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Ibuprofen Linked to Increase Risk of Sudden Heart Attacks

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Millions of Americans use over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers for a variety of reasons – headaches, muscle or joint pain, pain related to an illness or chronic condition, temporarily reduce a fever, and more. Far too many people abuse these OTC pain relievers and take them for everything or as a part of their daily regime.

But are we aware of some of the dangers of using these ITC pain relievers too frequently?

There are four major types of OTC – aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), and naproxen (Aleve).

Aspirin has been in use for over 2,000, but it wasn’t called aspirin until 1899, when Bayer named it. It is part of a group of drugs known as NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug), and used not only for pain, but to reduce swelling and inflammation. It’s long been a favorite to help relieve a toothaches as American Indians used to chew willow bark (the original source of the main ingredient in aspirin).

Over the past couple of decades, aspirin has been recommended to improve heart health, circulation and reduce the possibility of heart attacks. Today, many doctors recommend taking a low-dose aspirin (less than 100mg per tablet) a day for heart health. My wife and I both take a low-dose aspirin (81mg) daily as recommended by our doctor.

However, aspirin is not the wonder drug it was touted to be for years as it, like many other NSAIDs, are hard on the stomach lining and may lead to bleeding ulcers. This is why so many companies make a buffered aspirin, where it is combined with a buffer substance to help prevent the harsh effects on the stomach lining.

Acetaminophen is technically known as paracentamol and was discovered around 1877. It is used for pain and fever relief and sometimes combined with other medications to relieve symptoms of things like the common cold. Acetaminophen is widely available as a generic drug but is also the main ingredient in Tylenol and Panadol.

Some years back, it was discovered that too much acetaminophen could lead to kidney and/or liver damage. It’s also fatal to some animals including house cats. In 2007, in a report on the dangers of acetaminophen it was reported:

“What if a dietary supplement was proven to cause liver damage, liver failure and death? What if each year, this same supplement caused 100,000 calls to poison control centers, 56,000 emergency room visits, 26,000 hospitalizations, and more than 450 deaths from liver failure alone?…”

“Many drugs can cause liver damage, liver failure, and death. Yet, acetaminophen prompts the most calls to poison control centers—more than 100,000 per year. Each year, acetaminophen accounts for about 56,000 emergency room visits, 26,000 hospitalizations, and more than 450 deaths from liver failure. Acetaminophen causes more cases of acute liver failure than all other medications combined.”

My family used to take Tylenol for many things until these reports came out and then we switched to Advil or generic ibuprofen.

Naproxen (Aleve) is used like the others for pain and sore muscle relief. It is also often recommended for osteoarthritis and gout pain. However, like most NSAIDs, it can be harsh on the stomach if taken too frequently. More recent reports have indicated that many NSAIDs can reduce blood to the kidneys and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Like the others listed above, these should be taken only when needed and not for prolonged periods of time.

Ibuprofen (Advil) has long been thought of as the safest or less dangerous of the four main OTC pain relievers, but a recent study indicates that it also has its dangers. This OTC, like the others is also used to relieve pain of headaches, lower fever and reduce inflammation. However, a very recent study is placing a dire warning on the use of ibuprofen:

“Some common pain relievers may increase the risk of cardiac arrest, according to a new study from Denmark.”

“In the study, researchers found a link between the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) — including ibuprofen  — and an increased risk of cardiac arrest, which is when the heart suddenly stops beating.”

“The findings add to those of previous research, which has also found a link between NSAID use and a higher risk of heart problems, including heart attack, stroke and heart failure. The new study is the first to look specifically at the impact of NSAIDs on cardiac-arrest risk.”

The bottom line is that all of the aforementioned OTC pain and fever relievers have their beneficial uses but they also have their dangers and everyone needs to be aware of what those dangers are. Take them only when necessary, not for prolonged periods of time, do not take more than the recommended safe dosage and always check with your doctor. None of them, not even ibuprofen is the wonder drug it was once thought of.

Are You Like Me in Avoiding the Most Undignified Medical Exam of All?

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What, in your opinion is the most undignified medical exam of all?

My wife said that depending on the doctor, it could be a routine pap smear or mammography. There is nothing dignified about stripping naked and placing your feet in stirrups that leave your most private and personal area exposed to all. As for the mammography, my wife refers to the mammography as mammo-screaming because of how painful it is at times to her breasts squeezed so tightly by the machine.

For a man, having an exam to check for testicular cancer or an enlarged prostrate are undignified, but they are not the most undignified medical exam of all.

Without a doubt, the most undignified medical exam involves putting on one of those hospital gowns that are well ventilated in the back, lying on your side waiting for a doctor start pushing a mile-long tube up your butt. Yes, I’m referring to the dreaded colonoscopy.

We’ve all heard that everyone over the age of 50 should have one, but how many of you have followed that advice?

I had my first colonoscopy when I was just over 40. After having diarrhea for 2 weeks with no explanation, the doctor wanted to look up inside to see if he could find a reason. Mind you this was about 25-years ago. The notorious prep made me sick so I was on the toilet for hours, emptying out from both ends at the same time.

Then the dreaded day came. Yes, I had on the ventilated hospital gown, laid down on my side and then heard the doctor say words that I will never forget:

“You’re a big guy, you don’t need anything, so let’s get started.”

Having never had a colonoscopy, I had no idea what to expect or what he was talking about, but I soon found out as he started forcibly pumping enough air inside me to fill a Goodyear blimp. Then came the mile-long probe. I have to admit that it was one of the most agonizing as well as humiliating experience of my life. All this to find out that the sadistic butcher diagnosed my diarrhea as over use of laxatives, even though the only laxative I had ever taken in my life up then was the prep for this exam.

Nearly 14 years later, I’m living in a different state with different doctors and dreaded when I was told I needed a colonoscopy. I explained my horrific one and only experience and was assured that these days they always give you something and most people never feel or remember the actual exam.

