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Powerful Advice From A Dying 24 Year Old

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Most of us go through our days on autopilot, not really living, but merely existing. We have so much outwardly, but feel so empty and lost on the inside. We allow our minds to keep us up late at night, mulling over things that don’t really matter in the end, such as bills, money, what others think of us, etc.

Why do we do this to ourselves? 

Of course, none of us truly knows the answers and what happens to us after this life, and we’ve all been thrown into the same boat. How we navigate this life, however, and the choices we make along the way, define our character and existence. Our experiences and choices shape us, but many of us spend our lives locked into commitments chasing money and power and stability instead of digging deep within us.

We count down the hours on the clock until we can go home for the day, rest, and do it all again the next day. We run around all chasing something, and wake up one day wondering why we even chased it. It may not matter to you now what you do with each day of your life, but maybe this advice from a dying 24-year-old will give you a wake up call.

He posted his story on a Reddit thread, and ever since, it’s gone viral. We hope you will take some wisdom away from this young man, and realize that we only have a short time on this planet. We may as well make the most of it, and love and live as authentically as we possibly can before our time is up.

Read on for the letter, and share it far and wide if you feel inclined to do so.

Powerful Advice From A Dying 24 Year Old

“I am only 24 years old, yet I have actually already chosen my last tie. It’s the one that I will wear on my funeral a few months from now. It may not match my suit, but I think it’s perfect for the occasion.

The cancer diagnosis came too late to give me at least a tenuous hope for a long life, but I realized that the most important thing about death is to ensure that you leave this world a little better than it was before you existed with your contributions . The way I’ve lived my life so far, my existence or more precisely the loss of it, will not matter because I have lived without doing anything impactful.

Before, there were so many things that occupied my mind. When I learned how much time I had left, however, it became clear which things are really important. So, I am writing to you for a selfish reason. I want to give meaning to my life by sharing with you what I have realized:

– Don’t waste your time on work that you don’t enjoy. It is obvious that you cannot succeed in something that you don’t like. Patience, passion, and dedication come easily only when you love what you do.

– It’s stupid to be afraid of others’ opinions. Fear weakens and paralyzes you. If you let it, it can grow worse and worse every day until there is nothing left of you, but a shell of yourself. Listen to your inner voice and go with it. Some people may call you crazy, but some may even think you‘re a legend.

– Take control of your life Take full responsibility for the things that happen to you. Limit bad habits and try to lead a healthier life. Find a sport that makes you happy. Most of all, don’t procrastinate. Let your life be shaped by decisions you made, not by the ones you didn’t.

– Appreciate the people around you. Your friends and relatives will always be an infinite source of strength and love. That is why you shouldn’t take them for granted.

It is difficult for me to fully express my feelings about the importance of these simple realizations, but I hope that you will listen to someone who has experienced how valuable time is.

I’m not upset because I understand that the last days of my life have become meaningful. I only regret that I will not be able to see a lot of cool stuff that should happen soon like the creation of AI, or Elon Musk’s next awesome project. I also hope that the war in Syria and Ukraine will end soon.

We care so much about the health and integrity of our body that until death, we don’t notice that the body is nothing more than a box – a parcel for delivering our personality, thoughts, beliefs and intentions to this world. If there is nothing in this box that can change the world, then it doesn’t matter if it disappears. I believe that we all have potential, but it also takes a lot of courage to realize it.

You can float through a life created by circumstances, missing day after day, hour after hour. Or, you can fight for what you believe in and write the great story of your life. I hope you will make the right choice.

Leave a mark in this world. Have a meaningful life, whatever definition it has for you. Go towards it. The place we are leaving is a beautiful playground, where everything is possible. Yet, we are not here forever. Our life is a short spark in this beautiful little planet that flies with incredible speed to the endless darkness of the unknown universe. So, enjoy your time here with passion. Make it interesting. Make it count!

Thank you!”

Related article: 7 Reasons Why It’s Never Too Late In Life

References: https://www.reddit.com/r/GetMotivated/comments/2xc947/text_soon_i_will_be_gone_forever_but_thats_okay/?st=iwl4mslq&sh=e96a6722
(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

How to Flush Pounds of Waste From Your Intestines With Just Two Ingredients

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Yikes, you have intestinal problems. Of course, you want to sort this out pronto. This will provide you with a natural remedy for the likes of diarrhea, constipation, excessive flatulence, cramping, irregular bowel movements, low energy, and a weakened immune system.

We could tell you that this recipe is absolutely amazing, how well it works, and generally become selling agents for it by pointing out its undoubted benefits. However, we are a “proof of the pudding” website, so you need to try it out for yourself to see how it works FOR YOU.

Without further ado, here are the ingredients.

