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The Best Protein Sources For Vegans

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In the culinary world, there are more people today embracing a vegan diet than ever before, and the number is still growing.

A major factor that has led to this growth comes from the nutrients gotten from plant-based foods, which are significantly higher and healthier than nutrients found in animal-based foods.

However, the issue of nutrients in a vegan diet raises a major concerning issue about vegan diets, which is the lack of sufficient protein in plant-based foods.

Doing away with all forms of animal-based products also means doing away with nutrients it usually provides, such as iron, calcium, and most importantly, protein.

Nevertheless, research has shown that you can live on a vegan diet and sufficiently get all the nutrients you need, including protein.

This involves the inclusion of certain plant foods that contain significantly high levels of protein in your diet. In light of that, highlighted below are the primary protein sources for vegans.

High Protein Vegan Foods

1. Soy

Soybeans are considered a whole source of protein and should be included in any healthy plant-based diet.

You can do this with tofu, tempeh, soy milk, or edamame, which are all made from soybeans.

Introducing any of them into your diet, in whichever form, will do a lot of good, as all three soy-based proteins contain calcium, iron, and about 20 grams of protein per 100-gram serving. Plant-based burgers can be made with soy.

If you’d love to try one, all you have to do is search for a plant based burger near me, and you’ll get options.

2. Seitan

A mainstay protein source for the majority of vegans and vegetarians is seitan. Seitan is a chewy and hearty vegan food that is created from vital wheat gluten, which is the main protein in wheat.

Seitan closely resembles and has the texture of meat, more so than many soy-based mock types of meat products.

A 3-ounce serving of seitan provides about 25 grams of protein for your body. Seitan also contains small amounts of calcium and iron and is a good source of selenium.

3. Beans

Almost all varieties of beans, from kidney beans to garbanzo beans, contain very high amounts of protein per serving.

Most types of beans provide about 15 grams of protein per 100 grams served. Beans are also a good source of fiber, iron, potassium, complex carbs, and different beneficial plant compounds.

Furthermore, beans, along with other legumes, help to decrease cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure and manage blood sugar.

4. Nutritional yeast

Another prime source of protein for vegans is nutritional yeast, or as commonly called in the vegan community,”Nooch”.

This is deactivated yeast that comes in the form of yellow powder or flakes. Nutritional yeast has a unique cheesy taste that makes it quite popular in the vegan community, especially in dishes like scrambled tofu, potato-based dishes, and pasta dishes.

As a protein source, it provides about 5 grams of protein per 2 tablespoons, and it also serves as a good source of vitamin B-12.

5. Green vegetables

Vegetables, in general, are often seen as a great source of vitamins and minerals only. However, vegetables like spinach, green peas, and Brussels sprouts all provide a good amount of protein when served.

Apart from the primary protein sources given above, other sources include lentils, whole grains, Ezekiel bread, potatoes, nuts, seeds, etc.

How Your Footwear Impacts Your Day-To-Day Lifestyle

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Everyone, regardless of age, gender or ease of mobility, is fully aware of how much a day, or a night, out can be instantly ruined once their feet start to hurt or their ankles start feeling sore due to incorrect or ill-fitting footwear.

However, aside from the universally accepted knowledge that once you develop a blister or two, all you want to do is go home and put your feet up, you may well be unaware of just how supremely important good footwear is to your daily life. But it’s equally important to have a good cushion in your shoes; you can check out Protalus insoles for better comfort and support and see how your feet will feel.

With that being said, continue reading to learn just how footwear impacts and affects your day-to-day lifestyle.

Work Wear

For those who spend a great deal of time in their daily working life standing up, or walking from one location to another (even if simply within the office or workplace), you may be under the illusion that a cheaper pair of flat, black shoes will do the job.

However, the reality is that wearing unsuitable or ill-fittingshoes or boots, especially regularly, can result in a wealth of health issues such as the exacerbation of joint pain, muscle pain and arthritis; as well as infection, a balance disturbance and a higher risk of trips and falls.

