Category: Health, Wellness, First Aid

  • Superfood: 30 Great Food Items That Make You Healthy

    Superfood: 30 Great Food Items That Make You Healthy

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    We all know that when a person suffers from bad health, he can’t enjoy the pleasure of everything. In order to achieve the optimum health, nutrition experts and health practitioners suggest loading up on superfoods.

    Believe me, no single food can improve or upkeep someone’s health.

    It is a combination of several foods definitely about fruits and vegetables. Superfoods are considered full-packed nutritious foods that will sweep your illnesses away. What are superfoods and why are they called as super-foods?

    What are Superfoods?

    Certain foods do provide greater health benefits than most. We refer to them as “superfoods.” Superfood does’t have its own food group yet consuming these kinds of foods that are packed with nutrients is definitely a good idea.

    Superfoods don’t just make you ten times healthier or keeping diseases away, but they can also bring you other wonderful health benefits. These foods have extra-large doses of vitamins and minerals that can help us sweep off diseases and live a longer, healthier and life.

    The nutrients that superfoods contain include antioxidants, use to ward off cancer; healthy fats, for preventing heart disease; fiber, believed to prevent diabetes and digestive problems; and phytochemicals, the chemicals in plants responsible for deep colors and smells, that have numerous health benefits.

    Can’t wait to know about these superfoods? Well, here’s a list of the 30 Superfoods, that will make you Super Healthy. You might want to include these in your grocery list.

    Chinese Cabbage

    This belongs to the cabbage family which has low sodium content, which means it can help regulate your blood pressure. It can also fight anemia and fatigue because it has a high iron content, which is responsible for producing hemoglobin in your blood. Chinese cabbage is rich in antioxidants, which can boost eye health and provide you with healthy, glowing skin.

    Carrots

    Carrots help with good vision and can help prevent cancer. It can also help slow down the aging process of cells. Studies show that carrots can lower the risk of heart diseases, and can have a cleansing effect by providing Vitamin A in the liver.

    Lentils

    They’re easy to prepare and high in protein, iron, and other essential nutrients plus it’s pretty cheap. Lentils are low in calories and high in nutrition and the perfect legume to eat in the summer in salads, spreads, and crackers. Eat lentils and reap their health benefits such as it can lower cholesterol, promotes heart health digestive health and stabilized blood sugar.

    Cucumbers

    Cucumbers are a good source of water, and they help to rehydrate the body in a different way. Pick a firm, dark green cucumber and pop it into your shopping basket to see its impressive health benefits. Aside from they keep you hydrated, cucumbers also help fight heat both inside and out. It flushes out toxins when you eat this superfood regularly.

    Spinach

    Spinach is another popular superfood that can be easily found in markets today. They are high in niacin and zinc, as well as protein, fiber, vitamins A, C, E and K, thiamin, vitamin B6, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, and manganese.

    Did you know that cooked spinach actually has more nutrients than raw ones? Because cooked spinach contains a bit more iron and vitamins A, K, B2, and B6.

    Green Leaf Lettuce

    Green Leaf lettuce contains high amounts of vitamins A, C, K, and B vitamins, along with a number of essential minerals and also has protein and calcium. It can significantly aid brain function as it is rich in dietary nitrate, which helps prevent deterioration of brain cells.

    But take note that green leaf lettuce may have the tendency to spark food allergies, especially if you already have some known allergies.

    Broccoli

    They are a good source of folate (folic acid) and also provides potassium, fiber. Vitamin C – builds collagen, which forms body tissue and bone, and helps cuts and wounds heal. It’s got fiber to help with regularity and keeping blood sugar levels optimal, it helps the heart and eyes with lutein, and can help prevent cancer.

    Garlic

    Aside from a popular spice, garlic is also used to treat anything from high blood pressure and heart disease to certain types of cancer. Plus, studies suggest garlic extract can be used to treat yeast infections in women and prostate issues in men.

