7 Cancer-Fighting Culinary Spices and Herbs

Ginger

Ginger has long been used in folk medicine to treat everything from colds to constipation. Ginger can be used fresh, in powdered form (ginger spice), or candied. Although the flavor between fresh and ground ginger is significantly different, they can be substituted for one another in many recipes. In general, you can replace 1/8 teaspoon of ground ginger with 1 tablespoon of fresh grated ginger, and vice versa.
Consuming ginger and ginger products, in addition to taking any anti-nausea medications as prescribed, may provide some comfort for a queasy stomach during cancer treatment.

Turmeric

Turmeric is an herb in the ginger family; it's one of the ingredients that make many curries yellow and gives it its distinctive flavor. Curcumin appears to be the active compound in turmeric. This compound has demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, potentially protecting against cancer development.

Turmeric extract supplements are currently being studied to see if they have a role in preventing and treating some cancers, including colon, prostate, breast, and skin cancers. Although results appear promising, they have largely been observed in laboratory and animal studies, so it’s unclear whether these results will ultimately translate to humans.

Garlic

Garlic belongs to the Allium class of bulb-shaped plants, which also includes chives, leeks, onions, shallots, and scallions. Garlic has a high sulfur content and is also a good source of arginine, oligosaccharides, flavonoids, and selenium, all of which may be beneficial to health. Garlic’s active compound, called allicin, gives it its characteristic odor and is produced when garlic bulbs are chopped, crushed, or otherwise damaged.

Several studies suggest that increased garlic intake reduces the risk of cancers of the stomach, colon, esophagus, pancreas, and breast. It appears that garlic may protect against cancer through numerous mechanisms, including by inhibiting bacterial infections and the formation of cancer-causing substances, promoting DNA repair, and inducing cell death. Garlic supports detoxification and may also support the immune system and help reduce blood pressure.

Chamomile

Chamomile is thought to have medicinal benefits and has been used throughout history to treat a variety of conditions. Chamomile may help with sleep issues; if sleep is a problem for you, try drinking a strong chamomile tea shortly before bedtime.

Chamomile mouthwash has also been studied for preventing and treating mouth sores from chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Although the results are mixed, there is no harm in giving it a try, provided your oncologist is not opposed. If given the green light, simply make the tea, let it cool, and rinse and gargle as often as desired.

Chamomile tea may be another way to manage digestive problems, including stomach cramps. Chamomile appears to help relax muscle contractions, particularly the smooth muscles of the intestines.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a hearty, woody Mediterranean herb that has needlelike leaves and is a good source of antioxidants. Because of its origin, rosemary is commonly used in Mediterranean cooking and you’ll often see it included as a primary ingredient in Italian seasonings. You can use it to add flavor to soups, tomato-based sauces, bread, and high-protein foods like poultry, beef, and lamb.

Rosemary may help with detoxification; taste changes; indigestion, flatulence, and other digestive problems; and loss of appetite. Try drinking up to 3 cups of rosemary leaf tea daily for help with these problems.

Peppermint

Peppermint is a natural hybrid cross between water mint and spearmint. It has been used for thousands of years as a digestive aid to relieve gas, indigestion, cramps, and diarrhea. It may also help with symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and food poisoning. Peppermint appears to calm the muscles of the stomach and improve the flow of bile, enabling food to pass through the stomach more quickly.

If your cancer or treatment is causing an upset stomach, try drinking a cup of peppermint tea. Many commercial varieties are on the market, or you can make your own by boiling dried peppermint leaves in water or adding fresh leaves to boiled water and letting them steep for a few minutes until the tea reaches the desired strength.

Peppermint can also soothe a sore throat. For this reason, it is also sometimes used to relieve the painful mouth sores that can occur from chemotherapy and radiation, or is a key ingredient in treatments for this condition.

Chile peppers

Chile peppers contain capsaicin, a compound that can relieve pain. When capsaicin is applied topically to the skin, it causes the release of a chemical called substance P. Upon continued use, the amount of substance P eventually produced in that area decreases, reducing pain in the area.

But this doesn’t mean you should go rubbing chile peppers where you have pain. Chile peppers need to be handled very carefully, because they can cause burns if they come in contact with the skin.

Therefore, if you have pain and want to harness the power of chile peppers, ask your oncologist or physician about prescribing a capsaicin cream. It has shown pretty good results with regard to treating neuropathic pain (sharp, shocking pain that follows the path of a nerve) after surgery for cancer.

Another benefit of chile peppers is that they may help with indigestion. Seems counterintuitive, right? But some studies have shown that ingesting small amounts of cayenne may reduce indigestion.

Brain Foods That Help You Concentrate

Caffeine Can Make You More Alert

There's no magic bullet to boost IQ or make you smarter -- but certain substances, like caffeine, can energize you and help you concentrate. Found in coffee, chocolate, energy drinks, and some medications, caffeine gives you that unmistakable wake-up buzz, though the effects are short-term. And more is often less: Overdo it on caffeine and it can make you jittery and uncomfortable

Sugar Can Enhance Alertness
Sugar is your brain's preferred fuel source -- not table sugar, but glucose, which your body processes from the sugars and carbs you eat. That's why a glass of something sweet to drink can offer a short-term boost to memory, thinking, and mental ability.

Have too much, though, and memory can be impaired -- along with the rest of you. Go easy on the sugar so it can enhance memory without packing on the pounds.

Eat Breakfast to Fuel Your Brain
Tempted to skip breakfast? Studies have found that eating breakfast may improve short-term memory and attention. Students who eat it tend to perform better than those who don’t. Foods at the top of researchers' brain-fuel list include high-fiber whole grains, dairy, and fruits. Just don't overeat; researchers also found high-calorie breakfasts appear to hinder concentration.

Fish Really is Brain Food

A protein source linked to a great brain boost is fish -- rich in omega-3 fatty acids that are key for brain health. These healthy fats have amazing brain power: A diet with higher levels of them has been linked to lower dementia and stroke risks and slower mental decline; plus, they may play a vital role in enhancing memory, especially as we get older.
For brain and heart health, eat two servings of fish weekly.

