10 Helpful FoodsThat Fight DepressionWalnutsWalnuts are a very good source of omega-3 fatty acids. These have
been shown to be able to support the functioning of the brain and can also
help to reduce depression. The fact that many modern diets don’t include
these compounds could be contributing to increasing cases of depression.
Brazil Nuts
Brazil Nuts contain 14 percent protein, 12 percent carbohydrate, and
66 percent fat. They have a high content of polyunsaturated fat with a
majority of omega-6 fatty acids. They are also high in selenium that can
help reduce anxiety as it improves mood by decreasing inflammation. This
is important as an individual with a mood disorder such as anxiety has
heightened levels of inflammation.
Selenium also has other benefits such as preventing cell damage as it is an
antioxidant and cancer prevention. Other great sources of selenium include
animal products, other nuts, mushrooms, soybeans, and vegetables. It is
important not to consume excessive amounts of selenium as it can result in
side effects. The current recommendation for adults is 400 micro-grams per
day. Besides selenium, Brazil nuts are also a good source of vitamin E,
which can also benefit individuals with depression.
Pumpkin SeedsPumpkin Seeds or “pepita”, are an edible seed obtained from cultivars
of squash or pumpkin. These seeds are usually asymmetrically oval and
flat. They are rich in nutrients and calories as they have a high fat content
(linolenic and oleic acid), dietary fiber, protein, and other micro-nutrients.
They have also been used as an anti-helminthic in folk medicine by the
Native Americans.
Due to their high content of potassium, they also help regulate blood
pressure and electrolyte balance. Foods that are rich in potassium can help
reduce anxiety. Besides potassium, pumpkin seeds are also a good source
of zinc, which have been found to be essential for brain and nerve
development. A study involving 100 participants reported that zinc
deficiency can negatively affect mood.
EggsEggs are a great source of protein as they are considered to be a
complete protein. This means that eggs have all the essential amino acids
needed by the human body for maintenance, development, and growth.
Eggs also contain tryptophan, which is crucial in the production of
serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps in the regulation of
behavior, mood, memory, and sleep. Besides improving brain function,
serotonin can also help reduce anxiety. Egg yolks are also a good source
of vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to mood disorders such
as anxiety and depression.
Dark ChocolateDark Chocolate is chocolate that contains cocoa butter, cocoa solids,
and sugar. However, the standards of what is considered to be dark
chocolate may vary by country and market. Dark chocolate has a
reputation of being healthier compared to other chocolates such as milk
chocolate or white chocolate.
Experts have long believed that dark chocolate is beneficial for those with
anxiety and stress. In 2014, a study reported that 40 grams of dark
chocolate helped decrease perceived stress among their study participants.
Other studies found that it helps improve mood. While there is no hard
evidence due to most studies being observational, its anxiety and
stress-relieving properties have been attributed to it being a rich source of
polyphenols, particularly flavonoids, that may help reduce cell death,
improve blood flow, and decrease inflammation in the brain. Dark chocolate
also contains tryptophan, a crucial component in the production of
serotonin.
ChamomileChamomile is a name used to describe daisy-like plants that can be
used for traditional medicine or herbal infusions. It is currently being
researched for its anti-anxiety properties. Globally, it is often used as an
herbal remedy due to its relaxing, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and
antibacterial properties.
There are some that believe its anti-anxiety or relaxing properties are due
to the presence of flavonoids. There is also a recent study that has
reported that while chamomile does not prevent new anxiety episodes, it
helps reduce the symptoms of anxiety. Those who would like to try it can
purchase chamomile from stores.
YogurtYogurt is a food made through the fermentation of milk by bacteria.
These bacteria are also known as yogurt cultures. When the lactose in the
milk is fermented, it produces lactic acid, which in turn results in the
characteristic texture and tart taste. Since cow’s milk is available globally, it
is also the most commonly used milk to make yogurt. Other types of milk
that can be used include milk from goats, mares, water buffalo, yaks, and
camels.
The bacteria in yogurt are healthy as they are beneficial for gut health.
There is increasing evidence showing that Lactobacillus and
Bifidobacterium can have positive effects on the brain. A clinical review
also reported that they may have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body.
This can help with anxiety as some experts believe that chronic
inflammation may contribute to stress, anxiety, and depression. Besides
yogurt, other fermented foods such as kimchi, cheese, and sauerkraut may
also have similar effects.
