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For the combination of two prompts:
"headache relief" and "a truly abysmal cup of tea"
Shadowgast, rated G, hurt/comfort, 833 words
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Essek's visits to Caleb's cottage in Rexxentrum were brief, and precious; despite their shared expertise in dunamancy, there never seemed to be enough time. And so when Essek arrived one windy spring morning, but could not concentrate on their shared research, and shied away with a wince from the meager light filtering through the shuttered windows, Caleb felt even more urgency to remedy whatever ailed him. Not just so that Essek would be well, but because these narrow hours were all they had to express the full spectrum of anything and everything they might have to say to each other.
There was Sending, yes, and Essek was talented in layering many things into few words. But Caleb found he yearned to make and share space, and to see the gallery of Essek’s expressions play across his sharp-toothed mouth, his elegant brows, his clever eyes.
This pained, stubborn expression was a new one on his dear friend, and Caleb cataloged it feverishly in his memory even as he sought its antidote.
"It's nothing," Essek demurred, when Caleb pressed. "A slight headache."
"Do you need to rest? You are very welcome to--"
"I did not come here to sleep," Essek cut him off, then shook his head at the suggestive implication, waving it away as if it was a bothersome fly, then winced at both sudden motions. "I am here so we can revise the second runic config-" he broke off with a hiss and rubbed his temple.
"Essek," Caleb half-chided, half-pleaded. "What can I do? I have healing potions. Or do you need Jester?"
"Oh, no — please, no."
In fairness, he was probably right. Despite her capacity for healing, Jester might very well simultaneously increase the headache in some other way, bright and loud and well-intentioned.
Essek reached for a quill and a spare parchment from their research and jotted down a list, and a set of notes, his eyes squinting, his shoulders a scrunched line of weary tension. He offered this to Caleb, ink still wet, letters running rudely together. "If you can procure these herbs and prepare them as written, that would be a great help. This... issue... has a particular root cause, and a particular solution."
Caleb burned two teleportations and ten minutes in the city, and another ten minutes in his small kitchen fussing with hot water and dead plants. While he'd been gone, Essek had curled up in an armchair with his feet tucked childishly under himself and his forehead resting on the upholstered arm, eyes closed, breathing slowly and deliberately, flinching when the metal pot clanged on the stove.
The resulting brew was enough to fill one of his homely porcelain teacups, and dark enough to look like it might leave a stain. The smell was cloying, bitter. Essek looked at it with a combination of relief and revulsion. After cooling the steam off it with a curtly-gestured prestidigitation, he lifted it to his lips — markedly hesitated — then downed the whole thing in a few rapid gulps.
"Water, please." He thrust the cup back at Caleb, his face an open snarl of disgust.
The water, quickly procured, vanished with the same hurry and lack of decorum as the tea. Essek slouched back into the overstuffed armchair like he’d just fought a battle. His expression twitched a few more times, nose wrinkling and lips smacking, aftershocks of the taste of the tea.
"And now?" Caleb pitched his voice low. Essek sighed, eyes closing once more. "I wait for it to kick in. Always slower than I would like."
Caleb said nothing, only waited there, his continued presence itself the question.
One of Essek's eyes cracked open, a sliver of violet picking up the dim light. After regarding Caleb blearily, he extended his arm off the edge of the armchair, palm-up and limp, like it was not attached to him. "Press your thumbs to the heel of my hand, if you like."
A simple task for a clever man. Caleb sat leaned forward in his chair with his elbows on his knees, Essek's hand in his, making gentle pressure points and soothing circles, over and over. Over the next quarter hour, the tension in Essek's shoulders and neck eased, and his breathing slowed, and the wrinkle between his brows ebbed away like a ripple of cloud erased by the wind. At some point Caleb moved his ministrations to Essek's other hand, as gentle as the first. It was quiet in the cottage.
"Stop," Essek finally said. "That's enough."
Caleb stopped. "Better?"
"Yes. A bit." Essek sat up, very disheveled still. He did not untuck his feet. He was a cozy lump on the armchair, like a cat woken from a nap.
"Gut,” Caleb smiled. There was a faint imprint of the upholstery on Essek’s cheekbone. “Now, how would you like a cup of tea that doesn't smell like an alchemical mistake? I have many offerings, courtesy of our friend Caduceus."
"Yes," Essek replied, with a ghost of humor returning. "Please."
#thank you sky for the prompts!#i went with some nice simple comfort vibes#the tea is inspired by the iron supplement I have to take#it's truly godawful and I make faces every time I drink it#tumblr snippets#shadowgast#critical role#op#ariadne writes CR
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hi new. i know you have experience dealing with chronic illness and pain and felt like you might be able to offer me some useful advice about an issue i've been dealing with lately. since thanksgiving '19, i've had sharp pains deep behind my left eye, every single day, several times a day, sometimes leaving my vision blurry, and in once instance making me lose control of my legs. i've gotten a brain MRI that was completely normal according to my ophthalmologist and my otolaryngologist (1/4)
pain medicine (except for hydrocodone, which isn’t good to take long term) has 0 effect on my pain. i’ve started taking daily multivitamins along with magnesium supplements and just started taking taurine supplements in a desperate attempt to do something about my pain. i even tried reducing my dosage of my antidepressants, but that just completely ruined my mood and did nothing to help my pain. i’m still waiting on the results of a few more rule-out tests, and i have an appointment with a neurologist lined up at the end of this month (which i’ve been waiting on since last month– they almost made me wait until may to see a neurologist). but i’m worried that nothing useful is going to come of all these tests and specialist visits and that i’m just going to be stuck with this chronic pain behind my eye for a very long time. so i’m wondering if you, being someone who’s been down the chronic pain/illness road yourself had any advice to offer about managing this pain? any supplements or lifestyle changes or anything that might help me alleviate the pain and deal with the frustration of specialist visit after specialist visit yielding no conclusion on why i’ve been in pain every single day for close to 3 months now? i’m sorry that this is such a long train of asks but you’re the only person i can think of who’s deal with this sort of thing who might be able to suggest something that’d help
(aw shit I might’ve accidentally lost a part of your ask but I’ll try to answer still. if there are any parts of this that you’d like me to explain in more detail, I would be happy to, just let me know)
Sorry to hear you’re dealing with this, these are actually some of the same symptoms I’ve been having too. I’ve been trying to get an MRI since November, so I know how frustrating it is to go through all of these doctor appointments and tests.
My first question might be obvious but was the MRI done with contrast? I know that can make some things visible that would otherwise be missed.
As for supplements, I can tell you what I take, but everyone has a different experience with them and it’s always wise to do research to see if they have any reactions with anything you’re already taking. None of these are cures but for those of us that struggle with health, it’s important to be proactive. At the moment I take: fermented skate fish liver oil (brain/gut/joint/oral health), 50 billion probiotics a day (gut/brain, +additional stuff like kimchi, miso, black garlic, umeboshi is also important to support these little guys), turmeric ginger tea (inflammation control and to keep my core warm/control nausea), ashwagandha (a million uses, can’t live without this stuff, really helps me with recover), California poppy in my tea (great for nerve pain), and iron for my anemia.
Other things that are important parts of my daily routine are: a bit of yoga in the morning (sometimes at night too) with lots of deep breathing and trigger point rolling if needed (nothing fancy, mostly slow stretching to help make space and reduce my nerve pain), hot towel treatment on my neck to loosen it up (usually followed by spraying magnesium oil and rubbing it in), a hot bath with epsom salt to relax my muscles, a nice slow rubdown with Tiger Balm and a pain relief massage oil on my bad areas but generally all over if I need it, also LOTS of rest (and icepacks all over my head and neck if needed). Obviously I can only really do this whole routine on my days off, but it makes a big big big difference. Even if I don’t get much relief out of it and am still in pain, it’s important to keep taking care of my body and giving it what it needs so that more damage doesn’t happen in my inactivity, which is what happened in my mid-20′s and only made things worse.
As for coping with all of the appointments... It’s incredibly difficult and exhausting to stay committed to advocating for our own wellbeing when we feel like our health is in the hands of doctors who just kind of shrug things off. I’ve had about 15 doctor appointments in the past few months and it’s taking so much hard work to keep my mental state stable, and sometimes I just have to hunker down in bed and cry it out. Again, I can only share what works for me, so you may have to do some trials to find what works for you. It’s important for me to have a daily practice that allows me to be aware of my thoughts and feelings, acknowledge them, feel them rather than try bypassing them, and then challenge any badbrain with things like affirmations, journaling, even just putting on music that inspires me and dancing around my room if I have the spoons.
Most of the time I want to rip my hair out and call every doctor and scream at them to get me in the fucking MRI machine already, but I have to reel it in. It’s not easy at all. I don’t have the capacity for a lot of this stuff and I’ve been wearing myself out driving to all of these appointments.
There’s nothing wrong with feeling any way about any of this, but it is still important to take good care of yourself during this vulnerable time. The patience that is expected from us more than I can really give, so I feel drained, and I’m sure you do too.
So take it one day at a time, one moment at a time, one breath at a time. Sometimes that’s all you can do, and that’s okay too. Keep me updated, okay?
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Life without COFFEE
Although I am not one of those people who find themselves unable to work in the morning without daily caffeine intake,
I love the warm kind that makes me feel the happiness that coffee provides me. Life is full of delicate pleasures, as I like to call it, and coffee is one of my countries. However, as I write this, I am about to start my (fourth) experience "A Month Without Coffee". Well, it's not a big experiment, but it's more of a "habit" control. I used to drink up to six cups a day in January, and for me, this is too much. People just say, drink less. No need to give it up completely. Why are you doing that? She loves coffee. I love coffee. I love coffee! It is not bad advice. When giving up caffeine, or any other addictive substance, it is advised to reduce it gradually rather than absolutely nothing to minimize withdrawal symptoms... but I can't do that. I am not an "admin". All or nothing, I find it easier this way. So I'm going to go from six cups today, to zero tomorrow, and that's how you'll stay for the next 28 days. I think you can change your habits by knowing what drives your behavior. Take a few seconds to ask yourself why you're about to drink something. You always have a reason why you should make the choices you make, and when you drink a lot throughout the day, paying attention to whether this reason is productive or unproductive for your health is worth doing. I think of 4 reasons why I chose to choose coffee. Socially (Meet a friend for coffee) - For warmth - For strategic reasons (just before training) - For fun (I just love coffee time) I am sure you have other reasons to add it. "Addict" was not shown on my list, as I do not think I am "addicted" or "dependent" on coffee, or anything else in this regard. I think another reason to give up is not only due to serious health considerations, but also to prove to myself that coffee is not controlling me, I choose to drink it, and it can stop at any time. All I have to do is replace my coffee with a drink that rewards me in the same way, and this is much better for my health. Another way to control what you drink is to look for signs that make you choose: a specific time of day (such as morning), a particular place (such as Starbucks), when you are with certain people (for example your co-workers), or emotion (such as feeling tired) ), Or ritual behavior (such as waking up with coffee). Caffeine cut, but not ritual! Delicious alternatives that I will share with my caffeine habit: Lemon Juice and Warm Water: Warm water and lemon help detoxify the liver and kidneys from caffeine and the overload of coffee caused by the system. Herbal Tea (Caffeine Free): Peppermint is a stimulant, good for digestion while chamomile is soothing, good for stress and migraine headaches. Root tea: Licorice is useful to support the kidneys in times of stress and is a natural stimulant and ginger that helps mild headaches and digestion, as it is naturally stimulating. What happened the last time you did this? My memories were of the first few days of a very severe headache that peaked from day two to day four. After that, it was easy, and even when the 30 days were up, I didn't know if I wanted coffee or not. I found alternatives that are now part of my daily nutrition and have seen no rush to come back. But since I had never intended to give up coffee completely, slowly but surely, I crept into my work routine. Some days it was three, four others, five or six, depending on my location. Caffeine, like any drug that has different effects on different people, as I discovered, is linked to specific genes. Common symptoms are irritation, dehydration, fatigue, muscle tension, nausea, constipation, and lack of focus. Reducing withdrawal caffeine weakens adrenal, and liver functions and the acidic effect of coffee on the system can gradually deplete the body's general ability to flush out toxins and maintain an appropriate acid balance. By getting rid of caffeine, your body will start doing this to remove accumulated toxins and restore adrenal and liver functions. We have many things you can do to help support your system and help detoxify, as well as reduce drag systems. Lifestyle changes to the caffeine vitamin Drink plenty of water, at least 9 cups per day. Get plenty of good sleep. You are playing sports. I will help you detoxify and give you more energy naturally. Steam baths, leather brushes, and English salt baths help pull toxins through the skin. Nutrient foods: Eat foods rich in whole nutrients - fruits, vegetables, legumes, proteins, healthy fats, and grains rich in fiber. Fiber helps transfer toxins from your body and will stabilize the digestion process, which can be disrupted when caffeine is removed. Fruits and vegetables will help reduce the impact of acidifying coffee on the body, and will also help flush toxins out of your system. Avoid processed foods, sugars, and salt as they will cause your body to retain fluids. Add additional fiber supplements, such as flax, chia, or psyllium husk, to help detoxify the liver, kidneys, and intestines. Maca: It is a natural source of amino acids, essential fatty acids, vitamins and carbohydrates, and helps your body produce energy naturally, without any side effects from adrenal drainage. Add juices or sweets or stir in porridge or milk. Spirulina: a powerful microalga that removes toxins and is a good source of natural energy. It provides many essential nutrients and rare minerals to support your system, and it is surprisingly rich in protein. Add to green juices or in tablet form. Supplements when giving up caffeine (and adrenal gland) The liver is responsible for breaking down caffeine from the body. It is advisable to take a dietary supplement to assist it during this detoxing process. These include: Milk thistle magnesium Calcium Potassium zinc B vitamins Vitamin C So, because it seems, the foremost of the items I like to recommend to attenuate the effect of withdrawal symptoms, I do daily anyway, so apart from the standard behavior, I expect it to be relatively painless. The next question was, why? If I like coffee such a lot, why did you spend 28 days without it? In any case, the superb