Add a Daily Dose of Nuts and Chocolate
Nuts and seeds are good sources of the antioxidant vitamin E, which is linked to less cognitive decline as you age. Dark chocolate also has other powerful antioxidant properties, and it contains natural stimulants like caffeine, which can enhance focus.
Enjoy up to an ounce a day of nuts and dark chocolate to get all the benefits you need without excess calories, fat, or sugar.

Add Avocados and Whole Grains

Every organ in the body depends on blood flow, especially the heart and brain. A diet high in whole grains and fruits like avocados can cut the risk of heart disease and lower bad cholesterol. This reduces your risk of plaque buildup and enhances blood flow, offering a simple, tasty way to fire up brain cells.
Whole grains, like popcorn and whole wheat, also contribute dietary fiber and vitamin E. Though avocados have fat, it's the good-for-you, monounsaturated fat that helps with healthy blood flow.

Blueberries Are Super Nutritious
Research in animals shows that blueberries may help protect the brain from the damage caused by free radicals and may reduce the effects of age-related conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Studies also show that diets rich in blueberries improved both the learning and muscle function of aging rats, making them mentally equal to much younger rats.

Benefits of a Healthy Diet
It may sound trite but it's true: If your diet lacks essential nutrients, it can hurt your ability to concentrate. Eating too much or too little can also interfere with your focus. A heavy meal may make you feel tired, while too few calories can result in distracting hunger pangs.

Benefit your brain: Strive for a well-balanced diet full of a wide variety of healthy foods.

Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements?
Store shelves groan with supplements claiming to boost health. Although many of the reports on the brain-boosting power of supplements like vitamins B, C, E, beta-carotene, and magnesium are promising, a supplement is only useful to people whose diets are lacking in that specific nutrient.

Researchers are cautiously optimistic about ginseng, ginkgo, and vitamin, mineral, and herb combinations and their impact on the brain.

Check with your doctor.
Get Ready for a Big Day
Want to power up your ability to concentrate? Start with a meal of 100% fruit juice, a whole-grain bagel with salmon, and a cup of coffee. In addition to eating a well-balanced meal, experts also offer this advice:
Get a good night's sleep.
Stay hydrated.
Exercise to help sharpen thinking.
Meditate to clear thinking and relax.

Careful with Green Smoothies

Why Green Smoothies May Not Be Good for You

According to traditional Chinese medicine, raw produce are cooling in nature, and if you chronically feel cold or often get colds, or just had a baby, you may want to lay off a high intake of raw foods. Instead, eat the greens cooked, enjoy more soups (pureed carrot or broccoli soups are good), and warming ingredients, such as garlic and ginger.

If you have problems with diabetes, hypoglycemia, or high blood sugar levels, and are super sensitive to sugar, make sure to follow recipes that are lower in high-glycemic fruits, such as bananas, and higher in protein and fats (such as flax seeds and a good quality protein powder) for your green smoothies, if you choose to drink them.

If you have had problems with kidney stones, be careful with green smoothies, especially if they are made with spinach or swiss chard because those two types of greens are very high in oxalates, which can cause stones to form.

“The omega-3 fatty acids and cod liver oil are also very effective in preventing oxalate deposition,” according to William Shaw, PhD in his article “The Role of Oxalates in Autism and Chronic Disorders.” So if drinking green smoothies makes you feel good but you are concerned about ingesting too much oxalic acid, you may try mixing in some cod liver oil.

Who Are Green Smoothies Good for? 

If you are extremely active (like I was when I was dancing full-time), having a green smoothie mixed with coconut water may help nourish your body, replace enzymes lost when sweating, and cut your cravings.

If you do not absorb your nutrients well and need to hydrate and nourish yourself with high doses of anti-oxidants, then green smoothies may be the perfect food for you. Drink it slowly, at room temperature, and try chewing your smoothie.

If you chronically crave sweets because of low energy or emotional tribulations, green smoothies made on the sweeter side may help you stave off a binge, especially if you add in some nuts such as cashews, a banana, and some blueberries. It will taste sweet, creamy, and wonderfully nourishing.

Improve Your Memory

Tips to boost your memory and keep it strong for years to come.

Sometimes I think my memory is actually too good. Like when I realize I still know the lyrics to nearly every song released in the '80s. Or that I can recite, verbatim, lines from at least half a dozen episodes of Seinfeld and Sex and the City. But then I'll go to transfer a load of laundry into the dryer and discover that it's already dry; seems I forgot to ever turn on the washer. Or I'll forget my neighbor's name — again. Could it be that sitcom dialogue and song lyrics are taking up so much brain space there's none left for remembering when my next dentist appointment is or whether I've mailed the mortgage payment this month?

There's certainly a lot more information to commit to memory these days. "I used to have one phone number, one bank account, and no passwords," my 73-year-old mother says wistfully. "Now, between work, home, and my cell, I have four phone numbers, plus a bank-account number and PIN, and at least seven passwords, including a code for the copy machine in my office."

She blames 21st-century information overload for her everyday memory lapses — misplacing her glasses or walking into the kitchen only to forget what she needed there. "There's some truth to that," says Gary Small, M.D.,director of the Memory & Aging Research Center at UCLA. "And it's also likely that because there are more memory challenges now, our slips are more noticeable."

But Dr. Small won't let my mom — or me — off that easily. "Our lives may be more frenetic, but we actually have the capacity to remember much more than we do," he says. "We simply need to work on improving our attention."

Fortunately, research is yielding new ways to do that, to sharpen memory now and keep it strong as we get older. Read on for these short- and long-term strategies.

Tricks to Prime Your Memory 

You've been chatting with another guest at a party. Afterward, you remember that she's a graphic artist and that her son goes to the middle school near your house, but you have no idea what her name is. How could you forget something so basic when you can recall those other details? In truth, you didn't. With all the facts that came at you in the course of your short conversation, you never really learned her name in the first place. Our ability to commit new information to memory slows down over the years, explains Glenn Smith, Ph.D., a neuropsychologist at the Mayo Clinic. In order to help the process along, you need to focus your mind. These tricks will help jog your memory by forcing you to pay attention.

