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5 Ways to Encourage Good Oral Health in Your Kids

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Teaching your children how to take good care of their teeth and gums is so important. The faster they learn to brush and floss correctly, the less likely it will be that they end up with cavities, gingivitis, or other serious oral health problems.

Of course, it can be tougher than you might think to encourage your kids to practice good oral health, which is why I’ve put together a few tips to help you help them.

1. Lead by example

It’s a pretty basic strategy, but letting your kids watch you brush and logos your teeth, and even taking them to the dentist with you, is a great way to encourage them to follow suit. Kids adore their parents and if they see them doing something, they are more likely to want to do it too. This applies as much to oral hygiene as anything else.

2. Teach them the right way

Teaching your children the right way to brush, floss, and generally look after their teeth is so important because even if they make the effort to do it twice daily if they aren’t using the right technique, they probably won’t be as effective as they could ben and they may still end up with tooth and gum problems.

3. Find a kid-friendly dentist

A lot of children have a strong fear of the dentist. It can be hard to get them over this, but as well as letting them watch your appointments so they can dee there is nothing to fear, one of the best ways to help them over a phobia is to find a great dentist like Montgomery Pediatric Dentistry, who specializes in making kids feel safe and happy. And who go the extra mile to make them feel comfortable and have fun. If you can do that, chances are their fears will start to fall away and trips to the dentist will be less traumatic.

4. Encourage a healthy diet

Diets that are high in sugar are really bad for your teeth whether you’re 2 or 32, which is why, if you want to encourage good oral health in your kids (and yourself) you need to focus on diet. Keep sweet treats to a minimum and eat lots of healthy fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and water instead. Looking for an after-dinner snake? A small piece of cheese will help to balance you and your child’s mouth’s PH level for happier, healthier teeth.

5. Reward them

If you have a child who refuses to brush their teeth or floss, then one thing that is sure to help them come around is offering them a reward. Set up a toothbrushing chart and place a sticker on it for every day that they brush and floss twice daily. At the end of the week, if they haven’t missed a single star, give them a reward, whether that be a comic, time playing on the Xbox, or whatever it is you know they like sufficiently enough to motivate them.

Oral health matters so don’t let your kids let it slide.

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How Can You Manage The Increasing Cost Of Dental Care As You Get Older?

Managing rising healthcare costs is becoming increasingly difficult, and this leads to people making sacrifices with their health. Dental health is one of the areas that people tend to neglect because they don’t think it’s as important. However, poor dental health can lead to a lot of other health issues and if you don’t look after your teeth, you could lose them for good. 

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If you want to look after your health as you get older, you need to find ways to cut the cost of dental care so you don’t have to make any sacrifices. These are the best ways to cut the cost of your dental care as you get older. 

Keep On Top Of Your Dental Hygiene Routine

If you can avoid a trip to the dentist in the first place, you can save a lot of money. The best way to do that is to look after your teeth and gums properly. A good dental hygiene routine will keep your teeth and gums healthy and help you avoid issues with cavities or gingivitis. It’s still important that you have regular checkups, but you can save a lot of money because you won’t need as many advanced treatments. 

Find The Right Dentist

It’s so important to find the right dentist for you and your family and there are a number of factors you should consider when making your choice. You need somebody experienced that can provide the care you need. But you should also consider the cost of treatments and spend some time finding an affordable dentist. You also need to find a reliable dentist that will only recommend treatments that are really necessary, instead of charging you for dental care that you don’t really need. 

Explore Cheaper Treatment Alternatives

If you do require treatment for a problem, you should always explore the cheaper options. Dentures, for example, can be incredibly expensive but there is a cheaper alternative to dentures out there. Whenever you require a treatment, you should always speak to your dentist about all of the different treatment options available. That way, you can find the most financially viable option and reduce the burden on your bank balance, while still getting the care that you need. 

Get Dental Care Through Work 

When looking for a new job, it’s always important to consider the benefits, especially the healthcare packages that are offered. If possible, find employers that offer dental care as part of their healthcare package. This extra cover will save you a lot of money. 

If you are already in a job that you like and you have no plans to move, you should speak to your employer about the potential of adding dental cover to your package. If you are a loyal employee and you have been working there for a while, they may well be willing to do this. 

As you get older, you are more likely to experience dental health issues and the cost of care will increase. However, if you follow these tips, you can make it more manageable.

