HEALTHY LIVING

Stinky Feet? Here’s How To Avoid It

Published

11 months ago

February 17, 2024

Here's How To Avoid Stinky Feet | Fab.ng

Feet may get a bad rap, but the real culprit behind their odour isn’t the feet themselves. While stinky feet can certainly be embarrassing, especially when taking off your shoes in public, the actual source of the odour might surprise you. It’s not the feet themselves, but rather the tiny residents living on them—bacteria.

These microscopic roommates aren’t inherently bad, but when they feast on dead skin cells and sweat in warm, moist environments like your shoes and socks, they produce an unpleasant byproduct: acid. And like any other waste disposal, this acid has a distinct, often unwelcome, odour.

But don’t despair. While not a medical problem, foot odour can be unpleasant. The good news is that researchers have discovered effective ways to combat these odour-causing germs and keep your feet (and their companions) smelling fresh.

How do I get my feet to stop stinking?

As the temperature rises, so does the chance of sweaty feet, especially if you’re wearing closed-toe shoes. This combination of hot weather and sweaty feet can, unfortunately, lead to unpleasant foot odours and even infections. But don’t worry…

There are easy things you can incorporate into your daily routine to keep your feet clean, dry, and smelling fresh. So ditch the fear of taking off your shoes in public and enjoy the warm weather with these simple tips.

Here are some tips to get rid of stinky feet:

1. Soak your feet

Forget just giving your feet a quick rinse while showering. For truly clean and happy feet, consider taking some extra time for a luxurious soak. Two great options are vinegar and Epsom salt.

Here's How To Avoid Stinky Feet | Fab.ng

Epsom salt magic: Dissolve half a cup of Epsom salt in a warm tub or large bowl of water. Relax and soak your feet for 10–20 minutes. This creates an environment less welcoming to bacteria, helping keep your feet feeling fresh and healthy.

Vinegar power: Looking for an alternative? Add some vinegar (white or apple cider, your choice) to a warm tub or large bowl of water and soak for 15-20 minutes once a week. Vinegar also helps make your skin less friendly to bacteria but be sure to skip this method if you have any open sores, cuts, or scratches, as it can sting.

Give your feet a little extra TLC with these simple soaks and enjoy the benefits of fresher, more comfortable feet.

2. Keep your feet dry

Keeping your feet dry is key to battling bad foot odour. Here’s why: Bacteria love moisture, and the stink we associate with sweaty feet comes from these tiny critters multiplying happily in a damp environment.

Pack an extra pair of socks in your bag and take a minute to swap them out during the day, especially when the weather heats up. Opting for cotton socks and shoes made from natural materials like leather also helps, as they allow your feet to breathe and prevent moisture buildup.

So, after that refreshing bath, soak, or swim, be sure to give your feet some extra TLC by drying them thoroughly. Remember, dry feet = fewer bacteria = happier feet and noses!

3. Disinfect your shoes

Ever open your closet only to be greeted by the unpleasant surprise of stinky shoes you haven’t worn in a while? Don’t worry! Throwing them away isn’t an option. You can actually revive them with a handy disinfectant spray and some sunshine.

Here's How To Avoid Stinky Feet | Fab.ng

Here’s what you do: Grab a kitchen spray with ethanol and other sanitising ingredients, which work wonders at killing odour-causing bacteria. Take out the shoe’s insole and give it a good spritz with the spray. Then, let it bask in the sunshine for 24 hours before putting it back in the shoe. The sun’s natural germ-fighting power will work its magic too, leaving your shoes smelling fresh and ready to wear again.

4. Use powder

It can be a drag to have sweaty feet, but don’t worry; there are ways to tackle the moisture and keep your feet feeling fresh. Here are a couple of options:

Here's How To Avoid Stinky Feet | Fab.ng

Sprinkle magic: For a simple solution, try sprinkling a little cornflour or even regular underarm antiperspirant into your shoes before slipping them on. These powders can help absorb moisture and keep your feet drier throughout the day.

