Nowadays, many multivitamins are readily available over the counter. Despite its popularity, though, there is still much doubt as to whether or not these supplements work. Some opine that it is merely a waste of money, as you can get all your essential nutrients from food. Others, meanwhile, are aware of their benefits and comment that, yes, you need these vitamins.

This article hopes to put a stop to all this confusion by pointing out why taking multivitamins, like those from Ritual, are still beneficial for your body and are worth all the extra daily cost.

1. Multivitamins may improve memory

Many individuals who are pro-multivitamins have opined that the intake of these multivitamins may improve memory. Although there is no one hundred percent concrete evidence to this claim, there are some medical and scientific facts to back up the same. When you take multivitamins, you are supplying your body with all the essential nutrients that your mind and body need, and so much more. Hence, any deficiency that you may have, but may not be aware of aware of, are covered and replenished. With this, your brain and body functions dramatically improve, as your body doesn’t lack any of your essential nutrients. 

2. Multivitamins can help aid pregnancy

If you are a pregnant woman, then it is a no-brainer that you indeed need that added dose of vitamins from your multivitamins. When you are pregnant, you are sharing your nutrients with your child, where you may not even have enough for yourself to begin with. Especially during your first trimester, there are essential nutrients that you need to prevent any congenital neuro disabilities in your baby.

Examples of these essential nutrients that can be supplemented by multivitamins include:

• Folic acid
• Iron
• Calcium

If you are a woman who is trying to conceive, or are already in the early weeks of your pregnancy, taking vitamin supplements might just be right for you. If you are a breastfeeding mom, this intake of vitamin supplements can also supply you with all the essential nutrients that are needed by your baby as well, which you may be lacking from food sources.

3. Multivitamins can help slow down the progression of macular degeneration

Macular degeneration refers to the slowing down of your eyesight. Often, this physical degeneration occurs as a result of aging. It has to be made clear, however, that multivitamins do not prevent macular degeneration from happening; it only controls its progress. If your eyesight is slowly becoming bad to begin with, you can take care of the same through taking multivitamins rich in antioxidants. These antioxidants are necessary for the body to replenish any lost nutrients, and to stay healthy as well, preventing degenerative diseases such as blindness.

However, it is crucial for you to ask for the advice and proper dosage from a doctor, as too much of anything can be harmful.

4. Multivitamins can also help aid the deficiency of vegan women

Choosing to go vegan is an entirely personal choice, and for as long as an excellent team of doctors or nutritionists guide you along your big change, then you will indeed be a healthier individual. However, as is the case with any other lifestyle change, too much of anything can be harmful. When you choose to go plant-based in your diet, you may be deficient in some essential nutrients needed by the body because they can only be found through animal sources.

Examples of these nutrients include Vitamin B12, which is only found in animal food. If you are deficient in this, you may need to supplement yourself through multivitamins. Some of these other nutrients can include:

• Calcium
• Zinc
• Iron
• Omega-3 fatty acids

5. Women need multivitamins for that added dose of nutrients that are difficult to take from food sources

Man’s body needs Vitamin D so that it can better absorb calcium. Sadly, Vitamin D cannot always be taken directly from food sources. Especially if you are an expectant mother, you will need all the added dose of Vitamin D for healthy bones. However, too much of Vitamin D can be harmful, as this is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means that it cannot be excreted by the body naturally. Therefore, you will need to control your intake as well to keep it to a healthy level.

Conclusion

Yes, it is true that the best source of everyday nutrients still comes from the food that you eat. No multivitamin can ever replace the best source of vitamins and nutrients, which is through healthy eating. However, if you are deficient in any nutrient and need that extra boost, taking multivitamins might be the best for you. As a woman, you go through a lot of changes with your hormones, such as during your menstrual period, pregnancy, and menopause, all of which can be made easier through the intake of multivitamin supplements.

Pain can hamper our quality of life as well as they can outweigh our thoughts. No matter how much we try to be positive, the pain won’t let us be our best selves.

Be it a headache or a chronic pain, pain can affect our day-to-day life, not allowing us to live our life at fullest.

People suffering from chronic pain like osteoarthritis are more prone to psychiatric symptoms such as depression and anxiety. Also, fatigue, insomnia, and many more diseases come along with chronic pain.

Antibiotics and over-the-counter painkillers are sometimes the best options to get immediate relief from the pain, however, they also may cause gastronomical problems. These aren’t the best long-term solution when it comes to chronic pains.

There are other ways to deal with the pain such as CBD oil, Bromelain, Lavender essential oil, Turmeric, and Hot/Cold Compresses. Let us understand these pain relief solutions in detail.

1 – CBD Oil – Alternative To Antibiotics

CBD oil has the power to relieve moderate as well as severe pain. CBD oil reduces inflammation and pain by engaging with the endocannabinoid system which promotes balance to the central nervous system.

