Can You Donate Blood If You Smoke Weed?

Donating blood is one of the most simple and charitable things you can do. Many rural regions of the US fail to find enough donors to fit their needs, so they need to ship in blood from other locations. Mega cities like New York need a steady supply of donors to meet the demands of a large population. But, can you donate blood if you smoke weed?  We have the answer. 

Can you donate blood if you smoke weed?

The short answer is yes. You are A-OK to give blood if you smoke, vaporize, dab, eat, or drink cannabis. Only, you might not want to show up to donate when you’re high as a kite. That might raise some suspicions.

Here’s the Red Cross’s official position:

While the Red Cross does not encourage the use of controlled substances, marijuana or alcohol use does not necessarily disqualify you from giving blood as long as you are feeling well.

If you have EVER injected any illegal drugs, you can never give blood.

Not so bad, right? Even the most diehard consumers can still pass on lifesaving blood to patients in need. But, other than needle injection, what things will actually disqualify you from blood donation?

Here are the blood donation qualifications

Overall, there are a few basic requirements that everyone must meet before they give blood. You must:

• Be in good health
• Are at least 17 years old (16 with signed parental consent)
• Weigh over 110 lbs

They also have a few more specific requirements related to lifestyle. Most of them have to do with needles, traveling, and sex. Here are a few things that will disqualify you from giving blood:

1. Getting tattooed in an unregulated location within 1 year of donation. That means if you’ve recently been tattooed in New York, New Hampshire, Washington D.C., Pennsylvania, Utah, Wyoming, Massachusetts, Nevada, Idaho, Maryland, or Georgia, you’re out of luck.
2. Traveling to a country with known problems with malaria. But, after 12 months on the home front, you’re good to go.
3. Using IV drugs that were not physician prescribed. If you use injectable drugs, you will be disqualified from donation for your entire life.
4. If you’re a man who has had sex with another man. Uhhhh…. yeah. This one is actually real. Men who have had sex with men were once banned for life. Now, they’re banned for a year. The policy was“updated” in 2015.
5. If you’re pregnant or just gave birth. In this case, you can give blood again 6 weeks after the birth of your new baby.

So, using cannabis before donation won’t exclude you from giving. Neither will using pretty much any non-injectable drug. You can also donate if you’ve completed a round of antibiotics.

However, traveling abroad and expressing non-hetro sexuality within the past year will raise some red flags for the Red Cross team. Otherwise, you can donate every 56 days, up to 6 times per year.

What do you think of these blood donation laws? Share with us on Facebook, Twitter, or in the commentsbelow. We’d love to hear from you!

Article Resourcs:http://herb.co/

This is modern Britain – no wonder young women have PTSD

Women’s mental health is under increasing pressure, from body image to pornography, domestic violence to debt. But amid the gloom, there is hope

 The latest NHS assessment of the nation’s mental health reveals an alarming spike in psychiatric disorders in young women. Photograph: Alamy Stock Photo

Most people know that when it comes to mental health there is something of a gender gap. But what you might not know is that it appears to be widening. Every seven years, the NHS carries out a rigorous assessment of Britain’s mental health and its citizens’ corresponding access to treatment services. The latest shows an alarming spike in psychiatric disorders – treated and untreated – in young women. While the prevalence of mental illness remained stable for men, it rose for women. Young women in particular have been dubbed a high-risk group.

For young women, this is unlikely to come as a surprise. There are positives to be taken from the survey: better access to mental health services, improved diagnosis and less stigma will mean more mental health problems are reported. But the fact remains that we face a unique set of pressures living in modern Britain (which is not to say that young men do not face pressures of their own – a point I will come to). Though young women outperform young men academically and often earn more, there are plenty of contextual factors that make our lives more difficult, and us more vulnerable to mental health problems.

Body image is probably a significant factor in young women experiencing psychological distress. The overwhelming sense that, despite your achievements, you will be judged on your body above all else can be crushing, contributing to eating disorders and feelings of low self-worth. The impact of pornography on sexual relationships has led some young women to feel subservient and disempowered, not to mention subject to sexual acts reported to be painful and unwanted. Both these social trends are exacerbated by the media and technology.

There are economic factors at play, too. Women are more likely to be in low-paid work, and are more likely to be carers – an isolating and impecunious pursuit, I can tell you from experience. Ideological Tory cuts have disproportionately affected women.

