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. |
Dye your hair, harm your health.
Hair dying contains chemicals that capable of removing or covering natural pigments found inside the hair shaft. Use of these chemicals can result in many side effects, including skin irritation, hair breakage and skin discolouration. Many studies have consistently found that hair colorists have an increased risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, multiple myeloma and leukemia. You should avoid and reduce the frequency of hair dying to reduce your risk from getting cancer. |
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. |
Hormone pills and breast cancer?
Research findings from the California Teachers Study point the decline in breast cancer to the reduced use of Hormone Therapy (HT) at peri-menopausal stage. Prolonged use of HT may be a link to the increased risk of breast cancer, stroke, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer. As your body undergoes the transition, try to rely on natural plant-based alternatives instead. Try Maca (Lepidium peruvianum), clinically proven to support hormonal imbalances, to improve mood and regulates stress. Many women find this a boon to improving menopausal symptoms. |
Caffeine and pregnancy.
Excess caffeine may lead to low birth weight and miscarriage. Caffeine may affect baby’s growth as it may constrict blood vessels and limit the nutrient supplies to baby. Also, caffeine inhibits iron absorption. The low iron stores at fetal stage causes higher risk of iron deficiency anemia during infant development. Yet, pregnant mothers need not avoid caffeine totally. American Dietetic Association suggests 300mg daily (equals to 3 cups of coffee) as the upper limit of caffeine intake for pregnant women. Other sources of Caffeine include tea, soda, chocolates and energy drink! |
Poor immune health? Your gut could be the culprit!
When the intestinal lining is irritated, it creates pathways for unwanted larger molecules to pass through. Bacteria, toxins, undigested food particles, are the potential culprits that impair your immune health. Stress, infections, excessive alcohol consumption, a poor diet and medication can affect your gut. Vinegar is a traditional aid for digestion and reducing bloatedness, as it promotes the growth of good bacteria in the gut. For a new sense of wellness from within, try Kouzu Vinegar, a prized amino-rich Japanese vinegar. The 3-year fermented formula promotes vitality, aids digestion and natural weight loss! |
Hand foot mouth disease (HFMD).
HFMD is caused by a viral infection. Children aged 2 weeks to 5 years old are most susceptible to the disease. It can transmit via direct contact through saliva, nasal discharge and feces. Boosting your child’s immunity can help reduce the chances of contracting HFMD. Therefore, parents should ensure their child eats a balanced diet with more vegetables and fruit for the vitamins, minerals and antioxidant-rich content. For picky eaters, try King Chlorella -pure chlorella tablets with fully cracked cell wall to release chlorella nutrients optimally. Chlorella is a super green food with highest chlorophyll content to cleanse blood, remove toxins and balance body pH, and it has high nutrients to support growth and daily nutritional needs. |
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. |
Eye exercise.
A four-step eye exercise can relieve tired eyes after long hours of working in front of the computer screen. Do it daily, particularly in between breaks from the computer. Step 1: Close your eyes tightly for 3- 5 seconds and open them for 3-5 seconds. Repeat 7-8 times. Step 2: Close your eyes again and massage in circular movements for 1-2 minutes. Step 3: Press three fingers against upper eyelids, hold for 1-2 seconds then release. Repeat 5 times. Step 4: Roll your eyes clockwise, then counter-clockwise, and then blink once. Repeat 5 times. |
Cultivate stronger relationships.
Spending too much time isolated and alone can be detrimental to your mental and social well-being. Long term isolation or a lack of community interaction is proven to result in emotional issues like anxiety. Sharing your feelings and thoughts with your family and/or close friends can foster a sense of belonging and reduce negative emotions. You’ll be amazed that even a simple short message can brighten up your day! |
Choose whole grain breads.
Choose wholegrain breads over white breads. White bread is made from white flour is refined to remove the bran and germ, which carry the most nutrients and fiber. Look out for food labels that list the first ingredient as whole wheat, whole meal, or whole corn. If you can, choose whole grain breads with intact grains, seeds, oats or nuts. These will help regulate blood sugar level and maximize the benefits of carbohydrates. |
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. |
Wear protective clothing.
Clothing provides up to 98% UV protection against harmful UV rays. Choose tightly-woven fabric over loosely-woven types for the best UV shield. Test the UV-protection level of the fabric by holding it up to the light. If you can see through the fabric, then the UV radiation can penetrate it easily to reach your skin layers. Taking antioxidants can help boost your sun protection from within. Coenzyme Q10 is an essential nutrient and potent antioxidant to fight UV-generated free radicals, and also safeguards your heart and enhances energy levels. |
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! |
Walk your way health!
No time for gym? According to World Health Organization, physical activity does not necessarily means running a marathon or playing competitive sports. It can be walking children to school or taking a brisk stroll in the park. Studies show that increasing daily walking steps is associated with a decline in the body fats, reduced waist girth and improved resting heart rate. Keep your daily steps no fewer than 7,500, as it helps avoid tummy fat accumulation. Use stairs but not elevator, alight two bus stops early, it all adds up to the steps taken per day. |
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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