Everyone has heard the old saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” but it's not just an old cliche, it’s true in a lot of ways. Apples have a variety of helpful vitamins, minerals, and fiber that make them extremely healthy. They can help with disease...
Because all of us have been brought up eating junk food, well most of us, it is not easy to change our eating habits. Your eating habits have developed since childhood based on what your mothers or fathers cooked and what your psychological make-up was...
Cholesterol is a wax-like substance present in the cell membranes of body tissues and is carried in the blood plasma. It is a sterol (alcohol and steroid combination), also called atherosclerotic plaque. The body requires cholesterol to form and sustain the...
When you get a bug bite, it can cause stinging and burning, itching, and redness around the area where you were bit. If you use essential oils on the bite, it can help relieve many of these symptoms and speed up the healing process. Try out some of these oils for your...
If you have arthritis, you know how frustrating it can be when the pain keeps you from completing normal activities. In addition to seeing your doctor for medical treatments, it is also good to try some natural remedies at home, such as with essential oils. Plants...
Essential oils can be used for many things, but are most often used in aromatherapy. This is when you take advantage of the scents of the oils, which can then heal your mind and body. Try some of these popular essential oils for aromatherapy purposes. How Aromatherapy...
If you suffer from allergies, you might be looking for a natural remedy. Essential oils are actually an exceptional way to help get rid of your allergy symptoms and start to experience relief. Here are some things to know about using essential oils for your...
Important things to know: Uterine fibroids are abnormal growths of muscle tissue that form on the walls or inside the uterus. Symptoms include irregular bleeding between periods and pelvic pain. Estrogen and progesterone play a role in fibroid growth. You may not even...
Every one of us feels down and unhappy at one point or another in our lives. Life is a mixed bag of happiness and sadness and it is never easy to remain happy and contempt every day of our lives. At times, we may feel so upset to a point of desperation but will...
Parsley is an herb plant, spice and vegetable that has been included in Mediterranean and Eastern European cuisine for thousands of years, not just because of the taste it adds to dishes, but also because of its fabulous healing properties. Although it looks...
Leaky gut syndrome is actually a common problem with millions of individuals suffering from it without even knowing they have it. You might be thinking that leaky gut syndrome only affects the GI tract but, in actuality, it affects your entire body. Many health...
It is generally accepted that stress plays a major role in the development of practically all disease, including the problem of peptic ulcer. Science shows that stress produces the “fear, flight, or fight” response, which leads to an increased production in adrenaline...
Essential oils can be used for many things, but are most often used in aromatherapy. This is when you take advantage of the scents of the oils, which can then heal your mind and body. Try some of these popular essential oils for aromatherapy purposes.
How Aromatherapy Can Help
Aromatherapy with essential oils helps with many different ailments, including physical and mental ones. Here are some things that you can use essential oils and aromatherapy for:
Peppermint
If you want to give aromatherapy with essential oils a try, go with something mild and minty like peppermint. This is a strong and effective essential oil that can help with anything from sore muscles to digestive issues. It is also really good for headaches and migraines, as well as congestion, cold, and flu symptoms. A good carrier oil for peppermint essential oil is grape seed oil.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is also a strong essential oil that you can try using for aromatherapy purposes. With aromatherapy, you want to inhale the scented oil in order to get the full effect. Eucalyptus can be a strong, earthy scent, but don’t let that fool you; this oil is very soothing and can open your airways. It is also great for relieving muscle pain, helping with asthma and congestion, and even providing dental and skin care benefits. If you prefer, you can put some drops in your bath, which still allows the benefits, without the strong scent.
Lavender
This is probably not the first time you have been told to take or use lavender products for relaxation and rest, and it won’t be the last. Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils to use for aromatherapy, especially if you need help with insomnia, stress, anxiety, or depression. You will find the subtle floral scent to be very soothing and calming. Add it to your bath at night to relax enough to sleep or apply it with a carrier oil to your skin to help with burns or insect bites. It can also be used for muscle or joint pain.
Lemon and tea tree oil are other essential oils that are great for aromatherapy.
If you suffer from allergies, you might be looking for a natural remedy. Essential oils are actually an exceptional way to help get rid of your allergy symptoms and start to experience relief. Here are some things to know about using essential oils for your allergies.
How Essential Oils Can Help
Before you learn about the best essential oil blends for allergies, it helps to know exactly how the oils can help with allergies. One of the main ways they can help is by boosting your immune system. Many of the listed essential oils not only boost your immune system so allergens don’t affect you as much, but they can also help to fight inflammation, which is also a major contributor to allergy symptoms. Using the oils regularly will help tremendously.
