Weight Loss Articles

12 Weight Loss Superfoods

noreply@blogger.com (blog1) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 13:58:00 +0000

Read on to learn about the following superfoods that will help you lose weight! Keep in mind that eating organic and hormone free foods as much as possible reduces toxic effects and increases the positive qualities of foods.

1. Grapefruit.
A study conducted at the Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, CA showed that eating half a grapefruit prior to a meal helped induce weight loss.

2. Pumpkin.
Yes, they taste amazing as pie, and make great jack-o'-lanterns, but they’re also one of the best weight loss foods you can eat.

3. Green Tea.
Green tea increases the metabolic rate and speeds up the body’s ability to oxidize fat, helping people lose weight. Some studies have shown the magic weight losing number to be five cups per day.

4. Kale.
Kale is one of those forgotten foods that should be reintroduced to your weight loss diet. It is also high in iron, and calcium.

5. Oats.
Oatmeal’s satiety ranking is the highest of any food, meaning you feel more full after eating a bowl of oatmeal than the same amount of anything else.

6. Lentils.
Lentils are another great source of both types of dietary fiber and are high in protein. They help to maintain blood sugar levels, regulating the body’s production of insulin.

7. Goji berries.
These tasty little berries make a great snack for curbing hunger. Containing 18 amino acids, they are a great source of protein and only contain 35 calories per tablespoon.

8. Buckwheat Pasta.
Another fiber all-star, buckwheat also contains protein, which is uncharacteristic of other grains used in pasta. This combo helps keep you feeling full and prevents overeating.

9. Chili Peppers.
Chili peppers contain a compound called capsaicin which has a thermogenic effect on the body. After eating a food infused with chili, the body will burn off extra calories for 20 minutes or so.

10. Quinoa.
This whole grain is a great source of both protein and fiber, and makes for a great rice or gluten supplement.

11. Tarragon.
Tarragon helps reduce the bloating and water retention effects of excess sodium.

12. Avocado.
Avocados are one of the best sources of monounsaturated fat, namely omega-6, and help to increase satiety, or the feeling of fullness.

[Via Austin Wellness Clinic – Click to read the full post]

10 Simple Steps To Naturally Increase Testosterone Levels

noreply@blogger.com (blog1) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 13:57:00 +0000

Here's the 10 Simple Steps to Naturally Increase Testosterone Levels. Most of these will effectively boost testosterone levels in men & women...

1) Use compound exercises as the cornerstone of your workouts.

2) Always train with 100% effort and intensity.

3) Train your legs equally as hard as your upper body.

4) Increase your EFA consumption.

5) Reduce your intake of soy.

6) Limit your consumption of alcohol.

7) Increase your dietary intake of cruciferous vegetables.

8) Lower your daily stress levels.

9) Increase your sexual activity.

10) Make sure to get adequate sleep every night.

[Via 10 Simple Steps To Skyrocket Your Natural Testosterone Production – Click to read the full post]

17 Unbeatable Ways To Create A Peaceful, Relaxed Workday

noreply@blogger.com (blog1) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:45:00 +0000

For me, a perfect workday incorporates many of the tips below, but never all of them at once. I use a combination of strategies to ensure that most of my days are fairly relaxed. Do I still get stressed? Undoubtedly. But it’s a far less frequent thing than in the past. Here’s how I do it.

1. Do less

2. Create a morning routine.

3. Prepare the night before.

4. Start the day with a relaxing shower or bath.

5. Get in some morning exercise.

6. Work when it’s quiet.

7. Create a clutter-free environment.

8. Turn off the distractions.

9. Cut back on your commitments.

10. Cut out meetings.

11. Single-task.

12. Take breaks and stretch.

13. Go for a walk.

14. Eat lunch in quiet.

15. Do mini-meditations.

16. Learn to focus on the present.

17. Roll with the punches.

[Via Zen Habits – Click to read the full post]

20 Unhealthy Foods That You Think Are Healthy But Are Actually Killing You Slowly

noreply@blogger.com (blog1) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:44:00 +0000

Consider the logic that food manufactures would have us believe: fat-free is good for you; jelly beans, jolly ranchers, and cotton candy are fat-free; therefore all those sugary candies are good for you. Makes sense? Think about it. In fact, a study at John Hopkins University recently determined a link between high blood sugar and heart disease. This means high glycemic foods, such as the candy I just mentioned as well as many similar products, are inherently unhealthy.

Let’s examine some examples of nasty food that is supposed to be healthy, but will secretly kill you faster than the Terminator (not the Arnold character in any of the sequels):

1. Diet Soda

2. Sushi made with white rice and imitation crab meat or vegetables

3. Peanuts

4. Reduced-Fat Peanut Butter

5. Corn Oil

6. Fat-Free or Reduced Fat Salad Dressing

7. Anything made with Soy

8. Yogurt cups, especially those with fruit at the bottom

9-11. Fruit Juice, Dried Fruit, and Fruit Cocktail

12. Smartfood (Cheesy Popcorn)

13. Beans packed in sugary syrups such as Boston Baked Beans

14-20. Granola, White Pasta, Pasta Salad, English Muffins, Bagels, Croutons, and Pretzels

[Via Project Swole – Click to read the full post]

8 Reasons Why You Should Eat Bananas

noreply@blogger.com (blog1) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:08:00 +0000

Aside from being a tasty treat, the banana has a plethora of health benefits to offer. It’s no surprise that many food nutrition guides, especially those that are fitness-focus, recommend the banana as an excellent midday and break time snack. Here are some of the best reasons to pack a banana for lunch next time you head off to work.

Putting you in a good mood

Starting the day off with a banana can help improve your disposition and give you the mood boost needed to start the day off right.

Need help quitting cigarettes?

If you are looking for help to quit smoking, consider the banana. Bananas contain the vitamins B6 and B12, which, along with their high content of potassium and magnesium, greatly aid in the body’s recovery from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Avoid Risk of Stroke

According to studies published in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas regularly as part of your diet can reduce the risk of dying of a stroke by as much as 40%.

Keep cool

The banana is regarded in many countries as a cooling fruit and prescribed as a way of lowering physical and emotional temperatures.

Avoid gaining weight

Researchers found that the most obese were the ones who worked in high-pressure jobs. To avoid such stress, it’s important to control our blood-sugar levels by eating snacks high on carbohydrates, such as bananas.

Calming the nerves

Our nervous system needs plenty of B vitamins to keep it from getting overworked. Next time you’re feeling jittery, eat a banana. The fruit’s high B vitamin content will help calm you down and let you focus on enjoying your day.

Cure for the hangover

One of the fastest ways of getting rid of a hangover is to prepare a banana milkshake with honey. Bananas help calm the stomach to get rid of the sickness, and honey helps build up your blood sugar levels.

