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Scientists Explain How More Sleep Helps You Lose Weight Faster

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Many people around the world want to lose weight, and they try a wide variety of methods to achieve that goal. If this is your mission, too, it might be why you’ve clicked on this article. But before you start an over-the-top exercise regimen or begin a potentially damaging crash diet, there’s one thing you might be neglecting that could make all the difference: your sleep habits.

Believe it or not, if you’re lacking in sleep, you’re preventing yourself from reaching your ideal weight more quickly! We want to share with you how scientists explain the ways that sleeping more can help you lose weight faster.

“Not getting enough sleep is one of the strongest individual risk factors for weight gain and obesity.” – Unknown

Here Are 5 Ways That Sleeping More Helps You Lose Weight Faster

1. It helps you maintain a balanced appetite.

A lot of research that shows how getting too little sleep negatively affects your appetite for the rest of the day. It does not decrease your need to eat. Instead, deprivation of precious sleep can boost your appetite to a too-high extreme as your body scrambles for more energy to keep it running efficiently.

Sleep actually has quite a big effect on two of the most important hormones that control hunger: leptin and ghrelin. Leptin, released by fat cells, tells the brain when the body is full, thus preventing hunger to some degree. Meanwhile, ghrelin, produced by the stomach, tells you that you’re hungry.

When you lack sleep, the body actively produces less leptin and increases ghrelin production, so you feel hungrier and more frequently want to eat. Sleeping for shorter lengths of time can increase your ghrelin levels by approximately 14.9% while decreasing leptin levels 15.5%.

2. It gives you increased energy.

It goes without saying that lacking sleep causes you to feel more tired and fatigued during the day. This can decrease exercise motivation and prevent you from carrying out your regimens. Or it might simply reduce your overall performance at the gym, leading to less progress on the whole. Quite a number of studies have unearthed that getting sufficient sleep can greatly improve your athletic prowess, leading to more weight loss when you work out. You’ll also enjoy better reaction times, faster reflexes, and improved accuracy if you play sports.

On top of that, additional energy can help you be more physically active throughout the day, even in minute ways you barely notice. But even these seemingly tiny amounts of additional movement can add up in the long run, leading to greater ability to lose weight. Studies have found that sleeping too little will decrease the intensity with which you perform any physical activity, even everyday tasks.

3. It improves metabolism.

Everyone has what is called a resting metabolic rate, otherwise known as an RMR. In laymen’s terms, this is the number of calories that your body naturally burns off when you are fully resting and doing nothing. RMR is affected by a large number of factors, including sex, age, muscle mass, height, and weight. Well, getting too little sleep has been proven to decrease RMR by some degree.

Some studies have found that RMRs can drop by 5% with inadequate sleep, which doesn’t seem like much until you consider the fact that this is accompanied by a whopping 20% drop in metabolic rate after meals. Poor sleep has also been linked to the loss of muscle mass. Since muscles can help you burn more calories, this is another way sleeping too little can negatively impact one’s metabolism.

That said, some research refutes the idea that RMRs can drop without enough sleep, so further studies might be necessary before we can make solid conclusions. Still, there is enough proof to suggest that it might not be worth the risk.

4. It provides a healthier insulin response.

You have probably heard of the vital hormone insulin many times. It is, essentially, the component that transports sugar around the body, taking sugar from the bloodstream and carrying it into cells to be converted into energy.

When you fail to get enough sleep, you may develop a resistance to insulin. When the cells – and therefore the body – become insulin resistant, sugar does not get absorbed properly. This leads to more insulin production as the body attempts to make compensation for the situation. This will then cause the body to store up calories, converting it into fat, which in turn makes you feel hungrier more often.

Insulin resistance can be dangerous and may lead to significant weight gain or diabetes type 2. Since studies have shown that cells can build up an insulin resistance of 40% more when you don’t get enough sleep, there’s plenty of reason to make sure you have sufficient shut-eye. It can prevent you from storing more fat in the long run, thus helping you lose weight.

5. It reduces unhealthy cravings.

The amount of sleep you get can completely change the way your brain functions as a whole. Logically, this might cause healthy choices to seem more and more unappealing, leading you to take the less nutritional route. But this isn’t just a guess – it’s backed by science.

lose weight

cartoon man thinking about junk food

When you don’t get enough sleep, the brain’s frontal lobe experiences a dulling in activity. This part of the brain is responsible for carrying out self-control and making better decisions. This means it can completely change the way you’re able to stick to a diet.

The brain’s reward centers also are better positively stimulated when you eat food you enjoy if you’ve barely had any sleep. What’s the worst part? The foods that light up these reward centers when you’re fatigued are likely to involve high-calorie, high-carb foods. The foods you should be avoiding.

Studies have revealed what a deadly combination this is – lack of sleep can cause you to eat 22% more calories and completely double your fat intake. So, sleep well and avoid this unnecessary consumption!

Final thoughts

Good sleeping habits can benefit you in so many ways. They can help your overall productivity and make you sharper and more focused. Additionally, these habits can give you extra energy for the day and help you keep your mind zoned in on positive thinking. The fact that science has proven that sleeping better can help you lose weight faster is just the icing on the already very generous cake – so why not enjoy all these benefits at once?

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

5 Real Life Examples of People Who Get Relief from Medical Marijuana for Parkinson’s

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What is Parkinson’s Disease?

Before we discuss the issue of medical marijuana for Parkinson’s, let’s first describe Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that causes the eventual loss of motor control. PD is considered a “dopaminergic” disease, as it affects areas of the brain that produce the brain chemical dopamine.

