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How Kareena Kapoor Attained Zero Size

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 01:16:00 GMT

Zero size is a fashion jargon describing a woman who has a bust size of 31.5 inches, a waist of 23 inches and hips of 32 inches. The beautiful Kareena Kapoor is one of the top actors in Bollywood (Hindi films made in Bombay) and is known to have reduced to size zero for a certain film.

Secret Of kareena kapoor Weight loss

This formerly chubby actor (who weighed 132 pounds) surprised everyone with her sudden commitment to weight loss and successfully attained a slim, svelte figure. Those who could not ‘figure’ out the secret of her successful weight loss speculated that she went on a crash diet and was too weak after that. There were reports that the actor fainted frequently during shooting too.

However, Rujuta Diwekar, Dietician and Nutritionist, who was consulted by the actor, since May 2007, claims that Kareena lost weight in a healthy manner by eating the right food and working out the right way.

Diet changeover For kareena By Rujuta Diwarker

At the outset Kareena instructed her dietician that she would not go into crash diets or any unhealthy means to lose weight as she was a popular icon for millions of teenagers in India. She did not want to mislead them into thinking about starving or going on crash diets to lose weight.

The vegetarian actor, instead, gave up her favorite meals consisting of parathas (fat enriched flat breads), cheese, pasta, Chinese and Thai cuisines and bananas. She switched over to a nutritious vegetarian diet, consisting of soups, fruits, yoghurt, vegetable salads, and plenty of fluids that had exactly the number of calories required.

The meals were planned in a manner that the actor received the right amount of nutrition with a balanced combination of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals and optimal supplements.

Exercise Fitness Routine For Kareena Kapoor By Payal Gidwani

Meals were supplemented with two hours of power yoga (vigorous, fitness based yoga) practice. Payal Gidwani, Kareena’s fitness trainer says that the actor would do 50 Surya Namaskars in one session of workout. Sometimes she managed a 100 with many variations.

What is Surya namaskar,How Is Surya Namaskar Done

Surya Namaskar literally translates to saluting the sun. This yoga exercise is believed to be beneficial for the mind and body. To practice it you make full use of almost 95% of the muscles in your body. This keeps the muscles fit and smoothly functional. It is most effective if performed early in the morning on an empty stomach. In fact 50 Surya namaskars are equivalent to 100 sit-ups and pull-ups! There are twelve steps to complete the exercise. One Surya Namaskar consumes 2.3 Kilocalories of energy.

The schedule Of Yoga For Kareena Kapoor

The yoga schedule, that was one or one and a half hours long, consisted of

Warm up
Surya Namaskar
Yoga focused on exercising/strengthening any two parts of the body including
Naukasana for abs
Bhujangasana for back
Parvatsana for arms
Virabhadra for legs

Cool down consisting of Pranayama (breathing exercise) and meditation. Kareena, it is said, performed about 500 kapalbhatis every day. Kapalbhati is a weight loss focused breathing exercise

Some believe that Kareena practiced Bikram Yoga, also known as hot yoga. This exercise was designed by Bikram Choudary in the seventies. It is performed in a room that has 40% humidity and is raised to 105 degrees F. The one and a half hour session includes a couple of breathing routines and 26 different yoga postures.

It is encouraging to see that you can attain an ideal weight, remain healthy and look gorgeous all at the same time, with the right kind of planning going into what you eat and how you work out.

Attaining the ideal weight can be strenuous and well near impossible if you are planning to starve or go on a crash diet. Kareena Kapoor believed in sensible eating and regular hours of workouts in the form of power yoga to lose weight and still remain healthy.

How To Prevent Gray Hair Naturally

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 02:33:46 GMT

It is often said that gray hair is the sign of wisdom. But if it starts appearing in the wrong age, it becomes a reason of concern. It is extremely discomforting for anyone to have gray hairs, which gives a wrong impression of the age. However one needs to understand the underlying reasons that cause premature graying of hair, and only then can we answer the million dollar question: How to prevent gray hair? In this article we will first understand the factors causing gray hairs and then look forward to some steps by which it can be prevented.

The color of the hair is determined by tiny pigment cells known as melanocytes, present in the hair follicles. As we grow older, the activity of these pigment cells decrease, and a time comes when the pigment are no more made. When hairs grow without the pigment, their color becomes gray. In the normal course, everyone has a fixed timeline when our hairs will start graying. This is rather indispensable. However, in certain cases, the hair starts graying prematurely because of the following

Deficiency of Vitamin B12 If a person is one a diet that has deficiency of B12 vitamin then the hairs can gray faster. This can also happen if the stomach is unable to hold on the B12 vitamins, because of surgeries that involved the stomach. However, if B12 is insufficiently present in the diet, eating eggs, milk and meat would serve the purpose.
Thyroid disorders There are certain disorders in thyroid situation, especially hyper and hypothyroidism that can cause graying of hairs.
Skin disorder Disorders like Vitiligo where the skin starts losing melanocytes might end up resulting in premature graying of the hair along with patches of skin getting lighter.
For women, the problem of premature menopause can be a cause for the graying of hair.
One of the many harmful effects that smoking cause is premature gray hair!

Now that we know the reasons causing gray hair, addressing them directly may help the cause. There are certain ancient methods that are known to prevent graying of hair. Especially some herbs and some other edible items are used for the cause.

According to ancient Chinese medical science, the quality of hair has a direct relation with kidneys and blood quality. Therefore they prescribe consumption of seaweeds, molasses, sesame seeds, nettles, wheat to strengthen the kidneys and blood. However, the ancient scholars also maintain the fact that excess consumption might lead to completely opposite results. For instance, seaweed, if consumed more than the recommended amount will lead to excess iodine in the body, which will cause thyroid problems, a cause for graying of hair! The medicine science also recommends limited consumption of meat and salt. Modern hair products have confirmed the claims of ancient Chinese study by using herbs that are prescribed by Chinese scholars for better kidneys. One of the popular herbs referred in ancient Chinese studies is Shou Wu, named after a famous Chinese legend. However, it is not appropriate for everyone, and needs consultation before applying on your gray hairs, as improper use would lead to drastic effects like anger and depression.

On the other hand, the Indian medicine study handbook, Ayurveda associates hair with stress in the human physical and mental system. The constitution of the body gets affected by stress that causes premature graying of hairs. Ayruveda recommends use of herbs, one of them being bringaraja. It is taken in to enhance the energies of liver and kidneys, again reconfirming the ancient Chinese study. The herb is also used in various other hair oils and tonics that are used directly on the hair scalp. There is another herb called amla that is quite popular and is also used to strengthen the eyes besides preventing graying of hair.

All About Edible Wild Berries

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 10:15:22 GMT

Wild edible berries are one of the backpacking parts of the meals to many because they are delicious and sweet. The wild berries provide enzymes and vitamins making them rich for the human to chase out for them.

The wild edible berries taste much like the domestic berries; this simply means that the wild edible berries have an equal identification as the domestic berries. There are a great number of wild berries that are known by names among them being the straw berries, blue berries and also raspberries. The only difference in these wild berries to the domestic berries is that the wild edible berries are smaller but they taste and just as the domestic ones and are full of nutrition just as the domestic ones.

Identifying the wild edible berries is easy since one only needs to go out there and taste each berry at a time and the one that taste similar to the domestic counterpart then they share the same name. For instance, if you get the wild berry tasted like the blue berry, there is no doubt that the wild edible berry is the blue berry and the test continues meaning that the way to identify the wild berries is in the taste for they taste similar to the domestic berries.

According to many researches done on the wild edible berries there are 23 species of plants which are well known of produces the berries or the berry-like fruits. Many of the berries produced by the 23 species of the plants are edible and there are those that are not edible and therefore are very bitter in taste. To be able to know which of the wild berries is edible, it is important to start by knowing them and here is a list of the wild edible berries.

Thimbleberry

This is one of the wild edible berries that are dome shaped and their colour is usually red when they ripen. The thimbleberry is better for jams and sauce than eating. The bush tree of the wild berry is 3-6 feet tall and forms thickets.

Salmonberry

This is another of the wild edible berries. It is available from May to July and the berries are orange to the salmon colour no wonder the name the berry is salmonberry which is from the colour. They take the shape of the rasp berries and they grow wild mostly in the road parks and walks.

Trailing blackberry

This one is an edible wild berry which grows almost like the domestic berries the only difference being that they are smaller in size compared to those cultivated at home. This wild edible berry is ripening between July and September. They are quite thorny and one should be awared of the thorns.

Trailing Blackberry

Another one of the edible wild berries, the trailing blackberry is a long plant taking the shape of a vine and produces the best berries in sunny areas and they are also prick a lot for they have a thorny touch.

Himalayan blackberry

Another of the edible wild berries which is large and juicy and it is black when ripe. They are usually available in the months of during to September. They are characteristic for climbing over other plants and they have stout thorns, they form large bushes where they grow, they are dense tickets mostly if the grow in tan area well lit by the sun.

Indian Plum

Blue-black when ripe, these wild edible berries are found in the months May- June. Their leaves are much longer and grow in mixed conditions of sun. They are found along the swamps and the forests too.

Salal

They are part of the wild edible berries which are purplish-black in colour and readily in the months of July-September. Its plant has thick leathery leaves which more often form dense thickets. The wild berry was common during winter and it was a winter food when dried and pressed they make cakes.

Oregon grapes

Just as their name suggest, these berries are grape shaped in their appearance only that for them they grow in bushes that look more like the vine. The colour of the berries is blue-purple and they appear like they are covered by powder. They are available in the months of May to July.

Pay Heed To Hormonal Acne Treatment

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 07:50:00 GMT

There are many medications which are created for hormonal acne treatment. The medicines help in maintaining the equilibrium of hormones in terms of their production and secretion. Oral contraceptives and anti androgens are some of the medicines which are prescribed for hormonal acne treatment. Anti androgens helps in controlling the hormones which cause acne and they also make the skin free of all the excessive oils. Therefore the chances of acne formation get reduced. Amongst anti androgens flutamide is a popular medicine for hormonal acne treatment. Oral corticosteroids are recommended for patients who produce androgens in excess amounts. The consumption of such drugs aids in avoiding acne inflammation. Prednisone is a major drug used for acne inflammation. Hormonal acne treatment can also choose oral contraceptives as an option. This type of drugs has estrogen in them which replaces the excess androgens in the body. When adequate androgen is present in the body then the production of oil in the body will also remain in control. Therefore this hormonal acne treatment will turn out to be a success. Try this hormonal acne treatment to believe it.

Oral contraceptive pills when consumed in small quantities then the acne spots disappear and this medicine has also gained the approval from food and drug administration. Hormonal acne treatment with oral contraceptive pills can be adopted by women who do not want to conceive for a certain period of time. Before consuming such medicines for hormonal acne treatment, one should be aware of side effects caused by them. Anti androgen drugs can cause irregular menstrual cycle in women. And the oral corticosteroids reduce the density of bones, which makes a person very weak.

Hormonal acne treatment is also sought by the teenagers. Hormonal acne treatment is necessary for them as the absence of it can lead to serious depression. Such conditions prevail as the symptoms of this disease make everybody a subject for embarrassment. The hormone which causes hormonal acne is known as androgens. The sebaceous glands become active due to the introduction of androgen in the body and with time the sebaceous glands become hyperactive. There are many options available for hormonal acne treatment. The hormonal acne treatment requires a time span of six months to one year, to bear complete results. When women have excessive growth of hair then a medicine called spironoactone is given as a form of hormonal acne treatment. This spironoactone medicine helps to cordon the ill effects of androgen so that it cannot function on the hair follicles. The results of this spironoactone medicine can be experienced within two months of its usage. The dosage of spironoactone will be different for every patient. Hormonal acne treatment can also be done through natural therapies. One of the most popular natural forms of hormonal acne treatment can be created by mixing lemon juice with rose water and it can be applied on the region where acne is rampant and within half an hour it can be cleansed off. Hormonal acne treatment is very important to women as they are most likely to suffer from this condition.

Ayurveda For Fair Skin

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 03:16:55 GMT

The skin is considered as the mirror of health both external and within. The skin is exposed to pollution, dust and dirt present in the atmosphere. According to Ayurvedic principles, the external body reflects whatever happens inside and that includes emotions.

Ayurvedic Skin Care

Ayurveda remedies are of many different approaches to skin care and include herbal creams and facial scrubs for external use, therapeutic facial massages, breathing techniques, hydrotherapy and aromatherapy. The treatments given depending on the constitution and condition of the person are aimed at cleansing, nourishing and restoring the harmony of the body with the nature. Thus by addressing the internal components of our physical and emotional life we can be assured of the health of the skin. Ayurveda recommends the use of herbal medicines and remedies to protect and improve the fairness of the skin.

