Category Archive: Healthy Living Products

September 22nd, 2024
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The Benefits of Kinesiology Tape: Why It’s Used by Athletes and My Family

Kinesiology tape, commonly known as KT tape, has gained immense popularity, especially among athletes, including Olympians, who use it to alleviate pain and support muscle recovery. It has become such a staple in sports medicine that even in my household, KT tape is a permanent fixture on my daughters’ bodies—almost like tattoos.

Sherilyn uses it for her back injury from dance training, while Cass applies it to her ankle to support her during figure skating. Recently, I’ve started using KT tape on my right hand in an attempt to manage the nagging pain from tennis elbow.

 

What is kinesiology tape and what is it used for?
Kinesiology tape is a thin, flexible tape developed to aid muscle movement and enhance athletic performance. It is often used to relieve pain, reduce swelling and inflammation, and provide support to joints and muscles.

The elasticity, or stretchiness, of kinesiology tape allows for better movement. This makes it different from the more rigid rehabilitation tape or support adhesives that are not stretchable. Those are used to keep muscles and joints from moving and provide support after a sports-related injury, and for people who have conditions that make it difficult to activate muscles or control muscle contraction.

A 2021 survey published in the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy found that most professionals use kinesiology tape for post-injury treatment, to help lessen pain and to stimulate the muscles into action.

Kinesio Tape® was introduced in 2003 as a neuromuscular tape intended to help improve muscle contraction. The quality of this tape was supposed to be physiologically similar to the skin. It became a trend in the United States in 2008 after an article in The New York Times featured an Olympic beach-volleyball champion wearing the tape on her shoulder. Over time, many different brands introduced similar versions, including KT Tape®, RockTape®, K-Tape® and dozens of others.

Why Olympians and Well-Known Athletes Use KT Tape
Many Olympians and top athletes swear by KT tape because it helps reduce pain without hindering their performance. One of the primary benefits of KT tape is its ability to lift the skin slightly, which increases blood circulation and reduces inflammation. By doing this, it also helps to alleviate pressure on muscles and joints, which can be especially useful for athletes pushing their bodies to the limit.

KT tape also provides proprioceptive support, meaning it can help improve the body’s awareness of movement and alignment, reducing the risk of further injury. Whether it’s a sprinter, swimmer, diver, or gymnast, KT tape has been a go-to solution for sports-related injuries.

How KT Tape Has Helped My Daughters
In my household, Sherilyn and Cass use KT tape regularly. Sherilyn applies it to her back, an injury sustained from dance training a few years ago that still hasn’t fully healed. The KT tape provides her with enough support to continue her rigorous dance routines without aggravating the injury. Cass, on the other hand, uses KT tape on her ankle, which has seen persistent strain from figure skating classes. The tape gives her the stability she needs on the ice without compromising her performance.

My Experience with KT Tape for Tennis Elbow
Recently, I’ve joined my daughters in the KT tape trend. I’ve been dealing with tennis elbow, a stubbornly persistent condition. The pain makes even simple tasks, like lifting objects or folding a blanket, a challenge. Applying KT tape to my right hand has provided some relief, though it’s not a cure-all. However, the support it gives me has helped me manage everyday movements and reduce strain.

Benefits of KT Tape
Pain Relief: KT tape helps reduce pain by alleviating pressure on injured or inflamed areas. It helps the body recover faster by improving blood flow and reducing swelling.

Supports Recovery: While KT tape doesn’t fix the underlying issue, it aids in faster recovery by providing the necessary support for strained muscles and joints.

Non-Restrictive Movement: Unlike traditional tape, KT tape allows for full movement, making it ideal for athletes or active individuals who need to continue performing while managing injuries.

Versatility: From back pain and ankle injuries to tennis elbow, KT tape can be applied to various parts of the body to support injury recovery.

Conclusion
Whether you’re a professional athlete or someone who’s just trying to manage everyday pain, KT tape has proven to be an effective and popular solution. In my family, it has become almost a necessity, helping us stay active while managing persistent injuries. While it might not completely eliminate pain, its ability to support recovery and alleviate discomfort makes it an invaluable tool for anyone dealing with muscle or joint issues.

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Health Tools, Healthy Living Products
July 25th, 2023
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The Science Behind Swollen and Inflamed Ear Lobes: Understanding Side Sleeping Woes

For many people, a good night’s sleep is essential for optimal health and well-being. However, some individuals experience an unexpected and uncomfortable phenomenon when they wake up – swollen, painful, and even inflamed ear lobes.

If you are one of these individuals, fret not; you are not alone as I suffer from this condition too. I never really had any issue sleeping on my sides until the last couple of years when my ear lobes would get swollen, painful, and even inflamed when I sleep on my sides for too long.

This article aims to shed light on the possible reasons why some people encounter this issue when they sleep on their sides and how to alleviate the discomfort.

The Anatomy of the Ear Lobe:

Before diving into the reasons behind ear lobe swelling and inflammation during side sleeping, it is crucial to understand the basic anatomy of the ear lobe. The ear lobe is composed of soft connective tissues, blood vessels, and a thin layer of skin. It lacks cartilage and is therefore more vulnerable to pressure and compression.

