Health Advice

Subterms

    More stories

    • 88 Shares

      in health and weelbeing

      What’s The Difference Between STDs And STIs?

      by

      You probably learned to group conditions such as herpes, chlamydia and genital warts under the term STD, meaning sexually transmitted disease. But in the past five years or so, these three consonants have increasingly been replaced by STI (sexually transmitted infection), leading many to ask: what’s the actual difference between STDs and STIs?

      Is the term STD… out of fashion?

      More and more OB-GYNs seem to use the latter term when they discuss conditions like herpes and chlamydia with their patients. And if you’ve Googled the topic lately (no judgment!), you probably see STI more than you used to. The short answer? Yeah, in a move to de-stigmatise sexually transmitted complications, the term STD is being used less and less. But the semantics are rooted in a subtle scientific distinction.

      So… what’s the difference between STDs and STIs?

      An STD, or sexually transmitted disease, is so named when a sexually transmitted infection (STI) leads to symptoms. A symptom, or manifestation of an infection in the body, could be something like sores, itchiness or burning. But, importantly, not all STIs present symptoms. Things like HPV, for example, can present no symptoms and can go away on their own. Other STIs like syphilis can also exhibit no symptoms. And, not all STIs progress into STDs. But all STDs start out as STIs. Make sense?

      Why the change?

      More experts are starting to prefer STI because they think it carries less of a stigma.
”The word ‘disease’ implies that a person has a set of distinctive, identifiable symptoms and most of the time, sexually transmitted infections do not present any symptoms,” says Carolyn Deal, chief of the sexually transmitted diseases branch of the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. (Despite the branch name, Dean says her colleagues have made the switch to the term STI.)

      Plus, when signs of an STI do appear, they’re often mild or cause no real problem. That makes the term disease feel off, especially considering that millions of people have or have had one, says Fred Wyand, director of communications at the American Sexual Health Association.

      Switching the terminology also has to do with removing the association with shame and unseemliness that the letters STD still have. The word ‘disease’ has a stigma, while ‘infection’ reflects something more benign and less scary, says Deal.

      The bottom line: It’s a good idea to use the term STI in an effort to make everyone feel less intimidated – and to help mitigate the stigma. But if you stick to the old-school STD, it’s not like your friends, partner, and OB-GYN won’t know what you’re talking about. More

    • 113 Shares

      in health and weelbeing

      Um, Can You Really Get An STD From Kissing?

      by

      We’re willing to bet you’ve asked yourself a ton of questions about kissing… when you were 13. Now, though, aside from hoping their beard’s not too scratchy or they don’t have a cold, you’re not too worried about smooches. Right? Well… per experts, it turns out you could get an STD from kissing. Read it and weep – then protect yourself with knowledge and these tips.

      Can you get an STD from kissing?

      Alas, you actually can. A peck on the mouth (or a full-blown, let-me-shove-my-tongue-down-your-throat make-out session) can actually transmit a couple of different types of STDs [insert cringing emoji here]: herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1 and 2 and syphilis, says Dr Teena Chopra, corporate medical director of infection prevention and hospital epidemiology at Detroit Medical Center and Wayne State University.

      Talk about a mood killer. Luckily, you don’t have to swear off kissing forever—buuut, it’s a good idea to just be aware of what can be spread through spit-swapping. Here’s what you need to know about the two STDs you can get through kissing.

      What to know about getting herpes from kissing:

      Herpes simplex virus (HSV 1 and 2) infections are one of the most common STDs and, once contracted, they last a lifetime, according to the American National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).

      “Once a person has been infected, the virus can remain dormant (latent) for years before periodically reactivating to cause recurrent disease,” the website notes. Which is why it’s also important to note: people who don’t know they have herpes can still spread herpes, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

      Whereas HSV-1 is responsible for oral herpes, HSV-2 is what causes genital herpes. However, oral herpes can be spread from the mouth to the genitals as a result of oral sex (when herpes is active), which is how some cases of genital herpes are caused by HSV-1, according to the CDC. And, yes, the reverse is also true: Genital herpes can be passed from one person’s genitals to another person’s mouth, causing oral herpes. Talk about a vicious cycle.

      READ MORE: This Is EXACTLY What Men Think… During Sex

      How to navigate herpes with your partner

      If you’re concerned about herpes (and you know your partner has it), ask them to be diligent about symptoms that signal an outbreak is coming (you’re more likely to contract the virus during a herpes flare). Burning, itching, and/or tingling feelings are all signs that sores are about to appear. Also, medications are available that can decrease how long symptoms last, as well as decrease their severity. But, sadly, there’s no cure (yet!).

