Hippocrates (the father of medicine), once famously said “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food”. Sound advice. But food has changed in the last century. That may sound like a peculiar statement to some, so let me expand…Food grown/farmed/produced 100 years ago is quite different than many of the same foods today. We are living in a toxic soup of pesticides, herbicides, preservatives, and hormones. In addition, foods are now being shipped across continental borders more than ever resulting in exposure to radiation.Even more alarming are the modern ‘advances’ made by genetically modifying foods, namely GMO’s. Alarmingly, studies on these ‘frankenfoods’ are now showing to have deleterious affects on human DNA! I’ll save the politics of the food industry for another post, however consumers have never needed to be more buyer aware of what is one food labels than ever before. Health claims regarding food products are everywhere, but are these really that healthy for us?? Do you know the top 5 unhealthiest health foods? You may be surprised…
1. Whole Wheat Bread
If I were to ask you to pick between a Snickers candy bar and a slice of brown bread as to which scored highest on the glycemic index chart, what would you guess? You may be able to tell where I’m going with this – it would NOT be the Snickers bar… What is commonly not known is that brown bread is no better than white bread (its evil relative), and often it can be worse. Two slices of whole wheat bread raises your blood sugar more than two TABLESPOONS of table sugar! The sugar spike is even worse than eating white bread (which I don’t recommend either because it is devoid of nutrients). So pre-diabetics and anyone with blood sugar-handling problems will actually store the sugar very quickly as FAT through the efficient action of insulin from the pancreas. If you never have before, give all breads a break for a couple of weeks – and see how you feel. You’ll be blown away at the change!
2. Fruit Juice
Fruit juice, which we pack into lunch boxes and sip as we read the morning paper, was always considered healthy and good for us. But in reality it can aggravate a variety of health problems including; weight gain, diabetes, excessive cavities, digestive issues and fatigue. What’s the reason behind this? Fruit juice from concentrate poses many health risks when it is in concentrate form as more sugar and flavoring are often added to the juice to make it taste better, while at the same time making the juice unhealthier. It is not that fruits are bad – in fact they can be a powerhouse of nutrition! That being said, when the fiber is extracted from the fruit (as in juicing) you will be left with a highly concentrated, fructose rich, sweet juice that can spike pro-inflammatory hormones (such as insulin) that can aggravate the aforementioned issues. Making smoothies with the whole fruit is a tasty and far more healthy alternative!
3. Dairy Milk
How many times growing up did you hear “Milk does a body good” or “Drink your milk so you have healthy teeth and bones”? Most North Americans feel that we must consume milk – or suffer debilitating health issues. In fact, recent research in the last decade suggests that consuming pasteurized milk (and other dairy products) may potentially far more dangerous. Let’s just be clear – Milk isn’t always bad. Mother’s milk that is, human milk provides a growing infant with all the nutrition they need for the first 6 months of his life. Similarly, cow’s milk is designed by nature to be the perfect food – that is for calves, not for human beings. Leading researchers are now linking regular consumption of dairy milk to many of the chronic illnesses currently burdening North Americans such as; Diabetes, Heart Disease, Arthritis, Crohn’s/Colitis, and even Multiple Sclerosis. If you must have milk, look into farmers who offer non-pasteurized milk.
4. Soy products
What was once touted as a ‘miracle’ food in the 80’s and 90’s, has now come under much scrutiny. First and foremost soy is another big industry, and as a result there has been much researcher into altering the genetics of soybeans to becoming weather and pest resistant, thus creating larger crop yields. Sounds like a novel idea except the latest research indicates that higher consumption of GMO’s increases risk of chronic illness such as auto-immune illness, thyroid disorders, diabetes, and even some cancers. In addition, soy contains isoflavones which interfere with an enzyme that we need for T3 and T4 (Thyroid Hormone) production. A Japanese study at the Ishizuki Clinic found that just 35 mg of isoflavones per day caused thyroid suppression in healthy individuals in just three months which can lead to many problems including weight gain, malaise, loss of libido, and hair thinning.
5. Instant Oatmeal
Oats are traditionally considered a very healthy food as they high in lots of vitamins and minerals, rich in a type of fiber (called beta glucan) that keeps you full, stabilizes your blood sugar while helping to lower cholesterol. All great things right? Well, oatmeal is not oatmeal anymore… The catch is within the type of oatmeal (there are 3). Steel cut (least processed), rolled oats (slightly more), and instant – the latter being the most processed form. The delightfully flavored packets like; maple & brown sugar, apple cinnamon, strawberries and cream, etc generally have less protein and fiber, while having much more sugar (up to 8 tsps!), salt, and other preservatives/additives. If you like your oatmeal, get the steel cut oats and add some fresh fruit on it. Tastes great, and a FAR healthier option for you and your family.
