Health & Nutrition Insights

[healthyyouandme]

These are the Best Features All Glucose Meters Should Include

Are you in the market for a new glucose meter in your life? Not to worry! We know that shopping for new items is not always the easiest. Since this helpful tool is meant to test the glucose levels, we understand how vital it is to have the right one in your life.

 When selecting a glucose meter, you should think of it like trying on shoes. Some just won’t feel right until you find the perfect one. Think of these handy items as your daily “life-saving” sidekick. They’re especially important, so each feature should only be present if it aids your cause and makes your life easier.

 Let’s take a look at some of the following features that make up the best blood glucose meter on the market. One of these key features just might be the deal breaker that leads you straight to your perfect meter match. 

 Daily Testing Reminders

 Life happens, and we understand. Sometimes in all of the craziness that may be thrown your way, there might be a skipped test every once in a while. While it may not mean the end of the world, it does put your health at risk. Solution? Simply grab a meter that reminds you when to take your next test. This simple feature can make all the difference. 

 Results Within Seconds

 Waiting for any result can drive anxiety levels through the roof. But by purchasing a meter that delivers results within seconds, you guarantee that your blood sample is being analyzed quickly for the most accurate results. A quick test will also help in situations where your glucose levels are not where they should be, and further action is needed to help stabilize your levels without delay.

 Alternate Site Testing

 When someone has to use the meter on themselves multiple times per day, it can be difficult to have the same test conducted in the same area. Alternate site testing allows for glucose levels to be read from any part of the body which may include the upper forearm, abdomen, calf, or even thigh. This especially helps if one area of the body may be more tender on any given day.

 Test History Storage

 Not all test results are the constant or predictable. Because of this, it’s helpful to have the ability to look back on the different readings for comparison. This also helps when reporting results to a medical professional who may need to help you with a relating health condition. This may help determine if a better course of action is available, or the results could be used to diagnose a different condition.

 Downloadable Data

 Downloading data is a great feature. If your test results need to be stored and consistently monitored, then it helps to be able to conveniently store them together for future reference, such as on a laptop. Some of the best blood glucose meters are even USB compatible, making them super user friendly.

 Daily Averages

 To better see how the differing tests are trending over the span of a few days, weeks, or even months, then pick up a glucose meter that calculates the averages of your daily results. If your daily results are not hitting the appropriate marks, then this data can back up claims needed to initiate switching up daily activities in order to establish more stable glucose levels.

 Readable Displays

 Sometimes, all it takes to love your glucose meter is being able to actually read the meter. Readable displays equipped with large text will help anyone determine their results without struggling to actually read the numbers.

 It’s important to make sure your glucose meter has all the key features and capabilities that you deem important in your daily monitoring. Because sometimes, it’s the simplest design features that truly make the biggest difference.

 Do you have a favorite feature?

Let us know what your must-have addition to the perfect glucose meter is!

[healthyyouandme]

Is Pea Protein Healthy for You?

Protein is one of the most essential building blocks of our bodies. We need protein to make strong muscles and to feel energized throughout the day. 

Protein can make us feel less hungry and reduce cravings as well. There are several sources of protein, each with their own benefits. If you are looking for extra protein in your diet for weight loss, pea protein may be your best healthy option.

What is Pea Protein?

Pea protein is made from yellow split peas. It offers all essential amino acids except for methionine. Unlike other forms of protein, which may trigger allergies or cause problems for lactose-intolerant people, pea protein is naturally hypoallergenic and gluten-free.

If you're prone to allergies or have had trouble with other protein supplements, pea protein may be an excellent choice. Pea protein tends to digest slightly more slowly than some other proteins like whey proteins.

It is a good option for protein after and before your workouts. The protein will become continuously available to you during and after your workout, which can reduce muscle soreness. 

Pea protein also is a great way to fill up and help to satiate hunger throughout the day. If you need more protein to help control your appetite, pea protein might be the right choice for you.

Deciding Between Pea Protein and Whey Protein

If you are looking for additional protein in your diet, supplementation from pea protein or whey protein are both great options. Both offer amino acids and many benefits of consuming protein. 