So, I agreed. This time the prep was better, but I still got little sleep that night as most of it was spent on the porcelain throne. As my wife drove me to the gastroenterologist, visions of my first colonoscopy came roaring back and I was ready to tell her to turn the car around and go back home.

Mind you, I’m not a squeamish person. I’ve set some of my own broken bones, stitched up some of my own wounds and pulled the stitches and gave myself a tetanus shot. Growing up a cowboy around livestock, I’ve been shoulder deep in a horse’s vagina, helping to deliver a foal and I’ve had to take care of bloated cattle and none of those things really bothered me. But when it came to someone trying to inflate me like a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade balloon and sticking a mile-long tube up my butt, that was getting to me.

Well, I endured the procedure and was relieved when they started an IV and then gave me something to calm me down. I was told that I probably won’t remember a thing, but with my genetic immunity to most painkillers, stimulants and sedatives, I remained awake and even watched the television monitor as the scope made its way inside me. None of the discomfort I had experienced the first time was there and the only real negative impact of this most undignified medical exam was the prep and then the humiliation of placing your exposed rear end at the mercy of the doctor and nurses.

It’s been nearly 10 years since my last colonoscopy and the only reason I’ve avoided it for so long is that I had no healthcare insurance. Now that I’m on Medicare, I know it’s something I will need to do this year. It’s just getting the where-with-all to actually do it.

However, don’t be like me and keep putting it off. The experience these days is not bad at all and knowing that with age comes a higher risk of developing polyps, hemorrhoids and colon cancer increase, it’s something we all must do. Get a sympathy card, sign it and say something like ‘sorry you have to see me like this’ and give it to the doctor just before they give you whatever to help you sleep through the procedure. The humiliation is worth it and it just may save your life so that you will be around longer for those you love and who love you.

Obvious & Elusive Key to Real Healthcare Reform

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What are the principles that made America the great, powerful and prosperous nation it once was?

How prosperous are nations who have embraced the various forms of socialism? Generally, these nations have a few wealthy individuals who control and dictate all of life to the majority of the citizens and what has happened to most of them? Why did the former Soviet Union collapse from within and why did the Berlin Wall come down, leading to a unified Germany?

Why has the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, been such an utter failure?

Would you believe that all of these things are tied together? It’s called socialism and socialistic economy.

The Soviet Union collapsed because their socialist economy collapsed from within. The Berlin Wall was torn down when the socialistic economy of East Germany collapsed, leading to a unified Germany.

Obamacare failed because it’s a socialistic program to force government control over the people and health industry. Think about it, Great Britain launched their socialist national healthcare system, known as the National Health Service in 1948. For over a decade, it has been plagued with financial woes.

I have close friends in England who have shared their struggles with the National Health Service. One friend had to wait 7 months to have her extremely inflamed and painful gall bladder removed because of the NHS red tape, She and others I know in the UK have told me that as the NHS runs into more financial difficulty, the taxes to pay for it have gone up and their coverage has gone down. A growing number of common medical procedures that were once covered are no longer covered, meaning that the British people are having to pay more and more out of pocket for their medical needs.

Now, the Republicans in Congress are trying to come up with a workable replacement for Obamacare, but they have been trapped by the socialist Democrats to replace one failed socialist national healthcare system with another national socialist healthcare system that will also be destined to fail.

The simple and best solution is to look at what made America the great, powerful and prosperous nation it once was.

America was built on a free market system with healthy business competition. Generally, when a number of companies compete for the same business, it keeps the prices lower.

Once source points out:

“Health care reform is an enormous challenge because when it comes to economic policy, Republicans always have an uphill battle. Their free market solutions are harder to sell in a nation that has long had one foot in the socialism door.”

“Republicans express their belief in the free market, especially when they’re out of power and running against liberals and their failed policies, but they have a tougher time governing on conservative principles once in office. They often operate on flawed assumptions, seeking to accomplish contradictory goals and operating in an environment with two-year election cycles, which discourage making correct decisions for the long term.”

“But the GOP must recapture its belief in free market principles and muster the patience and political courage to promote them. Competition and free markets are the best avenues to economic prosperity, liberty and, in the case of health care, accessibility, affordability and quality. Yes, we must support some kind of safety net, but it ought to be designed to be short-term in as many cases as possible and should create incentives to encourage people to help themselves.”

So, what is the obvious and seemingly elusive key to real healthcare reform? The Promotion of a free market system with healthy competition between healthcare providers. If only Republicans in Congress would take the lessons of American history and use them to reform healthcare from what the socialistic Democrats forced upon on us to something that will be economically more feasible for the American people and the insurance companies.

How To Remove Uric Acid Crystallization In Joints

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Source: herbs-info.com

It’s common to hear complaints of joint pain and difficulty walking as a person ages. But why do you think this happens? In the area where the joint meets the socket, there is fluid called synovial fluid to cushion the bones; this fluid lessens with age. Without synovial fluid to cushion joint movement, the bone can damage the tissue surrounding it, causing pain and inflammation. This condition is typically called arthritis. But did you know that another cause of arthritis is a problem with the production of uric acid crystals?

The Link Between The Thyroid and Uric Acid Levels

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped organ found in the neck.  It is part of the body’s endocrine system – which is responsible for the production and regulation of hormones in the body. The thyroid specifically produces hormones that regulate growth and metabolism, which explains why thyroid problems often affect a person’s weight and energy levels. But the hormones produced by the thyroid also regulate the amount of uric acid found in the blood.

In hypothyroidism, the kidneys don’t excrete uric acid adequately, leading to their build-up in the joints as crystals. In hyperthyroidism, the body coverts purines to uric acid too fast, leading to build-up in the joints as well.  These crystals damage the tissues in the joint, which causes pain during movement. Prolonged damage to the tissue can cause repeated inflammation and eventual scarring, causing poor mobility to complete immobility.

Can An Alkaline Diet Help?

