Healthy Living

The eyes are said to be windows to the soul. What you may not know is that the eyes can tell a lot about your health status too. Ever notice that doctors can take a mere look into someone’s eyes and tell the condition of their arteries, veins, and nerves? While you may not be able to do that, some signs can show you that you need to pay attention to your health. Here’s how your eyes reveal your health status:

1. PUFFY EYES:

   When you constantly have puffy or swollen eyes every morning you wake up, this is a sign that you may have too much sugar in your body. This sugar is retained in the tissues surrounding the eyes and ankles. Swollen eyes are also one of the signs of thyroid eye disease. This is a condition where the tissues around the eyes become inflamed and damaged.

2. TWITCHING OF THE EYES:

   This can imply that you are very stressed out and need to get that under control.  It is no secret that a high-stress level is a risk factor for many health conditions. This sign is an obvious one your eyes utilizes to reveal your health status with respect to your stress level.

3. CORNEAL ARCUS:

   This happens when you have a white or gray arc made up of fat deposits around the outer edges of the cornea of the eyes. Although this can be due to aging, it can also be an indication of high cholesterol and triglycerides which means an increased risk of a heart attack.

4. SORE IN THE EYELID:

   Ever notice a persistent sore in your eyelids that you overlook with the hope that it disappears? Well, this may be something called basal cell carcinomas. This causes a sore that doesn’t heal and can lead to loss of the eyelashes. This shouldn’t be ignored because it can cause blindness and even death if they reach the brain through the eye socket.

5. DROOPY EYES: 

   Do you notice that your upper eyelid droop over the eyes and your pupils don’t quite match in size? You should visit your doctor as soon as possible! This condition called Horner’s syndrome is associated with tumors in the neck and aneurysm (bulge in the blood vessels).

6. YELLOW EYES:

   This can be a sign of jaundice which occurs when your liver produces too much bilirubin (a yellowish substance produced by broken-down red blood cells) in response to inflammation or damage. Thus, it is indicative of a damaged liver.

7. BURNT PATCH ON THE IRIS: 

   If you notice this, it means you might be spending too much time in the sun. Too much ultraviolet exposure can induce inflammation of the cornea and puts your eyes at risk of other eye diseases.

8. CHANGE IN EYE COLOR:

   A sudden change in the color of your eyes could be a condition called ocular melanoma. This is a condition whereby one or more cancerous tumors grow on the cells that produce melanin, the pigment that is responsible for your eye color, your skin, and hair color. It is the most common eye cancer in adults.

HOW DO YOU IMPROVE YOUR EYES?

As we celebrate World Glaucoma week, we are all encouraged to save our sights and there is no other way to do that than to take note of the helpful tips to improve your eye. These include;

1. Get your key vitamins and minerals: These include vitamin A, lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc, etc. These powerful constituents are present in a perfect blend in NATURE’S FIELD EYECAP made to care for your eyes extraordinarily.
2. Avoid smoking or drugs that can affect the circulatory system.
3. Manage your health conditions such as diabetes to reduce the risk of developing eye complications.
4. Reduce your screen time to help reduce eye strain.

Following the above tips to improve your vision is a start on your journey toward improving the health of your eyes. However, in some cases such as age-related macular degeneration, the best you can do is to slow down the progression of the condition. There is no better way to do this than incorporating NATURE’S FIELD EYECAP into your daily routine. This takes a burden off trying to figure out meal planning to include foods that help with improved vision.

Did you know that March 9th was World Kidney Day? The theme for this year is: “Ensure kidney health for all, prepare for the unexpected, and support the vulnerable”. To support these worthy causes and if you are in the habit of holding in urine for too long for one reason or the other, we deem it fit to inform you of the dangers of retaining urine in your kidneys. 

DANGERS OF HOLDING IN URINE FOR TOO LONG

Holding in your urine for too long can be dangerous for the following reasons;

• Incontinence: Holding in urine for a long period of time can weaken the muscles of the pelvic wall. This can lead to incontinence which can cause a little bit of urine to leak when you sneeze or cough. Imagine how embarrassing and irritating this can be! It can also make you continually want to go to the toilet. 
• Kidney stones:  Sometimes, the urine in your blood can contain high levels of minerals and salts.  These go on to form hard deposits inside your kidneys. These are called kidney stones. That’s not all! There is also a possibility of urine passing back into the kidney if not passed out on time to cause serious kidney infections.
• Urinary infections: The risk of developing urinary tract infections increases when you constantly hold back your urine. Bacteria are normally present in the urinary tract and are excreted with urine. However, when the urine is held back in the bladder, bacteria may build up which can cause infection in the urinary tract. 
• Edema: This is a swelling caused by fluid retention. Therefore, continuously holding in pee can cause damage to the kidneys which in turn can lead to swelling of the feet. More on edema, click here
• Hydronephrosis: This is a condition that occurs when one or both kidneys become swollen as a result of incomplete emptying due to urine retention. This can also be caused by a kidney stone, enlarged prostate, etc. Severe hydronephrosis can lead to kidney damage.  

