What are mood swings and why do they happen?

Mood swings are characterized by sudden and intense shifts in emotions. They can occur for various reasons, including hormonal changes, stress, and mental health conditions. Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, can lead to mood swings due to the fluctuation of hormones in the body. Stress is another common trigger for mood swings, as it can overwhelm the body’s ability to cope with emotions effectively. Additionally, mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder can cause severe and frequent mood swings.

The impact of mood swings on daily life and relationships

Mood swings can have a significant impact on various aspects of daily life, including work, school, and personal relationships. In the workplace, frequent mood swings can affect productivity and interpersonal relationships with colleagues. It may be challenging to concentrate on tasks or maintain a positive attitude when experiencing intense emotional fluctuations. Similarly, in educational settings, mood swings can interfere with learning and academic performance.

In personal relationships, mood swings can strain communication and emotional connection. Loved ones may find it difficult to understand or cope with the sudden changes in mood, leading to misunderstandings or conflicts. This can create a cycle of frustration and isolation for both the individual experiencing mood swings and their loved ones.

Addressing mood swings is crucial for overall well-being. Ignoring or dismissing them may lead to worsening symptoms and a decline in mental health. Seeking support and implementing strategies to manage mood swings can help individuals regain control over their emotions and improve their quality of life.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of mood swings

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of mood swings is essential for understanding when they occur and how they impact daily life. Common symptoms of mood swings include irritability, sadness, anxiety, anger, and sudden bursts of energy or euphoria. These emotions can be intense and may last for hours or even days. It is important to differentiate between normal mood fluctuations, which are a natural part of life, and more severe mood swings that disrupt daily functioning.

How to track and monitor your mood swings

Tracking and monitoring mood swings can provide valuable insights into patterns, triggers, and severity. Keeping a mood journal or using a mood tracking app can help individuals identify trends in their emotions and recognize potential triggers. By recording daily moods, activities, and any significant events or stressors, individuals can gain a better understanding of their emotional patterns. This information can be shared with healthcare providers or therapists to aid in diagnosis and treatment planning.

Coping strategies for managing mood swings

Managing mood swings involves implementing coping strategies that promote emotional regulation and overall well-being. Self-care practices play a crucial role in managing mood swings. Regular exercise, such as walking or yoga, can help release endorphins and reduce stress levels. Engaging in activities that bring joy or relaxation, such as reading, painting, or listening to music, can also help stabilize moods.

Techniques for managing stress and anxiety are also beneficial in managing mood swings. Deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness meditation can help individuals calm their minds and regulate their emotions. Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet with balanced meals and adequate hydration can support stable moods.

The role of medication in treating mood swings

In some cases, medication may be necessary to manage severe or persistent mood swings. Antidepressants and mood stabilizers are commonly prescribed to help regulate emotions and stabilize moods. It is important to work closely with a healthcare provider to find the right medication and dosage, as individual responses can vary. Medication should always be used in conjunction with other therapeutic interventions, such as therapy or counseling.

The importance of self-care in managing mood swings

Prioritizing self-care practices is crucial for managing mood swings and maintaining overall mental health. Self-care involves taking intentional actions to nurture and care for oneself. This can include activities such as taking a bath, practicing mindfulness, spending time in nature, or engaging in hobbies. By prioritizing self-care, individuals can reduce stress levels, improve emotional well-being, and better manage mood swings.

How to communicate with loved ones about your mood swings

Open and honest communication with loved ones about mood swings is essential for maintaining healthy relationships. It is important to explain the nature of mood swings and how they impact daily life. Setting boundaries and expressing needs can help loved ones understand how to provide support without enabling or exacerbating the mood swings. Asking for support when needed and seeking understanding from loved ones can foster a sense of connection and reduce feelings of isolation.

Seeking professional help for severe mood swings

If mood swings become severe or significantly impact daily functioning, it may be necessary to seek professional help. A mental health professional can provide an accurate diagnosis, develop a treatment plan, and offer support throughout the recovery process. Therapy or counseling can be highly beneficial in helping individuals better understand and manage their mood swings.