Reasons for Swollen and Inflamed Ear Lobes:

1.  Pressure Points and Poor Circulation

Side sleeping, especially when resting on the same side night after night, can exert prolonged pressure on the ear lobe. This compression can impede blood flow to the area, leading to poor circulation. Reduced blood flow can cause the tissues to swell, leading to discomfort and inflammation.

 

2.  Fluid Retention

Gravity plays a significant role in fluid distribution within our bodies. When we lie on our sides, fluid can accumulate in the tissues, including the ear lobes. This excess fluid retention can cause the ear lobes to swell and feel sore upon waking up.

 

3.  Allergic Reactions

In some cases, the swelling and inflammation of the ear lobes may be triggered by an allergic reaction to certain materials. For instance, if you sleep on a pillowcase or with earrings made of materials that your skin is sensitive to, it can lead to irritation and swelling of the ear lobe area.

 

4.  Infections

While less common, infections can also lead to swollen and inflamed ear lobes. Bacterial or fungal infections can occur if the ear lobes are exposed to unclean bedding, earrings, or if they are subjected to constant friction during sleep.

 

Alleviating the Discomfort:

1.  Change Sleeping Positions

If you consistently experience swollen and inflamed ear lobes when sleeping on your side, try altering your sleeping position. Experiment with sleeping on your back, using a supportive pillow to maintain proper neck alignment.

 

2.   Get An Ear Pillow For Side Sleepers

To alleviate pressure on the ear lobes, consider using a special pillow for side sleepers. The special ear pillow with an ear hole for side sleepers can help reduce compression and improve blood circulation to the area. The ear pillow lets you sleep peacefully without agitating your ears at night.

 

3.  Choose Hypoallergenic Materials

If you suspect allergic reactions as the cause of the swelling, opt for hypoallergenic pillowcases and earrings. Look for materials like cotton, silk, or surgical-grade stainless steel for your earrings.

 

4.  Keep Earrings Clean

Regularly clean your earrings to prevent any potential infection and irritation of the ear lobes.

 

Conclusion:

While swollen, painful, and inflamed ear lobes during side sleeping can be uncomfortable, understanding the underlying reasons can help you take appropriate measures to alleviate the discomfort. By making simple changes to your sleeping habits and using hypoallergenic materials, you can enhance your sleep quality and wake up feeling refreshed, free from ear lobe woes. If the problem persists or worsens, consider consulting a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

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Healthy Living Products
June 13th, 2022
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What Are Postbiotics

We have all heard of probiotics, which are microorganisms that increase your population of good bacteria and prebiotics, which are foods for the probiotics.  Prebiotics are fuel needed for good bacteria to grow. Dietary fiber, which you can get by eating certain foods or supplements, is the most common prebiotic.  Enter POSTbiotics, the newest member of the ‘biotics’ family and a hot topic in nutrition.

What Are Postbiotics?

They are the by-product of probiotics and prebiotics — what they produce, which can be made into products or treatments that would have a healing effect on people. Although postbiotics are considered the endgame of probiotics, they offer numerous health benefits for the gut, the immune system, and various other aspects of health.

Although postbiotics are not life microorganisms like probiotics, they still offer health benefits to your microbiome as they contain nutrients such as amino acids, vitamins B and K, short-chain fatty acids, exopolysaccharides, functional proteins, and substances called antimicrobial peptides that can help slow down the growth of harmful bacteria. Short-chain fatty acids help healthy bacteria thrive in your guts.

Compared with probiotics, postbiotics have lower risks of complications as they don’t contain life microorganisms. Even though probiotics are safe for most people, however, people with weakened immune systems, severe illness, or recovering from surgery can get an infection from probiotics. As postbiotics contain no life microorganisms, there’s a lower risk of complications.

 

Practical Benefits of Postbiotics

Besides having a more economical production as compared with probiotics, postbiotics:

  • Contain a longer shelf-life
  • Is easily stored
  • Is easily transported
  • Are not as sensitive to cold temperatures
  • Are more reliably produced

 

7 Health Benefits of Postbiotics

These are 6 benefits of postbiotics and how they can benefit our health.

1.  May manage allergy symptoms
Allergies happen when the immune system overreacts to a perceived threat.  Some postbiotic products may boost the immune system or improve immune response by decreasing allergic reactivity.   A few studies have shown that postbiotics may help with seasonal allergy-induced runny, stuffy noses (rhinitis). Another small study found that taking postbiotics for two to three months significantly reduced eczema symptoms as well.

2.  Ease colic in babies
Scientists have been able to decrease colic symptoms with postbiotics in randomized controlled trials.   The research shows that babies fed fermented milk with the bacteria’s fermentation products do better compared with babies that drink breast milk or cow’s milk without the fermented products.

3.  Relieve constipation and diarrhea
People with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), diarrhea and constipation seem to get relief from fermented milk products. One study found that a postbiotic regimen had a major impact on the quality of life of those with IBS. After four weeks, participants saw significant relief in terms of bowel movement frequency, bloating and pain.

4. Support immune system
Postbiotics have properties that may help boost your immune system. For example, postbiotics like butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid, can stimulate the production of regulatory T cells in your intestine. Those cells help control the magnitude of your body’s immune response.

Other postbiotics, such as cell wall fragments and supernatant from healthy bacteria, can increase the production of anti-inflammatory chemical messengers called cytokines that help reduce inflammation and promote immune responses.

Studies in adults have found that postbiotics may help strengthen the immune system and protect against infections like the common cold.

