We’re What We Eat: How Eating Habits Affect Our Well-Being

Published on: 09 February 2023 Last Updated on: 27 February 2023
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Eating is not just about dumping fuel into the tank so we can drive another twenty blocks. Multiple psychological and sociocultural factors also dictate how, why, when, and what we eat.

Varying eating habits around the world can have a significant effect on our well-being. This post aims to shine a light on some of these habits to examine them more closely.

Habit One: Is Breakfast The Most Important Meal Of The Day?

Breakfast The Most Important Meal Of The Day

Cereal manufacturers are keen on the idea that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Is it true?

According to researchers Tanya Zilberter and Eugene Yuri Zilberter, recommendations for breakfast eating behavior remain categorical but at the same time scientifically unsound health guidelines.

If we look at the science and ignore cereal marketing, there are many benefits to eating at the start of your day. The following scientific information is extracted from the materials provided by the National Library of Medicine:

  • Breakfast eaters tend to get more nutrients over the course of the day. They are also more likely to intake a wider range of nutrients.
  • Breakfast has been associated with improved weight control and health indicators of cardiometabolic risk. This applies to adults and children.
  • Studies have related breakfast eating to improvements in attention and better cognitive function, regardless of age.

Remember that breakfast means different things around the world. Eating a pain au raisin in Paris is not the same as eating bratwurst in Berlin. The nutritional value of a full English breakfast is not the same as a continental.

Attempting to run the first few hours on an empty tank is generally not as healthy as providing your body with some fuel. What’s important, however, is to start the day with food and supplement your nutritional intake during the day.

According to the researchers whose statement has opened this section, skipping breakfast is not necessarily a big deal. People need to consider the below points:

  1. how long they’ve been without food (if two people eat at midnight and one eats breakfast at 5 am and the other at 10 am, the different fast lengths will impact their bodies differently), and
  2. whether they make up the “lost” nutrients with their eating habits during the day.

However you do breakfast, take a holistic approach to diet. Consider what you eat over 24 hours.

Habit Two: What Are The Consequences Of Eating Before Bed?

Just as skipping breakfast is seriously frowned upon, eating late at night is typically considered a bad habit. Science suggests that eating late at night correlates with higher incidences of medical claims.

While Tanya Zilberter and Eugene Yuri Zilberter found that research on skipping breakfast and studies on eating late often fail to consider how long the participants fasted, they did find solid evidence regarding the potential risks of eating late, including the following eating behavior pathologies:

  • Elevated insulin and glucose levels, characteristic of metabolic syndrome;
  • Distortions of body image and mood disorders;
  • Implications on circadian rhythm.

Harvard agrees. Late-night eating is bad for health. A recent Harvard study found evidence that eating late may increase hunger, which can increase the risk of obesity.

If you suspect you’re about to see yourself in a statistic, you might be right. About forty percent of the US adult population is obese.

More study is required on the role late eating plays in calorie intake, calories burned, and molecular changes in fat tissue. Until that verdict comes in, it looks like avoiding late-night meals may reduce incidents of cancer, diabetes, and other conditions.

Habit Three: Is It Okay To Let Kids Eat In Front Of The TV?

Kids Eat In Front Of The TV

Eating in front of the television can lead to a lack of attention, which in turn can lead to missing cues regarding fullness. This habitual overeating could then cause obesity.

And there’s another interesting angle to consider regarding television, what we eat, and how we feed our children.

A fact-filled study into television viewing and unhealthy eating made the research-backed observation that television and food advertising influence children’s food preferences. Studies have demonstrated that child TV watchers are more likely to prefer unhealthy food in early adulthood than kids that didn’t watch television.

To help kids stay healthy and become adults who make healthy choices, monitor kids’ TV intake and defend them from unhealthy, unsolicited dietary influences on screen.

These tips may help you form your kid’s eating habits:

  • Kids’ food preferences develop by age three and tend to remain stable throughout childhood.
  • Repeated exposure increases the chance that your kids will start liking a new food.
  • Information that a new food tastes good will increase their willingness to try it.
  • Kids are less interested in hearing how nutritious things are.
  • The availability of food in the home will affect food consumption.
  • Your food access controls will influence consumption and food preferences.
  • If your diet is healthy, your kids will be more likely to eat healthily.
  • As kids reach middle school age and adolescence, external influences – including peers and the media – are likely to have a detrimental effect on their food choices.

