 Lately I have been doing this thing where I'm trying to be healthier. With the health issues I already have, I want to make sure I don't add anymore to the mix. So, I've been researching how to get more nutrients into my body, and what ingredients can help with chronic pain and chronic fatigue.
First off, I'm trying to get more water intake. We can all use more water in our lives. In fact, in order for the body to function properly, us women need to drink about 9 cups of water per day. Men need to drink around 13 cups of water per day. While I have been struggling to reach that 9-cup goal, I been searching for ways to make water more attractive to my taste buds, without taking in more calories. Here come the lemons! Lemons carry a wealth of health benefits:
What I do is drink 8 ounces of lemon water before every meal and light snack. Not only do you get the above health benefits, but it will also help you fill up and not over-snack during the day. I have also implemented drinking sparkling lemon and sparkling lime water into my fluid intake regime. Have I seen any results? Well, I've only been doing this for a week. I do feel less bloated, and I fill up on small amounts of food easily. That's a plus, right? Want to find out for yourself if lemon water can benefit you? Fill a glass of water, squeeze some lemon juice, drink, and enjoy!
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 When we think of Splenda, we think of a harmless ingredient in diet soda, or the sweetener we use in coffee in lieu of sugar. We may think that we are doing good by using Splenda instead of sugar in our everyday foods and beverages.
Think again! A study that was published in the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health gave mice sucralose (which is the main ingredient in Splenda) on a daily basis throughout their life span. Soon after, they noticed that these mice developed various blood cancers, including leukemia. The Center for Science in the Public Interest took notice of these results, and formally recommended that consumers abstain from using Splenda. Before 2013, they had originally deemed the artificial sweetener safe. Worry not, folks. You can still add a bit of sweetness into your day. You can add agave, honey, and more natural sweeteners into your favorite foods and beverages. #Splenda #sweeteners #coffee #tea #food #health #beverages #morning #cooking  photo credit: Shauna-Nicole (from my garden) I don't know about you, but I love basil. I love the way it brings flavor to pasta sauce, and I love the smell of fresh basil growing in the garden.
While this amazing herb can ignite your taste buds and sense of smell, it also can boost your health in a wide variety of ways. The following are ways basil can enhance your life:
 With summer just around the corner, it is time to think about UV protection. It is extremely important to always wear sunscreen when outside for prolonged periods of time (beaches, playing sports, BBQs, tailgating, etc).
If you do end up sunburned, it is important to treat the burn right away. One treatment that has helped calm sunburns for generations is Aloe Vera. Aloe Vera is a plant that hails from Africa. Inside the plant is a juice or gel that possesses soothing abilities. Not only that, it also contains an anti-bacterial quality. Aloe Vera has been used for centuries to help soothe burns. It is still used today in many hospital burn units. If you get a sunburn, consider using Aloe Vera to aid in soothing pain and redness. If you develop a severe sunburn, contact your doctor before using Aloe Vera.  Sugar is in most of the food items we have in our homes. Sugar makes the food taste good. We experience euphoria while eating it. Sugar-ridden food may even be what we reach for when dealing with emotional issues.
Unfortunately, the sugar we take into our bodies is doing us serious harm under the surface. It causes weight gain, diabetes, and many other health issues. Quitting sugar may be easy for some people, but much harder for others. Those who are overweight/obese (me included) have it enriched in our brains that anything with sugar is good; it's comforting. Even carb-enriched foods like pasta bring us a sense of pleasure in our lives. Again, these sugars and carbs are doing more harm than good. Having this dependency, or addiction, to sugar and carbs is like having an addiction to alcohol or drugs. I make this analogy because sugar releases dopamine and opioids into your brain, putting you 'at risk' for becoming addicted to it. When you have decided to decrease or eliminate your sugar intake, you may be left with some very nasty withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal Symptoms
It is important for you to know that sugar withdrawal can take up to 6 weeks, depending on how severe the sugar addiction is. I know that may seem like a long time, but it will be worth it.  Depression is a paralyzing monster. It takes over you, tightens its grip, and waits for you to suffocate. The right medication and therapy can turn things around and help you live productively.