Post-traumatic stress disorder in young women, meanwhile, no doubt relates to us being the highest risk group for sexual violence. Domestic violence affects us too, as does the corresponding closure of women’s refuges. The closure and underfunding of maternity units obviously affects women who might go on to suffer PTSD post-childbirth.

This might be all too depressing for you, but sometimes these things need to be laid bare. We have known for some time that there is a mental health epidemic among both young men and young women. We are the generation at risk of being “left behind”, with both genders battling to find some kind of stability amid a housing crisis, unstable working conditions, mounting student debt, and, on top of all that, for women, that infernal biological clock and, if you have children, attendant childcare responsibilities and the unfair division of domestic labour.

But there is hope in all this, a beacon in the gloom. As I noted above, increased and better diagnosis of mental illness is probably a factor in the spike. When my mum had PTSD in the 1980s, she only realised from having read about it afterwards, in a book. When I was diagnosed in 2010 after being attacked by a stranger as I walked home, the GP referred me for treatment immediately. But it wasn’t just his expertise; my mother’s openness meant I was able to spot the symptoms, and gave me the courage to seek help.

Lots of us know already that women are more likely to go to the doctor when something is wrong, while men suffer in silence, taught that vulnerability is a source of shame, that big boys don’t cry. But women are also more and increasingly open with one another about mental illness. Our psychological health is a frequent topic of conversation. My female friends and I have discussed, without shame, everything from depression to panic attacks to suicide attempts to miscarriages to cocaine-induced paranoia (drugs and alcohol use are so obviously a factor in mental illness) to eating disorders and OCD. Recently I talked a good friend through a bout of crippling anxiety as she stood on the phone in the corridor at work. Do this breathing exercise, I said, before reeling off a list of my well-tried coping mechanisms.

It breaks my heart that my male peers lack this support system, so that they are often so ashamed to speak out. This is a prime example of how patriarchal values harm people of both genders. These are, after all, the men we love. Young women may be a high-risk group and the suicide rate among this demographic is rising, but things are no picnic for young men either, and it is important to note that the mental health crises they experience are much more likely to end in suicide. I know guys who have battled eating disorders, panic attacks, crippling depression, social anxiety and psychotic episodes. Many of the men I know have been beaten up at one time or another. “I was jumpy in pubs for months afterwards,” one told me. Hypervigilance, I thought. PTSD.

The dismantling of the NHS and its effect on mental health services is something that affects us all. Some of us are lucky; I am writing this on a train from Manchester to London. Eight months ago, when my PTSD came back after the Paris terrorist attacks, I couldn’t get onto a train without Valium and beta blockers. I would stand in the vestibule hyperventilating, convinced I was going to die. Looking back now, I realise I was completely and properly mad. I was seriously ill. And now I’m not, thanks to medication and 16 sessions of trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy.

But, while I waited for the CBT, I saw a therapist on Harley Street. Not everyone has that luxury, even on a reduced rate. And that is a crime. Tackling stigma and speaking openly about mental illness is one thing, but once you’ve built up the courage to go to the doctor, the services need to be there. Or else you are fighting a losing battle, and all too often are doing so alone.

• Comments on this thread are being premoderated

Article Resources:https://www.theguardian.com

Here’s How Cannabis Affects Mental Health

Have you ever wondered just how cannabis improves mental health? Unfortunately, research is still struggling to figure out just how the herb impacts mood. However, what has been discovered thus far is nothing short of amazing. Thanks to research over the past decade, we are starting to get a clearer picture of how the plant manages mental health conditions. Here’s how cannabis treats anxiety, depression, and activates pathways that regulate emotional behavior. 

Cannabis, emotion, mood, and mental health

If you walk into your doctor’s office feeling depressed, you’re likely to be prescribed an antidepressantthat boosts serotonin levels. If you are suffering from anxiety, you may be prescribed a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines boost another calming neurotransmitter, GABA.

These drugs are well-designed. They engage very specific types of receptors and more or less effectively do what they’re supposed to do: elevate and manage the levels of certain chemicals in your brain.

Cannabis is different. The phytochemicals in the herb interact with each other in complex, sophisticated ways. In a way, they are like a new kind of nutrient. This is especially true when you consume cannabis raw versus smoking or cooking with the herb.

