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  • WHAT IS KLEPTOMANIA AND HOW TO TREAT IT?

    WHAT IS KLEPTOMANIA AND HOW TO TREAT IT?

    KLEPTOMANIA2

    KLEPTOMANIA IS A SEVERE MENTAL DISORDER THAT IS CURABLE IF TREATED THE RIGHT WAY.

    Have you ever encountered or heard about a person who has a habit of stealing items for no apparent motive? Chances are, the person has an underlying psychological condition known as Kleptomania. As disturbing as it may sound, individuals who suffer from Kleptomania and the people who know them have a reason to be hopeful because the condition is treatable. Learn what it is all about, its signs and the proper treatment.

    WHAT IS KLEPTOMANIA?

    Kleptomania is a type of impulse control disorder where individuals cannot control the urge to steal items that they usually do not need or those that are of no value to them. It is a severe mental health malady that, if left untreated, can bring emotional pain to the victim and their loved ones.

    Lack of control in both emotional and behavioral impulses causes the failure to resist the temptation to get something, leading to the act of “stealing.” The cause of Kleptomania is still unknown, and more research is needed to unravel the answers. Most theorists, however, associate the condition with:

    • Low Serotoninlevels in the brain, which is often found in people with impulsive behavior.
    • Addiction of any form and stealing may trigger the release of neurotransmitter dopaminethat’s responsible for pleasurable feelings.
    • An imbalanced opioidsystem in the brain – the system regulating impulses.

    THE SIGNS

    You are the best person to know if you have the condition. You may suffer from Kleptomania if you:

    • Can’t resist the powerful urge to steal items that you don’t need.
    • Feel tense, anxious, sometimes aroused before the act of stealing.
    • Derive pleasure and gratification from stealing.
    • Feel guilty, ashamed, and remorseful after stealing.
    • Repeat the cycle all over again.

    People afflicted with Kleptomania commonly have these characteristics:

    • Stealing episodes are spontaneous and without collaboration with anyone.
    • The person has no need for the items stolen. They stash them away for storage, give them away, or secretly return them to the original location.
    • Most of the time, stealing takes place in public places. However, the person may sometimes steal from acquaintances, friends, or family members.
    • The main reason for stealing is to satisfy a compulsive urge. This is different from shoplifters, who steal for personal gain, rebellion, or to challenge a dare.
    • Stealing urges may occur from time to time or at regular intervals. The intensity may vary, but the cycle continues.

    WHEN TO SEEK HELP

    People with Kleptomania are generally afraid to admit they have a problem and ask for help due to shame and fear of being judged. Another reason is the fear of being arrested for the theft committed.  Ironically, there may be those who have come to terms with their condition and sought help, and they did so because they got caught or arrested.

    Individuals who have made the decision to seek help should expect to initially undergo a serious talk with a mental health professional and answer some diagnostic “tests.” This phase should help the doctor assess the level of condition. The doctor then engages the person in discussion with the objective of coming up with the most suitable treatment approach. 

    TREATMENT

    Up to now, researchers and medical health experts are still trying to identify which approach works best. While there is no pill or medicine to cure the condition unlike a typical physical ailment, there are treatment options that have proven to work over the years. It would all depend on your preference and your needs. Whichever treatment you opt to have, let your doctor guide you through the process.

    COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY

    This psychotherapy is typically used in the program to rehabilitate addiction patients. The therapy target your stealing urges involves these techniques:

    • Aversion therapy, where you practice slightly painful techniques such as pinching yourself continuously until you become uncomfortable whenever you have an urge to steal;
    • Covert sensitization, where you imagine yourself stealing and encountering negative consequences (like being caught or arrested); and,
    • Systematic desensitization, where you do relaxation exercises and imagine yourself controlling your stealing urges.

    MEDICATIONS

    Currently, the federal drug administration bodies have not approved any specific drug to treat Kleptomania. A lot of research is yet to be done to find Kleptomania pills. While waiting for this development, mental health doctors continue to prescribe medications like anti-depressants that contain a certain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). However, this depends on whether you have another underlying mental disorder.