Boost your brainpower

A study conducted at Twickenham, UK showed that eating bananas during breakfast, break and lunch helped two hundred students improve their exam scores. Research has found that the potassium-rich banana can help people learn by making their pupils more alert.

[Via fit-2gether.com – click to read the full post]

20 Natural Tips to Stop Tossing & Turning

noreply@blogger.com (blog1) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:08:00 +0000

For some, bedtime is a nightly battle of tossing, turning and exhausted frustration; believe me, I’ve been there myself. As with any of life’s imbalances, there’s usually an underlying reason for insomnia and although stress and tension are usually the root cause, there are natural solutions to help you get the rest you deserve. Try some of these ideas and see which ones work for you.

Before going to bed, stretch out.
Wear comfortable clothing – or none!
Skip the bedtime TV show.
Unplug electrical appliances in your bedroom at night.
Keep your workspace separate from your bedroom.
Is your mattress uncomfortable?
Keep oxygen circulating in your bedroom.
Aromatherapy
Melatonin
Listen to relaxing music.
Save shower or bath time for your evening ritual.
Kava
Wear a sleep mask.
Save bedtime for relaxing activities.
Write your worries or your to-do list.
Use a pleasantly scented dream pillow.
Slow, deep breathing.

[Via The Green Gathering – Click to read the full post]

100 Terrific Mindhacks To Make The Most Of Your Brain

noreply@blogger.com (blog1) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 13:50:00 +0000

Your mind is a powerful thing, but it’s often limited by things like fear, habit, and poor health. There are a number of ways to improve the way you use your mind whether you are a student, professional or devoted lifelong learner. Read on to discover 100 mindhacks that will help you make the most out of the most powerful tool you have at your disposal.

General: Follow these general mind hacks to give your brain some power.

1. Use the Internet
2. Practice streamwriting
3. Power idea generation
4. Take on a creative hobby
6. Stay active
7. Engage in meaningful activities
8. Use Oblique Strategies
9. Use weighted pros and cons
10. Set goals
11. Write things down
12. Take a nap
13. Drink something warm
14. Visit museums and performances
15. Use focused solitude
16. Be determined
17. Believe in your abilities
18. Give yourself structure

Habits: These daily habits will give your brain the shakeup it needs to do well.

19. Shower blind
20. Wear textured clothing
21. Don’t do things on auto pilot
22. Sleep on it
23. Always carry a notebook
24. Wake up to a new smell
25. Relax at the end of the day
26. Write instead of typing
27. Wear earplugs
28. Brush with your non-dominant hand
29. Make use of dead time
30. Sit up straight
31. Read aloud with a partner
32. Write before bed
33. Mix up your routine

Learning: Make use of these mindhacks when learning.

34. Learn things in order
35. Share your knowledge with others
36. Associate boring subjects with fun
37. Interlink thoughts with others

Communication: These communication hacks can help you influence your mind and the minds of others.

38. Use framing
39. Use fluid speech
40. Mirror your subject
41. Repeat what others are saying
42. Use touch

Energy: Your brain can get tired, so give it some refreshment with these mind hacks.

43. Listen to classical music
44. Do the opposite of what you’re doing
45. Take a deep breath
46. Meditate
47. Take a 1 second nap
48. Have sex
49. Play a sport
50. Shake your leg
51. Take a walk
52. Go to a movie
53. Create digestable tasks
54. Take a caffeine nap
55. Catch up on interesting reading
56. Play a game
57. Listen to motivational CDs

Dreams: Make the most of your dreams with these mind hacks.

58. Drink ice water
59. Suppress REM
60. Talk about your dreams
61. Take 5-HTP
62. Don’t sit up or stand up
63. Write down your dreams
64. Take galantamine
65. Verbally remind yourself to remember
66. Take more naps

Finance: These mind hacks will help you hack your brain for better finance.

67. Match frivilous spending with savings
68. Write down goals
69. Tell other people your financial goals
70. Create a habit
71. Create visual imagery of your goal

Productivity & Time Saving: With these mind hacks, you can be more productive and save time while working or studying.

72. Use proper timing
73. Clean out your inbox
74. Mind Map
75. Give yourself less time
76. Spreed
77. Scarcity

Brain Games: Play these brain games to build up your mind’s muscle.

78. Short Term Memory Test
79. Guess the Colors
80. Animated Memory Game
81. Simon Says
82. Crime Scene
83. Fun Match Game
84. Face Memory Test
85. Guess the Flag
86. Memory Solitaire

Food & Health: Follow these tips to eat, drink and exercise your way to a better mind.

87. Drink a glass of water
88. Good fats
89. Vegetables
90. Eat more choline
91. Exercise
92. Control your cholesterol
93. Fish
94. Yogurt
95. Apples
96. Carbohydrates
97. Alcohol
98. Use a smaller plate
99. Fruit
100. Non-caffeinated tea

[Via Find Schools Online – Click to read the full post]

50 Surprising Ways To Boost Your Brain’s Performance

noreply@blogger.com (blog1) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 13:49:00 +0000

Even if you think you’re a pretty good student or have a good memory, your brain is begging you to work it to its full potential. Getting stuck in the same routine, never exercising and eating junk food are all brain killers that decrease good cognitive function and increase your chances of memory loss, dementia and Alzheimer’s. But with these 50 tips and ideas for flexing your brain power, you’ll be able to boost performance right now and in the future.

Daily Habits: Make a point to exercise, sleep on a regular schedule and socialize with friends and family each day for the sake of your brain.

1. Sleep right
2. Exercise
3. Socialize with friends and family
4. Do the daily crossword puzzle
5. Read
6. Keep stress in check
7. Do something new everyday
8. Subscribe to online puzzles
9. Switch up your routine
10. Eat right: A brain-healthy diet includes low-cholesterol and low-fat foods.

Brain Food: A healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and even a little caffeine are what your brain needs for optimum performance.

11. Salmon
12. Baked and grilled items
13. Kale and spinach
14. Flax seeds, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds
15. Nuts
16. Canola oil and walnut oil
17. Beans
18. Coffee
19. Blueberries
20. Whole grains
21. Avocado
22. Green tea
23. Dark chocolate
24. Eggs
25. Strawberries
26. A moderate amount of carbs

Activities and Games: Keep your brain guessing by taking classes, switching up your activities, and trying new games that will form new connectors.

27. Change the way you tie your shoelaces
28. Change up your regular route
29. Travel
30. Take a dance class
31. Yoga
32. Games for the Brain
33. Concentration and memory games
34. Read a mystery novel
35. Babysit
36. Concentration practice
37. Opencourseware

Things to Avoid: Smoking, junk food, and too much TV are all harmful to brain performance.

