theheartysoul--2020-07-15--Boy, 6, Hailed A Hero For Saving His Little Sister From Dog Attack

Heroes come in all sizes , and this young boy who saved his sister from a ferocious dog attack proves just that .
His story is a testament to the fact that you don ’ t have to be big and strong to be a superhero , you just need to be brave .
On July 9th , 2020 , six-year-old Bridger from Cheyenne , Wyoming knew just what to do when an angry dog approached him and his sister .
He intentionally threw himself in front of his younger sister , ensuring that he was the subject of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) Bridger was bitten several times on his face and head before he was able to grab his sister ’ s hand and pull her away to safety .
He was rushed to intensive care , where he had to receive 90 stitches .
When asked why he put himself in between his sister and the dog like that , he said it was the only thing he knew he had to do .
( 1 ) He wasn ’ t doing it to be praised , he was doing it out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 1 ) Read : After Years of Helping Crow Family , Man Was Left ‘ Mind-Blown ’ Over Their Homemade Gifts in Return According to his aunt , who has been posting about the incident on her Instagram page , Bridger ’ s recovery is going very well .
Though he still isn ’ t able to smile very big , his warm and energetic personality has not been dampened .
( 1 ) Bridger ’ s story very quickly went viral , with an outpouring of people wanting to help and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ page , Bridger ’ s aunt instead has encouraged people to donate to : Bridger himself has loved reading everyone ’ s comments and posts , as well as watching the videos of encouragement people have been sending to him .
( 1 ) In one of her posts , Bridger ’ s aunt asked for people to send him pictures of cool rocks they find , as Bridger is currently very interested in rocks and geology .
She has even provided an address where people can mail rocks and photos to him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reached out to the cast of the Avengers franchise to send some superhero love to the newest member of their ranks .
( 1 ) Read : Memphis Dad Builds Stage in His Driveway to Throw His Daughter a Graduation The dog ’ s owners are naturally devastated at the destruction and pain their dog caused a little boy and his sister .
Bridger ’ s aunt mentions in one of her posts that the family has been incredibly kind to the Walker family and that the incident has actually brought the two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If you would like to support Bridger and his family , you can donate to the two organizations mentioned above , as well as send Bridger rocks , science and geology books , and messages of support and well-wishes .
Keep Reading : Aunt Shares Post About the Moment Her Nephew Crawled Into A Stranger ’ s Arms

Heroes come in all sizes, and this young boy who saved his sister from a ferocious dog attack proves just that. His story is a testament to the fact that you don’t have to be big and strong to be a superhero, you just need to be brave. This is certainly a story worth remembering and retelling.
Boy Saves Sister From Dog Attack
On July 9th, 2020, six-year-old Bridger from Cheyenne, Wyoming knew just what to do when an angry dog approached him and his sister. He intentionally threw himself in front of his younger sister, ensuring that he was the subject of the attack and not her.
Bridger was bitten several times on his face and head before he was able to grab his sister’s hand and pull her away to safety. He was rushed to intensive care, where he had to receive 90 stitches. When asked why he put himself in between his sister and the dog like that, he said it was the only thing he knew he had to do.
“If someone had to die, I thought it should be me.”
He wasn’t doing it to be praised, he was doing it out of complete bottom-of -his-heart-love for his sister.
Bridger’s Recovery
According to his aunt, who has been posting about the incident on her Instagram page, Bridger’s recovery is going very well. Though he still isn’t able to smile very big, his warm and energetic personality has not been dampened.
Bridger’s story very quickly went viral, with an outpouring of people wanting to help and donate. Instead of creating a GoFundMe page, Bridger’s aunt instead has encouraged people to donate to:
Bridger himself has loved reading everyone’s comments and posts, as well as watching the videos of encouragement people have been sending to him. In one of her posts, Bridger’s aunt asked for people to send him pictures of cool rocks they find, as Bridger is currently very interested in rocks and geology. She has even provided an address where people can mail rocks and photos to him:
Bridger Walker
P.O. Box 22141
Cheyenne, WY, 82003
She has also reached out to the cast of the Avengers franchise to send some superhero love to the newest member of their ranks.
The Dog’s Owners
The dog’s owners are naturally devastated at the destruction and pain their dog caused a little boy and his sister. Bridger’s aunt mentions in one of her posts that the family has been incredibly kind to the Walker family and that the incident has actually brought the two families closer together. (1)
Get Involved
If you would like to support Bridger and his family, you can donate to the two organizations mentioned above, as well as send Bridger rocks, science and geology books, and messages of support and well-wishes.
Keep Reading: Flight Attendant Trusted Her Gut and Rescued a Teenage Girl from Human Trafficking
Sources:


theheartysoul--2020-07-17--Why You Should Consider Deleting Tik Tok Immediately

During COVID-19 lockdowns , millions of people around the world picked up new hobbies to keep themselves busy while they were stuck at home .
Some tried baking bread for the first time , others began practicing yoga , and millions more dedicated hours of their day to curating fifteen-second videos to share with the world in hopes of becoming famous .
Tik Tok , the video-based social media platform was already immensely popular in China , and has now taken the North American market by storm .
While the majority of users are young , gen-z-ers ( 60 percent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , millennials and even a few people from older generations have tried their hand at creating their own videos [ 1 ] .
In the last few weeks , however , Tik Tok has become a viral sensation in its own right- not because of its popularity , but over concerns for international security .
Governments around the world are becoming increasingly wary of the Chinese-owned app , which is causing many users to ask the question : “ Should I delete Tik Tok ?
” At the beginning of July , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country when it announced a ban on several Chinese apps , including the messaging platform WeChat , the mobile browser UC browser , and Tik Tok , among others .
The government justified the ban , saying that the apps “ pose a threat to sovereignty and integrity ” [ 2 ] .
A New Delhi-based digital industry analyst explained that because India is an open democracy , deep penetration of Chinese platforms makes future elections vulnerable to outside manipulation [ 3 ] .
This is a significant setback for Tik Tok @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s largest international user base .
The United States government is applauding India ’ s decision , and is now considering following suit .
Back in December , the United States Army and Navy banned Tik Tok from all government-issued phones , and in March the Air Force , Coast Guard , Marine Corps , TSA , and Department of Homeland security have all done the same .
They have also strongly encouraged employees to delete the app from their personal devices as well [ 1 ] .
Read : If Facebook isn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did I get ads for what I just spoke about ?
The US government regards many Chinese-owned apps as appendages to the Chinese Communist Party .
For this reason , they view any of these platforms as possible threats to democracy .
But how does Tik Tok pose such a threat ?
There are two main issues with Tik Tok : data extraction , and censorship .
US government officials are concerned with data extraction because they are worried about the possibility that ByteDance ( Tik Tok ’ s parent company ) will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government [ 1 ] .
Does this mean Tik Tok is spying on you ?
Not any more than any other US social media platform .
The difference , however , is that Tik Tok is Chinese .
The data being captured on your device does not pose much risk to you as an individual , it does provide a dataset over time , categorized by country , city , and demographic of user .
In the hands of a foriegn government , this poses a very serious risk [ 5 ] .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that companies have to hand over company data to the Chinese government if they are asked for it .
With the amount of human and technical reach that these Chinese companies now have , this provides an opportunity for Chinese intelligence services direct access to many governments around the world .
The US government is concerned about the Chinese government having access to US citizen ’ s data , particularly for military personnel , and believe that this could pose a major threat to national security [ 1 ] .
Tik Tok and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data from the United States is handled by US-based employees , and stored in US servers with a backup in Singapore , which would make none of that data subject to Chinese laws .
Misty Hong , a student in California , however , has recently sued the company on the claim that they stole some of her data which ended up on Chinese servers .
If this is proven to be true , user have reason to be concerned with where their personal data ends up [ 1 ] .
This leads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tok : censorship , and its potential political influence .
Many people now use social media platforms as their main source of news , and so these apps are often used to push propaganda to its users .
In 2016 , social media was a major tool to promote political messages .
The fear is that with hundreds of millions of users , this application , which is not owned by the United States , is hard to control .
This fear is based off of Facebook , which already has difficulty controlling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tik Tok very high [ 5 ] .
Concerns over censorship began in 2019 , when community guidelines allowed for “ controversial content ” to be taken down or “ shadowbanned ” .
This content could include anything that mentioned specific events , political leaders , or any content that criticised policies and political or social systems of a nation .
“ Demonization or distortion ” of historical events like the Cambodian genocide or Tiananmen Square were also banned , as well as topics considered to be controversial like such as religious or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules have now been retired , but Tik Tok can still delete content from the platform without giving any advanced notice or reason to the user .
Many LGBTQ+ and Muslim users have complained about having their content marginalized , and many others have spoken up about their videos being deleted for no apparent reason .
It is still uncertain whether this is a direct attempt to silence specific groups , or if it ’ s simply a flaw in Tik Tok ’ s algorithm [ 1 ] .
Read : Using Social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Depression The answer to that question is not quite so simple .
On one hand , your risk as an individual is relatively low .
At least , it ’ s no greater than with other social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram .
That being said , if you use the app , it ’ s important to understand that your data may not be as secure or private as you think it is .
As a citizen , however , the risk changes .
You have to ask yourself the question @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chinese-owned app ?
Tik Tok is actually the international version of another Chinese-owned app , Douyin , which is censored and restricted , and is suspected of monitoring its users .
Take Hong Kong , for example .
Until the end of June , Hong Kong was a Tik Tok market , not a Douyin market .
As the political situation there has shifted , however , ByteDance can no longer guarantee that Hong Kong user information will not be shared with the Chinese government , even though it remains a Tik Tok @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here is that while Facebook and Google can refuse to cooperate with Hong Kong ’ s new national security laws , ByteDance can not , because it is a Chinese-owned company .
This is what is the most concerning to the US government [ 6 ] .
So the question really has nothing to do with you as a user , but more so with the politics between the US and China .
Should you delete the app for the greater good , or keep it because you are under no personal threat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find out in the coming weeks and months , might be made for you .
Keep Reading : She ’ s a model citizen , but she can ’ t hide in China ’ s ‘ social credit ’ system