This Two Ingredient Remedy Can Flush POUNDS of Waste From Your Intestines

Ingredient #1 – Kefir

Pronounced “ke-feer”, this is described by the website that bares its name as having a “tart and refreshing flavor similar to a drinking-style yogurt, but it contains beneficial yeast as well as friendly ‘probiotic’ bacteria found in yogurt.” It goes on with its explanation, “For the lactose intolerant, kefir’s abundance of beneficial yeast and bacteria provide lactase, an enzyme which consumes most of the lactose left after the culturing process.” It can be made up of the milk from the following sources: cow, goat, sheep, coconut, soy, or rice.

The kefir “grains” are a white or yellow jelly-like substance, making this ingredient unique, being the only milk culture to do this. It takes the shape of small coliflowers and some can grow in flat sheets the same size as a hand. The said grains ferment the milk and then are strained out.

care for your body

Ingredient #2 – Flaxseed

Looking like sesame seeds, only brown, the flaxseed has an array of health properties. They are anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, an antioxidant, skin-regenerative, and cardio-protective, and that is perfect for your large intestine.

According to Dr. Axe, if you take two tablespoons of flax, it is the equivalent of five grams of fibre, one quarter of the recommended daily allowance. It provides nutrients for the healthy bacteria in your gut so that it can aid your colon in cleansing properly.

***Note: If your body is not used to fermented products, it is highly recommended to start small and work your way up, but NOT to do it every day, as your body needs a break every now and then. However, keep going with it for two-three weeks for a cumulative effect.

Here is the recipe:

1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with about a quarter or third glass of kefir before breakfast and then again before bed (some people find it helps to first try kefir with meals, such as a little amount with breakfast). Drink at least eight glasses of water per day as well.

Do it for a week or so and then skip for few days here and there to give your body a break. You can use it as an ongoing maintenance or do it periodically.

https://youtu.be/yG-G9_LOkLA

Bibliography:
Author unknown, What is Kefir?
http://www.kefir.net/what-is-kefir/
Author unknown, 10 Flax Seed Benefits and Nutrition Facts
Dr. Axe https://draxe.com/10-flax-seed-benefits-nutrition-facts/
(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

5 Signs Your Relationship Will Make It Through The Holidays

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The holidays can be rough on everyone. Your routine is disrupted. Money is tight from travel expenses to presents. Travel itself can be extremely stressful with flight delays and cancellations, traffic jams and booked hotels. Then, there are the relatives you only see once or twice a year. Spending time with your own relatives and introducing a new partner can be fraught with embarrassing stories and heated family discussions. Then, there is meeting and spending time with your partner’s relatives.

It is like moving through a social minefield. The holidays can put an abnormal amount of stress on a relationship, especially when they are new and you and your partner are still figuring some things out. So, how can you tell if your relationship can make it through this minefield without blowing up in your face?

Your relationship will make it through the holidays if…

You Both Roll With It

Don’t resist the kookiness of your family or get upset when they embarrass you. Roll with it. Don’t take yourself so seriously. If you can absorb the slings and arrows of your family’s outrageous behavior, it will keep things light and funny rather than tense and awkward for your partner. They don’t know your family and will take their social cues from you. If you get upset, then they will get upset and possibly poison the well for years to come. If you and your family fight and show your butt to each other, it may send a message that this is the way you will act in your potential future family with your partner. If you and your family make it awkward or tense for your partner, they may decide that it isn’t the kind of family they want to be a part of. Keep things light and avoid intense topics like religion, politics and family drama.

You Embrace the Chaos

Holidays are chaotic and things will go wrong. There will be travel delays. There will be snafus and mistakes on all sides. You will forget things. Don’t let these things upset you or ruin the enjoyment you and your partner have together. If you are a giant ball of seething anger and frustration for the entire trip, then your partner may decide that you two are not compatible. Don’t let things get to you and keep your emotions in check. Don’t try to control everything. Be calm. Look on the bright side of things even when they go wrong; and they will go wrong, so prepare yourself.

You Stand Back-to-Back

Your families are going to stress you out, along with the travel and money. Don’t take out the stress of the holidays on each other. It is easy to lash out in frustration at the closest person to you precisely because of their proximity. Resist the urge. Protect each other from your family and their specific issues. If you want to survive as a couple, then you have to have each others’ backs. Be your partner’s defender if your family is too judgmental, or ritual hazing gets a little too intense. If you join in the fun and games at your partner’s expense, then you just ended your relationship. This can be a make-or-break moment. Choose wisely.

You Remember Why You Love Each Other

Sometimes, we spend the holidays with people we have been in a relationship with for just a short time. During the holidays, we get a chance to see our partners without rose-colored glasses. The family will bring up your partner’s warts and shove them in your face. How you deal with this microscopic inspection of your partner and your relationship will determine if you want to continue seeing each other after the holidays.