The primary symptoms of PD are:

  • balance and gait difficulties
  • bradykinesia (slow voluntary movements)
  • limb rigidity and stiffness
  • tremor and shaking of the hands and head

Researchers are unsure as to the cause(s) of PD, and there is no known cure. The primary goal of current treatment is to reduce physiological side effects, particularly tremors and limb rigidity.

Medical Marijuana: A Changing Landscape

In 1996, California was the first U.S. state to legalize cannabis for medical purposes. Fast-forward 22 years and the recreational use of marijuana is not only legal in California, but also in Alaska, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Nevada. The medical use of marijuana is legal in 31 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico.

Marijuana will be completely legal in Canada on October 17th, 2018. (Canada will be one of two countries to legalize marijuana fully, Uruguay being the other.)

The abundance of research demonstrating the effectiveness of cannabis for medical reasons is at least partially responsible for its proliferation. The public’s dismay about the danger (and ineffectiveness) of many prescription drugs is another reason.

To date, medical marijuana is legal in the U.S. states of: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island,  Texas (ONLY for epilepsy), Vermont, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. This means that if you or someone you know in any of these states has Parkinson’s (except for Texas), it is legal to use medical marijuana for Parkinson’s.

Cannabis’ Effects on the Brain

Fascinatingly, it has been discovered that human beings possess a biochemical communication system, the endocannabinoid system, affecting our physiology, psychology, and subjective experience. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a set of receptors in the brain that exhibit pharmacological properties when exposed to cannabis.

It turns out that the basal ganglia region of the brain is dense with cannabinoid receptors. The basal ganglia region is responsible for mobility, which may help to explain why medical marijuana is very effective for reducing (and sometimes eliminating) tremor in some PD patients.

Next, we are going to discuss the effects of medical marijuana on Parkinson’s disease.

 

Medical Marijuana for Parkinson’s

“Some researchers think that cannabis might be neuroprotective – saving neurons from damage caused by PD.” – Parkinson’s Foundation (source)

Before we give the alleged benefits of medical marijuana on PD, it must be stated that some researchers remain unconvinced. It isn’t uncommon for a group of scientists to exhibit doubt about certain findings, particularly when the research is so recent (and so impactful) – as it is with medical marijuana for Parkinson’s Disease treatment.

That said, there are many anecdotal accounts of PD patients being helped by medical marijuana. Here are five people who testify to the fact, followed by the reasons for which each sought treatment (Note: “Rx” is shorthand for prescription medication):

 

  1. David Dennison – Rx ineffectiveness, difficulty sleeping

“I use the marijuana for a very specific (reason). It helps me sleep, (which then) carries on back into aiding me and my fight against Parkinson’s. A good night’s sleep is really important for (dealing with) Parkinson’s.” 

One of the notorious symptoms of PD is muscle spasms, which causes the sufferer to shake uncontrollably. Spasms are particularly troublesome at night. Of course, this makes the goal of getting a good night’s sleep very difficult.

Mr. Dennison tried numerous things to help him sleep, from alcohol to vigorous exercise, with poor results. How did medical marijuana fare? “I tried marijuana, and it worked almost flawlessly,” says Dennison.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyDrbOad_bA

 

  1. Larry Smith – Rx cost, tremor, dystonia

“The medications Larry takes for his Parkinson’s are thousands of dollars. Every time I refill a prescription it’s about three thousand … and the deep brain stimulation was about a quarter-million dollars.” – Wife of Larry Smith

Watching retired police captain Larry Smith try to go about his daily life alongside his spouse is eye-opening. The video gives a brief glimpse into just how hard it is – not only for the patient but for their loved ones.

Larry’s tremors are so severe that he’s barely about to utter a word throughout the three-part video series; that is until he swabs his cheek with a couple of drops of cannabis oil. After five minutes, Larry is sitting up and talking, tremor-free.

After briefly rejoicing about the return of his voice, Larry asks, “Did you guys eat lunch?”

Do yourself a favor and watch the remarkable transformation yourself!

  1. Ian Frizell – Rx complications, tremor, speech, dystonia

“I can not tolerate the prescription medications for Parkinson’s Disease. They make me feel extremely unwell.”

After medicating with 30 milligrams of marijuana, Mr. Frizell reappears on camera. He demonstrates the relief of tremor in his hands, which is all but gone. “The sense of relief is overwhelming,” says Frizell.

He goes on to add that the medical marijuana for Parkinson’s has helped with “one or two other symptoms,” including dystonia, which caused his right foot to curl inwards uncomfortably, and with ease of speech.

 

  1. David Esparza – Rx complications, tremor

“I was telling the neurologist that I really didn’t want to take medicine. She told me about trying marijuana.”

Mr. Esparza is yet another Parkinson’s patient whose tremors subside with marijuana use. The coach of a baseball team, Esparza adamantly refuses to take PD drugs because of their effects on cognition and decision-making. Another drug, prescribed to Esparza for his tremors, causes hallucination. Medical cannabis helps Esparza deal with nausea associated with these drugs, as well.

  1. Gary Griffin – insomnia, tremors

“Once I started taking CBD oil (“cannabidiol”), I never had a sleepless night because I couldn’t control my motor movement.”

The last person on our list, Gary Griffin, is a staunch conservative who once called marijuana the “Devil’s weed.” That is until he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s – and would not respond to traditional treatment. His neurologist recommended CBD oil to help with his tremor and insomnia.

“I’m not a stone, but I am an advocate,” Griffin says. He now harvests his own CBD – a venture made possible due to the state of Colorado’s legalization of cannabis.

alzheimers

Research Reveals: Alzheimers Can Be Cured With Marijuana

 

Last Thoughts

“Anything that makes a person feel better about themselves and their condition give it to them, damn it.” – David Esparza

The United States is making great progress concerning the legalization of medical marijuana. Unfortunately, the use of marijuana for Parkinson’s – or for any medical condition – remains illegal at the Federal level. This fact alone drives many away – likely because of a fear of breaking the law.