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

You should know that the most important thing you can do to keep your kidneys safe is to take care of your body to reduce the chances of developing diseases that can put a strain on your kidneys. Using natural supplements to detoxify the body is an excellent measure to stay healthier and prevent diseases in the long-term. Therefore, by incorporating NATURE’S FIELD L& K CLEANSER into your daily routine, staying well hydrated (but don’t overdo it), eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly, you are optimizing the health of your kidneys. 

Between diarrhea and constipation, which do you hate more?
Is there something you can take for both?
What exactly do psyllium husk fibers do to help with diarrhea and constipation?

If these questions sound familiar to you, read on. Being constipated is one of the most uncomfortable feelings on earth. When it happens, you probably turn to various solutions you must’ve seen on google. However, there is a chance you haven’t addressed the real issue; a lack of fiber. First of all, what is fiber? Fiber is an indigestible carbohydrate that does not get broken down but instead, passes through the body undigested. A typical example is psyllium husk powder. 

WHAT IS PSYLLIUM HUSK AND WHY IS IT AMAZING FOR NUMBER TWO?

Psyllium husk is a dietary fiber that supports all-round digestive health. It is made up of 70% soluble fiber (a fiber that absorbs water in the colon, forming a gel that cleanses the intestine) and 30% insoluble fiber (a type of fiber that does not absorb water but rather adds bulk to feces making it soft and easier to pass out). This ease of passage is why it helps to reduce constipation. A fiber supplement like Nature’s Field Psyllium Husk Powder is the best way to fix chronic constipation. 

HOW DOES PSYLLIUM HUSK WORK FOR DIARRHEA?

Diarrhea occurs when you have watery or loose stool. Psyllium husk helps relieve this by absorbing the excess liquid in the digestive tract, slowing digestion and making the stool firmer. Due to this, the stool stays in the intestine longer and you go to the toilet less often. 

NOW, LET’S TALK ABOUT HEMORRHOIDS

You must have heard of this, may have even had it, or know someone that struggled with it. Hemorrhoids or piles are swollen veins in the anus or lower rectum. It can be internal where it is inside the rectum or external where it is under the skin around the anus. The good news is that there are ways to prevent hemorrhoids. Yes, there goes our reliable friend psyllium husk yet again!

Straining to poop can cause swelling in the anus and constipation can cause irritation and itching. Therefore, the best way to prevent hemorrhoids is to keep your stool soft so it easily passes through your body. Since psyllium husk helps to ease constipation, straining does not happen nor do hemorrhoids. 

OTHER SURPRISING BENEFITS…

Psyllium husk has other amazing benefits such as;

• Helps to lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels
• Improves gut function
• Increases feelings of fullness and is therefore beneficial for weight loss

FINALLY, WHY WE HEART NATURE’S FIELD PSYLLIUM HUSK POWDER

Nature’s Field Psyllium Husk Powder is a prebiotic fiber supplement produced to give you the best digestive experience. This supplement was created by a group of experts that know you deserve better than dealing with constipation all the time. However, don’t forget to drink a lot of water with psyllium husk to help this fiber work its magic in your digestive tract. 

If you are a constant rice and chicken, noodles, swallow and yam kind of person (to be honest, most of us are), then you need fiber in your system. With Nature’s Field Psyllium Husk Powder, you are not just assured of the fiber’s efficacy but most especially it will never put your health at risk. 

As a woman, you are always multitasking and may find yourself looking at adding a supplement into your daily life. Your aim is to get a supplement that can serve various functions such as improved and healthier-looking skin, skin conditions, menopausal symptoms, etc., this article is for you! Read on to find out the amazing benefits of evening primrose oil;

1. Skin health: 

   Evening primrose oil has been used to improve the overall health of the skin and skin-related conditions such as acne, eczema, excessive dryness, etc. Therefore, if you are looking for glowing and youthful skin, it is your best option!

2. Powerful anti-inflammatory property: 

   The gamma linoleic acid (GLA) contained in evening primrose oil has anti-inflammatory, pain relieving, and antioxidant effects on the body. That’s not all! Due to the anti-inflammatory property of GLA, it also reduces pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis and nerve damage caused by diabetes. 

