Steven Schram DC on YouTube

Food Dyes – Unhealthy food decor

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 00:07:15 -0500

Most processed foods do contain food dye also called artificial food coloring. What might seem harmless and decorative, might raise concerns for health risks. Of course, our drinks, candies, and baked goods look bright and lovely, but looks can be deceiving. Children consume it the most and overall consumption has gone but my 500% in the last 50 years.

Oh the things we do for appearance. Food dyes are chemicals that originated in 1856 from coal tar. Only a handful are okay for consumption and the rest are considered toxic. The attraction to artificial food dyes versus natural ones is the bright colors it makes. Manufacturers want to draw our eyes in and make us see the foods even when we aren’t having them.

The FDA has approved food dyes as being safe, but controversy still surrounds this approval. These are the currently approved FDA food dyes and what they’re used for:

Blue No. 1 (Brilliant Blue): popsicles, icings, ice cream, canned peas, packaged soups.
Blue No. 2 (Indigo Carmine): ice cream, candy, cereals, snacks.
Red No. 3 (Erythrosine): cake decorating gels, candy, popsicles.
Red No. 40 (Allura Red): candy, condiments, sports drinks.
Yellow No. 5 (Tartrazine): chips, cereals, candy, soft drinks, popcorn.
Yellow No. 6 (Sunset Yellow): sauces, preserved fruits, baked goods.

The most commonly (90% of foods) used dyes are Red 40, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6. Questions do raise when a dye like Green No. 3 is approved by the FDA but not in Europe. However, Quinoline Yellow, Carnosine and Ponceau are approved in Europe but not the US.

There isn’t a lot of science to back up the claims regarding the harmfulness of artificial dyes, although studies have been done. There can be possible changes in children’s behavior which has been link to hyperactivity. Some doctors recommend eliminating artificial dyes from children who may have ADHD. Questions have also been raised about the relationship between food dyes and cancer, particularly Blue 2 and Red 3. Red 40, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 might be contaminated with cancer causing substances. The best answer is to eat whole foods, not processed. This takes away the risks possible associated with food dyes. Eat food in its natural color and form. Prepare your own. It can be scary knowing what is put in our food to preserve it, but best solution is to shop yourself, cook yourself, and to choose healthy options for your meals land snacks.

Avoiding processed foods is the best solution when it comes to being proactive about our health and nutrition. Whole foods like fruits can be used to add color or appearance to many dishes. The rainbow of fruits and vegetables can be the color as ingredients. If something has to be made to look a certain way, then there is an element of “fake” instead of natural that we should avoid. Natural foods stay true to their color and true to being beneficial to the body.

Potential impacts of synthetic food dyes on activity and attention in children: a review of the human and animal evidence – PMC

DIET AND NUTRITION: The Artificial Food Dye Blues – PMC

Applications of food color and bio-preservatives in the food and its effect on the human health – ScienceDirect

Toxicology of food dyes – PubMed

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Diastasis recti – Abdominal wall split

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 22:23:53 -0500

Pregnancy and postpartum are a challenging time for the female body. Although well-equipped and designed for the task, there can be conditions that occur even when the mother does all the right measures for childbirth. One of the unexpected side effects is called diastasis recti. It is very common, with an estimated one in two women having this happen to them to various levels of severity. The condition involves the rectus abdominis muscles (six-pack ab muscles) separating or being stretched during pregnancy and even after. There can be a bulge form the stomach that can affect self-efficacy and some daily living activities. The unfortunate part is that a woman can still look pregnant even after giving birth.

During pregnancy, a lot of pressure is put on the abdominal wall. The wall two sides and connective tissue. The walls get pushed out to create space for the baby. Diastasis recti happens when the gap is overstretched to create this space and then doesn’t come back together. There’s an ab gap. The third trimester is usually when the baby grows fast so the gap develops during this time.

Because we don’t see the inside of our bodies, most women don’t notice the gap until the postpartum period. A doctor would confirm diastasis recti by feeling the area, then measuring with a caliper or tap to determine if the gap is wider than 2 centimeters. Finger widths can also be used to diagnose. Two to three finger widths would be the gap length to check for. There are also steps to take for self-diagnosis. Laying on the back with feet bent and belly flat and relaxed, a person can do the 2-3 width finger test.

Some women are at higher risk for diastasis recti for a few possible reasons. Being over age 35 having a baby, having back-to-back pregnancies or multiple pregnancies, having a big baby, being petite in stature, and vaginal delivery requires a lot of pressure to the abdominal wall during the pushing out. To avoid the risk of diastasis recti, maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy, don’t strain the abdominals by planks, double leg lifts, boat pose, downward dog, or pushups (on the toes), and roll to one side when getting up and down of the floor or out of bed.

Diastasis recti should heal within about 8 weeks after delivery. However, there can be signs post pregnancy that he*align is not taking place. Symptoms can be a dome or cone near the belly button, softening around the belly button, low back pain, urine leaking, hip pain, pelvic pain, difficulty lifting objects, and pain during sex. There isn’t necessarily a pain in the abs, but there is a discomfort when maybe bending down and picking something up.

Physical therapy and corrective exercise can be performed to help fix diastasis recti. These involve engaging the deep abdominals. Breathing and controlled movements should be performed. Surgery doesn’t have to be the answer. Bringing a child into this world is a woman’s special ability and gift. The risk is worth the reward if you were to ask most women. Diastasis recti is just a side effect that can’t be predicted, but can be corrected. That makes the possibility easier to live with.

Impact of Rectus Diastasis Repair on Abdominal Strength and Function: A Systematic Review – PMC

Diastasis Recti Rehabilitation – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

The relationship of severity in diastasis recti abdominis and pelvic floor dysfunction: a retrospective cohort study – PMC

Evaluation of functional outcomes following rectus diastasis repair—an up-to-date literature review – PMC

The post Diastasis recti – Abdominal wall split appeared first on NaturalNewsBlogs.

Is eating chemicals yummy or bummy?

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 18:45:22 -0500

How hard is it to go to a food store, conventional or alleged “health” and buy clean, pure food? Well, it’s harder than you think.

We know that the supermarkets sell pesticide/herbicide-laden foods that can be washed. They are called vegetables.

We also know that the supermarkets and some “health” food stores sell animal flesh.

If it’s non-organic it contains bovine growth hormones, antibiotics, doo-doo, radiation and a host of other toxins and poisons. If it’s alleged “range-fed” maybe a lot of the crap is not there, but there is one thing that is always there: Raging fear hormones.

