Yes, Bottled Water DOES Expire—and Here’s Why You Should Take It Seriously

It’s common knowledge that you shouldn’t drink out of the water bottle that you left in a hot car. But how recently have you checked its expiration date?

That’s right! Bottled water DOES expire. And while the reason why meat or dairy products have a sell-by date is pretty self-explanatory, you might be surprised that bottled water comes with a time stamp, too.

As it turns out, it isn’t the water quality you should be worried about; it’s the plastic that the water comes packaged in (usually polyethylene terephthalate (PET) for retail bottles and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) for water cooler jugs). After a certain point in its life, the plastic can begin leaching into the liquid, which affects its taste and could create a serious health hazard. The porous plastic can also cause the water to accumulate odors and other nasty accompaniments from outside. (This is why you should stay away from straws, too.)

Still, it’s unlikely that an “expired” (but unopened) bottle of water will do you much harm. And here’s why: the expiration dates are fairly arbitrary. The only reason they were put there in the first place was because of a 1987 New Jersey state law that required all food products to display an expiration date, according to Mental Floss. Since it wasn’t very cost effective to label and ship batches of expiration-dated water to one state alone, most bottled water producers just started giving every bottle a two-year sell-by date—no matter where it was going.

That said, New Jersey has since changed its law, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has never established any specific limitations on the shelf life of bottled water. Most producers have just kept it there for efficiency’s sake. So when all is said and done, you can sip that two-year-old bottle of water guilt-free. Just make sure you don’t drink water that’s been sitting overnight or longer.

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This Just In: Coconut Vinegar Is the New Apple Cider Vinegar

By now you’re probably storing a bottle of apple cider vinegar in your pantry and your medicine cabinet so that you can use the natural cure-all as part of your diet and beauty routine. But did you know that there may be another vinegar that’s just as beneficial as your beloved apple cider vinegar? Meet coconut vinegar, its hipper cousin.

A popular acidic condiment in Southeast Asia and some regions of India, coconut vinegar is a natural product produced from fermentable coconut sap and the oxidation of ethanol into acetic acid. Healthwise, it has a lot going for it, according to Lynnley Huey, MPH, RD, a registered dietician and a nutritionist on  Maven.

• Since it’s fermented, coconut vinegar a natural source of  probiotics, which feed our microbiome—that community of gut bugs that keeps us healthy on so many levels.
• Because coconut trees grow in soil that’s highly rich in nutrients, the “sap” from the coconut blossoms is also rich in nutrients. Coconut vinegar is therefore a good source of minerals and vitamins, including potassium (which helps balance electrolytes, control blood pressure, and process sugar), ascorbic acid or Vitamin C(an important antioxidant) and certain B vitamins, particularly B2 or riboflavin (an important vitamin that is essential in the body’s energy production, cellular function, and metabolism).
• It’s also low on the glycemic index, so it won’t spike blood sugar.
• Coconut vinegar contains all nine essential amino acids—the building blocks of protein that are often incomplete in plant-based foods, according to Live StrongAmino acids also play a role in oxygenating blood and keeping the immune system healthy, among other key functions in the body.

When it comes to healthful living, both apple cider vinegar and coconut vinegar can live amicably on your shelf. Although there’s a lot more research about the power of apple cider vinegar to lower blood sugar levels and aid in digestion, coconut vinegar is thought to have similar benefits. Huey cautions that we’ll need more scientific evidence to prove any specific health claims, and you should always ask your doctor before using coconut vinegar as part of your health regimen, especially if you already take blood pressure-lowering medication.

As a beauty treatment, coconut vinegar works similarly to apple cider vinegar, as all vinegar types have antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. You can apply it topically, but studies haven’t shown it to be a proven or safe treatment for conditions like acne or sunburn, according to Huey.

Like apple cider vinegar, coconut vinegar is too acidic to be enjoyed straight up, as it can damage your esophagus (not to mention erode the enamel on your teeth), so mix it with a little mustard and oil for a salad dressing or dilute it with water and honey and drink it as a morning cleanse. (Learn how to drink apple cider vinegar). And if you don’t want to have to think before you drink, then check out the new line of drinking vinegars from Suja, which are premixed. Huey recommends keeping your intake of coconut vinegar to 1 to 2 teaspoons and up to 1 to 2 tablespoons daily, to avoid potential side effects.

If you opt to go for plain coconut vinegar, then be sure to read the label carefully. For the full benefits, coconut vinegar should be created from coconut sap, rather than water. Coconut sap contains high levels of amino acids and probiotics and enzymes, whereas coconut water is diluted.

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Ways Your Body Changes When You Start Drinking Enough Water

The research is clear: Staying hydrated is one of the healthiest habits you can adopt. Here are all the ways your body—and brain—get better when you chug, chug, chug.

You'll have more energy

The cells throughout your body need water to function, which is why we can all use tips on getting more water into your diet. "Water is a basic need for cellular health," says Ronald Navarro, MD, orthopedic and sport medicine surgeon at Kaiser Permanente South Bay Medical Center in Harbor City, California. "Cells contain water and are surrounded by water. In dehydration, cell membranes become less permeable, hampering the flow of hormones and nutrients into the cell and preventing waste products that cause cell damage from flowing out." When that's happening throughout your body, your energy is sapped, and fatigue can take over, according to a review of hydration research published in the journal Nutrition Review.

