How Plant Based Diet Reduce The Probability Of Getting Heart Diseases

Plant based diet is considered as the simplest way to keep your body safe from diseases and infections. Although consuming meat and fish in routine can provide more energy and protein, but eating in excess can bring adverse effects to your health.

For people who are having past medical history and complications, diet plan must be derived to suit your body style and requirements. A Low fat and strict vegetarian diet have medically proven to reverse heart diseases without bringing any side effects to human body. By consuming best plant based foods in routine, people who are affected with fat and health problems can start to develop a stronger immune system. Heart diseases usually start with cholesterol clogged arteries and cardiovascular irregularities which can permanently damage the functionality of other body organs.

When reading various medical researches, we have found that cardiovascular diseases can be significantly reduced* with plant based diet. By following the routine for 4 years, your body will start to develop a stronger immune system and health. Eating less meat certainly does not mean you ensure a permanent cure* as other aspect such as sugar, carbohydrates, fiber and cholesterol also need to be controlled. This article includes the benefits and aspects of following a plant based diet for patients suffering various heart problems and diseases.

How Does Plant Based Diet Control Heart Problems
As heart problems and cardiovascular diseases are increasing* each day, embracing plant based diet plan is the only solution to reverse its side effects. Cholesterol is the main driving force behind blockage of arteries and blood clot. Whether you are a vegan or not, plant based diet plan is the simplest and safest way to lower the cholesterol levels. Heart diseases are proven to be reversed by using low fat, whole food and plant based diet for which no oils must be used. Diets containing large amounts of vegetables and fruits can help people to prevent a number of different chronic diseases.

Plant based diets contain a handsome amount of potassium and fiber which can help people to prevent chronic diseases. Moreover, you can also reverse the effects of diabetes and obesity by eating fresh vegetables daily. Packed with a variety of minerals and well-known vitamins, plant based diets also boost* your immune system and metabolism rate. Protecting cells and tissues from being damaged, fruits and vegetables work significantly to reduce* blood pressure as well.

Is it the Best Approach to Finish Heart and Cardiovascular Diseases?
As per the latest medical researches, blocked arteries and blood vessels can result in progressive damage to endothelial cells lining in the vascular system. Depending upon dietary habits and routine, endothelial can tend to dysfunction permanently. Along with excess consumption of meat, other lifestyle factors such as excessive tobacco use, oxidative stress and alcohol drinking regularly can lead to permanent heart problems. Though the reversal does not complete overnight, plant based diet can bring long term benefits.

The aim of choosing a plant based diet is to avail maximum nutrients and vitamins. As a result, effects of coronary artery disease and hyperlipidemia can be reversed to promote blood circulation throughout the body. Because plant based diet is low in cholesterol, fat, animal products and salts, greater health benefits per calorie intake can be ensured. By maximizing the consumption of nutrient dense plant foods, significant improvement in heart functionality can be ensured. Patients who are diagnosed with any heart problem are required to bring comprehensive lifestyle and diet changes to avoid future health issues.

Here are Some Great Benefits of Opting Plant Based Diet for People Affected by Heart Diseases:
1. Regulated Blood Flow
People who are facing cardiovascular and heart issues are more likely to face high blood pressure rate. This all results due to the consumption of potassium rich foods and meat. Leading to depression and anxiety, the blood sugar and cholesterol levels also tend to increase* with time. Plant based diet helps to maintain a perfect balance in order to reverse heart diseases after effects. Although there are certain risks associated with long term plant based diet, experts advise to eat fish and meat in order to deliver essential nutrients and fibers in your body.

2. Balanced Cholesterol and Fat Levels
Plants are absolutely free of cholesterol and fats. Foods such as fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts and whole grains are best for reversing the effects of heart diseases. As they lower cholesterol and sugar levels in your blood, a vegan diet is the simplest way to cure* cardiovascular problems. Furthermore, medical experts also advise heart patients to consume fiber in excess amount to balance the cortisol levels. Animal foods are also known to raise blood sugar for which a balanced diet plan must be followed.

3. Lower Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
With the ever-increasing number of people affected by heart diseases, it has become quite difficult to obtain an ideal treatment procedure with no side effects. Plant based diet is also beneficial for diabetic patients along with a promised reversal for heart problems. Consuming whole grain foods and vegetables in routine can establish a better lifestyle for patients affected with cardiovascular diseases. With a reduced* risk of hypertension, there are significantly lower chances of depression and stress by eating a fresh and healthy planted diet.

4. Stay Safe from Cancer and Diabetes
Cancer and Diabetes are two prolonged diseases which can bring a permanent damage to your health. A balanced lifestyle and food intake can keep you away from uncertain consequences. By following a plant based micro nutrition, essential vitamins and nutrients can be consumed to ensure optimal health. In order to avail best benefits out of your plant based diet, other harmful habits such as drinking alcohol and smoking must be stopped. Moreover, Animal foods are also known for leading to breast and colon cancer for which it is advised to choose your diet plan accordingly.

5. Keeps You Away from Medications and Treatment Procedures
Following prescriptions and medical treatment schedules regularly can bring a huge damage to the immune system of your body. Along with other side effects, medicines take away your taste, energy and mental capabilities. Natural and plant based diet plan can deliver best health benefits and reverse heart diseases without bringing any damage to your body. By keeping your body hydrated and nutritious throughout the day, consequences of cardiovascular problems can be reduced* automatically.

Conclusion
Plant Based diet plan is considered as the safest and most effective approach to reverse heart diseases. By keeping a balance of cholesterol, fat and sugar, vegetables and fruits also help to keep you fresh throughout the day. As we have discussed how plant based diet can reduce* the consequence of cardiovascular problems, there is absolutely no need of following painful medical procedures and surgeries.

By following a prescribed schedule of essential vegetables and fruits to be consumed, you must also learn about daily calories and nutrition intake to ensure better health. Based on latest research and medical findings, we have briefed the ultimate health benefits of best plant based foods which can help reverse heart diseases naturally.

Here’s A Quick Look At The Most Important Facts About Fad Diets

The fad diet has become the latest trend amongst people who are trying to lose* weight, claiming that by simply restricting the number of food choices available and by sticking to a selected number of foods or drinks, a person can quickly lose* weight – often a significant number of weight in just a week or two. The term “fad diet” does not refer to one specific diet, but rather to a series of diets – certain criteria has been specified that deems a diet as “fad”. The opinions on these diets are mixed. Some swear by these diets, but others consider these diets extremely harmful to the human body.

To provide a better overview of whether fad diets are beneficial or rather harmful, we have decided to take a closer look at these diets. We will look at what a fad diet is, what criteria a diet should fall under to be qualified as “fad”, as well as consider both the pros and cons of fad diets to help our readers have a better understanding of whether they would be able to benefit from following a fad diet or rather be at a risk of experiencing side-effects.

What are Fad Diets?
Many diets that are available today are considered to be fad diets. There are some criteria that qualify a particular diet as “fad”. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics report that, generally, any diet that promises significant weight loss* over a short period of time by restricting calories and the options a person has when it comes to eating and drinking, can be considered to be a fad diet.
According to the UPMC, a fat diet can be identified by looking for certain factors, such as:

A diet that promises the dieter will lose* weight very fast are usually diets of this kind.
A diet that makes promises that seems unreachable or as if it has been compiled in such a way to help a company sell their product to the dieter.
A diet that does not provide any type of research or clinical trial data to provide back up for the promises and claims they make.
When a diet meets the criteria we have mentioned below, then you should first consider the benefits and potential drawbacks that a fad diet has for the dieter, and then make a more informed decision as to whether you would like to follow the particular diet or rather look for a healthier way to lose* weight.

The Pros of Fad Diets
Fad diets are considered to have both positive and negative factors about them. Thus, we should discuss both the pros and cons of fad diets in order to help our readers determine which outweighs which for them, and help them make a better decision if they are currently considering it to start following a fad diet for a week or two. Here is a list of some important benefits that should be considered about these diets:

The most significant benefit that people note about fad diets is the fact that these diets tend to help a dieter lose* weight in a relatively short period of time. Many dieters are able to experience a significant weight reduction* in as little as a week.
Most fad diets require the dieter to restrict the amount of food they consume and also limit their food intake to a small selection of foods. This might help the dieter save a significant amount of money while they are on the diet. For example, the cabbage soup diet requires a person to consume cabbage soup every day for a week. Cabbage soup is extremely cheap to make, especially when compared to the regular food a person would have consumed during the week they are following the diet.
These diets are excellent for reducing* a certain amount of weight in a short period of time. For example, if a woman has a wedding coming up, she could use a fad diet to help her fit into her dress on the day of the wedding. If another special event is coming up, fad diets also serve as excellent ways of dropping a few pounds to look better for that event.
By following a fad diet, there is no need to continue restricting food intake and calories for a significant amount of time. Unlike some diets that require a person to limit the choice of foods they consume and their calories for months, these diets only require these restrictions to be in place for about a week or two.

The Cons of Fad Diets
Just like there are benefits, fad diets also have several drawbacks that every person considering following one should definitely consider. Here, we will consider some of the most important drawbacks that people need to take into account when they are looking to lose* weight by following a diet meal plan offered by a fad diet.