To counteract the high uric acid levels in the blood, alkalinization therapy is often part of the medical management of gout.  But can an alkaline diet work just as well? It has long been debated whether or not alkaline diets have health benefits or is just a passing fad, with counterarguments stating that the body’s pH is maintained at a very constant level despite the acidity of the food being consumed.

However, it goes deeper than this: A recent study in 2010 published in the Nutrition Journal by Kanbara, A., et. al. revealed that an alkaline diet can cause an increase in uric acid excretion through the urine. On the other hand, acidic diets suppress uric acid excretion in the urine.

This study strongly suggests that by adjusting the diet to include alkaline food, it can promote the removal of uric acid in the blood , which implies hope for the removal of formed uric acid crystals in the joints. However, recent research on the favorable effects of dietary modification that specifically targets uric acid crystals in gouty arthritis has yet to be published (the most recent study was in 1959!)

Eating More Alkaline Food
An alkaline diet is typically high in vegetable and legume intake – food that has high pH or low acid content. An alkali diet can include the following food products:

• Rye bread

• Tofu

• Okra

• Green soybeans

• Carrots

• Green, leafy vegetables

• Tomato

• Red and yellow pepper

• Pumpkin

• Green onion

• Cucumber

• Cabbage

• Lettuce

• Garlic

• Dried seaweed

• Olive oil

Note also how the typical acidic or acid-forming diet contains high levels of sugars, processed foods, bread and meat. Another interesting anomaly here is lemons. Lemons are very acidic yet are considered by proponents of this system to be alkaline forming.

Different studies have shown how beneficial alkaline therapy and alkaline diets can significantly reduce the levels of uric acid in the blood, which paves the way for research on their effects on uric acid crystals. Can you believe that simply tweaking your diet to include more greens and other fruits and vegetables and help reduce the symptoms of gouty arthritis? Medical research indicates that this idea has potential. Surely we have reached the point where “we have the technology”: We can analyze these ideas using metadata and large numbers of people in order to arrive at solid conclusions.

Sleep On The Left Side Is Good For Health

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Source: themolas.com

Not everyone knows that the position that we take when we sleep has a significant influence on own digestion. It is no coincidence that, in ancient times, the monks decided to lie down after each meal just for ten minutes, and this served to make the entire digestive lighter. Nor is it a coincidence that the most ancient tradition of oriental medicine (ayurvedic) as well as the Indian suggest you go to sleep lying down on his left side. But what is the reason? For that reason is it necessary to follow this precaution?

Quite simply, our lymphatic system relies on the left side of our body, which means that both the stomach that the liver, but also the bladder and the pancreas, are able to dispose of waste products and they drain to the side digestion and produce at the same time the enzymes that the body needs by neutralizing fatty acids and without pressure.

This means that finally digestion there is no need of two or three hours, but ten or fifteen minutes at most: after this period, after lying down on the left side, you will feel immediately lighter. By adopting this simple measure, in essence, the body acquires the whole of the energy of digestion; when it digests normally, however, we tend to feel heavier, precisely because the digestion involves a consumption of energy.

Obviously, this does not mean that you can eat anything and everything, without careful grease, fried and greasy toppings too, in the absence of concerns. The restraint and moderation are important, but using the trick of rest on the left side you will no doubt have the opportunity to benefit from a greater calm and a more pleasant serenity, even over time.

Why The Pushup Is The World’s Greatest Exercise

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Source: huffingtonpost.com

If I could only do one exercise for the rest of my life, it would be the pushup.

Maybe you hate them or you think you can’t complete a single rep or you think being a runner (or a cyclist or a walker) means you only need to focus on your lower body. But it’s time to stop considering the pushup an arm workout and start accepting it for the body-altering, core-strengthening move it truly is.

You don’t have to drop and give me 50; simply incorporating more pushups into your regular routine can help you reach all sorts of fitness goals, by helping you improve everything from your posture on your bike to your balance to your arm swing.

The Perfect Pushup So how do you do the move of all moves correctly?

  • Start on your hands and toes, in full plank position, with your hands slightly to the sides of your shoulders.
  • Engage your core muscles by trying to bring your belly button toward your spine, then slowly lower your body toward the ground while keeping your neck and spine aligned — no drooping allowed.
  • When your chest is about the size of a fist away from the ground, slowly press back up to full plank position.
  • Repeat! Try for 10 if you’re just starting out — or challenge yourself and see how many you can do before your form starts to falter.

If you’re not quite ready for a pushup, there’s no shame in taking a step back. In fact, I wish more people would give the modified pushup the attention it deserves.

Pushups are hard. That’s why they’re so awesome. But, like any challenging exercise, that means form is paramount. You’re better off doing 10 modified pushups with perfect form than five full pushups with hunched shoulders or a drooping neck or hips. You’ll work the same core, chest and arm muscles while relieving a bit of the pressure, allowing you to train safely. The same rules apply as above; instead, start on hands and knees (and don’t cross the ankles).

In both a modified or full pushup, the wider you place your hands, the more you work your chest.

The closer to your body you place your hands, the more you work your triceps.

Once you’ve mastered the pushup, you can experiment with a whole bunch of variations to not only mix up a tired routine but also to work different muscles in different ways. Here are three of my favorites:

Pushup Variation #1: BOSU Ball Pushups
Originally an acronym for “both sides up”, this versatile gym gadget requires extra core work if you’re going to stay balanced during your pushups.

  • Start by gripping the sides of the ball’s platform, with the round side down.
  • Perform your pushups as usual, trying to wobble as little as possible.

Pushup Variation #2: Renegade Row Pushup
Adding a row to your pushup makes this variation a two-for-one deal: You’ll be working your back muscles to complement all that chest work.

  • Hold the handles of two dumbbells.
  • Complete one pushup, and when you get back to starting position, lift your right arm until the upper arm is about level with your back.
  • Pause, then lower the weight back down and repeat with your left arm before completing your next pushup.
  • Focus on pinching your shoulder blades together with each row, with as little sideways movement as possible.

