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Doctors Explain the Causes and Symptoms of Shingles

February 24, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Are you coping with a shingles breakout? This might not be of much comfort, but it’s no surprise…

That’s because the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 3 people in America will develop shingles sometime in their lifetime. The outbreak begins with blisters that become scabs after seven to ten days and are usually fully healed in two to four weeks.

The rash most commonly begins as a stripe around one side of the body, such as the waist, chest, abdomen, back, or sometimes the face. Hearing or vision can be affected when it occurs on the head, so it may be a good idea to visit your doctor for a quick recovery plan.

Studies have shown that internal organs may also be affected. Evidence of the virus has been found in the digestive system and the arteries in the brain. The results have been gastrointestinal distress and a possible increased risk of stroke or dementia.

Is Shingles Contagious?

Although generally not considered life-threatening, the virus can be contagious for those with a past chickenpox case. So, sufferers should wash their hands often, cover the affected area if possible, and avoid scratching irritated skin.

The virus can also cause chickenpox in those who have never had that illness, so contact should be avoided with infants, children, or pregnant women. Children and adults of any age can contract the shingles virus. However, adults over 50 years old and individuals with a compromised immune system or serious physical injury are at higher risk.

The Primary Causes of Shingles

Why this virus would suddenly activate after years of lying dormant is unknown. But at least some of its sources and possible impetus have been researched.

The Varicella-Zoster Virus

Shingles arise from a herpes-type virus called the Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV), the source of common chickenpox. Because of this, some professionals refer to the condition as Herpes Zoster. Herpes Zoster is not a sexually transmitted disease. It can, however, be transferred by directly touching any open sores in the rash, so others should avoid physical contact.

From Childhood Chickenpox to Herpes Zoster

After having chickenpox as a child, the virus may lie inactive in nerve tissue near the spinal cord or brain. It can then reactivate as shingles years later. The virus travels along nerve pathways, eventually erupting on the surface of the skin. As a result, the sharp pain associated with the virus often results from nerve involvement rather than from the rash itself.

Of course, not everyone who has chickenpox will develop shingles. The reasons for the condition are unknown, but age and overall physical health are believed to help raise the chances of the virus becoming active.

Stress

Some studies indicate that extreme stress resulting from devastating events such as a financial calamity, injury, or loss of a loved one can weaken the immune system, causing the varicella-zoster virus to reactivate, resulting in shingles. Or ongoing daily stress combined with age, mood disorders, and poor diet may also cause reactivation.

Stress should never be underestimated in its effects on the body. Learning how to lessen the severity and duration of stress can be an important factor in promoting overall health and shorter recovery times.

Eating an Unhealthy Diet

Poor eating habits, such as too much fast food or overprocessed foods, make the body more susceptible to invasion from all kinds of infectious bacteria and viruses, including Herpes Zoster. Maintaining a healthy diet will boost your immune system, enabling your body to fight off viruses and other serious illnesses.

As ongoing research reveals how specific foods affect our bodies, we’re learning the importance of removing certain foods from our diet in order to assist the body’s recovery process. So it’s not surprising that there are some foods to avoid during a Herpes Zoster outbreak. These include foods rich in the amino acid arginine and juices with high sugar content.

Immune System Disorders

A weakened immune system can undoubtedly increase susceptibility to VZV. So if you or a loved one has a medical condition such as HIV, leukemia, or lymphoma, or if you take immunosuppressants such as steroids or post-transplant meds, avoid contact with anyone suffering an outbreak of Herpes Zoster.

Symptoms of Shingles

The Herpes-Zoster virus generally begins as a rash on one side of the body or face.

Common early symptoms

The onset of Herpes Zoster may seem like an allergic reaction or localized itch, but after the rash becomes visible, the symptoms will escalate over the first couple of days, including any or all of the following.

Itching
Redness with raised dots
Tingling under the skin
Localized stabbing or shooting pain
Upset stomach

Ongoing symptoms

It may sometimes take up to two weeks for a rash to appear, after which the outbreak may progress as follows:

Fluid-filled blisters will appear, break open after a few days, then crust over
Increased pain, burning, and tingling
Continued itching
Sensitivity to touch
Body aches
Nausea
Swollen glands

Pain greatly varies from case to case. Some experience only mild symptoms; for others, even gentle air blowing over the area may be excruciating. A few even develop extreme pain without developing any rash at all. Research and awareness can help prevent the illness from becoming so extended and inform you about how to address more severe symptoms.

Some less common symptoms include the following:

Headache
Fever
Fatigue
Sensitivity to light
Muscle or joint weakness or pain
Difficulty urinating

Shingles on the Face

If Herpes Zoster develops on the face, the sufferer may expect to experience:

Difficulty moving some parts of the face
Hearing loss
Drooping eyelids
Affected sense of taste
Problems with vision or eye movement

VZV in the mouth can cause toothache as well as facial tenderness. There may be lesions on the roof of the mouth, making eating and drinking difficult and painful.

Eye Shingles

The development of Herpes Zoster ophthalmicus, or eye shingles, can be a more serious illness outbreak. Some symptoms include:

Itchiness and irritation of the eye
Eyelids become red and swollen
Blurred vision
Upper eyelid of one eye blisters
Eye sensitive to light
Burning pain

Herpes Zoster ophthalmicus is not the only eye condition that may display these symptoms. It is important to consult a medical professional if you begin to experience any of the above indicators. Severe complications such as inflammation, corneal ulcers, glaucoma, or permanent vision loss could occur.

Complications from VZV

The most common complication from Herpes Zoster is continuing nerve pain called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). About 10-18% of sufferers experience this ongoing discomfort, and the risk increases with age. PHN rarely occurs in sufferers under 40 years old.

Those with weakened immune systems are more at risk for severe reactions such as pneumonia, brain or spinal cord inflammation, and even death from severe internal complications. And when the virus affects facial or head areas, there may be extended balance or hearing loss issues.

Awareness is important. No one knows better than you when your illness gets out of control. Give yourself plenty of time to heal. If there seem to be ongoing issues, take appropriate action.

Here are ten ways you can supercharge your immune system.

Final Thoughts About Shingles

Maintaining your overall health is your first line of defense against many illnesses and diseases. First, visit your doctor for a diagnosis.

Then, know that it helps to eat regular nutritious meals, including foods with vitamins A, B-12, C, and E, and amino acid lysine to help strengthen your immune system against many illnesses. Also, remember always to keep yourself properly hydrated. Continuing with at least a gentle exercise program can help promote endurance during times of health or sickness.

Although most people will contract the VZV no more than once in their lifetime, it is possible to suffer multiple episodes. The virus is less contagious than the original chickenpox virus, but it’s still important to avoid direct contact between the infected areas and other people during the blister stage of the illness.

Remaining restful during a viral outbreak is important to recovery. Relax and use applicable natural remedies to avoid any lasting side effects. If symptoms have not begun to dissipate after ten days, call your doctor for additional diagnosis and instructions.

Don’t be overly alarmed. Although Herpes Zoster can be scary and is certainly uncomfortable, most suffer will be completely recovered in a few weeks. You may lessen your chances of suffering from this illness by staying mindful of your overall health. However, should you begin to display symptoms, take action as quickly as possible to shorten the ordeal and achieve a full recovery.

Diamond Battery Made from Nuclear Waste Could Offer Unlimited Power

February 24, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Researchers from the University of Bristol found a use for radioactive material. Harvested directly from a former nuclear power plant in Gloucestershire they generated “ultra-long-lasting” power sources. Scientists say that they extracted carbon-14, a radioactive isotope, from radioactive waste at the Berkeley power station in Gloucestershire. Then, they recycled it to generate energy as part of the production for a “nuclear-powered diamond battery.”

Why Carbon 14?