You Get Prepared For Lots of Questions

There will be close scrutiny of your relationship from relatives and friends. This can be a lot of strain on a new relationship. Hell, it can be a lot of strain on an old relationship. Be prepared with your responses to common questions about how you met, where do you see yourself in the future, what kind of work you do and where you went to school. At times, it will feel like an interrogation by a foreign intelligence service. They will compare notes, and if they catch you out on something, then your relationship could be doomed. Be patient and be honest.

Related article: 5 Secrets to Creating A Great Relationship

Take it all in stride and stick together as a team. Set boundaries with your respective families and enforce them. If necessary, duck out for a few minutes, or hours, of alone time so you two can spend time away from the chaos and catch your breath.

References:
https://www.bustle.com/articles/197171-7-signs-youre-headed-for-a-holiday-breakup-because-it-can-be-a-make-or-break
http://www.health.com/health/article/0,,20412109,00.html
(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

The Top Relationship Tips From A Happily Married Couple of 72 Years

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If you simply search what makes a marriage last, you’ll find thousands of articles about the topic. Everyone wants to know what makes a relationship last in today’s increasingly stressful, confusing world, but no one knows better than two people who have been together for more than seventy years. Yes, you read that correctly…more than seven decades of being committed to one another and no one else.

Mr. and Mrs. Lombardi, one of the world’s most inspiring power couples, got married 72 years ago, and have built a beautiful relationship based on love, trust, understanding, and friendship. They’re more in love today than ever, even at 95 years of age.

They’ve given us some great tips on keeping relationships together, and anyone who desires a long-lasting relationship such as theirs should pay close attention to their advice. After all, no relationship counselor or book written about the subject could substitute for real experiences and wisdom.

The Top Relationship Tips From A Happily Married Couple of 72 Years

long talks

1. Always just choose love.

Some days it might seem harder than others, but you have to commit to love if you want to keep your relationship together.

2. Compliment each other.

Relationships can only work if you commit to being kind to one another. You have to build each other up, not tear each other down. Say something nice to one another every day, even if it’s just “You look beautiful/handsome.”

3. Have an active sex life.

Touch and intimacy are important in any healthy, long-term relationship. Even if you don’t have sex as often as you used to, try to make time for intimacy at least a few nights per week.

4. Live close to family.

You need to have other relationships in your life besides the one with your spouse or significant other. Make sure to stay close with family and share memories and experiences with them.

5. Eat healthy and be mindful of sugar consumption.

Mr. and Mrs. Lombardi still ride around on bikes, even in their 90s. If they’ve taught us anything, it’s to commit to your health even in your younger years when you feel invincible, and stay active. They both eat homecooked meals every day and eat out sparingly.

6. Say no to cheating.

Cheating can destroy even the best, healthiest relationships. If you’ve committed to someone, then honor that commitment, and don’t throw away gold for a cheap imitation.

 

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7. Don’t go to bed angry.

You have probably heard this many times before, but the Lombardi’s stand by this 100%. They say “just kiss” whenever you feel mad, and it will improve everything. Maybe it won’t always be that simple, but you can’t knock it ’til you try it, right?!

8. An argument doesn’t mean the relationship is doomed.

In over seven decades of being together, the Lombardi’s have probably gotten in countless fights. They say arguments happen in any relationship, but they don’t have to tear two people apart. Everyone disagrees from time to time, but listening and respecting one another’s point of view can make the difference between a healthy argument and a harmful, unproductive one.

9. Have respect for each other.

Obviously, any relationship must have respect for it to work. Always remind your lover how much you value and appreciate them, because they sacrifice a lot to make the relationship work.

10. Don’t forget to clean!

Mr. and Mrs. Lombardi believe that you should keep your home clean and organized. After all, a disorderly home likely reflects a chaotic inner life as well.

11. Commit to good parenting.

If you have kids together, treat them with the same love and respect that you show each other. Provide them with a decent education, and don’t pressure them into doing any one thing in life. Let them carve their own path, but show them the light along the way.

12. Marry good genes.

We don’t really think anything else needs to be said about this one.

13. Have a partner that shares your beliefs on faith.

Or, at the very least, supports your beliefs and takes the time to understand them.

14. Embrace both the good times and the bad.

It won’t always be smooth-sailing, but as long as you support one another no matter what, you’ll make it through okay!

relationship

Final Thoughts on Relationship Advice from a Long-Married Couple

They say to trust those with life experience. And if that’s true, then this long-married couple of 72 years has some wise advice for younger couples.

The Dark Side of Empathy: How Absorbing Emotions Can Drain You

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Empaths, or highly sensitive people, know all too well the struggle of trying to balance their emotions in a world full of conflicting and intense energy. Most people would view empathy as a positive trait in an individual. But for an empath, they know the dark side of this innate characteristic. Being able to empathize with what another person goes through and offering support and understanding can literally save someone’s life, in some cases, but empaths take on the energy and feelings from every person they encounter. This gets deeply embedded into their consciousness, and can drag them down for weeks, even months, after the interaction.

