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[INFOGRAPHIC] 10 Ways Sleep Can Help You Live Longer

November 14, 2019 By Essential Oxygen Leave a Comment

Guest Post

In order to live a happy, productive life, you need to prioritize sleep. The benefits of getting a good night’s sleep go way beyond feeling well rested. Sleep can actually make you live longer, and it’s been directly linked to better decision making, faster response time, and a healthier body and mind.

Despite all the studies about the benefits of sleep, 1 in 3 people aren’t getting enough of it. The best way to make sure you are getting your recommended 7 to 9 hours of shuteye is to create a nighttime routine. Since 40% of our actions are done out of habit, an evening schedule that prioritizes a good night’s sleep will ensure that even on your most stressful day, your body can get itself ready for bed.

Read on to discover the key ingredients to a successful nighttime routine.

How to Get a Good Night’s Rest with a Nighttime Routine

There are a lot of things getting in the way of our sleep. Personal goals, hobbies, family, and work obligations can all cut into our snooze time. Further, stress and anxiety from personal and professional situations can also keep us awake at night.

A nighttime routine can help you get the shut eye you need even when you are feeling overwhelmed. This is because 40% of our actions come out of habit, so working a sleep routine into your evening habits will get your body ready for bed despite distractions.

Here are some routines to work into your evenings:

Put the phone away before bed: In order to prepare your body for REM sleep, you should be skipping a social media scroll right before bed. The blue lights from your phone are tricking your body into thinking it is earlier than it actually is, which can impact both falling asleep and achieving a full sleep cycle. Put your phone away two to three hours before bed and don’t check it again until morning.

Don’t drink alcohol: A glass of wine before bed may make you feel tired, but it’s not helping you achieve an REM sleep cycle. Alcohol reduces your body’s chances of getting a good night’s sleep, so opt for a healthier alternative like a warm bath or aromatherapy.

Take care of your oral hygiene: Don’t forget to wash your face and brush your teeth before you go to bed each night. You should be brushing your teeth twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Brushing your teeth at night is especially important because saliva production decreases during sleep. From approximately 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. our liver cleanses our blood due to our body’s natural cleansing process. Get optimal oral health results with Essential Oxygen’s organic oral care products.

Avoid late naps: You shouldn’t be napping in the evening, because this can make it harder to fall asleep. If you do need a nap, take it earlier in the day and try to limit your sleep to 30 minutes.

Practice gratitude: Rather than watching tv before bed, try practicing thankfulness instead. Keeping a gratitude journal on your nightstand can help you clear your mind and fall asleep feeling grateful and ready for the day ahead.

Bestow has created this visual on how sleep can extend your life to help you get even more out of your sleep. Discover why a nighttime routine is essential for your success with the visual below!

Infographic from HelloBestow.com

5 Tips For Infant Oral Health

November 14, 2019 By Essential Oxygen Leave a Comment

Guest Post

They say that the significant part of success in our life comes from the good habits we learn as children. Good habits are very substantial in growing stages. No matter what we choose to do in life, our good practices will guide us right.

Most of the successful people had attributed their success to the good habits cultivated in them when they were young. This growing awareness has made it a vital part of parenting.

When it comes to our children, we always want the best. We try to be the best parents for them. We help them overcome their fears and guide them in the right direction. We teach them valuable lessons in life that will help them achieve success. But the best thing you can instill in your children is healthy habits.

Teaching the significance of health and hygiene to our children is essential. Did you know that children under five years of age are more receptive to learning than their older counterparts? That is why you must begin inculcating good habits in your child at an early age.

So at what age should you begin instilling good habits in your child? While most parents ponder over this question, experts suggest the earlier, the better. You may start with the most fundamental but necessary healthy habit in children- oral health.

Often parents tend to neglect oral health and hygiene in their children until they are 3 or 4 years. Nevertheless, experts advise that oral health should begin at infancy itself.

Infants do not develop teeth until they turn two. Still, their mouths are susceptible to fungal infections or thrush.

Here are a few tips you can follow to maintain good oral health and hygiene for your infant.

1) Clean your baby’s mouth after every feed-

Did you know that teeth in babies begin to develop in the second trimester itself? They may not be visible yet, but they are fully formed in the jaws. The first teeth, however, begin to appear after a year or so. Even before this, you can take precautions to keep your baby’s mouth clean, preferably after every feed. Milk is the primary diet for infants under six months of age. It contains enzymes and acids that may cause the formation of the plague. Hence, you should clean your infant’s mouth with a soft gauge and water. Just wrap a fresh piece of gauze around your finger and gently rinse your baby’s mouth with it. It will ensure that there is no sticky residue for the bacteria to breed.

