Managing Diabetes Naturally

Managing Diabetes Naturally

Outline

Introduction

1. What is diabetes - an overview

2. Types of diabetes

3. How do I know If I have diabetes

4. What causes high blood sugar

5. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes explained

6. The symptoms of low glucose in type 1 diabetes

7. Common. Symptoms of type 2 diabetes

8. Causes of type 2 diabetes

9. Effects of Raised insulin

10. Risk factors in type 2 diabetes

11. How can I cut my risk or avoid diabetes

12. How do I reverse diabetes naturally

13. Top 41 foods that can reverse diabetes - copy

14. What if I suddenly feel that my sugar is low?

15. Foods that help control blood sugar

16. Fruits and diabetes

17. Spices for diabetes

18. Best seeds for diabetes

19. Best herbs for diabetes

20. Breakfast ideas for diabetes

21. Lunch ideas for diabetes

22. Best bedtime snacks for diabetes

23. Essential oils for diabetes

24. What about fermented foods

25. General tips on how to say No to diabetes.

Introduction

Diabetes is the biggest health epidemic we have and the standard medical treatment is focused on medications and insulin and it's simply the WRONG approach. Restoring healthy blood sugar levels and reversing diabetes is simple if you give your body what it needs. In the 3 days before us, we shall look at diabetes generally but more focus shall be on type 2 diabetes which effect the elderly more.

1. What is diabetes?

(An Overview)

Diabetes is a chronic, often debilitating and sometimes fatal disease, in which the body either cannot produce insulin or cannot properly use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that controls the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Diabetes leads to high blood sugar levels, which can damage organs, blood vessels and nerves. The body needs insulin to use sugar as an energy source. It is a situation where the sugar level of the blood goes beyond normal. 

Diabetes could be very deceptive in the sense that one may not feel sick as the blood sugar rises higher than normal, but rising sugar levels can damage blood vessels in no time. Blood vessels are to the body what fuel hoses are to a vehicle. Imagine them being damaged.

Diabetes is a defect in the body’s ability to convert glucose (sugar) to energy. Glucose is the main source of fuel for our body. When food is digested it is changed into fats, protein, or carbohydrates. Foods that affect blood sugars are called carbohydrates. Carbohydrates, when digested, change to glucose.

When we consume carbohydrates, they are broken into the form of energy which the body recognizes and utilizes called Glucose. Glucose is then transferred to the blood where the cells use them for energy. For this transfer to take place, insulin is needed. The organ than produces this insulin is known as pancreas. They are produced by the better cells in the pancreas.

When a person develops diabetes, the process is somewhat truncated. When production of insulin is insufficient, diabetes develops. This is not a palatable condition to live in or live with.

Introduction

Diabetes is the biggest health epidemic we have and the standard medical treatment is focused on medications and insulin and it's simply the WRONG approach. Restoring healthy blood sugar levels and reversing diabetes is simple if you give your body what it needs. In the 3 days before us, we shall look at diabetes generally but more focus shall be on type 2 diabetes which effect the elderly more.

2. Types of Diabetes

Two popular types of diabetes are known. Type 1 and 11, though a third one gestational diabetes which occurs during pregnancy exists, but not popular as it goes after the gestation period. However it is said that people who have gestational diabetes are more likely to suffer diabetes later in life.

In this Dia ussil, we shall focus more on Type 2 diabetes which affects the mature adult more.

4. How do I know If I have diabete? there are verious signs that signals the onset of diabetes, however it is not enough to label ourself a diabetic just because you are experiencing one or more of the symptoms of diabetes. It is proper to undergo a proper medical examination and confirmatory tests before dying you are diabetic.

To diagnose type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Your doctor or other healthcare provider will order urine and blood tests to find out if you have diabetes. There are several different types of blood tests used to diagnose diabetes.

Fasting blood sugar test : After fasting for 12-hours a glucose level is checked in your blood. If it is high, it is indicative of diabetes.

Hemoglobin A1C test : This test tells your doctor how your average blood glucose level has been over the past 2-3 months.

Normal ranges for HbA1c are between 4% and 5.6%.

HbA1c levels that range from 5.7% to 6.4% indicates increased risk of diabetes.

HbA1c levels higher than 6.5% indicate diabetes, while higher percentages indicate either worsening diabetic disease or poor response to diabetic treatments.

Random blood sugar test: This is a test of your blood sugar at the moment your blood is drawn, but this number can vary greatly based on when you last ate. These and any other confirmatory tests that your health care provider may deem fit.

4. Distinct Types of Diabetes have been identified.

In the continuous search for solution on Managing Diabetes as one of the disease challenging humanity, a group of researchers came up with more distinct types of diabetes to help improve on its management 

The study revealed five distinct forms of diabetes, three of which were severe and two that were mild. The team categorized these as follows:

Cluster 1 : severe autoimmune diabetes (curr known as type 1 diabetes), characterized by insulin deficiency and the presence of autoantibodies. This was identified in 6–15 percent of subjects.

Cluster 2 : severe insulin-deficient diabetes, characterized by younger age, insulin deficiency and poor metabolic control, but no autoantibodies. This was identified in 9–20 percent of subjects.

Cluster 3 : severe insulin-resistant diabetes, characterized by severe insulin resistance an significantly higher risk of kidney disease. Thi was identified in 11–17 percent of subjects.

Cluster 4 : mild obesity-related diabetes, most common in obese individuals. This affected 123 percent of subjects.

Cluster 5 : mild age-related diabetes, most common in elderly individuals. This was the common form, affecting 39–47 percent of subjects.

The researchers note that each of these five types "were also genetically distinct," meaning that there were no genetic mutations that were shared across all five clusters.

5. What causes high blood Sugar? 

A number of things can cause blood sugar to rise hyperglycemia:

In a knotsheln, if you have type 1, you may not have given yourself enough insulin.

If you have type 2, your body may have enough insulin, but it is not as effective as it should be.

You ate more than planned or exercised less than planned.

You have stress from an illness, such as a cold or flu.

You have other stress, such as family conflicts or school or dating problem.

6. *Type 1 and Type 11 Diabetes explained* 

In type 1 diabetes, the immune system mistakenly attacks the pancreatic beta cells, which produce insulin. They do not know what causes this to happen, but scientists believe childhood infections may play a role.

The immune system destroys these cells, which means that the body can no longer make enough insulin to regulate blood glucose levels. A person with type 1 diabetes will need to use supplemental insulin from the time they receive the diagnosis and for the rest of their life.

Type 1 often affects children and young adults, but it can happen later in life. It can start suddenly, and it tends to worsen quickly.

In type 2 diabetes, the body's cells start to resist the effects of insulin. In time, the body stops producing enough insulin, so it can no longer use glucose effectively.

This means glucose cannot enter the cells. Instead, it builds up in the blood.

7. The signs and symptoms of low blood glucose in type 1 or 11 are easy to recognize, the common symptoms include:

Rapid heartbeat 

Sweating

Whiteness of skin

Anxiety

Numbness in fingers, toes, and lips

Sleepiness

Confusion

Headaches

Slurred speech and some unexplainable uneasiness.

8. Common Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:* 

1. Frequent urination

2. Increased taste

3. Always feeling hungry

4. Blurred vision

5. Slowed healing of

      Wounds

6. Tingling. Numbness.

      or pain in the hands or feet

7. Always feeling tired

8. Itching and frequent yeast infection

9. Insomnia due to poor circulation

10. Patches and dryness on the skin

*9. Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes* 

There are several factors that predisposes a person to type 2 diabetes. Fortunately some are preventable or can be reduced, while some factors, cannot be helped or reduced. 

Risk factors that a person can reduce include their cholesterol levels and weight.

Having higher levels of bad cholesterol and excess weight both increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

People can reduce some, but not all, of their risk factors for type 2 diabetes.

Risk factors that a person cannot change include:

 *Age* : Older people have a higher risk of developing diabetes than young people.

 *Race* : American Indians, African Americans, Native Hawaiians, Mexican Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Asian Americans have been known to be at a

higher risk of diabetes.

 *Family history* : Having a close family member, such as a sibling or parent, with type 2 diabetes increases a person's risk.

 *Gestational diabetes:* Women who develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy are at greater risk of type 2 diabetes.