CBD is not medical marijuana, rather it is one of the 40 cannabinoids found in the marijuana plant. With almost no side-effects CBD oil is very effective in treating pain when compared to other traditional methods.

2 – Bromelain – Pain Reliever Found In A Fruit 

Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapple. Our digestive system breaks down almost all the enzymes, but bromelain gets absorbed in the body. According to a study by NCBI, it helps in reducing pain as well as inflammation. Drinking the juice of the hard stem of pineapple in an empty stomach can provide you with bromelain. Also, you can find a bromelain supplement.

3 – Lavender Essential Oil – Pain Relieving and Anti-Inflammatory 

Pain associated with migraine headaches can be relieved by inhaling lavender essential oil. According to research by Scielo, it has pain-relieving, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Though the use of lavender essential oil is not regulated by the food and drug administration, using it with caution can be beneficial. Ingesting it can be toxic.

4 – Turmeric – Ancient Cure Of Diseases 

Available as a dried ground spice, turmeric is used to treat a lot of diseases including digestive problems, inflammation, and pain. Curcuma is one of the bioactive ingredient found in the turmeric and has pain-relieving qualities. Including turmeric in its natural form can give better results. In order to do so, add it into the curries and juices you make. You can also buy turmeric supplements if you’re not comfortable in including it into your diet.

5 – Hot/Cold Compresses – Natural Pain Reliever 

The best natural pain reliever. Sudden change in temperature triggers anti-inflammatory heat-shock and cold-proteins resulting in a decrease in the blood flow to injuries. As a result, inflammation and pain decreases.

Not everyone reacts the same to each pain relievers. Some may find turmeric beneficial while others may find CBD oil as the best pain reliever. It is advisable to visit a doctor if the pain is not tolerable or if it lasts for more than 6 weeks.

Air conditioners don’t last forever. Here are the signs it’s time you got an AC fix from a professional.

A quality air conditioning unit can live up to 15 years.

That’s a serious amount of time! Do you know many other household devices with a lifespan that long? There can’t be many!

Clearly, your AC unit is a trooper. However, like any piece of tech, it will need routine maintenance every now and again. In fact, it’s unlikely to go that full 15 years without the occasional fix required.

But how do you know when the time is right to call a pro for support? Wait too long and risk having a broken AC when you need it most. Fix it too soon and risk spending hundreds of unnecessary dollars! Timing is everything!

Keep reading to discover 5 signs the time’s right for a professional AC fix.

5 Key Indicators You Need an AC Fix

Here are some signs it’s finally time to get that AC fixed! Remember, the quicker you address a problem, the less chance of serious damage.

1. Strange Sounds

You’ve probably had your AC for years.

You know what it sounds like when it’s running smoothly. Hopefully, it’s pretty silent most of the time!

Listen out for any unusual sounds. Bangs, squeaks, and rattles should send alarm bells ringing. They’re generally never a good sign! However, you may still be able to fix the underlying problem, whatever it is.

Turn your system off and call a pro as soon as possible.

2. Funny Smells

Of all the things you expect from an AC unit, strange smells aren’t one of them.

Again, you know how your AC usually runs. There shouldn’t be any dodgy odors coming forth from it! However, it can happen when there’s an internal issue.

Wires and mechanisms may have fried. Mold may have grown from moisture inside the system. Both are potential hazards that need to be sorted as soon as possible.

3. Warm Air

This sounds obvious. But it’s worth mentioning anyway.

When your AC stops producing cool air, it probably needs some attention from a pro. After all, it’s no longer doing its primary purpose. An AC spouting hot air is good for nothing- unless you want a heater!

Cold air that isn’t pushed through your home is another issue. Sure, it’s cold. But there’s no flow. This could indicate compressor or vent problems. Repair is necessary.

4. Moisture

Some condensation on the unit is normal.

But lots of it can be problematic. The causes vary. The excessive leakage may be a case of a blocked drain, which isn’t too serious.

However, it could also mean a coolant leak, which can be a serious risk. Keep an eye on things and call a pro whenever you notice unusually high quantities of fluid.

5. Frequent Repairs

As we mentioned already, AC repair is totally normal.

Like going for a routine check-up with the Doctor, regular maintenance of your AC unit is always a good idea. It’s necessary too.

However, constant trouble is a sign of a more serious issue. If you’re having ongoing problems, then you might need a new unit. That said, it’s always worth getting a second opinion. Call a pro and see what they can do or recommend.

Time to Wrap Up

There you have it: 5 signs you need an AC fix from a pro.

Thankfully, AC units tend to last a long time. Regardless, professional maintenance is likely to be required at some point down the line. The trick is knowing when.

Hopefully, the signs we’ve highlighted above will help you know when the time’s right to call a pro!

Like this piece? Click here to read about a problem with your home that you definitely need pro support to solve!

What is Inflammation?

