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

8 Drinks to Lose Weight Faster (That Are Good For You)

Wouldn’t it be amazing if there was a magical elixir that could effortlessly burn your unwanted fat away? If you’re in the weight loss game, it’s hard not to daydream of such things. Actively trying to lose weight can be very frustrating, especially if you’ve been at it for an extended period and have yet to see any noticeable results.
There is no getting around a proper diet and consistent exercise, but there are some beverages that can move things along with a bit more zeal. Utilizing drinks to help lose weight is an excellent alternative to taking dangerous diet pills or fasting. The following list includes the eight best drinks to lose weight naturally.

Coffee Talk
Not only is a fresh cup of coffee a great pick me up to start off your day, but it also acts as a natural appetite suppressant. Coffee is one of the best drinks to help lose weight because it is so accessible, as well as motivational. It will quell a craving and also perks you up and encourages the mind to fire off with all cylinders.

Cider House Rules
Apple cider vinegar is one of my favorite drinks to lose weight. There are weeks where I’m eating great and exercising every day, and I still feel bloated. When this happens, adding two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water always does the trick. The vinegar works by alleviating extra water weight that a lot of women inadvertently put on at least once or twice a month.

Green Machine
A green smoothie is a great workout motivator. Adding spinach or kale to your daily smoothie will instantly boost your iron levels and increase your fiber intake. Fiber is key to losing weight as it supports the progress of the digestive tract.

Tea Time
If you’re not a coffee drinker, green tea is an excellent alternative for drinks to lose weight. Green tea is full of antioxidants and polyphenols that help to reduce inflammation. It is also a natural fat burner that can be found as a top ingredient in many fat cutting supplements because of the way it increases the body’s metabolic rate.

Simply Liquid
Consuming the recommended eight glasses of water every day probably seems like a daunting task. It doesn’t have to be though. Starting off the day with a glass of water is a great way to jump-start your metabolism and show it who’s boss! In addition to beginning the day with a glass of water, you may also try drinking a full glass before a meal and then after you’ve finished your meal. The water will act as a filler so that you may enjoy smaller meals more often throughout the day without the added calories.

Drinks to lose weight

Adding Lemon
Including lemon in any beverage instantly increases the feeling of being full. It also boosts your metabolism somewhat, which can help with weight loss. Adding lemon to your morning glass of water can fast-track your weight loss progress. Water with lemon is one of the best drinks to lose weight with.

Doing the Body Good
Not only is calcium a great bone benefactor, it may also help you lose weight faster. Calcium helps to suppress calcitriol which is a hormone that fat cells feed off. Without the added calcitriol hormone, your body can break down the fat cells quicker. Calcium has also been proven to be a natural appetite suppressant for some people, making milk one of the best-kept secret drinks to lose weight with.

A Spoonful of Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a great heart disease risk reducer. It is also known for lowering blood sugar levels and increasing the metabolism rate. Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to a cup of hot water is one of my absolute favorite drinks to help lose weight! Not only does it taste great, it also fills you up and reduces the urge to overeat.

Drinks to Lose Weight By
Choosing the healthy alternative to caffeine-filled energy drinks is crucial to your weight loss journey. Just because a drink promises energy, it may not be in your best interest to drink it. Energy does not guarantee weight loss or burned fat.
Using drinks to lose weight is an excellent option before hitting the gym, pushing through the mid-day grind, or just before turning in for the night. With the best drinks to lose weight in your arsenal, you’ll indeed be unstoppable!

10 Signs of an Anxiety Attack (and How to Deal with It)

The term “panic attack” is often used loosely to describe nervousness or stress, but a real panic attack is very acute and it can be very frightening — especially if you don’t know what it is. Anxiety attack symptoms can mimic many of the same signs as a heart attack and come on without warning. You don’t need to have a history of anxiety disorders to have an anxiety attack; they can strike anyone.

In the middle of an anxiety attack, you may feel like you’re dying or you may be very fearful. The good news is recognizing the signs of an anxiety attack. Knowing what’s happening can help you calm down and potentially seek treatment if your doctor determines you have panic disorder. Here are 10 key anxiety attack symptoms to watch for and strategies that can help you feel better.

10 Signs of an Anxiety Attack

A panic attack is usually a very sudden sense of terror that comes with no warning. Panic attacks can happen anywhere, even while you’re sleeping or have no prior history of panic disorders. When you are having a panic attack, you will probably have several of these symptoms.

1. Terror or a Sense of Impending Doom

One of the hallmark signs of anxiety attack is an overwhelming terror, feeling that you’re dying, or a sense of impending doom. This terror can be almost paralyzing and it’s the result of your body being flooded with adrenaline due to a perception of danger. Your body produces adrenaline to help you prepare to fight or run away but this adrenaline rush is also responsible for the intense fear you experience.

anxiety

2. Dizzy or Faint

If it feels like the room is spinning, you may be experiencing a panic attack. Extreme anxiety can cause dizziness, faintness, and weakness as the blood rushes from your brain to your limbs. This is a natural fight-or-flight mechanism that helps you defend yourself or run away. You may even experience nausea if the dizziness is severe.

