Few Signs that You Have The Best Husband Ever -

1. He keeps working to win your heart
He doesn’t assume he’s “got the girl” just because you’re married. He keeps taking you out on dates, complimenting you, and doing things that make you go weak in the knees. The very best husbands know that they have to keep romancing their lady day after day.
2. He asks for your advice
Your husband trusts you and recognizes you’re his best resource in resolving issues. As he makes decisions, he seeks your counsel. Not only does he listen to your advice, but he usually uses it because he values your input.
3. He brags about you to his friends
As you leave the room, you hear him say he’s lucky you’re his wife. The best husband expresses his gratitude for you even when you can’t hear him (or he thinks you can’t hear him).
4. He puts down on the toilet seat
There’s nothing worse than half-consciously wandering to the bathroom in the middle of the night and falling right in there. A husband who does the small action of setting the seat down is a considerate guy.
5. He holds your hand
Whether you’re walking to a restaurant, chilling at your parents’ house, or driving in the car, having your hand in his makes him happy. It’s a way a great husband says “I care about you” without a word.
6. He avoids p****graphy
Your husband is the best if he has eyes only for you. By choosing not to fill his mind with exaggerated fantasies of “intimacy,” your husband shows he respects you.
7. He doesn’t mention “that time of the month”
OK, Mother Nature’s little gift doesn’t do wonders for the hormones, but that doesn’t mean it’s the root of all your emotions. Your husband recognizes this and seeks to understand your feelings by listening to you. He does his best to make you feel better because it makes him sad to see you sad.
8. He cleans the toilet
He doesn’t assume that his job is only at the office and yours is only in the home. He realizes that your house is shared territory and he volunteers to do dirty jobs like change diapers and take out the garbage because he wants to share the burden.
9. He thinks the same things are funny
Do you laugh like crazy whenever you see furless cats? You might be the only one. Except your husband. If the two of you are cracking up while your friends vaguely smile, that’s a pretty good indicator he’s the best husband ever for you.
10. He gets his hands dirty
Your guy should probably be dubbed some sort of superhero for how much effort he puts into everything he does. He puts 100 percent in at work and 100 percent in at home. He knows that everything he does is to support his family.
11. He eats your cooking (even if it’s awful)
Even if he’s a steak and mashed potatoes kind of guy, he’ll eat your quinoa casserole with a smile because he appreciates the service that you do for your family.
12. He develops a relationship with God
Your husband recognizes his responsibility as a spiritual leader in your home. He cultivates a relationship with God through prayer and scripture study.
13. He makes you want to be a better person
It’s not that he’s perfect, but his efforts to be a better person inspire you. Simply seeing how great he is makes you want to be the best version of yourself.

 

Our Miss beautiful of the day!!

Her name is Princess comfort serah Omokwe. She is a graduate of Institute of Management and Technology Enugu State. She studied Banking and Finance. She was born into the family of chief and Lolo Omokwe on the 12th of October 1986. She is beautiful and smart. She just passed out from NYSc and yet to get a job. You are beautiful Miss Serah and we love you!! keep smiling. please send us your contact for our little token..

 

Mr Handsome of the Day!!!!

 

His name is Ezenwa Roland Elochukwu. He is from Enugu State and was born into the family of Mr and Mrs Ezenwa on the 28th of July 1981. He is the owner of Rico Fashions. Mr Roland is a fashion designer, he is into all kinds of male clothes, suits and senators. A trial with Rico's Fashion will convince you. Patronize him for your wears of all events! His girlfriend calls him ' TREASURE' wow!! His contact is 08077774188.

  

Yeah!!! Our beautiful Baby of the day!!!

Her name is Akor Ebuta Grace Melody Nada Osoworie.
She was born into the family of Mr and Mrs Osoworie, on the 2nd of Sept 2014 .
She is from Rivers State. Isn't she beautiful. you are beautiful Nada. Our prayer is that you will grow in wisdom and understanding, you will be a blessing to your parent and to the world. Amen. Her mother should please send her contact  to us for her gift.

Apple and honey effective mask is for you -

Apple and honey are a great combination: they taste great and they smell delicious, but did you know that they make an awesome face mask together as well?
Yep, if you want to wake up with baby-soft and flawless skin, all you need to do is put on an apple-honey face mask before you go to sleep. The apple gives your skin a high-nutrient boost, while the honey both nourishes and removes all those oils and bacteria on your skin for a smooth glow afterwards!
If you're suffering from fatigued and stressed out skin, then this simple but effective mask is for you!

The apple contains vitamins A, B, and C and which your skin will absorb, contains antioxidant properties, and helps relieve damage from the sun.

Apples also contain glycolic acid which helps exfoliate and clear your pores.

Honey is antibacterial and has antioxidant properties.  That means is that honey will help get rid of topical bacteria.  And, antioxidants are substances that help protect your skin from free radicals in the environment.

Sounds good to me!

Ingredients
1 apple

2 tablespoons of honey

 What to do: 
        . Peel, core, and chop the apple into pieces and put into a blender

• Add the 2 tablespoons of honey and mix well.  
• Apply to your face and neck with your fingers and make sure you avoid your eyes.  
• Leave on for about 10-15 minutes and rinse thoroughly with warm water. 

 Remember to tone and moisturize your skin.

Health Benefits of Drinking Lemon Water

 

1. Helps Digestion

The biggest benefit may be from the temperature of the water and not even the added lemon. Drinking any water, or especially warm water, first thing in the morning can help flush the digestive system and rehydrate the body.

2. A Natural Flush
The liver is extremely active during sleep since sleep is the body’s time to restore and regenerate. Drinking enough water, especially in the morning, helps make sure that the body can perform these jobs most effectively. There is even some evidence that lemon juice can help stimulate proper stomach acid production and bile production.

3. A Little Immune System Boost

Lemons contain Vitamin C… not a spectacularly high amount, but 30-50 mg per lemon. They also contain potassium.
Drinking lemon water first thing in the morning gives the body a chance to absorb these vitamins effectively and can provide a little immune boost.
Vitamin C is also good for the adrenals and can potentially help reduce the affects of stress.

4. Happier Skin

By helping flush the body and improve digestion, lemon water can lead to cleaner skin. It also contains Vitamin C which is needed for collagen production for smooth, healthy skin.

5. Healthy Weight

There is evidence that drinking water, especially lemon water, first thing in the morning can help maintain a healthy weight. Researchers in Germany found that drinking enough water increased metabolism

After drinking approximately 17 ounces of water, the subjects’ metabolic rates — or the rate at which calories are burned — increased by 30% for both men and women. The increases occurred within 10 minutes of water consumption and reached a maximum after about 30 to 40 minutes.

Of course, drinking water (or lemon water) by itself isn’t going to be a miracle weight loss solution, but with other healthy habits, it can help maintain a healthy weight.

Ingredients

• 24+ ounces of warm (not boiling) water
• ½-1 organic lemon
• ½ inch piece of fresh ginger root (optional)

Instructions

1. TIP: Zest the organic lemon first and store in the freezer or dehydrate for easy use in recipes.
2. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze one half or the whole lemon into the water.
3. Peel and slice the ginger root (if using) and add to the water.
4. Enjoy!

Notes

After drinking, swish with some plain filtered water for 30 seconds to make sure the acid from the lemon juice doesn't remain on teeth.

 

Few Ways to Naturally Help Alleviate Anxiety During Pregnancy -

Being pregnant is a great, but it doesn’t come without difficulties either. One of them is the elevated levels of anxiety that many moms to be experiencing. This is an especially common problem for women who are about to have their first child. A new baby changes the dynamic of a couple and is a big change for the lives of most people. Many pregnant women feel stressed out by the changes in their bodies and lifestyles. Another anxiety producer is the expectation of the child and all the responsibilities that come with that. Even though pharmaceutical companies produce a lot of anti-anxiety medications, they can be unsafe, especially for the fragile bodily balance of pregnant women. So, if you are feeling anxious, here are some natural methods to help alleviate the problem without filling your body with chemicals.
 