By extracting Carbon-14 isotopes from the irradiated graphite, they knew they’d effectively reduce the time and cost of the cleanup operation. Experts say that their unique use of carbon-14 could potentially provide unlimited sources of power. And, they were also working to increase clean energy production. Berkeley decommissioned in 1989. However, it only just recently become safe to start the removal process of radioactive waste products. Additionally, the BBC reported that humans won’t safely be able to step into the reactor cores until 2074.

Currently, the facility stores these waste products in concrete vaults eight meters underground. Workers must use special safety equipment to retrieve the matter. A second nuclear plant in the region, Oldbury, closed in 2012 and is currently decommissioning. This site completed defueling in 2016 and is now beginning decommissioning.

These two sites, in addition to the reactors at Hinkley Point in Somerset and other decommissioned sites across the UK, hold large amounts of irradiated graphite. That material contains the Carbon-14 isotope that can generate power.

The diamond battery’s power could propel us even farther into space!

What makes these batteries so useful?

Professor Tom Scott, the lead researcher on the carbon-14 study, said the nuclear-based diamond batteries may prove to be superior. That’s because they operate in extreme places, where traditional forms of power wouldn’t be as effective. In the future they could even power satellites, he suggested.

“Over the past few years we have been developing ultra-low powered sensors that harvest energy from radioactive decay,” Scott said in a statement. “This project is at quite an advanced stage now and we have tested the batteries in sensors in places as extreme as the top of a volcano.”

Read how lithium might help slow down climate change.

The research on the diamond battery

University of Bristol researchers have grown a man-made diamond that can generate a small electrical current when placed in close proximity to radioactive material. By using Carbon-14 which has a half-life of 5730 years, the batteries could potentially produce power indefinitely.

This work is part of the ASPIRE project: Advanced Self-Powered sensor units in Intense Radiation Environments. Professor Tom Scott from the School of Physics and Director of the South West Nuclear Hub is the lead researcher.

He said: “Over the past few years we have been developing ultra-low powered sensors that harvest energy from radioactive decay. This project is at quite an advanced stage now and we have tested the batteries in sensors in places as extreme as the top of a volcano!”

Carbon-14 emits a short range of radiation, which absorbs quickly into any solid material, according to Neil Fox, of the University of Bristol’s School of Chemistry. He went on to say that it would be dangerous to ingest or touch with your skin, but within a diamond, no radiation can escape. That’s because diamonds are Mother Earth’s hardest substance. Thus, it offers the best protection for the creation of the batteries. Also, this makes for good use of nuclear waste.

This week, Scott said it would make decommissioning easier as well.

Scientists share how our current carbon dioxide levels rival those of prehistoric times.

Who will produce the diamond battery?

He said that they want to have a factory at one of the power stations in the South West that takes carbon-14 isotopes directly from the graphite blocks for the diamond batteries. In this way, they reduce the radioactivity of the remaining material, making it easier and safer to manage.

As most of the U.K.’s nuclear power plants will shut down within 10 years, this will present a big opportunity to recycle nuclear waste for power. The U.K. has up to 95,000 tons of graphite blocks, the researchers said.

In addition to using nuclear power in extreme environments where traditional power isn’t very efficient, it could potentially be used for medical purposes such as for hearing aids or pacemakers. It’s even posited that nuclear waste could power spacecraft or satellites for much further travel than is currently possible.

This technology shows the wonderful research and innovation coming out of the South West region, the home to the only nuclear new build project in the UK.

Science shares the 15 most endangered species on Earth.

Final thoughts about how diamond batteries could create unlimited power

Who knew we would enter a time like this? One in which even nuclear waste could have the potential to provide power for our entire planet? In addition to providing energy, scientists also surmise that it could be used in medical applications. Additionally, they could even power satellites in the future. As research into the diamond battery continues, perhaps scientists will find even more uses for this powerful energy source.

7 Ways To Stop Living In The Past

February 24, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Do your friends and loved ones implore you to stop living in the past?

Are there things about your past that you can’t stop thinking about? Maybe it was something you said or did or an aspect of your upbringing. Or maybe it was something painful and awkward, or something that broke your heart. Perhaps it was something someone did to you, or how an unexpected event harmed you, or how your mistakes affected you.

But living in the past like that isn’t productive. The past is set in stone. There’s no method of time travel available for you to use – and, if there was one, trust us when you say you wouldn’t want to take it. You’d be a totally different person if you stop living in the past!

But what is next? How can you move on?

Here Are 7 Ways To Stop Living In The Past

1. Take Responsibility

Being stuck in the past can sometimes mean refusing to take responsibility for the things that have happened to you. You remember the mistakes you’ve made and the hurt those decisions have caused, and instead of admitting your part in the error, you replay them again and again in your head, blaming everything but yourself.

Try to locate the lesson you can learn from this, instead. What did you do that led to this? How can you prevent it from happening next time? How can you make the most of your situation now? Nine times out of 10, there’s a way you’re avoiding your role in the debacle!

Yes, people can indeed wrong you, and sometimes, they are indisputably at fault. Yes, it’s also true that bad situations and emergencies can come out of nowhere, and there’s no way to prepare for or prevent them.

But in those situations, it is your responsibility, too, to get back up again. It is your responsibility to process and overcome those emotions, and take the steps necessary to get to that goal, even if it’s incredibly difficult. These adverse circumstances and people should not have power over you. Strengthen yourself and redirect your energy to being kind to yourself and others instead.

2. Make New Memories In The Present

If all you have are bad memories from the past, that means it’s time to push them aside and focus on making new memories. How can you change the way you think, so you live in your everyday life, not in the life you used to know? Studies have even found that memories can prevent the creation of new ones!

While new memories won’t necessarily make you forget the past, they can override it, making you realize that there can be more to life than what has happened before. It makes you think of the fact that the power is in your hands to make new memories! Learning to live in the moment can be a big step in doing this. You can do so by:

Learning new hobbies or skills that can focus your efforts on new goals
Exercising to release positive hormones and keep your body healthy
Meditating to practice mindfulness and existing in your mind at the moment
Establishing routines, which will boost sleep effectiveness and positive thinking
Going out with friends to stay social and interactive
Making new friends to widen your social circle and learn new, current perspectives

3. Process Past Emotions

Emotional processing is a skill that we often take for granted. You may think you’re “over” something. Still, because of not processing your feelings correctly, you wind up accidentally bottling up old emotions, which will subconsciously affect your actions and how you think.

Unprocessed emotions can lead to a lot of baggage, including ones that cause fear and anxiety in you for reasons you can’t fathom. Here are some ways to process past emotions:

· Confront them

Admit the feelings to yourself, or even to someone else. Realize how certain events made you feel and why. Validate yourself, too; it’s okay that you felt this way.

· Write about them

Get a journal and fill it with thoughts about your emotions, expressing yourself freely with no limits and no filter. Journals provide positive effects on post-stress processing. You can also write a letter to yourself or to a person who wronged you, really letting it all out. But remember, don’t send the message!

· Pinpoint the way they affect you

How are these old emotions still influencing your everyday life and the world? Often, realizing how much the past is dragging you down can be the push you need to work in earnest to get out of that headspace.

· Talk about them

Speak to a friend, family member, colleague, or another person you can trust. You can even visit a therapist, counselor, or similar mental health professional. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Remember, you don’t need a mental disorder or condition to see an expert in the field.

4. Forgive

For many people, forgiveness is a crucial part of their journey to moving on from the past. It’s a form of closure that clearly says, “The people who have wronged me no longer influence me.” Holding grudges, especially for relatively non-serious issues, can be harmful to you and those around you.

