By: Laura It’s inevitable, relentless and will impact your life one way or another. Stress is a part of life, the first step in alleviating it, is to admit it’s there. Often times we try to shrug it off and just power forward, like a shrill game of peek-a-boo. But taking practical steps to combat tension can improve your mental and physical health, helping you to live a happier life and make better judgment calls.
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By: Hannah Tong Protein is vital for your health. Your body needs it to create skin, muscles, bones and hair. These five foods that contain the healthiest protein for pregnant women will ensure healthy growth while preventing low birth weight.
These food options are also great at maintaining your tissue health. Since you’re pregnant, your daily protein requirement shoots up to 71 grams. It’s an extra 25 grams of this nutrient each day. 1. Eggs In one egg, you’ll get 90 calories. On top of that, you’ll have more than 12 vitamins and minerals. Plus, they’re rich in quality protein. In addition to protein, eggs are rich in choline. It’s a nutrient that promotes the growth and brain health of your unborn child. Thus, it’s a nutrient that you need to prevent neural tube defects development. You can even have eggs that contain omega-3 fatty acids. They’re vital for the brain and vision development. Opt for DHA-enriched eggs that contain omega-3s. Ask your physician about how much you can consume per day. It’s safe to eat one to two eggs if you’re pregnant. However, if you’re worried about cholesterol, try eating just the egg whites, instead of the whole eggs. Also, make sure eggs are fully cooked. 2.Poultry A serving of roasted turkey can offer you 28 grams of protein. It’s in dark-meat cuts. The white breast meat gives you 30 grams of it. If you can’t have turkey, try getting chicken as it gives you up to 28 grams of light-meat. A turkey burger can have 25 grams. So, if you make a pasta sauce, substitute ground turkey, instead of meat. Or you can top your green salad with roasted chicken. Another way is to toss a cold turkey with your kale. Or you can pair your favorite fruit with poultry to give you an excellent protein-rich meal. The fruits you can have may be diced apples, orange, halved grapes. There are tons of ways on how to prepare this food to give you a protein-rich meal to meet the daily requirement. 3. Salmon It’s not only beneficial for you but also for your unborn child. Intake of this type of fish increases your body’s omega-3 fatty acid levels and your child’s too. Since it’s rich in omega-3s, it’s great in boosting your mood. It’s not the same as swordfish or shark as salmon has a low amount of mercury. It’s a compound that’s harmful to your baby’s nervous system development. Despite that, you must only take up to 12 ounces a week to avoid consuming too much mercury. Then, ensure that you’re eating a farmed salmon. 4. Beans They’re not only rich in protein, but they’re also high in iron. Your body needs this mineral to build RBCs for your growing baby. The iron levels in the beans can replenish hemoglobin in the body, thereby, preventing iron deficiency. It also helps in fetus development while it assists the placenta to grow. Beans also contain amino acids that are helpful fighting against infections. It strengthens your immune system, so you can prevent being sick while pregnant. The antioxidant contents of beans are helpful for you and your baby’s skin. Through antioxidants, you can prevent yourself from getting gestational diabetes. Then, if you choose the dark-colored beans, you’re getting a higher amount of antioxidant. Even though beans are healthy as they’re rich in vital nutrients, never over-indulge yourself. Keep in mind that they also contain purines, which can cause gout or kidneys stones if you over consume. If you need to eat beans, make sure that you’re getting the fresh ones and not the canned options. The reason for this is that canned beans are dangerous to your health because of their preservatives. 5. Greek yogurt It can make a nutritious addition to your pregnancy diet. It gives you the nutrients that you need each day. However, ensure that it’s not made with unpasteurized milk, which contains Listeria. Listeria is a bacterium that can cross the placenta. As it crosses, it can cause life-threatening infection to your baby. So, ensure that you're getting pasteurized Greek yogurt. It offers you twice the amount of protein that you can get from a regular yogurt. Thus, it makes it favorite pregnancy foods. Apart from protein, Greek yogurt is also rich in calcium. You’ll need this mineral because most of it will go to your baby’s bones, teeth and nails. If you don’t consume enough, your unborn child will have to get it from your stores. When that happens, you’ll suffer from a calcium deficiency. A cup of this food will give you 20 percent of your calcium need per day. In addition to that, Greek yogurt can also resolve bloating while pregnant. Bloating is a common issue because of gastritis and indigestion. When you consume yogurt, you can easily eat those hard-to-digest foods without having to worry about bloating. Plus, it contains less sugar. That said, you can prevent yourself from getting too much sugar and gain weight. Since it contains prebiotics, it can keep your gut