Learn to love yourself well: Self promotion is not self glorification

"...our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. We ask ourselves,'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' " - Marianne Wilson

As I grew older, I realized that if there was anything about myself that I often overlooked, it was my endless list of personal strengths. Sadly, I sail in that boat with many others whom I exist with; I know this because overlooking one's own strength seemed normal, if not admirable!!

It was not until I came across a writer who talked of self promotion (my first thought was ...blasphemy of the soul!!!)

But, self promotion is very different from the very entity we all vilify; self glorification!!

Self glorification occurs by describing or representing as admirable, especially unjustifiably or undeservedly. Self glorification will ALWAYS involve a third party; the person you are bragging to.
No one likes being around people fond of self glorification because they will DRAIN the positive energy from you!! A moment with them and you will start questioning your efforts, input or even worth...

Self promotion is different. One definition of 'To promote' is to change the rank or position of (someone) to a higher or more important one. So, when you promote yourself, you are actually working to to help or encourage something positive to exist or flourish; further its lifespan.
Self promotion is a more reflective thing, and more often than not, you are your own audience.

Self promotion, if employed well, is very capable of helping an individual achieve greater heights in different aspects of their lives. This is because, you are forced to look within the depths of your soul and recognize what it is that flourishes and nurtures your drive; ie, you will look inside and identify your strengths.

There are three entities you can never lie to even if you wanted to: God, the devil and YOURSELF. You therefore will need extreme guts to deceive yourself and adopt self glorification; but it is effortless to lie to other people and look super. We have all lied at some point to save face; it often comes as a means of self preservation. With time, it becomes routine when a status has to be maintained, and inadequacies have to be masked. That is why you can never lie to yourself; this is because you already know these inadequacies!!

Self promotion is totally opposite; you see your strengths as they are. They are not vain. Very often, self promotion springs up during times of great trials. This is usually the beginning of the journey towards self confidence for those who may have lost it. Everyone is born confident. Our experiences in life are the ones that erode it slowly by slowly.

I will use myself as an example: for a long time I believed that self-demotion was the same as modesty. This belief system, because of daily practice, led to a distorted parallel view to the extent that I no longer acknowledged my strengths anymore.

I literally crushed my inner strengths in the effort of maintaining a modest and humble image. This led to a bigger problem: I became excessively defensive. I had no pillar to support myself, and I either fell for everything or fought off everything that disturbed my comfort zone. Since life is dynamic, the fighting occurred daily, because change occurs daily. Whatever I could not fight, I resigned to.

This cycle is vicious, and can last entirely. It is vicious because I ended up making decisions that I resigned to, or really fought to uphold what I believed in, even when no one objected!! I was literally an action figure. On a good day I packed enough aggression to fight off Arnold Schwartzneger, Johnny Trejo and Sylverster Stallone all combined. The other time, I was the polar opposite: beyond timid that a kitten would be ashamed!!

It took literal loss and death for me to reach in and grasp at what was left; strength. As Bob Marley said, " You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only option!" I either had to be strong or simply die. Since you cannot just wish death as you can sleep, I had days of literal agony that my entire digestive system gave in. I could not eat solid food for a week. In the meantime, life continued. My cargo was not shipped into the country as I expected, my liquid finances were spent in an emergency surgery.. I had debts to pay by the end of the week.. I discovered a shocking secret that left me feeling betrayed... all in one week. Something had to give in... and it did. I did not die, so I decided to live.

Amid hidden tears and emotional anguish, I strove to find a solution for what I could.. and that meant thinking about what I could accomplish and how to do it. I had to find the investor in me to find a source of cash to pay the debts. I did, eventually.
While I would have given up on my shipment, I found the manager in me to follow up on the matter. Even though I knew I may have lost everything, I realized that the supplier was flexible enough to allow me to return most of my items for a refund, and if I could, I may find a buyer from New York to purchase what could not be refunded. This way, I was able to salvage most of the finances I had tied up to that stock.
That was the time the truth about my personal relationship with people was revealed. I discovered the friends I never knew, and lost many I thought I had. This can really destabilize a  person because when you lose friends, you will question the most intricate parts of your life, and the hardest part is learning to trust again. You will question everyone who associates with you and try to discover their "hidden agendas".... crazy, but true. (I have left more of the issues out.. these were just the ones I considered least troubling..)

To say that I was strong enough to weather the storm would be total self glorification. I was not strong, I was knocked flat out. The turning point occurred when I literally started questioning God; then it occurred to me that I was alive for a reason. 

What reason? What is it that God preserved me for? That was going to be my new worry.
 As I sorted these little messes, I delved deeper in my soul to find out what it was that God saw. Then, my true friends started springing up. Someone would literally barge me to do something solely because she knew I would do it to perfection. A colleague offered to mentor me in a totally new skill in the pharmaceutical field because he was dead sure I had what it takes to do it (I am primarily an IT nerd). All these they saw, yet I did not see. As I embraced these two, I got more confident to embrace more.. and do more, thus my journey towards self promotion.

We all go through such cycles in order to grow. But you can never grow if you are weak and empty in the inside. You can never truly achieve. Sometimes, I think this is why some people act like their sole mission in life is to piss people off.

Anyone who causes another to suffer without being provoked is said to be suffering intensely.

When you allow your spirit to be promoted, you will feel lifted and you will soar. God does not intend for us to suffer spiritually, that is why that reserve of strength will exist even in the most darkest hours of your life. From there, you will rise again. As your spirit is promoted, so is your life. That is the beauty of faith in God, it is never over if you are not yet dead.