3. Chest Pains

The chest pains of an anxiety attack can be severe and choking. These chest pains are also one reason that panic attacks are frequently mistaken for a heart attack.

4. Feeling Out of Control

The seemingly out-of-nowhere physical symptoms you experience during a panic attack combined with intense fear can make you feel like you’ve lost control of your body and the situation. This can heighten the fear you’re already experiencing and it may make you feel disconnected from yourself or the environment. Your surroundings may seem foggy or distorted and you may feel robotic.

5. Difficulty Breathing

During a panic attack, you may feel like you’re gasping for air or struggling to breathe properly. Feeling that you can’t get enough air happens when high levels of anxiety cause you to hyperventilate, or breathe too quickly. This causes an imbalance in your carbon dioxide levels which also leads to dizziness and other symptoms.

6. Racing Heartbeat

Your body responds to a panic attack as if you are in imminent danger. Nervous signals activate the amygdala region of your brain (its fight-or-flight center) and produces a rush of adrenaline. This hormonal surge causes many physical symptoms such as a pounding heart, which can make you feel like you’re suffering a heart attack.

7. Sweating

Heightened anxiety tends to cause excess sweating, a natural mechanism. You may break into an uncontrollable hot or cold sweat in the middle of a panic attack, seemingly for no reason.

8. Shaking or Trembling

Many people feel trembling sensations during a panic attack, especially in the legs, feet, arms, and hands. As with other physical symptoms, trembling and shaking you can’t control are caused by the fight-or-flight reaction.

9. Flushed or Chills

Your body temperature can increase when you are faced with a sense of immediate danger or you may get the chills when you’re scared. Anxiety can constrict your blood vessels and cause hot flushes. You may alternate between feeling very hot and very cold.

10. Symptoms Lasting 10 Minutes or Less

In addition to these symptoms, panic attacks are marked by several other conditions. Most panic attacks are fairly brief and last no more than 5 to 10 minutes. This is because the body can’t sustain the fight-or-flight response for longer than 10 minutes. Unfortunately, you may feel the effects of an anxiety attack for hours. After a panic attack, you may feel exhausted and drained for many hours or the rest of the day. It’s also possible to suffer several attacks over a period of hours.

Dealing with an Anxiety Attack

The symptoms of a panic attack are much the same as the classic fight-or-flight response that people experience in dangerous situations, but the symptoms seem to come from nowhere during a panic attack. They also occur in harmless situations such as while you’re at the store or asleep. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can try to alleviate your symptoms.

Focusing on the fact that you are experiencing a normal physiological response may help you overcome the panic attack and sense of doom or terror. Because some of the physical symptoms you experience are caused by hyperventilation, learning mindful breathing techniques can keep your anxiety from escalating and allow you to breathe normally. If you have recurring anxiety attacks, professional help may be a good idea. Panic disorder is often treated with cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, and anti-anxiety medication.

deal with anxiety infographic

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20 Life Thoughts from Famous People (That Will Change Your Life)

There’s a reason why people keep motivational and positive quotes on their office desk or around their house – we all need a little push to get us through our day from time to time! Let’s face it; life can get tiring and overwhelming, so any words of wisdom or inspiration are certainly welcome. When it comes to life thoughts, there have been plenty of famous people throughout history who have imparted their knowledge to us and changed our perspective on life.

If you need a pick-me-up or want to gain some insight, here are 20 life thoughts from famous people:

  1.  “All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make, the better.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
  2. “Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes … the ones who see things differently — they’re not fond of rules … You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things … They push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius …” – Steve Jobsinspirational quote
  3. “Stop letting people who do so little for you control so much of your mind, feelings, and emotions.” – Will Smith
  4. “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” – Dr. Seuss
  5. “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” – Abraham Lincoln
  6. “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” – Socrates
  7. “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.” – Steve Jobs
  8. “Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
  9. “Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. The mediocre mind is incapable of understanding the man who refuses to bow blindly to conventional prejudices and chooses instead to express his opinions courageously and honestly.” – Albert Einstein
  10. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
  11. “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain
  12.  “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” – T. S. Eliot
  13. “To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
  14. “Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.” – Rumi
  15. “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t–you’re right.” – Henry Ford
  16. “There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere, and many of us will have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death again and again before we reach the mountaintop of our desires.” – Nelson Mandela
  17. “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” – Thomas A. Edison
  18. “It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things.” – Leonardo Da Vinci
  19. “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” – Harriet Tubman
  20. “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

harriet tubman

Final thoughts on impactful life quotes

Positive thinking doesn’t always come easily, which is why reading life thoughts from famous people can bring your focus back to all the good in your life. Of course, we all have bad days sometimes, but a simple quote can help to turn things around when everything seems dark and depressing.

