Natural Remedy For Upset Stomach: Chamomile Tea

Today’s medical field is almost entirely reliant on pills and other such things that have been developed by man. Consequently, it can be hard to not just be tempted to take a pill for whatever ails you. However, think about how every single one of those pills has side effects. Side effects that sometimes sound worse than the issue itself. Instead of having to deal with symptoms alongside your upset stomach, what if there was a way to adjust your regiment without pills? What if you had to change a simple habit? Luckily there’s a way to do that naturally.

What is Chamomile?

Chamomile is a natural herb found quite commonly in nature. It has many uses, but the two really prominent ones happen to be curing Upset Stomaches and Sleeping Issues. At times, you’ll even notice that your sleeping issues are caused by an upset stomach. Currently, the two types of chamomile for good health are German and Roman (or English). Roman is the more common one that you see, as it’s the plant used as a tea.

Humanity has been testing the plant since 1914s. At that time, Researchers focused more on the plant’s miraculous ability to block actions of certain chemicals. Since the 50’s however, they’ve been able to learn more and more about its sedative qualities. Even with the research done now, they’re still learning about how the plant fully works. Simply brewing the flowers in a steep in hot water does wonders.

Ultimately It’s all Useful

Even if you only use it when you have an upset stomach, it’s simple enough to make. However, scientists have learned a myriad of different uses for it. German chamomile is often used for chest colds, skin conditions and much more. So it is harvested quite frequently. So alongside the fact that both kinds of chamomile are quite useful, you’ll never have an issue finding what you’re looking for. This natural answer to a common problem doesn’t require expensive pills wth side effects. It can be easily taken care of with a tea that can found in stores across the planet.

Featured photo credit: Ed Gregory via stokpic.com

The post Natural Remedy For Upset Stomach: Chamomile Tea appeared first on Lifehack.

from Lifehack http://www.lifehack.org/488750/natural-remedy-for-upset-stomach-chamomile-tea

If You Have Stomach Problems, Frequent Small Meals Will Save You

If you are having problems with your digestion, there are plenty of medicines on the market you can turn to for relief, from anti-acids to drugs that can fix more serious problems like stomach ulcers. However, diet also plays a really important role in your digestive health — and not just what you eat, but how much and how often. Read on to find out more about why you should consider eating small meals more frequently to help digestive problems.

Feelings of being bloated or nauseous after eating a meal or feeling full after just a few bites are often caused by a condition called gastroparesis. This means that the stomach empties too slowly and causes these unpleasant digestive symptoms. According to the Motility Society, one of the best ways to help prevent this digestive issues is to eat smaller but more frequent meals. They maintain that these meals:

1. Reduce stomach distention and pain/discomfort after eating.
2. Reduce the feeling of being overly full after a meal.
3. Help the stomach to empty more quickly.
4. Can provide adequate nutrition if a person follows an eating plan of 4-6 small, high-quality meals a day.

In short, small amounts of food are easier for your digestive tract to handle and can prevent problems like heartburn, nausea and GERD.

via Triathlon Warrior

Leading health sites like the American Society for Nutrition (ASN), WebMD and Duke Health also endorse a smaller, more frequent meal plan in order to reap the health benefits that it brings. So if you are wanting to make a simple lifestyle change that can really help your digestion, consider this simple lifestyle change to achieve better digestion and overall better health.

The post If You Have Stomach Problems, Frequent Small Meals Will Save You appeared first on Lifehack.

from Lifehack http://www.lifehack.org/488743/if-you-have-stomach-problems-frequent-small-meals-will-save-you

Which Kind Of Poop Do You Have? It Reveals Your Digestive Health A Lot

Let us get talking about poop today. How should the formation of your poop be? What is normal, what is weird? Most importantly, what is healthy, and what is not? Bowel movements are defined by personal ‘normal’ comfort. Being knowledgeable about the shaped outcome of your digestive system will help to identify when ‘normal’ takes a detour. Poop serves as a rooted clue indicating overall digestive health. It is the outcome of a digestive journey that takes place on a daily basis in your body.

It can reveal signs of digestive problems. Infections and even early cancer according to gastroenterology studies revealed in the book “What’s your poop telling you?” by Anish Sheth, Josh Richman.

Pay Attention to the Shape of Your Poop

• How often you visit the loo?
• How long does it take?
• What does it look like?
• Connect with your poop, know the insides and outsides, color, shapes, sizes, and forms.

According to the Dr. Oz show, the perfect poop formation is shaped like a log, or in an S shape and not broken in pieces.

