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      in health and weelbeing

      Getting A Mammogram: What To Know, Even If You’re Young

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      When thinking about getting a mammogram, you might sit on either side of the fence.
      You could be freaking out about your now-supple breast tissue and wondering if that firmness might be a lump (what does a bunch of grapes feel like, anyway?) or you could be completely blasé and assume that you’ll never have to worry about it until you’re frail as a raisin.
      In fact, new research now shows that you should get your first mammogram when you turn 40, a marked jump up from the earlier guidelines stating 50 is the age.
      There’s a caveat, says Dr Salomine Theron, branch manager at SCP Radiology’s new Tygervalley Mammography Centre. If there’s a family history of breast cancer, or you’re aware that the BRCA 1 or 2 genetic mutations run in your genetics, you should get tested earlier to rule it out.
      READ MORE: What General Health Checks You Should Be having, According to Your Age
      The good news is that innovations in the breast cancer space make this disease a little less scary. For one, we now have a “better understanding of the different types of breast cancer and women are now treated according to the type of breast cancer they have,” says Dr Lizanne Langenhoven, oncologist. “There are four different subtypes at the moment, but this is likely to change as our understanding of breast cancer improves.”
      In fact, if your breast cancer is caught early, you could avoid chemotherapy completely (Langehoven says chemotherapy use has declined as much as 50% over the last five years.). In some cases, says Langehoven, injections or withdrawal tablets can be used. There’s also a nifty machine called the Mammaprint, which tests the genes to determine whether or not chemotherapy will be necessary or if it would improve chances of recovery. “I think it is important to know that the cure rate for early breast cancer is more than 90%!” says Langehoven. “Breast cancer once might have been a death sentence, but it certainly no longer is.”
      READ MORE: 3 Random Things That Can Totally Mess With Your Mammogram Results
      That being said, early detection remains the Holy Grail. The sooner a tumour is found, the better the chances of it being nixed, experts agree. This means conducting self-examinations regularly. And, it’s not so much about knowing the “correct” firmness of a breast, so much as it is about keeping track of any changes in the tissue, says Theron. When you turn 40, make sure you have your breasts checked out – medical aids pay for mammograms every second year.
      Below, we’ve put a few myths and had Theron bust them.
      Is it true that taking a punch in the breast will give you breast cancer? 
      “FICTION. Breast trauma can sometimes alert you to an abnormality/lump that was there all along.”
      Using talcum powder is bad for you and will give you breast cancer. 
      “FICTION.  Talcum powder can however create artefacts on a mammogram, patients should refrain from using it the day of the mammogram.”
      If you sleep with a bra on, you’ll develop breast cancer and saggy boobs. 
      FICTION.
      Do breast implants raise your risk of developing breast cancer? 
      FICTION.
      READ MORE: This Is What It REALLY Feels Like To Have A Mammogram
      If you take The Pill or other hormonal contraception, your risk for breast cancer goes up.
      “FACT, any hormonal contraception does increase your risk of developing breast cancer.”
      How can you tell if your breast feels like a bowl of oats and not a firm bunch of grapes?
      When you examine your breasts you should look out for any changes or lumps.  Breast cancer often presents as a pea-sized, painless lump. More