Peppermint
A good essential oil to start with when you want to ease your allergy symptoms is peppermint. With peppermint, it works really great when you are already experiencing your allergy symptoms. It can help with digestive problems and the aroma is really good and helping you to breathe easier, which is often a concern among allergy sufferers. Peppermint can help with skin irritation, inflammation, and most types of allergic reactions. You can either apply diluted peppermint oil around your nostrils or use it in your bath. It can also be used with aromatherapy.
Eucalyptus
Another good essential oil to try is eucalyptus, which is great for allergies and respiratory issues. Like peppermint, eucalyptus oil is also good with helping you to breathe a little better. Make sure if you are going to use eucalyptus oil for your allergies directly on your skin, you also use a carrier oil. Otherwise, it can be too strong and irritate your skin. Some good areas of your body to apply the diluted eucalyptus oil is on your neck, chest, and back. Inhaling it from a pot of boiling water is another way to get relief from your allergy symptoms.
Basil
When you suffer from allergies, it is not uncommon to have certain inflammatory responses to those allergens. This is often where many of your allergy symptoms come from. Basil essential oil can be helpful in reducing these responses so you are able to calm your body down. In addition to this, basil essential oil helps with killing bacteria and getting rid of mold, which also helps with your different allergy symptoms.
Some other essential oils that are good for allergies include lemon essential oil and frankincense.
Important things to know:
Uterine Fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that can grow on the walls of the uterus. They are also known as leiomyomas or myomas. Fibroids can vary in size, from the size of a pea to the size of a grapefruit. They can be single or multiple, located inside or outside the uterus. Uterine fibroids are most common in women of childbearing age and can cause various symptoms, such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain and pressure, and pain during intercourse.
Uterine fibroids can affect the length of a woman’s period cycle. The menstrual cycle duration is the time between the first day of one menstrual period and the first day of the next. Menstrual cycle duration can vary from woman to woman, but an average cycle is 28 days long. Fibroids can cause a more extent of bleeding to shorten or lengthen. Shortened cycles can occur if the fibroids cause an earlier release of an egg. Increased cycles can occur if the fibroids cause a delay in the release of an egg.
Fibroids can also cause heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding, known as menorrhagia. This can occur due to the fibroid increasing the uterine wall’s thickness or multiple fibroids blocking the normal blood flow from the uterus. Heavy menstrual bleeding can cause anemia, fatigue, and other health problems.
Uterine fibroids can be managed with medications, surgery, or a combination. Medications can help reduce the size of the fibroids, while surgery can remove them completely. The best treatment option will depend on the fibroids’ size, location, and severity of the symptoms.
Like uterine polyps, uterine fibroids and heavy periods are common causes of changes in bleeding and menstrual pattern.
If you are a woman and if you are in the reproductive age, you have at least experienced complicated menstrual cycles two to three times per year. It is so common that studies have shown at least 70% of women experience difficult menstrual cycles throughout their lifetime. This includes heavy bleeding, painful menstruation, abdominal pain and cramps, and thigh and calf pain. Ultimately this can lead to painful sexual intercourse and a reduction in libido.
A menstrual cycle averages between twenty-one to thirty-five days, but this is not the case for many women. Sometimes they will have longer periods or will not experience menstruation for one to two months. The menstrual cycle is a tightly regulated complex cycle involving the hypothalamus and pituitary in the brain, ovaries, and the uterus of the reproductive system in a female body.
Many hormones, such as follicular stimulating hormones, luteinizing hormone, estrogen, and progesterone, help in maintaining a regular menstrual cycle. Even the slightest fluctuations of these hormones can cause irregular menstrual cycles, leading to complications.
Stay tuned for tips throughout this article for Bestmade Fibroid Shrink Naturally
Myth 1: Uterine Fibroids are the Same as Endometriosis
It is a common misconception that uterine fibroids and endometriosis are the same. While they can both cause similar symptoms, they are distinct conditions. Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus that can cause heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding and lead to infertility. Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus, on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other organs in the pelvic area. Endometriosis can cause pain, heavy bleeding, and irregular periods.
Myth 2: Uterine Fibroids are Always Symptomatic
Another myth is that uterine fibroids always cause symptoms. In most cases, fibroids remain asymptomatic, meaning they do not cause any symptoms. However, if fibroids grow large enough, they can cause heavy or prolonged periods, pelvic pain, pain during sex, bladder or rectal pressure, frequent urination, and constipation.
Myth 3: Uterine Fibroids are Always Cancerous
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous and do not increase the risk of developing cancer. Most fibroids are benign and do not cause any health issues. It is important to note that although rare, some fibroids can become cancerous. Therefore, you must consult a doctor if you are concerned about any fibroids you may have.