Which of these life thoughts is your favorite? Share with us in the comments!

11 Signs Your Soul Mate Is Looking For A Different Partner

Being cheated on is the worst feeling in the world. The trust you’ve lost along the way makes you feel like you can feel you will not find your true soul mate. Unfortunately, most of us have probably experienced being cheated on. It’s getting more common, especially in relationships between young people.

So, it’s only natural that we strive to develop defense mechanisms as much as possible to protect ourselves from being hurt again. This doesn’t mean distancing yourself from relationships forever but being cautious after experiencing a loss of trust. Some signs might indicate your soul mate is interested in someone else or looking for love elsewhere. If you see any of these, beware. Importantly, broach the conversation directly so you can always have the upper hand.

“When you’re in love, you’ve found your soul mate, you think life is going one way, and suddenly it’s completely apparent it’s not. You have to rethink your whole purpose.” – Scott Weiland

Here Are 11 Signs Your Soul Mate Is Looking for A Different Partner

soul mate

1. Their new habits are hard to explain.

This is particularly obvious if you’re living together, but if you notice your soul mate suddenly developing erratic, baffling movements, there needs to be an explanation. You have a right to be concerned, especially if they take too long to return from somewhere. For instance, it takes them hours to do the shopping. Don’t ignore your instincts. Cheating partners often try to hide their affairs by trying to throw you off the scent in any way they can.

2. You feel they don’t want to spend time with you.

Have you ever been in a situation where you’re talking to someone, and you feel like there’s somewhere else they’d rather be? If you constantly have that feeling with your soul mate, chances are you aren’t wrong. First, an attitude of “hurry up and get this over with” isn’t typical in a relationship. Moreover, it may signal that your soul mate is getting tired of you and looking for romance elsewhere.

3. They make less eye contact with you.

When people feel guilty about something, it’s evident in their eyes. If they’re lying, they avoid eye contact with you at all costs. Hiding that guilt can be very off-putting, especially if you’re used to lovingly staring into each other’s eyes. Some people go all the way to wearing sunglasses when they don’t want you to see them – because it’s the best way for them to avoid eye contact.

4. There are more fights.

Your soul mate will always try to make it out as if you’re in the wrong or treating them poorly. They’ll blame you for the minor things, and make you feel as if there’s nothing you can do right. It’s their way of projecting their guilt of being interested in someone else. The more they pick fights with you, the more suspicious you should be.

5. The passion’s gone.

This one is very difficult to gauge, as sex drive naturally fluctuates in a relationship. But if your soul mate suddenly seems utterly disinterested in having sex with you, that should ring some alarm bells. Always make sure there isn’t some other issue – like a medical problem – but if they insist everything’s fine and still act bored or fail to be passionate when you have sex, that’s a sure sign something’s off with your relationship.

soul mate

6. The deep conversations are gone.

Having a significant other is like having a partner in crime … in a good way. You should be able to share everything and anything and talk to each other freely, without worry. If you feel like your partner isn’t sharing with you anymore, or they’re closed off and refuse to engage in anything but small talk with you, that’s a problem. If you’ve stopped being your soul mate’s confidante, someone else has taken that position – and you might not know it.

7. They make you feel left out.

This doesn’t only mean that your soul mate is looking for love somewhere else, but that they’re trying to shun you away from their social circle (possibly to introduce someone else in). If you’re no longer invited to company functions, family get-togethers or parties, your partner might have started taking steps towards your separation, or worse, they don’t want you to see the new object of interest.

8. They have become more vain.

When someone grows overly preoccupied with their appearance, that should ring some alarm bells. Many people cheat because they feel their self-confidence is suffering in their relationships. If your soul mate starts taking longer than usual to get ready for mundane trips out, buying new clothes, or making an extra effort to look smart, they may be doing it for someone other than you.

9. They hide their phone.

If the trust’s gone, then the relationship is gone as well. You’ll notice your soul mate getting increasingly neurotic about their phone and the possibility of you glancing at their messages or social media. That means that they’ve already developed an interest in someone else and they know it’s wrong, so they’re trying to hide it from you.

10. They show physical attention towards someone else.

This one is difficult to gauge because you’re not always physically with your soul mate. However, if you do see them being too handsy with someone else, that’s probably not just your eyes playing a trick on you. Many people try to stay positive and tell themselves it’s just part of their partner’s character – but you might need to take it as a warning sign.

11. They’ve stopped caring.

Soul mates work towards fixing their relationship with each other. If they complained about something ages ago and now they’re not mentioning it anymore, it could mean they’ve given up on it, on you, and your relationship. Monitor their reactions to their usual pet peeves to gain the best insight.

secrets

Final thoughts on suspecting your soul mate is seeking a new partner

No matter how much you try to think positively, you can’t ignore the signs that your soul mate has fallen for someone else. Keep an eye out and know when to detach from them to save yourself more heartbreak.

