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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
8 Natural Ways to Add Electrolytes to Your Water, According to Registered Dietitians
Key Points Infusing water with natural electrolytes is an easy, healthy way to stay hydrated and avoid sugary drinks. Ingredients like lemon juice, salt, and coconut water add essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and sodium to your drink. Frozen fruits, herbal teas, and natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup can enhance flavor while giving a gentle electrolyte plain water is one of the simplest ways to stay hydrated. But if you're looking for a boost, consider adding natural electrolytes to your water. Electrolytes, after all, aren't just found in sports drinks and powdered supplements. They're also naturally found in many whole ingredients. We spoke to two nutritionists who shared their favorite ways to add natural sources of electrolytes. They suggest you try them rather than sipping on sugary sports Our Expert Antonette Hardie, MS, RDN, LD, registered dietitian at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Nicole Roach, RD, CDN, CDCES, registered dietitian at Northwell Lenox Hill HospitalRelated: 12 Infused Water Ideas for Cool, Refreshing Hydration This Summer What Are Electrolytes Electrolytes are simply minerals with an electrical charge, and they play an important role in hydration. They regulate how water moves in and out of cells, thereby supporting overall fluid balance. What's more, electrolytes manage muscle contractions, heart rhythm, blood pressure, and other biological functions, making them a key component of a healthy diet. If you eat a generally balanced diet, you're likely getting all the electrolytes you need from food. But if you've lost a lot of fluids via sweating or vomiting, you may be looking for more sources. Salt Salt contains sodium and chloride, which are both electrolytes, per Antonette Hardie, MS, RDN, LD, registered dietitian at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. It also adds a bit of flavor, which works well with maple syrup or honey to create a salty-sweet taste. Tips for Using Use about 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt, Himalayan pink salt, or table salt per 16 ounces of water, recommends Hardie. You can also combine salt with any of the options in this list. Fruit Juice For a boost of electrolytes, blend some fruit juice with your water. Orange juice and tart cherry juice are great options, as they offer electrolytes like magnesium and potassium. As a bonus, fruit juice contains vitamin C, a key nutrient for immune function. Tips for Using If you want to limit added sugars, use unsweetened or sugar-free fruit juice. This is especially ideal if you have diabetes or prediabetes, says Nicole Roach, RD, CDN, CDCES, registered dietitian at Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital. You can also make a homemade version, like our easy blender orange juice. Related: 12 Infused Water Ideas for Cool, Refreshing Hydration This Summer Coconut Water Coconut water is an abundant source of potassium, says Hardie. "It also has magnesium, phosphorus, and sodium," she adds. Additionally, the tropical drink provides antioxidants, which protect cells from damage. Tips for Using Coconut water is available with and without pulp; use the latter for a smoother concoction. Also, if you'd like to limit added sugars, choose a version without sweetener. Lemon or Lime Juice If you enjoy adding lemon or lime to your water, you're in luck, as the practice can add a dose of electrolytes. Citrus juice, including lemon or lime juice, contains electrolytes like potassium, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus, says Hardie. Tips for Using Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice to your glass of water, being mindful of the seeds. Use fresh juice not bottled, for the best flavor. If the combination is too tart for your liking, stir in a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. Related: These Seedless Lemons Are a Game Changer for Cooks Frozen Fruits or Vegetables Many fruits and vegetables contain electrolytes, and some work especially well when infused in water. For example, cucumbers contain a bit of potassium, says Roach. Meanwhile, watermelon offers electrolytes like potassium, magnesium, sodium, and calcium, according to Hardie. Tips for Using Freeze chunks of produce and use them as ice cubes. You can also add small pieces to ice cube trays if you prefer using water ice cubes. Related: How to Make Cucumber Water for a Spa Experience at Home Honey Honey offers some electrolytes, including "small amounts of potassium, magnesium, and calcium, " says Hardie. If