#best foods for kidney and liver health

[helslastangel]

Your most vulnerable areas according to the signs

Disclaimer: These are based on personal observations and may not resonate for everyone with these placements. If it doesn’t apply, let it fly 🪽

Aries - Head, Face, Eyes, Brain, Muscular System

If you have significant Aries placements, you may be prone to migraines and headaches. If you play sports or work a highly active/physical job, be careful not to strain your muscles unnecessarily - learn the correct ways to lift and throw objects and maneuver your body. You're passionate and need lots of stimulation, but take time to rest and enjoy some quiet moment so that your eyes and mind get a break.

Taurus - Neck, Throat, Vocal Cords, Thyroid, Metabolic System

If you have significant Taurus placements, you may be prone to frequent colds, sore throat and earache. If you're a singer or heavily rely on your voice for your work, you'll want to take extra care to not damage your vocal cords, even accidentally. You may find that weight comes easily to you for seemingly no reason - have your thyroid checked regularly for signs of under-activity.

Gemini - Arms, Shoulders, Hands, Lungs, Nerves, Nervous System

If you have significant Gemini placements, you may be prone to coughs, colds, sinus issues and respiratory discomfort in general. Remembering to get enough fresh air and avoiding habits like smoking are probably in your best interest. You can also struggle with anxiety and fatigue from nervous exhaustion. Meditation and yoga can help tremendously in these areas.

Cancer - Chest, Breasts, Stomach, Uterus, Diaphragm, Upper Alimentary System

If you have significant Cancer placements, you may be prone to chest pains and digestive issues. Whether the pain is caused by stress, anxiety, poor breathing, or even having heavier breasts, you'll want to identify the root cause and take steps to resolve it before so it doesn't lead to depression. Therapy, meditation, improving your posture or investing in properly supportive garments can help in this regard.

Leo - Chest, Upper Back, Heart, Spine, Cardiac System

If you have significant Leo placements, you may be prone to heartbeat irregularities and high blood pressure. If there is any lesson you must learn from the king of the jungle, it is how to take time to relax. Be mindful of your energy levels and practice keeping calm even in the most infuriating situations. Eat heart-healthy foods and don't be afraid to walk away from people and places that trigger you to roar.

Virgo - Abdomen, Intestines, Lower Liver, Alimentary Canal, Spleen

If you have significant Virgo placements, you may be prone to weight problems (under or over) and stomach/bowel issues. You carry most of your stress in your midsection and have ongoing issues with your appetite and tolerance for food. Either you don't get enough due to stress and food aversions/complications, or you indulge too much in an attempt to relieve your anxiety. You're highly observant and don't miss too many details, so you're in a good position to listen to your body and find a routine that suits your mood and lifestyle.

Libra - Lower Back, Skin, Kidneys, Bladder, Ovaries, Blood

If you have significant Libra placements, you may deal with sensitive skin and also digestive issues. If you like to eat a lot of rich foods, you may need to cut back. Go easy on your stomach. It's okay to have the things you like but do so in moderation so you don't end up feeling constipated or having other bowel issues. Take a little extra time to moisturize your skin and drink a lot of water.

Scorpio - Genitals, Groin, Colon, Sex Organs, Gall Bladder, Rectum, Urogenital System

If you have significant Scorpio placements, you must absolutely take care of your sexual and hormonal health, otherwise you could experience more issues with your libido than others. Nothing wrong with being celibate or abstinent, but if your reasons are because you simply cannot get in the mood, you should get things checked out. And of course, if you have the opposite situation, stay safe and avoid STDs like the plague. Everyone should, but you can have an especially bad or treatment-resistant reaction.

Sagittarius - Hips, Thighs, Sciatic Nerves, Lower Spine, Liver, Autonomic Nervous System

If you have significant Sagittarius placements, you may be prone to falls And injuries that impair your ability to walk. If you have nerve issues or eyesight problems, you want to especially be careful to avoid accidents. As you may experience worse or consequences than some others. Even if you don't experience any major injury, you may notice that you have an unusual walk/gait, or others may point this out to you. Take care to maintain good posture and avoid reckless behavior/dangerous situations.

Capricorn - Skin, Hair, Knees, Bones, Teeth, Joints, Skeletal System

If you have significant Capricorn placements, You may be prone to broken bones or have already experienced this. You're not necessarily a weak person. Rather, you may have strong enough bones, but are just likely to break them if you're not careful about exerting too much force and not paying enough attention during physical activities. The main advice for you is to simply be careful and look before you leap. Literally. I have Capricorn moon and broke a finger playing volleyball and a toe playing soccer. I know two Capricorn suns who broke their arms from doing parkour. My 5H Capricorn BFF broke their wrist from skateboarding. You've been warned. On the bright side, you likely have strong, distinctive, or good looking teeth, maybe even both.

Aquarius - Lower Legs, Calves, Ankles, Circulatory System, Elimination

If you have significant Aquarius placements, you are either smooth in your movements, or you are clumsy and prone to stumbling and running into things. You may also have issues with the circulation in your legs, or have weaker ankles that don't support you very well when walking or standing still for long periods. This may not be something you can do much about through at-home remedies, but if you experience things like varicose veins or discomfort in your legs, have a doctor refer you to a specialist who can recommend corrective shoes or other treatment options.

Pisces - Feet, Toes, Body Fluids, Lymphatic System

If you have significant Pisces placements, I hate to tell you this, but you Are likely to have a weaker immune system than most. You are prone To worrying, or at least overthinking, quite a bit, which doesn't Help matters in the slightest. On a less serious, but no less irritating note. You may also deal with several food issues, including bunions, plantar fasciitis and fungal infections. All of my Pisces sun friends have complained to me about getting athlete's foot from walking around change rooms without slippers, or being unable to wear shoes they liked because of a bunion. But on the bright side, you folks usually have nice feet. Even the men. And I am not a foot person at ALL, so that's saying something coming from me.

𓆩♡𓆪

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[scientia-rex]

Because my most popular post is about weight loss and how it's a crock, I get a lot of questions about various things, including bariatric surgery--just posted the link to the post I did about that--but also Ozempic/Wegovy, the once-weekly injectable semaglutide medication that was developed for diabetes but was found to have independent benefits on weight loss.

I always said that weight loss was like Viagra: when a medication came along that actually worked, it would explode. We'd all hear about it. Fen-phen in the 90s worked, but it was bad for your heart. Stimulants, like meth, may cause weight loss, but they do it at the cost of heart health, and raise your likelihood of dying young. Over the counter weight loss supplements often contain illegal and unlisted thyroid hormone, which is also dangerous for the heart if taken in the absence of a real deficiency. Orlistat, or "Alli," works the same way as the Olestra chips Lays made in the 1990s--it shuts off your ability to digest fats, and the problem with that is that fats irritate the gut, so then you end up with fatty diarrhea and probably sharts. Plus Alli only leads to 8-10lbs of weight loss in the best case scenario, and most people are not willing to endure sharts for the sake of 8lbs.

And then came the GLP-1 agonists. GLP stands for glucagon-like peptide. Your body uses insulin to make cells uptake sugar. You can't just have free-floating sugar and use it, it has to go into the cells to be used. So if your body sucks at moving sugar into the cells, you end up with a bunch of glucose hanging out in places where it shouldn't be, depositing on small vessels, damaging nerves and your retinas and kidneys and everywhere else that has a whole lot of sensitive small blood vessels, like your brain.

Glucagon makes your liver break down stored sugars and release them. You can think of it as part of insulin's supporting cast. If your body needs sugar and you aren't eating it, you aren't going to die of hypoglycemia, unless you've got some rare genetic conditions--your liver is going to go, whoops, here you go! and cough it up.

But glucagon-like peptide doesn't act quite the same way. What glucagon-like peptide does is actually stimulating your body to release insulin. It inhibits glucagon secretion. It says, we're okay, we're full, we just ate, we don't need more glucagon right now.

This has been enough for many people to both improve blood sugar and cause weight loss. Some patients find they think about food less, which can be a blessing if you have an abnormally active hunger drive, or if you have or had an eating disorder.

However, every patient I've started on semaglutide in any form (Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus) has had nausea to start with, probably because it slows the rate of stomach emptying. And that nausea sometimes improves, and sometimes it doesn't. There's some reports out now of possible gastroparesis associated with it, which is where the stomach just stops contracting in a way that lets it empty normally into the small intestine. That may not sound like a big deal, but it's a lifelong ticket to abdominal pain and nausea and vomiting, and we are not good at treating it. We're talking Reglan, a sedating anti-nausea but pro-motility agent, which makes many of my patients too sleepy to function, or a gastric pacemaker, which is a relatively new surgery. You can also try a macrolide antibiotic, like erythromycin, but I have had almost no success in getting insurance to cover those and also they have their own significant side effects.

