How To Get Rid Of Bloating Fast

What caused our belly so puffy?

If you’ve got the uncomfortably-full feeling and a distended tummy, it can sometimes mean something more serious, but it’s usually caused by three simple things:

• Constipation
• Gas that’s trapped in your digestive system
• Fluid retention

How to treat bloating instantly with over-the-corner solutions?

1. Massage your abdomen.
2. Experiment with products containing Simethicone.
3. Try activated charcoal.
4. Take antiacids.
5. Take lactase enzyme supplements.
6. Apply the breathing technique. 

Watch the video for more detailed explanations!

Video from WaysAndHow

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10 Powerful Foods To Help Lower Blood Sugar Quickly

Blood sugar is a sneaky health issue, but there are many powerful foods that can help you lower blood sugar levels efficiently and quickly. First, in order to understand why high (and low) blood sugar occurs, it’s important to have a basic understanding of what triggers blood sugar highs and lows, and it all starts with insulin. Insulin is the hormone that goes into our blood stream and delivers nutrients to the cells so that our blood sugar stays stable. While insulin is often thought of as a negative hormone, it’s actually valuable and vital to our health. When our body doesn’t produce insulin or use insulin efficiently, we can develop insulin resistance which can lead to Type 2 diabetes. One of the best things we can all do in order to help insulin do its job is to eat regularly and eat a balanced diet that’s filled with healthy foods.

Start With These Tips to Lower Blood Sugar Levels

To help you get started on filling your plate with more blood sugar friendly foods that will help lower your blood sugar, start by removing refined sugar, refined grains, and most processed foods from your diet. Processed foods (and especially fast food) all contain chemicals and refined ingredients that our bodies don’t recognize as real nutrients, so our cells never really get what they need and we feel hungry all the time as a result. This also leads to blood sugar swings and spikes that cause insulin to work less efficiently.

What helps insulin work best so that blood sugar stays in a stable place are foods that pack dense amounts of nutrition and contain amino acids (that form protein in the body), fiber (which is the best source of carbohydrates), and healthy fats from real food.

Let’s check out some foods that can help lower blood sugar levels by offering us these nutritional benefits, shall we?

1. Spinach

Spinach is high in amino acids and actually has 5 grams of protein per cup. Spinach is also a rich source of the minerals calcium, magnesium, and potassium which all lower blood pressure levels, and it is a good source of fiber to help lower blood sugar. Fiber, protein and minerals are three wonderful components that help balance insulin levels and help the body feel more nourished.

Add spinach to your smoothies, salads, entrees, and remember that while kale is fantastic, spinach offers more overall nutrients per cup than any other green!

2. Avocado

Avocados are a superfood for so many reasons, but they’re especially great to lower blood sugar levels. The avocado fruit is a rich source of monounsaturated fats which are the best type of fats for your heart. Avocado is also a good source of fiber, amino acids, B vitamins, minerals such as magnesium and potassium, and it’s a great replacement to foods such as mayo and cheese—especially for those with diabetes or food intolerances.

Chop some avocado into your next smoothie for a creamy texture, add it to a salad, use it in place of mayo or cheese, or feel free to add it to your next omelet. Used in moderation and in place of processed fats, this fruit can be an amazing addition to your diet.

3. Eggs

Eggs have had a bad reputation for years, but the truth is they can be a very valuable part of a balanced diet and are a wonderful source of meatless protein, healthy fats, and vitamins such as vitamin B12 and vitamin D. The key is to consume them in moderation (no more than a couple a day), and to buy the highest quality eggs possible such as pastured, organic and non-GMO eggs. Eggs work to lower blood sugar levels very well because they are generally very easy to digest so that nutrients reach the cells quickly and help lower blood sugar levels as a result.

Keep some hard-boiled eggs in your fridge and have one when your blood sugar feels too high or stops to drop. You can also include eggs at breakfast, lunch, or dinner for lower blood sugar levels throughout the day. Egg whites can also be paired with one or two whole eggs for more protein without overdoing the fat from whole eggs.