Probably the most considerable drawback of fad diets is the fact that these diets tend to place a significant restriction on a person’s calorie intake. Some diets require a restriction as low as 500 calories per day. This could cause the person to starve themselves and experience many side-effects that comes with hunger, such as stomach cramps, fatigue and physical weakness.
In addition to the fact that the restriction of foods that may be required to follow a particular fad diet, people should also consider the fact that a reduced* amount of foods to consume reduces* the diversity of nutrients they consume. This will also significantly reduce* the amount of healthy fats, proteins, minerals and vitamins the dieter obtains every day. In turn, this may cause malnutrition, especially if the person is already restricting the amount of food they consume and thereby also restricting their daily nutrient intake.
Fad diets do not offer a long-term solution. While weight can be reduced* quickly, people tend to return to their previous diet after following a fad diet – and due to the calorie restriction, they often tend to overeat when they have completed the diet. In turn, this may cause the dieter to regain more weight than they originally weighed prior to their diet.
Some fad diets restrict the intake of carbohydrates, but increases* the intake of protein-rich foods. This may cause a build up of uric acid, which could cause symptoms of gout and, in some cases, even the formation of kidney stones.

Conclusion
With obesity rates being at an all-time high, the worldwide overweight and obese population are constantly looking for ways to reduce* their weight. The weight loss* industry has noticed this and is constantly bringing out new ways for people to lose* weight – but, unfortunately, the companies promoting these programs and supplements often take advantage of people who are desperate to lose* weight without caring about the efficiency or safety of the products they promote.

New programs are often promoted a type of fad diet that promises quick weight loss*, but these diets may come with certain risks; thus we advise readers to think closely and to consider the pros and cons of these diets before they start to follow the advice provided by such a program.

Tips To Lose Weight Without Compromising Tasty Foods

With the year end coming, I am sure we all do the same mistake.
We eat as if there is “no tomorrow” during the end of the year with the excuse that it is the “Holiday Season.” Then comes January with the “hunger games”, where we starve ourselves with three boiled vegetable to lose* all the weight.

It used to be my life. I would call them black periods and sparkling periods. My sparkling periods would be eating with excess; and my black periods would be doing diets where I almost lost the will to live.

Today I learned something, we don’t need to starve or scarify tasty food to lose* weight. We can follow few simple tips and tricks (of The Bon-Vivant Girl lifestyle) and get to our ideal weight. These points are not made for a two-day diet, but a lifelong health.

1. Eat A Bit Of Everything
I don’t believe in cutting any food group from my diet, I believe in eating a bit of everything in small quantities. Your body needs animal protein as much as vegetables. You need to know how to balance.

Instead of making researchers to figure out what you should eat more, I have a little trick. It is to have always my vegetable quantity twice as much as my protein or carb quantity. I don’t feel deprived and it helps me lose* weight without banning anything.

2. Don’t Cut, But Add Food To Your Diet
It is common sense to not eat some food if we want to lose* weight and cutting them from our diet makes us crave them. Let’s try a different approach. The tip is instead of cutting the “bad foods”, increase* and prioritize the “good foods”.

Good food is all the food that are fresh, not refined from their original state. Bad foods are the junk food and the processed food.

For example, when you crave sweet, before attacking your candy, eat some fruits and then see if you’re still hungry. You will see that with time the candy will be less appealing.

3. Reduce* The Salt, But Spice Up Your Dishes
Reduce* The Salt
The American Heart Association recommends limiting the daily sodium intake to 1500mg (0.75 teaspoons) with an upper limit of 2,300 mg (1 teaspoon).

The trick is to replace the salt with spices and herbs.

It will avoid the water retention and your dishes will taste better. With time you will discover your favorite ones, you can start with basic ones like mint and basil for your salads or vegetables; or fresh thyme and rosemary for your proteins.

4. Limit Sugar
Dr Mark Hyman has said that sugar is 8 times as addictive as cocaine and what’s interesting is while cocaine and heroin activate only one spot for pleasure in the brain sugar lights up the brain like a pinball machine.

And yet, there is an ad for a sugary product wherever we look, and we can buy it everywhere. These empty calories are bad for your health and waistline. Without giving up completely, you can increase* natural sugars and decrease* the bad ones. Add fruits in your diet and dark chocolate. Avoid sodas and opt for homemade pastries.

5. Drink Water
Stay away from sodas, especially the ones that are advertised as zero calories. They are full of sugar. Water helps our skin be clearer and our kidneys function properly, and drinking water makes us feel fuller, therefore we eat less.

Sometimes when we think we are hungry, it is just that we are thirsty. That is one of the reasons why I suggest that you drink a glass of water if a craving strikes.

The only time you shouldn’t drink water is during your meal as our stomachs need to keep a certain acidity level, which helps with digestion. When we drink water during a meal, it slows the process and can cause bloating and poor digestion.

6. Bake Your Food Instead Of Frying
Bake Your Food Instead Of Frying
Instead of dropping your food in a fryer, try baking them and you’ll be surprised to find a similar result. You can spread them on a baking sheet, drizzle it with quality olive oil and your favorite spices.

Bake them on high temperature (450 degrees). Just don’t forget to flip the veggies or potatoes so they are crispy on both sides!

7. Avoid Processed Food
Jamie Oliver says: Real food doesn’t have ingredients; real food is ingredients.

I agree with him, if you want to be healthy and lose* weight, you should avoid the processed food. Processed food is anything that has been modified from its original state.

You don’t need to go that far, avoid eating anything that has more than 5 ingredients or ingredients that you cannot pronounce. That would save you from eating synthetic and fake food, and make you lose* weight.

8. Eat Wholegrains Instead Of Unrefined
White pasta, rice and bread are what we eat normally and we think they are natural. Unfortunately, they are processed, refined and modified from their original state. Always try to eat with whole grains.

As we rarely eat them alone, we always add a spread, or s sauce, we can substitute the white ones with the natural ones without seeing a difference. This will help to eat healthier and weight loss*.

9. Swap Some Naughty Ingredients With Some Healthy Ones
Some Healthy Ones
This is an old trick but works all the time. Instead of cutting all the food that you love, why don’t you make some smart swaps? Few examples

Swap beef with fish: if you eat beef few times a week, try to replace it with fish at least one of the meals. You will save in calories and in fat.
Swap butter with avocado: when you bake substitute half the amount of butter with mashed avocado. The trick works when you want to spread on a toast as well. You will reduce* the calories and eat healthy fats. Just to give you a number, 2 tablespoons of avocado has 50 calories, 2 tablespoons of butter has 200 calories…
Swap chips with popcorn: if you opt for air popped popcorns, you will still satisfy your craving but consume less calories and fat.
There are so many swaps and even though they seem small, they make a big difference.

10. Cook More
You are the only one who knows what you think is tasty and what isn’t. Instead of eating diet food that you don’t like, why don’t you cut the middle man and cook for yourself? You don’t need to be a chef to be able to cook.

You can buy all your fresh ingredients already cut and packaged. Your only task is to put them together with the herbs and condiments that you love.

For the people a bit more experienced with cooking, I have a trick for light cooking. When I find a recipe that makes me hungry – even if it not light at all -, I try it. The first time, I use exactly the same ingredients that it is written.

My trick is to redo the same recipe with lighter ingredients. I substitute some, and avoid some others. As a result, I have some tasty light dishes.

11. Move Your Body
To lose* weight and be healthy doesn’t only happen with the correct food. We need to also add some sort of workout. Besides helping us to be in a better shape and lose* weight, sleep better, be happier, exercising helps us to live longer.

Trying to lose* weight or not, our body needs some sort of exercise. The good news is you don’t need to go to the gym and sweat five days a week, you just need to find what you like as an activity and stick to it. It can be walking, dancing or even playing tennis with a friend.

Once you chose, what you need to do is to be constant and enjoy it. Sometimes working out with a friend or partner will motivate you. I always try to walk instead of taking a car, and vary my workout so I don’t get bored.

12. Do Everything With Love And A Smile
Do Everything With Love And A Smile
Although this is the last tip, it is the more important one. Whatever you eat, drink or do you should do it with love. The food will taste better, your life will be happier, and you will lose* weight without noticing it.

Read More: 6 Things To Consider When Choosing A Diet Plan

If you follow these tips, losing weight after the holidays won’t be too painful. I am not proposing you a magical diet, what I am proposing you a lifestyle. Losing weight should not be a punishment anymore, as enjoying eating with friends and family is not a bad thing.

We just need to know to take our time, and enjoy the process.

The real goal of these tips and tricks is to fuse both black and sparkle periods and have a happy and healthy life. (In other words follow the Bon-Vivant Girl philosophy )

Study Reveals Wine May Protect Your Gums And Teeth

Do you have a habit to drink a glass of wine every night to relax? Benefits of wine are numerous. Studies have confirmed wine can protect our heart health and improve* other functions in our body.

The most recent research is, definitely, surprising. You see, wine intake can protect your oral health. Keep reading to find out more.

Wine and Oral Health
Unlike many other alcoholic beverages, wine is associated with different health benefits. Red wine owes its health effects to polyphenols, active compounds that are also found in many fruits and vegetables.