10. How can I cut my risk or prevent diabetes. 

To say the truth most Elderly folks that are not exercising enough have almost 100% chance of being diabetic, however being aware of diabetes may ward it off or delay it's onset

Here are a few things to do, to reduce the chance of early diabetes:

Following are the 11 easy ways to cut the risk.

. Cut your calorie intake

. Strictly avoid processed foods

. Do not skip breakfast

. Avoid long gap between meals

. Include more complex carbs and protein in your diet

. Maintain your ideal body weight

. Walk more, sit less

. Cut down your screen

 time

Eat nutrient dense foods

. Take out at least 20 minutes for physical activity daily. Go for a brisk walk and exercise

Reduce caffeine

Include healthy fats

Be aware of diabetes, get knowledge about diabetes, such as this 

. Get enough sleep

. Take part in de-stressing activities like playing a sport

11. What If I suddenly noticed that my sugar is low.

I have I some occasions noticed that my energy level suddenly dropped showing sign of low sugar or lor BP. I usually get some natural foods that are handily to eat for quick energy. Though many times the food needed may not be on hand but, if we thing we be exposed to hunger or empty stomach for a long time. As a mature adult. Better go prepared with something in your handbag to help in case of sudden low sugar,

Mild cases of hypoglycemia can be treated by drinking orange juice or eating a glucose tablet—those will quickly raise your blood glucose level.

On the medical side, If you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and you take insulin, you should always carry glucagon with you—should you become unresponsive or unconscious because of hypoglycemia, you will need a quick injection of glucagon. Glucagon is a hormone that starts a process in your body that raises your blood glucose level. Though we are more concerned on Managing it naturally, one orange juice as earlier stated can also help raise glucose level

*12 Foods that help control blood sugar Naturally* 

 *1. Cinnamon* 

Ceylon Cinnamon (“true cinnamon”) is the best choice as this type of cinnamon is more closely associated with potential health benefits involving blood sugar regulation.

Due to the lower sugar levels while using cinnamon, some physicians recommend avoiding other supplements on the list such as fenugreek, garlic, bitter melon, and ginseng.

02. *Okro* 

A medical study from 2011 showed that okra helped reduce the absorption of glucose and lowered blood sugar levels in rats. Another study on rats was conducted showed positive effect on diabetes. I have personally employed regular consumption of okro soup on few occasions to ward off diabetic symptoms. Ensure not to overcook your okro. Soaking fresh okra overnight is another popular okro remedy for diabetes which I am yet to try.

3 Garlic (Allium)* 

Several research is showing that taking garlic can help you manage the symptoms of type 2 diabetes.

A comparison of studies into the antidiabetic effect of garlic found that garlic supplementation helps to reduce blood glucose levels. 

I personally noticed at a time when I was taking garlic regularly at night manage dental and gum issues and still chew garlic in the morning with honey. After which I took Tumeric and ginger tea or cocoa and cinnamon over a week or two, I started experiencing low blood sugar at night. Through studies and the Grace of God. I found out and withdrew the excess.   

Some trials on tablets of dry garlic powder were effective in controlling diabetes symptoms. Other trials found that garlic capsules enhanced with allicin were also effective in managing type 2 diabetes.

Studies using rats found that aged garlic extracts have a strong antidiabetic effect. Scientists noted that aged garlic extract (AGE) were just as potent as fresh garlic in helping to lower blood sugar glucose.

4 *Ginger Root* 

Ginger root is one of the most common anti inflammatory spice in our local market today due to its versatile role in Managing several ailments ranging from cough. Pains, cold and of cause diabete is not left out.

Ginger root can be consumed raw, powdered, extracted into oil and liquids, and in an extracted supplement form. It also has been suggested to help with nausea, heartburn, bronchitis and menstrual symptoms

*5. Mystleotoe* 

According to organic facts website, The anti-diabetic potential of this herb is a relatively new area of research, but it has been practised traditionally for generations. An animal study shows that it does have the ability to lower blood glucose levels in laboratory tests, and other findings have shown that the extract stimulated insulin production in pancreatic cells, helping to regulate the levels in the body and lessening the severity of the disorder. It is commonly prescribed as a natural remedy for people with diabetes. 

My experience with mysloetoe shows that the tea will surely exbit positive effect on diabetes considering the fact that it calms you down, improves blood circulation and makes you have a restful sleep. No double quality sleep helps the body in Managing sugar generally.

*6. Olive oil:* 

This stuff is liquid gold. In fact, it contains an anti- inflammatory component so strong that researchers liken it to aspirin. This may be one reason why people who follow a Mediterranean diet—a traditional way of eating that emphasizes olive oil along with produce, whole grains, and lean meat—have such low rates of heart disease and diabetes, both of which are linked with inflammation. Unlike butter, the good fat in olive oil won’t increase insulin resistance and may even help reverse it. A touch of olive oil also slows digestion, so your meal is less likely to spike your glucose. Dribble it on salads, baked potatoes, pasta…just about anything.

 7. Peanut butter:* 

One study found that eating peanut butter dampens the appetite for up to 2 hours longer than a low-fibre, high-carb snack, making this childhood favorite a grown-up weight-loss ally. The monounsaturated fats in PB also help control blood sugar.

 *8. Sweet potatoes:* 

A baked sweet potato instead of a baked white potato, and your blood sugar will rise about 30 percent less. Sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients and disease- fighting fibre, almost 40 percent of which is the soluble kind that lowers cholesterol and slows digestion. They’re also extra rich in carotenoids, orange and yellow pigments that play

 *9. Greens:* 

Remember that green vegetables are not left out. Most are fibre rich and low in calorie too, just right for you whether managing diabetes or preventing it.

10. Cold-Water Fish* 

Those who suffer from diabetes are twice more likely to suffer also from heart disease. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids found in cold water fish, can help to lower “bad “cholesterol and raise your “good” cholesterol.

Seafood is a great source for omega 3, such as: halibut, herring, mackerel, oysters, salmon, sardines, trout, tuna and cod.

Vegetables, especially green leafy ones, such as: kale, parsley, mint, Brussels sprouts, spinach and watercress, are rich in ALA, one form of omega-3 fatty acids (although ALA isn’t as powerful as the other omega 3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA)

 

*11. Bitterleaf* 

Bitter leaf is a very bitter herb often neglected but great for those aiming to reduce their blood sugar. I prefer it raw, best taken empty stomach after wash to reduce the bitters. It works fast too. Never drink the bitter leaf water after the first washing. It actually contains some acids that may be harmful. It is also used in cooking soups, however, for reducing blood sugar., it is better to Consume raw after washing.

*12. Curry Leaves* 

Another popular ingredient in the Indian spice rack, curry leaves help to stabilize blood glucose levels and impact carbohydrate metabolism. An Indian study published in International Journal of Development Research studied in detail the effects curry leaves have on diabetes type 2 . According to the research data, curry leaves contain a phytochemical that can help control blood sugar level byin patients with Diabetes type 2 by reducing fasting and postprandial blood sugar level. Diabetic rats given a dose of about 12gm /day for a month revealed that curry leaves may treat diabetes by influencing carbohydrate metabolism and improving liver and kidney function. Also, the amazing antioxidant properties of curry leaves can boost pancreatic cell production, thereby improving insulin function.

*13. Black seeds* 

We all know that blackseed either ground as powder and added to teas and other cereals increases antioxidants level in the body which Early research shows that taking black seed powder can improve blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Black seed might also improve levels of cholesterol in people with diabetes. Doses of 2 grams daily seem to be needed for any benefit.

*14. Rosemary* 

An aromatic herb that is used commonly to add flavor and aroma to meats and soups, Rosemary also helps normalize blood sugar levels naturally. It promotes weight loss as well, which is a double boon for many diabetics who struggle with weight issues. A research conducted in Jordan to study the effects of rosemary on lipid profile in diabetic rats proved that rosemary has no significant influence on serum glucose level and lipid profile of normal rats. But when rosemary extract was administered to diabetic rats for 4 weeks, their blood sugar levels reduced by 20%, cholesterol levels by 22%, triglyceride levels by 24%, and LDL by 27% while HDL increased by 18% respectively. The study was published in African Journal of Plant Science Vol. 6 in 2012.

