Staying healthy and natural

Most of us fall asleep soon after laying our heads on our pillows. But many people have trouble going to sleep at a reasonable hour every night. Although the  National Sleep Foundation recommends getting seven to nine hours of sleep per night , most people sleep an average of only about six hours. In fact, more than 50 million Americans don’t get enough sleep. Enjoying a good night’s sleep is very important for your health. It will help you be happier, keep your brain sharp, strengthen your immune system, keep your waistline trim, make your skin glow and lower your risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. If you are having trouble sleeping, there may be a very simple solution. Certain foods can greatly increase your odds of a successful night’s slumber. Here are the top 10 superfoods to help you sleep better. 1. Cherries Cherries contain a good amount of melatonin, the chemical that helps control the body’s internal clock. According to a study published in the...

Good health is not just about eating the right foods. It’s about eating the right foods — in the right proportions at the right time.  A heavy meal at night can put a strain on your digestive system and disrupt your sleep.  Plus, it may contribute to weight gain because you aren’t likely to burn that many calories while you sleep. Skipping dinner altogether is also not a good idea. The hunger will keep you awake and encourage late-night snacking. And remember, sleep deprivation alters the way your genetics influence your body mass index (BMI), thus leading to weight gain. Studies have also found that it tends to compromise weight loss efforts by causing your body to burn more muscle instead of fat. Here are some of the worst possible foods that you can eat late at night. 1. Coffee Caffeine can keep you tossing and turning in your bed for hours due to its temporary stimulating effect. It has also been found to alter the normal stages of sleep and compromise dee...

Body heat, also known as  heat stress , is a common health problem caused by exposure to high temperatures. It occurs when the body is not able to cool itself enough to keep its temperature within the normal range of 36.5–37.5 degrees Celsius 97.7–99.5 degrees Fahrenheit. The body normally cools off by sweating, but sometimes sweating is not sufficient and the temperature keeps rising. Factors like very hot and humid weather, spending too much time in the sun, wearing tight clothing, strenuous workouts or physical exercise and certain medical conditions may cause or worsen the problem. Body heat is not a disease but it should not be taken lightly. If left untreated, it can develop into a heatstroke. Anyone can suffer from heat stress, but people over 65, babies and young children, pregnant and nursing mothers, and people who are physically unwell are at a higher risk. It results in  generalized weakness and lethargy, dizziness, headache, nausea, musc...

Many people try not to snack between meals to avoid gaining weight. If you are reaching for high-calorie treats like cookies and chips, they definitely will pack on the pounds over time. But if you eat healthy snacks, it will actually help you lose or maintain your weight. Furthermore, a 2007 study published in Physiology & Behavior points out that that breakfast and a mid-morning snack can help improve the ability of children to concentrate at school. In fact, the adverse effect of a small breakfast can be reversed by eating a mid-morning snack. You can eat a low-calorie, high-energy mid-morning and afternoon snack at the same time each day, even if you’re not too hungry. This will prevent you from getting too hungry at meal times and help you control your portion sizes during lunch or dinner. There are many healthy snacks to choose from that are less than 100 calories and won’t give you extra fats and sugar that are unfavorable to your waistline. ...

We all know that eating a healthy diet is essential for our physical health. It’s equally important for our brain’s health.  The brain is a complex and powerful organic machine that requires nutrients to function properly , just like your heart, lungs, eyes or muscles. The brain controls all thought, movement and sensation, while calculating and reacting with blistering speed. It is a storehouse of innumerable data. Plus, the brain regulates the functions of other body organs without taking a break. For the brain to work continuously and remain in good condition, it relies on a steady supply of essential nutrients from our diet, blood sugar and oxygen. Through a well-balanced diet, you can easily provide your brain with all the necessary nutrients to enjoy better memory, sharpened reflexes and a better attention span. Also, it will help  ward off mental illnesses  like Alzheimer’s, dementia and more. There are many superfoods that you can easily include in...

Do you suffer from a burning sensation in your stomach? Does your stomach feel as if it’s on fire? Well, you are not alone. Many people experience this unpleasant sensation. Apart from the burning sensation, you may also feel discomfort in the upper abdomen or lower chest, bloating, gas, belching, early feeling of fullness when eating, and nausea. Too much acid in the stomach contributes to a burning feeling, which can happen for several reasons. Some common causes are  gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), food allergies or intolerances, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcers, celiac disease and a Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterial infection . Other notable causes of a burning sensation in the stomach include side effects of medications or drugs, emotional stress, alcohol abuse, smoking, obesity, overuse of antibiotics, drinking chlorinated water and a poor diet. Given the numerous and diverse causes of a b...