During the time we have on this planet Earth, our Mother Earth, what types of footprints do we leave behind? 

For the past several years now, the big thing is to keep a healthy diet and balance with exercising. A healthy diet saves a lot of precious fresh water.  Research conducted in more than 43,000 areas in France, the UK, and Germany on national dietary guideline to the current actual food consumption to see if there would be any difference of water footprint. Three types of diet patterns were used for research: For the diet we have today, it requires between 11 ~ 35% of water; for a healthy pescatarian diet it would be 33~55%; for a healthy vegetarian diet it would take 35~55%.  

Definition of water footprint is the total volume of freshwater that is used to produce goods consumed, food in this case.  Food product group consumed between regions and socio-economic factors within regions.  Our diet analyzed takes into account of total daily energy and protein requirements plus maximum daily fat amounts - based on the dietary guidelines for every food product group specific recommendations given according to age and gender. 

Research has found a direct correlation of eating healthy could substantially reduce the water footprint of people’s diets.  One of the factors that water footprints depend on is the socio-economic factors: age, gender, and education level.  Interesting correlations between both water footprint of specific foods and the impact of the result on overall water footprints.  

Animal products have a higher water footprint.  Women that have a healthy diet are mean less sugar, crop oils, meat and animal fats, and more vegetables and fruits.  An intensive livestock production system brings on many negative impacts to the planet’s resources and ecosystems.  

Scientists provide useful tools for policy makers at various levels by downscaling national water footprints to the lowest possible administrative boundaries within a county.  This method could also be applied to other footprints assessments like carbon, land/ energy footprints related to food consumption.








Source:
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20180910/Shifting-to-a-healthy-diet-could-substantially-reduce-water-footprint.aspx  

There just doesn’t seem to be enough time… Often times we do not realize why we may all of a sudden be backed up and very quickly a week will go by.  Constipation, by definition, is having fewer than three bowel movements a week. The causes of this could be lifestyle factors, medications, and illnesses.    

Sitting Too Much has been a modern lifestyle for many.  This sedentary lifestyle isn’t just bad for bowel movements but also your waistline.  Sitting for long periods of time causes one’s colon to get kinked up thus discouraging stool from passing through and thereby leading to constipation.  Gastroenterologists encourage breaks to get up and walk around while also doing some deep squats. 

Dairy Heavy Diet is a way of diet that many choose.  Indeed it is tasty and nutritious.  As a result, many choose this over eating fiber-filled foods, such as whole grains and produce.  For example, those having pizza should complement it with a salad. 

Depression, an illness that will slow down one’s overall metabolism.  On top of that, the medications that are commonly prescribed has a side effect is constipation.  Suggestions of an alternative to medications are cognitive behavioral therapy, exercise, and meditation are alternatives to taking meds. 

Low-Carb Diets in the modern age have become the mainstream: a popular diet of non-carb/high protein.  This includes Gluten Free Diets that many voluntarily go on.  One of the complaints of low carb diet is constipation.  With a low carb diet, they tend to go on high protein diets and consequently lacking fiber.  It is beneficial to eliminate simple carbs, like sugary treats and white bread.  In order to keep the colon healthy, do eat 5 portions of fruits and vegetables a day.

Too Much Fiber usually refers to those who take fiber pills, or powders rather than from whole food sources.  Skip the pills as it may very well be working against you in the bowel movement departments.  There may be times doctors will remove fiber from diet for a temporary break on your gut. 

Chocolate can be a source of cause for constipation.  There is no solid evidence of this yet.  However, 70% of those who are chocolate lovers says that chocolate is a major offender.  Try skipping it for two weeks and see if there is any improvements. 

Laxatives is the popular solution people go for when constipation hits.  What people don’t realize is that laxatives actually makes that matters worse by making it dependent on laxatives.  It is really only meant to be taken for no more than one week, at most. Longer than a week would risk the vicious cycle of constipation and diarrhea.  Best to treat with lifestyle, exercise, and dietary habits. 

Prescription Medications all have side effects, but a good majority of the most common medications have the side effects of constipation.  Particularly antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, heartburn, blood pressure medications.  For example, heartburn medications rely on either the calcium or magnesium channel.   Those who suffer from constipation side effect best to choose the magnesium channel.  Best to speak with your doctors directly for any side effects that arises. 

Certain Multivitamins that contain high levels of calcium and iron can be extremely constipating.  Those with amounts over the recommended daily dosing will slow down digestion in the large bowel.  Perhaps it is not necessary to take a multi-vitamin everyday.

Painkillers can cause constipation, sometimes major constipation.  All types of painkillers, ranging from over-the-counter to prescription painkillers.   Simply because they bind to the same receptors in the stomach, dulling the entire digestive system and pain at the same time.  It is recommended that one does not take painkiller for over 30 days.  

Out-of-Whack Hormones will cause constipation, as a pregnant woman can surely share with you.  Generally high estrogen and progesterone or low levels of testosterone can cause constipation.  Also, as we age our hormone levels naturally fluctuate.  This can be relieved with the assistance from your doctor. 

Undiagnosed Medical Conditions can cause constipation.  Most common illness that causes constipation is hypothyroidism, as thyroids controls the metabolism.  Therefore low metabolism will cause a slow down in the body as well as in one’s gut.  Other illnesses includes diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Celiac disease, autoimmune disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney disease and some cancers.  Constipation is a common condition therefore it is easy to be overlooked.  

