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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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Vitamin D & Depression: Fighting the Winter Blues

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What Does Vitamin D Actually Do?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble that is naturally present in certain foods and is also produced when ultraviolet rays from sunlight land on the skin and trigger vitamin D synthesis. The body producing vitamin D in response to sun exposure is why vitamin D is nicknamed the “sunshine vitamin”. Vitamin D has many important functions in the body, including maintaining healthy bones and teeth through calcium absorption, promoting bone growth, protecting against diseases and conditions, and reducing inflammation.

Vitamin D and Depression

Research has connected a link between people with depression and vitamin D deficiency. Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide and spikes in colder months, known as seasonal affective disorder. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is not considered a separate condition, but a type of depression with a seasonal pattern. Weather affects people’s moods. Dull, cold, rainy days make us feel gloomy and unmotivated, while sunlight breaking through the clouds can lift our spirits and give us a little feeling of hope. In fact, the vitamin D receptors in our brain are in the same locations in the brain associated with depression (i.e. the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, cingulate gyrus, thalamus, hypothalamus, and substantia nigra)

Causes of Vitamin D Deficiency

Limited Sunlight

Sunlight can be an individual’s primary source of vitamin D. During colder, darker months there is less access to the sun’s ultraviolet rays to trigger the vitamin d synthesis in the body.

Diet

There are actually very few foods that have high amounts of vitamin D. Without adding any of these foods into your diet there is a high chance that you are not getting proper amounts of vitamin D in your meals.

  • Milk
  • Fish
  • Red meat
  • Egg yolks
  • Fortified foods – certain cereals and juices

Age

Older adults have an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency because the skin’s ability to synthesize vitamin D declines with age.

Greater Amounts of Melanin

Greater amounts of the pigment melanin in the skin reduces the skin’s ability to produce vitamin D from sun exposure. 

Obesity

Obesity does not actually affect the body’s ability to produce vitamin D, but the higher levels of body mass and fat sequestered requires higher levels of vitamin D for the vitamin to work properly.

Diseases/Conditions

Since vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, conditions that affect fat absorption also affect the production of vitamin D. For example, conditions such as liver disease, cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, and Crohn’s disease all have a negative effect on vitamin D. 

Signs of Deficiency:

  • Aching bones
  • Fatigue or drowsiness
  • Weak muscles
  • Headaches

Signs of Depression:

  • Insomnia or hypersomnia
  • Loss of interest in activities you’ve previously enjoyed
  • Feelings of sadness and hopelessness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Excessive weight loss of weight gain
  • Forgetfulness
  • Struggle concentrating
  • Anxiety
  • Thoughts of suicide

Reach out to a doctor if you are having signs of depression. If you or anyone you know are having thoughts of suicide here are some support resources: 

  • Call 911
  • Go to an emergency room
  • Text HOME to 741-741 to connect with a crisis counselor at the Crisis Text Line from anywhere in the U.S.
  • Call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to be connected with a trained counselor at a crisis center anytime. People are standing by, ready to help without judgment
  • Call Samsha. 1-800-622-HELP (4357).  SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

Solving Vitamin D Deficiency

To treat your vitamin D deficiency the obvious answer is to increase your intake of vitamin D, but how? Ways to increase your intake are:

  • Adding foods with larger amounts of vitamin D into your diet
  • Vitamin D supplements
  • Increasing your sun exposure
    • Natural sources on sunny days
    • In-home light solutions

Helpful Tips for Combating Winter Blues

If the lack of sunlight and lack of vitamin D is affecting your mental health and causing symptoms of depression, the first (and best) thing to do is always talk to a doctor and seek professional help. Outside of that, here are some self-care tips during the colder months especially that can help combat the winter blues:

  • Exercise regularly
  • Maintain a sleep schedule
  • Communicate with loved ones and keeping a support system present
  • Join a support group
  • Stay tuned in with your body
  • Create a mindfulness moment

All in All:

Vitamin D and depression have been linked through various studies, making vitamin D essential for not only your physical health but mental health as well. Getting the proper amounts of vitamin D can be hard, especially in the colder, darker months, but making efforts to include vitamin D in your diet or through supplements will help prevent a vitamin D deficiency. The winter blues can get the best of us, but if we take care of our bodies and our minds we can make it through the gloomy days and get back to the sunshine! 

