by admin | Sep 23, 2022 | Health Awareness
You’re not alone if you’ve seen the term “mylk” and wondered if it’s a typo. While longtime vegans have known the term for years, it’s only recently become a mainstream way to differentiate between plant-based “mylk” and animal-based milk.
What If Your Almond Beverage Still Says “Milk”?
Many companies haven’t made the switch in names, but that doesn’t mean they’re not plant-based. For example, dairy and non-dairy beverages can fall under the “milk” title. However, only plant-based beverages can be called mylk.
Why Are So Many People Switching to Mylk?
Mylk products have become a popular alternative to traditional dairy milk for several reasons.
Lactose Intolerance
Dairy products contain a sugar called lactose. After infancy, most humans suffer from lactose malabsorption. Up to 70% of adults lack the enzyme lactase in the small intestines that breaks lactose down into glucose and galactose.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance include:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Flatulence
Those whose bodies can’t process lactose typically begin experiencing these symptoms 30 minutes to two hours after eating or drinking foods containing dairy.
Lower Fat and Calories
Most mylks are lower in calories, and almost all mylks are lower in saturated fat than traditional dairy milk. In addition, plant-based mylks contain no cholesterol or lactose, making them a better choice for those who are lactose intolerant or have dysfunctional cardiovascular systems.
However, it’s worth noting that not all mylk has the same calcium and protein content that dairy milk offers. Many mylks are fortified with calcium, protein, and vitamins, though, so it pays to read each label before buying.
Better for the Environment
In general, animal products impact the environment significantly more than their plant-based alternatives. Since animals need food, water, and space, they take up agricultural areas that could be used to feed people.
A 2019 study found that producing one glass of dairy milk results in three times the greenhouse gases required to make plant-based mylk. Additionally, dairy milk production requires nine times the land of mylk alternatives.
Finding a plant-based alternative to dairy milk is easier than ever before. Switching from dairy milk to mylk is just as delicious and comparable in price. It’s worth experimenting with the many varieties available to see which one works for you.
by admin | Sep 21, 2022 | Health Awareness
Feeling tired is a common complaint. For some, this fatigue is related to an underlying medical condition. For others, however, some simple lifestyle changes can often remedy fatigue.
Why Am I So Tired?
Everyone becomes tired. However, it’s not normal to feel consistently tired even when waking up after a good night of sleep. Fatigue can stem from psychological factors like stress or depression, physiological problems like excessive exercise or poor sleep, and medical conditions like diabetes or anemia.
Many medical issues lead to chronic fatigue, including:
- Cancer
- Sleep apnea
- Heart failure
- Autoimmune disorders
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Malnutrition
Patients who experience tiredness for six months or longer may have chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as myalgic encephalopathy. However, another diagnosis may coincide with chronic fatigue syndrome, and patients with the condition often have sleep disturbances, chronic pain, or cognitive difficulties.
Since many medical conditions cause fatigue, seeing a physician to rule out any medical concerns causing your exhaustion is essential.
How Do I Beat Fatigue?
Since the causes of fatigue vary widely, so do the treatments. For example, new parents are often fatigued because their babies need to eat every few hours. So, cutting back on caffeine won’t help them as much as it would help someone who can’t fall asleep at night.
However, when your fatigue isn’t caused by a new baby or a medical condition, you can make standard lifestyle changes to sleep consistently and restoratively. These include:
- Bettering your sleep hygiene, or pre-sleep rituals
- Exercising regularly
- Reducing your caffeine intake, especially in the afternoon and evening
- Eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water
- Identifying and managing stressors
- Learning breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga to foster relaxation
- Avoiding alcohol, nicotine, and recreational drugs
Patients who continue to struggle with fatigue despite implementing these changes may benefit from cognitive-behavioral therapy or other forms of therapy to identify and treat the challenges that keep them from getting proper rest.
For more health awareness blogs, please visit www.stemedix.com/blog.
by admin | Sep 14, 2022 | CBD, Health Awareness
In recent years there has been a surge in the popularity of CBD products. Everything from skincare to pain relief is available with CBD in the formula. Research has continued to unveil more benefits attributed to CBD oil. One of the lesser-known benefits may be increased weight loss.
What Is CBD?
CBD refers to cannabidiol. Cannabidiol is the component of cannabis that does not produce psychoactive effects, such as the signature “high” often associated with marijuana. Instead, cannabidiol produces a wide variety of potential health and aesthetic benefits, condition spasms, including pain relief, lower blood sugar, and improved skin health.
CBD is often extracted from the marijuana plant and incorporated into products in its purest form. To experience optimal benefits, many people use pure CBD oil on its own. This method allows your body to absorb the highest concentration of cannabidiol, enhancing its intended effect.
CBD and Weight Loss
Have you been trying to lose weight, but failing to see real results? Sometimes diet and exercise alone aren’t enough to produce significant weight loss. This is especially true for people who have a slower metabolism due to age or underlying medical issues. Fortunately, the cannabidiol may provide an effective solution.
Recent research has linked CBD oil to increased weight loss. Studies have shown that cannabidiol interacts directly with the body’s natural endocannabinoid system. This produces a number of benefits that can help you reach your healthy body weight.
Researchers found that CBD could decrease appetite while boosting metabolism at the same time. When less food is consumed and fat burn is increased, it can lead to weight loss.
Research on the link between CBD and weight loss is ongoing, and there’s still much to be learned about the relationship between cannabidiol and metabolism. If you are interested in using CBD oil as a weight loss aid, make sure to find a reputable and quality source.
For more health awareness blogs, please visit https://www.stemedix.com/blog.
by admin | Sep 7, 2022 | Health Awareness
Consuming foods that support eye health can play a vital role in maintaining good vision and protecting your eyes from conditions like cataracts.
