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10 Early Signs of Tonsillitis (And How to Get Rid of It)

August 23, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Tonsillitis, though commonly a child’s ailment, affects people of all ages. The condition is characterized by an inflammation of the tonsils located at the back of the throat. It develops because of a bacterial infection or virus. While there are ways to positively treat the symptoms of tonsillitis, including a surgical procedure for recurring conditions, the best remedy is always prevention.

Here Are 10 Early Signs of Tonsillitis and How to Get Rid of The Symptoms:

“The throat also represents the creative flow in the body. This is where we express our creativity, and when our creativity is stifled and frustrated, we often have throat problems. Tonsillitis and thyroid problems are just frustrated creativity, resulting from not being able to do what you want to do.” – Louise Hay

1. Inflammation and swelling of the throat

Inflamed and swollen tonsils can be uncomfortable and might make swallowing food or drinks difficult. The inflammation usually causes the throat to appear red and feel tender. The lump on the throat can be bothersome as well, as it’s not just the tonsils that are swollen. Even the lymph nodes, the neck, and the area under the chin could be sensitive and tender. Drinking warm tea with raw honey can relieve the inflammation and swelling.

2. Pain in the throat

It’s common to feel pain when the tonsils are inflamed and swollen since the glands are irritated and stretched. The only way to relieve the pain is to relieve the inflammation. Gargle water with dissolved salt for best relief from this condition, as per the National Institutes of Health. But it’s also best to consult a doctor for an antibiotic treatment regimen.

3. Difficulty in breathing or talking

Aside from making eating hard, you could have problems breathing properly when you have a developing tonsillitis. Because your glands are swollen, it can block the airways in your throat so it’s also an effort to talk. You might want to use a vaporizer or humidifier in your room to help clear the airways.

4. Change in your voice

Because of what’s happening inside your throat, your voice might slightly change and become muffled, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. You might also experience a difficulty in opening your mouth. If gargling with salt and water won’t help, you could take lozenges containing benzocaine to relieve your throat.

5. Ear pain with a headache

The pain of tonsillitis might spread over the ear as the nerves on the back of the throat become inflamed. If the pain impacts the ears, it can cross over to the head as well. You could take over-the-counter painkillers to clear your headache and provide temporary positive relief. However, if the root of the problem isn’t addressed, which are your tonsils, the headache can recur.

6. Bad Breath

Developing tonsillitis might cause bad breath because of the increasing bacteria inside your mouth. Since you won’t have the appetite to eat when it’s too painful to swallow, your stomach might produce chemicals that can cause bad breath as well.

The tonsil stones that form at the back of your throat can leave your mouth smelling bad – and brushing your teeth won’t help remove the odor. According to dentist Thomas P. Connelly via Huffington Post, the tonsil stones have to be removed with an irrigator at the dentist’s clinic. To prevent the stones from forming, it’s a good idea to gargle with a mouthwash twice a day. Otherwise, a doctor might recommend removing the tonsils altogether as a final resort.

7. Presence of white coating

If you open your mouth wide and notice white spots around your tonsils, this is a sure indication of a bacterial infection. This is also a sign that your condition might be contagious, so be sure to cover when you cough or sneeze. If possible, limit your contact with other people or wear a mask when you do have to come face to face with people.

8. Flu

Influenza or flu might trigger complications in your tonsils because of your weakened immune system. If you have the flu, give yourself a complete bed rest so that your body can recover faster and you won’t have to deal with the complications. Drink plenty of fluids and take your flu medication as prescribed as well to speed up your recovery.

9. Cold sores

Cold sores, also known as herpes simplex virus, cause blisters and bumps around your mouth and lips. If this is not treated properly, it could lead to tonsillitis because of the presence of the bacteria around your mouth area.

10. Strep throat infection

Developing a strep throat infection can also lead to tonsillitis. If you are experiencing pain and discomfort in your throat along with fever and body pain, get yourself tested. If needed, take the treatment for Streptococcus bacteria so that it won’t progress to tonsillitis.

Best Treatment Course

In general, treating tonsillitis involves positive thinking and an antibiotic regimen, pain management, and fluid replacement therapy. In severe cases, hospitalization might be warranted especially if your condition affects the way your body functions and disrupts your activities. Tonsillitis that becomes chronic might have to be removed through a surgery called a tonsillectomy. Please always consult your wellness advocate before starting any new regimen.

https://youtu.be/KKB0jThAfnQ

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5 Questions to Ask Yourself If You Think You Want Your Ex Back

August 23, 2018 by Power of Positivity

A few months after breaking up with your partner, you find yourself with a ton of questions, wondering if you’ve made the right choice. You have this yearning to reunite with your ex and that’s a normal feeling. According to The Journal of Social Psychology, at least one-half to two-thirds of ex-couples experience wanting to rekindle their relationship. But before you do decide to take your ex back into your life, here are some important questions you have to ask yourself.

