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The 3-Day Soup Detox: Fight Inflammation, Disease and Belly Fat

by June 13, 2017

The number of different cleanse and detox options available online can be overwhelming, each claiming to be better and more effective than the last. Some lay out specific meals to follow, others promote 3 days of nothing but juice, and everything in between.

Rather than struggling through 3 days of hunger, trying to satisfy yourself with juice, why not enjoy a detox plan that is both effective at cleansing and filling at the same time? The 3-Day Soup Detox promotes the consumption of as much soup as you would like throughout the day, packed with both nutrients and antioxidants.

This detox plan will work to cleanse the body of the toxins that build up from many different factors in our lives, from environmental toxins to those that accumulate from eating overly processed foods, refined sugars, hormone based meat and dairy products and artificial sweeteners. It will work to improve the performance of your liver, lymphatic system, kidneys, gut, digestive system and immune system, while also promoting clear, healthy skin.

It is recommended that you give your body a chance to adjust to the detox. Start initially with a single day cleanse, then approximately a month later increase it to a 3-day soup cleanse. During the time of your cleanse ensure that you are eating enough of your soups to see the benefits, approximately 5-6 bowls each day, as well as plenty of water!

This particular detox was even a hit with Dr. Oz offering his own spin, including both breakfast and dessert soup options.

 

3-Day Soup Detox Ingredient Rules:

  1. Prepare a bone, vegetable or miso broth as a base for your soups.
  2. Add spices for flavour that will also work to promote good health including turmeric, cumin, garlic, ginger and cinnamon.
  3. Include fibrous vegetables such as spinach, onions, carrots, kale, leeks and zucchini.
  4. Add in starchy vegetables, including beets, acorn squash, potatoes and parsnips.
  5. Boost the protein in your soup with the addition of beans, lentils and nuts.
  6. Jazz up the flavors by considering options like avocado, coconut and olive oil.

 

Try These Three 3-Day Soup Detox Friendly Recipes:

Broccoli Detox Soup

You Will Need:

  • 5 c broccoli florets
  • 3 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 c kale or spinach
  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 c vegetable or bone broth
  • 1/2 tsp of sea salt
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil
  • 2 tbsp collagen (optional)

Directions:

  1. Heat the coconut oil in a pot.
  2. Add the broccoli, celery and onion.
  3. Cook and stir for approximately 5 minutes before adding the broth.
  4. Allow the soup to simmer for 5 minutes, or until all the ingredients blend creating a thick, even soup.

 

Carrot and Ginger Soup

You Will Need:

  • 2 lbs carrots, chopped
  • 2 onions, chopped
  • 6 c bone or vegetable broth
  • 3 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 3 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1 c coconut milk
  • Sea salt, black pepper, and onion to taste
  • 2 tbsp ghee or coconut oil
  • 2 tbsp collagen (optional)

Directions:

  1. Put the broth, carrots, garlic and ginger into a pot and bring it to a boil. Allow it to simmer.
  2. Sauté the onions in a pan, adding the ghee and cooking until the texture of the mixture is caramel-like.
  3. Put the broth mixture and onions in a blender, and blend them for a few minutes or until smooth.
  4. Add the coconut milk and seasonings. Stir well and serve.

 

Red Lentil Soup

You Will Need:

  • ¼ c coconut oil, olive oil, or ghee
  • 2 sweet potatoes, chopped
  • 1 apple, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 1/2 c red lentils, rinsed
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 4 1/2 c bone or vegetable broth
  • 1-inch ginger root, minced
  • Sea salt and black pepper to taste
  • Coconut cream (optional)

Directions:

  1. Warm the olive oil in a pot on medium heat.
  2. Add potatoes, carrots, apple, and onion. Cook or 10 minutes.
  3. Add broth, lentils, cumin, chili powder, paprika and ginger. Bring the soup to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat to a simmer. Allow the soup to simmer for 30 minutes, or until everything softens.
  5. As the soup thickens, add the coconut cream, allowing it to simmer another couple minutes before removing the heat.

14 Ways To Make Turmeric Drinks To Reduce Pain And Inflammation

by June 13, 2017

Most recognized for being the main spice in curry, turmeric is a spice that is commonly used in Asian foods. Often used for flavoring or coloring curry powders, butters, cheese and mustards, turmeric also boasts many medical benefits.

