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10 Reasons You Might be Dealing with Lower Back Pain and How to Fix it

August 1, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Lower back pain can be a mild annoyance or crippling, unpredictable and sporadic or constant and reliable. And the intensity of the pain isn’t always indicative of the seriousness of the condition causing it. If you suffer from back pain, you’re likely trying to figure out how to get it to stop. Of course, understanding the likeliest reasons for your pain helps.

Today, we’ll look at ten reasons you might be dealing with lower back pain. And we will share what you can do to help resolve each possible cause.

Reasons You Might be Dealing with Lower Back Pain

1) Back injury

The simplest cause of lower back pain is, of course, various forms of a back injury. Some of these include straining your back from lifting a weight poorly, taking a fall, car accidents. The number of potential sources of a lower back injury is countless.

It’s important to realize the danger of any back injury, even one resulting in only moderate pain. Your spinal cord is essentially unable to heal itself. This means that untreated damage to your back is permanently at risk of worsening. If you have any reason to suspect damage to your spinal cord, and not just the tissues surrounding it, you need to see a doctor immediately. Failing to do so could result in worse pain, paralysis, etc., as the injury develops.

For milder back injuries affecting the tissues, bone, ligaments, take measures to minimize strain, alleviate swelling and inflammation, and encourage healing. Good sleep with good sleeping posture will work wonders. And if you sit a lot for work or fun, make sure you’re seated well.

2) Kidney ailments

Your second biggest immediate concern with lower back pain should be the possibility of a kidney problem, or other ailments affecting your urinary tract. Your kidneys are located towards the back to either side of your spine. So pain originating from them or referred from lower in your urinary tract can feel indistinguishable from pain in your spine or the muscles of the lower back.

You should keep a close eye out for signs and symptoms of kidney problems if you do have unidentified back pain. This includes abnormalities in your urine. These include cloudiness, unusual smells, blood, unpleasant sensations while urinating, increased or decreased the frequency of urination, and the inability to satisfactorily ‘finish’ going. In serious cases of kidney infection or other kidney diseases, you may experience fevers, nausea, and extreme pain. If this happens, seek immediate medical care.

For mild kidney-related problems, increasing your water intake is the simplest advice. But pain in your kidneys isn’t something to be treated with water alone. This is because infections of the kidney itself rather than the ureters or urethra can quickly lead to kidney failure without antibiotic treatment. Of course, your problem can also be kidney stones; less likely to result in catastrophic illness, and possibly resolved with water intake alone, but likely to be quite painful in the passing—and potentially require intervention from a doctor anyway.

3) Poor posture

The wrong posture while sitting, exercising, standing, and sleeping can put pressure on your lower back that it’s not meant to endure. At a minimum, you may experience muscle strain from the musculature supporting your back. At worst, you can end up with serious damage to the bones, ligaments, discs, or spinal cord itself.

To prevent pain related to poor posture you must, of course, assume a good posture. That means keeping your back supported and curved in its natural s-curve shape whenever possible, whether you’re standing in place, lifting weights, sitting at a computer, or sleeping. For sleeping and sitting, this means the right support from your bed or chair, possibly using cushions to get exactly the right position for either. For exercise (or helping a friend move a couch), it means taking the time to get your posture perfect before increasing weight or reps—speak with a personal trainer if you’re not sure your form is right.

If your problems stem from chronic sitting, make sure you get up and move around at least once an hour—even if only for a few minutes. Lengthy sessions of sitting without these breaks to stand is linked not just to lower back pain, but increased all-cause mortality, even if you’re otherwise very active.

Poor posture will also amplify your symptoms with many other causes of lower back pain, so don’t assume this is the whole story unless your pain vanishes entirely with improvements to your posture.

4) Inflammatory diseases

Many chronic inflammatory diseases can result in lower back pain, especially in the face of any other condition or habit that might put pressure on your lower back. This can lead to strange causal links such as your back pain being associated with exposure to a particular allergen, eating the wrong foods, exercising too hard (even if your back is uninvolved), etc., or it can make your back pain link to other symptoms that seem completely unrelated; sore joints, itchy red eyes, mouth sores, stomach aches, skin conditions.

These sorts of diseases can be difficult to pin down without a doctor’s help, and treatment can range from steroids to surgery to watching what you eat, depending on what specifically is the problem. Inflammatory diseases include various forms of arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, lupus, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, and others.

5) Spinal disorders

There are a large number of inherent or developed disorders which affect your spine and the adjacent tissues and structures of your body. Scoliosis is perhaps the best known, in which your spine develops with a side-to-side curvature, but many others exist and can evade detection until adulthood—and the ensuing back pain.

Look for signs of abnormality in the structure of your spine; differences in the height of your shoulders, a lean forward or back when standing upright, visible differences in the musculature of your back, etc.

Depending on the disorder in question, treatment may range from standard advice for alleviating back pain to full surgical intervention to correct the deviation. It’s best to catch these early in childhood when full correction is easier. Unfortunately for or many of these, it will be too late to do anything but minimize symptoms by adulthood.

6) Excess weight

As with any other part of your body, your back is exposed to significantly increased pressure when you carry excess weight—and it’s your lower back that will face the heavier burden. Consider extra weight a force multiplier for any and all forces acting on your back. These include the weight of your body on your lower back when you’re seated, the impact of exercise, and physical activity.

Weight alone won’t often cause back pain specifically. However, don’t settle for weight alone as an answer to your problems. In fact, it’s far more likely that there’s another cause in play. Your extra weight is merely increasing the pain you experience. Either way, losing weight will help alleviate the pain and expose the root cause.