      You might also want to encourage your partner to be upfront by assuring them that herpes is nothing to be embarrassed about. In fact, it’s ridiculously common. Per the World Health Organisation (WHO), “An estimated 491 million people aged 15–49 (13%) worldwide have HSV-2 infection.” In South Africa, that number is even higher: studies have found that 40 to 70% of sexually active people have an HSV-2 infection.

      Another prevention method: If your partner has herpes, then they can chat with their doctor about taking medication that can lower their chances of spreading the virus.

      READ MORE: Your June 2024 Sex Horoscope Is Here And It’s Time To Add A Date Night To Your Calendar

      So, what about getting syphilis from kissing?

      Syphilis occurs in four stages, according to the CDC, with different signs and symptoms associated with each stage.

      Primary syphilis will be evident because a person will generally have sores. These will typically be around the genitals and/or mouth, called chancres, per the CDC. These sores are round and painless, per the WHO and heal in a few days.

      Secondary syphilis includes a skin rash, swollen lymph nodes and fever. Symptoms will go away without treatment, per the WHO.

      Sneakily, there are no signs or symptoms during the third or latent stage of the STD. Unfortunately, this can be deadly and can progress to the fourth and final stage if left untreated.

      The fourth stage of syphilis, however, known as tertiary syphilis, can be linked to severe medical problems. Left untreated, syphilis can affect the heart, brain, and other organs of the body, according to the CDC.

      The infection can be passed by direct contact with a sore during the first three stages. It can be passed on via vaginal, anal, or oral sex—and, yes, even through kissing. Importantly, syphilis is treatable and curable.

      READ MORE: At-Home Test Kits: From Ovulation To STDs, Here’s How To Get Results At Home

      How to navigate syphilis with your partner

      Chopra says the only way to avoid syphilis is to avoid sex or kissing completely. But uh, since that’s not totally practical, there are ways to reduce your risk.

      Straight-up asking new partners whether or not they have an STD, as awkward as this is, is a good idea. It’s also ok to ask new partners to get tested. And if you see a sore, it’s totally ok – and advisable – to avoid kissing, says Dr Amesh A. Adalja, an infectious diseases physician.

      And while you’re at it, make sure to get yourself tested too. Doctors won’t typically test you for herpes unless you’re showing symptoms like sores, but you can still get tested for syphilis whether you’re showing signs or not.

      The bottom line: Ask questions before getting hot and heavy. If you know your partner has herpes or syphilis, cool it on the kissing until active oral sores are treated or healed.

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

    • 163 Shares

      in fitness and body

      How To Get Fit In Your 20s – This Is Your Healthy Routine

      by

      How to get fit in your 20s? Easy. This is the decade in which you’re most likely to be in your peak physical condition; your reaction times are at their fastest, you can build muscle quicker and recover from tough sessions faster. You’re also developing your musculoskeletal strength. “Because bone density peaks in your twenties to early thirties, undertaking weight-bearing activity [where your bones are supporting your weight] like running, soccer or netball, in combination with a strength programme, can maximise your bone health for life,” says Dr Rebecca Robinson, consultant physician in sport and exercise medicine.

      Embracing an active lifestyle now will not only benefit you in the present but will also pave the way for a healthier future. Let’s dive into how you can kickstart your fitness journey in your 20s and make lasting changes that will impact both your body and mind positively.

      Strength Is Key

      The workout you want to do is the one you should do (it’s the one you’ll keep up), but there’s resounding encouragement around strength training. “It’s great for increasing muscle mass and boosting metabolism and confidence,” says personal trainer Samantha McGowan.

      The latter is particularly important in your twenties: several studies have shown that women’s confidence increases with age, while others show that strength training can seriously bolster self-esteem, as lifting heavier and achieving goals gives you a sense of achievement. Dr Hassan concurs. “Finding a balance of basic activity forms (cardio and strength) is key, but your weekly schedule should include at least one strength training session. The type is up to you – body weight, free weights or weight machines all reap the same rewards. I’d advise a combination.”

      Understand Your Body

      Track your menstrual cycle and practise pelvic floor exercises. Contract for three seconds, then relax and repeat. Do eight to 10 daily. Around 21 percent of women in South Africa suffer from a form of incontinence, but strengthening the pelvic area can be game-changing. “Monitor your workout performance during your monthly cycle and see if there are any patterns,” advises Dr Hassan. The four phases: menstrual, follicular, ovulatory and luteal affect hormones, energy levels, strength and endurance. For example, the rise in oestrogen levels post-menstruation means you may have more energy.

