How to Clear the Throat of Mucus

Mucus is unpleasant, nasty, and sometimes stays with you for longer than expected. Luckily, there are lots of ways you can get rid of mucus and phlegm in your throat. Start by providing basic care for your throat and mucus. If this doesn't work, you can try herbal and natural remedies. For frequent trouble with mucus, change your diet to avoid foods that can increase mucus.

Getting Basic Care

1. Clear phlegm or mucus from your throat by coughing. If an excess of mucus has made its home in your throat, it's okay to evict it by coughing it up. Find a remote place, such as a bathroom, and try to loosen the mucus from your throat by coughing or hacking. Make sure not to cough too hard or too much, as it can do some damage.





2. Gargle with warm water and salt. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt into 8 ounces of lukewarm or warm water. Take the water into your mouth, tilt your head back, and without swallowing, gargle the salt water in the back of your throat.



3. Drink plenty of liquids during the day. The right liquids can help loosen the mucus from the lining of the throat as the liquids pass down the esophagus. Try the following for time-tested mucus relief:Warm tea with lemon and honey. This should be one of your mainstays. The acidity of the lemon is good at breaking up the mucus while the honey coats the throat with a pleasant protective layer afterward.
Tea with a sprig of fresh thyme in it.
Warm soup. Chicken soup is a favorite because the broth is light and cuts the mucus. Stick with lighter broths instead of thicker, creamier soups.
Cool water. Listen to your thirst and drink as much water as you need to stay satiated.



4. Try steam treatment. Give yourself a steam treatment and let warm steam travel down your sinus and throat, loosening up some of the mucus that's lodged there. Try the following for relief:Wrap a towel around your head and breathe in the steam issuing from warm water. Even better, steep some tea (chamomile works great) in a large pot, carefully lower your head over being and breathe in the steam.
Take warm showers. If you take a long shower, be sure to moisturize afterward as warm water robs your skin of essential oils and moisture.
Use a humidifier/vaporizer. Allow your humidifier to pump moist air into your room. Take care not to pump too much moisture into the air; a little bit goes a long way.





5. Use medicine that curbs mucus. Generic medicine, like guaifenesin (Mucinex), is available to thin out and loosen mucus. Look for medicines that are labeled "expectorants," which means to clear out phlegm or mucus.

6. Remove mucus on your tongue with a tongue scraper. Place the tongue scraper on the back of your tongue, then slowly bring it forward. Wipe off the tongue scraper, then repeat as many times as needed. This can remove mucus from the back of your mouth. You can find a tongue scraper at your local drugstore or online.

Administering Herbal and Natural Remedies



1. Use eucalyptus oil. Eucalyptus oil has long been used as an herbal mucus relief product. The most effective way to use eucalyptus oil is to line the upper chest area with a carrier oil such as coconut oil and then rub in a few drops of the eucalyptus oil. This might make you cough a little more than expected, at first, but after a while it should help loosen mucus from your throat.Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to your vaporizer for another effective treatment option. Do not take eucalyptus oil orally.





2. Add turmeric powder to liquids to keep the digestive tract working. Turmeric also works as an antiseptic. Add one tablespoon of turmeric and one tablespoon of honey to 8 ounces of hot water, dissolving. Drink the liquid, and repeat for best results.





3. Eat spicy foods to get the mucus loose and runny. The list of spicy foods that can aid in mucus relief is long. A few foods you might eat include:Wasabi or horseradish
Peppers, such as jalapeno or Anaheim
Ginger and even garlic
 
Avoiding Mucus-Producing Foods and Irritants



1. Stay away from milk and dairy. Although many dispute the evidence that dairy makes mucus worse, it's best to avoid it if you think that mucus may get worse after you reach for the milk. That's because the fat content in milk may be high, making mucus thicker and more irritating.





2. Stay away from soy products. Soy products, such as soymilk, tofu, and tempeh, although rich in protein and otherwise healthy for you, may increase the viscosity of mucus and cause buildups of mucus in the chest. If you have a choice, it may be better to stay on the safe side and avoid soy.





3. Stop smoking. Just another reason — one of many — to quit smoking if you haven't already. Smoking irritates the throat, worsens respiratory function, and causes congestion.





4. Avoid other irritants such as strong chemicals or paints. Paints and household cleaners such as ammonia may be irritating to the nose and throat, causing further mucus production.
 
Diagnosing the Problem



1. Know if you have a cold. You probably know whether or not you have a cold. But do you know why colds are accompanied by persistent mucus? Mucus performs two functions:It coats organs, keeping them moisturized and preventing them from drying out.
It acts as a kind of first defense against pollutants and bacteria, which often get caught in the mucus before infiltrating the rest of the body.



2. Know if you may have post-nasal drip. Post-nasal drip is when your body produces excess mucus, and the mucus runs down your throat instead of out your nose. Post-nasal drip can be caused by colds and allergies, certain medications (including medicines for hypertension), deviated septa, and fumes from irritants. Call your doctor if your drainage is foul-smelling or lasts for longer than 10 days.

3. Know if the mucus is being caused by seasonal allergies or an allergic reaction.Allergies can stimulate the production of mucus. Mucus caused by allergies is usually clear, whereas mucus caused by a cold or flu is usually greenish yellow. If you're susceptible to allergies, avoid going outside on days when the pollen count is high, and stay away from:Mold
Animal dander
Dust mites





4. Know that being pregnant can exacerbate mucus production. If you recently found out you are pregnant, that could explain your problem with mucus. While there's not anything you can take, aside from decongestants like Claritin, it should be comforting to know that your ramped-up mucus production won't last forever.

