Flu season is here, which means your chances of getting sick are a bit higher. Unfortunately, even if you for your flu shot this year, there’s still a chance that a different strain of it can infect you.

So if you find yourself battling with the irritating and uncomfortable symptoms of the flu, likely the only thing on your mind is how to get better (and as quickly as possible!).

You may have heard the expression that “food is the best medicine.” While there are certainly healthy foods you can consume that will help expedite your recovery, there are some you’ll want to stay away from. Let’s take a look at four foods to avoid when you have the flu!

1. Oranges

Most people associate oranges with vitamin C. Vitamin C is a well-known immune system booster, so avoiding this when you’re sick might seem counterproductive.

However, citrus can also be bothersome to your throat. So if you have a sore throat that makes it painful to swallow, it’s best to avoid them for now.

2. Strawberries

Similar to oranges, being urged to steer clear of fruits, especially one that’s considered a superfood, might be perplexing.  The reason, though, is that berries are histamines releasers, meaning it can generate more mucus and cause your congestion to worsen!

3. Coffee

While the flu might have you feeling a bit sluggish, do your best to avoid fighting it with a cup of joe. The caffeine in coffee can be incredibly dehydrating – which is the last thing your body needs when it’s trying to heal your immune system!

4. Red meat

When you’re under the weather, the last thing you’re probably cooking for dinner is a steak dinner. However, all red meats should be avoided when you have the flu because the fat can contribute to feelings of nausea.

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As an increasing number of reports are released on the growing number of cases of Wuhan coronavirus, pictures of throngs of people wearing face masks have become the norm. However, do these surgical masks actually manage to prevent the disease from spreading?

Before answering this question, it’s important to note the different face masks available.

For health workers who are in close contact with coronavirus patients, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise that the N95 respirator be used. This is a heavy-duty face mask, which protects the user’s nose and mouth through blocking the entry of small particles.

In contrast, the majority of the public wear the disposable type of surgical mask. Typically, these masks cost way less than the N95 and are made of paper. Experts disclosed that there’s minimal proof that these paper masks can actually protect its users from infection.

These surgical masks can only be able to shield you from visible splashes or sprays of fluid. Basically, these merely function as physical barriers.

Why are these masks unable to provide the same security as the N95?

For one, the surgical masks do not offer a tight fit to its users. Hence, small airborne molecules can easily get through.

Are these masks completely useless?

The answer is no. Research suggests that wearing surgical masks can reduce the risk of infection in small spaces.

A good example is when you’re at home and are taking care of a loved one suffering from a respiratory disease. If you tighten the mask and ensure that you wear it at all times, then your chances of acquiring the disease will be low. You should also be extremely careful when you’re removing the mask. Make to not touch the front side to avoid contaminating yourself and the others around you.

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3 CBD Oil Myths BUSTED

Cannabidiol is widely perceived as a “superfood”. It fuels a multibillion-dollar industry and combats common misunderstandings about cannabis. However, the great fame of cannabidiol is accompanied by great misconceptions. Some people applaud cannabidiol as a miracle cure for many diseases, whereas other people insist that it is extremely dangerous. Neither perception is completely accurate.

Myth #1: Cannabidiol Gets You High

This myth about cannabidiol is caused by lack of knowledge regarding what cannabidiol truly is. Cannabidiol is only one of sixty cannabinoids that take residence in the cannabis plant.

Cannabidiol influences neurotransmitters and nerve receptors in the brain, but it does not contain THC, the cannabinoid found in cannabis that causes a high.

Myth #2: Cannabidiol Cures Cancer

There are countless products that are claimed to cure cancer. The unfortunate fact is that, at least at this point in time, the claims have never been true. If a product truly cured cancer, then there would be scientific evidence to support it, but this has not been the case for cannabidiol nor any other product.

But what is true is that there has indeed been some evidence that cannabidiol may have the ability to slow down growth of some malignant cells. Moreover, although cannabidiol is unable to cure such severe conditions as cancer, it is indeed beneficial for issues such as pain, anxiety, and insomnia.