Turmeric has been found to have antioxidant, antimicrobial, choleretic, anti-inflammatory and carminative effects. It contains over 100 health-promoting compounds, including curcumin which has been found to have strong anti-inflammatory properties.

turmeric, benefits of turmeric

In the report, Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects, it reads “Turmeric is used as an herbal medicine for rheumatoid arthritis, chronic anterior uveitis, conjunctivitis, skin cancer, smallpox, chicken pox, wound healing, urinary tract infections, and liver ailments. It is also used for digestive disorders; to reduce flatus, jaundice, menstrual difficulties, and colic; for abdominal pain and distension; and for dyspeptic conditions including loss of appetite, postprandial feelings of fullness, and liver and gallbladder complaints.”

Turmeric has been effective used in the treatment and management of: arthritis, heartburn, joint pain, stomach pain, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, bypass surgery, hemorrhage, diarrhea, intestinal gas, stomach bloating, loss of appetite, jaundice, liver problems, stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gallbladder disorders, high cholesterol, sink inflammation from radiation treatments, fatigue and more!

While you could make a point of eating curry every day, that would be difficult for most people to include in their diet. Instead, try these 14 Turmeric Drinks:

 

Golden Turmeric Milk

You Will Need:

  • 2 cups of milk, preferably coconut or homemade nut milk
  • 1 teaspoon dried ginger powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried turmeric powder
  • A pinch of black pepper
  • Honey, to taste

Directions:

  1. Heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to steam.
  2. Add spices.
  3. Simmer for a few minutes. Allow to cool for 10 minutes.
  4. Drink hot.

 

Turmeric Smoothie

You Will Need:

  • 1 cup frozen mango
  • 1 tablespoon of coconut milk
  • ½ banana
  • 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon of chia seeds
  • ½ teaspoon of cinnamon

Directions:

  1. Place all ingredients into a high-power blender. Blend until smooth. If you need to in order to improve the texture, add water or coconut milk.
  2. Drink immediately.

 

Turmeric Tea

You Will Need:

  • 1-2 cups of water
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger root
  • 1-2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
  • A pinch of nutmeg powder
  • A pinch of clove powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • A pinch of black pepper
  • Coconut milk (optional)
  • Raw honey (optional)

Directions:

  1. Boil the water in a saucepan over high heat.
  2. Once the water has reached the boiling point, reduce to medium heat and add the spices.
  3. Simmer for 5 minutes. Strain and serve hot. Add honey and milk to taste.

 

Turmeric Water with Black Pepper

You Will Need:

Directions:

Mix all the ingredients in a glass and drink immediately!

 

Turmeric Latte

You Will Need:

  • 1 cup of almond or coconut milk, unsweetened
  • 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated turmeric root
  • 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger root
  • Raw honey
  • 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder

Directions:

  1. In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat. Add all ingredients except for honey to the pan.
  2. Bring the pan to a boil. Lower the heat and allow the mixture to simmer for 5-10 minutes.
  3. Remove the pan from the heat and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
  4. Strain, add honey and serve.

 

Turmeric Lemon Tea

You Will Need:

  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Cayenne
  • 1/8 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
  • Honey to taste

Directions:

  1. Combine the lemon juice, cayenne, ginger and turmeric in a mug.
  2. Top with boiling water.
  3. Sweeten to taste with honey.

 

Turmeric Tonic

You Will Need:

  • 3 cups coconut water
  • 1/2 cup fresh ginger slices
  • 1 lime, cut into quarters and squeezed
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon cardamom
  • Cayenne pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a glass jar with a lid.
  2. Shake the jar well. Refrigerate overnight.
  3. Serve at room temperature.

 

Turmeric Kombucha

You Will Need:

  • 1 glass jar with tight lids to hold 1 gallon of liquid
  • 1 gallon of unflavored homebrewed kombucha
  • 1/2 green apple, cut into matchsticks
  • 2 tsp fresh grated turmeric (or 1 teaspoon ground dried turmeric)
  • 2 tsp fresh grated ginger (or 1 teaspoon ground dried ginger)

Directions:

  1. Pour the fresh kombucha (but not the scoby) into the jar leaving a few inches of headspace at the top.
  2. Add the spices and the apple matchsticks to the jar.
  3. Leave the jar in a dark corner at room temperature for 3-5 days. Each day take the time to remove the lid for a few seconds in order to relieve the build-up of fermentation gas.
  4. When you like the taste and ‘fizziness’ of your brew, remove the apple pieces.
  5. Place the jar in the refrigerator. Consume within 2-3 weeks.

