Is Your Toothbrush Making You Ill?

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Is your toothbrush making you ill? Do you know that your toothbrush can harbor millions of bacteria, viruses and other germs? Here are helpful healthy toothbrush tips: Never share toothbrushes. Germs live in the bristles and it is possible to become infected with a virus or bacterial infection by using another person’s toothbrush. Throw away your toothbrush if you have been diagnosed with a bacterial infection, especially strep throat. It is possible to re-infect yourself with strep after you have finished your course of antibiotics. Never store your toothbrush with someone else’s. Germs can be transferred between the wet bristles. Finally, replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or sooner if the bristles are frayed, worn or broken. Damaged bristles do not allow for proper cleansing of teeth thus leading to poor oral hygiene and predisposing you to illness.

Meditation

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Meditation...as little as 15-20 minutes a day can make a great impact on your physiological, psychological and spiritual well being. Meditation helps one detach and clears the mind thus decreasing stress and anxiety and improving brain concentration and focus. Meditation reduces muscle tension and helps decrease blood pressure and effects of chronic illnesses by increasing the immune system and reducing free radicals in the body. Meditation increases self confidence and helps stabilize mood and behaviors. Things are put into perspective and one will find that little things are less bothersome. Meditation allows us to better understand one's self and others and learn to forgive. Through meditation, we discover our purpose. The best reason to incorporate meditation into your daily life is the deeper connection you will have with God that will enable harmony between your mind, body and soul.

Flossing

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I had my six month dental check up and cleaning today and like every time before my hygienist, Kim, reminds me that I need to floss everyday. I admit it, I am not a regular flosser; in fact I maybe floss once a week at best. This is very disturbing to me because I (and my friends and family) consider myself one of the healthiest people I know yet I am not practicing regular flossing. I told Kim that in her honor I would dedicate this entry to her.

 There are many health benefits to flossing. Combining brushing and flossing improves oral hygiene. Floss removes plaque from the tight spaces between teeth and under the gums (plaque under the gums leads to gingivitis and gum disease). Less plaque means less time in the dental chair for cleanings and treatments. I think this is bitter sweet because if you like your hygienist (like me), you will not spend as much time in her/his chair. An unhealthy mouth is much more than bad breath and yellow teeth it can lead to heart disease, lung problems, diabetes and life threatening systemic diseases. Health problems cost money. If the above reasons have not convinced you to start flossing consider this. Flossing can decrease the costs of dental and medical bills that are directly related to poor oral health. (Resource: 5 Reasons Why Flossing is Extremely Important by Matt Cunningham)

How to boost your memory

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I was talking with a friend today and she commented on how she cannot seem to remember things lately. As I thought about her comment, I realized that my husband has had problems with my short-term memory as well. In order to have a healthy brain, one must first have a healthy body. Healthy heart=healthy brain. Eating foods rich in flavonoids, folate and omega 3 fatty acids can help boost memory.

Studies have shown that flavonoids help protect against the loss of brain cells and may help reverse memory loss. Berries, especially blueberries, are the best sources of flavonoids. One study from Britain showed that people that ate blueberries enhances spatial memory and learning.

Leafy green vegetables such as kale, spinach, and greens are chocked full of folate. Foods high in folate help reduce homocysteine levels in the blood. People with high homocysteine levels have shown to have higher risks of heart disease and memory decline. An Australian study showed that a diet rich in folic acid helps increase information processing and recall in the brain. Bonus: add lemons to leafy greens to help the body absorb iron more effectively.

Salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel are excellent sources of omega 3 fatty acids. Rush University Medical Center in Chicago conducted a 6 years study regarding memory decline amongst 3000 people. The study showed that those that ate fish one day a week had a 10% slower decline in memory than those that did not have fish in their diet. (resources: Joy Bauer and Livestrong)