Myth 4: Menstrual Cycle Length is the Same for Everyone
The menstrual cycle is typically 28 days, but this can vary from person to person. Some people may experience a cycle as short as 21 days, while others may experience a cycle of up to 35 days. Additionally, for some people, the length of the cycle can vary from month to month. Therefore, it is essential to keep track of the length of your menstrual cycle to determine what is normal for you.
Truth: Uterine Fibroids can Affect Menstrual Cycle
Uterine fibroids can affect your menstrual cycle length by causing heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. This can lead to anemia, fatigue, and other symptoms. Additionally, if the fibroids are large enough, they can cause the uterus to stretch and increase the amount of time it takes for the uterine lining to build up and shed. Therefore, if you are experiencing a longer menstrual cycle than usual, you must consult your doctor to determine if uterine fibroids are a potential cause.
Homeopathic supplement relies on natural mineral salt ingredients to provide your body with the necessary resources. Helps fight such symptoms as late/early cycle, lack of menses, long-lasting periods, pain, & more.
Proper levels of estrogen are needed for the development of follicles in the uterus, which ensures fertilization takes place and a successful pregnancy is achieved. It is very important to have a stable physiological estrogen level during the early period of the menstrual cycle. Estrogen imbalances can lead to subfertility or anovulatory cycles where there is no ovulation. Progesterone is important towards the end of a menstrual cycle. Progesterone prepares the uterus to receive the egg from the ovaries to ensure fertilization and implantation of the fertilized egg occur properly. Imbalances can lead to early or late menstrual bleeding, bloating, cramps, and heavy, painful menstrual bleeding.
If you are experiencing symptoms like uterine fibroids and heavy periods of bleeding, menstrual periods lasting more than a week, pelvic pressure or pain, frequent urination, difficulty emptying the bladder, constipation, backache, or leg pains, it may be due to a common condition experienced during the childbearing age called fibroids. Then you should try something to fibroid shrink naturally.
Live your life to the fullest with our proven remedy to help you. Say goodbye to severe menstrual cramps, menstrual cycle length, and painful intercourse!
Fibroids, which are also called leiomyomas, is a non-cancerous growth of tissue in the wall of the uterus. The size of the fibroids can range from microscopic non-detectable masses too large bulky masses that can expand the uterus to the levels of the ribcage. Some fibroids contain tissues from other parts of the body, such as hair, cartilage, bone, and fat. Many women have uterine fibroids sometime during their lives. But most women don’t know they have uterine fibroids because they often cause no symptoms. However, uterine fibroids are one of the leading causes of subfertility and irregular menstrual cycles. Fibroids are the leading indication for hysterectomy, and their management averages $21 billion annually in the US. No long-term minimally invasive therapies exist.
In 2009, a large study was carried out across many countries on women with irregular menstrual cycles. In the UK, nearly 5% of women had self-reported fibroids, and the risk of fibroids increased after menopause. Fibroids were found to be the cause of irregular menstrual bleeding, heavy menstrual bleeding, and prolonged menstrual bleeding in about 40-50% of women, and nearly 25% of women experienced painful intercourse. Nearly 60% of women have reported fibroids to have a negative impact on the quality of their life. A significant percentage reported chronic backache, abdominal pain, bloating, cramps, and reduced performance at work associated with fibroids.
Uterine fibroids and heavy periods, uterine cysts, and irregular menstrual cycles caused by abnormal estrogen levels have been found to be the commonest causes of complicated menstrual cycles. Much research has been done on reducing these risk factors. Modern clinical trials focus on natural remedies from evidenced-based medical practices such as homeopathy.
Studies have shown Calcarea fluorica, and Calcarea carb help in reducing prolonged menstrual cycles and help to reduce constipation and chronic backache experienced during irregular menstrual cycles. A recent study published in Biomed Central journal showed Calcarea carbonica has an amazing effect of killing cells that are not natural and cells that is carcinogenic. This effect of Calcarea help reduce the size of uterine fibroids and reduce the risk of uterine cancer.
Fraxinus is another important remedy that helps relieve menstrual cramps and reduce painful intercourse. Clinical trials were done with one tablet of Oophorinum, an extract of ovaries given daily from days five to nine of the menstrual cycle has shown significant remediation where there was an irregularity of the cycle, ovarian cysts, or infertility.
This powerful combination of high-quality Non-GMO ingredients creates a proven product that can be used to decrease the severity of problems like discharge or bleeding. Your pain and other symptoms created by ovarian cysts, fibroids, and your menstrual cycle can be reduced.