But do remember that forgiveness is never 100% necessary. If there are people you cannot bring to forgive due to the horrifying nature of their actions, it is okay not to. In that situation, instead of forgiveness, strive for peace. This event happened to you, but it no longer affects you, and that person becomes meaningless to you. Don’t forget. You also need to forgive yourself, not just other people. To do so both ways, you can:

Think of yourself as if you were a much-loved friend or family member. Would you be as harsh on them as you are on yourself?

Don’t keep score of your wrongs or the wrongs of those around you. To err is human. People will harm you again. You will make decisions you don’t stand by later. You will make mistakes. That’s just how it is!

Realize that you can control your reactions, even if you can’t control the initial action. If someone wrongs you, you get to choose how to respond. And if bad things happen, you get to decide how you’ll react. If you make mistakes, you get to choose how to bounce back.

5. Consider The Company You Keep

Look around you. Who are the kinds of people you hang out with? Consider how many of them:

Are from pasts that haunt you to this day?
Tend to be cynical about everything?
Always, intentionally remind you of your part?
Cause you to feel worse after hanging out with them?
Are consistently blaming you or others for everything that happens to them?

If you have a lot of friends who match this description, then it may be time for you to find a better circle of friends.

Some friends may stay on the fence, and some you may need to cut off, and some you may be able to tolerate. Regardless, seek to broaden your social circle! Attend local meetings, go for classes, connect with people online, join clubs. The possibilities are endless! New friends can help you:

Find new perspectives and opinions
Choose to be surrounded by more people who use positive thinking
Find friend groups that lift each other up
Socialize, which has positive effects on your mental health and life expectancy

6. Start On Something New

A great way to shed your past is to concentrate thoroughly on something brand new. When you do this, you allow your brain to turn its focus to what’s in front of you. There are new things right now, and they’re more exciting and stimulating, and they represent a change for the better in its purest form. You can start on a new:

Hobby
Job
Home
Neighborhood
Fashion style
Hairstyle
Cooked meal
Dining location
Shopping location
Hobby
Skill
Daily routine
Daily habit

You should also work on planning new goals. Since that incident in your past, how have your goals changed? Are they now outdated? If so, what do you change them to? Then, once you’ve found your new purpose, break it up into smaller goals, and put your passion into bringing those goals to fruition!

Plus, doing new things can fill you with a sense of fulfillment that allows you to be happy living in the now. Once you feel that peace and joy, you won’t want to go back to the past anymore!

7. Focus On Things You Can Change

You’ve spent so much time mulling over something that you cannot change. The past is the past. It’s done and dusted. What you need now is a focus on the present, but that’s much easier said than done.

A lot of times, we linger on the past because we desire some form of control over it. But there’s no controlling it, so what can you do? Control real things in your present life that are changeable, of course! For example:

Seeking a better job
Moving to a better neighborhood or house
Create a positive habit to follow
Reorganize your home
Travel
Complete a task you’ve been putting off

For simpler things, you can even take control of seemingly arbitrary and shallow aspects of your life. They sound silly, but they really can work! For example:

Get a new haircut or change your hair color
Paint your nails
Dramatically redecorate an area of your house

Your past has made you who you are today. It’s brought you the ups and the downs. Changing it would change the fabric of your being, and you don’t want that!

How to ask someone: Can you ever forgive me?

Final Thoughts On Some Ways To Stop Living In The Past

When you live in the past, you deprive yourself of your potential. You rob yourself of joy, of the life you deserve, and of the people who could be there for you. And let’s face it, no one wants to be stuck that way forever.

The past has already had such a profound and long-lasting impact on you, and that impact will likely never indeed fade away. But isn’t it time that it stopped dictating your every single action and your everyday life? Take back your power and control! Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and look to the present!

7 Ways To Deal With Unfulfilled Expectations

February 24, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Do you feel disappointed by unfulfilled expectations?

In life, you’re not going to get everything exactly as you want, exactly when you want it. Sometimes, your expectations are not going to be met, whether by you, others, or the universe and the circumstances it throws at you.

This epiphany can be disappointing, to say the least. You get your hopes up and hype yourself up, only to have those same hopes dashed. When that happens, how can you recover? How can you get back on your two feet?

Here Are 7 Ways To Deal With Unfulfilled Expectations

1. Don’t Be Ruled By Shame

Shame can hold you back, and disappointment can cause you to slip into patterns of shame and anxiety. So, what do you have to do to prevent disappointment from taking over you? It’s simple – admit that you’re disappointed.

When you try to deny and repress your emotions, which is what often happens when you end up allowing disappointment and shame to consume you, you wind up living in constant stress. Eventually, that shame will boil over, and even if it doesn’t, you’ll be carrying that heavy feeling around with you.

But how can you let go of shame? The first step is in admitting that you’re feeling disappointed. Talk to someone you trust and confess your feelings, actions, or situation. Hear their perspectives, listen to their stories, and even share and laugh over the circumstances.

Disappointment can hurt, and that’s okay. But if you try not to feel that pain, you’ll only end up hurting even more later. So let yourself feel it. Allow the pain to touch you. Process the emotions, think about them, and, when you’re ready, let them go.

2. Don’t Overplay The Importance Of The Situation

When you first face disappointment, it can be very difficult to manage it. Indeed, you may blow the entire issue very far out of proportion. You might even feel as if the world is ending for you or that your life is over, even though that one unfulfilled expectation is very far from ending your life.

Humans often tend to exaggerate the importance of specific unwanted or negative events, which leads to the death of any positive thinking that you could otherwise find in that situation.

Most things that happen to us don’t have a huge amount of meaning, but they gain meaning when we attach it to them. When you attach significance to something that shouldn’t have that much significance, you give it power over you. Remember that unfulfilled expectations are not the end of the world – they’re mere hiccups on a long journey.

3. Let Go Of Perfection

A lot of us don’t think we’re holding ourselves to impossible standards of perfection, but we still forget to reconsider if our expectations are, in fact, ones of perfection. Consider how you see:

Your present
Your past
Your future
Yourself
Your job
Your family
Your friends
Your home

Are you holding these areas of your life to ridiculous standards? Are things just never good enough for you? Are you driving yourself and other people too hard? Doing these kinds of things can have adverse effects such as:

Bringing stressful negativity due to the impossibility of reaching perfection
Ending or harming relationships, projects, and career opportunities
Causing you to become stressed out due to fear or knowledge of the impossibility of your task
Leading to an obsession with social media and the perfection shown on Instagram and other platforms
Being trapped because of a fear of failure or disappointing others or yourself

Does this mean you shouldn’t have high standards? Of course not! Know your self-worth, know what you deserve, and go after what you want. But don’t expect yourself, or the people around you, to reach heights that simply aren’t possible to reach.

4. Don’t Be Selfish

Selfishness is often a cause of unfulfilled expectations, but it’s not a positive trait to maintain. In the same vein of expecting too much out of other people, when you’re selfish, you damage your mental health, trap yourself, and harm others. Here are some examples of selfishness and how unfulfilled expectations can bring out the worst in it:

Some of your pain may come from other people. When this happens, do you think it is an intentional attack on you? This emotion comes from a wave of selfish anger; when you’re in pain, you become angry and want to direct that anger at someone. But you need to give others the benefit of the doubt.
Sometimes, you may inflict pain on other people. When this happens, you likely recognize it as an accident or mistake. Tying into the previous point, this is also intrinsically selfish – why are other people’s errors intentional, but yours accidental? This mindset mentally causes you always to play the victim and expect perfection from others.
When you’re angry, it can feel like your anger is all that matters, and you may hate that anyone else is angry at the same time. This outburst is because anger has a habit of telling you that you’re always right – and it also has a habit of blowing things out of proportion, so you believe that what your unmet expectations are the worst things in the world.

Your expectations may make you think you work harder than everyone else. Is that truly the case, though, or is that only your perspective? Or, perhaps, are your expectations so unreasonably high that they’re unhealthy, and that’s why no one else is meeting them but you?