TikTok, the video-based social media platform was already immensely popular in China, and has now taken the North American market by storm. While the majority of users are young, gen-z-ers (60 percent are under the age of 24), millennials and even a few people from older generations have tried their hand at creating their own videos [1]. Now, some are looking to delete TikTok, and there are some pretty compelling reasons why you should consider doing so.
During COVID-19 lockdowns, millions of people around the world picked up new hobbies to keep themselves busy while they were stuck at home. Some tried baking bread for the first time, others began practicing yoga, and millions more dedicated hours of their day to curating fifteen-second videos to share with the world in hopes of becoming famous.
In the last few weeks, however, TikTok has become a viral sensation in its own right- not because of its popularity, but over concerns for international security. Governments around the world are becoming increasingly wary of the Chinese-owned app, which is causing many users to ask the question: “Should I delete TikTok?”
Read: 15 apps on kids’ phones parents should look out for
Government Bans
At the beginning of July, the government of India stunned video makers across the country when it announced a ban on several Chinese apps, including the messaging platform WeChat, the mobile browser UC browser, and TikTok, among others.
The government justified the ban, saying that the apps “pose a threat to sovereignty and integrity” [2]. A New Delhi-based digital industry analyst explained that because India is an open democracy, deep penetration of Chinese platforms makes future elections vulnerable to outside manipulation [3].
This is a significant setback for TikTok, since India is the app’s largest international user base. The United States government is applauding India’s decision, and is now considering following suit.
“We’re taking this very seriously,” said Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. “We’re certainly looking at it. We’ve worked on this very issue for a long time… With respect to Chinese apps, I can assure you the U.S. will get that one right… I don’t want to get out in front of the president, but it’s something we’re looking at,” [4].
Back in December, the United States Army and Navy banned TikTok from all government-issued phones, and in March the Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, TSA, and Department of Homeland security have all done the same. They have also strongly encouraged employees to delete the app from their personal devices as well [1].
Read: If Facebook isn’t spying on me, why did I get ads for what I just spoke about?
TikTok: A Threat to Democracy?
The US government regards many Chinese-owned apps as appendages to the Chinese Communist Party. For this reason, they view any of these platforms as possible threats to democracy.
But how does TikTok pose such a threat?
There are two main issues with TikTok: data extraction, and censorship. US government officials are concerned with data extraction because they are worried about the possibility that ByteDance (TikTok’s parent company) will give US data information to the Chinese government [1].
Does this mean TikTok is spying on you? Not any more than any other US social media platform. The difference, however, is that TikTok is Chinese. The data being captured on your device does not pose much risk to you as an individual, it does provide a dataset over time, categorized by country, city, and demographic of user. In the hands of a foriegn government, this poses a very serious risk [5].
In China, new intelligence laws state that companies have to hand over company data to the Chinese government if they are asked for it. With the amount of human and technical reach that these Chinese companies now have, this provides an opportunity for Chinese intelligence services direct access to many governments around the world.
The US government is concerned about the Chinese government having access to US citizen’s data, particularly for military personnel, and believe that this could pose a major threat to national security [1].
TikTok and ByteDance have since stated that all user data from the United States is handled by US-based employees, and stored in US servers with a backup in Singapore, which would make none of that data subject to Chinese laws.
Misty Hong, a student in California, however, has recently sued the company on the claim that they stole some of her data which ended up on Chinese servers. If this is proven to be true, user have reason to be concerned with where their personal data ends up [1].
“The more insidious view,” says Cyjax CISO Ian Thornton-Trump, “is that TikTok and other apps present a danger of mass manipulation and social control and disinformation. The danger may be minimal to the individual but serious for society and democracy” [5].
This leads us to the second issue with TikTok: censorship, and its potential political influence. Many people now use social media platforms as their main source of news, and so these apps are often used to push propaganda to its users.
In 2016, social media was a major tool to promote political messages. The fear is that with hundreds of millions of users, this application, which is not owned by the United States, is hard to control. This fear is based off of Facebook, which already has difficulty controlling its data, making the risk with TikTok very high [5].
Concerns over censorship began in 2019, when community guidelines allowed for “controversial content” to be taken down or “shadowbanned”. This content could include anything that mentioned specific events, political leaders, or any content that criticised policies and political or social systems of a nation. “Demonization or distortion” of historical events like the Cambodian genocide or Tiananmen Square were also banned, as well as topics considered to be controversial like such as religious or racial conflicts [1].
These rules have now been retired, but TikTok can still delete content from the platform without giving any advanced notice or reason to the user. Many LGBTQ+ and Muslim users have complained about having their content marginalized, and many others have spoken up about their videos being deleted for no apparent reason.
It is still uncertain whether this is a direct attempt to silence specific groups, or if it’s simply a flaw in TikTok’s algorithm [1].
Should You Delete TikTok?
The answer to that question is not quite so simple. On one hand, your risk as an individual is relatively low. At least, it’s no greater than with other social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. That being said, if you use the app, it’s important to understand that your data may not be as secure or private as you think it is.
As a citizen, however, the risk changes. You have to ask yourself the question: do you feel comfortable using a Chinese-owned app? TikTok is actually the international version of another Chinese-owned app, Douyin, which is censored and restricted, and is suspected of monitoring its users.
Take Hong Kong, for example. Until the end of June, Hong Kong was a TikTok market, not a Douyin market. As the political situation there has shifted, however, ByteDance can no longer guarantee that Hong Kong user information will not be shared with the Chinese government, even though it remains a TikTok market [6].
The problem here is that while Facebook and Google can refuse to cooperate with Hong Kong’s new national security laws, ByteDance cannot, because it is a Chinese-owned company. This is what is the most concerning to the US government [6].
So the question really has nothing to do with you as a user, but more so with the politics between the US and China. Should you delete the app for the greater good, or keep it because you are under no personal threat?
That answer, as we will find out in the coming weeks and months, might be made for you.
Keep Reading: She’s a model citizen, but she can’t hide in China’s ‘social credit’ system


theheartysoul--2020-07-17--10 vegetables you can buy once and regrow forever!

