Tag: disease

Learn if you’re living in a healthy home or harmful one

Have you ever thought about how healthy your home is? Most people haven’t. We tend to think about our health in terms of what we eat or how much we exercise. Thanks to modern research we can now get an understanding of the impacts of external factors on human health and the homes that we live in play a large part in this.

Exactly what is going on under your roof? If only the walls could talk! Let’s dive into everything you need to know about air quality, dust, household chemicals, cosmetics and food. Plus practical tips on how you can reduce your exposure to any nasties and make your house a healthy home for all who occupy it.

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Since the start of this pandemic, and as coronavirus panic has escalated, there have been many touted treatments and cures. Some may have a scientific basis, though there are numerous bogus or downright dangerous ones as well.

One of the latest claims to capture headlines in the media is from well-regarded scientist Dr T. Colin Campbell who has drawn on his previous research to say that eating a plant-based diet is protective against COVID-19. Could this be true?

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If you’re born in Australia this year, you can expect to live for 83.5 years. Lucky you, as you’ll statistically out-live the Swedes, French, Germans and Kiwi’s. Back in 1950 a person could expect to live for 68.7 years, so we’ve come a long way.

But living a long life is quite different to living a healthy, long life. Do you really want to live those extra years unwell and unhappy?

Play your health cards right and you can be living longer living stronger, disability-free until advanced old age. Remember genes are one factor but adopting good lifestyle practices are even more important in the quest to help you stay mentally and physically fit.

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Sweating is the body’s built-in air conditioning system. When our internal temperature rises, our sweat glands release water to the surface of our skin. As the perspiration evaporates, it cools the skin and blood underneath. Sweat arises from one of three instances - when we exercise, when we have a fever, or when we are anxious and stressed.

We all have around 4 million sweat glands that excrete a mixture of water, salt, amino acids and other substances. The exact composition of sweat varies from person to person based on hormone balance, physiological changes, and any bacteria and viruses in the body.

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Inflammation is the body’s response to outside threats such as infection and toxins. A short-term bout of inflammation to combat a hazard is both positive and protective for our health. This is defined as acute inflammation.

Chronic inflammation on the other hand, is long-term, lasting from several months to years. It can result from a failure to eliminate the cause of an acute inflammation, an autoimmune disorder, long term exposure to an irritant (such as an industrial chemical), or recurrent episodes of acute inflammation.

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Fibre is now recognised as being vitally important to our gut health and our overall health.  But did you know that it can help you to lose weight and keep it off too?  Studies show that a higher fibre intake is associated with lower body fat (including belly fat), body weight and BMI.

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It may once have helped the medicine go down, but these days, loading up on sugar will put you on a sure-fire path to health disaster. That’s because sugar plays havoc with your blood sugar levels; is packed with calories that can lead to weight gain; has been linked to a wide range of health issues like diabetes, heart disease, depression, cancer, dental decay AND it can even accelerate ageing!

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In Australia, 47% of women and 34% of men use at least one dietary supplement.  Usage is even greater among older age groups and those with higher education levels.

By dietary supplement we mean a single vitamin or mineral, a combination multi-vitamin, herbal or traditional products, or a sports nutrition or weight loss product.

Most users take supplements by personal choice, rarely by doctor’s recommendation.  This is great news for supplement manufacturers!  Globally, the industry raked in over $150 billion last year alone and it’s growing.

But the big question is - will they help us live longer or healthier lives?

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Before you can answer that question, let us explain what a reducetarian is.  Firstly, if you’re thinking to yourself not another diet to get my head around, then think again.  This is not a diet, more a philosophy about food, sustainability and positive change.

The term reducetarian was coined several years ago and describes a growing movement of individuals who actively reduce the amount of meat and animal products in their diets.  The concept appeals to many people, as it’s inclusive and attainable.  It’s not just for vegans and vegetarians.  It’s also for those who may not want to completely eliminate meat and animal products but still want to make a change.

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Did you know that tennis champion Venus Williams is a vegan? We often associate sporting performance with a diet rich in animal meat proteins but now there are a number of high profile sports stars who are proving that plant-based diets can absolutely provide all the right fuel.

In Venus’ case, she made the switch when she was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that nearly ended her tennis career. Unable to play and forced to withdraw from a number of matches, she eventually sought treatment and radically changed her eating habits. She attributes her plant eating ways with not only helping fight her condition but also giving her a newfound strength on the court.

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