Reduce your responsibilities
Being pregnant in itself is a huge responsibility – your body is producing and caring for a new life that needs to be kept safe and healthy.  The changes and pressure can take a toll on your physiological and psychological wellbeing. That is why keeping up with your old chores and tasks can make you feel anxious and overburdened. Try gradually reducing your responsibilities by half and substitute them with you-time. Do things you enjoy, like reading a book or taking walks in the park. Avoid sitting on the couch, watching TV all day – it will make you feel immobilized and the overload of information from the screen will overburden your brain, actually increasing anxiety levels.
Breathe and stretch
The mind and body are closely interconnected, so everything that you do physically effects your psychological wellbeing. Breathing exercises, as well as yoga, meditation and stretching have a calming effect on the brain and help you become more in touch with your own body, thoughts and emotions. This is especially helpful while pregnant, as the hormonal imbalance in your body might make you feel emotionally unstable. Breathing and stretching exercises also help prepare your body for the process of childbirth.
Exercise
Exercise is always advised when trying to lift your spirits. It is a wonderful, all natural helper for several reasons. First and foremost, physical movement helps the body release more of the so-called happiness hormones – endorphins and dopamine. These are substances natural to your body, which help fight depression and anxiety. They also make you feel more energetic. Secondly, working out has a positive effect on your body and is therefore likely to improve your self-esteem, which is always a great weapon against anxiety. If you exercise outdoors, you get an added benefit – fresh air, as well as natural shapes, sounds and movements, soothe the brain. When pregnant, you might not be able to work out in the same way as before. It is important to be cautious of your delicate state and apply moderation. Don’t bring your body to exhaustion – that can be dangerous for both you and your baby. Instead, do some light exercise and check for a good workout routine with your doctor.
Open up
Talking is one of the best ways to relieve pressure and alleviate anxiety. Being pregnant has probably brought a myriad of questions to your mind and they might be causing you anxiety. Bottling up your feelings and going through it all alone can be harmful for your psyche and the stress is likely to harm the fetus. Opening up to people, talking about your concerns and emotions, is one of the most effective ways to alleviate anxiety. You could join a support group, talk to friends, family or a therapist. Whatever you decide to do, it is important to remember that even if your companions cannot give you any adequate advice, sharing and feeling supported is enough to relieve anxiety.
Forget about “What if”
As a new mom, it is completely natural to worry and overwhelm yourself with heaps of questions. Many pregnant women are worried that they won’t be good enough mothers, that they don’t know how to raise a child properly, that their child might have a health problem and all kinds of other concerns beginning with “What if”. This thought pattern is very easy to fall into, but it is extremely unproductive and can only cause anxiety, which is harmful for both you and the child. You need to remind yourself of your strengths and make sure you are doing the best you can to stay healthy – that is the only way to take care of your unborn child at the moment. Whenever you feel a “What if” coming on, count to 50 and then occupy yourself with something.

Coconut Oil For Stretch Marks -

While exercising to lose weight and giving birth to babies is a wonderful thing, there’s just one little problematic side effect for both: stretch marks.
Most people wear stretch marks like they’re something to be ashamed of, but honestly, they should wear them like badges of honor. After all, they tell the tale of you giving birth to your baby or overcoming your weight problems. However, if you want to lose your stretchmarks, there’s no need to spend a lot of money to remove them. Just get a jar of virgin coconut oil.
The VCO helps hydrate the skin naturally, so that it becomes smooth and elastic enough to tighten on its own. Eventually, your stretchmarks will disappear.

4 Antibiotic Herbs and How To Use Them -

Antibiotic herbs can be used around the home for minor infections and as antiseptics to prevent infection. Here are some of the more useful antibiotic herbs.

1. Garlic

This smelly but effective herb is an antibiotic powerhouse. It’s also widely available and inexpensive. You can even grow it yourself.

How do you use it?

Garlic works best when used internally. It can be made into ear drops and used to combat ear infections; simmered in broth or water, it makes a healing broth that works especially well for upper respiratory infections. Garlic can be minced and added to all sorts of foods, from pasta to salad. Many natural health practitioners believe that garlic is most effective when used raw – as juice, minced, or crushed.

2. Echinacea

You’ve probably heard of this herb – it’s all over the place during cold and flu season, and for good reason. Echinacea is a powerful antibiotic and, in the case of colds and flu, anti-viral. It also works as an antiseptic on wounds and to treat sore throats.

How do you use it?

Tea made from Echinacea’s roots and aerial parts is not particularly tasty, but it can be drunk. Such a tea can also be used as a wash for superficial cuts and scrapes. Echinacea tincture, diluted in warm water, makes a very good sore throat remedy.

3. Goldenseal

The golden yellow color of Goldenseal’s roots give it its name, and these roots are the parts that are used medicinally. Goldenseal works well topically and internally; however, it is such an effective antibiotic that it can affect intestinal flora, and should not be taken internally for more than a few weeks at a time.

How do you use it?

Infused in boiling water and then cooled, Goldenseal has a reputation as a very effective eye wash for infections in and around the eye. Such an infusion also makes a very good wash for cuts and scrapes, and can even be used on surgical wounds, particularly on pets.

4. Ginger

Did you know that ginger can work as an antibiotic? It is reputed to be effective against E. coli and Salmonella, both of which are food-borne bacteria that can cause significant illness in people. It has even been shown to treat and cure ulcers.

How do you use it?

Ginger can be made into a tea using the fresh root or the dried and ground root. The fresh root is inexpensive, and a decoction can easily be made by gently simmering ginger slices in water and drinking the result, sweetened with raw honey. You can also eat candied ginger to help treat ulcers and fight infection.

few Natural Spot and Acne Remedies -

This is a common problem for both teenagers and adults. There are several chmeical products on the market including Retin-A, Clearasil, Proactiv Solutions, and more that all try to tackle the issue of fighting acne. Many of these can be harsh and full of chemicals that are questionable.
If you want another choice, here are some other remedies and suggestions for combating acne.
* Change your eating habits. Eating the wrong foods which are high in fat can cause pimples to erupt on your body, most commonly on the face. Each person has their trigger foods that can worsen the acne if they are already experiencing pimples.
* Consume more Vitamin A. Deficiencies of this vitamin have been linked to acne outbreaks. Good sources of Vitamin A include fruits and fruit juices.
* Buttermilk facial rinses have been known to treat acne. Using pure buttermilk, rinse your face daily.
* Pastes created from various items such as tomatoes, mustard seeds, garlic, avocado, or orange peels can be applied to the acne to lessen the inflammation.
* Many herbs can treat acne flare-ups: turmeric, fenugreek, and basil.
* Use a clean cotton ball and soak it in lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. Apply the liquid to your face and let it sit. Use warm water to wash it off.