antioxidants are at the top of mind, choose raw honey. Tips for Using Hardie recommends using 2 teaspoons of honey per 8 ounces of water. If needed, dissolve the honey in a small amount of warm water first, then mix it into cold water. Maple Syrup Though not a rich source of electrolytes, maple syrup may contain potassium, says Roach. Read the label carefully, use 100 percent maple syrup for the best quality and taste. Tips for Using According to Roach, maple syrup is low in sodium. Consider adding a sprinkle of salt when blending the ingredient to water. Herbal Teas Infuse water with herbal teas, as they often contain electrolytes. For example, hibiscus tea contains several electrolytes, such as potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium, says Roach. Tips for Using Prepare ice cubes with additional tea to avoid diluting your drink. You can also use frozen fruits to make iced tea, which will add both electrolytes and flavor. Related: The 5 Best Herbal Teas for Sleep—and the Right Way to Brew Them Read the original article on Martha Stewart
Buzz Feed
3 days ago
- Health
- Buzz Feed
9 Things Eye Doctors Say You Should Never, Ever Do
Eye health is an easy area to overlook for many people ― that is, until a problem arises. Visual decline, infection, injury and other ocular issues are fairly common, especially as we age. And although there are many treatments and even surgeries to fix our eye health woes, it would be nice to avoid reaching this point. The good news is there are many ways to help prevent infection and damage to keep our eyes healthy as we age. HuffPost asked eye doctors to share the things they never do in the interest of their ocular health. Read on for the behaviors they avoid. They don't sleep in contact lenses. 'I never sleep in my contact lenses unless the contact lenses have FDA approval for extended wear because of the risk of painful eye infections and cornea damage,' said Dr. William McLaughlin, an optometrist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Occasionally, people who wear contacts might get exhausted or have a few too many drinks and pass out before they've had a chance to remove their lenses, or they might need to take a midday nap or find themselves dozing on a plane. But it's really important to try to remember to take out your contacts in these situations. 'Sleeping in contacts allows for microbes and bacteria from the contact lens to multiply overnight,' said Dr. Ella Faktorovich, an eye doctor and founder of Pacific Vision Institute. 'This can lead to further complications, such as a corneal ulcer, which can be vision-threatening and lead to the need for a corneal transplant.' They don't stare closely at a screen for too long without breaks. 'When people look at a phone, laptop, or book too closely for an extended period, it can increase the risk of myopia in young people and cause eyestrain for people of all ages,' Faktorovich said. 'Myopia typically develops in childhood and then deteriorates until the late teenage years.' She recommended following the '20-20-20 Rule' for preventing and relieving digital eye strain. The method involves taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away. Easing your eye strain can improve your overall eye health as you age. 'As people age, they will experience presbyopia, leading to the potential need for procedures like Monovision LASIK or PRK, where one eye is corrected for distance vision while the other is left mildly nearsighted or uncorrected,' Faktorovich added. 'Other procedures to help presbyopia may be lens replacement surgery.' They don't put off eye exams. 'I never forget to have my eyes examined at least every year to year and a half,' McLaughlin said. It's particularly important to keep up with your regular appointments, including dilated eye exams, if you have a condition that puts your eye health at risk. 'Those diagnosed with diabetes are at increased risk of developing retinopathy,' noted Dr. Barbara Mihalik, an optometrist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. 'This starts as bleeding within the retina and can progress to swelling within the retina, cataracts, glaucoma, and development of new leaky blood vessels that can cause sudden loss of vision and lead to retinal detachment which can cause permanent vision loss. Often those affected do not have any visual problems so it's important to get dilated at least once a year to monitor for this since there are treatments to prevent this vision loss.' They don't ignore a sudden vision change. 'I would never ignore a sudden onset of a shower of floaters ― spots in the vision ― and flashing lights, especially if accompanied by a curtain crossing the vision,' Mihalik said. 