Footwear For Older Adults

It is a little known, yet perfectly true, fact that as a person becomes older, the skin on their feet will naturally lose the elasticity it previously had, making the tissue itself become tighter and therefore the physical shape of each foot becomes wider than before.

As a result, for older adults and the elderly, it is necessary to invest in more than a few pairs of top-quality and well-made shoes, boots and orthopedic slippers that provide the correct amount of support required.

Additionally, if you have a pair of much-loved and sentimental shoes that previously fit you like the proverbial glove, it is entirely possible that, as a general loss of fatty tissue and muscle mass can lead to a lower tolerance of pain, these shoes are no longer good enough.

Searching For The Ideal Pair Of Shoes

Now you are fully aware of the importance of correct footwear and shoes which are appropriate for the activity you are engaging in, it is time to treat yourself to at least one pair of shoes that best suit your personality and lifestyle.

When wanting to protect not just your feet and ankles, but your body’s overall health, it is advisable to remember the following tips:

  • Make sure you buy shoes with a broad heel and a small height
  • Each time you buy a pair of new shoes, be sure to ask the store assistant to measure your feet, to ensure there have been no notable changes in size
  • Never commit to buying a pair of shoes with the view to breaking them in; if they fail to feel comfortable immediately, they are unlikely to be right for you
  • Make sure you buy a pair with a firm midsole and insole for support
  • Always go shoe shopping at the end of the day, when your feet are the largest they will be

Questions To Ask Before Buying CBD Oil For Pets

CBD products are steadily growing in demand for both humans and pets. CBD oils are the most commonly given product to pets. This is the reason that a lot of companies have started making their versions of CBD Oil and other CBD products.

With hundreds of options available in the market, picking the right product for your pet can be a little complicated. Not all companies sell similar products and hence few factors distinguish the good from the bad. Below we have made a list of eight important questions that you must consider or ask before you invest in a cannabidiol product for your pets at home.

Does the product have a Certificate of Analysis?

COA or certificate of analysis is proof of the products that are present in the oil and the procedures that have been used while producing the oil. There are three major tests that you should be looking for and they include microbial test, heavy metal test, and test for pesticides. Only go for sellers such as holistapet that offer full information about the product. If there is no COA, avoid the product at all costs.

Does The Product Have THC?

Your product should have zero THC. THC is the psychoactive component found in the cannabis plant. THC can be toxic to both dogs and cats and hence you need to avoid it at all costs. If the use of CBD is causing diarrhea, vomiting, and other such side effects in your pets, it is possibly due to the THC content. THC can be found in oils derived from Cannabis and hence you need to find the ones that are solely derived from hemp.

CBD Oil: Is The CBD Full Spectrum?

On the product package, you will find one of the two things. Either it will say that the product is isolate or full spectrum. The isolate products will only have CBD. However, the full spectrum oil will have other useful cannabinoids that are naturally found in hemp.

So, full-spectrum oil is much more effective, and you should prefer it over isolated ones. The following link will give you a better idea about the full spectrum and isolate CBD: https://medium.com/cbd-origin/full-spectrum-vs-broad-spectrum-vs-cbd-isolate-the-difference-explained-a09e415bf235.

Does The Bottle Say Hemp Oil?

Even though you should be using cannabidiol that has been derived from the Hemp plant, you should not buy products that say Hemp Oil. Hemp oil does not have any CBD and will have no therapeutic effects for your pets. You will be able to find whether this oil does have CBD or not in the COA report.

Is The Dosage Mentioned In The Bottle?

The bottle that you are buying should have the dosage mentioned on it depending on the size of your pet. The label should also clearly state the amount of THC in the oil which should ideally be 0% but it can also be up to 0.3%. Any product that does not indicate all of these factors on the packaging should be avoided at all costs.

CBD Oil: How Was The CBD Extracted?

Make sure that the seller mentions the origin of the CBD oil. Cannabidiol is extracted from the stalks, flowers as well as seeds of the hemp plant. However, the most potent is the flowers. So, if a CBD oil has been extracted from the hemp flowers, you can be assured that it has quality cannabidiol content.