5. Don’t Hang Onto Unfulfilled Expectations

It’s difficult to let go of the emotions and pain of an unfulfilled expectation. Yes, you have to process emotion and think about it to deal with it, and that is instrumental in moving on. But the whole point is that you need to move on.

When you don’t release that pain, you’re holding onto that feeling of disappointment. It can cause you to get stuck and even lead you to feel like there’s no way to overcome it. You replay the scene of the incident again and again, as though hoping something different will happen each time you imagine it. You obsess over what could have been.

So don’t hang onto these feelings. Understand that your goal is to process them as quickly as possible so you can let them go and release them. Focus on that goal and focus on the idea of overcoming these emotional difficulties.

6. Forgive

When other people let you down and cause your unfulfilled expectations, it can be tough to move past that and mend the damage to the relationship. But forgiveness is important in overcoming your disappointment, and it can also have positive effects on mental health. Here are some tips for forgiving others:

Instead of placing direct blame, put yourself in their shoes, and understand where they are coming from. While their motivations don’t excuse wrongdoing, it can help you to empathize with them.
Remember that everyone is human. You’ve made mistakes in the past, and these people will make their own.
Focus on kindness over correctness. You may be in the right, but that doesn’t mean you have to be cruel. Be kind and demonstrate gentle compassion without stepping back from your position.
Don’t look for more reasons to be angry or offended. When you already have a problem with someone, it’s easy to search for and find more “reasons” not to forgive them. Stop. All you’re doing is trapping yourself further!

Of course, forgiveness does not have to be directly given to those who are unrepentant, who have severely traumatized you, or who have done very serious and intentional damage. It is your decision whether to forgive people in these extreme cases or not. But, in most situations, unfulfilled expectations are ones that you can overcome, and your forgiveness can set you free.

But forgiveness also applies to yourself. When you fail to meet your self- expectations or when what you hoped would happen just doesn’t come to pass, it’s easy to become discouraged. You must forgive yourself for what happened. Here are some tips for self-forgiveness:

·Admit your wrongs

Openly tell yourself that you’ve made a mistake or set your sights too high, or admit to yourself the severity or minority of your situation.

· Find the lesson

Okay, so bad things have happened – but what can you learn from them? What can you take away? Finding the silver lining in the form of something learnable can help you accept that this is for the best.

·Write an apology to yourself

To forgive yourself, you must first be sorry. Try writing out a letter to yourself. Imagine you’re apologizing to a friend or a family member. It can be quite cathartic, and it allows you to be kinder to yourself.

·Be patient

You’re going to feel guilty and terrible for a while. That’s okay. Forgive yourself for feeling this way.

7. Get Back Into The Swing Of Things

Get back on track. You need to shake off the negativity and return to your routines. Good, positive routines help you with overall mental health due to healthier sleep, especially if you prioritize daytime routines over nighttime ones:

Advancing towards your goals
Creating new art
Applying for new jobs
Working on your projects
Making proposals for new clients
Practice your skills more and more
Try new strategies and angles
Set new goals

If that’s a little difficult, start by getting back on track with even more basic things, such as:

Your self-care routine
Going to classes and programs
Reading books
Watching your usual shows
Talking to friends
Cooking your meals
Cleaning your home
Taking the time for positive thinking or meditation
Exercising

Even these simple tasks can help urge your mind and body to get back into the swing of things!

Final Thoughts On Some Ways To Deal With Unfulfilled Expectations

Unfulfilled expectations can be very painful, and dealing with them isn’t easy. The disappointment and guilt can be overwhelming, and it can even cause you to fear to get up and try again.

But you can’t let your setbacks and bad times rule yourself. Instead, learn to deal with fallout and emotions that come with these unfortunate circumstances through positive thinking and self-awareness. Successful individuals would never allow unfulfilled expectations to get in the way of their goals, and you shouldn’t either!

Nutritionists Explain Why Everyone Should Actually Snack

February 23, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Hunger pangs in the middle of the day cause most people to reach for a snack. As you make a run for the vending machines, you try to forget how your parents warned you about the evils of eating between meals. But does this conventional wisdom hold up to nutritional fact?

Most families eat three square meals a day. Large families in the past did well to provide those meals, and they couldn’t spare extra nibbles for everyone. The exception was sweets and other goodies on holidays and special occasions.

Is snacking the root of the obesity epidemic in our country? Maybe your habits have given you a few added pounds. Instead of cutting out all the extra nibbles, consider the choices you make.

Snacking Is in Your Genes

If you ever watch young children at mealtimes, you will notice that they rarely concentrate on cleaning their plates. They usually take a few bites, run off to something that catches their attention, and then they return to the table for more food. Nutritionists call this habit grazing.

Grazing is a genetic remnant of the habits of our early ancestors. They learned to gather enough food for a burst of energy until they got to the next food source. No wonder most of us feel a slight gnaw of hunger between meals.

Just because the body’s energy levels fluctuate hourly doesn’t mean you can chow down all day and not have health issues. When you understand how to make wise choices, it can help you lose weight. It is all about choices and portions.

Heart-healthy nuts–a perfect snack for controlling hunger pangs.

Unraveling the Myths of Snacking

How many strict rules do you remember about nibbling after meals from your childhood? Maybe you were told it would ruin your appetite or make you fat. Thankfully, only part of those warnings is true.

If you have healthy treats that are 250 calories or less, they can fit perfectly in your daily calorie count. For some, just the word invokes guilty pleasures of processed, sugary foods. Thankfully, your extra treats don’t have to be junk food. You would be surprised at the many options that are tasty, nutritious, and low in calories.

If you are trying to lose weight, a growling stomach is one of your worst enemies. When you pair hunger with the lingering cravings you already fight, they produce a perfect storm for binge eating. A healthy bite, in-between meals, may satisfy you and keep you on track for weight loss.

Learning How to Snack Smart

Before you dive into that box of powdered donuts, remember that snacking is not bingeing. Discovering how to choose the right foods and portion control is key. It is always wise to talk to your doctor and nutritionist about your specific dietary needs.

What are some of the things you crave most during the day? Are you hung up on the sugary treats that leave your energy crashing an hour later? Maybe you can’t resist a salty bag of chips or other calorie wasters in the pantry.

How can you enjoy yummy bites while maintaining a healthy lifestyle? It is all about planning. As you prepare each menu for the week, include healthy extra treat options. Depending on the calorie limit your doctor recommends, aim for quality eats with no more than 250 calories per portion, while 100 calories is even better.

Choosing the Best Snacks

Don’t despair as you may need to rethink your daily sugary soda, candy, or chips intake. Smart nibbling does not mean that you can only munch on iceberg lettuce or those pricey fitness bars. The right foods can be delicious and curb your hunger between meals.

Choose treats that don’t include processed foods. Instead of munching on candy, satisfy your sweet tooth with your favorite fruit or nuts. Consider tasty, natural meals that are high in protein and low in carbs. A small handful of almonds, pistachios, or walnuts eases the salty craving while delivering a punch of protein and heart-healthy fats.

Learn how to trade some of your fatty junk food for healthier options. A nutritionist can offer inspiring suggestions for foods that are best for you to help curb hunger Don’t wait until the urge hits; you must keep single-serving treats handy to grab on the go.

Avoiding Fad Diet Foods

Do you remember when many of your favorite junk foods came out in convenient, 100-calorie packs? You may have thought you could munch on cookies, chips, and candies without guilt. What you didn’t realize was that those were empty calories and were still loaded with unhealthy ingredients.

How about those highly praised diet bars and other seemingly innocent healthy treats? Would you believe that calorie for calorie, you might as well indulge in your favorite candy bar than to eat one of these? The real candy probably tastes better and would be much cheaper anyway.