healthy. As a result, you can avoid IBS and diarrhea, which are common complaints among pregnant women. Conclusion When you’re pregnant, you can have a lot of foods that you must avoid. You should consult your physician about the food items that you can and cannot eat. In this way, you can avoid complications. Protein in your diet is vital as it can also affect the health of your body. Thus, you must consume the right amount of this mineral to ensure that you’ll have a healthy body and baby. The five foods that contain the healthiest protein for pregnant women listed here are proven to be safe for your condition. However, if you’re in doubt, you need to talk to your doctor or dietitian to ensure that you’re getting enough and avoid overconsumption. Hannah Tong is the founder of Omaby.com, a blog dedicated to providing accurate advice to mothers regarding childcare. She loves taking care of her kids and teaching them the right things. She is also enthusiastic and loves sharing her experiences to teach others about how to care for their families' health. Check the latest article (Child's development) here. By: Alice Clover Every day I wake and take a handful of prescription medications that enable me to get out of bed. In the afternoon, I take more medication. At night, I take even more. Every now and then, I have to take different meds to get it back into normal mode. Why? Because when I was in the hospital in 2007 for a systemic infection, I was given an IV medication, new on the market, in high enough doses that the medication blew out my pituitary. The pituitary gland is a small organ in the brain that controls the endocrine system: hypothalamus, adrenals, thyroid, pancreas, hormones and more. Detoxifying Your Life: Organic Eating Isn't Enough I hate taking so much medication, and know firsthand that medicine can be toxic and dangerous just as much as it can be helpful. I've reduced my meds, much against my doctor's initial wishes, to include only those I absolutely have to have and have turned to alternative health options that are more natural and in general safer than many of the traditional options. In order to be healthier and stay healthier, I also set out to remove toxins and chemicals from my life, which included unnecessary medication and healthier more organic foods. But eating organic isn't the only thing necessary to detoxify your life. Chemicals and Toxins Absorb Through Skin Think about this: Doctors and drug manufacturers have long known that whatever we put on our skin is absorbed by the body and utilized. Some things absorb better than others, but everything that comes in contact with our skin is processed by the body similarly as if we had ingested it. Don't believe the skin absorbs things like food and drugs are absorbed? Just look at the number of medications on the market that are made in patch, cream, foam of gel form. Stop smoking nicotine patches are sub dermal, placed on the skin and they release a slow, low-level of nicotine all through the day. What about the birth control patch that was out a few years ago? Estrogen and Testosterone Skin Gels Harm Children and Pets There are testosterone and estrogen foams and gels given to those who need a boost of hormones, where the patient simply puts a measured amount of gel or foam on their forearm. In fact, this method has been found to cause problems for people who hold children after using the product, because the child's skin comes into contact with the adult's skin that has the foam or gel on it and the children are then dosed with estrogen or testosterone too. You can read more about these occurrences at this link and also about how pets have been impacted by hormone gels here. Chemicals and Toxins in Personal Care Items After all, we use multiple products on our skin daily, at least, most of us do. Shampoo, conditioner, bath wash, lotions, hairspray, makeup, dish soap are all things most people come in contact with nearly every day. Other things might include air fresheners, carpet cleaners, household cleaners, and other fluids and chemicals. If these things get on the skin, the body ingests and absorbs them similarly to if we had eaten them. Would you eat Windex? Would you drink a cup of bleach? How many times have you sat down to put on your makeup and taken a few bites of lipstick or licked the mascara? And yet, every time you use one of these products, you are adding chemicals to your body in low doses-granted much smaller doses than if you've eaten the same item-and the chemicals build up inside of you. The National Safety Council released a report in 1993 called Accident Facts, and it listed over 900 chemicals that are known toxins in our personal care items that can cause health problems as severe as cancer and as minor as skin irritation. In immune compromised individuals, those with kidney problems, or those with autoimmune disorders, though, these chemicals at these small doses build up and can cause major health concerns. Plant-based All-Natural Personal Care and Household Alternative Items What about you? Have you considered the chemicals you put into your body every day? Sure, maybe you try to eat healthier and you use organic foods, but what about the other things you put into your body by putting them on your body? If you want to live a truly organic, all-natural, toxin-free and