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(OrganicJar) If you don’t know what a Neti Pot is then your in for a great surprise, especially if you suffer from allergies or sinus infections. Even if you know what it is, maybe you don’t know how to use it.

I created a quick fun video explaining how to use this ancient device and even invited a friend who’s never heard the word, give it a try for the first time.

What Is A Neti Pot

A Neti pot is a simple all natural way to clean and flush out your nasal cavities. It uses a warm saline solution(salt and water) and gravity to quickly and easily flush out the 4 nasal passages we have.

Neti pots can be made from clay, glass, various metals, plastic, or ceramic. They cost anywhere from $6.00 to $20.00. The neti pot in the video, which I use is by Ancient Secrets (click here to buy on Amazon) it cost $10.

The neti pot used with a saline solution has been shown to be an effective treatment for hay fever, sinusitis, nasal blockage (due to: pollution, pollen, dust) and other nasal conditions.

The nasal passages are considered the doorway for most diseases. They consist of finely-tuned hairs and a mucus membranes, that are intended to catch and restrain foreign entities from entering our bodies. Its how nature protects us from diseases.

Unfortunately, this filtering mechanism can become overloaded through high exposure to pollution, chemicals, fragrances, pollen and dust. Cleansing this ‘filter’ regularly allows it to operate more efficiently.

How To Use A Neti Pot

1. Fill the Neti Pot with warm water.
2. Mix in a heaping 1/4 tsp of finely ground non-iodized salt in roughly 8oz of your warm water. (this equates to 0.9% solution – the same as human blood – and is called an isotonic solution).
3. Tilt your head to the side as shown in the video and place the nose cone of the neti pot into the raised nostril, sealing it to the nostril with a few twists and slight pressure.
4. Open your mouth and breathe gently through your mouth. Relax. If you’re calm, the water flows right through. I like to focus and visualize the water flowing smoothly through my nasal passages. Try not to sniff, swallow, laugh, talk or have any movement of air through the nose while the water is flowing through.
5. Raise the neti pot slowly to create a steady flow of saline solution through the upper nostril and out the lower nostril. During the process you can breathe through your mouth.
6. When you’re done, gently blow out through both nostrils to clear any water or mucus from the nasal passages.
7. Change sides, reverse the tilt of your head and repeat the process on the other side.

You can also use herbal oils and herbal remedies instead of water. If you’ve ever done this, please leave a comment and let us know. Cheers!

Source: wikipedia

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The best strategy is to eat small meals of energy-promoting foods several times throughout the day, rather than infrequently binging on huge meals (you also need to exercise, get enough sleep and control stress, but that’s a whole other article). With that in mind, I compiled a list of the top five energy boosting foods that will give you true, lasting energy to keep you active all day!
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1. Oats

   Oats contain the energizing and stress-lowering B vitamin family, which helps transform carbs into usable energy. Oats are also low on the glycemic index because they have a lot of fiber. That means that your body gets a steady stream of energy, as opposed to a short-term spike, because the carbohydrates gradually flow into your bloodstream.
   The key here is to look for high-fiber oatmeal, like oat bran. For the best nutrition kick, avoid instant oatmeal and stick with more natural varieties, my favorite are steel cut and groats!




2. Lentils

   Beans are a great source of fiber, which translates to a slow release of glucose, as well as B vitamins, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, calcium and copper. Lentils provide both carbohydrates and protein, making them a great addition to any meal. Lentils help reduce your cholesterol and blood pressure, and they’re low in fat and calories to boot.

3. Bananas

   Bananas provide a lot of potassium, an electrolyte that helps maintain normal nerve and muscle function. Unlike some nutrients, the body doesn’t store potassium for long periods of time. This means that your potassium level can drop during times of stress or during strenuous exercise when the nutrient is lost through excessive sweating. The sugar in bananas is an easily digested form of carbohydrate.