God has preserved you for a glory beyond measure, but you will need to prophesy strength into your life first.

This is Serenity!!
Because Life is Beautiful!!!

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Biotin: The B-Vitamin for healthy nails, youthful skin and great hair

Biotin is a water soluble B vitamin that is essential for bodily health. It helps the body to process fat and sugars, and it helps form a critical process in fat production in the body.
Since biotin is so involved with creating the building
blocks for basic body functions at a cellular level, it's very important to have a sufficient supply of this nutritional element.

According to a study at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Pensylvania, where nearly 900 men and women participated in study taking
two milligrams of Biotin daily. The results were fairly astonishing. Approximately 87% of the participants were determined to have significant improvements in increased hair healthy hair growth (healthy being the
keyword), stronger nails, and increased luster to skin.

Though it’s uncommon to have a deficiency in biotin, chronic smokers, alcoholics, pregnant women , those with Crohn’s and/or liver disease and anyone eating a diet loaded with processed foods are most likely to have a deficiency.
Symptoms often reveal themselves through;
- dry eyes,
-cracking on the sides of the mouth,
-scaly skin,
-depression and
-hair loss.

The skin is usually the first indicator of anything that starts to go wrong in your body. You may have great skin one month and on the next, dull skin.

This can be due to various factors:
- nutrition
- medication
- stress
- changes in hormones
- environmental pollutants among others.
These factors also affect the hair and nails too.

The first remedy is usually increasing your water intake, and improving your nutrition; and so we talk Biotin.

People who suffer from dry cracked skin, brittle thin nails, and dry, coarse, and lifeless hair would benefit from a complex supplement that contains not just biotin, but the entire B-complex family of vitamins. There are amazing
amounts of benefits that come from taking biotin because it adds an important nutrient to hair, nail, and skin production. It’s like having oil in your car – sure your car will run, but it will soon breakdown if it doesn’t have oil.

Aids in weight loss

Biotin plays a pivotal role in supporting metabolic function and works as a co-enzyme to help break down food, particularly carbohydrates. This reaction is further accelerated when biotin is paired with chromium. Your
resting metabolic rate is elevated and food breaks down faster when consuming biotin, which is why there’s a link to biotin and accelerating weight loss.
However, research is still preliminary and in no way does biotin act as a weight loss pill. It is still important to pair the supplement with a healthy diet and exercise regime to make sure you meet your slim-down goals. The good news: biotin is widely available and can be found in many
foods such chicken, soy, walnuts, whole grains, beans and legumes.

Helps lower cholesterol

Biotin has shown to play a role in lowering cholesterol, which when too high, can lead to heart disease including heart attack and stroke. Preliminary research has shown biotin can help reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) levels.
***It’s important to note that raw eggs can inhibit the absorption of biotin so if you’re drinking a raw egg shake or eat raw eggs in food, beware that it can reduce the amount of biotin you’re metabolizing.***

Food sources of biotin;
Here are some of the top choices for a regular intake of biotin.

1. Swiss Chard - This green plant is a top producer of biotin. It's also a great part of a healthy salad choice that will provide antioxidants and help balance a diet.

2. Carrots - Carrots contain a supply of biotin, as well as beta-carotene, which helps with general eye health.

3. Almonds, Walnuts and Other Nuts - A variety of nuts supply the body with biotin, and are a portable way to get proteins and other nutrition into a diet.

4. Chicken Eggs - Eggs are a source of biotin,
***although it's important to note that eating a diet unusually high in egg whites can actually be a catalyst for a biotin deficiency. That's because a specific element in the egg whites binds to the element and prevents it from being distributed properly.***
It's important to always consider how eggs are added to a diet in order to prevent this kind of vitamin deficiency.

5. Goat's Milk and Cow's Milk - In addition to calcium and other healthy items, milks are also a source of biotin for the body.

6. Berries and Fruits - Some types of berries, including strawberries and raspberries, can get the body a significant amount of biotin. These fruits also provide antioxidants and health benefits, as part of a natural, whole food approach to eating. Experts recommend buying local and organic when possible.

7. Halibut - In addition to being "brain food," this fish also contains large amounts of biotin. Think about adding it as an occasional entre.

8. Vegetables - Other vegetables like onions, cucumbers and cauliflower all contain biotin, and are healthy ways to fit this vitamin into meals.

You can also get biotin from nutritional supplements if your diet cannot be altered further. They are very affordable and available without prescription at your favourite pharmacy.

Medical perspective:
"Biotin deficiency is rare and low levels may result
in brittle nails and hair loss," explains Dr. Stuart.
"However, hair loss and brittle nails may have multiple causes and taking biotin supplements may actually halt this process and even help to reverse it."
The general daily recommended dosage of biotin is 2.5mg, according to Dr. Scher. However, it's not clear what the correct dosage is for the full effect, but it's important to consult your doctor to avoid overdosing.

Dr. Stuart suggests looking out for these possible signs of biotin overdose:
-slowerrelease of insulin,
-skin rashes,
-lower vitamin C and B6 levels and
-high blood sugar levels.

This is Serenity;

You can read more on
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The normal man...

Hello there!!