coffee for you... or is it? Yes and No. Thousands of studies need to be conducted on the consequences of caffeine over the past fifty years, one against another. The consensus seems to be that moderate (high-quality) coffee consumption is often more beneficial in many health indicators than none in the least. But what's "moderate". Again, the research varies counting on what you read, but the range appears to be between 300-400 mg of caffeine, as a maximum per day. It equates to 3 to four cups of coffee (depending on strength and size). Other reports recommend a maximum of two. As I said earlier, caffeine has different effects on different people, so it's difficult to answer. While I drank up to 6 each day and drank caffeine from other things, albeit in small amounts (from dark chocolate), it had been time to rest my body. The dangers of excessive caffeine in your system Calcium Caffeine causes calcium to be excreted within the urine and feces. For each 150 mg of ingested caffeine, approximately 5 mg of calcium is lost in one cup of coffee. This effect occurs even hours after consuming caffeine. Caffeine also blocks the quantity of calcium that's absorbed through the intestine and drains the amount kept by the bones. Tons of studies have shown that ladies who consume a better amount of caffeine have more hip fractures than those that avoid caffeine or drink moderately (1 to 2 cups per day). Vitamin D Caffeine blocks vitamin D receptors that limit the quantity which will be absorbed. Because vitamin D is essential in absorbing and using calcium in bone building, this will also reduce bone mineral density, which results in an increased risk of osteoporosis. iron As everyone knows, caffeine interferes with the absorption of iron from the body, which is essential for the assembly of red blood cells—drinking caffeine at an equivalent time because the iron source can reduce intake by up to 80%. Any caffeinated drink must be separated from iron-containing foods or supplements for a minimum of one hour. B vitamins As is understood, caffeine features a mild diuretic effect, which increases urination. Water-soluble vitamins, like B vitamins, are often depleted as a result of fluid loss. Additionally, it interferes with the metabolism of some B vitamins, like thiamine (Vitamin B1). The sole exception to the present rule seems to possess vitamin B12. It plays the catalyst role for caffeine to supply stomach acid, which helps the body absorb vitamin B12. Vitamins and other minerals All Vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients for normal cell function. Since it must be absorbed from the bloodstream to be effective, anything that impedes this process can cause the body to not getting enough nutrients. Caffeine can reduce the absorption of manganese, zinc, and copper. It also can increase the secretion of magnesium and potassium, sodium and phosphate minerals. There's also some evidence that caffeine interferes with the action of vitamin A. Your skin looks older. Skin needs tons of water to seem plump and glowing. But coffee may be a diuretic, which inspires your body to flush out water. If you drink tons of coffee, your skin may look dehydrated. If you flood your body with caffeine, this suggests that your systema nervosum has entered into an endless state of artificial stimulation. Therefore the skin is your largest organ and wishes oxygen-rich blood. When the body is in tension, it responds by directing the foremost oxygenated blood towards the guts and lungs. Therefore the skin isn't well-nourished. The systema lymphaticum, which removes waste, also doesn't function efficiently, leaving the skin slow and susceptible to burst. Cellulite Coffee can even be utilized in many anti-cellulite creams - applied to the skin from the surface, and toxins stored in fat cells are allegedly extracted to scale back cellulite - but this doesn't mean that drinking it'll have an equivalent positive effect. Coffee-induced dehydration encourages the skin to congest and solidify and to make a dense network that results in cellulite. Feel bad breath Like alcohol, coffee dries your mouth, and as a result, the quantity of saliva that rinses your mouth and fights bacteria decreases. We All Know that Caffeine can turn yellow teeth just like the same way as nicotine roll in the hay from cigarettes as coffee contains tannins, which are plant compounds that give coffee flavor. Coffee is extremely acidic, which over time can break down the enamel on the surface of the teeth. Diuretic effect You can't drink quite three cups of coffee each day features a diuretic effect on the body, because it interferes with the hormones that regulate our water balance. It leaves us dried and makes the urine more concentrated and acidic, which results in inflammation of the bladder walls and even results in painful urination and cystitis. Keep in mind that it takes five to 12 hours for the body to urge obviate caffeine, and once you sleep within the bed, you'll still be unable to sleep. Once washed away, coffee makes sleeping lighter and more annoying. It's because caffeine interferes with the assembly of melatonin, which helps us sleep. Every day is bad for the hair. Caffeine has been found to flush out vital minerals, including those needed for healthy hair growth, outside the body. Our body needs an honest supply of some vitamins and minerals for a reasonable condition of hair and pigmentation, including biotin, selenium, zinc, and copper. If we consume tons of coffee, this may affect our metal stores, which can hurt the condition of hair, including luster and texture. Metal loss may cause hair loss and premature greying. One of the most reasons for pre-menopausal hair loss is low iron levels and occasionally affects their absorption. Copper is believed to contribute to hair pigmentation so that any deficiency may cause premature greying. Insulin sensitivity decreases Regular consumption of caffeine reduces insulin sensitivity, making it difficult for your cells to reply appropriately to blood glucose. High blood glucose levels cause arterial degeneration and an increased risk of disorder. The acidity of coffee Coffee acidity is related to digestive discomfort, indigestion, heartburn, and intestinal disorders. addiction Addiction is usually a drag with coffee drinkers and makes it difficult to believe the body's natural energy source. Low levels of serotonin A component of the neurotransmitter serotonin referred to as the happy chemical present within the urine tends to be high in coffee drinkers, which suggests they'll be in danger of low levels of serotonin synthesis within the brain. Serotonin is essential for healthy sleep, bowel function, mood, and energy levels. It's a vicious circle because caffeine can disrupt sleep and promote anxiety and depression. We all know someone who tends to urge tired, wired and quit caffeine! Lots of reasons to chop back, or in my case, you've got an opportunity from caffeine altogether. It's essential to notice that a lot of the issues mentioned above relate to excessive caffeine consumption. I've also read tons of research on how moderate amounts can benefit our health and more if you drink at strategic times throughout the day. It's been linked to a lower risk of affected by Alzheimer's and paralysis agitans, for instance. Can you hand over your coffee? If you think that you cannot hand over coffee, re-evaluate. It's only a wise experience to understand what it seems like to measure your life on your fuel. Safely remove coffee and caffeine from your system and see how you handle the high energy! It'll not kill you. Sometimes we hold close our vices so severely that we convince ourselves that life would be miserable without them. For the first few days, I admit, I miss the smell and taste of my coffee, especially the first day of the day but these feelings soon disappear, and that I have gained a replacement appreciation for herb tea and roots. Remember that we control our habits. Getting something may be a big lesson in breaking addictions and forming new habits. You'll convince yourself that you directly are managing, and you'll choose and stick with it. This is often something you'll know.
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#6D6968
...Something wasn’t right.
The small canvas, propped up on an easel before him, remained untouched. No splash of color graced its flawless form. There was nothing manifesting itself upon the white background. No buildings, no scenery-- nothing.
It was blank. Absolutely blank.
It had been snowing fairly hard for the last few days. A complete white out situation where the biggest blizzard of the year settled in, like a threatening, lumbering beast. With gnashing teeth and howling shrieks, the monster buffeted the already half-frozen base with its icy fury.
The infirmary remained one of the warmest places in the building. Not that the other rooms (including the personal rooms of the mercenaries) weren’t warm. The infirmary had to stay warm. There were too many medications, too many ointments, and solutions, that if they froze over... well, most would have to be thrown out. And in that instance, they’d be low on supplies, and MannCo would have to spend more money replacing the lost stock.
In this way, MannCo’s greediness was won over by the fact they actually cared enough to supply Coldfront with adequate heat. Better to spend the money on heating, rather than replace the ruined medication or frozen, busted pipes. Then again, more money meant they could put it forward towards the one thing they honestly cared about: supplying their mercenaries with weaponry.
Since it was a blizzard, all the matches had been called off. This gave Abelärd plenty of time to recuperate and relax. He could take his time on his paperwork. He didn’t have to clean the infirmary (it was recently cleaned, anyway, so that wasn’t needed in the first place). He could actually pursue his interests and recharge his batteries, so to speak.
So why did it feel like he was already burned out?
It was a new year. He had a brand new start. A brand new start, chock full of opportunities. He could be doing so many things. He could be painting, or sketching. He could take out his violin and play a little tune or two. He could be reading, finally getting to the ending of that one book that had really grabbed his (and his modest dole’s) attention.
But nothing seemed worth his time pursuing. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to do them. He did. In fact, he wanted to paint and sketch, more than anything! He wanted to read and make some music. He wanted to make a cup of tea and hunker down for the day, with a nice cozy sweater and a blanket, just to take some time and relax his aching body. He wanted to do all of this... but he couldn’t.
This was a familiar feeling. It didn’t happen often, but it did happen often enough that he recognized it. He didn’t like this feeling. It was like suffocating under a cottony haze: a listless emotion that had him drifting here, or there, without any solid ground. He felt utterly exhausted despite getting enough sleep. He didn’t have the energy, nor the appetite, to make himself a proper breakfast or lunch. He simply grabbed a carrot-and-flax muffin and managed to eat about 1/3rd of it before finding that his weary attention span was waning.
The muffin still sat where it was on the counter. His dole had given a few pecks to it, seeing if they could console their beloved human into eating it.
Their efforts were in vain.
This familiar feeling was a deeply seeded sadness. Like the roots of an old, gnarled tree, it buried itself deep, entangling his innards in its thorny teeth. It was a sadness that hung over him, like a cloud heavy with thunderous rain. It threatened to pour down over his head, casting a dreadful shadow over everything he touched.
The sadness seemed to come and go, often inexplicably, with no known causes. When it did smother him, it lingered for days, even weeks. Aldous called it his ‘sickness’. But that didn’t make any sense. He wasn’t sick. Well, yes, he had a bit of a iron deficiency problem from time to time. But that was easily taken care of with his diet and some supplements. It was just the weather, he always said, explaining away his sadness-- as if that were some easy thing to do. The weather, or he was just tired. Besides, it was his brother who had a mental illness. He, himself, didn’t have one. He was fine. He had to be the strong one. The one to be able to be there for his brother. To help him, when he needed it. To support him and lift him up, if the situation ever demanded it of him. He wanted to be strong for him.
How could he be strong when he was this bone-numbingly melancholy?
Abelärd now found himself at an impasse. Sitting on the stool in front of the canvas, he couldn’t find it in himself to pick up his palette knife and mix any bit of the paint that was applied to his tray. He had such lovely colors, too. Inspirational in they varying hues. A whole kaleidoscope! A range that he could expressively show everyone just how bright and colorful the world really was!
But no. Nothing.
His mind was devoid of all inspiration.
He had to do something. He had to make some mark on the canvas. Something, anything!
No longer paying attention to the colors he had on hand, he took the palette knife and scraped a bit of color onto the tray. Picking up a well prepared brush, he rubbed it into the chosen color, his actions almost mechanical and lifeless as his mind’s attention began to drift away from the task at hand.
A building. A tree. Please. Something, anything. A flower. A smiling face. Something bright, something sunny. Something happy. I need something happy right now. Please. Let me have chosen a happy color.
He had so much stress in his life. He took on too much. He knew he did. The paperwork. The workload. Taking care of his brother. Tending to everyone on the base. Supplying and providing for anyone who couldn’t help themselves. Volunteering extra hours. The research, and the research, and all that research...
Something happy. Something happy. Please. Please!!
The color was smeared. In a long, dragging sweep he let the color streak across the canvas in a nice, clean arc. His far away gaze once more fell into focus, and he saw, with abysmal regret, what color he had chosen.
Gray. It was... a cloudy gray.
The sunny color he hoped he had chosen was, instead, a god awful tone that all but acted as a disgusting blemish upon the pristine white backdrop of the canvas.
He slid the brush’s bristles away from the canvas. He felt a great sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. His gray-blue eyes reflected the ugly gray smear in front of him.
And he knew. It was then... he knew.
Reaching out, he went to touch the still wet smear. But as his fingertips touched that ugly gray, he focused not on the sensation of the oily substance, but on his fingertips. His hands, almost always covered by his gloves, were uncovered for this task. His skin was bare for the world to see. Covered, the secret revealed-- oh, that deep, dark secret he so very much wished he could hide, forever.
Against the ugly gray, the scarring, and the old burn marks on his hand, clashed horribly.
He felt recoiling disgust. Pulling his hand away from the canvas, he stared down it. At both of his hands. The discolored skin was worn and faded-- but it was still discolored. Sure, it wasn’t as stark as when he was first healing from his injuries, a few years after the event, but it was still an obvious blemish. Like the gray smear on the pristine canvas, it was an ugly mark in an ugly tone that stood out amongst everything else in this world.
He knew he had some burn marks and scarring up his arms, too. Small patches where the fire had licked at his arms. His mind seized at the memory, and he nearly knocked over his tray of oils as he pushed the stool back, rising from it on shaky legs.
He hated the burn marks. He hated the discoloration. He hid them behind gloves, at all costs. He hid them away from his coworkers, his fellow mercenaries. He even tried to hide them from Jane (even though the soldier knew. He knew of them. He saw them, any time they slept together). He wished he could just make them disappear. He hated them. He hated himself.
He hated that his sensation of t--
No. It was no use thinking about it.
No painting would get done today. No reading, or playing of the violin. He was body wear and world weary. The cloud that hung over him had begun to open, revealing a rainstorm that soaked him emotionally to the bone.
He was a man who, just a month ago, was celebrating the winter festivities and honoring his father. But now the excess workload from the start of the new year was breaking him down. And a thought came to his mind. A thought that saddened him so wholly, that the lacerations to his heart cut deeper with each passing second.
He was old. Perhaps... it was his time to retire. Let the younger ones take over. Let the younger medics do their job. Let him retire... and let him rest.
Too exhausted to cry, and unable to shake free the raincloud that pressed down on him, the weary doctor excused himself, quietly, to his dole. He retreated to his room, closing the door behind him, so that not even Engel, his beloved mourning dove, could follow after him.