 

Turmeric Chai

You Will Need:

Tea:

  • 2 1/4 cups water
  • 6 tbsp coconut sugar
  • 4 black tea bags
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp ground cardamom
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/8 tsp ground coriander
  • Small pinch of black pepper

Latte:

  • 3/4 cup coconut milk
  • 3/4 tsp raw coconut sugar
  • 1/4 cup tea concentrate
  • 1/8 tsp turmeric

Directions:

  1. To make the tea concentrate, combine all ingredients in the first list except for tea bags and vanilla in a small saucepan.
  2. Bring to a boil.
  3. Remove from heat and add the tea bags and vanilla.
  4. Steep for at least 10 minutes.
  5. Pour through a tea strainer and store in a sealable container. It will last about 7 days refrigerated.
  6. To make 1 latte, whisk together the coconut milk, coconut sugar and turmeric in a small saucepan.
  7. Warm up over medium heat just until it just begins to boil.
  8. Remove from heat. Use a milk frother or immersion blender if desired to create milk foam.
  9. Combine the warm milk mixture with 1/4 cup of the tea concentrate in a glass.
  10. Stir well and garnish with cinnamon and adjust sweetness as necessary.

 

Turmeric Coffee

You Will Need:

  • 8 ounces strong coffee (brew methods vary the intensity of the coffee)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3/8 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 tablespoon grass-fed unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil
  • raw honey, to taste (optional)

Directions:

  1. Brew the coffee with the cinnamon and turmeric.
  2. Allow it to cool slightly.
  3. Pour the coffee into a blender along with butter, coconut oil and raw honey. Blend until smooth.
  4. Pour into a mug and serve warm.

 

Super-food Hot Chocolate

You Will Need:

  • 1 can full-fat coconut milk
  • ½ cup filtered water
  • ⅛ tsp turmeric powder
  • 3 cardamom pods, crushed
  • ½ tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1 stick of cinnamon or ¼ tsp cinnamon powder
  • 2 Tbsp honey
  • pinch of Himalayan sea salt
  • 2 Tbsp raw cacao
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the coconut milk and water, as well as the turmeric, cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, and sea salt.
  2. Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and add raw cacao and vanilla extract.
  4. Stir to combine.
  5. Strain and serve with honey.

 

Anti-Inflammatory Sparkling Turmeric Juice

You Will Need:

  • 1/4 of a large pineapple, making sure to include all or part of the core
  • 2-3 large carrots
  • 1/8 – 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • sparkling mineral water

Directions:

  1. Juice the carrots and pineapple until you get 1 ½ cups of juice.
  2. Pour the juice into a glass until it is half full.
  3. Add turmeric and stir.
  4. Top off with sparkling water. Enjoy!

 

Paleo Sports Drink

You Will Need:

  • 2-inch piece of turmeric peeled and cut into 5 or 6 chunks
  • 2-inch piece of ginger peeled and cut into 5 or 6 chunks
  • 1/2 cup fresh squeezed lime juice (2-4 limes)
  • 3 tbsp local raw honey
  • 4 cups + 2 cups of Filtered water

Directions:

  1. Add ginger, turmeric, and water into a small saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat.
  2. Turn the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and add honey. Stir and cool.
  4. Once cool, remove ginger and turmeric and pour the mixture into a large jar with a lid.
  5. Add 2 cups of water and lemon juice.
  6. Stir and drink immediately. Store the remainder in the refrigerator.

 

Spiced Matcha Latte

You Will Need:

  • 3 oz water, boiled
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon
  • ⅛ tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp matcha powder
  • ⅛ tsp ginger
  • 8 oz non-dairy milk, warmed
  • honey, to taste

Directions:

  1. Place the milk in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat.
  2. In the meantime, boil water and pour into a small glass bowl.
  3. Add matcha, cinnamon, turmeric, and ginger and whisk to combine.
  4. Pour the warm milk into a mug and add the matcha mixture. Stir and add honey.
  5. Enjoy warm.