Repeat yourself. 

Locking the door, taking your vitamins, unplugging the iron — there's a reason they're called mindless tasks. To help get a routine activity lodged in your brain, say it out loud as you do it ("I'm popping my multi"), advises Cynthia Green, Ph.D., president of Memory Arts LLC, a company that provides memory fitness training. The same trick — repeating aloud "I'm getting the scissors" — fends off distraction as you head into the kitchen for them. Memory experts also advise that you repeat a person's name as you're introduced ("Hi, Alice") and again as you finish your conversation ("Nice talking with you, Alice"), but if that feels forced, just repeat the name to yourself as you walk away.

Bite off bigger pieces. 

Since your brain can process only so much information at a time, try chunking bits together. By repeating a phone number as "thirty-eight, twenty-seven" instead of "3, 8, 2, 7," you only have to remember two numbers, not four, Dr. Small points out. If you need to buy ground beef, milk, lettuce, cereal, and buns, you might think "dinner" (burgers, buns, lettuce) and "breakfast" (cereal and milk). 

Give words more meaning. 

When you're introduced — let's say to Sally — you can make up a rhyme ("Sally in the alley") or connect the name to a song ("Mustang Sally"). Some people swear by devices like mnemonics. One New York City dog owner never leaves for the morning walk without her three b's (bags, biscuits, ball) and two t's (telephone, tissues). 

Create unlikely connections. 

Jennifer Rapaport, a mother of three in Somerville, MA, switches her watch to the other wrist when she needs to remember something. The oddity of not finding the watch where it should be triggers her recall. 

Stop trying so hard. 

You're watching an old movie on TV and can't think of the lead actor's name. "What is it?" you fret. "Why can't I remember?" Then an hour later, as you're peeling carrots, "Clark Gable" pops into your head. "Anxiety distracts us, making it even harder to remember," says Dr. Small. De-stressing — taking deep breaths, thinking of something pleasant — can break the cycle. 

Build a Better Brain 

For information to get stored in our memory, it goes through stages: encoding (when you learn it) and consolidating (when it becomes fixed in long-term memory). The final step is retrieval (when you call it up). Good health habits can boost all of these. 

Sleep on it.

Anyone who's ever stayed up with a new baby recognizes that next-day brain fuzziness, when it seems like nothing really registers or is available for recall later. That is what's happening. Different parts of the brain are responsible for creating different types of memories — a face, a name, or just the recollection that you met someone, explains Gary Richardson, M.D., senior research scientist at the Sleep Disorders Center at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. "Sleep is what helps knit all those memories together." You also need sleep to make long-term memories last. Studies at Harvard Medical School have shown that when people are given a random list of words to memorize, those who then sleep will recall more words afterward than those who are tested without a chance to sack out. 

Address your stress.

Ever wonder why, when you're already having a maddening day, your memory goes on the blink, too? Blame the stress hormone cortisol. When you're on edge, it increases in the hippocampus — the brain's control center for learning and memory — and may interfere with encoding information or retrieving it. Cumulatively, this can be serious: "As you get older, chronic elevated cortisol levels are linked to memory impairment and a smaller hippocampus," says Shireen Sindi, a researcher in the department of neurology and neurosurgery at McGill University. Another compelling reason to deal with issues that make you stressed.

Eat to your brain's content.

Foods that keep your heart healthy are also good for your brain. Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids (including sardines and salmon) fight artery-damaging inflammation. Ditto for walnuts. Berries, especially blueberries, are loaded with anthocyanins — potent antioxidants that protect cells, including those in the brain. Blueberries may also have the power to create new pathways for connection in the brain: These connectors tend to die off with age, but in animal studies, blueberry consumption has been shown to help restore them, says Jim Joseph, Ph.D., director of the neuroscience lab at the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University.

Take a walk (down memory lane). 

When you exercise, your brain gets a workout of its own. A new study of 161 adults ages 59 to 81 found that the hippocampus was larger in those who were physically active. "Fitness improvement — even if you've been sedentary most of your life — leads to an increase in volume of this brain region," explains Art Kramer, Ph.D., professor of psychology and neuroscience at the University of Illinois and coauthor of the study. And the bigger the hippocampus, the better able you are to form new memories. You don't have to live at the gym. "Just get out and walk for an hour a few days a week," says Kramer.

Practice paying attention. 

What color hair did the barista who made your latte this morning have? Was your husband wearing a blue or red tie? Even if you'll never need the information, forcing yourself to observe and recall the details of your day sharpens your memory, says Dr. Small.

Play mind games. 

Doing something mentally challenging — working a crossword puzzle, learning an instrument — creates fresh connections in your brain. "You can actually generate new cells in the hippocampus," says Peter Snyder, Ph.D., professor of clinical neurosciences at the Warren Alpert School of Medicine at Brown University. Those new cells build cognitive reserves that are important for creating new memories and may protect against memory loss — even dementia — later in life. Games that work to improve processing speed may deliver an extra boost, Smith has found. In a group of older adults, his (company-funded) studies of the computer game Brain Fitness showed that players had a significant improvement in cognitive skills, including memory, compared with those in a control group. Anything that requires working against the clock can help. "A timed game like Boggle or Simon will force you to pay attention, work quickly, and think flexibly," says Green.

Test Your Memory 

You need about 30 minutes for this quiz (although the exercise itself takes less than five). Set a timer for two minutes, then study the words below. When the bell rings, put the list aside and do something else that will distract you — check e-mail, read the paper. Twenty minutes later, write down as many of the words as you remember (in any order):

Violin 

Balloon 

Stereo 

Building 

Strawberry 

Cradle 

Mast 

Lizard 

Teacher 

Oven

What Your Score Means 

8 or more words: 

You're a memory superstar. Make sure you follow the long-term strategies so you'll keep your title. 

5 to 7 words: 

This is typical for a middle-aged person. Learning a few brain-boosting tricks will help. 

4 or fewer words: 

A low score doesn't mean you're headed for senility, but you should take a look at your life — the issue may be your stress levels — to see what might be interfering with your memory. —

Gary Small, M.D., author of iBrain (HarperCollins)

What Foods and Drinks Are Bad for Kidney Infection?

