This post could save your life. These 3 simple lifestyle changes saved mine. Today I am going to simply share facts with you. These facts (if you let them) will dramatically improve your quality of life. Making these changes can even increase your life span.
1. Stop Smoking
FACTS: According to the American Heart Association, cigarette smoking is the most important preventable cause of premature death in the United States, accounting for 440,000 of the more than 2.4 million annual deaths.
Cigarette smoking causes lung cancer. In fact, smoking tobacco is the major risk factor for lung cancer. In the United States, about 90% of lung cancer deaths in men and almost 80% of lung cancer deaths in women are due to smoking. People who smoke are 10 to 20 times more likely to get lung cancer or die from lung cancer than people who do not smoke. The longer a person smokes and the more cigarettes smoked each day, the more risk goes up.
Smoking also causes cancer of the voice box (larynx), mouth and throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, pancreas, cervix, and stomach, and causes acute myeloid leukemia. Source.
FACTS: One year after passing smoking bans, communities in North America and Europe had 17 percent fewer heart attacks compared to communities without smoking restrictions, and the number of heart attacks kept decreasing with time, according to a report in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association. Source.
FACTS: If you quit smoking, you will:
1. Prolong your life. According to the American Heart Association, smokers who quit between ages 35-39 add an average of 6-9 years to their lives. Smokers who quit between ages 65-69 increase their life expectancy by 1 – 4 years.
2. Reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. Quitting smoking reduces the risk of repeat heart attacks and death from heart disease by 50 percent or more. Quitting smoking also reduces your risk of high blood pressure, peripheral artery disease and stroke.
3. Reduce your risk of developing a variety of other conditions including diabetes, lung cancer, throat cancer, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, chronic asthma, ulcers, gum disease and many other conditions.
4. Feel healthier. After quitting, you won’t cough as much, have as many sore throats and you will increase your energy.
5. Look and feel better. Quitting can help you prevent face wrinkles, get rid of stained teeth, improve your skin and even get rid of the stale smell in your clothes and hair.
6. Improve your sense of taste and smell.
7. Save money. Source.
FACTS: What Happens When You Quit:
After 20 minutes
o You stop polluting the air
o Your blood pressure and pulse decrease
o The temperature of your hands and feet increases
After 8 hours
o The carbon monoxide level in your blood returns to normal
o Oxygen levels in your blood increase
After 24 hours
o Your risk of heart attack decreases
After 48 hours
o Nerve endings adjust to the absence of nicotine
o Your ability to taste and smell begin to return
After 2 weeks to 3 months
o Your circulation improves
o Your exercise tolerance improves
After 1 – 9 months
o Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue and shortness of breath decrease
o Your overall energy level increases
After 1 year
o Your risk of heart disease decreases to half that of a current smoker
After 5 – 15 years
o Your risk of stroke is reduced to that of people who have never smoked
After 10 years
o Your risk of dying from lung cancer drops to almost the same rate as a lifelong non- smoker
o You decrease the incidence of other cancers — of the mouth, larynx, esophagus, bladder, kidney and pancreas
After 15 years
o Your risk of heart disease is reduced to that of people who have never smoked
If you smoke again (called a relapse) do not lose hope. Seventy-five percent of those who quit relapse. Most smokers quit three times before they are successful. If you relapse, don’t give up! Review the reasons why you wanted to become a nonsmoker. Plan ahead and think about what you will do next time you get the urge to smoke. Source.
2. Maintain a Healthy Body Weight
QUESTION: How many people get cancer by being overweight or obese? How many die?
FACTS: In 2002, about 41,000 new cases of cancer in the United States were estimated to be due to obesity. This means that about 3.2 percent of all new cancers are linked to obesity.
A recent report estimated that, in the United States, 14 percent of deaths from cancer in men and 20 percent of deaths in women were due to overweight and obesity.
Colon cancer occurs more frequently in people who are obese than in those of a healthy weight. An increased risk of colon cancer has been consistently reported for men with high BMIs.
Source.
FACTS: Research has shown that as weight increases to reach the levels referred to as “overweight” and “obesity,” the risks for the following conditions also increases:
* Coronary heart disease
* Type 2 diabetes
* Cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)
* Hypertension (high blood pressure)
* Dyslipidemia (for example, high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides)
* Stroke
* Liver and Gallbladder disease
* Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
* Osteoarthritis (a degeneration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint)
* Gynecological problems (abnormal menses, infertility) Source.