Every one of us feels down and unhappy at one point or another in our lives. Life is a mixed bag of happiness and sadness and it is never easy to remain happy and contempt every day of our lives. At times, we may feel so upset to a point of desperation but will recover with time and feel better. We may even forget that we were sad in the first place. However, to someone who is diagnosed with depression, this will not be the case. They will experience abnormally long periods of sadness and negative thoughts to such an extent that it will interfere with daily tasks, thoughts, and actions.
According to the PubMed Health Glossary, depression is defined as “a state of low mood and aversion to activity that can affect a person’s thoughts, behavior, feelings, and sense of well-being”. No triggering events or specific reasons are necessary for the triggering of depression. It is a very difficult condition that leaves people feeling helpless, demotivated and with a sharp decline in self-confidence leaving them susceptible to various other illnesses resulting from poor emotional health. They will experience difficulties with their employment, personal lives and managing their daily activities. In addition, they will experience trouble sleeping.
According to Harvard Health, depression is a complex condition resulting from a combination of events and causes. It is not as simple as a result of chemical imbalances in the brain. Faulty mood regulation by the brain, medications and medical conditions, stressful events, and even genetic vulnerabilities have a role in causing depression. Serotonin, dopamine, GABA, and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that affect mood. Dopamine and serotonin are inhibitory neurotransmitters and especially low levels of serotonin have been associated with low moods and depression.
Depression has an effect on a few key areas of the brain such as the thalamus, hippocampus, and amygdala. The amygdala is associated with certain emotions such as anger, pleasure, sorrow, and fear. The thalamus links sensory information with pleasant and unpleasant feelings. The hippocampus is in charge of long-term memory functions and recollection.
Depression has some key symptoms and should not be taken lightly. Excessive sleeping or insomnia, continuous feelings of sorrow, worthlessness, helplessness, loss of interest in activities they usually enjoy, withdrawal from social groups, lack of attention, reduced memory and inability to take decisions are some of the main symptoms of depression. If these symptoms are seen in an elder, it is highly likely that the person is suffering from depression and special care should be provided.
Many plant extracts, roots and berries have been used since ancient times for their mood alleviating properties and to reduce symptoms of depression. Modern research has analyzed various plant components used in different ancient civilizations to treat low mood and has found out that Passiflora incarnata, Ignacia and Moschus powder has effects in increasing serotonin levels in the brain elevating the mood.
Randomized control trials have shown compared to other antidepressant drugs they do not have adverse effects of distrusting the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain causing side effects such as nausea, insomnolence, weight gain fatigue and other reactions.
Another promising plant component was a type of clubmosses known as lycopodium on clinical studies it has shown just over two weeks of use of this powder extract has substantially reduced excessive sleep, lack of interest, and improved the mood in subjects.
A study published on Biomed central based on double-blind randomized control study evaluating the homeopathic effect on the mood disorders showed that Anacardium, phosphoric acid compounds have significantly reduced depressive moods and helped to stabilize the inhibitory and excitatory imbalance of the neurotransmitters of the brain.
One of the most promising natural remedies with large numbers of research being done is on essential oils. This focuses on plant extract oils that help different diseases. Lavender extract has proven effects on mood stabilization and calming effects. Many research studies have shown inhalation of lavender oil has produced calming effects by elevating the mood and reducing stress and anxiety.
References
Adams KB, Moon H. Subthreshold depression: characteristics and risk factors among vulnerable elders. Aging & Mental Health. 2009;13(5):682–692. [PubMed]
Adler, U., Krüger, S., Teut, M., Lüdtke, R., Bartsch, I., Schützler, L., Melcher, F., Willich, S., Linde, K. and Witt, C. (2011). Homeopathy for Depression – DEP-HOM: study protocol for a randomized, partially double-blind, placebo controlled, four armed study. Trials, 12(1).
Sayorwan W, e. (2018). The effects of lavender oil inhalation on emotional states, autonomic nervous system, and brain electrical activity. – PubMed – NCBI. [online] Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22612017 [Accessed 7 Aug. 2018].
Cole MG, McCusker J, Ciampi A, Belzile E. Risk factors for major depression in older medical inpatients: a prospective study. American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. 2008;16(2):175–178.[PubMed]
Ndnr.com. (2018). Treating Depression: Naturopathic Strategies for Successful Outcomes – Naturopathic Doctor News and Review. [online] Available at: http://ndnr.com/mindbody/treating-depression/ [Accessed 7 Aug. 2018].