A kidney infection is a form of urinary tract infection in which bacteria travel from your bladder or urethra up to your kidneys. A bacterial infection in your bladder or urethra is known as a urinary tract infection, or UTI. When you develop a kidney infection, prompt treatment is required. If you let a kidney infection spiral out of control, it can permanently damage your kidneys, or the infection can spread to your bloodstream and cause a potentially deadly infection. 

Foods to Avoid 

Because a kidney infection often stems from a bladder or urinary tract infection, avoiding the same types of foods that aggravate your bladder and urinary tract will help reduce unnecessary irritation. Spicy foods and acidic foods, such as hot sauce, barbecue sauce and tomato-based foods, can cause bladder irritation, according to MayoClinic.com. Corn syrup and artificial sweeteners are also culprits because they can contribute to irritation and leakage of urine.

Drinks to Avoid 

Certain substances in drinks can over-stimulate your bladder, such as caffeine and alcohol. Over-stimulation of your bladder can lead to excess bladder irritation and increase the risk of leakage due to the additional stimulation. Like foods, acidic drinks can cause irritation. Avoid drinks such as tea, coffee and soda. Certain fruit juices are acidic, such as orange juice and grapefruit juice. 

Making the Change

If you normally consume caffeine by drinking tea, coffee or soda, gradually reduce your caffeine intake. Completely cutting caffeine out of your diet at once can cause side effects such as headache, irritability, fatigue and nervousness. Instead of pouring yourself a glass of orange juice for breakfast, opt for sugar-free cranberry juice. Unsweetened cranberry juice can help prevent future bladder and UTI infections that can lead to kidney infections, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Swap your soda out for water, which does not cause irritation and helps flush infectious organisms from your body. 

Additional Tips

A kidney infection can cause pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help ease fever and discomfort that might arise from the infection. Take all medication as directed by your physician or the product label. Your doctor might provide a stronger prescription medication if necessary. You might feel pain or pressure with a kidney infection. To reduce pain, apply a heating pad to your back, stomach or side; do not fall asleep with the heating pad on, as this can cause burns on your skin.

Vitamins That You Shouldn't Double Dose

Commercialism and plentiful over-the-counter choices encourage vitamin and supplement use to promote health and well-being. However, those readily available vitamins may do more harm than good if taken incorrectly. Reading the label and understanding daily allowances will stop a potential vitamin overdose. Certain vitamins should not be double-dosed, as doing so could cause organ damage. There are two types of vitamins: fat-soluble and water-soluble. The fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body for later release, creating a potential overdose with double dosing. The Harvard Public School of Health recommends obtaining vitamins from a healthy assortment of food choices, as it is difficult to overdose on vitamins in food.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is fat-soluble and should not be double-dosed. Vitamin A is taken to improve vision, skin, immune response and promote normal cell division. The Vitamins and Health Supplement Guide website states that a dose greater than 20,000 IU of vitamin A is toxic to the human body. Fatigue, nausea and vomiting may indicate an overdose of this supplement. Another harmful effect of a double-dose of this vitamin in pregnant women is potential damage to the fetus.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D can be toxic in double doses. This vitamin is produced by the body in response to sunlight, or UV, exposure and promotes the use of calcium for healthy, strong bones. MedlinePlus notes that headache, nausea, weakness, muscle pain and a metallic taste can all signify overdose of this vitamin. Toxic doses of vitamin D taken over a prolonged period can result in irreversible deposits of calcium crystals in the soft tissues; this can be damaging to the heart, lungs, and kidneys.

Vitamins C and E Although vitamins C and E are water soluble, meaning extra doses are usually eliminated harmlessly through the urine, double doses are not recommended. The National Institutes of Health claims that too much vitamin E, or dl-alpha-tocopherol, in amounts greater than 1000 mg a day can cause bleeding. Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant used to boost the immune system, can counteract some chemotherapy treatments and cause stomach problems if taken in excess according to MayoClinic.com. 


Multivitamins Beware of double dosing multivitamins, as many contain non-vitamins that are toxic in large doses. Specifically, iron and calcium, minerals that assist with bone density, are harmful if a double-dose of multivitamin is ingested, according to the Vitamins and Nutrition Center website. Double-dosing multivitamins may also provide excessive vitamin intake of A, D, C and E, all which are harmful in surplus. 

Six Safe Food Practices

1. Use safe water and food. 
Certain foods are more frequently associated with foodborne illness. Get informed by knowing the source of your food. Doing so can help you make more informed decisions.

2. Clean. 
Cleaning food properly can be one of the most important ways to prevent foodborne pathogens. Though it might seem obvious, thorough hand washing before food handling is a must--and cooking and cutting surfaces should always be kept sanitary.

3. Separate. 
Separation helps prevent cross-contamination. Be careful to separate raw food (particularly meat, poultry, seafood and eggs) from other items when shopping and cooking. Use different cutting boards and utensils for raw and non-raw food.

4. Cook. 
Cooking food to prevent pathogens boils down to two Ts: temperature and time. Don't rely on your eye--a thermometer is the only proven performer in determining when food has been cooked to the proper temperature. Avoid raw or undercooked egg products--raw cookie dough is included!

5. Chill.
 It's all about the chill when it comes to slowing down the growth of bacteria (they traditionally love warm temperatures and can grow rapidly at room temperature). Refrigerate raw and perishable foods within two hours or within one hour in very hot weather.

6. Report foodborne illness. 
While foodborne illness affects millions of Americans each year, the vast majority of these cases are never reported to public health officials. The act of reporting foodborne illness will protect your friends, neighbors and the general public. Seek medical attention if you are sickened.

Ten Steps to Feel Happier

Find out what makes you happy so you can keep it going.