For thousands of years, all the people in the world performed their basic physiological need, emptying their intestines, in a natural way e.g. a squatting position.
They almost didn’t know anything about the present intestinal diseases like hemorrhoids, constipation, intestinal cancer and Crohn’s disease.
And then modern technology rapidly started getting into all life areas, as well as bathrooms.
There came the modern sitting toilet bowls and many health issues with them. Nowadays, with all the modern and luxurious habits, squatting while emptying your intestines is an old-fashioned and uncomfortable position.
That’s sad, because according to the newest researches, precisely that position while defecating is responsible for numerous diseases nowadays.
Modern toilets bring a line of diseases
An Israeli magazine called “Journal of Medical Sciences”published a study that precisely the squatting position while defecating is responsible for a high rate of diseases from:
Hemorrhoids
Intestinal inflammations
Colon cancer
Pelvic diseases
Crohn’s disease
Scientists state:
“The frequency of intestinal diseases (hemorrhoids, constipation, appendix inflammation, polyps, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome) is similar in South African white males and in the populations of rich Western countries. In the rural areas with traditional lifestyle, these diseases are very rare or almost unfamiliar”.
The classical way of emptying your intestines – sitting on the toilet bowl – is an unnatural position which demands using the diaphragm muscles and unnecessary straining to press the contents out of your intestines. When squatting, the thighs press the stomach which relieves the emptying and decreases the need for straining. When you’re in a squatting position, your rectum straightens, which enables a simpler and more profound emptying of your intestines, while when you’re in a sitting position, the contents can’t be completely emptied. The result is an often need to visit the WC.
We ensured ourselves many times that we can learn a lot from small children, because of their instinct driven actions and an instinctive reaction is natural and most often the best human reaction. During defecation, small children will squat instinctively in order to empty their intestinal contents and that natural instinct is unfortunately suppressed as a second plan in adults.
Many researches confirmed that defection while squatting is simpler and healthier. Israeli scientist, Dov Sikirov, published a research about diseases connected to the intestinal tract and the advantages of squatting and he published the results on the pages of the magazine “Digestive Diseases and Sciences”. He conducted the study on 28 healthy adult volunteers divided in three separate toilets. In the first one, the volunteers used a bowl of a standard height from 41 cm, in the second one, the bowl was lowered to 31 cm and in the third one, the volunteers defecated on a squat toilet. The time necessary for a total defecation was measured by a digital timer. D-r Sikirov discovered that the volunteers in a squatting position needed 51 seconds, unlike the ones who used the standard bowl and performed their defecation after 130 seconds. According to the information, he concluded that there is a direct connection to the position of the body and the difficulties while defecating.
2. Modern toilets contribute towards the development of hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids appear because of an inflamed vein in the lower part of the colon and the anus and among all, they can also be a consequence of straining during defecation especially in people who have a harder stool. The squatting position contributes towards a weaker and slower defecation. That kind of position also demands a greater straining. Unlike the sitting position, emptying the intestines while squatting is much faster and simpler and you almost don’t need any straining.
3. They worsen the intestinal inflammation
The following position while defecating tightens the Puborectalis muscle which prevents a total defecation. The rest of the contents in the intestines is good for development of infections, which results in inflammations and can also lead to intestinal carcinoma. Crohn’s syndrome is a classical inflammatory autoimmune disease of the intestines, in which the immunological composition of the organism attacks the person’s digestion system. It’s in the group of IBD – inflammatory bowel diseases.
An Australian researcher called Wallace Bowles dedicated his researches to confirming the connection between human health and the way we empty our intestines.
He discovered this:
“It was shown that intestinal inflammatory conditions have a positive reaction to emptying the intestines in a squatting position. People with Crohn’s disease have confirmed a significant improvement after only a few weeks and in time, all the symptoms of this disease disappeared.”
4. They develop urinary infections
As well as for thorough intestinal emptying, squatting is also the best position for a total emptying of the urinary bladder. In women, the urinal flow is stronger and easier when they urinate in a squatting position. While sitting, the bladder never empties thoroughly and holding urine can lead to development of bacteria e.g. infections of the urinary system.
5. Connection to heart attack
Did you know this? A great number of heart attacks and deaths happen precisely in bathrooms. Israeli doctor, Berko Sikirov spent over 20 years studying the consequences of excessive straining during defecation in a sitting position. He published an article where he describes the tight connection between straining and heart attack. According to him, patients who suffer from acute coronary diseases are especially endangered. In his article, he explains that straining can be avoided during defecating while squatting, because in that case it’s reduced to the minimum.
