Nutritional Supplements Are Important For Optimal Health
It’s estimated we are receiving only 40 percent of the nutritional value of food nowadays. Some reports suggest this is untrue while many reports go even farther by saying this figure is actually lower. In any case, unless you are fortunate enough to have a garden close by with organic fresh food you can harvest and eat on a daily basis, I believe the food available in the supermarket does indeed lack in nutrition.Many fresh foods travel great distances and many foods are processed to increase shelf life. To obtain the highest possible yield, producers are forced to rely on chemical fertilizers and pesticides for their crops, while other producers use growth hormones, antibiotics, and inhumane confinement for animal production. (By the way, from what I understand about antibiotics given to animals destined for the dinner table…they are not necessary if the animals are kept in clean, un-crowded environments where they are able to stretch their legs and get fresh air and sunshine daily. Another reason to shop organic.)The availability of high-calorie, high-fat, high-sugar, and low-fibre foods has rapidly become commonplace, and growing concern with processed foods is they are becoming much less expensive than nutrient-dense foods such as fruits and vegetables. The availability and lower price of processed and energy-dense foods rich in sugar and fat makes them appealing to the pocket book as well as the taste buds, but not without consequences. Obesity, heart disease, arthritis, diabetes and other chronic conditions are gaining a stronghold in North America and researchers are now beginning to admit that diet plays a huge role in the prevention and treatment of disease.Balance, variety, and moderation are the keys to a healthful diet. A balanced proportion of foods from the different food groups, a variety of foods from within the different food groups, and moderation in the consumption of any food should provide us with the nutrients we need to sustain life.Although developments in the food industry over time have improved food quality and safety, there are still concerns over the nutritional content the food actually contains. Nutrients should come primarily from the foods we eat, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find foods that have not been grown in nutritionally challenged soils. Decades of poor agricultural practices are depleting foods of the nutrients we need for optimal health and wellness.
This is why nutritional supplements are important.Nutritional supplements are designed to provide nutrients, both essential and non-essential, that you may not be getting from your diet. Also known as dietary supplements, nutritional supplements are an important part of a balanced health regime and can offer significant health benefits. They can help to correct nutritional deficiencies and help boost the immune system, and there is growing scientific evidence supporting the benefits of nutritional supplements and their role in maintaining optimal health.Nutritional and dietary supplements are big business. It’s estimated that over twenty-five billions dollars a year is spent in the United States alone on natural health products. So which supplements should you look for and which are safe to take?In the United States, the FDA regulates dietary supplements. According to their website, “dietary supplements (are regulated) under a different set of regulations than those covering “conventional” foods and drug products (prescription and Over-the-Counter). Under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA), the dietary supplement manufacturer is responsible for ensuring that a dietary supplement is safe before it is marketed. FDA is responsible for taking action against any unsafe dietary supplement product after it reaches the market. Generally, manufacturers do not need to register their products with FDA nor get FDA approval before producing or selling dietary supplements. * Manufacturers must make sure that product label information is truthful and not misleading. *Domestic and foreign facilities that manufacture/process, pack, or hold food for human or animal consumption in the United States are required to register their facility with the FDA.”Although “the manufacturer is responsible for ensuring that its dietary supplement products are safe before they are marketed” and “there are no provisions in the law for FDA to “approve” dietary supplements for safety or effectiveness before they reach the consumer”, it’s important to purchase nutritional supplements from a reputable company who has been in busy for many years. You can also read more on FDA regulations with regards to dietary supplements on the FDA website.In Canada, the laws are much more stringent. On January 1, 2004 The Natural Health Products Regulations came into effect and apply to all natural health products. Products defined in the Regulations as natural health products include vitamins, minerals, herbal remedies, probiotics, homeopathic medicines, traditional medicines (such as Traditional Chinese Medicines), amino acids and essential fatty acids.Natural health products that fall under these regulations require an NPN (Natural Product Number). Once Health Canada has assessed the product, an eight digit product license number, preceded by the letters “NPN” will appear on the label informing consumers that Health Canada has reviewed the product for safety, quality, and health claims, and the product has been approved to be marketed under the Natural Health Products Regulations and has authorized the product for sale in Canada. The Natural Health