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Drinking 2 Sodas A Day Might Lead To Your Death

It’s no surprise that sodas are not considered a healthy beverage. With lots sugar (or artificial chemicals), soda can cause weight gain, tooth decay, and numerous other issues. If these health risks were not enough to make you put down the bubbly beverage, the latest study from “Journal of the American Medical Association” will. Researchers found that drinking just two sodas a day can be linked to a higher chance of death. Yes, DEATH.

a fizzing soda.

A Substantial Study On Sodas

This was not some small study with only a few participants. 451,743 healthy individuals from different European countries participated in the study, all of whom gave information over the course of almost a decade, from 1992-2000. The participants were asked to report their consumption of soda, and researchers paired that information with the mortality rates from 11 to 19 years after.

Conclusive Evidence

For all those who regularly consume soda, the unsettling news might shock you. Researchers found those who consumed two sugary drinks or more a day had much higher mortality rates than those who only drank one soda a month. Additionally, the heavy soda drinkers were on average 2 years younger than their fellow one-a-month participants, giving rise to the clear correlation between soda and fatal health risks.

lots of cans of pepsi sodas.

Different Causes Of Death For Diet Vs. Regular Soda

One of the most interesting findings from the study was that the cause of early death for diet soda drinkers was different from the early mortality of regular soda. Those who drank diet sodas with artificial sweeteners typically died of diseases related to the circulatory system. Regular soda drinkers more often died from diseases linked to the liver and intestines.

cans of diet and regular sodas.

While more information and research is needed on the effects of artificial sweeteners, it is safe to say you are much better off skipping the soda at your next meal.

Photos: Freepik, Unsplash

The Best Time To Drink Coffee Is Not In The Morning

If you feel like you can’t fully start your day until you’ve swigged down a cup of coffee, you’re not alone. According to one survey, over 60% of Americans consume coffee daily. No wonder big coffee chains like Starbucks do so well nationally (and internationally). For the majority of coffee consumers, the standard time to drink a cup of joe is in the morning. However, a recent study found that this isn’t actually the best time to be sipping on the caffeinated beverage…

woman drinking a cup of coffee in. the morning.

Reasons To Avoid The Morning Mug Of Joe

While most of us rely on caffeine first thing in the morning to wake us up, in reality there are many more health perks to coffee that we are not benefiting from simply based on the time of consumption. Scientific studies revealed that the health advantages are best when the body has low levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. This is because when caffeine is mixed with cortisol, the body responds negatively, causing fatigue, poor sleep and other health risks.

coffee with beans shaped in a heart beat.

Your body naturally throughout the day has a pattern of higher and lower levels of cortisol. For each person this pattern is different, and depends on your circadian rhythm and the time you wake up. For example, people who wake up at 6:30am typically has peak cortisol around 8:30am, 12:30pm, and 5pm, meaning they should avoid consuming coffee at these times. Additionally, it is advisable for everyone to not drink the beverage right when you wake up, because that’s when hormones start being active.

The Best Time For Coffee Consumption

While each person has their own circadian rhythm, which can be calculated online, the best “catch-all” time for coffee consumption is mid-morning or early afternoon. This is typically when cortisol levels are lowest, and you can better benefit both from the caffeine stimulation and other health perks.

What Are The Other Health Perks Of Coffee?

woman holding out a mug to the camera.

Given its vast consumption and popularity, coffee has been the source of many scientific investigations. While too much caffeine can lead to negative side effects for some people, drinking 1-2 cups a day has been found to help reduce the chances of getting cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Time to get the most out of your mug and sip up!

Photos: Pixabay, Freepik

Adopt A Rescue Dog Through A “Dating App”

Dating Apps have grown increasingly popular over the years, and with them has grown an influx of themed versions. No longer are there apps of just a photo with a mini bio. You can now search apps for people based on religious views, music preferences, and even your shared hatred of things! That said, we think the best “dating app” out there isn’t for finding your soulmate, but rather for your best furry friend. “How I Met My Dog” is the app to find your perfect– you guessed it- loving rescue pooch!

woman smiling holding her rescue dog

How The App Works

The app “How I Met My Dog” works like several dating apps by having you create a profile first through a detailed questionnaire. The questions ask about your living situation, as well as how you imagine yourself as a pet owner. It also asks your preferences, such as size and gender of the dog. After filling out the survey, the app matches you with different dogs in your area that fulfill your needs. You’ll wish you could “swipe right” and “match” with them all!

a keyboard with a "love" button.

Rescue Dogs Only

The best part about this dog-finding service, is that all the dogs available to adopt are rescue! These adorable pooches are a range of ages and simply hoping for their forever home. If you are thinking about getting a rescue dog, but don’t feel ready yet to make the commitment, you can still create a profile. There is no obligation for signing up to adopt on the spot, and you can even create a search if you are “just looking.”

a group of rescue dogs.

Perfectly Paired

Regardless, the ultimate goal of this website is to find the perfect pairing. While dating apps are known to have their serious flaws (catfish, anyone?), “How I Met Your Dog” is an honest site that provides photos and a background of each of the dogs listed in your matches. Who needs a partner when you can find your new furry best friend instead!

woman smiling hugging her rescue dog.

Photos: Freepik, Pixabay

Daily Interactions That You Didn’t Know Are Disgusting

The majority of us try to maintain a clean lifestyle and avoid interactions that are, well, disgusting. No one likes to wake up Monday morning with a fever and flu because their neighbor on the metro was sneezing up a storm. However, there are several common daily interactions that we have that you would be shocked to know are bacteria cesspools.

man, grossed out, providing a tissue to a sneezing woman.

