Sunday 17 April 2016

Understanding Vitamins And Mineral's Properties And Uses ( Micronutrients )





Hello everybody!:) I hope everyone is well and are having a lovely week. Today's blog post topic is based more on general health , rather than mental health. I thought maybe some of my readers would enjoy reading about diet and nutrition. A couple of years ago I studied diet and nutrition and have a qualification in the subject , I thought it would be useful to share with my readers about the knowledge I know about " Vitamins And Mineral's Properties And Uses " and how they are needed within the human body. 






Vitamins 


Vitamins are natural compounds that help the human body function properly and are divided into two categories of vitamins. One category is " fat soluble " containing vitamins A , D , E and K which can be stored within the body. The other category is " water soluble " which includes vitamins B and C and can be dissolved in water, meaning it can not be stored within the body. 











Vitamin A 

Foods That Include Vitamin A -  Milk , Fortified Cereals , Carrots , Sweet Potatoes And Tropical Fruits.

Uses/ Needed For -  A Healthy Immune System 


Problems Associated -  Poor Vision 





Vitamin B 



Foods That Include Vitamin B -  Carrots , Sweet Potatoes , Bread , Eggs , Fish And Wheat.


Uses / Needed For -  Red Blood Cells , Nerve Cell Function And Energy. 


Problems Associated -  Confusion , Fatigue / Anaemia And Poor Concentration. 




Vitamin  C


Foods That Include Vitamin C -  Citrus Fruits , Berries , Kiwi , Spinach , Tomatoes , Peas And Papaya.


Uses / Needed For-  Wound Healing , Forms Collagen And Prevents Scurvy. 



Problems Associated-  Poor Wound Healing Tiredness.



Vitamin D


Foods That Include Vitamin D -  Egg Yolk , Salmon , Milk , Cheese , Tuna And Beef. 


Uses / Needed For -  Helps The Body Absorbs Calcium And Regulates Blood Pressure. 



Problems Associated -  Unhealthy Teeth , High Blood Pressure And Pressure. 



Vitamin E



Foods That Include Vitamin E -  Vegetable Oils, Green Leafy Vegetables , Whole Grains , Nuts And Seeds.



Uses / Needed For -  It is An Antioxidant Which Protects Against Cell Damage And Is Needed For Red Blood Cells.



Problems Associated -  Weak Muscles , Digestive Problems , Tingling In Hands And Feet. 





Vitamin K 



Foods That Include Vitamin K -  Green Leafy Vegetables And Cereals.


Uses / Needed For -  Preventing Blood Clotting , Healthy Bones And Healthy Blood Vessels.



Problems Associated -  Poor Wound Healing And Bruising Easily. 








Minerals 

Minerals are also categorised into two categories "Macro-Minerals " And " Trace Minerals." Depending on the individual's body determines which kind of mineral they will need. " Macro - Minerals " include calcium , magnesium , phosphorus and sodium which are often required to take in large quantities. " Trace Minerals" include iron , zinc and fluoride and are required to take in small amounts.









Calcium   


Foods That Include Calcium -  Milk , Cheese , Yoghurt , Salmon And Broccoli. 


Uses / Needed For -  Strong Bones , Teeth And A Healthy Immune System. 


Problems Associated-  Osteoporosis ( Brittle Bones )






Iron 



Foods That Include Iron -  Red Meat , Green Leafy Vegetables And Fortified Cereals. 



Uses/Needed For -  Healthy Blood , Oxygen Transportation In The Body And White Blood Cell Production. 


Problems Associated -  Anaemia ,Tiredness And Difficultly Concentrating. 




Magnesium 


Foods That Include Magnesium -  Whole Grain Bread , Potatoes , Banana And Chocolate. 


Uses/Needed For - Bones , Teeth And Muscles , Control Of Blood Pressure Heart Regulation. 



Problems Associated-  Muscle Spasms , High Blood Pressure And Heart Disease. 





Phosphorus



Foods That Include Phosphorus -  Dairy , Meat And Fish. 


Uses/Needed For -  Bones And Teeth Energy. 


Problems Associated -  Weak Bones And Low Energy Levels.




Zinc 



Foods That Include Zinc -  Water , Cereal And Red Meat. 



Uses/Needed For -   Healthy Immune System And Healthy Skin. 


Problems Associated-  Poor Wound Healing And Skin Problems. 





Potassium 




Foods That Include Potassium -  Bananas , Strawberries , Potatoes , Green Leafy Vegetables. 


Uses/Needed For -  Nerve Impulses And Heart Regulation. 




Problems Associated -  Muscle Weakness , Irregular Heartbeat And Water Retention.




Sodium 



Foods That Include Sodium -  Bacon , Ham , Salami , Stock Cubes And Bread. 



Uses/Needed For -  Nerve Impulses And Heart Regulation. 


Problems Associated -  Nausea , Vomiting And Muscle Cramps.











Each individual needs different kinds of vitamins and minerals in their body to survive , however the quantity differs with each individual depending on their age , gender , medical history and level of activity. For example , an individual who has anaemia will be required to take more iron in their diet than someone who does not have anaemia. Having the right amount of vitamins and minerals is essential for the human body to function properly.











