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20 Things to Do to Reduce High Cholesterol

October 16, 2020 by Power of Positivity

One of the buzz words you often hear concerning heart health is cholesterol, which has become something to fear. Did you know that you need a certain amount of cholesterol to live and that your body produces some on its own? It just depends on what type of cholesterol you are considering.

HDL or good cholesterol helps transport excess cholesterol from your blood vessels to your liver, and it’s healthy for your heart. However, LDL or bad cholesterol builds up in the vessels, causing heart attacks, strokes, and other diseases. Genetics, age, and gender play a role in both levels.

While some high cholesterol factors you can’t change, you can make a positive difference with diet and exercise. Some foods, herbs, and supplements may also be beneficial. Here are 20 ways you may consider reducing high cholesterol levels so that you can keep your body happy and healthy.

Twenty Ways to Reduce High Cholesterol

Are you seeking a new and healthier lifestyle? Here are twenty ways you may consider reducing high cholesterol levels so that you can keep your body happy and healthy.

1. Lose Weight

It’s a myth that only overweight people have problems with their cholesterol. However, experts say that your body is more apt to store LDL or bad cholesterol if you are packing extra pounds. You also may have a higher cholesterol reading if it’s part of your genetics.

You can still reduce high cholesterol by eating better foods for you, which will help you lose weight. Eating a healthy diet will also encourage your liver to absorb less cholesterol to form new fatty deposits. Plus, losing weight will help raise the HDL or good cholesterol levels in your body.

2. Quit Smoking

If you need another reason to nix the tobacco habit, you can reduce high cholesterol may persuade you. When you smoke, you not only increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, but you also alter how your body processes cholesterol.

Tar is one of the several toxic chemicals leached into your body from burning tobacco. It damages the cells responsible for removing cholesterol from the walls of your blood vessels to your blood. Some health experts believe that these malfunctioning cells may be one reason why smokers often develop clogged arteries.

3. Avoid Trans-fats in Your Diet

You may have done an excellent job by eliminating as much saturated fat from your diet as possible, and that’s a good thing. However, trading them off for food that is high in trans-fats isn’t helpful. Manufacturers use hydrogenation to turn unsaturated fats or vegetable oils into a solid at room temperature.

Not only do trans-fats increase your total cholesterol levels, but they can decrease the level of good cholesterol (HDL) in your body. The trans-fat culprits are margarine, shortening, and processed food with partially hydrogenated oils. To reduce high cholesterol levels in your body, avoid trans-fats.

4. Eat Healthy Polyunsaturated Fats in Moderation

To reduce high cholesterol and your risks of cardiovascular disease, trade saturated, and trans-fats for polyunsaturated ones. Omega-three is a beneficial polyunsaturated fat that can help reduce your LDL cholesterol. Research suggests that these healthy fats may reduce your chances of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Sources of Omega-three fatty acids include fatty fish like tuna, salmon, herring, and mackerel. You can also get a healthy dose when you eat walnuts, almonds, pecans, and seeds. If you aren’t a fan of seafood, you can also take Omega-three fish oil supplements.

5. Get Regular Exercise

When you combine a healthy diet with a daily exercise regimen, you can lose weight, tone your body, and reduce high cholesterol. Obesity can cause many health problems, like coronary disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and some cancers. Not only can exercise lower your obesity risk, but it can also reduce your bad cholesterol while increasing the good.

Studies show that even walking can offer you cholesterol-busting benefits. The more you exercise, the more you can lower your bad cholesterol and make your body healthier. Talk to your primary healthcare provider about an exercise regimen that’s best for you.

6. Eat More Fiber

Soluble fiber does wonder for keeping your digestion and bowels regulated. Did you know that it can also help you lower your cholesterol levels? It is the main food source for the beneficial probiotics that live in your gut.

This microscopic gut flora can lower the amount of bad cholesterol in your body. High-fiber foods also have a lot of vitamins and minerals. Increase your fiber intake by enjoying whole grains, beans, lentils, and fruit.

7. Avoid Alcohol or Drink in Moderation

Drinking too much alcohol can damage your liver and cause other serious health conditions. However, some studies show that drinking alcohol in moderation may increase your good cholesterol levels. It can also benefit the process of removing cholesterol from your blood vessels to be filtered by your liver.

8. Consider Plant Cholesterol

Although these plant-based cholesterols haven’t been proven to lower your coronary disease risks, they can help you reduce high cholesterol levels. You will find these plant sterols and stanols in most vegetable oils.

9. Try Dietary Supplements

If you are eating various healthy whole foods, you are probably getting enough vitamins and minerals. However, some dietary supplements have been found to help reduce high cholesterol levels. Consider psyllium, CoQ10, and fish oil.

10. Enjoy Green Tea

Who would have guessed that your favorite tea could also lower your cholesterol? You are probably already drinking it for its other health benefits. Drinking green tea or black tea can lower your levels of bad cholesterol.

11. Eat Grapefruit

Remember the iconic grapefruit diet that comes around again every few years? Some claims made about this fad diet may be dubious, but eating a grapefruit a day can help bring down your cholesterol levels. *People who consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice should check with a pharmacist to find out if any of their medications interact with the fruit. Grapefruit is known to affect three of these Cholesterol drugs: simvastatin (Zocor), lovastatin (Mevacor), and atorvastatin (Lipitor).

12. Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking water may not reduce high cholesterol on its own, but it can help other processes. A recent study suggested that drinking more water a day can lower your risk of coronary disease by 60 percent. It also lowers your risk of obesity, which means a better cholesterol level.

13. The Edible Egg

Perhaps no other food has been scrutinized more than the humble chicken egg. In the past, experts warned people to avoid eating eggs since the yolks were high in cholesterol, albeit the good kind. Current research not only contradicts past warnings but also indicates that the lutein in egg yolks is heart healthy.

14. Lower Your Stress Levels

Chronic stress is public enemy number one when it comes to your health. It puts your survival instinct into overdrive and pumps your blood full of stress hormones, which can drive up your cholesterol. Find natural ways to relax, like doing yoga, journaling, or taking leisurely walks in nature.

15. Bring on the Garlic

Garlic has been used for thousands of years to ward off countless health conditions, and modern science is proving its benefits. Not only is this pungent bulb good for your heart but consuming it can also lower your cholesterol levels.

16. Learn to Laugh a Little More

Research shows that laughter encourages your brain to release hormones that produce nitric oxide. This chemical is a natural anti-inflammatory that affects your blood vessels and may prevent the buildup of cholesterol.

17. The Joy of Soy

Many people around the globe use more soy protein than they do animal proteins. Did you know that soy can help lower your bad cholesterol and your risks of heart disease? You can choose many natural soy products, like soy milk, tofu, soy nuts, or tempeh.

18. Holy Basil

Basil cultivars are so much more than just a tasty culinary herb. Preliminary studies suggest that holy basil may lower your risk of developing diabetes and may lower your cholesterol. More reviews are in the works.

19. Try Whey Protein

Scientists believe that whey protein in dairy products is beneficial to your health. If you want to lower LDL and total cholesterol levels, you can try whey protein supplements. Research shows that it may help reduce your risk of hypertension, too.

20. Turmeric

Current studies have elevated this ancient herb that’s been used in Indian medicine for thousands of years. If you enjoy it as a culinary herb or as a dietary supplement, this golden root powder may reduce your chances of cardiovascular disease and lower your total cholesterol levels.

Final Thoughts on Acting Now to Reduce High Cholesterol

Statin drugs are used by doctors to treat cholesterol. However, the side effects of these drugs are troublesome, which makes many leery to take them. Thankfully, there are so many natural things that you can do to help your cholesterol levels.

Before you try any dietary supplements, talk to your healthcare provider. Never cease or change your cholesterol medication dosage without medical advice. A healthy lifestyle is one of the main things you can do to reduce high cholesterol.

Don’t you owe it to yourself to try natural things first? Selecting a few of these methods will have a dramatic impact on your life and can reduce high cholesterol.

15 Gross Habits That Annoy Your Partner

October 16, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Trigger warning. We are “going there,” in a no-holds-barred look at some pretty gross habits. Let’s face it, we are all human and have our own quirky things we’d never admit to in public.

Being human means indulging is some disgusting behaviors once in a while. When you’re in a relationship, your unique habits can, well… gross out your partner. You may wonder what quirky behaviors you have that might annoy your partner.

15 Gross Habits That Annoy Your Significant Other

Take a look at these 15 gross habits you may be guilty of doing.

Picking your nose.

You should have grown out of the nose-picking habit in kindergarten. But if you’re still picking your nose, you’re not alone. We rate it as the number one gross habit that annoys partners. Resist the urge to dig deep into your nose. Instead, get a tissue and take care of business in privacy.

