Monthly Archives: August 2022

Foods that affect the brain negatively.

Introduction:

Your brain is the most important organ of your body. It controls all the other functions of your body, which includes the beating of heart, lungs breathing and all other systems in the body.  Because all the bodily functions are dependent on the functioning of your brain, it is important to keep it healthy with a wholesome healthy diet and exercise.

Avoid Sugary drinks:
Sugary drinks like soda, cola, juices, energy drinks and sports drinks expand your waistline; increase your risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Not just this, they also have a negative effect on your brain. Type 2 diabetes has been linked with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Most sugary drinks are high in fructose, which is linked to obesity, high blood pressure, high blood fats and arterial dysfunction. These aspects of metabolic syndrome can lead to an increased risk of dementia. Diet high in sugar can lead to brain inflammation and impaired memory.
Avoid Alcohol:

Excessive consumption of alcohol can have serious side effects on the brain. Chronic alcohol use can result in the reduction of brain volume, metabolic changes and disruption of neurotransmitters. People who consume too much alcohol are often deficient in vitamin B1, which can lead to a brain disorder called Wernicke’s encephalopathy, which in turn can develop Korsakoff’s syndrome. This syndrome can lead to severe damage to the brain, including memory loss, disturbance in eyesight, confusion and unsteadiness.

Avoid Aspartame:
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener found in sugar-free products. People who are trying to lose weight often choose to have these sugar-free products. Aspartame is made of phenylalanine, methanol and aspartic acid. This sweetener is linked with behavioral and cognitive problems, though the research is controversial. A study conducted in mice has found that repeated intake of aspartame is liked with impaired memory and increased oxidative stress in the brain. To avoid aspartame, simply cut artificial sweeteners and excess sugar from your diet.
Avoid Fish high in mercury:
Mercury is a heavy metal containment and a neurological poison that can be stored for long in the animal tissue. Long-lived predatory fish are susceptible to accumulating mercury and carry amount over 1 million times the concentration of their surrounding water. If a person ingests mercury, it spreads all around their body, concentrating in the brain, liver and kidneys. In pregnant women, it also concentrates in the placenta and fetus. The mercury toxicity can lead to the disruption of the central nervous system and neurotransmitters, resulting in the damage of the brain. High mercury fish includes shark, swordfish, tuna, orange roughly, king mackerel and tilefish. However, it’s safe to have two to three serving of other low-mercury fishes per week.
Avoid highly processed foods:
Foods that are highly processed are high in sugar, added fats and salt. These foods include chips, sweets, instant noodles, microwave popcorn, sauces and ready-made meals. These foods are high in calories and low in nutrients, which can lead to obesity and have a negative impact on the brain. A small study of 243 people found that fat around the organs is associated with brain tissue damage. Another study found that a diet high in unhealthy ingredients resulted in lower levels of sugar metabolism in the brain and a decrease in brain tissues. The two factors that are the markers for Alzheimer’s disease. A study conducted on 18,080 people found that a diet high in processed foods and fried foods is associated with lower scores in learning and memory.
Avoid High trans-fat foods:
Trans fats are the unsaturated fat that can have a detrimental effect on your brain health. The Trans fat found naturally in animal products like dairy and meat are not a problem. It’s the industry-based Trans fat, also called hydrogenated vegetable oil, which can be a problem. Studies have found that people who consume a higher amount of Trans fat are at an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, lower brain volume, poorer memory and cognitive decline. Diets high in omega-3 fatty acids can help protect against cognitive decline. You can increase the amount of omega 3 in your diet by eating foods like fish, chia seeds, walnuts and flax seeds.
Avoid refined carbohydrates;
Refined carbs include sugar and processed grains like white flour. Refined carbs have a high glycemic index, which means they get digested very quickly, resulting in sudden blood sugar spike. Foods that have a glycemic index have been found to impact brain functioning. Studies have found that people who consume foods high in fat and refined sugar have poorer memory. Another study found that elderly who consumed more than 58 per cent of their daily calories from carbohydrates had double the risk of mild mental impairment and dementia.
Conclusion:
Following a healthy diet is essential to maintaining optimal brain health. . Dark chocolate, avocados, and fatty fish; bone broth, berries, and broccoli—they’re all brain-boosting foods. But there are plenty of foods that have the opposite effect and can sap your smarts, affecting your memory and mood and lead to early dementia.