5. Consider if mucus on your tongue could be thrush. If most of the excess mucus seems to be on the back of your tongue, then it could be a sign of oral thrush, which is caused by candida. You might also notice the following symptoms: White sores on your tongue, inner cheeks, gums, tonsils, and roof of your mouth
Redness
Burning
Soreness
Loss of taste
Feeling like you have cotton in your mouth

Mix Bananas, Honey and Water: Cough and Bronchitis Will Disappear

This new natural remedy contains some of the oldest and most powerful ingredients that soothe the throat and lungs and cure coughing and bronchitis in no time!

Thanks to the mighty properties of honey and bananas, which are included in the recipe, you can use this remedy for both children and adults and enjoy its flavor as well!

Anything from sore throat, bad cough and even stomach problems can be treated with this drink.

Here is how to prepare it:

Ingredients:400 ml boiling water
2 medium ripe bananas with dots
2 tablespoons of honey

Preparation:

First, peel the bananas and puree them with a wooden fork or spoon. Do not use metal cutlery, since the bananas tend to darken when in contact with metal.

Next, place bananas in pot and add boiled water to them. Let mixture steep for 30 minutes.

Finally, when the remedy is cooled off, add honey. You can strain mix if you prefer it transparent. It is important to add the honey last, so it doesn’t lose its important properties over to the boiling water.

Consumption:Drink 100ml of this remedy 4 times a day (total of 400ml per day).
This amount is sufficient for one day and you can prepare a fresh one the following morning.
First results come in 5 days.

Appreciate nature more and always turn to it for more beneficial remedies!

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Health Benefits of Sapodilla for Babies

Health benefits of sapodilla include good supply of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, possesses antimicrobial properties, provides a cure for cough and cold and helps cure diarrhea and dysentery.

Sapodilla is an exceptionally sweet fruit which is liked by children and adults alike. This fruit is known by different names around the world. In Asian countries, it is popularly known as “Mispel” in Virgin Islands, Dutch Caribbean, “Zapote” in Honduras, El Salvador and Cuba. Chicosapote in Mexico, Hawaii, California and Florida. In India, it is known by the name Chiku in North India and Sapota in South India. Sapathilla in Sri Lanka, Sabudheli in Maldives, Saos or Sawo in Indonesia and Lamoot In Thailand.

Health Benefits of Sapodilla for Babies

This round fruit comes from a large evergreen tropical tree. This tree indigenous to Central and South America. The Spanish were thought to the second group of people after the native Americans to have come across this fruit. After the American conquest by the Spanish, the Spaniards brought this fruit over to Europe and during the beginning of the 17th and 18th centuries, sapodilla was introduced to Asian countries such as China, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Bangladesh.

Nutrition in Sapodilla

According to the National Nutrient Database from the United States Department of Agriculture, the nutrition found in Sapodilla include
Nutrition Value per 100 g Nutrition Value per 100 g
Water 78 g Energy 83 kcal
Protein 0.44 g Total Lipid 1.1 g
Carbohydrate 19.96 g Fiber 5.3 g
Calcium 21 mg Iron 0.80 mg
Magnesium 12 mg Phosphorous 12 mg
Potassium 193 mg Sodium 12 mg
Copper 0.086 mg Zinc 0.10 mg
Selenium 0.6 ug Vitamin C 14.7 mg
Riboflavin 0.020 mg Niacin 0.2 mg
Vitamin B-6 0.037 mg Folate 14 ug
Vitamin A 60 IU

Can Sapodilla be given to babies?

Yes, you can give sapodilla to your baby. Sapodilla is a sweet fruit that can be introduced into your baby’s diet, between the ages of 6-8 months. It is also a safe to introduce sapodilla to infants because unlike some exotic fruits, it does not cause allergic reactions.
Health benefits of sapodilla for babies

Here are some of the health benefits of introducing sapodilla in babies’ diet.

Good source of vitamins: Sapodilla fruit is full of vitamins which are ideal for infants and toddlers. Vitamins such as vitamin C, A, B complex vitamins are found in sapodilla. These vitamins are vital for babies and toddlers as they aid in physical and mental growth in the child. Vitamin C is good for the immune system, vitamin A is good for developing good eyesight. B complex vitamins, on the other hand are useful in taking care of various functions in the body including brain development, metabolism of lipids, hemoglobin production, enabling cell division, production of red blood cells, etc.

Supply of minerals: The minerals found in sapodilla include calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, copper, selenium, zinc, etc. Each of these minerals also play an important role in facilitating various functions in the body ranging from hemoglobin formation with iron and copper, electrolytes with potassium and sodium, calcium and phosphorous in bone growth, magnesium on the other hand, takes care of chemical reactions in the body.

Supplies antioxidants: One of the benefits of sapodilla is that, just like many other fruits, it is also a good source of antioxidants. These antioxidants are important in all of our diets, especially in infant diets. The amount of free radicals that are produced during metabolism can be countered very effectively by some vitamins and particularly by antioxidants. By giving sapodilla to your baby, you not only ensure good supply of vitamins and minerals but also good supply of antioxidants that protect your baby from the inside. (Isabelle, et al, 2010).

Antimicrobial properties: Apart from being a good source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, some of the biochemicals found in sapodilla also provide antimicrobial properties. These properties have been carefully studied. Various bacterial species which generally cause diseases in humans have been tested against sapodilla biochemicals and they have yielded good results. (Nair, Chanda, 2008).

Cure for diarrhea and dysentery: Raw and unripe sapodilla is believed to be a good cure for diarrhea and dysentery. Tannins present in sapodilla tree bark can cure diarrhea or dysentery when boiled in water and given as decoction. (Windward Community College).

Cure for cough and cold: Sapodilla fruit can be very helpful in curing cough and cold. The expectorant properties found in sapodilla can relieve from the congestion and clogging that are associated with phlegm and mucous formation.

