Sensitive teeth? Pick the right brush for pain-free brushing
For those with sensitive teeth and bleeding gum, brushing and cleaning interdental spaces can create pain and discomfort. Tooth sensitivity occurs as a result of receding gum and exposed dentin. Many factors lead to sensitivity. Brushing too hard, over time, can damage enamel and cause recession of gum. The build-up of plaque, may cause gum disease, leading to bleeding gum and sensitivity. Pick a soft brush with fine bristles to reduce abrasive on tooth structure and to cleanse the gum line better. A toothbrush with compact brush head allows you to brush hard-to-reach areas, like back teeth, which can be easily missed while brushing with normal-sized brush head. |
SLS-free shampoo!
Check your shampoo label and look for Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) – a common foaming agent that present in 90% commercially available shampoos. SLS is able to permeate the skin effectively and concentrate in some organs such as eyes, brain and heart. It washes away the hair moisture and may lead to premature shedding of hair, clogged hair follicle and finally, and hair loss. Avoid products containing SLS. Seek natural alternatives! AFC Shokaigan Shampoo with zero content of SLS and natural blend of 10 amino acids to gently deep cleanse, unclog hair follicles and regulate hair scalp pH. |
Moisturize dry scalp.
We put in a lot of efforts to make sure that our skin is well-moisturized and tend to forget the layer of skins underneath the hair. If we have dry skin, most likely will have a dry scalp too. Dry skin is the most common cause of itchy and flaking scalp. Scalp oil moisturizes scalp better than the cream or lotion as it stays longer on the scalp. Jojoba oil is most commonly used. Others include almond, flax seed, or olive oil. Apply the scalp oil on wet hair, it prevents oil getting into hair. Choose shampoo with citrus oil, tea tree oil or chamomile oil as they rinse out oil treatment effectively. |
Monthly breast self exam can save lives!
Diagnosis of breast cancer at the earlier stage increases the chances of successful treatment. All females should start self exam at the age of 20. First, lie down on your back and put your right hand behind your head. Use three middle fingers from left hand to feel the lumps at right breast. Move around your breast in circular movement from outer edge to nipple area. Repeat for left breast. Do the self exam at the same time every month either a few days after period or first day of starting new pack of oral contraceptive pills. |
Bigger may not be better during pregnancy.
Weight gain during pregnancy varies among women. If you are underweight (BMI <18.5), you should gain 12.5-18kg. If your weight is normal (BMI 18.5-25), the recommended weight gain is 11.5-16kg. For overweight mother (BMI 25.1-29.9), weight gain should between 7-11.5kg. For those who are obese, weight gain is should be <7kg. Avoid sudden and excess weight gain as these are associated with adverse health effects: pregnancy induced hypertension, gestational diabetes, large baby who may become obese, and complications during delivery. |
Boost immune health with Agaricus mushroom.
The Agaricus Blazei Murill (or commonly known as Brazilian mushrooms) contains the highest level of beta-glucans. Beta-glucans stimulate various aspects of the immune system by increasing activity levels of immune cells like macrophages and T-cells that are first to fight bad bacteria and viruses. Lifestream ABM Immuno Advance contains 10 times concentrated extract with other medicinal mushroom extracts for potent immunity protection and support general health. |
Laugh to better health!
The easiest and simplest way to boost your immunity is to laugh out loud. Laughing helps to decrease stress hormones and increases immune cells and strengthens your internal defence system to resist colds better. Having a positive attitude, and a sense of humor helps you relax and feel more upbeat. |
Feed your eyes.
In various studies and clinical trials, antioxidant vitamins such as vitamins A, C and E can help maintain healthy cells and tissues in the eyes. These vitamins are found in fruits and vegetables such as oranges, tomatoes, kale and spinach. Two key protective antioxidants are lutein and zeaxanthin, which also help to protect against macular degeneration and protect eyes from free radical damage. Omega 3 fatty acids are essential for nerve conduction in the retina. For healthy eyes, eat a good and balanced diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, with oily fish like salmon, sardine or mackerel. |
Joint food.
Foods high in antioxidants such as fruits and vegetables can help to fight off free radicals which may damage our joints. Omega-3 fatty acids have natural anti-inflammation properties to reduce swelling and stiffness. For extra cartilage help, take supplements with glucosamine and chondroitin to build up cartilage, improve joint lubrication and to inhibit enzymes from further cartilage breakdown. Joint Sensei is a quad-action formula with glucosamine, chondroitin, cat’s claw and Ajuga extracts specially formulated for joint health and improved flexibility. |
Watch the caffeine.