Rapid weight loss from any cause, whether illness, medication, or surgery, comes with problems. Your skin is not able to contract quickly. It probably will, over long periods of time, but "Ozempic face" and "Ozempic butt" are not what people who want to lose weight are looking for. Your vision of your ideal body does not include loose, excess skin.

The data are also pretty clear that you can't "kick start" weight loss with Ozempic and then maintain it with behavioral mechanisms. If you want to maintain the weight loss, you need to stay on the medication. A dose that is high enough to cause weight loss is significantly higher than the minimum dose where we see improvements in blood sugar, and with a higher dose comes higher risk of side effects.

I would wait on semaglutide. I would wait because it's been out for a couple of years now but with the current explosion in popularity we're going to see more nuanced data on side effects emerging. When you go from Phase III human trials to actual use in the world, you get thousands or millions more data points, and rare side effects that weren't seen in the small human trials become apparent. It's why I always say my favorite things for a drug to be are old, safe, and cheap.

I also suspect the oral form, Rybelsus, is going to get more popular and be refined in some way. It's currently prohibitively expensive--all of these are; we're talking 1200 or so bucks a month before insurance, and insurance coverage varies widely. I have patients who pay anything from zero to thirty to three hundred bucks a month for injectable semaglutide. I don't think I currently have anyone whose insurance covers Rybelsus who could also tolerate the nausea. My panel right now is about a thousand patients.

There are also other GLP-1 agonists. Victoza, a twice-daily injection, and Trulicity, and anything else that ends in "-aglutide". But those aren't as popular, despite being cheaper, and they aren't specifically approved for weight loss.

Mounjaro is a newer one, tirzepatide, that acts on two receptors rather than one. In addition to stimulating GLP-1 receptors, it also stimulates glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors. It may work better; I'm not sure whether that's going to come with a concomitantly increased risk of side effects. It's still only approved for diabetes treatment, but I suspect that will change soon and I suspect we'll see a lot of cross-over in terms of using it to treat obesity.

I don't think these medications are going away. I also don't think they're right for everyone. They can reactivate medullary thyroid carcinoma; they can fuck up digestion; they may lead to decreased quality of life. So while there may be people who do well with them, it is okay if those people are not you. You do not owe being thin to anyone. You most certainly do not owe being thin to the extent that you should risk your health for it. Being thin makes navigating a deeply fat-hating world easier, in many ways, so I never blame anyone for wanting to be thin; I just want to emphasize that it is okay if you stay fat forever.

[theblackdahliaemporium]

Medicinal Remedies

Medicinal Remedies-- This is a LONG one!

NOTE: This article is about 20 of my favorite medicinal healing herbs to grow in most garden areas and types of soil. There are 100’s more, though, that I just couldn’t include because of space. Enjoy this rundown of 20 of my favorites.

1) Calendula:

Calendula is one of my top five favorite herbs of all time. It's sunny yellow or orange face can't help but make me smile. In summer time, it grows like crazy, just about anywhere, and like other flowers, the bees love it.

Calendula has some super skin healing and strengthening properties, and I always have some infusing in olive oil in a sunny window for use in salves, soaps, and other body products.

Calendula is also edible, and it's so fun to toss some blooms in your salad! It really brightens things up and adds excellent color. I love Calendula.

Calendula just makes you smile.

2) Cayenne:

Here is another herb I think should be in every garden. Cayenne is a very hot and pretty red pepper with some excellent culinary uses for adding spice to foods.

It's also great for helping with circulatory problems, can be used to help stop bleeding since it's a hemostatic herb, and has been shown to be useful in helping slow or even stop a heart attack until help can arrive.

It's also a very attractive plant, and the bright red of the pepper is just gorgeous mixed Into the dark green of the plant's leaves. This is one herb you should definitely grow if you can, and have handy in your herbal medicine chest.

Cayenne grows like crazy, especially in warmer climates. They dry well, too.

3) Chamomile:

Like Lavender, what would an herbal garden be without sweet Chamomile? It's honey scent and sweet taste are an absolute pleasure. Besides that....Chamomile is a popular relaxant and mild sedative herb.

Need to de-stress? Drink a bit of Chamomile tea!

Chamomile is also useful as an anti-inflammatory, as it contains high levels of azulene. It helps with pain relief, including for arthritis. If you are heading to bed and are bothered by mild pain, try drinking some chamomile tea! In one clinical study, this helped 10 out of 12 people fall into a restful sleep. (Gladstar)

Growing Chamomile can be tricky in very hot climates. It likes full sun, but a cooler climate. Chamomile is also best grown in less maintained soil and doesn't need the rich fertilization other plants require.

4) Chickweed:

Chickweed is another one of those "weeds" that is completely misunderstood and has some excellent medicinal qualities.

It's Latin name, (stellaria) means "star," and that is because of its small, pretty starlike white flowers. It's easy to grow, and has many uses.

Chickweed supports liver and kidney health due to its high nutrition and diuretic properties. It's also wonderful in salves for healing skin issues, including rashes, eczema, and very dry skin.

Chickweed is a great diuretic and blood purifier.

5) Dandelion:

This prolific weed, as some people see when they notice Dandelion in their yard, is actually a powerfully helpful medicinal herb! Dandelion is terrific for your liver and kidney health, having diuretic properties.

It's also an edible plant! You can roast the roots and add it to teas and even your coffee for a delicious flavor that also packs a healthy punch. The leaves can be eaten in salads and other foods.

6) Feverfew:

Feverfew has lovely white flowers and at least where I live, is rather invasive. I don't mind, though, because it has a great number of medicinal benefits.

As its name connotes, feverfew is helpful with reducing fevers. Most recently, however, feverfew has become rather well-known for helping with migraines, both preventing and reducing the intensity and time.

One of my favorite teas to provide for people who suffer from migraines is: 1 part feverfew, 1 part spearmint, and 1 part lemon balm. This is a soothing, nervine combination, that along with the powers of feverfew, can be used as daily tonic.

Feverfew is also great for minor bug bites. Just apply the tincture topically. Since it has mild pain relieving properties, it will help with the discomfort too.

7) Garlic:

Garlic is one of the BEST all around medicinal herbs anyone can grow, in my opinion. It's useful for treating colds, flus, sore throats, and digestive issues. Garlic boosts the immune system by increasing and stimulating the production of white blood cells.

Garlic is antiseptic, anti-bacterial, and vermifuge (kills parasites). It is also useful as a blood purifier and helps promote healthy circulation. It may also help regulate blood sugar levels in those with type 2 diabetes.

Besides all these wonderful benefits, garlic is delicious! It's added to so many foods and dishes because of the flavor it imparts. Granted, using garlic medicinally is different than in culinary uses, but if you really want to "eat thy medicine," as Hippocrates famously stated, garlic is a great place to start.

8) Ginger:

Oh, what would the herb world be without Ginger? This sweet and spicy pungent herb is actually a rhizome, not a root, as many believe. The useful part grows under ground, so is often confused.

Ginger is stimulating and is a great additive for teas, tinctures, and fermented foods, as well as culinary uses. Ginger is anti-inflammatory, decongesting, and increases circulation, promoting warmth. Ginger is also excellent for flatulence and stomach issues, including nausea.

Ginger likes a tropical environment---hot and humid. Therefore, unless you live down South, Ginger would most likely need to be grown in a green house.

9) Lavender:

What would the herbal world be without lavender? It's good for SO many things. Lavender smells wonderful, the bees love it, it's great for medicinal uses, AND it's a gorgeous flower. Lavender is useful for air freshening and cleaning the air or freshening closed up places such as drawers. It's popular in sachets for this reason.

Lavender is actually relatively hardy, growing well in Zones 5 through 8. If you are in a colder zone, be sure to plant your lavender in an area where it will get plenty of sunshine and be as warm as possible. If your winters are rough, you'll need to provide your lavender with some type of protection, especially from harsh winds.

I had some planted in pots here in the mountains, and it did very well all summer long. Even through snows, it was fine. But we get wind speeds over 125 miles an hour at times, and lavender just didn't last through that. Not much will, I guess.

Lavender is useful for so many things---AND it smells incredible.

10) Lemon Balm:

Lemon Balm....I LOVE this species of mint. It smells lovely, the bees love it, and it grows well nearly everywhere. Lemon Balm has a pleasant lemony taste and is a great additive in herbal teas, both for the nutritive value as well as the soothing nature and relaxing effects it has on the body.

11) Marshmallow:

This probably isn't included in too many herbalist's garden lists, but I think Marshmallow is seriously necessary. It's a demulcent and soothing herb, and it complements "hotter" herbs very well. It also soothes inflammation in mucous membranes and is one of my favorite herbs to use for allergy blends or teas for any kind of inflammation in the body for this reason.

