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Walking is the most underrated form of exercise. It isn’t nearly as popular an exercise as running or jogging.  However, walking can be as good as a workout, if not better, than running. This is why I’ve decided to write this post to bring out the benefits of walking exercise.

Is walking better than running

Honestly, it is true that running is more physically demanding, which leads people to label it a better or healthier workout.  But the two really shouldn’t be compared against each other.  Running, due to larger muscle mobilization, greater forces used and faster motion capability, will always have the well-known leg up on walking.  But even though walking might not be a “ better” physical exercise, it may be a better exercise choice for some people.  For example, individuals with knee, ankle and back issues and additionally for people who are overweight to obese. Walking may be a lower impact exercise and may be executed for longer durations of time.

Walking will yield a great deal of similar advantages of running.  But running burns nearly double the quantity of calories as walking.

If you’re unaccustomed to exercise or aren’t able to run, walking will still assist you to get in form. Walking is accessible for nearly all fitness levels. It can boost your heart and give you more energy overall.  Let’s look at the benefits.

Benefits of walking

Burns Calories

Walking can help you burn calories which can help you maintain or even lose weight. Your actual calorie burn will depend on several factors, including: how fast you walk, how far you walk, the terrain (more calories are burned walking uphill than on a flat surface), and your weight.

If an individual wants to burn more calories or slim down quickly, running is a better choice. For example, for somebody who’s a hundred sixty pounds, running at 5 miles per hour (mph) burns 606 calories. However, walking briskly for a similar period at 3.5 mph burns simply 314 calories.

But walking may also provide varied advantages for your health, including helping you maintain a healthy weight.

You can confirm your actual calorie burn through a calorie calculator. For a general estimate, you can also refer to this chart.

Strengthens the heart

Walking a minimum of half an hour every day, five (5) days per week will cut back your risk for coronary cardiopathy (heart disease) by approximately nineteen percent (19 %).  And your risk may be reduced even more if you walk more days and when the duration or distance you walk per day is increased.

Can help lower blood sugar

Taking a brief walk following a meal could facilitate lowering your blood glucose level.

Taking a brief 15-minute walk three (3) times every day (after breakfast, lunch, and dinner) improved blood sugar levels more than by taking a 45-minute walk at another point during the day according to a small study.  However additional analysis is required to confirm these findings.

One might consider taking a post-meal walk a regular part of a routine. It can also help to fit exercise in throughout the day.

Eases joint pain

Walking will facilitate the protecting of the joints, including your knees and hips. This is because it helps lubricate and strengthen the muscles that support the joints.

Walking might also supply benefits for individuals living with the inflammatory disease arthritis, such as reducing pain. And walking five to six miles per week might also facilitate the prevention of arthritis.

Boosts immunity

Walking could cut back your risk for developing a common cold or the influenza.

One study tracked 1,000 adults during flu season. Those who walked at a moderate pace for thirty to forty five minutes every day had forty three (43%) percent fewer sick days and fewer upper respiratory tract infections overall. If they did come down with it, their symptoms were lessened.  This was compared to adults in the study who were sedentary.

You should try to get in a daily walk to experience these benefits. If you reside in a very cold climate, you can try to walk on a treadmill or around an indoor mall.

Boosts energy

Going for a walk when you’re tired may be a more effective for boosting energy than grabbing a cup of coffee.  And more healthy too!

Walking increases oxygen flow through the body. It can also increase levels of the hormones that help elevate energy levels.

Improve your mood

If you’ve had a bad day, walking can help you turn that frown upside down. As stress is reduced and you get some fresh air, your mood is uplifted.  That’s why many doctors recommend going out for a walk as an important part of depression treatment, as well as other conditions.

Extends life

Walking at a quicker pace may extend your life. Researchers
found that walking at an normal pace compared to a slow pace resulted in a 20 % reduced risk of overall death.

But walking at a brisk or rapid pace (at least four [4] miles per hour) reduced the chance by 24 percent. The study looked at the association of walking at a faster pace with factors like overall causes of death, including cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Increases muscle Tone

Walking increases muscle tone especially in the legs.
Walking can strengthen the muscles in your legs. To build up additional strength, walk on a route that consists of rising and falling areas (hilly) or on a treadmill with an incline. Or include stairs in your designated route.

*Also exchange walking with other cross-training activities like cycling or jogging. You can also perform resistance exercises like squats, lunges, and leg curls to further tone and strengthen your leg muscles.

Clears thinking

Walking might facilitate clearing an individual’s head and assist them to think creatively.

A study
that incorporated four experiments compared individuals attempting to consider of new concepts as they were walking or sitting. Researchers found participants scored higher while walking, notably when walking outdoors.

The researchers determined that walking releases a free flow of concepts and could be an easy way to increase creativity and acquire physical activity simultaneously.

The next time you have to think something through, try taking a walk while doing so.  It may save you some time!  Nothing like killing two birds with one stone!

Thirty minutes a day

The recommended time interval is thirty minutes to achieve the benefits mentioned above.  Just half an hour each day will increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, cut back excess body fat, and boost muscle power and endurance.

For example, let’s look at burning calories.  At a brisk walking pace, one would burn a hundred to three hundred calories in half an hour.
(depending on your weight) or two hundred to six hundred calories in a hour. By walking
for 30 minutes or more at a time, some of those calories will be from stored fat. During the first 30 minutes of exercise, your body is burning sugars stored as fuel.

On a weekly basis, if you eat 3,500 calories less than your energy requirement, you will lose one pound per week. If your calorie intake and output are in balance, allowing you to maintain a steady weight, and you begin walking 30 minutes a day without increasing your calorie intake, you can calculate what amount of weight you can lose.

If you weigh one hundred fifty (150) pounds and walk uphill for half an hour at 3 ½  mph every day for one week, you will burn two hundred (200) calories. Multiply two hundred (200) calories by seven days, for a total of 1,400 calories. In four weeks, you will have burned 5,600 calories. This equals a weight loss of 1.6 pounds in four weeks.