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Why Treating Your Meals As Special Occasions Can Improve Your Life

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It’s probably fair to say that everyone enjoys a nice meal that was put together with care, attention, and a degree of skill that makes it really stand out.

Restaurants are partly driven by the social aspect, partly by the fact that they allow us to relax and let go of our own responsibilities a bit, and partly by the fact that good restaurant chefs can create delicious meals.

But whether you are investigating a broccoli casserole recipe by Yellow Bliss Road, or are trying to recreate your grandmother’s spaghetti Bolognese, there are benefits to treating your meals as special occasions that can improve your life, beyond the question of tasty treats.

Here are a few reasons why treating your meals as special occasions can improve your life.

Because it can significantly enhance your ability to savour the moment and experience a sense of gratitude and positivity

When you treat each meal as a special occasion – something to prepare with care, set aside time for, and enjoy mindfully – you open yourself up to the experience of the meal in a way that is a lot more positive, and allows you to savour it.

From this, your sense of gratitude for the meal – and for life in general – is almost sure to be significantly greater.

Everyday life is full of all sorts of small blessings that are overlooked because we are simply too busy and distracted.

Treating each meal as a special occasion is a way of escaping from this trap.

Because cooking can be a keystone habit that creates a cascade of positive change in your life

When it comes to creating new habits to restructure and improve your life, looking for effective “keystone habits” to implement can be a very powerful step to take.

In short, a “keystone habit” is a habit that has a more or less automatic “cascade effect” on other habits in your life, and can therefore have a disproportionate impact – either good or bad.

When it comes to positive keystone habits, taking up home cooking with a high degree of appreciation for the art of it can be the first step in moving your life into a more harmonious direction, automatically.

Because it can reduce stress and add a sense of rhythm to your everyday life

To reduce the stress that often arises in everyday life, having regular routines and rituals that can help to create a sense of harmony and balance can be very powerful.

At the same time, taking some time out of your day to really “celebrate” your meals – and to prepare and enjoy some delicious food – can also have a significant stress-reducing effect.
You owe it to yourself to add some of these feel-good, stress-busting moments to your everyday life.

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#BrainPower: 8 Supplements for Focus and Energy

#BrainPower: 8 Supplements for Focus and Energy

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How Supplements Boost Energy 

Balancing life should be as simple as getting enough sleep, eating a healthy (in-moderation) diet, exercising regularly, and relaxing. In a perfect world, this is easy to accomplish but it isn’t always that simple. Life has plenty of demands, often ones that we can’t control. It is extremely common to feel burnt out from your everyday routine, especially when you feel as if you can’t maintain your energy. 

Fortunately, you don’t have to pretend to be a superhuman. There are natural supplements that can boost your energy, memory, and focus. More individuals are turning to “brain-boosting” supplements called nootropics, paired with standard healthy lifestyle choices.

What are Nootropics?

Nootropics are natural supplements or drugs that increase brain performance specifically in energy, memory, and concentration. The use of some of these supplements are still relatively recent but there are enhanced studies that have proven the benefits of nootropics when it comes to mental performance and improvements in overall brain health. 

The term might be unfamiliar but nootropics are naturally everywhere. They are widely accessible in dietary supplements to help harness brain power directly. There are plenty of options when it comes to consuming nootropic supplements, whether it is capsules, oils, powders or foods. 

Read on to learn more about supplements for focus and energy.

 8 Supplements for Focus and Energy 

 B12

Vitamin B12 helps transform the foods you eat into energy that your cells can use. It is found naturally in animal proteins, like meat, fish, and dairy products. Some people are already B12 deficient which can depend on your location and the type of diet you have (vegans and vegetarians may be at risk due to decreased animal consumption). B12 supplements can help maintain adequate levels and boost overall energy. Furthermore, some IV therapy options can include B complex vitamins in their drip services. Although B12 is a great natural nutrient, there is no evidence that suggests B12 can boost energy in people who already have adequate levels.  

Caffeine 

The most widely used nootropic, caffeine, works by blocking the adenosine receptor in the brain, which causes you to feel less tired. It is naturally found in coffee, cocoa beans, tea, and kola nuts. It is artificially added to sodas, energy drinks, and medications. A moderate intake of caffeine is recommended as it can increase alertness and attention over time. Although caffeine is a simple way to combat fatigue, it is easy to overdo it. Taking caffeine in pill supplements or consuming more than 4 cups of coffee a day can be toxic. Make sure you are taking the right amount to avoid negative side effects. 

