The food you eat has a huge impact on your body’s long term performance.
Given this – and the fact that we’re basically on a slow decline to death from the moment we’re born – you’d think we’d care more about what goes into our mouths. Instead, we gorge ourselves on fast food and spend thousands of dollars on anti-aging “miracle” treatments that claim to undo the years of damaged we’ve inflicted on ourselves by ingesting things we can’t even pronounce.
There are plenty of foods, however, that can nourish you and help keep age-related demons like cancer, dementia and osteoporosis at bay. They’ll also whittle your waistline, which is something that study after study shows increases longevity and improves overall health.

Here is a list of eight foods you should add to your diet in order to add years to your life :

1. Garlic
Garlic is a nutritional superstar that adds a wealth of taste to dishes without adding excess calories. Allicin, which is responsible for garlic’s strong smell and biting flavor, is an extremely potent antioxidant, and research published by the National Academy of Sciences shows that eating garlic appears to boost the body’s natural supply of hydrogen sulfide, which is manufactured by the body as an antioxidant and means of transmitting cellular signals that relax blood vessels and increase blood flow. Dr. David W. Kraus, associate professor of environmental science and biology at the University of Alabama and author of a large-scale study on the health benefits of garlic, advises crushing garlic and letting it sit for 15 minutes before cooking it in order to trigger a reaction that boosts the healthy compounds in the plant.

2. Eggs
Experts used to believe egg yolks were extremely unhealthy, they’ve now revised their assertions to recognize the benefits of the nine essential amino acids and six grams of healthy protein contained in one egg. Eggs also contain lutein (helpful in the prevention of macular degeneration), zeaxanthin (similarly good for your eyes and possibly helpful in preventing cataracts), and choline (important in the regulation of the brain, nervous and cardiovascular systems); they’re also one of the only foods that contain naturally occurring Vitamin D. Note that lack of Vitamin D is the cause of many cancers, but especially of breast and prostrate cancer. You should also know that there is no real link between egg consumption and heart disease. The link between Hollandaise sauce and butt flab is well-documented, however, so please ease up on the Benedict.

3. Blueberries
According to a study conducted by Tufts University, the pigments, or anthocyanins, in blueberries appear to be an antidote to oxidative stress, one of the main components of the aging process. They also help your brain produce dopamine, which is critical to happiness, memory and coordination. Tufts researchers found that ½-cup of blueberries daily effectively reversed declining memory and loss of coordination in laboratory rats. Frozen blueberries make a great addition to protein shakes or yogurt, and fresh berries are delicious as an alternative to the sugary candy that will make you fat and probably kill you.

4. Leafy Greens
Spinach and kale – the stuff that made you gag when you were younger but also made Popeye strong enough to fight dudes three times his size – are full of antioxidants and cancer-fighting compounds like sulforaphane, beta carotene, vitamin C, and fiber. Spinach is also loaded with folate, which was shown by an Australian study published by the Journal of Nutrition to dramatically improve short-term memory. Greens are a great thickener for soups and smoothies, but they’re also far more delicious than you remember when sautéed in olive oil, salt and pepper.

5. Broccoli
Another dark-green, antioxidant-rich veggie, broccoli is part of the Cruciferous family of plants that aids the body in fighting against toxins and many forms of cancer. Several nutritional experts believe that eating broccoli raw or steamed helps to preserve important enzymes that are lost in the cooking process, but any broccoli is good broccoli when it comes to its overall health benefits. Broccoli is also a plant source of calcium, which can help prevent osteoporosis later in life and aid in the body’s absorption of Vitamin D.

6. Salmon
You’ve probably heard by now that oily fish like salmon and tuna help to prevent heart disease by keeping arteries lubricated, but salmon is also an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which, according to omega-3 expert Stephen Cunane, Ph.D., are essential to brain development and health. In fact, Alzheimer’s rates in different countries are consistent with the amount of fish present in the average citizen’s diet. Omega-3’s are also known to aid in weight loss, improve mood and help soothe certain skin conditions. Be mindful of where your fish comes from, though: wild salmon get their adorable pink color from eating krill and shrimp, but farmed salmon are fed food coloring to achieve the same hue. Wild Atlantic Salmon is currently thought to be the safest salmon option.

7. Beets
Doug was right; beets really are nature’s candy. They’re surprisingly sweet, especially considering their low calorie content (approximately 22/beet), and they contain folic acid, one of the most important B vitamins. Preliminary research demonstrates that Betanin, an antioxidant found in the vegetable, could play a significant role in the prevention of heart disease by inhibiting the oxidation of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. Animal studies also show that eating beets significantly slows the growth of skin and lung cancers, so these babies are poised to become disease-fighting superstars in the not-so-distant future.

