Health & Wellness Blog

Natural Remedies For Migraine Headaches

A migraine headache can be extremely painful. Migraines are caused by a number of reasons, and there never seems to be a single remedy that works for everyone. However, you may be able to find you ideal cure buy considering some of these natural remedies for migraines.

The Chiropractic Remedy

According to certain studies, upward of 80% of migraine sufferers find relief with a chiropractic adjustment. It is a natural method that should be done by an experienced chiropractor. It involves correcting spinal problems to reduce the severity and frequency of migraine attacks.

The Biofeedback Remedy

Migraines often result of extremely tight and tensed muscles of the neck. Biofeedback provides the ability to relax these muscles and thereby reducing pain. Biofeedback is a program supervised by trained practitioners and enables migraine sufferers to control involuntary responses to stress.

Tension Relief Remedy

Tension relief can be achieved through natural methods like taking hot baths or showers, application of cold packs on the back of the neck, or simply getting a massage.

Most people instinctively retreat to a dark and quiet room when they feel a migraine attack coming on. This is because migraines make them very sensitive to light and noise. Lessen the tension and promote an environment that offers a calming peace of mind.

The Nutritional Remedy

Allergies and sensitivities to certain foods are major, yet unforeseen causes of migraines. Common culprits include certain forms of nuts, beans, caffeine, chocolates and alcohol. Monosodium glutamate which is often used in Chinese foods is a notorious migraine trigger, especially when taken in large amounts. Excessive consumption of salt can likewise cause migraines.

To pinpoint the exact foods that cause your migraine headaches, try starting a food diary in which you can take note of everything that you eat. After a few weeks, you'll be able to see a pattern that will give a good idea on what foods to avoid.

Millions suffer from migraine headaches, and if you're one of them, there are natural ways for relief without relying on medications. All of these natural remedies except biofeedback and tension relief methods address the root of the problem. It is possible that by applying some of these methods, you'll be able to eradicate migraine headaches out of your life.

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The Raw Food Diet: 4 Key Facts

The raw food diet has become an increasingly popular choice for many people seeking a more healthy and nutritious way to eat. Those that follow a raw food diet usually consume no less than 75% of their diet from uncooked and unprocessed plant-based foods, which typically consist of fresh fruits, whole grains, fresh vegetables, nuts and seeds.

Theories of a Raw Food Diet

Raw food theorists believe that cooking food over 118 degrees Fahrenheit actually destroys key natural enzymes that our body needs. The enzymes found in food can aid with the digestion, absorption, and processing of essential nutrients. However, without proper absorption of nutrients, a person's health can degrade while toxins begin to build up.

Eating a diet consisting of raw foods can greatly increase the quantity of enzymes necessary for proper digestion, while enabling more vitamins and minerals to be available for absorption. The higher concentration of nutrients that come from natural raw foods is believed to prevent disease, increase energy, slow the process of aging, and promote optimal health.

Raw Food Diet Benefits

Following a raw food diet has distinctive benefits that can now be supported by scientific research. According to a study in The Journal of Nutrition, eating a raw food diet long-term can significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood cholesterol, and triglycerides. The study also revealed that people who follow a raw food diet usually have a low body mass index (BMI), low levels of C-reactive protein, and high Vitamin D levels.

C-reactive protein is known as an inflammatory molecule that has been linked with the high risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic diseases. This means having lower levels of this protein can significantly reduce these risks. Additionally, higher Vitamin D levels are important, because it assists in strengthening bones as well as influences our mood and emotions.

The Impact of Cooking Food

Cooking food at high Fahrenheit levels can be extremely carcinogenic. Overtime, eating highly cooked and processed foods can lead to deficiencies of key nutrients, which usually results in major health issues like heart disease, cancer, and degenerative diseases.

If you eat too much over-cooked, microwaved, and processed foods, the colon faces excess strain resulting in a great risk of colon cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and many other degenerative diseases. Cooking food does alter the natural composition of substance (and thus making it more palatable in some cases,) but also destroys its essential nutritional value.

Side Effects of a Raw Food Diet

When starting a raw food diet you may experience a few side effects. For some people, these side effects can deter an individual from continuing the diet. However with patience, these side effects will definitely subside and the feeling of optimal health will soon set in. The most common side effects experienced from a raw food diet are:

Fatigue

You may feel extremely tired and worn out. As your body adapts to the diet this does go away.

