, luckily, one of the first symptoms – is bloody urine. You may see bloody streaks, clots, or discoloration in your urine when using the bathroom. 

The good news is that this is among the first signs, meaning it is seen in very early stages of bladder cancer which can be treated more easily, so keep your positive thinking. Do note, though, that even if you don’t have bladder cancer, urine that has blood in it is always a cause for concern and should prompt you to see a doctor immediately. (1)

 

  • Pelvic Pain

 

Considering the location of your bladder and what it is responsible for, it’s not unlikely that you’ve already figured out where the main area of pain will be for bladder cancer: your pelvis. Your pelvic area makes up the spots around your lower stomach, abdomen, and groin. 

Any pain in this general area can be a sign of potential bladder cancer. However, it can also be a sign of other issues of varying severity. It can refer to:

  • Stomach problems
  • Bowel disease
  • Reproductive troubles
  • Menstrual issues
  • STDs
  • Kidney stones

Even if you don’t believe that it is serious, speak to your doctor if you experience prolonged pelvic pain.

 

  • Your UTI Won’t Stop 

 

UTIs, or urinary tract infections, are very commonly developed in women. Many women are probably fairly used to developing UTIs due to how easily it can happen to them. As such, UTIs do not necessarily point to bladder cancer, although positive links have been drawn between them. (2)

However, if your UTIs repeatedly return again and again, or if the infection never goes away even with antibiotics, there’s a good chance that your bladder may be the one to blame. In fact, women actually experience bladder cancer more frequently than ovarian cancer, even though they are at lower risk than men for the former!

 

  • Fatigue

 

Fatigue is a common symptom that is part and parcel of many types of cancer. This is because cancer can lead to pain, a lack of proper organ function, and increased attempts by your body to fight the diseases. However, fatigue usually shows up in the later stages of cancer.

But this isn’t just ordinary tiredness. You may feel so fatigued that you:

  • Cannot get up at all
  • Are unable to carry out everyday tasks
  • Cannot sustain relationships
  • Lose all positive thinking (3)
  • Are still exhausted after long rest periods

Of course, fatigue can be a symptom of many, many other kinds of issues. A large majority of them are not actually fatal. However, if you do deal with extreme levels of fatigue, speaking to a doctor can help you combat the issue.

 

  • Loss of Appetite

 

Like with most other symptoms on our list, losing your appetite does not automatically point to bladder cancer. But you can definitely feel too weak to eat, or just lose your interest in food altogether, because your body is sick and unable to work up an appetite.

A loss of appetite is fairly common among cancer symptoms, and the further along each cancer progresses, the more likely you are to be disinterested in regular meals. Naturally, though, there are plenty of other less serious reasons for appetite loss, so don’t be too quick to jump the gun to the worst conclusion.

 

  • Darkened Urine

 

We’ve already talked about how blood in your urine could be a sign of bladder cancer – or just a sign that it’s time to go to a doctor in general. But sometimes, blood in your urine doesn’t show itself so obviously. You may not actually see anything bright red in your toilet bowl, causing you to overlook obvious symptoms.

Urine that has blood in it may actually just simply darken in color instead of becoming blood red. It may resemble the color of rust or simply look a little brown or darker than usual. In general, seeing a doctor about any changes in your urine is a good idea.

 

  • Slowed or Reduced Urine Flow

 

Urinating is supposed to feel natural and come easily. You’re not supposed to have to sit down for prolonged periods of time just to get anything to flow out. If you try to urinate but wind up with very little or very slow urine flow, even when you really feel like you need to use the bathroom, you may be dealing with a bladder issue. 

If you have been having difficulty urinating or have a weaker stream than usual, it’s a good idea to ask a medical professional for a check-up. Many bladder issues can lead to this problem.

 

  • A Complete Inability To Urinate

 

If bladder cancer has developed to an advanced stage, there is a chance that it will completely prevent you from urinating at all. Your bladder may be so blocked by cancer cells that are spreading across your body that urine can no longer exit your body.

Regardless of the cause behind it, a total inability to urinate is a very, very serious condition. You must see a medical professional as soon as possible in order to avoid potentially severe problems.

 

  • Urinating Causes Burning Discomfort

 

Urination isn’t supposed to be a painful process. If you experience discomfort when you urinate, it could be a sign of bladder cancer. You may experience issues such as:

  • A burning sensation when you try to use the bathroom
  • Straining in order to start a urine flow
  • Mild to significant pain when you use the bathroom
  • A sudden and acute change in urination habits and discomfort

The body naturally urinates to expel waste. Experiencing pain while you do so is not normal and is something you need to discuss with a doctor.

 

  • Urinary Incontinence 

 

We’ve talked a lot about having difficulty urinating and its links to bladder cancer, but urinary incontinence – meaning an inability to hold in urine – can be just as bad a sign of an issue as anything else. In fact, it’s often a much clearer sign that something is wrong.

It’s not uncommon to deal with incontinence as you age, but even if you’re in your senior years, you should speak to your doctor if you’ve been dealing with this problem. If you’re young, you should definitely see a doctor as soon as possible in order to discover the cause of this problem.

 

  • Lower Back Pain

 

Similarly to pelvic pain, lower back pain occurs during the middle or later stages of bladder cancer. Typically, you will feel this pain manifest after the cancer has begun to spread to other parts of the body. The pain can feel only somewhat mild, like a simple discomfort, but it can also range all the way up to feeling extremely devastating.

Lower back pain is a very common general illness symptom and can be a sign of many different conditions. However, you should pay extra attention to constant pain that occurs on one side of the body.

 

  • Bone Pain

 

Once again, this is a kind of pain that starts to manifest more and more as the bladder cancer spreads outwards. You may feel aches and pains in your bones as the cancer begins to affect various parts of your body.

