Most people understand that while there are some health benefits to being in the sun, too much exposure can be dangerous. As an athlete, however, you might not realize just how much those risks can increase when you’re spending long hours in the hot sun, training, and working out every day. 

Let’s take a closer look at what athletes should know about sun exposure, and how you can protect yourself from common conditions and illnesses that could be exacerbated by the sun. 

Skin Cancer

While a little bit of sun exposure can give your skin a healthy glow, too much could put you at risk for serious skin conditions, including skin cancer. Studies have shown that even a single sunburn can increase your risk of skin cancer by damaging the genetic makeup in your skin cells and making it easier for them to be exposed to harmful UV rays. 

As an athlete, if you’re training outside almost every day, you’re at an even greater risk of getting burned or exposing yourself to those rays. You might not want to wear multiple layers to protect your skin, but there are other things you can do to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer, including: 

• Working out in shaded areas
• Wearing a hat that covers your face, head, and neck
• Using a broad spectrum sunscreen (with at least 15 SPF)

It’s also important to visit a doctor or dermatologist at least once a year for a skin check. These short exams can offer you peace of mind, and if your dermatologist sees anything concerning, they can get a biopsy done quickly so you can get ahead of any signs of cancer or other skin conditions.  

Dehydration

Prolonged physical activity can cause dehydration in anyone. Athletes who are spending a lot of time in hot temperatures can experience it quickly. Working out causes you to lose fluid at a rapid rate, and unless you’re replenishing it right away, you’re likely to experience some common symptoms of dehydration, including:

• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Extreme thirst

If you’re feeling thirsty, there’s a good chance you’re already dehydrated. If you’re done with your workout or practice, you can also tell if your body is dehydrated by the color of your urine. If it’s dark and cloudy, you need more fluids. 

Obviously, the easiest way to stay hydrated when you’re training outside is to drink as much water as possible. Before you train, eat healthy, hydrating meals with water-rich foods like melon, cucumber, and lettuce. 

During and after your workout, consider supplementing your water with electrolytes. While some sports drinks and juices contain a lot of sugar, you can find a few on the market that are healthy, hydrating, and will replenish your body with the vitamins and nutrients it’s losing from sweat. 

Heat Stroke/Heat Exhaustion

Anyone can experience heat stroke when they’re dealing with extreme temperatures and direct sun exposure. Athletes exercising or practicing outside are at even greater risk, thanks to the level of physical exertion in those temperatures. It’s important to be aware of the signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion, so you can help other members of your team while keeping yourself safe, too. Some of the most common signs of heat stroke include: 

• A high body temperature
• A fast pulse
• Hot, dry skin
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Dizziness

Heat exhaustion symptoms are slightly different. They include a weak pulse, heavy sweating, and cold, pale, clammy skin. Understanding what to look for can keep everyone you’re training with safe. If you or someone else is experiencing these symptoms, move to a cool place, hydrate quickly, and stop to rest. 

Speaking of resting, it’s incredibly important for your overall recovery. On days you don’t have to train, keep yourself cool and hydrate your body as much as possible. It’s okay to do some light exercising, especially if you can do something fun like going for a walk or a gentle run with your dog. Just remember, pets can overheat quickly too! Follow trail etiquette or park etiquette when you’re exercising with your four-legged friend, make sure to bring plenty of water along, and take frequent breaks. 

As an athlete, you know the importance of taking care of your body. You know how to stay in top physical condition. Make sure you aren’t ignoring how to keep yourself safe from sun exposure. Training and practicing outdoors can be fun, energizing, and motivating. However, it shouldn’t put your health and safety at risk. Keep these suggestions in mind to protect yourself from the sun and extreme temperatures, and you can keep focusing on boosting your performance. 

Author bio

Dan Matthews is a writer, content consultant, and conservationist. While Dan writes on a variety of topics, he loves to focus on feeling better both mentally and physically, and imparting health tips to others can help make the world a better place to reside. When Dan isn’t working on new content, you can find him with a coffee cup in one hand and searching for new music in the other.

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Most people tend to focus on their muscles when it comes to health; it is all about diet and exercise. However, the skin is the largest organ, and as such, it plays an important role in our health and wellbeing.

This is because your skin absorbs a lot of the chemicals and products that it encounters. Therefore, it is important that you take care of it. You need to know what you are putting on your skin, hence the rise of more ‘natural’ beauty products. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits.

