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Beat Depression With These Natural Treatments [Infographic]

No one who has ever been clinically depressed would wish the same thing on another person. It’s a pit that has a potential to swallow you forever, and, even when it’s been treated, depressive thoughts can still come and go throughout your life.

With 350 million people in the world affected by some sort of depression, it is no wonder we are on a seemingly endless quest to find ways to cure, beat, or at least ease depression. It’s not a one-size-fits-all deal – sufferers of depression have a wide range of choices.

Related: 5 Unusual Ways to Beat Depression

For some, medication is what works. Others need only talk therapy or some other form of therapy. A combination of both usually works better.

Then there are the natural treatments which have been proven to alleviate the effects of depression. [Read more…] about Beat Depression With These Natural Treatments [Infographic]

Originally posted on May 31, 2016 @ 8:30 am

How to Stay Awake at Work Without Sleep

It happens to all of us. For whatever reason, we stay up all night – or most of it. However, most of the time, there’s no going around the fact that we have to go to work in the morning. In cases like these, what are you to do?

11 Best Ways to Wake Up in the Morning and Hit the Ground Running

You just go to the office anyway and hope that you get some work done or that your boss doesn’t catch you snoring your face off.

You can always load up on the coffee or energy drinks, but if you want to go the healthy route, here are ways to stay awake at work without sleep. They’re simple but effective. [Read more…] about How to Stay Awake at Work Without Sleep

Originally posted on March 22, 2016 @ 8:00 am

How to Wake Up at Work Naturally

Sometimes, staying awake in the office is one of the most difficult things we have to face. Even if we like our jobs, there are just times when beddy-bye land calls and it seems there is no way but to heed that call. Or drink tons of coffee and energy drinks.

Now, I am not averse to coffee, even if some believe it to be an unnatural way to stay awake. Energy drinks – that’s another matter.

For the purposes of this article, let’s focus on how to wake up at work naturally – without ingesting unhealthy stimulants of any kind. [Read more…] about How to Wake Up at Work Naturally

Originally posted on February 18, 2016 @ 8:30 am

What Is Holistic Detox And How Can It Cleanse Your Body Naturally

Detoxification is a form of body cleansing that has become a requirement for most people, especially those who are concerned about their health. The body is assaulted daily by a multitude of toxins from various sources. Getting rid of these poisonous substances will improve one’s physical and mental well-being. But the glut of information about detox types and methods can be confusing, it discourages some from going through with it.

Detox should not be taken lightly, particularly if you are not familiar with the subject matter. Cleansing diet fads sprout out from so-called health and fitness experts and trying them out mindlessly can do more harm than good.

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How Holistic Detox Can Cleanse Your Body Naturally

Not all toxin purging processes are bad, though. There’s holistic detox, a total body detoxification that makes use of natural and organic food that have been proven to benefit the biological and cognitive systems. It is systematic, involving all the organs, and, unlike three-day crash diets, it lasts for an extended period of time. Because it uses only natural ingredients and methods, it is safe for people who do not have heart conditions, diabetes and other mineral deficiencies. Pregnant women should also abstain from all kinds of detoxification.

Holistic detox purges harmful chemicals from your body, gets rid of artery-clogging fats and is an effective weight loss method. It makes you feel more energetic and in control of your life, less stressed and improves your overall appearance and well-being. Your body is toned, teeth are whiter, your skin fairer and hair more lustrous. Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda are Eastern practices that you can use safely and naturally to cleanse and nourish your body.

TCM and Ayurveda believe that removing bad elements from the body and replacing them with nourishing, healthful ones should be an integrative process. Eastern medicine employs detox methods that are non-traditional in the Western sense, in that it involves practices other than food. Although there are different ways of detoxifying using TCM and Ayurveda, the following are their fundamental guides. Because it is a holistic approach, the physical, mental and spiritual systems are purged of bad elements and impurities. Follow these steps and gradually make them your lifetime habits.

Eat only organic, whole and fresh food.