Here Are 5 Questions to Ask Yourself If You Think You Want Your Ex Back

“Don’t forget to fall in love with yourself first.” – Carrie Bradshaw

1. What did not work in your relationship?

Examining why you broke up might immediately answer your questions of whether you should get back together with your ex or not. If it’s a reason that you both can rationally discuss, work out, and find solutions to this time around, then getting back together might be worth a second try.

Obviously, you had problems in your relationship so you called it quits. But you need to figure out if this problem will rear its ugly head again when you reconcile. Otherwise, the same old patterns will crop up.

If the cause of your breakup was due to major differences in your personalities, values, and beliefs, figure out how much you’re willing to compromise and accept. Sometimes, differences in a relationship can be a great thing, if it complements both partners. However, if the differences cause clashes and tension, then it might not be wise to proceed with the reconciliation.

2. How much have you grown up after the breakup?

Relationships bring out the best and worst in people. You need to ask yourself if you have grown up and improved since the breakup. If you don’t believe you experienced growth and if you’ve observed the same things in your partner, then it might not be a good idea to get back together at all. Jumping back into each other’s arms when you’ve not evolved will only cause the same problems to return.

3. Are your reasons for getting back together sensible?

Some people who reconcile with their ex do it for the wrong reasons. One of the worst things you can do is to get back together so that you no longer have to feel the pain, sadness, and rejection. You believe that accepting your ex back in your life will also bring back the positive feelings. But if you have not discussed the real issues or if you have not agreed to settle your differences, then there’s a big chance this positivity won’t last.

Getting back together if you still harbor resentment towards your ex won’t also be sensible. Your issues in the relationship will still be there. Think of relationships as if you’re building a house. Would you lay down the old and used bricks as your foundation?

Figure out what will make this second try different than the first. So, ask yourself these questions – what are the real reasons you want your ex back? Do these reasons matter more than why you broke up in the first place? If that’s a yes, then go ahead and give it another try.

4. How much are you willing to make this relationship work?

If you are leaning toward reconciling with your ex, how much do you want this to work? As it is, maintaining love and respect in a relationship is hard work. Mending a renewed but once broken relationship is even harder.

Will you be on the same page as your partner? Will you pour the same efforts to protect and value what you have? If you’re serious about getting back together, what will you do to prevent old issues and habits from returning? And if old habits that annoy you indeed come to the surface, are you prepared to deal with all that again? If you don’t feel good about these things, then it might be a sign you shouldn’t get back with your ex.

In some cases, you need to have a healthy dose of realism. Understand that giving the relationship another shot will not be a breeze. Some of the little issues you had in the past might still trigger and tick you off, even if you’re faced with new and different challenges. At this point, getting a therapist to guide and intervene might be helpful so that you can properly communicate with each other if you’re serious about renewing your relationship.

5. Have you forgiven each other and acknowledged your mistakes?

Apart from recognizing what went wrong in your relationship, ask yourself if you have truly forgiven each other and if you have acknowledged your own mistakes. Forgiving and owning up to your part of the problem is vital to moving on and starting a new chapter of your life together.

A study found in the Journal of Family Psychology revealed that when forgiveness is absent in a relationship that has experienced a conflict, then it is likely that this conflict will never be resolved. A lack of forgiveness between couples can strip the relationship of its positive, interpersonal ways of handling problems.

Another study by experts at UC Berkeley stated that people who don’t take responsibility for their actions are the ones who aren’t willing to change their behavior or make compromises. That should be a red flag when you want to get back with an ex.

Final Thoughts

Reflecting on these questions before getting back with your ex will prevent you from making another mistake or wasting each other’s time. If it’s a bad idea to get back together, then it might be because the universe is clearing the path for you to meet somebody new. Remember, positive thinking is what you need right now to get through this confusing phase of your life.

https://youtu.be/B1u8qaermPc

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

10 Heartbreaking Reasons Why Men Leave Women They Love

August 23, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Love is like a flower: sweet, beautiful, and sometimes very colorful! Love is also like a flower in that it requires frequent pruning and watering for it to grow. Therefore, without the necessary ingredients, love may wilt and fade altogether.

It is an understatement to say life can be hard for a woman who has been left by her spouse. Hopefully this is something you have not (and will never) experience. It can feel like the end of the world. The partner who did not do the leaving may have so many questions, and no answers. Trust me when I say it is the hardest time of a woman’s life.

Have you ever been loved so much by someone that it never crossed your mind that they may someday abandon you? Well, even though love is real, sometimes emotions change. Sometimes things just happen.

Here’s my story: All my life, I have loved just one man. And he loved me too. He loved me so much that I was sure our love would last forever. However, we dated for only three years when things started going south. I pondered and wondered where I had gone wrong. I tried asking him, but he only said he wanted to pursue further studies. I felt shocked stupid by his response. But there was nothing I could do about it.

Well, if you have experienced something similar and are left wondering why, here are some reasons why men leave women they love.

Why men leave women they love:

Dissatisfaction in the bedroom

As women, we have to accept that our men love intimacy. But it is funny that a man will never tell you to your face that he wants intimacy. But if he grows tired from asking for it, he may just walk away. Research shows that men express their love for their women through intercourse. Denying him intimacy is equal to denying him a chance to show you his love. Also, frequent denial lowers their self-esteem. This is because you make your man feel undesirable. I mean, who does not like being desired?