    Other doctors may use what they call opioid antagonists to minimize urges and gratification feelings linked to stealing. Your doctor may consider other medications. When this happens, consult them about possible side effects. Also, seek to know and if the drugs would interfere with your other medicines. Strictly follow your therapist’s advice. Furthermore, make it a point to seek assistance from a person you trust or a support group.

  • TIPS TO BEAT YOUR SWEET CRAVINGS

    FIVE TIPS TO BEAT YOUR SWEET CRAVINGS

    SWEET CRAVING 2

    Whether we’re dieting or not, we sometimes feel an intense craving for a particular item. There is that sudden urge to eat for particular types of food just to sate our cravings. Sometimes, the culprit behind our craving is our sweet tooth. We’ve become too addicted to sugar that we feel light-headed when we don’t consume it.

    “There is no end of craving. Hence contentment alone is the best way to happiness. Therefore, acquire contentment.” 

    HOW DO WE PREVENT INDULGING IN THESE BITTERSWEET CRAVINGS? HERE ARE OUR TOP 5 TIPS TO HELP YOU BEAT YOUR SUGAR CRAVINGS.

    REDUCE CAFFEINE

    It may seem counter-intuitive, but cutting caffeine can significantly lift up your mood throughout the day. Why? It’s because we’re so used to drinking 3-in-1 coffee. The moment we start our day, we’re indulged in coffee and sugar consumption. This combination is lethal enough. Sugar can make you feel lethargic due to sugar crash. Moreover, it increases your blood sugar, which may cause diabetes.

    The coffee, on the other hand, kills your metabolism. What do you feel whenever you miss a cup of coffee? We bet you’ll feel an intense headache coming. This is because caffeine is addictive. Sugar and coffee are primary killers of metabolism. So if you want to lose weight and reduce your sugar craving, skip drinking this beverage.

    STAY HYDRATED

    If your body contains enough water, the chances are that nutrients are distributed and transported evenly. You will not even feel any craving as your body is balanced and well-nourished. However, if your body is dehydrated, your body won’t be able to distribute nutrients properly. This will signal your brain that you need to eat something to fill that nutritional gap.

    That’s the time you’ll feel incredibly hungry. Your brain is actually asking for something, anything, just to save your craving. And because we’re light-headed enough, we find ourselves not caring about the types of food we eat. We’re inclined to get sugary foods because our brain needs sugar to convert it into nutrients.

    To avoid this, ensure you stay hydrated. Drink at least eight glasses of water every day, and you’ll be surprised at how much your health will be restored.

    AVOID EATING PROCESSED FOODS

    The problem with processed foods is that they are bombarded with chemicals, artificial, and preservatives. Our bodies do not need these. Processed foods alter our hormones, often leading to sugar craving. Processed foods are also full of sugar. Beware of these sneaky forms of sugar:

    • sucrose
    • corn syrup
    • corn syrup solids
    • high fructose corn syrup
    • dextrose
    • maltose
    • glucose/glucose syrup
    • sorbitol
    • mannitol
    • lactose
    • barley malt
    • cane juice
    • evaporated cane juice (crystals)
    • fructose
    • maltodextrin

    Instead of eating processed foods, switch your preference to raw, unprocessed, and whole-grain foods. These type of foods give you the proper nutrients you need. Furthermore, they also contain fiber that is responsible for making you feel full for longer.

    EAT MORE FIBER-RICH FOODS

    Fiber is good for your health because it helps promote digestion, metabolism, and hunger management. The reason behind it is because fibers foods are digested slowly, making you feel fuller for longer.

    You might argue that eating too much fiber can increase your blood sugar. After all, these fruits are high in sugar, right? However, the truth is it will not spike up your sugar. Again, because of the fiber, the sugars will be absorbed into the bloodstream slowly. Moreover, eating fruits is the best and natural way to satisfy your cravings without worrying about your health.