For a few days now i have been following the life of the Naija Husband... and my sides are still aching. The musings of this Nigerian man and his wife are out of this world... but they resonate in a way with us (Kenyan couples).
In one tweet he commented on how Kenyans be showing the post lots of love (which is true..the shares on Facebook are MANY!!) and maybe we may have the Kenyan Husband musings...and this got me reflecting...
When Naija husband talks about his life with his lovely wife, I cant help but connect with him...he is a normal man after all!!!

http://www.worldofstock.com

***Before you stone me.....
The perception  that many have of the Naija man is of a filthy rich oil drilling tycoon (thanks to Kenya Moore  and our very own Vee s baiby). Other perceptions are of the gambling, shady businessmen who bring the club down when it comes to parties. But the myth has been dispelled (thankfully).

I may not be a Kenyan husband, but i know of one Kenyan man who went through the same episodes as the Naija Husband with his beloved.

Just like Naija Wife, she was obsessed with her hair and all that had to do with hair. She loved to buy hair conditioners, never mind she had about twenty different conditioners at home, and she loved doing crazy 'treatments' to her hair. Initially he could never understand the addiction... reading hair forums, researching, the videos and tutorials downloaded in her computer with their own folder..."HAIR"!! With time, he let her be, and even suggested she invest in a hair salon since she knew so much about hair. He understood her obsession, even though he could not grasp all that hullabaloo about hair, since he always kept his at most, 3 millimeters long.

This Kenyan man knew his beloved loved to window shop, and it annoyed him to high heavens. They also loved to do their grocery shopping together on Sunday on the way back from church.  So, she came up with a rule, once in the supermarket, they would pick the essentials and then they split; he went to the hardware section and she went to the cosmetics section. She got her weekly dose of looking for the latest products with no intentions of buying, and he could satisfy the 'fixer' in him would see what may help him fix something... and he always emerged with a tool in hand. For him it was never a wasted trip. And then, they would meet at the liqueur section where he would pick his six pack of Heineken and bought her her favourite bottle of Baileys.. and laugh all the way back home.

This Kenyan man that I know would at times promise to be home early for dinner. Many times he was on time, and they would have dinner together while watching ESPN or National Geo Wild... all because they had to strike a balance between the soap operas she so loved, and wrestling which aired at the same time. They tried to split the TV into two but it never worked. So she learned of the prowess of LeBron James, and he discovered how well his beloved could commentate the entire game. There were days when he would follow the match with his eyes closed, thanks to the super commentator next to him... she never missed a single detail!!!

Of course, the Kenyan man was not perfect, since he missed curfew on some weekdays.. and always had penance in his pocket... a pack of Oreos she so loved, Dairy Milk chocolate bar which was the standard currency of forgiveness... and some days he would send funny memes through Whatsapp so that by the time he got home (late, mind you), all she could talk about was the funny troll. She would then barrage him with questions about his day, if a deal went through or if he finally discovered the cure for the Kenyan political madness. This always landed her in trouble, since he would talk on and on and on about some mathematics she could not understand...and she always ended the discussion with, 'Oh....' (blank)

The Kenyan man has his weaknesses too. One of them is that the always stored his most important documents at the highest point in the room... on the curtain box, on top of the highest cabinet, the chandelier... and he always forgot where he stored them. Thanks to this weakness, his beloved learned the art of balancing on top of stools upon stools and maneuvering her way while balanced six feet above the ground because she ALWAYS knew where he liked to store his stuff... above and beyond. 

She also developed a theory as to why spiders loved their home... her argument was that the spiders were learning from the Kenyan man on the art of "above and beyond", which came in handy since they would eat the mosquitoes that hid themselves 'above and beyond'.
She was never scared of the spiders, this Kenyan woman, but a dead earthworm would send her screaming... The Kenyan man understood this and never laughed at her because of her phobia. He would kill the worms and dispose them before his beloved saw them. She always knew she had a hero in this Kenyan man, worms or not.

Like all men, the Kenyan man had a past, and some details he was never proud of. But he never used them as an excuse for his wrongs. No one likes being judged because of their past, so they reconstruct their lives for a better future. The Kenyan man did this, he used his past mistakes to try and create a better future for himself and his beloved. Sometimes it worked, and at times failed miserably. But he had become man enough to know that no human being is ever a complete package. Even when his Kenyan woman feared for the future because of her past, he would encourage her with words and actions that helped her achieve what she may never have dreamed of achieving.

No one on earth is perfect, but everyone is special in some way. Some say all good things come to an end.. maybe that is true. But, once a person becomes special, they stay special even beyond their death.
Just like the Kenyan man. A normal man, yet special beyond measure. 

This is Serenity!!
Because Life is Beautiful...

Prescription drugs, OTC drugs and those in between

Difference between prescription-only drugs, drugs you can buy over the counter (OTC)  and all those in between (it's a blurred line).

***please note, drugs means substances that are classified as medicine by the pharmaceutical boards and sold as such, and are meant to heal or bring about relief, NOT supplements or herbs....or joints****

Prescription drugs are those drugs which you CANNOT purchase without a written doctor's recommendation, nor can you get a refill without the written recommendation.
On the other hand, OTC (over-the-counter) drugs are those which you may purchase without a written recommendation. These include pain killers, cough syrups, fever medicine and the like.

Prescription drugs are usually defined by the medical board/pharmaceutical and poisons board of a particular country. Most countries usually share the same rules when declaring prescription medicine, although what may be strictly prescription in one country, may be OTC in another eg opiate painkillers like Syndol or Betapyn.