7) Osteoporosis

Lost bone density can present itself early with spine pain. Indeed, it can be simply another problem in a growing list as your condition develops. It’s important to identify and manage osteoporosis as soon as possible. This is especially true if it’s affecting your spine. Indeed, a spinal fracture due to reduced bone density in your spine can be a devastating event. In worse cases, it may cause death or permanent paralysis.

If you’re at risk of osteoporosis due to other medical conditions or as an older woman, than this should be the first concern with unidentified back pain.

Treatment of osteoporosis-related back pain will include general efforts to improve bone density and the use of pain medication. Use, preferably, simple NSAIDs like ibuprofen.

8) Arthritis

We have discussed inflammatory disease as a whole. But let’s also look specifically at the various forms of arthritis which can affect your spine. Some forms of arthritis, such as ankylosing spondylitis, primarily affect the joints and tissues of the spine. Other general forms of arthritis can also cause lower back pain as they attack your joints, linings, ligaments, muscles, tendons, etc. If you already have a diagnosis or suspect arthritis from pain elsewhere in your body, then discuss with your doctor.

9) Cancer

Cancer is far from the likeliest suspect in lower back pain. But to ignore it as a possibility would be irresponsible. Cancer-related back pain is usually divorced from physical strain or effort. Moreover, it worsens at night and in the morning and resolves as the day progresses. Additionally, it comes with other significant symptoms, such as fatigue, weakness, numbness, and weight loss.

Pain in the spine doesn’t necessarily mean cancer of the spine even if cancer is the culprit. This pain may be referred to your lower back from your gastrointestinal tract, reproductive systems, urinary tract, and other systems of the body.

Do you have any reason to suspect cancer is related to your back pain? Call your doctor to diagnose it as soon as possible. Early diagnosis ensures that proper treatment plans can be made and enacted.

10) Referred pain from pelvic conditions

Your back pain isn’t always about your back. Lower back pain, in particular, is often referred pain from your pelvis. This means that the nerves for pain fire off in the pelvis, and the signal travels through the lower back. Your brain then interprets it incorrectly as sourced from your back.

This is more often a cause of back pain in women than men. However, it can result from a wealth of health issues found across both sexes. The treatment for such pain is based on the underlying cause.

12 Proven Benefits of Turmeric for Skin

August 1, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Vibrant and healthy skin is a dream almost everyone has shared. Others might have already achieved this, but are now looking for a way to make glowing skin. One way people have been able to rejuvenate and revive their skin is by implementing turmeric into their skincare routine. It is arguably one of the most potent spices and is well-known for improving your skin.

Turmeric is a popular spice that is found in Southeast Asian dishes. It is said that it may be one of the most powerful spices in the whole world. Today, turmeric is one of the most studied spices because of its many benefits that have been found by accident through constant use.

In one study, it is reported that turmeric can give you 16-26% of your daily requirement of specific vitamins, such as iron and manganese, respectively. (1) The spice is also an excellent source for potassium, fiber, magnesium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C.

Here in this guide are 12 benefits of turmeric for the skin

1. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Turmeric for skin has both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits, Making it one beast of a spice. So, how will this impact your skin?

Well, it is going to work wonders on your fine lines and wrinkles. Its properties will be able to help reduce blemishes and redness and is even able to soothe conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

2. Eliminate acne

Turmeric is fantastic for fighting off acne because it is an antiseptic, and an all-natural one at that. Since it is antibacterial as well, it will be able to stop the spread of bacteria on your face, reducing the likelihood of breakouts.(2)

Turmeric’s powers against acne can be improved vastly when paired with other natural products, such as apple cider vinegar, for example. Since ACV has astringent properties, it acts as a toner when paired with turmeric to help even out your face.

3. Reduce dark circles underneath your eyes

Turmeric has proven itself countless times to act as a fantastic anti-inflammatory agent. Thus, this makes it great for reducing dark circles around the face. Turmeric for skin can stimulate circulation, which is going to end up reducing under-eye darkness and puffiness that comes with it.

4. Protects your skin against aging

Today, when you look at your moisturizer cream’s ingredient list, you might notice that there is some turmeric extract included. This is because turmeric benefits can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and crow’s feet that are caused by aging.

5. Protects skin from sun UV exposure

Turmeric for skin also has the capability of decreasing the sights of brown spots on your body caused by sun damage. Additionally, it can extend the longevity of your skin’s elasticity, so the signs of sun damage will not be as prominent.

6. Reduce stretch marks

As we grow and age, most likely, we are going to have stretch marks that start to cover our bodies. For some, the marks are more noticeable. A natural solution to controlling the appearance of stretch marks is to use turmeric along with these areas.

Turmeric, when made into a paste, is going to be able to penetrate deep into your skin layer to improve the function of your skin cells. To make your paste, you will need the following ingredients:

One tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
One teaspoon of turmeric
*optional* splash of lemon

With this all-natural turmeric paste, you now have your stretch mark blaster. It’s recommended to apply the turmeric paste to your skin at least twice a day; once in the morning, and once at night before bed.

7. Calm dry skin

Turmeric benefits can revitalize and hydrate your skin while reducing the ever so cumbersome sign of dryness. This spice can speed up the process of dead skin cells being shed from your skin, revealing healthier and glowing skin underneath. Additionally, your skin is going to be protected when you apply a layer of turmeric.