Biting your nails.

Tearing at your nails with your teeth like a neanderthal isn’t attractive. No wonder your partner finds this habit super annoying. There are good health reasons to kick the nail-biting habit.

Infection in your fingernails: When you bite your nails, you run the risk of a painful nail infection called paronychia. Symptoms are red, swollen areas where the infection lingers. This area fills with nasty pus and blisters. Usually, you need an antibiotic to get rid of paronychia.
Teeth problems: Using your teeth as nails clippers can cause your teeth to shift, chip, or break. You also spread germs from your fingers to your mouth, causing bad breath, and who knows what else.
Hangnails: When you tear off skin with your teeth, you make a hole that forms a hangnail. Hangnails get infected easily, causing pain, redness, and a swollen finger. Sometimes hangnails get so infected. You need surgery to remedy it.

Not brushing your teeth.

Being an adult means you don’t need your mom to remind you to brush your teeth. If you’re skipping good mouth hygiene, your teeth can turn yellow. You’ll develop cavities and have stinky breath. It’s no fun to kiss someone with nasty breath. Stop waiting for your mom to show up, start brushing, and flossing twice a day. Your partner will love your sweet, kissy breath, and gorgeous smile.

Farting.

It was hilarious in middle school, but loud, smelly farts aren’t that funny once you reach adulthood. No one wants to cuddle on the sofa with a farting partner. Perhaps you have gut problems that are causing gas. You may be allergic to dairy or sugar. Try giving up dairy or sugar for a couple of weeks to see if your obnoxious farts go away. Sometimes that’s all it takes to end the pungent air gifts that are so annoying to your partner.

Peeing in the shower.

Many people admit they pee in the shower. It’s so common that it’s almost an American pastime. Why do you do it? Convenience? Comfort? Just for fun? It’s unclear what the motiving cause is, but it’s actually not as brutish as it sounds. The urine gets washed down the drain with the dirt, dead skin, and other yucky bodily fluids. But all the same, if it bugs your partner, at least hold off peeing in the shower until when they’re not around.

Smelling your armpits.

You raise your arms over your head, fake yawn, then do a quick turn of the head to take a sniff of your armpits. You think no one notices you. But your partner notices, and it’s extremely annoying to them. If you’re taking daily showers and wearing a good deodorant brand, you shouldn’t need to do the armpit sniffing test. If you really feel a need to sniff your armpits, go to the bathroom. There you can sniff all you want, plus put on a little extra deodorant if you need it.

Not changing sheets on your bed.

Has it been weeks or months since you’ve changed your bedsheets? Sorry, but this is high on the repulsive list for a partner. Over time your bed is a cornucopia full of dead skin, pollen, dust mites, dander, and other plain old offensive stuff. If you sleep in that stuff long enough, you can develop allergies or skin rashes. Studies found that simple measures like weekly laundering of your bedding can reduce allergens in your bedroom. Getting serious about washing your bedding is sure to get you off the repulsive list. Plus, you’ll sleep better every night under fresh, clean sheets.

Spitting.

Spitting was against the law in the Middle Ages, and it should be illegal today. If you’re still flinging a giant ball of spit now and then, you may want to reassess this habit. It’s a big no-no when it comes to relationships. No one wants to kiss a spit flinger. If you must spit, do it in the toilet, and please flush afterward. Breaking this habit would make your sweetie a lot happier.

Not cleaning your smartphone.

Are you scratching your head right now, saying, “I’m supposed to clean my smartphone?” Think about it. Do you grab your smartphone and take it with you into the bathroom to sit a spell and write texts? During the day, do you touch coffee shop counters, door handles, and work computers? If you answered yes, you’re not alone. Most people don’t think about cleaning their smartphones. Sanitize your smartphone with a cleaning wipe at least once a day to remove grime and avoid spreading germs.

Butt scratching.

It should go without saying that butt scratching is definitely a gross habit. It’s also socially unacceptable and a big turn off for your partner. If you’re having issues with your hiney, head to the bathroom and fix it. No one wants to hang out with a butt scratcher, so nip this bad habit in the bud right away. Capeesh?

Talking with food in your mouth.

Remember when you were a kid, and you told the joke about “seafood,” then opened your mouth so the person could “see” your food? It was funny back then, but “see” food isn’t funny when you’re an adult. Your partner loves you. They love to talk to you at dinner, but when you splatter food from your mouth onto their shirt, it could push them over the edge. Try to take a bite and swallow before you talk at meals. It could save your relationship.

Not washing new clothing.

Okay, this might seem like a biggie, but it’s disgusting if you think about where your new clothes have been. People are covered with parasites, germs, and bacteria. They touch clothes on the rack at the store and try on clothing–many of them minus their underwear. Bathing suits and lingerie have been found to contain fecal matter. If this doesn’t convince you to wash your new clothing, nothing will. When you get home from the store, throw your new clothing into the washer right away so it’ll be nice and clean for wearing.

Not replacing your toothbrush head.

It’s easy to forget to replace your toothbrush head. But if you brush your teeth twice a day after several months, your toothbrush takes a good beating. The bristles wear down, causing your brushing to be ineffective. Your mouth harbors germs and bacteria that accumulate on your toothbrush. Over time, your toothbrush is germ-infested so, it’s important to replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head at least once a month.

Not washing your hands.

Your sweetie wants you to wash your hands. Not washing your hands spreads disease and germs. Poor hygiene is never romantic. Wash your hands after you use the toilet, after you’ve been outside or before you cook.

Poor toilet hygiene.

It’s time to get serious. And yes, we are going there.

One of the biggest annoyances to many is when someone’s partner does not practice good toilet hygiene. Disgusting behaviors range from forgetting to flush (or not ensuring all waste flushes) completely to “dribbling” down the side of the bowl to leaving up the toilet seat for them to touch. Do your significant other a favor and don’t make them a party to cleaning up after you use the toilet. While you are at it, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet, as well!

Final Thoughts: How do you stop gross habits?

Everybody has a habit to kick. Researchers suggest you can stop a bad habit by replacing the bad habit with a healthy one. If you constantly bite your nails when you’re nervous, take a yoga class to lower your stress. Researches believe it takes three weeks to break a habit. Over time, your positive habit eventually becomes a new way of life, crowding out your old bad habit.

It’s also important to find out how your gross habit affects your partner. Ask them questions like

Which of my gross habit affects you the most?
How does it make you feel?
Does it make me less attracted to you?
Do my gross habits embarrass you? Annoy you?

If you’re human, you’re apt to have a gross habit of some kind. We all do things without thinking about how it affects our partners. Bad habits take time to stop, but it is possible if you’re motivated. Replacing bad habits with a new one is a powerful way to change.

Your gross habits affect your romantic relationship. Don’t assure your partner doesn’t care. Ask them which habits bother them. Show them you want to change to improve your relationship. Good chance, your sweetie will love you even more for wanting to change for them.

13 Ways to Use Hydrogen Peroxide for Cleaning

October 16, 2020 by Sarah Barkley

Hydrogen peroxide is an everyday household staple, but the benefits go much further than expected. If you use hydrogen peroxide for cleaning, you will experience the effects of one of the best all-natural cleaners. It is inexpensive, safe, and kills harmful viruses, bacteria, and fungi.

Hydrogen peroxide comprises two oxygen atoms and two hydrogen atoms, making the chemical compound H₂O₂. You can find peroxide in varying concentrations, most commonly between three and 10%. The best peroxide concentration for cleaning and disinfecting is the three percent solution.

Hydrogen peroxide starts to break down when exposed to heat, light, or air and becomes plain water. It isn’t harmful when this happens, but it won’t work well for cleaning once this occurs. This breakdown is the reason that peroxide comes in a brown bottle.

How to Use Hydrogen Peroxide for Cleaning

Not only can you be more efficient by using hydrogen peroxide for cleaning, but you will also save money. If you aren’t buying expensive chemical-filled cleaners, you can put that money aside for something better. The best part is that hydrogen peroxide poses no health or environmental hazards.

1. De-gunk Your Tiles, Granite, Marble, and Grout

Keeping tiles, granite, marble, and grout clean can be difficult if you don’t have the right solution. Spraying hydrogen peroxide on the surfaces can help clean them and even whiten the grout.

To clean the grout, leave peroxide for thirty minutes before scrubbing. You can scour with a grout brush or an old toothbrush. Removing your grout might take a few applications if it has many buildups.

Granite, tiles, and marble show water stains, and food stains can be harder to clean off. Using a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda can help.

