How Triphala Can Help You in Fighting Fat

Recommended Dosage

A person can take 1 teaspoon of triphala powder with fruit juice or lukewarm water; or it can be swallowed with honey. It should be taken after 45 minutes of having dinner, or just before going to bed. Dosage may vary according to the health condition, and must be taken as per the directions of the medical practitioner.

Having a healthy body, and most importantly, a lean body, is very important for us. We try to achieve this by following a healthy diet and exercise. For some people, burning body fat and getting rid of love handles and cellulite is a nightmare. These people, therefore, resort to drastic ways, like opting for crash diets and fat burning pills. However, with time, more people are becoming aware of the ill-effects of such options. People are slowly waking up to the traditional and natural ways of burning fat. Ayurveda has proved to be a blessing for many, who have chosen to tread this natural path.

The magic herb here is 'Triphala'. It is a mixture of three dried berries or fruits—amalaki (Emblica officinalis), haritaki (Terminalia chebula), and bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica). Interestingly, triphala also has many other health benefits. It is an excellent cleanser with rejuvenating properties. Ayurvedic practitioners suggest taking triphala for losing body fat and weight. They have highlighted the properties of this mixture, that helps burning fat faster.

How Triphala Helps in Burning Fat
Along with the benefits that triphala blesses your body with, it is the fat-burning properties of triphala that makes it more important. The three berries in triphala are excellent in flushing toxins from your body. It is this mechanism that works wonders, and helps the body get rid of fat. When your digestive system gets rid of toxins, it is clean, which makes it more efficient. The result—your digestive system works at its best. The long-term benefits of an effective and healthy digestive system is, that your body gets all the essential nutrients easily. So, the stimulus for hunger gradually reduces. It also enhances bile juice secretion.

On the contrary, if your digestive system does not function effectively, it will not be able to extract nutrients from a sufficient amount of food. This will make your body stimulate hunger for more food, so that necessary amount of nutrients are derived.

Let us see how the different berries that make triphala, aid in burning fat. ? Amalaki - Also known as the Indian gooseberry, this berry has a major role in making triphala an effective fat-fighting herb. It has excellent antioxidant properties. Amalaki reduces any inflammation in the body. It is also known as the 'fat blocking berry', as it helps in maintaining proper blood sugar levels. This prevents the body from storing sugar, which could later get stored as fat. It makes sure that all the sugar is metabolized to glucose, preventing any fat storage. Amalaki also helps in increasing lean muscle in the body. Along with these, it is also a rich source of vitamin C.

? Bibhitaki - Also known as 'bahera', this berry could literally be nicknamed the 'fat magnet'. This berry has properties which grab and extract all the fat and extra water in your body. Bibhitaki has a good amount of linoleic acid. This is actually a fatty acid that helps reduce excess fat in the bloodstream. It also helps in lowering the LDL, also known as bad cholesterol, and increases HDL or good cholesterol.

? Haritaki - Also known as Chebulic Myrobalan, this berry is the prime reason why triphala makes for an excellent cleanser. The most important organ in our body for getting rid of toxins is the colon. Haritaki works on the colon and gets rid of all the toxins in it. A healthy colon makes a healthy digestive system. Along with this, it also helps your body by reducing inflammations, and in effective heart functioning.

Triphala ensures that your body is clean, and is working at its best. It is best to have triphala in its pure and solid form. However, it is also available in the powdered form, and supplements are available in the market. Make sure you consult a medical expert before you include it as part of your diet plan.

Unlike fad diets and artificial diet pills, triphala will take time and consistent efforts before the results are visible. However, such results will be long-lasting and healthy for your body. Along with regular consumption of this ayurvedic product, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and take care of your diet and exercise.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.

