Top ten devices for better sleep

Sleep is essential for physical and mental wellbeing, and having the right devices can help you get the restful sleep you need. It can be smart beds or noise machines – all these and many other devices are available to help you snooze more comfortably.

For this list, we’ll explore the top ten devices that can help you get a good night’s sleep – in a much better way! Discover the best ways to help you get the rest you need and wake up feeling refreshed and energized.

1. White noise machine

https://www.amazon.ae/White-Noise-Sound-Machine-Non-Looping/dp/B076F2JKYC

A white noise machine can help block out sounds that may be keeping you awake and provide a soothing background noise to help you fall asleep.

2. Sleep tracking device

A sleep tracking device, such as a Fitbit or a smartwatch, can help you monitor your sleep patterns and make adjustments to improve your sleep quality.

3. Smart light bulbs

https://www.homestratosphere.com/smart-light-bulbs/

Smart light bulbs can simulate natural light and help regulate your body’s circadian rhythm, which can improve your sleep quality.

4. Sleep headphones 

Sleep headphones can be comfortable to wear while you sleep and help block out external noise.

5. Mattress topper 

A comfortable mattress topper can provide extra cushioning and support for your body, helping you sleep more comfortably.

6. Blackout curtains: 

Blackout curtains can help block out light that may be interfering with your sleep, creating a darker environment for more restful sleep.

7. Cooling pillow

A cooling pillow can help regulate your body temperature, which can improve your sleep quality.

8. Essential oil diffuser

Essential oils such as lavender can help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality when diffused into the air.

9. Adjustable bed base 

https://www.badbacks.com.au/mlily-electric-adjustable-2-motor-with-skirt-bed-base

An adjustable bed base can help you find a comfortable position for sleeping, reducing discomfort and improving sleep quality.

10. Sleep Mask

A sleep mask can help block out light that may be keeping you awake, creating a darker environment for more restful sleep.

In conclusion, with greater appreciation for sleep as an essential part of your overall health, make sure you’re getting the restful sleep you need by investing in the right devices. Find one or two that work for you and you can improve your sleep quality and start a new day feeling refreshed and well-rested.

Top ten myths about a pescatarian diet 

Eating a pescatarian diet has become increasingly popular as people seek out more sustainable and healthier options. However, there are many myths surrounding the pescatarian diet. 

In this list, we will explore the top ten myths about the pescatarian diet and provide evidence-based resources to refute them. We will discuss topics such as protein sources, vegetables, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and more.

Myth #1. Pescatarians don’t get enough protein.

Some people believe that pescatarians don’t get enough protein because they are unfamiliar with the sources of protein that are available to pescatarians, such as fish, eggs, and dairy, as well as plant-based sources such as legumes, nuts, and seeds. Moreover, some people may mistakenly believe that seafood is not a significant source of protein.

FACT: Pescatarians get their protein from fish, eggs, and dairy, as well as from plant-based sources such as legumes, nuts, and seeds.

Myth #2. Pescatarians don’t eat enough vegetables.

This is not true. Going pescatarian means avoiding eating any type of meat that isn’t seafood but does not necessarily mean not eating fruits and vegetables at all. In fact, pescatarians are defined as vegetarians who also consume fish and seafood products.

FACT: Pescatarians can get their recommended daily intake of vegetables from a variety of sources, including fresh vegetables, legumes, and grains.

Myth #3. Pescatarians don’t get enough iron.

According to the National Institutes of Health, dark leafy greens, tofu, tempeh, legumes, nuts, and seeds, as well as some fortified breakfast cereals, are all good sources of dietary iron for pescatarians. Furthermore, the American Heart Association states that fatty fish such as salmon and tuna are particularly high in iron.

FACT: Pescatarians can get their iron from fish, legumes, and grains.

Myth #4. Pescatarians can’t make a balanced diet.

Pescatarians can make a balanced diet which includes fish, eggs, dairy, legumes, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Moreover, pescatarians get enough vitamins and minerals from their diet by eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods.

FACT: Pescatarians can make a balanced diet by eating a variety of foods from all food groups.

Myth #5. Pescatarians don’t get enough omega-3 fatty acids

This is a myth because plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids include flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts, and edamame which pescatarians can eat. Some fortified plant-based milks and juices also contain omega-3 fatty acids.

FACT: Pescatarians can get their omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel.

Myth #6. Pescatarians can’t get enough calcium.

Some fish, such as sardines and salmon, contain calcium. Pescatarians can also get calcium from certain legumes, nuts, and seeds.

FACT: Pescatarians can get their calcium from dairy, fortified plant-based milk, and dark leafy greens.

