Healthy Benefits of Pregnancy to Women

While your baby is growing inside, you will be changing too. Your uterus will get larger as your baby grows. You will produce more blood to carry food and oxygen to your baby. Your breasts will be getting ready to produce milk. At the emotional level, you will be getting ready to be a mother, and your family will be getting ready to welcome a new person.

During these nine months, carrying the extra weight makes you tired and the whole experience can leave you walking awkwardly for a bit, but pregnancy also has some amazingly positive effects on your health. Some of them could help keep you in good shape for the rest of your life as mother.

Here’s how...

Cleaned up lifestyle. Being pregnant forces you to give up cigarettes, cut down on alcohol and eat more sensibly and healthy for years because remember what you put in your body not only affects you but also your unborn baby, being overly health-conscious is just not an option any more but it's mandatory.

Feel more calm and positive, free from stress. Pregnancy and breastfeeding also releases feel-good hormones to de-stress you.

Stronger bones.  Researchers believe the extra weight you carry in pregnancy increases bone strength, particularly in your pelvis, and may even strengthen hip muscles, too. This reduces your risk of hip fractures in later life by 44 per cent - plus a further nine per cent for every additional child you have.

Makes hair, skin and nails look fabulous. Pregnancy-boosted metabolism is nourishing for growing cells, resulting in much thicker, shinier hair, stronger nails and a complexion that positively glows with health making you more pretty.

Great sex. You might not feel like making love so often, but when you do - wow! Increased blood circulation means you’re ultra-sensitive, making arousal quicker and orgasm even more pleasurable. Read: Tips for Having Sex During Pregnancy

Being physically fit. In pregnancy, your aerobic capacity increases by up to 30 per cent and your heart gets a third bigger, pumping twice the usual amount of blood. These effects last for some months after birth so if you’re fit before you get pregnant and continue exercising in pregnancy, you can emerge fitter and stronger than ever.

Long life. Pregnant women acquire some of their baby’s new cells to replace their ageing ones. Researchers have found male stem cells in the bone marrow of the mums of boys. This may explain why women live longer than men, and why pregnancy protects against breast cancer.

Reduces the risk of future illness. Pregnancy can be a cornerstone for your future health. For instance, if you develop gestational diabetes, you’re more likely to get type-2 diabetes later on; if you get pre-eclampsia you’re up to 10 times more likely to develop heart disease. This may not sound like good news, but it’s a window of opportunity. Doctors can pick up on potential health problems much earlier in a woman’s life, and then intervene to reduce her risk of serious illness in the future.

Reduces risk of cancer. Pregnancy hormones reduce your risk of endometrial, breast cancer and also boost your protection against breast cancer by over four per cent for each year you breastfeed.

Break from or suppress illness. Example, if you have a chronic health condition, such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, or even multiple sclerosis, you may find your symptoms are less severe, or even disappear, in pregnancy. Sadly, once those hormones settle down after the birth, conditions may tend to re-appear.

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Too much time in front of screens is deadly

“Nature deprivation,” a lack of time in the natural world, largely due to hours spent in front of TV or computer screens, has been associated, unsurprisingly, with depression. More unexpected are studies by Weinstein and others that associate screen time with loss of empathy and lack of altruism.

And the risks are even higher than depression and isolation. In a 2011 study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, time in front of a screen was associated with a higher risk of death, and that was independent of physical activity!

Limit your children's screen time

The Mayo Clinic recommends limiting children's exposure to screens—including computers, televison, hand-held devices, and video games—to two hours per day. More than that can have serious consequences, including obesity, behavioral problems, irregular sleep, violent tendencies, poor academic performance, and dampened creativity.

TV watching also limits eye movement. Inability to read has been linked with underdeveloped eye movements, and TV may be a factor in what some education researchers see as a growing problem of illiteracy or semi-literacy. This is additional to the fact that it is easier to sit in front of the screen than to read a book. I state firmly that no child under the age of 4 ought to be placed in front of the TV screen.

Instead, encourage your child to engage with nature, whether that's playing an outdoor sport, reading next to a window, or taking a walk around the block.

HEALTH EFFECTS OF TELEVISION (TV) TO CHILDREN

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AMAZING EFFECTS OF NATURE ON THE BODY

Research reveals the human body is sensitive to the environment. What you see and hear can affect your mood along with your nervous, endocrine and immune system. When you are in an unpleasant environment, you feel stressed, which causes a range of adverse health consequences. Conversely, exposure to the beauty and peace of nature fosters bodily responses that are the opposite of these unhealthful effects. Every aspect of wellness can be enhanced through frequent encounters with nature.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE EFFECTS OF NATURE ON THE BODY

BODY HEAT - 107.6⁰F 

When a person's core body temperature hits 107.6⁰F, heatstroke can't be reversed & prove fatal.

COLD WATER - 40⁰F 

Water saps body heat. A person would last barely 30 minutes in a 40⁰F sea.

HOT AIR - 300⁰F 

In a burning building or a deep mine adults can survive 10 minutes at 300⁰F. Although children soon succumb in 120⁰F.

HIGH ALTITUDE - 15.000 feet 

Consciousness fades for most people at 15, 000 feet. Although highland dwellers have adapted to have larger lungs & more red blood cells so they can survive. 

STARVATION - 45 days 

If a person loses 30% of their body weight, death is imminent. Although, disease would probably kill a person before they have a chance to survive.

DIVING DEEP - 282 feet 

When diving deep without equipment most people black out before reaching 2 minutes once they are below 60 feet. The best free diver made it to 282 feet before blacking out.

LACK OF OXYGEN - 11 minutes

Typically, a person would pass out after 2 minutes without oxygen. With training, people can hold their breath for nearly 11 minutes.

BLOOD LOSS - 40 % 

A person can survive after losing 30 % of their blood. After losing 40 % of your blood a person would need an immediate blood transfusion.

DEHYDRATION - 7 days 

Every cell in a person's body needs water. Without being able to replace the quart of water a person loses per day, a person will not last more than a week at most.