 To summarize: to induce the health advantages, try to walk for at least 30 minutes as briskly as you can on most days of the week. ‘Brisk’ means that you can still talk but not sing, and you may be slightly winded.

Moderate activities like walking cause very little health risk however, if you currently have a medical condition, seek advice from your doctor before beginning any new exercise program of physical activity.

Please feel free to leave any question, comment or concern below.

Good health!!

Most adults today take at least one dietary supplement either every day or at the minimum occasionally. Today’s dietary supplements include vitamins, minerals, herbals and botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and many other products. Dietary supplements are available in a range of forms: standard tablets, capsules, and powders, as well as drinks and energy bars. Popular supplements contain vitamins D and E; minerals like calcium and iron; herbs like Echinacea and garlic; and specialty products such as glucosamine, probiotics, and fish oils. The purpose of this post is to supply information on dietary supplements. Hence, the title— Dietary Supplements: the facts. So we begin with a definition of a dietary supplement.

What is a dietary supplement

The words “dietary supplement” describes an extensive and varied category of products that you consume to support good health and supplement the diet. A dietary supplement is not a medicine, nor should it be considered a substitute for food. It is a supplement; it enhances the diet.

In an ideal world, we’d easily be able to get all the nutrients we need from diet alone.  But because of our demanding schedules, there has been ever-increasing reliance on processed convenience and fast foods. These processed foods are often high in calories yet offer little or no nutritional value. Therefore, dietary supplements are needed to fill the gap to provide us with the nutrients we need.

Dietary ingredients can be one or a combination of vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, concentrates, metabolites, constituents, or extract.

What do dietary supplements accomplish

What do dietary supplements do? If you don’t eat a nutritiously nourishing variety of foods, some supplements might help you get adequate amounts of essential nutrients. However, supplements can’t completely take the place of the variety of foods that are important to a healthy diet.

Types of dietary supplements

As mentioned earlier, dietary supplements include: vitamins, minerals, herbals and botanicals, amino acids, enzymes. Below is an explanation of these essentials. These are all available under one roof.

Vitamins – What is a vitamin? Complex organic compounds that are required in small amounts by the body for normal growth and metabolism. A crucial part of a balanced diet, vitamins occur naturally in foods and may be added to processed foods to increase their nutritional value. Vitamin supplements play a crucial role in this need.

What is a vitamin supplement? A vitamin supplement is a preparation, in various forms (Pills, capsules, etc.) to serve as a dietary supplement with vitamins. The objective is to fill the gap left by a lack of vitamins supplied in one’s diet.

Minerals— identical to vitamins, minerals help your body develop, grow, and maintain a healthy state. The body uses minerals to perform many functions. From building strong bones to transmitting nerve impulses, minerals run the gamut. Some minerals are used to make hormones or maintain a normal heartbeat.

Like vitamins, mineral supplements are available in various forms.

Herbals— an herb is a plant or plant part used for its scent, flavor, or therapeutic properties. Herbals are one type of dietary supplement that contain the plant substance that’s beneficial to the body. They are sold as tablets, capsules, powders, teas, extracts, and fresh or dried plants.

Many consider herbs to be natural and therefore healthier and gentler than conventional drugs. Many use herbs for a variety of medical conditions, as well as for overall health and well-being. For others, herbal use is grounded in traditions passed down from generations prior.

Some commonly used herbs include: Garlic (which may help reduce the risk of heart disease and lower high blood pressure), Ginger (used as a digestive aid), ginseng (which may help improve cognitive function and augment athletic performance).

Botanicals— A botanical like an herb is a plant or plant parts valued for its medicinal or therapeutic properties and are contained in the same forms as herbs. In fact, Herbs are a subset of botanicals.

Amino Acids—Amino acids play a role in the development of protein within the body and are crucial in promoting wound repair and encouraging healthy tissue in muscles, bones, skin and hair. Amino acids are also central in eliminating waste deposits related to metabolism.

Enzymes— Enzymes ar biological molecules (typically proteins) that considerably speed up the pace of nearly all the chemical reactions that surface inside cells. They are very important to sustain life and serve a broad scope of important functions within the body, such as aiding in digestion and metabolism. Almost all organic chemistry reactions in living things require enzymes.

Why are enzymes important? With enzymes, chemical reactions go much faster than they would without the enzyme. Enzymes control the speed of chemical reactions in your body. Without enzymes, these reactions would take place too slowly to keep you alive. Some enzymes, like the ones in your gut, break down large molecules into smaller ones.

Why take dietary supplements

What are the benefits of taking supplements? Scientific evidence shows that some dietary supplements are beneficial for overall health as well as managing various health conditions. For example, calcium and vitamin D are important for keeping bones strong and reducing bone loss; folic acid decreases the risk of certain birth defects; and omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils may facilitate some individuals with cardiovascular disease. Other supplements require additional study to conclude their merit. One thing to note, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not determine whether dietary supplements are effective before they are placed in the market.

It is also important to note that overuse and interactions can undermine health benefits. Dietary supplements are products designed to bump up your daily intake of nutrients, including vitamins and minerals. Many are safe and provide vital health advantages; however there are some that create health risks, particularly if overused.

The best way to approach dietary supplements

The best way to approach dietary supplements is to take a multivitamin. Why? Simply because it’s the most balanced way to ensure that we’re getting the vitamins, nutrients, and minerals required for optimal conditioning of our bodies. It’s the best of all worlds, nutritionally.

Why take a multivitamin you ask? Well, yes, we can get a lot of nutrients from food, especially fruits and vegetables, but the simple fact is we don’t.

When we don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables, we miss essential nutrients, which can leave us vulnerable to serious negative health conditions. Adults should consume 1 1/2-2 cups of fruit and 2-3 cups of vegetables daily. Yet, studies found that 76% of adults don’t eat enough fruit and 87% of adults don’t eat enough vegetables.

So how do we get our nutrients? A multivitamin of course. A multivitamin supplement is like insurance, a daily guarantee to ensure your body gets the vitamins and minerals it needs. It can make up for the shortfalls that happen when we don’t get what we need through food.