However, there are some distinct differences between these protein sources, which should be considered when deciding between pea protein vs whey protein. 

Pea Protein

Free of dairy, gluten, animal, and nut products 

Slow-burning proteins that satiate hunger

Contains all of the amino acids except for methionine

Low calorie and fat option with plenty of fiber

Whey Protein

Generally contain small amounts of lactose, although highly filtered versions may have only trace amounts of lactose

Less filtered versions are richer and contain more fat and carbohydrates

Contains all of the essential amino acids

Tastes creamier, and many people prefer it in smoothies and shakes 

Do You Need a Protein Supplement?

Many of us have a diet rich in protein. After all, you get lots of protein from eggs, chicken, cheese, many vegetables, and many grains as well. You may wonder whether you need more protein than you're getting. Here are some indications that a diet higher in protein may be a good choice for you.

You feel sore after workouts. Protein helps your muscles heal and rebuild faster, which means you'll experience less muscle soreness if you have plenty of protein in your diet. If you're feeling sore after workouts, protein before and after a workout may make a big difference.

You're often hungry throughout the day. If you find yourself battling cravings and hunger throughout your day, you may not be getting enough protein to keep yourself. Protein can satiate your hunger and help you feel content with fewer calories. Pea protein may be especially effective at reducing your cravings.

You're not building muscle mass like you would like to be. If you've been working out steadily, but your muscles aren't developing the way you want them to, it may be that they don't have enough building blocks to grow big and strong. Protein will help you to develop your muscle mass.

Choose Healthy Proteins for Your Diet

Protein is very good for you. Choosing healthy proteins for your diet can help you lose weight more effectively, reduce hunger cravings, and enable you to recover from workouts more effectively. If you're not sure if you're getting enough protein in your diet, it's a good idea to give a protein supplement a try and see if it improves your life.

[healthyyouandme]

5 Secret Power Supplements to Start Taking This Summer

Good health is at the forefront of everyone’s mind. No surprise, considering we are living through a pandemic!

A great solution that anyone can take is by upping your supplement dosage to help your immune system remain strong and prevent viruses and diseases from taking over your body.

Already, people around the world take some sort of supplement to help them get the correct dosage of vitamins and minerals, as other life factors such as stress and diet can have negative impacts on your immunity.

Of course, living through a pandemic can be super stressful and scary. But not to worry, as we have sourced five secret power supplements that you should start taking as soon as possible this summer!

1.   Take a multi-vitamin

This is a basic but effective supplement to start every day. Multivitamins act as a guarantee that your body will have the proper nutrients to get through the day and protect your body from anything harmful that tries to get in. While it is not a substitute for eating a colorful and healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, a multivitamin can help give a proper dosage of all essential nutrients you should intake.

2.   Source ocean’s magic with Omega 3

Did you know that Omega 3 comes with fatty acids that are essential for high-functioning body cells? It is your cells that aid your immune system and Omega 3 ensures your cells stay strong and function correctly. Without Omega 3 in your system, you will be at risk of getting a range of chronic and cardiovascular diseases. Omega 3 is found from fish in the sea, but also comes in a supplement form so you do not need to worry about having a fishy meal every day to reap the benefits of Omega 3.

 3.   Get your sunshine on with Vitamin D

Vitamin D naturally comes from the sunshine, but because of this, your body is not guaranteed to get enough of it depending on where you live. A crazy statistic has shown that over half of our population is Vitamin D deficient. And currently, researchers are saying that Vitamin D can help the average person stay protected from getting the dreaded Covid-19 that is going around the world. Vitamin D dosage really varies for each person, but different dosages can be achieved through an array of supplements.

 4.   Probiotics should not be overlooked

Good for your gut and great for your overall health, probiotics are an important supplement not to be forgotten about. It is actually healthy bacteria that kicks out the harmful bacteria from the body and is found to also protect against a range of allergies and diseases. If you suffer from feeling bloated, tired, and in pain, consider upping your probiotics supplement intake to start feeling energized and body confident.

