Category: Health

  • Avoid seasonal stress-based eating

    Avoid seasonal stress-based eating

    Avoid seasonal stress-based eating

    Tips from a pro

    Everyone knows the holidays can be stressful. But it’s not just the effort to stay on budget or the dinnertime antics of your oddball uncle that make this time of year challenging. Healthy eating can take a nosedive at this time of year, too. End your year on a high with proactive measures to avoid getting caught in the food trap.

    Plan ahead

    Joan Ifland, PhD is the chief executive officer of Food Addiction Training, LLC, and is a leading innovator in the field of recovery from food addiction. She shares some insights about how to prepare for the holidays and its associated overindulging.

    At this time of year, the holiday gathering, with its lavish edible spread, is often the culprit. Simply saying you won’t indulge may not be enough to spare you from getting sucked into that vortex of stress and indulging, Ifland warns.

    “You get [to a party] and after an hour or two, you’re eating [unhealthy foods],” she says. “It’s because cravings and loss of control build up over time.”

    Instead, take your own snacks—think crudités, healthy proteins, or other foods that are as close to their natural, unprocessed shape and form as possible—and keep it near you. If that’s not possible, avoid standing in a place with a clear view of the hors d’oeuvres table.

    Drink water

    Be sure to get a glass of water as soon as you arrive, and hang onto it. It keeps one hand busy, and reduces the chance of someone passing you a cocktail chock full of simple syrup and alcohol.

    Be easy on yourself

    Whatever happens, go easy on yourself, Ifland advises. Changing our behaviors to break the processed food addiction cycle can take years.

    “There are so many foods that have been deliberately processed to make them addictive. It can take a couple of years to get off all of them. When people know it’s a long, slow process, they give themselves permission to celebrate their wins.”

    What about alcohol?

    Getting into the holiday spirit, for many, often means getting into the spirits. But pouring yourself a tall cold one to make things merrier might actually make the season far less bright.

    Binge drinking increases around the holidays, which is often related to social or financial stress that comes with celebrating at this time of year. Stress and alcohol can create a toxic cocktail for our brains, no matter how much we might think we’re being released from our inhibitions when we imbibe.

    “Alcohol [can be] highly addictive,” says Ifland. And it can have potentially serious consequences that include impairing cognitive skills and our self-control. While that might feel fun in the moment, any feelings of comfort and joy experienced while tippling are fleeting, Ifland warned. If you are concerned about your relationship with alcohol, chat with your doctor.

    Article Provided by Alive Magazine

  • It’s Time for Digestive Enzymes!

    It’s Time for Digestive Enzymes!

    It’s Time for Digestive Enzymes!

    Do you experience the following after eating?

    1. Digestive distress

    2. Reduced energy

    3. Irregularity

    Well you’re not alone. Nearly 1 in 3 people in the U.S experience some kind of digestive problem.* And Enzymedica’s digestive enzymes can help!

    What are digestive enzymes?

    Enzymes are the super-efficient worker bees of your digestive system. They facilitate the chemical breakdown of foods, so that your body can send its nutrients off to cells to be converted into usable energy. Different enzymes work on different types of foods, and sometimes your body needs a little extra support making them depending on your diet.

    Take the quiz below to find out which enzyme is right for you!

    (You may need to refresh the webpage for the quiz to pop-up)

    Take the Digest 360 Quiz

    November 2022 SALE – All Enzymedica products are 25% OFF! Sale ends November 30, 2022.

    *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

    Resources:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CkQ8BYJJ1XG/

    https://enzymedica.com/blogs/ingredient-science/enzymes-vs-probiotics

    https://enzymedica.com/blogs/digest-this/what-are-digestive-enzymes-and-what-do-they-do

    https://enzymedica.com/collections/all?limit=60

  • 6 ways to take back your mornings

    6 ways to take back your mornings

    6 ways to take back your mornings

    Your new routine for better mental health

    It’s 7 am, and your eyes open to the musical chimes of your phone alarm going off.  Have you thought about how much your brain might be processing during this rushed awakening from slumber to content onslaught? And the kind of mental gymnastics your brain is already performing?

    Creating a morning routine can help you break the unhealthy cycle of distraction and distress that can assault your brain when you start your day with your smartphone. It also allows you to find purpose each morning and start your day with your best interests in mind.

    Sample morning routine

    Here are six ideas to include in your morning routine. When putting your routine together, try to aim for at least 30 minutes, including waking up, making your bed, and showering, which will likely use up about half of this time.