Irritability

Many of the toxins that you ingest are very addictive. Flushing these toxins out can cause the body to go into a minor form of withdrawal, which often causes irritability.

Headaches

Headaches are most common to occur during the first week of a raw food diet. This is the brain’s way of coping with the detoxifying process.   

Runny Nose & Gas

When you are flushing toxins from your body, the toxins may release themselves in the way of a running nose or gas. These side effects do fade with time.

Detoxify By Going Raw

A raw food diet can be a very effective way to detoxify the body, by assisting it to get rid of harmful toxins that can accumulate from a diet high of processed foods. Eating food in a healthy and nutritious way with the aid of a raw food diet will certainly continue to attract health-conscious people throughout the world.

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Health n' Wellness Highlight: NutritionData.Self.com

There is an abundance of information available on the Web about the nutrition facts of certain foods. But when it comes to finding correct nutritional information on the Internet, finding a trusted source is key.

One place to find accurate and insightful information about food and nutrition is NutritionData.self.com. Here you can find a wealth of information about almost any type of food as well as a number of tools to help you hone in our diet and overall consumption needs.

A Wealth of Nutritious Data

After being acquired by the Self magazine (or Self.com) in 2010, NutritionData.com became NutritionData.Self.com. The website has retained the same features as before, however now the site provides resources that anyone health-conscious can appreciate.

Know What You Eat

One of the greatest features of the website is its database of food profiles. For example, we searched the site for “blueberries,” and not only did we receive results on simply raw blueberries, but also nutrition data on 48 other forms of blueberries, including frozen blueberries, canned blueberries in heavy syrup, and blueberry baby food.

Even more interesting about NutritionData.Self.com are the tools available on each food profile page. Users are shown a standardized “Nutrition Facts” box that contains all the information on a typical product label.

In addition, each profile has a “Nutritional Target Map” that shows the fullness factor and rating of nutrition for a given food. Also shown is a “Caloric Ratio Pyramid” that offers a visual perspective of the types of calories in the food. These tools are highly advantageous for those looking to fine-tune their diet or simply learn the composition of certain foods.

Know What You Need

The “Daily Needs Calculator” on NutritionData.Self.com offers an estimate of how many calories an individual needs in a day based on their physical composition and lifestyle. In short, the estimate given by the calculator helps dieters determine how many calories they need to cut to start losing weight.

The Daily Needs Calculator takes into account an individual's BMI (Body Mass Index) to estimate his or her daily caloric needs. Because BMI is simply a calculation of one’s height and weight, it doesn’t take into account metabolism or other internal factors that influence calorie burn. As a result, the “Daily Needs Calculator” should be used a general insight and not so much as a specific benchmark to fend off weight gain.

Stay on Track

There are many other features available at NutritionData.Self.com to help you stay on track with your diet. The site offers a tool to analyze recipes based on ingredients as well as resources to find foods that promote better health for certain ailments.

Whether searching for dieting insights or researching the composition of certain foods, we hope you appreciate NutritionData.Self.com as much as we do here at the Health n’ Wellness Blog.

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10 Super Foods for Better Health & Wellness

There is a famous saying that "you are what you eat." This is particularly true with respect to diseases that are attributed to unhealthy eating habits.

So if you want to get on the health track to eating a better diet, here is the list of 10 super foods that are great for your health.

Garlic

Garlic contains sulphur compounds that are known to prevent heart diseases and certain types of cancers. It is also known to lower blood pressure.

Including garlic in your daily diet, whether by cooking or taking supplements, can maximize its overall health benefits.

Green Tea

Green tea has polyphenols that lowers your risk of developing heart diseases and certain cancers. Green tea, as well as other forms of tea, are known to fend-off hunger cravings and help in losing weight.

Green tea one of the top super foods that boost the immune system, making you more resistant to sicknesses and infections.

Fish

Fish, such as wild-caught Salmon, has natural omega 3 fatty acids, which are known as the "good cholesterol." These fatty acids aid the body in preventing strokes and other related heart diseases. Make sure that you eat only fresh fish, such as wild-caught fish, to ensure that it's not contaminated with mercury.

Berries

Blueberries, raspberries, and cranberries alike all have high antioxidant properties which make berries a must-eat super food for better health. Cranberries are also known to help fight infections, especially in the urinary tract.

