 When the days get shorter and temperatures get colder, many of us start to feel the effects of seasonal affective disorder. Many of us start to feel more tired and run down during the winter months, and about 5% of Americans are affected by diagnosable seasonal depression. winter blues. Dark mornings and early sunsets mean we’re getting less vitamin D and fresh air, leaving many feeling tired, low energy, hungry, or unable to sleep.
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 How you start your morning sets the tone for the day. With that in mind, you can see how your morning routines can help you or hurt you when it comes to your health goals – whether that’s feeling energized and focused, managing blood sugar levels, keeping fit, preventing heart disease or controlling your weight. Pyure have the morning guide for you to help kickstart your day!
 Image credit: Dmitry Schemelev from Unsplash Going for a couple of strolls around the block can help you reach your step goals, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting a good workout. For walking to lead to health benefits like decreased risk of heart disease, stronger bones, weight loss, improved sleep and a mood boost, you have to do more than put one foot in front of the other. My Fitness Pal has the the guide for you...
 Image credit: Roberto Nickson from Unsplash Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body. It is vital to optimizing brain and body health and is involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions. Every cell in the body needs magnesium to function properly. It is responsible for energy creation, protein formation, gene maintenance, muscle movements, and nervous system regulation.
Why Magnesium infusions? Unfortunately, studies from the National Library of Medicine suggest that roughly 50% of people in the United States and European countries get less than the recommended daily amount of magnesium, even if they have a healthy diet. Doctors propose incorporating magnesium supplements into your diet, but studies suggest that its oral bioavailability is far less effective than infusions. To read more about the comparisons between oral bioavailability vs. injection bioavailability, click here. Common Uses of Magnesium infusions Magnesium injections have many far-reaching uses, both common and uncommon. Mainly, magnesium injections are used to treat hypomagnesemia: low levels of magnesium in your blood. Deficiency symptoms include numbness, tingling, chronic fatigue, muscle spasticity, high blood pressure, and abnormal heart rhythms. Magnesium deficiency can become serious if left untreated. Magnesium can also help treat acute asthma by improving peak expiratory flow rate: a person’s ability to exhale efficiently. Uncommon Uses of Magnesium & Magnesium Infusions Magnesium infusions can also help resolve less severe conditions. Therapeutic uses of magnesium help treat chronic migraines, anxiety, and stress. The National Library of Medicine ran a study monitoring the effects of magnesium on mild to moderate anxiety. Their findings concluded: “The effects of Mg on clinical affective disorders and experimental studies of anxiety in animal models provide a clear rationale to propose that Mg supplementation will have a beneficial effect on mild/moderate anxiety.” How Can I Incorporate Magnesium into My Routine? Look into some Magnesium-rich foods and drinks. There are a plethora of ways to incorporate more magnesium into your diet. The easiest way is by eating foods rich in the mineral. Some foods high in magnesium include:
Additionally, there are some drinks out there that are rich in magnesium. Most of these are powdered additives but are blended into drinks to make the perfect supplement. Some drink powders include: Utilize Magnesium Supplements Supplementing magnesium is also a super easy and effective way to increase your magnesium levels. The ideal dosage of magnesium varies by age. Females 14-18 years old should consume 360 mg/day, women 19-30 years of age should consume 310 mg/day, and females over 31 should consume 320 mg/day of magnesium. For males aged 14-18, the daily dosage is 410 mg/day, the dosage for men aged 19-30 is 400 mg/day, and for men 31 years and older, the dosage is set to 420 mg/day. Consider Magnesium IV Therapy Though it is the most expensive method of increasing magnesium in the body, magnesium IV therapy is a long term way to help increase levels. Intravenous magnesium treatment is more useful for those deficient in the mineral. It effectively helps treat eclampsia and preeclampsia, arrhythmia, severe asthma, and migraine. Conclusion Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body. It is responsible for over 400 metabolic reactions, including energy creation, protein formation, gene maintenance, muscle movements, and nervous system regulation. Almost half of the people in the United States and European countries are magnesium deficient. As a result, magnesium infusions are becoming more and more common. Magnesium infusions are mainly used to treat magnesium deficiency and the symptoms that accompany it. It also helps resolve chronic conditions such as acute asthma. Some less severe conditions that can be treated with magnesium include migraines, stress, and anxiety. Oral supplementation is a great and easy way to obtain more magnesium, but IV therapy is a much more effective treatment method. You can also get magnesium from foods and drink powders as well. Make sure to always consult your doctor before considering magnesium injections or magnesium infusions. This article was originally published at iveeapp.com.  Image credit: Photoholgic from Unsplash If you've started running due to keeping yourself fit during lockdown or maybe it was your New Year's resolution for 2021, you might have questions about what might be your best approach. Runner's World asks an expert to help keep you safe and away from the injuries...
