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Foods that Boost Fertility for Men and Women

Eating nutritous foods is not only good for your health, but also increases your chances of conceiving. Here are a few foods that help boost your fertility – and his.
Eating healthy foods can often help boost fertility. Foods rich in protein, essential fats, minerals and vitamins are must haves when trying to conceive.
The following are a few nutritional superstars that women can include in their diet to help boost fertility.

1. Iron-rich foods
Including heme iron in your diet by consuming chicken, salmon or red meat can help improve and maintain the health of a woman’s eggs, thereby increasing her fertility rate. Organic meats are best when trying to conceive.

2. Raw nuts and seeds
Walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, almonds, h**p seeds, flaxseeds and chia seeds are all rich in omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc and vitamin E, all of which have been shown to help support fertility.

3. Dark green leafy vegetables
Greens such as spinach, kale, collard greens and arugula are great to incorporate into your diet as they are filled with fertility-supporting vitamins and minerals. Vitamin B6, which is found in high amounts in dark green leafy vegetables, has been found to help with hormone regulation, supporting fertility.

4. Cold-water fish
Cold-water fish are filled with omega-3 fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid), which can support cellular health and hormonal balance. Some cold-water fish to consider including in your diet are mackerel, salmon, herring and sardines. Try incorporating these fish options two to three times per week, in addition to taking a distilled, enteric-coated fish oil supplement.

5. Eggs
The high-quality protein found in eggs makes them extremely beneficial, especially when it comes to supporting fertility.

Fertility-boosting foods for him

For men, there are several foods that can help promote healthy s***m. Here are three of the best to boost fertility.

1. Pumpkin seeds
Zinc is one of the most important minerals for men when it comes to boosting fertility and it is found in high quantities in pumpkin seeds. Zinc has been shown to enhance the overall quality of s***m and increase s***m levels. Men should throw some pumpkin seeds into a salad, wrap or smoothie to increase their zinc intake. They can also try replacing peanut butter with pumpkin seed butter to use on toast or with cut-up veggies.

2. Citrus fruits
Vitamin C, which is found in high amounts in citrus fruits, has been shown to help with s***m mobility and quality. Men should consume foods such as lemons, grapefruits, oranges and limes to increase their vitamin C intake.

3. Brazil nuts
Selenium, a mineral that is found in excess amounts in Brazil nuts, has been shown to increase s***m count. Men should eat about eight nuts three times a week to ensure a high selenium intake.

Foods that may harm your fertility

There are also some foods that should be avoided when trying to conceive. These include:
processed foods;
excessive amounts of sugar;
caffeine;
soy (unless it is fermented, such as tempeh and miso);
artificial additives; and
alcohol

10 Natural Ways To Get Rid of HICCUPS

Hiccups are medically known as synchronous diaphragmatic flutter (SDF) or singultus. A hiccup occurs when the diaphragm suddenly contracts involuntarily, while at the same time the larynx (voice box) contracts too and the glottis closes, effective blocking the flow of air.
What causes hiccups?
A very full stomach can cause bouts of hiccups that go away on their own. A full stomach can be caused by:
Eating too much food too quickly.
Drinking too much alcohol.
Swallowing too much air.
Smoking
A sudden change in stomach temperature, such as drinking a hot beverage and then a cold beverage.
Emotional stress or excitement.
Here are some tips for dealing with a bout of hiccups that you can do on your own:

1. Take a deep breath and hold it for as long as possible. Don’t forget to hold your nose!

2. Breathe into a paper bag (do not cover your head with the bag

3. Massage the roof of your mouth. This must be done very carefully with a cotton swab. If you have a steady hand and a decent gag reflex you can also try massaging the back of your throat and stimulating your uvula (the cone shaped tissue that hangs there).

4. Eat a spoonful of peat butter or sugar. Any excuse for a delicious snack, right? Sticky foods are perfect for stimulating the vagus muscle.

5. Cough, burp or sneeze. If you can manage to do any of these things, they can help alleviate your hiccups. The belief is that these actions cause your diaphragm to constrict and thus stop them in their tracks.

6. Place gentle pressure on your nose while you swallow.

7. Surprisingly, branches of the vagus muscle reach all the way into your auditory system. As such, it can be stimulated by sticking your fingers into your ears. Just be careful not to push too far or hard.

8. Gently compress your chest, this can be achieved by leaning forward. You can also bring your knees to your chest and hug them for a couple of minutes.

9. Take a thin slice of lemon, place it on your tongue and suck it like a sweet.

10. Burping – some people find that if they consume a fizzy drink and burp, their hiccups go away. However, some doctors warn that sodas may trigger hiccups.