    EAT IN MODERATION

    Of course, we’re not depriving you of eating any sweet foods you like for a lifetime. It’s okay to indulge yourself in them occasionally. However, you should practice some moderation. We think a piece or two of your favorite sweets are enough for your indulgence without a guilty conscience.

  • What causes blood thickening and clots?

    What causes blood thickening and clots?

    Bloot clots 2

    Blood thickening is a process of forming a mass known as blood clots. This process is generally called as Blood Coagulation. It is the conversion of blood from a free flowing liquid to a semisolid gel.

    Causes may be due to tissue damage and this is the usual case, however, a lot of things should be considered like clotting which can occur within an intact blood vessel, tumor cells which causes viscous blood than normal (e.g. tumour cell producing proteins which are Waldenstroms macroglobulinemia and multiple myeloma).

    Hypovolemia is another cause where body fluid is decreased. Examples are protracted diarrhea, burns, vomiting, and haemorrhage.

    Mentioned below are few of the causes of thickening of blood.

    * In rare cases the bone marrow produces more red blood cells than required. This is to compensate the lack of oxygen in blood.

    Consequently leading to a condition called polycythemia. The excess red blood cells in turn cause the blood to become thicker and stickier. In the long run this increases the load on the heart. This thickening and change in the consistency of the blood can also put a person with at increased risk of pulmonary embolism. The thickened blood clumps and forms clots. Typically these clots are formed in the veins of the limbs. In time these clots dislodge and travel to the lungs.

    * An overproduction of IgM immunoglobulins causes the blood to become too thick. This condition is called hyperviscosity. In this case the condition gets harder for blood to flow through small blood vessels.

    * There are a few conditions when the blood turns more viscous than what is required. 

    This is a result of tumor cells churning out proteins. It is akin to the conditions as in the Waldenstroms macroglobuleinaemia and multiple myeloma.

    * Blood thickens in a state when there is enormous loss of fluids from the body. This occurs in conditions like proatracted diarrhoea or Hypovolemia, vomiting, haemorrage. There is also a loss of fluids when a person is suffering from severe burns.

    * Blood clotting and thickening is also due to the impact of excessive smoking. It leads to the blockage of carotid artery that stops blood supply to brain cells. And gradually results in a stroke. This condition is also known as cerebral thrombosis.

    * It is also a result of vitamin b12 deficiency. Wherein there is an increase in the levels of homocystein in the blood, which eventually leads to blood thickening.

    * An increase in blood cells called platelets causes blood to thicken or form clots in the blood vessels. This condition is known as Thrombocytosis.

  • Kidney Stones Connected to Heart Diseases

    Kidney Stones Connected to Heart Diseases in Women

    Kidney2A new study that was recently published states that those women who develop kidney stones are likely at a much higher risk of developing heart diseases. However, the study also reports that the same results do not apply to men, and researchers who carried out the study aren’t really sure as to why that is. However, they gave a tentative reason stating that it is highly likely that the cause is due to the hormonal differences between men and women, while another reason that has been reported is due to the differences in calcium metabolizing.

    A famous nephrologists who works at the Columbus Gemelli Hospital in Rome stated that a link between kidney stones as well as the risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases has long been reported, but deep studies which also take in to account numerous different aspects such as medications as well as dietary factors haven’t yet been undertaken. Dr. Petro Manuel Ferraro led the research.

    The data that was used in the study was taken from around 46,000 men, all of whom played a part in the in the Health Professionals Follow up Study. On the other hand, around 200,000 women were also examined, all of whom had participated in the Nurses’ Health Study. The research was announced in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Out of more than 240,000 participants who were included in the study, around 200,000 of those already had a history of kidney stones. The researchers also found out over a follow up span of around 24 years for men as well as 18 years for women that almost 17,000 of the participants developed cardiovascular problems.

