Monday 17 September 2012

The Ex-smoker: symptoms when quitting.


It is a natural tendency for us to gain the need to change our lives during the transition of seasons. Old habits don’t suit us, and we begin to make room for bigger and better things. Specifically, health is a huge focus when people are transforming their lives. Today alone, I had many people ask me about cleanses, weight loss tips, and especially smoking. Because many people in my life are smokers and want to quit, I decided to focus this article on that.
As an EX-smoker, I can tell you that you will feel worse before you feel better. But once the first phase passes, and you see how well you’re doing, that great feeling of achievement is priceless. The health benefits (financial as well) are endless.
Many people don’t quit smoking because they get “sick” every time they try. This sickness is your body reacting to this change. Your body starts to get rid of all the toxins that have been building up through cigarette smoking, and it begins to rejuvenate.

The most common symptoms are felt in the respiratory tract which can last for days or months. The respiratory tissues begin to rejuvenate instantly and do a great healing job. 

The symptoms felt are:

Sinus Congestion- This is caused by a clearing out of the sinuses (getting rid of toxins). A Netipot is great help to clear things out.

Cough, Throat Clearing- This is due to cleaning and clearing of the reactivated cilia in the lungs; your body is clearing the debris, tar and phlegm. Coughing up the debris is a good thing. This may last a few days to several months.

Phlegm- this is also due to reactivated cilia

Hoarseness – This is also due to the fact that smokers are not “smoking” the soft tissues in the throat and the new non-smoker is getting some tender “baby” tissue almost like when a baby is teeting. Basically, the tissue is regenerating. This may last several months.

Gasping for breath – the feeling like you can’t get enough air. The body is use to deep inhalations when smoking. The body is trying to adjust to a normal breathing rate. Deep breathing exercises can help. Take a slow, controlled deep breath in, and slowly release. The lungs WILL adjust and you WILL be able to breathe normal again.


      The best remedies for these cold like symptoms are:
-          Plenty of water
-          Hot water with lemon and honey
-          Vitamins A,C & E (an immune boost supplement is great)
-          Foods high in zinc (pumpkin seeds, lamb, oysters, mussels, peanuts, dried watermelon seeds)
-          Foods high in selenium (brazil nuts, oysters, mussels, sunflower seeds)
-          Oil of oregano (up to 5 drops a dose- 1-3 times a day)
-          Sleep

Other symptoms:
-          Headaches
-          Digestive discomfort (diarrhea/constipation)
-          Dizziness
-          Insomnia
-          Vivid dreams
-          Fatigue
-          Itchiness (sign of better circulation)
-          Depression, irritability, anxiety (i.e. withdrawal)   

Tips to quit:
-  tell your friends, family and colleagues about your goal
- don't be around smokers for the first 4 days
- chew gum (normal)
- do breathing exercises when the urge comes
- DISTRACTIONS ARE KEY! do anything that will take your mind off the urge (read, call someone, take a walk, play a video game)
- don't make excuses to smoke!!!

And remember, its ok if you slip, just get back on board right away!

Good Luck!

Similar sites:
http://lelabryan.hubpages.com/hub/What-happens-to-your-body-when-you-quit-smoking-with-cold-turkey--Chantix-or-Zyban

http://smokersblog.org/2010/10/common-quitting-smoking-side-effects/


Monday 30 April 2012

Homemade Gnocchi with Homemade Tomato Sauce

Who needs Ragu? Make your own DELICIOUS homemade tomato sauce. This recipe can be served with Gnocchi (like I did), over pasta, or brown rice- add a green salad on the side and you have a complete healthy meal!   




Ingredients (serves 2-3)

- 5 tomatoes (preferably San Marzano Italian tomato)
- 4 cloves of garlic
- half an onion 
- a handful of green beans
- italian parsley 
- 1 tblsp of dehydrated oregano
- 1 tblsp of dehydrated basil
- 1/2 tsp of black pepper
- sea salt (enough to flavor) 
- 3 cups of filtered water

Directions  

Put the water and chopped tomatoes in a blender and blend till smooth. Sautee the chopped onion and garlic, in a pan, till soft, and add the pureed tomato. Let it boil and reduce for 10 minutes. Add the salt, black pepper, oregano, basil and chopped green beans. Let it simmer till its thick. Use the parsley to garnish (& for its many health benefits ;) ), serve and ENJOY! This sauce takes 30-40 minutes to make (prep time included). This is a healthy-nutrient dense-satisfying meal, and VERY delicious!  


