BodyWellness360

You may have read headlines saying that eating out can contribute to weight gain, heart conditions, and other health issues. Now there’s a study that says too many restaurant meals or fast food trips could also disrupt your hormones. The culprits are a group of chemicals called phthalates, and they’re a subject of growing concern. This latest study found that adults who ate out frequently had phthalate levels 35% higher than those who prepared most of their meals at home. While all kinds of restaurant, cafeteria, and fast food items increased phthalate exposure, cheeseburgers and sandwiches appeared to carry the highest risk. This news is important because these chemicals have been linked to serious conditions including asthma, diabetes, obesity, and reduced fertility. Find out what you can do to limit your exposure and eat healthier. Cutting Back on Phthalates It would be difficult to avoid phthalates completely because they’re in many items. That includes shampoo and dish detergent,...

People love their pets. There’s a lot to love about having a pet, but there’s more to appreciate about your little friend than you realize.  Pets can be great companions, but they do so much more for you than just keep you company. Everyone in your household can benefit from the presence of a pet. A pet provides for more benefits than meets the eye:   You always have a walking partner. It can be more enjoyable to walk with a companion. Dogs are always excited to go for a walk, too. There are even a few cats that like to take a stroll. Studies show that dog owners walk almost 25 minutes longer each day than non-dog owners. Having a pet can improve your fitness. Your blood pressure will be lower. Having a pet that you find soothing has been shown to lower blood pressure. This can decrease the likelihood of heart disease, stroke, and heart attack. Pets are great for kids. Kids adore pets. Having a pet can help children to be more social, develop stronger immune systems, and le...

  Who says you need a gym to get in great shape? The prevalence of gyms is a relatively recent phenomenon. There have always been people in great shape, with or without a gym membership. You can avoid the fees, travel time, and other inconveniences and get in shape without leaving your home or neighborhood.  You don’t need a lot of equipment or time to dramatically change your body and fitness level. Even if you’re not thriving financially, you can still build a body you can be proud of. Your doctor will be thrilled, too. Use these strategies to get in the best shape of your life without stepping into a gym:   Calisthenics. Your body weight is all the resistance you need to get in great shape. Remember gym class back in the day? You would do push-ups, sit-ups, squats, and other calisthenics. There are plenty of exercise examples online. Set up a simple program and try to do just a little more each week. You can make great progress if you’re consistent. A few hundred pu...

Wait! What’s in that delicious muffin you’re eating? Maybe, a lot more than you thought! Chemical additives are used to affect flavors or preserve products, and they have other uses. But these additives can also negatively affect your health, so it’s important to pay attention to them. You might be able to find a different tasty muffin without those additives. Because you never know what might be in a food product these days, it’s important to read the ingredient list for each food item before you buy it.   These common food additives could be dangerous to your health: Titanium dioxide. Titanium dioxide is a common ingredient in sunscreens, but it’s also used as a food additive. You may find it in salad dressings, powdered sugars, baked goods and other items. The International Agency for Research on Cancer considers titanium dioxide a dangerous food additive and recommends that consumers avoid eating it. The agency labels it as a class 2 carcinogen based on several studies. The Fo...