Most studies on health effects of wine revolve around cardiovascular health, but a team of scientists from Spain decided to do something different. They carried out a research whose primary objective was to inspect the impact of red wine polyphenols on oral health.

Scientists analyzed[1] the effect of two red wine polyphenols as well as red wine extracts and commercially available grape seed on bacteria that stick to gums and teeth. These bacteria cause periodontal disease, plaque, cavities, all of which are common oral health problems affecting most of us at one point or another.

For the purpose of this study, researchers used cells that model gum tissue and discovered that isolated wine polyphenols (p-coumaric and caffeic acid) performed much better than extract and grape seed on decreasing* the ability of bacteria to stick to gums and teeth.

Results, published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry[2], revealed that a combination of red wine polyphenols and a potent oral probiotic Streptococcus dentisani, they were even more effective in protecting our teeth and gums.

Many dentists warn their patients to avoid all alcoholic beverages due to their acidic effect on gums and teeth, but wine isn’t like all the other drinks. Wine is rich in polyphenols which are potent antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and other threats in your body.

Scientists hope their discovery[3] will pave the way for toothpastes, sugar-free gums, and mouthwashes containing red wine polyphenols for maximum oral health protection. Remember, it’s a mistake to think that the more wine you drink, the better your dental health. Moderate consumption is vital, excessive intake could induce counterproductive effects.

Factors that Affect Oral Health
Numerous factors affect dental health and identifying them can help you avoid uncomfortable problems such as cavities, plaque, and others. Here is the list of the most common factors that can negatively affect your teeth and gums:

Smoking/tobacco use
Genetics
Some medications
Clenching or grinding your teeth
Overweight or obesity
Diet low in important nutrients
Sugary foods
Junk food
Heavy alcohol consumption
Systemic Connections
Health Risks Associated with Poor Oral Health
Strong teeth and gums aren’t just about appearance, they are vital for proper health and wellbeing too. What’s more, poor oral hygiene and problems affecting teeth and gums can contribute to numerous complications[4] including:

Diabetes
Heart disease
Pregnancy problems
Osteoporosis
Cancer
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
Inflammation
Lung conditions
Read Next: Beyond Teeth: What’s Inside Your Mouth To Care About?

Conclusion
Red wine is strongly associated with many health benefits. A growing body of evidence confirms it is beneficial for heart health and brain function. The latest research discovered that polyphenols from red wine can protect gums and teeth from bacteria that cause cavities, plaque, and periodontal disease.

Now, scientists hope their findings will be used to include red wine polyphenols into gums, mouthwashes, toothpaste that will improve* our dental health. Moderate consumption of red wine is vital.

Millennials Brush Their Teeth Less Often Than You Think

You may like or dislike minnellials, but their influence on the world is impossible to deny. Millennials dictate trends in business, the internet, and many other aspects of life. They are successful in many ways due to opportunities they create, particularly in creating jobs that haven’t even existed before. Although they’re influential, millennials are terrible at keeping their teeth clean, new research suggests.

Americans and Dental Health
The market research company One Poll carried out a research commissioned by Hello Products, a naturally friendly oral care company. The research involved 2000 Americans who were asked about their teeth cleaning habits, the frequency of their visits to the dentist, and other similar questions.

Results of this research surprised everyone mostly because they showed that most Americans don’t really pay too much attention to teeth cleaning. Not only that, but they also avoid regular check-ups at the dentist’s office.

Researchers found that about one-third of surveyed Americans brush their teeth once a day only. This means they dedicate two minutes of their day to teeth cleaning. The American Dental Association[1] recommends brushing teeth twice a day for two minutes. Basically, we need to dedicate four minutes a day to our pearly whites, but most millennials are only willing to set two minutes for this important hygiene routine.
Brushing your teeth twice a day isn’t some silly rule made up by people to add yet another responsibility into your life. Oral health plays a major role in your overall health and wellbeing. Reasons to brush your teeth regularly are numerous, including:

Fresh breath
Gum disease prevention
Heart health
No stains on teeth
Stroke prevention
Dementia prevention
Gum Disease Info
How often Americans Visit the Dentist?
The research showed[2] that Americans would rather do pretty much anything than visit their dentist. In fact, 6 in 10 or 62% of survey responders were too scared to schedule an appointment at dentist’s office and go to a regular checkup.

Study results suggest that many Americans may fear a visit to the dentist even more than any of the potentially life-threatening health risks associated with poor oral hygiene. In fact, they were more afraid of a dentist, than a surgeon (9%) or neurologist (26%).

One-third of all responders reported they would rather forgo sex for a month than to see the dentist. Also, 19% of Americans would rather speak in front of a big crowd of more than 50 people than go and get their teeth checked up.

The fear and feeling of discomfort to see the dentist is present in all generations with 24% of people over 55 and 27% of those between 18 and 34 reporting the same.

Founder of Hello Products explains that lack of oral hygiene is comparable to spending more time online. People invest a lot of time on their internet presence via social media. They enhance* their appearance which also includes teeth whitening in Photoshop or some apps one can easily download. Speaking of social media, it is important to mention that teeth whitening kits advertised by influencers and celebrities are bad news for your health.

Reasons Americans are Scared of Dentists
Based on a survey of 2000 people, these are the reasons[3] why Americans are scared of their dentists:

Painful treatment (74%)
Pain after treatment (47%)
Noise of the dental drill (34%)
Negative past experiences (29%)
Fear of anesthetics not working (25%)
Read Next – How Dental Health Is Associated With Your Overall Health?

Conclusion
The study of 2000 people found that one-third of millennials brush their teeth once a day only. Also, most Americans avoid visiting their dentist for a checkup due to fear of painful treatment, discomfort after treatment, and other reasons. Dental health is extremely important. Brush your teeth twice or three times a day and go to regular checkups twice a year.

Why It Is Needed To De-Clutter Your Home To De- Stress Your Mind

The majority of us, in this busy and complicated world, do not have what would be considered a “Model Home”. By that I mean literally the Model Home or “Staged Home” when you go to buy a new house. No clutter, no mess, freshly painted walls and clean surfaces.

It’s easy to understand why this is the standard in the real estate market and that is because of one reason. It’s visually appealing.

Our eyes and what we see affects our minds and thoughts. Imagine you walking into a home that looks like yours does right this moment.

Would you want to buy it? Would someone else want to buy it? What if guests suddenly arrived? Would you feel “comfortable in your own home”? If the answer to any of these is “No.”, then you have some things to consider.

There is something to be said about the human being and our need to please. The need to please comes from a human’s nature to want be accepted and a part of their community. This desire transcribes in multiple ways, but the appearance of your home is a perfect example.

Having a clean and clutter-free home is amidst the ever-growing list of what people view as desirable in order to have the perfect life. And while having this “perfect home” won’t necessarily solve all your problems, it can possibly solve some of your stress.

Albert Einstein is famously quoted as having said, “If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, Of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?”. While I can see his point quite clearly, this specifies solely a desk and I beg to differ the same applies to an entire home or even a single room.

For example, if you were to look at two pictures, one being a nicely decorated and clean room versus a dirty and cluttered room, I don’t know of a single person who would say the latter is more soothing or calming to imagine themselves in.

So, why do some of us remain living in clutter and collections of purpose-less items? Because we can. It might be stressful, but it is a tolerable stress and one we have even grown accustomed to and slowly accepted as a new normal.

One step further, perhaps we grew up in this environment and therefore it is our norm to begin with and it is actually comfortable for us. If that’s the case, then by all means continue on with what makes you happy and what makes your life comfortable.

However, for anyone who is looking for resolve with this, let’s look at some ways to begin to dig out from the clutter and free your mind of the stress and mess.

Decluttering Info
Just start. That’s all you have to do is just start. There is no need for a list, however if that is how you function and stay on task then again, by all means, make a list. Just make sure you start the list! For those who don’t require to-do lists skip it, the time you spend making a list can be spent on the task at hand.

So, how do you start? There’s a few ways to come at this project. One being to break it down room by room. Start in the bedroom, kitchen, dining room or living room etc. and once one room is done, move to the next.

With each room take however much or little time you feel like doing because this should be a relieving process not a dreaded task. You are inviting a new life into your home so you want to welcome it with enjoyment and relief, not distaste or even more stress.

When you pick a room, for some of us even a room can be overwhelming so break it down even more. Start with a corner, a drawer, a closet or a desk etc. taking each item or object and doing one of four things: Toss/Recycle It, Donate It, Sell It, Give It a Designated Spot.

As you’re going through the room every item you touch, do not put it down unless it is going into one of these categories. This way, it either is out of your home or in a designated spot. This is an example of “A place for everything and everything in its place”.

If you run out of places perhaps you need to evaluate just how many things you have. The average home has been said to have 300,000 items. When cleaning, remember this number and think about how badly you really need whatever it is that is in question at the moment.

When tackling each part of the room, once again, some parts can be overwhelming, like a closet for example. So, break it down even further and tackle one side, or just start from the left and work to the right or start at the ceiling and work towards the floor. Just pick a spot and start.