For Questions email me at d.mendes@hotmail.ca or follow me on twitter @_dEb27 

Saturday 21 April 2012

Red Potato Salad

One of the top complaints that I get from people is that healthy food is not FILLING- I HIGHLY disagree. By adding heavier vegetables to your meals, you will leave the table satisfied. This recipe can be modified with any kind of potato and even coli-flower. Add a piece of protein, like fresh tuna, and you'll be good to go for a few hours! This meal took me 30 minutes max to make- including prep time.







Ingredients:

Red Potatoes
Brown Button Mushrooms
Red & Orange peppers
Baby onion sprouts
Pea sprouts
Olive oil
Black pepper
Celtic Sea Salt
(add lemon juice or apple cider vinegar if preferred)

Directions: cut potatoes into bite size squares and boil till cooked. Sautee the peppers and the mushrooms in a hint of organic butter or alternative cooking oil (ex:coconut oil)- the water from the mushrooms will help steam the vegetables. Add salt just to the sautee, for it is enough to flavor the potatoes. When all is cooked, mix all the ingredients, dress with the olive oil and black pepper, and BON APPETIT!



For questions email me at d.mendes@hotmail.ca or follow me on twitter @_dEb27


  

Sunday 11 March 2012


  STUDENTS: BOOST YOUR BRAIN FOR EXAMS!
By: Debora Mendes

Considering that the dry weight of the human brain is 60% fat, it is important to feed it the fats it needs. Getting an adequate amount of healthy fats on a daily basis is crucial for brain health.

Along with the popular essential fatty acids we know of – omega 3,6, and 9- there is a group of fats, that our body relies on for structure and other bodily purposes, called phospholipids. Phospholipids make up part of the structure of cells and are required specifically for brain function.  

There are three main types of phospholipids but the one that stands out the most is Phosphatidylserine (PS). Phosphatidylserine assists the brain in concentration and memory- making this fat important for learning. Studies have proven that supplementing with PS can increase someone’s memory level to a person 12 years younger. By supplementing this brain-booster, students have a greater advantage when studying- they will concentrate better and memorize the material with ease.     

So, as deadlines approach and exams creep up, it would be ideal for students to up-take their doses of EFAs. EFAs (omegas and phospholipids) can be found in fish, eggs, avocados, nuts and seeds, organ meats, and olive oil. But to really ensure you're getting enough- supplementing these fats, specifically phosphatidylserine, will give students' brain support and a boost during these stressful times. Because phosphatidylserine is natural, any health food store will carry these supplements. Take them till your exams are done for a "boosting IQ” protocol. Ensure to follow the recommended dosages! (A good dose is 100-300mg a day).

And remember: drink lots of water and get plenty of sleep! Good luck to all!


For questions email me at d.mendes@hotmail.ca or follow me on twitter @_dEb27 or Facebook Deborah Mendes 

Sources:

Healthy Source . (n.d) Consumers Guide To Phosphatidylserine. Phosphatidylserine.  Retrieved March 11, 2012, from http://www.phosphatidylserine.net/

Holford, P., (2009). New Optimum Nutrition For The Mind. Laguna Beach (CA): Basic Health Publications, Inc.  
  

Sunday 4 March 2012

HAPPY smoothy!


Start the day with a HAPPY smoothy =) 

1 orange- squeezed
1/2 lime - squeezed
1 apple - peeled if not organic
1 banana
1 tablespoon of ground flax seed
filtered water to top
& LOVE! =)
wouldve added spinach if i had ;)

Friday 24 February 2012

nothing like a GOOD political documentary...

Gasland is a MUST watch!!! some people have no idea what they're doing to planet earth...not gonna spoil it tho..the link below should work  ;). enjoy!

 http://movies.netflix.com/WiPlayer?movieid=70129353&trkid=2026976&t=GasLand