Health

We hear the words “life insurance” many times throughout adulthood but do we really understand its importance. Here is why life insurance is important.

The share of Americans who don’t have life insurance has nearly doubled over the last 30 years, jumping from about 20% in the late 80’s to just under 40% today.

Who wants to meet face to face with an insurance agent, or go through the process of getting a medical exam?

Then there’s the matter of cost. Of the four in 10 American adults who don’t have a life insurance policy, the majority blame high costs for their decision not to get one.

However, do these inconveniences outweigh the reasons why life insurance is important?

Read on to find out why buying a life insurance policy is one of the best decisions you can make for your family.

1. Your Family Relies on Your Income

Are you the primary breadwinner in your family?

Even if you’re not, most families need multiple earners to enjoy a comfortable life in modern society. In fact, 42% of kids living in a one-parent household are below the poverty line, over three times the rate of kids in two-parent families.

A good insurance plan ensures your loved ones can cover all their monthly expenses on their own.

But don’t just settle for any coverage you can get, as some companies are more trustworthy than others. Start by comparing online life insurance quotes in order to find the best policy for you and your family.

2. Burials Are Far from Cheap

Here’s a scary thought: If something happens to you today, a funeral would set your family back about $11k. This includes the cost of everything from the casket to body prep to the transportation.

Imagine how distraught those closest to you would be if they lose you out of the blue. Now think about them having to shell out thousands of dollars during a time they need it the most.

Also, keep in mind that the money spent on a funeral is enough to feed your entire family for the next year and a half.

3. Your Kids Will Struggle to Pay for Their Own Education

Did you know one in three Americans in their 20’s and 30’s owe more than $30k in student loan debt?

Not to mention, over twice as many owe at least $10k.

This level of debt puts unnecessary stress on young adults trying to make their mark on the world. If you want your kids to focus on their studies without having a hard time sleeping at night, cover their back with a life insurance policy.

Final Thoughts on Why Life Insurance Is Important

Accidents claim more than 130,000 lives per year in the US. Meanwhile, heart disease and cancer combine for over a million more deaths.

Unpredictability like this reminds us why life insurance is important for the well-being of our loved ones. And if you’re young, consider this: premiums become more costly as you age and your health declines.

Want to stay healthy and be around for your family as long as possible? If so, head over to the health section of our blog for invaluable tips and guides on leading a healthier lifestyle!

Can You Quit Smoking by Vaping? Here’s What You Need to Know

When you try to quit smoking, sometimes it’s helpful to ease into it. Here are all the facts you need to know about quitting smoking with vaping.

Quitting smoking is a nasty, difficult, overwhelming, daunting, thing.

That’s clear to most people who attempt to do it. At the same time, though, it is one of the most important things that a smoker can do to improve their health. Because of this, anything that a person can do to quit is something to consider.

Quitting smoking with vaping is a viable option, and we’re here to give you some facts about the process.

Quitting Smoking With Vaping

Vaping has undergone a long history, coming to a point of sophistication that no one could have imagined a few decades ago. The e-cigarette was envisioned almost one hundred years ago, with the original designs coming out primitive and difficult to use.

It took humanity around 80 years to come out with an electronic cigarette that was safe, effective, and ready to be put on the market. Hon Lik, a Chinese engineer, came up with the design shortly after his father had passed from lung cancer. A smoker himself, Hon needed a way to effectively quit.

And so he created one. The electronic cigarette was the first iteration of the vape, and we’ve grown to a point where nearly any smoker can find a vaporizer that will suit them.

Why Not Just Go Cold Turkey?

By all means, if you can manage to quit cold turkey, you should. Most people can’t, though. You need a little crutch while you’re making your way out the door.

Most people claim that their addiction is a result of one of two things: either their body needs the nicotine or they’re addicted to the physical routine of smoking. The vaporizer can satisfy both of these needs while you’re weaning off of cigarettes.

