General Health Articles

Coffee Overload - Why too much coffee is Bad for your Health

There are always two sides to a story and when it comes to drinking coffee you might want to consider spending some time to consider its negative side effects to your health. This might be a hard thought to swallow for the millions of Americans who drink a cup or two of coffee daily. Too much of a good thing can have a negative effect on your health. So before you take your daily dose of coffee, here are a few things to consider.

Coffee Makes Sleeping Much Harder

Coffee's greatest benefit might also work against your health. Sleeping is a time when our body's recuperate and repair itself after a grueling day at the office. Research shows that people who drink more than two cups of coffee have a harder time going to sleep or have poor sleep quality.

Coffee can make you feel depressed

Coffee is a great way of instantly boosting our energy levels. But drinking large amounts of coffee also depletes the body's level of serotonin. This is a feel good chemically that gives us that natural good feel. Serotonin is often taken by people suffering from depression. And when we rob ourselves of  this chemical, it only increases the risk of us suffering from bouts of depression.

Coffee weakens our Immune System

Caffeine increases our body's production of glucocorticoids and cortisol. High levels of glucocorticoid decrease our immune system's effectiveness. Drinking more than normal amounts of coffee during those cold winter nights might warm your body but also increases the chance of you catching a cold.

Coffee can hurt your Liver

The liver is responsible for producing enzymes that breakdown caffeine. The more coffee you drink, less enzymes are available for detoxifying your bloodstream. When our liver is stressed to produce more enzymes, it increases the possibility of long term liver damage.

Coffee disrupts our metabolism

If you're on a diet or watching your weight then this could be a good reason to cut down on your coffee intake. Coffee can make you gain a few more pounds not because of the calories it contain but because it interferes with your normal metabolism. Coffee may not directly affect our body's metabolism but its action on the other organs ultimately leads to weight gain. The thyroid gland controls our rate of metabolism. Coffee has a negative effect on the adrenal gland which releases hormones that control the normal functioning of the thyroid gland.

Coffee can interfere with your nutrition   

Coffee can interfere with how your body absorbs nutrients and vitamins. Drinking coffee or tea during meals increases the chance that most of the nutrients especially iron won't be absorbed. Calcium, sodium, zinc, potassium and thiamine are just some of these nutrients that are affected when we drink coffee during meals.

Coffee negatively affects our sex drive

Testosterone is a sex hormone responsible for sex drive in both men and women. These hormones are produced in the adrenal gland that is affected when we drink too much coffee. When the adrenal gland is hard pressed to produce adrenaline for example, it has little energy to produce other important hormones such as testosterone. You might be awake for a good portion of the night but have little drive or energy to perform sex.

Taking the Bite off Diabetes

Diabetes continues to be a top concern for many health professionals across the world. It is a condition that could easily be managed with proper diabetes treatment. Diabetes is not a debilitating disease. If properly managed and treated, people with diabetes could live fuller and more productive lives. However, the success of any diabetic treatment ultimately depends on the patients understanding and commitment to treatment.

3 Things to Remember in the Treatment for Diabetes

1. The first step in the treatment of diabetes type 1 or 2 is proper education. This could be done by regular communication and establishing a relationship with your health provider. Learn everything about diabetes and make a lifelong commitment towards eating a healthy diet and living a healthy lifestyle.
2. Diabetes can be managed by eating a healthy diet. Shedding some extra pounds could go a long way in controlling your blood sugar. A typical diabetic diet should consist of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes and good fat.
3. Living an active lifestyle also helps people manage their weight better. Exercising regularly helps maintain blood sugar levels. All it takes is thirty minutes of simple exercises like walking or climbing a flight of stairs to help you keep weight under control. Moderate exercises and activities like dancing, yoga or any aerobic exercise combined with a healthy diet helps you live a fuller life, with or without diabetes.