*15. Chicken or turkey:* 

These meats can be high-fat disasters or perfectlys healthy fare. It all depends on the cut and how it’s prepared. Breast meat, whether ground or whole, is always lower in fat than dark meat such as thighs and drumsticks. Never eat the skin because of its high saturated fat content, and when buying ground turkey, make sure the package says ground turkey breast.

 *16. Eggs:* 

Eggs are another excellent, inexpensive source of high-quality protein—so high, in fact, that egg protein is the gold standard nutritionists use to rank all other proteins. An egg or two won’t raise your cholesterol, and will keep you feeling full and satisfied for hours afterward. Such a magic food deserves a little sleight of hand in its preparation.

 *17. Fish:* 

The single deadliest complications of diabetes is heart disease, and eating fish just once a week can reduce your risk by 40 per cent, according to a Harvard School of Public Health study. The fatty acids in fish reduce inflammation in the body —a major contributor to coronary disease—as well as insulin resistance and diabetes. And unless you’re pregnant, don’t worry too much about potential chemical contaminants. An exhaustive review of the scientific literature on fish and human health by Harvard researchers led to the conclusion that eating it far outweighs any accompanying risks.

 *18. Flaxseed:* 

 these shiny brown seeds hit the diabetes trifecta: They’re rich in protein, fibre, and good fats similar to the kind found in fish. They’re also a source of magnesium, a mineral that’s key to blood-sugar control because it helps cells use insulin. Ground flaxseed spoils quickly, so buy whole seeds in bulk, keep in the fridge, and grind as needed.

 *19. Milk and yogurt:* 

 Both are rich in protein and calcium, which studies show may help people lose weight. And diets that include plenty of dairy may fight insulin resistance, a core problem behind diabetes. Go low-fat or fat-free, though. If you don’t like the taste of skim milk, try 1 percent. It’s a little thicker and creamier

*20. Pulses* 

Legumes such as lentils, peas, beans and chickpeas are low in fat and calories and also rich in fiber and protein.

These fibre slows the absorption of sugar into the blood and reduces the glycemic load. They are a great addition to soups, salads and a variety of other dishes.

*21. Raw Cacao Powder* 

Cacao powder comes from grinding up cacao beans aftera removing the cocoa butter (cocoa fat). Cacao powder is claimed to be a superfood because it contains naturally occurring antioxidants with many health benefits.

Flavoniols in products containing high levels of cacao can help to manage many of the symptoms of diabetes.

Naturally occurring Antioxidants and flavonoids in cacao extracts have an anti-diabetic effect. Cocoa flavonoids can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood fat levels (lipids). Researchers suggested that daily consumption of unsweetened dark cacao powder that contains high levels of cacao could help manage type 2 diabetes.

*22. Oatmeal* 

Oats contain a high percentage of fiber, B vitamins (especially B1), vitamin E and other antioxidant that Supports energy production which is sometimes lacking in diabetics.

Some recent Studies found that oatmeal may help to reduce the amount of insulin diabetics require. In the study, people with type 2 diabetes consumed oatmeal for 2 days. Researchers noted that because of the meals containing oats, the diabetics needed less insulin. Better to sprinkle a dash of cinnamon and some nuts do as to make it better breakfast for diabetes

*14. Fruits and Diabetes* 

Fruits have carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They are naturally low in fat (except for avocados) and sodium. Most fruits have more carbs than do vegetables.

 *Best Choices:** 

Plain fruits such as apples and oranges not more than one a day

Fresh fruit

Garden egg

Cucumbers

Pineaples in moderation and occasionally 

100% fruit juice, and best juiced with the fibre like carrot and paired with non sweet fruit.

Pears. Ube, or English pears in moderstion

Avocadoes.

Most low calorie and seasonal fruits for diabetics if taken in moderation and at the right time. 

 *Worst Choices:* 

Canned fruit with heavy sugar syrup

Chewy fruit rolls

Regular jam, jelly, and preserves (unless portion is kept small)

Watermelon

Riped pawpaw unless mixed with cinnamon after a workout

Bananas occasionally, best, before, during or just after a workout. 

Sweetened fruit juices

Fruit punch,

 fruit drinks, fruit juice drinks

15 Spices for diabetes* 

Cinnamon

Garlic

Ginger

Tumeric

Cloves

Thyme

Coriander

Cayenne peppee

Black pepper

Bell peppers

Curry

Onions

Sea salt

*16. Best seeds for diabetes* 

Flaxseeds

Mustard seeds

Black seeds

Fenugreek seeds

Fennel seeds

Abere seeds

African oil been seeds (ogbono seeds)

Pumpkin seeds

Moringa seeds

Chia seeds

Sesama seeds and most other seeds due to their low calorie, high antioxidant and nutrient density

*17. Best herbs for diabetes* 

Guava leaf

Pawpaw leaf

Bitter leaf

Neem leaf

Moringa leaf

Pumpkin leaves

Basil leaf

Stone breaker

Cotton wool leaf tea

Mango leaf

Lemon leaf

Mystletoe tea

Kudin tea

Corn silk and several others

*18. Best Teas for diabetes* 

Green tea

Mistletoe teo

Coffee - occasion due to caffeine

Pure cocoa

Black tea - occasional

Lemon grass tea

Hibiscus flower tea - zobo

Bay leaf tea

Soghurm tea

Moringa leaf tea

Peppermint tea

Rosemary tea

Barley tea

Most non caffeinated teas are good in moderation for diabetes due to their low calorie nature and being a source of hydration

*19. What About fermented foods?* 

All fermented foods are good in moderation for diabetics as they are easily digestible and enhance nutrient absorption and help maintain healthy gut health which is necessary for diabetes management and prevention

The most common fermented foods around us are:

Ogiri - locust beans

Iru

Dawadawa

Yoghurt - not the sugary and flavoured ones all over our shops and super markets

Fermented millet, or soghurm or kunu

Soyabeans

African oil bean seed - ugbah

Garri - Ijebu or any fermented garri

Fermented green pawpaw

Recently we have added fermented okra as the real cure for diabetes, though I have not tried it, has any body in the house tried fermented okra for diabetes. I know it works even as Soup when used regularly to ward off diabetes. and many others.

*19. What About fermented foods?* 

All fermented foods are good in moderation for diabetics as they are easily digestible and enhance nutrient absorption and help maintain healthy gut health which is necessary for diabetes management and prevention

The most common fermented foods around us are:

Ogiri - locust beans

Iru

Dawadawa

Yoghurt - not the sugary and flavoured ones all over our shops and super markets

Fermented millet, or soghurm or kunu

Soyabeans

African oil bean seed - ugbah

Garri - Ijebu or any fermented garri

Fermented green pawpaw

Recently we have added fermented okra as the real cure for diabetes, though I have not tried it, has any body in the house tried fermented okra for diabetes. I know it works even as Soup when used regularly to ward off diabetes. and many others.

20.Include occasional bitters

Bitter leaf and other bitters: Most of us are usually concerned with consuming tasty meals, yes tasty meals are good but as you approach your 40s and 50s, taste should not be everything anymore but your health. Bitter leaf whether eaten raw, that is after washing it about twice, the leaves could be eaten raw or boiled in clean water and the water drunk occasionally during the week especially first thing in the morning, by doing this, you are saying NO to diabetes and blood sugar is regulated. This applies to other bitters too like bitter cola, bitter melon and the rest bitters. If you snack on these bitters occasionally

In summary, it is important to state that diabetics should keep healthy meals at regular intervals to avoid sharp drop or rise in blood sugar.

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7 Tricks to Help you Loose Weight and keep them off

Introduction 

Overweight is becoming a global problem but obesity is the extreme side of being overweight and its found in children,  young people and  older adults.  It  is very common these days especially among the youth mostly because of lifestyle, such as  sedentary life,  not exercising enough, choice of food they eat and many other factors but there are smart things to do to help to keep our weight under control if you  have that gene in your family line.   Although there are  some people that  cannot be overweight no matter what they  eat.   but  if you are in that category of people with family history of being overweight then you must read this article and get some smart ideas and tricks to help you to stay fit because obesity itself opens door for sicknesses and diseases and so before it gets to that point we must work on it,  attack it before it attacks us.  

 Here  are six tips to help you avoid being overweight in case you have the gene.