If bladder cancer is the cause behind widespread bone pain throughout your entire body, the cancer is in a very advanced stage. Luckily, many kinds of bone pain are not directly related to cancer, so don’t panic yet and keep your positive thinking on!

bladder

 

  • You Feel Like You Need To Urinate Often 

 

You may find yourself needing to run to the bathroom a lot more often than usual, and the feeling that accompanies it is very urgent. One moment you feel fine, and the next you feel like you’re about to burst. You may wake up often at night to go to the toilet, interrupting your ability to get any rest at all.

Worse still, you may rush to the nearest restroom, only to sit down and be unable to urinate, or have barely any urine to get rid of. These issues combined are cause for concern and should be checked out by a doctor.

 

  • Weight Loss

 

It’s common to lose weight while you’re undergoing cancer treatment, but even the cancer on its own can cause weight loss. Because many people consider weight loss to be a good thing, they forget that it’s just as much of a warning sign as sudden weight gain is – if not more so.

A combination of a lack of appetite and a lack of energy can contribute to weight loss in cancer patients, but there are many other reasons the pounds may be dropping off. If you notice a sudden drop in weight, speak to a doctor about your concerns.

Final Thoughts On Some Hidden Signs Of Bladder Cancer To Never Ignore

Just like with all other cancer types, bladder cancer causes a variety of symptoms. But just because you have one or two of those symptoms, it doesn’t mean that you’re necessarily dealing with cancer. Many of these symptoms can be caused by other conditions, and some are even harmless on their own.

Still, it’s a good idea to speak to your doctor about any concerns you may have regarding any symptoms you notice. This is especially true if you have a large number of these symptoms all at once. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

15 Hidden Signs A Partner Is Cheating

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Do you suspect your partner is cheating?

It’s not unusual for someone in a relationship to worry about the fidelity of their partner. After all, you need to feel safe with your significant other, and you can’t do that if you can’t trust their sense of loyalty.

As such, you may be on the lookout for signs that they are being unfaithful. But many of the cues you’re looking for might not actually be accurate, as infidelity can be a sneaky thing. 

 

Here Are 15 Hidden Signs A Partner Is Cheating

 

  • They Are Suddenly More Affectionate

 

It’s not unusual for couples to grow apart over time. The spark may not die or fizzle out in an extreme manner, but the amount it exchanged affection may simply decrease over time. If this is what has been happening in your relationship for a while, but it suddenly all makes a 180 switch, it may be too good to be true.

So why did the sudden positive change occur? Many partners who perform unscrupulous deeds behind your back may feel the need to make it up to you by showering you with extra affection. (1)

 

  • There Are Expenses They Can’t Explain

 

If you share a bank account with your partner or have access to their bill statements, then you would probably notice any unusual expenses fairly quickly. If your partner can’t explain them or acts nervous or defensive, there is a chance that they are cheating.

Believe it or not, the expenses involved in an affair can add up pretty quickly. Your partner may have to pay for hotel rooms, dates, gifts, and travel time. Look out for unusual spending behavior such as: 

  • Sudden account access restriction
  • Higher frequency of ATM withdrawals
  • Concealment of bank statements
  • An unexplained lack of funds

 

  • Things Get Awkward With Their Friends

 

A cheater may cover their tracks flawlessly around you, but it is not unusual for their friends to catch wind that something is wrong. This can cause those friends to be torn between loyalty to your partner and their personal opinions.

This means that hanging out with those friends can quickly become awkward and uncomfortable. They may be extra nice to you for no visible reason, be unable to look you in the eye, or just act oddly.

 

  • They Are Putting Sudden Effort Into Their Appearance

 

You and your partner have gotten a little too comfortable around each other. You wear the same clothes, are generally a bit of a mess around each other, and seem much too busy to focus on looking attractive. 

But all of a sudden, your partner is dressing up well, choosing their best accessories, and making sure no hair is out of place. And, oddly enough, they don’t seem to care what you think of their transformation. Maybe there’s someone else they’re trying to impress. Some other appearance changes you may notice are:

  • Getting a new haircut
  • Buying new clothes
  • Wearing cologne or perfume
  • Working out
  • Going on a diet
  • Primping in front of a mirror

 

  • They Have Different Interests

 

When you first fall in love, you want to learn everything about the other person. You want to like what they like, you listen to them rave about what they love, and you make an effort to get involved in their hobbies. 

So if your partner suddenly seems to have wildly different interests, maybe it’s because someone new has caught their eye. For example, your partner might:

  • Suddenly know a lot about things they have never been interested in
  • Be very into a new hobby that seems out of character for them
  • Lose interest in things they once enjoyed
  • Lose interest in things they do with you

 

  • They Become Protective Of Devices

 

In our modern age, people communicate with others constantly using their devices, such as their phones, computers, and tablets. This means that a cheater will likely be communicating with secret lovers through these devices.

In order to prevent you from finding out about their affair, your partner will likely become very protective over the aforementioned devices. They may do things such as:

  • Change their passwords
  • Add passwords
  • Clear message history
  • Refuse to let you borrow their devices
  • Stop you from handling their devices
  • Never leave their devices unattended
  • Angle their device screen away from you
  • Lose positive thinking when you see their devices (2)

 

  • Sometimes, You Can’t Reach Them

 

Are there times in a day where you have no idea where your partner is? Do you have no way of finding out? Are they just entirely unreachable for long stretches of time, especially when they’re out of town or working late?

There are lots of excuses that a cheater may come up with in order to explain their lack of responsiveness. They may say that their phone was on silent mode or turned off, they might state that they had no connection, or they might claim to have been busy driving or in a meeting.

Does a single moment where you can’t reach them mean that they are cheating? No, but if it happens all the time, be on your guard.

 

  • They Avoid Cheating-Related Things

 

Does your partner seem to act strangely whenever the subject of cheating comes up? They may try to act casual or attempt to change the subject much too quickly. Here are some mays they may behave:

 

  • They Overcompensate

 

They seem to have completely lost any feelings of jealousy. Perhaps, even, they joke that a waiter is just your type, or they tease you about someone who seems attracted to you.