3. Eat Whole Foods, Not Processed
FACTS: The statistics are alarming:
– One in three people will get cancer at some time in their life
– Heart disease is the leading cause of death
– Poor nutrition and physical inactivity together are the second
actual cause of preventable death in the United States
On the other hand new evidence shows that:
– Eating five or more fruits and vegetables per day cuts cancer
risk in half
– People who eat more fruits and vegetables have a 30% lower risk
of premature heart attack than people who eat a few
– About 25% fewer strokes are projected for adults who eat 8 or
more servings of fruits and vegetables per day
– Fruits and vegetables may help keep blood sugar down and control diabetes.” Source.
FACTS: Processed meat consumption results in 67% increase in pancreatic cancer risk.
Source.
FACTS: Inorganic phosphates are found in a variety of processed foods, including meats, cheeses, beverages and bakery products. They are added to increase water retention and improve food texture. Studies suggests a diet high in inorganic phosphates could speed growth of cancerous tumors and contribute to the development of tumors in those predisposed to the disease. Source.
FACTS: Carcinogens in foods that may be naturally-occurring, caused by preparing or cooking certain foods, or added to it, include safrole, estragole and benzene. Processed foods such as sausages, bacon and canned meats contain high amounts of the preservative nitrite, another known carcinogen. Other carcinogens to look for in food products include:
* acetaldehyde
* acetamide
* azo color and compounds
* benzidine
* bis (2-Chloromethyl) ether
* cadmium
* chlorinated parraffin waxes
* 3,3-dichlorobenzidine
* dichloromethane
* hexachlorobenzene
* polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
* polychlorinated dibenzodioxins
* polychlorinated dibenzofurans
* sillica
* trichloroethylene
Though it is impossible to avoid every known carcinogen, to decrease risk of cancers and other illnesses, a balanced diet with more unprocessed, whole foods can decrease risk of some cancers and other diseases such as type two diabetes and heart disease. Source.
FACTS: Nutrients in Whole Foods that Protect Against Cancer:
1. Vitamin A: Strengthens the immune system. Essential for mineral metabolism and endocrine function. Helps detoxify. True vitamin A is found only in animal foods such as cod liver oil; fish and shellfish; and liver, butter and egg yolks from pasture-fed animals. Traditional diets contained ten times more vitamin A than the typical modern American diet.
2. Vitamin C: An important antioxidant that prevents damage by free radicals. Found in many fruits and vegetables but also in certain organ meats valued by primitive peoples.
3. Vitamin B6: Deficiencies are associated with cancer. Contributes to the function of over 100 enzymes. Most available from animal foods.
4. Vitamin B12: Deficiencies are associated with cancer. Found only in animal foods.
5. Vitamin B17: Protects against cancer. Found in a variety of organically grown grains, legumes, nuts and berries.
6. Vitamin D: Required for mineral absorption. Strongly protective against breast and colon cancer. Found only in animal foods such as cod liver oil, lard, shellfish and butterfat, organ meats and egg yolks from grass-fed animals. Traditional diets contained ten times more vitamin D than the typical modern American diet.
7. Vitamin E: Works as an antioxidant at the cellular level. Found in unprocessed oils as well as in animal fats like butter and egg yolks.
8. Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): Strongly protective against breast cancer. Found in the butterfat and meat fat of grass-fed ruminant animals.
9. Cholesterol: A potent antioxidant that protects against free radicals in cell membranes. Found only in animal foods.
10. Minerals: The body needs generous amounts of a wide variety of minerals to protect itself against cancer. Minerals like zinc, magnesium and selenium are vital components of enzymes that help the body fight carcinogens. Minerals are more easily absorbed from animal foods.
11. Lactic Acid and Friendly Bacteria: Contribute to the health of the digestive tract. Found in old fashioned lacto-fermented foods.
12. Saturated Fats: Strengthen the immune system. Needed for proper use of the essential fatty acids. The lungs cannot function without saturated fats. Found mostly in animal foods.
13. Long-Chain Fatty Acids: Arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) help fight cancer on the cellular level. They are found mostly in animal foods such as butter, organ meats, cod liver oil and seafood.
14. Co-enzyme Q10: Highly protective against cancer. Found only in animal foods. Source.
In closing: I truly hope that you will begin living these simple lifestyle changes. If you are non-smoker, not obese, and already eating whole foods, then I challenge you to help to spread this message to as many people as you can. All of the suffering and the disease mentioned above is not necessary. It can be prevented.
I think my ego gets in the way when I am talking or practicing something I am passionate about. I used to do it a lot in yoga. I wanted to be able to do all the hard poses and inversions and I was letting my ego get in the way of my actual practice. I learned to overcome this. I know my ego still exists in a lot of things that I do, the challenge is recognizing it for sure. Thanks Dena!
