HEALTH & BEAUTY HEALTH
ily because it replaces water-soluble vitamins that are lost by alcohol’s diuretic effect (i.e. it makes you urinate more frequently) and provides you with nutrients your body needs to fight the toxins alcohol produces as it breaks down. While some drunk people might crave low-nutrient foods like pizza or French fries, you’re much better off opting for fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein if they are available. CAN YOU SOBER UP WITH COFFEE OR A COLD SHOWER? If only there were really a way to reverse drunkenness very quickly! Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Not even commonly regarded “cures” can actually make you suddenly sober. All coffee or a cold shower does is make you feel more alert. This is because caffeine and cold water stimulate your nervous system, not because your body has metabolized the alcohol quickly. The only way to sober up is to wait it out: It will usually take your body one hour to process one drink (in this case, one drink is defined as 1 ounce of liquor, 12 ounces of normal-strength beer or 5 ounces of wine). WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU’RE GOING OUT DRINKING? Don’t risk it. If you’re planning to drink, have a place to stay or a safe ride home. You can opt to use a rideshare service or taxi, or you could get a ride with a friend who is completely abstaining from alcohol for the night. If you’re a host, offer nonalcoholic drink options and be diligent to make sure all your guests leave with a designated driver.
Copaiba Oil POTENTIALLY THE NEXT BIG HEALTH TREND By Dylan Roche
You might have heard recently about an essential oil called Copaiba (pronounced co-pie-EE-ba), which is generating a lot of buzz, particularly among holistic health circles, about its variety of purported benefits — everything from relieving pain to helping fight cancer.
Here’s a brief rundown on what you should know about what could very likely be a big health trend in 2021… 1. Copaiba oil derives from the sap of trees in South and Central America. These trees, known formally as Copaifera officinalis, are tapped much the way maple trees are to harvest syrup. Their resin is then distilled with steam to produce an aromatic oil with a smell that might remind you of cinnamon, honey, and cedar. 2.While copaiba oil is a recent addition to our health discourage here in modern-day American, it actually has a long history in South and Central America—the Mayan culture used it starting in the 16th to treat a variety of ailments. 3. Talk to advocates of copaiba today, and you might hear that it has anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antimicrobial capabilities. Claims include that it can help stave off cancer, relieve pain, and even aid in healing scars or clearing up skin blemishes. 4. Unfortunately, while there is some basic research to support some of its health claims, there’s nothing conclusive that proves copaiba is any kind of miracle. However, those who are interested in complementary and alternative medicine may wish to keep an eye on it as it undergoes more studies. At the very least, they may wish to simply use copaiba as an aromatic oil in their home to boost their mood and relieve stress. 5. If you want to add copaiba to your essential oil collection, it’s important you use discretion in choosing a seller—go with a reliable distributor, such as doTERRA. Don’t buy any copaiba oil that has been cut with chemicals or other toxic ingredients. It’s also important not to rely on copaiba oil as treatment in lieu of proven methods. 6. Follow the specific directions provided by the oil’s distributor. You can use copaiba by mixing it with a carrier oil or lotion and massaging it onto the skin, diffusing it into the air with a mister or diffuser, or putting several drops in a warm bath. whatsupmag.com | December 2020 | What’s Up? Eastern Shore
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