Health Advice

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares

      in health and weelbeing

      Fight The Side Effects Of Antibiotics And Keep Your Gut In Check With Probiotics: A Winning Combination

      by

      Antibiotics can be lifesaving medications when it comes to treating bacterial infections, but they can also have side effects, such as diarrhoea and an upset stomach, by disrupting the natural balance of bacteria in your gut.1

      Antibiotics are not able to distinguish between good and bad bacteria, so they can kill off the “friendly” bacteria along with the harmful bacteria.2 For example, antibiotics may kill the beneficial bacteria in our digestive system that help us break down food and absorb nutrients.3

      Reuterina® acute4 is a probiotic that can help fight the side effects of antibiotics and keep your gut in check. It contains Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938, a specific strain of bacteria that is clinically proven and can help prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhoea and improve gut health.

      Reuterina acute® has been clinically validated, with beneficial effects in a variety of health conditions including:

      Reducing diarrhoea within 24 hours and restores microbial balance

      Effectively treating diarrhoea by reducing the symptoms and duration of illness

      Helping to significantly reduce diarrhoea in adults with acute gastroenteritis

      Helping reduce lactose intolerance-related side effects

      Protecting and supporting gut flora to strengthen immunity

      Reuterina® acute

      Reuterina® acute helps restore and maintain a healthy balance of gut flora during and after a course of antibiotics.

      Taking Reuterina® acute alongside antibiotics can help you feel better and avoid the uncomfortable side effects of antibiotics.

      The Reuterina® family of probiotics are available from pharmacies nationwide. For more information, visit: reuterina.co.za and join the conversations on Instagram and Facebook.

      Travel in style with an exclusive giveaway!

      Valued at R1000, this giveaway for eight lucky winners is great for savvy travellers and on-the-go parents! Get ready for your next adventure with this fantastic travel hamper from Reuterina®!

      To enter the competition, keep an eye out on the Women’s Health social media pages. Winners announced Monday, 24 July 2023.

      References:

      National Library of Medicine. Update on the adverse effects of antimicrobial therapies in community practice. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7491661/. Last accessed April 2023.

      Learn Genetics. What is an Antibiotic? Available at: https://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/microbiome/antibiotics. Last accessed April 2023. 

      National Library of Medicine. Antibiotics as Major Disruptors of Gut Microbiota. Available at:      https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7732679/. Last accessed April 2023. 

      Reuterina Acute® Approved Package Insert, March 2010. More

    • 125 Shares

      in health and weelbeing

      All Your Women’s Health And Wellness Needs In One Place

      by

      At Zoie Health we believe women deserve access to affordable, definitive and helpful healthcare at every phase of their lives. We’re building Africa’s first digital women’s health clinic for 500 million women, offering much-needed support for family planning, fertility, maternity and beyond.

      Catch Us At Fit Night Out

      So far we’ve interacted with you and women like you almost exclusively online. Partnering up with Women’s Health for Fit Night Out is the perfect opportunity for us to give you a first-hand experience of our carefully curated products and services for women’s health and wellness. Join us at FNO on 05 August 2023 to learn more about the Zoie Shop & Pharmacy, where you can access a wide range of women’s health and wellness products. From period, fertility, pregnancy, maternity and menopause needs we’ve got you sorted!

      Delivered Straight To Your Door

      Why take the same monthly trip to the pharmacy when you can have all your essentials for hormonal health, feminine care, over-the-counter medication, sexual wellness, mom & baby products, as well as test kits delivered to your door? Having your medication and personal care products delivered should be as easy as ordering food for delivery. So what are you waiting for? Change the way you care for yourself today.

      Any Burning Questions?

      Plan to break a sweat at FNO? Studies show that those who are physically active report greater sexual desire, arousal, and satisfaction. Drop by our stand to get to know how your workouts can boost your libido. Our resident OBGYN and sexual health educator will be on standby to answer all your burning questions! More

    • 150 Shares

      in health and weelbeing

      Here’s Exactly How Your Vagina Changes In Your 20s, 30s And 40s

      by

       Though you may not be aware, vaginas go through changes along with the rest of your body. Here’s of the vagina changes over the decades from your 20s, 30s and beyond …

      Why do vaginas change?