    While these morning chores are part of a valuable routine, the really positive brain work comes from meditation, journaling, and affirmation. Most importantly, you must work with what’s happening around you and with those you share a life with. Remember that a shorter routine is better than no routine.

    Wake up at the same time every day

    Creating a successful morning routine starts with finding a time at which you can comfortably wake up each day.

    Make your bed

    The action of checking off something on your to-do list within mere minutes of waking up will set the tone for your day. It not only looks good but also creates a sense of pride and self-confidence.

    Drink some lemon water

    Drinking water with fresh lemon juice can infuse your body with health-giving phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals, while also helping to instill the habit of drinking more water during your day.

    Write in a journal

    The idea of writing down your thoughts is much easier than you might think. Try starting with making bullet points and setting a timer for how long you’ll focus on this area. Remember, the journal is only for your eyes, so be straight to the point, don’t edit yourself, and don’t worry about being judged.

    Meditate

    Meditation comes in many forms, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t feel like a Yogi Master. To start your new meditation routine, find a quiet, comfortable area where you can sit upright. Then close your eyes, focus your attention on your breathing, and take in the quiet surrounding you. Start small and work up from there.

    Practice daily affirmations

    Here are a few suggested affirmations that might get you started.

    • I’ve been through hard things before and have survived them. I will survive.
    • I wake up every morning ready for a new day of exciting possibilities.
    • I’ll surround myself with positive people who will help bring out the best in me.
    • I’m grateful to be alive. It’s my joy and pleasure to live another wonderful day.

    Article Provided by Alive Magazine

  • Sleep better tonight!

    Sleep better tonight!

    Sleep better tonight!

    Try sound therapy for sleeping

    If you’re looking for a natural way to achieve relaxation and promote sleep, listen up! Sound therapy has been found to relieve stress, pain, and tension and increase spiritual well-being. It can also promote healing by sending you off to a sound snooze.

    What is sound therapy?

    “Sound therapy uses sounds, special instruments, voice and/or music, which are then played for the client in therapeutic ways to achieve certain frequencies and promote holistic well-being,” explains certified sound therapist May Globus.

    In Globus’s view, this therapy is both science and art, developed through the centuries. Sound therapists use instruments and modalities gathered from cultures including from Asia and Egypt, along with Indigenous cultures.

    Instruments used during a sound therapy session might include crystal bowls, gongs, drums, rattles, and tuning forks. Some, like Globus, also use their voice. During a sound therapy session, the client lies down with eyes closed and absorbs the sound frequencies created by the practitioner, says Globus.

    A sound way to improve sleep

    Some research shows that one particular method of sound therapy can prompt the brain to operate at a brainwave pattern that promotes relaxation, lowers anxiety, and makes it easier to fall asleep more easily and more soundly. One small study also found that sound therapy that creates this brainwave state also creates three other chemicals associated with sleep: DHEA, cortisol, and melatonin.

    Globus sees this borne out in practice. When she conducts her routine post-session check-in, most of her clients say they experienced a deep sleep.

    Getting started on sound therapy

    If you’re serious about experiencing sound therapy, Globus believes it’s best to start out by seeing a certified practitioner or by attending a group sound therapy session.

    “That way, you can feel the frequencies and vibrations in your body for an extended period of time,” says Globus. During a session, some people will feel physical sensations, some will see colors, and, for others, memories and scenes will come to mind.

    If you find this experience enjoyable, says Globus, you may want to visit a specialty store that carries sound therapy instruments, such as a sound bowl. Look for the one that resonates with you, suggests Globus. Then, you can make it part of your nightly bedtime ritual.

    Sound therapy is also easily accessible through YouTube. “Amazing practitioners from around the world upload videos of themselves playing bowls and other instruments,” says Globus.

    Supplements to help when you’re tired all the time

    Fatigue can have a wide variety of causes. It can come from conditions such as diabetes or other chronic illnesses or from lifestyle habits such as poor sleep management or stress. Consult your health care practitioner to eliminate any underlying conditions if you’re experiencing long-lasting and unexplained fatigue.

    You may find the following supplements helpful in supporting a stressed and fatigued system.

