Friday, January 31, 2020

Life Hacks to Improve Your Immunity Almost Immediately (Evidence Based)

Our immune system is essentially our own personal inner-military. A weak military can’t defend itself or attack its enemies very well, rendering it a doomed excuse for protection.

When your immune system is weak, your body is left vulnerable to viruses, allergies, and all the other enemies lurking all around you.

There are plenty of grueling ways you can slowly change your lifestyle to work on this – or you could try these 10 quick life hacks to improve your immunity almost immediately.

Simple Ways to Boost Your Immune System Based on Medical Studies


1. Get Enough Sleep
A sleep deprivation can have surprisingly devastating results on the production of antibodies (your body’s infantry).

It turns out that a good majority of people in a tech-saturated culture are cutting sleep breaks too short. Organize your schedule and get into a routine that fits between seven to nine hours per day.

If a hectic schedule doesn’t permit this, try finding time within the day for a few power naps. To get a better sleep, you can try these herbs, foods or natural substance.


2. Eat a Healthy Diet

Do sleep and diet sound obvious? Because these are essential aspects of living, but many people overlook importance for convenience. The abundance of sugars packed into sugary soft-drinks and processed sweets has a dulling effect on the way your immune system cells function.

If you haven’t already, get your body used to vegetables and fruits of all shapes and colors. They provide vitamins that are essential to a smooth running immune system.


3. Exercise Regularly

A regular exercise routine does much more than shape your body, it fortifies the immune system with proper blood circulation and better sleep.

It shouldn’t take long for your immunity to make clear improvements. While you’re exercising, remember to keep yourself hydrated before, during and after exercising.

This will help flush out toxins and transport the minerals and vitamins from a healthy diet. Also remain wary of the germ loaded bars, grips and machines in public gyms.


4. Proper Hygiene Habits

Sometimes the smallest lack of care concerning hygiene can make your body vulnerable from light to devastating health issues. Stick to the basics, such as:
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    Wash your hands a few times a day, especially after the bathroom
    Take regular showers
    Don’t share drinks directly with others often
    Maintain food hygiene and prepare food safely

Think of the things that make you vulnerable to germs and disease and do your best to avoid them.


5. Manage Stress Levels
Harvard Health publication mentions that stress of any kind can have negative effects on your immune levels.

Both social and physical stress that you experience delays the production of antibodies.

The sad thing is that stress can be, and often is, an unavoidable factor in many people’s lives.

The best you can do for your body is find ways to alleviate the stress, like with meditation, yoga, exercise, and new hobbies. It’s no coincidence that many people that live great past their prime are level headed.

6. Don’t Smoke

According to the medical studies, smoking presents a whole lot of harm to your body in several ways:

    It suppresses your immune system weaker and slows the defense of antibodies when you are exposed to outer threats.
    The clouds of carcinogens billowing down the esophagus rips up soft tissues, leaving you more vulnerable to an infection.
    It may be a difficult addiction to quit, but many former smokers will attest that they feel healthier than ever.

Smoking is also one of the habits to stop right now if you want to be healthy as mentioned in my previous article about the 10 habits to stop right now if you want to be healthy.


7. Step Out of Isolation and Have a Positive Attitude

Social anxiety can lead some people to isolating themselves at every given chance from the world around them. Though the exact causes for it haven’t been pinpointed, there are several studies that can back the effectiveness of a healthy social life on the immune system.

Get out and form friendships with new people, step out of isolation, and watch your immunity remain strong.

There are studies that mention the positive effect of the sense of humor on the immune system.

Both positive attitude and maintaining social relationship with family and friends are featured in my e-book 70 Powerful Habits For A Great Health which will guide you how to take positive steps to improve your wellness and overall health.


8. Get Your Vitamin D

Studies show that without a healthy dose of vitamin D3, the body is much more vulnerable to autoimmunity and infections.

People fail to realize their vitamin intake and fall sick despite an otherwise healthy diet. You can find more information on how to increase your vitamin D levels in my previous article about the common diseases caused by vitamin D deficiency.


9. Balance Your Alcohol


When somebody consumes an excessive amount of alcohol they often don’t consider the damage they are putting their body through.

In large amounts it restricts the dispatch of immune defenses and leaves the body susceptible to harm.

If you’re old enough to drink you shouldn’t completely avoid it in fear of your health: according to the British Journal of Nutrition, a moderate amount of alcohol can actually benefit the immune system.


10. Consider Taking Probiotics

Many people associate bacteria with a potential to degrade health. Probiotics are a healthy type of bacteria that help the digestive system, immune repair, and immune defense. They keep the bad bacteria from proliferating and ensure a healthier lifestyle.