He’d take a nap. A long nap... sounded good right about now.
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The Best Weight Loss Supplement!
Wulong Tea is a characteristic calorie burner, you as well, can liquefy fat away and advantage from this incredible weight reduction supplement. Tea contains Theaflavin, Tea Polysaccharides and Tea Catechin, cancer prevention agents that aid the decrease of plaque in the supply routes, in bringing down cholesterol and in delivering thinning impacts, and caffeine, flavanols, polyphenols, nutrients and different supplements that advance fat oxidation, which helps evacuate abundance muscle versus fat! It is plentiful in iron, calcium, various minerals, while contains different common properties that elevates the stomach related catalysts to separate fat substances in the blood. These follow minerals and supplements are additionally essential to the everyday soundness of your body. In Japan, the Tea is generally known as the "Thinning tea", additionally well known as the "Looks tea". Late examinations have exhibited that some 300ml Wulong tea is equivalent to a quick stroll for 15 minutes or all over stairs for 10 minutes. Wellbeing advancing mixes, for example, polyphenols and catechins are available in a wide range of tea, yet hand picked wu long tea is the best source in light of the fact that the pickers are choosing the best leaves from the tea plant. Machine collecting is aimless and ought to be kept away from - more seasoned leaves and twigs are reaped alongside the more current leaves. I challenge you to discover such a sound, regular, successful, and safe weight reduction supplement, which is the reason I think of it as the best weight reduction supplement ever.
Logical examinations have set up that tea is high in wellbeing advancing polyphenols that secure us against malignant growth and different infections. Wu long tea is especially high in "polymerized polyphenols" which as indicated by ongoing investigations assists with expanding vitality use. Another Japanese examination found that wu long tea can stifle lipid digestion which has the impact of smothering greasy collection and body weight increments. The investigation reasons that long haul utilization of wu long tea is useful for the concealment of diet actuated heftiness. In 2006, new research in Michigan, at the Northwestern Slimtone Review Bio Med Department, logical proof was displayed that proposes that Oolong Tea and Puerh Tea both lower the measure of blood lipids, causing weight reduction. In 2005, French specialists at a clinical preliminary, at the Roche Institute in Lorraine, tried the Yunnan Puerh Tea drinking impact on 500 people somewhere in the range of 30 and 60 years of age. Their discoveries emphatically recommended that drinking two three cups a day can diminish muscle versus fat successfully, taking into account weight control.
Asians have thought about the ground-breaking impacts of this weight reduction supplement for quite a long time and it is turning out to be increasingly more famous with individuals everywhere throughout the world. It is additionally answered to work incredibly well in boosting digestion, taking into consideration predictable weight the executives. In the event that you have never appreciated the extraordinary taste and thinning medical advantages it is known for, you are passing up on an inconceivable chance. Beginning in the Fujian Province of China, WuLong tea has bit by bit been brought into Western culture. An every day cup of the best weight reduction supplement ever will help you in weight the board, to have a slimmer body with less muscle versus fat and better shape. It Helps direct glucose levels for diabetics. Consumes 2.5 occasions a larger number of calories than Green Tea, perfect for weight reduction. It is additionally said to advance all the more clear, energetic looking skin.
Wu long tea isn't a wonder remedy for weight issues. Weight reduction includes eating right, eating shrewd, legitimate exercise, and an appropriate frame of mind (none of which is unreasonably hard for anybody to ). Wulong tea be that as it may, can give you the additional lift to help in your weight reduction plans, yet it ought to be utilized notwithstanding an arrangement for a more advantageous by and large prosperity.
Weight reduction Tips: Tips That Will Have You Burning Fat Right Off!
Nourishment: Nutrition is a significant, one key component in a solid health improvement plan is to avoid 1) salt and high sodium food sources, avoid 2) high fat nourishments, and furthermore maintain a strategic distance from food sources that are 3) high in sugar. To shed fat you must be consuming a greater number of calories than you're eating, so first off eat less calories. In any case, that doesn't mean, quit eating, this won't assist you with losing any fat whatsoever. At the point when you starve your body it naturally goes into starvation mode and when you do eat it stores the greater part of the nourishment as fat, inspired by a paranoid fear of not eating for quite a while once more. Along these lines you likewise need to eat more suppers for the duration of the day, 5-7 at any rate. While picking what to eat, follow an eating routine that you can genuinely observe yourself doing, on the off chance that you have to entertain yourself sometimes, pull out all the stops, yet recollect your objectives and stick to them. In the event that you can't see yourself doing it, you likely won't, make infant strides on the off chance that it appears to be too difficult to even consider accomplishing. Here is only one case of a decent rundown of nourishments and diet plan. Gracious definitely and always remember to drink your water, and a ton of it, a gallon daily is the thing that I would suggest, however redundant. To Know More Slimtone online visit here https://apnews.com/press-release/ts-newswire/lifestyle-nutrition-health-diet-and-exercise-weight-management-a07dfac45db0724689e361d4e7879579
https://instaheaterblog.blogspot.com/2020/12/slimtone-5-excuse-kicking-weight-loss.html
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What to Eat During Pregnancy? (Free pregnancy handout)
New Post has been published on https://ndmedic.com/what-to-eat-during-pregnancy/
What to Eat During Pregnancy? (Free pregnancy handout)
What to eat during pregnancy?
Are you interested in finding out how to have a healthy pregnancy using healthy meals?
In this nutrition and pregnancy article, we will be discussing some of the best foods for pregnant women.
Pregnant women, on average, need 300 to 400 extra calories per day. In multiple pregnancies, each baby requires an additional 500 calories. For the average woman, that is about 2500 total calories per day. A healthy weight gain is around 25 to 35 pounds. However, variation exists depending on activity level and previous body weight.
Vitamins and Nutrients for pregnancy (pregnancy diet menu):
Zinc
is found in:
Liver,
seafood,
soybeans,
pumpkin/sunflower seeds,
mushrooms
Zinc is helpful for wound healing, growth, and immunity.
Magnesium
Found in:
Pumpkin seeds,
nuts,
beans,
soy,
dried apricots,
seafood,
molasses,
green leafy vegetables
Magnesium is good for muscular, cardiovascular, and nervous system’s health. Magnesium is also useful for healthy baby weight and to prevent constipation. It also helps with muscle spasm/ cramp, fatigue, and insomnia.
Vitamin K
Found in:
Alfalfa tea,
lettuce
Vitamin K is needed to prevent miscarriage and hemorrhage.
Vitamin E
Found in:
Brown rice,
parsley,
wheat germ,
almonds,
pecans,
sunflower seeds,
sweet potato,
tempeh,
cooked spinach.
Vitamin E is needed to prevent miscarriage.
Vitamin D
Found in:
Sunshine,
egg yolk,
sprouts,
fortified milk.
Vitamin D is useful for the development of bones and teeth, immunity and
Vitamin A
Found in:
Yellow/orange vegetables and fruits.
Needed for: Thyroid, adrenals, eyes, skin, and heart function. Too little or too much intake of vitamin A from supplementation can cause congenital disabilities.
******Take Vitamin K, D, E, and A sources with a source of fat for better absorption.
Other Vitamins and Nutrients for pregnancy:
Folic Acid
Found in:
Green leafy vegetables,
salmon,
dates,
spinach,
broccoli,
Brussels sprouts,
oatmeal,
organ meats
Folic acid is useful for body growth, reproduction, and red blood cell formation. Additionally, it prevents neural tube defects, premature birth, and premature rupture of the placenta.
Iron
Found in:
Blackstrap molasses,
eggs, fish,
organ meats,
poultry,
wheat germ
Iron prevents anemia and postpartum hemorrhage.
Vitamin C
Found in:
Citrus fruits,
green peppers,
broccoli,
papaya,
kiwi,
potatoes,
parsley,
strawberries,
rose hips,
melon,
tomatoes
Vitamin C helps with tissue and bone formation. It is a potent antioxidant. Besides, it also helps with infection resistance and collagen production.
Calcium
Found in:
Dark leafy greens,
dried beans & legumes,
almonds,
sunflower seeds,
pumpkin seeds,
dairy
Calcium helps with bones, teeth, and heart development. Besides, it is crucial for the prevention of muscle spasms and backaches.
B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B12)
Found in:
Animal Protein (organ meats, fish, eggs, poultry, yogurt, milk),
fermented soy
Vitamin B is essential for the prevention of nervousness, anxiety, and depression. B vitamins are also necessary for the synthesis of myelin (for the nervous system), maturation of red blood cells, and prevention of anemia. Moreover, vitamin B prevents miscarriage and neural tube defects.
Macronutrients and other nutritions during pregnancy
75-100 g of daily Protein is needed: Protein is in meat, fish, poultry, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and dairy products. Unless you are a vegan or a vegetarian, this is not a significant concern.
Fat: Women who have increased consumption of essential fatty acids (i.e., fish oils) during pregnancy and breastfeeding have a lower chance of developing postpartum depression. Essential fatty acids also increase kids’ learning and memory. Healthy fats are also critical for fetal brain and nervous system development. Essential fatty acids are anti-inflammatory. Essential fatty acids also prepare the cervix (uterus entrance) for delivery.
For cooking use: organic butter, chicken fat, palm kernel, and coconut oil
Olive oil. You should use olive oil at low temperatures. Use olive oil, flax oil, sesame, and peanut oils for salads and steamed vegetables. Avoid soy, corn, safflower, cottonseed, and canola oils.
The rest of your calories should come from carbohydrates, with an emphasis on complex carbohydrates from vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes.
Fluid Intake
Aim for 2 to 3 L of water per day (8 to 12 glasses) of water intake as blood volume, and embryonic fluid expands.
Sugar and Salt
Table salt lacks essential minerals and contains additives (i.e., sugar). Use Celtic sea salt and Himalayan crystal salt. For baking use, rapadura (raw cane sugar), pure maple syrup, raw honey, or molasses.
To identify specific naturopathic treatments that can help you with tips during and after pregnancy, please call (416) 684-55-14 or click on the following link to book an appointment.
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You deserve to feel happy and excited in life every day
Is your mental and physical health preventing you from achieving all that you can in life?
Are you tired of exploring your healthcare options and not finding a solution?
Do you have a long to-do list, but you find it hard to get motivated because of your anxiety, depression, or low energy levels?
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I believe that our health is our biggest asset. It affects our relationships, work productivity, our happiness, and much more…
If any of the above speaks to your heart, then you are in the right place!
Book your free consult now
I practice naturopathic medicine, a natural primary healthcare system that integrates standard clinical diagnoses with natural therapies.
We can work closely together and help you with any wide range of mental/emotional and physical conditions that you are having.
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I treat You, not your diseases and diagnoses! You are more than a list of symptoms to me. Your health is a product of your daily thoughts and feelings, your past experiences, job and relationship stressor, your environment, your hormones, the inflammatory status in your body, the boundaries you set for yourself and others, and much more. I aim to get you to feel energized and well. I focus on your mental health as a big component of your health. But I get it. You might still need to see a sample list of conditions I treat. So, I’m listing a few for you:
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Nobody wakes up one day and decides to become addicted and no child has ever thought to themselves that they can’t wait to grow older just to depend on these substances to make it through the day.
ADHD-Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), previously known as ADD, is commonly seen in children. Hyperactivity, impassivity, and inattention are the three primary manifestations of this disorder.
Cardiovascular Health, Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure
Heart disease, the second-highest cause of death in Canada, is highly preventable. Given that cardiovascular disease often takes time to develop, you can take initiatives to reduce the risk of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, or cholesterol.
Other Conditions Treated
Dr. Farnoush Khodarahmi,
BSc (Psych & Kine). M.A., ND Welcome, and thank you for being here.
My passion in life is to guide you as you grow on your journey to your optimal level of health and well-being. My commitment to myself is to witness your joy as you achieve a great state of well-being and as you inspire others around you to do the same for themselves.
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#nutrition during pregnancy#Pregnancy#Pregnancy nutrition#Vitamins and Nutrients for pregnancy:#what to eat during pregnancy
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bleeding ...
can’t tell if its leukemia or if i was overdosing on anti-coagulant stuff (ginger and kurkuma), along with vessel relaxing (kakao). damn. everything cool that is promoted everywhere is anti-coagulant. they assume everyone has thick blood from animal products and that “everyone“ will benefit from a reduced risk of blood clot based strokes. black pepper is promoted as increasing the bioavailability of kurkuma(tumerik)’ s active ingredient (kurkumin) which i take for its anti-dementia effects. pepper supposedly works by disabling the liver’s ability to get rid of kurkuma. so i will be stuck with a kurkuma overdose for how long? wait ... just one to three hours? that can’t have been solely responsible for my issues.
additionally they promote everything that relaxes the blood vessels, such as red beets or everything that reduces blood pressure by any means, such as cacao, because it makes blood clot based strokes less likely. but for me this also makes bleeding more likely and if i hardly have enough blood and the volume of my vessels is increased via relaxation i end up with way too little blood. i got really sick after eating 6 raw red beets once, prior to my diagnosis and chemo, and the doctors on the oncology station didn’t even realize or care how that played a role in my break down back then. the internet has many lists on anticoagulant stuff and i did not do my homework yet. this list is from wikipedia: Foods and food supplements with blood-thinning effects include nattokinase, lumbrokinase, beer, bilberry, celery, cranberries, fish oil, GARLIC, GINGER, ginkgo, GINGSENG, GREEN TEA, horse chestnut, licorice, niacin, ONION, PAPAYA, POMEGRANADE, red clover, soybean, St. John's wort, TUMERIC, WHEATGRASS, and willow bark.[9] and am i to make off WHEATGRASS being on this list? its recommended for blood building. i take barley grass. HOW DO I NOT KILL MYSELF WITH HERBAL REMEDIES, Dr Greger? Other lists on the internet add just about everything. Without quantification of how “blood thinning” these food stuffs are, excluding all of them from my diet may be a mistake. wikipedia: “Many herbal supplements have blood-thinning properties, such as danshen and feverfew. Multivitamins that do not interact with clotting are available for patients on anticoagulants. However, some foods and supplements encourage clotting. These include alfalfa, avocado, cat's claw, coenzyme Q10, and dark leafy greens such as spinach. Their intake should be avoided whilst taking anticoagulants or, if coagulability is being monitored, their intake should be kept approximately constant so that anticoagulant dosage can be maintained at a level high enough to counteract this effect without fluctuations” OR DID I OVERDOSE IRON? Copper? something not on the label? cadmium or lead from cocoa, whatever else from barley grass? i have an odd blood like taste on my mouth. a day before i published a blog about how great am am feeling, then i break down and two nights later i am not certain if i make it through the night. bad blood inspires very scary dreams of dying. false awakenings: dream of crawling out of bed and being unable to move, etc. dreams of how the doctor cant figure out what the hell is going on with you.