Think about it: do you really believe that when any creature is taken out of its element and faced with death that they are all happy and saying, “kill me, kill me, please kill me”?

But that’s a story for another time. Now I want to get into food that is anything but food and perhaps the following will give you some insight into the reality that there are people out there that do not give a s**t about what they sell as long as they can make money.

Imagine them selling and you eating non-descript, flavorless, chemicalized foods, only so they can make money.

Aspartame is often offered as a tabletop sweetener. You can also often find aspartame added to soft drinks, sugar free candies and desserts, frozen desserts or ice creams, iced teas, cocoa mix, chewing gums, breath mints, yogurts, meal replacements and other low calorie or sugarless foods.

Aspartame is designed to be consumed sparingly, so it may be best for you to consume a combination of low-sugar and regular options when making your food choices.

Soft Drinks. Many powdered soft drinks, flavoring syrups for coffee, sweetened iced teas, fruit or vegetable juices or flavored waters will contain aspartame to make them taste sweeter. Common soft drinks that include aspartame include Coca Cola Zero, Pepsi Max, Lilt Zero, Sprite Zero, Tango, 7up Free, Lucozade Sport, Schewppes Slimline drinks, Fanta Zero, Fanta Orange, Dr. Pepper Zero, Oasis Summer Fruits Extra Light, Oasis Fruit Punch Robinsons Orange Squash, Ribena Really light and Robinson’s no sugar added beverages. Options Hot Chocolate mix and Cadburys Highlights also contain aspartame.

Diet Sodas. Most diet sodas will use artificial sweeteners like aspartame in place of high fructose corn syrup or cane sugar that are higher in calories. Aspartame has a similar taste to sugar so those that like to drink sodas and do not like the idea of giving up their sweet drinks can swap for this lower calorie option without feeling like they are going without. Some of the most common diet sodas that use aspartame include Diet Coca Cola products, Diet Pepsi products and Diet Irn Bru.

Gum and Candies. A lot of common brands of candy or gum have aspartame as an ingredient. Candies that are labeled sugar free like chewing gum, hard candy, candy chews or breath mints will use aspartame. Gum that tends to have aspartame includes Wrigley’s Extra, Airwaves and Orbit products.

Yogurt. Yogurts that are sugar or fat free or those that have a drinkable consistency will usually be made with a low-fat milk and aspartame. Those that want to avoid the aspartame content can purchase unsweetened yogurt instead of these options. Yogurts that are known to contain aspartame include Mueller light cherry, blueberry, banana, custard and raspberry, Dannon Activia, Weight Watchers vanilla and toffee and Weight Watchers fromage frias.

Desserts. Most desserts that are advertised as being low-sugar or sugar-free have added aspartame to help maintain the flavor of the product. Ice cream toppings or novelties, cartons of ice cream, frozen ices, sugar free mousse, cookies or pies usually use aspartame. Pudding mixes or gelatin advertised as being sugar-free also usually have aspartame in them.

Condiments. Most condiments that are advertised as being lower in sugar like barbeque sauce, maple syrup, fruit spreads, jelly, jam, chocolate syrup or ketchup will have replaced the sugar with aspartame so they will still taste sweet but are lower in calories. Condiments that contain aspartame include Uncle Bens’s Sweet and Sour Light sauce, Silver Spoon Sweetness light and light granulated sugar and Canderel.

Meal Replacements. Some meal replacement options will replace the sugar with aspartame to help reduce the calories and sugar. A lot of shakes or weight loss bars that are promoted for dieting will have aspartame included to ensure that they meet specific calorie goals. If you are trying to cut down on calories should watch how many of these products they consume because consuming excessive amounts of artificial sweeteners like aspartame can have negative health effects over time.

MSG can be used (and hidden) in processed foods, dietary supplements, cosmetics, personal care products, pharmaceuticals, and the food that is given to pets and other animals.

It can be used in waxes applied to fresh fruits and vegetables.

It can be used as ingredients in pesticides, fungicides, fertilizers, and plant growth enhancers — remaining in the edible portion of the plant or on the edible portion of the plant when its leaves, fruits, nuts, grains, seeds, and other edible parts are brought to market.

There are over 40 food ingredients besides “monosodium glutamate” that contain processed free glutamic acid (MSG). Each, according to the FDA, must be called by its own, unique, “common or usual name.”

“Autolyzed yeast,” “maltodextrin,” “hydrolyzed pea protein”, and “sodium caseinate” are the common or usual names of some ingredients that contain MSG. Unlike the ingredient called “monosodium glutamate,” they give the consumer no clue that there is MSG in the ingredient.

In addition to ingredients that contain MSG, some acids and enzymes when combined with a food that contains protein will produce MSG. The words “enzyme” and “protease” (which is a type of enzyme) signal the presence of enzymes capable of causing the production of MSG.

In particular…

Low fat and no fat milk products often contain milk solids that contain MSG.
Other dairy products often contain carrageenan, guar gum, and/or locust bean gum.
Low fat and no fat versions of ice cream and cheese may not be as obvious as yogurt, milk, cream, cream cheese, cottage cheese, etc., but they are not exceptions.

Protein powders and protein drinks contain glutamic acid, and the glutamic acid in the protein powders and drinks will always be processed (manufactured) free glutamic acid (MSG). Individual amino acids are not always listed on labels of protein powders and drinks.

At present, there is an FDA requirement to give the name of the protein source when listing hydrolyzed protein products on labels of processed foods.

Examples are hydrolyzed soy protein, hydrolyzed wheat protein, hydrolyzed pea protein, hydrolyzed whey protein, hydrolyzed, corn protein.

If a tomato, for example, were whole, it would be identified as a tomato.

Naming an ingredient “tomato protein” indicates that the tomato has been hydrolyzed, at least in part, and that processed free glutamic acid (MSG) is present.

At present, the FDA requires the disclosure of ingredients labeled “monosodium glutamate” and “hydrolyzed…protein” when, as ingredients, they are used in a “flavor” or “flavoring” (whether or not the “flavor” or “flavoring” is preceded by the words “natural” or “artificial”). However, “flavors” and “flavorings” can contain MSG in ingredients other than “monosodium glutamate” and “hydrolyzed…Protein” without the MSG being disclosed.

Disodium guanylate and disodium inosinate are relatively expensive food additives that work synergistically with inexpensive processed free glutamic acid (MSG). We believe that they would only be used if there were MSG in a product.

MSG will be found in some soaps, shampoos, hair conditioners, and cosmetics, where MSG is hidden in ingredients with names that include the words “hydrolyzed,” “amino acids,” and/or “protein.”