Marshmallow is an upright plant, similar to a very small hollyhock. In fact, if you can grow hollyhocks where you are---you can use it pretty much interchangeably with Marshmallow as their chemical constituents are very similar.

The flowers are light pink and very pretty, too. The entire plant is edible and useful for medicinal purposes. Go ahead and throw a few flowers into your salad for a beautiful and surprising presentation!

Marshmallow is a demulcent anti-inflammatory. Plus, it's pretty.

12) Mullein:

This is yet another plant many see as just a weed, but has some truly wonderful medicinal qualities. Mullein is a plant that grows from a rosette of fuzzy large leaves into a tall stalk (sometimes as high as 7 feet tall) and is covered with yellow flowers in mid-summer.

Mullein does best in full sun, with lots of water, in cooler areas. It grows really well in the creek beds up here in our mountains, but I've heard it is very common in almost all places. It's worth trying to cultivate, in my opinion, if you don't have it growing naturally in your area.

Mullein is one of the best herbs you can use to support and heal the respiratory system and illnesses that affect the lungs, sinuses, and breathing. It's useful as a tea, tincture, and the large leaves can be used in an emergency to cover a poultice.

In my opinion, Mullein is the premier herb for respiratory issues.

13) Oregano

Oregano seems to be the bane of many gardener's existence. They plant it, and it just goes crazy. I can't tell you how many neighbors, family members, and friends have given me Oregano from their yards over the years! And I'm glad to have it! The thing with Oregano is you have to know how to manage it.

Oregano is a fabulous culinary herb, and if you have ever had pizza or marinara sauce, then you've tasted this delicious Mediterranean herb. Oregano grows best in warm, dry climates, but I have found in my experience that it is quite hardy and can survive winter lows in the single digits (at least it does in my yard).

Oregano (also known as Mountain of Joy in Greek) has some excellent medicinal uses, including having anti-viral, anti-biotic, anti-fungal properties, as well as being very high in anti-oxidants. It's a great skin care herb and also a digestive aid.

Oregano can be used in many forms, too: As a tincture, an herbal infused oil, eaten in foods, and as an essential oil. These all have different strengths, potencies, and uses.

The tincture is an easy way to use the herb medicinally, along with making or using in an herbal tea.

14) Peppermint:

Super easy to grow just about anywhere, Peppermint is a spreading perennial that has the propensity to take over your garden if you allow it! It's spicy, pungent scent is well known to just about everyone, since it's a popular culinary additive in many foods and candies.

Medicinally, Peppermint is useful for aiding digestion and getting rid of flatulence (gas). It has mild anti-spasmodic properties, so if you are experiencing cramps, especially digestive types or menstrual cramps, it can be very helpful.

15) Plantain:

Here is another weed that many people find repugnant, but that is actually an incredibly useful medicinal herb!

According to Rosemary Gladstar, Plantain grows everywhere, and if you invite it in, it will definitely show up.

Plantain is great for liver health, detoxifying and cleansing the blood, and drawing out toxins. I like to infuse it in oil for use in healing salves.

Like Dandelion, this easy to find weed is edible and useful.

16) Rosemary:

Rosemary is a famous culinary herb, and is great for use on red meats and very pungent dishes. Besides this, rosemary has been proven to be helpful for the brain, especially memory functions.

It's high in anti-oxidants, and has mild analgesic (pain relief) properties. Rosemary is a stimulant herb, and is helpful with circulation and low blood pressure. People with high blood pressure need to exercise caution using rosemary medicinally.

Rosemary grows best in hot, dry climates and is native to the Southern European countries.

Besides being a pungent and delicious culinary herb, rosemary provides medicinal qualities and enhances memory.

17) St. John's Wort:

St. John's Wort is a misunderstood plant, in my opinion. It went through a popular phase a few years ago and was touted as being the new natural anti-depressant. St. John's Wort can absolutely help with feelings of mild depression, sadness, grief, and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), but it's not a cure-all.

Important to know---St. John's Wort can interact with certain drugs, so be sure you discuss usage with your doctor (as you should with any of these herbs mentioned).

St. John's Wort is also great for neuralgia, and I personally use it as part of my back pain and sciatica regimen with excellent results. I also use it in a tincture form to lift my spirits if I'm feeling down.

Besides all the medicinal qualities of St. John's Wort, it's a really pretty plant. You won't be able to grow it in a super hot area, however, at least it's unlikely. I tried growing it in Las Vegas, and it was a total fail. However, it does well here in the mountains in full sun or partial shade and the cooler climate.

One of my favorite ways to prepare St. John's Wort is as an herbal infused oil. The medicinal species (H. perforatum) releases bright red juices into the oil, creating the most lovely infused oil.

Another safety note for the garden: St. John's Wort has been shown to have potential for phototoxicity, especially in grazing animals if they eat too much. Just be aware and watch what your pastured animals eat.

St. John's Wort is a wonderful healing herb that positively affects the emotions.

18) Thyme:

Thyme, in my opinion, is one of the best plants to use in your garden. It attracts bees, smells lovely, and is incredibly useful for medicinal purposes. It's a small, spreading herb (although some species will grow upright) that is fairly hardy, so if you have rough winters, it may do just fine---you'll be seeing it again in the Spring, with it's pretty scented purple flowers.

Many herbalists forget all about using thyme as a preventative medicinal herb or for helping heal quickly from colds and flus---but it has been shown to fight off colds.

It also has disinfectant properties, and can be used as an effective wash for skin infections or as great sore throat rinse. For medicinal purposes, Thymus vulgaris or Thymus citriodorus (Lemon Thyme) are the best to use.

19) Valerian:

This stately flowering plant can grow to about four feet tall and has lacy white flower clusters. Not only is it a lovely addition to your garden, but it is very useful. It's a strong but safe sedative and is very useful for helping with anxious feelings, sleep issues, and pain relief.

Contraindications: Valerian has the opposite effect on some people, so if you are using it for the first time, do so on a the eve of a day that won't affect you much. These folks are rare, but there are definitely some that don't tolerate it well.

One of nature's best gifts---Valerian is lovely and it is an excellent safe sedative.

20) Yarrow:

Yarrow has many tiny flowers that grow in bunches, and feathery grayish leaves. It's a very pretty plant for your garden. Besides, the parts that grow above ground (leaves, stems, flowers) have medicinal purposes and have been used for thousands of years.

Yarrow is a vulnerary, hemostatic herb. Besides helping with healing and clotting of wounds, yarrow is good for helping reduce fevers, hay fever, and fighting colds. As a fever reducer, it is important to note that yarrow induces sweating, so if the person already has a hot fever, yarrow is probably not the best choice to use.

Article: healing harvest homestead Picture: Nikolaydonetsk – photodune . net

[madamlaydebug]

The word “fasting” is defined as abstaining from food, sometimes as a religious discipline. Many religions practice fasting as a way of demonstrating faith and spiritual reflection.

Some people fast as a way to lose weight or to cleanse the body of toxins. Fasting is used in many different ways for weight loss depending on the diet. Some diets involve eating only whole foods while others restrict food all together. Each fasting diet has its own restrictions on liquids too.

Benefits

Fasting is great for a myriad of reasons especially health and spiritual reasons. Fasting gives the stomach a much needed time to rest, at least for the modest and health-conscious eater (raw foodist, vegan-vegetarian); but for the average over-eater of the Standard American Diet, fasting does not give the stomach time to rest but allows it to attempt to digest all the undigested food that it is holding.

Fasting allows the colon or intestinal tract to dump or release much of the stored waste, helping to prevent colon and rectal cancers. When we fast, it allows for the colon to shrink back into shape. When the colon shrinks back into shape, one of the results is a suppressed appetite.

But the more we eat unhealthy foods, the more our bodies crave it in attempt to get nutrition. We should eat for nutritional purposes but most of us eat for eye or sight appeal, smell, and taste appeal. Taste, sight and smell are not the criterion for what is healthy.

Fasting is also a great way to cleanse the eliminative channels of the body (colon, liver, lungs and kidneys).

It is an excellent way to cleanse the blood and lymphatic fluids. The toxins and pollutants in the bloodstream travel to the brain via the Jugular vein in the neck and because the blood can penetrate the blood-brain barrier, toxins and pollutants also enter the brain and negatively affect it. The brain actually becomes use to the polluted blood in the body and when you fast and the blood starts to thin, the brain responds due to its addiction to or habit of receiving polluted blood.

Basically, when the blood starts thinning and cleansing, the poisons, pollutants and toxins are being released via the filtering organs and to the body it feels like withdrawal and that’s why some people experience headaches while fasting.