      Through the years, your vagina changes with the rest of your body, drooping and even drying as you approach menopause. Hormonal changes influence the way your vagina looks and feels – though it’s all totally normal. Over time, you can expect a change in vulva thickness, lubrication and pelvic floor strength. Read on for the specifics of how your vagina changes with age.

      In your 20s

      Normal shrinkage

      Puberty’s over (thank goodness) and your organs have reached their adult size. Except, that is, for your labia majora – the outer “lips” that enclose the rest of your privates. Don’t be shocked to see these looking slimmer. As you age, subcutaneous fat, including that of your genitals, decreases.

      In your 30s

      The big stretch

      The uterus balloons to watermelon proportions during pregnancy – then shrinks back down within six weeks after birth. In South Africa, statistics show that the majority of births in private hospitals are conducted by C-section, sparing their vag opening similar stretching.

      Dark shadows

      The hormone shifts that come with pregnancy or ageing can cause your labia minora, the “inner” lips that encircle the clitoris and vaginal opening, to darken in colour. So you can relax if, on your next self-check, it’s like 50 shades of (mauve-ish) grey down there.

      In your 40s

      Short stuff

      Though a woman’s egg supply dwindles rapidly in her early forties, she still ovulates and (sigh) gets her period. Cycles are a bit shorter, though, and tend to peter out by age 51 – i.e. menopause. Your body puts an end to fertility five to 10 years before that.

      Deep squeeze

      Your repro organs are supported by a hammock of tendons, tissue and muscle. Extra kilos, ageing or years of high-impact workouts can loosen this pelvic floor, straining organs and causing bladder leakage or a “heavy” feeling down below. Your move: Kegel exercises! These simple moves strengthen your pelvic floor, making it healthier – and for stronger orgasms.

      Desert rescue

      Lower oestrogen levels affect the vagina’s acid-alkaline balance, which can spur inflammation – along with thinning and drying of the vaginal walls, which can cause itching, burning and redness. Silver lining: regular sex can prevent this (get on it!).

      This article was first published in womenshealthmag.com. More

    • 113 Shares

      in diet and nutrition

      What Is Moringa And What Are The Health Benefits?

      by

      With all the trendy superfoods and supplements available on the market today, it can be hard to keep up with what’s simply popular and what’s actually beneficial for your health. If you love following the latest in nutrition, chances are you’re familiar with moringa.

      Moringa oleifera is a plant that is native primarily to South Asia and Africa and is one of the fastest-growing trees in the world, says Kylene Bogden, RDN, CSSD, a co-founder of FWDfuel. This is partly because it is frost- and drought-resistant, which makes it incredibly durable. Also called the drumstick tree, moringa contains a solid nutrient profile of amino acids, vitamin C, potassium and calcium, per Bogden. As a supplement, moringa is often consumed in the form of powder, capsules and tea.

      Consuming this plant in its raw form can be especially good for you. The leaves contain quercetin, an antioxidant that can block your histamine response (which is responsible for triggering annoying allergy symptoms) and chlorogenic acid, which can help stabilize your blood sugar, Bogden explains.

      “One of the reasons moringa has become so popular, in addition to its vast nutrient profile, is because it provides a boost in energy without the negative side effects that can sometimes accompany caffeine intake,” she adds.

      That said, experts say that more research in humans is needed to know whether the moringa’s benefits are legit and whether it’s safe to take on a regular basis. Read on to learn about these potential benefits, as well as the risks of taking moringa and whether this supplement may be right for you.

      Meet the expert: Kylene Bogden, RDN, CSSD, specializes in sports nutrition and functional medicine. She is also board-certified in integrative and functional nutrition (IFNCP) through the Integrative and Functional Nutrition Academy. She has served as an expert source for various national media outlets. Plus, invited to speak at events across the country.

      What are the health benefits of taking moringa?