Binders and fillers for prescription and non-prescription medications, nutrients, and supplements, may contain MSG.

Enteral feeding materials, and some fluids administered intravenously in hospitals, may contain MSG.

According to the manufacturer, Varivax–Merck chicken pox vaccine (Varicella Virus Live), contains L-monosodium glutamate and hydrolyzed gelatin, both of which contain processed free glutamic acid (MSG).

It would appear that most, if not all, live virus vaccines contain some ingredient(s) that contains MSG.

There are a number of ingredients identified as organic that, organic or not, will contain processed free glutamic acid (MSG). Autolyzed yeast, yeast extract, textured soy protein, and anything hydrolyzed are examples of ingredients that may be made from organic produce, but will never-the-less contain MSG.

Drinks, candy, and chewing gum are potential sources of hidden MSG. They may also contain aspartame, neotame, of AminoSweet (the new name for aspartame).

I mention aspartame, neotame, and AminoSweet here because they, like MSG, contain a neurotoxic amino acid, and can cause the same reactions that MSG causes.

Aspartame will be found in some medications, including children’s medications.

Anything that breaks down the protein in a product can produce MSG as it breaks down the protein. There have been reports of people reacting to meat wrapped in Cryovac, which is a registered trademark for a thick plastic in which meat is sealed with the air removed by a vacuum pump. The word Cryovac is also used for the thermoplastic resin wrapping film, which ca be heat-shrunk onto foods.

Some waxes used on fruits and vegetables contain MSG.

Produce may have been produced using fertilizer or pesticide products that contain MSG. Some of these fertilizers may be organic. It is impossible to know from looking at produce whether or not it has been treated with an MSG-containing fertilizer or pesticide product that leaves residue in or on the produce.

Some non-organic waxes used on some fruits and vegetables contain MSG.

Additional sources of MSG include infant formula, kosher food, enteral feeding products (tube feeding products), dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, protein drinks often recommended for seniors, protein bars and protein powders, vaccines, personal care products, protein powders sold in health food stores, food that is labeled “organic”, wine, food with labels that say “No Added MSG,” “No MSG Added,” or “No MSG” , food that is falsely advertised as containing no MSG, and in food whose manufacturers claim, in response to questions, that their products contain no MSG.

MSG can be hidden by restaurateurs who claim that the food they serve contains no MSG

About “organic” products…

Where MSG is concerned, “organic” doesn’t mean “safe”. Ingredients like organic autolyzed yeast and organic natural flavoring have just as much processed (manufactured) free glutamic acid (MSG) in them as those not called “organic”.

Also listed as organic are fertilizer products that contain hydrolyzed fish protein and hydrolyzed chicken feathers. All hydrolyzed ingredients contain MSG.

About “Health Food” stores…

Health food stores are mine fields for MSG including the ever popular Spike seasoning made by Modern Foods. I backed those guys into such a heavy corner years ago that they ceased their correspondence with me. Also, just about every bouillon and soup broth sold in so-called Health Food” stores contains an MSG euphemism.

Protein powders are generally nothing more or less than hydrolyzed proteins –and will contain all three manufactured neurotoxic amino acids: glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and L-cysteine. Food labeled “organic” cannot legitimately contain monosodium glutamate, but can contain other ingredients that contain MSG.

Dietary supplements will often contain individual amino acids (because they can be absorbed by the body more quickly than amino acids found in protein which have to be digested before they can be absorbed); and if dietary supplements contain individual amino acids, those amino acids may be neurotoxic glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and/or L-cysteine, all manufactured in food and/or chemical plants.

These are the names of some of the MSG-containing ingredients often found in Health Food stores:

amino acids (They almost invariably contain glutamic acid.)
autolyzed yeast
citric acid

glutamate
glutamic acid
hydrolyzed protein
monopotassium glutamate
monosodium glutamate
protein
whey protein concentrate

There are also chelates.

Minerals found individually and in some multi-vitamins, are usually joined to amino acids for better absorption, i.e., the minerals or multi-vitamins are chelated.

The following are names used for chelates that will contain MSG and/or aspartic acid and phenylalanine which are two of the main ingredients in MSG’s toxic cousin aspartame:

amino acid chelate (chelated with amino acids)
potassium (or any other mineral ) citrate
potassium (or any other mineral) aspartate
potassium (or any other mineral) glutamate
chelated with hydrolyzed protein,
chelated with protein
chelated with amino acids

Some supplement manufacturers place asterisks after the names of minerals.

Below the list of ingredients, the asterisk is often followed by a note that explains that the mineral is “chelated with hydrolyzed protein,” “chelated with protein,” or “chelated with amino acids.” Basically it is “chelated” with MSG.

Protein powders are all the rage for body builders and older people. The main ingredient is typically a hydrolyzed protein — and hydrolyzed proteins contain MSG, excitotoxic aspartic acid (found also in aspartame), and excitotoxic L-cysteine (found in some dough conditioners).

There has to be concern for anyone who ingests any form of MSG in his or her diet.

How sad for the athletes who ingest MSG just prior to, just following, or in the course of vigorous exercise, because there is evidence that the adverse effects of MSG, may be intensified by vigorous exercise.

Heart irregularities have been know to be caused by ingestion of MSG and/or aspartame. Heart irregularities can result in cardiac arrest.

About hospitals, nursing homes, and extended care facilities…

The most common sources of MSG in hospitals, nursing homes, and extended care facilities will be:

Soups – even if the institution purchases soups and/or soup bases that claim to be MSG-free

Protein drinks such as Boost and Ensure

Enteral care products – used when tube feeding

Gelatin

Gravies

Salad dressings

Intravenous solutions. Reactions have been reported to saline solution and solutions containing dextrose. Ringers solution appears to be MSG-free.

Anything no fat or low fat

Anything made with a sugar substitute likely contains neurotoxic aspartame, Equal, or AminoSweet.

People with extreme intolerance to MSG have difficulty with pharmaceuticals that contain MSG in the binders and/or fillers.

They may also react to the starch on powdered gloves and/or the contacts that are glued to a patient’s chest for heart monitoring. The contact points that touch the body may contain guar gum, which, after several days’ exposure, may cause adverse reactions.

It’s not only humans that have problems with MSG. The first evidence of MSG toxicity came from animal studies, some of which demonstrated that animals suffered brain lesions and endocrine disorders when fed monosodium glutamate. The possibility that your animal is sensitive to MSG is certainly worth considering.