Measures to be taken while giving sapodilla fruit to your babies

Here are some of the measures that can be given to your babies while giving sapodilla fruit.

Ripe sapodilla: Sapodilla, as a fruit is very good for your child. Usually, the unripe fruit is very hard. Avoid unripe fruit as it would be very difficult to digest. So, wait for the fruit to ripen. Ripened sapodilla fruit would be soft and it can be crushed if pressed hard. This is the right stage to eat the fruit. Also make sure that it is not wet or oozing any liquid, as it could be spoiled. Go for something which is dry on the outside and can be easily crushed. If you think that bring ripened fruit all at once is no good as they ripen and spoil. Instead, select half of fully ripened fruits and the rest unripe fruits that you can store.

How to handle sapodilla: Peel off the outer layers first and then take out the seeds. The seeds are right at the center of the fruit and they need to be removed. These seeds are big enough for your baby to cause choking. So, remember this always to peel and deseed it.

Crush the fruit: Also make sure to crush the fruit pulp before giving it to your baby. Though the fruit is soft, yet there can be issues when a baby eats the fruit. So, do crush it and make a puree out of it.

Cannabis Tabacco and Psychosis

"The cigarette industry did this a century ago, funding “independent” experts who sought to blur or discredit evidence that smoking caused cancer"



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It's interesting to find this sentence in this article, a couple of years ago I questioned Bath University as to why they were part funding a course with Cancer Research UK to study the links between cannabis, tobacco and psychosis. It was a 2 year PhD research program that I was initially interested in applying for, but when a CRUK logo appeared in the reply email from my initial enquiry, I held back just long enough to ask myself if it was appropriate for CRUK to be part of such a project that has no focus on cancer whatsoever.


When I replied, I didn't mess about. I asked straight away why CRUK would be part of a PhD program that focuses on psychosis... I had nothing back.


I won't lie, my thought pattern from this was: THC seems to have a positive effect on some cancers, that's not good news for CRUK, CRUK devise a PhD program to further stigmatise THC, then CRUK could argue that cannabis isn't safe and use that to push for more funding for the never ending search for a cure for cancer. But then I'm a part time conspiracy theorist and my tinfoil hat is shiny...


Far be it for me to say cannabis can't make you crazy, work in the industry for 5 minutes and you'll see that for yourself.


Joking aside, psychosis is no laughing matter. but It's also not something that 'just happens' either. According to my non-professional knowledge, it tends to be triggered when someone is in a poor state of mental health.


What this article fails to mention is that ANYTHING can be that trigger, or that there are higher rate of psychosis from 'legal drugs' such as alcohol and tobacco. It also doesn't mention any cannabinoid other than THC, and as such I feel that this article completely misrepresents the whole plant by focusing on the negatives of one molecule.


Don't get me wrong, this COULD be a genuine article that has solid science behind it, but as this omits key information about cannabis as a whole and doesn't mention the anti-psychotic qualities of CBD, this article may well be focusing on the type of research from “independent” experts that the author warns us of.

Tolerance of cannabis is growing just as scientists show that it can cause insanity

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Supporters of cannabis legalisation are like the tobacco companies denying the link between smoking and cancer


The singer Justin Bieber is promoting pre-rolled cannabis joints that he calls “Peaches”, the name of a song from an album. He is doing so in association with a Los Angeles-based company, Palms Partners, that specialises in selling seven-joint packs for $32 (£24) in California and Nevada. “I’m a fan of Palms and what they are doing by making cannabis approachable and helping to destigmatise it – especially for the many people who find it helpful for their mental health,” he says.


Bieber is one of a strange coalition seeking to legitimise cannabis (marijuana) for its health-giving properties or because they believe that criminalisation has failed and proved counter-productive. Online advertising for recreational cannabis in the US claims that it is an antidote for depression. Amazon, the largest delivery company in the world, is reportedly lobbying in Washington for marijuana’s legalisation at the federal level.


In Britain, the former Conservative Party leader William Hague argues in a newspaper column for a move “from seeing drug use as a criminal issue to a health issue, achieving a crucial change in culture”. He praises Portugal for reclassifying as a misdemeanour the possession and purchase of drugs for individual consumption.


Legalising and commercialising cannabis is well under way from Uruguay to Canada and in at least 10 states in the US. Paradoxically, this shift towards the toleration of cannabis as more or less harmless is taking place just as scientists conclusively prove the link between cannabis and psychosis (a less shocking word than “madness” or “insanity”, but the meaning is the same). Cause and effect is today as well established as it is between cigarette smoking and lung cancer.


“Numerous prospective studies have shown that cannabis use carries an increased risk of later schizophrenic-like psychosis,” says an article by Sir Robin Murray of the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King’s College London and Wayne Hall of the National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research at the University of Queensland. They cite a study showing that, though Portugal is held up as a pioneer in dealing with drugs, the rate of hospitalisation for psychotic disorders has increased 29-fold since decriminalisation 15 years ago. Another study calculates that between 30 per cent and 50 per cent of new cases of psychosis in London and Amsterdam would not have occurred if the individual affected had not been smoking high-potency cannabis.


Personal observation confirms this: doctors in mental hospitals have told me that they scarcely bother anymore to ask patients if they have taken cannabis, but simply assume it is the case. The situation has deteriorated as the proportion of THC, the psychoactive substance in cannabis producing the “high”, has risen precipitately. Once as low as 3 per cent, it has risen to 10 to 15 per cent in Europe and North America, though in Colorado, the first state to legalise recreational use, the THC can reach as high as 70 per cent. Those taking cannabis daily, particularly if they are young, face an escalating risk of permanent mental breakdown.


But if cannabis has already had its “tobacco moment”, when the damage it does is scientifically proven, why do celebrities like Justin Bieber want to destigmatise it and persuade consumers that it will improve their mental health?