Anti-Aging

Fasting helps begin the healing and anti-aging process. Fasting helps to improve the skin by cleansing the blood.

Fasting is very beneficial in warding off negative things and acts because if fasting compels you to abstain from that which is beneficial, good, and required, it makes it that much easier to abstain from that which is no good or detrimental, to the mind, body and soul.

Fasting is one of the ways we can detoxify and cleanse our bodies.

Juice Feasting

Juice feasting is when a person fasts or abstains from solid food and consumes vegetable and/or fruit juice (in addition to water).

Juice feasting, though not a fast, is beneficial when you consider the beneficial properties of fruits and vegetables. Fruits are very cleansing and vegetables are very building due to their high nutritional/mineral content.

Juice feasting can and will greatly help the body cleanse, rebuild and heal.

If hunger is a problem while fasting, juice feasting can be ideal alternative for you. It gives your body much needed energy from the electrical components contained in fruits and vegetables. The natural sugar in fruits will also give the body a boost as fruit sugar (fructose) converts into secondary natural fuel for the body.

Water

The best or ideal waters to drink during a fast are distilled water and alkaline water. Distilled water is great for fasting purposes because distilled water removes heavy metal toxins from the body. Distilled water is basically boiled water. Consumption of distilled is an important function while fasting because heavy metal buildup may lead to heavy metal poisoning, impairing human health.

Alkaline water is processed water, usually charged with electrolytes (alkaline minerals). Whereas distilled water will draw out heavy metal toxins from the body by attraction, alkaline water will cause the tissues to dump off toxins and if the alkaline water is also microclustered, it will also cause the cells to dump off toxins.

Microclustered water is water that has been electrically processed allowing it to break down water molecules and make the water more penetrable so molecules can penetrate the cells and not only hydrate the body, but stimulate cleansing on a cellular level. Nature automatically microclusters water with waterfalls. The water hitting hard against rocks automatically breaks down the water molecules making them smaller and thus more penetrable through the cells of the body.

Crystal water is excellent during a fast. The best crystals to add to your drinking water during a fast are:

Clear Quartz: increases and enhances energy and the body’s energy fieldBloodstone: purifies and heals bloodMalachite (tumbled): Cleanses the blood and the liver; heals female organsBlue Jasper: sustains energy while fasting; heals degenerative diseasesMuscovite: prevents hunger while fastingAmethyst: enhances and heightens spiritual awareness; cleanses the bloodRose Quartz: amplifies the love frequency; fine tunes the heart chakraHerkimer Quartz: protects against radiation poisoningRutilated Quartz: absorbs mercury poisoning; prevents psychic attackBlack Tourmaline: prevents psychic attacks; repels negative energy

Taking elixirs are very ideal when fasting because elixirs are water imbued with crystal properties, which facilitates meditation, angelic contact, spiritual awareness, and energy healing on the subtle body level.

How to Fast

You should only be fasting when you have the time to properly fast, like on weekends and holidays or during your job-given vacation. Hard work should be avoided when fasting. During a fast, the body usually becomes weak or faint before energy levels increase and you feel more energetic.

Fasting and detoxifying (with herbs) are great ways to increase and enhance energy levels in the body.

If you decide to drink tea, herbal tea, while fasting (as many people do) drink a tea that contains natural caffeine (bio-active caffeine). Herbs that naturally contain caffeine include:

Green TeaBlack TeaKola NutGuarana, andYerba Mate

Herbs that can provide much needed energy are:

GinsengEphedraCodonopsisMaca MacaSumaGingko BilobaGotu Kola

If you are fasting to purify your mind for better memory recall, cognition, and mental clarity for the test, drink herbal tea of Holy Thistle.

If you want to enhance your cleansing effect during a fast, drink herbal teas of Burdock Root, Dandelion Root, Cleavers, Chickweed, Echinacea and/or Godenseal. Wheat and Barley Grass are also great for this.

If you want to eliminate excess mucus in the body while fasting, drink herbal teas of Mullein Leaf, Boneset, Coltsfoot, Yerba Sante, Comfrey Root, and/or Fenugreek.

If you are a female and want to cleanse your reproductive organs during fasting, drink herbal teas of White Oak Bark, Red Clover Leaf, Red Raspberry Leaf, Sarsaparilla, Squawvine, and/or Dong Quai.

To help eliminate calculi while fasting, drink herbal tea of Chanca Piedra, the best natural herb to naturally break or bust up stones or calculi and remove them from the body. Chanca Piedra is a powerful Rainforest herb whose name means to break stone.

Deep tissue massage is an ideal massage to get while detoxifying. This particular massage’s deep penetrating strokes greatly helps to cleanse the tissues of the body. Lymphatic Drain massage is also an ideal massage to get while fasting as this massage helps to stimulate cleansing and movement of the lymph fluids.

Yoga and/or deep breathing are great during a fast. Deep breathing helps cleanse the organs, move stagnant chi, prana or energy; and also fuels the body and mind.

Chakra balancing or alignment is a must during a fast. This procedure greatly helps to open the energy centers (vortices) and also cleanses and enhances the energy field. Ear coning is great to do as well while fasting. Ear coning helps to remove subtle blocks from the ears and also opens the energy centers (aura) of the ears. This activity along with removing wax buildup and bacteria is great for the ears while fasting as is most beneficial.

Nasal cleansing (with the use of a Neti Pot) is great while fasting. Nasal cleansing helps to open blocked respiratory passages via the nostrils of the nose and thus helps to improve breathing.

Magical Alchemical Elixirs (which contain herbs, crystals, humic and fulvic acid, essential oils and programmed intent), which help to heal and cleanse on all eight subtle body levels.

Crystal Spray Elixirs (which contain blessed water, crystal and gemstone properties, flower essences and essential oils), which facilitate cleansing of the aura (energy field). Crystal-Gemstone Elixirs (over 35 kinds), which work on a subtle body and energy level.

Ending a Fast

A fast should always be broken in the morning. This is where the term breakfast comes from. The word breakfast means to break the fast. Breakfast is in the morning because it starts the new day for us. A fast should be broken at sunrise (or sunset). However, sunrise is best as the stomach needs to rest at night.

A fast should always be broken with liquids, preferably soft, pureed fruit juice or vegetable juice. After digesting a liquid (fruit or vegetable juice), a smoothie would be ideal. After a smoothie, raw, organic fruit should be next. After raw, organic fruit, soup would be ideal. After soup, a green salad or some other raw food dish would be ideal. After salad and/or raw food dish, legumes (beans, peas, etc.) would be ideal. After legumes, soft whole grains would be ideal (but not a lot as they expand in the colon). After grains, a vegetarian enter would be ideal. If you eat meat, white meat, would be ideal (i.e. chicken, tuna/fish, turkey) to eat.

Please remember that while fasting, the stomach shrinks.

Fasting is a science, and proper knowledge is needed.

[cleverwordsandotherstuffilike]

The Mediterranean diet contains nutrients that are known to enhance longevity and has other health benefits that are backed by peer-reviewed, scientific studies. Broccoli is one of nature's most nutrient-dense foods, with only 30 calories per cup and contains fibre and polyphenols — antioxidants that detoxify cell-damaging chemicals in your bodying.

A Spanish study found a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil reduced the incidence of major cardiovascular events among patients with a history of heart disease.

Quinoa contains a good dose of protein to help build muscle. Yet including any type of whole grain in your diet — from barley to brown rice — will aid in weight loss by filling you up for fewer calories.

Blueberries is a kind of superfood because studies have shown they aid in everything from fighting cancer to lowering cholesterol. But all berries, including raspberries, strawberries and blackberries, contain antioxidants and phytonutrients.

Studies show that eating a handful of nuts several times a week can prevent heart disease and ultimately help you shed pounds since they fill you up and stop you from snacking on other things. Almonds, in particular, contain lots of monounsaturated fats and fibre.

Salmon is also a good source of lean protein. With this diet, doctors suggest eating fish at least two times a week. Salmon provides a high dose of omega-3 fatty acids, which studies show significantly lower the risk of heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acids fight back by reducing inflammation and slowing the rate of plaque buildup in blood vessels.

Black, kidney, white and garbanzo beans (also known as chickpeas) are good for fibre and protein. They fill you up and provide muscle-building material without any of the fat that meat can add to your meal.

Eating a breakfast high in protein is a good way to keep hunger at bay throughout the day. Eggs are full of choline, a nutrient that helps block fat from being absorbed in the liver. Choline may also help in preventing memory loss.

Spinach is a great source of iron, which is a key component in red blood cells that fuel our muscles with oxygen for energy. But researchers in Sweden identified another way in which these greens might keep you charged: Compounds found in spinach actually increase the efficiency of our mitochondria, the energy-producing factories inside our cells.