People who are sensitive to processed free glutamic acid (MSG), or those who simply would choose to avoid ingestion of toxic amino acids, need to know that there are two other neurotoxic amino acids commonly used in food: aspartic acid and L-cysteine.

Aspartic acid is found in the sugar substitutes called “neotame”, “aspartame”, “AminoSweet”, “NutraSweet” and “Equal.” L-cysteine is identified as L-cysteine and is most often found in dough conditioners.

“Safe” levels of Round-Up weed killer glyphosate and GM corn found to cause tumors and multiple organ damage despite the lies of the biotech industries.

New peer-reviewed research published recently shows the results of the first animal feeding trial into the life-time exposure of Roundup tolerant GM corn and Roundup, the world’s best selling weed killer.

The study, published online by the scientific journal, Food and Chemical Toxicology, shows that levels currently considered safe can cause mammary tumors, kidney and liver damage, in laboratory rats.

The study was led by molecular biologist and endocrinologist, Professor Gilles-Eric Seralini of the University of Caen in France and was supported by the independent research organization, CRIIGEN.

The researchers used 200 rats that were fed a diet containing the Roundup tolerant GM maize, NK603, or given water-containing Roundup, at levels permitted in drinking water and GM crops in the US. It showed that these rats developed tumors faster and died earlier than rats fed on a standard diet.

The results are an important consideration in the debate around genetically modified food as this is the first time scientific research has shown a link between GM food crops and negative health outcomes.

The research is also the first to show the impact of consuming the herbicide, Roundup, over a two-year period – the entire lifespan of a rat.

Previous studies into GM and Roundup have stopped at 90 days whereas this research showed that the most serious health impacts only started to show at four months, with the majority of tumors developing from 18 months onwards.

But Bayer-Monsanto, being the salt of the earth that they think they are, had Richard Goodman, a former employee, take on a newly created position at the FCT of being in charge of negating and removing GMO reports that spoke the truth about the adverse health effects of GMOs. And the first and only report removed? Yup, the Seralini report. And yet we are supposed to believe and trust a**holes like this.

GM food crops are a hotly contested issue around the world. Supporters believe they could be the silver bullet for feeding an ever-expanding population while opponents claim GM technology is untested and under-regulated. In the U.S, 70 per cent of all processed food contains GM ingredients without GM labeling and 85 percent of the corn grown in the U.S. is GM.

In the UK and Europe, GM maize is not consumed directly by humans but it is widely included in animal feed.

Hundreds of thousands of tons of GM maize are imported to the UK each year for use in the diets of chickens, pigs and dairy cows. Products from these animals are currently sold in British supermarkets without any requirement for GM labeling.
Michael Antoniou, molecular biologist and gene expert at Kings College, London says, “This is the most thorough research ever published into the health effects of GM food crops and the herbicide Roundup on rats. It shows an extraordinary number of tumors developing earlier and more aggressively – particularly in female animals.

Patrick Holden, the CEO of the Sustainable Food Trust says, “In-line with our core mission of developing a body of informed public opinion about the links between farming practice and health, the SFT was approached by CRIIGEN to play a supportive role in c

Dust – Air quality in your home

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 18:32:39 -0500

Dust is something we see in places and spaces after a certain period. It can go unnoticed and then suddenly stands out needing to be cleaned. Often it is in unreachable spots, so we let it go not wanting to make such an effort to rid of it. Dust is made up of mold, pet danger, dead skin cells, dander, dust mite droppings, and bacteria. There are many other types of particles in it too. Air quality can become compromised so letting dust linger too long isn’t recommended.

There are several reasons dust can pile up. Poor airflow can be a culprit that causes dust. This can lead to dust mites settling and piling up. Plus, dust mites live in upholstery and items like pillowcases and mattresses. Another trouble zone can be curtains, blinds, and shutters. Dogs and cats cause dust and even spread dust around. The fibers in carpets and rugs also get dusty.

Making sure HVAC systems are running properly is a good idea to help prevent dust and ensure better airflow. Encasings can be purchased for upholstery, pillowcases, and mattresses. There are washable curtains, and they can be taken to the dry cleaners. Cleaning blinds and shutters more often is a chore that should take place. Keeping pets bathed and groomed can help with pet dust forming. Ideally, getting rid of carpeting keeps the allergens and dust away. If not, frequent vacuuming can help. Air purifiers and humidifiers can also help. A purifier will help remove dust particles in the air. Lower humidity increases dust. Dry air lets dust move around more.

Other measures that can help dust prevention can include taking your shoes off in the home. Shoes transfer in a lot of dirt and dust. The less area rugs the better. Keeping surfaces wiped down and cleaned is also a good task to do as much as possible. There are many natural products such as white vinegar that can be used to clean surfaces. Cleaning isn’t everyone’s favorite past time, but when we know that it can help keep the air clean that we breathe we might be more motivated.

Dust doesn’t mean dirty. It will happen anywhere and everywhere, but less is more when it comes to dust. We don’t like to smell bad odors, nor should we like to breathe air with dust particles in it. Dust mites in the air aren’t always visible, but if we knew what was there, we might take a wipe to eh counter a little more often. Take a deep breath and get to dusting. Your lungs and overall health will thank you for the efforts.

Indoor dust and associated chemical exposures – ScienceDirect

Effects of Indoor Dust Exposure on Lung Cells: Association of Chemical Composition with Phenotypic and Lipid Changes in a 3D Lung Cancer Cell Model | Environmental Science & Technology

Home Environmental Interventions For House Dust Mite – PMC Home Dust

Allergen Exposure Is Associated with Outcomes among Sensitized Individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease – PMC

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The best-of-the-best is Compassion.

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 03:11:48 -0400

Due to consumer demand for inexpensive meat, eggs, and dairy, suppliers are in constant competition to market their products at the lowest prices possible, no matter how the animals are treated.

The farmed animals that suffer are hidden from view and easy to ignore. But millions of people have discovered the reality of factory farming and have decided that it’s too cruel to support.

Opposing the cruelties of factory farming is not an all-or-nothing proposition. From eating more meat-free meals to going vegetarian or vegan, we can all help create a better world through our everyday choices. What we choose to eat makes a powerful statement about whom we are. Actions speak louder than words and making ethical, compassionate choices affirms our fundamental humanity.

Much as we have awakened to the full economic and social costs of cigarettes, we will find we can no longer ignore the costs of mass-producing cattle, poultry, pigs, sheep, and fish to feed our growing population. These costs include hugely inefficient use of freshwater and land, heavy pollution from livestock feces, rising rates of heart disease and other degenerative illnesses, and spreading destruction of the forests on which much of our planet’s life depends.

