When learning about how your body functions, the terms “vitamins” and “minerals” come up more than most. This is all with good reason, considering vitamins and minerals are what your body needs to function normally! This guide will be focusing on minerals in particular, establishing exactly what they are and why your body needs them.

What Are Minerals?

Just like vitamins, minerals are needed to support your body’s normal function. Your body needs large amounts of major minerals and smaller amounts of trace minerals, but both are just as important as each other.

Sourcing Minerals

There are several minerals out there, but in this guide, we will be taking you through six of the most well-known. You will learn a bit about each one, followed by where to find them.

1. Calcium

Calcium is needed for the normal structure of bones and teeth. It also regulates the functioning of your nerves and has been found to be needed for normal blood clotting (EFSA, 2009). As you probably already know, calcium is most densely found in dairy products like milk and cheese. It can also be sourced from nuts and leafy vegetables, making it accessible to vegans, too.

1. Iron

Iron has many important roles to play, including helping you to fight against tiredness (EFSA, 2010). For this reason, many people take iron tablets to safeguard their intake. Iron can also be found in a variety of foods including red meat, fish, legumes, leafy greens and fortified cereals.

1. Magnesium

Magnesium contributes to the maintenance of a healthy immune system. It also supports hormonal health and the regulation of blood pressure (EFSA, 2010). It can be found in green vegetables, legumes and nuts. This is great news for vegetarians and vegans!

1. Potassium

Potassium helps to maintain healthy blood pressure (EFSA, 2010). It can be found in many fruits and vegetables as well as milk and meat. This makes it a mineral that’s accessible to anyone, no matter the diet.

1. Phosphorus

Phosphorus supports the structure of bones and teeth (EFSA, 2009). It can be sourced from nuts and meats, making it a mineral that’s mainly found in high-protein foods.

1. Sodium

Sodium supports the functioning of your muscles (EFSA, 2011). It isn’t found in many foods, but nowadays, can be found in a lot of processed foods.

Are You Getting Your Minerals?

With such important roles to play in the body, ensuring you are getting all of the right minerals is super important. Luckily, as you can tell by their sources, maintaining a balanced diet will help you to manage your mineral intake. There are, however, plenty of supplements out there should you need them! The choice is completely yours, but we always recommend visiting a nutritionist before making any decisions. They will be able to assess your current situation and decide on what steps need to be taken.

Unless you have been living under the rock, you will know that coconut is a fruit of the original coconut palm. Today, it is used for a plethora of reasons across the globe, including oil, milk, water, and preparing tasty meat. Coconuts have been around for more than 4000 years and grow in tropical regions. They have only gained much popularity in the last few years due to their culinary uses and stellar health benefits. So if you decide to incorporate it into your diet, the chances are that you will witness improvement in the quality of your life easily. However, if you have any reservations about consuming it, we have compiled proven health benefits of this fruit for you:

Highly Nutritious

Unlike the traditional fruits that are enriched with carbs, coconut is a good source of healthy fat. However, it also includes protein, vitamin B, and several essential minerals for the body. However, this fruit will provide abundant vitamins, so you can rest assured about infusing them into your meals. For your information, the minerals present in the coconut are highly beneficial for channeling several functions in your body.

Might Allow Blood Sugar Control

As explained earlier, coconut has low carb content and high-fat content, so it might help in lowering the sugar levels in the blood. According to recent research, it has been found that coconut has antidiabetic effects due to the presence of arginine. If you don’t know, this is an amino acid, which is essential for keeping the pancreatic cells function in the right way. They release the insulin hormones in the blood, making it easier for your body to stay active.

Might Improve Heart Health

Studies have found that regular consumers of coconuts have a lower rate of indulging in heart disease. Because heart diseases are on the rise across the globe, people are looking for ways to rest assured about heart health. Check out coconut protein balls at Funch, as they are a rich source of all the vital nutrients for the body. Once you begin to consume them every day, they will have a profound impact on your body.

Contains Powerful Antioxidants

If you don’t know, coconut meat includes phenolic compounds that are strong antioxidants in the body and will protect from any prospective oxidative damage. According to lab tests, it has been found that coconut is a strong antioxidant and can help prevent bad cholesterol levels, and will also reduce the chances of an individual engaging in serious heart disease. So when you have such a stellar fruit around, you don’t have to rely on fizzy drinks.