    After additional evaluations were carried out, it was revealed that those women who had been diagnosed with kidney stones in the past were about 30 percent more likely than men to develop cardiovascular problems, undergo heart procedures to unblock arteries in the heart or suffer from a heart attack. The research clearly showed that the connection between kidney stones and cardiovascular problems amongst men was insignificant.

    As per the latest results that were revealed by the United States Health and Nutrition Examination, around 10.6 percent of all men have kidney stones, while the figure for women is around 7.1 percent, which is a significantly high number. However, not everybody who has read the research states that it should cause a bigger problem or be a source of alarm to people. An associate professor of urology at the Icahn School of Medicine, located at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City, Dr. Michael Palese has stated that even though the information included in the report was reported with pristine detail, it is likely that the figures are slightly biased.

    He further stated that previous studies that had been carried out had been unable to provide substantial evidence about the connection between kidney stones and heart diseases, and as such this study might not be the final word.

  • How to Have a Strong Heart?

    How to Have a Strong Heart?

    Heart2According to researches one of three women in America deal with this or that cardiovascular disease. Despite the sad statistics there’s no reason for feeling depressed at the fact as there are many ways helping reduce risk of developing a heart disease. And here are some of them.

    1. You can always prevent heart diseases and strokes if you know there’s a risk. Consult your doctor to know what you can do to decrease your chances to develop a cardiovascular disease (CVD). You can easily control some factors increasing you risks choosing optimal diet, exercise. Once you know your risks it will be easier to prevent disease development.
    2. Mind your weight. American Heart Association claims that women having excess body fat especially round their waists are more subjected to CVD even if these women do not have other risk factors. Besides, extra weight can cause such health issues as high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, high triglycerides and diabetes – all contributing to a heart disease. Turn to a licensed specialist to solve the extra fat problem.
    3. Indulge into movement. Move and shake your body choosing some physical activity to your taste. Exercises do not just burn calories but also help maintain a healthy weight that is good for muscles, bones, brain, heart and mood at last. Find 30 minutes a day for an exercise.
    4. Do not quit to stress. Long-term stress can damage your health seriously. So find a way to fight it off – choose a balanced diet, practice physical exercises as they relieve stress considerably, get in touch with people who can provide you with emotional support and work out aspects of your life bringing stress.
    5. Quit smoking. Even a child knows smoking increases risks of illness and death from heart attack, heart stroke or other diseases. American Heart Association claims congenital heart disease (CHD) reduces considerably after two years of quitting.
    6. Check you cholesterol. High cholesterol levels lead to a heart attack or a heart stroke. Go through a blood test to check LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels. Consult your doctor to lower it.
    7. Mind your blood pressure. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, causes a heart work faster than what’s normal, it may lead to you r arteries or heart getting injured. Hypertension is responsible for having a heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, eye damage, heart failure and atherosclerosis (fatty buildups in the arteries). Practice regular exercises, fight stress to decrease blood pressure.
    8. Check your heart regularly. While Western countries deal with obesity and diabetes on a large scale, the problem touching children and adolescents as well, it is vital to to have regular medical checkups. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention death from heart diseases rates for people with diabetes are from two to four times higher. Even having high blood pressure and high cholesterol increase the risk.
    9. Quit contraceptive pills (if you’re a woman).

    They can raise your blood pressure and you already know hypertension put your heart health at risk. If you take oral contraceptives and smoke, have high cholesterol, extra weight and diabetes then the risks are even higher.

  • 10 Foods That Mistakenly Considered Healthy

    10 Foods That Mistakenly Considered Healthy

    Food 2In the wake of a global pursue of a healthy lifestyle seeing concerned people make better choice in the benefit of healthier products, we decided to write this article focusing on that variety of food choices that only bear words like “healthy”, “natural” and “fresh” only as merely epithets. Below is the review of those foods you find in a supermarket and generally get misled by what you usually know about them as being good for your body and mind.