Conclusion

We are what we eat. You knew that. Still, it’s worth delving into research to back it up. It’s easy to forget. Many of us have busy lives and take eating for granted, treating our bodies as if they weren’t some of the most sophisticated machinery on the planet.

While this post provides helpful information that may confirm your healthy eating habits or inspire you to eat differently, a health professional can help you put the best into your body to get the best out of your life.

Put your health in safe hands by visiting The American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics or Leadar websites to find a professional nutritionist who can help you, your loved one, or your team improve your health and performance.

Your eating habits have a massive effect on your well-being. Change how you eat to change your energy levels, your mood, your potential for health risks, and your life.

Read Also:

  • How Can A Cardiologist Save Your Life?
  • Easy Breakfast Ideas For Type 2 Diabetes
  • 5 Types Of Cancer Prominent In Women

Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.

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How Supplements Complement Your Daily Routine

There was a time when humanity could ingest every nutrient the body and mind required to function with peak performance. Health supplements, like Phytage Nerve Control Supplement, can be beneficial for you or may just be an unnecessary additive. Unfortunately, as technological advances moved societies from "hunter/gatherers" to the complexities of modern civilization, "progress" came with a cost. As a result, today's "average" citizen does not receive optimal nutrition from the primarily processed foods consumed. Even fresh produce grown in mega-agricultural farms does not contain maximum nutrients as the soils become depleted after successive plantings. In addition, many of the traditional soil reconditioners and weed and insect control farmers use to maximize crop output can be harmful. The detrimental effects only became apparent when there were adverse findings in consumers far down the production trail. There are routine news alerts about "organic" vegetable recalls due to toxic chemicals or infective contaminants like DDT, E. coli, or other chemicals or pathogens. Creatures Of Habit From the time we are infants learning to potty train, the concept of routine becomes ingrained. Throughout the educational system, instructors teach and enforce a rigid routine. People then carry those routine structures into their professional and personal life. Those that fail to conform or develop healthy routines often end up in institutions that force stricter rules and regulations, jails and psychiatric units, for example. The good news is that as creatures of free will, we can choose to change our routines to maximize health and well-being. We can eliminate behaviors that are counter-productive in the long run and add things to our habits that can enhance life experiences. Transcendentalists There was a movement in the mid-twentieth century that sought to reconnect consciousness to living the moment. It was a meditative approach to changing the routine. One of the teachings involved "rewriting your script." It purported that most people kept replaying a "script" or narrative they had ingrained into their lives. The movement sought to "reprogram" the negative messages that led to recurrent, predictable, less-than-optimal outcomes. Instead, it gave the individual control over what the recurrent patterns of thought and emotions had established. It gave hope for a different path and different outcomes. The process worked for many of those who put proper effort into it. However, considering how long people had programmed the negative input, many did not realize how long it would take to reprogram. Modern generations have become accustomed to "immediate gratification." Adding supplements to an augmented diet is a much simpler and easier practice to incorporate into a daily routine, and the results are more quickly evident. Due Diligence Some common complaints about supplements may have their roots in an underlying medical condition. Therefore, if you are not getting the results you expected or are experiencing unforeseen side effects, you may wish to have a medical professional evaluate you. Thyroid dysfunction, for example, can influence how supplements affect your body. Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormones) is a common condition that a medical professional can evaluate with a simple blood test. It can cause fatigue, weight gain, and depression. Therefore, screening for easily treated common conditions before adding supplements to your daily routine would be prudent. Another consideration is vitamin B12 deficiency. Most lay people do not realize that vitamin B12 requires an enzyme called intrinsic factor, produced by the gastrointestinal tract, to absorb B12. Often, B12 deficiency is not the last of B12 in the diet but a lack of intrinsic factor for absorption. Consequently, taking oral B12 will never improve serum B12 levels. Only B12 injections or sublingual (absorption through the blood vessels under the tongue) can resolve most cases of B12 deficiency. No One Pill Fixes All The first step in using supplements to complement your daily routine is deciding what you want to enhance or change. Of course, several things overlap, for example, energy and memory, but finding the correct supplements to address a specific issue is fundamental. The second step is understanding the dynamics behind a perceived deficiency. For example, excessive daytime sleepiness may be the result of inadequate rest during sleep. Taking natural stimulants to remain alert during the day may further interrupt healthy sleep patterns compounding the problem. A natural substance to enhance REM sleep may be the solution to obtaining more daytime alertness. Incorporating Supplements Into Your Daily Routine The easiest way to link a daily supplement to your daily routine is by attaching it to another daily habit, for example, when taking other prescribed medications. For example, adding a supplement to the morning medication is the easiest method to incorporate the supplement. If you do not currently take routine medications, attach the behavior to another everyday function, like brushing your teeth. Keep the supplement close to your toothbrush, and let the toothbrush serve as a visual cue. After several "reminders," the supplement use becomes ingrained. It becomes an automatic part of your new routine. Self  Reinforcement It has become commonplace for many to develop a sense of self-worth through external input. Unsolicited opinions from anyone in the environment subtly affects feelings of self-worth. And, many times there are hidden agendas in what views others offer. They may only sometimes be in your best interest. It is why a regular check-in with yourself is necessary to maintain emotional balance. When a self-preserving or reassuring behavior is applied routinely, it serves as a mental "pat on the back." It allows your internal compass a chance to realign. Fortifying a sense of self-worth through self-care is another means supplements complement your daily routine. The exact mechanism that reinforces your self-concept as combing your hair or wearing clean clothes that have become routine, adding supplements to feel your best, complements your daily routine. Be Your Best You How supplements complement your daily routine is multifaceted. It complements your health and well-being in addition to improving your self-esteem. Scientists have researched and well-documented the mind-body link. Feeling better physically and improving self-awareness and confidence are only a few of the benefits of supplementation. So, when is the best time to start supplements? Before you begin to exhibit symptoms that might necessitate them. Right now is the best time to consider supplements to complement your daily routine. Maintaining homeostasis is significantly preferable to treating the effects of stress, poor diet, and processed foods. Read Also: How To Stay Healthy And Fit Despite A Hectic Schedule A Little On The Side…Or Not? Your Guide To Supplemental Insurance What Are Virtual Reality Workouts And How Will They Affect Exercise?