What’s more, empaths don’t just absorb emotions from people they talk to. They can also take on the energy of their environment based on the sounds, lights, conversations, and overall frequency from each place they go to. Empaths sometimes view their gift as a curse, because it comes at a cost.

While we do need empaths, or highly sensitive people, in this world to help heal it, we also need everyone to look after themselves, too. Empaths tend to neglect themselves in order to take care of everyone else, and this is where the gift of kindness can quickly turn into a negative thing.

The Dark Side of Empathy: How Absorbing Emotions Can Drain You

Sensitive people just want to save the world, honestly.

They can’t stand the pain, suffering, violence, and oppression any longer. Instead, they want to see a world full of peace, love, and success for all, and because they must endure a reality that holds much of the opposite for many people, they get tired and lose faith easily. They have to take plenty of time to deal with the harshness of the world and process it on their own terms, and when they help others with their own problems, this cycle continues.

They absorb the emotions from everyone around them, and must take time for themselves in order to restore their energy. When any part of an empath feels imbalanced, it seems like an internal battle that they just can’t win. In a way, taking on the feelings and emotions of the world can burden them even more, which explains the curse of the empath in a nutshell. They want to save the world, but don’t want to lose themselves in the process. It’s a delicate balance that needs constant fine tuning and reworking in order to function, for both parties involved.

To give you a simple idea of how empathy truly works in the human mind, take this experiment done by Dr. Tania Singer, a neuroscientist, for example. In 2004, she and her team performed an experiment in which sixteen couples were placed in an MRI scanner. They gave a painful electric shock to the subjects, which caused physical and emotional pain. For the volunteers who had to watch their significant other in pain, the areas of their brains that control empathy lit up like fireworks.

However, many people feel empathy for those not even related to them. Take caregivers, nurses, and others who must cater to others’ needs on a daily basis for a living, for example. Many studies have shown that people in these professions often experience “secondary traumatic stress” as a result of dealing with patients regularly. They inevitably take on the pain and suffering of patients in the process of treating them, which can lead to emotional burnout.

However, how can people who are naturally more sensitive to other’s emotions and the world around them cope in an increasingly stressful reality?

Well, based on Singer’s research, the answer might be quite simple. Multiple studies done by her and her team suggest that compassion, not empathy, can help for people who feel especially affected by other people’s energy and emotions. Compassion means that you still care about another person, but that you don’t absorb their emotions and feelings. You care for them, but not with them.

Related article: Why Empaths Freeze Around Fake People

While this might seem harsh in a way, empaths must protect their energy and not spread it too thin. Empathy does no good if the people expressing it or feeling it must suffer in order for another person to have help.

“It’s not at all clear the world needs more empathy if that means experiencing another person’s suffering as your own,” says Michael Poulin at the State University of New York. “Doing that may simply double the world’s suffering.”

These Beautiful Photos Truly Capture What It Means To Be A Father

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Many first-time parents get a little terrified before their first child is born, and rightfully so. All those little insecurities begin to pop into their heads about if they’re truly cut out for parenthood and if they’ve prepared enough for the tough but extremely rewarding journey ahead. However, unlike most stories you’ll hear in mainstream media about modern parents, plenty of dads out there give 110% for their children every single day, even if they have to wing it sometimes.

Dads might not know the little things, like how to put their daughter’s hair in a ponytail or how to get their son to stop crying in the middle of the night, but they always pull through for their little bundle of joy.

Give it up for these dads below, because they show us the beauty of fatherhood and prove that good parents still exist in the world today.

These Beautiful Photos Truly Capture What It Means To Be A Father

1. This Dad makes sure his daughter is fully ready for her dance recital by helping her put on makeup.

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He may not know the ins and outs of applying makeup, but this Dad still tries his best to get his daughter ready for her big debut. He shows his daughter the importance of helping the people she loves to succeed, no matter what she must do in the process.

2. This father looks like he needs a good nap, too.

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Both Dad and baby are tired, so why not take a nap together? He shows his baby that even adults need rest, too, and to always take time for himself even as he gets older. And, you’re never too old to wear a pacifier, apparently.

3. Cribs aren’t just for kids, right?

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This Dad just wants his son to get a good night’s sleep, and doesn’t mind being uncomfortable if it means his son will get to bed quicker. This teaches his son that sometimes, you have to get out of your comfort zone in order to help others. He might also enjoy sleeping in the crib – I mean, it looks mighty cozy in there!

4. Even Dads need a fresh pedicure sometimes.

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Dads will do anything for their little girls, even if it means getting their toenails painted bright pink and having to clean polish off the towels. He’s teaching his daughter that you sometimes have to let go a little in order to have fun in life and bring happiness to others.