 

  • They Won’t Watch It

 

If a TV show or movie deals with infidelity, they simply don’t want to watch it. If they do, they appear uncomfortable or awkward. This also goes for other types of media, like books and games.

 

  • They’re Defensive

 

When you talk about someone else cheating, they dismiss it or act noncommittal. They may even defend the person or act like it’s no big deal. 

 

  • They Don’t Want To Be Open That You’re Together

 

Has your partner stopped introducing you as their significant other? Have they stopped wanting to show you off for who you are to them, instead cutting back on displays of affection? They may be keeping your relationship on the down-low because they’re also seeing someone else. They might:

  • Only ever introduce you by name
  • Refuse to hold your hand in public
  • Keep you from meeting their friends and family

 

  • Their Schedule Changes

 

The biggest cheating red flags have to do with schedules. Here are some huge ones to look out for:

 

  • Their Schedule Is Suddenly Much Different

 

Your partner suddenly begins always working late or always stopping by a bar before heading home. They suddenly have a lot of business trips. They have classes to go to over the weekend. Where is all this coming from?

 

  • They’re Always Late

 

They used to be on time for most things, but that punctuality has vanished. Now you’re lucky if they meet you within half an hour of the promised time at all.

 

  • Their Routine Is Different

 

They used to come home, give you a hug, turn on the TV, and fill out the day’s crossword. Now they head straight to the shower upon returning, then sit outside for a while. Why?

 

  • Things Are Always Going Wrong

 

For some reason, your partner is always getting delayed. There are always problems at work. They keep getting flat tires. Traffic jams are stretching out for ages.

 

  • They’re Too Punctual

 

Your partner usually comes home within 10 minutes, give or take, of a certain time. Now they’re arriving on the dot. They are creating specific timelines to spend equal time with you and their secret lover.

 

  • They Lie More Often

 

Little white lies aren’t always harmful. But if your partner seems to be lying more and more with each passing day, it may be because they’re losing track of all the secrets they are keeping. 

There’s only one reason that people ever lie: because there is something that they are trying very hard to hide. If your partner has been turning into a chronic liar, they may have a reason for behaving that way. It’s hard to keep a web of lies untangled; eventually, they will trip up.

 

  • They Seem More Up For Fun

 

The act of having an affair makes people feel daring, young, and alive. Your partner may become more adventurous and suggest spontaneous, fun activities that they would usually never be up for. It seems like a positive thing, but don’t get your hopes up too quickly. (3)

Those who cheat also often have re-awakened their drive for intimacy in the bedroom. They may suddenly be more passionate towards you, suggest new things to try in bed, or seem more attracted to you. This is because their affair has renewed their libido.

 

  • There Are Intimacy Changes

 

What you do in the bedroom says a lot about the state of your relationship. When your partner is able to enjoy intimacy with someone other than you, it makes sense that their intimacy with you will be affected. They may:

  • Stop initiating intimacy
  • Start initiating intimacy
  • Want to be intimate more often
  • Lose interest in intimacy

 

  • They Don’t Get Annoyed By You Anymore

 

This sounds like a good thing, but a very sudden acceptance or ignorance of your bad habits can actually mean that your partner just doesn’t care anymore. 

They are no longer interested in convincing you to work on certain issues because they are no longer interested in the relationship. This could mean they have found someone who doesn’t do these supposedly annoying things, so why put in the effort here?

 

  • They Are Suddenly Very Suspicious Of or Angry At You

 

Most cheaters feel a good deal of guilt regarding their actions. In order to resolve that guilt, they may lash out or project their emotions onto you. For example, they may:

  • Pick fights over small issues to distract you from their actions
  • Blame you for your lack of adventurousness, change in appearance, busyness, or other issues for “driving” them to cheat
  • Believe that you are cheating
  • Accuse you of flirting with everyone you are friends with

partner is cheating

Final Thoughts On Some Hidden Signs A Partner Is Cheating

If your partner exhibits any of these signs, does this automatically mean that they are cheating? No, of course not! But there can be signs of other relationship issues, so sit down and talk about them with positive thinking.

Don’t be afraid to talk about these problems. If you have reason to suspect that your partner is cheating on you, you’ll want to get down to the bottom of things quickly.

12 Signs You’ve Paid Back Your Karmic Debt

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Karma, in one form or another, is a consistent theme throughout most if not all of the world’s major spiritual traditions and religions.

This article will discuss karma, karmic debt, and twelve signs that you’ve paid back the latter.

What is Karma?

By itself, the word karma means ‘action.’ The spiritual and the religious tend to associate karma with ‘the law of cause and effect,’ ‘reaping what you sow,’ ‘yin and yang,’ and so on. However, the second part of those sayings is the effect or accumulation of effects or debt.

While two people of different religions, e.g., Buddhism and Christianity, may go back and forth on the technicalities, e.g., ‘hell vs. rebirth,’ the fundamental idea of karma is both espoused and accepted by followers of both. The same applies to those who follow Hinduism or Jainism.

Going beyond individualistic views of karma on a spiritual and religious level, the texts themselves are imbued with karma; these include the primary texts of Buddhists and Christians. Here are some related passages from both:

karmic debt

Buddha (from the Bhayabherava Sutta):

“These beings who are ill-conducted in body, speech and mind, revilers of noble ones, wrong in their views, giving effect to wrong view in their actions, with the breakup of the body after death, have reappeared in the plane of misery, in a bad destination, in a lower worlds, even in hell.”

“”But these worthy beings who were well conducted in body, speech, and mind, not revilers of noble ones, right in their views, giving effect to right view in their actions, on the breakup of the body after death, have been reborn in a good destination, even in the heavenly world.”

