Covering the mouth when sneezing may help stop the spread of coronaviruses.
Researchers first isolated a coronavirus in 1937. They found a coronavirus responsible for an infectious bronchitis virus in birds that had the ability to devastate poultry stocks.
Scientists first found evidence of human coronaviruses (HCoV) in the 1960s in the noses of people with the common cold. Two human coronaviruses are responsible for a large proportion of common colds: OC43 and 229E.
The name “coronavirus” comes from the crown-like projections on their surfaces. “Corona” in Latin means “halo” or “crown.”
Among humans, coronavirus infections most often occur during the winter months and early spring. People regularly become ill with a cold due to a coronavirus and may catch the same one about 4 months later.
This is because coronavirus antibodies do not last for a long time. Also, the antibodies for one strain of coronavirus may be ineffective against another one.
Cold- or flu-like symptoms usually set in from 2–4 days after a coronavirus infection and are typically mild. However, symptoms vary from person-to-person, and some forms of the virus can be fatal.
Scientists cannot easily cultivate human coronaviruses in the laboratory unlike the rhinovirus, which is another cause of the common cold. This makes it difficult to gauge the impact of the coronavirus on national economies and public health.
There is no cure, so treatments include self-care and over-the-counter (OTC) medication. People can take several steps, including:
resting and avoiding overexertion
drinking enough water
avoiding smoking and smoky areas
taking acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen for pain and fever
using a clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer
A doctor can diagnose the virus responsible by taking a sample of respiratory fluids, such as mucus from the nose, or blood.
Rarer strains that cause more severe complications include MERS-CoV, which causes Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), and SARS-CoV, the virus responsible for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
In 2019, a dangerous new strain called SARS-CoV-2 started circulating, causing the disease COVID-19.
Limited research is available on how HCoV spreads from one person to the next.
However, researchers believe that the viruses transmit via fluids in the respiratory system, such as mucus.
Coronaviruses can spread in the following ways:
Coughing and sneezing without covering the mouth can disperse droplets into the air.
Touching or shaking hands with a person who has the virus can pass the virus between individuals.
Making contact with a surface or object that has the virus and then touching the nose, eyes, or mouth.
Some animal coronaviruses, such as feline coronavirus (FCoV), may spread throughcontact with feces. However, it is unclear whether this also applies to human coronaviruses.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggest that several groups of people have the highest risk of developing complications due to COVID-19. These groups include:
young children
people aged 65 years or older
women who are pregnant
Coronaviruses will infect most people at some time during their lifetime.
Coronaviruses can mutate effectively, which makes them so contagious.
To prevent transmission, people should stay at home and rest while symptoms are active. They should also avoid close contact with other people.
Covering the mouth and nose with a tissue or handkerchief while coughing or sneezing can also help prevent transmission. It is important to dispose of any tissues after use and maintain hygiene around the home.
In 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) started monitoring the outbreak of a new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, which causes the respiratory illness now known as COVID-19. Authorities first identified the virus in Wuhan, China.
More than 74,000 people have contracted the virus in China. Health authorities have identified many other people with COVID-19 around the world, including many in the United States. On January 31, 2020, the virus passed from one person to another in the U.S.
Since then, this strain has been diagnosed in several U.S. residents. The CDC have advised that it is likely to spread to more people. COVID-19 has started causing disruption in at least 25 other countries.
The first people with COVID-19 had links to an animal and seafood market. This fact suggested that animals initially transmitted the virus to humans. However, people with a more recent diagnosis had no connections with or exposure to the market, confirming that humans can pass the virus to each other.
Information on the virus is scarce at present. In the past, respiratory conditions that develop from coronaviruses, such as SARS and MERS, have spread through close contacts.
