How To Keep Your Heart Healthy

Do The Diet

You can never really have a healthy heart if you don’t exercise dietary discipline. A diet high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, and low on refined sugars and trans fats is what will help you get to a healthy heart and lowered cholesterol. Cutting out the obvious like deep-fried foods, steak dinners, pizzas, etc. is the only way for you to arrive at a healthy heart. As far what you should be eating goes, eating salmon, a fish that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, will help decrease your chances of death via a coronary artery disease. Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables too. This will help keep your weight and blood pressure under control.

 

Say No To Alcohol

You probably knew this, but have never chosen to limit your intake of alcohol. Alcohol by itself is not bad, it’s only when people have a drink too many on a daily basis that alcohol tends to reveal its ugly side. Excessive consumption of alcohol can result in high blood pressure and at times even a heart failure. However, alcohol consumed in moderation can be effective in increasing good cholesterol.

 

Stop Stress

Everyone’s life is prone to stress, only varying degrees of the same. This only means that as an individual you have got to muster the courage to learn how to keep ‘stress levels’ well below the limits of harm. People who stress about the silliest of things and even more about significant issues tend to smoke, drink, and overeat. This only leads to a vicious cycle, the end of which leads to a heart attack. The only way to get out of this vicious cycle is to stop stressing and take life as easy it’s supposed to be taken.

 

Sleep On It 

Has someone ever told you that sleep is bad for you? No? Well, that is because sleep is only good for you. It is the only way your body recovers from what could have been an extremely tiring day. Sleep as a basic function of life not only improves your ability to perform basic and complex tasks, but also increases heart health and even does wonders for your mood. Remember this, the more you sleep, the lesser the chances of dying from a heart disease. However, this does not mean you sleep throughout the day. It only means that you at any cost have to get your 8-9 hours of sleep.  

 

Bury The Bud

If you smoke a lot or don’t smoke much but smoke occasionally, this one’s for you. It’s a proven fact that smoking can result in a heart disease. The chances of you having to deal with a heart disease are directly proportionate to the number of cigarettes you smoke. So, remember the next time the urge to smoke kicks in, kill it by saying NO!

 

Exercise

Last but not least, physical activity is what should be considered for a hale and healthy heart. Exercising regularly apart from building your strength and endurance also leads to a healthy heart and this is as good as a fact. Remember, it’s called cardio for a reason. Speaking about cardio, make it a point to indulge in activities that challenge your cardiovascular system. Ultimately, it is these challenges that will help you arrive at your ‘hearty’ goals.

Interesting Facts About Apples

• Did you know that the delicious, crunchy apple, which is the main ingredient in pies, turnovers and Halloween parties, first originated in Middle East thousands of years ago? It’s alleged that Alexander the Great first discovered this sweet red treats while on his expedition to Asia Minor in 300 BCE and introduced it to Macedonia later.
• You must have often heard people say, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”. But have you ever wonder how? Well, for all of you who didn’t know, an apple contains more antioxidants than a 1,500 mg Vitamin C tablet, making it one of most potent sources of antioxidants. What’s more, apples are full of phytochemicals that have anti-carcinogenic properties and can save you from the potential risks of developing cancer.
• This delectable fruit contains an impressive list of nutrients ranging from the cholesterol fighting phytonutrients to bone health boosting flavonoids like phloridzin and boron to cancer thwarting quercetin. What’s more, this scrumptious fruit is loaded with pectin that helps in the digestion process apart from keeping the body’s insulin needs in check. An apple is believed to contain more fiber than a big bowl of bran cereals.
• Did you know that Irish Peach is not a variety of peach but an apple? Apparently, there are more than 7,500 varieties of apples available all over the world. This fruit comes in all shades of red, green and yellow and are curiously named as ‘red delicious’, ‘golden delicious’, ‘epicure apples’, ‘ginger gold’, ‘gala apples’, ‘fuji apples’, ‘granny smith’, ‘melrouge, rome’, ‘queen cox’, ‘idared’ etc.
• Ever wonder who coined the expression, "You are the apple of my eye"? Well, the laurel indeed goes to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who believed that human eye pupil resembled an apple and hence the phrase came into being. For all who don’t know what this famous phrase means, “apple of my eye” connotes love, admiration and beauty.
• Did you know how you eat your apple can reveal a lot about your personality? There are innumerable ways in which you can enjoy your apple other than the good old apple pie. You can wedge it into pieces or split it into halves, strip of its skin or munch your way to the end. No matter how you enjoy your apple, always remember that how you munch your fruit reveals oodles about the kind of person you are.