Jesus

(Mark 4:24):

“Then He said to them, “Take heed what you hear. With the same measure, you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given.”

(Galatians 6:7):

“Be not deceived, God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

Notice the paradox between the Buddha’s words and those of Jesus.

Traditional Buddhists do not emphasize the soul’s descent into ‘hell’ or ascension into ‘heaven,’ yet the Buddha mentions both in the sutta. Meanwhile, Jesus mentions nothing about either heaven or hell when discussing the repercussions for one’s actions, or collective karma.,

In other passages not mentioned here, the Buddha likens the blooming or decrepitation of seeds when discussing karma and karmic debt. Who else analogizes seeds with karma and the repercussions thereof?

But that’s neither here nor there.

Clearing the debris from any philosophical differences, do any common underlying principles remain?

Yes, and these similarities are sufficiently and concisely explained in three words: ‘action and reaction.’

Every person, whether an atheist, agnostic, Christian, Buddhist, Jainism, Muslim, Scientologist, or Sun Worshiper, can plainly see the birth of action and reaction in everyday life. Press the gas pedal, the car moves; type on a keyboard, words appear; chew and swallow food, hunger dissipates.

All matters, large and small, are subject to action and reaction. This is the basic gist of karma and karmic debt.

Misconceptions about Karma

“As a physician, I teach karma from a scientific point of view, because what I love about karma is that it is rational. Karma is like the law of physics.”

~ Jan Chozen Bays (source)

While reincarnation may be a central tenet of Buddhism, Hinduism, and other religions, it is not necessary to believe in reincarnation to see the truth of karma and karmic action. Re-reading the New Testament should make this truth self-evident.

Remember, the law of cause and effect and karmic debt does not apply solely to that which takes place – or doesn’t take place – following physical death. The action and reaction is the focus here; not the consequences of such in the afterlife.

The implicit ignorance to always associate karma with physical death, and the consequences of such, is the most ubiquitous misconception about karma that exists. It also bears no relevance to the topic at hand.

Karmic Debt and 12 Signs You’ve Paid It

If one accepts that actions carry consequences, it’s reasonable to assume that accumulation of the wrong actions can lead to a ‘negative balance’ (pun certainly intended) that must be ‘paid.’

While the remainder of this article may be a bit more philosophical in nature, you may identify with some of these ‘signs.’

Without further ado, here are 12 sights that you took care of that negative karmic account balance:

You have a deep sense of gratitude

In the Hindu religion, taking for granted the complex processes that make life possible are considered rins, or karmic debts. These processes include things like sleep, sunlight, digestion, and growth.

Since, in the Hindu view, these processes necessitate the creation and maintenance of material and divine forces, tributes must be made to the latter.

Selfless work and gratitude for these things signify that this rin has been paid.

You revere your ancestors

While modern life can certainly be challenging, it’s relatively well-going compared to the days of yore. The fact that you’re alive, breathing, and reading these words on a digital screen is a testament to the resilience of our foremothers and forefathers.

In some religions, including Hinduism, holding a deep reverence for your ancestors is considered the paying off karmic debt.

You hold the sages in deep regards

Whether you consider the likes of Buddha, Jesus, Krishna, Mohammad, a big-eyed alien, or something else to be some spiritual teacher or God is of little consequence here. If you’ve become a better person – more loving, kind, and tolerant – from their teachings than you owe a debt.

Holding your Teacher in the highest respect should be considered the paying back of that debt.

You’re grateful to the knowledge bearers

Most of us are relatively healthy. The only reason that’s possible is because of those individuals who dedicated their lives studying and researching things like sanitation, immunization, dentistry, surgical techniques, and the like. We can also include those scientific and technological discoveries that have benefitted our lives.

We owe a tremendous debt to these people. So we pay it by honoring their dedication, ingenuity, and sacrifice.

You’re ‘off’ autopilot

Most people walk about in a daze. They allow their minds to be pulled this way and that with little resistance. Such a state is similar to the autopilot mechanism that pilots use when they no longer require manual aircraft control.

Breaking the chains of emotion and thought for awareness is true freedom. It also signifies that you may have paid back your karmic debt.

You witness synchronicities

Synchronicities are events that reflect your state of consciousness at the time. For example, the spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle mentions in his book ‘The New Earth’ how he was close to running out of money while writing ‘The Power of Now.’ He bought a lottery ticket and won $1,000.

Positive synchronicities occur when a higher level of consciousness has been reached – a common occurrence following the repayment of karmic debt.

You forgive easier and more willingly

It is human nature to hold onto grudges and inflict pain onto ourselves. It’s much more difficult to transcend this tendency and recognize that forgiveness is an incredibly powerful tool for spiritual development besides relieving us of this pain.

The ability to forgive someone no matter their transgressions is also a potential sign that you’ve paid back your karmic debt.

External circumstances matter much less

A vast majority of people seek their happiness from outside of themselves. This misguidedness can create a never-ending cycle of gain and loss, happiness, and unhappiness. Such an existence is what Buddhists refer to as samsara – a lifetime of suffering.

Breaking through this illusion is a necessity for advanced spiritual development. Only by recognizing that happiness is a product of our state of consciousness can we ever be truly and sustainably happy.

You dedicate yourself to service

The ego would love for us to be concerned with just us. However, this is a spiritually poor way to live and a telltale sign of an underdeveloped spiritual core.

So then, the transcendence of ego to the realization that we are One is a huge indication that past bad karma has been repaid.

karmic debt

You realize the futility of materialism

Will mankind ever see through the illusion that is materialism? Who knows? Money and possessions still reign supreme in the eyes of the world. Fortunately, these things needn’t run your life.

When you become more conscious, you begin to realize the futile nature of ‘stuff’ and the accumulation of such. You may have paid back your karmic debt.

You live in the present

The past and the future are phantoms of the mind. In the case of the former, they’re memory traces; the latter, illusions. The present moment is life, not the illusory past or future.