4. Broccoli

Broccoli is packed with benefits that lower blood sugar levels. First, it’s a great source of fiber that slows down the release of sugar from foods into our cells. Even if we’re not eating sugar directly, everything we consume is eventually turned into glucose that our bodies use to energize us. However, it’s best to eat foods that turn into glucose slowly so that we get a steady release all the time and not intense swings that we get from eating sweets or junk food. Fiber is a key to maintaining healthy blood sugar levels all the time as well as digestion and assimilation of nutrients.

No need to nosh on broccoli raw or eat like a rabbit; have broccoli whatever way you enjoy whether that be roasted, steamed with spices and your favorite source of protein, use it in a stir-fry with lean protein, broth and some other veggies, or sauté it to have with your regular dinner. It can also be added to salads and is one of the most affordable and nutritious vegetables available all year round.

5. Plain, Non-fat Greek Yogurt

Plain, non-fat Greek yogurt is an excellent source of protein, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Of course, if you are dairy intolerant or vegan, Greek yogurt isn’t for you, but if you’re incorporating dairy into your diet, high-quality sources can serve as an excellent source of protein in place of fatty cuts of meat or processed sources. Greek yogurt’s nutrients lower blood sugar levels as well as satiate appetite very quickly. Purchase from non-GMO and organic sources whenever possible for the best quality, and avoid yogurt products with added hormones or antibiotics as well as any that have added sugars or artificial ingredients.

You can use Greek yogurt in place of milk in a smoothie, in place of sour cream for less fat in dips and dressings, or use it as a base for sandwiches instead of mayo. It can also make a wonderful dessert with berries and can be frozen for an hour to serve as a more ice-cream like treat at night. If the taste is too sour for your liking, feel free to add some stevia to sweeten it up without any added sugar.

6. Almonds

Almonds offer more protein than other types of nuts as well as more fiber and overall nutrition. This makes them an excellent choice for lowering blood sugar levels and even blood pressure levels too. Almonds include 7 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber, and only 1 gram of naturally occurring sugar per ounce. They are also packed with magnesium and potassium that help lower blood sugar and blood pressure levels. Almonds even offer a little calcium, iron and zinc too!

One ounce of almonds is equal to about 22 nuts and makes the perfect serving size as a snack throughout the day. You can also add slivered almonds to meals like salads, stir-fries and even oatmeal if you wish. Or, pair it with some of that Greek yogurt mentioned above for a filling snack or light breakfast.

7. Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are tiny in size, but they offer big benefits that you won’t want to miss out on! Chia is a great source of amino acids that provides protein, fiber which lowers blood sugar levels, and nutrients such as magnesium, calcium and iron. Chia seeds are also rich in omega-3 fats that our hearts and metabolisms need to stay healthy. These same fats also fuel our brains and help us feel more balanced throughout the day.

Another benefit of chia is that it’s so easy to incorporate into your meals because it is tasteless, yet it helps thicken up anything it’s added to once it sets for a bit. Because of its gel-like consistency, chia is fun to add to oatmeal and smoothies, or you can even include it in your salad dressings and soups.

8. Wheatgrass

 Steven Depolo/Flickr

Though it doesn’t sound very appealing, wheatgrass is actually a bit sweet and one of the most power-packed foods you can eat for better blood sugar levels as well as detoxification and digestion. Wheatgrass is also gluten-free because it comes from a grass and not the actual grain that wheat is made from. It is a rich source of amino acids, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and chlorophyll, the pigment that makes it so beautifully green in color. Chlorophyll is one of the most overlooked nutrients for lowering blood sugar levels quickly and is found in densely green foods.