 5.   AHCC is mushroom magic at its finest

Seriously, AHCC really works! Shitake mushrooms are compounded into an organic form and put into a capsule that people can take daily. The benefits are overwhelming. Not only does it ensure your immune system starts naturally to protect your body, but AHCC has been shown to assist patients who suffer from cancer, diabetes, and auto-immune deficiencies. With thousands of medical clinics and hospitals around the world backing this organic supplement, this mushroom solution is paving the way for a range of health solutions.

While supplements are not the only solution to living a healthy life, they have been proven to add an extra level of support to your wellbeing. It comes down to your own personal health, habits and risks—all of which can be discussed with medical professionals.

These five supplements are going to help us all get through the summer of our first (and hopefully last) pandemic and give us the ability to live our best lives yet! 

[healthyyouandme]

8 Ways to Cleanse Your Liver and how CoQ10 can help

1. Vegetables2. Garlic3. Avocado4. Carrot5. Apples6. Green Tea7. Walnuts8. Turmeric

One fun fact about the liver is that it is the only organ in the body that can regenerate. In other organs like the skin, any damaged portion is replaced by a scar. In the case of the liver, new cells replace any damaged portion. The liver plays numerous roles in the body. However, one of its most vital roles is to detoxify the blood. Substances that have a harmful effect on the body include alcohol, fried food, and tobacco—especially when consumed in large amounts. Routine liver cleansing is important to keep it working optimally. But, what is the best way to go about it?

What is detox?

Detox is the short form of detoxification. As the name suggests, detox involves a series of processes aimed at getting rid of toxins from the body. A great start will be by reducing the intake of those substances that are considered toxic to the body. This is then followed by an increase in the consumption of foods or supplements with proven properties to cleanse the liver.

10 ways to cleanse your liver

There is a long list of natural foods that can serve as a detoxification agent. Some of these foods are probably on your daily menu already. Sometimes you may need to combine them for improved benefit. You should consider increasing your daily consumption of these foods.

Cauliflower, broccoli, and other cruciferous vegetables are rich in glucosinolate. This compound aids the liver in the production of detoxifying enzymes. The chlorophyll in green vegetables purges toxins out of the bloodstream.

Garlic is a rich source of the micronutrient selenium. This nutrient can induce the liver to produce enzymes that naturally flush toxins out of the body. It is not surprising that most of the liver cleanse regimen has a bit of garlic.

Avocados can induce the body to produce glutathione, a compound with a strong detoxifying property. In addition to this, avocado is effective in cleaning the arteries.

Beta-carotene and flavonoids are two compounds highly deposited in carrots. These compounds support liver function. Carrot is also rich in Vitamin A which has been proven to help in the prevention of liver disease.

One of the chemicals which doesn’t only cleanse but assists the body to get rid of toxins from the digestive tract is pectin. Apple has a rich deposit of this chemical.

Green tea is rich in the plant-based antioxidant, catechin. When taken in adequate amounts per day, green tea can boost liver health which is detectible through blood markers. However, avoid green tea extract because they can have a counterproductive effect on liver health.

Ammonia is toxic to the body and needs to be excreted. Walnut has a rich deposit of arginine, an amino acid that helps in the removal of ammonia from the body. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids too.

The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. Turmeric contains antioxidant which helps to repair liver cells as well as enzymes that help in the excretion of toxins. It can also boost bile production.

How CoQ10 can help the liver

CoQ10 is known to lower oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver which is of immense benefit to patients with liver disease. Also, a 2015 study showed that the daily consumption of 100 mg of CoQ10 led to a significant decrease in the liver enzyme aspartate aminotransferase [AST] as well as other enzymes produced during high liver stress.

Conclusion

Liver cleansing should be a routine. You should make it a habit to take care of your body from the inside out. A good and long-lasting detox should be matched by positive lifestyle changes.

[healthyyouandme]

When to Know it's Time to Use Blue Light Glasses

Work Outside, Play OnlineTime Under Artificial Light and in Front Of Screens

You may have heard about blue light, but how can you tell whether blue light is a serious problem in your life? Here are some of the ways that blue light might affect your life and how to know whether it might be time to invest in blue light glasses. 