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Types of Psychotherapy for Mental Disorders

"There are many ways of getting strong, sometimes talking is the best way."
?Andre Agassi, Open: An Autobiography of Andre Agassi

There are a wide range of therapies that are used to treat mental disorders. In psychotherapy, there is no such thing as a 'one-size-fits-all' approach. The treatment plan depends on the condition, and may differ in the duration and intensity. Sometimes, instead of one approach, psychologists prefer a blended approach, where two or more types of psychotherapy techniques are used to solve the problem. The range of psychotherapy techniques is aimed at dialog, communication, and changes in behavior to improve the mental health of the person. Here are some of the most common types of psychotherapy for mental disorders.

Attachment-based Psychotherapy
At the end of the 19th century, British psychiatrist and psychoanalyst John Bowlby became interested in child development and attachment. He believed that attachment problems experienced early in life are subsequently re-enacted later in adult life. The opposite also holds true, where children in a safe and secure environment are able to develop a sense of who they are, later in life.

Attachment-based psychotherapy identifies basic attachments styles, such as secure, ambivalent, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized attachment. Based on this, the therapist makes the patient aware of why he feel a certain way in the past and present. The therapy allows a person to explore hidden fears, and mourn his losses. The aim is to help the person form healthier relationships, and take control of his life.

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10 Foods That Kill Intelligence

"The food that you eat can be either the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison."

All of us are all too familiar with food items that cause heart attacks, obesity, cancer, and other nasty unmentionables. But to have grub that kills intelligence seems like something really OTT.

This list includes alcohol, junk food, artificial sugars; more or less the same set of offenders that cause the aforementioned ailments. So, basically, what is bad for the rest of our body does not spare the brain as well.

Hectic that our lives are, there is no escaping from all the food items that are mentioned in this list. But remember, that the key to living a healthy life lies in moderation. If we manage to strike a balance between the healthy and the not-so-healthy, it definitely allows us to enjoy the occasional binge or indulgence.

1. Alcohol

Certainly no surprises here, as alcohol's reputation as a brain killer precedes itself. We commonly know of alcohol wreaking havoc with our liver, but it can cause some serious damage to the brain cells as well. Well-known side effects of alcohol include memory lapses and a lack of focus. Prolonged alcohol abuse has also caused disruption in cognitive faculties. Therefore, stick to the recommended alcohol intake, and respect your intelligence.
2. Junk Food

There is a reason why it's termed 'junk' food, and I suppose we're already acquainted with it. Burgers, fries, and the like manage to tempt the devil in us, all thanks to their excessive fat content, which is responsible in creating an addiction. Unrestricted consumption of junk food interferes with the production of dopamine, our 'happiness' chemical, fueling symptoms associated with mood swings and depression.
3. Sugar-rich Food

Added sugar is understood to be the causative factor behind neurological problems. Excessive consumption reduces the production of a brain chemical known as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Its absence impairs learning and memorizing as well. Sugar's addictive nature promotes indulgence, long-term consequences of which are affected learning ability and poor cognitive skills.
4. Fried Food

Deep-fried food items, typical to the Southern style of cooking, have been singled out as the reason behind Southeast America's reputation as the 'stroke belt'. The high levels of fat and cholesterol present in fried food lay deposits on the walls of the arteries supplying blood to the brain. Lack of adequate blood supply is what eventually causes a stroke. So, when your regular diet consists generous helpings of fried chicken, you know you are inviting trouble.
5. Processed Meals

Processed meals sound like a blessing, considering the hectic lives we lead. With very little time on our hands, frozen meals have become constant companions to most of us. However, regular consumption of packaged meals can up your risk of Alzheimer's disease, which is a form of dementia that degenerates brain cells over time.
6. Salty Food

Just like sugary substances, salty food items can be addictive as well, and with dangerous consequences. Sodium is known to interfere with our blood pressure, but did you know that it disrupts our thinking abilities as well? Not for nothing do doctors advise us to cut down on salts. Salt, as a premium preservative, is generously used in pickles, so refrain from over indulgence.
7. Processed Proteins