TurmericTurmeric is a plant from the ginger family. The rhizomes are gathered,
boiled, and dried. This produces the deep orangish yellow color that is
often used as a spice in many Asian dishes. It is studied in numerous
researches for its anti-inflammatory properties.
One of the main active ingredients in turmeric is called curcumin that may
help reduce anxiety by decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation that is
often seen among those with mood disorders. In 2015, a study reported
that curcumin helped reduce anxiety among their obese participants.
Another found that it increases DHA and decreases anxiety.
Green TeaGreen Tea is a type of tea that has not gone through the withering or
oxidation process used in other teas. It contains phytochemicals such as
caffeine and polyphenols. Despite many efforts in research to find evidence
to support the health claims of green tea, there has not been any
conclusive evidence. However, it is believed to help those with anxiety as it
contains an amino acid known as theanine.
Theanine has calming and anti-anxiety effects. It may also help increase
the production of dopamine and serotonin. In 2017, a review found that 200
mg of theanine can help reduce tension and increase calmness and
relaxation.
AsparagusAsparagus is cultivated as a vegetable. It is low in calories and
sodium while being a good source of calcium, magnesium, vitamin B6,
zinc, protein, dietary fiber, vitamin C, E, K, beta carotene, iron, phosphorus,
copper, potassium, manganese, folic acid, selenium, and many more.
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The post 10 Helpful Foods that Fight Depression first appeared on Partners In Marriage.
John and Vertell’s 50th Anniversary
Join John and Vertell as they celebrate the milestone anniversary of 50 years!
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The post John and Vertell’s 50th Wedding Anniversary first appeared on Partners In Marriage.
Ways to Express Love To Your Spouse“A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.”
Building and maintaining a healthy relationship requires effort from both partners. Clear communication, appreciation, quality time, and personal time are all essential. Disagreements are normal, but it’s important to attack the problem and not the person. Building trust is also key, and in this blog post, we’ll delve deeper into ways to build trust in a relationship.
Communicate Clearly and OftenClear communication is vital to building trust in a relationship. To communicate effectively, it’s essential to listen, listen, and listen some more. It’s important to face the speaker and maintain eye contact, and to listen to non-verbal cues. Interrupting, jumping to conclusions, or imposing your opinions or solutions can all undermine effective communication. Stay focused on what the speaker is saying, and avoid planning what to say next.
Who you’re talking to matters. How you communicate with your partner will depend on the nature of your relationship. Are they your equal, breadwinner, servant, sexual partner, friend, or soul mate? Adjust your communication accordingly.
Disagreements are normal, and it’s important to attack the problem and not the person. It’s also important to be complimentary, not competitive. After all, you’re two people, usually opposites or complementary in nature, and you will have disagreements.
Speak Their Language and Show Appreciation
Expressing gratitude is a powerful way to build trust in a relationship. It’s important to speak your partner’s language and use phrases that resonate with them. Say, “I’m so grateful,” “I appreciate it,” “Thanks for your hard work on this,” “I couldn’t have done it without you,” “I owe you one,” “Much obliged,” “Thanks for having my back,” and “Please accept my deepest gratitude.”
A Healthy Balance of “Me” and “Us” TimeCouples need to make time for each other. This could mean meeting each other for lunch, sharing a quiet evening together, using trusted relatives or friends as free child care, making chores fun, turning TV time into couple time, enjoying breakfast for two, getting physical, or going undercover and exploring life on a whole other level. The key is to break the routine and find time to connect with each other.
Couples should also plan for personal time. It’s important to keep work in perspective and share some normal work time with each other.
Building TrustBuilding trust takes time, but it’s an essential part of a healthy relationship. Here are some ways to build trust:
“When you give yourself permission to communicate what matters to you in every situation you will have peace despite rejection or disapproval. Putting a voice to your soul helps you to let go of the negative energy of fear and regret.”
― Shannon L. Alder
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The post Ways to Express Love to Your Spouse first appeared on Partners In Marriage.
KGIM MARRIAGE SUMMIT
The Partners in Marriage community recently had the privilege of hosting a special event featuring renowned speaker, Dr. John Godbolt. Dr. Godbolt brought his expertise and passion for strong, healthy relationships to the stage, providing valuable insights and practical advice to help couples build and maintain a thriving partnership through faith.
Attendees were inspired by Dr. Godbolt’s emphasis on the importance of open communication, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to personal growth. He emphasized that a successful marriage requires both partners to work together and support each other, and encouraged couples to prioritize their relationship and invest time and energy into keeping it strong.