Use half a cup of baking soda with a few drops of peroxide to form a paste, then spread it over your countertops. Let it sit for 10 minutes before cleaning it with a wet cloth.

2. Use Hydrogen Peroxide for Cleaning Your Beds and Mattresses

Most people don’t realize they should clean their mattresses every six months. To clean them, remove the linens and padding, and vacuum the mattress thoroughly.

If you see any stains on the mattress, you can use a mixture of equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide. Use a soft, clean toothbrush or other cleaning brush, and then work the ingredients into the stain. Let it sit for five minutes, and then repeat the process.

Continue the process until the stain has faded, and then use a hairdryer to dry any excess moisture. Don’t put the padding or the linens back on until the mattress fully dries.

3. Lighten Up Your Bathrooms and Toilets

Bathrooms and toilets can get nasty, but hydrogen peroxide can make cleaning easier. If you have mold or mildew in your bathroom, spray it with peroxide and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, wipe it away with a wet cloth. For a thorough clean throughout your home, consider hiring carpet cleaners newport to tackle any carpet stains and keep your floors looking fresh.

Research shows that hydrogen peroxide removes bacteria, yeast, fungi, viruses, and spores, effectively cleaning your toilet. Pour half a cup of peroxide into your toilet and let it sit for fifteen minutes before scrubbing it clean. You’ll notice that the grime comes off quicker and is cleaner than ever.

4. Refinish Metal Objects

You can use hydrogen peroxide to clean and refinish any metal containing iron or an iron alloy. Before spraying the peroxide, you must remove, paint, and sand the surface. Once you have a fresh start, spray vinegar onto the surface and let it dry for five minutes.

While you wait for the vinegar to dry, mix two cups of peroxide, four tablespoons of vinegar, and one and a half teaspoons of salt. Soak the metal surface with this mixture, and you will notice that rust begins forming immediately. This method of refinishing will result in an antique-looking piece.

5. Try Hydrogen Peroxide for Cleaning Rust Stains

While hydrogen peroxide can cause rusting when mixed with the right ingredients, it can also remove rust if used differently. Mix equal parts of cream of tartar and baking soda, then add a few drops of hydrogen peroxide to form a paste.

Apply the paste to rusted objects and leave it for one hour before cleaning them with water. This method removes rust from moderately rusted items. Plus, it can remove rust stains in your sink or bathtub caused by the rust in your tap water.

6. Sanitize Your Kitchen Utensils

Using hydrogen peroxide to clean your kitchen utensils can keep things bacteria-free. Your cutting board is an excellent place to start because it gets cuts on the surface that trap unhealthy bacteria. To clean it, spray it with white vinegar first, then pour hydrogen peroxide over it after five minutes.

If you have ceramic-coated cookware, you can clean that using hydrogen peroxide, too. Spread it on the dish’s interior, and it will lighten stains while cleaning the surface. You can also use it on any utensils that are hard to clean entirely.

7. Freshen Up Your Furniture

Harsh chemicals can ruin your furniture, so using hydrogen peroxide for cleaning is a better option. Mix half a cup of dawn dish soap with one cup of hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle. Then, spray it on your upholstery and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing it with a rag.

Using a large sprayer, you can also clean your outdoor furniture with hydrogen peroxide. Here is how to clean furnishings with hydrogen peroxide. Mix one gallon of warm water with one-quarter cup of peroxide, a few drops of dish soap, and one scoop of borax. Then, spray your outdoor furniture and let the mixture sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.

8. Use Hydrogen Peroxide for Cleaning and Sanitizing Your Appliances

Studies show that residential dishwashers often have fungi and yeast inside them. This fact is the case for other appliances too. You can use hydrogen peroxide for cleaning small appliances, though.

Mix one cup of hydrogen peroxide with two cups of water in a spray bottle. Add about fifteen drops of lemon essential oil or two teaspoons of lemon juice and then shake the bottle. You can use this all-natural cleaner on many appliances and other surfaces, including your:

kitchen sink and garbage disposal area
microwave
refrigerator (inside and out)
coffee maker
blender
slow cooker
dishwasher (inside and out)

9. Shines Your Mirrors

You can use hydrogen peroxide to clean shiny mirrors with no streaks. Fill a spray bottle with equal parts water and peroxide instead of a regular window or mirror cleaner. Wipe the mirror with a lint-free cloth or newspaper for the best results.

10. Remove Stains from Your Clothes

When you have stains on your clothing, you can use hydrogen peroxide as a pretreatment a couple of hours before washing. Add one cup of hydrogen peroxide to your washing machine before wearing white clothes. Peroxide brightens the whites and removes stains naturally.

If you get underarm stains on your clothes, you can use a hydrogen peroxide mixture to remove them. Mix equal parts peroxide, baking soda, and water, and then use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the area. Then, allow the mixture to sit for at least half an hour before giving it a final scrub and throwing it in the washing machine.

You can also remove food and grass stains by combining hydrogen peroxide and one part dish soap. Use a soft-bristled brush to work the mixture into the spot and let it sit for a while. Then, rinse with cold water and apply again until you can’t see the stain anymore.

11. Eliminate Bad Odors

Hydrogen peroxide can help you eliminate foul odors, including skunk smells, urine, and other offensive odors. Peroxide destroys the odor by breaking down the source of the smell and using enzymes to remove it. It accelerates the elimination process for both foul odors and stains.

Mix one part of hydrogen peroxide with six water parts, then spray it on the area thoroughly. Blot at the area and then let it dry for a while. Repeat the process as necessary until the odor dissipates.

12. Remove Watermarks in Your Windows

If there are hard water stains on your windows, you can use hydrogen peroxide to clean them off. Mix equal parts of water and hydrogen peroxide and saturate the mark. Let the solution sit for a few minutes, then respray the glass when it dries.

Then, scrub the glass with a rough towel or rag with the mixture. Repeat this process until there are no watermarks left. You can also make a paste instead of a liquid and use it to scour the watermarks of your windows.

13. Sanitize Your Children’s Toys

You can use hydrogen peroxide to sanitize toys and stop the spread of germs in your home. Put peroxide on a rag and wipe down all of the toys and play surfaces once a week. It will kill germs and bacteria without exposing the child to harmful chemicals.

You can also fill a spray bottle with hydrogen peroxide over the toys. Let the liquid dry naturally; if it bubbles up, do it again.

Final Thoughts on Ways to Use Hydrogen Peroxide for Cleaning

Hydrogen peroxide is a safe and all-natural alternative to chemical-filled cleaners. You can also use it when you run out of your usual cleaner.

It is important to note that mixing hydrogen peroxide with bleach can cause an explosion, so avoid the combination. While it is an all-natural cleanser, hydrogen peroxide should never be consumed.

Use natural ingredients that you already have in your home to enjoy a cleaner, fresher home. Hydrogen peroxide for cleaning is an excellent alternative, and you’ll be glad you tried it out.

10 Signals That Reveal Someone is Flirting With You

October 16, 2020 by Power of Positivity

How can you tell if someone is flirting with you? It’s not always easy to see if a person is being friendly and trying to send you signals, or if they’re trying to play it cool. Many people flirt because they don’t have the self-confidence they need to ask you out, and they want to make sure you’re interested.

Do they have feelings for you? You try to read their body language and look for signs, but is your mind playing tricks on you? Is that person across the room trying to get your attention, and how can you know for sure?

Well, if they are displaying any of these ten signs below, then chances are good that they’re interested.

10 Signals That Someone is Flirting with You

You think they are interested, but you want to be sure before you reciprocate. Here are the signs.

1. They Constantly Make Eye Contact

Have you ever had that feeling that someone is watching you? Whenever you look up, do their eyes meet yours? Making direct eye contact can be very flirty, but it’s often misread. If someone is staring at you longer than usual, it could be a signal they’re interested in you. If you catch them gazing into your eyes and smiling, then you have an admirer.

2. They’re Giving You Backhanded Compliments

Is this person teasing you? Are they dishing out compliments about your hair or outfit, yet they seem to be backhanded? It’s apparent that they don’t know how to flirt. When they hand out these insincere compliments, it’s a way for them to see how you will respond.

It’s often been said that there’s a fine line between love and hate. Some people are horrible at flirting and sending signals. The only way that they know how to communicate with you is by giving snide accolades.

They want to test the waters and see how you respond. Sure, it’s not the best way to flirt, but it’s quite common for people who aren’t sure how to make their intentions clear. They may comment on your hair and say something like, “I love that new style, but didn’t it go out in the 1980s?”

The person may be sending the wrong signals, but it’s the only way they feel comfortable telling you how much they like your hair.