What is the Management and Treatment for Diabetes

• Proper Identification - People with diabetes constantly walk a fine line between having too much or too little blood sugar. This makes the possibility of a diabetic attack highly probable. Wearing a tag or bracelets that identifies you as a person with diabetes helps emergency services or people treat you more effectively. Having a glucagon kit readily available ensures quick treatment of diabetic symptoms.
• Regular Checkups  - Diabetes poses serious medical complications if left untreated. Poor eyesight, glaucoma, cataracts and retinal damage for example are medical complications that can occur due to diabetes. Regular checkups help identify early symptoms of diabetes and help your physician provide proper care and treatment.
• Strengthen your Immune System - Diabetes symptoms include a weakened immune system. Boost your immune system by eating a healthy diet and getting a flu shot every year. Hepatitis B vaccinations are strongly advised for diabetic patients who have no previous records of vaccination.
•  Maintain Proper Blood pressure Levels - Elevated blood sugar levels can cause high blood pressure. Ask your doctor if medication is required to help you maintain proper blood pressure levels. Diabetes symptoms include headaches and dizziness that may be caused by elevated blood pressure. Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly prevents fat buildup that could complicate your current medical situation.
•  Feet and Teeth Care - Check your feet regularly for cuts, sores or blisters. Consult with your doctor immediately if you see any of these signs. Regularly wash your feet with lukewarm water. Dry them thoroughly and apply moisturizers. A compromised immune system makes us susceptible to infections. The mouth is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Proper mouth care helps prevent the growth of bacteria and reduces your risk for infections and disease.

Switching to Healthy Lifestyle

We all know the health risks that come with smoking and this could be aggravated by diabetes. Smokers with diabetes have a higher chance of acquiring cardiovascular disease. Switching to a healthy lifestyle and quitting the smoking habit goes a long way in helping your manage your diabetes.

Alcohol when drank in large amounts could elevate or decrease blood sugar levels. Coupled with an unhealthy diet, this could complicate your medical condition. Alcohol also contains carbohydrates. Include the carbohydrate content found in your drinks to help you manage your blood sugar levels better.

Reducing Stress and Anxiety

Stress could elevate your blood pressure and affect blood sugar levels. Finding yourself with diabetes can be very stressful. The body reacts to stress in many different ways. This includes elevated blood pressures and the release of hormones. This could affect how the body reacts to insulin.

Selecting the Right Pair - Better Eyesight

Did you know that eyeglasses date all the way back to 1000 AD? Today, over a quarter of the world population require glasses. If you fall into that 25 percent, you have likely gone through some trial and error when it comes to shopping for the right type of glasses. Finding the right fit at a reasonable price can be a frustrating process. The good news is that there has never been a better time to find a pair of cheap eyeglasses that are a perfect fit.

Whether you require prescription or non-prescription reading glasses, you likely have personal preferences. The most important consideration when purchasing glasses is that they meet the needs specified by your physician or ophthalmologist.

Wearing the wrong pair of glasses can cause headaches, blurred vision, nausea, vertigo, and permanent damage to your eyes. It is not uncommon for one to experience a short adjustment period to new glasses; if you experience continued discomfort it is important contact a professional to assess your needs.

Getting the Best Deal

Some consumers spend on average spend hundreds of dollars and even up to a thousand for prescription glasses. The internet is packed with websites offering affordable glasses. If you opt to buy over the internet, be sure to take some time to research the vendor to ensure they offer a quality product. Customer reviews are a great way to measure the quality and reputation of the seller. You should also search around the web to take advantage of special sales and offers.

More than just a Fashion Statement

Sunglasses are not only fashionable—they save your eyes too! The sun's UV rays can cause extensive damage to your eyes. Medical experts agree that wearing a pair of glasses with UV protection is a vital step in maintaining ocular health. The most effective sunglasses block 100% of UVA and UVB rays; be sure to read the product label before purchasing to confirm the amount of protection the glasses offer.

Glasses with bigger or “wraparound” lenses tend to provide more protection as well. Don't be afraid to wear your sunglasses year round; eye experts recommend wearing sunglasses in the winter as well. Remember that some sunglasses are made for fashion only; be sure to double check that they offer appropriate protection.