Myth #7. Pescatarians can’t eat out.

This is a myth because pescatarians can find many restaurants that serve dishes that fit their diet, from sushi to seafood. Also, many restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options that can be adapted for pescatarians. More and more restaurants are increasing their selection of plant-based dishes, making it easier for pescatarians to dine out.

FACT: Pescatarians can find many restaurants that serve dishes that fit their diet, from sushi to seafood.

Myth # 8. Pescatarians don’t get enough B12.

On the contrary, pescatarians do get enough B12. It can be found from fortified plant-based milks and nutritional yeast, for instance. Did you know that some fish, such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel, also contain B12? Lastly, some fortified breakfast cereals and nutritional yeast also contain B12.

FACT: Pescatarians can get their B12 from fortified plant-based milks and nutritional yeast.

Myth #9. Pescatarians can’t eat sushi.

This is not true. Pescatarians can enjoy sushi. The only thing pescatarians don’t eat on sushi are those with mayonnaise, cream cheese, and other animal products. Otherwise, sushi is OK. Many sushi restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options that can be adapted for pescatarians.

FACT: Pescatarians can enjoy sushi, as long as it does not contain other animal products such as cream cheese or mayonnaise.

Myth #10. Pescatarians can’t eat fish.

As it has been numerous times above, pescatarians actually do eat fish. What this means is that the fish has been caught in a manner that preserves the population and is not detrimental to the environment. A sustainably sourced fish is typically better for the health of the consumer, as it is not contaminated with pollutants or other toxins. Plus, supporting sustainable fishing practices helps to ensure that future generations will have access to fish.

FACT: Pescatarians are allowed to eat fish, as long as it is sustainably sourced.

References:

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/pescatarian-diet/ 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7525113/ 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8003004/ / https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/fats/fish-and-omega-3-fatty-acids 

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/how-to-eat-a-balanced-diet/eating-a-balanced-diet/ 

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-types/fish-and-shellfish-nutrition/ 

https://www.eatright.org/health/wellness/vegetarian-and-plant-based/food-sources-of-5-important-nutrients-for-vegetarians 

https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2012/07/digging-vegetarian-diet 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4042564/ 

https://www.health.com/nutrition/pescatarian-diet#:~:text=The%20Healthfulness%20of%20a%20Pescatarian%20Diet&text=Yes%2C%20wild%20salmon%20and%20sushi,%2C%20heart%2C%20and%20muscle%20health

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8398609/ 

Gut Health Series Part 1: Introduction

Your gut health serves as the center of your health. Gut health is linked to nearly every autoimmune disease, as well as most neurodegenerative disease. It also impacts mood, focus, sleep, recovery, as well as daily aches and pains of your body.

We are here to educate you on gut health, as well as how to get your gut health under control.

 

Gut Health Overview

Recent research has sparked a surge of interest in the world of gut health, revealing that our gut microbes play a vital role in our overall well-being. Studies have shown that the gut microbiome does much more than aid digestion; it also influences our metabolism, immune system, and even mental health. 

With groundbreaking findings pointing to the importance of gut health, it’s time to take a closer look at how our overall health and wellness is impacted by the tiny organisms that call our gut home. This is our first blog of a 3-part series on gut health.

Our gut described

Our gut – the long tube in our body that starts from the mouth, stomach, and bowel – is home to trillions of tiny microbes called bacteria. Some of those bacteria are good and some of those bacteria are bad. This system is collectively known as the gut microbiome and these bacteria play an important role in keeping us healthy by aiding our bodies in food digestion, water and vitamin absorption, producing vitamins and other essential compounds, and regulating our immune system.

There are two main types of bactiera:

Add continents on the two types of bacteria Firmocytes and bactofphies 

Sometimes, the balance of these gut bacteria can be disrupted, leading to a condition called gut dysbiosis, or leaky gut.  This means that there are too many harmful bacteria in the gut, which can cause health problems like constipation, diarrhea, or bloating. In more severe cases, gut dysbiosis can lead to irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease. But for purposes of our solution, the leaky gut causes chronic inflammation in your body, leading to the early stages of many diseases. 

There are a number of ways to help get your gut health under control, and we firmly believe that food is medicine. 

One of the key aspects of gut health research is on the study of probiotics – the live microorganisms that can improve gut health Probiotics have a number of beneficial effects on the gut microbiome such as reducing inflammation, improving digestion, and supporting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. 

The other area of gut health research is on the study of prebiotics – these are indigestible food ingredients that promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Prebiotics can help improve gut health by increasing the abundance of beneficial gut microbes, reducing inflammation, and improving overall gut function.