Seeing this is a sure sign of a maturing spiritual core.

You don’t fear death

Most of us walk around completely oblivious to what waits for us around the corner of death. It is this obliviousness that causes fear more than anything.

One of the greatest realizations is that we are more than our physical body; this shell. Knowing this allows us to live life fearlessly, love endlessly, and give generously.

10 Clever Brown Sugar Substitutes

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Want to learn more about brown sugar substitutes?

Sugar is often the sweet trigger for most of our high-calorie and excessively sweet diets. While cutting out sugars and sweeteners completely is one way to cut calories and live a more natural and healthy lifestyle, for many individuals, this isn’t feasible.

This is where sugar substitutes come into play. With the right selection of brown sugar substitutes, you’ll be able to replicate the same sweet taste you’ve grown to love without loading up on the unhealthy side effects of excessive sugar use.

10 Brown Sugar Substitutes

The best sugar substitutes for brown sugar depend on what you’re using these substitutes for, as well as your tolerance for the difference in taste. Read on for 10 sugar substitutes to consider when replacing brown sugar.

1. Acesulfame Potassium

This artificial sweetener is an effective brown sugar substitute. As it doesn’t raise one’s blood sugar or accelerate tooth decay, this brown sugar alternative is one of the most effective substitutes.

With virtually zero calories, these sweetener makes it easy to avoid contributing to additional health issues.

To make sure your consumption of this sugar substitute is as healthy as possible, be sure to stay within the FDA’s daily amount.

You can use this sweetener as you normally would use brown sugar. Whether you’re adding it to your coffee or using it for baking purposes, this Ace-K sugar solution is quite effective.

Before using this sugar substitute for the first time, take note of the fact that this sweetener is 200 times sweeter when compared to regular sugar. As it doesn’t have the same volume or bulk as brown sugar, you can easily go overboard when adding it to your recipes, so be sure to make the appropriate modifications when using it as a substitute in recipes.

2. Agave Nectar

Want a more holistic sweetener? Start using agave nectar.

As one of the most popular brown sugar substitutes, agave nectar is a healthier alternative that is rather lower in the glycemic index. Furthermore, this sweetener doesn’t cause blood sugar spikes, making it the preferable alternative for individuals that must watch their sugar intake for medical reasons.

However, when using agave nectar, keep in mind that it does contain higher amounts of fructose. While agave is a healthy sweetener, this fructose can cause weight gain. When consumed excessively, this agave can also lead to insulin resistance. For this reason, many experts recommend that diabetics stay away from agave.

Since agave tastes sweeter than brown sugar, it works well in almost any cooking situation. As it tastes like honey, most people find it lacks any of the bitter aftertastes that most other sugar substitutes have.

3. Coconut Sugar

Coconut sugar is a natural sweetener that is unrefined and provides users with a healthy dose of minerals, and vitamins. As it doesn’t cause fluctuations in one’s blood sugar, many diabetics use it as a brown sugar alternative. However, it’s important for any diabetic to consult with their doctor before they add it to their diets.

As coconut sugar is quite similar to its more popular counterparts, it is often used as a 1:1 replacement for brown or white sugar. This makes it easier to switch out brown sugar in recipes for coconut sugar. However, many users point out that this sugar can be particularly coarse.

4. Honey

For years, many people have turned to honey as a healthy alternative to sugar. According to doctors, the fructose content in raw honey is lower than the content in agave. Moreover, honey is one of nature’s only all-natural sweeteners with powerful health benefits.

When you add honey to your diet, you’ll be able to take advantage of its anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and heart-healthy effects. Keep in mind that when you’re eating honey, it does break down into fructose and glucose, as is the case with other sugars. As a result, you pose similar health risks when consuming honey.

brown sugar substitutes - honey

Want to use honey on a regular basis? Try this condiment on baked goods, in smoothies, as part of marinades, and in other creative ways when sweetening your meals. To gain the most health benefits, be sure that you’re using raw honey.

5. Monk Fruit Extracts

While many people have never heard of this sweetener, it is a healthier alternative to brown sugar. As monk fruit extracts are up to 200 times sweeter than regular sugar, you’ll be able to use much less than you would otherwise.

May individuals choose this extract as a sweetener so they can cut calories.

Keep in mind that these extracts are commercially processed to an extent and often contain other sweeteners. When using this sweetener, make sure you are consuming the healthiest version by reading the label and checking the ingredients.

Not sure how to use brown sugar substitutes like monk fruit extracts?

Consider using it as an addition to tea, coffee, and the like. Be sure to taste this extract first to determine if you find that it has an unpleasant aftertaste. As some people note that this sugar alternative has a specific taste to it, some avoid adding it into certain recipes when baking and cooking.

6. Date Paste

Just as some people eat dates as a dessert, others use date paste as a natural sweetener.

As far as brown sugar substitutes go, date paste works as an effective sugar alternative. Whether you DIY your own date paste or purchase it from your favorite holistic store, you’ll find that this sugar alternative is sweet, healthy, and low in calories.

Dates are an excellent additive in everything from sauces and marinades to salads and smoothies. As you get used to using date paste, you’ll learn that it is sweeter than sugar. As such, be sure that you’re using an appropriate amount as a sugar replacement in recipes.

Want to make this all-natural sweetener yourself?

With four cups of water and 12 oz. of dates, you can easily make your own. After letting the dates soak in hot water, drain most of the water, reserving 1 ½ cups to add to the blender with the soaked dates. After blending, you’ll have your own date paste.

7. Stevia Extracts

Want a non-caloric plant extract as one of your go-to brown sugar substitutes? Then stevia extracts are the solution for you. This sweetener won’t lead to weight gain and is safe for diabetics to consume.

While stevia extracts are indeed healthy, they are also particularly sweet, so you don’t need as much of it as you would when using regular sugar.