Where Does Blue Light Come From?

Blue light is a natural part of the color spectrum in sunlight. Blue light is found at the end of the spectrum, next to the invisible and potentially dangerous UV rays. 

Blue light is also found in artificial lights, especially those that imitate daylight or have a cool tone. Finally, blue light is present in all kinds of screens, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones. 

Who is Affected by Blue Light?

Everyone is affected by blue light in one way or another. However, some people experience more blue light than others. Here are some people who may be more likely to experience excess blue light. 

If you work outside under the hot sun and then enjoy evenings in front of a screen, you are exposing yourself to very high amounts of blue light. Sunlight is full of blue light, that's why the sky looks blue on a sunny day. 

By exposing yourself to so much blue light during the day and then looking at a screen in the evenings, you greatly extend the overall time you spend exposed to blue light. 

If you work long days under bright fluorescent lights and in front of your computer screen, you are getting double the blue light from the artificial lights and the computer. 

Glued to your device. If you spend eight hours or more a day glued to a screen, whether it is at work, school, or leisure time, and whether the screen is a laptop, smartphone, or tablet, you are exposing yourself to large amounts of blue light. 

What are the Effects of Too Much Blue Light?

If you are exposed to too much blue light, you can expect to suffer some negative effects. A little bit of blue light makes you feel awake and even upbeat. However, too much can cause problems. 

Insomnia. Excessive blue light interferes with your circadian rhythm, which can make sleep difficult. You'll probably notice difficulty sleeping, especially when you've been on your device until late. 

Strained eyes. Blue light makes you strain your eyes to see and focus, which stresses them overtime. Chronically strained eyes may even be more prone to cataracts. 

Headaches and migraines. Blue light can trigger migraines in people who are sensitive to light. In everybody, strained eyes due to blue light can cause headaches. 

Blurry vision. Blue light makes it harder to focus and damages the eyes, which results in blurred vision, especially after extended screen time. 

Difficulty focusing. You may find that you can't focus on a screen for as long as you can focus on something that isn't a screen. This may be because your body is convincing your brain to give your eyes a break. 

What to do About Blue Light

If you decide that you have too much blue light in your daily routine, you'll be glad to know that there are very useful things that you can do about it. 

Blue light glasses. Blue reading glasses block blue rays, protecting your eyes from their harmful effects. These glasses are the best solution if you need to use screens regularly. 

Sunglasses. Wear UV blocking sunglasses in bright sunlight to protect your eyes from UV and blue light.

Help Your Eyes

Your eyes may be suffering from the consequences of blue light, but by using the appropriate glasses, you can block blue light and its harmful effects. 

[healthyyouandme]

How to Find the Right Vitamins

We live in such an exciting time today because the world is starting to shift into a much healthier direction. Gone are the days of grabbing just any old product from the shelf - today, we have options. 

In the past, if you wanted to take a multivitamin, your options were limited. You could either try to get those nutrients through diet or take a general multivitamin supplement. Getting the proper nutrients needed through diet can be pretty tough so many people tend to reach for supplementation. However, the problem with supplementation is that most multivitamins on the market are not unique to the individual. Everyone is different and there shouldn't be a one-size-fits-all vitamin solution for those looking to supplement. For example, men do not need as much iron as women because they simply do not menstruate each month. Men and women both have different physiologies, hormones, and metabolisms which means their daily nutrient requirements are slightly different. 

The good news is that times have changed and personalized vitamins are beginning to emerge. In fact, one of the best ways to fuel your body with the nutrients it needs to function at its best is to simply get a vitamin subscription that is personalized to your specific and unique needs. 

If you are trying to figure out how to find the right vitamins for you and your lifestyle, then keep reading - we’ve got you covered!

Vitamins for Women

The best nutrients come from healthy whole foods. However, women these days seem to be busier than ever working full-time jobs and attending teacher-parent conferences on the daily.

