5 Reasons Everyone Needs An Aries In Their Life

November 4, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Do you have an Aries in your life? If not, you probably should! Being the first sign in the zodiac, an Aries can be a whirling dynamo of primal free will. But that’s all the more reason to love them!

Those born under the Aries sign are known for their passion, intensity, and strong personalities. Although they can have dynamic personalities and plenty of vehemently stated opinions, they make fantastic friends. Here are some reasons everyone needs an Aries in their life!

Here Are 5 Reasons Everyone Needs An Aries In Their Life

“Aries will never let you face your problems alone. They will always be right there to protect you.” – Unknown

1. An Aries is always fun and passionate

An Aries is constantly seeking new ways to have fun. They are energetic and often seem to have a burning fire within them – likely because they are a fire sign! There’s a reason that those born under Aries are often referred to as dynamic. They have tons of energy and are commanding and compelling.

Aries can often also be a little childlike. This may be because they are the first zodiac sign.
They generally have positive thinking.
He loves seeing the good in the world.
She can be brazenly optimistic.
Since they have a childlike perspective toward life, it makes sense that they’re going to want to have fun!

Basically, if you’re looking for a friend who is the life of the party, you need look no further than an Aries. Even an introverted one can liven up a party and socializes wonderfully with those around them. Since many born under this sign like being the center of attention, social gatherings are where they can strut their stuff!

An Aries is rarely ever concerned about what others think of them. As we said, they mainly strive to have fun. Essentially, they aim to live their truth and enjoy existence. They don’t have time to spend living their lives through the eyes of others.

An Aries believes that rules are made to be broken. They don’t mind getting in trouble and taking risks. Best of all, they know that there’s fun to be had in being a little mischievous!

And guess what? This confidence is infectious! An Aries can teach you how to truly be yourself, unapologetically. Since Irene S Levine Ph.D. states that friends commonly build up each other’s self-confidence, it’s safe to say that an Aries will make a great friend.

On top of all that, this fun is purposeful and exciting because of how passionate an Aries can be. An Aries feels everything very intensely, so their happiness is infectious. There will never be a dull moment when an Aries is around!

2. An Aries is brutally honest

You’ll never have to second-guess yourself with an Aries. Worrying about whether a friend truly likes you, someone has a crush on you, or if a person is angry with you will turn into a thing of the past. According to BetterHealth, communication is crucial in any relationship, friendships included. With an Aries, this comes naturally.

They are direct and straightforward.
If something you’ve done has bothered them, they will let you know.
If they genuinely like you and think you’re great, they’ll tell you.
You’ll rarely have to worry about their intentions, so you’ll feel secure.
This also means that an Aries is the best person to go to for opinions and advice.
If they think your new partner isn’t right for you, they won’t hesitate to let you know.
If they think you’re being ridiculous, they’ll tell you. (And if you don’t look very good in that shirt, they’ll be honest about it when you ask.)

An Aries seems to know what you need to hear. They’ll waste no time keeping secrets from you, harboring resentment, or holding their tongue when they believe they know what’s best. You can count on someone born under this sign to look out for you and stand up to you even when you don’t want to hear something they know you need. This can make them amazing, positive influences to have in your life.

The reason behind this? An Aries has no tolerance for bulls***. They don’t take nonsense from anybody. Hang around an Aries long enough, and you’ll learn how to stop tolerating mistreatment and start calling people out on their crap, too.

3. An Aries is strong-willed

You will meet few individuals more determined than an Aries. Once they have their eyes set on a particular goal, absolutely nothing you do or say can stop them. No matter what gets in their way, someone born under this sign will fight to succeed.

No matter how tough the fight is, they will not give up.
In their minds, if they keep pushing, they will find the success they seek.
This headstrong nature makes them fantastic motivators.
They won’t give up on themselves, and they won’t give up on you, either (even when you’ve given up on yourself).

This trait expands into the work of an Aries, too. Although they are optimistic, they are grounded in reality.

They know that hard work and lots of effort are the only things that can truly help them achieve their dreams.
They’re willing to try every option and expend every avenue.
They won’t take no for an answer – in the best way.

A lot of this is rooted in the natural stubbornness of an Aries. Being represented by the sign of the Ram makes this even more obvious. They’re hard-headed and refuse to back down. When faced with adversity, they will dig in their heels and demand to get their way.

This means an Aries will also fight for you with all their might. If you’re being treated unfairly, the Ram will stand up for you. When you’re ready to throw in the towel, an Aries will get you back up on your feet with positive thinking.

As the inspirational Oprah Winfrey said, your friends should be those who lift you higher. That’s what an Aries will do – lift you up and show you how to be the best you can be.

It goes without saying, then, that an Aries is a great person to have on your team. When they’re on your side, they’ll help you take down any adversities you face. But when the Ram is on the other team, expect to have a hard time!

4. An Aries is adventurous and spontaneous

As we said earlier, an Aries is a positive force for fun and excitement. But there’s another aspect to this that we didn’t cover. This fun and need to try new things and take risks makes someone born under this sign highly spontaneous. It’s why so many people born under this sign love adventure!

You won’t know what’s coming next with the Ram. While it can certainly be a double-edged sword, someone born under this sign is likely to be balanced enough for the spontaneity to be healthy. Besides, living with spontaneity is better than relying solely on your planner!

There is actual research published in the Journal of Marketing Research about this. This study proved that planning activities in advance can, sometimes, take all the fun out of the actual activity. This phenomenon is called the calendar mindset and it’s no good for a positive adventure. In fact, being spontaneous every now and then is a fantastic way to live!

This will be excited to show you new things.
With someone born under this sign, you’ll learn new things and discover new worlds you would have never encountered without them.
In a sense, being with an Aries can be incredibly enriching, both physically and spiritually.
This means the Ram will also be happy to push you a little out of your comfort zone.
They will give you a tentative nudge in the right direction to help you overcome your nervousness.
Every moment will be interesting and you won’t be able to help wanting to come along!

An Aries will teach you that life is best lived when you’re willing to try new things. He’ll take you bungee jumping or skydiving. She’ll get you to watch that movie everyone says is the scariest of all time. They’ll teach you the joys of traveling, even on a backpacker’s budget. Sure, it’s a wild ride – but you’ll live your life to the fullest!

5. An Aries is loyal

An Aries is fiercely loyal. They make incredibly best friends and secret-keepers. Despite their adherence to honesty, they would never reveal your secrets to anyone. If you whisper something to the Ram in confidence, their lips are sealed for life.

He would never dream of tearing you down to make themselves look better.
She will speak highly of you to others.
He will defend your good name and keep you out of trouble.
She will bring you home safely when you’re blackout drunk.
They’ll fight for you and always have your back, and they’ll expect you to have theirs.

An Aries will also be very trusting. They tend to see the best in others and will likely think highly of you until you give them a reason to believe otherwise. They will never doubt your honesty unless you betray them – so don’t!

An Aries will be one of the best friends you’ve ever had. They truly know what it means to be with someone through thick and thin. No matter what you do, you’ll always be confident that they have a special place for you in their heart.

Final Thoughts About Why Everyone Needs An Aries In Their Life

The fact is that everyone needs an Aries in their life. Sure, sometimes, they get a bad rep for being diva-ish, too direct, and a little selfish. But the truth is that no one will care for you as intensely as these special people do!

If you have a friend born under this sign, consider yourself lucky! There’s no limit to what could happen when they’re allowed to run wild and free. They’re fiery, fun, honest, adventurous, and passionate – what’s not to love?

5 Hidden Dangers of An Iodine Deficiency (And How to Fix It)

November 3, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Over a hundred years ago, iodine was cited as the universal medicine that can treat different medical conditions. Its positive effects were hailed in tons of old journals and studies. But by the 1950s, iodine slowly lost its appeal following a report from doctors at the University of California that an excess of iodine deficiency in the body can lead to a disorder.

The medical community soon used less iodine and the fallout also impacted the food industry. Manufacturers began substituting its iodine ingredients with other substances. By the 1970s, worldwide iodine consumption dropped as much as 50 percent.

But decades later, different studies have linked iodine deficiency to conditions like breast or prostate cancer, as well as other chronic or life-threatening illnesses. It turns out that while there are consequences for having too much iodine, the lack of it also poses a lot of risks.

Here Are 5 Hidden Dangers Of An Iodine Deficiency And How To Fix It

“Iodine is the most misunderstood nutrient when it comes to thyroid disorders.” – Dr. David Brownstein

1. You’re gaining weight even if you’re eating right

The human body needs iodine to help the thyroid gland produce triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) hormones.