So, if a man does not get intimacy from you or if he is not getting enough from you, my dear sister, he may begin considering thoughts about leaving you. This might sound harsh, but it is important to know the facts of how men tend to think and operate. If he is not being satisfied intimately in a relationships, he will likely move on to find a woman who will satisfy him.

Cheating

In most cases, dissatisfaction leads to unfaithfulness. Roughly 70% of men who cheat tend to leave the women they love shortly afterward. Not all men can give their love and affection to two different women at the same time. So, they tend to leave the woman they once loved for the one they have grown intimate towards. In all honesty, they may have mistaken this new romance for love.

Some say that men cheat because women allow them to. That if a woman does not treat her man right, another woman will. Although this might seem completely unfair, sadly, in many cases this turns out to be true. Sometimes men seek an outside relationship if they feel their current partner no longer gives him the love, care, and affection he desires.

Lack of intimacy

Over the years, you have likely read articles emphasizing men’s love for intimacy. However, it has never been indicated that men crave affection. Intimacy involves bonding with your spouse through kissing, hugging, cuddling, and sharing your innermost feelings and thoughts. When you wake up in the morning and kiss your man, that is being intimate.

Wait a minute, have you sent your man a simple text during lunchtime asking him how he is doing? Do you call him frequently to tell him you love him? If you have done this in the past, are you still doing it or have you stopped?

Women tend to feel comfortable and sometimes take intimacy for granted once they get into a relationship. They forget that love requires day-to-day actions. You have to work on it to keep the fire burning. Lack of intimacy is one of the reasons why men leave women they love.

Boredom

Men love women who add joy to their lives, not someone who is always angry and does not enjoy anything. Boredom is one of the reasons why men leave women they love. Men want women who are open to new ideas that add zest to a relationship. Let’s face it, some people are boring to be with. Decide that you won’t be boring and that you will do what it takes to keep that deep connection alive.

Fear of losing freedom

Ladies, although men crave times of intimacy, they also want their freedom. Do not hinder him from watching a football match with his friends. You should know that men highly value their boy time. A man may end up leaving the woman he loves if fears that he will lose the freedom to do the things he loves.

Loss of attraction

Men love with their eyes. Sometimes women neglect taking care of themselves. If you forget to dress well and make your hair, this action may be driving him away. A man loves it when he sees his woman making an effort to be beautiful for him.

Loss of attraction is one of the heartbreaking reasons why men leave women they love.

Trying to fix him

This is an important item on the list. Men hate being made into something they are not. When you try making him into what he is not, he will leave you the minute he notices. And even if he stays, he may grow resentful or bitter that you do not accept him for who he is. We all want to be loved and a huge part of love is acceptance. So, do not try to take control of your man’s life in that way. Respect each other for differences, even weak points, because that makes you both who you are.

Lack of emotional bonding

A man who loves his woman shows his vulnerability to her. He shares with her all his fears, weaknesses, and failures. This is not easy for any man, because they like to be strong. So when a woman is hard to approach, it becomes very difficult to bond emotionally.

When this happens, a man just might leave a woman he loves.

Lack of respect and appreciation

Love begins with mutual respect and attraction. Unfortunately, some women tend to disrespect their men by calling them abusive names or even badmouthing them. When this happens, a man feels disrespected and has no reason to remain.

Also, some women do not appreciate what their men do for them and are always comparing them with other men. Lack of appreciation is one of the reasons why men leave women they love because it lowers a man’s self-esteem, which drives him away.

Emotional co-dependence

Some women use phrases such as, “Without you, I would die,” or, “I could never love another man,” to try to keep their men from leaving them. It becomes very dangerous if your joy depends on your man being in your life.

Closing Thoughts

Naturally, you’ll want to do what you can to make your man happy. You should be someone that he can rely on emotionally. You need to respect and appreciate him. But remember that, above all, you are a strong and worthy woman. You deserve love and respect. Even if a relationship does not continue the way you hope, or ends sooner than you would like, you can make it through this. You can come out stronger than before.

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

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Essential Nutrients For Moms Who Just Went Through A C Section

August 23, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Going through a pregnancy can be difficult for some moms. It is an emotional process that can be physically draining before you even get to the delivery and post-partum experience. The tiny baby at the end eases the pain, but it’s still important to make sure mom is taken care of throughout the pregnancy and delivery process.

This article is going to focus on some of the ways you can use nutrition to ease the transition through the post-partum phase. These tips are important for every mom, but those who just had a c section need to pay special attention to their bodies as that procedure is considered a major surgery.

Here are essential nutrients for moms who recently had a c section:

Protein

Protein is essential because it is one of the main building blocks of your cells. It can help the healing process run more smoothly and provide you with increased protection against infection. Adequate protein intake can also help you keep your energy levels up, which will be especially important during c section recovery.

There are many ways to get protein, even if you follow a plant-based diet. New moms are trying to care for themselves, plus a new baby, and are doing so on very little sleep. This means that simple and easy sources are best. Try having some hummus on hand to use with crackers or vegetables.