Remember to please seek professional advice or help if you are experiencing any symptoms of depression. 

This article was originally published at iveeapp.com.

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4 Ways To Invest In Your Health

4 Ways To Invest In Your Health 

When you lead a busy lifestyle, it can be easy to let your health decline and not put it first. But, our health is crucial and to inhibit any medical conditions or physical stress, we need to make sure we maintain good health. If you struggle for time or ideas on how to improve your health, follow these four simple steps. 

Via: Pixabay

Detox

To cleanse our bodies from long holidays or bad habits, a nutritious, mental, or parasite detox will help restore your body to better health. A detox gives the body and its vital organs a chance to recover and repair. 

Detoxes eliminate bad bacteria and from our bodies, whilst also improving mental clarity. They have benefits for the mind and the body, which are both equally important when it comes to your wellbeing. Introduce a detox into your routine every so often if you feel stressed or fatigued, mentally or physically, to recuperate and restore your health.

Down-Time

A busy lifestyle can lead to a build up of stress, which we all need to let go of. Ensuring your integrate down-time to your weekly routine is useful for de-stressing the mind and the body. 

Try to introduce relaxing hobbies or moments at the end of a busy day. This could include yoga, meditation, reading, or anything you enjoy. Relaxation promotes physical and mental benefits, such as improving mood, restoring energy, and inhibiting the risk of mental or physical conditions. 

Nutrition 

What we feed ourselves has a huge impact on our physical and mental wellbeing. Consuming a balanced diet of protein, fats, fiber, and carbohydrates, is enough to maintain good health. Nutritious foods can offer many benefits. For example, fatty fish contains omega-3’s which can reduce inflammation and oatmeal contains numerous vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are essential for protecting your body against disease and illness.

Exercise

Exercise does not have to be strict or rigorous to be satisfactory. If intense classes or running is not for you, that’s fine. Focus on fun hobbies that you enjoy such as long walks, badminton, or yoga and integrate that into your weekly routine to energize the body and maintain physical fitness. 

A healthy and balanced lifestyle should involve around three days of exercise per week. Whether that be a long walk or a quick yoga session, movement is enough to keep your mind and your physical being healthy.

In summary, these four simple steps can allow you to improve your health and are all easy to follow so that you can easily invest more time into your wellbeing. Remember that you should focus on promoting your health by mentally and physically. A good balance of exercise, nutritious food, and mindful activities can help both aspects simultaneously. 

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Magnesium Infusions: Uses, Underrated Benefits, and More

Magnesium Infusions: Uses, Underrated Benefits, and More

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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:

  • Avocados
  • Nuts
  • Leafy greens
  • Tofu
  • Whole grains

This is just a short excerpt; check out this list to read more about what foods are rich in magnesium. 

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.

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Earning Money from Residential Property During a Pandemic

The COVID-19 crisis sent the real estate industry into a whiplash. While pundits can always make predictions on what can potentially happen during an economic downturn, no one could have pinned down exactly what would happen to real estate investors and their properties due to a pandemic-related recession. If you’re one of those investors and find yourself having a hard time looking for buyers or tenants, here are some ways you can turn yourresidential property into a money-making venture-especially if you worked hard and invested in its aesthetics.

But first, you should consider hiring a team of real estate agents and specialists who boast of a dynamic property marketing strategy and know exactly how to showcase your real estate asset in the best possible light during this pandemic. Make sure they have expertise in the area and know the ins and outs of digital technology, so they can market and eventually rent out or sell your property at the best price. Here are some ideas to market your property or some business ideas you can play around to earn money from it while you’re waiting for buyers.

Pop-up cafe or coffee shop

If you have a passion for coffee and pastries, consider turning your residential property into a small cafe or coffee shop where people can enjoy their coffee and/or food. The beauty of a residential property, especially if it’s on the smaller side, is that you would be abiding by state restrictions on the number of people who can gather in a small space. If you have a garden, you can also turn it into the main dining area so that customers can have their coffee outdoors, where chances of infection are much lower.

