Tag: health

Atmospheric Ions and Health

Todays post is about the affect of atmospheric ions on our health.

Recently Scott and I were discussing the benefits of spending time outdoors, in a relaxed environment. As with most people, we have found that just spending time at the park or at the beach improves our mood and sometimes our health.

This prompted me to consider if there was any documented science to support this theory.

So, I did a bit of research and am sharing what I found.

I found several scientific studies and articles discussing the relationship between the atmosphere and its influence on health and mood. I am not taking about the attitudes of others around us either, though this can play a part.

First, what are Atmospheric Ions?

Science has found that the atmosphere we breathe normally is full of positive and negative ions. Air ions are invisible, electrically charged molecules or atoms in the atmosphere. Some particles are positively charged and some are negatively charged.

Negative air ions (NAIs) were actually discovered more than 100 years ago.

These ions are also present in our bodies, the positive and the negative ones.

NAI’s are abundant in nature. In fact, you will find the highest concentrations of negative ions around waterfalls, on the ocean, at the beach and after a storm. They are widespread in mountains and forests.

In polluted cities, crowded areas and in confined spaces such as offices, industrial areas, schools and cars, you will find the highest concentration of positive ions. These “Concrete Jungles” minimise the natural production of negative ions by disrupting the delicate electrical balance between the atmosphere and the earth.

Positive ions have been found to have a disruptive influence on our health. Headaches, sleepiness, low attention spans and a general sense of feeling unwell are just some of the side effects of spending too long indoors.

Atmospheric ions and health

Once they reach our bloodstream, ions are believed to produce biochemical reactions. Research has found that negative ions contribute to overall well-being and health.

High concentrations of negative air ions are essential for high energy and positive mood. This is why fresh air and sunshine have an invigorating effect. Alternatively, being closed in with little light corresponds with depressed feelings.

Scientists are now working with manufacturers to develop NAI generation systems. Systems that can be used to freshen indoor air and in addition to enriching oxygen content in homes, schools, hospitals, airports, and other indoor areas.

Health benefits of NAI’s include:

  • Decreased blood pressure
  • Increased concentration and productivity
  • Improved psychological health
  • Revitalised cell metabolism.
  • Enhanced immune function.
  • Purify the blood.
  • and finally they balance the autonomic nervous system, promoting deep sleep and healthy digestion.

There was so much more information available, but it is too confusing to share.

Basically, this explains why we feel so much better after spending some relaxing time outdoors, in the fresh air.

So, we are not imagining it. It’s important to schedule a date with nature to upload on negative ions.

Till the next post,

Live clean n Prosper

Sources: Study Resource – National Library of Medicine – The Owner’s Manual for the Brain, Everyday Applications from Mind-Brain Research –

Welcome to 2022

Welcome to 2022 and the first post for the year.

We hope that all our readers were able to find time to spend with family or friends over the Christmas, New Year period.

Before writing this post, I reviewed last year’s first post where I shared that we had decided to spend more time outdoors, preferably camping.

Well I am pleased to share that we did spend more time camping last year than we have done in previous years. We have already tallied up more mileage on our camper in 1 year than the last one did total.

Our longest trip was for 3 weeks during which we travelled around Queensland, camping in some great places. We went as far north as Palm Cove, then out west to Winton, before heading back to Brisbane. We had a fabulous time, saw some amazing sights and met some really lovely people. We enjoyed the trip so much, that we are planning on doing a very similar trip again this year.

Scott has the end of his degree in sight and with that the development of Live Clean n Prosper Health Services also draws closer.

With the now ever-present challenge of Covid, maintaining good health is even more important.

We will continue to share information related to all things health with the view that it may help some of you with your own health.

Till the next post,

 Live clean n prosper

Coffee and Caffeine

Todays post is about coffee and caffeine.

Recently Scott came home from a day at university and declared he was giving up coffee, or to be more precise, caffeine. He explained that one of the lectures he attended was about the effects of caffeine on the body.

This was the start of several discussions and I wondered how much information was available on this subject.

A search of the Internet provides a massive amount on information about coffee and caffeine. Most is about how good it is. There is less information about any down sides.

First, what is Coffee?

Coffee beans are the seeds of a fruit called a coffee cherry. Coffee cherries grow on coffee trees from a genus of plants called ‘Coffea’. There are a wide variety of species of coffee plants, ranging from shrubs to trees.

Coffee beans start out green. They are roasted at a high heat to produce a chemical change that releases the rich aroma and flavour that we associate with coffee. They are then cooled and ground for brewing.

The result is an intricate mixture of more than a thousand chemicals. The cup of coffee you order from a coffee shop is likely different from the coffee you make at home.

About the caffeine

Caffeine is a psychoactive substance that occurs naturally in the fruit, leaves, and beans of coffee, cacao, and guarana plants. It is also added to some beverages and supplements.

It is absorbed within about 45 minutes after consuming, and peaks in the blood anywhere from 15 minutes to 2 hours. The caffeine in beverages is quickly absorbed in the gut. From there it dissolves into both the body’s water and fat molecules. It is then able to cross into the brain.

Food or food components, such as fibre, in the gut can delay how quickly caffeine in the blood peaks. It can remain in the blood anywhere from 1.5 to 9.5 hours, depending on various factors.

According to many studies, moderate intake can promote a variety of health benefits, including a lower risk of certain cancers, brain conditions, and liver problems.

Is caffeine bad for us?

Caffeine consumption also carries several risks and the human response to it can vary substantially across individuals. Low to moderate doses (50–300 mg) may cause increased alertness, energy, and ability to concentrate.

This is due to the caffeine increasing the neurotransmitters for memory, concentration and pleasure.

However, research has also linked moderate amounts of caffeine to adverse effects on health.

In 2013, the results of a study showed that consuming as much as 300 mg of caffeine a day during pregnancy may increase the risk of having a baby with low birth weight.

In 2015 a study identified several negative effects of consuming more than 400 mg of caffeine per day. The adverse effects include reduced blood flow to the brain and heart, irregular and/or rapid heart rate as well as reducing the body’s ability to recycle and absorb calcium.

Some symptoms of increased caffeine consumption include anxiety, restlessness, insomnia and tremors.

Interestingly, these effects can also be present when people withdraw from caffeine.

Then there was also a wide range of studies that suggested that the cognitive benefits of caffeine are actually associated with relief from withdrawal, rather than with improvement in function.

To drink coffee or not?

It appears that more research is necessary to confirm whether long-term caffeine consumption is safe. Whether it provides benefits or increases the risk of health problems. At the end of the day, it is how the individual feels when they do, or don’t drink coffee.

On a personal note Scott only drank, on average, 2 cups of coffee a day so he didn’t think that giving up coffee would be noticeable. However, on the day he decided to stop drinking coffee, he experienced headaches, was jittery and quite grumpy. Thankfully these symptoms only lasted one day.

Now Scott is drinking decaffeinated coffee. He states that he his head feels clearer with less brain fog and generally feels better overall.

Till the next post,

Live clean n Prosper.

Sources – US National Library of Medicine, Harvard School of Public Health, Science Direct, Medical News Today