Needless to say, getting the proper nutrients needed through diet alone can be quite the challenge. When looking for a multivitamin, women should select one that offers adequate amounts of folate or folic acid, vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron and calcium. 

Optimal nutrition is important. If you are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant, vitamins are key to helping your baby thrive while in the womb. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that all pregnant women should take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily. This super vitamin aids in development and helps to prevent certain neural birth defects making it an exceptional choice for those capable of becoming pregnant. 

Vitamins for Men

Just like women, men are constantly on the go. A man who doesn’t eat a balanced diet could benefit greatly from a multivitamin supplement. Men are different from women and have specific nutrient needs, too. An ideal multivitamin supplement for men should contain vitamin E to support prostate health along with the antioxidant vitamins A, C and E to support heart health.

It is important that men also take into account nutrients needed to support healthy bones. Like women, as men age, their bone density starts to decrease which can leave them susceptible to breaks and falls. Calcium and vitamin D are exceptional choices to help keep bones strong. 

Vitamins for Seniors

As you age, your metabolism begins to slow down. That is why vitamins for older adults tend to vary slightly. Seniors should reach for nutrients like calcium and vitamin D to help maintain strong bones. B12 is also a great choice because it is essential to energy and many metabolic functions. Older people should also make sure they are taking potassium because it may help reduce the risk of high blood pressure. 

It doesn't matter if you are male or female, pregnant or a senior - everybody needs vitamins. Finding the right supplements to support your healthy lifestyle can be tough but vitamin subscriptions can help!

[healthyyouandme]

Should Women Cleanse Their Vagina

Feminine hygiene isn’t something that’s openly discussed. That means that there’s a whole lot of misconceptions and misinformation out there about how we should treat our vaginas. This definitely isn’t a good thing because the vagina is an extremely important part of a woman’s body – and this isn’t something that should be avoided or shamed but should be embraced and celebrated! Thankfully, we are here to tell you everything you’ve been asking about feminine hygiene and cleansing the vagina.

 Why Should Women Cleanse Their Vagina?

Odds are that you’ve heard both sides of the cleansing debate. Some people choose not to cleanse their vagina because they feel like it cleanses itself. However, everyone is different and may deal with different struggles when it comes to feminine hygiene. This is why many women do choose to cleanse their vagina. They might struggle with discomfort, dryness, itching, discharge, or odor. All of these issues can really affect your self-esteem and confidence. That’s why it’s so important to do what’s best for you. So if you feel like your body and mind would benefit from vaginal cleansing, then there are several ways for you to do this properly.

 How Can Women Cleanse Their Vagina?

There are several different ways that you can cleanse your vagina ranging from simple and external to deep and internal. The method that you choose is entirely up to you, what your concerns are, and what you’re personally comfortable with. Here are some of the different methods you can choose to cleanse your vagina:

·  Simple soap and water. One of the easiest ways to cleanse your vagina is to simply use warm water and gentle soap. Make sure to use an unscented soap that is free of harsh chemicals to keep your pH balance in check.

·  Feminine washes. Feminine washes are similar to soaps or body wash but they have been specifically formulated to be used in a woman’s intimate area. This is a great product to keep in the shower and use on a daily basis alongside your other shower products like shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.

·  Yoni pearls. Yoni pearls are small cloth-covered balls of herbs with medicinal properties that are inserted into the vagina. Yoni pearls cleanse the entire area and act as a detox to remove things like bacteria, chemicals, and toxins.

·  Vaginal steaming. Vaginal steaming is a cleansing method that combines herbs with steam to cleanse the vagina. You can either DIY this at home or go to a spa that offers this service.

·  Vaginal oil. Vaginal oil is a great way to clean the exterior vulva. However, it doesn’t just clean but it also soothes and moisturizes any irritation while leaving you with a fresh smell. 

 What Products Can be Used to Cleanse the Vagina?