 

What Does the Shape of Your Butt Reveal About Your Health?

by June 13, 2017

Butts have been gathering a great deal of attention in the media these days, with a new celebrity butt causing a buzz each week. We analyze how they look, how to lose the excess fat and what we should wear, but did you know that you butt might also have something to say about your health?

While some people believe that fat storage in the body is a sign of poor health, this isn’t true. The important thing to note is where the fat is being stored. The location of fat storage on the body can reveal a great deal about your health. For example, if you are carrying more fat in the chest area, or in your ‘trunk’, this might be a sign of poor health, whereas excess fat in the butt and hips is generally not signalling anything as alarming.

butt, butt shape, health indicator of butt shape

Our body is like a giant mechanical system, aware of how to best function to protect itself. Fat located in the hip area will keep the harmful fatty acids from reaching vital organs such as the liver and the heart. In this way, fat located in the hips actually protects the body from heart diseases and diabetes.

Having a larger fat storage in the butt will require a higher level of Omega-3 fats, which have been linked to positive brain development. Wouldn’t that stand to reason that people with bigger butts may have a higher intelligence?

Whether your butt is large and in charge or not, the important thing to understand in order to read the queue that your body is giving you in relation to your overall health is the actual shape of your butt. There are four recognized butt shapes; Square ‘H’ shaped, Round ‘O’ Shaped, Heart ‘A’ Shaped and Inverted ‘V’ Shaped. Don’t be alarmed if you feel as though you don’t’ perfectly fit into one of these labels, simply find the one that looks closest to your natural shape, and then read on to learn what that may indicate about your health:

 

Square Shaped

butt, butt shape, health indicator of butt shape

Having a square shaped butt may mean that you are doing exercises at this time, however you still do not have the hard butt that you are working towards. It may also indicate a fat storage in the area just above the butt. The good news is that this means you are distributing your weight evenly, and even weight distribution is an indicator of a healthy heart! A few simple exercises can help you to finish toning your butt up so that your muscles in that area both look and feel stronger!

 

Circle Shaped

butt, butt shape, health indicator of butt shape

A circular shaped butt reveals that you are storing most of your fat in the upper parts of your glutes. Like the previous description of fat stored in the hips protecting the body, fat stored in this area of the butt will protect your heart, arteries and living from the dangerous fatty acids.

 

Heart Shaped

butt, butt shape, health indicator of butt shape

The heart shaped butt is the butt that most women dream of attaining due to its aesthetic appeal, however this may not be the healthiest shape of butt for you to strive for! If you have a heart shaped but you may find that you are also storing some unwanted fat in your upper body. As you age, your butt is going to change shape, and the fat may migrate upwards, closer to your essential organs and as such it will be less effective to protect them from the fatty acids. The best advice is to work on getting rid of the excess fat now, before it has a chance to move, so that you can avoid potential health problems later in life.

 

V Shaped

butt, butt shape, health indicator of butt shape

This is a shape that is extremely common among aging women, as it is a sign of smaller concentrations of estrogen within the body. At this stage, the fat from the butt area has already begun to move to other areas of the body. Doctors recommend that you work on burning the extra fat before it can cause you any problems. Consume a healthy diet, and add some exercises into your daily routine. Your heart will thank you!

 

Check Out These Exercises

The good news is that all butt shapes can be improved upon with some key workouts. Check out this great 5-minute butt and thigh routine from FitnessBlender.com!

The Sleeping Beauty Diet? This Trend is Dangerous and Putting People at Serious Risk

by June 13, 2017

Women and men alike are all pressured to be the ‘perfect’ weight. This is causing some people, mostly women, to go to a whole new extreme in order to shed some pounds.

This new trend involves abusing sleeping medication in order to sleep up to twenty hours a day, thus keeping them from eating. While we most commonly think of eating disorders as limited to anorexia and bulimia this could be seen as such. This is something that has become quite popular across websites encouraging anorexia.

In order to force themselves into sleeping for days at a time these women are taking as many sedatives and pills as they can get their hands on. These women are becoming addicted to these pills and also putting themselves at risk of overdose. Oversleeping is something that can have very serious side effects. It could lead to things like depression dementia, and in some cases heart attacks. Nothing good is coming from this trend.