The treatment for persistent or intractable hiccups depends on the underlying cause of the hiccups and may range from medicine to acupuncture or hypnosis. Sometimes several treatments may be tried before persistent or intractable hiccups are controlled. If you have hiccups that last a few days or longer, your doctor may conduct tests to rule out a more serious problem.

Cashews Are A Natural Anti-Depressant

2 handfuls of cashews is the therapeutic equivalent of a prescription dose of Prozac. Inside you, the essential amino acid L-tryptophan is broken down into anxiety-reducing, snooze-inducing niacin. Even more important, tryptophan is also made into serotonin, one of your body’s most important neurotransmitters. Serotonin gives a feeling of well-being and mellowness, or as the Australians would say, “no worries.” This is such a profound effect that Prozac, Paxil and similar antidepressants usually either mimic serotonin or artificially keep the body’s own serotonin levels high. You can do the same thing with your food. And no one can tell us that beans, peas, cheese, nuts and wheat germ are toxic if you eat a lot of them!
Plenty of carbohydrates (starches) in your meals help tryptophan get to where it does the most good: in your brain. In order to cross the blood-brain barrier to get in, carbos are required. So cheese and crackers provides a better effect than the cheese standing alone. An egg or two on toast is better than just the egg. Beans, peas, and nuts already contain carbohydrate, so you are all set there.
Consider that five servings of beans, a few portions of peanut butter, or just one big handful of cashews provides one to two thousand milligrams of tryptophan, which will work as well as prescription antidepressants… but don’t tell the drug companies. Some skeptics think that the pharmaceutical people already know. Here are two quotes in evidence:
“Pay careful attention to what is happening with dietary supplements in the legislative arena… If these efforts are successful, there could be created a class of products to compete with approved drugs. The establishment of a separate regulatory category for supplements could undercut exclusivity rights enjoyed by the holders of approved drug applications.” (Source: FDA Deputy Commissioner for Policy David Adams, at the Drug Information Association Annual Meeting, July 12, 1993).
Here are 15 other Amazing Health Benefits Of Cashew Nuts
Who doesn’t know about cashew nuts? Caju is what we call them in India. We use them mostly in sweets and children love to eat them as they are. They are full of anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals which are required for the normal functioning of the body. They actually belong to Brazil but Portuguese brought them to India in the 16th century. The kidney shaped or bean shaped nuts have many health benefits, a few of which are presented below:

1. Prevents Cancer:

Proanthocyanidins are a class of flavonols which fight against tumor cells by stopping them to divide further. These proanthocyanidins and high copper content in cashew nuts help fight against cancerous cells and keeps you away from colon cancer. This is one of the major cashew nut benefits.

2. Healthy Heart:

Cashews contain low fat content when compared to other nuts and that too in the oleic acid form which is very healthy for heart. They are cholesterol free and the antioxidants present keeps you away from heart diseases.

3. Lowers High Blood Pressure:

Cashew nuts lower your blood pressure with the help of magnesium present in them.

4. Helps Hair:

Copper is the mineral which helps your hair get that color. So if you take cashews which are full of copper content, you can get that black hair that you always wished for.

5. Healthy Bones:

Like calcium, magnesium is also important for bone health which is the main content in cashew nuts.

6. Healthy Nerves:

Magnesium is stored on the bones surface which prevents calcium from entering the nerve cells and thus keeps the blood vessels and muscles relaxed. Insufficient amount of magnesium can lead calcium to enter the blood vessels leading them to contract. It also leads to high blood pressure, migraine headache etc.

7. Prevents Gallstones:

Daily intake of cashewnut can reduce the risk of developing gallstones up to 25%.

8. Helps in Weight Loss:

Even though cashew nuts are considered as fats, it contains good cholesterol. So contrary to popular belief, those who eat cashews at least twice a week gain less weight when compared to those who eat less.

9. Anti-oxidants:

Selenium, copper, magnesium etc. act as co-factors for many enzymes.

10. Helps Digestion:

Cashew nuts help in growth and development, nucleic acid synthesis and digestion.

11. High on Vitamins:

Cashew nuts are rich in vitamins like riboflavin, pantothenic acid, thiamin, niacin etc. These vitamins keep you safe from sideroblastic anemia, pellagra, etc.

12. Healthy Gums and Teeth
:
As mentioned before, the magnesium content present in cashew nuts is very good for bones. So it gives healthy teeth as well as strong gums to hold them.