This approach of breaking the task down makes it more manageable and a lot less intimidating. If you look at the big picture you risk feeling overwhelmed and even more stressed than you started and you’ll end up running for the hills.

Tackling any project little by little, as opposed to as a whole, can give you some confidence in being able to handle its capacity and therefore being more successful in completing it.

Decluttering your home can be a complicated and daunting task, but with the end goal in mind, once you start you can feel relief almost instantly.

Similar to knowing all the laundry is done or that there are no dirty dishes in the sink, how nice would it feel to know your closet is tidy, clean and void of any clothes that you don’t ever wear.

While accomplishing these tasks keep the picture of a clean, presentable home in mind to drive your motivation. Turn up some music or get the kids involved and even turn it into a game or contest. Anything to distract from making it seem like work.

Once your home has reached your satisfaction your task isn’t 100% over. Now you have to maintain. This is where having a designated spot for everything comes into play. It takes a few extra steps to put something away versus tossing it on the coffee table or the kitchen counter.

Kitchen Counter Cleaning
Take those extra couple steps each time reminding yourself each time that it’s almost always easier to take a few steps to tidy up rather than several days to declutter and clean your entire home.

Small steps can equal huge victories and having a clean home can be a great example of how some hard work can really pay off. For some people, their home is where they spend the majority of their days and for others it’s simply where they lay their head at night in between shifts.

Either or, why not allow yourself the luxury of having your home be in its best condition so that you are able to have it be a place of rest and de-stress inevitably making you a better version of yourself.

Do I Live With A Mental Illness

I always thought my childhood was normal, this is how everyone lived, this is how all families live. Boy, was I wrong? My father lived with manic depression since he was a teenager and when I was a year old, he had an accident at work and ended up with a severe back injury. The doctor prescribed him Demerol, Librium, and Valium for the pain, and eventually, my father became addicted to them. A combination of the prescription medication and manic depression was a wild combination.

While living at home, we experienced violent domestic abuse, prescription medication overdose attempts, numerous suicide attempts, many arguments, isolation from family and friends and silent treatments. I thought all this was normal.

When I started high school, my parents didn’t hide what was going on. This is when all the arguing and abuse was out in the open and in front of my brother and I and life were like a never-ending nightmare. As most normal siblings, my brother and I would fight and tease each other and this usually bothered our father. We would walk into the house from school fighting, and our father would pop the pills to drown us out.

After graduating high school, I went to college and moved out of the house and lived close to the school.

This is when I realized our home life was not normal.
I had gotten married in 2003 and during the 10-year relationship, my husband was very much like my father and my mother always told me “you married your father”. She was very worried about me but I never saw it until it started affecting my mental and physical health. In 2013, I finally ended the marriage.

Sad Man Sitting
I had met my current boyfriend and came to know that he lived with mental illnesses too. He lives with severe OCD, anxiety and clinical depression. I have experienced life with mental illness without and with medication and based on my experiences with my father and now my boyfriend, I became a mental health advocate in 2014.

While doing research on mental health, I discovered I live with symptoms of depression and PTSD. After my separation, I fell into a depression and symptoms of PTSD from my experiences living at home.

As I did my research, I did find 5 signs of PTSD and I do live with each of them. If you do not know what some of the signs are of PTSD, this may be of use to you.

1. Has a traumatic event or episode happened to you or you witnessed one?
In my experience, it was witnessing the violent domestic abuse and suicide attempts. My father attempted suicide many times over the years but one attempt sticks with me to this day. I can’t remember if it was after school or over the weekend, but my father had called my mother, my brother and me into the family room.

He was sitting in his favorite brown recliner and made us sit on the floor in front of us. All I remember is he brought his arm up and he had one of his handguns and put it in his mouth. I do know I had never screamed like I did that day; screaming for him not to do this, that we loved him. All three of us screamed enough that he did stop but I don’t remember anything else.

2. Are you re-experiencing the traumatic event?
Traumatic
Every time I watch a TV show or a movie involving guns, say if a bad guy puts a gun into the other person’s mouth, I see what my father did, every time.

3. Do you avoid things that remind you of the trauma?
Yes. I try and avoid TV shows and movies where I know there are going to be guns involved, anything dealing with guns. When it comes to arguments, I try to avoid conflicts.

4. Do you have negative thoughts towards yourself and/or others? If you lash out at others that may be similar in appearance or personality to the person who caused the trauma, you may not even realize this is the reason.

I know my father and I fought a lot. I was working five part-time jobs after college, living at home, paying my own bills, had my own car but at 23, I still had a curfew. I realize I lived at home, but I had to live my own life. When I married in 2003, my husband was very controlling, like my father. Everything had to be done his way or no way.

Any income I had gone into our joint bank account and I had to ask to take MY money out. He always had to know where I was going and with you and when I was coming home. Just like my father. My husband and I fought about everything, all the time, I would find myself yelling at him, defending myself, just like I did with my father.

5. Are your moods all over the place? Is your mood off?
Changing Mood
There are times where I want to be with friends and family and times where I don’t want to see anyone. I will have bouts of anger, sadness, hopelessness, and anxiety. There were a couple family friends who tried to take advantage of me, sexually harass me, and when I tried telling my parents, they didn’t believe me.

In college, I did feel something was not right but didn’t know what it was. I wanted to be part of college life, be wanted, be liked. In my first year, I started drinking, hanging out with the “cool crowd”, want-to-be-bikers, rockers, members of student council. Unfortunately, I found myself “dating” a guy but ended up being controlled and raped.

In my third year, I was set up on a blind date and ended up being raped again. I was always asking myself, “Why is this happening to me and how do I make it stop?”. I see now that it was a form of the PTSD signs.

Once I became a mental health advocate, I realized everything I experienced does lead to PTSD signs. I still experience some of these signs but I am in a good place in my life, have a great support system and am able to manage and control my actions and feelings.

If you feel you are experiencing any of these signs of PTSD, I would recommend talking to someone.

Nootropics – Know Whether To Buy This Supplement Or Not

Most people are suspicious when it comes to pills and products that supposedly improve* their health. And how can’t they be? As a matter of fact, even I am very suspicious of many products that I see today and avoid them by all costs.

The reason for this is simple. We don’t believe that a change can come so easily and with almost zero effort. Most of the time, it can’t.

Another reason is that we don’t believe the manufacturers behind all of those products. Most of the time their products aren’t tested and cause many side-effects. Sometimes they don’t even put the ingredient list on their websites.

Those are all the things that frighten us as customers, however, what if I told you that there are products that absolutely do work and are already tested and proven.

This topic is about those products. Here are the reasons why you should try nootropics.

What Are Nootropics?
For all of you who don’t know what that is (at first I didn’t know either, so yes, shame on both of us) nootropics are drugs that improve* your cognitive behavior. They are also pretty frequently called – smart drugs.

Not only are these drugs used for your own improvement but they are supposedly very efficient when it comes to treating Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

Be aware, not all of the products and pills that you see online can do this. There are only few manufacturers who have been given the green light.

Nootropics Health Info
So Why Should You Use Nootropics?
It doesn’t really matter who you are and what you are doing. People from many different fields have been using nootropics. We all have a brain to take care of, right?

However, although everyone can use nootropics, they are extremely useful for one large group of people – students. I know how it is to lose* concentration and have a hard time concentrating. It’s a nightmare, I know! To make things worse, those problems usually occur in the week before the test, when you need to study the most.

Well, those problems can be rid of with nootropics. Here is what they can help you with.

1. Motivation
Self-motivation is one of the main ingredients for success. However, black and rainy days come for us all and we often lose* that motivation that has been driving us towards a specific goal.

That’s where nootropics step in. Some nootropics are extremely useful when it comes to motivation.

You see, motivation is something that is created by our mind. You can create it and you can destroy it by letting certain events or feelings affect you. Nootropics will prevent you from “giving up” by affecting your brain and making it think in a more positive and productive way.

It kind of sounds strange, but it actually isn’t. Everything starts from your thoughts!

2. Concentration
Another incredibly well-known problem, especially by students, is concentration.

Sometimes you can’t regain your focus just by resting or sleeping. Sometimes you need something from the outside to help you from the inside.

Nootropic supplements are the ones for that as well. Adderal is one of the drugs people use nowadays for focus and clarity of thoughts.

3. Anti-Aging
The aging signs
This one is strange for sure, but hear me out.

Some nootropic supplements take care of your brain’s overall health and also focus on the reduction* of the aging signs.

There are nootropic powders on the market today just for that. They are extremely popular nowadays. Not only do older people use them, but the youngsters do too.

4. Better Mood
We can all experience mood swings. They are considered normal to a certain extent, but they aren’t necessary.

Controlling your thoughts will bring you the emotional stability you need, therefore you won’t have mood swings all the time. However, controlling your thoughts isn’t really easy and many people give up pretty quickly.

If you can’t control the flow of your thoughts that well, you could try certain nootropic supplements that will take care of that problem.

There are nootropics that are specifically made for mood enhancement and getting rid of social anxiety, which is a common problem nowadays.

You see, these nootropics target the GABA receptors located in the brain. GABA receptor is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for feeling peace.

By using supplements that will boost* your GABA receptors, you could get rid of the over-thinking problem that has held you hostage for many months, even years.