On February 17, 2020, the Director-General of the WHO presented at a media briefing thefollowing updates on how often the symptoms of COVID-19 are severe or fatal, using data from 44,000 people with a confirmed diagnosis:
Stage of severity
Rough percentage of people with COVID-19
Mild disease from which a person can recover
More than 80%
Severe disease, causing breathlessness and pneumonia
Around 14%
Critical disease, including septic shock, respiratory failure, and the failure of more than one organ
About 5%
Fatal disease
2%
The Director-General also noted that the risk of serious complications increases with age. According to the WHO, few children get COVID-19, although they are still investigating the reasons for this.
However, while some viruses are highly contagious, it is less clear how rapidly coronaviruses will spread.
Symptoms vary from person-to-person with COVID-19. It may produce few or no symptoms. However, it can also lead to severe illness and may be fatal. Common symptoms include:
fever
breathlessness
cough
It may take 2–14 days for a person to notice symptoms after infection.
No vaccine is currently available for COVID-19. However, scientists have now replicated the virus. This could allow for early detection and treatment in people who have the virus but are not yet showing symptoms.
Parsley is an incredible green herb that helps prevent cancer, manage diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. Including it in your diet can also help you prevent osteoporosis, given that it has anti-inflammatory properties. It also provides relief from gastrointestinal issues such as indigestion, stomach cramps, bloating, and nausea. Parsley is looked upon for boosting the immune system as well.
What is Parsley?
Parsley is an herb that came from the Mediterranean region of southern Italy, Algeria, and Tunisia. It is scientifically known as Petroselinum hortense and Petroselinum crispum. It is used as an herb, a green leafy vegetable, and as a spice in its fresh and dried form. It is consumed in many different ways, including garnishing, salads, stocks, and sandwiches. Actually, both the leaf and the root are used in Mediterranean and European cuisines. The leaf is further divided into two more types: curly leaf and flat-leaf.
Parsley, a predominantly tropical plant, needs moisture and ample sunlight to grow. The root form is a new addition, which only began to be cultivated about 300 years ago, and was first grown in Hamburg, Germany. Nowadays, root parsley is steadily becoming more popular. The root is high in vitamin C and a good source of iron and can be cooked similar to other root vegetables such as carrots and turnips. They go great in salads, stews, soups or soften and pureed into sauces.
Nutrition Facts
Parsley, fresh
Serving Size :
NutrientValue
Water [g]87.71
Energy [kcal]36
Energy [kJ]151
Protein [g]2.97
Total lipid (fat) [g]0.79
Ash [g]2.2
Carbohydrate, by difference [g]6.33
Fiber, total dietary [g]3.3
Sugars, total including NLEA [g]0.85
Calcium, Ca [mg]138
Iron, Fe [mg]6.2
Magnesium, Mg [mg]50
Phosphorus, P [mg]58
Potassium, K [mg]554
Sodium, Na [mg]56
Zinc, Zn [mg]1.07
Copper, Cu [mg]0.15
Manganese, Mn [mg]0.16
Selenium, Se [µg]0.1
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid [mg]133
Thiamin [mg]0.09
Riboflavin [mg]0.1
Niacin [mg]1.31
Pantothenic acid [mg]0.4
Vitamin B-6 [mg]0.09
Folate, total [µg]152
Folate, food [µg]152
Folate, DFE [µg]152
Choline, total [mg]12.8
Vitamin A, RAE [µg]421
Carotene, beta [µg]5054
Vitamin A, IU [IU]8424
Lutein + zeaxanthin [µg]5561
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) [mg]0.75
Tocopherol, gamma [mg]0.53
Vitamin K (phylloquinone) [µg]1640
Fatty acids, total saturated [g]0.13
14:0 [g]0.01
16:0 [g]0.08
18:0 [g]0.04
Fatty acids, total monounsaturated [g]0.3
16:1 [g]0.01
18:1 [g]0.29
Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated [g]0.12
18:2 [g]0.12
18:3 [g]0.01
Phytosterols [mg]5
Tryptophan [g]0.05
Threonine [g]0.12
Isoleucine [g]0.12
Leucine [g]0.2
Lysine [g]0.18
Methionine [g]0.04
Cystine [g]0.01
Phenylalanine [g]0.15
Tyrosine [g]0.08
Valine [g]0.17
Arginine [g]0.12
Histidine [g]0.06
Alanine [g]0.2
Aspartic acid [g]0.29
Glutamic acid [g]0.25
Glycine [g]0.15
Proline [g]0.21
Serine [g]0.14
Sources include : USDA
Parsley Nutrition
As per USDA, the nutrients found in fresh parsley include vitamin C, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and sodium. It is a good source of vitamin A, K, and E, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, iron, and zinc.