5. May help lower the risk of heart disease
In animal studies, butyrate seems to help lower blood pressure and suppress genes that play a role in cholesterol production.

6. May help manage blood sugar levels.
Studies suggest butyrate may help manage blood sugar levels.

7. May have anti-tumor properties.
Some test-tube and animal studies show that postbiotics may have qualities that help suppress the growth and spread of some cancer cells, including colon and stomach cancer cells

How To Increase Postbiotics?

The best way to increase postbiotics in your guts is through food by consuming more fermented foods and prebiotic fiber, and then supplementing with postbiotics supplements if there’s a necessity.

Here are ways to boost the production of postbiotics in your guts:

  1. Eat more prebiotic fiber-rich foods such as oats, barley, beans, lentils, peas, onions, garlic, leeks, bananas, apples, asparagus, artichokes, green vegetables, flaxseeds, cocoa and tomatoes.
  2. Eat more probiotic-rich foods such as plain yogurt with live, active cultures, kimchi, kefir, sauerkraut (refrigerated), tempeh and miso.
  3. Take a postbiotics supplement.

 

In Conclusion

Postbiotics are generally safe and well-tolerated by most people. However, due to potential health concerns, certain groups of people may want to avoid increasing their production of postbiotics through eating probiotic foods.

The following groups of people tend to have weaker or compromised immune systems and may therefore be at an increased risk of an adverse reaction:

  • people who have recently had surgery
  • people who have structural heart disorders
  • people with digestive tract disorders
  • pregnant people
  • children

If you’re considering a postbiotic supplement, it would be good to do your research and make sure that the supplement has published data on their product along with third-party testing for purity and efficacy.

It is best to seek the advice of your doctor before starting on a postbiotic supplement as every person is different and postbiotics may not be a miracle pill for everyone.

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Healthy Food, Healthy Living Products, Supplements
August 7th, 2020
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Brainzyme Review – A Supplement For Brain Power

Recently some of my friends lamented to me that they dreaded going back to the office to work after spending several months working from home while in home quarantine. No one looks forward to waking up between 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. to get their kids ready for school and then get ready for work. Braving through horrendous traffic jam, occasionally dozing off behind the wheels at traffic lights stops, struggling to keep awake during meetings and beating a mental fog while rushing to submit reports and proposals are some of the struggles that  full-time working moms and even dads battle with every work day.

Most people do not have enough time in one day to clock in 7-8 hours of sleep and some people, like me, are constantly chronically sleep deprived.  On school-going days, I am already up and about at 4:30 a.m.. After sending Cass up the school van at 6-ish in the morning, I run for half an hour before rushing home to send Sherilyn to school.  If I do not have work to submit to my bosses on that day, I go to the park and run for another 30 minutes.  By 10-ish a.m, my step count hits 10,000 and my energy level goes down south.  By this time, while staring at work on the PC screen, I feel cloudy-headed and I can’t think of what to write and eventually snooze off for half an hour.

What if I could get something that is completely natural, plant based and in full compliance with UK Department of Health and EFSA statutory legislation to help me prolong my energy level and stay focused for up to 8 hours?  There is indeed a supplement for your brain called that you can pop to give you the much-needed brain power to accomplish your long list of To-Do Tasks in a day!

Brainzyme is a natural nootropic (brain food supplement), nutritional cognitive enhancer or nutritional smart drug,  a substance that enhances mental performance without the use of drugs. It is made from all plant-based ingredients and suitable for vegans and vegetarians with no added preservatives, no animal derived ingredients and never tested on animals.  Plus point for animal lovers!

What is Brainzyme?
Brainzyme is UK’s first all natural food supplement cognitive enhancer. They are scientifically proven to support mental performance, concentration and help reduce tiredness. The ingredients are non-toxic and safe even for children.

Brainzyme Ingredients
Each capsule has matcha, Guarana and 7 other vitamins and minerals. I will list all the ingredients below and how they can support your body.

    • Matcha – this is green tea leaves ground down into a powder; which is packed with antioxidants helping focus.
    • Guarana – a plant native to Amazonian region. It’s seeds contain natural caffeine which is released in a sustained manner helping with alertness. Guarana has an antioxidant profile similar to that of green tea.
    • Choline – an important nutrient that is helpful for brain health.  This can be found in foods like eggs, fish, beans and nuts.
    • Caffeine – this improves concentration.
    • Vitamin B5 – (Pantothenic acid) an essential nutrient that contributes to normal mental performances.
    • Vitamin B6 – (Pryoxidine) an essential nutrient that contributes to normal-energy yielding metabolism and reduction of fatigue.
    • Vitamin B12 – (Cobalamin) this nutrient can also contribute to the reduction of fatigue and tiredness.
    • Vitamin B1 –  (Thiamine) this nutrient contributes to normal-energy yielding metabolism and function of the nervous system.
    • Iron – this essential mineral contributes to normal cognitive function.
    • Zinc – this mineral contributes to normal DNA synthesis and cognitive functions.
    • Iodine – this nutrient contributes to normal cognitive and neurological functions

What Can Brainzyme Do For You?
Brainzyme is an advanced brain food supplement with scientifically proven plant-powered ingredients that provide you with:

    • Calm focus.  It supports clearer thinking so that you can get more done.
    • Strong focus and concentration.
    • Motivated mood support.
    • Up to 8-hour energy.
    • Memory support.