The potential benefits of therapy for coping with mood swings

Therapy can play a crucial role in helping individuals cope with and manage their mood swings effectively. Different types of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), can provide individuals with the tools and strategies to regulate their emotions, identify triggers, and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Therapy can also provide a safe space for individuals to explore underlying issues that may contribute to mood swings and work towards long-term emotional stability.

Mood swings can have a significant impact on daily life and relationships, but with the right strategies and support, they can be effectively managed. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of mood swings, tracking and monitoring them, implementing coping strategies, and seeking professional help when needed are all crucial steps in managing mood swings. Prioritizing self-care and open communication with loved ones can also contribute to overall well-being. Remember, seeking help and support is a sign of strength, and there are resources available to help individuals navigate the challenges of mood swings.

If you’re struggling with mood swings, you may find this article on hormone therapy helpful. It discusses the benefits of bio-identical hormone replacement therapy for women dealing with menopause and how it can help regulate mood swings and other symptoms. Check it out here.

Causes of Night Sweats: What Triggers Them?
Night sweats can be triggered by a variety of factors, including, as noted above, environmental conditions, medications, hormonal changes, and medical conditions. Environmental factors such as hot weather or an overheated bedroom can lead to excessive sweating during sleep. Certain medications, such as antidepressants or hormone therapy drugs, can also cause night sweats as a side effect.

Hormonal changes, particularly in women, can contribute to night sweats. Menopause is a common time for women to experience night sweats due to the fluctuation of hormones in the body. Additionally, certain medical conditions such as infections, cancer, hormonal disorders, and neurological conditions can also cause night sweats.

Health Conditions That Cause Night Sweats
Night sweats can be a symptom of various health conditions. Infections such as tuberculosis or HIV can cause night sweats as the body tries to fight off the infection. Cancer, particularly lymphoma, can also lead to excessive sweating during sleep.

Hormonal disorders such as hyperthyroidism or pheochromocytoma can disrupt the body’s natural temperature regulation system and result in night sweats. Neurological conditions like autonomic dysreflexia or stroke can also cause night sweats as a result of dysfunction in the nervous system.

Menopause and Night Sweats: What You Need to Know

Menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life when her menstrual periods stop, and she can no longer conceive. It typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, but can occur sooner, particularly if surgically induced. Along with other symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings, night sweats are a common occurrence during menopause.

During menopause, there is a significant decrease in estrogen levels in the body. This hormonal change can disrupt the body’s temperature regulation system, leading to hot flashes and night sweats. Night sweats during menopause can be particularly bothersome as they can disrupt sleep and lead to fatigue and irritability.

Treatment options for menopausal night sweats include hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which involves taking estrogen to alleviate symptoms. However, HRT is not suitable for everyone and may have potential risks. Over the past two decades, “Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy” (BHRT) or “Bio-Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy” (BNHRT) has been shown to have fewer side effects and less serious side effects than their synthetic counterparts.  Other non-hormonal treatments such as lifestyle changes, herbal remedies, and medications may also be considered.

Night Sweats and Anxiety: A Vicious Cycle 

Anxiety and night sweats often go hand in hand, creating a vicious cycle that can be challenging to break. Anxiety triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response, which can lead to an increase in body temperature and sweating. This can result in night sweats during sleep.

On the other hand, night sweats can worsen anxiety symptoms. Waking up drenched in sweat can be distressing and cause feelings of panic or unease. The fear of experiencing night sweats can also create anxiety about going to bed, leading to difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.

Coping strategies for managing anxiety-related night sweats include practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises or meditation before bed. Creating a calming bedtime routine and ensuring a comfortable sleep environment can also help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.

Tips to Help You Sleep Better with Night Sweats

While it may not be possible to completely eliminate night sweats, there are several strategies that can help individuals sleep better despite experiencing them. If the night seats are caused by a lack of estrogens (estradiol), then restoring that hormone to appropriate levels with BHRT/BNHRT can often address this issue in the short term. Practicing good sleep hygiene is essential, which includes maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and avoiding stimulating activities before bed.

