WOX-XION

We don’t know why people get depressed. But we do know you why some people run a higher risk. Here is a top-5 triggers of depression.

• Sex
  Two out of every three patients is female. So far, scientist haven’t been able to figure out why. Part of the explanation however, comes from postnatal depression, which is of course a women only kind of depression
• Genetics
  If your mom, dad or other close relatives have a history of depression, you run a 15-25% higher risk of getting depressed yourself.
• Socio-economic
  The risk of becoming victim of depression seems higher in lower socio-economic groups. Again, nobody has been able to figure out why.
• Psychological trauma
  Psychological traumas can trigger depression, even intelligent and mentally strong people can’t escape this fact.
• Abuse
  The risk of depression stands higher in people who have been victim of abuse in childhood. Especially when the abuse was of a sexual nature.

Surprised to find that divorce and unemployment isn’t in the top5? It’s obvious that there is a relation between depression and both divorce and unemployment. However, experts still aren’t sure whether people get depressed due to divorce/unemployment or get divorced/unemployed due to depression. It’s the big chicken/egg question that will probably never be answered.

Click this link to learn more about the symptoms of depression

Just feeling sad or suffering from depression? The answer isn’t always obvious. Even health care professionals need tools to determine if someone is just feeling blue or need treatment. There are however some things to watch out for if you think some of your friends or relatives is a victim of depression. But be careful. It hardly ever comes down to one single sign of depression. It’s often a combination of signs of depression.

A lack of energy doesn’t have to mean someone is depressed. Neither does a chance in sleep pattern. And even a sudden lack of interest in things he or she used to enjoy, isn’t rock solid evidence. But… a combination of these symptoms usually is.

Once the question if someone is suffering from depression is answered, comes another question. Which kind of depression. Depression comes in all forms and shapes. It is important to determine the kind of depression, because there are as many treatments as there are depressions. This part is most certainly to be done by a professional. A proper diagnose is essential for the speed of recovery.

Depression is considered to be an illness. But it’s nothing like a common flu. You can not catch depression like you can catch a flu. Depression builds up. The sooner it gets recognized, the better are the chances of a swift recovery.

Here you can read more about signs of depression

Do you understand the signs at the grocery store labeling products like eggs, meat, fish and milk as natural, organic, and a number of other things? You should. They can help you decide if is a marketing ploy or worth some extra money.

Have you seen those signs near fruits and vegetables saying ‘Natural’? Have you ever wondered what they mean? I mean, let’s face it, are there any non-natural fruits or vegetables? Don’t think so. This is a marketing ploy. Period.

What you are looking for when it comes to veggies and fruits is organic.

Organic means the products are grown without using pesticides and fertilizers. That’s cool. Who wants to swallow chemicals? Organic fruits and veggies are considered to be more beneficial to your health. And that’s not all. Organic grown, also means chemicals are not being introduced into nature. So when buying organic foods, you are helping the environment.

There is a downside (isn’t there always?). Organic products are more expensive. If money is tight, you’d want to skip organic foods that can be peeled. Bananas for example. Or oranges. After all, once the peel is gone, so are the chemicals.

Here is another label you’d better know what it means: “no hormones”. Often associated with milk or meat products. This label is, uh…. well, it’s a lie. Milk comes from a cow right? Cows are animals. Animals naturally produce hormones, 24/7. So milk without hormones is a impossible. Just like meat without hormones. Animals produce hormones. Period. The can’t even stop it. What the labels should say is something like “no hormones unnaturally added”. Now that would tell us something!

Understanding what the labels mean, can help you to make healthy choices. It isn’t difficult. All it takes is some common sense. 

Vitamin K plays an crucial function in blood clotting. If you don’t have enough vitamin K your blood simple will not clot. So if you think you’re not getting enough “K” in your body, you should see your doctor and talk about vitamin K supplements. But the best way  to achieve normal vitamin K levels is by eating the right food.

Four of the thirteen different vitamins that your body needs are fat-soluble and vitamine K is one of them. That means that vitamin K is stored in your fat to be released later. Therefore it is not crucial  to eat ivitamine K every day. That being said, it is still crucial you try to keep an  eye on your vimaine K levels.
 
Vitamin K is found in veggies like cabbage, spinach, soja beans, and cauliflower. If you eat a balanced diet, you should be fine. If you don’t, see your doctor. Extreme vitamin K deficiency is rare. You’ll see that you are prone to bruising and bleeding. But again: it’s rare. And when it does occur it is usually due to a body’s problem in the intestinal tract and a supplement usually helps.

One last warning though. Because this is a fat-soluble vitamin, you should take vitamin supplements for vitamin K under medical supervision.

Have you ever considered adding soy to your diet? You should. Soy can be very powerful. If you suffer from hart failure, have a high cholesterol level, are on a diet and even if you are perfectly healthy. As ever, check with your doctor about adding soy to your diet. But let’s start here: What Is Soy?

