Experiencing These Signs? You May Need to Stop Eating Meat

 Most people find it hard to resist a juicy steak or hamburger. Yet, while meat contains essential nutrients, it also contains a number of natural toxins, saturated fat, and elements that make it difficult for us to digest. Consuming too much meat can lead to serious health consequences including the risk of diabetes and heart disease, or possibly, cancer. These signs indicate that your digestive system isn't processing meat well. How many of these (if any) have you been experiencing?

1. Constipation 

 Our digestive systems are based on our genetics and dietary habits. Depending on the cut of the meat, some can be quite high in fat. Fats take time to be digested by the body and as a result, they may cause indigestion the next day. Constipation can be a result of the high iron that is found in meat. In addition, red meat is also low in fiber - this is necessary for regular bowel movement. One other reason to reduce your meat intake? Some studies have revealed that eating too much red meat can increase the chances of developing bowel cancer. So, reduce your red meat intake to 100-200g just twice a week and be sure to serve it with lots of vegetables and grains. 

 

2. Constantly feeling hungry 

If you feel hungry often, even if you've just finished a meal, it may indicate that you have too much protein. When you don't have enough carbs, your body's blood sugar goes down. Your body also won't produce the mood-regulating serotonin, the chemical that makes you feel hungry. So, if you notice that you're hungry, as opposed to opting for a sandwich for lunch, try a healthy snack like hummus with wholegrain crackers. Also, try to cut out meat for several days and notice if you feel better and fresher. 

 

3. Dark circles under the eyes 

Dark circles are not always an indication of lack of sleep or tiredness. Not digesting meat properly can be a cause, particularly if you get dark circles often, especially after eating meat. This is a clear sign that the meat was not properly digested. But how are dark circles caused by the consumption of meat? The compromised gut lining allows meat particles to pass through the gut wall and into the bloodstream, undigested. The body would regard this as a 'foreign' invader. As a result, the body will try to produce certain antibodies to eliminate the foreign substance, causing dark circles under the eyes. This symptom is often overlooked by health professionals. 

 

4. High blood pressure 

High blood pressure can be a sign that it is time to cut back on meat. The processed and cooked meats contain a high level of sodium because they are normally cured, seasoned and preserved with salt. Reduce eating chicken skin and red meat significantly as they are high in saturated fat and can lead to worsening hypertension and even to developing coronary heart disease.  

 

5. Bad breath and body odor 

Bad breath and body odor indicate another possible sign that your body is not digesting meat properly. If meat is not digested well, a smelly odor goes back out of the digestive system, making its way into your skin and breath. So, if you continue to experience these unpleasant issues, try taking digestive enzymes to assist in breaking the meat down so it doesn't accumulate in your gut.

6. Weakened immune system 

If your body does not digest meat properly, you may notice you get sick more often than usual. The natural sugar found in red meat can affect your immune system. This sugar is normally produced by carnivorous animals which allows them to sustain their meat diets. But our bodies do not produce it and that is why the body may treat it as a foreign substance setting off a toxic immune reaction. 

 

7. Fatigue

If you feel sluggish or tired after eating meat, it means that your body isn't digesting the meat properly and it is stuck in your bowels. With the meat trapped there, it diverts all your energy to your digestive system. 

 

8. Nausea  

This is a common symptom of not being able to digest meat well. It can be a reaction to certain bacteria found in meat. Some pregnant women find that eating meat may cause them to feel extremely nauseous. It could simply mean that your body is rejecting meat. 

 

9. Bloating 

Meat is one of the most difficult foods for the human body to digest because the protein found in meat is hard for us to break down and this can cause bloating. Fatty foods like meat can make your stomach empty slower, which causes bloating or discomfort. Improper digestion of meat can consequently, lead to the accumulation of toxins in the body.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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9 Symptoms of Candida and How to Treat Them

Candida is a common health issue that occurs as a result of a weakened immune system or as a consequence of using treatments for various ailments. Although it may not be very serious, this condition can give rise to a number of symptoms that you may never have associated with an underlying fungal infection. These could be as common as bad breath, fatigue, hormone imbalances, or allergy issues. Here's all you need to know about candida.  