With rising temperatures, rising sea levels, melting icecaps and glaciers, shifting ocean currents and weather patterns, climate change is the most serious challenge facing the human race.

It is all very well to say that individuals must wrestle with their consciousness, but only if their consciousness are awake and informed. Industrial society, unfortunately, hides animal suffering. When we picture a farm, visions of “Old MacDonald’s” comes to mind, not the warehouses with 10,000 chickens. When we look, it’s shocking, as our childhood pictures have been transformed into stinking factories.

Visiting a confined animal feeding operation is to enter a world designed according to macabre principals; animals are machines incapable of feeling pain. Since no thinking person can possibly believe this anymore, industrial animal agriculture depends upon a suspension of disbelief on the part of the people who operate it and a willingness to avert your eyes and your innate feeling of compassion. Our own worst nightmare may be such a place. But it is real life for billions of animals unlucky enough to have been born under these impersonal steel roofs, into the brief, pitiless life of a “production unit”.

Virtually all U.S. birds raised for food are factory farmed. Inside densely populated sheds, vast amounts of waste accumulate. The resultant ammonia levels commonly cause painful burns to the birds’ eyes and respiratory tracts. To cut losses from birds pecking each other, farmers remove a third to a half of the beak from egg-laying hens, breeding chickens, and most turkeys and ducks. The birds suffer pain for weeks.

If most urban meat eaters were to visit an industrial broiler house, to see how the birds are raised, and could see the birds being “harvested” and then being “processed” in a poultry processing plant, they would not be impressed and many would swear off eating chicken and maybe all other flesh as well.

For modern animal agriculture, the less the consumer knows about what’s happening before it winds up on their plate, the better. If this is true, is this then an ethical situation? And, should we be reluctant to let people know what really goes on, because we’re not really proud of it and concerned that it might turn them to vegetarianism?

When we talk about flesh that is “free-range”, does anyone realize that the exposure to the outdoors by these creatures may amount to one small exit in an over-crowed shed, as there are no USDA requirements for indoor or outdoor space? So, if the door is open, these animals can be labeled “free-range”.

Packed in battery cages, typically less than half a square foot of floor space per bird, hens can become immobilized and die of asphyxiation or dehydration. Decomposing corpses are routinely found in cages with live birds.

Though each hen is less productive when crowded, the operation as a whole makes more money with a high shocking density: chickens are cheap, cages are expensive.

By the time their egg production declines, the hens’ skeletons are so fragile that many suffer broken bones as they are removed from the cages. Some flocks are gassed on-site and those sent to slaughter often endure long journeys and sustain further injuries.

The American laying hen passes her brief life span piled together with a half-dozen other hens in a wire cage whose floor is the size of a magazine page. Every natural instinct of this animal is cut-off, leading to a range of behavioral “vices” that can include cannibalizing her cage mates and rubbing her body against the wire mesh until it is featherless and bloody. The 5% or so of hens that cannot bear it and simply die are built into the cost of production.

Birds with broken legs and wings, open wounds, and large tumors are shackled and hung on the slaughter line, while some of the birds are left writhing on the floor for hours beforehand. Workers punch, kick, throw, and mutilate live birds; eggs are ripped out of the birds’ bodies and thrown at co-workers, and the heads of the birds are ripped off the birds that were trapped inside the transport cages.

Contrary to popular belief, chickens are not mindless or simple automations, but are complex behaviorally, do quite well in learning, show a rich social organization, and have a diverse repertoire of calls. Anyone who has kept barnyard chickens recognizes their significant differences in personality.

What about the “little piggy that went to market”? Well, these piglets in confinement operations are weaned from their mothers 2 to 3 weeks after birth, compared with 13 weeks in nature, because they gain weight faster on their hormone, antibiotic, fortified feed. This premature weaning leaves the pigs with a lifelong craving to suck and chew, a desire they gratify in confinement by biting the tail of the animal in front of them.

The USDA’s recommended solution to the problem is called “tail docking”. Using a pair of pliers, without any anesthetic, most but not all of the tail is snipped off. Why leave the little stump? Because the whole point of the exercise is not to remove the object of tail-biting so much as to render it more sensitive. Now, a bite on the tail is so painful that even the most demoralized pig will mount a struggle to avoid it.

At this point you might think it can’t get any worse. Think again! Pregnant pigs were confined in two-foot wide stalls, only able to take one step forward or back. Many of these pigs have deep infected sores and scrapes from constantly rubbing against the metal bars.

Workers clip the piglets’ tails with dull pliers; perform castrations, rip out the piglets’ testes with their hands; and tattoo sows by repeatedly driving a spiked mallet into the pigs flesh, again, all without anesthesia.

If the anti-cruelty laws that protect pets were applied to farmed animals, many of the routine U.S. farming practices would be illegal in all 50 states. Are dogs and cats really so different from chickens, turkeys, pigs and cows that one group deserves legal protection from cruelty, while the other deserves virtually no protection at all?

Disregard for farmed animals persists because few people realize the ways in which these creatures are mistreated, and even fewer actually witness the abuse. Once aware, most people are appalled – not because they believe in animal rights, but because they believe that animals feel pain and that morally decent human beings should try to prevent pain whenever possible.

Do we, as humans, having an ability to reason and to communicate abstract ideas verbally and in writing, and to form ethical and moral judgments using the accumulated knowledge of the ages, have the right to take the lives of other sentient beings when we are not forced to do so by hunger or dietary need, but rather do so for the somewhat callous reason that we like the taste of flesh and blood?

Recently in Hawaii, the House Finance Committee unanimously passed a bill that would allow Hawaii to construct, maintain and run the only State owned slaughterhouse in the United States. Despite a dozen protest testimonies and despite over 300 written protest testimonies, ignorance prevailed.

While testimonies were being given, those testimonies were constantly met with the words, “let’s summarize now” or “speed things up” or “there’s a 3 minute limit”. Yet, when the Hawaii Dep’t of Agriculture Head, Russell Kokubun, spoke, the Legislators held on to his every word. All this coming from the guy that is a front man for the special interest groups like Bayer/Monsanto. Mr. Kokubun single handedly killed a previous GMO labeling bill.

This bill was actually the brainchild of the Cattlemen’s Association. But, not wanting to assume any responsibility for the disastrous ramifications regarding environmental destruction or loss to life and limb, which is typical in a slaughterhouse, their paid lobbyist successfully convinced our lolo (nut case) politicians that they should foot the bill of construction – $1.9 million. And once again, Hawaii remains in first place as the per capita champion of the colon-cancer capitol of the world.