8. Scabies treatment

Scabies is a condition where smaller microscopic mites leave a rash all over your skin that it comes in contact with. Studies from India have shown that mixing turmeric and neem is a great way to treat scabies naturally.

9. Healing wounds

Curcumin is another property found in turmeric. It can speed up your skin’s healing process by decreasing the processes of oxidation and inflammation. Turmeric is also able to lower your body’s response to surface levels of wounds. This is going to result in a faster recovery.

10. Create a natural glow

Stated many times before, in this guide, turmeric contains many beneficial properties that are going to improve the appearance of your skin. Another characteristic of people using turmeric is reviving your skin to a more youthful look, helping you to achieve your natural glow.

If you are looking to have glowing skin, consider making a turmeric mask to receive the positive effects of this spice. Here are the things you are going to need to make your mask:

Greek yogurt
Honey
Turmeric

Mix all the products, and you now have a mask that is going to release the glow that lies underneath your dead skin cells.

11. Treat skin conditions

Due again to turmeric’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits, turmeric is going to be able to relieve your symptoms caused by skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. One study has shown that turmeric for skin has the ability to treat patients that suffer from psoriasis.

(3) Psoriasis is one of the most challenging skin conditions to treat, and currently, there is not a cure for it. So, people look towards methods to be able to control their breakouts. A way to make a turmeric balm for your skin condition is to:

Equal parts honey
and turmeric

This can then be applied to the affected area to calm, heal, and cool irritated and inflamed skin.

12. Lighten acne scars

Even after you defeat your acne, it may leave an unsightly mark behind, becoming a constant reminder of your old skin. However, you do not have to live with acne scars much longer when you start to use turmeric.

Turmeric for skin is readily found in stores, so you do not have to drop a lot of money to get a fantastic skincare product. Turmeric is the perfect remedy to fight against acne scars and hyperpigmentation.

Once again, the curcumin found in turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory property and antioxidant. Hyperpigmentation and acne results are a result of too much melanin being produced in a specific area. Turmeric benefits are going to reverse these effects and reduce the appearance of acne scars.

Using turmeric on your skin

Curcumin is the compound we are most interested in. This property that is found in turmeric is not able to be absorbed fully by the body when it is taken orally. When turmeric is only taken orally, it is going to be metabolized real quickly by your body, and end up leaving it just as fast.

Instead, preparing turmeric to be applied to the skin is going to be the best way for you to treat your rashes, scars, wounds, bruises, and insect bites. Turmeric benefits come in a range of forms:

capsules
tablets
ointments
extract
tincture
oil

Risks

The US FDA has been able to declare to the general public that turmeric is very safe to use and consume at generous amounts. However, like all-natural compounds, some people may experience some triggering side effects, such as allergies.

When turmeric is applied with other natural products, test each product individually on your skin to ensure that you will not have any adverse side effects when using it in a mixture.

Not all turmeric-containing products are tested and tried by the FDA, so you will have to ensure that you get a product that is safe and reputable.

Check with your doctor first before you decide to use turmeric if you have the following medical conditions:

Diabetes
High blood pressure
Low blood pressure

Taking turmeric curcumin may exacerbate these issues and cause other side effects:

Nausea
Diarrhea
Increased risk of bleeding
Hyperactive gallbladder contraction
Pregnant women may experience uterine contractions
Increased menstrual flow

Final Thoughts

Turmeric is one of the top spices and herbs in the world. You are able to use turmeric as a powder or an extract to receive its many benefits. It has an extended use history, especially in Ayurvedic medicine and other forms of traditional medicine.

Turmeric benefits are able to work wonders on your skin and the rest of your body as a bonus. Even adding turmeric to your skincare routine is going to help you achieve a youthful look once again.

15 Foods to Avoid If You Have High Blood Pressure

August 1, 2019 by Power of Positivity

If you have hypertension (high blood pressure), controlling the condition should be a top priority. Also, lowering your blood pressure is a great way to reduce your chances of suffering a stroke or heart attack.

A healthy blood pressure reading should fall somewhere between 120/80 mmHg and 139/89 mmHg, according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). A blood pressure reading that is over 139/89 mmHg is too high. This reading can significantly increase your chances of suffering a severe heart attack or stroke. Blood pressure naturally increases and decreases based on activity levels and heart needs. However, a consistently high blood pressure reading is a cause for concern.

Fortunately, prescription medicines like ACE inhibitors and Angiotensin II receptor blockers can help lower high blood pressure and also reduce your risk of developing heart disease, not to mention suffering a heart attack or stroke.

Those medications are effective. However, making smarter food choices can also make a difference in controlling your blood pressure. In this article, we will detail 15 foods to avoid if you have high blood pressure. And we will highlight some foods that may help improve the health condition.

WHAT IS HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE?

In essence, blood pressure is the pressure that is placed on the artery walls as the heart pumps blood throughout the body. Healthy blood pressure helps the body function properly, while blood pressure that is too high can have the opposite effect. It is also worth noting that the foods we consume are critical in how blood pressure impacts the body. For example, a high-fat, high-calorie diet can lead to obesity. Those extra pounds can lead to high blood pressure. A healthy, well-balanced diet, on the other hand, can help lower high blood pressure.

TOP 15 FOODS TO AVOID IF YOU HAVE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

Now that we have a basic understanding of hypertension let’s take a look at some of the foods that can potentially worsen the health condition:

1. DELI MEATS

For example, processed deli meats like turkey, ham, salami, and bologna are often cured, seasoned, and preserved using salt. Those processes can quickly increase blood pressure. To further illustrate this point, the average 2-ounce serving of lunch meat generally contains as much as 500 mg of sodium. And this is before adding pickles, cheese, and other condiments, which can push sodium levels even higher.