The nicotine contained in cigarettes can be easily matched by the nicotine in a vaporizer. You can boost up your nicotine levels to ones much higher than those contained in any cigarette. You can also slowly reduce your nicotine intake while vaping the same amount. This article has a great detailed explanation of this.

This is a great way to wean off of nicotine and get your body used to a natural state. As for the physical routine, vaping is almost identical to smoking. You draw with the same hand motions and inhalation, and it can be done nearly anywhere without the stink of a cigarette.

Additionally, there is no problem vaping in public and where people normally smoke cigarettes. People are also attracted to cigarettes because they’re a social thing. So are vapes, and there’s no logical excuse for you to shun vaping around people who normally smoke.

Sure, smoking gives a little-unspoken bond, like “Hey, we’re all dying together, right?” But ask yourself, is being cool with a few people worth dying a painful death of cancer?

Get the Facts Straight

There is no shortage of people who deny the results of quitting smoking with vaping. That’s fine, but don’t take their word for it. You need to find out for yourself what vaping could do for you.

If you’re interested in learning more about things you can do to improve your life, we’ve got the information you need.

Kratom has a lot of health benefits and can cause a slight euphoric feeling. But is kratom addictive? Kratom has pros and cons. Here’s your guide.

If you’re at all interested in natural healing and alternative wellness information, you’ve probably heard some people praising a drug called kratom. You may have also heard some people, on the other side of the aisle, cautioning against it.

So, is kratom addictive? Is it safe for you to use?

There’s a lot of conflicting information about this drug that is circulating the internet, and it’s hard to know what to believe and what to write off.

If you’re interested in trying kratom but are worried about the potentially negative effects, keep reading.

Some of the pros and cons of kratom are listed below. With this information in mind, you’ll have a much easier time deciding if kratom is right for you.

What Is Kratom?

Before getting into the pros and cons of using kratom, it’s important to understand what it is.

Kratom (scientifically known as mitragyna speciosa) is a type of tropical evergreen tree.

It grows in South Asian countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Myanmar.

The leaves of the kratom tree (specifically extracted from these leaves) contain a number of medicinal benefits. They’ve been used for a long time to treat pain, digestive issues, and to help relieve symptoms associated with opium withdrawal.

The primary active ingredients of kratom leaves are two types of alkaloids (compounds that have a physical effect on humans): mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.

How Does Kratom Work?

Mitragynine and hydroxymitragynine both bind to the brain’s naturally occurring opioid receptors. This is why kratom leaves can help relieve pain and aid in opiate withdrawal.

Pros of Using Kratom

There are many benefits associated with using kratom, including the following:

Pain Relief

Compounds found in kratom can increase the release of dopamine and serotonin, two neurotransmitters associated with pain relief. They work very quickly and can make a big difference to people who struggle with chronic pain.

Improved Immune System

Kratom leaves are also rich in antioxidants. They can help prevent and eliminate oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. This, in turn, allows the immune system to function better and decreases one’s chances of getting sick.

Energy Booster

Kratom, in small doses, can also provide an energy boost. It does this by optimizing metabolic processes and increasing oxygenated blood flow. Many people who struggle with chronic fatigue benefit from using kratom since it provides an energy boost without jitters or other unpleasant side effects.

Reduced Anxiety

Kratom also has anxiolytic benefits for people struggling with stress, anxiety, or depression. This is due, in part, to its effects on the release of serotonin and dopamine. It can also improve sleep quality when consumed in larger quantities.

Addiction Recovery

Many people use kratom to help them successfully wean off of stronger, more harmful opiates. It may also be useful for those who want to stop drinking or using other drugs. Kratom helps dull the effects of withdrawal so that addicts can stop consuming other substances.

Diabetes Treatment

Finally, early research has also shown that the alkaloids in kratom leaves can be beneficial for diabetics. This is because they regulate insulin and blood glucose levels, something diabetics often have a hard time doing on their own. Blood sugar regulation can also decrease one’s risk of developing diabetes at all.