Typically when you reach the ends of green onions , lettuces , and celery , what do you do ?
Toss them in the compost , right ?
While composting is wonderful for many reasons , growing vegetables from scraps – or rather , re-growing vegetables – is easier than you think .
Cut down on your grocery bill and never buy these veggies again ( or at least a lot less ) following these simple guidelines .
You don ’ t need a “ green thumb ” to be successful at this indoor gardening technique .
All you really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of your veggies into a dish of water , place them on a sunny windowsill , replace the water every couple of days , and you will have yourself some lovely counter-top veggies .
This is so easy to do , you can even make it a project you do with your kids .
Cut the bottom two-inches off of a celery stalk .
Place it cut-side up in a dish and cover it half-way up with water .
It will only take a few days before you start to see leaves of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the plant .
When you see roots start to grow , you can then pot them in soil .
Most likely you will get three or four smaller stalks , just enough to use for flavoring dishes .
The leafy green part at the top of carrots is often something that we don ’ t even consider eating , but those greens can make wonderful additions to soups , salads , pasta , and even pesto .
To regrow , keep the top inch of carrot ( the orange part ) along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partially with water , and when the green part has grown to be a couple of inches long , plant them in soil .
After that , you can either clip them young and use them as a micro-green or you can allow them to grow bigger and use them as usual .
They can grow to be 10 inches tall and full and leafy .
Read : How to Change the Color of Hydrangeas Another often overlooked green , beet greens are packed with nutrients and have a wonderful flavor .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beets don ’ t even need to have pre-existing greens to grow , so if you ’ ve purchased beets with the greens cut off , don ’ t worry .
Follow the same steps as the carrots ( above ) to have beautiful , leafy beet greens .
This little cabbage is a stir-fry and soup grand-slam .
As always , you want to leave about an inch or two of the plant to stick into approximately half that of water .
Within two weeks , you will see new leaves and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harvest your re-grown bok choy , it will eventually flower , from where you can harvest seeds and grow entirely brand-new plants .
Read : This Wooden Potato Planter Has a Door To Easily Access Your Home-Grown Potatoes Re-growing herbs are slightly different from the rest .
Instead of putting the bottom part in water , you cut near the bottom of the stem at an angle and remove all but the top four or five leaves .
You also want to cut off any flowers , if they have any .
From @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a couple of inches of water .
This will allow the plant to put all its energy into growing new roots .
Once those roots are about two inches long you can plant them into soil .
This root-growing process can take anywhere from two to six weeks .
No chopping involved with this one !
Either place a few cloves ( separated ) half-way covered in water , or plant them in a pot of soil and place in a sunny spot near the window .
Either way , they will eventually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that can be chopped up and sprinkled in pretty much any dish you ’ d like .
Read : What Weeds Tell You About Your Soil Just like what you did with the celery , cut the bottom two inches off of a head of lettuce and place cut-side up in a jar of water .
Make sure it is propped up so it doesn ’ t tip over in the container .
Once you have roots , plant in a pot of soil and allow it to grow for a few weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to eat .
You can plant multiple heads of lettuce in one pot to save on space .
Place the bottoms of your cabbage in water and wait 10 to 14 days for roots to grow and re-establish themselves .
Once they are a couple of inches long , you can plant them in soil to allow the leaves to continue growing .
Read : Eggshells in the Garden : 5 Ways They ’ ll Help You Grow Food Also called scallions , these are fantastic , lighter-flavored onions .
They bring plenty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sprinkled as a lovely garnish on most dishes .
The best part about regrowing these is they actually will grow back to their full size .
Place the bottom two inches in water and watch as they grow back , tall and proud .
Once roots have been established , you can plant them into soil if you wish .
Left an onion sitting for too long , and now it ’ s too soft to use ?
No problem – use them to grow lovely green shoots that can be used similarly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bottom quarter-inch of onion into water .
Once roots have grown to be a couple of inches long , you can then plant the entire onion into soil .

Every time I buy vegetables from the grocery store, I kick myself a little bit. “Why am I not growing this myself?” Sure, I have a pretty decent garden at home but it’s not quite enough to feed myself year round. A few years ago, I learned a workaround: that you can regrow vegetables from scraps right at home.
Regrowing your vegetables from the scraps that you would otherwise toss in the garbage or compost is a great way to get a little bit more out of the money you spend on the produce you buy. Some scraps can be regrown indoors just in water, while some need soil. Here’s how to do it.
How to regrow vegetables from scraps
Whether it be from cut off ends, or from the seeds they bear, regrowing your favorite veggies from scraps is going to be a game changer for many of us. Let’s take a look at some of the more commonly used vegetables, and find out how to grow them at home with ease.
Let’s talk about how to regrow vegetables from scraps!
Garlic
You may have a couple cloves of garlic laying around – why not grow them? The key to successfully growing garlic to to plant them in full sun, and to remember to chop off the tall stalk that sprouts from the bulb. Once you cut this piece off, the garlic bulb will instead put all of it’s energy into growing large bulbs for tasty consumption.
Or, if you enjoy the garlic greens, which are delicious added to soups and salads, place a budding clove (or even a whole bulb) in a small cup, bowl, or jar. Add water until it covers the bottom of the container and touches the bottom of the cloves. Be careful not to submerge the cloves in order to avoid rot. Change the water every other day and place in a sunny area.
Read more: How to grow an endless supply of garlic
Green Cabbage
Grow your very own cabbage patch for cheap. Place leftover leaves in a bowl and add a small amount of water in the bottom. Set the bowl in an area that receives a lot of sunlight. Every couple of days, replace the water and mist the leaves with water.
When roots and new leaves begin to appear, transplant the cabbage into a garden. Harvest when fully grown, then repeat with the new leaves.
Scallions
Cut off the last inch of each onion, so that you still have the bulb and roots (lower white part). Put these ends in mud, making sure to leave a portion of each stem sticking out above the soil. Water regularly, and your onions will start growing. You can take cuttings from the green portion of the plant, and it will still continue to regrow more greens. You can do this about 3 times before you will need to plant more bulbs.
Carrots and Carrot Greens
Instead of defaulting to the compost, use carrot tops to grow healthy carrot greens. Place a carrot top or tops in a bowl, cut side down. Fill the bowl with about an inch of water so the top is halfway covered. Place the dish in a sunny windowsill and change the water every day.
The tops will eventually sprout shoots. When they do, plant the tops in soil, careful not to cover the shoots. Harvest the greens to taste. (Some people prefer the baby greens; others prefer them fully grown.)
If you regrow carrot tops, you won’t get a new carrot root but you will get greens and, eventually, flowers and seeds.
Read more: How to store carrots to make them last months
Ginger
Soak your ginger root overnight and then cut it into pieces. Make sure that there are a couple growth buds on each piece (the little bumps on the end of each “finger”), and plant the ginger with these growth buds pointing up or to the side (do not have them facing down). Then, water regularly, but not so much that the soil becomes soggy. Harvesting your ginger is easy, since all you need to do is dig up pieces of the root, and cut off what you need, leaving what you don’t. It will continue to grow.
Celery
Rinse off the base of a bunch of celery and place it in a small bowl or similar container (any wide-mouthed, glass, or ceramic container should do). Fill the container with warm water, cut stalks facing upright. Place the bowl in a sunny area. Leave the base as-is for about one week and change the water every other day. Use a spray bottle to gently mist the plant every other day. The tiny yellow leaves around the center of the base will grow thicker and turn dark green.
After five to seven days, move the celery base to a planter or garden and cover it with soil, leaving the leaf tips uncovered. Keep the plant well watered. You’ll soon notice celery leaves regenerate from the base, as well as a few small stalks. Harvest when fully grown, then repeat the process.
Romaine Lettuce
Growing romaine is the same as celery. Cut off about an inch from the bottom of the romaine stalk, let it sit in water to wait for roots and slightly longer growing leaves from the top, and then re-plant in mud! Any time you want to harvest leaf lettuce from your garden, just pick the outer leaves but leave the inner leaves untouched. This will ensure that your lettuce continues to produce new leaves all season long.
Chili Peppers
Harvest the seeds from your favorite spicy peppers and plant them in soil in a sunny area. Peppers tend to grow fast, so get your pickling materials ready. Once you have a new crop, save the seeds so you can repeat the process and grow your own heirloom peppers.
Mushrooms
Yes, you can grow your own mushrooms from scraps. Start by removing the mushroom’s cap; you only need the stalk. Plant the stalks in well aerated soil and cover everything except for the very top of the stalks. Harvest your mushrooms when fully grown.
Potatoes
To grow your own potatoes from scraps, cut the potato(s) into two pieces, making sure each half has at least one to two eyes. Let the pieces sit at room temperature overnight or for a few days until they’re dry to the touch. Once the potato halves are dry, plant them about one foot apart in 8 inches of soil. When they’re fully grown, potatoes can be harvested for several months—even after the plants die.
It’s so easy to regrow vegetables from scraps! Give it a try.
Read more: How to grow potatoes


