Caffeine
There’s no better way to start the morning than with a cup of freshly brewed coffee. The pleasing aroma, delectable flavor, and kick of caffeine will instantly wake you up. If this is part of your normal morning routine, however, you should limit yourself to just 1-2 cups of coffee, as too much caffeine can lead to higher levels of stress. Caffeine is a powerful stimulant that speeds up the heart and elevates the blood pressure, both of which can lead to stress.
Other foods and beverages that contain caffeine include sodas, chocolate, tea, energy drinks, and even chewing gum. continue reading
Foam rollers have become increasingly popular over the past few years. Featuring a simple log-shaped piece of foam, they offer a wide range of benefits from soothing muscle pains to preventing injury. Of course, these are just a few of the many reasons why you should use a foam roller.
The most obvious benefit of composting is that it allows you to create your own ready-to-use soil. While you may already have plenty of soil around your garden, chances are it’s not nearly as nutritious as compost. Compost is made from leftover organic material, such as vegetables and fruit peelings; therefore, it contains beneficial microorganisms that promote healthy plant growth. You can use this to your advantage by filling your garden with rich, healthy compost material.
Do you suffer from the chronic inflammatory joint disorder known as rheumatoid arthritis (RA)? If so, you aren’t alone. According to the Arthritis Foundation, approximately 1.5 million people in the U.S. have the disease (
The food you eat plays a critical role in a number of bodily functions, including your hair. People who consume empty-calorie foods (foods with calories but no real nutritional value) are more likely to experience weak/frail hair, split-ends, poor coloring, and other problems with their hair. So, which foods should you consume for a healthy head of hair?
While massage therapy is most beneficial if you have it done on a regular basis, it’s also true that even a single 90-minute massage session can have a profound impact on your physical and mental well-being. A skilled massage therapist can identify and target “problem areas” within your body, kneading out myofascial trigger points (muscle knots) while leaving you feeling fresh and rejuvenated.
Do your feet feel tired and achy regularly or at the end of some days? Foot irritations may present in the form of minor tenderness or swelling, or may have transitioned to the level of pain, which could even restrict your ability to run/walk. Given the demands we place on our feet, it’s easy to imagine how they can become overused or abused.
According to a report published by CBS, 75% of Americans don’t drink the 10 daily cups of water recommended by the Institute of Medicine. Going through the day in a state of mild dehydration may not cause any immediate concerns, but it will eventually take its toll on your body and health. If you fall into the majority and don’t drink enough water, consider the following:
According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 5 and 20% of the U.S. population will catch the flu virus this year. While most people who catch the flu recover after 7-14 days, some 200,000 are hospitalized each year due to complications. The good news is that you can reduce your risk of catching influenza by taking some simple precautions.
Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a chronic condition that’s characterized by muscle spasms, aches and pains. Individuals experiencing this condition often have “trigger points” (TPs) which manifest these symptoms. Direct pressure applied to a TP area may activate localized sharp pain and aching sensation – a precursor to some level of pain or other nerve irritation occurring in another area. Symptoms of myofascial pain syndrome vary depending on the individual and his or her bodily reactions. Some people experience a very minimal light pain in the affected region, while others report severe, debilitating pain. 