      Make Time For Rest

      While this is a great time to fall in love with exercise, over-exercising is common among women of this agegroup. For many of the 20-something patients Dr Nicky Keay, an exercise endocrinologist, sees for amenorrhoea (loss of periods), it can be directly attributed to relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S, pronounced ‘reds’). “It’s a disparity between food intake (the energy and micronutrients you’re consuming) and the nutrition required to cover the energy demands of exercise and the basic ‘housekeeping’ tasks in the body,” she explains. If you’re concerned that your workouts are taking their toll, Dr Keay suggests ditching high-intensity exercise and building in some slow strength and conditioning sessions, too.

      Get Fit In Your 20s: How To Do This Bodyweight Mobility Workout

      Each exercise done for 45 seconds with a 15-second rest. Repeat the circuit 3 times for a sweaty bodyweight HIIT session. If you have any injuries, please check with your medical practitioner to see if it safe for you to do the following bodyweight exercises. Remember to have fun!

      1. Rolling cobra

      Start in a hovering child’s pose and extend your legs up to a down dog (A) Shift your weight forward, round your back as you move through a plank, and then a hanging cobra-style position (B). Continue for 45 seconds.

      READ MORE: Your 4-Week Home Workout Plan To Get Fit And Strong AF

      2. Beast reach to high plank

      From hovering child’s pose spring your knees forward to a high plank. Reach and repeat for 45 seconds (A).

      3. Beast reach, high plank, runners lunge

      Move from hovering child’s pose to high plank and then step your foot on the outside of the same side hand for runners lunge (A). Reach back to hovering child’s pose (B). Repeat alternating sides for 45 seconds.

      READ MORE: The Best Back Stretches To Tackle Upper And Lower Back Pain, From A Yoga Instructor

      4. Beast reach, high plank, runner lunge to sit through

      Once in runner lunge, lift your back foot up through the middle of the body (A). Lift the opposite hand off the floor too, balancing on one hand and foot (B). Come back to your starting position and repeat for 45 seconds.

      Foods You Should Be Eating In Your 20s

      Remember, balance is key! Allow yourself occasional treats but aim for consistency with nourishing foods that support your fitness journey. Your body will thank you for it!

      Go for food high in fibre like beans, fruits, veggies and whole grains. High-fibre foods digest more slowly and are also more filling, which means they’re a good option for weight control.

      Calcium plays a role in heart health, muscle function and nerve signalling. Many seeds are good sources of calcium. Cheese, yoghurt and sardines are also great sources of calcium.

      Eat the rainbow. Aim for five servings of vegetables a day (1 serving = ½ cup cooked or 1 cup salad) and try to have a bigger variety of veggies each week.

      Habits To Avoid In Your 20s

      Overtraining. The idea that you’re near-invincible during your twenties is only natural – you’ve got energy for days and can sail through any sweat session with a hangover like it’s nothing, but the ‘too much of a good thing’ adage may apply. Over-exercising is something personal trainer Caroline Bragg sees in plenty of her clients in their twenties. “Overtraining can lead to RED-S [relative energy deficiency syndrome], when the body isn’t taking on enough energy to meet demand,” she says. “This can lead to your body fat dropping so low that you stop producing oestrogen, which in turn can nix your periods (amenorrhea). Later on, this lack of oestrogen can cause loss of libido, trouble sleeping and difficulty concentrating.”

      This article written by Kirsti Buick first appeared in the July/August 2022 Issue of Women’s Health UK, additional reporting by Women’s Health SA team. More

    • 138 Shares

      in diet and nutrition

      5 High-Carb Fruits—And How Adding Protein Or Fat Helps Blood Sugar

      by

      There are *so* many reasons to love fruits. These nutrient-rich foods pack in plenty of vitamins, minerals, fibre and phytonutrients—necessary for keeping your body functioning at an optimal level. And, many contain antioxidants like polyphenols, also, that help ward off cancer and keep your body healthy.

      But here’s the thing: Eating endless fruit isn’t a zero-sum game. That’s because all fruit contains natural sugar, and as a result, is naturally higher in carbohydrate content than vegetables, says registered dietitian Bonnie Taub-Dix.

      Some low-carb diets, including the ketogenic diet, actually suggest avoiding most fruits because of their carb content. (FWIW there isn’t an “official” definition of what low-carb truly means, but most of these diets range between 50 to 150 grams of carbs per day, with the keto diet at no more than 50 grams of carbs per day.)