It is also a very good source of volatile compounds such as myristicin, limonene, eugenol, and alpha-thujene. Its leaves contain energy, carbohydrates, fats, and protein.
Health Benefits of Parsley
Let’s take a look at the top health benefits of parsley, in detail, below:
Rich Source of Antioxidants
Parsley contains several flavonoid antioxidants including luteolin, apigenin, lycopene, beta-carotene, and alpha-carotene.
The British Journal of Nutrition published a study that suggests that parsley helps protect the cells from free radical damage. This free radical damage increases the risk of many chronic diseases such as cardiovascular problems, and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, parsley may have a role in helping prevent many of these chronic diseases.
Promotes Kidney Cleanse
Research published in 2002 revealed that parsley is rich in antioxidants and vitamins that help cleanse the kidneys naturally. For many centuries now, it has been used as a diuretic that helps against kidney stones, gallbladder stones, bladder infections, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
You can have parsley in many ways like including it as an herb in dishes, parsley tea, vegetable juices with parsley, or parsley lemon water. The roots of the herb are also very useful in counteracting kidney stones.
Reduces Water Retention (Edema)
A 2013 study states that parsley has diuretic properties, which help in providing relief from bloating, edema, or water retention. If you are afflicted by this condition, a few teaspoons of its juice can provide some quick relief.
Also, the juice is an excellent natural remedy to counteract the electrolyte and mineral lowering effects of over-the-counter chemical diuretics. Potassium is one of the main minerals lost with over-the-counter diuretic use.
Parsley, with its rich potassium content, helps you avoid the undesirable side effects of a mineral imbalance.
Weight Loss
Parsley is a nutrient-dense herb, which is low in calories. A research study conducted on the effects of parsley on cadmium neurotoxicity suggests that it also helps boost metabolism. A healthy metabolism paves way for a quicker and healthy weight loss. Moreover, parsley also removes excess water from the body and cleanses the kidneys and liver. This, in turn, keeps the body’s functioning at its optimal level and helps with weight loss.
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Anti-inflammatory Properties
Parsley has traditionally been used in the Mediterranean region for toothaches, bruises, insect bites, and rough skin. According to the American Journal of Clinical and Experimental Urology, parsley has anti-inflammatory and anti-hepatotoxicity properties. These properties help reduce internal inflammation and also help cleanse the liver.
Skin Care
Parsley is abundant in vitamin C and antioxidants. It has potent collagen producing and skin lightening properties. The herb helps to reduce the appearance of blemishes and scars. Parsley also has the ability to balance oil production and hence, is an excellent remedy for acne.
For an effective acne mask, mix a few sprigs of parsley, 2 teaspoons of organic apple cider vinegar, and a tablespoon of honey in a blender. This will help to soothe and soften your skin.
Manages Diabetes
Parsley contains a flavonoid called myricetin, which can lower blood sugar levels and decrease insulin resistance. A research study conducted showed evidence that diabetic rats that were given parsley actually showed a decrease in their blood sugar levels over a period of a month. Traditionally, it was used as a medicine for diabetes in Turkey.
Boosts Digestion
Including parsley in your diet helps stimulate digestion because of its enzyme and fiber content. Enzymes help in better nutrient absorption and improve the digestion of proteins and fats in the body. The herb also helps cleanse the gastrointestinal tract and maintain overall health.