Pigmentation of skin

The major reason of the skin losing its fairness is the imbalance in pitta dosha in the body. The aggravation of Bhrajaka pitta can cause pigmentation or darkening the skin. Exposure to sun for long duration, irregular eating habits and sleeping habits and consumption of incompatible foods are the main factors that contribute to the aggravation of pitta leading to skin disorders. The skin color can be restored to normal by nourishing and rebuilding healthy tissues and strengthening the immune system to bring back the right dosha balance of the body.

Ayurveda Herbal Remedies for Fair Skin

Saffron has the skin lightening property and helps in improving the complexion of the skin. So it is used in most of the Ayurvedic medicines that are prescribed for fairness. Apple is useful in giving nourishment to the skin with its rich nutrients. Papaya is know to rejuvenate the skin and makes it young and glowing. Strawberry is another natural ingredient that improves the skin color.

Application of a mixture of milk, turmeric and saffron is used as a face pack for achieving a fair and glowing skin. Turmeric works under the skin to nourish the damaged skin to remove pimples and other blemishes while saffron improves the complexion and renders a fair glow to the skin. This cream gets into the skin quickly and makes it soft and radiant.

Home Remedies to Protect Fair Skin

A facial of fresh herbs like fruits, vegetables and gels once in a week is good for maintaining the skin fairness. Papaya, water melon, sandalwood paste, turmeric, cucumber, carrot and honey etc are effective in improving the skin complexion.
A piece of cotton wool dipped in milk can be used to wipe the face to remove the hidden dirt under the skin.
Drinking a glass of water to which a spoonful of honey is added on the empty stomach everyday helps in cleansing the impurities in the body.
For a clear complexion a facial scrub made with equal quantities of cucumber juice, rose water and lime juice should be applied on the face and should be left overnight and rinsed off in the morning.
Milk, curds and butter milk are good for maintaining health.
Doing Pranayama, the yogic breathing exercise for about 15 minutes on a daily basis helps in making the skin healthy and glowing.
Avoid too much exposure to sunlight.
Drink plenty of water to flush out toxic wastes from the body. It also keeps the skin hydrated and supple preserving its elasticity.

Skin Lightening Creams

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 23:31:41 GMT

Are you looking for skin whitening / lightening cream, you should keep few points in mind that whatever cream you choose should be safe and also effective.

It is observed that common skin spots are caused by overexposure in the sun. When we go out in the sun, the body produces a substance called as melanin and when it reacts with the sun it makes the body tan. Overexposure of the skin in the sun causes skin burn too, as the upper layer of the skin peels of and the new skin gets more susceptible to heat causing skin burn.

When you apply a skin lightening cream it increases the risk of skin burns. Therefore, one needs to seriously limit his skin exposure for a long time in the sun. When you move out of the house please apply zinc oxide which prevents sun burn.

One can also consult their dermatologist which skin whitening and lightening cream he/she should use to keep their skin protected from the sun. The dermatogist will be able to decide how sensitive your skin is and the severity of discoloration.

Normally use a good skin lightening and whitening cream which is quite safe and powerful. Substances like steroids, mercury should be an absolute no and it has already been banned in the west. If these products are not used with proper guidance and advice they can also lead to skin cancer.

Normally go in for skin lightening cream which is safe with herbal substances in it. The skin lightening and whitening cream made of herbals are mainly plant extracts and are much safer than the other which are synthetically made.

There are a lot of skin lightening and whitening creams that are cheaper and produces good results:

Use of Skin Lightening / whitening cream

Skin lightening and whitening creams is normally used to treat skin problems that include dark spots, discolorations in the skin.

People suffering from acne, scars or age spots, benefit most from the Skin lightening cream. There is Skin lightening products normally available in the form of a cream or lotion.

Skin lightening and whitening creams are so made to provide a person with an even and clear skin complexion. The skin lightening creams work very fast and some show results in 2 weeks time.

When purchasing a skin lightening / whitening cream one should be very careful about the ingredients it contains and how it is applied.

It is better to try different skin lightening / whitening cream to see which cream works best with your skin type.

One of the most popular and good skin lightening / whitening cream is Meladerm. This product if applied reduces pigmentation in the skin. This skin lightening / whitening cream is the best cream for people suffering from pigmentation, dark spots and pigmentation on the skin. A very comprehensive research was carried out and it took around four years for the scientists to create this skin lightening / whitening cream.

Other type of Skin lightening/ whitening cream is made for people who have scars and age spots. A person should decide what type of cream suits whom and also the skin type. Then there are other skin lightening / whitening cream which is used to reduce freckles. This skin lightening / whitening cream should not be used by people suffering from pigmentation.

The price of skin lightening / whitening cream depends on the brand and what treatment is it going to be used for. Someone who has lot of skin disorders will have to go through the physician and might have to pay more to cure it. General skin lightening / whitening cream can be purchased off the counter.

The skin lightening / whitening cream is available everywhere from grocery store to departmental store to any boutique. Do not be in a hurry because someone suggested you to buy a particular skin lightening / whitening cream. Read the instructions and ingredients properly before buying the product because if the product does not suit your skin it might cause irritation and might lead to chemical burn. The best option is do a skin test before buying skin lightening / whitening cream.

All said and done, with the invention of skin lightening / whitening cream the problem of discoloration, age spots, freckles will be the issue of the past.

How Vitamins Can Prevent Gray Hair

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:33:53 GMT

The human body needs proper diet, complete with all the essential nutrients like proteins, vitamins, fats, carbohydrates and even fibers. Lack of any of these components or even excessive consumption can lead to many health-related problems. One of such concerning issue is graying of hairs.

Graying of hairs generally happen when a certain pigment from the follicles of the hair is no more produced. This is an inevitable occurrence with age, but deficiency in certain proteins and vitamins cause premature gray hairs. Luckily, there are certain vitamins that help in preventing gray hairs. In this article we would discuss a few of such vitamins.

Para Amino benzoic Acid or PABA

This happens to be a part of the great Vitamin B family. PABA is mostly known for being an anti-gray hair vitamin. Studies on certain animals had shown that deficiency of PABA had led to growth of gray hairs, while the natural color returned when PABA was restored back to their diet. With humans, there has been a similar result. People with gray hair, on consuming just 200 mg of PABA on their diet regularly can retain around 70 percent of their hair’s original color within months. However, PABA alone is not as effective as when it is combined with folic acid, a Vitamin B3. Needless to say that deficiency of PABA will lead to graying of hairs, and the case is similar with most vitamins of the B family. However, one must therefore consume PABA rich foods, which include animal liver, kidney and also found in yeasts and grains.

Biotin

This is also known as Vitamin H, but surprisingly a part of the B family. It is basically a hair growth enhancer and also prevents hair loss by metabolizing the fatty acids. Some studies have also found biotin to prevent hair from graying too. One can find biotins in the yolk portion of the egg. However, animal liver also happen to contain biotin, and so does milk and yeast.

Inositol

Inositol is also part of the vitamin B group. You would find inositol in many parts of the human body like the muscles, liver, kidney and eyes. Study based on certain animals in laboratory conditions have found that inositol deficiency can cause gradual baldness, but on replenishing the diet with the vitamin, animals seem to grow back the hair. However, the rate of hair growth for males was double the female rate, which goes to show that males have a greater intake power for inositol. Inositol deficiency also cause skin irritation. However, on humans, they have similar consequences of balding and ageing of hairs. On changing the diet with adequate inositol along with other vitamin B, humans under study have registered complete growth of hair and the coloring has also come back to the original. The reason behind inositol being so important is also due to the fact that it reduces cholesterol in the blood.

Zinc

The zinc content in an average human body needs to be maintained for a healthy hair growth. Deficiency of zinc is known to have adverse effect on animals as well as humans. Loss of hair, baldness, gray hairs and scalp problems are all the issues that rise when the diet lacks zinc. However, when zinc is returned to the diet, the effects caused by its deficiency are reversed complete to give back the original hair structure. It has been seen that zinc is responsible for maintaining the protein structure of the hair. Zinc has a special name for its ability to prevent hair from graying. In a recent study, a human dieting with adequate zinc in it has experienced complete change in the hair color in a year’s time. It must be observed that zinc depletion is caused by high stress, and so graying of hairs can be avoided in the first place by maintaining zinc content in the body. However, you will find zinc in food items like wheat, yeast, oysters, yolk of the egg and even pumpkin seeds!

Diet Plan Secrets

Fri, 15 May 2009 08:19:49 GMT

Every dieter should remember that embarking upon fad diets and crash diets is never the right thing to do. Drinking a particular kind of tea for a particular time period will make you lose those extra pounds almost instantly.

But will they stay off?

The answer is no. Once you initiate a crash diet and practically starve yourself to death, your body will understand and go into starvation mode. Therefore, it will hold onto the fat securely. The weight that you shed will not be fat but muscle which is undoubtedly bad for the body as it leads to a reduction in the metabolism levels.

Once you abandon the diet and start eating normally again, you will not only put the weight back on as instantly as you lost it, but your body will also store fat more securely.

Other diets encourage the dieter to skip one meal during the day. These diets deprive the dieter from consuming the right amount of nutrients that are necessary for a healthy life. Once you get sick off the diet, you will binge on food that is high in fat. This will lead to you piling back the pounds.

Therefore, crash diets should never be followed. Diet plans should include food from every food category and also encourage the dieter to indulge in physical activity. Steady weight loss is more permanent than instant weight loss.

Diet plan secrets

A diet plan secrets is that the diet plane must include a medium to high intake of proteins.

Another diet plan secrets is that the diet plan must avoid the intake of simple carbs such as white products. These include sugar, white flour and white rice. These lead to adverse effects in relation to the insulin levels in your body which can further lead to other problems.

A simple diet plan secrets is that fat must be included in your diet plan. Trans fat must be avoided but fat that is absorbed from food products such as fish, nuts, olive oil and seeds is good for the body.

A well-known diet plan secrets is that fiber must be included into one’s daily diet. This is due to the fact that fiber allows you to feel full and therefore results in weight loss by reducing your appetite. It also reduces the release of carbs that result in weight gain.

An obvious diet plan secrets is that alcohol must be avoided at all costs as it contains an excess of sugar which undoubtedly leads to weight gain. Alcohol intake also has adverse effects on a number of hormones which can lead to further problems.

More Diet Plan Secrets

While the above mentioned diet plan secrets can help you initiate the right diet plan, a number of additional diet plan secrets must be kept in mind in order to speed the weight loss process:

One must consume at least 12-13 glasses of water on a regular basis. It is a well known diet plan secrets that if your body is hydrated, it carries out its daily functions in a better manner. Water also allows you to feel full. When you combine this benefit with those food products that are rich in fiber, you will undoubtedly lose weight. Therefore, even a small portion of food will satisfy your hunger pang. This diet plan secrets will help you lose weight in a healthy manner.

Another well known diet plan secrets is that if you begin with a huge meal in the morning, this will lead to your metabolism functioning at a faster speed. When this is carried out early morning, it undoubtedly results in a number of benefits. One must reduce the portion of meals as the day progresses. Breakfast must be huge, lunch must be slightly smaller and dinner must be the smallest meal. One must also avoid eating heavy food products after 6 pm.This diet plan secrets will allow you to stay full and lose weight.

Another diet plan secrets is that one should not depend on those products that claim to be low in fat. As they are low in fat, they tend to be high in sugar, salt and other components. This makes them even worse than the high-fat products that they claim to be better than. Reading the labels behind food packages is important as it not only makes you well informed but could also prevent you from consuming extra calories.

Gray Hair Shampoo

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:06:38 GMT

Graying hair doesn’t necessarily mean that you are growing old, and need to use products meant for old people. The graying of hair is attributed to the fact that a special hair pigment stops growing. Therefore gray hairs need special treatment and therefore, using just any shampoo for your gray hair would not suffice. So, how should one look for shampoos that take care of gray hairs? Generally, gray hairs are dry and rough, and hence, you need to have a shampoo that keeps it smooth and compensates for the lost nutrients in the hair. Although, many shampoos claim to be suited for dry and rough hair, but special gray hair shampoos are tough to find.

Hence, we are left with a limited choice if our aim to get a good treatment for the gray hairs and perhaps bringing back the natural hair color or at least give a darkened shade. There are certain products in the market which claim to bring back the color in few weeks or even days, but these may be full of dyes and is certain to damage the condition of the hair further. Therefore, always prefer a shampoo that creates a gradual change in the hair color. It would not give you an immediate effect but take care of your hair condition as well.