Doctor’s help: If the sprinkling trick isn’t doing the job, don’t hesitate to visit your doctor! They can assess your situation and, if needed, prescribe medication specifically designed to manage foot moisture, leaving you feeling more comfortable and confident.

Remember, happy feet are healthy feet, and they start with feeling dry and fresh. Don’t be shy about exploring different options and finding what works best for you.

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HEALTHY LIVING

5 Ways To Stay Healthy This Christmas Season

Published

1 month ago

December 21, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

5 Ways To Stay Healthy This Christmas Season | fab.ng

The Christmas season is full of joy, food, and celebrations, but it can also be a time when health routines fall by the wayside. To stay healthy during the festive period, adopting mindful habits is key.

Here are five actionable strategies to ensure you enjoy the festivities while prioritising your well-being.

1. Make Balanced Food Choices

The holiday season is synonymous with indulgence. While it’s tempting to try everything on the table, opt for a balanced approach. Start meals with proteins and vegetables, which keep you full longer and stabilise your blood sugar.

Enjoy festive treats in moderation, allowing yourself small portions of your favourites without overindulging. By practising mindful eating, you can savour holiday flavours without guilt.

Staying hydrated is equally important. Drink plenty of water to counterbalance rich foods and avoid excessive sugary beverages or cocktails. Alternating alcohol with water is a good way to maintain balance during parties.

2. Prioritise Regular Exercise

Exercise doesn’t have to stop during the Christmas season. Incorporate simple physical activities like morning walks, quick home workouts, or even yoga to maintain your energy levels and reduce stress.

A 10–15 minute walk after meals can aid digestion and manage blood sugar levels. Staying active ensures you feel energised and offsets the effects of holiday indulgences.

3. Manage Holiday Stress

The Christmas season can be hectic, with endless to-do lists and social events. Combat stress by practising mindfulness and setting realistic expectations for your time.

Take breaks when needed, meditate, or engage in activities that help you unwind. Organising your tasks and delegating responsibilities can also alleviate pressure.

4. Get Adequate Sleep

Sleep is crucial for overall health, especially during a busy festive period. Poor sleep can lead to increased cravings and mood swings, making it harder to stick to healthy habits. Aim for 7–8 hours of rest each night.

Create a calming bedtime routine by avoiding screens, dimming lights, and reading a book to relax. Staying consistent with your sleep schedule will keep your energy levels high throughout the Christmas season.

5. Plan Ahead for Healthier Choices

With back-to-back events, it’s easy to fall into unhealthy eating habits. Preparing healthy snacks like nuts, boiled eggs, or fruit ensures you have nutritious options on hand.

Planning meals and snacks ahead of time helps avoid impulsive decisions, keeping your health goals on track even during the busiest days.

Enjoy the Festivities While Staying Healthy

By focusing on mindful eating, staying active, managing stress, sleeping well, and planning ahead, you can enjoy the Christmas season while maintaining your health. Balancing fun with wellness ensures you start the new year feeling your best.

If you found this article helpful, read more here.

FOOD

5 Health Benefits Of Cooking With Garlic

Published

2 months ago

December 7, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

5 Health Benefits of Cooking With Garlic | fab.ng

Garlic is more than just a flavour enhancer; it offers numerous health benefits that have been celebrated for centuries. Incorporating garlic into your meals not only enriches the taste but also boosts your overall well-being.

Let’s explore five key health benefits of garlic, emphasising why this simple ingredient deserves a spot in your kitchen.

1. Boosts Heart Health

Garlic is renowned for its heart-protective properties. It helps lower blood pressure and reduces cholesterol levels, which are crucial factors in maintaining cardiovascular health.

Allicin, a compound found in garlic, relaxes blood vessels, improving blood flow and reducing the risk of heart disease.

Regular consumption of garlic may also prevent artery hardening, a condition known as atherosclerosis. Clearly, one of the primary health benefits of garlic is its contribution to a healthy heart.

2. Strengthens the Immune System

Garlic acts as a powerful immune booster. Its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties help the body fend off infections. Rich in antioxidants, garlic combats free radicals that can damage cells and contribute to illness.