Myth #3: Cannabidiol Is Addictive

Despite a similar name, cannabidiol is actually not cannabis. It affects different brain regions and is not addictive. Despite this, it is able to improve your serotonin and dopamine levels and thereby reduce symptoms of depression, chronic pain, and other conditions.

Cannabidiol has an effect on the endocannabinoid system, which influences mood, inflammation, sleep, and other bodily functions. For this reason, cannabidiol is able to stimulate the “feel good” region of the brain without potentially causing an addiction.

NEXT PAGE:  Is CBD right for you? Find out now >>

Most of us were raised to believe that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Full of fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, and plenty of deliciousness too, fruit seems like an obvious addition for keeping your diet healthy for life. However, part of what makes fruit so delicious is the sweet flavor, which comes from a type of sugar called fructose.

There is no denying that sugar is bad for you, messing with your metabolism, causing blood sugar spikes, damaging your teeth, and of course causing weight gain and other health problems such as diabetes and liver disease. And now, new studies are showing that sugar – even the fruit sugar fructose – can not only contribute to these problems but can damage your brain too. Your brain needs a certain amount of sugar in order to function. But, consume too much of it in the form of sugary snacks, food with simple carbohydrates, or through more than four portions of fruit per day, and there is a risk of it affecting your brain.

The most surprising piece of research is on how fruit affects your brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is a component that helps you learn and form new memories. Sugar lowers this component, meaning you can struggle at puzzles or studying or remembering things. Even more concerning is the increased links between low BDNF factors with depression and even dementia.

What’s more, all sugar is addictive. It prompts your brain to release the ‘reward’ hormone dopamine, which then naturally makes you want more. What’s more, a study from the University of Southern California found that people who consumed fructose experienced more cravings than if they ate foods with glucose. And as with other addictions, withdrawing from sugar can actually cause uncomfortable symptoms, including shaking, anxiousness, and teeth clenching. Therefore, it is important to cut sugar gradually, eliminating the most obvious sourcing, with an aim to eating as little processed then fruit sugars as possible.

Of course, there are more nutritional benefits to eating a piece of fruit over say, a cookie. But, to keep your brain happy and healthy, opt for fruits that are lower in fructose, such as green apples, berries and watermelon.

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Extending one’s lifespan is perhaps one of the most puzzling questions in today’s scientific world. Increasing one’s lifespan might be very real possibility as research make leaps and bounds. According to scientists at the MDI Biological Laboratory, there are synergistic cellular pathways that increase longevity in a person’s lifespan. The scientists discovered this while conducting a study on the C. elegans nematode worm. The worm showed signs in these passageways of an increased lifespan that is equal to 400 or 500 human years.

There is a deliberate reason why the nematode worm is being used for this particular study. Nematodes live about three weeks on average so testing for age or lifespan is a cinch with these creatures, but they also share a lot of genes in common with humans. The neurological pathways in the nematodes exist in us, the pathway called Insulin Signaling and TOR pathways, which have been “conserved” for many generations. In the study, these pathways are genetically altered, which yields a 100 percent increase in lifespan. It also yields an alteration of the TOR pathways, about a 30 percent increase, which means the altered one is expected to live up to 500 percent longer.

With a discovery as grand as this synergistic interaction, it’s definitely something to get excited about. Since there are different pathways, scientists may uncover paths to help treat cancer and HIV to extend the lifespans of patients enduring those diseases. This synergy may also hold an explanation of why certain scientists find a single gene responsible for people with longer life spans.

In this study, the scientists realized that longevity and the mitochondria are heavily related. In fact, they found that longevity is regulated by the mitochondria. In the past ten years, more research suggests that there is a link between mitochondrial dysregulation and aging. As with all studies, more research needs to be conducted in order to determine the validity of this theory.

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When considering life after work, the number one concern for virtually everyone is money. Giving yourself a long enough financial leash to retire requires foresight and discipline, and more importantly, requires you not to make critical errors that could compromise your retirement. Make sure that you do not make these three retirement planning missteps:

Lowballing Your Estimated Retirement Expenses

Retirement should, in theory, be less expensive than your working days, especially if many of those years were spent raising children. Yet retirement should also be fun, which means traveling and all the expenses that go with it. In addition to the fun stuff, you must also account for the things we don’t like to think about, such as illness and other unplanned retirement costs. When planning for retirement, it’s better to overestimate expenses than underestimate them.