Proper education of the public is critical. The fact is that medical marijuana has shown tremendous promise for a variety of medical conditions. Compared with the myriad side effects of prescription drugs, marijuana is also relatively safe.

As medical research continues to demonstrate the promise of medical marijuana for Parkinson’s disease – and other health conditions – it is very possible, should sane minds prevail, that we will see the full legalization of cannabis for medical purposes within the next few years.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHeI3Y_CfMo

Researchers Reveal What Too Much Fat Does to Your Brain

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The stigma remains. Despite all of the evidence to the contrary, people still believe that weight loss (and gain) is all about willpower and “smart” choices. While these two psychological elements undoubtedly come into play, they are not nearly as influential as most people think. Numerous genetic and environmental factors and medical disorders are just as much – if not more – a factor as nutritional smarts and a good workout routine. Additionally, science has made exciting discoveries about the role of fat in one’s diet.

But first, let us discuss leptin.

“Researchers have uncovered a destructive mechanism at the molecular level that causes a well-known phenomenon associated with obesity: leptin resistance.” – University of California, San Diego

What is leptin?

“Scientists first discovered leptin in 1994.  (While) initially, researchers believed the discovery could be used to create powerful weight loss supplements, this has never happened.” – Jillian Levy, CHHC

fat

For the sake of not turning this article into a research paper, suffice it to say that leptin is a hormone that helps to regulate appetite and hunger. Leptin, a.k.a. the “starvation hormone,” is manufactured in the fat cells, circulates through the blood, and is delivered to the brain.

Of course, as with any hormone, leptin has a few other responsibilities. Dr. Robert Lustig, a professor of medicine at the University of California San Diego, explains:

“…when leptin levels are a certain threshold…the brain senses that you have energy sufficiency, which means that you can burn energy at a normal rate, eat food at a normal amount, engage in exercise at a normal rate, and you can engage in expensive processes, like puberty and pregnancy.”

Dr. Ludwig also notes, importantly, that leptin level thresholds are “probably genetically set.” In other words, your ancestors directly affect the ease with which you both store and burn fat – and gain and lose weight. Additionally, per Dr. Ludwig, the leptin threshold also determines your exercise tolerance.

As we’ll discuss next, some scientists hypothesize that this signaling mechanism in the obese doesn’t work as it does in the non-obese. Studies demonstrate that this irregularity can lead to overeating and malfunctioning metabolic processes.

In short: your predetermined leptin threshold will either assist or resist your efforts to lose weight. Let’s talk about the effect of high-fat diets on leptin function.

High-Fat Diets and Leptin

“We opened up a new field of study for metabolic disease. We need to ask what other pathways, in addition to leptin and its receptors, that undergo a (destructive) process and what the consequences might be.” – Rafi Mazor, Ph.D.

It wasn’t until very recently that medical researchers began to understand the brain mechanism directly affecting leptin uptake in the brain. An international research team led by Rafi Mazor, a bioengineer and professor at the University of California, San Diego, found that a high-fat diet alters the chemistry of an enzyme called “MMP-2.” The modification of this enzyme led to the “clipping” of brain cells so that the neurons were unable to register that satiation (“feeling of fullness”) was achieved.

As a result of Mazor’s and his team’s breakthrough study, the researchers received support for a large-scale clinical trial. This proposed research aims to see whether MM-2 inhibitors (“blockers”) can help the obese lose weight.

Final Thoughts on Fat Consumption

Firstly, it is crucial to understand that leptin resistance research is still in its infancy. (Heck, we discovered the hormone a mere 24 years ago!) As such, experts are somewhat tight-lipped when it comes to making prescriptive recommendations. We can, however, glean some critical insights from the research already conducted.

Eat a balanced diet: Nearly everyone agrees that what we put into our mouths is the most critical element to good health. As such, make sure to eat a balanced diet consisting of fruits and vegetables and lean protein.

Exercise and limit dietary fat: Individuals who both exercise regularly and limited dietary fat showed reduced blood leptin levels. Body mass index reduced as well.

fat

Keep tabs on fiber intake: Fiber might be the most underappreciated nutrient there is. Much more attention seems to be given to fat and carbohydrate content than anything. Fiber, however, particularly soluble fiber, makes us feel full (so we don’t eat too much fat or carbs!). The Dietary Recommended Allowance (RDA) of dietary fiber is as follows:

Children

  • 1–3 years    19 grams
  • 4–8 years    25 grams

Men

  • 9–13 years:  31 grams
  • 14–50 years: 38 grams
  • 51–70 years: 30 grams
  • > 70 years: 30 grams

Women

  • 9–18 years:  26 grams
  • 19–50 years: 25 grams
  • 51–70 years: 21 grams
  • > 70 years: 21 grams
  • Pregnant Women: 28 grams
  • Lactating Women: 29 grams

8 Secrets That Help You Memorize Anything

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The human brain has no issue with storage because it has limitless space. But you lose the capacity to recall things as you get older because the brain is protecting you from information overload. You can, however, continue to train your brain to memorize the important things despite the threats of memory loss. Below are some secrets on how you can do it.

Here Are 8 Secrets That Help You Memorize Anything

“Knowing a little bit more about how your brain works can really help [you] to be a little more compassionate with yourself when it might take you a little more time than another [person] to learn a topic.” – Barbara Oakley

1. Use repetition to keep the information in your head.

The brain processes new information in the short-term memory but it can quickly forget if you don’t use the information repeatedly. According to theEbbinghaus Forgetting Curve, you forget half of what you learn in an hour. That memory reduces to 20 percent by the end of the week. So, you need to transfer this information in your long-term memory through repetition.