Reduces Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Parsley has also been particularly effective against rheumatoid arthritis. Vitamin C and beta-carotene found in the herb possess anti-inflammatory properties that help in controlling arthritis and reducing arthritic pain. Consuming parsley juice or tea regularly is also believed to speed up the process of uric acid removal, which has been linked to symptoms of arthritis.
Anticancer Properties
Apigenin, a flavone in parsley, prevents the progression of cancer and halts tumor growth. According to research published in Oncotarget, apigenin inhibited an enzyme, which caused the multiplication of cancer cells. The herb was found especially helpful in preventing prostate, colorectal, and colon cancer. Both, fresh and dried parsley, have high levels of apigenin.
Also, parsley oil extract contains a compound called myristicin, which is a phenylpropane. A preliminary investigation into the effects of myristicin on laboratory rats revealed that it has anti-carcinogenic properties as it counteracts free radicals in the body.
Reduces Risk of Osteoporosis
Parsley, with its high levels of vitamin C, vitamin K, B-vitamins, and calcium can help boost bone health. It helps prevent osteoporosis and maintain optimal bone health even as we age. The B vitamins also help reduce levels of homocysteine, an amino acid in the body, which can weaken bones.
Relieves Flatulence
Parsley helps to relieve flatulence and colic, due to its carminative action. The root, the herb, as well as the essential oil, can boost bile production and gastric juices. This gives a much-needed boost to the digestion process and alleviates gas, constipation, bloating, indigestion, and nausea. The essential oil can also be applied to the stomach area for relief from cramps. Parsley has been used as a natural remedy for acid reflux since it settles the stomach and aids in digestion.
Boosts Immunity
The vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in parsley are helpful for strengthening immunity. Vitamins such as vitamin C, A, K, folate, and niacin, each act on different aspects of the immune system. Vitamin A acts directly on lymphocytes or white blood cells, thereby increasing their effect. The chlorophyll contained in it has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties as well. Studies have also shown that the herb contains antioxidant properties and antibacterial properties, making it an ideal source for various home remedies.
Improves Brain Health
Apigenin, a potent flavone in parsley, improves neuron formation and enhances brain functions such as memory and learning. This plant compound is being researched for its ability to help against neurodegenerative diseases like schizophrenia, depression, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease. The herbal extract is known to increase cognitive performance as well as improve alertness and memory.
Parsley also appears to have a protective effect on brain function as it was found to protect mitochondria in the brain from oxidative damage. A research study in 2009 found that parsley leaf extract had a protective effect on the mitochondria function.
Antibacterial & Antifungal Properties
Parsley has enzymes that are antibacterial and antifungal in nature. It has an inhibitory effect against the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, which can cause boils, skin infections, cellulitis, and severe conditions like pneumonia and meningitis.
Pain Relief
Parsley has high levels of vitamin K, vitamin C, and beta-carotene, which heals bruises and reduces pain. For a home-made remedy for bruises, you can crush the fresh leaves, spread it over the afflicted area, and secure the salve with a bandage. Also, lactating women use herbal leaves as a poultice to reduce breast tenderness.
The herb also helps reduce joint pain, fatigue, and has the ability to soften stiff muscles, because of the presence of a potent antioxidant, quercetin. It is especially good for people suffering from arthritis and joint problems. You can also use parsley juice to relieve toothaches and earaches.
Relieves Symptoms of Anemia
The high concentration of iron in parsley helps treat anemia. Vitamin C in the herb aids in better absorption of iron. People who have a hard time taking iron supplements are often told to have its juice or tea.
Helps Eliminate Bad Breath
Chewing a few sprigs of parsley helps fight bad breath or halitosis. The herb’s fresh flavor and high chlorophyll content help freshen the breath temporarily. This is probably why it has been used, since ancient times, as a natural mouth freshener.
Heart Health
Parsley is abundant in flavone antioxidants, which can reduce oxidative stress, thus boost cardiovascular health. This herb also contains high levels of vitamin B and folic acid that prevents the thickening of artery walls. Also, potassium in the herb lowers blood pressure, which helps prevent heart diseases and strokes.