Your Rideshare Is Dirtier Than A Taxi

Many people prefer to use rideshare services like Uber and Lyft over Taxis due to the convenience, price, and comfort. When we enter, the car typically LOOKS clean, however a study estimated that the backseat of your rideshare has 219 times more bacteria than a taxi. This is due to the fact Taxis are required to regularly clean their car, whereas Uber rideshare cars only need to pass an initial inspection.

man touching a disgusting seatbelt in a rideshare.

The biggest hot spots for the bacteria are the window buttons and seatbelt. In order to stay safe and not break seatbelt laws, it is recommend to bring some antibacterial wipes to clean off any disgusting germs that were left behind by a previous passenger.

A Disgusting Beach Vacation Dilemma

When planning a beach vacation, most of us look forward to the refreshing feeling of a nice dip in the ocean. This study might make you think otherwise, which found that just ten minutes in the ocean can make bacteria stick to your skin for hours afterwards. As a result, your chances of infection increase, particularly respiratory and gastrointestinal issues. This is exacerbated by the fact that many beaches have poor water quality thanks to trash left behind by visitors.

two girls entering the ocean, full of disgusting bacteria.

Rather than sob as you write off the beach from all your future vacations, this simply means it is crucial you rinse off after swimming. It is also advisable to not enter the ocean if you have any open wounds, as these sites are more susceptible to infection.

Airport Security Bins Are Anything But Safe

Airport Security is designed to keep us safe, however the bacteria laden bins are a disgusting required interaction that could leave you very ill. One study found many bins contain the same bacteria that cause various respiratory infections. In fact, researchers detected more bacteria on airport security bins than on the toilets at the airports! This can be attributed to the fact that most airports do have measures to keep the bathrooms clean and sanitary, but the bins? Nothing.

Next time you pass through security, just remember to wash your hands ASAP afterwards.

Photos: Freepik, Pixabay

Products That Can Make You Productive

Working a typical 9-to-5 job can make it hard to maintain the motivation needed to stay focused throughout your shift. Hours on end sitting at a desk and are not recommended for your best quality work, however we often have little say on our work hours. That said, these amazing products are designed to help you be more productive in your day and produce your best results.

people at work celebrating their productive success.

Adjustable Standing Desk

Sitting on your behind for endless hours negatively impacts your blood circulation, making it harder to think clearly. An adjustable standing desk helps you easily get to your feet whenever you want and potentially help spur new ideas. This is especially ideal for active people who feel restless sitting at a desk all day.

Blue Light Glasses

Do you find you get reoccurring headaches from looking at the computer all day? The blue light from screens can have a major effect in causing digital eye strain, leaving you foggy and pained. A stylish solution (that doesn’t involve quitting your day job) is wearing blue light glasses, which block out the glare that causes you headaches. Now your great ideas can flow the whole work day sans problems!

woman wearing blue light glasses while working on a computer to be productive.

Portable Blender

Hunger pangs in the early afternoon are enough to distract anyone from the task at hand. Get out of your slump with a delicious smoothie made whenever and wherever thanks to this portable blender. No need to think serving sizes either, this blender is sized for a personal smoothie to fuel your most productive self!

Productivity Timer

No one can properly live by the mantra of “all work, no play.” That’s why this productivity timer is the perfect solution for keeping you motivated to work. It functions by setting up 30 minutes for your work and 5 minutes of “play,” in which you can use to free your mind and get up from the desk. You’ll be shocked by how productive you truly are with this method!

Productivity timer.

Photos: Freepik, Amazon Play/Work

Stressed Out? Relax With These Simple Solutions

If you have been feeling uptight and stressed the last month, you’re not alone. The American Psychological Association reported that 75% of Americans have symptoms of stress monthly, and we can only imagine what the global average must be. That said, there are ways of controlling and reducing stress that are both simple and affordable to fit into your daily life. 

Chewing Gum

girl blowing a bubble gum to reduce stress.

Beyond giving your mouth a fresh flavor, chewing gum can actually help to improve your mood and reduce cortisol levels. Cortisol is known as the “stress hormone,” so when this is lowered you will feel all around less stress in your life. 

Filling Your Room With Plants

an office room with plants.

Spending time in the outdoors can make you feel instantly refreshed and calmer. To achieve these same benefits while inside of your home or office space, you can fill your room with plants, which has been proven to lower blood pressure associated with high stress environments. It also has been shown to help with your productivity and breathing. Plus, your room will be a sight for sore eyes with beautiful plants as decorations!

Biting Down On Some Chocolate

several bars of chocolate surrounded by cocoa powder.

Chocolate doesn’t just taste amazing– it actually makes us FEEL better too! Dark chocolate in particular has been proven to reduce stress levels when eaten daily, even in small amounts. Time to give yourself the sweet treat you deserve!

Mowing The Lawn

a man the mowing lawn, which is a unique way to feel less stressed.

This is probably the most shocking on the list… But a chemical that is released from the grass after it is freshly cut has the ability to make people feel happier and calmer. Some research found it even helps to reduce mental deterioration! You will also feel less stressed thanks to completing another chore. Another check off the to-do list!

Sipping On Some Tea

a glass of tea for when you are feeling stressed.

The British may be on to something with their love of tea. Scientists found that drinking just one cup of tea can help to lower one’s stress by up to 25 percent! The best tea for the job is green tea, which has the stress-reducing ingredient L-theanine. Wind down right before bed with a cup and you are sure to sleep soundly.

Photos: Freepik, Pixabay