Olive Oil

Research shows that olive oils have high antioxidant levels, and also benefit in preventing cardiovascular diseases. Olive oil is one of the best choices for cooking, compared to butter and other common oils

Almonds & Nuts

Almonds are known to help prevent inflammation and heart disease. Eating nuts regularly will help you lower your cholesterol level as much as 4 percent. Because nuts are high in fat (good fat,) moderation is key while eating these types of super foods.

Whole Grain

Examples of whole grains are barley, whole wheat, and oats. Whole grain is a very good source of fiber that is essential in ridding the body of unwanted fats. Whole grains are also rich in vitamins and minerals, which is good for overall health and wellness of the body.

Grapes

Red grapes have high vitamin C, B6, and B1 content. They are proven to reduce the risk of developing heart diseases and certain types of cancer.

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is one of the best tasting super foods there is. Not all chocolates are good for your health. The best chocolates to eat are dark chocolates which are high in cacao. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and flavonols. And the best part about eating dark chocolates is that the feeling of happiness it induces, which can ward-off depression.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that is activated when cooked. It is known to help in preventing certain cancers especially prostate cancer and is also known to help prevent heart diseases.

So there you have it: 10 super foods that are very good for your overall health and wellness. Thanks for visiting the Health n' Wellness Blog!

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The 4 Hour Body: Book Review

Tim Ferriss is the esteemed author of the wonderful health read: The 4 Hour Body. Prior to writing this book, Ferris published bestseller “The 4-Hour Workweek,” which was also a hit.

The unique aspect of the 4 Hour Body book is that everything relates specifically to how the human body manages certain foods. Ferriss includes "rules" that are specified in the Slow Carb diet as well as the Paleo diet. Additionally, the book offers five tips for reducing fat:

  • Avoid white carbohydrates
  • Eat similar meals on a regular basis
  • Do not drink calories
  • Limit the amount of fruit
  • Taking a diet day off every week

As long as readers keep their diet simple and healthy, they can opt to eat as much as they want based from the foods that are listed in the book.

Aside from the Diet

The book specifies a six month time in which readers are promised to be taught how to attain their genetic potential, how to perform better with just two hours of sleep everyday, and how excessive fat can be lost by certain eating habits.

Ferriss spent almost a decade worth of research consulting professional athletes, medical doctors and using his own personal experiments to serve as a base for the book, rather than writing based on merely a theory.

Both men and women can seek assistance from everything that is mentioned in the book. Apart from covering various subjects, Ferriss also claims that everything mentioned in his book actually works. In fact, substantial results are guaranteed by Ferriss, in addition to being statistically proven by research.

The fact of the matter is that over 50 diverse topics are covered in the book, and all can be appreciated for greater health and wellness.

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Juicing Fasting: Tips & Benefits

Juicing fasting is one of the best things you can do for your body. Whether for weight loss, detoxification, healing, or spiritual reasons, the advantageous of juice fasting can help both physically and mentally.

Biological Benefits

The biological benefits behind juicing fasting are simple. When the stomach is not forced to breakdown solid foods, it doesn't have to work as hard. As a result, the large amount of blood the usually flows to our stomachs when we eat can remain in other vital parts of the body.

This reserve of blood can go deeper into areas of the body that need it most. This also explains why when people fast, they have a feeling of being "high" or a experience a tingling sensation. That is the feeling of blood making its way further into the body.

In addition, juicing is one the best ways to extract all the nutrients from fruits and vegetables. When foods are consumed in their purest form, such as juice, the body can absorb almost all of the nutrients available.

On the other hand, when fruits and vegetables are consumed in solid form, only about 70% of all nutrients can be absorbed, depending on how well the person chews and the efficacy of his or her digestive track.

Mental Benefits

Taking a look back to our Paleo ancestors, they went days, sometimes weeks without eating. Since that time, our bodies have not evolved all that much.

For many individuals and cultures, taking a break from solid foods is a perfectly natural practice. Modern society has shaped us to think that we need at least 3 meals a day to stay healthy and well. And yet modern society has never been more polluted.

Fasting from food can rejuvenate one's perspective on healthy eating and offer a new appreciation for food. Juice fasting is safe way to restore one's mindset and better control one's habits. It can extend beyond our diets and offer great sense of self-awareness that can extend into many aspects of our lives.