 Image credit: Fitsum Admasu from Unsplash As simple as running may be, it certainly isn’t easy. Especially when you’re a beginner. ‘You have to start where you are, not where you think you should be.' Runner's World has a guide for you to help get started...
 Image credit: Joanna Kosinska on Unsplash Now is the perfect time to detox at home. All the excuses you’ve had in the past are gone: there are no business dinners, happy hours, networking events, weddings. Whatever got in the way of committing to a cleanse has been #cancelled. Why not take this time to take your vibration higher with a cleanse?
A detox can help you feel refreshed, boost your energy, and reset your body for the fall. And, luckily, detoxing at home can take many different forms. Here are some easy ways you can remove toxins from your body at home. USE OUR INFRARED SAUNA BLANKET Our HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket is the perfect way to get your blood flowing and get glowing. Our Blankets increase the body’s thermal energy and promote a temporary increase in blood flow. You’ll sweat like you’re doing some hard cardio – without all the heavy breathing. Relax in the soothing, yet stimulating heat and let the infrared take over. You’ll feel rejuvenated and calmer as a result of this heat-based cleanse. Infrared light detoxes you seven times more than traditional sweating and pulls deeply-stored toxins from your fat cells. It's the most effective detoxify tool out there, as it pulls heavy metals, environmental pollutants, and chemicals that are otherwise trapped and hard to get out from your standard detoxes. Bonus: our blankets leave you with a healthy glow and soothe sore muscles and joints. You’ll feel like a whole new person. It’s basically like having an in-home spa. SWITCH UP YOUR DIET Detox diets have been used in Native American, Indian, and even ancient Roman culture. But, today, we’re exposed to sooo many more toxins than our ancestors. There are toxins in food, air pollution, water, household cleansers, and cosmetic products. A detox diet is a great way to reset your body and support your health. There are many detox diets out there. Try one of these three types of food-based cleanses:
TRY A DIGITAL DETOX A digital detox is one where you step away from those addictive digital devices: smartphones, televisions, computers, tablets, and social media sites. It’s a good way to focus on real-life, social interactions and cutting down on distractions. Research shows that the average American adult spends around 11 hours each day listening to, watching, reading, or interacting with media. How crazy is that?! There are many health benefits to doing a digital detox: better sleep, better productivity, and healthier eating habits, just to name a few. If the thought of stepping away from social media and texting fills you with anxiety, try doing it for just an hour a day. You can build up to two hours or go a full weekend only using your phone for emergencies. DO A SPECIFIC CLEANSE A cleanse is a great way to kick up your motivation and tap into your drive. “Maybe the best thing that can be said about cleanses is they’re a good psychological tool for helping to cut back or eliminate unhealthy components of your diet, like sugar or alcohol,” said Everyday Health. With summer winding down, now is a great time to prove to yourself how strong you are in body and willpower. These cleanses are a great way to reset for the fall:
DRY-BRUSH YOUR SKIN Celebrities like Miranda Kerr and Gwenyth Paltrow love dry-brushing. It’s a great way to get glowing skin while shedding toxins! To try dry-brushing, take a brush with coarse bristles and use it against the surface of your skin to promote blood flow and get rid of dry skin. Dry brushing can leave your skin healthier and help you reduce the appearance of cellulite.“It may even stimulate lymphatic drainage, according to board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara,” reports Allure. TRY A MENTAL DETOX Last but not least, try a mental detox. Meditation and breathwork are shown to have detoxifying effects. Apps like Headspace and Calm are beloved by users who say just adding 10 minutes of meditation a day helps them feel less anxious, stressed, and depressed. GOOP also recommends trying a “feelings cleanse.” The occasional emotional decluttering can have an effect on your mind and body. “Think of your mind as you would your kitchen drawers. There’s your junk drawer. It’s irritatingly hectic in there. It’s hard to even shut with so many miscellaneous items accumulating. How much easier is it to cook and clean and get around when all the measuring spoons and spatulas are in their rightful place?” explains GOOP Wellness Check out our #HackAtHome series for more ideas to feel hot and high, even while you're at home. “This article is originally posted on HigherDOSE.com”  The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year – except if you’re trying to avoid sugar. ‘Tis the season for cookie exchanges, warm sugary drinks, and sweets everywhere you turn.