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      in diet and nutrition

      Exactly How To Include Fibre In Your Diet To Reduce Bloating

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      If you’re turning your nose up at beans and broccoli for fear of that universally-hated bloat, we’ve got bad news for ya. Eating fibre to reduce bloating is a winning strategy and keeping regular by eating a balance of fibre-rich foods is going to be a much better strategy than chomping on prunes after a week of nothing but pasta and pizza.
      In fact, on average we take in 60 per cent or less of what’s recommended. A high-fibre diet has many essential benefits including improving your digestive system and reducing the risk of certain chronic diseases in the long term.
      One of the barriers to increasing intake may be the lurking myths which discourage people from focusing on high-fibre foods. Kellogg’s Nutrition and Public Affairs Manager as well as Registered Dietitian, Linda Drummond, shares the facts to clear up some common misconceptions…
      Fact: It’s best to eat your fibre
      The World Health Organisation recommends a daily intake of at least 25g per day for adults*. This requirement can be met by taking small steps to increase food sources each day. Fibre-rich foods offer additional intrinsic nutrient benefits such as vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals.
      The naturally occurring combination of these nutrients can never be perfectly replicated or manufactured. Despite supplements being available on the market, experts agree that when looking for particular nutrients, food sources are the best choice.
      To meet the daily recommendation, choose a high-fibre breakfast every morning, eat at least five servings of fruit and vegetables each day and replace animal protein sources with a vegetable source such as beans or legumes regularly.
      READ MORE: 24 High-Fibre Foods That Should Be On Your Plate Every Day, According To Nutritionists
      Fact: Not all fibres are created equal
      Skipping this essential part of your diet? Read these facts and you may consider adding a few apples and bran flakes to your breakfast…
      There are many different types of fibre from different food sources, which play unique roles in the body, contributing to overall well-being. Wheat bran, composed mostly of insoluble fibre, is the most effective cereal to promote regularity. Apples, barley, carrots, legumes and oats are rich in soluble fibre, which has a cholesterol-lowering effect.
      Other benefits of a high-fibre diet include helping to achieve normal blood sugar levels and to assist in the maintenance of a healthy body weight. By including a variety of different sources and types of it in your diet, it’s possible to improve several functions of the body.
      READ MORE: Caley Jäck’s Simple Formula For Sticking To A Healthy Lifestyle
      Fact: It isn’t just for constipation
      The benefits of regular and adequate intake, nutrition experts all over the world agree that most carbohydrate-based foods eaten on a daily basis should be a source. In fact, the South African Guidelines for Healthy Eating, which provide nutrition messages to the general public, recommend that everyone should have an intake of at least 25g per day to ensure healthy functioning of the gut, as well as decreased risk for lifestyle-associated chronic diseases.
      Increasing the intake (particularly wheat bran) prevents food from lingering in the digestive system, which can cause you to feel bloated and uncomfortable. By absorbing water and creating bulk, it speeds up the passage of food through your system, helping to prevent constipation.
      Fibre helps food move through the digestive system and plays a bulking role so that undigested food can be more easily eliminated. Fibre plays a vital role in helping keep the walls of the digestive tract healthy. A high-fibre diet can help to reduce that bloated feeling.
      When beginning to increase your intake, do so slowly to allow your body to become accustomed to the change. This will help to ensure that you do not experience bloating with a sudden increase in fibre intake.
      READ MORE: Here’s What Happens When You Stop Eating Sugar, According To Nutritionists
      Fact: There are risks associated with following a low-carb diet
      One of the risks of following a low-carb diet is that it would be even more difficult to meet one’s requirements, as the major sources of fibre are also sources of carbohydrate. By not meeting your requirement, there is a risk that you may experience digestive discomfort and constipation, as well as an increased chance of developing chronic diseases in the long-term. More

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      in health and weelbeing

      Got 2 Minutes? Here’s Exactly How You Can Improve Your Health

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      Virtually everything we do exposes us to respiratory viruses daily, if not hourly. And honestly, the thought of that can be super stressful!
      Luckily for us, there is a guaranteed way to protect ourselves from 99,9 % of viruses – a way to try and avoid colds and flu – whatever the season. Best part? It only takes two minutes!
      How To Improve Your Health In 2 Minutes
      Meet VirX! VirXTM Nasal Spray, with its unique dual mechanism spray bottle, creates a physical barrier so that viruses cannot penetrate respiratory cells and which also contains nitric oxide that acts by killing the viruses that may enter the nasal cavity, thus preventing infection. VirXTM is clinically proven to kill 99,9 % of viruses within just 2 minutes! (1,2)