3. Their Behavior Changes When You’re Around

If someone is really into you, their signals might not scream what their heart feels, but it can be evident to others around you. Have you noticed a behavior change when you walk into the room?

Do they want to talk more or start telling jokes? When the heart is involved, many individuals will do anything they can to make sure they’re noticed. Some people are just so blatant about their feelings that it’s like a two-year-old in a playpen begging for attention.

They may not be the obvious type, so they will clam up when you enter their presence. Behavior changes can be for the good or bad, but you just must be observant.

4. They Show They Care

You’ve had a hard day, and you’re trying to vent about all your frustrations. Rather than listening without comment, this person is mirroring your feelings. What is mirroring?

Well, they are empathetic to how your day went. They may offer tips on how to make things better, or they may listen and show that they care. If life is beating you down and someone is listening intently and trying to help, then don’t let this person go.

5. They’re Always First to “Like” Your Stuff on Social Media

Social media has changed everything when it comes to sending signals that you’re into someone. It’s easy to flirt when you’re behind a computer or cell phone, but flirting in person takes real skill. How can you tell if someone is into you physically when they’re using virtual means?

One of the first things that you will notice is that they comment on everything that you put on your wall. If you post a picture of what you had for dinner last night, they would be the first one to like your post. If they seem to be cyberstalking you and “liking” all your stuff, then it’s a sign that they are attentively waiting for anything you have to say.

Some posts are hits on social media channels, and some are misses. However, see how many of your posts they comment on and how quickly they make these comments. They probably have you set as a favorite, so they will be alerted whenever you post anything.

6. They Fidget Around You

Excessive anxiety is not uncommon when dealing with matters of the heart. You may notice that this person stumbles over their words, doesn’t know what to say, and finds themselves socially awkward.

They may be antsy and have a hard time sitting still in their seat. They may pace around the room or bury themselves in their phone. Sometimes, when your heart beats out of your chest with feelings for another person, you lack the confidence you need to make a move.

You can ease this person’s burden by merely starting a conversation with them and finding common ground. You don’t want anyone to feel anxious around you anyway.

7. They Can’t Stop Giggling

Some people can’t help but giggle when they are around someone they like. Did you know that excessive giggling can be a sign of anxiety? They may be anxious about making the first step with you, and they don’t know how to send the right signals.

What comes out is a giggle that can be quite annoying. If you notice that they are nervously giggling and laughing at everything you say, then it’s probably a sign that they’re into you.

8. They Accidentally Touch You

One of the biggest give-a-ways that they are into you is finding reasons to touch you accidentally. They may brush your arm or hand as they’re walking past you, or they may find a reason to pat you on the shoulder whenever possible.

It’s called dating communication as these little touches help signal the brain that they’re trying to hit on you. If the touches become more frequent or blatantly obvious, then you need to make a move.

9. They Always Point Out Their Weaknesses

Self-deprecating humor isn’t one of the classiest ways to get compliments, but it’s a useful tactic. When you’re around someone who is a crush, do they often want to point out all their weaknesses? They may joke about their lack of ability to save money, fix their hair, or keep their car clean.

The other side of this is that they put themselves down so that they can make you shine. They may say something like, “Wow, I wish I could grow hair as beautiful as yours. Mine is thin and lacks volume.” They are complimenting your hair while putting down theirs.

Some use these signals as a way of complimenting you without sounding too forward. It can also be a sign that they want your help with a flaw that they have with themselves.

10. They Move into Your Field of Vision

Body language doesn’t always work for everyone, so they will use other ways to get your attention. Do you ever feel like you have eyes following you? Every time you look up from your meal, there’s that one person that is staring at you.

This person is trying their best to keep you in their field of sight. They want you to notice them, and they are just waiting for the chance to make eye contact with you. It’s a subtle way to make themselves visible.

If you’re interested in them, then gaze into their eyes and acknowledge that you see them. A smile and come-hither look may also give them a reason to come over to talk to you.

Final Thoughts on Identifying the Flirting Signals Someone is Sending You

Why does flirting have to be so tricky when it seems like such a simple thing? When it comes down to it, if someone has a thing for you, they will do anything to show their appreciation and want to hear what you have to say. They want to be close to you, and perhaps they’re eager to brush up against you too.

Some hints are more subtle than others as everyone has a flirting style. For instance, someone who is always giggling at everything you say may be into you and trying to send you signals. However, a person who is being totally standoffish may be just as into you as the one that seems to always be in your field of vision.

No one ever said that making the first move was easy, but matters of the heart are never straightforward. Make sure you watch for those signals that someone is into you as you could miss out on something great if you don’t pay attention.

Pediatricians Discover a Promising Way to Reduce Celiac Disease in Kids

October 16, 2020 by Power of Positivity

You’ve probably heard people talk about gluten-free diets at some point. Some people swear it’s the safest way to eat. For some people, this is true. People who have celiac disease have bad reactions when they eat foods that contain gluten. Some people may not be aware that they have the condition because it can show up at any age, so they deal with it for years, thinking that they are symptoms of something else. It’s a disease that can severely affect the quality of people’s lives.

Now, there is good news in the scientific community. Pediatricians have had a breakthrough in research that shows a way to possibly prevent people from developing the disease in the first place. Prevention would be the ideal solution – stopping the disease in infancy.

If you’re reading this, you probably already know all about celiac disease. However, just in case you don’t, the first section will tell you everything you need to know about it. Keep reading to find out more.

What is Celiac Disease?

This is an autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks the small intestine. This attack leads to damage to the villi in the small intestine. These thin, finger-like protrusions are responsible for trapping nutrients and aiding in the body’s absorption of them. The disease occurs in genetically predisposed people, which constitutes about 10% of the global population.

Celiac disease can develop in people of any age. Unfortunately, many people are undiagnosed and end up suffering long-term consequences, including the possibility of developing another autoimmune disease. Once a person acquires it, it’s a lifelong condition that is currently incurable.

Causes of Celiac Disease

If you ask most people what causes celiac disease, they’ll probably say a gluten allergy. This data isn’t exactly wrong. It’s just misinterpreted. Gluten triggers the disease, but it doesn’t cause it. Celiac disease stems from an inappropriate immune response to gliadin, a gluten protein.

In the body, specific protein complexes inside of immune system cells can attach to outside proteins such as gliadin. A variant of the two genes that make up the protein complex known as antigen-binding DQαβ heterodimer recognizes gliadin as a foreign substance (bacteria or virus). It prompts the immune system to attack it. This attack is what damages the small intestine.

Scientists discovered that everyone who has celiac disease has specific variants of the two genes. The genes are HLA-DQA1 and HLA-DQB1. However, not everyone who has the gene variants have celiac disease. Scientists are still working to pinpoint other factors that contribute to the disease.

Symptoms of the Disease

Diagnosing the disease can be challenging because a person might have one or two symptoms, all of them, or none of them. The symptoms are also symptoms of other diseases, so it takes a lot of work to distinguish the illness from something else. There is one distinguishing factor – children are more likely than adults to have digestive problems. However, the likelihood is not so high that it can be a rule.

*Symptoms provided by MayoClinic

Adult Symptoms – Digestive

Abdominal pain
Bloating
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Constipation

Adult Symptoms – Non-Digestive

Fatigue
Anemia
Nausea
Skin rash
Ulcers
Nerve problems
Headaches
Balance/coordination problems
Hyposplenism
Bone disorders

Child Symptoms – (in addition to the ones above)

Chronic diarrhea
Gas
Pale stools that smell abnormally bad
Swollen belly

Foods That Contain Gluten

Wheat, barley, rye, triticale, and oats are sources of gluten. Some foods have these ingredients in them, but you’d be surprised at other foods that contain these as “hidden” ingredients. That’s because they often go by different names that people aren’t familiar with.

Other Names for Wheat and Wheat Flours

Durum
Einkorn
Emmer
Kamut
Spelt
Enriched flour
Farina
Graham flour
Self-rising flour
Phosphate flour
Semolina

You must be careful to avoid anything with these ingredients in them. You can’t even cross-contaminate foods. For example, you need to use a separate toaster for gluten-free bread so that crumbs from regular bread don’t get on it.

Not all grains have gluten in them. You can still enjoy grains and food made from grains. You need to make sure you get the right ones.

Even medications can contain gluten. For prescription medication, your doctor should be aware of the disease, not to prescribe any gluten-containing medications. However, over the counter medications should be scrutinized before you take them.

Current Treatments

Currently, the only verified treatment for the disease is to avoid eating foods with gluten. The person’s diet must be completely gluten-free. Even minuscule amounts of gluten are enough to trigger an attack.