Product Directorate (NHPD) is the regulating authority for health products for sale in Canada.Nutritional supplements that are considered food products or whole-food concentrates come under the regulations of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and do not require NPNs. When purchasing nutritional supplements look for a Natural Product Number (NPN) on the label to ensure the product has met the requirements of Health Canada, and also make sure the company selling the product is a reputable company with a good track record.Including nutritional supplements in your diet and daily health regime doesn’t need to be hard or cost a lot of money. Many companies offer high quality supplements at reasonable prices and it only takes a few minutes to mix up a healthy “green drink” from a barley grass juice concentrate such as AIM BarleyLife® or include a supplement caplet such as Kyolic® Aged Garlic Extract with your meal.There are many health benefits nutritional supplements have to offer. In these modern times, with the convenience, cost and available of fast and processed foods, poor dietary habits and the questionable nutrition content of nutrient-dense foods, nutritional supplements are becoming increasingly popular as an addition to complement the diet. Simply put, nutritional supplements are important for optimal health.AIM provides a variety of superior whole food concentrates and nutritional supplements to support a healthy lifestyle, strengthen the immune system, and nourish your cells, and AIM Members enjoy the benefits of wholesale pricing.As Members of AIM Canada, we have a dedicated team of knowledgeable people keeping on top of all the legislation and regulations, ensuring AIM Canada is compliant, so we will continue to have the right to use and share natural health products to protect our health and the health of others who wish to use Natural Health Products.To date AIM Canada has acquired eleven NPNs with nine other AIM products in the licensing process. Food products such as AIM BarleyLife®, LeafGreens®, Just Carrots®, ProPeas and RediBeets® come under the regulations of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and do not require NPNs.
Children and Mental Health – Some Unusual Triggers
However, when children become victims of mental instabilities, things might seem to fall apart. But it is all about getting the grip and helping the child with the right treatment and support. The mental problems in a child can sprout due to several reasons, of which some can be beyond general anticipation. It is a well-known fact that mental illnesses are common in a child as well.Some reasons behind their mental problems can be deciphered easily, while it can be tough to decode some others. Here are some not so prevalent causes that may trigger mental illness in a child:
Air pollution: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is the world’s greatest environmental health risk, linked to one in eight of the total global deaths. But when it comes to air pollution, people generally connect it to respiratory problems, like coughing, wheezing, asthma, etc. A 2016 study by the Umeå University in Sweden revealed that there is a strong link between polluted air and the rise in kids’ mental health problems. In fact, they found that the children who stayed in highly polluted areas were most likely to take prescribed medications associated with long-term mental problems.
Weather worries: Worrying constantly about weather can cause mental problems, like phobia and stress. According to Stephen Whiteside, a psychologist and anxiety prevention expert at the Mayo Clinic Children’s Center in Rochester, being anxious due to severe weather conditions is normal. However, some children develop storm phobias that affect their day-to-day lives. He added that constantly worrying about the weather makes it difficult for such kids to concentrate in schools. Moreover, there have been instances when children routinely check the weather forecasts and are afraid to leave the house.
Spanking: Spanking is seen as a common method to discipline a child. However, a 2016 study by the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Michigan confirmed that spanking might increase the risks of mental health disorders, cognitive impairment, aggression and anti-social behavior in children. Spanking, in fact, might cause long-term mental problems that greatly overshadow the short-term behavioral obedience.
Threatening parents: Parents who yell and threaten their children can trigger depression and other disruptive disorders in them. A 2010 study done by Bowling Green State University, Ohio, revealed that verbal hostility can put the children at greater risks of developing mental problems. As Peggy O’Mara, renowned editor and publisher said, “The way we talk to our children becomes their inner voice.”
Cyberbullying: Physical bullying definitely causes a negative effect on a child’s mind. But with more time spent on social media, children now become victims of cyberbullying too. The Huffington Post website states that since cyberbullying takes place in a virtual space without any physical contact, the agony experienced by a child can be double than normal. Since the child is powerless to take any real-time measures to stop such a harassment, he/she feels more tormented and mentally distressed.
Seeking treatment to cure a child’s mental problemsAs Magic Johnson, retired basketball player, said, “All kids need is a little help, a little hope, and someone who believes in them.” A little support from the parents, teachers, friends and well-wishers can help them fight the challenges and secure a sound mind.