Find Your Happy Place 
Are you happy? It's such an important question because happiness has such a huge impact on your health, from your arteries to your heart, from the glow in your skin to the pep in your step. Happy feelings influence your brain and body chemistry in ways that make you better able to cope with pain and stress and to fend off colds, flu, heart disease, and even cancer. Follow these steps to help make yourself happier, day in and day out and your RealAge up to 5.2 years younger! 
Believe in Yourself 
Finding true happiness requires taking a good hard look at yourself. The goal is to identify any off-the-wall beliefs about your self-worth and adjust them. When you're at ease with yourself and open to others, friendships seem to blossom naturally. Just acknowledging secret self-doubts may help you develop enough humor and compassion toward yourself to reach out to others, who, underneath, are probably just like you: sometimes unsure and shy. 
Hang Out with Happy Friends 
Having someone in your immediate social circle who is upbeat ups your chances of happiness by 15%. Why? It seems happy people have the power to spread their feel-good vibes far and wide the same way a ripple spreads through a pond. Not only do immediate friends matter, but friends of friends, too. So make plans to have lunch with a friend or go for a walk together. It could have far-reaching benefits for your mental health. 
Make Time for Play 
Swap your endless to-do list for some spontaneous playtime. It packs big benefits for your health, mood, mind, job, and even your relationships. When you're floating free, happy, and totally absorbed, you're taking a mini vacation from deadlines, bills, and your crazy-busy schedule. Anything counts, from enjoying a silly moment with your spouse to hosting an impromptu gathering, to cooking up a new recipe in the kitchen. 
Squash Negativity 
Is your inner voice quick to snap out things like, "How could you forget that, you idiot?" Sometimes the noise inside our own heads is our biggest stressor. When negative thoughts crop up, imagine a stop sign in your head, and tell yourself, "Stop!" To turn things around, trade in put-downs for positive thoughts and affirmations. For example, when you feel tired during a workout, think, "I am strong" or when you start work on a difficult task, think, "I can accomplish anything." Empower yourself to think positive. 
Connect with Others 
Make every effort to talk -- really talk -- to people you care about. If they're far away, stay in touch through e-mail, phone calls, video chat, and, when you can, face-to-face visits; you'll all benefit by connecting. Get physical, too; hugs stimulate oxytocin, the "cuddle hormone," spreading a feel-good boost. Lovemaking does, too, in steady relationships (those couples report the highest happiness levels). Plus, connecting with others may keep you healthier by providing a coping mechanism for stress 
Keep a Gratitude Journal 
Simply writing down what you're thankful for makes you healthier, happier and more optimistic. Feeling thankful comes, in part, from counting your blessings each day. If you're not sure how to journal, start by answering: What three things am I thankful for? You might find that journaling gives you a better, happier outlook for each day because you're looking for moments to include in your journal each night. 
Enjoy the Great Outdoors 
Spending time with awesome Mother Nature makes you feel alert, enthusiastic, energetic, and simply happy. Is it the fresh air, the sunshine, the greenery? No one knows for sure. But something about being al fresco appears to help people get even bigger benefits from their workouts and they're also more likely to stick to their outdoor sports be it walking, bicycling, kayaking or an outdoor fitness class 
Turn On Some Tunes 
If you want to feel happy, less stressed and more energetic, flip on your stereo. Whether you love Bach, Lady Gaga or The Beatles, music that makes you feel good increases your heart and breathing rates and makes your brain release dopamine, a lovely feel-good neurotransmitter. Plus, no matter whether you enjoy listening to your favorite music alone or with friends, it will more than likely give you the mood boost you're looking for. 
Meditate or Pray 
For some, being spiritual means going to church. For others, it means finding a quiet place to meditate and think about life. No matter how you do it or what you call it, meditation and prayer can help slow breathing and brain activity, and reduce heart rate and blood pressure. Plus, when you do pray or meditate, you're more likely to be filled with peace, joy, and other positive emotions that can also lead to positive physiological responses throughout your body. 
Be Realistic 
Being happy means facing the fact that life sometimes stinks and that there will definitely be times when you’ll be unhappy. This doesn't mean you have to lower your expectations. Instead, align them with reality by expecting to face challenges. A little unhappiness here and there forces you to work through problems and think about what gives you happiness so you can set new directions that may change your life. 

4 Ways to Stay Away from Cancer

Cancer, as well as other deadly generative diseases, all start to develop when the immune system is weakened and your body is exposed. However, if you want to know how to stay away from cancer, you should keep in mind that cancer “happens” because you not only allow it, but you invite it in, so to say.
Most of people today get cancer because they are uninformed or misinformed on how to keep it away, so we`ve considered we could provide you with some crucial information on how to stay healthy and not allow this dreadful disease stop you from enjoying life.

However, the information that you will read below should also be considered by people who have already been diagnosed with cancer and don`t know how to heal themselves because it has been proven that cancer is a reversible disease and if you lead a proper lifestyle, you will treat it.

1. Eat Only Natural Food

What I mean by this is that people need to eat the food they were built for by Mother Nature and not the foods that “human specialists” say they should. Fruits and vegetables are the foods that provide us with all the vitamins, minerals, fibers and antioxidants to nourish all the body cells and keep them in good health.

These foods are natural as long as they come from nature and have grown without any chemicals whatsoever. Try to do this for a few days, maybe a week and see how you feel, first of all and if your overall health condition has got better. Replace you bacon and eggs with some fresh fruits in the morning and you will feel the difference in only a few days.

There is no way in the world that someone who pays a great deal of care for the food they eat has ever contracted cancer. Say no to all the frozen, canned, sweetened and processed foods whatsoever, because they will not give you the elements you body needs to keep safe, moreover they will do more damage to you than you can imagine. So, this is the first thing you need to do to stay away from cancer.

2. No to Addictions of Any Kind

Alcohol, smoking, coffee, energy drinks, soda drinks, diet sodas, chewing gum and so on could easily pass by addictions if you have them at least once a day or even less. The beverages and products I have enumerated above are all part of the contemporary society lifestyle and they are due to decades of brainwash and intensive marketing.

Don`t get fooled into thinking that these habits can get you any good. All sorts of cancer have been correlated with smoking, heavy drinking, soda drinks and other products because of what they contain. Have you ever wondered why chewing gum is such a bad choice if one wants to keep away from cancer? Have you ever heard of Aspartame? Then give it a quick Google.

