Plushbeds mattresses: Review of the brand

 Plushbeds offer a line of memory foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses. Their latex mattress range includes organic mattresses that offer both comfort and sustainable manufacturing practices.

Plushbeds primarily sell their products online. However, consumers can test the mattresses at a small number of retailers or order a mattress for pickup at some big department chains.

This article provides some background about the Plushbeds brand, including their reputation for sustainability and customer service.

It also provides a list of the mattresses they have available and offers some important health and safety considerations to keep in mind when buying a new mattress.

Brand reputation

 Plushbeds entered the market in 2008. They are not very well-known, as there are older and more heavily marketed competitors. Nonetheless, they maintain a devoted group of followers and meet certain criteria with regard to sustainability and customer service.

Sustainability

Plushbeds make their mattresses by hand in California. They use third party accountability partners to monitor their sustainability strategy.

Indeed, their mattresses have earned a number of organic and sustainability designations, including:

• Global Organic Textile Standard
• Global Organic Latex Standard
• United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Organic
• GREENGUARD Gold Certification, indicating that the mattresses meet rigorous criteria for chemical emissions
• OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Certification, indicating that the mattresses are free of many potentially harmful chemicals
• CertiPUR-US certification for all mattresses that use foam

    Source :Medical News Today

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What is orthorexia? Everything you need to know

Orthorexia refers to obsessive thoughts and behaviors regarding eating healthful or “clean” food.

While the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)​ does not classify orthorexia as a separate eating disorder, such as anorexia nervosa, some argue that it is a subtype of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID).

A person with orthorexia may follow a strict diet comprising only “clean” or “pure” foods, such as organically grown fruits and vegetables. The obsession with clean eating can be all-consuming for the individual.

These strict rules for eating can lead to social isolation, malnutrition, and mental distress.

Continue reading to learn more about orthorexia, including the warning signs, treatment options, and how to cope.

What is it? 

Orthorexia nervosa, which people may refer to as righteous eating, is a harmful obsession with proper 

nutrition. Its hallmark is a strict avoidance of foods that a person believes to be impure or unhealthful.

Currently, doctors do not recognize orthorexia as a specific disorder, but some consider it to be a form of ARFID. Others argue that it shares similarities with anorexia nervosa.

However, although orthorexia may lead to anorexia, there are subtle differences between the two.

A person with anorexia typically focuses on the number of calories in foods, while someone with orthorexia focuses on the quality or purity of foods.

Orthorexia can result in people severely restricting the foods that they allow themselves to eat.

Examples of restricted foods and ingredients may include:

• nonorganic foods
• foods containing artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
• all refined sugar
• any processed or packaged foods
• high carb foods
• meat and other animal products
• food that anyone other than themselves has prepared

Research on orthorexia is limited, and, as the condition is not a standalone diagnosis, it is difficult for researchers to determine how many people it affects.

Data from a small 2017 study of college students suggest that the prevalence of orthorexia is less than 1% overall, although it may be higher in healthcare professionals and performance artists. However, other research in students in Europe has found that 17% of people may be at risk of orthorexia.

It is important to note that many people avoid certain food groups for other reasons.

For example, vegetarians and vegans may avoid animal products for ethical reasons, and people with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance avoid foods that contain gluten to prevent health issues. People with certain religious beliefs may also abstain from particular foods, such as pork or beef.

The difference between regular dietary restrictions and orthorexia is that the latter has a mental health impact because a person may have intrusive thoughts about their eating habits.

Signs and symptoms

Orthorexia tends to start with a person cutting down on foods such as red meat or processed products to make their diet more healthful.

The individual may continue to restrict their diet by cutting out major food groups.

Eventually, they end up eating a limited number of foods that they consider pure. The healthful eating practice soon becomes the center of a person’s life.

Signs and symptoms of orthorexia include:

• spending more than 3 hours a day researching, acquiring, and preparing specific types of foods (not in relation to a job)
• avoiding restaurants or social gatherings because of the food on offer
• having judgmental thoughts about others who do not eat “clean”
• blaming unhealthful eating for physical or mental illnesses
• experiencing feelings of guilt after eating restricted foods
• feeling that adherence to food restrictions determines self-worth
• having obsessive thoughts about food that interfere with sleep, work, or school
• having problems with relationships, as food becomes the primary source of happiness and meaning
• using frequent cleanses or fasts to “detox”
• experiencing malnutrition and weight loss

Causes

The exact cause of orthorexia is unknown. The widespread focus on healthful eating trends across social media could have contributed to the development of orthorexia in some individuals.