Cons of Using Kratom

Of course, as with any drug, there are also some downsides to using kratom. Some of the most common cons associated with kratom use include:

Side Effects

Some people experience unpleasant side effects when they consume kratom. Common side effects include:

• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Mild sedation
• Itching
• Headaches

For most people, these effects are quite mild and don’t last for very long.

Lack of Regulation

The sale of kratom is currently largely unregulated. This means that it can be difficult to tell if you’re buying a quality kratom supplement or a dangerous knock-off that is filled with questionable ingredients.

Negative Drug Interactions

Kratom can also be dangerous when consumed alongside other drugs. Research shows that kratom does not mix well with painkillers or other psychoactive drugs. It can make symptoms worse and increase the risk of overdosing.

Is Kratom Addictive?

The FDA has advised against the use of kratom because of the potential for addiction. Does their position have any merit, though?

Since compounds found in kratom leaves bind to opioid receptors, kratom does have some addictive properties.

It’s important to note, though, that the alkaloids in kratom interact with opioid receptors differently than classical opioids.

Classical opioids trigger the recruitment of proteins known as beta-arrestins. Beta-arrestin is responsible for many of the negative effects that are associated with opioid addiction.

Kratom, on the other hand, does not recruit beta-arrestin. Because of this, kratom appears to be less habit-forming than classical opioids.

How they interact with the opioid receptor is distinctly different from classical opioids.

Some people do experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using kratom. However, research shows that the withdrawal symptoms that occur after giving up kratom are significantly milder than the symptoms that occur after giving up classical opiates.

How to Use Kratom Safely

If you’re interested in using kratom, it’s important to make sure you’re doing so safely. This will help you avoid unpleasant side effects and decrease the risk of addiction.

Consume the Right Dosage

Consuming the right amount of kratom is the first step to enjoying it safely.

First, figure out why you want to use it. If you’re looking for increased energy, it’s best to consume a small dose of five grams or less.

If you’re looking for more sedating effects (improved sleep or pain relief), a higher dose of between 10 and 25 grams is more effective.

Buy from a Reputable Source

Most people purchase kratom online.

If you’re going to take this approach, be sure to research the company and learn as much about their manufacturing processes as possible. How is their kratom grown? What other ingredients are added to their supplements?

You can view here to learn more about buying high-quality kratom.

Don’t Combine It with Other Drugs

Finally, avoid combining kratom with any other drugs. This will help reduce your risk of overdose and help you avoid unpleasant and potentially life-threatening side effects.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, the answer to the question, “is kratom addictive?” isn’t exactly a simple one. There are lots of benefits to consuming kratom, but there are also some drawbacks that you ought to take into account.

If you’re interested in using kratom and think the pros outweigh the cons, be sure to buy from a reputable source. Keep the safety tips listed above in mind, too, to increase your chances of having a positive experience.

Want to learn more about the latest natural health supplements? Be sure to check out the health section of our site today.

Why Go Organic? 7 Important Things You Need to Know

Eating organic foods can be a bit more expensive, but the health benefits well outweigh the costs. If you’re still wondering “Why go organic?” then this post is for you. Here are 7 of the most important reasons to make the change today.

Have you noticed the increase in organic produce at the grocery store? Fruits and vegetables have organic options that cost more than the non-organic.

If you’re put off by the price, you’re not alone. Why go organic? If you learn why they cost more, you’ll see that the price of organic food is very worth it.

You can remove toxins from your body, increase nutrient intake, and help the environment. All you have to do is switch to organic items at the grocery store. Read on to learn more.

1. Less Pollution to the Environment

Regular farms use pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals in their crops. These pollutants soak into the soil and spread across the area through rainwater. Farming with these chemicals is very dangerous to the environment.

From the soil, the chemicals enter bodies of water and the ocean. They kill plants and organisms that are necessary for preserving the environment.