These hormones have a vital role in how the body efficiently burns the calories. So, your metabolism may feel the effects if your body has an insufficient amount of iodine.
If your body’s metabolic function slows down, it is harder to convert the food you ate into energy.
As a result, you’re likely to store more fat in your cells than burn it. If you don’t take care of your iodine deficiency, the resultant weight gain can lead to a host of other chronic diseases that affect your heart, liver, and kidneys.

According to the American Thyroid Association, you need to source iodine from the food you eat since the body doesn’t produce this element on its own. If you have an iodine deficiency, your thyroid may grow into a goiter, otherwise known as an abnormally large thyroid gland, or you could develop hypothyroidism that can lead to weight gain.

Unlike other diseases, hypothyroidism does not have any significantly different symptoms that should cause an alarm. However, if you’ve been eating right and following a positive diet plan but you are still gaining weight, it might be best to get yourself checked.

The only way to tell if you have the condition is through blood tests, a thyroid-stimulating hormone test, and a physical examination with your doctor.

There is no known cure for hypothyroidism. The cause of the disorder cannot be eliminated but you can manage and control your weight gain – as well as symptoms like fatigue, constipation, and muscle spasms or aches – with medications and weight management.

2. Your skin is dry and your hair is falling

Skin Care

Did you know that your skin stores 20 percent of the iodine you source from food? In particular, your sweat glands have a lot of iodine. If you are deficient of this nutrient then you may not be able to perspire well even if you’re soaking in the sauna.

When you can’t perspire, your skin won’t be sufficiently moisturized.
The hormones from your thyroid gland, which has the iodine, also aid in the regeneration of your skin cells, according to a study in Dermato Endocrinology.
If your skin cells cannot properly regenerate, you’ll develop dry and flaky skin.
Managing dry skin can be more than challenging since you’ll experience tightness that may also lead to peeling and itching.
In general, it’s unflattering to have dry skin and it can make you look older than your age. But you can do many things to turn this condition around.

For one thing, you have to moisturize, exfoliate and hydrate regularly. Fortunately, you have many choices for moisturizers, as there are hundreds of skin care products in the market. However, go for products that use natural ingredients as much as possible as harsh chemicals might irritate your dry skin further.

Every time you wash your face, apply the moisturizer to keep your skin softer. Once or twice a week, gently exfoliate to remove the dead skin cells that contribute to the dryness and skin blemishes.

Hair Growth

Meanwhile, iodine is also essential for hair growth. This is once again linked to the function of the thyroid gland. The hormones that this gland produces can dictate the quality and health of your hair. So, when it’s not working right, your hair can turn dry, brittle or rough just like the condition of your skin.

An iodine deficiency is one of the most common reasons many women suffer hair loss. This nutrient combats problems like premature graying and hair fall. It also contributes to the strength of your hair.

So, eat foods that are good for your skin or hair and great for your diet in general, such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Avoid foods and drinks that can contribute to the dryness, such as coffee or alcohol, fried foods, packed and processed foods.

3. You’re more prone to feel colder than other people

A study found in the journal Hippokratia cited that 80 percent of people who have been diagnosed with low thyroid hormone levels were also likely to be more sensitive to colder temperatures. Experts tied this to slow metabolism, which makes your body generate less heat.

A slow metabolism also prevents good circulation of the blood to your organs and your skin. As a result, you’re bound to bundle up more when in low temperatures compared to other people.

As mentioned, the T3 and T4 hormones contribute to your body’s metabolic rate and biochemical process. Aside from regulating your body temperature, it also influences your heart rate and blood pressure.

All these elements affect the way your body responds to the cold thus, it’s vital to keep your thyroid’s function in check because of the number of effects it has upon the body.

4. You have signs of depression

Should you be taking a thyroid medication instead of an antidepressant when you have symptoms of depression? According to Harvard Health, this mental health concern might be linked to a disorder in the thyroid gland.

People typically regard depression as an emotional or biochemical problem of the brain. However, several studies have shown that diet and nutrition, particularly iodine deficiency, may also be important factors to a person’s depressive moods.

The thyroid gland that produces iodine takes cues from the pituitary gland near the brain.
When the levels of hormones on the thyroid gland falls, the pituitary gland receives less stimulation.
At the same time, other organs also slow down its function when the thyroid is not working right.
As a result, you experience different symptoms including depression and decreased cognitive function.

Your symptoms of depression might be tied to an iodine deficiency if you also have other signs related to the disease, such as constipation, fatigue, muscle aches, dryness of the skin, and sensitivity to the cold. To confirm this, consult an internist and get a blood test to determine if you have a thyroid disorder. If you’re positive for this condition, talk to your psychiatrist so that they can adjust your therapy and medications.

5. Your menstrual period is highly irregular

An underactive thyroid gland can lead to amenorrhea or highly irregular periods. Your blood flow might also remain heavy, even on days when the period should be nearing the end of its cycle.

A malfunctioning thyroid prevents a woman’s body from ovulating properly. It disturbs and impacts the functions of the pituitary hormones. In many cases, doctors don’t always determine the thyroid as the main cause of period problems.

Medical journals dating back to the 1840s had already identified an iodine deficiency’s links to an irregular menstrual cycle, according to a study in the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. If you think your unusual blood flow might be linked to a thyroid disorder, ask your doctor for some tests.

Hypothyroidism also impairs insulin production, therefore women diagnosed with this condition often receive treatment for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). One of the symptoms of PCOS is irregular menstruation. Hypothyroidism may also increase estrogen exposure and decreases blood coagulation. Because of this, you experience heavy periods.

Treating Iodine Deficiency

According to the National Health Institutes, you need to take 150 mcg of iodine a day if you’re above 14 years old. Breastfeeding and pregnant mothers need 290 mcg daily to meet the recommended allowance for this nutrient. This is because their hormone production is different during this phase.

Some of the foods that are rich in iodine include codfish, seaweed, and cranberries. Also, plain low-fat yogurt, potato (baked and not fried), shrimp, eggs, dried prunes, and beans have plenty of iodine.
You may also gain iodine from multivitamins and supplements or add iodized salt in your cooking.
You may like eating vegetables but if you’ve been diagnosed with an underactive thyroid, take note of which veggies you eat. Try to reduce your consumption of broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and kale. Although these foods are healthy, they contain elements that might make your thyroid condition worse, according to a study.
Make sure that you steam and thoroughly cook these vegetables if you would still like to include them in your daily meals.

A study published in the Chinese Journal of Control of Endemic Diseases found out that children in several villages in the Asian country had a lower IQ level because of iodine deficiency. Their water source apparently had high fluoride content. You lose significant iodine levels in your body if you smoke cigarettes or drink fluoridated water.

Final Thoughts On The Hidden Dangers Of An Iodine Deficiency

Since the noticeable decline in iodine consumption, many governments all over the world have adopted a salt iodization program for their respective countries to fight iodine deficiency. Today, you can find iodized salt in pretty much any kitchen.

However, an overdose of iodine may also be risky for those with health problems, such as a kidney disease. As with anything, the key is to strive for balance with your iodine intake. Follow your doctor’s orders carefully and take heed of prescribed doses.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yG-G9_LOkLA

7 Anger Management Tips That Make You Feel Calm (Even When It Seems Impossible)

November 3, 2018 by Power of Positivity

While the slogan ‘keep calm and carry on’ is a popular mantra, it is much easier said than done. Everyone loses his or her cool once in a while; negative emotions are part of being human. Still, very few people can have angry outbursts without seeing some ramifications. Parents need to be especially diligent about anger management, as their children are constantly watching and absorbing the good, the bad, and the ugly.

The irony of anger management while parenting is that raising children is inherently taxing. Furthermore, children are experts at pushing their parents’ buttons, eliciting a highly charged response. What is a parent to do? These anger management tips might be all it takes to harness this stormy emotion.

Get perspective.

Put yourself in someone else’s shoes. However, this someone isn’t just anyone; it’s your child. Now imagine being yelled at. The person yelling at you is physically much, much bigger than you. Plus, you adore this screaming being. He or she is the center of your universe! You were trying your hardest and doing your best, but you made a mistake, a miscalculation. You haven’t yet learned these things and aren’t mature enough to behave differently. Before you tear into your child, imagine how you would feel.

Lighten up.

