Not so long ago coconut oil was all the buzz, but move over, sesame oil (also known as gingelly oil) is now on the scene and earning a superfood title for it’s multiple healthful benefits. Not only is this naturally moisturizing oil excellent for pampering hair, nails, and skin, the subtle nutty flavor is also perfect for sauteing fish, stir fries, and even for whipping up a quick salad dressing. Here are some of the many convincing reasons for adding sesame oil into your diet: 1. Protects your ticker You’ve likely heard many reasons why healthy fats are good for cardiovascular health. And like other oils, sesame oil delivers a bounty of healthy fatty acids, particularly polyunsaturated fatty acids (i.e., seasmin and sesamol), which work as a natural anti-inflammatory to help ward off atherosclerosis (plaque build up inside your arteries) by lowering bad (LDL) cholesterol and preventing stroke and heart attack. 2. Whiter teeth, brighter smile You may not be so familiar with a technique known as oil pulling, which is swishing with oil, in order to banish all sorts of harmful bacteria and plaque. And you can perform this age old medicinal practice with sesame oil just as you can with coconut oil.

When sudden dizziness occurs in healthy adults it’s often concerning. However, when dizziness strikes a diabetic individual, it can signal a variety of dangerous and even life-threatening conditions. Lightheadedness can strike without warning, accompanied by blurred vision, heart palpitations, excess sweating, confusion, and even fainting. Most often, we associated sudden dizzy spells in diabetics as an indication of low blood glucose levels. However, diabetic lightheadedness and fainting can indicate more troubling health issues and should never be taken lightly. Diabetic patients should consider a dizzy spell an early warning indicator of the following common sources of diabetes-related issues, and seek medical attention immediately: 1. Hyperglycemia Hyperglycemia, as the name suggests, refers to high blood sugar (or blood glucose) levels that increase to 180 mg/dL or higher, which can result in a trio of increased thirst (polydipsia), frequent urination (polyuria), and ravenous hunger (polyphagia), which present with the following range of symptoms: Fatigue and confusion Unquenchable thirst Irritability and hunger (hanger) Headache Blurred vision Dizziness and fainting Hyperglycemia can lead to these dangerous related health issues if not treated with insulin or injectable/oral diabetes medications (i.e., Lyrica, Trulicity) : Nerve damage Chronic skin and vaginal infections Permanent vision damage (i.e., diabetic retinopathy) Kidney damage (i.e., diabetic nephropathy) Infections, such as skin and vaginal infections Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or nonketotic diabetic acidosis (HHNK), both emergency issues which can result in diabetic coma.

The first step in any drug or alcohol recovery journey is admitting the problem. Recovering from a substance abuse, sadly, is not a singular path, which means different treatment programs and rehabilitation centers will meet the needs of different patients. Luckily, there are numerous alcohol and drug programs available to help treat addiction. Keep in mind that the first stage of any treatment program starts with detoxification, of which in-patient programs are often the safest bet because they offer medically-supervised withdrawal by an experienced healthcare team. However, once the body is detoxified of the addictive substance, the social, behavioral, emotional, and psychological issues associated with addiction remain, and most patients will enter a addiction treatment program in order to sustain their recovery. Here are the most common types of treatment programs available: 1. Group therapy In a group counseling situation, patients often benefit from the social support offered by the overall group discussion. Group addiction treatment groups advocate living drug-free in a community-friendly environment. For this reason, many groups offer new addicts sponsorship through a veteran addict who makes his or herself available, as well as planned group activities as a social outlet that supports and reinforces the positive outcomes of living a sober lifestyle.

You already knew that you were doing your physical health a big favor by biking, walking, hiking, swimming, and running in the great outdoors. However, it turns out that spending time in nature can also do wonders for our mental health as well. Multiple scientific studies find higher rates of mental illness in urban, industrialized centers compared to lower rates among more isolated ocean, forest, and countryside dwellers. So it turns out there’s actually a scientific reason you feel mentally rejuvenated after getting away from the city grind and spending time camping or secluded in a forested cabin. Here are four scientific-backed theories that prove frolicking in the trees, grasses, flowers, lakes, and fields reduces depression, anxiety, and other common mental disorders: 1. Nature is psychologically therapeutic Since the early 1800’s, European hospitals and mental asylums that specialize in the treatment of depression, anxiety disorder, and bipolar disorder were were built within nature so that patients could benefit from hydrotherapy, or nature therapy. Scientists believed that being immersed in quiet nature (i.e., near water, trees, wildlife, and rolling countryside) held curative powers over mental health and wellbeing. While being swept up in urban city life had negative effects on mental health.

Good news, there is a healthier more natural way to deal with pain rather than popping pain medication. For instance, research shows that yoga offers effective, long-term pain relief from various chronic pain conditions (i.e., low back pain, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, etc.), minus many of the harmful side effects of long-term use of pain medications (i.e., addiction). In fact, the ancient practice of yoga aims to heal the body and soul, the physical and mental health. First by reducing pain and promoting flexibility, balance, and strength, and secondly, by lowering stress and boosting confidence and quality of life. Keep in mind, any new exercise should always be cleared with your doctor first, and if given the okay, done under close supervision of a yoga professional. The following yoga asanas (or poses) aim to relieve both mental and physical pain: 1. Cat-Cow pose Cat-cow pose is essentially a yummy back stretch (in cat) and back extension (in cow) that also calls on the abdominal muscles for stretching and stabilization. To perform cat: Get on all fours on your mat, in tabletop position. Lift the head as you arch your back, like a cat. Drop and relax your head and neck as you breathe.