1.  Avoid Early Breakfast

Avoid starting your breakfast early by this I mean early breakfast can also contribute to weight gain and if you noticed that you are really hungry very early in the morning and it is frequent,  then it may be an indication that your sugar may be high especially for  mature adults and then you need to check it and besides that, delaying your breakfast helps your blood sugar to drop if it was even high upon waking up it helps your body to burn some fat before fresh ones comes because early breakfast is being suggested by a lot of people but if you are  an obese person or battling with weight gain, if you are working to reduce your weight as much as possible you have to avoid early breakfast.  early breakfast in my view  is any  breakfast that  you have earlier than 3 hours of your waking up that's an early breakfast if you wake up for like 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. you're already having your breakfast that's an early breakfast in my view but if you have your breakfast  say 10:00 a.m after  waking  up by 6:00am  and you had your breakfast 10:00 am  that is ok  anything from 10:00 is  okay I Believe by then the body would have exhausted the stock that was left overnight while we were  sleeping and then your fat storage commences upon your breakfast so your breakfast is important don't rush for breakfast all the time except for occasional cases when you just want to or you just feel to take something but then you must also be careful what you are taking because if it's something that can contribute to Fat storage,  it  is going to affect you and continue to increase your weight.

2.  Consume larger and richer meals in the morning or noon:

When eventually you decide to have your breakfast and you are even to work on your weight it's important to consume very well but you tend to take ensure that it is rich and dense in  nutrition and as much as possible ensure that you are full because if you are not full, there  is tendency to continue to munch or pinch on unhealthy foods in between meals and consuming or chewing in between meals during  will destroy your goal of maintaining a healthy body weight consuming healthy foods which comprises of your carbohydrates, your oils and fats or proteins in the morning keep you Fuller for longer.  Although some people prefer heavier meals in the evening but that won't help those who want to maintain their weight or loose weight.   You can also apply this trick if you are aiming to maintain a healthy body weight or you have problem of excess fat storage in your body it's a trick that works.

3.  Avoid late Meals

Another popular idea is to avoid late meals.  That means a lot of us are already aware of the harm and danger late  Meals poses to our health and not only to health but to our fat loss effort especially for those of us who want to lose weight it's going to destroy your effort if you continue to engage in regular late Meals, Late meals in my view  is  any meal  after by 8 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. if you consume anything heavy or as a main course, after 7:30 or 8 p.m. regularly, then weight gain is sure to come.   Though  there could be a few exceptional days and  occasions but making it a  regular occurrence or habit will not only affect the health of the individual, but  will also destroy the goal  of maintaining a healthy body weight

4.  Take a Natural fat Burning Drink Before Bed

Another trick that works is though may  not be so popular is taking a fat burning drink as your last meal before bedtime many people may not be aware of this but try some natural drinks like Fennel tea, Soghurm tea, ginger tea, Hibiscus flower tea,  cinnamon tea, fenugreek tea, pomegranate tea,  there are several other drinks that does not contribute to weight gain like apple cider vinegar, occasionally is a good drink tea, one tablespoon in a glass of  water before bed that can help you achieve results this trick works anytime you observe that you are increasing in  weight, you can use this trick to  stop it. These drinks work and  helps to burn fat while you are sleeping because  most of the fats are burned and also stored at night, if you do not drink a zero calorie tea to control the fat, they build up while  one is asleep and you woke up feeling that you are light but you are actually not,  you actually may not be truly  light because so many works fats  have been stored but  you may be feeling light because your body have rested and so you may not  know and that wouldn't give you the opportunity to really understand what has happened overnight.  Try it,   it works,  you will notice a drop even if not and if not a very noticeable drop but you will notice that there is no increase in the existing weight that you're trying to maintain.  There are several other teas you can also give a try like cinnamon tea. can also have it banana peels,  it won't allow fat storage but it will give you a good sleep and a good night sleep also support fat loss or fat burning.  

5.  Consume Root Vegetables instead of Simple Carbs or Grains.

Consuming foods like root vegetables with resistant kind of starch can help you achieve your goal of loosing weight if ever you want to consume carbohydrates you definitely need them for energy. Most of them are good sources of vitamin B group and then you need energy for your daily activities and so if you can avoid the simple sugars you can have all the processed carbs and insist on only carbs that are resistant there are several of them even bananas.  Riped bananas or unripe plantain,   edible cassava even, the usual swallow in moderation.   they are all complex carbs including  garri flakes, sweet potatoes and several other of them including  cocoyam are  all complex carbohydrates so we can take them moderately whenever we want to do so I do not suggest that we should stay off carbohydrates completely in order to lose weight but have to make a choice and do not consume too much of it because once you consume large amount frequently they begins to tighten the line of of weight gain which you will also notice.

6.  Exercise Daily Moderately

It is not a news or something strange to talk about the role of exercise in weight loss whether you are trying to loose existing weight or to avoid additional weight gain, the place of exercise is very important as it also helps to improve our overall health and so this trick works. Ensure that you  engage in exercising weather around the home weather, it is jumping, walking all kinds of exercise that will involve the entire body  so if we walk 35 =40 minutes today it's okay some other days we can do more than that but at the minimum ensure  that you move.   The more you move the more calorie you lose and the more calorie you lose the  the less tendency to be obese and so try the sticks and you will notice that you won't gain weight despite whatever you are eating or the fat gene in your family line.  You may not really gain weight and and existing weight will be reducing  if you apply these tricks.  

7.  Focus on more Protein in your diet:

Protein is the building block and you need them to help build new cells and replace dead ones.  They also help you achieve your weight loss goal.  Ensure also to include a bit of animal protein for completeness.  Focusing only on plot based may not provide you complete amino acids, though there are a few plat based foods with complete amino acids like soyabeans, moringa leaves tea.  However, foods like eggs, chicken, turkey meat are great too to help you achieve your weight loss goal.

Summary:  

Discipline is also required in all of the effort to loose weight, and nobody will do it for us.  We must resolve and discipline ourselves regarding foods and all unhealthy habits generally.  It is achieveable.  I was weighing between 100 and 110 but worked it up to 75 and now between 80 and 82.  Still working to bring it down to 76, though that makes me appear too skinny.  It is achievable if you are determined and disciplined.

Currently 77 and 78.  Weight should not increase as we age, rather, it should reduce I a healthy way.  

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Infections! what are they? Are there Natural remedies?

Infections! what are they? Are there Natural remedies?

Introduction

The subject before us sounds more scientific, but we will not attempt to go deep scientifically as, we are not scientists, but I shall endeavor to focus on the following during the study:

Outline

1. what is Infection

2. Types of infections

3. How do they get to us 

4. Symptoms of Infection 

Our defence against them -

5. Signs of a weak immune system and what to do 

6. Foods that fights infections 

7. Foods that feed infections

Audio

8. Foods that cause Mucus

9. Simple ways to boost your body's natural defense

10 Foods reduce mucus

11. How to stay strong during this Pandemic by including common Antiviral foods that helps fight infections

13. Healthy Body All the Way

14. Summary

15. Questions and Answers

1. What is infection

In my own definition, infection is said to occur when a foreign living organism invades our body in the form of pathogens, overcomes all our natural defencies and deters our organs from carrying on its regular functions/ activities resulting in disease.

2. Types of Infection

There are four most common types of infections, namely:

Viral infections. (Viruses are very tiny infectious organisms).

Bacterial infections.

 (Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms)

Fungal infections.

and

Parasitic infections.

3. How do they get to us? 

Microorganisms capable of causing disease—or pathogens—usually enter our bodies through the eyes, mouth, nose, or urogenital openings, or through wounds or bites that breach the skin barrier. Organisms can spread, or be transmitted,

4. Most common Symptoms of an Infection are:

Common cold

Flu

Strep throat

UTI

Cellulitis

Stomach flu, diarrhea, cramps, vomiting, etc

Pneumonia

Ear infections

Remember the symptoms of viral and bacterial infection may resemble but antibiotics won't work for viral infections.

5, Our Defence against them

When we are infected through any means, most times we are unaware, why, because cause our defence system are working 247 to defend us. We have three main lines of defence, before symptoms occur in form of either pains, swellings, fever or other means. What are these lines of defence?

Our body's three lines of defense are:,

1. Skin:

The outer barriers like skin,

2, the second being non-specific immune cells like macrophages and dendritic cells, and

3. the third line of defense being the specific immune system made of lymphocytes like B- and T-cells.