2. BREAD

Like processed meats, bread is also high in sodium; therefore, it should only be consumed in moderation if you have hypertension. Studies show that a single slice of bread can contain as much as 200 milligrams of sodium before piling on your favorite deli meats and condiments.

3. PICKLES

Unlike cucumbers, pickles undergo a preservation process requiring them to sit in a salt bath, absorbing a significant amount of sodium. According to the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), one whole dill pickle spear contains roughly 390 mg of sodium, making them one of the top foods that should be avoided for those with hypertension.

4. PIZZA

If you’re a pizza fan and have been diagnosed with hypertension, this is one food you will want to avoid. Most pizzas, frozen or fresh, are loaded with cheese, cured meats, and tomato sauce; all of these ingredients contain a large amount of sodium. In fact, many of the most popular pizza brands contain over 700 mg of sodium, according to the USDA.

5. RED MEAT

Despite being a great source of protein, red meat contains saturated fat and sodium, both of which can contribute to hypertension. It is also worth noting that the saturated fat in red meat can lead to clogged arteries, triggering heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.

6. BACON

Despite being an American breakfast staple for so many people, bacon is sadly another food that should be avoided if you have hypertension. Bacon is chock-full of fat, sodium, and calories. According to the USDA, 3 slices of this delicious breakfast meat contains upwards of 576 mg of sodium, 311 calories, and 3 grams of saturated fat.

7. SATURATED AND TRANS FATS

If you have hypertension, it would be a good idea to eschew all foods that contain saturated and trans fats from your diet as they can both raise blood pressure. Some foods containing saturated fats include full-dairy products, red meat, and chicken skin. As far as trans fats are concerned, they are primarily found in packaged and prepared foods like deli meats and frozen dinners. Studies show that consuming too many saturated or trans fats can raise not only blood pressure but also your cholesterol. These fats can also increase your risk of coronary heart disease. Ideally, you should consider replacing animal, saturated, and trans fats with healthier plant-based fats, which can be found in seeds, nuts, olive oil, and avocados.

8. ALCOHOL

While not a food per se, alcohol should be avoided if you have hypertension. In fact, several studies show that consuming too much alcohol can even diminish the effectiveness of medications to treat high blood pressure. Also, alcohol contains many calories that can contribute to weight gain. That increase in weight can lead to hypertension. Moderate alcohol consumption, on the other hand, can help lower high blood pressure. Better yet, it may also provide some additional health benefits as well.

9. CAFFEINE

Like alcohol, caffeinated beverages like coffee and sodas can also lead to hypertension. Therefore, they should either be eliminated from one’s diet or consumed in moderation. Because caffeine is a central nervous stimulant, it causes blood vessels to constrict, which, in turn, increases blood pressure.

10. SUGAR

Similar to alcohol, consuming excessive amounts of sugar can lead to not only weight gain but also hypertension. Whether you have hypertension or not, limiting your overall sugar intake is still a good idea. According to the American Heart Association, men should consume no more than 36 grams of sugar per day while women, on the other hand, should limit their sugar consumption to 24 grams per day.

11. CANNED SOUPS

Despite being delicious and convenient, canned soups should be avoided if you have hypertension due to their high sodium content. The same can be said canned and packaged broths and stocks as well. Many of the ready-made soups, broths, and stocks on supermarket shelves contain as much as 900 mg of sodium, which is based only on a ½ cup serving size. A full serving of canned or packaged soup, broth, or stock can contain as much as 2,000 mg of sodium.

12. CANNED OR BOTTLED TOMATO PRODUCTS

Canned or bottled tomato products like ketchup and tomato sauce, for example, can pack almost as much sodium as canned soups. That said, if you have hypertension, removing these foods from your diet would be a good idea. To further put this into context, a ½ cup of canned marinara sauce contains as much as 400 mg of sodium. Regarding bottled tomato products, one cup of bottled tomato juice contains over 600 mg of sodium.

13. SALT

Considering that most foods already contain a fair bit of sodium, avoiding table salt whenever possible would be a good idea. In fact, adults should make it a point to consume no more than 1,500 mg of salt per day, according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

14. PASTRIES

We will admit–they’re hard to resist. However, those with hypertension should limit the number of pastries they consume as they often contain an exorbitant amount of sugar. The sugar in these foods adds to one’s waistline and contributes to hypertension.

15. PEANUT BUTTER SPREAD

If you have hypertension, peanut butter is another food you consider avoiding as it contains a considerable amount of saturated fats. These are the fats which can clog arteries and also lead to hypertension.

All in all, foods that are high in fat and sodium should be avoided if you have hypertension. The best way to manage hypertension and ultimately get it under control is by consuming a healthy diet. Some of the most commonly recommended foods for those with hypertension include

Fiber-rich foods
Magnesium-rich foods
Potassium-rich foods
Whole grains

Additionally, you can always substitute some of your favorite sodium-rich foods with low-sodium options if they are available. Fortunately, most food manufacturers recognize that hypertension is a problem for many Americans. Therefore, they now offer low-sodium alternatives for many of their top brands.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON FOODS THAT CAN LOWER HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

High blood pressure is a dangerous condition to live with. It can even be deadly, often leading to stroke or heart attacks without warning. But you can help get back to better healthy by choosing heart-healthy foods. Check with your physician, and make these dietary changes under medical guidance.