38. Smoking
39. Getting overweight
40. Junk food
41. Too much TV
42. Routine
43. Too much alcohol
44. Starving yourself

Miscellaneous: From managing your anger and stress levels to meditating, these simple tips will improve focus and keep your brain sharp for years to come.

45. Getting to the country
46. Anger management
47. Stimulate your senses
48. Get a check up
49. Notice more
50. Meditate

[Via Online Best Colleges – Click to read the full post]

8 Tips To Quiet The Mind

noreply@blogger.com (blog1) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:42:00 +0000

From time to time, we can find ourselves having difficulty calming the mind. Here is a list of 8 techniques that can be used to calm the waters of your mind:

1 - Visualize a lit Candle in your mind and keep the flame still

2 - Focus on your breathing

3 - Repeat the mantra in your mind “I desire to return to my source”

4 - Pick a constant sound in the room, like the air conditioner, and focus on the sound

5 - If thoughts about the days business or duties come to your mind, visualize them being released to the sun

6 - Listen, and pick out, three distinct sounds that your body makes internally

7 - Visualize a beautiful flower, and count each and every petal while taking in all the details of the unique flower petal

8 - Draw each letter of the word “peace” one letter at a time, and then pause in between the letters and observe the empty space.

[Via Meditation DNA – Click to read the full post]

10 Craziest Facts About The Human Body

noreply@blogger.com (blog1) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:41:00 +0000

These are ten craziest facts about our body

#1 Your Hand Can Have A Mind On Its Own

#2 You Could Remove A Large Part of Your Internal Organs and Survive

#3 The Strong Contraction of Your Heart Creates Enough Pressure To Squirt Blood As Far As 30 Feet

#4 You Can Still Have An Erection After Death

#5 Heart Attacks Are More Likely To Happen On Monday

#6 Three Hundred Million Cells Die In Your Body Every Minute

#7 Babies Have More Bones Than You Do

#8 Your Hair Is Almost Indestructible

#9 You Can Survive Without Food But Not Without Sleep

#10 You Have A Philtrum

[Via NewsPick – Click to read the full post]

10 Great Benefits Of Drinking Green Tea

noreply@blogger.com (blog1) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:23:00 +0000

Green tea has a great importance in China history. Ancient Chinese people knew the benefits of green tea for health. They have always used it for medical purposes. It is produced from the leaves of Camellia Sinensis by some special processes. This is the list of benefits of green tea which I’ve found during my research.

1. It is used to treat multiple sclerosis.
2. It is used for treatment and prevention of cancer.
3. It is used to stop Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
4. It is used to raise the metabolism and increase fat oxidation.
5. It reduces the risk of heart diseases and heart attacks by reducing the risk of trombosis.
6. It reduces the risk of esophageal cancer.
7. Drinking green tea inhibits the growth of certain cancer cells, reduces the level of cholesterol in blood, improves the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol.
8. It is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular diseases
9. It is used to treat impaired immune function. .
10. Some researches show that, drinking green tea regularly may help prevent tooth decay by killing the bacteria which causes the dental plaque.

[Via HealthMad – Click to read the full post]

10 Steps To Natural And Fad-Free Detox

noreply@blogger.com (blog1) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:22:00 +0000

If you want to reduce the toxins that are already in your body, the best thing you can do is give your body's natural detoxification system the tools it needs. Here are 10 ways to do that:

1. Get on the green team:

Chlorella and cilantro when used in combination can make a dent in your level of aluminum, a metal notoriously difficult to remove from the body. Once cilantro binds to aluminum, the chlorella will then hasten its excretion through your kidneys. Chlorella also supports your liver's detoxification enzymes while supplying plenty of glutathione-a key detox player.

2. Go nuts for selenium

Selenium is a valuable mineral that protects against mercury by binding and inactivating it. Brazil nuts are a primo source of selenium: Just three or four nuts will yield in excess of 200 micrograms-enough for your day's needs.

3. Crunch up toxins

Crunchy, cruciferous vegetables provide a boost to your liver's detoxification enzymes. They also cut your cells' vulnerability to cancer-causing substances.

4. Grant yourself immunity

Glutamine is an amino acid that keeps intestinal immune cells healthy-and your gut holds 70 percent of your immune system. Low levels of glutamine are associated with impaired detoxification. To get enough glutamine, I recommend you emphasize food sources that include beef, chicken, fish, beans, eggs, spinach, and two excellent detoxifiers-cabbage and beets.

5. Get it by the clove

Garlic contains large amounts of sulfur, a hard-working element required for successful detoxification of unwanted chemicals inthe liver.

6. Try this healthy liver duo

To support your liver in its detoxification efforts, try milk thistle and alpha lipoic acid. Milk thistle's active ingredient, silymarin, has been used to reduce the toxic effects from a wide variety of liver poisons such as death-cap mushrooms, alcohol, and acetaminophen. Alpha lipoic acid, the "universal antioxidant," has been used in its high-dose intravenous form to treat acute liver failure and can also help with blood- sugar control.

7. Get more of these nutrients

Over 90 percent of Americans are not getting their fair share of healthy omega-3 fats, which are found mainly in deep-sea, cold-water fish like salmon, mackerel, herring and sardines. And over 50 percent of Americans are deficient in vitamin D, which you can get from the sun and from the same marine sources that supply omega-3s.

8. Watch for food sensitivities

To find out what's toxic to your system, consider an elimination diet. Most people will feel more clearheaded and energetic while on one -even if it doesn't uncover any obvious offenders. For a well-designed, easy-to-follow method, go to www.cfids.org.

9. Try mini-fasts

There is emerging evidence to support the health benefits of 12- to-24-hour fasts as often as once a week.

[Via Healthier Talk – Click to read the full post]

6 Healthy Habits You Can Start Today

noreply@blogger.com (blog1) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:09:00 +0000

Although there are some things we can't control about our health, there are many things we can. By developing healthy habits that we practice on a daily basis, we can tip the odds in our favor for living a long and vibrant life.

1. Drink more water. Most people don't drink nearly enough water to properly hydrate their bodies. If you simply consider the fact that the human body is about 75% water, it helps to understand the importance of drinking the recommended daily amount of 8 to 10 eight-ounce glasses.

2. Eat less food more often. Many people believe that the best way to lose weight is by skipping meals and eating less often. The truth is that when you skip meals, the metabolism slows down and you burn less calories and fat.

3. If it's white, don't bite. Processed foods that contain limited amounts of natural fibers and nutrients may fill you up, but they can still leave your body malnourished. Natural foods contain the fibers and minerals your body needs to function properly.

