depression Archives ~ Health Sifu

September 11, 2017 By Luckily Leave a Comment

Health Hazards Encountered When Getting Older ~ 5 Problems You Might Overlook

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5 Problems You Might Overlook ~ Health Hazards Encountered While Getting Older
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Getting old is an inevitability, which is why doing it with dignity, comfort. enjoyment and happiness is essential.
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While there are many different factors to consider in this area, maintaining your health should be the main priority.
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After all, encountering problems because you haven’t taken prior precautions to prevent them in the first place can turn those golden years into a time of major discomfort.
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Health problems become increasingly likely as you get older. Paying attention to the various elements will ensure that retirement becomes a far happier time in your life.
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Below are five potential hazards to look out for:

1. Insufficient and/or Poor-Quality Sleep

Getting 40 winks is important at all stages of life. But the body needs that recovery time more than ever as it gets a little older.
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Therefore, finding a comfortable mattress should be one of the top priorities on your agenda at all times. Otherwise, you may allow deterioration in several health issues to accelerate.
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Besides, waking up full of beans will allow you to attack the day ahead in style. Use this as a foundation for good health, and you won’t go far wrong.

2. Oral Problems

Many health problems start with oral-related issues. The mouth encounters various changes as we age, which is why Geriatric Dentistry – Dental Health for the Aged is vital.
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Regular visits won’t only allow you to maintain general oral health. They’ll also enable you to take control of any potential problems before they escalate into anything serious.
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Given the importance of the mouth for communication and eating, ignoring the need for extra care would be a disaster.

3. Cholesterol

Everyone has heard about avoiding high cholesterol levels for cardiovascular health. However, did you know that low levels of cholesterol can be equally dangerous?
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Therefore, maintaining a safe level should avoid both extremes. Otherwise, the pressure caused on the heart and other organs can be severe.
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You can buy kits to check your levels at home, but seeking expert medical advice on a semi-frequent basis is pivotal too.

4. Depression

Maintaining good physical health is one thing, but it’s only half of the battle. In truth, it’s equally vital that you pay attention to your mental health.
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Retirement can be both lonely and frustrating, which can make you vulnerable. Seeking Geriatric Psychiatrists – Specialists for Seniors can help you fight those issues.
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A healthy mind breeds a far happier lifestyle and can aid physical conditioning too. If that doesn’t encourage you to pay greater attention, nothing will.

5. Arthritis

As the body ages, it will inevitably lose a little movement. Postural issues and slower reactions are one thing, but arthritis in hands and feet can be particularly testing.
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If the signs are starting to show, completing these various exercises will slow the effects.
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As they say, prevention and early detection are always better than allowing a situation to snowball. Even if your general movement slows, retaining the ability to complete daily tasks without major pain and discomfort is key.
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Take care of your body by paying attention to these factors, and you will enjoy those golden years in style.
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July 24, 2017 By Luckily Leave a Comment

Suffering from Anxiety ? ~ 4 Symptoms to Look Out For

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Are you Suffering from Anxiety?

We all get anxious from time to time. This is especially the case if work is particularly stressful or we experience something that triggers a phobia or fear.
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However, did you know that anxiety can itself be a health condition?
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It’s true – some people find it very difficult to control their emotions and feelings. As a result, they end up suffering from extreme worries and feelings of anxiety.
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Suffering from Anxiety .
Sometimes people suffer from anxiety as a symptom of other conditions, such as depression, PTSD, or a panic disorder.
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But there are also many cases when anxiety manifests on its own.
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Do you think you might be suffering from anxiety? Below are 4 symptoms you should look out for.

4 Symptoms of Anxiety

1. Panic Attacks
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One of the most common symptoms of anxiety is suffering from panic attacks when you are in stressful situations. .
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Thankfully, there are now a few panic attack treatment options that can help you manage them.
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Once you start experiencing anxiety, it is important to see your doctor straight away.
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2. Difficulty in Concentrating
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Most of the symptoms you get from anxiety are also the same as those which occur during depression.
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One shared symptom is a difficulty in concentrating. You might find it increasingly hard to focus on various tasks which you once found very easy.
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3. Stress And Dread
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People who suffer from anxiety also have feelings of extreme stress and a sense of dread.
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These can often be managed by using mindful thought techniques and other cognitive behavioral changes.
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4. Physical Symptoms
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There are also several physical symptoms that occur when you are suffering from anxiety. These include dizziness, lethargy, muscle tension, nausea, and headaches.

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So, anxiety should be easy for you to spot once you know all the different possible symptoms.
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If you are suffering from more than 1 of these symptoms, you will need to see your doctor so that he can diagnose you. You’ll then be eligible for treatments and medication.

How to Treat Anxiety

There are a few different ways anxiety can be treated. Below are 2 of the most common options.