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Crispy buttermilk oven baked chicken

This is the best oven fried chicken I've ever made, hands down. The buttermilk marinade makes for deliciously juicy chicken and comes out crispy every time. Calories 294; Fat 8.5 g; Saturated fat 2.5 g; Cholesterol 182 mg; Carbohydrate 12 g; Fiber 1 g; Protein 41 g; Sugars 2 g; Sodium 709 mg.

Buttermilk oven baked chicken recipe

This is a crispy, crunchy, very tasty and moist chicken. I was looking for something to replace take out chicken at our house. I was extremely pleased with this recipe and my husband loved it and asked me to make it again. "A Keeper."

Ingredients:

⇎1 Chicken- cut up
⇎3 cups all-purpose flour
⇎2 teaspoons garlic pepper
⇎1 teaspoon sugar
⇎2 teaspoons paprika
⇎1 cup buttermilk
⇎2 eggs
⇎1 teaspoon baking powder
⇎³/₄ teaspoon baking soda
⇎Olive oil

Directions:

Preheat Oven 350 degrees: In a baking pan, whisk together flour, garlic pepper, sugar and paprika. In a medium size bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, baking powder and baking soda until smooth.
Dip each piece of chicken into buttermilk mixture, shaking off excess. 

Roll in flour mixture and then dip into buttermilk and flour mixture a second time. Place in baking pan and drizzle with olive oil. Bake about 50-55 minutes or until chicken is golden.

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Most Effective Home Exercises for Weight Loss

When you're working out several times a week to get fit and lose weight, you want a routine that offers maximum results in the minimum amount of time. Exercise scientists have been hard at work on this particular issue, and now years of research indicates that the following 8 moves—done properly—are all you need to achieve the slim, taut body you're after.

Here’s the uncomplicated and unattractive truth about exercise - if you want to lose weight, you need to do quite a lot of it. But this doesn’t have to be a tragedy! There are many common sense and enjoyable ways to lose that extra belly fat without working out like a crazy person at the gym. 

Here are five most effective exercises

Walking

Walking is an ideal exercise for weight loss: It doesn’t require any equipment, other than a decent pair of walking shoes, and you don’t need a gym membership to do it. For those with certain health issues, including obesity and heart disease, walking is an effective, low-intensity weight-loss activity that can lead to better overall health, as well as better mental well-being.

Depending on how much you weigh, walking at a pace of four miles per hour will burn between 5 and 8 calories every minute, or between 225 and 360 calories for a 45-minute walk. At this pace, walking 45 minutes a day most days, you can lose up to a pound a week without changing any other habits. So put on your walking shoes, turn on your iPod and go for a brisk stroll through the

Swimming

The great news for all lovers of swimming and for those who are trying to transform their bodies - swimming is a super effective workout that will bring you astonishing results. Swimming engages all of the major muscle groups, from your abdominal and back muscles to your arms, legs, hips and glutes. It effectively compliments other exercises, like running and walking, or it can be your sole form of fitness.

It helps strengthen your core and work different muscle groups, boasts numerous health benefits and it helps to reduce your blood pressure, strengthen your heart and improve your aerobic capacity. Plus, it is a wonderful way for your family to get moving and have plenty of fun together. Though, this exercise is not as portable as skipping.

Skipping and jumping rope

Did you know that all you need is ten minutes of skipping to cover a five-kilo meter run? Therefore, imagine what 15-20 minutes each day will do to your body! Jumping rope is also a favorite activity on playgrounds across the country, but it’s hardly child’s play when it comes to losing weight.

Just ten minutes of rope jumping is worth an eight-minute mile when it comes to cardio benefits and calorie burning. An hour of jumping rope burns over 800 calories and works the arms, legs, and core, as well as strengthens bones and joints.

Cycling

A cycling workout is a foolproof way to get a great sweat and work your legs. It helps you push yourself at a higher intensity. It strengthens your legs, arms and back, encourages your heart to work more efficiently and aids in weight loss. Cycling can burn anywhere from 372 to over 1,100 calories per hour, depending on your weight, your speed and the terrain you’re biking across.

Cycling is also one of the easiest ways to fit exercise into your everyday routine since it’s a great means of transportation. It gets you fit, saves you money, and is good for your health. Bring along your significant other or friend, or cycle solo, and ensure you get the most out of your workout. 

Squat

The squat is a compound, full-body exercise that works more than one muscle group. This powerful exercise helps tone your glutes, strengthen your body and burn a lot of calories. To boost your calorie expenditure and raise your heart rate, you can try to do jump squats. Or stay in a squat hold with dumbbells in your hands to increase the resistance as well as feel the burn. Doing squats regularly is one of the best ways to transform your body as well as improve your physical health. If you sit all day at work or at home, you are at higher risk of serious disease. Why not do several squats whilst waiting for your dinner to cook or the kettle to boil. Sometimes multitasking is a great thing!

Aerobics

Aerobic exercise is a great way to get your heart pumping and shed those stored calories. A simple 20-minute session a few times a week can help you get rid of unwanted weight fast. There are many different types of these workouts on the market with varying degrees of success. Do your research, make sure that you’re using the most effective programme. All you need to do is to search around a few review websites and ask your close friends about what they would recommend.

So there you have it! The list of the most effective exercises that will definitely help you transform your body. Just make sure you do them on a regular basis to see the best results.

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Recommended Period Before Washing Your Baby After Birth

Do you Wash Your Baby After Birth? A wait of at least 24 hours is recommended — for a very good reason.

"It's important to remember that babies aren't born dirty," explains Dr. Ira Jaffe, a board certified maternal fetal medicine OBGYN doctor in NYC. "The way they're designed to come out is how they should come out."

Babies are born with a white, waxy coating, which convention has held should be washed off sooner rather than later. But this substance, called vernix caseosa, can be beneficial if left on for awhile and we're just now gaining a better understanding of its benefits.

A 2004 study by ACOG's Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology points out that vernix adds a protective layer to the skin, which makes it softer and protects the immune system.