Here are some of the different poop shapes and what they mean:

1. Nut Hard Lumps

This represents an acute dysbacteriosis (microbial imbalance, body maladaptation) case. There is a lack of clear shape definition, because of missing bacteria and no water retention. They are formations of hard and abrasive lumps, the diameter is between one to two centimeters. They are painful in the motion of passing. As they pass, there is a likelihood of bleeding from anal canal laceration. This condition is linked to people on treatments of post-antibiotics as well as those attempting low-carb, fiber-free diets.

What to do?

• Increase fiber intake and consume enough water.
• Stay hydrated!
• Make sure your diet has sufficient fruits and veggies, seeds and nuts.
• Be nutrition conscious and reduce processed foods as well as dairy and meat.

2. Sausage Hard Lumps

Represents a Type 1 combined into a single mass that is glued together by fiber components together with bacteria. Known as organic constipation. Diameter is between three to four centimeters. This form is destructive as the size exceeds the anal canal opening. It causes straining during the process of elimination and will cause laceration of the anal canal, diverticulitis (inflammation in colon pouches), or hemorrhoid prolapse. To reach this form, stools remain in the colon for several weeks ending in anorectal pain, anal fissures, or hemorrhoidal disease. Delaying or withholding the urge to release or a record of chronic constipation are likely causes. There is a possibility of minor flatulence. Delaying or withholding the urge to release or a record of chronic constipation are likely causes. Anyone experiencing this is likely to experience irritation of the bowel syndrome due to the pressure of the large stools against intestinal walls. Obstruction of the small intestine is a high possibility with a clogged large intestine.

What to do?

• Follow a nutritious diet of fruits and veggies.
• Do not hold back if you have an urge to go. Take that toilet break.
• Ensure that you drink enough water.
• Consult a health professional for advice on the range of supplements available depending on your condition.
• Engage in physical exercise to keep digestion healthy and eat three proper meals a day.

3. Surface Cracked, Sausage-shaped

Including all Type 2 characteristics with a faster transit time of one or two weeks. It is latent constipation. The diameter is between two to three and a half centimeters. A possibility of irritable bowel syndrome and flatulence is minor. Best thing to do is to stay relaxed and eat regular meals on a proper schedule.

4. Smooth, Soft and Snake-like

A normal form for those defecating once a day. The diameter is between one and two centimeters. The large diameter suggests a transit time that is longer or increased dietary fiber intake.

5. Clear-cut Soft Blobs

This form is ideal and typical for those with regular poops after each major meal. The diameter is in the range of one to one and a half centimeters.

6. Ragged, Fluffy and Mushy

This form makes it difficult to control urges when there is no access to a toilet. It is messy with just toilet paper alone. These types suggest a colon that is hyperactive, an excess of potassium, sudden dehydration, an increase in blood pressure linked to stress. This causes releases of potassium and water. It may indicate a hypersensitive stressed personality or an excess of spicy diets, or drinks high in mineral compositions. It is also linked to laxatives.

What to do?

• Avoid spicy hot foods.
• Do not eat in a rush, slow down eating.
• Eat enough fiber – it escorts the bile for efficient an efficient detox.
• Soluble fiber in the form of oats or flax seeds protects the gut from inflaming.
• Insoluble fiber in the form of greens will firm up loose stools.

7. Watery

Paradoxical diarrhea nature is not understood, it occurs with severe constipation and diarrhea leaving a ‘paradoxical’ occurrence. It is a constipation complication known as fecal impaction. With paradoxical diarrhea, liquid stool surrounds hard stool impacted within the rectum. Paradoxical diarrhea is common among children,adults that have limited mobility as well as senior citizens.

Dietary changes and physical exercise help to eliminate paradoxical diarrhea. For example:

• Eat fiber-rich whole grain bread, fruits and vegetables.
• Exercise on a regular basis.
• Remain hydrated. Consume enough water daily. Eight to ten glasses.

Getting Your Poop in Shape!

Too many potatoes and meat with sparse intake of fruit and accompanying vegetables lead to unshapely predicaments. Doctor Robynne Chutkan, a certified gastroenterologist, recommends that people need an intake of thirty-five grams of fiber to gain digestive health at optimum levels. Fiber detoxes the colon and results in ideal patterns of bowel movements. It lowers risks associated with heart disease, cancer types, diabetes, and possible strokes.

The post Which Kind Of Poop Do You Have? It Reveals Your Digestive Health A Lot appeared first on Lifehack.

from Lifehack http://www.lifehack.org/487369/which-kind-of-poop-do-you-have-it-reveals-your-digestive-health-a-lot

6 Important Divorce Guidelines: Getting Out With Your Skin Intact

Divorce isn’t just a traumatic event that causes great emotional and mental stress. It can also have material repercussions on the circumstances of your life that may be very evident years after the fact. Therefore, if you are already going through it, getting ready for it, or suspect that you may have to do so in near future, it’s a good idea to get acquainted with the following tips.