Balances Hormones
Parsley helps improve the hormonal balance in women, enhances their libido, and boosts the secretion of the estrogen hormone. Intake of the herb helps balance hormonal disorders like premenstrual syndrome, menopause, or delayed menstruation cycle. Furthermore, tea made from the herb helps reduce menstrual cramps and discomfort.
Eye Health
Parsley is abundant in vitamin A, and antioxidants like carotenoid as well as beta-carotene, which helps boost eye health. It helps protect the retina from damage and prevents macular degeneration as well as cataracts. The nutrients in the herb also help reduce eye puffiness and dark circles.
Hair Care
The paste made from powdered seeds of this plant has long been used as a natural remedy for hair lice, dandruff, and scalp irritation. It also helps strengthen weak hair, promote healthy hair growth, and stops hair fall. The nutrients in this powerful herb can help increase keratin and collagen production, which protects the hair from free radical damage. Also, a parsley rinse can help retain hair color since it has high levels of copper.
How to Use Parsley?
Garnish: You can use parsley leaves to garnish any savory dish like pasta, soups, and various roasts.
Soups & salads: You can add fresh parsley to vegetable soups/salads while making them or you can add them on top of the soups before serving them.
Juice: Parsley juice on its own can be too potent, but you can add it to other smoothies like pineapple, tomato, and cucumber juice for a rich flavor.
Fresh and dried parsley can both be used for adding flavor to various food preparations.
Side Effects
Having parsley, especially in large quantities, may have side effects and disadvantages. Some of them include the following:
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Avoid excess intake during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Excess intake may induce uterine contractions during pregnancy.
Oxalate over-consumption: It has a high quantity of oxalates, which can be particularly problematic for people who suffer from kidney stones or gout.
Rash and other allergies: It may make the skin extra sensitive to the sun and lead to a rash.
History
Parsley has been cultivated by man for more than 2,000 years and was highly regarded in Greek culture since it was used in various ceremonies. The Romans also used it in many ways.
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Pliny the Elder, a 1st century AD historian, wrote that it was consumed by people from all walks of life. At first, it was used only as a medicinal plant, but later on, it was consumed as a food.
There are many myths and fables associated with the origin and growth of this plant in many Mediterranean and European cultures. The Greeks believed that it had sprung up from the blood of the fallen Greek hero Archemorus. Thus, Greeks started associating it with death and destruction. But in the Middle Ages, parsley was included in folklore medicines and it slowly gained popularity. This is possibly how its image as a health herb developed.
When you seek approval from others, you add an unnecessary step to the decision-making process. You invite scrutiny from people who really can’t comment on your life because they haven’t lived it. You essentially give up your power to another person.
Why should others get to determine your life plans?
Remember the following facts the next time you wish to seek approval to refocus as to why it isn’t necessary.
YOU ARE THE ONE IN CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE
Next time you have the urge to get permission from someone to follow through with a plan, remind yourself that you are the one in control. You can seek all the guidance you need from within by listening to your heart and following your passions. Others are often unsure about their own life path, much less yours. Ultimately, you have all the power you need to take charge of your life. You are the driver of your own soul; you know where to turn and what roads to take already. Trust in yourself and the Universe to guide you along your unique path.
YOU ARE IN CHARGE OF YOUR OWN HAPPINESS
Others can add to your happiness, but you shouldn’t depend on others’ opinions on it. Seeking happiness in others often leads to disappointment because others may not agree with your life plans. They may dismiss them and not understand what you truly want or believe in your dreams.
When you look to yourself as your own beacon of hope, light, and happiness, you empower yourself. You stop letting things or people outside yourself control your destiny and remember that happiness comes from within. Others can let you down, but you can never let yourself down if you remain true to your innermost desires in life.