McCabe MP, Davison T, Mellor D, George K. Barriers to care for depressed older people: perceptions of aged care among medical professionals. International Journal of Aging & Human Development. 2009;68(1):53–64.
Kim, M., Lim, H., Lee, H. and Kim, T. (2017). Role Identification of Passiflora Incarnata Linnaeus: A Mini Review. Journal of Menopausal Medicine, 23(3), p.156.
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Parsley is an herb plant, spice and vegetable that has been included in Mediterranean and Eastern European cuisine for thousands of years, not just because of the taste it adds to dishes, but also because of its fabulous healing properties. Although it looks unassuming, this little green herb packs a massive nutritional punch and comes with an array of fantastic health benefits. Although largely popular as a table garnish because of the vibrancy it offers to our casseroles, salads and soups and stews, parsley should also really be super popular because it promotes a healthier you. Let’s take a look at its health benefits and nutrition.
Nutritional Content
Parsley is a nutritional powerhouse. According to data from NutritionData, a single cup of parsley is rich in the following essential minerals and vitamins:
Parsley also contains numerous flavonoids and antioxidants, all of which help to flush toxins out of your body, as well as fight free radicals.
Parsley Can Give Your Immune System A Boost– Our immune system is important. In fact, it’s downright fundamental. We rely on a properly functioning immune system to get us through the day, and we never give it a second thought until something goes wrong; after all, a compromised immune system makes us more susceptible to colds and common ailments, while wounds take longer to heal and we generally feel exhausted and worn down. Parsley is a crucial player in battle against autoimmune disorders, as well as allergies and inflammatory issues that just won’t go away.
Parsley Can Protect Your Blood Vessels– One of the most potent B vitamins is folic acid, which parsley helps to generate in your body. A crucial role which folic acid plays in your body is in the reduction of an amino acid called homocysteine. This amino acid is naturally produced by your body, and at low levels is perfectly okay. However, once it is overproduced, it can damage your blood vessels, which in turn can lead to a stroke or heart attack. As such, parsley not only protects your blood vessels – it also promotes cardiovascular health.
Parsley Helps To Detox Your Body– A properly functioning liver is essential for a detox, while a detox itself is essential for your overall physical and mental wellbeing. You might not realize it, but if you are constantly feeling tired and stressed, it could be down to too many toxins in your body. The only way to eliminate these toxins is via a detox. Apigenin and myristicin are both found in parsley, and they both aid our liver in detoxing our bodies. As mentioned earlier, parsley is also rich in antioxidants that help to eliminate nasty toxins from your body.
Vitamin K Is Wonderful– Parsley is most prized by health experts and dieticians because of its high vitamin K content. This essential vitamin plays a strong role in ensuring that our blood is able to clot, as well as strengthening our bones. In this way, parsley is a preventative measure taken to guard against osteoporosis and arthritis. According to WebMB, parsley can also be applied directly to your skin to alleviate chapped or cracked skin, as well as to aid the treatment of insect bites.
Enjoying Parsley– Parsley can be an acquired taste, and not everyone can simply much on raw parsley. Add it to salads, smoothies, juicing recipes and soups and stews. Freshly grated parsley is also wonderful over a very rich roast, like lamb or beef.
Leaky gut syndrome is actually a common problem with millions of individuals suffering from it without even knowing they have it. You might be thinking that leaky gut syndrome only affects the GI tract but, in actuality, it affects your entire body. Many health conditions are associated with having a leaky gut, some of which might surprise you. If you suffer from low energy, autoimmune diseases, food allergies, thyroid disease, or joint pain, the problem can stem from having a leaky gut. Leaky gut syndrome allows for undigested food particles to enter the blood stream, wreaking havoc on the rest of your body.
Leaky Gut Syndrome– The lining of your GI tract is like a sieve that allows only small components of food to enter your system, such as simple sugars, fatty acids, and amino acids. If your gut is leaky, you allow larger particles of food to enter the blood stream, where they can be seen as foreign invaders and will be acted upon by your immune system.
Leaky gut syndrome involves inflammation of the intestinal lining, which leads to malabsorption of the foods you eat. This elicits an immune response that causes gastrointestinal issues and food intolerances. This, in turn, can lead to autoimmune diseases like lupus, Sjogren’s disease, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Leaky gut syndrome is actually a syndrome of increased permeability of the intestinal tract. The holes in the sieve get too big so that large particles of food get into the blood stream. Things that can get into your bloodstream include toxic waste products, larger proteins, unhealthy bacteria, and food particles that have not been completely digested.
This can cause an immune response that can ultimately lead to diseases such as autoimmune diseases and food allergies.