15 Incredible Green Tea Benefits for Women

August 1, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Green tea is one of the most prized types of tea in the whole world. With its low caffeine content, the drink is an excellent morning beverage for those that want to get an initial boost of energy without the adrenaline rush that can occur from high-caffeine drinks like coffee or energy drinks.

Green tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Interestingly, the same flower is used to make oolong and black tea after a process of oxidation and withering. This type of tea, however, is made from the low-processed and dried Camellia sinensis leaves.

This tea originally came from China where it spread through all of eastern Asia as one of the most prized beverages and part of the traditions of the east. Now, people all over the world enjoy this wonderful tea and experience the renowned health benefits from drinking it. (1)

Green Tea Benefits for Women

Has a Stimulating Effect

Whether you are a mother of three or just a busy woman that needs to make it through her day, this tea is your natural answer to waking you up instantly. Because it contains caffeine inside, it will give you the boost that is usually derived from coffee early in the morning.

The good news is that this type of tea has significantly less caffeine than other caffeinated beverages. This means no tossing through the night and no jittery side effects after a drink of it.

Anti-cancer Properties

This type of tea is very rich in antioxidants and particularly in Epigallocatechin gallate — one of the most powerful antioxidants known to man. Antioxidants fight off oxidative damage done by free radicals which is one of the leading causes of diseases and cell mutations. Constant drinking of this tea has shown a decline in the growth of various tumors.(2)

Rich in Nutrients

Because this tea is completely natural and not processed with chemicals like sodas and other beverages, it has most of its nutrients intact when it reaches you. The leaves of the Camellia sinensis tea are very rich in phytonutrients that can boost your nutritional intake on a daily basis.

Lower Risk for Heart Disease

This particular tea is very healthy for your heart. It can prevent various cardiovascular diseases and reduce the risk of strokes. During studies, individuals who constantly drank cups of this tea were found to have a 31% lower risk of dying from diseases related to the heart.

This tea lowers the bad cholesterol in the blood. Lowered cholesterol protects the heart and vessels from the lipids getting stuck to their walls. The intake of this tea balances the levels of good (HDL) and bad (LDL) cholesterol levels.

Better Figure

Women are particularly sensitive to the way they look. If you are one of them, you will be happy to learn that green tea can help you in losing weight and keeping it off. In studies, daily intake of this tea showed to significantly reduce body fat. Those that drink Camellia sinensis tea regularly have a healthier weight than before making it part of their daily routine. This is due to the metabolism-boosting properties of the tea.

Protects the Brain

One of the most important benefits of this tea is the protection that it provides for the brain from cognitive damage that results in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases. Alzheimer’s is associated with changes in memory and thought. To this day, there is no certain cure for it. However, the antioxidants found in tea can reduce the chances of coming up with Alzheimer’s as oxidative damage seems to take part in the disease.

As for Parkinson’s disease, the effect of the tea seems to be similar. The rich polyphenol levels in this tea can protect cells and especially neurons from neurotoxins in the environment. This lesses the chance of coming up with Parkinson’s disease at some point in life.

Teeth and Oral Health

The tea of Camellia sinensis has potent antibacterial compounds inside that destroy bad bacteria and fungus. Bacteria is one of the major causes of cavities, bad breath, and other oral problems. Drinking this tea on a regular basis reduces the instances of cavities, bad breath, and other unwanted oral problems.

Stabilizes Blood Sugar

Those that have high blood sugar levels or a genetic predisposition to Type 2 diabetes can turn to this tea for help. Because of the powerful flavonoids inside this tea, the liver produces less glucose. This naturally regulates blood sugar levels which is great for those that get blood sugar spikes.

People who have a predisposition to Type 2 diabetes can really benefit from regular tea drinking. The tea of the Camellia sinensis leaves significantly lowers the risk of this type of diabetes as proven in research.

Boosts Bone Health

Bones are important to the functioning of the entire body and even more important for post-menopausal women. This tea increases bone mass and protects bone tissue from being stripped.

Immune System Boost

Our immune system is our protection from bacteria and viruses. During the wintertime when bacteria are lurking around, regular drinking of green tea benefits a sound health without cold or flu symptoms. The high contents of vitamin C in this tea helps improve immune function along with the many flavonoids that boost the effects of this vitamin.

Look Younger

The anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of this tea protect various organs, including the skin, from aging. Those that use the extract of this tea externally and take green tea regularly increase the elasticity of their skin and look younger in older age.

Less Sugar Intake

If you want to have a great morning or mid-afternoon beverage without all the added calories, with this tea you are off to a good start. This tea naturally contains zero calories and tastes great without added sugar. This practical swap to your daily soda drink will quench your thirst without adding extra pounds to you.

If you are used to drinking sweet beverages, it might take you some time to get used to the extremely pleasant but slightly astringent taste of this drink. When you do, however, you will learn to appreciate the unique flavor and aroma of this tea. Just make sure you are preparing it on your own or buying without added sugar as some store versions of green tea have extra sugar added.

Longer Life

Green tea is one of the foods and drinks that is traditionally associated with a longer life in East Asia where it originated. Long-term studies of participants for many years found that drinking three to four cups of this tea daily lowered mortality for men, and especially for women. (3)

Greater Productivity

Because of the caffeine inside and antioxidants, the drink of this tea early in the morning or when you are feeling low during the day will make you even more productive than consuming other beverages. Unlike other high-caffeine drinks, this tea can boost your productivity without the extra jitteriness or insomnia.