Curcumin 

Turmeric is the spice that gives curry a yellow color and is found in most Indian cuisine. The active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, has powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, it has been proven to help with memory and focus. In a study conducted by UCLA, participants who took curcumin experienced significant improvements in their memory and attention abilities compared to those who took a placebo. Unfortunately, curcumin only makes up about 3% of turmeric and is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream. Due to this fact, dietary supplements of curcumin are widely available.

Fish oils 

The fatty acids from fish oils are linked to many health benefits, including improved heart and brain health. DHA and EPA are two types of omega-3 fatty acids that can be found in fish oil. DHA helps to maintain brain function, as it accounts for 90% of the omega-3 fat found in your brain cells. On the other hand, EPA has anti-inflammatory effects that help protect the brain from damage and aging. Both are associated with improved mental processes, memory, and concentration. EPA may also be linked to improved mood in those with depression. 

Ginkgo biloba 

Ginkgo biloba is a herbal supplement from the Ginkgo biloba tree. This herbal supplement is claimed to improve brain functions like focus and memory. The Ginkgo supplement can help increase blood flow to the brain, which can help increase overall brain metabolism. Gingko biloba can be found in capsule, powder or oil supplement form. 

Ginseng 

Asian ginseng is one of the most popular herbal supplements in the world. This herb comes from the Ginseng plant. Ginseng has been found to help reduce stress, improve brain function and increase antioxidant support. It is popularly used in tea but can be consumed in the form of powder, capsule, or oil. Ginseng can also be consumed as a root added to food. 

L-theanine 

L-theanine is an amino acid that can be found in black and green tea. A study found that consuming L-theanine can help increase both mental focus and creativity. Green tea contains L-theanine and caffeine, in-fact, this amino acid is observed to enhance the mental effects of caffeine while counteracting caffeine jitteriness.

NAD+

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, or NAD+, is a newer nootropic supplement. NAD+ helps turn nutrients into energy as a key player in metabolism and works as a helper molecule for proteins that regulate other cellular functions. In other words, NAD+ has optimal aging effects that are related to longevity, brain function regulation, and age-associated diseases. Our natural NAD+ levels begin to decrease over time, and many human diseases are associated with changes in NAD+ levels. NAD+ supplements are available predominantly online. You can also request an NAD+ IV therapy drip session.

 Consult Professional Guidance

Maintaining your motivation doesn’t have to be hard. The best maintainable lifestyle changes, as well as, supplements for focus and energy can help. Due to this fact, the use of certain nootropic supplements without any professional guidance may be unhealthy. Every supplement has side effects that differ between individuals. If you have any pre-existing health conditions, or are unsure about your current health situation, please reach out to a healthcare provider for more information on how these supplements may affect you. Although many of these supplements are readily accessible online and in-stores, we recommend you consult with a doctor before use.

This article was originally published at iveeapp.com.

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Spring Cleaning: 5 Easy Ways to Refresh & Detoxify Your Body

Spring Cleaning: 5 Easy Ways to Refresh & Detoxify Your Body

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Winter can be a difficult time. Many experience what is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD can cause symptoms like fatigue, depression, and social withdrawal in climates where there is a lack of sunlight. This wintertime stagnation makes us less active and more prone to weight gain and other negative side effects. However, detoxification can help refresh and reset your body just in time for spring.

The Importance of Resetting

So what even is detoxing anyway? Detoxing is the process of removing harmful toxins that have entered the body by way of our environment, the foods we eat, or the fluids we drink. According to Dr. Mark Hyman, an American physician and New York Times best-selling author, we are constantly living in a sea of toxins and it is slowly destroying our bodies and brains.

Although our body naturally detoxes through the liver and kidneys, some modalities can help support the natural process.

5 Easy Ways to Detoxify and Refresh

Detoxing can seem like a big step for some people, but don’t fret. We aren’t here to put anybody on a liquid-only month-long diet. There are easy ways we can help our body detox without having to strain ourselves too hard. 

1. Drink Mo’ H2O

 If you don’t already carry a Nalgene everywhere you go, start. The average person, male or female, should consume roughly 13.5 cups of water per day — or about three 32 oz Nalgenes. Staying properly hydrated will allow for water to transport waste products out of the body through urination, sweating, and breathing. IV detox therapy  can also help keep your body hydrating while flushing your body of harmful toxins, while replenishing with vitamins and minerals.