      Moringa may play a role in treating 80 diseases, according to one study. But it’s important to keep in mind that much of the evidence showing moringa’s benefits is cell and animal studies. That means it’s not clear yet whether the plant will do the same in humans. And more research is needed to establish the optimal dosage and identify any interactions between the active compounds in moringa.

      1. It protects against infections.

      Moringa has anti-infectious effects against pathogens and all parts of the plant can be made into treatment against bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites, according to a 2020 Frontiers in Pharmacology review. The leaves and seeds, in particular, show a broader spectrum of antimicrobial activity than other parts of the moringa plant.

      2. It improves blood sugar control.

      Taking moringa may potentially help with controlling blood sugar if you have diabetes, per a 2020 Nutrients review of several animal studies. Researchers believe this is due to compounds such as isothiocyanates found in moringa. However, more research in humans is needed.

      3. It lowers cholesterol.

      Animal studies have shown that moringa may have similar cholesterol-lowering effects to other known effective plant sources, such as flaxseed and oats. This is due to its antioxidant content, which is tied to a lower risk of heart disease.

      4. It reduces blood pressure.

      Because it contains quercetin, an antioxidant, research suggests moringa may help to lower blood pressure.

      5. It gives you an energy boost.

      Research shows that moringa may be a good energy source, thanks to the wide range of nutrients it contains. This includes protein, iron and vitamin A, which are vital to maintaining optimal energy levels.

      6. It improves digestion.

      Moringa is also believed to aid in digestion. A study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology shows that its fibrous pods may help treat digestive issues such as constipation and another showing that it may help prevent colon cancer.

      7. It helps with arthritis and joint pain.

      One animal study showed moringa extract may be helpful in decreasing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory form of joint disease. This is because its leaf extract may help suppress pro-inflammatory molecules. More research in humans is still needed, though.

      8. It fights inflammation.

      Animal studies have shown that moringa leaves, pods and seeds contain anti-inflammatory compounds called isothiocyanates that are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.

      It can also inhibit chronic inflammation in conditions such as asthma, ulcerative colitis and metabolic diseases, according to a 2020 review.

      Is it safe to take moringa every day?

      As long as it has been cleared by your doctor, it’s okay to take moringa every day, especially if it is in food form, such as by adding a few teaspoons of a moringa powder to a smoothie or sipping on tea made from its leaves, says Bogden.

      “Generally speaking, ideal dosing would be one to two cups of tea a day, or one teaspoon to one tablespoon of powder added to dishes like oatmeal and smoothies,” she says. “If capsule form is your preferred method, clinical studies suggest the benefits range from roughly 500 mg to 2 g daily.”

      Photo by Eva Bronzini on Pexels

      What are the side effects of moringa?

      As with any supplements, you’ll want to be aware of any potential side effects that may come with taking moringa. After all, supplements are not regulated by the FDA. You’ll definitely want to consult with your MD before taking any supplement, including moringa, Bogden notes.

      Not sure where to start? To choose a reputable supplement company, the first step would be to look for a GMP certification (that stands for Good Manufacturing Practice, FYI) on the label. As well as additional third-party testing, Bogden says. If you’re a competitive athlete, you’ll also want to make sure the supplement is NSF-certified for sport in order to avoid testing positive for banned substances.

      “While many do not experience any negative side effects, depending on dose or form taken, frequency consumed and medical history, for some, moringa may cause gastrointestinal upset, uterine cramping and low blood pressure, which can be dangerous for certain individuals,” Bogden says.

      Who should not take moringa?

      As with many foods, medications and supplements, there are certain groups who should avoid moringa. Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid consuming moringa, according to Bogden.

      Note that moringa can also interfere with medications that treat diabetes, high blood pressure and thyroid disease. So, talk to your doctor before taking moringa if you fall into any of those categories.

      The bottom line: While moringa shows promise in providing health benefits similar to those of other superfoods, research is still limited. Talk to your doctor before adding it to your wellness routine.

      This article was originally published on www.womenshealthmag.com by Emilia Benton. More

    • 138 Shares

      in diet and nutrition

      What Is Kefir? Kefir Nutrition, Benefits, And How To Use Kefir

      by

      Walking through the dairy aisle used to be simple. You just grabbed your carton of fruit-at-the-bottom yoghurt and low-fat milk and you went on your merry way.