      “I’ve never met a patient in my practice that was overweight because they ate too much produce. I have, however, had patients eating too much fruit and think that it doesn’t matter because it’s fruit. But it does matter,” she says, especially if you are managing diabetes or need to control your blood sugar levels.

      Quick tip to help stabilise blood sugar levels when having fruit: Pair ’em with protein and or fat. Try adding some almond butter to your apple.

      Meet the Expert: Bonnie Taub-Dix is a registered dietitian, nutrition consultant and author of Read It Before You Eat It: Taking You From Label to Table.

      But the carbs in fruit are just one part of the picture, Taub-Dix says. Fruit isn’t something to avoid! Keep the fruit’s carbohydrate content in mind along with its overall nutritional profile and don’t jump to eliminating high-carb fruits. Women should be eating about one and a half to two cups of fruit a day, according to the NIH. (BTW, most people aren’t eating enough of it in the first place.)

      High-carb fruits might be a great way to stay fuelled before a workout and they make for a sweet (all natural!) treat to end your day.

      So whether you’re navigating a low-carb diet or you’re just curious, here are five fruits that have particularly high carb counts.

      READ MORE: What Is The 30 Plants Per Week Challenge?

      1. Banana

      If a banana comes to mind when you’re thinking of high-carb fruit, there’s a good reason why: A medium banana (about 18cm long) is loaded with 27 grams of carbs. There are a few other reasons to throw this fruit into your a.m. smoothie, though—from containing prebiotics and fibre to packing in electrolytes, including potassium.

      2. Raisins

      Fuelling up for a hike? Chances are you will find a decent amount of raisins in trail mix, likely because of their high carb count. With 22 grams of carbs in a little box of raisins, you only need a handful of these sweet nuggets to get a quick energy boost when you’re out on the trail or on a long run. But you’ll also get 2 grams of fibre, which can help balance your blood sugar levels and minerals like potassium and iron.

      3. Mango

      Many tropical fruits tend to have higher sugar content, and therefore, higher carb counts. And mangoes are no exception. According to the USDA, one cup of cut mango yields 25 grams of carbs. That said, there are many reasons to eat this “king of fruits.” It’s a solid source of vitamin C, vitamin A and folate.

      READ MORE: 10 Healthy Snacks That Won’t Give You A Sugar Crash In 20 Minutes

      4. Pineapple

      Each cup of chopped pineapple contains almost 22 grams of carbohydrates (per the USDA) and offers tons of nutritional benefits. This tasty tropical fruit packs in 85 percent of your daily manganese needs, an essential nutrient that helps your body function properly, and plenty of vitamin C, fibre and H2O. (With 86% water, it’s also a great source of hydration.)

      5. Apple

      One medium apple—measuring about 7cm in diameter—has about 25 grams of carbs (that number varies only slightly depending on the type of apple). Surprised? That’s probably partly because it is a high-fibre fruit. Apples also are rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, which help keep your immune system humming.

      This article by Christine Yu & Trish Clasen Marsanico was first published on Women’s Health US. More

    • 150 Shares

      in health and weelbeing

      3 Hand Exercises You Should Try If You’ve Got Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

      by

      That nonstop pounding on the keyboard all day may help you get ahead, career-wise (assuming what you’re typing so frenetically is still intelligible) but it’s tough on the digits. Those tiny keystroke movements don’t seem like much, but all the repetition can bring the pain to your fingers and wrists. And once you do the damage, carpal tunnel syndrome and chronic wrist, hand and forearm pain can be a bear to get rid of.

      READ MORE: Hunch Over Your Desk? These Moves Will Sort Out Your Shoulders STAT

      To ward off and relieve these symptoms, carve out two or three mini-breaks in your type-intensive day for these carpal tunnel syndrome exercises.

      1. Figure Eights

      [embedded content]

      Stand or sit up tall in a chair and bring your hands together in front of you, fingers interlaced. Keeping your elbows bent, alternately push your hands to the side so that your right wrist bends back, and then the left one. Using this back-and-forth as a base, start moving your hands in an imaginary figure eight, rotating the wrists more fully. Do this until you feel relief.

      2. Overhead Reach

      Still sitting upright, relax your arms at your sides so your palms face out comfortably. Take an inhale and lift your arms up overhead. Interlace your fingers. Turn your palms up to the ceiling, either keeping your arms slightly bent or straightening them. Hold for 10 slow, deep breaths (counting an inhale and an exhale as one breath).

      On your last exhalation, lower your arms to your sides. Then inhale, interlacing your fingers overhead again, but this time with the opposite hand on top. Be sure to lift the thumb side of your hands as much as the pinky side. Hold for 10 slow, deep breaths. This overhead reach stretches out the muscles and connective tissue in the forearms and hands while bringing flexibility to the hands and fingers. Plus, it boosts circulation.

