5 Reasons You Should Be Eating Honey

It's known as nature's candy. Sweet, flavorful, and as natural as foods can come. And perhaps most surprisingly, considering all of its benefits, honey is also delicious. A substance made entirely by insects, we can't get enough of it. It can be eaten as a spread, in salad dressings, mixed within baked goods, as a tea or coffee flavor. (Yes, we hear honey in coffee is delicious.) Or, its comb can be munched on for a dessert with crunch, as well as flavor. 

Yet there's plenty more that honey has to offer. If the taste alone isn't enough incentive, here are five additional reasons you should be eating honey.

5. It's Healthy

As in, natural sugar and low in calories. With no chemicals or outside preservatives. Honey can seriously last forever. Just be sure that you're eating natural honey, not a flavored spread. 

4. It Helps With Allergies

Eating local honey can help those with all types of outdoor allergies. By ingesting the very triggers that cause them (in small doses), you can work to build up immunities against these allergens.

3. It's a Healthy Sweet Alternative

Consider using honey in a number of different scenarios for added health benefits. It's great in hot beverages, iced tea, on desserts, etc. If you would normally use a sweetener (even when baking), replace with honey for a new take on sweeter dishes.

2. They Can Help Provide Energy

Honey has natural energy boosting properties, but with very few carbs or additional calories. (In comparison to its counterparts.) Try a teaspoon with your meal or snack the next time you're low on energy.

1. Sore Throat Miracle

In cold season, it's best to keep a steady supply of honey on hand. Because it's thick and coats the throat, honey can settle in and soothe aches. It can also keep you from coughing and combat that dry feeling that's often associated with colds. 

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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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Foot Detox Remedies: Do They Work?

By now we know there's far more to a healthy lifestyle than just eating "healthy." Exercise, proper sleep routines, interaction with others, positivity, and more all contribute to taking care of your body, and allowing yourself to be a well-rounded, happy individual. With the help of natural remedies and old wives' tales, however, folks are able to boost those same efforts. Without the side effects of chemicals that are slated to slow us down … and essentially work toward the opposite effect we're striving for. 

Foot detoxification has been an ongoing trend growing in both use and skepticism. Where the feet are placed in various solutions in order to allow toxins to exit the body. Pads are also used, and work to pull those same toxins from foot pores. Results are said to not only remove unnatural substances from the body, but to increase relaxation, eliminate or decrease pain, boost wellness, etc. Those who are regulars even swear by it.

However, as the practice has become more popular (branching out from the "crunchy" or everything DIY community), more folks are getting in on the conversation. Especially skeptics and scientists, many of whom are working to prove these detox methods false.

But are they actually working? Or are the scientists right? 

There's no denying the rave customer reviews – those that are overjoyed with positivity. One could say that it's the placebo effect, of course. There's also evidence of actual toxins – funky colored water and footpads soaked in greens and blacks. Here, scientists proclaim that reactions within the soaks (some are electrically charged) change the color of the water. 

To find out who's right, it's a good idea to talk to a natural health guru. Or to try the method for yourself and see how it makes you feel. If nothing else, there are no side effects, other than cost, making it a minimal-risk quest. Or, schedule a talk with your medical doctor to find out more.

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What Causes Cricks in the Neck?

No one likes starting their day with a crick in their neck. It’s painful, makes it hard to turn one’s head, and more often than not, lasts most of the day. Painful and practically incurable, it’s one of the worst ways to roll out of bed. But is still done by thousands of Americans each and every day. However, by working to identify these initial causes, we can eliminate their symptoms. From first waking up each morning to the very end of the workday. 

Cricks in the neck are most often caused by:

Straining the Neck 

If you work at a desk, or need to stretch and strain throughout the day, you’re more likely to irritate the muscles. Make sure monitors are at eye level. Also, any reading or driving should be done in a neck-friendly position.

Sleeping “Wrong”

If you have too many pillows, or sleep on a surface that’s too soft, you can cause ongoing pains by stretching or reducing support for the muscles. Instead, opt for a foam pillow that cradles the head, allowing the neck to relax along with the rest of the body.

Pulled Muscles

Generally, muscles that get the least amount of attention are pulled most often. By working out different parts of the body (or just stretching them), you can help strengthen muscles, eliminating the chance at injury. Even just from sleeping. 

Bad Posture

Slouching or sitting in a hunched over position can put pressure on the wrong parts of the neck (and those areas that are most sensitive). Remember to sit up straight and avoid leaning forward for long periods of time. 

To avoid getting a crick in the neck, avoid these dangerous tactics and look to their proven cures instead. 

