Vicki's Blog
-
Mar 14, 2014
5 Ways to Naturally Improve Your Memory
A good memory is a sign of a healthy brain, as the strength of our memory depends partially on the health and vitality of our brain. If you tend to be as forgetful as me, don’t fret, read on for tips on how to naturally improve your memory. A Healthy Diet What’s good for the body is good for the brain too. Just as the body needs fuel, so does the brain. You probably already know that a diet based on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, “healthy” fats (such as olive oil, nuts, fish) and lean protein will provide lots...
-
Mar 03, 2014
6 Ways You are Hurting Your Metabolism
You may have inherited your parents slow metabolism, but you’re not stuck with it. Take control of your metabolism by reading about what you might be doing to slow it down. Cutting out caffeine: Sometimes caffeine gets a bad rap but it can actually give your calorie burn a slight boost. This doesn't mean that you should start knocking back the stuff like water but if you’re already drinking green tea or coffee most days, keeping it a part of your routine could help your metabolism run at top speed. Skimping on Sleep: People who are sleep-deprived on a regular basis tend to...
-
Feb 24, 2014
Medicines That Can Cause You to Gain Weight
You try your best to eat healthy and stay active, yet your pants seem a little tight and the arrow on the scale seems to have moved. Maybe your medication could be to blame. Check out this list of medications that may cause weight gain to see if something sitting in your cabinet could be the cause. Antidepressants The medications phenelzine (brand name Nardil), isocarboxazid (Marplan) and tranylcypromine (Parnate) Have been shown to cause weight gain. Amitriptyline, imipramine (Tofranil) and doxepin (Silenor, Prudoxin, Zonalon) tend to cause the most weight gain. Desipramine (Norpramin) and nortriptyline (Pamelor) may cause...
-
Feb 17, 2014
7 things you need to know about Omega-3 Fatty acids
It seems that we have been conditioned to believe that fat is the end all, be all when it comes to unhealthy eating. However, there is such a thing as good fat and Omega-3 Fatty Acids are the best kind there are. Fat is an essential source of energy and an important part of the human diet. Essential fatty acids help support the cardiovascular, reproductive, immune, and nervous systems. The human body requires omega-3 fatty acids for membrane structural integrity and fluidity, enabling cells to obtain optimum nutrition and expel waste products. It only get better, research shows that two...
-
Feb 10, 2014
How To Prevent Dementia
Dementia refers to a spectrum of symptoms affecting thinking and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily functioning.Although there is no sure fire way to prevent dementia, we do know that what’s good for the body is good for the brain. Below are steps that anyone can take to keep their brain healthy and prevent the onset of dementia and other similar diseases. Regular exercise: 30 minutes of physical activity five times a week is all it takes to keep you healthy. This doesn't mean you have to head out to the gym everyday, look for small ways...
-
Feb 03, 2014
Vitamin E May Slow Alzheimer's Decline
A capsule a day may keep dementia at bay, according to new research that suggests that a daily dose of vitamin E may help to slow functional decline for patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease and may help reduce the amount of care these patients need. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble compound and an antioxidant. Researchers don't know how vitamin E might help, but the vitamin is naturally found in many foods and beverages like red wine, grapes, some teas, eggs, fortified cereals, fruit, green leafy vegetables, meat, nuts, poultry and vegetable oils. It can also be taken as...
-
Jan 27, 2014
How to Stay Healthy During the Peak of Flu Season
In the United states, flu season typically starts in the fall and peaks between January and February. With the peak of this season quickly approaching, the reality is that the chance of coming in contact with cold and flu germs is very likely. Fortunately, there are some insider tips and know-how that can minimize this risk. The CDC (Center for Disease Control) recommends disinfecting the surfaces in your home as a precaution to catching the flu. It recommends buying products that are made to disinfect and kill germs, as opposed to just clean. not all cleaning products disinfect...
-
Jan 20, 2014
Green Tea and Your Body
When it comes to food, there is a lot more than meets the eye, or the taste buds. Food is an amazing part of our world. Besides the enjoyment we get from eating, there is its ability to help the body cope and heal. That’s where green tea comes in. Tea has a variety of health benefits and there seems to be a new one discovered everyday. Green tea contains a nutrient known as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). This workhouse of a nutrient does not rest once it enters the body making green tea one of the beverages you should start...
-
Jan 13, 2014
Bad Brushing Habits
Are you hurting or helping your teeth when you brush? Here are three common mistakes when it comes to brushing and how to avoid them. Not Brushing Long Enough: Brushing for at least two minutes and at least two times a day is the best way to ensure dental health. Not Changing Your Toothbrush: The American Dental Association recommends getting a new brush every three or four months, or even sooner if the bristles look frayed. Skipping Inner Tooth Surfaces: These are the surfaces that your tongue presses against. The plaque you can't see is just...
-
Jan 13, 2014
4 Benefits of Reusable Water Bottles
The benefits of having a reusable water bottle have been talked about for a long time. Besides helping to contribute to the green movement, reusable water bottles also contribute to your health. Especially if you carry more than tap water in your bottle. A Shaker bottle can be used for mixing up a number of nutritional beverages that can give you a health boost. They are the easiest way to mix and enjoy your favorite protein shake, weight loss supplements or even lemonade or baby formula for your little one. Below are the benefits of having...