Bios&Balance

04/04/2025

Own your cycle.
Hi ladies,
Still on myths and misconceptions, here are some about The Menstrual Cycle, along with their corresponding facts

1. Myth: Menstruation is dirty or unclean.
Fact: Menstruation is a natural bodily function, and periods are not inherently "dirty" or "unclean."

2. Myth: Women are less capable during their periods.
Fact: Menstruation does not affect a woman's ability to perform daily tasks or activities.

3. Myth: PMS is just an excuse.
Fact: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a legitimate condition that can cause physical and emotional symptoms.

4. Myth: You can't get pregnant during your period.
Fact: While the chances are lower, it is still possible to get pregnant during your period.

5. Myth: Menstrual cramps are just a normal part of being a woman.
Fact: While some cramping is common, severe or debilitating cramps can be a sign of an underlying medical condition.

6. Myth: Menstruation is the same for all women.
Fact: Every woman's menstrual cycle is unique, and experiences can vary greatly.

7. Myth: You should avoid exercise during your period.
Fact: Exercise can actually help alleviate menstrual symptoms, such as cramps and bloating.

Which of these have you heard before?

Follow our page for more content on health and wellness, as well as posts on


Photo credit

06/03/2025

SUGAR, KIDS, AND HYPERACTIVITY

Did you know that sugar does not directly cause hyperactivity in kids?
Contrary to popular belief, sugar does not directly make kids hyper. However, there are some factors that could contribute to an energy surge thereby causing parents to believe that their kids are hyperactive as a result of the sugar they've consumed.
For example, sugary treats are mostly served at parties or special events. During such occasions, noise and excitement are often ever present. These are stimulating factors which may contribute to hyperactivity in kids.
But every kid is not the same. It is true that some children DO experience a reaction to sugar such as an energy boost or mood swing.

As a parent or caregiver, it's still essential to:

- Encourage balanced diets with whole foods, fruits, and vegetables.
- Limit sugary treats and drinks.
- Promote regular physical activity and outdoor play.
- Ensure adequate sleep and stress management.

So to put it simply, consuming sugar does not directly cause hyperactivity in your kids.

21/01/2025

Recognizing the Signs of High Blood Sugar

High blood sugar can be a silent threat to your health and can cause serious complications if left unchecked. Here are some common signs that may indicate a high level of sugar in your blood:

Early Warning Signs

1. Increased thirst and hunger: When there's excess glucose in the blood, the body tries to flush it out by producing more urine, leading to dehydration.
2. Frequent urination: High blood sugar can cause the kidneys to produce more urine, leading to frequent trips to the bathroom.
3. Fatigue: High blood sugar can cause fatigue, weakness, and a general feeling of being unwell.
4. Blurred vision: High blood sugar can cause the lens in the eye to swell, leading to blurred vision.

Moderate to Severe Signs

1. Slow healing of cuts and wounds: High blood sugar can affect the body's ability to heal wounds.
2. Tingling or numbness in hands and feet: High blood sugar can damage nerves, causing tingling or numbness in extremities.
3. Recurring skin, gum, or bladder infections: High blood sugar can weaken the immune system, making it harder to fight off infections.
4. Fluctuations in blood pressure

Severe Signs
If you are experiencing any of these, it is important that you seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY

1. Seizures or convulsions: Severely high blood sugar can cause seizures or convulsions.
2. Confusion or disorientation: Severely high blood sugar can cause confusion, disorientation, or loss of consciousness.
3. Rapid heartbeat or palpitations: Severely high blood sugar can cause rapid heartbeat or palpitations.
4. Shortness of breath: Severely high blood sugar can cause shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

If you're experiencing one or more of the symptoms listed above, consult with a medical professional as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment. Early detection, proper management, and lifestyle changes can help prevent or delay the onset of complications.

Take Control of Your Blood Sugar! Maintain a balanced diet, stay hydrated, exercise regularly, and monitor your blood sugar levels.