Inflammation is a vital part of the immune system’s response to injury and infection. It works to heal wounds, but it can also play a role in some chronic diseases. Inflammation is the body’s way of signaling the immune system to heal and repair damaged tissue, as well as defend itself against foreign invaders, such as viruses and bacteria. The five classical signs of inflammation are heat, pain, redness, swelling, and loss of function. According to Johns Hopkins Health Review, inflammation has been found to be an underlying cause in many common and serious health conditions.

Inflammation can be classified as either acute or chronic. Acute inflammation is the initial response of the body to harmful stimuli and is achieved by the increased movement of plasma and leukocytes from the blood into the injured tissues. Prolonged inflammation, known as chronic inflammation, leads to a progressive shift in the type of cells present at the site of inflammation, such as mononuclear cells, and is characterized by simultaneous destruction and healing of the tissue from the inflammatory process. Such conditions include asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, sinusitis, and etc. This form of inflammation can span from periods of months to years.

In dealing with chronic inflammation, medical practitioners are tasked with weakening the immune system just enough to control chronic inflammation while still allowing the body to fight off bacteria. Currently, there are no prescription drugs that specifically target chronic inflammation. However,  non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most common pharmaceutical treatment for inflammation. In addition, patients are advised to start an anti-inflammatory diet. The recommended foods are typical of a Mediterranean diet and include eating more fish, fresh fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats; eating moderate amounts of nuts; eating very little red meat, and drinking red wine in moderation.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring compound found in the resinous flower of cannabis. CBD is closely related to another important medicinally active phytocannabinoid: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound that causes the high that cannabis is famous for. These are the two components of cannabis that have been most studied by scientists. Both CBD and THC have significant therapeutic attributes. But unlike THC, CBD does not make a person feel “stoned” or intoxicated. That is because CBD and THC act in different ways on different receptors in the brain and body.

How It Works?

All cannabinoids, including CBD, produce effects in the body by attaching to certain receptors. The human body produces certain cannabinoids on its own. These substances are known as “endogenous cannabinoids.” It also has two receptors for cannabinoids, called the CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are present throughout the body, but many are in the brain. The CB1 receptors in the brain deal with coordination and movement, pain, emotions, and mood, thinking, appetite, and memories, and other functions. THC attaches to these receptors. CB2 receptors are more common in the immune system. They affect inflammation and pain. Some researchers believe that CBD attaches to these CB2 receptors. Others believe that CBD does not attach directly to either receptor. Instead, it directs the body to use more of its own cannabinoids.

Can CBD Help With Inflammation?

CBD is becoming increasingly popular as a medicinal molecule, as well as a dietary and wellness supplement. It has been found to be effective in the treatment of depression, chronic pain, epilepsy, and other neurological symptoms and disorders. In addition, a significant success has been noted in using CBD to treat inflammation. The non-psychoactive cannabinoid has been studied in depth over recent years and is showing some exciting results in regard to its anticonvulsant, neuroprotective, and antioxidant properties. The cannabinoid is also displaying efficacy in reducing inflammation, a factor of pain and discomfort present in many health conditions, and a contributing factor to various chronic diseases.

There is a growing body of research showing that cannabinoids have great potential because they can exert anti-inflammatory effects through various channels, many of which are the same pathways that trigger inflammation in the first place. The cannabinoid has shown potential in helping to mediate the immune response associated with autoimmune diseases. The molecule may act to combat inflammation and its associated oxidative stress in numerous ways, including exerting an immunosuppressive effect on macrophages and microglial cells, cells that play a role in inflammation and immunity. CBD has also been shown to significantly reduce chronic inflammatory pain by possibly activating glycine receptors. In another study was shown that mice injected with CBD experienced anti-inflammatory effects. According to research published in the Future of Medicinal Chemistry, “cannabinoids have been tested in several experimental models of autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, colitis, and hepatitis and have been shown to protect the host from the pathogenesis through induction of multiple anti-inflammatory pathways.” However, the majority of CBD trials do not include humans and those that do have typically studied CBD’s effects on epilepsy and psychotic disorders. Though more and more studies are revealing that cannabinoids can help reduce pain and inflammation, it should be noted that side effects tend to vary depending on how much CBD you take, how you take it, and how long you take it.

Final Thoughts

Cannabis compounds, including CBD, have been used since ancient times for their pain-suppressing and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition to the scientific research, people of all ages have found success in using CBD to treat inflammation. This so-called multipurpose molecule may reduce pain, inflammation, and overall discomfort related to a variety of health conditions. It comes in a variety of forms, including oils, gummies, edibles, tinctures, topical ointments, and more. Most commonly people use it in the form of CBD oils. Which CBD oil you will use it is totally up to you and you can expect anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes before it will take effect. The fact that CBD is all-natural and has therapeutic attributes, is non-intoxicating, and easy to take as a CBD oil, makes it an appealing treatment option.