Let us first discuss the reason behind graying of hair. There are certain cells in our hair follicles called melanocytes that produce a pigment that is the reason behind the color of the hair. However, with age or due to other health problems, the production of the pigments decrease and at a time, the melanocytes stop producing such pigments. The hairs that grow after the stoppage of pigment production are gray in color. Basically the hair produced is a transparent hair, which when compared to the darker and better natural hair seems gray in appearance. Therefore it is a sign that the hair is no more healthy and needs special care. However, lack of vitamin B12 and fatty acids like Omega 3 are known to be causes of gray hairs also.

Therefore, gray hair treatment must be such that can replenish the two components: Vitamin B12 and Omega-3. While B12 can be consumed in forms of tablets or common food items, there are shampoos that contain Omega 3. Shampoos containing Omega 3 work in a way that the shampoo reaches deep into the follicle to assist the growth of pigments responsible for the natural hair color. The oil in the shampoo is also known as follicle awakener because of its action and its main ingredient happens to be the fatty acid, Omega 3. Omega 3 shampoos have helped in regaining the original color, and also prevented people from getting gray hairs.

There are different products in the market that provides different features. Some shampoos will help you regain the original color, while some gray hair shampoo will assist you in just enhancing the hair’s quality and would not deal with the color. There are people who like to keep gray hairs as a style statement.

As mentioned above, gray hairs need not mean a sign of old age. Some people carry gray hairs pretty well to make them look attractive. Therefore there are certain things you should do to your hair to keep them in the best possible condition and make a style statement out of it. Here are some of the tips to treat your gray hair properly.

The gray hair shampoos are good for the hair, but excessive use would lead to adverse effects. Hence, shampoo should be applied only in small and recommended quantities. The same goes for other hair products like oils and moisturizers.
The hair should be kept protected from the harmful rays of the sun, such as ultra violet rays. These rays make the hair go dry, and damage the hair to a large extent.
The gray hair must be moisturized regularly with proper conditioners specifically made for gray hairs. Since gray hairs are dry, they need to be moisturized every alternate day.
For styling effect, one may think of coloring the hair with some other shades which blends well with your gray mane.

Is Hypertension Curable

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 07:27:03 GMT

Hypertension is the highest risk factor amongst the urban population. This has shown up in several demographic studies that have been conducted the world over. The more advanced the society becomes more deep-rooted does hypertension become amongst the citizens. Most people cut short their life expectancy because they succumb to a life threatening event such as a heart failure or stroke.

Hypertension using modern medication is not curable. What modern medicines help you to do is to reduce the blood pressure and keep it under control. Once you start using these medications you are on a lifelong road to intake of pills daily. Most of the pills do not reduce the risk of a sudden cardiovascular attack.

Most of the hypertension pills have awful side effects which the patients are left to deal with. This could be weakness, feeling sick, not being able to remain active, listless, headaches and lack of zeal and enthusiasm. This could be quite de-motivating for the patient and lead them to feeling depressed.

This happens because blood pressure is the body’s way of letting the individual knows that the capillary vessels are narrow and the viscosity of the blood has increased. What the medications tend to do is to lower the blood pressure by increasing the supply of blood to the heart and lungs. The cure and medication are only able to treat the symptoms but not the root cause of the disease which still remains hidden putting the patient’s life at jeopardy.

What a hypertensive person needs to do is introspect and self reflect upon his lifestyle choices. He/she must try and analyze and then eliminate the root cause that is causing hypertension. Only then will he be able to find a cure in the long run. Over the shelf medication will just give him periodic relief but will be there unharnessed and waiting to sprout up at any time.

Look at your diet carefully and if you tend to have too much of animal proteins and refined carbohydrates then the arteries will get clogged over a period of time. Look at the dietary habits of your family and take immediate action.

Scientific study has shown that the efficacy of hypertension drugs is not what they actually promise to be. They are unable to cure the patient of hypertension but only treat them and relieve them of some symptoms.

Hypertension is curable by several lifestyle changing measures and not only by medication. Once you increase the amounts of low fat foods and natural foods in your diet, exercise regularly and increase your general well-being you will be able to decrease your blood pressure levels.

On the other hand high blood pressure medication can decrease the quality of your life. It can even get you addicted to the daily intake of blood pressure drugs and only reduce the hypertension by a few notches or not substantially enough.

Most physicians will not agree that hypertension in fact is not curable by medication alone. If you have hypertension, act right now by changing your lifestyle. This will help you to increase your life span and the quality of life too. You can get back to normal within a few weeks by keeping a tab on your food and activity levels without having to pop those pills.

Side Effects of Dysport injections

Mon, 31 May 2010 09:35:43 GMT

Known as Reloxin before, Dysport is extracted from Clostridium botulinim Toxin Type A. The basic action of the injection is to paralyze certain muscles that cause frown lines and wrinkles.

The procedure For Dysport injections

Dysport is injected into a specific muscle because of which it gets paralyzed. Due to this effect, the frowning or wrinkling that would have been caused by the muscle is effectively staved off.

Precautions For Dysport Injections

Before any cosmetic makeover, it is important to have a look at the PCIS (Physicians Coalition for Injectible Safety) site (http://www.injectiblesafety.org), in order to know (1) which injections are safe, (2) learn important tips about the right way to go about a cosmetic treatment.

and to also (3) how to find the right health care giver for a cosmetic treatment

Side effects Of Dysport Injections

Among the 21 million odd people who have had Dysport injection treatment so far, there have not been any who have complained of serious side effects.

The minor side effects can be enumerated as

Droopy eyelids
Increased symptoms of sinus
Drooping of eyelids
Pain and irritation in the injected area
Nausea
Swelling of eyelids
Respiratory tract infection

Yet there are people who have suffered serious complications after a Dysport treatment. You will need the immediate attention of the medical care giver, after a Dysport injection if any one or more of the following occurs.

On rare occasions the botulinum toxin B may reach areas other than the one that needs to be injected. The toxin has adverse effect on different parts of the body. Due to this there may be complications like voice becoming hoarse, inability top pronounce clearly, improper vision and an overall weakness felt in the bones and muscles of the body. This serious condition is termed as botulism.

Those who have breathing disorders tend to make use of the neck muscles to aid breathing. If these muscles have been affected by the Dysport injection there may be serious complication of the respiratory tract

The patient may have difficulty in swallowing food a few hours or a few weeks after the injection. This is because the muscles that aid in these movements may have weakened after the injection. The problem may prolong for weeks after the Dysport treatment.

When the problem becomes more severe, a feeding tube may be used to ensure nourishment of the patient. Care should be taken to see that the food or fluids fed through the tube do not go into the lungs. If not treated promptly, this complication may lead to the death of the patient.

Who should avoid Dysport Injections?

The people with the following health indications should avoid Dysport

Diabetes
Droopy eyelids
Allergy towards milk protein
Infection in the area that requires the injection
Allergy towards one or more ingredients in the Dysport injection
Allergy towards Botox
Asthma and other breathing problems
Heart beat abnormalities
Pregnancy
Breastfeeding the child

Though the side effects of Dysport are few and far between, there are some instances when the side effects have developed into serious complications, sometimes leading to death. People with certain health indications, like pregnancy, diabetes or asthma should avoid Dysport.

Simple Tips to lose weight or burn calories

Thu, 07 May 2009 07:47:28 GMT

How many times have you started a new diet but given up hope completely after a couple of days weeks? How did you feel then? Probably frustrated, angry with yourself, a failure? These negative feelings may be even lead you to further overeating, causing you to gorge or eat comfort food in order to feel better with yourself. Back to square on then, and it all starts over again. In order to cut this vicious circle, you need to be able to include dieting into your general lifestyle.

In fact a person habitual of overspending will be visible in the eyes of others but if you ask him, he will always say that his spending habits are absolutely normal. It will be hard to make him realize of this fact and until he realizes, it is extremely difficult to even imagine that he will improve upon his spending habits. Absolutely similar is the case of people who actually either overeat or are not diet conscious and their feeling within is whatever they eat is normal. Luckily in the case of diet there are some parameters fixed by deiticians freternity like BMI, 1200 calories dialy diet which guide us how much is overeating but unfortunately like money we don't have a fixed budget to spend. There is no wallet in the case of eating food from where we know by the end of the day how much did we eat. To know how many calories did we consume in a day, we will need to either keep writing everytime we eat or by the end of the day and then search for the calories count of every thing we ate during the day and finally make a total of the calories we consumed during the date. This is like being highly impractical and this exactly is the problem.

Then how do we reduce / lose weight or burn calories ? How do we include dieting into our general lifestyle?

Here we present some special tips / ways to help you lose / reduce weight and burn calories.

Make sure you drink at least eight glasses of water a day: The first tip to lose/ reduce weight and burn calories is to drink at least 2 litres of water everyday.Research has shown that many times the body confuses its feelings of hunger and thirst. This means that many times, what you perceive as hunger is actually thirst. If you stay hydrated, then whenever your body feels hungry, you are actually hungary and not thirsty. Water in itself is highly beneficial to our body in various areas and has no side effects.

Take many small meals a day: The second tip to lose or reduce weight to take probably six small meals a day. If you are in the habit of skipping meals, you can be in trouble. Although you may feel you are cutting down on calories if you do so, the harsh truth is that the following meal you will be starving, and will end up consuming much larger quantities of food (and calories!) than you would normally do. A general diet comprises of three square meals a day, plus healthy snacks in between ensures that your blood-sugar levels will remain constant throughout the day, and the feeling of intense, incontrollable hunger will be gone.

Start substituting: The third of the tips to lose or reduce weight is to switch over to foods with more nutritive values or whole grain type meals. It is not dieting but diet plan that is important. Remaing hungary does help losing weight but how long can one remain hungary so in order to look sustainace of lost weight, the best way is to substitute. If you do not feel like changing your dietary habits dramatically (which is what a diet generally does), you can start replacing certain foods by others of more nutritive value. Replace, for example, white bread with the healthier whole-grain type. Cut down on soft drinks, and take water or fresh fruit juice instead. Remember what was stated in the first point.

Here are some herbs which stimulate calorie burning

Do someexercise: This is infact one of the most important tips to lose or reduce weight and burn calories. A 45 minutes intense exercise helps you burn around 700 calories and imagine this figure by comparing it with 1200 calories daily reciommended diet. If you control your eating habits within 1200 calories every day, then the 700 calories you burned with exrecise are bound to come out of your exixting fat and you are bound to lose weight. It has been proven that slimming diets yield the best results when coupled with exercise. We are talking about a 45-minute workout of moderate intensity at least three times a week. This should be fairly simple to include in your daily routines: you can walk, swim, dance, run… you can do anything you fancy! The key here is to try to enjoy the activity you are doing, in order to be able to keep it up on the long term. As you progress, you can add more minutes to your workout, or go on to more challenging activities.

Control your mind: If one can follow this tip then you have won the game. This can be the toughest issue to address. Most of the times we tend to overeat due to our emotional state or as a response to our daily tensions. Try to control this habit of eating comfort food, and you will start loosing weight quickly. If you make a compromise with yourself and say: “I will only eat five potato chips.” Take them out of the bag, close it, put it back in, then sit back and enjoy your five chips without guilt!

Stop Eating Junk Food: Honestly speaking I have not touched a burger or Pizza for the last six months. Junk foods are the biggest friends of human weight. Just stay away from Junk foods to lose or reduce weight. Simply turn to greens and whole grain meals and within two months you will see yourself lighter.

All the tips to reduce weight and burn calories can be discussed at length but I am sure all our readers are aware of most of these tips and just need to keep them on top their mind before deciding what to eat and what no to eat and if to eat then how much.

Precautions to be Taken after Miscarriage Abortion

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 06:23:50 GMT

Soon after a miscarriage a woman is bound to experience a lot of physical and emotional trauma, besides certain hormonal changes. They are seen in the form of

Crying for the slightest of reasons
Tendency towards depression
A prevailing sense of bewilderment, uncertainty and confusion
Sleeping disorder accompanied by disquieting dreams
Eating disorder
Ensuing fatigue

Not all women experience the same symptoms. Reactions to a miscarriage vary widely.

To manage these symptoms effectively, the woman who has just had a miscarriage should be treated gently and looked after with great care. The woman too must give utmost priority for her health and look after herself in a manner to become normal and healthier once more.

Generally the progesterone levels may have decreased, due to which some of these symptoms surface. The progesterone levels have to be checked by a doctor promptly in order to get the right medication and treatment, in the case of deficiency.

There are some precautions that need to be taken after a miscarriage in order to manage the problem in its entirety.