Here are a few more key reasons to take a multivitamin: slower aging, can reduce cardiovascular disease, reduces cancer risk, boosts immunity, supports eye health, contains water-soluble vitamins that’s needed on a daily basis, healthy hair and skin, and feeling better overall. Thanks mostly to the B-complex vitamin family, taking a multivitamin is associated with a boost in energy levels, feelings of well-being, as well as a decrease in stress and anxiety. This alone, makes it worth maintaining a multivitamin regime.

Where to buy dietary supplements

Dietary supplements are widely accessible in health food stores, drug stores, grocery stores, fitness centers and on-line sites and they are available in several forms including: two piece capsules, soft gels, tablets, bottles of liquid, powders and gummies.

Please feel free to leave any comment, question or concern below

Good health!

I mentioned free radicals in my posts: https://universal-health-products.com/what-are-the-hea…urmeric-curcumin/ and‎ https://universal-health-products.com/health-benefits-of-red-tea/
‎The focuses of these posts are on products that, among other things, help to prevent and eliminate free radicals because of the antioxidants they contain and how to obtain them.

But what are free radicals and why are they bad?

What are free radicals?

To define free radicals, the body is always under attack from a condition called oxidative stress. Oxidative stress begins when oxygen in the body splits into single atoms with unpaired electrons. Electrons are usually in pairs, so these atoms, called free radicals, search to seek out other electrons so they can become a pair. This causes damage to cells. I’ll elaborate more later.

Why are they bad?

Free radicals are associated with human diseases, including some major life changers which I’ll mention later. They also may have a link to aging, because of what has been defined as a gradual accumulation of free-radical damage.

Substances that generate free radicals can be found in the foods we eat (e.g. cooked and process meats), the air we breathe, the medicationss we take, and the water we drink. These substances include alcohol, cigarette and cigar smoke, fried foods, tobacco pesticides and air pollutants.

Free radicals ar the natural byproducts of chemical processes, such as metabolism. Yet, free radicals are essential to life. for example, the body’s ability to turn air and food into chemical energy depends on a chain reaction of free radicals. Free radicals are also a crucial part of the immune system, as they travel throughout the body attacking foreign invaders. The problem is that when built up, they harm the cells of the body. As I like to say, too much of a good thing is a bad thing!

Once free radicals are produced, a chain reaction can occur. The first free radical pulls an electron from a molecule, weakening that molecule and turns it into a free radical. That molecule then takes an electron from another one,

weakening it and turning it into a free radical. This outcome, causing a domino effect, can eventually disrupt and harm the entire cell. This free radical chain reaction may lead to broken cell membranes, which can change what enters and exits the cell. This chain reaction may change the structure of a lipid, making it more likely to become trapped in an artery. These damaged molecules may mutate and grow tumors. Or, could change DNA code.

The oxidative stress mentioned earlier, occurs when there are too many free radicals and too much cellular damage. Several studies throughout the last few decades have suggested that oxidative stress plays a role in the development of many conditions, including macular degeneration, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, emphysema, alcoholism, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, ulcers and all inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis and lupus. Free radicals are also associated with aging. “The theory of aging regarding free radicals states that we tend to age as a result of free radical harm over time. Free radicals can damage DNA’s instructional code, causing our new cells to grow incorrectly, which leads to aging.

There are no official symptoms of oxidative stress. However, according to naturopathic doctors, symptoms include
headaches, noise sensitivity, fatigue, memory loss and brain fog, muscle and joint pain, vision problems and decreased immunity, wrinkles and gray hair, In a word, aging.

Antioxidants and Free Radicals

I mentioned antioxidants in the beginning. They are the strongest defense against free radicals.  Antioxidants ar molecules in cells that stop free radicals from taking electrons and inflicting harm. They are able to give an electron to a free radical without becoming weakened themselves, thus stopping the free radical chain reaction. “Antioxidants ar natural substances whose job is to scrub up free radicals. Antioxidants finish up the radical waste within the cells.

Well-known antioxidants include beta-carotene and other carotenoids, lutein, resveratrol, vitamin C, vitamin E, lycopene and other phytonutrients.

Our body produces some antioxidants on its own, but in inadequate quantities. Oxidative stress occurs when there are too many free radicals and too few antioxidants.

Antioxidants can also be acquired through diet. “Antioxidants are plentiful in fruits and veggies, especially the colorful ones.  Some examples include berries, tomatoes, broccoli, spinach, nuts and green tea. There are also supplements that contain powerful antioxidants. For more information see my post: https://universal-health-products.com/what-are-the-hea…urmeric-curcumin/

Antioxidants became into view in the Nineteen Nineties when scientists began to understand the potential effects of free radicals on cancer development, atherosclerosis and other chronic conditions. During the subsequent decades, many studies have been conducted on the effects of antioxidants with mixed results. Scientists don’t fully perceive the mixed results from the trials or the precise mechanism that causes antioxidants to be effective or ineffective against free radicals. But it’s safer to lean towards consuming antioxidants than not. Better safe than sorry!!

Also, note that regular exercise can also build up antioxidant defenses. The key is regular exercise. Intense initial cardio exercise causes chemical reactions that make free radicals form at a faster rate leading to initial exercise-induced oxidative stress. Therefore, out of shape and infrequent exercisers who do a spontaneous bout of intense physical activity may invoke oxidative stress, while those who are consistently active have no need to worry.

Good Health!

Feel free to leave any question, comment or concern below

What are essential oils

A term I’ve heard on occasion but didn’t pay much attention to is “essential oils.” But suddenly my curiosity has risen because it seems that I’m hearing it more often. So I couldn’t help but wonder, what are essential oils and what are they used for? Also, what are essential oils and do they work?

Essential oils are compounds removed from plants. The oils confine the plant’s scent and flavor, also known as its essence. Unique fragrant compounds give each essential oil its characteristic essence.

Essential oils are attained through distillation (via steam and/or water) or mechanical means, such as cold pressing. The way the oils are processed is important, as essential oils obtained through chemical processes are not considered true essential oils.