    • Melatonin
    • Magnesium
    • Valerian root
    • Lavender
    • Passionflower

    Article Provided by Alive Magazine

  • Power Your Immune System with MegaFood

    Power Your Immune System with MegaFood

    Power Your Immune System with MegaFood

    Looking to power your immune system? Look no further than Immune Defense by MegaFood 🎉 Loaded with Vitamin C, Zinc & Black Elderberry, and herbs like Echinacea and Andrographis – your immune system will be locked and loaded, ready to go! Go ahead and show your immune system some love ❤️

    Immune Defense

    Starting to feel a cold coming on? Take two tablets three times per day for five days to get that immune boost you need!

    AND it checks ALL of the boxes:

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    ✔️Vegan

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    Blood Builder Liquid Iron

    Did you know their Blood Builder Liquid Iron is clinically shown to:

    ✔️ support overall immune health*
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    *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

    Resources:

    https://megafood.com/blogs/all/blog-product-edu-acute-defense-immune-system-boost-html?q=acute%20defense

    https://megafood.com/products/blood-builder-liquid-iron-once-daily?_pos=3&_sid=254ff4a57&_ss=r

    https://megafood.com/products/immune-defense?_pos=1&_sid=db72b83f8&_ss=r

    https://megafood.com/blogs/all/blog-product-edu-lets-talk-immune-health-html

    https://megafood.com/blogs/all/blog-elderberry-winter-immune-herb-html

    https://megafood.com/blogs/all/the-health-problems-caused-by-low-iron

  • 5 health benefits of nostalgia

    5 health benefits of nostalgia

    5 health benefits of nostalgia

    Good for your mental health and emotional health

    A blast from the past could be a blast for your physical and psychological wellbeing. Nostalgia—reveling in the past and reminiscing about the good ol’ days—is about more than just daydreaming. Researchers say it’s also the foundation for your health and happiness.

    Cue sourdough bread-making during the pandemic, or digging into classic comfort food when you’ve had a rough workweek. The solace these things provide isn’t just your imagination. Psychologists and researchers have found that thinking fondly of the past, and embracing nostalgia, can bring these powerful health benefits to your life.

    1. Reduced stress and anxiety

    Studies analyzed nostalgic people who regularly think about positive past experiences, such as cheerful childhood memories. They found that nostalgia helps us to better cope with stressful situations.

    And it’s not just about using memories as a way to lighten life’s current burdens. Researchers also found that nostalgic individuals are more likely to take positive action during times of stress.

    2. Protection against loneliness

    Health researchers warn that loneliness is a health epidemic. A lack of healthy social connection is linked with numerous health problems, like increased heart disease and stroke risk.

    Several studies have found that nostalgic memories help combat the effects of loneliness. When you reminisce about times you’ve been with a friend or family member and felt their love and acceptance, it can make you feel more loved and socially connected in the present.

    3. Greater sense of life meaning and purpose

    A series of studies asked participants to think about their past goals and positive experiences, and reminisce about their old dreams for their future.

    Those who were most nostalgic had a greater sense of their life purpose and were better able to find meaning in their life’s circumstances.

    4. Improved self-confidence

    When life gets challenging, it’s easy to get stuck in cognitive distortions or mindset traps, like assuming the worst possible outcome will happen. These mindsets are a form of mental self-sabotage that stand in the way of you and your happiness.

    Nostalgia helps. People who reflect on times they’ve overcome a challenge, used a skill, proved themselves wrong, or done the impossible are better equipped to break through these negative mindset ruts.

    5. Healthier, happier aging

    Graduating from high school. Getting your first job. Falling in love and having children. Retiring. Much of your life’s journey is fragmented into these short chapters. And progressing through these chapters of change can be stressful, especially as you get older.

    Nostalgia helps you connect the dots, experience the fullness of your experiences, and move through life with improved psychological well-being and less stress. It’s also been shown to improve your idea of self-continuity—maintaining a sense of self as your world changes—and helping you to get comfortable with your own mortality.

    Article Provided by Alive Magazine

  • How to maintain muscle and bone health

    How to maintain muscle and bone health

    How to maintain muscle and bone health

    Let’s be proactive

    It’s a natural part of the aging process: degradation and loss of our cartilage, bone density, and muscle strength. So, what can be done throughout those intervening years? How can we manage joint pain and bone and muscle loss before they become unbearable? Read on.

    A lifetime of wear and tear

    Dr. Pascal-André Vendittoli is an orthopedic surgeon with a sub-specialty in hip and knee replacement. He says that past the age of 40, we lose about 1 percent of our bone density annually. He adds that for many people, the degradation can be more severe.

