The Importance of HEPA Filters in Your Home

The HEPA air filtration standard requires that 99.97% of airborne particles larger than 0.3 microns be removed from the air by constant filtration. HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Arrestance, and it is no surprise by the large amount of airborne contamination a HEPA filter traps that it is the highest standard in meeting air quality requirements in both industrial and household settings.

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Once dust, contaminates and particles are trapped in a HEPA filter, they are locked in and will not re-enter the air. The only way to remove the caught particles is by removing the filter and washing it. Periodically washing and maintaining your HEPA filter will ensure it can continually be used to trap a high number of air particles. Without cleaning the filter regularly, especially after using in a highly polluted environment, the HEPA filter cannot successfully capture the 99.97% of airborne particles.

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HEPA filters are environmentally friendly and will not emit any harmful bi-products into the atmosphere. Other types of air filters, such as ionic air filtration systems, release ozone as they process airflow. Using a HEPA filter will ensure that you are not breathing in or releasing any harmful materials or chemicals.

In home use, HEPA filters can be found in vacuum cleaners, furnaces and air conditioning systems. There are also some floor-fan models that employ HEPA technology to filter the air as it is circulated throughout your house. Some in-home air purifiers and humidifiers also use a HEPA filtration system to remove unwanted particles and toxins from the air in your home.

It is imperative that you create a healthy environment for you family by regularly keeping up with the maintenance and cleaning that go along with using HEPA air filters. Be sure to look after any appliance that uses filters, especially furnaces and air conditioners. It is recommended you change those filters at least once every two months to ensure maximum filtration in your home's airflow.

An improved air quality standard in your home can be beneficial to your health. If you suffer from allergies, you know the importance of breathing air free of pollen, dust, pet dander and other irritants. A HEPA air filtration system can remove those particles from the air at a greater efficiency than other filters and improve your quality of life.

It is important to mention, also, that some products on the market today claim to be "HEPA Type" or "HEPA Like". These filters do not remove 99.97% of harmful airborne particles with a diameter larger than 0.3 microns. They can remove as much as 95%, which may sound like a significant number, but can be misleading especially if you are prone to allergies or are using the filter in an environment with a lot of airborne contaminates.

Use HEPA technology to virtually eliminate and trap all airborne particles from entering the airflow of your home. You'll immediately notice the difference.

The Importance of HEPA Filters in Your Home

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The Importance of Good Nutrition For a Healthy Liver

There is a condition that is an accumulation of fat cells in the liver which is known as steatosis, commonly referred to as fatty liver. This condition is present in alcoholics and non-alcoholics, and if not properly treated, can lead to a type of cancer of the liver known as hepatocellular carcinoma, which can be found in approximately 10-24% of the public. In fact, as much as ten percent of patients with fatty liver will develop the disease.

Fatty liver can be diagnosed with a simple blood test and is often discovered during screening for other conditions. There are a number of possible causes of fatty liver, including:

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- Improper transfer of fat from one part of the body to another

- Increased extraction of fat going from the intestine to the liver

- Slowing of the process of the liver breaking down fat and removing it from the body

- Sometimes occurs during pregnancy

- High doses of tetracycline

- Valproic acid toxicity

Risk Factors for Fatty Liver

There are a number of risk factors for fatty liver, some of which can be avoided, such as obesity and starvation. Other risk factors for fatty liver include irritable bowel syndrome, hepatitis C, diabetes, poisons, corticosteroids, Cushings syndrome and hyperlipidemia, which is caused by high levels of fat in the blood. Fatty liver is actually one of the most common causes of isolated liver enzymes, and in order to properly diagnose fatty liver, a liver biopsy must be performed.

A Healthy, Well-Balanced Diet is Essential

A healthy diet is essential to combat fatty liver because the liver, which is the second heaviest organ in the body next to the skin, distributes nutrients from food to our bodies, deciding which are toxic and which are not, which nutrients to use as energy and which should be stored as fat. The liver works pretty much as hard as the heart does, and the poorer the diet, the harder the liver must work to ensure that the proper nutrients are getting to the proper places. When the liver works this hard, it can become overstressed, which can lead to fatty liver.

There are three essential nutrients that the body depends on to remain strong and healthy: carbohydrates, fats and proteins.

Carbohydrates

The body gets its energy mainly from carbohydrates, and contrary to popular belief, we do need at least 50% of our diets to consist of carbohydrates. Even though most of the body can use other nutrients for energy, the only one that the brain is able to use is carbohydrates, which can either be simple or complex. Simple carbohydrates are the ones that you want to avoid, or at least have in small amounts. These are more easily digested, therefore, they cause significant spikes in blood glucose levels. The best carbohydrates to have in a healthy diet are complex carbohydrates, which can be found in whole grain foods such as whole grain bread and crackers.

Fats

Fatty liver is not a condition that is typically cause by having too much fat in the diet. Fats are necessary for survival, and it is important to include the right fats in a well-balanced diet. Too much fat in the diet can lead to obesity, which is a definite risk factor for fatty liver. But if you are considering going on a low-fat diet, remember that being underweight is also a risk factor. This is why it is important for your diet to be well-balanced, with all of the proper amounts of the macronutrients that the body needs. Excellent dietary sources of fat include fatty fish such as salmon, olives and olive oil and nuts.

Proteins

This is a macronutrient that the body needs in order to survive. Protein plays a vital role in tissue and muscle growth, recovery and regeneration, and affects every cell in the body. There are two dietary sources of protein, plants and animals, with animal and soy being the best sources, providing all 22 essential and non-essential amino acids. According to the American Heart Association, most diets should be around 35% protein. In addition to being necessary, protein helps dieters as it makes one feel fuller than other nutrients, thereby resulting in eating less.

Types of Protein Supplements

There are a number of terrific protein supplements available that will give you the protein, along with many other important vitamins and nutrients, that you need for energy and good health. Some of the more popular types of protein supplements include:

Protein Powders

These are available unflavored, and can be added to most of your favorite recipes. They are also available in a number of delicious flavors and can be used to make great-tasting shakes, smoothies and slushies. Protein powders are usually made from whey, casein, soy and rice proteins, which are all considered to be complete proteins.

Liquid Proteins

These can be found in delicious flavors and are often ready-to-drink. Many liquid proteins are made with whey or casein proteins, both milk derivatives, so those who are allergic to milk and milk products or are lactose intolerant should try soy, rice or egg proteins instead. Read the ingredients carefully to make sure that you are getting a product that will be good for your health. If you are unsure, speak with your physician.

Protein Bars and Snacks

There are a number of delicious protein bars and other snacks available that are ideal for mid-morning and afternoon snacks. They provide the protein you need, which will give you the energy you need to get through the day, and many are low in fat and calories so they are great for diets.

Another terrific protein supplement is Profect, from Protica. This little drink that is less than three ounces really packs a protein punch, with 25 grams of protein per serving. It is low in calories (only 100 per serving), and is also low in carbohydrates and fats. This is a great supplement for dieters who want to get their protein without the fat and calories.

The Importance of Good Nutrition For a Healthy Liver

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