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Seizure Disorders

Seizure Disorders: How To Recognize, Respond, And Provide Help

With the regular electrical activity of the human brain, electrical impulses are coordinately discharged to the nerves, muscles, and the spinal cord. However, seizure disorders may arise when the brain's electrical activity is disrupted. The most common picture of someone having a seizure is losing consciousness and uncontrollable shaking. Seeing someone with these symptoms could be terrifying, but by knowing more about these conditions, you can recognize, respond, and even provide help and support to the affected individuals. Understanding Seizures and Seizure Disorders There are two major types of seizures: epileptic and non-epileptic. Epileptic seizures are unprovoked seizures that happen without a trigger. It’s also commonly called epilepsy. Factors that may have caused epilepsy include stroke, tumors, and structural abnormalities, among other brain disorders. The condition is called “symptomatic epilepsy.” This condition commonly affects newborn and old individuals. To manage this condition, a healthcare professional may first prescribe you low-dosage medications like Klonopin. Your doctor may adjust the dosage until your seizures are well controlled. To save on this medication, check out Klonopin Discount Coupon you may use in many pharmacies across the county. Conversely, non-epileptic seizures are provoked by temporary conditions that irritate the brain. The triggers could vary from a head injury, a reaction to a drug, or an allergy. Individuals already diagnosed with a seizure disorder are more likely to get seizures if they are sleep-deprived, intoxicated, under excess emotional or physical stress, or if they have suddenly stopped drinking or using sedatives. Recognizing the Signs of a Seizure A person about to have a seizure will feel what they call an “aura” or unusual sensations. The symptoms may include butterflies in the stomach, abnormal smells and tastes, déjà vu, jamais vu, and an intense feeling that a seizure is about to happen. Phases of a Seizure A seizure has three phases: aura and prodrome (beginning), ictal (middle), and postictal (end). The beginning phase includes the prodrome stage beside the aura. In this phase, an individual about to get a seizure will experience anxiety, mood changes, difficulty sleeping, lightheadedness, and difficulty staying focused. In the middle phase, also called “ictal,” common signs include memory lapse, confusion, twitching, loss of muscle control, body convulsions, trouble breathing, repeated movements, and racing heart, among other signs. In the last phase, or “postictal,” the epileptic person would experience fatigue, headache, confusion, lack of consciousness, shame, sore muscles, and thirst, among other experiences.  Responding to Seizures: Dos and Don’ts It is safe to offer help if you have mastered the guide on responding to the situation and know what to avoid when offering support. Equip yourself with knowledge by reading this guide: Dos To help someone with a seizure, here are safe things you can do: Compose yourself Set a cushion to support their head Check if they have an epilepsy card or any identification that can help you with your next steps Remove any obstructions in the area that can injure them Lay them on their side Loosen their collar and other tight clothing Record how long the convulsions lasted Place them in a recovery position when the convulsions stopped Don’ts These are the things you shouldn't do when helping an epileptic individual: Do not put anything between their teeth during convulsions Do not hold down the person Do not feed them or give them a beverage Do not leave them Providing First Aid During a Seizure You must ensure a safe environment and remove any potential hazards when providing first aid. For instance, if the person is in the middle of the road, you should move them, but if they are in an enclosed space, don’t try to carry them and transfer them to a bed. Just clear the space by removing the furniture away from the person. As you ease the person to the floor, you can slowly turn them into one side to help them breathe. If the person is wearing glasses, remove them from their face. You should also time the seizure and call an emergency team if it persists after five minutes.  A first aid & CPR course teaches an individual how to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies, providing immediate assistance until professional help arrives. It’s also important to observe them while having seizures so you can give the medical team more information on what happened. Seeking Medical Attention and Diagnosis To detect the cause of seizures and diagnose epilepsy, one must undergo evaluations like a neurological exam, blood tests, and genetic testing. To know more about these tests, read the information below: ● Neurological Exam This evaluation covers testing a person’s motor abilities, behavior, and mental functions, among other areas. This could help your doctor determine what type of epilepsy you may have and diagnose your condition. ● Blood Tests With blood tests, your doctor can detect if you have infections or genetic conditions that may have caused the seizures. ● Generic Testing Generic Testing is commonly administered to children to give more information about the condition so doctors can come up with ways to treat it. Conclusion Some epileptic individuals feel embarrassed about their conditions, as some still think that epilepsy is contagious or something that makes a person less capable of doing things and thinking on their own. Through this blog, we hope many would promote epilepsy and seizure disorder awareness, debunk misconceptions about this condition, and willingly offer help to individuals with epilepsy. Read Also: What Is TMJ Disorder and How Can You Remedy This Condition Symptoms and Effects of Co-occurring Disorder on Human Health Language and Speech Disorders in Children: How Speech Therapists Can Help

