Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder known as ADHD is a psychiatric disorder characterized by inattention such as forgetfulness, diversion, impulsivity such as mood swings and explosive reactions or hyperactivity such as excessive talking, running and climbing.
Caffeine is a bit of a two-headed monster. For many, it’s the perfect way to start a morning: sitting in the breakfast nook with a steaming hot cup-a-joe in one hand, favorite book in the other, watching your daughter play around in the yard with your lovable dog. Life’s great!
But, as many of you know, caffeine can also be your worst nightmare: lying awake at three in the morning, splitting headache, stomach doing somersaults, heart pulsing faster than a rabid dog. How can this be? What’s the truth here? Is caffeine good or is caffeine bad? I wish there were a quick and easy explanation for you, but the reality is never simple – especially when it comes to caffeine. The truth is that it’s both good and bad. It’s important to be aware of just how exactly caffeine can affect your health.
THE GOOD
Let’s start with the good news. The benefits of caffeine are pretty well known. (After all, why else would over 80% of the population consume it?) It’s a stimulant. It works by activating the central nervous system. And, as such, it can provide mental alertness and concentration, boost your mood, and help postpone fatigue. All good things.
On top of that, coffee – which is by far and away the number one source of caffeine consumption – has been the focus of much scholarly research. Here are some of the purported health benefits of coffee:
• It can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
• It can reduce the risk of mouth and throat cancer.
• It may help lower our risk of stroke, Parkinson’s, and dementia.
But – as I mentioned earlier – caffeine isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. It has a dark side, too.
THE BAD
To begin with, caffeine is a drug. Plain and simple. Over time, the body will get used to it and will depend on it as a part of its everyday routine. And when caffeine is not there all of a sudden, you’ll have a bad time. These effects are called withdrawal symptoms. They may include:
• Upset stomach
• Headache
• Dehydration
• Muscle pain
• Insomnia
• Lethargy
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Irritability
• Etc.
You get the point. Nobody wants to be around a coffee addict who hasn’t had coffee. …and nobody wants to be one either. On top of the withdrawal symptoms, there may also be significant long-term health effects as well.
THE LONG-TERM EFFECTS
According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), excessive long-term consumption of caffeine may lead to a loss of bone density, which in turn may lead an increased risk of osteoporosis. But wait, there’s more:
• Increased blood sugar levels. Daily consumption of caffeine may increase blood sugar levels, which can be a major problem for those with diabetes. (Source)
• Irregular heartbeat. Higher amounts of caffeine may result in extreme agitation, tremors, and a rapid heartbeat. (Source)
• Pregnancy complications. Too much caffeine may result in miscarriage or birth defects. It can also make it more difficult for women to get pregnant in the first place. (Source)
• Increased blood pressure. Caffeine may cause short, but dramatic increase in blood pressure. (Source)
• Increase cholesterol levels. There is a compound in coffee called “cafestol” that raises LDL cholesterol levels. (Source)
NOW WHAT?
Don’t be scared by all of this. There are a number of ways in which you can live a healthy lifestyle and still consume caffeine. The key, as always, is moderation. Here are some tips:
• In general, it’s recommended that you consume under 400 mg/day of caffeine. That’s about four 8 oz. cups of coffee, which is more than enough for most people.
• Be aware of other foods that may include caffeine: chocolate bars (5-25 mg), energy drinks (up to 160 mg) and soft drinks (~30 mg) are some examples. Many prescription drugs also include caffeine.
If you don’t want to go cold turkey on the caffeine, you should try Wize Monkey Coffee Leaf Tea. Their five different award-winning teas will help you ease off the caffeine addiction and also keep you focused without any crash of jitters. The caffeine level is around 20mg per cup, making it the perfect substitute to rotate into your routine. They have Original, Minty Marvel, Mango Party, Earl Grey and Jasmine, which are all available at Healthy Planet. Try it today and starting thinking outside the bean.
Menopause is a natural biological process and can be defined as the ceasing of menstruation. It’s a gradual process covering different stages with less or more physical and mental illness symptoms.
Valentine’s Day is all about spreading, sharing, and expressing your love. You can send some hand-made beautiful cards to your BFFs, express your gratitude to your parents, share some nice moments with your S.O. and, particularly, include yourself in this list! Yes, sometimes giving a gift to yourself, makes you feel refreshed and can tap the feeling of self-love!
Though we’re well aware of how eating cellulite-rich items like bagels, pretzels, buffalo wings, chicken burgers, etc., are going to affect our skin in a long run, we still choose to not avoid our sinful cravings for fast food. We’re all for good anti-aging creams to slow down the aging cycle, however, it’s quite important for people to understand that they cannot have it all at a time. Do you want a younger looking skin ?
In the age of “over-working” and “social media”, issues like stress, sleeping troubles, and headache are quite common. Often, we end up either taking sleeping pills or painkillers subscribed by our doctors or joining the early morning meditation class (which rarely helps because let’s admit a majority of us are too lazy to wake up early in the morning!).
In that case, what’s the best alternative?
AROMATHERAPY!