But, organic farming uses zero pesticides or chemicals. They preserve the soil through crop rotation. Any rainwater run-off from their farms is harmless to the environment.

You don’t have to drive far to find organic food choices. There are stores all over America that make it convenient. You can learn more about how shopping organic is better for the environment.

2. Promotes Biodiversity

There’s lots of concern over the loss of biodiversity because of corporate farming. The chemicals used not only hurt the environment but kill off integral species.

Pesticides kill pests that may eat the crop. But, they also kill helpful bugs, insects, and plants.

By not killing off bacteria and fungi with pesticides, you get the benefits they bring. Bacteria in the soil is great for breaking down plant matter and animal waste. It recycles it back into the soil making it richer and healthier.

Organic farming aims to work alongside nature, so there’s less threat of extinction. These farms allow the co-living of wildlife and organisms with their crops.

Organic farms embrace the natural role of many insects and animals. Wildlife can live alongside organic farming without destroying each other.

3. No Hormones or Antibiotics

Conventional farms use antibiotics to keep the livestock healthy and avoid sickness. While this sounds good in theory, it’s not.

These farms can raise the animals in unsanitary conditions because they know they’re unlikely to get sick.

It’s also normal for conventional farms to inject the livestock with growth hormones. In the poultry industry, the chickens grow so big their legs can’t hold them up to stand. It’s cruel to the animals and bad for us.

Antibiotics and hormones stay in the meat long after the animal dies. Then, we buy it at the store and ingest those antibiotics and hormones.

Buying organic means your meat is free of antibiotics and hormones.

4. No GMOs

Genetically modified organisms (GMO) are scientifically created living organisms. They can be bacteria, vegetables, insects, etc.

Conventional farms use GMOs to prevent pests from eating their crop. They can also extend the shelf life of certain foods and make them resistant to disease.

Unfortunately, GMOs are dangerous for humans to ingest. One specific GMO, Bt-toxin, kills pests by destroying their stomachs. This GMO causes leaky gut in humans.

We are what we eat. And, we don’t know enough about GMOs to make them safe for human consumption. It’s safer to choose organic produce.

5. More Nutritious

Many different nutrients in our food depend on good soil. Studies show that produce grown in chemical ridden soil has substantially fewer nutrients.

Organic vegetables have lower levels of heavy metals. Some common heavy metals found in our food are arsenic, mercury, and lead.

These metals are carcinogenic and can also cause sickness. Choosing organic produce removes the risk of consuming heavy metals like these.

Since organic farmers take better care of their soil, the crop has better access to nutrients. Plants grown in organic crops have more flavonoids than conventionally grown plants. This means they have more cancer-fighting properties.

Some nutrients that we need are drastically lower in conventionally farmed foods. For example, iron, vitamin C, and magnesium are all higher in organic foods.

6. More Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega 3s are crucial to our bodies’ functioning. These healthy fats are necessary for heart health, strong vision, and fighting inflammation.

People who have a deficiency in omega can experience blood clots and mood disorders. Plus, many other health concerns.

Milk and dairy from a conventional farm have 50 percent less omega-3s than organic dairy. That means you might be drinking milk every day but risking an omega 3 deficiency.

You can switch to organic dairy products without noticing a difference in flavor. It doesn’t increase the calorie count to go organic, but it does ensure you get the nutrients you need.

7. More Antioxidants

Non-organic diets are a big concern for antioxidant intake. We need antioxidants to remove free radicals from the bloodstream. And, to keep our immune systems strong and healthy.

Fruits and vegetables are the best sources of antioxidants in our diet. Berries and dark leafy greens have extra high concentrations of them.

Studies show that non-organic produce have 20 percent fewer antioxidants than organic counterparts. This is unsettling because you may believe you’re getting enough antioxidants, but you aren’t. The best way to get all the nutrients you need is by choosing organic.

Still Wondering, “Why Go Organic?”