8. Flaxseed
Just like salmon, flaxseeds are chock-full of Omega-3 fatty acids (and happen to be one of the few plant sources of that provide the nutrient). Being plants, they also contain several phytoestrogens (as the name suggests, plant estrogen that mimics the healthful effects of estrogen in the body), one of which is lignin, now thought to improve cholesterol, as well as easily absorbed plant protein. Ground flaxseeds and flaxseed oil can be added to everything from oatmeal to pasta dishes in lieu of fattier and more expensive fish.

When babies are teething, they’re generally miserable from the pain, swelling and tenderness in their gums. In this article we describe the symptoms of teething and give you a few simple things to do.

What are the symptoms of toddler teething?
Most parents find that problems associated with teething improve after their baby’s first few teeth have broken through. Then, just after his first birthday, the dreaded symptoms return:
• red and swollen gums
• red flushed cheek or face
• ear rubbing on the same side as the erupting tooth
• sleepless nights
• loss of appetite
• gum rubbing, biting or sucking
• general unhappiness

The reason is likely to be the arrival of his molars, the large teeth at the back of the mouth. Big and blunt, these teeth can take a while to push through, causing pain and misery in the meantime. (You may remember the ache your wisdom teeth created when they arrived which will give you an idea of what your toddler is going through). Plus, once the first teeth are through, the rest of the teeth may erupt in clusters, some on the same day or within five days of each other.

Some parents report that their baby develops a high temperature, loose bowel movements or diarrhoea just before a tooth breaks through. Most experts do not believe that teething causes these conditions, as they don’t occur consistently when a baby is teething. It’s best to treat them as completely separate problems and always consult a doctor if necessary.

What are the best ways to soothe painful gums?
Gentle pressure with something cool is often the best way to relieve the pain of teething. You could simply rub his gums with your finger though you need to be a little careful: he may well object to the intrusion and tell you so with a painful bite! Better still give your toddler something else to chew on:

• A peeled, raw carrot straight from the fridge or a frozen stick of cucumber or banana is good for him to chew on and is a useful shape to reach the precise spot that is hurting him. Stay with him when he is eating it, however, to make sure he doesn’t choke on any pieces he bites off.
• A cool dessert spoon or partly-frozen wet flannel to chew on are also useful tools and offer interesting textures to keep him amused.
• A cool teething ring or dummy may also help

You may find that your toddler will lose his appetite when he is teething. Chilled foods, like yoghurt or simple fruit purees, will soothe his gums and may be more tempting.

Drinking from a breast or bottle can be a particular problem. Sucking causes more blood to rush to the swollen areas, making them particularly sensitive. Drinking from a cup may be easier for him in the short-term. There will be times, however, when your toddler will reject all of these offerings and at these moments, a cuddle is the best therapy you can supply.

Should I use teething gels or homeopathic remedies?
Teething gels usually contain a local anaesthetic and an antiseptic or disinfectant, which work together to ease the pain and prevent infection. A little rubbed onto the sore gum with a clean finger has a numbing effect that lasts for about 20 minutes. Do not use teething gels more than six times a day.

If you are still breastfeeding, you should avoid using them immediately before a feed as they can numb your child’s tongue, making it hard for him to suck successfully. They might also numb your areola (the dark skin around your nipple) making feeding difficult for both of you.

Many mums swear by homeopathic granules (available from chemists). These come in small sachets that you pour into your toddler’s mouth. You can also get powders or tablets to dissolve in warm, cooled boiled water as a drink. Check that the brand you are buying is sugar-free. Some teething granules contain lactose or other ingredients ending with “~ose”. These are forms of sugar so check the label carefully.

Sugar is a prime cause of tooth decay so you don’t want to be covering your toddler’s new pearly white teeth in it at regular intervals throughout the day.

Should I give infant paracetamol?
If all else fails, and your toddler is in real distress, give him the correct dose of infant paracetamol. It’s an effective pain killer and can make him feel more comfortable quite quickly.

However, make sure that there isn’t something else causing him to be upset. Ear infections are often mistaken for teething and will need medical attention. Also, if he has a high temperature, or if he cannot be comforted, you should certainly consult your doctor as it is unlikely to be due to teething.
How long will teething last?

The good news is that you are now on the home straight. In most children, the teeth erupt as follows:
• first, (anterior) molars come through between 12 to14 months.
• next, the canines (the pointed teeth on each side at the front), which rarely cause problems, appear between 16 to 18 months.
• then, the second (posterior) molars arrive between 22 to 30 months

There is some variation in when teeth erupt from child to child, but children usually have a full set of 20 baby teeth by the time they are two and a half years old. Some may still be teething at three years old. Your child will keep these first teeth until sometime around his sixth birthday when he will reach his next dental milestone: the loss of his first milk tooth.

People who have low self-esteem often put themselves down. This can have a dramatic affect on a relationship, as it can cause issues with jealousy, and also make people feel as if they are ‘lucky’ to be with their partner, resulting in them constantly worrying that they may be ditched. Low self-esteem affects everybody, some more so than others, but it is how you deal with it that can prevent it from becoming a cog in your relationship. If you allow issues with self-esteem to run your relationship, then this can be the basis of its ruin.