   Other fruits such as apples, grapes, peaches and pineapples also make great energizing and refreshing snacks. We all know we need to be eating more fruits in our diet!

4. Water

   Without water, your body cannot generate energy. Water makes it possible for your system to digest, absorb and transport nutrients. It also helps regulate body temperature. When you’re dehydrated, your cells receive nutrients for energy less efficiently, and your body can’t properly expend heat through sweating. Both conditions lead to fatigue. Aim to drink eight to 10 eight-ounce glasses of water a day.

5. Almonds

   These little guys are great if you’re looking to improve your focus and mental clarity. Monounsaturated fats such as almonds provide essential fatty acids, known as omega-3s and omega-6s that produce an alert mental state. NOTICE: You want to consume Raw Almonds, which are actually illegal in all 50 states. I wrote a great article all about it, plus the 2 loop holes that still allow you to purchase them. READ HERE

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6. Chocolate

   Studies show that chocolate can elevate your energy levels by way of certain bioactive compounds such as tyramine and phenylethylamine. Chocolate has also been claimed to improve anemia, awaken the appetite, aid in digestion, and improve longevity. Chocolate contains sugar and caffeine along with fat and calories so consume in moderation. When possible, opt for dark chocolate or raw cacao (love this!) for the highest source of antioxidants.

Working these naturally energizing foods into your daily routine doesn’t have to be difficult. With a little imagination and effort, you can have all the energy you need to stay awake and alert throughout the entire day!

Quick Energy Boosters:

The quickest energy is from carbohydrates. That’s the body’s first preferences for energy. Did you ever hear about carbohydrate loading? That’s what marathon runners do when they run a long race, they carb load. The reason they do that is because your body’s first preference for fuel is from stored carbohydrate, and you store carbohydrate as glycogen in your muscles and your liver.

Sustained Energy Boosters:

A balance of nutrients is really what’s going to give you sustained energy because your body digests protein, fats and carbohydrates differently. In other words, you can eat them all at the same time but they are all going to be processed differently. Carbohydrates start being digested in your mouth, protein starts in your stomach and fat doesn’t start until it reaches your intestines. That’s why foods that are combinations of nutrients give you sustained energy.

Source: webmd.com solveyourproblem.com associatedcontent.com

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A team of French scientists have found the dose of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) that is “just right” for preventing cardiovascular disease in healthy men. In a research report appearing in the September 2009 print issue of The FASEB Journal, the scientists show that a 200 mg dose of DHA per day is enough to affect biochemical markers that reliably predict cardiovascular problems, such as those related to aging, atherosclerosis, and diabetes. This study is the first to identify how much DHA is necessary to promote optimal heart health.

“This study shows that regularly consuming small amounts of DHA is likely to improve the health status of people, especially in regards to cardiovascular function,” said Michel Lagarde, co-author of the study.

The Research Study:

To determine the optimal dose of DHA, Lagarde and colleagues examined the effects of increasing doses of DHA on 12 healthy male volunteers between ages of 53 and 65. These men consumed doses of DHA at 200, 400, 800, and 1600 mg per day for two weeks for each dose amount, with DHA being the only omega-3 fatty acid in their diet. Blood and urine samples were collected before and after each dose and at eight weeks after DHA supplementation stopped. The researchers then examined these samples for biochemical markers indicating the effects of each dose on the volunteers.

“Now that we have a very good idea about how much DHA is just right, the next step is to try it out in an expanded clinical trial that involves many more people,” said Gerald Weissmann, M.D., Editor.

Leave a Comment and Tell Us How You Get Your Omega-3?

Source: eurekalert.org – public release The FASEB Journal

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(OrganicJar) If you have ever tried yoga, then you know that it is an exercise as well as a way of life. Yoga can enhance your body’s physical well-being as well as your mental awareness. One of the most important purchases you’ll make for a yoga practice is your mat. It may seem self explanatory, but choosing the right mat will go far in assisting your body positioning and needs. But before you buy a mat, there are a few things that you need to take into consideration.