Zinc

Zinc is going to be a key driving force when it comes to your body repairing itself from having a c section. It’s a great nutrient that can also boost your immune system and reduce the amount of inflammation at your surgical incision site. Less inflammation will also lead to decreased pain levels.

One great source to use in order to boost your zinc intake would be pumpkin seeds. These can be tossed on a salad or into a smoothie for a great snack during the day. You can also incorporate more beans or lentils into a soup or stew for added nutrition.

Vitamins

Vitamins and minerals are great at any time, but certain ones become especially important during a c section recovery. You specifically want to think about vitamins A, C, and E.

Vitamin C is going to boost your absorption of iron, which will be discussed later. It will also help as your body tries to heal itself. You can find it in many citrus fruits, like oranges.

Vitamin A and E are also great for skin repairs and shortening the healing time from your c section. Try eating some fresh carrots or broccoli for a strong dose of vitamin A, and check out some sunflower seeds and hazelnuts for vitamin E.

Increased Calories

The healing process after a c section burns through a fair amount of energy in order to accomplish every step that needs to be done. This means that you will need additional calories from a nutrient-rich source in order to keep up. If you don’t, then you will likely begin to feel tired and you could put yourself at a higher risk for infection.

New moms also need a caloric increase if they are breastfeeding. Your body burns extra calories in order to produce enough milk to feed the baby. Plan to add a few extra healthy snacks and plenty of water throughout the day in order to keep your milk supply stable.

Iron

Often, there is a higher amount of blood loss through a major surgery like a c section versus that of a vaginal delivery. Iron is going to be a great addition to your diet because it will help your body produce more red blood cells to recover the amount that was depleted during delivery.

Iron is found in foods like dark leafy greens, tofu, beans and lentils. You will need to make sure you maintain adequate vitamin C intake to help your body absorb the iron. You may also need to increase your fiber intake if you take an iron supplement, as they can be very constipating.

Healthy Fats

Healthy fats can be found in things like walnuts and flaxseeds. They are going to help minimize the amount of inflammation in your body after delivery. In addition, they can help you increase your caloric intake in a healthy way.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this article showed you some of the great ways to increase your nutrition after having a c section. It may seem like a lot, but try to take things one step at a time. Remember to drink plenty of water and add in some small healthy snacks throughout your day in order to get started.

https://youtu.be/Gn9EGLdxAiw

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

12 Health Benefits of Sprouts (That You Didn’t Know)

August 23, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Sprouts are one of the most nutritious foods you can consume and one of the best superfoods. Sprouts are made by soaking seeds of various plants until small white shoots germinate from them. These sprouts can then be consumed with different meals for additional nutrition and freshness of taste.

Sprouting naturally reduces the anti-nutrients in raw legumes, beans, grains, nuts, and seeds. Sprouted seeds can be cooked at a much faster pace than raw seeds. Along with the easiness of preparation, sprouted seeds contain so many benefits that it is unreasonable not to make them part of any diet. Here are the twelve sprouts benefits that you may not know about.

12 Health Benefits of Sprouts

Aids Digestion

The precise reason that all beans and legumes benefit from sprouting before cooking is that, in their raw form, beans, and legumes contain anti-nutrients and phytic acid that can block the absorption of minerals and vitamins. When sprouted, seeds release their living enzymes that boost the metabolic processes in your body and improve digestion. Dietary fiber found in the shoots of the seeds regulates digestion and keeps things moving within the gastrointestinal tract.

Aids Weight Loss

Sprouts are a nutrient-dense food that also has insignificant amounts of calories. With them, you get all the nutrients you need without the calorie bulk from eating too much food. The fiber in the germinated seeds keeps you satiated longer after a meal. The fiber decreases the ghrelin levels produced — the hormone that stimulates you to eat more.

Boosts Immunity

Germinated seeds contain high amounts of Vitamins C, A, and many others. Vitamin C fights infections and diseases, contributing to a more robust immune system. Vitamin A is a potent antioxidant that prevents cell damage from free radicals.

Stronger Eyesight

The Vitamin A inside sprouts is essential for improving vision and eye health. Eyesight and vision quality highly depend on the amounts of vitamin A in the eye. The antioxidant properties of the vitamin protect the cells inside the eyes from the effects of free radicals.

Supports Heart Health

Germinated seeds are a legitimate source of omega-3 fatty acids. This compound boosts the good cholesterol in the blood and reduces bad cholesterol levels that are responsible for major problems in the cardiovascular system. Omega-3 may also reduce inflammation in the whole body. This naturally decreases stress on the cardiovascular system. The potassium levels in the germinated seeds reduce blood pressure.

Maintains PH Balance

The PH balance in the body is essential for maintaining a healthy environment for cells to function properly. The foods that are a part of the modern diet tend to create an acidic medium in the body. This brings about most of the health conditions found today. Alkalizing the body means bringing the much-needed balance, so the cells can begin functioning optimally. Germinated seeds are highly alkalizing to the body. Eating them in their raw form ensures that this alkalizing quality is maintained and passed onto your body.