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Blueberry Detox Smoothie
This smoothie is loaded with ingredients to help support your body’s natural detox organs, including wild blueberries and fresh cilantro. As strange as cilantro might sound as an addition to a smoothie, it’s surprisingly delicious!
I don’t know about you, but I tend to get in smoothie ruts. I could drink the same coffee smoothie all week long (because it’s addictive!), but I know I should get more variety in my diet by switching up the ingredients I use more often. This smoothie is a great way to do that, and is properly combined to help optimize your digestion and avoid bloating.
Detox Smoothie Ingredients
If you’ve been reading here for a while, you know I don’t believe in taking some special detox tea or supplement to “detox” your body. Your body already comes equipped with what it needs to detox on its own, like the liver, kidneys, and even your skin.
All you need to do is feed it high-quality foods that help support those functions, and avoid processed ingredients or chemicals that might hinder their them.
Wild Blueberries: These wild berries are loaded with antioxidants that may help to repair oxidative damage in the body, and they may help draw heavy metals out of brain tissue. Wild blueberries are thought to have extra phytochemicals that cultivated blueberries don’t, and they are easily available in the freezer section at most grocery stores.
Fresh Cilantro. Cilantro has been found to bind toxic heavy metals that can be found in the body, like arsenic, aluminum, lead, and mercury. It is also thought to help loosen them from our tissues, and may help eliminate them from the body. You can read more about cilantro’s benefits here.
Banana. Though some people fear the sugar in banana, it’s loaded with manganese which is important for healthy brain function and are thought to help reduce damage from free radicals. The fiber in bananas may also help prevent constipation. (If you don’t love bananas, try using a few pitted dates instead, for added sweetness, fiber, and iron.)
Avocado. Eating fat stimulates the release of bile from the gallbladder, making avocado an ideal addition to a detox smoothie. Avocados contain monosaturated fatty acids, which are thought to lower “bad” cholesterol and raise the “good” HDL cholesterol.
Orange Juice. Oranges are known for being high in vitamin C, which is thought to help the body rid itself of toxins, while also boosting the immune system. For the most health benefits, use freshly squeezed orange juice, or even a whole orange without seeds to get the benefit of the fiber, too.
I find that the combination of the orange juice and banana help the cilantro taste more palatable, but as always, feel free to experiment with the ingredients you might have on hand. Frozen pineapple or fresh lemon juice could compliment the flavor, too!
This blueberry detox smoothie is packed with wild blueberries and fresh cilantro, which may help to promote heavy metal detox in the body. Though it might sound strange, it tastes delicious!
Course: Breakfast, Drinks
Keyword: blueberries, cilantro, detox, smoothie
1 cup frozen wild blueberries
1 small handful fresh cilantro leaves (see note)
1 frozen banana , cut into pieces for easy blending
1/4 avocado
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup water
Combine the blueberries, cilantro, banana, avocado, orange juice, and water in a blender and blend until completely smooth. Serve right away.
Note: In my experience, it's best to start with using a small amount of potent herbs, like parsley and cilantro, and build up the amount you use over time. Start with a very small handful of cilantro, and if you don't experience a headache after drinking the smoothie, you can add a little more next time.
Per serving: Calories: 326, Fat: 8g, Carbohydrates: 65, Fiber: 9g, Protein: 4g
Recipe Notes:
To lower the sugar content, you can use just 1/4 cup of orange juice or eliminate it all together, replacing it with water. You can also replace the banana for a cup of low-sugar berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, but then the smoothie will be much less palatable, in my experience. (More like drinking it for medicine, than enjoyment.)
This smoothie was inspired by Medical Medium, who has a detox smoothie that includes powders like spirulina (<affiliate link) and barley grass juice powder (<affiliate link). Feel free to experiment with adding any extra supplements you like!
Reader Feedback: What is YOUR favorite smoothie combination lately?
Source: https://detoxinista.com/blueberry-detox-smoothie/
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11 Tips to Ease Your Transition Into a Vegan Lifestyle.
Veganism had been on my radar for a few months when I arrived in Jordan. The idea was daunting, scary even. But the things I had learnt about the food on my plate tugged at my heart. So I decided to set myself a deadline. After leaving the country (September 2015), I’d completely cut out animal products from my diet and lifestyle. No matter the challenges, I’d figure out how to turn vegan.
Since then, I’ve made plenty of vegan friends and everyone’s journey has been different. Some turned vegan overnight. Some took months, even a year, to fully embrace the change.
If you’re curious about how to transition into veganism, this post is for you. Based on my experience and that of some friends, I’ve tried to address some pressing questions: How do you stay motivated, mentally prepare to deal with family and friends, eat healthy, travel and connect with other vegans?
Here are my 10 practical tips on how to turn vegan:
In this post:
Figure out your motivation
Do your research
Transition into veganism at your own pace
Ensure you eat healthy as a vegan
Monitor your nutrition, especially Vitamin B12 and D3
Mentally prepare yourself to break the news to your family and friends
Connect with other vegans
Look up vegan-friendly cafes / restaurants in your location
Learn to read the labels and figure out alternatives
Subscribe to inspiring vegan bloggers, Youtubers and Instagrammers
Share your journey and spread the awareness
*Bonus* When the going gets tough, remember your reason for turning vegan
Have you ever wondered how to transition into veganism? What are your major challenges?
Figure out your motivation
Veganism is a choice that stares you in the face every single day. Every meal, every visit to the supermarket, every time you buy something, wherever you travel. People often ask me how I stay vegan, especially since I’m always on the road and often reliant on others to feed me.
Over the years, I’ve realised that the only way to stay committed is to figure out your strongest motivation.
For me, the primary motivation is animal suffering. The moment I visualise the pain inflicted on animals so I can consume that little bit of meat, milk, cheese or ghee, I know I don’t want to contribute to it.
You might feel the same way for animals. Or about the environment (the global carbon emissions of raising livestock for food is 14.5%, more than the entire transport sector). Or your own health.
Among my friends, Bhavna Kapoor turned vegan when it helped her deal with some debilitating health issues. Aakash Ranison turned vegan when he learnt about the environmental impact of consuming meat and dairy. Vinita Contractor turned vegan while pregnant, upon realizing how a whole foods plant based diet could ease her pregnancy.
In Iran, I met three generations of a vegan family. The grandmother embraced veganism after it helped reverse her diabetic condition. Her son and his wife turned vegan motivated by their spiritual guru. And their daughter turned vegan after learning about the plight of animals.
Think long and hard about what YOUR motivation is. What tugs at your heartstrings? What drives you? Because when the going gets tough, you’ll need to remind yourself of all the reasons you transitioned in the first place.
Also read: [BBC] Confessions of a Slaughterhouse Worker
Do your research
Whatever your motivation(s), it’s important to learn about the hard truths.
Watch documentaries and read credible articles about the horrors of meat, dairy and other animal products, their impact on the environment and how they affect our bodies. Earthlings, Cowspiracy and Game Changers – though America focused – are a good place to start. Better still, find ways to practically verify what you see and read online.
I’ve lived with small-scale cattle farmers in the Himalayas and visited free-range dairy farms in India and Europe, sheep rearing facilities in Lesotho, animal rescue sanctuaries and horse riding estates. I’ve learnt to ask tough questions and gathered some shocking answers.
When I think of cheese, I immediately remember that it comes by forcefully impregnating a cow and snatching the kid away from its mother – unfortunately even in so called “free range” farms. When you feel like riding a horse again, remember the male horse is often castrated and its spirit broken just for you to be able do that.
If you ask me, in-depth research is the best way to deal with any cravings. They’ll go away once you associate them with animal suffering, environmental degradation and the adverse impact on our personal health.
Also read: How a Chicken Bus in Nicaragua Transformed the Way I Travel
Transition into veganism at your own pace
There is no right or wrong way on how to transition into veganism. For me, it was both a slow and overnight transition. I gave up meat and seafood overnight as a teenager. After many years of living under a rock, I finally learnt what happens behind the scenes to produce eggs and milk products. It took me a while to digest those facts, then I gave up eggs and dairy overnight.
Your journey could be very different from mine or anyone else’s. Here are some things to consider:
How to turn vegan slowly: If you prefer to make changes in small doses, by all means start slow. Maybe it means eating vegan every Sunday. Or for one week every month. Maybe it means first cutting out all animal products except that one thing you really can’t get yourself to give up (chai or curd in many cases). Or allowing yourself one cheat day a month. Maybe it means setting out a timeline for yourself and slowly eliminating animal products from your diet. Maybe it begins with the commitment to never buy cosmetics tested on animals again. Or silk or leather or wool products.
How to turn vegan overnight: If you believe in all or nothing, by all means turn vegan overnight. But do your research, especially on how to stay healthy through the transition. Which brings me to my next point.
Also read: The Ultimate Vegan (and Vegetarian) Survival Guide for Japan
Ensure you eat healthy as a vegan
Many people think that just by virtue of eating vegan, they’re eating healthy. But things like potato chips, coke, maggi and refined sugar are vegan too. Whether to eat junk food or not is your call, but especially as a newbie vegan, try to incorporate major foods groups into your diet. Lentils, chickpeas, beans, leafy greens, veggies, fruits, millets, grains, nuts, seeds. There are tons of incredible vegan recipes online, of which smoothies are my favourite. They’re easy to make, delicious and pack in a ton of nutrition!
While it’s possible and often easy to get enough protein, calcium and other nutrients on a vegan diet, we do need to eat more consciously. This guide by the NHS is a good starting point to work out what to include in your food.
Also read: [NHS Report] Might a Vegan Diet be Healthy, or Even Healthier
Monitor your nutrition, especially Vitamin B12 and D3
Many people ask if eating vegan is natural since most vegans need to opt for Vitamin B12 and D3 supplementation. So allow me to bust some myths.
First, many non-vegans (vegetarians and meat eaters) are also deficient in these essential vitamins. In my family for instance, I’m vegan, my dad is vegetarian and my mom eats meat and seafood. We all take B12 and D3 supplements. Irrespective of your diet, you must monitor their levels.
Second, the natural source of Vitamin B12 is bacteria in the soil and spring water. Unfortunately much of our soil and spring water is contaminated now. These days even poultry animals are given B12 supplements!
The natural source of Vitamin D3 is sunlight, but not all human bodies are able to process D3 directly from the sun.
As you consider how to transition into veganism, it’s a good idea to do a blood test to monitor your nutrition, including calcium, iron, Vitamin B12 and D3. If you can compare your diet now and 3-6 months after you transition, you’ll discover what food sources to include in your diet.
Also note that it’s important to balance two major amino acids – lysine and arginine – on a vegan diet. While most vegan sources have a higher arginine:lysine ratio, only a few like beans, avocados and lentils offer the reverse. Make sure to incorporate plenty of those into your food.
Also read: What No One Tells You About Writing and Publishing a Book in India
Mentally prepare yourself to break the news to your family and friends
I won’t lie. When you think about how to turn vegan, you should know that this big transition will likely affect some of your relationships. When people close to me heard that I no longer consume animal products, they either made fun of me or went on the defensive. My food choices were scrutinized way too often – so much that I often wished for a meal where we’d talk about anything else.
Over the past 4 years though, I’ve learnt to pick my battles. I try to make things easier by catching up with friends over tea rather than a meal, or doing my research and suggesting a vegan-friendly place if they’re up for it. When I visit family, I’m super grateful that they go out of their way to ensure that I’m well fed.
Perhaps it was easier for me to adapt my lifestyle because I don’t live with family. But if you live at home, know that after my friend Monica Chopra turned vegan, she convinced most of her family to go vegan over time too! She says what really worked for her was making her family try things they love (vegan variations of cheese, curd, meat etc). She also enrolled in a nutrition course and was able to answer all their questions about calcium and protein scientifically. Her mom ended up reversing her thyroid problems, and that was reason enough to embrace a plant-based lifestyle.
Also read: An Open Letter to Indian Parents: Let Your “Kids” Travel
Connect with other vegans
Remember that everything you’re going through – from wondering how to transition into veganism to the challenges and deep anger / sadness / guilt that might follow – someone has already been through it. Being a vegan in a non-vegan world can feel pretty lonely. Join vegan groups in your area on Facebook, follow vegan hashtags on Instagram, participate in a vegan event in your area (or initiate it), go for vegan potlucks, attend vegan festivals and conferences, and meet fellow vegans in person as much as you can. Friendships built on strong common grounds are some of the strongest.
Also read: Inspiring Indians Using Social Media to Drive Positive Change
Look up vegan-friendly cafes / restaurants in your location
At first, I was sad to figure out that many cafes / restaurants I frequented in my pre-vegan life could no longer offer me satisfying food. But believe me when I tell you that in the months and years since, I’ve had some of the best food of my entire life! I’m thinking of forest mushroom sandwiches, vegan cheese pizzas, homemade smoothies, chocolate desserts and much much more. It’s not always easy to find such food, but as the vegan movement grows, cities around the world are becoming increasingly vegan-friendly.
As you figure out how to turn vegan, make sure you download the HappyCow App that maps vegan-friendly places near you, wherever in the world you are. Look for cafes and restaurants with vegan options on Tripadvisor / Zomato. Ask for recommendations in your location’s vegan Facebook group. Scout Instagram hashtags for delicious finds.