Additionally, vernix and amniotic fluid contain antimicrobial peptides which can guard against bacteria and fungi. A follow up article by Science & Sensibility points out that pneumonia and meningitis are among the diseases that these agents protect against.

While there is no one standard practice in place for when exactly is best to bathe a baby. The World Health Organization currently advises delaying bathing for at least 24 hours.

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Health Benefits of Physical Therapy

Physical therapy helps people of all ages who have medical conditions, illnesses or injuries that limit their regular ability to move and function.

A customized physical therapy program can help individuals return to their prior level of functioning, and encourage activities and lifestyle changes that can help prevent further injury and improve overall health and well being. Primary care doctors often refer patients to physical therapy at the first sign of a problem, since it is considered a conservative approach to managing problems.

Physical therapists are evidence-based health care professionals who offer cost-effective treatment that helps improve motion and relieve pain. Physical therapists can teach patients how to prevent or manage their condition so that they will achieve long-term health benefits. PTs examine each individual and develop a plan, using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. In addition, PTs work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.

Here are some ways a physical therapist can help you.

Reduce or eliminate pain.

Therapeutic exercises and manual therapy techniques such as joint and soft tissue mobilization or treatments such as ultrasound, taping or electrical stimulation can help relieve pain and restore muscle and joint function to reduce pain. Such therapies can also prevent pain from returning.

Maximize Your Movement

Pain-free movement is crucial to your quality of life, your ability to earn a living, and your independence. Physical therapists are movement experts who can identify, diagnose, and treat movement problems.

Participate In Your Recovery

Physical therapists work collaboratively with their patients and clients. Treatment plans are designed for each person’s individual goals, challenges, and needs.

Recover from a stroke.

It’s common to lose some degree of function and movement after stroke. Physical therapy helps strengthen weakened parts of the body and improve gait and balance. Physical therapists can also improve stroke patients’ ability to transfer and move around in bed so that they can be more independent around the home, and reduce their burden of care for toileting, bathing, dressing and other activities of daily living.

Avoid Opioids

Opioid risks include depression, overdose, and addiction, plus withdrawal symptoms when stopping use. In some situations, dosed appropriately, prescription opioids are an appropriate part of medical treatment. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging health care providers to reduce the use of opioids in favor of safe alternatives like physical therapy for most long-term pain.

Avoid Surgery

Before you undergo expensive or invasive surgery, try physical therapy. For some conditions, including meniscal tears and knee osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tears, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disk disease, treatment by a physical therapist has been found to be as effective as surgery.

Improve your balance and prevent falls. 

When you begin physical therapy, you will get screened for fall risk. If you’re at high risk for falls, therapists will provide exercises that safely and carefully challenge your balance as a way to mimic real-life situations. Therapists also help you with exercises to improve coordination and assistive devices to help with safer walking. When the balance problem is caused by a problem in one’s vestibular system, Physical therapists can perform specific maneuvers that can quickly restore proper vestibular functioning, and reduce and eliminate symptoms of dizziness or vertigo.

Manage diabetes and vascular conditions. 

As part of an overall diabetes management plan, exercise can help effectively control blood sugar. Additionally, people with diabetes may have problems with sensation in their feet and legs. Physical therapists can help provide and educate these patients on proper foot care to prevent further problems down the road.

Manage age-related issues.

As individuals age, they may develop arthritis or osteoporosis or need a joint replacement. Physical therapists are experts in helping patients recover from joint replacement, and manage arthritic or osteoporotic conditions conservatively.

Manage heart and lung disease. 

While patients may complete cardiac rehabilitation after a heart attack or procedure, you also may receive physical therapy if your daily functioning is affected. For pulmonary problems, physical therapy can improve quality of life through strengthening, conditioning and breathing exercises, and help patients clear fluid in the lungs.

Manage Women’s Health and other conditions. 

Women have specific health concerns, such as with pregnancy and post-partum care. Physical therapists can offer specialized management of issues related to women’s health. Additionally, PT can provide specialized treatment for: Bowel incontinence, breast cancer, constipation, fibromyalgia, lymphedema, male pelvic health, pelvic pain, and urinary incontinence.

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Tongue Exercise For Alzheimer's

The Tongue Exercise is effective to reduce the onset of Alzheimer's & also useful to reduce or improve body weight, hypertension, blood clot in the brain, asthma, far-sightedness,  ear buzzing, throat infection, and insomnia.

Each morning when you wash your face in front of a mirror, begin with the exercise from shrinking & thus achieve a healthier body. Begin with exercise as: STICK OUT YOUR TONGUE & MOVE IT TO THE RIGHT THEN TO THE LEFT FOR 10 TIMES. THEN DO IT FROM LEFT TO RIGHT 10 TIMES. Do it daily. Within a year there will be improvements in your Brain Retention. Your mind will be fresh & Also you will see improvements in far sightedness, giddiness, improve wellness, digestion & absorption, and flu/cold. You will be stronger & more agile. 

Tongue exercise helps to control & prevent Alzheimer's... It has its foundation/base from Medical research which found that the Tongue has connection with the Big Brain. When our body becomes old & weak, first sign to appear is our tongue becomes stiff & often we tend to bite our self.

Frequently exercising your tongue will stimulate the brain thus helps to reduce our thoughts.

BRAIN DIET

Brain diet means cuts down on all the things that are unhealthy for the heart. " What is good for the Heart is good for the Brain."  Include foods high in antioxidants, berries, broccoli, prunes & fish oils for omega-3 fats.

Calories watching is also important as being overweight often goes hand in hand with Diabetes & high Blood Pressure which increases the risk for developing all types of Dementia.

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Super-healthy Salmon Salad

Salmon, rich in omega-3 unsaturated fats, vitamin D, tastes constantly delectable cooked in whatever formula. There are such a variety of formulas about how to cook salmon. On this post we going to make salmon salad, is extremely easy and quick to plan, glorious pleasing and solid.