Your yoga is example is a perfect example of ego getting in the way. It’s been entirely too long since I’ve taken a class but I can remember my ego being a major hurdle there, too. Then sometimes, my ego would suddenly slip away, and it was the most incredible feeling imaginable. I was there with my true self radiating. Thank you for being here, Meg. <3
I am living both parts of this right now. It isn’t easy to let go, but it is worth it. xo
Hello. Thank you so much for writting this. I have been reading alot about ego lately and truly trying to let it go. I remember 4 years ago when I was living in a space where ego played a very little party in my life and decisions. It was after leaving an unhealthy relationship, and exploring one of my true passions, aromatherapy. It’s a hard road back, but I think I’m finding my way. Thank you for being one of my stepping stones along the way.
Hi Meg. Thank you so much for being here. Indeed, it is a hard (hard!) road… but one incredibly worth traveling. Hope you’ll stick around. XO
You are wise, a truly uncommon human being. As soon as we realize that how we live may not be the best path, we grow. Then the real adventure and life begin.
thank you so much. you are very kind.
It was just yesterday I had this unusual feeling, or better to say way of understanding things that produced the feeling. Suddenly, my own reality dissolved and only facts remained. I could see past my choices of the past, I looked around my room and saw all the things I ever bought because my ego wanted to have them, I also looked at people in my life, that my ego clung onto and the connection to them, all that clinging was gone. Right then and there I stopped being realistic and became factual. And everywhere I’ve looked, everything I’ve seen since that moment, I’ve seen with different eyes.
My friends, strangers, everyone,… I could tell by their appearances, their talks and acts their own realities which they were trapped in. And then the sudden urge, to make everyone understand…. It was magic.
Hello Dena,
I like that take on the Ego … it’s trying to protect me … I have been trying to get rid of it through all sorts of ways, but never trying to say “thank you for your concern …. but” to it.
Thanks for this bit … I tried it and felt better … bashing it I always felt that I was bashing me.
Love
Hi Dena,
My Ego had tried to prevent me from leaving a positive comment. I have just overcome it by giving you a BIG THUMBS UP! Many Thanks and keep up the positive work.
Thanks, Dena. This article was just what I needed at this moment. It was a good read and very encouraging.
Dena, this is an incredible article.
This is something which every human being go through.
Keep up your good work.
Thank you Dena. I love your article and needed to hear it.
It was my privilege to read your article, it gave me a clear idea on what ego is, the difference between it and our true self.Futhermore how to let it go. Thank you so much and keep the spirit. God bless uu. XO
I still don’t understand what ego means. So I’m feeding my ego if I say “I” am beautiful, calm or I want to eat this type of food. Isn’t trying to not feed your ego, feeding it unconsciously. Most you take selfies isn’t that feeding your ego. Aren’t you feeding your ego when you shower to feel and look better? If so I feel hopeless traped in my ego and egos that are hungry for more. If I am confident or get good grades is it feeding my ego. I’m literally dropping tears from my eyes because I feel so confused.everything is blurry…from these thick tears. If I donate money or help somebody in a good innocent am i feeding my ego. Don’t we all do stuff for our own good? I think we could all have unconditional love. IS ANYBODY THERE!!!! HELP!!!!!
…….
….
Shia, that is not your ego. When you say I am beautiful, calm, etc. Those are affirmations that your higher self is feeding you. Selfies can be ego based depending on why you are doing it. Ego is negative self talk or thoughts. Things such as pride, insecurities and fear. We may say things out of fear. That is ego talking. Your higher self is the opposite of ego. These are love-based. I suggest probably reading more articles about ego versus higher self.
Finding inner peace when you start hearing voices. By Ben Buckland.