Who Should Consume Brainzyme?
Professionals, students, moms, dads, athletes, anyone who wishes a boost in their focus, mood and energy level.

Media and Endorsement
The scientifically proven claims made by Brainzyme are verified and compliant with UK regulatory agencies in compliance with statutory regulations enforced by the Department of Health (UK), Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (UK), Food Standards Agency (UK), Trading Standards (Scotland) and the European Food Safety Authority (EU).

Brainzyme has been featured in The Times, Forbes and Nutraceutical Business Review with endorsements from doctors, psychologists and Olympians.

Brainzyme formulas are British nutritional scientist audited, and Trading Standards approved with full Department of Health compliance.

In 2016, they were the first company in the UK to launch a nootropic that was fully compliant with all 6 governing agencies.

Brainzyme are also the first, with MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) guidance, to use the term ‘cognitive enhancer’ on product packaging.

In 2017 they developed a nootropic that incorporated 3 functions into one:
(1) an advanced brain supplement (2) a probiotic (live culture) and (3) a full range of essential minerals and vitamins.

 

Is Brainzyme safe and legit?
Yes it is legit and safe. You can do your own research on Brainzyme by browsing the web for more information.

Can Children Consume Brainzyme?
Yes, both products (Focus Original and Focus Pro) can be taken by anyone who is above 10 years old. But the limit is 1 capsule for a 10 year old as this is in line with UK regulation since it has caffeine in it from natural sources such as guarana and green tea.

The Brainzyme Focus Range is good for calming down students/kids with ADHD.

Both Focus Original and Professional will help kids focus in their studies.

Dosage:

10-16 year olds : may take 1 capsule

16+ years and above: may take 2 capsules

 

What side effects can you get with Brainzyme?

Brainzyme does not generally cause any side effects in the majority of customers. However, some customers have reported side effects as listed below:

Thirst: The most commonly reported side-effect is an increased need for water (20-30% of customers experience this).

Sleep: If you take the capsules in the late afternoon or evening, you may find it difficult to sleep. To resolve this, we would advise taking them in the morning instead (5% of customers experience this).

Difficulty taking on an empty stomach: To achieve the best results, you should take Brainzyme in isolation from other proteins. By taking Brainzyme without food, you will benefit from a more potent effect. If you take the supplements with food, the results may be lessened.

Lastly, as with other food supplements, if you are breastfeeding, pregnant, under medical supervision or suffer from allergies, you should first get medical advice from your doctor before you consume Brainzyme.

Where To Get A Pack To Try
You can purchase you own Brainzyme .  Price ranges from £18.00 to £89.00 depending on the type and number of capsules.

 

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Healthy Living Products, MFMSCL, Supplements
August 14th, 2018
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The Link Between Vibrational Frequency and Health

We live in a world of frequency or vibration. Frequency is the number of repeating vibrations that occur in a second. These are measured in hertz. All things have a frequency; even the human body. The human body has vibrational frequency down to the cellular level.

Higher frequency in the body, results in better health. It has been shown that a normal healthy body has a frequency of 62–72 MHz. When the body drops below this frequency, we begin to get into illness and disease states. For example, if our frequency drops to 58 MHz, then we are likely to get a cold or flu. If our frequency drops to 42 MHz, we become susceptible to cancer within the body. The lower the frequency, the closer we are to death.

The human body has an electrical frequency and much about a person’s health can be determined by it. It has been agreed by science, medicine and metaphysics that certain frequencies can repel disease and certain frequencies can destroy disease which is one of the most amazingly useful revelations individuals can use to empower themselves in making wise wellness choices and ultimately becoming their own form of healer.

When parts of the body are no longer vibrating at their optimal frequency this part of the body can move to a state of dis-ease. This is when you need to stop, recalibrate your frequency or risk putting your balanced state of health and wellbeing in jeopardy.

Albert Einstein said it best when he said: “Everything is energy.” We literally live in a sea of vibration! Four out of our five senses—sight, sound, touch, and taste—receive sensory data from the environment which is transferred through the nervous system to the brain.

Since the human body is really energy it makes sense to use energy based products that are in alignment with us so as to support our body and mind.  When it comes to the botanical essences of aromatherapy, their natural ability to enhance our health and well-being are without a doubt in alignment with our vibrational nature.

It has been shown that every disease has a specific frequency. Studies have found that various frequencies can either destroy and neutralise, or support the growth and spread of disease in the body.

For example, all of the electrical devices in your home – lamps, television, radio, phone, microwave – emit electromagnetic vibrational frequencies that are incoherent and chaotic. Their effect is to fracture the human electrical field.

By contrast, most naturally occurring substances –including essential oils – have coherent frequencies that resonate harmoniously with the electrical field of the human body.

Essential oils offer us a natural way to restore our body’s healthy electromagnetic vibrational frequency. They are affordable, accessible, effective and versatile. Using them is a subtle, gentle way to allow the body to harmonize with its electromagnetic field, thus restoring and supporting wellness in every body system.

Even thoughts and feelings have a vibrational quality which form a measurable frequency. So its believed that a negative state can lower a persons frequency (some suggest by 10-15 MHz). A positive attitude, meditation or prayer on the other hand can increase your mental state by the same vibrational frequency.