Failing To Understand Tax Ramifications When It Is Time To Withdraw Money

Retirement accounts are unique in that they shield you from paying taxes until it comes time to withdraw money. There are strategies from withdrawing funds from your retirement account so that you limit the damage in terms of tax penalties. Get with a financial advisor long before retirement to form a tentative approach to how much you will withdraw from your nest egg throughout your post-work years.

Relying Too Heavily On Social Security

You should certainly take advantage of social security. You’ve likely put your share in throughout your life, and when it comes time to take your cut of the pie, take it!

However, don’t assume social security payments will be there, at least not to the extent that you are promised. The system is already over leveraged, and you never know how an already-taxed social security framework will look years, let alone decades, down the road. Rely primarily on your savings.

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These days, avocados are all the rage. From avocado toast to guacamole raw avocado- avocados are everywhere. Advertisements claim that avocados are good for us. But did you know that there is increasing research proving that these unusual berries are excellent sources of nutrition and are a great source of heart health? With the release of more studies on avocados, research shows that an avocado a day can keep the doctor away!

Why are avocados so special? These “super fruits” contain an essential source of “good” fat called monosaturated fat. Like nuts and fish, regular consumption of monosaturated fats can reduce the risk of heart disease and contain other cardiovascular benefits. And by replacing saturated fats with monosaturated fats, you can lower the risk of high cholesterol!

But the avocado rage is nothing new. They have a long history of providing people with nutrients and a long, healthy life. Avocados are native to mountainous regions across Mexico, Guatemala, and Central America. In these regions, healthy fats such as fish and olive oils were scarce. Avocados provided these important heart-healthy nutrients while being a delicious meal or snack!

Avocados are not only an excellent source of necessary fats. They also contain an abundance of other essential nutrients such as potassium, fiber, and essential daily vitamins. But that’s not all! Did you know that avocados contain nutrients such as leutin and zeaxanthin? These nutrients protect healthy cells, especially in your eyes! Regular avocado consumption can promote healthy vision? Who knew?

So maybe eating too many avocados is a good thing. Daily consumption of raw avocados is an excellent source of nutrients and can keep your heart pumping for many years to come. Don’t make avocados a fad- make these fun, colorful fruits an essential staple of your diet for life.

Here’s to many more avocados!

NEVER Eat THIS Veggie Again (here’s why)

When we think of fast food, most of us know it isn’t the healthiest option. But, it might shock you to know that some choices are downright dangerous. Nevertheless, when your lifestyle is hectic and you want to grab something quick to eat, fast food can be a logical option. So, we’re helping you out by highlighting three items you should definitely avoid, as advised by nutritionists speaking to The Healthy.

Burritos: A survey conducted a few years ago by Moe’s Southwest Grill discovered that 72 per cent of millennial respondents ate two to three burritos in a week. They are filling, contain salad and protein, but sadly are also packed full of salt, which is bad for blood pressure. Burritos also contain artery-clogging saturated fat, and calorific simple carbohydrates that would take significant gym time to burn off. “The burritos at Chipotle are a humongous calorie bomb,” said clinical registered dietician Alicia Romano. The portion sizes – even ‘small’ options – are much bigger than health organizations’ recommended portions. And that’s without added sides and sauces!

Muffins: It’s easy to grab a muffin for breakfast on your way to work. Or it might be a spur-of the-moment extra with your coffee order. Because they’re healthy, right? “Bran, matcha, and chai are buzzy words that people immediately associate as being healthy,” said registered dietician Ilana Muhlstein. But sadly they aren’t. Baked goods, including all sorts of muffins, contain lots of saturated fat, not to mention different sugars, including fruit sugars, which can lead to diabetes and weight gain.