Choosing whole treat foods like fruit, veggies, grains, or nuts don’t need all the artificial fillers to make them taste great. Many of these heavily processed “diet” snacks depend on fat, artificial flavors, and extra sodium to make them palatable. While you think you are doing well by spending a fortune on these sneaky snacks, they could be making you gain weight.

Learn the seven signs that indicate you be addicted to sugar.

Forming Your Snacking Strategy

Many doctors and nutritionists recommend that their patients keep a food diary each day. If you do, notice the times you feel hungry, especially between meals. Also, try to identify if there are any specific cravings or are you just binge eating?

You can combat a sweet tooth with fresh strawberries or yogurt covered raisins. This information will be vital for including treats in your weekly meal plans.

When hunger strikes, most people want instant gratification. Vending machine companies and fast food joints prey on this human weakness. If your healthy options are within reach, it is easier to forgo junk food.

Inspiring Snack Ideas

Junk food marketers know how to make their products as appealing and convenient as possible. Your healthy treat options don’t have to be bland or boring.

As you prepare your treats for the coming week, let your imagination be your guide. You should sample nutritious and exotic fruits that you have never tried before. Open your pallet and your mind to new things. Try blending fruits for an exciting taste sensation.

Design an attractive portion of sliced veggies with a low-calorie dip or salsa for fun treat options at any time of the day. Check out books, magazines, and the Internet for delicious treat ideas that the whole family will love. Instead of cavity-forming sugary junk, surprise your kids with a small, portioned container of nuts, cheese, and fruit.

How about a cup of fresh popcorn or celery and peanut butter? Let your kids get involved in choosing healthy treat options. They can give you ideas and help you prepare individual portions.

Children model their eating habits after their parents, so be a good example. While being kind to your health, you can also be helpful to the environment. Instead of resealable plastic bags that end up in landfills, opt for glass, metal, or BPA-safe plastic containers.

Thankfully, they come in a variety of convenient sizes for instant portion control, and they are reusable.

Read ten reasons why peanut butter makes an ideal snack.

Making a Snack Compromise

Choosing to indulge in treats wisely doesn’t mean you will never have your favorite ice cream or chocolaty treat again. As they say, everything in moderation. On special occasions or for a rare treat, you can indulge in your favorite foods.

Don’t beat yourself up if you succumbed to the temptation of a bag of corn chips or a delicious candy bar. Nobody eats perfectly all the time. Just figure the indulgence into your daily calorie intake and strive to do better tomorrow.

Do you crave chocolate? Have two ounces of heart-healthy dark chocolate instead of a whole bag of milk chocolates. If you can’t resist a tasty slice of cake or pie, then eat a small portion or choose sugar-free options.

Final Thoughts: Snacking as a Way of Life

Instead of eating three daily meals, some people opt to eat four to six smaller meals about the size of a treat. For some health issues, physicians may recommend such a dietary plan. Before you make any changes to your diet, discuss your medical history and health concerns with your doctor and nutritionist.

No single nutritional plan fits all people. As you get older or have changes in your health, your eating habits may also change. You may need to revamp your treat options and schedule according to your needs.

Life is too short never to enjoy delightful snack options. Even if you make small changes in your treats, it will make a massive difference in how you feel.

Additionally, the scales will reflect the changes. It is possible to replenish your energy with delicious and nutritious snacks and part of a healthy lifestyle.

Millions Of Children In Thailand Meditate For World Peace

February 23, 2020 by Power of Positivity

If you’re a parent with multiple children, you might be laughing at the idea of children to be quiet and still for prolonged periods, let alone meditate. But one million children from across the country in Thailand are capable of doing it. So believe it or not, it’s possible!

Of course, we’re joking around a lot here. But, seriously, this is part of a rather inspiring movement and cause known as the V-STAR project. It sees kids from across the country joined in solidarity. They share in an effort to bring about world peace and raise awareness for the movement towards a more harmonious planet.

Curious about the V-STAR project, how it works, and what it does? Maybe you’re wondering how you can contribute, support, or if there’s any way to join in. Well, read on to find out more about how a million children in Thailand come together to meditate for world peace.

What Is The V-STAR Project?

The V-STAR project, or more adequately the “V-Star Change the World” project, involves a yearly effort of a million children from over 5,000 different schools across Thailand. These children all come together and meet at a temple to meditate side by side in total silence. The chosen children are known as V-Stars or Virtuous Stars.

What are they doing this for? Well, it’s for world peace. The chosen children are all ones selected by their schools, communities, or other similar institutions as examples to be followed, usually due to moral excellence. The V-STAR project brings all these exemplary children together, allowing them to connect, make friends, share stories, and inspire each other through support networks and tales of their good deeds.

V-Star participant tasks:

Each Virtuous Star must complete a series of jobs before they join in the mass meditation event. A list of ten tasks must be completed daily for three months before they can join the meditation. These habits are relatively simple, but significant in building good character, and include:

Making their beds in the morning
Saving pocket money
Helping out with housework

The project first started in 2008, as a part of Luang Phor Dhammachayo’s World Morality Revival. Children are representatives of the future, after all. In this time of uncertain future, the project began to promote the act of raising children with a strong sense of moral values that can pass on to everyone around them.

Every year, more and more students express interest in joining the event, which is now known as V-STAR Unity Day. Numerous activities are held, including:

Ethics quizzes, taken to assess youth moral standards
A 3D movie screening concerning heaven and hell
An exhibition on the life story of the Buddha (the largest of its kind in the world!)
Scholarship awards for outstanding students (sponsored by adult donors)

The Temple

The temple used in this annual event is the Wat Phra Dhammakaya. It sits on land that used to be a rice field, but all 77 acres of its area was donated to the public by Lady Prayad Pattayapongsavisuttatibodi on her birthday.

The temple began being used as a meditation center in 1970, on Magha Puja Day, when Master Nun Chand Khonnokyoong and Luang Por Dhammajayo, as well as their followers, came together to start work in building the structure that stands today.

They had a measly budget of 3,200 baht, which was worth about US$160 in the year 1970, but Master Nun encouraged her anxious followers with a quote that has become part of the legend. Master Nun asked them the cost of raising one truly virtuous, moral, and ethical person who was dedicated to Buddhism. The follower replied that it would cost 100 million baht.

So, Master Nun said that with her 11 followers in front of her, she had a budget of 1,000 million baht, and that was more than enough to build the center. And it certainly was! Today, the center is wildly popular, with more and more people flocking to it to learn about Buddhism and the Dhamma of Lord Buddha. Followers also donated money after their meditations led to their happiness!

By 1984, tens of thousands of people came to meditate at the temple, meaning the 77 acres initially donated was now too small to fit everyone! Additional plots of land had to be added, as well as more buildings. The process wasn’t too complicated, as Wat Phra Dhammakaya focused on saving construction costs, and that is evident in their stable and simple structures that you can see today.

Why Meditate, and Why This Project?

The V-STAR project seeks to help boost peaceful relationships between people through meditation, which is an admirable goal in itself. The goal is to allow everyone, regardless of factors such as sex, gender identity, political opinion, race, or sexual orientation, to come together as one.

Those behind the V-STAR project, and Minister of Education of Thailand Professor Dr. Suchart Thadathamrongvej, believe that those differences cause people to become isolated from one another, which is what the program is for. It promotes the idea that hard work and togetherness can make a massive impact on the world.

The project also believes that to change the world Additionally, people must first work on improving themselves. The fact that all these children come together to perform acts of kindness and good deeds show the “moral revival” program is working in the country. Furthermore, those behind it and those in power are hopeful that it marks a positive future for the world that all these children are growing up with ethical, moral values.

But Why Meditate?

Meditation focuses on keeping you aware and present in the current moment, allowing you to boost your awareness and giving you time to focus on what matters. It is also a prevalent practice in Buddhism.