• Most cheap mats are made from PVC or other un-environmentally friendly materials. They tend to “sweat” a chemical smell when in use. Avoid these if possible.
• Jute or cork mats are great if you practice only once or twice a week, but any more and they will break down quickly due to their porous attributes. This is my favorite jute yoga mat.
• Most people agree the best mats are made of natural rubber. They can be smelly when first used so unfurl your mat for a day or two to release the smells. They are not recommended if you have latex allergies, though there are natural rubber options available specifically for people with these allergies. These are great, and I use them.
• Yoga mitts also called Yogi Paws. These are mittens and footies that make it so you do not have to use a mat. They’re great for travel, but tend to slip when sweating. Find more information on yoga mitts here.
• If you have injuries, or find you need a lot of support, a pilates mat can be used. It is not as sticky as a yoga mat and your standing poses might be less sturdy, but the cushioning, especially for lying poses, will be greater than any yoga mat.

Once you’ve made your purchase, take good care of your mat. A good mat should last somewhere between one to two years. Regularly clean your mat after use. It’s best to use diluted soapy water. A studio or gym should have a spray you can wipe down. Let dry before you roll your mat up to avoid mold. Roll your mat with the side you use on the outside. This will prevent the corners from curling when in use. A good mat bag is suggested to keep dust, light, and other wear away from your mat when not in use.

Leave a Comment and Tell Us What Yoga Mat You Use?

Source: examiner.com

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According to principal investigator Ramadevi Gourineni, MD, director of the insomnia program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Evanston, Ill., insomnia is believed to be a 24-hour problem of hyperarousal, and elevated measures of arousals are seen throughout the day.

“Results of the study show that teaching deep relaxation techniques during the daytime can help improve sleep at night,” said Gourineni.

The study gathered data from 11 healthy subjects between the ages of 25 and 45 years with chronic primary insomnia. Participants were divided into two intervention groups for two months: Kriya Yoga (a form of meditation that is used to focus internalized attention and has been shown to reduce measures of arousal) and health education. Subjective measures of sleep and depression were collected at baseline and after the two-month period.

Both groups received sleep hygiene education; members of the health education group also received information about health-related topics and how to improve health through exercise, nutrition, weight loss and stress management.

My Thoughts:

I’m a big fan of meditation. It’s been one of the biggest challenges for me to do. I have one of those minds that never turns off, I mean never! I have dozens of journals, pages of ideas…as I’m typing this, my mind is solving several things. But I think that’s what draws me to meditation, its challenging for me.

The technique I use to help turn my ‘mind switch’ to off, is to light a candle and star into the flame. It’s truly a simple technique that has me meditating for hours several times a week.

Would love to know you what you think, or any suggestions, techniques that you use to turn your ‘mind switch’ off.

Source: sciencedaily.com

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I’m sure the Pharmaceutical Cartel will jump all over this to develop a new miracle pill that we all should take. The truth is preventing and curing heart disease is as simple as eating healthy and exercising. The best way to do that is to follow a largely raw, plant-based diet combined with daily exercise and you’ll reverse heart disease. It’s straight cause and effect. A great book to read is ‘Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease’ by Caldwell B. Esselstyn, MD

Source: naturalnews bbc news

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(OrganicJar) TV junk food ads do not make children fat, soft-drink makers and advertisers have told an inquiry, but psychologists say advertising heavily influences what foods children eat. And those aged under eight cannot tell the difference between an ad and a TV program, the Australian Psychological Society said.

The inquiry is considering a proposal to ban TV advertising for food and drink during children’s viewing hours. Under the draft law, the health minister could grant exemptions for healthy food and beverages.

Australian Beverages Council chief executive Tony Gentile said there was no link between obesity and advertising. ”I don’t believe that advertising has any marked effect, or that there is any evidence out there that it has a marked effect on obesity,” he said.

