Why do New Year’s diets fail?

Every January there is a massive influx of diet culture and New Year’s resolution diet based media. It could be gym based, how sleep affects your weight, Veganuary, or just a good old “cut out carbs” based diet.

On one hand, January can be the perfect time to start introducing healthy new habits; everyone loves the feeling of a fresh new year, a brand-new page. Just like the first page of a notebook. It can give you the boost you need in order to kick start the year in the right way, chances are you’ve eaten and drunk your fill over Christmas, so your body might be craving veggies.

Veganuary is also becoming bigger every year, originating in 2014, it’s the trend where you try becoming Vegan for the month of January. Due to its impact, both supermarkets and restaurants have been known to run promotional adverts to coincide with the movement.  

According to the Statistic Brain Research Institute “weight loss” was the second most popular New Year’s resolution in 2017, with only 9.2% then feeling successful in achieving this.  One of the main factors stopping people from succeeding is purely that they get too hyped up about it at the beginning and set themselves unrealistic expectations.

Old habits do tend to die hard. If you’ve been eating a lot of chocolate every day for an extended period of time, then stopping immediately, especially just after Christmas because it can be a bit of a shock for your body. It can also trigger you if you’re an emotional or stress eater. You suddenly feel like you can’t do something which has been bringing you happiness, therefore you’re more likely to then binge. Try just reducing the amount you eat on a daily basis so you can still feel like you’re in control.

Another problem with a new diet resolution is the word itself. “Resolution” is such a demanding word. It creates such an inflexible idea of what you need to do in order to achieve success. Automatically making you feel that if you slip up once then you have failed and may as well give up.

A different method of approach can be to change one thing in your diet, say rather than doing Veganuary and making it your whole month, alter it to Meat Free Monday. This way, you can make more sustainable changes within your life. Also, probably carry it on for longer, rather than just shocking your body one month, you’re making more sustainable changes that with benefit your health in a much more long term fashion.

Adopting a new habit can be an effective way to aid your weight loss, if that’s your aim.  Rather than cutting something out and feeling like you’re missing out on something, adding something into your daily life can have the same affect and make you feel better. For example, making sure you get your 10,000 steps in every day can increase your calorie output, especially if you work a desk job.

This is a guest blog entry.

The Basics to Taking Good Care of Your Teeth

Our mouths are living organisms that need looking after, from our gums to our teeth and our tongues. Despite dental care being an essential part of our daily hygiene routine, most people fail to take proper care of their teeth. This is mainly because they don’t have a solid understanding of the subject. We hope to change that with our article today. Read on to find out all the basics to taking good care of your teeth.
 

Brushing Your Teeth

First things first, let’s talk about brushing our teeth. We should brush our teeth at least twice a day, every day – without exception. It’s important to use a fluoride toothpaste when doing so, and not to spit the toothpaste out after finishing. This is because the fluoride provides a protective covering for our teeth. Rinsing after spitting means that all this gets washed away. Furthermore, when brushing our teeth, we should use small circular motions, plus back-and-forth strokes. Don’t forget about the gums, either! Lightly bring your toothbrush around these areas because food can sometimes accumulate here. We also suggest gently brushing your tongue (or using a tongue scraper) to help your mouth stay clean and ensure your tongue is healthy. Finally, make sure to change your toothbrush’s head every 3 to 4 months because, otherwise, it will become ineffective and unhygienic.

Insert Image Here: https://pixabay.com/illustrations/tooth-dental-care-white-white-teeth-2414909/ Image Source: Pixabay.com.

Flossing Your Teeth

Most people will proudly announce that they don’t floss their teeth, and they haven’t had any problems. This is because you can’t see the damage that is done until it’s too late. Flossing removes the plaque from in between your teeth which a toothbrush can’t reach. If this plaque is allowed to fester, it will eventually cause tooth decay and gum disease. These are painful, serious dental issues that can lead to further complications down the line. As such, everyone needs to floss at least once every day. You can either use tooth floss or interdental brushes for this. Gently slip your flossing tool of choice between your teeth, then use strokes which go side-to-side, up-and-down. This should dislodge any plaque which is lodged between the teeth.