Part of the boosterism in favour of cannabis plugs into its old association with a bohemian lifestyle and “the swinging Sixties”. But it is commercial pressure that is becoming far more important in lobbying for its legalisation. Businesses see they can make money out of it: projected legal sales of cannabis will be worth $66.3bn by 2025, according to a report. Big profits will pay for advertising and lobbying campaigns lauding the drug’s virtues and seeking to put in doubt or divert attention from the harm it causes.


The cigarette industry did this a century ago, funding “independent” experts who sought to blur or discredit evidence that smoking caused cancer. Governments were seduced by high tax revenues from tobacco sales and reluctant to do anything to curtail them. Hollywood stars such as John Wayne, Clark Gable and Spencer Tracy happily – and profitably – glamourised cigarettes, much as is happening to cannabis now.


Businesses seeking to emulate the tobacco companies at the height of their profitability have formed a bizarre de facto alliance with liberals and progressives, who are appalled by the disastrous mess created by government drug policy. The so-called “war on drugs” has demonstrably inflicted more misery in the US, certainly on the black community, than real military conflicts.


But an overreaction to government failure, provoking a dash in the opposite direction, has equal dangers. Those in favour of greater tolerance towards drugs are almost invariably thinking of cannabis as much less nasty than heroin and cocaine. But I have met psychiatrists, with long experience of dealing with drug victims of all sorts, who believe that cannabis is more dangerous than the other drugs because it has the potential to damage many more people.


About 3 million people take illicit drugs in England and Wales, of whom about 2.5 million consume cannabis, some 10 per cent on a daily basis in 2017-18, according to the review of drugs report by Dame Carol Black. Much of the cannabis is produced in the UK, sometimes by Vietnamese organised crime groups using slave labour. Most of the violence provoked by drugs is between the gangs who control the heroin and crack cocaine markets, which are worth about £5bn a year. Decriminalising drugs, notably cannabis, will not affect this sort of battle for territory and market share. Supply lines are very different between the different drug markets, with the heroin from Afghanistan wholesaled by Turkish and Pakistani gangs, and cocaine from Latin America controlled by Albanians.


The legalisation of cannabis will do nothing to hurt organised crime groups, but it will make the drug much more widely available. The idea by proponents of legalisation that the government will tightly regulate its quality and sale is naive. If the authorities cannot control it when it is illegal, they will be even less able to do so when it is legal. But legalisation – and even limited decriminalisation – will send a message that taking cannabis is a benign activity and does not do you or anybody else much harm. The deterrent effect of illegality will evaporate and the drug becomes no different than alcohol and tobacco.


Once commercially available, all the old persuasive tools formerly used by the cigarette industry swing into action as is happening unstoppably in the US. Celebrities like Justin Bieber will “destigmatise” the drug and give it the gloss of youth and fashion. Once, the victims of the tobacco companies coughed up their lungs unnoticed by the wider community, and this time round the victims of cannabis will disappear into mental hospitals without anybody taking much notice.


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FISH OIL BENEFITS AND WHAT FISH OIL IS GOOD FOR

Fish is one of those things that you can get from actually eating fish or taking as a supplement. It’s a very popular supplement as well.

This should come as no surprise because of how healthy fish oil actually is for you.

If you don’t know how healthy fish oil actually is, be ready to take some notes. You’re going to see a ton of fish oil benefits that can all be applied to you.

The types of fish that are especially abundant in fish oil, or omega-3 fatty acids, are mackerel, herring, tuna, salmon, and cod liver.

FISH OIL BENEFITS

Having fish oil is going to be highly beneficial for your health. It’s not something that you need, but it’s something that can take your health from being mediocre to healthy with very little problems.

It’s recommended by the World Health Organization that you have around 2 portions of fish per week so that you can reap the benefits of fish oil.

When we talk about the benefits of fish oil, we are also talking about the benefits of fish oil pills.

What’s fish oil good for? What are fish oil pills good for? How can they help you?

Below are 15 fish oil benefits that you should be aware of. All of these benefits can be utilized just by taking a simple supplement or eating a fatty fish.

 
Improve Eye Health

The retina of your eye has an omega-3, DHA, that is a huge component when it comes to the actual structure of your retina.

If you don’t have enough DHA, you could start to experience some vision problems.

When you consume enough fish oil, you’ll start to reduce your risk of macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of permanent eye damage and blindness.

Nobody wants to go through life struggling with their vision when they don’t have to. Consuming fish oil is going to help give you a much better shot at maintaining good eyesight for life.

Taking omega-3 supplements daily will help you a ton. If you aren’t the type to enjoy fish all the time then this might be the best way for you to go about things.

Aids in Weight Loss

Obesity is a problem that is very apparent in America. It’s one of the biggest problems people in this country face.

Overall, we are as unhealthy as a nation can probably be.

Omega-3 fish oil can help with this. You aren’t going to need to worry as much about your weight.

The reason fish oil helps so much with weight loss is that it improves your body composition which can improve your heart health, thus lowering your risk of heart disease.

Having your fish oil with a nice, balanced, healthy diet is going to give you the best chance at reaching a healthy weight. If that’s something you want to do.

Promotes Healthy Skin

If you didn’t know, your skin is actually considered to be an organ. It’s actually the largest organ in your body.

Knowing this now should make you want to take better care of your skin. If that’s something you’ve neglected up to now, you need to start considering changing something.

As you start to age, your skin health can start to greatly decline. Taking a fish oil supplement can greatly slow down the decline of your skin health.

If you are somebody that needs even more help with their skin, you should consider adding something like goji berries to your diet on top of any fish oil supplements you may be taking.
Slows Brain Decline

As most people age, we know that our brain is going to slowly get worse as well. It’s just a part of life that happens to a majority of people.