There is nothing that kills you faster than the lack of information. Say no to products that want you to beg for more and get you trapped because they all have a down side to them.

3. Say No to Meat

Maybe this could be the most intriguing thing that you will read here, but according to numerous scientific studies that could hardly find a way to enter the mainstream media, heavy meat consumption is one of the ways to get cancer.

Have you ever heard of someone who has died due to fruits and veggies consumption (except for having an allergy they didn`t know about)? Neither did I.

However, due to its high toxins content and other stuff we were not meant to eat and out body does not know how to deal with, meat consumption has triggered very many diseases and epidemics: salmonella, e.coli, ischemic heart disease, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol and some cancer types. If you want to know more on how meat intake affects your health condition and causes cancer, we recommend you to watch Forks Over Knives.

4. No Processed Foods

Perhaps the most deadly and most dangerous substances that have been proven to cause cancer in numerous of studies are the food additives that are added in processed foods.
Believe it or not, most chicken nuggets American people eat have never even get close to chicken, not to mention all the other frozen foods that you can`t ever figure out what they are made of.

MSG, Aspartame, Red 2 G, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Nitrite and so one, are only a few of the food additives that cause cancer and still, in most countries of this world they have been approved by the authorities to make part of the highly processed, no value foods that they pour down our thoughts.

However, things are simple, if you believe you can`t live without these things that constantly consume your mind, body, energy levels and in the end well-being and health, don`t do it. However, this is the only way to stay away from cancer and live a long and really happy life. You can make some exceptions and you won`t get sick, but your overall lifestyle should go back to how it used to be some decades ago, when our grandparents and great grandparents feed on plants and fruits and suffered from neither one of the terminal diseases.

This is Why You Look Old – Top Age Giveaways

When you look younger, you’ll feel younger and who doesn’t want that as they age? Aging can take a toll on your body and make you look older than you really are. There are a number of things that could be giving away your age, especially if you’re ignoring them. If you address these areas, chances are, you’ll probably look younger which will result in a more positive attitude when it comes to aging.
The Top Ways You Are Aging Yourself
Not-so-white teeth…
Over the years, drinking and eating a variety of things can change the color of your teeth from a vibrant white to a gross yellow. If you’re a smoker, the color change is even more pronounced. The good news is that there are whitening kits that are available over-the-counter as well as whitening options available at your dentist. Additionally, over time your teeth can become worn, especially if you tend to grind your teeth. Speak to your dentist about treatment options that are available for teeth that look worn. Having a pearly white smile will do wonders for your self-esteem.
The little brown spots on your face…
These brown spots that are commonly associated with aging are referred to as “age spots” and occur after multiple years of sun exposure. To minimize the chance of developing age spots regularly use sunscreen. Exfoliating on a regular basis will also help skin look younger by creating a more even appearance.
Your “old-looking” neck and upper chest…
Many people protect their face from the effects of aging, and many people cover up the effects of aging with make-up. However, many fail to protect areas below their chin. Don’t forget to treat your neck and chest, this skin needs attention too as it is commonly exposed to damage caused by the sun, wind and other environmental elements. Be sure to keep your neck and upper chest moisturized and protected with SPF that has both UVA and UVB protection.
Your dry, damaged hair…
Aging, exposure to chemicals (from hair coloring products) and environment damage can all make your hair look dry and damaged. One of the major reasons that hair appears dry is that it is – it needs moisture. This can be obtained by using a protein or antioxidant rich conditioner after you shampoo. This will help to create shiny, healthy looking hair which will help you feel younger. In an effort to minimize your exposure to chemicals, opt for root touch ups as opposed to full color when it’s time to re-color. And try to soften up your color (think: auburn brown instead of jet black) as you go through the aging process. A color that you used when you were 20 may not have the same positive effect when you’re 50. Consult a hair color specialist at your salon if necessary to pick a shade that will help you to look and feel younger.
Your hands…
No wonder your hands give away your age, you touch everything around you and you use them all the time! Not to mention, they’re exposed to the damaging effects of the sun. Aging hands will have veins and arteries that are more prominent because of decreased collagen production as well as visible sun damage as many people forget to protect them. While you may be able to “cover up” the effects of aging on your face with make-up, it may not be so easy to cover up your hands. Protect your hands from sun damage by applying sunscreen and keeping them moisturized to prevent dry, cracked skin. Another step to help them look and feel younger is to exfoliate regularly which will help to improve circulation.
A Step Towards Anti-Aging
If you take steps to protect these areas, you will look younger which will hopefully make you feel younger. You can’t stop the aging process, but you can help to minimize the effect that aging has on your body.

How to Make Your Own Protein Powder

Most body builders use protein powder supplements because they require extra protein to build and repair muscles. Some powders can be made at home with no special equipment; others do require equipment that can be an investment. If you cannot mix your own powder at home to meet your needs there are some companies that will make special orders for you. 

Why Make Your Own Protein Powder? 

Getting a good protein powder can become expensive so you might consider making your own to either save money or to get that special blend you are looking for to meet your specific needs. Some body builders want a special combination of proteins, vitamins and minerals that they cannot get off the shelf at the health store. If you know what you need you can usually buy the ingredients needed either from the health store or on the internet to mix the perfect protein powder to meet all of your needs. 

How to Make Your Own Protein Powder at Home 

To make your own protein powder you need determine which proteins or other supplements you require to meet your specific needs. You can go to your health food store and usually purchase these proteins to use in your mixture. If you are unsure of what proteins you want, talk to a nutritionist, trainer or your doctor to get recommendations. You should speak to your doctor before beginning a supplemental nutrition program, too much protein can be harmful and getting recommendations assures you that you are not overdoing your protein intake. 

An easy recipe that can be mixed at home includes the use of egg white powder (1 scoop) as a base and the addition of 5 grams each of L-Glutamine and creatine monohydrate. These ingredients can be mixed together and stored as a powder. To make the drink you can add water, ice, artificial sweetener and fruits for flavor and blend it well in a blender. 