Frappuccino: There’s no denying Frappuccinos are delicious, but drinks such as these sneakily pack a tonne of sugar into your diet. “If you buy a tall hazelnut Frappuccino at Starbucks, you can drink it in under five minutes with a complete lack of satiation,” says Ilana. “It has 45 grams of carbohydrates, it’s purely added sugar and artificial ingredients.” So sadly, it neither fills you up, nor provides nutrients.

But worry not: you can still enjoy all these things, with a little extra planning and a few simple tweaks. Homemade burritos using a small tortilla, packed with avocado, grilled chicken and low fat yoghurt only take five minutes to make (if the chicken is cooked beforehand). Or, opt for a burrito-style salad from the menu instead, holding the fatty sauces and croutons.

Find a recipe for some yam-based muffins, which are lower in carbs, and bake them with blueberries to add sugar. Batch-cook them for the freezer, then simply grab one before you leave for work and blast for a minute in the microwave while you make your coffee.

Most coffee places offer lighter alternatives that are just as delicious. For example, you could try Starbucks’ shaken iced teas, or the nitro cold brew with caramel foam.

Until then, we wish you happy, healthy eating!

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It’s no news that our diet affects our health and overall well-being. Most people understand that consuming a poor diet can lead to obesity and cardiovascular health issues. However, new research indicates that some diets may be linked to vision impairment and loss as well.

New Study Links Diet to Vision Loss

A new research study, which was published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, recently revealed that people who consume a ‘Western diet’ are three times more likely to experience late-stage development of age-related muscular degeneration (AMD).

According to the National Eye Institute, AMD is an eye disease the blurs the central vision. In people 50-years-old and above, it is the leading cause of vision loss. Current risk factors include people who smoke and those who have a family history of AMD.

This is the first research study of its kind indicating that a poor diet can negatively impact vision. The study is nearly two decades in the making. It involved approximately 1,300 participants. These participants completed two diet-related surveys over a span of 18 years.

Western Diet May Increase AMD Risk

The researches of this study separated the diet patterns of its participants into one of two categories: healthy or ‘prudent’ diets, and unhealthy or ‘Western’ diets. The latter included foods such as:

Sugary, sweetened beverages

Processed and red meat

High-fat dairy products

Fried foods

Fats, including butter and margarine

This research suggests that a poor diet can cause vision loss later in life and increase one’s risk for AMD. It’s worth noting that the association was made for the late-development of AMD, but not for the early onset of AMD.

Amy Millen, the lead author of the study, also explained that consuming a healthy diet doesn’t necessarily reduce one’s risk of AMD. However, sticking to a healthy, prudent diet pattern may minimize the chances of developing vision loss later in life.

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The subject of poo is somewhat of a taboo, and when it does happen to be the topic of discussion, the context is usually humorous. However, whether we like to admit it or not, poo is a major part of our daily lives, and difficulties with it can not only pose a major nuisance, but something even much worse. 

Here are a few ways to make this delicate process as smooth and seamless as possible. With this knowledge, poop can go back to what it’s meant to be – a source of relief rather than stress.

Eat More Fiber

Fiber makes up for a large portion of the bulk of our poo, which is why when our diet lacks fiber, we have less to excrete, even though it doesn’t feel like it. The situation is similar to vomiting and gaging on an empty stomach. 

Plants, rich in fiber, include berries, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and other healthy foods that you should be eating anyway. 

Drink A lot of Water

The practice of drinking plenty of water isn’t just some fad in the wellness space. Besides its many benefits to our health and appearance, water, especially when it’s warm, makes your poo softer and helps your body push it through by unblocking obstructions and relaxing your muscles. 

Herbs and Spices

Some herbs’ and spices’ appetizing and salutary functions are well-known, however, what isn’t is their ability to facilitate food breakdown and alleviate digestive difficulties. Such herbs and spices include black pepper, oregano, rosemary, cayenne, turmeric, coriander seeds, and more. 

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is famous for its acidity, but that quality isn’t just relevant in the kitchen, but also in the bathroom, as it stimulates stomach acid production, which is essential for food breakdown and disposal at a later point. 

Magnesium

Magnesium relaxes both the muscles and the nervous system, which is why it’s so effective measure against constipation. 

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