Here, I will discuss what you can do to continue treating your depression. I must warn you, natural treatment is not as strong as the medication you are currently on, but it is still something. You can help your treatment be successful by introducing yoga, meditation, proper diet, and exercise into your regimen. St. John's Wort It has been proven that St. John's Wort is effective in treating mild to moderate depression. It typically takes 4 to 6 weeks to notice the total effect of the herb. Clinical trials have shown that the herb may not be useful for those with severe depression. Side effects include:
Omega-3 Fatty Acids Omega-3s are a type of fat that we need for normal brain functioning. Those who have depression also have a low intake of omega-3 fatty acids. Since we cannot make our own omega-3s, we have to rely on our diets for omega 3s. Studies have shown that both an anti-depressant medication regimen, and a diet high in omega-3s, can be more effective than just the anti-depressants by themselves. Many cold water fish, such as sardines, salmon, and anchovies have very high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. You can also take fish oil supplements to increase the amount of omega-3s in your system. If you are on blood thinners, fish oil supplements may interact with your medication. Sam-E Sam-E is natural compound in the human body that can increase the amount of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. Some individuals may have a lower amount of Sam-E in the body. This can increase symptoms of depression in these individuals. Sam-E can be found in drug stores, health food stores, and even online. Implement this compound in your diet in order to decrease depression symptoms. Folic Acid People with depression typically have low amounts of folate in their body. In order to increase folate levels, increase the number of leafy greens in your body. Fruit, fortified grains, and beans also have elevated levels of folate. You can also change your diet by implementing the following changes:
If you suffer from depression, it is recommended that you exercise on a regular basis, and also get sunlight. It is well documented that a walk in the morning, on a sunny day, can really boost serotonin production in the brain. As someone who suffers from depression, I highly recommend mindfulness meditation. It has been an invaluable tool in my treatment. To learn more about mindfulness meditation, click here.  Millions of men and women across the world suffer from panic disorder or anxiety. For those who do not have access to health insurance, treating this disorder can be very tricky.
Many have gone the natural route to treat generalized anxiety, and when paired with relaxing activities, the treatment can be effective. Below are a few herbs that can help calm anxiety:
Talk to your doctor before you begin a natural health regimen. When it comes to treating emotional and mental issues, all medicinal and homeopathic treatments won't work unless you put the effort in. If you are suffering from panic disorder, I encourage you to take part in relaxing activities, such as coloring, meditation, yoga, art, and more. Be well.  This member of the mint family is native to the Mediterranean region, and is a popular herb used in cooking. Not only does it make certain dishes taste good, but it can also aid in relieving respiratory infections and many other ailments.
Thyme is a natural expectorant, antiseptic, diuretic, antispasmodic, fungicidal, antibiotic, antiviral, and bactericidal. This powerful herb has the capability to boost one's immune system and kill off microbes. You may be asking yourself what Thyme can do for you. Well, Thyme can help fight the following ailments:
If you are looking to heal infections in the chest, throat and nose, it is recommended that you inhale Thyme in oil form. If you're looking to fight mouth and gum infections, it is recommended that you mix Thyme in your mouthwash or toothpaste. Suffering from chronic fatigue or depression? Thyme can help combat both! Other benefits of using Thyme:
One thing to keep in mind is that Thyme may lead to irritation. It is recommended that you use Thyme alongside other herbs. Thyme pairs nicely with the following:
For more information on Thyme, visit livingtraditionally.com  Can Fish Oil increase brain function in those with Dementia? Well, according to a study published in a journal called Alzheimer's and Dementia, it might!
The study, which took place in Rhode Island, tested 819 people who had MRIs and psychological tests done every six months. Out of the 819 participants, 229 had no cognitive impairment, 397 participants had some cognitive impairment, and 193 participants where diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. After participants were given the Fish Oil and studied for some time, researchers found that the 229 participants that had no cognitive impairment had "increased brain preservation." The participants with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's Disease showed some reduced brain atrophy. The Fish Oil also showed to maintain brain activity in individuals with cognitive impairment. So, is it worth adding Fish Oil supplements to our dementia loved one's vitamin and medication pill boxes? It wouldn't hurt! Of course, clear it with their doctor first.  Feeling nauseous? Read on to find out how Ginger can benefit you!
Ginger, known the world over as a spicy ingredient, is the underground rhizome of the ginger plant. The ginger plant produces bright red flowers that come in various shapes and sizes, such as honeycomb and torch. Also known as Zingiber Officinale, it is native to lush, tropical settings, such as Indo-Malaysia. Not only does this ingredient spice up your meals, but it is also known to be a natural health remedy.
Interesting fact: In the 16th century, Queen Elizabeth I of England was a fan of ginger. She was actually the person who invented the gingerbread man. Soon after, she began to introduce it at the Royal ball. The gingerbread men were made to look like those in the royal family. With all the added benefits of ginger, it is definitely worth stocking it in your household. |
AuthorShauna will deliver a raw and unfiltered analysis of health and wellness on this page. Get ready for a dose of vitamin knowledge! Archives
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