HEALTH & WELLNESS S P E C I A L S E C T I O N
shows that people with optimistic att itudes have higher odds
of having ideal cardiovascular health when compared to
pessimistic people. Th e study analyzed “the mental health,
levels of optimism, and physical health of 5,100 adults ranging
from 45 to 84 years of age. Heart health scores—based on
American Heart Association-approved metrics, including
blood pressure and body mass index—increased right
alongside optimism levels.” So when you’re feeling down,
remember that staying positive aff ects more than just your day,
so keep your head up and your heart happy.
Digestion
Digestive issues aff ect all of us at one time or another.
From upset stomach, gas, and heartburn, to constipation and
diarrhea, digestive problems are painful and embarrassing.
Some of the most common are:
• Food Intolerance – Oft en confused with food allergy,
food intolerance likely allows you to eat a small amount of
an off ending food without any issues (while a food allergy
could be life-threatening). Causes of intolerance include
celiac disease, sensitivity to food additives, food toxins, and
absence of an enzyme needed to fully digest a food
• Gastroesophageal Refl ux Disease (GERD) – A chronic
digestive disease, GERD is defi ned as experiencing acid
refl ux and heartburn at least twice a week. It aff ects 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 infl amed blood vessels
found at the end of your digestive tract. Oft en painful and
itchy, they are caused by chronic constipation, diarrhea, or a
lack of fi ber in your diet. Seventy-fi ve percent of Americans
over the age of 45 suff er from hemorrhoids. Staying
hydrated, eating more fi ber, or over-the-counter creams may
provide relief from hemorrhoids.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – Aff ecting 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, caff eine, artifi cial sweeteners and beans. Doctors
also recommend a diet high in fi ber and consumption of
probiotics found in yogurt.
Diet
Nutrition
Clean eating focuses on the quality and type of food you eat –
consuming a variety of whole foods and avoiding processed foods
containing trans fats, preservatives, color additives, refi ned grains, and
added sugars. How do you navigate the clean eating options available
to you? Use these tips below:
Genetically modifi ed (GMO) vs. non-GMO – GMOs are living
organisms that have been altered in some way, with growing evidence
linking them to health problems. A Non-GMO label ensures that the
product does not contain GMOs.
Best advice? Th is one is easy! ALWAYS go for non-GMO.
Locally sourced vs. organic – Organic foods are grown using
environmentally friendly agricultural methods and renewable
resources, meeting the standards verifi ed by the USDA. Any animal
products you buy, such as organic meat, poultry, eggs and dairy
products, will be hormone and antibiotic free. Organic vegetables will
be free of harmful pesticides and fertilizers made with synthetic
ingredients or bioengineering. Locally sourced organic options are
even bett er, allowing you to ask farmers directly about their practices.
Best advice? It’s best to buy locally sourced organic food whenever
possible, but when that’s not, stick to organic.
Skin
Most likely, if you are unhealthy on the inside, it will show
on the outside. Your skin oft en 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.
Wild vs. farm-raised – Wild fi sh are caught in the wild and feed on
a natural diet, but are oft en higher in mercury, and some fi shing
methods can harm the ocean habitat. Farm-raised may have more
contamination from toxic chemicals and are prone to higher rates of
bacteria and pesticides from crowded conditions. Yet conditions for
farmed fi sh are improving, with some being sustainably farmed.
Best advice? Make your decision based on the type of fi sh you are
purchasing. Your local fi shmonger will be able to provide you with
valuable insights.
Continued on next page >
SHALER
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winter 2018
23