7 Secrets to Never Tell Anyone About Your Personal Life

Lots of us have a bad habit of wearing our hearts on our sleeves. This can make us an open book even to strangers. We definitely don’t want that – mystery is the spice of life, after all. Keeping a clear distinction between your personal life and your professional life is a difficult (but very important) skill to master. You have to be very picky who you share your secrets with, because, unfortunately, not everyone has good intentions.

Importantly, you need to be careful to make sure that the details of your personal life can’t be used to hurt you. It’s useful to have a basic list of certain personal information you should never share with others. If you don’t know how to make your own list, we’re here to help. In fact, we’ve combined some secrets you should always try to keep to yourself, no matter how strong the urge to share them with everyone.

“The secret of having a personal life is not answering too many questions about it.” – Joan Collins

Here Are 7 Secrets to Never Tell Anyone About Your Personal Life

1. Past resentments

We all have negative stories about our personal life to tell about people we don’t like. (Remember those schoolmates or former colleagues that you held a grudge against years ago – and maybe still do? Yeah, same here.) It’s always best to let go of these feelings and discuss them as little as you can in public. This is for you as much as for others, because negativity is exhausting. Not just to feel but also to listen to. People prefer communicating with positive conversation partners, those who have interesting insights to provide – not ones who gripe about some other people they don’t even know. Let go of whatever’s weighing you down. Try to focus on the present and you’ll find that more and more people will be keen to talk to you.

2. Material belongings

As we all know, certain things in life are far more important than their cost. But sometimes, we can’t help but brag about the new car we have, or the new phone we just bought at an exclusive price. As much as Parks and Recreation might tell you otherwise, your colleagues don’t want to know about how you’ve been treating yourself. It can make you come off as arrogant and overly obsessed with the monetary value of things rather than their unique significance. Modesty is a wonderful accessory. You should try and spread it throughout your conversations.

3. Goals for the future

You might find this unlikely, but there is actually science behind the fact that you’re much more likely to achieve your long-term goals if you don’t share them with others. When you tell others about your future aspirations, you almost feel as if the enjoyment of achieving the goal has been taken from you. As a result, you don’t work as hard towards it. If you keep your goals to yourself, however, you have a much higher chance of achieving them. And once you have done that, feel free to tell the whole world about it.

4. Your income

Only one group of people should be allowed to know the details of your income: the people who work in your bank. Money is never a nice subject to talk about in public because you never know what anyone’s financial situation looks like. It may seem like you’re bragging without meaning to. Money – and knowledge about finances – can shift relationships irreparably. Once your financial situation becomes public knowledge, people just start looking at you differently without being able to help it. To save yourself from that kind of awkward situation, keep the details of your income to your bank statements.

5. Good deeds

You may have heard that good deeds always attract good karma. That’s true, and you should never be discouraged from doing good – however, if you start bragging about it, it takes on a whole different perspective. Once you brag about something good that you’ve done, you’re making it all about yourself, thus invalidating the good that you’ve already created. Many of the greatest philanthropists in the world remain anonymous for a very good reason. When you do a charitable deed, you want the attention to be on the people or the cause that you’re helping and not on yourself.

6. Enlightenment

Everyone seeks reprieve and enlightenment in different places. Some turn to religion, others turn to sports, others – to mindfulness and meditation. Whatever your choice is, don’t force it on anyone else. Because what’s sure to turn anyone away from your choice of enlightenment is any notion of preaching about how good it is and how nothing else will ever match up. Then you just turn into one of those people who shout on the streets about how their version of religion is the right one. How often do you listen to them? That’s what you’ll be if you start “preaching,” too.

7. Family problems

marriage

Whether it’s your extended family or your blood relatives, keep the problems in the family. Don’t abuse people’s trust. You’ve been told those secrets because you are close to these people, but they haven’t allowed you to spread them around to everyone in your social circle. They confided in you, and breaking that confidence is the worst thing you could possibly do. Be respectful of other people’s secrets. In return, you can expect for them to treat you the same.

Final thoughts

We like to think that everyone is interested in every aspect of our personal life, but unfortunately that’s rarely the case. There are conversations that you should only have in certain environments, and others you shouldn’t have at all. Learn to make that distinction to make sure you don’t turn into an over-sharer. Positive thinking is very important in this process. In closing, don’t bring yourself down if you’ve been doing any of the above things. Just start thinking about how you’re going to be better from now on.

5 Ways to Relieve Constipation Naturally

Constipation is the inability to have a regular bowel movement, or B.M. Many people also (correctly) attribute a case of constipation to hardening of the feces.