However, teaching yourself to memorize something for a long time by repetition must be properly timed. You can retain the information better with properly spacing your learning, such as when you’re studying a new language.

With short-term memory, to repeat the information you’ve acquired within 20 minutes, eight hours, and 24 hours. With long-term memory, you have to repeat or review this information in 20 minutes, 24 hours, two weeks, and then two months.

2. Teach what you’ve learned to someone else.

The Learning Pyramid is a concept that experts developed in the 1960s. It suggested that people could better retain memory at 90 percent if they immediately teach or discuss what they’ve learned to someone else. By teaching, you’re forcing your brain to concentrate. Since you’re also new at it, you’re likely to make some mistakes and work your brain to correct these mistakes.

No matter how focused you are on a lecture, for example, you need to immediately apply what you’ve learned to evaluate your interpretation. So, if you gain a new idea, run this by someone or perhaps write it down as soon as you can. When you hear yourself thinking out loud, you help your brain focus and concentrate better. As they say, practice makes perfect.

3. Study or do the heavy reading in the afternoon.

According to a study from the Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological research, you boost your ability to memorize information if you schedule heavy reading activities in the afternoon. Most people perceive that they should study when they are most alert, which is usually in the morning. However, it’s the short-term memory that’s sharpest during the morning.

So, doing heavy stuff with your brain, such as studying or reading loads of documents, are best accomplished in the afternoon. This helps you memorize by retaining the information in your long-term memory. The experts said this technique is effective since there’s a shorter interval between your reading and sleeping time.

4. Sleep adequately to help your brain synthesize information.

The role of sleep is vital to memory consolidation, as per a study in the journal Psychological Reviews. People who prepare for an exam by getting a restful sleep the night before, instead of cramming all night, gain more positive results in the tests. Sleep allows the brain to rest, especially when you’ve been reading and receiving information all day. Similarly, you benefit from taking short breaks in between reading because it helps your brain recharge.

5. Build a memory palace in your brain.

The Memory Palace technique, also known as the Method of Loci, has existed since the ancient Roman period. You might have heard of it before because experts recommend it all the time. It’s also all over pop culture and movies. This trick suggests creating visuals or spatial representations of things you’d like to remember in your head to associate it to something.

You may also use different cues like auditory (sound), olfactory (smell), gustatory (taste), kinesthetic (touch), and conceptual (ideas) to encode in your brain. Think of this technique as a virtual reality platform in your head. When you create an imaginary construct, you help your brain reduce its cognitive load, thus it uses its mental resources better.

6. Use the mind mapping technique.

The Mind Mapping technique also helps when you use it alongside the Memory Palace technique. Mind Mapping involves analysis and creativity, so your brain is so much more engaged and activated when it’s processing new information.

When you’re learning something, you usually take down notes in a much more linear form. But when you translate these notes like a map with different subtopics, you could get better at memorization, planning, brainstorming, and problem-solving. Use colors, symbols, drawings, and other attractive elements to create your mind map. These cues help to keep your brain on the alert.

7. Consider rhyming words.

Children are taught to learn Nursery Rhymes because these are powerful memory devices. Rhymes have familiar patterns that sound like music. This rhythmic pattern makes things easier to remember. The use of rhymes to help with memorization is an age-old technique. Cognitive scientist David Rubin wrote in his 1995 book, “Memory in Oral Traditions,” that when college students were made to listen to a ballad with rhyming words, they performed better in school.

8. Use the power of positive thinking.

Mature individuals are usually stereotyped as having poor memories. However, a research highlighted how the power of positive thinking can make older adults a lot less forgetful. The study’s participants, who were between the ages of 59 to 79, were divided into two groups. One was made to read a made-up article about the negative effects of memory loss. Another group read a fake story on memory preservation and improvement despite memory loss.

memorize

The participants were also asked to undergo a memory test. Those who remembered words and phrases of what they read were rewarded with money. Those who forgot what they’ve read were asked to pay money as part of the experiment. However, even with such a motivation, those who read the fake story on memory loss fared worse on the test that required them to memorize. Those who read the positive story scored better.

Experts said that if older people assume they are forgetful, they make their memory worse. But if people concentrate on ideas that reinforce their ability to improve their memories, they can reduce memory loss.

Final thoughts

Memory loss is a natural process, but the mind is like a muscle that can be protected from the effects of aging. Suffice to say that if you use your brain more, then you can effectively keep it robust. Then you won’t have problems trying to memorize names, places, things, events, and other important information.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NAteYgpsQY

Scientists Explain 9 Things That Cause Swollen Legs (And How to Fix It)

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Swollen legs – edema or water retention – can cause concern for many people. If you’re unsure what’s causing it, you have every reason to be concerned about the underlying cause. The good news is that modern research has shown us exactly what causes this to happen. Armed with this information, you can ease the problem.

Here is how science explains what causes swollen legs, and how to get rid of it!

“If people see any redness, blistering or swelling in the legs, especially if it is getting worse, they definitely need to see their doctor.” – Dr. Leslie Gilbert

Here Are 9 Underlying Causes of Swollen Legs and How to Fix Them

It’s important to note that leg swelling can be a symptom of various underlying conditions, and a proper diagnosis from a healthcare professional is necessary for effective management. Treatment options may include lifestyle modifications, medications, compression stockings, or addressing the underlying cause.

swollen ankles

1. Lack of activity can contribute to swelling of the legs

Most swelling issues are caused by minor circulation problems when you don’t move around enough, causing the lower extremities to retain water and experience fluid buildup. If you spend most of your day sitting in an office chair or spend most of your free time sitting in front of a TV, then your swelling legs could be your body’s way of saying, “We need to get moving!”