Most of the rules that dictate the availability of a drug usually hover around the issues of drug dependency, as well as possible side effects of the drug. A good example is Cytotec (misoprostol), which should never be sold without a prescription. The drug is indicated for treatment of advanced stomach ulcers, but a side effect is labour induction, thus miscarriage. Such a drug may be life-threatening even with a single dose if used unknowingly/unwisely by an expectant lady, therefore the physician who prescribes it must be fully aware of the patient's health and reproductive status (ie, pregnancy.. or not).
Most OTC drugs pose a very small risk unless a very large dose is used at once, and its impossible to obtain such doses (unless you run a registered clinic!!). Some of these drugs pose dependency risks when used over a long while. The dependency issues are however mild and can be overcome once the drug use is discontinued. These include cough syrups with opiates eg codeine. However, most of these drugs are usually costly, so it would be hard to form a habit due to the prices.

When planning to travel abroad, always carry your supply of medicine; if you are on prescription drugs, get a refill before traveling. Otherwise, if you are on short term treatment eg allergy or use eye-drops, also be sure to purchase before traveling. This is because some of the drugs may be unavailable in emergency cases, unless you check-in to the casualty department of a local hospital, which may be costly and time-consuming.
Till next time, much love,,

This is Serenity!!

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HEADACHES: migraines, cluster headaches and what they are about.

One of my main motivations behind the blog is my health.
I happen to suffer from migraines that are mild and periodically strong. Some episodes last a few hours, some can take up to five days non-stop, and your week is like a zombie trance. What are these that plague us so?

Headache pain results from signals interacting between the brain, blood vessels, and surrounding nerves. During a headache, specific nerves of the blood vessels and head muscles are activated and send pain signals to the brain. It's not clear, however, why these signals are activated in the first place.

Types of headaches:
There are about 150 types of headaches, some mild, others severe, others chronic and some, one time affair.
Their triggers and treatments will vary. The most common types of headaches are:

Tension headaches: Also called chronic daily headaches or chronic non-progressive headaches, tension headaches are the most common type of headaches among adults and adolescents. These muscle contraction headaches cause mild to moderate pain and come and go over a prolonged period of time.
Many tension headaches take time todevelop following physical or emotional stress but can last for hours, or even days.
This headache tends to form as a result of muscle contraction, and is commonly felt as a band behind the eyes and across the forehead, but the pain can be located anywhere in the head, including on the side or at the back.
It can be accompanied by feeling generally unwell.

Aneurysm : You will experience a sudden, "thunderclap" of pain. This pain can mimic a migraine or cluster headache and can be accompanied by a stiff neck, double vision, and loss of consciousness. Get immediate, urgent medical assistance.

**In this case, surgery and blood pressure stabilization are the main treatments.

Migraines: The exact causes of migraines are unknown. A popular theory is that various triggers cause abnormal brain activity, which in turn causes changes in the blood vessels in the brain. This is called the neurovascular
theory. (my guess why migraine painkillers contain caffeine: to constrict the blood vessels..i stand corrected though)
Genetics plays a role in migraines and there are some forms of migraines that are associated with inherited abnormalities in certain parts of the brain.
Migraine pain is moderate to severe, often described as pounding, throbbing pain (like there is something drilling your head but you cannot touch it). Migraine headaches can last from four hours to three days and usually occur one to four times per month.
Migraines are associated with symptoms such as sensitivity to light, noise, or odors; nausea or vomiting;
loss of appetite; and stomach upset or abdominal pain.
stomach upset.
There are visual problems—called "aura"— such as seeing stars, flickering objects, and even loss of vision right before or during an attack. Some people will get panic attacks (like me) and some, a slight fever. The aura may occur a few minutes or an hour before an attack. Some migraines also cause numbness or weakness.
Migraines can be caused by reactions to food(eg dark chocolate, red wine), stressors, hormonal changes, an accident, and for some people, they are inherited.
Migraines require special attention, and you should
seek advice from your doctor, who can help you with medications and other methods to prevent migraines from occurring.
Also, with time, you can learn to detect the aura episodes and use medicine to prevent the migraine attack, or stop it before it becomes severe.
small percentage of migraines include recurrent (cyclic)
gastrointestinal symptoms, vomiting being the most common. Cyclic vomiting means that the symptoms occur on a regular basis, about once a month.
These types of migraines are sometimes called abdominal migraines.

Tumor induced headache: This is rare and if you have any suspicions that this is an issue, see your doctor immediately. Some symptoms of a brain tumor might include numbness or weakness of limbs, slurred speech, disturbed vision, epileptic fits, personality changes, or poor balance. It is rare for there to be no other symptom than a headache.

Cluster headaches: The least common but quite severe
primary headache, the pain of a cluster headache is intense and may be described as having a burning or piercing quality that is throbbing or constant.
The pain is so severe that most cluster headache sufferers cannot sit still and will often pace during an attack.
The pain is located behind one eye or in the eye region, without changing sides.
****The term "cluster headache" refers to headaches that have a characteristic grouping of attacks. (it's like they have a season in your head. During a cluster season you are in pain, then the season fades and you are fine - for a while).
Cluster headaches occur one to three times per day during a cluster period, which may last two weeks to three months. The headaches may disappear completely (go into "remission") for months or years, only to recur

Mixed headache syndrome: Also called transformed migraines, mixed headache syndrome is a combination of migraine and tension headaches. Both adults and children experience this type of headache.