There may be treatment options to help manage the symptoms of the disease if they’re severe. However, this may be unnecessary because symptoms subside rather quickly when the person stops eating gluten. They can disappear in a few days to a few weeks.

Once a person stops eating gluten, the small intestine will heal as well, although this can take more time than it takes for the symptoms to disappear. It can take 3 to 6 months in children, and in adults, it could take years.

Pediatricians Discover a New Possible Prevention Method for Kids

Science Daily published an article on September 28, 2020, showing promise in preventing food allergies in the first place. Discovering a way to avoid food allergies in infants possibly is a huge scientific breakthrough. It’s especially significant because there is no way to cure the celiac disease once a child or adult has developed it. While there is still a lot of research to be done, the results of this discovery have the scientific community buzzing.

The Enquiring About Tolerance (EAT) Study was conducted by a group of pediatricians, scientists, and researchers in the United Kingdom. Led by Dr. Michael Perkin, Ph.D., a senior lecturer in pediatric allergies at St. Thomas’ Hospital and consultant in pediatric allergies at St. George’s Hospital, the final findings were published in 2016. Other key researchers in the study were Dr. Kristy Logan, Ph.D., Henry T. Bahnson, MPH, and Dr. Tom Marrs, Ph.D.

The goal of the study was to see if introducing allergen-related foods to high-risk infants at an early age would reduce the risk of infants developing food allergies. They used six common foods that parents are usually told to avoid when feeding a young infant. They are milk, peanut, sesame, fish, eggs, wheat.

How scientists conducted the research

The infants involved in the study were 3 to 6 months old at the time the study began. They enrolled 1,300 infants, and the selection of babies was representative of the UK population.

Breastfeeding for the first six months of the babies’ lives was a requirement for the study. The goal was to see if this early introduction of allergens, along with breastfeeding, worked out. They chose breastfed infants from England and Wales for the study. They did a skin prick test to ensure the infants were not already allergic to the six foods.

These infants were separated into two groups. The first group, named the Standard Introduction Group avoided the food allergens for six months. The second group, called the Early Introduction Group, gradually introduced six foods over six months.

The study lasted for three years. Parents completed online questionnaires every month for the first year of their lives, then every three months until the child was three years old. The babies all had clinic visits at 12 months old and three years old to determine if they were allergic to the six foods (they also tested for tree nuts and aeroallergens).

At the end of the three years, the results of the study were:

Peanut allergy development: 2.5% standard group, 0% early introduction group
Egg allergy development: 5.5% standard group, 1.4% early introduction group
None of the infants in either group suffered any type of anaphylactic shock from the six foods.

While peanuts and eggs are gluten-free, the study still shows that introducing allergy-related foods to infants early can reduce their chances of developing allergies. Pediatricians and scientists are hoping to use this newly discovered information to apply to foods that contain gluten in an effort to battle the disease. This study is a small step, but a step in the right direction.

Final Thoughts on Celiac Disease in Children

Indeed, this disease isn’t the worst disease on the planet. It’s just tough to have because so many foods contain gluten. Having this disease significantly cuts down your meal choices.

These days, manufacturers are more aware of the need for gluten-free foods. Many of them offer gluten-free versions of popular foods like bread, pancakes, snacks, and more. The selections are still limited – you may only have one or two brands to choose from – but it’s better than not being able to eat your favorite foods ever again.

As far as the research is concerned – pediatricians and scientists still have a long way to go in some prevention method or treatment of the disease. However, all scientific advances start somewhere, usually with a small breakthrough that opens doors to tons of possibilities. This breakthrough is pointing to a bright future for people who have Celiac Disease.

11 Reasons Why It’s Important To Ask Questions

October 16, 2020 by Lakeisha Ethans

It goes without saying that neither you nor any human being on the planet has all the answers. Everyone on earth is slowly learning and growing every single day. Each person picks up new knowledge and information every so often to add to their natural database of knowledge in their brains. To achieve this end, we must ask questions.

Since the dawn of time and the beginning of understanding knowledge and civilization, asking questions has been a part of the human canon. We all know that we’re capable of asking questions. Unfortunately, somewhere along the line, many begin to feel ashamed of doing this instead of pretending to know many things.

This kind of behavior is completely against natural human development. It’s also a toxic way to live your life, as you need others’ input to grow and change for the better. Still not convinced? Here are 11 reasons why it’s important to ask questions.

1. It’s How Human Beings Naturally Learn

From the time you were a child, you learned by asking questions. You learned through a mix of positive and negative experiences – and a whole lot of curiosity.

That’s how human beings continue to operate well into adulthood. The only difference is that you lose your lack of shame and fear as you grow older. Eventually, you’re not sure if it’s okay to ask questions or not.

The good news? Most of the time, questions are totally welcome, so ask away! Bring back that childlike curiosity you once had. You’ll find that your brain adapts very well to learning by making queries.

2. It Lets You Reflect

Questions don’t have to be asked to others. Sometimes, you can ask them of yourself. This comes in handy most during periods of self-reflection. Self-reflection is the act of pausing and taking some time out to think back on current or past situations. During self-reflection, you would typically:

Consider your behaviors, whether past or present, and determine if they are still suitable
Pinpoint the sources of mistakes or negative actions on your part
Determine what lessons you’ve learned from the time you’re reflecting on
Decide how you best handle similar situations in the future

Self-reflection is a very positive and highly crucial step for personal self-improvement. If you don’t question yourself, you can never truly reflect in this manner. Here are some examples of questions you might ask yourself during this reflection period:

How did I feel during the time of the incident?
Is there anything that bothered me over the week that I haven’t address?
How did I react when that event happened? Was it on reflex? If so, what triggered it?
How can I communicate this need in the future?
Do I feel fulfilled in my work? If not, why?
What can I do to improve my situation?
What is the takeaway from the mistake I made?
How can I better myself for the future?
What would be a wiser way to handle things if this issue arises again?

3. It Helps You Understand What You Face

Life is full of challenges that come at you almost constantly, and chances are you’re facing one right now. Asking questions in that situation will allow you to skip the guesswork and get down to the nitty-gritty of the problem.

Often, you may spend a lot of energy simply trying to use inference to figure out what needs to be done. Asking questions, even if you don’t get a straight answer, will clearly indicate your areas of focus and provide additional insight.

4. It Provides Gifts To Your Mind

When you ask questions, you’re gifting your brain numerous benefits that it can use later. Here are some things that are “gifted” to you from the simple act of asking questions:

· Wisdom

Questioning the things around you makes your brain more flexible, allowing for better perception, more tolerance and understanding, and an increased ability to be unbiased in your life.

· Flexibility

When you ask questions, new signals and patterns in the brain are formed, pinging back and forth. The more patterns the brain creates in this process, the more likely it is to become flexible. In this context, being flexible means accessing additional stored memories and information without returning to a previous, less-functional state.

· Positive Thinking

Asking questions, especially if it’s difficult for you, gives you a better understanding of how much control you have over your life and actions. This can help you feel more at peace with yourself as you learn to regulate and manage your emotions for the future.

5. It Gives You Better Answers

Trying to solve something based only on your insight or answer works only in cases of objective truth or fact – and that’s only if you know that fact, to begin with. But with more subjective dilemmas, asking for help or ideas from outside opinions can be very beneficial. This is because:

More perspectives give you more ideas to tackle the situation – and more combined years of experience behind it all
Your brain automatically jumps to the first solution it thinks of and can benefit from other ideas
Other people offer unbiased answers to your situations; you may be too close to your own situation to find a truly rational answer on your own

6. It Makes You Learn Instead Of Judge

It’s easy for human beings to slip into the bad habit of judging others instead of seeking to learn their point of view. You can break this habit or pattern by learning to ask polite questions before you even think of judging someone. This is a clearly positive trait, as it:

Stops you from hurrying in
Gives you the chance to gather all needed information
Informs you whether a solution is needed
Keeps you trained on the big picture

7. It Encourages Cooperation

Asking questions is a good ice-breaker for many situations, but it also forces you to work with other people. This teaches you lessons in teamwork and/or leadership, depending on the role you happen to take on.

Collaboration comes with a lot of great power. For years, research has indicated more positive results from those working in cooperative groups than those working alone. As such, putting all your heads together is more likely to result in success than you attempting to go solo.

But you can’t fully cooperate if you act above everyone else! Asking questions shows the others on your team that you’re willing to listen to them, encouraging better collaboration and idea-sharing.

8. People Will Like You More

Have you ever been in a situation where someone introduces themselves to you, then spends ages talking about just themselves? Chances are you wound up not liking that person very much. On the other hand, you may have noticed that you tend to get along more with people who ask you about yourself.