Also, the method of extraction is important. The CO2 extraction method is the safest way to extract cannabidiol. This is the cold-pressed method that does not use any other chemicals such as butane or alcohol. Cannabidiol oil extracted with these chemicals can cause adverse effects in animals.

CBD Oil

CBD Oil – Is The Hemp Plant Organically Grown?

Make sure that the product you are buying has been taken from an organically grown hemp plant. The hemp that is grown in soil with harmful pesticides will pull up these chemicals. These chemicals will then get extracted along with the oil. These pesticides can be toxic to dogs and cats and hence should be avoided completely.

Does The Product Advertised Look Too Good To Be True?

High-quality CBD oil from Greenpassion is also one thing you should remember is that high-quality CBD oil does not come cheap. So, if you find a seller giving you a product that is cheap but high in quality, you should beware. This again takes us to the first point, always read the labels.

Check the certificate of authorization. Only buy wholesale CBD oil as it has a good quantity of cannabidiol and also is grown organically with all of the above-given properties.

When you buy cannabidiol products for your pet, most of the time it is for therapeutic purposes. Cannabidiol in the form of oil has the best therapeutic properties. Even though other products such as treats and food can also be good options, oil is the most potent in relieving pain and anxiety in pets. Click here to find out more about the therapeutic properties of cannabidiol.

Final Words

While giving your pets some cannabidiol can be a very good option to relieve anxiety, pain, increase hunger, and much more, you should always consider the 8 questions given above. It is important to remember that any product that you give your pets should not be toxic to them. Also, make sure you consult your vet before you give your dog or cat CBD products because they might even be allergic to it.

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How to Support a Foster Child with Depression

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Children who have been placed in foster homes have a higher prevalence of depression than other juveniles. They have been exposed to abuse, abandonment, neglect, or a combination of these three traumas. Studies show that this depression will likely follow the foster child into adulthood. Additionally, each time they are placed with a new family, they grieve the loss of previous relationships and must adapt to new homes.

As a foster parent, you want to give the child a better chance of happiness and stability in the future, which is why you signed up for the job. So, we have put together some tips to help you provide the support your foster child needs if suffering from depression.

Recognising the Signs of Depression

The first step towards helping your foster child with depression is being able to recognise the signs and symptoms.The physical signs are as follows:

  • Disturbed sleeping patterns could be exhibited as sleeping too much, not enough, struggling to fall asleep, or broken sleep. Whether or not the child has trouble sleeping, fatigue is a common sign of depression.
  • The child may battle to concentrate, and this could affect academic performance.
  • Changes in appetite and weight also signal a depressed state.
  • Some depressed children experience physical pain of unknown cause.

Mental symptoms of depression are sometimes evinced by a lot of crying and being in a low mood. On the other hand, your foster child may display anger that is quickly aroused and react to inconsequential matters with irritability. These children, when depressed, are more sensitive to perceived criticism or rejection. They will also withdraw from social and family events and show a preference for being alone. Depressed foster kids sometimes take on feelings of guilt without a basis.

Helping Your Foster Child with Depression

Keep in touch with the child’s social worker to gain context and inform them of any changes in your foster child’s environment or behaviour. The social worker can help you grasp the causes of the child’s mental state.

Maintain an open channel of communication with your foster child. Encourage them to describe their feelings and you should validate these emotions. If they have concerns you can address, make the effort to provide what they need. See that the rest of the family is supportive of whatever the child is experiencing. Arrange activities for the whole family that reduces isolation and gets your foster child involved.

Choosing a Good Foster Service

Once you have made the decision to foster a child, it is time to explore foster agencies, such as fostering in Wolverhampton. A good foster service will provide you with adequate training to know how to care for your foster child. They will give you a comprehensive background and information for dealing with specific issues. The agency will have a backup team that is available to you 24/7 in case you need assistance or advice.

Foster agencies also need to ensure that foster kids with mental health problems such as depression continue to receive appropriate treatment outside the foster home and that this therapy continues as they move between foster parents.

Choosing to foster a child is a generous act, even though you will be paid for your services.

