Wake Up to Snoring
What Are You Actually Drinking?
Did you think twice when you had your last glass of “100% orange juice”? Drinking juice shouldn’t be rocket science, but do you know what is actually in that glass of orange juice that is supposedly not made from concentrate? It’s time to think twice.
When you eat a fruit, you notice that each fruit has its own little flavor; whether it is too sweet or sour. If juice were freshly made, each container of juice would have a little different flavor to it. It’s not something you think about when you drink it but you may notice it now! Industrially produced orange juice is made through a few simple steps. The oranges are squeezed and stored in tanks where the oxygen is removed. The removal of the oxygen in these holding tanks helps the orange juice from spoiling for up to a year but this process also makes the juice flavorless. So how does that glass of juice get its fresh flavor? Through flavor packs; these flavor packs are made by flavor and fragrance industries that are hired by the company that makes the juice. You never see this on the label because these flavor packs are technically made of orange essences and oils.
Major companies that produce juice are designed to appeal to consumers taste. That is why certain companies have different flavor packs added to their juice, to match what is in demand in the market. It is not just orange juice that is processed like this; it is always good to be aware of what occurs at food and drinks when they are being manufactured.
This process doesn’t have a negative effect but it is always good to be aware of how your food is processed and manufactured. Many labels do not clearly state what is in your food or they may use complex words to confuse you a little. You should not stop drinking juice because of the way it is processed but it is good to not be drinking juice to often. Juice has a lot of sugar and is not all that healthy for you even when it is not from concentrate.
ZZZZ. Stop Snoring!
Snoring is a common problem which many people face however; no one believes it to be of any health concern. Snoring does not only affect others’ sleep quality, it also affects the snorers health. Snoring prevents oxygen from reaching the brain which kills brain cells.
Snoring is largely caused by three major factors; alcohol, smoking, or being overweight. Due to obstruction of the air passage, air cannot travel through smoothly.
These disturbances cause vibrations which exit through a person’s nose or mouth which result in the snoring sound. Substance abuse such as alcohol and smoking can cause the relaxation of your muscles which causes your body to snore. As for being overweight, the weight of your neck presses down on your passage cause it to narrow which leads to the sounds a snorer makes.
There are several problems that occur between a snorer and their partner because of snoring. Sometimes snoring can lead a snorer to sleep alone in order to please their partner but this causes lack of intimacy and feelings of isolation and loneliness. This may diminish the problem of sleep however, it can increase the tension in your relationship. This is not a healthy way to a better sleep therefore be sure that both the partner and the snorer work equally to discover a resolution to their problem. For example, the partner of the snorer can not only be the one attempting to combat the snoring by using ear plugs. The snorer must also do what they can to eliminate this sleeping problem in order to keep the relationship in harmony. Due to the disturbance and a bad night’s sleep, both the snorer and partner are likely to feel agitated towards one another, which can stress the relationship. The lack of sleep mixed in with the frustration of being woken up (whether because of the noise or by being nudged to be quite) will cause too many snoring spats that can lead to more serious problems in the relationships.
Here are a few lifestyle changes which can help stop snoring:Avoid Alcohol – This should be avoided especially before bedtime because it relaxes your throat muscles which can interfere with your breathing.
Stop Smoking – Smoking increases your chances of snoring because it blocks your airways and irritates the membranes in your throat and nose.
Exercise – Toning your body muscles can also tone your throat muscles making it strong enough to stay open and not allowing the airway to be obstructed.
Lose Weight – This can lead to reducing the fat tissue in the back of your throat which causes the snoring to occur.
A Regulated Sleep Pattern – A sleep pattern can get you to sleep better which can also lead to less snoring.
Here are a few bedtime remedies which can help stop snoring:
Reposition – When the snorers head is elevated four inches it may ease the breathing and encourage the jaw and tongue to move forward which can reduce the chances of snoring.
Avoid Caffeine and Big Meals before Sleeping – This should be avoided two hours before bed in order to reduce your chances of snoring.
Sleep on your Side – Sleeping on your back can make gravity make your tongue drop back obstructing your airway.
Keep the Bedroom Moist – Using a humidifier can moisten your air passages and reduce the chances of irritation in your nose and throat due to dry air.
Clear Nasal Passages – Having a stuffy nose can make breathing difficult since the airway is clearly obstructed therefore, be sure to clear your passages with nasal strips or nasal decongestants.
Author
Dr. Paul Zickler is a graduate of the University of Wester Ontario in 1972. After graduating from the faculty of medicine, Dr. Zickler practiced as an Emergency Physician for 18 years. He has then operated ambulatory medical and travel clinics for 12 years. Dr. Zickler has become an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of British Columbia, a Director of Professional Programs for the Justice Institute of British Columbia (paramedic academy), a principal investigator for Phase 2 and 3 studies researching vaccines, and a founding member of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association. Dr. Zickler is passionate about combining western prescription medicine and natural medicines.