What Does ‘Natural’ Mean In Terms Of Beauty Products?

For a product to be labelled as natural within the beauty industry, it has to adhere to the following guidelines. Firstly, it cannot contain any harmful chemicals or synthetic colours or fragrances. The ingredients should be natural; this means that they are grown sustainably and often fair trade too. These are the minimum requirements. 

The rest are advantageous but not necessary for the classification. They may be grown organically without pesticides. They may also be cruelty-free or vegan, and finally, the packaging may be recyclable. 

Natural Vs Artificial Fragrances

A lot of traditional products also have an artificial fragrance added to them. While these artificial fragrances are often stronger, they can also lead to skin irritation, sinus problems, and migraines. On the other hand, natural products are only scented by the ingredients within them. They are often more subtle, and because of this, they are better for those who have sensitive skin.

Natural products, in general, are less likely to cause adverse reactions unless the user is allergic to one of the ingredients.

Clearer Labels

The beauty industry is regulated, and they have guidelines to follow, such as labelling the ingredients on the products. However, it can be hard to read and understand the technical terms when it comes to traditional products. Natural products tend to have a smaller ingredient list, and the terms themselves are easier to understand. 

An Avoidance Of Traditional Chemicals

The synthetic chemicals traditionally found in beauty products aren’t necessarily good for you. Preservatives like parabens or even formaldehyde can actually be harmful because they can disrupt the production of different hormones within the body and cause imbalances; there are also links to respiratory conditions and neurotoxicity. 

In extreme cases, they can even cause cancer. Products with foam, like face and body washes, often contain sulphates, leading to skin irritation and producing carcinogenic by-products. Finally, the packaging itself can be toxic in some cases. Therefore, a lot of people have begun to make the switch to natural products in order to avoid the types of ingredients used in traditional products.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Kinder To The Skin

Skin irritation is incredibly common. Between chronic skin conditions, pollutants, and irritants, it is no surprise. The irritations themselves can take many forms, and they can be exacerbated by an exposure to the chemicals found in traditional beauty products. Switching to natural products can help. The ingredients are often of a higher standard, and they are simply gentler.

Take CBD oil as an example; it has natural anti-inflammatory properties which can alleviate a lot of the symptoms of skin conditions, from breakouts to rashes. Their antioxidant properties can also help protect the skin from issues returning. You can find CBD oil from experts such as The Good Level. You should work with experienced sellers such as this, so you know you’re getting quality. You apply CBD oil under your tongue, before swallowing, allowing it to start working inside of your body. Not only can CBD oil help your skin, but it can be great for a range of other health issues, including anxiety, stress and sleeplessness. 

Better For The Environment

Traditional beauty products are terrible for the environment, they are big polluters, and the manufacturing process is not sustainable. Sourcing the ingredients can damage the environment and destroy ecosystems. Traditional products are also often tested on animals to ensure that the synthetic chemicals are safe for human use. 

The methods used to source and manufacture natural products tend to be more sustainable, meaning that they produce less of an impact on the environment. As mentioned above, a lot of natural products are also labelled as cruelty-free and vegan, which means they don’t contain any animal by-products, and they haven’t been tested on animals either, further lessening their environmental impact.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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In the End

It should be clear that natural beauty represents a pivot for a cleaner, more sustainable future for the beauty industry. Committing to natural beauty products may be a little pricier, especially in the short term, but you should look at it as an investment into your health and the health of the planet too.

Thanks to a growing trend of ethical consumerism, the products are now more accessible than they have ever been before. Be sure to do your research to find a brand whose values align with your own.

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A stronger immune system confers several benefits, allowing you to fight off illnesses quicker and feel better on a regular basis. But how can you boost your immune system in a healthy and natural way?

The Immune System: an Overview

In case you aren’t familiar, your immune system is a complex bodily system designed to help your body detect foreign invaders (like bacteria, viruses, and parasites) and remove them before they cause you harm. If your immune system does its job well, you can fight off most illnesses before they begin to affect you. Boosting the immune system, then, should give your immune system more resources and more power with which to defend your body.

In reality, this is an oversimplification. The immune system relies on a great number of different cells and different response patterns, so describing it as a single entity rarely provides an accurate picture of what’s happening in your body. On top of that, “boosting” immune cells isn’t always a good thing; in fact, overly active immune cells can result in a multitude of other health problems.