5. This little boy can’t wait for his Dad to come home.

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This Dad clearly spends a lot of time with his son, because look how excited he is for his Daddy to come play! This shows the deep bond between father and son, and illustrates the fact that even when you have to be apart, your son or daughter will always miss you if you’ve given them the love and attention they deserve.

6. Big smiles from both Daddy and baby.

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This Dad is showing his bundle of joy what bonding truly means. You don’t have to do anything special; as long as you’re together, that’s what really matters.

7. You can just feel the love between this Dad and his daughter.

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Dads and daughters have a very special bond, and these two are clearly best friends. This Dad is teaching his little girl the value of having a close relationship with your parents, even if you may not see eye-to-eye all the time.

8. Holding his newborn baby tight.

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Newborns need even more love and care than older infants, and this Dad doesn’t hold back on love and affection. Truly a beautiful moment captured, as father and son get to know each other in those first precious moments of life. Erika Parker Portraits is a newborn photographer New Orleans.

9. Dads know how to be silly and make their kids laugh.

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This Dad shows his son to never take life too seriously, and never stop being a kid. Take note of their matching Batman shirts, too – how adorable is that?!

10. This Dad loves his son just as much as any other father would, even if they don’t share the same genetics.

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You don’t have to have similar DNA to have a strong bond, and that’s exactly what this Dad is showing his son. Love doesn’t know race or ethnicity – it surpasses all of those labels and constructs.

11. This Dad takes his baby everywhere, even to work.

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Work doesn’t stop, but neither does raising a child. This Dad doesn’t neglect his fatherly duties, even if work calls. He’s showing his baby to never forget family, even in the midst of other responsibilities.

12. Music is meant to be shared, especially with your kids.

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This Dad knows how important it is to expose kids to music at a young age, and he puts on a private concert for his baby to do just that. It doesn’t get much cuter than that, folks.

Related article: 10 Parenting Behaviors That Create Empathetic Children

Sources: https://www.instagram.com/daddydoinwork/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/doyin-richards/21-photos-that-depict-true-modern-fatherhood_b_5718727.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000063

These Things Happen To Your Body When You Drink Enough Water

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Water is life. Literally. Life as we know it currently is improbable without this precious liquid. All life on Earth requires water to one degree or another. Water is so integral to life that astronomers look for liquid water as a sign of potential habitats for extraterrestrial life. A human being can die as quickly as 24 hours from the lack of hydration.

Assuming perfect conditions, you might live up to 3-4 days without water to sustain you. You can go 30-40 days without food but water is more integral to our physiology. All of the chemical processes in your body require water to either carry out or facilitate. When you’re dehydrated, your blood changes from a thick red kool-aid into something closer to jello. As the blood thickens, it becomes increasingly more difficult for your heart to push that thicker fluid around your body.

Another property of water is its ability to incorporate chemical substances into its own makeup. If you have ever added a powdered mix to your water, then you have experienced that property first hand. Your body also incorporates a lot of chemicals into your body’s water. That balance of chemicals and water is necessary to carry out key biological functions like moving nutrients across the cell wall or from the blood vessels into the cells themselves. Your brain needs this fluid to facilitate the transmissions of electrical impulses throughout the brain and nervous system.

When you get enough water in your diet, some very positive things can happen:

health

Most of us feel we drink enough on a daily basis to keep hydrated, but the things we drink often dehydrate us instead of hydrate us. Coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks often contain caffeine. Caffeine is a diuretic. What that means is that those drinks encourage the body to eliminate water from the body. Sports drinks can have a similar effect as they contain electrolytes, and drinking too much of sports drinks, can cause an imbalance in the chemical composition of your body. For every sports drink you have, you need an equal amount of straight water.

Increased Energy

Your body needs water to produce the sugars your body uses for fuel. When dehydrated, the body has trouble synthesizing these sugars and you feel tired. When you get enough hydration, your body’s power plant can run at full steam and you will feel energized.

Less Constipation

Your digestive processes need water to operate at full effectiveness just like the rest of your body. Water lubricates the bowels and facilitates the transfer of nutrients from the bowels to the bloodstream. Water also keeps the waste products moving on down the line. Less hydration means more waste gets slowed down inside the colon and small intestine. Digestive disorders often have their causes traced back to chronic dehydration.

Fewer Stomach Ulcers

The stomach is lined with mucus to protect itself from its own stomach acid. The mucus that protects the stomach is made up of 98% water and 2% sodium bicarbonate. When dehydrated, the mucus becomes thinner and less effective, thereby causing an increase in ulceration as the stomach acid starts to eat the stomach lining away.