How much water do you need to boost energy? Depending on who you ask, the exact amount varies. Dr. Navarro points to the most agreed-upon recommendation of six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily. This could change though, depending on the climate you live in and the type of lifestyle you lead. "Some adults may need more or less, depending on their overall health, including if they have certain illnesses, take specific medications and more. It also depends on how much they exercise and the level of intensity, and how hot and dry the weather is," he explains. If you're interested to know how much water your body is hankering for, talk to your primary care doctor.

Your memory will improve

Your brain is hugely dependent on fluid to work properly. All those synapses and neurons need liquid to fire properly. According to research published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, one of the most reliable predictors of decline in memory and mental performance is dehydration. And yet, according to Dr. Navarro, some polls estimate that upwards of 75 percent of Americans suffer from chronic dehydration. And that number worsens in summer: "We see the rate of dehydration increase in the summer and fall when temperatures are higher and perspiration is more pronounced," he says. If you're concerned you're among the dehydrated masses, here are the signs of dehydration.

Your focus will increase

Ever feel like you have no control over your attention span? Your mind just wanders no matter how hard you try to focus on the task at hand? Drink a big glass of water and watch what happens: According to research published in the journal Nutrients, mild dehydration interferes with brain processing and breaks down the ability to focus. Just like sleep, maintaining a healthy diet, making time to sweat it out in your favorite workout class or log miles on your nearby running path, water is one of the most essential needs of your body. In fact, since we're made up of so much water, it makes sense why we would constantly need it to replenish, cleanse and feed our system.

You'll be stronger and faster

Ever feel sore during a workout, even though you didn't exercise the day before? You can check out these home remedies for sore muscles, but you should also know that those aches and pains or the difficulty you experience when trying to lift a heavier weight or push through that extra mile can be due to dehydration, and not your lack of strength. Research suggests that even a 2 percent drop in hydration can cause significant losses in strength and motivation while increasing feelings of fatigue. Dr. Navarro says that when we take in the right amount of water for our bodies, our muscles become more relaxed, which increases energy and maximizes our performance.

Your skin is more radiant

Ever go for a spa treatment—like a massage or facial—and your therapist makes a point to remind you to drink some water instead of the champagne you're eyeing? That's because skin can benefit greatly from hydration and for some, clear up your skin or make it look younger. (If you're looking for more ways to beautify your skin, try these tips.) "Our skin, the largest organ in our body, relies on water to produce new cells and give us that glow. Our skin also needs water do its job of regulating the body's temperature," Dr. Navarro says. No question: According to research, our skin contains 30 percent water which adds to plumpness and elasticity—vibrancy, in other words.

You'll run cooler

"When we exercise, our bodies cool off by sweating," says Dr. Navarro. "As we perspire, we lose necessary body fluids. If we do not replace these fluids, we become dehydrated. This makes it difficult to sweat and cool down, which can result in a heat injury," he explains. In hot weather, it's important you know the signs of heat stroke. If you're looking for easy ways to stay hydrated during exercise, check out this trendy solution from SMITH + STARR. Co-founders Chelsea Alexander and Fallyn Smith, were inspired to create a bag that offers a hydration solution, so they wouldn't have to lug around a water bottle while commuting in their home city, San Francisco, or while going hiking or camping. Their bag, The Conway, is the first ever cross-body handbag that doubles as a hydration pack. It looks like a bag you'd take while running errands or while out with your friends, but it contains a removable water pouch that holds 17 ounces and a tube for easy hydration right from the shoulder strap.

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Are You a Highly Sensitive Person? Here’s What You Need to Know

Find out what sets you apart and how to adjust your life to avoid overstimulation, fatigue, and stress.

What does it mean to be a highly sensitive person?

Highly sensitive people have a trait called sensory-processing sensitivity, or SPS. This trait was discovered and defined by clinical psychologist Elaine Aron, PhD, who first started studying individuals who seemed to be more sensitive to certain things in their environment. Sensory-processing sensitivity causes individuals to notice subtle differences in the world around them more than people without this trait. Highly sensitive people might be especially upset by loud sounds or bright lights in their environment (like ambulances, for example), may avoid watching violent TV shows and movies, or crave alone time during busy, hectic days in order to not feel totally frazzled. In general, highly sensitive people may be easily overwhelmed, especially when exposed to intense stimuli, according to Aron. Not sure if you're a HSP? Take Aron's highly sensitive person test on her website.

Being sensitive isn't a bad thing

Highly sensitive people are often incredibly in tune with their environment. They often notice subtleties in tastes, art, music or smells, according to The Highly Sensitive Person. Additionally, sensitive people are often empathetic since they are more aware of the feelings of the people around them, according to Psychology Today. These are 10 signs you have incredible empathy.