1. Make Sure You Actually Need A Divorce

Divorce is a big step, and its consequences aren’t easy to smooth over. Before you proceed with it, make sure it actually is necessary and there is no other method of reconciliation.

If you went through a traumatic experience recently, give yourself time to heal – perhaps you will change your opinion once the dust settles. Go through therapy if necessary, and suggest the same for your spouse. Talk to a marriage counselor and in general do everything possible to save your marriage.

2. Be Very Careful When Choosing A Lawyer

Once the decision is made, the correct choice of lawyer is of paramount importance. Naturally, the first requirement should be a lawyer with prior experience in matrimonial law, somebody who has a good track record of finding good settlements for their clients.

Another good idea is both parties hiring divorce lawyers who are acquainted with each other or, better yet, have a history of working together on similar cases and finding solutions that satisfied everybody. Avoid lawyers known for an all-or-nothing approach — it will prolong the proceedings and increase their paychecks, but not what you actually get in the end.

3. Don’t Take Any Action Without Talking To Your Lawyer

Unless you are a lawyer yourself, you don’t understand a lot of things about how law in general and divorce law in particular works. Any action you take or word you say can be used against you later on, resulting in a less-than-happy settlement in the court. In addition to that, laws are different in different states, which can result in even further complications.

4. Don’t Move Out Of Your Home Before Talking It Over With A Lawyer

Your moving out of your marital home can be used as either a reason to force you to start paying alimony or cause problems with collecting it. Once you leave, you may not be able to return to it legally until the court proceedings are over, which can take quite a while. Unless your spouse is dangerously violent, you should stay in your house for as long as your attorney suggests.

5. Keep Track Of All Financial Records

The more hard evidence you have, the better. You may think you know your spouse, but practice shows that divorces get nasty more often than not, and you should be ready for any kind of treachery from your spouse. If you want to be able to protect yourself and your finances, you should be ready to have irrevocable proof that you are in the right.

6. Don’t Let Emotions Control Your Actions

This is true both in the short and long term, both during the preliminary stages and during property division. Don’t give too much weight to your emotional attachment to your house and other belongings. Don’t let your spouse manipulate your behaviour — remember that they know you better than anybody else in the world and understand what makes you mad. Don’t ever show any behavior that can be evaluated as aggressive or violent — it can and will be used against you.

All in all, there is only one tip that is guaranteed to keep you safe: use your common sense, be logical, prepare for everything carefully — then, everything will be as alright as possible.

Featured photo credit: https://www.flickr.com/ via flickr.com

The post 6 Important Divorce Guidelines: Getting Out With Your Skin Intact appeared first on Lifehack.

from Lifehack http://www.lifehack.org/492371/6-important-divorce-guidelines-getting-out-with-your-skin-intact

5 Ways to Incorporate LED Lights into Your Home Design

LEDs have become more popular than ever, due in part to their energy efficiency, durability, long lifespan, and superior light quality. The advancement of LED technology has given way to decreased prices and a much larger range of styles and color temperatures. While up-front prices are still above incandescents and fluorescents, LEDs have proven their worth with lifespans of up to 20 years and smaller energy bills. From bedroom task lighting to illuminating an entire landscape, the possibilities are endless when it comes to utilizing this technology. Let’s take a look at five ways to incorporate LED lights into your home design.

1. In the Kitchen: LED Strip Lighting

Proper lighting can work wonders in the kitchen, from the floor to the ceiling. With so many options and application methods available, it’s no wonder LED lighting has now become a staple in kitchen design. LED strip lighting has adhesive backing, a variety of color temperatures and endless lengths, and can easily be applied on top of upper cabinetry for that “wow” factor. Show off your favorite dishes in glass-front cabinets or open shelving, and light them with strip lighting behind the cabinet’s face or under the shelving. For a wine cabinet, LEDs are the best alternative to incandescent lighting. They emit very little heat and UV light, preventing damage to your favorite bottle of wine.

2. In the Bathroom: LED Sconces

 

There’s nothing worse than getting ready in a bathroom that has minimal or unflattering light. Incandescents will make things look more yellow, and fluorescents can wash out a space. By choosing LED lighting for the bathroom, you can pinpoint a light temperature that works best for you and your bathroom. LED sconces offer a variety of favorable light temperatures, from warm to cool and everywhere in between. By utilizing wall-mounted LED sconces instead of overhead lighting, the person standing in front of the mirror will be illuminated in the correct color temperature and avoid any unflattering shadows from above.