According to medical studies, foods like yogurt, miso, apple cider vinegar and kefir have good probiotics that can boost your health. But you can also purchase a high dose probiotic supplement that will give your body an ample dose of good bacteria.

You can find more benefits of taking probiotics in my previous article about why probiotics are so good for you.

Building your internal army isn’t very difficult. Once you’ve picked up on the right habits, your body will settle into a groove that is difficult to lose. Consider these immunity hacks for a happier and healthier life.


This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     
https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement
 

source- healthyandnaturalworld

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Monday, September 30, 2019

Being Socially Active Linked to Lower Dementia Risk

People who are socially engaged are exercising cognitive skills such as memory and language, which may help them to develop cognitive reserve - while it may not stop their brains from changing, cognitive reserve could help people cope better with the effects of age and delay any symptoms of dementia," said senior author. 

The research,  used data from the "Whitehall II" study, tracking 10,228 participants who had been asked on six occasions between 1985 and 2013 about their frequency of social contact with friends and relatives. 

The same participants also completed cognitive testing from 1997 onwards, and researchers referred to the study participants' electronic health records up until 2017 to see if they were ever diagnosed with dementia. 

For the analysis, the research team focused on the relationships between social contact at age 50, 60 and 70, and subsequent incidence of dementia, and whether social contact was linked to cognitive decline, after accounting for other factors such as education, employment, marital status and socioeconomic status. 

The researchers found that increased social contact at age 60 is associated with a significantly lower risk of developing dementia later in life. 

The analysis showed that someone who saw friends almost daily at age 60 was 12 per cent less likely to develop dementia than someone who only saw one or two friends every few months. 

They found similarly strong associations between social contact at ages 50 and 70 and subsequent dementia. 

"Spending more time with friends could also be good for mental well-being, and may correlate with being physically active, both of which can also reduce the risk of developing dementia," he added.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                    PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/                                                                                                                                                FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                  https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/                                                                      FOR CROCHET DESIGNS                                                                                                    

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Saturday, March 30, 2019

15 Things Neurologists Do to Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease has no cure, but ongoing research shows promise for reducing the risk and delaying the onset of this neurodegenerative disorder.

Understand Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of dementia, accounting for approximately 80 percent of dementia cases and affecting more than 5.5 million people in the United States. But all dementia is not Alzheimer’s, says  a neurologist. Dementia is a general term used to describe a set of symptoms that may include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving, or language. Alzheimer’s is a physical disease that targets the brain, causing problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. It is also age-related (symptoms usually start at age 65) and progressive as symptoms usually develop slowly and worsen over time. Research shows that plaques and tangles, two proteins that build up and block connections between nerve cells and eventually damage and kill nerve cells in the brain, cause the symptoms of the disease.

Get a baseline brain scan

Neuroimaging, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT), is one of the most promising areas of research for the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer's Association. “The idea is to start prevention early,” says a neurologist. “We get routine colonoscopies in our fifties, but the risk of colon cancer is less than the risk for dementia.” Structural imaging can reveal tumors, evidence of strokes, damage from severe head trauma, or a buildup of fluid in the brain. “A baseline brain MRI can reveal the evidence of mini-strokes that you may have had without knowing,” says the Dr.

Get enough sleep

When you toss and turn all night, levels of brain-damaging proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid can rise:One study suggests that those with chronic sleep problems during middle age may increase their risk of Alzheimer’s later in life. “You have to commit to the importance of sleep,” says the Dr.  “I prioritize sleep as one of the most important activities I do—I will leave a party early in order to get a good night’s sleep.”

Stay socially active

Say yes to those social invitations! Studies reveal that people with a large social network are at lower risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia. “There is something intrinsically valuable about social engagement,” says a Dr. “It makes sense that those who are more engaged, especially socially, will think more positively and have a better outlook on life.”

Keep learning

People with advanced degrees have a lower risk Alzheimer’s. Education seems to build a “cognitive reserve,” which enables the brain to better resist neurological damage. “Higher education has a powerful effect,” says the Dr. It’s never too late—check out the continuing education courses offered near you.

Be bilingual

Speaking more than one language can protect against Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, according to research. While no one is sure why a second language helps so much, the Dr. theorizes that the effort to communicate bilingually is like a workout for the brain, helping preserve gray matter and neurons.

Do it yourself

Challenging your brain in new ways can enhance memory as you age. Dr. has her own take on this: “If there is a problem with the phone or the plumbing, I will try to fix it,” she says. “If I try to figure out how to fix this on my own, it is good for my brain.” Right now she’s designing and building a window seat. “It is a way to keep different parts of my brain thriving.”