Proteins - good, fats - bad, is what we learned in school. But when proteins include processed proteins, as in sausages, pepperoni, and salami, we're treading dangerous ground. Preservatives, like sodium nitrate, that go into processing meats, combine with the proteins to form the cancer-inducing agent nitrosamine.
8. Nicotine

Nicotine may not exactly qualify as food, but to many among us, it rates higher than food. The cancer stick is known to restrict the supply of oxygen and blood to the brain. Further, it tightens the capillaries, and affects the function of neurotransmitters, the chemicals that aid communication within our body.
9. Artificial Sweeteners

Many of us live with the misconception that artificial sweeteners are damage-free, but we couldn't be more wrong. Like most other things mentioned in this list, moderate consumption of artificial sweeteners does no harm, but yes, abuse them, and you'll have to suffer the consequences, which include brain damage.
10. Trans fats

Trans fats are present in most of our packaged food items, particularly in the delicious chips that we love to wolf down. Trans fats, over a period, make us susceptible to suffering a stroke, as they clog arteries with deposits of cholesterol. Also, they beget the shrinkage of the brain, not unlike what happens to patients of Alzheimer's disease.
Not a single food item on this list came as a surprise, as these happen to be health offenders all the way. The intelligence now remains in seeing how we manage to hoodwink these food items, and slip as far away from them as possible.

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25 Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Hypoglycemia

Safety Tip
People with hypoglycemia need to be extra careful, and should check their blood sugar before activities like driving, as a sudden attack may cause blurred vision and confusion.

In case of hypoglycemia, we know it is one of the conditions related to diabetes. In simple terms, it can be described as a condition where there is extremely low sugar in the blood, which may hamper effective functioning of the body. The most common causes of hypoglycemia include the treatment of diabetes. However, there are many other causes for low blood sugar levels. So, a non-diabetic person too can be diagnosed with hypoglycemia.

Being well-informed and learning about your condition in the first place is very important. The more knowledge you have regarding hypoglycemia, the easier it becomes to deal with it. The first step to being well-informed and maintaining calm is taking the opinion and advice of your doctor. However, this too gets confusing for most people, as they do not know which questions need to be asked on priority, and what all is going to help them deal with their condition.

Questions Regarding the Condition
? What are the possible causes for this condition?

? Do I have diabetes, because of hypoglycemia?

? What are the complications associated with hypoglycemia?

? Are there any severe risks with this condition?

Questions Regarding Treatment and Medication
? What are the tests that I need to take?

? What are the treatment options available? Are there any risks associated with the same?

? What is the best treatment suited for my case?

? Is there any medication I should avoid?

? How often will I need to check my blood?

? How often should I come for regular checkups?

? How long would I be taking medication for this condition?

? Are there any side effects of my medications?

? What are the emergency supplies/treatment for hypoglycemia?

? Should I see a specialist for my condition?

Questions Regarding General Health
? Do I need to lose weight?

? What is the best way to avoid complications and keep blood glucose in check?

? When can I get back to normal activities?

? Should I start a special exercise program for hypoglycemia?

? What special care or routine should I follow?

? In case of an emergency, what steps should be taken? Whom should I contact in case of any emergency?

? What are the changes I can make in my lifestyle, that can help in improvement?

? Are there any websites or forums for assistance? What educational material is available for hypoglycemia?

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Bottom’s Up! Bottles and Yoga Pants

Get on the bottle to stay hydrated when you work out this summer — and add a little something extra to your workout in the form of weighted clothing from W8Fit for maximum impact.

W8Fit offers custom-designed pockets for holding small weights in their quality workout gear, which translates to a more effective workout for you. Why not burn more calories in a shorter amount of time with this inspired addition? Weights come in 5 and 10 lb packets, they’re sleek rather than clunky, and they’re practically invisible inside of the clothing. Find wristbands, headbands, yoga pants, tank tops and other stylish sports clothing and accessories at http://www.w8fit.com.