Choosing the right bedding and clothing can also make a difference. Opting for moisture-wicking fabrics that help regulate body temperature can help keep individuals dry and comfortable throughout the night. Additionally, using breathable bedding materials and keeping the bedroom cool can help reduce the occurrence of night sweats.

Relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation or guided imagery can also be beneficial in managing night sweats. These techniques can help individuals relax and reduce stress, which may contribute to excessive sweating during sleep.

Cooling Techniques for Night Sweats

Implementing cooling techniques can help alleviate night sweats and improve sleep quality. Using fans or air conditioning in the bedroom can help circulate air and keep the room cool. Placing a fan near the bed or using a ceiling fan can provide a constant breeze that helps regulate body temperature.

Investing in cooling pillows or mattress pads made from materials that dissipate heat can also be helpful. These products are designed to provide a cooler sleeping surface and prevent excessive sweating during sleep.

Taking a cold shower before bed can also help lower body temperature and reduce the likelihood of night sweats. The cool water can help cool down the body and create a more comfortable sleeping environment.

Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Night Sweats

Making certain lifestyle changes can help reduce the frequency and severity of night sweats. Maintaining a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can support overall health and potentially alleviate night sweats.

Regular exercise has been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce symptoms of menopause-related night sweats. Engaging in activities such as walking, swimming, or yoga can help regulate hormones and promote better sleep.

Stress management techniques such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can also be beneficial in reducing night sweats. Stress can exacerbate night sweats, so finding healthy ways to manage stress can help break the cycle.

Identifying and avoiding triggers that may contribute to night sweats is also important. This may include avoiding spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, or smoking, as these substances can increase body temperature and trigger sweating.

When to See a Doctor for Night Sweats

While occasional night sweats are usually not a cause for concern, there are certain circumstances when it is important to seek medical attention. If night sweats are persistent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, weight loss, or fatigue, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional.

Providing a detailed medical history to the doctor is crucial in order to help identify the underlying cause of night sweats. This may include information about medications being taken, recent illnesses or infections, and any other relevant medical conditions.

Breaking the Night Sweats Cycle for Better Sleep

Night sweats can significantly impact sleep quality and overall well-being. Understanding the causes and triggers of night sweats is essential in order to effectively manage the condition. By identifying the underlying cause and implementing appropriate treatment options, individuals can break the cycle of night sweats and improve their sleep quality.

Coping strategies such as practicing relaxation techniques and implementing cooling techniques can also help alleviate night sweats and promote better sleep. Making lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress can further support overall health and reduce the occurrence of night sweats.

If night sweats are persistent or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. With proper management and care, individuals can break the night sweats cycle and achieve better sleep quality.

If you’re experiencing night sweats, it could be a sign of hormonal imbalance. Hormone Health and Weight Loss offers valuable insights into the causes and solutions for night sweats in their article “Night Sweats: Causes and Treatment Options.” This informative piece discusses the various factors that can contribute to night sweats, such as menopause, medications, and medical conditions. It also provides practical tips and treatment options to help alleviate this uncomfortable symptom.

As Sophia on ‘The Golden Girls’ would preface her famous stories, picture it, you are at your PCP office for your yearly physical. Your doctor asks you how you are doing. Instead of saying the inevitable, “fine,” you decide to disclose the truth. You feel awful, and something seems off. You have found yourself snapping at your spouse and coworkers over nothing. One moment you think life is sustainable the next moment you feel like the walls are caving in and nothing is going right. You get hot for no reason, and you have gained weight that you can’t blame on the holidays. Your friends suggest cautiously, “could it be your hormones?” How offensive is that? The thought of the people you thought cared most about you making you feel like you are old or even worse menopausal. Wait. Maybe they are right. So you ask your doctor to check your hormones to consider the possibility. And in a flash, you receive a quick, “Nope, we don’t do that.” Or worse, you get the old, “here is a prescription for an antidepressant, you’re probably just depressed.” Nothing feels worse than feeling discounted or that you are overreacting. Any time you feel like your body is telling you something, you have a right to ask. An empathetic doctor will at least hear you out.  If your doctor does agree to order a hormone panel, likely when the results come back, you will get very little explanation as to what the levels mean or told that your levels are all within a normal range. Why?