Nutrition Value:

• kcal320
• fat10g
• saturates4g
• carbs30g
• sugars14g
• fibre2g
• protein30g
• salt0.88g

Salmon Salad Recipe (4 servings)

This was a great change up to my salad choices. Loved it. It's very easy and fresh in flavor.

Ingredients

2 lb skin-less salmon fillet (cut into little pieces)
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp dark pepper powder
2-3 tsp garlic glue
2 bubbled eggs (cut into little pieces)
1 glass red, green, and yellow chime pepper diced
1 glass cleaved onions
5-6 tbsp mayonnaise
Salt to taste
Lettuce

Method

In a blending dish, marinade the salmon fillets with 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp dark pepper powder, garlic glue, and salt to taste. Refrigerate it for 60 minutes.

Place the salmon fillets in a broiler verification preparing dish. Spread it with an aluminum sheet.

Set the stove on 175 C. Prepare the fillets for 20 minutes. Expel them from the broiler and put them on a plate.

Presently, take a huge blending dish. Include the diced chime peppers, cleaved onions, 1 tbsp lemon squeeze, and diced bubbled eggs into the dish, one by one. Sprinkle 1 tbsp dark pepper powder, and salt to taste. Blend every one of the fixings well.

Presently include the little fillets of salmon into the blend. Hurl tenderly to blend well. Salmon plate of mixed greens is prepared.

Spread the mayonnaise over the plate of mixed greens and present with lettuce.

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How long should a woman wait before resuming sex life after pregnancy?

Strictly speaking, there is no defined standard period of time that should elapse before resumption of sexual intercourse after delivery. However, several factors may influence the timing of resuming sexual activity. Your preference and individual circumstances are the most important factors, rather than any arbitrary constraints to your own desires.

Majority of women who go through uncomplicated deliveries will be able to resume sexual activity within six weeks after delivery. It can take up to two weeks for the usual bleeding that occurs after delivery to stop completely. Many couples will find it unpalatable to engage in sexual activity when there is still some bleeding. Once everything settles down, resumption of sexual activity is at your pleasure.

Those who may have had assisted vaginal deliveries or cesarean sections may take longer to recover. Assisted vaginal delivery may require a cut to be made, called an episiotomy. It is best to wait for complete healing to take place prior to engaging in sexual activity. Most episiotomies will heal rapidly, unless an infection ensues.

If unsure about the extent of healing, you can always get your obstetrician to assess you prior to restarting sexual intercourse. Ill-timed resumption of intercourse with an incompletely healed episiotomy may cause a breakdown and delayed healing.

It takes longer to recover if your delivery was by cesarean section. When you are nursing a cesarean section wound, you are unlikely to stand the physicality of sexual intercourse. But by the sixth week, you may already be feeling well enough to resume sex.

Your body will guide you. Take it easy when you start, any unusual discomfort should be a prompt for giving yourself more time. Or a trigger for a review by your obstetrician if necessary.

The psychological preparedness for resuming sexual activity after delivery also plays a role. The post delivery period has many competing pressures. There’s the baby to take care of, on top of coping with emotional adjustments to a new way of life.

Sex may be the last thing on your mind, and this happens to some women. Take it in your stride, the desires will eventually resume. If it takes longer and you start getting concerned, seeking help with a sexual therapist is always an option.

Be wary of an unwanted pregnancy. Resumption of ovulation may occur even before your periods resume. It’s best to use some form of protection, even when exclusively breastfeeding. Some women have surprised themselves by becoming pregnant weeks after delivery. Talk to your midwife or obstetrician about contraceptive options.

If you feel right and are full of desires, go on and resume your sex life. Don’t sit around waiting for an arbitrarily defined interval to elapse before running wild with your erotic impulses.

Article by: Dr. Murage

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HEALTHY AND DELICIOUS BANANA APPLE MUFFINS

Banana muffins make a healthy snack for children after school. They are so easy to make and freeze well too. So, make these instead of throwing away those brown bananas! Make muffins healthier with mashed banana and apple sauce for natural sweetness. Apples are low in calories and high in fiber. They have nutrients that fight against disease.

Nutrition: per serving

• kcal179
• fat7g
• saturates1g
• carbs23g
• sugars10g
• fibre3g
• protein5g
• salt0.6g

BANANA APPLE MUFFINS RECIPE

These are especially moist. You can frost them as cupcakes or enjoy them as muffins with milk or your morning coffee. Kids really enjoy them too; after all, it looks like a cupcake!

INGREDIENTS

⏩2 cups all-purpose flour
⏩1 teaspoon baking soda
⏩1 teaspoon salt
⏩¹/₂ teaspoon ground cinnamon
⏩¹/₂ teaspoon ground nutmeg
⏩²/₃ cup shortening
⏩1 ¹/₄ cups white sugar
⏩2 eggs
⏩1 teaspoon vanilla extract
⏩¹/₄ cup buttermilk
⏩1 cup ripe bananas, mashed
⏩2 apples - peeled, cored and shredded

METHOD

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease and flour 24 muffin cups, or use paper liners. Sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and buttermilk. Beat in the flour mixture, mixing just until incorporated. Fold in the mashed bananas and shredded apples. Fill each muffin cup half full.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool.

Enjoy this banana apple muffins with the apple banana smoothie... Healthy and yummy

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Soft drinks (Soda) companies don't want you to know this

The fact that it took 50 years before the first links between smoking and lung cancer were published in the British Medical Journal and before effective regulation was introduced is testament to how Big Tobacco was able to defend its practices. Key to the strategy was denial, planting doubt, confusing the public, buying the loyalty of scientists, and giving ammunition to political allies.

The similarities between Big Tobacco and the sugar industry are disturbing. As a recent publication in JAMA Internal Medicine showed, the sugar industry paid three influential Harvard scientists to downplay sugar's role in heart disease and to shift the blame to fat.

Last year, the New York Times exposed that One of the famous soda company paid millions of dollars to fund research that downplayed the role of sugary drinks in obesity and push lack of exercise as the main factor.