chemical-free life, you have to look beyond food and medication and look at everything that is absorbed by your body. Some things you have no control over, like air pollution, but other things you can change by purchasing all-natural, certified organic products. There are 'green' plant-based household cleaners, and having certain antimicrobial and antibacterial essential oils in your first aid kit-such as tea tree oil and lavender essential oil-can treat minor scrapes, burns and scratches naturally. There are even all-natural mineral makeups for foundation and all the usual cosmetics you wear. I even reviewed a mineral makeup foundation here, if you're interested to see how it holds up compared to the greasy, heavy, chemical-laden versions of foundation. Alternative Living, Healthy Living, Your Choice
Going green and being healthy, pursuing alternative ways to enhance your life and improve your lifestyle isn't easy. It takes a conscious decision and awareness of all the dangers to your body around you and actively seeking to reduce those dangers. Your body will feel better, live longer and stay healthier if you take steps to cut out all these toxins and live more naturally. About the author: Alice Clover has been an author & nutritionist for over five years, with a penchant for topics that pique her passion: alternative medicine, healthy living and her all-time favorite: food! She loves gourmet dining, gourmet cooking, comfort foods, sushi, seafood and dinner parties where she is both a guest and cook. Let's face it, you've probably heard of juicing before today, but do you have any idea just how great it can be for you, and your body? Juicing is the most popular modern craze in the world of diet and nutrition, and unlike standard fad diets, it could actually help you to live a healthier, more energetic lifestyle. While some crazy diets can only rely be relied upon to give you terrible cravings, bad cramps, and other terrible side-effects, juicing is a simple and natural way to lose pounds, while enhancing your overall health and fitness too. After all, what could be bad about getting an extra dose of fruit and vegetables into your system each day? What most people don't realize when it comes to juicing, however, is that it's not just a solution for losing weight. In fact, it's an incredible way to fight off chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease, and it can even make you more radiant too! Juicing helps you to absorb the natural nutrients and vitamins available in fruits and vegetables quickly, and more effectively. That means that a glass a day could give you the fresh and youthful glow you've been searching for. Why Not Just Drink Smoothies? Perhaps you're asking yourself, wouldn't it be better to blend all the fruits and vegetables I want and drink daily smoothies instead? While it's true that blending gives you a bigger dose of fiber, which can be important for encouraging good digestion habits, that's about all it's got going for it. Smoothies are usually packed full of extra sugar and fat, particularly if you add things like ice-cream and yogurt to help improve the flavor. What's more, most blended beverages are made entirely out of fruit, which is rich in natural sugars. Though there's nothing wrong with getting more fruit into your diet, the best benefits come when you can introduce an extra dose of vegetables too. After all, vegetables are packed full of fantastic nutrients that you can't get from certain fruits, and they lack the calories that could add to your waistline too! Juicing means that you can get the nutrients and vitamins from fruit and vegetables into your system quickly and effectively - without having to put your body through the process of digesting a whole lot of fiber. Of course, the best time to drink juice is first thing on a morning - when your digestive system is clear and ready to soak up some goodness. What Makes Juicing So Effective? Juicing instantly increases your intake of fresh produce, without having a negative impact on your waistline. The right collection of fruit and vegetables can supply your body with a wealth of sources that are designed to boost immunity, fight back against oxidative stress, and even give you prettier, more radiant skin. In fact, many people find that several parts of their health can benefit from juicing. Not only will you start to look younger and more beautiful, but you might notice that your nails and hair get stronger too! Juicing also gives you a unique opportunity to start experimenting with fruits and vegetables that you might not typically eat. For instance, if you start drinking more beets and kale, you could get more vitamin B and K into your diet - perfect for long-term health! Author Bio - Rebekah Carter is a passionate wordsmith and health blogger who spends her time delivering fitness and dieting tips to audiences around the world! There are many “health foods” out there to try in order to lose pounds, improve vitality, raise metabolism, etc. etc. but one that you may not be too familiar with is wheat grass. Wheat grass consists of the newly grown shoots of the wheat plant, and you can find it at any grocery store, or you can even grow your own. If you’re looking to purchase it, you will find it in capsule form, or a loose powder, or frozen, and some stores sell it fresh.