Pushup Variation #3: T Pushups
Work your obliques by incorporating a mini side plank into your pushups. If When this gets too easy, try it while holding a pair of dumbbells.

  • Complete a pushup as usual, and when you get back to starting position, rotate your body to one side into a side plank position with your arm extended (your body will form a T).
  • Pause, then return to pushup position.
  • Complete another pushup, then rotate to the other side.

THE BEST ENERGY DRINK OF YOUR LIFE

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Source: thespiritscience.net

I had the urge to write about this daily habit that takes 10 minutes or less, but can have an incredible influence on you and your family’s health!

Right now in our world there are a lot of people who would love to feel better about their bodies. Studies show that a good portion of both men and women are unsatisfied with themselves or struggle with self-confidence. This is no secret, and it is apparent that as a society we are searching for better answers than painful dieting and hours in the gym. 

I was first introduced to the idea of green smoothies by Robyn Openshaw when I was a teenager.  I struggled a lot with body image during adolescence, and more than wanting to feel beautiful I also wanted to feel healthy. So I was always looking for the secrets to having a body I felt confident walking around in!

The idea is you find the right blend of fruits, veggies, and greens to throw into a blender that make a delicious smoothie and a powerhouse nutrient-rich boost for your body! The possible and proven benefits to drinking a green drink on a daily basis are awesome!

  • Weight loss
  • Mood enhancement
  • Natural detox and cleanse
  • Immune support/boost
  • Huge percentage of daily need for vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
  • ENERGY increase that lasts
  • Fiber that you don’t get from juice
  • You feel ‘light’ verses ‘heavy’
  • Happy cells!!

Green smoothies are great at anytime during the day, but are particularly excellent for breakfast. Our body goes through natural cycles  throughout a day where it focuses respectively on these three processes: Elimination, Appropriation, and Assimilation. In the morning we are typically in elimination mode and our body is focusing on releasing toxins and cleansing. 

Eating a heavy breakfast that is cooked can often be counter-productive to this cycle. Think of how it feels if you’re trying to clean the kitchen and before you’re done someone comes in and starts pulling out  food to make a big meal.  It would definitely slow you down or maybe even stop you from cleaning completely. Our body is the same way.

Our body responds the best to living and easily digestible foods in the morning. Living food means it is raw (uncooked) and is thus still full of enzymes and nutrients that aid digestion and fuel your body.

Convinced to give smoothies a try? Let’s address some common hesitations for those that need a push!

Tastes nasty?

The first time I made a green smoothie it was disgusting. I didn’t blend it well so it was chunky and I was a little too ambitious on the percentage of greens that I added.  In general we are used to overly-sweet food, and starting off your smoothie habit with too many veggies can cause you (and your family victims) to tank before finishing the first glass. Luckily our taste buds adapt over time. Try starting with 20% veggies and 80% fruit. Then slowly change it until you’re eventually drinking 50/50. Baby steps!

Can’t get over looks and texture?

 I would recommend getting a good blender.  For example try a Blendtec. They are FANTASTIC. Your smoothies will feel like Jamba Juice.  But let’s be real, a good portion of us don’t have that kind of money to throw around just yet.  But don’t let that stop you from changing you life.  Any blender will do the job. Putting the veggies in and blending them for a bit first can help to get rid of chunks making them easier to drink.

Bored?

Now that I’ve got a spouse to please, I’ve put a lot more energy into VARIETY. Don’t get stuck on one recipe. Try new things! Mix new colors! If you make your family drink something that tastes too weedy one day, make a really delicious one the next day. Find your favorites and have fun getting creative.

SOME OF MY FAVORITE RECIPES:

#1

  • 1/2 Cucumber
  • 1 whole lemon (just cut end nubs off)
  • 1 handful of spinach
  • 1 banana
  • 2 tbsp of green super-food powder
  • 1 tbsp of organic flax power
  • 1 cup of frozen pineapple
  • 2 scoops of organic yogurt
  • Coconut milk/Water
  • 1 mango
  • 1 cup of carrots
  • 1 apple
  • 1 banana

Just not sure it is for you?

Maybe smoothies just aren’t and will never be your thing. That’s fine! As with everything, don’t take my word for it. Give it a good shot. If it is a good thing your body will let you know!

 

 

38 DETOX WATERS TO CLEANSE YOUR BODY AND MIND

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Source: detoxdiy.com

1. Fat Burning Detox Water

Drinking the right detox water can help you burn fat by providing your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to function like a well-oiled machine. Here are three different fat burning detox waters, each one delicious and ready to fuel you up.

INGREDIENTS
  • 2 apples, core removed, cut in thin slices
  • 2 tsp organic raw honey
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 4 cups pure/tap water
  • Ice cubes, to serve

2. Morning Lemon Detox Water

Wake up and immediately start helping your body out with this morning lemon detox water. Lemon water is a great first beverage for your day, helping to hydrate you and providing enzymes to get your digestive system started up. This lemon water recipes is upgraded with a bit of apple cider vinegar and cayenne pepper.

Mix any of the following:

  • 1 tbsp. Apple Cider Vinegar (it has to be raw, unfiltered, with the mother)
  • Juice from 1 lemon (I like this citrus juicer / squeezer)
  • 1/8 tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • 1-2 tbsp. Honey (raw and local is preferred, if unavailable, this one is great)
  • Water – You can dilute this as strong or as weak as you prefer. I usually add about 1/4 cup water.

3. Citrus Detox Water

Citrus fruits can be very detoxing thanks to the alkaline effect they have on the body. This recipes uses both grapefruit and lemon to provide plenty of Vitamin C, and infuse the water with classic citrus flavor. It’s a beverage you can enjoy throughout the year, and will provide you with vitamins and minerals.

Ingredients:

  • 64 oz. of Water
  • 1 Sliced Grapefruit
  • 2 Sliced Lemons
  • 2 Sliced Cucumbers
  • 1 Handful of Fresh Mint Leaves, torn

4. Apple Cinnamon Detox Water

Get the delicious flavor of apples and cinnamon in this easy-to-drink detox water. You’ll also get the benefits come from both apples and cinnamon. Apples have a unique mix of vitamins and minerals, and cinnamon has long been used as a healing spice. They’re using organic apples, a great idea when making detox water so it’s free of chemicals.