Walnuts are packed with tryptophan, an amino acid your body needs to create serotonin. They're digested slowly which contributes to mood stability and can help you tolerate stress.

Asparagus is one of the best sources of folate, a B vitamin that could help keep you out of a mental slump. Folate is important for the synthesis of the neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine; all of these are crucial for mood.

[petfurri]

What You Should Know Before Giving Pepcid to Your Dog

Pepcid (Famotidine) is a widely used medication for managing digestive issues in dogs, such as acid reflux, gastritis, and stomach ulcers. While it can be highly effective, it's important to understand its use, potential benefits, and risks before administering it to your pet. Here’s what you need to know before giving Pepcid to your dog.

Understanding Pepcid and Its Uses

Pepcid is an H2 receptor antagonist that works by blocking histamine receptors in the stomach. This action reduces the production of stomach acid, which can alleviate symptoms associated with excessive acid. Common conditions treated with Pepcid in dogs include:

Acid Reflux: A condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing discomfort and nausea.

Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining, which can lead to vomiting and stomach pain.

Stomach Ulcers: Sores on the stomach lining caused by excessive acid, which can cause pain and nausea.

By lowering stomach acid, Pepcid helps to soothe the stomach lining, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.

Before You Give Pepcid to Your Dog

1. Consult Your Veterinarian

Always consult with your veterinarian before starting Pepcid. Your vet will determine if Pepcid is appropriate for your dog’s condition and prescribe the correct dosage. They will consider your dog’s medical history, weight, and overall health to ensure the medication is safe and effective.

2. Understand the Correct Dosage

Pepcid dosage for dogs typically ranges from 0.25 to 0.5 mg per pound of body weight, given once or twice daily. The specific dosage and frequency will depend on your dog's size and the severity of their condition. Follow your vet’s instructions carefully to avoid potential side effects or ineffectiveness.

3. Know the Potential Side Effects

While Pepcid is generally safe for dogs, there can be side effects. Common side effects include:

Digestive Upset: Diarrhea or constipation may occur in some dogs.

Loss of Appetite: Some dogs may experience a decreased appetite while on Pepcid.

Serious side effects are rare but can include:

Allergic Reactions: Symptoms like swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing require immediate veterinary attention.

Kidney or Liver Issues: Dogs with pre-existing conditions affecting the kidneys or liver may require a different dosage or alternative treatment.

4. Be Aware of Drug Interactions

Pepcid can interact with other medications. Inform your veterinarian of any other drugs or supplements your dog is taking to prevent adverse interactions. This includes over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, and herbal supplements.

5. Use the Correct Form of Pepcid

Pepcid is available in various forms, such as tablets, chewables, and liquid. Choose the form that is easiest for your dog to take. If you have human Pepcid on hand, ensure it is suitable for pets, or use the pet-specific formulation recommended by your veterinarian.

6. Administer Pepcid Correctly

For best results, Pepcid should be given on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before your dog’s meals. This allows the medication to work more effectively by reducing stomach acid before food enters the digestive system.

Monitoring Your Dog While on Pepcid

1. Observe for Improvement

After starting Pepcid, monitor your dog for improvements in their symptoms. You should see a reduction in vomiting, nausea, and discomfort. If symptoms persist or worsen, contact your veterinarian.

2. Watch for Side Effects

Keep an eye out for any adverse reactions or side effects. Mild digestive issues are common, but if you notice more serious symptoms such as severe lethargy, significant changes in appetite, or signs of an allergic reaction, seek veterinary advice promptly.

3. Follow Up with Your Veterinarian

Regular follow-up appointments with your vet are important to assess your dog’s response to the medication and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. This helps ensure that Pepcid is effectively managing your dog’s condition and that there are no complications.

Alternatives to Pepcid

If Pepcid is not suitable for your dog or if it doesn’t effectively address their symptoms, there are alternative treatments available:

Omeprazole: Another medication that reduces stomach acid, often used when Pepcid is not sufficient.

Sucralfate: Coats the stomach lining and protects it from acid, promoting healing of ulcers and gastritis.

Metoclopramide: Helps control vomiting and improve stomach motility.

Your veterinarian can help determine if one of these alternatives might be a better option for your dog.

Conclusion

Pepcid can be an effective solution for managing digestive discomfort in dogs when used correctly. Before giving Pepcid, consult with your veterinarian to ensure it’s the right choice for your pet’s condition. Follow the prescribed dosage and administration instructions, and monitor your dog for any side effects or changes in their condition. With proper use and veterinary guidance, Pepcid can provide relief from digestive issues and improve your dog’s quality of life. click here to read more

https://puppadogs.com/pepcid-for-dogs-benefits-dosage-side-effects

[puppyexpressions]

First-Year Puppy Vaccinations

When you bring that fuzzy ball of puppy energy into your home, you know right away that your new puppy depends on you for, well, everything. It’s up to you to give your new puppy all the care they need every day. It can be a little intimidating — your puppy needs the best puppy food, plenty of attention, puppy training, puppy-safe toys, puppy socialization, a comfortable place to sleep, and proper veterinary care. And that includes making sure to schedule puppy shots throughout your puppy’s first year.

Which Shots Do Puppies Need?

Going to the vet over several months for a series of puppy vaccinations—and then for boosters or titers throughout your dog’s life—may seem inconvenient, but the diseases that vaccinations will shield our puppies and dogs from are dangerous, potentially deadly, and, thankfully, mostly preventable.

We read about so many different dog vaccinations, for so many different illnesses, that it can sometimes be confusing to know which vaccinations puppies need and which puppy shots are important but optional. Here is an overview of the diseases that puppy vaccinations will help your pet avoid.

Bordetella Bronchiseptica

This highly infectious bacterium causes severe fits of coughing, whooping, vomiting, and, in rare cases, seizures and death. It is the primary cause of kennel cough. There are injectable and nasal spray vaccines available.

If you plan on boarding your puppy in the future, attending group training classes, or using dog daycare services, often proof of this vaccination will usually be required.

Canine Distemper

A severe and contagious disease caused by a virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal (GI), and nervous systems of dogs, raccoons, skunks, and other animals, distemper spreads through airborne exposure (through sneezing or coughing) from an infected animal. The virus can also be transmitted by shared food and water bowls and equipment. It causes discharges from the eyes and nose, fever, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, twitching, paralysis, and, often, death. This disease used to be known as “hard pad” because it causes the footpad to thicken and harden.

There is no cure for distemper. Treatment consists of supportive care and efforts to prevent secondary infections, control symptoms of vomiting, seizures and more. If the animal survives the symptoms, it is hoped that the dog’s immune system will have a chance to fight it off. Infected dogs can shed the virus for months.

Canine Hepatitis

Infectious canine hepatitis is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the liver, kidneys, spleen, lungs, and the eyes of the affected dog. This disease of the liver is caused by a virus that is unrelated to the human form of hepatitis. Symptoms range from a slight fever and congestion of the mucous membranes to vomiting, jaundice, stomach enlargement, and pain around the liver. Many dogs can overcome the mild form of the disease, but the severe form can kill. There is no cure, but doctors can treat the symptoms.

Canine Parainfluenza

This is one of several viruses that can contribute to kennel cough.

Coronavirus

The canine coronavirus is not the same virus that causes COVID-19 in people. COVID-19 is not thought to be a health threat to dogs, and there is no evidence it makes dogs sick. Canine coronavirus usually affects dogs’ gastrointestinal systems, though it can also cause respiratory infections. Signs include most GI symptoms, including loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Doctors can keep a dog hydrated, warm, and comfortable, and help alleviate nausea, but no drug kills coronaviruses.

Heartworm

When your puppy is around 12-to-16 weeks, talk to your vet about starting a heartworm preventive medication. Though there is no vaccine for heartworm in dogs, it is preventable with regularly administered heartworm medication that your veterinarian will prescribe.

The name is descriptive — these worms lodge in the right side of the heart and the pulmonary arteries (that send blood to the lungs), though they can travel through the rest of the body and sometimes invade the liver and kidneys. The worms can grow to 14 inches long and, if clumped together, block and injure organs.

A new heartworm infection often causes no symptoms, though dogs in later stages of the disease may cough, become lethargic, lose their appetite or have difficulty breathing. Infected dogs may tire after mild exercise. Unlike most of the conditions listed here, which are passed by urine, feces, and other body fluids, heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes. Therefore, diagnosis is made via a blood test and not a fecal exam.