    “We know that in the general population there are about 15 percent of people who will really suffer from wear and tear on their knees and hips throughout their life. They will need to receive treatments to try to improve their condition. This can be a medical treatment, or a surgical treatment to replace the joint with a prosthetic,” says Vendittoli.

    Vendittoli emphasizes that surgery is a last resort, to be considered only once the chronic discomfort and lack of function interferes with daily tasks such as walking, standing, or being able to perform your job.

    Managing joint pain and bone and muscle loss

    Manage stress

    Naturopathic doctor Amanda Capasso says that one of the most important steps in managing bone loss is managing stress. This will reduce your body’s natural hormonal reaction to anxiety and worry, which can be damaging.

    “Having long, chronic elevated cortisol is not great for bone health. It creates a lot of inflammation, and it just changes … your bones, how much calcium they release back into your bloodstream, and how much they take out.”

    Capasso says that stress reduction can be as simple as reorganizing your priorities and giving yourself a little bit more time for a walk, or yoga, or meditating.

    She says that your stress reduction should not be an additional burden to your already busy life. “Some people are going to hate meditating, and some people are going to hate yoga … So it’s just individualizing care and finding what works for them. For a lot of people … it’s just taking a bath or going to get your nails done.”

    Consider your diet

    Diet also plays a big role in bone and muscle health. Capasso has seen a lot of success with patients who have switched to the Mediterranean diet—reducing red meat and adding more vegetables, oils, and fish.

    Exercise

    Both professionals agree that there is no substitute for regular exercise. Vendittoli says, “When it comes to hips and knees, you cannot stop moving. Quite the opposite … It could become a vicious circle. When you have pain from wear and tear in your joints and you stop moving, it becomes worse and worse.”

    If you are experiencing joint or muscle pain, Vendittoli suggests switching to a less impactful activity such as walking instead of running, or swimming instead of tennis.

    Article Provided by Alive Magazine

  • Seasonal changes are coming… LifeSeasons is here to help!

    Seasonal changes are coming… LifeSeasons is here to help!

    Do you ever feel like when the seasons change, you change slightly, too? First of all, that’s totally normal! But you can help yourself feel more like yourself again. Check out a few of our favorite LifeSeasons products to help you get back to feeling like yourself again.

    Anxie-T

    A better you starts with a better mood – staying cool, calm, and collected should be a part of your routine. A massage, facial, and Anxie-T is a great way to start your self care stress relief – and all it takes is 30 minutes!

    Breathe-X

    With cooler outdoor temperatures, means warmer indoor temperatures. This can cause some stress on your sinuses and respiratory tract. Breathe-X helps manage that healthy tissue and promotes normal immune function. Keep those germs out and good vibes in!

    Inflamma-X

    Maybe you’re feeling a little sore and achey? Inflamma-X helps soothe discomfort and inflammation from everyday aches and pains. Made with Meriva® Turmeric, your body can absorb the all of the healthy benefits of turmeric without the harsher effects some people feel from black pepper.

    Digestivi-T

    The holidays are coming and you know what that means – the holiday bloat is upon us! Digestivi-T focuses on balancing your gut microbiome and helps ease digestion. So you can enjoy your pie and not worry about unbuttoning your pants to make room for your food-baby afterwards.

    All LifeSeasons supplements are 25% OFF all month long!

    Resources:

    https://lifeseasons.com/product/inflamma-x-intestinal-anti-inflammation-supplement/

    https://lifeseasons.com/product/anxie-t/

    https://lifeseasons.com/product/breathe-x/

    https://lifeseasons.com/product/digestivi-t-digestive-enzymes-probiotic-supplement/

    https://www.instagram.com/lifeseasons/

  • Co-pilot vitamins

    Co-pilot vitamins

    Co-pilot vitamins

    How vitamin D and vitamin K2 work together

    Vitamin D got our attention for its promising role in immune health in 2020, but it doesn’t work alone. Learn about its lesser-known co-pilot, vitamin K2, and how these two nutrients collaborate for many aspects of health.

    Teamwork

    No nutrient works in isolation. For many aspects of well-being, notably bone and heart health, vitamin D teams up with vitamin K. Some of the same chronic illnesses that predict poor COVID prognosis also happen to be associated with reduced vitamin K status.

    Balancing act

    At the simplest level, vitamin D facilitates calcium absorption, while vitamin K2 directs that calcium toward bones and away from blood vessels. This particular synergy also means K2 may play a role in safeguarding against potential ill effects of excess vitamin D-induced calcium absorption, such as by restoring flexibility to hardened arteries.