Visit Your Dentist

As well as staying on top of your dental hygiene, it’s also important to regularly visit your dentist. They will be able to identify any problems you might have missed when cleaning and then provide treatment. No matter how brilliant you think your dental hygiene is, this step cannot be missed. Head online and search for a specialist in your area, like this dentist in Plymouth for example. This is the best way to ensure your teeth are top-notch. Also, your dentist can provide you with expert advice on your specific dental needs. For instance, they will be able to tell you how your diet is affecting your teeth. If you don’t realize you are drinking or consuming too much sugar, they will highlight this, so you know to cut down.

These are the basics of taking good care of your teeth. Remember to always stay on top of your dental hygiene routine!

This is a guest blog posting.

Things One Should Do For Good Dental Health

When it comes to our body and mind, we are very active in maintaining our health. However, in the same scenario, most people neglect to maintain their good dental health as well. Most people think that brushing two times a day would be more than enough in their daily routine to maintain their dental health and will not cause any problem to their teeth. However, this is not true and people who are not attentive to their oral health are most likely to go through many health issues due to it. Maintaining good dental health is very necessary for various reasons. It not only helps us retain the natural look of our teeth but also helps in making sure that there is no accumulation of bacteria in our teeth and does not lead to other health issues as well. Following a few habits and routines can easily help you in maintaining your great smile and can keep you away from many health problems as well. Let's have a look at a few of them.

Brushing and cleaning

It is one of the most basic routines that most people follow to maintain good oral health. Brushing twice a day and gargling with fluoridated water is one of the best practices one should always follow. It makes sure that you are cleaning your teeth from any kind of bacteria and accumulation for the same. Those who do not follow these practices have more chances of tooth disease and weak roots due to bacteria and non-hygiene or teeth. It also prevents any kind of bacteria accumulation between the teeth.

Visit your dentist

This is one practice that everyone should do without any kind of negligence. Visiting your dentist like in All On 4 Perth can make sure that your teeth never go through any kind of oral issues. A regular visit with the doctor makes sure that any occurring issue is detected at the earliest so that it does not emerge as a bigger problem later and leads to the removal of a tooth. Also, regular visits will also provide you regular cleaning of your teeth and a proper checkup, providing you better oral health and also increasing the life of your teeth.

Do not use tobacco products or alcohol

It is common knowledge that you should avoid consuming alcohol and other types of tobacco products as they can seriously damage your teeth on a larger scale. Consuming these things leads to the accumulation of bacteria in between the teeth, which further increases the chances of fungal or bacterial infection in one's mouth. Therefore, these can damage your teeth and also leads to a lot of pain and other problems as well.

Other diseases

If you are suffering from any other types of disease or problems like Diabetes etc, even that could lead to serious dental problems. For example, people with diabetes have high sugar content in their blood, which could lead to a lot of side effects in the body and lead to gum disease. Make sure that if you are suffering from any such issues, then it would be a lot better to keep them in check and maintain them to a level so that it does not affect your health in any way.

So here are some of the best ways through which one can easily maintain their oral health and make sure that they are not facing any issues throughout their life. These are just some of the basic routines and are very easy to follow as well. So make sure to follow these routines and maintain your charming smile throughout your life.

This is a guest blog entry.

Tips For Buying The Best First Aid Kit

Nobody wants to get hurt, but one can have no control over the injuries. A person can get hurt while doing typical daily chores. In such times, usually, people go looking for a first aid kit to find bandages. Hence, a first aid kit must be within your reach.

Furthermore, one can always call emergency services. But until the time they arrive at the spot, it can be very late. In those moments, a first aid kit comes to the rescue. You can prepare a first aid kit from a plastic bag, considering that it contains all of the essentials. However, it must be nimble. It should be easy to find and to carry wherever you need. 

Is just a kit enough? 