3. Menopausal relief: 

   Menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, etc. can get considerably better with evening primrose oil.

4. PMS symptoms: 

   Ever experience dreadful pre-menstrual syndrome such as bloating, headaches, abdominal cramps, breast pain, fatigue, acne, etc? A lot of women have and still do. All these symptoms can be eased with evening primrose oil. 

WHAT MAKES NATURE’S FIELD EVENING PRIMROSE OIL UNIQUE?

Knowing the endless benefits of evening primrose and why it is fondly called a woman’s best friend,  we recommend Nature’s Field Evening Primrose Oil for a lot of reasons. Nature’s Field version of Evening Primrose Oil is a high-strength version to take which contains 657mg and 81mg of linoleic acid (LA) and gamma linoleic acid (GLA) respectively which are essential omega-6 fatty acids that serve important functions in the body. 

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU NEED EVENING PRIMROSE OIL?

You need evening primrose oil if you;

• Consume a lot of sugar, grains, and fatty foods
• Experience blood sugar imbalance
• Do not have a regular healthy nutrition
• Experience stress

We live in an environment where it is not always easy to take proper care of your skin.  You may be constantly distracted with endless daily activities. If you are remotely curious about what evening primrose oil can do for you, go for a reliable brand that does that and so much more! You should start taking Nature’s Field Evening Primrose Oil every day without fail and experience a tremendous improvement in your skin confidence and overall health. 

It is common to relate excessive weight as an indicator of high cholesterol but it is one of the numerous symptoms of high cholesterol in the body. You might think that as long as you are not fat, you can’t have elevated cholesterol levels. However, there are some warning signs that might manifest in various parts of your body. You should be aware and not ignore these signs as they might be indicative of high cholesterol which you need to pay urgent attention to. These signs include;

1. Change in skin color: high cholesterol can cause a change in the color of your skin. This is because your skin cells are not getting the required nourishment due to a decreased flow of blood carrying oxygen and nutrients. Hence, the skin looks pale or discolored.

2. Leg cramps at night: Intense leg cramps when sleeping is another warning sign of high cholesterol levels in your body. Leg pain is a common symptom of a condition called peripheral artery disease (PAD). This occurs when the arteries of your legs are blocked, the needed amount of blood rich in oxygen cannot get to the lower parts. Leg pain can also be accompanied with muscle pain during exercise or any physical activity. The pain often occurs in muscles where the arteries are affected by fat buildup and cholesterol.
3. Arcus senilis: This is a gray or white arc that is visible and is located above and below the outer part of the cornea. This condition is very common in older adults. However, when it occurs in people under the age of 40, it is highly indicative of a high cholesterol condition.

4. Xanthelasma: Do you notice yellow patches on the inside of the side of your eyes? This is xanthelasma and is usually not painful but could mean something serious. The yellow patches comprises of cholesterol that is under your skin. This is one of the very visible symptoms of high cholesterol level in the body. You should take note of this because this also an indicator of cardiovascular diseases.

5. Weak or hard to detect pulse: peripheral artery disease (PAD) which occurs when there is a buildup of plaque in the arteries of your leg can cause your pulse to be weak or missing. This is common especially with pulses of the feet.

6. Leg sores: when there is a lack of blood flow to your legs and feet, there is a risk of developing sores called arterial ulcers which is a dangerous sign of elevated cholesterol level. These ulcers can happen on the legs, feet, toes or ankles. Poor flow of blood can destroy cells, tissues and nerves which can lead to ulcers to form on the skin. These wounds can be slow and take some time to heal if not detected and treated immediately.

HOW WILL YOU KNOW FOR SURE WHEN YOU HAVE HIGH CHOLESTEROL?

Apart from the warning signs and symptoms of high cholesterol in the body that gives you a clue on the need to check, the only way to diagnose high cholesterol is to request for a simple blood test from your healthcare practitioner.

TIPS TO HELP LOWER HIGH CHOLESTEROL LEVELS

• Monitor what you eat:

  This includes eating fibre-rich foods such as beans and legumes, fruits and vegetables as well as unsaturated fats like avocados and oils made from vegetables. You should limit your intake of pastries, margarine, red meat, full-fat diary and fried foods. This also includes reduction on the intake of alcohol.

• Take a cholesterol-lowering supplement renowned for amazing results and natural constituents:

  Start a 3-way functioning natural supplement that helps you maintain cholesterol levels, prevent cardiovascular diseases and provide nutritional support for healthy triglyceride levels. These are the fantastic benefits seen with taking Nature’s Field Choles Defence. This support from Choles Defence also helps you avoid other medical conditions such as hypertension which can result from high cholesterol in the body.