'All of these can be a warning sign of a retinal tear, break or hole that can lead to a retinal detachment.' If caught early, this problem can be treated before the retina detaches, she added. 'If the retina does detach, it then requires surgical treatment and the level of vision that can be restored depends on how much and for how long the retina was detached,' Mihalik explained. 'If you ever do develop new onset floaters and flashing lights, call your eye care provider right away.' They don't leave makeup on overnight. 'Under-lubricating the eyes is an often overlooked part of symptomatic eye issues, especially in people who use contact lenses or makeup,' said Dr. Avnish Deobhakta, an ophthalmologist at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai. 'A major change that occurs as we age is that we do not make adequate quality tears ― this is particularly problematic for people who use contact lenses, which are placed directly on the surface of cornea, or certain forms of makeup on the eyelids, which often disrupt tear production.' He noted that the cornea requires constant lubrication to function effectively, and both the aging process and use of contact lenses and makeup can reduce the body's natural lubrication ability. In addition to avoiding sleeping in contacts, he urged makeup-wearers to thoroughly wash it off before going to bed. Failing to remove your makeup can lead to eye infections and adversely impact your eye lubrication. 'One way to help deal with [under-lubrication] is to use preservative free artificial tears as a matter of routine,' Avnish added. 'These artificial tears are made with substances that help lubricate the surface of the eye. However, importantly, they do not have preservatives, which can sometimes cause side effects. We often advocate using them three to four times a day.' They don't stare at the sun. 'People should never look directly at the sun,' Faktorovich said. 'Earlier this year, we witnessed a solar eclipse where many people were tempted to look at the sun through regular sunglasses or homemade sunglasses, which can be extremely detrimental to the eye. Staring directly at the sun without the right eye protection for even a short time can permanently damage your retina, the layer of tissue in the back of your eye that converts light to electrical signals for the brain.' In the event of a solar eclipse, she recommended using the proper protection to avoid retinal burn and other serious eye damage. They don't smoke or vape. 'Smoking and vaping are some of the worst activities that one can do for both one's general health, especially for the eyes,' Deobhakta said. 'There are very severe diseases that destroy the parts of the eye that are irreplaceable, such as the retina, which occur much more often in people who smoke.' He noted that smoking is also associated with increased rates of cataract formation, which leads to a clouding of the lens and often requires surgery to remove. 'In addition, the fumes themselves can cause damage to the surface of the eye, causing corneal abrasions and extremely painful dry eye, often requiring lifelong treatment to address,' Deobhakta said. 'In other words, avoid smoking and vaping if you want a lifetime of healthy eyes.' They don't rinse contact lenses in tap water. Mihalik noted that she would never use tap water to rinse contact lenses. 'There is a high risk of developing microbial keratitis, otherwise known as a corneal ulcer, that can lead to permanent blindness and in some cases corneal transplant,' she noted. 'Instead, always rinse and store in contact lens solution, replace your case regularly, and replace lenses as directed by your eye care provider.' In addition to storing and lubricating your contact lenses improperly, using the same pair for longer than recommended can lead to eye health issues. 'I never forget to discard my contact lenses in the prescribed time period,' McLaughlin said. They don't eat an unbalanced diet. 'Eating a diet high in sugar and fat may go without saying as being bad for one's health, but it also has a disproportionately negative effect on the eyes,' Deobhakta said. 'Certain diseases like diabetes are responsible for the most common forms of irreversible blindness that we see in our clinics, and that is often linked to eating an unbalanced diet high in carbohydrates and fat.' He noted that the risk of experiencing a stroke in the eye is higher for those with uncontrolled high blood pressure. 'Some good news however ― eating a balanced diet (with exercise) not only helps other parts of the body, but drastically reduces the chances of these kinds of diseases occurring,' Deobhakta said. 'So our advice is to eat a Mediterranean Diet, low in sugar and fat, and do something physical you enjoy, like running or biking or taking a walk.'