That said, there are some simple habits you can use to make sure your immune system has everything it needs to function appropriately and keep you safe.

How to Strengthen Your Immune System

These are some of the best ways to support your immune system:

Use an immune system boosting supplement

First, consider using a natural immune system boosting product like Biocidin LSF. Biocidin LSF contains a mixture of different botanical compounds that support detoxification in the body and help balance your internal microbial environment. Other supplements, like echinacea, are also purported to provide immune-boosting benefits. Always do your research and talk to your doctor before taking any supplements for your health though.

Avoid smoking and drinking

As much as possible, avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. Excessive consumption of these substances can weaken your immune system and put you at risk of other health conditions, like heart disease and diabetes. You should work on quitting smoking as soon as possible, abandoning the habit entirely. As for drinking alcohol, you should limit it to occasional drinks and limited volume consumption.

Eat lots of fruits and vegetables

Try to eat a wide variety of different fruits and vegetables. To function properly, your immune system depends on a variety of different nutrients, including vitamins C and E. While it’s possible to supplement these vitamins and other nutrients your body needs, you shouldn’t have to worry about supplementations as long as you’re fitting enough fruits and vegetables into your daily diet. While you’re at it, cut down on junk food – it may not hurt your immune system directly, but less junk food is always a good thing for your health.

Move daily

Get some physical exercise every day, even if you’re just going for a brisk walk. The stimulation is good for your muscles and for your blood flow, and leads to a variety of different health benefits.

If your body is physically fit, and you’re able to maintain a healthy weight, you’ll have a much easier time fighting off infections.

Get plenty of sleep

If you don’t get enough sleep on a regular basis, your immune system could suffer the consequences. Lack of sleep is highly correlated with acquiring infectious illnesses. As long as you’re getting the recommended 7 to 9 hours every night, you’ll be in good shape to fight off the worst diseases. If you’re having trouble getting that amount of sleep, consider reprioritizing certain things in your life, reducing your caffeine intake, and avoiding digital screens right before bed.

Avoid infections

Exposure to microbes can help your immune system develop better defenses against similar microbes, but being exposed to a serious illness is going to put excessive strain on your immune system. Keep yourself safe by following better food preparation guidelines, washing your hands regularly, and keeping your distance from other people who are known to be sick.

Reduce stress

Did you know that stress can also weaken your immune system? If you’re chronically or excessively stressed, you could face a higher risk of getting sick. Make sure to reduce the stress in your life however you can, such as by reducing the number of hours you work or by finding stress management strategies.

Hopefully, your immune system is already doing a pretty good job of protecting you. If you follow these basic habits and strategies, and continue pursuing a healthy lifestyle overall, your immune system can become even stronger!

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Even if illnesses appear to be unavoidable at times, are there strategies to better prepare your body for an attack of invaders? Both yes and no. You won’t find a miracle immunity pill anywhere, but we’ll share some tips on how to naturally strengthen your immune system.

1. Eat more plant-based foods

Plant based foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes are high in nutrients and antioxidants, which may provide you with an advantage against deadly pathogens.

Antioxidants flourish in colourful fruits and vegetables. These nutrients protect your cells from free radicals, which are molecules that might harm them. Choose oranges, green peppers, kiwi, strawberries, carrots, watermelon, papaya, leafy greens and cantaloupe for variety. Cruciferous vegetables, in particular, cabbage, kale and broccoli, help maintain liver function, which is an important aspect of our body’s natural cleansing process.

2. Control stress

High-stress levels raise the hormone cortisol, which is often the most challenging to control. This hormone is required to regulate blood sugar levels and your endocrine system, but too much of it is harmful to your immune system. Excess cortisol can lead to weight gain, inflammation and other chronic problems. It also depletes your immune system by exhausting it.

Meditation, exercise, writing, yoga and other mindfulness activities can all help you manage your stress. Seeing a licensed counsellor or therapist, either remotely or in-person, may also be beneficial.

3. Immune-boosting teas

Tea has been a popular beverage for thousands of years, mostly because of its health benefits. The Camellia sinensis plant is the source of all tea forms. Polyphenols are micronutrients found in this plant that help enhance the immune system, promote heart health and decrease cholesterol. We all know the amazing health benefits of green tea. Matcha, a form of green tea, is becoming extremely popular. Matcha is high in fibre and polyphenols, which aid digestion.