2. Avoid Processed Foods and Sugary Beverages

Consuming high amounts of processed foods and sugar can have detrimental effects to the organs that play a pivotal role in detoxification. For example, high consumption of sugary beverages can cause fatty liver, a condition that negatively impacts liver function. By consuming less junk food, we can protect our detoxification process.

3. Exercise!

Exercise, quite literally, is one of the best things we can do for our body. Exercise by itself does not detox your body, but studies have shown that exercise helps keep those vital organs like the kidneys, liver, and lungs functioning optimally.

4. Eat More Antioxidant Rich Foods

Antioxidants protect your cells against damage caused by molecules called free radicals. At high levels, free radicals begin to hurt the body by attacking healthy cells. This can lead to a condition called oxidative stress. An antioxidant-rich diet can help reduce damage caused by free radicals, lowering the risk of diseases that can impact detoxification.

5. Limit alcohol

Over 90% of alcohol is processed by your liver. Studies show that low-to-moderate alcohol consumption can be beneficial for heart health, however, excessive alcohol consumption can cause a wide range of health problems, including damaged liver function. Limiting alcohol drinking is a very beneficial way to keep the body’s detoxification support strong.

How can we maintain this refreshed state?

Sustaining your cleansed state for lack of a better term, may seem daunting at first. But in reality, it’s quite easy and even pretty fun. One of the best things to do is to maintain a healthy diet. As we said, antioxidants are essential for helping your body with its natural detoxification process. So eating foods rich in antioxidants such as: 

  • Berried fruits
  • Leafy greens
  • Beans

Not only will this keep your body in top shape, the combinations and meal varieties are endless. 

Another way to maintain your detox is simply drinking water. Water helps toxins out of the body through urination, sweating, and breathing. It also promotes healthy organ function. And don’t forget to hydrate before and after working out. Leaving your body dehydrated after a workout can leave it vulnerable to harmful toxins.

Takeaways

Detoxifying habits can flush our organs of harmful toxins and reduce the impact of oxidative stress. Wintertime is prime time for your body to fall victim to bodily pollutants since our activity level is much more stagnant. So take advantage of natural benefits, they’ll keep your mood up during those dark winters and have you bursting at the seams with energy and youthfulness right in time for spring. 

There’s a reason why it’s called Spring Cleaning.

This article was originally published at iveeapp.com.

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Best Biotin Vitamins in 2021 & Absorption Tips!

Best Biotin Vitamins in 2021 & Absorption Tips!

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What is Biotin?

Biotin is a B vitamin, which means it is a water-soluble vitamin (i.e. the body doesn’t naturally produce biotin so it needs it from foods and supplements). This vitamin plays a vital role in the body’s metabolism of fatty acids, glucose, and amino acids to produce energy. In fact, the word “biotin” comes from the Greek word “biotos” which means “life” and “sustenance”. Let’s break down the benefits of biotin and some of the best biotin vitamins of 2021.

What are the Benefits of Biotin?

The body needs biotin to function correctly, but what does it do for you? 

  • Breaks Down Macro-Nutrients: Biotin helps convert food into energy by breaking down fatty acids, glucose, and amino acids, 
  • Promotes Hair and Nail Growth: Biotin improves the body’s keratin infrastructure and reduces inflammation. Keratin is the main protein for hair and nail growth. 
  • Supports Pregnancy: About 50% of women may have a biotin deficiency during pregnancy because the body breaks down this vitamin faster at this time.
  • Manages Blood Sugar Levels: Biotin can improve glycemic management that is a problem found in type one diabetics.

Top Biotin Brands

Here’s a list of some of the top-rated and our handpicked favorites of the best biotin vitamins of 2021:

  • Klaire Labs Biotin: Klaire Labs specializes in high quality, hypoallergenic supplements. This supplement provides 16,667% of the daily value for biotin per serving.
  • Garden of Life MyKind Organic Plant Collagen Builder: Garden of Life supplements are organic, gluten-free, non-GMO. This supplement promotes collagen synthesis and is 8,333% of the daily value for biotin.
  • Jarrow Formulas Biotin: These supplements are made with veggie caps and are 16,667% of the daily value of biotin.
  • Vitafusion Biotin: With these biotin gummy supplements, you get your band for your buck. In fact, they have no high fructose corn syrup and provide 16,667% of the daily value of biotin.
  • Nature Made Biotin Gummies: United States Pharmacopeia verified Nature Made’s gummy supplements and are 10,000% of the daily value per serving.
  • Olly Hair Softgels: Olly’s may be designed specifically for hair, but each serving contains 10,000% of the DV for biotin, along with vitamin D, folate, vitamin B12, zinc, copper, keratin, amla fruit extract, and silicon.
  • Life Extension Biotin: Life Extension supplements are vegetarian and non-GMO. They provide 2,000% of the daily value per serving.
  • Carlyle Liquid Biotin: This liquid biotin supplement is vegetarian, non-GMO, sugar-free, and gluten free. Carlyle’s liquid biotin provides 33,333% of the daily for biotin in a single-dropper serving.
  • SolaGarden Naturals Whole Food Biotin: The SolaGarden’s biotin supplement is vegan and organic. Actually, the biotin gets extracted from the Sesbania agati tree, native to South Asia. It provides 1,667% of the Daily Value for biotin per serving.

How Does Absorption Work?

Biotin in food is bound to proteins. Then, these proteins get broken down by enzymes found in the pancreas and the small intestine, freeing the biotin. The biotin is then absorbed by the small intestine. When biotin comes in the form of a supplement it is absorbed slightly differently. There is no saturation. Therefore, with supplements, more biotin actually gets absorbed. 

Absorption Tips & Tricks!

  1. Alcoholism can increase the risk of biotin deficiency ,and many other nutrients as alcohol can block their absorption.
  2. Raw eggs prevent biotin absorption because a glycoprotein found in raw egg binds itself to the protein attached to the biotin.
  3. The absorption rate of oral, free biotin supplements is 100%  no matter the dose of biotin.
  4. Check with your doctor if biotin supplements are right for you. Especially if you are on other types of prescription medication since some medicines can have an adverse effect on biotin

Should You Add Biotin to Your Supplement Routine?

Biotin is essential for the body’s metabolism and cellular function. But, many people do not need to take biotin supplements, but some people are more susceptible to biotin deficiencies or just need the extra boost. The more susceptible groups are those with biotinidase deficiency, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and those with chronic alcohol exposure. Some signs of deficiency are brittle nails, hair loss, and skin rashes, which is why biotin usage is also for healthy hair, skin, and nails.  In addition, there is no harm to taking biotin supplements, only benefits, but talk to your doctor if you think you may have any signs of deficiency.

This article was originally published at iveeapp.com.

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Why Memory Foam Pillows Make Sense For Your Health

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How many times have you woken up with a stiff neck? Do you experience backache or soreness? If so, then the reason could simply be because you are sleeping on pillows that are uncomfortable or unsuited to your body. This is something that may seem like a minor issue, however, an uncomfortable sleep can be something that provides individuals with a lot of body ache and in a lot of cases can lead to long-term issues. 

You have probably heard about the memory foam pillows that are available off of the internet and in stores all over the country at the moment. The memory foam products have soared in popularity as of late because of the comfort and consequent health benefits that they possess. They have really progressed to the forefront of bedroom comfort, and it is no fluke as the products are of an exceptional standard. 

Memory foam pillows are highly recommended for all individuals; no matter how young or old, how they like to sleep, or whether they prefer soft or harder pillows. This is because memory foam has the ability to cradle one’s neck in a manner that is unachievable via any other type of pillow. Thus, an individual will not only have the luxurious comfort that they desire but also the required protection to ensure that they do not wake up with any aches or pains. 

The way in which the memory foam cradles ones’ neck has other beneficial effects. For example, it will decrease an individual’s snoring, heavy breathing, or sleep apnea. This is because when lying on a memory foam mattress your head is not tilted up as it would have been on the other types of pillows and thus your air passages remain open, making it a lot easier for you to breathe and thus avoid snoring or similar issues. Of course, if you do have problems breathing when sleeping, booking an appointment with an online GP should be the first step.

In addition to this, memory foam pillows are extremely reasonable with regard to price. If you search around on the internet then you will be able to find some great deals. Moreover, if you are strapped for cash yet want a solution to a poor night’s sleep, then a memory foam pillow is a much more cost-effective solution in comparison to the likes of a new mattress. 

All things considered, it is also worth noting the benefits that memory foam pillows can provide you with regards to relaxation and de-stressing. Because of the sheer levels of comfort associated with this type of pillow, your whole body will relax when lying on your bed and this is great for de-stressing and untying any knots or any tightness which you may be experiencing. 