Tips For Juice Fasting

If you are thinking about a juice fast, there are few things you will want to keep in mind. Below we offer the basics to beginning your juice fast:

  • Juice fasting is more than just a temporary change in diet. Think of fasting as a journey to a better you for the long-term.
  • Before juice fasting, eat a primarily raw food diet 5-7 days before. Focus on high fiber foods that will help clean your digestive track.
  • While fasting, consume a wide variety of juices to maximize the nutritional value of your food. Try to include leafy greens, or other vegetables that you wouldn't normally think of.
  • Mask the earthy flavors of vegetable-based juices with sweet fruit juices for better taste (e.g. Cover up Kale with Pineapple, Broccoli with Lemon.)
  • Do not chew gum or suck on candy while fasting. Jaw movement alone can stimulate blood flow to the stomach, which is counterproductive.
  • Breaking your fast is probably the most important part of the process. Just like before fasting, eat raw foods in very small, snack-like doses. Chew your food well and only eat until you feel full, which shouldn't be much.
  • Transition into regular eating slowly. It is recommended to stay on the raw food diet for few days before jumping back into cooked foods.

We hope you appreciate this information and will explore the power of juice fasting for yourself. Thanks for visiting the Health n' Wellness Blog!

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10 Best Foods for Detoxing the Body

There are a wealth of reasons to detox and cleanse our bodies.

Detoxification helps to clear the body's system of toxins and can significantly promote better digestion and improves bodily functioning. In addition, detoxing can help to reduce skin outbreaks, like acne, and enhance the quality of skin.

Best way to detox is to consume specific foods that stimulate the detoxing process, while eliminating the consumption of foods that are filled with toxins. Some of these more "toxic foods" include coffee, mushrooms, potatoes, and most non-organic foods, to name a few.

To promote a more thorough cleanse, we have outlined the top ten best foods for detoxing the body.

Lemons, Limes and Grapefruit

These citrus fruits are very rich in Vitamin C and they kill Putrefactive bacteria, which results in better digestion. Limonoids present in lemon and limes clean toxics from the body. Consumption of lemon with warm water every morning is very good for digestive system, and is highly recommended during the detox process.

Garlic

Garlic is a very strong antibiotic and it works well to fight most infections. It strengthens the immunity system and helps control cholesterol levels. Garlic also helps to reduce blood pressure as well and significantly improves the digestive system. It is an amazing detox food, and is a must for almost any detox diet plan.

Broccoli Sprouts

Broccoli sprouts are packed with antioxidants and they greatly help stimulate the detox process. Antioxidants found in sprouts also boost the resistance to ultraviolet rays and reduce the chances of damage from harmful ultraviolet rays.

Mung Beans

Mung beans are rich in potassium, which is essential for a healthy nervous system. Mung beans cleanse the liver and vascular system, which can contribute to better digestion and clearer skin. It is highly nutritious and helps in weight loss.

Watercress

Watercress is very rich in Vitamin A and C. Not only is Watercress is good for the digestive system, but it is a great remedy for gall stones, kidney stones and anemea. Watercress is quite versatile food and is packed with nutrients. It can be had in sandwiches, salads, or soups.

Cabbage

Cabbage has several benefits. It is an excellent vegetable to treat constipation, eczema and arthritis. It is also extremely beneficial in losing weight because it contains very few calories. Vitamin and sulphur in cabbage stimulate detoxification in the body and help flush the system. In addition, Iodine present in cabbage strengthens the nervous system.

Green Tea

Green tea has a lot of medicinal properties. It is a strong antioxidant, and it increases the metabolism system, which results in the body burning more calories. Green tea causes less accumulation of fat and reduced toxins in the body. Caffeine level is lowest in green tea and it works on liver diseases as well.

Ginger

Ginger is very invigorating and refreshing, and is great food for detoxing. Ginger helps increase blood circulation, ward off sickness, and reduce inflammation.

Artichokes

Artichoke may be difficult to clean however it is an amazing detox vegetable. It helps to reduce fat accumulation, cholesterol levels, as well as gall stones. Artichoke can also help purify blood, and is very good for liver as it regenerates cell. In addition, flavonoids present in artichoke promote and protect liver cells.

Beetroot

Beetroot is rich in iron and fiber, which can help with digestion. Juice of beetroot flushes out impurities from the body and significantly helps in cleansing the liver of toxins.

Liver is the organ in our body that removes toxins and keeps us free of detrimental agents that we consume. Accumulation of harmful toxins result in slower metabolism system, indigestion, skin related issues, ulcers and excess fat.

Detoxification of the body centers on promoting a healthy liver. So try out these foods to best cleanse your system and start living a healthier life.

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