theheartysoul--2020-07-17--How to Prune Tomatoes for a Successful Harvest

The first time I tried a home-grown tomato I thought to myself , “ So this is what tomatoes are supposed to taste like !
” Nothing beats a fresh tomato , home-grown , just picked from the vine .
The juices exploded in my mouth with the taste of summer and joy .
As the summer heat sets in , many people are heading out to their own home gardens to tend to the tomato plants .
You may be de-bugging them and watering them , but are you pruning them ?
Why You Should Prune Tomatoes Pruning tomato @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even extend the harvest season .
While you ’ re at it , use poles , trellises , or cages to keep the tomato vines off of the ground .
This will prevent fungal diseases and improve the overall quality of the fruit .
If the leaves are covered , they won ’ t get any sunlight and will struggle to survive .
This leads to a smaller and less productive harvest .
[ 1 ] There are two main types of tomatoes , determinate or indeterminate growth habits .
When and how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their growth habits .
Determinate tomatoes tend to grow in a bush-like growth habit .
They cease growing around 4 feet , which is when then set a terminal bud .
Their season is short and defined but they tend to produce earlier than indeterminate types .
Indeterminate types don ’ t stop growing , setting new flowers , and producing fruit until cold weather stops them .
Here are examples of each variety : Read : Baking Soda Is A Gardener ’ s Best Friend – Here Are 5 Nifty Uses Two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basket weave can be used for outdoor gardens or in greenhouses , as well as for determinate or indeterminate varieties .
It is best suited to determinate type but it works well with indeterminate types if they are trimmed when they reach the top of the stakes .
Instead of staking each vine , this system cuts the effort and the number of stakes needed in half .
• Choose 4-5 ft sturdy wooden stakes ( 5 ft stakes for indeterminate types ) with two stakes for each end of the row to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stake about six inches into the earth , one stake per every 2–3 plants .
Place the stakes there when the seedlings are transplanted .
• Ensure the seedlings are supported as soon as they have set their first cluster of flowers .
• To support the vines , tie a sturdy twine from the double stakes at the end of the row , about 12 inches off the ground .
Weave the twine in a figure eight pattern between the plants before securing it to the opposite stake .
Now do the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plants have twine on either side of them , holding them up .
• As the plants grow , add another weave of twine about 6–8 inches higher .
You will probably need a maximum of four layers .
• Remove the new shoots that come out of the leaf axis ( also called ‘ suckers ’ ) .
This may lower the harvest but it increases airflow in the plant .
Allow the suckers around the first flower cluster to grow , however .
• When indeterminate varieties exceed the stakes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from becoming too heavy .
It will look like a little hedge .
Read : This is How to Correctly Plant Tomatoes to Grow 5–8 ft Plants The overhead trellis is best for tomatoes grown indoors where overhead support is already there , and for indeterminate types .
This system is more labor-intensive that the basket weave , but it is longer-lasting .
• Ensure there is a strong support at least 8 ft over each row of tomatoes , like a metal conduit or a heavy-gauge wire .
Remember , each plant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so whatever support you choose , make sure it could hold this amount of weight .
• Cut a piece of twine that ’ s long enough to reach the overhead support and the earth .
If you ’ re planning to grow the tomato plants long-term , use specialized hooks and rollers so you can lengthen the twine as the plants become taller .
• Once the plants have their first flower clusters , or when they are at least 12 inches tall , start supporting the tomatoes on the twine .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the base of the plant .
• You can train trellised tomatoes to one or two leaders .
If you are keeping one , remove all of the suckers ( this is recommended . )
If you are keeping two , keep the sucker just below the first cluster of flowers and remove all the others .
Be sure to cut off the suckers while they are less then 2 inches small .
• As the plant grows , keep attaching it to the twine with clips , about every 12–18 inches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Attach the clips beneath the leaves , not beneath the cluster of fruit to avoid damaging the tomatoes .
Alternatively , you can wrap the plant around the twine instead of using clips .
• Remove lower leaves to maintain a good airflow , but don ’ t touch the leaves underneath the lowest cluster of tomatoes and any leaves higher than that .
• When the plant grows up to the support , you can trim the top or lower the vine if you ’ d like it to continue growing by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plant gently lean without snapping .
[ 2 ] Keep Reading : Tomatoes Hate Cucumbers : Secrets of Companion Planting and Popular Planting Combinations

The first time I tried a home-grown tomato I thought to myself, “So this is what tomatoes are supposed to taste like!” Nothing beats a fresh tomato, home-grown, just picked from the vine. The juices exploded in my mouth with the taste of summer and joy. As the summer heat sets in, many people are heading out to their own home gardens to tend to the tomato plants. You may be de-bugging them and watering them, but are you pruning them? Let’s talk about how to prune tomatoes
Pruning tomato plants can improve your crops, and even extend the harvest season. While you’re at it, use poles, trellises, or cages to keep the tomato vines off of the ground. This will prevent fungal diseases and improve the overall quality of the fruit. If the leaves are covered, they won’t get any sunlight and will struggle to survive. This leads to a smaller and less productive harvest. So learning how to prune tomatoes is vital to a better harvest.
There are two main types of tomatoes, determinate or indeterminate growth habits. When and how you should prune your plants depends on their growth habits. Determinate tomatoes tend to grow in a bush-like growth habit. They cease growing around 4 feet, which is when then set a terminal bud. Their season is short and defined but they tend to produce earlier than indeterminate types. Indeterminate types don’t stop growing, setting new flowers, and producing fruit until cold weather stops them.
Here are examples of each variety:
Determinate:
Beefsteak type: Mountain Fresh, Rutgers, Florida 47, Celebrity, Orange Blossom
Plum type: Plum Dandy, Roma, San Marzano
Indeterminate:
Cherry type: Sweet 100, Sungold, Matt’s Wild Cherry
Grape type: Juliet, Red Grape
Beefsteak: Big Beef, Big Boy, Early Girl, Jet Star
Heirloom/Specialty: Brandywine, Green Zeebra, Cherokee Purple, Black Krim
Read More: Farmer finds new technique for preserving tomatoes
How to prune tomatoes
The Basket Weave
The basket weave can be used for outdoor gardens or in greenhouses, as well as for determinate or indeterminate varieties. It is best suited to determinate type but it works well with indeterminate types if they are trimmed when they reach the top of the stakes. Instead of staking each vine, this system cuts the effort and the number of stakes needed in half.
Here’s how it works:
Choose 4-5 ft sturdy wooden stakes (5 ft stakes for indeterminate types) with two stakes for each end of the row to double their strength.
Set each stake about six inches into the earth, one stake per every 2–3 plants. Place the stakes there when the seedlings are transplanted.
Ensure the seedlings are supported as soon as they have set their first cluster of flowers.
To support the vines, tie a sturdy twine from the double stakes at the end of the row, about 12 inches off the ground. Weave the twine in a figure eight pattern between the plants before securing it to the opposite stake. Now do the same on the opposite end until the plants have twine on either side of them, holding them up.
As the plants grow, add another weave of twine about 6–8 inches higher. You will probably need a maximum of four layers.
Remove the new shoots that come out of the leaf axis (also called ‘suckers’). This may lower the harvest but it increases airflow in the plant. Allow the suckers around the first flower cluster to grow, however.
When indeterminate varieties exceed the stakes, cut off the tops to prevent it from becoming too heavy. It will look like a little hedge.
Keep Reading: Your Guide To Container Gardening Tomatoes
The Overhead Trellis
The overhead trellis is best for tomatoes grown indoors where overhead support is already there, and for indeterminate types. This system is more labor-intensive that the basket weave, but it is longer-lasting.
Ensure there is a strong support at least 8 ft over each row of tomatoes, like a metal conduit or a heavy-gauge wire. Remember, each plant can weigh up to 30 pounds, so whatever support you choose, make sure it could hold this amount of weight.
Cut a piece of twine that’s long enough to reach the overhead support and the earth. If you’re planning to grow the tomato plants long-term, use specialized hooks and rollers so you can lengthen the twine as the plants become taller.
Once the plants have their first flower clusters, or when they are at least 12 inches tall, start supporting the tomatoes on the twine. Use a tomato clip to attach them at the base of the plant.
You can train trellised tomatoes to one or two leaders. If you are keeping one, remove all of the suckers (this is recommended.) If you are keeping two, keep the sucker just below the first cluster of flowers and remove all the others. Be sure to cut off the suckers while they are less then 2 inches small.
As the plant grows, keep attaching it to the twine with clips, about every 12–18 inches. Reposition the tomatoes as needed. Attach the clips beneath the leaves, not beneath the cluster of fruit to avoid damaging the tomatoes. Alternatively, you can wrap the plant around the twine instead of using clips.
Remove lower leaves to maintain a good airflow, but don’t touch the leaves underneath the lowest cluster of tomatoes and any leaves higher than that.
When the plant grows up to the support, you can trim the top or lower the vine if you’d like it to continue growing by releasing more twine. This lets the plant gently lean without snapping.
We hope this guide on how to prune tomatoes is helpful! Happy gardening.
Keep Reading: How To Save Tomato Seeds To Grow Next Spring


theheartysoul--2020-07-18--Do Detox Diets and Cleanses Really Work?