All in all, the importance of having a good and comfortable night’s sleep is something which can simply not be underestimated. Buying a memory foam pillow is a great way to ensure a snug night’s sleep at an inexpensive cost. Moreover, your partner will certainly be happy when they note that you have not been snoring as much as you usually do.

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Got A Rash? This Could Be Why

Most of the time, your skin looks clear and beautiful. But every now and again, an itchy, scabby and spotty rash will appear and cause you grief!


Rashes, however, always emerge for a reason. In this article, we take a look at some of the leading culprits and what you can do to prevent them from wreaking havoc on your skin. 

Rosacea

Rosacea is one of the most annoying and unpleasant conditions you can get. It’s a type of chronic skin disease that makes the nose and facial area look redder than the surrounding skin. 

There are a variety of causes. The leading factor is, as you might guess, genetics. But other environmental factors, such as stress, sunlight, and alcohol can all make it worse. 

Impetigo

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Impetigo forms what looks like sweaty, scabby lesions, often on the back of the neck. It’s more common in babies, but adults can get it too. Lesions also appear around the chin, nose, and mouth.

You can’t do much to avoid impetigo. So if you get it, then visit the doctor’s office for some soothing creams and ointment to help it clear up faster. 

Flea Bites

Flea bites usually take the form of raised red lumps, but the specific reaction you have depends on the species. 

If you notice that you have bites all over your body in the morning, you may need to call out the bed bug exterminator. Insects in your sheets and mattress could be emerging from their burrows inside the fabric at night to feast on your blood!

Eczema

Eczema appears as patches of scaly, flaking skin, usually accompanied by hair loss in the affected region. 

Eczema tends to emerge in childhood, probably because of environmental factors. You can lessen the severity of flare-ups by changing your washing powders and household cleaning products. 

Sometimes, people can develop something called “allergic eczema” which looks like a scaly, red, itchy, and oozy scab. You can usually identify the source of this type of eczema quickly with an allergy test at the doctor’s office. 

Ringworm

Ringworm is a condition where a small worm species takes up residence beneath your skin and starts causing damage. People with ringworm usually develop a circular-shaped scaly rash with a raised border. The interior of the affected patch may appear as normal skin, with a raised border around the edge. 

The best approach here is to see your pharmacist about ringworm treatments. 

Shingles

Shingles is a rash caused by the virus that causes chickenpox – the varicella-zoster virus. The rash itself is painful and often forms a solid red band. Most infections usually pass within a week or two. If your shingles persist, visit your doctor. 

Hay Fever

Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, is an allergic response to pollen. Unfortunately, there’s no cure for it, so your best bet is to take antihistamines regularly when pollen levels are high. 

Rashes shouldn’t threaten your life. However, if you feel shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, or stabbing pains, always go and see your doctor.

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Natural Herbs & Supplements That Can Promote Energy & Weight Loss

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There are plenty of methods out there to help eliminate extra weight, some more tangible than others. Many people have turned towards diversifying their diet, trying oral supplements, or experimenting with herbal remedies. But the reality is that there isn’t a “magic pill” or supplement that helps promotes energy and weight loss.

However, there are herbs and supplements out there, when taken in combination with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and a consistent sleep pattern, that help boost energy and weight loss.

Do weight loss supplements really work?

Like anyone, it is okay to be skeptical about weight loss supplements, especially ones not regulated by the FDA. So it is important to choose supplements that are supported by functional medicine. There are hundreds of metabolic processes happening throughout the day. It’s important to find the right supplements that actively help facilitate these processes and other processes such as fat oxidation.

So, to answer the question, “do supplements work?” It all depends on those you purchase and how they fit into a regime you’ve created with a health professional. 

Natural Supplements to help with weight loss and energy

Carnosine

Carnosine, or L-Carnosine, is an amino acid that has been shown to modulate the effect of metabolic syndrome. This syndrome affects almost 1 in 6 people and makes it very difficult to lose weight because of the lack of insulin regulation, blood sugar, and inflammatory proteins.

Omega-3’s

Omega-3’s are fatty acids found in foods, such as fish and flaxseed, and dietary supplements, such as fish oil. Fatty acids help curb inflammation, which could be a reason why it is hard to lose weight. These fatty acids are also beneficial for heart health and cellular function. 

Collagen Peptides

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It is responsible for regulating joint health, skin, and digestive functions. But its most powerful tool for weight loss is its ability to trigger the “fullness hormone” Leptin. This hormone lets your body know when you’ve had enough food. Overeating is one main reason people struggle with weight loss. 