For some people, something like Alzheimer’s is a serious concern. Alzheimer’s is going to rapidly increase the decline of your brain.

If you want to slow down this process and possibly prevent yourself from ever getting Alzheimer’s, you should start incorporating more fish oil into your diet immediately.

This doesn’t mean that you have no risk of developing Alzheimer’s, but having fish oil daily can greatly improve your chances of fighting off Alzheimer’s for as long as possible.
Improves Symptoms of Asthma

Asthma is something that’s absolutely a struggle to deal with for a lot of people. It’s much worse for people that are younger. However, there are adults that suffer from it relatively bad too.

If your child suffers from asthma, it could be a good idea to start feeding them fish oil. It doesn’t have to be high doses of fish oil, but the more they can get, the better off they will be when it comes to their asthma.

Fish oil has been known to reduce the risk of asthma by about 25%.

This should be eye-opening enough to prove that fish oil will help you. This is one of those fish oil benefits that should take a priority in your life if you care about your health and your child’s health.

Improves Sleep

If you say that you don’t like sleep then you’re a liar. Everyone loves getting their sleep.

Some of us struggle a little more than others when it comes to sleep, but it’s something we all need.

Getting adequate sleep is going to help you stay healthy. A lot of problems start to arise when you get less and less sleep.

Having low levels of omega-3 oils is associated with having sleep problems. This is going to significantly obscure your sleep.

Having low levels of DHA, mentioned a little earlier, is also associated with having lower levels of melatonin being produced by your body.

Consuming fish oil is going to raise your DHA levels, thus helping your body produce the melatonin it needs to get an adequate amount of sleep on a nightly basis.

Helps Fight Depression

Having depression puts you in a category of people that have one of the most common mental disorders in the world.

There have been studies done that have shown taking something like fish oil pills will help symptoms of depression dissipate.

This doesn’t mean that you will be completely cured of depression, but anything that can help fight the symptoms and make you feel better is a plus.

Reduces Liver Fat

Having non-alcoholic fatty liver disease can be extremely detrimental to your health.

Your weight has a lot to do with this. If you don’t have your weight under control, you are much more likely to develop non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

When you start consuming fish oil, you have a better chance of reducing liver fat. This is going to lead to a healthier liver. Not only is this going to happen, but the fish oil is also going to act as an anti-inflammatory for your liver.

Can Help Prevent Cancer

Cancer seems to be something that’s becoming much more prevalent in today’s world.

Having fish oil in any form, whether it be fish oil pills or other types of omega-3 supplements has been shown to reduce your risk of certain cancers.

Namely, for men, your chances of prostate cancer are reduced and for women, your chances of breast cancer are reduced.

There is no certainty that fish oil will prevent you from getting cancer, but there is evidence that shows how much it actually helps when it comes to having cancer.

Improves Attention

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is something that more and more kids are being diagnosed with. Luckily, fish oil can help with this.

Having a daily dose of fish oil can help all kids that have ADHD. Taking any supplements have been shown to reduce the symptoms of ADHD.

Fish oil is going to decrease hyperactivity, restlessness, and aggression. All of these are signs in children that have ADHD.

Improves Bone Health

For people that are really starting to age, they may start to experience much more bone and joint pain. This is just something that happens to people when they get older.

Fish oil can boost the calcium that you have in your bones. This is automatically going to help improve your bone health. You won’t feel as though your bones are weak.

You may not feel like you’re 18 again but you won’t actually feel your age.

Helps During Pregnancy

For women that are newly pregnant, fish oil can greatly help with the development of your child while it’s in the womb.

If you get enough fish oil during your pregnancy, you’re going to experience numerous health benefits for your child once they are born and start to grow up.

These benefits include, better communication skills, decerased developmental delay, and higher intelligence.

Reduces Inflammation

If you’ve ever experienced a significant amount of inflammation then you know exactly how painful it could actually be.

Anything that can reduce the inflammation you’re experiencing is going to be a huge relief.

Fish oil can help reduce molecules that cause inflammation. This is going to lead to less pain and inflammation in your immediate future which is something that’s always a positive.

 
Fights Autoimmune Diseases

If you have an autoimmune disease, your body is attacking the healthy cells that are supposed to be helping you.

There have been studies that show how fish oil during your early years of life can help significantly reduce your risk of autoimmune diseases in your future.

For example, type 1 diabetes is something that fish oil can help with. Your body will tend to attack cells that are producing the insulin your body needs. Fish oil is going to help your body manage this much better.

Improves Heart Health

Everyone not only wants to have a healthy heart, but you need to have a healthy heart if you want to live a longer life. Nobody wants to go through life worrying about whether or not they have to live to experience a couple of heart attacks or not.

Fish oil can help improve your overall heart health.

For example, fish oil is going to help your body when it comes to blood clots. This means that your arteries are going to be much smoother than usual. This also means that your blood pressure is going to be more regulated.

On top of all this, fish oil can raise your good cholesterol levels.

SOMETHING SMELLS FISHY

Consume fish oil whenever you feel like you need it. The side effects of fish oil are very minimal so you don’t really have to worry about an exact number of grams of fish oil that you need to consume on a daily basis.

Get your fish oil through supplements or eating fish itself. This is going to greatly help your body in the present and future.

Be ready for a healthier you after you incorporate fish oil the way you should in your life.

Using Turmeric Again (Video)

You Must Know This Before Ever Using Turmeric Again

Turmeric is the best of nature you will ever get. This superfood deserves all the attention in the world, and we will give you a few good reasons to use it more often.

Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric. It gives this spice its bright yellow color and the amazing healing power. Turmeric offers over 600 health benefits. Can you believe it?