Avoid teas with additional flavours or sweeteners and stick to natural kinds of tea. While matcha tea lattes may taste delicious, the health benefits may be lacking if they are high in dairy and sugar.

4. Stay hydrated

Although hydration may not always protect you from germs and viruses, it is crucial to avoid dehydration for your overall health. Dehydration can cause headaches and impair your physical performance, temperament, focus, digestion and heart and renal function. These problems can make you more vulnerable to illness.

Your body is primarily made up of water, and it is up to you to keep it hydrated. It’s not just vital to drink adequate water when you’re thirsty. In fact, feeling thirsty indicates that it is already too late and that your body is dehydrating.

5. Get adequate sleep

One of the most hazardous ways to weaken the immune system is not getting enough sleep. The issue is that your body repairs while you sleep, and if you don’t get enough sleep, your immune system will be working overtime.

While you sleep, your body creates cytokines, which help to control immunity and inflammation. When a cold or the flu strikes, certain cytokines are required to combat infection. The creation of these cytokines, as well as antibodies, can be reduced by irregular sleeping habits. Shoot for at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night.

Stick to a regular bedtime schedule, be active during the day, avoid coffee and alcohol, limit screen time, keep the bedroom cold and allow yourself time to relax at the end of the day to achieve better sleep.

6. Exercise regularly

Exercising is a simple approach to boost your defensive system’s performance. It can also help you relax and reduce your risk of osteoporosis, heart disease and certain cancers. If you exercise for approximately half an hour each day, you’ll get the benefits. It does not have to be extreme. Riding a bike, walking, doing yoga, swimming or even golfing can all assist.

Your muscles and body systems begin to get in shape as you exercise. Your immune system’s white blood cells don’t have to work as hard because they’re already functioning better, leaving them free to scout for infectious intruders.

7. Kick your unhealthy habits

Toxins are added to your body when you smoke, drink or use recreational drugs. Your body isn’t working as hard to eradicate viruses and bacteria when it’s trying to discharge those toxins. Your immune system is suppressed, focusing on removing the new invaders you’ve put into your body on purpose. While it’s doing that, it can’t be as alert about pathogens sneaking up on it.

Conclusion

You can enhance your immune system today by making a few lifestyle and dietary modifications. For example, reduce your sugar intake, remain hydrated, work out frequently, get enough sleep and manage your stress levels.

Immunity boosting for your family doesn’t have to be a chore; in fact, it can be delicious, relaxing, and enjoyable. Find about different exercises and sports, different healthy foods and the types of organic tea around the world, which you can enjoy when you need a break from green tea, amongst other things. Look for different exercises that you can do with family and friends to make it fun. Try different recipes each day to prevent healthy food from being monotonous.

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“This is a topic I absolutely love sharing with people, such simple adjustments that make a massive difference. I was on a hike and randomly heard someone shout ‘I DRINK WATER DIFFERENTLY BECAUSE OF YOU!!’..AND THAT PRETTY MUCH MADE MY DAY..hahaha! I hope this is useful and I would love love love to hear if it helps you in anyway”

Check out Raadhi’s simple tips to drinking water, the right way:

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Acupuncture is a popular traditional medicine wherein thin metal needles are inserted into exact locations on the body to unblock energy channels in an effort to improve mental and physical conditions. The locations where the needles are placed are picked based on a network of passages for energies called meridians. The Chinese have been using this method for a number of illnesses for thousands of years. Traditionally its effect is to balance the body’s yin and yang to achieve healing.

Western medicine has a different view of how acupuncture works. The framework works around the body’s nervous system and the needles activate the body’s response accordingly to the stimuli. Using needles, the body is signaled to release substances such as endorphins, immune system responses, neurohormones, and others. By releasing these chemicals, they are able to control how the body reacts to pain and promote overall physical and mental well-being. Research has also indicated acupuncture also influences other functions of the nervous system that affects blood pressure, temperature, and other things.

Please remember to always consult a qualified professional when seeking medical advice.

Here are some common conditions that could be alleviated with acupuncture:

1. Sinus Issues

Acupuncture has been known to relieve issues of the sinuses which may include symptoms like headache, dizziness, fever, allergies, and others. It’s still unclear to science how acupuncture works in relieving sinusitis but there are studies on how it helps with allergic rhinitis. 