B Complex Vitamins

B complex vitamins are essential for supporting a healthy and efficient metabolism. Vitamin B1, in particular, helps the body utilize carbohydrates for energy. This both helps lessen your appetite and allows the body to use its stored and processed energy effectively. 

Water

Yes, I know this isn’t technically a “supplement,” but we couldn’t leave it out of this list. Water is 100% calorie-free and helps burn more calories, and it also can help with appetite control. It is also a great stand-in for any sugary beverages, which are a contributor to weight struggles.

Herbs used for weight loss

A lot of herbal products are marketed for their weight loss benefits. Herbs can be used as spices, foods, and teas to help with weight control. Herbal spices used in cooking (ginger, cayenne, and fennel) help augment digestion and bitter herbs like gentian and chamomile (a well-known tea herb) can help promote fat and cholesterol breakdown. Herbs that are used as foods help increase fiber levels and expand the diet. These are not the “end all be all” for weight loss, but they can be great preventative for health risks later down the line. 

Conclusion

Herbs and supplements do have the potential to help with weight loss and weight control but are by no means the secret to weight loss.

The key is to find ones that have shown tangible benefits and effects. When combined with a proper diet and adequate amounts of sleep and exercise, most of the items have the ability to promote weight loss and energy. 

There may be some supplements or herbs in this article that don’t work for you — and that’s okay! This isn’t one size fits all. Everyone’s body is different and reacts differently to certain foods and supplements. So try some of these here and there, and listen to how your body responds. As always, please consult your doctor before starting any supplement routine or dietary regimen. 

This article was originally published at iveeapp.com.

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Common Immunity Myths (& Truths!)

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How Does the Immune System Work?

Being healthy is a top priority in our lives right now…and almost everyone’s best friend is their immune system. The immune system is a complex system of cells and molecules that protects our bodies from outside invaders like infections, bacteria, and viruses, called antigens. These antigens attach themselves to receptors on immune cells, which then triggers the immune system response. Then, the immune system stores the antigens’ DNA and makeup before creating, distributing, and storing white blood cells that fight these bacteria and viruses. 

Innate vs Adaptive Immune System

The immune system is actually made up of two subdivisions: the innate and adaptive immune systems. The innate system is more general. It provides a non-specific defense against germs and outside bacteria that enter through the skin or digestion. The adaptive immune system is more specific. It creates antibodies to fight specific germs and viruses that enter the body. This is the immune system that stores the DNA information of certain antigens to create specific antibodies to fight them off. 

Finding the Truths!

This past year, we’ve been bombarded with quick fixes that claim to boost your immunity to the moon and back. There are a lot of myths going around on how to help boost your immune system. So, let’s take a dive into some of them:

Myth One: Exercise has no effect and may even weaken the immune system.

Truth: Exercise lowers blood pressure, helps keep body weight under control, and can protect you from diseases. It does this by lowering the levels of hormonal cortisol in your body. Therefore, exercising actually boosts your immune system. 

Myth Two: The more active your immune system is, the healthy you are.

Truth: A hyperactive immune system is related to many different conditions like allergic reactions and underlying diseases such as diabetes and lupus.

Myth Three: Stress doesn’t impact the immune system

Truth: Stress produces a hormone called cortisol, which changes the way your white blood cells react to the viruses and bacteria that enter the body. Therefore, stress reduces the body’s ability to fight off diseases.

Myth Four: Gargling salt water or vinegar will kill viruses

Truth: Gargling salt water, vinegar, or other mixtures won’t kill anything, but it may soothe a sore throat. 

Myth Five: Being born with a good immune system will prevent you from getting sick.

Truth: Besides the fact that the immune system, unfortunately, weakens with age, there is no certainty that you won’t get sick.

 

What Can You Do To Boost Your Immunity?

So, all in all, there are a lot of immunity myths floating around on the internet, but there are ways that never fail to boost your immune system:

  • Eat healthily
  • Take vitamins and supplements as recommended 
  • Get proper sleep
  • Avoid smoking
  • Wash hands consistently
  • Exercise regularly
  • Take steps to reduce stress

Strong immunity is built through balanced, healthful decisions. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is your immune system. Taking care of your immune system takes time. Self-care isn’t just about the skin anymore. The inside of your body needs some love too.

This article was originally published at iveeapp.com.

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