We Know It's True But Here Are the Facts: Healthy Eating Does Promote Longer Life

Healthy Eating Will Help You To Live Longer 

Everyone knows that eating nutritious foods will lead to a longer life, but most people don’t know why this is true. You may have forgotten about the different types of nutrients in foods and beverages, so it is a good idea to learn more about the minerals and vitamins that you consume each day. Experts know that healthy eating promotes a longer life because your body is stronger and damage is repaired when you consume a lot of nutrients. When you eat a diet that is low in nutrients, your body can’t develop new cells that will provide vital energy.

Nutrients Required For a Longer Life 

Here are a few of the essential nutrients you need each day to promote a longer and healthier life. 

Nutrient 1: Vitamins

Researchers have discovered numerous types of vitamins in natural foods, and it is also possible for scientists to create artificial vitamins. If you buy a processed food, then it will typically have artificial vitamins, making it a fortified food. Dietitians recommend consuming foods that are natural to ingest the most nutrients. Some of the most common types of vitamins include:

• Vitamin A – in eggs, broccoli, spinach and carrots
• Vitamin B – in milk, beef, poultry and fish
• Vitamin C – in citrus fruit such as grapefruits, lemons, oranges and limes
• Vitamin E – in sweet potatoes, avocados, spinach and seeds
• Vitamin K – in kale, cauliflower, eggs and fish

By eating a diet that has a wide variety of foods, you will get an assortment of vitamins that will boost your immune system, build strong bones and keep you energized. 

Nutrient 2: Dietary Minerals

Your body contains major and trace mineral elements that you ingest from plant foods, water and different types of meat. Without these minerals, your body will slow down, and you may also develop brain fog. The major minerals required by your body include:

• Magnesium – found in spinach, legumes and whole grains
• Sodium – milk, spinach and salt
• Potassium – carrots, bananas and tomatoes
• Phosphorus – rice, poultry and red meat
• Calcium – found in dairy products, canned salmon and some vegetables

The trace minerals are also important for your body, and these elements include: 

• Selenium – eggs, seafood and grains
• Iodine – found in fish and fortified iodized salt
• Molybdenum – nuts, whole grains and legumes 
• Magnesium – dark chocolate, beans and nuts 
• Zinc – dairy products, poultry and oysters
• Copper – liver, nuts and whole grains
• Iron – red meat, beans and nuts 

Minerals are a vital component to create and repair your teeth and bones, but these nutrients also keep you healthy in other ways. 

Nutrient 3: Proteins

Protein foods contain amino acids that are essential for the cells in your body. With amino acids, your body will have the right level of hormones so that you will have vibrant skin along with resisting diseases such as the common cold or influenza. While you might think that meat or fish is the primary source of amino acids, there are other foods that contain this nutrient. Add these foods to your grocery list:

• Raisins
• Avocados
• Almonds
• Chia seeds
• Pumpkin 
• Watercress

Colon Cancer: What You Need to Know

Colon cancer is a preventable and curable disease. Healthy lifestyle choices and early detection help people diminish the risk for experiencing the ravages of this life-threatening cancer.

Colon cancer is the fourth-most common type of the disease in the country. Approximately 140,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Although, the disease is often deadly because it is diagnosed during its later stages, colon cancer is preventable and curable. While it is the second-leading cause of cancer death, the morbidity rate for colon cancer has been dropping in recent years because of proper screening and healthy lifestyle changes. The following are some essential things that you need to know about colon cancer.

Risk Factors for Colon Cancer

Certain demographics like advanced age and gender play a strong role in your risk for developing colon cancer. Men have a higher risk than women do. In addition to a family history of cancer, other risk factors include ulcerative colitis, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. The consumption of partially hydrogenated vegetable oils (PHVOs) in prepared foods as well as red and processed meats, which are typically preserved with nitrates, also increases the risks for developing the disease.