SEEKING APPROVAL FROM OTHERS IS TIME-CONSUMING
Think of how many other things you could be doing besides arguing with people about your plans and trying to get them to see through your eyes? To be honest, some people may never understand you or even try to see things your way. Asking others for approval adds a superfluous step to making a decision.
Instead of relying on others to support you, support yourself. If you have a burning desire to travel the world, just go. You can tell others of your plans, but just leave it at that. You don’t need their approval if you support your decision already. Time is precious, so use it to make your heart happy instead of convincing others to agree with every decision you make.
FREEDOM COMES WHEN YOU DEPEND SOLELY ON YOURSELF
Imagine how it would feel to make a big decision about your life all by yourself. Believe it or not, you have the strength to carry out your plan without others’ permission.
Next time you feel inclined to receive counsel from family/friends about your next big move, try to set your plan into action first. Don’t feel like you have to inform everyone when you make decisions; you can save a lot of headaches and gain freedom when initiating change by yourself. You are the creator and master of your own life – never forget that. You have the power to transform your life all by yourself; all you have to do is believe it. True freedom awaits us when we rise up to our own potential and let go of our need to please everyone, which brings us to the next point…
YOU CAN’T PLEASE EVERYONE, SO DON’T EVEN TRY
Not everyone will agree with you all the time. Maybe no one will agree with your plan besides you, and that’s okay. Being a people-pleaser usually makes everyone happy except you, and you’re the most important part of the equation.
Everything stems from you – the quality of your relationships, your thoughts about life, what career you choose, etc. If you make major life decisions with everyone but you in mind, you will never find true happiness.
For example, if you took a high-paying job as a Marketing Director at a huge company just because your parents wanted you to, but you absolutely hated it, what good does this do for you? If you can’t come home at the end of the day and say you’re happy, nothing else matters. Not the money, your parent’s approval, your title or status, none of it. Do what makes you happy, and others can either choose to encourage you or rain on your parade. Remember that others’ unhappiness with your life is not your responsibility to fix; everyone is in charge of their own.
YOU GET TO KNOW YOURSELF BETTER
There is no relationship more important than the relationship you have with yourself. If you look to your inner-self for guidance and wisdom, you will better understand who you are and what you want out of life. Take some time to tune into you- block out the voices from everyone else attempting to control your life and listen to your inner guide. By breaking the habit of approval-seeking, you can put all your focus into figuring yourself out and learn to trust in your path, rather than putting that responsibility on others.
YOU DRAIN YOURSELF OF VALUABLE ENERGY
Not only does approval-seeking waste time, but it wastes energy as well. Energy makes up everything in this vast Universe, including you. If you want to use that energy in the most efficient ways, cut out unnecessary actions. If you want to keep the fire alive and truly transform your life, you will need to dismiss the need to gain outside approval for your decisions.
IT COULD DISCOURAGE YOU FROM FOLLOWING YOUR HEART
Let’s pretend that you want to drop out of college and travel the world on a quest to find yourself. Do you first worry about how you think others will react? If this truly resonates with you, you will never know unless you try, and you will forever wonder where life would’ve gone, had you only listened to that inner calling.
Don’t let others kill your dreams before they become a reality. Have confidence in yourself and trust that your inner voice is directing you to the right path.
IT PROMOTES FEAR
When you seek approval from others, you begin to form expectations of what they will say. You start to think of how the conversation will go if they don’t agree with you, and you become anxious of their response. Fear only holds you back, but love will set you free. If you truly love yourself and feel assured with your life, you won’t even think twice about giving up the need for acceptance. We have been conditioned to be afraid of many things – other people, their opinions of us, trying new things, listening to new ideas, and much more.
Remember that fear is just an illusion. Give into who you truly are, which is abundant and unconditional Love, and you will realize the limitless power within that greatly surpasses the power of others’ opinions.
I first became really interested in the mysteries of memory many years ago, when I learned of the incredible feats of “memory masters” – who appeared to have superhuman memorization abilities.