      These days, though, the dairy aisle in specialist health stores is filled with all sorts of interesting options, from plant-based yoghurt to kefir. Not quite yoghurt and not quite milk, this fermented, probiotic-packed stuff has pretty much all of today’s hottest health buzzwords going for it.

      If you’ve seen it in the store and wondered WTF it was all about, you’re not alone. But don’t let kefir’s identity crisis stop you from trying it out: Dietitians say it can pack a serious punch in the nutrition department.

      In fact, kefir is “a great source of probiotics, which may help improve one’s digestive health,” says Keri Gans, a dietitian and author of The Small Change Diet. Plus, certain types of kefir can also be a great source of calcium, a must-have for healthy bones, too.

      If you have yet to give it a try (and need a break from your standard milk and yoghurt), here’s everything you need to know about the trending probiotic drink, plus why it’s worth adding to your diet.

      Hold on. What is kefir, exactly?

      Long story short, “kefir is a fermented milk product similar to yoghurt, but with a thin (rather than thick) texture,” explains dietitian Andy de Santis. “It contains a similar amount of protein as yoghurt, but offers more probiotic cultures.”

      Thanks to its drinkable consistency, Emily Kean, a nutritionist at Lifeway Foods (a brand that makes kefir in the States) calls it “the queen of probiotic drinks.”

      While your standard kefir is made from cow’s milk, it can be made from any type of milk or milk alternative — including plant-based milks, according to Gans. If you see “coconut kefir” on a product label, for example, that means it’s made with coconut milk.

      Another version, “water kefir,” meanwhile, is usually made with coconut water or fruit juice, Gans adds.

      So, kefir isn’t the same as yoghurt?

      Though people tend to call it “drinkable yoghurt,” that’s only kind of — not totally — accurate. “What sets it apart is its fermentation process, which is slightly different,” says Jessica Cording, author of The Little Book of Game-Changers: 50 Healthy Habits For Managing Stress & Anxiety.

      “Typically, yoghurt uses just bacteria for fermentation, while kefir uses both bacteria and yeast,” Gans explains. “The bacteria and yeast create cultures referred to as grains (no, they don’t contain gluten), which contain up to three times more probiotics than yoghurt.” Impressive, right?

      Is kefir healthy, then?

      As you can probably guess from its solid probiotic punch, it is totally healthy. Here’s what you can expect from one cup of plain, low-fat kefir (made from cow’s milk), according to the USDA:

      Calories: 102

      Total fat: 2 g

      Saturated fat: 0.66 g

      Carbohydrates: 11 g

      Fibre: 0 g

      Sugar: 11 g

      Protein: 9.5 g

      Opt for a cow’s milk-based kefir and you’ll get lots of calcium and vitamin D (30 and 25 percent of your daily needs, respectively). Plus, a bonus for anyone trying to get pregnant: Cow’s milk kefir is high in folate, which aids in warding off neural tube defects, too. Of course, just keep in mind that a coconut milk- or water-based kefir won’t boast the same nutrition stats as a kefir made from dairy.

      Kefir’s health benefits are pretty legit.

      Fermented foods like kefir command the spotlight because of their probiotics’ ability to help balance gut flora and regulate digestion. It won’t just help you become more regular, though. “Because of its probiotics, those suffering from irritable bowel disease or digestive distress from a course of antibiotics may experience relief after incorporating kefir,” says Santis.

      Thanks to kefir’s vitamin D, calcium, and folate content, it’s also good for your bones and your ability to have a healthy pregnancy, Cording adds.

      Luckily, if you’re like 25 percent of the American population with a reduced ability to digest lactose, take comfort in the fact that fermented dairy products might be easier to tolerate.

      Does kefir have any downsides?

      Like other dairy products, full-fat kefir does contain higher amounts of saturated fat, which the American Heart Association, recommends limiting to 16 grams (or 140 calories) per day in the average 2,000-calorie diet. (Though the topic is up for debate these days, experts have linked excess saturated fat consumption to heart disease.)