After a miscarriage, the body needs sufficient time to get back to normal. The time taken to heal depends on how early the miscarriage has happened. A woman who has had a miscarriage in the first trimester will heal faster than a woman who has had a miscarriage in the second trimester
Adequate care should be taken to ensure that conception does not occur until at least one menstrual cycle is completed
Though the menstrual cycle may begin four weeks after the miscarriage, ovulation begins a fortnight earlier than this. That is why it is important to take precautions
Contraceptive pills must be started soon after miscarriage and taken continuously at least for two weeks for effective birth control.
Soon after a miscarriage, it is advisable to visit the doctor to know how you can get back to normal and when to plan for the next child
Running a temperature could mean the beginning of an infection that at times may lead to infertility. Any abnormal temperature should be reported to the physician for further medical attention
Hemorrhaging is a common side effect of miscarriage. Bleeding is usually heavy and will cease within a week. If it does not, it is important that you consult the physician as soon as possible; sexual intercourse should be avoided during this period in order to keep infection at bay
Persistent pain in the abdominal area or any kind of foul smelling discharge needs the immediate attention of the doctor

It is important to plan the next pregnancy only after all symptoms have disappeared completely. A woman may assume that to conceive after an initial miscarriage would be fraught with complications. This is a myth. Most women are known to conceive and give birth to healthy children after the initial miscarriage.

Miscarriage brings a lot of physical and emotional trauma for a woman. She has to be well cared for and nursed back to good health. The woman too must prioritize her health concerns to become healthy. There are several precautions to be taken after a miscarriage. The doctor must be informed if there is heavy bleeding that does not stop even after a week, foul discharge, abnormal temperature and severe abdominal pain. The woman’s progesterone levels must also be checked and medically treated if found deficient.

Tips To Fight Acne

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 07:26:57 GMT

Aren’t you just tired of spending your hard earned money on buying ineffective products which can expunge the miseries caused by acne? Why do these products fail to fulfill the hollow promises made in the advertisements? Well, their ploy is pretty simple. These products are inundated with chemicals, which are definitely not good for acne prone skin. They not only fail to provide the desired results but they tend to intensify the condition of acne further, influencing you to buy more costly products for treating the same. If you have a look at the ingredients of the products, it would be hard to decipher its individual functions and their rate of affectivity. Just because these products are expensive does not vouch for the fact that they will do good to your acne prone skin. There are certain items which are always available in the house and can be great for your acne prone skin too!

Baking soda is one item which is always available in the kitchen and it is also quite cheap. Baking soda can be an ideal ingredient for making a great scrub. A good scrub can help you purge the dead cells from the skin. The dead cells help in blocking the open pores found in the skin which in due course of time results in the formation of acne. To make a scrub all you need to do is add a small portion of baking soda with water and apply it on your face, and then you can massage the area of the face for a period of ten minutes. After the completion of the massage wash your face and dry it with a soft towel. To eliminate the development of acne a lot of people have been using apple cider vinegar. If this type of vinegar is not available in your house you can also use the plain vinegar. Vinegar is very efficient in destroying the bacteria which are accountable for causing severe acne. While applying vinegar make sure that it is diluted properly with water. If you have an oily skin due to which acne refuses to leave you, then application of vinegar, which reduce the oil content in your face. If you do not want to use vinegar then you can use lemon juice instead of itto pacify acne. Lemon contains citric acid which is very good for exfoliating the skin. Vinegar and lemon juice can prove to be functional in avoiding the formation of acne and it can even fade away the already existing acne on your skin.

Oatmeal can be your favorite breakfast material and now it can be your friend in fighting acne. Oatmeal is beneficial in draining away the excessive oil and contaminates materials and acne forming bacteria from your skin. Just cook the oatmeal, like you do it on a daily basis, and then give it some time to reach the room temperature. After that, simply place it on your skin, in the form of a facial mask. After keeping it for about five minutes, wash it off. You will see the dearth of acne very soon if the above mentioned procedures are followed correctly. These natural treatments are effective if used initially before the acne has spread.

Sleeping Positions For Better Digestion

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:30:50 GMT

If an individual is suffering from poor digestion, then he may not be able to get adequate rest during the day. This is because in such a scenario, it may not be possible for the individual to even sleep properly. However there are different sleeping positions for better digestion that is they can contribute towards maintaining a good digestive health in an individual. Sleeping positions for better digestion can aid digestion in a more appropriate manner and thus can promote a better night sleep for an individual. The sleeping positions for better digestion not just facilitate a restful sleep but additionally a better digestion as well.

The different sleeping positions for better digestion include sleeping on the left side, adding a pillow, using a towel to raise one’s head. By sleeping on the left side, one can aid in promoting a better digestion. Some of the individuals upon continuously sleeping on the right side have complained of the different problems related to heart burn. However, this may not be always true and at times different individuals may experience different problems. Even the results that the different individuals are able to get from different sleeping positions for better digestion will be different.

It is also appropriate for an individual to get appropriate sleep so that the benefits of good health can be reaped by an individual. The different studies have indicated that while sleeping on the left position, one can help in adequate removal of the stomach acid whereas sleeping on the right side has been found to worsen the heart burn condition. Thus, sleeping on left side is actually very good for heart burn and even other digestive problems and is thus an important sleeping position for better digestion.

Another appropriate sleeping position for better digestion is by adding a pillow while sleeping. By adding a pillow between the knees, one can also help in facilitating appropriate digestion when one is sleeping on one of the side. However, if an individual wishes to sleep on his back and then one chooses to use a pillow, in such a scenario also, an individual can fold the pillow in half or can even use a body pillow. This will help in providing a more comfortable sleeping position and thus may prove to be one of the sleeping positions for better digestion.

Yet another type of sleeping position for better digestion includes using a towel and thus raising one’s head. It is possible to raise one’s head and thus bring down or decrease the chances of heartburn. Sometimes, when an individual lies on the back or side during sleep, but using one pillow may not be completely enough. Addition of another pillow may also not be appropriate as it can put an additional stress on one’s neck or head or may lead to an unnatural sleep. In such a scenario, addition of a bath towel on a single pillow while sleeping on the back or one one’s side can prove to be one of the appropriate sleeping positions for better digestion. This is because it will help in raising one’s head up enough where one can prevent hurting his or neck, shoulders or back and at the same time it may help in facilitating appropriate digestion.

One should remember that the most appropriate sleeping position for better digestion would be to raise the head approximately by 4-6 inches in order to prevent the chances of heartburn or gastro esophageal reflux disorder, a condition which is also known as GERD.

Another important thing that one needs to pay adequate attention to is that one’s final meal of the day should be taken at least 2 to 4 hours before bedtime. It is also important to avoid food items such as peppermint, alcoholic beverages, chocolate and other spicy foods. This is because these food items may actually go to aggravate heartburn. Therefore, one must try to avoid these food items in one’s evening meal. Another sleeping position for better digestion which especially is good for preventing heartburn includes the freefall position. This position has been found to promote good digestion and thus is an important sleeping position for better digestion.

Thus getting plenty of rest in terms of ensuring appropriate sleep is extremely important for an individual especially when he is suffering from different types of digestive ailments. While sleeping if he ensures particular sleeping positions for better digestion, then slowly and steadily, he can contribute towards ensuring an overall better health for himself. Thus, sleeping provides healing of different medical ailments. A sleep that refreshes an individual is capable of energizing an individual for his next day’s activities. Thus, one should pay careful attention and must implement sleeping positions for better digestion in order to ensure comfort in his day to day life.

Armpit Hair

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 01:00:31 GMT

A large number of people think of armpit hair as unattractive. Naturally, removing it is up to every individual even though a few customs may not allow it. If not done in the manner that suits your skin and skin type, it may lead to further problems and serious skin irritancy problems. Therefore, knowing which method to use is extremely necessary as it can help avoid a large number of problems.

One may first discover armpit hair around the age of thirteen, i.e., when puberty sets in. However, depending on genetic other factors, the rate at which this hair grows and develops varies from person to person. While some people have a large amount of hair that is scattered all over the armpit, others may only have a small quantity. This hair is usually a different texture and has a longer length when compared to other pubic hair. Naturally, these factors again depend and vary from person to person. This hair tends to get darker over the years.

Even though the reason for the existence of armpit hair is not known for sure, one believes that initially, it provided comfort and prevented chafing during grueling tasks.

A large number of people believe that if they shave their underarm hair, it will grow back with a coarser texture. However, this is not true as this method of hair removal does not bring about any change. The reason for this belief may be because when the hair grows back after shaving, it is usually darker and ingrown hair might appear from time to time.

When the technique was first discovered, removing this particular type of body hair was considered to be an act committed by loose women. There is no concrete fact that supports this belief as women have always been expected to be hygienic and clean.

The method of removing armpit hair varies from person to person and the reasons differ as well. Out of all the methods available, shaving is avoided the most as it can result in painful cuts and even rashes. Skin irritability is another major disadvantage.

Many women prefer shaving as it is an easy method of hair removal and comparatively less painful as well. If one’s job requires one to wear clothes that tend to show their underarms, such as a model or an actress, shaving is recommended. Some cultures do not allow the removal of body hair. Women belonging to such cultures are expected to trim their armpit hair on a regular basis.

A large number of people who suffer from extremely active sweat glands are advised to remove their armpit hair as this keep body odour at bay. Several men remove their armpit hair as well for hygiene reasons. Swimmers, in particular, tend to remove excess body hair.

Undoubtedly, shaving is the most popular method used for hair removal

A few tips for the removal of armpit hair

Taking a warm bath allows the excess body hair to soften. This makes for easy hair removal.

Before one starts the procedure, one must make sure that instead of soap, they use shaving cream so that skin rashes can be avoided.
It is of common knowledge that hair grows in different directions and that for easy removal, the razor must be used in that direction that is opposite to that of the hair growth.
In case one relies on electric shavers more than regular razors; one must make sure that the one they use allows the application of lotions.
For effective hair removal, one must keep the skin tightly pulled.
The blades that are attached within the razors must be cleaned on a regular basis so that the growth of ingrown hair can be avoided.
The application of deodorant must be avoided at all costs as this can lead to skin irritations and extreme pain. Baby oil or powder is recommended instead.

If one is not too keen on shaving for the purpose of hair removal, they can opt for waxing. Even though this method is painful, the hair is pulled out from the roots and this prevents it from growing back for at least 15-30 days, depending on your growth rate. Depilatory creams are also used. However these creams remove the hair from the surface only.

How To Get Rid Of Dead Skin Cells

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 06:01:35 GMT

The skin having dead cells in it loses its luster and looks dull. It is therefore necessary to remove these dead cells from the skin. The actual look of the skin is revealed only when the dead skin cells are removed. After removal of the dead skin, the radiant cells and the new cells are exposed, giving a good fresh look to the skin. The most effective way to get rid of dead skin cells is exfoliation. The word exfoliate itself has vital meaning to that effect. Exfoliation is very easy and simple. It will not consume much of your time. You can exfoliate any area of skin of your body, even though usually this procedure is adopted for giving a bright appearance of the facial skin.

In winter times, particularly, dead skin cells can start building up. Spring time is the season for renewal, and suits for doing exfoliation. Sloughing off the dead skin and leaving the healthy skin intact is the main aim to get a bright skin. Therefore, abrasive products should not be used on the skin. Abrasive products may remove the good skin too. This implies that you should not lose the good skin together with the dead skin. Varieties of products are available in the market for skin exfoliation. You should look for a scrub that contains sugar or fruit acids. There are scrubs containing both sugar and fruit acids.

You can apply the body scrub or facial scrub gently on the skin and then rinse it off. Body scrubs are somewhat harder when compared with facial scrubs. However, you should exfoliate with a scrub on a regular basis. You can exfoliate once a week during warmer months. If possible you can increase it to twice a week. Following the instructions displayed on the pack of the scrub is necessary before using it, so that you will not miss the main benefits that the product can provide. Be gentle when you apply the scrub on the skin. You cannot produce quick results and hence rubbing the scrub heavily on the skin is futile. Improvement can be found only in the long run.

Body is shedding dead skin cells every day. These cells but stick to the body and do not fall off on their own. We have to only remove it manually as otherwise they can hide vibrant cells and new cells of the skin, causing dull look of the skin and even clog the pores of the skin to form acne. Wrinkles also can form on the skin due to dead skin cells, when they build up excessively.

There is one more procedure for exfoliation. You can brush the skin gently before showering using a dry brush. This can loosen the skin cells and exfoliation is thus helped out. For the heels you can use a pumice stone and calluses can be prevented this way. You have to only soften the feet with water before using pumice stone.

In conclusion, like you remove dirt and dust from your body through routine baths, it is also essential to get rid of the dead skin cells for giving a good look.