Now that we have talked about some of the methods of cleansing the vagina, we need to talk about some of the feminine hygiene products that you can use to do this. As you probably know, there’s no shortage of products out there that are marketed to women for this purpose. However, some of these products aren’t what they seem and might contain harmful and harsh chemicals that aren’t well-suited for an area as sensitive as the vagina. That’s why it’s so important to purchase all-natural products that are gentle and specifically formulated for the vagina’s unique chemical composition.

 The choice to cleanse your vagina is a personal one. The method and products that you use to cleanse are also personal. At the end of the day, you need to make choices that make you feel more comfortable and confident in your body and cleansing with feminine hygiene products is a way to do that!

[healthyyouandme]

These are the Best Features All Glucose Meters Should Include

Are you in the market for a new glucose meter in your life? Not to worry! We know that shopping for new items is not always the easiest. Since this helpful tool is meant to test the glucose levels, we understand how vital it is to have the right one in your life.

 When selecting a glucose meter, you should think of it like trying on shoes. Some just won’t feel right until you find the perfect one. Think of these handy items as your daily “life-saving” sidekick. They’re especially important, so each feature should only be present if it aids your cause and makes your life easier.

 Let’s take a look at some of the following features that make up the best blood glucose meter on the market. One of these key features just might be the deal breaker that leads you straight to your perfect meter match. 

 Daily Testing Reminders

 Life happens, and we understand. Sometimes in all of the craziness that may be thrown your way, there might be a skipped test every once in a while. While it may not mean the end of the world, it does put your health at risk. Solution? Simply grab a meter that reminds you when to take your next test. This simple feature can make all the difference. 

 Results Within Seconds

 Waiting for any result can drive anxiety levels through the roof. But by purchasing a meter that delivers results within seconds, you guarantee that your blood sample is being analyzed quickly for the most accurate results. A quick test will also help in situations where your glucose levels are not where they should be, and further action is needed to help stabilize your levels without delay.

 Alternate Site Testing

 When someone has to use the meter on themselves multiple times per day, it can be difficult to have the same test conducted in the same area. Alternate site testing allows for glucose levels to be read from any part of the body which may include the upper forearm, abdomen, calf, or even thigh. This especially helps if one area of the body may be more tender on any given day.

 Test History Storage

 Not all test results are the constant or predictable. Because of this, it’s helpful to have the ability to look back on the different readings for comparison. This also helps when reporting results to a medical professional who may need to help you with a relating health condition. This may help determine if a better course of action is available, or the results could be used to diagnose a different condition.

 Downloadable Data

 Downloading data is a great feature. If your test results need to be stored and consistently monitored, then it helps to be able to conveniently store them together for future reference, such as on a laptop. Some of the best blood glucose meters are even USB compatible, making them super user friendly.

 Daily Averages

 To better see how the differing tests are trending over the span of a few days, weeks, or even months, then pick up a glucose meter that calculates the averages of your daily results. If your daily results are not hitting the appropriate marks, then this data can back up claims needed to initiate switching up daily activities in order to establish more stable glucose levels.

 Readable Displays

 Sometimes, all it takes to love your glucose meter is being able to actually read the meter. Readable displays equipped with large text will help anyone determine their results without struggling to actually read the numbers.

 It’s important to make sure your glucose meter has all the key features and capabilities that you deem important in your daily monitoring. Because sometimes, it’s the simplest design features that truly make the biggest difference.

 Do you have a favorite feature?

Let us know what your must-have addition to the perfect glucose meter is!

[healthyyouandme]

4 Alarming Signs of Cancer

While cancer is a mainstream problem that the world had dealt with for many years, research in the medical world has paved the way for people to detect cancer earlier.

Even though there currently aren’t any cures for cancer, there is a set collection of signs to be aware of that will help people catch their cancer sooner—meaning they have a higher chance of recovery and survival.

In fact, one of the most recommended ways to combat cancer right now is by signing yourself up to get regular screenings with doctors to test for cancer, even if you don’t have a reason to believe you actually have it. This is because if doctors are able to catch it earlier, the higher the likelihood is that the treatment options will be successful.

To help raise your chances of catching cancer early on, take note of these four alarming signs that you might have cancer.