      READ MORE: We Asked A Yoga Instructor For The Best Back Stretches To Tackle Upper And Lower Back Pain

      3. Finger-Bender

      Sitting up, bring your right forearm in toward your chest. With your left hand, bend back your right fingers (minus thumb) to your right. Hold for 10 slow, deep breaths. Then bend those same four fingers the opposite way, with your palm pushing them toward the floor. Hold for 10 slow breaths before repeating with the left hand.

      These 3 ridiculously simple stretches do insane things for your posture. Plus: Use these 5 resistance band moves to ease knee pain.  More

    • 100 Shares

      in diet and nutrition

      What Is The 30 Plants Per Week Challenge?

      by

      Forget five a day, scientists have said getting 30 portions of fruit and vegetables a week is even better for your health – and that eating a large variety of plants is just as key. Yep, it looks like there’s a new mantra in town: 30 plants a week, also known as the ’30 plant challenge’ or ‘plant points’.

      What is the 30 plant challenge?

      The challenge comes from the likes of expert dietician and NHS Clinical Lead, Catherine Rabess (author of the book, The 30 Plan) who quotes a 2018 study that found people who ate a variety of plant foods, like fruits, vegetables and whole grains, boasted better gut health. Led by the British and American Gut Project, and run by the University of California San Diego in the US alongside Dr Tim Spector of King’s College London in the UK, the study offered a new message: instead of “eat five a day”, they started saying “eat 30 plants a week.”

      The Results

      The advice to eat 30 plants a week is based on the project’s study of thousands of people (well, more specifically, their poop) and found those who ate a wider variety of plant foods – fruits and vegetables, but also seeds, nuts, whole grains and spices – had a more diverse gut microbiome. A wider variety of gut bacteria provides a basis for better overall health and well-being: greater resilience to withstand pathogens, better digestion and better brain function.

      “Don’t fall into the trap of eating the same meal every day, even though that makes life easy. At least have three different breakfasts, three different lunches and three different dinners and rotate them across the week. However ideally try the 30 plant foods per week challenge,” says Nutritionist Edwina Ekins. “Research shows that those that eat 30 different plant foods (compared to those that only eat 10) have a much more diverse and therefore healthier gut microbiota. A diverse gut microbiota is linked to a lower risk of many diseases including bowel cancer and diabetes.”

      Now, that’s not to say getting your five servings of fruit and veggies per day is a goal to discard; eating those foods still have incredible health benefits, helps to keep our bodies topped up with vital nutrients and much, much more. But the idea behind the 30 plants a week – also known as the ‘diversity diet’ – focuses more on gut health.

      How does the 30 plants challenge work?

      It works by assigning every individual plant you eat one “plant point”, even if you only eat a small amount of that plant, like a couple of carrot sticks or one strawberry. Herbs, spices and garlic also count, but only for quarter of a point.

      Then you have colours to consider: different coloured versions of plants, like red and yellow capsicums, count separately as a point each, since different coloured plants contain slightly different amounts of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. But some items don’t count at all – like white rice and potatoes (they spike your blood sugar too much, according to Spector, and contain less fibre and nutrients than other plants).

      “Eating 30 plants a week means eating 30 different varieties of plants, but this doesn’t prescribe serving sizes,” says Rabess. “It can seem tougher to achieve this if you are cooking for one, but remember that foods do not always need to be fresh. Tinned and frozen foods are my go-to, and they are extremely cost-effective and a great way to limit waste.”

      “Each different variety of plant that you eat counts as one plant point. Even herbs and spices are a quarter of a point each,” she adds. “So, if you eat a banana, an apple and a carrot, you would have earned three plant points. If you had porridge and sprinkled on cinnamon and nutmeg, the added spices would total half a plant point.”

      The more plant points you earn = the more diverse your diet is.

      What counts as a plant point?

      Vegetables such as:

      aubergine

      broccoli

      carrot

      spinach

      cabbage

      onion

      pepper

      tomato (okay, yes it’s technically a fruit but…)

      Fruit such as:

      avocados

      berries

      bananas

      oranges

      figs

      kiwis

      Some legumes such as:

      chickpeas

      lentils

      broad beans

      pinto beans

      soybeans or edamame

      Some grains such as:

      quinoa

      barley

      brown rice

      Some nuts and seeds such as:

      cashews

      almonds

      brazil nuts

      chia seeds

      pumpkin seeds

      walnuts

      pistachios

      Herbs and spices (whether they’re fresh or dried out) such as:

      mint

      basil

      parsley

      sage

      ginger

      nutmeg

      paprika

      saffron

      turmeric

      Do supplements count?