2) Avoid putting your baby to sleep with a bottle-

Cleaning your baby’s mouth after every feed may not be enough to avoid decay. You should also protect them from a condition called ” Bottle mouth.” This phenomenon occurs when your baby’s gums stay in contact with sugar for a long time. If you are in the habit of putting your baby to sleep with a bottle of milk or juice, this will undoubtedly harm your infant’s oral health. The sugar in the milk will destroy the protective layer on the teeth and cause decay. If your baby needs a bottle to suck on while sleeping, make sure it is only water.

3) Restrict the use of feeding bottles-

You should curb the use of feeding bottles and keep them only for feeding. If your infant is in the habit of sucking on feeding bottles for a long time, this may be bad for their oral health. Continuously sucking on feeding bottles erodes the enamel, leading to tooth decay. Moreover, it is also responsible for changing the shape of the gums and may give rise to crooked teeth.

4) Avoid feeding sugary drinks or food to your infant-

If your infant is still on liquids, you may want to introduce various juices to bring a variety to their palette. However, adding fruit juices can be quite disastrous for their oral health, especially if your child is taking them through a feeding bottle. They can also cause a specific sugar addiction in infants. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that fruit juices are the significant cause of tooth decay in infants and should be entirely avoided. If you like your infant to have a varied diet, vegetable juices may serve to be a healthier option because of their less sugar content.

5) Correct use of bottle teats and pacifiers-

Bottle nipples and pacifiers come in close contact with your baby’s teeth. Even if you are limiting the use of bottles, you also need to ensure that they are thoroughly cleansed. Bottle teats and pacifiers can be a breeding ground for germs that can wreak havoc to your infant’s oral health. Also, it may be sensible to wean them off pacifiers once they are two years or older. Prolonged use of pacifiers is also one of the significant contributors to tooth decay in infants. Once the decay has eroded the teeth, the only approach will be to extract the teeth. But, this process is now more relaxed with the latest IV sedation dentistry.

Tips to maintain good oral health in older infants-

Once your baby is a bit older, you may notice several teeth erupting. It may be the right time to introduce them to good oral health practices.

Here are a few tips to ensure proper oral health in infants above one year-

1) Once you notice a set of erupting teeth in your infant’s mouth, you may introduce them to a fluoridated toothpaste. You can use a silicone brush with soft bristles to clean their teeth. Flossing is only required once the teeth start touching each other.

2) Gently massaging their gums will help soothe and stimulate the eruption of the teeth.

2) You can use a soft brush to clean your infant’s tongue as well.

3) Regular visits to the dentist will ensure that your infant’s teeth are growing healthy.

4) Once your infant turns into a toddler of two years or above, teach them to properly rinse their mouth after every meal to avoid tooth decay.

Conclusion-

Many parents do not give importance to oral hygiene in their infants, thinking that their milk teeth will eventually fall. While this is true, you need to teach good oral habits in your child at an early age. These are the habits that they will ultimately carry into their adulthood as well. Also, you need to set a good example for your child by following good oral hygiene yourself. If they see you caring for your teeth, they will eventually follow suit.

5 Healthy & Eco-Conscious Updates For Your Home

October 31, 2019 By Essential Oxygen

Guest Post ~ Claire Hastings

In the pursuit of lifelong peace, health, and happiness, there is a need for each and every one of us to break free from the shackles of consumerism and the wasteful modern way of life, and embrace a more eco-conscious lifestyle. Among the most rewarding changes you can make in your routine that will allow you to build a healthier home while safeguarding the future of Mother Earth are recycling and re-purposing, growing your own foods, and minimizing waste production in your home.

After all, if there are people who can fit one year’s worth of trash into a single mason jar, then you too can significantly contribute to the preservation of the environment. That said, there are still some interesting and reward solutions you can consider, so let’s take a look at the five eco-conscious changes you need to bring into your household.

Start by eliminating everything that’s unhealthy

The first step towards a healthier home and a healthier environment is to make a conscious decision to eliminate all unhealthy products from your home. This goes for food, makeup and oral care products, cleaning products, and everything in between. Yes, it can seem like a cumbersome task at first, but there’s no need to rush. Rather, take the time to organize this project according to each room in your household.

You can start with the kitchen, and eliminate all unhealthy foods. Next, you can move on to the bathroom, and throw out all of those toxic cleaning supplies that not only harm your long-term health but the health of the environment as well. And finally, you can start replacing non-organic materials with sustainable and eco-friendly décor.

Opt for handmade, eco-friendly décor

Over time, you can choose to slowly replace the décor elements in your home that are difficult to clean, or have been obtained through non-sustainable means with organics and hand-made materials that support the local artisans at no cost to the long-term well-being of the natural world. Take your time, and look for the décor pieces that not only work with the theme of each room, but boast certain health benefits as well.

For example, a beautiful jute rug in the living room or beneath the kitchen island can serve as the perfect standing spot that won’t irritate the soles of your feet, because it was made from all-natural materials. Likewise, organic linens and pillowcases are perfect if you’re looking to protect your skin from synthetics.