What Are The Reasons Behind Pain In Left Arm

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 01:01:29 GMT

The reasons behind pain in the left arm are many ; starting from sprained muscles (as a result of excessive workouts , pressure or stretching of the arm muscles ) , pinched neck nerves (many times pain in the neck or a pinched nerve there can lead to pain in the upper left arm) , bicipital tendonitis (which is caused because of tearing of a tendon near the shoulder and is very painful) , heart problems (many times the first symptom of a heart problem is pain in the left arm ), angina , arthritis and poor posture (this can lead to muscular tension) etc.

When discussing reasons behind pain in the left arm, the first thing that comes to a persons mind is heart problems. As most of the other pain causing problems like poor blood circulation to the left arm , muscular strain or torn tendons etc are common for both the left as well as the right arm , but in case of heart and coronary ailments its only the left arm which tingles and causes pain. Although a serious indication towards myocardial infarction, the reasons behind pain in the left arm are mostly sprain , strain , neck nerve pinching , poor supply of blood to the arm of over stretched muscles of the arm.

One of the many reasons behind pain in the left arm is poor supply of blood to the arm. The main reason behind it is excessive muscular tension in several muscular areas like scalene muscles. The blood vessels that branch into the arm have to first pass through these areas via a particular artery known as the subclavian artery. Poor circulation of blood in the left arm can also be caused because of wrong positioning of wrong alignment of the shoulder as that puts stress on the blood vessels and thus prevents appropriate blood supply to the arm. It is one of the most common reasons behind pain in the left arm. And can be cured with the help of a chiropractor ( a person who helps cure biomechanical problems inside ones body). A pinched neck nerve is also a serious factor among reasons behind pain in the left arm as if it is not treated for some time , it can cause a long lasting damage.

Other reasons behind pain in the left arm are tendonitis, angina , migraine ( a severe kind of headache accompanied with a feeling of nausea) , . fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome , mini stroke (transient ischemic attack) , Reynaud’s disease ( a peculiar disease in which blood vessels responsible for circulation in the left arm get constricted and cause ones finger to turn white and numb because of lack of blood, Cervical nerve herniation (that can cause pain and numbness in the left arm) and carpel tunnel syndrome.

Tendonitis
Migraine (hemiplegic migraine)
Stroke, Transient Ischemic Attack (mini-stroke)
Reynaud’s disease causes constriction of the blood vessels and usually your fingers get numb, turn whitish in color.
Angina

Repetitive Strain Injury, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome- Using a mouse or keyboard, or other tools, in the same position for an extended period of time can be harmful. Google ergonomics or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Cervical Disc Herniation

Cervical Disc Herniation can cause tingling, arm numbness and pain. It might be helpful to see a Neurosurgeon. They may run MRI's, Myelograms etc.

There could be some reason for poor blood circulation to the arm / hand. This is very commonly caused by too much muscle tension in the scalene muscles or the pec minor muscles. The blood vessels that supply the arm/hand have to pass through these areas, via the subclavian artery, to branch off into the arm. It could also be due to a misalignment of the shoulder. If a shoulder is misaligned in external rotation, it can put a stretch on the blood vessels that pass through that area to supply the arm/hand. In any case, a chiropractor is the professional to seek to correct any biomechanical problems within the body. Chiropractic adjustments can also have a valuable effect on the autonomic system, which affects the cardiovascular system. Apart from Chiropractor adjustments, one can even go for massage to ease the pain the left arm.

How To Make Cheap And Best Natural Hair Shampoo

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 01:50:33 GMT

If you are a nature freak or organic freak, you’ll want to use organic products; and the cheap and best natural shampoo too. However most of the so-called natural or organic products available in the market have deceptive and misleading descriptions. All the cosmetic brands advertise in a way as to promote their product as the cheap and best natural shampoo. However a true natural shampoo would have to be homemade, because every product you buy has some and usually a significant portion of synthetic chemicals.

Myth about cheap and best natural shampoo 1: Organic products

A ‘100% natural’ product technically means nothing, because everything is primarily derived from nature. A ‘100% organic’ product may just have a few components, often in minor portions which are certified organic. ‘Water infusions’ and ‘extracts’ are of no use either since they merely imply that such a thing is present, that too usually in very minute quantities.

Myth about cheap and best natural shampoo 2: Proteins

Hair is dead tissue, made from a protein, keratin. It is a protein chain continuously added to by the cells at the root. The catch is, proteins and amino-acids, often claimed to be present in shampoos and organic shampoos are molecules that are too large to enter tissue, hair or scalp, unless through the bloodstream, and have no effect on dead tissue. As such, the action of proteins and amino-acids present in any shampoo is nonexistent.

Ingredients for making the cheap and best natural shampoo are varied. Several natural ingredients have been used over the centuries for taking care of hair. The Indian medicinal ayurveda uses many plant materials to create a cleansing and moisturizing mixture. In modern times, many people have come up with their own recipes for a cheap and best natural shampoo, and are probably quite effective. It is important to consider the fact that hair and scalp type, besides environment and exposure determine the kind of care that is required by your hair.

Ingredient 1 for cheap and best natural shampoo: Matrix

This is the thing in which all your other materials are mixed. Eggs are excellent, and are known to be helpful for hair. Other good matrix materials are organic aloevera gel, coconut milk, honey, mayonnaise, yogurt, gelatin and green tea; and if you’re wiling to bend the rules a bit, castile soap works just fine.

Ingredient 2 for cheap and best natural shampoo: Anti-dandruff

Anti dandruff ingredients are lemon, Indian shikakai (acacia pods), ginger root and sesame oil.

Ingredient 3 for cheap and best natural shampoo: Oils

Oils are not strictly shampoo material, but are very useful for hair. These include jojoba, sunflower, sesame, sandalwood, lavender, geranium, rosemary, avocado and almond. Oils are best used as mixtures in hot oil treatment, or left overnight before shampooing. Oil is to be deeply massaged onto hair and scalp, covered with a shower cap and kept uniformly warm for about 15 minutes with a hot damp towel or hairdryer, or left overnight.

Ingredient 4 for cheap and best natural shampoo: Henna

Henna is an excellent conditioner and coloring agent. Powdered henna mixed in water applied deeply works wonders, especially for dry hair.

Ingredient 5 for cheap and best natural shampoo: Herbs

These can be grown in your garden if the climate provides for it. They include rosemary and sage, good color restorers used by boiling and straining. Geranium, horsetail and nettle leaves are good shampoo ingredients, while beet and carrot juice work well for red color enhancement.

Ingredient 6 for cheap and best natural shampoo: Conditioners

If it doesn’t hurt you to waste it, beer works as a conditioner. Mix warm beer with some jojoba oil, and apply. Take care to not make it too oily, or you’ll have to shampoo afterwards. Other good conditioners include homogeneous mixtures of avocado and coconut milk, and avocado and mayonnaise.

To make the cheap and best natural shampoo meant for your hair type, you might have to become quite an alchemist. Identify the properties of all the ingredients available, and use them to the max to create the ultimate cheap and best natural shampoo.

Ayurveda For Hypothyroidism

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 09:53:24 GMT

Hypothyroidism or under-active thyroid means the failure of the thyroid gland to produce thyroxin as much as the body requires. Thyroxin is the hormone that regulates the human body’s essential functionalities such as heart beat, digestion, physical growth, and mental development. If thyroxin flow is arrested or if it is insufficient, it could result in life-sustaining processes. The damage of organs or the body parts and the tissues in every particle of the body would lead to life-threatening complications. Hence Ayurveda terms Hypothyroidism as a condition characterized by abnormally low levels of thyroid hormone production.

Causes for Hypothyroidism

The main causes of Hypothyroidism are:

Congenital defects like thyroid gland agenesis, digenesis and ectopic thyroid gland. In Ayruveda this defect is termed as Janmabala pravritta vyadhis.
The hypothyroidism is mainly cause because of iodine deficiency.
Another main cause for the autoimmune thyroid disease is characterized by gradual lymphatic infiltration and progressive destruction of the functional thyroid tissue. It is called as Yapya which means that the treatment should be continued Jeevanaparvantam (life long) with immuno-modulatory drugs.
Thyroid is also cause because of Genetical and hereditary defects, which are termed as Asadhya.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Increase in the body weight or unable to loose body weight
Increased Tiredness
Loss of Hair
Reduced memory power
Constipational issues
Change of voice
Muscle Cramps and body weakness
Gaseous problems
Puffiness of the face, hand etc

Ayurveda Treatment for Hypothyroidism

Ayurvedic herbs are very useful in treating hypothyroidism.

Kanchanar Guggulu

The drug Kanchanar Guggulu is a compound Ayurvedic preparation, which consists of Guggulu, Kanchanara, Varuna, Triphala, Trikatu and Trijataka. This is one of the safest and very useful drugs in Ayurveda. It is found in usage for centuries to cure diseases like Gandhamala (Hypothyroidism), Apachi, Arbuda, Granthi, Vrana, Gulma, Kusta, Bhagandara etc. These herbs are given in the right proportions to act together to rectify the disorder.

Shigru Patra Kwatha

Shigru is a well-known plant in use in the ancient India. It contains deepana, pachana, kapha vata hara properties. It is recommended by Ayurveda to cure conditions like galaganda, kandu, sotha, apachi, vrana, medoroga, vidradhi, gulma etc. It contains enormous amount of iodine, which is the main ingredient and cure for Hypothyroidism. Shigru leaves are made into powder and given as medicine to the patient.

Yogaraj Guggulu

Ayurveda makes use of highly potent herbs such as Yogaraj Guggulu, Tikta ghrut guggulu, Arogya vardhini, Chandraprabha vati, and Maha manjisthadi quath, Kanchnaar Guggulu, Brahmi Guggulu, Triphala Guggulu and Medohar Guggulu for treatment of Hypothyroidism.

Panchakarma Treatment

Ayurveda recommends Panchakarma treatment comprising of Virechan, Niruha and Anuvasan basti, Nasyam along with the medicines to treat hypothyroidism. These purifying procedures are used in cases where the body has accumulated excess toxins and needs purification.

Are Acne And Dandruff Related

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 03:09:40 GMT

The medical name for dandruff is Seborrheic Dermatitis. Dandruff often accompanies acne the reasons of which are not yet known. This happens especially in adolescents. Bothering skin conditions follow acne vulgaris in many cases. Dandruff is one of them. Like in the case of acne, dandruff also can be caused by hormonal changes, heredity, stress and diet too. Sometimes dandruff is associated with small pimples on the scalp. As for treating acne, salicylic acid can be used for eradicating dandruff also. Shampoos available over-the-counter contain salicylic acid, zinc or coal tar. For persistent problems of dandruff, your doctor may prescribe strong shampoos. Shampoo can be used on daily basis, as over-washing will not cause dandruff. However, scratching the scalp can worsen the situation. The itching symptom is common to dandruff and acne.

The cause of occurrence of dandruff is similar to that of acne. The pores in the scalp are clogged with the dead flakes from the scalp. Dermatologists usually prescribe dandruff medicines first, if you have both dandruff and mild acne. Dandruff can be caused if scalp is not maintained well. Hypersensitivity to smoke and dust can cause dandruff. Hormonal imbalances, mental stress and malnutrition can lead to dandruff. Exposure to extreme weather conditions, using harsh shampoos and hair colors can also cause dandruff. As keeping the skin clean can prevent acne, maintaining a clean scalp can prevent dandruff. Excess accumulation of oil on the scalp should be avoided. Greasy food, much of sweet and oily food should be avoided to prevent dandruff.

Dandruff can transform into pimples like acne forming on the skin. Dandruff can lead to infection of facial skin too. Proper natural herbs can be used for solving the dandruff problem. Ayurveda describes herbal remedies which are effective for getting rid of dandruff. Nutritional supplementation is essential for preventing dandruff and acne as well. Topical treatment for dandruff with natural products is similar to that of acne. Vinegar solution can be used to clean the hair and scalp to relieve dandruff as skin is cleaned for acne. The contrast with acne for dandruff is that homeopathy medicines are effective in treating dandruff. Diet regulation is more or less same for dandruff and acne. Alternative therapies for dandruff include Detoxification Therapy, Oxygen Therapy, traditional Chinese medicines and also Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy. The oxygen therapy for dandruff involves using external ozone to control fungal growth.

Acne may affect the quality of life to a considerable extent. However, dandruff has only mild implications on the quality of life. Prevention of dandruff can also prevent hair loss as has been observed in most of the cases. Hair loss certainly affects the look of a person. Therefore equal attention should be given to dandruff and acne. The commonness between dandruff and acne is that these conditions develop due to interaction of a yeast organism with a host immune response. Medical experts opine that secondary immune reaction results in seborrhea and dandruff. In a nutshell, excess sebum production and clog of the hair follicles are the main causes for both acne and dandruff.