A few sweet treats in the spirit of the season never hurt anyone. But, it’s easy to overdo it on the sugar if you’re not careful. Sugar is often an ingredient in not only desserts but also in many favorite holiday recipes. Anyone looking to avoid sugar by abstaining from cookies and cakes may still struggle with the rich, seasonal recipes that are popular at family gatherings and office get-togethers. Here are some tips to help you avoid added processed sugar during this festive season. You can get the full details over with Pyure...  Image credit: Francesco Cavallini on Unsplash Being in a mental rut can harm our health, productivity, and mood. Constantly bombarding ourselves with tasks, either through procrastination or just straight-up overworking ourselves, can give way to heightened levels of stress and anxiety. So, let’s look at five ways to help boost our productivity and mood.
1. Sleep good, work better. Sleeping is a fantastic, and probably the easiest, home remedy to boost energy. Our mind and body are interconnected, so keeping one healthy ensures the other will do the same. A good start is maximizing sleep quality. Sticking to a structured sleep routine that provides our body with at least 8 hours of sleep will ensure consistent energy levels during the day. But for this to work, you must stick to a specific bedtime and wake-up time. Inconsistent sleep patterns are almost as harmful to the body as little to no sleep. 2. A healthy body is an optimized brain As mentioned above, our body and brain are interconnected. We have talked about resting our bodies, but what about fueling them? Well, certain foods that are high in vitamin B12—one of the main vitamins known for energy enhancement—can help boost energy levels, giving you the fuel needed to get through the day. Fish, meat, poultry, and other dairy products are high in B12. Incorporating this vitamin into your diet can help power both your mind and body, helping you take on whatever life throws at you. 3. Stop workin’, start walkin’? We know this may seem counterintuitive, but taking a step back from a task or assignment can actually help you get it done quicker! Exercise is not only crucial for the body; it also promotes mental well-being. And exercise doesn’t necessarily mean maxing your deadlift between paragraphs. It can be something as simple as going for a walk around the block. Just getting your body moving helps relieve stress, which can significantly inhibit productivity. Before you even start your work, early morning workouts have been said to get your mind and body prepared for the day. 4. Put down the phone Social media, texting, and phone calls ranked as the 4th biggest workplace distractions only behind bathroom breaks and talking with coworkers. We’ve all been there: a text message alert or a Twitter notification goes off, and you are instantly entranced into the endless rabbit hole that is your cell phone. There are a bunch of simple ways to prevent this from happening. For starters, keep your phone and work separate. This can go as far as keeping it in a different room, whatever prevents you from distracting yourself. Other methods, such as putting your phone on “Do Not Disturb” and “Airplane Mode,” can immensely cut down distractions without feeling disconnected. 5. Organize your workspace For many, a cluttered workspace = a cluttered mind. Having a clean workspace can work as a productivity “placebo.” You can trick yourself into working harder when your surroundings are organized. Everyone has their own gauge on what is considered to be “clean,” so do whatever you think is necessary. If it means just clearing off your desk, then go for it. And if “clean” means sanitizing all of your work materials, then do that. Just make sure not to overdo it. There is a fine line between organizing your workspace and plainly pushing off work. Find that balance. Find that productivity. Conclusion Feeling run down can have a lasting impact on our short term productivity, leaving us feeling defeated and mentally exhausted. But simple changes to the way we carry on through the day can help boost productivity and increase energy levels. Simple changes to our sleeping patterns and diet are two vital ways we can achieve this added boost in energy. Other changes such as exercise and work habits can help maximize productivity without stretching ourselves too far. These tips do not have to be followed verbatim, but should act as a guide in helping you navigate what best fits your lifestyle. This article was originally published at iveeapp.com  Image credit: Thom Masat on Unsplash Although the UK is slowly starting to move into Tier 4 lockdown, it still is party season even if at home and for most people, a large part of December is spent with a hangover. Avoid those groggy mornings and sore heads by knowing the best hangover cures. The Sun has some advice to help you avoid a groggy head!