6. Menstrual problems and toxic shock (TSS)
When women perform their physiological needs in a squatting position, the complete pelvis is pressed. In that way, the urinary bladder empties easily, but also the contents from the uterus during the menstrual cycle. While sitting, because of the lack of natural “pressing”, a part of the menstrual liquid remains inside the uterus, depending on the size and condition of the uterus neck. Because of a longer retention of blood, the uterus can develop a great amount of bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, and toxic shock (TSS) can appear as a consequence.
7. Japanese people still “squat”
An interesting thing connected to using squat toilets comes from Japan. We all know that Japan is a technological giant, but the squat toilet is still an inevitable part of every bathroom, especially in the elder population. Besides for health and hygienic advantages which the squatting position brings, Japanese people simply love it because it “saves them time”.
Their explanation is interesting, but also very wise:
“Thanks to squatting during defecation, the time we spend performing our physiological needs is significantly shortened, which leaves us a lot more time to perform our daily commitments, as well as hanging out with family and friends”.
8. Squat chair
To practice intestinal emptying and urinating in a squatting position, you don’t have to climb on your fragile toilet bowl or renovate the bathroom.
Instead, you can bring your body into a position similar to squatting like this: during sitting on your toilet bowl, you should put a special Squat chair under your legs.
Squat chair is a revolutionary product designed to improvise the classical squatting position. Thanks to it, your legs are raised high enough while sitting on your toilet bowl, which brings the body into a squatting position. It enables a fast, smooth and thorough emptying of your intestines. It’s made of an enduring material and designed to support your complete body weight of children and adults. Squat chair is a healthy and beautiful solution for your bathroom.
Being on the best locally grown food, Sprouts is one of the most nutritious food you can have to serve your body. It is one food that is recommended as the best breakfast. Be it if you have a health problem or you want to reduce on the weight, sprouts are just the answer for you!
5 reasons for you to have sprouts are:
1. Sprouts have 100 times more enzymes as compared to raw fruits and vegetables. These are the special enzymes of proteins which help your body function in a better manner. It helps the body to respond more for extracting the vitamins, acids and minerals from the food you eat. Thus, building a nutrition block in your body.
2. Your body needs a good amount of fiber in order to function properly. The fiber content is high in the beans, nuts and seeds. Eating fiber helps you have a good digestive system as well as to lose weight. Fibers help you to get rid of the unwanted fats and toxins of your body in-turn making you healthier and light.
3. Sprouts help in increasing the vitamin content in a drastic amount. Especially Vitamin A, B-complex, vitamin E and vitamin C are the ones which you get in abundance from sprouts. The vitamin content of seeds and beans shoot up as more than 20 times when they are sprouted.
4. The energy level of the seeds, nuts, grains and beans is ignited when we soak and sprout them. The sprouts have alkalising action on the body which helps in curing and preventing illness like cancer as well.
5. The essential fatty acids in our body are also fulfilled by eating sprouts. What goes the most lacking in our body is the fats burning essential fats, which can be fulfilled with sprouts and help us have a better metabolism.
So what are you waiting for, soak and get the sprouts at your own place. The procedure of sprouting is very simple.
Soak the sprouts overnight, wash well next morning and out in a sieve covered by a plate for another night. And here you get the best and healthy sprouts for your healthy family!
There are a lot of questions surrounding thyroid health. What does the thyroid do? What does it mean when your Doctor tells you have hyperthyroidism, or even more common, hypothyroidism? And what’s the difference? We’ve answered all of your top questions about thyroid health right here!
What does a thyroid do?
The thyroid gland secretes hormones to regulate many metabolic processes, including growth and energy expenditure. If the thyroid gland is overactive or sluggish, the metabolism will be affected, leading to a variety of symptoms that are easily misdiagnosed. Around one in 20 people will experience some form of thyroid dysfunction in their lifetime. Women are more susceptible than men.
What is the difference between Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism?
The big difference between the two is the hormone output from the thyroid. Hypothyroidism means your thyroid gland isn’t making enough thyroid hormone for the body’s needs, where hyperthyroidism means your thyroid is making too much.
How can you tell if you have either of them?
The symptoms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism vary greatly due to the different changes in hormone output. With hypothyroidism you’re usually feeling sluggish, lacking concentration, have dry skin, thinning or coarse hair, muscle pains or cramping, fluid retention and sensitive to cold temperatures.
People with hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, tend to have unexplained weight loss, accelerated heart rate, sensitivity to heat, sleeping difficulties, irritability, nervousness or anxiety, and diarrhea.