                                 “You’re looking a bit uptight. Are you constipated?” ~ Unknown

A person can suffer from acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term) constipation. The acute type often requires a trip to the doctor’s office. Acute constipation is abnormal, and a possible indicator of a severe underlying condition. Acute constipation in conjunction with other symptoms demands immediate medical attention. Such symptoms might include: abdominal pain and cramps, nausea, vomiting, rectal bleeding, and sudden loss of weight.

How often should I “go”?

The “normal” frequency of bowel movements varies from person to person. Some people go up to three times or more per day. However, others may have a B.M. just a few times per week. There isn’t anything unhealthy about either scenario, by the way, as each person’s gut acts differently.

In most cases, a prolonged infrequency in bowel movements points to constipation. An absence of a B.M. lasting three days or more indicates that something’s probably amiss. Complications can arise as feces get harder during this period, which makes them progressively more difficult to pass.

Here are some symptoms of constipation:

  • Lower abdominal discomfort.
  • Bloating.
  • Hardened or small stools.
  • Difficulty passing a B.M.
  • Inability to pass most or all of your poop.
  • Rectal bleeding.

Some of the primary catalysts of constipation include:

  • Stress (!).
  • Being inactive/lack of exercise.
  • Eating too much dairy.
  • Not eating enough fiber.
  • Excessive laxative intake.
  • Dehydration.
  • Eating disorders.
  • Prescription medications.
  • Use of certain antacids.
  • Digestive system disorders.
  • Neurological disorders.
  • Hypothyroidism.
  • Colon cancer.
  • Pregnancy.
  • Hormonal changes.

 Natural treatments

In most cases, you don’t need a prescription to get relief. In fact, many doctors would first make sure you’re eating right and taking proper precautions. Without further ado:

Here are five natural ways to relieve constipation you may not have heard about:

1. Water with Lemon

As dry stool is the most common cause of constipation, staying hydrated can help prevent constipation. Liquid in your body will soften the stools and make them easier to pass. In some instances, however, water isn’t enough. Lemon juice works as a sort of “stimulant” for the digestive system and may help cure your constipation woes.

2. Oils

Many oils are effective in relieving constipation. Fish oil, or omega-3s, may help aid digestion. In fact, omegas benefit just about every area of the body. If you’re not getting fish oil directly from foods, ensure that you pick a high-quality supplement.

Castor oil is also an age-old cure that is both quick and effective. Mineral oil serves as another good option for getting your bowels back in shape.

3. Magnesium

Magnesium is a miracle nutrient/supplement. Believe it or not, “Mg” is involved in over 300 processes in the body, including (you guessed it!) digestion. Upwards of 80 percent of people facing long-term bowel troubles do not get enough magnesium in their diet.

You can get magnesium in whole grains, almonds, legumes, and green leafy vegetables. High-quality magnesium supplements are also available.

4. Herbs and Plants

constipated

(Note: if you have been diagnosed with a medical condition or are taking prescription medication, please contact your primary wellness professional before consuming herbs.)

Herbs and plant-based treatments may be a smart choice for people who suffer from problematic constipation. In most cases, one or more of the other treatments recommended here will suffice. With this in mind, here are a few popular and effective herbal supplements for alleviating constipation:

  • Aloe
  • Barley
  • Flaxseed
  • Fenugreek
  • Senna

5. Quality Fiber

Last but certainly not least is high-quality fiber. Fiber is highly effective against constipation. As such, it brings relief to many. Experts recommend that men get about 38 grams of fiber per day. Women require substantially less, at around 25 grams.

While fiber is a terrific antidote for constipation, it doesn’t work if you are not hydrated. So make sure that you’re drinking a minimum of eight, 8-ounce glasses of water daily. If you’re constipated, it is likely a good idea to increase your water intake.

Final thoughts: Don’t ignore your gut

Talking about stomach problems is still considered kind of taboo. Many people gloss over discussing digestive problems with their doctor out of fear of embarrassment, which is a mistake.

Problems of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are nothing to be ashamed of or to avoid discussing. Gut troubles can quickly escalate into more severe and potentially even life-threatening conditions. If needed, it is paramount that you seek medical care.

If you are embarrassed about your gut troubles, take comfort in knowing that most people have them at some point. In the eyes of healthcare professionals, your gut troubles are neither unique or a cause for embarrassment.

They’ve pretty much seen it all, folks!

5 Causes for Back Pain That Most People Ignore

Sometimes, back pain can be straightforward to figure out. If you were moving boxes and you feel a sudden ache in your back, it’s not hard to assume you’ve clicked a muscle or overworked yourself. You can expect it to be better in a few days. But when back pain turns chronic, you really need to think about some of your daily habits – and what might be causing your pain.

Back pain can be debilitating and scary. Many people think it’s a sign of something much more serious, like arthritis. It doesn’t necessarily have to be something frightening. However, there are habits you can change in your day-to-day life that will make coping with your back pain much easier. Try to eliminate those these unhealthy practices from your routine and you’ll see the change in your back pain almost straightaway.