Studies show that you are more likely to make a positive impression on someone if you ask them questions first. This is for several reasons:

Human beings naturally reciprocate subconsciously perceived favors; after you listen to them, they are likely to want to listen to you in return.
Most people like talking about themselves and are appreciative of those who let them do that.
Letting others talk about themselves first gives you the chance to demonstrate your active listening skills, showing your conversation partner that you’re a good person to talk to
You have the chance to ask memorable and unusual questions that will leave a lasting memory of you in the other person’s mind.

9. It Will Make You A Better Leader

There’s a saying that the best leaders are good followers. This is probably why high-and-mighty, know-it-all leaders are the kind, never of asking anyone any questions. Don’t be that kind of person!

A survey actually found a link between effectiveness in leadership and curiosity. Those who ask more questions of the people they work with tend to be viewed as better leaders. When you ask people questions, you’re showing them that you care while also collecting information that you as a leader may require.

10. When You Ask Questions It Can Influence Others

When you ask someone a question, you have the ability to ask it in a specific way that will lead them to the answer you want them to have. This is a prevalent tactic used in methods of persuasion.

While this isn’t something you’ll want to do with friends, family members, or even most colleagues, it’s a nifty trick that can work wonders in certain situations. Hone your ability to use it to your advantage, and you’ll be pretty impressed with the results!

11. It Forces You To Rethink

Sometimes, asking questions will net you an answer that you absolutely were not expecting. In that situation, you have to rethink your entire perspective and approach. It can be quite a shock at first, but maintain your positive thinking!

You need to look on the bright side of this kind of situation. Being unwittingly forced to rethink your stances is actually a fantastic thing. It shows that you’ve met an intellectual equal and gives you the chance to learn something completely new and unexpected.

This can open up the floor for more questions. Ask that the person elaborate on their point of view, or ask a quick clarifying question. You might soon find yourself in the middle of a fascinating discussion!

Final Thoughts On Some Reasons Why It’s Important To Ask Questions

It’s easy to fall into a habit of being a know-it-all but refrain. The act of asking questions is beautiful and ripe with possibility. The people around you have so many unique ideas and perspectives to share and know more about certain topics than you do. You truly have nothing to lose by asking these questions to those with more information.

We don’t need to maintain the tropes of never asking for directions, faking knowledge to look cool, or being too proud to request knowledge from those who have it. It’s time to take bravery and curiosity into your hands and ask questions to your heart’s content. Who knows what knowledge you’ll uncover in this manner?

Experts Reveal 7 Reasons Why You Don’t Feel Well Rested After A Break

October 16, 2020 by Lakeisha Ethans

If you’re someone who knows how to balance your schedule and time for relaxation, you probably take a decent number of breaks. Whether these breaks involve holidays, me-time, normal nocturnal sleep, or ten-minute intervals away from your desk, you know just how important rest is to your brain and body.

But what if you’re resting enough, but still feeling tired afterward? What do you do when you think you’ve slept well or taken enough of a break but can’t see any positive way it’s impacted you? Here’s how experts reveal seven reasons why you don’t feel rested after a break.

1. You’re Dehydrated

Dehydration is a prevalent cause of tiredness. According to Texas Health Ben Hogan Sports Medicine dietitian Amy Goodson, RD, even as little as 2% fluid loss can affect the amount of energy you have. This is because:

A lack of hydration leads to reduced volume of the blood
Reduced volume of blood leads to thicker blood
Thicker blood causes less efficient pumping from the heart
Less efficient pumping of the heart means nutrients and oxygen take longer to travel through the body

Studies point out that dehydration can significantly affect professional sportsmen, impairing their performance and causing increased exhaustion during intense play. It’s also a known fact that dehydration can negatively impact mood and cognitive performance, leading to reduced focus, positive thinking, and efficiency.

Not sure how much water you should be drinking in a day? The consensus is eight glasses or 2 liters, but you can also calculate it, especially for you. Divide your weight in pounds in half and drink that many ounces of water daily.

2. You Have Uncomfortable Sleeping Conditions

It isn’t easy to get a good night’s sleep if your bedroom isn’t suited to that possibility. You’ll want a bedroom that helps induce sleep and keep you well-rested, preventing any disturbances during the night. Here are some things to consider:

· Brightness

The body only produces melatonin, the sleep hormone, when it’s dark. Even a small amount of brightness can disrupt this production, leading to more difficulty falling and staying asleep.

· Family Disturbances

Do you sleep with a partner? If so, their kicking, snoring, fidgeting, space-stealing, or blanket hoarding can all disturb your ability to rest. Sharing a bed with pets can result in the same problem.

· Mattress Comfort

A mattress that’s too hard or too soft, or bedding that is uncomfortable, can actually lead to disturbed sleep and difficulty getting proper rest, says Sleep Disorders Center medical director Robert Rosenberg, DO.

· Sleeping Position

If you sleep in a certain position, you may unknowingly cause discomfort during the night that disturbs your sleep, says Rosenberg.

· Temperature

Most people sleep hot. The body needs to cool down during sleep, but a warm room results in difficulty lowering your temperature. This can cause restlessness and disturbance. It’s best to sleep, therefore, in a cool environment, says sleep neurologist Aparajitha Verma, MD.

3. You’re A Perfectionist

Perfectionism is often held up as a sign of responsibility and a positive work ethic, but is that really the case? Let’s face it – perfection isn’t actually possible, and being driven by perfectionism can actually lead to overworking yourself, says psychiatry professor Irene S. Levine, Ph.D. This outcome is because you might do the following:

Set goals that are almost impossible to achieve
Never feel satisfied with the work you do
Feel as though spending more time working on something could bring it closer to perfection
Become stressed out when you fail to meet your unreasonable expectations
Put in more effort for progressively worse results
Spend extra hours spent striving for perfection often won’t be much better than what you get from working hard at a more reasonable rate

It’s a good idea to set a strict deadline for projects and other personal endeavors. That way, you’re forced to declare the job done as soon as that deadline hits and can’t spend ages trying to “perfect” it.

4. Your Office Or Living Environment Is Messy

Cluttered workspaces can feel homey or creative, but they can still negatively affect you at the end of the day. It limits how well your brain can process different kinds of information, exhausts you whether from stress or confusion, and all-around makes for a bad time for your brain function.

A study entitled “Interactions of top-down and bottom-up mechanisms in human visual cortex”, published in The Journal of Neuroscience, discussed how the brain responds to the things that we see. Essentially, the visual stimulus is capable of changing the way the brain reacts and responds to things, affecting productivity, positive thinking, and other crucial factors.

It’s highly advisable that you clear your work and personal items well every day in order to ensure that your environment is clean. If not, you risk falling into a cycle – the clutter will make you tired, and that tiredness will make it harder to clean up.

5. You Drank Alcohol Before Bed

We all know the feeling of drowsiness that tends to come with alcohol consumption. But while it may knock you out faster, alcohol disrupts your deep sleep phase in your sleep cycle, namely the REM phase. Without that restorative sleep, you’re not going to feel good in the morning.

Initially, alcohol works by depressing the central nervous system, says New York Neurology & Sleep Medicine medical director Allen Towfigh, MD. Unfortunately, this backfires in the end, resulting in a rebound effect that leads to a leap upwards in adrenaline. This increases the risks of waking up late at night.

For most adults, drinking just a glass of alcoholic beverage doesn’t have significant negative effects on sleep every day. Still, most experts, including Towfigh, recommend that you stop drinking alcohol between three and four hours prior to calling it a night.

Numerous studies have found links between fatigue, cognitive ability, sleep, and alcohol consumption.

Here is some of the research in this field:

“Fatigue, alcohol and performance impairment” published in Nature (1997). This study examined the many ways that drinking alcohol could lead to fatigue, performance disturbance, and similar issues. It was fairly broad as an early study, but newer research has corroborated and built on it.
“Disturbed Sleep and Its Relationship to Alcohol Use” published in Substance Abuse (2005). This study primarily focused on alcohol use disorders but found a link between insomnia and those who drink an excess of alcohol. In fact, this level of abuse could lead to severe, chronic insomnia.
“Alcohol and sleep I: effects on normal sleep” published in Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research (2013). This academic review took a look at a wide range of research papers and studies published about the effect on alcohol consumption and nighttime sleep in healthy individuals. The most evident consensus was that alcohol consumption affects and reduces REM sleep, removing the restorative deep sleep benefits it provides.
“The Effects of Alcohol on Quality of Sleep,” published in the Korean Journal of Family Medicine (2015). This study found direct and obvious links between sleep disorders and alcohol use disorders when both qualities were tested using objective, scientific methods. It also uncovered universal links to daytime dysfunction after the consumption of alcohol.