We’re sure you would be surprised but believe it or not, aromatherapy promotes, balances, and harmonizes the health of spirit, body, and mind. It’s one of the best therapy that offers a major relief in the aforementioned issues.
Certainly, you’re curious to know HOW?
Well, in the first place, essential oils used in the aromatherapies include ‘synergy’ – a combination of numerous essential oils which can actually create a more powerful effect than any other options!
And hey, have you ever seen someone come out depressed or less energetic from a bubble bath or deep tissue massage that includes aromatherapy?
No, you haven’t, because the essential oils used in aromatherapies act as a catalyst by relaxing our bodies and minds, hence boosting our mental wellbeing.
You need not go to an aromatherapist or masseuses for healing your stress, sleeping issues, and other such problems that are taking a toll on your mental wellbeing! All you need is the right set of essential oils at home and you’re all set!
Healthy Planet Canada has compiled a list of issues which you can treat with the essential oils. You can use these scented oils at your home in baths, massages, or diffusers to enhance the quality of your life by relaxing and stimulating your mental wellbeing.
Stress Relief: Aromatherapy works as the best aid for stress relief. The essential oils release aromatic compounds, which when used in a massage or diffuser, helps soothe your body and mind by suppressing the feeling of stress and anxiety. As a result, they aid in balancing your mood.
Best Pick: Moroccan, Orange, and Peppermint
Headache Relief: Everyone has been subjected to headaches every now and then. For those individuals who have migraines, headaches can turn out to be debilitating, hence ending up ruining the day. Sure, they must follow their doctor’s instructions, however, they can also try using essential oils to get a relief as it reduces the stress levels which might be responsible for triggering the headache.
Best Pick: Myrrh, Coconut, and Rose
Sleep Aid: Lack of sleep is a major factor that triggers stress and anxiety. While those who’ve been suffering from long-time sleep disorders must consider taking some help from a reliable doctor to balance their sleeping schedules, others should consider opting for a little aromatherapy. A good head massage using essential oils will help them relax enough so they could enjoy a healthy sleep. After all, a good night’s sleep is quite important if you want up to wake up energized the following day.
Best Pick: Lavender, Chamomile, Lime
At the end, no matter which reason you’re choosing to start using the essential oils in your home, we believe that they are quite helpful to push your stress and sleeping troubles away.
And hey, they also smell great!
Healthy Planet Canada holds a great stock of essential oils for you to choose from. Which one’s your favorite? Tell us about it!
The Movember Foundation runs a global charity every year to raise funds and awareness for “changing the face of men’s health”. It addresses health issues such as prostate, testicular cancer, and mental health. It challenges men to grow a mustache and help raise money and awareness. In this blog, Healthy Planet Canada would like to share important information on Prostate that everybody should know about.
As relaxing as regular facials may seem, sometimes they’re just not enough to give you the healthy glow you’re looking for, because how your skin appears on the outside can often be a good indication of your health on the inside. What we eat can not only affect us mentally and physically, but it can have a big impact on our skin’s appearance; that’s why it’s important to incorporate foods in your diet that are full of beautifying nutrients. So in addition to your skin care regimewhich should already include avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, a good moisturizer and drinking 8-10 glasses of water each day, start adding these 5 foods to your diet right now for healthier, more vibrant and younger looking skin.
Chocolate
Why: Yup, you read that right. But not just any chocolate, dark chocolate. Dark, unprocessed chocolate contains flavonoids, a type of antioxidant that can help improve the health and look of your skin by helping to protect it against UV damage and can help fight free radicals, which have a direct relation to aging skin[1]. Chocolate has also been shown to help reduce stress and can boost your mood to brighten up tired-looking skin and reduce the breakdown of collagen….so you can say “See you never, wrinkles.”
Tip: We aren’t suggesting to go grab yourself a large chocolate bar or drinking an extra-large hot chocolate. Studies show that just 2-3 ounces of 70% chocolate can give you the beautifying benefits (and craving fix) you’re looking for.
Turmeric
Why: Right now there’s nothing trendier than turmeric, but for a good reason! Although not a food per se, turmeric is a not-so-spicy spice that should definitely be on this list. Many skin conditions such as acne, eczema and puffiness can be due to inflammatory conditions within the body that manifest to the surface of the skin. Turmeric on the other hand, is known for its high anti-inflammatory properties, so using turmeric as a flavour enhancer while cooking can offer some wonderful anti-inflammatory benefits to the skin. Turmeric can also be used in at-home facial masks and can even be taken as a supplement if you want some additional benefits.
Avocado
Why: Famous for their many heart and brain health benefits, they are actually great for the skin, too! Avocados are high in mono and poly unsaturated fats, which can help give your skin the glowing, dewy look by keeping it firm and moisturized. Avocados are also high in vitamin E and carotenoids, an antioxidant that helps fight free-radical damage—a major cause of aging skin. Studies[2] also show that carotenoids can help improve the skin’s thickness and tone, making it less prone to wrinkling.