The first aid kit must have the medical supplies you need for your household because you might not have the time to get these in case of emergency. However, a few items are mandatory in every first aid kit, such as a thermometer. One can buy all of the things needed for a first aid kit from the local drug store.

You can also buy a pre-assembled first aid kit from your pharmacy or drug store. When searching for a first aid kit, it’s important to buy from a brand you trust. You can purchase first aid kits from Aero Healthcare, an industry-leading supplier and manufacturer of medical equipment and first aid supplies.

Necessary items for every first aid kit  

 
Everyone needs to have necessary medical supplies with themselves; therefore, here are some essentials that are a must-have in a first aid kit:

● First aid manual:

A first-aid manual is a necessity in a first aid kit because you may or may not know how to use all the items of the kit. Furthermore, a manual can assist you well.

● Triangular bandages:

Bandages are necessary for minor cuts and injuries. Triangular bandages can wrap the wounds.

● Adhesive bandages for assorted sizes: 

These types of bandages are helpful to cover minor cuts and injuries on the body.

● Sterile scissors:

Any shard items of the first aid kit should be sterile because, if not, these items can cause an infection. A clean scissor comes in handy for cutting tape and clothes.

● Adhesive tape:

When there is a minor injury, adhesive tape works well to hold the gauze.

● Latex-free gloves:

While dressing a wound, it can be prone to infection. There is hardly any time to wash or sanitize the hands, so there are higher chances of getting infected. Hence, in that situation, latex-free gloves can be a life saver.

●  Thermometer: 

A thermometer is an essential item in a first aid kit. When a patient is ill, one can monitor the temperature with the help of a thermometer.

● Instant cold compress:

These can help to deal with sprains, sore joints, and aches.

● Aspirin:

Aspirin is needed in case of chest pain. However, it is advisable that one must always read the warnings, especially when a child is injured.

Mentioned above are some of the essentials for a first aid kit. However, the list can vary depending on the requirements. 

Conclusion

Another thing to keep in mind while buying a first aid kit is that the box or whatever you are using to contain all the items must be waterproof. In injuries, time is always considered crucial; a slight delay can cost someone's life. It would help if you always had medical supplies ready. Hence, with a first aid kit, one can stop the bleeding and start the treatment on the spot

This is a guest blog entry.

 

Common Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Many of us suffer from a sore stomach from time to time after eating, but if the condition persists, it could be a sign you’re suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome – often referred to simply as IBS.

IBS often becomes more common or more noticeable as we get older, but it can also be a sign of greater, more dangerous underlying problems, so you should always consult your GP if you find you’re regularly suffering cramps, constipation, diarrhea, or pains in your stomach or digestive system.

Signs you may be suffering from IBS

Pain after eating can cause discomfort and could be a sign you could be suffering from – or developing – IBS. However, rather than being short-term, symptoms tend to persist with most people. You may be developing problems if you regularly suffer from the following:

• Regular problems with constipation
• Diarrhea or other abnormalities in stools
• Pain in the abdomen
• Cramps or other pains
• Suffering from feelings of being bloated or producing excessive gas
  

Even making small changes can make big a difference to IBS

While recurring pain is worth checking out with a qualified clinician, often just making small changes to your diet is enough to clear problems in the short term. Using an online service like the https://www.intolerancelab.co.uk can help you isolate common problems in your diet so you can eliminate the causes of your problems. Here are some of the common causes of IBS that you should try to avoid:

Dairy products: Milk and other dairy products frequently trigger problems in sufferers of IBS. Note, in some cases, problems with milk can be a sign of lactose intolerance, so you should check with a doctor.

Fried foods: The high-fat content of fried foods can cause problems with IBS. Also, frying food changes its chemical make-up, which often makes it harder to digest, in turn triggering digestive issues.

Foods rich in insoluble fiber: Foods with insoluble fiber such as whole grain products and vegetables should be avoided.

Foods with a high gluten content: You should try to avoid foods high in gluten like wheat, barley, or rye.  