      And, while Kean recommends kefir for pretty much everyone, those with certain health conditions (like immune deficiencies) should avoid probiotics unless under a doctor’s supervision.

      Finally, as with anything you eat, just pay attention to serving sizes. “A lot of times a bottle of kefir contains four servings, not one,” she says.

      How to find yourself a quality kefir.

      When hunting for high-quality kefir to put in your cart, Kean recommends focusing on the following factors:

      Protein (the more, the better)

      Added sugar (though dairy products contain some natural sugars, avoid the added stuff as much as possible)

      Artificial ingredients (again, avoid!)

      Live active cultures (look for a product with at least one billion CFUs of probiotics per serving, preferably from a variety of strains)

      How to load up on kefir.

      Once you’ve got yourself a quality bottle of the good stuff, you can incorporate it into your eats in so many ways. De Santis recommends:

      Drinking it as a post-workout shake

      Adding it to your smoothies in place of your usual liquid or yoghurt

      Pouring it into whole-grain cereal or oatmeal (and sprinkling on some nuts) for a nutritionally-balanced breakfast

      Kean also swears by kefir in place of buttermilk or sour cream in all sorts of recipes. She also likes using it to add creaminess to dressings, dips, and soups.

      The bottom line: The exact nutrition you get from a kefir product depends on whether it’s made from dairy or a plant-based alternative. Either way, the smooth, fermented beverage is a great source of probiotics.

      This article was originally published on www.womenshealthmag.com More

    • 113 Shares

      in health and weelbeing

      5 Morning Routines That Actually Work, According To Science

      by

      If you’re on social media like the rest of the planet, you’ll know that morning routines are huge. Huuuuge. Pretty posts detailing mornings sipping specific green lattes, journalling, drinking water at specific times and more abound. But which of these routines are backed by science? We did the research to see the morning routines that’ll actually boost your day, leaving you refreshed and with other helpful benefits, too.

      Get sunlight ASAP

      Not only does getting a few minutes of uninterrupted sunshine boost your body’s production of vitamin D but it serves as a huge tool in boosting alertness. Since artificial light in our lives changes our natural circadian rhythm, causing us to be alert when we should feel sleepy, tuning into the natural rhythm of the sun has benefits. When you wake up, open the curtains, step outside and let the sunlight hit your face. This bright light therapy (BLT) can help with mood disorders like Seasonal Affective Disorder and can slow down the progressive cognitive decline in dementia, per one study. Another study found that people who took in sunlight within two hours of waking up were slimmer and better able to manage their weight than those who did not.

      Brush your teeth before breakfast

      You may not like the taste but the science might make you change your mind. When you sleep, plague – and the bacteria it causes – multiply in your mouth. Eating right after you wake up? That’s a whole lot of plague and bacteria you’re swallowing. Washing your mouth right after waking rinses out that icky bacteria and jump-starts saliva production, which helps break down the food you eat and kills the bad bacteria in your mouth.

      Get moving

      We know you hate to hear it but moving your body, even for a little while, can tip the needle in your favour for the rest of the day. Taking a walk, doing a light yoga flow or gentle stretches in bed can work. Plus, one study found that morning exercise reduces abdominal fat and blood pressure in women. If you’re up for it, try something heart-pumping. These offer the most benefits, since aerobic exercise is clutch at lifting the mood and clearing unwanted mental clutter. It also primes the body to burn fat all day long, provided you work out before breakfast.    

      Eat a breakfast

      If you like cereal, get that going (watch the sugars), but get some food in your system. Data from the Australian National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey found that among breakfast skippers, there were higher intakes of saturated fats and lower intakes of fibre and micronutrients. Another study found that among Brazilian breakfast eaters, there were higher intakes of vitamins B12, C and D. Also: a lower intake of sugars. People who skip breakfast were also found to have higher nutrient deficiencies than those who indulged. Breakfast isn’t just a nutritional powerhouse, either. Several large studies have found that there’s a strong correlation between eating breakfast and having a lowered risk of obesity and weight gain.