      One solution, two sprays per nostril, three times a day. (1) It’s that simple!
      How Can You Use VirXTM?
      VirXTM should be administered before and after suspected exposure to viruses – at work, school, socialising, traveling, sports events, shopping centres and any other high-risk environments. (1)
      If you already have an infection, VirXTM reduces the severity of your infection and helps you recover sooner. VirxTM is also safe and effective in preventing you from transmitting viruses and spreading infection to others. (2)
      The great part is that VirxTM Nasal Spray is not a medicine and does not cause drowsiness (1) so you can get on with living your best life. Plus, it’s suitable for use in adults and children 12 years and older (1) and is available from leading pharmacies.
      For more information, head here.
      References:
      1. VirX Nasal Spray Package Leaflet. 2022.
      2. Technical product specifications.
      *In Partnership With VirX More

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      in health and weelbeing

      6 Reasons You Could Struggle To Get Pregnant With PCOS & What You Can Do About It

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      According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), infertility in women was ranked as the 5th highest and most serious global disability.
      Further to that, the Infertility Awareness Association of South Africa (IFAASA) confirmed that as many as one in six couples are impacted by infertility.
      Infertility occurs in both men and women with a number of risk factors such as occupational and environmental risks, age, smoking and alcohol use. Another common risk factor though for infertility in women is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
      Here’s what you need to know about PCOS and pregnancy.
      What Is PCOS?
      Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS, is a hormonal disorder that involves reproductive, cosmetic and metabolic problems with 8 – 13% of women suffering from this condition. Due to ovarian dysfunction, it is the most common cause of infertility.
      Despite the increasing numbers and people impacted by infertility, the subject of infertility is still not a topic openly disussed and carries with it an unfortunate stigma. 
      That’s where Salome comes in. Salome’s ongoing awareness campaigns are linked to breaking the silence around common women’s health issues.
      READ MORE: The Best Way To Lose Weight When You Have PCOS
      Symptoms OF PCOS You Should Look Out For:
      A supporter of Salome, specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist, Dr Lusanda Shimange-Matsose, shared these six symptoms commonly associated with PCOS that women should be aware of. 

      If you are under 35 and have been having regular unprotected intercourse for 6 – 12 months without falling pregnant
      Experiencing painful periods
      Having irregular or prolonged menstrual cycles
      Elevated levels of the male hormone androgen which results in excess body hair 
      Acne
      Overweight

      What You Should Do If You Have Symptoms:
      The symptoms associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can cause a lot of distress and the disorder affects women in so many different ways and to different degrees. That’s why it’s best not to assume that you actually have PCOS until you’ve been diagnosed by a gynaecologist. 
      What Are The Long-Term Effects Of PCOS?
      “It’s about time we start talking about this so more women are aware that this is a disease that is prevalent and present,” says Dr. Shimange-Matsose.
      “The most important thing for me when it comes to PCOS is making women aware of the long-term effects of this condition because if you don’t get a handle on it, not only are you going to battle with infertility – you are going to develop diabetes, cardiac problems linked to hypertension and high cholesterol, as well as sleeping problems.”
      “That’s why I applaud Salome’s efforts to educate women about PCOS so they can identify and manage their symptoms from early on. The most important thing is to commit to making gynae visits a way of life in order to get help sooner rather than later,” says Dr. Shimange-Matsose.
      READ MORE: How To Boost Your Fitness By Tailoring Your Exercise Routine To Your Menstrual Cycle
      PCOS And Pregnancy: What Can You Do?
      Just as there are various factors that impact fertility, there are also many different treatment options and recommendations out there, some more invasive than others.
      According to 3Sixty Biomedicine’s CEO, Boitumelo Sebambo, in cases where infertility can be linked back to the hormonal imbalances caused by PCOS, patients who make use of products like Salome Fertility that contain Myo-inositol and D-Chiro-inositol, have seen an increase in their ovulation, a reduction in their hyperandrogenism and in the oxidative stress in their follicular fluid.
      “We locally manufacture our Salome Fertility product – as well as other products within the Salome range. All Salome products are based on herbal extracts which have limited side effects AND are recognized by certain medical aids,” explains 3Sixty Biomedicine CEO, Boitumelo Sebambo.
      The full range of Salome products are available online at 3Sixtybiomedicine.co.za, on Takealot.com or at most pharmacies nationwide.
      Win With Salome!
      Sometimes we all need support from our friends, and Salome is just that! They are your gal pal who will help you through whatever you’re facing. Their naturally-based products help women through a range of common conditions so that they have the freedom to truly live their best lives.
      Salome’s products help manage menstrual pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and even infertility linked to PCOS. And you have chance to win one of two hampers valued at up to R2 400.
      The hamper includes:

      1 x Custom Salome Lou Harvey tog bag
      1 x Custom Salome Lou Harvey cosmetic bag
      1 x Salome Polycos OR 1 x Salome PreMens OR 1 x Salome Menstrual Pain

      How do you enter?
      It’s so easy!
      1. Make sure that you are following us on Instagram @womenshealthmagsa and @salomerange2. Then fill in your details and sign up to our newsletter here or below.3. To be eligible for the prize, you must be over 18 and a South African resident, and follow all the steps above.4. The winner will be randomly selected and notified.

       *In Partnership With Salome More

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      in health and weelbeing

      “I Tried A Vitamin IV Drip For A Health Boost — Here’s What Happened”

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      I’m pretty into exploring new ways to boost my health, which is why getting a vitamin IV drip piqued my interest.
      I’ve had a vitamin B12 shot a few times and it was sore AF, so volunteering for a whole IV just didn’t seem worth it to me. Until I chatted to a friend, who had recently found a “cool new IV Bar in Camps Bay” and swore it did wonders for her skin. I’m guilty of chasing the glow as much as the next girl, so I decided to brave up and go for it…
      Here’s Exactly What Happened…
      Walking into the IV Bar I didn’t quite know what to expect, but much to my delight there were no hospital beds or scary IV trolleys. Instead, I was greeted by friendly faces and delightfully comfy armchairs. We discussed my needs and decided that the Signature IV Therapy aka the “Royal IV” was best for me – with a high dose of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
      READ MORE: Will Collagen Supplements Really Make You Any Healthier?
      The very gentle and caring Nurse administered my IV. It was slightly painful, but not what I’d built it up to be (very often the case). And then I sat back, relaxed and sucked on a few sweets (these counter the metallic taste you get from the drip), while the 45-minute vitamin boost entered my veins.
      Most people will know IV bars as the place that celebs go when they’ve got a mean hangover and need to get rid of it fast. And sure, you can get them done. But MobivIVe has a lot more to offer than a hangover treatment or as they call it the “Babelas Beater”. They also administer drips for pregnant women, people who want to boost their immune system and avoid or recover from COVID-19, anti-ageing, detoxifying, energy boosting, high performance athletes and more.
      As for me, once I left the beautiful IV bar, my energy levels immediately perked up. I met a friend for a meal afterwards and felt alert and excited to see her. I wasn’t all buzzed the way you get from a caffeine overdose though; instead, I felt a sense of calmness. A few weeks down the line, I noticed my skin was glowing and I was sleeping better. Although, typical to the season I’ve picked up a little cold. I know an “Immune Boost” IV with vitamin C is just what’s needed to sort me out… I think it’s safe to say I might be hooked.
      Everything You Need To Know About Vitamin IV Drips
      While these IVs are a mix of vitamins and minerals that are already found in your body, it’s important to do your research and make sure whoever is administering your drip really is clued up. Here’s everything we all want to know about this latest health trend…
      Before you visit and IV Bar, what credentials etc. should you check the establishment for?
      Safety is critical! You want to make sure the intravenous vitamin centre is associated with a doctor and a registered nurse is administering the drips. Even though it’s vitamins and minerals and is considered very safe, you want to make sure the vitamins you are receiving are compounded in a sterile facility, and that the nurse has extensive experience in dripping clients. Also, from a logistical point of view, you want to go somewhere that’s inviting, comfortable and has a good energy. This is not a grudge purchase – it’s by choice, and you want to enjoy your time there.
      Do the IV drips come with any side effects – during, immediately after or the next day?
      There are no negative side effects at all – only the upside! Very few people have reported a slight headache after the detox drip, but this is normal as the body is getting rid of toxins… it’s just incredibly rare. Some people get minor bruising at the needle site, which again is normal and usually not painful. Most people, however, don’t bruise and feel the positive effects of the energy boost and immune boost immediately.
      READ MORE: 4 Simple Healthy Coffee Hacks To Really Boost Your Blend
      What are the costs of the IV?
      The MobivIVe vitamin drips start at R750 and go up, depending on the drip. Their IV drips are well priced so that they can be available to everyone – not just the stars and singers and actors and athletes who can afford a lot more. The vitamin drips have effective and safe compounds at an affordable price.
      For more info, check out MobivIVe. More