Easy Addition to Your Diet

Today, coconut is infused in every meal and dessert out there. Its meaty texture is enough for culinary lovers to infuse it in rice dishes, fish stews, curries, and even the breaded shrimp. Because the texture is smooth, it can be crushed and sprinkled over the desserts as well.

Chronic pain is incredibly complex, and there are a range of different treatments available to try and rectify it, all of which come with different levels of practicality and invasiveness. The fact is, it can take people a long time to find out what methods might actually work for them and which simply have no impact.

Some of the options available range from the likes of hot and cold therapy, Yoga, and even drug treatments. Realistically, to fully take productive steps towards managing your chronic pain, you should contact specialists such as those at ChartSpan. Here, you will be met with one of the nation’s leaders in chronic care; they will be able to fully assess you and recommend the necessary treatment methods.

Of course, while you are waiting for an appointment, there are some simple remedies that a lot of people find effective. This article will discuss these methods in greater detail.

Physical Techniques

Starting with physical techniques, a lot of these can prove to be effective. Of course, it may be something you wish to speak to a professional about first, as a lot of these methods can cost money, so you want to ensure that whatever you spend will be going towards something that will genuinely ease your pain.

Hot and Cold Therapy

Hot and cold therapy is a common and safe method that a lot of people use to try and reduce the pain that they experience. There is a difference between the two. Heat tends to relax the muscles in your body and consequently dilate the blood vessels while also promoting healing after an injury. In contrast, cold therapy reduces blood flow in the body and can therefore treat cases where pain has been caused by inflammation. The method of cold therapy usually involves applying an ice pack to the affected area and wrapping it in a towel.

Massage

A lot of people would likely happily receive a message even if they weren’t suffering from chronic pain; however, the result of one really can have a huge impact on any tender areas around the body. It can especially be useful if you pair it with physical therapy and pain medication. Some of the benefits of massages include:

1. Improved relaxation
2. Increased flexibility
3. Reduced inflammation
4. Improved circulation
5. Improved posture
6. Improved stiffness

This is certainly a method worth considering if you find yourself suffering from lower back pain, as a review in 2007 found that it can be a great remedy for it.

Acupuncture

This is the practice of a trained professional applying thin needles to the skin at precise points of the body, all with the outcome of reducing pain and alleviating stress. Thanks to some information put forward by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, there is a good amount of evidence that suggests this technique could help people to manage a variety of different pain conditions.

The proposed benefits of acupuncture include:

1. Pain relief
2. Improved relaxation
3. Reduced muscle spasms
4. Reduced inflammation

This is a safe practice but if you opt for it, ensure it’s been done by trained practitioners and using sterilized needles.

Mind-Body Techniques

Of course, not all treatment methods have to be physical, as there are various mind-body techniques that can also help alleviate chronic pain.

Yoga

Yoga is a form of exercise that aims to relax, strengthen and keep the body flexible through a variety of different stretches. There was a study carried out in 2010 that found yoga isn’t necessarily the best way for patients to reduce their pain; rather, it allows them to cope with it better and become more in control of it. It is an incredibly accessible practice as there are apps and videos online to talk you through sessions, so it is definitely worth considering.

Tai Chi

This is another form of exercise therapy that involves slow, continuous, and fluid movement of the body, combined with breathing and relaxation techniques. It is an incredibly gentle technique that eases the joints and muscles, so as a result can also reduce the pain you feel.

Simple Relaxation Techniques

Dealing with chronic pain can be an incredibly stressful experience, and so there are a lot of reasons as to why people would need to generally practice trying to remain calm and destress. These methods are also helpful as they can ease the tension in your body, reduce muscle spasms, aches and pains. Essentially, by relaxing, you will be easing stress, which could assist in reducing your chronic pain as a result.

Deep Breathing Techniques / Meditation

There are a lot of slow breathing techniques that are great for reducing stress; this includes box breathing. In the same vein as deep breathing, you can also practice meditating as this is a very effective way of shutting off from the outside world and turning your attention inward. This is a very accessible practice, thanks to a number of meditation apps that are available.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

This is a relaxation method that involves tensing and relaxing each muscle group for 10 seconds each, all the way from your head to your toes. While you’re doing this, you should focus on breathing and also avoid using muscles that feel painful to contract.