Make sure you use this magnificent spice more often. But, using turmeric isn’t as easy as it seems. These are a few things you should take into consideration.

The human body can’t absorb curcumin easily. Both animal and clinical studies have shown that curcumin levels in blood are always low, regardless of the dose patients take.

The good news is that you can increase the bioavailability of turmeric:

Always use it with black pepper

Black pepper is an excellent medicine. It acts as an adjuvant, and you should definitely combine it with turmeric.

“If people are given a bunch of turmeric curcumin, within an hour there’s a little bump in the level in their blood stream. We don’t see a large increase because our liver is actively trying to get rid of it. But what if the process is suppressed by taking just a quarter teaspoon’s worth of black pepper?

Then you see curcumin levels skyrocket. The same amount of curcumin consumed, but the bioavailability shoots up 2000%. Even just a little pinch of pepper—1/20th of a teaspoon—can significantly boost levels.

And guess what a common ingredient in curry powder is besides turmeric? Black pepper,” explain experts at NutritionFacts.

Another study showed that piperine boosts the bioavailability of curcumin by 2000%. You can search for the results of this study under the title “Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of curcumin in animals and human volunteers.”

Use your turmeric with healthy fat

Turmeric is fat-soluble, meaning it needs to be combined with healthy fat, like ghee, coconut, and olive oil. In this way, it goes directly to the bloodstream, and partially bypasses the liver.

“ This is very important because less curcumin is exposed to metabolic enzymes and remains in a free form allowing it to stay in the body longer,” Dr. Nibber explains.

Heat helps the body absorb turmeric

“The better way to take it, I feel, is to use it in your cooking very extensively. If you have any sauté, just sprinkle it in. The moment you heat oil and add turmeric to it, it now becomes completely bioavailable to you.”

“The potent ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which, despite its power, is not easily absorbed by the body without assistance. This is where the sauté pan and a little warm oil come into play. I use it [turmeric] in every sauté, just a quarter teaspoon, a half teaspoon is enough. But you don’t have to use it sparingly – use it lavishly,” says Dr. Sukumar.

Let’s sum up:

Always combine your turmeric with freshly ground black pepper to boost its bioavailability by 2000%.Add healthy fats like coconut oil, ghee, and olive oilHeat up the mixture to activate its compounds

Here are the dosage guidelines, as provided by the University of Maryland Medical Center:

Dried, powdered root: 1-3g per day

Fresh root: 1.5-3g per day

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Health Benefits Of Chia Seeds

If there was a food that could be considered holy, it should be the chia seeds!

Full of vitamins and minerals, these seeds help keep weight under control, reduce sugar cravings and fight free radicals. They have infinite benefits and really are a miracle for health!
Nutritional Value



One portion of 2 tablespoons of these amazing seeds provides 117 calories, 4 grams of protein, a little over 8 grams of fiber and an amount of Omega-3 essential oils five times greater than what is contained in a quarter cup of nuts.



Moreover, they are also a rich source of iron, magnesium, potassium, and calcium and have more protein than soybeans.


Origin

They are derived from the plant called Hispanic sage in South America, part of the mint family, used by the Aztecs and Mayans for centuries.

There have been mentioned ever since the sixteenth century in Aztec documents – Codex Mendoza – as the most complex source of energy and power.

Chia is the Mayan word for “strength”.

Appearance & Consumption

These seeds are found in three colors (beige, brown and black) and are easy to chew.

They can be eaten raw or lightly roasted. Also, the seeds can be processed into flour and used for the preparation of your favorite sweets. Chia have no taste, so in order to enjoy flavors, you will have to mix the seeds with other foods.

Chia seeds turn into gelatin / creamy paste when in contact with water or other liquids. You can add them in milk with cereal, fruit and vegetable salads, sandwiches, sauces, and dressings.

Michael Roizen, MD, co-author of You Staying Young, recommends:

“Use chia seeds in foods, not as a supplement, but as an alternative to processed grains like white bread because it is a much healthier whole grain.”

Health Benefits of Chia Seeds

Quickly Provide A Feeling Of Satiety And Help Lose Weight



They are recommended in weight loss diets due to its almost null caloric content and its rich nutrients, which are designed to quickly install the feeling of satiety and to chase away hunger.

In other words, nourish the body without the risk of gaining weight, as it happens with many other types of foods.

When in contact with water, the seeds turn into a kind of gel that increases in size. These seeds install a feeling of fullness and inhibit appetite, preventing overeating, which leads to overweight and obesity. 

They Provide Energy To The Body And Strengthen The Immune System

Chia seeds are rightly considered allied to a strong and healthy body.

Due to the rich content of proteins, they increase the body’s energy level.

Proteins, along with Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and other nutrients, strengthen the immunity and prevent disease. 

They Prevent Diabetes

Regular consumption of chia helps regulate blood sugar levels and combat the risk of diabetes, nowadays a common disease worldwide.

The seeds are also beneficial for those who already suffer from diabetes because they have a very low glycemic index and they favor slow digestion of foods. 

They Help Digestion And Prevent Gastrointestinal Diseases

The “strength” seeds are the most beneficial food for the human digestive system due to their high content of fiber.

They contain both types of fiber – soluble and insoluble – which help slow the digestion of food, so it does not affect insulin levels in the body.

The colon is well hydrated during the consumption of these seeds, preventing diverticulitis (inflammation of diverticula which most often lie along the walls of the large intestine). 

They PreventCardiovascular Diseases

Frequent consumption of seeds has a beneficial effect on the heart’s health.

They regulate blood cholesterol levels, blood pressure and prevent diabetes – thus removing some of the biggest risk factors underlying the outbreak of heart diseases.

They Help Control Sleep disorders And Stimulate The Body’s Relaxation

Researchers found that chia contains tryptophan, an amino acid that has positive effects on sleep during the night.