Avoid processed and canned meat and fish, sweetened beverages and junk food. The liver will benefit from food such as wheat-grass, dandelions, carrots, celery, lemon, beets and spices like turmeric, cayenne, cumin and rosemary. Flush out intestinal bad bacteria with organic apple cider vinegar, aloe vera juice and don’t forget to drink 8 – 10 glasses of distilled water every day.

Avoid alcohol for four consecutive days during the detox period.

Spend time outdoors daily to exercise, meditate and breathe fresh air.

Sleep at least eight hours every night. Switch off all lights and electronic devices.

Avoid gossip and people with negative auras.

Have sex. It is energizing and relaxing at the same time, lessens stress and makes you more cheerful.

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Harmful Effects of Detox Diets

It depletes the body of vitamins and minerals, lowering your immune system and making you more susceptible to diseases and infections.

Fasting from protein leads to muscle breakdown which can cause cramps, feelings of fatigue and weakness, lethargy and more serious consequences like kidney failure and blood clots.

Body cleansing diets that make use of laxative foods and juices cause dehydration, headaches, irritability and other unpleasant sensations.

Sham detox can interfere with your body’s blood sugar level, potassium and sodium levels and is dangerous especially for people with heart and endocrine conditions.

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Related Reading

How To Wake Up At Work: Snack Right

Originally posted on May 29, 2015 @ 1:04 am

13 Effective Headache Remedies at Work

Having a headache is one of the worst things that can happen to anyone, especially if it’s a bad one. Depending on the degree of the headache, your routine – whether at home or at work – can be hampered, or you can totally not do anything.

When at the office, having a headache is even worse. You may not be able to get your work for the day done, or you may have subpar results. All the while suffering throughout the day.

Having had more than my fair share of headaches, let me share some effective headache remedies at work. They’re effective when you’re not working, too, of course, but these specific remedies are geared toward situations when you’re in the office when you may not have the luxury of time.

Headache Remedies at Work

    1. Drink as much water as you can. One of the most common reasons for headaches is dehydration. When you feel a headache coming on, drink as much water as you can. You don’t have to drink a lot at a time – sipping water throughout the day will help.
    2. Drink herbal teas. Herbal teas are just as good as water to cure a headache. Some of the most effective teas for headaches are green tea, cinnamon tea, ginger tea, and chamomile tea. Chamomile is especially effective when you get a migraine attack, offering almost instantaneous relief.
    3. Eat the right food. For some people, certain types of food trigger headaches. Study your patterns, and figure out what these triggers are. For headache relief at work, always keep almonds handy. They contain salicin, which works to cure headaches. (This is found in aspirin as well.)
    4. Get moving. A brief, brisk walk will improve blood circulation, which in turn can relieve your headache. If you can go out of the office and spend five to ten minutes walking, that would be great. Alternatively walk around the office for five minutes at a fast pace.
    5. Do some stretching. Stretching exercises will relax tense muscles, which may be contributing to your headache. Specific stretching exercises that are effective headache remedies include scapular retraction, which basically pulls your shoulder blades together and opens up your chest. This increases your blood flow as well. How do you do this? Sit up straight. Raise your arms in front of you and press your shoulders down and your shoulder blades together. Do not to lean your head forward when doing this. Also push your neck back. Release and repeat 15 times.
    6. Give yourself a massage. Massage has been proven to be beneficial, and you can take advantage of it to get rid of your headache. Rub your temple and your head. Rub your shoulder muscles and neck. Do this for a few minutes, and repeat as often as you have to.
    7. Do some breathing exercises. Breathe slowly and deeply – either sitting on your chair or lying down. Do this for five to ten minutes to calm down and alleviate the pain.
    8. Utilize relaxation techniques. These include breathing exercises, but also cover meditation and visualization.
    9. Ventilate your area. Sometimes, headaches can be caused by lack of proper ventilation. Check your office space and make sure that you get enough air where you’re sitting.
    10. Rearrange your workspace. A simple thing such as a change of your surroundings can help you relax and lessen the pain in your head. Declutter your desk. Move items around.
    11. Use aromatherapy. What you need are soothing scents that will get rid of your headache. You can use an oil burner or stick diffuser if it’s possible at work, or you can simply sniff at a bottle of essential oil. Oils that are great headache busters include bergamot, lavender, peppermint, sandalwood, eucalyptus, and chamomile.
    12. Use a hot or cold compress. Invest in a hot/cold compress pack and keep it handy at work. Applying the pack (alternate cold and hot) on your head, neck, and shoulders will provide immediate relief. Alternatively, use a towel soaked in hot or cold water.
    13. Take aspirin or paracetamol. If you’re not averse to taking medication, then an aspirin will do the trick. Paracetamol or ibuprofen also works.