In later discussions, we will go into the different types of prebiotics and probiotics, and it is important to know that not all of them are created equal, and not all of them are equally beneficial specifically for you. 

Finally, gut health research highlights the importance of reducing exposure to harmful toxins including antibiotics, pesticides, and preservatives. Moreover, medical professionals suggest avoiding certain foods that can be harmful to the gut, such as processed and refined foods, as well as sugar and gluten. Just like the discussion of probiotics and prebiotics, not all foods that are healthy for you may be healthy for your neighbor or loved one. We believe in a personalized approach to gut health, and we will show you how to access that in later discussions. 

In conclusion, gut health research is a rapidly growing area providing new insights into the complex relationship between the gut microbiome our bodies and the inflammatory response that it may have on us. By understanding the impact of gut health and promoting a healthy gut microbiome through dietary and lifestyle changes, it may be possible to improve overall health and reduce the risk of many chronic diseases.

Our next blog post in this three part series will be on Gut health and Inflammation. Stay tuned in a few short days for another great article.

References:

  1. “What’s causing your IBS” – an article from Harvard Health Publishing that explains the relationship between diet and the gut microbiome causing IBS: https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/whats-causing-your-ibs 
  2. “The Gut Microbiome and Its Role in Obesity” – a review article from the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology that discusses the relationship between gut health and obesity: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5082693/ 

Top ten foods you think are healthy, but they are not 

Oftentimes, we may read an article, or hear from a friend or loved one that there is a new superfood that will change your life. Sometimes the information is accurate; most times, it should always be fact-checked. 

Here is a list of the top ten foods that you thought were healthy, and indeed, are not.

  1. Granola bars

Despite their healthy reputation, many granola bars are high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients. That said, they offset the health benefits of oats, nuts, and other whole grains typically found in them. Worse, these snacks contain large amounts of calories which make them an unhealthy choice to munch on every time you need to go on break from work.

  1. Sports drinks

These drinks are often marketed as healthy for athletes, but they can be high in added sugars and artificial ingredients, and provide little nutritional value. These added sugars and artificial sweeteners can be the culprit to weight gain and other health issues while the high sodium content can ironically cause dehydration.

  1. Low-fat and fat-free products

While these products may be lower in fat, they often contain added sugars and artificial ingredients to enhance their taste, making up for the lost flavor when fat is removed. What’s worse is, sometimes, the essential fatty acids and vitamins that are removed can actually be beneficial for your health.

  1. Dried fruits

Dried fruits can be high in added sugars and often lack the fiber and water content of fresh fruit. Because of this, it’s like offsetting the actual health benefits of the original fruit when freshly picked from the tree. Dehydrating fruits also remove some of the vitamins and minerals found in fresh fruits. If consumed in excess, the high calories in dried fruits can even cause weight gain.

  1. Smoothies

While smoothies can be a good source of nutrients, they can also be high in added sugars and other artificial ingredients, especially if made with fruit juices or sweetened dairy products. Like the others in this list, these added sugars often can lead to weight gain.

  1. Juice

Many juices are high in added sugars and lack the fiber and water content of whole fruits and vegetables. Moreover, juice is high in natural sugars (yes, we keep repeating this!) which can cause weight gain when consumed excessively.

  1. Flavored yogurt

Flavored yogurt can be high in added sugars and artificial ingredients, and often lacks the protein and healthy fats found in plain, full-fat yogurt. Consequently, these yogurts can be high in calories and you already know what that can lead to, right?

  1. Breakfast cereals

Many breakfast cereals, especially those marketed to children, are high in added sugars and artificial ingredients, and often lack fiber and healthy fats. It is better to go for oatmeal or eggs instead as an alternative.

  1. Agave nectar

Despite its reputation as a healthy sweetener, agave nectar is high in fructose and can contribute to insulin resistance and other health problems. Its low glycemic index should make it as an alternative to refined sugars, however, it is high in calories so it should only be taken in moderation.

  1. Energy bars 

Energy bars can be high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients, and often lack the fiber, healthy fats, and protein found in whole food snacks. They may be a convenient snack option but just take it easy and don’t get tempted to have some every time you’re craving for something.

In conclusion, it’s important to be mindful of the ingredients and nutrition content of the foods we eat. Best tip? Focus on whole and nutrient-dense foods as the foundation of a healthy diet. And, like always, everything in moderation should be okay.

Your Health Transformation with AliRx: Our Philosophy (Part 2 of 3)

Our Philosophy 

Welcome to this week’s part 2 in our 3-part blog series on your health transformation. 