Ingredients

  • 2 organic apples
  • 2 cinnamon sticks (food grade)
  • water
  • ice if you want

5. Chia Detox Water

This detox water is not only good for you, it’s also fun to drink which means you’ll drink it more often. Chia seeds are so small that you can swallow them without chewing them up, and get the fiber, protein, and plant-based omega-3s they contain. To make it taste even better there’s lime juice which also adds Vitamin C.

Ingredients

  •  12oz glass of water
  •  Tablespoon Chia seeds
  •  Juice from 1 lime
  •  1/4 teaspoon agave nectar

6. Wonder Water

This water is especially made for dieters, but you can use it to detox as well and it will help you flush your system. It’s loaded up with green apple, cucumber, and mint, so you’re getting antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals in each sip. This is a crisp and refreshing water you can enjoy as often as you’d like.

Ingredients:

  • 2 litres/quarts filtered water
  • ½ green apple (like Granny Smith)
  • 3 inch (8cm) piece of cucumber
  • small handful mint leaves
  • squeeze of lemon or lime juice (optional)

7. Orange Mint Coconut Water

This detox water is sure to hydrate you because it’s made using coconut water. This means it will include enzymes and electrolytes that you just don’t get from regular water. Leave out the club soda and you’ll still get a great water that’s even better at detoxing you.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 cup club soda
  • 1 cup coconut water
  • a few springs of fresh mint
  • a handful of ice cubes

8. Mango and Lime Infused H2O

Detox waters are all about infusing the water with the nutrients from fruits and vegetables. In this case they’re using mango and lime for a delicious flavor, but you’ll also get the antioxidants from the mango, and the Vitamin C from the lime.

Ingredients/supplies

  • 1 ripe small mango sliced.
  • 1 lime sliced into rounds.
  • 1 small bunch of cilantro.
  • 1 pitcher that holds 24-32 ounces of water.
  • Purified water.

9. Refreshing Detox Water

You don’t have to feel lightheaded when you’re on a detox, and getting enough water is key. This refreshing detox water will keep you hydrated and clear headed thanks to a combination of oranges, mint, cucumber, and lemon. A cool drink filled with antioxidants and fresh flavor.

Ingredients
  • 2-3 liters water
  • 2 large oranges, sliced
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • ½ large cucumber, sliced
  • 1 handful of fresh mint

10. Super Simple Detox Water

Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of this detox water, it still does the job. It’s made with ingredients that have been hand-picked thanks to their detoxing qualities. It’s important to note the use of fresh ginger, which will help calm the stomach and improve digestion.

Ingredients
  • ½ gallon purified water
  • ½ lemon, sliced
  • ½ lime, sliced
  • ½ grapefruit, sliced
  • 1 cup cucumber, sliced
  • 1 tsp ginger, sliced (add more if you like)
  • A small handful of peppermint leaves

11. Lemon Cucumber Mint Water

You’ll see mint being used in a lot of detox waters. That’s because of its cooling taste in the mouth, and also the large amount of antioxidants it contains. You’ll see it paired here with cucumber and lemon, two other common detox water ingredients.

Ingredients:
  • 8 cups water
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 1 small cucumber, sliced
  • 1 handful of fresh mint
  • Ice, for serving

12. Fruit-Infused Waters

Here you’ll see two different ways to infuse water with the power of fruit. She shows you how to make a strawberry water and a watermelon water. Each of these fruits contain antioxidants and a sweet flavor that encourages you to drink more water on your detox.

Ingredients:

  • 4-6 strawberries, hulled and quartered
  • 1/2 lemon, sliced
  • Small handful of basil, scrunched
  • Ice and cold filtered water

13. Blueberry Orange Water

Blueberries make a natural choice for a detox water thanks to their renowned antioxidant numbers. By letting the berries soak in the water the antioxidants are able to seep out while remaining intact so you can drink them up and absorb them easily.

Ingredients:

  • pitcher of water
  • 2 oranges
  • handful blueberries

14. Grapefruit Water

Grapefruit has long been used as a weight loss aid, but it also works as a detox aid as well. When you let it sit in the water its nutrients become part of the water and its as if you’re eating the grapefruit without actually eating it. It’s full of Vitamin C and can get your metabolism going.

Ingredients:

  • 1 red grapefruit, sliced
  • 24 oz water

15. Oatmeal Detox Water

Dislike eating oatmeal but still want to get its benefits? Try oatmeal detox water, which provides the nutrients from oats without having to sit through a bowl of oatmeal. This is a healing water whose proponents say it can remedy everything from a cold to infections.

Ingredients:

  • 4 heaping Tbsp. (or more – I use a large handful) oatmeal
  • 4 quarts of water

16. Raspberry Watermelon Water

Raspberries and watermelon are two fruits that are tasty to eat all by themselves. But the goal with detox water is to get you drinking more water and making that water even more powerful with fruit. Watermelon contains lycopene, a powerful antioxidant for detoxing, and raspberries are also known for the antioxidant content..

INGREDIENTS:

Fruit Infused Water Flavor Ideas

  • raspberry (or strawberry) lemon – any berry paired with lemon ends up with a light lemonade flavor!
  • watermelon mint – super refreshing!
  • tropical (mango pineapple) – this one comes out sweeter than the others, but in a totally good way!
  • citrus cucumber (lemon, lime, orange, cucumber)
  • Other fruits to try: apples, honeydew, cantalope, blueberries, blackberries, peaches
  • Try fresh herbs too! Rosemary, basil, mint

17. Strawberry Lemonade Probiotic Water

Your digestive system along with your liver represent your two most important detox systems, and making sure you take in probiotics will help your digestion and improve your detox capabilities, helping to whisk away toxins and prevent them from getting re-absorbed by the body.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups purified water
  • 1 cup Good Belly Probiotics
  • 1 cup strawberry, sliced
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon Aloe Vera Juice

18. Blackberry Mint Water

Blackberries tend to take a backseat to blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries, but they’re still a great source of antioxidants, and taste great in this detox water. Mint is used for even more antioxidant power, which goes to work in your body fighting free radicals and the damage they cause.