When you consume cannabis, you take in a few active compounds. Most famous are cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are chemicals like psychoactive THC and nonpsychoactive CBD. These molecules directly engage with cells in your body and have far-reaching effects.

The endocannabinoid system and mood

The biological mechanism behind this is the endocannabinoid system (ESC). The endocannabinoid system is a large communication network that triggers chemical reactions which control mood, metabolism, immune function, reproduction, and pain.

Compounds in the cannabis plant interact with this communication network, promoting homeostasis in the body. Homeostasis is the technical term for optimal balance.

In the words of Dr. Ethan Russo, neurologist and Medical Research Director for Phytecs,

[…] The endocannabinoid system, it is sort of a buffer. So CBD can be thought of as a buffer as well – a buffer is something that will work both ways as need be. So, for example, in the endocannabinoid system one of its main roles in the brain is to regulate neurotransmitter function and again, if there’s too much of one kind of neurotransmitter it will bring it down, if there’s too little it will bring it up. – Russo

So, the endocannabinoid system helps control the optimal release of neurotransmitters. A dysfunction in the ECS could create havoc in the brain.

The serotonin system, which is the target of many antidepressant drugs, is triggered by the endocannabinoid system. Drugs and plants that engage the ECS are like taking a step back, acting as a type of director or orchestrator of these emotional and physical responses.

In this sense, cannabis activates multiple brain pathways that regulate emotional response.

Neurons that release GABA are also controlled in part by endocannabinoids. As are neurotransmitters that promote sleep and wakefulness. Yet, here’s where things get more complicated.

Different compounds in the cannabis plant create different chemical reactions in the body. This means that some types of cannabis may be more effective at managing depression and anxiety symptoms than others.

Different cannabinoids do different things

There is a lot of anecdotal evidence out there that cannabis is beneficial to mental health. Especially in anxiety, depressive disorders, and chronic stress. Though large clinical trials are still lacking, research is finally starting to show why the herb may be so helpful in maintaining an appropriate mood.

Some animal studies have shown that THC is most effective for both depression and anxiety at lower doses. In higher doses, the psychoactive may make things worse. This is because THC directly engages acannabinoid receptor in the brain which regulates fear and anxiety response, along with many other things.

In a 2006 study, researchers wanted to test the effects of  different cannabinoid receptors on anxiety response. Using mice, they found that low doses of THC seemed to ease anxiety-like behaviors.

This is partly because of how THC works. The psychoactive primarily engages CB1 receptors. When too many CB1 receptors were engaged, the mice had a heightened anxiety response.

Yet, the same study also found that nonpsychoactive CBD had anti-anxiety effects in a dose-dependant fashion. Unlike THC, CBD does not directly engage the CB1 receptor. It has several mechanisms of action.

One of which is de-activating an enzyme that breaks down the body’s natural endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids are the human version of cannabis.

By stopping the enzyme (enzyme FAAH) from clearing out endocannabinoids, you develop a surplus of the molecules in your body. This means that your body can put more of them to use. Turns out, more endocannabinoids means less anxiety and a better mood.

Here’s what the researchers concluded,

[…] Inhibition of FAAH activity represents a viable and promising approach to the development of treatments for anxiety-related psychiatric disorders.

Additional factors

Thus far, research suggests that low doses of THC and plenty of CBD are ideal for easing depression and anxiety. Though, the available research is far from complete. Anxiety and depression are also symptoms of dysfunction in other areas of the body.

If you have either celiac or non-celiac gluten intolerance, for example, it’s possible to experience intense psychiatric symptoms. Same goes for decreased thyroid function and autoimmunity. So, it may also be the case that you personally respond better to either THC or CBD depending on the root cause of your psychiatric distress.

Nonpsychoactive CBD is also polypharmacological. While the molecule boosts your endocannabinoid system, it also engages with serotonin, adenosine, and vanilloid receptors throughout the body.

The serotonin receptor can ease depressive symptoms in some people. CBD’s anti-anxiety properties are often associated with its impact on adenosine. Engagement with the vanilloid receptor can ease inflammation and decrease pain. All of these factors contribute to emotional imbalance and troubles with mental health.

HERB has gone into detail on the immune system and mental health in earlier articles. For more information, check out our articles on anxiety and depression. 