 Image credit: congerdesign on Pixabay We’ve all faced times where no matter how hard you try, you just can’t stick to a healthy routine. Just thinking about exercise or cooking a healthy meal can be daunting, and with fast food being, well, fast, it’s not difficult to see why so many struggle to stay motivated with a healthy lifestyle. It happens to everyone, there probably isn’t one person who can say they have never had a period of time where they have had some time away from eating right and exercising as often as they should.
Finding the motivation to look after yourself doesn’t mean that you need to spend hours in the gym or spend one day a week prepping healthy meals, you can do it so much easier. Let’s have a look at some of the ways you can stay motivated below: Give Yourself A Real Reward No, this doesn’t mean eating an entire cheesecake after a run, it’s about giving yourself something that is going to help you get closer to your goals. Why not indulge in an episode or two of your favourite tv show or reading about the Association of Naturopathic Practitioners after your workout, to enable your muscles to recover? Or treat yourself to a massage after two or three weeks on track with your exercise routine. After you have eaten a healthy meal, reward yourself with some self-care such as taking a hot bath or home spa-treatment. You are trying to live a healthier lifestyle, so the best thing you can do is to stop rewarding yourself with junk food, one of the main causes of a bad diet. Exercise will slowly become a habit, and your motivation will grow as you reward yourself in a positive way. Set Yourself A Commitment Contract We can make a promise after promise to ourselves, however, research shows us that we are more likely to eat well and exercise when we make the commitment to some one else such as our family or friends. Why not set a contract with your family to state you will workout three times a week for 30 minutes and that you will cook at least one healthy meal each day so you can be healthier for them? Turn Your Workouts Social In the world of today, it is very common to see people using social media as a way to stay accountable for their progress or commitment to living a healthy lifestyle. Whether it’s sharing their weekly weigh in, showing progress pictures, showing methods of exercise, or sharing pictures of your food, sharing them on social media may be a good way to keep you on track. Always Remember The Why There is going to be a reason why you want to live a healthier lifestyle, so, remember what it is when you feel yourself slipping. Whether you’re doing because you’ve gained a little weight over Christmas or through pregnancy, or you’re trying to minimise the risks from an underlying health condition, always think back to the reasons why you are making changes. Remember changes aren’t going to happen over night, therefore, you shouldn’t expect them to. Don’t give up at the first hurdle, in fact, don’t give up at the tenth. No one said that making changes towards a healthy lifestyle was easy. Do you have any tips on how to you can stay motivated? Please share them in the comments below.  Image credit: Brook Lark on Unsplash The health benefits of a plant-based diet are, unsurprisingly, varied depending on what plants each person chooses to eat. For instance, one study compared the effects of a plant-based diet that incorporated whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes as compared to a plant-based diet that included potatoes (fries and potato chips), sugar-sweetened beverages, fruit juices, and refined grains. The first group had the lowest risk for heart disease, were more active, and weighed less than the second group. You can get more information about plant-based sugar substitutes over at Pyure Brands.
 Image credit: The Workout Digest As the situation in 2020 looks to be extending into 2021, it’s high time we start considering how we’re keeping healthy in the long-term.
Just like how overexertion will deteriorate your health, so too will a lack of exercise and fitness activities. In fact, you may have heard it said that sitting is a slow but sure way of reducing your lifespan potential, and nowadays a lot of us are doing a whole lot of sitting. The Workout Digest has only guide you will need to push you into 2021!  Image credit: Ilana Lahav on Unsplash Reaching for food to calm down is an all-too-common coping mechanism, whether you’re dealing with world events, a demanding job, juggling home responsibilities or other stressors. Thirty-eight percent of adults say they’ve overeaten or reached for unhealthy foods in the past month because of stress, and of those, half do so at least once a week, according to an American Psychological Association survey. You can read more over at myfitnesspal.com
 Image credit: Kike Vega on Unsplash Wellness and stress-busting pretty much go hand in hand, so it’s fair to say we could all benefit from a bit less stress. Thankfully, there’s more than one way to make that a reality. In fact, myfitnesspal.com have counted 31 ways to reduce stress and put them together in this list...
 Image credit: Gregory Pappas on Unsplash The desire to burn fat is one of the most commonly cited health and fitness goals. There are many ways to accomplish that objective through diet and exercise. Eat the right food and stay active, and you can burn calories and fat while building lean muscle. That’s great for roughly 2/3 of the day when you’re awake, but what about that other 1/3 when you’re asleep? myfitnesspal.com has the details on this one!