4. Give your liver a daily cleansing. For a good natural detoxification, squeeze half a lemon in 8 ounces of water and add stevia to taste first thing every morning. The lemon juice helps clean out the liver and also balance blood sugars naturally.

5. Get moving. There’s no way around it—if you really want to get and stay healthy, exercise is a key factor. Of course, the benefits of exercise reach much farther, including cardiovascular health, stress reduction, muscle toning, and sleep enhancement.

6. Get your sleep. Sleep rejuvenates cells and helps in the healing process and also helps to maintain and boost the immune system. Lack of sleep also leads to stress, which leads to increased cortisol release, which leads to weight gain.

[Via Women’s Health Online – Click to read the full post]

28 Facts About Caffeine Everyone Ought To Know

noreply@blogger.com (blog1) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:09:00 +0000

This is a great list of facts about caffeine:

1. Caffeine is a stimulant that temporarily wards off drowsiness and restore alertness. 2. Over 60 plants use caffeine as a natural pesticide that paralyzes and kill insects.
3. Caffeine is the world’s most widely consumed legal, unregulated drug estimated at 120,000 tons per year.
4. Dark-roast coffee has less caffeine than lighter roasts because the roasting process reduces the bean’s caffeine content.
5. The color of tea cannot be used to indicate caffeine content.
6. Arabica coffee normally contains less caffeine than coffee originating from Western Africa.
7. Caffeine is COMPLETELY absorbed by the stomach and small intestine within 45 minutes of ingestion.
8. A cup of tea contains half the amount of caffeine of an average cup of coffee.
9. Caffeine in chocolate is insignificant to the point where a 28-gram serving of milk chocolate bar has as much caffeine as a cup of decaffeinated coffee.
10. A study found out that 5.5 milligrams of caffeine per kilogram of body mass resulted in subjects cycling 29% longer during high intensity circuits.
11. Animals like dogs, horses and parrots are unable to metabolize the compound thus caffeine is toxic to them.
12. 80% to 90% of American adults consume caffeine daily, and their mean daily caffeine intake exceeds 200 mg/day which means that a large fraction of the U.S. adult population is completely tolerant to most of the effects of caffeine.
13. A reduction in serotonin levels when caffeine use is stopped can cause anxiety, irritability, inability to concentrate, diminished motivation to complete daily tasks and even mild depression.
14. Other side effects include dizziness, tachycardia, blurred vision, drowsiness, dry mouth, flushed dry skin, diuresis, loss of appetite, nausea and stomachaches.
15. Caffeine intoxication happens at 3-4 cups of brewed coffee.
16. Caffeine intensifies and prolongs the effects of epinephrine-like drugs such as amphetamine, methamphetamine, or methylphenidate.
17. A small dose of caffeine taken with pain killers increase the effectiveness of relieving headaches and body absorption levels by 40%.
18. Drinking 100 cups of coffee in a streak is another method of committing suicide.
19. Extreme overdose starts at 2 grams of caffeine.
20. According to British Journal of Addiction, caffeine addiction troubles 1 in every 10 of the population.
21. Caffeine reduces the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease in men.
22. Caffeine improves short term memory only when the information to be recalled is related to the current line of thought.
23. Caffeine prevents dihydrotestosterone from damaging hair follicles.
24. Caffeine increases sperm movement.
25. Caffeine significantly reduces the risk of heart diseases of non-high blood pressure patients.
26. Caffeine causes excess release of stomach acids during ingestion.
27. Smoking can shorten caffeine’s half-life
28. Give a spider caffeine and and you will notice the speed of it’s web construction.

[Via Because You Value Your Body – Click to read the full post]

Foods That Improve Your Brain Function

noreply@blogger.com (blog1) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 13:18:00 +0000

This is a great list of foods that improve your brain function:

Nuts

Nuts contain protein, high amounts of fiber, and they are rich in beneficial fats. They also contain plenty of vitamin B, E, and magnesium which are essential to cognitive function. They can clear up that brain fog and enable you to think clearer and are positive mood enhancers.

Seeds

Seeds contain a lot of protein, beneficial fat, and vitamin E, as well as stress-fighting antioxidants and important brain-boosting minerals like magnesium. They boost your mood and brainpower.

Eggs

Eggs are a precious source of high-quality proteins and rich in vitamins and minerals. The selenium in organic eggs is proven to help your mood. Nutrient called choline, found in eggs, can help boost the memory center in the brain.

Avocado

Avocados contain mono-unsaturated fats, which contribute to healthy blood flow, the main requirement for a healthy brain.

Berries

Berries contain antioxidants that help boost cognition, coordination, and memory. Blueberries are possibly the best brain food on earth as they boost the potency of neuron signals.

Pomegranate

Pomegranates contain blueberry-like levels of antioxidants, offering brain and memory protection. It carries a lot of vitamin C, A and E as well as fiber, iron and potassium and anti-inflammatory attributes help in strengthening the immune system.

Coffee

Coffee is good for your brain. You can safely enjoy 2 cups daily. Coffee is rich in antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins and minerals.

Green tea

Green tea enhances memory and focus and fights mental fatigue. It contains catechines, which help you relax mentally and maintain your focus as well.

Brown rice

Whole grains like brown rice are essential for maintaining concentration throughout the day and improving memory. That's because they contain the perfect mix of carbohydrates and fiber to fuel your brain while keeping you full.

Chocolate

Dark chocolate has brain boosting compounds; it’s rich in antioxidants and contains several natural stimulants which increase the production of endorphins while enhancing focus and concentration. It also releases dopamine, to enhance cognition and mood.

Garlic

Garlic is fabulous for reducing bad cholesterol and strengthening your cardiovascular system, and it exerts a protective antioxidant effect on the brain. It can potentially help against stroke, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Green leafy vegetables

Spinach, kale, chard, romaine, arugula, lolla rossa and other green vegetables should be consumed on a daily basis. These vegetables are high in iron (slightly less "green" iron sources include beef, pork and lamb). Folate and vitamin B6, found in broccoli and kale, help convert tryptophan into serotonin, a brain chemical that boots mood alertness.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are fantastic brain foods as there high content of lycopene make them an ideal source of unique of antioxidants. Lycopene is particularly good for brain - helps protect against free-radical damage to cells, which prevents brain from ageing and is believed to be a primary factor in cases of dementia, and particularly, Alzheimer’s disease.

Broccoli

High levels of chemicals called homocysteines are linked with cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. In order to break themselves down, homocysteines require folate and B12 or B6, vitamins found in vegetables like broccoli. It is a great source of vitamin K, which enhances cognitive function and improves brainpower.

Wholegrain foods

Vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid are essential in protecting your memory. Wholegrain foods, such as whole grain breads and wheat germ are part of the best brain foods. Whole grain breads, cereals, barley, popcorn boost blood flow to the brain.