When you have leaky gut syndrome, your GI tract becomes inflamed and the holes that nutrients are supposed to get through get bigger. Undigested food particles enter the bloodstream, resulting in food intolerances and an activation of the immune system.
This activation of the immune system is the ultimate cause of autoimmune diseases.
Symptoms of a Leaky Gut– Some common symptoms you might experience when you have a leaky gut include the following:
Ultimately, your whole body is affected. Your brain can be affected, leading to ADHD, depression, and anxiety. Your sinus and mouth can be affected, leading to food sensitivities and frequent colds. Your skin can be affected, leading to psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, and acne. Your thyroid can be affected, leading to Grave’s disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Your joints can be affected, leading to fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. Of course, your colon is affected, leading to irritable bowel disease, diarrhea, and constipation. Your adrenal glands can fail to work, causing constant fatigue.
You can be tested for leaky gut syndrome by seeing your doctor. They can identify if your gut is letting through fat and undigested protein molecules so that you have food sensitivities and autoimmune disease. Other diseases that can by having a leaky gut include various autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes. You can also be affected with nutrient malabsorption, such as malabsorption of vitamin B12, iron, and zinc.
Superfoods That Can Help A Leaky Gut– There are certain foods you can eat that can help heal a leaky gut. Some of these include the following:
It is important to work with your doctor if you have been diagnosed with leaky gut and get approval for any treatments you are considering.
It is generally accepted that stress plays a major role in the development of practically all disease, including the problem of peptic ulcer. Science shows that stress produces the “fear, flight, or fight” response, which leads to an increased production in adrenaline and cortisol. It is when stress becomes chronic and long-term that this hormonal production becomes problematic. If these hormones are over-produced on an ongoing basis, they lead to the development of inflammation in the system, and other bodily malfunctions such as a decrease in the mucosal stomach lining. The stomach lining then becomes irritated by hydrochloric acid, which is normally present in the stomach, and a peptic ulcer can ensue. The symptoms of a peptic ulcer range from none at all to stomach aches, indigestion, weight loss, loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing food or keeping it down. In severe cases, a person may experience nausea and vomiting, blood in the stools or vomiting blood. Severe cases should be treated as a medical emergency. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen or aspirin have been identified as one possible cause of peptic ulcers.
How Doctors Treat Ulcers– Peptic ulcer is typically treated either by PPI medications, which are designed to reduce the amount of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, or, by antibiotics since there is some evidence to suggest that H pylori bacteria may play a causative role in the development of stomach ulcers. In the case where NSAIDs are the cause, these must be replaced with other painkillers like acetaminophen (Tylenol, Paracetamol), whenever possible.
Reducing Stress Levels– Here is what you can do to help alleviate the symptoms of stress, which will in turn have a positive impact on the severity of the ulcer.
Meditation. There are studies to suggest that meditation calms the nervous system and reduces stress. There are many different ways to meditate. Mindfulness is a good place to start.
Relaxation. Calming the autonomic nervous system is the aim of relaxation, with the goal being once again to reduce the levels of cortisol in the body. This allows the parasympathetic nervous system to kick in, do its job of calming the body, and induce feelings of peace and serenity. Progressive Muscle Relaxation is just one way to teach the body how to let go and relax.
Breathing techniques. Similarly, deep breathing and other specialized breathing techniques are effective in alleviating the symptoms of stress and therefore giving your ulcer more of a chance to heal. A simple tool is to learn deep belly breathing. Here is how to deep belly breathe: Place your hands on your belly just below your navel. Breathe into your belly and imagine there is a big balloon under your hands, inflating as you inhale. Breathe out and as you do so, gently press all the air out of your tummy with your hands. Repeat these steps until you feel yourself becoming calmer.
Exercise. Regular exercise helps to burn off excess stress and promotes deeper, more relaxing sleep.
Eat a nutritious diet. Our health, including our mental and emotional health depends on a good diet. Balance is key, choosing high quality and preferably organic food from each of the main food groups: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, dairy, fruits, and vegetables. Being certain to eat a large variety of colorful fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts and seeds, and especially, dark leafy green vegetables such as kale, spinach and chard all help provide the nutrients necessary for the body to achieve optimum health. Avoid coffee, alcohol, and stimulants. These can all exacerbate stress and therefore have a negative impact on an ulcer.
When you eat healthy foods, water, minerals, and wholly digested food are absorbed into the bloodstream by the small intestine’s upper aspects. Food is absorbed by crossing the lining of the intestinal wall, passing the food into the blood. When this happens, the nutrients are passed through the bloodstream to other body areas, allowing the body’s cells to use these nutrients as cellular food.