These oils are concentrated and very potent. Therefore, once the aromatic chemicals have been removed, they are combined with a carrier oil to create a product that’s ready for use. Carrier oils are vegetable oils, such as coconut oil or avocado oil that have been derived from the seeds, kernels, or nuts of a plant.

What are essential oils used for

Essential oils are used in aromatherapy, a complementary therapy where various essential oils are applied to the body to aid both physical and emotional health and well-being (wellness). They are sniffed, or diluted then rubbed on the skin. They are not meant to be swallowed. Inhaling the aromas can stimulate areas of your limbic system, which is a part of your brain that plays a role in emotions, behaviors, sense of smell and long-term memory. What is interesting, the limbic system is heavily involved in forming memories. This will partially make a case for why acquainted smells can trigger reminiscences or emotions. It also plays a role in controlling some unconscious physiological functions, such as breathing, heart rate and blood pressure. Some claim that essential oils can exert a physical effect on your body in this way. But this has not been confirmed in studies.

Aromatherapy is used to help with a wide range of health issues, from acne to asthma, depression to insomnia, and migraine to worms.

Well Known Types

There are more than 90 types of essential oils, each with its own distinctive aroma and potential health benefits.

Here’s a few of the popular ones and the health assertions associated with them:

• Sandalwood: Used to calm nerves and help with focus.
• Lavender: Used for stress relief.
• Peppermint: Used to boost energy and help with digestion.
• Jasmine: Used to help with depression, childbirth and libido
• Chamomile: Used for improving mood and relaxation.
• Lemon: Used to aid digestion, mood, headaches and more.
• Ylang-Ylang: Used to treat headaches, nausea and skin conditions.
• Tea Tree: Used to fight infections and boost immunity.
• Bergamot: Used to reduce stress and improve skin conditions like eczema.
• Rose: Used to improve mood and reduce anxiety.

Other Uses

Essential oils have many uses outside of aromatherapy. Many people use them to scent their homes or wash things like laundry. They are additionally used as a natural scent in home-produced cosmetics and high-quality natural merchandise. It has also been suggested that they could provide a safe and environmentally friendly alternative to man-made mosquito repellents, such as DEET. However, results of their effectiveness have been mixed.

Their properties also indicate that some of them could be used industrially for extending the shelf life of foods. They also aid in healing infections, cleansing, cleaning and deodorizing. Tea Tree oil for example is used in environmentally friendly household cleaners.

In summary, aromatherapy isn’t the only use for essential oils. They can be used in and around the home, as well as industrially.

Where to buy Essential Oils

Many businesses claim that their oils are “pure” or “medical grade. Since it is an unregulated industry, the quality and composition of essential oils can vary greatly.

Therefore, the following tips might help to choose only high-quality oils:

• Purity: Find an oil that contains only aromatic plant compounds, without additives or synthetic oils. Pure oils usually list the plant’s botanical name.
• Quality: True essential oils are the ones that have been changed the least by the extraction process. Choose a chemical-free oil that has been extracted through distillation or mechanical cold pressing.
• Reputation: Purchase a brand with a reputation for producing high-quality products.

Essential oils can be bought on-line. In fact, it is the best place to buy essential oils. You just need to know where to buy essential oils on line. For information on the largest on-line wellness company in North America that features essential oils with uncompromising quality, logon www.info@universal-health-products.com
to make your request.

Feel free to leave any question, comment or concern below.

Good Health!!

The word environment encompasses the conditions that surround us. It includes the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. These conditions affect the growth, health, and progress of our existence.

The word pollution represents the greatest enemy to our environment. It is the action or process of making, our land, water, air, etc dirty and not safe or suitable for use. The human actions are the major cause of pollution, mainly of an industrial nature affecting our air and water. However, as every-day individuals, we cannot control these actions. Therefore, no matter how much we hear about this issue and climate change, there isn’t much we can do about it. But there is one area of our environment we can do a lot about – our homes. There is a substantial amount of improvement needed when it comes to protecting our home environment.

In my last post, I expounded on the dangerous chemicals in our homes: https://universal-health-products.com/dangerous-chemicals-in-the-home/ I listed and explained some of the more common and dangerous ones. In this post, I’m going to go into the alternatives to make one’s home environment more people friendly.

So here we go!

Phthalates

The chemical found in may fragranced products: Air fresheners, soaps, toilet paper, etc.

Alternative: When possible choose fragrance-free or all-natural organic products. It’s recommended that we bypass aerosol or plug-in air fresheners and instead using essential oils or just opening windows to freshen the air. Also, we can consider adding more plants to our homes as they are natural air detoxifiers.

Perchloroethylene or “PERC”

The ingredient found in Dry-cleaning solutions, spot removers, and carpet and upholstery cleaners.

Alternative: Curtains, drapes and clothes that are labeled dry clean only can be taken to a wet cleaner instead, which uses water-based technology rather than chemical solvents. Liquid carbon dioxide has been recognized by the EPA as an environmentally preferable alternative to the more toxic dry-cleaning solvents. So try asking your dry cleaner which method they use. For a safer spot remover, look for a nontoxic brand like Ecover, or rub undiluted castile soap (based with vegetable oil) directly on stains before washing.

Triclosan

Most antibacterial liquid dishwashing detergents and hand soaps contain Triclosan.

Alternative: Use detergents and soaps with short ingredient lists, and avoid antibacterial products containing triclosan for home use. As for hand sanitizers, choose one that is alcohol-based and contains no triclosan.

Quarternary Ammonium Compounds, or “QUATS”

Usually in fabric softener liquids and sheets, and most household cleaners labeled “antibacterial.”

Alternative: we don’t have to have fabric softener or dryer sheets to soften clothes or get rid of static: Simple vinegar works just as well. “Vinegar is the natural fabric softener of choice for many reasons, it’s nontoxic, and it removes soap residue in the rinse cycle as well as helps to prevent static cling in the dryer. White vinegar is the best choice for general cleaning; other types can stain.