1. Psychological Treatments

Most doctors will prefer to try their patients on some psychological treatments.
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Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is, more often than not, the first one that is tried and tested. This method helps the patient put their emotions, feelings and thoughts into perspective. It also encourages them to try and think of their problems in a different way.
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Normally, a CBT session takes place weekly usually in the form of an hourly discussion with a counsellor or therapist.

2. Medication

If psychological treatments do not work, you will be put onto a course of medication. Usually, the medicine is just to treat any physical symptoms. However, there is also medication that can fight psychological issues as well.
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Your doctor will then set up regular consultations so that he or she can review your treatment program. They will then change your medication prescription accordingly.
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.Living with anxiety can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be a life-long sentence. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel!
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June 15, 2017 By Luckily Leave a Comment

Living With Chemotherapy ~ Side-Effects to Be Aware of

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Living with Chemotherapy

Living through any sort of long-term medical treatment can put your body under untold stress. Unfortunately, sometimes, it’s completely impossible to avoid them.
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When it comes to the most hard-hitting medicines, life can get much harder than you would expect.
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Harsh medical drugs tend to be used when you’re suffering from a serious illnesses like diabetes, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s Disease. At these times, you’re already weak; taking harsh medicine on top of it can make it even worse.
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One of the best examples of this is cancer, and the treatments used for it. Living with this sort of issue doesn’t have to be all trouble though. This post will be going through some of the effects chemotherapy can have on your body and your mind. We’ll show you ways to make them much less toxic to your overall life.

What is chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a term originally used to describe any sort of drug being used to fight a disease. Nowadays, though, this type of treatment is associated with cancer.
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Chemotherapy employs drugs which are used which can destroy cells. The goal is to shrink cancer tumours, eventually stopping their growth altogether. The chemicals used in chemotherapy are toxic to cancerous cells, enabling their destruction. However, most of the other cells in your body can also be damaged by chemo.
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For the young or the elderly, this can be particularly devastating. This sort of treatment will make major changes to your body, regardless of age. Your hair and nails could fall out. You could have to deal with discomfort and nausea. Many people find themselves daunted by the prospect of this sort of treatment.

What can it do to your body?

One of the most well-known side effects of chemotherapy is hair and nail loss. These are usually the biggest noticeable differences people will see when you undergo chemotherapy.
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And, although it’s not physically painful, it’s a pressing concern a lot of people will have.
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Most people don’t like the idea of being bald. But, you have a few options to help you here.
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Some people like to go for a wig. Others may prefer a specially designed hat. A website like www.hatswithheart.com can help you to find something suitable for you.
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Being able to keep your head hidden like this will also protect you from the sun.
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Other more uncomfortable side-effects of chemotherapy are painful mouth sores. But, you have some options. Creams and products like Bonjela can create protective shields and help to heal. Of course, you’ll have to apply it throughout the day.
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Many people suffer from nausea. There are many products to help with this. You should always do some research, though. Websites can give you information about any drug before you buy them. Of course, while you’re suffering from something like cancer it could also be worth talking to your doctor before picking up anything new.
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Many people experience bone marrow issues after chemotherapy. But, unfortunately, all you can do for that is eat well and do as your doctor tells you.
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Other side-effects include digestive issues which usually result in diarrhea.
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At the end of the day, your best comfort during this trying time are the people around you. Those people who care about you and are there to help and comfort you.

What can it do to your mind?

With chemotherapy, most people will experience some sort of brain fog. This can linger for long periods, resulting in the difficulty to think straight.
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During moments like these, you may be irritable or hard to be around. The best way around this is to keep your mind active.
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Completing puzzles like crosswords and sudokus will help to keep your brain active. During these times, try to have people around you.
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Depression is also a challenging issue. With the chemical balance in your body is all out of whack, this is the easiest time for your emotions to run wild.
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Feeling depressed will often leave people lonely and confused. Seek professionals who have the training and experience to help you.
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Nothing you have to say will shock them. And, they won’t be burdened by your feelings.
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Of course, it’s also wise to keep a strong support network around you. People are one of the best cures for depression. And, simply being around them can be enough to drag you out of a bad mood.
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Living with any sort of medical treatment is hard. But, something as aggressive and life changing as chemotherapy can be unbearable. People are becoming much more aware of issues like cancer as more and more people are being affected by it. This means that, as a group, humans are getting better at helping each other through issues like this.
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Hopefully, this will give you a good idea of what you can do to improve your life when dealing with treatments like chemotherapy.
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Unfortunately, a large part of this is researching and doing your own work to find the answers. But, considering how harsh chemo can be, it’s well worth putting the effort in. It benefits you the most, after all.
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May 24, 2017 By Luckily Leave a Comment

Feeling Tired All the Time? Find Out Why and How to Restore Energy

Feeling Tired All the Time ?