15 Early Signs Of Cancer

1, Unexplained Weight Loss
Realizing that you suddenly fit into your skinny jeans may seem like a pleasant surprise — but the reality is that unexplained weight loss (or weight gain, for that matter) is usually a red flag. If you've lost 10 pounds or more in less than a month (without changing your diet or exercise routine), you should see your doctor.
Unexplained weight loss can be an early sign of pancreatic, stomach, esophageal or lung cancer (as well as other health problems, like an overactive thyroid, diabetes, depression or liver disease).

2, Changes to Your bosoms
Most women recognize a lump in their bosom as something that should be checked out by a doctor. But there are other changes to your bosoms that could also signal cancer. If you notice any of the following, let your doctor know:
• redness or thickening of skin around the bosom
• cellulite-like dimples or a red or purplish discoloration in the skin
• your bosoms feel hot, swollen or irritated
In addition, if you notice an unusual Tip discharge, or if you notice changes to you Tip (like suddenly appearing flattened, inverted or turned sideways), report the changes to a doctor.

3, Bleeding Between Periods
Every woman's period is different, and for some women, spotting is common. But if you're typically regular and start bleeding between periods, or if you bleed after reaching menopause, let your doctor know. Nine in 10 women with endometrial cancer report irregular bleeding as an early sign. Also, some women mistake bleeding from their gastrointestinal tract as spotting or as their period. GI tract bleeding can be an early sign of colorectal cancer.
4, Bloating
It's normal to feel bloated once in awhile, especially after a big meal or during your period. But if that bloated feeling persists for more than a couple of weeks or continues to get worse, talk to your doctor. Also let your doctor know if you experience bloating in conjunction with feeling unusually full, a change to your bowel or bladder habits, or low back or pelvic pain. Those are often the early symptoms of ovarian cancer.

5, Skin Changes
Most women know that a yearly skin check to spot any new moles (or changes to existing moles) is the best way to spot skin cancer while it's easily treatable. But other skin changes can also signal skin cancer. Tell your doctor if you notice any waxy lumps, scaly skin patches, or spot a sore or rash that doesn't heal.
Also note if you have any excessive bruising — especially on the fingers and hands — or if you notice any skin bleeding that seems unusually hard to stop (both are an early sign of leukemia). If you've monitored any skin abnormalities for more than a few weeks and have noticed no improvement, consult your doctor.

6, Constant Fatigue
Balancing work or school, family obligations and hitting the gym — all while trying to maintain some semblance of a social life — can make you feel like you’re always on the go. It’s completely normal for most women to feel tired and run down from time to time. But if your fatigue doesn't let up after getting rest, head to your doctor. Prolonged fatigue is a sign of many different types of cancers, or may signal another health problem, like a thyroid condition or iron imbalance.
7, Difficulty Swallowing
Having problems swallowing could be an early symptom of esophageal, throat, lung or thyroid cancer. If you have pressure in your throat or feel like something is stuck in your windpipe, see your doctor.

8, A Chronic Cough
Coughs are most often caused by allergies or infections. And while they may linger as you recover from the flu or a cold, having a cough that doesn't go away or that is accompanied by chest pain is a symptom of many types of cancer, including lung cancer. If you have a cough that lasts more than 3 to 4 weeks, or if your cough goes away and then reappears consistently, make an appointment with your doctor.