Choose organic and sustainable clothing

While we’re on the topic of organic materials, it’s important to pay special attention to the clothes you wear on a daily basis, and the materials they’re made of. The most sensitive areas of the body that are always in contact with some form of synthetic material are the feet, the nether regions, and the breasts, and these are the areas that are most prone to irritation.

This is why switching to bamboo women’s socks, for example, can make a big difference in the long run and help you avoid irritation while providing that lovely comfy feeling. Likewise, consider switching to organic bamboo panties and bras to prevent irritation and ensure comfort, while at the same time doing your part to safeguard Mother Earth by knowing that you’re buying sustainable items.

Clean your home the natural way

One of the most important elements of a healthy and eco-conscious household is the way you clean your home. If you’re used to proprietary, big brand cleaners, then it’s time to make a change and switch to all-natural cleaning products such as Essential Oxygen’s Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide that you can use for a variety of cleaning needs, all the while preserving the environment and ensuring that your home is toxin-free.

Bring health and sustainability into the kitchen

On a final note, let’s address the need to bring health and sustainability into the busiest room in every household – the kitchen. Not only should you stop buying unhealthy foods, but you should also make sure that you’re cooking with healthy cookware, that you’re storing your food in glass instead of plastic containers, and that you’re consuming locally-sourced, low-pesticide foods on a daily basis. This will allow you to lower your environmental impact, support the local economy and small businesses, and build a healthier home for you and your family.

In closing

There are many wonderful ways you can make your home more sustainable and eco-friendlier in the long run, but the best thing you can do is to combine some healthy personal habits with eco-conscious solutions to safeguard your home, your family, and the natural world. Be sure to use these tips to build a healthier future for all.

5 Habits That Will Keep You Healthy & Fit for Life

October 25, 2019 By Essential Oxygen

Guest Blog Post

Over the course of the past several years, the health and fitness craze has taken the entire world by storm, and as much good as this has brought on, it has also caused a decent amount of confusion. One might even wonder how the heck our ancestors survived without kombucha or chia seeds, and if there’s any other way to lead a healthy life than to join a gym. Luckily, with knowledge comes power, and you can use your know-how to transform your habits one day at a time, and to let your health flourish.

Thankfully, it doesn’t boil down to consuming nothing but superfoods and lifting heavy objects until your palms are sore. There are simpler, more versatile ways you impact your wellbeing every day, and most of us neglect at least a few of those listed below while we spend too much time amidst another “broccoli or asparagus” debate. Here’s your trusty list of several very powerful habits you should focus on in order to stay healthy and resilient for as long as you live.

Mind your sleeping patterns

Feeling crabby after one night of poor sleep should be the least of your worries. There are so many different issues associated with the lack of sleep, at least the chronic kind, that too many people fail to connect the dots. From poor productivity, lack of focus, migraines, all the way to heart disease and unwanted weight gain, sleep deprivation is a severe issue among modern humans.

In a gist, we need to sleep more, and we need to do it consistently. Much like you make an appointment to see your physician, take your time to design a sleep schedule you’ll actually honor.

Get creative with your workouts

Once again, you don’t need a gym membership in order to stay healthy, but it does help. For the busy bees among you, and those who prefer the privacy of their own home instead of a packed space filled with strangers, you can actually invest in workout gear that will help you diversify your training routines.

For example, you can try using a vibrating exercise machine which is a simple, yet effective tool to activate your entire body and provide you with the stimulation you need to lead a healthy life. Throw in a few resistance bands for improved stretches, perhaps a kettlebell for those HIIT sessions, and you’ll soon have your own gym, and no excuses to bail on your workouts.

Be mindful of your smile

When you think of health, do you ever take into account your pearly whites? And yet, the most basic oral and dental hygiene is the foundation of good overall health, as it helps prevent numerous diseases, infections, and chronic illnesses. Systems such as the Pristine Protocol are designed to utilize natural ingredients to prevent those common issues such as cavities and to make sure your breath is fresh at all times.

Of course, regular visits to your dentist are essential, so keep prevention in mind if you are serious about your goal to invest in your longevity and your lifelong wellbeing.

Clean the right way

Meant to kill all those unwanted germs and dirt we bring into our homes, our cleaning products are often laden with toxins and chemicals that are perfect for what they do. However, they also do so much more, as they are truly harmful to our own health and prolonged exposure can jeopardize your wellbeing and your immune system.

To lead a healthier life and prevent any potential health issues related to the use of chemicals, you can replace your standard store-bought cleaners with non-toxic and all-purpose 3% Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide or home-made versions that are as effective (if not even more so), planet-friendly, and good for your health. For starters, always have baking soda, lemons, and essential oils at your disposal. The right mixture can do wonders for any kind of dirt at your home without exposing you to any harmful ingredients.

Keep a diverse menu

Your nutrition is one of those key pillars of healthy living, and one of the most impactful ways to change your wellbeing over time. Unfortunately, too many people eat haphazardly, don’t pay attention to their menus, let alone the nutrient density of their foods.