It’s your responsibility to take care of your health. The more you learn, the more you can do that. Now that you know how important it is to eat organically, what are you going to do?

You may still be asking, “why go organic?” It’s not the popular choice although more and more people are realizing how important it is.

For the sake of your physical health, mental health, and the environment, choose organic foods. If you’d like more information on diet and living a healthy life, check out the blog.

Turning to God: 5 Benefits of Going to a Christian Rehab Center

When you’re struggling with substance abuse or some other form of addiction, sometimes you need to put your faith in God. Today, we want to highlight the benefits of putting your trust in God and going to a Christian rehab center for treatment.

Many people assume Christians don’t struggle with drug or alcohol addiction like other people.

This couldn’t be further from the truth. While Christians have their beliefs and a relationship with God, they’re still normal humans. Because of this, there are many faith-based rehab centers to help Christians dealing with an addiction.

But are these treatment facilities better than other facilities?

Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of a Christian rehab center and how it can transform an addicts life.

What Is a Christian Rehab Center?

Christian rehab centers are similar to traditional rehab centers, but they have one key difference. The foundation of their treatments is rooted in a Christian perspective. While these rehab facilities use the same tools, strategies, and therapy as other facilities, they also believe a relationship with God is a central part of healing.

Christian rehab centers recognize that addiction is a result of a spiritual emptiness on the inside. So they teach patients spiritual principles that can strengthen their faith and relationship with God.

Once a patient begins to develop in a spiritual way, they’ll begin to overcome their desire for their substance abuse.

Top 5 Benefits of Christian Rehab

For Christians struggling with an addiction, a faith-based rehabilitation facility offers a lot of advantages over secular centers. Christian rehab links sobriety with spiritual growth, which gives Christians a helpful support system.

Here’s a quick look at the top five benefits of going to a Christian rehab center during your road to recovery.

1. Spiritual Support

The focus on meditation and prayer gives patients a chance to get to know themselves for who they are. This gives them the chance to get closer to God and strengthen their relationships with other people around them. Practices that revolve around meditation and prayer help nourish the spirit, even for patients who aren’t Christian.

Community is another important part of Christian rehab facilities. Patients get the opportunity to fellowship with people who share the same beliefs and interact with sober peers. This type of spiritual support makes a big difference in the rehab treatment’s overall success.

2. Physical Healing

Faith-based rehab doesn’t just focus on the spirit. It also addresses and resolves physical issues that are part of addiction. This includes medical help for symptoms of withdrawal and detoxing from alcohol or drugs.

Patients in Christian rehab also learn how to eat healthy foods, set up a workout routine, and relieve everyday stress. Strategies like this set them up for even the hardest parts of their sobriety.

Some rehab centers match these habits with other healthy activities. Patients can take yoga classes, participate in art therapy, and relieve stress with different massage styles. These treatments provide a lasting impact, so when patients are tempted to fall back into their addiction, they’ll have methods to avoid it.

3. Christian Mentors

Mentors are an important part of any treatment facility. In faith-based rehab centers, Christian patients are matched with Christian mentors. This gives them the ability to connect with role models who share their beliefs and values.

Christian coaches promote positive growth that can continue after treatment. Mentors teach patients how to control their thoughts and actions. Gaining this control over themselves is a big part of transitioning from rehab back into the world.

Choosing a Christian mentor at a faith-based facility can better equip Christian patients with positive tools to stay sober in their normal life.

4. Faith-Based Living Arrangements

Sober living facilities are a common part of many rehab centers. It gives a healthy environment for people looking for post-rehab support. If patients need extra time to heal from their addiction, these living arrangements give them a safe place to do so.

Christian rehab programs have these living arrangements as well, but they are centered around faith. Patients who stay in these facilities are surrounded by other people with a similar devotion to God.

This places patients in an environment that’ll help point them toward God during their recovery.