Banish plastic waste with the 9-ounce S’well bottle, which keeps cold liquids chilly and hot liquids hot. In other words, this is an investment in a useful bottle that can be used all throughout the year. S’well looks quite smart, with colored stainless steel and a sturdy, mod cap. It’s BPA-free, non-leaching and non-toxic. Ice water, juice or milk will stay cold for 24 hours, and coffee, tea or hot chocolate for 12 hours. Choose your favorite color at http://www.swellbottle.com.

Pura stainless steel bottles are also non-toxic, lead-free, and super-durable. Made with 60% recycled steel, their mantra is “One Life, One Bottle.” They’re completely recyclable – not that you’ll need to recycle them, as they come with a lifetime warranty. Available in lime green, pink, orange, purple and silver; check them out at http://www.purastainless.com.

The 24-ounce Bobble sport bottle is soft and indented in the middle for easy carrying, and it comes with a filter so you can enjoy water anywhere. The loop cap is also great for tossing over bike handlebars, and it’s available in seven bright colors. Tote it to music festivals, the gym, picnics, parks and toss it in the car for road trips; http://www.waterbobble.com.

The Spill Spoiler Sport Cap is an inventive new device that attaches to sports drinks and ensures that they can’t drip or leak. An internal valve closes off liquid, so you can enjoy your favorite drink without worrying about spills at the gym or in a careening cab. Also, you can toss a drink into your purse without worry. Amazing! Find them at http://www.SpillSpoiler.com. Sometimes these small changes can contribute to a thoroughly stress-free day.

Originally published July 2013

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Health Benefits of Wormwood Tea

Wormwood is a major ingredient in absinthe, a famous drink of the nineteenth century, believed to be associated with the deaths of Edgar Allan Poe and Vincent Van Gogh.
Wormwood is a perennial shrub, native to Europe, northern Africa, western Asia, and nowadays, North America. It is usually planted along roads and pathways, and grows to a height of 1 to 3 feet. The stem of wormwood has a gray-green or white color, covered with fine hair. Its flowers, leaves, and upper shoots are used in herbal medicine, while its bitter flavor is instrumental in enhancing the taste of alcoholic beverages.

The tall claims made about wormwood's ability to treat cancer, or the side effects of conventional cancer treatment methods, are not supported by scientific evidence. However, some compounds from sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua), which is related to wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), have shown positive results in the treatment of malaria, and have been used for the same since ancient times. Drinking wormwood tea is also known to increase the libido, and strengthen the immune system.

Wormwood Tea for Better Health
Caution: Wormwood tea is not recommended for pregnant and nursing women, and babies. Acts as a Digestive Stimulant
The number of stomach problems that wormwood tea treats is countless. It aids digestion, relieves stomach ache, heartburn, gas, bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, improves appetite, and treats irregular menstruation. The reason behind the effectiveness of wormwood is its excruciatingly bitter taste. This bitter taste triggers a release of bile from the gallbladder, and other secretions from the intestinal glands, that aid digestion.

Wormwood tea is also used to fight intestinal worms. The herb contains a potential chemical component, thujone, that kill parasites. In addition to thujone, wormwood also contains santonin, which is beneficial in treating several parasitic diseases. Furthermore, wormwood is also rich in sesquiterpene lactones, that have properties similar to peroxide, which weaken the membranes of the parasites and then kill them.

Soothes Irritated Skin
If you have skin problems due to contact dermatitis (a form of eczema), drinking wormwood tea is one of the best remedies to treat these problems. The higher levels of antioxidants present in wormwood are capable of reducing itching and irritation of the skin. Moreover, this herbal tea can keep your skin healthy and refreshed. While it reduces the itching sensation and feeling of irritation, it also moisturizes your skin. Apart from that, it can also be used to treat slow-healing wounds, skin blotches, and insect bites.
Acts as a Cleanser
Bitter wormwood tea is the best treatment for the removal of parasites from the body. The bitter flavor of the tea has the potential to get rid of the bad parasites from the body, and also detoxify the body by getting rid of unwanted toxins. Wormwood tea has a purging effect, which throws the bile away from the liver and ultimately, out of the body. For better cleansing results, you should drink wormwood tea daily.