Find a way to laugh about the crazy situation you may find yourself in. When life hands you lemons, make lemonade as this dad did. His wife was hesitant to leave the house for an outing, as the young couple had recently had a baby, and the musician father hadn’t yet been alone with all three kids. She left a long list which included the task of feeding the baby finger foods. Easy, right? Nonetheless, this baby had quite an arm for slinging food around the room. Of course, this made the older kids laugh and join the fun. The oldest child shouted out to her father, “Dad, let’s write a song about this!” This wise dad possessed excellent anger management skills as he started singing and enlisting his family to help him clean up. Kids love experiences like this and will learn healthy anger management tips that will last a lifetime.

Dig deeper.

Child-rearing is wrought with unknowns that can cause worry and fear. Examine what the real emotion/problem is that you are feeling. Are you insecure about your parenting skills or afraid of how your child reflects on your skills as a mom or dad? Are you experiencing misplaced frustration that isn’t even related to your child? Has the baby kept you awake all night, and you just need some sleep? Maybe you are rushed, running late, or overbooked. Even if the real root of your anger is something that is in fact related to your child, it’s imperative that your have a healthy response.

Remove yourself.

Physically, mentally, and emotionally step away from your child if possible. Take a time out. Step into another room or outside if your kids are old enough. Break away for a minute to calm down. Anger management is about managing you, not about handling your children. Take breaks preemptively, before you are facing a nerve-wracking situation. This will help you be a healthier, happier parent. Treat yourself well so that you can treat your family well.

Express it.

Give a name to the emotions you are feeling. Are you furious or just upset? In a healthy way, use words that truly convey your point of view. Are you hurt, raging or scared? Your child will learn how to express his or her feelings more accurately from the good example that you set. Talk it through briefly, then move on; don’t dwell on it.

Let go.

Pick your battles. Don’t make a stand on every mountain. Sometimes it’s more important to communicate a message of love and mercy to your child. If you feel it’s necessary, tell them that you’re upset, but that you love them and expect them to make a change. It can be as simple as that. Other times, words aren’t needed; a hug will diffuse the situation.

Carry on.

So, keep calm and carry on! Be diligent, yet not too hard on yourself. Each child is different. Each situation is different. Each age is different. Sometimes anger management is a breeze. Other times, it will take every ounce of strength that you have! Continue to learn and practice new strategies. Be sure to take care of yourself and seek help when you need it. Help can be found from professional counselors. Maybe an occasional babysitter is all you need. Either way, your vitality is critical to the success of your family.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k99uas87S-M

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Beautiful Message For Anyone With Depression

November 3, 2018 by Power of Positivity

If you or someone you know suffers from depression, you know how debilitating and lonely it can feel. Depression is more than just feeling sad; it’s a chronic, persistent feeling of despair, emptiness, and exhaustion. It’s going through the motions to try to make it to tomorrow.

Depression is that nagging voice in your head telling you that everything is pointless and that nothing you do will make a difference.

Sadly, millions of people worldwide suffer from this awful illness, and just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean the person isn’t in pain. While mental illnesses can and often do present with physical symptoms, most of the anguish people feel comes from their minds. Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide and affects more than 300 million people globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

“I’m exhausted from trying to be stronger than I feel.” – Unknown

Symptoms of Depression

People can feel a variety of symptoms ranging in severity. We’ll go over some common symptoms of depression, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. If you experience more than five of these symptoms consistently for at least two weeks, you might suffer from depression.

Feeling sad, empty, or anxious for no reason
Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
Feeling irritable and negative
Feeling guilty or worthless
Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
Low energy/ fatigued easily
Difficulty speaking or speaking more slowly
Restlessness and difficulty sitting still for long periods
Difficulty remembering things, focusing, and making decisions
Sleep problems such as oversleeping, difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, restless sleep, or sleeping too little
Loss or increase in appetite
Suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts
Body aches such as headaches, stomach aches, digestive problems, and muscle aches that don’t get better with treatment

Depression can present with other symptoms, but the ones listed above are the most common. Now that we’ve gone over the symptoms of depression, we’ll go over effective treatments for it.

Treatment for Depression

Remember that you can find dozens of different online remedies claiming to treat or cure depression; however, the ones listed below are scientifically proven to ease symptoms. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, here are the most common depression treatments:

Traditional Treatment

Psychotherapy

This includes therapy such as CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy), IPT (interpersonal therapy), or psychodynamic therapy.

Cognitive behavioral therapy involves assessing and working to change negative thinking patterns associated with depression. It teaches patients valuable skills and coping strategies for negative thoughts and how to recognize them.
Dialectical behavioral therapy is a specific type of therapy that teaches skills such as mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. It was created initially to help chronically suicidal individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, research shows that it can treat a variety of other conditions, such as substance dependence, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and eating disorders.
Interpersonal therapy focuses on helping people improve their relationships with others and evaluate how they interact with others. If the main cause of depression in an individual is determined to be relationships with others, this type of therapy might be recommended.
Psychodynamic therapy involves looking into an individual’s past to recognize negative thinking patterns and behaviors associated with prior experiences. It helps the person work through those experiences and gain a new perspective. Also, unconscious thinking processes and behaviors are a key focus of this type of therapy.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants such as Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs), and Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) can all aid in minimizing feelings of depression. Some antidepressants can take two to four weeks to begin working and up to 12 weeks to reach full effect. Many people will have to try out several different medications before finding one that works for them.

While there is still quite a stigma surrounding treating depression with medication, 40-60% of people taking an antidepressant see an improvement in their symptoms within six to eight weeks, according to research.

It’s been proven, however, that a combination of medication and psychotherapy is more effective in treating depression than either one on its own.

Natural/Alternative Treatment

Many people don’t want to take medication or go to therapy and would rather take a more natural approach. These are some of the most common, effective natural remedies to treat depression:

Exercise has been shown to help alleviate symptoms of depression. It releases feel-good hormones such as dopamine and serotonin, both of which are lacking in people with depression.
Eating healthy is also important for people with depression. Certain nutrients have been shown to help alleviate symptoms, including zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, folate, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin D.
Some people choose to take supplements such as St. John’s wort for depression. Other supplements for depression include 5-HTP, SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-Methionine), and folate (L-methylfolate). Consult with your doctor before taking these, however, because they can react negatively with antidepressants or other medications.
There are many studies on how meditation can positively impact depression. Because meditation helps you destress and literally rewires your brain, it can be a valuable tool in the fight against depression.

These are just a few methods that have been shown to help depression. Many others exist, but ultimately, you must do what feels right to you. People react differently to various treatments, so it’s often a process of trial and error. Remember that alternative therapies typically work best in conjunction with medication, therapy, or both.

Now you know about some effective treatments for depression, and we hope you find something that works for you. Since depression can affect anyone of any age or economic status, we thought we would give you advice from a big name in the celebrity world. Depression can feel like an uphill battle, but a message from this man will help you keep going when you feel like giving up.

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Reaction to a Fan with Depression

A Reddit user named Ali, who suffers from depression, took to Reddit for advice about how to get back into working out. He posted on the /r/bodybuilding subreddit, where Arnold posts frequently, asking for advice from the Terminator himself.

“I know this is pandering but, I’ve been depressed for months and haven’t hit the gym during that time,” he wrote. “Mr. Schwarzenegger, can you please tell me to get off my lazy a** and hit the gym? I swear to everything I hold dear that I will snap out of it and go.”

Arnie actually replied to the fan, but instead of criticizing him, he empathized with him.

“I’m not going to be that hard on you,” he said. “Please don’t be that hard on yourself. We all go through challenges, we all go through failure. Sometimes life is a workout. But the key thing is you get up. Just move a little. Roll out of bed and do some pushups or go for a walk. Just do something. One step at a time, I hope you feel better and get back to the gym. But don’t beat yourself up, because that’s just useless talk. It doesn’t get you closer to the gym. And don’t be afraid to ask for help. Good luck.”

Upon reading Arnie’s reply, Ali said that he “jumped out of bed” and went to the gym. Arnold checked on him the next day and was pleased to find out that his message motivated Ali to return to the gym. Other Reddit users commented on Arnold’s response, saying he’s an “amazing mentor” for checking in on the young man and offering sound advice.

Arnie even posted a video response, saying he was happy that Ali was feeling better.

This shows that advice and motivation go a long way, whether you’re a celebrity or not.

Final Thoughts on Help for Depression

Depression can take a toll on a person after a while, especially without proper treatment. However, there are effective treatments out there, such as self-care, exercise, eating healthy, meditation, therapy, and medication. Combining these may work best, but everyone is different and responds differently to treatment. It’s worth it to try out various methods to see what will work best for you personally.