But here's the downside of being highly sensitive

Even though being highly sensitive isn't a bad thing, there's a downside to possessing this trait. For starters, highly sensitive people are easily overwhelmed. That means if their environment is loud, they may have trouble focusing. Some highly sensitive people also have trouble with strong smells and extreme temperatures. Being overstimulated may cause fatigue or a feeling of needing to retreat or hide.

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11 Telltale Signs You’re Being Passive Aggressive—Without Even Realizing It

Have you ever answered "no" when someone asked you if you were upset—even when you were fuming? If so, you just entered passive-aggressive territory.

When given a task they don't really want to do, a passive-aggressive person might appear to agree (sometimes even enthusiastically), but they won't fully comply with the request, Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, MD, explains to Mayo Clinic. Instead, he or she might express anger or resentment by failing to follow through or missing deadlines.

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How Bad Is It to Sleep in Your Contact Lenses?

Childhood nose picking is every parent's worst nightmare. Thankfully, there are ways to discourage your youngster from engaging in this gross behavior.

A common question for contact lens wearers is whether it’s OK to sleep with their contacts in overnight. “One of the first questions I always ask my contact lens wearers is whether they sleep in their contact lenses,” South Florida Ophthalmologist Inna Ozerov, MD says. “As a cornea specialist, some of the worst corneal infections I have treated were directly related to poor contact lens hygiene habits.”

According to the All About Vision website, the FDA first approved certain contact lenses for overnight wear in 1981. These lenses were approved for up to two weeks of wear without removal but shortly after this approval some lenses received FDA approval for up to 30 days of continuous wear. As time passed, researchers found that the incidence of eye infections was greater among people who slept while wearing contact lenses so the FDA changed the maximum extended wear period back to seven days.

Many eye care professionals still feel strongly that overnight wear is too risky, and that includes Dr. Ozerov. She says that even though there are contact lens brands that are FDA-approved for overnight use, she always warns her patients against potential dangers. “A central corneal ulcer can progress fairly quickly over 24 hours and can have potentially devastating consequences on a person’s vision,” she says. “The more virulent type of organisms that invade the cornea thrive in a dark, moist, low oxygen tension environment. These are precisely the conditions that occur on the ocular surface when we sleep. The lens may allow micro-organisms to adhere to the lens, therefore increasing the likelihood of infection.”

Ozerov says that contact lens users need to remember that a contact lens is a medical device, and requires proper care. “I also remind my contact lens wearers they should always have a pair of glasses to fall back on.”

Sleeping regularly in contacts (especially those not made for overnight wear) is just one of many mistakes contact lens wearers make that can damage their eyes. Here are more secrets your eye doctor won’t tell you.

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Reasons a Morning Workout Can Make Your Whole Day Better

You get it done

What gets scheduled, gets done and that's doubly true in the morning. There are fewer distractions (think: last-minute happy hour invitations, unexpected work crises) so you're more likely to actually complete your workout if it's early in the day. "The biggest benefit of a morning workout is that if you do it first, you have made it a priority." says Mike Deibler MS, owner of San Diego Premier Training. "When it is done first, nothing can get in the way." Deibler adds that we all have things pop up throughout the day and when we push our workouts off later and later, later eventually becomes tomorrow. Here's how to trick yourself into become a morning person.

You'll be happier

Start your day with a morning cardio workout and your endorphin boost will allow you to approach work, your relationships, and even your commute with a better attitude. Your sense of accomplishment from actually completing your morning exercise routine will give you a little more confidence to continue checking off your to-do list at the office and the additional energy will make you more present with your partner after work. Exercise is just one of many morning habits of naturally thin people.

You'll eat better

Just like a morning gym visit will set your mood for the day, a morning workout will also set your appetite, so you'll be more likely to reach for Greek yogurt instead of that blueberry muffin on the way to work. Even hours later, at dinner, you won't want to 'ruin' your hard work so dessert might be a little less tempting. "Starting your day with any positive routine almost always leads to another positive habit later in the day," says Deibler, "You naturally want to keep that feeling going so one healthy meal dramatically increases the chance of another healthy meal or food choice later in the day." These 30 healthy eating tricks can help you reboot your routine.

You'll have more time to socialize

How many times have you skipped a noon workout because a co-worker suggested lunch at the newest hot spot or blown off post-work exercise because last minute plans popped up with friends? Sunrise exercise means you can stay healthy and make it to happy hour. Yes, you might need to go home and get to bed earlier so you can wake up in time for tomorrow's workout, but you didn't really need that second cocktail anyway. Here are health advantages you'll have as a morning person.

You'll sleep better

Your morning energy boost will mean a natural (and perfectly appropriate) decrease in energy throughout the day. This means you'll fall asleep faster when your head hits the pillow and you'll even get better quality sleep. Deibler says that exercise increases our core body temperature while our natural circadian rhythms want our core temperature to decrease in order to prepare for sleep. That cooling provides faster and more sound sleep so it makes sense to start the day with exercise. "The other issue with sleep is that exercise may affect melatonin levels," says Deibler, "We need these to increase to prepare for sleep at night, but exercising later in the day may reduce melatonin levels and can even affect melatonin levels the following night."