While cooking is not generally recommended, due to the possibility of reducing nutritional quality, and you might need to offset its strong flavor with other herbs or spices, you would still gain some benefits from the fiber itself. Also, wheat grass can be mixed into a variety of your favorite foods and beverages in its powder or frozen form, or you can grind your own for a healthy addition to your diet. Here are a few advantages of incorporating wheat grass into some of your favorite foods and drinks:
So if you enjoy experimenting with new and healthy ingredients in the kitchen, then try integrating wheat grass into your diet. You can still have these recipes (few more written on Superfoodsliving) while taking hcg drops or while you are in hCG diet. You might surprise yourself—and your family—with the results. Energizing Smoothie This smoothie would make a fast and easy breakfast or as a midday pick-me-up. You can vary up the recipe by trying different berries or fruit in place of those listed. 1 cup plain Greek yogurt 1 teaspoon of pulverized wheat grass (or 1 teaspoon of frozen form) ½ to 1 teaspoon of ground monk fruit or agave ½ cup blueberries ½ cup blackberries Combine all ingredients in a blender set to puree. Blend for about two minutes or until completely mixed. Granny’s Comfort Tea For this recipe, you can also substitute green tea for black or mint tea. Either way, you’ll have the perfect wintertime treat! 6 to 8 ounces of water 1 teabag of green or oolong tea 1 teaspoon of ground wheat grass Heat water to a rolling boil. Remove from stove, and drop in the teabag. Allow to steep for five to ten minutes. Stir in the teaspoon of wheat grass. This can be poured over ice as an iced tea or enjoyed warm. A splash of lemon or lime juice might offset the flavor of the wheat grass. Lunchtime Salad As with any salad, feel free to experiment with different veggies, like shredded carrots, English cucumber, and bean sprouts. One boiled egg that is crumbled and then sprinkled on adds a good amount of protein. ½ cup of Romaine or leaf lettuce ½ cup of kale ½ cup of spinach ¼ cup shredded carrots ¼ cup broccoli flowerets ¼ cup sliced red onion ½ of an avocado sliced 1/8 cup of fresh wheat grass finely chopped 1/8 cup of fresh black olives sliced Chop all leafy ingredients and combine in a large bowl. Sprinkle in remaining ingredients and toss until thoroughly mixed. (Keep in mind the measurements for each ingredient would have to be adapted if feeding only one or two people.) Enjoy with your favorite salad dressing. Salad Dressing This salad dressing also makes a great marinade for any type of meat. Or if you prefer a creamier version, then substitute the olive oil with low-fat sour cream. ¼ cup of olive oil ½ teaspoon wheat grass ½ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon basil ½ teaspoon oregano ½ teaspoon ground black pepper Salt to taste. How to use in Rubs? With the right balance between the quantity of wheat grass and the amount of herbs or spices, you can create some flavorful—and healthy—rubs for your next meat, poultry, or fish entrée. So for each rub that you mix, you might consider using one teaspoon of wheat grass to ½ a tablespoon to one whole tablespoon of your selected combinations of seasonings. Cream of Broccoli Soup This is another favorite for the whole family to enjoy on a cold day. 1 ½ cup of heavy cream 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon wheat grass (powder or chopped) 1 medium head of broccoli (chopped) 1 ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese In a medium saucepan on low heat, combine cheese and heavy cream. Stir until cheese is almost melted. Stir in chopped broccoli, and then add the seasonings and wheat grass. Stir until cheese is completely melted and broth is creamy. If the broth is too thick, you can add more cream to thin it out. If it is too thin, then add more shredded cheese or better yet, broccoli to thicken. Kentucky Baked Chicken This recipe adds a spicy and tangy twist to an old favorite. 1 cup of whole wheat or soy flour 1 lb. of boneless skinless chicken breast ½ cup of milk 2 Eggs 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce Olive oil spray 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon Sea Salt 1 ½ teaspoons Wheat Grass 1 teaspoon ground flax seed 1 teaspoon sage Preheat oven to 365ºF. To prepare a shallow baking dish, spray completely with olive oil spray until sides and bottom are completely coated. In a shallow dish, combine flour, sea salt, sage, flax seed, and garlic powder. Mix while adding the wheat grass. In a medium to large mixing bowl, beat eggs and add milk. Stir in barbecue sauce. Then take one chicken breast and coat it in the wet mix. Then dip into dry mix and repeat this process one more time. Place chicken in the baking dish thereafter. Once all chicken is coated, you will bake it for 50 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165ºF on the inside. The Fastest Breakfast in the West With this healthy breakfast, you LITERALLY combining your grains and your protein altogether. Whole wheat pancake mix 1 ½ teaspoons wheat grass (powder) 1/8 cup of turkey bacon bits (cook turkey bacon until “crunchy” and then crumble into a small bowl) Mix whole wheat pancake mix according to the instructions on the box. Slowly stir in the turkey bacon bits. You do not have to use the entire amount; just simply add however much you would like. Add wheat grass and stir until thoroughly mixed. Heat up a griddle and spray with canola spray or some other non-trans-fat cooking spray. Pour batter on the griddle. (The size of the pancakes is up to you.) Wait until the tops are “bubbling” before you flip. Continue cooking until pancake rises slightly and is golden brown underneath. The pancakes have so much flavor, that you would actually want to skip the butter and syrup. Apple Cinnamon “Butter” This spread pairs well with whole wheat toast or whole wheat English muffins and can also be used for flavoring for oatmeal instead of sugar. ½ cup Apple Cider (unsweetened) ½ cup Heavy Cream 1 tablespoon Cinnamon 1 teaspoon Clove 1 ½ teaspoon wheat grass 1 teaspoon Nutmeg or Allspice In a small mixing bowl, combine all ingredients together. Mix completely. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use. This article has been contributed by Gracy Liura Women are almost twice as likely to suffer from anxiety as men, new research suggests. The good news is that with the right treatment and support women are just as likely to recover from anxiety as men. Here are the 6 tips that can help women to overcome anxiety.