? Add 1 heaped teaspoon of the wormwood herb, or 1 rounded teaspoon of wormwood powder to 1 cup of boiling water.? Allow the herb to steep in water for about 10 to 15 minutes, and then drink it. Wormwood tea can be taken either before, during, or after meals.? To counter the bitter taste, you can add stevia or xylitol, which are natural sweeteners that help make the tea more palatable.? Remember that the longer the tea brews, the better the effect on the body.
To enjoy the health benefits of wormwood tea to the fullest and avoid any adverse effects, it is important to take it in moderation. Moreover, ensure that you are consuming wormwood tea or any of its forms only under the supervision of a medical professional, and in small amounts. Also, do not drink the tea continuously for more than four to five weeks.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only and does not, in any way, intend to replace the advice of a medical professional.

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Can Baking Soda Cure Cancer?

According to the American Cancer Society, "available scientific evidence does not support the idea that sodium bicarbonate works as a treatment for any form of cancer or that it cures yeast or fungal infections."Cancer is one of the most common causes of death in the United States. Despite it being a major disease, there is no cure for it till date. However, deep research is being carried out to find a proper cure for this life-threatening disease. There are various claims and theories behind the different treatment options said to cure cancer, but they have no scientific proof behind them. Treating cancer with the help of baking soda is one among these various theories.

Baking Soda for Cancer Treatment

Sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda, has been presented as a cure for cancer by some doctors and researches. This theory is promoted by a practitioner, Dr. Tullio Simoncini. He has claimed this theory to be effective in various videos posted by him on the Internet, and even in one of his books. The theory behind this claim says that cancer is caused due to a yeast infection, which grows well in acidic conditions, and sodium carbonate can kill the yeast as it makes the blood alkaline. The theory and concept is backed by oncology and microbiology studies, but is not supported by any scientific and clinical proof.

Is there any evidence supporting this theory?

In a nutshell, there is no evidence to support this theory. In fact, scientific studies do not even support the claims that cancer is caused by yeast. They also do not have any evidence in support of sodium bicarbonate curing any type of yeast infections. So, if you rely on the evidence, then you can say that the theory is false. Following are some of the points which will help you get an insight of the lack of evidence in this theory. The theory claims cancer is caused due to a yeast infection, but tests which are capable of detecting the presence of yeast have failed to find any presence of yeast in the cancerous tumors.When experimental animals were exposed to Candida albicans, there were no reports which showed that the yeast infection caused cancer, or was, in any way, cancerous.Later, when the tissues from the infected animal were isolated and cultured for the presence of cancerous growth, they were unable to recover the germs.People who undergo high doses of chemotherapy have a weak immune system, and sometimes develop fungal infections. These fungal infections are cured with the help of antifungal drugs. But there is no evidence that these drugs are capable of shrinking cancerous tumors.People suffering from cancer may sometimes develop conditions, such as heartburn, which require sodium bicarbonate tablets or powder for the treatment. But under these conditions also, there is no evidence which suggests shrinking of the tumor, or baking soda fighting cancer.Can baking soda raise any complications?

Sodium bicarbonate is available as a capsule as well as powder. It is available over-the-counter, and taken in order to neutralize stomach acid. It is also administered intravenously to reduce blood acidity. If taken in the proper dosage, it is considered safe. However, in high amounts, it can cause organ damage.

Cancer is a life-threatening disease, and in order to get it cured, people try every possible treatment option. However, it is very important to understand the authenticity of any treatment before following it. Do not, in any case, avoid, delay, or ignore medical treatment and your doctor's advice. Till date, there is no proof that supports the theory of baking soda curing cancer; hence, try to avoid it. For more guidance, talk to your doctor.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.

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