      According to Nutritionist, Edwina Ekins: not really. She says that many of the marketing claims around these products are exaggerated and that most supplements are best suited to people with deficiencies – not as part of an overall diet.

      “Greens powders are a hot topic at the moment: There are several on the market all claiming to have benefits for immune, energy, gut health and blood pressure, but the research is in its infancy, and we cannot support these claims yet,” explains Ekins. “In saying that, greens powders are packed with approximately 75 different nutrients including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, prebiotic fibres, probiotics and digestive enzymes. A greens powder may act as a “stop gap” when our diets are insufficient.”

      “These powders are certainly no substitute for real foods and we should continue to strive for two serves of fruit and 5 serves of vegetables per day, however, they make sense if someone doesn’t like vegetables, is travelling with limited access to fruit and vegetables and is suffering from energy issues despite having good sleep, drinking enough water and doing exercise,” she adds.

      “There is huge cost range in greens powders, and this is not necessarily reflected in the content so read the back of the pack of at least two and makes a comparison before you purchase. Again, greens powders are not suitable for everyone, especially those on medication or pregnant or breastfeeding. Many also contain inulin or other prebiotic fibres which for some people can upset your gut. So, in summary, you don’t need a greens powder but there may be certain times when taking a greens powder would improve energy levels.”

      More:

      The article by Nikolina Ilic appeared first on Women’s Health Australia. More

    • 175 Shares

      in health and weelbeing

      If Your Mattress Sucks, You Might Want To Try Pressure Mapping For Better Sleep

      by

      Let’s go back: the last time you bought a mattress (Varsity? Your first flat, ten years ago?), how long did you spend on it before making things official? Did you walk from bed to bed and lay there for a few seconds before hopping onto the next one? If you answered yes, we have some sobering news.

      According to experts, you should spend 15 minutes on a prospective mattress before purchasing. Thankfully, there is now a faster, more efficient and scientific way to make sure you’re getting the right mattress for your body. It’s pressure mapping, and it takes just five minutes.

      Why is the right mattress important?

      Not to alarm you, but it’s sort of THE most important thing. A good night’s sleep starts with the right surface that supports your unique frame and sleeping position. When you’re in bed with a mattress that’s too firm or too soft, you won’t sleep as well. Plus, a bad night’s sleep consistently for weeks or months on end means far more than being cranky. Bad sleep affects your mental health, your mood, blood sugar regulation, weight and more. With a good mattress, you’re setting yourself up for better sleep quality, which impacts your health significantly.

      READ MORE: Fall Asleep Faster With These 7 Hacks For Better Sleep

      What is pressure mapping?

      A computerised tool, pressure mapping software identifies how your weight is distributed across the mattress. The practice originated in healthcare to prevent pain and improve comfort among patients. Now, it’s gone mainstream.

      At Bed King’s Comfort Solutions Lab, you can have your sleep position analysed. The pressure mapping tech, which has over 1600 built-in pressure sensors, targets the body’s pain points, creating the optimal sleep code that is then matched to three of twelve different mattresses. Each mattress, designed and manufactured locally by Bed King, complements each sleep code.

      How pressure mapping matches you to an ideal mattress

      “The more pressure you have, the more comfort you will need in a mattress to relieve those pressure points,” explains Carla Ewertse-Myburgh, Operations Executive at Bed King. “Comfort is not measured by how soft a mattress is but by how much pressure it’s able to relieve. And if there is not enough comfort, you’ll find yourself tossing and turning the whole night trying to find comfort. The other factor is support and this is provided by the pocket spring units found in our mattresses.”

      Once you’ve laid on the pressure mapping tech (it takes about five minutes), the data is interpreted and will create a connection between Bed King’s offering and your sleep data. You’ll get a unique sleep code that connects you to your dream mattress. The sleep code info is based on your weight, body composition and sleeping position.

      Does pressure mapping work for couples?

      If you don’t sleep alone, bring your S.O. along and get mapped together. Both codes are considered as the tech does its magic, but more often than not, the heavier body needs more support.

      READ MORE: Magnesium Is Brilliant For Sleep And Cramps – Here’s How To Get Enough Of It

      What your sleeping position might mean

      How you sleep at night not only plays a role in figuring out the ideal mattress for you but can also have health insights. Here’s what the experts have to say.