Alternatives to chemical disinfectants abound as well, including antibacterial, antifungal tea-tree oil. Simply mix a few drops of tea-tree oil and a tablespoon of vinegar with water in a spray bottle for a safe, germ killing, and all-purpose cleaner. A couple of drops of lavender essential oil can be added for fragrance.

Butoxyethanol

Window, kitchen and multipurpose cleaners are the guilty perpetrators for this ingredient.

Alternative: Clean mirrors and windows with newspaper and diluted vinegar. For other kitchen tasks, stick to simple cleaning compounds like Bon Ami powder; it’s made from natural ingredients like ground feldspar and baking soda without the added bleach or fragrances found in most commercial cleansers. You can also make your own formulas with baking soda, vinegar and essential oils. See the link below for info on essential oils.

Ammonia

Commonly found in polishing agents for bathroom fixtures, sinks and jewelry; also in glass and all-purpose cleaners.

Alternatives: Would you believe…Vodka! It is known to produce a reflective shine on any metal or mirrored surface. And people drink this stuff!! Here’s another one… toothpaste – makes an outstanding silver polish! Gees!!

Sodium Hydroxide

This one is a beaut. It hangs out in oven cleaners and drain openers.

Alternative: You can clean the greasiest oven with baking-soda paste. However, it will take a little more time and elbow grease. For clogged drains, we can use a mechanical “snake” tool, or try this: pour a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar down the drain and plug it for 30 minutes. After the bubbles die down, run hot water down the drain to clear the debris.

Formaldehyde

Here’s one I didn’t cover in my last post but is far from innocent. It’s not so much in household cleaners but commonly found in: lotions, shampoos, sun block, soap bars, cosmetics, body wash, toothpaste, baby wipes, and bubble bath.

It might surprise you to know that much of the shelving, furniture, wall finishes, carpet, cabinetry and flooring in our homes could contain this dangerous chemical. Formaldehyde can also be found in building materials such as paneling, plywood and insulation to name a few.

Most products contain only very small amounts of harmful chemicals. The danger lies in our modern habits of using many of these products, and for a long time. As we surround ourselves with more and more formaldehyde-containing products our exposure level increases. Similarly, the longer we expose ourselves to these products the more exposure we are getting. Is it any wonder why we’re so sick, especially as we age?

Alternative: we have to look for products that are “readily biodegradable” and “non-toxic to humans and aquatic life.

The Solution:

We have to take responsibility and not rely on companies and the government for our home environmental health. We can accomplish this by controlling our home environment and by making better health choices. The first step is getting these chemicals out of our homes. Cleaning and personal care products can be easily replaced with natural alternatives (remember to look for products that are “readily biodegradable” and “non-toxic to humans and aquatic life”)

Connect to a wellness company

Once you’ve gotten rid of the chemicals, replace them easily through a wellness organization. A comprehensive wellness company can supply you with products that are chemical and preservative free. From floor, kitchen and bathroom cleaners to smoothies and snack bars. Essential oils too—the works! Keep your home truly clean – dirt and chemical free. It is the most convenient way to protect our home environment for ourselves and our families.

Wellness begins at home!

For information on the largest on-line wellness shopping club in North America, email your request to www.info @universal-health-products.com

Feel free to leave any question comment or concern below.

Good Health!!

Some of us are more health conscious than others. Those who are, tend to focus on their consumption of food, drinks, and exercise regimes. But what are we doing to control our environments, mainly in our homes? What about the dangerous chemicals in the home?

Many of us are unaware of the dangerous chemicals we use in our homes. But the fact of the matter is there are dangerous chemicals in household products. We clean our kitchens with these products: dish washing detergents (both hand and automatic dishwashers), sink cleaners, floor cleaners, counter top disinfectants and oven cleaners. We scrub our bathrooms with: cleansers, bathtub and tile cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, and we clean our medicine cabinet mirrors with window cleaner. We shampoo our carpets, scrub our walls and clean our windows, all with chemicals. We don’t think twice about it! But we need to be aware that there are dangerous chemicals in everyday products and of the dangers in household chemicals.

The core of the issue

According to environmental experts, there is an average of sixty-two (62) toxic chemicals in most homes that we are exposed to on a regular basis. This includes phthalates in synthetic fragrances to the noxious fumes in oven cleaners. These ingredients are linked to asthma, cancer, reproductive disorders, neurotoxicity (adverse effects on the nervous system) and hormone disruption. This is the result of dangerous chemicals in the home.

There are chemicals in our products that are banned in Europe because of their toxicity. However, in the US, there’s no federal regulation of chemicals in household products. In terms of household cleaners, neither ingredients nor products must meet any sort of safety standard, nor is any testing data or notification required before bringing a product to market, according to scientists at a well-known activist group.

Producers of these products contend that in small amounts these toxic ingredients aren’t likely to be a problem. However, when we’re exposed to them routinely, and in combinations that haven’t been studied, it’s impossible to accurately gauge the risks. While a few products cause immediate reactions from acute exposure (e.g. headaches from fumes, skin burns from accidental contact), different problems arise with repeated contact. Chronic exposure adds to the body’s toxic burden. That term represents the number of chemicals stored in body tissues at a given time. This toxic body burden is the major worry in relation to toxic chemicals in the home.

While no one can avoid exposure to toxic chemicals totally, the danger is daily, weekly, chronic exposure over a lifetime. While it is true to be exposed to a chemical for an insignificant number of times wouldn’t cause harm, over time some chemicals build up enough or cause enough harm in your body to trigger a disease consequence. The body burden concept sheds light on the fact that pollution is not just accumulating in our air and water it’s also accumulating in us!

The dangerous chemicals in household products

Next we’ll take a look at some of the greatest toxic ingredients found in common household products.

Phthalates

Many fragranced household products, such as air fresheners, dish soap, even toilet paper contain phthalates. You probably won’t see the word on a label. However, if you see the word fragrance, phthalates are probably present.

Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors. Men with higher concentrations in their blood had correspondingly reduced sperm counts. Although exposure to phthalates mainly occurs through inhalation, it can also happen through skin contact with scented soaps, which is a significant problem. The skin has no safeguards against toxins as the digestive system. Therefore, absorbed chemicals go straight to organs. [Nice!]