Terpenes, depression, and anxiety

We are taught that there is a finite number of vitamins and minerals that we need to survive. Yet, if we want to really thrive, our bodies and minds need ample nourishment.

As science progresses, so does our knowledge about nutrition. While it is definitely important to get in all essential vitamins and minerals, there are other phytochemicals that have real and important impacts on our long-term health.

Cannabinoids are some of those phytochemicals. And so are terpenes. Terpenes are the flavor and aroma molecules that give different foods their unique scent and taste.

Some terpenes are vitamins, like vitamin K. Other terpenes interact with the body in different ways, causing cascades of reactions that can help us function in daily life.

Over the past decade, more and more research has come out with findings that terpenes can improve mental health. Cannabis just so happens to be extremely terpene-rich. Further, some of these terpenes actually boost the medicinal benefit of cannabinoids.

Cannabis is capable of producing dozens of terpenes, but here is a very brief summary of what some of these molecules have to offer:

Beta-caryophyllene

Some terpenes, like Beta-caryophyllene (BCP), act as cannabinoids in the body. BCP is what gives black pepper and rosemary a spicy flavor. While THC engages both CB1 and CB2 receptors, Beta-caryophyllene specifically interacts with CB2 receptors. These receptors are found primarily in the immune system.

Research from 2014 also found that CB2 receptors play a key role in emotional regulation.Using rodent models, researchers tested BCP’s effect on mice with engaged and blocked CB2 receptors. Mice treated with BCP exhibited less anxious and depressive behavior than those with blocked CB2 receptors.

This led the authors to argue,

The results also support the involvement of the CB2 receptor in the regulation of emotional behavior and suggest that this receptor could be a relevant therapeutic target for the treatment of anxiety and depressive disorders.

An additional study has found that the immune system has a surprising amount of control over social behavior. Researchers discovered that by blocking a single type of immune cell caused hyperactive and abnormal behavior in mice.

This new discovery linking the immune system to social function has major implications for mental health conditions like autism and schizophrenia.

The CB2 receptor is an immune modulator and has been cited as a possible target in a wide variety of modern diseases, including mental health conditions. There is a growing amount of evidence that suggests that inflammation may be a culprit behind depression and anxiety.

Inflammation is a natural response of the immune system, but sometimes things can go awry.

BCP has been identified as an anti-inflammatory immunomodulator. Coupled with the finding that the compound can ease asocial emotional behavior, this chemical seems to have a lot of therapeutic potential.

Yet, both THC and CBD are also immunomodulatory, decreasing inflammation and potentially easing psychiatric symptoms. When all three of these things are combined, you have yourself one powerful medicine.

High BCP strains:

• NYC Diesel
• Northern Lights
• Purple Urkle

Additional terpenes

Researchers have also found anxiolytic properties in other terpenes in cannabis. Notably,  linalool and limonene. Linalool is also found in lavender, and limonene is responsible for the clean, lemon aroma in some strains.

When combined with cannabinoids like THC and CBD, these terpenes amplify the anti-anxiety effects of these compounds. This is why choosing strains that are diverse in both cannabinoids and terpenes is an important step in using cannabis to promote health.

Terpenes and cannabinoids have ample medicinal uses by themselves. However, when you consume them together, the medical effects are heightened.

This phenomenon is known as the entourage effect. The more pungent, flavorful, colorful and diverse a cannabis plant is, the greater the health benefits.

High linalool strains:

• Lavender
• LA Confidential

High limonene strains:

• Jack’s Cleaner
• Super Lemon Haze

The body is complicated

After all of this information, it’s safe to say that the body is complicated. Throughout the ages, people have turned to cannabis for relief from all sorts of conditions and ailments, mental health included. Yet, we’re only just now figuring out how and why the herb is so effective.

We still have a long way to go, but it is known that cannabis engages both the immune system as well as mood pathways in the brain. In this sense, it is a broad-spectrum herb with multiple mechanisms of action. Unlike really any pharmaceutical on the market these days, cannabis seems to work its magic by promoting homeostasis in the body.

For this reason, the herb is of significant interest to patients, doctors, and pharmaceutical companies alike. One company has even started trials to test CBD as an antipsychotic in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia. All in all, the plant is quite miraculous.

As research moves forward, we’ll only continue to understand how to use this drug for the most effective mental health relief.