9, Feeling Unusually Full
Constantly feeling full despite having eaten little, or experiencing a prolonged loss of appetite could be a tip-off to ovarian cancer (as well as other, less serious health problems like GERD or IBS). If the feelings persist over a period of a few weeks, or if they're accompanied by vomiting, bloating, a fever or weight loss or weight gain, let your doctor know.
10, Swollen Lymph Nodes
Changes in your lymphatic system are most often due to an infection — but in some cases, swollen, firm lymph nodes in the armpit, groin, or neck could be a sign of danger. If the swelling continues for more than a month, or the swollen glands seem to be getting bigger, see your doctor.

11, Shortness of Breath
If you frequently have difficulty breathing, especially when you’re not doing anything strenuous, it could signal a more serious health problem, including lung or thyroid cancer. You may also be suffering from bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism or other heart or lung problems — all of which require prompt medical attention.

12, Frequent Fevers
Often times, a fever is a welcome sign — it signals that your body is fighting off an infection. But if you have a persistent fever that isn’t explained by an infection, it may signal a blood cancer like leukemia or lymphoma. A fever that lasts more than four days warrants a call to your doctor.
13, Changes to Nails
Your nails suffer a lot of normal wear and tear every day, and it isn’t unusual for them to suffer bangs that can leave white spots or bruising. Plus, everyone’s nails look different — some people naturally have weaker, peeling or otherwise less-than-perfect nails — and that’s also normal. However, there are instances where unexplained nail changes can point to more serious problems. Dark streaks or spots under your nails could indicate skin cancer, while having pale nails could mean liver cancer.

14, Blood in Your Urine or Stool
Blood in your stool can be caused by several different medical conditions, including hemorrhoids, Behind Based fissures or cracks, inflammation of the colon or peptic ulcers. However, it’s also a sign of colorectal cancer.
Blood in your urine can signal bladder or kidney infections or stones, an enlarged prostate; it may also be the result of certain medications, or over-vigorous exercise. But in some cases, blood in the urine can indicate bowel or kidney cancer. If you see blood in your urine or stool, it’s important to let your doctor know, so that he or she can pinpoint the cause.

15, Persistent Pain
We all have days where we feel achy or sore. But chronic, persistent pain isn’t something you should write off as a side effect of aging or over-exercising. Back pain, pelvic or abdominal pain and even what seems like a run-of-the mill stomachache or indigestion can signal many different types of cancer, from liver, pancreatic and bosom to ovarian, endometrial and colorectal. If you can’t find a plausible cause for the pain you’re feeling, and if it continues to dog you, talk to a doctor.