6. Signs of weak immune system and what to do.

*Signs of a Suppressed immunity* 

A. Frequent cold, sneezing, flu like symptoms

If you are always battling with cold. Obviously your immune is low

 *What to do -* include more garlic, ginger, Tumeric, onions, greens, eggs, raw foods and citrus fruits. Reduce carbs and sugar. Stay away from transfats, especiall fried foods.

B. You always have tummy issues, like constipation, diarrhea, gas, stomach noise etc,  

 *What to do -* Include probiotics foods, fermented foods like millet, yogurt, African oil bean seed, iru etc to help support gut health. Also avoid too much sugar and sugary drinks including carbonated beverages and highly processed foods, 

 C. Difficulty in wound healing** 

Your skin goes into damage control mode after you get a burn, cut or scrape. Your body works to protect the wound by sending nutrient-rich blood to the injury to help regenerate new skin.

This healing process depends on healthy immune cells. But if your immune system is sluggish, your skin can’t regenerate. Instead, your wounds linger and have a hard time healing.

 *What to do -* include fruits rich in vitamin C and quality protein, soyabeans, moringa leaves, eggs, carrots, vitamins A and E rich foods, peanuts are rich in protein and vitamin E, but must be taken in moderwtion. 

D. *You Have Frequent Infections* 

If you seem to battle frequent infections, your immune system might be sending you red flags. If you are always treating typhoid and malaria, then, that's a strong signal that your immune system is low.

 *What to do -* take garlic regularly, take fresh paw paw leaves tea, include bitter leafs, especially the water of a freshly washed bitterleaf, moringa leaves, reduce sugar. Honey is OK in moderation. Green foods, nuts and legumes. Chicken soups, black peppers and raw fruits in moderation due to sugar.

7 Foods that fights infections naturally 

Honey. Honey is one of the first natural anti-microbial medicines to be used.

Garlic. Garlic is a powerful anti-bacterial that can fight yeast infections, fungus and candida overgrowth. ...

Turmeric. 

Coconut Oil. 

Lemon. 

Pineapple

Ginger.

Onions.

Grapefruit Seed Extract. 

Horseradish.

Vitamin C.

Manuka Honey. 

Cinnamon.

Apple-Cider Vinegar.

8, Top foods that feed disease in our body

If a micro organism enters, our body, it needs food to survive, if you supply its food, it will grow and begin sharing nutrients with you until it takes the upper hand to the point of starving you the host of nutrients leading to death of the person, but if we have this knowldge, the moment you sense an infection is present in your body, you feed it by consuming these foods:

Soda.

Processed foods.

Foods and drinks high in sugar.

Refined carbohydrates.

Alcoholic beverages

Transfats and animal proteins like milk

9. Simple Ways to Boost Your Body's Natural Defenses

Here are simple ways and habits to help boost your body's Natural defence and avoid infections. 

Get enough sleep.

Sleep and immunity are closely tied.

Eat more whole plant foods.

Eat more healthy fats. Like cold pressed coconut oil, olive, peanuts, walnuts and avocadoes oil

Eat more fermented foods, like millet pap, iru yoghurt. 

Limit added sugars.

Engage in moderate exercise.

Stay hydrated. Water therapy is our culture 

Manage your stress levels.

Include vitamin C rich foods like lemon and other citrus

Include sufficient daily protein. Protein is the building block

Include foods with antibacterial and antiviral properties daily, such as honey, garlic ginger, cloves and peppers

10. Foods that cause mucus and Foods that reduce mucus 

Mucus is part of our body's defense. The body produce its mucus naturally, however when mucus is too much due to the consumption of certain foods, microbes take advantage of it. Here are some top foods that encourage excessive mucus:

Red meat

Milk

Cheese

Yogurt

Ice Cream

Butter

Eggs

Bread

Pasta

Cereal

Bananas

Cabbage

Potatoes

Corn and corn products

Soy products

Sweet desserts

Candy

Coffee

Tea

Soda

Alcoholic beverages

So what’s left to eat?

Foods That Reduce Mucus

While it may seem like you can’t eat anything because all of the major food groups have already been wiped out, there are actually some foods left that have the ability to reduce your mucus production.

Here are 21 of them:

Salmon

Tuna

Sardines

Flounder

Pumpkin

Pumpkin seeds

Grapefruit

Pineapple

Watercress

Celery

Pickles

Onion

Garlic

Honey or agar

Ginger

Lemon

Cayenne pepper

Chamomile

Olive oil

Broth

Decaf tea

If you or a love

11. How to stay safe during this pandemic.

We know that safety is of the lord but as Law abiding citizens, we must follow and abide by all safety tips in addition to trusting God to keep us.

Here are some safety tips to help stay free from infection during this pandemic.

Firstly, we must note that there are several other viral infections including Sars, but the latest among the virus is Coronavirus, which is said to be founded in 2019, the reason, it is cod named Covid-19. As a general rule, all viral infections have similar symptoms, such as flu, and Coronavirus is one of them with similar symptoms.

Here are some popular tips you should observe:

Wash your hands frequently;

Avoid/reduce touching your eyes, nose or mouth;

Avoid eating raw meat and unnecessary contact with wild animals;

Thoroughly cook meat and eggs;

Avoid close contact with anyone with flu-like symptoms;

If you develop a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, there are remedies and herbs with antiviral properties you can try at home, but if symptoms persist after three days, or one week, better to seek medical attention

Include herbs that reduces mucus like onions, garlic, Tumeric, ginger in your daily diet, excess mucus will feed a viral infection and make the organism more powerful against the host. We already listed the foods that cause excess mucus production 

Take particular precaution while travelling.

Use nose mask in large crowds

Maintain simple hygiene while at home.

12. Common Antiviral foods

Peppermint

This is known to have powerful antiviral qualities and commonly added to teas, extracts, and tinctures meant to naturally treat viral infections.

Its leaves and essential oils contain active components, including menthol and rosmarinic acid, which have antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity

Basil

Basil has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that can help fight several viral infections. A study revealed that basil contains compounds like apigenin and ursolic acid, which is effective on herpes, hepatitis B and enterovirus. 

The main compound of fennel seeds is trans-anethole, which is found to be quiet effective against herpes viruses. The small seeds also boost your immunity and decrease inflammation in the body.

Garlic

Garlic is a superfood and is used for preparing medicines for various health conditions. Studies suggest that garlic can be effective against influenza A and B, HIV, HSV-1, viral pneumonia, and rhinovirus.

Other antiviral foods include:

Cloves

Oregano

Thyme

Ginger

Echaneca

Rosemary

Dandelion 

Lemon balm

Ginseng

Sage

Cumin

Cold pressed coconut

and many other common and uncommon foods.

13. Healthy Body All the way

This is a shot piece on a few of my secrets and how I have remained healthy since 2012,till date without any dose of antibiotics despite that I could not stay one or two months without taking typhoid or malaria drugs. To God be the Glory, all that is history now. Here are some of my daily living habits to beat infections.

1. Water therapy

Water therapy is our culture and for over ten yrs, have been observing it with my entire family. A simple secret to healing and restoring healthy body

2. Regular consumption of raw garlic and honey on empty stomach, it is one of my strongest natural antibiotics against many ailments, including viral infections.

3. Occasional bitters like bitterleaf, bitter cola, coffee, cocoa, pawpaw leafs tea and all bitter foods are part of my regular foods to control sugar, high blood sugar is a feeder of disease

4. More liquids especially in the morning. Teas like cocoa, ginger and tumeric, Cinnamon and blackseeds. Honey is an everyday addition to any chosen tea each morning. These are all anti inflammatory. Occasionally, oats and millet are part of the breakfast with nuts.

5 Manage Stress

Stress affects almost everyone, women, old and young. For me, I have seen the extreme side of stress. Comes with insomnia that persist for several days with not even one hour of sleep. Now I try to avoid/reduce foods that makes my stress level high, like sugar, bread, starchy foods and go for bananas, with cashews, cucumbers helps fight inflammations that comes with extreme stress. So I include it in moderation. If stress is not managed properly, it is the worst enemy of our immune which opens door for infections. So I am mindful of this.

6. Include Green veggies especially

 seasonal veggies like waterleaf, okro, etc in my daily diet especially evening meals, they are healing foods. I try to include antibacterial spices in my daily meal. It helps fight infections, and reduce yeast activity.