 Image credit: quinntheislander on Pixabay It is often easy to conclude that you’re just a ‘scatterbrain’ type of person and even begin to feel comfortable with it. Unfortunately, this attitude does not solve the problem of why you are so often distracted. There are so many factors that may cause your constant distraction, and it would be useful to know what they are to reduce the chances of making avoidable mistakes. For example, an Allianz Germany study discovered that 60% of drivers involved in accidents admitted to some form of distraction. Are you frequently distracted from the task at hand? Here some reasons why, and possible solutions you can try.
1. Mental health issues Mental health issues can weaken your focus. Contrary to what you may have thought, depression and anxiety do more than change thought patterns. Their overarching effects extend to impact every other aspect of a person’s life. When the brain frequently perceives a threat, it becomes impossible to focus on a task. To solve this, you may require professional help to identify the actual source of your mental instability. Clinical psychologists and psychiatrists are specialized in dealing with issues of such nature. As a self-help exercise, begin a task that requires you to focus intently on it. Avoid checking your phone or doing any other thing that may require you to multitask. Over time, your brain retrains itself to stick only to what you set out to do. 2. When you work with relaxed deadlines It is erroneous to think that more hours worked means you have accomplished more. When you find yourself trying to reach a deadline, you tend to avoid entertaining distractions at all cost. On the other hand, because the human brain tends to conserve energy when possible, relaxed deadlines are significant culprits for distractions. You may find yourself attending to non-pressing tasks when you have more time on your hands. It could be a video game to pass the time or a phone call to your best friend. It would help if you developed a laser focus on everything you set out to do to avoid these distractions. Begin by setting tight deadlines for yourself and discipline yourself to stick to them. Consider using DaaS cloud-computing solutions to create a timetable, with regular reminders or a to-do checklist. Create a shorter time frame to complete your tasks as this makes them more achievable and easier to accomplish. Sometimes, it may be useful to have an accountability partner to hold you to your word. For example, if you are working with a team to complete a project, inform the team leads that your report will come days earlier before the final sign-off. With this promise, the team lead will hold you accountable for the set delivery time. 3. Lack of good sleep If you ever downplayed the benefits of good sleep, now is the time to discover its many mysteries. Lack of sleep elevates Cortisol levels in the body, which overrides your brain’s ability to function optimally. In medical studies, persons who suffer from sleep apnea have difficulty with brain focus. You may have realized the emphasis on ‘good’ sleep, and you’re about to find out why: An extended period of sleep cannot qualify as being ‘good’ when you gulped down a few glasses of wine before retiring to bed. Alcohol is a significant culprit in sleep disruptions as it prevents you from getting enough Rapid Eye Movement (REM) cycles to feel revitalized the next day. During the REM cycle, the eyes move rapidly but without sending visual signals to the brain. It is a deeper stage of sleep compared to the non-REM process. To resolve this, avoid alcohol and caffeine a few hours before your bedtime. Eight hours of sleep is ideal for an adult, regardless of gender or age. 4. You may have adult ADHD ADHD is the abbreviation of the condition- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Unfortunately, people tend to believe this is something only “hyperactive” children suffer from. However, this condition also affects adults, and due to the variations in symptoms, adult ADHD may be difficult to diagnose without clinical help. For example, whereas a child may exhibit hyperactivity, an adult would not do so because they may have a higher level of self-control. On the other hand, an adult may show signs of low concentration and inattentiveness. This is where distraction tendencies are higher than usual. That is not to say anybody who exhibits these traits regularly is a sufferer of adult ADHD. If you suspect this is your situation, seek a proper diagnosis from a specialized physician. Some of these conditions receive coverage from national health services. Fortunately, there are brain exercises to help you overcome your diagnosis. 5. Involvement in unhealthy relationships Sometimes after a breakup, the brain spirals into a cycle of addictive coping mechanisms. It may come in the form of entertaining obsessive thoughts, regret patterns, and flashes of excitement. Sadly, this leaves very little room for focused thinking. It may manifest at work while driving or involved in any other house chore. In some instances, people have experienced terrible breakups, which affected career progress. It may be challenging to identify the source of such unhealthy distractions, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. When you finally realize our distracting lifestyle, it may help to join a social network that discusses healthy coping mechanisms. This teaches you to interact with other people experiencing similar patterns. A shared supportive platform begins to help you discover positivity around you while breaking the cycle of constant distractions in your daily life. Repressed experiences and emotions are other factors that may be responsible for your distracted tendencies. It is worth knowing that constant distractions are unproductive and tend to build an air of negativity around a person. Although they are impossible to avoid regularly, it is better to be aware and devise healthy means to handle such situations. In some instances, distraction is a sign of uncontrolled elevated stress. Keep your mind calm and your body in a deliberately relaxed state to reduce harmful stress responses.  Image credit: Total Shape on Unsplash If you think you're doing enough exercise and eating healthily but you're struggling to lose weight then join the club. So many of us think we're ticking all of the boxes for burning fat - and not getting any returns for our effort. The Sun has a guide to help you get those bad habits gone..