What’s the best way to fight this problem? It’s pretty simple – get some more exercise! You don’t have to go all out at the gym or join a yoga or CrossFit class, though, unless you want to. Just set aside at least thirty minutes daily to do light walking. You’d be surprised by the wonders that just a little physical activity can do for the body! Really exhausted and can’t stomach the idea of exercise right now? Try elevating your feet and legs above your heart level while you lie down to reduce swelling.

2. Blood clots may cause leg swelling

Blood clots in the legs are less serious than they sound in most cases – though they can be dangerous if left untreated – and are medically referred to as venous insufficiency. The chances of developing blood clots increase with age and often occur in women who have been pregnant.

What happens is that the vein walls inside the legs begin to lose their strength, causing one-way valves leading to the heart to face damage. This causes the veins in the legs to fill with blood, even more so if you’ve been standing for a long time.

Regularly keeping the legs elevated while you sit, lie down, and sleep can bring down swelling caused by this problem and stop the situation from becoming exacerbated. You can also purchase support stockings, but make sure they aren’t tight enough to cause marks. If you really need them, you can also opt for prescription compression stockings; speak to a doctor or physician for options.

3. A bad diet causes swollen legs

Malnutrition is one of the leading causes of seemingly random leg swelling, causing unwanted fluid retention in the extremities in severe cases. This can also happen if you consume too much salt with your food, especially since too much sodium causes the body to retain water.

The best way to solve edema caused by an unhealthy diet is to start eating healthier! If you think your diet is fine and aren’t sure what is causing the issue, try keeping a food diary. Also note the occurrence of your swelling so you can compare it to what you’re eating. You might find a surprising link between your swollen legs and a particular meal!

4. PMS or pregnancy contributes to swollen legs

Many people with periods may experience swelling and bloating around the week before their period, known as the cycle’s PMS (or premenstrual syndrome) phase. It’s not uncommon at all for those who are experiencing PMS to have swollen legs. This problem also occurs in those who are pregnant. Of course, PMS and pregnancy are two very different things, but we’re lumping them together here because they have a similar remedy!

A little-known positive remedy is the consumption of warm parsley tea. To make this refreshing beverage, finely chop the leaves and roots of parsley, then place about ¼ cup of these chopped components into an infusion basket. Submerge this inside a teapot with boiled water or pour hot water over the parsley. Allow to infuse for five to seven minutes, then take out the infusion basket and strain the drink. You can add lemon, ginger, or even honey to taste.

swollen legs

5. Kidney or liver issues contribute to the swelling

Pitting edema is a kind of water retention that affects not just the legs, but the face and hands as well. This sort of edema is a result of either liver or kidney troubles. Symptoms are often worst when you wake up first thing in the morning. This is quite a serious and potentially dangerous issue. It can cause protein from the blood to leak into the urine and reduce the overall protein in your body, which then causes fluid buildup. If you suspect that your edema and swollen legs are caused by kidney or liver issues, you’ll want to see a doctor as soon as possible. This can cause further complications in the future if not properly looked at.

6. Heart issues may lead to swollen legs

If you have been facing heart troubles or have experienced similar concerns, this can be the cause behind your swelling legs. This is because the heart might lack the strength necessary to pump the blood needed around your entire system, and your legs – being extremities – will suffer the most from this. The condition is called generalized edema and means your legs are experiencing water retention. If you are experiencing shortness of breath while lying down flat or after minimal exercise, your heart may be suffering. In this case, once again, your best option will be to head to the doctor’s and have some tests done. Your doctor can suggest plenty of very effective and simple treatments to help.

7. Lymphatic system issues cause fluid retention

Problems with the lymphatic system, which drains fluid from tissues, can result in swollen legs. Conditions such as lymphedema or damage to lymph nodes can impair the proper flow of lymphatic fluid and lead to fluid buildup in the legs.

Managing swelling due to lymphatic system problems involves a comprehensive approach. This may include manual lymphatic drainage techniques, wearing compression garments to improve lymphatic flow, practicing exercises that promote lymphatic circulation, and following a healthy diet to support overall lymphatic health.

8. Medications may cause swollen legs

Certain medications, such as those used to treat high blood pressure (calcium channel blockers), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or hormone therapies, can cause leg swelling as a side effect. If you suspect your medication contributes to the swelling, consult your healthcare provider for alternative options.

9. Infections in the legs

Infections in the legs, such as cellulitis or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), can cause swelling. Cellulitis is a bacterial infection. It affects the skin and tissues beneath it, while DVT is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein. Both conditions require medical attention and treatment to resolve the underlying infection and reduce swelling. Seek prompt medical attention.

swelling legs

Final Thoughts on Swollen Legs…and Healing Them

Swollen legs can seem scary, but not all cases represent a serious medical concern. In fact, most of the causes behind swollen legs can be easily treated on your own at home. That said, swollen legs can cause pain and discomfort that disrupts focus, positive thinking, and can even lead to other minor medical problems. Try to follow the advice above, and you should be able to get rid of your swelling issues quickly.

Science Explains What Happens to Your Body From Toxic Shock Syndrome

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Toxic Shock Syndrome is a medical condition with a scary name. But what exactly is it? This syndrome entered public consciousness with the popularity of tampons in the 1980s, as it affected 90% of menstruating women when they swapped over to using these hygiene products for the convenience they offer. Read on to see how science explains what happens to your body from Toxic Shock Syndrome and what you can do to prevent it!

“The two things that should alert patients and physicians are a very high fever and a sudden drop in blood pressure, which could cause fainting spells…” – Dr. Anthony Chow

Here’s How Science Explains What Happens to Your Body From TSS

What is it?