    Digging deeper, vitamin D stimulates the production of metabolic proteins that remain essentially inactive until vitamin K2 flips their switch to “on.” Vitamin D encourages the action of bone-building cells, while vitamin K2 reins in the action of bone breakdown cells, a balance central to maintaining bone density. The combination of D and K2 together appear to help make bones both stronger and more flexible.

    This may be especially important for children’s health, since growing bones need vitamin K2 to effectively incorporate calcium into healthy bone architecture.

    Homing in on immune health, both vitamin D and K2 play a role in healthy lung function, with D modulating immune response to respiratory pathogens, while K2 is believed to help protect elastic tissues that give lungs their ability to expand and contract.

    Clearing up vitamin K confusion

    Vitamin K is not a singular vitamin but is actually a small family of vitamins largely represented by the siblings K1 and K2. While it’s rare to be deficient in vitamin K1, researchers believe that inadequate levels of vitamin K2 may be common.

    Vitamin D deficiency is common too. While vitamin D is mostly derived from sun exposure, with fatty fish being one of the very few food sources, so low levels are no mystery. The reasons behind a potential low vitamin K2 status are a little more complex. Some animal-based fare, namely egg yolks and butter, contain a pinch of K2. Certain fermented foods that are underrepresented in the North American diet, such as specific cheeses, are rich in vitamin K2.

    Supporting our immune health

    Many of us are thinking about the big picture of health resilience. Exercise and nutrition are parts of the solution. Topping up with key nutrients may prove inexpensive insurance against health vulnerabilities.

    To be clear, no nutrient has been proven to prevent or treat COVID-19. Clinical trials are ongoing. In the meantime, there’s no downside to making sure we are getting adequate amounts of important nutrients. Check with your health care practitioner for personalized advice.

    Article Provided by Alive Magazine

  • 10 quick remedies for a sore throat

    10 quick remedies for a sore throat

    10 quick remedies for a sore throat

    Use your pantry staples!

    No one wants to fall prey to a sore throat! Wouldn’t it be great if you could simply go to your fridge or pantry to find relief? Well, you can! Many natural sore throat remedies are staples you probably have on hand.

    1. Saltwater gargle

    Gargling with saltwater is a tried-and-true method to relieve sore throat pain. Gargle with this mixture every three hours to achieve the best results. As an added benefit, gargling with saltwater can help flush out the virus causing your sore throat.

    2. Warm and cold fluids

    Have something to drink. Cold drinks, ice cubes, and popsicles reduce pain by lowering the temperature of the throat’s nerve endings. When you consume a warm drink, on the other hand, salivation increases. This increases lubrication and makes your throat feel better.

    3. Rest

    Your body is using its energy to fight off an infection or irritation. If you have a sore throat and want to rest, do so in an elevated position. Try propping yourself up with pillows or using a reclining chair.

    4. Honey

    Honey has been valued for centuries for its antibacterial properties. Make a soothing drink by stirring 2 Tbsp (30 mL) honey into a cup of tea or warm water. Remember, though, that honey is not to be given to infants under one year of age.

    5. Hot sauce

    Capsaicin, which is found in peppers used to make hot sauce, can help reduce pain by fighting the inflammation of a sore throat. Get sore throat relief from hot sauce by mixing a few drops of it in warm water and gargling.

    6. Lemon

    Lemon has vitamin C, which is thought to be effective in fighting infections. Lemon water can help reduce inflammation, and it can help break up the mucus that might be irritating your throat.

    7. Chicken soup

    Like a warm drink, chicken soup can break up the mucus in your throat to help ease your discomfort. It will also help to keep you hydrated. Chicken soup can be a good source of nutrients too, which is helpful when you’re not feeling well.

    8. Tea

    Many herbal teas offer anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help in soothing and healing a sore throat. There are a number that you can choose from to help reduce sore throat irritation, such as peppermint or chamomile.

    9. Humidity and steam

    Dry air can cause congestion, dry skin, a dry nose, itchy eyes, and throat irritation. One way to ease and help lubricate your sore throat is to have a warm shower. You can add moisture to the air in your home by using a vaporizer or humidifier.

    10. Zinc

    Studies show that zinc lozenges can help you kick a cold faster, including shortening the severity and duration of symptoms like sore throat. For best results, take zinc supplements within 24 hours of the onset of cold symptoms.

    Article Provided by Alive Magazine