Tryptophan helps relax the body and facilitates a fast entry into the specific sleep trance so that the body receives adequate rest. 

They Prevent Cancer

Cancer is the uncontrolled growth and spread of cells.

Play a crucial role in the fight against many types of cancer. Integrated on the weekly diet, these seeds kill cancer cells and repair damaged DNA in the body.

They Have Anti-Inflammatory Properties

The rich concentration of Omega-3 fatty acids found in chia helps lubricate joints and maintain their suppleness.

Once inside the body, essential fatty acids turn into prostaglandin, a substance that relieves pain and inflammation.

Doctors have noticed that arthritis patients who introduced into their diet reported less pain and uncomfortable inflammation than those who have not consumed these seeds. 

They Help Build Muscle

Due to the fact that they give lots of energy and are rich in fiber and perfectly digestible protein, helping in tissue regeneration, the seeds are the perfect ally if you want to stay in shape and have a fit body.

Drink these seeds soaked in water before training or sports competitions, as they hydrate the body very well. 

They Improve Brain Functions

Eating chia brings a lot of benefits on an intellectual level as well.

According to experts, this plant makes the brain membranes more sensitive and improve brain functions: memory, thinking, etc.

This is likely due to their content of omega-3 ALA, that your brain uses to make DHA fatty acids – a necessity for a healthy brain function. 

 
They Prevent Premature Aging And Increase Longevity

Play an important role in maintaining youth and naturalness of the body due to an increased content of antioxidants.

These nutrients prevent degradation of cells in the body and help fight diseases that age the body.

However, not just the antioxidants contribute to the increased longevity of the body; the fibers that help digestion and detoxify the body are equally important for maintaining health and preventing the aging process as well. 

They Strengthen The BonesAnd Prevent Osteoporosis

The seeds are rich in calcium, a crucial mineral for the health of bones.

They contain six times more calcium than milk per portion and are the basic food both for children who are growing up and need this nutrient for the development of strong bones and for women, who are prone to osteoporosis.

Regular consumption of chia seeds strengthens the bones and prevents fractures and other affections. 

They Detoxify The Body

Due to its detoxifying properties, these seeds work as a natural “detergent” for your body!

Think of them like a vacuum cleaner – besides filling you with vitamins and beneficial minerals, it also “absorbs” all harmful substances from the body, doing a complete cleaning of the digestive system.

Prevention And Treating Acne

They are loaded with omega 3 fatty acids which promote wound healing like – acne wounds by protecting the layers of the skin from irritants and contaminants.

Furthermore, due to their high content of dietary fiber and protein, these amazing seeds can reduce the glycemic rating of a meal, that can offer important benefits to acne sufferers and diabetics. 

They Improve Your Eyesight

The omega 3 fatty acids found in chia seeds can help reduce dry eye syndrome and contribute to macular health.

Dr. Daphne Han, an ophthalmologist at the SMG Vision Centre at Gleneagles Medical Centre, said:

“I highly recommend omega-3 fatty acids to many patients, particularly those who have undergone Lasik and cataract surgery.” 

Caution

Medical Daily informs that gastroenterologists in the United States warn about the consumption of dry chia seeds, as they can block in the esophagus, with the risk of suffocating the person.

It happened to a 39-year-old man, whose case was presented by Dr. Rebecca Rawl, from the Carolina Medical Center in New York, at the Annual Scientific Meeting of Gastroenterologists in the USA.

The man swallowed a spoonful of seeds with water and arrived at the ER. That’s because once they get into the water, chia seeds expand quickly, absorbing an amount 27 times greater than their dry state weight.

Therefore, they may block in the esophagus, especially if there is a predisposition to deglutition problems. In the case of this man, the situation became downright complicated, so doctors had to resort to using an endoscope, normally used in infants, to help the seeds pass through the digestive tract.

Although this is the first medical case of this kind, Dr. Rawl warns about the danger of dry seed consumption. For the safety of the consumers, she recommends mixing the seeds with a sufficient amount of fluids for them to expand before eating.


References https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3518271/ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1541-4337.12423 https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/chia-seeds/



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Prevent Diabetes Complications with Cloves

Cloves are some of the most widely used spices in the world and a countless number of dishes and desserts have been dedicated to them. Aside from the great smell and taste, they also have a ranging variety of health benefits. Cloves are known to have properties similar to those of insulin – which gives it the ability to reduce glucose levels in the body and lower cholesterol levels in the blood. Both these benefits make it the excellent choice for preventing heart complications, especially in diabetes patients.

Additionally, cinnamon decreases insulin resistance in patients and thus increases the effects of hormones that are responsible for helping you stay full. In other words, anyone fighting weight and eating disorders can also benefit greatly.

How to Consume Cloves

Cloves have been around forever, so obviously there are a lot of ways for them to be used and have the same benefits every time. More often than not though, the recipe contains a combination of cinnamon, cumin, cloves and basil.

Cloves normally come powdered or whole, of which you can consume as you wish. To eat them whole, soften them first by soaking or boiling them in water. Soak about ten to twenty cloves at a time in a relatively small amount of water and use this water to prepare a smoothie of your choice. The softened cloves can go inside the smoothie, too. Alternatively, try adding whole cloves to a soup or stew of your choice.

Conclusion

The maximum advisable consumption of cloves in a day is 6 grams. Anything more might lead to side effects like itching and migraines. Additionally, always make sure you contact your doctor before self medicating. People with liver problems, a weak immune system or any kind of blood disorder should not use cloves.

How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks Fast

  

Stretch marks are visible lines on the skin surface, with an off-color hue. Stretch marks are mainly found in the abdominal wall, but can also occur over the thighs, upper arms, buttocks, and breasts.