If you’d like to make those workouts count, to help your teeth and gums stay healthy, and if you want your immune system to stay pristine, then refining your food choices is your best bet. Although certain dietary trends come and go, you need to be mindful of your own needs and specific requirements. So, let go of fads and take your doctor’s advice to choose foods that are in line with your own specific health needs.

Of course, there are so many other habits that will affect your health and longevity, from how you manage your stress, all the way to your relationships with other people in your life. Consider these your most essential five pillars of living well upon which you can continue building other healthy habits to stay resilient and strong for years to come.

Selecting the Right Counseling Program Made Easy

October 23, 2019 By Essential Oxygen

Guest Post – The article is written by Suzan McCarthy, Education Research Specialist. She is an expert in both physical and online education programs. In her leisure, she adores gardening and reading.

We won’t be talking about the pros and cons of a counseling career today but pay attention to the right program choice that can open your door to the professional counseling world.

As far as you are looking to find the program, I suppose you are perfectly aware of what counseling psychology means. Perhaps, you just graduated from school or university and want to become a counselor, or, maybe, you need a sip of fresh air and are just at thåe beginning of your journey into this highly competitive field.

No matter who you are or where you’re from, once you’ve decided to work in counseling, there’s nothing to stop you. We are here to help you choose the best master’s degree program in counseling and make your life easier.

What is the first criterion of the program’s choice?

To meet all the state’s standards and have a right to work as a counselor, your program must be accredited by the CACREP, which is the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Programs.

If you think this is something exclusive and out-of-ordinary, you’re mistaken. There are around 40 CACREP accredited programs you can do online.

Speaking about the educational facilities where you can take these courses, there are the New York University, the University of Montevallo, the University of Massachusetts, Winston-Salem State University, the University of Arkansas, the University of Southern Maine, Utah State University, and many more. Google them to find more.

These programs allow you to work in colleges, universities, companies, health facilities, rehabilitation agencies, industrial organizations, and consulting firms. Moreover, you can open up your own office and become self-employed, or work as a private entrepreneur.

What benefits do you get after taking a program?

There are so many great things about master’s programs in counseling, you can’t even imagine! For example, the priceless feedback you won’t find anywhere else. While studying, you are free to ask as many questions as you need and never be afraid to be fired or laughed at. Besides, you learn even faster through real-time discussions with your peers.

The format of your classes provides you with maximum comfort because you study online. No lecture halls, no long time-consuming trips, and no congested university halls. As a student, you will get maximum attention from your teachers.

Another satisfying detail is internship support. You see, when getting a job, you are always asked about the working or practice experience. CACREP accredited programs solve this problem by enabling you to find the most suitable clinical sites that are close to your accommodation.

The most essential skills you develop through the master’s program

First of all, you learn how to pave your way to the client’s heart, mind, and soul. A successful counselor always has some aces in the hole to open up any case.

Of course, you develop supernatural sensitivity and empathy. You become a good listener and a living pillow to cry into.

What is more important, through practice and experience you get in accredited programs, you start asking the right questions and speaking to your clients using reflections and paraphrasing techniques.

Jobs and careers in the counseling niche

Here’s to the most exciting part of counseling – your future career prospects and aspirations.

One of the most interesting counseling jobs is a career counselor. It is about devising an effective career strategy that takes into consideration the client’s strengths and weaknesses. These professionals help people build their dream lives.

Military, grief, rehabilitation, and substance abuse counselors are challenge-lovers. Such workers are gods in their clients’ eyes because they do miraculous things.

Speaking about other counseling jobs, there are also:

College counselor;
Enrollment counselor;
Child and adolescent counselor;
School counselor;
Academic counselor;
Pastoral counselor;
Admission Counselor;
Etc.

How What You Eat Affects Your Teeth

October 21, 2019 By Essential Oxygen

Guest Post

Today it’s no secret that food and what you consume affects your health. With a great deal of emphasis placed on eating a well-balanced diet while drastically reducing, or even cutting out sugar completely, there are endless reasons why the healthy eating vigilantes stress the importance of being mindful of food and its ingredients.

Generally speaking, a person’s poor diet is usually related to weight gain and the chronic diseases that go with it, but did you know that your eating habits can also seriously affect your oral health?

Well, it’s true! In fact, out of all the areas of your body, it’s usually your teeth and gums to first indicate that something’s amiss with your nutrition.

The Fast Food Nation

Let’s face it, many people like fast food, some more than others. From the taste to the convenience of fast food, there are a number of reasons why some choose to consume it.

Fast food is prevalent everywhere, no matter which country you’re in, however, it is true that the USA is one of the largest consumers. Which is no surprise really, since the industry’s annual revenue is around the $110bn mark (1).

Made up of super sugary snacks, the typical American diet does the body no favors, especially when it comes to your teeth and gums. Such snacks, which are typically soft, sweet and incredibly sticky – stick to teeth, which immediately places you in a higher-risk zone when it comes to cavities thanks to the acid buildup.