Studio

If your residential property allows for natural light and is clean and spacious, you can turn it into a studio where media professionals can do photo or video shoots. Professional photographers and videographers are always on the lookout for beautiful locations where they can do their projects or build their portfolio, so consider turning your space into a studio where marketing teams can hold their shoots.

Small event venue

Another option for a beautifully-designed residential property is turning it into a venue for small events. With gathering restrictions still in place in many states, small events like micro-weddings and birthday parties have been all the rage. If your residential property has a stunning backyard or designed in a way that allows for a romantic aesthetic and styling, consider marketing it as a potential venue for special events that are smaller in scale.

Bed and breakfast

If the property has several rooms and you want to maximize income possibility, consider marketing it as a bed and breakfast. Services like Airbnb have had to pivot in major ways to make sure that guests and hosts alike remain safe and healthy during the public health crisis. If you take every safety precaution possible, you can also turn your residential property into a bed and breakfast.

Storage space

The storage space industry has always been considered largely recession-resistant. The COVID-19 crisis didn’t necessarily change this since the pandemic has brought on many 4Ds: deaths, divorces, displacements, and disasters. There will always be a huge demand for more storage spaces because there will always be many people who need to find secure locations for their belongings while they figure out their next steps. During the pandemic, CNBC reported that more than a thousand universities and colleges had closed their doors to curb infections, affecting about 14 million college students. Students who needed to find new locations for their possessions while considering their options and storage spaces can be a godsend for them.

Market gardener

Regardless of where you live, you can turn your residential property into a place where you can grow your own produce that you can then sell. These include vegetables, fruits, and even flowers. If your residential property is in acreage, the possibilities are endless. While this would take a lot of investment and effort on your part, it can also help you save money in the long run if it paves the way for self-sustainability.

Endless Possibilities

The COVID-19 pandemic should not preclude you from earning money from your real estate investments. With some creativity, imagination, and the help of real estate experts, you might be able to turn the situation of your real estate investment around if you adjust to society’s current demands.

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Feeling Lethargic? 5 Ways to Beat Fatigue

Originally posted on iveeapp.com by Louis Cinquanto | Oct 21, 2020 |

Feeling physically empty and depleted is something everyone experiences throughout their life. There isn’t one set trigger for feeling this way, but it becomes more common as we age. Feeling lethargic can be caused by physical and mental stress. Maybe you’re responsible for a big task at work, and the anxiety of it all gets a bit too much to handle. It doesn’t help that as we age, we begin to neglect self-care as well. There is so much going on around us that we forget the importance of keeping ourselves afloat. All of this can have a definite impact on the way we live our lives. So how do we beat this feeling?

Man Running on Side of Road

Increase your activity

Staying stagnant and doing nothing can severely affect the way our body processes energy. Keeping our brain stimulated is vital for getting rid of excess energy and stress associated with daily life. If we have a day cooped up inside the house, there is no outlet for our bodies to get rid of excess energy or deal with stress. So go outside, go for a run, fix your bike’s flat tire, and take it riding. Just get out of the house. At least an hour of sunlight can have a positive effect on our energy levels.

Four Trays of Varieties of Fruits

Be mindful of what you eat and drink

What we consume has an immediate impact on our energy levels. Foods that are difficult to process, such as spicy dishes, high-dairy products, or any food high in fructose—to name a few—can lead to low energy levels due to the amount needed to digest these foods. Other sugary drinks such as sodas and sweetened teas can make this process more strenuous on your body as well. Sticking to a regimented diet consisting of a balanced proportion of protein, fruits, and greens—specific foods like eggs, fish, bananas, and spinach—can help your body create and store the energy needed to get the most out of your day. Beware of excessive alcohol consumption before bed as well. 

Photo of a Woman Hugging a Blue Pillow

Improve sleep quality

Better sleep correlates to increased energy. Additionally, having good sleep habits has an immediate impact on our quality of life. Bad sleep quality mainly is attributed to is to:

  • Excessive exposure to blue light
  • The wrong late-night snack
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Pre-bedtime workouts

Staying away from blue light is probably the most important out of this list. According to WebMD, “Americans spend an average of 7 hours a day on electronic devices. Worse yet, 9 out of 10 Americans admit to reaching for an electronic device [at least] several nights each week shortly before bedtime. That could be an invitation for insomnia.” So stay away from the phone before bed. Instead of reading your Twitter feed, pick up that book you’ve always told yourself you’d read. Additionally, stay away from certain foods if you are late-night snacking. Foods that are high in fat are typically harder for the body to digest, which can harm your sleep pattern.