19. Cinnamon Strawberry Detox Water

Cinnamon and strawberries may not sound like a popular combination, but it works in this detox water. You get the healing benefits of cinnamon mixed with the antioxidants of strawberries in one water. A lime helps to tie it all together and make it even more cleaning for the body.

20. Lemon Cayenne Ginger Detox Water

Cayenne can help your metabolism get going, and lemon will get your digestion in gear. Ginger helps to calm your digestive system, and is also deeply cleansing to the body. Put them all together and you’ve got a great detox water than you can drink anytime throughout the day.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 Gallon Water
  • 4 Lemons
  • 2 Inches fresh Ginger
  • 2 Tablespoons Cayenne Pepper

21. Springtime Strawberry Detox Water

Spring is a great time to detox, and this springtime strawberry detox water can help just about any detox program. It will help you stay hydrated as the weather starts to warm up, and is loaded with antioxidants from the strawberries as well as their signature flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 1 gallon of water
  • 1 large lemon thinly sliced
  • 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 6 medium sized strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced
  • 3 small sprigs of fresh herbs – basil or mint is nice

22. Pear-fect Detox Water

Enjoy this pear infused detox water made with two pears and a ton of fresh ginger. Be sure to use fresh ginger because it doesn’t have the same effect if you try using a powder. There are four other detox water recipes on this page, each one designed to help you release toxins.

Ingredients:

  • 2 Pears
  • 10 slices of fresh ginger (mix pear and ginger first)
  • 3 quarts of water

23. Sassy Water

You may have heard of Sassy Water, which is basically a detox water that has been shown to help people lose weight, especially in the tummy area. It’s a simple concoction of lemons, mint, and cucumber, but it’s remarkably effective and owes its success to its detox effect.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lemons
  • 1/2 cucumber
  • 10-12 mint leaves
  • 3 quarts water

24. Strawberry Kiwi Detox Water

Strawberry and kiwi goes together amazingly well, and each of these fruits is cleansing for the body. By soaking them in the water you release not only their flavor, but also their antioxidants and vitamins so you can drink them up in the water and be fully refreshed and recharged.

Ingredients:

  • 2 kiwis
  • 1/2 lime
  • 1/4 cucumber
  • A sprig of mint

25. Raspberry Lemon Detox Water

Raspberry and lemons both have a tart taste, but each one helps the body in a different way. Lemons do so with Vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant in the body, and raspberries are known for their high antioxidant content. Be sure to use organic raspberries for best results.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups organic raspberries
  • 8 cups (64 ounces) spring or filtered water
  • 1 large organic lemon—cut into ½- inch slices
  • 2 dried Medjool dates (optional but adds nice sweetness to the water)
  • 1 drop lemon essential oil-optional
  • 1 gallon clean glass jar with lid

26. Detox Water 3 Ways

When starting out with detox water it’s important to have a large list of different recipes so that you can tailor it to what you have on hand, or what you’re in the mood for. Here are three ways you can make fruit infused water that replenishes key nutrients.

DIGESTIVE AID BEAUTY WATER

  • 8 ounces coconut water kefir or sparkling water
  • 2 tablespoons raw apple cider vinegar
  • 2 inch piece of ginger
  • juice from one lemon

COOL CALM BEAUTY WATER

  • 20 ounces water
  • 1 cup fresh berries
  • 1 handful fresh mint
  • 2 tablespoons honey or 3 drops stevia (optional)

WEIGHT LOSS FLUSH BEAUTY WATER

  • 20 ounces water
  • 1/2 grapefruit slices (ruby red is preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons vitamin C powder or camu camu powder
  • 2 tablespoons honey or 3 drops stevia (optional)

27. Fruit Infused Coconut Water

Coconut water by itself is a great detox beverage, but for many the taste needs an upgrade. That’s where fruit enters the pictures, and here they’re showing you four different ways you can doctor up that coconut water so you’ll crave it.

28. Apple Cinnamon Cranberry Water

The more ingredients you add to your detox water, the more interesting it will taste and the more likely you are to finish the glass. In this recipe they’re using a trio of ingredients including apples, cranberries, and cinnamon. There’s also six more recipes on the same page for variety.

Ingredients:

  • apple slices
  • frozen cranberries
  • cinnamon sticks
  • whole cloves
  • fresh grated ginger

29. Mango Ginger Water

You might sometimes see detox water referred to as spa water. It’s the kind of water they serve in upscale spas, particularly because of the cleansing effect it has on the body. Here they’re using the antioxidants from mango coupled with the soothing power of ginger.

Ingredients:

  • 1 inch Ginger Root, peeled and sliced
  • 1 cup Frozen Mango- fresh is fine too

30. Lemon Pomegranate Infused Water

Pomegranates top the charts in terms of antioxidants, and here they’re making a detox water that will be infused with plenty of nutrients. The lemon helps the flavor of the water and also adds in Vitamin C. Four hours of chilling and the water is ready to go.

Ingredients:

  • a small handful of pomegranate seeds (about 20)
  • 2 organic lemon slices.

31. Watermelon Detox Water

Watermelon is more than just a summertime favorite. It’s made up mostly of water, and contains two key nutrients, lycopene and beta-Carotene. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant by itself, and the beta-Carotene is converted to Vitamin A in the body and has an antioxidant effect as well.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 a small watermelon
  • 1 whole cucumber
  • 2 lemons
  • a big hunk of ginger

32. Cran Water

Cranberries are good for more than just a natural remedy for a urinary tract infection. That same healing power can help flush toxins from your kidneys, and makes a great addition to a detox. Here they’re touting its ability to help with bloating, making it a great anytime drink.