 

First of all, what is candida?

Candida Albicans is a yeast infection that develops in the mouth, intestinal tract and vagina. It can affect the skin and other mucous membranes in the body and is generally not that worrying. However, there are cases where it spreads and reaches other areas of the body, including the blood and membranes around the heart or brain, especially if immune system function is low. To avoid this, we should look out for the following symptoms: 

 

1. Exhaustion 

2. Cravings for sweets 

3. Bad breath 

4. White coat on tongue 

5. Brain fog 

6. Hormone imbalance 

7. Joint pain 

8. Loss of sex drive 

9. Chronic sinus and allergy issues 

10. Digestive problems (gas and bloating) 

11. Weak immune system 

12. UTI

 

If you're experiencing a number of the above symptoms in conjunction, you're likely to have candida. However, before you panic, telling your doctor that you're experiencing them might just be enough to put your mind at ease. This is because the individual symptoms can be attributed to a number of different things. In any case, candida is actually the most common type of fungal infection, and there are even natural remedies to treat it - they could start from a specific change in your diet.

The candida fungus is actually beneficial to your health when it's found in normal levels in the body - it aids digestion and nutrient absorption. The problem arises when there's overproduction of it, causing it to break down the walls of the intestinal lining and enter the blood stream, possibly leading to leaky gut syndrome. This overproduction can be triggered by changes in the body's natural pH balance, which can occur for several different reasons as outlined below. 

 

First and foremost, it is important not to confuse Candida Albicans with Candida Overgrowth Syndrome (COS). The latter is a chronic condition that is set off by the aforementioned overproduction. In that case, symptoms are markedly worse and could include the development of new sensitivities, allergies or intolerances to certain foods, such as eggs, dairy, gluten, and corn. Candida treatment

What are the causes of candida infections? 

Candida infections can result from a range of causes, such as our choice of diet. Excessive consumption of sugar, refined carbohydrates and alcohol are possible contributors to yeast growth. Other causes include the following: 

 

1. Use of broad-spectrum antibiotics: This type of medication can kill off both good and bad bacteria in the body, especially if it's being overused. 

 

2. Use of birth control pills: Being on birth control while consuming a diet that's high in refined sugar makes you more susceptible to candida. 

 

3. Use of oral corticosteroids: If you suffer from asthma and use corticosteroid inhalers to treat it, make sure that you gargle after each time you use them to get rid of any leftover chemicals. Failing to do so increases the risk of candida. 

 

4. Use of cancer treatments: Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation can kill off good bacteria in the body that naturally fight candida. 

 

5. Diabetes: Candida is a type of yeast, and sugar feeds yeast. This means that diabetics are at higher risk of developing candida overgrowth syndrome. 

 

6. Weakened immune system: This includes anyone from infants to the elderly, as well as those who have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS or any other inflammatory or autoimmune condition. 

 

What are the symptoms?  

People who have candida usually experience more than one symptom simultaneously, making it difficult for them to identify a definite underlying cause, as well as making it for harder for doctors to diagnose it definitively. While symptoms vary from one person to another, here is a list of the most prevalent ones: 

 

1. Chronic fatigue 

People who suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are more susceptible to candida. They experience constant exhaustion that is impossible to overcome, regardless of how much sleep they get. It lasts for a minimum of six months, and it is often associated with joint pain, headaches, sore throats, concentration and memory problems. 

 

2. Mood disorders  

It's quite common for people suffering from candida to experience drastic mood swings. The infection can also cause irritability, anxiety, panic attacks, and even depression. Although these symptoms can be attributed to a variety of ailments, they are common in individuals that have candida. This is especially true if they experience them in conjunction with the other symptoms in this list. 

 

3. Recurring vaginal and urinary tract infections 

The presence of candida can trigger infections in the vaginal and urinary tract. Visit your doctor if you happen to be experiencing them frequently - it could be candida that's triggering them. Candida can also be sexually transmitted, so ensure that your underwear or pantyhose isn't too tight. In addition, you should avoid hot baths if you're diagnosed with candida, because it can worsen the problem. 

