Health Hits: April 2012

Hello! Back again, with a round-up of some health tips and facts that I've gained over the past few weeks and want to share!


1) Metabolism Makers.
- Here's a few quick tips for speeding up your metabolism: firstly, sprinkle cinnamon on anything you can. It changes the way our bodies use fat and sugar, helping us to burn them, rather than storing them as fat! Secondly, drink a glass of water first thing in the morning. This helps to kick-start your metabolism and gets your body going. Cold water is even better, as the body works to warm it up so it is more easily absorbed. 

2) Post-Gym Eating.
- Almonds, soya products and lean protein are great after a work-out, as they will help your body regain energy and repair muscles. However, don't be afraid of some wholegrain carbs! This is the optimal time to eat carbs, as your body needs energy so will burn them rather than storing them as fat - Winning!

3) Glorious and Green.
- Increasing the amount of leafy greens in your diet will do you wonders. They are full of vitamin K, which protects bones and prevents blod clots, B vitamins which help metabolism and protect the health of skin and hair, and phytonutrients which protect our cells from damage. Consider including spinach, kale and swiss chard in your diet!


4) Chia Seeds
- I have recently heard about these seeds, which come from the salvia hispanica plant, and they are apparently an incredible source of omega 3 fatty acids, so could be a great alternative to traditional supplements. I will give them a go and let you know how I get on!


So there are a few quick tips and some health info for you! I will keep you posted on any new discoveries! Back soon!


Nati xXx

Raging Against Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Hello again! Sorry for the absence from the blogosphere, university has been taking up a fair amount of my time. I'm now on break, however, so I'm ready to write some new posts for you all!

A few months ago I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in my knees, and it's really affected my life. I used to go to the gym 3 times a week but now it's a push to even do 5 minutes on an exercise bike. I can't walk or stand for long amounts of time, and I live with some pain and swelling in my knees. My consultant has put me on a low dose of steroids, but knowing the potential long-term side effects of this, I've decided to do a little research on how diet and exercise can help to improve the condition, and I thought that I would share it with you!

Diet

1)Fish Oils

There has been some research to show that these can have an anti-inflammatory effect on the joints (as well as being great for skin, hair and nails), and are overall great supplements for joint health.

2) Fruit and vegetables

This may sound obvious, but a diet rich in colourful fruit and veg (colour denotes a high level of antioxidants) can help to prevent, and ease, rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Antioxidants help to aid our immune-system and possibly reduce the inflammatory reaction in our joints, provoked by RA.

3)Calcium

Necessary for overall joint health. If you are lactose-intolerant, or just not a big fan of milk like myself, then make sure that any dairy-replacement you take contains added calcium. I eat and drink soya products, and always make sure to check this.

Exercise

Care should be taken to avoid activities that will put stress and pressure on your joints - for example, running on a concrete pavement. Instead, consider low-impact exercise that will slowly allow you to gain strength in your joints, and keep active. Try swimming, cycling and perhaps yoga. There is research being carried out to assess if yoga and pilates, if practised over a long period of time, can help to alleviate the symptoms of RA.

So there is a very quick introduction to RA and some ways in which the condition may be improved. Unfortunately I will have this for the rest of my life, but I do hope that by introducing some of the above habits now, over time I will see an improvement in my condition. Fingers crossed!

Nati xXx

P.S A big shout-out to my friend Grace, who recently discovered my blog and enjoying all my posts!!