It is stressful when cold sores set in, not forgetting the pain too. The most obvious areas for them to appear is your lip or mouth areas. You will feel very humiliating if the sore becomes very visible on your wedding day. So why don’t you pick them you the moment they surface, and get them out of your life with some remedies as illustrated below.…
Category: Healthy Nutrition
Comfort Eating And Why We Do It
The average woman has tried to lose weight at least 5 times in her life, usually with a different diet each time, and obviously without success. Either the diet didn’t work, or it did work but was too hard to stick to and so abandoned. Whatever the reason the end result is the regaining of any lost weight, often with a little extra, and probably a feeling of failure, hopelessness, and resignation to never having the body they desire.
But why is this?
Well as I said, in many cases the diet is just too hard to stick too, whether it’s because the food it permits you to eat are so restrictive you get bored with it, or because it’s just plain weird and drains you of emotional and physical energy.
But I have something to ask you…
Why are you overweight?
Your answer will probably be because you eat too much, or because you eat too much junk.
So my next, and more revealing question, is…
Why do you eat too much?
Have you ever asked yourself that question? Have you ever asked yourself why you eat what you eat?
“I eat because I’m hungry,” you’re probably now thinking. Or maybe you’re even saying it out loud because it was such a stupid question. But I’m willing to bet that you often eat when you’re not hungry. I’m willing to bet that food isn’t just something you eat to provide your body with fuel, because if that was the case you wouldn’t be overweight.
Like many, if not most people, your relationship with food has as much to do with providing positive emotions and limiting negative ones as it does with fuelling your body.
If not more.
For example, when you eat, do you always (or ever) choose the healthiest meal that will provide you with the most nutrients and give your body exactly what it needs to function at its best? Or do you go for what sounds (in other words, tastes) nicest, with little or no consideration for what it will do for your body besides maybe a passing thought as to how many calories are in it?
If you’re overweight, chances are you don’t choose the healthiest option, you go for what tastes the best. And generally, the food that tastes the best is the food that contains the most fat, sugar, or salt. Or all three. Which is why most pre-prepared food is full of them and why it’s so bad for you.
You might already know all this, but I’m feeling lucky today so I’m willing to bet again, this time that your favourite food is something that’s full of fat, sugar, salt, or all three.
Why is this? You know it’s bad for you and contributing to, if not solely responsible for, you being overweight. So why do you do it?
Well for hundreds of thousands of years up until very recently, fat, sugar, and salt were hard to come by. This is no longer the case, but because it has only happened to a small percentage of the population in the last few decades, our bodies still haven’t adapted to the fact that they aren’t scarce resources anymore. That will take at least another ten thousand years (by which point they may well be scarce again, but that’s another matter).
So if our bodies still think those three things are scarce and values them because fat and sugar are full of calories, while salt is an essential nutrient, how can it reward you for eating them over say, a stick of celery or some broccoli?
Easy – your brain tells you they taste nicer.
And it does this by releasing chemicals that cause you to feel pleasure when you eat them.
If you doubt this, imagine how you feel when you see some raw broccoli, which contains very little fat, sugar, or salt. Does it make your mouth water? Does the thought of how it will taste when you put it in your mouth and crunch down on it cause you to feel pleasure or pain? Would you enjoy the experience or hate it?
Now I know people who do actually eat raw broccoli, but they don’t enjoy it and they definitely don’t like the taste. They do it because it’s so full of nutrients that it’s known as a super-food. Even after many years however, they still hate the taste.
Now let’s compare that with chocolate.
Your average bar of chocolate is roughly 33% fat and 50% sugar, and although not high in salt, it’s there. How do you feel when you imagine seeing a bar of chocolate? Is it a lot more pleasurable than when you imagined some broccoli? Is the thought of how you’ll feel the instant the chocolate …
The Benefits of Protein Supplements For Diabetes
The benefits of protein supplements for diabetes are well known in the medical world, although not universally agreed. What is universally agreed is that Type 2 diabetes is associated, to a large extent, with weight; the majority of those affected by the condition being overweight. However, this does not in any way suggest that only the obese or overweight are affected by diabetes.