Induced Relaxation

One of the green tea benefits is its calming effect. Although the caffeine inside this tea is a stimulant, the leaves also contain L-theanine acid. This acid works as a neurotransmitter in the brain to signal to the neurons to produce more alpha waves. This induced alpha-wave generation in the brain usually happens during the first stages of meditation with closed eyes or when relaxing.

Preparation of the Tea

There is a simple way of brewing the tea. If you want to get the most health benefits of the tea and derive its best taste, follow some simple guidelines when brewing it. You can steep the green leaves or tea ‘pearls’ with water that is slightly below boiling point.

Use a single teaspoon for a cup of tea. If you steep the leaves with boiling water or boil it, it might taste bitter afterward. If the water you are using has already boiled, allow it to cool for a minute so it can reach its ideal temperature. Steep the tea for three minutes, and check if the flavor is right for you. If you need it stronger, keep it for two more minutes. When the flavor is good for you, you can separate the leaves from the tea and enjoy your drink.

Final Thoughts on Green Tea Benefits for Women

Green tea benefits numerous organs and systems in the body. The ancient Chinese knew this secret and carefully cultivated this tea to bring it forth towards our age. The drink is as popular as ever and helps millions of people to feel better and more energized during their days.

If you are accustomed to drinking sugar-flavored beverages, you might find the taste of this tea a bit strange, but with time, you can learn to appreciate and even crave its flavor. You can purchase this amazing tea in packages as dried leaves or pears, or brew it with a tea bag. Whatever the way of using it, this tea will make you look and feel younger than before.

12 Depression Signs You Should Never Ignore

August 1, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Depression is a silent killer, an epidemic that is tragically sweeping across America which 17.3 million American adults are diagnosed with – over 7% of the American population. It’s also more than just an individual disorder: It is a leading cause of disability worldwide and costs the U.S. economy more than $100 billion every year.

Depression is a massive problem. And you need to know the signs of depression.

To that end: Here are 12 depression signs which you should never, ever ignore. Some are obvious, some less so. But if you or a loved one ever find yourself exhibiting some of these symptoms, seek help immediately. Depression is a painful, debilitating disorder. But the good news is that you can receive treatment via therapy and medication. People who suffer can lead happy, productive lives – if they seek the treatment that they need.

Depressed mood

This is the most obvious of all the depression signs, but it’s more than just feeling down in the dumps because of a bad day at work. For a depressed mood to be a sign of depression, it must be long-lasting (the DSM-V defines it as having a depressed mood “most of the day,” for almost every day of a two week period).

Another way to describe this type of depressed mood is understanding that it is more than just attributable to something external which happened in your life. The depression feels real, palpable, and disproportionate to anything happening in your world.

Increased irritability

People don’t always express this condition with a sad or depressed mood. Instead, it often manifests as increased irritability, sensitivity, or anger. This means that sufferers are more likely to snap at people or become enraged faster than usual.

Interestingly, irritability is not a formal symptom of depression in adults on the DSM-V. However, it is noted as one among children and teenagers. Some doctors report as many as 1 in 3 patients self-report increased irritability when they are depressed. And they also note that their irritability decreases as they treat their depression.

Spikes in anxiety

Depression and anxiety are linked, with anxiety being one of the potential symptoms of depression. Anxiety can occur in many forms, but it is generally understood as being a general feeling of worry or panic which is not attributable to any specific event or circumstance. While everyone gets anxious at some point, the anxiety felt by someone who is depressed either occurs for no reason or is disproportionate to any outside event.

Fatigue

Depression often saps someone’s energy, vitality or desire to do much of anything. Indeed, depression is often characterized by laying around, moping, watching television, playing video games or engaging in other activities which don’t require the use of a lot of energy. This isn’t because of laziness, but because someone who is depressed is too tired and/or scared to do anything else.

Thankfully, treating depression can often make fatigue abate.

While fatigue can be a symptom of depression, the reverse is also true: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome often occurs first, followed by depression. That’s why it’s important to note that one of these signs, occurring in and of itself, doesn’t automatically mean that someone has depression.

Trouble sleeping

Sleep trouble and depression signs are inexorably linked; individuals with depression often show signs of insomnia (not being able to sleep) or hypersomnia (sleeping too much).

There are many potential reasons for this, but it is important to understand the purpose of sleep: It restores the body and helps return your body and mind to a state of equilibrium. Not being able to sleep not only puts your physical body at risk, but it puts your mind and mood in danger as well.

Your doctor may prescribe anti-depressants which can make it easier to sleep. However, some anti-depressants can also disrupt sleep. Make sure to discuss these issues with your doctor.

Like many of these symptoms, depression can cause sleep trouble, but sleep trouble can also cause depression, with research showing that the risk of depression is high among people who have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.

Suicidal ideation

Of all of the depression signs listed here, this is the most serious. Suicide is, tragically, on a dramatic rise, with rates of suicide reaching highs not seen since the World War 2 era. More than 47,000 Americans died by suicide in 2017, an increase of 33% since 1999.

Remember, too, that suicidal ideation should not be confused with a suicide attempt – most people exhibit a variety of warning signs before attempting suicide. These include:

Thinking about or talking about wanting to end one’s life
Saying things like, “the world would be better without me”
Giving away prized possessions
Increased use of alcohol or drugs
Enhanced aggression or fatigue

If you are concerned that you or someone you love is a risk to themselves, don’t hesitate; call 911 now, or contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. You can also text CONNECT to 741741.