7. Fresh Foods daily

This will shock you, but it's true fans, My family members only can testify to this. It is stressfull and appears a bit expensive, but one way to avoid infections and stay healthy all year round is that only me🙄 cooks my meals and that of my family till date, zTrh reduce cooking plenty soups and stocking in fridge as much as possible. Some even cook beans too. it is not surprising we do not visit hospital for several years now. It is our secret. Our ancestors practiced it and lived to ripe old age. It's all to the praise of the Almighty God.

8, Include Raw Foods

Each time we eat cooked foods more digestive enzymes are released to digest these food. One of the hardest job our body does, is digestion. If only we can supply ready foods in liquid raw form. Our immune will be stronger. So I ensure to include at least two raw foods daily. it could be citrus, cucumber, limes, garden egg, avocadoes, coconuts, etc. These are ready foods and fully utilized when consumed and helps preserve these enzymes too. So it's one of my secret. I also try not to overdo it because of thyroid health. Too much raw foods affects thyroid and can lead to goitre.

9. Moderate exercise

Though my work of writing, blogging requires sitting, I am always mindful of this and therefore try standing up and moving or doing something else intermittently. It is one secret to my wellness all the way.

10. Fermented foods

Absence of fermented foods in our regular diet is the reason typhoid goes and keeps coming back with its cousin malaria🙄. I try to include iru, daily, take fermented millet occasionally like twice or once in a week. Sometimes it could be up to three times especially when constipation comes.

11 Daily Protein

I love bread😜 yes you heard me, it is acidic and inflammatory. But I find a way to add my own fortification. Though my bread is usually fortified bread, but bs, blackseed and honey, boiled egg, but I take just a bit or slice these days because of my blood sugar, Cinnamon and honey and other yeast fighting foods usually accompany my bread during breakfast. Even if you give me any other food in the morning. I will still ask for hot water and tea in the morning, who else does this?  To be continued

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Water therapy, what is it, how do we practice it

 

*Water therapy. What is it?  how do we practice it and for how long?

For the benefit of our new members.  Water therapy is our culture in this house and here is a short piece on what water therapy is all about.  

Water therapy is simply a method of drinking ordinary water for therapeutic purposes

It was embedded into our slogan because of its importance in restoring health and wellness. 

Water has been popular for centuries in helping improve health irrespective of what ails you.  But the scientific way of drinking water to cure disease and improve health was popularized in Japan after it successfully treated long standing gastroenteritis case. Since then, it has further been popularized as a sure remedy in treating/ curing ailments ranging from:

Headache, body ache, heart system, arthritis, fast heart beat, epilepsy, excess fatness, bronchitis asthma, TB, meningitis, kidney and urine diseases, vomiting, gastritis, diarrhea, piles, diabetes, constipation, all eye diseases, womb, cancer and ear nose and throat,  absorption, restore loss of appetite, improve all diseases to mention but a few.

METHOD OF TREATMENT

 As you wake up in the morning before brushing teeth, drink 5 x 160ml glasses of water, if you weigh more than 60kg, you may need more, say like six glasses. 

In observing water therapy, no more meal after 7pm, then the next morning you start up with the above 👆quantity of water depending also on your body weight. 

 After taking the water, brush and clean the mouth but do not eat or drink anything for at least  50minutes after taken the water. 

After 50 minutes, you may go ahead and eat normally. 

After 15 minutes of breakfast, lunch and dinner it is better  not to  eat or drink anything for 2 hours

Those who are old or sick and are unable to drink 5 or 6 glasses of water at the beginning may commence by taking  one or two glasses and gradually move up as they improve. 

The above method of treatment will cure diseases of the sick and others can enjoy a healthy life.

My Experience with Water Therapy 

My first encounter with water therapy was during my child bearing years, protein was always found in my urine.  This was over twenty years ago. I came across a write up on water therapy, and decided to put it into practice.  Upon my next ANC visit, no more protein in the urine. Since then, I have been preaching the message, to both pregnant and nursing mothers, the message has gone to those waiting on God for conception. I have this message for low sperm count, erectile dysfunction, infertility in women, arthritis, diabetes, just name the disease and I can assure you that water therapy will make it better. 

Why It Works.

Overtime, I have realized that the water therapy is effective because it cleanses the liver and kidney of toxins, it cleans all internal organs, thereby enabling them do their work.  As long as these organs are strong and working, fans.  No disease can overcome you or get worse. Additionally, water therapy makes nutrients transportation total and easy. As long as your metabolism is working, transportation and absorption are on course, you are good to go.  That is the secret fans. 

My Advice

Never you neglect water therapy.  During headaches, before you think of paracetamol, think water first, if weak, think water, loss of appetite, yes, may be toxins accumulation, how do they go out, it's water. Water therapy is our culture on all our platforms

I am a strong believer in water therapy fans. As for me and  my household, it's our way🙄🙄.  

Now, as the years goes by, I have come to also believe that a dash of lemon juice or lime juice or even apple Cider Vinegar in the water therapy for older adults is not a bad idea and will not destroy the purpose. 

We must stay healthy naturally fans, and water therapy remains our culture. 

For How Long shall we practice Water Therapy. -- for a lifetime🙄😆😁😜

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11 SECRETS OF PEOPLE WHO NEVER GET SICK

It’s tempting to dismiss it as luck: Some people might catch a slight cold or suffer an occasional ache or pain now and then, but they never seem to suffer from flus, fevers and illnesses that send the rest of us diving under the covers for days or going for admission.

Despite centuries of scientific advances, doctors still can’t tell us definitively how to stay well. So why not look for healthy living solutions from the people for whom the common cold is, well, uncommon?
Here, 10 surprising habits of those people who never get sick—and how you can adapt them to your own soon-to be healthier life.

1. THEY STRESS LESS. Researchers at Duke University found that stress damages the immune system and the heart. Other studies suggest that it increases your chances of contracting bacterial infections, such as tuberculosis. There’s also evidence that learning relaxation techniques early on is crucial: A 2009 Stress in America Survey by Harris Interactive on behalf of the American Psychological Association found that stress is a top health concern for kids between ninth and 12th grades, and suggested that stress could do serious long-term damage if those children don’t learn to manage it. Of course, exercise is one of the best ways to chill out. A University of Southern California study found that when participants took a vigorous walk around a track, they reduced tension in their bodies by 20 percent. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is also crucial, as is laughing: It releases endorphins in the body that act as natural stress busters. Plus, a good guffaw gives your heart muscle a workout.

2. THEY INCLUDE ENOUGH DAILY VITAMIN B FOODS IN THEIR DIET. Such as Brewers yeast, and millet. Without enough of these vitamins, the body isn’t able to metabolize carbohydrates, fats and proteins; the Bs are also essential for healthy hair, skin, nerves, blood cells, hormone-producing glands and a thriving immune system. B vitamins help manufacture antibodies and white blood cells that make up the immune response. And in times of stress, the Bs can be depleted, which compromises your immunity. Sprinkle a tablespoon of brewer’s yeast over popcorn or cereal, mix it into soups or sauces (the taste goes especially well with split pea soup or any dish made with tomato sauce) or bake into quick breads and cookies.

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7 powerful antiviral herbs to help protect us from the flu and viruses including coronavirus

GARLIC

In case you cannot stand to eat it, get the organic purple garlic and eat it like candy, and for viral infections on the skin you can pulp raw garlic and wrap it in a gauze, At other times, I put them under my feet and wear a socks to keep me away from cold while I sleep.

EUCALYPTUS

This one has an active compound called cineole, which a common ingredient found as a compound of cough syrups. This plant eucalyptus is an amazing antiviral and decongestant so its function is to help in fighting the cold while also eliminating congestion and reducing the inflammation. It would be very good that you get the eucalyptus essential oil and put it in a diffuser in order to make it airborne for treating your respiratory problems.

SAGE

This one has similar features that the eucalyptus has and it uses the vapors to treat sinusitis and lung illnesses.

PEPPERMINT

This one in itself contains menthol which is an ingredient that can relax the muscles of the respiratory tract so it makes the breathing easier. Being into a combination with the antioxidant properties of the peppermint and potent antihistamine, menthol becomes some powerful decongestant. This is the one I use most because it is handy.

THYME

This herb is also a yet another ancient remedy that has been used in order to treat respiratory tract and bacterial infections like pneumonia.

