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Stress is inevitable. So instead of demonizing it we should change our attitude towards it, says Kelly McGonigal. Somehow, by changing our attitude towards stress, by viewing it in more positive light, the worse effects of stress can be avoided. This is because within the Stress response there are embedded some hormones like Oxytocin that can counter its bad effect.

There are two types of Stress responses. One is the heart-pounding type that pushes adrenaline into our blood. This is the “good stress” as long as we have a positive attitude towards it. The other Stress response is the stomach churning worry type that pushes the hormone Cortisol in our blood. This is the “bad stress”. No good comes of this no matter what our attitude. Kelly’s talk shows that we can convert “good stress” into “bad stress” by having an attitude of worrying or over-thinking our problems (Including worrying about Stress itself).

So while we should not seek out stressful situations we should not run away from them either. When a situation presents itself that requires us to up our game, we must welcome the stress response with open hearts, as it allows us to do what is needed to reach our goals.

Related: Is Stress Good For You?

Liver is one of the most important organs in our body. Luckily it is also one of the most resilient, capable of regenerating itself. This means that healthy food habits can make a big dent in liver health. However for those with chronic liver issues or prone to them, something extra is also needed. This article provides three little known liver health foods that can help:

1. Coffee

Dr. Sanjiv Chopra (the younger brother of Dr. Deepak Chopra) is a leading liver specialist . He is also a leading advocate of coffee for liver health. The statistics he cites are pretty dramatic. One study found that drinking two cups of coffee a day decreases the incidence of primary liver cancer by 43%. Another study found that two coffee cups per day reduced incidence of liver cirrhosis by 40%. All studies have found that this works only while having regular coffee. Decaffeinated coffee does not seem to have the same beneficial effect. Neither is this replicated by drinking tea instead of coffee. Dr. Chopra insists that everybody should start drinking coffee, as long as they have no other issue that prevents them from doing so. The recommended portion size is that everybody should drink up to two regular sized cups of coffee per day.

2. Neem Leaves

There have been studies that have shown that Neem Leaf can minimize chemically induced damage to the liver in laboratory mice. Neem Leaves have long been well regarded in Ayurveda as a potent treatment to clean the blood and remove toxins from the liver. This study now bears this out. Pregnant women and children should not be given Neem. Those who have just had organ transplant may also want to consult their doctor before having Neem. There is also a note for diabetics. Neem can reduce blood sugar levels so it should help but this is also a caution against unexpected sugar level drop. The best way to have Neem leaves is to do so in the form of a brew by dipping the leaves in hot water.
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