Wheatgrass can be consumed as a shot, used in the form of wheatgrass juice powder, or can be bought whole at any health food store and juiced or used in smoothies. I find that a greens powder made with raw and organic wheatgrass juice is the easiest and tastiest way to use it, but many people enjoy using the whole wheatgrass in their daily routines. Whatever way you choose to use wheatgrass, don’t give up on it the first time you try it. It can be an amazing food to lower your blood sugar levels as well as improve your overall diet, hair, and even skin appearance too.

9. Wild Fish

Wild fish is packed with health benefits including lean protein, iron, healthy fats, and B vitamins along with minerals like magnesium and potassium. Fish is a great food to lower blood sugar levels because of its overall nutrition, but remember to purchase lean options like wild salmon, tilapia, halibut, tuna, and avoid those that are fried or coated in breadcrumbs or high amounts of oil. It’s also very important to choose wild fish over farmed to avoid toxic pollutants, mercury, and pesticides.

Fish can be consumed for lunch or dinner, and if you’re into savory breakfast, it even makes a great part of omelets or served over greens. Or bake it, chill it, and use it to make salmon or tuna salad!

10. Lentils

Jason Jacobs/Flickr

Lentils are packed with lean protein, iron, potassium, and fiber which makes them an overall incredible food to lower blood sugar levels. Lentils are also a good source of antioxidants, are very affordable, and offer a creamy and nutty texture that makes them delicious. One of the biggest benefits of these legumes is that they don’t have to be soaked or cooked a long time like beans and some other dried legumes do. Lentils can be cooked in only 20 minutes without any soaking, and red split lentils cook in about 15 minutes. The red ones tend to be sweeter while the other colors are more nutty, so choose whichever variety you enjoy.

Lentils can be used in soups, stews, added to salads and make a fantastic replacement to meat for a vegetarian/vegan option. If you’re not into beans or don’t like them, give lentils a try. They are a phenomenal food to lower blood sugar levels because they take a long time to digest but pack big amounts of nutrition.

Final Tips to Lower Blood Sugar Levels

While diet is important to manage blood sugar levels, so is overall lifestyle. Adequate sleep, enough water intake, and getting movement each day are all important factors that can promote lower blood sugar levels around the clock. Some people find that eating several times a day works better for them while others find they do best with three larger meals throughout the day. Test out both to see which works for you, and listen to your body. Prioritize eating real foods with a balanced intake of protein, fiber, and healthy fats throughout the day for overall healthier blood sugar levels as much as possible.

Other foods worth mentioning for lower blood sugar levels are coconut butter, dark chocolate, cinnamon, apple cider vinegar, other nuts and seeds, most all vegetables, greens, fiber-rich fruits like berries and apples, and even black coffee. Remember, there’s no need to deprive yourself when taking care of your body but choosing high-quality, real foods is key.

For more information, check out these tips so you can be on your way to better blood sugar levels in no time!

Featured photo credit: AnastasiaKopa via shutterstock.com

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How To Get Over Someone You Deeply Love

When a relationship ends, it can be immensely heartbreaking. We all cope with breakups in our own individual way with some people seemingly getting over someone quickly while others take a lot longer. If you feel you’re one of those people who take ages to recover from a breakup then you are definitely not alone. We are always told that after the initial shock and sadness that it’s plain sailing from there on in. But is this really the case? Getting out there again can seem extremely daunting or not even close to being on our radar and this is okay. It’s okay to feel sad and numb for a while, after all, it is a grieving process and it needs to be seen through to the end before we can start to heal ourselves.

Whatever stage you’re at, whether you’re at the beginning or perhaps it’s been months or years and you still find yourself mourning over the relationship, it’s all normal. As much as they feel rubbish, your negative feelings and emotions are leading you on to the road to recovery so don’t feel bad for still feeling them – it just means you’re still healing and that’s a good thing. There are many actions you can take that will help you move in a positive direction; allowing yourself to heal while shifting your mindset to one of recovery and peace.