Cooking with garlic regularly can support your immune system, making it more resilient against common colds and flu. This vital health benefit of garlic makes it a natural defence mechanism.

3. Improves Digestive Health

Garlic promotes healthy digestion by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes. Its antimicrobial properties can help balance gut flora, reducing harmful bacteria and promoting beneficial ones.

Additionally, garlic may reduce inflammation in the gut, alleviating symptoms of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Including garlic in your diet can improve overall digestive function, emphasising another essential health benefit of garlic.

4. Enhances Bone Health

Surprisingly, garlic may also support strong bones. It contains minerals like calcium, manganese, and selenium, which are vital for bone density and strength.

Some studies suggest that garlic consumption can increase estrogen levels in women, potentially reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

This lesser-known health benefit of garlic highlights its role beyond the kitchen, contributing to long-term skeletal health.

5. Supports Detoxification

Garlic aids the body’s natural detoxification process by activating liver enzymes that help eliminate toxins. Its sulfur compounds enhance liver function, enabling the body to flush out heavy metals and harmful substances more efficiently.

Regularly cooking with garlic can provide a natural cleanse, supporting overall vitality. This detoxifying health benefit of garlic underscores its importance for maintaining internal balance.

Incorporating Garlic into Your Diet

Maximise these health benefits by adding garlic to soups, stir-fries, and sauces. Crush or chop it and let it sit for a few minutes before cooking to enhance its beneficial compounds.

Remember, the health benefits of garlic are most potent when it’s used fresh and minimally cooked.

Cooking with garlic not only elevates your culinary creations but also offers significant health advantages. Embrace this versatile ingredient and enjoy the multiple health benefits of garlic with every meal.

Would you like more articles or additional tips? Check here.

HEALTHY LIVING

How To Stay Healthy While Boosting Productivity

Published

2 months ago

November 30, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Balancing health and productivity is essential for personal well-being and professional success. Integrating healthy habits into your daily routine enhances focus, reduces stress, and increases overall efficiency.

Here’s how you can maintain good health while staying productive:

1. Prioritise Physical Health

Exercise Regularly: Physical activity enhances both physical health and mental clarity. Simple practices like taking short walks during breaks or stretching between tasks improve circulation and energy levels.

Maintain Good Nutrition: Eating balanced meals fuels your body and brain. Choose healthy snacks and stay hydrated throughout the day to maintain consistent energy levels.

Sleep Well: Adequate sleep (7-9 hours) improves memory, focus, and mood, contributing to higher productivity. Establish a consistent bedtime routine to ensure restful sleep.

2. Manage Your Energy, Not Just Time

Identify peak productivity periods in your day. Allocate complex or creative tasks to those high-energy times, and save routine work for low-energy periods. This practice optimises your natural rhythms for maximum efficiency.

3. Practice Mindfulness and Stress Management

Take Short Breaks: Regular breaks prevent burnout and boost concentration. Even a five-minute pause every hour can refresh your mind.

Mindful Practices: Meditation or deep-breathing exercises reduce stress and improve focus. Incorporating these into your daily routine fosters mental clarity and emotional resilience.

4. Create a Healthy Work Environment

Ergonomic Workspace: Arrange your workspace to support good posture and reduce strain. Use ergonomic furniture and ensure proper lighting to prevent fatigue.

Limit Distractions: Reduce noise and digital interruptions to stay focused. Tools like “Do Not Disturb” settings and noise-cancelling headphones can help create a conducive work atmosphere.

5. Foster Mental Health

Set Boundaries: Separate work from personal time. Avoid checking work emails after hours to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Stay Connected: Engage in positive social interactions at work. A supportive environment enhances motivation and reduces feelings of isolation.

6. Optimise Productivity Techniques

Batch Tasks: Group similar activities together to avoid frequent context-switching, which drains mental energy. This method enhances focus and efficiency.

Use To-Do Lists: Organise tasks by priority. Focus on completing high-value activities first to maximise your productivity.

By integrating these health-focused strategies into your daily routine, you can maintain physical well-being, reduce stress, and improve productivity, creating a sustainable path to professional success and personal fulfilment.