Yellow Background and White Round Pills

Utilize vitamin supplements

For those looking for a reliable and straightforward way to boost energy levelsvitamin supplements are the way to go. They can be easily incorporated into any morning routine while providing consistent, organic results. B Complex vitamins such as B12 help our body transform the food we eat into energy. Other supplements such as melatonin—when taken before bed—can help you achieve a higher quality of sleep.

Fresh, Healthy, Vegetables, Vitamins, Vegetarian

Consider IV Therapy

 For those who suffer from fatigue daily, considering intravenous therapy could help alleviate your symptoms. Treatments like NAD+ therapy, help combat the signs of aging, such as fatigue, poor cognitive function, and weakened immune system. B12 IV therapy can also help boost energy levels quickly.

 Conclusion

Chronic fatigue can take a huge toll on our quality of life, and too much of it can severely strain our mental health. Just about everything we do affects our energy levels, from the foods we eat to the amount we sleep. Sticking to a healthy, active lifestyle with a austere bedtime routine will prevent your body from running on E. So if you are someone who experiences constant fatigue, making some small changes to the way you live your life can have a huge impact on your health.

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Best Anti-Aging Vitamins: 5 Supplements to Help Turn Back the Clock

Originally posted on iveeapp.com by Louis Cinquanto | Nov 2, 2020

Best vitamins to boost immune system

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.

Person Holding a Stress Ball

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. Brown Powers

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!

Crop doctor with pills on palm and pills bottle

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.

Brown Mushroom Lot on Brown Surface

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.

Sunlight With White Clouds

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.

Person Holding String Lights Photo

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" Word Formed From Lettered Yellow Tiles

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.

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The Benefits Of A Deep Clean

Cleanliness, Maid, Maintains, Cleaning

Image by pascalhelmer from Pixabay 

With another lockdown impending, you might be making a list of all of the things you can do while you’re stuck at home, and if cleaning isn’t one of them, then maybe it should be. This is the perfect time to do a deep clean of your home, and it’s not just because you’re spending more time there so it will feel nice if it’s clean, but there are loads of other benefits to doing a deep clean of your home and here are just a few:

Improves Indoor Air Quality

Deep cleaning will improve the air quality of your home because it will remove the dust particles. Having poor air quality in your home is bad for you, and your family’s health as a dusty home can cause eye irritation, asthma attacks, hay fever, sneezing, and coughing. 

Gets Rid Of Bacteria And Viruses

Unfortunately, dirty homes attract all sorts of viruses and bacteria, and it’s the places you use the most such as the bathroom, your living room, and your kitchen, which contain the most viruses and bacteria. Of course, these places are the ones which you will also regularly wipe surfaces, but it’s also important to deep clean every now and then so that all these viruses and bacteria are properly eliminated.

Improves Your Mood

The act of cleaning can be very therapeutic, and then the results of it are even more beneficial for your mind. Living in a clean home can make you feel happy and uplifted and basically put you in a good mood each day. Also, before you do a deep clean, you’ll have to clear a lot of clutter so that you can get to the hard to reach areas. Clearing clutter can help to clear your mind, and as you organize your home and look at what you have and what you want to keep or throw out, then it can help to organize your mind. Waking up in a clean and tidy home will make you feel more positive each day than if you were to wake up in a dirty, unorganized home where you can’t find any of your clothes and have to stumble across piles of things to get anywhere. 

It Will Make You Healthier

Being healthy isn’t just about eating right and exercising; your home could actually be what is making you sick. Some people always suffer from flu-like symptoms, such as watery or dry eyes, runny nose, and sore throat, and this may mean that they’re suffering from an allergy.  Deep cleaning could be the solution to this because it means getting into those hard to reach places where allergens often accumulate.