Think Calmly

This practice also falls into the realm of meditation, but if you close your eyes and go to your “happy place” which could be a calming scene of something like a sunny afternoon in nature or on a beach, it can be a great way to alleviate your stress.

Conclusion

People all over the world suffer from chronic pain. If this includes you, you should seek advice from a medical professional; however, above are some of the most common methods that people employ to reduce the overall pain they feel. These vary from physical activities to mind-body techniques to different methods of relaxation.

Breast milk was and still remains the best baby food. No infant formula can be a 100% substitute for mother’s milk. However, there can be lots of reasons why breastfeeding is not an option. That’s when formula feeding comes to the rescue. Thankfully, the choice is massive and the ingredients are as close to the real thing as it gets.

But a great choice of products can also be a problem. If for whatever reason you can’t breastfeed your baby, you should be extremely thorough and careful about picking exactly what they need.

Formula ingredients

When it comes to baby formulas, there’s a set of strict requirements they must meet, no matter where they are produced. This means that standard infant food ingredients are quite similar for all products on the market. Here are some of the components you can usually find when reading the label:

●    Proteins. The basic building material for your baby’s body cells. It’s important to note the exact protein content of the product. Normal protein intake for a 6-months old child and younger is about 0, 05 ounces per every 2 pounds of weight. Infants 7 to 12 months old should get no more than 0,38 ounces of proteins a day. These values allow reducing the pressure on the kidneys and lower the risk of allergies.

NB: note the whey protein to casein ratio. The optimal ratio is 60:40 for the first 6 months of your child’s life and 50:50 for the second half of the first year. This kind of protein digests better.

●    Carbs. The main source of energy. It would be best if the majority of carbs in the infant baby formula are in the form of lactose, just like in breast milk. Lactose improves calcium and iron digestion, as well as digestion in general. Some of the product’s carbs might come in the form of maltodextrin. It’s a polysaccharide that ensures longer periods of satiety.

●    Fats. This component is responsible for nervous system development. It also plays an important role in the visual sensory system and immunity development, regulates metabolism, and improves digestion and blood flow. In the organic baby formula, fats come in the form of linoleic and ἀ-linoleic fatty acids. These ingredients must be there, no matter the product.
There must also be polyunsaturated fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA). Your child can only get them from food, both natural breast milk and quality baby formula. These acids improve the development of the eyes and intellect.

●    Lutein. Carotenoid with antioxidant properties that protects eye retina from the harmful effects of UV light.

Apart from all the above, make sure that your baby formula contains only organic ingredients. There is a wide variety of organic baby milks you can find on online stores like Organics Best.
Baby food types
Consistency

●    Powdered. These come in dry powdered form packed in carton, plastic, or tin boxes and are usually the cheapest on the market. To prepare your infant milk, you have to mix them with warm water. For example, there is a wide range of powdered Holle formulas.

●    Concentrated liquid. Unlike powdered organic foods, these are easier and faster to prepare. You will still have to add some water to it, though. These products are more expensive than powders.

●    Liquid. These formulas are ready to use and only require some warming. Liquid products are usually the most expensive and they have the shortest shelf life.  HiPP formulas offer a great choice of liquid organic baby foods.

More information can be found on the page: Best Organic Baby Formula 2021

Cow and Goat Milk-Based Formula

The majority of baby milk formulas are cow milk-based. But because cow milk protein is foreign to the human body, baby foods include its modified form. Based on the degree of protein processing, there are such formulas as:

First milks. These products are based on demineralized whey and are very similar to breast milk. They are fairly light, nutritious, and digest well. These formulas also include polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and nucleotides. They are best for newborns.

Second milks. Casein-based infant foods. These often contain the same additional ingredients as other formulas. However, they are normally considered more filling and nutritious. If your baby gets hungry faster, this might be the choice for you. Casein-rich infant milks are better for infants from 7 to 12 months old.

Follow-on milks. Based on powdered whole cow milk, these infant foods contain starches and sucrose. They don’t contain whey. Because of this, follow-on foods can’t be used to feed infants under 6 months old.