Similar to other issues with the sinuses, it involves inflammation of the mucus membranes and other symptoms include congestion, runny nose, and headache. A 2014 study shows, through randomized controlled trials, that acupuncture actually helps with sinuses. A year later, a study with relatively small samples, shows that acupuncture may have an advantage over antihistamines in addressing sinus issues.

2. Gastrointestinal Disorders

Food and other things we take into our body may chemically and biologically have adverse effects on our gastrointestinal tracts. It may result in diarrhea, bloating, constipation, and other digestive discomforts. With so many factors that can cause all of these illnesses, acupuncture can help treat a wide array of gastrointestinal disorders. For example, Toni Bennalley, a medical professional and a licensed practitioner for acupuncture treatments in Peoria, AZ, believes in a holistic approach to alleviating many of the illnesses that plague our health. This comprehensive method of addressing the body, mind, and soul can provide a greater level of healing for the patients and the communities of Goodyear and Peoria, Arizona.

3. Mental Illnesses

Mental illnesses, particularly depression, are common among adults across different demographics. There is a widely accepted belief that acupuncture helps people suffering from certain mental distress such as depression and anxiety. A study was conducted with 477 subjects included in the meta-analysis. Although it didn’t give concrete results to acupuncture’s efficacy in treating mental anguish, it supported its effects in helping treat those who are suffering. It was seen that people with higher severity level in the Hamilton rating scale for depression (HAMD) or Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), showed promising results in reducing their effects consequently their severity rating.

4. Respiratory Distress

Respiratory issues can be debilitating or can progressively become so if not treated effectively. The lungs are responsible for loading our cells with oxygen which is delivered through our bloodstream. If we don’t get enough oxygen, it won’t be long before major organs start collapsing. Acupuncture can stimulate blood flow which helps in transporting oxygen into the rest of the body. It helps dilate airways, reduce inflammation, and improve immunity. It can also relax the muscles allowing the body to absorb oxygen efficiently without the need for invasive treatments and introducing heavy pharmaceuticals to the body.

5. Dental Problems

Dentistry also benefits from acupuncture to treat a range of diseases and facilitating dental treatments. This is particularly used for analgesia associated with dental procedures, along with managing varied disorders such as chronic oral-facial and myofascial pain syndromes, temporomandibular joint disorder, prominent gag reflex, and dental anxiety. Many patients show positive responses to acupuncture, though, more studies are needed to show its active effects on the oral health of the person.

6. Joint Pains

One of the common conditions that acupuncture is popular for is in treating arthritis. They are accepted by many experts as natural painkillers and work wonders for those managing pain in their knees, hips, neck, and lower back. The American College of Rheumatology approves acupuncture in treating pain in the hand, knee, and hip. There are also reports of effects in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Fibromyalgia, Ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and Gout but more studies are needed.

In managing pain and attaining overall well-being, acupuncture is one of the most promising alternative methods out there. Although further research is still needed, it’s a great alternative treatment and a great way to maintain our body’s energy in balance. Combined with a healthy lifestyle and mindset, it can boost your overall health and help you fend off illnesses and diseases.

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Essential oil is a type of concentrated oil derived from different plants. The term “essential” means it contains the plant’s essence, i.e., its fragrance. It is extracted using a variety of methods, such as cold pressing and distillation.

Buying essential oils can sometimes be confusing, even if you’re buying it from a trusted distributor like Love Thy Oils. How do you know which oil to buy, and which types of oil will benefit you? We will answer that question and more in the guide below.

1. The Price

Notice that some essential oils are a lot more expensive than others. The price difference is because extraction processes vary from one type of plant to another. Some processes are more difficult, and so the price of those is higher.

For instance, it is more difficult to extract oils from agarwood than fruits like lemon. Manufacturers can end up tagging $800 per ounce of agarwood essential oil due to the long and difficult extraction, but they will only charge $15 per ounce of lemon essential oils. Note the prices of these oils for some price comparison. A trusted seller like Love Thy Oils will give you fair market value for various oils.

Steer clear of stores that sell essences at the same price or sell really expensive oils at very low prices.