Remember where we left off? With detailed explanation, we talked about how your body creates and suffers from inflammation. 

Now it’s time to go into our philosophy, which will then lead to the solution.  A sneak peak on the solution for gut inflammation is below. 

The solution is simple – heal your gut, thus, heal your body. 

Other measures can help reduce gut inflammation. However, with the core of inflammation sitting in your gut, the bottomline is, if you heal your gut, you will be primed for a healthy life. We can’t wait to explain exactly how to do that, but first it is important that we describe our philosophy, that thousands of patients and customers have now adopted.  

AliRx: Our Dietary Philosophy

Your health starts with your diet. But you cannot just adopt a general diet and achieve optimal results. A challenge with most diets is, they are not sustainable. While most diet programs work for a period of time, the ability to sustain them is often limited. We believe in personalizing your diet based upon your gut health, genetic makeup, and current inflammatory markers. This allows you to have a program that you know works for you, and eventually this dietary change becomes a way of life, not a strict practice. 

We believe that a diet should be sustainable over time. In order for it to be sustainable, you must enjoy it. That means that if you want to enjoy certain foods or drinks that may not be directly helpful to your health, we understand that and will incorporate those foods. That may mean family traditions, social gatherings, or just your favorite foods. But we are here to help you limit those practices in a manner that is simple and sustainable for you. 

The dietary philosophy

When we consume too many carbohydrates from grains, beans, fruits, dairy products, and many other foods and drinks that have added sugar, our body spends all its energy burning the sugar from these foods as opposed to burning fat. When we rely on sugar for fuel, and we then do not burn those calories, our body stores excess sugar as fat. This process then starts a process where when you store fat, you are unable to properly digest the toxins in your body, thus resulting in an inflammatory response to fight off these toxins, which of course leads to increased inflammation.

The goal of AliRx is to reduce inflammation in your body by training it to become what we call “fat adapted” and use fat as its primary fuel source. By following our AliRx plan, you will thrive on eating a variety of nutritious, and delicious foods, and will achieve the transformative health and cognitive function goals that you have. Whether it is weight loss, cognitive function, recovery, or reduced pain, our program is proven to achieve these goals. 

Instead of gaining weight and adding fat to your body by eating fat, your body will learn to use fat for lasting energy, boosted mood and brain function and reduced inflammation. The result of using fat as fuel is reduced inflammation which leads to systemic improvements, including improved cognitive function.

When your body becomes fat-adapted, it begins to produce ketones as its main energy source. Ketones come from the breakdown of fat and have natural anti-inflammatory properties. Unlike the typical highs and lows of using sugar for fuel, using fat as fuel creates stable and consistent energy, all while your body is simultaneously reducing inflammation.  

Ketones also act as an anti-inflammatory agent by helping your body get rid of the toxins we encounter every day that come from the foods we eat, the air we breathe, and the things we touch or put on our skin. Most of the foods available today are loaded with unhealthy additives like artificial sweeteners and chemical preservatives. In addition, ketones have a natural ability to permeate your blood brain barrier, thus reducing inflammation that leads to neurodegenerative disease. This makes sense because the ketogenic diet was originally tested to assist children who suffer from epilepsy. 

Eating too much sugar and carbohydrates can be toxic to our systems too. Our bodies typically do a great job of protecting us from these toxins, but when the amount of toxins become too difficult for our body to manage, we experience inflammation. Your body is a system. The reason that we often see people with a poor diet gain weight is not because they are eating fatty foods. It is because they are storing fatty foods. The reason our body stores fatty foods is because our body first processes the most toxic things first. Our liver will process simple sugars first, then proteins, and then fat. If we tire our digestive system out, or if we are unable to get to the point that we are utilizing fat as fuel, our body simply stores the fat for a later day, hence weight gain, and even worse, a poor functioning liver. 

Inflammation, as discussed, can also be triggered by a bacterial imbalance in our gut, which is our first line of defense from the outside world. When this happens, foreign materials pass through our gut and enter our blood. Our body naturally responds to this foreign material by attacking it. 

Unfortunately, this attack leads to increased inflammation. When in the brain, this increased inflammation makes it difficult to think and can even lead to long term health risks. 

By following this guide and becoming fat-adapted, you will drastically reduce your inflammation by replacing high-carbohydrate, highly processed foods with healthy, high-fat, nutrient dense foods. You will enjoy eating a variety of meats and seafoods, nuts and seeds, vegetables and berries, and healthy fats like avocados and olives. 

Now that we have had the opportunity to explain our scientific philosophy, we will go into our solution for this problem. Thank you for your time today. Our next post will be in two short days!