The next time you’re planning dinner, keep the eye-boosting benefits of these ten foods in mind.
1. Carrots
Carrots’ orange hue comes from beta-carotene. The body needs this compound to produce vitamin A, a nutrient that supports eye health. Low vitamin A levels can cause you to be more susceptible to dry eye, night blindness, and vision loss.
2. Fish
Fatty fish, like salmon, tuna, and sardines, are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s support overall health and protect eyes from macular degeneration and cataracts. Those who don’t or can’t eat seafood can supplement with fish oil or vegetarian options like flaxseed oil.
3. Dark Green Leafy Vegetables
Foods like kale, spinach, and broccoli provide the body with the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin. These compounds protect the retina from damaging UV rays and blue light.
4. Eggs
Eggs contain lutein and vitamin A, which are both essential to supporting eye function and protecting against degeneration.
5. Peppers, Citrus Fruits, and Berries
Peppers, citrus fruits, and berries all contain high levels of vitamin C, an antioxidant that can help prevent cataracts.
6. Beans and Legumes
Kidney beans, lentils, chickpeas, and black-eyed peas restore the body with bioflavonoids and zinc, the key to preserving night vision, preventing macular degeneration, and protecting the retina.
7. Whole Grains
Whole grains with a low glycemic index are full of vitamin E, zinc, and niacin, reducing the risk of macular degeneration and protecting your eye health.
8. Nuts and Seeds
Sunflower seeds, almonds, and walnuts are rich in vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc, three crucial nutrients for keeping your eyes working properly and feeling good.
9. Lean Meats
Lean meats like beef, chicken breast, and pork loin contain zinc, which delays sight loss due to age and macular degeneration. While beef contains more zinc than chicken or pork, all three can support the health of your eyes.
10. Water
The eye is surrounded by protective fluid that works to keep the eyes clean and healthy, washing away dust and debris. Maintaining proper hydration levels supports your eye health and protects you from conditions such as dry eye syndrome.
by admin | Aug 31, 2022 | Health Awareness
Your mental health is critical to all aspects of your life, from physical health to work and social interactions. High levels of stress, too much social media, loneliness, and lack of physical exercise can negatively affect your mental health.
However, just like there are ways to improve your physical health, you can also improve your mental health. Implementing small changes can offer a significant impact.
Prioritize Your Overall Health
When you lack enough sleep, have poor nutrition, or have a sedentary lifestyle, it affects your physical and mental health. Start improving your mental health by making an effort to care for yourself. For example, you can:
- Aim to get a minimum of seven hours of sleep nightly
- Ensure you’re eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily
- Find an activity you enjoy, and exercise for 20-30 minutes daily
These simple additions can drastically improve the way you feel physically and mentally.
Cultivate Connections
Quality face-to-face time can boost your mood, reduce stress, and energize you. Schedule time to catch up with those you love being around.
Volunteer
Helping others can help you. Finding purpose through volunteering and helping your community can lift you up by making you feel helpful, enriching your life, and caring for others. It’s a rewarding way to find new meaning in life.
Practice Meditation and Mindfulness
Research shows that taking a few minutes each day to meditate, practice deep breathing or relaxation exercises or clear your mind can reduce depression almost as effectively as anti-depressants.
Meditation can lower blood pressure, relax your central nervous system, and relieve anxiety and pain.
Seek Help from a Professional
Sometimes problems seem insurmountable. The help of a licensed professional can put your concerns into perspective and offer new approaches to problem-solving. In addition, seeking assistance from a counselor or therapist can give you the tools you need to restore your mental health.
For more health awareness blogs, please visit www.stemedix.com/blog.
by admin | Aug 24, 2022 | Rheumatoid Arthritis, Health Awareness
The chronic inflammatory disorder rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects the joint lining, causing painful swelling. Since there is not yet a permanent cure for the condition, the treatment goal is to put a patient’s RA into remission, where the symptoms are well controlled.
RA remission is more complicated than it seems, and there are many vital facts to know if you have RA.
1. Remission Doesn’t Mean “Without Symptoms”
The Arthritis Foundation defines remission as having limited symptoms of the condition. Since this definition can be subjective, researchers have developed criteria to use in clinical trials. These remission criteria include:
- Only one or fewer swollen joints
- Only one or fewer tender joints
- The patient assesses arthritis activity as a one or less on a 0–10 scale
- A blood test evaluating inflammation shows little to no inflammation
If any of these criteria aren’t met, a patient is not in remission.
2. Remission Can Last for Any Length of Time
Some patients with RA experience remission for a few weeks, and others for a year or longer. There is no guarantee that remission will last for a specific duration.
3. Early Treatment Increases Odds of Remission
While RA symptoms need to persist for six weeks for a doctor to diagnose the condition, the sooner the inflammation is controlled, the better your chances of achieving remission. Since inflammation from RA can cause long-term changes in the joints, patients need aggressive treatment to get the condition under control.
4. Following Your Treatment Plan Is Essential
Staying active, eating healthy, taking your medication as prescribed, and maintaining your scheduled doctor’s appointments to evaluate your health and adjust any dosages as needed is the best way to achieve remission.
5. Tapering Medication Requires Your Doctor
While some patients may be able to cut back on their medication while their RA is in remission, for others, that will cause a relapse. Medication adjustments require your doctor’s guidance to maintain control over your symptoms.
6. Relapses Are Unavoidable
Unfortunately, almost all patients who go into RA remission experience a relapse at some point. If you’ve experienced a flare-up after remission, schedule an appointment with your physician immediately so you can make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
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