You may also have a large lump on your throat, which is called a goitre. This means your thyroid is working too hard or you have a significant iodine deficiency.
What triggers thyroid issues?
Three of the main triggers for thyroid conditions are lifestyle related:
Chronic stress
Overload of toxins
Iodine deficiency
Heavy metal build up
The other main triggers are various autoimmune conditions. Hyperthyroidism can be caused by conditions that increase thyroid hormone production such as Graves’ disease, subacute thyroiditis, or toxic adenomas. Whereas hypothyroidism is usually triggered by conditions that reduce the production of thyroid hormones including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, thyroid removal, or excessive exposure to iodide or lithium.
How can you look after your thyroid and prevent thyroid conditions?
Leading a healthy lifestyle is the key to maintaining a healthy thyroid and a happy metabolism. If you have already been diagnosed with a thyroid condition, a little extra care can really make a difference.
Identify and treat the underlying causes of hypothyroidism, like food allergies, heavy metals, nutritional deficiencies, and stress. Eliminate the foods that cause you digestive distress, most commonly gluten and dairy.
Optimize Your Nutrition —
Support your thyroid with optimal nutrition, including foods that contain iodine, zinc, omega-3 fats, selenium, and more. Eliminate refined flours, sugars and processed foods.
Minimize Stress —
Eliminate adrenal exhaustion and minimize stress by engaging in a comprehensive stress management program. Think yoga, daily meditation, breathing techniques, spending more time in nature, more often.
— Use supplements to help enhance thyroid function, including all the nutrients needed for proper thyroid metabolism and function. Speak with a holistic doctor, naturopath or natural therapist for appropriate suggestions.
Heat Therapy —
Use saunas and heat to eliminate stored toxins, which interfere with thyroid function.
Thyroid Hormones —
Use thyroid hormone replacement therapy to help support your thyroid gland. Speak with your doctor to find out what will work for you best.
Whilst it may seem like an unruly gland, there are many things you can do to help improve the health of your thyroid and reduce your risk of many common problems. If you’re having thyroid troubles currently, just remember to never underestimate the power of your body to heal itself when given what it needs!
Have you improved your thyroid health through diet and lifestyle changes?
This article was republished with permission from FoodMatters.tv.
No matter what time of the year, there are always moments that you have to stay home, and try to find things to do with kids. We’ve shared many fun activities for kids on iGameMom, but what if you don’t feel like to actually do something. Good movies for kids and educational videos to the rescue! We have been using YouTube more and more. There are a lot educational channels on YouTube and I love the fact that most videos are short, so kids don’t sit there for long. Today we share YouTube channels that have cool science experiments for kids. The advantage of videos is it is easy to follow the instructions, so after watching the videos, you and kids may want to try on your own.
Cool Science Experiments for Kids on YouTube
Sick Science is one of the first that led us to YouTube. There are many cool science experiments for kids. Most are easy experiments and activities you can do at home.
Incredible Science has a lot fun science videos, there are videos just explain science phenomena to kids, but a large section is home science experiments.
Crazy Russian Hacker is simply amazing. He’s got so many unexpected ideas and experiments, from opening a can without a can opener, to how to cut watermelon. Do you want to know what is going to happen if you boil Coke?
Doctor Mad Science is hosted by an 12 year old autistic boy named Jordan. Jordan does all the experiments, and all the experiments are easy and simple that you can do at home.
Hoopla Kidz Lab has a lot videos explaining about science, and there is a section of science experiments to encourage hands-on science learning at home.
Coconut Science Lab has many science videos about space and spaceship. One section is DIY science that kids can do at home.
Brusspup: tons of amazing science experiments about illusions. One of my favorites is the one with several paper tricks.
MC Experiments has many simple science for you to do in your kitchen that are safe for young children to perform.
The Quirkles has many seasonal science activity ideas for kids. It is a great place to visit during holiday breaks.
Enjoy and make sure to do some of the experiments after watching the videos.
Amazingly, YouTube has become a good source of educational materials. We have been using YouTube more and more for fun learning materials. We shared 6 YouTube Channels for Hands-on Science Experiments You Can Do at Home. Today we share YouTube channels of fun science facts, explanations, and news.
15 YouTube Channels Explaining Science for Kids
Bill Nye: although the channel has not been updated for couple years, the content already there is enough for kids to explore. I like that the video titles tell you exactly what the videos are about, making it easy to look around.
SciShow: It is a great collection of science videos of different topics: historical science figures, science news, science talk show, science quizzes, most asked science questions. The topics they cover are simply fascinating.