Also read: How to Travel as a Vegan and Find Delicious Food Anywhere in the World
Learn to read the labels and figure out alternatives
I’m sure most vegans will identify when I say how tired my eyes felt from squinting, trying to read every label of every product in a supermarket! Besides looking for the obvious suspects, I’ve learnt to look for ingredients like whey powder (made from milk), gelatin (obtained from boiling the skin and bones of animals), isinglass (obtained from fish bladder) and casein (milk byproducts).
The good news is that after the first few times, you’ll figure out what is accidentally vegan and what is not. In India for instance, Uncle Chips contain milk solids while Hide and Seek biscuits are accidentally vegan!
Vegan alternatives are pretty contentious in the vegan world. Some feel that we don’t need alternatives for cheese, milk and meat at all. Some are wary of their environmental consequences (almond milk for instance, can be a huge drain on water resources).
Personally, I think it’s important to use local and sustainably sourced products as much as possible. Other than that, it’s upto each individual to decide whether or not to opt for alternatives. If consuming peanut curd and adding some oat milk to your chai makes it easier for you to stay off animal products, go for it.
Also read: 8 Easily Available Alternatives for Cow’s Milk in India
Subscribe to inspiring vegan bloggers, Youtubers and Instagrammers
Social media can be a treasure trove of inspiration if you follow the right people. And luckily, there are many who’ll inspire you to stay vegan. I love Bite Size Vegan‘s extremely informative Youtube videos and SimpleVeganBlog‘s seriously easy vegan recipes. I follow several vegan hashtags on Instagram. And have started my own #TSSVeganSundays series to answer popular questions on veganism.
Also read: Amazing Vegan Travel Bloggers to Follow in 2020
Share your journey and spread the awareness
Once you’ve worked out how to transition into veganism and embarked on your journey, chances are, you’ll want to spread the word. Like I said, being vegan is a choice that stares you in the face every single day. If your motivation is strong enough to stay vegan, you’ll likely want to do something more than being vegan on a personal level.
Most vegans I know have also transitioned into work that enables them to spread the word about veganism. Many of my vegan friends are now animal rights activists, health consultants, chefs, vegan business owners, yoga teachers, climate activists and more. Others have weaved in elements of a vegan lifestyle into their existing professions.
Personally, it has been an internal battle to figure out that my strength is writing, even when it comes to spreading the animal cruelty message. I’ve written about my vegan travel adventures for National Geographic Traveller, Travel+Leisure and Condé Nast Traveller. I’ve reported on India’s vegan movement for FirstPost, started #TSSVeganSundays to discuss hard hitting perspectives on Instagram and have many more stories in the pipeline.
Also read: 15 Responsible Travel Tips for Authentic, Meaningful Experiences on the Road
*Bonus* When the going gets tough, remember your reason for turning vegan
You know you’re serious about making the transition if you’ve made it so far in this post. So here’s a bonus tip for you. A few days, weeks or months into your vegan journey, the going will likely get tough. You might crave something you loved (or didn’t care for) in your pre-vegan life. You might feel exhausted from all the jokes thrown at you by friends, family and random acquaintances. You might find yourself walking the familiar aisles of your favorite store, realizing there’s nothing there you can eat anymore.
Having survived those phases, I want to tell you that this too shall pass. Don’t be hard on yourself. If you must give into a craving, do it. If you must explode from anger or sadness or guilt, do it. If you must escape it all and seek refuge in a vegan potluck or vegan group or vegan cafe or vegan friend, do it (my Instagram DMs are always open for you, btw).
Most of all, remember why you quit animal products in the first place. Reach within you to find that conviction, strength and compassion again. Remember, if you think that being vegan is difficult, imagine how difficult it is for the animals that you’re not vegan.
Have you ever wondered how to transition into veganism? What are your major challenges?
The post 11 Tips to Ease Your Transition Into a Vegan Lifestyle. appeared first on The Shooting Star.
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Step-up your Wellness Game with Essential Oils
These oils don’t just smell pretty, my friends! If you are new to essential oils, you probably know by now that they smell AMAZING. You may have used them as household cleaners, or to improve the appearance of your skin in beauty recipes. Maybe you dabbled a bit with cooking. What you may not know, is that they are powerful healing tools. Step-up your Wellness Game with Essential Oils!
I’m going to start off by saying that I am not a doctor or a nurse. Just a normal mom who has been using essential oils with her kids for over six years. All of my statements in this post are based on opinions and personal experiences and are not intended to be interpreted as medical advice. Please do your own research, and do what you feel comfortable with for you and your family.
Wellness Mindset
Part of learning how to use essential oils effectively for wellness involves changing your mindset about illness. Illness is a reaction. An immune response to a stressor. Illness is a cue that your immune system has kicked into gear.
I truly believe that our bodies were perfectly designed. Whether you are looking at it from a spiritual standpoint or a scientific one, our body was built to restore itself.
I have witnessed essential oils do amazing things. They are the first thing I reach for when I need support. Although I do have some over-the-counter products in my home, they are typically my last-ditch effort. Got a headache? Grab some peppermint. An itchy bug bite? Purification it is. Dealing with seasonal allergies? Lemon, lavender, and peppermint. I could go on and on.
When you change your mindset about illness, your reaction to these common afflictions changes. Essential oils, along with proper nutrition and supplements, are part of this mindset.
History of Essential Oils as Medicine
Essential oils have been used throughout history. There are Chinese manuscripts and Egyptian hieroglyphics that point to the ancient use of these precious liquids. Essential oils are referenced in multiple places in the Bible. Frankincense and myrrh are well-known examples of essential oils in the Bible.
Since the beginning of time, people have used plants to support their health. There simply was no other option. And people survived. For thousands, and thousands, and thousands of years. Modern society now views essential oils and homeopathic remedies as ‘alternative medicine.’
Plants as Medicine
Most people know by now that eating more nutrient-rich vegetables will improve overall health. Vegetables contain vitamins, minerals, and fiber that your body needs to function properly. Increasing your vegetable intake will lower your risk of developing certain diseases, including cancer.
Vegetables nourish our bodies in different ways. Not all vegetables have the same nutrients or even the same chemical makeup. If you are trying to improve your health with vegetables, you would select vegetables that contain the exact nutrients that you are lacking. For example, spinach is high in iron and potassium. Just like vegetables, essential oils interact and respond to the body’s unique chemistry.
Properties of Essential Oils
Essential oils are volatile mixtures of chemical compounds. They are separated into groups of terpenes, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and other oxygenated compounds. They are broken down further into constituents. These constituents have properties that make them distinctive. You can read more about the chemical makeup of essential oils here.
The essence of the plant is preserved and carried into the essential oil. For example, limonene, found in citrus oils like lemon or orange has anti-viral properties. Linalol, which is in lavender, has a calming effect. Melaleuca alternifolia, or Tea Tree, has antibacterial and antifungal properties from the terpene terpinen-4-ol, making it a good choice for the skin.
As you start to learn more about the properties that make up essential oils, you can begin to approach ailments more confidently and effectively.
How to Use Essential Oils
There are three primary ways to use essential oils:
Aromatic – inhale essential oils straight from the bottle, add to a bowl of warm water and breathe in, or diffuse essential oils into the air with an ultrasonic diffuser. The act of inhaling essential oils can help your body calm, relax, or get energized.
Topical – many essential oils also carry with them benefits for our bodies when applied to the skin. Good locations include the forehead, back of the neck, wrists, spine, and feet. *Always dilute essential oils until you know how your body will react to an oil.
Internal – add to a glass of water, or take in a vegetable capsule. Essential oils are many times a better alternative than dried or fresh herbs and flowers since they are more concentrated and last longer. You only need about 1 or 2 drops. *Only essential oils with the Vitality label are considered safe for internal use.
Best Essential Oils for Wellness
There are certain essential oils that I reach for when dealing with a sick kiddo, or when I am under the weather. Luckily, you can find several of these oils in your Premium Starter Kit. Read my recommendations and tips for each of these powerhouse wellness oils:
Lemon
Lemon has been used in home remedies for centuries. It contains the constituent limonene. Lemon has antiseptic properties and may act as an immune stimulant. Apply diluted lemon oil on the spine when you aren’t feeling like yourself. Diffuse lemon to purify the air and boost immunity. Add 1- 2 drops of Lemon Vitality to a cup of water to support healthy immune function.
Read more about Lemon Essential Oil here.
Frankincense
One of the oldest known scientific records dating back to the 16th century BC, the Ebers Papyrus, contains references to Frankincense. Frankincense, or simply Frank, contains boswellic acid, which may help reduce inflammation. Its properties are considered immunostimulating, making it a good choice when you are not feeling like yourself. Apply frankincense directly to the feet, chest, spine or wrists. Frankincense Vitality can be taken internally as a dietary supplement.
Read more about Frankincense here.
Thieves®
This unique essential oil blend was inspired by the legend of 15th-century French grave robbers who formulated a special blend to ward off sickness. Thieves Vitality taken internally can support a healthy immune system and may contribute to overall wellness. Thieves contains an array of immune-boosting oils (Clove, Lemon, Cinnamon Bark, Eucalyptus Radiata, and Rosemary), which makes it both a powerful and economical blend. Apply diluted Thieves topically to the spine and feet, and diffuse it frequently and in close proximity.
Read more about Thieves Essential Oil here.
Cypress
The Chinese used Cypress essential oil in home remedies to lend support to the digestive and respiratory systems. The key constituent in Cypress is the Alpha-Pinene terpene, giving it antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. It can be used to soothe a cough and minor chest discomfort. Inhale Cypress directly, diffuse it in your home, or apply it to the chest and neck. *Take caution if pregnant or nursing.
Read more about Cypress Essential Oil here.
Oregano
Oregano is a common ingredient in Italian cooking, but it has medicinal uses as well. A member of the mint family, oregano has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It contains high levels of the compounds carvacrol and thymol, which make it effective for bacterial infections and reducing oxidation. Apply oregano directly to the skin with a carrier oil, or take Oregano Vitality in a vegetable capsule to promote wellness.
Thyme
It’s no coincidence that Thyme was mentioned in three of the earliest published books on medicine, Ebers Papyrus, Hildegard’s Medicine and De Materia Medica. The key constituent in Thyme is Thymol, which has antifungal, antispasmodic, and antiviral properties. Thyme may be beneficial at eliminating certain bacterias. It is a key ingredient in Listerine mouthwash and is effective as a food preservative. Apply Thyme topically at a 1:4 ratio. Thyme Vitality is available for internal use.
R.C.
Like Thieves, R.C. Essential Oil blend is unique to Young living. It is a combination of spruce, cypress, and three types of eucalyptus oils (E. globulus, E. radiata, and E. citriodora). It packs a lot of punch! Young Living doesn’t specifically say what R.C. stands for, but many believe it stands for Respiratory Congestion. It is great for opening up the airways and providing respiratory support. Diffuse 4-6 drops of R.C., or apply it diluted to the chest.
Eucalyptus
There are over 700 varieties of Eucalyptus, but Young Living carries just three as essential oils; Eucalyptus Radiata, Eucalyptus Blue, and Eucalyptus Globulus. The key constituents are slightly different, but they all contain high amounts of 1,8-Cineole or Eucalyptol. Eucalyptol is anti-inflammatory and may support healthy respiratory function. Eucalyptus Radiata is much milder in scent, making it a good choice for everyday use. It is also found in several blends like Breathe Again, Thieves, Raven, and R.C. Add 3-4 drops of Eucalyptus Radiata to an Epsom salt bath for a restorative soak.
Frequency of Use
Essential oils are not a one-and-done type of product. In order to maximize the benefits, you need to use them frequently. Essential oils can penetrate the layers of skin and make it into the bloodstream, but they don’t stay in the body very long. The time they stay in the body is dependant on the chemical makeup of the oil.
For example, lemon may leave the body in as little as 40-60 minutes, while peppermint may stay in the bloodstream for up to 120 minutes. If using essential oils topically to alleviate symptoms, it would make sense to re-apply them every 60-90 minutes to increase the benefits of the oil.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy
Essential oils are just one piece of a healthy lifestyle. There are just a few of the products that I use to boost immunity and keep us all in optimum health:
Probiotics – there are strong links between gut health and overall immune function, so a high-quality probiotic should be part of your daily routine. I like Biokult since it does not have to be refrigerated, which makes it great for travel. Young Living also makes a probiotic called Life 9 that I highly recommend.
NingXia Red® – NingXia is a beverage unique to Young Living. Packed full of antioxidants, it helps energize the body and may contribute to overall wellness. The base of NingXia Red is wolfberries. It also contains plum, aronia, cherry, blueberry, and pomegranate juices and extracts.
Cod Liver Oil – like fish oil, cod liver is high in omega-3 fatty acids. I prefer cod liver oil due to the added benefit of vitamins A and D. It may help reduce inflammation in the body. I like this brand here.
Epsom Salts – in addition to helping you relax and unwind in a warm tub, Epsom salts have numerous therapeutic properties. Epsom salts contain magnesium, which can be depleted by stress. Increasing magnesium in the body may help with muscle recovery and ease inflammation. Epsom salts are also perfect for adding essential oils to water since they act as a carrier to disperse the oils into the water.
Vitamins C, D, and B – although I try to get as many vitamins as I can from the food I eat, I do incorporate these vitamins into my daily routine, and increase the dose if I am feeling unwell, especially vitamin C. Young Living has a wonderful line of supplements, most that are eligible to redeem for Essential Rewards points.
Interested in learning more about the therapeutic brand of essential oils and products discussed in this post? Find out more here.
More essential oil recipes for wellness you may enjoy:
Elderberry Gummies
NingXia Red Shot Recipes
Honey Lemon Throat Drops
NingXia Red Vitamin Gummies
Chest Rub with Essential Oils
The post Step-up your Wellness Game with Essential Oils appeared first on Recipes with Essential Oils.