Women on their last leg desperate for weight loss say that taking these pills even helps them to curve their hunger. It is being referred to as the “Sleeping Beauty Diet.” Dr. Tracery Wade (reported by Broadly) says that these people will have to continue using higher and higher doses in order to be able to sleep as time progresses. This is definitely an easy way to lose weight but the weight is not the only thing they are losing.

Just because it involves no effort does not mean it is something we should be doing. On the surface, it sounds like the perfect plan but in the hours you are awake, you will be very hungry and disoriented. There is no actual evidence of this even working though lots of women swear by it.

If you or someone you know is suffering from an eating disorder please get help or help them to get help. The sooner the better, with this sort of issue. We should all learn to love ourselves in this world. How terrifying does this sound to you? Please look for the signs in people you love. If you think someone may be abusing sleeping medication do your best to help them through the situation.

 

10 Nail Symptoms and What They Mean for Your Health

by June 12, 2017

We spend a lot of time, and money, on making our nails look their best. From strengthening treatments to gel manicures, we believe we have them figured out.

The truth is that your nails do more than just provide a means for self expression. There are several ways that your nails are actually trying to communicate information about your overall health if you learn what to watch for!

nails, nail conditions, fingernails

It is important to make yourself familiar with the signs and symptoms of potential health problems. They could be revealing something as small as a minor fungal nail infection, or a much larger health problem like kidney and liver diseases, diabetes, lung and heart conditions or anemia.

It all starts by being more conscious of changes in our nails. Small differences in thickness or shape, swelling and discoloration are all signs that you should consult a dermatologist. Even the rate at which your nail is growing can reveal information about your overall health!

 

Here are 10 different signs to watch for, and what they mean:

 

Dry, Brittle or Cracked Nails

nails, nail conditions, fingernails

This presence of dry, brittle or cracked nails may be no cause for concern. If you are a swimmer, wash dishes regularly or even use nail polish remover too often you can dry out the nail causing this to happen. Other potential causes include exposure to toxic chemicals on a frequent basis, or living in an area with low humidity. While these are all valid explanations, it could also have a deeper, underlying issue. If you are experiencing a deficiency of vitamin A, B or C it can cause your nails to become brittle. It may also be a sign of thyroid disorder (especially hypothyroidism) or the presence of a fungal infection.

 

White Spots

nails, nail conditions, fingernails

The appearance of white spots on your nail is not something to be alarmed about. In the worst-case scenario, they indicate that you are experiencing a fungal infection, which can be cleared up with a trip to your dermatologist. In most cases, however, they are simply a sign of trauma to the nail and will grow or fade out on their own in time.

 

White Colored Nails with a Strip of Pink

nails, nail conditions, fingernails

While this could be nothing more than a sign of aging, it is worth a call to the dermatologist if you do notice that your fingernails are presenting themselves as white with a narrow strip of pink near the top. This could indicate congestive heart failure, diabetes, liver disease or kidney failure.

 

Yellow Nails

nails, nail conditions, fingernails

Yellowing of your nails can come naturally as you age. It can also be a result of staining from smoking, or from frequent use of either nail polish or acrylic nails. If your nails are presenting as yellow, crumbly and thicker than usual, than you may be dealing with a fungal infection. This could also be a sign of some more serious health complications such as chronic bronchitis, diabetes, psoriasis or a thyroid disorder.

 

Vertical Ridges

nails, nail conditions, fingernails

The appearance of vertical ridges on your nails may be a sign that you are deficient in either magnesium or vitamin B-12. However, in most cases the presence of vertical ridging on your nails is nothing more than a sign of aging, which will likely only become more defined as you get older.

 

Horizontal Ridges

nails, nail conditions, fingernails

Horizontal ridging can be caused by direct trauma to the nail, so try to recall if you have done anything recently that would fit into that theory. If not, this could be the sign of some more serious health problems. If the appearance of horizontal ridges is accompanied by a high fever, you may be suffering from pneumonia or scarlet fever. If you find they are showing on more than one nail at a time (therefore less likely to have been caused by a trauma) it may indicate circulatory disease, psoriasis, uncontrolled diabetes or a severe zinc deficiency. Horizontal discoloration is also associated with arsenic poisoning, carbon monoxide poisoning, malaria, leprosy or Hodgkin’s disease.