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Can’t Take 10,000 Steps a Day? Do This Instead

For days when it's not feasible to cram in the recommended 10,000 daily steps, this shorter routine has got you covered.

Taking 10,000 steps per day is a great way to get your daily dose of physical activity, but only 15 percent of American men and women regularly hit that healthy target, according to a brand-new study from Oregon State University. Lack of time is the most commonly cited obstacle, but fortunately, there’s an alternative that may be easier to fit into a tight schedule.

In the year-long study, published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, Oregon State researchers found that although people who took more steps each day were typically healthier than those who took fewer steps, speed made a difference. Those who took 5,000 to 7,000 steps at a faster pace scored similar health benefits, including things like smaller waist circumference, lower blood pressure, and reduced BMI and cholesterol levels.

Based on these findings, study co-author John Schuna, Jr., PhD, assistant professor of kinesiology at OSU’s College of Public Health and Human Sciences, recommends aiming to take 3,000 steps each day at a brisk pace, which may be 100 or more steps per minute for two and a half hours, or 150 minutes, each week.

This healthy target fits with the guidelines of both the CDC and the Department of Health and Human Services, which advise that healthy adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity each week. Examples of moderate intensity workouts include brisk walking, yoga, pushing a lawn mower, gardening, or riding a bike under 10 mph; examples of vigorous intensity activity include jumping rope, running, jogging, biking over 10 mph, and hiking uphill.

“Running or jogging two and a half miles is equivalent to walking 10,000 steps,” says Chauncey Graham, CSCS, an ACE Fitness Professional at Gold’s Gym in Washington, D.C. Higher-intensity workouts also come with added benefits, including improvements to your cardiorespiratory system. “A heightened level of exercise will prevent and lower your risk of many common diseases as well as obesity,” Graham says.

Most experts agree that a mix of high intensity and moderate intensity workouts yield the best results, however, if you’re dedicated to reaching your 10,000 steps each day via walking, try to take 3,000 of those steps at a faster pace. But some exercise is certainly better than none, so if you can spare only 60 seconds to sweat, try these exercises that will transform your body.

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6 Simple Brain Games That Will Make You Feel Stronger, Happier, and More Resilient

Try these games that tap your innate genius to build a happy and resilient brain.

In the summer of 2009, I got a concussion. It didn’t heal properly, and after 30 days, I still had constant headaches, nausea, and vertigo. My doctor told me I should avoid triggering my symptoms. That meant no reading, no writing, no running, no video games, no work, no alcohol, and no caffeine. I joked to my doctor at the time, “In other words, no reason to live.”

There was truth in that joke. I didn’t know it then, but suicidal ideation happens with many traumatic brain injuries, and it happened to me. My brain started telling me, Jane, you want to die. This voice became so persistent that I started to fear for my life.

And then, 34 days after I hit my head, I had one crystal clear thought that changed everything: Either I am going to kill myself or I’m going to turn this into a game.You see, I knew that when we play games, we tackle challenges with more creativity, more determination, and more optimism. I knew this because I’d been the first person in the world to earn a PhD studying the psychological strengths of gamers—and how those strengths can translate to real-world problem solving.

So I created a simple recovery game called Jane the Concussion Slayer. To win the day, I invited my twin sister, Kelly, to call me once daily and give me a quest for the next 24 hours. The first quest she gave me: “Look out the window near your bed, and tomorrow, tell me at least one interesting thing you saw.”

I don’t remember what I saw that day, but I do remember I felt like I had a purpose. And when I told my sister that I had succeeded, I felt fantastic. Within days, the fog of depression went away. It wasn’t a miracle cure for the cognitive symptoms; they lasted more than a year, and it was the hardest year of my life. But even while I was in pain, I stopped suffering.

Taking purposeful action every day sparks your motivation and expands your sense of what you’re capable of. Every time you set your mind to do something—and then do it—you remind yourself of the power you have over what you do, think, and feel.

But don’t just take my word for it. Here are six simple quests you can try right now to feel just a little better.

 1. For an Open Mind, Play: Palms Up

What to do: Hands open, turn your palms to face the ceiling, and count to 15. Before you finish, you should start to notice a more open mind-set.

Why it works: Researchers credit a phenomenon called embodied cognition for this powerful mind-body effect, in which our brains take mental cues from physical gestures. When we offer someone a helping hand, ask for help, or prepare to receive something, our palms are upturned; when we reject something or push someone away, our palms face out. Thousands of years of these human interactions may leave us biologically primed to draw openness from upturned palms.

2. For More Willpower, Play: Muscle Up

Need to resist an impulse? Want to steel yourself to do something difficult? Here’s how to get instant mental resilience.

What to do: Squeeze one or more muscles as hard as you can for five seconds. Any muscles will work—your hands, biceps, abs, buns, calves. The more muscles you tense up, the more mental strength you’ll summon.

Why it works: As with “palms up,” the brain looks to the body for cues here. A strong body cues a strong brain, making it easier to muster courage or stick to resolutions.