Tip: Avocados can be added to any meal, really, so there is no reason not to get enough of this yummy item in your diet. Need some ideas? Try topping your sandwich or salad with some avocado slices, or blend half an avocado in your next smoothie for extra creaminess. Still need some avo-inspiration? This summer, try grilling avocado slices topped with fresh lemon juice and sea salt. Or hey, give them a try as a facial mask if you’re feeling adventurous.
Grapefruit
Why: It makes for way more than just a refreshing breakfast! Grapefruit contains more than 100% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin C, a nutrient that has been shown to help aid skin damage caused by the sun or other environmental pollutants. Collagen, what keeps our skin tight and firm, naturally decreases with age, but one of vitamin C’s claims to fame is that it can help stimulate collagen production, which in turn can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and help prevent future ones from developing.
Tip: Vitamin C is highly volatile to heat, meaning its potency can be lost during cooking. So eating these items raw is your best bet to get your max vitamin C benefits. If you’re looking for additional collagen support, a collagen supplement such as Jamieson Collagen Anti-Wrinkle is your best defense against fighting off the signs of aging.
Tomatoes
Why: They work great as a salad topper (and admittedlythey go perfectly on pizza), but it’s hard to find a reason why tomatoes shouldn’t be on your list if you’re looking to improve your skin health. Tomatoes contain lycopene, a carotenoid that gives them their bright red hue, which is converted into vitamin A. Vitamin A (or you may be familiar with the term “retinol”) is a nutrient that can help reduce the effects of aging while helping to increase the production of collagen. Lycopene has also been shown to help reduce the effects of sun damage, helping skin cell regeneration, and reducing skin redness. But oily skin can also benefit from this antioxidant as it can help reduce inflammation leading to excess oil production and breakouts.
Tip: Unlike Vitamin C, h ...
Pre-menstrual Syndrome (PMS), or Pre-menstrual Tension (PMT) as it was formerly known, is a common condition which is said to affect up to 80% of women.
It is a chronic problem which gives rise to both physical and psychological symptoms regularly each month, between the time of ovulation to the first few days of menstruation. This part of a woman’s menstrual cycle, known scientifically as the luteal phase, is associated with big changes in the levels of the two main female hormones oestrogen and progesterone.
What causes PMS?
The precise cause of PMS is still not clear but current scientific thinking strongly suggests that hormonal changes during specific points of the menstrual cycle play a significant role. Evidence in support of this include:
Most women suffering PMS experience symptoms at the same point of their monthly cycle
PMS is not experienced by women who are not menstruating (eg. during pregnancy)
Symptoms tend to be worse when big hormonal changes occur, such as during puberty (before periods start), just before the menopause, or after coming off hormonal treatment such as the oral contraceptive pill.
It is not clear why some women experience PMS whilst others don’t. One theory is that it is not so much the fluctuations of hormones which occur naturally with the menstrual cycle that causes PMS, but the relative ‘balance’ of oestrogen and progesterone that is important.
What are the symptoms of PMS?
Symptoms of PMS may be either physical or emotional. Over 150 have been described although thankfully, it is unlikely that all are experienced at once.
Nevertheless, the combination of symptoms affecting these two key aspects of health can make one feel pretty miserable until they lift.
Emotional symptoms of PMS affect the way you think, feel and respond and can give rise to a lower ability to cope with stress, irritability, feeling fed-up or even depression
Physical symptoms tend to affect a specific body part giving rise to bloating, acne, weight gain, food cravings, period pains and a general feeling of being tired or unwell.
Although they vary from one woman to another, what is consistent is that PMS symptoms arise in the week (or sometimes two weeks) before your menstrual period begins. Most women experience the same consistent handful of symptoms each month.
Factors influencing PMS
Several factors are known to influence your tendency to develop PMS symptoms. These include:
Diet – your diet can affect the degree of PMS symptoms. If you are feeling irritable or anxious, reduce the amount of caffeine you consume. If bloating is a symptom, reduce your intake of salt
Genetics – doctors have long observed that a woman is more likely to experience symptoms if a close relative has PMS, but no clear genetic reason has been found to explain this. However, as our genes influence practically every part of our emotional and physical health, it seems unlikely that it does not play a role in PMS
Chemical changes - changes in the levels of female hormones can influence the amount of chemicals produced in your brain. These, particularly serotonin, have a significant influence over your mood and sleep and help us understand why these emotional symptoms occur
Depression – research suggests that women who experience low mood as part of PMS are more prone to developing some forms of depression, particularly post-natal depression, and vice-versa
Stress – feeling under pressure at work or home can make any situation appear worse. This won’t help emotional symptoms of PMS such as irritability, anxiety or mood swings, or the ability to cope with physical symptoms such as period pain or bloating.
Diagnosis of PMS
Many symptoms described for PMS may also be experienced as part of the menstrual cycle, making it difficult in some cases for doctors to make the diagnosis of PMS. These ‘normal’ premenstrual symptoms are mild and short lived. In general, PMS is not diagnosed until symptoms occur regularly and start to affect normal daily activities and quality of life. There are no blood tests available to help and doctors will use a ‘clinical diagnosis’, relying on the pattern of symptoms and their experience when assessing the problem. Often, keeping a diary such as in the form of the PMS menstrual chart can help clarify matters.