You can check some nootropics that do just that here[1].

5. Memory
Improving* His Memory
Now we’re talking. This part will sound like science fiction, and once it was, but it isn’t any longer.

There are many movies whose plot’s center around a character who is using a drug for improving* his memory and overall cognitive behavior.

Now, you can become that character only you won’t really have abilities that are that awesome.

There are many safe nootropic supplements that you can use for this. You can check the forums or even ask your doctor.

There are supplements that you have been using but you didn’t know that they are nootropics (probably). I’m talking about supplements like coffee, tea, energy drinks.

The caffeine in them is a pretty good supplement for concentration and memory. That’s why in many different formulas of the nootropics for cognitive enhancement most likely you will see caffeine.

Read More: Nootropics Are Smart Drugs And Smart Choice For Treatment Of ADHD

Final Verdict
There are many nootropics that are definitely safe to use and that have already been tested. If you have decided to start taking these supplements all that you have to do is search the internet or ask your doctor.

The proven ones are 100% side-effects free, so you don’t need to worry about that anymore. To help you even further with the understanding of nootropics, I have provided you with a full medical research[2], done by the US National Library of Medicine.

However, don’t trust the ones that aren’t proven and rated, or the ones that don’t display their ingredient list clearly. Health comes first so taking care what you provide your body with is extremely crucial!

A Victim No More A Psychiatrist Shares 3 Proven Secrets To Breaking Out Of Victimhood

Throughout our lives, we will all experience existential highs and lows. We will feel emotional extremes – from tears of happiness to the pain and numbness of a gut-wrenching heartbreak. After all, none of us is immune from the comedy, tragedy and unpredictability of life.

Because pain and hardship are unavoidable, we all may feel victimized at some point in our lives. Maybe you’ve lost a job, been cheated on, were bullied, or were in an accident.

For some, the unfortunate circumstances are much more severe. Life challenges are inevitable, yet experiencing a suffering a tremendous hardship or experiencing a calamity are quite different from taking on a victim mentality.

The idea of playing the victim is as old as time. In the biblical story of Genesis, Adam said, “I didn’t do it. She told me to do it.” Eve said, “I didn’t do it. The snake made me do it.” The wheel of blame has been turning ever since.

Taking on a victim mentality is one of the primary ways we as human beings give away our power to others. While we frequently cannot control the challenges that enter our lives, we can control how we respond to them.

A victim mentality keeps us stuck in a toxic state of righteous indignation and pain – one of the most disempowering mindsets we can adopt.

Why is it that two people can suffer similar incidents of indescribable pain, yet one will recover quickly while the other will sink into the depths of despair? Why do some people demonstrate consistent resilience in the face of adversity, while others adopt the righteous indignation of victimhood? Are they weaker in mind and spirit? Or do they unconsciously adopt a victim mentality without even realizing they have given up their personal power?

These are the questions I explore in my book, “Fulfilled”, which provides concrete tools to help people transform the following deeply held core belief:

From: I deny my power and see myself as a victim
To: I take my power back and create the life I want to live.
Fulfilled Book
1] Taking Responsibility
Rather than taking full responsibility for our lives, sometimes it seems easier to blame our problems on an unjust world or a difficult childhood. I do not at all mean to imply that there are not very real situations that truly victimize the people they afflict.

Genocide, violence, war, homelessness, hunger, poverty, discrimination, disease, rape, domestic abuse, human sex trafficking, natural disasters and global warming are profound human problems that require widespread change.

On the other hand, recognizing that we have control over how we respond to our challenges, and becoming involved as an agent of change on the social and global level, can be incredibly empowering.

An example of this is Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani activist for girls’ education and the world’s youngest Nobel Peace laureate. At the age of 15, Malala was shot in the head by a Taliban gunman.

Despite a long and difficult recovery, she never once gave up her power and eventually become a prominent education activist worldwide, co-authored the international bestseller ‘I am Malala’, gained admission to Oxford, and continued to advocate for female education worldwide.

Malala Quote
On a more personal level, blaming others can be far more comfortable than noticing the ways that we ourselves are responsible for our lives. A woman who was cheated on may blame her ex-boyfriend for why she’s never had a successful relationship since their break-up 10 years ago.

Someone who has been fired from every job he’s ever had may be convinced that he’s cursed with a series of horrible bosses, defending that it has nothing to do with his chronic tardiness.

For people who play the blame game, point fingers, and choose to remain the victim, the powerful decision of defining who they are belongs to the perpetrator and the circumstances that surround them.

But we are only victims for as long as we choose to be. The decision to learn from heartbreak, failure, and even humiliation is up to us. By taking responsibility towards all aspects of our lives, especially our attitudes, we can rise above victim mentality.

2] Owning Your Thoughts
Owning Your Thoughts
While hardship is inevitable, often the real source of stress in our lives is internal, not external. Our minds are inherently far more powerful than we realize—powerful enough to create our life experience. In this way, our thoughts and emotions hold tremendous energy.

Often, what we hold in our hearts and minds colors our entire world. For this reason, harnessing the power of our thoughts is another important way to rise above victim mentality.

A poignant example of this is Viennese psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, Dr. Viktor Frankl. While in the concentration camps, Dr. Frankl observed was that what differentiated those who survived and from those who did not were the thoughts that went through their minds.

Everybody’s external circumstances were similar, but people’s thoughts were strikingly different. Frankl watched as many prisoners remained healthy, while others became sick with malaria.

Some tried to live each day with hope, while others deliberately ran into electric wires to end their lives. Given the prisoners’ horrific conditions, it would be understandable for everyone to feel miserable and fall into deep suffering.

Yet Frankl observed first hand that some were able to remain positive most of the time.

While in the camps, Frankl spoke with hundreds of fellow prisoners and came to the crucial realization: even in the concentration camp where all external freedoms were stripped away, no one could control what we thought in our minds.

Most of our lives are created by thoughts that are completely unconscious to us. Therefore, becoming aware of the automatic thoughts that take us down the wrong roads is so important.

To be clear, the goal is not to eliminate* negative thoughts, but to become more aware of them, accept them as a part of who we are, and in the process, gain more control over them.

Mahatma Gandhi espoused the virtues of doing this when he said, “I will not let anyone walk through my mind with their dirty feet.” While thoughts may seem to be outside of our conscious control, learning to be more aware of what we are thinking is a vital step to relinquishing victim mentality.

3] Cultivating Forgiveness
Cultivating Forgiveness
Do victims of unfortunate circumstances adopt a victim mentality and continue to play the wounded animal to fuel their cravings for attention? Or do they continue to suffer because they feel that the perpetrator or the cause of their pain does not deserve to be forgiven?

And while there are human sins and horrible acts that seem inexcusable, is the act of forgiveness to relieve the perpetrator of their depravity or is it to release the victim from the weight of having to carry around the anger and anguish that burdens them?

Another effective way to relinquish victim mentality is through forgiveness. When I worked in Rwanda in 2009, I befriended a man named Jean-Baptiste Ntakirutimana.

Jean-Baptiste was of Tutsi origin. His neighbors – a family with many children who would all come over to Jean-Baptiste’s home for dinner – were Hutus. When the 1994 genocide occurred in Rwanda, Hutus began killing Tutsis in what felt like a “kill or be killed” situation.

Tragically, Jean-Baptiste’s neighbor named Paul, who used to be fed by Jean-Baptiste’s mother almost every day, brutally murdered Jean-Baptiste’s mother.

Understandably, Jean-Baptiste was horrified and enraged. Paul went to jail as soon as the genocide was over. For fourteen years, Jean-Baptiste carried in his heart rage, pain, resentment, and a desire for vengeance.

During this time, he also began to lead a national forgiveness program across the country of Rwanda. Through his work, he inspired individuals to use the power of faith and God to find within themselves the courage and strength to forgive the perpetrators of the genocide and move forward with their lives.

In 2008, Jean-Baptiste went to visit Paul in jail. Jean-Baptiste had spiritually prepared for this day the whole year prior through meditation, prayer and fasting, among other activities. Paul thought Jean-Baptiste had come to the jail to kill him. Instead, Jean-Baptiste forgave Paul then and there.

Jean-Baptiste describes this as the most liberating moment in his whole life. He could finally let go of all the pain and anger he had been carrying inside of him. A powerful example of harnessing one’s personal power through faith and forgiveness, this story illustrates the strength of the human spirit to overcome even the most tragic of obstacles.

Past Grievances
People choose to hold on to past grievances for different reasons: they feel the other person does not deserve to be forgiven; it gives them a sense of righteous indignation; they receive a lot of energy from maintaining the victim mentality; they don’t see forgiveness as an option; they don’t know how to forgive.

These are just five of the many reasons people can hold on to grievances all the way to the grave.

To be clear, forgiveness does not mean that you are condoning what happened in the past, or that you are okay with it happening again; quite the contrary. It means you are done giving your power over to a toxic mindset that is no longer serving you.

But the paradox is: the person who most benefits from forgiveness is not the person being forgiven.

The person who will most benefit from forgiveness is you! When you are able to find it in your heart to truly forgive somebody and let go of the grudge you have been holding, you can finally let go of the sadness, hurt, anger, resentment and vengeance that you have been carrying around in your heart, sometimes for years.