And, according to one former UK shadow health minister, the incorrect advocacy of a low-fat, high-carbohydrate, and high-sugar diet by "morally corrupt scientists and politicians who allowed themselves to be manipulated by food suppliers" is to blame for global obesity.

There is nothing wrong with the occasional treat, but sugar has no place as part of a "healthy balanced diet."

Similar to smoking, any further regulatory measures to reduce sugar consumption, such as banning of sugary drink advertising and dissociating sugary drinks with sporting events, will have a further impact on improving population health within a short time.

The science is more than sufficient; the case against sugar is overwhelming. Sugar is the new tobacco, so let's start treating it that way.

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Healing tips after a cesarean

A Cesarean birth is no less an honorable or fulfilling way to produce a child than a normal delivery. After all, it’s the quality of mothering which is the crucial factor in a child’s development, not the way she’s born. But there are certain aspects of Cesarean which can cause problems. 

Also read: Reason which may necessitate an emergency c-section.

The following tips will help you deal with them.

⏩If you’re going to have a Cesarean, it’s worth planning ahead. Perhaps the most important decision is which form of anesthesia to use-a general anesthetic which puts you completely to sleep during the delivery or an epidural which acts only on the lower half of your body and leaves your mind alert? There are advantages and disadvantages to both methods. Ask your doctor which method is best for you.

⏩The total unconsciousness a general anesthetic brings can interfere with your natural maternal feelings. It can help to have the baby brought to you as soon as possible, even if she’s asleep. Don’t expect to be overwhelmed by motherly feelings. You’ll probably be confused from the anesthetic and a bit shocked from the operation, especially if it was unplanned. Don’t worry-the loving feelings will eventually come.

⏩One good way of forging the bond between you and your baby is by breastfeeding. If you can manage it, it will do wonders for your confidence as a mother, sometimes temporarily lost after a Cesarean. A Cesarean doesn’t affect your ability to breastfeed. The main problem will be to find a position which won’t put pressure on your scar. You could try laying the baby on a pillow placed on top of the table which goes over your bed. Or sit up in bed, with baby’s head on a pillow beside you, her legs tucked under your arm pointing towards the backrest.

⏩You’ve just had an operation and an operation hurts! As the anesthetic wears off, you’ll feel pain, especially in the first 48 hours. Even if you’re normally opposed to drugs, a few painkillers will certainly help to keep up morale and let you get on with caring for your baby.

⏩Most hospital hospitals aim to get you of bed within 24 hours after an epidural, or a little longer after a general anesthetic. This might seem harsh, but it does help you get better more quickly. Moving around will stop your muscles getting stiff, and will stimulate circulation, which in turn promote healing. Ask to have the bed lowered and take your time getting up. Resist the temptation to walk stooping over the incision. Breathe out gently and straighten up slowly. Being upright takes the pressure off the scar and lessens the pain.

⏩The bowels go on strike for a while after an abdominal operation. A normal diet won’t be prescribed until the bowels signal their readiness to return to work-with a lot of wind! The first bowel movement-when you’re scared to put a strain on the scar-can be daunting. Plenty of fibre in your diet will ease the strain.

⏩A woman can be left with feelings of shock, disappointment and even inadequacy especially after an unexpected Cesarean. Talk about these feelings. It’s a vital part of the healing process. Start with the maternity staff who are often understanding. Continue the dialogue with your partner and sympathetic friends when you leave hospital.

⏩At first your scar will look red an angry. But be assured it will eventually fade to near invisibility. Help things along in the early stages by scooping handfuls of salt into your bath. Don’t worry, it won’t sting. Alternatively, try a few drops of the healing essence of lavender oil in the water.

⏩At first, gently moving around will suffice for exercise. But once the incision has healed and you feel stronger, it’s time to think about getting into shape again. What about some morale boosting tummy tighteners? Try pelvic circling-think of the belly dancing and rotate your hips first in one direction, then in the other. Go swimming.

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Exercises that burn that belly fat faster

Besides eating healthy, do you think it’s impossible to exercise for less time and still lose more fat? Absolutely not, if you do the right moves.

Extensive research on lifestyle and weight management shows that exercises such as insanity aerobic classes, spinning and sprinting - not jogging or walking - might be the key to fast abdominal fat loss. High intensity exercises result in greater fat loss and overall health benefits than moderately intense activities.

The research also showed that five to ten seconds of short burst exercises such as sprints done repeatedly for about 30 minutes three to four times a week can help overweight women lose at least two to three kilos of body fat in 12 weeks and gain strong lean muscle resulting in a net body weight loss.

On the other hand, achieving this same effect with moderately intense activities such as jogging, walking, dancing and rowing would take longer compared to the above.

This does not mean that an exercise like jogging doesn’t serve its purpose as far as weight loss is concerned. Jogging is still thought to be more effective method for shedding belly fat than any strength or resistance training.

Before indulging in any cardio vascular/ aerobic exercise or resistance training/ lifting weights, just know that participation in regular aerobic exercise typically can result in little or no gain in muscle mass, whereas moderately hard resistance exercise over a period of time may increase muscles mass.

Choose cardio workouts more to weight lift if your main aim is to shed excess weight. Use resistance workouts to tone up your body opting for light weights while increasing the number of repetition you do in each set.

To help you add sprint interval to your exercise routine, here are few recommendations:

Your warm ups should always be at least 5 to 10 minutes walk building up to an easy jog. Then, alternate 20 to 30 seconds sprints with a 3 minutes easy jog in between for 30 minutes.

Thereafter cool down for 5 minutes by jogging easy slowing down to a walk. Finish the exercise by stretching to relax your muscles.

For intermediate workout, warm for 5 minutes by walking building up to a jog. After that, alternate 30 seconds sprint with a minute and a half easy jog for about 20 minutes.

Do this repeatedly over the set time then slowly cool down for 5 minutes using an easy jog that comes down to a walk.

Stretch as you finish your workout. At any point should you feel uneasy with the exercise, just relax and get back to it when you feel better.

Combining the above exercise with abdominal workouts and health diet over a period of time will help you reap the results that you want.