 

4. Oral thrush 

Oral thrush is a yeast infection that develops in the mouth, potentially affecting other mucous membranes in the body, such as the vaginal membrane. It can be brought on by the use of medications for other ailments, as aforementioned. It can also be transmitted through saliva and even when giving birth. If the problem is not treated promptly, it can spread to other organs such as the lungs, the liver, the digestive tract, and even the valves of the heart. 

 

To treat oral thrush, combine three drops of clove oil with a tablespoon coconut oil. Swish the mixture in your mouth for 20 minutes. You can also reap further benefits from doing this by adding lavender essential oil. The latter halts candida growth, thus stopping it from spreading. 

 

5. Sinus infections 

Another symptom of candida can show up in your sinuses. Problems with your sinuses can trigger other symptoms, such as congestion, a persistent cough, seasonal allergies, postnasal drip, and general flu-like symptoms. If you frequently experience such problems, you should get checked by your doctor for a possible candida infection. 

 

6. Intestinal distress 

If you happen to observe unusual intestinal changes in your body, such as burping, bloating, persistent flatulence, diarrhea, constipation, or stomach cramps, it's possible that the root cause is candida. These symptoms arise as a consequence of yeast disrupting intestinal function. Normally, individuals who suffer from candida feel a huge difference after it has been treated successfully.

 

7. Brain fog 

Although it's often omitted from lists of symptoms of candida overgrowth, brain fog, just like mood swings and chronic fatigue, can actually be one of the most pronounced effects of the infection. Brain fog is characterized by poor physical coordination, a lack of focus, poor memory and concentration difficulties. 

 

8. Skin and nail fungal infections  

Fungal infections on the skin or nails may be as a result of candida. These include athlete's foot, toenail fungus, and other common infections. If you observe these along with other common candida symptoms, especially over a prolonged period, make sure you get checked for candida by your doctor. 

 

9. Hormonal imbalance 

One of the byproducts of candida can mimic estrogen, and an overproduction of this can potentially lead to hormonal imbalance. This means you might experience more migraines, mood swings, PMS, a low sex drive, water retention, endometriosis, difficulty losing weight, and in some cases, even early menopause. 

 

How can it be treated? 

Cure 1: The candida cleanse 

You can cleanse your body in one of two ways - either using liquids, or salads. These to provide you with enough bacteria to fight candida. 

 

Option 1: Liquids-only candida cleanse (1-2 days) 

 Make a vegetable broth from organic onions, garlic, celery, kale, sea salt and pure water. Let it simmer and then strain, removing the vegetables. You may refrigerate and eat throughout the day. Drink plenty of water to get rid of unwanted toxins. 

 

Option 2: Raw salads and steamed vegetables (3-5 days)  

Eliminate grains, sugar, fruit, starch, and alcohol from your diet. Base your diet on fresh, organic steamed vegetables. Avoid starchy vegetables such as carrots, radishes, beets, sweet potatoes and white potatoes, as these may contain amounts of sugars that could feed the candida. Also, drink lots of water.

Cure 2: The candida diet  

This remedy is designed to boost the immune system by substituting certain foods, which contribute to the growth of the infection, with healthier alternatives. Simply, eliminate sugar, alcohol and refined carbohydrates, and replace with organic vegetables, including carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, and asparagus. Eat fermented vegetables, such as Kimichi and sauerkraut. Add cultured dairy to your diet, such as goat milk kefir. This will help kill the candida infection in your system. Drink unsweetened cranberry juice. Doing so will create an acidic environment in your body, thus deterring candida growth. 

 

Cure 3: Supplements, essential oils, and coconut oil 

This will guide you in using the right natural products to expunge or prevent candida growth in your body. 

 

Use coconut oil both as a dietary supplement or even as an ointment. This oil has antimicrobial properties that will help your body fight off candida growth. Include milk thistle in your diet to cleanse your liver of traces of any medical treatments such as steroids, birth control pills, chemotherapy and so on. Supply your body with a lot of vitamin C to bolster the adrenal glands and boost your immune system. The recommended daily intake of this vitamin is two doses of 1,000 milligrams. 