What do we do to try to instill compassion in humans? How do we get them to realize what they eat is the result of immense cruelty, torture and pain? Even more important is how do we wean people away from their insatiable addiction to the flesh and blood of rotting animals?

Compassion begins in one’s heart. If the heart is hard, compassion will not be present. If the heart is soft, compassion for all living beings will abound.

Aloha!

Sources:

www.quora.com

www.vox.com

The post The best-of-the-best is Compassion. appeared first on NaturalNewsBlogs.

Canker sores – Painful mouth sores

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 03:08:10 -0400

A canker sore is a mouth ulcer usually on the inside of the cheek or lip. It can be very painful, have a tingling sensation, and have a yellow/white tint that is very red around the area. Although not contagious, they can linger around for weeks to heel. Fortunately, pain usually subsides after at least 10 days. Depending on severity, it can be difficult to eat or drink while the sore is present. The difference between a cold sore and a canker sore is that a cold sore can occur outside of the mouth.

Common reasons canker sores can occur include mineral/vitamin deficiencies, food allergies, and stress, and/or a viral infection. An immune system problem or hormonal changes such at menstruation can also be causes. Having a family history of getting canker sores puts someone at higher risk to get them. Canker sores can range from mild to major and be in a herpetiform. If examined by a doctor, they might perform a drug test for diagnosis or a biopsy.

Canker sores can heal on their own, but if problems persist there are steps to take for treatment. Seeking treatment is important if lymph nodes become swollen, there is a fever, or a general sense of not feeling well for a period. Keeping good oral hygiene is important if a person has a canker sore to prevent any bacterial infection. This includes flossing. There are over-the-counter topical natural ointments to help with treatment. Natural, at home remedies include washing the mouth out with banking soda or hydrogen peroxide. Ice cubes can help subside pain too.

Being aware of triggers that cause canker sores can help with prevention. Avoiding spicy, acidic, and salty foods because they’re common culprits can help keep sores away. Keeping stress away is important for overall mental health which can affect physical health. Being mindful of allergies from foods helps as well. We may not be able to see the inside of the mouth, but when we feel discomfort and pain, even talking becomes uncomfortable. Even tiny sores can get the best of us until they heal and go away.

https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=41&q=canker+sores+academic+journals&cvid=a6d5a6960d8a49668f60091ae7b37d65&gs_lcrp=EgRlZGdlKgYIABBFGDkyBggAEEUYOdIBCDYzNzBqMGoxqAIAsAIA&FORM=ANNTA1&PC=ASTS

Management of oral aphthous ulcer: A review – PMC

Canker sores and cold sores – The Journal of the American Dental Association

The basics of mouth sores – The Journal of the American Dental Association

The post Canker sores – Painful mouth sores appeared first on NaturalNewsBlogs.

Supporting denial and cruelty is a nightmare!

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 21:55:57 -0400

The more forcefully we ignore something, the more power it has over us and the more strongly it influences us. Taking a clear look at the foods produced by modern methods and what we have been conditioned to accept, we find misery, cruelty and exploitation. Therefore, we avoid looking deeply at our food, if of animal origin, and continue to float in that big river in Egypt (da Nile).

This practice of avoidance and denial, applied to eating, carries over automatically into our entire private and public life. We know, deep down, that we cannot look deeply anywhere. If we do, we will have to look deeply into the enormous suffering our food choices directly cause.

So, we learn to stay shallow and to be willingly blind to the connections we see. Otherwise, our remorse and guilt would be too painful to bear. We, therefore choose to ignore and remain ignorant and inattentive to the pain and suffering our eating causes.

Being unwilling and unable to see, confront, and take responsibility for the hidden ocean of horror we condone to those who are sentient and vulnerable as we are, we remain hardened and blind by choice. We choose to be blind when we shop for, prepare, and eat the flesh of other creatures. Becoming insensitive to the pain that we cause daily to defenseless animals, we also become insensitive to the beauty of the creation that we oppress and disconnect ourselves from at every meal.

The desensitizing of millions of children and adults, on the massive scale that consuming millions of tortured animals daily requires, sows countless seeds of human violence, war, poverty and despair. These outcomes are unavoidable, for we can never reap peace, joy and freedom for ourselves while sowing seeds of harming and enslaving others.

We may speak of love, kindness, freedom and a more gentle world, yet it is our actions, especially those that are habitually practiced, that determine what future outcomes we and others will experience. The cycles of violence that have terrorized people, both historically and today, are rooted in the violence of our daily meals. Though animals cannot retaliate like other people can, our violence toward them retaliates against us in the form of heart disease, cancer, arthritis, constipation and more.

By confining and killing animals for food, we have brought violence into our bodies and minds. Our meals require us to eat like predators and thus see ourselves as such. We cultivate and justify predatory behaviors and institutions that are the antithesis of the inclusiveness and kindness that accompany true spiritual growth.

Because cruelty is inescapable in confining, mutilating, and slaughtering animals for food, we have been forced from childhood to be distracted and inattentive perpetrators of cruelty. As infants, we have no idea what “veal”, “turkey”, “egg”, “fish” or “beef” actually are, or where they come from. We don’t know what horror is visited upon helpless creatures in order to create the easily available concoctions being spooned into our little teething mouths and developing consciousnesses.

In time, we accept this indoctrination of denial and cruelty as normal and our meals become rituals of distraction and repressed sensitivity and guilt. The price we pay for this is the dulling of our innate intelligence and compassion.

Aloha!

Sources:

www.routledge.com

www.psychologytoday.com

The post Supporting denial and cruelty is a nightmare! appeared first on NaturalNewsBlogs.

Bone broth – Benefits of animal parts

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 21:53:19 -0400

Bone broth has been given extra attention by health minded people. Bones and connective tissues of animals are simmered with water to make this broth, which doesn’t necessarily sound appealing to drink. The most common animals the broth is made form include chicken, beef, pork, lamb, bison, fish, turkey, and venison. There isn’t an exact recipe or correct way to make bone both, but usually a large pot of water, vinegar, and the animal parts are simmered to taste. Vinegar is the key ingredient because it pulls all the nutrients out of the bones. Salt, pepper, garlic, parsley, and thyme are commonly used ingredients as well.

Why would anyone want to drink the broth of animal parts? Animal bones are filled with vitamins and minerals our body greatly benefits from. These include calcium and magnesium which strengthen our own bones. Animal bones also have zinc, iron, vitamin A and B, as well as collagen. Simmering the bone parts releases all these nutrients so that we can drink and absorb the benefits.