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Guys, get a smart wife if you desire to live longer and healthy

A study has determined that for men, long life and good health have nothing to do with the man’s education and everything to do with his wife’s. Men married to smart women live longer.

Apparently, even science agrees with the biblical principle that it is not good for man to be alone. A married man will only seek medical help at his wife’s insistence, and only to get her off his back, however, a bachelor will only be prompted to go running to a doctor when a limb needs amputation.

Girls, of course, are raised to be self-sufficient. They are taught how to gather and prepare a tasty meal from scratch, and to clean and wash. Women’s lives, single or married, are highly organised, unlike some men’s. The effect may relate to skill at processing advice about healthy lifestyles, and passing it on -- educated married women are more likely to share their good lifestyle habits.

These habits could include healthy food choice, exercise routines, and risk-avoidance.

If you know a bachelor, advise him to polish up his wooing skills because his health and longevity depends not only on having a woman but a smart woman!

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Healthy - Guilt Free Gingerbread Cake

Fresh ginger gives this traditional dessert a healthy, flavorful update. This is everyone's holiday favorite, even the busy cook's, because it is so easy to make. We loved this moist gingerbread. Will make again. Especially good with ice cream.

GINGERBREAD CAKE RECIPE

INGREDIENTS 

Nonstick cooking spray
1 ¹/₂ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pan
1 cup whole-wheat flour
³/₄ cup turbinado sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¹/₄ teaspoon salt
¹/₄ cup light molasses
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
¹/₂ cup canola oil
¹/₂ cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 cup boiling water
¹/₂ cup firmly packed minced fresh ginger
Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

DIRECTIONS 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees with rack in the lower third of oven. Spray a 9-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Line the bottom of the pan with waxed paper, then spray the paper. Dust the entire pan with flour and shake out the excess.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flours, cinnamon, and salt; set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together molasses, eggs, oil, and buttermilk.

Dissolve baking soda in the cup of boiling water. Fold the baking soda and molasses mixtures into dry ingredients until combined. (Do not overmix.) Fold in the minced ginger.

Scrape batter into the prepared baking pan; bake until cake is set around edges and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Cool 10 minutes in the pan, then invert onto a cooling rack. Serve warm or at room temperature, dusted with confectioners’ sugar.

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Health Benefits of Persimmons

Persimmons are red-brown or orange fruits that grow on trees like plums and look like a small, rather flat tomato capped by a calyx. The two varieties are stringent and non-astringent, the latter being pleasingly sweet. To avoid bitterness, the paler varieties should be eaten only when very ripe, usually peeled.

Once again, vitamin A shows itself to be a powerhouse in nutrition, offering 55% of the daily value in the persimmon. Vitamin C runs a close second with 21%, plus excellent amounts of manganese, a co-factor for the enzyme superoxide dismutase, for healthy mucous membranes and skin, as well as a known protectant against lung and mouth cancers.

Persimmons are an excellent source of fiber, which helps keep the body regulated. B-complex vitamins are present to stabilize the metabolic system, along with copper and phosphorus.

Low in calories and fats, this little fruit contains all kinds of phytonutrients, flavonoids, and antioxidants, such as catechins (known to have antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties, and for protecting small blood vessels from bleeding) as well as gallocatechins and betulinic acid, a tumor inhibitor. Other powerful antioxidants found in persimmons include beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, and cryptoxanthin. The zeaxanthin content absorbs into the eyes and helps filter light.

However, consume persimmon in moderation because it contains fructose, which may be harmful to your health in excessive amounts.

Studies Done on Persimmon

Persimmons are one of a few foods associated with killing breast cancer cells without harming normal breast cells, according to one new study. Scientists attributed this to the flavonoid fisetin, present in several fruits and vegetables, but in persimmons specifically. Fisetin also has been named as a significant contributor in the programmed eradication of colon and prostate cancer cells1.

References:

1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3813433/, Dietary flavonoid fisetin: A novel dual inhibitor of PI3K/Akt and mTOR for prostate cancer management

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Six reasons to have a food diary

Food diary is an absolute must for people who have decided to radically change your diet or as a whole to improve their lives and their health.

Here are a few reasons that will prompt you to start keeping a food diary

𝟣. You will learn to control calories

Where an entry somewhere everything you eat during the day you will realize that even if you take a minimal amount of food, it may be high-calorie and because of this weight gain. Did you know that one tablespoon of olive oil contains 110 calories, while the Greek asks that say eat with your dinner was 5 tablespoons fat. When the day finally see the cumulative number of calories will surely be intimidated and will start more often to think before you eat.

𝟤. You understand the origin and nature of the calories

It is not only important to limit the number of calories you eat, and indeed to know from what source they come from and whether they are good for the body or not. There are those that are broken down quickly and easily by giving energy to the body and we necessarily need them, especially when we are physically active and such, but degrade more difficult burden on the body and often remain as accumulated fat in our body.

𝟥. You will manage to control your portions

Learning about quality, damages and benefits of certain foods, you will surely reaching for those who are not as calorie and you snacking bigger portions and do not eat while to lose weight.

𝟦. Will reduce situations of uncontrollable appetite

When you record your diet, you can easily see in what situations happen collapse in your body and you want to eat anything that gets in front of your eyes. Sometimes starvation or incorrectly combining foods leads to this effect. Another time a similar situation may arise from stress - it is important to understand where this problem leads beginnings and try to change something in his regime.

𝟧. You will see whether you are taking more than necessary or you have a calorie deficit

Both options are not good for your body. You must strive for the perfect environment to back up the body so than it needs to function properly.

𝟨. In consultation with a specialist journal would be extremely useful

Food diary is mandatory according to experts. With his help they were able to analyze the eating habits of their patients and help with suggestions for changes. Already there are programs that you can install on your computer or phone and are always with you - all that is required of you is to have permanent and serious in completing the diary.

Source: healthyeatingcooking.com

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Chewy Ginger Cookies

So if you’re looking to give cookies away this holiday season, take these chewy ginger cookies for a spin. There’s a reason they are a holiday favorite! They’re delicious too! Bake a batch and get into the holiday spirit.