Stay active

Exercise crucial to your wellness and your brain. In research, people who exercise regularly can slow cognitive decline  by as much as 38 percent. According to the Alzheimer's Society, the combined results of 11 studies indicate that regular exercise can reduce the risk of developing dementia by about 30 percent; it drops the risk of Alzheimer’s by 45 percent. “When you are physically active, you burn more calories and you’re less likely to be obese,” explains the Dr. “You’ll have better cardiovascular health because you are pushing your heart rate.”

Try turmeric

Turmeric contains curcumin, a chemical that has been shown to help with inflammation. Used to treat a variety of ailments and conditions such as osteoarthritis and high cholesterol, turmeric has also shown promise as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Dr.  notes that the research is preliminary, but it suggests that curcumin can help keep the nerve cells functioning and healthy. “You want to keep as many nerve cells functioning with as many connections as possible,” he says.

Take care of your heart

“What is good for the heart is good for the brain,” says the Dr. Conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, which increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, may also increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s, and a new study shows that middle-aged people with risk factors for heart attacks and stroke are also more likely to develop changes in the brain that can lead to the disease. “Anything that keeps the heart healthy is directly related to brain health,” the Dr. says.

Lower your stress levels

Persistent stress can take a toll on the brain, and research indicates that chronic stress can accelerate Alzheimer’s disease. When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol, a hormone linked to memory trouble. In addition, researchers have found that stress can lead to conditions such as depression and anxiety—which also ups the risk for dementia. “Eliminating stress helps reduce the amount of cortisol and optimizes glucose utilization, which your brain needs for food,” says the Dr.

Try the MIND diet

A combination of the Mediterranean diet and the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, the MIND diet is designed specifically for brain health. (MIND is short for Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay.) The diet is pretty pleasant: You eat at least three servings of whole grains a day, two portions of vegetables (one of which must be a leafy green), snack on nuts, eat lean proteins like chicken and fish, berries, and have a glass of wine a day. According to research, those who adhered to the diet rigorously were able to lower their risk of cognitive decline later in life. You can’t trust all diets, warns Dr., but he likes this approach: “I tell my patients that if you follow a reasonable diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetable that balances different food groups, and avoid obesity, you will be OK.”

Get your snoring checked out

Another way to wreck your sleep without realizing it is with sleep apnea. According to the National Institutes of Health, sleep apnea occurs when a person’s upper airway becomes blocked repeatedly during sleep, reducing or completely stopping airflow. Many factors—from obesity to large tonsils to neuromuscular disorders—can cause sleep apnea. If left untreated, sleep apnea not only prevents restful sleep, but it can increase the risk of developing certain health conditions. “If left untreated, sleep apnea has significant cardiovascular consequences and consequences of mental function,” says  the Dr.  Recent research also links sleep apnea to the accumulation of biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease. Treatment may save your brain, not to mention your life.

Protect your head

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there is a strong link between serious head trauma and developing Alzheimer’s later in life, especially if the injury involves loss of consciousness. A review of research  suggests head injuries that require medical attention may increase the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Wear a helmet while cycling, make your home fall-proof, and always use a seat belt to help protect your noggin.

Have some tea and honey


Green tea has loads of health benefits: One study found that a compound in the beverage can disrupt the formation of toxic plaques that contribute to the Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, Acacia honey (a type of honey produced by bees who feed on Acacia flowers) is considered to be highly nutritional with strong antioxidant and immuno-modulatory potential, making it a potential candidate for both cancer prevention and as a therapeutic agent in the management of Alzheimer’s disease.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                    PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/                                                                                                                                                         FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                  https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/           

                   FOR CROCHET DESIGNS                                                                                                                                                                                                  https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com

 

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Monday, October 17, 2016

Prevent Alzheimer’s with a Healthy Lifestyle

While the medical world has urgently been seeking to cure Alzheimer’s disease with pharmaceuticals, studies in this field have discovered that prevention is also worth exploring. Researchers have found that everyday behaviors, which unlike genetics are within our control, can boost brain reserves and therefore help delay or even prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s or dementia.
 