Wild salmon

Higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood go hand in hand with higher levels of serotonin, a mood-enhancing brain chemical. Thus, these fatty acids are responsible for improved cognition and alertness, reduced risk of degenerative mental disease (such as dementia), improved memory, improved mood, and reduced depression, anxiety and hyperactivity.

Tuna

In addition to being another rich source of DHA, a type of omega-3s; tuna, particularly yellow fin, has the highest level of vitamin B6 of any food. Generally, the B vitamins are among the most important for balancing your mood. B6 in particular influences dopamine receptors, the "feel good" hormones along with serotonin.

Olive oil

A diet rich in healthy fats is essential to clear thinking, good memory, and a balanced mood. Olive oil is rich in antioxidants for healthy brain function.

[Via Steady Health – Click to read the full post]

17 Ways To Wake Up Feeling Fresh In The Morning

noreply@blogger.com (blog1) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 13:18:00 +0000

Okay so we know that waking up and doing things in the morning is the best way to achieve our goals in life. We can exercise, study, work, meditate, etc. much better than other times in the day. However, most of us feel pretty crap in the morning. Here are some things you can do in the short term and the long term so that you will wake up fresh and energetic in the morning:

The Night Before

1. Avoid coffee, red wine and chocolate the night before.

2. Go to bed happy with your partner.

3. Meditate, pray and calm down before going to bed

4. Don’t eat dinner right before bed

5. Organize your room according to Feng Shui principles

6. Go to the toilet

During the Night

7. Not too hot, not too cold

8. Keep the window open

9. Keep your sleep consistent

10. Cut out noise, it’s actually killing you!

The Morning

11. Drink a glass of water

12. Exercise

13. Don’t drink coffee… everyday

14. Breathe deeply

15. Have something to be excited about

16. Get up straight away

17. Be grateful for not dying

[Via The Daily Mind – Click to read the full post]

50+ Ways To Germ-Proof Your Home, Office, And Life

noreply@blogger.com (blog1) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 13:22:00 +0000

It seems each headline brings a new flu, disease, or other bacterial worry and who has the time to learn them all? Take a proactive stance by learning the best ways to germ proof yourself, kids, office, home, and more.

Best Sites for Germ-Proofing: These sites give the latest and best tips on germ fighting for the individual, company, and more.

1. Dr. Harley Rotbart’s GERMBlog

2. Dr. Harley Rotbart’s GERMBlog

3. Dr. Dust Off

4. Target Health Global

5. Germ Stoppers

6. Germ Watch

Best Products for Germ-Proofing: Those with a little or a lot of money can enjoy these simple, yet amazingly effective germ fighting products:

7. Luxe Link

8. Germ-X

9. Germ Free 24

10. The Handler

11. Germ Eliminating Light

12. Honeywell HFD-120Q HEPA Germicidal Air Purifier

Best Tips for Germ Free Kids: Children can be the most vulnerable to germs, yet know the least about them. Use these sites and tools to teach them how to stay clean, happy, and healthy.

13. What Are Germs?

14. Germ Genius Quiz

15. Tips on Teaching Your Child to Become Germ Proof

16. Bring your own toys.

17. Four Keys to Avoiding Germs

18. How to Minimize Kids’ Germs

19. Ology Germ Soap Kit

Best Ways to Germ Proof the Office: Lots of people, lots to do, and little time for germ fighting, make the office one of the most common places to catch or spread germs. Read the below for the best ways to germ proof.

20. Best Ways to Avoid The Office Bug

21. Be Clean

22. Be A Germ Stopper

23. The Dirty Secret About Office Germs

24. Keyboards no Longer a Germ Laden Office Tool

Best Ways to Germ-Proof Your Home: Moms, dads, and kids will enjoy a germ free home after visiting the below sites.

25. How to Germ-Proof Your Home Without Going Overboard

26. Germ World

27. How to Germ Proof a Home

28. Clean Up The Classroom With Clorox

29. Healthy Carpet and Rug Tips

30. New Bacterial Infection Linked to Military

Best Ways to Germ Proof Articles: Get even more information on all sorts of germ-proofing by reading these articles.

31. Infectious Diseases

32. Killing Flu Germs

33. How to Avoid Germs at the Gym

34. How Doctors Avoid Cold and Flu Germs

35. The Demise of the Handshake

36. Watch your money

37. Kill Germs Without Being a Complete Idiot

38. Vinegar Tips

39. Eat Your Germs

Best Videos for Germ-Proofing: Watch these videos with your spouse or children to get more germ proofing tips.

40. Germ Search

41. Surviving Kids’ Germs

42. Germs In Your House

43. Run Germ Run

Best Books for Germ-Proofing: Those with a couple bucks and a love of reading and germ proofing will enjoy these books, most priced around ten or twelve dollars.

44. Germ Proof Your Kids

45. Killer Germs

46. The Hot Zone

47. 4 Weeks to Maximum Immunity

48. The Woman With a Worm in Her Head

49. 90 Day Immune System Makeover

50. Viral Immunity

[Via Radiography Schools – Click to read the full post]

The 15 Most Powerful Healing Herbs In Your Kitchen

noreply@blogger.com (blog1) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 13:21:00 +0000

Of all the herbs and spices you can choose from for flavor,there are 15 that are more powerful than the rest. Below is the list and you may well be surprised to learn of the many diverse conditions for which they've proven so very useful.

1. BASIL - Basil is an herbal carminative, that is, it can relieve gas and soothe stomach upsets.

2. CAYENNE - Cayenne pepper is a hot red powder made from tropical chili peppers. It contains alkaloid capsaicin, which relieves pain by blocking the chemicals that send pain messages to the brain.

3. CINNAMON - Cinnamon bark contains an oily chemical called cinnamaldehyde that kills a variety of illness causing bacteria, including the dreaded E.coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureas.

4. CLOVE - Oil of clove is 60 to 90 percent eugenol. A potent pain deadening antimicrobal. Clove has earned the official endorsement of the FDA as an effective stopgap measure for tooth pain.

5. DILL - Dill has been used to soothe the digestive tract and treat heartburn, colic and gas for thousands of years.

6. FENNEL - Rich in volatile oils, fennel is what's known as a carminative herb, meaning that it can ease bloating, gas pains, and digestive spasms in the small and large intestines.

7. GARLIC - Intact garlic cloves contain an odorless, sulphur-containing amino acid called alliin. When the garlic is crushed, alliin becomes allicin. Research shows that allicin helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure and also helps prevents blood clots.

8. GINGER - When it comes to quelling the queasiness of motion sickness, ginger has no equal say herbalists. In fact, researchers have demonstrated that ginger beats dimenhydrate, the main ingredient in motion sickness drugs such as Dramamine, for controlling symptoms of seasickness and motion sickness.