Medication overuse headache (MOH): The third most widespread source of headaches is the medication overuse headache, or "rebound headache",
which stems from withdrawal symptoms from long-term use of pain relief medication (usually for tension headaches).
MOH headaches are treatable, just stop using the medication. The symptoms of an MOH headache are often similar to those of tension headaches.

Sinus headaches: Sinus headaches are associated with a deep and constant pain in the cheekbones, forehead, or bridge of the nose. The pain usually intensifies with sudden head movement or straining and usually occurs with other sinus symptoms, such as nasal discharge, feeling of fullness in the ears, fever, and facial swelling.

Acute headaches: these are headaches that occur suddenly and for the first time and have symptoms that subside after a relatively short period of time.
Acute headaches most commonly result in a visit to the
pediatrician's office and/or the emergency room. If there are no neurological signs or symptoms, the most common cause for acute headaches in children and adolescents is a respiratory or sinus infection.

Hormone headaches: Headaches in women are often associated with changing hormone levels that occur during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Chemically induced hormone changes, such as with birth control pills, also trigger headaches in some women.

Chronic progressive headaches: Also called traction or inflammatory headaches, chronic progressive headaches get worse and happen more often over time. These are the least common type of headache, accounting for less
than 5% of all headaches in adults and less than 2% of all headaches in kids.
Chronic progressive headaches may be the result of an illness or disorder of the brain or skull.

Allergy or food induced headache: With an allergy induced headache. you'll often have a runny nose and watery eyes as well as the headache, and the
headache can be generalized. It is often treated with anti-histamines.
And if you eat ice cream or drink a cold drink too quickly, you can induce a temporary "brainfreeze", or "ice cream headache" which is severe but passes quickly.

Headache caused by pain, problems, or tension in another part of the body: Headaches can be caused by sinus blockage, a cold, a virus, or fever, coughing, physical exertion, hunger, eyestrain, strained neck or back muscles, arthritis, and by dental problems. In each case, it is essential to get your doctor's examination and advice, as you will probably need wider body treatment and not just a simple focus on the head region.
If you have to wear certain items regularly, such as goggles for swimming, or pull your hair back a lot for modeling or stage work, etc., these can cause headaches in their own right—often the symptoms will be relieved by removing the item or changing your hair styling method.

Accident induced headache :
If you involved in an accident in which your head receives a shock, bump, hit, or bang, you may develop a headache. Post-traumatic headaches can arise as the result of being
in an accident or traumatic situation—these can be extremely difficult to treat and may need the intervention of a specialist trained in psychology or psychiatry.

Like I said, they number up to 150, some general while others are due to specific injury or another issue.
Always consult your doctor if the symptoms persist or seem unusual.

Relieving painkillers can easily be accessed at your pharmacy, but be careful; over-dependence can lead to headaches again.

This is Serenity.

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Olive oil: Discover how this oil helps your skin glow

Hi again,
So, we look at how olive oil makes you skin healthy.
Olive oil has many uses in the kitchen, as well as for hair care.

Photo credit: Barry Wong/Photodisc/Getty Images

There are various "types" of olive oil depending on the extraction method.  In general, the less processed
an oil the more nutrients it contains, although the more expensive it tends to be.
" Extra virgin " olive oil comes from the first pressing of olives, and retains the most flavor and aroma.
"cold pressed," meaning they aren't heated up beyond room temperature during processing. Unsurprisingly, high heat can damage the flavor and nutrients in the oil.
" Virgin" olive oil generally comes from the second
pressing.
Cheaper brands sold as " regular" or "pure " olive oil are made with chemical refining and filtering, which standardize and neutralize flavors and acid contents. They have lower nutrient levels as a result.

Dry skin healer: Olive oil is very helpful when it comes to dry skin. Olive oil has fatty acids that will form a protective barrier on your skin, preventing excessive loss of moisture. The nutrients and anti-oxidants in the oil will help heal the skin too, especially where cracks and injuries are concerned.

****One thing to note is that smearing olive oil directly on your skin will leave it a bit oily/greasy. Human skin comes equipped with a protective barrier that will not readily permit the passage of most lipids (fat) soluble portions of plants and oils. This protective barrier more readily permits the absorption of carefully formulated water-soluble products with special carriers (emulsions as in lotions)
So, you can get the olive oil benefits by adding in to your favourite body lotion (as many people do with glycerine).

You can also make a moisturizing facial by mixing olive oil with honey and an egg yolk. The mixture should be beaten until well blended, then applied. After 15 minutes, you should rinse with warm water and pat dry. Straight olive oil can be used to alleviate chapped and dry lips. Just dab the oil on with fingertips.

Relieve the Itch: Dry, itchy and inflamed skin is usually the sign of skin irritations, such as eczema and psoriasis. Add a quarter cup of olive oil to a warm bath for all-over relief, or apply the oil directly to irritated areas.

Shaving Aid: Shaving, especially with only soap and water, can cause razor rash, bumps and nicks. By applying a lubricant, such as moisture-rich olive oil, you can avoid some of the pitfalls of shaving. Apply enough olive oil to coat the skin, then draw your razor over the areas doused in olive oil for a smoother, more moisturized shave.

Remove Mascara (and other make-up):
Store-bought makeup removers can be harsh, especially when used around the delicate eye area. A bottle of olive oil, however, is an effective and gentle eye makeup removers possible. The olive oil dissolves the makeup, even waterproof mascara, so it slides easily off of your eyes without the need for rubbing or scrubbing. Apply olive oil to a cotton ball, hold it on the eye area for 30 seconds and slide it downward for a makeup-free face at
bedtime.