Changes in eating habits

One of the more common depression signs involves changes in eating habits. Some people will eat less (or stop eating altogether) when experiencing a depressive episode; others, however, will eat more, finding comfort in food, and resulting in significant weight gain.

When you’re depressed, you may look for relief anywhere, and that includes food. As a result, people will self-medicate via comfort food. Unfortunately, this often means eating food which is high in fats or sugars. And that promotes serious weight gain.

On the other hand, some people who are depressed lose their appetite. Or, they just sleep through their meals altogether. Depression can sap your motivation on energy to do anything – including eat.

Guilt

Depression causes guilt. It can make you feel like you are an awful, horrible person and a burden to those around you. Research has shown that depression suppresses your ability to think logically and solve-problems; as a result, any small seeds of guilt you may feel blossom into something much more severe. Furthermore, depression causes physical changes in your brain which make you more likely to feel guilt.

As a result of these changes to your brain and problem-solving abilities, you simply feel like a failure and are thus unable to purge the guilt from your system. Perversely, much of this guilt is often centered around having depression in the first place, resulting in a self-perpetuating cycle of feeling more and more guilt.

Loss of interest in sex

One of the lesser-known depression signs is a loss of interest in sex. It can dampen your sex drive. And that’s unfortunate, as sex boosts the mood and strengthen relationships.

This happens for many reasons, including the hormonal changes which your body experiences during the depression. It also occurs because people with depression have a harder time anticipating and experiencing pleasure, which is obviously necessary for the enjoyment of sex.

Depression and sexual dysfunction are often tied together: One study found that 40% of women who have a sexual disorder also have depression.

Digestive problems

Digestive problems and depression often go hand-in-hand, and studies have proven that depression, anxiety and stomach problems often work together. Some doctors have even noted that there is a specific “gut-brain” connection which links the state of our stomach with our mood, and vice versa. After all, the brain controls much of the stomachs functions, but the reverse is true as well: The state of the stomach can influence someone’s mood or brain function.

Unexplained aches and pains

The pain of depression can be more than mental. Indeed, it’s often physical. And depression might be the culprit behind many physical aches and pains, including soreness, tension, headaches and more.

This happens because of the interconnected nature of our brains and bodies. The same chemicals which impact depression (such as serotonin and norepinephrine) don’t just influence mood – they also influence pain. As a result, depression can cause flare-ups in an array of common aches.

Even worse: Depression doesn’t just put you in pain, but it increases your pain tolerance, with a 2015 study showing that people with major depressive disorders had a lower tolerance to pain.

Problems concentrating

One of the more common depression signs is difficulty concentration. This can be in any area, ranging from paying attention to class to remembering small things like where you put your keys.

This occurs because depression damages parts of your brain, including the hippocampus and amygdala. As a result, you can’t concentrate as well.

Unfortunately, multiple episodes of depression can increase the severity of these symptoms, and some medications can further hurt this problem.

If you or someone you love has exhibited any of these depression signs, you don’t need to feel alone. Even if you have limited financial resources there are therapists or doctors who are available to help you beat back depression. Millions of Americans suffer. However, they also lead good, healthy and happy lives, thanks to appropriate treatment.

This can be you.

15 High Cholesterol Foods Which Are Super Healthy

August 1, 2019 by Power of Positivity

For years and years, we have been hearing that we need to avoid high cholesterol foods because they are detrimental to our heart health, and for the most part, we have been obedient. Recent research into good cholesterol, or HDL, and bad cholesterol, or LDL, has shown us that it is beneficial to maintain good cholesterol for brain, body, and heart health.

Top nutrition advisory councils are now hailing the effects of good cholesterol in the body, promoting the consumption of high cholesterol foods that stimulate the production and circulation of HDL. High levels of LDL in the bloodstream still pose health risks to people with heart issues and diabetes. However, with continued revelations coming to light with respect to the types of foods that stimulate good cholesterol, we can now begin to compile a list of acceptable foods with confidence that they can be enjoyed without consequence.

Good vs. Bad….what’s the difference?

HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, is responsible for taking the bad cholesterol out of circulation in your bloodstream. LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, is the sticky, gunky substance that can build up on the inner walls of your arteries, causing arterial plaque and arteriosclerosis.

Your chances of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes exponentially increase with rising levels of LDL in your bloodstream. Do what you can to naturally reduce levels of LDL while promoting the circulation of HDL with the foods you eat. This practice will help to promote good overall health.

In the past, it was thought that we needed to avoid eating high cholesterol foods, as they had adverse effects on our bloodstream. We know now that certain foods, regardless of cholesterol content, are triggers for the production of high-density lipoprotein. Thus, they are healthy to consume. Here are some of the once thought taboo high cholesterol foods that we can now enjoy with confidence that we are eating for good health:

1. Cheese

Cheese makes everything better, doesn’t it? It is tasty, filling, and filled with nutrients that fuel and satiate the body. Containing 7 grams of protein per serving and providing at least 20 percent of your daily calcium requirements, its benefits extend beyond just raising good cholesterol. In addition, whole dairy, low carb foods are now proven to lower body fat percentage if consumed regularly. Slice up some fresh cheddar, please!

2. Eggs

Eggs are easily one of the most nutritionally dense, delicious high cholesterol foods on this planet. While they are extremely high in cholesterol, this cholesterol lowers overall LDL cholesterol circulating in your blood. They are rich in protein, selenium, vitamin B12, and they are also known to protect eye health with contributions like lutein and zeaxanthin, powerful antioxidants. Eggs are excellent protein sources for people with diabetes. This is because they are known to lower blood sugar levels and give a feeling fullness and satisfaction.