Do you like THC or CBD for depression or anxiety? Share with us on Facebook, Twitter, or in thecomments below. We’d love to hear from you!

Article Resources:http://herb.co/

Isle Of Wight Consultation Over Gluten-Free Foods On The NHS

We spend more per head on providing gluten-free foods than any other Clinical Commissioning Group in England, but the Isle of Wight’s top doctor says there is “little evidence” that the NHS provision helps Islanders follow a gluten-free diet.

The Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is reviewing its policy on prescribing gluten-free foods, because it says it wants to prioritise “healthcare…to reflect the current needs of the population”.

It has led to concern among those who are allocated an amount of gluten-free food. While some Islanders argue that they could not afford to buy products without the help of the NHS, others are worried that that it might signal the start of cuts in other areas.

Island mum-of-two Roxy Davey told Isle of Wight Radio that the prescription will help her bridge the gap between her son’s diagnosis in August (it took years of appointments and tummy aches to get it) and the time when she feels confident about catering for his needs. She says it has also allowed her try try different brands to find the ones her son likes best, pointing out that gluten-free products do not taste the same.

Meanwhile, the CCG argues that gluten-free food is now much more readily available in supermarkets and is more affordable.

It is considering re-allocating the £226,000 it uses to fund food for coeliac disease sufferers, while providing alternative support. The CCG on the Island has an overall annual funding allocation of £233.6 million, so its spend on gluten-free food is around 0.11%.

CCG Governing Body Chair Dr John Rivers said:

“This year, the Isle of Wight will spend £226,000 on the provision of gluten-free foods such as bread, pasta, pizza bases and biscuits: More per head that any other CCG in England, yet there is little evidence that the provision of these foods on the NHS is a key factor that motivates people to follow a gluten-free diet.

“In light of the clinical evidence the CCG Governing Body has decided to launch a public consultation…[to] explore what people think about stopping the provision of gluten-free foods on the NHS here on the Island.”

You can take part in the consultation via this link.

Article Resources:http://iwradio.co.uk/

Can eating fat help you lose weight? Let’s look at the ketogenic diet.

Can eating fat help you lose weight? Let’s look at the ketogenic diet.

Fat makes your meals more palatable and helps you feel full, so it’s no wonder the high-fat ketogenic diet is increasing in popularity. The diet has been trending for the past three years, as “keto” blogs and cookbooks continue to pop up and build an impressive fan base. This diet has been used under close supervision by physicians and dietitians since the 1920s for treating epilepsy and has shown promise in managing brain cancer. But is it useful and healthy as a strategy for weight loss?

First, the basics: On the ketogenic diet, at least 70 percent of your daily calories come from fat. Five to 10 percent of your calories come from carbohydrates (20 to 50 grams a day). The rest, up to 25 percent of your daily energy, comes from protein. By contrast, the healthy diet recommended by the Institute of Medicine is 45 to 65 percent carbs, 20 to 35 percent fat and 10 to 35 percent protein.

The ketogenic diet’s low-carb target can be met only by avoiding grains, dairy products, fruit, and legumes such as chickpeas and lentils. Starchy vegetables such as sweet potatoes and squash are out, and even amounts of lower-carb vegetables are limited.

So what’s left to eat? Typically, eggs cooked in butter for breakfast; for lunch and dinner, meat, chicken or fish with salad or green vegetables and plenty of oily dressing. Sorry folks, no alcohol on this diet. Even red wine is out.

[To get a flatter belly, start by getting enough sleep]

The ketogenic diet gets its name from a process called ketosis. Ketosis happens when your body doesn’t have enough energy from glucose (carbohydrates), so it adapts by using stored fat for energy. The result? Weight loss.

Does the ketogenic diet lead to faster or more sustainable weight loss than other diets? The research to date suggests that initial weight loss on the keto diet is impressive but that people aren’t able to stick to the regime for long.

One study, for example, compared the impact of a ketogenic diet (where participants ate less than 20 grams of carbohydrates a day) to a low-glycemic-index diet (where participants reduced their caloric intake by 500 a day) on weight loss in 49 obese individuals with Type 2 diabetes. After six months, the group on the keto diet lost an average of 24.5 pounds, while the low-glycemic-index group lost 15.2 pounds.