Weight Loss

Sometimes when we are thirsty, we eat instead. If you drink plenty of fluid each day, your body will be able to process the food more efficiently and use the energy quicker, and you will fill your stomach with water and cause the sensation of being full. If you feel full, you will eat less. Water has no caloric value, and substituting hydration for a snack will decrease your caloric intake and boost your energy level. If you are more energetic and eating fewer calories, your body will be forced to retrieve energy from long-term storage and burn fat instead. You need about two or three liters of pure water a day to stay hydrated. Drinking more water will help your body flush toxins easier and facilitate your body’s normal chemical reactions.

weight loss with water

Better Mood

Your body needs balance, and when the hydration balance is off, you will feel tired, sluggish, and depressed. Your brain needs water to work just like the rest of the body. When dehydrated, you feel lethargic, apathetic and you will have a hard time thinking straight. This lack of energy can translate into a lack of enthusiasm for life, which can slowly slip into depression. By drinking water, you kickstart your metabolism, and with increased energy often comes an increase in mood. Your body will feel better, and so your mind will start to feel better as well.

How to Tell If You Should Stop Eating Gluten

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A gluten-free diet is beneficial to some people, but not everyone needs to follow it. However, if you think that you might have gluten sensitivity, there are some signs and symptoms that you can watch for.

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Those who are sensitive to gluten in their systems have what is known as Celiac Disease. What actually happens in the body is that the body’s normal immune system sees that protein as an intruder. Thus, the immune response attacks it.

In the long term, this immune response can cause significant problems:

  • Damage to the lining of the intestine.
  • Inhibits its ability to absorb nutrients
  • Can cause bloating, diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue, and anemia.

Celiac can lead to more serious complications if left undiagnosed.

The good news is that Celiac Disease is pretty rare and only affects about one percent of the population in western countries. The exact cause of the disease is not known, but what is known shows a correlation between the genes, the gluten protein, and environmental factors. You cannot catch Celiac from someone, though it could be passed on to you in your genes from a family member. But, how would you know if you had Celiac Disease and needed to go gluten-free?

Signs and Symptoms of Gluten Sensitivity in Adults

going gluten-free

Signs and Symptoms of Gluten Sensitivity in Adults

Adults with celiac often experience diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue, and weight loss and feel bloated, nauseous, constipated, or have generalized abdominal pain. Celiac can also cause some issues with the body not associated with the digestive tract but that stem from the body’s inability to absorb nutrients effectively.

More than half of adults with Celiac often have or experience:

  • Anemia
  • Bone density loss
  • Bone softening
  • Damage to tooth enamel
  • Itchy or blistery skin rash
  • Joint pain
  • Ulcers in the mouth
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Heartburn or acid reflux
  • Nerve damage including numbness and tingling in the hands or feet
  • Cognitive impairment
  • Balance issues

Signs and Symptoms of Gluten Sensitivity in Children

Young children under two years old may experience vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, poor appetite, or muscle wasting. They may also experience a swollen belly, like a potbelly.

Older children may experience diarrhea, constipation, weight loss, irritability, and neurological issues like ADHD, learning disabilities, headaches, seizures, and lack of muscle coordination. Short stature and delayed puberty are also signs in older children.

Itchy Blistery Rash

Dermatitis herpetiformis is a rash that forms from changes within the small intestine lining. It is associated with Celiac Disease, and a person may experience an itchy, blistery rash on their elbows, knees, torso, scalp, or buttocks.

When to See a Doctor to Confirm if You Have a Gluten Sensitivity

If you suspect you might have a sensitivity, see your doctor, and they will be able to test you for it and diagnose you properly. If you suspect you are and go off gluten for a significant time before seeing your doctor, it can be difficult to tell whether you are sensitive or not.

Only if your doctor diagnoses you with Celiac will you know to avoid foods with gluten protein. Then, you can prevent any nutritional deficiencies that may arise from such a dramatic dietary change.

Giving Up Gluten When You Don’t Have a Sensitivity

Lately, it has become all the rage to go gluten-free in your diet. Medical evidence suggests that this diet only benefits if you have Celiac Disease or a sensitivity. Giving it up without a diagnosis is unnecessary, although it is a common practice.

Unless you have Celiac Disease, you will likely derive zero benefits from a gluten-free diet. The Placebo Effect might convince you that you feel better, but your body chemistry and health will likely remain unchanged.

The biggest thing you should do is have a serious discussion with your doctor. Let them run some tests and accurately diagnose you before significantly changing your diet.

If you change your diet without good guidance from a doctor or nutritionist, you could experience vitamin deficiencies. Most wheat products in the US are fortified with vitamins, especially vitamin B.

Reducing or eliminating wheat and rye can also reduce your fiber intake. The average American already has a diet low in fiber and reducing that further could cause other digestive issues on their own. When in doubt about any aspect of your health, see your physician and get some expert advice.