Another purpose of bone both is its ability to improve the digestive system. It can help reduce inflammation in the digestive track. The collagen in bone broth turns into gelatin which has an amino acid called glutamic acid. Once in the body it converts to glutamine which helps the functioning of the intestinal wall. This fights against leaky gut and other gastrointestinal diseases. Collagen also aids with joint health. The other amino acids in bone broth (glycine and arginine) help fight inflammation. Glycine has also been shown to help with sleep. Deeper sleep, less waking up, and falling asleep faster have all been found by those who drink bone broth near dinner/bedtime.

Bone broth is packed with benefits and has very little calories. It can help with weight management because it is high in protein and low in calories. It can be homemade, or store bought. Bone broth dates to pre-historic times when hunter-gatherers used the left-over body parts of the animals they killed for food. Today, the benefits remain and what might seem like the part of the animal you would normally throw away, you could save (or freeze) to make use of for a healthy drink.

Analysis of the Anti-Inflammatory Capacity of Bone Broth in a Murine Model of Ulcerative Colitis – PMC (nih.gov)

Neuroprotective Effect of Enriched Chicken Bone Broth as a Dietary Supplement in a Model of Migraine Mediated by Early Life Stress – PMC (nih.gov)

bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=94598a83fee60726JmltdHM9MTcyNzkxMzYwMCZpZ3VpZD0wMDE2YWQyZi0yOGQxLTZkMmQtMWVhMS1iZjkzMjkyYTZjMDgmaW5zaWQ9NTI3Ng&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=3&fclid=0016ad2f-28d1-6d2d-1ea1-bf93292a6c08&psq=bone+broth+benefits+academic+journals&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuanJuam91cm5hbC5vcmcvYXJ0aWNsZS9TMTA1MS0yMjc2KDE3KTMwMTgxLTQvZnVsbHRleHQ&ntb=1

Bone Broth Unlikely to Provide Reliable Concentrations of Collagen Precursors Compared With Supplemental Sources of Collagen Used in Collagen Research – PubMed (nih.gov)

Enriched Chicken Bone Broth as a Dietary Supplement Reduces Nociception and Sensitization Associated with Prolonged Jaw Opening – PMC (nih.gov)

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How do we fight fear?

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 03:24:08 -0400

Before getting to the solution for fighting fear we have to look at how, where and why fear manifests. One question that arises regarding fear is: which came first the chicken or the egg?

From the time we are born and really have no perception of consciousness we are subjected to fear. It is instilled in us by our parents, by the pharmaceutical industry, the medical profession, the government agencies, the public health officials, Monsanto and the mainstream media.

We are told that our child is at risk for serious disease if he or she is not vaccinated as soon as they come out of the womb. Then we are told to vaccinate our child every year with new vaccines and old ones as well to reinforce what was already given.

No one stops to think that the original vaccine is supposed to let the body build a resistance to a particular disease. Technically, there is no need for another of what was given before. But the fear has already been created and the mindset of the necessity thereof causes one to go along with the process.

No one stops to think that the blood-brain barrier of an infant is still being created and all these vaccines with their various harmful chemicals like mercury, thimerisol, formaldehyde, squalene and other disasters will pass through that non-existent barrier and have a great chance of creating brain damage in the innocent, unsuspecting child.

Why would this be perpetrated upon an infant and subsequently as a toddler, child, adolescent, teenager and adult? Let’s put it this way: what determines the success of a business? Repeat customers!

So, the pharmaceutical industry, made up publically traded companies, needs repeat business to flourish. What better place to start than at infancy?

And so it goes for the medical profession, the hookers of Big Pharma. All the government agencies like the Fraud and Drug Administration, the Centers for Deceit Control and Procrastination, the Federal Treachery Commission, the Environmental Pollution Agency, etc., are made up of former executives of the pharmaceutical industry. And, of course, selling advertising and not wanting to bite the hand that feeds them is the front-runner of the mainstream media.

Why is it that none of the above tells us, as Andreas Moritz said in his book “Vaccine-nation”, that “the fact is that in order to create natural and real immunity to disease, a pathogen must provoke the complete inflammatory and immune response. This is a complex response that resonates throughout the body’s equally complex immune system. When this happens naturally, the body acquires life-long immunity to a particular germ. But for this to happen, the pathogen must pass through natural channels, from outside to inside. For instance, the pathogen must pass from the respiratory system or through the saliva or skin and then to the other organs involved in filtering it out such as the mucus membranes, thymus, liver and spleen. Vaccines do not do this. Instead, they completely bypass the outside-to-inside process by being directly injected, thereby failing to provoke the full immune responses”.

But this instilled fear keeps us coming back for more.

Enter the food companies who sell us MSG and other synthetic chemical laden processes, every imaginable flesh possible, the menstrual cycle of chickens, and anything that brings about a myriad of debilitating diseases.

Yet, the medical community, in their infinite wisdom, tells us that synthetic chemicals are the answer to good health. Why would they do this? I wonder if the fact that their medical school curriculum is funded by the pharmaceutical industry? Then of course the mainstream media, who obtains advertising dollars from the various restaurants that sell these foods, perpetrates the myth of consuming flesh foods. And still we remain in fear of getting cancer, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, constipation, heart attacks, etc.

Years and years ago, when manure was used as fertilizers and vaccines were not rampant and “popular”, hardly anyone came down with these diseases. Then along came the petro-chemical fertilizers to speed up the farming process for the farmers and lo and behold the populous started getting sick and fear really kicked in. People were getting cancer and heart attacks right and left because the petro-chemicals killed the sulfur, the oxygen-promoting mineral in the soil.

Then the ever obscene over-processing of the food supply manifested, which served only to promote shelf life for these health-destroying products (they really cannot be called food).

As these travesties increased and the people got more prone to various illnesses, the doctors had no clue that diseases like cancer, autism, osteoarthritis, depression, asthma, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s represented a lack of oxygen crossing the brain-barrier and going to the affected organs and tissues creating more and more fear, which became obsessive.

The FDA execs made sure to “approve” only those chemicals that benefitted their former employers. Never would they permit anyone to know that the oxygen provided by organic sulfur would, in addition to the above, increase tissue flexibility, blood circulation, reduce muscle inflammation, eliminate free-radicals, increase the growth of hair and nails, eliminate wrinkles, reduce hangover time, eliminate parasites from the intestines, help to alleviate PMS discomfort, improve eye and kidney functions, deliver essential omega-3s, eliminate heavy metals and allow the body to produce vitamin B-12.