How To Take care of Hair Texture

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 01:48:55 GMT

Beautiful hair is something that almost every woman desires. But taking care of your long locks can be more than just oiling and washing. There are many do’s and don’ts when it comes to hair, especially textured hair. Taking care of hair can be a tricky task at times. It can get damaged and dehydrated if not taken care of properly.

TEXTURED HAIR AND ITS NEEDS

Textured hair is very different from normal straight hair, not only in the way it looks, but also its chemical structure and properties. Thus, it’s important that you know how to take care of hair texture according to its needs. Textured hair requires more care and protection than normal hair. So make sure that you use the right styling techniques and products that guide you on how to take care of hair textures. If you’re confused as to what’s best for your hair type, read on to know how to identify and deal with different hair structures.

IDENTIFY YOUR HAIR TYPE

How to take care of hair texture depends largely on identifying your hair type correctly. Your hair texture depends on your genes. The shape and texture of your hair also changes with age and too much styling. Hair can be of many types; it can either be light colored, thin and elastic or it can be dark colored, strong and frizzy. Having a hair texture that is somewhere in the middle of these two extremes is a good thing. It’s manageable, as well as strong and has good volume.

FINDING THE RIGHT PRODUCT

Once you identify your hair type, it is easier to know how to take care of hair texture. The next step is to find out what products suit your hair texture best. Try and find a range of good hair care products that work well and assist you on how to take care of hair texture. And always remember to keep changing your shampoo. It’s found that textured hair becomes immune to certain ingredients of the shampoo after regular usage for a long time.

AVIOD MECHANICAL STRESS

Pollution and mechanical stress can make textured hair frizzy, dehydrated and unhealthy. Textured hair has to be dealt with very carefully. Avoid using tight rubber bands; instead use rubber bands that are covered with soft cloth or velvet. The best way to maintain your hair texture; is by leaving your hair open for as long as possible.

HEALTHY STYLING

How to take care of hair texture is a very important aspect while styling your hair. Textured hair has very complex chemical bonds that get easily disturbed due to heat and excessive chemicals. If you have wavy hair or intense curls, avoid blow drying them too often. This way the hair texture maintains its shape and your hair stays healthy.

FIND OUT WHAT WORKS BEST

One of the easiest and the healthiest ways to know how to take care of hair texture is by going through various books and informative blogs. This way you get a general idea on how to take care of hair texture. Using natural ingredients for your hair can be very beneficial. Vinegar and lemon juice add volume and shine to any kind of hair texture and color. Another wonderful technique that helps maintain hair texture and shape, is massaging your scalp. You can use different oils, depending on your hair type. Olive oil is very useful incase you have an itchy scalp; on the other hand, if your hair is dehydrated you can use coconut oil for retaining its moisture levels.

SIMPLE WAYS TO START CARING FOR YOUR HAIR

Taking care of your hair on a basic level everyday and trying out new ways to maintain the health of the hair will give you a better idea on how to take care of hair texture. Simple do’s and don’ts can help you on how to take care of hair texture, such as; avoid combing your hair while its still wet, use a wide toothed comb to avoid friction and damage to the scalp and lastly, always use a hair serum. Using a hair serum protects your hair texture from external damage that may be caused due to excessive exposure to the sun or pollution.

WATCH WHAT YOU EAT

Lastly, your hair is a part of you. What you eat reflects directly on the quality of your hair texture and its shine. Make sure you consume a lot of water and adequate amount of vitamins and mineral to keep your hair texture healthy and lustrous. Water keeps you hydrated, while minerals and vitamins provide the right kind of nutrition for your hair.

Ayurvedic Cure For Filaria

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 02:12:48 GMT

Filaria or Filariasis is a chronic disease popularly known as Elephantiasis that typically affects the legs. This disease is caused by a worm and is spread through the mosquitoes. The disease occurs due to the bite of an infected mosquito of the ‘Culex’ species.

Filariasis occurs in different tropical regions and can be seen from mild to very severe stages of the condition. Treatment is decided according to the symptoms and body constitution of the patient and environment etc.

Ayurveda and Filaria

In Ayurveda it is given the name of Shleepada. Legs are swollen and skin becomes thick. If left unchecked the legs may become swollen and become very big. This is why this medical condition is called as elephantiasis. Kapha dosha causes the obstruction in lymphatic movement giving way to filaria. Vata dosha aggravation also can cause filaria in some cases.

Filaria Signs and Symptoms

The initial sysmptoms are fever and pain in the affected area along with redness along the lymphatic vessels. Gradually all the lymphatic channels are affected and legs start to develop swelling. Swelling and pain in the testis can be found. Pneumonia and urticaria can also result in some cases.

Ayurveda Treatment for Filaria

The most commonly used Ayurvedic herbal remedy is a tablet known as Nityananda Rasa. Depending upon the patient’s condition halt to one tablet is advised to be taken on empty stomach for about 2 months.

Blood letting from the affected areas applying leeches is used to get rid of the symptoms. Treatment must start early. When filaria reaches chronic stage the scope for treatment becomes limited. Cleansing processes like Panchakarma can help to correct the dosha disturbances. Depending upon the state of the condition the treatment procedures and medicines may be prescribed.

Ayurvedic medicines are prepared with single herbs or in combination of more herbs. Local applications like ointments for external use and other medicines in the form of tablets or powders are recommended.

Nityananda Rasa is very commonly used for filaria. Patients are advised to take ½ to 1 tablet twice s a day on empty stomach for 2 months.

Nityananda Rasa, Arogya-Vardhini, Kanchnaar-Guggulu, Punarnavadi-Guggulu and Triphala-Guggulu and need to be given in high doses for long durations to reduce the swelling and also thickening of the skin lesions.

Apamarga, Dashmool-Qadha, Deodar, Gokshuradi-Guggulu, Gomutra-Haritaki, Punarnavadi-Qadha, and Sahinjan are also prescribed for reducing the swelling. Other effective medications are Dashang Lep and Shoth Har Lep.

Ayurvedic ointments containing herbs like Daruharidra, Haridra, Gandhak, Manjishtha, Ras Sindur and Saariya are helpful in removing the swelling and thickening of the skin.

Ayurvedic Herbal Home Remedies

Eating 10 garlic cloves on a daily basis is helpful. Water in which dried ginger is boiled is also effective. Eating three leaves of Bel tree every day can prevent filaria.

Prevention of Filaria

Avoiding mosquito bites is the best form of prevention of filaria. So avoid living in marshy areas. Using mosquito nets regularly is another way of preventing filaria. Use hot water for bathing as well as drinking.

Know Why Are You Sleepy After Eating Food

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 07:30:28 GMT

The most difficult hour at work is the half an hour post lunch! This statement sounds familiar doesn’t it? It’s aggravated if our food contains sweets or edibles made from flour-like bakery products and pastas. We grab a cup of coffee or take awalk. But often it does not help. The productivity drops during the post lunch hours and also our ability to concentrate. Though some physicians advice to go for an afternoon nap and state that would improve performance post lunch. But practical speaking it is very difficult and rather undesirable to fall asleep at work .So why do we feel sleepy after eating? Let’s begin by sayings it is absolutely normal to feel sleepy post a meal. The brain produces more Serotin when we consume food that has sugar or flour in it. Serotin is a neurotransmitter. It is generally produced by our brain at night to help us fall asleep. Once we have sugary or foods with flour which is generally part of most diets across the world, the blood sugar level rises more than the desired levels. This leads the pancreas to work more and release insulin in our blood streams. With increased levels of insulin in the blood, Tryptophan, a protein building block moves to the brain. I the brain it is converted to Serotin which makes us feel tired and we want to go for a nap. The condition exists till the food is completely digested.

Some people however do not agree to this theory. The alternative theory is that the body concentrates its efforts on digestion post meal. Drowsiness will occur irrespective of the components of the meal. Digestion of any large meal whether it is rich in carbohydrates or proteins or fats will cause the brain to react in a manner resulting to drowsiness.

Now feeling a little tired is normal but if one is feeling very tired and can’t keep his eyes open it might be a concern. In case the concern is severe it’s advisable to visit a medical practitioner. For normal cases though it’s not very difficult to avoid this scenario. A little alteration in the diet can do it. If you have an important meeting or need to be active after a meal, don’t eat bakery products or foods rich in sugar. Some lean meat, fish, green salads, vegetables and nuts are great options as they take longer to be digested. Hence the insulin rises slowly.

A number of people however have stated that they love the drowsiness post meals which they consider as an indicator of a sumptuous meal. People who have the provision to take a nap post meals should not be too worried about the mentioned symptoms. As already stated earlier a small nap can improve efficiency once you begin to work post lunch. The small nap also helps you in getting a good night sleep. So do not be too perturbed about being sleepy after eating if it does not impact your work. Rather enjoy it!!!

The symptoms after having food can vary among individuals. But drowsiness is common and one should not loose their sleep over the fact that they are sleepy. Apart from sleepiness there are some other post meal irregularities like allergy, indigestion and insulin problems. Medical practitioners should be consulted for all these symptoms. There are numerous people who suffer from the problem of post meal drowsiness, but this can be alleviated through proper treatment.

Often the post meal drowsiness is associated with excess body fat. Researchers reveal that the people who have excess accumulation of fat on their body are more vulnerable to this problem. So, it is advisable that the excess fat should be cut down in order to avoid the post lunch drowsiness. It is better to avoid eating the fat laden foods and eat more of fresh vegetables and fruits. This would not only help to cut down the body fat but also add the vital energy elements to the body.

The short afternoon nap is not always bad and every time you feel sleepy after a meal doesn’t mean that you have a problem with your body or the foods that you take. If at all you are in doubt about your lazy mind and body after the lunch, you can consult your doctor for further advice.

Are Grey Hair and Thyroid Interconnected

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 01:43:16 GMT

If you are troubled by your gray hair, I shall list some points to lesson your burden. If you want to know are thyroid and gray hair connected, then you should first know about thyroid.

The hormones are produced by a gland called thyroid gland. You can easily find this gland in the front side of your neck. Our body is regulated by the hormones which thyroid gland produces, i.e. how do we utilize the energy and the food and the food we eat. A chemical known as thyroxine is created by thyroid gland. All the functions of our body are dependent on the amount of thyroxine which is formed by thyroid gland. The basic job of thyroid gland is to maintain the functionalities of our body. Thyroid is basically divided into two types: Hypothyroidism which is an underactive thyroid and Hyperthyroidism which is an overactive thyroid. As we know, hypothyroidism is the lack of thyroxine in your body; therefore it is treated by giving small quantity of thyroxine to the patient. It is advised to take the supplement daily (only once) and generally mornings are preferred for this job. In the initial stages, thyroxine is given in very small quantity, and slowly the quantity is increased based upon your progress, which can be figured with day to day tests. Until you reach the normality level of TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) and T4(Thyroxine) values they keep on increasing the levels of thyroxine in your body. Another, type of thyroid is the one which produces the extra amount of thyroxine; this is called over active thyroid or hyperthyroidism. The symptoms of hyperthyroidism include extra ordinary nervousness and sweating, rapidness in your heart beat, loss in weight, goiter etc. On the other hand, the symptom of hypothyroidism include: depression, unusual heart rate and “gray hair”. If you see your teenage lad or gal juggling with the problem of gray hair, you should not hesitate to ask the doctors are thyroid and gray hair connected. The above discussion itself demonstrates, how are thyroid and gray hair connected. It is important to know the genetic history of your family, as this disease may be genetic to some people. Therefore, it is advisable, do not ignore, if you suspect any symptom of the disease. A simple and economical test known as the T test may help you to detect the disease.

In order to know are thyroid and gray hair connected, you ought to know that the occurrence of gray hair is not only dependent on one’s age, but it is connected to several other factors like healthy food, maintenance of your hair etc. If you are experiencing premature graying of your hair i.e. gray hair at an early age, then it is important that you watch out and help your scalp out. You must be wondering, from where your hair color comes from. There are certain cells in our hair follicles which produce certain pigments, among them, there is a pigment known as “Melanin” which is, to some extent responsible for hair color.

It’s a simple rule; melanin is directly proportional to hair color. It means more the quantity of melanin, darker is the color of your hair. Similarly, if the color of your hair is light that is just because of less quantity of melanin in your body. When the production of this pigment is ceased (this happens at the age of 30 for a normal human being), the hair turns transparent, which appears gray due to the surrounded black hair. Hence, it is interesting to know that hair are never gray, they are only transparent.

There are some facts about gray hair like non-smokers are on a better part when it comes to gray hair than their counterparts, thyroid and the deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause gray hair etc.

From the given facts you can check are thyroid and gray hair connected, as far as I know I would say yes, thyroid and gray hair are connected.