2. Check the Bottles and Product Label

The packaging and the bottles of these oils themselves will give you a clue whether the oils are of good quality. Note that the colour of the bottles should be dark blue or dark amber. Never buy essential oils packed in clear bottles since they let the light in. When oils are exposed to unfiltered light, they tend to spoil and lose their essences. With that in mind, you also shouldn’t buy ones that are packed in plastic bottles. Essential oils can dissolve in plastic, and that will contaminate them. Check the label—does it have the common name and the Latin name of the essential oil? You should also check the country of origin. For example, if you buy sandalwood essential oil, the label should also tell you its Latin name.

And then somewhere on it should be the country where the oil was produced. Note that some places are better known for producing certain quality oils than others. Note that the oils should also be packaged in small amounts. Manufacturers know that even a small 10 mL bottle full of oil can last for several months. If you use some in large quantities, you may end up spoiling the oil. The only time that you should buy them in large quantities is when you intend to resell them.

3. Check the GC-MS

Before you put anything in your shopping cart, ask for the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry report (GC-MS). This report will list the tests that have been done on the product, and it will help you determine if their contents are the actual oils that you want to purchase.

4. Avoid Diluted Oils

You may sometimes notice that some oils and essences are “diluted in vegetable oil.” That is different from having carrier oil. Essences diluted in veggie oil are of low quality, and they will leave an oily ring when you put a drop on a piece of paper.

tips for buying essential oils.

That wraps up the set of useful tips for buying essential oils. Choose products with proper packaging and quality. Make sure you get quality essences from a trusted seller.

About the author

Steffy Alen is a copywriter and content strategist. She helps businesses stop playing around with content marketing and start seeing the tangible ROI. She loves writing as much as she loves the cake. 

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• Christin Hume
• Chelsea shapouri
• Sarah Gualtieri
• Brooke Lark

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The gout attack is unpredictable. It can flare-up at any stage of life, and it affects the joints. The first attack is usually similar across all victims, characterized by sudden excruciating pain in the big toe. After the first attack, gout pains affect people differently.

Some may be lucky never to experience it again, while others experience it after months. The unfortunate may experience regular and persistent attacks, which may become chronic and damage the joints. Since no one can tell how their fate with gout looks, it’s essential to take all possible measures to keep the stabbing pain at bay.

Without further ado, here are six easy tips to keep gout away.

1. Talk to your doctor

It is always advisable to consult with a doctor once you experience your first attack. Sudden and severe joint attacks usually characterize gout. Its pain is often accompanied by redness and swelling of joints commonly at the big toe. The doctors will examine you and give the right medication. Alternatively, you can go for natural nutritional supplements of gout. If you are not aware of the dietary supplements, you can learn more about them by visiting various manufacturers’ sites. The sites will give you more insights from the customer reviews, which will help you select the most effective product. These natural remedies will facilitate your quick healing and help you avoid future attacks.

2. Be mindful of your food intake

According to medical experts, gout attacks are experienced when the urate crystals accumulate on the joints. The urate crystals form when the blood has an excessive concentration of uric acid. The excess uric acid accumulates when the kidneys are unable to filter it due to the high intake of foods rich in uric acid. Such foods include red meat, beer, seafood, dried beans, and some vegetables such as spinach and mushroom. Cut down your intake of the above foods if they are quite high. Instead, maximize your intake of foods like fruits, whole grains and other vegetables. Your doctor can also advise on the right diet for your condition and more so on the right amounts of particular foods.

3. Do regular workouts

The idea is to get rid of the excess weight, which is a major culprit for gout. However, weight loss should be gradual since a sudden weight loss can trigger the flare-up. The progressive weight loss reduces the strain on the joints and the muscles around the affected area.

This reduces the chances of joint pains. Thus, it is essential to enroll in a workout program or exercise classes of some sort. Apart from weight loss, regular exercise will help you develop more stamina and muscle endurance, thus enhancing your physical activity.

4. Stay hydrated

Water is life. It helps eliminate toxic waste from our bodies, including the uric acid through the skin and the kidneys. It also accounts for the largest percentage of the circulatory system in our bodies. Taking the right amount of water will help keep our kidneys healthy and enhance their efficiency in filtering the uric acid.

With lower/ zero levels of uric acid, you would have avoided the detrimental effects of gout and other ailments. If you can’t access water, you can take any other hydrating beverage while avoiding sweetened and alcoholic drinks.

5. Avoid strenuous activities 

If you suffer from frequent and persistent gout attacks, you should keep off from strenuous activities as they may intensify the pain through muscle strain. Instead, engage in light tasks and take frequent breaks. Resting will help to avoid the pressure on the joints, hence preventing them from paining and swelling.