Let’s get this out of the way – the reason Toxic Shock Syndrome gained the notoriety it did is because of how potentially fatal it is. It made headlines during the 1970s and 1980s after tampon makers experimented with super-absorbent materials. Unfortunately, these tampons turn out to be perfect breeding grounds for staph bacteria and resulted in the deaths of several young women and the products being pulled off the market.

Also known as the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, group A Streptococcus (GAS), Streptococcus pyogenes, or just plain staph bacteria, Toxic Shock Syndrome is caused when the toxic substances produced by these bacteria permeate the body membranes and enters the bloodstream in large amounts.

Where does it come from?

Here’s the thing though – staph bacteria is already naturally present in the vagina. Your body is covered in tons of microorganisms at any given time. The vagina is host to a microflora of harmless bacteria that are normally kept in check by your vagina’s natural pH levels and discharge. This is why washing the vulva with anything aside from water is usually a bad idea. It will upset the natural microflora balance.

When your natural balance gets upset, then the bodily defenses your vagina has can no longer keep the bacteria in check. Staph bacteria, which is otherwise perfectly harmless, gets to grow out of control. But the thing is, it is still bacteria.

To be clear, TSS isn’t limited to feminine hygiene product users – just about everyone is vulnerable to the bacteria as well. Many people have become victims of staph bacteria entering surgery wounds, open wounds, and burns. If the bacteria can breed rapidly and enter the bloodstream, it can still cause TSS, regardless of its cause. Of course, this means sex can’t cause TSS. Intercourse does nothing to promote the growth of the bacteria in the first place.

How did it come to this?

You don’t see Toxic Shock Syndrome being a thing of worry among pad users and for a good reason. Although pad users aren’t invulnerable to getting TSS, the placement of the pad outside the body makes it harder for bacteria to truly get inside the vagina.

Tampons gained their bad reputation as a result of holding blood inside the vagina. This made tampons the perfect breeding environment for staph bacteria, due to the tampon being warm and moist. On top of that, the material of the tampon likely causes plenty of micro-scratches against the inside lining of the vagina. Nothing too worrying for the body in the long run, but these scratches, unfortunately, make the perfect opening for the bacteria.

This doesn’t mean tampons are the only things that can cause TSS, however. Just about any medical device or bandage that holds blood against the body is capable of becoming a breeding ground for staph bacteria. As a result, you will see this disease frequently in hospitals, where bandages and dressings grow host to an explosion of staph bacteria.

So what happens, exactly?

The initial symptoms of TSS are easily dismissible since they seem to be flu-like at a glance. Additionally, the symptoms aren’t highly worrying in and of themselves. The victim gets a sudden high fever and develops rashes resembling sunburns. These mostly appear on the palm of hands and the soles of feet. They may also experience vomiting and diarrhea, and their blood pressure will drop. This low blood pressure can be related to the other symptoms that can signal the initial onset of TSS – confusion, muscle aches, headaches, and seizures.

What happens is that in response to the sudden influx of poisonous substances, the body drops the blood pressure sharply. This sudden drop in blood pressure cuts off oxygen to various body organs. The organs then start shutting down as a result of the sudden lack of oxygen, which can lead to death. Victims can die due to sudden heart or lung failure as a result of staph bacteria; just about any organ is vulnerable to failure caused by the toxins. As a result, major organ damage is still possible even if an individual successfully recovers from the illness. This is especially if they don’t get treated fast enough.

How can you avoid this?

health

As much as we’d like it, positive thinking isn’t going to keep something like this at bay. Rather, the easiest way to avoid this is to change your tampon regularly. Also, if you are recovering from an injury, keep your wounds clean and your bandages fresh. As scary as staph bacteria’s fatality is, in the end, it is still bacteria. If you keep things sterile and don’t give it an environment to blossom, TSS becomes a non-issue. Do not use a tampon for more than eight hours. At the 8- to 12-hour mark, the risk of TSS kicks in.

Final thoughts

Despite how scary it sounds, toxic shock syndrome is still only caused by bacteria in the end. As long as you eliminate the conditions it needs to flourish, this is an illness you won’t have to worry about. Use your tampons correctly and healthily, and you’ll be fine. However, if you find yourself with a high fever after using tampons, please see a doctor as soon as possible. In addition to remaining positive, you also want to remain safe.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klnkeaa3pZw&t=6s

How to Make Cinnamon Milk For Weight Loss and Healthier Skin

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Some people like to enjoy a warm glass of milk before bed to help them sleep, and adding cinnamon to the milk can provide some wonderful health benefits. Not only does cinnamon promote weight loss, but it can help to clear up the skin as well. In this article, we’ll go over some other positive benefits of cinnamon milk so you can start including it in your daily health regimen and reap the rewards of consuming this delicious beverage! We will also give you the recipe so you know exactly how to make this healthful drink.

Benefits & Background of Cinnamon

Before we get into the recipe, we’d like to go over some benefits of cinnamon that you may not have known about before. So, let’s get to it! First, some background info on cinnamon: it’s a popular spice made from the inner bark of trees and has been used for centuries, dating as far back as ancient Egypt. As the inner bark of the cinnamon trees dry, strips of the cinnamon start to curl into rolls, which can then be ground up into cinnamon powder.

Cinnamon used to be so rare and highly coveted that people considered it a gift fit for kings. These days, however, you can buy cinnamon at your local grocery store for a pretty cheap price.

There are two main types of cinnamon:

  • Ceylon cinnamon: Otherwise known as “true” cinnamon.
  • Cassia cinnamon: The more common variety of cinnamon.

Cinnamon gets its smell and taste from the oily part of the plant, which is very high in a beneficial compound called cinnamaldehyde. Scientists believe this compound provides most of the health benefits found in cinnamon.