Detox diets , or “ cleanses ” , have gained immense popularity over the last decade .
Diets like these claim to clean your blood and eliminate toxins from your body , promising results like weight loss , increased energy , clearer skin , fewer digestive issues , decreased bloating , and lowered inflammation .
Some even claim to help cure autoimmune diseases and allergies .
Something that is marketed as a magical cure-all for what ails you , however , is bound to get at least a few people asking some questions , the main one being “ do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Detox or Cleanse ?
A detox is typically a short-term dietary intervention that is designed to eliminate toxins from your body .
It often involves a period of fasting , followed by a very strict diet in which you only eat fruit , vegetables , fruit juices , and water .
Other detoxification programs may also include using dietary supplements , herbs , enemas , laxatives , or colonics , reducing environmental exposures , using a sauna , and exercising [ 1,2 ] .
Detox diets will vary in intensity and duration , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some lasting a couple weeks or more .
Some programs claim to cleanse your entire body , while others focus on a specific organ , such as the colon .
As an example , one of the most popular cleanses , that has been endorsed by several celebrities , is Stanley Burroughs ’ s Master Cleanse .
This program , also known as the lemonade diet , involves consuming only three things : lemon water mixed with maple syrup and cayenne pepper , a saltwater drink , and an herbal laxative tea [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with many other cleanses or detox diets , often do result in short-term weight loss because you are consuming so few calories , and temporarily eliminating water weight .
But do they result in long-term weight loss ?
And do they actually “ detoxify ” your body as they claim to do ?
Your Body is Already Eliminating Toxins There is very little research that supports the claims made by these types of diets , and the few studies that do exist have significant flaws [ 4 ] .
The truth is , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toxins from your body- only your body can do that .
Cleansing , or toxin elimination , happens through your liver , feces , urine , and sweat [ 5,6 ] .
The liver is one of the largest organs in your body , and carries out many important metabolic functions , one of which is taking up toxic substances and converting them into harmless substances that can be eliminated by the body .
Your liver removes alcohol , the by-products from the breakdown of medication , and ammonia from the break-down of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it to bile or urea to be excreted from your body as feces or urine [ 7 ] .
Sweating , as previously mentioned , is also an effective way that we eliminate toxins that have accumulated in our bodies from environmental exposure [ 6 ] .
While there are some chemicals and pollutants that tend to accumulate in fat tissue or blood and can be difficult to eliminate or remove , most of these products have been removed from , or at least limited in , commercial products today ( PBA would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8 ] .
Read : 8-Step Alzheimer ’ s Prevention Plan to Stop Memory Loss Before It Starts The problem with most of the detox programs on the market is that they make unsubstantiated claims , or claims that are extremely vague .
For example , the “ Master Detox ” claims that it promotes “ the elimination of every kind of disease ” - a statement that conveniently lacks any kind of specificity [ 9 ] .
This is not the only program that airs on the side of ambiguous .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detox program manufacturers found that not a single one of them could provide a clear list of which harmful toxins were being eliminated .
Additionally , every single program had its own different definition of what the term “ detox ” actually meant [ 10 ] .
Will a Detox Diet Help Me Lose Weight ?
The short answer is yes , but as mentioned above , any form of severe calorie restriction will result in weight loss , at least in the short term .
This , however , is most likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carbohydrate stores , not fat loss .
For this reason , any weight that was lost during the detox is often gained back once the individual begins eating again .
Certain types of detox diets or cleanses may have a similar effect to short-term or intermittent fasting , which can help people lose weight and various disease markers , however , this is not the case for everyone , and success is highly dependent on the individual .
For some , prolonged fasting can actually increase stress hormones and have a negative impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Read : 5 Ways to Keep Your Lymphatic System Healthy Now that we ’ ve gone over some of the facts and misinformation surrounding detoxes and cleanses , we can touch on some major ways you can support your body ’ s own process .
While there is no food that can detoxify your body , that doesn ’ t mean that what you eat is not important .
Your liver requires an immense amount of nutrients in order to function properly , and eating a nutritious diet that supports your liver will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reach its own peak efficiency and to keep continually detoxifying itself .
Vitamins & minerals such as C , E , B complex , magnesium , zinc , manganese , selenium , sulfur and amino acids like cysteine , glycine , taurine and glutamine , glutathione and innumerable phytonutrients found in plant foods are just a few examples of the vital nutrients your liver needs in order to do its job [ 12,13 ] .
Another key nutrient involved in toxin elimination is fibre , particularly the soluble kind found in oat bran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beans , lentils , peas , and some fruits and vegetables .
Fibre helps eliminate toxins two ways : • By binding bile and the toxins found within it .
• By feeding the bacteria in your digestive tract that create short-chain fatty acids and metabolites that increase the liver ’ s ability to excrete toxins [ 13,14 ] .
2 .
Decrease Your Exposure to Known Toxicants Another way to help lower the number of toxins in your body is to limit your exposure to them altogether .
Avoiding exposure to airborne @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chemical fumes can improve your health in general and take some of the load off of your liver .
People who live in rural areas tend to have less exposure to environmental pollutants , but if you live in an urban area there are still steps you can take to reduce the number of toxins present in your home , such as ensuring your home or apartment is properly ventilated [ 15 ] .
Additionally , if you live in an area with a lot of smog , you may want to consider @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outdoors to prevent the inhalation of air pollutants .
Lastly , consider quitting smoking and reduce alcohol consumption .
Another way to reduce your exposure to environmental toxins is through the food you eat .
While pesticide residues on foods are highly regulated in the United States , it is always good practice to thoroughly wash your fruits and vegetables before eating them , and peeling and cooking them whenever possible , even if they are organic [ 16 ] .
There are many reasons why exercise is important for your health , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
While some inflammation is necessary for your body to fight infections or to heal injuries , too much impairs your body ’ s systems and organs from functioning properly- including your liver .
Regular moderate to vigorous exercise can reduce the levels of systemic inflammation in your body , thereby allowing your liver and the rest of your detoxifying system to function optimally [ 17 ] .
Supplementation is optional , but there are some compounds in plant foods that have been shown to upregulate your liver ’ s detoxification process .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is found in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables , reduces oxidative stress , thereby improving liver function [ 18 ] .
There are some supplements that are supported by strong evidence from human studies to support liver health : • Milk thistle : this herb contains a group of active ingredients called Silymarins that promote liver health , particularly after a liver injury [ 19 ] .
• N-Acetylcysteine ( NAC ) : this has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that promote liver health and detoxification [ 20 ] .
• S-Adenosylmethionine ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that circulates in the blood and helps to maintain metabolic reactions [ 21 ] .
• TUDCA : this is a water soluble bile acid that helps treat bile acid backup in the liver , and can help protect and rehabilitate the liver [ 22 ] .
It is important to note that as a consumer , you should be wary of any supplement that claims to detoxify your body .
The claim isn ’ t necessarily false , but the term is misused so frequently that your should always do your research @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may not work .
Read : The Best Things You Can Do to Optimize Brain Function Now Thousands of people try doing a detox or cleanse every year , and many of them experience few side effects aside from hunger and possible irritability .
That being said , there are some serious risks associated with a cleanse diet , and they are potentially more harmful for some than others .
Not all cleanse or detox programs are created equal , and the FDA and the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ) have taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detox products that contain illegal ingredients , were marketed with unfounded claims that they could treat a specific disease , or sold devices that were marketed for an unapproved use ( such as for a colon cleanse ) [ 23 ] .
Other problems that have been associated with detox or cleanse programs are programs that include unpasteurized juices that could be harmful to people with weak immune systems , or juices that are high in oxalates that could increase the risk for kidney problems .
Severely restricting calories or consuming only water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dangerous electrolyte imbalances , and deprive your body of the nutrients that it needs for proper functioning .
Any programs that involve the use of laxatives or colon cleansing procedures can also lead to severe electrolyte imbalances , and can be dangerous for people with a history of gastrointestinal disease , colon surgery , severe hemorrhoids , kidney disease , or heart disease .
Additionally , anyone who has specific medical needs or has to follow a specific diet , such as someone with diabetes , should follow the diet program recommended by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Read : 10 Foods to Support the Removal of Toxic Mercury From Your Body Chemophobia is essentially the fear of chemicals or chemistry .
In general , it stems from a misunderstanding of chemistry .
“ Chemicals ” essentially means everything in the material world , from fuels and plastics to human bodies and baby oil [ 24 ] .
A common problem is that chemophobes confuse the chemicals that make up a product with the product itself .
For example , TBHQ is an additive found in certain food products .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that claim that “ TBHQ is made from butane- a toxic gas ” , however this ignores basic rules of chemistry .
It is essentially the same thing as saying water is dangerous because it is made from hydrogen , which is a very flammable gas .
One of the first rules of chemistry is that when atoms combine and form bonds with each other they lose their individual properties [ 24 ] .
Individuals who are chemophobic may be more likely to try a detox or cleanse program in an effort to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have absorbed from their environment , despite the fact that there is no evidence to support their efficacy .
While there is certainly nothing wrong with trying to avoid processed foods and the chemical fertilizers and pesticides associated with conventional agriculture , and in fact that is likely better for your health , turning to drastic , unproven measures to “ rid your body of chemicals ” is ineffective and does more harm than good .
Remember , when it comes to toxicity , it is the dose that makes the poison .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ no one food that can “ detoxify ” your body , and there is no evidence to support the efficacy of any cleanse or detox program .
While there may be certain instances , such as in the case of a disease or intestinal issue , where a doctor may recommend a cleanse-like protocol , these are typically done over a very short period of time and are medically supervised .
Although these programs do not provide the benefits they claim to have , you can ( and should ) adopt a lifestyle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of your liver , kidneys , and other detox pathways so that your body can eliminate toxins as efficiently as possible .
This means eating a healthy diet that contains lots of fruits and vegetables and is low in processed foods , drinking plenty of water , and exercising regularly .
Your body is incredibly adept at taking care of itself , so long as you provide it with what it needs to function properly .
A consistent , healthy lifestyle is always a better option than a drastic , “ quick fix @ @ @ @ @ @ @ usually lead to long term results .