Soy is a popular thing amongst vegetarians as a substitute for meat. But these days a growing number of doctors recommend that you replace meat with soil. Why? Because soy doesn’t contain any bad fats but it will get you the protein you need.

Is your cholesterol level too high? Soy helps. Don’t take my word for it, just listen to the FDA. Even they noticed the effects of replacing meat with soy and how it can lower your cholesterol level and therefore reduce your risk of heart disease and even the risk of having a stroke.

The benefits of adding soy to your diet do not stop at lowering the risk of a heart attack or a stroke. It also increases your estrogen levels. That is great news for menopausal women, because that way soy actually helps in reducing the effects of ‘hot flashes’. Men will benefit from eating soy because of it’s known effects to treat prostate cancer. Right as we speak, there are studies being done about how good soy can help you lose weight and even deal with diabetes.

Let’s face it, soy isn’t some kind of miracle food. But it’s obvious that adding soy to your daily diet will help you in becoming healthier, stronger and live longer. Never ever forget that ‘just soy’ isn’t going to get you where you want to be. Add soy to your diet, but don’t forget to add things like fruits, veggies, grains, exercise, water and plenty of sleep. It’s the combination that counts.

I guess you know at least one person with a high cholesterol level. But have you ever heard somebody complain about a low cholesterol level? Weird huh? And here is your wake up call: a low cholesterol level can kill you just the same.

Here is a fact you probably never heard before: a low cholesterol level is synonym with poor health. A low cholesterol level will kill you just as a high cholesterol level. You probably won’t die because of a stroke or heart attack, but your chances of committing suicide or dying because of issues with the respiratory system increase significantly.

Right now, there are studies being done all over the western world to test all kinds of theories about the effects of low cholesterol levels. It’s almost obvious though that there is a link between a low cholesterol level and depressions and a handful of other health problems.

When it comes to your cholesterol level, the medical world considers anything lower than 160 mg/dL unhealthy low. It can be caused by a manganese deficiency, a liver disease or even malnutrition. Low cholesterol can even be caused if medications used to treat high cholesterol are used improperly.

The message? Check your cholesterol levels and don’t think that ‘as low as possible’ is a good way to go.

It’s the ultimate challenge. Dining out when you are on a diet. It can be stressful. Pure torture even if you love to eat, like food and adore the ‘better cuisine’. But here is the good news: there is no need to stay away from the better restaurants when you are on a diet. Remember, you are on a diet to become healthier. Not to have your life ruined.

I guess you’ve been there, done that. The waiter brings the menu. The foods on there are delicious, fattening and… extremely tempting. Immediately there is this little voice in the back of your mind….

“What the he… are you thinking!”
“Why are we here in the first place?”
“Get up, go home and swallow a carrot!”

The remedy is not to ignore that annoying little voice. What you should do is relax, take a deep breath and realize this restaurant probably offers your favorite salad or soup as well. Skip the main entrée. Heck, you just saved yourself tons of calories!

Side note: Watch what salad or soup you pick. Some can leave you feeling hungrier than when you came in. Be extra careful with the dressing on a salad. That’s where the calories hide. Take the dressing in the side and don’t eat it all.

Whn you are on a diet, the waitor is your best friend. Always ask him what options the restaurant offers for people that are on a diet. In fact, ask before you make the diner reservation. If there aren’t any options available and you still wane go there, you can make the meal healthier by yourself.

Step 1: order a side salad instead of the fries that come with the meal. 
Step 2: stay away from the sauce
Step 3: eat only half of what’s on your plate

About step 1…
Well, that’s obvious right? Don’t think you need any extra explanation. If you do, you are in trouble.

About step 2…
This is the hard part for most people. For people who love to eat, the sauces are hard to resist. Remember that the creamy sauces are the real killers. If you can’t resist those, just keep ‘m away from the table or ask the waiter to serve you a half portion in the first place. He is your best friend remember.

About step 3…
Remember the doggy bags? The restaurant is likely to serve you a portion larger then needed. Solution: don’t eat it all. Take the rest home and enjoy your favorite meal again the next day.

Ever heard of the Food Pyramid? It is designed by the US Department of Agriculture. It’s more then just a pyramid shaped illustration. It shows you what groups of foods are regarded as being essential and helps you in picking the right food groups for a healthy every day diet.

Guess what’s at the bottom of the food pyramid? No, it’s not fruits and vegetables (you’re close) but bread, pasta, cereals and all kinds of grains. Why? Because they are sources of energy you need to live your every day live. On ‘top of that’ are fruits and vegetables. There not just there for the vitamins and minerals (although they are of course immensely important) but also because of the fiber. Want to be perfect? Go for the more dark green vegetables and eat an apple (orange, strawberry, and so on) instead of apple (orange, strawberry, and so on) juice.