Things You Should Be Doing For Your Hubby Regularly -

1. Don’t talk about him behind his back
If there are any issues driving a wedge in your relationship, skip the venting session with girlfriends, and talk to your husband first. “Husband shaming” helps no one.
2. Brag about him when he’s not around
If you hear anything negative said about your other half — even in jest — step up and defend him. Show that your marriage is full of strength and unity.
3. Pray for him — daily
The only way to make a united marriage even stronger is to put God at the head of it.
4. Bake the man some cookies
As frivolous as it may sound, this comforting gesture goes a long way.
5. Strengthen his servitude
If your man spends what little free time he has serving his community or church, you may feel a bit lonesome. Just remember that others may be in need of his service too.
6. Don’t nag
Spend more time focusing on what hubby does do and less on what he doesn’t do.
7. Voice your gratitude
Don’t save your thanks for the big things. Your husband shows his love for you in many simple ways. Return the favor, and thank him sincerely for all the little things.
8. Praise his work
Whether your husband sits at a desk all day, shuttles the kids all around town or puts his life on the line for his country, tell him how much you appreciate his hard work and sacrifice.
9. Encourage his hobbies
Dust off your old golf and hit the green with him! If you don’t enjoy the same activities, arrange an outing for him and his buddies every once in a while.
10. Build financial unity
If you are constantly complaining about money, you might be making hubby feel unappreciated or undervalued.
11. Show him you have faith in him
No one is perfect. We all fail sometimes. If your husband is the primary provider, he may feel a lot of pressure to be the best. Find ways to show him that you love and believe in him no matter what happens.
12. Kiss him — passionately!
When he leaves for work, when he comes home, or just because you locked eyes from across the room — I challenge you to do this at least once a day.
13. Call him courageous
From going off to war to opening their hearts to those in need, our men show their courage in a myriad of ways. Recognize your husband’s resolutions, however great or small they seem.
14. Make your home a safe haven
Keep your home a happy place for your husband to find comfort and refuge from whatever the outside world throws at him.
 15. Love his family
They say that when you marry your spouse, you marry his entire family. While some families are much closer than others, it’s important to love the people who made your husband who he is. You don’t have to agree with or even get along with them. But truly love them.
16. Take him out on a date!
Change things up! Surprise your husband with a night out where he doesn’t have to plan a thing.
17. Discover his s*xual needs
Newsflash, ladies: Intimacy is Read: Your husband has 5 basic needs. Are you meeting them?. Communication is key in making those special experiences better for both of you.
18. Baby him when he’s sick
Men like to be tough. They are natural providers. But when they get sick, they turn back into those little boys who just want to be comforted. Give your hubby that moment, and when he’s feeling better, let him go back to “superman mode.”
19. Cook his favorite meal
As the primary cook for my family,  plan our menu around whatever  happen to be in the mood for — and what the kids will actually eat.
 20. Don’t argue with him in front of the kids
And never pit the kids against him, forcing them to choose sides. Keep your marital issues between you and your husband.
You and your husband have a one-of-a-kind marriage, and these ideas are just the beginning. Try implementing a few, and watch your relationship flourish and grow

Brain damaging habits you must know -

1 – Unhealthy Diet The number one risk factor for any disease is a bad diet. Having too much salt, fat, and preservatives in the food we eat increases our risk for developing many diseases. Having diabetes and hypertension affects the way blood delivers oxygen to the brain, and without enough oxygen, brain tissue starts to die. Damaged brain tissue can cause memory and mood disturbances (beyond the physical manifestations
2 – Smoking
Smoking is a dangerous vice that affects our circulatory system. Nicotine damages the walls of our blood vessels, making them prone to rupture. Even without causing damage to the cerebral blood vessels, the constant vasoconstriction affects the delivery of blood (and therefore oxygen) to the brain. Smoking is also a major contributing factor to hypertension and diabetes – both of which can affect the brain.
3 – Drinking Alcohol
Alcohol is a depressant of the nervous system, affecting a person’s mood and memory. Too much alcohol can cause blackouts, which manifests as the typical loss of memory and prolonged depressed mood in a healthy adult. These symptoms become more pronounced in older people, often being mistaken for dementia or Alzheimer’s disease – or worse, disguising their symptoms.
4 – Lack Of Sleep
Sleeping during the night is when the body recovers and regenerates from the day’s activities. Older people are light sleepers because they spend less time in deep sleep, which makes them easily awaked by noise or other similar disturbances. Without enough sleep, people wake up tired and less alert. Consistently lacking in quality sleep disturbs the brain’s natural sleep cycle, memory retention, and mood. People often have difficulty concentration and are very irritable without enough sleep.
5 – Drug Use
Drug use, whether medicinal or recreational, has the potential to permanently damage our brain. Drugs, by design, are intended to alter brain function – temporarily providing feelings of elation and improving energy levels. But mind-altering substances can cause damage the neuronal pathways to the brain; people who abuse drugs often experience depression and an inability to concentrate. In some cases, drug use affects a person’s level of consciousness and may even cause seizures and difficulty breathing.
6 – Being Unsociable
Regular social interaction is a basic human need. Opportunities to socialize with others are actually opportunities to keep our brain healthy and alert. People who avoid social interaction are prone to developing psychosocial mental disorders because of a lack of social support from either family or friends. Studies have revealed a causal relationship between social isolation and deteriorating mental and physical health.
7 – Low Self Esteem
Self-esteem is one of the building blocks of a healthy mental state. Most mental disorders stem from low-self esteem that leads to self-destructive behavior. When we put ourselves down by comparing ourselves with others and thinking that we are never good enough, it can damage our mood and our relationships with others. Learn to praise yourself when warranted, think you can instead of can’t, and grab the opportunities that come your way.
8 – Not Exercising
A new study in JAMA Psychiatry has demonstrated that three or more periods of exercise per week decreases your risk of being depressed by 19%. University College London researchers monitored 11,000 people born in 1958 up until the age of 50 and discovered a correlation between physical activity and depression. People who were depressed were less likely to be active, while those who were active were less likely to be depressed.
9 – Overuse of Electronic Devices
Links have been found between use of computers and smart phones in the late evening and an inability to sleep – due to overstimulation of the brain. It’s a well known fact that if you spend too long on the computer, you can get “brain fog” and a kind of physical lethargy and lack of motivation. Take breaks. Best of all, have days with no computer use and spend time out in nature doing physical activities.
 

What okro does to your body -

Okra and Diabetes: Okra, commonly referred to as lady’s finger, has been found by multiple in vitro and in vivo studies to be a potent blood glucose-lowering (anti-diabetic) food. Okra has been used traditionally as an alternative treatment for diabetes and it is thought that this effect of okra is due to the presence of a large amount of soluble dietary fiber, which retards glucose absorption from the gastrointestinal tract.
Okra and Cancer: Okra has also demonstrated action against breast cancer cells in preliminary lab studies.
Okra and Depression: Amazing new research has proved that okra may also have the ability to fight one of the chronic illnesses of our time: Depression.
It’s been known that healthy diet improves mood since some fruits and vegetables were reported to have mood-elevating antioxidants such as flavonoids and quercetin. Because of okra’s high antioxidant content, yet no known records of antidepressant ability, the researchers from Mazandaran University of Medical Science examined its effect in elevating mood.
The researchers drew extracts from the seeds and leaves as they often contain the highest concentrations of antioxidants. As expected, the extracts were found to contain 58 – 68 mg of gallic acid equivalents per gram, the same levels of antioxidants as extracts of blackberry and blueberry, the most powerful of all fruits and berries.
After standard tests on diabetic mice, the results showed that okra seed extracts acted as a powerful mood-elevating agent that when in high dosage (750 mg of 10:1 seed extract per kg bodyweight) performed as effective as the anti-depression drug imipramine. But even in lower dose (250 mg/kg), the extract already manifested a significant mood boost. The positive mood effect is attributed to high total phenol and flavonoid contents of okra extracts.
The difficulties and complications related to diabetes put diabetes sufferers at greater risk of developing depression. Also, it is thought that having depression may increase one’s risk for diabetes or worsen diabetes symptoms. Studies have shown (unsurprisingly) that people with depression and diabetes suffer more severely than those with diabetes alone.
With the discovery of okra’s powerful anti-depressive action, people with diabetes have a significant likelihood of handling depression and gaining control over their blood levels at the same time. Eating the whole okra contains fiber which is essential for regulating blood sugar and lowering cholesterol levels. It also contains nearly 10% of recommended levels of vitamin B6 and folic acid. Even without diabetes, munching on okra is a far more healthy option for having that “happy hormone” than binging on sweets.