Loaded with Antioxidants

One of the major health benefits of cinnamon is that it contains powerful antioxidants such as polyphenols. In one study comparing the antioxidant levels of 26 different spices, cinnamon came out on top, outscoring foods such as garlic and oregano. The high level of antioxidants can help protect the body against free radicals that cause diseases such as cancer.

It’s Anti-inflammatory

Another great reason to make cinnamon milk is that cinnamon can help with chronic inflammation. Scientists believe the incredible amount of antioxidants present in cinnamon aid in healing inflammation.

Cinnamon Reduces Blood Sugar

Studies have shown that in people with type 2 diabetes, half a teaspoon of cinnamon per day reduces levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides while maintaining levels of HDL cholesterol.

Another study found that 120 mg of cinnamon per day can lower harmful blood markers while increasing “good” HDL cholesterol levels.

It Reduces Insulin Resistance

Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate metabolism and energy use. It also helps transport blood sugar from your bloodstream to your cells so you can use it as energy. However, many people are insulin resistant nowadays due to either poor diet, inactivity, or type 1 or 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance can actually lead to the development of diabetes, as well as other health problems. Cinnamon can help to reduce insulin resistance, which will aid the body in healing its metabolism.

Several human studies have proven how cinnamon can help heal diabetes, showing that it can lower fasting blood sugar levels by a whopping 10–29%.

Cinnamon Could Prevent Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s, cause the brain to lose the structure and number of cells present, leading to cognitive decline. However, two compounds found in cinnamon have been shown to prevent the buildup of a protein called tau in the brain, which is one of the markers of Alzheimer’s.

In a study of mice with Parkinson’s disease, cinnamon helped protect neurons, stabilize neurotransmitter levels, and boost motor function.

As you can see, cinnamon provides plenty of health benefits to the body, which makes it easy to see why cinnamon milk is such a wonderful beverage to make. We could continue with the benefits of cinnamon, but we know you all came here for the recipe, so we’ll get to the good stuff now!

Here’s how to make cinnamon milk

It’s pretty simple – all you need to do is combine 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder with one cup warm milk. You can add honey or other sweetener if you desire, as well as some vanilla extract for added flavor. Serve and enjoy!

A quick note: make sure you purchase organic, lightly processed cinnamon if possible. Look out for any additional ingredients such as added sugar which will take away from the health benefits.

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

11 Signs You May Have a Zinc Deficiency

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Zinc is an essential component that keeps our bodies running healthily and happily. This trace mineral is responsible for many different things all around the body’s system, so not getting enough of this powerful nutrient could have damaging effects on many areas of your health. Yet, 31% of the world and 12% of those in the US experience zinc deficiency, so there’s a chance you have this problem but have been ignoring its symptoms. Fortunately, there are some signs you may have a zinc deficiency.

Here Are 11 Signs You May Have Zinc Deficiency

  1. “A growing body of evidence demonstrates that experimental zinc deficiency can induce depressive-like behavior in animals, which can be effectively reversed by zinc supplementation.” – Walter Swardfager

1. Acne

Zinc has been linked to providing great anti-inflammatory benefits, which can prevent you from having bad breakouts. To be fair, plenty of other things can cause acne, including your skincare routine, the makeup you use, hormonal issues, or even your overall diet. But if you seem to follow all the rules for good skin care and still find your face covered in acne, you may want to consider adding some zinc to your food choices.

zinc deficiency

2. Sleep troubles

Lack of sleep has many downsides, including weight gain, lack of focus, less positive thinking, and increased risk of injury. So, you’ll want to fix this pronto, and you can with some extra zinc in your diet. According to research, zinc helps to produce and regulate the sleep hormone melatonin in the body, so a lack of it can cause insomnia or disturbed sleep. Studies have found that taking a zinc, magnesium, and melatonin supplement can greatly boost your sleep quality.

3. Diarrhea

A zinc deficiency can affect the body’s immunity, which we’ll talk about later, but diarrhea becomes more of an issue when your immune system is weak. This can lead to a higher chance of contracting bacterial infections – including E. coli. This is especially prevalent in children, but the good news is that zinc has been found to treat babies six months and older fantastically. Do note that you should never give a supplement to a baby without asking their doctor first!

4. Hearing issues

Believe it or not, lacking zinc can cause you to experience hearing problems. A study found that 12 in 100 people who experience ringing ears – a condition known as tinnitus – are also suffering a zinc deficiency. Meanwhile, other studies have shown that zinc can treat hearing loss better than steroids! This is likely due to the fact that zinc has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help cochlear health.

5. Your wounds are slow-healing

When you get a cut or scrape of any kind, blood clots as quickly as it can. This is to prevent you from bleeding out in major injuries, and to prevent any infections – whether bacterial or viral – in minor injuries. If you’re low in zinc, your immune system’s weakness can cause open cuts to heal more slowly, so your wounds might stay with you for longer. This is especially true since the body needs zinc for tissue repair.

immune system

6. Stunted Growth (in Children)

Zinc deficiency is much easier to spot in young children who are still growing. Kids who don’t get enough of the mineral are likely to experience stunted growth or even stop growing altogether. This is because zinc has a huge influence on the development of cells. This is why it’s so vital that kids get all the zinc they need. Apparently, most children in the United States are getting their needed 10 milligrams per day from their normal food.

7. Low immunity levels

Zinc is a very, very important mineral for the immune system. It promotes the growth of T-cells and is vital in their differentiation towards our white blood cells, which is what we need to prevent disease. It also kills off bacteria, cancerous cells, and viruses in a process called apoptosis, otherwise called programmed cell death.

Zinc also forms the structure for a wide range of proteins and hormone receptors, which are both necessary for mood balancing and health. On top of all that, it supports the protection of multiple cell membranes and even plays a key role in the transcription of genes! Basically, if you’re without zinc, you’re without a functioning immune system.