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Gastrointestinal Conditions

How to Treat the Symptoms of 5 Common Gastrointestinal Conditions

Everyone experiences heartburn from time to time or has the occasional upset stomach. But for those who experience these symptoms more frequently, it could be a sign of long-term Gastrointestinal Conditions. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 60 to 70 million people in the U.S. are affected by gastrointestinal issues. But what exactly is a" gastrointestinal issue," and what parts of your body can experience the impact? Gastrointestinal Health 101 The gastrointestinal system gives your body what it needs to function. The system breaks down food, extracts nutrients from it, and converts these nutrients into energy. It also protects your body against harmful substances by blocking them from your bloodstream. The gastrointestinal tract primarily consists of the following: Esophagus: A hollow tube running through the neck and chest that connects the mouth to the stomach. Muscles in the esophagus push food into the stomach. Stomach: A large organ that holds foods and breaks them down using enzymes and acids. Liver: The organ that filters toxins from the blood and produce bile, which further helps break down food into proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Gallbladder: A sac-like organ that stores the bile the liver produces then releases it as necessary. Pancreas: An organ that produces enzymes like insulin, which aids in the breakdown of sugars. Small intestine: As the stomach passes along food, this organ starts breaking it down while absorbing the majority of its nutrients. Large intestine: This organ contains billions of bacteria that turn food into waste (feces). At this same time, the large intestines remove water and electrolytes from what is left of the food for your body's use. Rectum: A small space at the end of the large intestine provides temporary storage for waste. When you eat something, each of these organs plays a role. To kick off the process, saliva begins to break down food. With the help of other enzymes, food continues breaking down as your system propels it by muscular contractions through the digestive tract. This process is called peristalsis. Gastrointestinal organs and their fluids exist in a delicate balance. Diet, stress, and illness can upset this balance and cause pain or discomfort. Common Gastrointestinal Conditions and Disorders There are a variety of common gastrointestinal (GI) disorders like constipation, diarrhea, and acid reflux. Though some Gastrointestinal Conditions are genetic and outside of your control, you can still prevent many complications or subdue symptoms by eating a balanced diet, practicing healthy bowel habits, and following the CDC guidelines for cancer screening. Some common disorders—like celiac disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, lactose intolerance, and leaky gut syndrome—are generally manageable with proper care and direction from medical professionals. If you experience severe pain or think you may have a more serious condition, see your doctor as soon as possible. 1. Celiac Disease Celiac disease is an immune response to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. People with this problem cannot eat food made from these substances because it triggers a response in their small intestine, which over time becomes inflamed and unable to absorb nutrients. If you have celiac disease, you'll feel sick after eating something with gluten. Symptoms include bloating and gas, abdominal pain, fatigue, and nausea. Though there's presently no cure, most people who follow a strict gluten-free diet can reduce flare-ups and promote intestinal healing. 3. GERD Gastroesophageal reflux disease (or GERD) is a condition where your stomach acid flows back into your esophagus, irritating the esophagus's lining. It is essentially the same as acid reflux, except the symptoms are more intense and frequent. Common symptoms include a burning sensation in your chest after eating, having difficulty swallowing, and feeling like there's a lump in your throat. You may also regurgitate food or sour liquid. People with GERD often feel worse at night, which can cause other problems like a chronic cough, laryngitis, asthma, and disrupted sleep. There are over-the-counter remedies such as antacids and H2 blockers, but more intense symptoms may require prescription medication. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, eating large meals, or eating late at night can aggravate GERD. 3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common GI disorder that affects the large intestine. If you have this chronic condition, you will feel abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. While the exact cause of IBS is unknown, certain factors play a role. Someone with IBS may have abnormalities in their digestive system or may have had a bacterial or viral infection that left an overgrowth of bacteria in the intestines. Changes in gut microbes can also lead to IBS. Though there is no cure for IBS, taking medications, and making lifestyle changes can alleviate the symptoms. For example, you can exercise regularly, eat smaller meals, and focus on minimizing stress. In terms of regulating your diet, you can try consuming more probiotics and limiting caffeine, dairy products, and spicy foods. Medicalprices.co.uk has a complete guide about IBS. 4. Lactose Intolerance Lactose intolerant individuals cannot break down lactose, the natural sugar in milk. If you're lactose intolerant, your small intestine doesn't produce enough lactase (the enzyme) to digest lactose (the milk sugar). Undigested lactose then moves into your large intestine, where it interacts with the bacteria, causing bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Aside from avoiding dairy products altogether, lactose intolerants can take over-the-counter lactase enzyme tablets that aid in dairy digestion. 5. Leaky Gut Syndrome As part of the digestive tract, the intestines allow water and nutrients to pass through their walls while blocking harmful substances. The ease with which substances pass through the intestinal wall is called intestinal permeability. When this permeability becomes compromised, toxins and bacteria may escape from the intestines into the bloodstream. This condition is called a leaky gut syndrome, and if left unchecked, it can cause inflammation throughout the body. Symptoms may include bloating, gas, food sensitivity, fatigue, and skin problems. Though more research needs to be conducted on this condition, a few probable causes include: Consuming too much sugar or alcohol Long term use of anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen Deficiencies in vitamins A and D and zinc Chronic inflammation throughout the body Stress Bacterial imbalance in the intestines Yeast overgrowth in the digestive system To reduce symptoms, you can work on improving your overall gut health. First, you can limit your carb intake, as harmful bacteria thrive on sugar. You can also increase the number of beneficial bacteria in your body by eating foods with probiotics such as yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut. You may also want to consider powdered collagen protein supplements. Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that gives structure to connective tissues, ligaments, and skin. The protein also provides structure to blood vessels and may strengthen compromised intestinal walls. Avoiding a Pain in the Gut While some gastrointestinal conditions can be severe, other GI issues and symptoms are common and manageable with lifestyle changes. If you maintain a healthy diet with your unique gastrointestinal needs in mind, you can treat your symptoms and live free of gut pain. 6 Effective Ways to Improve Your Mental Health Why Water Filter is Important to Improve Your Health? Symptoms and Effects of Co-occurring Disorder on Human Health 10 healthy habits to improve your health

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