Thyroid is directly connected to depression and stress, and stress is directly connected to gray hair. Therefore, if given a question are thyroid and gray hair connected, we can always reply; yes, thyroid and gray hair are connected.

Ayurveda And Gastric Problems

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 02:53:07 GMT

Accumulation of gas in the digestive tract leads to gastric problems. When food stays in the stomach for too long, it begins to break down and does not move through the digestive tract as it should. This condition creates gas in the stomach.

In Ayurveda gas related problems are known as ‘Adhmaan.’ Adhmaan is caused in body by the aggravated or disturbed Vata dosha. A specific type of gas namely known as ‘Apaan vayu’ is affected and results in heaviness in the lower abdomen. Relief comes only after the air is passed through rectum. Till then the patient suffers from heaviness in the lower abdomen, pain and abdominal discomfort.

Ayurveda places a lot of emphasis on the care of the digestive system as it is the basis of good health. Diseases occur only when the digestive process is disrupted. When food is properly digested the nutrients are easily absorbed by the cells. This promotes the general health of the body and also builds immunity against diseases. So Ayurveda treatments focus mainly on proper diet and life style as a preventive measure against diseases. The curative methods of Ayurveda involve herbal medicines, certain procedures for purifying the body of toxins and to help the body to return to its healthy condition.

Causes for Gastric problem

Ayurveda attributes the gastric problems to the vitiation of Vata dosha. Due to the improperly digested food there is retention of wind or gas along with feces in the bowel. The trapped gas may cause unbearable pain in stomach. Due to the over eating of heavy food that the digestive system cannot handle, fece is retained and leads to formation of gas. The wind gets released with sound will be accompanied by thirst and giddiness. There will be difficulty in passing stool.

Ayurvedic Remedy for Gastric problem

Hinguvastaka Powder works well with other Ayurvedic medicine like Aarogyavardhini vati, Avipattikara Churna, Shankha vati, Shankha Bhasma, Kumaryasava and Rasonadi vati.

For old people and those with a weak liver, it is advised to take the Churna made of equal quantities of Harar Jangi Churan, Hingvastika Churan and Meetha soda. This mixture should be taken with hot water every half an hour after meals to expel the impurities, namely ‘Ama.’

Hingavadi Vati made with equal quantities of Amchur, dry mango powder, Black pepper, Roasted Hing, Ajwain, Pippali, Sonth, black salt, Rock salt and sea salt as a pill is effective in relieving gas. Taking 2 pills with water 2 or 3 times a day works well to get rid of gas.

Alternatively I“Shanka Bhasma” Or “Baskara Lavana” can be taken with butter milk one hour before meals.

A massage to the stomach using a mixture of castor oil and black salt is a good Ayurvedic therapy to get immediate relief from gastric problems.

Foods to Avoid in gastric problems

Minimize or avoid dried beans, baked beans, peas, soy beans etc. Milk, Cheese and ice creams should be avoided as they contain lactose which is difficult to digest. Cabbage, Cauliflower, Broccoli, radish and asparagus induce gas formation in the stomach and should be taken in minimal quantity. Roots like potatoes and turnips should be avoided as they lead to gas formation. Among fruits bananas, apples, apricots and raisings should be minimized. Breads, cereals, fried and deep fried foods, carbonated beverages and fizzy medicines are all capable of inducing gas production in the stomach and hence should be avoided.

Home remedies for Gastric gas trouble

Garlic can be taken with warm water for relieving gas.
Hing with warm water also relieves gas.
Ginger piece on which a few drops of lemon juice is sprinkled can be eaten for immediate relief
Castor oil works best to set right the increased gas, vata related doshas.

Ayurvedic Cure For Lupus

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 09:31:35 GMT

Lupus is also known as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). More than five million people are affected by all over the world. This is a disease that affects the immune system that attacks the tissues causing chronic inflammation in the body. Lupus is a chronic disease which is capable of affecting a variety of organs in the body.

Findings reveal that Lupus affects more women are affected than men. Women between the age group five to fifteen fall victims to Lupus. SLE affects all the major organs of the body like heart, skin, lung, joints, blood vessels, kidney, liver and the nervous system.

The treatment of lupus is made difficult due to the ignorance of people and lack of awareness about the disease. Most symptoms are misleading and taken for arthritis or multiple sclerosis. There is no specific test that can determine the presence of Lupus.

Ayurveda For Lupus

Ayurveda is an ancient and holistic medical system that dates back to 50000 years ago. This system focuses on letting the body heal itself through natural process by correcting the disturbed energies. These energies are known as doshas in Ayurveda and the balance of these three doshas is necessary for good health. Ayurvedic treatment therefore comprises of herbal medicines, diet adjustments and lifestyle adjustments. Ayurveda texts recommend palliative treatment in cases with the same symptoms like those of Lupus.

Symptoms Of Lupus

Symptoms and are fever, joint pains, malaise and fatigue. The typical “butterfly rash” begin to appear on the face. It may manifest as ulcers on other areas like mouth, nasal and vagina. Some patients may develop Anemia and low hemoglobin levels. When the disease reaches an advanced state other symptoms relating to the heart, kidney and liver may also begin to manifest.

Ayurvedic treatment of Lupus

A wholesome and healthy diet that includes all the necessary vitamins and minerals is the most effective way to prevent and treat lupus. It should be ensured that the patient gets good nutritious diet and exercise. Breathing exercises and meditation are also recommended to patients with Lupus for calming the nervous system. It can also calm the patient and significantly reduces the risk of skin flare ups.

Ayurveda treatments involve the use of immune-modulatory medicines present in herbs such as Withania somnifera, Asparagus racemosus, Tinospora cordifolia, Glycerrizha glabra, Piper longum and Rubea cordifolia. For treating joint and muscular pains Ayurveda suggests the use of a mixture of powerful medicinal combinations with ingredients like Embelia ribes, Vetiveria zizanoides, Cedrus deodara, Carum roxburghianum, Allium sativum, Tribulus terristeris, Pluchea lanceolata and Zingiber officinale. When there are skin rashes the treatment involves the use of local ointments and also oral medications that contain black bitumen, Balsamodendron mukul, Terminalia chebula, Phyllanthus emblica, Plumbago zeylanica and Picrorhiza kurroa.

When there is hair fall which is mostly associated with SLE, the treatment involves the use of oils and other oral medications like Cocculus lack and Cissus quadrangularis. In some cases SLE may cause nervous disorders like convulsions, paralysis, depression and psychosis. These conditions are cured by using medicines like Bacopa monnieri, Nardostachys Jatamansi and Raulwofia serpentina. If the lungs are affected, the condition is treated with potent herbs like Inula racemosa. Herbs such as Terminalia arjuna and Embelica officinalis are useful in the treatment of Reynaud’s phenomenon. The treatment of kidney dysfunctions involves the use of a medicine prepared by a macerating the paste of Terminalia chebula in cow’s urine.

Lupus Nephritis

Lupus nephritis is a condition where there is irritation of the kidney caused by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a disease of the immune system. SLE is directly responsible for the damage that happens to the skin, joints, kidneys, and brain.

Causes of Lupus Nephritis

The causes of Lupus may one or more of the following:

1. Gender - SLE is more common in women than men

2. Genetics - hereditary factors

3. Infections - Viruses

4. Environmental reasons

Symptoms of Lupus Nephritis

Symptoms of lupus nephritis normally seen in patients with Lupus Nephritis are

1. Blood in the urine

2. Foamy look to urine

3. High blood pressure

4. Swelling of any region of the body

Treatment of Lupus Nephritis

The treatment focuses on restoring the proper function of the kidneys.

Cholesterol Lowering Diet

Fri, 15 May 2009 08:02:29 GMT

A cholesterol lowering diet is ideal for a large number of people but it is largely recommended for those who are at the brink of contracting heart disease or who have high cholesterols and have been warned by their doctors. A number of anti biotics as well as drugs are available that hold the ability to lower cholesterol numbers. However, naturally, it is always recommended that one should embark upon a cholesterol lowering diet instead of immediately turning to medicines.

Before going ahead with tips to lower cholesterol, one must understand what cholesterol really is:

Cholesterol is a thick substance that is present in the hemoglobin as well as every cell of the human body. While it is essential for the proper functioning of the human body as it produces a number of hormones which assist the body in the digestion process, especially of fat, too much cholesterol is very dangerous for the body. It can lead to artery blockages along with heart attacks and strokes.

While Low-Density Lipoprotein (L.D.L) is known as “bad” cholesterol, High-Density Lipoprotein (H.D.L) is known as “good” cholesterol. While a high concentration of L.D.L in the bloodstream can lead to heart problems, H.D.L provides the opposite function, that is, it reduces the risk of contracting heart problems.

It is important for those looking for a cholesterol lowering diet to know that cholesterol is contracted from animals. That is, if one consumes an excess of meat, milk, eggs and cheese, the cholesterol content in your blood will probably be high.

Contrary to popular belief, food is not the main source of cholesterol. The body has the ability to create over 70% of the cholesterol that is present in the hemoglobin of the human body. Therefore, a cholesterol lowering diet may not always work.

The quality of the fat that you consume also contributes towards cholesterol levels. Harvard School of Public Health says that this is possible even if the food product does not contain it. For example, olive oil and nuts contain a fat called monosaturated fat which has the ability to lower the levels of LDL and increase the levels of HDL. Same holds true for corn and fish which contain polyunsaturated fat.

Saturated fat is one that at room temperature is solid. However, polyunsaturated fat is in liquid form at the same temperature. As a majority of high-fat products are refrigerated, it is not always possible to see their condition at room temperature. Reading the label is a must in such cases.

Cholesterol lowering diet plan

The Mediterranean diet is one which is considered to be an excellent cholesterol lowering diet plan. While it encourages the consumption of olive oil, fresh fruits and vegetables and fish, it limits the consumption of red meat. This is undoubtedly the ideal consumption for one who is looking for cholesterol lowering diet plan.

Low fat diets have also proven to lower cholesterol levels. Dean Ornish Diets along with the Pritikin Diets are such cholesterol lowering diets that not only reduce high levels of cholesterol but also result in the reduction of plaque and heart problems.

Those who wish to lower their cholesterol must keep in mind that they should not consume more than 300 milligrams of those products that are high in cholesterol on a daily basis. Trans fat must totally be removed from the diet and saturated fat must only be consumed at par with 10% of the daily calories that have been consumed.

Other tips include:

Cholesterol lowering diet plans must include a large quantity of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Eating those food products that rich in nutrients is also an important part of the cholesterol lowering diet plan.
Eating fish at least two times a week is recommended for those who wish to embark upon a cholesterol lowering diet.
Excess salt must be eliminated from the diet of the individual who wishes to lower cholesterol levels and start a cholesterol lowering diet plan.
Dairy products that are low in fat must be chosen by those who wish to follow a cholesterol lowering diet.
Refined carbohydrates must be avoided and whole grains must be embraced. This is essential for those who want to initiate a cholesterol lowering diet.
Reading the labels attached to food products is essential as one must always know what one is consuming. This becomes all the most necessary when one is looking for a cholesterol lowering diet

Ayurvedic Cure For Prostate Enlargement

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 06:11:02 GMT

Prostate enlargement is the most common problem in men older than 60 years which occurs in the process of aging. The prostate gland forms part of the male genital organ that surrounds the outlet of the urinary bladder. The prostate gland secretes the liquid that is the major part of the seminal fluid. Due to the undue pressure that the enlarged gland puts on the bladder outlet the person begins to feel difficulty in urination.

Ayurveda Approach to Prostate Enlargement

The Ayurvedic system of medicine is the oldest in the world that dates back to more than 5000 years. According to Ayurveda disease is caused due to the imbalance in the life forces inside the body called doshas. The disturbance in the three doshas namely vata, pitta and kapha can lead to ailments depending on the dosha vitiation. The treatment is aimed at correcting the imbalance and improving the body’s ability to resist further ailments. Specific herbs are used to treat the different types of problems of the prostate.

Symptoms Of Prostrate Enlargement

Prostate Frequency of urination increases constantly both during daytime and night. It may be difficult to stop urinating once the process is started.
The stream of urine is less powerful and narrower than it was before.
Burning sensation while urinating
Sometimes straining may lead to appearance of blood in the urine.
Tendency of dribbling and may advance to urination may stop completely.
Feeling of incomplete evacuation after urinating.

Causes Of Prostrate Enlargement

When the glands in the prostate become large, this may interfere with the process of urination. When the gland enlarges, it reduces the diameter of the urethra and affects the flow of urine.

Ayurvedic Remedies for Prostate Enlargement

The treatment depends on the dosha vitiation and brings the body back to its balance.