What’s more, such fast food diets lack some basic nutrients that are vital for oral health and hygiene, and therefore too much of the ‘good stuff’ makes you more susceptible to nutrient deficiencies that negatively affect your teeth and gums.

Vitamins & Nutrients That Are Vital For Healthy Teeth

To have good oral hygiene and healthy gums and teeth, it’s important that you include the following vitamins and nutrients into your everyday life.

#1. Vitamin C

From a young age it’s drilled into us that vitamin C is necessary for our health. From fighting common colds to building stronger immune systems, vitamin C is a key player in our general wellbeing – but did you know that it’s also great for your dental health? Vitamin C strengthens gums and soft tissues in the mouth, therefore protecting against common gum conditions such as gingivitis and gum disease (2).

Boost your vitamin C intake naturally by consuming citrus fruits, such as oranges and mandarins. Increasing your leafy greens is also a good idea.

#2. Vitamin D

We all know that calcium is vital for bone and teeth health, but for it to be effective, vitamin D is essential as it assists the body in absorbing the mineral. As well as helping your body get all the calcium you consume, it is also known to improve bone mineral density. Consuming both calcium and vitamin D has also been found to reduce tooth loss amongst the elderly (3).

Get your vitamin D fix by consuming more fatty fish; tuna and mackerel are perfect examples. There are also a number of products that have been fortified with vitamin D, so next time you’re at the grocery store look out for fortified orange juice, cereal, and milk.

#3. Vitamin B3

Vitamin B3 is mostly known for helping the body convert its food into energy while also helping the nervous system function as it should. Vitamin B3 is great for your general health, but when you don’t consume enough, it can also negatively affect your dental health, which will often result in mouth sores and bad breath (4).

Vitamin B3 is found naturally in many foods, but the everyday foods that contain the most are chicken and fish, which also come with plenty of other health benefits for the body, including providing your body with healthy amounts of protein.

#4. Vitamin B12/B2

If you’ve ever suffered from, or have known someone to suffer from canker sores, you know that these can be very painful. Not only do these open mouth sores hurt, they also put you at a higher risk of infection. Thankfully, there’s a way of reducing your risk of developing canker sores, and that’s through consuming more vitamin B12/B2 (5).

Increasing your vitamin B12 intake is easy. Consuming foods such as almonds, pasta, and even bagels can help. To increase vitamin B2 naturally, try adding more chicken, red meat, pork, liver, and dairy products to your diet.

#5. Calcium

It’s no surprise that calcium plays a key role when it comes to your oral health. Calcium helps in building bones, and strengthening your nails, hair, and teeth. More specifically, this mineral hardens the enamel of your teeth while making the jawbone stronger (6).

Milk is the superstar for calcium, but you can also get it from foods such as yogurt, cheese, salmon, and broccoli.

#6. Iron

Not consuming enough iron can lead to many problems in the body. An iron deficiency can often result in painful mouth sores and inflammation of the tongue. Iron’s number one role in the body is to transport oxygen around the body, so when your body doesn’t get enough, it causes a build up of bacteria, making your mouth more susceptible to infections (7).

Meat is the best source of iron, especially red meat and liver, which is perfect if you’re a meat lover. Spinach, nuts, and seeds are also good sources of iron.

Which Foods to Avoid or Limit

Obviously, there is good food and bad food for all aspects of your health. However, if you want to pay special attention to your oral health and hygiene, the following foods should be avoided, or at least kept to a minimum.

#1. Chewy Foods

If ever there was a ‘nightmare’ food for your teeth, it’d have to be chewy food. Chewy food, such as dried fruit, sticks to your teeth and are more difficult to remove.

If you do consume these foods, it’d be beneficial to rinse your mouth out immediately after eating them.

#2. Soft Drinks

Soft drinks are packed with sugar. Not only are they bad for your teeth, they can also cause a number of other health-related problems. The sugar contributes to plaque buildup while attacking the enamel, which then can lead to cavities over time.

Soda brings no benefits, so where possible, it’s advisable to try and cut these drinks out completely and stick to water.

#3. Candy and Gum

Gum and candy, especially hard candy, are the worst when it comes to your oral health. Candies and gum are almost pure sugar, and therefore can be extremely harmful to your teeth, increasing your risk of cavities. What’s more, eating hard candies can also result in broken and chipped teeth.

If you find you can’t live without gum, try chewing sugarless gum instead that carries the ADA Seal.

#4. Carbohydrates

Believe it or not, carbs, especially bread, can negatively affect your dental health. Chewing carbs results in the saliva breaking down the starches into sugar, which then ends up getting lodged between the crevices of your teeth. These sugars eventually build up, increasing the risk of cavities.

Since carbs come with a host of other negative effects, it’s best to try and either eliminate them or drastically reduce them. Adopting a ketogenic diet can help. The keto diet, which is a way of eating that advocates a very low-carb high-fat diet, could be beneficial.