Here Are 5 Causes for Back Pain That Most People Ignore

“The greatest evil is physical pain.” – Saint Augustine

 1. Stop wearing clothes that are way too tight for you.

Possibly brought on by the renaissance of skinny jeans, many people wear trousers way too tight for them. Whether it’s from a need to feel thinner, or for fashion, one thing is indisputable: it’s bad for your back. When an outfit’s too tight, it constricts your body and adds strain not just to your back but also to your neck, shoulders and joints. Apart from skinny jeans, the other main culprit in this are pencil skirts. People seem to think that tight clothes look more formal. In fact, they can be really bad for you. A good rule of thumb is trying to slip a finger between your waist and the waistband of the trousers or the skirt. If you can, the fit is good for you. Also, make sure you buy clothes made with stretchy, breathable materials.

2. Stop smoking.

With the increased awareness of public health and smoking, you’d probably find it surprising that so many people still choose to reach for a cigarette. Apart from all the other unpleasant problems that smoking brings about – like the increased risk of lung cancer, impotence, and infertility – smokers are also more likely than non-smokers to get back pain. Because smoking slows down circulation, this damages sensitive tissues in the body, such as the joints and the tissues in the lower back. It also decreases the flow of essential nutrients to your muscles.

3. Take a walk every now and again.

Inactivity is one of the biggest causes of back pain that everyone seems to ignore. With a multitude of desk jobs now prevalent, we barely realize we’re spending eight to ten hours of our day in the same position. Sitting, looking at a computer. Always try and get up and do some stretches when you have long days at work. The glutes, hamstrings and Achilles muscles are the most important ones, as they give you the support you need. Without them, you’ll definitely feel the strain on your back. Make sure you adopt the correct posture when you’re sitting as well. Don’t slouch. Keep your back straight. It’s those everyday things that make all the difference.

sciatica

RELATED: Sciatica Stretches For Lower Back Pain Relief

4. Try and reduce the stress in your life.

We often underestimate the physical consequences of stress in our lives. Stress can cause physical pain we’re not aware of, because it tenses our muscles and it leads to different spasms and aches. Whenever you can, try to practice positive thinking, as that makes your body relax and slow down. Relaxation techniques such as meditation, mindfulness, and deep breathing also work towards relaxing your muscles. You might not think that your mental health is causing your back pain, but you can be very wrong. Stress is detrimental to muscles. The more you work towards reducing it, the better your quality of life will be.

5. Stop wearing heels that are too high for you.

As women, we feel the constant pressure to look perfect and model-ready for everyone. However, high heels are very detrimental to a woman’s posture, and joint and muscle health. Scientists have proven that overly high heels throw off your center of gravity, making it more difficult to keep a good balance. To walk in high heels, you often have to lean forward, which puts a lot of pressure on your feet and calf muscles. This in turn strains the muscles in your back. A lot of chronic hip and back pain in women is caused by wearing heels – and it’s perfectly avoidable. If your job requires you to wear very high heels, invest in comfortable shoes for the commute and change once you get to the office. That single change can make a difference!

Final thoughts

Back pain can be debilitating, especially if it builds up over time. As you grow older, you must learn to take better care of your body and listen to the signals it gives you. Sometimes, you just need a break. Remember to listen to your body and take care of it, to ensure longevity and better quality of life. Back pain can be avoided more easily than many people seem to think – so make sure to incorporate those habits in your day-to-day life. After all, we all want to live out those golden years pain-free.

10 Proven Tips to Find True Love

If you’re single, you think about finding that one person who will like you for who you are and love you for who you’re not. You seek that one person who will look beyond your imperfections and become your perfect complement. Many people are looking for a soul mate or life partner.
But how to find true love; aye, there’s the rub. Some search for it their entire lives. Perhaps the key is in setting a foundation. With that in mind, here then are 10 tips for attracting your true love:

Proven Tips for finding your True Love

1. Learn To Love Yourself First 
The first of our tips to find true love is to make certain that you are already a truly emotionally healthy individual. Have an intrinsic self-worth. You must first accept yourself for who you are, otherwise, how will your potential true love be able to do the same? People are attracted to those who love themselves.

2. Build A Life You Love 
Start by becoming the best you that you possibly can on every conceivable level. Find a purpose for your life. Find a job you love to do. Once you build a life you love, other people will be easily attracted to you. They will want to become involved in your life and share their own lives with you as well.

3. Eliminate All Negative Emotions 
Strive to rid yourself of negative emotions. Love is about being considerate, thoughtful, and positive. Like poison, negativity spreads and destroys everything in its way. When you exclusively focus on positive emotions such as consideration, thoughtfulness, and love you’ll start to attract others who are similar. That will increase your odds of actually attracting your true love.

