Depression Treatment Without Medication
Fighting the effects of depressive disorder is hard enough, and being disappointed in the lack of treatment response can result in a deep sense of despair. Pile on top of these various side effects from the drugs and antidepressant, treatment can become unbearable. Some of the side effects include:
- Nausea and diarrhea
- Increased appetite and weight gain
- Insomnia
- Dry mouth
- Anxiety
- Constipation
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Fatigue and drowsiness
- Sexual dysfunction and loss of libido
- Irritability
The latest studies have also debunked the claims of pharmaceutical companies’ efficacy of antidepressants in treating depression. That’s why you can try some alternative options in depression treatment, such as:
- Brain stimulation therapy can play a role in treating depression. Deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) is an effective and safe method for fighting depression symptoms that uses the ability of magnets to activate nerve cells in the brain.
- Some foods can boost levels of serotonin, a mood-enhancing brain chemical. Such foods are fish (high in omega-3 and proteins), nuts and seed products.
- Physical exercise and daily workout have a powerful impact on mood by the release of certain brain hormones called endorphins.
- Mind-body activities can promote overall centeredness and relaxation, which can positively impact mood. Some of them are mindfulness exercises, yoga, prayer or meditation, guided imagery, journaling and massage therapy.
- Exposure to sunlight increases vitamin D levels, which boost mood. You can try a therapeutic light box can help in areas that have little sunlight.
- Get help when you need it. Reaching out for support from family, friends and professionals is part of self-help because discussing makes you feel better.
- Avoid alcohol, which is a depressant and coffee, which reduces serotonin levels.
And remember, even if you’re doing all of the above, nothing will boost your mood like having a sense of purpose. Find your passion in life and follow it!
Eat to Lose Weight
1 food calorie equals 1 kilo-calorie, but not all calories are created equal. That’s why different types of calories affect our body differently. Calories can have vastly various effects on hormones and hunger. The things that matter when getting in shape are the food you choose and the workout you do for weight loss. The golden rule is to eat less than you burn.
Here are the 5 most weight loss-friendly foods, that will boost your metabolism and help you shed pounds.
1. Eggs
Eggs are a killer weight loss food and a nutritional powerhouse.
Researches prove that whole eggs help protect heart health in those at increased risk of disease. The egg-based breakfasts promote feelings of fullness for several hours in overweight people by reducing hunger. Studies also show that those who ate 3 eggs for breakfast consumed 400 fewer calories per day and had a 16% greater reduction in body fat, compared to those who ate a bagel breakfast.
Eating eggs increases metabolic rate by about 20–35% for several hours after consuming. Including eggs in your diet will help you burn fat.
2. Fish
Fishes like trout, salmon, tuna, cod and haddock are rich in essential nutrients and omega-3 fatty acids which are perfect for the heart and brain. Moreover, researches prove that the oily fish is the best for weight loss. You can replace your usual serving of pork, beef or poultry with fish. It will make you feel fuller and can help you decrease the number of calories you consume in your diet by reducing hunger and cravings.
Be careful, because due to pollution of the oceans, some fish may contain contaminants.
3. Honey
While you don’t ordinarily consider sweeteners as diet foods, honey is an exception. It has been well-studied for its health advantages – its antioxidants and antimicrobial properties prevent genetic mutations and protect the cells from damage. Honey also might help with weight loss, but is still high in calories, so you should eat it in moderation.
4. Nuts
Nuts are rich in healthy fats, high in protein and low in simple carbohydrates. They stimulate your body to burn excess fat, because nuts make an incredibly versatile addition to your diet.
Keep calories in mind when eating nuts for weight loss, because they are an incredibly energy dense food. Researchers found that consuming nuts is associated with better diet compliance and helps reducing the risks of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
5. Yogurt
It is a low-fat food packed with calcium as well as protein. With the yogurt’s trifecta of fat, carbs, protein it can make you full and ward off hunger by keeping blood sugar levels steady. Go for 2% with whole milk, instead of choosing the non-fat kind to wind up hungriness. Yogurt has no added fat and provides all the advantages of dairy. Because of the way it is made, yogurt contains more calcium and protein per serving than other dairy product.
Eat yogurt every day for consistent weight loss.
Whether you want to get healthier or lose weight, these 5 superfoods will help you get there.
Express Detox: 3-Day Body Cleanse
Only three days of detoxing can do wonders for your health – decrease swelling, help organs to work better and give a much-needed energy boost. Тhe cleanse is designed to free the body of waste by cleaning skin pores, eliminate accumulated waste in the intestines and clean the kidneys, lungs and liver of excess toxins.
The cleanse is the first phase in a full-body detoxification process. The process offers a couple of simple and important to perform steps. After a detoxification, most people feel better and lose weight.