Olive oil helps prevent early signs of aging:
Aging is a natural process that cannot be avoided, but with proper care, many of the signs and symptoms of aging can be slowed down. Whether used as a healthy food choice or applied externally, the oil is known to help slow down the aging process.

The monounsaturated fat content of olive oil can help lower LDL cholesterol levels, which makes it a healthy choice for cooking. But olive oil also works as an excellent skin moisturizer. Because olive oil is high in antioxidants, including vitamin E, it works naturally to protect you from free radicals, which are known to accelerate the aging process.

Sun Burn, Rash, Wound or Insect Bites : Gently apply a light layer of olive oil and leave uncovered. It helps with the itching and speeds up the healing. It's great for diaper
rash, too.

Nutrient Composition of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Extra virgin olive oil is fairly nutritious . It contains modest amounts of Vitamins E and K and plenty of beneficial fatty acids .

This is the nutrient content of 100 grams of olive oil:
Saturated Fat: 13. 8% .
Monounsaturated Fat: 73% (most of it the 18 carbon long oleic acid) .
Omega - 6: 9 .7 % .
Omega - 3: 0 .76% .
Vitamin E: 72% of the RDA.
Vitamin K: 75% of the RDA.
But where extra virgin olive oil really shines is in its content of antioxidants.
These substances are biologically active and some of them can help fight serious diseases .

Some of the main antioxidants are the anti -inflammatory oleocanthal, as well as oleuropein, a substance that protects LDL cholesterol from oxidation. 

***you can buy your olive oil and related products here***

Some people have criticized olive oil for having a high Omega - 6 to Omega- 3 ratio, but keep in mind that the total amount of polyunsaturated fats is still relatively low, so this shouldn’t be a cause for concern.

Oh, while most of these articles are more about beauty care, even men will benefit too (if you have an afro, or dreadlocks, or you cannot wear shorts to the beach because your legs are ashy)

Stay beautiful,
This is Serenity!!

You can read more on
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Depression: Is it really genetic?

**Depression is deeper and more profound than a simple matter of disproportioned brain chemicals**

Depression is a mental condition that is usually a result of prolonged stress or trauma.
Despite being a general feeling of feeling blue, it is a condition that goes beyond the general sadness that we feel over time. It is not something that you make up in your head!!!
Depression is deeper and more profound than a simple matter of disproportioned brain chemicals

Major depression is a mood state that goes well beyond temporarily feeling
sad or blue. It is a serious medical illness that affects one’s thoughts, feelings,
behavior, mood and physical health. Depression is a life-long condition in
which periods of wellness alternate with recurrences of illness. ( https://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=depression)
Its mainly thought that depression runs in families and may be genetic. This is somehow true, since many depressed people have a relative suffering with depression or resultant conditions (fibromyalgia, schizophrenia, anorexia, bulimia, bi-polar syndrome etc)
A theory i have come to believe is that most of the depressive conditions are ingrained in our genes (much like asthma, other allergies or keratoconus). These conditions will normally skip some members and afflict others. But with mental depression illnesses, most of them usually have a trigger. Most depressed individuals i know usually have had traumatic events in childhood (like being orphaned or losing a parent or sibling, or even surviving a major medical problem that may have caused them a lot of sadness at the time.
Depression is treatable, but I doubt its curable. You can have a normal life when dealing with depression or the resulting conditions.
1. Never ever judge yourself, the world will do that for you. You are not psycho, or a loser ... you are just ill and you need medical help.
2. seek help, you need it. Do not be ashamed of it (you can start with me here, and we can link you with a network that will help you)
3. Never self medicate. Alcohol, weed or other physcotropics will work on short term, but may be addictive and then you will need help to get OFF them (trust me, i know).
4. Physical exercise is a must. Besides improving your health, exercise helps increase clarity of mind. Also, when you exercise, you feel accomplished when you are done with a routine. Don't over-do it. start small, then build up from there. The day you feel tired, do a small routine and take a break. Allow your body to recover.
5. Always have a friend who understands what you are going through and does not treat you like a looney or a weakling. (even business gurus have mentors who help them learn the ropes).
All in all, depression is a life long condition that should not cripple you in any way. There is always a way out, as long as you are alive.

Live life, live well, enjoy life!!
This is Serenity!!!

You can read more on
weight loss
weight gain
health
fitness,
hair care
skin care,
medical,
herbal stuff,
depression ,
insomnia,
what makes us blue at times
plus all other random helpful stuff in the blog!!

Stay updated by signing up for more posts or bookmarking us and visit our Facebook page .

You can also purchase some of other items on sale on the online shop (don't worry, its secure) or the Pesapal simple shop

call/text/whatsapp +254725733412 or email me at mburu.njeri88@gmail.com

Enzyme depletion and food storage; what we miss from seed to plate

Enzymes are large biological molecules responsible for the thousands of metabolic processes that sustain life.
They are needed for every chemical reaction that takes place in the human body.
Without enzymes, not activity at all would take place. Neither vitamins, minerals, nor hormones can do any work without enzymes. This is what makes enzyme depletion especially concerning.
The human body makes approximately 22 digestive enzymes, capable of digesting protein, carbohydrates, sugars, and fats.
Food is digested in stages, beginning in the mouth, moving to the stomach, and finally through the small
intestine. At each step, specific enzymes break down different types of foods. (source)

Causes of Enzyme depletion

Enzyme depletion occurs in various stages from the plant/animal to the plate.
This has caused enzyme deficiencies in the human body that leads to all kinds of health conditions.