Dr Richard Gerber MD, author of Vibrational Medicine, tells us that one of the best ways we can change dysfunction in our energy bodies is to “administer therapeutic doses of frequency – specific subtle energy in the form of vibrational medicines.”

By applying an essential oil with a particular frequency to the human body – through the principle of entrainment – the essential oil will raise the vibration of the individual. The therapeutic properties create special vibrational remedies capable of rebalancing the body, mind and spirit.

It has been said that pure essential oils have the highest vibrational frequencies of any measured natural substance. The measured frequencies of essential oils begin at 52 MHz, the frequency of basil oil, and go as high as 320 MHz – the frequency of rose oil. For comparison, fresh produce has a frequency of up to 15 MHz, dry herbs from 12-22 MHz, fresh herbs from 20-27 MHz. Processed and canned foods have no measurable frequencies.

 

Most naturally occurring substances and objects have coherent frequencies that resonate harmoniously with the electrical field of the human body.

Because each essential oil in particular has a specific frequency and our bodily systems and organs also have frequencies, the oils electrical affinity with these components of our bodies will enhance and support the organs, systems and assimilation of nutrients in the body.

Essential oils in the higher frequency range tend to influence emotions, mood and spirit whilst essential oils in the lower range have more impact on physical structure including cells, hormones, bones and body systems as well as fighting viruses, bacteria and fungi. Essential oils do not resonate with toxins, they cannot co-exist. They also do not resonate with negative emotions. They can dislodge forgotten trauma by surfacing them in our consciousness where we can deal with them and let them go.

Young Living Single Oils Frequencies. Better Health with Essential Oil Frequenciesâ?¦Find out how and whyâ?¦http://essentialoilsenhancehealth.wordpress.com/2014/03/21/better-health-with-essential-oil-frequencies-find-out-how-and-why/

Keeping your vibration high

So how do you keep your vibration high? Here are a few little ideas:

~ Become mindful and aware of your thoughts, feelings and actions. Let go of fear and limiting beliefs as they will shape your reality.
~  Gratitude and kindness make you feel good, others feel good and hence vibrations are pushed sky high.
~ Eat clean living foods that vibrate naturally.
~  Use therapeutic grade essential oils to help increase emotional and physical vibrations and support healing.
~  Incorporate mediation, sound and movement into your day to reduce stress, slow the mind and support circulation. These actions/things will keep your vibration high.
~  Even simply knowing about or having this basic understanding of how vibrational frequencies work, arms you with the power to transform all aspects of your world.

Have you considered your health and frequency? Is this a completely new concept for you?  I am sure this article, my dear readers is empowering and mind blowing.

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Essential Oils, Health Issues, Healthy Living Products
September 9th, 2017
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Fruit Vinegar Health Benefits

In my fridge next to the roselle kefir are bottles of fruit vinegar. These drinking vinegars have now claimed a permanent spot in my fridge.

I am a pro-apple cider vinegar health freak for many years. For more than a decade now, the first drink of my day has been organic apple cider vinegar with Manuka honey or raw honey mixed with a teaspoon of psyllium husk. This will kick start my  system to work and move the bowels. Recently, I added Korean Hong Cho fruit vinegars.  At mid day, I drink a glass of Hong Cho fruit vinegar. I currently have 2 flavors in my fridge: black raspberry vinegar and blueberry vinegar. Cass drinks this fruit vinegar too. It’s the only fruit vinegar that she likes as she loves the slightly sweetened and tang of berries from the vinegar. She says it tastes like her favorite Japanese fruit jelly.  The promoter at the supermarket who introduced this vinegar to us told us that Hong Cho fruit vinegar is effective in preventing constipation.

 

While it’s not a miracle elixir, vinegar can give your health a boost in many ways.

Grain vinegars and fruit vinegars, both of which are fermented, possess a variety of beneficial physiological effects, including antibacterial and antioxidant properties and even some anticancer activities (particularly with Japanese black soybean vinegar), according to a 2016 review in the journal Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety.

Recent studies also point to the potential of drinking vinegar to promote weight loss and to treat insulin sensitivities.

Benefits of Vinegar

Weight Loss
Apple cider vinegar helps to burn fat, improves the functioning of the metabolism, leading to weight loss.

Management of Diabetes
The ability of vinegar to moderate insulin and glucose levels seems to offer some benefit for diabetics. A Swedish study, published in a 2005 issue of the” European Journal of Clinical Nutrition,” showed that when participants ate a simple carbohydrate meal based on white wheat bread, but supplemented it with vinegar, they experienced less of a spike in blood glucose and insulin levels than participants who ate just the bread meal.

An animal study, reported by the “Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences” in December 2008, indicated that apple cider vinegar ingestion may be of  “great value in managing the diabetic complications.”

Reduces Glycemia
Vinegar is also useful in reducing glycemia. Research has shown that its addition to a high glycemic meal has positive effects on the reduction of postprandial glycemia.

Detoxification and Digestion
The use of vinegar to promote cleansing dates back to Hippocrates, who recommended apple cider vinegar to cure joint pain, digestive distress and blood disorders.  Apple cider vinegar destroys harmful bacteria in the digestive tract—creating more efficient digestion and elimination of waste. He also noted that vinegar’s ability to break up fat helped improve the functioning of the liver and kidneys, whose primary role is to detoxify the body.