3. For Closer Friendships, Play: Plus One

What to do: Send a text or an e-mail to someone who might be surprised to hear from you, asking, “On a scale of one to ten, how is your day going?” If he or she messages back a number, reply, “Is there anything I could do to move it from a six to a seven?” (or “from a three to a four,” etc.).

My friend Michael, a philanthropist and an entrepreneur, poses these questions to almost everyone he talks to. After a while, I realized it’s awesome. Consider this reply from my friend Chris after I sent him the “one to ten” question: “Better now that you asked. Truly makes a difference. Was a five, just became a seven.”

Why it works: This trick is an easy way to reconnect with old friends, and as with online games, you don’t have to be face-to-face to do it. By offering to make someone’s day plus-one better, you’re communicating that you care and that the person can count on you for support.

4. For A Mood Boost, Play: Prediction

What to do: Make a prediction about something—anything—that you can personally verify the outcome of in the next 24 hours. It can be big or small, silly or serious. Just make a prediction—and see if you’re right!

Why it works: Making a prediction is one of the most reliable ways to prime the reward circuitry of the brain. “Every prediction you make triggers an increase in attention and dopamine,” says neuroscientist Judy Willis, MD. That’s because every time you make a prediction, two highly rewarding outcomes are possible. You might be right—which will feel good! Or you might be wrong—which will give you information that will help you make a better prediction next time. In fact, “the dopamine boost is often greater when you learn something new and useful than when you succeed,” Dr. Willis says.

 5. To Feel More Positive, Play: Superhero

What to do: Take at least two full minutes to list everything you can think of that describes superheroes in general: what motivates them, how they treat others, what they do in the face of danger, etc. For the biggest impact, write down your answers or record them with your phone.

Why it works: Psychologists know that when we’re asked to think about the positive traits of a particular group, we invariably compare ourselves with the group—and in a phenomenon known as positive bias, we usually start by looking for similarities. MIT and NYU researchers found that study participants who made a superhero list were far more altruistic afterward. When asked to tutor local youth, twice as many participants who thought about heroes volunteered as participants who did not; they signed up for double the hours to boot.

6. For Instant Relaxation, Play: Power Breath

What to do: Breathe in while you count slowly to four. Exhale while you count to eight. Repeat for one minute. The trick is to always exhale for twice as long as you inhale. Try it now.

Why it works: Breathing at this rhythm increases your heart rate variability—the slight differences in time from one heartbeat to the next. In the long term, high heart rate variability protects against stress, anxiety, and pain. In the short term, it shifts your body from an anxious state to a calm-and-connected one. Muscles relax, heart rate decreases, and your mood improves. In other words: You’re ready to win the day.

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8 Unexpected Reasons You’re Always Thirsty

Feeling parched all day long? Check out these reasons why you might always be reaching for a glass of water.

Your diet has too much salt in it

Salt pulls water out of cells and forces the body to conserve as much water as possible, which is why you urinate less when you eat too much salt. The water-deprived cells send a chemical message to the brain asking for more water, and you start to feel thirsty. Cut down on your salt intake and make sure you’re drinking enough water. Here are other signs you're eating much sodium.

You took a morning walk

“You’re going to need to drink more on days when you sweat more,” says Peter Mayock, MD, medical director of the West Town Adult Clinic of the Eric Family Health Center in Chicago. When you exercise, you lose fluids through sweat, and if you don’t replace that fluid, you could end up dehydrated. There isn’t one formula as to how much you should be drinking, but Mayock says listen to your body. Here's why morning exercise will make you thinner.

You’ve been out in the sun for too long

Now that summer’s finally here, you spend more time in the great outdoors whether it’s in a park, on a beach, or in your backyard. Even if you’re not running around, you can still become dehydrated, especially in the hot sunlight. If you know you’re going to be outside all day, make sure you have a water bottle handy.  Here are other signs you've gotten too much sun.

You might have diabetes

Some patients mistake dehydration for diabetes. “With dehydration, your body wants to preserve liquids,” he says. “With diabetes, the sugar is spilling and forcing you to urinate more often.” Dr. Mayock says most of his patients exhibit three signs of diabetes: excessive thirst, excessive urination, and blurred vision. If you’re experiencing all three, talk to your doctor about your concerns. These are other silent signs you may have diabetes.

You have xerostomia, better known as dry mouth

Some rare conditions, Dr. Mayock says, do cause dry mouth. When the saliva glands in the mouth don’t produce enough saliva, you may feel you need to drink more water to get rid of the feeling. If your feelings of dry mouth persist, visit your doctor for more information. Check out these clever ways to stay hydrayted.

You could be anemic

Your body relies on healthy blood cells to carry blood throughout the body. Mild anemia usually won’t cause excessive thirst, but if your condition worsens, you may feel thirsty as well as worn out.

Your medication is drying you out

“There are a number of medications that affect your mouth and can make you have a dry mouth,” Mayock says. For example, both anticholinergics and diuretics for high blood pressure list dry mouth as a potential side effect. Again, talk with your doctor if your thirst is concerning you.