5. Emotional Healing

Christian facilities employ pastoral staff along with traditional counselors and addiction specialists. This allows these rehab centers to create a treatment specific to a patient’s individual needs.

Drug and alcohol addiction cause damage that extends to more people than the patient. The pain spreads through friends and family members as well. Many Christian rehab centers offer treatment that deals with healing the entire family.

The team of specialists also take a look at parts of the patient’s life that may have played a part in their addiction. Once they’ve identified these things, they can start healing the pain that comes with it.

When to Choose a Christian Rehab Center

If a relationship with God is an important part of your life, you may want to choose a Christian rehab center for treatment. These centers will provide the same therapies and tools as secular facilities, but they’ll also include spiritual support and development.

Both the staff and other patients hold the same beliefs as you, which can help your physical and emotional healing process. Interacting with these people gives you a strong support system and can develop your relationship with God at the same time.

Perhaps more important, you can be that support figure to other people struggling with addiction. Helping others can give your road to recovery more purpose and put your own struggles into perspective.

Do You Have to Be a Christian to Take Part in This Type of Rehab?

Many faith-based rehab centers cater to people who’ve already adopted Christian beliefs. There are many different kinds of faith-based rehabs out there, so you can find one that adheres to your specific beliefs and teachings.

There are also many traditional rehab centers that also include Chrisitan treatment options. Patients can take part in these treatments even if they don’t believe in the Christian faith.

If you’re curious about spiritual or religious treatment but don’t know if you’d call yourself a Christian yet, you might want to try one of these joint facilities. This gives you the opportunity to get your feet wet and see what speaks to you during your recovery.

 

Need some more motivation to stop drinking? Take a look at these five reasons to cut alcohol out of your diet.

5 Reasons to Stop Drinking Alcohol (At Least for a While)

If alcohol is negatively impacting your life, it’s probably time to quit. Even if it’s not causing major problems, you can experience some major benefits from taking a break. Here are 5 great reasons to stop drinking alcohol, whether it’s for 30 days or forever.

Sure, drinking can be fun, especially in social situations. In fact, the vast majority of people drink alcohol in some capacity according to research. But that doesn’t mean that you should take a break every now and then.

Whether you’re struggling with addiction or just want to shed some pounds, we’re outlining five of the best reasons to stop drinking.

1. Your Wallet Will Thank You

Drinking, while fun, can be expensive. Even if you’re not going out to bars more than one night a week, chances are you’re spending quite a bit on alcohol.

Let’s say you buy one 12-pack of beer a week. We’ll even say that you’re skipping the good stuff and going with the most affordable 12-pack available at your local store.

You’re still spending around $11 per 12-pack. Over four weeks, that adds up to $44 per month on beer alone.

Sounds bad, right? It gets worse.

At $11 before tax per 12-pack, you’re spending $572 per year just for casual drinking.

2. Drinking Can Get Dangerous

For some people, what started out as a hobby can quickly devolve into a crutch. That once fun activity soon becomes a necessity in order to function on a daily basis.

No one deserves to live that way.

Alcoholism is a very real and very dangerous threat. Excessive drinking has the potential to damage your liver irreparably and cause brain damage. In some instances, alcoholism may put you at a greater risk of certain types of cancer.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, checking into a rehab center such as Silver Ridge Recovery in North Carolina may be the solution.

3. Alcohol Makes Weight Loss More Difficult

If you drink on a regular basis, you’re ingesting a ton of empty calories. Over time, these calories can come back to haunt you.

For those who are looking to drop some weight, start by cutting out alcohol. While you don’t necessarily need to cut out drinking completely, it can help quite a bit if you struggle with moderation.

When combined with a healthy diet, abstaining from alcohol can result in quick weight loss.

4. No More Hangovers

While a night of drinking with your friends is a blast, the morning after is often anything but.

And while drinking a glass of water and taking an Aspirin before bed can lessen the effects of a hangover, the best way to reduce hangover problems is by eliminating them entirely.