    Turmeric

    The spice refers as Turmeric is actually the dried and ground rhizome of a plant in the same family as ginger. Turmeric is a powerful spice with an impressive list of uses and benefits. It’s known for its antioxidant content and ability to work as an anti-inflammatory.

    Tomatoes

    They’re super because they contain lycopene, an antioxidant rarely found in other foods. Studies show that it could protect the skin against harmful UV rays, prevent certain cancers, and lower cholesterol. Plus, tomatoes contain high amounts of potassium, fiber, and vitamin C.

    Beans

    Beans are a good source of protein and fiber, that helps you stay full and satisfied. The protein and fiber in beans also temper the rise in blood sugar that occurs after a meal, which can help stabilize mood. Eating beans regularly may decrease the risk of diabetes, heart disease, colorectal cancer, and helps with weight management.

    Apples

    Apples are extremely rich in dietary fiber and important antioxidants. It helps digestive process and contains polyphenols that offer a variety of benefits. The most notable of which is they’re able to help regulate your blood sugar levels. Apples are so nutritious food that you can still eat them even if you have diabetes.

    Bananas

    Most of us know that bananas contain a good amount of potassium, but it’s also a good source of fiber. When combined, these two features make bananas one of those foods you should try to consume on a daily basis. Why is potassium so important? It helps to regulate your blood pressure, and this does a great service to your overall heart health and well-being.

    Avocados

    Avocados do contain a decent amount of fat that is known to have heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. They also contain more potassium than bananas! The potassium in it can help you maintain healthy blood pressure levels. For those who wish to get rid of extra pounds, eat more avocados often because it is loaded with fiber.

    Lemons

    Lemons are one of the best ingredients for detox water because they are rich in vitamin C. They are best for aiding one’s digestion, shedding off pounds, and even boosting one’s energy. It can also treat internal bleeding because of its antiseptic and coagulant properties.

    Watermelon

    Watermelons can surely help you hydrated because it is made up of about 92% water. This fruit has a good number of electrolytes, which can protect you from heat stroke. They also contain more lycopene than tomatoes. Lycopene is an antioxidant that promotes heart and eye health, keeps bones strong, boosts brain function, and prevents various cancers.

    Berries

    Many types of berries can offer you plenty of antioxidant support, as well as add a burst of flavor to a dish, a meal, or all by themselves. Blueberries have been shown to help the belly fat fight and help you avoid cardiovascular diseases. Cranberries can help with yeast infections, tooth health, and certain types of cancers. Goji Berries rank extra high in antioxidants. And raspberries contain a good amount of potassium which can help with blood pressure levels.

    Mangosteen

    Mangosteen is a healthy fruit that is rich in water, energy, protein, carbohydrates, and fiber. It is among the fruits that are known to contain powerful antioxidants that are useful to the immune system and the entire body. Incorporating mangosteen in the diet may be effective in weight loss. The various nutrients found in mangosteen also ensure good health and well-being.

    Mangoes

    This tropical fruit helps strengthen your memory as well as your digestion. It may also fight cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

    Eggs

    A powerful source of protein is found in eggs that helps you lose weight. It is also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for normal body function and heart health. They are also rich in nutrients such as amino acids, choline, vitamin D, and a whole lot more.

    Dark Chocolate

    This is one of the superfoods that many people will not have a problem eating. A cacao bean confection that is rich in flavonoids that can help lower blood pressure and regulate blood circulation in the body. It also promotes heart health, boosts brain function, and reduces the risk of several types of cancer.

    Pineapple

    Never miss a chance to eat pineapple. Not only is it absolutely delicious, it may also strengthen your digestion, your bones, and can aid with weight loss. This tropical fruit is a great source of vitamin C known to help boost immune system.

    Oatmeal

    Oats got plenty of fiber without a lot of calories so you can feel fuller longer without dipping too far into your daily calorie budget. If you do start adding more oats to your diet, be sure to go organic so you’ll have the peace of mind knowing that you’re not ingesting grains that were treated with pesticides and other chemicals.

