15 – 60 Second Health Boosters from Athens Infusion Pharmacy
With all of the tips out there designed to improve your health and quality of life, it can get overwhelming trying to incorporate them all. You try to get enough sleep, exercise, eat healthy, have time for yourself, the list goes on and on. Well what if we told you that we found 15 60-second health boosters that take little to no effort and could dramatically improve your health? Sounds too good to be true, right? Well read on and boost your health, one minute at a time.
1. Down a Vitamin D Supplement
If you are one of those people who find themselves stuck inside day after day at work, you might be missing an important vitamin that our sun provides – Vitamin D. Don’t fret! You can take a supplement quickly and painlessly that will greatly boost your health. Vitamin D has been shown to help reduce deaths from many different diseases (including cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes, which make up 70% of deaths for people 50+).
2. Envision A Glass of Wine
Conjuring up an image of yourself relaxing with a glass of wine could actually help relax you as if you were sitting down to enjoy one in reality. This is because the relaxed sensation you anticipate from drinking a glass of wine might be mostly from the power of suggestion – think “placebo effect”.
3. Sit up straight and stretch
Hours in front of the computer or TV can do a number on your posture, putting a lot of pressure on your spine. Be sure to stand or sit up straight with your shoulders back. Also, if you find yourself sitting for a long time, get up sporadically and stretch. This will help your physical and emotional health by giving you a break.
4. Snack on an apple to burn more fat
The old adage may be on to something after all. While an apple a day might not keep the doctor away, it could keep the pounds off. The chemical ursolic acid in apple peels may actually protect against obesity. Eating about two apples a day could shield against diet-induced obesity, pre-diabetes, and fatty liver disease. Ursolic acid is also found in basil, cranberries, peppermint, rosemary, lavender, oregano, thyme, and prunes.
5. Do a cancer self exam
This is especially important for skin and breast cancer prevention; early detection is key. Once a month, look over your entire body focusing on discoloration or strange shaped “moles”. Men and women both should also feel their breast area and make sure there are no strange lumps. If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to your doctor.
6.Go For Natural Beauty
There is a study that links certain chemicals in beauty products to a higher risk of diabetes. The chemical is called phthalates and could be found in nail polish, hair spray, soap, shampoo, and some fragrances. The next time you are in the beauty aisle, look for products that are phthalate free.
7. Eat More White Fruits and Veggies
What do bananas, pears, apples, cauliflower, and cucumbers all have in common? They could help protect you against a stroke. Researchers found a nine-percent reduced stroke risk associated with an increased intake in these fruits and veggies. They are high in fiber and also contain quercetin which is an antioxidant that helps decrease inflammation.
8. Go In Search For The Awe-some
If you feel like you are over-worked and stressed to the brink, go search out something that inspires awe. Something as simple as watching a short video on astronauts in space or any of the natural wonders of the world could help you feel less time-crunched and more patient. Why? Experiencing feelings of wonderment can alter your perception of time.
9. Chew more gum
The American Dental Association recommends chewing on sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after every meal. This will help you avoid tooth decay by increasing the amount of saliva which neutralizes acids from leftover food. Look for gum containing Xylitol – a naturally sugarless sweetener.
10. Easy Swaps to Speed Fat Loss
Low-glycemic foods are digested slowly, therefore avoiding the sugar spike in your blood after eating as well as being effective at burning calories. For an afternoon snack, swap out whatever you may be eating with peanuts, grapefruit, beans, skim milk, long-grain brown rice or raw apples.
11. Give someone a squeeze
This one probably won’t even take a full minute. Giving someone a hug can lower blood pressure by increasing the hormone oxytocin and lowering the stress hormone cortisol. It also appeals to your emotional health and gives a sense of love and warmth, which makes anyone feel good.
12. Quench your thirst (and satisfy your hunger)
Looking for a way to not gorge on meals when you are starving? Drinking a tall glass of water right before you eat can actually help you lose weight. It can help you feel more full without having to consume extra calories. As a bonus, drinking water and keeping hydrated acts as a detox for your body.
13. Nibble on dark chocolate
Research shows that a compound called flavanols – the primary type of flavonoid in cocoa – act as antioxidants for your cells. It has been suggested that flavanols may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol as well! Just make sure you’re nibbling on dark chocolate with minimally processed cocoa and without caramel, marshmallow, or other add-ins that add extra calories.
14. Laugh out loud
Laughing has been shown to be a boost for your physical and mental health. In fact, people with a good sense of humor tend to lead longer, healthier lives. So take a minute a few times a day to laugh at that funny YouTube video, or call up a friend.
15. Use simple seasonings to boost iron
Pairing foods that are rich in vitamin C with ones that contain a high level of iron to your meal increases the amount of iron that you body absorbs because the vitamin C binds to the iron, increasing its solubility in your digestive tract. You could try bell peppers and spinach in your omelet, adding lean ground beef to tomato sauce, or seasoning lean beef dishes with fresh thyme or parsley.
Watch out next week for the second exciting installment of Athens Infusion 60 Second Health Boosters and take a minute to stay healthy!