3. In the Living room: LED Downlighting

 

Recessed lighting and living spaces go hand in hand. Retrofit your already-existing recessed cans with LED bulbs for increased efficiency and dazzling light. If viable for your budget and space, consider swapping out your can lighting for LED recessed modules. Not only are they made to house LED bulbs, but they provide better quality light, last longer and come with built-in heat prevention.

4. In the Bedroom: LED Floor and Table Lamps

 

In the bedroom, ambient lighting is key. Table lamps, floor lamps, and bedside task lighting are perfect additions for creating a welcoming room without the harsh glare from recessed canned lighting and overly bright pendants. LED bedside task lights are great choices for crisp, bright lighting. Table lamps on top of dressers and floor lamps in cozy corners can easily be retrofitted with LED bulbs for longevity. No need to replace those lamp bulbs every few months—with an average lifespan of 20 years, LEDs blow incandescent bulbs out of the water with durability and energy efficiency so you can spend more time sleeping in rather than replacing light bulbs.  

5. In the Outdoors: LED Landscape and Security Lighting

 

The latest LED technology is taking over outdoor lighting. As the king of durability, quality LED lighting is an exceptional choice for exterior settings to avoid replacing tricky fixtures every year. Dispersed low-light LED landscape lighting not only adds dramatic illumination to your outdoor space but also a level of security. Motion-sensor security lighting and flood lighting also have been LED staples for years. They offer heavy-duty fixtures that get the job done without the worry of a bulb going out.

How have you added LED lighting to your home design?

Featured photo credit: http://www.shutterstock.com/ via shutterstock.com

The post 5 Ways to Incorporate LED Lights into Your Home Design appeared first on Lifehack.

from Lifehack http://www.lifehack.org/492339/5-ways-to-incorporate-led-lights-into-your-home-design

6 Ways to Crush Writer’s Block

Every writer knows that at some point they will stare at their computer and wonder what to put on the page. Even high-school students get writer’s block when they have an essay assignment due but have trouble thinking of what should be written.

Unless writers move past the blockage quickly, they could miss deadlines or become stressed, which will lead to heart issues. Here are some tips you can try to crush writer’s block and get back to writing that paper.

1. Brainstorm

Often, the problem is not knowing a good idea. To solve this problem, writers can open a new document and throw anything on the page whether it relates to the assignment or not. Brainstorming ideas can get your creative juices flowing by allowing your brain to relax. You should keep adding to the list until you find the idea that works the best for your paper, article, blog or marketing. The process also might give you ideas for other projects as well or help you solve a problem you might be having.

2. Exercise

Taking a break from writing to walk for 20 minutes or visiting the health club does two things. First, you are not worried about work or stressed. Second, you are doing something positive for your health, which also will reduce your stress. After a good exercise routine, you are ready to sit at your computer again. You will be able to write again. Sometimes, fatigue interferes with our thought processes. Exercising gives us more energy and eliminates fatigue.

3. Do something else

If you are stuck on a project and have no idea what to do, try moving to another project? When you switch projects or try something simple, your brain has to revamp how it operates. This will get a project done that would have been in jeopardy if you let the writer’s block continue. It also gives you a sense of accomplishment that you achieved something on your To-Do List or reached your goal. Then, you go back to the project causing the writer’s block, you will be more inspired to finish and ideas tend to flow.

4. Take a break

Besides exercising, you can take a break and do something you enjoy. You can read, watch television, listen to music or whatever interests you. Taking a break from the assignment will help you relax and not feel the pressure, which can cause the block to become worse. After a long enough break, you can go back to your computer and attempt the project again. You also might want to go out the door and do something, such as visit a store or public building. The drive to and from the location can lull your brain enough for you to think of a way through the document.

5. Bounce a ball

It might sound crazy, but it works. Bouncing a tennis ball or rubber ball against a wall or floor can release your writer’s block. The muscle movements and repetition of bouncing a ball allows your brain to switch gears. Your senses are dulled, and you can begin to visualize how the page should look. You get ideas to write.

6. Think hard

If the deadline is near, you might not be able to do any of the above ideas. Therefore, you will have to think hard for a solution to your problem. While this is not as effective as some of the other techniques, it does work. Ask yourself, “How can I solve this problem?” or “What do I want my readers to know?” Answers will begin to fill your brain. Even students can use this technique. For example, a high school sophomore had a history paper to write about the French Revolution. Asking her to describe the topic for the essay, she was able to begin thinking about the problem. Asking her other questions eventually found the points she wanted to cover in the paper.

As you can see, writer’s block happens all the time, but how you deal with your writer’s block is important. You don’t want it control you or make you miss your deadlines or due dates. Take time to figure out how to break the block will pay off in the long run.

The post 6 Ways to Crush Writer’s Block appeared first on Lifehack.

from Lifehack http://www.lifehack.org/492329/6-ways-to-crush-writers-block