Wellness Weekly 13: Ironing It Out

By Idy Perl

Welcome back to Wellness Weekly! Spring is in the air and sleeves are being rolled up as we get closer to Pesach. Looking for alternative cleaning solutions to get you through it? Look no further! This week we look at iron, the mineral that keeps our bodies going, learn about some alternative cleaning solutions, and a good yoga stretch to do after the cleaning is done. 

Myth Buster

Myth: The iron in our body isn’t actually, like, that kind of iron, that bridges and buildings and cars are made of.  

Truth: So it’s actually exactly that kind of iron. Our bodies don’t naturally produce iron; we get it from the foods we eat, such as red meat, liver, seafood, and eggs. Various plant-based foods have iron as well, such as dark leafy greens, beans, and nuts, but the iron in those foods isn’t as easily absorbed by the body.

 

Healthy Hacks

As we get closer to Nissan, Jewish balabustes everywhere are discreetly throwing away leftover mishloach manos and starting to clean the nooks and crannies of their homes. If you use up your cleaning solutions, or want a chemical-free, cheap alternative, try making this easy cleaning solution!

Pour equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to give it a fresh scent. Give the bottle a few good shakes to mix it all up and spray away! Happy cleaning!

 

Wellness Wisdom

Iron plays a critical role in our body, as it allows for the development of red blood cells and transports oxygen around the body. Red blood cells contain a protein called hemoglobin, which have four binding sites where oxygen atoms attach and are then carried from the lungs to the rest of the body. Those four binding sites in the hemoglobin contain a central iron atom, which is what allows the oxygen to bind to the hemoglobin to be transported.

 

Mind And Body Exercise

Feel your back muscles strain after a full day of cleaning? Try the supine twist yoga pose to stretch your spine, shoulders, and hips.

Lie flat on your back with your feet straight out. Bend your right knee and bring it over your left thigh, using your left hand to gently press your knee down to the floor. Stretch your right hand out to the side and turn your head to look over your right shoulder. Hold the pose for 5-10 breaths before resting and repeating it on the other side.

 

Sharing is Caring

What all-purpose cleaning solution do you use the most while Pesach cleaning?

 

 

Photo: Shutterstock