OREGANO

It is a very useful antiviral and antioxidant, so it is recommended that you take one to two drops of oregano oil and more, you can mix it in a glass of water or juice. What I like is doing most times is to add the dried leaves to other of my tea choices to increase antioxidant. This herb is full of nutrients and also with vitamins.

CLOVES

Another tiny but powerful antiviral herb you can add to your teas and even cooking. I like to add it to my zobo drink with ginger to make a, warming delicious and health benefiting drink.

 Food is our medicine, but moderation is the rule.

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4 Ways Our Mood Affects our Health

Introduction:

Our Mood and emotions  affects our health in a lot of ways.   These moods originates or are given birth by situations and circumstances in our individual lives which may not be known to others. How we feel overtime is reflected in our overall health and it is for this reason we must ensure that we are always happy  and try as much as possible to maintain a stable emotion because our immune system takes  record of all the activities whether outsiders and other external forces  are aware or not.    if you are not happy, it is going to make you susceptible to infections and attacks by all kinds of diseases.  

Here sre four main reasons why we must avoid unstable and negative emotions:

1.   It is an injunction given to us by God to always maintain a stable emotion.   The one that created the body that we carry knows how best it will function and so he has given us a manual regarding its maintenance and  inside that manual it is stated that we should always be happy because "A Merry  Heart  Doeth Good like Medicine"  so if you want to be happy, abd  maintain a good health then you must always ensure that there is no bitterness in you because at the end of the day it is you that will still suffer it. 

2.  Being Sad and dissatisfied affects You More Than Others:  We are the loser at the end when we are not happy when we are bitter it also will affects our Health and well-being.  In this regard,  we are the only one affected by the disease.   By this decision of allowing  negative emotion, we open doors to all kinds of ailments,  if we allow it to linger for long then it's going to affect our health at the end of the day and we are the one that will still suffer it.  We should  as much as possible we  endeavour to maintain  stable emotion

3.  It Does not Attract Positive People to us  and we miss opportunities.   It does not attract people to us does not attract favour too, there is a  popular saying that   your face is your fortune when you look moody when we  feel unhappy and dissatisfied about everything,  that wuil make us exhibit negative behaviors. we look sad,, we miss a lot of opportunities because nobody wants to associate or do things with an unmotivated or unhappy or sad person because that person may be affected also.

4.It affects our overall  decisions:  

 If we continue to be sad it's going to affect all the decisions we make in that state of mind.  it shows that we are dissatisfied about everything and that will affect our decision and in a way those decisions may affect other people around us, or we may have to do with. 

Summary

 Truly, Situations, Circumstances and current happenings, may create justification in our heart to want to  remain or stay depressed, but we don't have to.   The injuction here is that we should as much as possible not allow any   negative emotion to linger for long because it will affect our health at the long run and we are ultimately going to be the loser in it, Regarding the   challenges, we may turn back to Almighty God our creator, He  has already promised us a way out, He already made provision for that circumstance too.  He is aware of it and is going to make a way for us.  That challenge we are going through, somebody has gone through it,   somebody is currently going through it and some other persons also will go through it so you shouldn't feel that we are the worst hit because of the present moment because no matter how bad any  situation is at that moment, it is something that will definitely change .  It  is only change that is constant so we should be encouraged and admonished by this that no matter how bad or challenging that situation, be rest assured that the change is  is very close and will soon come.  Do not destroy your health because of that situation through worrying and negative emotions.

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Your Kidney Present these Symptoms when in Danger

 Our Kidneys and liver are working daily to eliminate wastes and harmful materials from our body.  It seems that while the liver focuses more on fat metabolism, production of bile and several other functions, the kidney tends to focus on fluid.  It is therefore important be alert and understand when the kidney sends us signals indicating that it is in danger.  Do not neglect such signals, early detection and attention will prevent complications.  Here are commons signals or symptoms experienced when the kidney needs help:

1.  Infrequent urination 

2.  Little amount of urine whenever

3.  Problems when urinating

4.  Urine that foams much all the time 

5.  Swollen  ankles, joint, legs especially around or close to the feet

6.  Frequent itching 

7.  Bad or metallic taste in your mouth

8.   Problems sleeping 

9.   Frequent loss of appetite

10.  Frequent muscle cramps

11.  Usually tired

12.  Puffed up eyes

13.  Pains at the lower back towards the waist.

Here are common foods to include in your diet if you suspect kidney disease:

Cauliflower 

Cabbage

Garlic

Berries

Broccoli 

Guava leaves

Omega 3 food sources like fatty fish

Lots of water and other fluids containing fruits and vegetables like cucumbers, watermelon 🍉, apples or apple cider vinegar 

Summary

It is important to also avoid highly acidic and processed foods.  High potassium foods like sweet potatoes, reduce crayfish consumption and inflammation causing foods to preserve your kidney.  Also reduce excess body body.

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Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes leaves

Introduction 

If you have been avoiding sweet potatoes due to its starchy nature, here is good news for you. Did you know that the leaves of sweet potatoes are not only edible but also rich in nutrients, I have been eyeing some fresh leaves in my compound and just been thinking that it should be edible, merely seeing and smelling the leaves of most edible veggies tells you  if it is toxic or not. 

After few research and studie on it, decided to try it with garlic, onions and seasonings It turned out that, I had been missing out all these while. then, decided to make a full meal with African oil bean seed (ogbono) and bitter leaf, onions, garlic, fish,turkey and other condiments and it was a wao. 

 Now sweet potatoes leaves has become part of the veggies in my eating list. Not only is it tasty, you can feel the effects if you are gifted with knowing what goes on within you when you eat certain foods,particularly new ones. 

 Here are some of the health benefits of sweet potatoes leaves 

 Healthy Gut

 Promote a healthy gut, being a green food. You know all greens are good for your gut and heart health. Helps promote a healthy digestive tract, relieving constipation and also helps prevent colon cancer. Ensure not to overcook the leaves, so as to retain the nutrients.

 Antioxidant properties Sweet potatoes have been found to contain a high amount of antioxidants, making it suitable in combating inflammatory problems like asthma, arthritis, gout, etc. Also,vitamin C makes it great for fighting off free radicals thus preventing premature aging and disease. 

 Reduces inflammation 

 The high beta carotene content in sweet potato is the key anti-inflammatory compound that makes it a natural painkiller. You can eat it steamed, or juiced to benefit from its painkilling properties.these anti inflammatory properties are also found in the roots, which is the Sweet potatoes.

 Relieves Insomnia I personally found out that adding the leaves of sweet potatoes, helps promote a sustained and refreshing sleep at night. 

 It is advised then to add it into your soup in the evening, especially if you suffer insomnia. 

 Source of Important Nutrients to help fight disease A source of Potassium, B6 vitamin C, Vitamin A and other nutrients that boosts our immune system. So if you feel you need to boost your blood or fight off disease, then go for non starchy veggies like sweet potatoes leaves.

 Summary: 

Remember to wash your sweet potatoes leaves with plenty of water and salt, since it crawls most times and may have sand and other unwanted agents may be hiding in the leaves. Consume moderately, too much of every thing, even the good ones could be detrimental. Moderation is our rule.

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Fatty Liver Disease. Top Foods to Help Reverse it

Introduction

In my view, Fatty liver disease as it is often called  is not really a disease but is a condition where there is much  that is stored around the liver usually common among those who take lots of alcohols.  Fatty liver  is quite common as it usually does not present with troubling symptoms until it has advanced, apart from alcoholics. it can also be found amongst healthy persons, talking of people who are not indulging in alcohol known as non alcoholic liver disease.  The disease is  also more common amongst those who are fat and heavyweights who  have extra body weight and fat.  Apart from this category of people,  I  have  also  seen amongst very slim people surprisingly with very fatty liver when test was carried out on them,  though  fatty liver disease may not be felt by most individuals as in like feeling like headache but when it is there,  the immune system will be low and the person will usually be sick because the liver is not functioning at its best.  The metabolic  rate will not always be fine with such  individual so it is important to deal with it.   Fortunately it is reversible .   Once you suspect or you are diagnosed with fatty liver it's important to follow or begin to include these foods and stop the causative factor the thing that caused the fatty liver should be stopped  immediately.  