We hope that you can take Arnold Schwarzenegger’s advice and remember not to be hard on yourself as you move through life. No matter if you suffer from mild or severe depression, all that really matters is that you keep going. Some days, you might only accomplish getting out of bed, while on another day, you might run a marathon. Remember that life isn’t about how fast you get to the finish line; it’s about your experiences along the way.

Don’t be your worst enemy; nurture yourself and treat yourself compassionately. You, above everyone else, deserve your love and understanding. Depression is difficult to live with, so don’t make it harder by putting yourself down. You’re more than worth self-love and acceptance.

3 Foods That Are Bad For Digestion

November 3, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Digestion is one of the most critical processes of the body. It allows us to properly process the yummy things we eat by breaking them down and converting them into nutrients. We get many positive benefits from a strong, healthy digestive system.

It’s safe to say that the end goal of eating any meal is to digest the food consumed successfully. This gives us energy, fullness, and the necessary components for better health. But what happens when your food is too difficult for the digestive system to handle?

Some foods aren’t made for an easy passage into and through the body. They might cause indigestion due to specific properties. They might result in tummy aches and gas. And, worst of all, they may cause serious harm to your digestive system. Here are some foods that are bad for digestion which you should avoid!

Here Are 3 Foods That Are Bad For Digestion

“A healthy outside starts from the inside.” – Robert Urich

1. Artificial sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners are everywhere. They’re in lots of candies and other items. And it’s not surprising – America has a huge sweet tooth! Most Americans consume approximately 20 teaspoons of sugar per day. Yikes!

That means sugar-free products are suitable for us, right? In fact, many products that claim to be sugar-free only rely on technicality. They might not have natural sugar, but they do contain artificial sweeteners.

But still, artificial sweeteners are much better than sugar, aren’t they? The American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association have both agreed that these are better than sugar in combating diabetes and obesity. Unfortunately, they’re still not great, especially regarding digestion.

How Digestive Bacteria Works

The gut is full of healthy bacteria that help the digestive system function better. There are between 300 and 500 kinds of them. Paired with other microorganisms, they line the digestive system in the colon and intestines.

These bacteria are responsible for many different functions, including metabolism, digestive processes, and even moods. Because the gut has a ton of nerve endings, issues in balance can lead to problems in the central nervous system and brain. This means bad gut bacteria levels can lead to stress, less positive thinking, and even developmental issues.

You need healthy balances of all these bacteria in order to remain healthy. Research suggests that gut bacteria balance and number are different in those with certain illnesses than those in healthy individuals. Digestion issues are especially common.

A too-high amount of gut bacteria is known to cause the metabolization of fiber into fatty acids, leading to excess liver fat. Too-low amounts of certain bacteria can result in other diseases, and unbalanced numbers are equally dangerous. Often, imbalanced gut bacteria can result in:

Metabolic syndrome
Heart disease
Type 2 diabetes
Obesity
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Colon cancer
Rheumatoid arthritis
Depression
Anxiety
Autism

How Artificial Sweeteners Affect Gut Bacteria

Research published in the Molecules journal shows that artificial sweeteners can be toxic to our necessary gut bacteria and bad for digestion. The study, conducted by Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University and Negev, Israel’s Ben-Gurion University, tested the use of common sweeteners with mice. Here are the sweeteners they tested:

Aspartame
Sucralose
Saccharine
Neotame
Advantame
Acesulfame Potassium-K

When fed just 1 mg per milliliter of each sweetener, the mice experienced negative effects on their digestion. The bacteria within their digestive systems was discovered to have turned toxic. This serves as proof that sweeteners can negatively affect microbes within the digestive system.

Artificial sweeteners can cause glucose intolerance in consumers and severely affect the body’s health. Some individuals experience indigestion, diarrhea, and other adverse effects from excess sweetener consumption.

Does this mean you should never use artificial sweeteners? Not at all. They are effective alternatives to sugar and are healthier in some ways. However, as with anything else, consume in moderation!

2. Fried food

Most of us already know that fried food is extremely unhealthy. But it’s not just because of its high calories, excessive fat, and oil content, or questionable nutritional content. It’s also bad for digestion.

This is especially true for noticeably fattier foods, such as certain cuts of meat and steak or french fries and chips. These foods are packed with saturated fat, which the body naturally has trouble digesting, to begin with.

This is especially dangerous for those who regularly suffer from heartburn. The valve to the stomach will become looser, allowing for the rise of stomach acid up into the esophagus. This means heartburn will be even more aggravated.

But that’s not the only way fried food is bad for digestion. Here are three more factors that make these tasty but unhealthy treats terrible for your gut.

It Causes Gut Bacteria Imbalance

As we mentioned earlier, the digestive system is full of healthy bacteria. These bacteria are needed in a specific balance in order to maintain healthy digestive function. Unfortunately, fried foods disrupt this careful balance.

The microbiome in your gut is always affected in some way by what you eat. Fatty, fried foods smothered in grease are decidedly not good for it. They can completely tip the needed balance of both these microorganisms and the fatty acids in the body. Potentially, this can lead to hormone imbalances, depleted positive thinking, and worsened immune system health.

If you’re looking for fats that are good for the gut, opt for more nourishing sources of fat that aren’t fried. These will provide more positive results. Some examples include:

Fish (especially fatty fish)
Avocados
Butter
Extra virgin olive oil

Of course, keep in mind that fats should be consumed only in moderation. Unless you are on a specific diet, fats shouldn’t take up too much of your daily nutrition!

It’s Exhausting For The Digestive System

Fat is incredibly difficult to digest. It requires a mix of digestive juices, such as stomach acid and bile as well as enzymes to be fully broken down. This means digestion processes have to work overtime to even get the fat down in the first place.

Meanwhile, the needed digestive juices may not be available. If you’re under stress or taking medication, the volume of these juices you have can be much lower than what is needed. Many people crave junk food and fried food in times of stress. Unfortunately, caving into those cravings means your system will be struggling to digest any of it.

That’s not all. The addition of fat – including oils and grease – into a system with depleted digestive juices doesn’t just give you indigestion. It can also cause:

Nausea
Bloating
Stomach pain
Abdominal discomfort

To avoid these issues, opt for more wholesome foods when you’re feeling stressed. Although it can seem like the last thing you want to eat, you’ll feel much more positive when eating right.

It Makes You Need To Run Straight To The Bathroom

Since fried foods aren’t easy to digest, you might wind up with gross, greasy food sitting in your stomach. As they pass through your intestines, they still won’t be very well digested. This means you might wind up with oily or greasy stools. Yuck!

Some people even experience diarrhea from eating fried foods. So if you don’t want to do a number on your digestion and spend the day sitting on a porcelain throne, maybe skip the fried food during your next meal.

3. Alcohol

There are a few ways that alcohol isn’t bad for you. A little bit now and then is alright, but an excess has plenty of damaging qualities. Mainly, it affects the kidney and livers, but it also affects the digestion.

Alcohol is not digested in the same way as most other foods. It swerves past typical digestive processes and enters the bloodstream directly. In fact, only 20% of the alcohol you drink will be absorbed in the stomach, while a huge 80% winds up being absorbed through the small intestine. Here are some of the ways this can be harmful to the digestive system.

It Changes The Way Stomach Acid Is Produced

Drinking alcohol can cause a huge increase in stomach acid. When more stomach acid is produced, the stomach can no longer efficiently destroy harmful bacteria. This means the small intestine could become infected with bad bacteria.

Many who drink too much alcohol also often experience intestinal sores, severe pain in the stomach, and other similar issues. According to a study by NCBI, not only is this dangerous and a cause for gastrointestinal tract disorders, it severely affects digestion.

It Damages Mucous Cells

The stomach lining is packed with mucous cells. These cells are responsible for preventing acid-based damage and any abuse from digestive enzymes.

Unfortunately, drinking too much, too quickly, can cause harm to these mucous cells. When these cells are damaged, nothing stands between the stomach lining and intense acids. This can lead to lesions in the stomach lining, discomfort, and inflammation.

It Stops The Stomach From Emptying Itself

This mainly applies to drinks with an alcohol content of higher than 15%. These consumables are capable of preventing the stomach from being able to empty itself. Essentially, it causes the food in the stomach to get stuck.

When kept in the stomach for too long, food degrade from bacteria. This robs you of precious nutrients. On top of that, it can also cause abdominal pain and nausea.

Final Thoughts On Foods That Are Bad For Digestion

Not all foods are great for digestion. There are plenty out there that cause a good deal more harm than good, hidden and waiting to spring! By steering clear of these 3 foods that are bad for digestion, you’ll keep your gut, your body, and yourself happy and healthy!

