You may have seen this sentiment posted online, printed on a coffee mug, or displayed on a wall plaque:  do your own thing and stop caring about what others think.  But do you really benefit by living your life with no concern or regard for what others think?  Is this really healthy, liberating, and beneficial?

While well-intentioned, this sentiment (if taken at face-value) overlooks the reality of who we are as human beings and how we function.

For thousands of years, cultures around the world have used herbs and spices in meal preparation.  Along with adding wonderful flavours and aromas to common everyday foods, herbs and spices contain a wide range of healing and medicinal properties. 

Consuming herbs and spices is an excellent way to support your health naturally, bypassing the harmful side effects of conventional pharmaceutical medications.
 
The World Health Organization estimates that 80% of the world's population depends on plants to treat common ailments.  Why not join the billions of people worldwide that are leveraging the power of herbs and spices to support their health and well-being?  Whether your preference is for some mild seasoning that subtly enhances your meal, or a stronger flavour that takes centre stage, there's an herb or spice that will appeal to your taste buds — here are 5 to consider. 

Do you struggle to get a good night's rest?  Do you have difficulty falling asleep, or find yourself waking up repeatedly throughout the night?  Is it hard to get out of bed in the morning, because you feel tired and sluggish, instead of feeling refreshed and energized?
 
During the period when you're asleep, all the systems in your body undergo a process of rest, repair, and rejuvenation.  Optimal physical and mental health depends on adequate sleep and dreaming.  When you toss and turn all night long, you miss out on the restorative and protective aspects of sleep; both your physical and mental well-being are compromised as a result. 


The impact of poor sleep quality.

It doesn't take long before your body starts feeling the impact of poor quality sleep.  After just a few days, inadequate sleep leads to:

One of the great things about the human body is that it is an excellent communicator.  As you eat, drink, move, and engage with the world around you, your body responds.  If something isn't quite right, your body will find a way, whether subtly or dramatically, to let you know about it. 

This is excellent news, as it provides you with an opportunity to assess what is happening and make changes to improve the situation. 
 
One of the areas where your body sends clear, unmistakable messages to you is pertaining to your diet.  Here are 5 ways your body will let you know that your current diet isn't working for you and needs some changes.