Anxiety can be a crippling condition to live with for both men and women. Everyday activities become nerve-wracking experiences and you often feel like you’re trapped in a never-ending web of worry and doubt. For women this can mean increased stress at work and home, detachment from your friends and an inability to engage with the things you used to enjoy. The bad news is that women are twice as likely as men to suffer from anxiety disorders at some point in their life. This is partly down to differences in brain chemistry such as different hormone levels, and the increased social pressures put on girls from a young age may also play a part. Whatever the causes, if you are a women suffering from an anxiety related disorder, you are definitely not alone. The good news is that with the right treatment and support women are just as likely to recover from anxiety as men. Every woman has the ability to fight against the stresses in her life and the negative thoughts and worries in her mind. Fighting anxiety is a day to day battle, but it’s one you can win. Here are six important tips to bring to the fight. 1) Accept That It Is Real Do not buy into the perception that life-controlling anxiety levels are “just how you are” or something you’ll have to live with forever. Disregard the lie that anxiety can be beaten by just “chilling out” or “getting over it”. Whatever anyone else tells you, anxiety is a real condition, with real psychological and biological causes. Having it doesn’t make you weak. Accepting the fact that you have an illness can help you to separate yourself from all the worry and fear you are experiencing. 2) Get Expert Help Far too many women don’t get help from anxiety, whether due to shame, fear of being labelled, or just not thinking it’s a serious enough condition to require medical help. Going to a doctor or mental health professional about your anxiety is a big step, but it’s a crucial one in the road to recovery. The range of anxiety treatments and solutions available offers something to suit every personality. As well as offering you expert counselling or therapy, mental health professionals can advise you on relaxation and self-help techniques to better help you combat your feelings of anxiety as well as reduce the likelihood of it returning. 3) Look After Yourself Poor lifestyle choices can make existing anxiety conditions worse, so take good care of yourself. Basic things like getting enough sleep, cutting down on caffeine (especially after 4 pm) and eating healthy meals can really help reduce the symptoms and make you feel more like yourself. A nice bit of exercise can also work wonders for your mood, and relaxation strategies like yoga, meditation and mindfulness can really help you feel more in control. 4) Challenge Negative Thoughts If you decide to get professional help then one of the most successful options is called Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. The basic idea of CBT is to identify when you are thinking things that are irrational or unhelpful, and replace them with more healthy thought processes. This breaks the cycle of anxiety and gives you a more positive “internal voice” with which to think. Next time you feel serious anxiety about something, stop. Tell yourself the anxiety you are experiencing is just a product of an illness. Try to imagine what the worst case scenario is. It’s probably not as bad as you’re imagining. Cut off your negative thoughts before they take hold and replace them with healthier ones. 5) Take it Slow Recovery won’t happen overnight, and you are always going to have bad days occasionally. Find a balance between fighting the illness and not wearing yourself out. Pick your battles. Don’t put unrealistic expectations on yourself. The road to wellness will have ups and downs and that’s perfectly normal. 6) Stay Yourself Anxiety does not rob you of who you are. No matter what you’re going through, you are still the same unique, wonderful person. You are still a mother, sister, friend, teacher, doctor, jet ski instructor, professional sword-eater, or whatever else you were before getting ill. Keep doing things you love and act independently of the anxiety as much as you are comfortable with. Resist avoidance. Keep seeing your friends. Anxiety does not define you- it is not your identity. It’s just a condition, and it you will still be you long after it’s gone. Author Bio: Angus Munro is a registered clinical psychologist and director of Angus Munro Psychology in Sydney. He excels in evidence-based therapies for a comprehensive range of Emotional and psychological challenges. One of his passions is engaging, educating and helping people work through all manner of mental health issues to live their best life. Social Channels: Linkedin: https://au.linkedin.com/in/angus-munro-4a472694 Twitter: https://twitter.com/ampsychau Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ampsychau/ Google+: https://plus.google.com/+AmpsychAuNSW This post has been contributed by Laura. So many people jeopardise their hearing each day, and don’t even know that they are doing it. Keeping our hearing healthy for as long as possible is the key to a high quality of life. You don’t realise how much losing your hearing will affect you until it’s already happened! If you want to take better care of your hearing, then read on: Don’t Put Things In Your Ear There aren’t that many things you’d think you’d put in your ear, but you never