What are Hiccups and How to Get Rid of Them
Hiccups, though often annoying for the hiccuper and distracting for those around them, are nothing more than a reflex. The vagus nerve runs from the brain all the way down to the abdomen. When this sensitive nerve or one of its branches gets irritated, it triggers the firing of the phrenic nerve. The phrenic nerve is located under the...
This Year, Color Your Easter Eggs Naturally
Many people worldwide have a yearly tradition of dying Easter eggs. If you have young children, the tradition may also include a much-anticipated hunt for the colored eggs. This season, grocery store displays feature a rainbow of artificial colorings for just this purpose. However, the ingredients in these colorings can be dangerous, and nature offers a much better way. According...
Silicone Wristbands May Provide Clues to Environmental Chemical Exposure
Scientists, as well as those of us who are concerned about our health, have become increasingly worried about our exposure to even extremely low levels of environmental toxins, as they've been found to cause significant damage to our bodies, and to a growing fetus. We’re exposed to thousands of chemicals on a daily basis, some of which have the ability...
Its Time for a Yard Sale: How to Clear Out the Clutter
When you look around your home, does it seem like the amount of 'stuff' you own has piled up exponentially this past winter - or over the past several years? Many people find it very difficult to let go of their stuff, attaching sentimental value to everything. However, making the choice to let some of it go can do...
Texas Fracking Investigation Reveals Shocking Truth: Money Drives it All
An eight-month investigation into the fracking industry in Texas, conducted by The Weather Channel, InsideClimate News, and the Center of Public Integrity, revealed last month that the Texas State Legislature seems to be more concerned about protecting the industry than protecting the health of some its citizens. Their probe examined what the nation’s biggest oil producer has done to protect...
California Senator Proposes Warning Labels for Sugary Drinks
In what may turn out to be a key step in our nation's fight against rising obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease rates, Senator Bill Monning of California has recently proposed legislation that would require sodas and other sweetened beverages to sport a warning label. The label would apply to drinks with added sweeteners of 75 or more...
How to Step Out of Your Comfort Zone for Better Health
It’s easy to get stuck in a rut. Getting out of your routine takes a lot of work, while staying in your comfort zone minimizes risk and provides a state of security, which means lower anxiety levels and reduced stress. However, leaving that comfort zone actually offers a number of benefits, which is why some believe that living just...
The Problem with Indoor Candles
Are you in love with your scented candles? If so, this, unfortunately, is an affair worth ending. While they may smell nice and create a relaxing environment, the health hazards associated with burning them are anything but tranquil. The following are a few of the ways that scented candles can degrade your indoor air quality. Most conventional candles - scented and...
Avoid These 5 Food Processing Evils by Doing Just One Thing
It is important to begin any discussion on food processing with the truth. Humans have always processed food in some way or another. You may hear people say things like: "Since food processing, everything has gone wild and wrong." However, processing food is uniquely human - something no other animal does. How weird would it be to see a...
Dishwashing vs Hand-Washing: Which is Better For Your Health and the Environment?
In an effort to make your house more environmentally friendly, you may have tried several techniques including line-drying laundry, unplugging appliances or taking shorter showers. Little changes here and there can have a major impact on both your utility bills and the environment, but if you think you’re doing Mother Earth a favor by filling up a sudsy sink...