( Thank you for reading :D ) 








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Wednesday 13 April 2016

The First Steps To Help Decrease Stress!








Identify The Possible Causes


It is important to identify and acknowledge the causes that are increasing stress. Being able to identify the causes will help in finding a solution or ways to decrease your stress.

Identify - Analyse - Solutions - Action Plan - Evaluate

( Problem Solving ) 

Where - When - How - What - Who - Why 






Work Life And Personal Life Balance    

Although everyone needs to work to earn a living , it is important to have a balance between your work life and your personal life. You need to ensure that your work life does not become your entire LIFE. It is important to have family time and some "ME"time to help you relax and enjoy life. There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking a break from work if your work life is having an mental , emotional and psychical effect on you. Your health is important and you deserve to be happy!  








Exercise!


Regular exercise is a good self-help to decrease stress. Physical exercise releases endorphins ( also known as "the happy hormones" ) in the body which helps the body to relax. Exercise does not have to include a high intensive workout , but can be something as simple as walking to the local shop. 






Let Yourself Relax


I know being stress you may find it difficult to let yourself relax , however it is important that you do! Find time and space to be alone just for an hour everyday or at least once a week to take time to relax. Do whatever helps you relax , it may be watching your favourite TV show , listening to some music , doing yoga or some breathing exercises , reading a book or taking a long relaxing bath. 





Lifestyle Changes /Choices 



Once you know the causes of what is making you stressed , it is important to make lifestyle changes to prevent any further stress. A healthy diet is important to decrease stress. Things such as smoking , alcohol and caffeine can have a negative effect of the body and increase stress levels , it is important to minimize your intake.




Sleep!


Sleeping problems are common for individuals under stress. However it is important that individuals get enough rest , there are different ways to help individuals sleep such as using essential oils , using lavender bath oils before bed , relaxation and meditation CD's or music. 






Know Your Limits 


You need to ensure you know your limits. It is ok to stop what you are doing and rest. You are only one person and there is only so much you can do. You can not take on the weight of the world by yourself and it is completely right for you to say "NO! I need to stop and rest."







Be Mindful 

Focus on the present moment and accept what is happening there and then in that moment , try not to stress or worry about the future or what is to come. Everything happens in its own way , no matter how unfair it may seem at the time. Problems always have a way of being resolved. Live for the now! 









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Love Ava
xoxo





Thursday 7 April 2016

6 Essential Oils That Can Help Improve Your Health














Bergamot Essential Oil 





Bergamot is a citrus fruit , which may be referred to as bergamont orange or citrus bergamia. Bergamot essential oil is a natural pain relief for body spasms , suppressing body pain , helps to improve mood and fights depression and helps to heal cuts and scars. Bergamot can help individuals with anxiety to stay relaxed and it can also decrease the pain for sufferers with arthritis. 



( Where To Buy ) 

AMAZON £8.60
ARTIMONDO £12.11






Lavender Essential Oil 






Lavender is one of the most common essence used for sleeping problems. Lavender also may be known as lavandula is a flower which has essences that can help the body to have a calming effect. It can help with the nervous system , anxiety , insomnia , pain relief , skin and hair care , immune system and blood circulation. Lavender can help with reducing irritation and can also help individuals with acne skin as the lavender oil settles the bacteria which is causing the infection and helps reduce scarring. 



( Where to buy ) 

AMAZON £10.50
BOOTS £5.49
FUSHI £6.50
THE BODY SHOP £4.00




Rosemary Essential Oils




Rosemary also known as rosmarinus officinailis is a perennial herb plant, which can be used for hair growth , skin and mouth care , anxiety , mental disorders, depression , pain , headache , bronchial , asthma , indigestion and respiratory. 



( Where to buy )


BIOVEA £5.20
AMAZON £2.49
QUINESSENCE  £6.90




Ginger Essential Oil






Ginger is a plant but commonly used as a spice and also may be known as zingiber officinale. Ginger oil's purpose is to cure and reduce pain. It can help stop vomiting ,protect open wounds from being infected and relaxes body spasms. Ginger can help improve brain and memory function as well as clearing bowels , stomach problems and reducing fevers. Ginger could almost be called laxative as it removes toxins from the body , which is why it is important to use a small amount , despite the positive benefits of using ginger you still need to ensure you use a minimum amount.


( Where to buy ) 


AMAZON £6.64
QUINESSENCE £6.99






Grapefruit Essential Oil 




Grapefruit is a subtropical citrus fruit and can be used as a natural antidepressant. The benefits in grapefruit help reduce depression and improve mood to be more up lifting. It can also stimulate urination and fight infections , it can protect open wounds from being infected while eliminating the toxins. Grapefruit can also be good for the immune system and lowering cholesterol. 



( Where to buy )


QUINESSENCE £5.99
AMAZON £3.50
THE GARDEN  £6.15






Vanilla Essential Oil  



Vanilla is a flavouring which comes from the orchid plant and is an antioxidant. Vanilla can help reduce stress , anxiety and depression. It can help improve sleep because the essence soothes the body. It can help repair any damages to other oxidants in the body and could improve your sex life as it enhances sexual arousal. Vanilla is generally a substance to help you relax.


( Where to buy )


AMAZON £4.59
EBAY £9.99  











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Love Ava 
xoxo