know. Be careful about the things you put near your ear. As a general rule, some people say that if it’s smaller than your elbow, don’t do it! That includes using cotton buds. Many people use cotton buds to clean out their ears, but you run the risk of pushing it too far. It can even push the wax further down your ear if you’re not careful. If you feel you have an excess of wax in your ears, see a professional. There are other home remedies though, as long as you’re sensible. It can be tempting to put a cotton bud in your ear every time you see one, but don’t do it! Loud Noises Many of us are exposed to loud noises each day without even realizing it. Sound is measured in decibels, and we are exposed to a high level of decibels each day, much of it not even our fault. Things like whispering, a regular conversation, and using the vacuum cleaner are OK. However, the lawnmower, music, and even getting on a flight could be too loud! These things are often a high number of decibels, which can affect the hearing if exposed to them for a long period of time. Be aware of how much time you’re spending in these environments and protect yourself accordingly. Even loud traffic can sometimes be a dangerous level. You can’t always help being in a noisy environment, but when you can, make sure you protect yourself. Take a break from loud music, and consider taking ear plugs to a rock concert. Even loud movies can impact hearing. Protect Hearing Where Possible If you can, protect your hearing where possible. It isn’t difficult to use a couple of earplugs when you get on a flight. If you’re working in a noisy environment constantly, then wearing hearing protection is imperative to your hearing health. It may be hard to get into the habit at first, but you’ll be glad you did. Watch Out For Medicines And Drugs That Can Affect Hearing Certain medicines and drugs can actually have an adverse effect on your hearing, so make sure you do your research before taking anything that could do this. You should know the full risks of any medicines and drugs you take anyway! With that in mind, certain supplements and vitamins can actually help to keep your hearing healthy. Healthy Diet And Exercise
When it comes to keeping any part of yourself healthy, nothing much can beat a healthy diet and exercise. When you’re moving and eating right, your body is stronger and more immune to any issues. There are even certain exercises you can do for your hearing, such as gentle neck rolls. In regards to food, you must eat a diet full of healthy vegetables. Here are some foods that are amazing for hearing health:
Any food that is rich in potassium is great for hearing health, so make sure you’re getting lots of this if you’re concerned about your hearing. These foods are especially helpful in old age. Time In Silence Hardly any of us take the time to sit in silence and enjoy it. Some people think of silence as boring or pointless. However, silence can not only be an amazing way for your hearing to recover, but important for total mind and body wellness. Some call it meditation, but you don’t have to call it that. By simply sitting in silence and just focusing on nothing for anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour, you’ll notice huge changes in your life. Your hearing will improve, you’ll feel happier, less stressed, and you might even discover answers to certain problems you’ve had for a while. Start off really small with this so you get into the habit of doing it each day. The morning, away from your bed is a great time to do it, but you can also do it after you’ve listened to music for a while or spent time in a loud environment. When To Have Your Hearing Checked Out Knowing when to have your hearing checked out is important. Don’t leave it for too long if you’re experiencing changes or problems! If you’re experiencing pain, then you should get to a doctor as soon as possible. If you’re constantly suffering bouts of tinnitus, dull hearing, or anything that is a cause for concern, make sure you get an appointment ASAP. Even if there’s nothing seemingly wrong with your hearing, having an appointment once a year could be a good idea. This way, you’ll stay on top of any problems or potential problems. A good idea if your job requires you to work in noisy environments. Don’t panic if you do have a hearing problem. There are many advanced solutions these days that can help you to enjoy the hearing quality you’re used to. Things like implants to help with hearing are available, and many are barely noticeable. There will be a solution to suit you, so just get to your appointment as soon as possible and discuss your needs. Hopefully, this guide has given you a good idea of what you need to do for healthy hearing. Don’t neglect your hearing because you think nothing will ever happen to you. You should enjoy your life, but be sensible at the same time to ensure you stay as healthy as possible. Do you have tips, tricks, or info of your own? Leave a comment below. Come back soon! This post has been contributed by Sheila Zhou. Hormones are chemicals secreted by glands that relay signals from cell to cell, and they play a vital role in triggering how your body is feeling and functioning. Hormones affect different organs and are responsible for causing physical symptoms and altering your mood, metabolism, reproduction, energy levels and physical appearance. The human body consists of various types of hormones but for women the