      Drink coffee, but not immediately

      Coffee’s main component is caffeine, which gives you those jittery energy vibes we’re all hooked on. But having a cup of coffee right after waking up might be a bad idea. That’s because, per research, your body’s production of cortisol is at one of its highest peaks during the first hour of waking. Messing with this alert hormone teaches your bod to produce less cortisol, meaning you naturally wake up feeling more sluggish than sharp. Even worse, you might develop a reliance on the brew. Keep your cuppa, but wait for an hour before downing it. More

    • 138 Shares

      in health and weelbeing

      What Is Insomnia, Exactly? And How Can We Get Better Sleep?

      by

      If sleep is a constant struggle for you (here’s looking at you, doom scrollers), welcome to the club. According to the sleep tracking app Sleep Cycle, South Africans get fewer hours in the hay than any other nation in the world. It also seems that the older you get, the worse your insomnia becomes. Per a 2012 study, people aged 65 and older have higher rates of insomnia.

      Meet The Expert: Dr Alison Bentley is a Restonic Sleep Expert

      So… What is insomnia?

      “It’s easiest to describe insomnia as a reduced quantity of sleep,” Dr Bentley says. “But, to be an insomniac, the reduction in hours of sleep has to cause some kind of problem with daytime function. This could range from poor concentration to memory problems, trouble focusing on tasks and fatigue.”

      She adds that apart from a drop in daytime function, insomnia can have many long-term effects on health, including cardiac issues and metabolic disorders, such as obesity and diabetes. This makes it important to address insomnia as soon as possible.

      What are the symptoms of insomnia?

      There are three main symptoms of insomnia, according to Dr Bentley.

       Trouble falling asleep

      Waking in the middle of the night and battling to go back to sleep

      Waking too early in the morning.

      Most people have more than one of these symptoms and a particular symptom does not necessarily link to a specific cause.

      There are different types of insomnia

      Insomnia is a class of disorders as there are multiple causes. Dr Bentley says the condition can also either be acute or chronic.

      Acute insomnia

      “Acute insomnia occurs when sleep is disrupted due to a specific stressor and in most people only lasts for as long as the stress does, after which it resolves and sleep becomes normal again,” she says.

      “The stress is often psychological. For example, someone might struggle with after the death of a loved one or during a period of intense work stress. It can, however, also be caused by a physical trigger, such as the development of a painful disorder, such as arthritis. Only a quarter of people with acute insomnia go on to suffer with chronic insomnia.”

      Chronic insomnia

      Got chronic insomnia? That’ll be the case if you’ve got sleep problems, from the above symptoms, lasting at least three days per week for at least three months. “At this point, it’s usually not stress causing the sleeplessness, but changes in the way we think of sleep (cognitive issues), as well as some bad habits (behavioural issues) that we adopt to try to get more sleep,” says Dr Bentley. “These mean we worry more about our sleep and spend longer in bed trying to get more sleep and both of these factors make our sleep problems worse.”

      Other types of insomnia

      If you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, chronic pain or obstructive sleep apnoea, you might also have insomnia. Various medications used to treat other medical disorders can also interfere with sleep, for example, medications that lower cholesterol and antiretrovirals for treating HIV infection, says Dr Bentley.

      Is your mattress the culprit?

      Sometimes, your mattress might be to blame. If you have a mattress that leaves you waking up with aches and pains, you might need to replace it. “Over time, the comfort layers in your mattress break down, which can cause pressure points when you sink onto the firmer support core,” says Dale Harley, Executive in Restonic Marketing.

      Dr Bentley adds that other signs that your mattress is affecting your sleep can include finding it difficult to get comfortable causing a longer sleep onset (time to fall asleep).

      “If you no longer wake up feeling refreshed, your mattress may be at the end of its life,” Harley says. “It’s worth exploring whether this is the case.”

      How do you know if you have insomnia?

      Sure, you’re not clocking eight solid hours every night, but does that mean you’re an insomniac? Not necessarily, says Dr Bentley. “The number of hours usually quoted as constituting ‘normal sleep’ is seven to eight hours a night. However, this is not quite true,” says Dr Bentley. “Yes, seven to eight hours is the average amount of sleep for a population. But there are many people who need more than that and some who need less.”