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      in health and weelbeing

      Apparently 35 Percent Of People Think It’s Totally Fine To Drink During Pregnancy

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      Listen: It’s totally normal to want a glass of wine after a long day at work—yes, even (or, honestly, especially) when you’re pregnant.
      And many people—pregnant or not—still think it’s totally fine to have a drink during pregnancy.
      That’s according to a new survey from Cameron Hughes Wine, an online wine brand in the States. Of 1,032 people polled, 35 per cent said that it’s okay to drink wine on occasion when you’re pregnant. The other 65 per cent said you definitely shouldn’t do this.
      So…which group is correct? Some very preliminary research suggests that low levels of alcohol consumption during pregnancy might not be linked to bad health for the baby—and many women get mixed messages from the media and even their doctors since it’s tough to say how much booze during pregnancy is too much (scientists haven’t come anywhere close to nailing this down yet and most current research suggests that recommendations should be on a case-by-case basis).
      But it’s important to keep in mind that Dr Christine Greves, a board-certified gynae at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies—along with most medical organisations — say you should totally skip the booze while expecting.
      “A safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy has not been determined,” confirms Greves. “That’s why we recommend complete abstinence.”
      And sorry, but the theory of drinking at the very end of your pregnancy (you know, because the baby is already “cooked”) hasn’t been proven legit. “Alcohol impacts foetal growth at all stages of pregnancy,” says Greves, who notes that it comes with some pretty scary potential consequences, including fetal alcohol syndrome (a condition that causes brain damage and growth problems due to alcohol exposure during pregnancy), structural issues with the baby’s body, and even issues with the baby’s heart, kidneys, or bones.
      Women’s health expert Dr Jennifer Wider, agrees. “The latest research tells us that the safest choice is not drinking anything during your pregnancy,” she says.
      So, uh, if you want to drink during your pregnancy, maybe just don’t. You’ll be able to kick back with a guilt-free glass of wine after the baby has left the premises.
      The bottom line: Drinking during pregnancy definitely hasn’t been proven to be safe for baby, so it’s best not to risk it.
      This article was originally published on www.womenshealthmag.com

      READ MORE ON: Health Health Advice Pregnancy More

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      in lifestyle and culture

      Are meal plans worth it? We put one Dubai-based one to the test…

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      Lifestyle

      by Olivia Morris
      July 4, 2022

      Now the world is back in full swing post-pandemic, schedules are becoming busier than ever.
      This is why many seem to be opting for weekly meal plans for convenience, health and wellbeing.
      With a whole host of options for meal plans in the UAE, we decided to put one to the test.
      The Plan
      Honest Badger, founded by Yasmin Hadi in 2020, has four different meal plans UAE residents can choose from: vegan; active vegan; protein and active protein, with meals starting from Dhs115 per day. I opted for the protein plan with a total calorie count of 1500 per day. The plan includes lean meats, vegetables, legumes and pulses.
      A bag of your breakfast, lunch and dinner is delivered daily to your door early in the morning, five days a week. It includes your three meals, as well as a morning juice, two snacks and a dessert.