The main causes of enzyme depletion include:
• Pesticides and chemicals
• Hybridization and genetic engineering
• Bovine growth hormone
• Pasteurization
• Irradiated food
• Excess intake of unsaturated and hydrogenated fats
• Cooking at high temperatures
• Microwaving
• Radiation and electromagnetic fields
• Geopathic stress zones
• Fluoridated water
• Heavy metals
• Mercury amalgam dental fillings
• Root canals

Enzyme deficiency affects us health-wise. Without these enzymes the body is unable to metabolize or use the available nutrients to sustain body functions, or even produce and activate other necessary enzymes.

Each enzyme deficiency comes with its own set of problems;

* Protease (digests proteins): anxiety, low blood sugar, kidney problems, water retention, depressed immunity, bacterial and viral infections, cancer, appendicitis, bone problems (such as osteoporosis, arthritis, and bone spurs).

* Amylase (digests non-fiber carbohydrates): skin problems such as rashes, hives, fungal infections, herpes, and canker sores; lung problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema; liver or gall bladder disease.

* Lipase (digests fats): high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, hardening of the arteries and other cardiovascular problems, chronic fatigue, spastic colon, dizziness.

* Cellulase (digests fibers): gas and bloating, acute food allergies, facial pain or paralysis, candidiasis (bowel and vaginal yeast infections).

There are some lifestyle changes one has to make so as to increase the availability of enzymes in the body. Though it will take a while for your body to completely bounce back and recover, eating 'clean' will be a good start. You can also supplement your enzymes using oral supplements in the mean time.

• Eat as raw, clean, natural, and fresh as possible.
• Cook food less, and use lower temperatures when possible.(blanching, or steaming vegetables)
• Use filtered or spring water only.(helps reduce the salts and metals that we ingest)
• Remove heavy metals from the body. (this is where detox and purging come in)
* Eat foods rich in enzymes such as papaya, pineapples, melons, mango, kiwi, grapes, avocado, raw honey, bee pollen, kefir, fermented vegetables, and wheatgrass.
• Chewing as completely as possible.
• High quality digestive and systemic enzyme supplements. (these should be available at the pharmacy or health store). 

While we are talking about raw food, how do we keep them for as long as possible?

Do Not Store Fruits and Vegetables Together. Fruits that give off high levels of ethylene (the ripening agent) can prematurely ripen and spoil surrounding vegetables. (Think of the "one bad apple" adage.)

For Vegetables: Before storing, remove ties and rubber bands and trim any leafy ends. Leave an inch to keep the vegetable from drying out. Make sure the bag you store the veggies in has some holes punctured to allow for good air flow.

Pack vegetables loosely in the refrigerator. The closer they are, the quicker they will rot. Leafy greens can be washed before storing by soaking them in a sink full of water, while soft herbs and mushrooms should not be washed until right before they are used.

For Fruits: Non-cherry stone fruits, avocados, tomatoes, mangoes, melons, apples, and pears will continue to ripen if left sitting out on a countertop, while items like bell peppers, grapes, all citrus, and berries will only deteriorate and should be refrigerated.
Bananas in particular ripen very quickly, and will also speed the ripening of any nearby fruits.

We are what we eat; Garbage in, Garbage out....

This is Serenity!!!

Damaged hair and excessive shedding? Try a HOT OIL TREATMENT

(photo courtesy of http://www.nagpurhungama.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/22.jpg)

Hi again,
What is a hot oil treatment?
Of all the crunchy things you can do for your hair, the hot oil treatment is by far the most satisfying and luxurious.
A hot oil treatment is a hair care regime where oil is applied on damp (or even dry) hair and scalp, and left to sit like a conditioning treatment, for about an hour or two. This way the oil is absorbed by both the tresses and scalp. It can be done once weekly, or every two weeks.

What are the benefits?

* Hot oil treatments heal and nourish the scalp. When the scalp is in good condition, then you get healthy lush growth.

* Hot oil treatments heal the scalp of any fungal and bacterial infections. Most oils have antibacterial and antifungal properties (especially coconut, olive and castor oils). Regular use of the oils will help treat dandruff and flaky scalp, and help deal with fungal issues like ring worms. These infections normally stunt hair growth, that is why when people start using the oils they notice rapid improvement. 

***get your oils here***

The bacteria and fungi that live on the scalp are sometimes caused by damp hair underneath braids and weaves, sweat accumulation, sharing of combs and hair accessories or even a fever or issue that may lower your immunity.
You can tweak the treatment by using herbal infusions or extracts for added benefits. Hot oil treatments also help in treating lice infestation in the hair (works well for cats and dogs too!!). 

* Hot oil treatment helps rejuvenate hair growth. Due to many issues like infections and scars (from chemical burns, tight braids etc), the hair growth is stunted. This is common especially for those who lose their hair lines due to tight braids and weaves.

* Hot oil treatments help improve the appearance of dull hair and tames frizz and strengthen the hair. The oils you choose will infuse your hair – made up primarily of a protein called keratin – with much-needed moisture and strengthening compounds, leaving it with luster. It helps get rid of that annoying frizz, leaving the unfortunate split ends smoother and less noticeable.
This is especially true for coconut, olive and avocado oils that are able to penetrate the hair shaft and strengthen it.