      Sleep On Your Tummy

      If you prefer a prone position (lying nearly face-down), you’re probably a perfectionist who is compulsive, persistent and goal-orientated, says psychiatrist and sleep expert Samuel Dunkell. These qualities may be good for your career, but they don’t do your body any favours.

      Sleeping on your stomach can twist your neck into an awkward position, put excess pressure on your spine and make it more difficult to inhale, says Dr Lee Surkin. To avoid waking up all achey, gently nudge yourself into sleeping in a foetal pose by lying on your side with one pillow between your knees and another behind your back.

      Sleep On Your Back

      Staring straight up at the ceiling can signal an adventurous, confident and receptive personality, says Dunkell. Dozing on your back also keeps pressure off your jaw, which is crucial for people with painful temporomandibular joint disorder (pain in the jaw joint).

      But back sleeping triggers undue stress on your airway, so it’s a bad idea for snorers. If you’re a noisy breather, try the pillow trick explained above or buy a full-body pillow that will keep you on your side.

      Sleep On Your Side

      Around 73 percent of women and 50 percent of men spend the night on their sides. Most curl into a semi-foetal pose, with their knees just slightly bent, says Dunkell. According to his research, such people tend to be compromising and appeasing, whereas those who snooze in full foetal (with their knees practically hugged to their chest) are introspective and intense.

      Health-wise, sleeping on either side curtails snoring and resting on your left side keeps your stomach active and eases heartburn, according to the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology. More

    • 188 Shares

      in health and weelbeing

      What To Eat To Avoid Colds And Boost Your Immune System, According To A Dietician

      by

      Staving off winter viruses is pretty high up on most people’s winter agendas. The good news? You can use food to help you avoid colds and boost your immune system.

      As we slide into winter, your thoughts are likely turning to where the hell you put your beanie, which moisturiser will actually heal your dry, sensitive skin – and what to eat to prevent a cold.

      Yep, cold and flu season is here and staving off the virus is pretty high up on most people’s winter agendas (missing your next scheduled running race thanks to sniffles is no one’s idea of fun). The good news? What you choose to eat and drink can directly influence your immune health.

      So what are the best foods that help you avoid colds and boost your immune system? To get you the intel WH tapped up consultant dietician and head of nutritional research at Heights, Sophie Medlin, to find out her must-eat immunity-boosting foods to stave off the sniffles – plus, why our diet plays such an important role in keeping our immune system healthy.

      Why are nutrients so important for our immune system?

      Our immune system is complex and influenced by many factors, including sleep, exercise, stress and importantly, nutrition, explains Medlin. “It can be helpful to remember that our immune system uses up more nutrients when it is fighting an infection because vitamin C, zinc and others are essential to the functioning of our immune cells,” she says.

      “While there is no one ‘superfood’ which will fight illness on its own, what we put into our body truly is the foundation of our health. Eating a balanced, varied diet rich in plants makes a vital contribution to the function of the cells throughout our body, including our immune cells – 70% of which live in our gut. That’s why the health and diversity of our gut microbiome is one of the most important elements in determining the health of our immune system,” she explains.

      How can food boost your immune system?

      The right combination of vitamins and minerals helps to support our immune system in a multitude of ways, says Medlin – including; “working as antioxidants to protect healthy cells, supporting growth and activity of immune cells, and producing antibodies.”

      As mentioned, our gut microbiome plays a key role in our immune function by stimulating immune cell activity. “Consuming a variety of vitamins and minerals through fruits, vegetables and whole grains is essential in supporting the growth and maintenance of these good gut microbes,” she says.

      Important nutrients for our immune system include zinc, vitamin C, vitamin D, selenium, iron and protein.

      In our fast-paced lifestyles, we often rely on convenience foods and therefore struggle to get all of the nutrients we need from our diet. “We also neglect our diet more when we’re stressed and anxious, which makes us more vulnerable,” adds Medlin.

      “Taking a good quality supplement and probiotic can give you an insurance policy by ensuring the right nutrients are always available to help support your immune system even when your diet is less optimal in the short term. That said, as a well-supplemented dietitian sitting writing this with a cold… sometimes, it doesn’t matter how much effort you put in, the bugs will still get you if you’re run down so don’t blame yourself.”

      How can supplements help bolster immune health?

      The question of diet vs supplements is one which is asked a lot, says Medlin, “and the two are often polarised as two sides of a strict dichotomy. In reality, the relationship is much more nuanced. A balanced and varied diet is absolutely the best place to start – it’s the foundation of all nutritional health, and ideally, we would be able to get all of our nutrients from this.”

      However, our busy modern lifestyles can sometimes make it difficult for us to stay on top of what we’re eating and to get the right combination of vegetables and whole foods that we need.