main sex hormones are oestrogen and progesterone. Studies prove that women experience hormonal ups and downs at every age and stage of their lives. These fluctuations vary from pre-menstrual i.e. premenstrual syndrome (PMS), peri-menopausal and menopausal symptoms. Although all females have the same hormones, the experiences when it comes to symptoms can vary from person to person. According to Sheila Zhou, expert Scientist at USANA Health Sciences, leading producer of high quality supplements, “Hormones for women during their menstrual cycle can either be your best friend or your worst nightmare. Too little or too much can affect your skin tone and weight, or make you feel extremely irritable and tired.” These experiences of hormonal fluctuations can be challenging to deal with. To avoid them, Ms. Zhou shares her expert recommendations for balancing your hormones naturally: 1. Have a nutrient rich diet At any stage of your life eating well-balanced meals is important for good health. In order to achieve optimal nutrition, your diet needs to consist of a balance between clean proteins (beans, seeds, wild caught fish), healthy fats (coconut oil, avocado), antioxidant rich vegetables (broccoli, spinach, sweet potatoes) and healing spices and herbs (cinnamon, turmeric). Sometimes, despite having a rich nutritional diet, your body can feel far from optimum, and that is when the benefits of taking health supplements come in. Some natural botanic extracts such as soy isoflavones, black cohosh, dong quai, licorice and chasteberry help support women’s health during menopause, providing relief from a variety of menopausal symptoms, including hot flushes. Soy isoflavones has also been shown to support bone health in menopausal women. 2. Avoid or limit the use of endocrine disrupting chemicals and opt to use natural skincare Endocrine disrupting chemicals are unnatural chemicals found in man-made products, such as plastics, toxic household cleaning products and pesticides. Endocrine disrupting chemicals are extremely harmful to your body because they alter your balance of hormones, therefore triggering changes in the way it functions. Avoiding or limiting your use of household products with these chemicals will prevent these harmful toxins from entering your system. Even though you don’t ‘consume’ these chemicals, endocrine disrupting chemicals can be absorbed through your skin, meaning you are exposed when any of these products come in contact with your body. By opting for preservative-free skincare and hair products such as USANA Sense range of products, you are eliminating the risk of disrupting the amount and type of hormones being produced. As you age, many females tend to use more anti-aging beauty products to iron out all facial imperfections. The downside to using anti-aging cosmetics is that some beauty products contain harmful chemicals. Instead of going to the cosmetic aisle however, try taking grape seed extract supplement instead to achieve that healthy age-less glow. Proanthocyanidins in grape seed extract not only helps with improving skin-aging appearance but assists in overall cardiovascular health as well. 3. Get more sleep and interval exercise Regulating a sleep cycle at 7-9 hours a day is essential for hormonal control, especially as cortisol (the stress hormone) is regulated at night. Cortisol helps your body respond to stress appropriately and prevents your body from getting sick. When your body is alert your cortisol levels increase. Sleep deprivation also increases the level of cortisol in your body and makes you more prone to developing diabetes or obesity.So getting adequate amounts of sleep prevents fluctuations in hormones and prevents your cortisol levels from increasing too drastically. Getting more exercise is another significant way to balance our hormones naturally. Interval exercise releases hormones needed by the body, reduces stress levels, enhances immune system and regulates metabolic function. To view the full range of USANA Health Sciences nutritional, weight management and personal care products visit www.usana.com. USANA Health Sciences was founded in 1992 in the United States by microbiologist and immunologist, Dr Myron Wentz. The products are backed by an accredited team of scientific experts and USANA has been awarded a 5-star rating for its nutritional products – the highest of any available in Australia in the Comparative Guide to Nutritional Supplements (4th Ed) by Lyle McWilliam, an independent Canadian biochemist. This post has been contributed by Laura. Unless we’re unlucky, we all grow old. In a life full of uncertainty, this is a fact. Have you heard the quote, “Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many”? We cannot prevent old age, but we can ensure we live a happy and healthy life for as long as possible. As we get older, many changes occur in our body. Our skin becomes more fragile, and we are prone to wrinkles and age spots. We lose bone density and muscle mass and feel weaker as a result. Our body shape changes, as does our hair and nails. None of these changes are welcome. The aging process relies a lot on our genes. However, there are several lifestyle changes we can make to prevent premature aging. Stop Doing Things That Are Bad For Us We all have bad habits. We all do things that are not good for us, even though we know the risks. As we age our bodies heal at a slower rate. If you indulge in unhealthy habits, now is the time to change. 