Special formulas

• Sometimes, infants have certain health conditions that require special foods. These are usually lactose-free, iron-high formulas with probiotics and lactulose.
• Special baby foods for preemies and low birth weight infants are high in protein, vitamins, and whey. These formulas are usually marked as “0” or “Pre-”.
• There are hypoallergenic products for infants susceptible to allergies. They usually have an HA mark.
• For cow milk lactose intolerant babies, there are soy, lactose-free formulas, or foods based on goat milk.
• Anti-reflux products help infants suffering from frequent spit-ups. They are marked as A.R.
  Infant formula staging

The contents of infant foods largely depend on a baby’s age. Based on your child’s stage, all infant products have appropriate marking.

1.    Products marked as “0” or “Pre” are intended for newborns, preemies, or low-weight infants.
2.    “1” mark means that this formula is for babies up to 6 months old.
3.    “2” is for infants from 7 to 12 months old.
4.    “3” is for children older than 12 months.

Infant foods are not cheap. This, however, does not mean that you should save by buying cheaper products. Remember that your child’s health and development depend on the quality food they get during the first year of their life.

Meat is an excellent source of protein and iron. But many people fear that it can be unhealthy if they choose a fatty cut. Similarly, choosing processed meats as also a big no-no with close links to heart disease and obesity.

Instead, opt for lean cuts of meat as they are digested by the body quicker and are a healthier source of protein. Sticking to organic and grass-fed meat is also beneficial for our health, as it contains much higher levels of omega 3. High-quality meats are often best sourced nowadays via a home delivery meat box sourced from ethical farms. Read on to discover the 12 of the leanest cuts of meat you can buy.

Top Sirloin

Top sirloin is one of the leanest cuts of beef – it contains around 10 grams of fat per serving, but only around 4 are made up of saturated fats. This cut is very high in protein, with around 50 grams per serving. At around 156 calories per 100g serving, this meat is also low in calories.

Beef Tenderloin

With around 4g of saturated fat in a serving, tenderloin is equally as lean as top sirloin. However, it contains far less intramuscular fat (or marbling in culinary terms). Be careful when cooking tenderloin, as it can dry out easily – but with around 196 calories per 100g serving, this cut is a great lean alternative.

Flank Steak

Though technically not a steak, this cut is full of intensive flavour and is also very lean. It comes from the belly muscles of the cow so contains almost no fat, with only 3.6 grams of saturates in a 100-gram serving.

Roast Beef

Though a roast beef joint is less lean than other cuts of meat, it is packed full of nutritional value. Deli-style, thinly cut roasted beef is the leanest, with only 1.5 grams of saturated fat per 100 grams. Ask your butcher for the leanest cut available. Or, order yourself a meat box online for a guaranteed lean meal.

Beef Mince

When buying ground beef, make sure to look for the less than 5% fat option, as this is the healthiest possible but contains maximum flavour. With around 150 calories and just 1.8 grams of saturated fat per 100g serving, minced beef is perhaps the healthiest option when choosing red meat.

Chicken leg, no skin

Chicken is one of the healthiest meats you can eat. It is highly nutritious and an excellent source of protein. It is also very low in saturated fat, making it healthy for the heart and beneficial for bone health. Most of the fat contained in chicken is in its skin. Once removed, a chicken leg contains just 136 calories a serving, with only 1 gram of fat.

Chicken breast

Chicken breast is also incredibly lean and has a high protein content. It is low in calories, with only 125 per serving, and contains less than 0.4 grams of saturated fat – the leanest meat so far.

Lean lamb chop

Lamb is a fairly lean and nutritious meat, though it is far more fatty than white meats such as chicken and turkey. However, lamb chops are full of protein and low on fat, with less than 4 grams of saturated fat per serving. It also contains high levels of iron and omega-3 making it a very healthy cut.

Pork Tenderloin

Though pork is a typically fatty meat, tenderloin is the exception. It contains just 120 calories and 2.9 grams of total fat per serving, making it a delicious yet healthy cut of meat to try.

If you’re considering investing in a massage, you’re probably wondering what the benefits would be to you, and whether or not the benefits you’ve heard about are going to be effective in your situation.

Massage is a great way to boost your health, and it can be customized to fit your exact needs.

Find a Qualified Massage Therapist

It’s really important that you go to a qualified massage therapist in a professional clinic or spa to get the best results.

If you’re trying to find a qualified massage therapist in your area, try searching on Yelp for reviews of potential candidates, take a look at heavenandearthmassage.co.uk to see what kind of therapies you may want to invest in.