Harmless Habits That Can Leave Your Marriage In Shreds -

Things you never thought about when single, and don’t really need to mind with your friends, can sneak up on you and drive a huge wedge between you and your partner.
Read: The No. 1 cause of divorce may not be what you think
So take these little tidbits of wisdom to heart before you tear what you have to shreds.
Solo decisions
Marriage means major decisions get made by the both of you.
No making purchases that affect the other person without consulting them first. Maybe you’ve got that one down, but how about those smaller buys, or little decisions?
If you have a habit of buying, selling or deciding on the fly, even for small things, without letting your spouse know, you may be unwittingly undercutting his confidence in your partnership.
Make a phone call, send a text, tweet a pic. Just do something however small to let your spouse know you have them in mind when deciding to buy.
Little white lies
Saving face and keeping the peace often comes with a price.
Little white lies can slowly, but surely, destroy your husband’s faith in your words. This can also soon have him second guessing you, or, worse, tuning you out completely.
You can be nice and honest at the same time, but if only one is possible, it’s best to leave the lid on the lying box. Once opened, it may never fully be closed.
Nagging
Even if what you’re insisting on actually does need to be done, constant whiny reminders will do little to inspire love at the end of the day.
Nag-tag, or the nag and ignore game, can wreak havoc on a marriage because necessary items won’t be tackled when they should be just as a show of power. If it needs to be said more than twice, re-think your strategy, or get someone else to take on the undone task.
Read: 7 things lousy husbands have in common
Interrupting
Cutting off your partner in conversation is not only annoying, it shows a lack of respect for them and a lack of control in yourself.
The message you are sending your spouse, and anyone else in the room, is essentially: “What I say and think is more important or interesting than what you say or think.”
It might be hard to keep this under control when conversations become lively or large, but if you do find yourself cutting in, excuse yourself, apologize and ask permission to continue.
Correction
Be careful with correction!
Make sure your spouse knows you are not questioning his or her intelligence, and there is no intent to show up, embarrass, or put him down. And of course, make sure any correction you attempt to make is actually accurate. No sense in starting trouble over nothing.
Use qualifiers like “I think,” “I heard,” or “I read a study” instead of “You’re wrong, this is how it is.” As this won’t be taken well no matter how accurate the information is.
If you find your spouse unable to finish a sentence without you interrupting his thought, it’s time to take a breather and decide if your information or your marriage is more important.
Comparison
Do not compare your spouse to other people.
There is almost no way to perceive this positively, and without an air of criticism. Your partner is who he is, you are who you are, and it is unfair to ask them to be more like someone else.
Instead, ask him to build the kind of marriage you want to have with him. If this means more compassion, support, effort, etc., then he knows it’s about the both of you having what you need, not other people having what you don’t.
Mind what you say and how you behave toward the one you love. Think about how you feel when these things are done to you; not just once in a while, but consistently over time. Resentments built up and can rupture with little provocation. So keep these harmless habits under wraps

Words That Are Most Important In A Marriage

The truth is, a healthy marriage requires A LOT of grace. Some couples get stuck in a stagnant rut because one or both spouses dig in their heels and refuse to admit fault for fear of looking weak or giving “power” to the other spouse. Neither spouse is willing to swallow their pride and go first. This creates a toxic cycle where nobody wins.
When you hold a grudge, you both lose. When you choose to forgive, you both win!
Before I get to the “Nine most important words in a marriage” let me share briefly on how NOT to apologize…
“I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings”
This isn’t a real apology. It’s the kind of “apology” that will just make your spouse want to punch you in the nose. It’s a passive aggressive way of saying, “You were being too sensitive.”
“I’m sorry for whatever I did”
Anytime the word “whatever” is used in the apology, it loses authenticity. A real apology is specific and heartfelt, not vague and impersonal.
“I’m sorry, but I wasn’t the only one at fault.”
You probably weren’t the only one at fault, but your apology loses sincerity when you start trying to assign blame to your spouse at the same time. They have to do that on their own. If there’s ever a “but” in your apology, it isn’t a real apology.
Now, for a better way to apologize, here are the 9 of the most important words in a marriage…
“I was wrong. I am sorry. Please forgive me.”
These simple words can preserve trust in your marriage, and once you lose trust, you risk losing everything. Always be quick to say them when you’ve blown it! Here’s how…
There are 3 key components to a true apology. I’ll give an example below of how this kind of apology can look in a marriage.
1. Confessing guilt
(I was wrong.)
This needs to be specific and heartfelt, not forced or coerced. Reveal the details of what you did and the motives behind them (even if it isn’t pretty.
2. Admitting remorse
(I am sorry.)
This can’t just be remorse that you got caught. It has to come from a place of reflection and genuine concern for the damage you caused.
3. Asking for grace
. (Please forgive me.)
This requires swallowing your pride and putting the power in your spouse’s hands. It’s asking the opportunity to rebuild what you have broken by your words and/or actions and it’s asking them to give up the right to punish and to focus instead on healing and rebuilding trust.
Here’s an example…
“I know that I hurt you when I hid that purchase I made from you. I chose to value something I wanted to buy more than I valued your feelings and your trust in me. I was wrong. I don’t have an excuse other than I was being selfish and reckless. I am sorry. I want to make this right. I want you to be able to trust me fully and completely and I know I wounded your trust in me. Please tell I can to to start rebuilding your trust. I love you and I want to do everything in my power to protect our marriage. Please forgive me.”
If you’re on the receiving end of the apology, accept it with grace and move forward to rebuild trust.
Let grace flow freely in your marriage. Be quick to forgive and to seek forgiveness. Don’t keep score and don’t hold grudges! Your marriage will thrive when you embrace grace.

Amazing health benefit of Apple -

1. Cancer Prevention – Apples, apple juice, and apple extracts have all been shown to prevent colon, breast, and skin cancer in animal subjects. Epidemiological observations also support the effectiveness of apples in preventing lung and colon cancer in human populations.
2. Antioxidant Activity – The phytochemical content of apples has demonstrated free radical scavenging activities that reduce DNA damage caused by oxidation. It may be interesting to note that according to studies, the most antioxidant-rich part of the apple is its peel, not its pulp.
3. Antihyperglycemic – With the wealth of available scientific evidence supporting the antihyperglycemic effect of the apple, the question of researchers is no longer whether this fruit can really control hyperglycemia but more on which particular phenolic of the fruit confers this effect, and which apple variety provides the largest amount of benefits.
4. Anti-diabetes – Related to the apple’s antihyperglycemic effect is its potential as an anti-diabetes agent. A study has shown that apple consumption is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. And again, researchers credit much of the apple’s anti-diabetic health benefits on its peel, which has a higher level of quercertin than the pulp of the fruit.
5. Cardiovascular Protection – It has long been concluded that the more dietary fiber there is in one’s diet, the lower one’s risk for coronary heart disease becomes. A hundred grams of raw apple with its skin on contains 10% of the average person’s daily fiber requirements. This makes this fruit a very heart-friendly addition to one’s everyday diet.
6. Cholesterol Reduction – One of the reasons why apples are so effective at lowering the risk of heart disease is that they have a reducing effect on bad cholesterol. In a 2001 study, researchers observed that when animal subjects were given apples, their levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood decreased, their good cholesterol (HDL) levels increased, and there was more cholesterol in their feces, which suggests that less cholesterol was absorbed by the body.
7. Anti-asthma – Researchers have found a specific link between apple consumption and a reduced risk for asthma. This same link has not been found in the general consumption of other fruits and vegetables such as grapefruit, onions, and white cabbage. Apple’s anti-asthma effect is especially prominent when the fruit is consumed at least twice a week.
8. Weight Reduction – In a study done on overweight middle-aged women, where the subjects were divided into three groups – the members of the first group were given an apple; the second group, a pear; and the third group, an oatmeal cookie to eat thrice a day for three months – researchers observed that at the end of the period, both the apple and pear groups lost an average of 1.21 kg, while those who had oat cookies did not have any significant changes in weight.
9. Anti-cholera – Researchers have found that immature apples contain polyphenols that inhibit the adverse effects of cholera on the body, making the fruit a possible therapeutic agent for treating cholera victims.
10. Anti-COPD Symptoms – During a three-year study, researchers examined the effects of flavonoid intake on victims of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The main dietary sources of the flavonoids were either tea or apples. The findings showed that while tea drinking did not produce a significant effect on the subjects, apple consumption resulted in less coughing and breathlessness, leading to the conclusion that a high intake of apples is beneficial for relieving the symptoms of COPD.