Then human nature produced a fear of another kind: the fear of not being able to admit you had been wrong about something. Because of this people and corporations, which are made up of people, perpetuated myths that continued to keep illnesses rampant. Fluoride, aspartame, MSG, high fructose corn syrup, and GMOs are classic examples.

In the material world, regarding possessions, there are three fears: One, that we don’t have something we want; two, when we get it we are fearful of losing it and do all we can to protect it; and three, when we lose it again we fear we might not ever get it back. And so the endless process of acquisition repeats endlessly.

People then feared that traditional religion was leading them the wrong path so the flocked to the new-age gurus that told them that they were God. Not only did they tell them that they were God but they had to “learn” they were God. And if they paid them X amount of dollars that could be accomplished.

In the name of fear and God, again people again got screwed.

So, how do we fight fear? The answer is very simple yet hard to obtain. One must turn to God. But how? Everyone has a different concept and approach.

First of all He is in the heart of every living entity and waiting for you to turn to Him. In many scriptures of the world He says that if you offer plant-based foods and milk products to Him, He will accept them.

This simple act shows Him that by the simple act of eating you are putting Him first and it gets His attention. Since there is killing required in eating, be it plant foods or flesh foods, the killing of the plant or grain is way less violent than slitting the throat of an animal or twisting the head off of a chicken.

So, by offering plant-based foods to Him before eating, He removes the karmic reaction of killing the fruit, plant or grain leaving that food spiritually purified. As far as the milk products are concerned, the offering of milk products benefits the exploited cow.

Furthermore, Psalms has countless verses about the benefits of singing God’s names. And, He has millions – all relating to different aspects of His personality. For example: Allah, The All-Compassionate One; Jehovah, The All-Mighty One; Abba, The Eternal Father; Eloi or Eluhanu, The Eternal Friend, Krishna, The All-Attractive Person; Ajita, The Unconquerable One, and on and on.

So, if I may, allow me to offer a simple meditation technique that you can do by yourself or in a group. Two words are involved: Gauranga, meaning the One with The Golden Effulgence and Haribol, meaning praise God’s Name. Phonetically, they are Gaur-ra–an-ga ha-ree-bole. You can do this by yourself or with others. With music, some good chords are G and C, Am and G, Em and D, or F and C.

If you do not believe me the proof is in the pudding. Start a regimen of offering plant based foods and milk products only. Next, take 5 to 10 minutes a day to do Gauranga Haribol meditation. It can be done softly if you are fearful of those around you or you can do it in your mind.

In time your fears will disappear as you will come to realize that whatever comes your way is His mercy upon you.

This is the way to combat fear. There is no other way.

Namaste!

Sources:

www.serenity.method.com

www.nhsinform.scot

The post How do we fight fear? appeared first on NaturalNewsBlogs.

Gardening – Natural mental & physical benefits

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 03:22:17 -0400

Nature in the outdoors has many benefits to our minds, bodies, and souls. Gardening has become an increasingly popular activity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Being kept from gatherings and finding a way to pass time made the concept of gardening a great option for many. Adults participated regularly, but it also became a popular learning activity for children. The process of planning, planting, and tending to a garden takes time, patience, and skill. From start to finish, seeing, smelling, and eating what has been planted, is rewarding and self-fulfilling.

Gardening is a healthy hobby for several reasons. Being outside boosts levels of vitamin D. Like the seeds being planted, we need sunshine to thrive. We need vitamin D to ward off dementia, depression, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Of course, being weary of skin cancer is an important consideration. Sun protective measures sure be taken when being outside for any extended period of time. When enjoying vitamin D while gardening, mood can boost and anxiety or feelings of being sad/down can lower. The results of a nice garden improve the area. Places that were once neglected Seeing a nice environment can be mood boosting as well. The community has improved as well. Therefore, mental health can improve with gardening.

There can be a social component to gardening. Often groups and schools and families participate in gardening together to share the tasks and spend quality time together. The idea of teamwork is put into play. Positive relationships can develop, and friends can be made sharing a common interest. Expanding one’s social network can be a healthy way to feel belonging and the benefits of interpersonal relationships. Feeling connected to others improves confidence and self-esteem. It can also be empowering knowing that you are doing something good for the environment.

Being in the garden can be calming. Gardening is a way to reduce stress. It can help someone return to a positive state. For older people, it is a good way to keep cognitive function efficient. That act of gardening may not require memory, but the brain is working to get the activity done versus sedentary behavior. For children, they can learn the growing process and learn the importance of eating fresh fruits and vegetables, and even what spices can be used for. They learn that food doesn’t just appear in the store.

Gardening is a simple act that stimulates the mind and body to reap the benefits of nature. In a technology-filled world, getting away from screens and seeing real life and spending time in the real world, is what some people are missing out on more and more lately. Tending to a garden is a commitment of enjoyment and seeing what can become of once tiny seeds you planted in the ground. From flowers to tomatoes to trees, gardening is a great activity for people of all ages.

Gardening is beneficial for health: A meta-analysis – ScienceDirect

Community Gardening: Stress, Well-Being, and Resilience Potentials – PMC (nih.gov)

Gardening for health: a regular dose of gardening – PMC (nih.gov)

The impact of gardening on well-being, mental health, and quality of life: an umbrella review and meta-analysis – PMC (nih.gov)

The post Gardening – Natural mental & physical benefits appeared first on NaturalNewsBlogs.

How do you respond to what's happening in the world? You can practice #compassion for yourself and others.

Sat, 06 Jun 2020 15:33:24 -0400

How do you respond to what's happening in the world? You can practice #compassion for yourself and others. 👉 Click here to learn more about practicing compassion in the face of adversity: bit.ly/2XAG1wQ

Maintaining calm in moments of confusion can help you cultivate peace and harmony - for yourself and for the world

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 20:00:00 -0400

Maintaining calm in moments of confusion can help you cultivate peace and harmony - for yourself and for the world 🌎 - when you need them most. #RT to help spread #peace and equanimity. pic.twitter.com/Om73A5xBZj

Thank you, @LalahDelia. Here's 4 of our favorite ways to energetically #cleanse and mentally #restore in difficult times:

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 20:00:00 -0400

Thank you, @LalahDelia. Here's 4 of our favorite ways to energetically #cleanse and mentally #restore in difficult times: 🙏 Loving-kindness #meditation 💨 Parasympathetic Breathing technique ✍️ Free-write journaling 🍃 Get outside pic.twitter.com/KMNhQtBm1a

Thank you for sharing your reflection. You are appreciated!