I was surprised to learn that in many cases, it is not so much that they have a prodigious capacity for sheer “data storage”, but that they have learned to take advantage of the brain’s innate structure to full advantage.
For example, did you know that visual memory has a much greater portion of the brain “allocated” to it than other memory types – and that you can employ this natural power that you already have to improve your memory greatly?
The classic example given is that of a shopping list. Try this: Instead of attempting to memorize a basic shopping list, imagine walking into a room, and seeing clearly the items laid out on a table in front of you.
Then when you get to the store, recall the memory of walking into the room, and look on the table.
Give it a go! You’ll find it much easier than attempting to memorize a string of words with no specific visual connotation. If you doubt this, consider how much easier it is to remember a face than a name! Our memories are visually-oriented.
So the memory masters, utilizing these innate qualities of the brain to best effect, would do things like for example memorizing a simple set of objects that are “permanently pegged” to each of the numbers, starting with ten but gradually extending this system so that they had for example perfectly memorized 100 objects, one for each of the numbers 0 to 99. Then by creating visual sequences of these easier-to-memorize objects, they could memorize incredibly long numbers with ease, astounding people with their “total recall” ability.
This technique can also be applied to remembering names, strings of letters or even complex codes – always using the same “key code” of a simple set of objects that correspond to the basic word and number building blocks. Once you have the basic system down, it can be used to remember anything you wish to remember. You too have this astonishing natural ability – it’s just that no-one ever taught you how to use it!
Fascinating stuff, don’t you think? It’s a kind of “inner cryptography” for your own mind.
Ok, here is our “master list” of resources for you which can help improve memory:
3. We discovered a fascinating substance – Galantamine – a substance extracted from the Snowdrop and a few other flowers. Interestingly, it has been theorized that the Snowdrop may have been the flower given by Odysseus to his men to restore their memory in Homer’s epic from Ancient Greece. Galantamine has been studied and found to be an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor – and it turns out that for this reason it has significant potential as an anti-Alzheimer’s agent! According to life extension scientist Will Block, it may even have an edge over other anti-Alzheimer’s agents. [1] It also turns out that galantamine has gained a reputation for its ability to assist with the practice of lucid dreaming – however please note that there have been some side effects noted and it may not be safe for all: Here is a very detailed article on galantamine.
4. I just discovered a fascinating supplement available on Amazon.com called “Neuro Optimizer” and I’m really keen to check it out. I haven’t tried this yet, but it is getting some really good reviews from people saying that it is helping them with mental clarity. It contains neuro-nutrients and protectants thought to assist with several aspects of brain function. This product seems amazing and I’m really keen to try it out soon. If you are curious to investigate, here is the link where you can read the reviews and purchase. (Note – this is my Amazon affiliate link.)
5. A final useful tip is to think of “the brain as a muscle”. In other words, it needs a workout in order to remain strong. “Use it or lose it” applies to neural pathways and the ones that are not used, fade away whereas the ones you use habitually are reinforced. As we get older it’s important to keep challenging ourselves to think and do “mental exercises” which utilize recall.
What do you do to keep your memory sharp? Got any other tips? Please let us know on our Facebook page or in the comments.
The “age of antibiotics” began with the discovery of penicillin by Fleming in 1929, which led to the mass production and widespread availability of the “do-it-all” drug that is often regarded as a cure-all for any infection… fed to animals as part of their diet and with doctors often prescribing them “just in case”. [1]
As a result, antibiotics are now regarded as “the world’s most overprescribed medicine” but it’s important to note that they are not without side effects and potentially serious dangers – as you will see from the report below.
7 Huge Reasons To Avoid Antibiotic Overuse:
1. “Collateral Damage” To Good Bacteria
Antibiotics are used with the intention of targeting bad bacterial infections but in reality, broad-spectrum antibiotics don’t discriminate between bad and good bacteria. Good bacteria, especially in the intestinal tract, are essential in maintaining a healthy balance in the body and antibiotics can play havoc with the body’s natural balance of bacteria, potentially allowing bad bacteria to recolonize and “run the show” – leading to stomach upsets and potentially more serious conditions.
