SootheEase Massage Cushion SootheEase Massage Cushion

MindEase Meditation Cushion MindEase Meditation Cushion FlexCharge Charging Dock FlexCharge Charging Dock

Shop Now
MuscleMax Massage Gun MuscleMax Massage Gun

GlowUp Facial Steamer GlowUp Facial Steamer PureLife Water Filter PureLife Water Filter




5 Foods to Boost Your Eye Health

pexels.com

You’ve likely been told at one time or another that if you want healthy eyes, you need to eat carrots. And while the old adage has some truth to it because the beta carotene in carrots is converted to vitamin A – a vitamin that is needed for optimum eye health — there are other, and perhaps even better foods to eat. Here are some of those foods:

1. Spinach

pexels.com

Spinach as well as other dark, leafy greens like kale contain two antioxidants stored in the macula which is that part of the retina that shields the eyes from damaging light. These antioxidants are lutein and zeaxanthin. Lutein is a deep yellow pigment found in the leaves of plants, and zeaxanthin a carotenoid found in the retina of the eye and in many plants like spinach.

And since the eye has a particularly high metabolic rate – as in, they ust a lot of energy – there is an added need for antioxidant protection.

Introduction

Nearly 7% of the world population is obese1 and about 66% of the adults in the United States are overweight or obese.2 Obesity is associated with a number of adverse medical conditions including increased risk of gallbladder disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease (CHD), osteoarthritis, cancer death and reduced life expectancy.3–8 Obesity is also associated with adverse social and psychological consequences, including bias, discrimination and decreased quality of life.9,10

More effective treatment strategies are urgently needed for obesity management. The total caloric intake or energy density of one’s diet appears to be associated with obesity11–14 and a diet that induces a negative energy balance continues to be an important part of obesity management. Strategies to achieve the difficult task of eating less than desired include reduction of the energy density of foods by increasing food volume by the addition of fluids,15,16 bulk17–19 or their combination;20 or by increasing satiety by various anorectic drugs or macronutrient combinations of high satiety value.

Satiety is positively associated with the protein, fiber and water content of foods and negatively with fat and palatability ratings.21,22 However, within food groups, there may be as much as a twofold difference in satiety values, suggesting that certain foods promote greater satiety independent of macronutrient content or energy density. An egg is an example of such a food that has a 50% greater satiety index compared to white bread or ready-to-eat breakfast cereal.21 Compared to an isocaloric bagel breakfast of equal weight, an egg breakfast had a greater satiating effect, which translated into a lower caloric intake at lunch.23 The resulting decrease in energy consumption lasted for at least 24 h after the egg breakfast.

This study was undertaken to exploit the short-term satiating benefits of an egg breakfast23 for weight loss in a longer-term trial. The objectives were to determine if the incorporation of an egg breakfast in the diet by overweight or obese subjects would (1) induce reduced energy intake and unintentional weight loss, even when not attempting weight reduction; or (2) enhance weight loss when following a reduced energy diet. We compared the effects of an egg vs isocaloric bagel breakfast of equal weight on weight loss, indices of body size and composition, dietary compliance, food cravings and health-specific quality of life.Materials and methods

The study was approved by the institutional review boards at Pennington Biomedical Research Center and at Saint Louis University. Written informed consent was obtained from the participants. We certify that all applicable institutional and governmental regulations regarding the ethical use of human volunteers were followed during this research.

Participants

Of the 160 participants enrolled, 8 did not complete the trial. The final study sample included 152 participants (131 women and 21 men; mean age 45.0±9.4 years; black participants 47.7% and white participants 52.3%). Demographic characteristics of the participants are provided inTable 1

Sweating is a natural process that helps regulate body temperature and release toxins from the body. It is normal for our feet to sweat, especially when we are active or in hot environments. However, excessive foot sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, can be uncomfortable and embarrassing.

The main causes of excessive foot sweating include genetics, stress, certain medical conditions, and certain medications. People with hyperhidrosis may experience discomfort, odor, and skin irritation, which can lead to social anxiety and decreased quality of life.

Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce foot sweating and manage hyperhidrosis. Here are some tips:

  1. Practice good foot hygiene: Wash your feet daily with soap and water, and dry them thoroughly. Use foot powder to help absorb moisture and reduce odor.

  2. Wear breathable shoes and socks: Choose shoes made from breathable materials such as leather or canvas, and wear moisture-wicking socks to help keep your feet dry.

  3. Use antiperspirant: Apply antiperspirant to the soles of your feet before bed. Antiperspirant helps block sweat glands and reduce excessive sweating.

  4. Soak your feet in tea: Soak your feet in black tea for 30 minutes a day. Black tea contains tannic acid, which helps to reduce sweat production.

  5. Consider medical treatment: If home remedies are not effective, consult with a healthcare professional. They may recommend prescription antiperspirants or other medical treatments such as Botox injections or iontophoresis therapy.

In summary, excessive foot sweating can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, but it is usually not a serious health concern. By practicing good foot hygiene, wearing breathable shoes and socks, using antiperspirant, soaking your feet in tea, and considering medical treatment, you can reduce foot sweating and manage hyperhidrosis.