Remember There’s No Time Limit

The first thing that’s important to remember is that there really isn’t a time limit to how long it’ll take to get over someone you love. You have probably heard the phrase ‘time’s a healer’ and it is – but this also makes us feel pressured to get over something quicker than we can. We feel ashamed if it’s been months or even years and we still don’t feel we’ve moved on. Always remember that it’s okay. Don’t beat yourself up about taking your time to heal as there really is no time limit.

Let Yourself Feel Your Emotions

Negative emotions are often demonised and we are made to feel as though feeling sad, angry and hurt is not good for us. We absolutely need to go through the grieving process and that brings denial, anger, blame, depression, desperation, false hope and many more in between. Often these emotions go around in circles so it can feel as though you’re getting over it but then some come back to whack you straight in the face again. It may feel like the hurt is endless but remember to go with it – accept the feelings for what they are; a means to an end.

Remove Your Ex From Social Media and Your Phone

In this day and age, we are bombarded by other people’s lives. Seeing what your ex is up to is ridiculously easy to do but the problem with this is that you’re not giving yourself space to heal. If you’re finding it hard to let go of someone then you need to consider removing them from all social media including your phone. This may feel like the last thing you want to do but sometimes the best things to do aren’t always the most comfortable. Remember that you are doing this for yourself and no one else. Seeing what they are up to all the time is only opening the emotional wound over and over again and that wound will never have its chance to heal. After the initial sadness of deletion you will feel very empowered and this empowerment will be good for your soul.

Remember To Love Yourself

When we go through a heartbreaking separation, it’s very easy to blame ourselves and believe that we just weren’t good enough for them or the relationship. Even the most confident people can get an attack of unworthiness issues so don’t beat yourself up. However, it’s crucial to remember that your worth is not tied to them – you are your own person. As much as you may think it, your identity is not, and was not, tied to the relationship you had. Remembering to love yourself is probably the most important thing you can do after a breakup.

Write Down How You Feel

There’s a wonderful power in writing things down. Journaling your feelings may seem straight out of a 90s TV show but it has great healing qualities. Write down how you feel, read it back to yourself, throw it away or box it up. Seeing your feelings down on paper can help your mind gain perspective and see things from another point of view. Another great thing to do is to write down a list of all the parts of the past relationship that annoyed or irritated you. A lot of the time we romanticise about the past and remember it better than it was. Writing down the negatives will serve as a reminder and will help when you have moments of relapse.

Turn Your Energy Into Something Positive

Although sitting around eating all the chocolate and binge-watching TV shows is a great thing to do initially, there needs to come a time when being proactive is a must to get our lives going again. If you’re still not up for seeing people or socialising then start an exercise routine. Go running, walking or cycling – anything that will get those endorphins going. Exercise is an excellent catalyst to recovery – it will clear and calm your mind and reduce any stress. Being around people also really helps speed up recovery. Immersing yourself around people who love you serves as a gentle reminder that love doesn’t just exist in romantic relationships – friends and family can help you get out of that funk all the more quickly.

Don’t Hold On To Anger And Blame

Although embracing our negative emotions are good, holding on to anger and blame for too long can have a detrimental effect on ourselves and others. When we spend too much time in a space of blaming the other person for the way we feel, we are taking away our power and essentially giving it to them. It acts as a hinderance to our recovery and makes the process that much longer. Remember that no one is really to blame no matter what happened to end the relationship – bitterness can eat away at you and it’s important to recognise when this is taking over your thoughts and feelings.

Don’t Torture Yourself

It’s very easy to fall into the trap of over-analysing why the relationship ended and wondering if there was something you could have done differently. These thoughts really serve us no purpose other than to torture ourselves. It’s common to fantasise about how you could have done better or regretting something you said or did that you feel could have contributed to the end of the relationship but the reality is that there really is nothing you could have done. Your mind can go into over-drive sometimes but you need to do all you can to calm it down – whether it’s using yoga or meditation techniques or trying to focus on something else entirely.