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Slimtone Weight Loss Tips For the Best Way to Lose Weight
Figure out how teas are turning into the best weight reduction supplement to getting more fit and conquering heftiness. On the off chance that you are searching for a characteristic method to consume fat, Wulong tea (likewise Oolong Tea) may give the weight reduction impacts you are searching for. Wulong Tea might be the most ideal approach to get more fit, shedding your fat while you appreciate an incredible Slimtone Benefit tea. It can basically consume muscle versus fat. Weight reduction has never been so natural, and weight the board has never been so achievable. First let me give you some foundation data on this weight reduction supplement, and afterward on incredible weight reduction tips so you can get thinner quick as could be expected under the circumstances.
The Best Weight Loss Supplement!
Wulong Tea is a characteristic calorie burner, you as well, can liquefy fat away and advantage from this incredible weight reduction supplement. Tea contains Theaflavin, Tea Polysaccharides and Tea Catechin, cancer prevention agents that aid the decrease of plaque in the supply routes, in bringing down cholesterol and in delivering thinning impacts, and caffeine, flavanols, polyphenols, nutrients and different supplements that advance fat oxidation, which helps evacuate abundance muscle versus fat! It is plentiful in iron, calcium, various minerals, while contains different common properties that elevates the stomach related catalysts to separate fat substances in the blood. These follow minerals and supplements are additionally essential to the everyday soundness of your body. In Japan, the Tea is generally known as the "Thinning tea", additionally well known as the "Looks tea". Late examinations have exhibited that some 300ml Wulong tea is equivalent to a quick stroll for 15 minutes or all over stairs for 10 minutes. Wellbeing advancing mixes, for example, polyphenols and catechins are available in a wide range of tea, yet hand picked wu long tea is the best source in light of the fact that the pickers are choosing the best leaves from the tea plant. Machine collecting is aimless and ought to be kept away from - more seasoned leaves and twigs are reaped alongside the more current leaves. I challenge you to discover such a sound, regular, successful, and safe weight reduction supplement, which is the reason I think of it as the best weight reduction supplement ever.
Logical examinations have set up that tea is high in wellbeing advancing polyphenols that secure us against malignant growth and different infections. Wu long tea is especially high in "polymerized polyphenols" which as indicated by ongoing investigations assists with expanding vitality use. Another Japanese examination found that wu long tea can stifle lipid digestion which has the impact of smothering greasy collection and body weight increments. The investigation reasons that long haul utilization of wu long tea is useful for the concealment of diet actuated heftiness. In 2006, new research in Michigan, at the Northwestern Slimtone Review Bio Med Department, logical proof was displayed that proposes that Oolong Tea and Puerh Tea both lower the measure of blood lipids, causing weight reduction. In 2005, French specialists at a clinical preliminary, at the Roche Institute in Lorraine, tried the Yunnan Puerh Tea drinking impact on 500 people somewhere in the range of 30 and 60 years of age. Their discoveries emphatically recommended that drinking two three cups a day can diminish muscle versus fat successfully, taking into account weight control.
Asians have thought about the ground-breaking impacts of this weight reduction supplement for quite a long time and it is turning out to be increasingly more famous with individuals everywhere throughout the world. It is additionally answered to work incredibly well in boosting digestion, taking into consideration predictable weight the executives. In the event that you have never appreciated the extraordinary taste and thinning medical advantages it is known for, you are passing up on an inconceivable chance. Beginning in the Fujian Province of China, WuLong tea has bit by bit been brought into Western culture. An every day cup of the best weight reduction supplement ever will help you in weight the board, to have a slimmer body with less muscle versus fat and better shape. It Helps direct glucose levels for diabetics. Consumes 2.5 occasions a larger number of calories than Green Tea, perfect for weight reduction. It is additionally said to advance all the more clear, energetic looking skin.
Wu long tea isn't a wonder remedy for weight issues. Weight reduction includes eating right, eating shrewd, legitimate exercise, and an appropriate frame of mind (none of which is unreasonably hard for anybody to ). Wulong tea be that as it may, can give you the additional lift to help in your weight reduction plans, yet it ought to be utilized notwithstanding an arrangement for a more advantageous by and large prosperity.
Weight reduction Tips: Tips That Will Have You Burning Fat Right Off!
Nourishment: Nutrition is a significant, one key component in a solid health improvement plan is to avoid 1) salt and high sodium food sources, avoid 2) high fat nourishments, and furthermore maintain a strategic distance from food sources that are 3) high in sugar. To shed fat you must be consuming a greater number of calories than you're eating, so first off eat less calories. In any case, that doesn't mean, quit eating, this won't assist you with losing any fat whatsoever. At the point when you starve your body it naturally goes into starvation mode and when you do eat it stores the greater part of the nourishment as fat, inspired by a paranoid fear of not eating for quite a while once more. Along these lines you likewise need to eat more suppers for the duration of the day, 5-7 at any rate. While picking what to eat, follow an eating routine that you can genuinely observe yourself doing, on the off chance that you have to entertain yourself sometimes, pull out all the stops, yet recollect your objectives and stick to them. In the event that you can't see yourself doing it, you likely won't, make infant strides on the off chance that it appears to be too difficult to even consider accomplishing. Here is only one case of a decent rundown of nourishments and diet plan. Gracious definitely and always remember to drink your water, and a ton of it, a gallon daily is the thing that I would suggest, however redundant. To Know More Slimtone online visit here https://apnews.com/press-release/ts-newswire/lifestyle-nutrition-health-diet-and-exercise-weight-management-a07dfac45db0724689e361d4e7879579
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10 Recipe Boosters: Simple Ingredients to Supercharge Your Meals
Hiya Gorgeous!
When I coach people on adopting a healthier lifestyle (especially during Crazy Sexy You, my 21-day total wellness program), one of my most important pieces of advice is this:
Add before you subtract.
Why? Because we’re trained to think that getting healthy is about deprivation—about taking away. But it doesn’t have to be that way! True, sustainable health is about abundance. It’s about crowding out the stuff that doesn’t serve you with vibrant stuff that brings you joy and fulfillment.
Plus, there’s nothing quite like feeling caged in to strip you of your motivation. Adding rather than subtracting makes you feel nourished and inspired to continue your healthy journey.
That’s why I’m so excited about today’s blog post! We’ve searched high and low to create this list of 10 nutrient-dense foods that are versatile, easy to find and add tons of health-giving goodness to the meals you love.
I even created a handy, downloadable 10 Recipe Boosters Cheat Sheet for you! It’s got everything you need to make these amazing ingredients part of your routine. You’ll get:
Tips to help you stock your fridge, freezer and pantry with these awesome boosters, what to look for at the grocery store and some of the brands I love.
Ideas for easy ways to add these ingredients to the meals you already love AND suggested serving sizes.
Three delicious, simple recipes from Crazy Sexy You to give you a taste of how easy and delicious it can be to nourish your body with nutrient-dense foods.
Alright, let’s dive in!
10 Nutrient-Dense Foods to Supercharge Your Meals
1. Hemp Seeds
The hemp plant has been used for centuries for fuel, paper, cloth and rope, but it wasn’t until more recently that its seeds became popular at mealtime! Not only do they have a subtle, nutty flavor that works well in almost any dish, they also pack a whole lotta nutritional goodness into a very small package. In fact, these little seeds (which are technically nuts!) are more nutrient-dense than any other edible seed.
Here’s why they’re such a good ingredient to add to your favorite meals: Hemp seeds are a complete protein, which means that they have all 9 essential amino acids our bodies need. Plus, they boast 10 g of protein per ounce and no cholesterol or saturated fat, making them much kinder for your body (animals and the planet, too!) than meat. Hemp seeds are also rich in omega-3 and omega-6 essential fats, which are great for your heart and nervous system.
When it comes to incorporating them into your meals, hemp seeds are just as versatile as the plant they come from. Add them to baked goods, smoothies, protein bars, soups, and salads for strong cells, healthy muscles, skin and bones, and a top-notch immune system. Or try them blended with water to make a scrumptious nondairy milk, pressed into a soy-free tofu or as a tasty nondairy parmesan (I’ve included an easy recipe in your 10 Recipe Boosters Cheat Sheet)!
2. Matcha Green Tea
The word “Matcha” comes from the Japanese word matsu (meaning “to rub”) and the Mandarin Chinese word cha (meaning “tea”), and generally refers to the powder made from grinding green tea leaves. It has an earthy, vegetal flavor with a mildly sweet aftertaste.
This bright green powder has quite the history. It’s been combined with hot water to make a popular beverage as far back as the 7th century during the Tang Dynasty in China. At the time, tea leaves were steamed and formed into bricks for easier transport and trade. The bricks were later roasted and pulverized to make a powder that was combined with water and salt to drink.
The concentration of the green tea antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate (kind of a tongue twister—let’s go with EGCG!) is 137 times greater in matcha green tea than brewed green tea (study). EGCG helps prevent cell damage, which protects the brain from aging, supports heart health and boosts your immune system. Compounds in matcha green tea may also help elevate mood, improve concentration, speed up the metabolism and relieve anxiety all at the same time. Hot damn!
Fun fact: Matcha green tea is also great for your skin. Discover its skin-lovin’ super powers in this article by Crazy Sexy Beauty Editor Danielle Shine!
As you can see, matcha green tea is more than just your standard hot sip—try adding it to smoothies, green juices, energy bites, baked goods and homemade granola bars.
3. Dark Leafy Greens
It’s not news that leafy greens are some of the most nutrient-dense foods out there, but did you know that many of them are also mild in flavor and can sneak into smoothies, soups and grain dishes with little notice?
Leafy greens are full of cancer-fighting antioxidants, iron and other health-giving nutrients. Spinach is essentially tasteless in smoothies and just 1 tightly packed cup per day provides enough lutein to help promote eye health—potentially reducing the progression of macular degeneration and preventing cataract surgery (study). The average American only gets about one-sixth the amount of lutein needed to promote eye health each day—let’s change that!
Kale is another great source of lutein. It also contains highly absorbable calcium and iron (more iron per ounce than red meat!) for strong bones, muscles and healthy blood. Kale yeah, am I right?
Add green leafies to any smoothie recipe, or chop ‘em up and use in salads, soups and grain dishes. Strive for at least 1 cup a day to start reaping the benefits these veggie heros have to offer!
4. Avocados
Other than being out-of-this world creamy, super satisfying and the perfect addition almost any salad, toast or dip, avocados also happen to be superstar health boosters! They’re loaded with monounsaturated fats, which are essential to heart health and have also been associated with healthier body weight.
Despite having a higher fat content and calorie count than other fruits, studies have shown that people who eat more avocados have faster metabolisms, slimmer waists, less belly fat and better long-term health than non-avocado eaters (study).
Avocados make a creamy pesto sauce, chocolate pudding (check out the amazing Crazy Sexy You I included in the 10 Recipe Boosters Cheat Sheet!), raw mousse pie and can easily sneak into smoothies. Eat a half of a medium avocado each day to boost your health and well-being!
Download your free 10 Recipe Boosters Cheat Sheet:
5. Canned Pumpkin
Cooked, pureed pumpkin (found canned or occasionally in the freezer section of your grocery store) is one of my favorite nutrient-dense foods because it’s a rich source of both beta- and alpha-carotene. In fact, it’s even more jam-packed with ‘em than carrots and sweet potatoes!
Not only are the carotenoids good for your vision and immune system, but research has shown that consuming them from food sources (rather than supplements) helps protect us from cancer—particularly when it comes to preventing breast cancer recurrence (study). Plus, cooking actually increases the potency of the carotenoids, which makes canned pumpkin the ultimate easy recipe booster.
Keep in mind: While you can make your own pumpkin puree by cooking and blending the flesh of your Halloween jack-o’-lantern, that variety has thinner flesh, more water and is less nutrient-dense than the smaller pie pumpkins (sometimes called cooking pumpkins).
Stock up on organic pumpkin in BPA-free cans during Thanksgiving (many stores only stock it seasonally!) to add to baked dishes, risottos, soups, chilis, smoothies and even hummus year-round.
6. Acai Berries
Pronounced “ah-sigh-ee,” these popular grape-sized berries grow on palm trees in the rainforests of Central and South America where they’ve been a dietary staple for centuries. They have a tough, dark purple skin and yellow flesh, and are traditionally soaked to soften up the skin then mashed into a yummy purple pulp.
Acai berries are mild in flavor and are often described as tasting like a cross between unsweetened chocolate and blackberries. They’re higher in antioxidants than ANY other berry—yup, you heard that right! They’re also being researched for their ability to lower bad LDL cholesterol (pilot study), improve athletic performance (pilot study) and protect the brain from damage as we age (study). When it comes to stocking your kitchen with nutrient-dense foods, these purple powerhouses are an absolute must-have.
Acai berries are available as a flash-frozen pulp or in dried powder form to add to oatmeals, smoothies, puddings and energy bites. You might have even noticed acai bowls piled high with fruit, coconut shavings, granola and other delish toppings at your favorite smoothie spot—yum!
7. Almond Flour
Almond flour is made by blanching almonds, removing the outer coating and then processing them into a fine flour. If you like macaroons, you like almond flour!
Almond flour is different from almond meal, which is simply ground up whole almonds. Almond flour is gluten-free, low in carbohydrates, rich in protein and fiber, and can replace other flours in baked goods to make them more balanced and nutritious. It adds a mild, nutty flavor to recipes and also makes them more satisfying because of the protein boost.
Use almond flour to dial up the nutritional impact of any baked recipe, including muffins, cakes, pancakes, cobblers or crumbles. See my Recipe Substitution Guide for helpful deets on subbing for regular or all-purpose flour in baked goods.
Did you know that these 10 simple ingredients can supercharge the meals you already love? Find out how to make your fave foods even healthier (and grab your free cheat sheet)!
8. Edamame Beans
Edamame beans are whole, immature green soybeans that are loaded with complete protein and omega-3 fats for your heart and brain. These babies are also easier to digest than most other legumes because they contain different oligosaccharides, which are the indigestible compounds that make you toot!