10 Health Benefits of Eating Watermelon

November 3, 2018 by Power of Positivity

People often think of watermelon as a juicy, sweet treat to keep them cool and hydrated in the summertime. It’s a staple at most summer BBQ’s, breakfast buffets at hotels, and farmer’s markets, to name a few. While it is delicious and thirst-quenching, there are so many benefits of watermelon that are unknown to most people.

How to Know When A Watermelon is Ripe

“Today, it’s estimated that there are actually more than 1,200 different cultivars of watermelon species grown around the world, including the lanatus watermelon, crimson sweet watermelon and jubilee watermelon.” – Dr. Axe

Eating watermelon is no fun if you purchase one that is either overripe or not ripe enough, so to know when it’s ready, look for a melon with a yellow or cream color on the bottom. Also, make sure to pick up the melon to make sure its dense for its size, because this means the juices have been produced and it’s ready for eating.

How to Add it To Your Diet

Since watermelon is so low in calories, you can add it to juices or smoothies for a delicious low-calorie treat. You can also add some slices to water or freeze it in a popsicle mold for a homemade, healthy frozen treat. You can add it to salads, desserts, and fruit cups, and even sprinkle some salt on it to enjoy contrasting flavors. Or, just cut up a couple slices and enjoy alongside a healthy breakfast or bring it to work with you for a tasty snack.

Now that you know a bit about choosing the best watermelon and ways to add it to your diet, we’ll go over some little known facts about where watermelon comes from and the nutrients it contains. Then, we’ll dive into the health benefits of watermelon.

Where Does Watermelon Come From?

The watermelon plant originates from southern Africa; however, the sweet fruit we eat today was much bitterer in the past due to the presence of a compound called cucurbitacin.

Many varieties of watermelon once grew abundantly across Africa. Now, we can grow it in a variety of climates across the world, but it’s interesting to know that it originated in a place most of us consider largely inhospitable and barren.

Nutrition from Eating Watermelon

One cup of diced watermelon contains approximately:

46 calories
11.5 grams carbohydrates
1 gram protein
0.2 grams fat
0.6 grams dietary fiber
12.3 milligrams vitamin C (21 percent DV)
865 IUs vitamin A (17 percent DV)
170 milligrams potassium (5 percent DV)
15.2 milligrams magnesium(4 percent DV)
0.1 milligrams thiamine (3 percent DV)
0.1 milligrams vitamin B6 (3 percent DV)
0.3 milligrams pantothenic acid (3 percent DV)
0.1 milligrams copper (3 percent DV)
0.1 milligrams manganese (3 percent DV)

In addition to the abundance of vitamins and minerals listed above, watermelons contain trace amounts of riboflavin, iron and phosphorus. Now that we’ve gone over where watermelon originated and the nutrition information, let’s get into what watermelon can do for your health.

Top 10 Health Benefits of Eating Watermelon

1. Boosts the Immune System

Studies show eating watermelon can increase levels of the amino acid arginine that’s used for the synthesis of nitric oxide, which plays an important role in immune functions and cardiovascular health.

Watermelon is also an excellent source of vitamin C, which is both an antioxidant and immune booster. Antioxidants help the body fight free radicals and reduce inflammation, which keeps cells healthy and protects against oxidative damage.

2. Improves Heart Health

Watermelon contains small amounts of both potassium and magnesium, two nutrients that help keep your heart functioning properly. Studies show that increasing potassium intake helps to lower blood pressure and reduce dying from cardiovascular disease. Magnesium helps the body fend off stress and could prevent heart disease.

Lycopene, one of the carotenoids found in watermelon, benefits heart health by lowering inflammation and boosting blood lipid levels. Studies have shown that eating watermelon can help to reduce arterial stiffness and aortic systolic blood pressure in obese postmenopausal women with hypertension.

3. Reduces Pain and Muscle Soreness

One of the benefits of watermelon is that it alleviates muscle aches and pains in athletes. In one study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, researchers studied athletes who supplemented with watermelon juice. After 24 hours of drinking the juice, athletes experienced reduced recovery heart rate and muscle soreness.

In addition to watermelon’s ability to reduce pain, the abundant amount of Vitamin C present in watermelon helps protect cartilage and bones, repairs tendons and ligaments, and helps heal wounds faster. The potassium and magnesium in watermelon also help heal muscles and reduce pain. Potassium helps to prevent muscle cramps after exercise and speeds up the healing process following an injury.

4. Eating Watermelon May Prevent Kidney Stones

The potassium found in fruits and vegetables such as watermelon helps remove waste from the blood and eliminate toxins, which could help prevent kidney stones. One of the other benefits of watermelon is that it’s a natural diuretic, which means it increases urine production to move waste out of the body. Caffeine and alcohol are also natural diuretics, but they put stress on the kidneys, making them a less-than-ideal choice if your goal is detoxification.

This brings us to our next point: detoxing the body.

5. Helps Detox the Body

As you might already know, watermelon is chockful of water, which would explain its name! Watermelon is made up of about 91% water, which can help to remove toxins from the body and prevent bloating. Potassium and magnesium are two electrolytes present in watermelon that also aid in the detoxification process.

Potassium helps to reduce blood pressure and water retention, which allows more oxygen into the body. Magnesium helps prevent bloating and is involved in over 600 cellular functions, making it a very important nutrient for the body. It can improve sleep quality and reduce depression, which will aid in the detoxification process.

6. Eating Watermelon May Help Prevent Cancer

Among the benefits of watermelon is that it can help prevent cancer due to the high amount of antioxidants present. Lycopene, one of the main carotenoids found in watermelon, may reduce the risk of prostate cancer in men, according to some studies. This same carotenoid helps to keep cell membranes strong, which prevents toxins from causing cell mutation.

The high amounts of both Vitamin C and A can help reduce cancer risk as well, making watermelon the perfect fruit to add to your diet.

7. Keeps Skin Healthy

Natural food from the Earth, such as watermelon, adds oxygen to our cells and keeps our bodies functioning properly. Watermelon, in particular, contains antioxidants that help fight free radicals that may cause cancer and keep the skin looking young and healthy. Also, watermelon’s high water content will hydrate your skin, making it clear and vibrant.

Vitamin C in watermelon will help your skin because it boosts collagen production and protects the skin against sun damage. This makes it perfect to eat during the summer when UV rays are the strongest.

8. Boosts Eye Health

Another of the benefits of watermelon is that it will give you a healthy dose of eye-protecting nutrients such as beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, lutein and zeaxanthin. Studies have shown that a Vitamin A deficiency can lead to eye diseases such as macular degeneration, which occurs when the cornea thickens and can lead to eventual blindness.

Beta-carotene, a form of Vitamin A found in plants, can also help protect your eyes from age-related diseases such as macular degeneration. This is the main reason why carrots have been attributed to enhancing eye health. If you don’t enjoy carrots, watermelon is a wonderful option.

9. Aids in Weight Loss

One cup of diced watermelon contains just 46 calories, making it a great option for anyone on a diet. The high water content will help keep you full despite the low amount of calories.

If you’ve been hitting the gym recently, drinking watermelon juice following your workout will help you recover quickly and prevent muscle cramps, as we discussed in point three up above. Overall, watermelon makes a great addition to your diet if you’re trying to hit your weight loss goals.

10. Alleviates Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is a digestive disease where stomach acid or bile irritates the lining of the esophagus. This happens if a ring of muscle at the entrance of your stomach called the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) doesn’t close all the way or opens too often during digestion. This means acid in your stomach can move up into the esophagus and cause symptoms such as a burning chest pain, sour taste in the mouth, bloating, nausea, or a sore throat, among other symptoms.

Melons contain a lot of water, which can help to decrease inflammation and move food more quickly through the digestive tract, lessening the risk of acid reflux.

Final thoughts on the Benefits of Watermelon

We hope you learned some new information about watermelon’s amazing health benefits. Eating watermelon isn’t just about summer BBQ’s and breezy days by the beach. It can boost your health in many ways, from helping prevent cancer to keeping your skin blemish-free.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yG-G9_LOkLA

Science Explains 10 Things That Happen To Your Body When You Walk Every Day

November 3, 2018 by Power of Positivity

A 30-minute walk every single day is the easiest exercise to do. Fortunately, it has multiple positive effects on your physical and mental health. Walking is so accessible for anyone who wants to start getting fit. You only have to wear comfortable, quality shoes and step out of your house to get this workout rolling.