Maintains Youthfulness

Germinated seeds are a powerhouse of many antioxidant compounds. The main reasons that cells must renew constantly is because of the environmental damage caused to them by free radicals from the environment, poor diet, and stress. These free radicals can also influence the DNA inside the cells. Antioxidants counteract the activity of free radicals. Eating more germinated seeds means maintaining the youth of individual cells and the whole organism as a result.

Beautifies Hair

Your hair is one of your most important attributes. The vitamin A found in a sprout stimulates the hair follicles to grow stronger hair strands faster. The zinc inside sprout shoots stimulates the production of sebum — the natural oil the scalp produces to keep hair hydrated and strong.

Improves the Condition of Skin

The antioxidants in germinated seeds counteract the aging effects of free radicals. Vitamin C inside them stimulates the production of collagen — the main glue that holds connective tissue cells tightly together. Silica inside germinated seeds regenerates the connective tissues and removes toxins from the body, revealing bright and glowing skin.

Protects The Body From Disease

The oxygen found inside germinated seeds protects the organism against various bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Abnormal cell growth also ceased in the presence of oxygen. Diseases like cancer resulting from abnormalities in cell growth are positively influenced.

Increases Nutrients

If you suffer from any nutrient deficiencies or a multitude of them, germinating seeds is an excellent practice to get your full array of vitamins and minerals without isolated supplementation.

Boosts Metabolism

The wide array of enzymes in germinated seeds seriously boosts metabolic activity. The high amounts of protein in the food also boost the performance of chemical processes within the body. This leads to increased skin regeneration, bone density, and muscle growth.

Final Thoughts on Trying Sprouts for Better Health

A sprout is a multi-functional food that can be added to any dish and is a great all-in-one supplement to boost the regeneration of your entire body. Germinating seeds is easy to do at home. But please ensure you adhere to the guidelines of clean sprouting to get the best results from this fantastic superfood dish.

10 Foods That Help Flush Water Retention

August 23, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Water retention (or “edema”) is the buildup of excess fluids within the body. Commonly occurring in the cavities and tissues, this extra water often produces visible effects, including swelling of the ankles, feet, legs, and hands.

Though the swelling can appear strangely abnormal, most cases of water retention are not threatening to health. These are some of the more common reasons for retaining water:

Chronic inflammation
Lack of physical activity (e.g., when bedridden due to illness)
Pregnancy
Menopause
Food intolerance
Excess salt intake
Poor diet
Exposure to environmental toxins

Keep in mind that water retention can also be a symptom of severe medical conditions like kidney failure. For this reason, if you’re retaining water while also experiencing more severe symptoms, it wise to seek the advice of your primary caregiver.

Here are ten foods that can help reduce and flush water retention:

Let’s do this!

Whole Wheat

Whole wheat flour is an excellent source of magnesium at around 160 milligrams per cup. Magnesium is a vital nutrient for health and is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions within the body.

Concerning water retention, magnesium interacts with other electrolytes, including sodium, to normalize the amount of water within the body, or “water balance.”

Bananas

Bananas are loaded with potassium, but they are also packed with vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). A study published in the Journal of Caring Sciences found that B6 “had the most … efficiency in improving (premenstrual syndrome.)” One of the most frequently experienced symptoms of PMS is bloating, which is caused by the body’s increased storage of water during this time.

Avocado

One medium-sized avocado contains more potassium than any other food, registering over 1,050 milligrams, or approximately 30 percent of the recommended daily value (DV).

Potassium works to reduce water retention by lowering the body’s sodium levels and increasing urine production.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon may help re-balance water levels by increasing our body’s core temperature – a process known as thermogenesis. This process effectively speeds up our resting metabolic rate, resulting in more fat (and water) loss.

Cinnamon may also decrease insulin resistance, thereby helping the body to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

Carrots

Bug Bunny’s go-to food is loaded with phytochemicals – active plant-based compounds – that promote diuresis, or the production of urine. The body produces this urine from water and salt within the system.

Carrots also contain important antioxidants and vitamins that work to help detox the body.

Ginger

Ginger is a miracle spice, aiding the body in any number of ways, from relieving pain to curing loss of appetite. It is no surprise, then, that ginger helps expel water from the body. It does so by increasing the production of urine and eliminating harmful toxins.

Parsley

In a noteworthy study published by the National Institutes of Health, rats who drank a liquid form of parsley extract eliminated “a significantly larger volume of urine” compared to water by itself. The researchers note that the diuretic effects of parsley extract are due to the timely elimination of potassium and sodium from the body.

Cranberries

We can’t discuss diuretics without mentioning the sumptuous cranberry! Cranberries are excellent for flushing the byproducts of waste in addition to excess water. Cranberries are also loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C, protecting the body from damaging toxins and free radicals while boosting the immune system!

Garlic

Speaking of miracle foods, you can confidently add garlic to that list. The widespread use of garlic as a natural treatment (especially for the common cold) is due to its mineral-dense properties. Garlic contains antioxidants (including the potent allicin), vitamins B6 and C, and manganese and selenium, all of which play at least a small role in promoting healthy water balance and overall health.