Havening therapy.

Introduction:

Havening refers to a newer alternative therapy technique that incorporates distraction, touch, and eye movements. Its goal is to reduce anxiety and distress associated with negative memories. According to Dr. Steven Ruden and Dr. Ronald Ruden, the use of therapeutic touch can help treat mental health symptoms by changing pathways in the brain linked to emotional distress.

The theory rests on the idea that touch can help boost the production of serotonin in your brain. This, in turn, helps you relax and detach from an upsetting memory or experience.  The release of serotonin is said to have a soothing effect that helps relieve mental health symptoms and keep painful memories from troubling you further.

Uses:

According to Havening’s creators, it can address many types of emotional distress and may help treat:

  • phobias
  • memories of painful events, including breakups and humiliations
  • grief and sadness
  • Post traumatic stress after assault, disasters, or other frightening experiences
  • persistent feelings of anxiety, fear, and panic
  • unwanted cravings
  • short-term or chronic pain

The Havening technique:

 The Havening Technique uses a range of touches on the upper body and involves counting, visualization, and eye movements. The approach aims to help a person cope with stress, trauma, anxiety, and physical pain. The practice focuses heavily on self-compassion, kindness, and self-care.

Are there risks?

Subjects might notice some temporary effects after a session, including:

  • light headedness
  • emotional numbness
  • bodily tension or discomfort
  • increased anger

Conclusion:

There’s not much research on the topic, but anecdotal reports suggest that havening may be a helpful technique for addressing symptoms of anxiety, trauma, and other mental health issues.  There’s little risk involved, so if you’re interested, it likely can’t hurt to give it a try. It may not work immediate wonders, but it might offer some measure of relief.

Foods to Naturally Detoxify the body.

Introduction:

Many foods that are rich in vitamins and antioxidants can assist your body’s natural ability to cleanse and detoxify itself.  Not only can these foods help your body remove toxins, but they also provide nutrients that you need to lead a happy and healthy life

Some foods that help detoxify the body:
Asparagus

Asparagus contains glutathione, a well-known antioxidant that promotes detoxification. It is also a good source of fiber, folate, iron, and vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as being beneficial to those with high blood pressure. Asparagus is also known to help the kidney and bladder cleanse itself.

Broccoli

Broccoli contains sulforaphane, which is great for fighting off infectious cells in our bodies. Eating broccoli also helps your body fight off cancer-inducing chemicals, and boosts the liver’s ability to clear bad chemicals from our bodies.

Grapefruit

Grapefruit is loaded with nutrients including vitamins A, C, and B1, as well as pantothenic acid, fiber, potassium, and biotin. Enzymes found in grapefruit may also break down the fat in your body to help promote weight loss. Please note that grapefruit may interact with some medications, so you should speak with your primary care provider before increasing your grapefruit intake.

Avocado

Avocados are loaded with antioxidants that help your body expel harmful toxins. A nutrient-dense food, avocados contain around 20 different vitamins and minerals that help decrease the risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Kale

What’s the fuss over kale? Packed with amino acids that help keep your mind sharp, kale is also beneficial for managing cholesterol. Kale can also help with managing blood pressure due to its high levels of magnesium and potassium.

Artichokes

Give your liver a break! Artichokes provide a wide variety of nutrients for your blood and liver. Two phytonutrients found in artichokes help the liver produce bile, which is important in the digestion of fats.

Collard greens

Collard greens are rich in sulfur-containing compounds that support your body’s detoxification process. Not only are they high in vitamins K and A, but collard greens may also lower your risk of breast, colon, and lung cancers due to indole-3-carbinol.

Beets

Beets are a high-antioxidant vegetable that is also rich in nutrients. Beets contain betaine, which helps the liver rid itself of toxins, as well as a fiber called pectin that clears toxins that have been removed from the liver.

Spinach

Spinach is low in calories, but packed with nutrients. Spinach contains vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as thiamin, folate, calcium, iron, and magnesium—the list goes on! Flavonoids in spinach help keep cholesterol from oxidizing in your body by acting as antioxidants.

Conclusion:

Consuming a diet rich in antioxidants helps your body reduce damage caused by free radicals and may lower your risk of diseases that can impact detoxification.

You can enhance your body’s natural detoxification system and improve your overall health by staying hydrated, consuming less salt, staying active, and following an antioxidant-rich diet.

How to get Long and beautiful eyelashes naturally.