    Honey

    Honey offers a lot of variety when it comes to foods. It can help you prevent things like cancer and heart disease, and if that’s not enough it can also help regular blood glucose levels. Try adding a teaspoon of honey and the juice of half a lemon to a cup of hot water in the morning. It can make a great replacement for a cup of coffee and can prepare your digestive system for the work ahead of it for the day.

    Sweet Potatoes

    Start to consider adding sweet potatoes as side dishes to your meals throughout the year. Sweet potatoes are high in many important nutrients which contain a good amount of fiber. They’re a good source of iron, as well as magnesium and Vitamin D, C and B6. They’re also great for reaching weight loss goals and are a good carb.

    Here are its benefits:

    • Stabilizes Blood Sugar
    • High in Antioxidants
    • Boosts Brain Function
    • Enhances Immunity
    • Promotes Vision Health
    • Aids in Weight Loss

    Salmon

    Salmon is another superfood that can definitely give you a healthy heart. With its high dose of omega-3 fatty acids, salmon can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. When you are exposed under the heat of the sun, there’s no need to constantly apply sunscreen lotions. Why? Because salmon has anti-inflammatory properties and it can boost your skin’s natural protective shield against the damaging effects of UV rays.

    Raw Milk

    You may think that milk is a beverage it’s actually considered a food. Raw milk, especially kefir, provides the body with a rich source of vitamins A, D, C and B. It’s also loaded with calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, essential fatty acids (medium-chain triglycerides, or MCT oil) and trace minerals.

    Wheatgrass

    Wheatgrass is a must have in your daily diet. This is a young grass of the common wheat plant, Triticum aestivum. It is loaded with the iron, calcium, magnesium, amino acids, vitamin A, C, and E. But what adds to wheatgrass’s value is the high amount of chlorophyll it contains. Chlorophyll is a much-needed nutrient that the Westerner’s body often goes without.

    Raw Nuts

    Raw almonds, walnuts, cashews, and other nuts provide a hearty dose of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. They’re also loaded with vitamins and minerals, such as iron, magnesium, and calcium. Nuts may help lower your risk of heart disease and diabetes, especially when you use them as a protein substitute for red meat.

    Coconuts

    Coconut and coconut oil are both high in medium-chain triglycerides, a type of beneficial fatty acid that can help support the health of your gut due to its bacteria-fighting, antioxidant properties. These fatty acids are also easy to digest, can be burned up as fuel rather than stored as fat and are able to provide immediate energy. Coconut oil has been credited with aiding in weight loss, keeping hair healthy and smooth, and even preventing bone loss.

    You are what you eat!

    Whether you’re searching for ways to boost your immune system, fighting fatigue, or recovering from an illness, doctors often recommend healthy lifestyle changes. The foods you eat can often help with the prevention and management of symptoms.

    So if you want to achieve overall good health, go ahead and stock up on these amazing eatables today. A good goal would be to eat at least one superfood a day, but of course the more the healthier. One of life’s pleasures is sampling new tastes, and if you find that you haven’t tried some of these foods before, start with those so you can broaden your taste horizons.

  • Essential Medications to Stockpile

    Essential Medications to Stockpile

    Essential Medications to Stockpile
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    Essential Medications to StockpileI am not a doctor, and I am not qualified to give medical advise, I do know something about disasters and how to prepare for disasters.

    I wanted to share some Essential Medications to Stockpile to help people better manage their prepper resources.

    I also see people spend way too much time, effort, and resources prepping to extreme in some areas and leave other areas untended.

    If you read many of the survival related blogs, you will find many people discussing how to get prescription medicines just in case. While I have some chronic medical issues, and also see this need, I have to wonder if they have first stored over the counter medications before trying for the nice to have…

    I am sharing some essential over the counter medications that available, affordable, safe and legal.

