UNDERSTANDING THE SELF (MIDTERM REVIEWER)

PROBIOTICS

- This are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for you, especially your digestive system. We usually think of these as germs that cause diseases. But
your body is full of bacteria, both good and bad. Probiotics are often called "good" or "helpful" bacteria because they help keep your gut healthy.
- Among other things, probiotics help send food through your gut by affecting nerves that control gut movement.
GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms)
- Organism whose genome has been engineered in the laboratory in order to favour the expression of desired physiological traits or the production of desired
biological products. In conventional livestock production, crop farming, and even pet breeding, it has long been the practice to breed select individuals of
a species in order to produce offspring that have desirable traits.
FREE RADICALS
- They are unstable molecules that can damage the cells in your body. They form when atoms or molecules gain or lose electrons. They often occur as
the result of normal metabolic processes.
COLLAGEN
- Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and helps give structure to our hair, skin, nails, bones, ligaments and tendons in our body. Thanks to
collagen, we’re better able to move, bend and stretch. Collagen is also behind helping hair shine, skin glow and nails stay strong.
- As we age, and the more stress we put on our body, the greater the impact on collagen production. Getting collagen in a balanced diet can help our bodies
regenerate what’s been lost of broken down.
- Collagen is a protein made up of amino-acids: glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and arginine, all of which help our body's connective tissue, skin, hair,
nails, as well as gut health stay as healthy as possible.
- Collagen protein is different than whey and casein protein because of these high levels of amino acids. Muscular growth, joint health and an overall
glowing appearance can be partially attributed to the amino acid blend in collagen that can't be found anywhere else.
ORGANIC FOODS
- Organic food is food produced by methods that comply with the standards of organic farming. Standards vary worldwide, but organic farming in general
features practices that strive to cycle resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity.

ANTIBIOTICS
- An antibiotic is a type of antimicrobial substance active against bacteria and is the most important type of antibacterial agent for fighting bacterial
infections. Antibiotic medications are widely used in the treatment and prevention of such infections. They may either kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria.

STEM CELL
- They are cells of the body (somatic cells) which can divide and become differentiated. When an organism grows, stem cells specialize, and take specific
functions. For instance, mature tissues like skin, muscle, blood, bone, liver, nerves, all have different types of cells.

ANTIOXIDANTS
- Antioxidants are substances that can prevent or slow damage to cells caused by free radicals, unstable molecules that the body produces as a reaction to
environmental and other pressures.
- They are sometimes called "free-radical scavengers. “
 - Antioxidants are man-made or natural substances that may prevent or delay some types of cell damage. Antioxidants are found in many foods, including
fruits and vegetables. They are also available as dietary supplements.
ACUPUNCTURE
- The practice of inserting needles into the body to reduce pain or induce anesthesia. More broadly, acupuncture is a family of procedures involving the
stimulation of anatomical locations on or in the skin by a variety of techniques.

HOMEOSTASIS
- A property of cells, tissues, and organisms that allows the maintenance and regulation of the stability and constancy needed to function properly.
Homeostasis is a healthy state that is maintained by the constant adjustment of biochemical and physiological pathways.
GMF (GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS)

- Genetically modified foods, also known as genetically engineered foods, or bioengineered foods are foods produced from organisms that have had changes
introduced into their DNA using the methods of genetic engineering.

THE MATERIAL SELF

MATERIALISM
– Conveys that all that is found in the universe matter which is the substance of nature.
– This suggests that material possession is all that matters most
– Western Cultures encouraged materialism as people seek happiness
Hence, this false belief:
(material richness = success + happiness)
Self-gift – giving gifts to oneself; it is considered materialism
1. It means prioritizing the self while showing lack of empathy to others (a.k.a. self-centeredness)
2. It defines success according to amount of wealth amassed
3. Self-gift provides therapy to materialist people.

MATERIALISM AND ITS CONNECTIONS

1. Materialism and happiness do not go well together
 Reason: Materialists are less happy but more prone to depression
2. Materialism and self-esteem show inverted relationship
Reason: Desire to have more material possessions shows low self-esteem

3. Materialism and financial stability show inverted relationship

Reason: Spending does not support sharing and saving
4. Materialism and well-being have opposite relationship
Reason: Materialists tend to isolate themselves from significant others as they continue ammasing materials than interacting with people
5, Materialism promotes insecurity
Reason: Materialist person regards wealth a source of security

REASONS FOR MATERIALISM

1. Material possessions provide a feeling of security; it becomes an extension of ourselves, a way of expressing ourselves and our identity.
2. Wealth gives a sense of well-being, and provides an individual with more friends and relationships
3. Materials boosts self-esteem

Definition of Terms:
Consumerism – It capitalizes on insecurity in selling products and services.
Shopaholics – They cannot control their desire to spend using their credit cards for objects that they do not actually need.
Type A Personality – a behaviour that includes the motivation to acquire much wealth and material possessions and are highly aggressive as well.

WAYS TO COUNTERACT MATERIALISM

o Learn to share your blessings even if it’s simple
o Engage in worthwhile activities to improve self-worth
o Take time to appreciate GOD’s creations
o Be grateful for both big and small favors
o Focus on your strengths and not on your flaws
o Stop thinking of hurtful past and negativities
o Learn to relate with people around you