Scientific studies have found evidence that when you take antiobiotics, there are risks of other health problems. [2][3][4] Several studies have also linked the presence of select strains of bacteria to healthy body growth and development, mental health (astonishingly) and overall well-being.
It’s possible that intestinal trouble could go on for years after antibiotic use and many people complain of this – however there may be a solution: A practice worth considering would be the use of probiotics, especially after a course of antibiotics. Consult your doctor about probiotics, they are regarded as suitable for many people but there are some cases in which they are contraindicated; notably if there is some damage to the intestines i.e. ulcer, which could potentially permit the bacteria into parts of the body where they should not be.
2. Increased Risk Of Autoimmune Intestinal Disease
Disease can only take hold of the body if its immune system isn’t functioning properly. Antibiotics can upset the normal equilibrium of the body, affecting the body’s immune system. A damaged immune system can lead to an autoimmune disorder or the development of a chronic disease or infection.
Autoimmune diseases are conditions where the body’s immune system starts targeting itself other major organ systems of the body. Scientific understanding as to why this happens is incomplete, but alterations in the body’s equilibrium may have a big role to play in the disease process. A study published in 2006 discovered that changes made to the intestinal tissue (specifically increased permeability which can be caused by an imbalance of bacterial presence in the intestines) is a common factor among several autoimmune conditions like Chron’s and Celiac disease. [5]
Brochial asthma is a relatively common condition that is life-threatening if managed poorly. An asthma attack can even be fatal if a person comes into contact with a severe trigger. However, in a study published in 2009, antibiotic use, especially in infancy, has been associated with a higher incidence of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, and eczema in school age children. The next time you give your child antibiotics, think clearly of what this means for their future health. [6]
When people are prescribed very strong antibiotics, it is part of the diagnostic phase to include liver function tests to set a baseline. This is because antibiotics are dangerous to the liver. Antibiotics have been found to damage liver tissue and can cause liver function test values (AST and ALT) to rise. Azithromycin, an antibiotic widely available in most pharmacies, has been directly linked to liver injury – with abnormal liver function tests revealed as early as two-weeks after the start of antibiotic treatment. [7]
5. Increased Cancer Risk
A nationwide study in Finland compared data of long term antibiotic users with cancer patients, looking for a correlation. The study’s results suggest that chronic use of prescribed antibiotics increased the risk (by as much as 1.5 times) for prostate, breast, lung, colon, ovary, endocrine, skin, thyroid, and kidney cancers in both men and women. [8]
6. Weight Gain
You might think that the links between antibiotic use and weight gain are a stretch but you would be mistaken. We often think that the only cause of weight gain is poor diet and exercise but the medications you take may also have a hand in it. Studies published in 2014 and 2015 positively associated antibiotic use to abnormal weight gain in infants and children. [9][10]
7. Development Of Superbugs
Chronic use of antibiotics (especially if you don’t follow the prescription of a physician) can actually build up bacterial resistance to certain drugs. When a bacterium is continually exposed to a specific drug, it becomes resistant to it, which is why we have a rise in MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and MDR TB (Multi-drug resistance Tuberculosis) cases. Read our full report on the predicted rise in fatalities from untreatable infections (immune to all manufactured antibiotics).
NOTE: This article is not medical advice nor a substitute for professional medical consultation. For legal reasons we do not advise self-diagnosis or self-medication.
[4] Clarke, G., et. al. (2014). Priming for health: gut microbiota acquired in early life regulates physiology, brain and behaviour.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24798884
[6] Foliaki, S., et. al. (2009). Antibiotic use in infancy and symptoms of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, and eczema in children 6 and 7 years old: International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood Phase III.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0091674909012536
[10] Angelakis, E., et. al. (2014). Abnormal weight gain and gut microbiota modifications are side effects of long-term doxycycline and hydroxychloroquine treatment. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24687497