Doctors are trained to read the lab’s suggestions on what ‘normal range’ is. The interesting thing is that different labs have different ‘normals.’ There’s a fun fact for you! The labs determine the normal ranges. Now, most of the ranges across the board of different labs are similar but not identical. The problem is that what is normal for you may not be normal for the next person. The normal range also does not mean that your hormones are balanced across the board, either. Hormones work together, and if one level is on the high end of normal and the other is on the low end of normal, that is not going to create a balance. 

The other issue with normal ranges is that your hormones change a lot, so checking your hormone levels just once only gives you one piece to a much larger puzzle. If you are peri-menopausal, ovulating or menopausal will all play a part in where the lab values fall as well, without considering where your cycle may be (if at all). The lab results don’t mean much, if anything at all. Have you had a hysterectomy? Do you still have any periods? When was the last time? Have you had an ablation? Do you have an IUD? These are all factors that need to be considered alongside your actual lab values. If your PCP doesn’t specialize in hormones, he may not consider these factors. 

Another huge factor in evaluating lab results are the symptoms. Your body is responding to changes, and that can look like many different things. You may have extreme changes in body temperature with little to no warning. You may notice that you are easily agitated, and things that bother you now aren’t things that used to bother you. Your sex drive could be down or gone and follow that with vaginal dryness, just to name a few. 

The takeaway from all of this is not to encourage you to disregard your PCP. Just consider that if you had a heart condition, you would want to be seen by a heart doctor. If you break a bone, you probably won’t call a kidney doctor. Hormone replacement is no different. Hormone replacement is a specialty, just like other practices of medicine. Find a hormone specialist that can discuss with you safe options like bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. You have one life to live, don’t settle for being told you are ‘normal’ when you know your body better than anybody else could. Meet with the experts, and what you find may surprise you. 

During pregnancy, women with autoimmune disorders often see a relief in their symptoms due to the increase in estrogen, only to see those same symptoms return or worsen post-pregnancy, after estrogen drops. This corresponds with the theory that declining estrogen weakens the immune system. Proper estrogen balance is essential, as a reduction reduces levels of B-cells and T-cells; these cells are the primary cells of the immune system. Women that experience early menopause are at an increased risk of developing autoimmune disorders than women that have a greater decline in hormone function later in life. Those that already suffer from immune disorders will likely see a worsening of those conditions. The overall reduction of sex hormones can contribute to changes in the function of the immune system. This can mean being more susceptible to the common cold or viruses. The inability to fight off these bugs can lead to serious health conditions. This has been a hot topic recently with the COVID-19 pandemic. Older people are more likely to succumb to the virus.

Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is helpful for improving the debilitating symptoms associated with menopause; it can also aid in building up the immune system, especially when women are supplementing with estrogen.

Estrogen stimulates the production of anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting cytokines, which, in turn, protect against and help alleviate and slow the progression of certain autoimmune diseases. If you are dealing with any of these conditions, discuss with your physician how you can be improved with a hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) plan—it may make all the difference.

A proper balance between estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone is essential to overall health and wellness. More research is needed in the arena of immune disorders and deficient hormone levels. However, with what has been learned about auto immune disorders, there is hope with bio-identical hormone replacement therapy.

There is still much to be researched in the area of immune dysfunction and menopause; however, the research that is proving the link between hormone fluctuations and immune disturbances is quite strong.