9. MINT - Herbalists the world over use mint, as a premier stomach tonic, to counteract nausea and vomiting, promote digestion, calm stomach muscle spasms, relieve flatulence, and ease hiccups.

10. OREGANO - Oregano contains at least four compounds that soothe coughs and 19 chemicals with antibacterial action that may help reduce body odor. The ingredients in oregano that soothe coughs may also help un-knot muscles in the digestive tract, making oregano a digestive aid.

11. PARSLEY - Diuretic herbs such as parsley prevent problems such as kidney stones and bladder infections and keep our body's plumbing running smoothly by causing it to produce more urine.

12. ROSEMARY - Rosemary is one of the richer herbal sources of antioxidants, which have been shown to prevent cataracts, and contains 19 chemicals with antibacterial action that help fight infection.

13. SAGE - The oils found in sage are both antiseptic and antibiotic, so it can help fight infections. Sage is effective for symptoms of menopause, night sweats and hot flashes, because of its estrogenic action and because its tannins can dry up perspiration.

14. THYME - Thyme contains thymol, which increases blood-flow to the skin. The warmth is comforting, and some herbalists believe that the increased blood-flow speeds healing.

15. TURMERIC - Many clinical studies agree that curcumin in turmeric has anti-inflammatory effects, including a significant beneficial effect in relieving rheumatoid arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Curcumin, which gives this spice its familiar yellow pigment, may also lower cholesterol.

[Via Healthy Holistic Living – Click to read the full post]

How To Get The Top Ten Cancer-Fighting Foods Into Your Diet

noreply@blogger.com (blog1) — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 13:51:00 +0000

We all want to stay healthy and one step ahead of cancer - that’s no surprise. Here are some of the foods you should be eating to do just that:

1. Tomatoes. Tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant that can reduce your risk of breast, prostate, pancreatic and colorectal cancers.

2. Broccoli sprouts. These are sprouts actually developed from broccoli, and they are the only product out there that guarantees consistent levels of sulforaphane GS, a natural compound in broccoli and other cruciferous plants that support our bodies' own antioxidant function.

3. Berries are very high in antioxidants. They get their mouth watering colors from antioxidants known as anthocyanins.

4. Soybeans are known for their isoflavones and they help us fight breast and prostate cancer by protecting our cells from estrogen's harmful effects.

5. Tea. Tea has catechins (also called polyphenols), which are the potent antioxidants that fight cancer growth. Catechins work by preventing the cancer cells from dividing, and may reduce your risk of liver, skin, stomach, lung, colon, rectum, liver and pancreas cancers.

6. Carrots, and any brightly colored vegetables, are all chock-full of beta-carotene. A substance called falcarinol, found in carrots, might cause some cancer cells to grow more slowly, but carrots must be eaten raw to get its full effect.

7. Spinach is the vegetable known as the “gold standard” of all green, leafy vegetables; it has the most vitamin E and lutein to ward off cancer of the liver, breast, prostate and colon.

8. Garlic has the power to increase activity of immune cells that fight cancer and help break down cancer-causing substances. Garlic has anti-bacterial effects against a bacteria found in the stomach, helicobacter pylori, that is known to promote cancer there.

9. Pineapple is an excellent source of the enzyme bromelain; it’s a proteolytic enzyme, which means it helps digest protein. Studies have shown that bromelain might protect against breast and lung cancer, and it’s also been used as a complementary tumor therapy.

10. Apples contain quercetin. It’s a major bioflavenoid in our diet, and it has the ability to reduce lung cancer risk and the growth of some prostate cancer cells.

[Via Women Health Online – Click to read the full post]

Top 10 Vitamins To Be Included In Your Diet

noreply@blogger.com (blog1) — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 13:51:00 +0000

Everyone wants to have a healthy body but very few take the pains to supplement their diet with the right amount of vitamins. If you body is deficient of a certain vitamin for a long time it can lead to complications. The top ten vitamins which are required for our body are explained here in detail:

Vitamin A: protects vision, prevents night blindness, useful for protein synthesis, produces glycogen.

Thiamine or Vitamin B1: Produces hemoglobin which is required to supply oxygen in the body, it also promotes growth.

Vitamin B3 or Niacin: helps in energy production, athletes require more amount of niacin than the other people, niacin is produced from amino acid tryptophan which is found in turkey meat.

Vitamin B6 or Pyridoxine: helps in protein metabolism, promotes growth and utilization of carbohydrates.

Vitamin B12 or Cobalamin: important for body building, helps in metabolism of carbohydrate, protects the nervous system, useful to stimulate nerves and cause contraction of the muscles, control the action of muscles.

Biotin: helps in amino acid metabolism, do not eat raw eggs because it contains avidin as it inhibits the uptake of biotin.

Riboflavin: helps in the production of energy, oxidizes fatty acids, helps in the metabolism of glucose, they are mainly required to shut down hydrogen ions in krebs cycle.

Vitamin D: helps in calcium and phosphorus absorption, calcium is necessary for proper bone growth and muscular contraction, phosphorus helps in quick muscle contractions which is necessary if you doing heavy weight exercise.

Vitamin E: helps in protecting the cell membrane and also is a good antioxidant, useful for treating skin diseases.

[Via Health Care Logy – Click to read the full post]

25 Scientifically Proven Ways To Make Yourself Smarter

noreply@blogger.com (blog1) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:47:00 +0000

Almost everyone would love to take advantage of ways to boost their brain power and become smarter, no matter how smart they already are. Below are 25 scientifically proven ways you can do just this:

What You Can Do: These activities all offer ways to improve your cognitive abilities, so pick up a crossword puzzle, drink some water, and listen to some music to make yourself smarter:

1. Watch specific types of TV shows.

2. Play video games.

3. Social networking.

4. Ride a motorcycle.

5. Age.

6. Drink water throughout the day

7. Get enough sleep

8. Listen to music

9. Practice dual n-back exercises

10. Learn a foreign language

11. Practice Transcendental Meditation

12. Stretch your memory

13. Work crossword puzzles

14. Play chess

What You Can Eat: Good nutrition is tied to both a healthy body and a healthy brain, but some aspects of nutrition have been shown to improve intelligence and protect brain function. Find out what you can eat (and drink) to make yourself smarter.

15. Vitamin B

16. Fish oil

17. Avoid artificial colors and flavorings

18. Matcha

19. Antioxidants

20. Breakfast

21. Ginkgo Biloba

22. Avocado

23. Meat and fish

24. Ginseng

25. Vitamin E.

[Via The Top Psychology Degrees – Click to read the full post]

5 Reasons To Quit Drinking Soda Drinks

noreply@blogger.com (blog1) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:47:00 +0000

Here is a list of 5 top reasons why you should just quit drinking Coca-Cola and soda drinks.