13. Pleasant sleep:

After menopause, these cashew nuts can give you relaxed and pleasant sleep during nights.

14. Free Radicals:

Cashew nuts help our body to utilize iron properly and eliminate free radicals which cause health problems.

15. Macular Degeneration
:
Cashew nuts have the ability to filter Sun’s UV rays and protect us from macular degeneration.
Now that you know the health benefits of Cashew nuts, ensure that you eat a few once every week I am sure you already love them.

Source:
livefreelivenatural.com

Top 7 Amazing Health Benefits of Turmeric

1. Antioxidant

The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which is known as a powerful antioxidant. This means it targets dangerous free radicals in the body and reduces the damage they are able to cause DNA and cells. When cells are healthy the body is healthy, which means turmeric offers general wellness benefits, as well as targeting specific health problems.

2. Anti-Inflammatory

Curcumin also has anti-inflammatory qualities. This makes it effective for fighting heart disease, osteoarthritis pain, and other health problems related to inflammation (researchers believe there are many links between inflammation and chronic illness). Curcumin is believed to reduce certain enzymes in the body known to trigger inflammation.

3. Heart Health

Turmeric reduces the risk of blood clots and prevents the build up of plaque in the arteries, which helps in the battle against stroke and other clot-related problems. There are also studies showing turmeric is beneficial for reducing bad cholesterol and improving good cholesterol, both of which play a role in a person’s heart health.

4. Slows the Progression of Alzheimer’s

Researchers studying the effects of curcumin in relation to Alzheimer’s cite the health of those living in regions that consume turmeric in high quantities. People in India aged 70 and older have a much lower rate of Alzheimer’s disease than those in the same age group in the United States. Many believe this difference is due to the high intake of Indian curries, which are made with turmeric. Further research points to turmeric’s ability to remove amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain, which is believed to put people at risk for developing the Alzheimer’s.

5. Natural Painkiller

An article in the July 2009 issue of Time magazine points to a study conducted at the University of Arizona. Researchers found rodents injected with a material known to cause joint pain suffered less when the injections were paired with curcumin. The article also cites anecdotal evidence singing the praises of turmeric for fighting a variety of pain that would otherwise be treated with over-the-counter pain medication.

6. Skin Health

Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory benefits can be beneficial when applied topically, too. It is considered an effective treatment for psoriasis and other skin disorders, and it is a natural antiseptic and can be used to treat burns and cuts.

7. Cancer Fighter

The jury is still out on just how effective turmeric is for fighting cancer. Some health experts point to its anti-inflammatory benefits and draw conclusions based on the link between inflammation and the development of cancer. Free radicals and cell damage are believed to be linked to cancer, too, so if turmeric is able to work as an antioxidant it has a secondary anti-cancer effect.
According to well-known holistic health practitioner, Dr. Andrew Weil, turmeric reduces the carcinogenic compound that form when meat is fried, grilled, or boiled by up to 40%. Dr. Weil also believes turmeric is effective for fighting melanoma and in halting the spread of breast cancer.
There are also preliminary studies showing turmeric could be beneficial for preventing breast, prostate, skin, and colon cancer. Since turmeric is safe and offers a variety of general heath benefits, you have nothing to lose by adding it to your diet in moderate amounts. If you plan to use concentrated doses of curcumin in your cancer treatment plan, be sure you inform your doctors to prevent any interference with other components of your treatment.

8 Natural Remedies To Help you Quit Smocking

1. Oats

Oats are a heart healthy food that is high in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, and folate. Eating oats can help lower levels of bad cholesterol and keep arteries clear, which helps to lower risk of heart disease. They also contain chemicals called avenathramides that can reduce stress, strengthen the nervous system, fight free radials, and combat high blood pressure. All of these benefits can be crucial for smokers who are at a higher risk for heart disease.
Oats can also directly help smokers quit. An extract derived from green oats can ease withdrawal symptoms and help to decrease cigarette cravings.

2. Cayenne Pepper

Among many other things, cayenne pepper is an excellent remedy to help quell the cravings for a cigarette. It desensitizes the respiratory system to to***co and chemical irritants thereby thwarting the cravings for ci******es. Ensure to take the spice daily; add a couple of pinches to your glass of water to really benefit from its effects.

3. Ginseng

It has been shown to prevent the ni****ne-induced release of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Of course dopamine is what makes people feel better after smoking which is part of the ni****ne addiction process. a teaspoon of ginseng powder added to your breakfast cereal or morning health shake should help alleviate the number of cravings.