      “There are also environmental factors to take into account,” she says. “Evidence suggests that deteriorating air quality and atmospheric pollution increases our nutritional requirements, as does poor gut health — an increasingly common problem. On top of that, decades of intensive factory farming have depleted the soil of nutrients. This means that the food we grow contains less nutritional value than it used to, making it even harder to get enough of the nutrients we need from diet alone. We also know that caffeine and alcohol deplete our nutrient stores.”

      If you aren’t able to get all of your nutritional requirements from your diet, then nutritional supplementation is a simple, convenient and effective way to bridge the gap. It’ll also ensure that you’re getting the vitamins and minerals you need for a healthy immune system.

      But can you overdo it with supplements?

      When choosing a supplement, Medlin recommends checking the quantity and making sure that any dose is within the safe upper limit (SUL). “It’s essential to make sure that the ingredients — the actual compounds that contain the micronutrients — are high quality and high-impact. That means you’re looking for active, bioavailable forms of the nutrient where possible,” she explains.

      But unless you’re deficient in a certain nutrient, could you do more harm than good by taking supplements? What if you’re trying to avoid colds and boost your immune system?

      “It is certainly possible to overdo it with nutrients,” says Medlin. ‘For example, during the pandemic, we saw people taking ‘megadoses’ of things like vitamin C and D. This makes your body have to work very hard to process and excrete these nutrients which in the end, causes more harm than good.

      “Some nutrients such as B vitamins are water-soluble and your body can easily take what it needs without causing harm, whereas others like vitamin D, vitamin A and vitamin E can build up in your body, causing harm.”

      What are the best immune-boosting foods?

      Here are nine nutrients which have been scientifically proven to benefit your natural immunity. Each can be sourced through the foods listed, (but also found within supplements). To avoid colds and boost immune system, look to these nutrients.

      1. Vitamin A

      Vitamin A is an anti-inflammatory, which provides essential support for your immune system by supporting the production of antibodies.

      Good sources of vitamin A include:

      Cheese

      Eggs

      Red and yellow vegetables

      Leafy green vegetables

      2. Vitamin B6

      B Vitamins help to maintain a healthy immune system by supporting cellular function.

      Good sources of vitamin B6 include:

      Chickpeas

      Oily fish

      Potatoes

      Chicken breast

      3. Folic acid

      Image by Racool Studio on Freepik

      Vitamin B9, also known as folate or folic acid, is another nutrient you need for proper immunity.

      You can get B9 from some food sources, such as:

      Liver

      Spinach

      Rice

      Asparagus

      4. Vitamin B12

      Another B vitamin, this time B12. We only need small amounts of B12, which you can find in foods like:

      Shellfish

      Beef

      Milk

      Eggs

      5. Vitamin C

      The most well-known vitamin for immunity is Vitamin C. It’s an antioxidant, which means it protects your body from toxins that cause inflammation.

      Good sources of vitamin C include:

      Citrus fruit

      Peppers

      Broccoli

      Brussels sprouts

      6. Vitamin D

      While it’s true that we can get vitamin D from sunlight, there’s little to no chance of us getting enough exposure in the winter. For this reason, the NHS recommends everyone take a vitamin D supplement to counteract the lack of sunlight exposure we receive throughout the winter.

      Some foods do contain vitamin D, including:

      Fortified eggs

      Mushrooms which have been treated with ultraviolet light

      Tinned fish

      However, it should be pointed out that these foods aren’t long-term practical sources because the quantity of Vitamin D within them is so low.

      7. Iron

      Most people think of iron as something for your red blood cells, but it’s essential for maintaining your natural defences, too. People often think first of red meat when it comes to meeting their iron intake, but you can actually get the trace element from a variety of vegetarian sources too, including:

      Beans

      Eggs

      Tofu

      8. Selenium

      Selenium is a lesser-known mineral, and it plays a key role in the healthy functioning of the immune system by protecting the immune cells from oxidative stress – a process that disrupts the body’s ability to rid itself of toxins. There aren’t many food sources that contain high levels of selenium, but some of the best are:

      Brazil nuts

      Sardines

      Prawns

      9. Zinc

      Image by Racool Studio on Freepik

      Zinc supports so many healthy functions throughout the body, and is important for the development and regeneration of a specific type of immune cell. Zinc is also highly important for other bodily processes such as cognitive function, fertility and reproduction.

      Good sources of zinc include:

      Oysters

      Pumpkin seeds

      Cheese

      Lentils

      This story was published in WomensHealth.com/UK by Alice Barraclough. More