While it’s common for most people to underestimate their need for rest, there are various other factors that can either disrupt or improve your energy levels.
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And you might not be aware of their influence on your quality of life.

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Even if you try your best to maintain a healthy sleeping schedule, exercise regularly and eat healthy, there could be a more serious underlying issue you’ll need to tackle in order to boost your energy and feel your best.

Hormonal Imbalance

When your thyroid gland isn’t performing some of its functions properly, such as regulating your appetite, temperature and your metabolism, a lack or overproduction of certain hormones can wreak havoc on your body.
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You might feel exhausted, sluggish, or sore, and your appetite might change. All of these can be a result of stress, above-normal exposure to radiation and dietary issues.

Consider checking your selenium and iodine intake as well as your gluten and dairy tolerance, and adjust your diet accordingly.
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Moreover, even if stress isn’t the main culprit for your thyroid problems, a stress-relieving technique or two can only be beneficial and speed up your recovery.

Depression

As the single most common mental disorder, depression often presents itself as a mixture of complex symptoms.
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One of them is low energy and continuous feelings of sadness and hopelessness. It’s usually caused by a combination of circumstances such as emotional issues, hormonal imbalances, lack of exposure to sunlight, stress, and diet.

Once diagnosed, it usually takes a significant amount of time and effort to combat many of the issues depression can cause. Your low energy levels will be among the toughest to overcome.
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However, you can use your diet to jump-start the production of feel-good hormones and complement your medical therapy and healing techniques.
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Steer clear of processed foods and energy drinks. Include a versatile menu of fruits, vegetables and healthy protein sources.

Leaky Gut

If there ever was a reason to listen to your gut feeling, perhaps it’s because it is literally trying to protect your well-being.
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In addition to bloating, headaches, weight gain and skin rashes, mood swings and low energy levels are major symptoms of the leaky gut syndrome.
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This illness can be caused by anything from an imbalanced diet to various types of medication and autoimmune disorders. It needs to be tackled on multiple fronts.
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In addition to a nutrient-rich diet, you can boost your gut’s health with Biocare probiotic supplements. These can help heal the damage in your gut lining and ensure the necessary biodiversity of your gut flora.
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Ditching highly inflammatory and processed foods is equally important. Make sure to seek medical guidance in treating this disease properly.

A Sedentary lifestyle

If you’re bound to your desk at your job, it’s likely that your body isn’t getting enough activity.
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In fact, numerous studies have shown that a sedentary lifestyle is as harmful as other unhealthy habits, such as smoking. Not only does it lead to back problems, aches and pains, but it also causes that feeling of prolonged fatigue you cannot otherwise explain.

Regular exercise helps your body produce enough of the right hormones. It regulates your body temperature, helps you get a good night’s sleep and boosts your body’s immune system.
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Walk and talk meetings are an excellent alternative. A scheduled weekly jog, a different fitness program with Booya, or a gym session can help you kick-start your physical activity and improve your energy levels.

Poor sleep quality

The staple of a healthy lifestyle, an average of 8 hours of sleep every night is a necessity for most working adults, especially those who lead an active life.
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Pulling an all-nighter every once in a while might not be as harmful. However, if you make a habit out of sleepless nights, then your health might deteriorate rapidly.

From hormonal issues, mood changes, heart problems and all the way to lack of energy, focus and motivation, poor sleep can become a foundation for numerous other health problems.
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While reducing your caffeine and nicotine intake can be a good start, you will need to adapt your body to a consistent sleeping schedule, a quality mattress, a healthy diet and exercise your way to plenty of quality sleep.
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Your health is the sum of all your habits. Many of these issues, including your constant tiredness can be attributed to a hitch in your diet, lack of activity or sleep, other unhealthy behaviour or overexposure to stress.

In addition to consulting a medical professional in case any of these symptoms persist, start restoring your energy by re-evaluating your lifestyle. Introduce the crucial healthy habits that will ensure you lead a fulfilled, healthy life.
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Guest Contributor
Nicole Noel

nicole@highstylife.com
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April 27, 2017 By Luckily Leave a Comment

Caring for An Elderly Relative ~ 5 Important Areas They May Need Help In

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Caring for An Elderly Relative

Caring for An Elderly Relative ,
It is a situation no one wants to be in. Yet age happens to us all. When it is your turn, surely you will be happy to have a family member care for you?
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Caring for someone can range from mild inconvenience to a full time occupation. There are all kinds of things you can do to be useful.
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Keeping their physical health in good shape is important. However, there are other areas you may need to invest time in to keep their quality of life secure.
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Caring for An Elderly Relative .
Below are 5 areas where they may need help with. You may already be taking care of some areas. Or you may have thought about helping them out here.
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Yet read on, for you could find something else that could help your elderly relative.