      Treatments for insomnia

      Treatment for insomnia can include CBT, or cognitive behavioural therapy, as well as medication. You’d also need to cultivate a sleep routine that includes cues your body would learn from. When you expose yourself to a certain scent, for example, that might signal sleep time for your brain, enabling you to nod off. Per the Sleep Foundation, healthy sleep would also involve limiting stimuli around bedtime. Yip, that includes your cellphone and TV.

      Bottom line: if you wake up feeling tired, you likely need more sleep. Think you’re dealing with insomnia? Chat with your doctor first. “There are a number of conditions that cause insomnia and treatment does not always need to involve sleeping tablets,” says Dr Bentley. “But ignoring the problem does not result in improvement over time. Once insomnia has become chronic, it will generally continue unless specific action is taken.” More

    • 175 Shares

      in health and weelbeing

      Here’s Why There’s More Air Pollution In Winter – And How To Solve It

      by

      During colder months, you’re probably going to want to light the fire, close the windows and keep cosy. And, when loadshedding hits, flick on the generator and continue to ‘Netflix and chill’. But, if you want to stay healthy this winter, this is exactly what you shouldn’t be doing – unless you’ve invested in an air purifier, says Trevor Brewer, Director of air treatment and lifestyle specialist Solenco. That’s because indoor air pollution in winter can become a problem.

      In winter, the air gets a little dirtier, leading to respiratory illness that can get deadly. Per the WHO, Household air pollution was responsible for an estimated 3.2 million deaths per year in 2020, including over 237 000 deaths of children under the age of 5. Cooking with gas because of loadshedding? Watch out: these gases emit kerosene, which generates harmful household air pollution, says the WHO.

      Air pollution in winter – even indoors

      In South Africa, the particulate matter (read: pollution) in our air is regularly higher than the national standards. Around 86% of South Africa’s primary energy supply is from coal, and much of the particulate matter that we breathe in is caused in the process of generating coal-fired electricity, says Brewer.

      And indoor pollution can get bad. “Pollutants are microscopic particles of toxic chemicals that are small enough to enter the bloodstream. Because they’re so small, you can be sure they’re being carried into your home. In fact, the concentration of pollutants and toxins found in the air can actually be two to five times higher indoors than out,” says Brewer.

      Air Pollution Solutions

      Stay ventilated

      Keeping the windows closed may help to keep cold air out but it also keeps polluted air in. Dust, fumes from household chemicals, emissions from appliances, bacteria and germs, pet dander, damp and mould, and the pollutants discussed above, are all at home in your house when there’s no fresh air circulating. And with them come all the winter ailments.

      You could stock up on medicine to deal with the symptoms that come with seasonal changes, says Brewer, but he suggests that you rather prevent these adverse effects by investing in an air purifier for your home or office.

      Solenco Purification Pal

      This gadget keeps the air in your home clean by forcing air through an ultra-fine mesh that traps pollutants. Look for one with HEPA tech, like the Solenco Purification Pal, that removes 99.8% of particles as small as 0.3 microns from the air.

      Humidify your air

      The dryness of the air can constitute a health hazard, especially in cooler months. For people with respiratory or lung issues, cold and dry air narrows airways and makes it harder to breathe. Even if you’re healthy, dry air can cause pain, inflammation and headaches, asthma, allergies and hay fever, itchy, uncomfortable skin, and nose bleeds. What works? A humidifier, which can refresh the air by injecting purified water into your surroundings.

      Xiaomi Humidifier 2 Lite

      Brewer says an evaporative humidifier is a great way to keep your indoor air at optimal moisture levels and remove air impurities, to improve your comfort and your health. A smaller unit will service a bedroom or living area, while a whole-home unit can cover 370 square metres.

      Invest in air-purifying plants

      Some house plants can diffuse toxic chemicals in the air, like formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene. It’s essential to still clean your plants, since the leaves can collect dust, leading to allergies.

      Look for plants like English Ivy, Bamboo Palm and Aloe Vera. Snake plants are extremely pretty indoors and also help purify the air. More