5. You’ll Sleep Better

A lot of people wake up feeling groggy and disoriented after a few drinks. That’s because alcohol directly inhibits your natural sleep cycle.

According to The Sleep Foundation, excessive drinking can prevent REM sleep as a whole, causing exhaustion and grogginess that can last days.

Final Thoughts On Reasons To Stop Drinking

Not convinced that these reasons to stop drinking are legit? Try them for yourself and see how you feel. Not only will you feel healthier, but you’ll have better finances, too.

 

Check out our health blog for more awesome tips to help you live a better, healthier life!

Have you ever been a victim of food poisoning? Food is delicate and requires lots of attention as we handle it. According to statistics, one person in a group of 6 is a victim of food poisoning every year. How does it happen? Some causes may be as small as forgetting to wash your hands before handling food.

The high cases of food poisoning inspired us to enlighten you everyone on how to prevent it from happening. It is worse when it happens to children who are more prone to diarrhea and vomiting than an adult. Find out what causes food poisoning and how we can prevent it.

Causes of food poisoning

Bacteria, parasites, and viruses cause food poisoning. Salmonella is a significant bacteria that causes most food poisoning. Salmonella bacteria cause more than 20, 000 among a million cases of food poisoning.

Sometimes, parasites contaminate food and cause poisoning. Toxoplasma is a famous parasite that is associated with intoxication. It likes hiding in places near our pets. Doctors say that you can live with parasites in your body for a long time without detecting it. It is more prevalent in people who have a weak immune system, as well as, pregnant women.

More than 19 million people have food poisoning from a famous virus called Norovirus. Regardless of the cause, the symptoms of food poisoning are the same and can be severe. Experts reveal that it is impossible to eradicate bacteria from food entirely. That is why we should be careful with handling food to prevent stomach aches or worse symptoms.

How can you treat food poisoning?

Take fluids

Food poisoning can make you lose plenty of water within a very short time through vomiting. You lose a lot of minerals through diarrhea for instance sodium, calcium, and potassium. That is why your fluid intake should be high to prevent dehydration.

Take more fluids at the beginning because it is hard to take anything solid after a few hours of stomach pains. You can start with glasses of water or natural juices. Get ice chips to suck or clear broth to keep yourself hydrated.

Some people believe that taking food and drinking alcohol at the same time reduce the chances of food poisoning. Such notions do not have any scientific backing, and they are unhealthy. Avoid alcohol and caffeine when dealing with food poisoning.

Try Ginger

Taking ginger enhances the absorption of nutrients in your body. If you are feeling nauseated from food poisoning, ginger will give you relief. You can make the extracts in tea or chew it raw. If you like the tea version, you only need grate your ginger then put it in a cup of hot water. You can sweeten your tea with honey. It minimizes any pain and inflammation that exists.

Consider apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has an alkaline effect. It soothes your gastrointestinal lining to kill the bacteria in you instantly. You can also take it undiluted; it is not harmful.

Rest

Food poisoning symptoms can weaken your body. You, therefore, need to take plenty of rests to regain some strength. Allow your stomach to settle by minimizing your movements.

Use lemon

Lemon has both antibacterial and antiviral properties. It contains a strong acid that kills the bacteria causing food poisoning. You can reduce the sour taste with a pinch of sugar. Use warm water to mix your lemon in it and drink it to get rid of the toxins in your body.

Look for basil leaves

Herbs such as basil can sooth any abdominal discomfort due to its antimicrobial properties that are responsible for fighting micro-organisms. Make basil juice from its extracts and drink it every day. You can sweeten it with honey. Mix it with fresh coriander to benefit from it.

Use basil oil in your drinking water and drink it at least four times in one day to fight the bacteria the entire day. You can also add the basil leaves in plain yogurt to get the good bacteria from the yogurt and allow the two substances to regulate the bacteria in your stomach.