Menopause is a reality check that things are changing. The symptoms can remind you of this “change” throughout the day. Keeping an eye on what you eat is essential all the time, but primarily essential through menopause. Maintaining a healthy diet like incorporating vegetables, fruits, and whole grains is vital for the proper function of all of your body systems. If you must drink alcohol, keep it to a minimum, one drink or less per day. Cutting back on caffeine and spicy foods can help with hot flashes in some cases. Also, watching your salt intake can help as well. Staying hydrated is critical for all aspects of good health. Water moves fiber through your body and can also help against hot flashes.

Incorporating calcium in your diet is especially important during menopause. It is recommended that you need about 1,200 milligrams of calcium each day. In addition to calcium supplements, you can find significant calcium in dairy products, kale, fortified cereal, fortified orange juice, soybeans, and fortified soy milk.

Stay active! Try to do at least 30 minutes of cardio exercise a day or a few days a week, at least. Taking your dog for a walk or walking on a trail can help get your heart rate up as well as being easily enjoyed. Make decisions that will help you to be more active, even if it is choosing to park further away from your destination or choosing the stair over the elevator.

Keep in mind that menopause is a process, which typically has an end. Keeping yourself as healthy as possible through the process will help you to feel your best once the worst of menopause has passed. It’s a similar concept to ‘weathering the storm.’ Aging causes the body to take a metabolic slowdown. Weight gain can cause many health issues, from heart conditions to diabetes. Weight gain can also cause depression and low self-image.

Making changes to diet and exercise takes a lot of dedication and motivation. It is not easy; there are many community groups available to surround yourself with positive motivation and support. To stay dedicated to new diet and activity choices, it is a good idea to find others that are active in the same lifestyle choices.

Estrogen is an essential hormone that maintains the foundation for female vitality and well-being. Estrogen is critical in proper brain function, bone density, and reproduction. Estrogen is also responsible for the stability of many things like heart, brain, bones and metabolism. Too much or not enough estrogen can result in metabolic imbalances and other health issues. One reason that estrogen levels decrease is due to the beginning of menopause or even perimenopause. Many people are surprised to learn that estrogen levels are often affected by burning fat, whether it be excessive working out or by extreme dieting. 

Menopause begins with the ovaries’ reduction in the amount of estrogen produced and eventually stops production altogether. Low estrogen levels cause a plethora of symptoms. The most common symptoms are hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, weight gain and difficulty sleeping. Fluid retention and low sex drive are also commonly mentioned. Estrogen increases levels of good cholesterol, which ultimately protects the heart. Women who have a genetic predisposition to cardiovascular issues could be at an increased risk when estrogen becomes significantly depleted. 

Bone density is also affected by low estrogen levels. Replacing estrogen can slow the loss of calcium. Women will begin an estrogen decline as early as their 30’s even though they feel no symptoms and have a normal menstrual cycle. Lower estrogen levels can result in bone loss and increased risks to bone fractures. 

Many women notice that they leak urine when laughing or exercising. This is a common occurrence and also due to estrogen decline. The muscles can lose tone that supports the urethra. This can result in stress incontinence. 

The brain is dependent on hormone balance to function properly. Memory, ability to focus and concentration can be affected with declining hormones. Many women describe it as ‘brain fog,’ easily forgetting things can be frustrating. 

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can help to balance multiple hormones if needed and restore the vitality that is common when we are young. Synthetic hormones are often prescribed to menopausal women but are known to have serious side effects and risks. These hormones are made from chemicals containing estrogenic steroids derived from the urine of pregnant mares. 

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can effectively and safely balance hormones and decrease or even eliminate the daunting symptoms of menopause for many women. Bioidentical hormones are plant-derived and are molecularly similar to what our body produces naturally. Proper treatment of menopausal symptoms and hormone replacement should be done by a practitioner that is an expert in the field of BHRT. Careful evaluation of lab work and discussion of symptoms at regular visits are essential to balancing hormones properly and effectively. 

While the FDA does not differentiate between the risks that are associated with synthetic hormones and the use of bio-identical hormones, there are numerous studies that support the safety and efficacy of bio-identical hormones over their synthetic counterparts.  