Anti-aging Properties
In many cultures, vinegar was thought to improve immunity and was associated with longer life and strength. Studies administering it to rats have shown quite encouraging results.

Improves Acid-alkali Balance
Taking two tablespoons of vinegar every day can help reduce high alkalinity in the blood. Alkalinity is increased by regular metabolism, which has to be balanced by an acid. It could be a good choice for this!

Antimicrobial Properties
Vinegar possesses antimicrobial properties. Tests on wood vinegar confirmed that wood vinegar was effective in controlling the growth of microbial cultures.

Fun Facts
Vinegar has been used as a food preservative for hundreds of years. Vinegar, due to its antibacterial properties, can effectively act as a good preservative for food by controlling microorganisms that generally attack food and cause decomposition.

If drinking vinegars haven’t crossed your radar yet, they most definitely will soon as more and more drinking vinegar stalls and shops pop out at malls.

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Healthy Food, Healthy Living Products
July 28th, 2016
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Reducing Lethargy/Lack of focus/Energy Caused By Oxidative Stress

If you ever feel that you’re not as healthy as you should be or always feeling very tired, it is most likely due to oxidative stress.

What is oxidative stress?

Oxidative stress is essentially an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the ability of the body to counteract or detoxify their harmful effects through neutralization by antioxidants.

The process of oxidation happens as our bodies metabolize (or process) the oxygen that we breathe and our cells produce energy from it. This process also produces free radicals –molecules that interact with the molecules within our cells resulting in damage (or stress) to nearby cells, mitochondria  and DNA.

Free radicals are normal and necessary to some degree. In addition to causing some damage, they also stimulate repair. It is only when too many free radicals are produced, and they overwhelm the repair processes, that it becomes an issue. That is what we call oxidative stress.

Oxidation happens under a number of circumstances including:

  • when our cells use glucose to make energy
  • when the immune system is fighting off bacteria and creating inflammation
  • when our bodies detoxify pollutants, pesticides, and cigarette smoke

In fact, there are millions of processes taking place in our bodies at any one moment that can result in oxidation.

Oxidation also increases when we are physically and/or emotionally stressed.  I am not very good in handling emotional and physical stress, thus I kick myself to exercise five times a week, reduce meat intake, eat more fruits and vegetables and religiously take my most trusted supplements.

What are free radicals?

A free radicals is an oxygen containing molecule that has one or more unpaired electrons, making it highly reactive with other molecules.

Oxygen by-products are relatively unreactive but some of these can undergo metabolism within the biological system to give rise to these highly reactive oxidants. Not all reactive oxygen species are harmful to the body. Some of them are useful in killing invading pathogens or microbes.

However, free radicals can chemically interact with cell components such as DNA, protein or lipid and steal their electrons in order to become stabilized. This, in turn, destabilizes the cell component molecules which then seek and steal an electron from another molecule, therefore triggering a large chain of free radical reactions.

What are antioxidants?

Every cell that utilizes enzymes and oxygen to perform functions is exposed to oxygen free radical reactions that have the potential to cause serious damage to the cell. Antioxidants are molecules present in cells that prevent these reactions by donating an electron to the free radicals without becoming destabilized themselves. An imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants is the underlying basis of oxidative stress.

Damaged caused by oxidative stress

Oxidative stress leads to many pathophysiological conditions in the body. Some of these include neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease, gene mutations and cancers, chronic fatigue syndrome, fragile X syndrome, heart and blood vessel disorders, atherosclerosis, heart failure, heart attack and inflammatory diseases.

Signs of oxidative stress occurring in your body

  1. Fatigue
  2. Memory loss and/or brain fog
  3. Muscle and/or joint pain
  4. Wrinkles and grey hair
  5. Decreased eye sight
  6. Headaches and sensitivity to noise
  7. Susceptibility to infections

 

free_radical_oxidative_stress

 

How to reduce oxidative stress?

You need to boost your antioxidant defense system so that it can become balanced with free radical production. Here are some ways to reduce oxidative stress:

1) Decreasing Exposure to Oxidation

Oxidation increases when we are exposed to stress, toxins, and infections. It is also increased by sugar and chemicals, so the more you can minimize your exposure to these things, the better – so choosing organic foods and avoiding toxins in your environment makes a big difference. Reducing stress helps too and can be done with what I refer to as “daily stress remedies”.

2) Boost my body with IZUMIO hydrogen water.

Many claim that they take the best antioxidant formula supplements and although some are effective, none of them have the ability to act in the multiple ways that molecular hydrogen does inside your cells.

IZUMIO

3) Avoid sugar and processed foods while balancing your blood sugar levels

When the body has to process sugar it also creates oxidation and the more sugar we eat, the more oxidation happens. Processed foods often contain sugar and/or other chemicals that also result in oxidation. Eating large and infrequent meals also creates more oxidative stress, so balancing your blood sugar by eating smaller, frequent meals, also helps.

4) Prevent infections

When the immune system is fighting off an infection, it ends up creating oxidation which is why, when you get sick, it drains your body of energy.  I know I am about to fall sick when I feel lethargic, sleepy and extremely thirsty.  That is when I will pump in antioxidants and hydrogen water into my body, while cutting down on meat, processed food and increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables.