Absorption of Carbohydrates
On average, American adults eat about 0.5 pounds of carbohydrates per day. Most of the food we eat contains at least some carbohydrates. Some carbs we eat include vegetables, fruits, pasta, rice, candies, pastries, potatoes, and bread.
Some of these foods are high in starch. The starch is digested into small, simple sugars that are absorbed by the GI tract. They also contain fiber, which is not digested by the body.
Those carbohydrates that can be digested are broken down into simple sugars by amylase (in the saliva), by enzymes in the stomach, and by enzymes made by the pancreas and the small’s inner lining intestines.
There are two steps in the digestion of starches.
Eventually, all starches are broken down into glucose, which is absorbed by the small intestines. It enters the bloodstream, passes through the liver, where the liver sometimes stores it. That glucose that isn’t stored by the liver goes on to provide cellular fuel for the body. 
Table sugar is another type of carbohydrate-containing both glucose and fructose. Table sugar is digested by an enzyme in the small intestines and is eventually made into just glucose, which goes on to be absorbed by the body, being used for cellular fuel. Lactose is found in milk and is also digested into glucose for cellular energy.
Absorption of Proteins
Protein can be found in beans, eggs, and meat. It comes to the stomach as large protein molecules that need to be broken down into amino acids before the body can absorb it. These amino acids are used to repair body tissues and build new cells in the body. The beginning of glucose digestion is in the stomach, where digestive enzymes begin to break down the protein molecules.
The rest of the digestion of proteins happens in the small intestine. Many different enzymes are made from pancreatic juice and enzymes in the small intestine that turn the larger protein molecules into their component parts (amino acids) that the intestinal tract can completely absorb. The protein enters the bloodstream, where it travels from the small intestine to parts of the body that need enzymes or parts of the body that need new cells to be made.
The Absorption of Fats
Fats may be high in calories, but they provide plenty of energy for the cells of the body. Fats are dissolved into the small intestines’ contents, where they are digested by the bile coming from the liver and gallbladder.
The bile is made in the liver and provides for the breakdown of fats by acting as a natural detergent that dissolves the fat, where it is acted upon by enzymes that break up larger fat particles into fatty acids and cholesterol.
Bile acids mix with cholesterol and fatty acids in the GI tract and help these substances be absorbed by the small intestine, enter the bloodstream, and make cellular membranes.
Sometimes the fatty acids enter the bloodstream but are converted back into larger fat molecules, which are carried to the veins of the thorax, where it is used to make cell membranes or is stored in the body’s fat cells.
The Absorption Of Vitamins
The digestive tract’s hollow parts contain smooth muscle that helps the intestinal lining move so that food passes through the GI tract. This is called peristalsis and happens in the intestines, the stomach, and the esophagus.
Peristalsis helps vitamins get through the GI tract, where the small intestine usually absorbs them. Vitamins are necessary for health as they are often cofactors to the body’s enzymes or act as antioxidants, fighting oxygen free radicals that can damage cells, sometimes resulting in cancer formation.
If you’ve only been eating green peas all your life, you’ve been missing out on the best nature has to offer! Introducing the cousin of the classic green pea, the snow pea.
Now contrary to what the name indicates, this legume (as the pea family is classified) is not found solely in the snowy frozen areas of the globe, although they once might have been. Used for centuries in Chinese cuisine, a few decades ago the only places you would ever see snow peas were in Chinese restaurants or communes.
I’ve Never Seen Snow Peas, How Do I Know What I’m Looking For?
Excellent question! In fact, snow peas are distinctly different from its sometimes confused other cousin, sugar snap peas. Snow peas are typically found in brightly colored green, flat pods, with the peas themselves being small and hardly visible from outside the pod. On the other hand, sugar snap peas are contained in much larger pods, distinctly plump, with visible seeds. If this is your first time picking up some from your local market, go for the pods that are no longer than about 3 inches, and appear clean and fresh. Do not use those with signs of aging, or that appear crackly or wilted.
Why Should You Care About Consuming Snow Peas?