Various herbs

For brevity, we could not include every single herb that helps flush water retention. Studies show that the herbs dandelion, horsetail, and hibiscus may be among the most potent natural diuretics as far as natural remedies go.

Here are a few things to keep in mind that may help if you find yourself retaining too much water:

Try cutting back on salt: Reduce your intake of processed foods by substituting healthy, organic foods on occasion. Also, stay away from fast food and microwaved meals.
Get the ‘Big 3′: Eating foods high in magnesium, potassium, and vitamin B6 is a must if you are trying to rid flush excess water.
Eliminate the refined carbs: White bread, white rice, and any other form of sugar or starches, except natural sugars from food, should be eliminated. Consuming refined carbohydrates while retaining water will only exacerbate the condition.
See a doctor: If your symptoms do not improve, it’s better to play it safe and seek the advice of a licensed physician or your chosen wellness professional.

Science Explains How Turmeric Can Give You Perfect Glowing Skin

August 23, 2018 by Power of Positivity

When people are on a journey to find the next all-natural trend in beauty and skin care, most do not think to look in their very own kitchen pantry or refrigerator. The fact is, the most simple and cost-efficient skin cleansers, moisturizers and facial mask ingredients can be found at home. One of the most underrated and all natural ingredients which can help you manage and even alleviate a host of different skin ailments is turmeric.

You may wonder just how this naturally found remedy which has been used in so many different ways for centuries can help you brighten your skin. It contains powerful antioxidants as well as anti-inflammatory properties that help bring out your skin’s natural beauty and glow. Curcumin is this key component which gives it such special abilities.

The following is a list of many ways you can use turmeric for skin care.

It is a natural and gentle exfoliant

By mixing the golden powder with plain water or rose water, gently massaging into your skin and allowing the mixture to sit on your skin for 15 minutes, then rinsing it off with warm water, you will be left with smooth fresh skin. If you have a little yellow residue left on your skin, simply use your favorite facial wash to clean it off.

It helps treat acne

Known for its antibiotic properties, it helps kill bacteria which is the main cause of breakouts. The anti-inflammatory properties also help control the swelling and severe redness associated with acne. Turmeric for skin goes even further by helping to diminish the appearance of acne scarring.

It can ease psoriasis

Psoriasis has been known to be treated by this natural remedy because it blocks inflammatory enzymes linked to this skin condition. It also reduces the levels of cytokines, which cause skin inflammation and can result in psoriasis. An easy treatment for psoriasis is to make a paste with turmeric and water. Apply this paste to any psoriasis flare-up location. Cover the spots with a bandage wrap and allow the mixture to do its magic overnight. Rinse the spots the next morning and pat dry.

Turmeric balances hormones

Another fantastic use for this natural miracle is to help control the growth of excessive facial hair caused by hirsutism. This condition is the result of a hormonal imbalance in men and women. Turmeric, when taken orally, has been said to help balance hormones, thus reducing the symptoms of hirsutism.

Another way to combat excessive hair that can appear on your face due to hormone imbalance is by creating a simple face mask of this golden spice, gram flour, and milk. Combine these ingredients and apply to the affected areas of your skin. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes or until it dries. Gently use your dampened fingers and scrub it off your face. Rinse with warm water and pat to dry. If used on a regular basis, you will notice a decrease in the amount of facial hair growing.

Helps skin appear more youthful

Skin bleaching or even a reduction of dark spots and circles can be achieved by using this natural ingredient, avoiding many of the chemicals and harmful agents found in many over-the-counter products found today. It allows your skin to stay youthful and glowing as curcumin kicks in to restrict the ACTH hormone which supports a protein called MC1R. MC1R is a key protein responsible for the production of melanin. A simple mask of turmeric combined with lemon juice can be used as an all natural facial mask.

Simple Precautions

As we have learned, turmeric offers us so many wonderful benefits for our skin. It is all natural and has been trusted by people for centuries; however, when it comes to today’s modern medicine, it is wise to air on the side of caution when you first start to consume it orally, whether it is in the foods you eat or as a supplement. Be sure to consult with your doctor to see if it will have a harmful interaction with any medications you may be taking. Before you start using it topically on your skin, be sure you perform an allergy test on a small spot of your skin. Keep in mind that sometimes it will leave a yellowish residue on your skin after use. Do not worry. This discoloration will wash away.

Curcuma longa is truly a natural-made miracle for many skin ailments and has been linked to many other various health benefits. Since it can be found in so many different forms such as powders, supplemental capsules or pills and even in an oil, there is really an abundant number of ways in which you could easily incorporate it into your daily routine and reap all of its benefits.

How to Stop Leg Cramps Immediately

August 23, 2018 by Sarah Barkley

Muscle cramps are uncomfortable, painful, and strike unexpectedly. If you are prone to leg cramps, you likely want to know how to stop leg cramps immediately.

While cramps sometimes ease without help within minutes, other times, they require a home leg cramp remedy to alleviate the pain.