11/01/2025

In a previous post, we talked about how taking care of your gut also takes care of your skin. Eating healthy is the first step to skincare, never forget that.
Here are some foods that can heal your skin and of course, bring about that balance 😉.
Follow BiosAndBalance for health and wellness tips and information.

Photo credit to respective owners.

08/01/2025

We're now on Instagram. Please follow.

0 Followers, 1 Following, 0 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from BiosAndBalance ()

06/01/2025

WATER INTOXICATION: THE HIDDEN DANGER OF DRINKING TOO MUCH

We all know that staying hydrated is very important, especially during the dry season, but did you know that excessive water consumption can be bad for you, or even cause something as fatal as brain damage?

WHAT IS WATER INTOXICATION?
Water intoxication, or hyponatremia(low blood-sodium levels), occurs when water dilutes sodium(an electrolyte in your body) levels in the blood.
Electrolytes are essential minerals that regulate various bodily functions, and one of the main electrolytes in the body is Sodium.
Sodium is responsible for maintaining fluid balance in the body. So if you do not have enough sodium, and you're consuming too much water, then your body will be left with a huge amount of water and no way to take care of it.

RISK FACTORS
What are some of the things that predispose one to water intoxication? Here are some risk factors:

1. Endurance sports: These are sports that require prolonged physical activity, sustaining efforts over extended periods of time. These types of sports cause dehydration and a loss of electrolytes. Drinking just water would not adequately replace lost electrolytes. Inadequate electrolyte replacement during marathons, triathlons, or ultra-endurance events can lead to water intoxication.
2. Compulsive water drinking disorder (Psychogenic polydipsia): A rare psychiatric disorder characterised by excessive water consumption which could be caused by psychological factors like anxiety, schizophrenia, or depression.
3. Medical conditions: Heart, liver, or kidney disease; SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion)
4. Drinking excessive water: Consuming >1 liter/hour

SYMPTOMS OF WATER INTOXICATION
Water intoxication could either be mild to moderate or severe.
The symptoms of mild to moderate water intoxication include:
1. Nausea and vomiting
2. Headache
3. Fatigue
4. Muscle weakness
5. Dizziness
6. Confusion
7. Seizures (rarely)
8. Bloating
9. Abdominal discomfort
10. Diarrhea

In severe cases, the following symptoms may be present:
1. Respiratory distress
2. Difficulty breathing
3. Chest pain
4. Rapid heartbeat
5. Coma
6. Brain swelling (cerebral edema)
7. Cardiac arrest
8. Hypothermia
9. Seizures
10. Loss of consciousness

PREVENTION
1. Drink water in moderation (8-10 cups/day)
2. Balance water intake with electrolyte-rich foods/drinks. Some examples of electrolyte rich foods include; Bananas, Avocados, Tomatoes, Sweet potatoes, Nuts, Fish, Meat, Carrots, Spinach or other leafy green vegetables, Milk, Coconut water or other Electrolyte enhanced drinks etc.
3. Monitor urine output (pale yellow)
4. Avoid excessive water consumption during endurance sports
5. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist

WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL HELP
1. Severe headache
2. Vomiting blood
3. Seizures
4. Confusion
5. Difficulty breathing
6. Chest pain

Hopefully this was helpful.
Follow BiosAndBalance to stay updated on health and wellness tips.




Link to image:
https://cdn.businessday.ng/2023/09/Importance-of-drinking-water.png

01/01/2025

Own Your Cycle
Hi ladies,
Ever wondered if you know your body enough to really understand your cycle? You're not alone. The menstrual cycle can be tricky, it is a complex process after all, and you shouldn't feel bad if you still have problems keeping up with yours.
The good news is that you CAN understand the intricacies of the menstrual cycle and this puts you in charge. Let's get into it.