 Image credit: Brittany Colette on Unsplash We all know the feeling: waking up in the middle of the night with our sinuses congested, head pounding, and throat throbbing. Coming down with a nasty cold is definitely not an enjoyable experience, but it is something that we routinely have to deal with. Thankfully there are a plethora of over-the-counter remedies, as well as home remedies, that can help us beat a cold fast while keeping our immune system healthy along the way.
1. Hydrate or Die-drate Besides rest, staying hydrated before and during a cold is one of the most important things we can do for our bodies. A fever draws moisture from our bodies, plus the over the counter medicine we take to combat our symptoms can easily dry us out as well. Although the exact amount varies for everyone. the recommendation is to drink roughly eight 250mL cups of water per day. This will help ensure that your body is receiving the amount of water it needs. Other drinks such as decaffeinated tea or juice can help with draining the mucus from your sinuses as well. 2. Rest Up Often, the onset of a cold can be tied back to insufficient or improper sleep. Getting less than six hours of sleep on a nightly basis can have a severe impact on your immune system. Ignoring your body’s cries for sleep is something that we should avoid doing at all costs. That being said, “proper rest can boost your immune system to get you feeling better sooner. Sleep helps your body better fight infections that cause you to get sick, along with staying hydrated and taking medicine that helps with common cold symptoms.” Having a good sleep schedule gives your body more energy, control over your mood, and a profound boost to your productivity. 3. Take your vitamins and minerals Essential vitamins and minerals can have a profound effect on how your body combats being sick. Immuno-beneficial vitamins such as vitamin C and B12 can work with your immune system in expelling toxins from the body. These can be taken in either oral supplements or through IV treatment, which has quickly become a reliable method to help treat the symptoms of oncoming illness. 4. Probiotic drinks Though studies are limited, this method is thought to “modulate the immune system in healthy individuals and may help reduce symptoms related to respiratory infections.” The main ingredient in most probiotics --Lactobacillus—has been proven to lower the risk of developing cold symptoms by 12 percent and minimize sickness length from 8.6 to 6.2 days in adults. It is most beneficial for upper respiratory symptoms. You can find these drinks at any local grocery store, pharmacy, or superstore like Walmart or Target. 5. Try over the counter cold and flu medicine Over the counter (OTC) medicine can be a very beneficial way to fight off cold symptoms. But like any pharmaceutical, there are also various side effects such as drowsiness and nausea that can accompany it. It is best to stay hydrated while taking these medications as they tend to dry out your body, much like a fever would do. This could leave you feeling worse than before, but as long as you stay hydrated, this feeling shouldn’t occur. Notable cold and flu medicines include Mucinex, Tylenol, and the Nyquil/Dayquil combo. Conclusion Beating a cold can be a painstaking ordeal, but it doesn’t have to. Getting over a cold starts before you even start showing symptoms. Staying hydrated and well-rested are easy, cost-effective ways to strengthen your body and immune system. Additionally, daily vitamin supplements and probiotic drinks have been shown to strengthen your immune system and limit the severity of cold symptoms. If worse comes to worst, try over the counter (OTC) cold and flu medicine to give that cold the final blow. This article was originally published at iveeapp.com.  Image credit: Lisa Wall on Unsplash For many people, fitness is not about attempting to sculpt a chiselle six-pack or being able to run a marathon in under three hours. It’s simply about staying in good nick. Being able to say, without crossing your fingers, that you are a reasonably healthy adult. Coach Magazine has the perfect guide to keeping yourself fit regardless of how old you are!
 Image credit: Francisco Moreno on Unsplash With the pressures of the pandemic ongoing, impacting our work and home life, frustration, anger and anxiety are on the rise. You can read more over on LinkedIn..