1. You are losing weight uncontrollably

Sure, people lose weight on their own accord due to going on specific diets or changing their exercise routine. But it is not normal to lose weight without trying. For instance, you should not magically just lose ten or twenty pounds out of the blue. In addition to losing weight, you will likely be feeling an irregular level of fatigue for no particular reason. These two go hand in hand as you are likely losing weight and feeling tired because the cancer is stealing all of your body’s important nutrients you need to remain healthy. This is a very alarming sign that you should take seriously and consult your doctor as soon as possible.

2.     You have constant fever and pain

While it is normal to occasionally get a fever or experience a tolerable level of pain, it is not normal for your body to be consistently experiencing this. Often, a fever will occur nightly and will send your body into extreme sweat. Or, your body can be experiencing pain that doesn’t have an explained direct cause. More times than not, this pain is the actual tumor in your body that is wreaking havoc. If either of these becomes consistent, go get tested as soon as you can.

3.     Your skin is being weird

Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer and is an organ in your body that should not be neglected. While it is normal to develop moles or get scars on your skin, it is not normal to have abnormally shaped moles or get scabs that never heal. This is an important warning sign that your skin might be dealing with cancer. Even if it seems small at the time, do not delay in getting a medical professional to examine this area of your skin.

4.     Your family has a history of cancer

While researchers do not know all the reasons as to why yet, family history of cancer is an alarming sign that you too might get cancer. Even if you do not feel like you have any symptoms, if someone else in your family has experienced cancer, you should always prioritize getting routine check-ups. It gives you the best chance of recovery if you are able to detect the cancer early on and will make the process a whole lot easier, as treatments are more likely to work for you.

It is important to note that these four alarming signs of cancer are not the only ones! Each type of cancer comes with its own set of symptoms and signs. However, these four are the most consistent across the hundreds of cancers people can get and something that is important to be aware of. 

[healthyyouandme]

Do Anti-Inflammatory Pills Work?

Inflammation can be a really frustrating issue. This is especially true if you suffer from chronic inflammation that never seems to go away. If you feel like you’ve tried everything with little to no relief, you might think that you’re doomed to live your life in pain and discomfort. The good news is that there are some things that you can try, like anti-inflammatory pills, to help decrease your inflammation and give you your life back. So here’s everything you need to know about anti-inflammatory pills and what they can do for you:

 What Is Inflammation?

While we might see inflammation as a bad thing, it’s actually a totally normal bodily response. This response gets triggered because of potential threats like disease and injury. When our body detects a potential area of concern, tons of white blood cells are dispatched to the affected area to help fight off the invaders or heal the injury. When this happens, the area becomes inflamed and might turn red or get swollen.

 What Causes Inflammation?

Even though we have already established some of the potential causes of inflammation like disease pathogens or an injury, there are other important things that you need to know about the causes of inflammation. As previously stated, inflammation can be a totally normal bodily response when it’s a result of physical trauma or disease. This type of inflammation typically only lasts for a few days at the most since your body is able to treat it and heal it. However, there are other causes of inflammation that can be cause for concern.

 Sometimes, our body is unable to distinguish between itself and foreign substances. In these cases, the body can mistake healthy areas for diseased areas and try to fight it off using inflammation. Over a long period of time, this can cause chronic inflammation since your body is constantly working to fight off this perceived threat to no avail. This can create major stress on the body and lead to things like tissue death, scarring, and long-term pain. We see chronic inflammation as a result of things like asthma, arthritis, and allergies.

 How to Treat Inflammation?

There are a variety of different ways to treat inflammation but it’s important to know beforehand what’s causing it so that you can treat the actual cause rather than just the symptoms. For inflammation as a result of the common cold or the seasonal flu, your body is doing its job so it’s best to just treat the symptoms with something like an NSAID such as ibuprofen or aspirin. However, if you are experiencing chronic inflammation as a result of something more serious like an autoimmune disease, taking these types of medications (or stronger ones) over a long period of time might not be the most ideal solution. The good news is that there are more natural and healthier solutions that can help you treat both temporary and chronic inflammation. All-natural anti-inflammatory pills might include ingredients like CBD, turmeric, zinc, green tea, or frankincense.