33. Strawberry Mint Water

Strawberries, blueberries, and mint combine to load up this detox water with antioxidants. Surprisingly enough it’s the mint that adds more antioxidants than the strawberries, and is on part with the blueberries. Lemons add in Vitamin C and digestive enzymes.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lemons
  • 1/2 cup strawberries
  • 1/4 cup blueberries
  • 10-12 fresh mint leaves
  • 3 quarts water

34. Lemony Herb Cucumber Water

Adding lemon to water helps to alkalize the body all by itself, so when you add in more ingredients like cucumber and a trio of herbs like mint, rosemary, and thyme, you’re really stacking the deck in your favor. Each herb contains different types of antioxidants.

What You Need
  • ½ cucumber
  • 1 lemon
  • 2 sprigs rosemary
  • 1 handful thyme
  • 1 handful mint

35. Orange and Basil Infused Water

The orange will add in Vitamin C to support your immune system during a cleanse, or just as a daily re-up of this important water-soluble vitamin. Basil is an antioxidant storehouse. Here you’ll find an assortment of detox water ideas, each with their own benefits.

Ingredients:

  • Orange & basil
  • Cucumber & mint
  • Lemon & ginger
  • Cucumber & lime
  • Orange, lime & mint

36. Turmeric Lemon Water

Turmeric has been used for generations in India as a healing spice. You can get its benefits by adding it to your lemon water and giving the water a totally new dynamic. The biggest benefit you can expect from this water is in the form of its anti-inflammatory ability.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 of a lemon
  • 1/4 – 1/2 tsp of turmeric
  • warm water
  • a dab of honey (optional)

37. Pineapple Blueberry Infused Water

Two delicious fruits are used in this detox water, pineapples and blueberries. Blueberries are known for the high antioxidant content, but pineapple is no slouch in this department either. Let it sit for at least an hour, preferably more to give the nutrients time to leach out of the fruit.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup pineapple cut into chunks
  • 1/3 cup frozen blueberries
  • ½ cup ice

38. Healthy Infused Water

There are tons of ways you can infuse water and make it a more powerful detoxing agent. Here they show you a number of different recipes, including pineapple and mint and ginger and lime. All are great choices if you’re looking to get more nutrients into your system.

TRY THESE COMBINATIONS:

  • Ginger and lime — Peel 5-6 strips of fresh ginger and slice up two limes. I like to squeeze the lime juice into the water, let it sit for about 5 minutes, and then take the limes out. This was my favorite combination.
  • Cucumber and basil — Super refreshing. Slice up half a cucumber and then add 5 leaves of basil. Let the cucumber and basil infuse for 20 minutes, then drink up.
  • Pineapple and mint — I used about 1/4 of a chopped pineapple and then a handful of mint leaves. Muddle the mint into the bottom of the pitcher before pouring the water in to ensure the mint oils would be released and their flavor will be added. Should be flavor-ready in 5 minutes.
  • Melon and basil — I chopped up about 1/4 of a canteloupe scooped into balls (and ate the rest!) and 5 leaves of basil. Let sit 15 minutes and enjoy!

 

7 Easy Ways to Detox Every Day for More Energy and Vibrant Skin

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Source: youngandraw.com

While it is recommended to do a controlled detox a few times every year, detoxification itself is actually a continual physiological proves that our body is always going through. There are things you can do every day which will help to aid your body on going through this natural process of releasing toxins. By introducing these healthy habits into your daily life, it can help to keep your toxic load at bay by enhancing your body’s natural detox system to function effectively long-term.

1. Drink Filtered Water

As much as you possibly can, choose to drink clean water that has been filtered from heavy metals and chlorine. Use filtered water for drinking, showering and cooking when possible.

2. Do regular exercise

By moving your body every day, it helps to release toxins from your body by sweating. Exercising also helps to increase your body’s metabolic activity which aids effective in toxin removal, while also building lean body mass which assists in burning more calories. It also needs to be mentioned that moving your body is a stress relieving and produces a natural vitality boost.

3. Dry Skin Brushing

This relaxing activity takes just 2 minutes to do each day, but is a very powerful way to help your body’s lymphatic system to operate. You want to find a natural fibre brush that you will use to lightly brush over your body in a circular motion towards your heart. Do his before having a shower or a bath each day, which will also help to remove dead skin cells. Learn more about it here.

4. Have an Epsom Salt Bath

A hot bath with Epsom Salts can aid your body in drawing toxins out of your body, and not mention it is also calming and relaxing. The magnesium sulphate which is Epsom Salt is also a good nervous system relaxant. Adding some essential oils such as lavender to your bath will also aid in having a good night’s sleep.

5. Try an Infrared Sauna

Having a 15 minute sauna every day helps your body to remove toxins from your skin through sweat. If you can use an infrared sauna, you will also get extra benefits from the infrared rays which produce an energy like that from the sun, which will provide a cellular cleanse and increase metabolism and blood circulation. Sitting in a sauna is also very relaxing and rejuvenating, which is a healthy state for your body to enjoy.

6. Use only non-toxic skincare

Avoid using products on your skin that contain chemical ingredients and fragrances, which are easily absorbed by the skin. These toxic ingredient make your liver work harder in eliminating them from you body, and regular exposure to these ingredients have been linked to long term health conditions. Not only that, but they can block the detox pathways meaning that the toxins and chemicals your body is exposed to remain in your body, stored as fat cells that can affect weight loss and cause rashes, acne and wrinkles. Ironic, right?

7. Avoid Using Plastic

Plastics are an unstable compound and when heated, the harmful chemicals that plastics are made from will leach into the food that you then eat, or from the liquid you drink. Use glass or ceramic instead for cooking and drink from stainless steel bottles.