NUTRITIONAL INFO: per serving (48 servings)

Calories	106
Carbohydrates	17 g (6%)
Fat	4 g (7%)
Protein	1 g (2%)
Saturated Fat	2 g (9%)
Sodium	66 mg (3%)
Polyunsaturated Fat	1 g
Fiber	0 g (1%)
Monounsaturated Fat	1 g
Cholesterol	9 mg (3%)

Chewy Ginger Cookies Recipe

Ingredients

↪2 ¹/₄ cups all purpose flour
↪1 teaspoon baking soda
↪¹/₄ teaspoon salt
↪2 teaspoons ground ginger
↪³/₄ teaspoon ground cinnamon
↪¹/₂ teaspoon ground cloves
↪³/₄ cup unsalted butter, softened
↪¹/₂ cup granulated sugar
↪¹/₂ cup packed brown sugar
↪1 large egg, room temperature
↪1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
↪Zest of 1 orange
↪¹/₄ cup light molasses (optional)
↪2 tablespoons granulated sugar for coating

Instructions

• In a large bowl, sift 2 ¹/₄ cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ¹/₄ teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon and ¹/₂ teaspoon ground cloves. Set aside.
• Using a handheld electric mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream ³/₄ cup butter, ¹/₂ cup granulated sugar, ¹/₂ cup brown sugar until creamy and significantly paler in color (about 3 minutes on medium-high speed).
• Add the egg and beat until well incorporated. Then add 1 tablespoon orange juice, orange zest, ¹/₄ cup light molasses and stir until combined. Scrape the bottom and sides of your bowl as needed.
• Add your flour mixture in 3 parts and stir until each addition is incorporated.
• Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. When you're ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350⁰F.
• Scoop the dough into 1 inch balls and thoroughly coat in granulated sugar before placing on your cookie sheet. The cookies will spread so space them about 2-3 inches apart.

• Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are starting to get crispy. Cool slightly on the cookie sheet (about 2 minutes) before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Therapeutic properties of water

There are very few substances that possess as many remedial properties as water. Anyone treating the sick should try to accomplish the greatest amount of good with the least expense to the patient’s vitality.

Following is a list of some of the therapeutic properties of water

Sedative

Sedative drug diminish action of the heart. They affect all the nerve centers controlling the heart, and their action is very often uncertain and detrimental. When water is properly applied, however, it is a very much more efficient sedative, and thus its use rarely leaves harmful aftereffects. A warm bath will invariably soothe and relax an extremely nervous person and help produce restful sleep.

Antipyretic

There is no drug that will decrease the temperature of the body as quickly, efficiently, and harmlessly as water. The pulse can rapidly be reduced from twenty to forty beats per minute by the use of a cool or cold bath. To decrease body temperature, use water below 98⁰F.

Anodyne (Analgesic)

Anodynes lessen the nervous sensibilities, thereby relieving pain. Hot water fomentations will always give relief and have often been used when drug have failed.

Anticonvulsant

Water is unrivaled as a relaxing agent in convulsions and muscle spasm.

Astringent

The use of cold water in arresting hemorrhage is well-known by all physicians.

Laxative

The abundance use of pure water is most effective in helping to overcome constipation, but it never causes violent or unpleasant symptoms such as those that frequently accompany and follow the use of purgatives.

Eliminative

Water is a perfect eliminator. It dissolves poisonous waste materials and foreign elements in the blood, thereby aiding their elimination through the urine, feces, sweat, and lungs.

Diaphoretic (Sudorific)

Water may be use d to produce profuse perspiration.

Alterative

For many years’ mercury was considered the most note-worthy alternative in the material medica. But it has yielded its place to water. The only thing mercury ever accomplished was to destroy the normal elements of the blood. Water not only preserves and builds up the normal elements, but it also destroys and eliminates the waste elements and increase the circulation.

Tonic

Water used properly will increase the vital activities very quickly and powerful and restore normal tone to the body. The tonic effect of a cool bath is well-known to everyone.

Stimulant

A stimulant act to increase the vital fuctions of the body above what is their usual activity. A short hot bath, lasting five minutes or less, is a very efficient stimulant. It will stimulate the circulation and increase the pulse from 70 to 150 beats within fifteen minutes. Hot baths of a longer duration cause relaxation and even weakness. Short cold baths also act as a very bracing stimulant and tonic.

Derivative

This is a method (in this case, water treatment) for removing blood from a certain part by increasing the blood in another part. This is one of water’s most important properties. No application can equal water in efficiency and certainty of action. Water will work wonders. Its use has been terribly neglected, to the great detriment of the human race. Its merits have been well demonstrated and generally acknowledged for years.

Emetic

Rapidly drinking several glasses of tepid water will often cause vomiting.

Diuretic

The more water that you drink, the greater will be the amount of urine produced.

Expectorant

Heat applied to the chest loosens the secretions so that they can more easily be coughed up.

Anesthetic

The prolonged local use of cold will produce numbness such as using an ice pack on a sprained ankle.

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WATER’S EFFECTS AND USE IN TREATMENT

Water benefits the body in many different ways. When taken by mouth, some of it is absorbed from the intestines and enters the bloodstream to increase its volume. The size of the blood vessels is thus increased (although they are never expanded to their fullest extent), due to an increase in the volume of their contents. The blood becomes more fluid, and as a result the circulation is quickened.

Except for air, water is the most transient substance taken into the body. It is eliminated in four ways: through the lungs, skin, kidneys, and intestines. By its solvent action, the poisons that have been eliminated by the tissue cells are dissolved and then excreted. When the volume of blood is increased, more water come in contact with the waste matter in every part of the body. Thus, undesirable waste is removed. This is shown by an increase in urinary output and increased activity of the skin (perspiration)

Abundant water drinking increases elimination by the mucous membrane lining of the intestinal tract, an important organ of excretion. The results of this increased activity is that the contents of the intestines become more fluid, thus helping to correct the common problem of constipation. It also removes from the blood some of its poisonous waste materials, rendering the blood cleaner for the building up of tissues. In this way both elimination and repair are aided.