 While aging may not be the most pleasant experience, the memories, experiences, and life lessons we learn along the way are invaluable. But what if someone told you there are ways to stop, or at least limit, the symptoms of aging. With help from specific vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, we can help rewind our body’s biological clock by replenishing valuable nutrients that we lose with age. That being said, aging is inevitable, and symptoms are almost impossible to avoid altogether. If anything, utilizing this collection of nutrients can help improve quality of life and raise bodily optimization.  What happens when we age? As we age, our body stops producing certain chemical compounds previously in excess when we were younger. Additionally, our telomeres shorten with age. Telomeres help protect the ends of our chromosomes from deteriorating. When our telomeres shorten, our body’s cells go through a negative transformation that drastically affects an individual’s health and lifespan. Shorter telomeres have been associated with an increased risk of disease and lower survival rates. Most of the symptoms related to aging are cognitive. Yes, our hair turns grey, and we start to get wrinkles, but the slow cognitive decline is the most reported and impactful result of aging. So let’s take a look at some supplements that can help reduce these effects.  1. Curcumin Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric. Turmeric is a spice that comes from the turmeric root and is used mostly in Asian dishes. Curcumin is rated highly for its powerful anti-aging effects due to its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are substances that help protect your cells against free radicals, which may play a role in heart disease, cancer, and other diseases. Additionally, this antioxidant protects our cells from cellular senescence. Cellular senescence occurs when cells stop dividing, and as we age, these cells accumulate, accelerating aging and the progression of age-related diseases. You can easily increase your curcumin intake by incorporating turmeric in dishes or by taking curcumin supplements!  2. CoQ10 Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is another antioxidant that is self-produced by your body. It is responsible for energy production and protecting cells from damage. As we age, our levels of CoQ10 begin to decline, and symptoms such as fatigue and brain fog become more and more apparent. In 2015, researchers ran an experiment to test the effects of supplemented CoQ10 in 443 older adults. The study found that supplementing CoQ10 and selenium (an element that aids metabolism) over four years improved their overall quality of life, reduced hospital visits, and slowed the deterioration of mental performance. Though CoQ10 shows the potential to be a powerful anti-aging supplement, there still needs to be more research and definitive evidence before it can be recommended as a natural way to prevent aging. Make sure to talk to a health care professional before trying it out.  3. Vitamin B12 Ah, yes, trusty vitamin B12. This keystone vitamin aids our body in numerous ways, like keeping our nerve and blood cells healthy. Vitamin B12 also helps prevent a type of anemia called megaloblastic anemia that makes people tired and weak. Aside from its “inner body benefits,” such as added energy and cognitive clarity, B12 can also aid our bodies cosmetically. It can help improve our appearance by reducing skin redness, inflammation, and dryness. It can also reduce hair breakage and help nails become stronger. Our bodies don’t produce B12 naturally, but we can obtain it through various foods like fish, eggs, and chicken. Different types of vegetables, such as mushrooms, are high in B12 as well. B12 is also available as a daily supplement and can be found at your local pharmacy or natural food store.  4. Vitamin D Weakening immune systems are a sure sign of aging. At some point, catching a common cold will have a much more significant impact than it did when we were younger. Thankfully, a new UK research study has found that Vitamin D can have a positive effect on the immune system and help offset some age-related health issues. It is also widely accepted throughout the scientific community that vitamin D compounds protect the skin against the hazardous effects of many skin aging-inducing agents, including ultraviolet (UV) radiation. You absorb vitamin D naturally through the sun’s rays, but vitamin D supplements are widely accessible at any pharmacy or vitamin shop if you want an extra boost.  5. NAD+ Treatment And last, but certainly not least, NAD+ treatment. Yes, we know this isn’t a vitamin or antioxidant, but its potential is something we cannot overlook. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, or NAD+, is one of the most potent anti-aging molecules you can put into your body. In short, NAD+ keeps your cells “young” and helps to rewind your biological clock. NAD+ treatment is relatively new on the scene. As of right now, the FDA has only given the green light for oral NAD+ supplements. However, injecting NAD+ intravenously is a very efficient way to receive the nutrient, as it allows for almost 100% bioavailability. NAD+ treatment can last anywhere from two to six hours and has been reported by some as being quite uncomfortable. Some patients have reported nausea, chest tightness, and lightheadedness. Fortunately, these symptoms are short-lived and pretty much counteracted by the treatment’s lasting impact on energy levels, mental clarity, and overall sense of rekindled youth.  Conclusion
Aging is inevitable, we all know that. As we age our body slowly stops performing at maximum efficiency and there is no way around that. These supplements and treatments are in no way the “end all be all” for aging symptoms, but what they do provide is a higher quality of life and, at the very least, help to manage current and future symptoms of aging. This article was originally published at iveeapp.com.  Image credit: Talaviya Rahul on Unsplash Low-impact activities like swimming, cycling and weightlifting are often touted for their joint-friendly properties, but low-impact workouts have more to offer than just being easy on your joints — a lot more, according to fitness experts. myfitnesspal has 11 benefits to having a low-impact workout!