Hormone Therapy

Hormone replacement might make you think of over-sized athletes and sweaty team jerseys. The stigma of hormone therapy or rather, hormone abuse, tends to often circle back to testosterone. Much of what we hear about in the media are the highly exaggerated extreme cases; we all know this, but we still listen as if it were the gospel truth. The bottom line is that the answer to so many deadly ailments do not lie in the drugs that treat the condition, but rather in educating people to prevent the ailment altogether. Unfortunately, this is not information that the public hears about leading the people to believe that pills are the only answers to our health concerns. Pharmaceutical companies would prefer us not to know the preventative measures because then it could greatly reduce future revenue for their company. We have to understand collectively that a lot of persuasion that influences the public every day is not necessarily in the best interest of our health, but for making large companies even wealthier. There is secure cash flow in debilitating diseases and fear, but not in health. Of course, that is another topic on its own, but sending the message to people about how to stay healthy is luckily still the goal of many practitioners, so do not lose faith just yet. We have to become educated about our bodies and learn to listen to them. When you have a cramp or joint pain, your body is talking to you. When you put your hand near something that is very hot and will cause injury your body responds and tells you to move away from this source. The same thing applies when you have a hot flash or night sweats, this is your body communicating to you. Learn to listen, ask questions, look it up and seek the answers. Become educated.

FDA Warnings

The warnings that go along with the pharmaceutical commercials are the same type of warnings that the FDA has put on hormone replacement therapy. These are grey veils of risks, side effects and warnings. The difference in how these warnings are perceived by the public lies in the representation of these warnings. Each year, the pharmaceutical companies spend millions of dollars in advertising to distract consumers from these insanely fast verbal warnings, like cute puppies or children blowing bubbles. With enough money mass media can divert attention and manipulate mindsets as we all know.

Why Me?

Changes to our bodies begin when we are born; we start aging with our first breath. These changes become more noticeable in our early 30’s and progress from there, typically by becoming more symptomatic over time. Some argue that we age because our hormone levels decrease, others argue that our hormone level decrease because we age. It really does not matter; the fact remains that it is inevitable so it is important to learn how to live better despite it.

Side Effects

There are side effects of reintroducing hormones into a body that has been lacking in them. With proper monitoring, these side effects can be minor. This is why repeated trips for blood tests are important, there needs to be regular monitoring to avoid “spikes” and “valleys”. The goal is to regain a strong level that achieves relief of your symptoms.

Hope

Bio-identical hormone replacement has drastically improved the quality of life in thousands of people. Scheduling a free consultation with Hormone Health to become informed of your options is the best place to start. The fact is that if you do nothing, nothing is exactly what will happen.

Health Benefits of Pet Ownership

If you have a furry family member – or one with scales or feathers – then you might already suspect that your four-legged charge offers a bevy of emotional benefits. Research backs up your hunch. In fact, there are a wide number of benefits to keeping a family pet from both a physical and emotional standpoint. Whether you have a pet right now or you’re looking to bring home a new addition, here are four good reasons to visit your local shelter and adopt a pet today.

#1 – Fewer Runny Noses

You might have heard from your grandmother that letting your kids have a dog too soon would result in allergies or asthma. Actually, the opposite is true. Newer research suggests that raising a child in an environment with a furry animal can help to prevent allergies and asthma later in life. Infants with pets are also less likely to develop eczema and more likely to develop a strong immune system. Because dogs tend to be dirtier animals, babies who interact with them more regularly might build up better tolerance to everyday allergens and germs. You can’t always avoid allergies, but having a pet might help.

#2 – Less Stress

Having a pet to vent the day’s frustrations to can be psychologically helpful, but pets are even better at stress relief than you think. Pet owners tend to have lower blood pressure and lower levels of anxiety than people without pets. This is probably because a pet, specifically a dog, offers a type of unconditional bonding that doesn’t exist between other humans. People with medical problems also benefit from animal companionship. If you suffer from a chronic pain condition, such as arthritis, then you’re more likely to handle the symptoms better if you have a pet. Pet owners are also less likely to have a stroke, suffer heart attack or experience high cholesterol.