5) Allow time for daily stress remedies

It seems so simple, but it really pays off. That’s why you need to find time to take breaks in the day – to give your body a chance to recover. Be sure to honor the breaks in your schedule (or create them) and take them as a chance to enjoy the outdoors, breathe, and re-center. These are some ideas for daily stress remedies:

  • Exercise – rain or shine, I make time to exercise 5x a week in the form of swimming and jogging.
  • Meditation
  • Talking with a friend
  • Enjoying nature
  • Journaling
  • Watching a funny show
  • Taking a walk.
  • Engaging in whatever activities that give you pleasure.  Retail therapy helps me a lot in de-stressing!

The benefits of exercise

 

 

6) Avoid toxins

Choose organic foods and avoid cigarettes, candles, hair and nail salons, carpet, exhaust fumes and plastic. Check your personal care and cleaning products for toxic ingredients and replace them with non-toxic alternatives. Sulfate and paraben are some of the harsh chemicals in shampoos that you should avoid.

7) Increasing Antioxidants

No matter what you to do avoid them, you are going to be exposed to some toxins and stress, so your next step is to increase the antioxidants you have in your system either by helping your body make more, or by consuming them in food or supplements.  Antioxidants’ role is to block oxidation. They squelch it and make it non-harmful to our body.

One supplement that I am currently consuming and find that it helps to strengthen my immune system and that of my kids is Super Lutein.

SUPER LUTEIN delivers six carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin, crocetin, a-carotene, B-carotene and lycopene), anthocyanin and DHA to the body.

The first seven are all phytochemicals, and the last is an omega-3 fatty acid derived from fish oil. The carotenoids and anthocyanin are antioxidants that actively play a part in neutralizing the free radicals created through oxidizing processes triggered by the ingestion of toxins and other harmful substances. This helps to prevent damage to vital organs, maintain healthy skin and vision, and help protect the body from illness and disease.

Ingredients at a Glance

 

If you want to know more about Izumio hydrogen water and Super Lutein, do drop me an email at shireenyong@gmail.com or Whatsapp me at 019-266 4290 with no obligations to purchase anything.

 

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Health and Fitness, Healthy Living Products, Izumio Hydrogen Water and Super Lutein, Stress related illnesses
August 7th, 2015
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A Healthy Diet Prevents Nutritional Deficiencies

Important nutrients are normally absorbed by your body through healthy foods and vitamins, but there are many people who don’t eat nutritious foods, or even regular meals. If you’re daily diet is lacking in essential nutrients, natural health supplements can help your body replace what it needs.

A poor diet without adequate amounts of protein, carbohydrates and fats can cause nutritional deficiencies. Over time, these deficiencies can result in a variety of health problems that affect your bones, heart, digestion, skin and mental health. Because your body stores nutrients to use them as needed, nutritional deficiencies can go undetected for a long period of time. If you’re not eating a well-balanced diet, it’s important to know the warning signs and symptoms of nutritional deficiencies.

What are the Symptoms?

The symptoms of nutritional deficiencies can vary based on the specific nutrients that are lacking in your diet. Since general symptoms mimic the symptoms of many illnesses, it may be necessary to visit your doctor for a blood test that includes a complete blood count. This is the only way a nutritional deficiency can be diagnosed. Here are some of the symptoms to watch out for:

* Weakness
* Fatigue
* Dizziness
* Sleepiness or insomnia
* Constipation
* Irregular heart rhythms
* Poor concentration
* Memory loss
* Depression
* Hair thinning or loss
* Palor or pale skin

Most health problems caused by nutritional deficiencies can be reversed with proper eating habits, a healthy diet and supplements, but severe or long-term deficiencies may contribute to permanent health problems.

Common Nutritional Deficiencies

Iron – Iron deficiency can cause anemia, since iron helps to produce healthy red blood cells. Red meat, egg yolks and dark green, leafy vegetables are all high in iron.

Vitamin A – Vitamin A is important to good eye health. Vitamin A deficiencies and eye problems can be prevented with a diet that includes green and yellow fruits and vegetables and daily vitamin supplements.

Vitamins B1 and B3 – Vitamin B1 (thiamine) builds healthy nerves and muscles. A deficiency can lead to heart problems. Vitamin B3 (niacin) is important for healthy skin and good digestion. A deficiency can lead to pellagra and gastrointestinal problems. Green vegetables, fish and whole grains are high in B vitamins.

Calcium – Calcium is essential for strong bones, teeth, muscles and nerves. Calcium deficiencies can lead to osteoporosis, tooth loss and heart problems. Green leafy vegetables, calcium-fortified grains and dairy products are excellent sources of calcium.

 

 

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Health Issues, Healthy Living Products, MFLV
July 30th, 2015
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Signs That You Have Too Much Toxins In Your Body

You think you are healthy, but you don’t feel energetic and not in the mood to do much. You struggle to find the energy to get through the day. You’re irritable. Your stomach isn’t acting right — it’s bloated and you belch a lot. And all those nagging headaches!

These types of ailments affect many of us in our daily lives. They are not serious enough to warrant a trip to the doctor — or maybe you tried only to be told there was nothing wrong — but they still tend to drag you down, wearing away your resistance and leaving you feeling like you’re just getting old.

Well, it probably has nothing to do with you aging. Instead, your body may be surrounded by too much toxins accumulated over the years.  Your body still collects toxins when you expose yourself to free radicals  from the food you eat, cleaning products and toiletries you use or from environmental toxins.