1. Quit Smoking If you have smoked for several years with few or no consequences, you’re lucky. Smoking is one of the most detrimental habits we can pick up. Apart from a range of serious diseases, it can also cause death. Quitting could be one of the kindest things you ever do for yourself. 2. Reduce Processed And Sugary Foods Eating a balanced diet and getting the right nutrients can improve energy levels and mental agility. It can also prevent age-related diseases. Eat enough fruit, veggies, protein, and healthy fats. Reduce your intake of sugar, processed foods, and alcohol. The right diet will make you feel healthier and more vital. 3. Stay Out Of The Sun The sun’s harmful UV rays can damage the skin and cause premature aging. Stay out of the sun as much as possible. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and cover up exposed skin. Always wear sun lotion with an adequate SPF, even on cloudy days. 4. Get Some Exercise Keep your body fit and active by ongoing physical exercise. This need not be vigorous. Walking, swimming, and gardening, etc. is all fine. Getting enough exercise will prevent your joints from becoming stiff. It will also give your heart a workout and keep your muscles active. 5. Cut Out Excess
Depending on your circumstances, a few treats here or there won’t harm you. In fact, they may help in terms of your mood and happiness. Use common sense. Make healthy choices for most of the time and reward yourself with a few treats. Seek Help As we age, our ability to do the things we used to do decreases. There is no shame in this. It happens to everyone. Getting help from family and friends will assist you to live independently for longer. If family and friends are too far away, you could always consider in home care. Packages can be tailored to your specific requirements, allowing you to choose the services that will help you. Living with confidence in your own home, with the right support is important to many people. Many people in their later years report that they have enjoyed their old age. By making healthy choices and seeking assistance, they are able to keep their independence. And they can sit back and enjoy their lives and their families. This article has been contributed by Sheila Zhou, Scientist at USANA.
Last year the number of flu cases in Australia was up by over 50 per cent, causing many to claim this winter will be our worst flu season ever. However ‘cold and flu season’ is actually a myth, as the virus lives through every season, whether it may be summer, autumn, winter, or spring. According to Sheila Zhou, expert Scientist at USANA, and leading producer of high quality supplements, “Without knowing or realising it, every day our immune system is fighting a battle against colds and flus. Colds are considered a mild illness in comparison to flus because their symptoms are easier to decipher and battle. A cold will give you a runny nose, sore throat or watery eyes, while the flu won’t let you get out of bed, makes you ache from top to toe and gives you a severe headache.” Whether you catch a cold or the flu it is important to know what we need to do to keep our bodies away from sickness. To understand how to help keep our immune system strong and healthy, Ms. Zhou explains her expert tips through the acronym “ARMOUR”: A - Always exercise regularly. This is crucial as physical activities may help release bacteria out of your lungs and airways, reducing your chances of getting a cold or flu. R- Remember to take an immune boosting supplement. Reishi and Shiitake mushrooms are known to enhance immunity and have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to strengthen vitality. Reishi and shiitake Supplement helps keep your immune system strong and healthy, and assists with immune cells to work more efficiently even under stress! M- Must get enough sleep every day. Lack of sleep can cause an impaired immune system. Sleep is one of the key factors that help keeping immune cells healthy that our body needs to fight sickness. O- Over analysing everything will only lead to stress, so do your best to avoid it. Stress weakens the immune system and can lead to chronic conditions including diabetes, heart disease and even cancer. U- Understand the importance of getting regular medical check-ups. Visiting the doctor regularly for an annual check-up will keep you updated on the health status of your body. Medical check-ups will show what your body is lacking and help you make an informed decision to address any potential health concern. R- Remember to eat a healthy diet filled with fruits, veggies and whole grains. Eating the right food with a balance of all essential vitamins and minerals will help keep our immune system strong and healthy. Vitamin supplements should not replace a balanced diet. Use only as directed. Always read the label. To view the full range of USANA Health Sciences nutritional, weight management and personal care products visit www.usana.com. USANA Health Sciences was founded in 1992 in the United States by microbiologist and immunologist, Dr Myron Wentz. The products are backed by an accredited team of scientific experts and USANA has been awarded a 5-star rating for its nutritional products – the highest of any available in Australia in the Comparative Guide to Nutritional Supplements (4th Ed) by Lyle McWilliam, an independent Canadian biochemist. |
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