You miscounted how many glasses of water you’ve had

“The number-one cause of thirst is just not drinking enough water,” says Dr. Mayock. For his adult patients, Mayock recommends drinking one glass of water with each meal and two in between meals. If it helps, set an alarm on your phone and have it go off once every two hours. This will be your reminder to either drink a glass of water or down what’s left in your water bottle and fill it back up. Check out these tips that guarantee you'll drink enough water.

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6 Wondrous Things That Happen to Your Body When You Listen to Classical Music

Classical music is more than just pleasant background noise; it may actually make you healthier. Here’s how Mozart and Vivaldi could help you become smarter, healthier, and even get a good night’s rest.

Classical music eases pain

Saying goodbye to pain could be as easy as cuing up your favorite music app. Research has shown that music can be effective at decreasing pain among surgical and cancer patients. A 2006 study found that groups with chronic pain who listened to music reported feeling less pain and more power over their depression and disability than those who didn’t. Researchers suggest that music empowers patients recovering from surgery and even encourage nurses to use it as a rehabilitation tool.

Classical music lowers blood pressure

A study published in the Journal of Health Psychology found that participants who listened to classical music had significantly lower blood pressure levels than participants who did not hear any music. Researchers believe that listening to music may help your heart recover from stress, decreasing blood pressure as a result. Here are other surprising things doctors won’t tell you about healthy blood pressure.

Classical music makes you more emotional

Listening to music might inspire even the most apathetic person to crack a smile. Researchers at Southern Methodist University observed volunteers while they wrote about the most significant event or experience in their lives. They found that participants who had classical music in the background while writing became more emotionally vulnerable and more willing to disclose information than those who didn’t. And these benefits extend beyond the page; being more aware and in control of your emotions is a great way to maintain better, healthier relationships.

Classical music helps you sleep

Classical music can be an easy home remedy for restless snoozers. A 2006 study found that students with sleep disorders slept better when they fell asleep to classical music than those who didn’t conk out to music. Try music that has a regular rhythm, low pitches, and tranquil melodies, qualities that are believed to be most effective in improving sleep quality. If you still wake up exhausted after a full night’s sleep, it may be a sign you’re not sleeping deeply enough.

Classical music may make you smarter

In 2001, subjects who listened to Mozart’s sonata for just 10 minutes displayed IQ scores that were nearly 10 points higher after the study than before. Researchers explained that classical music is believed to enhance the brain’s spatial temporal reasoning, or the cognitive understanding of how items or pieces can fit into a space. True, the “Mozart Effect” is controversial. Others are skeptical of these findings, citing the need to consciously appreciate the music to reap its benefits. Still, it can’t hurt to switch on a little baroque music during your daily commute.

Classical music improves your memory

Next time you need to study for a big test or presentation, make Beethoven your companion. In a study published in Learning and Individual Differences, one group of students listened to a one-hour lecture where classical music was played in the background, and the other group heard the lecture with no music. Those in the first group scored significantly higher on a quiz than the second group. Researchers believe that the music made students more receptive to the information, allowing them to store and recall it more efficiently. Check out these daily habits of people with good memories.

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7 Clear Signs You Need to Move More

Yes, exercise can help you lose weight, but you’ll be surprised at how many other ways it can radically improve your health and well-being.

You're suddenly experiencing pain

We’ve all had one of those mornings—you wake up and your lower back, knee, or shoulder is suddenly aching. But while you might be tempted to wait it out, certified personal trainers Jim Karas and Michelle Blakely suggest getting your body in motion. Just moving your muscles, loosening your joints, and getting blood pumping to that area of your body can be enough to lessen the pain, Karas says. Even clients who have faced longer-term pain, like that which comes with rheumatoid arthritis, have improved their daily movement and ability to do chores by getting regular exercise. After your workout, chow down on one of these foods that fight pain naturally.

You're constantly fatigued

If you’re tired all the time, even with adequate food and sleep, maybe all you need is to move a bit more. It may seem a bit counterintuitive, but a study from the University of Georgia showed that just 20 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise three times a week increased energy levels by 20 percent. Researchers said the findings showed how exercise directly acts on the central nervous system to decrease fatigue, in some cases as much as 65 percent, according to the New York Times. “I like to tell my clients that an object in motion stays in motion,” says Chicago-based personal trainer Traci Mitchell. “It’s kind of like getting that big boulder of motivation moving, and once it gets moving, your energy increases.” Here are more tricks to beat fatigue naturally.

You're stressed

“Stress levels have never been higher,” Karas says, and statistically, he is right. Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University showed that stress increased 18 percent for women and 24 percent for men from 1983 to 2009. We’re more worried about finances, constantly bombarded by media and information, and too busy to decompress—and that stress could be making us sick. But just walking, running, or strengthening your body for 20 to 30 minutes three to four times a week is enough to significantly decrease your anxiety, and research shows that adding in music makes that exercise even more effective in fighting stress. “If you’re dealing with a difficult decision, probably one of the best things you can do, whether it’s personal or business, is to get out and put your ear buds on,” Karas says.