Perchloroethylene: “PERC”

This chemical is contained in dry-cleaning solutions, spot removers, and carpet and upholstery cleaners.

Perc is a Neurotoxin and the EPA classifies it as a possible carcinogen as well. People exposed to perc continually such as those who live in residential buildings where dry cleaners are located have reported dizziness, loss of coordination and other symptoms. In fact, the EPA has ordered a phase-out of perc machines in residential buildings by 2020. California plans to eliminate all use of perc by 2023. It is most often exposed through inhalation. The odor on clothes when they return from the dry cleaner is a sure sign and also the fumes that linger after cleaning carpets. We all have to use the dry cleaner to one extent or another. It’s best to remove the plastic cover and allow items to air out before using them.

Triclosan

This one is found in most liquid dish washing detergents and hand soaps labeled “antibacterial.”

Triclosan is an aggressive antibacterial agent that can promote the growth of drug-resistant bacteria. There no evidence that it makes us healthier or safer. The concern is overusing these antibacterial chemicals — that’s how microbes develop resistance. Other studies have now found dangerous concentrations of triclosan in rivers and streams, where it is toxic to algae. It is a probable carcinogen and is being investigated whether it may also disrupt endocrine (hormonal) function.

Quarternary Ammonium Compounds, or “QUATS”

These gems are usually found in fabric softener liquids and sheets, and most household cleaners labeled “antibacterial.”

Quats are another type of antimicrobial. Therefore, they pose the same problem as triclosan by helping breed antibiotic-resistant bacteria. They’re also a skin irritant. A study of contact dermatitis found quats to be one of the leading causes. They are also suspected as a cause for respiratory disorders: There’s evidence that even healthy people who are exposed to quats on a regular basis develop asthma as a result. [Nice!]

2-Butoxyethanol

You’ll find these in window, kitchen and multipurpose cleaners.

2-butoxyethanol is the key ingredient in many window cleaners and gives them their characteristic sweet smell (all that’s sweet isn’t sugar). It belongs in the category of “glycol ethers,” a set of powerful solvents that don’t mess around. Law does not require 2-butoxyethanol to be listed on a product’s label In addition to causing sore throats when inhaled, at high levels glycol ethers can also contribute to narcosis, pulmonary edema, and severe liver and kidney damage. Although there is a standard on 2-butoxyethanol for workplace safety, if we’re cleaning our homes in a confined area, such as an unventilated bathroom, we can actually end up getting this chemical in the air at levels that are higher than workplace safety standards. [Watch out!]

Ammonia

Commonly found in: polishing agents for bathroom fixtures, sinks and jewelry; also in glass cleaners.

Since ammonia evaporates and doesn’t leave streaks, it’s another common ingredient in commercial window cleaners. But there’s a price for the sparkle. Ammonia is a powerful irritant. Its effects are immediate. Those most affected are those who have asthma, and the elderly with lung issues and respiratory problems. It’s almost always inhaled. Those who get a lot of ammonia exposure, like housekeepers, will often develop chronic bronchitis and asthma. I once inhaled a little more ammonia than I should have while doing a household chore and I developed one of the nastiest colds ever. Ammonia can also create a horribly smelling, poisonous gas if it’s mixed with bleach.

Chlorine

Scouring powders, toilet bowl cleaners, mildew removers, laundry whitener, household tap water is where this chemical resides.

There are many avenues of exposure with chlorine. We’re getting exposed through fumes and possibly through skin when we clean with it, but because it’s also in city water to get rid of bacteria, we’re also getting exposed when you take a shower or bath. The health risks from chlorine can be acute as well as chronic; it’s a respiratory irritant at an acute level. But the chronic effects are what people don’t realize: It can be a serious thyroid disrupter.

Sodium Hydroxide

This scary one is mainly found in oven cleaners and drain openers.

Commonly known as lye, sodium hydroxide is extremely corrosive. If it touches your skin or gets into your eyes, it can cause severe burns. Routes of exposure are skin contact and inhalation. Inhaling sodium hydroxide cuts your breath and can cause a sore throat that lasts for days.

How to avoid exposure

Wellness begins at home!

The best way to avoid being exposed to all the above toxins is to avoid them altogether. It’s a good idea to get these toxins out of our homes. This is best achieved by getting involved into today’s wellness movement. Wellness changes our environment to a proactive one instead of a reactive one. In my post/article https://universal-health-products.com/protecting-our-home-environment/ I detail alternatives to the common chemicals that we’re exposed to.

The most convenient way to accomplish this is through a comprehensive wellness company that offers a host of chemical and preservative free products. These range from household cleaners to delicious and nutritional smoothies!

For information on the best on-line wellness companies in North America featuring chemical free household products , send your request via email to info@universal-health-products.com

Please feel free to leave any question or comment below.

Good Health!

There are so many natural compounds that are incredibly good for us. Many of them are the foundations for the medications we use. Perhaps if we used them in a more preventive way, we wouldn’t need so many medications. One of these miracle substances is the herb Turmeric Curcumin.

What Is Turmeric Curcumin

Tumeric is a spice. It is the spice that gives curry its yellow color. It is very

popular in India where it is also used for medicinal purposes because it has many benefits for the body and brain.

The Benefits of Turmeric Curcumin

So what are the health benefits of turmeric curcumin? For starters, curcumin contains compounds that have medicinal properties called curcuminoids, with the most important being curcumin. Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric. It has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant. However, the curcumin content of turmeric is not that high. Most of the studies use turmeric extracts that contain mostly curcumin itself, with dosages usually exceeding 1 gram per day. It would be very difficult to reach these levels just using the turmeric spice in our foods. Therefore, in order to experience the full effects, a supplement that contains significant amounts of curcumin is needed.

Another consideration is curcumin is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream. Therefore, it helps to consume black pepper with it, which contains piperine, a natural substance that enhances the absorption of curcumin by significant measures.