 Do Anti-Inflammatory Pills Work?

While a lot of people seem to assume that all-natural means less effective, that’s definitely not the case. There are tons of natural remedies for inflammation that are just as effective as traditional medications. In combination with an anti-inflammatory diet, this can be a great solution for those who are wary of long-term medication usage.

 Whether you are experiencing inflammation as a result of an injury or have been dealing with it for years because of arthritis, there are things you can do to treat it. Anti-inflammatory pills with natural and beneficial ingredients can be a great alternative to strong and potentially damaging medications.

[healthyyouandme]

5 Most Delicious Recipes That Include Bone Broth

1. Add Bone Broth to Soups2. Prepare Delicious Gravy with Bone Broth3. Prepare Stews Using Bone Broth4. Bone Broth Smoothies5. Mashed Potato with Bone Broth

Bone broth can be consumed as it is or included in a wide range of tasty recipes. Drinking bone broth doesn’t have to become a boring task. You can use it in a number of ways to reap all its health benefits while also enjoying delicious meals.

The following recipe ideas will help you consume more bone broth and include this nutrient-dense superfood in your daily diet.

This is the most obvious way in which you can use bone broth in the kitchen but it is worth mentioning anyway. There are plenty of soups that require either stock cubes or already-prepared stock. Go ahead and upgrade those soup recipes and transform them into nutritious dishes by adding bone broth.

For a very healthy option, you could try a soup recipe that’s made with turmeric, zucchini, and bone broth made of chicken or beef. This is a paleo and gluten-free recipe. Due to this recipe, drinking bone broth will be taken to the next level.

For this healing and nutritious soup recipe, you will need the following ingredients: olive oil, sea salt, onion, garlic, zucchini, curry and turmeric powder, bone broth, pepper, lime juice, and coriander or cilantro.

The preparation and cooking time won’t last longer than 20 minutes. This is a recipe inspired by Thai cuisine.

You can take the classic Thanksgiving gravy and make it a lot healthier by adding bone broth. It only takes 5 minutes to cook it and the final product will be rich in collagen which is beneficial for your gut. Also, it will taste delicious.

For this recipe, you will need butter, bone broth, white rice flour, pepper, sea salt, and dried thyme. First, you must melt the butter in a pan. Then, you must add the flour while stirring it. Add the bone broth to the mixture and season the entire thing with pepper, salt, and thyme.

Traditionally, stews are full of nutrients due to all the veggies that go into their recipes. Adding bone broth will only make them even healthier. Based on your preferences, you can either cook plant-based stews or dishes that also contain meat.

A great bone broth stew should consist of grass-fed beef, mushrooms, celery, garlic, onions, carrots, and sweet potatoes. Obviously, you will need to season everything to your taste with your desired spices.

Another yummy alternative is the Spanish version of the stew that contains chorizo and veggies. You will need 10 minutes to prepare it and 30 minutes to cook it.

Most people don’t associate broth with smoothies but it is a very healthy snack or meal replacement. You can achieve a great protein boost without sacrificing taste. In just 5 minutes, you will be able to enjoy a delicious smoothie made with bananas, cocoa powder, bone broth, carob powder, raw cashews, coconut milk, instant coffee, protein powder, and raw honey.

This also works as a tasty and decadent sweet treat or dessert.

Sometimes, drinking bone broth isn’t enough and you feel the need for a change. Mashed potatoes are one of the favorite comfort foods of many people and adding bone broth only makes it more delicious. To achieve a nutritious and tasty dinner you can also add grass-fed beef along with some fresh vegetables.

Besides potatoes, you can also mash other veggies such as cauliflower. Regardless of the ingredients you choose to mash, mixing them with some bone broth will give you a whole new taste experience.

Conclusion

All the ideas presented above are excellent recipes that include bone broth. As you can see, this product is quite versatile and can be used in many ways when you’re cooking some of your favorite dishes. In some cases, you can even use broth instead of water when you’re making rice, lentils, or any other type of grains.