 

Pitting

nails, nail conditions, fingernails

If you notice that your nails have many dents or pits in them, this may be a sign of psoriasis. This may also indicate an autoimmune disorder called alopecia areata which has been found to contribute to hair loss, or a connective tissue disorder such as Reiter’s syndrome.

 

Dark Discoloration

nails, nail conditions, fingernails

If you notice black streaks or growths on your nail it is important that you see a dermatologist as soon as possible. This may be an indication of melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer.

 

Spoon Nails

nails, nail conditions, fingernails

If you find that your nails are beginning to curve upward at the edges, creating a spoon like effect, it may indicate that you are suffering from heart disease or hypothyroidism. It may also be telling you about your body’s iron levels, either showing that you are experiencing hemochromatosis (excess iron absorption) or iron-deficiency anemia.

 

Club Nails

nails, nail conditions, fingernails

If your nails are beginning to curve downward and grow thicker, this may indicate that you have a low level of oxygen in your blood. Experts have also connected clubbing of the nails to lung disease, AIDS, kidney or liver disease, heart disease and inflammatory bowel disease.

 

Do You Bite Your Nails? You May be Increasing Your Risk of Infection!

The American Academy of Dermatology reports that the most common nail problem faced by dermatologists is the presence of bacterial infections triggered by nail biting!

When you bite your nails, you cause damage not only to the nail, but also to the surrounding skin and tissue. These small abrasions and tears provide an entry point for bacteria, yeast and other microorganisms. This may result in the appearance of redness, swelling, pus around the nail or a skin infection known as paronychia. In more severe cases paronychia requires surgical treatment.

 

6 Tips to Stop Nail Biting

Are you guilty of this bad habit? There is no better day than today to start turning it around! Here are 6 tips to help you break free of nail biting:

  1. Keep your nails trimmed short, or manicured.
  2. Keep your hands busy using activities like knitting.
  3. Apply a substance to your fingertips that has an unpleasant taste such as vinegar, hot sauce or store-bought bitter-tasting nail products.
  4. Use Band-Aids or electrical tape in order to wrap your fingertips.
  5. Start a journal to track your triggers, such as boredom, watching TV or times of high anxiety or stress. You can then use this information to try avoid said triggers.
  6. Seek professional assistance, such as with habit reversal training.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7 Ways To Get High Naturally Without Drugs (or Plants)

by June 12, 2017

We’ve all been guilty of turning to those good old vices or unhealthy addictions to find relief from stress, sadness, or frustration. Those times when we could use “a little pick me up”, we’ve turned to the TV, the ice cream, a glass of wine, or an old relationship. In these moments, we know we could be making a better choice… but those crutches are so easy and familiar!

Have no fear, better options are here!

Here’s the scoop. There are 2 kinds of highs: Ones that take you farther from yourself, and ones that bring you closer. A natural high increases your life force, or Qi, and thus brings you closer to who we truly are. This is the ultimate feeling of joy and freedom, because it is your truth.

Here are 7 positive, healthy and productive ways to get a natural high: 

  1. Breath and Meditation

 

Breath is the giver of life. Breath heals, cleanses and releases. Conscious breathing rejuvenates our body and quiets the mind, especially when combined with the stillness of meditation. There are various breathing techniques that have the capacity to heal our bodies on a cellular level. These techniques give our system such an influx of Q,i or Life Force, that releases endorphins, and creates a buzz that surpasses any drug. During certain types of Breathwork, some experience a feeling of spiritual ecstasy and even report that they feel as though they were making love with the Universe! Who knew oxygen could be so fun? Go ahead and get quiet with your mind, and frisky with your lungs.

2. Exercises like Qi-Gong and Yoga 

The goal of both qi-gong and yoga, is to connect with the Source of energy that nourishes and feeds us on all levels. Both are focused on movement and postures combined with breathing that and have the ability to be incredibly transformative if applied correctly. Across the globe Yoga has grown in popularity, while Qi-gong has stayed relatively quiet among the masses.