If you’re new to massage, it’s a good idea to do some research about what can be involved so that you can relax and enjoy the experience.

Here are some of the benefits that you may experience from getting a great massage.

Reduces Stress and Tension

Massage can help reduce pain in the body caused by muscle tension. Stress can actually be very painful, and this is one of the main reasons that people pay for massages.

The stressors on your body might be physical stress or emotional stress, and they can cause you some pain that may be relieved with massage.

Promotes Relaxation

Massage therapy is already relaxing, but the process can also help to heighten relaxation both during and after your appointment.

The physical stress and tension in your body will be released as a result of massage, reducing the effects of aches and pains in other parts of your body.

Improves Circulation

During a massage, the skin is warmed up with hot stones or heated oils. Blood flow is then increased which helps to move waste products out of the skin cells.

This helps to improve circulation and support other systems in the body. It’s kind of like an all-over cleansing, and it can help restore energy flow in the body.

Can Improve Joint Mobility

Massage can help to improve the joints in your body, allowing you to move and turn more freely than normal. This can promote general mobility, joint mobility, and help to relieve pain and stiffness in your body.

Improves Sleep Quality

A massage just prior to bed can help to encourage a night of more restful sleep and reduce breathing or heart rate irregularities that can disturb your sleep.

It may also help you to fall asleep faster than normal, which means you’ll get a better night’s rest. Massage can also help to improve sleep after it’s been disrupted by illness or physical pain.

Improves Posture

Massage helps to improve posture by working on the muscles and inner workings of the body.

Over time, this can help to improve posture.

Relieves Headaches

Massage can help to reduce headaches by increasing blood flow to your head.

The massaging action helps your muscle tissues release any tension that may be contributing to your pain, and it can also help you manage stress levels, which are also a major factor in headaches.

Can Help to Reduce the Effects of Aging

A massage is a great way to keep the skin healthy and wrinkle-free as we age.

The act of massage stimulates circulation in your skin, this helps to keep your skin looking youthful and vibrant.

Are you one of those indolent persons dealing with a dietary dilemma in a gluten-free diet? A vegan diet is broadly welcomed and catered for! Thankfully, people love to thrive on a gluten-free diet.

But, what would happen if you try to incorporate a second dietary need? Eliminating gluten from the diet in order to be vegan may feel intimidating sometimes. Let it be any personal or health concerns; you must consume zero gluten foods.

Freedom Jars thinks that food is the most potent medicine as its nutrition contents affect us severely. So, we should start making the appropriate decisions as far as dieting is concerned! Without delay, let’s find out how to ease your dietary needs while staying healthy.

Why is it necessary to go gluten-free?

Gluten causes Coeliac Disease. Certain people can’t intake the protein, named “gliadin,” due to their gluten intolerance. However, it provides a disadvantageous reaction in their body. That’s why you must avoid cross-contamination and exclude all gluten-based food items.

What is known as a “gluten-free” diet?

It is one of the specific diets, which expels all gluten-contaminated foods. These are:

• Rye
• Wheat
• Barley

There are simple swaps, for example, altering conventional wheat flour for buckwheat flour in a recipe. Several other options are there too! So, the gluten-less gains and substitutes are:

• Quinoa
• Tapioca
• Almond Flour
• Corn
• Rice (including brown or wild)
• Oats (These are naturally free from gluten but often get contaminated during processing. So, better to opt for gluten-free oats.)
• Buckwheat
• Potato Flour

So, the sweet potatoes and regular potatoes are free from gluten. That’s why these are the most unrivaled options when you are on a vegan yet gluten-free diet.

What to keep into account during gluten-free baking?

Such baking and cooking processes require high moisture content than traditional recipes.

Pasta

Out of numerous vegan and palatable pasta options, you don’t have to stop eating that fav pasta dish. Make sure to buy that pasta made of lentils, brown rice, mung beans, chickpeas, and quinoa. All these items are less processed and contain higher protein.

Bread and crackers

Why don’t you try preparing gluten-free bread using flour substitutes, for example, buckwheat and chickpea? The best options will be choosing oat crackers or buying a mix. So, if you are a restaurant owner, click here to hold you accountable for your supreme business decisions for making gluten-free foods.