4. St. John’s Wort

Primarily used to treat depression, there is some research that this medicinal herb helps people quit smoking. In one pilot study, 24 people who smoked 1 or more ci******es a day received St. John’s wort (450 mg capsule 2 times a day) plus smoking cessation counseling. After 12 weeks, 37.5% or 9 out of 24 people had quit.

5. Herbal Ci******es

Herbal ci******es can replace regular ci******es and help break the addiction. Smokers become used to reaching for a cigarette in certain situations and at specific times during the day. Sometimes a cigarette is about familiarity or comfort more than ni****ne. Herbal ci******es contain fewer chemicals and carcinogens in regular ci******es. People can substitute herbal ci******es to meet their psychological need for a smoke without compromising their health.
The main benefits of herbal ci******es are that they are not additive. These ci******es contain zero ni****ne. They are made with herbs such as mint, cinnamon, clover, cornsilk, licorice or lemongrass. They also have some carcinogens so they should only be used as a short-term aide to break the ni****ne habit and not long-term.

6. Lobelia

This herb has been promoted to help people fight the effects of ni****ne withdrawal and is found in many anti-smoking products. The active ingredient in lobelia, lobeline, is thought to have similar actions on the body as ni****ne. Further research has shown that lobeline may increase levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain similar to ci******es
7. Hyssop

Has the ability to help with clearing mucus congestion in the lungs associated with COPD. It also has been known to alleviate the anxiety and even hysteria that is sometimes associated with smoking withdrawal.

8. Valerian

One of the premier sedative herbs used to aid people with anxiety, stress, and insomnia. Valerian also acts as a muscle relaxant. Valerian is clearly one of the herbs of choice in smoking cessation to deal with the issues of insomnia, restlessness, and anxiety.

Repairing the Damage
Once you have successfully broken free of the addiction, it is essential to repair the damage that has been caused by smoking. Regardless of what you may hear, the damage is reversible through proper diet, exercise, meditation , and adequate sleep. Never let this leave your mind, as we all have the power to overcome.
Smoking destroys vitamin C in the body – an important antioxidant. As a result it is important to increase your vitamin C intake to anywhere form 5000 – 20000 mg daily. This will help reduce some of the oxidative stress smoking has caused. Further to this, Vitamin E and A are also essential for repairing the damage done to your cells and mucus membranes. Another important mineral to consider taking is coenzyme Q10. This is yet another powerful antioxidant that helps protects the lungs and heart, while increasing oxygen to the brain.

Congrats Kuwait

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon yesterday said HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has shown “remarkable acts of human kindness and generosity” and Kuwait “exemplary humanitarian leadership” in the support of humanitarian operations in nations in crisis around the world. “We are here today to pay tribute to the humanitarian leadership of His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. We thank the Amir and the people of Kuwait for their outstanding generosity towards Syrians and Iraqis in need,” he said in remarks at a ceremony recognizing the humanitarian leadership of the Amir at the UN headquarters in New York.

Sheikh Sabah, honored by Ban as a “Humanitarian Leader”, announced that Kuwait would double its annual contribution to the Central Emergency Response Fund (CEFR) to $1 million. “I am pleased to announce before you of doubling our fixed annual voluntary contribution to the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to USD one million,” Sheikh Sabah said in a speech.

Sheikh Sabah, highly appreciating the honoring as a “special occasion”, said Kuwait, since its independence and gaining the UN membership, has followed a steady approach in its foreign policy, based essentially on humanitarian assistance to all needy countries “regardless of their geographic location, religious beliefs or ethnic origins”.

This assistance is in “pursuance of its belief and conviction of the importance of international partnership, as well as the unification and activation of international efforts, aimed at the maintenance and preservation of the foundations of life – that is the human spirit,” said the Amir. Sheikh Sabah noted that Kuwait has always been developing and modernizing the methods of providing assistance.

He said an initiative announced by late Kuwaiti Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to write off interest of soft loans to numerous developing and least developed countries in 1988 “has become a precedent in international humanitarian work, thereby initiating a quantum leap in the assistance methods of Kuwaiti diplomacy, which exemplified the genuine understanding of humanitarian needs highlighting the humanitarian concept of such loans and assistance”.

“Kuwaiti charitable associations and peoples’ fundraising committees have set an example in their continued support of many humanitarian projects in Asia and Africa, by individual initiatives that have become – by the blessing of Allah – a shining example of benevolence characterizing the Kuwaiti people,” said the Kuwaiti leader. The Amir said in 2008 Kuwait earmarked 10 percent of its total humanitarian assistance to countries affected by natural or man-made disasters to be channeled to UN organizations and specialized agencies active in the humanitarian field.