How to treat yourself at home
With the right oils you can have a hot oil treatment at home.
Just mix your preferred oils in a small cup/container. You can add drops of essential oils or just use infused oils for more healing benefits. Let the cup sit in a pan of hot water and warm it. Don't let it get too hot, just warm enough.
Some people apply to dry hair, others to damp hair. If you are going to shampoo, coconut oil is most advisable since it helps reduce protein loss during the washing process.
Cover your hair with a shower cap then let it sit for at least one hour (most people prefer overnight). You can use a dryer or steam cap or cover with a towel to retain the heat.
Finally, wash it off. If you will use shampoo, use a gentle one. You can use a clarifying conditioner, or a normal rinse conditioner with a teaspoon of vinegar/apple cider vinegar. This will help rinse off the excess oils.
Afterwards, you can style as desired. Remember to use heat protectant /shield products if you will flat iron or blow dry. You can get most of these oils at a health store or pharmacy near you.

So go ahead and get oily, your tresses will love it.
This is Serenity!!!

More reads...
* How to curb your appetite
* What fat burners are all about
* Key difference between fat-loss and weight-loss

Is you dog dominant or just anxious?

Hello,
Today we talk canines, from the lens of one of my most favourite dog trainer and behaviourist Lee Charles Kelley (LCK)

So far, he and few other dog trainers are the ones who have debunked the 'dominance training' style. The major thing he advocates for is RESPECT; earn the dog's respect and the dog will be obedient.

So far, having studied Sigmund Froyd and other scientists, he is of the opinion that there is no such thing as alpha-dog/wolf in an ideal environment. This, I have seen myself: having lived with dogs all my life, I have noticed that 'dominance' rotates around the whole pack depending on the situation or resource available.

***Here is the blog article on dominance and anxiety.***
 
Eg,
*my female GSD will be 'dominant' whenever the vet or someone new arrives, and will protect the guest from the more aggressive ones (the little spitzes!!!). She will also make decisions when any of the pack member whines during injections and will do anything to fight the vet!!
All other times, she is content patrolling the compound, hunting lizards or laying on the couch watching TV. Even during food time, she is composed and does not seek to growl at the rest.

*the 5kg american Eskie Spitz will be the Don Corleone during treats,and will be very angry if any dog even sniffs his food, and is the one that decides if the new dog is welcome or not. Whenever a new dog is brought, the rest go on a barking frenzy, Teddy just calmly approaches the dog, sniffs. The new comer will let himself be inspected respectfully (!!!!), and Teddy will walk away and sit or lie down. Immediately, all the dogs stop barking and the "sniff the new comer" ritual starts, and in less than one hour, there is peace in the pack. Strangely, if Teddy rejects a dog or a person, they will never be accepted in the compound, and high tech supervision is required. Mind you Teddy is 5kg and lost a leg a year back when challenging a neighbour's GSD, something that still goes on today!!

*then we have two mutts, Simba and Gooch. These two are usually the most mischevious of the 'pack', and intelligent beyond measure. When they start something funny (like climbing over the kitchen window grills to get to the cat food), all the other six will follow. When they are content lying in the back yard, i usually expect no drama. Mind you, Simba is about 4 years old, and Gooch is still a 6 month old pup!! Yet they are the leading coordinators during adventures.

These three instances have debunked the dominance myth, for me that is. All the dogs are well aware of behaviours expected of them and are very obedient and loyal. These. behaviours I have observed while there is no human moderator, and they are alone as a pack.

I am not a dog trainer, but from reading, personal and experiments, a dog that does not see any value in you will not obey you. This i have observed even when we adopt older dogs (some 3 years old). Unless the dog sees value in you, the discipline measures (like time-outs) will never work. Surprisingly, this also works with cats, both adopted adults and kittens!! But that is just me...

There is a way to earn a dog's respect, and aggression or dominance is not one of them. You will have to be firm with them so that lines and boundaries are respected, and any trainer knows that patience, understanding and time are required, but never show the dog that they are threatened whenever they disobey.
(they call me the dog whisperer at home...title earned)

Dog training is as complex as training humans, you have to consider the temperament, prey drive, what the dog loves and dislikes, and history (for older dogs), and the environment they live in. I never try to dominate them, I allow them to see me as a member, and their care taker.

Feel free to let me know what you think, and what you have experienced as a dog owner or trainer.

You can read more on what LCK thinks on dominance versus anxiety here.

Call/text/whatsapp +254725733412 for more queries and quotations regarding a vet, surgeon, breeder, vaccine, treatment and grooming, or you wish to adopt or buy a dog or cat...
You can also email me on mburu.njeri88@gmail.com if you have any more queries or comments

This is Serenity.

RELATED ARTICLES
Know your dog: German Shepherd Dog
Know your dog: The Golden Retriever

Puppy Health: Canine Parvovirus

Puppy Health: Canine Distemper

Of Actions and Reactions...

Of relationship articles: Sow to reap...

You can read more on
weight loss
weight gain
health and fitness,
hair care,
skin care,
medical,
herbal stuff,
depression ,
insomnia,
what makes us blue at times
plus all other random helpful stuff in the blog!!

Stay updated by signing up for more posts or bookmarking us and visit our Facebook page .

You can also purchase some of other items on sale on the online shop (don't worry, its secure) or the Pesapal simple shop

call/text/whatsapp +254725733412 or email me at mburu.njeri88@gmail.com