Detox diets, or “cleanses”, have gained immense popularity over the last decade. Diets like these claim to clean your blood and eliminate toxins from your body, promising results like weight loss, increased energy, clearer skin, fewer digestive issues, decreased bloating, and lowered inflammation. Some even claim to help cure autoimmune diseases and allergies. Something that is marketed as a magical cure-all for what ails you, however, is bound to get at least a few people asking some questions, the main one being do cleanses work?
What is a Detox or Cleanse?
A detox is typically a short-term dietary intervention that is designed to eliminate toxins from your body. It often involves a period of fasting, followed by a very strict diet in which you only eat fruit, vegetables, fruit juices, and water.
Other detoxification programs may also include using dietary supplements, herbs, enemas, laxatives, or colonics, reducing environmental exposures, using a sauna, and exercising [1,2].
Detox diets will vary in intensity and duration, some lasting only a few days, some lasting a couple weeks or more.
Some programs claim to cleanse your entire body, while others focus on a specific organ, such as the colon. As an example, one of the most popular cleanses, that has been endorsed by several celebrities, is Stanley Burroughs’s Master Cleanse. This program, also known as the lemonade diet, involves consuming only three things: lemon water mixed with maple syrup and cayenne pepper, a saltwater drink, and an herbal laxative tea [3].
This diet, along with many other cleanses or detox diets, often do result in short-term weight loss because you are consuming so few calories, and temporarily eliminating water weight. But do they result in long-term weight loss? And do they actually “detoxify” your body as they claim to do?
Your Body is Already Eliminating Toxins
There is very little research that supports the claims made by these types of diets, and the few studies that do exist have significant flaws [4].
The truth is, there is no food that can eliminate toxins from your body- only your body can do that. Cleansing, or toxin elimination, happens through your liver, feces, urine, and sweat [5,6].
The liver is one of the largest organs in your body, and carries out many important metabolic functions, one of which is taking up toxic substances and converting them into harmless substances that can be eliminated by the body. Your liver removes alcohol, the by-products from the breakdown of medication, and ammonia from the break-down of protein, from your bloodstream and converts it to bile or urea to be excreted from your body as feces or urine [7].
Sweating, as previously mentioned, is also an effective way that we eliminate toxins that have accumulated in our bodies from environmental exposure [6].
While there are some chemicals and pollutants that tend to accumulate in fat tissue or blood and can be difficult to eliminate or remove, most of these products have been removed from, or at least limited in, commercial products today (PBA would be an example of this) [8].
Do cleanses work?
The problem with most of the detox programs on the market is that they make unsubstantiated claims, or claims that are extremely vague. For example, the “Master Detox” claims that it promotes “the elimination of every kind of disease”- a statement that conveniently lacks any kind of specificity [9].
This is not the only program that airs on the side of ambiguous. A report from 2009 that investigated fifteen different detox program manufacturers found that not a single one of them could provide a clear list of which harmful toxins were being eliminated. Additionally, every single program had its own different definition of what the term “detox” actually meant [10].
Will a Detox Diet Help Me Lose Weight?
The short answer is yes, but as mentioned above, any form of severe calorie restriction will result in weight loss, at least in the short term. This, however, is most likely due to a loss of fluid and carbohydrate stores, not fat loss. For this reason, any weight that was lost during the detox is often gained back once the individual begins eating again.
Certain types of detox diets or cleanses may have a similar effect to short-term or intermittent fasting, which can help people lose weight and various disease markers, however, this is not the case for everyone, and success is highly dependent on the individual. For some, prolonged fasting can actually increase stress hormones and have a negative impact on your health [11].
Read: 5 Ways to Keep Your Lymphatic System Healthy
4 Ways to Support Detoxification
Now that we’ve gone over some of the facts and misinformation surrounding detoxes and cleanses, we can touch on some major ways you can support your body’s own process.
1. Eating to Support Detoxification
While there is no food that can detoxify your body, that doesn’t mean that what you eat is not important. Your liver requires an immense amount of nutrients in order to function properly, and eating a nutritious diet that supports your liver will improve your body’s ability to reach its own peak efficiency and to keep continually detoxifying itself.
Vitamins & minerals such as C, E, B complex, magnesium, zinc, manganese, selenium, sulfur and amino acids like cysteine, glycine, taurine and glutamine, glutathione and innumerable phytonutrients found in plant foods are just a few examples of the vital nutrients your liver needs in order to do its job [12,13].
Another key nutrient involved in toxin elimination is fibre, particularly the soluble kind found in oat bran, barley, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, peas, and some fruits and vegetables. Fibre helps eliminate toxins two ways:
By binding bile and the toxins found within it. By feeding the bacteria in your digestive tract that create short-chain fatty acids and metabolites that increase the liver’s ability to excrete toxins [13,14].
2. Decrease Your Exposure to Known Toxicants
Another way to help lower the number of toxins in your body is to limit your exposure to them altogether. Avoiding exposure to airborne pollutants like smoke, smog, and chemical fumes can improve your health in general and take some of the load off of your liver.
People who live in rural areas tend to have less exposure to environmental pollutants, but if you live in an urban area there are still steps you can take to reduce the number of toxins present in your home, such as ensuring your home or apartment is properly ventilated [15].
Additionally, if you live in an area with a lot of smog, you may want to consider wearing a facemask when you’re outdoors to prevent the inhalation of air pollutants. Lastly, consider quitting smoking and reduce alcohol consumption.
Another way to reduce your exposure to environmental toxins is through the food you eat. While pesticide residues on foods are highly regulated in the United States, it is always good practice to thoroughly wash your fruits and vegetables before eating them, and peeling and cooking them whenever possible, even if they are organic [16].
3. Exercise
There are many reasons why exercise is important for your health, and one of them is reducing inflammation. While some inflammation is necessary for your body to fight infections or to heal injuries, too much impairs your body’s systems and organs from functioning properly- including your liver.
Regular moderate to vigorous exercise can reduce the levels of systemic inflammation in your body, thereby allowing your liver and the rest of your detoxifying system to function optimally [17].
4. Supplementation To Support Detoxification
Supplementation is optional, but there are some compounds in plant foods that have been shown to upregulate your liver’s detoxification process. One of these compounds, sulforaphane, which is found in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, reduces oxidative stress, thereby improving liver function [18].
There are some supplements that are supported by strong evidence from human studies to support liver health:
Milk thistle : this herb contains a group of active ingredients called Silymarins that promote liver health, particularly after a liver injury [19].
: this herb contains a group of active ingredients called Silymarins that promote liver health, particularly after a liver injury [19]. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) : this has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that promote liver health and detoxification [20].
: this has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that promote liver health and detoxification [20]. S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) : this is a compound that circulates in the blood and helps to maintain metabolic reactions [21].
: this is a compound that circulates in the blood and helps to maintain metabolic reactions [21]. TUDCA: this is a water soluble bile acid that helps treat bile acid backup in the liver, and can help protect and rehabilitate the liver [22].
It is important to note that as a consumer, you should be wary of any supplement that claims to detoxify your body. The claim isn’t necessarily false, but the term is misused so frequently that your should always do your research before spending money on a supplement that may not work.
Read: The Best Things You Can Do to Optimize Brain Function Now
Are Cleanses or Detoxes Safe?
Thousands of people try doing a detox or cleanse every year, and many of them experience few side effects aside from hunger and possible irritability. That being said, there are some serious risks associated with a cleanse diet, and they are potentially more harmful for some than others.
Not all cleanse or detox programs are created equal, and the FDA and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have taken action against a number of companies selling detox products that contain illegal ingredients, were marketed with unfounded claims that they could treat a specific disease, or sold devices that were marketed for an unapproved use (such as for a colon cleanse) [23].
Other problems that have been associated with detox or cleanse programs are programs that include unpasteurized juices that could be harmful to people with weak immune systems, or juices that are high in oxalates that could increase the risk for kidney problems.
Severely restricting calories or consuming only water and herbal tea can also lead to dangerous electrolyte imbalances, and deprive your body of the nutrients that it needs for proper functioning. Any programs that involve the use of laxatives or colon cleansing procedures can also lead to severe electrolyte imbalances, and can be dangerous for people with a history of gastrointestinal disease, colon surgery, severe hemorrhoids, kidney disease, or heart disease.
Additionally, anyone who has specific medical needs or has to follow a specific diet, such as someone with diabetes, should follow the diet program recommended by their healthcare team [23].
A Note on Chemophobia
Chemophobia is essentially the fear of chemicals or chemistry. In general, it stems from a misunderstanding of chemistry. “Chemicals” essentially means everything in the material world, from fuels and plastics to human bodies and baby oil [24].
A common problem is that chemophobes confuse the chemicals that make up a product with the product itself. For example, TBHQ is an additive found in certain food products. You can find blog posts on the internet that claim that “TBHQ is made from butane- a toxic gas”, however this ignores basic rules of chemistry. It is essentially the same thing as saying water is dangerous because it is made from hydrogen, which is a very flammable gas. One of the first rules of chemistry is that when atoms combine and form bonds with each other they lose their individual properties [24].
Individuals who are chemophobic may be more likely to try a detox or cleanse program in an effort to rid their bodies of the chemicals they have absorbed from their environment, despite the fact that there is no evidence to support their efficacy.
While there is certainly nothing wrong with trying to avoid processed foods and the chemical fertilizers and pesticides associated with conventional agriculture, and in fact that is likely better for your health, turning to drastic, unproven measures to “rid your body of chemicals” is ineffective and does more harm than good. Remember, when it comes to toxicity, it is the dose that makes the poison.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that there is no one food that can “detoxify” your body, and there is no evidence to support the efficacy of any cleanse or detox program. While there may be certain instances, such as in the case of a disease or intestinal issue, where a doctor may recommend a cleanse-like protocol, these are typically done over a very short period of time and are medically supervised.
Although these programs do not provide the benefits they claim to have, you can (and should) adopt a lifestyle that supports the healthy and proper functioning of your liver, kidneys, and other detox pathways so that your body can eliminate toxins as efficiently as possible. This means eating a healthy diet that contains lots of fruits and vegetables and is low in processed foods, drinking plenty of water, and exercising regularly.
Your body is incredibly adept at taking care of itself, so long as you provide it with what it needs to function properly. A consistent, healthy lifestyle is always a better option than a drastic, “quick fix” diet. Long term actions, usually lead to long term results.
Keep Reading: Mexico Bans Monsanto’s Roundup Herbicide