However, the Australian Psychological Society said advertising to children clearly influenced their food choices and the younger the child, the greater the impact. ”The marketing of junk foods to children uses most of the psychological and social techniques that we know to be effective in changing behavior.”

Source: canberratimes

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(OrganicJar) Most people diet to trim there waistlines but others are a members of the US-based Calorie Restriction Society. They diet strictly to enhance longevity and avoid age-related disease. Inspired by animal experiments showing that underfeeding enhances vitality and prolongs life by 30 percent or more, they are slashing kilojoule intake in hopes of halt the ageing process.

A worldwide epidemic of obesity-related diseases has put a spotlight over the last decade on the link between food and health. In rich countries, 90 percent of the population probably eats, on average, about 50 percent too much.

A wealth of scientific evidence has confirmed that maintaining that balance of food intake helps prevent type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Experiments with both animals and humans have also shown that pushing one’s energy intake 10 to 20 per cent below that baseline threshold – without lowering nutrients – may provide additional health advantages.

Consuming less kilojoules does not necessarily mean eating less food. The diet usually consist of large quantities of fruits and vegetables, along with smaller portions of lean meats and fish.
Despite the proven health benefits, the jury is still out on whether counting kilojoules enhances longevity, which some scientists think has a genetically-imposed ceiling.

But one thing is sure – calorie restriction will help you reach your maximum lifespan potential, which is different for all of us depending on our genetic profile.

Source: smh

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(OrganicJar) Every year it is recommended that people get a flu shot to avoid spending time feeling horrendously bad over the winter. Elderly people are especially warned that without a flu shot, their health could be in serious jeopardy. In recent years, this warning has been extended to children, and more recently even teenagers. Yet there is mounting evidence that flu shots do not guarantee a healthy winter, and in fact they cause far more harm than good.

Here are 6 reasons to avoid getting a flu shot.

1. There is absolutely no evidence that flu shots actually work. The flu shot is only able to protect against certain strains of the flu. In 2004, The National Vaccine Information Center reported that the vaccine given that year did not contain the flu strain that caused the majority of flu outbreaks that year.

2. The flu vaccines, as well as all other vaccines contain mercury, which is a seriously health compromising heavy metal. The amount of mercury contained in a multi-dose flu shot is 250 times higher in mercury than what is legally classified as hazardous waste. Side affects of mercury include depression, memory loss, digestive disorder, anxiety, cardiovascular problems, respiratory issues, thyroid to name a few.

3. The flu vaccines contain antibiotics such as neomycin, polymyxin B and gentamicin which are added to eliminate stray bacteria found in the mixture. Evidence shows that antibiotics wipe out beneficial bacteria that is needed for optimum health. Antibiotics ironically lower the immune system and cause Candida overgrowth.

4. Vaccines contain Polysorbate 80. This highly toxic agent can seriously lower the immune system, cause anaphylactic shock which can kill you and research shows it leads to infertility.

5. There is growing evidence that flu shots cause Alzheimer’s disease due to the aluminum and formaldehyde combined with mercury since they are even more toxic together than they are alone.

6. It is also completely unnecessary. Everything that we need to enjoy amazing health is right here on planet earth. Nothing man made is ever, needed in order to ward off illness and live vibrantly.

Ensure you don’t get the Flu by doing or consuming:

- Vitamin D (either from the sun or supplement)

- Exercise (get your body moving)

- Yoga (fabulous way to get fit, relieve stress and boost the immune system)

- Eat immune boosting foods (garlic, vitamin C containing fruits and fresh green such as broccoli, cabbage, cucumber and celery)

- Cut out sugar (sugar suppresses the immune system and causes disease)

- Deal with emotional stress (anger and stress suppress the immune system)

- Meditation (live with abundant health in mind and body)

- Get plenty of sleep (a lack of sleep suppresses the immune system)

Source: homefirst

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