But a recent meta-analysis combining the results of 13 randomized-control trials (1,415 participants) of a year or longer found that people on a ketogenic diet lost an average of two pounds more after a year and improved their triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and blood pressure compared to those on a low-fat diet. However, when the researchers looked at studies that followed participants for two years, they found that HDL improved more in the keto diet group but that there was no difference in weight loss between the groups.

While the ketogenic diet is promoted as key to switching your body into fat-burning mode, research suggests that fat loss actually slows down as your body starts to break down your muscle for energy.

Pros of the ketogenic diet

1. You don’t need to count calories.

Instead of worrying about calories and portion sizes, some people find it easier to have a list of foods they can eat as much as they want of. By limiting the foods you can choose, this diet limits your caloric intake without you having to think about it too much. You might start out overdoing the bacon and pork rinds, but that won’t last. (See No. 2.)

2. You won’t be hungry.

Research on the ketogenic diet suggests that the production of ketone bodies lowers your levels of ghrelin, a hormone that makes you hungry. Essentially, you’re able to stay satisfied for longer on this diet.

3. Fast weight loss (at first).

When you limit carbohydrates in your diet, your body uses the carbohydrate stored in your muscles and liver (called glycogen). Glycogen is stored with water, so restricting carbs famously helps you lose weight quickly by causing you to lose water weight. Although it doesn’t make you lose “real” weight (i.e. fat) or make you any healthier, this early perceived weight loss can help motivate people to continue with the diet.

4. There are potential heart health benefits.

[‘Healthy’ sweeteners, protein-powerhouse quinoa and other nutrition myths, debunked]

The majority of studies and systematic reviews on the ketogenic diet have found that following it for anywhere from three months to three years significantly improves levels of triglycerides and HDL cholesterol andincreases the size of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol particles, lowering the risk of heart disease. Studies also have shown the keto diet reduces blood sugar, insulin, C-reactive protein (a marker of inflammation) and waist circumference.

While these results seem impressive, remember that any weight-loss diet will result in improvements in these sorts of metabolic risk factors.

Cons of the ketogenic diet

1. It’s boring.

The worst part of the ketogenic diet is that it’s very limited and can lead to taste fatigue. Eat the same things over and over, and eventually you’ll crack and want something off the menu.

2. There goes your social life.

Socializing while on this diet is a challenge, which is another trade-off most people aren’t willing to make. Alcohol isn’t allowed, and having a bite of dessert isn’t, either. Can you be sure the salad dressing you order on the side doesn’t have sugar or honey in it? I’ve had clients tell me after trying this diet that they have turned down plenty of social gatherings to avoid temptation. That doesn’t seem like a healthy lifestyle change to me.

3. Digestive woes

As with other low-carbohydrate diets, getting enough fiber is difficult on the ketogenic diet. The result? Constipation in the short term and, over time, an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Any diet that throws off your digestive health should raise red flags.

4. Risk of nutrient deficiencies.

Because the ketogenic diet cuts out so many foods, it can be deficient in the nutrients those foods contain — calcium, magnesium, selenium, thiamine, vitamin D and vitamin C. Before trying it, be sure to consult with a registered dietitian to ensure that you’re meeting your nutrient needs, especially if you’re planning to follow this diet for more than a couple of weeks.

[Don’t believe those who say smaller, more frequent meals will control appetite]

5. There are general safety concerns.

Consider that people who go on the keto diet for epilepsy are very closely monitored by a medical team, so this isn’t a diet to be taken lightly or to do on your own. Anyone with health problems should speak to a physician before trying the ketogenic diet. Don’t try it if you have kidney problems, as it hasn’t been studied in people with impaired kidney function. This diet is not safe for pregnant or breast-feeding women.

The bottom line

As researchers have stated, the benefits of the ketogenic diet are of little clinical significance — that is, any advantages over other diets are too small to make a difference in your life. Consider how following such a restrictive diet will affect your quality of life and enjoyment of food.

People who feel more energized on lower-carb diets and enjoy eating fats and oils could do well on the ketogenic diet. Anyone like me who loves their fruits, whole grains and vegetables will struggle to avoid their favorite foods. Are you willing to give up that piece of dark chocolate or Greek yogurt with berries?

In the end, the best diet isn’t really a diet at all. It’s a way of eating you can stick to that will boost your overall health — and won’t leave you feeling zapped or require you to be antisocial.

Article Resources:The Washington  Post