Health benefits drinking less soda

Published on: 29 August 2018 Last Updated on: 08 August 2019

There is an interesting study in California that compares the intake of calories for schools which has banned soda water vending machines. It was found that on average that students consume 158 fewer calories daily. These studies are of course not conclusive but it is encouraging to see that reducing the amount of soda being consumed can help to cut down on the amount of sugar a child can take.

I personally wish that more such studies can be conducted to show folks that cutting down these sugary drinks can help to reduce the obese problem that is facing America right now. In my previous post on New York City banning soda water, I argued that this is the right policy decision although it is likely to face much resistance from the companies that manufacture of best soda maker.

This is where studies such as what I have highlighted comes into play because they provide strong support for governmental policies. With scientific proof, it is being much harder to gain support from the rest of the community.

That being said, I also foresee the cases where companies will undertake their own research and prove that drinking soda water has no correlation with obesity. This is the kind of games that the Tabaco companies have been playing and I see soda water manufacturers doing the same thing. In fact, I am not so sure that smoking and drinking excessive soda water should not be on the same level of concern in everyone’s mind.

Readers, if you see more such reports, please share them here so that collectively, we can know for sure what are the health benefits of drinking less soda water.

5 Reasons Why You Need a Carbonated Water Maker

The carbonated water machine is about the size of a coffee maker and uses no batteries or electricity. All the work is done by a CO2 canister placed in the back of the machine.

It only takes a few seconds to enjoy nearly unlimited amounts of sparkling water and soda. Here are 10 reasons why you need a carbonated water maker:

1. You Control the fizziness

For seltzer loves, one of the best parts of a carbonated water maker is that you get to control the fizziness of your drinks. Some people prefer a gentle fizz. Others like lots and lots of bubbles. Usually, it only takes 2-3 button presses to fully carbonate a liter of water. I always add an extra push of the button.

2. Drink Healthy

Not only do you control the fizziness, you also control all of the ingredients. This provides an excellent opportunity to teach your family about healthy alternatives to high-fructose corn syrup name brand sodas. Instead of sugary syrups, why not use a squeeze of lime juice or a splash of cranberry juice. You can also make your own flavors with ginger, tea bags, or anything else you find in your kitchen.

In addition to flavors, you also control the water source. You can use ordinary tap water, or you can use chilled water from a water filter.

3. It is good for the environment

Many people would argue that this is the most important benefit of owning a home carbonated water maker. Most of these machines include one or more reusable soda bottles that are good for three years or more. By reusing your bottles instead of throwing them away, you greatly reduce your plastic bottle waste. Reusing is even better than recycling.

Secondly, these machines help you reduce your carbon footprint. There is no point in paying for someone else to manufacture, fill up, and then truck plastic bottles around the country when you have all the materials at home.

4. Cut your grocery store bill

The CO2 canisters included with most carbonated water machines are good for about 60 liters of carbonated water. Large sizes are also available. Name brand sparkling water can cost several dollars per liter at the store. Home seltzer machines can make a liter of carbonated water for about 15-20 cents per liter.

5. Unlimited Carbonated Water, Seltzer Water, and Club Soda

Since you have all the materials at your fingertips, these machines can make virtually unlimited amounts of carbonated water on demand. If you run out of soda at a birthday party or club soda at a cocktail party, it only takes a few seconds to make more. You won’t have to run off to the store to buy more.

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Ways to Emotionally Deal with Chronic Illness