Many other factors increase a person’s chances of developing orthorexia or an eating disorder.

These include:

• an imbalance in brain chemicals
• low interest in eating, or being a picky eater
• low self-esteem
• strong need for structure
• perfectionism
• difficulty controlling emotions
• impulsive behavior
• troubled relationships
• altered body image
• mood disorders

Diagnosis 

Experts do not recognize orthorexia nervosa as an official psychiatric diagnosis, although some consider it to fall under the ARFID classification.

Orthorexia has features similar to those of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, and anorexia, so others may consider it a subset of these mental health disorders.

A doctor, therapist, or dietitian can diagnose an eating disorder by interviewing a person and reviewing their symptoms and eating habits.

A doctor may follow up with a routine physical exam and blood work to check for nutritional deficiencies and other complications.

Treatment

The treatment for orthorexia is similar to the treatment for other eating disorders.

It involves some form of therapy to address both the eating disorder and any underlying mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety disorders.

Types of therapy that a doctor may recommend include:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

CBT helps a person recognize that their thoughts and beliefs directly affect their emotions and behaviors.

By challenging and changing their negative thinking about food and self-esteem, CBT can help people with orthorexia.

Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)

DBT combines behavioral and cognitive therapy with some form of meditation.

The idea behind DBT is to help individuals come to terms with their uncomfortable thoughts, feelings, and behaviors instead of avoiding them.

Nutritional counseling

Treatment for orthorexia should include education on the different nutrients that a person needs in their diet to maintain good health. A registered dietitian can help with this part of a person’s treatment plan.

Medication

A doctor may prescribe an anti-anxiety or antidepressant medication if the individual has an untreated underlying mental health disorder.

Correcting nutritional deficiencies

Individuals with orthorexia may be deficient in multiple vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D, calcium, folate, and B vitamins. Replacement of these and other nutrients is an important part of treatment.

Hospitalization may be necessary if a person is significantly underweight or malnourished.

 Source: Medical News Today

What are superfoods and why should you eat them?

The term “superfood” is a fairly new term referring to foods that offer maximum nutritional benefits for minimal calories. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

No standard criteria or legal definitions classify any food as a superfood at this time. However, most superfoods are plant-based.

In this article, we define what qualifies as a superfood, provide some common examples and their benefits, and provide tips on how to include them in the diet.

What are superfoods?

Superfoods are foods that have a very high nutritional density. This means that they provide a substantial amount of nutrients and very few calories.

They contain a high volume of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants.

Antioxidants are natural molecules that occur in certain foods. They help neutralize free radicals in our bodies. Free radicals are natural byproducts of energy production that can wreak havoc on the body.

Antioxidant molecules decrease or reverse the effects of free radicals that have close links with the following health problems:

• heart disease
• cancer
• arthritis
• stroke
• respiratory diseases
• immune deficiency
• emphysema
• Parkinson’s disease

Superfoods are not cure-all foods. Dietitian Penny Kris-Etherton explains:

“A lot of people have unrealistic expectations about these foods, thinking they’ll be protected from chronic diseases and health problems. They may eat one or two of these nutrient-dense foods on top of a poor diet.”

Including superfoods as part of daily nutritional intake is great but only when consuming a healthy, balanced diet overall. Eat a “super diet” rather than to concentrate on individual foods.

Common superfoods

Studies have demonstrated that superfoods high in antioxidants and flavonoids help prevent coronary heart disease and cancer, as well as improving immunity and decreasing inflammation.

Regularly eating fruits and vegetables also has strong associations with a lower risk of many lifestyle-related health conditions and overall mortality.

The nutrients they contain help promote a healthy complexion, nails, and hair and increase energy levels.

They can also help maintain a healthy weight.

Berries

The higher levels of flavonoids in berries have been shown to lower the risk of a heart attack. A few commonly identified superfood berries include acai berries, blueberries, raspberries, tart cherries, cranberries, and goji berries.

They boast the following benefits:

• Acai berries: These are small, dark purple berries grown in South America. They contain 19 amino acids and many antioxidants.
• Blueberries: These are high in fiber, manganese, and vitamin K. Cranberries are high in a particular flavonoid that helps lower the risk of urinary tract infection.
• Goji berries: These are a small red berry native to Asia that are high in vitamin C and E, along with many different types of flavonoids. They are frequently used in Eastern medicine to help treat diabetes and high blood pressure and maintain eye, liver, and kidney health.