Meatless Meals: Why We Must Consume fewer Animals

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Over the years, several studies have shown us that we face a high risk of serious health conditions when we eat meat more. These include heart diseases, diabetes, and strokes. On the other hand, science has proven that consuming more fruits and vegetables lowers the risk of these diseases.

There are various reasons why the consumption of meat is bad. Research has revealed that processed meats and red meats are often metabolized into toxic substances when consumed. These toxins can potentially damage the blood vessels, as well as other essential organs in the body.

This guide will provide insight into the impact of red meat on the body and why it is bad for human health. Let’s dive in!

The health risk

You will find a lot of fibers, minerals, and vitamins in fruits and vegetables, as well as in other plant-based diets. By eating less meat, you consume fewer calories that would have otherwise been stored as fat in the body. This also exposes them to less risk than those that rely on meat in their diets.

There is a protective consequence of reducing meat consumption. Studies have shown that people who often include red meat in their diets have a higher risk of dying from heart disease, diabetes, or stroke. Besides this, what you don’t eat can harm you. When your diet is low in fruits, nuts, and vegetables, there is an increased risk of the aforementioned diseases.

There is also a certain amount of protein that your body needs. For a diet that contains 2,000 calories, 50 grams of protein should be included. However, the protein the body needs varies and is determined by certain factors, including medical conditions, body size, and the level of activity.

Furthermore, there are various sources of protein other than meat. It is recommended to choose a variety of proteins in our diets, including low-fat milk, eggs, peas, beans, seeds, and unsalted nuts. If you prefer protein sources with higher calorie content, you should only consume in small quantities.

However, it is best to swap protein diets with higher calorie content and solid fats with protein diets that are low in solid fats and calories. The fats in eggs, meat, and cheese are regarded as solid fats. On the other hand, seeds, seafood, and nuts have fats that are considered oils.

Higher levels of saturated fats can lead to obesity, among other health issues. For many obese individuals, the use of Shark Tank Keto Drink, and other weight loss pills can help them maintain a healthy weight.

Good Protein Sources

As mentioned earlier, a protein source does not have to be meat. There are several plant-based diets that can provide us with the essential nutrients that the body needs to function properly. If it proves difficult to get rid of meat in your diet, options are available for you to consider. For instance, lovers of tacos can simply substitute the meat fillings with spiced lentils.

The importance of embracing plant-based diets cannot be stressed enough. They protect us from the toxins that come from the meat we eat occasionally. There are special plant nutrients in fruits and vegetables that can help in neutralizing toxins. These antioxidants are essential for the body.

With this in mind, your diet should include a wide range of vegetables and fruits while keeping your consumption of meat to a minimum. This will do your body a huge favor.

Conclusion

It cannot be denied that the taste of well-spiced meat can be exceptional. Yet, excessive consumption can lead to serious health issues. As we enlighten ourselves more on the impact of diets on overall health, we must limit the consumption of meat.

Spaghetti, minestrone, and lasagna are some classics that can be easily converted into healthier meals. However infrequent it is, if you wish to consume meat, ensure that you add vegetables.

Here is what You Should Know About Acupuncture Therapy

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In recent times, alternative medicine practices have become popular. The reason is that they are relatively safer yet effective. A prime example is acupuncture. It is an ancient Chinese medicine technique. It entails the insertion of needles into the skin on specific parts of the body. The purpose is to treat various ailments by stimulating the pressure points. Practitioners who perform such therapy are called acupuncturists.

They are skilled healthcare professionals who hold extensive knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine. They mainly conduct sessions in special acupuncture clinics that have the necessary equipment. While this is a brief explanation, you can consider the following facts to learn more:

Mechanism of action

As per Chinese medicine, the body has several receptive fields. When stimulated, they activate multiple sensory neurons. This further imparts deep healing and increases blood flow to the connected regions. Once an acupuncturist assesses your condition, they insert needles in the receptive fields associated with the concerned area.

For instance, if you suffer from chronic anxiety, the acupuncturist may place needles at the point near your nerves to promote a calming effect. Consult an acupuncturist near me for better guidance on the treatment course.