Symptoms of Colon Cancer

The most readily identifiable symptoms include changes in bowel habits. These include diarrhea, constipation or the sensation that your bowel is not emptying completely. Your stool may be narrower than usual. You may also notice blood in your stool as well. Colon cancer sufferers may experience frequent gas pains, cramps and bloating as well as vomiting, persistent tiredness and unexplained weight loss.

How Is Colon Cancer Diagnosed

Risk factors and your medical history will determine how often and at what age you should be screened for the disorder. For most patients, doctors recommend that the screening process begin at age 50. Your doctor may recommend earlier screenings if your risk factors warrant it. How frequently you are screened depend on the type of tests used and the results. During a colonoscopy, a physician inserts a small camera mounted to a flexible tube that allows the inspection of the entire colon and rectum. A sigmoidoscopy facilitates the examination of a portion of the colon and rectum. In addition to a fecal occult blood test, your doctor may recommend a double-contrast barium enema or a CT colonography to detect the presence of precancerous polyps or cancer.

Treatment Options

Surgery to remove cancerous tissue or precancerous polyps is the most common treatment for colon cancer. Depending upon the location and the stage of the disease, a different surgical approach may be utilized. Your doctor may also recommend radiation and chemotherapy treatments.

Ways to Prevent Colon Cancer

Several lifestyle choices can lower your potential of developing colon cancer. Choose to eat a healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetable and dietary fiber. Avoid PHVOs, and reduce the consumption of red and processed meat. If you use tobacco products, ask your physician for recommendations on a cessation program. You should also avoid excess alcohol intake. It is recommended that you exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight. You can lower your risk of cancer by shedding excess pounds, especially belly fat. Studies have also shown that a daily low-dose aspirin may reduce your risk of colon cancer.

If you are age 50 or older, you should ask your doctor about screening for colon cancer. You should also seek medical treatment if you notice any of the symptoms persist for longer than a week. The earlier that cancer is detected, the more favorable the treatment outcome. Healthy lifestyle choices can prevent cancer and increase your quality of life.

4 Things You didn't Know About Allergies

4 Things You didn't Know About Allergies

Dealing with allergies is never fun. Though different symptoms manifest in different ways, allergies affect millions of Americans every year. Allergies themselves occur when the body mistakes a relatively harmless object for an unwanted invader. Whether it is plant pollen or animal dander, there are numerous allergy triggers present everywhere. Though many people know their triggers, there are still many aspects of allergies that some people are unfamiliar with. By learning more about allergies, people stand a better chance of defending themselves as the weather begins to change.

Air Conditioning Helps Reduce Triggers

Studies show that having an active air conditioner in the house or car can help you cut your exposure to pollen by upwards of 30 percent. Because the air conditioner also filters the air, unwanted contaminants are removed from your space and hurled outside. Additionally, when you have your AC on, you are much less likely to keep your windows open, which is another great way to cut down on your exposure to pollen. For people who struggle with pollen-related allergy triggers, this can mean the difference between a sudden headache and cleaner breathing.

Clean Stuffed Animals Frequently

Many people are unaware that stuffed toys and animals are massive carriers for all types of allergy triggers. Dust mites, dust particles and animal dander cling to fabrics, such as those found on most stuffed animals. If you do not want to trigger any of your allergy symptoms, be sure to give your animals a good clean once every month or so. If you live in a dustier environment, it may not hurt to clean them a little more frequently.

Dust Mites Hate Heat

When you need to wash your upholstery and sheets to keep the dust mites out, try to aim for between 120 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit when you put your fabrics in the wash. Studies show that this is the temperature that kills most dust mites and keeps them from repopulating the surface of your fabrics. Proper cleaning is one of the best ways to keep dust mites out of your home.

Even Hypoallergenic Pets May Contain Allergens

Though many hypoallergenic pets do not shed frequently and do not contribute to the indoor air pollution problem, they may still be a beacon for dust mites and dust. Keep your furry friends well-groomed and trimmed as often as is recommended, regardless of how allergen-free their fur may be.