PHASES
The menstrual cycle is divided into 4 phases and know what phase you're in at a given time is the first step to mastering your cycle.
The Cycle Phases
1. Menstruation
2. Follicular phase
3. Ovulation
4. Luteal phase

It is important to note that these phases most times greatly affect your moods and dispositions. So no, you weren't being dramatic, you were just being a girl😉😁

GET TO KNOW YOUR CYCLE
The calendar method is one of the most efficient and effective ways to help you know your cycle. You only need a calendar, a marker, and six months.
The first day of your cycle is the day your period starts, that is your day 1.
Here are some things you need to take note of:

1.The nature of your flow - heavy, light or in between
2.The number of days your period lasts for - 3 to 7 is normal
3.The day your next period starts - the number of days between the day of your first period and the day of your next period is the length of your cycle
A normal menstrual cycle length typically ranges from 21 to 35 days, with an average duration of 28 days. However, cycles can vary significantly among individuals and even within the same person over time.
Keeping track of these for 6 months will help you know whether your flow is heavy, how many days it lasts, and the length of your cycle.

For more accuracy, consider combining the Calendar Tracking Method with:
1. Cervical mucus observation
2. Basal body temperature observation
3. Fertility apps

How do you manage your menstrual cycle? Share your tips!



Own Your Cycle will be featured on our page subsequently, and we're going to talk about everything related to menstrual health. So watch out for our next post on

29/12/2024

Incorporating one or more of these into your daily food consumption will work wonders for your energy levels.
If you're someone who likes to start your day with a few exercises, then bananas should be your personal favourite. Eating a banana or two before working out is always a good idea.
Your body will thank you.

23/12/2024

Is Your Baby Thirsty??

If you have a baby that is less than 6 months old, you NEED to see this. Should you give your baby water? The answer is NO. Why?

While it seems unnatural to not provide water to your little ones early on, there’s legitimate evidence as to why babies shouldn’t have water until they’re about 6-months old.

The World Health Organization (WHO)Trusted Source notes that babies that are breastfed don’t need additional water, as breast milk is over 80 percent water and provides the fluids your baby needs. Children who are bottle-fed will stay hydrated with the help of their formula.

Assuming that your child is feeding well, either through breast milk, formula, or both, their hydration status shouldn’t be a cause of concern. ( https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/babies-drink-water )

Giving your baby water before they are 6 months old can lead to;
1. Water Intoxication
2. Insufficient Kidney Development
3. Increased Risk of Infections
4. Nutrient Imbalance

Are there exceptions? Definitely.
If medically indicated, or if your baby is formula feeding.
In both cases you should always make sure you follow your pediatrician's guidance.

19/12/2024

How Poor Gut Health Can Affect Your Skin

Did you know that what’s happening in your gut could be showing up on your skin? You read that right. A lot of skin issues might just be your gut trying to tell you to pay more attention. If you’ve been struggling with acne or skin issues that won’t seem to go away, it might be time to take a closer look at your gut health.
Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria that play a key role in digesting food, boosting immunity, and even balancing your skin. When your gut is out of balance—due to poor diet, stress, or lack of sleep—it can lead to inflammation, hormone imbalances, and even trigger skin flare-ups like acne.
💡 How Gut Health Affects Your Skin:

Inflammation : Poor gut health can lead to systemic inflammation, which shows up on your skin as breakouts, redness, or irritation.

Imbalanced Hormones : Gut dysbiosis (an imbalance in gut bacteria) can affect hormone regulation, contributing to acne, especially in teens or adults dealing with hormonal shifts.

Toxin Build-Up : An unhealthy gut can have trouble eliminating toxins, which may show up in the form of skin flare-ups.

Tips to Boost Your Gut Health:

Eat a fiber-rich diet full of fruits, veggies, and fermented foods.

Stay hydrated and manage stress.

Consider probiotics or prebiotics to help balance gut bacteria.

When you focus on healing your gut, you might be amazed at how your skin starts to glow!