• Exercise as much as you can:

  Did you know that half an hour of physical activity 5 days a week can lower your bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase your good cholesterol (HDL)? This accompanied with reduced stress levels works wonders on lowering your cholesterol level. Being active helps you maintain your body weight and thus reduces the risk of developing clogged arteries.

The truth of the matter is that cholesterol affects every organ and biological process in your body. Hence, it is needed by all but the goal is to reduce the bad and increase the good cholesterol. High cholesterol comes without warning and is a risk factor for several health conditions. Therefore, there are a lot of ways to reduce it which includes taking Nature’s Field Choles Defence.

Finally, monitor and celebrate your progress. Remember you are in charge of your health and can turn your cholesterol around.

With everyone trying to make ends meet and the stress that comes with it, tips for sleeping has become a widely discussed topic.

Sleep is supposed to be that “it’s finally over” part of the day when you just want to put your feet up and relax for some hours. However, you lay down and toss for hours thinking about irrelevant things, worrying about the next day or counting sheep. Finally, you get up feeling exhausted and wondering where the time went. This can happen several times and you may begin to wonder if something is wrong and begin to feel cranky or worse become ill. The number of health conditions linked to lack of sleep is endless. Hence, adequate sleep is very important.

 Here are some very effective tips for sleeping that if adhered to, will make you sleep better as you should;

1. Do not look at the clock:

   It is normal to wake up in the middle of the night. However, you may be unable to fall back to sleep which can persist for a while. You can even obsess about the limited time you have to sleep when you wake up and end up looking repeatedly at the clock. This causes anxiety and is common among people with insomnia. Therefore, if possible, remove the clock from within your reach and do not check your phone for time. You can set an alarm but avoid watching the time when you get up.

2. Be conscious of what and when you eat:

   The food you eat before you sleep matters a lot. Consuming a large bowl of carbohydrate-based meal immediately before bed may be detrimental to prolonged sleep. This does not imply you shouldn’t eat what you want. Rather, if you want to consume a heavy meal, do so at least 3 hours before bed so it will have ample time to digest. Otherwise, you can opt for a lighter meal for dinner.

3. Ensure you are physically active during the day:

   This can be in the form of exercise or a walk. This is beneficial to quality sleep because physical activity can increase duration of sleep by promoting the production of serotonin in the brain and reducing the stress hormone, cortisol.

4. Avoid products that contain caffeine during the day:

   Caffeine is present in some products that you may not be aware such as energy and carbonated drinks, pain medication, tea and even chocolate. This can interfere with your regular sleep pattern. Therefore, avoid taking any of these after lunch.

5. Use a reliable sleeping aid that contains GABA (Gamma amino butyric acid):

   GABA is an amino acid that reduces activity of neurons in the brain. This in turn, leads to a variety of effects such as reduced stress, increased relaxation, balanced mood and boosting sleep. Therefore, taking a sleep-inducing supplement that contains GABA is guaranteed to restore you good sleep. Nature’s Field Calmnite contains GABA and other natural ingredients such as melatonin proven to promote relaxation and regulate the biological clock for sleep. This product works so well, it contributes to your body’s overall mental and physical health.

6. Breathe in through your left nostril:

   Put a finger on your right nostril and breathe slowly and deeply through your left nostril. This activates your parasympathetic response which calms and relaxes your body, sooths your nervous system and improves your brain function.

7. Try not to force yourself to sleep:

   Lying in bed for several hours stressing about how you can’t get to sleep is counterproductive and frustrating. If you find that after about 15 minutes of being in bed in the dark, distract yourself with calming activities like listening to soothing music or think of some ridiculous movie you’ve watched previously, whatever works for you. You need this distraction because of how our brains work. Once you try not to think of something, it immediately pops into your head. Likewise telling yourself not to sleep, your brain will take it as an instruction to sleep and you feel sleepy soon after. This is one very effective tip for sleeping.

8. Make a personalized sleep ritual:

   This simply means create a routine you follow before you go to bed. This could be listening to slow music or talking to a loved one on the phone as long as it is not something mentally stimulating. This works because your body becomes used to this pattern and you will find it easier to sleep.

Insomnia is not matter to be handled with levity, because it can affect you both mentally and physically. Therefore you should take appropriate measures to restore your normal sleep pattern. Try Nature’s Field CalmNite and get the sleep you need to handle the daily stress and hassles.