Rest day is meant for resting, sure, but don't become a couch potato. Image Credit: fizkes/iStock/GettyImages Waking up in the morning and suddenly remembering it’s Friday is one of the best feelings. And waking up to a forgotten workout rest day is a pretty close tie, especially after a few days of intense exercise. Advertisement Whether your rest day comes around once or a few times each week, you want to make the most of your recovery....
If you're in a hurry, the most time-efficient way of strength training is to work all your major muscle groups in one workout. Image Credit: RyanJLane/E+/GettyImages If you’re in a hurry, the most time-efficient way of strength training is to work all your major muscle groups in one workout. But if you have more time and focus to spend on lifting weights, a two-body-parts-a-day workout plan offers some extra benefits....
Dandelion is a nutritious plant that has been used as a natural remedy in many cultures for centuries, for a number of different ailments. Image Credit: manuel_adorf/iStock/Getty Images If you’ve come across dandelion root supplements and are wondering whether you should take them or whether dandelion has any side effects, here’s what you need to know about dandelion and its benefits. These plants are more than just pesky weeds. Advertisement Read more: Benefits of Turmeric Powder Video of the Day Tip Dandelion is a nutritious plant that has been used as a natural remedy in many cultures for centuries, for a number of different ailments....
Image Credit: Westend61/Westend61/GettyImages Black diarrhea should not be ignored. It is often a sign of bleeding in your digestive tract, which can have numerous causes depending on where the bleeding is coming from. The source of bleeding can be located anywhere from your nose or mouth to your large intestine. Black diarrhea caused by bleeding is called melena. Stools may also appear black from non-bleeding causes, such as certain foods, supplements and medicines....
Snacking on mixed nuts can help you get essential amino acids that may be lacking in bread and beans. Image Credit: Anfisa Kameneva / EyeEm/EyeEm/GettyImages Complete protein foods provide adequate amounts of all nine essential amino acids — those that your body can’t make and must instead get from your diet. If you eat a vegetarian or vegan diet, it’s important to aim for variety each day, so your body can get enough essential amino acids....
What Is the Purpose & Function of the Hamstring? Image Credit: jacoblund/iStock/GettyImages People refer to their hamstrings as being tight or weak, but what exactly does this mean? You probably talk about these muscles all the time, but you may not fully understand where they are or what they do. Advertisement The hamstrings include three large muscles that run along the back of your thighs. They extend from your pelvis to the top of the bones of your lower leg....
The best gym routine blends a mix of cardiovascular exercise and strength training. Image Credit: nd3000/iStock/GettyImages When you’re working out at the gym, it’s easy to assume that “more” and “harder” are always better. And to a certain point, it’s true that effort equals results. But consistency is more valuable than effort in any one workout. The trick is finding a balanced routine you’ll stick with. Advertisement Tip The best gym routine is a strategic blend of cardio, strength training and flexibility, while also giving you some time to rest and recover between workouts....
Is your weight genetic destiny or can you influence it? Image Credit: franckreporter/E+/GettyImages If you’ve ever hit a plateau in your weight-loss journey, you’re not alone. The scale won’t budge, and results stop. Whether you set out to lose or gain weight, at one point or another, your hard-earned results may have come to a screeching halt. Advertisement What gives? Fitness headlines chalk it up to the dreaded plateau and proceed to offer advice on how to break through it....
If you feel lightheaded, drink some fruit juice or water. Image Credit: Dmitry Dmitry/iStock/GettyImages “I feel lightheaded” might be a complaint coming from a person who hasn’t eaten enough or who is dehydrated. Yet feeling dizzy and lightheaded can stem from other causes as well. Advertisement Tip If you feel lightheaded, try drinking some fruit juice or water. What to Do If you feel faint, lie down or bend forward, and put your head between your knees to allow more blood flow to the brain....
It's best to treat an upset stomach with white bread. Image Credit: cengizkarakus/iStock/Getty Images If you’re treating an upset stomach by eating wheat bread, it is best to use white bread. Whole-wheat bread may contain a lot of fiber, which according to Virginia Tech, could prolong or make your symptoms worse. The most effective way to treat an upset stomach is by modifying your diet until your symptoms improve. If you develop an upset stomach whenever you eat wheat bread, you may have an allergy or intolerance to the proteins found wheat....