Not only will you reduce the risk of cavities from starchy carbs, you’ll also benefit from foods that are naturally high in good fats that can also provide you with excellent nutrients and vitamins for your teeth, such as calcium and vitamins B3 and B12.

#5. Fruit and Fruit Juices

Citrus fruit is a bit of a catch-22. Consuming the right amount can be beneficial, as it gives you a healthy dose of vitamin C, however, it’s packed with fructose and a number of acids that cause enamel erosion. And when you begin to experience enamel erosion, you’re instantly increasing the risk of suffering from tooth decay later on down the line.

Instead of consuming glass after glass of fruit juice from the carton or overdoing it with the fruit, try squeezing a little bit of the fruit into water, and enjoy a refreshing drink that way.

Conclusion

Looking after your teeth is imperative, because oral health problems, if left untreated, can turn into bigger health problems. Taking control of your diet and incorporating more natural foods packed with the above mentioned vitamins and nutrients in conjunction with a healthy ketogenic diet will not only improve your dental health, it will also help you lose weight, improve your general health and wellness, and in some cases, reduce the effects of chronic disease; what’s not to love about it?

About the author

Alex Reed is editor in chief of Bodyketosis, an author, low-carb enthusiast and a recovering chubby guy who reclaimed his health using the ketogenic lifestyle. The need for the keto life began after his aunt and cousin were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and he was next in line. Through personal experience and extensive scientific research, Alex offers insightful tips for everything keto.

References

Suppressing Allergies at Home: 6 Things to Do

October 17, 2019 By Essential Oxygen

Guest Post

Currently, there is no cure for allergies, and all we can do is either treat the symptoms or try to eliminate the cause. We have given some advice on how best to keep your home clean and free from dust, pet dander, pollen and damp as these are the main culprits causing red eyes, sneezing, and scratching. If you need to go outside when the pollen count is high, it is always recommended that you take hay fever tablets to try and manage the problem.

Dust Allergens

The most common problem for people with allergies comes from dust particles. Try to vacuum regularly, including the curtains to stop particles building up around the home. Where possible, remove carpeted flooring and replace it with hardwood, linoleum or washable rugs, all these surfaces are easy to clean and can be kept dust-free. Additionally, keep your spaces clutter-free so dust can’t settle. It is easier to clean with a slightly damp cloth, never use a dry duster as this will make dust particles airborne leading to further complications.

Choose the Right Plants

Most of the pollen in the air of your home will come from outside, through doors and windows. Although you should try to minimize how many doors and windows are open, this is not always practical. Try to only have plants and trees in your garden that either produce small amounts of pollen or they produce pollen too heavy to be carried in the air. Fortunately, for those suffering with pollen there are some hypoallergenic varieties that can be planted, such as roses, hydrangeas, daffodils, and tulips. The worst offenders for creating pollen are chamomile, chrysanthemums, daisies, and sunflowers. Many kinds of grass and trees also have a high pollen count, so choose wisely.

Keep Bedrooms Clean

We spend up to one-third of our time sleeping in bed, so these are areas that need extra attention. Wash pillowcases and bed sheets regularly, especially when the pollen count is high. Try to stop the air from outside getting into your bedroom and use air cleaners or air conditioning units as these will both reduce the amount of pollen in the room. Always shower just before bed and make sure you leave old clothes in another area as your clothes will carry pollen on them if you have been outside. Many young children like to sleep with a soft toy, but these can capture dust so either wean the child off soft toys or make sure you wash them regularly to remove any particles. Mattresses should be cleaned to remove particles at least once a week.

Eliminate Damp Areas

Damp patches are a significant concern for those with allergies, so try to keep your home dry. Use a dehumidifier to get the moisture out of the air and take care of any damp issues your home may have. The major areas where damp can appear are in the kitchen and bathrooms. Try to dry surfaces once they have gotten wet with either a cloth or paper towels. Don’t leave damp shower mats after bathing, try to either wash and dry them or hang them up, so the moisture doesn’t sit. There are many causes of dampness, and the leading indicators are mold and a musty smell. If you have a portable dehumidifier or an air conditioning unit, it is smart to run these for a short period after bathing to try and eliminate the moisture in the air.

Pet Allergies

Pet allergies are a common ailment, but even if you have a mild allergy, you can still own a pet with fur or feathers. You should always keep any pets out of bedrooms, this gives you a safe space where pet dander will not collect. Groom your pets regularly to reduce the amount of dander they spread around the house. Animals with long fur will also bring in pollen from outside so wash and brush them as often as you can to reduce that. Don’t give your animals soft toys to play with and make sure you clean their basket or bedding regularly to limit the build-up of pollen and dander, which may cause you issues. If your home has vented heating or cooling, you should cover these with a fine mesh such as cheesecloth to keep any pet dander in one space. Try to limit the areas your pets can get into by keeping internal doors closed.