Introduction:

We all love long and thick eyelashes? But did you know eyelashes help in protecting the eyes from dust, sand, and little debris? Not just that, the eyes also act as sensors when the eyes sense potential danger with certain objects.  Long lashes help in enhancing your beauty even more. If you have spent your life thinking there is no way you can grow your eyelashes, then we have good news for you- there are natural ways to grow your lashes and enhance their thickness.

Try these 5 home remedies to grow lashes naturally

  • Castor Oil: Castor oil not just help you to grow thicker eyelashes, it will prevent them from falling out. Just mix a few drops of coconut oil with castor oil and apply it gently on your lashes with a cotton tip. Make sure you do it every night before going to bed. Wash it off in the morning.
  • Green tea: Take a cotton ball and apply cool, unsweetened green to the eyelashes.
  • Olive oil: Olive oil is one of the most effective and an efficient hack to get long lashes. Take little extra virgin olive oil in a cotton swab and apply it to your lashes.
  • Coconut Oil: This magical oil is gentle and safe to use on your lashes. Mix coconut oil with extra virgin olive and gently apply it with a clean mascara wand on your lashes.
  • Aloe Vera Gel: For thick and long eyelashes, apply aloe vera gel on your lashes before going to bed and wash it off in the morning.

Grooming your eyelashes:

Proper eyelash maintenance can improve the health of your eyelashes, making it less likely for them to break. This can make them appear longer and thicker. Some eyelash grooming tips include:

  • regularly brushing your eyelashes with an eyelash brush
  • washing your face and eyes with gentle soap daily
  • removing eye makeup at the end of each day

Conclusion:

There are many types of home remedies that purport to help grow one’s eyelashes, but none are proven effective or safe it’s very important to avoid putting potentially dangerous substances in or near your eyes. And if you use medication, you need to ensure you keep it out of your eyes to avoid side effects.

What is mindful eating?

Introduction:

Mindful eating is a type of mindfulness meditation practice that focuses on increasing your awareness during meals. Mindfulness practices may help improve symptoms related to anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and stress. A mindful eating practice helps promote healthy eating and reduce overeating, while also improving mental health.

Benefits of mindful eating:

  • Increased awareness of hunger and fullness. …
  • Weight loss. …
  • Stress reduction. …
  • Better digestion. …
  • Reduced overeating and binge eating. …
  • Increased satisfaction with food. …
  • Healthier food choices.
How It Works:

Mindful eating focuses on your eating experiences, body-related sensations, and thoughts and feelings about food, with heightened awareness and without judgment. The goal is to promote a more enjoyable meal experience and understanding of the eating environment. Fung and colleagues described a mindful eating model that is guided by four aspects: what to eat, why we eat what we eat, how much to eat, and how to eat

Seven practices of mindful eating:
  1. Honor the food. Acknowledge where the food was grown and who prepared the meal. Eat without distractions to help deepen the eating experience.
  2. Engage all senses. Notice the sounds, colors, smells, tastes, and textures of the food and how you feel when eating. Pause periodically to engage these senses.
  3. Serve in modest portions. This can help avoid overeating and food waste. Use a dinner plate no larger than 9 inches across and fill it only once.
  4. Savor small bites, and chew thoroughly. These practices can help slow down the meal and fully experience the food’s flavors.
  5. Eat slowly to avoid overeating. If you eat slowly, you are more likely to recognize when you are feeling satisfied, or when you are about 80% full, and can stop eating.
  6. Don’t skip meals. Going too long without eating increases the risk of strong hunger, which may lead to the quickest and easiest food choice, not always a healthful one. Setting meals at around the same time each day, as well as planning for enough time to enjoy a meal or snack reduces these risks.
  7. Eat a plant-based diet, for your health and for the planet. Consider the long-term effects of eating certain foods. Processed meat and saturated fat are associated with an increased risk of cancer and heart disease.  Production of animal-based foods like meat and dairy takes a heavy toll on the environment than plant-based foods.

Conclusion:

Mindful eating is an approach to eating that can complement any eating pattern. Research has shown that mindful eating can lead to greater psychological wellbeing, increased pleasure when eating, and body satisfaction. It is a healthy lifestyle that reduces the risk of chronic diseases, promotes more enjoyable meal experiences, and supports a healthy body image. More research is needed to examine whether mindful eating is an effective strategy for weight management.