You can incorporate your medications with various home treatments such as ice compresses on the affected area to ease the discomfort. Elevating your affected limb can also reduce the swelling.

6. Avoid OTC drugs

Over the counter drugs may trigger the uric acid levels in the bloodstream to surge. Also, the drugs can interact with gout medications and have adverse health effects. In case you develop other health conditions or minor ailments while surviving with gout, avoid taking any drug unless advised to do so by a doctor. Visit a health facility and explain your situation before the examination.

If possible, communicate your condition before your examination so that the doctor can know the right prescriptions that won’t worsen your condition. They may also change your previously issued medication if it’s not effective.

Keep gout away

Gout is a painful condition that no one wishes to experience. However, the good thing is that you can easily avoid it and manage it too. The above tips can help both the victims and non-victims prevent gout flare-ups. Ensure that you eat healthily, move regularly and maintain a healthy weight, and visit a doctor if you feel any gout signs and symptoms. Observe regular medical check-ups too, to ensure that you are safe.

Photo credits:

• Claudia van Zyl

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Conditioner bar

I bought this conditioner bar from Shop zero. I have used shampoo bars and soap bars as shampoo bars and they all worked well, but I thought I would give this conditioner bar a try as it contains a whole range of ‘conditioning‘ oils as you can see from the ingredients.

Its ingredients consist of:

Conditioning Wax – Rape Seed, Shea Butter, Avocado Oil, Cocoa Butter, Mango Butter, Castor Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Essential Oils: Cinnamon Leaf & Benzoin.

In terms of conditioning, it does work well, and you can feel the difference in the texture, meaning that it does not feel like soap per se or is as foamy as soap, but you can feel the conditioning effects of the oils. If that makes any sense :p

Following on from that, I find it easiest when I use the bar under running water from the shower, straight onto my hair. That way it lathers and spreads a lot easier, with the constant water running over it. It will no doubt be less foamy than soap due to the various butters and oils in it.

The bar weighs 70 grams and costs 65 rand, and will last you quite a while so it is well worth it especially if you are not using it all the time. Also, these shampoo/conditioner bars can also be used as soap bars, something to remember.

Charcoal soap bar

I bought this charcoal soap bar from nudefoods. They have a whole range of different, natural and package free soap bars, shampoo/conditioner bars and a whole lot more.

The bar costs 50 Rand and it is quite large, I think between 80 – 120 grams. I quite like this soap bar, as it has a neutral fragrance and is slightly grainy, which gives the soap a slight scrub like feel.

Under arm deodorant bar

I also bought this underarm bar from Shop Zero. Most diy deodorant recipes use bicarb soda but some people may have a small reaction to bicarb and thus tend to prefer products without it. This under arm bar is such a bar, it contains no bicarb soda or corn starch.

Its ingredients consist of:

Cocoa Butter, Carnuaba Wax, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Arrow Root Powder, Diatomatious Earth, Bentonite Clay, Essential oil – Ylang Ylang and Patchouli (smell/flavour).

The bar is good and it does work well, but personally I prefer an under arm with bicarb soda in it (I make my own), as I feel it lasts much longer during the day for me. Also there is only one scent being Ylang Ylang and Patchouli, so I guess that depends on what you like :p

It weighs 30 grams and costs 35 rand, which is not too much if you just want to try it. It will also last quite long.

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Not sure what you can replace your usual cosmetic and toiletry products for, that will be more 0 waste, cruelty free and less 'chemically dense'? I put together a small list of stuff I have managed to replace with much more environmentally friendly and natural products. The full post is on qoo.co.za/blog . . #crueltyfree #zerowaste #minimalism #crueltyfree #plasticfree #shopzero #gogreen #bicarb #diy #reuse #capetown #thisorthat #naturalsoap #vegan #control #question #positive #happiness #attachment #temporary #mindful #truth #earth #environment

A post shared by Be motivated. Be fit. (@fitnish) on Feb 23, 2020 at 12:12am PST

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Always great to try new #soapbars. This one being the #activatedcharcoal bar . . #zerowaste #reduceplastic #nudefood #handmadesoap #nopackaging #natural #reduce #beconscious #minimalism #minimal #minimalist

A post shared by Eco living in SA (@letsecolife) on Jan 25, 2020 at 5:47am PST

I hope this basic review helps a little if you are thinking of trying any one of these. If you decide to go for it, please do let me know how they worked out for you You can also see a few waste free alternatives here, if you are not sure exactly what toiletries to change or substitute.