SpanglerScienceTV: from Steve Spangler, this channel has a ton of fun science facts, experiments, and more. Unlike his other YouTube channel, most of experiments here need special equipment and safety measures, so it is safer to watch him do them in videos.
asapScience: a fun site using fun drawings to explain various interesting topics from science point of view. The topics they cover are either questions people have always been asking, or things you never thought about before, like How old are your ears? Can video games make you smarter? Can you be scared to death? Most topics are kids safe. The only one I noticed that may not be kids appropriate is Can science improve your sex life? Even this one is strictly science with no inappropriate visual.
LabofOrnithology: if you like birds, you will love this channel. It is established by Cornell Lab of Ornithology, an institute conducting research, education, and citizen science focused on birds. You will find many amazing videos about different birds.
BrainCraft: hosted by Vanessa Hill for PBS Digital Studios, BrainCraft explains why we act the way we do, using psychology and neuroscience. You will find topics like How movies control your brain? How exercise can improve your memory?
ScienceBob: does all kinds of cool science experiments. Most are not safe to do at home, so it is better to watch them on video.
Minute Physics: explaining science in a similar style as asapScience, but all topics are around physics. You will find topics like What is gravity? Is it better to walk or run in the rain? How an airplane is made? It thrives to explain science in the simplest way, and it does a good job in that aspect, so it is a great channel for kids of all ages.
Minute Earth: from the same creator of Minute Physics, but all topics are about our planet. Do you know Where did the water on Earth come from? Why is all sand the same?
Periodic Videos: all things chemistry. You will find a video about each element on the periodic table. There are new videos every week about science news, interesting molecules and other stuff from the world of chemistry.
Best of Science: A fun science channel covers a wide variety of science topics: physics, space, nature, chemistry, and more.
National Geographic: As their magazine, the YouTube channel covers many natural science videos.
Fizzics Education is a science outreach organization in Australia. They share their outreach efforts and science activities they do.
DNews: science news and exploration from Discovery. It is not designed for kids, so there will be videos that are not appropriate for young children. But many videos are kids friendly.
NASA: every thing is space related, from This Week at NASA, to Space to Ground, to ISS Expeditions.
Enjoy!
If you are on YouTube, you definitely want to check out 9 YouTube Channels of Hands-on Science Experiments to Do at Home. Different from today’s science YouTube channel list, these 9 channels are all about easy hands-on science experiments you are safe to do at home in your kitchen.
Cleaning our houses is not the easiest task. Whether we clean frequently or once a month, everyone wants to ease the cleaning process since it takes a lot of our time. Therefore, this is a list of several creative and useful cleaning tips.
Cleaning sponge
Did you know that bacteria begin spreading in your cleaning sponge? This poses a threat for the dishes. In order to get rid of the bacteria, put the sponge in the microwave for 2 minutes.
Washing machine
Pour 2 cups of vinegar in the washing machine and set the machine for around 1 hour. Start over the machine again for another complete cycle. If you see some dirt, scrub it down with a sponge and white vinegar. Now, pour 2 cups of bleach and let it soak for 1 hour. Moreover, use cotton swabs to clean the nooks, crannies, knobs and lids. Restart the machine and turn it on for one complete cycle again. Once done, your washing machine will be clean and shiny.
Baseboards
You can use fabric softener sheets to clean dirty baseboards.
Carpet and mattress stains
This mixture will help you remove all stains from the carpets and mattresses in no time. Mix hydrogen peroxide and dish soap and use the mixture for cleaning the stains.
Water stains on taps
Although these stains reappear all the time in the kitchen and bathroom, there is a way to keep them from appearing. Take a wax paper and rub it over the taps. This will prevent water spots and fingerprints from appearing.
Toilet rings
Drop a piece of Mr. Clean Magic Eraser and leave it like that overnight. You will be surprised how clean the toilet rings will be the next morning!
Fragrant rooms
Making your house smell nice is also an important part of the cleaning process, especially if you are expecting guests, and not all room fresheners smell great. Here is a nice solution that will make your house smell divinely:
2 bottle caps of pure vanilla extract
1 cup of coffee
Mix the ingredients in a bowl and keep it in the oven at a temperature of 300 degree F for 1 hour. This will make your home smell beautifully.
Sticky mess
This is a difficult task as well, but there is a simple trick that will help you clean the stains. Mix equal quantities of coconut oil and baking soda.
Bathroom
Fill your bathtub with hot water. It will double the effectiveness of alkaline cleansers.
Light bulbs
Even if your entire home is clean, dirty light bulbs are an unpleasant view. In order to ease the process of cleaning the bulbs, use a microfiber cloth.
These were some of the most useful cleaning tricks that we must bear in mind when we do our next cleaning spree. Save up on your cleaning time by following these useful tips.