Why It Is Worth Choosing Local SEO Services
People will always seek convenience and they love to shop online. More than that, they want to interact with businesses and seek ultimate experiences. Brands that are not online and don’t have an e-commerce website lose a lot, especially plenty of traffic and potential sales volume. In order to remain competitive in this changing world, it is crucial to improve the online presence, to be always available to customers. How can this be achieved?
The key is SEO, and local SEO services have increased in popularity. One of the reasons is because businesses want to rank high in search engine results, and they want to achieve great results, to attract more potential buyers and build their confidence in the brand. Implementing the right marketing strategies has always been challenging, and this is why companies choose to hire specialists, because they know exactly how to come up with the right solutions.
Find Out More about Local SEO Services
SEO is already a term that many are familiar with. They heard about it, but the idea is still complex, and it involves so many factors that it is hard to keep up with everything. Businesses have a lot of aspects to look into, they need to manage their activity, focus on products and services, train employees, they must develop pricing policies, distribution, delivery, and so much more. It is understandable they are unable to focus on search engine optimization on their own. Instead, they focus on local SEO services.
What is SEO exactly? It is an array of practices and strategies used to improve the quality and organic visibility of a website on search engines. Whenever you search something online, you use keywords and two types of results show up, paid ones and organic. Some companies pay for every click on their website, and it is a way to guarantee a top position. On the other hand, organic searches imply improving the website, link building, and many other tactics.
It is not enough to place relevant keywords throughout the website, it is necessary to adjust the website, its functionality, speed, the content shown on every page, if it is mobile-friendly, interactive, and more. Optimization is about improving the site and pleasing the customers, but it also implies taking into consideration the guidelines and algorithms of search engines. Eventually, you will get to know more about your customers and what they are looking for.
Benefits of SEO
There are many benefits of local SEO services and the best part is that they are accessible to anyone interested. Some companies believe they have to hire a team to work within the department, to open positions, pay salaries, benefits, and invest in training. It is not the case, because these services can be outsourced without issues. It is even recommended, because it is cost-effective, and provides long-term value.
More than that, you have better control over the services, since you know exactly what you pay for, the specialists are already trained in the field, they are highly skilled, and know everything about optimization. You simply hand over the website, they will conduct an audit, suggest appropriate tactics, improvements that can be made, and eventually help you develop a strategy plan to improve your online business.
Increase relevant traffic
It is one thing to have plenty of traffic on the website, and another thing to have relevant traffic. When people need something, they type keywords, and once your website pops up, it means they trust it, they will browse through it, until they find what they want. Prospect buyers evaluate the functionality and speed of the platform, and if they like what they see, they will eventually buy.
The click-through rate is essential, and once you are on top positions, you can double it. If you want your site to be seen by customers, then it needs to rank high in search engine results. Think about your behavior as well, and how often you visit the next pages of results, how much do you trust those platforms, and how likely you are to buy from them.
Improve the web experience
Local SEO services will let you know that the web experience matters greatly to visitors and prospective buyers. So, you made it on top positions, people click on the site, but they don’t like what they see. They don’t enjoy the interface, they don’t find the website user-friendly, and they abandon it, going to the next result.
The success of your online business depends on many other factors, such as backlinks, page speed, content, interactivity, and such. If you follow the rules of search engines, then you need to keep the site in good health. This way, you obtain more exposure, and users will trust you more, believing that you do something right since you manage to be in top positions.
Local SEO Services Improve Brand Awareness
Perhaps you have some amazing products and services, and you want to show the world your portfolio. If people see you in top positions, then they will trust the brand more, because they think you deserve to be there, and your products and services are relevant. It takes some time and effort to achieve this, but it can be done. There is no pressure to do it on your own, especially when you can outsource the services and achieve great results.
SEO is traceable, and you can collaborate with an agency that will show you their step-by-step plan, and give you feedback after every process. This is the best way to know that you are doing the right thing to develop your business, the fact that you see the progress. An agency has years of experience in the field, it is fully aware of all changing algorithms, and it works close with businesses from all industries, which means it knows very well what works for each.