Hi res Photos used can be found here:

• Fitnish on Unsplash

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The post Waste Free Reviews: Conditioner Bar, Charcoal Soap Bar And Under Arm Deodorant Bar! appeared first on FitNish.com.

I would refer everyone directly to the article, but we’re all lazy AF and it has got a bunch of medical jargon. So here, let me summarize. It is a pleasure.

It feels good to smell nice and it does add to the attraction when it’s all musky masculinity or sweet femininity (or whatever your personal preference is) when you bury your face into your significant other’s neck. But it isn’t natural. He is not sweating out musk and she did not wake up smelling like a rose. ‘Artificialness’ comes with synthetic chemicals that apparently have very negative effects on our bodies.

Evidence has shown that the fragrance compounds are endocrine disruptors – messing up our hormone axis and starting the process of a number of problems. Stay with me here: Perfumes = aroma compounds -> bind to aromatase enzymes -> increased aromatase activity -> oestrogen synthesis and inflammation.

Excess oestrogen is not good in males or females.

• Breast cancer and polycystic ovarian syndrome – Parabens, phthalate and nitro musks have oestrogenic properties and are the most concerning compounds. They penetrate the skin, enter the blood stream and disrupt the normal workings of our hormones. Essentially, the perfect breeding ground for cancer.
• Depression and Anxiety. There is a well-known link between smell and sex hormones. Smell receptors produce other hormones when stimulated which alter the production of neurotransmitters in our brain such a serotonin and dopamine which are key words in mental health.
• Skin conditions. Allergic reaction to the contact of certain perfumes on our skins. Yay rashes and pustules.
• Asthma or airway hype. Reactivity is known to be caused by many fragrances. Ever walked past someone and gotten a huge whiff of some perfume that lasts till they’ve left the country and you’re still coughing long after they’ve gone?
• Gynaecomastia or the enlargement of breast tissue in males. Fragrance laden toiletries seem to be contributors of the excess oestrogen that may cause this.
• Reproductive issues. Breakdown chemicals of synthetic fragrances find their way into breast tissue, and therefore into the milk that breastfeeding infants are then drinking. Would you want your baby to be drinking chemicals out of a bottle? No.

We eat clean and try to shove all the vitamin complexes down our throats when we are pregnant and breastfeeding just to optimize our children’s health. But have we ever thought about what we are putting on our bodies and how that may affect them?

• Diabetes. Caused by aromatase overdrive which causes inflammation. If you were not falling asleep while reading this, I have already explained why.

Of course perfume manufactures are excused from revealing the exact quantities of the fragrance compounds in the name of ‘trade secret’. That is very dodge to say the least. The solution here is a tough one, and the clear direction would seem to be heading towards purchasing more natural products. But a survey reported that hazardous chemicals are also emitted by products advertised as organic, green and eco-friendly. So call it trust issues or something less deep, but no-go on that front either.

The evidence is not great and it is more theoretical than definitive cause-and-effect evidence. But, fragrances and chemicals in our cosmetics and household items disrupt our hormone pathways to varying degrees. For me, I would rather stay away just by knowing this.

So we have one of two options:

• It sounds like wearing nothing would be best. But I am not that confident strutting around and hoping to draw them in with my charming smell of sweat.
• Alternatively, making our own products with raw ingredients is the next safest bet. This ensures that no chemicals are added without our knowledge and false marketing will not trap us in its ugly claws. This does not have to be too difficult and it can be done in a cost-effective manner. The home-made products might take a bit of time to adjust to but been there, done that and they work. If you cannot make your own, you can find a variety of these natural products (and environmentally friendly and waste free) at shops like Shop Zero.
  #chemicalfree #smellinglikeagardenfairy #feelinglikeawalkingchickpea

• Reference: Patel, S. (2017). Fragrance compounds: The wolves in sheep’s clothings. Medical Hypotheses, 102, 106-111. doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2017.03.025

*Article written by a female Doctor friend.

Photo credits:

• Mpho Mojapelo
• Maxim Lozyanko 
• olga serjantu on Unsplash

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The post Fancy Fragrances And Perfumes, Are They Really Safe For Our Skin And Bodies? appeared first on FitNish.com.