Category Archives: ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

Tips from fixing the room to finding health remedies in the kitchen.

Do you Feel Tired all the Time? – Check These 4 Surprising Reasons

By Guest Blogger Nicole N.

Do you Feel Tired all the Time? – Check These 4 Surprising Reasons

We all get tired, that’s a given; if you’ve punched in ten-twelve hours at the office, couldn’t sleep all night, did some serious spring cleaning and what not, of course you will feel exhausted. However, if you feel constant fatigue and are desperate for a nap after doing the bare minimum like climbing two flights of stairs or you start losing your sharpness and focus after only two hours of work, there is a good chance that an underlying issue might be at hand. If any of this rings a bell, it is time to dive into this list of potential reasons and find out what is causing you to feel worn out, so let’s begin.

Anemia

The culprit of fatigue and perpetual sense of exhaustion can be found in a staggering number of health issues. This is why it’s highly important to listen to your body and look for other signals it’s sending you in order to get your body in its natural healthy state. For instance, according to Mayo Clinic, if you notice that your skin is quite pale or even yellowish, your heartbeats are irregular, feet and hands cold, or you’re experiencing shortness of breath, dizziness and in the worst case scenario chest pain, you are looking at anemia. Anemia is a condition that occurs when your body isn’t producing a sufficient number of red blood cells, or it does but your body is destroying them. Two most common types of this health condition are iron deficiency anemia and vitamin B-12. The good news is, this condition is completely treatable; you just need to pay attention to the messages your body is sending you, and if you notice these symptoms, turn to your physician so you can get things under control and bring the spring back in your step.

Leaky gut syndrome

When presented alone, chronic fatigue and exhaustion can mean a number of things. However, when followed by an additional set of symptoms consisting of bloating, gas, cramps, food sensitivities, aches and pains, there is a good possibility that you are suffering from leaky gut syndrome. The definition of this condition is perplexing, but put in simple terms, it is like having holes in your intestines, which in turn allow for particles that shouldn’t enter your bloodstream to do so. Inflammation in the body is the first symptom of this condition, but it’s a dangerous one as it can be the cause of  numerous other diseases.  Once you notice these symptoms, your first approach to tackling the problem should definitely be high-quality probiotics that will restore your bowel health. Another good idea is to do a colon cleanse using natural ingredients such as organic apple cider vinegar and honey. Apple cider vinegar serves as a prebiotic for healthy bacteria in the gut and it eliminates Candida overgrowth which causes fatigue among other more serious problems such as depression and yeast infections. If, however, your condition takes a turn for the worse and additional problems arise with your thyroid gland, weight gain, mood swings and skin inflammation, don’t waste any time before you turn to your physician for help.

Sedentary lifestyle

This particular cause of your fatigue is one that is quite common, especially in this day and age when a large portion of the population spends hours on end sitting, whether due to the nature of their job or simply because we spend an excessive amount of time pealed to a computer or TV. We might not see this as an issue, but a recent research by Queen’s University Belfast begs to differ. It states that prolonged sitting is just as bad for our health as smoking and its symptoms range from soreness, pain in your neck, stiffness, back pain, to chronic headaches, all this on top of a sense of constant tiredness. The news gets even worse, because  when disregarded, the condition can lead to the deterioration of spine, and development of heart conditions, all ‘thanks’ to the lack of movement. The solution is simple, and of course, it revolves around physical activity; once you get those legs moving, you will fix the damage caused by prolonged sitting, improve your metabolism and keep your heart strong and healthy.

Sleep deprivation

One of the reasons for your lack of focus and tiredness is definitely lack of quality sleep, but this problem is more often than not taken seriously enough. More than a ‘worn out’ feeling, poor sleep, if frequent and constant, can weaken the immune system, cause depression and memory problems, brain fog, and even hallucinations. In order to ‘take back the night’ and get your much needed quality snooze time, cut caffeine, alcohol and nicotine from your life. Get a sound machine if you are a light or troubled sleeper; sprinkle a few drops of lavender oil on your pillow – the soothing effects of it are truly amazing.

 Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.

Bulking Up: How to Gain Weight Fast and Safely

Bulking Up: How to Gain Weight Fast and Safely

With the number of dieters trying to lose weight and eat less, there is a smaller amount of people who are trying just as hard to gain body mass. They may be looking for more muscles or just some extra fat to keep warm during winter, but the lack of focus on this struggle can make the battle even tougher.

Image source: Pexels

It can be a frustrating hunt on the web for advice when you would like nothing better than to see those numbers rise – and everyone keeps categorizing calorie-dense food as unhealthy and something to steer clear off. Celery sticks and cucumbers, on the other hand, seem to be perfect snack options.

Not for us. Here is a generous portion of tips on how to gain weight a bit faster while still staying true to those health and fitness goals.

Eat frequently

The formula is just as simple for those looking to bulk up as those trying to shed some weight. When you eat more calories than your body is able to burn, you’re going to gain weight – and when you’re burning more calories than you’re consuming, you’re inevitably going to lose weight.

As simple as the formula is, it’s not always that easy to keep the calorie intake on the high at all times – especially not when your body tends to burn a ridiculous amount of energy when you’re not even paying attention.

Try to incorporate meals that are easy to eat on the go, such as smoothies and granola bars, and make sure your choices are calorie-dense while still being healthy. Bread, bananas, peanut butter – keep it coming, and remember that the healthy foods dieters are steering clear off are the perfect options for bulking up. Livestrong has a great list of foods you should choose, by the way, so help yourself.

Eat protein

As the building blocks of our body, so to speak, protein is your best friend when trying to gain weight. It is the single most important nutrient for gaining weight healthily and safely, so fill your fridge with eggs, chicken, and beans.

Keep in mind that protein tends to fill you up quite quickly, which is why it’s perfect for people who are looking to lose weight rather than gain it. If you’ve enjoyed a protein-dense breakfast such as eggs or Greek yogurt, try to remind yourself to eat a bit more during the day.

You may feel full, but you still need to reach that golden amount of calories that makes those numbers on the scale increase. Have a look at HomeSpaSelect for some reviews on the best scales as well, so that you get to track your weight gain journey accurately. It makes it a lot easier to remind yourself to eat more when you’re stuck at the same numbers.

While we all love food, it’s not easy to change the way your body looks. Make sure you have a chat with your doctor if you are underweight, by the way, as there may be an underlying problem you should deal with before you are able to increase your weight.

They may be able to give you more advice as well, so hand over your questions and have another portion in the meantime.

 Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.

Shoe Lifespan: How Often Should You Replace Them?

By Guest Blogger Sarah J.

Shoe Lifespan: How Often Should You Replace Them?

 

Our shoes are some of the most useful and desired possessions we own.  A good pair of running or tennis shoes is a must for every person, especially those who exercise or participate in any activity that has us on our feet for some time. When we find shoes that offer us the right support, it may be hard to say goodbye to them, but unfortunately, every pair of good shoes has a lifespan.

 

Why Replace?

 

Wearing shoes beyond their life limit can actually hurt your feet.  The lack of support is caused by the compressing of the cushioning and the shrinking of the sole from the many thousands of steps you may have taken. Shin splints and plantar fasciitis are a few of the issues that can be caused by shoes that no longer offer what you need.

 

Signs It’s Time

 

There are some obvious signs to look for if you are concerned your shoes are too worn to be used. The soles become thinner and don’t offer as much support as they once did.  The tread may be little or bare which can cause slipping hazards, and the interior of the shoe may show signs of wear, especially if you walk using one side of your foot more than the other.

 

If you look at your shoes and see wrinkles along the bottom or the sides of the sole, then it is time to replace them.  This means the support cushions have been broken down. Also, if the top of the shoe around the ankle has any wrinkles, dents, or appear to be worn, it may be time to look for a new pair as well.