There has been some controversy surrounding the event, however. Some Buddhists criticize it and claim that the V-STAR project is for show and not interested in genuine virtue or advancement. However, regardless, the project continues to move forward and believes that by shaping the children of tomorrow, they can bring about world peace.

Scientific Benefits of Learning to Meditate

Regardless of how effective you believe the project is, there are plenty of reasons for you, personally, to begin meditation from a scientific perspective. Here are some of its benefits:

· Compassion

Believe it or not, meditation can help boost compassion. When you meditate, you may become kinder towards both yourself and other people. This value indicates a truth to the V-STAR program – meditation can lead to more positive values, deeds, and behavior!

· Blood Pressure

Meditation successfully reduces blood pressure by around five points, leading to lowered strain on the heart.

· Memory

Studies indicate the meditation may be able to reduce the risks of memory loss related to age, such as degenerative disorders. For older individuals, meditation can improve cognitive function; on the whole, improving their focus, responses, and positive thinking.

· Sleep

When you meditate, you wind up being able to fall asleep more quickly, and you’ll be able to sleep for more extended periods, too.

· Positive Thinking

Numerous studies have indicated that meditation encourages a more positive outlook on the world and life, as well as better self-image and self-perception. It can even decrease symptoms of depression! It also provides benefits for anxiety and stress levels.

· Pain Management

Meditation has positive effects on pain management, decreasing overall pain sensitivity, and even reducing incidents of chronic pain flairs.

· Attention Span

If you have difficulty staying focused, meditation can help you concentrate, allowing you to carry out tasks in your everyday life better.

Learn how coloring books can help you meditate.

Building Moral Virtue In Your Children

The V-STAR project stems from Buddhism and is also currently only available in Thailand. So those are two reasons you and your children may be unable to participate in it. But you don’t need this project to encourage moral virtue in your kids! Here are some ideas for doing so:

· Be A Role Model

Teach your child the values you want to see in them by executing those values yourself. Many children learn by example and will model their behavior after yours. So when your child sees you begin to meditate, he or she will naturally become curious.

· Make Teaching Moments

When your child makes mistakes – as they definitely will! – turn them into teaching moments. Encourage positive reflection, showing them how to think about what they did, how to avoid doing it in the future, and how it affected themselves and those around them.

· Build Good Habits

Remember the ten daily tasks that Virtuous Stars have to do? Nothing’s preventing you from giving your child similar jobs! Give them a timetable of daily tasks to do that will help boost their hard work and moral values and reward them every week that they stick to them consistently!

· Use Your Religion In Teaching

Virtually all religions promote harmony and peace, so if you’re not Buddhist, you can easily use other forms of teaching. Plenty of other religions, including Christianity, also make use of different kinds of meditation!

· Volunteer Together

Bring your child along and volunteer for charities, shelters, and other organizations. Explain to your child what the organization does, why they need your help, and what you’ll be doing for them.

· Expose Them To Different Environments

Let your child make friends with other kids from different backgrounds. Show your child that everyone experiences the world differently, and teach them to be respectful of that fact!

Final Thoughts On Meditation For World Peace

Getting a large group of children to sit still can be quite a challenge. But that doesn’t mean that it can’t be done! And, for a good cause, kids may genuinely want to be a part of the effort and will happily stay still for you. Plus, you don’t need to make your kids meditate or take part in programs to raise them to be a part of a better future!

The V-STAR program is truly inspirational. Plus, you can apply plenty of points from it to your own real life. Encourage your kids to do good deeds and teach them the moral values you want them to have. Make meditation a part of your daily routine. Seek to be compassionate to those around you. The possibilities are endless, and your small efforts can make a difference in the world!

Mental Health Expert Explains 4 Causes Of Anxiety (And How to Overcome Them)

February 23, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Today’s world requires us to live in a near-constant state of arousal. This state of alert triggers our fight-or-flight response, resulting in the anxiety epidemic we see happening worldwide. Our brain simply was not made to handle such an influx of information, stimuli, and stressors for such extended periods of time without rest. The result is a sharp decline in our mental health.

Our jobs require us to remain focused on one thing for eight or more hours a day. And in that time, we don’t really get a chance to rest our brains. After we get off work, we must spend time commuting on loud, busy streets. Finally, after all of that hustle and bustle, we finally get a chance to relax at home…for a few hours. Then, we get back up the next day and do it all over again. We live in very stressful times. So maybe the fact that anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental illnesses in the world is both a testament to this and a natural human response to the ongoing stressors we deal with.

“Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength.” – Charles Spurgeon

However, even though the odds seem to be against us, we CAN do certain things to help ease the symptoms of anxiety and relieve a little tension from our overworked, overtired brains.

Here are 4 main causes of anxiety (and how to combat them):

Psychology Today warns that your anxiety can play tricks on you, decreasing your mental health.

1. Thinking of the worst-case scenario for any given situation

People with anxiety tend to think of the worst possible thing that can happen, so that they can prepare for that event if it SHOULD happen. However, this type of thinking can cause a lot of unnecessary stress and reduced mental health. But usually, the awful thing they’ve conjured up in their minds doesn’t happen anyway. Constantly worrying about perceived or real threats means you’ll probably avoid those things with all your power. But throughout that process, your mind suffers greatly.

The solution: Mental health expert Alicia Boyes says, “I use suddenly feeling overwhelmed as a cue to hunt for thinking errors. If ever feel overwhelmed by an email, I tell myself, ‘There’s a ninety percent chance my reaction is just my good old anxiety brain, and that the request will seem easy when I look at it with fresh eyes tomorrow.’ I’ve had enough experiences of this alternative thought being true, to believe it!”

2. Fear of criticism decreases mental health

People with anxiety, particularly those with social anxiety, have a very real fear of what people think. This translates into them either being people-pleasers or taking extreme measures to avoid contact with people to sidestep any negative interactions. At its core, anxiety causes the sufferer to think of the worst-case scenario at all times, which means the person will attempt to avoid the perceived threat, therefore, avoiding the anxiety.

However, modern life requires us to face certain obstacles daily, such as dealing with people, which might trigger an anxiety response. Unfortunately, many people with anxiety are very hard on themselves and constantly second-guess their own work.

The solution: Alicia says “If the occasional reaction or feedback I get is negative, it’s not the end of the world and is typically something I can learn from. I also remind myself that when something I’ve done wrong is pointed out, it’s usually fixable rather than a catastrophe.”

3. Self-doubt

In other words, second-guessing themselves. Anxiety makes one think and rethink about what was said, what was done, what wasn’t said or done, and plays in a loop in one’s mind until it drives a person crazy. Self-doubt easily takes over, especially when faced with a big work project or anything where a person’s abilities are put on display.

The solution: Remember to use self-compassion and self-love, and keep in mind that you’re doing the best you can. Don’t be so hard on yourself, because everyone else in the same boat, just trying to survive and do what they can to stay afloat. Make sure to intercept any negative thinking by using positive self-talk such as: “You’re awesome, and I think you’re doing a great job! You’re stronger and more capable than you think.”

4. Analysis paralysis

Basically, this means you think and rethink of every possible route you could take and every outcome that could result from taking those routes but never end up making a decision. You just sit and ruminate, which paralyzes you from taking any action. This can result in missed opportunities and only increases self-doubt because you can’t trust yourself to move forward with life.

The solution: While there isn’t a clear-cut answer to this problem, we can offer a couple of pieces of advice. For starters, write down all the options you have for the problem at hand. Next, you can then write down the pros and cons of taking any of those paths. Then, you can start narrowing it down once you have a visual right in front of you. Another way to combat analysis paralysis might be to just try out a few of the outcomes first-hand. Do this before even writing them down. If you don’t like something, you don’t have to continue doing it. But at least you can say you tried it out!