In most of these conditions it can be easily rectifiable.  While some may take longer to overcome.  The course of treatment will vary between each situation.  Examine your situation and consult a doctor to see what is the way to overcome your situation. 








Source: 
https://www.rd.com/health/wellness/constipation-causes/   
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/constipation/symptoms-causes/syc-20354253  
https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/news/20161110/constipation-kidney-disease-may-be-linked--new-research-shows  

Asian Ginseng has been used throughout centuries in the eastern hemisphere.  They are in the genus of Panax (pancakos (grk): cure-all).  It was used for medicinal tonic to boost immunity, build strength and improve overall heath.  The results was shown to strengthen the nervous system for sufferers from injury disease, prolonged emotional stress, physical exertion, and fatigue.  The outcomes were improvements in thinking, learning, concentration, and memory. 

American Ginseng has been show to help control diabetes, reduce cholesterol, promote mental clarity, and protects against certain types of cancer.  In the modern medicine, they are called adaptogen.  

Today they are rarely found in the wild, but most of the ginseng are cultivated. Before taking ginseng, one should consult with their physician to see whether or not it will interfere with their medication.  One should check the labels of any product carefully to see how much Pans ginseng is included in the formulation:  
  Extract: standard of containing 4~7% of ginsenosides are are dosed 100-200 mg daily. 
  Tincture: 1~2 ml., up to 3 times a day 
  Tea: simmer 3~6 teaspoons of root for 45 minutes; then strain, cool, and drink, 1~3 times a day. 
  Capsules: 500~1000 mg dried powdered root, have 1/2 a day.  

Caution:  Blood pressure needs to be monitored.  For diabetics, blood sugar can be lowered, proceed with caution.  Asian ginseng can cause insomnia or anxiety.  There’s been some reports of mild upset stomach and headache.  It is not advised to take Asian ginseng for three (3) months in a row.  There has been some research showing negative hormone-like side effects with prolonged usage.
Please keep in mind the following information has not been highly conclusive yet.  If you have high blood pressure and / or diabetes you should consult your doctor before taking Asian Ginseng. And it is not recommended for infants, children, and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.







Source: 
National Geophgraphic: Nature’s Best Remedies - The World of Health and Healing All Around You 
https://nccih.nih.gov/health/asianginseng/ataglance.htm 
 

The human body is composed of mostly water, about 50~60% of our body, to be exact.  Therefore, it is an essential source for our health.  Additionally, water is vital to maintain our body's proper function.  Then beckons the question: does water temperature of water we drink make a difference?  And what does temperature have to do with our health? 

Most people will opt to drink cold water on hot humid days to feel refreshed.  What people don’t realize is that as much as cold water makes us feel refreshed when we drink it, but it in turn hurts the body.  Where warm water bring many benefits to our body. 

Cold water is refreshing when one is chugging it down on a hot summer day, however, once the water enters the body it actually decreases the energy level.  Cold water runs anywhere between 47~70 degrees Fahrenheit. The human body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, so our body will need to use extra energy to warm up the cold water.  
And of course, it is a known fact that cold shrinks and hot expands.  With cold water in your body, the blood vessels will shrink.  As a result, one of the negative impacts it brings is hindering one’s digestive abilities and trigger abdominal pain, constipation, and upset stomach. 
The cold temperature of the water also boosts production of mucus in your body and this causes weakening of the immune system.  These conditions can lead to medical conditions of a runny nose and serious illnesses.  
On a positive note, cold water will help lower heart rate by stimulating the vagus nerve that is a vital component of the autonomous nervous system.  By stimulating the vagus nerve it will lower one’s heart rate.

Warm water usually taken at somewhere between 80~106 degrees Fahrenheit.  While this is not the preferable choice, but it will provide many benefits.  A glass of warm water first thing in the morning helps to flush out toxins that can contribute to several illnesses.  With a slice of lemon in the water, the vitamin C helps to revive the cells while eliminating toxins.  This also assists in preventing premature aging.
All the same time, warm water helps with blood circulation as it helps blood to flow freely.  With an improved blood circulation, it lowers the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.  
With improved blood circulation, it assists with easing pain for menstrual cycle and headaches.  Also can help relieve muscles that are cramped to relax.  
Generally speaking, warmth eases stress.  So when we are under stress, some people take a hot bath or shower to relax.  In the same way, drinking water can make stress disappear by improving nervous system function.  In addition, dehydration also cause cortisol (stress hormone) level to increase.  Therefore, drinking warm water is killing two birds with one stone by helping to release stress and keeping the body hydrated to keep cortisol at a lower level and more controlled.  
Speaking of hydration, warm water also helps to prevent constipation.  Our small intestines needs water to perform its functions of digestion by breaking down our food.  When water intake is not suffice, the small intestine has no choice but to extract water from food.  Consequently, it will cause dehydration and making it difficult to have a bowel movement.  

Drinking water is a key thing to stay healthy.  Be conscience of the temperature of the water you decide to drink.  Listen to what your body is telling you.  Cheers!






Source:
https://positivemed.com/2018/10/08/warm-or-cold-water-make-your-choice-and-see-what-happens-to-your-body/  
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/359266 
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-lower-heart-rate  
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319673.php