Your hormones could use some TLC

Exercise is an excellent way to help regulate your hormones, and you’d be surprised at how much that can impact how you think, look, and feel. For example, boosting your testosterone levels, which can be done through exercise, helps increase your metabolism, maintains youthful-looking skin, and keeps your brain functioning properly, according to Karas.

Your digestion is out of whack

A 30-minute run or brisk walk will do more than just increase your appetite for dinner; it will help you digest your dinner, too. Aerobic exercise quickens your breathing and heart rate, which in turn improves the contraction of your intestinal muscles. As a  result, your digested food passes more quickly through your intestines and out of your body, decreasing constipation. Moving in whatever method (walking, running, swimming, dancing, and even stretching or yoga) will help with digestion.  Enhance the healthy belly benefits your workout by adding foods that boost good gut bacteria to your diet.

Your time-management tricks are failing you

Personal trainer April Sutton says a lot of her clients approach her for assistance when they feel like they’ve lost control over how they structure their time due to overwhelming work and family commitments. “They can’t really think for themselves outside of their jobs because they’re so burnt out,” says Sutton. Trainer Michael Moody has clients prioritize exercise, and think about how other habits (how they eat, sleep, and how much they sit at work) can impact how they feel when they exercise. Becoming “human scientists of their body” helps people better understand how their lifestyles can impact their health, Moody says. From there, it’s a matter of correcting bad habits, and continuing to put aside time to exercise regularly. Besides exercise, successful people do these things after work.

You're not sleeping well

If you’re having trouble nodding off or staying asleep at night, you may need to move a bit more during the day. In a study published in the journal Sleep Medicine, researchers at Northwestern University found that insomniac middle-aged and older participants who exercised and were taught to sleep in a cool, dark room and go to bed at the same time each night got 1.25 more hours of sleep nightly than those who did not participate in physical activity. Whether you have chronic insomnia or you just haven’t been sleeping well lately, getting some aerobic activity in during the day will probably help you catch more Z’s at night. Here are some signs you're not sleeping deeply enough.

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Whoa: This Mini Workout Cuts Neck Pain By 50 Percent

Cure neck pain caused by sitting at a computer all day with five simple exercises.

The workout that nips neck pain in the bud

If you spend much time hunched over a computer, there’s a good chance you’ve experienced pain in the trapezius—the muscle that extends from the back of your head, across your shoulders, and down your back. Research offers a simple, effective remedy: five exercises that cut pain by more than 50 percent among women with tight neck and shoulder muscles. These are sneaky reasons your neck suddenly hurts. The workout: For each move, perform three sets of 12 repetitions, gradually increasing the weight as you get stronger.

Shrugs

Stand with a 15- to 25-pound weight in each hand, arms at sides. Lift shoulders up toward ears and lower slowly.

One-arm row

With right knee on bench, lean on right hand. Slowly raise left elbow to bring a 12- to 20-pound weight to chest level; lower slowly. Switch sides; repeat.

Upright row

With a 4- to 10-pound weight in each hand, raise weights to middle of chest, keeping them close to body. Lower slowly.

Reverse fly

With a 2- to 5-pound weight in each hand, bend forward to a 45-degree angle. Elbows slightly bent, lift weights to shoulder height; lower slowly.

Shoulder abduction

With 5- to 8-pound weights in each hand and elbows slightly bent, lift weights until arms are parallel to floor. Lower slowly.

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Ginseng Benefits: How It Heals

Wars were fought over this ginseng, which has the power to boost immunity and enhance physical and mental performance.

Few herbs are as highly prized as ginseng. Wars were fought over it in China, where it has been used for 8,000 years. Today, a single root of wild Panax ginseng can command as much as $50,000. Of many ginseng variants, three are in common use. Asian/Korean ginseng (P. ginseng) and American ginseng (P. quinquefolius) are considered “true” ginseng, while Siberian/Russian ginseng is a more distant relative. The two Panax varieties may be white (the dried, unprocessed root) or red (the steamed, heat-dried root, thought to be pharmacologically more active). The uses of all three are primarily based on ginseng’s reputation as an “adaptogen” that boosts immunity and enhances physical and mental performance.

How Ginseng Works

Now widely cultivated, ginseng has been the subject of thousands of studies. The active constituents in the two Panax types are called ginsenosides, which act on the central nervous system. Research suggests that American and Asian ginseng boost the production of protective antibodies that help the body resist infections such as flu, the common cold, and other respiratory illnesses; Asian ginseng may also offer some protection against cancer and speed recovery after treatment. Siberian ginseng, which can help combat flu and herpes viral infections, contains substances known as eleuthorosides that stimulate the immune system, encouraging the body to produce protective T-cells.

Various studies show that ginseng may boost memory and concentration and combat fatigue. Two specific ginsenosides—Rb1 and Rg1—are thought to be responsible for improving cognitive function. Ginsenosides may also combat male impotence by reducing blood levels of the protein prolactin, which can cause erectile dysfunction. Asian ginseng appears to increase sperm levels and motility, as well as boosting sex drive; Korean red ginseng may also boost sexual arousal in women.

