5 Simple Health Hacks for a Healthy Year
It’s the second month of 2015 and your resolutions for better, healthier lives are underway! Have you had any trouble getting your healthy year started, or are you second-guessing if you’re really going to be able to keep your resolution for 11 more months? We want you to know 2015 is your year, and we believe you can see your commitment through by taking a look at our 5 health hacks to help you reach your goals.
1. Yogurt Kicks Bad Breath
The good bacteria in unsweetened yogurt has proven to overpower Hydrogen Sulfide, the bacteria known to cause bad breath. In one study, 6 ounces of unsweetened yogurt was consumed daily for six weeks and resulted in lower levels of Hydrogen Sulfide, ultimately killing the bad odor. Say goodnight to morning breath by filling your days with a spoonful of yogurt!
2. Eat Ginger To Help Sore Muscles
Trials have shown that adding two grams of ginger to your diet within 24 hours after a workout can reduce muscle soreness. Ginger contains anti-inflammatory components and gingerols that can help kill the pain. Next time you go hard at the gym, add ginger to your post workout meal and skip the ensuing pain.
3. Take Walks To Lower Health Risks
Next time you go out for lunch, consider walking to your destination. A brisk walk for 30 minutes a day can lower the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. Walks will not only improve your physical health, but have shown to improve mental well-being as well. In contrast, sitting for long periods of time can increase health risks and obesity. Challenge yourself to get away from your desk more and go for a walk during your workdays in 2015!
4. Fight Excessive Appetite With Gum!
Although chewing gum alone may not help you achieve the weight loss you were aiming for, some studies have shown that chewing gum helped decrease cravings between meals. This way you can control your appetite and finally stick to your new diet.
5. End Grogginess Sticking to the Sleep Cycle
Research has shown that we sleep in intervals that last 90 minutes, consisting of stages of Rapid Eye Movement Sleep (REM) and Non-REM Sleep. To allow these sleep cycles to go uninterrupted and beat sleepiness the next morning, plan your bedtime accordingly. For example, if you need to wake up at 7:00 a.m., make sure you are fast asleep by 10:00 p.m., 11:30 p.m. or 1:00 a.m.
Hopefully these health hacks make your fitness journey a little easier, but any change you make to your life for the better is a step forward. If you have any health questions that might be holding you back from a healthy year, get the right care today and find a convenient urgent care location nearest you.