10 Foods to Add to Your Diet if You Go Gluten-Free

If you have Celiac, you must change your diet. Giving up wheat and rye might cause you to lose essential nutrients, but you can replace them with other foods.

gluten

1. Dairy and Eggs

Some people with celiac disease are also lactose intolerant, but not all. If you’re not lactose intolerant, milk, eggs, and dairy are safe for a gluten-free diet. You can also have yogurt and cheese, which are great sources of vitamin D, calcium, and B vitamins.

If you are lactose intolerant, you can still have eggs. Eggs are a great source of protein, so don’t miss out on their power.

2. Chocolate

You’ll be happy to know that you can eat chocolate, and it doesn’t matter which kind. Make sure you check the ingredient label of packaged chocolate for hidden ingredients that you shouldn’t have. Otherwise, feel free to enjoy dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bittersweet chocolate, and white chocolate.

3. Almonds

You can consume almonds as a snack, mixed in with your breakfast, or in a delicious salad. You only need a handful to help you on your nutrition journey. Almonds are available in many delicious forms, including:

  • Natural almonds
  • Roasted almonds
  • Flavored almonds
  • Lightly salted almonds

Studies show that eating almonds reduce hunger and improve nutrient intake. You’ll take in more vitamin E and monounsaturated fat without gaining weight.

Almonds also lower LDL cholesterol and reduce heart-damaging inflammation. Plus, they lower the impact carbohydrates have on your blood sugar.

4. Alternative Grains

When you cut out wheat, rye, and other foods, you’ll need to replace them with something. Turn to alternative grains like quinoa, brown rice, amaranth, buckwheat, and millet.

Flavor the grains with herbs and cook them in broth to give more flavor. These grains make a great side dish, and they can help increase your calorie intake.

You can also purchase gluten-free bread, waffles, cereals, and pasta. In place of regular flour, other options include rice, soy, potato, corn, and nut flour. Learning the ingredients that you can easily swap can make your new diet much easier.

5. Fruits and Vegetables

Dietary guidelines recommend two cups of fruit and two and a half cups of vegetables each day. They are safe for Celiac diets and packed with vitamins and nutrients. You can add vegetables to your meals, choose them as a snack, or eat them as a side dish.

Another benefit is that many vegetables are high in fiber. The most fiber-rich vegetables include:

  • Winter squash
  • Green peas
  • Potatoes
  • Corn
  • Sweet potatoes with skin
  • Asparagus
  • Mushrooms
  • Leafy greens
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Cabbage
  • Cauliflower
  • Broccoli

Fruits are an optimal snack, giving you a sweet but healthy treat during the day. They are full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that you can’t get elsewhere. Many fruits are also a good source of fiber, including:

  • Berries
  • Cherries
  • Avocados
  • Bananas
  • Citrus
  • Apricots
  • Mango

6. Packaged Gluten-Free Foods

Many grocery stores carry packaged foods that are safe for those with Celiac disease. They often have options for baked goods, pasta, and bread. It’s important to note that these foods cost more, so be prepared for the difference.

You must be careful, though, because many packaged foods contain high amounts of sugar. If you make them a major part of your diet, you could gain weight. Use them as a treat, instead, so you can make sure to get your essential nutrients.

7. Corn

Corn is high in fiber and contains polyphenols and carotenoids, including lutein and zeaxanthin. These carotenoids act as antioxidants, lowering your risk of developing degenerative diseases. Lutein also decreases your risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration.

8. Beverages

With Celiac disease, you must be careful of what you drink. Some of the beverage options you can choose from include:

  • Tea
  • Fruit juice
  • Coffee
  • Kombucha
  • Vegetable juice
  • Water
  • Wine

9. Kidney Beans

These beans contain carbohydrates, fiber, and protein. Kidney beans also contain folate, iron, magnesium, zinc, phosphorous, and potassium. They are low in fat and are cholesterol-free, as well.

The beans are highly nutritious and make you feel full longer. They prevent weight gain and constipation and help regulate blood sugar levels.

10. Poultry, Meat, and Seafood

When you stop eating gluten, you must find healthy protein choices. Poultry, meat, and seafood are all great sources of essential vitamins and nutrients. Plus, they are filling and give you many meal options.

gluten

Final Thoughts on Going Gluten-Free

Celiac disease is rare, but it can happen to you. Watch for the signs that you should stop eating gluten. Then, you can improve your health and feel better.

You might have to give up some of your favorite foods, but you can replace them with other delicious options. It’ll be hard to make dietary changes, but it’ll quickly become a habit. Once you see how much better you feel, it becomes even easier. You deserve to feel good, so do what it takes to improve your health.

5 Ways To Stop Being Overstressed

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Being overstressed for a prolonged period can wreak havoc on your physical, mental, and spiritual health. We need a certain amount of stress to reach our goals or run from an immediate threat. However, since our bodies and minds haven’t yet evolved for modern life, most of us deal with chronic stress.