“This was followed by official decisions to double the fixed annual voluntary contributions to a number of international agencies and organizations such as the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). This has provided the humanitarian work of Kuwait with wider horizons and more comprehensive dimensions to promote direct cooperation in the various crises, with those international bodies,” he said.

The Amir underlined that the acts of benevolence and philanthropy are “inherent values in the hearts of the Kuwaiti people, as inherited generation after generation from their forefathers”. He said the Kuwaiti people kept offering aid for the needy people even when they faced hardships in the past, in reference to the 1990-91 Iraqi invasion and occupation of Kuwait.

Sheikh Sabah said Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), which was established in 1961, was an expression of sincere desire of Kuwait in providing assistance to Arab states and friendly countries through providing soft loans and technical assistance in support of their efforts to achieve their development. The gross amount of loans provided by the fund during more than half a century reached $17.6 billion benefitting 103 countries, representing 1.2 percent of Kuwait’s gross national income (GNI), exceeding the 0.7 percent of GNI the UN has determined in 1970 as an indicator of the official development assistance to be provided by developed countries.

Kuwait, noted the Kuwaiti leader, hosted two donors’ conferences for the Syrian people in 2013 and 2014 where $3.6 billion was pledged, of which Kuwait contributed an amount of $800 million. HH the Amir highlighted the UN’s important role to confronting challenges facing social peace and political security around the world. “I also would like to renew that the commitment of Kuwait – which has always been a firm and genuine supporter and an effective member of the United Nations – is still of the same conviction and shall remain so, out of its belief in the noble message of the United Nations in the preservation of international peace and security, the dissemination of the principals of justice and equality and ensuring a life of dignity and welfare to the peoples of the world,” said HH the Amir.

Ban lauds Sheikh Sabah
“For more than three years, we have witnessed an unfolding humanitarian catastrophe in the Middle East. First in Syria, now in Iraq, we have seen the terrible consequences of conflict,” said Ban during the ceremony. “But in response to this death and chaos, we have seen remarkable acts of human kindness and generosity. Kuwait has shown exemplary humanitarian leadership in supporting these operations. Under the leadership of the Amir, Kuwait has hosted two pledging conferences – in 2013 and 2014 – and it hosts the meetings of the Top Donors Group for Syria,” he said.

“Every year, Kuwait holds a regional conference on partnerships for effective humanitarian action. Kuwait has also increased its support for multilateral humanitarian action, exponentially since the start of the crisis in Syria. In the past two years, Kuwait has donated hundreds of millions of dollars for humanitarian operations – not only in the Middle East, but in Chad, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Somalia and Sudan. Kuwait’s leadership and funding has saved lives, and has galvanized others to participate in coordinated international action. At a time when so many of our appeals are underfunded, it is good to know we can count on Kuwait’s generosity,” he added. Ban concluded by expressing deep gratitude for these efforts. “Your Excellency, we thank you and count on your continued support.”

Crown Prince Congratulates Amir
Meanwhile, HH the Deputy Amir and Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in a message congratulated HH the Amir on his honoring. “This title is not merely such, but extends to an assessment of a legacy filled with work in the humanitarian field and generosity that has extended over many decades,” he said in his message. “There is no doubt that the UN’s delivery of this honour comes to ensure the international position you possess and the elevated position Kuwait benefits from in the field of humanitarian and relief work regionally and internationally as a result of your wise leadership,” he said.

“It pleases me and the people of Kuwait to take this joyful opportunity to express our feelings of warm emotions and utter devotion. We ask of God Almighty to shower you with the best of health and support. It also pleases me to express my most profound admiration of the distinguished and diligent efforts you are taking to ensure the position of Kuwait at international podiums. I pray to God that the name of Kuwait remains high with pride and dignity and that God may protect you as a symbol of Kuwait and the Arab and Islamic worlds,” Sheikh Nawaf added.

The Amir replied that he had received with “full appreciation” the message of congratulations. “We would like to express our profound gratitude over the expressions of warmth, honesty and prayer from you and the Kuwaiti people. We ensure that this honor was achieved thanks to God Almighty and the efforts of our loyal people, who have responded to the humanitarian calls in aid of those in need and in strife.

They (the people of Kuwait) have embodied the characteristics of the people of Kuwait since olden times, of love for carrying out good deeds, generosity and giving. This honor from the United Nations of our dear nation has come to assure to the whole world the noble role Kuwait is assuming in the field of humanitarian and relief work, which is a cause for pride of every (Kuwaiti) citizen,”

Ramadan Mubarak