There have been several studies that have suggested that diabetics can improve their conditions by increasing the amount of protein in their diets. One study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in October, 2003 reported that glycemic control was improved in subjects taking a diet high in protein for five weeks. Another article, published in Diabetes Care in 2002, found similar results. Even as recent as October, 2009, the results of studies were presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes Symposium by Dr. Astrup. The presentation indicated that weight loss by diabetics was more easily maintained by those taking a high protein diet.
Like any discussion on medical and supplement matters, not everybody agrees with this, but there is sufficient evidence available to confirm that the benefits of protein supplements for diabetes patients outweigh any disadvantages of a high protein diet. In addition the condition is more easily controlled by a protein rich diet.
Whether the protein should also be associated with carbohydrates or not is another matter. It would make sense if the high protein levels that result in a reduction in blood plasma glucose concentrations were associated with a lower carbohydrate intake. Carbs are converted to glucose by the body’s metabolism, and could act to aggravate the condition by creating a higher insulin demand.
In fact, the ‘Diabetes’ magazine reported in September, 2004 (vol 53, No 9) that a low carbohydrate with a high protein diet had a positive effect on glucose control in those with type 2 diabetes. The amount of glucose circulating in the blood of subjects undergoing the test was ‘dramatically reduced’, and this was hailed as a possible means of self-regulation of blood glucose levels by those with the condition.
All of these studies tend to indicate a high protein diet and protein supplements for diabetes patients is beneficial in controlling the levels of glucose in the blood or helping to maintain weight loss when dieting. Since both of these are known factors in Type 2 diabetes, then it makes sense for you to include more protein in your diet if you are diabetic. However, protein is available in many forms, and it is not always convenient to include more when cooking.
One of the simplest ways to achieve this is by using protein supplements with meals, particularly those supplements that contain high concentrations of protein in small volumes of supplement. That not only reduces the cost, but also the impact of the supplement on a normal diet. One might or might not combine that with a reduction in carbohydrates, but irrespective of that, it appears that protein supplements for diabetics have a beneficial effect on blood glucose levels.…
Don’t Fall Victim To Asthma, Check Out This Helpful Information
A diagnosis of asthma can affect all areas of your life, whether you yourself have been recently diagnosed with the condition or perhaps if you are caregiver to an asthmatic. Combined with the information and instructions given by a licensed healthcare professional, these tips and tricks can be the first step to relief of asthma symptoms.
It is important that you know what triggers your asthma symptoms. It may be wise to keep an asthma diary so you can see a pattern of when and where your asthma attacks happen. By knowing what triggers attacks, you will know what to avoid or stay away from as much as possible.
If you’re using your inhaler more than twice a week, you should talk to your doctor about additional asthma treatments. An inhaler is meant only for emergency relief and if you’re periodically relying on it, then your current asthma treatment isn’t effective enough. Overuse of an inhaler can be harmful and you should avoid potential problems, right away.
A great tip that can help you manage your asthma is to start using nutritional supplements. Supplements such as vitamin C, D, and B are all wonderful for preventing asthma. If you aren’t getting enough vitamins from your food you should definitely look into purchasing some of these vitamin supplements.
Make sure you do not have any stress in your life because emotional anxiety may, in fact, trigger asthma symptoms. Proper rest, diet, and exercise are important for your overall health and can help you manage your asthma symptoms. Emotional health is as important as physical health in your life.
It is important that you take vitamins everyday in order to control asthma symptoms and attacks. Vitamins and nutrients help to promote oxygen and blood flow to your lungs which also controls asthma symptoms. Try to eat foods that will also provide you with nutrients, such as green vegetables and fruits.