Cleverhealthtips.com recommends three-day body cleanse for the ultimate detox and advises you to:
Drink More Water!
Part of the goal is to poop, pee and sweat toxins out of your body. So drinking 8 to 12 glasses of decaffeinated tea or water a day is essential. You can add the juice of ½ a lemon in the water. Lemon helps re-hydrate the system and promotes digestion. Thus, it will help the flow of waste out of your body. The cleanse is best done in the privacy, at home, where you can have access to the bathroom.
Don’t Eat Solid Foods!
For three days don’t eat any solid foods. After all, you don’t want to eat anything that contains the toxins you’re trying to get rid of. You can consume some raw fruits and vegetables such as apples or carrots, if you get really hungry. You can also drink an additional glass of prune juice to help alleviate any discomfort. The detox works best if you take 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil 3 times each day. After the 3-day body cleanse, add crude vegetables and natural products to your diet.
Exercise!
The movement encourages circulation in the blood and lymph system. Move your body to reduce tension, enhance digestion and lubricate joints. People exercising regularly have fewer total toxins in their systems.
So, exercise is an important part of any detox program. Moving the body creates the conditions for the organism to breathe, circulate, stretch and sweat. By increasing your breathing rate, your body can more effectively flush out unwanted fats, toxins and waste.
Finally, don’t worry over what you can and can’t eat, it is just as terrible for you as having that additional glass of wine or bunch of chips! Do what you can and achieve it slowly and carefully.
Ah, Honey, Honey, You Are My… Superfood
Since ancient times, honey has been used as both a nourishment and a medication. Everybody knows that honey is a thick, sweet liquid made by honey bees. To produce honey, the bees collect the sugar-rich nectar of flowers and repeatedly digest, consume and regurgitate the nectar inside the beehive. The end product is honey. Its colour, smell and taste varies depending on the types of flowers the bees visit.
What Does Honey Contain?
Depending on the type, natural honey contains approximately: 75–80% saccharine (grape – glucose, fruit – fructose and sucrose), 15–20% water as well as mineral matter, vitamins, albumen ferments, alkaloids, organic and non-organic acids, fragrance and colour.
Usually 1 tablespoon of honey (~20 grams) contains 64 calories and 17 grams of sugar. It contains no fat, fiber or protein. That’s why honey is considered a superfood.
Why I Should Consume Honey Every Day?
Many studies prove that honey prevented a type of streptococcus pyogenes from inhibiting the healing of wounds. They found that even the smallest amount of honey is enough to kill off the majority of bacterial cells of the skin which infects the wound site. The superfood could even be utilized to prevent wounds in the first place. Honey can even painlessly remove scabs, dead tissue and pus from wounds and stimulates new tissue growth.
Other studies show that honey could be a potential answer to drug resistant bacteria like MRSA. Also, it could even be more effective than antibiotics in many cases and fight serious skin infections.
Can I Use Honey for Weight Loss?
Honey can also be very useful for weight loss. It has the ability to mobilize the stored fat and provide energy for your daily activities. This superfood balances your weight and resolves the problems of obesity. Honey also increases the levels of “good” cholesterol in the body and reduces cardiovascular strain. Thus, you can lead a healthier and more active life.
Enjoy honey every day and take advantage of its benefits for your health.
Many Different Types of Water, Many Reasons to Choose Wisely
Many people underestimate drinking water, but keeping the body hydrated has an important impact on overall health. Still, regardless of how vital water is, a critical number of people neglect to consume recommended levels of liquids every day. On the other hand, less people know the difference between the various types of water. And everyone can get confused easily about which types of water are really good for their health.
Here is information about 4 common types of water people are drinking these days.
1. Tap water
It’s easy to find, convenient and it comes right out of your kitchen faucet. The quality of the water can vary based on whether it comes from a large public water system that is regulated, or a small community system/small private well in your backyard—which are not regulated. If your water system isn’t regulated, you should make sure your water is safe for drinking. Tap water can include a host of pollutants that increase your risk of serious health problems.
Using water filters for your faucet water can be a perfect way to get rid of contaminants and access to clean water.
2. Spring water
Spring water has been filtered by the earth, which works better than any invented means of purifying water. So try to make spring water most of the water you drink. Another benefit is that it contains a wide assortment of minerals that the human body urgently needs. Drink spring water from remote places on earth – it will be purer.
Keep in mind that bottled spring water may be just as polluted as some sources of tap water, if not more, with the additional toxins that leach from plastic bottles.
3. Distilled water
Distilled water has gone through a rigorous filtration procedure to strip it of contaminants, as well as any natural minerals. When water is distilled, by boiling it and condensing it, all solid matter is left, with the exception of the chemicals that were in the water.