A man is straining on the bench press. Image Credit: Serghei Starus/iStock/Getty Images Strength training and bodybuilding place a lot of stress on your body. Heavy weights that cause you to strain more than normal can affect your blood pressure and heart rate. Try to limit the number of sets and repetitions during heavy weight-load workouts, and focus on proper breathing to reduce the amount of stress on your body. Speak with your doctor if you consistently feel lightheaded after bodybuilding workouts....
Running relieves stress, burns calories and conditions your heart. Image Credit: jacoblund/iStock/GettyImages Making physical activity a life priority helps you control your weight, increase energy levels, and reduce risks of diseases such as Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Even a simple exercise such as running for 10 minutes can move you toward your health and weight-loss goals. Read more: The 6 Best Running Apps for Any Fitness Goal...
Yoga can help strengthen weak abdominal muscles. Image Credit: Hero Images/Hero Images/GettyImages An umbilical hernia is caused by excess pressure at the abdomen, specifically near your navel. Excess pressure causes your intestines to bulge through a weakened abdominal wall, causing swelling and pain. You can use exercise to treat umbilical hernias, although some cases may require surgery. Consult your physician for your best option. Advertisement Read more: Can You Exercise With an Umbilical Hernia?...
Reduce your muscle size by changing your workout routine. Image Credit: Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images Losing muscle mass, though seemingly unconventional, is sometimes desired by those looking to achieve a particular appearance. Whether for sports performance, or aesthetic bodybuilding competitions, losing physical bulk is a goal that is less often discussed than muscle building. Advertisement Shifting focus from muscle-building activities to other healthy activities can help limit muscle gain. However, directly attempting to lose muscle mass is not recommended whatsoever for the general population....
Excessive salt consumption can't be remedied by drinking more water. Image Credit: dangrytsku/iStock/GettyImages Your body needs salt, or sodium chloride, to help contract and relax your muscles, maintain a balance of water and minerals and conduct nerve impulses, according to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. But this requires just a small amount of salt. What happens if you consume too much? Advertisement Where Salt Is Found Americans, on average, consume upward of 3,400 milligrams of sodium daily, which is more than twice the amount the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends....
Close-up of California rolls on a plate. Image Credit: Sally Scott/iStock/Getty Images If you seek an alternative to canned crab meat – and you don’t want to spend hours prying the meat from crab shells – you might be tempted to turn to imitation crab meat for your recipes. Made from white fish, imitation crab meat goes through processing so that it approximates the taste of real crab. While it has some nutritional advantages, imitation crab meat also contains sweeteners and sodium, so you should consume it in moderation....
Pineapple juice has a pH value of 3.5, which is considered acidic. Image Credit: Varakorn/iStock/GettyImages Current research doesn’t support the health claims behind the alkaline diet — an eating plan that’s based on the idea that maintaining appropriate pH levels in the body is crucial for good health and disease prevention. Advertisement Even though pineapple is acidic, there's no reason to stop eating this fruit. Video of the Day Related Reading 2 Health Benefits of an Alkaline Diet — and 2 Risks to Know Is Pineapple Acidic?...
Green curry may be high in fat, but it's also high in other protein and essential vitamins and minerals. Image Credit: Jirakan/iStock/GettyImages Eat at an Indian or Thai restaurant, and you might find green curry chicken on the menu. This dish combines chunks of chicken and aromatic vegetables with a broth of coconut milk, chicken stock and green curry paste. Advertisement This dish is high in fat, but its nutritional value makes it a good option for increasing vitamin, mineral and protein intake....
Oreo cookies are made up of a cream filling sandwiched between two chocolate wafers. Image Credit: bhofack2/iStock/Getty Images The opinion on the best part of an Oreo cookie might be divided: You either strongly prefer the cream or the cookie wafers. Advertisement Those who prefer the Oreo cookie without the cream have long implored Nabisco to release a container of creamless Oreos. The company hasn't released any information about making plain Oreo cookie wafers....
Pronation affects the feet of children. Pronation is a condition that occurs when your child's feet tilt inward. In addition to differences in walking, pronation can cause your child to develop foot abnormalities. Because pronation is best treated when your child is under the age of 5, knowing how to recognize these symptoms can ensure your child gets the treatment he needs as quickly as possible, according to Our Health Network....