Irish Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
World's most common painkiller may cause 'risky behaviour' warns expert
As one of the world's most widely used medications, scientists are now examining how this painkiller might be influencing our bodies in unexpected ways. The pain-relieving drug Acetaminophen, better known as paracetamol, is available worldwide in numerous forms under brand names such as Tylenol and Panadol. It functions by blocking chemical signals in the brain that alert you to bodily pain but while doing this, it may be working excessively to accomplish much more. Studies from 2020 monitored behavioural changes following people's use of the medication uncovered the side effects it has on your mind. A crucial discovery was the drug's capacity to heighten the brain's tendency towards risk-taking behaviour, reports the Mirror US. Neuroscientist Baldwin Way from The Ohio State University said: "Acetaminophen seems to make people feel less negative emotion when they consider risky activities-they just don't feel as scared. "With nearly 25 percent of the population in the US taking acetaminophen each week, reduced risk perceptions and increased risk-taking could have important effects on society." Research is being carried out into the effects of paracetamol (Image: Getty Images) These discoveries, when combined with existing studies about acetaminophen's impact on pain relief and its connection to various other mental processes, might sound some warning signals. It's been previously demonstrated to diminish people's sensitivity to causing others emotional harm, indicating decreased compassion, and influence the dulling of additional mental abilities. Baldwin Way spearheaded a series of trials as part of his study, involving over 500 university students as participants. Alongside his research team, he examined how a single adult recommended dose of paracetamol randomly distributed to volunteers influenced factors like their risk-taking behaviour, compared to placebos administered to a separate control group. Both trials required participants to inflate a balloon on a computer screen, which appears fairly straightforward on the face of it. Each pump netted them some virtual cash with the goal of maximising their earnings. They needed to continue inflating whilst ensuring they didn't burst the balloon and forfeit all their winnings. Remarkably, the students who had consumed a dose of paracetamol were displaying considerably more risk-taking behaviour during the task. Those given the dummy medication were comparatively more careful and cautious, and consequently, the initial group also popped significantly more of their balloons. Way elaborated: "If you're risk-averse, you may pump a few times and then decide to cash out because you don't want the balloon to burst and lose your money. "But for those who are on acetaminophen, as the balloon gets bigger, we believe they have less anxiety and less negative emotion about how big the balloon is getting and the possibility of it bursting." However, it's worth mentioning that the researchers also contemplated that the drug's apparent influence on risk-taking behaviour could be interpreted differently. In other words, the psychological process might help to alleviate anxiety and thus instil more confidence in decision-making.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Drinking These Teas May Help Lower Blood Pressure, According to Experts
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure, according to the CDC. But, while it's common, living with hypertension is linked with a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. While there are medications doctors can prescribe to treat high blood pressure, some may suggest making lifestyle changes first. (Always talk to your own doctor for personalized advice!) And, even if you are prescribed a medication, doctors still stress the importance of lifestyle modifications, which might include tweaking your diet. 'Dietary changes are one part of helping regulate and maintain a healthy blood pressure,' says Cheng-Han Chen, M.D., interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA. That may include drinking tea, he says. It seems random, but much like studies suggesting that eating more bananas may help lower your blood pressure, there is some research to suggest that drinking certain teas may help with blood pressure management. That doesn't mean that your blood pressure will magically come down if you start sipping Earl Grey every day. And, there are a few side effects and risks to be aware of. (More on this soon!) But, doctors say that adding a little tea to your life may help with your blood pressure. Here's why. Meet the experts: Cheng-Han Chen, M.D., interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA; Tara Collingwood, R.D.N., C.P.T., a dietitian and certified personal trainer; Ragavendra Baliga, M.B.B.S., a cardiologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center; Keri Gans, R.D.N., dietitian and host of The Keri Report podcast Can tea lower your blood pressure? It's important to state this up front: Always talk to your doctor about any personal blood pressure concerns. Blood pressure is complicated, and it's tough to say that doing something as simple as adding tea to your life will automatically turn things around. But there is some data to suggest that drinking tea may help with blood pressure management. One meta-analysis published in the journal Medicine in 2020 analyzed data from 1,697 people across multiple studies and found that those who regularly drank green tea or green tea extract 'significantly reduced' their systolic (the top number) and diastolic (the bottom number) blood pressure. However, the authors note that additional high-quality trials with larger sample sizes, longer durations, and various catechin dosages are needed to confirm these effects. So, how might tea help? 'Tea, especially green and black varieties, contains polyphenols,' says Ragavendra Baliga, M.B.B.S., a cardiologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. These polyphenols improve the function of endothelial cells (the thin layer of cells that line the inside of blood vessels), lower oxidative stress that can lead to cell damage, and enhance the production of nitric oxide, a compound that relaxes and widens blood vessels, allowing for better blood flow and oxygen delivery around the body, he explains. 