Jean-Baptiste is proof that forgiveness is not a sign of weakness but a display of faith and strength. For those who adopt victim mentality, forgiveness means relinquishing the power that being the victim has given them.

As Christian theologian Lewis B. Smedes wrote, “To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.”

Read More: Daily Self-Care Routines For Mental & Emotional Balance

Conclusion
Letting go of victim mentality requires strength and courage. Although none of us can change what happened to us in the past, we can choose how we see ourselves in the present and what we do with our lives.

By taking full responsibility for all aspects of our lives, owning our thoughts and cultivating forgiveness, we are able to make huge strides towards relinquishing victim mentality and living a fulfilled life.

How To Reduced Cognitive Decline With Mind Diet After Stroke

The DASH (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension) Diet morphed with the Mediterranean Diet, resulting in the popular MIND diet.

The MIND diet’s main objective is to reduce* the risk and prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia diseases, while boosting current brain health, nourishment and power.

The breakdown of the diet it quite simple, there is a list of foods to consume often and a list of foods to avoid. The diet is loaded with healthy fats and avoids processed sugar, flours, and trans fats.

MIND Dieters can Eat off the “Approved” Food List Below:
At least a single serving of vegetables per day
Antioxidants rich berries at least twice per week
Fibrous beans and legumes at least three servings a week
A variety of nuts most days per week
Fish at least one time per week
Poultry at least two times per week
Olive oil used daily to cook with and dressing for salads and vegetables
Three or more servings of whole grains per day
One glass of wine daily
1 serving of dark leafy greens per day
Specific foods, meals, and snacks include: pomegranates, salmon, green smoothies, turmeric, tea, and olive oil.

Specific foods to limit: margarine, red meat, cheese, pastries, sweets and fried foods.

Foods To Limit
Impressive Research on the MIND Diet Specifically:
The research has been going on through the Rush Memory and Aging project since 1997. This project has been researching and observing seniors, almost 1000 people ranging in age from mid 50’s to almost 100 years of age.

These individuals were interviewed and assessed in regards to their nutrition and specific diet and their overall brain function and heath.

The powerful results of the study almost 20 years later revealed that those participants who followed the MIND diet closely and for the longest period of time reduced* their risk for Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementia diseases by over 50% and their brain function was equal to someone over 7 years younger.

Even those individuals who were not rigidly adhering to the diet still reaped some of the benefits of reduced* risk for cognitive decline, about 30% reduced* risk compared to the 50% listed above.

How Does the Mind Diet Slow Cognitive Decline?
Mind Diet Slow
Healthy Fat
The most common answer to how the MIND diet improves* brain health is related to the high percentage of healthy fats consumed. The natural sources of anti-inflammatory fats nourish the brain and its ability to function at its best.

Our brain is comprised of primarily fatty tissue and when a person is on a diet that is low in fat it can hinder the brain’s ability to function at optimal level. Some integrative health practitioners contribute the low fat craze of the late 80’s and 90’s to the rise in Alzheimer’s cases and other dementia type diseases.

This population restricted all fat from their diet and it had a negative impact on their brain health and cognitive function.

Healthy fats including nuts, seeds, oils, avocados, coconut, etc. have numerous health benefits including chronic disease prevention, and weight loss*. An average of 50% or more of daily calories should be from healthy dietary fat sources, this is approximately 100 grams per day for the average person.

Remember fat is dense and has over twice the amount of calories as the other macronutrients carbohydrates and protein, so servings sizes are smaller and moderation is very important to avoid weight gain.

Elimination of processed chemically laden foods
Another huge health benefit of the MIND diet is the diet is free of all processed foods. There are no dyes, sweete    ners, hydrogenated oils, preservatives, etc. These processed ingredients in high amount can be toxic and when toxins are consumed they settle into our cells including our neurological cells.

Eliminated processed foods and preservatives completely will improve* all metabolic functions including neurological and hormonal, while naturally reducing* inflammation.

This will reset the metabolism, improving* the immune system, making it easier to obtain optimal weight, reducing* risk for chronic disease and overall cognitive decline.

A Typical Day on the MIND Diet
Day On The Mind Diet
This diet it not really a diet, it is a lifestyle with boundaries that are simple to obtain and make into lifestyle habits. Below is a regular day of eating on the MIND diet.

Breakfast – Steel cut oats with mixed berries
Lunch – Salad consisting of dark leafy spinach, chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olive oil and vinegar
Snack – Handful of Walnuts
Dinner – Roasted wild caught salmon, steamed broccoli, wild rice, all foods seasoned with herbs and olive oil with a glass of red wine.
Read Next: Choose A Brain-Healthy Diet

Conclusion
The MIND diet is a non-pharmaceutical inexpensive way to improve* your overall health and prevent the onset of chronic disease specifically Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia diseases.

Making small lifestyle changes according to the guidelines listed above is a great way to improve* your health and risk for cognitive decline.

Make Your Brain Strong Again- Conquering Dementia With These Miracle Foods

Dementia is defined as a general term for memory loss and mental abilities that are severe enough to interfere with activities of daily living. These signs and symptoms are caused by actual physical changes in the brain.

To be clear about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia, but it is specifically diagnosed by slow progression of brain disease. This disease is marked by deposits of the protein fragment beta-amyloid (plaques) and twisted strands of the protein tau (tangles) in addition to nerve cell damage and tissue death in the brain.

Dementia early signs and symptoms include but are not limited to:
Memory Loss
Cognitive Decline
Paranoid
Irritable
Confusion
Depression
Anxiety
Personality Changes
Difficulty problem solving, reasoning, communicating, planning or organizing
There are several types of dementia and disorders related to dementia including:
Alzheimers Disease
Alzheimer’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease
Brain injury
Huntington’s Disease
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
Vascular, Lewy Body, Frontotemporal and Mixed Dementia
In some cases, the symptoms of dementia can be reversed with lifestyle changes and healing, and in other cases the progression of dementia is unavoidable, but it can be managed and slowed down through nutrition and lifestyle.

Tips for preventing the onset of dementia include:
Exercising the brain
Simply playing games, or puzzles daily is one strategy or learning a new hobby, language or obtaining a degree is another strategy.

Maintain a social life and exercise regimen, both produce hormones that fight dementia. Join social groups like book clubs, bible studies, hiking club, golf groups, etc. Set a goal of 30 minutes per day of activity that raises the heart rate and produces a thin layer of sweat.

Vitamin D
Ensure that your vitamin D needs are met daily
Vitamin D acts like a hormone in the body regulating your immune system, insulin levels, and metabolic function. It is one of the top vitamin deficiencies in the United States.

It is ideal to get levels officially tested by your doctor because those with darker skin tones filter more out and need a higher dosage then fair-skinned people who absorb more vitamin D from the sun. A general recommendation is 1000 IU per 25 pounds of body weight.

Limit high-risk behaviors
Avoid smoking and binge drinking. Smoking has several health risk, and one of them is increased the risk for dementia due to a higher risk of hypertension and stroke.

Binge drinking or excessive drinking also increases* the risk of dementia due to the toxic levels that are not filtered as quickly through the liver and blood. Although moderate alcohol consumption specifically wine has been shown to have protective effects in the brain as we age.

Adopt a healthy nutrition plan
Nutrition is truly the foundation of our health and vitality. Consuming a diet that is rich in quality protein, high in fibrous vegetables, fruits, omega 3 fatty acids and unprocessed grains can delay and prevent dementia completely.

Dementia Fighting Foods Include:
Omega 3 Fatty
Healthy Fats- Specifically Omega 3 Fatty Acids
The brain is comprised mainly of fat, and it needs fat to function at its highest level. Omega 3 fatty acids, specifically those found in wild caught salmon are great brain foods.

Tufts University found that those who consume at least three servings of cold-water fatty fish including salmon, sardines, and anchovies per week were 50 percent less likely to develop dementia.

It contains the omega 3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and B vitamin and vitamin D, which can also help, prevent neurodegenerative diseases. Walnuts are also an excellent source of dietary fats and antioxidants that help promote a healthy brain.

Dark Chocolate
Specifically unsweetened cocoa contains flavonoids that increase* blood flow to the brain. This helps offset the negative effects of reduced* cerebral blood flow to the brain that happens to those who suffer from dementia.

Adding unsweetened all natural cocoa to your shakes or baked goods can help increase* consumption of this healthy form of chocolate. Avoid mainstream chocolate named brands that have added sugars and harmful inflammatory oils like hydrogenated oils, which are also referred to as trans fat. Higher quality chocolates are labeled as 70% or more dark chocolate.

Organic, cold-pressed, non-hydrogenated pure Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil
The University of Oxford has a study that suggests coconut oil has temporary relief for Alzheimer’s and Dementia patients. The results may only be short-term for those who have Alzheimer’s disease, but the quality of life improves* with these improvements.

The research shows that the ketones or byproducts of the fat breakdown in the body play an important role in the health of the brain. When these ketones are present, there is a major improvement in cognitive function.

Adding coconut oil to coffee, oatmeal or even to cook with are simple ways to get in the recommended 2 tablespoons per day.