Session structure

The sessions involved in such therapy are simple. First, the acupuncturist examines you and assesses your condition. Upon proper diagnosis, they insert one or more fine, sterilised needles into the concerned pressure points. The insertion stays put for approximately 20-60 minutes, depending on the intensity of your ailment. You are also expected to lie down throughout this procedure.

During the process, you might feel a brief tingling or stinging sensation. This is quite normal and an indication that the treatment is working.

Usage

People usually opt for acupuncture therapy to relieve chronic pain and conditions. However, you can also seek it for simple relaxation purposes. The other ailments that it treats and manages are:

  • Lower back and neck pain
  • Chronic migraines and headaches
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Knee and joint pain
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Fatigue and lethargy
  • Ovulatory issues

This therapy is highly effective when combined with other methods like an aromatherapy massage. But it is always good to consult a doctor if you have an ongoing procedure.

Benefits

Regular acupuncture therapy garners the following benefits for patients:

  • Helps alleviate and manage chronic pain
  • Improves the quality of sleep, thereby reducing symptoms of insomnia
  • Relieves effects of stress and anxiety
  • Boosts immune function
  • Provides relief from seasonal allergies
  • Increases energy levels and uplifts mood, like an aromatherapy massage near me

Efficacy

The time acupuncture takes to show results depends on two factors:

  • The intensity of your condition
  • The type of ailment you have

For example, those with chronic ailments might feel better after a few sessions. Also, people with acute health issues could take eight to 12 sessions to experience significant improvements.

Tips For Taking Care Of Your Feet If You Have Diabetes

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Taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes since this illness naturally makes your feet more vulnerable to health issues. This is due to the fact that diabetes can lower blood flow and damage the nerves in your feet. Tasha Kennon is the Medtronic Diabetes Clinical Manager and a Diabetes Foot Specialist and she has shared 15 tips that can help you to take care of your feet to ensure you have healthier feet with diabetes.

At this time of the year, you likely want to go swimming at your local beach or even visit a pool. However, before you put on those flip flops or put your feet in the sand, you need to think about proper foot safety as a diabetic.

Unfortunately, when you have diabetes, you have a much higher risk of foot injury or infection because of lower blood flow and nerve damage. Unfortunately, 1 in 5 people with diabetes are forced to seek medical care due to foot issues according to the ADA (American Diabetes Association). Due to the higher risk of injury, small issues can become much bigger issues. If you get a small cut or even a blister on your foot, this can potentially cause an infection. This can escalate into a much bigger problem where you can potentially lose a toe or as much as an entire leg.

We will now cover a couple of foot care guidelines for those who suffer with diabetes so that you can remain safe and take care of your feet throughout the summer and the entire year.

Routines

Examine your feet on a daily basis and check for any cuts, sores, blisters, redness etc. In the event that you can’t examine each foot properly, be sure to get help from someone you trust or use a mirror.

Make sure to wash your feet thoroughly every day. Once you’ve finished washing them, thoroughly dry your feet, and this includes between each toe.

Aim to be more active on a daily basis and walk regularly. You should talk to your doctor about how much exercise you should get.

Get your toenails professionally cut if you are unable to cut them yourself. Once you can do it yourself, be sure to avoid cutting too short and always file them using a nail file.

When applying lotion or cream, make sure to avoid using too much and only use a thin layer. Also, don’t apply cream or lotion in between your toes.

Go to your podiatrist or a reputable foot care specialist at least once every year to get your feet checked.

Footwear

Avoid walking barefoot and this includes at the pool or on the beach.

When wearing shoes, ensure that you only wear shoes that are appropriately sized, comfortable and offer full foot protection. Find the perfect shoes at Orthoticshop.

Be sure to speak to your doctor about shoe coverage as a diabetic. When you wear shoes that fit well, this will greatly lower your risk of experiencing foot issues and complications.

Before you put on your shoes, be sure to check the interior first. They should be free of any foreign objects and the shoe lining should be smooth.

Prevention

Always protect your feet from extreme hot or cold temperatures, especially the bottom of your feet. Avoid placing your feet in water that is hot and always test the temperature of the water before you place your feet in first.

