Women's Health 4/10

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Why You Should Take Lutein and Bilberry for Eye Health

Do you find yourself struggling to see things up close? Do you feel like you're constantly having to adjust your vision? The ageing process has a big impact on your vision and it's only going to get worse. Everyone is aware of this, but far too many people ignore it until it affects them personally.

However, this should not be the case, because there are some relatively simple measures you can put in place today to help your vision for years to come. One such measure is the use of eye health supplements.

Why You Should Take Lutein and Bilberry for Eye Health

The Amazing Health Benefits of Lutein You Didn't Know About!

Lutein is a carotenoid found in leafy green vegetables that has powerful antioxidant properties. Lutein is important for eye health because it helps to protect the macula, the central area of the retina, from damage caused by blue light. The body cannot produce lutein, so it must be obtained through diet or supplements.

Studies have shown that lutein may help to prevent age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness in older adults. Lutein also appears to be protective against cataracts, another common cause of vision loss. In addition to its benefits for eye health, lutein is also thought to support cognitive function and brain health as we age.

Other than that, Lutein help to preserve skin health and fight skin cancer. It filters high-energy wavelengths of visible light, which slows down the rate of oxidative stress. Some animal studies show evidence that lutein offers significant protection against light-induced skin damage, such as signs of aging and potentially skin cancer.

Some observational studies suggest that xanthophyll carotenoids, such as lutein, can help reduce the risk of developing heart disease and stroke. It appears that its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties would benefit heart health by lowering inflammation, which is an underlying cause of coronary heart disease.

Bilberry: A Superfruit with Many Health Benefits

Bilberry, a member of the Vaccinium family which also includes cranberries and blueberries, is indigenous to Northern Europe. The small, evergreen bilberry bush has been used for centuries in folk medicine. Bilberries are a rich source of antioxidants and other phytonutrients, making them one of nature's most potent superfruits.

Bilberries have long been known for their benefits to eye health. In fact, bilberries were used during World War II by British Royal Air Force pilots to improve night vision. Studies have since shown that compounds in bilberries can help improve visual acuity and prevent macular degeneration..

Dry eye is another condition that can be helped by bilberry consumption. Bilberry extract has been shown to increase blood flow to the retina and reduce inflammation.

Other potential benefits of bilberry includes:

Improve blood circulation
Benefit for heart health
Antiinflammatory
Improve skin conditions
Rich in antioxidant and antimicrobial properties

Lutein and Bilberry: The Dynamic Duo for Your Eyes

Lutein and bilberry are two nutritional powerhouse ingredients that work together to keep your eyes healthy. Both of these ingredients have been shown to be beneficial for eye health, specifically in regards to the macula and the eye lens.

Lutein has been shown to help filter out harmful blue light and reduce oxidative stress on the macula. Bilberry extract has been shown to improve blood circulation in the small capillaries that supply nutrients to the eye lens. Together, these two ingredients can help reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration and dry eye syndrome. Their antioxidant properties aid in the reduction of free radical stressors and the relief of eye strain.

Looking For Signs That Your Probiotics Are Working? Here Are The 6 Tell-tale Signs!

Probiotics are often touted as a great way to improve your digestion and other health benefits, but do they work? While there's no definitive answer, there are some signs that probiotics might be helping you.

signs that your probiotics are working? Here are 6 tell-tale signs!

Signs that the Probiotics are Working

Probiotics, when used as directed, can restore and improve your gut environment, or "flora," and overall health in a variety of ways. If you notice any of the following benefits after taking probiotics, they are most likely working properly.

1. Reduced Abdominal Pain and Discomfort

While it may seem obvious, a reduction in overall gastrointestinal symptoms is one of the simplest ways to tell if your probiotic is working.

2. Consistency of Bowel Movements

Probiotics can help regulate gut motility and bowel movements. Many people find relief from constipation and other abdominal pain by moving their intestines and emptying their bowels.

3. Improved Digestion

Your gut microbes influence how quickly and thoroughly you digest food. You may experience digestive discomforts such as bloating, gas, and stomach upset if your gut microbiome is out of balance, especially after eating.

4. Enhanced Immunity and Energy

If you're feeling more energised and haven't been sick recently, your probiotics may have played a role. Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome can also improve immunity and energy by assisting with proper digestion and nutrient absorption. So, in addition to directly protecting us against infection in the gut, the microbiome contributes to our overall well-being by allowing us to use what we feed our bodies more efficiently.

5. Reduced Bloating

Probiotics can help eliminate gastrointestinal symptoms by increasing gut flora diversity, and they can also reduce fermentation and bloat caused by an unhealthy balance of gut bacteria.

6. Reduced Vaginal Infection (For Women)

Probiotics work by helping to restore the normal balance of bacteria in the gut and vagina. This can help prevent the development of harmful yeast and bacterial overgrowth, which can lead to recurrent infection.