Soy

Soybeans have a high concentration of isoflavones, a type of phytochemical. Phytochemicals are compounds that occur naturally in plants.

Some research demonstrates that isoflavones in soy help reduce the amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol in the blood.

A few studies have shown that soy may prevent age-related memory loss. Soy isoflavones might also reduce bone loss and increase bone mineral density during menopause, as well as decreasing menopausal symptoms.

Tea

Tea contains few calories, helps with hydration, and is a good source of antioxidants.

Catechins, potent antioxidants found primarily in green tea, have beneficial anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties.

A study published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology examined the effects of green tea, white tea, and water consumption on stress levels in 18 students.

The study suggested that both green and white tea had reduced stress levels and that white tea had an even greater effect. Larger studies are necessary to confirm this possible health benefit.

Green tea may also have an anti-arthritic effect by suppressing overall inflammation.

Leafy greens

People often identify kale, spinach, Swiss chard, beet greens, and collard greens as superfood leafy greens. These foods are rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K, and many B vitamins.

Leafy greens also contain an abundance of carotenoids, iron, magnesium, potassium, and calcium.

One cup of kale provides 550 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin K, equivalent to over 680 percent of a person’s daily needs. Kale and other leafy greens are high in fiber and water content, both of which help to prevent constipation and promote regularity and a healthy digestive tract.

Salmon

The high omega-3 fatty acid content in salmon and other fatty fish, such as trout and herring, can decrease the risk of abnormal heartbeats, reduce cholesterol and slow the growth of arterial plaque.

 Source: Medical News Today

What to know about Kegel exercises for men

Kegels, or pelvic floor exercises, are important for men and women. When performed regularly and consistently, they can help with male continence and sexual issues.

Keep reading to discover the benefits of Kegel exercises for males and how to perform them.

What are Kegel exercises?

In 1948, United States gynecologist Dr. Arnold H. Kegel published a study about pelvic floor strengthening exercises for females following childbirth or surgery, using a device called a Perineometer.

These pelvic floor exercises, also known as Kegel exercises after their inventor, are also important for males.

The pelvic floor muscles form a sling that runs from the tailbone at the back to the pubic bone at the front. These muscles support the bladder and the bowel, controlling the passing of urine, stools, and wind. They also have a role in erections during sex in males.

The pelvic floor in males can be weakened by:

• prostate surgery
• pelvic trauma or surgery
• straining to pass stools
• a persistent cough
• having obesity or overweight
• repeated heavy lifting
• an overactive bladder
• lack of exercise

Why are Kegel exercises beneficial for males?

As with any other muscle, conditioning the pelvic floor muscles through regular, consistent and correctly performed exercises makes them stronger. Therefore, they can perform their functions better and more reliably.

Possible benefits of Kegel exercises for males include:

• improving bowel and bladder control
• helping control the passage of wind
• preventing leakage of urine and stool
• helping the bladder empty completely
• helping with achieving erections
• helping prevent premature ejaculation

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How to do Kegel exercises

It can be challenging to determine whether a person is working on the right muscles while performing pelvic floor exercises, especially as these muscles are not visible.

Often, people are actually conditioning their inner thighs, their glutes, or their abdominals, making these movements less effective for strengthening pelvic floor muscles.

The first step is making sure the Kegel exercises are working the right muscles. A person can do this by:

• imagining themselves trying to stop passing urine mid-stream
• imagining themselves trying to stop passing wind by squeezing and pulling upwards

It is harder to feel the frontal muscles contract than those at the back.

A person needs to consistently perform Kegel exercises across weeks or even months to feel the results. People can do them while standing up, sitting, or lying down. It may be a good idea to start doing the exercises lying or sitting down.

Specific Kegel exercise instructions vary, but they generally involve:

1. pulling up or contracting the pelvic floor muscles
2. holding this for 3–5 seconds, building up to 10 seconds with practice
3. relaxing slowly for the same time as the hold
4. repeating 10 times, or until the muscles tire

These are slow-twitch exercises. A person should follow these up by performing fast-twitch movements, which are more of a quick flick of the muscles. They involve:

1. pulling up the pelvic floor muscles
2. holding them briefly for around 1 second
3. relaxing
4. repeating until the muscles are tired

A person should perform Kegel exercises 3–4 times a day, building repetitions as their strength increases, typically up to 20 each time.