Toxins have become an inescapable part of our everyday lives. In the previous decade there have been roughly 100,000 different chemicals used in the United States. They’re used commercially in the food we eat, the medicine we take, and general house care products that appear completely innocent.

Studies by the Environmental Working Group recently discovered that even unborn babies can’t avoid pollution in our toxin-laden society. They found traces of more than 200 commercial chemicals within the umbilical cords before birth. You might not be able to avoid the toxins but knowing where they come from and how to treat them will help reduce the impact of toxicity significantly.

Signs that You Have Too Many Toxins in Your Body.  
Listed below are a few of the most common signs of exposure to too much toxins.

Sleep disorders like insomnia and restlessness
Stubborn weight gain
Constipation
Body odor and foul breath
Persisting exhaustion
Worsening inflammatory problems like arthritis and asthma
Trouble with digestion
Development of ulcers or hemorrhoids
Increase in acne, psoriasis, eczema, and other skin conditions
Loss of mental clarity and motivation
Muscle and joint pain
Worsened PMS symptoms
Congestion
Sensitivity to scents
Muscle aches and pains

How To Detox Toxins From Your Body – Easy Steps for Optimal Detoxification

1. Reduce Exposure – The first and most obvious step to take is modifying your routine to reduce your exposure to the chemicals. Analyze the sources listed above and try to minimize the pollution you encounter throughout the day. You can start by avoiding these most toxic food ingredients and avoiding these fake foods.

2. Stay Hydrated – Water is an essential tool for your body to flush out the chemicals you are exposed to. Purchase a filter to make sure your water is pure and make sure you drink it in regular intervals. A minimum of 8-10 cups of water per day is recommended.   Water enriched with hydrogen like Izumio is very beneficial too.  The hydrogen in the water acts to scavenge free radicals in your body.

3. Go Organic – Switch up that shopping list and ditch the processed foods. Look for organic sources of fruit and vegetables and try to avoid retailers that mass produce it. This will decrease the presence of chemical fertilizers and pesticides that are used for commercial gain. Green vegetables and most fruits have effective detoxifying qualities.

4. Maintain Healthy Digestion – Get the right amount of fiber in your diet and make sure that you use the bathroom regularly. The average person should move their bowels 1-2 times each day to prevent toxin buildup. You can make you own digestive detox smoothie.

5. Exercise – Getting active will fire up your circulation and turn your body into a toxin flushing machine. Going for runs, swimming, playing sports, or simply getting out to walk around once in a while will help keep you in shape and away from body toxicity.

6. Supplements – There are health supplements out there that will help you reduce toxicity within your body. For example: spirulina and chlorella are two kinds of blue-green algae that are effective at binding and removing toxins from your body, and they work well for detoxing from heavy metal exposure.  You can also choose a supplement that’s high in carotenoids like Super Lutein.  Super Lutein are capsules which contain 6 important carotenoids.

You can email shireenyong@gmail.com to find out more on Izumio and Super Lutein.

 

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Healthy Living Products, Interesting Information, Izumio Hydrogen Water and Super Lutein
April 16th, 2015
post by admin | | 5

Cuppatea Teatox For Healthy Weight Loss

Someone sent me these healthy tea for weight loss!  And I am so happy as  I have been wanting to shed off the last 1kg that I gained after the birth of Cass 7 years ago!

 

Cuppatea is the ideal detox teatox for those wishing to detox and shed off those unwanted fat.

Cuppatea is a UK based company that promotes healthy living and natural beauty. Their range of teatox consist of 100% natural ingredients and aids weight loss through balanced diet and regular exercise regime.

All the ingredients in Cuppatea Teatox are 100% natural, contains no chemical or preservatives and are bacteria- free.  All these natural ingredients have health and well-being purposes and are brought together in Cuppatea to maximise its benefit for you.

Cuppatea ‘s teatox come in Morningtime detox and Bedtime Cleanse.

Ingredients:

Morningtime detox:

Mate leaves, Chinese oolong tea, Ginger root, Lotus leaves, Lemongrass, Ginseng root, Dandelion leaf, Gotu kola leaves, Nettle leaves.

Note: The Morningtime detox does not produce a laxative effect but contains a small amount of caffeine.

 

Bedtime Cleanse:

Senna leaves, Burdock root, Liquorice root, Hawthorn leaves, Fenugreek seeds, Peppermint leaves, Chamomile, Psyllium seeds.

Note: The Bedtime Cleanse produces a laxative effect to naturally cleanse and detoxify your body, approximately 8 hours after usage

Here’s a  brief description on how Cuppatea’s teatox tastes like (based on my own opinion) – tastes like a cross between ginseng tea and Chinese tea.  Taste is mild and refreshing. I have been drinking it daily and I did not experience any nasty after-effect like nausea, giddiness, heart palpitation, stomach cramp or diarrhea.

 

 

How can Cuppatea benefit you?

Burns fat and prevents fat storage
Transformation of energy to burn calories
Improves skin health
Improve ssleep quality
Purification detox

Always remember that weight loss should not involve diet or starvation. Beauty and weight loss could be achieved by living a balanced and healthy lifestyle.  Check out Cuppatea’s eating plan to start a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

 

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Health and Fitness, Health Tea, Healthy Living Products
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