    1. Whole wheat bread

    Not only that this product is abundant with gluten, it is also rich for fructose high syrup that is added to sweeten bread. In fact the amount of syrup is the same as in ordinary white bread. Just make a little investigation, look into bead’s ingredients attentively and you will see how much stuff that does not coincide the with what you consider being good for you starting from sugar and ending with chemicals. An alternative? Make your own bread without sugar and other unwelcome ingredients.

    2. Pasteurized fruit juices.

    These are just another name for sugar as bottle of juices we can usually find in a supermarket contain an enormous quantity of sugar (how do you like 48 grams per 16 oz?). Besides, the process of pasteurization itself mostly ruins beneficial nutrients. Make your own or look in the bar for a glass of raw just pressed juice.

    3. Yogurts with fruits at the bottom.

    They are rich for sugar as well generally containing sugar or corn syrup. Starting your day with what you think is a healthy breakfast you risk ingesting up to 30 grams of sugar just at the dawn of a day! And this is a daily norm! Looking for a better option among organic yogurts choose a sugar free product and mix berries you bought separately. Also you should know that milk from a sheet or a goat is far easier to digest than cow’s milk while milk in general is considered to be a product under question having too many cons.

    4. Agave.

    What we can take from a supermarket shelf is highly processed as a rule. To the extent the liquid in a bottle does not taste much like the agave plant. Besides, agave is abundant with fructose and this component can be responsible for mineral depletion, insulin resistance, liver inflammation and obesity. Substitute agave with coconut sugar  – it takes in 9 percent fructose and  is less processed.

    5. Boxed cereals and granola.

    Whenever you see these products you might as well consider there’s a box of sugar in front of you.

    Making your own muesli is a much better choice, just mix gluten-free ingredients and fresh berries and nuts.

    6. Sweets proudly bearing the epithet “gluten-free”.

    It is high time to learn for good “gluten-free” does not stand for “healthy”. Most of these sweets contain refined sugar and high-glycemic grains like corn, rice, potato starch. There’s nothing better and healthier than sweet treats made by yourselves of gluten-free high-nutrient flours. Try your hand at baking of coconut or almond flour adding natural sweeteners like raw honey or pure maple syrup.

    7. Low-fat crackers.

    Apart from the fact these are rich for refined oils, salt, sugar and gluten, they are even less healthy than regular crackers as they contain sugars and chemicals making low-fat crackers taste like regular versions.

    8. Enriched water.

    It to look into the ingredients of these products you would be puzzled regarding which of the evils is less – sugar or vitamins, both bound in a bottle.

    9. Soy milk.

    While soy is mostly genetically modified, going for organic soy milk is not the best choice for everyone as soy remains a common allergen and is hard to digest by many people. Besides, organic soy milk is highly processed as well. Alternatives? Try unsweetened coconut oil and almond milk.

    10. Non-organic corn or popcorn.

    Just like soy, corn is generally genetically modified. If you prefer bags op popcorn made in a microwave beware of the chemicals a bag is abundant with. Its butter is absolutely artificial. Organic popcorn kernels are a much healthier option.

  • Acid In Your Diet Is Linked With Diabetes

    Acid In Your Diet Is Linked With Diabetes

    Diabetes 2Reducing acidity through specific diets has its own benefits as touted by celebrities like Victoria Beckham. Now a new study done by French scientists on this subject sheds more light on it and its importance. The scientists studied 65000 women for a long period of 14 years and came to a conclusion that an acidic diet resulted in a 56% greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes when compared to a more alkaline diet. In general, the foods that you consume are metabolized and converted into compounds that increase either the acidity or the alkalinity. Such alkaline substances offset acidity. Vegetables and fruits form alkaline substances while animal proteins are highly acid forming. The diabetes connection to this whole thing is through the fact that high acidity can result in improper insulin function thus increasing diabetes. This study proves and reveals the same point as a number of other previous studies- that consuming plant based foods have their own benefits including weight loss, beauty benefits and a better sex life. Even if you are not yet ready to convert to vegan diet full time, you can replace animal based alkaline foods with more plants by trying out these 5 delicious substitutes.