Getting a diagnosis that you have a chronic illness can be devastating. You start blaming yourself for your actions, but you also worry about what could happen to the people you love if you do not get well soon. Apart from the physical pain, you might also have to deal with the emotional trauma that comes with it. These are some techniques to help you cope with the emotional burden of having a chronic illness. Allow yourself to slow down: We now live in an age and time where everything seems to be moving quickly. When you know that you have a chronic illness, permit yourself to slow everything down. You might feel the need to rush because everyone around you is quick, and you might feel guilty if you are unable to cope. However, since you already have an illness, you cannot let yourself suffer from undue stress when you can control the situation. Give yourself more time to sleep if possible, and when you have time to relax, you need to drop everything else that you are doing. Write everything you feel grateful for: When you are ill, it might be easy for you to forget the good things happening around you. Therefore, it helps if you start writing everything that you want to be grateful for, even the smallest things. You can also set a day when you treat yourself or go out with your family because you are thankful for the gift of life. Take the opportunity to do other things: When the pain is too much for you to bear, and you end up staying at home, you might feel terrible. You might think that you are useless as you are unable to provide for your family. Instead of looking at things that way, you can use it as an opportunity to do the things you failed to do before because you were too busy. Use your free time to read books or watch TV series, or ask your friends to come over if they have time and catch up. Be with people who make you feel well: It also helps to be around people who love and understand you, as they will be there by your side during the most challenging situations. Let go of your toxic relationships since you could end up feeling more terrible than you already do. Face your illness: You do not feel well right now because you keep worrying about your health. Instead of being too anxious, you can face the problem head-on. If you do not have enough funds to pay the medical bills, you can start raising funds online. If you do not think your medicines work you can look for alternative options, so, for instance, you could try CBD vape oil UK retailers if you want to attempt something new. The CBD oil may or may not work for you, but there is no harm in trying it; you can ask your doctor if it is safe for you. The point is that you should not allow your illness to defeat you. Sometimes, the emotional pain that comes with being physically sick is more painful. You need to manage how you feel and come out a better person. Read Also: The Disturbing Trend Of Multiple Chronic Medical Conditions Need To Get Something Done? Here Are 10 Tips On How To Get Motivated For Anything

Four things you need to know about Mesothelioma

Are you familiar with mesothelioma? You might be familiar with lung cancer and the devastating impact it can have on people and their families; however, mesothelioma is classed as asbestos-related cancer that primarily affects the lining of the lungs. This asbestos-related disease affects thousands of people every year and tragically, is considered incurable - find a local Mesothelioma lawyer via the link if you have been affected. Sadly, not many people know about this destructive disease, who is most susceptible to it, the symptoms, and how it’s diagnosed. So, with this in mind let’s explore four things that you need to know about mesothelioma. Four things you need to know about mesothelioma: 1. The symptoms So, how do you know that you have Mesothelioma lung cancer? Worryingly, the first signs of this asbestos-related disease start to manifest when the tumors in your lungs begin to grow and spread. It's this process that will trigger certain symptoms like the ones listed below. You have a dry, persistent cough You’re struggling to catch your breath You’re constantly battling chest infections and respiratory illnesses You have pain in your chest/abdomen (this is caused by tumors pressing against your chest wall) Fluid on your lungs Weakness and fatigue 2. Who is most at risk? As mesothelioma is an asbestos-related illness, it's those who are exposed to asbestos in their daily lives (and for extended periods) who are most at risk. Certain occupations mean some workers are far more likely to interact with or handle asbestos than others. It's also worth noting that second-hand exposure – such as amongst friends and family members – is also possible. The following occupations are renowned for the high-risk of mesothelioma. Navy Veterans (those who work in shipyards) Factory workers Firefighters Construction workers Powerplant workers 3. How is mesothelioma diagnosed? If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, then you should speak with your doctor, urgently. Having this dangerous illness diagnosed as soon as possible will increase your life expectancy and you may be able to have treatments that will extend your life. Your illness may be diagnosed with a series of imaging scans, which may start as a simple chest X-ray to look for abnormalities and fluid on the lungs. If needed, you could also have an MRI or CT scan. Blood tests are also likely, as they can help confirm and back up other results that may lean towards a diagnosis. If an abnormality is found, your doctor may take a sample of the tumor for a biopsy to confirm whether or not you're dealing with mesothelioma. 4. Your treatment options Depending on the severity of your illness or the growth of the cancerous cells, you might not be eligible for all types of treatment. However, the most common types of treatments are what you would expect - surgery, for removing tumors and limiting the spread of cancer, chemotherapy to help shrink the tumors, and radiation therapy. You may also be offered experimental medications in a clinical trial. Final thoughts… Speak with your doctor if you’re concerned about mesothelioma and speak with a lawyer if you’ve been recently diagnosed. Read Also: Symptoms and Treatments for Shingles 5 Types of Cancer Prominent in Women Early Symptoms and Signs of Breast Cancer How Talcum Powder & Ovarian Cancer Is Related?

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

Health benefits drinking less soda