Seafood
Those who are deficient in vitamin B-12 are four times likely to develop dementia according to the Oxford Project to Investigate Memory and Aging. When the blood levels of B12 are low then the homocysteine levels in the blood increase*, increasing* the risk for dementia.

Ensure that you get enough vitamin B-12 by consuming seafood such as clams, oysters, mussels, and scallops. One serving of clams has your daily-recommended amount of mcg of vitamin B-12.

Folate Foods
Those who are deficient or measuring low for folate levels are significantly at a higher risk for developing dementia. Foods that contain folate naturally are the best sources. These foods include asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, beans, lentils, spinach and turnip greens.

Curcumin/ Turmeric
Turmeric
Plaque buildup in the brain has been associated with degeneration of brain cells, which results in increased risk for dementia.

The powerful anti-inflammatory effect of curcumin, which is found in turmeric, has been shown to help remove* these plaque build-ups. Ginger in it’s raw for also has powerful anti-inflammatory effects like curcumin.

Conclusion
A diet that is rich in antioxidants, healthy unprocessed fats, and vitamins is the key to reducing* the risk or managing symptoms of Dementia. Aim to consume 9-11 servings of vegetables and some fruits per day along with quality fats, and protein.

Best Memory Pills Of 2018 – Expert Reviewed

Memory pills referrers to a class of drugs and supplements meant to treat* memory problems and enhance* mental performance. These drugs are sought out by a great number of people as made apparent by the $1billion[1] worth of sales of these drugs in 2015. They were initially developed to treat* diseases that cause memory problems such as Alzheimer’s disease, and ADHD, but in our modern-day competitive society, more and more healthy people are turning to drugs to enhance* their memory.
This known fact has caused concern among neuroscientists and psychiatrists as pointed out in an article from Medicine, Health Care, and Philosophy. While there should be a reason for concern with the misuse of these drugs, we shouldn’t ignore the fact that some of them are clearly effective as proven in numerous clinical studies and many of them rely on safe and natural ingredients to enhance* memory and cognitive performance. However, there are some best Memory Pills 2018 that works well and deliver quick results.

What You Will Learn
How to Choose Best Memory Pills?
What Studies Have Been Done on Memory Pills?
How do Memory Pills Work?
How Can Memory Pills Change Your Life?
How to Get the Most from Your Memory Pills?
How to Choose Best Memory Pills?
The best memory pills are those that support your natural brain physiology, health, and functioning. Drugs that work as psychostimulants push your brain to its limits which may do more harm than good. When choosing your memory pills, concentrate on the ingredients lists, manufacturer reputation, and look for safety certificates and approval from the FDA. A good way to know that the memory pills of your choice are both safe and effective is to see if the ingredients in them went through peer-reviewed studies and clinical trials. The ingredients in your top rated memory pills should be clearly listed.

What Studies Have Been Done on Memory Pills?
The progressive loss of memory in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has led researchers to find out more about how memory functions by examining this disorder. Scientific research has found that cholinergic mechanisms play a large role in different types of memory. Furthermore, cholinergic cells are the first to degenerate in an AD which is why drugs that block acetylcholine enzymes such as donezapil were developed[2] to slow down memory problems in the AD. Natural and herbal acetylcholine-boosting supplements were also studies for their safe effects on working and long-term memory as were vitamin and nutraceutical supplements.

For instance, one study examined how the use of a combination of a nutraceuticals formulation consisting of brain-enhancing nutrients and acetylcholine precursors improved* memory in healthy adults. The study found a significant improvement in memory functioning after only 2 weeks of use in comparison with placebo controls.

Memory Health Info
How Do Memory Pills Work?
As already mentioned, some memory pills work by affecting the levels of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine in the brain. Other memory pills based on herbal extracts from like Gingko biloba or Panax Ginseng work by improving* blood flow to the brain and preventing brain cell death caused by free radicals.

Natural memory pills also contain nutrients like vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid which studies[3] found helped improve* memory. Since the brain is an organ just like any other, it needs nutrients, antioxidants, and oxygen to function properly. The brain is where memories form and supporting its health is one way that memory pills work to enhance* memory.

Popular Ingredients: What to Expect from Memory Pills?
Some of the most popular ingredients in memory pills are natural and even essential for normal brain functioning. Some of these popular natural ingredients include omega-3 fatty acids, folate, vitamins C, E, B12, B9, and B6, Gingko biloba and others.

Dietary choline is another popular ingredient in treating age-related cognitive decline and that one study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found improved* cognitive performance in healthy individuals. College students often turn to a caffeinated product to enhance* memory and concentration.

In the U.S., Adderall which contains amphetamine is also massively used in improving* academic performance. However, most people won’t turn to stimulant drugs to enhance* their memory and cognitive performance.

How Can Memory Pills Change Your Life?
Improvement of the cognitive performance is one of the main health benefits that researchers have found memory pills to possess. Memory pills are accompanied by a wide range of health benefits that can change your life. If you have been suffering from dementia, the memory pills will ease symptoms by increasing* blood flow to the brain.

On the other hand, for patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, memory pills are very effective in reducing* the effects of memory and energy loss. People who use memory pills have a less risk of developing the disease as compared to those who don’t. These pills also enhance* the level of concentration which gives you better social behaviors which include better communication and self-control.

Memory pills also give you a complete command of all the cognitive functions of your brain. They make you more alert, vibrant and help you boost* your memory. These pills increase* the activity of glutamate which increases* neurotransmitters in the brain making it easy to learn and easy to remember the information. You will, therefore, find it easy to remember the name of your pet or the place that you visited last with your partner.

On the other hand, memory pills also have a huge number of health benefits to your brain. They greatly increase* the level of attention, memory, alertness and problem-solving. After taking the pills, you instantly start to show an improved* performance especially to those of you who may have been sleep deprived for a long period of time.

The people who have previously used memory pills can also tell you that, they facilitate an improved* level of alertness, problem-solving and attention. These results, therefore, are a great indicator of how memory pills can improve* your life.

How to Get the Most from Your Memory Pills?
To get the most from your favorite memory pills, don’t rely solely on pills to improve* your memory. The human mind and body are too complex to completely transform with the help of a magic* pill. A meta-analysis[4] on the effects of exercise on memory in elderly persons and those with dementia found that most studies show it improved* all aspects of mental functioning.

As explained in one article[5] on the relationship between memory and enhancement drugs, the mind-body connection cannot be ruled out when treating memory problems. In other words, if you want a good memory, you need to take care of our overall health.

The Overall Best Memory Pills
If you want to find memory pills that will work for you, here is a rundown on the 10 best memory pills of 2018:

#1 Provasil
Provasil
Provasil contains an all-natural but powerful formula designed to enhance* overall cognitive performance. The product manufacturers have included a number of ingredients such as N-Acetyl Carnitine, Phosphatidycholine, DHA, Choline Bitartrate, and a number of other ingredients which independent studies found increased alertness and memory.

This memory supplement has been found to slow down the aging process of the brain. According to a research in the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, adults over the year of 45 years showed an accelerating rate of brain aging. These symptoms included a problem in thinking capacity, decision making, and memory.

Its ingredients such as Choline Bitartrate have nutrients that help the brain to remain young and maintain its focus. On the other hand, Provasil contains other vital ingredients such as phosphatidylserine which is an ingredient known to improve* the memory of Alzheimer patients.

Of most importance to note is that the supplement has zero chemicals. Therefore, by using Provasil, you will be assured to be using a naturally enhanced* supplement which will not only help you with your brain functions such as learning but will also protect you against common brain diseases such as Alzheimer and dementia.

#2 Noocube
Noocube
NooCube is brain enhancer that is basically used due to its cognitive enhancement gains. It is claimed that this product delivers essential nutrients to the brain to boost* its efficacy. Also, it has been shown to improve* memory, boost* attention and focus, and heighten the response time. One bottle is rated at $ 43.23 and all their products are offered on free shipping. If in any case, you find this product unworthy, you can return the product within the 60 days of the purchase date for a full refund.

However, this product can only be purchased in the online stores. Additionally, the ingredients used in the formulation of this nootropic product are common in other products and may provide the same the same benefits.

This nootropic contains ingredients that help in the regulation of blood flow to the brain and helps you in remaining focused throughout the day. These ingredients include oatstraw, bacopa, cat’s claw, alpha GPC, and huperzine-A. All of the above ingredients are naturally found within the environment and help the brain remain alert.

A recent research conducted with young adolescents found out that, Huperzine-A helped in maintaining the learning neurotransmitter. Additionally, another ingredient (Bacopa) enhanced* memory retention. By following a proper diet, this memory supplement will become effective within a few days.

#3 Geniux
Geniux
This product aims to boost* memory and focus in those who most need it. It contains cholinergic compounds, Bacopa Monnieri, and Gaba that are meant to enhance* your brain’s overall performance.

This nootropic is a medically recognized psychostimulant that helps in brain functioning and stimulation. Geniux has for a long time been referred to as the ultimate smart pill due to its overall efficacy. Its natural ingredients help in enhancing* brain functions such as boosting the memory and increasing* attention.