Kennel Cough

Also known as infectious tracheobronchitis, kennel cough results from inflammation of the upper airways. It can be caused by bacterial, viral, or other infections, such as Bordetella and canine parainfluenza, and often involves multiple infections simultaneously. Usually, the disease is mild, causing bouts of harsh, dry coughing; sometimes it’s severe enough to spur retching and gagging, along with a loss of appetite. In rare cases, it can be deadly. It is easily spread between dogs kept close together, which is why it passes quickly through kennels. Antibiotics are usually not necessary, except in severe, chronic cases. Your vet may prescribe a dog-safe cough suppressant to help your dog (and you) get some rest, and some  dog-safe throat soothers can help make a dog more comfortable.

Leptospirosis

Unlike most diseases on this list, Leptospirosis is caused by bacteria, and some dogs may show no symptoms at all. Leptospirosis can be found worldwide in soil and water. It is a zoonotic disease, meaning that it can be spread from animals to people. When symptoms do appear, they can include fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, severe weakness and lethargy, stiffness, jaundice, muscle pain, infertility, kidney failure (with or without liver failure). Antibiotics are effective, and the sooner they are given, the better.

Lyme Disease

Unlike the famous “bull’s-eye” rash that people exposed to Lyme disease often spot, no such telltale symptom occurs in dogs. Lyme disease (or borreliosis) is an infectious, tick-borne disease caused by a type of bacteria called a spirochete. Transmitted via ticks, an infected dog often starts limping, his lymph nodes swell, his temperature rises, and he stops eating. The disease can affect his heart, kidney, and joints, among other things, or lead to neurological disorders if left untreated. If diagnosed quickly, a course of antibiotics is extremely helpful, though relapses can occur months or even years later.

Talk to your vet about when your puppy will be old enough for tick preventatives. Once your puppy is old enough, keep your dog on tick preventative medication, topicals, or wearables to help stop ticks from biting in the first place.

Parvovirus

Parvo is a highly contagious virus that affects all dogs, but unvaccinated dogs and puppies less than four months of age are at the most risk to contract it. The virus attacks the gastrointestinal system and creates a loss of appetite, vomiting, fever, and often severe, bloody diarrhea. Extreme dehydration can come on rapidly and kill a dog within 48-to-72 hours, so prompt veterinary attention is crucial. There is no cure, so keeping the dog hydrated and controlling the secondary symptoms can keep him going until his immune system beats the illness.

Rabies

Rabies is a viral disease of mammals that invades the central nervous system, causing headache, anxiety, hallucinations, excessive drooling, fear of water, paralysis, and death. It is most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. Treatment within hours of infection is essential, otherwise, death is highly likely. Most states require regular rabies vaccinations. Check with your vet about rabies vaccination laws and requirements in your area.

Talk with your veterinarian about more information and guidance on necessary and optional vaccinations.

Puppy Vaccination Schedule

The first thing to know is that there is not just one puppy vaccination schedule for all dogs. Factors such as which part of the country you live in, and your dog’s individual risk factors will come into play. Some dogs do not need every vaccine. This decision is between you and your veterinarian. Always discuss puppy vaccinations at your regularly scheduled appointments.

That said, here is a generally accepted guideline of the puppy vaccination schedule for the first year.

How Much Do Puppy Vaccinations Cost?

How much puppy vaccinations will cost depends on several factors. Where you live is a big one: Veterinarians in crowded and expensive urban areas will generally charge more than a rural vet in a small town. You may be able to find low-cost clinics providing rabies vaccinations sponsored by your local municipal government. But no matter what the range in costs, some vaccines, such as the “core vaccines” and rabies, are necessary.

The average cost can average around $75—100. These will include the core vaccines, which are administered in a series of three: at 6-, 12-, and 16 weeks old.

The core vaccines include the DHLPP (distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvo, and parainfluenza). Your pup will also need a rabies vaccination, which is usually around $15—20. (Some clinics include the cost of the rabies vaccination.)

Often animal shelters charge less for vaccines — approximately $20 — or are even free. If you acquired your dog from a shelter, he would most likely have been vaccinated, up until the age when you got him.

The initial puppy vaccination costs during the first year are higher than during adulthood.

Vaccinations for Adult Dogs: Boosters and Titers

There is a difference of opinion about having your adult dog vaccinated every year. Some vets believe too many vaccinations in adult dogs pose health risks. But others disagree, saying that yearly vaccinations will prevent dangerous diseases such as distemper. Talk with your vet to determine what kind of vaccination protocol works for you and your dog.

Many dog owners opt for titer tests before they administer annual vaccinations. Titer tests measure a dog’s immunity levels, and this can determine which, if any, vaccinations are necessary. One key exception to this is rabies: a titer test is not an option when it comes to the rabies vaccine. This vaccination is required by law across the United States. Your vet can tell you the schedule for your particular state, with boosters often lasting three years.

And it’s all worth it. For your effort and care your puppy will lavish you with lifelong love in return. This critical first year of her life is a fun and exciting time for both of you. As she grows physically, the wonderful bond between you will grow, too.

[rabbitcruiser]

National Banana Split Day

In our opinion, this is easily one of the best parts of summer or any time of year where you like to indulge in an ice cream treat! It blends together the perfect flavor of bananas with the rich sweet flavor of the ice cream, topped with whipped cream, maraschino cherries, strawberries, hot fudge, and anything else your heart can imagine! National Banana Split Day celebrates this amazing treat and a perfect excuse to indulge in it!

Learn about National Banana Split Day

National Banana Split Day is exactly what you expect to be: it is a day to celebrate this amazing dessert. It gives you the perfect opportunity to tuck into this sweet treat. After all, who doesn’t love a delicious banana split? You can enjoy one of these desserts (or several) and you don’t need to feel guilty about it! Music to our ears. Have fun trying out your own banana split inventions. You won’t regret it!

Fun facts about banana splits

Did you know that there was a World Record set in Selinsgrove, PA, for the longest banana split? This stretched 4.5 miles, and it consisted of 33,000 bananas, as well as 150 gallons of chocolate and 2,500 gallons of ice cream.

The popularity of the banana split is often credited to Walgreens drug stores, which are operated by Charles Rudolph Walgreens. The store promoted the banana split as their premium dessert, which caused a lot of customers to try the dessert when they may have otherwise note been interested in it.

When banana splits first came onto the scene, they were sold for 10 cents. This may not seem like a lot of money. However, at the time, it was sold at twice the price of sundaes.

Health benefits of bananas

While bananas may be covered in cream and a few other bad things when enjoyed as a banana split, bananas themselves offer a number of different health benefits. This can make you feel better about eating a banana split! Bananas, for example, are an excellent source of vitamin B6. Vitamin B6, in turn, provides a number of great benefits. This helps us to maintain a healthy nervous system, remove unwanted chemicals from your kidneys and liver, metabolize amino acids, metabolize fats and carbohydrates, turning them into energy, and produce red blood cells.

The good news does not end there. There are a number of other benefits that are associated with bananas. This includes potassium, which meets around 10 percent of your potassium intake. It also contains manganese, which helps to protect your skin through the creation of collagen, as well as protecting other cells from free radical damage. Bananas are also a great source of vitamin C. Vitamin C supports brain health through the production of serotonin, which impacts our moods, sleep cycle, and experiences of pain and stress. Vitamin C helps your body produce collagen, absorb iron better, and protect your body against tissue and cell damage.

History of National Banana Split Day

The Banana Split, surprisingly, has a very definite history, and we can pinpoint its origins to one David Evans Stickler in 1904, where he was serving as an apprentice pharmacist at Tassel Pharmacy in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Like most pharmacies of the day, it had a soda fountain attached, and it was in this pharmacy that he invented the banana split, which quickly became a hit with the students at Saint Vincent College nearby. Word of mouth made it spread like wildfire, and it soon became an American institution, before going global.

In 2004 Latrobe hosted the 100th anniversary of the invention, the same year that it was certified as the birthplace of the banana split by NICRA (National Ice Cream Retailers Association). It also became the home of the Great American Banana Split Celebration, a huge event with food and events for everyone to take part in.

Of course, like with all great inventions, there is some contention about its origins (unless you ask NICRA). Wilmington, Ohio claims that it was invented there in 1907 in response to a slump in the ice cream business thanks to the winter season.

How to celebrate National Banana Split Day

Like we need to tell you how to celebrate National Banana Split Day! Grab yourself an entire bushel of bananas, split them and circle a bowl with them, and fill that puppy with ice cream! Then top with whipped cream, nuts, hot fudge, strawberry syrup, and anything else you can imagine, and sprinkle liberally with maraschino cherries.

A bit much? Alright, if you’re going to keep this deliciousness to yourself, maybe what you need is to enjoy it quietly at home. But for a special twist drizzle it with high proof alcohol and ignite it, because hot and cold are great companions.

Another fun way to celebrate National Banana Split Day is by gathering all of your loved ones and having a “banana split off.” You can all have fun creating different takes on this classic dessert. Make sure you have a range of different toppings available and allow people to go wild with their own banana split inventions. This is a great way to spend time with the people you love. After all, it is always fun to do something different, isn’t it?