8. Worsening vision

The eyes contain a lot of concentrated zinc, especially in and around the retina. This is largely due to the fact that zinc is responsible for the transportation of vitamin A upwards from the liver and finally into the retina, and this vitamin A will keep protective pigments present in the eyes, thus allowing for sharp vision.

9. More allergic reactions

Zinc plays a big role in how the body stores histamine, which is responsible for allergy control. Too little zinc will lead to an overproduction of histamine, and this can cause higher allergy sensitivity and other allergy symptoms. This is especially prevalent in those with chronic conditions, especially chronic stress, which is responsible for adrenal fatigue. This, in turn, causes a deficiency in magnesium, calcium, and zinc.

10. Thinning hair and/or bald patches

Those with zinc deficiency are heavily at risk for developing hair thinness, bald patches, or even alopecia. You are even more at risk of this symptom if you are also dealing with adrenal fatigue, so make sure you’re getting enough zinc or taking a supplement for it.

11. Food is less tasty

Eating your favorite foods and finding them less appetizing than they once were could be a sign that you aren’t getting enough zinc. This is because zinc can affect all of your senses, not just hearing and vision. Your sense of smell and taste can be affected too, making you unable to taste food properly.

zinc deficiency

Final Thoughts on Beating a Zinc Deficiency

Getting enough zinc in your diet is vital for bodily health. You can easily obtain this mineral from chickpeas, spinach, mushrooms, yogurt, baked beans, pumpkin seeds, and cashews. Also, you can find it in meats like beef, chicken, lamb, pork, crab, lobster, and oysters. By making sure you’re incorporating zinc into your daily diet, you’re doing your entire body a huge favor!

10 Things That Make a Relationship Better (That Couples Often Ignore)

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After a while, a relationship becomes more about a choice than a feeling, because the honeymoon phase of romance doesn’t last forever. Reality hits and responsibilities, work, kids, and chores become the norm. People get stuck in a routine, through no fault of their own, of course, but life can take a toll on relationships all the same. Just like most things in life, a relationship takes maintenance and care to keep it working. So, if your relationship seems a little stale or off-balance lately, here are a few positive ways to improve it.

Here are 10 things that make a relationship better:

1. Communication is key.

No matter what, communication will always remain a staple in a healthy relationship. You can’t have a lasting relationship without strong communication, because it helps two people stay connected to one another. After a while, couples start to become distant and forget that staying connected to one another takes effort. Eventually, you might start to come home from work and immediately turn on the TV instead of talking to your partner. After a long day, that’s totally understandable, but remember to take time to connect to your partner as well.

2. Remember to say “I love you.”

Just like communication, saying “I love you” to your partner might start to fall to the wayside after a while. We all need to know that we are loved. Even if you often show your partner how you feel, it helps to express your feelings verbally, too. Let your partner know you still love them after everything you’ve been through together, because those three words can really bring a couple closer together.

3. Have mutual goals or interests.

Of course, two people should have their own hobbies and interests outside of the relationship, but it’s also important to share goals and activities with one another. If you don’t already have common hobbies, why not try something new together that you’ve both been interested in? Are you both adrenaline junkies? Then maybe take up skydiving or scuba-diving lessons. If staying grounded is more your thing, try an exercise or cooking class together. Responsibilities can easily eat away at a relationship, so staying connected through common activities is vital.

4. Be able to say “I’m sorry.”

Unfortunately, many people still let their egos run the show in a relationship. However, remember that being right doesn’t matter nearly as much as keeping peace between you and your partner. There will be times when you’re right and times when your partner is right. In fact, that’s completely normal and healthy in a partnership. Being able to acknowledge that you’re wrong sometimes will help build trust between both of you.

5. Forgive one another.

Everyone will hurt you at some point; you just have to know who’s worth the pain. In a strong partnership, both people know how to work through their problems maturely and objectively, without adding fuel to the fire. Couples may argue from time to time, but the strongest couples always make amends and show each other forgiveness.

6. Know how to compromise.

Life can’t always happen the way you want it to, especially in a partnership. When it’s just you, you can do pretty much whatever you want without having to answer to anyone. However, in a relationship, it takes two people compromising and sacrificing to make things work. Let your partner choose a restaurant to eat at or a movie to watch, even if you don’t necessarily like it. Next time, you can pick something that suits you, but allow your partner to have a chance to explore their interests, too.

7. Be here now.

Basically, this means to stay in the present moment as much as possible. Don’t think too much about the future or the past, because that will only lead to discontent. Just bring as much joy to the here and now as possible. Also, be thankful you get to share the precious moments with someone you love.

8. Take time for self-care.

Life requires a lot from us humans, so any chance you get, make time for yourself. Take a hot bath, read a book you’ve been wanting to open for some time, watch a show you love, or go on a solo road trip. No matter your style, just make sure to look out for #1 every once in a while, because time alone will help strengthen your relationship.

how to fix a broken relationship

9. Don’t get too comfortable.

After a while of being with your partner, you might neglect certain things, such as cleaning the kitchen or fixing yourself up for dinner. Of course, you naturally won’t put in the same effort as you did in the beginning of the relationship, but this doesn’t mean you should totally let things slide, either. Maybe have a set day each week to clean house or get your hair done. Also, go on a dinner date once in a while so you can keep that spark alive with your partner.

10. Support one another’s dreams.

This should be a given, but you might notice that things start to be more about “we” and less about “you.” In other words, a couple starts to merge their interests and desires until they have become one unit, and they forget that both of them have individuals dreams and goals. Even if your partner’s goals don’t match your own, remember to always support them as you would want them to support you.

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