Avoid using electric blankets, hot water bottles and even heating pads. Unfortunately, these can actually burn your feet accidentally.

When sitting, don’t cross your legs. If you usually experience swelling of your feet or ankles, make sure to elevate your feet when you do sit. Also, move your toes and feet when you sit.

Don’t smoke since this can cause serious issues and complications.

In the event that you get an ingrown nail or callus, be sure to visit your foot care specialist.

It is essential that you take good care of your feet once you have diabetes. You should always strive to keep your blood glucose levels and A1c in the normal range to keep your diabetes under control.

Texas Schools Provide Mental Health Counseling after Shooting

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The Uvalde shooting in Texas – which robbed the lives of two teachers and 19 innocent children – has undoubtedly shaken the country to its core. The attack by the 18-year-old Salvador Ramos at the 600-student Robb Elementary School marked the deadliest school shooting in the history of Texas. The fury that followed the incident has elicited a lot of debate on various issues, ranging from mental health to gun control in the US.

Even as the police chief resigns from the City Council seat over the delayed response to the shooting, the wound is still fresh for many teachers, parents, and children in Texas and across the country. As a result, North Texas schools are now stepping up to the plate by pushing for mental health in the aftermath of the deadly Uvalde shooting.

No one can fathom the fear, grief, and anxiety families in Texas and across the country are going through. Yet, educators in North Texas schools want them to rest easy, knowing that the well-being and safety of their children are their top concern.

Tabitha Branum, the acting superintendent of North Texas Schools, termed the incident a “horrific tragedy” in an emotional email sent to the entire school district. In addition, she stated that children who may read or hear about the shooting could become justifiably worried and want to talk to someone to process the news healthily.

The educators want to provide mental health counseling to young people, their parents, and other loved ones who may be concerned. They don’t want a repeat of what happened after the 1999 Wedgwood Baptist Church shooting, in which an armed person attacked a youth rally and fatally shot seven people before turning the gun on himself.

In the incident mentioned above, educators at Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) were reluctant to help students process the news of the traumatic event. The aftermath of the 1999 shooting was messy and hectic despite hundreds of kids affected by the incident needing help processing what transpired. School districts that weren’t well-equipped and prepared for such a tragic event.

Many mental health experts and educators, including Kathryn Everest (the director of counseling services at FWISD), acknowledged then that schools were in dire need of training in trauma response. In addition, they needed to develop a plan for tragic events that affected the whole community. Today, Everest and her team at FWISD have since helped other Texas school districts that have experienced traumatic events.

Taking it one step at a time

With the Uvalde shooting, educators want to focus on daily steps to make students feel safe and foster confidence to seek help. In addition, identify staff who children can get in touch with if they feel anxious, in danger, or alone. More than that, the prevention and crisis response team hopes to identify students who might be suicidal, as that can make a huge difference in keeping tragedies at bay.

And it makes excellent sense: research has shown that a typical school shooter is generally suicidal before resorting to shooting. Connecting a young person who may be suicidal to the proper support, help, and rehab facilities could save many innocent lives. Others can seek care in person at private practices like Geode, opening locations in Texas from Frisco to Plano.

In a push for mental health, many officials and educators in the area are encouraging students and families to come forward with any info about extreme behavior or troubling activity. They can report via anonymous reporting apps set by the school districts or to school counselors.

Families must remember to take advantage of mental health services available to staff and students who need support. In addition, the district’s counselors regularly talk to staff or students who need help processing the recent tragic event

Beyond the school hours

School administrators are also encouraging parents to limit how much news coverage about the incident their children see to prevent anxiety flare-ups. They recommended parents openly converse with their children about what happened and listen to their concerns. Therefore, address any anxiety and stress that parents may have.

Families are also advised not to disrupt their everyday routines. Instead, they let their children attend school as usual because predictability can provide them with the necessary confidence and security. School districts’ officials emphasized to families that they have put in place several protocols and security measures to ensure the safety of their campuses. These include emergency response training and practicing with staff, faculty, and students.

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