theheartysoul--2020-07-18--Bacteria that eat metal accidentally discovered by scientists

Sometimes , in the world of science , researchers believe something exists , or hypothesise how something works , but are unable to gather sufficient evidence to prove it .
Even to scientists , the world contains many seemingly unsolvable mysteries , and there is still so much to learn about the planet upon which we live .
Scientists have suspected that there is a bacteria which exists that eats metal for more than one hundred years , but have been unable to prove it .
Finally , scientists in California have stumbled upon evidence to verify its existence , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their unanswered questions .
When Dr. Jared Leadbetter , professor of environmental microbiology at Caltech in Pasadena , returned to his lab from a months-long work trip , he found an unexpected surprise .
Before leaving , he had left a glass jar covered with a chalk-like type of manganese soaking in water in his sink .
Upon his return , he found the jar coated in a dark material .
The black coating turned out to be oxidized manganese , a chemical element that is abundant on the earth .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that had likely been present in the water itself [ 2 ] .
Leadbetter and his team wanted to find out if this process was actually happening due to a biological process , so they coated more jars with manganese carbonate ( MnCO3 ) .
Some of the jars were sterilized using scorching steam , and some were left alone .
The manganese compound on the sterilized jars didn ’ t oxidize , even after an entire year , but MnCO3 on the non-sterilized jars did .
That gave them a clue as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ metal-eating : it had to be something that could be destroyed by hot steam [ 3 ] .
Read : Walking Sharks That Can Leave The Water Discovered In Indo-Australian Archipelago After the initial experiment , the researchers then cultured what was on the jars .
They performed an RNA analysis and found seventy species of bacteria , but were eventually able to narrow the culprit down to two possible species : Nitrospirae bacteria , and Betaproteobacterium .
The former is usually crescent-shaped , and the latter is rod-shaped .
Relatives of both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in groundwater [ 3 ] .
The team found that the Betaproteobacterium did not oxidise the manganese by itself , which either means that the Nitrospirae are solely responsible for the oxidation , or the two species are working together .
During their research they also found that the bacteria are autotrophic , meaning they can produce their own food using a source of energy .
In this case , that energy source is manganese .
In the same way that plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into sugar and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the energy from manganese electrons to convert carbon dioxide into usable carbon .
This process is called chemosynthesis , and while it is known to occur with other metals , this is the first time it has been observed with manganese [ 3 ] .
Read : Scientists Are Hunting For A Mirror Universe And Attempting To Open Portals Into It Manganese is one of the most common elements on Earth ’ s surface , and is an essential human nutrient that our bodies use to process fats and proteins and form bones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its cycle on Earth is relatively unknown .
One of the conundrums we have faced with regards to manganese is its tendency to clog water pipes .
Leadbetter explained that many scientists over the last century have suspected that a bacteria that eats manganese might be possible , but there has been no evidence to support that theory until now .
This new discovery helps scientists to better understand the geochemistry of groundwater .
Scientists have long wondered how manganese oxide ends up in our water supply , and now they know that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This research has also shed some light in another area that has baffled scientists for years : manganese nodules that can be found on the seafloor .
These round metallic balls can be up to the size of a grapefruit , and have been known to marine researchers since the 1870s .
They often contain concentrated amounts of rare metals , so mining companies have been making plans to harvest and exploit them [ 2 ] .
Leadbetter and his team are now wondering if microbes similar to the ones they found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and they plan to investigate this further .
They believe that there is a need to better understand them before they are decimated by mining .
Woodward Fischer , professor of geobiology at Caltech , says that these findings fill a major intellectual gap in our understanding of Earth ’ s elemental cycles .
Keep Reading : Gut Bacteria and Your Kid ’ s Behavior : Research Sheds Light on a Link

Sometimes, in the world of science, researchers believe something exists, or hypothesise how something works, but are unable to gather sufficient evidence to prove it. Even to scientists, the world contains many seemingly unsolvable mysteries, and there is still so much to learn about the planet upon which we live. Scientists have suspected that there is a bacteria that eats metal for more than one hundred years, but have been unable to prove it. Finally, scientists in California have stumbled upon evidence to verify its existence, and it is providing insight to many of their unanswered questions.
An Accidental Discovery
When Dr. Jared Leadbetter, professor of environmental microbiology at Caltech in Pasadena, returned to his lab from a months-long work trip, he found an unexpected surprise. Before leaving, he had left a glass jar covered with a chalk-like type of manganese soaking in water in his sink. Upon his return, he found the jar coated in a dark material.
“I thought, ‘What is that?’ “ he explained. “I started to wonder if long-sought-after microbes might be responsible, so we systematically performed tests to figure that out” [1].
The black coating turned out to be oxidized manganese, a chemical element that is abundant on the earth. The oxidized element was generated by newfound bacteria that had likely been present in the water itself [2].
Leadbetter and his team wanted to find out if this process was actually happening due to a biological process, so they coated more jars with manganese carbonate (MnCO3). Some of the jars were sterilized using scorching steam, and some were left alone.
The manganese compound on the sterilized jars didn’t oxidize, even after an entire year, but MnCO3 on the non-sterilized jars did. That gave them a clue as to what bacteria was responsible for the metal-eating: it had to be something that could be destroyed by hot steam [3].
Read: Walking Sharks That Can Leave The Water Discovered In Indo-Australian Archipelago
A Bacteria that Eats Metal
After the initial experiment, the researchers then cultured what was on the jars. They performed an RNA analysis and found seventy species of bacteria, but were eventually able to narrow the culprit down to two possible species: Nitrospirae bacteria, and Betaproteobacterium. The former is usually crescent-shaped, and the latter is rod-shaped. Relatives of both of these bacteria are known to live in groundwater [3].
The team found that the Betaproteobacterium did not oxidise the manganese by itself, which either means that the Nitrospirae are solely responsible for the oxidation, or the two species are working together.
During their research they also found that the bacteria are autotrophic, meaning they can produce their own food using a source of energy. In this case, that energy source is manganese.
In the same way that plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into sugar and oxygen through photosynthesis, these bacteria use the energy from manganese electrons to convert carbon dioxide into usable carbon. This process is called chemosynthesis, and while it is known to occur with other metals, this is the first time it has been observed with manganese [3].
“A wonderful aspect of microbes in nature is that they can metabolize seemingly unlikely materials, like metals, yielding energy useful to the cell,” said Leadbetter [1].
Clues to Some Unanswered Questions
Discovering a bacteria that eats metal doesn’t come without a few unanswered questions. Manganese is one of the most common elements on Earth’s surface, and is an essential human nutrient that our bodies use to process fats and proteins and form bones. Despite this, a lot of its cycle on Earth is relatively unknown.
One of the conundrums we have faced with regards to manganese is its tendency to clog water pipes.
“There is a whole set of environmental engineering literature on drinking-water-distribution systems getting clogged by manganese oxides,” Leadbetter said. “But how and for what reason such material is generated there has remained an enigma” [1].
Leadbetter explained that many scientists over the last century have suspected that a bacteria that eats manganese might be possible, but there has been no evidence to support that theory until now.
This new discovery helps scientists to better understand the geochemistry of groundwater. Scientists have long wondered how manganese oxide ends up in our water supply, and now they know that it is this bacteria that produces it.
“The bacteria we have discovered can produce it, thus they enjoy a lifestyle that also serves to supply the other microbes with what they need to perform reactions that we consider to be beneficial and desirable,” says Leadbetter [2].
This research has also shed some light in another area that has baffled scientists for years: manganese nodules that can be found on the seafloor. These round metallic balls can be up to the size of a grapefruit, and have been known to marine researchers since the 1870s. They often contain concentrated amounts of rare metals, so mining companies have been making plans to harvest and exploit them [2].
Leadbetter and his team are now wondering if microbes similar to the ones they found in freshwater are responsible for these nodules, and they plan to investigate this further. They believe that there is a need to better understand them before they are decimated by mining.
Woodward Fischer, professor of geobiology at Caltech, says that these findings fill a major intellectual gap in our understanding of Earth’s elemental cycles.