We can handle the physical, acute stress caused by an encounter with a wild animal or natural disaster instinctively, for instance. All the mental stressors and overstimulation in our society can quickly become overwhelming, leading to stress that never goes away. Despite all the challenges of modern life, we can still take our power back and learn to manage stress.

5 Easy Steps to Stop Feeling Overstressed

Below, we’ll describe a few ways to control stress and feel calmer in daily life.

1.     Only Focus on What You Can Control to Stop Being Overstressed.

If you feel overstressed, perhaps you’re focusing too much on things outside your immediate control. For instance, politics, the state of the economy, or other world events might cause you to distress if you watch the news often. However, we don’t have much control over things happening outside ourselves for the most part. All we can do is decide how we react or respond to situations.

So, instead of directing all your energy outwards, learn to explore and control your inner world. If you can conquer yourself and your emotions, that’s all that truly matters in the end. Focus on improving your physical, mental, and emotional health and let go of everything else. When you do that, you’ll feel the world’s weight disappear.

overstressed

2.     Meditate or Practice Deep Breathing.

Countless research studies prove that a regular meditation practice can stop you from being overstressed. A comprehensive meta-analysis on mindfulness-based therapy revealed that meditators also had lower levels of anxiety and depression. Researchers have found that mindfulness triggers positive changes in two different stress pathways in the brain, thereby lowering cortisol levels.

Furthermore, psychologists discovered that people who received mindfulness-based therapy had fewer negative thoughts during heightened stress. Deep breathing exercises work in the same way to reduce stress and cortisol levels, helping you become more aware of your breath.

You could try pranayama, the ancient yogic practice of controlling the breath by breathing in specific patterns. One 2013 study found that people who felt overstressed had lower perceived stress levels after practicing pranayama.

In general, becoming more mindful will help you live a happier, more peaceful life by repairing the connection between the mind and body.

3.     Beat the Overstressed Feeling by Simplifying Your Life.

Maybe you feel overstressed because you’re juggling too many things in life. There isn’t much time left for yourself between work, kids, chores, and other responsibilities. Unfortunately, most adults must fulfill an obligation toward society, which requires at least 30-40 hours per week. But, you can choose what type of work you wish to perform.

For example, if you own a business, you have greater control over your schedule, giving you more autonomy. Or, maybe you can ask your boss if you can work from home, eliminating commuting time. You could even sell everything and buy land if you’re able to do so. If you look deeply enough, you can always find a solution to being overstressed.

4.     Avoid Dwelling on Negative Thoughts or Circumstances.

Much of our stress comes from our minds, which isn’t always easy to tame. The reason can create chaos or peace in life, but it requires training to weed out negative thoughts. So, if you’re feeling overstressed, try focusing on the positive aspects of life, even if it’s just the little things.

Seeing a beautiful flower on the way to work, or playing with your kids after a long day, can easily lift your spirits. When it feels like you’re drowning with no lifeboat in sight, turn your attention to the beauty and innocence that often gets overlooked in daily life.

5.     Make Time For Nature and Exercise.

Sadly, most people spend their days in air-conditioned offices or other buildings, rarely stepping foot into the great outdoors. This lack of nature time may partially explain the mental health crisis, as we need to connect with Mother Earth for overall wellbeing. Not only does nature help us feel grounded – it reminds us where we came from and restores depleted energy levels. In short, it’s medicine for the soul, and we don’t get near enough of it.

Exercise also can help if you feel overstressed because it releases feel-good hormones and endorphins. Our bodies require some movement each day to function correctly and remove toxins built up from the previous day. It’s also beneficial for mental health, as researchers explain a link between exercise and reduced anxiety and depression.

If possible, it’s even better to exercise in nature since you’ll receive even more mental and physical health benefits. Studies have shown that ‘green exercise’ can boost self-esteem and mood, along with reducing symptoms of mental disorders.

So, if you’re feeling overstressed, please remember that you’re not alone and that you have tools at your disposal to relieve stress. Exercise, mindfulness, nature, and positive thinking can do wonders for your overall wellbeing. Only focus on what you can control or change and block out all the rest.

Life doesn’t have to be inherently stressful; we’ve just made it that way. But, you don’t have to succumb to the mass psychosis of modern life; you can rise above and take your power back.

overstressed

Final Thoughts on Methods to Stop Being Overstressed

If you feel overstressed lately, you’re hardly alone; stress affects millions of people worldwide, and more so in recent times. However, you can combat the effects of stress with natural remedies like meditation, yoga, mindfulness, exercise, and time in nature. Getting back to the basics can always restore your mental and physical health.

Today, many people feel overstressed about finances and responsibilities but forget all that for a while. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so it’s about time to start putting yourself first. You’re worth it!

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