We all know that exercise, drinking water, and eating our veggies are the foundation for a healthy lifestyle. Yet, there are certain things we tend to overlook that can drastically impact our health if we give them proper attention.
Here are 7 little-known health tips that will make you feel 10 years younger!
1. Balance your hormones:
One of the most important things I’ve learned about health is that balance is key. And since hormones regulate our moods, weight, bowel movements, ovulation, reproduction, pregnancy, and so on - balancing hormones is crucial for our wellness.
It’s not always easy to do this, but there are many small habits we can incorporate into our daily lives to make sure our endocrine system operates at its best!
Some include taking herbal medicines or hormone-balancing supplements, and others even have the power to balance your Chakra system. Choose the one that’s best for you, but don’t forget to consult your physician.
2. Consume enough magnesium:
Did you know over 75% of US population are deficient in this mineral?
Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in your body, and often the most overlooked.
Some symptoms include muscle twitches and cramps, osteoporosis, headaches, sensitivity to noise, kidney stones, constipation, and many more.
The good news is, by adding high-magnesium foods to your diet you can reverse the effects of its deficiency. If you think you might be lacking this mineral, start by eating more of these:
3. Consider an allergy test:
Chronic fatigue, bloating, constipation, and sudden weight gain could be due to food sensitivity. And while allergy tests are still controversial, they can help you find what exactly triggers your allergies.
However, allergy tests alone are generally not enough. It is important to have a doctor’s exam and consider your medical history first to help diagnose allergies.
4. Treat your #1 source of stress:
Stress not only triggers physical and mental illnesses but also worsens any health conditions that you may already have. And while it may not be possible to completely remove stress from your life, it’s important you learn how to manage it.
Stress, worry, and anxiety develop in different ways in each of us, (for some of us it’s weight loss, weight gain, stomach issues, or skin rashes). So this is why it’s essential you take the time to discover what methods work best for you.
I find that taking my pup Bella for a walk helps me clear my mind and ease the pain in my chest when I feel stressed out. Feeling the fresh air on my face and that bit of exercise is enough for me to keep me grounded.
You may find that a good cry or a chat with your best friend or family member may help you release the worry, or perhaps it’s going to a counselor or therapist. Whatever works best for you, make sure you don’t suppress it as it may show up on your body in more than one way.
5. Pay attention to bone density:
Most of us don’t pay attention to our bone density until we have bad joint pain and we need to see a doctor.
But what most of us don’t realize is that building healthy bones from early adulthood is extremely important.
Once you reach 30 years of age, you have reached peak bone mass, and if that bone mass is not strong enough, there’s a bigger chance of developing osteoporosis, or fragile bones.
Fortunately, many nutrition and lifestyle habits can help you build strong bones and maintain them as you age, like consuming vitamin D and C, incorporating weight lifting into your exercise routine, and collagen supplements can all make a huge difference.
6. Visit a dermatologist:
I bet you remember the last time you visited your dentist, but when was the last time you visited a dermatologist?
If the skin is actually the largest organ in the human body and it protects all other organs from the outside world, shouldn't we all be paying more attention to our skin?
Whether it's a mole you've had since birth or a new spot that just appeared, it's important to get a full skin exam at least once a year. Dermatologists can also educate you about protecting your skin, help you understand it, and recommend the best products for you.
7. Maintain a healthy gut:
Did you know about 70% of the immune system is ruled by your gut? And that every time you eat, you’re also feeding about 100 trillion bacteria that live inside you?
The health of your gut determines what nutrients are absorbed and what toxins, allergens, and microbes are released. These microbes affect your weight, and even your mood!
So having a healthy gut goes beyond proper digestion and absorption is essential for overall health.
If you’d like to protect your gut while enjoying a flatter belly, eat fermented foods like kefir, yogurt, kimchi, and most importantly - manage your stress levels.
Now speaking of healthy flat bellies -
If you've found it challenging to be healthier and have already tried everything from eating healthy, to exercise, to diets - and you still can’t get the fit, youthful, healthy body you deserve, then did you know your own mind could be the unwitting culprit?
More specifically, neuroscience shows that there are 3 silent saboteurs in your mind that sabotage your habits, cravings, and emotions - and block you from losing weight, no matter how hard you try.
The good news is, with a few simple steps, you can break free from these saboteurs - forever!
And it all starts by taking this free 30-second quiz so you can discover which of these 3 saboteurs is wrecking your weight loss success.
Do you have any other little-known tips you use to lead a healthy, happy life? Please share with our community in the comment section below!