theheartysoul--2020-07-18--Owner Finances Thousands Of Acres To Off-Gridders And Wilderness Lovers!

If you ’ ve always dreamed of living off the land but had trouble with the first step of actually acquiring that land , then you ’ re in luck .
A landowner is offering off grid land at a very low cost to anyone who is ready to live an alternative lifestyle .
This is what you need to know .
Many of us have the desire to leave the rat race behind and live in a way that allows us to live more closely with nature .
Unfortunately , due to economic collapse , job loss , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simply don ’ t have the financial means to take that first step .
There is one man in the United States who wants to help people buy land so they can make their dream a reality .
He has parcels of off-grid land that he is giving to anyone willing to take on the task of building a new , alternative life .
( 1 ) Land is available in these locations ( 1 ) : Parcels range from just over 3 acres to 130 acres in a variety of terrains and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone .
( 1 ) The majority of them are completely off-the-grid , so it is recommended that once you ’ ve purchased your land , you arrange to have a solar system set up before you get out there , or at least another off-grid option for electricity .
You can visit Solar Quote Machine to get an idea of what having a kit shipped to you would cost .
( 1 ) Most of these parcels can be purchased with a $ 299 down payment and a $ 299 document fee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for up to 30 years .
( 1 ) Read : A community of ‘ voluntary anarchists ’ is taking off-the-grid living to the next level If there ’ s anything that the year 2020 has shown us so far , it ’ s that we have an urgent need to start taking better care of our planet and of each other .
From crazy wildfires , locust plagues , natural disasters , global pandemics , and systemic racism and hate , now , more than ever before , we must make changes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sustainable isn ’ t as daunting a task as you may think .
In fact , plenty of regular people just like you and I are making these changes every single day .
For example , the people who live in Fortitude Ranch in West Virginia have built a community that is ready for quite literally anything .
No power ?
No problem .
No more grocery stores ?
They ’ re fully stocked .
This community is essentially entirely self-reliant , so no matter how dire circumstances become , they will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life is feasible for families , as well .
This family of seven ( two parents and five daughters ) lives completely off-the-grid in Northern Canada , no less !
They built their own solar-powered home on a $ 25,000 budget that is suitable for all four of the seasons that the Great White North can throw at them .
They have back-up generators , a water system that collects and purifies rainwater , a wood-fire stove , and a bucket toilet and decomposition system .
Since the COVID-19 pandemic has shut down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the entertainment and convenience in exchange for their hefty price tag like they once did , many people are choosing to leave for quite literally greener pastures .
This urban exodus not only has people moving to the country but has people taking control over their lives .
People are more interested in at-home farming , so they will always be able to provide for their families no matter what global crisis comes next .
This desire to be more self-reliant is not just personal , but also commercial .
Big businesses are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ companies to be entirely remote , for good .
Now that many more people are permanently working from home , it ’ s easier to live in a place where you can grow and produce your own food right in your backyard .
Is off-the-grid living for you ?
That depends entirely on you .
How much time , energy , and money you have to spend up-front , and how much work you are willing to put in .
Not only is it a huge amount of work to get your living @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan on DIY-ing most of it , but the work doesn ’ t stop when the house is built and functional .
Living off-grid takes work , dedication , and constant planning .
There is a lot to think about , so make sure you ’ ve fully done your research before you get yourself in too deep .
Keep Reading : Project combines hemp and solar to go totally off grid

If you’ve always dreamed of living off the land but had trouble with the first step of actually acquiring that land, then you’re in luck. A landowner is offering off grid land at a very low cost to anyone who is ready to live an alternative lifestyle. This is what you need to know.
Off-Grid Land for Alternative Living
Many of us have the desire to leave the rat race behind and live in a way that allows us to live more closely with nature. Unfortunately, due to economic collapse, job loss, and lack of credit, many of us simply don’t have the financial means to take that first step.
There is one man in the United States who wants to help people buy land so they can make their dream a reality. He has parcels of off-grid land that he is giving to anyone willing to take on the task of building a new, alternative life. (1)
Land is available in these locations (1):
California
Nevada
Arizona
Utah
New Mexico
Colorado
Texas
Missouri
Oklahoma
Kentucky
Michigan
West Virginia
Tennessee
Parcels range from just over 3 acres to 130 acres in a variety of terrains and climates, so there is something for everyone. (1)
True Off-Grid Living
The majority of them are completely off-the-grid, so it is recommended that once you’ve purchased your land, you arrange to have a solar system set up before you get out there, or at least another off-grid option for electricity. You can visit Solar Quote Machine to get an idea of what having a kit shipped to you would cost. (1)
Most of these parcels can be purchased with a $299 down payment and a $299 document fee. You can then finance the rest for up to 30 years. (1)
Read: A community of ‘voluntary anarchists’ is taking off-the-grid living to the next level
The Importance of Self-Sustained Living
If there’s anything that the year 2020 has shown us so far, it’s that we have an urgent need to start taking better care of our planet and of each other. From crazy wildfires, locust plagues, natural disasters, global pandemics, and systemic racism and hate, now, more than ever before, we must make changes.
Thankfully, making your life more sustainable isn’t as daunting a task as you may think. In fact, plenty of regular people just like you and I are making these changes every single day.
For example, the people who live in Fortitude Ranch in West Virginia have built a community that is ready for quite literally anything. No power? No problem. No more grocery stores? They’re fully stocked. This community is essentially entirely self-reliant, so no matter how dire circumstances become, they will be okay.
A more sustainable way of life is feasible for families, as well. This family of seven (two parents and five daughters) lives completely off-the-grid in Northern Canada, no less! They built their own solar-powered home on a $25,000 budget that is suitable for all four of the seasons that the Great White North can throw at them. They have back-up generators, a water system that collects and purifies rainwater, a wood-fire stove, and a bucket toilet and decomposition system.
Urban Exodus
Since the COVID-19 pandemic has shut down essentially everything and cities no longer offer the entertainment and convenience in exchange for their hefty price tag like they once did, many people are choosing to leave for quite literally greener pastures.
This urban exodus not only has people moving to the country but has people taking control over their lives. People are more interested in at-home farming, so they will always be able to provide for their families no matter what global crisis comes next. This desire to be more self-reliant is not just personal, but also commercial. Big businesses are ditching their downtown offices and transitioning their companies to be entirely remote, for good. Now that many more people are permanently working from home, it’s easier to live in a place where you can grow and produce your own food right in your backyard.
The Bottom Line
Is off-the-grid living for you? That depends entirely on you. How much time, energy, and money you have to spend up-front, and how much work you are willing to put in.
Not only is it a huge amount of work to get your living situation set up, especially if you plan on DIY-ing most of it, but the work doesn’t stop when the house is built and functional. Living off-grid takes work, dedication, and constant planning. There is a lot to think about, so make sure you’ve fully done your research before you get yourself in too deep.
Keep Reading: Project combines hemp and solar to go totally off grid