Edamame beans are one of the healthiest forms of soy because they’re in their natural state, meaning their nutritional content hasn’t been diminished by processing. Although processed soy foods have been scrutinized for potentially having negative health effects, countless research studies have confirmed that unprocessed soy is responsible for lowering cancer risk—especially breast cancer and prostate cancer—and may also improve cancer survival (study).
Edamame beans can be eaten hot or cold, added to stir-fries, salads, eaten as is out of the pod with sea salt, or even mashed into guacamole for a protein-rich dip.
9. Cacao
Raw cacao is made from cacao beans that are cold-pressed. It’s native to the tropical regions of Central and South America where it’s traditionally consumed as a bitter, frothy beverage. Cacao beans can be roasted and made into cocoa, which is then turned into one of the most craved foods on the planet… chocolate!
Cacao is most widely available as an unsweetened powder and as semi-sweet nibs. It’s one of the richest plant sources of iron (up there with dark leafies!) and is incredibly high in magnesium, which is essential for heart health and healthy blood pressure. Magnesium also helps relax the body, can help resolve insomnia, and may help elevate your mood and fight depression (study).
Cacao powder has a similar flavor to cocoa powder and can be used in its place in any recipe (such as smoothies, desserts, chia pudding and chocolate milk).
10. Buckwheat
Buckwheat, originally grown in Southeast Asia, is a grain-like seed (yup, that means it’s gluten-free!) that’s been grown and harvested for over 5,000 years. Until the 1970s, the majority of buckwheat grown in the United States was for animal feed. But as soon as the demand for wheat-free cereals and noodles increased, buckwheat crops became dedicated for human consumption.
Buckwheat is processed into flour, groats, noodles (Ever wondered what soba noodles were made of? Buckwheat flour!), and even tea. Buckwheat is starchy and mainly composed of carbohydrates, but the carbs are slow to digest, making it a great choice for people with diabetes. Buckwheat is also higher in fiber, vitamins and minerals than brown rice and other whole grains. Plus, it’s much lower in phytates than other whole grains, which means that your body can better absorb all of the awesome minerals it contains!
Eating whole grains has been shown to help manage weight, lower your risk of type 2 diabetes and breast cancer, improve digestion, and increase lifespan (check out my blog here for more info on the magic of whole grains). Enjoy buckwheat in place of other whole grains for a hearty dose of nutrition!
Remember: One of the keys to a healthier, more abundant life is adding before you subtract. If you’ve been thinking that it’s time to kick-start better eating habits, go after your health goals or simply add a little more plant-powered goodness to your world, trying out some of these recipe boosters is the perfect place to start.
Your turn: Which one of these nutrient-dense foods will you add to your next meal?! Let me know in the comments below!
Peace and bodacious boosters,
The post 10 Recipe Boosters: Simple Ingredients to Supercharge Your Meals appeared first on KrisCarr.com.
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Does Green Tea Really Work as A Weight Loss Supplement?
The road to a successful weight loss is long but rewarding. Every pound you lose can only serve as motivation to keep going and lose even more. A lot of natural products and ingredients can support weight loss endeavor, and green tea is one of them. In fact, green tea is quite a popular ingredient in weight loss products and chances are you’ve already used or come across some item which had this extract on the label.
You’re probably curious about the actual efficacy of green tea, just like I was. So, here’s what you need to know about green tea extract for weight loss.
Green tea overview
Green tea is considered the healthiest beverage on the planet, next to water of course. It’s a type of tea made from leaves of Camellia sinensis, an evergreen shrub or small tree native to East Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and southeast Asia. Different varieties of the shrub or tree have been identified, and each of them is used for a different tea.
Besides green tea, the Camellia sinensis varieties also give us black tea, white tea, yellow tea, and oolong. Green tea is made from unoxidized leaves and belongs to the group of less processed types of tea. As a result, it has a high concentration of antioxidants which are responsible for most health benefits of this tea. The primary active compounds of green tea are catechins such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).
For centuries traditional Chinese medicine and medical practices of other cultures relied on green tea for treatment of many health conditions. Green tea is popular today too, thanks to its versatility. Is weight loss really one of its benefits? Read on to find out.
Can green tea really aid weight loss?
Green tea has become a popular weight loss aid. Just take a look at dietary supplements and other products marketed for weight loss, and you’ll see green tea is on the ingredient list. Popularity is one thing, but true potential is something else. Is green tea just a trend or it really works? It’s perfectly natural to ask this question, and you don’t want to take something for weight loss just because it’s a popular ingredient.
Well, it turns out green tea really works.
The September 2009 issue of the International Journal of Obesity published a review which found that green tea catechins are effective for weight loss and weight maintenance. The main objective of the review was to elucidate whether green tea indeed has a function in weight regulation. Scientists from the Netherlands identified 49 studies published in English on this topic, but 11 works matched requirements for the final selection.
Results of the review showed that catechins significantly decreased body weight and successfully maintained body weight after a period of weight loss. Interestingly, the study found that green tea catechins exhibited a seemingly smaller effect on Caucasians compared to Asians, but the difference wasn’t significant (1).
The Canadian Pharmacists Journal published an interesting paper which also investigated the efficacy of green tea for weight loss. The paper reviewed studies on this subject conducted in Japan and other countries. Findings revealed that participants in green tea group lost on average 0.2 to 3.5kg more than their counterparts in the control group (2).
Although evidence on this subject is promising, it’s important to carry out further research. Most studies use extracts that contain higher levels of active ingredients than tea bags.
How does green tea work?
We’ve already established that green tea promotes weight loss and weight maintenance, the question is – how? This wonderful tea uses multiple mechanisms to help you slim down and achieve your body goal in an entirely natural way. Below, you can see how green tea works to help you lose weight.
Faster metabolic rate
To lose weight successfully your body needs to burn more calorie than you consume through diet. That’s where your metabolism steps in! Faster metabolic rate is an important aspect of a successful weight loss, but you need to achieve it in a healthy manner. Green tea helps with that.
In most studies on this topic green tea increases metabolic rate by 3% to 4%, but in some research papers, the effect is as high as 8% (3, 4, 5).
As you can already presume the primary “culprits” for these effects are catechins.
While most papers focused on short-term effects, multiple studies confirmed long-term benefits as well. For instance, one study found that among 60 participants those who took green tea extract lost additional 7.3 pounds (3.3kg) and burned 183 more calories a day after three months compared to their counterparts who didn’t take green tea (6).
Green tea mobilizes fat from fat cells, aids fat burning
Fat, especially in the abdominal area, is stubborn and difficult to get rid of. Overweight and obese bodies have accumulated fat mass that puts a person’s health in danger. Fat loss is an important aspect of slimming down, but it can be difficult to find an ideal aid to sort this problem. It looks like green tea can be just the thing you need.
You see, green tea contains substances or compounds that promote fat loss. Caffeine is one of those substances. Even though a cup of green tea contains 24mg to 40mg of caffeine compared to 100mg to 200mg in a cup of coffee, the amount is still sufficient for moderate fat-burning effect. Caffeine is a stimulant that promotes fat burning and improves athletic performance (7).
In order to burn fat, the body needs to break it down in fat cells first and push it into the bloodstream — active compounds in green tea aid this process by enhancing the effects of fat-burning hormones like noradrenaline or norepinephrine. For example, EGCG inhibits an enzyme that breaks down norepinephrine (8).
A study from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition revealed that men who took green tea extract burned 17% more fat than subjects who didn’t take it. Scientists concluded green tea enhances the fat-burning impact of exercise (9). Basically, it helps you burn more calories during a workout than you would lose without green tea.
Evidence also confirms that green tea catechins increase fat burning both during workout and rest (10). This is particularly important if we bear in mind that rest is equally important as exercise.
Green tea could make you eat fewer calories
A major problem we face when trying to lose or control weight is excessive calorie intake. We eat way too much because we feel hungry. In fact, most weight loss products work by reducing the number of calories you consume. Green tea could exhibit a similar effect. Some studies found that EGCG supplements or green tea extracts could decrease the amount of fat absorbed from foods, thus helping you eat less (11).
These effects haven’t been confirmed in human studies, though.
Stress management
Stress is a natural response of our body to sudden changes and unfamiliar events. Although we’d like to avoid stress entirely, that’s not really possible. The best we can do is to reduce exposure to stress triggers and find a unique way to manage or cope with stress. Why are we talking about stress now? Well, the answer is because stress plays a role in your body weight. More precisely, when left unresolved stress can lead to weight gain.
Research from Cell Metabolism found a reason why stress promotes weight gain. The cause is a relationship between fat cells and the timing of stress hormones (12). Besides weight gain, unresolved stress depletes energy levels, decreases productivity, and promotes fatigue. When tired you can’t (and don’t want to) exercise which is why it’s difficult to slim down. In fact, stress management is important for weight loss. A study from the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics confirmed that subjects from the intervention group experienced a greater weight reduction due to stress management program (13).
Stress management is important for overall health including your weight loss, and green tea can help you achieve it. One study found that intake of green tea suppresses excessive stress response (14). July 2017 issue of the journal Nutrients confirmed that green tea intake was associated with lower stress and improved sleep quality (15).
Improved quality of sleep is a significant health effect of green tea. We’ve become a chronically sleep-deprived society, but what most of us fail to acknowledge is that sleep deprivation is closely related to stress. Plus, lack of sleep can also promote weight gain.
Basically, besides fat-burning effects and faster metabolism, green tea relaxes your mind and helps you sleep better which can also help you lose weight. When you feel calm, you’re more inclined to be mindful and motivated to take care of your body. This can only inspire you to change diet and exercise regularly.
Potential side effects
Green tea is generally safe for consumption, but it’s recommended to avoid drinking high amounts of it. Some adverse reactions associated with the intake of green tea include:
Headache
Stomach problems
Difficulty falling asleep
Anemia and iron deficiency
Vomiting
Dizziness
Nervousness
Diarrhea
Heartburn
Tremor
Confusion
Convulsions
Irritability
Bear in mind that the risk of side effects is low. Some adverse reactions could occur if you drink too much. While safe and healthy, green tea may not be suitable for everyone, at least not without doctor’s permission. It could interact with some drugs such as:
Taking amphetamines and ephedrine – green tea has a strong interaction with these drugs so consult your doctor before you decide to drink it
Antibiotics, adenosine, birth control pills – green tea has a moderate interaction with these drugs (16)
You should also be cautious if you already have some stomach problems, iron deficiency, anemia, anxiety disorders, glaucoma, liver disease, and if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Persons with these problems can still drink green tea but in lower amounts. It’s useful to ask your doctor whether it’s safe.
Conclusion
Green tea, the healthiest beverage in the world, has a wide range of health benefits that improve our quality of life. The tea has become a popular weight loss ingredient, but it’s natural to wonder whether it really works or not.
Multiple studies have confirmed that green tea works indeed. This wonderful tea promotes weight loss and weight management through multiple mechanisms. Some mechanisms of action include fat loss, stress management, faster metabolic rate. It’s useful to include green tea into your lifestyle.
If buying a supplement containing this ingredient make sure you read labels first and get the high-quality product. Remember, successful weight loss also requires lifestyle management that involves well-balanced diet and regular workouts. Plus, green tea enhances fat-burning effects of exercise.
References
(1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19597519 (2) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4025876/ (3) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10584049 (4) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16176615 (5) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17299107 (6) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18006026 (7) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14684395 (8) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12695345 (9) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18326618 (10) http://jhs.pharm.or.jp/data/51(2)/51_233.pdf (11) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15738931 (12) https://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/fulltext/S1550-4131(18)30190-6 (13) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23627835 (14) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28566632 (15) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5537891/ (16) https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-960/green-tea
The post Does Green Tea Really Work as A Weight Loss Supplement? appeared first on Phentermine Clinics Directory.
Source: https://phentermineclinics.net/green-tea-weight-loss/
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Does Green Tea Really Work as A Weight Loss Supplement?
The road to a successful weight loss is long but rewarding. Every pound you lose can only serve as motivation to keep going and lose even more. A lot of natural products and ingredients can support weight loss endeavor, and green tea is one of them. In fact, green tea is quite a popular ingredient in weight loss products and chances are you’ve already used or come across some item which had this extract on the label.
You’re probably curious about the actual efficacy of green tea, just like I was. So, here’s what you need to know about green tea extract for weight loss.
Green tea overview
Green tea is considered the healthiest beverage on the planet, next to water of course. It’s a type of tea made from leaves of Camellia sinensis, an evergreen shrub or small tree native to East Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and southeast Asia. Different varieties of the shrub or tree have been identified, and each of them is used for a different tea.
Besides green tea, the Camellia sinensis varieties also give us black tea, white tea, yellow tea, and oolong. Green tea is made from unoxidized leaves and belongs to the group of less processed types of tea. As a result, it has a high concentration of antioxidants which are responsible for most health benefits of this tea. The primary active compounds of green tea are catechins such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).
For centuries traditional Chinese medicine and medical practices of other cultures relied on green tea for treatment of many health conditions. Green tea is popular today too, thanks to its versatility. Is weight loss really one of its benefits? Read on to find out.
Can green tea really aid weight loss?
Green tea has become a popular weight loss aid. Just take a look at dietary supplements and other products marketed for weight loss, and you’ll see green tea is on the ingredient list. Popularity is one thing, but true potential is something else. Is green tea just a trend or it really works? It’s perfectly natural to ask this question, and you don’t want to take something for weight loss just because it’s a popular ingredient.
Well, it turns out green tea really works.
The September 2009 issue of the International Journal of Obesity published a review which found that green tea catechins are effective for weight loss and weight maintenance. The main objective of the review was to elucidate whether green tea indeed has a function in weight regulation. Scientists from the Netherlands identified 49 studies published in English on this topic, but 11 works matched requirements for the final selection.
Results of the review showed that catechins significantly decreased body weight and successfully maintained body weight after a period of weight loss. Interestingly, the study found that green tea catechins exhibited a seemingly smaller effect on Caucasians compared to Asians, but the difference wasn’t significant (1).