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The Benefits of Spinal Adjustments on Babies

If you’ve ever been to the chiropractor, you know just how great the treatment feels. After only a few short minutes you’re taller, you’re body is better adjusted, and you have the satisfaction of knowing that your spine is sitting proper. Even if you prefer the “tapping” method over getting physically popped, chiropractic adjustments can offer a great deal of improvements throughout the entire body.

But did you know it’s great for all ages – even babies? Unlike medicines, it’s one form of healthcare that is completely natural. (However, it’s always best to talk with your primary physician before branching out into any type of treatment.) 

Infant Chiropractic and What it Can Do

Essentially, an adjustment is realigning the body’s communication channels (AKA nerves). And babies, like adults, benefit from a well-adjusted spine. When nerves are working properly, health instantly improves and we feel better. But when an issue arises, whether from nerve damage or not being able to properly send messages, kids’ symptoms can be greatly magnified. These “misfires” can come in the form of asthma, inability to sleep, colic, or chronic grumpiness. Considering all of these can be eliminated with an adjustment or two, it’s often more than worth the time and cost.

It’s also important to remember that kids’ postures are more susceptible to misalignment than adults. Being born (via a birth canal) is one of the body’s most traumatic experiences, and comes at the very start of one’s life. Kids also fall often, bump into objects, and are generally rough. The rougher the kid, the more likely it is that their spine is (even slightly) out of whack.

To encourage proper growth and a healthy nerve system, consider taking your kids to get adjusted. You can also talk with a chiropractor to learn more about the process – an important step for anyone new to the treatment.

Head to a trained doctor near you and get started on jumpstarting your baby’s health. 

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Why Nervous System Health Trumps All

When it comes to health concerns, there is a practically unending list of things that can go wrong … and to varying degrees. Muscles can deteriorate, bacteria can infiltrate the body, organs can lose efficiency, and that’s only the beginning. Then combine that with how parts and systems interact with one another, and there’s an entire new list of problems that can go wrong. Rather than looking to sickness and function interaction as a possible cause, however, creating a healthy nervous system can work to eliminate the latter as a viable threat.

After all, the nervous system is what allows muscles and organs to communicate with one another. Each tells another part of the body what it’s doing, or what needs to be done next, and when those communication gaps are hindered, the body itself suffers.

How to Keep All Body Functions Working

The most important part of the nervous system is the brain. Without it’s proper health, body parts wouldn’t be able to communicate properly … or at all. Their translation gaps could range from speaking with a heavy accent, to yelling near a booming speaker with non-English speaking listeners. But by adhering specifically to the brain’s health needs, you can easily make sure everyone’s on equal speaking – and listening – fields.

Start with your diet. A healthy brain needs plenty of Vitamins D and B6. Exercise and a regular fluid intake also works to flush out toxins that may bog down the brain or other parts of the body. (Combine exercise with a few glasses of water for the maximum toxin-flushing results.) Nervous systems can also flourish with an increase of protein and a decrease in fat. You can also look to doctor recommended supplements or additional vitamins shown to improve brain health.

Whether you’re looking out for your body’s cohesiveness or are just taking steps to get healthier, the nervous system is a great place to start. Look to the above or talk with your doctor about getting brain healthier today.

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The Internal Health Benefits of Calcium

It’s no secret that calcium is an important part of one’s diet. From a young age, we’re taught to drink plenty of milk, to take in the right levels of vitamins, and to not let our taste buds get in the way. Milk, and other forms of calcium, are important, and without them our bodies wouldn’t be able to properly function. There’s also plenty of proof behind this slated motion. Calcium = proper health from the inside out.

Here’s why:

It Makes for Strong, Healthy Bones

Even if you prefer to take your calcium in non-dairy form, there are plenty of health benefits to be had. Calcium helps build strong bones by way of size and density. Children should consume calcium on a regular basis, but so should adults. As we age, bone health tends to decline, and replenishing ourselves with enough calcium allows them to naturally repair. Without proper bone health, one is susceptible to injury, disease, or chronic bad posture – all of which can affect everyday functions, such as blood flow and digestion.

It Improves your Blood Pressure

Though this perk is dairy specific, it doesn’t make it any less important. Studies show that consuming three portions of dairy and five of fruits and veggies can help regulate blood pressure. Look to this natural dietary fix when the doctor mentions high numbers, or just to stay healthy year round.

It Reduces Your Risk for Disease

Taking in a steady amount of dairy has been linked to a reduced chance for cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. Combined with fruits, veggies, and other healthy foods (on a regular basis), this well-balanced intake can prep the body for a better fighting chance against disease. And avoiding these illnesses can also mean better eating habits, healthier blood flow, and steering clear of all the sicknesses’ nasty side effects, such as sleep apnea, chronic pain, and frequent hospital visits.