Remember There Isn’t Just One Person Out There For You

We live on a planet with billions of people. It can feel like that person was the only one for you but we all know that isn’t the case. You probably believe that no one else will make you laugh like that again, or have so much in common with you and yes, that may be true. But everyone is unique in their own way and there will be someone (or many more people) who will connect and bond with you in so many awesome ways. There was a reason that the relationship didn’t work out and it’s simply because you weren’t meant to be together but that doesn’t have to be a sad thought. You grew as a person and that will only serve you well for the next amazing person to enter your life. It might not be soon but it will happen – just have faith it will all work out.

You Will See The Light At The End Of The Tunnel

Fundamentally, you will feel like you are in some kind of darkness for a while. It can be a scary and daunting place especially if you haven’t experienced a serious breakup before. But as much as you probably can’t imagine it or think about it, there will come a day when you’ll come out the other side. It will feel wonderful and natural, you’ll feel whole again, you’ll be able to laugh and smile without thinking of them and most importantly, you will be a stronger and better person because of it. You may feel alone but millions of people have been through the exact same process in their own unique way and have seen the light at the end of the tunnel. Use this as a reminder and a testament to the fact that you will also get through this too.

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12 Homemade Treatments To Get Rid Of Dandruff Quickly

Dandruff can be a very embarrassing condition to have because it is so noticeable to others, but many people have had or will have dandruff at some point in their life. People who have dandruff are always looking for ways to eliminate those white flakes for good, but since there are so many different dandruff treatments out there, it can be difficult to choose the best one for you. While some treatments are permanent, others turn out to be temporary. When eliminating dandruff, most people understandably want to find a permanent solution; one that will keep flakes at bay forever.

Depending on the cause of your dandruff, this can be done, but you may have to make a small change in your hair and skin care habits to keep the dandruff away. Dandruff can be caused by hair product sensitivity, skin conditions, and not shampooing enough, but the most common cause is dry skin. Here are 12 treatments you can do or make at home that have been proven to get rid of dandruff:

1. Change Your Hair Product

via Pinterest

Sometimes dandruff can be eliminated simply by changing the styling products you use or applying less product than you normally do. If you prefer to let an extra day go by before you wash your hair, try styling your hair on the second day with homemade cocnut oil hairspray. The coconut oil will provide the moisture your scalp needs and will be less likely to flake in your hair.

1. Melt 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and pour into an empty, clean spray bottle.
2. Add 1 cup of filtered water and 3 drops of lavender essential oil (it will make your hair smell clean).
3. Shake before spraying on dry, damp or wet hair.

2. Coconut Oil Will Get Rid of Dandruff

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Since a dry scalp is the most common cause of dandruff, it’s no surprise that coconut oil is an effective treatment for dandruff. To eliminate your unwanted white flakes, you will need to repeat this treatment about once or twice per week. Your hair will receive a few other benefits from the coconut oil as well.

1. Wash your hair, but do not apply any conditioner and dry your hair completely.
2. Apply as much cocunut oil as you need to cover your scalp.
3. Try not to rub the oil on the rest of your hair, unless you want to use it as a hair treatment at the same time.
4. Wash the oil out and style as usual.

3. Eggs are a Surprising Dandruff Eliminator

via Pinterest

Hair masks are not typically made of eggs, but this one will help to eliminate dandruff. The vitamin A found in egg yolks work with your hair to produce more sebum, which will help to prevent dandruff. Only attempt this treatment if you are not too sensitive to odors, as egg yolks can create a bad smell.

1. Separate 1 or 2 egg yolks and whip
2. Apply only to scalp area – try to avoid the rest of your hair
3. Cover your head with a plastic bag, being careful not to let the egg drip out
4. After 1 hour, shampoo the egg out of your hair

4. Apple Cider Vinegar Can Aid in Getting Rid of Dandruff

ACV is a well-known natural treatment for many ailments and is becoming more known as a hair conditioner. This is exactly how it should be used for those who want to get rid of dandruff.