1. Counteractive to Weight Loss Efforts:

One 330ml can of Coke contains around 160 calories. Assuming you drink one can of Coke every day: that’s 4800 extra calories every month or 1.4lbs. In a year, that adds up to 57,600 extra calories or 16.8lbs! Granted, you will not be gaining an absolute 16.8lbs since our body metabolism adapts accordingly from consuming more/less calories, but you will still be gaining an extra layer of weight just by drinking Coke/soda drinks over other healthier, lower calories options.

2. Stains and corrodes your teeth:

Coca-Cola and sodas with colorings stain your teeth, as many are already aware. In addition, they have been shown to destroy 10 times more teeth material than fruit juices in just the first three minutes of drinking in a test. Slices of enamel were placed in Coke and other carbonated drinks for 48 hours, where there was a 5% weight loss of the enamel in the end. The high acidity content (pH 2.0~4.0) causes corrosion of your enamel. Granted, lab conditions do not mirror reality, but the corrosive effect of Coke on your teeth is something that accumulates over time.

3. Limited hydration:

Coke and soft drinks contain caffeine, which is a diuretic. A diuretic is a drug that speeds up the rate of urine production – meaning it removes water from your body. While you can get your thirst quenched when drinking Coke, you do not get as hydrated as compared to if you just drink pure water.

4. Artificial stimulant which alters your mind:

Caffeine is also a psychoactive stimulant drug. It affects the central nervous system and alters brain function, resulting in temporary changes in perception, mood, consciousness and behavior. By increasing the levels of adrenaline (a stress hormone) in your body, you end off setting off feelings of anxiety and tension in your body. Instead of being able to operate as a fully conscious being, you end up having less control of your thoughts, emotions and behavior.

5. Causes insomnia and sleeping disorders:

The caffeine prevents drowsiness by blocking the effects of hormones serotonin and melatonin and blocking adenosine receptors (sleep-inducers) from being binded. Apart from causing insomnia, it also prevents you from getting the full benefits of sleep.

[Via Personal Development Blog – Click to read the full post]

8 Common First Aid Mistakes And Myths That Make Things Worse

noreply@blogger.com (blog1) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:52:00 +0000

How much do you think you know about first aid and proper emergency response? Most people think they know quite a lot, but most of what they have learned consists of myths that could actually do more harm than good. Put yourself to the test and seriously ask yourself: what would you do in these situations?

1. A child pulls a pot of boiling water off the stove or sticks their hand on a hot burner: Do you put butter or mayonnaise on the burn? Hurriedly remove the child’s clothing because it is stuck to the burn? Get out the ice? Those are the common reactions in the case of a burn, but all of them are myths. The correct action is to rinse gently with cool water and coat the burn with antibiotic ointment.

2. Someone is having a seizure: Do you move them? Do you hold them still? Do you force open their mouth with your finger or another object, or put something between their teeth? Do you simply watch them carefully and time the seizure?

Try to put them on their side and call 911. You may want to unbutton the top of their shirt or their belt to help them breathe and try to time the seizure activity. If the person is a known epileptic, emergency services only need to be called if it lasts for longer than five minutes.

3. You step in a hole in the yard and sprain your ankle: Is it ice or heat you use? Do you prop it up? Rush to the ER?

In most cases that is okay, but you do need to know how to treat it and when to seek help. The biggest problem is remembering when to use ice and when to apply heat.

For an ankle sprain you want to apply ice. Heat will actually increase the swelling and could slow down the healing process.

4. You are taking a walk through the woods and someone is bitten by a snake: Do you rip off your shirt and wrap the wound? Suck out the poison and spit it on the ground? Get out your pocket knife and carefully cut the wound open so the poison can drain?

The safest response is to immediately splint the wound or wrap it in something clean and get to the ER right away.

5. Your nose suddenly starts bleeding: Should you lean forward and pinch your nose? Or tip your head all the way back so the blood cannot run out?

For a nose bleed, lean forward and pinch just underneath the bone. If the bleeding does not stop within five minutes seek medical attention.

6. Your three-year-old gets a hold of the Flintstones vitamins and eats the whole bottle: Do you assume children’s vitamins are safe and they will just be really healthy for a few weeks?

For poisons in general, you want to keep the product that was swallowed and call poison control immediately. Depending on what was swallowed different actions will need to be taken, so you must remain calm enough to speak clearly and hear what you are instructed to do for the child.

7. Someone starts to choke across the dinner table: Do you jump behind them and do the Heimlich maneuver? Hand them their glass and encourage them to drink? Pat them lightly on the back?

Your response to someone choking will depend on whether they are able to talk a little bit or if they cannot make any sound. If they are coughing violently and can speak a little, then it is a partial blockage. If they can only nod their head and/or are turning blue, then it is a full blockage that does require you to jump up and start thrusting upward around their stomach.

8. Your child suddenly has an extremely high fever: Do you give them Tylenol and wrap them in a warm blanket to sweat it out? Rub them down with rubbing alcohol? Put them in a tub full of cold water?

While there may be some truth to the old wife’s tale of sweating out a fever, it is not a good thing to try with a child. Sudden high fevers can lead to febrile seizures, so putting them in a cool bath (not cold!) and giving them something like children’s Tylenol to break the fever (if they are old enough for medication) is a better course of action. If you cannot get the fever down or if it goes above 104 Fahrenheit, you should seek medical attention.

[Via Health Watch Center – Click to read the full post]

77 Easy, Painless Tips To Focus And Invite Tranquility In

noreply@blogger.com (blog1) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:51:00 +0000

Are you stressed over current economics? Do you find yourself less healthy or more irritable lately? Even if you’ve been affected by all the latest news, you can invite tranquility into your life and learn how to focus on your priorities. To that end we offer 77 easy and painless tips to help you focus. And, each tip also will help invite tranquility and relaxation into your life.

Throughout the Day: No matter if you work in an office or at home, the following tips can help you make it through a stressful day: Be Positively Selfish, Environment Matters, Productivity is Key, Self-Massage, Learn How to Breath, Don’t Worry, Consider the Source, Break the Monotony, Get More Exercise, Control the Noise

Music Tips: Music can prove relaxing or stressful, depending upon your situation. The following tips may help you decide when, where and what you want to hear to help you focus and remain calm: Learn About Music, Get a Beat Going, Slow it Down, Control Your Environment, Music Therapy

Eating Tips: You are what you eat…so if you eat junk food on the run, expect a lousy day. Sugar, salt and fatty foods are a great way to avoid the ability to focus and the peace of tranquility. The following tips will help you manage your intake for optimum health and well-being: Eating Causes Stress, Manage Stress with Food, Eat Your Good Cholesterol, Eat Fresh, Eat Regular and Right.