Leg cramps occur when a muscle contracts involuntarily, causing momentary immobility. You will likely feel a hard lump or knot at the location of the pain, which is the contracted muscle. Leg cramps most commonly occur in the calf muscle or thighs but can happen in any leg muscle.

Sometimes cramps set in while you’re sleeping, waking you up with sudden, shocking, and excruciating pain. Other times they occur during or after exercise or for seemingly no reason at all. No matter the reason for your cramps, learning how to stop leg cramps immediately can help.

When the bundles of muscles fibers in your legs contract involuntarily, it causes a cramp that can last anywhere from seconds to minutes. Cramps hurt, with symptoms ranging in severity, but there are many ways to alleviate the discomfort at home by yourself. You can also work to prevent muscle cramps from occurring as frequently.

What Causes Leg Cramps?

Muscle cramps happen for a variety of reasons that often depend on your lifestyle. Some causes of leg cramps include the following:

overexertion during exercise
sitting in one position for too long
having poor posture
not practicing ergonomics if you work at a desk
holding in stress or negative emotions
dehydration and electrolyte imbalances
working out in hot or humid environments
standing in one position for too long
nutrient and mineral deficiencies
a strained muscle
muscle fatigue
alcoholism
hypothyroidism
diabetes
weight training
medication such as birth control pills, diuretics, and albuterol
not stretching enough
poor circulation

Risk Factors for Leg Cramps

Some factors make you more likely to experience leg cramps or increase the frequency, including:

being pregnant
menstruating
overusing the leg muscles
being 65 or older
participating in recreational running
playing sports that require extensive running

How To Stop Leg Cramps

Most cramps go away within minutes as the muscle relaxes, but sometimes it isn’t so easy. Learning how to stop leg cramps immediately can help you ease the uncomfortable, painful experience and find relief.

1. Stretch It Out

Stretching your leg muscles can help stop a cramp quickly. If the cramp is in your hamstrings, sit up straight and stretch both legs out in front of you. Stretch your arms out as far as you can, and hold the position for 30 seconds without locking your knees or rounding your back.

For a calf cramp, start with a calf stretch by leaning into a wall while keeping one foot in front of another. Keep your toes pointed forward and your feet flat, and bend your front knee while keeping your back leg straight. Hold the position for 30 seconds before switching to the other side and repeating the stretch.

You can ease a cramp in your quads by holding onto a wall or chair while keeping your knees close together. Lift one foot upward toward your bottom, and hold your ankle while bringing your heel into your body. Once you feel the stretch, hold the position for 30 seconds and repeat on the other side.

2. Increase Your Magnesium Intake

Frequent leg cramps are a sign of a magnesium deficiency. Try adding more magnesium to your diet by eating nuts and seeds, as they are excellent sources.

Studies show that increasing magnesium intake is especially helpful for pregnant people’s muscle cramps. If you think a lack of magnesium could be the cause, consider adding a magnesium supplement to your diet.

3. Heat or Cold Application

Using heat and cold for leg cramps treatment can help alleviate the pain and discomfort immediately. Using heat as soon as the muscle spasm begins can help loosen it up before the pain becomes too intense. It also improves blood circulation, helping your muscle relax.

You can use a heating pad, take a warm bath, or apply a warm towel to apply heat to the area. If you take a bath, consider adding Epsom salts to help with muscle relaxation. When using a heating pad, start on the lowest setting and don’t increase the heat unless you aren’t experiencing relief.

After the heat loosens the muscle up a little, apply cold to the area for further improvement. For a cold application, use a freezer pack or a bag of ice on the area. Wrap the cold item in a towel first to prevent skin damage.

4. Focus on Hydration

Drinking plenty of water is one of the best things to do when you’re learning how to stop leg cramps. You should drink at least eight glasses of water, but having 11 glasses is the best option. If you drink caffeine or alcohol, you should aim to take in even more water than usual.

You can also drink a sports drink with electrolytes to help speed up the relief. Dehydration is a common cause of leg cramps, so make sure you’re staying hydrating and replenishing your electrolytes.

5. Walk Around

When you’re trying to learn how to stop leg cramps quickly, get up and move around. As you walk, wiggle your leg to promote the relaxation of your muscle cramps. Walking signals the muscle to relax after it contracts, returning to its intended functioning.

Suppose your leg cramp sets in while you’re lying down. Simply standing up can make a difference. Put some weight on the affected leg to alleviate the stiffness and discomfort.

6. Massage the Area

A massage can make all the difference when you want to stop leg cramps immediately. Relax the muscle as much as possible, and then use your hands or a massage roller to loosen up the muscles and find relief. Additionally, you can massage your leg cramp with a heating pad or ice pack to further promote muscle loosening.

When you stretch, consider following up with a massage for further relief. Between the stretching and massage, you will find quick, lasting relief. Some people find that massaging the afflicted muscle during exercise helps, too.

7. Elevate Your Legs

Sometimes, a cramp will set in when your toes are pointed downward, and your knees are slightly bent. This position is the reason leg cramps happen so frequently when you are asleep in your bed. If you have a cramp, adjusting your position and elevating your legs are essential.

