What exactly is a superfood? So many so called “super” foods have been featured in the news. From almonds to coconut oil, the superfood label is slapped on foods that are proven so rich in nutrients that they are not only beneficial for health and well-being, but also aid the prevention of certain conditions and diseases. The following list features only the best when it comes to superfoods that fight disease fighting and safeguard overall health: 1. Sweet potatoes If you’ve ever had a grilled or baked sweet potato, you know they’re far superior to their starchy white counterparts. These slightly sweet and delicious orange tadders have been linked to preventing several types of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and digestive diseases thanks to the assortment of goodness within. With just one sweet tuber you get plenty of iron, copper, calcium, beta-carotene; vitamins E and C and E, folate, copper, potassium, and fiber. That’s reason to substitute sweet for white potatoes whenever you can. 2. Dark leafy greens What’s growing in your garden? If you like to grow lettuce, arugula, spinach, kale, swiss chard, bok choy, or another leafy green, you’re in luck. Harvard research indicates that dark leafy green veggies contain the antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, iron, folate, iron, magnesium, and phytochemicals needed to ward off type 2 diabetes.

The back is made up of a complex architecture of bones, discs, tendons, ligaments, and muscles that combined, aim to stabilize and support the body in stillness and movement. When this structure is comprised, back pain, either due to an injury or underlying medical condition, can be quite painful and debilitating. So much so that it negatively affects many aspects of your daily life (i.e., driving, walking, sleeping). Age and a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to lower back pain and degenerative disc, back muscle and ligament, and lumbar spine issues. However, chronic back pain can indicate an innocent strain or an underlying health issue—including sciatica, scoliosis, osteoporosis, spinal inflammation, or even the presence of a cancerous tumor in the chest or spine area. Here are the most common causes of back pain: 1. Sciatica The sciatic nerve starts in the lower back and reaches all the way through the buttock and back of both legs. Sciatica can occur when a herniated disc (or bulging disc) compresses this nerve, resulting in sharp, piercing pain that shoots up along this route, causing painful blasts, weakness, numbness, and tingling. 2. Back strain A back strain often occurs due to excess tension placed on any portion of the back (i.e., strained muscles, discs, tendons, or ligaments) that results in a spasm or injury.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is an overarching medical term used to characterize a collection of progressive lung diseases (i.e., non-reversible asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis). The main symptom of this very serious disease is shortness of breath that gradually worsens with time. However, many misconceptions exist concerning what COPD, how the disease develops, and how it’s managed. Let’s look at some truths and falsies surrounding COPD… Fact 1: COPD can’t be completely cured COPD is what’s known as a non-curable disease. This means that although patients can’t undo the lung tissue damage once diagnosed, they CAN properly treat and manage their disease to prevent further lung damage. For instance, medical research shows that COPD patients that treat their disease property (i.e., with bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids, and oxygen therapy) and quit smoking, reduce flare ups and mucus production while preventing dangerous infections. Myth 1: COPD only damages the lungs While many patients with COPD suffer from increased mucus production and shortness of breath, this condition affects more than just the lungs and respiratory tract. For instance, COPD can increase the risk of anxiety and depression as well as significantly increase blood pressure, thus raising the overall risk of heart disease.

Food is essential for our survival but it can also be expensive, especially in recent times. With so many options out there it can be easy to fall into the trap of spending lots of money on ordering food from food delivery services. If you want to save big on food costs you should try these easy ways to save: 1. Have your groceries delivered If you use a grocery delivery service you can actually end up saving money. While you do have to pay for any delivery fees and tip the delivery driver, in certain circumstances this can be cheaper than going to the grocery store yourself. For example, if you don’t have a car it can save you the money of ordering a cab to get your groceries home or the struggle of having to carry them all on a bus. If you believe time is money too, this is a big time saver, freeing you up to do whatever you want while someone else picks up your groceries for you 2. Eat less snacks If you eat a lot of snacks throughout the day, then it could be eating away at your wallet. By eating less snacks and instead filling up during meals you can save money.

As a society, we are constantly on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve our health. But sometimes, the solution is as simple as drinking more water! And with brands like Culligan, Brita, and Nestle making it easier than ever to access clean and refreshing bottled water and filtered water, there’s no reason not to prioritize this basic need. Here are five surprising health benefits of drinking water that you may not have known about: 1. Boosts immune health Your immune system relies on water to function properly, as it helps to transport important nutrients and oxygen throughout the body. When you’re dehydrated, your body can’t fight off infections as effectively, leaving you more susceptible to illness. But when you stay hydrated, you give your immune system the support it needs to keep you healthy and strong. 2. Prevents cramps If you’ve ever experienced painful muscle cramps, you know how debilitating they can be. But did you know that staying hydrated can help prevent them? When you’re dehydrated, your muscles are more prone to cramping and spasms. But drinking enough water helps to keep your muscles hydrated and functioning properly, reducing the risk of painful cramps. 3. Eliminates bad breath No one likes bad breath, but did you know that drinking water can help combat it?