    Used properly, they can effectively treat dozens of conditions including:  headache, fever, sore throats, ear ache, menstrual cramps, heartburn, arthritis, ulcers, diarrhea, allergies, hives, congestion, dizziness, mild anxiety, nausea, vomiting, poison ivy, athlete’s foot, ringworm, eczema, insomnia, backache, gout, diaper rash, yeast infections, and much more…

    Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – Acetaminophen is the only non-prescription pain-reliever that is not an anti-inflammatory drug.  It will not irritate the stomach like ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen.  It is useful for the same conditions as ibuprofen, though effectiveness varies according to patient.  As mentioned above, it may be combined with ibuprofen in full doses for more severe pain.  Side effects are very few, though in high dose, especially when combined with alcohol, it can lead to liver failure.  It is available in several pediatric dosages, both for pain relief and fever reduction.

    Bacitracin ointment – This ointment is best used to prevent skin infections when the skin has been breached, as by an abrasion, laceration, insect bite, or sting.  It also may be used to treat a superficial skin infection such as a mildly infected wound or impetigo.  It is less likely to produce a topical skin allergy than other topical antibiotic preparations that contain neomycin.  It cannot be used to treat deeper infections, however, which generally require an antibiotic by mouth.

    Clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin) The same antifungal medication, clotrimazole, is contained in both Lotrimin and Gyne-Lotrimin.  Gyne-Lotrimin may be used to treat both female yeast infections and any other yeast or fungal infection that Lotrimin would treat, including athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm, diaper rashes, and skin fold irritations.

    Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) – Diphenhydramine is primarily used for drainage due to respiratory infections and nasal allergies, in both adults and children.  It is also indicated for hives and itching, including itchy rashes such as poison ivy.  Although not all patients become drowsy when using diphenhydramine, many do so, making this medication useful for insomnia as well.  Some people find the drug relieves nausea or mild anxiety. While not a doctor, I keep this on hand for when I get a lot of bee stings, it seems to help me and keep swelling to a minimum (but I am not allergic to bee-stings and would not try to use this to replace an epi-pen if I was)

    Hydrocortisone cream – The 1% version of hydrocortisone is the strongest steroid cream available over the counter.  It is safe for use in both adults and children in treating inflamed and/or itchy rashes such as eczema, poison ivy, diaper rash, and other minor genital irritations.

    Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) – Among the OTC anti-inflammatory medications, ibuprofen is probably the most versatile.  Primarily indicated for pain and inflammation, it may also be used to relieve headaches, earaches, sore throats, sinus pain, stiff neck, muscle strains, menstrual cramps, arthritis including gout, and back pain.  It is also effective at reducing fever and is generally safe for use in children.  It is not advisable for most stomach-related pain, although may decrease the pain of kidney stones, kidney infections, and possibly bladder infections.  The most common side effect is stomach irritation or heartburn.  When combined with acetaminophen it is nearly as effective as codeine, tramadol, or hydrocodone in relieving more severe pain.

    Loperamide (Imodium) – The most effective OTC medication for diarrhea is loperamide, which is available both as tablet form and liquid for children.  It is often useful for relieving intestinal cramping.

    Meclizine (Bonine, Dramamine) – This antiemetic drug is available both over the counter and by prescription.  It relieves nausea, vomiting, motion sickness, and vertigo-like dizziness.  For some patients it causes drowsiness, and therefore may be used as a sleep aid.  It is related to medications for anxiety and may help with this as well.

    Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) – Pseudoephedrine is effective at relieving congestion of both the upper and lower respiratory tract due to most common causes including infection, allergy, chemical irritation, and mild asthma or bronchitis.  It frequently has a stimulatory effect, similar to caffeine.  The most common side effects are those resembling a burst of adrenaline:  rapid heart rate, palpitations, and increased blood pressure.  Years ago this drug was used in young children, even babies, though now most pediatricians do not advise it in patients younger than about six years old.

    Ranitidine (Zantac) – Although several medications are available OTC for the treatment of heartburn, ulcers, and other acid-reducing conditions, ranitidine is among the best-tolerated, is inexpensive, and is also useful for relieving hives. Doctors often advise an acid-reducing medication such as ranitidine for patients who experience stomach upset when taking ibuprofen, though this must be done with caution.