Basically, the supplement is known for helping the cognitive abilities of the brain that involve learning and problem-solving.A study in the year 2015 showed that Geniux was mostly used by many college and university students who regularly used the pill in their studies. Out of the 70 students interviewed after using this nootropic, more than 58% said that their grades had tremendously improved* since then.

On the other hand, this brain supplement has for long been used by professionals in different fields. These are specifically those that require intense mental function and a lot of attention. This is basically because the natural ingredients (Alpha GPC, Theanine, Acacia Rigidula, Vinpocetine, and Bacopin) used to manufacture the supplement help in increasing* mental function and alertness.

#4 Addium
Addium
Addium has a similar formula to Geniux but unlike the Geniux company, Addium offers clients more information regarding the safety and efficiency of their product. The product works by boosting neurotransmitter levels with acetylcholine precursors and improving* blood flow with ingredients like Bacopa monnieri which one study on rats found to be highly effective.

In addition, this supplement is one of the most powerful brain enhancers in the world. This is due to the fact that addium is used by many people to promote brain health.

According to a research by Harvard University students on the functions of various brain supplements, Addium was found to be a very effective memory enhancer. People who regularly used this supplement recorded an increase* in energy, increased memory capacity and an ability to focus more attentively.

Basically, ingredients used to manufacture addium are 100% natural and are safe for your brain and overall body. They include Acetyl-L-Carnitine, L-Theanine, Caffeine, Rhodiola Rosea extract, and Bacopa monnieri extract. The manufacturers use a combination of high-quality brain enhancing* vitamins and minerals which not only increase* your mental capacity but also boost* your overall thinking capacity. This supplement also enhances* the cognitive function of the brain. It achieves this by stimulating glutamate receptors in the brain which are critical in learning and recall of information.

#5 Lipogen PS Plus
Lipogen PS Plus
Lipogen PS Plus is different from other memory pills in that it contains only one ingredient complex called Phospholipids Complex. Soy Lecithin Phosphatidylserine from which this complex was derived was found in clinical studies to improve* memory in degenerative brain diseases.

This memory supplement also helps in the improvement of cognitive brain functions such as memory, creativity, and focus. This dietary supplement also aids in the prevention of other diseases such as Alzheimer. This is done through the increase* of blood flow into the brain which improves* conditions such as forgetfulness and lack of attention.

Clinical studies have shown that Lipogen PS Plus contains a set of unique Phosphatidylserine which is rich in phosphatidic acid which helps in improving* cognitive functions. The studies also showed that this supplement increases* mental concentration and memory retention.

In a study to determine the efficacy of this dietary supplement, the clinical trials found out that people who had previously used this supplement had a higher rate of memory retention and a higher level of concentration as well. They were able to recall information with ease and also showed improved* concentration levels when compared to those who did not use this supplement at all. Other ingredients include glycerol, gelatin, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, and glycerides.

#6 Cebria
Cebria
Cebria has a unique blend of ingredients to help improve* your memory in a 30-day trial offered by the product company. Some of the ingredients in Cebria are Lactose, Arginine, Tyrosine, Glutamic acid, and others.

The above supplement has been regarded as one of the best when it comes to boosting memory. 60% of the people who regularly use Cebria have over time proved to develop an increased mental capacity. This is enhanced* by Lactose, an ingredient used to manufacture the supplement.

Basically, lactose is an enzyme that helps in the proper circulation of blood to specific parts of the body such as the brain. On the other hand, this supplement has been efficient in transforming short-term memory into long-term memory. Therefore, if you have important names or dates that you need to remember over a long time, Cebria is the right solution.

This supplement is commonly used by the elderly people over the age of 50 years to enhance* memory development. However, due to its numerous benefits such as increasing* concentration, it can be used by people of all ages since it is safe and effective with little or no side effects.

#7 Synagen IQ
Synagen IQ
Synagen IQ has an all-natural formula and causes no side-effects. The product is available online and the company offers a money-back guarantee in case you see no changes in your memory after consistent use.

This is a certified memory supplement as far as brain functioning is concerned. It contains minerals and Vitamins which help in repairing brain cells and improving* overall cognitive abilities. By enhancing* the brains cognitive abilities, the supplement helps in bringing about a clear focus and retention of information.

Apart from preventing diseases such as diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease, it also increases* the energy levels in the body which helps in bringing about a clear thought process thereby.

Finally, this supplement is made from ingredients that are natural and therefore poses no risk of developing side effects. Ingredients include folic acid, vitamin B6, and B3, Phosphatidylserine, Bacopamonnieri and caffeine. Pine bike extract is another ingredient which helps in the production of nitric acid.

Basically, nitric acid increases* erectile function as a result of increased blood flow triggered by the brain. People who have previously used Synagen IQ have recorded improved* levels of cognitive abilities such as thinking capacity, memory retention, and alertness.

#8 Cresceo
Cresceo
Cresceo is a great product for supporting overall brain health with ingredients like Gingko biloba, Huperzine, Brahmi, and Phosphatidylserine isolate. These ingredients are meant to improve* overall brain health which will result in better memory and cognitive performance.

This supplement is very crucial in helping individuals with a low cognitive ability. They include people who may have previously been a victim of head injuries. As we all know, a big percentage of people who incur head injuries have problems in memory retention.

According to a research on Health and Brain Fitness, this supplement was very crucial in the repairing impaired cognitive abilities such as lack of concentration, low level of information and alertness issues.

The research was conducted with 143 participants who were all volunteers. To determine the effectiveness of this supplement, half of the volunteers were administered cresceo while the other half was not. After a week of regular intake of this supplement, they were required to take a test. Surprisingly, those who were not subjected to the pills performed poorly as compared to those who took the pills. The researchers, therefore, concluded that this supplement may be used to improve* memory and sharpen the mind.

#9 CogniQ
CogniQ
CogniQ works also by supporting brain health and improving* cerebral blood flow in a natural and safe manner. The product can be used at any age and it takes just one pill daily to help sharpen your memory and all this with a 90-day money back guarantee.

This supplement is used to increase* the production of the cell membrane. Numerous studies have shown that cell membrane enhances* the level of protection of the brain from neurotoxins.

In addition, the supplement increases* the blood flow to the brain, therefore, making it more apt to problem-solving, decision making and as well increases* critical thinking.

Its natural ingredients such as Bacopin, Glutamate, Vinpocetine acetyl l-carnitine, and phosphatidylserine are responsible for the effectiveness of this supplement. They contain no side effects and are safe to use at any time.

Many people who have previously used the pill suggest that it not only help in boosting memory, it also increases* the level of intelligence. Although it may react differently to various individuals, the supplement is made in such a way that, it enhances* memory recall, and as well improves* the health of your brain by keeping you active.

#10 Cogniflex
Cogniflex
Cogniflex also contains ingredients that are proved safe and effective in treating different areas of cognitive functioning. If you need help with memory problems, Cogniflex can offer some benefits with the addition of L-Tyrosine, Huperzine A, Rhodiola Rosea, Vinpocetine, L-Theanine, and Bacopa monnieri.

The aim of this nootropic is basically to help your brain become more efficient. This efficiency includes increasing* your mental energy and improving* alertness and concentration of the brain. if you have problems in concentrating in tasks, you should use cogniflex since it helps you focus and concentrate on your daily activities. This supplement is also tailored to ensure that your brain unlocks its full potential.

Cogniflex also helps the body to increase* its energy levels by facilitating the correct blood flow. The energy provided by cogniflex can last in the body for about 30 minutes to 6 hours. It also helps you to ignore all distractions especially when you need some concentration because it not only keeps you motivated but also 100% alert. This supplement achieves this through a series of maximum strength nootropics known as smart drugs. They help increase* mental activity, alertness, and concentration.

#11 Ceraloft
Ceraloft
Ceraloft is designed to treat* natural age-related cognitive decline with natural ingredients. It contains St John’s Wort known to improve* symptoms of depression that may be causing memory problems in some.

This amazing supplement is known to treat* people who suffer from lack of concentration and ADHD. It does this by providing an all-natural and drug-free formula. Key ingredients iclude Ginkgo biloba, phosphatidylserine, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Glutamate, DMAE Bitartrate among others. Therefore, people who wish to have an enhanced* mental drive and increased concentration should opt for this nootropic. It significantly improves* the ability to learn new information, recall, and concentrate on a task for a long period of time.

This supplement is also used by medical practitioners to treat* people who suffer from memory loss and lack of focus in their daily tasks. In a record retained by medical practitioners, people who used Ceraloft on a regular basis were found to have an easier task in remembering dates, facts, and names of places.

On the other hand, people who used no supplement at all were found to be more susceptible to forgetfulness, and an increased chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease. However, all these can be avoided by the use of Ceraloft since it improves* nerve cell communication and as well speeds up memory recall. Finally, it provides your brain with the energy required to pursue difficult tasks.

Final Verdict
Best Memory Pills 2018 may be a good addition to your memory-enhancement plans which should include proper nutrition, exercising, and socializing. While memory pills may offer some benefits, they should be considered only as crutches in treating memory problems be that age-related memory decline, stress-related memory problems or due to depression. The products listed here contain safe ingredients that may help some sharpen their mind without any active stimulants and dangerous ingredients.