While it’s obviously good to eliminate the contaminants in your diet, there are potential health concerns that come from removing the minerals from water. Distilled water can negatively influence water and mineral metabolism in the body by increasing urination and eliminating of sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, and magnesium ions.
4. Electrolyte water
Electrolytes are required by the body to keep fluid in balance, and are found in foods and drinks naturally. There is no real evidence of there being a benefit to adding electrolytes to a hydrating formula. Some bottled water companies purify the water first and then add electrolytes. The amount of electrolytes added back to the water are not considered significant. Also, some of these drinks can contain sugar or sodium.
While there is no perfect water decision, you can amplify the well-being and health advantages of the water you drink by ensuring it is as clean as possible.
3 Do’s and Don’ts When Waking Up
Mornings are the perfect time to relax, set your intentions for the day and get your body in good shape. Unfortunately, many of us cannot resist the urge to reach for the phone to check mail and social networks. Thus, our brain makes a fast switch from peace to productivity. This might be stressful and even dangerous for our health.
To keep your body and mind relaxed from the start of the day, do these simple but essential morning routine practices.
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Reach for loved one’s hand instead of reaching your phone
Expressing love is the best way to start the day and it keeps you… in good health! Specialists at the University of North Carolina have discovered that hugging may lower blood pressure and boost blood levels of oxytocin, a relaxing hormone that plays a key role in breastfeeding, labor, and orgasms.
On the contrary American Psychological Association have found out that individuals who are continually taking a gander at their computerized gadgets (so called “steady checkers”), detailed larger amounts of stress contrasted with individuals who invest less energy interfacing with their phones.
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Refresh your mind instead of refreshing your news feed
Don’t be afraid, you won’t miss anything if you don’t refresh your Facebook account after opening your eyes. Wake up and stay 5 minutes in bed just thinking of killing it at work and how many good things will happen to you during the day! Afterwards, make something that fuels your soul and makes you real happy.
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Check your body balance instead of checking the email
Checking your email in the morning might tell you what’s new in the previous 8 hours, but it will also make your stress hormones to soar. Your recently resting mind suddenly has to process all this data, sending it into panic mode in order to wake up faster. Not only does checking your mail affect your biological chemistry, but it also potentially floods your brain with irritating information.
Do some yoga instead! After 7-8 hours of shut eye, our body responds affectionately to movement, and our mind is clear and receptive to positive ideas. Yoga practice in the morning will set your mental tone for the day.
Men Skin Care Is Important!
Regardless what age you are, you can benefit from developing a skin care regimen for your skin. But most men have no idea how to take care of their skin. Here are the good news, fellas: it’s nowhere near as time-consuming as you think, yet it is essential. And to help you to begin your mission to a smoother skin and clearer complexion, we’ve gathered together everything a normal guy needs to know for the best skin of his life.
Cleaning
It is important to wash thoroughly the face at least twice a day because our skin comes into contact with a lot of dust, dirt and grime. Wash your face with a good quality cleanser. Avoid soap, because it dries your skin and some soaps can even trigger an allergic reaction. A good cleanser keeps your skin looking fresh and energized.
Moisturizing
A moisturizing shaving gel is the key to providing a barrier of protection while shaving. It helps hydrate the skin and retain the essential oils, at the same time your skin is prevented from drying. Choose a good quality moisturizer to keep the skin healthy and blemish-free. Over time it will lessen the appearance of wrinkles, preventing them from settling in and making you appear older than you actually are.
And remember – stop buying cheap razors, pick a razor that fits your beard coarseness and your skin sensitivity!
Applying sunscreen
This is the best thing for your skin and a crucial part of men’s healthy skin. Use a sunscreen that contains a SPF of 30 or higher! Men who don’t use it, increase the risk of sun damage, which may result in irritation, redness, extra blood vessels, even skin cancer. Stay forever young by applying sunscreen every single day.
Finally, men’s skin care should be easy and straightforward. Buy high quality, all natural products and your face will thank you. Your health is also important. Exercise regularly, eat well and drink lots of water for overall well-being. Follow men’s skin care routine daily for the best results.
3 Homemade Anti-Wrinkle Recipes
When you are in your 40s and 50s, you will probably notice some changes in your skin like enlarged pore size, loss of tone, sagging, etc. Believe it or not, it is possible to have brilliant skin at any age… As long as you take steps to properly care for it and it doesn’t mean that you should use only expensive skin care creams and serums.
These 3 homemade anti-wrinkle recipes help prevent and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, because of their high-quality ingredients that hydrate your skin.