Severe Allergies

People with severe allergies will need to take extra steps to eliminate dust, pollen, and pet dander. Using plastic covers over beds and pillows will significantly reduce the build-up of these particles on your bedding. It may be wise to keep plastic covers on sofas and chairs also as these can be cleaned with a damp cloth. For those with severe pet allergies, doctors will advise against keeping animals. You can also wear a dust mask when in the garden to keep particles out of your respiratory system. Use a clothes brush to brush off pollen if you have been outside or have another set of indoor clothes as this will make you more comfortable.

By following the suggestions above, you should notice a dramatic reduction in bouts of allergic reactions. Although there is no full-proof way to protect yourself, by being proactive at eliminating or reducing the causes of your allergies, you will lead a more comfortable life. Be extra vigilant when your allergies are likely to be an issue and remember to always keep your bedroom as a safe space where you can go should you have a flare-up of symptoms. If problems persist, you should always seek professional medical advice.

5 All-Natural Beauty Tips for Any Skin Type

September 30, 2019 By Essential Oxygen

Guest Blog Post

Marketing companies will have you believe that you cannot have beautiful skin without spending a boatload of money on beauty products. After all, they work for the makeup manufacturers who want to make money selling you those products. However, there are several beauty tips, that can be used for any skin type, that will allow you to look marvelous, without breaking the bank.

Organic Homemade Lip Gloss

If you want brighter, glossier lips, you can make natural lip gloss right at home. All you need are a few fresh or frozen red raspberries and one tablespoon of coconut oil.

Warm the coconut oil in a small pot. Once it turns to liquid, remove from the heat, and add the raspberries.

Mash the berries into the oil and blend until a smooth liquid is formed. Then pour the mixture into a small glass container and refrigerate. Once it is firm, you can use a lip gloss brush or your fingers and apply the gloss to your lips.

Since you are using fresh ingredients, it is best to remake this gloss every couple of days to maintain the freshness of the berries.

Organic Exfoliating Face Mask

Exfoliating face masks are great for removing dead skin and adding in vital nutrients to maintain a healthy look. However, many exfoliants that you can buy in the stores contain abrasive ingredients that can scratch your skin and cause more damage than the product was designed to help.

Papayas and pineapples contain natural enzymes that help to exfoliate the skin, without damaging it. The best part is, you can make this yourself at home, ensure that you have the freshest ingredients available.

Try to choose the greenest papaya you can find. These have high amounts of the enzyme papain, which is excellent for your skin. However, if you have sensitive skin, you may want to opt for a ripe papaya to avoid unnecessary irritation.

To make the mask, blend ¼ cup of raw papaya with one tablespoon of fresh pineapple. Once smooth, apply this mixture to dry skin and leave it on for five to 15 minutes. Rinse the mask off with cool water.

You can use this homemade mask once or twice a week.

The Perfect Moisturizing Blend

You can hydrate dry skin with three organic and natural products: pomegranate seed oil, raspberry seed oil, and sweet almond oil. These can all be purchased at a local health food store.

These three oils, when combined, create a natural antioxidant-rich oil blend that will add an extra glow to your skincare routine when applied after cleansing or putting on makeup.

All you need to do is place a few drops of the oil mixture in the palm of your hand. Rub your hands together to warm the oils.

Using your fingertips, gently press the warm oil onto the dry areas of your face. Be sure to use it where you have fine lines or wrinkles.

Use Aloe on Your Skin

Prolonged inflammation, from sunburn or skin conditions, can cause your skin to breakdown collagen. When this happens, wrinkles and fine lines become more pronounced, and your skin gets very dry.

To get back your healthy glow, or to maintain your smooth, vibrant skin, use aloe.

Aloe Vera gel contains antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory healing properties that penetrate and provide nourishment for your skin. Using it, you can treat minor cuts and scrapes, eczema acne, sunburn, cooking burns, and other skin ailments to repair and soothe the skin. These antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties also make it a great ingredient in oral care products.

Look for pure aloe at your local health food store or purchase a plant and remove the gel directly from the aloe leaf.

Eliminate Puffy Eyes

Tea Bags are great for more than making a tasty drink. You can use green, black, or chamomile tea to help reduce puffy eyes.

First, steep two tea bags in hot water for no more than one minute. Remove the bags from the water and chill in a small bowl in the refrigerator. Once cool, place one tea bag over each closed eyelid for five to 15 minutes.

The antioxidant components of the tea helps to soothe and reduce inflammation in the skin around the eyes. You can do this daily or weekly, as needed.

Of course, the seasons play their part as well. Winter can be tough on our skin for instance. But with these skin tips you will look great no matter what skin type you have.