For those who have severe asthma, make sure you are using a nebulizer treatment before you go to sleep. Your lungs will be more open and it will be easier for you to sleep throughout the night by using a nebulizer treatment. Try to keep your rescue inhaler near your bed.
If allergies lead to constant attacks from your asthma, there has been a recent solution that is administered via injection that provides long term care! An excellent antibody medication that works well to control asthma symptoms, brought on by allergic reactions is called Omalizumab, and can be administered by your allergist.
Health Food
Raw apple cider vinegar is an excellent treatment for those who suffer from asthma. Mix two tablespoons with eight ounces of water or apple juice and drink up to three times daily. If you use water, honey can be added to make it more palatable. Look for raw apple cider vinegar in the health food section of most grocery stores.
Now that you have become more familiar with the basic principles and hidden ways of coping with this respiratory condition, you can be well on your way to providing relief from the key symptoms of asthma, especially shortness of breath. You can also use your newly discovered knowledge to identify the main triggers of asthma.…
Joining The Fun: How To Win Against Depression
Although it may not seem like it now, there is a silver lining surrounding that cloud of depression. For as gloomy and as pointless as things seem now, depression is not only treatable but actually curable. Learn how to ditch that depression by using the tips contained within this article.
Eating a balanced diet and making sure you take in the right amount of vitamins and nutrients is also essential to living a well balanced and healthy life. Fruits and vegetables are an essential part of one’s diet, and what you eat has been proven to have much to do with your mood.
If you are suffering from depression, consider getting a prescription for an antidepressant. Antidepressants can help someone who is depressed find happiness again. While there are many types of medications for depression on the market, you may have to endure a trial and error process to find the best one for you.
If you are dealing with depression, slowly work on trying to fix some of the problems in your life. Many times, a difficult situation in your life is the reason for the depression in the first. Even if your depression wasn’t caused by the issues in your personal life, an easier life will make it simpler to deal with the depression.
Do not depend on herbal alternatives to medication like St. John’s wort. trials of herbal remedies show that they are far less effective than pharmaceuticals, especially for moderate to severe depression. If you are wary of using medication to treat your depression, try talk therapy as a first-line treatment.
Remember to keep a positive attitude. Studies show that people who are depressed often minimize their talents and accomplishments, instead focusing on the negative aspects of their life. Take a page out of the classic children’s novel Pollyanna” and make a game out of positivity. In the novel, Pollyanna forces herself to find something good about every situation, no matter how small it may seem.
Get adequate exercise. It’s been proven in studies that people who find time for 30 minutes of exercise daily respond much better to treatment. Some find as much relief from exercise as they do from depression medications. Park your car far away from the store, take the stairs instead of an elevator, are some things you can do each day to get a bit of exercise.
Fitness
An effective way to resolve and overcome depression is to create some realistic goals that you can achieve. These goals can be anything from learning to play an instrument or setting a fitness goal. By living a more goal oriented life, you will be able to focus more of your thoughts on things that are making your life better rather than the issues causing your depression. Accomplishing your goals will also serve as a vital source for the self esteem and self confidence that you will need to overcome depression.
The silver lining is something that you may not notice now, but as you begin to implement the tips you’ve learned throughout this article, you will see that it becomes a lot clearer. Before long, you’ll realize that you can defeat depression once and for all, if you truly want to be rid of it.…
What You Need To Do If You Have Asthma
If you have trouble with asthma, you know that it can make it difficult to participate in some activities, and can have a major impact on your ability to live your life the way that you want to. There is hope, however! Read on to find lots of fantastic tips and tricks to deal with your asthma.
Avoid being in contact with pets. Pets carry a lot of dust and other impurities on them. If you have a pet, wash it every week, and try keeping its hairs as short as possible. If you are going to be in contact with an animal, perhaps you should wear a mask.
Avoid living with smokers. Ask your partner to quit if you have asthma. If you absolutely have to live with smokers, try to get them to smoke outside the house. In the worst case scenario, buy some smoke-eating candles and air out your house as much as possible so that no harmful chemicals remain in the air.