Quiz time
What’s on the next step up in the food pyramid?
And the answer is…. dairy products.
Looking for magnesium, phosphorus and calcium? Drink milk. Yogurt is cool too. Be a little more careful with cheese and of course ice cream. Both can be high in fat.
Maybe you’ve heard people questioning the real value of dairy products. Milk is for baby cows, they say, not for humans. And it’s the dairy industry that had us made believe otherwise.

My take on this? I think they may have a point. It’s the only logical explanation I can think of on why so many people are dairy intolerant. But on the other hand: I don’t think a glass of milk a day is really gone hurt me.

Back to understanding the Food Pyramid.

On top you’ll find oils, butter, cream, candies, sweets and fat. Foods that should be used with care. That doesn’t mean you are better off ignoring this food group at all. In fact, you need a certain amount of fats. That’s why it is in the Food Pyramid, and that’s why it is on top.

Everybody wants to become successful, rich and powerful but to fulfill your dreams, you should realize your inner potential and their power of doing something big. Here the role of SELF DEVELOPMENT starts. But wait, let’s start at the beginning. What is self development anyhow?

You, me, everybody faces up and down in life. My life isn’t perfect and I bet yours is neither. Maybe you want more money in the bank. A better job. Less tress. Or a better relationship with the significant other. Let’s face it, there is no end to human desires and if our wishes are not fulfilled, we run the risk of getting depressed, sick and a total pain in the a**. Just because we don’t get what we want.

Sometimes we laugh so much, that we feel we have everything and this is just the best part of our life. The next day we feel miserable and sad for no apparent reason whatsoever.

The way we deal with those moments, determines who we really are. It takes a big heart to accept changes as they come.

People generally have a habit to blame their destiny. It’s the easy way out. And I think it’s weird. I really believe that we all know that taking action, challenging life and facing our biggest fears, is what will help us to accept the changes of life and to flow with it.

Self development is all about making changes in your personal life to make your self better. Always think of what you have and what you can do. Thinking what you don’t have and can’t do, won’t help you a bit.

Always remember your inner self is your best friend. So try to make your friendship stronger. How? Read your favorite book, go for volunteer work, keep in touch with those with whom you feel happy, take some time out for your hobbies, play ball, go skating – whatever. Just do something positive. Learn from all experiences, they are your best teacher. Realize your worth. Your self esteem is most important. Learn to enjoy every moment. Never ignore your feelings they play the most important role in your life. Don’t feel bad to share your thoughts with your inner self, with friends and family members. So live your life king size. Be strong to accept the challenges of life. Don’t hide. Get out there!

Let’s get straight to the point. Anything you eat or drink effects how your heart operates. You want your heart to be strong enough to pump blood to all parts of your body? Then it’s time for you to evaluate your daily diet and to see if you can squeeze in some Heart-Healthy Foods. Hard? Not at all. These day, heart healthy foods are readily available in the supermarket.

I guess you haven’t been of the planet lately so you must be familiar with cholesterol. But do you know what it is and why it’s there in the first place? In fact there are two cholesterols. There is a good cholesterol and a bad cholesterol. The fun part is: they don’t like each other one bit. The good guy is only out there to fight the bad guy.

Good cholesterols are called HDL. The bad ones LDL. They can both be found in every day food. The point is, your body doesn’t need any extra LDL (the killer cholesterol) because it’s perfectly capable of making enough by it’s own. When your body detects too much LDL it will call on the HDL to put up a fight. HDL will take excess LDL to the liver. The liver will deal with it and the LDL will leave your body.

Side note: you see why it’s so important to keep your liver healthy and cut back (for example) on your alcohol intake? Your liver is the key in the correlation between drinking and heart problems….

LDL stands for low-density lipoproteins. Because of it’s low density, LDL doesn’t flow through the blood stream as readily as it should. It tends to stick to the walls of your arteries leading to your heart. This is bad for a number of reasons. You don’t need a doctors degree to think of some, but here are the highlights just to be sure.

When too much LDL builds up on your arteries, your arteries become smaller. Next thing you know, your heart will have a tough job pumping the blood through. It’ll have to work harder and faster. Your heart doesn’t consider that to be an exercise to become stronger. In fact it will wear your heart out. Especially when the build up of LDL goes on and your arteries become smaller and smaller. Worst case scenario? Pretty obvious, isn’t it?

A simple build up of LDL isn’t the only danger you face when your diet is off. Imagine what happens if a tiny piece of LDL (called plaque) breaks off. There are a few scenarios. They all have the potential to kill you. The plaque may get stuck ‘upstream’ of your already too small arteries and block your bloodstream. If that doesn’t happen, the plaque may as well travel to your brain, get stuck up there and cause stroke.

So now you know how cholesterol kills, it’s up you to do something. Like I said, anything you eat or drink effects how your heart operates. The key is to eat heart healthy food. Simply cut out the foods high in cholesterol.