1. Mix one part ACV and one part water in a measuring cup
2. Shampoo your hair and rinse
3. Caefully pour the ACV/water mixture over your scalp and hair
4. Massage it into your scalp
5. Rinse and style as usual – after your hair is dry it will not smell like vinegar

5. Honey

via Pinterest

Raw honey has been proven to have a host of benefits for the body and skin. It is full of vitamins and minerals and can help to keep sickness at bay. It is also a great home remedy for dandruff.

1. Make a paste with 90% raw honey, 10% warm water
2. Massage into scalp for 5 to 10 minutes, trying to avoid the rest of your hair
3. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes
4. Rinse off with warm water or wash as usual
5. Repeat twice a week until dandruff is gone

6. Olive Oil

Olive oil is one of the easiest ways to treat dandruff. This oil has well-known health benefits for your body, skin and hair, so you can apply it to just your scalp, or all over your hair for added benefits.

1. Before washing, apply olive oil to your scalp while hair is dry
2. Wait 10 minutes, and wash it out
3. Style as usual

7. Vodka

via Pinterest

Vodka is a very effective dandruff treatment and can also be used as a hair rinse or face wash. This alcohol has a low ph level and is safe to use on your hair and skin, but not recommended for everyday use unless it is diluted and mixed with other products.

1. Pour a half cup of vodka into a bowl along with 2 teaspoons of crushed Rosemary leaves
2. Let the mixture sit for 2 days
3. Strain into another container
4. Massage the liquid into scalp for 10 minutes and let sit for an hour
5. Wash your hair as usual

8. Tea Tree Oil

via Pinterest

Tea tree oil has been found to be a very effective treatment for dandruff, both on its own and in addition to other remedies. There are 2 ways you can use tea tree oil to get rid of dandruff.

1. Add a few drops to your shampoo and wash your hair as usual OR
2. Add a few drops of the oil to a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba oil and apply directly to your scalp for 5 minutes before washing it out

9. Lemon

Drinking lemon juice helps to restore your body’s natural ph levels to normal, and it does the same for your scalp which makes lemon juice an effective treatmentfor dandruff. Your hair and scalp also have an optimum ph level and it is important to keep it balanced.

1. Juice a half to 1 lemon and apply the juice to your scalp and hair
2. Let it sit about 25 minutes – your scalp may itch during this time, but this is a normal reaction to the treatment
3. Wash your hair as usual

10. Turmeric

This spice has so many benefits for the inside of the body and some surprising ones for the outside as well. Turmeric is just as effective in getting rid of dandruff as it is for other ailments it cures.

1. Mix together 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and either 2 tablespoons of coconut oil or olive oil
2. Massage the paste into your scalp, trying to avoid the rest of your hair
3. Let it sit for at least 1 hour, up to 3 if you can
4. Wash your hair as usual

11. Bananas are a Surprising Way to Get Rid of Dandruff

Banana treatment is not recommended for those who struggle with a more severe dandruff problem. If you are just starting to notice dandruff, a banana paste can help to eliminate it at this stage.

1. Peel one banana and mix it with either 2 cups of vinegar or 2 tablespoons of honey
2. Mix together until it forms a paste
3. Massage into your scalp, covering all of your hair for about 10 minutes
4. Let it sit for 15 minutes
5. Rinse or wash it out and repeat once a day for at least 1 week

12. Drink More Water

via Pinterest

This is definitely not a short-term solution, but if you have dandruff because of dry skin, the best thing you can do to eliminate dandruff in the long run is to make sure your body is properly hydrated. The inside of your body is not the only part of you that will benefit from drinking the right amount of water; your skin, scalp and hair will thank you as well. If drinking water is hard for you, try adding a little lemon juice for a fresh taste. Find a water bottle with a straw, because sipping through a straw will help to hydrate you better than drinking a glass of water all at once. You should aim for at least 2 litres of water per day.

Featured photo credit: Nevada31 via shutterstock.com

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