    Substitute Minced Mushroom For Ground Meat

    This combination succeeds without hitches in a number of dishes like stuffed pepper, tacos and chili. You can also use a grilled juicy Portobello mushroom to replace a burger patty. By doing this you will also increase your Vitamin-D intake which boosts metabolism.

    Replace Milk Or Cream In Recipes With Pureed Cauliflower

    This works perfectly in dishes like creamy soups, mashed potatoes, casseroles and dips. It is also easy to make as you just need to retain the moisture by steaming the cauliflower before mashing, blending and folding it to form mix. You will increase the intake of filling fiber and natural cancer fighters when you consume this mix.

    Use Creamy Avocado In Place Of Dairy Based Dressings

    This will work especially if you are tired of oil and vinegar. You can puree avocado with a little apple cider, vinegar, fresh basil leaves, lemon juice, minced garlic and black pepper to obtain a thick creamy dressing. This dressing will taste perfectly with leafy greens and with other chilled side dishes like slaw or a cucumber salad. In addition to the taste, this combination will give you more anti-aging Vitamin E and healthy fats which contribute to healthy waistlines.

    Lemony Veggie Broth To Replace Butter

    In spite of tasting acidic, lemons are one of the most alkalizing foods, after they are metabolized. You can lightly sauté or steam veggies with organic low sodium vegetable broth after squeezing a couple of wedges of lemon over them. This mixture is full of anti-oxidants that are known for their disease fighting capabilities and immune supporting Vitamin C.

    Swap cow’s milk with plant based milk

    In recipes like oatmeal, smoothies, sauces and soups where you use cow’s milk, start using unsweetened plant based milk made from sunflower seeds, flax and almonds. These milks make perfect constituents in sweet and savory dishes alike and provide less than half the calories per cup when compared to skimmed milk. The good fats of such milks protect your heart and increases healthy circulation in your body.

  • How To Cope With A Twins Pregnancy?

    How To Cope With A Twins Pregnancy?

    Twins 2

    Some parents hope for a twins pregnancy but others dread it due to the increase in finance it will cost. If it is the first pregnancy the parent might be pleased to be carrying two because they get it over with in nine months. Twins can be identical or fraternal which is when they come from a different egg.

    Many mothers will become aware of the multiple pregnancies before it is officially confirmed as their symptoms will be twice as bad as a regular mother to be would experience. It is also common to put on lots of weight in the early stages as usually it would be a lot later. Individuals who have had other pregnancies may be more able to tell the difference between the two.

    Multiple pregnancies are frequently associated with higher risks but this does not have to place extra worry with the expectant parent. Stress and worry is not good for babies so unless they have proven reason to worry then they should not. Finding an experienced obstetric team is essential as the couple will want to feel reassured and aware of what is happening and what will happen continuously.

    It’s possible to prevent any complications by ensuring that the mother to be takes very good care of herself. It’s always a good idea to eat plenty fruit and vegetables as the babies will take up a lot of the iron and the female will want to ensure she does not become anaemic. Taking periods of simple exercise is also advisable during the entire pregnancy; this can include walking, swimming and even suitable yoga.

    There is a lot of help out there available for the carrier of more than one baby. It is much more common than people believe especially now that more people are undertaking fertility treatment. The treatments involve using more than one embryo so multiple pregnancies are extremely likely.

    There are many worries when it comes to these kinds of experiences such as money, coping mechanisms for the birth and after and what they need to realistically buy. Many individuals will go out and buy two of everything for their babies but this is not always necessary. Of course the couple will need two car seats and cribs but many other objects can be shared such as the changing table and clothes.

    To save some money the babies would be able to share a changing station where the nappies are changed, bath, pram providing it is a twin buggy and clothes if they are the same sex. Once the mother has prepared for everything they will need they can start to think about the impending birth. A lot of people presume they will end up having surgery but in most cases a natural labor is possible so the Mother will need a birth plan.