Peas, lentils, and beans: Beans and other legumes can cause digestive problems due to having compounds called oligosaccharides, which are hard to digest as they are resistant to our intestinal enzymes.

Drinks with a high caffeine content: Caffeine is present in many sodas and energy drinks and can cause problems as it has a stimulating effect on the intestinal tract, which may trigger diarrhea problems. Caffeine is also clearly present in high doses in coffee and tea.

Processed foods: Processed foods tend to have a high prevalence of sugar, fat, and also added salt – all of which can bring about digestive problems. Deep-fried foods should usually be avoided, including some processed meats, microwave and pre-made meals, and chips.

Artificial sweeteners: Sugar-free sweeteners are commonly found in mouthwash products, chewing and bubble gum, the majority of diet drinks, and sugar-free sweets. The ingredients used in sugar substitutes have all been known to cause issues in IBS sufferers.

Candy bars, sweets, and other chocolates: Chocolate is normally high in both fat and sugar and also commonly contains lactose and caffeine, so it should be avoided.

Alcohol: Beer normally has a high gluten content while wine and other mixed drinks can also be high in sugar – again, all products to steer clear of.

Onion or garlic: Both onions and garlic are difficult for the digestive system to break down, and both can be a cause of gas.

Cauliflower or broccoli: Cauliflower and broccoli are both tricky for the body to digest and can also be a cause of gas, so they should be avoided.

This is a guest blog entry.
 

Personal Injury Case Timeline

Although the great majority of personal injury cases end up settling instead of going to court, it is important to know the steps that a personal injury case needs to follow to reach a successful ending should the settlement not come through. Even cases that appear to be heading to court may end up settling at any point.
 

Here is a basic personal injury case timeline:
 

Make Medical Treatment a Priority
 

After your accident, you probably have to deal with the police and get an accident report. However, as soon as that is done you should head towards a medical facility to get your injuries checked out. This may mean either a stop at an emergency room or an appointment with your own physician. Not seeing to your injuries right away will send a clear message to the other party, the insurance adjuster, and the jury that you did not consider your injuries to be serious enough to require attention.
 

Talk to a Lawyer
 

If your injuries are not major, you may be able to tackle this case yourself. Otherwise, having the support and advice of a personal injury lawyer is vital. Your lawyer will have an in-depth conversation with you to understand what happened. Give them as detailed information as possible. They will also review your medical records and bills.
 

Filing a Claim or Settling
 

It’s a well-known fact that many personal injury claims are settled. If your lawyer thinks this is the way to go, they will make a demand to the other attorney. This can only happen once you have reached the point of maximum improvement in your injuries to be able to calculate the amount needed to cover your damages.
 

If no settlement is forthcoming or the amount offered is not what you were expecting, the lawsuit will be filed. This needs to happen before the statute of limitations runs out.
 

The Discovery Phase
 

At this stage, both parties will investigate the legal claims. They will send interrogatories and document requests. They will also take depositions of witnesses and any other relevant parties. This process may take between six months and a year, depending on how complex the case is.
 

Mediation and Negotiation
 

At this point, lawyers will bring up the possibility of reaching a settlement. This might be accomplished just by having them negotiate amongst themselves. In other cases, a mediator will be called upon to try to resolve the case.
 

The Trial
 

A personal injury trial may be over in as little as one day or it may take longer. In many cases, the trial goes on in the morning, and in the afternoons the lawyers have time to get other things done. The judge’s schedule will impact exactly when the trial takes place and it may also end up being pushed back for that same reason.
 

Before the trial gets underway, a jury will have to be selected. Then, both parties will have the opportunity to make opening statements. Then, first, the plaintiff will present evidence, followed by the defendant presenting its own evidence. After closing arguments and deliberation, a verdict will be reached.

If you still have questions regarding the timeline of your case or would like to talk to a personal injury lawyer, click here to get the answers you seek.
_________
Image via Pixabay

This is a guest blog entry.