Doctors never miss telling their patients to walk regularly to prevent disease development. Numerous studies suggest walking as an effective form of exercise as it cuts a person’s risks of developing heart problems by 31 percent. It also lowers your risks of death by 32 percent, as per Harvard Health.

People who have a sedentary lifestyle could improve their health immensely if they tried walking at a casual pace each day and covering at least 5 1/2 miles a week.

10 Things That Happen To Your Body When You Walk Every Day

“Walking is a man’s best medicine.” – Hippocrates

1. Your heart becomes healthier

Walking is the best form of exercise that can prevent cardiovascular diseases among inactive individuals. This information comes from experts in a study published in the journal Current Opinion Cardiology.

If your body is not used to vigorous workouts but you’ve been advised to increase your physical activity, then you can start getting fit with regular walks.
The immediate gains from this activity include lowered blood pressure and a better lipid profile (cholesterol and triglycerides). This, in turn, can bring long-term benefits to your cardiovascular health.
With consistent walks, you lower your chances of encountering coronary episodes and death at a young age.
Walking also increases your heart rate and strengthens your heart muscles. So, it can better pump blood and oxygen that your other organs need.

2. Your brain gets a positive boost

A study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine learned that women who walked for at least 200 minutes every week felt emotionally better despite their depression diagnosis. Experts tracked these women’s improvements for three years and discovered that while walking made their body healthier, the psychological benefits for someone suffering from depression were even greater.

Depression is projected to become a widespread global issue by 2030, particularly in high-income countries, according to the World Health Organization. Alongside strategies like daily exercise, some individuals in places like Sweden have turned to recreational outlets such as a casino utan spelpaus, where they can gamble without the mandatory breaks enforced by Spelpaus. These alternative platforms have gained attention as people explore different ways to unwind, although experts still emphasize the importance of balanced activities and maintaining overall well-being.

Even low-intensity walking has tremendous benefits to your mental well-being. When you are outdoors surrounded by trees and nature, you benefit from “forest bathing” where your brain does nothing else but relax.

A study in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology also showed that a 20-minute walk in the park, woods or forest lowers the brain’s cortisol levels, which is also known as the stress hormone. Walking clears your mind so you can have better, clearer, and more positive thoughts.

3. Your lung capacity strengthens

Walking encourages your lungs to properly function as you inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide.

You breathe harder when you walk, so your body makes use of more oxygen and dispenses more carbon dioxide.
If your body is already used to the physical activity, your lungs will make use of the oxygen and carbon dioxide more efficiently.
Your circulation also speeds up as your lung muscles keep moving.
This process strengthens your lung capacity or the amount of air that your lungs can take in.

According to a study on the journal Breathe, a good walk will make you out of breath or breathless, but this is very different from being short of breath. The latter happens when your lungs aren’t functioning well. As you age, your lung capacity and function slow down so you experience more shortness of breath. But it will work differently if your body is used to walking.

4. Your eyesight improves

Glaucoma is on the rise and may cause 111.8 million people between the ages of 40 to 80 to develop the condition by 2040. Experts from the American Academy of Ophthalmology say that controlling the risks of this disease entails the same methods as preventing diabetes.

One of these methods is to maintain a positive and beneficial physical activity like walking. Experts also say that with regular walks, you can lower the risks of developing glaucoma by as much as 73 percent.

You can alter the flow and pressure of blood around your eyes every time you take a walk. Since this activity keeps your blood pressure at a normal level, you won’t risk having blood vessels burst and causing damage to your eyes. Thus, you preserve the health of your eyesight and avoid vision loss.

5. Your digestion picks up

A group of German researchers stated in a study on Gastrointestinal Liver Disease that walking may speed up how food travels in the stomach to aid with digestion. So, following a heavy meal, you may choose to rest for 20 minutes and then take a stroll around your neighborhood instead of sitting down to watch television.

If you don’t want to take a walk outside, consider pacing on the treadmill but set the machine at a slow setting. You don’t need to do a rigorous walk, move quickly, or burn more energy during this exercise as you might end up with indigestion.

Additionally, a good walk may also ease up your stomach if you’re experiencing constipation. This activity stimulates the muscles in the intestines so that you never have to strain when you need to relieve yourself. You’ll also keep your digestive tract healthier from the reduction of the toxins.

6. Your pancreas also becomes more efficient

The pancreas found in the abdomen is necessary for the digestive system. This organ produces the enzymes, hormones, and insulin that break down the food you eat.

According to the journal Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity, low-intensity walks increase the efficiency of the pancreas so your body’s metabolism and insulin production improve. Thus, you reduce your risks for developing diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

7. Your blood sugar levels off

When you walk for 20 minutes after a big dinner, you help your body level off its blood sugar. According to a study in Diabetes Care, the habit of taking short walks a few minutes after eating your last meal for the day is even better than a 45-minute walk in the morning. This is because the body clears glucose in the bloodstream since walking burns energy as it works up the muscles.

This is how some diabetics are able to manage their condition well. The research looked into older adults who have diabetes, weight and obesity problems or live a sedentary lifestyle

When you are older, your body becomes more resistant to insulin production.
Your pancreas also won’t function efficiently compared to when you were younger.
This creates a double whammy on your system.
Your body’s insulin production tends to dip later in the day
Your system struggles after you’ve enjoyed a big dinner.
As a result, you could end up retiring for the night with high blood sugar level in your bloodstream if you don’t walk it off.

8. You experience relief from lower back pain

If you are suffering from lower back pain, it won’t be advisable for you to run or do high-impact exercises as these workouts might worsen your condition. But when you regularly walk, you still get the required physical activity. At the same time, you’ll also be able to improve your blood circulation, especially around the spinal structure.

When blood properly flows around your spine, you’ll improve its flexibility. So, you’ll start feeling more relief in your lower back area if you keep a regular walking schedule. In fact, experts from a study in Disability Rehabilitation recommend walking for people with chronic low back pain.

9. You’ll tone your muscles

Obviously, walking directly impacts your leg muscles. But since this activity is not intense, you won’t experience muscle soreness and you can still do the same routine the next day.

Eventually, however, as you keep your pace and increase the intensity of your walks, you may also integrate more intervals or take different routes where you have to walk uphill or climb the stairs. This is how you can develop and tone your legs. Muscle toning is helpful if you also have a goal to lose weight and achieve a good physical form.

10. You strengthen your bones and joints

According to the National Institutes of Health, weight-bearing exercises like walking force your bones and joints to move against gravity. As a result, you build stronger bones and joints. When your bones and joints are stronger, you reduce your risks of fractures, immobility, and bone mass loss that normally happen when you age.

The Arthritis Foundation also recommends walking regularly if you suffer from joint stiffness and inflammation. Similar to lower back pain, walking promotes better blood circulation in your joints that helps reduce discomfort.

Final Thoughts On The Things That Happen To Your Body When You Walk Every Day

Now that you know the positive effects of a 20-minute walk every day, you should make it your goal to fit this quick exercise into your routines. There are plenty of ways to incorporate walking as a daily habit.

You might want to have walking meetings with your colleague at work instead of sit-down meetings.
You could also take a stroll during your lunch breaks.
Instead of driving or riding a public transportation, consider walking to do your errands.
Take your partner, kids, and dog with you and make walking a family activity.
Invite a group of friends to walk with you every day.

According to the Mayo Clinic, it’s more encouraging for people to do walking exercises as a group because you can collectively support each other’s fitness goals. It’s also a lot more fun to walk when you have a companion. Even if you traverse the same routes every day, you don’t easily get bored when you have someone to talk or laugh with as you walk.

Once you get the hang of it, you can supercharge your walking exercises. Try walking faster, or wear weight-bearing pads on your ankles. You can even carry weights to pump your arms as you walk. You have many options to keep the motivation high and the body healthy through daily walks.

17 Bladder Infection Symptoms (And How to Fix It)

November 3, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Women are more likely to experience a bladder infection (a type of urinary tract infection) than men are because we have a shorter urethra. Diagnosing your infections isn’t necessarily hard if the tale tell symptoms arise.

The problem? You can have an infection without the burning pee and frequent bathroom trips. So many bladder infection symptoms overlap common conditions, like the flu, an non-bladder UTI, and stomach bugs. This can make a self-diagnosis and self-treatment hard.

Don’t Rely on Classic Bladder Infection Symptoms for Diagnosis

My first bout brought me the not-so-pleasant classic symptoms. Years later, I began vomiting and running a fever. I’d just given birth to my first child, and the first thought was an infection from my C-section. Makes sense, right?

Wrong.

Turns out, I had a bladder infection with no actual urinary symptoms.

What is a Bladder Infection?

