Sunday, August 4, 2013

7 Alarming Signs You Are Unhealthy

http://www.fitnea.com/7-alarming-signs-you-are-unhealthy/

unhealthy signs

We are often guilty of believing that we are a picture of fine health as we have no real signs that anything untoward is going on inside our body. However, this does not have to be true as there are actually a number of indications that we tend to ignore that are actually telling us that something is not right. Failure to pay attention to them will of course tend to lead to things getting worse, so what follows are 7 signs you are unhealthy in the hope that they may stop further problems from occurring.
1. You find that your lips crack.
It may sound like something that just happens due to the weather, but cracked lips, especially at the corners, can actually show that you have a vitamin B12 deficiency. A lack of this vitamin in your system can lead to health issues such as anaemia and it will affect your blood, so look at either buying a supplement to boost the levels, eat foods that are high in it, or consult your doctor to get a special injection that really will make a difference to your health.
2. You are not as tall as you used to be.
This may sound strange, but as we get older there is a tendency for us to shrink, but the rate at which this happens can indicate that there is some kind of issue with our bones and in particular with us developing osteoporosis. The problem with this bone disease is that it then means we are more likely to fracture a bone when we fall or develop curvature of the spine, so early diagnosis will allow you to make changes to your diet that can stop it from progressively getting worse.
Catching Flu
3. You pick up more than your fair share of colds.
If you seem to be more prone to picking up colds it may indicate that you need to boost your immune system or there may be some kind of issue with it. You may be lacking in Vitamin C or there could even be a virus attacking it that you are unaware of, so get a blood test carried out that can check if there is anything to be concerned about and try to improve your general health to give it that natural boost.
4. Your urine is too yellow.
It is important that you pay attention to the color of your urine as this can actually be a fantastic indicator about your general health. If you are hydrated your urine should be almost clear, but if you are drinking enough and it is still a dark yellow it may indicate that there is an issue with your kidneys and the waste is not being processed correctly. Look at upping your fluid intake and see if it helps, but only drink water, and if it stays the same get your kidney function checked.
5. Your skin acts up continuously.
If you find that you develop acne, eczema, or any other skin disorder on a regular basis then it can mean more than you are simply not taking care of the skin or using the correct products. Instead, it could be the result of an allergic reaction or it may be your body telling you that it is stressed and needs you to slow down. Your skin is the biggest single organ in your body, so listen to what it is telling you as your body often uses it to put out a cry for help and it offers up signs that all is not well and you are not as healthy as you thought you were.

Insomnia

6. You are not sleeping like normal.
If you find that your sleep pattern is disturbed and you are suffering from some form of insomnia it does tend to point towards your body and mind being too stressed. When we sleep, our body is supposed to lower the amount of cortisol coursing through it, but when we are stressed this does not happen and we are thrown out of sync. When this happens our body struggles to repair itself and recharge its batteries leading to us gradually being run down and when this happens we can pick up all kinds of illnesses due to our immune system not operating at full capacity.
7. You are tired, but sleep enough.
If you are getting more than enough sleep, but still find that you are tired in the afternoon, then it may indicate that there is a problem with your thyroid. The problem here is that your adrenal glands are being exhausted leading to your body using up all of its energy early on without it being replaced in the proper manner. This problem can then lead to your body being run down as it is working so hard trying to protect you from the different kinds of toxins that you can pick up during the day from the environment as well as things you are doing. When this happens it leaves you open to other potential health problems, so get your thyroid checked.

7 Surprising Benefits of Drinking Coffee

http://www.fitnea.com/7-surprising-benefits-of-drinking-coffee/

Coffee

Are you a coffee lover? Do you wake up in the morning craving the smell of coffee? Have you heard many negative things said about coffees that have made you wish to quit taking it?
Every time you wake up early in the morning feeling tired and groggy, coffee could be just what your body needs to be and remain wide awake. It could energize you and clear the mind so that you can concentrate and get work done. But do you know there are other benefits of taking coffee that you didn’t know about? Here are 7 benefits of drinking coffee:
It helps in the prevention of diseases
A study done by researchers from Harvard showed that taking 1 to 3 cups of coffee each day can be a health benefit; it reduces the risk of diabetes significantly. Additionally taking 6 or more cups each day will even reduce the risk further. This study revealed that the formation of the Parkinson’s disease can be decreased by up to 80% and the risk of cancer of the colon can be reduced by 25%. The study also revealed that women who take 4 or more cups can decrease chances of getting breast cancer by up to 40%.
Coffee