How to Make Your Own Protein Powder with Special Order 

Special ordering will probably cost you more money than buying a protein powder off the shelf. If you are not able to get the combination of proteins and vitamins, minerals and flavors you need it may be the right choice for you. Many companies now offer the ability for you to choose all the ingredients, proteins, vitamins, mineral and flavors and they will process it for you.

Dr. Oz Promotes New Two-Day Wonder Cleanse

Dr. Oz is promoting a new two-day “Wonder Cleanse,” but it’s not like the popular cleanses you’ve heard of before. Instead of drinking nothing but water, lemon juice and cayenne pepper, you eat foods that naturally rid your body of toxins. That’s where the “cleanse” comes in.

So think of it as more of a hiatus from ice cream and Funyuns and a shift toward pure foods.

And why should we cleanse? According to Dr. Oz, our bodies are constantly being exposed to harmful substances in the environment and in our diet, and it’s important to flush those out so our bodies can get back to operating more efficiently. Think of it as a ‘spring cleaning’ of sorts for the body.

Over the course of a 48-hour period, Dr. Oz encourages participants to eat six meals and eight snacks made from naturally-purifying, delicious ingredients. And the key? Enzymes.

“Enzymes throughout the body are continuously breaking [toxins] down and helping to flush them out,” says Dr. Oz. “My 48-hour detox works by optimizing that system…eating foods that are packed with nutrients believed to boost the activity of the enzymes and nourish the body’s most important detoxifying organs – the liver, the lungs, the kidneys, and the colon – so they can do their jobs better and more efficiently.”

And the benefits, says Dr. Oz, are two-fold: physical and spiritual.

“I believe there is a spiritual aspect [to cleansing] as well. Afterward I felt a sense of peace that I didn’t have before…I promise it will rejuvenate you from the inside out.”

And per usual, Dr. Oz doesn’t leave you guessing what foods you can and can’t eat. He’s devised a specially-designed menu and snack plan that you can use as a guide over the course of your cleanse.

Breakfast is quinoa with prunes: quinoa providing fiber, phosphorous and the ever-important nine essential amino acids. Lunch is a fruit smoothie with blueberries for antioxidants, bananas for vitamin B6, and flax or chia seeds for additional fiber. Dinner is vegetable broth with a side of sauerkraut and sliced apples, which is loaded with fiber, probiotics, and enzymes to support liver function and break down toxins. And a snack is pineapple and kale juice for even more digestive enzymes.

In addition to a menu, Dr. Oz provides pointers to “make the most” of your cleanse, including tips like drinking plenty of water, not eating after 7 p.m., and getting 8 hours of sleep a night.

If there was ever a cleanse to try, this may be it. But do so with caution. And as always, consult a doctor before starting if you have any special medical conditions.

source :www.dietsinreview.com

Perfect Couple – Perfect Health

When we combine this food with one another, they will bring more beneficial effects on health. Let’s find out these below interestingly “perfect couples”. 

Yogurt-honey: good for digestion

These foods have benefits separately, and in combination, the two can work together for health.

Scientists at Michigan University state that high glucose content from honey aids in the development of healthy enzymes in yogurt. Therefore, the combination of yogurt and honey helps to improve the immune system, strengthen digestion health and reduce some diseases like constipation. Moreover, Yogurt and honey as a nutritive snack in moderation can also be a low calorie, nutrient-dense food providing an ideal balance of carbohydrates and protein.

Bean-chili: improve immune system 

Bean is a great source of iron, but your body only can absorb 20% iron if you consume bean separately. Iron has a very different structure, thus you body has difficulty in absorbing this iron. In order to increase its nutrient value, you should combine bean with foods rich in vitamin C like chili. In this case, vitamin C controls iron substances, make it easy for iron substances go directly to blood. It helps to produce more red blood cells and improve immune system as well. Iron is easily found in cereal, beans, meanwhile vitamin C found in orange, mango, tomato, grapes…

Chinese cabbage-bean: good for bone

Chinese cabbage is believed to help in calcium absorption. There is no specific explanation till now, but in combination, Chinese cabbage and bean have beneficial effects on fighting with osteomalacia.

Tomato-cooking oil: heart disease prevention

Carotenoid in tomato contains lots of antioxidants which help protect your heart. Add some drops of olive oils to tomato salad can prevent cancer. The combination of fats and carotenoid improve carotene absorption, thus help other organs function properly. This food combination is also known as a good way to avoid heart disease.

Red wine-vitamin E: cancer prevention

In combination, resveratrol found in red wine and vitamin E enlarger blood vessels for good blood circulation. It’s considered to be good for heart and help in controlling the development of cancer cells. Vitamin E mostly found in soyabean oil, peanut butter, mango and kiwi. Mixture of red wine, mango juice and kiwi is an excellent drink as well.

Tomato-cauliflower: cancer prevention

A latest research of Illinois University (US) reveals that men who consume tomato and cauliflower at least 3 times a week are less likely to suffer from prostate cancer by 30%. The benefit of antioxidants in tomato gains when it mixes with cauliflower.

Peppercorn-green tea: good for heart

According to Rutgers’s research, add some peppercorn to your daily meal and drink tea as dessert promote the resistance and have positive effects on heart health.

Green tea- vitamin C: cancer and stroke prevention

Green tea is a great source of vitamin C, helps your body absorb antioxidants. The interesting thing is that vitamin C protects green tea catechins from degradation. It therefore reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Yogurt- Inulin: good for bone and digestion

Inulin improves the development of healthy enzymes in yogurt and increase the calcium absorption as well. Inulin is found in garlic, onion, banana…Therefore, you should add some banana slices to your yogurt.

13 Natural Tips to Relieve Migraine

Migraines or headaches that are debilitating and painful to make the sufferer very sensitive even disturbed by light, sound and touch up for hours or days. The solution can be obtained from the change in lifestyle, exercising and taking nutritional supplements.
However, in some cases, natural relief alone can complement conventional medicine consumption, help reduce dependence on certain drugs or even replace the function and role of these drugs.
13 migraine natural pain reliever that you can get easily around you as reported from iVillage. 

1. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine that uses tiny needles and thin to restore the flow of energy in the body. A review in 2009 of 22 studies suggests that acupuncture is at least as effective and possibly more effective than conventional drugs for migraine prevention.
However, the frequency of treatments needed varies for each patient woman. James Rohr, a doctor of oriental medicine and licensed acupuncturist in Miami said that patients who are committed and serious about doing a series of treatments will get the best results.

2. Yoga
Poor posture can trigger a migraine so that practicing yoga can help migraine sufferers. According to a small study in the journal Headache, migraine sufferers who practice yoga headache intensity is smaller and use less medication than patients who did not practice yoga.
“Some yoga postures can help prevent migraines and makes you feel fine although migraine,” said neurologist Carolyn Bernstein, MD, author of The Migraine Brain and founder of the Women’s Headache Center at Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, Mass..

3. Chiropractic
Chiropractic is an alternative massage therapy from the U.S. and Indonesia have entered into since 1999. If the target of reflexology on the hands and feet then chiropractic focused on improving the position of the spine that allegedly lead to various diseases such as back pain and neck pain to migraines, vision and hearing disorders, lung, and stomach.
Spine of migraine sufferers who ‘manipulated’ it will restore the flow of energy throughout the body. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine itself has been reported that chiropractic can be just as effective as some type of drug used to treat migraine pain.

4. Biofeedback
Biofeedback is an alternative treatment of migraine by using electronic sensors to monitor body functions such problems as muscle tension, skin temperature, heart rate and blood pressure.
With these sensors, the patient can be aware and learn to control his body in response to pain. Once conscious, the patient was able to stop or reduce the severity of migraine attacks.
I really like biofeedback and I think it’s the best option if you want to get pregnant and have a severe migraine. Bernstein who noted that many migraine medications that can not be consumed during pregnancy.
Biofeedback teaches several techniques to remove, abort the pain and stop the various processes that lead to migraine. So, biofeedback is a remarkable technique.

5. Magnesium
This mineral is an effective natural supplement to help reduce migraine frequency. In particular, this mineral helps stabilize cell membranes and nerve pathways so that the nerves become calm. No, in fact, people who suffer from migraines more often deficient in magnesium than those who do not experience migraines.
You can take magnesium supplements daily to prevent migraines, but you can also ask the injection from a doctor to relieve the symptoms.
To increase your magnesium intake, eat dark green vegetables, nuts and seeds as well as magnesium supplements of high quality amino acids 400-600 milligrams a day (many brands of supplements that contain magnesium oxide can be absorbed by the body but not well).

6. Butterbur
Butterbur is an herb native or petasites Europe, West Asia and North Africa. Butterbur effective in reducing migraine frequency, although not yet proven to help overcome the acute migraine attack.
Butterbur is also considered to be anti-inflammatory because it can cope with migraines worsen inflammation. How, you should consume butterbur twice daily for at least a year, said Frederick Taylor, MD, professor of neurology at the University of Minnesota.
Look for butterbur are labeled b ebas PA (pyrrolizidine alkaloid) because the content that occurs naturally in the Butterbur and are carcinogenic and hepatotoxic and should be removed for safe consumption, said Jeremy Mikolai, ND, a naturopathic doctor at the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Ore.
The dose is 75 milligrams twice a day. But do not consume butterbur when you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

7. Feverfew
Feverfew is an herbal medicine that has been known for centuries as a pain reliever that quality, but the study of the efficacy of migraine have not been consistent.
Feverfew contains an anti-inflammatory compound called parthenolide, but these compounds can be degraded easily and a lot of feverfew products that contain little or no active ingredient whatsoever.
Make sure the label claims the product contains parthenolide with a standard amount (0.2 percent or more per 50 milligrams of feverfew extract). Side effects, this herbal medicine can also increase the risk of bleeding and blood should not be consumed if you’re thin, pregnant or lactating.

8. Ginger
Ginger is known capable of treating the nausea that often accompanies a migraine, but research on whether ginger is not necessarily prevent migraines. It may be that ginger has a calming effect on the blood vessels dilated during a migraine.
A study of preparations containing ginger and feverfew (LipiGesic) found that both are really able to relieve migraines or reduce its intensity to a mild headache in 63 percent of participants compared with 39 percent of participants who felt relieved after taking a placebo.

9. 5-hydroxytryptophan
These amino acids can be converted into serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in migraine. With increasing levels of serotonin, 5-hydroxytryptophan has been shown to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks in some studies.

But be careful if you combine it with other drugs or supplements that affect serotonin levels such as antidepressants. Too much serotonin in your body it can cause serious side effects such as confusion, tremor, cramps and spasms. Consumption of 400-600 milligrams per day to prevent migraines.

10. Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
According to one study, vitamin B2 can simply reduce the pain caused by migraine attacks. During migraine, the brain behind the decline in energy output associated with a migraine trigger and vitamin B2 helps maintain cell energy output, said Dr Mikolai. To prevent migraines, you need about 400 milligrams of riboflavin per day.

11. Vitamin D
Vitamin D may help modulate the immune response that affects the way you perceive pain, including pain due to migraine. A study of chronic pain patients found that patients who consume less vitamin D reported experiencing greater pain and consumed more morphine than patients getting enough vitamin D.
Most people can consume about 2,000 milligrams of vitamin D per day, although some people may need more, he added.

12. Coenzyme Q10
One study found that coenzyme Q10 or ubikuinon (CoQ10) is more effective in reducing migraine frequency than placebo. Coenzyme Q10 is believed to calm the neurotransmitter and stabilize blood vessels dilate during migraine.
But the price is expensive. make so much less coenzyme Q10 is selected, unless you also eat them in order to maintain heart health.

13. Caffeine
In some people, caffeine helps reduce the pain of migraine by narrowing the blood vessels, but on the other hand, caffeine can also trigger migraines. If the caffeine does not trigger migraines for you, you can try to combine caffeine with acetaminophen and aspirin to relieve migraines.
While products such as Excedrin Migraine or Bayer AM-containing combination analgesics and caffeine. But taking this product more than twice a week can lead to headaches due to excessive drug use.