Source

[galtx]

GALTx eNews: Brush Those Teeth

Good dental health is so important to dogs because excessive bacteria in their mouth can inter the bloodstream causing infection and damage in other organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. February is Pet Dental Health Month and a great time to reflect on your hound's dental health routine. If you're brushing infrequently, add another day or two of brushing per week. If you're not brushing at all, it's time to get started. Here are some tips on how to progress to a "greyt" routine:

1) Start by setting aside time one day of the week to brush your hound's teeth. As you both get more comfortable, add days. Brushing daily is great, but if it is a struggle, three times a week or every other day can do a lot of good.

2) If your hound is resistant, train them to tolerate brushings by massaging their gums with your hands from the outside. Spend 15 to 30 seconds on each side.

3) As your hound's comfort increases, move your finger to the inside of the mouth. Focus on the top canine teeth that are easy to reach and gradually work your way to the big teeth further back.

4) Next, add a pet toothpaste to the routine. Do not use human toothpaste as the fluoride is bad for dogs. Expect your dog to want to lick, increasing the challenge. Maybe keep a towel within reach.

5) When toothpaste and your finger are working well, consider wrapping your finger in gauze or using a doggie toothbrush to remove more plaque and tartar.

Whatever stage you're in, finish with a healthy treat as a reward and for even cleaner teeth. Check with your vet to see which dental treats they recommend for your dog's health situation. Remember that raw meat products (such as turkey necks and uncooked bones) carry the risk of food poisoning and that hard things (such as bones and antlers) can break dog teeth. Your dog's meals are also an important aspect of dental health and most vets recommend feeding primarily kibble for the best dental health. Keep those pearly whites their whitest!

2/1/24

[sac-bestsupplements]

What is Creatine? What is it used for? Benefits, Side Effects & Dangers Revealed!

Discover our top 10 best creatine supplements ranking: https://super-achiever.com/best-creatine-supplements

Read more on our website: https://super-achiever.com/what-is-creatine

#creatine #creatinebenefits #whatiscreatine

Hey, Achiever Fam! Welcome back to our channel. Today, we're going deep into the world of creatine - what it is, its role in our bodies, health concerns, and why so many athletes swear by it. Let’s break it down and understand everything about creatine in a simple and engaging way. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Super Achievers Club for more fitness insights! What is Creatine? - Creatine is like a turbocharger for your muscles, enhancing your energy during workouts. I- t's not just a supplement; it helps in the flexing of skeletal muscles and consistent energy supply. Creatine Sources - Half of it comes from food, especially protein-rich like red meat and seafood. - The other half is produced naturally by your liver, kidneys, and pancreas. Creatine's Role in Your Body - Stored mainly in skeletal muscles, it's converted into phosphocreatine. - This helps in creating a quick energy source for high-intensity activities. Health Risks of Creatine - Generally safe but not enough data for long-term effects. - May trigger manic episodes in people with bipolar disorder. - Always consult a healthcare expert before starting creatine.

Why Use Creatine? - Popular among athletes for enhancing performance and recovery. - Most effective in high-intensity, short-duration sports like weightlifting and sprinting. Things to Avoid When Taking Creatine - Don't overdose; stick to the prescribed dosage. - Avoid long-term usage without medical advice. - Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Surprising Benefits of Creatine - May help improve rapid reasoning and abstract thinking, especially in vegetarians or older adults. - Shown to improve the appearance of aging skin and reduce wrinkles.

That's all for today, folks! If you've ever used creatine, share your experience in the comments below. Stay tuned for more videos by subscribing to the Super Achievers Club. Catch you in the next video! 🌟

[halleyscomet1]

Foods rich in Iron

Iron: a dietary analysis

This is a guide to the nutrient known as Iron, for all my fellow menstruaters, or people who are low in iron. I did this research while trying to remember iron rich foods, so hopefully it helps someone else.

Iron, as mentioned previously, is a nutrient. It comes from the diet and is necessary for many bodily functions, including the development of haemoglobin (the molecule that carries oxygen in your red blood cells). When an individual doesn’t get enough iron, it can make the individual tired, gives headaches and makes it difficult to concentrate and leads to anaemia.

So what foods contain Iron?

Within foods there are two types of iron, haem (which is absorbed) and non-haem (which is harder). Haem iron is mainly found in meat, poultry and seafood and non-haem iron is mainly found in plants. To meet dietary requirements someone with a plant based diet has to eat around 80% more iron. The dietary requirements for teenagers 14-18 is 11mg/day for males and 15mg/day for females, while adults from 19-50 should have 8mg/day for males or 18mg/day for females. Bellow is a list of foods rich in iron:

Beef

Lamb

Ham

Turkey

Chicken

Veal

Pork

Dried Beef

Liver

Liverwurst

Eggs

Shrimp

Clams

Scallops

Oysters

Tuna

Sardines

Haddock

Mackerel

Spinach

Sweet potato

Peas

Broccoli

String beans

Beet Greens

Dandelion Greens

Collards

Kale

Whole wheat bread

Enriched pasta

Wheat products

Bran cereals

Corn meal

Oat cereal

Cream of Wheat

Rye Bread

Enriched Rice

Strawberries

Watermelon

Raisins

Dates

Figs

Prunes

Dried apricots and peaches

Tofu

Beans (kidney, garbanzo, or white, canned)

Tomato products (e.g. paste)

Dried peas

Dried beans

Lentils

Corn syrup

Maple syrup

Molasses

It’s also important to note, however, that a healthy body only absorbs around 18% of iron in a diet with meat and 10% in a vegetarian diet, though the amount could potentially be lower. This might not be an issue, if your body is already storing a lot of iron, but it can also be influenced by other means. To boost iron absorption an individual can do the following:

Consume more vitamin C

Eat meat and vegetable sources of iron together

Cook plant based sources of iron (the body absorbs 6% of the iron from raw broccoli and 30% from cooked)

There are also things that can reduce iron absorption such as:

Soy proteins, specifically for plant sources

Tea, coffee and wine

Phytates and fibres found in whole grains like bran

Inadequate vitamin A

Calcium and Phosphorus for plant sources

Sources

https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/blood-donation-process/before-during-after/iron-blood-donation/iron-rich-foods.html

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/foods-high-in-iron#need

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/iron#

[jenroses]

Grappling with the silly, ridiculous notion I learned from childhood, this idea that if you do things correctly you won't suffer.

Here are the things that have caused me pain in the past few months:

Sitting in a wheelchair with a good cushion that was purchased to allow me greater freedom is now causing me horrible hip pain due to sacroiliac instability pinching nerves and causing muscle spasms. Helped a little by kt tape and lidocaine patches to the sacrum.

Eating the foods I was told were a good substitute for higher carb foods to help my blood sugar and drinking the drinks that help my POTS combined to give me kidney stones. Fun. Fix: stop eating almond products with every meal and cut sodium intake to levels that leave me a little dizzy but not falling over.

One morning, with great hubris and foolish optimism I dared to *checks list* open my eyes when I woke up. This proved to be a horrible mistake as my eyelid had adhered to my cornea in the night and the cornea tore a little when I opened my eyes. This is the pain equivalent in your eyeball of continually stubbing your toe for hours, until the eye doctor can numb it and put a bandage contact in it. The sensory nightmare of it makes me go into autistic hermit crab mode until they numb it.

And the most recent arrogantly naive mistake I made? I sat down in my car and my neck went out. That was Thursday and I still can barely turn my head without blinding pain in my shoulder.

Anyway. The point is that I didn't actually fuck up by getting into my car, opening my eyes, eating and drinking things intended to take care of my health and sitting in chairs.

I didn't let my body down. My body let me down. I'm doing the best I can with it. Sometimes these things happen, and when you have collagen defects like EDS, they happen more often.

So remember that when someone is suffering and you start to assume they must have done something to deserve it. Suffering is not earned. It just happens, and the idea that if you do everything "right" you'll magically avoid all suffering is a very comforting lie you've been taught to tell yourself.

(A huge amount of misery in my childhood came from drinking chlorinated water, which is not a problem for most people but because of a rare recessive gene issue I have, means that my body can't handle the chlorine byproducts and I get sick often, especially when I'm swimming in chlorinated pools or using bleach. I was in my 30s when I figured out pools were a problem. I spent junior high and high school on swim team for my health, lol. DCA is literally poison to me. I have liver damage.)

[keto-meal-plan-kmp]

Keto Meal Plan (7 DAY TRIAL FOR $1)

It's likely that you will hear about the ketogenic, or keto, diet if you find yourself in a discussion about dieting or weight loss. One of the most often used strategies for those looking to reduce their weight and improve their health is the keto diet.

