Ways to Increase Health

Modern women are aware of health issues and concerned about their wellbeing, but often don’t have room in their busy lives for dedicated exercise time or extra expense. These tips will improve health and reduce the risk of many diseases just by making small, easy and cheap lifestyle changes.

 

Avoid Cola 

Many cola drinks contain phosphates in the form of phosphoric acid that has been shown to interfere with calcium absorption. This in turn affects bone density, particularly in older women. As few as four cola drinks a week can reduce bone density by 4%, and increase the risk of osteoporosis.

 

Take the Stairs

It’s easy to build fitness levels without taking up precious time. Use the stairs instead of the elevator to go a couple of floors. Try jogging a couple of blocks rather than taking the car, play sports with your children or grandchildren. In other words, build exercise into your daily routine instead of making it something you have to devote special time to.

 

Don’t be too Clean

Soap and water are sufficient to keep hands and work surfaces clean. Many modern cleaners contain anti-bacterial agents which can affect the balance of bacteria on and in the human body. Cleaning of this level is unnecessary for normal healthy adults, who benefit from exposure to many of the micro-organisms that anti-bacterial products wipe out.

 

Drink Tea

Compounds in black tea have been found to kill cavity-causing bacteria in dental plaque, which is often a precursor to more serious gum diseases. Black tea also stops the bacteria clumping together, so reducing the total mass of plaque on teeth.

 

Take Folic Acid

This supplement is known for its benefits to pregnant women. When taken with vitamins B6 and B12 it can reduce the risk of a progressive eye disorder called age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is often untreatable and can lead to blindness, but results from one trial showed the risk of AMD was reduced by 41% when participants took 2.5mg of folic acid, 50mg of vitamin B6 and 1mg of B12 daily.

 

Eat more Bananas

Bananas can stave off depression. How? As well as being virtually zero fat and high in vitamins, they contain tryptophan, an amino acid linked to levels of serotonin in the body. Low levels of serotonin, the ‘happy hormone’, cause anxiety and other mental health problems. A banana a day can help keep the blues away.

 

Sleep More

Lack of sleep alters mood and can cause stress, irritability and anxiety. Sleep is the time when the body heals itself and most effectively generates new cells. A good night’s sleep is priceless, so invest in a quality mattress, bedding and pillows. It really is worth it.

 

Keep off Painkillers

Recent research has shown that non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) – which include ibuprofen – can cause long term damage to vital organs such as the kidneys. Studies show that professional sportsmen who routinely rely on these painkillers to play, can suffer serious health problems years later. Avoid painkillers for simple headaches that may well be caused only by tiredness or dehydration.

 

Strengthen your Stomach to Strengthen Your Back

Stronger abdominal muscles provide better support for the lower back. Almost 80% of people experience back problems at some point. As few as 20 sit ups a day taking less than a minute can strengthen stomach muscles and head off back pain.

 

Have more Sex

OK, this one does take more time, but who’s complaining? Those who have at least 200 orgasms a year live longer and remain more active for an average of up to six years.