As you learn how to use stevia in your favorite meals, keep in mind that it has a bit of an aftertaste after the refining process. For this reason, some people avoid using it in tea or coffee. However, you can use stevia extracts in various forms like liquid and powder, so you may need to experiment a bit to find which form you enjoy the most.

8. Sucralose

Sucralose or Splenda is an artificial sweetener that many people use as a substitute for white and brown sugar.

As a sweetener that is 600 times sweeter, this low-calorie solution is often a favorite among diabetics and dieters.

While there are a wide variety of Splenda products on the market, you’ll find that there are specific forms better suited to how you intend to use this sweetener. Whether you’re baking with or adding this sweetener to your coffee, there is a perfect format that will work best for you as a sugar alternative.

When using this sweetener, be sure to monitor how much you are using. As sucralose is significantly sweeter than regular sugars, you only need small amounts when using this sweetener.

9. Xylitol

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that is anywhere from 25%-100% as sweet as typical sugars.
According to the FDA, sugar alcohols are lower in calories and don’t increase blood glucose or promote tooth decay. However, these alcohols do have an effect on one’s blood sugar levels, so diabetics must be careful when using these sugar alcohols.

Additionally, experts point out that xylitol has effects similar to laxatives when consumed in large amounts.

Since xylitol comes in a granulated form, some find it easier to use as a replacement for beverages or in baking and cooking. Experts say this alternative works best for recipes and the like that don’t require the breakdown of sugars in liquid form since it doesn’t caramelize.

10. Molasses

This age old sugar substitute is a healthy solution for sweetening.

As a byproduct of the process used to make sugar, molasses are often thought of as healthier. Molasses range in type from light molasses and dark molasses to the black strap kind and the sulfured, and un-suffered variety.

In comparison to brown sugar, molasses contains minerals and vitamins like potassium, iron, copper, vitamin B6, selenium, calcium, manganese, and magnesium.

In addition to this nutritional content, molasses has proven to be effective in stabilizing blood sugar and lowering insulin levels.

Final Thoughts on Brown Sugar Substitutes

If you’d like to cut back on brown sugar, consider these natural alternatives. Whether you like the powdered form or liquid sweeteners, these options allow you the freedom to sweeten your food as naturally as possible.

With their own share of benefits, these brown sugar substitutes make for an excellent option when replacing brown sugar. Keep this information in mind as you determine the proper replacement for brown sugar in your diet.

21 Reasons Avocados Are One of the Best Foods on the Planet

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From our love of guac to our obsession with avocado toast, these green and creamy fruits continue to steal the hearts of many all over the world. While they certainly have their own unique and gooey goodness, avocados also have a wide variety of health-boosting benefits.

Health Benefits of Avocado

Although avocados often get a bad rap as being a particularly fatty fruit, vitamin and nutritional content in these fruits make them too good to pass up. So if you’re ready to transform your health with this special fruit, keep reading.

1. Improve Your Nutrient Intake

Avocados are one of the most nutrient-rich fruits in the world. With vitamins like B6, K, E, and C, avocados also contain significant amounts of the nutrients potassium, magnesium, folate, niacin, riboflavin, and pantothenic acid. Additionally, these fruits are filled with omega-3 fatty acids, beta-carotene, and lutein.

Though avocados are often avoided due to their fat content, this fruit is actually one of the healthiest options for keeping you full. Fat itself isn’t terrible for the body. Indeed, these healthy fats help boost skin health. And they enhance the absorption of certain minerals, nutrients, and minerals.

When eating avocados, your body will slow the breakdown of other carbohydrates, which will help keep your blood sugar levels stable.

2. Boost Your Heart Health

Avocados are also one of the healthiest fruits to add to your diet due to the amount of beta-sitosterol they contain. Regularly consuming this beta-sitosterol through avocado recipes will help the body maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

3. Improve Your Vision

Avocados contain zeaxanthin and lutein. These two phytochemicals are located in eye tissue and this helps protect your eyes and minimize any damage from UV rays.

By consuming this fruit with the best avocado recipes, you’ll increase your intake of these phytochemicals, which will help to protect your eyesight.

Additionally, avocados contain monounsaturated fatty acids that help your body absorb beneficial antioxidants like beta-carotene which will help reduce your risk of macular degeneration.

4. Help Prevent Osteoporosis

Eating half an avocado will provide you with 25% of your recommended daily intake for Vitamin K.

While this nutrient is often forgotten, it is one of the most important vitamins for strengthening bones. Vitamin K helps to support bone health as it increases calcium absorption and reduces the likelihood of calcium loss through urinary excretion.

5. Protect against Cancer

Cancer has been linked to an inadequate intake of the nutrient folate. To protect against the likes of stomach, cervical, colon, and pancreatic cancer, be sure to increase your consumption of folate.

According to studies, this reduced risk has been linked to the presence of folate protecting against mutations in RNA and DNA during cell division.

Additionally, avocados may also play a role in cancer treatment as certain researchers have linked phytochemicals to inhibit the growth of certain cancerous and precancerous cells.

6. Boost Babies’ Health

Pregnant mothers that eat avocados regularly are able to fill up on folate and help reduce their risk of neural tube defects and miscarriage.

According to recent research, folate deficiency is much more likely to play a part in causing birth defects in baby mice.

7. Lower the Risk of Depression

Looking for a natural way to eliminate depression? Consider adding more avocados to your diet.

Foods that contain higher levels of folate have been linked to lowering the risk of developing depression. As folate helps to limit the buildup of the substance known as homocysteine, improving your levels of folate will help to boost the body’s circulation of important nutrients that are essential to proper brain function.

To elaborate, excessive amounts of homocysteine can interfere with the body’s ability to produce dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. As these regulate appetite, mood, and sleep, it’s very important to have the proper amounts of this substance.

8. Improve Digestion

This creamy fruit is also filled with fiber. With around 12 – 14 grams of fiber in each fruit, avocados are an excellent all-natural treatment for improving digestion.