Signs of Hormone Imbalance You Shouldn't Ignore -

 

1 - Constant weight gain

If you're having a little trouble with your weight, it doesn't necessarily mean your diet's wrong; it can be one of the signs you have a hormone imbalance The so-called stress hormone "Cortisol" is secreted by the Adrenal glands. When Cortisol production is disrupted (whether through stress or some other cause), it cannot not only cause weight gain, but can also dictate where that weight gain accumulates on your body.

Studies have shown that increased Cortisol levels can lead to what is sometimes referred to as "toxic fat" gathering in the abdominal area. This increases the risk of cardiovascular disease - both the risk of heart attack and stroke.
One of the results with increased Cortisol production is that it's stimulates an increase in the amount of Insulin released into your bloodstream. This can affect your blood sugar levels, which often results in increased appetite.

 2 - Poor Libido

Having a poor libido can also be one of the signs you have a hormone imbalance. The hormonal Androgen is manufactured in men by their testicles, and in women by their ovaries. Lack of this hormone can give rise to poor libido, even in women.
 3 - Feelings of fatigue
Fatigue is another of the signs you have a hormone imbalance, especially if you are getting plenty of quality sleep, but still wake up feeling tired. This could be down once again to our good old friend Cortisol. The constant state of readiness that the presence of Cortisol brings about with regard to the fight or flight syndrome, occurs when feelings of stress are being experienced. If stress is present too often, this can lead to feelings of fatigue.
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 4 - Low mood
With feelings of low and bad mood such as irritability, anxiety, and depression, the Thyroid Gland can be the guilty party once again, and for exactly the same reason - over production of TSH through Hypothyroidism

 5 - Insomnia and interrupted sleep

Insomnia and interrupted sleep conditions are often experience by women going through the Menopause or Perimenopause. It is a result of the huge change to hormonal balances. Unfortunately continued insomnia and interrupted sleep is only serves to make the condition worse. It's a vicious circle!
The problem is that hormone levels and balances are addressed during sleep, so sleep deprivation will affect up to 10 different hormones causing problems with appetite, cardiac health, fertility, and mental health too.
The hormone Estrogen is the hormone that helps to maintain regular sleep patterns. The deficiency of Estrogen, which is a symptom of Menopause or Perimenopause, is a main cause of Insomnia.
Testosterone deficiency can also be an issue for women. In men, it often leads to Sleep Apnea causing interrupted sleep for both themselves and their partners.

 6 - Excess Sweating

Excess sweating is another of the signs you have a hormone imbalance. Women going through the Menopause (or Perimenopause) often experience hot flashes. At night, when in bed, these are known as night sweats, and are sometimes a precursor to the onset of menopause itself, if it is not already in full swing.
In both men and women, night sweats can be a result of problems with the endocrine system, brought about by over or under production of hormones such as serotonin.

 7 - Problems with your digestion

If you are experiencing problems with your digestion, it could be brought about through the imbalance of 3 hormones in the gastrointestinal system. These are called Gastrin, Secretin, and Cholecystokinin, also known as CCK. These 3 hormones help to stimulate the actual digestive process that breaks food down into simple molecules that can be easily absorbed into the bloodstream.

8 - Craving for sugar

Another sign you have a hormone imbalance is a craving for sugar, which can be brought about by the gland we have already discussed on several occasions, namely the Thyroid gland. It's another consequence of the condition of hypothyroidism, whereby the gland is underactive.
A craving for sugar can also be brought about through an adrenal overload. Again, this reaction is part of the fight or flee mechanism that we mentioned earlier, whereby the body boosts production of Adrenaline and Cortisol. Anything sweet is unfortunately a great source of energy (albeit only very short lasting) to feed the fight/flee preparation process.

 9 - Hair loss

It was always thought that hair loss was usually the result of a lack of Testosterone. Whilst this may be true in terms of the root cause (ha ha - please excuse the pun) it is now known that Dyhydrotestosterone, or DHT for short, is believed to be the main culprit. Whilst women only have a very small level of Testosterone in their body systems, it is enough to cause DHT to trigger hair loss.

Getting the Balance Right

Hormones and health are closely related. You simply cannot enjoy good holistic health all the time that your hormones are out of balance - and the balance is a very fine one. Unfortunately, many of the symptoms discussed above do not necessarily mean that you have an actual hormone imbalance. These symptoms often relate to other conditions.
However, if you wish to pursue the hormone imbalance route, you'll find that a hormone diet can go a long way towards addressing many of your body’s possible hormonal imbalances.

Troubling signs that you need more water!

Your body simply cannot function properly if it is dehydrated – and the more dehydrated you are, the more problems will occur. All throughout the day, and even while we sleep, our body uses water. The “water” we see expelled through our sweat and urine is essential to removal of toxins, and we actually need more than the amount we put out to make up for the losses. This is because every single cell in our body uses H₂O to function. That doesn’t even count the activities we participate in everyday, like exercise and yes, even thinking. Our brain cells need a lot of water in order to function.
1. Dark, Infrequent Urine:
This one is probably the most obvious and best signs. Ideally, you should always aim to be observant regarding the color of your urine as it is an immediate indicator of your hydration level. Your urine should be pale in color. If it is dark, it is too concentrated and you need more fluids. Also if you haven’t urinated for several hours, you probably are not drinking enough.
2. Bad Breath:
Without enough water, our bodies start to withhold whatever water it can, wherever it can. Feeling extremely hot yet being unable to sweat, or being unable to pee, are signs of severe dehydration, but these signs occur later on. One of the first parts of the body that get depleted of water is the mouth. Xerostomia, or dry mouth, can cause a foul odour to build up in our mouths due to the lack of saliva and its cleansing properties.
Drinking water is also a good way to wash off the plaque and bacteria that build up in your mouth. So the next time you’re offered a mint, you might want a glass of water or two to go with that.
3. Dry Skin:
Dry skin, especially on the lips and eyes, are clinical signs of dehydration. When your skin is thirsty, chances are most of the cells inside of your body are getting thirsty as well. Moisturizers and creams don’t work as well as getting enough H₂O every day to fix dry, dull skin.
Regularly drinking water also fixes premature wrinkles and fine lines. Taking a water bottle from home with you wherever you go might help you get your water fix daily.
4. Muscle Cramps:
Muscle cramps are a sign of a great many alarming things, including dehydration.  The most common cause of cramps is insufficient nutrients like magnesium, potassium, or sodium, but you can have a lot of these in the diet without enough water to transport them to the muscles that need them.
5. Headaches and/or Irritability:
Your body may be in need of more water if you’re suffering an unusual headache.  If you’re finding tasks more difficult than usual, or if you’re feeling slightly moody, then it might be time for a break and a glass of water as well.  Difficulty concentrating is also a sign that you’re slightly low on H₂O.
6. Constipation:
We all know that the number one culprit for constipation is usually lack of fiber. In some cases, however, lack of water is more of a problem than lack of green leaves in the diet.  The next time you’re having trouble with bowel movement, drink a couple of glasses of water and see if it helps.
How Much Water Do I Really Need?
Recommended daily intake of water may vary per region, and this may be because climate also affects how much water you need a day. In the U.S., the typical daily water intake for males is 3.7 liters and 2.7 liters for females. In the UK, the recommendation is 1.8 liters for both.   In the desert, you’ll need more. Keep an eye on your urine color.
8 glasses a day with a 240 mL glass measurement is a more popular rule of thumb, and it helps a lot of people remember to stay hydrated throughout the day. People with renal problems should consult with their doctor for their recommended daily water intake.