      The Pros
      The main pro of this meal plan (and I’m sure any meal plan) is the convenience. I live a very busy lifestyle, as many do in Dubai, and not having to think about what I’m going to have to eat each day was a huge time saver. Also, admittedly, I’m not a cook and using a meal really helped kickstart my eating habits and staying away from Deliveroo and other meal delivery apps.
      Generally, the meals were tasty and suited my appetite. The portion sizes were decent and I wasn’t left feeling hungry.
      The Cons
      While I did like what the menus offered, there isn’t really much option to customise it. The team are able to cater to different dietary needs, but you’re not given a choice on what you’d like to have. This is, however, understandable given that it’s a small business, it’s just something worth noting.
      In addition, I found that while it was super convenient not to have to think about my daily meals, my job often takes me out and about during the week and I found sometimes I wouldn’t be eating all of the meals given to me. I tried to save some of them for other days, but given changing of schedules last-minute sometimes (too late to postpone days), it was difficult to decipher when I’d be able to eat the missed meals, which meant some of them went to waste.

      The Verdict
      For me, what Honest Badger had to offer wasn’t quite the right fit long-term. However, overall I have to say I would recommend meal plans to kickstart your health journey. It takes the headache out of meal planning for yourself, especially if you’re always on the go, which most people in Dubai are!
      For more information visit honestbadgerfoods.com.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

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      in health and weelbeing

      9 Disturbing Signs You’re Actually Not Eating Enough Salt

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      Ah salt… The crack-cocaine of dinner parties. These health-conscious days, a raised eyebrow as you reach for the shaker is par for the “course”, given that too much salt can be detrimental to otherwise healthy bodies.
      But what if we told you that too little salt can also be bad for you? Yup: Sodium is actually a mineral that’s fairly critical for a number of your bodily functions, including fluid balance, blood pressure management and the nervous system.
      A condition called hyponatraemia results from a low level of sodium in the blood, and it’s caused by… you guessed it: Too little of this maligned condiment. In fact, head’s up Fit Fam: Hyponatraemia may be caused by drinking too much water, for example during strenuous exercise, without proper replacement of sodium, which could lead to a salt deficiency. Electrolyte drinks, on the other hand, replenish sodium stores.
      READ MORE: Will Collagen Supplements Really Make You Any Healthier?
      What Causes Low Sodium Levels?
      A string of medical conditions can lead to low sodium levels in the body: kidney failure, congestive heart failure, adrenal insufficiency, hypothyroidism and cirrhosis of the liver. Anorexia and certain meds can also cause a sodium imbalance. But it can also result when sodium is lost during prolonged sweating and severe vomiting or diarrhoea.
      For the majority of us, the only time this would be an issue is if you have a diet severely low on salt, or you’re doing some mega training accompanied by mega sweating. Drinking too much water during exercise may dilute the sodium content in your blood, and dehydration also causes your body to lose fluids and electrolytes, which may cause your sodium level to dip. So you need to get that balance right.
      READ MORE: Cold versus COVID — How To Tell The Difference
      So, What Should You Watch Out For?
      In long-term (chronic) hyponatraemia, where the blood sodium levels drop gradually over time, symptoms can be very non-specific and can include: headache, confusion or altered mental state, seizures and decreased consciousness.
      But the more subtle symptoms include: restlessness, muscle spasms or cramps, weakness, dizziness and tiredness – all of which can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
      How Is Salt Deficiency Diagnosed?
      The symptoms of hyponatraemia are not specific, so you’d need to pop in on your doc for a blood test to measure your sodium levels.
      READ MORE: Just How Worried Should You Be About Thyroid Disease?
      And How Is It Treated?
      Mild hyponatraemia may not require treatment other than adjustments in diet, lifestyle or meds. For severe cases, treatment often involves intravenous fluids and electrolytes.
      And If You’re Feeling Daring…
      Believe it or not, there are people out there who swear by downing pickle juice after a particularly heavy workout. This age-old remedy apparently works because pickle juice is made up mostly of water, vinegar and… salt. But, because there’s a bunch of conflicting evidence on its benefits out there, we suggest sticking to your regular electrolyte drink.

      READ MORE ON: Health Health Advice Health Conditions More