6. You Rely On Caffeine

There’s nothing wrong with taking a big swig of caffeine every morning to get you alert. But the later in the day you consume caffeine, the more likely it is to make you more tired the next day.

According to Chandler, caffeine makes it difficult for your brain to gauge how long you’ve been awake properly. This is how it makes you feel alert after a period of grogginess, and studies have confirmed this side effect. And, unfortunately, very few people genuinely have caffeine tolerance they might believe they have. In most cases, caffeine still disrupts your brain’s track of your sleep-wake cycle, no matter how much of it you need to down to feel its effects.

The fix? Don’t drink any caffeine 5 hours before bedtime – or even 7 hours before bedtime, if you can manage it. You should stop consuming caffeine, whether from coffee, soda, desserts, or other sources, by mid-afternoon.

7. You Have An Underlying Physical Or Mental Health Condition

Of course, as with all things, there is a worst-case scenario when you don’t feel rested after a break or after sleep. Underlying conditions can cause excessive tiredness, and you need to be aware of the ones to be wary of. Here are some disorders that may be leading to fatigue.

· Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that involves someone’s breathing, stopping, and starting when they sleep. This results in disturbed sleep cycles and a night of very restless sleep at night, says Loma Linda University Health Sleep Disorder Center sleep medicine specialist Dr. Timothy P. Wong.

· Depression

Neuropsychologist Sanam Hafeez, Ph.D., states that in general, individuals who have depression tend to experience higher levels of fatigue overall. This means that no matter how much sleep you get, being depressed can negate that rest and have you feeling tired all the time. It’s a worrying, destructive cycle – significantly since tiredness can worsen symptoms of depression.

· Chronic Illness

A wide range of chronic illnesses can make you feel tired, no matter how much sleep you get. Disorders such as lupus, Hashimoto’s disease, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome are all common causes of feeling exhausted continuously. Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine chief at Detroit Receiving Hospital, Dr. James. A. Rowley recommends speaking to a doctor if you are experiencing tiredness after a break, to rule out these disorders.

Final Thoughts On Some Reasons Why You Don’t Feel Rested After A Break

It’s important to take breaks, but those breaks don’t mean anything if they don’t give you the benefits you need from them. It’s essential to understand why your rests aren’t as efficient as they should be, so make sure you pay attention to these reasons that you may not feel rested after a break.

It can be frustrating to get the necessary rest as perceived but never truly feel better. If you suspect a serious issue, speak to a doctor or relevant medical professional as soon as possible! There’s never any harm in asking an expert about problems like this, especially if you haven’t been able to overcome those issues yourself.

Neuroscientists Explain How the Brain Balances Reasoning and Emotions

October 16, 2020 by Power of Positivity

The human brain is incredibly effective at balancing all the thoughts and feelings that go through each day. It seems like it just happens – we process all this information instantly without effort. However, this is far from reality. The brain is a complex computer that is designed to balance reasoning and emotions perfectly. In this article, neuroscientists explain how the brain does this.

New research described in Science Daily in September of 2020 reveals how “area 32” of our brain helps us in making sound decisions.

The Middle Man

There is an area of the brain that is called the anterior cingulate cortex. Scientists nicknamed the region “middle man,” because it connects to both the limbic and prefrontal cortex. The limbic system deals with behaviors and emotions, while the prefrontal cortex deals with more cognitive functions like memory, planning, and control.

You’re probably well aware of how hard it can be to balance emotions with reason. You’re human, and emotions can be overpowering sometimes. However, it’s important to make sure you listen to both sides. In the words of David Caruso, an actor, and a producer, “it is very important to understand that emotional intelligence is not the opposite of intelligence, it is not the triumph of heart overhead–it is the unique intersection of both.” The anterior cingulate cortex is what causes this intersection.

Korbinian Brodmann, a 20th-century neurologist, discovered and mapped out 52 distinct areas of the cerebral cortex in 1909. Neurologists refer to these regaions as the Brodmann areas. The anterior cingulate cortex contains eight of these areas, divided into two categories: precingulate regions and postcingulate regions. Each category contains four Brodmann areas. The precingulate region contains areas 24, 25, 32, and 33. The postcingulate region contains areas 23, 29, 30, and 31.

The balancing act is done by area 32 of the anterior cingulate cortex, located in the precingulate region.

Human Emotions Are Strong

You’re probably well aware that humans are emotional creatures. People face a wide range of situations that induce certain moods, and these moods invoke a multitude of emotions. Depending on the mood and given situation, emotions can easily win over reasoning.

Psychologists believe that emotions drive our life decisions and the moves we make. That’s more of an intangible theory (one that seems too often be proven correct). The tangible fact is that Area 32 balances emotional choice with reasoning, and it’s up to you to choose one. In fact, the balancing act is what gives you a choice in the first place.

Emotional expression is governed in another area of the anterior cingulate cortex area 25. This area can become overactive in times of extreme distress or happiness. Some neuroscientists suggest that these extreme distressed or happy times may be exacerbated by an overactive area 25. No matter which way it happens, when area 25 is overactive, you may be more likely to make an emotional decision over a reasonable one.

Connecting and Balancing the Two Sides

In normal circumstances, there is a weak connection between the cerebral cortex’s emotional side and the reasoning side of the cerebral cortex. For these sides to cooperate and offer you a fair choice, the middle man, area 32, must be strong. However, it doesn’t work alone.

There is a part of the brain called the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Think of it as the command center for area 32. It gives area 32 commands about balancing the emotional and logical sides of the brain.

At its core, the DLPFC leans more towards the reasoning side of the brain, but this balances off with the fact that area 32 is deeply connected to area 25. The DLPFC makes sure that area 25 doesn’t influence the decision too much. When the DLPFC malfunctions, this can cause you to lean one way or the other more.

For example, if the DLPFC is overactive, you could display obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) tendencies. If it’s underactive, you may be unreasonably emotional about everything all the time.

Gender-Specific Emotional Regulation

The brain is incredibly complicated, so we should not be surprised that gender is a key player in emotional regulation. You may hear people refer to this as women being more emotional than men. In society, that view may be a bit scathed, but scientifically speaking, it’s true.

Research in neurology has shown that women focus more on emotions when making decisions while under the influence of hormone-related and mood-affecting conditions. They may use maladaptive strategies like resignation, avoidance, or rumination. Examples of these conditions are premenstrual dysphoric disorder and pregnancy. It wouldn’t be fair to compare women to men in this situation since these are hormones and conditions that men don’t experience.

When you remove those conditions, neurologists have found that women are slightly better at balancing emotional responses with reasoning. This is because their frontal lobes are slightly bigger. Men have a slightly bigger amygdala, which is responsible for regulating negative emotions and the “fight or flight” reaction in stressful situations.

What does that mean?

If you ever want an example of this, imagine the man getting angry at another guy for checking out his girlfriend while the woman is trying to calm him down. This shows how the woman can balance both sides of the brain while the man’s larger amygdala sends signals of his territory being encroached on. However, if you put the woman in this situation while she is going through PMS, she is likely to cry or be angry rather than mediate, making the situation worse.

Keep in mind that this doesn’t mean the man will always go primitive and duel it out with the other guy. The same research suggests that men’s amygdalae have strong connections to the DLPFC so that a distraction could break that fight or flight response. In other words, the sight of his calming girlfriend is enough to kick in his reasonable thinking, so he’ll back off.

Diseases and Disorders That Affects the Brain’s Balance

Neurodegenerative diseases and many forms of psychopathology can harm the way the brain balances emotions and reasoning. Neurodegenerative diseases are a more effective model for neurologists to study regarding this because they usually have a more set pattern for how they affect the brain. Scientists can identify five behaviors/moods that can overwhelm the reasonable side of the brain:

Anxiety
Dysphoric mood
Apathy
Disinhibition
Euphoric mood

Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia are two neurodegenerative diseases that directly affect the cingulate cortex. They cause early atrophy of the cingulate cortex, but research has shown that the anterior cingulate region’s degeneration is a strong indicator of behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD).

bvFTD and How It Affects the Balance Between Emotions and Reasoning

Most people are aware that dementia is a blanket term for a group of memory-loss related neurological disorders, including frontotemporal disorder. There are three types of frontotemporal disorders, and bvFTD happens to be the most common.

This type of dementia is more characterized by a change in personality, behavior, and judgment, and less memory loss. Their cognitive functioning may be impaired, and it may seem that they can’t remember things, but it’s more that they don’t have the mental capacity to be concerned with the things that are going on around them. This can include their basic biological needs.