My name is Ben Buckland, I am 29 years old. Three years ago after a big nervous break down and was diagnosed with PTSD relating to service in Afghanistan in 2009 where I was a member of the first battalion Royal Australian Regiment. I was put on a very generous wage thanks to The department of Veterans affairs. A range of private mental health services were also made available to me. I spent the first year trying to numb the pain with a mix of alcohol and prescription medication. Which eventually led to harder drugs which slowly got worse until I became clean which I am now in my eighth month of clean living. So when the voices started over a year ago I instantly blamed it on the drugs. I was convinced I had scitzaphreania. But after a phcycyitrist and a number of doctors and phcycpligists couldn’t diagnose it I was left with no answers except the ones I was being given in countless promises, threats, tricks, abuse, mixed in with a fair bit of positive support which sometimes was confused not heard or the information was quickly squashed with a promise of a clear answer if I did a task that was given to me. The tasks were usually very negative and often sexual in nature. Until very recently I was listening to the wrong voice, where i thought I was talking to a guide of sorts, I was actually being deceived by my ego, which is everything but you. It is negative, abusive, and defiantly doesn’t care about you in anyway at all. It wants you to be angry it wants you to be upset. For me substance and alcohol made my egos stronger and especially when I was intoxicated it could at times control my behaviour, attitude and actions. It could make me angry, sad, lost, frustrated and even suicidal at times. I had abuse in my head from the moment I woke up till the moment I fell asleep. Before the voices started I was the biggest sceptic and in no way at all spiritual. Except I was very connected to the environment and the outdoors, having grown up in gidgegannup. I feel at home in nature and connect with it. I am still most happy when I’m in nature. When they started naturally I assumed they were actual people. Another of the egos tricks is to mimic voices of people we know. It knew I was ignorant to the spiritual side and used to pretend my loved ones were having heart attacks, car crashes, and even that they were being murdered. The ego also knows all your past mistakes, from breaking the law to how I used to drink and verbally abuse my ex partner. It then manifested tricks ie, the police were after me or that child protective services were coming to take my son. The aim of this is to cause anxiety, fear, anger, remorse, guilt. And other negative emotions, as the ego thrives off these. Also in the process of this it silences our true self, our inner child and our spirit guides. My ego was a master at confusing me, making me think that I had figured what was going on building me up promising. Me until I was estatic. Then crushing me as he laughed saying I had been fooled again. My ego pretended to be all sorts of people and things, from my partners father and ex boyfriend, to my mums late stepfather and my deceased poppy, to my friends, to old girlfriends. At one point it convinced me I could talk to the dead. Another time I was convinced that I could talk to people I knew through telepathy. I was a mess. It pretended to be on my side encouraging to abuse a girl who he claimed was his a compliance. This girl ended up being my inner child, I did this for months and months certain I was doing the right thing when all along I was crushing my inner child who is very important and should be praised and nurtured, because they are our pure innocence and when they are not happy we can never be at peace or happy ourselves. I also spent the same amount of time fighting my ego back thinking I was doing the right thing, when I was playing right into the egos hand. Arguments are another thing that fules our ego. Because like it or not ego exists inside us all, so fighting it is actually you fighting with yourself. Ego also thrives off negative behaviour as well as thoughts, so not only will it grow stronger if you act towards others in reality. Ie abusing the girl at McDonald’s because your order was wrong. But also those thoughts you have in your head that are disrespectful to others. You think it is harmless behaviour, when in fact you are feeding your ego. An example of this would be, when your on a train and you look at the person across from you and think wow they are so fat. All those little jokes you make in your head disrespecting people or in fact any negative thoughts are making your ego stronger. The way I countered this behaviour was simple instead of thinking negative thoughts about that over weight lady, instead complement her in your mind, this will starve the ego. One of the hardest things to do that I found was distinguishing your angels and guides plus your inner child from your ego. Simple, your ego is an angry abusive voice who will swear and yell, for me it sounds like a nasty evil version of myself. Your higher self will be a much deeper calmer voice who will never swear or put you down but give you logical guidance and advice. Your inner child will sound like a little child- go figure. And your spirit guide will be also kind and always encouraging. Be careful though because if you have neglected your inner child they may be angry at you, so don’t confuse them with your ego. If this is the case you need to say your sorry and start being caring and protective just like you would your 5 year old child.if you like me have tried everything and ten things more to get rid of the voices especially the abusive ones with no luck, I’m sorry to tell you but they are there your not crazy and unfortunately you will never be rid of them. This sounds very negative but it’s not, it’s just a matter of living your life without ego, once I accomplished this, the ego was still there- it always will, but because it had no fuel it grows weaker and quieter. Allowing all the positive Angels, guides, your true self as well as your inner child to communicate with you clearly without confusion and for the first time in a Long time you will be at peace. If you are fighting with your ego “YOU ARE FIGHTING” against your self and all you will achieve is anger, self hatred, depression, and even suicide. You will be free to make decisions again once you start living your life without ego plus you can access all sorts of information guidance and very important advice. Plus you will never be alone again. Like me YOU can be happy again even if you are so lost you want to give up. If you stop the fighting with yourself, and the negative thoughts and behaviour, I hope like me you can find peace within yourself.
Always look for tools to find truth. Read books and empower yourself with knowledge. Meditate and feed yourself more wisdom. The answers are within you. Look inside your heart. Where is it guiding you? Check in with spirit always to validate what you think, feel or doing is right. These are ways to connect more to source and your higher self.