Wards Off Pests

Other things you need to be careful of in the home are dust mites, microscopic pests, rodents, and bugs. While taking your rubbish out regularly and sweeping and vacuuming will help you to avoid having a pest problem, deep cleaning every so often will ensure that you’ve got rid of every last one. Furthermore, if you are unlucky enough to experience an infestation of pests, then do not worry as a team of pest control specialists can take care of this for you. Accordingly, you can learn more about some of the different types of pests that an exterminator can deal with by taking a look at the helpful resources on the Pest Control Experts website here: https://www.pestcontrolexperts.com/exterminator/

Reduce stress

Just as cleaning can help to improve your mood, it can also help to reduce stress as it helps to revitalize your space and can help you to relax. If you’re stressing over finding your car keys, then you’re wasting your energy, which you may need for other things that you might have to deal with during the day. Having a clean and tidy home can help you to reduce stress in the home so that you can deal with it everywhere else. 

Less maintenance and repairs

Deep cleaning and looking after your appliances means that you won’t have to spend money repairing or replacing them as you’ll be maintaining them as you go. When cleaning them, you’ll notice if there are any issues that need dealing with, and you can do so accordingly. This is especially important outside the home as something like deck power washing is an excellent way to lift stubborn dirt, grime, and debris off your home’s exterior surfaces and to prevent mold and moss buildup.

It Can Help You Work BetterIf, like many people, you are working from home more regularly now, then it’s even more important to have a clean work environment. When you’re trying to work in a place full of disorder and dirt, then this can make it harder to concentrate, whereas working in a clean and orderly environment will increase your productivity. While it’s good to clean as you go and to keep your work organized, it’s also beneficial to do a regular deep clean.

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Garage Projects to Keep You Busy While at Home amid a Pandemic

Though some states have eased up their lockdown restrictions, many people are still reluctant to go out. If you’re one of them, that’s fine, but you probably have run out of things to do at home. You are probably tired of binge-watching sports series, Netflix shows, and YouTube videos. Perhaps, you also had taken up some hobbies, such as woodworking, building mechanical keyboards, cooking, cycling, or gardening.

But there’s one thing you probably haven’t touched: the garage. Taking on a garage improvement project could add value to your home and give you the space to have that alone time after a busy day at work.

Not sure where to start? Here are some project ideas that can give your garage a refreshed appearance.

Declutter and reorganize

Before you can make any major changes to your garage, you need to declutter and reorganize it. Go through stacks of boxes and other containers that have been piling up over the years. See which you can throw, donate, upcycle, or keep. For everything that you want to keep, reorganize them by adding storage options.

Organize tools by installing more tool cabinets. You can hang pegboards for tools you often use. Don’t overlook that empty wall space in your garage. Install some shelves to increase storage space. And if you plan to take on more DIY car repairs, consider installing 2-post automotive car lifts for more convenience.

Insulate the garage

After adding storage spaces and clearing up floor spaces, focus on insulating your garage. This way, you can use your garage year-round and reduce your monthly energy bills. Start with insulating the walls. Consider loose-fill insulation, which you can blow into the walls without tearing out the drywall. Another option is to install sound-proofing foam to the walls. This is a good option if you plan to create an area in the garage where you or your kids can play musical instruments so that you won’t disturb your neighbors.

Create a playroom for your kids

Other than building a music studio in the garage, you can also create a playroom for kids. They can go there once their online classes and other schoolwork are completed for the day. With this space, you can assure that they are safe as you do household chores or have that much-needed break after work.

Build a hobby area

If you’ve been working in the yard for your woodworking and other hobbies, you can’t continue this routine as the winter comes in. Create a hobby area in your insulated garage, so you can continue working on your passion projects even if the temperature is cold outside. That way, you can also continue reducing your stress from concerns over work-from-home setup, economic recession, and other COVID-19 issues.

Paint the garage floor

One easy way to give your garage a refreshed look is to paint its floor. Various types of products, such as epoxy resins, are available to improve the look of your garage floor. Some products even seal cracks, cover up stains, or even make your floor resistant to moisture, making it a good space to do car repairs.

Spend time on these projects to continue the battle against the monotonous life that the pandemic has brought on. If you want more projects, these mentioned ideas should get you inspired to create your own.

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