It gives you a better performing work out
Before any exercises at home or at the gym, you can drink a cup of coffee. This coffee will release endorphins in the body in a few minutes. The releases of these endorphins enable your body to be in a better mood and give you the urge to work out. They will increase the performance and help you work out longer and harder altogether. For better performances in you exercises, a cup of coffee will definitely take you there.
It gives you better Health
A cup of coffee has more than one thousand anti oxidants. These antioxidants are important for your health in many ways. They can lower the inflammation that is caused by arthritis and get rid of toxins which cause specific types of cancers. They also neutralize free radicals which can lead to the gaining of weight. More anti oxidants in the body make the body feel and look better both in the inside and out.
It gives you a longer life span
A study carried out by the National Cancer Institute revealed that people who take coffee often are more likely to have longer lives than those who do not. As much as the reasoning behind this theory is not clear, many scientists claim it’s because f the antioxidants found naturally in coffee.
Secondly, coffee can lower unhealthy snacking and improve exercises for its drinkers. Drinking coffee could replace smoking of cigarettes too. These things contribute to a longer life span.
Coffee and Brain
It can make you smarter
Coffee does not only keep you awake, it can make you smart too. Caffeine, which is the main ingredient in coffee, is a stimulant. It is the most consumed psychoactive component in today’s world. Caffeine blocks the effects of the inhibitory neurotransmitter which is called adenosine. This blockage increases neuronal firing inside the brain and causes the release of other types of neurotransmitters. This leads to a net stimulant effect and improves the brain and mood.
Consumption of coffee on regular basis can also help you get over mental problems and better cognitive abilities. Studies show that coffee improves the thinking ability and gives better problem solving skills.
It is good for the liver
Studies show that the caffeine present in coffee aids the liver to regulate itself. Regular consumption of coffee can reduce the risk of getting liver cirrhosis, liver cancer or even liver failure. It also reduces the risk of alcoholic cirrhosis. These benefits do not extend to the other caffeinated drinks and tea.
It reduces the risk of gout
Gout is a very painful; condition that can occur to anyone at any age. It affects the joints and results to immobility for a long period of time. Consumption of coffee can reduce the pain felt and soothe this condition. Studies show that women who take coffee regularly decrease the risk of developing gout. This is because of the anti oxidants in the coffee which reduce the insulin in the body reduction of insulin bring down high uric acid levels which are the cause of gout.

Saturday, August 3, 2013

Top 11 Natural Foods For Detox

http://www.epyk.com/328/top-11-natural-foods-for-detox/?utm_source=taboola
 

Green Apples

Our bodies have a natural detox system that gets rid of toxins that it accumulates from foods and the environment. There is a lot of debate about whether or not our natural detox system can still get rid all of the toxins in our bodies, because today we are exposed to many toxins on a daily basis. Many people feel that helping our body do its natural job is an important way to maintain good health, and it is hard to argue with that. Following are some 11 natural foods for detox that you can use to help your body eliminate toxins.
1. Apples - It turns out that the expression ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’ has a lot of truth behind it. Research has shown that apples are excellent at detoxifying the body; even apple juice that is store bought can help eliminate viruses in the body.
Apples contain a fiber called pectin, and pectin is known to help clear out heavy metals in our body that we accumulate from our foods and environment. In addition, it is known for helping rid intestinal parasites, treating skin problems, aiding in inflammation of the bladder, and preventing liver issues.
It is interesting to note that many people going through drug detox take pectin. This includes drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and marijuana.
2. Beets - The liver naturally removes toxins and other substances from the body, and beets are a natural way to detoxify the liver. Therefore, you are giving your liver some extra help to detox the body.
Beets, like apples, contain pectin. Because of this, many medical professional actually encourage patients to eat non-juiced beets so that they can experience the benefit from the fiber. You can use beets in both sweet and savory dishes.
3. Celery- Celery has a few detox properties. It helps to purify the blood, clear out uric acid from the joints, and stimulate the thyroid and pituitary glands. Celery also acts as a diuretic.
Cabbage

4. Onion - According to the Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies by C. Norman Shealy M.D., Ph. D., the onion is by far the most important bulb vegetable in terms of healing properties and detox properties. It can cause the body to ‘weep’ which helps to release toxins through the skin. In addition, it cleanses the intestines.
5. Cabbage - Cabbage has anti-inflammatory properties and has long been used as a remedy for ulcers. It is also known as a good food to eat when you want to lose weight; however, cabbage also has detox properties. It contains lactic acid, which helps to disinfect the colon. In addition, along with other cruciferous vegetables, cabbage contains sulforphane, a chemical known to help the body fight toxins.
6. Garlic - When it comes to detox, garlic is king. Garlic contains a chemical called allicin, which helps to remove toxins and promote healthy white blood cells. It also helps to rid the colon of many types of parasites by activating gastric juices. Garlic also cleanses the respiratory system and purifies the blood. And if that wasn’t enough, garlic is also said to help the body get rid of nicotine, and can be a great addition to your diet when you quit smoking.
7. Artichoke - This is another food that is beneficial for the liver. Artichokes have been shown to purify the liver and increase bile production. In addition, they have a diuretic effect on the kidneys, which helps to flush out toxins. IN addition, artichokes are full of antioxidants and fiber, which is good for digestive health and toxin removal.
8. Water - Most people don’t consider this when they think of ‘detox foods’, but it is an essential element to help your body rid itself of toxins as well as to keep all natural processes in the body running normally. For example, when it comes to detox, water transports wastes around the body through the blood (blood is about 80 percent water).
All of our tissues and cells need water in order to work well. Even our mental health is affected by the amount of water that we drink (or lack of it). It doesn’t matter how much helpful food you eat for your body if you are dehydrated. When dehydration sets in, it negatively affects all of your body functions including toxin elimination.
Statistics show that about 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. Therefore, increasing your water intake is one of the biggest things you can do to help your body eliminate toxins.