Qigong is a 5000 year old “energy strengthening art” that combines powerful breath techniques, flowing movements and postures that support the healthy flow of energy in the body. It’s multitude of benefits include raising energy levels, enhances whole body circulation, stimulates the appetite, metabolism and weight loss, increases sexual function, enhances the assimilation of nutrients, improves digestion and elimination, decreases the need for sleep, strengthens the immune system, enhances focus and mental acuity, invokes a sense of peace and relaxation, improves results of hands on healing, catalyzes spiritual growth by realizing we are all energy, and evokes a feeling of unity. When doing QiGong, people report feeling high, happy, euphoric, and peaceful. Pump up your Qi with Yoga and QiGong family!

3. SuperFoods

SuperFood is a term given to foods that are packed with vital nutrients that are healing and energizing to the body, mind and spirit. They are found in Nature and are superior sources of antioxidants and essential nutrients that our bodies need. Not only that but one of the greatest benefits of being in this information age is that superfoods from all over the planet are available to us and most of them can be delivered right to your door. Just about anyone can get highly prized superfoods that were only available to royalty in the past.

When you eat a clean diet packed with nutrient dense food that gives your body an extra dose of life-force, you can’t help but feel amazing. However throwing a couple superfoods on top of a poor diet won’t necessarily give you a natural high (except maybe Maca!), but eating a healthy diet with fruits, veggies, greens, and superfoods, has the potency to boost your mood, energy, confidence, health and happiness.

4. Exercise

Who doesn’t love getting high on some exercise!? Exercise is one of the quickest ways to feel energized, sexy, and powerful. The euphoria that some people report from exercise is often referred to as a “runner’s high,” though it’s been linked with a range of other activities, from swimming, to biking, to workouts at the gym. The euphoric effects of exercise are due to the increase of of endorphins as well as other chemicals including serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. Not to mention the sheer enjoyment that comes from doing an activity you love.

5. Massage

Touch is a powerful way to evoke a euphoric state. Touch doesn’t just feel good, it’s needed! It is known that an infant even if well fed, clothed and sheltered will die without human touch.Our spirits are lifted when we experience friendly, affectionate touch. When we are lovingly massaged by a friend, love, or practitioner, our bodies release oxytocin, which is sometimes called the love hormone.

Massage supports your body in healing, boosting energy, reduces recovery time after an injury, eases pain, and enhances relaxation, mood, and well being. Massage improves a person’s emotional health by reducing stress and increasing serotonin. This reduces depression and pain, enhances immune function and thereby reduces illness as well.

By increasing the amount of touch, massage harnesses the health-promoting effects of by producing more oxytocin and dopamine, along with reducing anxiety and promoting a general sense of well-being. And massage after a tough workout can help prevent stiffness and soreness the next day.

6. Music 

Music and dance go hand in hand. Music is the Universal language that transcends cultural boundaries and dogmatic beliefs. It has the power to inspire the heart, and awaken the human spirit. It evokes heightened ecstatic states while energizing your morphogenetic field with resonant frequencies that connect you to your joy and inspiration. One of the best and most unique things about music (and why we put it last) is that it goes with all the other modalities in this list, and enhances their effect.

I personally love when the two are together! I mean, what good is peanut butter without jelly? No good at all!  There is nothing better than waking up in the morning and putting your headphones on with your favorite song, and starting the day with a good boogie. Or getting down on a Saturday night to your favorite Dj, dancing with a sea of heart pumping, body shaking, ‘full of life’ bodies on the dance floor. It has been said, that dancing is the most effective way to connect us with our joy more than any other medium of expression. Dancing has been present in all cultures across the globe and holds a certain magical property that is difficult to put into words.

7. Sex

Heart pumping, sweaty, primal, ecstatic love making. Sex is a big part of who we are. Unleashing our creative life force/sexual energy is a euphoric and fulfilling way to experience ourselves. As we ride the wave of orgasm, we can enjoy the ripples of dopamine during, and well after our sexcapades. While making love we have an exalted opportunity to experience the spiritual celebration of Oneness. Merging with someone that you love while tapping into your primal, sensual side is fun to say the least… and also has a myriad of other benefits. Sex relieves stress, boosts immunity, improves mood, confidence, and more. Make sure to ride the waves of your sensual nature with a safe person that loves and honors you.

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