    Conclusion
    If you only have a small amount of money to prep, then going after OTC meds will give you more for your money than trying to find a doctor to give you a supply of antibiotic. For less than $100 you can lay in a large supply of all of the above.

  • How To Keep Up With the Amount of Water You Drink Per Day?

    How To Keep Up With the Amount of Water You Drink Per Day?

     

    How Much Water Should You Drink
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    Genny has a good tip on how to keep up with how much water you should drink in a day.

    Water is a vital part of a healthy diet.  It helps you to feel full, it lubricates your joints, helps your body eliminate waste, lets you sweat to keep cool, and is generally essential to life.

    Unfortunately most people do not drink near enough water.

    To ensure you drink enough water you should determine how much you weigh in pounds.  Divide that number in half.

    The number you get is the amount of water you should drink daily in ounces.

    Example:

    • If you weigh 180 pounds, half of 180 is 90 so you should drink 90 ounces of water a day.

    That is pretty easy, but the harder part is keeping up with how much water you have drunk.

    This is the neat part of Genny’s tip.

    • Find a cup you can easily keep up with. (I like clear sports bottles with fruit infusers, but that is my personal preference).
    • Determine how many ounces it holds.
    • Divide the ounces in the container by the ounces you need to drink
    • Round up to get a whole number and place that many rubber bands around the container.

    Example:

    How To Keep Up With the Amount of Water You Drink Per Day?

    90 ounces of water for a 20 ounce bottle 90/20 = 4.5.

    A 180 pound person with a 20 ounce bottle needs to drink the entire container 4 and a half times a day.

    Fill your container and each time you drink it empty remove a band and refill it.

    When you have removed all 5 bands you have drank your daily requirement of water.

    This is a simple way to keep up with your daily water intake.

    Genny has found that simple lifestyle changes are more sustainable than diets.  The 21 day fix system has allowed her to loose more than 90 pounds and make permanent changes that ensure she does not only lose weight, but she keeps it off.

  • How to Use Orajel for Mosquito Bite Relief

    How to Use Orajel for Mosquito Bite Relief

     

    First Aid: Orajel for Mosquito Bites
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    I heard of using Orajel for Mosquito Bites, and when I tried it I found a sure fix for mosquito bites, at least for me.

    I am the kind of person that mosquitoes love to attack, and once bitten they swell up larger than normal.  This means I am always looking for new ways of dealing with the discomfort of bites.

    Every time I get bitten by a mosquito, I use Orajel or any toothache gel medicine and it works!

    It stops the itching instantly and will not itch again.  It isn’t greasy, sticky, or smelly. It’s convenient to put right in your pocket.  Try it and let me know if it works – also – if you have any mosquito remedies, please share them in the comments…

    I am not sure if this works on everybody, but besides helping the itchiness I had from some bites, several other people have commented that it works for them.  I can’t promise anything, and I am not a doctor, but I think you should consider trying to use Orajel for Mosquito Bites.

    This is a small little tip that works well.  I keep some orajel in my bugout bag, and my tool kit so I have it whenever I work at the land.

  • Modified Burpees

    Modified Burpees

     

    Modified Burpees
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    In this video my wife shows a technique to modify the burpee and mountain climber exercises for those that are not physically conditioned enough to do the technique correctly.

    She uses a chair to help as she shows the modified burpees exercise.

    The reason someone modifies the exercise is not because they are lazy, it is actually the opposite.  A person modifies when they are attempting to do something they cannot do in order to better themselves.

    The modify the technique to make it doable, and as they progress and become better and more physically fit they eventually are able to do the unmodified technique.  At that point they stop doing modified burpees and actually perform the exercise correctly.

    In the space of a year Genny has gone from modifying everything to performing all the exercises correctly.  Her body has changed shape, she is more confident, and is a much happier person.  I am proud of her, and a little jealous of her determination.

    She is not a new person but she is a better version of herself.  It is not because of her looks, but the way her stronger body makes her feel.  When she began this process she kept calling it a lifestyle change and I did not believe her.  I do now.