Clean Eating for Your Health

As one of the latest additions in the healthy living trend, food gurus and the general public alike has invested in "clean" eating. A dietary practice where one tracks where their food came from and what was put in it, vs. establishing a traditional "diet." So far, thousands have jumped on board, joining support groups and subscribing to newsletters that recommend recipes and shopping lists. 

But even though this practice is relatively new, it doesn't take a genius to figure out it's pro-body. Rather than previous meal trends, such as no-carb, points systems, cereal twice-a-day, or meal replacement shakes (depending on what's in them), clean eating doesn't necessarily limit how much one can eat. It simply limits what they can eat. Rather than filling oneself with toxins or chemicals that can't be pronounced (have you read a food label lately), it's filling it with pure nutrients. Items that were fresh grown or farmed, and have a "clean" path to your kitchen. 

It's a regimen that's ideal for those with allergies, or who have been having recent health problems and can't pinpoint the cause. For instance, skin rashes, digestive pains, or even a chance in mood. As well as being a healthy way to ingest more vitamins without necessarily choosing more calories.

Sold? Ready to consider a "clean" menu for your household? Consider talking with a professional, such as your doctor or a nutritionist, especially if dealing with health issues. Together, you can work toward a smart plan to get your body healthy, and with a reduced amount of symptoms. Ideally, with as little side effects as possible – except for all of the good ones. Like an increase in energy and a toned, more efficient body. 

Get started to begin enjoying these benefits (and plenty of others) today. 

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Are you Overdosing on Caffeine?

For most, the thought of ingesting caffeine is a no brainer. It wakes you up, provides a jolt of energy when needed, and more often than not, acts as part of your daily routine. Coffee, tea, sodas – these are all beverages most consume as a rule rather than an exception. But considering all it can do – how awake we can get from a single beverage – it should come as no surprise that there are dangers when drinking too much of it. When overdosing the body on caffeine, all types of side effects can take place, including headaches, a feeling of dizziness, aches, chest pains, and more. Even fainting and feeling nauseated. 

Caffeine is a strong substance, and without enough time to let it metabolize, the body goes into overdrive mode, attempting to ward it off, or letting it affect you in ways other than just being ultra alert. On the flip side of the spectrum, those who are used to having caffeine every day can actually experience withdrawal symptoms, most notably, headaches. Once the body becomes accustomed to it, it learns to function alongside it. 

How Much is Too Much

There are several factors that play into how much becomes "too much" caffeine for each individual. Most notably, body size and genetics. Smaller adults (and especially kids) will be more greatly affected by small doses of caffeine. While caffeine allergies or reactions can also be passed down from parents. If you're not sure how caffeine affects you, talk to your doctor, parents, or simply keep track of how many beverages you've had, and take note as to how the body responds. 

Even those with the highest of tolerances can feel serious side effects when ingesting large amounts of caffeine. 

Talk to your doctor about caffeine intakes, or consider cutting back if you're experiencing ongoing side effects. 

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Medical Side Effects from Too Much Thanksgiving

If you eat too many beets, you’ll turn purple. Carrots can improve your eyesight. Bread crusts can make your hair curly. We’ve all heard these food myths and plenty more – old wives tales have a tendency to stick around, and parents are willing to say almost anything to get their kids to clean their plates. But which food-based rumors are actually true? Do any of these “tales” have any truth behind them?

Perhaps not. Though vegetables with pigment have been shown to tint the color of one’s skin, improved eyesight and curled hair have seen little scientific facts as to how they can be changed. (That is, without the help of a doctor or salon.) Other side effects, however, have been seen in full force, especially after big meals such as holiday dinners. Including the biggest holiday dinner of them all, Thanksgiving. 

When eating too much, indigestion and other digestive pains are more likely to take place. Especially with heavy foods, such as mashed potatoes, yams, stuffing, and breads. Consuming these same heavy meals late in the day has also been shown to increase existing conditions, such as acid reflux and sleep apnea. However, those who aren’t regular sufferers are also more susceptible when over eating, or eating foods close to bedtime. 

Also on the list of meal-induced conditions: cramps, headaches, stomachaches, irregular bowel movements, and difficulty sleeping. Or, afternoon fatigue, especially for the turkey lovers. Far less glamorous than the side effects our parents used to get us to eat. 

To avoid these possibly painful side effects, consider curbing your Thanksgiving appetite. It’s any easy, effective way to avoid all of the above, including whichever aliment affects you the worst. 

You can even check out this blog for tips on how to do so!

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What Happens When you Can’t Control Your Sweet Tooth?

In just a few days, the Easter Bunny will leave all kinds of sugary goodness in his path. From plastic eggs filled with treats, to faux animals made of pure chocolate, it’s every kid’s dream to wake up to this sugar-infested hunt. And they’re not the only ones getting in on the fun, adults can clean up the jellybean messes with the most candy-loving of them all. But just because these candies taste good doesn’t mean you should overdo it.

Aside from the obvious side effects, such as teeth health and weight gain, there are a few other symptoms that come from too much sugar. Ones that affect everyday health. To keep your body at its best, even when there are tasty distractions, consider all these sugar-induced ailments.

Poor Digestion

When eating too much candy, the body has a much harder time breaking foods down and into viable nutrients (if they exist). Unless you want to risk an evening of stomach cramps and substances that are virtually impossible to digest, stick to a diet of real food and leave the candy for the kids.

Bone Density Issues

When there’s nothing but artificial sugars pumping through your body for hours on end, how are the bones to replenish themselves? If you must eat candy, remember to take a daily vitamin or bookend the sweets with healthy meals (preferably those rich in calcium) to keep the body in proper working order, even when your food choices aren’t the healthiest.

Risk for Illness and/or Disease

Those who eat ample amounts of sugar are more likely to fall susceptible to an illness or disease, such as diabetes or other chronic diagnoses. (Most notably from high blood sugar levels.) Regular bouts of sugar can bring havoc to the immune system, leaving it unable to fight off germs and in a further weakened state.

Easter can be a tempting time for anyone with a sweet tooth, just remember to keep the sweets in moderation to avoid serious side effects. 

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