 Image credit: Kinga Cichewicz on Unsplash Have you ever noticed that as the weather gets colder, you get sleepier? Suddenly, turning in at 9 p.m. doesn’t feel like such a bad idea. You might still sleep until your normal wake-up time, increasing your total number of hours of shuteye. If this describes your experience as the seasons change, you’re not alone. You can learn more over at myfitnesspal.com
 Image credit: Jenny Hill on Unsplash Now more than ever it is important to look after your health. We’ve seen throughout the year how easily germs can spread and at a rapid pace, which is why you should do everything you can to ensure your health is the best it can be and try to maintain that, especially over the next few months as winter arrives. In this post, we are going to look at ways you can maintain your health this winter.
Wash your hands thoroughly By now you should be washing your hands often and thoroughly throughout the day. It’s something that you should be doing in general as practicing good hand hygiene is just sensible. Washing your hands will remove viruses, bacteria, dirt, and any other harmful substances that can be found on your hands and stop you from spreading them to other people and objects. Illnesses that can be spread by hands include flu, food poisoning, and diarrhea. Simply wash them with soap and water for around 20 seconds, ensuring you clean between your fingers, the back of your hands, and the tips of your fingers. Make sure you dry your hands properly as partially dried hands can attract germs easily and recontaminate them. If soap and water are not available you can clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that has at least 60% alcohol, then when you can, clean them with soap and water. Eat more fruit and vegetables An effective way to fight off germs is by keeping your body healthy by eating well. To eat healthier you need to add more fruit and vegetables to your diet. On cold winter days and nights, you may be tempted to pick comfort food over healthier options. This is fine in moderation but try to stick to a healthy diet to maintain your immune system and protect you from winter illnesses like flu, coughs, and colds. There are many people who train to become a health coach who can provide you with information on taking responsibility for your diet, so if you are struggling in this area consider speaking to an expert who can offer advice. In the meantime, you could try boosting your fruit and veg intake with staple winter vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, parsnips, Brussel sprouts, and carrots. Fruits you should try to eat at this time of year include oranges, lemons and limes, and pomegranates. Ensure you exercise Winter weather can be off-putting leaving many people staying indoors instead of getting out and about for some fresh air and exercise. While sitting by the fireplace with a hot drink and a good book may sound ideal, it is important to still get some kind of exercise. Whether you choose to stay indoors or go outside for this, is entirely up to you. You could go for a nice long winter walk, a jog in the morning to get it out of the way, or you could do a quick 10-minute workout at home which is short enough that you can easily fit it into your daily routine. Exercise can help protect against high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, as well as other health conditions. It also helps strengthen your muscles and builds endurance. Exercise can also boost your mood and increase your mental alertness. Get plenty of sleep Getting enough sleep helps to keep your mind and body healthy. Most adults need around 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. While the number of hours of sleep is important, so is the quality of your sleep as this will help prevent you from waking up throughout the night. There are many health benefits of getting enough sleep. It can help reduce stress, lower your risk of serious health conditions, help you maintain your weight, and prevent you from getting sick often. If you are struggling to get enough sleep, you can try making changes to your bedtime routine. Give yourself a bedtime each night and try to stick to this. By getting into a routine, it will allow you to relax and unwind around the same time every night. To help you relax, you could have a warm bath before bed, listen to calming music, or read a book to relax the mind. Create a comfortable sleep environment, making sure the room is dark and quiet. It’s important to look after your body throughout the year but especially during winter. By following the tips outlined in this post, you can help maintain your health this winter. |
Author - ChrisAuthor, Editor, Creator of Learn Develop Live Archives
January 2021
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