Final Thoughts on How to Work Through Anxiety Attacks and Enjoy Better Mental Health

While anxiety might just be ingrained in us, and further exacerbated by modern life. However, it doesn’t have to control our every thought and action. Using some of these techniques can help you get a clearer picture and remove some of the “fog” created by your anxiety. You will gain mental strength and clarity. Remember, you have more control over your mind than you think, and are more powerful than you realize!

15 Incredible Benefits of Adding Seafood to Your Diet

February 22, 2020 by Power of Positivity

There are a few common-sense pieces of advice that every health care professional or well-meaning friend has given at some point. Drink less. Use less salt. Eat more vegetables, less red meat, take fewer trips to the drive-thru and more exercise. We all know that added sugar and ingredients that we can’t pronounce should be avoided, and we should add more fresh fruits and vegetables for optimum health. But few people remember to advise you to add seafood to your diet.

In fact, unless you are lucky enough to live in a city with a thriving wharf or a die-hard pescatarian scene, you may not be aware of all of the benefits of eating more seafood. While you don’t have to give up all other forms of meat to get the benefits, adding a few servings of salmon or trout and other forms of seafood to your diet every week will have positive effects on your physical, mental, and environmental health.

15 Reasons to Eat Seafood

1. Great source of nutrition.

Seafood is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart, brain and eye health. It is also a great source of vitamin D, iron, zinc, magnesium, and other minerals. Seafood is a wonderful source of lean protein which is great for everybody. Though many people are allergic to shellfish, the oceans still offer a healthy bounty that is as nutritious as it is delicious.

2. Part of a heart-healthy diet.

Eating fatty fish like sockeye salmon is a great source of healthy fats. Healthy fats are important to help keep your arteries clear. By adjusting your diet you lower your risk of heart attack, stroke, and death by heart disease. Contrary to popular belief, shellfish can also be part of a heart-healthy diet. This is because of their high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B-12, and vitamin D. As always, of course, preparation is important. Stay away from methods of preparation that add salt, oil, or carbs.

3. Help treat and prevent depression.

Add shrimp and fatty fish to your diet to help prevent depression. Numerous studies link changes in diet to easing the symptoms of depression, increasing the effectiveness of anti-depressants, and preventing depression altogether. While no single thing will treat or cure depression, making lifestyle changes can help those who suffer from clinical depression. Of course, this and any other lifestyle changes should be discussed with your doctor.

4. An eco-friendly food source.

Well stocked ponds are part of an integrated, sustainable farm. Aquapods and other sustainable aquafarming techniques not only produce healthy harvests but reduces the strain put on traditional fishing areas. While most of the world’s seas are currently overfished, aquaculture can help us to preserve or even save certain species while meeting the demand for seafood.

5. Lower your risk of auto-immune disease.

Auto-immune disease occurs when your body’s immune system turns on healthy tissues in the body. conditions like lupus, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis are all examples of auto-immune diseases. Research suggests that diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids reduces the risk of type 1 diabetes in children and auto-immune diabetes in adults.

6. Better eyesight.

When you were a kid they told you to eat your carrots for better eyesight. It turns out that as we age, protecting our eyesight demands a more dramatic menu change. Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of vision impairment for older adults. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids helps to prevent this condition. One study found that women who ate fish regularly were 42% less likely to develop AMD. Another found that eating fatty fish once a week led to a 53% decrease in your risk of developing neovascular AMD. So, don’t skip the carrots and be sure to add a little seafood to that plate as well.

7. Prevent asthma.

What does seafood have to do with asthma? Well, recent studies have shown that children who eat fish regularly have a nearly 25% decreased risk of developing the disease. There have been no confirmed benefits for adult asthmatics or those who have already developed the disease, but an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. So, encourage your little ones to eat more seafood.

Do you know the causes and signs of asthma? Read them here.

8. Promote brain health.

All of us experience a loss of mental dexterity as we age. There are many things that we can do to mitigate the effects of age on our brains. One of those things is making a change in our diets. Adding a few servings of fatty fish such as salmon, trout, and sardines every week has been shown to help people slow the rates of mental decline and has been linked with retaining gray matter. Gray matter is your brain’s most functional tissue, responsible for memory and regulating emotions.

9. Sleep better.

Having trouble getting quality sleep? Try decreasing your exposure to blue light, the kind used in most common electronics. Exercise and stress relief are also helpful to get a restful night’s sleep. There are a variety of reasons why you may be struggling to get a good night’s sleep, and just as many things that you can do to improve your sleep quality. Adding fish, such as salmon to your diet is one of them. In a study of 95 middle-aged men, they reported increased sleep quality and function after adding three servings of salmon to their diet every week.

10. Reduce your carbon footprint.

If you are a climate-conscious consumer, getting more of your dietary protein from the sea is one way you can reduce your carbon footprint. Many of the most popular kinds of seafood have a lower carbon footprint than beef or pork. You must also be careful about where your food is processed and how it is harvested. The added transport miles can eat up any environmental benefits you may have gained by making the switch. So find locally harvested fish.

11. You might lose a few pounds.

We are all fighting the battle of the bulge. even if you’re lucky enough to have hit your target weight, the fight to maintain it is never-ending. Adding seafood to your diet is one way to not only shed unwanted pounds but keep them off. Seafood is both nutritionally dense and low in calories. You’ll still have to be mindful of the way the food is prepared; breaded or deep-fried seafood will still contain excess carbs and fats.

12. Lower your risk for certain types of cancer.

You probably weren’t thinking about colorectal cancer when you ordered a shrimp scampi, but you should. Lowering your intake of red meat and processed meats links to lower rates of cancer. Choosing other lean protein sources helps you to make these necessary adjustments. Additionally, DHA snd EPA, the fats found in fatty fish, have been shown to reduce inflammation in the colon and improve colon cell function.

13. Reconnecting with nature.

Many people have sincere concerns about the condition of the meat they eat. They worry about the living conditions of the animals and the number of vaccines and chemicals used to treat them.

By now, most of us realize that the image of cows and chickens left to graze in wide-open pastures or neat barnyards are far from reality. Instead, the life of the meat we eat can be cramped, short, and cruel. Aquatic farms can be equally appalling, with overcrowded tanks and diseases and little government regulation. But there are other options.

You can go fishing! Fishing is a great way to reconnect with nature and helps to teach young children where food comes from. And you aren’t limited to what you catch on your line. You can find fish, shrimp. and other shellfish available at places where you can harvest them yourself from the wild.

14. Great source of lean protein.

Seafood is a great source of lean protein. Whether you are training for a marathon or simply trying to live a healthier lifestyle, finding reliable sources of lean protein is important. People who include sources like shrimp and shellfish to their diet not only cut calories but report greater satiety for longer after eating.

15. Adding variety to your diet.

The sea offers a plethora of dining options. You don’t have to worry about ever getting bored. By adding more seafood to your dining options you open yourself up to a whole new world of tastes, textures, and flavors. No more complaints about having chicken, again. Shrimp, shellfish, and heart-healthy fatty fish can all be prepared quickly at home and add excitement to even a basic dinner plan.

Hungry for shrimp? Here are 10 keto-friendly recipes.

Final Thoughts: Shop for Fresh, Local Seafood and Reap the Healthful Benefits

Getting or staying healthy is always a good reason to make adjustments to your diet. When you begin looking for food that pleases both your palate and your local cardiologist, avoiding a diet high in red meat, bad fats, preservatives, and processed food is key. Making good choices about your meals can be both delicious and healthful.

Herbalist Reveals 15 Smart Uses for Peppermint Oil

February 22, 2020 by Power of Positivity

The peppermint plant is a hybrid of two other plants, spearmint, and watermint. It is native to both Europe and North America. Herbalists extract the precious peppermint oil from the plant’s leaves. They market it as either an extract or essential oil. The latter is far more concentrated. Peppermint has a variety of uses; consider the following examples.

