food toxins, and absence of an enzyme needed to fully digest
a food.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) – A chronic
digestive disease, GERD is defined as experiencing acid
reflux and heartburn at least twice a week. It affects 20
percent of Americans and can cause persistent bad breath,
tooth erosion, nausea, and pain in the chest or upper
abdomen, or it can make swallowing and breathing hard to
do.
• Hemorrhoids – Hemorrhoids are inflamed blood vessels
found at the end of your digestive tract. Often painful and
itchy, they are caused by chronic constipation, diarrhea, or a
lack of fiber in your diet. Seventy-five percent of Americans
over the age of 45 suffer from hemorrhoids. Staying hydrated,
eating more fiber, or over-the-counter creams may provide
relief from hemorrhoids.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – Affecting 15 percent
of Americans, IBS is characterized by stomach pain
or discomfort at least three times a month for several
months. Symptoms vary widely with IBS, making it hard
to determine the exact cause. Treatment focuses mostly
on diet, eliminating common trigger foods such as dairy,
alcohol, caffeine, artificial sweeteners and beans. Doctors
also recommend a diet high in fiber and consumption of
probiotics found in yogurt.
Skin
Most likely, if you are unhealthy on the inside, it will show
on the outside. Your skin often mirrors your body’s true overall
health, so a healthy diet, exercise, and drinking lots of water will
do wonders. But keep in mind: there are other ways to make
your skin shine bright!
• Wear sunscreen.
• Get a full night’s sleep.
• Exfoliate to shrink pores.
• Hydrate your face, neck, and chest.
• Always wash off dirt and makeup before bed.
• Keep shower water warm, not hot.
• Apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp.
• Keep your hands off your face.
• Sanitize your cell phone.
Bones
Bones are an important part of your body but often
forgotten. They protect vital organs and provide structure to
your body. Building and maintaining strong bones is important
from childhood to adulthood. There are many factors that
determine bone health, the most common being age. Bones
become thinner as we age, with women at greater risk of
osteoporosis because they have less bone tissue than men.
Genetics and race also play a large role. Those who are white or
of Asian descent are at a greater risk, as are those with a family
history of osteoporosis. Too much of the thyroid hormone can
cause bone loss, and women are likely to experience increased
bone loss during menopause due to a decrease in estrogen
levels. With long-term use, some medications may also cause
bone loss.
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SEWICKLEY
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