'These actions can support a modest reduction in blood pressure over time,' says Tara Collingwood, R.D.N., C.P.T. Still, that doesn't mean drinking tea will automatically help your blood pressure—it just may play a role in lowering it. Because of this, it's still important to talk to your healthcare provider for personalized advice, Dr. Chen reiterates. Dr. Baliga also notes that the effects are more noticeable in people who have slightly elevated blood pressure or mild hypertension. Potential risks and side effects There are a few potential risks and side effects to keep in mind before you start downing tea to manage your blood pressure. A big one experts flag is that the caffeine in tea may increase your blood pressure in the short term. 'People who don't have their blood pressure well-regulated may want to avoid it until they get a better range,' Dr. Chen says. There are also potential drug interactions to keep in mind. 'Green tea can affect warfarin, beta-blockers, and reduce folate or iron absorption,' Dr. Baliga says. He also recommends keeping this in mind: If you have more than five cups of tea a day, it can raise your risk of GI issues, iron deficiency, or insomnia. Something else to consider: A lot of the research around tea and blood pressure focuses on black and green tea. Other forms of tea may have different effects on your health. 'Herbal teas like licorice root can raise blood pressure or interact with medicines,' Collingwood says. What type of tea can help lower blood pressure? The research that's available suggests that green tea is the way to go. 'Green tea shows the strongest evidence, followed by hibiscus tea,' Dr. Baliga says. He also notes that black tea can have 'modest effects' on blood pressure. But unsweetened tea of any type can also have an indirect positive impact on blood pressure, points out Keri Gans, R.D.N., dietitian and host of The Keri Report podcast. 'Replacing sugary drinks with these teas can support overall heart health,' she says. How to use tea to lower your blood pressure There's no magic formula for using tea to lower your blood pressure, but Dr. Chen says that consistency may help. So long as you don't have any of the contraindications mentioned above, he recommends starting out by having one unsweetened hot or iced tea a day to see how you like it. After that, Dr. Baliga says you can work up to having two to three cups of green or hibiscus tea a day. 'Avoid sugar and full-fat milk—both may blunt benefits,' he says. Other ways to lower your blood pressure If you've been diagnosed with high blood pressure, it's important to go over your treatment options with your healthcare provider. But Dr. Chen says those may include following the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8. Those lifestyle tips include: Eat a diet that focuses on whole foods, fruits and vegetables, lean protein, nuts, and seeds. Aim for at least 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity exercise, or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity a week. Avoid using cigarettes and e-cigarettes. Do your best to get seven to nine hours of sleep a night. Manage your weight. Manage your cholesterol by minimizing sugary foods and drinks, red or processed meats, salty food, refined carbohydrates, and highly-processed foods. Try to manage your blood sugar. Stay on top of your blood pressure. 'Life's Essential 8 helps with almost everything cardiovascular-related,' Dr. Chen says. Bottom line Ultimately, experts recommend keeping tea in mind as an additional treatment for blood pressure. However, it's not the only thing you should be doing to bring your numbers down. 'Tea [is] a pleasant bonus—not a cure-all,' Dr. Baliga says. You Might Also Like Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lead to Weight Loss? Bobbi Brown Shares Her Top Face-Transforming Makeup Tips for Women Over 50
India Today
7 days ago
- Health
- India Today
Difficulty speaking? IIT Guwahati's sensor turns your breath into voice commands
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, in collaboration with The Ohio State University, may have found a way to turn the breath int voice with its new communication device. The team developed a low-cost underwater vibration sensor that can interpret a person's breath as speech input, even when no sound is research, published in Advanced Functional Materials, is being hailed as a possible breakthrough in contactless of using spoken words, the new sensor picks up the subtle air flow from the mouth as a person attempts to speak. When this air moves across a water surface, it creates small vibrations, enough for the sensor to from a chemically reactive porous sponge, the device converts the vibrations into electrical signals are then interpreted using a deep learning system called a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), which matches them with pre-learned speech Uttam Manna, who led the project from the Department of Chemistry at IIT Guwahati, said the sensor could help users control devices from a distance, hands-free and innovation is particularly geared towards people who have lost their ability to speak but can still form mouth movements and exhale prototype, which costs around Rs 3,000 in lab conditions, is now being prepped for clinical team is gathering speechless airflow patterns from users to fine-tune its ability to recognise common commands used in operating home appliances or digital research goes beyond accessibility. According to the team, the sensor has potential applications in motion detection, underwater communication, and even health of people with damaged vocal cords or speech disabilities often find themselves excluded from today's voice-controlled smart assistants and devices have made daily life easier for many, those who cannot speak remain unable to access these using something as basic as breath over water, this project has taken a small but significant step toward making the digital world more inclusive, and more human.- Ends
