Coffee May Combat Alcohol’s Effect on the Liver

Posted on by TP Mechanical

Presented by TP Mechanical | Provided by HORAN

According to researchers, drinking coffee may help reduce the risk of cirrhosis, a liver disease that is associated with the overindulgence of alcohol.

Cirrhosis is a potentially fatal disease that kills more than 1 million people worldwide every year. Its causes include immune disorders, excessive alcohol consumption and fatty liver disease, which is linked to obesity and diabetes.

bigstock-Coffee-1341489Studies of over 430,000 participants indicated that the risk of cirrhosis was reduced with each additional cup of coffee consumed per day. That risk was reduced by the following percentages when compared to participants who didn’t drink any coffee:

  • One cup – 22 percent lower risk
  • Two cups – 43 percent lower risk
  • Three cups – 57 percent lower risk
  • Four cups – 65 percent lower risk

While the studies accounted for alcohol consumption, none accounted for other cirrhosis risk factors, such as obesity and diabetes.

Sleep and Your Health

Posted on by TP Mechanical

Presented by TP Mechanical | Provided by HORAN

Many people fall short of the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep per night. With busy schedules, it may be tempting to stay up late, but sleep is an important factor in overall health. A good night’s sleep allows bodies to rest, repair cells and fight off illness.

The body undergoes certain changes during sleep. Heart rate and breathing slow, body temperature drops, and yet the brain remains incredibly active. In fact, sometimes the brain is even more active during REM sleep (a state of deep sleep usually associated with dreaming) than it is during the normal waking state.

Insufficient sleep can cause many negative side effects, including drowsiness, loss of productivity and impaired judgment. In addition, losing sleep can affect mood and increase the risk of accidents and injury. Long-term side effects of not getting enough sleep include weight gain, obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Your lifestyle, your schedule and stress can affect how much sleep you get each night. However, if you are having trouble sleeping, there are several steps you can take:

  • Stick to a schedule to help regulate your body’s internal clock.
  • Exercise.
  • Avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine.
  • Establish a relaxing bedtime routine, such as reading.
  • Keep the TV out of your room as bright light can interfere with your natural sleep cycle.
  • Have comfortable bedding and pillows.
  • Keep your bedroom temperature between 60 and 67 degrees.

Getting enough sleep will boost your immune system and help you stay alert and productive throughout the day. With cold and flu season just around the corner, it’s now more important than ever to make sleep a priority.