Check your diet

You need to start eating as you maintain a low-fat diet. Take foods that are easy to digest like soda crackers, gelatin, rice, and bananas. Do not eat if you feel nauseated.

Try garlic

This also has anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. Garlic relieves symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. You can also chew it as you swallow it with regular water. Try garlic juice if the smell does not irritate you. Rub garlic oil together with soybean oil on your stomach to reduce the pain.

Get cumin seeds

Reduce stomach inflammation with cumin seeds. It reduces the effects of food poisoning.  You can boil cumin seeds in water. Add coriander leaves to the mixture and some salt to give it taste. Drink it, and you will notice how effective it is. It cleanses your digestive system and gives you relief.

Use fenugreek seeds and yogurt

This combination is effective in fighting food poisoning thanks to antimicrobial properties. Fenugreek will heal your abdominal pain. Use a teaspoon of each product at a go. Do not chew fenugreek seeds since swallowing them is all it takes to get instant relief. The mixture also prevents you from vomiting.

Take honey

This is not only a sweetener. It contains antibacterial properties that relieve indigestion. If you don’t like the excess sugar in it, you can add it in tea. Some few drops of honey every day can treat your upset stomach. It also prevents your stomach from producing excess acids.

Get antibiotics with a prescription

If the natural remedies do not work, you can try antibiotics from a doctor. Certain bacteria are severe and do not work with natural remedies. The doctor can prescribe intravenous antibiotics if such bacteria are the cause of your food poisoning.  Don’t use antibiotics without consulting your doctor because if the cause is a virus, it can worsen the symptoms.

Final thoughts

It is how you handle food poisoning that determines if the symptoms get better or worse. Try the natural remedies before going to the hospital. If you are not feeling better, let a doctor know and treat you with medicines. We wish you a quick recovery!

When a loved one is diagnosed with a terminal illness, it can be one of the most trying challenges any family can face. If your loved one is diagnosed with a terminal illness, one of the best things you can do in this situation is to provide them with palliative care, especially palliative care at home. Palliative care focuses on providing care for someone with a terminal illness, and a number of professionals (such as district nurses, doctors, caregivers, and a special team of palliative care workers) work closely together to provide the patient with the right medical care and comfort they need. But you can do your part as well – you can provide your loved one with the right comfort, relaxation, and perhaps even therapy so their last days can be more comfortable and less taxing for everyone. Here’s what you can do.

A comfortable environment

Your loved one may spend a lot of their time in bed and in their own bedroom, and you can provide them with a more peaceful, comfortable environment by making sure the room has a peaceful, calming feel. You can do this with soft, relaxing lighting (lights with dimmer switches are ideal, as are lamps), and you can fill the room with personal photos and mementos which your loved one may appreciate. Pay attention to their bed and bed linen as well, and they may want extra pillows which allow them to sit up from time to time.

Activities which can help them relax

Your loved one undergoing palliative care at home may also appreciate it if you help them do things which they like but can find difficult to do on their own under the present circumstances. You can, for instance, go out to the garden or the local park with them for a stroll if it is a nice day, or you can simply read to them, watch television or a film together, or have a simple chat. Ask them if there is anything they would like to do; sometimes it can be nice to simply sit together, hold their hand, and appreciate the quiet.

Options for therapy

Therapy comes in many forms, and this can include therapy in the form of touch, aromatherapy, meditation, and so on. Touch is a particularly powerful form of therapy – a simple touch or hug can speak volumes and help your loved one relax. Your loved one may even like a gentle, soothing massage, and a massage may help them have better sleep as well. It would be good to remember, though, that there may be days when they don’t want to be touched or massaged, so you should be mindful of this as well.

Therapy can also come in the form of aromatherapy, where essential oils with different scents can be diffused in the room, such as lavender (known for its calming and soothing properties). Of course, you should ask the medical professional first if this can be done; it’s best to be sure. But often, the best thing you can do is to be there for them and stand by their side during this truly difficult time.