By regularly using avocado recipes, you’ll find that this fiber content will help you avoid constipation and lower your risk of developing colon cancer.

9. Detoxify Your Body

Trying to detoxify your body? Believe it or not, by filling up on avocado recipes, you’ll be able to do so naturally.

The fiber content in this fruit will help to regulate your bowel movements, which will improve your daily excretion of bodily toxins through stool and bile.

Additionally, certain studies show that dietary fiber also helps to regulate one’s immune system and prevent inflammation.

10. Lower Cholesterol

Avocados are proven to be effective in improving one’s cholesterol profile.

Some experts agree that with one daily dose of avocado, one can expect that their bad cholesterol levels will improve. Additionally, studies show that the total cholesterol, fat in one’s blood, and level of triglycerides have been proven to be positively affected by the regular consumption of this fruit.

11. Treat Bad Breath

Believe it or not, avocados can be used to fight bad breath.

While most people rely on toothpaste to fight smelly breath, this condition starts inside the intestines and the stomach.

By eating avocados regularly, you’ll be able to break down any imbalances within your digestive system, helping to freshen your breath from the inside out.

12. Boost Your Immunity

As this fruit is packed with essential nutrients and vitamins, it plays a significant role in boosting your immunity. The vitamin E content in avocados primarily helps to boost your body’s immunity as they work to protect you again factors like stress and similar issues that may otherwise put your health at risk.

13. Eliminate Wrinkles and Marks

Instead of turning to popular products for fighting wrinkles and marks, consider adding more avocados to your beauty routine.

Just as this fabulous fruit will bolster your diet, it can improve the condition of your skin when used as a beauty treatment. Get into the DIY routine and make a paste of this fruit to lighten scars and condition your skin.

14. Condition Your Hair

Why purchase a hair mask when you have one of the best ingredients to make one yourself?

With this green fruit handy, you’ll be able to treat your hair to a moisturizing makeover. Take advantage of the vitamins B and E in avocados by creating your own hair treatment that will strengthen and protect your hair.

15. Stimulate Hair Growth

While many women and men turn to commercial products to help stimulate hair growth, avocados boast the same benefits when it comes to stimulating hair growth.

As an all-natural moisturizer, an avocado is an excellent option for generating hair growth. Since most hair loss occurs as a result of damaged and dry hair, using this fruit as a hair treatment will help to regulate your hair growth.

16. Improve Your Blood Pressure

Free of sodium, avocados have been proven as an effective treatment for lowering blood pressure.

Additionally, their potassium content is likely another benefit that helps improve your blood pressure. Moreover, when eaten as a replacement for similar fatty condiments, avocados can improve your blood pressure.

17. Lose Weight

Much more than your average fruit, avocados are full of healthy fats that will help you feel full for a longer period of time.

These nutrient-packed fruits will help you cut calories and lose weight while you stock up on nutrients.

avocado for weight loss

18. Reduce Liver Damage

The chemicals that are contained in avocados can reduce the risk of liver damage. These organic compounds help to improve liver health. Thus, they are one of the best healthy options for fighting hepatitis C.

19. Fight Morning Sickness

Morning sickness is a common ailment during pregnancy. While there are many medications for treating morning sickness, avocados are one of the best natural treatments.

With the help of avocado recipes, pregnant women will be able to boost their intake of vitamin B6, ultimately reducing their vomiting and nausea.

20. Treat Your Skin

The many minerals and vitamins in avocado will help to maintain healthy skin. The carotenoids in avocados help to reduce UV ray damage.

21. Improve Cognitive Function

As we age, it isn’t uncommon for your cognitive functionalities to decrease. By upping your intake of avocados, you will be able to take advantage of the fruit’s lutein. This carotenoid is a powerful antioxidant that will help improve the lutein levels inside the brain. Those increased levels will enhance your problem-solving abilities and memory.

Final Thoughts on Avocados

Avocados have long since been a staple in many cultures and recipes around the world. This is a fruit offering you many nutritional benefits. Therefore, you can use this berry in several beauty and hair treatments to keep your skin and hair as healthy as possible.

If you’re hoping to start eating healthier and improve your beauty routine at the same time, start adding more avocados to your diet. Therefore, keep these 21 benefits in mind as you begin to fall in love with the green goodness of avocados.

Doctor Explains How Acupuncture Works for Back Pain

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Acupuncture is becoming increasingly common for many of the issues you may deal with during your lifetime. As it becomes more popular, researchers are looking into what else this alternative medicine works for. One well-researched area is acupuncture for back pain, and it has been backed by doctors.

This alternative medicine is believed to be able to lessen or cure your back pain without all the side effects that over the counter or prescription medications can cause. It also lasts longer than most medications, and it may eventually cure you of your back pain for good.

Before you can decide to use acupuncture for back pain, however, it is important to understand more about this method. You should first learn what this alternative medicine actually is, how it can help your back pain, what doctors say about it, and how to find a professional acupuncturist in your area.

What Is Acupuncture?

This treatment stems from traditional Chinese medicine from more than 2,500 years ago. Practitioners insert tiny needles into your skin. The needles are placed at specific areas of your body called pressure points, and each pressure point is believed to be related to certain ailments.

The American Pain Society and the American College of Physicians recognize acupuncture as a legitimate alternative medicine. Furthermore, both organizations agree that doctors should at least consider the treatment for their patients.

When done in a professional setting, this alternative medicine is completely safe. It doesn’t usually have any side effects, but sometimes you may notice slight bruising or very light bleeding. This treatment method isn’t intended to cause harm or to be painful, either.

While some people may be turned off by the idea of needles being placed into their skin, you can rest assured knowing that there is no pain or very little pain involved with the treatment. Professional acupuncturists are trained to make the treatment as easy and stress-free as possible, and once you get your first treatment, you’ll likely be able to relax at the next session. As soon as you see that there is nothing to be afraid of, you’ll understand the hype behind this alternative medicine.