It is a natural anti-inflammatory – Inflammation is a good thing. It helps our bodies fight off attacks from harmful raiders such as viruses and bacteria. But, too much of a good thing is a bad thing. Although acute, short-term inflammation is beneficial, it can become a major problem when it becomes chronic and attacks our body’s own tissues. Chronic, low-level inflammation plays a major role in almost every chronic disease. This includes heart disease, cancer, metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer’s and various degenerative conditions. Therefore, anything that can help fight chronic inflammation is of potential importance in preventing and even treating these diseases.

Curcumin is a strong anti-inflammatory. In fact, it’s so powerful that it matches the effectiveness of some anti-inflammatory drugs, without the side effects which can also be harmful.

It is a strong antioxidant—Due to its chemical structure, curcumin is a potent antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals. Free radicals are the results of oxidative damage caused by free radicals, which is believed to be one of the causes of many diseases and aging. Curcumin boosts the activity of our body’s own antioxidant enzymes. It also blocks them directly.

It improves brain function and lowers the risk of brain diseases— many common brain disorders including depression and Alzheimer’s disease have been linked to decreased levels of a hormone. Interestingly, curcumin can increase brain levels of this hormone which increases the growth of new neurons. By doing this, it may be effective in delaying or even reversing many brain diseases and age-related decreases in brain function. It may also improve memory.

Lowers risk of heart disease—Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America. But Curcumin may help reverse the steps leading to heart disease. Perhaps the main benefit of curcumin when it comes to heart disease is improving the lining of blood vessels. It is a known fact that a breakdown of this lining is a major contributor to heart disease and involves an inability to regulate blood pressure, blood clotting and various other factors.

Several studies suggest that curcumin leads to improvements in the function of this lining. One study found that it’s as effective as exercise while another shows that it works as well as a statin used to control cholesterol.

Inflammation and oxidation, mentioned earlier, also play a role in heart disease. Curcumin, being the strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that it is, makes it a formidable soldier in the battle against heart disease.

Turmeric can help prevent cancer—Curcumin has been studied as a beneficial herb in cancer treatment and been found to affect cancer growth, development and spread at the molecular level. Studies have shown that it can contribute to the death of cancer cells and reduce growth of new blood vessels in tumors curtailing the spread of cancer.

Studies also indicate that curcumin can reduce the growth of cancer cells in the laboratory and inhibit the growth of tumors in test animals. Whether high-dose curcumin with an absorption enhancer like piperine can help treat cancer in humans has yet to be studied. However, there is evidence that it may prevent cancer from occurring in the first place, especially cancers of the digestive system like colorectal cancer. Prevention is better than cure! Perhaps curcumin will be used along with conventional cancer treatment one day.

Turmeric’s active component, curcumin, is credited with many of the spice’s purported benefits.

It can help with diabetes—a 2013 reviewTrusted Source of studies suggests that curcumin can decrease the level of glucose in blood, as well as other diabetes-related complications. Researchers conjointly found that curcumin might have a role in diabetes hindrance. More clinical trials with humans are needed for a better understanding of curcumin and turmeric’s effects.

Other analysis  suggests that turmeric extract may facilitate the stabilization of blood glucose levels and cause diabetes to be more manageable.

Curcumin may prevent and treat Alzheimer’s disease—unfortunately, no good treatment is available for Alzheimer’s yet. Therefore, preventing it from occurring in the first place is of utmost importance. Curcumin has been shown to be effective both hematologically and neurologically, working on both sides of the brain-blood barrier .

It is known that inflammation and oxidative damage play a role in Alzheimer’s disease, and as mentioned earlier curcumin has beneficial effects on both.

In addition, a key feature of Alzheimer’s disease is a buildup of protein plaques. Studies show that curcumin can help clear these plaques

More studies are needed to determine whether curcumin can really slow down or even reverse the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in humans.

Curcumin has been shown to have benefits against depression— Depression is linked to reduced levels of a protein that promotes the survival of nerve cells and a shrinking hippocampus, an area of the brain where learning and memory take place. Curcumin boosts these levels, potentially reversing some of these changes

In a controlled trial, participants with depression were separated into three groups. One group took Prozac, another group one gram of curcumin and the third group both Prozac and curcumin. After six weeks, curcumin had led to improvements that were similar to Prozac. The group that took both Prozac and curcumin fared best. According to this small study, curcumin is as effective as an antidepressant.

There is also some evidence that curcumin can boost serotonin and dopamine. These are chemical messengers that regulate countless functions in our bodies, from sleep to metabolism. Boosting these can greatly improve overall body performance and quality of life.

Curcumin supplements works well on arthritis patients— Arthritis is a widespread problem in our country. There are several types, most of which involve inflammation in the joints. Given that curcumin is a potent anti-inflammatory compound, it makes sense that it may help with arthritis. Studies show this to be true.

In summary, Turmeric and especially its most active compound curcumin have many scientifically-proven health benefits, such as the potential to prevent heart disease, Alzheimer’s and cancer.

It’s a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant and may also help improve the quality of life from depression to arthritis.

Where to Buy Tumeric Curcumin

If you want to buy a turmeric/curcumin supplement, it’s recommended to find a product with BioPerine (the trademarked name for piperine), which enhances curcumin absorption by 2,000%. Without this substance, most of the curcumin just passes through your digestive tract.

Click this link for an outstanding deal on this product!

Please feel free to leave any question, comment or concern below

Good Health!!

The term wellness has become quite chic these days. Wellness is generally used to mean a state beyond the absence of illness but rather aims to optimize well-being. It’s about improving and maintaining every aspect of our lives: physically, environmentally, personally/mentally, and financially. So you may be wondering, what is a wellness company anyway?

Until the last few years, the term “wellness company” was somewhat obscure. Now, with greater presence within the media, in addition to more studies being conducted, positive outcomes of wellness and wellness companies, as well as references to the wellness industry are more common. A wellness company is a company where everything they produce is done toward promoting the physical, environmental, financial, and personal wellness of us and those around us. Their focus is always on wellness. This is manifested by manufacturing and selling effective, high quality, natural, health oriented products to help people live more vibrant, healthier, and happier lives.