1. Exercise regularly
 Research reveals that your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease can be reduced by 50% with regular exercise. Exercise also helps slow down deterioration when you have already begun developing cognitive problems.
Start small: Exercise can be overwhelming for those who don’t do it regularly. You can start by taking the stairs or walking when you are talking on your cell phone.
10 minutes, 5 times a week: This seems like a lot, but it can include activities that get your heart pumping, such as cleaning, gardening or doing laundry. You can also walk, try an aerobics class, or swim.
Protect your head: Trauma to the head increases your chances of developing cognitive issues. Sports such as football and boxing are more extreme examples, but even a fall from a bicycle can have an effect. Wear the correct headgear and fasten your seat belt in cars.
Balance and coordination: Similarly, you can help prevent future head injuries caused by falling, by including exercises that help you focus on balance and coordination. Yoga, Tai Chi, or any exercise using balance balls or discs can help keep you agile. 
2. Be well-rested
 Restful sleep on a regular basis helps your brain work best. Deep sleep is necessary for memory formation and retention. Sleep deprivation slows your thinking and has been shown to increase the chances of Alzheimer’s disease symptoms.
Regular sleep schedule: Our brain’s clock responds well to regularity. Make sure to go to sleep and wake up at a similar time each day to correspond with your natural circadian rhythms.
Smart napping: Napping can interfere with your regular sleep and make your insomnia worse. If you do nap, make sure it’s for no more than 30 minutes and do so in the early afternoon.  
Bedroom sanctity: Ban computers and televisions from the bedroom as these stimulants distract you from sleep.
Relaxing bedtime routine: Having pre-bedtime activities such as having a bath, light stretching, dimming the lights, praying, or writing in a journal can help signal your brain that it’s time for restorative sleep.
 3. Keep mentally stimulated
 People who are mentally active have been found to be more protected against developing Alzheimer’s and dementia. Any activities requiring communicating, interacting or organizing have proven tremendously helpful.
Learn a new skill: Learning a new skill helps make larger deposits in the brain reserves. Try studying a new language, learn to play an instrument, read, or take up a new hobby.
Memory exercises: Memorization builds your memory connections. Start with memorizing something small like capital cities or a rhyme, then progress to poems and mnemonics.
Brain games: Try riddles, crossword puzzles or strategy games. Play board or card games, word games like Scrabble or Boggle, or number puzzles like Sudoku. All of these help build your capacity to retain cognitive associations.
The 5 Ws: Keep your neurons firing by asking yourself ”Who, what, where, when and why?”. Follow this up by writing down your daily experiences.
Go off routine: Varying habits helps create new brain pathways. Take a new route, use your non-dominant hand, or rearrange a storage system in your home. 
4. Eat healthily
 A nutritious diet optimizes your brain’s performance. Changes to your diet can help keep you protected against brain deterioration.
Skip trans-fats and saturated fats: Choose lean meats, less processed foods, skim or fat-free dairy products, and reduce your intake of fried foods.
Adopt a Mediterranean diet: This diet, consisting of fish, nuts, whole grains, olive oil, fresh fruit and vegetables, with the occasional glass of wine or piece of dark chocolate, is good for your heart. A healthy heart helps lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Eat fish and avocado: Both are filled with omega-3, a good fatty acid, which researchers have discovered may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. 
Opt for 4-6 small meals: Eating more regularly helps maintain a consistent blood sugar level. 
Think rainbow: Eat an abundance of colorful fruits and vegetables to achieve a diet high in antioxidants and vitamins. Reduce the white shades of your diet too: Carbohydrates high in sugar or refined flour lead to higher glucose levels which can inflame your brain.
Drink tea: Green tea has been shown to be excellent for a focused memory and mental alertness which can slow the aging of the brain.
5. Maintain an active social life
 Research has found those with a socially active life are better protected against Alzheimer’s. Often as you get older, your support system shrinks and you’re unlikely to seek new relationships: 
  1. Call or email your friends. If you’re more tech-savvy, connect via social networks like Facebook.
  2. Make weekly dates to see your friends, and partake in a shared hobby, go for a walk together or chat over a cup of tea.
  3. Take group classes at a local college or gym.
  4. Get your partner or family members to try something new with you.
  5. Join social clubs or go to the local community or senior center.
  6. Get out of the house: volunteer, go to the park, visit museums or other public places.
    6. Limit Stress
    Stress can lead to the brain shrinking in the hippocampus, where memory is retained, and impede nerve cell growth, increasing your chances of Alzheimer’s or dementia.  
    Take a breath: when you’re feeling stressed your breathing rate changes, which can impact the brain’s oxygen levels. A good practice to lower a rapid heart beat is to focus on restorative breathing.
    Schedule daily relaxing activities: making sure to engage in enjoyable activities can help keep your stress levels low. These can be simple activities such as going outside for a walk, playing with a pet or attending a yoga class.
    Get some inner peace: studies have found that a strong mind-body connection makes for better brain health. Activities involving religious practices or reflection, prayer, and meditation help protect you from the damaging effects stress causes. 
     

    this is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.
    https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations
    https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes

    https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

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