How to Use Ginseng

Many different types of ginseng are available in whole root, extract, powder, tablet and capsule form. You can also buy ginseng tea. Check to ensure you have the desired herb and follow label instructions or take as professionally prescribed.

Safety First

Though considered generally safe, Panax ginseng may interact with diabetes medications, antidepressants and the blood thinner warfarin, and may enhance the effects of flu vaccines. Ginseng has not been widely tested during pregnancy or breastfeeding so it is best avoided or used only under medical supervision during these periods.

Where to Find Ginseng

Varieties of ginseng are available in health food stores, some pharmacies or from a qualified herbalist.

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Benefits of Ginger: How It Heals Indigestion and More

Think beyond ginger ale.

This tasty spice has been used as both a condiment and a medicine for centuries. It was a staple at Roman banquets, to counter symptoms of overindulgence, and was much favored in ancient China and in India’s Ayurvedic medicine as a remedy for indigestion, stomachaches, respiratory congestion, constipation, and diarrhea. It was also used as a tonic for women’s gynecological conditions, being thought to stimulate the flow of qi, or energy, to the reproductive organs.

How Ginger Works:

Ginger contains antioxidant substances called gingerols, which are thought to be responsible for its ability to alleviate nausea and indigestion. Unlike many conventional antinausea medications, ginger has the important benefit of not causing undesirable side effects such as a dry mouth or sleepiness. Research has shown that ginger can address nausea caused by a variety of causes, including food poisoning, motion sickness, pregnancy, postsurgical procedures, or the side effects of conventional drug treatment, notably chemotherapy. Similarly, ginger has been shown to alleviate symptoms of indigestion, including flatulence, bloating, and griping pain.

The gingerols in ginger are also thought to account for its ability to alleviate some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and muscular discomfort such as pain, inflammation, and swelling, possibly by inhibiting the production of inflammatory substances called prostaglandins and leukotrienes. This may also account for its ability to naturally relieve menstrual cramping.

Ginger is often given as a tonic to fight colds and chills and improve circulation, with Taiwanese research confirming its benefits for circulatory health, as it does have mild blood-thinning properties. Ginger also has antimicrobial, carminative, and diaphoretic (increases sweating) properties and may help to boost the immune system. These qualities make it of some benefit in treating coughs, colds, laryngitis, or a sore throat where it is often combined with honey and lemon.

How to Use Ginger:

Ginger can be eaten fresh or dried, or in pickled, jellied (candied), crystallized or syrup form, as a tea, or taken as a supplement, either as a tablet or capsule. When using supplements, follow label instructions or take as professionally prescribed.

Safety First:

Consult your doctor if using high doses of ginger while taking anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications.

Where to Find Ginger:

Ginger supplements and tinctures are available in health food stores. Fresh ginger is sold in supermarkets.

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How Much Invisible Fat Is Hiding in Your Favourite Food Items?

Do you pay attention towards every calorie and crumb that you eat in the day but let the fat content go unnoticed? If yes it’s time to understand all about fat content and take it into consideration too. Not to forget, fats are as important as all the other nutrients that you consume every day.

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Greasy burgers, French fries and pizza, are all well known for their fat content and hence it’s no surprise when someone tells you that these are loaded with fat. But what you may not know is that many things that you perceive as low fat, may actually be just the opposite. These even include some vegetables and fish. One thing that we need to keep in mind, is that fat is an important component of our diet and not every fat is bad. What matters is that we closely evaluate the amount of fat that we consume day in and day out as well as the type of fat.

How much fat should you be consuming?

It is important to closely monitor the amount of fat grams that you have been consuming daily and to keep a tab on the right amounts of healthy fats. The daily recommendation of fat is no more than 20-30% of the daily diet. If you are consuming a 2000kcal diet, then you should probably be eating less than 65 gm of fat each day. However, it is easy to consume more than the required amounts of fats on a daily basis, especially in the case of invisible fats.

Invisible fats in food we all love eating

While we might be aware of the fat content of most of the foods but there are a bunch of other foods that tend to contain loads of hidden fats.

1. Movie theater popcorn (because of the way it’s processed, addition of butter, cheese and sugar)

2. Packaged meals with added sauces, butter, oil and salt
 
3. Chicken and other poultry if consumed with the skin

4. Packaged salad dressings (usually very high in fat content)

5. Highly marbled meats like red meat, lamb and pork (The white marbling is a thick layer of fat, easily seen in a slice of bacon)

However, it is important to realize that packaged snack foods and meals are the biggest sources of hidden fats. These foods contain high levels of trans fats which are listed as partially hydrogenated oil or vegetable shortenings (read the ingredients’ label carefully), which are responsible for the longer shelf life of these foods. Trans fats can act like demons as they have been linked to various health problems like high cholesterol and heart diseases. Hence, the consumption of these fats need to be restricted as much as possible.

Given the fat content of these commonly eaten food items, if you are not careful you might easily exceed the daily limits. Hence it’s important to include good fats i.e unsaturated fats in your diet, limit saturated and eliminate trans fats. Take care of your health and your heart and waistline will say a big thank you to you some day.

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