Professional Care

In the first instance you need to assess whether your elderly relative needs professional care. This is hard to do, and should be decided upon by you and your family.
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If their health is bad they will need specific care, dementia care is a key example here. There is no point trying to care for them yourself when you do not have the medical know-how to do so. Get them specialist care as soon as possible.

Cleaning Help

If they have nothing seriously wrong with them and are just aging normally, then there are things you can do.
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For starters, they will want to have a routine, such as cleaning their room and personal items. Yet they will probably no longer be able to, they’ll get tired. Try doing this for them. Or at least doing part of it for them.
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You could even consider getting a cleaner to go there but check with them first. They may not like having a strange person in their home.

Mobility

Their mobility will also take a hit. At a certain age, they may no longer be able to drive.
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You can help here by taking them out and about to do their shopping. Or even just out for the day for some fresh air and a change of environment. They will appreciate this no end.
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Of course you can arrange to get the shopping delivered. However, do remember that they may want to do it themselves as it is what they were used to.

Dispensing Medication

You may need to make sure they take the right amounts of medicine as prescribed.
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You can organise this in one day for the whole week. Set their prescribed medicines out ready in containers which are clearly marked day by day.
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Different medications can sometimes be confusing. So you will need to ensure they are taken properly.

Finances

You may need to take a look at their finances from time to time too. Make sure their bills are being paid properly and that their pensions are coming in as they should.
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They may not like you doing this but if they no longer have a good grasp on their finances, you may have to. If not, they could end up having to pay a glut of late payment fees.
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April 13, 2017 By Luckily Leave a Comment

The Mega-Benefits Of Aromatherapy

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The Mega-Benefits Of Aromatherapy

There is no denying that we have always been conscious of how to best look after our bodies.
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But with prescription drugs often having harmful side-effects, more and more people are looking to natural remedies. That is where aromatherapy comes in.
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Aromatherapy is a fascinating alternative medicine which has a hugely diverse range of benefits. More of this further down in this article.
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But for now, it is important to know what aromatherapy is. At its most basic level, it is the use of essential oils which can be aromatically inhaled.
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These essential oils are found in citronella, lavender, lemongrass, terpenes, ginger, jasmine and rose, to name but a few.
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But what are the benefits of aromatherapy? Well, read on to find out.

Stress

Stress is, without a doubt, the most popular use of aromatherapy.
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The reason it works so well is because of the relaxants in these essential oils. They are known to soothe your mind and tackle any feelings of anxiety.
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The essential oils which work best for stress are lemon oil and lavender. They are your best bets. These 2 oils are known to cap outbursts of anger while also improving a person’s mood.

Memory

Memory loss is one of the most frustrating and heart-wrenching diseases anyone can suffer with. And yes, it is common amongst older people.
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Of course, Alzheimer’s Disease remains on the incurables list. However, the use of aromatherapy is used to slow down the progression of this disease. The essential oils give the afflicted person a better quality of life for longer.
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What’s even more staggering is that certain cases have even shown an improvement in memory. That is incredible! It is heartening in that it could improve daily life for people in general, not just those suffering from memory-loss.

The essential oils most helpful in this respect is sage oil. It is the most popular and most effective.

Prevent Dementia in The Elderly ~ 7 SureFire Ways

Depression

Aromatherapy is used extensively for the treatment of depression.
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According to research , this option is gaining traction for a few reasons. Perhaps the top reason could be because pharmaceutical antidepressants give a vast amount of unpleasant side-effects. This isn’t the case with essential oils.
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The most promising essential oils to treat depression include jasmine, lavender, peppermint and chamomile.
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Of course, you could seek other help alongside the use of aromatherapy. These include physical exercise which helps life depression, therapy or counseling, especially if your depression worsens. Here are 5 ways to help you out of the pit of depression.

How to Deal with Depression ~ 5 Ways Out Of The Pit of Despair

Energy

With life more hectic, full-on, fast-paced and sapping than ever before, energy levels deplete quicker. It is a result of modern times.
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Of course, the modern day person has his vices to deal with such as coffee and cigarettes, energy pills, illegal drugs, excessive sugar leading to overweight runaway eating habits resulting in diabetes and obesity. All these can be extremely bad for the body both in the short-term and long-term.
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As such, it is well worth swapping these for natural remedies like physical exercise, an improved diet using real, unadulterated foods and ingredients and aromatherapy.

Your Diet and Nutrition Impact Your Health for Better or Worse

The reason why aromatherapy works is because it can improve your body’s circulation. It also encourages energy levels to recover through the stimulation of both your mind and your body.

We recommend you try these essential oils: black pepper, clove, cinnamon, sage, tea tree and/or jasmine.
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Health Hazards Encountered When Getting Older ~ 5 Problems You Might Overlook

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5 Problems You Might Overlook ~ Health Hazards Encountered While Getting Older
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