Keep your leg elevated until the cramp starts to subside. Consider using some of the other methods for how to stop leg cramps immediately to find quick relief.

How To Prevent Muscle Cramps

While there is no way to ensure you never get a cramp again, you can do things to prevent them from setting in. Some of the ways to prevent muscle cramps include:

Staying Hydrated: Drinking enough water and limiting caffeine and alcohol can help prevent muscle cramps. Dehydration is a leading cause of leg cramps, so if you can fix the underlying issue, you’ll experience less of them. Caffeine and alcohol contribute to this problem because they dehydrate your body.
Change Your Sleep Position: Adjusting how you sleep can help prevent cramps during the night. If you sleep on your back, prop your feet on pillows to ensure that your toes point upwards. Hang your feet over the edge of the bed if you sleep on your stomach. Propping your feet or hanging them over the bed both help keep you relaxed as you sleep.
Stretch Often: If you are prone to cramps during the night, try stretching your leg muscles before you sleep. Additionally, stretch before and after an exercise routine to help warm your muscles and prepare them for change.
Exercise Regularly and Safely: Doing frequent leg exercises can help prevent leg cramps, but you must avoid overexertion. You should also ensure that your shoes fit correctly and support your feet as you exercise. Don’t do exercises that make the pain worse, as finding ones to ease the pain is essential.

Final Thoughts on How to Stop Leg Cramps Immediately

When it comes to stopping leg cramps, you’ll want to do it as soon as possible. They often ease on their own within minutes, but that isn’t always the case. Cramps can make it hard for you to move, and they can cause excruciating pain.

Learning how to stop leg cramps immediately can help you keep moving and recover from the discomfort or pain. Plus, you might not have to take medication for cramps if you implement these natural ways to get rid of leg cramps.

Waking up in the middle of the night to a severe leg cramp is never pleasant, but you can stop it quickly and get back to bed. Plus, finding ways to prevent leg cramps can help decrease the frequency, potentially eliminating the experience. If you still get cramps, though, you can find a few easy home remedies that work for you.

5 Exercises That Make You Age Slower

August 23, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Everyone wants to look younger, and you don’t have to resort to expensive face creams or dangerous surgery to get the results you want. Did you know that simple face exercises can help you age slower? They don’t take long to do, and best of all, they’re absolutely free of charge!

According to a Northwestern Medicine study, a 30-minute facial exercise program done daily or every other day over a span of 20 weeks improved the facial appearance of middle-aged women. Dermatologists rated the age of participants based on appearance at the beginning and end of the study and concluded that participants looked three years younger, on average!

In today’s stressed-out world, people tend to tense their facial muscles, which can give the appearance of looking older. So, learning to relax your face muscles can help you look (and feel) younger and happier! We’re positive that you’ll get some benefit from the following quick facial exercises that you can do anywhere.

Here are five exercises that make you age slower:

1. TURKEY NECK TIGHTENER

While this list involves face exercises that help you age slower, a toned neck can help you look younger as well. This exercise helps prevent a “turkey neck” that can result from sagging skin due to aging. To perform this exercise, simply lift your chin and tilt your head back until the skin under your jaw is firm. Push your lower jaw forward while pressing your tongue down and pouting your bottom lip out. Hold for 30 seconds and then repeat a couple more times.

2. UNDER EYE LIFTER

One surefire way to age slower is to keep those dark circles under your eyes at bay. While remembering to breathe deeply, simply look up with just your eyes until you feel slight tension. Keep your head forward and shoulders relaxed. This will feel like you’re looking at the inside of your eyes, but don’t freak out. Hold this for 30 seconds and repeat four times.

3. CHEEK APPLE LIFTER

A research study found that smile muscle training can improve muscle conditioning and make patients appear younger after corrective dental surgery. So, if you want to age slower and improve your smile, make sure to include this exercise in your regimen!

For this exercise, simply pinch the corners of your mouth while smiling as wide as you can. You’ll feel a resistance in your facial muscles that will help lift your cheeks and improve your smile.

4. UPPER EYE LIFTER

Positive thinking can certainly help you look and feel younger, but doing an exercise for your upper eyes can give you a younger appearance as well. With the three middle fingers of both hands, press your fingertips against the lower brow line of your eyebrows. While frowning, press your fingers in and upward gently; this will create resistance and help lift your eyes.

5. COLLAR BONE DEFINER

While this isn’t a face exercise, having a defined collarbone will help accentuate your neck and make you appear younger. With your neck turned, rotate your opposite shoulder forward about two to three inches until you see a hollow triangle shape form between your neck and collar bone. Repeat for each side.

Final thoughts

We hope that you get awesome results from these exercises that will help you age slower. If you want to look younger, try doing these daily or every other day for the best results. Also, make sure to eat plenty of fresh, whole foods and drink adequate amounts of water. Avoid things that make you look older such as smoking, excessive drinking, and eating processed foods with added sugar.

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

Whole Wheat

Bananas

Avocado

Cinnamon

Carrots

Ginger

Parsley

Cranberries

Garlic

Various herbs

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!