Get a Spare

Unfortunately glasses tend to disappear. Don't tear out your hair looking for them—get a second pair! Glasses can have a short life. Whether we sit on them, scratch the lenses, or the dog chews on them, it is a safe bet to have a backup pair. Glasses are occasionally offered at a discount price when you buy two pairs. Take advantage of a two for one special and avoid being without them when you need them the most. You can always buy a much cheaper pair to get you by until you can purchase a better set.

 Second Nature

There is a perfect pair of glasses out there for you; it may take some trial and error, but you will find a pair of eyeglasses that are the right fit, price, function, and look for you. The right pair of glasses will feel natural and let you get through the day without worrying about your vision or eye health. The right eyewear can be a great fashion accessory as well. Whatever your needs may be, don't settle for a mediocre pair. Get a set that works for you!

Healthy, Younger Skin Naturally

People spend more for beauty and for the goal of looking good. Since looking good and looking young in today's society may mean promotion, better work, more self confidence, better chances for relationship and even a jumpstart of positive outlook and raised self esteem, the  cosmetic and beauty industries have banked on it and evolved into giant industries. Expensive surgeries and treatments has grown and expanded.

So here are those skin friendly superfoods you may choose from.

Flaxseed. Flaxseed contains omega-3 fatty acids which is a good kind of fat. These fatty acids strengthen cell membranes. It also helps prevent the absorbtion of harmful toxins in the body. Flaxseed helps cell membranes hold water which makes the skin look youthful and younger.

Tuna. Tuna when eaten in moderation may help in skin sagging. It has omega-3 fatty acids as well as selenium. These two helps prevent cellular damage while promoting elastin. Selenium can also be found in some beef, cod and turkey.

Other Fish oil. Coldwater fish can be a good source of protein, Carotenoids and omega-3 fatty cuds. These have anti-inflammatory effects and are very good for the skin. It also helps in fighting aging process.

Chia. Again, Chia can be very little seeds but it pack still some surprise for the skin. It helps in skin hydration and makes skin look healthy, young and well moisturized.

Green Tea. Not only can it help detoxify the body but it can also help prevent skin damage. Green tea has Polyphenols which is anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant. These components also help the body from absorbing the damages of the UV rays.

Low fat dairy. Low fat diary helps in preventing acne as well as in lessening wrinkles. Low fat dairy contains vitamin A, a known skin food. Plain yogurt is one with broccoli, liver, sweet potatoes and spinach among others.

Almonds. Almonds contain a hefty amount of Vitamin E. Vitamin E is a natural sun blocker. Due to this, the sun's effects can be neutralized and can have little damage on the skin once it gets in contact with it.

Sweet potato. Sweet potatoes may not be your thing but they can eventually smoothen your skin. It has high levels of vitamin C and supports collagen production.  Once collagen production gets better, a fuller appearance and a more youthful skin may be seen. In studies conducted, those who are ingesting more vitamin C may get to have smoother skin, with lesser wrinkles. Maybe it's time that you add more carrots, citrus and papayas in your diet.

Avocadoes. Avocadoes are one for skin's elasticity. It contains all the healthy fats and can protect the skin as well as prevent it from forming wrinkles and fine liens.  MUPAs when ingested and gets to befriend the body can help make the cell walls stronger.

Berries. Just every berry out there contains all the anti-oxidant which can help slow down the aging process while making your skin glow. Since it has various helpful compounds, it has the ability to protect the skin's breakdown of collagen and elastin. Berries have compounds that are known to increase lifespan of the cells.

Tomatoes. Tomatoes contain lycopene. This anti-oxidant helps defend the body from sun damage and wrinkles. It is also under study as a possible cancer treatment. The lycopene helps the body neutralize the effect of free radicals as well as the UV rays from the sun exposure.

Beets. Beets contain phytochemicals and minerals. It helps the body fight infection, purifies the blood and helps cleanse the liver.