 

Use clove oil, oregano oil, and myrrh oil to help you quash the growth of fungi and other parasites, including candida. Lavender oil is also found to be useful here due to its antimicrobial properties. You can use a mixture of a few drops of clove oil or lavender oil combined with coconut oil. These essential oils are very powerful and effective, so it is recommended that they are taken internally for no more than 10 days.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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We Need To Address the Mental Toll of Social Distancing

Staying indoors and avoiding interactions is crucial to flattening the curve and fighting the spread of the novel coronavirus itself, but it can have a dire impact on mental health. The issue of the long term effects of social distance on mental health is receiving more and more attention as quarantine drags on, and rightfully so. The stillness, financial pressure, and uncertainty about what the future will bring is taking a toll on many.

New York’s governor Andrew Cuomo addressed the issue in one of his recent daily briefings saying, “Don’t underestimate the personal trauma and don’t underestimate the pain of isolation. It is real. This is not the human condition — not to be comforted, not to be close, to be afraid and you can’t hug someone… This is all unnatural and disorienting”.

Perhaps that is the most jarring aspect of the pandemic. The impossibility to congregate and support each other the way we would want to. This has led to unique coping mechanisms, and mental health experts are doing their best to speculate what is yet to come and how to act in this unprecedented situation.

The Effect of Isolation on Overall Health
Experts already know that years of loneliness or feelings of isolation can lead to anxiety, depression, and dementia in adults. A weakened immune system response, higher rates of obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, and a shorter life span can also result.

Although research that is specific to the current outbreak is limited, researchers evaluated and observed studies looking at people who were quarantined, an extreme form of social distancing, during the outbreaks of SARS, H1N1, and Ebola in the early 2000s. For example, one study compared quarantined versus non-quarantined individuals during an equine influenza outbreak. 938 out of 2,760 quarantined people (34%), reported high levels of psychological distress, which can indicate mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression, during the outbreak compared with 12% of non-quarantined individuals.

Another study examined 549 hospital workers in Beijing during the 2003 SARS outbreak. Those who were quarantined or worked in a high-risk environment reported higher levels of alcohol abuse three years later than those who had less intensive exposure to the outbreak. Certain factors that were found to increase the risk of developing psychological problems, such as the quarantine lasting longer than 10 days, poor information about the efficiency and rationale of the quarantine, and lack of necessary supplies.

Though the great majority of people currently living through lock down are not quarantined, less extreme forms of social distancing hold similar risks. Being aware of the factors mentioned above and mitigating them as much as possible is a way to lower the likelihood of possible mental health problems.

Are We 'Getting Used' to Social Distancing?
An important aspect experts are noting is how all-encompassing the Covid-19 pandemic is. The universal nature to the source of worry is comforting, “ Even though almost all of the news is bad, there’s something about all of us being in this at the same moment in time which I think is keeping people from falling apart” said Jonathan Kanter, a psychologist at the University of Washington’s Center for the Science of Social Connection.

Kanter worked alongside a grad student named Adam Kuczynski on a survey monitoring the daily stress levels of a group of participants. The survey began on March 14 (the day that marked the beginning of the lockdown in Washington state), and Kanter and Kuczynski are planning to continue it for 75 days at least. The overall results so far are fairly positive. There are occasional spikes in anxiety levels, but over time, people reported thinking about the virus less and less and coping through exercise and daily routines.

Despite this positive trend, Kanter stresses that a significant minority steadily reports feeling debilitating anxiety and increased sadness. People who have already been suffering from any kind of psychiatric condition, or struggling with addiction might have heightened anxiety response. Thankfully, friends and family can still help loved ones at greater risk for mental health complications from afar.

How to Recognize Someone who Needs Help

The technological age we live in offers a lot of comfort and somewhat eases the burden of being distant. A phone call or video chat might not be the same as hugging someone, but they do go a long way. If you are concerned about the mental well-being of someone you care for, experts say there are two main metrics - function and safety.

To determine if someone is functioning in times of crisis, what needs to be considered is:  Do they get out of bed? Do they have structure in the day? Do they shower and get dressed? If they have work, can they handle it? These are the functional questions.