The benefits of a gluten-free, vegan diet

The vegan diet by focusing on whole grains, seeds, beans, and colorful fruits can offer:

• Abundant fiber for a better blood sugar balance and a healthy gut.
• Minimized saturated fat for heart health.
• A wide array of phytonutrients, which help safeguard you from disease.

Start eating vegan foods today in your breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Do you want to follow a complete food plant-based diet? Click here to know more about food and pharmaceutical products! So, it would be best to start focusing on living healthy lifestyles by incorporating food recipes, which are free from gluten.

What about getting a nice little caffeine boost? Drinking coffee will give you the feeling of satisfaction! More precisely, a shot of espresso is well-known for this. So, do the little cups of delicious energy can provide health benefits?

So, bring an espresso machine to your home, and get a CHILLinspiration morning every day. According to a definite non-coffee lover group, drinking espresso can’t give you desired health amenities. It’s just a myth!

Add this hottest beverage to your daily routine and see what it can do for you. However, this article comprises the top 5 superior health benefits of consuming espresso. Let’s get started!

It boosts attention

Many people love to start their day with an espresso shot. So, this comes as no astonishment. Do you feel fatigued after a hectic schedule? Coffee contains a natural stimulant named caffeine. It helps reduce the exhausted feeling.

Moreover, it is an unprecedented solution for improving wariness and attention. Besides, it maintains a higher dopamine concentration, which aids in boosting engagement. Make sure not to overdoing everything as the benefits tend to be short-term.

Lower chances of Stroke

Consuming espresso helps significantly reduce the chances of having a stroke in women. The more you drink, the lower the possibilities will be! So, if you are a coffee fanatic, it flourishes you with abundant antioxidants and nutrients.

But, the excessiveness of a good thing can be wrong sometimes. As per the study, 25% reduced stroke percentage has been seen among people!

Weight Reduction

What makes espresso different from other beverages is its lower-calorie formula. Hence, it is helpful for weight reduction. Coffee consists of only 3 calories per ounce if you don’t add additional cream or sugar for taste enhancement.

Besides being a low-calorie drink, it helps you a lot to optimize your exercise performance. So, 400 mg caffeine is the safest consideration for adults for daily intake. Learn more about measuring apparatus now!

Miraculous anti-aging effects

Caffeine has the potential to impede the early onset of aging. The premium antioxidants, such as Trigonelline, Cafestol, and Chlorogenic acid found abundantly in coffee. These antioxidants are powerful in eliminating toxin accumulation in the liver. Therefore, it gradually restricts the signs of skin sagging.

Lower the Risk of Diabetes

Diabetes is a common disease nowadays. Therefore, your reliance on espresso can help lower the risk of diabetes. On the contrary, it’s also a top-notch healthier preference than other coffee collections.

Rather than loading up with sugars and cream, relish every sip of it, cutting worries about additional fats and calories. In this way, you can boost energy without sacrificing your health.

The ACCE International’s profound research methods throughout food science provides you the authentic results. Hope you get a detailed list of the health benefits of espresso!

You sip at ease while knowing that you are making a fine choice for your regular dose of caffeine! However, it possesses significant health benefits after consuming the right amount every day. So, immerse yourself in the luxurious experience of drinking espresso!

Two types of tests are commonly used to diagnose current infection of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

The first type, which has been used as the default since the early stages of the pandemic, is the PCR test or molecular test, with PCR standing for a laboratory technique called polymerase chain reaction. These tests work by detecting the genetic code (RNA) of the virus. A swab is used to collect a specimen from the back of the throat and nostril, which is then sent to a lab to be processed. PCR tests provide highly accurate results and are considered the most sensitive for detecting an active infection, but test results do take about two days.

The second type of Covid test is an antigen test, which diagnoses COVID-19 by searching for molecules found on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The antigen test commonly used in the UK is known as a lateral flow test, or rapid test.

How does the rapid Covid test work?

Similar to the PCR test, a lateral flow or ‘rapid’ test involves a swab being inserted into the nose or throat. The sample is then inserted into a tube containing extraction fluid, which extracts the molecule that determines if COVID-19 is present. A drop of this mixture is placed in a well on a handheld device, which draws the liquid in and along a strip of test paper. If coronavirus proteins (antigens) are detected, a red line will appear, alongside a second line that indicates the test is working.