4. Be Sure You’re Happy Prior To Any Relationship 
Don’t look for a relationship that will make you happy. You will fail. Happiness is a personal mindset.
Make sure you are happy before getting into a relationship. Your happiness will draw other happy people to you. That will increase your chances of entering into a happy relationship.

5. Find The Right Person 
Determine what kind of person you think will truly complement your life. Get to know your potential partner for a minimum of between one and two years to determine if it’s really love. It is essential that you focus on finding a potential mate whose positive qualities and strengths negate any negative qualities they might have. Be certain your values are the same.

6. Just Put Yourself Out There 
Like any other good thing in life, you’ll need to put some effort into your search. You have to meet people who could be potential partners prior to discovering the love of your life. Be proactive in meeting people. Your chances of finding the perfect person for you will increase dramatically.

7. Be Real 
Before you can find real love, you first have to emphasize the real you. Before someone can love you despite your imperfect moments, you have to be able to do that for someone else. Put it all out there: the things that make you happy, the things you want, and let them know who you really are inside. Authenticity attracts people.

8. Be Open 
Open up to people around you. If someone sitting next to you attempts to engage you in conversation, respond. Even if you already know the person is probably not likely to be your soulmate, practice being open anyway. Developing a genuine openness will aid you more easily having open conversations that could very well lead to a lasting relationship.

self love

 

9. Be A Giver, Not A Taker 
Some believe that if you give without expecting anything back, you’ll receive ten-fold in return. It’s better to give than to receive. Givers attract people. Treat other people the way you wish them to treat you. It’s a precept of all major religions and it works. It’s all about sharing the love. By both sharing and giving you will attract your one-and-only true love.

10. Have Confidence 
Be confident. Have confidence in your choices, yourself, and in your ability to bring love into your life. If you are following the above tips to find true love, your confidence and self-worth should be obvious. You will more easily attract a person who acknowledges, appreciates and actually loves you for who you really are.

Final Thoughts 
We hope this helps to answer the question of how to find true love. “True Love” is more than just a song by the Brit band Coldplay. As the Garter Brides say: “It’s never too late to find true love.”
Follow your heart. Forget the past and look to the future. Finally, remember that while having the love of your life would be wonderful, you need to know that even alone you are enough.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qb0WixYxQ5M

15 Vegetables to Never Eat if You Get Inflammation (And 6 To Eat Instead)

Inflammation can cause an array of ailments and physical symptoms. Most people believe that a healthy, vegetable-rich diet is all that is needed to prevent or reduce inflammation, but there’s much more to it than that.

Certain vegetables might contribute to inflammation. Yet, that’s right. It’s not just processed foods. Knowing which foods to avoid and which ones are best to eat can make a big difference with your total well-being.

What exactly is Inflammation and why is it a problem?

Inflammation: It’s a well-talked-about topic right now,  but do you know the real effects it can have on your health?

Yes, there is such a thing as a positive inflammatory response, and it acts as part of the healing process, and it helps the body battle foreign invaders. However, when it gets out of hand, several symptoms and ailments can occur.

One of the biggest consequences is arthritis which means the joints are inflamed. It is estimated that in the United States, approximately 54.4 million adults have some form of arthritis, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

When arthritis is severe, it can be hard to walk or complete daily tasks. The Mayo Clinic says that some people develop deformed and twisted joints.

inflammation

The problems with too much Inflammation:

• Harming your gut:

A large amount of your immune cells that fight to keep you healthy are in your intestines. In fact, approximately 70 percent of your immune system is in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue, states a 2008 research paper published in Clinical and Experimental Immunology. These immune cells, under normal circumstances, will ignore the healthy bacteria so that it can thrive. However, the immune cells can start to attack your digestive tract when inflamed. Inflammatory bowel disease is an example of this.

• Heart disease:

A chronic inflamed state can be triggered by fatty plaque in your arteries. White blood cells are attracted to these plaques, resulting in blot clot formation. A heart attack can occur when this happens. Another factor at play is interleukin-6, a type of protein states a 2012 study in The Lancet.

• Higher cancer risk:

Cancer cells are ideal for growth when an inflamed state is present because immune regulation deteriorates. Harvard University did a study in 2014 that looked at obese teenagers and their risk of colorectal cancer in adulthood. When these teens had high levels of inflammation, their risk of this cancer was 63 percent higher than their thinner peers.

• Poor sleep:

Proteins related to inflammation were at higher levels in the blood among people who got less than 7.6 hours of sleep per night, according to Case Western Reserve University and a 2009 study.

• Reduced lung health:

Many significant lung conditions, such as COPD and asthma go along with an inflamed state. When it is present, breathing can become difficult due to airways narrowing and fluid accumulating.

• Difficult weight loss:

Obesity can cause an inflamed state, and then once it is present, it can reduce your metabolism and increase your hunger. Insulin resistance can also be triggered by it, increasing a person’s risk of diabetes, states the National Institute of Health NIDDK.