Common Causes of Fatty Liver

 1.  Fried Foods

So many things could also be responsible especially consuming fried foods.  Apart from alcohol. Another fast way to gather unwanted fat around the liver is frying your food.   

2.  Fatty foods especially Animal Protein 

If you are consuming too much cow meat. Goat meat, milk and such foods regularly and in large amount, Fatty liver  may begin to accumulate.

3.  Soyabeans Extract ( whey protein)

If you look around the supermarket and some shops you will notice some proteins extract from soya beans known as whey  protein, a lot of people consume it even in large amount without knowing its effect on the liver soyabeans  is a very high protein food and  nutritious too but it also naturally comes with lecithin and isoflavones this nutrients are said to  support the Liver detoxification and cleansing of fat when they are consumed naturally as the real soyabeans comes with nature and not taken in excess.   it is also  a great addition but because of the high amount of protein in soya beans when the whey  protein extract is taken, some of the naturally occurring ingredients in soya beans that supports removal of liver fat to avoid fatty liver which mother nature may have put their may have been removed and that is why I often advise and suggest that food should be consumed the way they come in nature instead of removing it as an extract whatever is taken as an extract I do not recommend or suggest or see it as healthy because something may be missing in that extract, example is coffee beans when caffeine is taken away.

4.  Too much Cholesterol:  

Cholesterol comes from many  foods we eat such as  vegetable oil,  red palm oil and several other oils that come with cholesterol so we should beaware of too much oil in our diet especially the artificially manipulated oils known as vegetable oil or transfats.  we should be careful with them because too much can also lead to extra fat around the liver if you are suspecting fatty liver or you have been diagnosed with fatty liver , it is not something to beat your heart, All you need do is just for you to determine and make slight dietary modifications and the fatty liver will go back or reverse to healthy liver.  I have also personally experienced fatty liver,  several years ago and it was reversed then,  Here are the top  common foods to include in your diet if you suspect fatty liver and before we move to the top foods if you are indulging in alcohol you have to stay away because it can also cause fatty liver.  Other causes of fatty liver includes too much Processed foods and foods with flavours. Colourings and preservatives, like bread, wheat gluten, transfats frim vegetable oils, biscuits, cakes, pastas too. Avoiding  healthy fats and not getting enough protein in the diet can also trigger fatty liver.

It is one of the most common cause of fatty liver, if you are  also consuming fatty foods like fried foods,  frying your eggs and other stuff you need also to stop.  if you want to avoid fatty liver someone may  also look fat physically but when the test is run, the liver may not be as fat as expected. but in most cases those who are fat  most  commonly also have fatty liver but there are few exceptions to this.  

Common Foods to Help Restore Fatty Liver

Tumeric:

Tumeric contains naturally occurring anti-inflammatory and ingredients that not only Burns fat but fight inflammations around the liver.   it is one food you should consume if you suspect fatty liver and remember to always add a little ginger or black pepper to your turmeric to help it absorb properly you can take it as tea or add it to your meals but taken as tea may deliver more and faster result.

Ginger : 

This spice either taken as tea or soup ingredients is great for those dealing with fatty liver.  It is also good to chew some fresh ginger just before breakfast to help aid digestion and support the liver in gradually offloading fats around it.  Ginger tea taken several times a week will help reduce liver fat too.  Remember to include sufficient protein especially plant based while consuming  ginger becausd ginger is quite hot.

Papaya Seeds:  

The fresh seeds from pawpaw fruit chewed on empty stomach is a great liver support, as ir helps in killing off some intestinal parasites, reducing bad cholesterol,  support heart health and reducing inflammations generally in the body. Chew about 9 seeds depending on your body weight.  You may start with less and gradually increase it to half tablespoon.  But never take too much because it has its own side effect just like every other food when taken in excess.  Moderation is our rule.

Garlic:

 We know that garlic is a powerful antibacterial antifungal and antibiotic Spice that helps destroy bacteria.  Itv is known for its Allicin and sulphur content which is a super food for the liver and not only the liver but also the heart. if you suspect fatty liver you can begin to chew garlic like two large  cloves in the morning or include more of it in your meaks or even use it as your own taste enhancer as it also helps bring out the natural taste in our meals.

Cloves

 Cloves is an antibacterial antifungal and anti-inflammatory powerful Spice that has so many nutrients especially those that support liver health and destroys bacteria so if you suspect that you have a fatty liver you can begin to chew some cloves like two or three cloves 30 minutes after having your main  meals to help to reduce the load and the stress on the Liver as it will also kill bacterias that may want to cause complications.  It aids digestion too and reduces blood sugar, warding off inflammations at all levels.  Never take too much.

Green tea:

Green tea is known for its polyphenols and other powerful nutrients that helps to burn fat not only around the body but also liver fat, it is effective if you take it moderately remembering that it  is a source of caffeine and caffeine is not good for our liver so when you are consuming it do not take it too frequently or much but when you take it more lately it's a great addition for those with liver fat and will not allow that extra fat any  around the liver.

Cabbage:

Cabbage and  other cruciferous vegetables like onions broccoli cauliflower, kale  and all such vegetables are also good for the liver health you can ferment your cabbage or just let it hit a little it's okay that way  but I do not recommend too much of raw cabbage because it has effect also on the thyroid, so putting it a little or fermenting it as some do is okay because it helps to remove fat, it  is a fat burning food and all other cruciferous vegetables are also in that family you can include them moderately to reduce liver fat. if you suspect or that you are diagnosed with liver fat.

Green Vegetables:

 All green vegetables should consumed regularly  and infact daily as this may prevent liver fat too especially as the last meal of the day.  if you suspect that you have liver issues then include more green vegetables in your diet you can take some raw, but do not take much raw vegetables. 

Beetsroots :

Beetroots taken as tea or as a juice is also a super food for the Liver if you suspect fatty liver and you can find beetroot you can make juice out of it because it's quite sweet you can add cinnamon or other insulin helping Spices to reduce its effect effect of sugar also but it's great for liver especially those who are dealing with fatty liver. 

Apple Cider Vinegar

 Apple cider vinegar is also great to add one tablespoon to your water therapy I do not suggest too much of this apple cider because it's not a bone supporting drink so you need to take it moderately, I like to suggest 2 or 3  days in a week, it  is okay not daily because it does not support support bone strength judging from my own observations usage and such food should be taken cautiously so that you do not start feeling symptoms of reduce bone mass.

Cayenne pepper 🌶 :

 This  is  also another super food for the Liver that can be included in moderation in our meals to help the liver remove fat we already know a lot about it sour, you can  use dried Cayenne powder or fresh cayenne  pepper should be added in our mail or taken as tea to improve blood  circulation generally.

Lemon Juice 🍋 

Lemon juice in our warm water therapy in the morning is another great way to support liver detox and remove fat but again we should also take it moderately.  Like it  shouldn't be everyday as some people do suggest. Though if you feel okay taking it daily, no problems.  Just remember that too much of everything is bad. and even too much of lemon juice is also a stressor  to our deliver so let's not overdo anything.  Just take it include lemon juice half a lemon is okay in your warm water therapy in the morning to help to continue to remove fat from the liver and avoid fatty liver.

Omega Food Sources like Sardines:

Omega 3 in fatty fishes like sardines are great for reducing fatty liver.  Include fish oil or sardines in moderation  to your meals.

Cold Pressed Coconut oil or olive oil

There is also an important aspect or belief that people who are avoiding fat for instance will not get liver fat.   No, I do not agree with this standpoint avoiding all kinds of fat may even lead to liver fat what may reduce liver fat is including healthy fats like cold pressed coconut oil which does not clog arteries, cold pressed olive oil and other such fats but it is a mistake or an error for you to begin to avoid all kinds of fat because you want to throw out fat from the liver that will give a reverse effect because you will be surprised to notice that your liver fat may be  increasing and the reason is because, the healthy fats in coconut oil helps the liver produce bile to help detoxify the body and does not clog arteries like other oils.  It does not also get stored in the liver like other oils. Cold pressed olive oil is also the oil of choice when dealing with fatty liver but because of too many adulteration, you may also use peanut oil which is the closest to olive oil because it is usually more organic here in Nigeria.

Summary:

Being diagnosed with fatty liver should not give you much worries because it is easily reversible if you are willing to make the necessary dietary or lifestyle changes.  Remember to loose weight if you are overweight.

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