The lateral flow test uses the same technology as a pregnancy test but instead of looking for certain hormones, the test contains antibodies that bind to coronavirus proteins. Results can be provided in as little as 15 minutes and are easy to interpret, with the device showing two lines if it is positive, one line on the top if it is negative or one line on the bottom if the test is invalid.

How accurate is the rapid Covid test?

Though antigen tests are not quite as accurate as PCR tests, they are effective at identifying people with high viral loads who are most infectious and most likely to transmit the virus to others, making them a useful tool in the effort to reduce transmission. Analysis of community testing data shows that lateral flow tests have a specificity of at least 99.9%, which means fewer than one false positive in every 1,000 tests carried out. The accuracy of lateral flow tests depends on several factors, including the concentration of virus in the specimen, time from onset of infection, the make of the test used and who is conducting the test.

Data has shown that rapid tests are more accurate in the hands of medical professionals or scientists than self-trained members of the public, but performance

improves with experience and regular use is encouraged to accurately detect cases of COVID-19 in the community. It’s important to remember that even when carrying out regular tests, people should continue to regularly wash their hands and follow any additional government guidelines in place such as social distancing and the wearing of face coverings.

What are the benefits of the rapid Covid test?

The lateral flow test is fast, practical and easy to interpret. These test kits are less expensive than molecular tests and do not require laboratory analysis, allowing users to take a test quickly at home. The rapid Covid test has also been used across schools, universities, in workplaces and before test events in the UK to limit the spread of the virus. Although these tests are not as accurate as the PCR test, having access to results within minutes rather than days has been invaluable across a range of settings.

It may be surprising to hear that many people lack in key vitamins and minerals. Despite efforts to be healthily, many Americans are not reaching the recommended dietary amounts and are therefore susceptible to illness and disease. While processed food and junk food play a role, modern farming practices have also led to lower nutrient density in fruits and vegetables compared with 100 years ago. With that in mind, below are some of the top supplements you can take to optimize your health.

Multivitamins

In an ideal world, we would obtain all our nutrients from the food we eat. However, factors such as the availability of processed food, junk food, and added sugar, stress, etc., mean that we are sometimes deficient in key vitamins and minerals. In fact, some of the biggest deficiencies among Americans are in Vitamins D, B12, B2, and C. Multivitamins are thus an important supplement to add to your diet for healthy living.

Zinc

While zinc deficiency is less common than vitamin deficiency, it is an important mineral to take because of its role in immunity. Zinc is also said to be helpful for wound healing, brain function, and for your sense of taste and smell. If you don’t want to take a zinc supplement, good food sources include red meat, chicken, oysters, chickpeas, and nuts.

Magnesium

Magnesium is another brilliant supplement for optimal health. Not only is it responsible for over 600 enzyme reactions in the body, but it can also help with nervous system regulation, muscle movement, blood pressure, blood sugar regulation, and more. There is also evidence-based research that indicates magnesium is helpful for migraines, PMS symptoms, inflammation, diabetes, and depression. Magnesium supplements are available in health food shops. Otherwise, green leafy vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains are excellent food sources.

CBD Oil

CBD oil is one of the newest supplements to enter the market, and research into its effects are still new and ongoing, with nothing being confirmed. However, many people are using CBD oil for issues like chronic pain, epilepsy, anxiety, depression, and insomnia as they believe it might help. The best way to source CBD oil is to go to an authorized supplier like Itgel CBD, where you can find tinctures, gels, and edibles.

Probiotics

Probiotics are “good” bacteria that aid digestion and maintain healthy flora levels in our gut. This is important because an overgrowth of “bad” bacteria can lead to health problems down the line. Found primarily in fermented foods, probiotics are often lacking in our modern diets, which is why many people take probiotic supplements. Some of the best natural sources of probiotics include yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, and kombucha. While food sources are good, supplements allow you to obtain much higher amounts of probiotics and in multiple strains. Check out your local health food store for details.

Fish Oil

Fish oil is another supplement that is lacking in many modern diets. Providing the body with essential omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil is important for regulating inflammation in the body. Omega-3 fatty acids are also important for healthy cardiovascular, immune, musculoskeletal, and respiratory health. To ensure you’re getting adequate amounts of omega-3, experts recommend that you take about 500 to 900 mg per day. Fish oil supplements are available in capsules at health food stores. Alternatively, sources of fish oil include cold-water fatty fish (e.g. salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines), nuts, seeds, and plant oils.