You should have your home inspected at least one a year if you or your child has asthma. You might not be aware that your house contains dust or mold in areas that you cannot see. Find a professional to inspect your house and give you a complete report of the situation.
A good tip if you’re struggling with asthma is to make sure you talk to your doctor so you can figure out the best treatment. Sometimes your asthma might be too much for an inhaler to handle. Talking to your doctor will help you get the appropriate treatment you need.
Medications that will help you control symptoms when you have an attack are oral corticosteroids and bronchodilators. Bronchodilators, usually referred to as “rescue medications”, are usually inhaled but also come in liquid, tablet, or they are injectable. These are the most popular forms of ‘rescue medications’ that you can get.
If you enjoy using a vaporizer or a humidifier, you have to make sure it is clean before each use. These types of machines can build up a lot of dust and calcium, that you do not want getting into the air you breath. You need to be breathing the cleanest air possible, at all times.
Health Food
Raw apple cider vinegar is an excellent treatment for those who suffer from asthma. Mix two tablespoons with eight ounces of water or apple juice and drink up to three times daily. If you use water, honey can be added to make it more palatable. Look for raw apple cider vinegar in the health food section of most grocery stores.
Now that you have some actionable advice for treating and managing asthma, you’re ready to lead a happier, more productive life. Yes, it will take some effort to keep your asthma under control, but if you can summon the willpower to apply the advice in this article, before long you will be able to do the things you want to do without letting your asthma hold you back!…
Strengthen Your Memory With This Great Advice
Your memory is responsible for your success in a lot of areas: studying, completing assignments, getting chores and tasks done, etc. Imagine forgetting to do something important or even worse, leaving someone or something behind! These tips can help aid you in memory tasks and improve your memory in general.
If you have noticed that your memory isn’t what it used to be, maybe you aren’t getting enough sleep. You need to be sleeping seven to eight hours each night in order to improve your memory. During your sleep cycle, your brain processes all new information to create these memories for you so you have them to recall later.
If you want to have a better long-term memory, then you need to get in the practice of regular stretching and other exercise. These exercises keep the brain’s arteries open, and this is important because the brain is responsible for 15 percent of your body’s blood flow. Stretching also increases energy, flexibility and relaxation, which all help towards improved long-term memory as well.
Regularly challenging your brain can help you improve your memory. Learning new, complex tasks such as a foreign language or how to play a musical instrument will help your brain stay active. Remember the old saying “Use it or lose it?” The same thing’s true for your mind!
Believing you have a poor memory is a self-fulfilling prophecy! If you are constantly telling yourself and other people that you have a bad memory, then that is exactly what you will have! As with anything, keeping a positive attitude will improve the situation so stop reminding yourself that you are forgetful and as your outlook improves, so will your memory!
When trying to remember something, having patience with yourself will help you greatly! The harder you try to think of something, the more stressed you become, and of course, the more stressed you become the more difficult it is to remember anything! Take a deep breath, relax, and try to clear your mind and before you know it what ever you were trying so hard to recall will pop right up in your mind!
Make your memorization easier by using mnemonic devices. The easiest one is to associate a visual image with the word or name you need to remember. Life like, vivid images linked to hard to memorize or understand concepts can help to speed up the learning process significantly. Think of images from your everyday life to make the process easier and faster.
Healthier
Drink more milk for healthy brain activity for life. Milk is a veritable treasure trove of B vitamins, potassium, magnesium and calcium that all have incredibly important functions for taking care of your brain. These vitamins and minerals do a great job in supporting the functions of your brain. The healthier the brain, the better the memory will be.
Your memory is underrated and unappreciated. It is working constantly and is active most of the day. It’s an invisible force that is responsible for a great deal. The previous tips were focused on your memory and its functionality. By taking these tips seriously, you can help keep your memory in check.…