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How to Eliminate Headaches While you Sleep

The easier it is to find a medical treatment, the better – a common theory among sufferers of all kinds. When in place, colds could be met with as little resistance as possible, invasive procedures would be kept at a minimum, and meanwhile, everyone would be feeling their best without nasty or uncomfortable side effects. Unfortunately, that can’t be said for a large portion of illnesses that affect the population.

Headaches, however, are one cause that fits the bill.

Headaches and One of Their Main Causes

A majority of headaches and subsequent neck pain stems from the way we sleep each night. From craning or placing awkward pressure on the head and neck, ongoing aches occur and create regular headaches. Though certain positions might be comfortable during sleep (whether in general or from one’s level of relaxation), they can actually cause pains throughout the day. Additionally, a lack of neck support can cause pressure, affect blood flow, or even cause vertebrae to become misaligned. All of these things then contribute to head pain, whether in one night or a gradual increase over time.

While it can be hard to know just how we sleep in throughout the night, a new, supportive pillow can offer ongoing relief. Even without a sleep study. Look to a pillow with neck support, memory foam, and gentle cradling – all of which align the spine in a natural position. Over time, this will reduce headaches and create a healthier sleeping pattern. Many notice results in just one night.

Talk to your doctor about specific headaches or how a pillow change might affect or accompany ongoing treatments. For the rare headache patient, however, a simple change in support levels can do wonders for their daily routine.

To learn more about supportive pillows, talk to a specialist or check out the selection at Contour Living’s pillow page.

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Sore Muscles? Try Trigger Point Therapy

When suffering from a sore muscle, there are few tasks worth performing. Even those that are necessary. Depending on where the affected area may be, it can be painful to twist, turn, move one’s head, or make even the slightest movement. When rare or taking place after a specific injury, this becomes much easier to swallow. But when waking up with ongoing pains, everyday tasks are difficult, if not downright impossible, to complete.

One of the easiest ways to find some relief comes from exercise treatment or specialized therapies, which actually work to heal each area rather than mask its symptoms. By working on an area from the inside out, the suffering can not only be reduced, but leave an area healthier in the process. One such form of therapy does just that. By placing specific pressure on a “trigger point” – a muscle that causes pain – the area can relax and heal.

Generally, the therapy is performed by a trained masseur and takes place over several appointments. The masseur presses (firmly, depending on the level of pain) on the injured area, and then removes all weight, acting as a pressure and release routine. Over time, the muscle is able to relax, loosen (allowing the patient to feel less pain), and reconstruct itself.

Trigger point therapy also works with timed breathing cycles and various pain assessments to determine exactly which area of the body is the “trigger”. Though it’s considered less relaxing than a traditional massage – as the receiver actively participates through responses – this therapy is meant to heal rather than to pamper. Patients regularly report positive results, and some said they also received alternate massage treatments to help relax the rest of the body. [TPTherapy]

And with any type of massage, heavy hydration before and after is recommended. By consuming plenty of water, the body can flush out any unnecessary toxins, which help to advance the affects of the treatment.

Talk to your masseur or local parlor/salon to find out more.

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The Health Perks of Going Barefoot

Going without shoes – or barefoot – is usually a hit or miss trend. Either you love it, or you hate it and are sure it’s going to cause all types of sicknesses. But despite your previous allegiance, there are several benefits to be had from going without shoes. No, you still shouldn’t run down the street or venture into the porta potties without foot protection, but in safe, clean environments, you can easily improve your health just by going without shoes.

And if you’re still weary about it, start at home, then venture into the yard. Then try a friend’s house, water park, or any other (clean) public place where a lack of shoes is kosher. Before long, you’ll have developed a newfound freedom that only the shoe-less can enjoy.

What can it do for your health?

Avoiding shoes for an hour or two each day can work to improve your posture, mood, and feet placement. Without a shoe to guide and align the feet, we’re left to figure it out for ourselves. This is like hitting a “reset” button on our posture, letting the legs, back, and feet redefine what’s comfortable and supportive.

Runners are beginning to jog without foot support as well, but this is a more extreme switch. Try it if you dare (with your doctor’s approval), but a few hours around the house each day should also do the trick.

It’s also said that going barefoot can help to improve one’s mood. By connecting directly with the ground, there’s a scientific theory that says it will help reunite you with the earth. This may sound somewhat sketchy, but there is actual data showing that electrons from the ground can be absorbed by one’s body; scientists say this works to rejuvenate energy levels, which often results in a lifted spirit.

Walking outside while barefoot has also been shown to act as an antioxidant, and have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. [Peak Fitness]

Whether or not you believe in self “grounding,” going without shoes can offer a number of benefits. Test it out today to start getting the most out of your time outdoors.

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