6 Foods To Improve Kids Gut Bacteria

Gut bacteria is essential for health and wellness from childhood to adulthood. These microbes aid digestion, breaking food into metabolites that can be taken by the body. Gut bacteria also influence immune and mental health, fighting disease-causing microbes while communicating to the brain. Without a surplus of healthy bacteria, you may suffer an increased risk of developing respiratory infections, irritable bowel syndrome, asthma, and mental diseases. Fortunately, there are various foods rich in probiotics and gut bacteria. You can also purchase probiotics and live organisms to increase the supply of these microbes, which are usually passed to babies during birth and breastfeeding. Here's a quick overview of five foods you can take to increase the natural population of your kid's gut bacteria.

1. Probiotics

The number one choice for gut bacteria is probiotics. Food like yogurt, kombucha, and kefir all contain healthy gut bacteria that can supplement the existing supply. Parents can also purchase special probiotics, which are formulas that contain live organisms and key microbes needed to promote digestive and immune health. Probiotics are merely live bacteria and organisms that are good for your digestive system and overall health. They are safe to consume and nourish the gut flora, which results in various health benefits.

2. Fermented foods

Fermented foods are the natural source of probiotics. Popular examples include yogurt and kefir. The fermentation process occurs when you preserve food using yeast and bacteria, which use the sugar in the food and break it down to organic acids, gases, and alcohol. According to studies, giving your child fermented foods will increase the natural population of gut bacteria as they contain live organisms. They also contain food for the microbes, which is essential in their growth.

3. High-fiber foods

Oatmeal, bananas, oranges, apples, quinoa, and brown rice are great sources of fiber, a key component of the microbe biome. Gut bacteria love fiber and the more they can access, the healthier they will get. As such, it is essential to add foods with lots of fiber to your child's diet. This will nourish the healthy gut bacteria and help to aid digestion, encouraging regular bowel movements, and cleansing the colon. Foods rich in fiber include whole-wheat bread, cooked dried beans, lentils, split peas, grains, fruits, and vegetables.

4. Leafy greens and vegetables

Vegetables are some of the healthiest food classes available to humans and other animals, explaining the abundance of vegetation. In particular, Leafy greens are rich in fiber and special carbohydrates, which are nutrients for gut bacteria. Although they can be tough to sell to children, you can find recipes for delicious leafy green meals. Some of the best leafy greens for kids' gut health include kales, spinach, collard greens, Swiss chard, and arugula, among others. Sweet potatoes, asparagus, bell pepper, beets, cabbage, mushroom, and cucumber are also great for gut flora.

5. Whole grains

Whole grains, nuts, and seeds are rich in nutrients and also contain fiber for the microbes. The human body cannot break down fiber, so the gut bacteria do most of the work and thrive when there's a surplus of whole grains coming into the digestive tract. Brown rice and black rice, oatmeal, whole cornmeal, and whole-grain tortilla are all great gut bacteria foods. You can also try less common grains like amaranth, bulgur, and barley.

6. Garlic and polyphenols

Garlic and polyphenols come from two different food classes but play similar roles pertaining to gut bacteria. Both garlic and foods rich in polyphenols, such as tea and coffee, are vital in fighting off bad gut bacteria, providing room for the healthy microbes to multiply. Red wine is also a polyphenol, but this is only for adults. Garlic has antimicrobial properties that target harmful bacteria but should be used in moderation. The same goes for foods rich in polyphenols.

Several other foods can improve your kid's gut bacteria, including Brussels sprouts, Miso, Kimchi, Saukraut, olive oil, almonds, and sourdough. However, the fastest way to introduce live organisms and gut bacteria to your kid is through probiotics like the one offered by sproutedbiome, you can buy from here. These are live gut bacteria and microbes known to promote digestive, immune, and mental health.

Summary

Like vegetables, some foods may not have the best of taste, so you can add them to the recipes your child love to ensure they take these essential nutrients. It is also important to avoid foods like meat, processed sugars, fried foods, caffeine, and foods rich in antibiotics as they can kill gut bacteria.

This is a guest blog entry.