Sometimes stretch marks can cover large areas of the body. While pregnancy is the main cause behind stretch marks, other reasons can be sudden gain or loss in weight, rapid growth, heredity factors, stress and changes in physical conditions.

 

The skin consists of three main layers: Epidermis (the outer layer), the Dermis (the middle layer) and Subcutaneous or Hypodermic (the deepest layer). Stretch marks form in the dermis or middle layer of the skin when the connective tissue is “stretched” beyond the power of its flexibility due to rapid expansion or contraction of the skin.

As skin is stretched, the collagen is weakened and its normal production cycle is interrupted and damaged. This ultimately results in fine scars under the top layer of the skin. Initially, the marks look pink or red, but over time a thin, silvery line appears on the skin surface and a stretch mark is born.

Stretch marks appear on the skin surface when someone grows quickly or puts on weight quickly.

Stretch marks can make you feel self-conscious and uncomfortable about your appearance. Fortunately, there are several natural ways to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

 1. Castor Oil

Castor oil, which is used in the treatment of a number of skin problems such as wrinkles, age spots, moles, dark spots, fine lines, and pimples, can also be used to get rid of stretch marks.

Apply Castor Oil to Remove Stretch Marks

1. Apply some castor oil to the stretch marks and gently massage the area in circular motions for 5 to 10 minutes.
2. Wrap the area with a thin, cotton cloth. Using a hot water bottle or a heating pad, apply some heat to the affected area for at least a half an hour.
3. Repeat this process daily for a minimum of one month to notice positive results.

2. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is effective in the treatment of many skin problems. Its healing and soothing properties can be used to get rid of stretch marks. There are a couple of ways to apply it.

Aloe Vera Home Remedy to Get Rid of Stretch Marks

• You can directly rub aloe vera gel on the affected skin area, leave it on for 15 minutes and then rinse the skin with lukewarm water.
• Another option is to make a mixture with one-fourth cup of aloe vera gel, oil from 10 vitamin E capsules and oil from five vitamins A capsules. Rub this mixture onto the skin until fully absorbed. Repeat this process daily.

3. Egg Whites

Eggs are a rich source of protein. For stretch marks, you want to use only the egg whites, which contain amino acids and proteins.

1. Whip the whites of two eggs gently with a fork. Clean the affected skin area with water and then apply a thick layer of egg whites with a makeup brush.
2. Allow the egg whites to dry completely and then rinse the area with cold water.
3. Finally, apply some olive oil on the skin to keep it moisturized.
4. Repeat the process daily for at least two weeks and watch for positive results.

4. Lemon Juice

Another simple way to lessen stretch marks is to use lemon juice. Lemon juice is naturally acidic which helps heal and reduce stretch marks, acne, and other scars.

• Rub fresh lemon juice gently onto the stretch marks using circular motions. Allow the lemon juice to soak into your skin for at least 10 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.
• Another option is to mix equal quantities of cucumber juice and lemon juice and apply the mixture on the stretch marks.

5. Sugar

Natural white sugar is one of the best natural remedies to get rid of stretch marks. You can use the sugar to exfoliate your skin.

1. Mix a tablespoon of raw sugar with some almond oil and a few drops of lemon juice. Mix it well and apply it on the stretch marks and other skin areas.
2. Gently rub the mixture on the skin for a few minutes every day before taking a shower.
3. Do this for a month or so and watch your stretch marks become lighter.

6. Potato Juice

Potato juice contains vitamins and minerals that foster growth and restoration of skin cells.

1. Cut a medium-sized potato into thick slices.
2. Take one of the potato pieces and rub it gently on the stretch marks for a few minutes. Make sure the starch from the potato covers the affected area.
3. Allow the potato juice to dry for some time and then wash it off with lukewarm water.

7. Alfalfa

Alfalfa leaves contain eight essential amino acids which are good for the overall health of the skin. They are also rich in protein and vitamins E and K, which help nourish the skin.

1. Mix some alfalfa power with a few drops of chamomile oil to form a smooth paste.
2. Massage the paste into the affected area two to three times a day.
3. Repeat this daily for a few weeks and you will notice a great improvement.

8. Cocoa Butter

Cocoa butter is also very beneficial in treating stretch marks. Being an excellent natural moisturizer, it helps nourish your skin and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

• You must apply cocoa butter over the affected area at least two times a day for a few months.
• Another option is to make a mixture using half a cup of cocoa butter, one tablespoon of wheat germ oil, two teaspoons of grated beeswax and one teaspoon each of apricot kernel oil and vitamin E oil. Heat this mixture until the beeswax melts. You can store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator and apply it to your stretch marks two to three times a day. This mixture will make your skin more hydrated and smooth.

9. Olive Oil

Olive oil contains a lot of nutrients and antioxidants that help improve various skin problems including stretch marks.

1. Massage slightly warm extra-virgin olive oil into the affected skin area. This will improve the blood circulation and reduce the stretch marks to a great extent.
2. Leave it for half an hour so that the vitamins A, D and E present in the oil are absorbed by the skin.

You can also mix olive oil with vinegar and water and use it as a night cream. This will keep your skin stay moisturized and also exfoliate the skin.

10. Water

Keeping your body well hydrated helps protect the skin from many kinds of problems and also aids in detoxification. It also helps keep the skin supple and restores elasticity.

Try to drink one to two glasses of water several times during a day. Experts say drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water per day is the best way to keep the body hydrated.

It will also make your skin soft and help maintain its elasticity. It is advisable to avoid coffee, tea or soda though.

These natural remedies can help stretch marks fade, but they may not completely remove them. You can always see your doctor if you are greatly concerned about the appearance of stretch marks on your skin.

Source: Top 10 Home Remedies