    The main difference with multiple pregnancies besides the obvious is that the mother can be closely monitored to keep on top of any sudden changes like blood pressure. As with all pregnant women they need to take care of themselves efficiently. With thorough research and advice there is no reason why twins cannot be the miracle they were once believed to be.

  • The 5 Health Benefits of a Vegan Lifestyle

    The 5 Health Benefits of a Vegan Lifestyle

    Vegan 2

    For many people, a vegan diet can be a highly nutritious choice and they can feel significantly healthier for it. If properly done, a vegan diet can be low in saturated fats and high in rich nutrients.

    Before we go any further, let’s discuss what a vegan diet really means. A vegan diet excludes the consumption of any animal products, including eggs, dairy, honey and gelatin. Some vegans also make the decision to abstain from purchasing products that are tested on animals or that are animal-sourced in anyway (for example, cosmetics, leather products, and clothes).

    Why Go Vegan?

    There are many reasons individuals choose to pursue a vegan diet or lifestyle, these can include preventing animal cruelty, pursuing a healthier lifestyle, or environmental considerations. But whatever your reasons for going vegan, there are numerous health benefits to this dietary choice and a vegan diet can have an extremely positive impact on your health.

    Let’s take a look at some of the top health benefits of a vegan lifestyle.

    1. Choosing the Vegan Lifestyle Lowers Your Risk of Cancer

    It is widely accepted and even scientifically proven that meat eaters are at a higher risk of colorectal and prostate cancers. By choosing the vegan diet, which is meat-free and has far higher consumption rates of fruits, vegetables, and vitamin C, veganism is believed to help protect people from a variety of cancers.

    2. Vegans Have Healthier Bones

    One of the main deterrents for people choosing to go vegan is the absence of dairy products. Many people assume that dairy is the only place you can get calcium from and we all know that calcium is extremely important for healthy bones. However, as a vegan, there are numerous other places you can get calcium from and vegetables such as kale contain more calcium than milk – and they’re much better for you!

    As a result of high quantities of vegetable intake, vegans have been known to more efficiently absorb calcium than meat eaters.

    3. As a Vegan, You Have a Reduced Risk of Obesity

    Having a vegan diet is extremely healthy and often means that vegans consume far fewer calories than those on a standard meat and dairy diet. This means that vegans tend to have a reduced risk of obesity and they even have lower blood pressure, in general, compared to vegetarians who include milk in their diets.

    A lower risk of obesity means that vegans have a far lower risk of mortality from heart disease or strokes than others.

    4. If You Suffer from Migraines, Veganism Could be the Solution

    Anyone that has suffered a migraine before knows how awful they can be. Nobody likes migraines but often migraines can be directly triggered by a person’s food intake and most migraine sufferers are told to avoid trigger foods such as dairy and alcohol.

    By following a vegan diet, migraine sufferers tend to see a significant reduction in the number and severity of their migraines simply as a result of the changes in the food they are eating.

    5. Veganism can be Beneficial for Your Skin

    Have you always wanted clear, radiant skin? Going vegan could be the answer for you. Dairy products are thought by dermatologists to have a significant effect on the body’s production of acne, causing skin to become more acne prone. Therefore, the absence of dairy products in the vegan diet can be extremely beneficial for your appearance – clearing your skin and giving it that lovely radiant glow.

    Before You Go Vegan

    If you are still deciding whether to go vegan or not, make sure you do your research and you don’t just jump straight in. To be a healthy vegan (and yes, it is possible to be an unhealthy vegan), you need to maintain full nutritional balance as vegans can be more prone to missing vital nutrients.

    To take the first step to becoming a vegan, I would recommend gradually reducing the number of animal products in your diet before excluding animal products altogether. This will help your body adjust to the changes and will give you the time to ensure your body is still going to receive the right nutrients on a restricted diet as it did when you enjoyed both meat and dairy. If you are unsure about going vegan or you would like to know more, get in touch with a dietician and discuss your options with them.