Your Guide To Eating Teeth-Friendly Food

September 24, 2019 By Essential Oxygen

Guest Post By Mia Johnson

They say that you are what you eat. The saying should mostly be aimed at teeth, as this part of us is best reflected by what we consume. Your teeth are the first line of defense when it comes to mouth protection. Nothing gets past them. However, your pearly white protectors need some protecting as well. The type of food you eat has an enormous impact on their health. Some food slowly causes them to rot while other things keep them healthy. Here are some examples that could affect your teeth.

Cheese and other dairy products

Cheese isn’t just a delicious addition to any meal, it’s also pretty good for your dental hygiene. Your teeth benefit whenever you eat cheese and other dairy products. They get a thorough cleaning partially through the saliva stimulating effects of dairy and cheese.

Dairy products also contain quite a bit of calcium and phosphates, both of which are necessary for bone and tooth health. These minerals keep your teeth strong and help them recuperate after dental procedures. If that weren’t enough, cheese can also help with rebuilding tooth enamel.

Citrus delights

Citrus fruits are constantly praised as being some of the healthier fruits you can sink your teeth in. They contain lots of vitamins and minerals that are essential to our bodies. Most famously, there’s a whole bunch of vitamin C in citrus. So how do they fare against teeth and gums?

Turns out, no food is healthy for every part of your body. Citrus fruits don’t really benefit your teeth in any way. In fact, they can actually harm your teeth over time. The potent acids that these fruits contain very slowly erode away your tooth’s enamel.

It’s not something that should worry you in any particular way. You won’t lose your teeth from drinking lemonade any time soon. Oranges and their juices aren’t as harmful as lemons. A good glass of OJ will give you all the benefits of a refreshing drink while not harming your teeth all that much.

Chewy candies

Chewy candies don’t seem like they’re bad for your tooth health. If you disregard the sugar content, wouldn’t their chewiness be a good thing for teeth? After all, they give the teeth and jaw a good workout.

Unfortunately, this doesn’t help the chewy candy’s case at all. Delicious treats like taffy and caramels stick to the teeth, making them hard to remove. When they get in-between the teeth, the effect is even worse, as bacteria have free reign to enjoy the sugar content. It’s made a lot worse when the candy is a bit acidic as well. The trio of effects leaves your teeth damaged quite a bit. This is why most dentists recommend you avoid this type of candy. It probably makes their job easier.

High fibre content

Fibre is hailed as the miracle factor for healthy foods. There’s nothing it can’t do. It helps with digestion, it keeps you full, and it even lowers bad cholesterol. Is there something fibre can’t do? In a completely unsurprising twist, it’s even good for your teeth.

Fibre-rich fruits and vegetables are a godsend for tooth health. Fibre does a bunch of good things for your teeth. For starters, they get the saliva flowing. This helps keep your teeth clean and free of bacteria and foul odours. If that weren’t enough, it also helps directly clean your teeth when you eat fibre rich food. As the cherry on top, most food that has a high fibre content will also need quite a bit of chewing. Enjoy those celery and apple salads, because they keep your pearly whites healthy and attractive.

Sugar-free gum

Gum might not be the miracle smile remedy that gum commercials portray it as, but it does bring a few benefits to the table. Gum helps you produce saliva, which helps wash away bacteria and their acid from your mouth. It also gives your teeth something to chew, improving your jaw and teeth health.

Keep in mind that not all gum is helpful for teeth. If it contains large amounts of sugar, the downsides will outweigh the usual benefits of gum. It’s important that you stick to sugar-free gum if you want your teeth to stay healthy. The taste improves once you get used to not chewing sugary gums.

Chocolate

Chocolate might seem like a potentially harmful factor for teeth, but looks can be deceiving. Chocolate is one of the few sweets that you can enjoy with minimal guilt in regards to your teeth. It washes off easier than most other candies and it stimulates a lot of saliva production.

The darker the chocolate, the better it is for your teeth. When you’re craving something sweet and don’t want to ruin your pearly whites, fruit and chocolate bouquets aren’t out of the question. Even though chocolate isn’t all that harmful, you should never go overboard with it. Eat in moderation and try to combine it with fruit as much as possible. Chocolate tends to go along well with healthier foods so this shouldn’t be much of a problem.

A simple glass of water

It’s quite obvious that water can’t be bad for your teeth. However, you might not realize how good it can be. Water helps your teeth and gums in a variety of ways. When you enough water every day, you produce more saliva which is essential to tooth health. Water also hydrates all of our cells and helps them do their job. This includes the cells that make up teeth and gums.

Tap water often contains fluoride, which is an essential mineral for our teeth. When you brush your pearly whites, you’re also adding a little bit of fluoride directly to your teeth. After brushing your teeth, you can rest easy knowing that your choppers have been made healthier by the local water supply. Combine your routine with an Organic Brushing Rinse and you can be sure that your teeth will look and feel even healthier.

Conclusion

There’s no miracle food that will keep your teeth healthy. Only moderation and regular brushing will do that. Still, it’s good to know which foods you should eat and which you should avoid if you want to keep your choppers healthy.