The use of water assists in all the vital processes by increasing the renewal of tissues. It is a false idea that bathing renders a person more susceptible to colds. Colds are caused by a disturbance of the circulation. Frequent bathing makes the skin more active, thereby increasing the circulation. A person who takes a daily cold morning bath increases his immunity against colds and is not nearly so susceptible to changes in temperature. Colds contracted after bathing result from not taking proper precautions during and after the bath.

Disease does not exist without some disturbance in the circulation. In health, each part of the body receives its necessary share of blood. Therefore, in any disease, one of the first things to do is to balance the circulation. Prolonged applications of cold water contact the tiny blood vessels and thus the amount of blood in the part is lessened. The same may sometimes be accomplished by applying hot water to some distant part of the body so that the surplus blood will be drawn there and thus relieve the diseased organ.

Application of heat may be applied to a part where there is not enough blood. At the same time, you can apply a cold application to some other part of the body. This will help to send more blood to the deficient area. Very often hot and cold applications can be combined advantageously, because one part of the body cannot contain too much blood without some other part being deprived of its due portion.

Regulation of the body temperature is closely associated with circulation, and the two are controlled by the same remedies given in the same way. A part that becomes inflamed and contains too much blood usually causes a fever. A cold application will relieve this.

When you wish to reduce the temperature of any part, the water must not be extremely cold. Use warm or tepid water just a few degrees below body temperature. This can be continued for some time without injury, until the temperature is reduced to normal. Many times one or more organs become torpid or inactive, the skin and liver in particular. When the blood vessels become inactive and distended, congestion results. Alternative hot and cold application, continued for thirty minutes, will relieve congestion more quickly than any other remedy. Fomentation given as hot as can be tolerated, with cold sponging and drying between each fomentation, is the best method for giving hot and cold treatments

Pain may be caused by a disturbance of the circulation because the overfilled blood vessels exert pressure upon the nerves. Relief will be obtained from hot applications, which relax the tissues. The nerve fibers will be relieved of pressure, and the circulation will then be stimulated so as to relieve the congestion. In some conditions, such as acute sprains and strains and acute bursitis, a local application of cold may give more relive from pain than applying heat.

A large number of disease are caused by obstruction of the various organs. Usually the obstruction is due to the accumulation of natural waste products from the tissues or the ingestion of foreign materials, such as one absorbs in hard water or indigestible food. A warm bath opens the pores and removes external obstruction, because it is the best solvent that we have. Obstruction in the stomach may be removed by emetics. Obstruction in the bowels may be removed by enemas.

With fever, cholera, etc., the blood is usually abnormally thick. This causes slow circulation and the tissues do not obtain proper nourishment. There is nothing as good as water to remedy this condition. If water will not stay in the stomach when taken by mouth, some can be absorbed through the skin by lying in a tub of water of the proper temperature, depending on the difficulty. Hot and cold fomentation applied to the abdomen, with a hot foot-bath and a cold compress to the whole system. Fomentation applied to the abdomen and spin will relieve general nervousness and numerous other ailments. A full, warm bath may be given with equal success.

Water is one of the most powerful means of causing a reaction throughout the entire body in either heath or disease. The blood vessels to each organ of the body can be controlled through a reflex arc by the stimulation of a certain area on the skin. For example, the skin blood vessel overlying the brain can be contracted by taking a hot foot-bath or dilated by placing a cold pack on the lower part of the spine.

Jethro Kloss, Back To Eden

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Food and Health this Festive Season

Many people find an excuse to eat more during the holidays, they pile on the sugars with cakes and biscuits disregarding the impact this is having on their health. Over the years through reading Health magazines, books on nutrition and my basic knowledge of biology i have come up with a simple conclusion: Food if care is not taken can harm you. We see the evidence of this everyday with all the conditional diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, heart diseases etc.

Here are a few rules on food:

Breakfast should be the heaviest meal of the day. It should include at least three major classes of nutrients. You need to break the fast to maintain a stable metabolism through out the day. Go for good carbohydrates which are wholewheat carbohydrates and brown bread. Mealier meal should be roller meal, millet or sorghum. And according to a research paper by a nutrition student cassava meal is good a carbohydrate. 

Meat should be had at Lunch... Makes more sense because meat takes long to digest especially red meat. Go for white lean meat if you want to lose weight. Avoid fried foods at all costs... The amount of cooking oil we use is pretty unnecessary I can assure you. Roast the meat by either using a brazier or just grilling it. 

Avoid carbohydrates at supper... Simple theory is since the body is generally inactive they will easily be converted into fats and easily stored around the gut and important organs.

For some reason a number of parents believe buying a child junk food is a reward. When did sweets, pizza and fried chicken become a form of reward. Don't Jump-start your child on the road to obesity and shorten his/her lifespan. Give your child fruits and veggies. Pack healthy sandwiches in their lunch boxes. And let them carry water.

Drink lots of water. See: Why Water Should be Your Body’s Best Friend

Eat lots of veggies. See sample recipes here Recipes with vegetables

Avoid alcohol maybe once in while. See: Guide in Drinking Alcoholic Beverages

Capitalise on seasonal fruits e.g. mangoes. See: Why you should always include fruits in the diet

Health-Destroying Foods

Merry Christmas and Healthy New Year!!!

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Health-Destroying Foods

Health-destroying foods are such as foods as spices, mustard, pepper, vinegar, salt, condiments, salted meats, canned meats, salted fish, tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, gravies, fried or greasy food, pastries, very hot or ice-cold foods, all soft drinks, chewing gum, coffee, tea, cocoa, alcohol, white flour and white flour products, cane sugar and cane sugar products.

 

The organs in our body that make blood cannot convert these foods into pure blood. Nerves are nourished by the blood; therefore, the blood must be pure and contain all of the elements necessary for nourishing the nerves as well as every other part of the body.

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