surprising health benefit of walking -

Walking has too many well proven benefits for you to skip out on. It’s free, and all you need is the time invested and some pretty good shoes to start. Walking, along with a well balanced diet, does wonders for your metabolism… and you can always use the fresh air.
1. Walking and Weight Loss: Studies show that walking daily really helps with long term weight maintenance. Weight gain in women who participated in the study, who were also prescribed a healthy, balanced diet, was less than 8 kilograms over a 15 year period. For both men and women who were subject to the study, the longer the distance of the walks they took, the more weight they kept off.
2. Walking and Cardiovascular Disease: At 2,000 steps a day, the risk for getting cardiovascular disease is lessened by 10%.  This study, done on subjects who were at risk for cardiovascular disease and had an impaired tolerance to glucose, also showed a decrease in cardiovascular incidents.
3. Walking and Cancer: Walking has also been shown to reduce the risk of a whole list of cancers, gastrointestinal cancer and breast cancer being the most notable ones.
4. Walking and Blood Pressure: Walking has been shown to lower blood pressure and lowers coronary heart disease risk by 19% if you walk for at least 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week.
5. Walking and Mental Health: Studies on walking showed that there’s a marked increase in school and work performance for people who take regular walks. People who walk regularly also showed an increase in size of the memory center of the brain, leading to better recall. Walking reduces anxiety and stress, and research has shown that it improves quality of sleep, thereby improving your mood and cognitive ability overall. Recent studies have shown walking rather than taking a car to work can benefit psychology – with increased feelings of well being.
The Right Way to Walk: For adults, especially the elderly, how we walk is most times taken for granted. We’re so used to it that we take our posture and gait for granted, causing our bodies unnecessary strain. If you suffer from back pain, lower body joint pain, or an unusual leg pain after a day of walking, chances are you might be walking the wrong way. A physical therapist in your area might be able to help you with correcting your walk.
Generally speaking, you should be looking straight ahead about 10-15 feet away to help align your body correctly when walking. Your shoulders should be hanging back comfortably, your backside tucked in, and your arms bent at close to a 90-degree angle. Take short, comfortable steps with your feet pointing forward so the center of your body’s gravity weighs in the middle and not forward.
It’s always recommended to check with your doctor before commencing any new physical activity regimen, especially if you’re diabetic or if you have a heart condition. Diabetics have been advised to wear specialized shoes that give their feet extra protection when they’re walking.  People who suffer from a heart condition should take extra measures to be safe when they go out for any physical activity; make sure they have a means of communicating with a loved one or a health care provider in cases of emergency, and that they only take walks in populated areas so they don’t find themselves alone in emergency situations.
How To Get The Most out Of Walking: Your comfort comes first when it comes to getting the most out of walking. You won’t be that motivated to do it at all if your feet end up aching after a few good minutes. It follows that you’re going to need a good pair of walking shoes.
There are literally thousands that offer features specifically made to make your walk a pleasant, comfortable experience every time. You might want to opt for shoes that have a comfortably cushioned achilles notch and gel pads that cushion the balls of your feet.
One final tip – if possible, find a walk that is away from roads and other places where the air might be polluted.

Tips For Preventing Stroke -

Stroke, or a cerebrovascular (CVA) attack in medical terms, is a condition wherein the brain doesn’t get enough blood supply to one or multiple areas of the brain. Without blood to supply that area, the brain doesn’t get the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function. Without blood supply, cells in the brain begin to die within minutes, leading to long-term or permanent disability, brain damage, and potentially, death.
1. Reduce alcohol intake. A recent study also put people who drink more than three alcoholic beverages a week at risk for stroke.
2. Keep your blood pressure in check. Keeping your blood pressure in balance might be one of the most important preventive measures for stroke.  Regularly check your blood pressure and keep it within the ranges of 120/80 and 100/70. Controlling an existing hypertension condition by regularly taking the medication prescribed to you by your doctor is extremely important as well. Maintenance medication for blood pressure should be taken strictly as prescribed even if you’re not feeling the effects of hypertension.
3. Get in shape. Obesity was identified as an independent factor contributory to developing a stroke.  This means that you can get a stroke just by being obese. Enrolling in a regular exercise program and controlling your weight is crucial in avoiding stroke.
4. Eat Healthy. Avoid excess intake of salt and completely eliminate processed and fast food from your diet. Unsurprisingly, a heart-healthy diet is also the kind to adopt for preventing stroke. High fiber foods such as oats, barley, and cornmeal will help clean your blood vessels right up. Nuts, berries, beans, low-fat soy milk, and fatty fish high in omega-3 will also help you prevent stroke by lowering the levels of cholesterol in your blood.
5. Stop smoking. Smoking, and even second hand smoke, can cause damage to the blood vessels in your brain and raise the levels of bad fat in your circulation, putting you in danger of an ischemic stroke. Establishing a no smoking policy at work and at home can help you and the people around you avoid stroke.

