Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
Photo by Diego Ph on Unsplash A stroke, an event that occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted either by a blood clot or bleeding, is something we often associate with aging adults. Essentially, a stroke is a “brain attack” that can leave …
This time of year, many of us get stuck in a mental rut – less sunlight, colder temperatures, and added stress from school, the approaching holidays and more can all contribute to feeling a bit low. You don’t have to suffer through the winter, though. …
In a recent study, scientists found that mental health and well-being are directly linked to the number of fruits and vegetables included in your diet. Using data from 14,000 people aged 16 and older, researchers from the University of Warwick Medical School examined the overall mental wellness and health-related behavior of the participants. The research team also looked at factors like socioeconomic status and geographic location, which can impact mental health as well.
The scientists made an interesting discovery – nutrition choices seem to have a direct impact on your mental health, particularly fruits and vegetables. The results of this study showed that people who ate more fruits and vegetables regularly were much more likely to feel mentally satisfied and stable.
“The data suggests that the higher an individual’s fruit and vegetable intake, the lower the chance of their having low mental well-being,” said Dr. Saverio Stranges, lead author of the study. Other factors that showed a direct link to mental wellness included smoking and exercise. The participants who stated that they felt mentally healthy most of the time generally consumed plenty of fruits and veggies, did not smoke and followed a regular workout routine.
So if you have been feeling down lately, add some fruits and veggies into your daily diet – it might make all the difference in your low mood!
Source: http://www.activebeat.com/health-news/study-links-mental-health-with-diet/
Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash A new study suggests that working long hours may contribute to your risk of developing Diabetes. The study, published September 24th in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, found an association between long work weeks and the disease – but …
Photo by Diego Ph on Unsplash In a new study published by Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, scientists created a mouse model with the trademark symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS Dementia). This new animal model will allow them to monitor test drugs …
Opinions on the flu vaccine are still divided, but certain populations are encouraged to get vaccinated this fall, especially pregnant women.
Experts encourage all expectant mothers to get a flu shot, and if any flu-like symptoms arise, they should seek medical help immediately. The mortality and complications of the flu during pregnancy are very serious. And these complications are not only harmful to the mother, but they can also affect her baby by causing premature labor, premature delivery and even death.
Flu and Cold Facts by Jerry Hickey, R.Ph – Click here!
Pregnant women have a difficult time fighting off infections compared to others. This is because the hormonal changes in pregnancy can cause the immune system to perform at less-than-optimal function, which can have effects similar to those seen in people on chronic steroid medications. In addition, a particular hormone that changes during pregnancy called progesterone, causes swelling of the lining of the nose and oral pharynx. This makes a pregnant women more susceptible to contracting viruses which then quickly become infused into circulation.
Another problem is due to the changes in the breathing and lung function of pregnant women. As the diaphragm increases during pregnancy, overall breathing function is decreased. Because of this, having the flu and getting mucous in the lungs during pregnancy can cause serious breathing complications. What’s more, pregnant women need a higher amount of oxygen than non-pregnant women. An increased oxygen consumption is required because you’re now breathing for two!
5 Essential Micronutrients During Pregnancy by Jun Wang, MS – Click here!
The flu can infect a pregnant woman’s lungs with the flu, which might also lead to a secondary infection such as bacterial pneumonia, making oxygen delivery to both the mother and child a major problem and could even lead to death. If you’re pregnant and haven’t already gotten your flu shot, it’s highly recommended that you talk to your doctor right away – it’s important for the health of both you and your baby!