A Doctor Explains How Acupuncture For Back Pain Works

Dr. Andrew Weil has explained in depth how this method of treatment works to reduce back pain. When a patient is suffering from back pain that causes muscle aches, shooting or stabbing pain, lessened flexibility, and range of motion, difficulty standing up or sitting up straight, or the inability to stand for extended periods of time, this treatment option may be a beneficial treatment option for them.

Dr. Weil explains that this alternative medicine can treat back pain just as well or more effectively than standard medication can. Through a study backed by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, it was found that after 8 weeks, those patients who received this treatment showed significant improvement over those who received standard treatment for their back pain. In all instances, with continued treatment alternative medicine allowed for long term treatment with little side effects.

In order for this alternative medicine to work, your body’s pressure points must be stimulated. Since there are more than 2,000 pressure points in your body, doctors adamantly encourage only allowing a professional to perform this treatment on you so that you know you are getting the correct treatment and to ensure clean and proper tools are used.

When the therapist stimulates your pressure, they release a flow of energy that is called Qi (pronounced “chee”). This energy travels along pathways in your body. This stimulation corrects any imbalances in the flow of energy throughout your body.

Doctors Explain Energy Flow In Your Body

Studies backed by doctors indicate that this form of treatment is beneficial and sometimes preferred over modern medicine. The reason for this is that when Qi is unable to flow along the pathways, also known as channels, due to an obstruction of some type, pain may occur. This type of pain can’t always be fixed with modern medicine, as it is all about the energy flowing.

When this occurs, acupuncture treatment works by breaking up the obstructions and allowing Qi to flow regularly through your body again. Not only will this help with the pain you are experiencing, but it will also help with an overall sense of well-being.

With modern medicine and pain killers, the obstructions that are blocking the flow of energy in your body will not be remedied. You will only be treating the symptoms of the pain and not the underlying cause of the back pain. This means that the pain will likely return shortly after the medicine wears off.

Acupuncturists, on the other hand, are trained to use alternative medicine to remove those obstructions, allowing the Qi to flow freely. This allows the pain to stay away for longer periods of time, although it may return eventually. You will have to have more than one treatment with an acupuncturist for the results to be accurate, but eventually, the time between each treatment will increase, as the obstruction will stay gone longer each time.

Other Doctor Opinions About Alternative Medicine

Many doctors say that the benefits come from stimulation of your central nervous system because the needles cause chemicals to be released into your muscles, spinal cord, and brain. When this occurs, your body may stop feeling the pain so severely (or altogether!), and it also could help with an overall sense of well-being.

Other doctors lean more toward the theories that this alternative medicine releases endorphins into your body that inhibit the pain. Still, others think that the chemicals released cause natural opioids to release into your body. Either chemical can lessen the effects of pain and promote deep sleep.

That is not where the theories stop, however. Some doctors believe that your entire brain chemistry is changed with the use of this alternative medicine because neurotransmitters (which encourage or inhibit nerve impulses) and neurohormones (which can change how an organ functions) are released into your body.

Despite many different theories from doctors, most doctors seem to agree on one thing: acupuncture for back pain really works.

The Techniques Commonly Used For Back Pain

The types of alternative medicine techniques that acupuncturists and doctors alike agree may help with back pain include:

  • Electro-acupuncture
  • Auriculo-therapy: involving the ears
  • Cupping
  • Tuina: A form of massage
  • Guasha: a technique involving scraping or rubbing of the skin
  • Stagnant blood release
  • Moxibustion: Acupuncture using fire to heat the needle

acupuncture for back pain

How to Find an Acupuncturist Near You

A simple google search of “acupuncturist near me” or “acupuncture in my area” will lead you to the acupuncturists near you. You will likely be surprised at home many are in your area, as this practice is becoming increasingly common.

You can also ask your primary physician if they can recommend an acupuncturist to you, as they may know a professional who is licensed, talented, and trustworthy. Some traditional doctors do practice this, as well, so you may be able to find a primary physician who can do this alternative medicine technique.

What to Look For in a Professional Acupuncturist

When looking for and meeting an acupuncturist, there are a few things you should know about them before scheduling an appointment. You should make sure that the professional:

  • uses sterile and disposable needles
  • is licensed
  • follows state and national standards
  • is familiar, comfortable, and experienced with the technique you desire
  • makes you feel comfortable
  • is upfront about pricing and number of visits recommended

Other Alternative Medicine Uses

Pain is the most common issue treated this way, but there are many other conditions treated, as well. Some of the other ailments treated with this alternative medicine include:

  • headaches or migraines
  • fibromyalgia
  • musculoskeletal pain
  • recovery from surgery
  • sciatic nerve pain
  • temporomandibular joint disorder (otherwise known as TMJ)
  • depression
  • anxiety
  • weight loss or gain
  • allergies
  • neck pain
  • knee pain
  • osteoarthritis
  • hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause
  • discomfort stemming from cancer treatment
  • intense menstrual cramps
  • eye strain
  • weakened immune system
  • carpal tunnel
  • addiction

Final Thoughts On How Acupuncture Actually Works For Back Pain

In recent years, alternative medicine has become more researched than ever in the United States. With the many different techniques, pressure points, and treatments available through this alternative medicine, it is also becoming increasingly common with patient’s as well.

Most commonly, acupuncture for back pain is the most sought after treatment, with many case studies and patient testimonials to back the idea. It is completely safe highly trained, licensed professional, therapists perform the treatment. Plus, most people report zero to few side effects.

If you suffer from pain in your back, this increasingly popular alternative medicine may be an option you should highly consider. Discuss it with your doctor, first, and then meet with an acupuncturist that you are comfortable with to decide on a treatment plan. You never know, this alternative medicine may be life-changing for you!

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