 

 

 

Key Points to GOP Healthcare Plan

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The news is full of all kinds of reports on what’s in and not in the proposed GOP healthcare plan which Republicans hope will replace Obamacare. Realize that most of the reports the public are hearing or reading are coming from ultra-liberal mainstream media outlets who are bent on destroying everything done by conservatives, Republicans and the Trump administration.

The relationship between liberals (mainstream media and Democrats) and conservatives (Republicans and Christians) has been described in terms generally used in divorce cases – IRRECONCILABLE DIFFERENCES.

The American Culture & Faith Institute conducted a survey which clearly displays the deep divide between the two warring political factions in our nation. One interesting facet of the survey is that the single most important issue causing the irreconcilable differences between the two political worldviews has to do with one’s worldview of God.

In the survey, WORLDVIEW SURVEY REVEALS “IRRECONCILABLE” DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CONSERVATIVES AND LIBERALS, they asked 20 key questions. Their report states:

Drawing from a nationwide survey of adults that measured how many people have a biblical worldview, the research discovered that people who are politically conservative are more than twice as likely as those who are politically liberal to have biblical positions on the twenty belief indicators tested by ACFI. In addition, the survey found that political conservatives are about 60% more likely to hold biblical positions on those indicators than are those who qualify as politically moderate.

There were 15 belief statements among the 20 included in the survey for which conservatives were substantially more likely than liberals to hold a biblical point of view – that is, a difference between the two groups of at least 25 percentage points. Those included the following differences:

  • Saying that God is the all-powerful, all-knowing, perfect creator of the universe who still rules it today (a 43 percentage point difference between the two segments)
  • Strongly agreeing that the main purpose of life is to know, love, and serve God (40-point gap)
  • Asserting that everyone is a sinner in need of a savior, repentance and forgiveness (39-point difference)
  • Believing that the Bible is the word of God, with no errors (38-point gap)
  • Strongly disagreeing that Satan does not exist but is just a symbol of evil (36-point gap)
  • Saying that God created human beings in what is pretty much their present form, just as the Bible says (34-point difference)
  • Strongly agreeing that the Bible is totally accurate in the life principles it conveys (33-point gap)
  • Believing that God is aware of everything happening and remains actively involved in peoples’ lives (33-point difference)
  • Believing that the Bible is the most reliable source of absolute moral truth (32-point gap)
  • Believing that the most important indicator of personal success in life is one’s commitment and obedience to God (31-point difference)
  • Believing that success is best indicated by commitment and obedience to God (31-point difference)
  • Firmly asserting that their religious faith is very important to them (31-point gap)
  • Contending that there are moral absolutes that are unchanging (30-point difference)
  • Saying it is very important to be engaged in developing a deeper relationship with God (27-point difference)
  • Saying it is very important to increase their personal understanding of God’s ways, as described in the Bible (27-point gap)

As the report stated:

“The ACFI survey revealed that the link between ideology and beliefs helps explain the recent election results. ‘Election surveys have pointed out how significant people’s candidate preference in the presidential race was to their hopes for the future,’ said Barna. ‘In that light, the Worldview Measurement Project surveys demonstrate the power of worldview, even in elections. Among all adults, those with a biblical worldview were more likely to vote than were those who did not. That is because a biblical worldview informs people that participating in the direction and leadership of society is a personal duty. Further, among voters who have a biblical worldview, 68% voted for Donald Trump and 27% voted for Hillary Clinton. Their primary motivation had to do with restoring traditional moral values. Among voters who do not have a biblical worldview, Mrs. Clinton held a 47% to 44% edge. She was the preference of those without a biblical worldview primarily in the hope of adopting more postmodern values’.”

It also explains why so many liberals are up in arms over everything President Donald Trump says and does. It often has nothing to do with what he actually does or says, but has everything to do with the irreconcilable differences between the two political factions, and until something breaks this deeply divided feud, nothing will ever be accomplished without major turmoil, bickering and lawsuits.

Knowing this, then realize that at this point, many of the details of the GOP healthcare plan are known, many are not and most could be in a state of flux and subject to change. However, here are several key points to report at this early stage:

1) The insurance mandate that penalized taxpayers from not having healthcare insurance goes away.

2) Instead of federal subsidies, individuals may qualify for ‘advanceable’ tax credits to help in the purchase of healthcare insurance. The tax credit amounts will generally range from $2,000 to $4,000 a year for lower and middle income families, depending on income, family size and age. Many critics say that the replacement of subsidies with the tax credits will leave millions of lower class and elderly people without healthcare due to the costs.

3) Pre-existing medical conditions will still coverable, but like Obamacare, nothing in the new plan says the coverage for pre-existing conditions will be affordable.

4) A broader selection of different types of policies will be available, including catastrophic policies.

5) Children up to the age of 26 will be allowed to remain under their parent’s healthcare policy.

6) Although Medicaid may first expand, it will eventually be reduced.

7) Most of the hidden and not-hidden taxes invoked by the Affordable Healthcare Act will be repealed. Some of those taxes involved prescriptions, over the counter medications, medical devices, etc.

8) The coverage for the ten essential healthcare benefits outlined in Obamacare will still be required. However, after December 31, 2019, those essential benefits will no longer be required in all policies, but will still be available depending on the needs of the policy holder. How this may help is an older couple will no longer have to pay for maternity or contraceptive coverages they no longer need, now will individuals be forced to pay for state Medicaid coverage they don’t need.

9) Under Obamacare, tax-exempt health savings accounts were capped at a maximum of $3,400 for individuals and $6,750 for families. The new limits would be raised to $6,550 for individuals and $13,100 for families.

One thing to consider with all the hype thrown at Obamacare and the GOP replacement healthcare is that it really only effects less than 10% of the entire US population. One report says that only 7% of the American population purchases their own healthcare insurance. Based on the population clock kept by the US Census, the current population is approximately 324.67 million meaning that only around 22.7 million are actually affected by the biggest story in the media. If you’re one of those, then it is a big deal and you’ll want to follow along and learn as much as possible of what kind of coverage you’ll get and how much it will cost you.

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