When it comes to safety, there’s a reason to worry if someone is engaging in activities that directly endanger them, like thinking about harming themselves, engaging in self-harm, drinking, or using drugs. If a person is unsafe, they might need immediate intervention.

Most mental health professionals have adapted to the social distancing norms, and offer tele-therapy and tele-psychiatry.

The most important lesson of all this is how essential our social networks are. Checking in on our loved ones and letting them know we are still there with them is extremely important. We can’t predict all of the long term outcomes of this pandemic yet, but feeling as connected as possible can make a significant difference in shaping the future.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     

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7 Reasons Why You Might Be Having Frequent Sinus Problems

10-30% of people worldwide suffer from sinus infections each year, and for many people, sinus problems tend to recur every year or even every season. This alarming tendency of frequent painful and debilitating sinus infections is not a simple task to wrap your head around.
Is there a reason why you or your loved ones suffer from recurrent sinusitis? It turns out there is a whole host of causes of chronic sinus infections, and in this article, we review the 7 most common ones.
Sinusitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the mucous membrane of the sinuses. An illustration of the area affected by the infection can be seen below.

A person suffering from sinusitis may exhibit the following symptoms:

• thick nasal mucus
• a plugged nose
• facial pain
• fever
• headaches
• a poor sense of smell
• a sore throat
• a cough

Now let's finally discuss the 7 most common causes of chronic sinus infections.

1. A Deviated Septum

A nasal septum deviation is a disorder, which involves the displacement of the arch of the nose called septum. When you have a deviated septum, you are at a higher risk of developing a sinus infection because there is an obstruction blocking your nose.

Keep in mind that some people have a naturally bent nose, or simply a narrow nasal passage, so not only trauma can cause a deviated septum. In fact, about 80% of the population have a deviated septum without ever suspecting this.

2. Allergies

An allergic reaction commonly manifests itself in the form of a blocked or runny nose and watery eyes, because the allergen irritates your nose, causing the mucous membrane in your nose to swell up.

This swelling and discharge from your eyes and nose can spread to your sinuses as well, and this can lead to the inflammation of the area. If you know that you’re at risk of developing sinusitis, avoid the allergen at all costs and take your allergy medications to reduce the swelling.

3. Asthma

According to some estimates, 3 out of 4 asthma sufferers have chronic sinus infections.

Luckily, if you have asthma, you are most likely already taking antihistamines and steroids that can help prevent a sinus infection. If not, it is a necessary measure to prevent respiratory infections. In fact, you have to be especially careful at preventing inflammation in your sinuses, as sinusitis can worsen your asthma symptoms.

4. Pollution

For those of you who are urban dwellers, it may be interesting to know that there is a strong correlation between air pollution and sinusitis.

A 2017 animal study even managed to mimic chronic sinusitis symptoms in mice by exposing them to pollutants. So make sure to wear a mask if you know that the air is polluted in your area and you’re prone to sinus problems.

5. A Weakened or Compromised Immune System

Individuals who have a weakened immune system have a greater likelihood of developing all kinds of chronic respiratory infections, including, but not limited to bronchitis, pneumonia, and sinusitis.

This category includes infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly, people with other chronic conditions, patients with transplants, and many others. Make sure to prevent any colds or other infections, as your immune system will likely not be able to resist the germs.

6. Frequent Colds

The common cold is the leading cause of an acute sinus infection, as a stuffy nose or an infection in your nose can quickly and easily spread to your sinuses.
So, if you sneeze and blow your nose all winter, you’re at a higher risk of developing a sinus infection. If you have a cold that persists for longer than 10 days, it's best to talk to your doctor, as you may have a sinus infection.

7. Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps are growths in your nasal cavity that can obstruct the air passageway and cause inflammation in the nose and sinuses.

What’s worse, nasal polyps themselves can mimic sinusitis and nasal congestion symptoms, such as a stuffy nose and a decreased sense of smell. The polyps have to be treated or removed surgically, otherwise, they can develop and obstruct the nasal cavity almost completely.

A friendly reminder that we urge you to talk about all of your health concerns with a doctor. The information is provided in this article for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose an illness.

 

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                    PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/                                                                                                                                                         FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                  https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/           

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