Infections like this can be either chronic or acute. If left untreated, the infection can spread. You might find that your infection has already spread by the time you see a doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Certain individuals might be at a higher risk for UTI type infections, whether they start in the bladder or progress there. Your age, health, sex, and sanitary habits can increase these risks too.

What Causes a Bladder Infection?

Bacteria that enters the urethra.

E.Coli is the most common bacteria introduced to the urinary tract system due to unhealthy wiping habits. While other strains can be the culprit, the presence of E. Coli shows a strong correlation between wiping hygiene and UTI related infections. This knowledge can go a long way in preventative measures.

17 Bladder Infection Symptoms

1. Frequency of Urination

With an infection, your urge to use the bathroom increases rapidly. While no actual number exists to describe frequency, if you have other symptoms on this list, you should consult your doctor.

2. Fever

Your body’s response to infection is fever. Many people prefer to let their bodies fight it off while others will take measures to lower their temperature. Keep in mind that adults running a low-grade fever (below 100.4 for adults) won’t cause your body harm as long as you stay hydrated. Any temperature above that and you should greatly consider treating your fever.

Remember, you can have an infection and not have a fever.

3. Chills

Many people associate chills with fever, but you don’t need a fever to have chills. Anxiety, stress, low blood pressure, and allergies can cause this reaction in your body.

Treating chills depends on whether a fever is present. When you’re running a fever, you don’t want to raise your body temperature. Avoid hot showers and baths, heavy blankets, or other heating devices. Instead, utilize light layers in both clothing and coverings.

4. Vomiting

Severe to mild vomiting can be a symptom. A good practice is to sip or take a spoonful of light liquids every 15 minutes. Do this even if you continue to vomit. Most of the liquid will absorb and fend off dehydration.

If your vomit appears like coffee grounds, you should seek a doctor immediately as this can be a sign of internal bleeding.

5. Cloudy Urine

Your urine can change color for a number of reasons. Normal urine can vary, but it’s generally a pale yellow that is fairly transparent. If you see a lot of foam or cloudiness, you might have an infection. Pus in your urine can cause cloudiness.

Again, if you have no other UTI-like symptoms, you might have another condition. Mild dehydration, which can be a side effect of fever or any infection, is the leading cause for cloudy urine.

6. Bloody Urine

Streaks of blood in your urine or red tinted urine can cause alarm. Certain foods can alter your urine’s color, but you can easily rule those out. The same goes for certain medications.

Foods that turn your urine pink or red:

• Beets
• Rhubarb
• Blackberries

Medications that turn your urine pink or red:

• Rifadin
• Thorazine
• Thioridazine
• Medications containing senna

However, if you haven’t eaten these foods or taken the listed medications, you should contact your doctor immediately. This might be a sign that your infection has moved to your kidneys.

7. Pain and/or Burning when Urinating

Pain is the hardest to describe because the threshold varies between people. Some people feel a fiery pinch. Others call it a quick stabbing pain. The pain could be in your bladder, urethra, or the small stretch of skin that connects your genitals to your anal region.

Painful urination might make you think you have a UTI-type infection; however, many conditions list this as a possible symptom.

Other causes:

• Sexually transmitted infections and diseases
• Prostatitis
• Cystitis
• Kidney stones
• Soaps, bubble baths, and lotions

8. Stomach Pain

Sharp or dull pains in your lower stomach can be a bladder infection symptom. Commonly, people will confuse it with other conditions, such as the stomach flu or appendicitis. Others might describe it as indigestion. When it’s combined with other symptoms, especially painful or frequent urination, you might have a UTI.

9. Lower Back Pain

You might feel stabbing to dull pain equally on both sides of your lower back or on one. A heated water bottle or a heating pad might alleviate some discomfort. You can also try meditation and essential oils.

10. Sweet or Ammonia Smelling Urine

Like color of urine, an infection can change the way your pee smells. Sometimes, medical sites call it a foul or strong smelling odor. However, both are general terms. You can associate the change in smell to the bacteria and pus that might be present. This symptom will clear once your infection is gone, but increasing your fluids can assist in decreasing the odor.

11. Decreased Urine Output

This could be a side effect of dehydration, but generally, when you have any type of UTI, you have decreased urine output in combination with frequency of urination. In lay terms, you feel like you’re about to burst, but only a trickle releases. Your bladder relief doesn’t last. You relive the same sensation and small output minutes later.

Drinking more fluids can help, but it might not increase your output.

12. Lack of Appetite

Losing your appetite could be a side effect of fever, vomiting, or nausea. Eat when you’re hungry and don’t force it. Fluids are more important to stop dehydration.

13. Nausea

With or without vomiting, you might have a swimming sensation in your lower stomach. Sipping ginger ale or ginger based teas might help this symptom pass. Do make sure your ginger ale actually contains ginger, and you should avoid most commercial brands that contain large amounts of unhealthy additives.

14. Incontinence

You could lose sphincter and/or bladder control if you have a bladder infection. Urinary incontinence is more common due to your extreme sensation to pee. However, many of the nerves associated with urination also reach your sphincter.

15. Fatigue

Have that rundown feeling? That’s because your body is expending energy and resources to fight off your infection. Do yourself a favor and rest. Skip the caffeine, sip some green tea, and let your body work its magic. You can also consider stimulating your vagus nerve with meditation or other techniques.

16. Mental Fog and Anxiety

Again, you might experience mild confusion if you’re running a low grade or higher fever. However, many people who have UTI-like symptoms find they can’t sleep. The urination frequency, urges, or pain keep them awake. The lack of or disturbed sleep can play a large role in your mental fog, anxiety, and irritability.

17. Bloating

Constipation and bloating can occur with UTI-type infections. Often it’s due to a lack of fluids, so your body retains what it can to function.

When to See Your Doctor

Call your doctor at the onset of UTI or bladder infection symptoms. You can continue to self-treat at home, but you need medical care before the infection spreads to your kidneys. In most cases, you will require a round of antibiotics.

Remember, even if your symptoms subside before your appointment, you could still have an active infection. Don’t take the risk. Only your doctor can perform a urinalysis to ensure your infection is gone.

Preventing Bladder Infections

Proper bathroom hygiene can stop infections long before they start. Because it’s still the leading cause of introducing E. coli into your urinary system, it shows that better and mindful wiping practices can lead to fewer infections.

Other Methods That Prevent Bladder Infections:

• Drink a glass of 100% cranberry juice daily
• Drink water
• Don’t hold it
• Wipe front to back
• Urinate and wash after sex
• Shower instead of frequent baths
• Don’t use douches

Managing Your Bladder Infection Symptoms

Managing your symptoms can help aid your recovery by reducing the stress you place on your body. Good old-fashioned rest and hydration are key remedies you can use in combination with antibiotics.

Essential Oils for Bladder Infection

• Juniper berry
• Tea tree
• Fennel
• Bergamot
• Rosemary
• Lavender
• Sandalwood
• Frankincense
• Cedarwood
• Fir
• Cypress
• Lemongrass
• Clove

You can make a blend of your favorites or use them alone in your favorite diffuser. These essential oils contain healing properties that might benefit your ability to fight your infection. If you use them topically, you should use a carrier oil.

Foods that Fight Infection:

• Garlic, whole cloves or crushed in other foods
• Probiotic foods, such as kefir, yogurts, sauerkraut, and kimchi
• Vitamin C containing foods or a Vitamin C supplement

If you have an appetite and aren’t vomiting, you could consider eating large amounts of some of these common antibacterial foods.

Final Thoughts

Like many women, I’ve suffered from my fair share of bladder infections. While I strongly believe in natural medicine and preventative measures, I also believe there is a time and place for conventional medicine. I do see my doctor for an official diagnosis and take the antibiotics while managing my symptoms naturally with the methods shared above.

If you do suspect an infection, you should seek out your doctor or naturopath for a confirmation. Many people who practice natural medicine will avoid antibiotics, due to the increasing concerns over resistance. This is a case where your infection can lead to renal failure and/or death if untreated. Please, if your doctor prescribes antibiotics, please take them and manage your symptoms naturally while your antibiotic tackles your infection.

8 Genetic Gifts Most People Don’t Have

November 3, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Genetic gifts are truly fascinating. The human body is capable of countless amazing, wondrous things. Some people even beat out the odds to win genetic lotteries of sorts – they’re the proud owners of “superpowers”!

Many times, the secrets to special “superpowers” lie in genetics. Gene mutation might sound like something straight out of a horror sci-fi film, but that’s far from the case. Mutations just mean that something different developed due to an abnormal transformation.