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Tips for getting the most benefits from Kegel exercises

Tips for performing Kegel exercises include:

• breathing naturally and not holding the breath
• tightening the muscles from back to front, pulling inwards and upwards
• not squeezing or flexing buttock, thigh, or abdominal muscles
• not raising eyebrows, shoulders, or toes
• trying other positions, such as standing or squatting, with practice

With regular Kegel exercise, a person’s pelvic floor strength will improve over time. It should gradually become easier to interrupt or hold passing urine if necessary, although this should not form part of a regular exercise routine.

Males who have difficulty locating their pelvic floor muscles should talk to their doctor. Healthcare professionals can refer them to a physiotherapist or continence advisor for specialist help with these exercises.

The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) also recommend a pelvic floor exercise app. It is aimed particularly at males working with a specialist to help with issues such as premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, and urinary incontinence.

Summary

Although people often do not discuss male Kegel exercises, they can be beneficial.

In particular, they may help resolve continence or erectile issues and problems obtaining and maintaining erections.

If males have difficulty performing these exercises, or the issues do not resolve, they should seek medical advice. A doctor may refer them to specialist help with these exercises and further guidance.

Source: Medical News Today

 

Bursts of exercise may improve metabolic health

 New research has found that short bursts of exercise may significantly improve levels of metabolites that are indicators of key physical health issues.

The research, published in the journal Circulation, offers scientists a better understanding of the beneficial effects exercise can have on a person’s health.

Health and physical activity

Scientists have known for a long time that there is a link between physical activity and better health. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say, “Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health.”

The CDC note that regular exercise can improve a person’s brain health; help them better manage their weight; reduce their chances of developing various diseases, including diabetes, some cancers, and cardiovascular disease; strengthen their muscles and bones; and improve mental health.

While scientists are well aware of these links, they do not fully understand the precise molecular mechanisms that help explain the link between being physically active and maintaining better health.

Metabolites

In this context, the researchers wanted to look at the association between metabolites that are indicators of health and exercise.

A person’s metabolism describes the chemical reactions that take place in their body. Metabolites either facilitate these reactions or are the end result of them. Scientists have identified relationships between exercise and certain changes in metabolites.

Dr. Gregory Lewis, section head of Heart Failure at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and senior author of the study, says, “Much is known about the effects of exercise on cardiac, vascular, and inflammatory systems of the body, but our study provides a comprehensive look at the metabolic impact of exercise by linking specific metabolic pathways to exercise response variables and long-term health outcomes.”

He continues:

“What was striking to us was the effects a brief bout of exercise can have on the circulating levels of metabolites that govern such key bodily functions as insulin resistance, oxidative stress, vascular reactivity, inflammation, and longevity.”

Burst of exercise

The researchers made use of the Framingham Heart Study (FHS), a long-term study directed by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

The researchers measured 588 metabolites in 411 middle-aged people before and immediately after 12 minutes of physical activity on an exercise bike. This allowed them to see the effect that exercise has on the metabolome.

In general, the researchers found that the short burst of exercise significantly altered 80% of a participant’s metabolites. In particular, they found that metabolites associated with adverse health outcomes when resting were reduced.

For example, high levels of glutamate have been linked to diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension, and the researchers found that these levels fell by 29% following exercise. The levels of dimethylguanidine valerate (DMGV), which are associated with liver disease and diabetes, fell by 18% following exercise.

Marker of fitness?

The researchers note that their findings may be valuable in helping doctors determine a person’s fitness levels.

Dr. Matthew Nayor, a cardiologist in the Heart Failure and Transplantation section of the MGH Cardiology Division, explains, “Intriguingly, our study found that different metabolites tracked with different physiologic responses to exercise, and might therefore provide unique signatures in the bloodstream that reveal if a person is physically fit, much the way current blood tests determine how well the kidney and liver are functioning.”

He adds, “Lower levels of DMGV, for example, could signify higher levels of fitness.”

By combining the information they gained from this analysis with blood samples taken during previous rounds of the FHS, the researchers were also able to determine the longer-term effects of exercise on a person’s metabolome.

Dr. Ravi Shah of the Heart Failure and Transplantation section of the MGH Cardiology Division notes, “We’re starting to better understand the molecular underpinnings of how exercise affects the body and use that knowledge to understand the metabolic architecture around exercise response patterns.”

He adds, “This approach has the potential to target people who have high blood pressure or many other metabolic risk factors in response to exercise, and set them on a healthier trajectory early in their lives.”

Source:Medical News Today