3. Liver

Liver is a powerhouse of nutrition, and it’s had such a bad rap. Packed with good cholesterol, over 28 grams of protein per serving, and vitamins and minerals essential for good health, it delivers nutrition as promised. Besides that, liver is one of just a few foods containing the mineral choline. Choline is essential for brain, heart, liver, and muscle health.

4. Shellfish

Shellfish are both delicious and nutritious. If you want a succulent way to improve your good cholesterol, consider adding the following foods to your diet:

shrimp
crab
lobster
mussels
oysters
clams
scallops

Shellfish are great sources of protein and essential vitamins needed for good health. They are rich in selenium, a mineral needed for reducing inflammation and development of prostate cancer. They are also rich in iodine, a mineral needed for brain and thyroid health.

5. Cod liver oil

While not many people gravitate toward cod liver oil as a delicious way to promote good cholesterol, it does have many health benefits that deserve the spotlight. One of the most surprising high cholesterol foods, cod liver oil has a very high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids are excellent for lowering blood pressure and reducing inflammation. It helps to promote healthy eyes and may even reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. You may take these in supplement form or used in salad dressings, sauces, and soups. Regardless, it is an excellent way to strike the delicate balance of good vs. bad cholesterol.

6. Organ meats

Although the liver is the most popular organ meat that is consumed by us, there are other organ meats that are just as healthy and nutritious that balance cholesterol. It would take us all a while to get used to eating kidneys, heart, and brain tissue from other animals, but the reality is that this is just as nutritious as some of the other meats we choose to consume. Organ meat is rich in vitamins B, C, and it also contains selenium, which is excellent for heart and brain health. Heart is a great source of CoQ10, which has been known to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

7. Sardines

While they have not yet gained popularity, sardines may be regarded as the next best superfood. A single serving of sardines packed in an impressive 142 mg of cholesterol, which does wonders to balance your own HDL and LDL levels in the body. They also contain over 1500 mg of omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for brain, eye, heart, and joint health. Studies have also shown that foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids lower the incidence of anxiety and depression.

8. Steak

Red meat has certainly gotten a bad rap in recent years. However, high-quality, organic cuts of red meat are excellent for balancing good cholesterol. Look for prime cuts like filet mignon, sirloin tips, and T-Bone steaks. These are all excellent choices for maintaining good cholesterol in the body. Make sure your meat comes from high-quality organic sources; grass-fed meats are most beneficial.

9. Whole milk yogurt

Whole milk yogurt is chock full of vitamins and minerals needed to support a healthy and thriving body. Containing protein, calcium, phosphorous, and a host of other vitamins, it will aid in eliminating LDL, reducing blood pressure, and even lowering the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Reach for this healthy snack and know that you are putting yourself on the track to optimal health and wellness.

10. Cream

It may seem counterintuitive to add heavy cream to your diet, but the combination of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fat contained in each serving naturally reduces LDL and promotes good cholesterol. This is one of the facts about high cholesterol foods that you may already know. Yet it doesn’t adversely affect the level of LDL in the blood; load up on some peaches and cream for breakfast, and pile on the whipping cream with your next serving of pie. You can have your decadence and maintain good health!

11. Butter

Butter makes everything better, doesn’t it? Researchers are now abandoning the notion the butter raises LDL levels in the blood, and more comprehensive research now points to its ability to balance both HDL and LDL efficiently. One of nature’s most potent high cholesterol foods, it adds a comforting warmth to anything you grace it with. Go ahead, slather those dinner rolls–you may just be doing something good for yourself.

12. Nuts

Nuts, including Brazil nuts, pistachios, and almonds are all full of heart-healthy fats. They also contain compounds called plant sterols, which are known to block or inhibit the absorption of bad cholesterol in the body. Eating an ounce or two for a snack and finding ways to incorporate them into your meals will be a healthful new habit that is also delicious. If you are watching your weight, make sure you exercise portion control when choosing your nut snacks, as these little beauties can be high in calories.

13. Avocado

A good avocado is a little slice of heaven. Nature’s favorite new fruit is fast taking over mainstream nutrition, as people are slathering it on toast, making guacamole, and adding slices of it to almost everything we eat. Avocados are high in monounsaturated fat and folate, which helps to reduce the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Also packed full of fiber, this does its job to absorb LDL cholesterol and help it to exit the body quickly.

14. Cold Pressed oils

Experts agree that a moderate amount of healthy fat in the diet is beneficial to our health. Cold-pressed oils, such as olive oil and avocado oil are healthy because of their high concentration of monounsaturated fats. Both of these oils are heart-healthy and contain a number of vitamins and minerals that are essential for good health. Consider cooking with these oils by adding them to salads and soups. And consider even taking a tablespoon or two for good health.

15. Flax

Both ground flax seeds and flaxseed oil contain heart-healthy beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. This is one of the best plant-based sources of heart-healthy fat. When you purchase flaxseed, make sure to buy ground flax, as whole flax seeds are difficult for the body to assimilate and break down. Add ground flaxseed to your morning yogurt, cereal, or sprinkle on salads and dips for added flavor, texture, and all the health benefits from this superfood.

Embrace these foods as part of a healthy diet

There is no need to shy away from these delicious and nutritious high cholesterol foods as part of a healthy diet. Incorporating them into your nutrition plan in combination with a plan for exercise and stress reduction will improve your health significantly. Here’s to your healthiest and best life!

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