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Showing posts from August, 2019

What is the Anti-Inflammatory Diet?

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The anti-inflammatory diet is the latest craze that's popular among celebrities like Jessica Alba, Tom Brady, Giselle Bundchen, and Penelpe Cruz. The diet is designed to reduce chronic inflammation that causes a variety of health problems and diseases including IBS, diabetes, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, asthma, gout, depression, heart disease, and stroke. Inflammation is our bodies way of fighting off toxins, infections, and injury. However, when the body is in a constant state of inflammation, it starts to have a negative effect on the organs and tissues. Common symptoms of chronic inflammation are: * Weight gain * Pain * Anxiety and depression * Chronic insomnia * Diarrhea and constipation * Acid reflux Chronic inflammation is typically caused by lifestyle choices such as stress, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, and poor diet. Foods to Eat on the Anti-Inflammatory Diet The anti-inflammatory diet is

Foods That Help Reduce Anxiety

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(Photo credit: Dreamstime) Anxiety is a common issue for more people than you might think. It's a debilitating disorder that creates symptoms such as: * Tension * Fear * Constant worry * Nervousness * Irritability * Heart palpitations * Chest tightness * Trouble concentrating Doctor's usually prescribe medication to treat anxiety. However, there are other alternatives and lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your anxiety symptoms. Experts believe eating a diet high in brain-boosting foods including whole grains, vegetables, lean protein, and fruit can lower the severeness of your symptoms and provide relief. Here are some of the best foods backed by science that can help reduce anxiety. Salmon We know fatty fish such as salmon can promote brain and heart health thanks to the nutrients vitamin D, DHA, and omega-3 fatty acids it contains. Studies show that DHA and vitamin D can regulate neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine to calm and relax the brain. T

How Much Coffee is Too Much?

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(credit: Pexels) Millions of American's rely on that good 'ole cup of Joe in the morning to start their day. Caffeine helps alleviate fatigue, increase alertness and improve concentration. Coffee has had its share of negativity with rumors of causing heart disease and stunting your growth. Now, experts say that there is no connection between coffee and disease and that it actual provides several health benefits. Research has found that regular coffee consumption can decrease cardiovascular and overall mortality. According the The Mayo Clinic , studies have also shown that coffee can prevent type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's disease, liver cancer, and liver disease. That being said, there are some health risks associated with high consumption of caffeine, especially, with espresso or unfiltered coffee including high cholesterol. If you're drinking multiple cups a day with milk and sugar, you're potentially adding hundreds more unhealthy calories into your diet per day.

All About Autophagy

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Six months ago I did the Keto diet and I did lose a lot of weight in a two week period. The diet attracted me because I've never met a cheese I didn't like, and I cant do a diet that eliminates dairy. However, stripping carbs completely isn't for me even though I don't eat bread or haven't had pasta in years. I thought that eating nothing but fat can't be healthy, especially now that I'm approaching 40. I went and had a physical while on the diet and the doctor told me my cholesterol and blood pressure levels were the best she's seen in a long time. Still, I can't wrap my head around eating fat is healthy. I can only think that vegetables and lean protein is best. While on the Keto diet though, I learned a lot about autophagy and I completely believe in it and follow it. I didn't realize I was already doing it for 10 years without even knowing. I just considered myself not a breakfast person and maybe that's why I've been able to stay

The Difference Between Stevia and Aspartame

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(Photo cred: Time Magazine) We already know how bad refined sugar and artificial sweeteners are for our health. However, it's hard to stay away from that craving for sweet, especially, on a diet. Low-fat products taste bland without added sweeteners. That's why many dieter's, or those looking to reduce their calories reach for diet soda or treats made with aspartame. According to Xbrain , today, over 6,000 products on the market contain aspartame including health supplements. Now that people are starting to catch on that aspartame is extremely unhealthy and can even cause cancer, a surge in zero-calorie, organic sugar products are making a breakthrough. Aspartame and Cancer Aspartame is made by chemically linking the amino acids phenylalanine and aspartic acid with methanol. This results in a product that is several hundred times sweeter than sugar thus, has negligible calories. Some preliminary studies on rats found that aspartame may increase the risk of blood-rela

How to Handle a Panic Attack In Public

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(Dreamstime) Panic attacks are a serious thing. I've struggled with anxiety for what seems like my whole life, but I only started having full-blown panic attacks a few years ago. It's frustrating because I feel like people who have never experienced one don't understand how debilitating it can be. It annoys the hell out of me when my husband says "calm down," or "just drink a glass of water and breath." They just don't get it. My first panic attack started when my son was two (he's now 6). Out of the blue for no apparent reason I felt like my heart was beating out of my chest. I couldn't stop pacing back and forth and every time I tried to sit down I got right back up again. Nothing made me feel better, I was sweating, and I felt dizzy. The more I kept telling myself I was having a heart attack the worse the panic attack got (and I still do this to myself to this day). I called my mother-in-law to come over because I didn't know what

Foods That Can Prevent Stroke

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(iStockphotos) Having a stroke can change you or a loved ones life dramatically. They typically happen out of the blue and the after effects can create anxiety and depression. Certain risk factors of a stroke are out of our control such as gender, age, ethnicity, and family history. Stroke is either caused by blood clots or bleeding in the brain. Symptoms may include difficulty speaking, weakness or numbness in the legs, arms, or face, confusion, and trouble seeing. According to the Population Health Research Institute as posted on Contemporary Clinic , risk factors for stroke include: 1. Excessive alcohol consumption 2. High blood pressure 3. Poor diet 4. Smoking 5. Physical inactivity 6. Obesity 7. Lipids 8. Heart disease 9. Diabetes 10. Stress There are ways you can prevent yourself from a stroke regardless of your family history or age. Researchers believe that 80% of strokes can be prevented. This article addresses how nutrition plays a major role in preve