According to some research, type 2 diabetics who follow this low carb, high fat diet may experience fat loss and improved glycemic control.

However additional research is required, the ketogenic diet may potentially have neuroprotective effects and aid those with Alzheimer's disease's cognitive performance.

The keto diet is frequently heavy in saturated fat, despite the fact that it appears to offer some advantages. Some people may see an increase in LDL ("bad") cholesterol as a result of this, which could boost their risk of cardiovascular disease and events like heart attacks and stroke.

The keto diet might not be a good choice for everyone because of this.

Moreover, those with type 1 diabetes, kidney illness, liver disease, respiratory failure, or those who are pregnant or nursing should avoid the keto diet.

Use this page to learn more about what to eat and what to avoid while on a ketogenic diet if you've been considering it and your doctor has given you the go-ahead.

The keto diet typically has moderate amounts of protein, lots of fat, and very few carbohydrates.

The carbohydrate amount of a ketogenic diet is 5–10% of total calories taken, although there are less restrictive variations of the diet (7Trusted Source).

Most of the eliminated carbs should be replaced with fats, which should also provide 60–80% of your daily calorie intake.

Carbohydrates are typically limited to 5% of energy requirements, whereas proteins should make up about 10% to 30%.

Your body is forced to switch from using glucose as its primary fuel to using fats, a condition known as ketosis, as a result of cutting back on carbohydrates.

Although adopting a ketogenic diet may seem intimidating, it need not be challenging. Reduce the amount of carbs you consume while upping the amount of fat and protein in your meals and snacks. A few calculations and tools available online may be useful.

Limiting carbs is necessary to enter and stay in a state of ketosis. While some individuals may only need 20 grams of carbohydrates per day to enter ketosis, others may do so with a larger carbohydrate consumption.

In general, it is simpler to enter and maintain ketosis the less carbohydrate you consume.

The best method to successfully lose weight on a ketogenic diet is to stick to keto-friendly foods and avoid anything high in carbohydrates.

CLICK THIS LINK FOR KETO MEAL PLAN.

[glittergutts]

A lengthy update and thoughts

My doctor wanted me to increase my Cymbalta to hopefully lower my general anxiety and I feel pretty good about it. The Cymbalta helps with my fibromyalgia pains and has given me the ability to make art again. I haven't really felt like making anything in at least 6 years so it's a really positive change. I want to buy some stickers from etsy to add to my mixed media things. And beads for making bracelets and a new phone strap. I made a rainbow bead chain for my phone last summer and it's discolored and missing almost all the gummy bear charms.

Also I talked to my doctor about my adhd and she told me the practice has a limitation to how much Marijuana can be in your system when you get prescription stimulants. (Even though its totally legal here) Of course I'm way over they're cut off limit so I'm going back in a month for another pee test and hopefully a prescription to get my shit together.

So for the next month I have to avoid smoking which is going to be a big change, I've been smoking since I was 14. I pulled out my half gallon water bottle I used to flush my system when I finally completed my benzo taper. I need to focus on healthy foods with low fat and do my best to exercise and burn the thc in my cells that way. I know of some good detox herbs just not sure if they detox fat cells or just the liver and kidneys? Either way it wouldn't hurt to try my berry detox tea.

I'm looking at some glass food containers so I can prep some more things ahead of time. I'm hoping it helps me eat healthier snacks or at least more veggies than I am now. Portion containers for grains and dairy seem like a good idea too. I don't typically over eat unless it's high carbs but it could also help me see what a full serving of vegetables looks like and I really just want to include more whole fresh foods in my diet.

I keep day dreaming about growing food. Really just a few things and a ton of herbs. Out of the 9 herbs I planted 8 have sprouted I'm just waiting on the chives. I'm afraid I over watered and molded the seeds but I guess time will tell. I wish I could have chickens and beehives and really do some self sufficient things with my time and space.

I actually feel lost in day dreams of all sorts lately. All good things I feel are possible in time with enough work put in. I keep telling myself I can create the life I imagine and I really believe it. The only thing holding me back is this over cluttered, messy house. Hopefully a stimulant will help me tackle making my space useful again.

Most of my daydreams are about summer activities and taking a family trip to Tennessee or camping. Chris and I are planning a camping trip for just us and Loki. No kids so we might actually be able to relax. We're trying to go in April before it gets too hot. I've already started a packing list for it.

I'm afraid I fucked myself out of therapy. My therapist of 14 years no longer accepts my insurance and I couldn't change it before the cut off day, it wouldn't process. I have no interest in finding a new therapist either. So I'm going to buy a few mental health workbooks and some aromatherapy balms and just do my own healing and art therapy for now. Unless it turns out I have to have professional help, which would suck.

But life is pretty good take away crippling anxiety and adhd it would be really happy.

[tweetthang96]

Also like….my nurse practitioner, my close friend who is a doctor, and my best friend who went to medical school (but is not a doctor for health reasons) have all told me that you can’t “eat your way into” diabetes. You also can’t eat your way into cancer. If you’re going to get diabetes or cancer, the cancer is gonna happen regardless, and the diabetes tends to be about management more than anything else. Liver and kidneys are much more affected by alcohol intake and consumption of things like OTC painkillers and how much friggin water you drink.

Eat food. Eat foods that taste good, and that fill you up, and that have as much nutritional value as you can get.

But don’t beat yourself up that you’ll “eat yourself into diabetes.” I know first hand that that train of thought? Leads to disordered eating. Which uh fun fact played into my diabetes kicking in much sooner than it might have otherwise.

i hate to say it but. the healthy eating people are kinda onto something. if you can figure out a way to get all your greens and proteins and fiber in ways that taste good to you you start to prefer the healthy option over junk food 7/10 times

[alekhya18]

Why Drinking Alkaline Water Helps To Improve Our Health Condition

Drinking alkaline water has gained popularity as a health trend in recent years, with many proponents claiming it offers a variety of health benefits. Alkaline water typically has a pH level between 8 and 9, compared to regular tap water which has a neutral pH of around 7. The belief is that this higher pH can neutralize acid in the bloodstream, potentially leading to several health improvements. Himajal, has come up with the best models of Alkaline Water Purifiers in Hyderabad, with combinations of UF, UV, Copper, RO.

Here’s a closer look at how alkaline water might benefit your health:

1. Balances Body pH Levels

One of the primary claims about alkaline water is that it helps balance the body’s pH levels. The human body maintains a tightly regulated pH balance, particularly in the blood, which is slightly alkaline with a normal pH level of around 7.4. Modern diets, which are often high in acidic foods like processed sugars, soft drinks, and red meat, can contribute to an acidic environment in the body. Proponents of alkaline water argue that consuming it can help neutralize this acidity, thereby restoring a healthier pH balance.

2. Enhanced Hydration

Alkaline water may improve hydration, particularly after intense physical activity. This is because alkaline water molecules are believed to be smaller and more easily absorbed by the cells, which can lead to quicker rehydration compared to regular water. Improved hydration is critical for overall health, affecting everything from digestion to cognitive function.

3. Antioxidant Properties

Alkaline water is often touted for its potential antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, which can damage cells and contribute to aging and various diseases, including cancer. Some studies suggest that the high pH level in alkaline water can act as a scavenger of free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and its associated risks.

4. Bone Health

There is some evidence to suggest that alkaline water can support bone health. Chronic acidosis, a condition characterized by excessive acidity in the body, has been linked to decreased bone density. The theory is that the body may leach calcium from the bones to help neutralize the acid in the bloodstream, leading to weaker bones. By reducing acidity, alkaline water may help protect bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

5. Detoxification

Alkaline water is believed to support the body’s detoxification processes. By maintaining a more alkaline environment, it can aid the kidneys and liver in flushing out toxins more effectively. This could potentially enhance metabolic function and overall health by reducing the burden on these critical organs.

6. Improved Digestive Health

Consuming alkaline water might help improve digestive health by reducing symptoms of acid reflux. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, causing irritation and discomfort. Alkaline water, with its higher pH, can neutralize some of this excess acid, providing relief from heartburn and other symptoms of acid reflux.

7. Enhanced Immune Function

A balanced pH level is crucial for a healthy immune system. An overly acidic environment can weaken the immune response, making the body more susceptible to infections and illnesses. By promoting a more alkaline internal environment, alkaline water might help bolster the immune system, enhancing the body’s ability to fight off pathogens.

Himajal’s various Alkaline water purifier models along with combination of UV, UF, RO and Copper will make a difference in health condition, while the benefits of alkaline water are still a subject of ongoing research and debate, many people report positive effects from incorporating it into their daily routines. These benefits range from improved hydration and digestion to enhanced bone health and immune function. To order Himajal’s Alkaline water purifier visit SHOP page of the website.