The Canadian Pharmacists Journal published an interesting paper which also investigated the efficacy of green tea for weight loss. The paper reviewed studies on this subject conducted in Japan and other countries. Findings revealed that participants in green tea group lost on average 0.2 to 3.5kg more than their counterparts in the control group (2).
Although evidence on this subject is promising, it’s important to carry out further research. Most studies use extracts that contain higher levels of active ingredients than tea bags.
How does green tea work?
We’ve already established that green tea promotes weight loss and weight maintenance, the question is – how? This wonderful tea uses multiple mechanisms to help you slim down and achieve your body goal in an entirely natural way. Below, you can see how green tea works to help you lose weight.
Faster metabolic rate
To lose weight successfully your body needs to burn more calorie than you consume through diet. That’s where your metabolism steps in! Faster metabolic rate is an important aspect of a successful weight loss, but you need to achieve it in a healthy manner. Green tea helps with that.
In most studies on this topic green tea increases metabolic rate by 3% to 4%, but in some research papers, the effect is as high as 8% (3, 4, 5).
As you can already presume the primary “culprits” for these effects are catechins.
While most papers focused on short-term effects, multiple studies confirmed long-term benefits as well. For instance, one study found that among 60 participants those who took green tea extract lost additional 7.3 pounds (3.3kg) and burned 183 more calories a day after three months compared to their counterparts who didn’t take green tea (6).
Green tea mobilizes fat from fat cells, aids fat burning
Fat, especially in the abdominal area, is stubborn and difficult to get rid of. Overweight and obese bodies have accumulated fat mass that puts a person’s health in danger. Fat loss is an important aspect of slimming down, but it can be difficult to find an ideal aid to sort this problem. It looks like green tea can be just the thing you need.
You see, green tea contains substances or compounds that promote fat loss. Caffeine is one of those substances. Even though a cup of green tea contains 24mg to 40mg of caffeine compared to 100mg to 200mg in a cup of coffee, the amount is still sufficient for moderate fat-burning effect. Caffeine is a stimulant that promotes fat burning and improves athletic performance (7).
In order to burn fat, the body needs to break it down in fat cells first and push it into the bloodstream — active compounds in green tea aid this process by enhancing the effects of fat-burning hormones like noradrenaline or norepinephrine. For example, EGCG inhibits an enzyme that breaks down norepinephrine (8).
A study from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition revealed that men who took green tea extract burned 17% more fat than subjects who didn’t take it. Scientists concluded green tea enhances the fat-burning impact of exercise (9). Basically, it helps you burn more calories during a workout than you would lose without green tea.
Evidence also confirms that green tea catechins increase fat burning both during workout and rest (10). This is particularly important if we bear in mind that rest is equally important as exercise.
Green tea could make you eat fewer calories
A major problem we face when trying to lose or control weight is excessive calorie intake. We eat way too much because we feel hungry. In fact, most weight loss products work by reducing the number of calories you consume. Green tea could exhibit a similar effect. Some studies found that EGCG supplements or green tea extracts could decrease the amount of fat absorbed from foods, thus helping you eat less (11).
These effects haven’t been confirmed in human studies, though.
Stress management
Stress is a natural response of our body to sudden changes and unfamiliar events. Although we’d like to avoid stress entirely, that’s not really possible. The best we can do is to reduce exposure to stress triggers and find a unique way to manage or cope with stress. Why are we talking about stress now? Well, the answer is because stress plays a role in your body weight. More precisely, when left unresolved stress can lead to weight gain.
Research from Cell Metabolism found a reason why stress promotes weight gain. The cause is a relationship between fat cells and the timing of stress hormones (12). Besides weight gain, unresolved stress depletes energy levels, decreases productivity, and promotes fatigue. When tired you can’t (and don’t want to) exercise which is why it’s difficult to slim down. In fact, stress management is important for weight loss. A study from the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics confirmed that subjects from the intervention group experienced a greater weight reduction due to stress management program (13).
Stress management is important for overall health including your weight loss, and green tea can help you achieve it. One study found that intake of green tea suppresses excessive stress response (14). July 2017 issue of the journal Nutrients confirmed that green tea intake was associated with lower stress and improved sleep quality (15).
Improved quality of sleep is a significant health effect of green tea. We’ve become a chronically sleep-deprived society, but what most of us fail to acknowledge is that sleep deprivation is closely related to stress. Plus, lack of sleep can also promote weight gain.
Basically, besides fat-burning effects and faster metabolism, green tea relaxes your mind and helps you sleep better which can also help you lose weight. When you feel calm, you’re more inclined to be mindful and motivated to take care of your body. This can only inspire you to change diet and exercise regularly.
Potential side effects
Green tea is generally safe for consumption, but it’s recommended to avoid drinking high amounts of it. Some adverse reactions associated with the intake of green tea include:
Headache
Stomach problems
Difficulty falling asleep
Anemia and iron deficiency
Vomiting
Dizziness
Nervousness
Diarrhea
Heartburn
Tremor
Confusion
Convulsions
Irritability
Bear in mind that the risk of side effects is low. Some adverse reactions could occur if you drink too much. While safe and healthy, green tea may not be suitable for everyone, at least not without doctor’s permission. It could interact with some drugs such as:
Taking amphetamines and ephedrine – green tea has a strong interaction with these drugs so consult your doctor before you decide to drink it
Antibiotics, adenosine, birth control pills – green tea has a moderate interaction with these drugs (16)
You should also be cautious if you already have some stomach problems, iron deficiency, anemia, anxiety disorders, glaucoma, liver disease, and if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Persons with these problems can still drink green tea but in lower amounts. It’s useful to ask your doctor whether it’s safe.
Conclusion
Green tea, the healthiest beverage in the world, has a wide range of health benefits that improve our quality of life. The tea has become a popular weight loss ingredient, but it’s natural to wonder whether it really works or not.
Multiple studies have confirmed that green tea works indeed. This wonderful tea promotes weight loss and weight management through multiple mechanisms. Some mechanisms of action include fat loss, stress management, faster metabolic rate. It’s useful to include green tea into your lifestyle.
If buying a supplement containing this ingredient make sure you read labels first and get the high-quality product. Remember, successful weight loss also requires lifestyle management that involves well-balanced diet and regular workouts. Plus, green tea enhances fat-burning effects of exercise.
References
(1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19597519 (2) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4025876/ (3) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10584049 (4) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16176615 (5) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17299107 (6) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18006026 (7) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14684395 (8) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12695345 (9) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18326618 (10) http://jhs.pharm.or.jp/data/51(2)/51_233.pdf (11) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15738931 (12) https://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/fulltext/S1550-4131(18)30190-6 (13) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23627835 (14) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28566632 (15) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5537891/ (16) https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-960/green-tea
The post Does Green Tea Really Work as A Weight Loss Supplement? appeared first on Phentermine Clinics Directory.
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10 Star Alcoholics You Could Certainly not Possess Heard From.
If you're leading various other men via this study, pertain to webpages 114-116 from your participant book for a team forerunner lead. I'll share my details coming from this information from chance" in my following post which specifies about a certain issue as well as certain solution based upon the information of Fatima. One trouble is actually that wealthy definitely would not know with any precision regardless if they were reaching their private investing aim at. The planning also doesn't require companies to offer the FDA undesirable data (as is demanded for brand-new medication applications). Although traveling promotions a lot of perks, it likewise possesses some downsides if not organized thoroughly. It's a complication to become duke it outed, presumed a lot of, and also answered little by little as well as thoroughly. 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How to Become Successful: The Real Secret No One is Talking About
Hustle. Work harder. Sleep less, do more. Quit whining and get to work! All of these lines are terrible pieces of advice. I know because I’ve tried them all for myself. I worked 16 hours per day, killing myself to try and grow my business. At the end of the day, my only accomplishment was massive burnout and exhaustion. And then something happened… I discovered the real “secret” to high performance. No one’s talking about it while others laugh at it. For me, however, it helped me transform from being stressed, anxious, and on the verge of bankruptcy into a joyful, happy, and a 7-figure business owner. So, what’s this secret? Read on to find out.
Your Life is a Race Car
Have you ever watched Nascar or Formula One? If so, then you probably noticed that these high-performance vehicles are forced to stop several times over the course of a race to refuel and replace their wheels. Those cars are some of the most finely tuned, high-performing feats of modern engineering our world has ever seen. Yet, they are forced to stop dozens of times over the course of a race to refuel! This is obvious to most people, but when applied to life, most people would think, “Bah, I can sleep when I’m dead. Life’s for the living baby!” If that’s your attitude, then I want you to listen carefully to what I’m about to say. If you want to perform really well, then you need to get serious about refueling yourself. Just ask any bodybuilder you know. Unless they are hopped up on steroids, they will tell you that proper nutrition, high-quality sleep, and the right supplements are just as important (if not more so) than lifting heavy weights. So, how can you apply the “secret” of refueling to your life? It’s actually pretty simple. Focus on the “Three P’s” of high-performance refueling. Physical, psychological, and personal.
Refueling Yourself Physically
The first part of the “Three P” equation is also the most commonly practiced. Physical refueling. Whether you want to or not, every single one of you reading this has to spend time each day eating, drinking, and sleeping. It’s a requirement if you want to continue living. However, few people fail to do that. So, over the next month, I want to challenge you to do three simple things.
Sleep More and Sleep Better
Sleep deprivation can kill you. If you want to perform at the highest level, then you must take your sleep seriously. Here’s a checklist to help you get better sleep tonight.
Stop drinking coffee by 2 p.m.
Take 500 mg of Magnesium before bed.
Turn off all the lights.
Put the thermostat at 67 degrees Fahrenheit.
Take a cold or hot bath one hour before bed.
Drink one cup of chamomile tea with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon of honey.
If you will do these tips, I promise that you will sleep better than you have in months!
See Also: Get Strong, Sleep, Repeat: The Importance Of Sleeping
Eat More Greens and Less Meat
Many of you might hate me for this one (and I understand) but one of the changes that had the biggest impact on my physical health was reducing my meat consumption (specifically red meat) and increasing my fruit and vegetable intake. I’m not saying that you have to go vegetarian or vegan. I haven’t either. What I am saying is that the quickest way to boost your energy, reduce fatigue, and generally feel better is to eat more whole fruits and vegetables and less meat, dairy, and processed foods.
Practice Weekly Self-Care
It’s amazing to me how many of my friends will spend $997 on a brand new business course promising to transform their lives but they won’t pay $45 to get a massage after a long week of work. The final part of the physical refueling trifecta isn’t more exercise (although that’s important); it’s to find small ways to care for yourself weekly. Whether it’s a massage, a salt bath, 30 minutes in a steam room, or simply a long nap, you need to prioritize taking care of your body and doing things that add energy into your life.
Refueling Yourself Psychologically
While many people excel at refueling themselves physically, they still end up feeling stressed, burnt out, and exhausted (just like I did) because they don’t prioritize refueling their psychological tank. Just because your body is firing on all cylinders doesn’t mean that your mind is keeping up. Here are a few quick tips to help you overcome brain fog and refocus your mind.
Work in 42 Minutes
Although many experts suggest working in the traditional Pomodoro blocks of 50 minutes, I’ve found that I’m more productive when I only work for 48 minutes. Give it a try for yourself and see how effective you are during the day. First, write down your #1 priority for the next 42 minutes. Then, use e.ggtimer.com and set a timer for 42 minutes. Put your head down and work as hard as you can and then, when the timer buzzes, get up and take a break for 18 minutes.
Learn Something New Daily
Ironically, I’ve found that some of the most rejuvenating mental activities are also the most challenging. For example, if I sit down in front of the TV and watch Family Guy reruns for two hours, I will leave feeling drained and mentally sluggish. However, if I used those same two hours to read a good book, practice a new language, or toy around on my guitar, I leave feeling inspired and motivated to take on the day. Commit right now to learning or practicing something new and I promise that, 365 days from now, your life will look completely different.
Take a Morning and Evening “Braindump”
One of the simplest yet most profound techniques that I’ve ever found for clearing mental fog and refueling your psychology is to build a morning and evening “braindump” ritual. The practice is simple. Take a pen, a notepad, and your brain. Sit on the couch, set a 10-minute timer, and then write down everything that comes to your head. Whether it’s to-do list items, angry feelings about a fight you recently had with your spouse, or inner frustrations about a situation at work, get it out of your head. If you do this every morning and evening for a month, your brain will never feel the same.
Refueling Yourself Personally (or “Spiritually”)
Before you check out on me and roll your eyes because I used the “S” word, realize that I’m not referring to anything esoteric, religious, or “woo-woo”. I use the term “spiritually” very loosely, referring to those activities that recharge your “higher self”. Here’s what I mean.
Get Out for 30 to 60 Minutes Every Day
This one simple habit has the power to significantly reduce stress and rejuvenate your mind and body in ways you probably can’t imagine. We evolved to live in harmony with nature. In our fast-paced world, we often forget this and spend days, weeks, or even years without reconnecting to our roots and enjoying the great outdoors. Make it a priority to do something that you enjoy outdoors for at least 30 minutes a day.
Do Only One Thing
This might sound like an odd practice but you’d be surprised at how effective it can be as a refueling activity. In our day to day lives, we’ve seemingly lost the ability to focus on a single task. We’re never just doing one thing. We’ve always got something else going on in the background. So, I want to challenge you to take 15 to 30 minutes a day and just do one thing. Whether you sit and enjoy your morning cup of coffee in complete solitude, enjoy talking with your partner without distractions, or even just do your work without notifications going off in the background, learning to focus on one task at a time will help you conserve your energy and live a more fulfilling life.
Volunteer and Spend Time with Other People
The final way to recharge yourself spiritually is to spend time every month in service to others. Go volunteer at a local soup kitchen, clean up the trails near your home or sign up to build a house with Habitat for Humanity.
See Also: 5 Reasons Why You Should Volunteer
Just do something that will help you remember how much you have to be grateful for in your life. You won’t regret it.
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