In addition to Dr. Godbolt’s inspiring words, the event also provided attendees with an opportunity to connect and network with like-minded individuals who are committed to strengthening their own relationships and supporting others in their marital journey through Christ. Whether attendees were newlyweds or celebrating many years of marriage, everyone left the event feeling motivated and equipped to build a more fulfilling partnership.
Overall, the event was a resounding success and a testament to the Partners in Marriage community’s commitment to helping couples build strong, lasting relationships through the word of God. We are grateful to Dr. Godbolt for sharing his insights and to all who attended for their support and enthusiasm.
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LET’S DO THISLEARN MOREGet StartedSchedule ItMeet With UsWANT TO JOIN US?
Premarital Counseling
You can’t predict the future, but we can help you prepare for what might happen.
LET’S DO THISCouples Continuing Education
Looking for some help in your marriage? Maybe you both just need a little tune-up? Continuing education keeps couples involved.
LEARN MOREVideo Chat Sessions
Help without hassle: We are available to virtually assist you with your marital and personal concerns.
Get StartedSeminars and Workshops
We specialize in one-day seminars and workshops that help ignite the fire you once had.
Schedule ItPersonal Development Training
Find your strengths and learn how to use them to make a real difference in your own life and the lives of your loved ones.
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The post KGIM Marriage Summit first appeared on Partners In Marriage.
Download the blog by clicking here: Are you “Happy”
The post Are You “Happy?” first appeared on Partners In Marriage.
WHAT’S YOUR MOTIVE?
When I am talking with a mentee about a certain challenge or a desired goal in his life, I will ask him the “Five Why’s.” It is a method that allows us to get to the root of the motive. The way it works is to ask why five times. Every answer is followed by another why. Usually by the fourth or fifth why, we are at the root or the motive and it turns out that many of our actions are rooted in deep-seated emotions of fear.
OVERCOME MARITAL ISSUES BY UNDERSTANDING THE MOTIVE
This is the same strategy I employ when discussing marital challenges. For example, if one or both partners are negative, disinterested in couple activities, or preoccupied, my wife or I will begin with “Why are you responding this way?” Once we get an answer, we will take that answer and turn it into a question. This activity will continue three or four more times until we reach the motive.
You can do a self examination, too! When you feel a drain, emptiness or a measurable distance growing in your marriage, just start asking why and continue until you’ve asked yourself five times. Once you get to the motive, seek help to conquer it. Remember, personal, negative emotions of the past can lay dormant until they resurface decades later, cleverly disguised as someone else’s issue.
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The post What is Your Motive? first appeared on Partners In Marriage.
I cannot tell you how many times I have listened to couples discuss great adventurous trips or watch them make plans to enjoy some great activities, but not with each other. There are shopping trips, man cave events, girls night out, bowling leagues, camping trips, church sponsored events, and the list goes on. However, when it comes to a couple’s date night or some quality time activity, it seems that there is nothing but leftover time. The best part of the day or week has been taken by other people or other activities that exclude your partner.
Here’s a suggestion you may want to consider: Discuss a weekly or at least a bi-weekly date and time that is set aside for the two of you alone. Set it far enough in advance that it can be accomplished but not too far away that it can be forgotten. Plan the activities, with a time schedule of events and a dress code to boot. The goal is to make it an exciting event for both of you.
Happy dating!
The post Leftover Time first appeared on Partners In Marriage.
When we experience emotions that contribute to feeling loved, it is because someone is doing something to activate those emotions. When we feel joy, kindness, optimism, respected, aroused, accepted or playful, someone is doing something with purpose, forethought and intention to activate these emotion inside of us.
These are the practiced, intended actions that protect us from feelings of sadness, rejection or other painful emotions which snuff out our feeling loved.
John L. Godbolt, PhD
The post I Feel Loved! first appeared on Partners In Marriage.
In over 30 years of counseling couples, I have observed that too few people have been taught how to love – how to give love and how to accept being loved in return. There is an almost universal erroneous assumption that those who have experienced love automatically know how to love.
Partners in Marriage (PiM) has designed a power-pack weekend conference for married couples, with emphasizes on four (4) major components of a solid Christian marriage. In doing so, we have composed a four (4) part series of books in English and Spanish, as well as a CD version. The PiM workshops will concentrate on the four…
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