Genetic mutations can provide incredibly gifts to those who inherit them. Are you one of them? Statistically, you may not be, but it’s certainly interesting to think about! Here are some genetic gifts most people don’t have.

Here Are 8 Genetic Gifts Most People Don’t Have

1. Needing less sleep

It’s fairly standard knowledge that the average person needs between 7 and 9 hours of sleep every night. Getting less than that can lead to health and concentration issues. Often, those who fail to receive sufficient sleep end up feeling tired, falling sick more easily, and neglecting positive thinking.

But some people only need 6 hours – or even less – of nightly sleep! They feel well-rested after what seems like barely any rest to us. They eagerly get out of bed and don’t feel detrimental effects from what we consider a lack of sleep.

Why does this happen? According to this study, this is a result of a very rare genetic mutation. What happens is the gene DEC2 mutates. These individuals will then experience REM states more intensely, which causes more efficient sleep. Basically, they get better sleep naturally, so they have a lower psychological need for sleep than most other individuals.

Sadly, this hack to getting more hours in your waking day isn’t very common. It’s found in less than 1% of those who consider themselves short-sleepers! This means even if you think you can sleep for six hours and be totally fine, chances are, you really can’t. Positive thinking can’t help you here!

2. Cold tolerance

Naturally, the majority of the population is more adaptable to heat than cold. We are better equipped at handling and surviving in hotter temperatures than cold climates.

But in countries all around the world, there are people who live in extremely chilly locations. Siberians and Inuits, for example, have to survive and even thrive in their very, very cold homes. As it turns out, though, for some, they haven’t just adapted – their genetic code has evolved.

People who live in cold climates have become biologically different from the rest of us. Their body responds in a different way physiologically to the cold. Here are some notable features:

Fewer sweat glands
Lack of shivering, even at very cold temperatures
Much higher basal metabolic rates (by 50%!)
Naturally maintain higher skin temperatures

These abilities are, in fact, on a genetic level. In other words, people who live in these same environments – even for decades – will not develop this feature. Research has revealed that indigenous Siberians are able to adapt to their cold homes better than Russians who live in the same locations and under the same temperatures.

These impressive features are likely why Inuits and Siberians are capable of living in freezing conditions and doing well for themselves there. It’s an incredible feat!

3. Seeing more colors

The eyes view color through the use of cone cells. Most people have three types of cone cells. Those with color blindness have two types.

But people with tetrachroma have four types of cone cells, allowing them to see more than a hundred times more colors than average people. While ordinary individuals can only see a million colors, tetrachromats can see more than one hundred million.

There aren’t too many studies on those with this unique gift, mainly because most individuals who have this condition don’t realize they see the world differently. Sometimes, their eyes might need to be trained to look for these extra colors. This means that, sadly, for many, this gift goes unnoticed.

Still, the ability to see more colors is certainly an intriguing one. According to those who are believed to have this condition, they see mosaics of different shades where people with ordinary color vision see just one solid hue!

4. Denser bones

When one ages, they have a tendency to develop physical issues. One of these is the loss of bone density and bone mass. This problem is commonly known as osteoporosis. Cases of this disease cause fractures, breaks, and deformations in bones.

Although this is a terrible condition, there is some positive light being shed. It’s all thanks to certain members of the Afrikaner population. This population consists of South African individuals who have Dutch blood in their genetics. Some people who have this ethnicity have a special gene mutation of the SOST gene.

The SOST gene is responsible for the control of a protein called sclerostin, which works to regulate and manage the growth of bones. According to TheScientist, people with this SOST genetic mutation don’t lose bone mass as they grow older. Instead, they continue to gain bone density and mass as time goes on!

There is a downside to this, however. Afrikaners who inherit only one copy of this mutated gene are fine. But those who inherit two copies have what is called sclerosteosis. This condition causes:

Overgrowth of bone
Facial disfigurement and distortion
Gigantism
Loss of hearing
Shortened lifespan

It’s certainly unfortunate that only gene carriers who are heterozygous enjoy positive benefits throughout their lives. Still, plenty of research is being carried out on this gene mutation. Researchers hope to be able to find ways to reverse skeletal disorders such as osteoporosis through their studies.

5. Crystal clear vision underwater

For the most part, animals’ eyes are only able to see truly clearly either in air or when underwater. As humans, our strengths lie in seeing in the air. Although we can open our eyes when underwater, that can be a little irritating, and our vision won’t be that clear anyway.

Water’s density doesn’t allow us to see very well through it. It’s approximately the same density as our eye fluid, so it makes sense that refracted light isn’t able to pass properly through it and into the eye. This is why our vision gets so blurry when we try to see underwater.

But for a select group of people, this isn’t a problem. This group of people is called the Moken, and they spend approximately eight months annually either on stilt houses above the water or in boats. This lifestyle means only going back on land to get supplies, purchased through a bartering process.

Moken children are typically tasked with diving to the sea floor to collect different kinds of food, including sea cucumbers and clams. Over time, this has allowed Moken children to be born with genetic gifts that cause their eyes to completely change shape underwater! This research was published in the journal Current Biology.

Their genetic gift allows the Moken people to have crystal clear underwater vision. Light refracts correctly into their eyes, giving them underwater vision twice as sharp as Europeans. They have this perfect vision even at 75-foot depths!

6. Better survival at high altitudes

Anyone who has been mountain climbing knows that high altitudes are pretty difficult for the body to deal with. The body struggles to breathe with so little oxygen around, and you have to be conditioned before heading up a tall hill.

As it turns out, some people possess genetic gifts that allow them to survive at these high altitudes. Tibetans are one of them. Many live at a whopping 13,000 feet above sea level, and their living arrangements have caused genetic modifications in their bodies over the years. Here’s how.

· Chest and Lungs

In order to compensate for the oxygen-depleted locations they call home, many Tibetans are born with larger chests that contain bigger lung capacities. This means that they breathe more than the average human with every inhalation.

· Red Blood Cells

The average person will produce a higher count of red blood cells when their bodies are low on oxygen. Meanwhile, Tibetans do the opposite – they produce fewer! This is due to the fact that red blood cells cause thicker blood over time, which can cause blood flow issues and clots. If they had these issues, they wouldn’t get sufficient oxygen to their brains!

To top it all off, these traits are maintained even when Tibetans live lower. They are not simply phenotypic adaptations, but genuine genetic ones. Sherpa guides and Nepalese individuals also share these characteristics.

7. Golden Blood

It’s common knowledge that type O blood is the true universal blood type. But this isn’t actually entirely true. We all know of the eight standard, most common types of blood:

O +
O –
A +
A –
B +
B –
AB +
AB –

But these aren’t all the blood types out there. In fact, according to The Atlantic, while blood outside the ABO system is very rare, there are actually 35 known types of blood in the world. Many of them have millions upon millions of kinds of variations, too, apart from just positive or negative.

Due to how rare these blood types are, people who need transfusions from them often run into difficulty finding compatible blood. Their main help comes in the form of the rarest blood type to ever exist: Rh-null blood. Rh-null blood lacks all Rh antigens, which is so uncommon that only around 40 people have been found to have it! Talk about a genetic anomaly.

Rh-null has been dubbed the golden blood type due to the fact that it can work with almost all blood types. Most people’s bodies will naturally reject blood with unfamiliar antigens to it. Since Rh-null blood does not have antigens, this won’t happen. Essentially, it’s a life-saving gift!

8. HIV Resistance

According to Scientific American, HIV infects the body through the use of a protein called CCR5. This protein is essentially an open door for the HIV virus. But there are some people in the world who have a special genetic condition. Their CCR5 protein is disabled, meaning HIV has no way in.

It’s important to note, though, that these people are not completely immune. Instead, they are resistant to contracting HIV. In some rare cases, though, they may still develop the disease. This is because some strains of HIV are able to use other proteins in order to get to the cells they want.

Currently, the individuals with the most reliable resistance to HIV have two copies of the CCR5 disabling gene. This makes up about 1% of the Caucasian population, and it is even less common in different ethnicities. So when it comes to HIV, you still should never take your chances.

Final Thoughts On Genetic Gifts Most People Don’t Have

We all want some sort of superpower, even if it’s just a minor one. Although the gifts on this list aren’t exactly superpowers, they do spring from genetic mutation – and that sounds like a stereotypical superhero origin story, don’t you think?

So, do you have any of these rare genetic gifts? Do you suspect you may have a different one? Or are there just some odd “superpowers” you seem to have? Whatever the case, it’s things like these that make the body, brain, and human race that much more beautiful!

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