At Work: There is mounting evidence that work can age you, thanks to the stress involved in deadlines, negative environments and little room for mistakes. But, if you can apply some of the following tips, perhaps you’ll begin to feel younger and more tranquil: Work in Fresh Air, Introduce Plants to the Indoors, Take Sun Breaks, Eliminate Tobacco Smoke, Find Birds of a Feather, Create a Focus, Exercise Before or During Work, Be in the Moment, Let Go

After Work: Develop Supportive Friendships, Help Others, Avoid the Bar, Take a Class, Make New Resolutions

In the Evening: Sometimes the best way to avoid stress in the future is to take care of things now. This includes the following items: Plan Your Wardrobe, Prepare for Work, Identify Stressors, Simplify Your Plans, Identify the Source, Plan for the Unexpected

Before Bed: There are many things you can do to invite tranquility into your life so you can sleep well. Here are a few of those ideas: Pamper Yourself, Home Spa Experience, Practice Meditation, Learn Visualization, Light Exercise, Practice Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Make Love, Not War, Limit Fluid Intake, Try Trytophan Instead of Pills, Fall Asleep to Music.

During the Night: If you’re not getting a good night’s sleep, then you aren’t achieving a path to tranquility or the ability to concentrate during the day. There are few tips listed here, because if you practice many of the other tips in the other categories, you may find yourself sleeping better anyway: High Quality Sleep, Use Earplugs if Necessary, Help for sleep, Sleep Disorders, Get Help

In the Morning: If you’re stressed or depressed, the best time to get yourself in the mood for the day is in the morning. While you may not want to get out of bed, perhaps some of the following tips can help revitalize you and relieve some of your stress: Wake up to Music, Deep Breathing, Morning Massage, Stretch, Eat Breakfast, Take a Walk or Exercise, Start with Green Tea, Not Coffee

Drive Time: Ever feel that road rage coming on while driving to and from work? Here are a few solutions that can help you focus and retain a tranquil morning: Manage Your Time, Breathe Through the Tension, Listen to Audio Books or Music, Take Public Transportation, Ride Share, Try Automotive Aromatherapy, Be Productive

Maintain Healthy Choices: Even if you can’t afford health insurance, think about spending a few dollars here and there on health maintenance. Silent killers, such as cholesterol and high blood pressure are especially important to monitor. If you are in good health and you know it, it’s easier to focus and maintain a relaxing lifestyle: Learn About Blood Pressure, Get a Blood Pressure Monitor, Check Cholesterol Levels, Keep a Journal

Understand Stress Myths

Finally, it’s good to understand that some stress is good. Stress can force positive and healthy changes, and — since relaxation and focus is the opposite of stress — you can use stress as a measurement to determine your progress toward a better life. The following myths may help you understand whether a renewed focus and tranquility are possibilities for you…since stress is, after all, unavoidable: Stress is the Same for Everyone, You Can Avoid Stress, You Know When You’re Stressed, All Relaxation Techniques Work.

[Via Medicine 3.0 – Click to read the full post]

100 Ways to Kickstart Your Brain On a Lazy Day

noreply@blogger.com (blog1) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:19:00 +0000

Everyone has those days at school or work when your brain is moving just a little slower than usual. If you find yourself up against a lazy day, give one of these tricks a try to get your brain going. With suggestions on brain-boosting foods and drinks, games, trivia, exercise and fun strategies, you are sure to find a way to wake up your brain from the list below.

Brain-Boosting Drinks: Sometimes all your brain needs is a drink to get it going. The following drinks will all give your brain that extra boost it needs to start pumping: Chai, Kombucha, Water, Matcha, Caffeine, Kava kava, Smoothies, Ginkgo biloba, Ginseng tea

Brain-Boosting Foods: From the instant benefit of cinnamon and peppermint to the longer-lasting benefits of blueberries, these foods are great ways to get the blood flowing in your brain on a lazy day: Cinnamon and peppermint, Fish oil, Apples, Salmon, Avocado, Curry Antioxidants, Fruits and veggies, Whole grains, Olive oil, Blueberries, Cocoa

Simple Tricks: If your brain is stuck in a rut, try any of these fun and simple tricks to get it going again: Doodle, Journal, Music, Listen to Mozart, Study a foreign language, Switch hands, Think positively, Smile, Aromatherapy, Use your brain, Write down dreams, Send a note to a friend, Use chopsticks.

Video Games: Video games can get your brain working–research shows some games can even help fight Alzheimer’s. Check out these games for a fun way to start your brain: MUO Games, Truantduck.com Chinese Checkers, Simon Says, Legends of Elveron, Diner Dash, Super Money Ball, Escapa, Oregon Trail, Hit the Dot, The Blue Button Game, Game Gecko Racing Games, Dogfight, Tetris, Breakout.

Brain Games: The following games are all especially for you brain and will help you get your brain moving on a lazy day and strengthen it, too: BrainCurls, Games for the Brain, Brain Bashers, Puzzability Sampler, Thinks.com Jigsaw Puzzles, BrainTraining 101, Braingle, Fit Brains, Sharp Brains Brain Teasers and Games, Freedom Years Games.HAPPYneuron, Brain Age.

Other Games: From classics like Scrabble and checkers to word puzzles to knowledge quizzes that benefit those less fortunate, the following games will get your brain working: Word puzzles, Scrabble, Chess, Do a jigsaw puzzle, Crosswords, Logic Puzzles, Mahjong, Checkers, Bridge, Backgammon, FreeRice.

Trivia: Learning a bit of trivia not only gets your brain working when it’s going slowly, but it also helps strengthen it. Give these fun trivia resources a try: 100 Fascinating Facts You Never Knew about the Human Brain, Kickstart Your Brain With 21 TRUE Trivia Tidbits, Fun Trivia Quizzes, Trivial Trivia Collection, Useful Trivia, Trivia Cafe, Triviaplaza, Random facts, Fun Funny Facts.

Exercises: Physical activity stimulates blood flow, which can help perk up your brain. Do these exercises to help get your brain going when it falls into a slump: Take a walk, Tai Chi, Sex, Take the stairs, Yoga, Yard work, Walk the dog, Swim, Bike, Dance, Golf, Hike, Tennis.

Quiet Activities: You might think that quiet activities wouldn’t help get your brain going when it’s dragging, but give these a shot to find out how much they can help: Read, Hobbies, Knitting, Breathing, Relaxation exercises, Meditation, Surf the Internet.

[Via MatchACollege – Click to read the full post]