Recipe #1
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- ¼ cup almond oil
- 1 tablespoon shea butter
- 2 tablespoons beeswax
- ½ teaspoon vitamin E oil
- Essential oils of choice (optional)
Directions:
Place all products in a glass container. Bring a pot filled around 4 inches with water to a simmer. Put the container, without its cover, in the pot, and let it stay there until everything is melted. Stir from time to time. When the mixture is melted and all the ingredients are mixed, pour the liquid into a glass jar. Leave it at room temperature until the mixture hardens. Close the jar and store it in a cool place. Apply twice a day after washing.
Recipe #2
Ingredients:
- 1/4 avocado
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 3 tablespoons of fresh cream
Directions:
Place all the ingredients in a blender and puree into a smooth cream. Apply it to your clean skin and leave on for at least 60 minutes. Wash off with warm water. This homemade cream makes your skin look and feel youthful and dewy.
Recipe #3
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon agave nectar
- 1/2 cup cooked rice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Directions:
Combine the ingredients and mix well. Apply the blend to dry hands and move the scrub around your hands in circular movements on the backs of your hands with firm but delicate weight for two minutes. You can rub this rice on the palms of the hands to mellow calluses. This mixture helps lighten skin and lift off dead cells.
5 Ways to Reduce Premature Skin Aging
Aging affects all of us. As we get older, our skin begins to lose its natural elasticity and wrinkles start to appear. The most common signs of aging on the face are:
- Wrinkles and lines around the eyes and on the forehead
- Sagging skin
- Dull skin tone
- Fat below the chin
- Age spots
It sure can get depressing, but there are things you can do to control the future aging process.
Protect Your Skin From The Sun
Being sun safe is number one priority to prevent skin aging. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen (at least SPF 15) that protects you from both UVA and UVB rays. Make sure it is water resistant and remember that sunscreen can also help you to prevent skin cancer.
Eat Foods That Fights Wrinkles
Keep your skin looking as youthful as possible by making your diet as clean as you can. You should drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol. Improve your diet, adding certain key foods that can help with everything from wrinkles to sagging skin. Such foods are tomatoes, berries, yogurt, honey, fish and nuts.
Get Enough Sleep
They call it “beauty sleep” for a reason! During sleep our bodies go into repair mode, and that includes the skin. According to a study, sleeping for just six hours a night for a few days increases the appearance of wrinkles. Sleep deprivation can raise the cortisol levels. So get a healthy sleep and avoid dark circles and puffy eyes.
Try a Facial Massage
When the muscles on your face tense up, they are more likely to form wrinkles, which is why they need to be massaged out regularly. Anyone can do a facial massage at home to increase blood flow (which helps with collagen production) and to relieve wrinkle-causing muscle tension. Just a few minutes daily of facial massage can tighten skin, fade lines and make you look gorgeous.
Get a Facelift
As far as cosmetic surgery goes, a facelift is a very effective way to battle sagging skin. A face lift is used to lift the entire structure of the face up vertically in order to make the skin tighter and smoother. Depending on your particular face shape and areas needing improvement, your doctor will help come up with a treatment plan tailored to your own needs.
The 3 Most Common Sleep Disorders
Do you experience difficulty getting or staying asleep? Do you wake up in the morning feeling as if you never truly slept at all or wake in the middle of the night unable to come back to rest? Or, perhaps you feel drained and exhausted every day? If so, you may have one of the most common sleep disorders – insomnia, narcolepsy or EDS.
Insomnia
Insomnia is the most widely recognized sleep disorder. Approximately 50% of all people having experienced symptoms once in a while, and the statistics show that about 10% of Americans are suffering from chronic insomnia.
This sleeping disorder is characterized by trouble falling asleep and waking up often. Individuals with insomnia have at least one of the following symptoms:
- Trouble falling asleep
- Waking earlier in the morning
- Waking up frequently in the middle of the night and having problem going back to sleep
- Feeling tired after waking
Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a disorder that affects the brain’s ability to control its sleep – wakefulness cycle. More than 200,000 Americans suffer from this sleeping disorder. The symptoms are:
- Cataplexy – in narcolepsy this is the term for muscles weakening when you feel strong emotions like anger, surprise or laughter.
- Daytime sleepiness
- Hypnagogic hallucinations – having nightmares or vivid, dreamlike experiences that seem real while falling asleep or waking up
- Sleep disruption
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS)
Approximately 60% of adult drivers have driven a vehicle half asleep. More than 33% have fallen asleep during driving. Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a side effect that can be found in several sleep disorders, including narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea and periodic limb movement disorder. People with EDS have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Difficulty waking in the morning.
- Dozing off during inappropriate times such as in the middle of conversations, or while driving.
- Poor school/job performance.
- Feelings of irritability or anxiety.
Sleep is a critical function and the lack of sleep can have severe consequences. Do you have any of the symptoms of the most common sleep disorder? If you suspect you have such a problem, it is important to seek the expert opinion of your physician.