10 Wonderful Uses for Peppermint Oil

1. It Can Relieve Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS)

In 2019, the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine published an overview of twelve studies that involved a total of 835 patients. Some patients were given capsules containing peppermint while others were given a placebo. The researchers found that peppermint did relieve the symptoms, especially abdominal pain.

Scientists, however, are still not sure how peppermint works. They have several hypotheses as to how it helps patients with IBS:

This oil is an anti-inflammatory
It reduces the GI tract’s sensitivity to pain
It relaxes the smooth muscles in the GI tract
This oil has some effect on the gut bacteria

2. It Can Relieve Other GI Tract Conditions

Menthol is one of the main chemical components of peppermint. A combination of menthol and caraway can relieve functional dyspepsia, which causes abdominal pain and bloating.

The journal Pediatrics described a 2017 review in which researchers analyzed 14 studies that examined the effectiveness of various herbal remedies on GI tract complaints in children. The scientists found that peppermint could ease pain and reduce the duration and frequency of stomach upsets.

3. It Promotes Hair Growth

Peppermint oil promotes hair growth by stimulating circulation. It may also increase the number of follicles on the scalp.

Like most essential oils, peppermint should not be applied to the hair or skin in an undiluted form. Instead, mix every drop of peppermint oil with two drops of carrier oil like coconut oil. Massage the mixture into the hair and leave it in for at least five minutes before shampooing.

4. It Can Relieve Headaches and Migraines

The menthol in peppermint can also relieve migraines and headaches. In 2015, the science journal Frontiers in Neurology described a study in which researchers compared the effectiveness of a topical gel made from peppermint against that of a placebo. The researchers found that patients who had used the peppermint gel reported a marked improvement two hours after using it.

5. It Can Relieve Other Types of Pain

The science journal Digestive Diseases and Sciences described a 2019 study in which researchers gave dissolvable peppermint tablets to patients who had non-cardiac chest pain or trouble swallowing. Over 60 percent of the participants reported feeling better after taking the tablets.

6. It Can Relieve Sore Throats

The menthol in peppermint oil is an active ingredient in many throat lozenges and cough drops. Peppermint may also have antimicrobial properties that enable it to fight the pathogens that cause colds.

To treat a sore throat, add a few drops of peppermint to a glass of warm water. You can also add salt to the mixture. Gargle for about a minute.

7. It Is A Decongestant

When used in aromatherapy, peppermint oil can ease nasal and chest congestion. You can use a diffuser in which you add a few drops to the water in the diffuser. If you don’t have a diffuser, you can heat a pot of water on the stove and add a few drops of oil. Inhaling the resulting vapors will ease the congestion.

8. It Can Relieve Itching

In 2016, the journal Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology described a study in which researchers used a topical peppermint treatment on patients with chronic itching. The scientists found that the peppermint eased the itching. It also had the advantages of being inexpensive, safe, and easy to use.

9. It Is A Bug Repellent

People can use either the peppermint plant or the essential oil to repel bugs. In 2011, the Asia Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine reported a study in which scientists tested peppermint oil’s efficacy as a mosquito repellent and larvicide. They found it could repel mosquitoes for at least 2.5 hours, and that it could kill their larvae.

Peppermint can also repel mice, rats, and spiders. Sprinkling the oil on a pet’s bed can protect them from various pests.

10. It Can Be Used to Make Toothpaste

Peppermint can be used as an ingredient in DIY toothpaste. One recipe is as follows:

½ cup of coconut oil
20 drops of peppermint oil
10 drops of myrrh extract
2 packets of stevia sweetener
2 or 3 tbsp of baking soda

11. It Can Be Used to Make A Disinfectant

Many different essential oils can be used to make DIY disinfectants. While many essential oils have some antibacterial properties, no one oil can kill all the bacteria infesting a bathroom or kitchen. Combining two or more oils, on the other hand, increases their effectiveness. They also smell nice. For example, peppermint can be mixed with tea tree oil to make a strong disinfectant with a pleasant aroma.

12. It Can Relieve Sore Muscles

The menthol in peppermint has a cooling effect that can soothe sore muscles. Peppermint also has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, and it can relieve spasms caused by pain. There are several ways to use it. For example, you can mix the oil with a carrier oil and put the mixture in a roll-on bottle. You can then use the bottle before or after a workout.

You can also massage the mixture into a sore muscle, so it will penetrate below the skin and relieve pain and stiffness. Here is an example of a recipe for this type of balm:

8 to 10 drops of peppermint essential oil
2 tbsp of Aloe vera gel

Adding the mixture to a warm bath is yet another way to relieve stiff and sore muscles.

The peppermint mixture can also be used with compresses. You would add it to a bowl of water. Usually, you would use hot water for pain and stiffness and cold water for inflammation. After soaking a towel in the water, you would place it on the sore area and leave it there for about a quarter of an hour.

13. It Can Relieve Rheumatoid Arthritis

Peppermint oil can reduce the inflammation that accompanies rheumatoid arthritis. It also has analgesic properties that ease joint pain; it can also relieve stiffness. You would massage the peppermint into the affected joint.

14. It May Relieve Nausea

Peppermint may help relieve nausea – but studies have produced mixed results. For example, the journal Nursing described a 2016 study in which patients who had undergone heart surgery were given a nasal inhaler filled with peppermint essential oil to relieve their nausea. Many patients reported feeling better after using the inhaler for just two minutes.

Conversely, the Cochrane Library published a 2018 review of several studies in which researchers administered aromatherapy to patients who were experiencing post-operative nausea. They found that the peppermint vapors were about as effective as a placebo in easing nausea. On the other hand, they did find some slight evidence that the patients who used peppermint needed fewer anti-vomiting medications than those who did not. They also commented that many of the studies they had reviewed were of poor quality.

A 2018 study reported in Journal of Reproduction & Infertility found that peppermint essential oil was no more effective in treating nausea than was a placebo. The scientists had worked with a group of pregnant women and had them undergo aromatherapy by inhaling peppermint vapors.

More research needs to be done to determine how effective peppermint essential oil is a nausea treatment. New studies should cover longer time periods (up to 24 hours) and include data on both nausea and vomiting. Researchers should also conduct trials with children.

15 – It Has Some Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties

Peppermint is also an effective treatment for some bacterial and fungal infections – and research indicates that the key word is “some.”

For example, the journal Molecules described a 2011 study in which researchers tested the effects of peppermint essential oil on several strains of Staphylococcus aureus and found that it slowed the bacteria’s population growth. Since S. aureus has become increasingly resistant to antibiotics, scientists have been looking for alternative treatments, and peppermint essential oil may be one of them.

Researchers tested the effects of nine essential oils on the bacteria Streptococcus mutans in 2012. While some essential oils did affect the bacteria, peppermint, unfortunately, did not.

In 2017, scientists conducted a similar study in which they tested the effects of several essential oils on Candida albans. So peppermint essential oil did have some effect on the fungus. However, the other oils were all more effective with tea tree oil being the most effective.

Essential oils, in general, seem to be useful treatments for bacterial and fungal infections. Different oils, however, strongly affect different bacteria and fungi. Scientists will have to continue working to identify the essential oils that are the most effective against a given pathogen.

Prefer tea remedies? Here’s how peppermint tea can benefit you.

Final Thoughts on the Usefulness of Peppermint Oil

Like most essential oils, peppermint should never be taken by mouth. Very large doses can actually be toxic, so you should always dilute peppermint before using it. Again, this is also true of many essential oils.

Peppermint can also interact with some medications and thus cause side effects. Anybody taking prescription medication should talk to their doctor before using peppermint.

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