 

Timeline for Shoes

 

Shoes do have a lifespan. Runners and athletes go through shoes much more quickly than the average person.  If your shoes display any of the signs of the damage mentioned above or if you run approximately four days per week, then you should consider replacing your shoes every six months.  It is also a good idea to invest in more than one pair so you can alternate them.

 

Rotating between pairs will help extend their lifespan and your wallet’s contents as well. Consider having two or more pairs ready to go.  Old shoes can also be recycled or given away if there is any life left in them. Old shoes can be used around the house as well, especially for outdoor work such as yard work.

 

Take Care of Your Shoes

 

Caring for your shoes can extend their life a bit. It is important that your shoes dry between use. Otherwise, you may get Athletes foot or a fungus. If you decide to wash them using a washing machine, let them air dry instead of using the dryer. The heat from a dryer and the constant motion can cause extra wear and a faster breakdown of the shoes.

 

If your insoles become flat or unsupportive, try using sole inserts which have different support points that can suit your needs. Keep in mind that if the exterior is too broken down, then the inserts won’t be useful at all.

 

Our beloved shoes are selected because of their comfort, size, and appearance. There are shoes for everyone, including workout gurus, athletes, avid walkers, etc. They do have a lifespan, but with some decent care and an extra pair or two, you can extend the life of your shoes.  Watch out for signs such as wrinkling or wearing of the sole and tread.  These are red flags that it may be time for a more comfortable and supportive replacement.

 Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.

 

Bio: Sarah writes for https://kickschoice.com. She wants to spread awareness about foot and leg health so that people can take better care of the limbs that support their whole body.

 

Is Your Home as Secure as You Think?

Is Your Home as Secure as You Think?

Keeping your home secure is important. Your home is probably where you have your kids, it’s where you keep your savings, and it’s where most of your belongings are. Not only is it important to protect the things that are dear to you, but it’s also important to protect your own life. Burglars can easily break in through a window, and smashing a door is no problem if they don’t mind making a bit of noise. After all, can you really defend against a gang of armed thieves? Most likely not.

Securing your home these days is about more than just having a gun to protect your property. If you want to ensure that your home is secure and safe from intruders, then here are a couple of questions to ask yourself.

Source

Is my home attractive to thieves?

First, ask yourself if your home is attractive to thieves. If you live in a neighbourhood with a watch scheme, plenty of CCTV on the streets and motion lights, then you’re most likely not an attractive home for thieves. With smart home technology, it’s possible to monitor your home from a distance and even automatically link your security with local authorities for a quick response should the thieves trigger an alarm. If your home has these types of equipment, then there’s a good chance that your home is actively deterring thieves. However, if you don’t have security systems installed and your belongings are in plain sight because of large windows, then there’s a good chance you’re attracting burglars.

Do I have the latest security systems?

Make sure you update your home security. Check resources like homesecuritysystem.co and have a look at the latest and greatest security systems. If you have something from a decade ago, then there’s a good chance that it won’t protect you from anyone. In fact, security systems are no longer as effective as they were because thieves are more than willing to smash your windows, grab the loot and run off before the authorities can reach. Instead, you want the latest security that can not only record the thieves and their getaway but potentially record their voices as well. This will ensure that you have the highest chance of catching the thieves in the future.

Am I making it easy for thieves?

Ask yourself if you’re making it easy for the thieves. If your belongings are in plain sight, then they’re easy targets for thieves. Do you have no motion lights around your home? Then it will make it easy for the thieves to move around at night. This article from ledwatcher.com shows that not only are motion lights good at deterring thieves, but it also makes it hard for them to sneak around undetected. They won’t be able to hide their faces for long, and it will be easy to spot them. You’ll also want to cut down any shrubs or cover that thieves can use to approach your home. In short, make sure you’re not making it easy for thieves by giving them cover, objects to climb on or an easy entrance into your property.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.