The Top 10 Foods That Boost Your Testosterone

A study released in the news Wednesday showed that men who restored their normal testosterone levels lost weight, lowered blood pressure, and improved cholesterol. The German researchers took 115 obese men between the ages of 38-83 with low testosterone levels as subjects for a 12 week study. The study was paid for by Bayer Pharma (a manufacturer of testosterone replacement therapy). While increased risk of prostate cancer has been found in other studies this one did not report the same findings. You can read more details here.
Doctor injections are one way to go. But if you are looking to boost testosterone levels, there is a more natural way to go about it. That natural way is simply adding foods that help to increase the natural production of testosterone in your body. Foods that are high in zinc, protein, fiber, indol 3 carbinol and allicin will help increase testosterone production. Check out the list below and consult your doctor about creating a diet plan that works for you.
Meats:
Oysters have protein, magnesium and tons of zinc. They are not just an aphrodisiac (check out more aphrodisiacs here along with a great three course menu for a romantic dinner for two) they are also great for boosting testosterone (some might agree the two go hand and hand). Just six oysters give you about seven times the RDA recommended daily zinc intake. Zinc is one of the key ingredients in boosting your natural testosterone and muscle mass.
Lean beef has protein, iron, magnesium, zinc, and saturated fat. The high protein and zinc are essential in boosting testosterone and building muscle (both of which reduce fat in the body). Saturated fat is also a key in producing testosterone but you don’t want to get too much of it, so offsetting your diet with beans and rice and poultry can help keep that boost in place.
Poultry offers a great source of protein with little amount of fat. Most weight lifters and fitness gurus will agree that high protein diets have a great impact in building muscle mass. There is also a good amount of zinc in poultry like chicken breast, thighs and wings and as mentioned in the lean beef section zinc is essential in boosting testosterone. Don’t shy away from poultry like goose, turkey and duck or wild game all good sources as well and offer a great variety to your diet. We all know variety is the spice of life.
Eggs have large amounts of protein and cholesterol. Testosterone is actually synthesized from cholesterol so food containing cholesterol is great for boosting testosterone development in the body. One should be picky about the amount and type of cholesterol they ingest for heart health. There have been studies on both sides of the fence about the cholesterol in eggs, a recently published study shows the cholesterol in eggs are not as harmful as once thought. You can also use liquid egg whites if you are concerned; either way if cholesterol is a concern check with your doctor first.
Veggies and Herbs:
Beans are high in protein, fiber and zinc. They are all around a great source of food for boosting testosterone and cleaning out the system of unwanted fats. The level of zinc in beans is almost unmatched in the veggie family and baked beans can actually rival red meat. Not to mention the high protein (when eaten with rice) and fiber and low fat make this a perfect food to add to your weekly diet regime.
Elevated estrogen levels lead to extra fat and could interfere with muscle growth. Indole 3 carbinol has been found in studies to cut the hormone estradiol in half for men. Broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts have high levels of indole 3 carbinol. They are also a fantastic source of fiber which helps reduce fat as well. Guess your mother was right when she told you to eat those green veggies, they do help you grow up to be big and strong.
Garlic’s active ingredient Allicin has been shown in studies to enhance testosterone levels in men. It has also been shown to block cortisol which is a hormone that competes with testosterone. Cortisol limits testosterone actions in the body and helps to break down muscle tissue. Seasoning food with garlic is not always enough. Eating whole cloves is more beneficial.
Dairy:
One cup of cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein without the typical side effect of fat that comes with eating most beef or chicken. Have one cup a day to help boost those testosterone levels.

Want Joy in Life? Stop Being So Serious!

The path to Freedom can sometimes seem like a never-ending battle. Even when we think we are getting somewhere, something is still missing. Almost but not quite was my story, as I tried harder and harder to free myself of the past. Just when I thought I let that go… there it is again. It is the fire of commitment that keeps us going no matter what. We intuitively know that peace and joy is our natural way to be… so what is missing?
The sooner we discover how to not take things so seriously, the faster the Joy of Unity unfolds.
Is there any value in what we take seriously on the path? Does it contribute anything to our lives or the lives of those around us?
This “serious” habit had been so strong in my life that I took it with me wherever I went. It makes sense that I did the same with my spiritual quest. Often trying and effort is common, even in silent meditation. No matter how many times we try to go inward and “be still”, we can still be in our own way.
The Silence of our true nature works in the opposite direction. It is effortless and never takes a single thing serious. We can see this fact for ourselves by exploring what does not change in our experience. This is easy to see since the infinite already sees like this. It allows everything to change and move yet it remains free from it all, including our own seriousness. Isn’t that funny?
By exploring the stillness, a solid foundation of Joyful freedom turns life into an easy dance. It does not get rid of the problems and challenges we face but allows for a beautiful new attitude to flourish. This makes all the difference in how we relate with both our inner and outer world as it unfolds in sweet simplicity.
The theme of my life has always been anxiety. I took this seriously because I wanted to get rid of it. To the degree I could allow, take a deep breath and relax into the unknown, just that much more peace would show up in my life. Now that same energy that I struggled to get rid of can be seen with innocence. Innocence is key. Seeing in this way frees up that same energy for a new creative expression. It was always like this, I simply could not see it.
The bottom line is that not taking things seriously equals freedom. The Path takes commitment but not seriousness. This is the way of the Joyful Buddha. If enlightenment was serious, who would want it anyways?
As we play in the infinite, we can finally discover how to laugh at the root of our problem. There is only one thing in the universe in the way and all we have to do is laugh at it. We take ourselves too seriously. Since what we truly are doesn’t, why should we?