Natural Ways To Ease Your Depression -

Self-esteem … means how one values or regards themselves. Self-esteem is strengthened by our own accomplishments and achievements. A prerequisite for building a solid foundation is for the individual to establish their own autonomy and independence from their parents. Only after healthy separation is established can we truly begin to feel good about ourselves.
How we treat other people, establishing our own careers/income, and having warm, healthy relationships are all solid contributors to our evolving self-esteem. No wonder self-esteem has a direct affect on our confidence level.
But some of the messages in our society sabotage a person’s self-esteem. Think about the media’s portrayal of the “ideal woman” being thin and beautiful.
So, how can you break this rut and have the utmost confidence?
1. Practice, practice, practice.
There’s prolific research showing that practicing any skill builds confidence in performing it.
2. Prepare in advance.
Knowing the answers helps build confidence. “If you prepare in advance for a situation, you will feel a lot better about it going in.
3. Fix your posture.
Confidence can be very quickly boosted by changing our body language. When we curl up, hunch and essentially make ourselves look smaller, we send signals to our mind that we have “low power,” which gives out the stress hormone cortisol. Contrastly, when we assume postures of higher power — like the Wonder Woman pose — our bodies send signals to our mind that we have greater power. This releases testosterone, making us feel more dominant and assertive.
4. Really, truly love yourself.
“Liking yourself and appreciating your good qualities always leads to self-confidence. If you’re struggling with self-acceptance, and focusing on the positive is hard for you, reach out to your support system and ask them to help you have greater acceptance for yourself,”  Live Happy at-large.
5. Stop wasting energy focusing on your weaknesses.
We all have good and bad parts of ourselves. But we should focus on only the good things.
“Focus on what it is that’s good about you. Are you a great communicator? A computer whiz? Someone who knows how to make people feel comfortable? Be aware of those assets and make an effort to use them on a regular basis.
6. Recall a moment when you felt really confident.
“Everyone has some point in their life when they felt confident or at their best. The trick is to remember that experience in your body and notice what happens. Any time you remember anything, your brain, and therefore your body, need to pull up the memory and give you a little bit of the experience of that memory. The longer you consider it, the more real it becomes,
It’s proven scientifically that people with a healthier smile have more confidence than someone with an unhealthy smile.
 7.Brush and floss your teeth daily. Brush twice a day and floss once a day, avoid sugar when possible and minimize it. Soda pop, energy drinks, and sticky candies are the worst for teeth, and visit your dentist and dental hygienist for regular dental check ups and cleanings. For the average patient, it’s every 6 months, and for the best prevention a cleaning every 4 months,” says  a dentist whose mobile dental bus provides providing free dental care to children in need.
8. Wear a scent that reminds you of a positive memory.
According to a study published in Psychology Today, “The wide spectrum of essential oils affect the brain directly both in the hippocampus, as well as in the amygdala which governs over emotions; thus inhaling oils can help us make pleasant associations that lead to ease of tension.” some of the oils most known to boost confidence include holy basil, pink grapefruit, and sweet orange.
“When you smell something that triggers happiness waves in the brain, one will experience joy. The sense of smell is linked to the limbic node part of the brain’s emotional control centre. Positive emotions are directly related to confidence,”
9. Wear makeup.
Looking at women who wear cosmetics makes observers feel better and just may improve their health,
Half the women had a measurably improved immune response and a decrease in stress hormones after viewing the pictures of the women wearing makeup.
10. Actually visualize yourself happy.
“Confidence through visualization techniques can help anyone achieve or accomplish many things in their life that they maybe felt were unattainable,Using visualization tools to make thoughts a reality is quite simple.
“The mind really doesn’t know the difference between reality and the imagination. Your subconscious mind will act on what it sees, feel and hears. It’s what you create within, regardless of whether those images reflect your current reality or not. If you’re consistent in what you visualize, you will achieve it,” says Freeman.

Easy tips for a healthy Liver -

The liver is regarded as absolutely critical to health and the human body; and this is because it’s more than just a filter for the things we eat and drink. Apart from filtration and detoxification as a function, the liver regulates hormones from different parts of your body, controls the sugar that goes into your blood, stores excess glucose for later use, and makes bile to break down the protein and fats we ingest.
A huge part of our digestive process is dependent on our liver, and it’s wise to make the necessary lifestyle shifts to make sure it keeps working at optimal condition. Below are five simple science-supported tips for a healthy liver.
1. Eat Clean.
Opting for organic fruits and vegetables whenever possible can really takes the load off a heavily overworked liver. This is because many chemicals found in pesticides, that are used on non-organic fruits and vegetables, cause liver damage.  so going for pesticide free and free range will make your liver digest nothing but healthy vitamins, minerals and nutrients.
Making sure your food is prepared in a sanitary manner, washed with clean water and cooked with clean ingredients, also protects your liver from possibly contracting hepatitis. Hepatitis is the leading cause of liver damage that leads to scarring, and you can get its different strains from the stool and bodily fluids of infected people.  Therefore, ensuring that your food is not only organic but also safe to eat and prepared by clean hands helps your liver stay healthy. Washing your own hands regularly is also a way of making sure your liver stays clean.
2. Drink black tea.
Study has been conducted on the protective effects of black tea on the liver. Research showed that drinking black tea protected liver cells from damage caused by pesticides.
3. Stop Drinking Alcohol.
Although drinking alcohol has its health benefits, the risks and complications far outweigh them. Prolonged alcohol abuse, characterized by drinking in excess of 148 mL of red wine or its alternative equivalent, leads to severe liver damage. Quit drinking alcohol altogether and your liver will start to heal and repair itself if the damage isn’t too severe. 
4. Quit Smoking.
Smoking is another habit you’ll have to kick if you want a healthy liver. Along with a great number of health risks and conclusive evidence that smoking is the number 1 cause of cancer, smoking causes liver cells and enzymes to deteriorate, thereby severely restricting it from functionality.  There are various community health programs designed for quitting smoking, as well as smoking cessation aids that can help you kick the habit.
5. Don’t self medicate.
Medical health practitioners calculate and deliberate the effects of a medication’s content and dosage before prescribing it to their patients. Without extensive knowledge of a medication’s effects on the body, as well as administering the incorrect dosage, the liver takes on a heavier load than its supposed to. In addition, a higher dosage does not necessarily mean that the drug will take effect at a stronger, more rapid pace. You’re then just needlessly loading your body with a chemical that does nothing but build up in your liver. Make sure to check with your doctor before taking medications, and be sure to take them at the exact dosage that the doctor prescribed. Ask your doctor for any food-drug or drug-to-drug interaction that your medications might have as well, since even some herbs and natural remedies have adverse effects when taken with certain medications.

Simple Ways to Reduce your Risk of Kidney Disease -

1. Eat healthy.
Fill your diet with nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables. A kidney-friendly diet, according to the American Kidney Fund, consists of a low protein, low salt diet so your kidneys have a lighter load to process.
Low protein doesn’t mean that you have to work with less protein; opt for organic pasta, rice, fruits and vegetables and less meat to reach your recommended daily intake.
Fruits rich in protein: passion fruit, currants, avocados, figs, oranges.
Vegetables rich in protein: Beans, potatoes, peas, turnip greens, asparagus, squash, broccoli.
2. Eat Less Salt.
Keep an eye out for foods that are high in sodium; they raise your blood pressure and give your kidneys a hard time. Make it a habit to read nutrition labels; you might be surprised at the amount of sodium in some food like canned soups and sauces.
3. Avoid / limit purines.
Excess purine makes the kidneys inflamed, leading to kidney damage and disease. Avoid foods high in purine such as red meat, animal organs, anchovies, seafood and alcoholic beverages.
Butter, oatmeal, nuts, tomatoes and other fruits, as well as wheat germ contain all the purines our bodies need to function.
4. Keep your blood sugar in check.
Our kidneys play a major role in sugar absorption.  Excessive amounts of sugar in our diet tend to build up in the kidneys. Avoid this from happening by regularly checking your blood sugar levels and staying away from processed sweets and sugary beverages.
5. Keep your blood pressure controlled.
A constantly high blood pressure level damages blood vessels, including the ones in the kidneys crucial for proper kidney function. Aside from a healthy diet, you need to get your weight down to your ideal BMI as well as limit caffeine intake. If you take prescription medication for maintaining your blood pressure, make sure you take that regularly and as directed.
6. Exercise.
The numerous benefits of exercise include lowering blood pressure, weight loss, and prevention of heart and kidney disease.
7. Keep yourself hydrated.
Water flushes out toxins from the body. It also dilutes any build-up of purines, sugars, and salts in your system, helping your kidneys with an easier time at eliminating them.
8. Use medication wisely.
The World Health Organization specifically mentions over-the-counter painkillers as one of the heavy hitters on kidney health.  Use analgesics sparingly, and as much as possible, ask your doctor for the right dose and duration for taking any type of medication.
9. Stop Smoking.
Smoking damages almost all the systems of the body, including our kidneys. If you stop smoking, you’ll no doubt notice an overall improvement on health, as well as reduce your risk of kidney disease