Due to the degeneration of the anterior cingulate region, their ability to display emotional responses become severely compromised. They don’t recognize emotions, and although they may display a few emotions, they aren’t aware of it. In fact, they may display these emotions at completely inappropriate times. An example would be laughing at a funeral.

Proof of the Anterior Cingulate Cortex’s Balancing Role

There is plenty of research that shows the anterior cingulate cortex’s role in balancing emotions with reasoning. However, the diminished capacity of the anterior cingulate cortex and the inability to display appropriate emotions when a person has a neurodegenerative disease such as bvFTD is more evidence that supports the research. It’s clear that without the balance of the anterior cingulate cortex, area 32 in particular, there is no balance.

Final Thoughts on How the Brain Balances Reasoning and Emotions

Humans may be emotional creatures, but our evolution has given us the gift of a strong brain area to help us make more logical decisions. Without it, we might be in trouble as a species. Even with the differences between genders, the anterior cingulate cortex paves the way for a healthy balance of emotions and reason in both men and women.

Although researchers have done many studies of the brain, neuroscientists will continue to explore this subject. The chances are that great discoveries are just around the corner. They may even discover a way to fix the imbalance in neurodegenerative diseases.

15 Reasons to Add Walnuts to Your Menu

October 16, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Walnuts are of the best nuts you can eat. And we don’t mean just for its wonderfully nutty flavor. It’s packed with excellent health benefits, plus it tastes fantastic. It fights against many diseases such as heart disease, cognitive diseases, and even cancer.

While it’s true that walnuts have one of the highest fat contents of all nuts (about 65% of it is fat), this is nothing to worry about. The fat in walnut is heart-healthy alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), which is an omega-6 fatty acid. As long as you stay near the recommended daily amount of healthy fat, you’ll be okay eating these nuts.

Here are 15 reasons you should add walnuts to your menu.

Walnuts offer more value than just great taste–here’s what they can do for your body.

1. They contain more antioxidants than any other food.

Antioxidant is a term that people throw around quite often. These substances protect your cells from harm by free radicals (another word that people use without fully explaining). You can think of antioxidants as your cells’ bodyguards.

Free radicals are substances that come from harmful chemicals in the air, such as cigarettes’ smoke and other pollution. If free radicals build up in your body, they can do some severe damage, even as serious as death. You need as many antioxidants as you can get.

2. They have lots of folic acid.

Men and women need folic acid, but pregnant women need it the most. Pregnant women who have a folic acid deficiency can have babies with congenital disabilities. Eating them protects the mom’s and baby’s health.

Some studies have also shown that walnuts can increase the baby’s intelligence as it develops in the womb. While more research is needed on this topic, it still doesn’t hurt to give your baby the best chance possible.

3. They can improve your heart health.

Due to the high content of antioxidants and other nutrients, these nuts are a great cardiovascular booster. They can help to lower bad cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and improve blood circulation. In fact, the more you eat, the better.

It may seem contradictory that eating something with such a high-fat content is right for your heart. However, there has been significant research into omega-6 fatty acids, such as the one from study co-author Frank Hu of Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. It shows that consuming fatty acids reduces the risk of heart disease.

4. They are easy to carry around.

For some people, carrying around a quick snack is necessary, so they don’t go too long without eating. People with strict work schedules, specific diet plans, hypoglycemic issues, and more can benefit from having a healthy snack available. They can put the nuts in a sipper-top bag or some other small container and place them in a purse, pocket, or backpack.

Walnuts are an excellent bridge from one meal to the next. That goes into the following reason.

5. They help you to feel full.

Walnuts are the perfect snack between meals because you can eat a small amount and feel satiated till your next meal. The reason for this is that they contain a high amount of fiber per serving. Fiber is what makes you feel full.

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that average adults eat around 25 grams of fiber each day. There are five grams of fiber per cup of these delicious nuts. To put this in perspective, there are only 1.9 grams of fiber per slice of wheat bread.

6. You can support local farmers.

Health benefits aren’t the only benefits of eating these nuts. This year, farms have been hit hard. Many farms have shut their doors for good because they didn’t have enough resources to survive the pandemic.

Buying goods from local farms will help boost the economy, not to mention the farmers! You’ll also be getting the freshest nuts you can get since they don’t have to go through the traveling process to make it to a store halfway across the country.

7. They can improve your memory.

Studies linking the nuts to memory improvement mostly focuses on the elderly. These studies show that foods that are rich in polyphenol improve verbal memory in older adults. This research indicates that the nuts can be used to fight off some effects from memory-related disorders. Walnuts have the most polyphenol of all nuts. They contain 1591.5 mg of polyphenol per 100 g of nuts.

There are a few studies done on the effects of the nuts on young adults’ cognitive performance. They show that the nuts have a small positive impact.

Research explains the many benefits of the Mediterranean Diet, including brain health.

8. They make a great addition to salads.

If you want to spruce up a salad, toss in half a cup of the nuts to give it a crunch and a buttery taste. Apple walnut salads are immensely popular. The apple and walnut chunks give you a healthy dose of fiber, so even though you ate a salad, you’ll feel full for a while.

You can make a walnut salad with any of your favorite berries. Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are all great choices. Top it off with some balsamic vinaigrette dressing, and you’ll have a healthy treat.

9. They improve fertility in men.

If you want your soldiers to march better or to keep marching strong, you should eat the nuts regularly. Sperm is made of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which can be damaged by a process called lipid peroxidation. The nuts have a lot of polyunsaturated fatty acids. They essentially protect sperm cells while also replenishing any lost polyunsaturated fatty acids.

If you’re trying to conceive, the nuts will protect the sperm and keep the baby healthy. The walnut seems to be a miracle food for reproduction.

10. They taste good.

What better reason to eat something besides a great taste? Sure, there may be a few people out there who don’t like walnuts, but the majority of people do. For nut lovers, the walnut tends to be a favorite.

In fact, the walnut is the third most consumed nut in the world. The taste can be described as rich, earthy, and a bit tangy. If nuts were comfort food, the walnut would be the ultimate comfort food.

11. They are a beauty enhancer.

The walnut has a ton of vitamins, and vitamin B7 is one of them. Also known as biotin, this vitamin is known to fight against hair loss, make hair grow longer and thicker, and give your hair and nails a beautiful shine. Consuming the nuts seem to work as well as many hair and skincare products on the market.

Biotin is sold as a supplement in many health foods stores. However, why spend money on a yucky pill when you can enjoy the occasional handful of nuts?

12. They can slow the growth of certain cancers.

The antioxidants are at it again. Antioxidants are known to be a defense against cancer growth. While they won’t completely prevent cancer from growing, they will impair it. Since the walnut is full of antioxidants, it’s no surprise that scientists say consuming them can slow cancer growth. It’s one of the best ways to get tons of antioxidants in your system fast.

13. They make your skin look fabulous.

Antioxidants have a number of benefits for your skin. They can help your skin look younger, feel softer, and appear smoother. They can fight against lines and wrinkles and reduce signs of sun damage.

Eating the nuts gives you a healthy dose of the antioxidants that your body can use for your skin. Walnut oil is another option. It’s great for dry skin.

14. They’ll help with weight management.

The nuts aren’t going to make you lose weight directly, but they will help you to stop overeating. All the antioxidants, fiber, protein, vitamins, and other nutrients contribute to the full feeling you get from the nuts. This will help stop cravings in its tracks. By keeping the nuts around you, you can grab them when you feel hungry and skip the unhealthy, sugary snacks.

15. They give you energy.

It seems everyone is in search of more energy these days. Energy supplements and drinks are popular, but they may have a terrible taste and a crazy crash later. Caffeine is popular but can leave you jittery. The walnut is the answer you’ve been looking for.

The nut is packed with B vitamins. These vitamins give you a lot of energy. In fact, B vitamins are sold as supplements in health food stores. However, eating walnuts can save you the expense of buying supplements and provide you with natural energy plus all the other benefits.

Final Thoughts on Adding Walnuts to Your Diet

There are 15 benefits on this list, but you probably got excited after reading just a few of them. It’s incredible that such a small nut can do so much. They truly live up to the name superfood. The best part is that walnuts are affordable, and you can find them almost anywhere. This availability means you have no excuse about adding them to your menu. It’s an addition to your menu that you certainly won’t regret.

Weekly tips, affirmations, and small actions to feel your best.

Picking your nose.

Biting your nails.

Not brushing your teeth.

Farting.

Peeing in the shower.

Smelling your armpits.

Not changing sheets on your bed.

Spitting.

Not cleaning your smartphone.

Butt scratching.

Talking with food in your mouth.

Not washing new clothing.

Not replacing your toothbrush head.

Not washing your hands.

Poor toilet hygiene.

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!