Do take note that this article is not meant to replace medical advice, so if you experience severe and recurrent headaches, it is best to see your doctor.

This will also help: 15 Ways to Relax Instantly When Stress Hits

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Originally posted on April 15, 2015 @ 8:30 am

5 Healthy Herbs And Spices To Include In Your Diet

With the thousands of plants growing on our lands, each with its own medicinal and health benefits, it becomes confusing which of these healthy herbs and spices you ought to include in your diet. The dilemma is understandable since it is only in the last few decades that the western world has accepted what advocates of Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine have known for centuries – herbs, spices and other botanical ingredients help keep the human body healthy and disease-free.

Herbs and spices are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that give them their own unique protective and curative functions. Researchers have studied and recommended them to add to your food to maintain the balance our bodies need to stay healthy. Here are their recommendations. Some plant-derived natural products that are not strictly herbal are included because they are just too good to be left out.

Healthy Herbs and Spices to Include in the Daily Diet

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Coconut Oil

The once scorned coconut oil is now touted to be a superfood. The fatty acids found in this tropical fruit can help lessen the symptoms of brain conditions like Alzheimer’s and epilepsy. It also helps fight obesity by hastening the burning of fat.
Scientific studies have shown that coconut oil in various forms kills bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites that cause influenza, throat infections, skin diseases, fungal infections, gum diseases and many others. Oral ingestion of coconut oil helps reduces cholesterol levels and keeps blood sugar level normal.

Turmeric

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Coconut oil can be added to vegetable dishes or take one tablespoon of extra virgin coconut oil orally for a healthy heart.

Turmeric

Also known as Indian saffron, turmeric is a yellow-orange perennial plant that is native to Asia. It grows underground and sends its shoots upwards. Turmeric contains curcumin, the spice that gives curry its yellow color. It has been proven to ease the pain of osteoarthritis and may also help heal eye inflammation, reduce the risk for diabetes, colorectal cancer, dyspepsia, gum inflammation, heart attack following bypass surgery, skin rashes and stomach ulcers.

Add it to your cooking as much as possible.

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Cayenne Pepper

Or what we know as red hot chili pepper, has capsaicin as its active ingredient along with vitamins A, B6, C, E and a host of minerals. Aside from adding spice to your meals, it aids in weight loss by suppressing the appetite, gives relief from muscle and post-surgical pain and helps in treating psoriasis, migraine, allergies, and colds.

Cayenne pepper can be added to any dish if you want it spicy.

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Cloves

Cloves are the bright red to brown flower buds of the clove tree that grows abundantly in many Asian countries. It is popularly used to treat toothache by direct application to the gums. Cloves are added as spice in meat, fish, chicken and vegetable dishes and used regularly, it can improve digestion and enhance libido. As tea, it acts as an expectorant to cough up phlegm and kill the germs that cause sore throat.

Cloves are used whole or in powder form to enhance the flavor in food.

Cinnamon sticks

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Cinnamon

This is the spice that comes from the bark of the Cinnamomum tree. Taken routinely, it improves brain function and prevents Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s or delays its onset. Cinnamon also regulates blood sugar levels to protect against diabetes, lowers cholesterol levels and has high anti-inflammatory properties that protect the body against infections.

Cinnamon in powder form can be added to coffee, fruits, oatmeal and other snack foods.

You may also like “4 Healthy Habits To Get You Off To A Good Start Everyday“

Originally posted on April 10, 2015 @ 12:19 am