What are The Types of Probiotics on the Market

There are numerous types of probiotics on the market. The most common type of probiotic is bacteria, followed by yeast probiotics, which are becoming increasingly popular in recent years.

Probiotics are available in capsules, tablets, and liquids. Some probiotics are also available in food products such as yoghurt.

How Long Does It Take Probiotics To Work?

There is no one answer to this question since the length of time it takes probiotics to work will vary depending on the individual and their specific health condition. However, generally speaking, probiotics should take effect within a few days or weeks after being taken.

You should use probiotics for at least one to two months before concluding that they are ineffective.

Reasons Your Probiotics May Not Work or Work Slowly

There are several reasons why your probiotics may not work as well as they should.

Incorrect dosage - If you take the wrong amount of probiotics, you may see results later than expected or not at all. As a result, you should read the probiotic intake instructions before taking them.
Poor Storage - There are numerous probiotics on the market, but their quality varies. Some may require refrigeration to ensure probiotic survival. Yeast probiotics are more resilient and stable when stored at room temperature.
Inaccurate Dose - If you don't take the right doses, you may not see results as quickly, and taking too little may slow down the speed or results.

How Do You Know If Your Probiotics Are Effective?

Probiotics can significantly improve your health. They help your digestive system, but they also have other advantages, such as increased immunity and energy. They also aid in the elimination of pathogenic bacteria and the improvement of microbe imbalances. All of this contributes to better life quality.

Purchasing a supplement is thus not a bad idea. Finding signs that probiotics are working for you, on the other hand, can be difficult. Hopefully, our article will help you confirm how well they work for you and learn all the tips you need to buy one that works for you.

Why Does Eating 'Heaty' Food Give You a Sore Throat?

If you've ever woken up with a scratchy throat after eating certain foods the night before, you're not alone. Many of us have experienced this weird coincidence and wondered, why does eating 'heaty' food give you a sore throat? Is there a scientifical reason behind it?

Heaty Foods: Is That The Real Culprit of Your Sore Throat?

Have you ever gotten a sore throat after eating too much deep-fried food, chocolate, or durian? You probably blamed it on eating too much "heaty" food.

There's a scientific reason why certain foods cause sore throats. The explanation, however, is not due to the "heaty" nature of the food; rather, the explanation is closely related to a type of gastric reflux: Laryngopharyngeal reflux, a medical condition that causes a sore throat after eating fried food (LPR).

Which Type of Foods Triggered Laryngopharyngeal Reflux?

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a condition in which stomach acid and other contents of the stomach flow back up into the larynx (the voice box) and pharynx (the throat). LPR can occur when the lower oesophagal sphincter (LES) does not close properly, allowing stomach contents to leak back up into the oesophagus.

Common foods that are known to cause LPR to include:

Fatty or fried foods: These take longer to digest and put pressure on the LES.
Tomatoes and citrus fruits: The acid in these can trigger LPR symptoms.
Chocolate: This also contains caffeine, which can aggravate reflux symptoms.

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux: How to know if you have it?

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a condition in which stomach acid and digestive enzymes flow from the stomach up to the larynx, causing irritation and inflammation of the vocal cords. You may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• Hoarseness

• A “lump” in the throat that doesn’t go away

• Difficulty swallowing

• Chronic cough

• Sensation of post-nasal drip

• Sore throat

• Heartburn

If you constantly having the mentioned symptoms, it is advised to see your doctor for a diagnosis. Your doctor will likely ask about your symptoms and medical history, and may also recommend a test called oesophagal pH monitoring.

Avoiding or limiting the intake of foods that may aggravate LPR, such as oily and spicy foods, alcohol, chocolates, coffee and tea

5 Ways to Prevent Laryngopharyngeal Reflux

Avoiding or limiting the intake of foods that may aggravate LPR, such as oily and spicy foods, alcohol, chocolates, coffee and tea, carbonated soft drinks, and citrus fruits (e.g., lemons and oranges), tomatoes, and so on.
Consuming small meal portion. One can eat several meals throughout the day but never overeat.
No food intake 3 hours before going to bed
Raise the head of the bed to sleep more upright. This allows gravity to prevent stomach contents from going back up the food pipe.
If you are overweight or obese, you should lose weight. Anything that puts additional pressure on your abdomen can aggravate LPR.

Is "Heaty" Food Causes Sore Throat?

Well, "heaty" food may not actually be the root cause of a sore throat. It could be due to certain food intake triggered the laryngopharyngeal reflux, which is a condition that affects the throat and voice box.

It's still a good idea to heed our parents' advice: "don't eat too much fried food, it's heaty!" Since everything in moderation is preferable to excessive consumption of a particular type of food anyway.