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The Secret To Everlasting Life

Living forever may not be possible, but people can live for a very long time by having a healthy diet. Food is a life-giving source necessary for survival. However, many food products are very unhealthy and contribute to medical disorders. Conditions like obesity and diabetes are linked to foods that aren’t great for the body. To stay healthy, people should try consuming specific foods known for great health benefits. On the same note, there are foods out there that people should avoid.

1. Added sugar

Added sugar is one of the worst ingredients. Added or processed sugar can be added to everything from fruit snacks to pasta sauce. Processed sugar is filled with empty calories meaning the body doesn’t register the substance as food and the sugar just takes up space. Therefore, foods full of processed sugar don’t make the stomach feel full and people end up eating more food to compensate. Too much added sugar can lead to diabetes and even liver disease.

2. White bread

White bread is the result of whole grains refined to the point that the grain no longer has any nutrients. The flour is refined, bleached, and then bleached some more to create the flour used for white bread. White bread has no nutritional value and is bad for people with gluten allergies.

3. Industrial vegetable oils

Like sugary drinks and foods, industrial vegetable oils are filled with added ingredients that are bad for the human body. Soybean, canola, and refined vegetable oils are the biggest culprits. These oils have copious amounts of omega-6 fatty acids that can be difficult for the body to process.

4. Margarine

Made with hydrogenated industrial vegetable oils, this food is touted as a healthy alternative to butter. But margarine is anything but healthy. Margarine has a high trans fat content which is horrible for the body. Trans fats clog the arteries and can result in heart disease.

One of the healthiest foods: whole grains

Whole grains are high in fiber, which means this food lowers the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer. In addition to fiber, whole grains also have large amounts of B vitamins, folate, and potassium. Whole grains can be found in the natural form of seeds or milled to form flour. Most grains are whole before undergoing the refinement process. Whole grains are used to make wheat products like rice, pasta, and bread. Whole grains are incredibly healthy, and people should try consuming whole grain-rich foods at least once or twice a day.

What does your doctor say?

Before changing a diet, consult a doctor to learn about healthy foods, processed foods, and foods to avoid. Making dietary lifestyle changes can promote prolonged, healthy living.

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What Does COPD Do To The Body?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects the lung’s airways, making breathing difficult. COPD leads to two other conditions: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Chronic bronchitis restricts the airways and causes excess mucus buildup. Emphysema is a disease that destroys the lung’s air sacs. People with COPD often have to deal with complications from either one of these diseases.

The importance of exercise

Activity is vital for people with COPD because a lack of physical activity can affect a person’s health and overall quality of life. COPD symptoms can even become worse. To start, COPD patients should enroll in pulmonary rehabilitation. This is a program with a team of doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, dietitians, physical therapists, and exercise specialists. These professionals help people with COPD learn special breathing techniques and exercises, and develop treatment plans to make life with COPD easier. Pulmonary rehabilitation begins with an assessment from a therapist to determine different things about the patient, like blood oxygen levels. Programs are conducted at hospitals, outpatient clinics, or the patient’s home.

Stretching for people with COPD

People with COPD will benefit from lots of stretching. Stretching helps with breath control and body flexibility. Patients should start stretching for at least 10-15 minutes every day. Experts also believe that stretching before and after exercise is good for the body. Stretching is something that can be done anywhere at any time of day. Try some stretching exercises to prepare for more intense activities.

Aerobic exercises

Aerobic exercises are great for people with COPD because these activities increase the amount of oxygen in the blood. Cardiovascular exercise also strengthens the heart muscle. Walking is an excellent form of aerobic exercise. Patients can do this for 15-20 minutes a day to get the blood flowing. Another great exercise is cycling. Patients can use a stationary bike or a regular bike. Swimming can also be beneficial. If an outdoor pool isn’t an option, patients can go to a local sports club and use those pool facilities. A good fitness regimen for those with COPD will incorporate aerobic exercises a few times a week.

Try some resistance training

Essentially, resistance training is weight lifting. However, people do not need to start with a heavy load. Lightweight dumbbells or exercise bands work just as well. Resistance training can be done multiple times throughout the week.

Taking the next step

Anyone interested in pulmonary rehabilitation, exercises, or more information about COPD should consult a doctor, physical therapist, or a respiratory therapist. These healthcare professionals are a wealth of knowledge and resources for leading a healthy life with COPD.