Kale. Kale is known to contain more nutrients than any other vegetables. It just is power packed with every nutrient that the skin will be thankful of.

Dark Chocolate. Dark chocolate contains a higher amount of cocoa. Or if available, raw cacao can even be better. It is packed with anti-oxidants for a smooth and glowing skin.

Water is Important

Superfoods this good can never be enough though. It may need you to do all things right since a single superfood meal can't combat a whole week of your consumption of processed foods. It has to be a lifestyle.

Now, for skin health, water hydration can be very important. You may have all the juices but water is still needed. Without water, skin may turn flaky, sallow and even dry. So make an effort in increasing your water intake to boost energy and of course to rehydrate your cells for glowing and healthy skin.

Natural Ways to Battle Cellulite in Our Later Years

The skin has several layers. The outside epidermis is the part that covers the inner dermis. The inner dermis contains the hair follicles, blood vessels, nerve receptors and connective tissues. Under the connective tissues are the subcutaneous fat that is the main culprit for cellulite.

Cellulite usually builds up and gets worse at the onset of old age. And usually, it happens in women as men tend to have different skin configuration. Their epidermis and dermal layers are thicker than women.

Modern medical science has made it possible for us to get of these cellulite deposits quickly. Of course there are liposuction treatments which make it quick and easy.

What is Cellulite?

Cellulite are those bumpy and dimply skins that appear in a woman's thighs, back and stomach. Due to the fats push on the connective tissue, the skin puckers causing the orange peel appearance.

Cellulite may appear in age as early as 15 years old and may even get worse as one gets older. But what are the possible causes of cellulite? Here are some.

1. 1.       Poor diet
2. 2.       Lack of physical activity
3. 3.       Hormonal changes
4. 4.       Dehydration
5. 5.       Obesity
6. 6.       Slow metabolism

And as said, cellulite may tend to get worse as women age. But why? Here are some more reasons.

1. When aging sets in, the skin gets thinner thus the cellulite appears more pronounced and even more visible.
2. Skin loosens during old age. Tone decreases and collagen is reduced. These allow adipose fat cells to press toward the surface of the skin.
3. Due to the years seen by the body, it tends to become less efficient when dealing with waste removal. Circulation also decrease thus cellulite are added.
4. Weight gain can also be another factor in the worsening of cellulite. When one age, tendency is one may pick and gain more weight. This increases the problem again.

So how do you fight cellulite build up as you age?

Fighting Cellulite

Cellulite treatments can promise you to get rid of these bumps and orange peel look. But some of these treatments may just be hypes but some can be effective. Let's take a look at them below:

1. Cellulite creams. These have no scientific evidence. Sometimes, they can even be harmful as its treatment includes the narrowing of blood vessels and forcing of water from the skin. This is bad for the circulatory system and can cause allergic reactions.
2. Change of diet. To cut down on toxins is one major advice to get rid or minimize cellulite. Refined and processed foods, artificial additives, dairy products, foods high in fats and sugar are several foods that should be avoided. Vegetables and fruits should be added in every meal.
3. Change of lifestyle. Foregoing of smoking, alcohol and self induced worries can help a lot.
4. Liposuction. Since liposuction is a procedure that can remove fat deposits, it can be a possible treatment for cellulite as well. But for caution, liposuction may not remove cellulite itself altogether but the deep fats.
5. Vitamin and mineral supplementation. To be able to keep healthy, Vitamin, C, E, A and selenium should be included in your daily nutritional supplements.
6. Massage. Massage and other spa treatments can help in minimizing cellulite; it can't remove it altogether but can temporarily lessen it for a short time.
7. Laser treatments. Laser has already been approved to be used as a cellulite treatment. Laser can melt the fat under the skin, break the fibrous bands below the skin and can even stimulate the collagen production.

Mesotherapy was originally used as a treatment to relieve pain from skin conditions that are inflammatory. Substances will be injected into the body such as amino acids, enzymes, vitamins and minerals. It can help break down fat and can bring some improvement in the cellulite.