Little Things That Can Improve Your Health

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- It's the little things that can count the most, and there are things you can start doing right now to change your health.

You don't need tons time to stay healthy. In fact, small quick moves and choices, like drinking more water, can soothe little ailments today and protect your body tomorrow.

These tips from a new book by a group of doctors can help you sleep better, lose weight and can improve your moods.

First tip: Add more ice to sugary drinks. If you just can't give up your soda, which is known to contribute to obesity, adding ice lessens the effects of all that sugar and phosphoric acid.

Take a glass that's twice as big as the can, pack it with ice, and then pour in the soda. It will last longer, and by the time you're finished, you'll have an extra helping of hydrating water as well.

If you or someone you know suffers from allergies, this is a great tip: Allergies often flare up first thing in the morning, so take your meds at night. Because many allergy drugs cause you to feel sleepy, what better time to relax and let the remedy to its job?

The final tip: Sleep on your left side. As many as 80 percent of heartburn sufferers experience symptoms at night. Sleeping on your left side can cut your heatburn risk in half. That's because snoozing on your right side relaxes the muscle that keeps gastric acids in your stomach.

Also, try sleeping with two pillows instead of one. Propping your head up about 11 inches reduces heartburn symptoms dramatically.