What affect can low self-esteem have on a relationship?

The problems caused by low-self esteem can be great, but are often put down to other things.

Here is a list of the potential problems
1.  Jealousy : Low self-esteem can cause individuals to constantly strive for the attention of their loved one. If your partner is merely communicating with a person of the opposite sex this can cause you to take things out of context.
2.  Over-sensitive : Low self-esteem can cause you to take playful criticism too close to heart. This can cause a gulf in your relationship, as you may no longer feel close to your partner.
3.  Self-worth : Low self-esteem can cause people to believe they are very lucky to be with their partner. This can lead some people to remain in an abusive relationship.
4. Memories : If you allow negative memories from prior relationships to affect you, then this can place great strain upon your relationship.
5. Sex : Feeling unattractive can result in you shying away from your partner’s advances.
6. Anger : Low self-esteem can cause negative feelings to build up, and this can be released through aggressive behaviour.

You can change things if you’re willing to change your own perceptions
Overcoming low self-esteem is not an easy task. It is something that takes time, and which requires the support of your family and friends. But only you have the power to stop those negative thoughts from ruling your life.

Here are some tips to help you stop low self-esteem from ruining your relationship:
1. Unique : You need to realise that you are a unique individual, and that you should not strive to fit any pre-conceived image of perfection you may have.
2. Communication : If you inform your partner that you do have low self-esteem, then they can understand why certain arguments arise. They can also provide valuable support.
3. Positives over negatives : Rather than concentrating on the negatives, think about the positives. If you think hard enough, you will be able to list several things you like about yourself.
4. No one is perfect : We all make mistakes. Don’t strive for an unattainable perfection.
5. Niggling thoughts : Do not allow the little things to constantly get you down. Think about things in perspective, and remember that one failure does not automatically make you a failure.
6. Listen : Do not take things out of proportion when you are offered criticism. If you believe that something said is unjustifiable, then say so, but contemplate what has been said before jumping in all guns blazing.
7. Face your fears : The only way to overcome the fears and anxieties that cause you low self-esteem is to challenge them. Start with the small ones and work your way up.
8. Don’t lash out : Do not repress any negative feelings as this will only lead to them building up, which can result in an outburst of aggressive behaviour. Take some deep breaths to calm yourself down.
9. Don’t strive for approval : People with low self-esteem will usually go all out to be liked by others. But you are not worthless, and if someone does not like you for whom you are, then they are not worth your time. Learn to be selfless at times.

A simple instant exercise to regain confidence
The anchor exercise – This is a self-help technique, which involves the person thinking back to a moment when they felt great confidence. You need to allow this confidence to flow through your body. When the feeling of confidence is at a great level you pinch yourself, which acts as an anchor. Then, next time you feel you need a boost of confidence, pinch yourself. This will act as an on switch to those feelings of confidence.

It is ironic that your low self esteem is most probably a result of the attitudes that other people have taken towards you during your life.
Your self esteem is largely shaped by your parents, siblings, superiors, peers and other ’significant’ people you have encountered during your life.
Your self esteem can be changed, however, by you – by the decisions you make and the actions you take.
This short article explains some of the things you can do to improve your self esteem.

The Origins Of Self Esteem
The level of self esteem you have originates from the psychological messages you were given by the significant people in your life as you were growing up.
Esteem is something that parents give to their children, and part of growing up is learning to be less dependant on parental approval for esteem, and developing an inner source for it – ie: self esteem. You grow up believing that you have inherent worth.

You can get low self-esteem if, instead of positive reinforcement, the messages you were given were negative ones. You then grow up believing that you are worthless.
This is not not true, but you end up believing it – that is, you end up believing a lie.

Self-Esteem: How to get it and keep it
If you need to rebuild your self esteem, there are four techniques that may help:
1. Get your facts right : Take a realistic, balanced view of your self in comparison to others. People with low self esteem see themselves in an unduly negative light, and others in an unduly positive light. The truth is much more balanced than that. There is much about you that is good. None of us is perfect.
2. Get a supply of good feedback and keep the supply running
Get people to give you positive feedback, where appropriate. Or spend time with people who offer it to you without asking.
3. Don’t EVER discount yourself. Treat yourself with respect and don’t dismiss praise and recognition. Say “thank you” when you are complimented or praised – rather than trying to do something to please.
4. Don’t accept the baton of low self esteem because it is a heavy burden
Don’t ever let other people make you feel bad and if someone made you feel bad just fight this feeling with all your might. Don’t accept “put downs” from others.

Remember, no matter what other people say (when they are suffering from low self and try and take it out on you): you are some of significant self-worth. Start believing it, and start behaving as if it is true (because it is true).