The nutritional profile of the snow pea is phenomenal, containing tons of vitamins and minerals, while also being low-moderate in the carbohydrate department. In fact, this tiny nutritional powerhouse boasts very good levels of the following: Vitamins A, C And K– vitamins A and C are some of the most potent anti-oxidants on the planet, capable of scavenging and neutralizing harmful free radicals in our body. They also play important roles in maintaining various body processes and organ systems. Vitamin K is much rarer, in the sense that it is not widely found or consumed by the majority of the population, but yet plays an extremely important role in regulating bone metabolism as well as assisting in the blood-clotting cascade. Calcium And Magnesium– though containing smaller amounts of other minerals, snow peas contain decent amounts of these two important bone-building minerals. In addition, calcium and magnesium have demonstrated a role in maintaining neuro-muscular integrity, as well as preventing muscular disorders (cramping, spasms)
Omega Fatty Acids– snow peas contain moderate amounts of omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, although omega 6 is found widely in other foods. Omega-3, however, is critical for its many anti-inflammatory functions in the body, and is also important in maintain healthy cell structure. In addition, snow peas can be helpful in helping manage symptoms of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) as the peas are frequently consumed in pod, allowing for sufficient fiber intake. As if that wasn’t enough, you can expect to see mild improvements of your cholesterol too, since fiber classically binds bile acids and aids excretion.
Unmatched Versatility-Snow peas are an extremely versatile food, in that it can be prepared regardless of where you are or what cooking implements you have. Stuck on a deserted island? No problem! Snow peas can be eaten as-is. Chinese typically stir fry the peas, although steaming or just buttered works well too. Preparation under het just requires 2-3 minutes, enough to make them tender while still retaining maximum nutritional content.
Conclusion
Switching our classic green peas for its snowy cousin is a no-brainer. Their ease of preparation (or none at all) makes them extremely convenient for the newbie or seasoned cook. In addition, their nutritional density, low caloric burden, and loads of fiber make them a handy go to food when trying to lose weight.
Onions have a long and healthful history as they are eaten throughout the world. They are full of flavor, come in many colors and textures, and can be used in just about any dish that needs extra flavor and loads of nutrition. While onions don’t have the reputation of being a “superfood,” they are actually extremely good for you.
Onions are the 3rd most common vegetable purchased and eaten in the US. Perhaps this is because you can get onions at any supermarket and they are available throughout the year. They can be as small as just under an inch in diameter to more than 4 ½ inches in diameter. You can buy onions in several colors, including white onions, yellow onions, and red onions. Green onions are also an essential plant food for good health, as are shallots.
Nutritional Facts And Health Benefits Of Onions
A study from Cornell University found that out of the eleven varieties of onions studied, shallots and Western yellow onions were the healthiest as they contain the most phenolic and flavonoid content.
History Of Onions
No one knows the exact origins of onions. They are believed to have been initially used in ancient times in central Asia. Other research indicates that onions have their origin in West Pakistan and Iran.
The use of onions is thought to date to prehistoric times—as many as 5000 years ago. They evolved over time so that, today, onions are everywhere and they have many different varieties. There is evidence that they were used in most ancient cultures as they were easy to store and transport.
Onions Today
Today’s onions have a variety of colors, sizes, and flavors. There is an onion for just about every person’s taste. As mentioned, they can be white, red, or yellow, although most onions (87 percent) are yellow onions. White onions are rarer, representing about 5 percent of all onion colors. Leeks, green onions, and shallots can be used in a wide variety of tasty ways and dishes.
Onions Can Be Found Year-Round In Supermarkets
In the spring and summer, the skin tends to be lighter and thinner, with a high water content. Spring onions are more likely to bruise and are usually of a mild to sweet flavor. Fall onions have several layers of dark, desiccated skin. They have a longer shelf life than spring and summer onions, and often have a mild to pungent flavor. They take longer to cook than spring and summer onions.
Selecting Onions
When selecting onions, look for an onion that is firm and has very little odor. Stay away from onions that have blemishes on them, are bruised, or are disrupted in any way. Choose an onion that doesn’t show evidence of being dehydrated in its outer skin. Make sure the onion’s expiration date has not been passed.
Cutting Onions– Believe it or not, there is a right and wrong way to cut up onions. You need to first cut off the stem and peel its outer layers so you are down to the “meaty part” of the onion. Then cut the onion in half. If you are dicing onions, you need to take each onion half and make several longitudinal cuts so the onions are sliced. Then cut at a 90-degree angle to the first cuts and chop these further until you have both halves perfectly diced.
Preparing Onions– Onions can be made in several different ways. You can use them uncooked in salads, sauté them to be used along with meats, boil them for casseroles, grill them, roast them, or caramelize them. They are the perfect food as they enhance the flavor of just about any food you choose to mix them with.
Storing Onions– Make sure you store them in a dark place that is both cool and dry. The storage area should be well ventilated. Store them open to the air and avoid storing them in plastic. They survive the longest in the refrigerator but you can store them in a drawer that is dark and that allows for air movement around the onions.
If you store them in the refrigerator, use a low humidity setting so they don’t get mushy. They can be sealed in a plastic container after dicing or slicing and will last for as many as seven.