Few Traits Of A Husband Who may Never Ever Stop Loving You -

If you honestly want to develop a fulfilling relationship, then marriage needs to be more than something you do for fun. Marriage is giving yourself completely to your spouse. It is making the commitment to dedicate your life to him or her.
Regardless of what the naysayers say, true love does and will last.
So if that’s what you’re looking for, and you want a man who won’t flake when life gets tough, here are just a few traits that you should look for in a spouse:
1. He is committed to you and to making it work
You want a man who is 100 percent committed to you and the success of your relationship. In marriage you promise to love one another always — not just until hard times hit. Marriage is a holy union between two souls, and so you want to find someone who is devoted and faithful and committed to his vows.
2. He addresses problems quickly and compassionately
A real man pays attention to your feelings. If he can tell that something isn’t right, he’ll bring it up. Don’t waste your time on guys who won’t fix problems in your relationship. A marriage can’t survive without effort.
3. He is willing to help you through your mistakes
When you screw up, he is there to help you fight through the pain — even when you don’t deserve it. Why? Because he doesn’t want to see you hurt. Your burdens are his burdens, and you’re in this together.
4. He pays attention to the fine details
Does he pay attention to little things? He may not know every detail of your life, but he takes note of the things that matter to you. Whether he makes the bed the way you like or plays your favorite song in the car, these small acts of remembering are evidence of his love.
5. He is wise, not just smart
Yeah, it’s helpful to have someone around who can explain quantum physics, but even more importantly is a man who has knowledge beyond book smarts. Marry someone who is wise — who can think through issues holistically and understands the depth of a problem and all its complicated facets.
6. He knows you better than you know yourself
Marry someone who can predict accurately how you will react in difficult situations. That way, he can react to how you react. He can also help you guard yourself from overreacting in ways that you’ll regret later.
7. He deeply cares about how you feel about yourself
It’s not enough for him to think that you’re beautiful; he wants you to feel beautiful as well. When you belittle your appearance, he is the first one to tell you that you are wrong.
8. He kisses your tears away
Husbands can provide comfort in a way that no other human being can. When you feel broken and undone, he is the one that will wipe your tears away. His compassion can help pull your heart back together and give you the courage to move forward. Find someone who does that for you.
9. He spends time during the day thinking about your problems
Your happiness matters to him, so when you are dealing with an issue, it becomes his issue as well. Marry a man who makes your problems a priority. There is nothing more comforting than having someone in your life who cares as deeply about the things you are struggling with as much as you do.
10. He knows how to drop a well-placed “I told you so.”
A good man knows when to hold his tongue, but an even better man knows the right time and place to give you feedback. Having a doting husband who thinks you do no wrong is sweet, but it’s just not practical. Your marriage will be strengthened by both of your willingness to laugh at your mistakes and help one another be better.
Obviously, no man is perfect — and you aren’t perfect either. But finding someone who puts you first, and whom you can put first, is key to a happy marriage. But Where are they???  They are very hard to find!!!

Amazing health benefits of oranges -

Oranges – who doesn’t love them? Whether in whole or juice form, the orange is among the most commonly consumed fruit in the world, and that’s a good thing because this brightly colored package of goodness is just brimming with health benefits.

1. Anti-Cancer – The vitamin C content of oranges is often touted for its anti-cancer potential, but vitamin C is not the only thing oranges have in their cancer-fighting arsenal; there are also the limonoids.
Limonoids are the bitter compounds that underlie the sour and sweet flavors of oranges. They are highly bioavailable, and research has shown that they are effective at triggering the death of human colon cancer cells.  They also show substantial action against human breast cancer cells in lab studies.
2. Pain Killer – Hesperidin, a flavonoid found in orange juice and orange peel,has been found to have significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
3. Anti-Hypertensive – Hesperidin has also been linked to a reduction in diastolic blood pressure after four weeks of orange juice consumption.
4. Cholesterol Reducer – Daily consumption of at least 750 ml of orange juice has been shown to be effective in decreasing levels of low-density lipoproteins, or bad cholesterol, while increasing levels of high-density lipoproteins, or good cholesterol, resulting in an improved blood cholesterol profile.
5. Kidney Protector – The high citrate content of orange juice is linked with its ability to reduce the risk of kidney stone formation. In addition, a comparative study has found that orange juice is more effective than lemon juice in stimulating the excretion of urinary oxalates, making it a superior dietary addition for preventing kidney stones.
6. Heart Health – A study has shown that men and women whose blood ascorbic acid concentration levels are in the top quintile have a significantly lower risk of death from ischemic heart disease and cardiovascular disease compared to those whose ascorbic acid levels are in the lowest quintile. ^[8] Oranges are well known to be excellent dietary sources of ascorbic acid.
7. Stroke Prevention – The abundance of vitamin C in oranges is also useful for lowering the risk of stroke, especially among men with high blood pressure and excessive weight.
8. Arthritis Prevention – Low intake of vitamin C is associated with a threefold increase in the risk of developing inflammatory polyarthritis. This risk can be reduced by eating oranges every day.
9. Optimal Fetal Development – Orange juice is an excellent source of folate,^[ which, when added to a pregnant woman’s diet, is known to decrease her child’s risk of developing neural tube defects.
10. Diabetes Management – According to a study published by the New England Journal of Medicine, high fiber intake is beneficial for diabetics because it lowers blood lipid levels, reduces hyperinsulinemia, and improves control of blood sugar. Oranges are rich sources of dietary fiber.
Notes: Despite their name, oranges are not always orange. Some varieties are green. That does not detract from their health benefits.
The pulp and juice of the orange are not its only edible parts. The white membranes are likewise edible and beneficial, and so is orange zest.

See why People Who Have Been Emotionally Abused Love Differently -

When you’re in an emotionally abusive relationship, it’s not always noticeable right away. You don’t bear the bruises of a physical attack, but you’re still scarred in many ways, and that scarring leaves an imprint that can affect every future relationship.
It’s hard to love again after you’ve been manipulated, put down, controlled, belittled, and made to feel worthless by someone who was supposed to love you and care about you.
As someone who’s been emotionally abused in the past and can now clearly see it, I’m also able to see how it changed my idea of relationships and my approach to love. Here are seven ways those of us who have been emotionally abused love differently:
1. We keep our distance longer than most.
Even if we think we’re really into you, we’re going to keep our distance. We’ll keep you at arm’s length, might not text you back immediately, and definitely won’t want to spend too much time with you. We just don’t want to get too close.
2. We play it close to the chest.
After you’ve been emotionally abused, being able to open up freely is painful. We don’t want to put ourselves in a vulnerable situation again and when you open up about yourself, that’s exactly what you’re doing. You’re exposing the bits and pieces of you that all of a sudden make you a target. For us, it’s safer if we just keep some things to ourselves.
3. We take it slow.
I don’t mean just physically slow, but emotionally and mentally slow. Like a wounded puppy, it’s hard not to proceed with caution. It’s just an instinctual way of protecting ourselves from further harm.
4. We’re overly-suspicious.
When you’ve been with someone who’s put you down over and over — saying you’re no good and are worthless — you just can’t help but wonder why anyone would want to be into you ever again. If you tell us you love us and we look at you weird, it’s not that the feeling isn’t mutual; rather, we’re still a bit unclear as to what about us might be appealing or lovable to someone else.
5. We’re hesitant about getting to know the people in your life.
When you start to get to know the friends and family of the person you’re in a relationship with, it means things are getting serious. It also means that your lives are becoming more and more intertwined. It can feel a bit scary, so we proceed with caution.
6. We’re affectionate, but on our own terms.
When I first met my husband, he was baffled by how little affection I gave him. Even at the height of our love, I had to be affectionate on my own terms. If he cuddled up to me, sometimes I’d pull away. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to be close to him, but after the relationship before where affection was so minimal, it took me a long time to learn how to cuddle again and to enjoy it.
7. We assume the worst (but hope for the best).
When you’ve been mistreated by someone you love, you automatically build up a wall around your heart. You become guarded, protective, and you hand out your love in pieces, bit by bit. Because this is the case, we naturally assume that things won’t last or that we’ll be hurt again.