The health and wellness business has become a thriving industry as more and more people become concerned about their weight, beauty, and overall wellness. They’re willing to spend money on products and services that help them look and feel great, as well as improve their environment.

Despite their increased prevalence, some may still wonder, what is a wellness company and, can such a company truly help advance wellness?

The leading Health and Wellness companies manufacture and distribute nutritional, pharmaceutical, personal care, facial care, home hygiene, household cleaning aids and other wellness products.

 What is a Wellness Company – a Luxury or Must Have?

Now that you know what a wellness company is and what they offer, you may understand the important role they play in the quality of life. Therefore you may be thinking about utilizing one.

Wellness begins at home!

For information on one of the best wellness companies in North America log on to www.info@universal-health-products.com

Please feel free to leave any comment, question or concern below.

Happy health!!

This article addresses the benefits of physical wellness.  Wellness is generally used to mean a state beyond the absence of illness but rather aims to optimize well being.  It’s about improving and maintaining every aspect of our lives: physically, environmentally, personally, and financially.  Wellness is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life.  Addressing physical wellness is a great place to start.

So, what is the Difference Between Health and Wellness?  According to the World Health Organization, “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” … Wellness is the action while (good) health is the desired outcome.  Essentially, if health is the goal, wellness is the way we might achieve it.  The two concepts are not opposites, but rather go hand in hand in one’s quest toward complete well-being.

Wellness programs are good at helping people change to and continue healthy behaviors. This is the optimal benefit of having a wellness program. Healthy behaviors lead to lower health risks, and lower health risks lead to less chronic disease. With less chronic disease the quality of life increases as does life expectancy.

Okay, let’s get specific.  What is physical wellness?  Physical wellness promotes proper care of our bodies for optimal health and functioning. There are many elements of physical wellness that all must be cared for together. Overall physical wellness encourages the balance of physical activity, nutrition and mental well-being to keep your body in top condition.

It’s no mystery that taking care of your physical well-being is extremely important to your health and happiness. However, because the average American leads a busy stressed out life, health and wellness gets placed way down on the list of priorities.  So, how do we attain physical wellness?  There are 5 key components to attaining and maintaining physical wellness.

1. Sleep
2. Nutrition
3. Physical exercise
4. Relaxation
5. Hygiene

Sleep

It’s conventional wisdom  that most people need 8 hours of sleep a night to stay healthy and alert. However, many us, especially the young, don’t understand the importance of maintaining a regular sleep cycle. While staying up till 3am and sleeping in till noon might contain enough hours of sleep, it will leave your body unprepared to go to bed at 10pm the next night and wake up for work or school at 6am. Our bodies require a regular routine especially when it comes to sleep. If our sleep cycles are constantly being disrupted, many negative symptoms can arise such as extreme fatigue, sluggishness, memory issues, emotional instability and even an increase in sicknesses resulting in diseases.

Nutrition

Contrary to popular beliefs, eating healthy doesn’t mean feeling hungry all the time or eating rabbit food for the rest of your life. Much like sleep, your body likes consistency when it comes to when and what you eat. Regularly eating healthy foods such as vegetables, fruits, lean meats and whole grains will give you the nutrients that not only support your body’s vital functions but can balance your mental well-being as well. Eating too much when you aren’t hungry or making yourself skip meals can have  consequences on your metabolism that can upset your physical and mental health. You must also remember that drinking plenty of water goes hand in hand with eating right.

Exercise

Like eating healthy, exercise can conjure up a overabundance of unpleasant images from extreme  personal trainers to dreaded gym class in school.  However, not all physical activity has to be a painful endeavor that is endured only for the sake of health. While the long-term benefits of exercise are irrefutable, many struggle to make it a part of their daily life. The key to sticking to an exercise routine is to find an activity that you like and you can grow in. If you find spin class boring or yoga too easy then simply don’t force yourself to do it. There are hundreds of different exercise classes and methodologies that can engage you and inspire you to improve.

Relaxation

Relaxation is commonly thought of as only a mental exercise with only mental benefits. That is simply not true. Tension can build up in muscles causing headaches or back pain and stress hormones can cause a variety of nasty symptoms including adrenal fatigue. These days, everyone packs their schedules full of events and puts pressure on themselves to get ahead. While ambition is commendable, scheduling time to simply relax and enjoy yourself is important to your overall health. Whether it is getting a massage, staying home with a good book or playing your favorite sport, taking time for yourself is good.  In fact it’s does everyone around you good!

Hygiene

Hygiene is  any action taken to maintain health and prevent disease. This can relate to the everyday  practices of showering, washing hands, brushing teeth and flossing. Personal hygiene won’t just keep you healthy but it can even boost your mood which can be especially helpful for those living with a mental health disorder like depression.

Hygiene also includes seeking out preventative medical care such as getting physical exams, going to the dentist and seeing an eye doctor if you have vision issues. Most people are able to brush their teeth and shower regularly but many put off making medical appointments out of inconvenience. Preventing disease or intervening with early treatment is much more convenient in the long run than ignoring your health concerns altogether.

Lastly, Hygiene includes controlling our environment.  Specifically our home environment.  The products we use and consume  in our homes including, the cleaning supplies we clean with and  the food we consume have an impact on our environment and affect our wellness.  Our everyday cleaners and detergents contain toxic chemicals that over time can cause serious illnesses including respiratory and cancers.  Our foods contain carcinogenic preservatives for color and flavor and hormones that can lead to harmful consequences as well.  There is a need for us to protect ourselves by using products that are chemical and preservative free.  This can be accomplished by purchasing products from a reputable wellness company.

The best health wellness companies will offer products that are free from harmful ingredients that harm your physical wellness.  They specialize in keeping your environment safe and your body running efficiently without harmful ingredients.  The product line includes nutrition, beauty aids, weight loss, and a host of household cleaning products with no ammonia, phosphates, formaldehyde or other environmental harmful ingredients.   For information on one of the best wellness companies in North America, send your request via email to info@universal-health-products.com

Wellness begins at home!

Happy Health!!

Feel free to leave any question, concern or comment below