• Bone damage:

When present, it can potentially trigger bone loss and interfere with bone growth, per a study in the Journal of Endocrinology in 2009.

• Skin ailments:

When present, it can reflect on your skin. When in an inflamed state, your immune system may trigger your skin cells to grow rapidly, contributing to conditions, such as psoriasis. In fact, reducing the inflamed state could improve psoriasis, according to a JAMA Dermatology study published in 2013. An inflamed state might also contribute to premature aging.

15 Veggies to Avoid if You Suffer From Inflammation

The primary veggie choices associated with inflammation are those in the nightshade family. The veggies in this family contain alkaloids, a type of compound. One of the primary alkaloids is solanine. In large quantities, it can be toxic.

Several integrative health specialists and nutritionists state that joint and arthritis pain may be worsened by eating nightshade veggies. They believe that if you eliminate these vegetable choices from your diet, you will experience an alleviation in joint pain due to reduced inflammation in the body.

General practitioner Dr. Sherry A. Rogers has talked about her experience with nightshade vegetables and how they nearly incapacitated her and caused her to suffer. On the Arthritis Nightshades Research Foundation website, Dr. Rogers published a testimonial concerning her experience. Her testimonial said that her joint pain was so severe that she was almost completely unable to use her hands or walk. She states that once she dropped nightshade vegetables from her diet, she steadily improved since they were documented as food to avoid.

The 15 nightshade veggies to avoid include:

1. Banana peppers
2. Chili peppers
3. Eggplant
4. Jalapeno peppers
5. Pimentos
6. Sweet peppers
7. Tomatillos
8. Wax peppers
9. Cayenne
10. Habanero
11. Potatoes (sweet potatoes can be consumed)
12. Tomatoes (technically a fruit, but part of the nightshade family)
13. Wax peppers
14. Thai peppers
15. Artichoke (not a nightshade vegetable, but contains similar alkaloids)

Now that we know what to avoid, it’s important to know what veggies are the best options to help relieve inflammation in the body.

digestion

Top 6 Vegetables that Eliminate and Relieve Inflammation in the Body:

Now that you know which vegetables are a food to avoid, it is time to look at those that will fight the inflamed state. There are several viable health food choices that are easy to work into your daily diet. It is good to eat at least one of the following vegetables per day to reap the anti-inflammatory and other benefits.

1. Leafy greens:

Leafy greens are packed with antioxidants, especially polyphenols. Polyphenols are compounds and they have anti-inflammatory properties. They work to alleviate an inflamed state by fighting oxidative stress due to free radicals, according to a 2016 study in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. Five leafy greens are superior to most health food options in reducing an inflamed state and these include:

  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Broccoli
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Cauliflower

2. Garlic and Onions:

Both of these vegetable options are rich in anti-inflammatory substances. One of the most active is referred to as garlic organosulfur compounds. For centuries, these compounds have prevented and treated numerous health conditions, from cancer to heart disease. Some emerging research shows that the anti-inflammatory properties of these compounds may provide an anti-tumor response, according to a 2014 study in Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry.

3. Bok choy:

This is a type of Chinese cabbage and it is rich in minerals and vitamins that double as antioxidants. In this vegetable, there are hydroxycinnamic acids as well as approximately 70 additional phenolic substances, all of which act as antioxidants. These work hard to scavenge free radicals to alleviate the oxidative damage that can be done by them in the body, including reducing the risk of free radicals inducing an inflammatory state.

4. Celery:

Celery has positive anti-inflammatory properties. This is largely due to its polyphenol and flavonoid antioxidants. Flavanols, such as quercetin, and other antioxidants, such as caffeic acid, phenolic acid and ferulic acid, may help to benefit a number of inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis, liver and kidney infections, urinary tract infections, gout, irritable bowel syndrome and certain skin disorders.

5. Beets:

This is one of the more nutritionally diverse vegetables available, as well as a prime source of anti-inflammatory antioxidants. One of these, known as betalain, is responsible for the rich hue of beets, but it also has potent anti-inflammatory properties. This vegetable is also rich in magnesium. Research shows that inflammatory conditions and magnesium deficiency are linked, per a 2018 study in the Journal of Inflammation Research.

6. Turmeric:

While not a vegetable, its have valuable anti-inflammatory properties. One of the primary uses for this spice is to combat the inflammation associated with arthritis. In a small 2012 study, it showed that turmeric had the ability to prevent the inflammatory process in the joints, states results published on the Arthritis Foundation website. With arthritis, it seems most effective for the osteoarthritis type. It is best to use the fresh version of this spice to ensure the greatest benefit.

Final Thoughts

If you suffer from inflammation and your favorite veggies are on the list for a high inflammatory response, it doesn’t mean you can’t have them at all. Every is different, consider this list, and experiment with how each food reacts to your body. You know your body best, and if you don’t, it’s time to start.

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