#3 – Better Bonding

Along with the physical and emotional benefits that pets afford, our animal pals also help us socialize, particularly when it comes to children with developmental delays or behavioral disabilities. People with autism, ADHD and other similar conditions tend to bond more immediately with animals than with other people, and animals provide a greater source of comfort to those dealing with these conditions. But pets don’t just help people with behavioral disorders. Adults and children with regular abilities can also reap the social benefits of pet ownership. Walking your dog or taking your cat to the vet opens up a conversation with fellow pet owners and other animal enthusiasts. Your cat, dog, ferret or parakeet can also break the ice with a potential partner.

#4 – Faster Recovery

If you’ve got an upcoming surgery or other major medical procedure on the horizon, then your furry friend can actually help you recover faster after the fact. Pet owners tend to recover more quickly from medical procedures than those without pets. People who suffer from addiction are also more likely to do well in recovery if they can interact with their pets during rehabilitation.

Sources:
https://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/features/health-benefits-of-pets#1
https://www.womansday.com/life/pet-care/a2352/10-health-benefits-of-owning-a-pet-116238/

Beverage Alternatives to Soda

Sunny days might make you reach for a frosty soda, but before you grab another soft drink from the cooler, think about the nutritional impact of your favorite sugary beverage. Sodas are packed with sugar, and while your body needs some amount of sugar for energy, a single can of regular cola contains nearly an entire day’s worth of the recommended daily allotment. Instead of sipping on soft drinks to quench your thirst, try these healthier alternatives while you lounge at the pool this summer.

Natural Teas

Unsweetened iced teas, both black and green varieties, can quench your thirst without spiking your blood sugar levels. If you need something a little sweeter, try adding in sweet fruits like strawberries or oranges to flavor your tea. Honey can be added in moderation, but keep the add-ins light to maximize the benefit of your brew. Green tea offers a host of nutritional benefits apart from replacing your soda habit, including a lower risk of developing certain types of cancer, heart disease, cavities and high blood pressure. Tea is a zero-calorie nutritional boost to any diet.

Fruity Concoctions

If you’re like most adults, then you probably don’t get enough fruit. Skipping an apple a day can rob you of critical nutrients, such as vitamin C and antioxidants. Incorporate more fruit into your diet by replacing soft drinks with homemade fruit-based beverages, such as punched-up water, smoothies and blended juice beverages. If you don’t care for plain water, mix in bright fruits to punch up the flavor without adding unnecessary sugar. Fruit contains a lot of sugar, but your body can use the fiber and other nutrients contained in fruit more efficiently than the corn syrup found in soft drinks.

Avoid fruit juices, even those made with 100 percent juice. The sugar content can be just as high – or higher – than an average soda, and there’s little fiber to offset the impact. Make your own juice from freshly squeezed whole fruits instead.

Seltzer Water

If you’re addicted to the fizz of your typical soda, then replace your daily soft drink splurge with a flavored seltzer water instead. There are natural versions that lack the sugar and artificial flavoring of house-brand varieties, but you can also make your own by using natural syrups to flavor plain seltzer water. Investing in a soda maker could be a good option for you if you need the bubbly bliss of a regular soda without the calories and guilt. Just remember to take it easy when drinking seltzer water. Carbonation wreaks havoc on your teeth, so maintain good oral hygiene if you’re not willing to give up your sparkling beverages.

There are plenty of good reasons to ditch your soda habit. Research suggests that cutting out one sugary beverage a day can cut your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 25 percent. Next time you’re packing for a day at the beach or getting ready to host a barbecue, swap out your usual soda lineup for healthier options that will hydrate your body without adding to your waistline.

Sources:
https://www.everydayhealth.com/photogallery/soda-alternatives.aspx

Top 10 Healthy Soda Alternatives