A moderate caffeine intake boosts metabolism and elevates moods. Long term effects of caffeine however, can cause heart palpitations, hypertension and insomnia. It is best to keep your daily caffeine intake to less than 400mg. One serving of espresso (1 oz.) has 40mg of caffeine. A cup of brewed coffee (8 oz.) contains up to 133mg of caffeine. Decaf coffee has less than 5mg of caffeine. Energy drinks and soft drinks are high in caffeine too - Red Bull (12 oz) has about 80mg of caffeine while a diet Pepsi has 36mg! |
Choose healthier oils!
Different cooking oils have different smoking points, giving them different optimum heating temperatures for different cooking methods. Unsaturated oils are healthier choices for cooking. However, when unsaturated oils are used in deep frying, they may turn toxic which leads to an increased cancer risk. For light cooking and salad dressings, look to polyunsaturated oils like Sesame oil or Safflower oil. For stir-frying, choose oils with a higher amount of monounsaturated fats like Canola oil. |
Barley grass for beautiful skin.
Barley grass has a wide array of skin-beautifying nutrients. It is naturally rich in Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) that neutralizes free radicals from sunlight, pollution and so on. SOD is also found to reverse skin scarring. Barley grass also provides chlorophyll that facilitates detoxification for clear and radiant skin. AFC Green Beauty is a unique blend of barley grass, with kale and green tea for detoxification and 2,500mg collagen per serving to enhance skin protection. |
Why the Japanese live the longest?
Want to know the secret why the Japanese live the longest? There is a small village which is 2 hours drive from Tokyo, Yuzurihara 'Village of Long Life' with villagers live up to 90s with extremely good health. They have remarkably youthful skin, surprisingly good eyesight, strong and flexible joints. Their secrets? a diet rich in hyaluronic acid. Dr Toyosuki investigated the intriguing phenomenon and found that the villagers ate abundance of starchy root vegetables - konnyaku, taro, sweet potato and so on - which are naturally high in hyaluronic acid. A molecule produced naturally by your body, hyaluronic acid is greatly distributed in joints, skin and eyes. Known as 'Super Water Magnet', hyaluronic acid is commonly used as nature's moisturizer in skin supplement and skin care products. It traps moisture within skin layers, plumps up flaccid skin cells, smoothens fine lines and wrinkles. |
Walk the mall!
Nothing is more exciting than doing your exercise and shopping at the same time. A research on shopping pattern shows that shoppers spent up to 86 minutes in shopping mall per visit. An 86 minutes of brisk walking can use up 500kcal! That is ¼ of the daily calorie intake of a normal weight adult! Incorporate brisk walking during your shopping spree for the extra calories burnt. A weekly shopping trip can help you lose 1kg in 4 months time, simple by walking faster in the mall! |
Maximize workout at minimum time!
High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) burns 9 times higher than conventional exercise. It stimulates body to convert fat store into energy effectively. For beginners: warm up, start 30 seconds intensive phase, follow by 90 seconds rest. Repeat 6-8 times. It takes 15-20 minutes. HIIT can be applied during cycling, running, and rope skipping, and so on. For obese or older adults, it is best to do it with the monitoring of professionals to avoid overloading yourself. Not enough time for exercise? It is not a valid excuse anymore! |
How to use DHA for brain development
During the last trimester of pregnancy and first two years of life, the brain undergoes rapid growth - 'brain growth spurt'. At this stage, brain requires sufficient nutrients especially DHA for the development of sensory, perceptual, cognitive, and motor development. Fetuses and infants receive DHA from mothers through placenta and breast milk. Mothers should ensure sufficient DHA level through rich DHA fishes free from heavy metals and pollutants, and high DHA supplements. Infant fed with formula is highly recommended to have DHA oil added to milk to aid brain development. |
Is memory decline due to aging is preventable?
Some parts of brain essential for memory are highly vulnerable to aging. With increasing age, brain losses its nerve cells and becomes less efficient. Brain aging can be accelerated with exposure to poisons, tobacco, alcohol. Studies have shown that memory problems among older people can be lessened with physical and mental stimulations to improve mental performance. DHA is highly researched as an important fatty acids that support brain function and reduce aging decline. |
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