Prostate problems of vata vitiation

When the disorder is due to vitiation of Vata dosha, herbs like Gokshura, Punarnava, Mishri, Guggulu and Shilajit are useful in the treatment.

Prostate problems of pitta vitiation

When the prostate problems are caused by pitta vitiation, the treatment involves using cooling herbs such as Punarnava and Ushir. Marshmallow and barley an also be used.

Prostate problems of kapha vitiation

Guggulu and Shilajit are the herbs used in combination with the spices like ginger, turmeric and cinnamon. Juniper berries may also be prescribed in many cases.

Ayurvedic Treatments For Prostrate Enlargement

Chandraprabha Vati

Chandraprabha Vati and Shilajit are the most effective Ayurvedic medicines for curing prostate gland enlargement. In mild cases Chandraprabha Vati tablets are available over the counter. It is recommended to take 2 pills twice daily with a cup of warm milk. This should be continued at least for six months even after the symptoms have vanished.

Shilajit

Shilajit is the most common Ayurvedic medicine drug for this condition. Shilajit has a property that generates heat within the body. Patients living in cold regions can consume it up to three times a day. It is advisable for people living in hot climates should consume it in smaller doses. When mixed with milk it loses its heating effect and works as a rejuvenator and aphrodisiac. The recommended dosage is half a teaspoon of the medicine to be taken with milk at bed time.

Diet Recommendation

The daily food intake of patients suffering from prostate enlargement should consist of ginger, asafetida, milk, butter and ghee made from cow’s milk. Fried and sour food items should be avoided.

Other recommendations For Prostrate Enlargement

Avoid constipation as it can aggravate the condition. Doing Vajrasana helps improving digestion and preventing constipation.
Yoga and Pranayama, the breathing exercises are beneficial.
Never suppress the urge to urinate.
Take long walks everyday.

How Did Adnan Sami Loose Weight

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 01:28:11 GMT

The British born singer musician, Adnan Sami lost almost 258 pounds in a span of 11 months. This Canadian citizen, presently living in Bombay. India is a much sought after playback singer who also holds the record for the fastest keyboard player in the world.

Four years ago, he had been told by doctors that he would not live for more than six months if he continued weighing 440pounds! On June 6, 2006, he ate a huge cheese cake, a potter house steak with lots of butter and mashed potatoes. From then on he went on a diet and regular exercise and work outs.

Exercise Routine Adnan Sami

Adnan Sami chose Prashant Sawant a trainer in Mumbai to help him work out. According to Prashanth, Adnan felt exhausted after walks, but was regular with the workouts. Whenever in town he trained diligently for an hour doing weights and a mixture of weights and cardio exercises.

Diet plan For Adnan Sami to loose Weight

Adnan was asked to stop eating four foods that were almost staple to him. They were rice, breads (including roti – an Indian flat bread)), sugar and oil. The meals that helped bring about the massive weight loss and what he still continues to have include

Vegetable salads
Tandoori fish (tandoor is a traditional Indian clay oven used to bake or cook.)
Any amount of sugar fee drinks
Popcorn sans the butter
Cooked lentils without any seasoning

Breakfast is a cup of sugarless tea. Lunch is a big helping of salad which has half an ounce of no-fat dressing. Dinner is one helping of cooked lentils. The day Adnan Sami began the dieting he gave up drinking alcohol in any form and still does not drink it. His diet regime allows him to have chicken, but he feels no inclination to eat it.

Rate of weight loss in Adnan Sami

A good weight loss rate for people on a diet is considered to be 4.4 to 8.8 pounds a month. Adnan Sami lost weight at a rate of 23.4 pounds per month. This is too high a figure, appreciated because Adnan weighed a whopping 440 pounds.

A few people believe that Adnan may have had bariatric surgery. Performed on extremely obese people whose BMI (body mass index) is 40 and above, this weight loss surgery may be to

Remove a section of the stomach
Re route the small intestines to a timny pouch of the stomach
Decrease the size of the stomach with gastric banding

Adnan Sami has these tips for weight watchers

Do not wait for the doctor to tell you that you are obese. Plan for a good change in lifestyle right now
Identify the root cause of obesity. For Adnan it was love of food. Once he made healthy changes in his diet, he was on a successful weight lose route
Healthy changes in eating and exercise habits are more effective in losing weight than following fad diets for a limited period, after which you may gain back the lost weight

Natural Blood Thinners

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 06:49:23 GMT

Natural blood thinners are substances found in nature which prevent the blood cells from clotting too readily hence avoiding clotting of blood vessels.

Blood clotting is an important natural process in our body. When a blood vessel is injured, our blood thickens and forms thrombus of blood cells. This clump is called a blood clot. This blood clot prevents us from bleeding to death.

The problem occurs when blood clots are formed even when the body is not cut or wounded and this can cause serious damage before the clot is dissolved and re- absorbed by the body.

A blood clot formed in the artery can cut off the oxygen supply by hampering the blood flow. This causes heart attacks and damage to the tissues in the heart. Blood clots in the brain result in senility or even a stroke.

A blood clot formed in the heart can travel and lodge itself in an organ or an artery causing embolism.

Aspirin is the most common blood thinner used all around the world but it can have negative side effects and with the passing of time, our body develops a resistance toward aspirin and its benefits are negative.

Hence natural blood thinners are considered to be more effective and safer than drugs.

If someone’s blood clots easily then these natural blood thinners become vital for that persons survival. These natural blood thinners are just as effective as Aspirin and NSAIDs without the side effects caused by the drugs. They reduce inflammation in the blood and contribute to the ease of flow of blood, thereby decreasing the risk of developing heart diseases and various other possible cardio vascular conditions.

Natural blood thinners can also be used to treat thrombeombolism and for preventing thrombeombolic disorders.

Therefore to avoid these problems, medical experts recommend the addition of omega-3’s to our diets.

Omega-3 is one of the most common natural blood thinners known. Omega-3 is found in fish oils. It prevents platelets from sticking which forms blood clots.

Besides Omega-3 there are many other natural blood thinners known and can be easily obtained.

Turmeric is another natural blood thinner.

Commonly used as a seasoning for Indian cuisines, this yellow- orange spice prevents formation of dangerous blood clots. It inhibits the activity of the enzyme fibrinogen. This enzyme is involved in a series of reactions which result in the formation of blood clots.

Ginger is another common natural blood thinner

and in fact several researches have shown than this natural blood thinner is better at preventing blood clots than aspirin. This spice serves a double purpose by giving Thai food its characteristic flavor and also prevents the platelets from sticking to one another and forming blood clots.

Like ginger and garlic, onions are also found to be natural blood thinners.

They also prevent the formation of blood clots by preventing the platelets from sticking to one another.

Some foods rich in Vitamin E also serve as natural blood thinners.

Herbs such as peppermint, paprika, thyme, ginger, curry leaves, cinnamon, oregano and licorice are rich in salicylic acid, which is a major component of aspirin. And hence these herbs are also included in natural blood thinners.

Many berries are also serve the purpose of natural blood thinners. These include strawberries, blueberries and cranberries.

Raisins, oranges, cherries and prunes are also considered as natural blood thinners. Tangerines also work in the same manner.

Ayurveda medication also states that sun boosts blood circulation as it provides vitamin D. Better circulation is a result of thinner blood hence sunlight causes indirect thinning of blood and is also included in the family of natural blood thinners.

Another natural blood thinner that has been discovered is the enzyme Nattokinase. This enzyme supports normal blood pressure and dissolves blood clots. In other cases it prevents the clots from being formed in the first place. It supports the ability of the human body to break up unwanted blood clots.

This natural blood thinner is an anti clotting enzyme extracted, and purified to a great extent, from Natto, which is a traditional Japanese food product.

Natto is prepared by a fermentation process. In that process, bacillus subtilis bacteria is added to boiled soybeans. The nattokinase enzyme is produced as a result of action of the bacteria on the soybeans.

Hence, there are a lot of natural ways of improving your blood circulation, some of these natural blood thinners are even better than drugs. So you need not worry, just turn to nature and all your problems will be solved.

An End to Dry Skin And Itching

Sat, 28 Mar 2009 03:17:06 GMT

You would be flabbergasted to know that dry skin which causes the acute need to itch is primarily because of the skin care regime followed by you. Development of dry skin is mainly due to two reasons. First of all, we like to soak ourselves in hot water while taking a bath. No doubt that we enjoy doing that, but have we ever realized what effect it will have on our skin? The answer is a simple no. As, if most of us would have been aware that hot water is not good for the skin and it makes the skin terribly dry then we would have definitely quit the habit.

Hot water soothes our nerves after a tiring day but at the same time it also takes away the natural moisture of the skin. One should not spend more than fifteen minutes in a bath with hot water. Having baths numerous times a day will also have an awful effect on the skin. People who are suffering from dry skin should not take baths more than two times a day. Moisturizing lotion should be applied after taking a bath. Moisturizer would help you to retain the natural moisture of the skin besides adding a new dosage of moisture to the skin, which would finally aid in reducing the event of dry skin and incessant itching.

Secondly we use moisturizers without acquiring sufficient information about its efficiency level. If the moisturizing lotion is not of superior quality then it has the capacity of doing more damage to the skin, by making it dry and dull. The common ingredient which is used for the manufacturing of moisturizers is mineral oils. But very few people know that mineral oil is not good for the skin. Although it gives temporary relief from skin dryness but in the long run it will be a harbinger of bad news for the skin. These types of moisturizers cannot make their way into the inner layers of the skin and it sticks to the upper region of the skin and does not let the skin breathe, which invariably encourages the formation of acne. Application of such moisturizers lets our body believe that the normal requirements for the moisture level is being maintained and process of oil production from the oil glands takes place very slowly. It is noticed that when we wash away these moisturizing lotions then the skin gets extensively dry. The only solution for dealing with dry skin is the usage of moisturizer which has plant or herbal oils. These types of oils in moisturizers help them to reach the innermost layer of the skin and then the skin gets moisturized effectively. Avocado oil, grape seed oil, etc has the caliber to give the skin the much needed boost with perfect moisture. Not only do they help a person get liberated from the clutches of dry skin but the oils can also act as an anti ageing agent, which is a boon for almost everybody.

Benefits Of Eating Almonds

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 01:18:51 GMT

Almonds are packed with natures’ bounty and have so many benefits for human beings. It is able to have an impact on humans from inside as well as outside. The amounts of vitamin E in almonds can enable you to get your daily recommended dose from having a few of them. Plus, the added benefits of magnesium, potassium, iron, fiber, zinc makes it one of the best sources of nutrients. They make a very good choice for vegetarians to get their amounts of calcium and proteins.

Let us enumerate the benefits of almonds.

Almonds contain several benefits for the heart and help to keep heart disease at bay. It strengthens the heart muscles and lowers the harmful cholesterol and at the same time increases the good cholesterol levels.
Almonds also have cancer reducing nutrients. Cultures that consume almonds liberally such as in the Mediterranean are hardly known to have these diseases to battle with.
Almonds help one lower their body mass ratio which enables them to look lean. They also up the metabolic rate and help in the digestion and absorption. This results in no hording of fat by their bodies.
Proteins are an important requirement for our body. Almonds provide the good components of proteins so that it is good for diabetics and vegetarians too.
Almonds have been used in traditional medicines especially by the Chinese as it is known to be an anti-inflmmatory and ant—spasmodic. It can be used as a tonic to increase the functions of the liver and purify blood.
Almonds are known to sharpen the memory and cognitive abilities of a person. It is certainly a good enough food for your brains.
Almonds also enhance your beauty. Almonds are known to make ones hair lustrous and give one a peaches and cream complexion.
Almonds are also used as tranquilizers as they are known to calm and control one’s mind as well as nerves. This enables one to live a more controlled life and make better decisions in professional and personal lives.
The magnesium in almonds allows it to work as a natural calcium blocker. This means that when there is plenty of magnesium around veins and arteries, they are able to function without any constraint and not much pressure is put on them. With deficit amounts of magnesium there is a free flowing of radicals that can harm ones heart.
If you are a diabetic and looking for the right kind of food to munch on then don’t look beyond almonds.

Body Scrubs

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:33:51 GMT

Body scrub is a product which when applied on the body helps remove the dead layer and give you a bright supple skin.A Body scrubs us made up of oatmeal, sea salt, apricot in the form of gel almost the same consistency as a moisturizing lotion.

Benefits of Body Scrub?

Body scrub when applied on the body removes dead skin leaving the skin of the body soft and supple. You can also remove your body tan by applying body scrub. It is normally used in spa.

How many times can I Use a Body Scrub?

A body scrub is not used too often maybe once or maximum twice in a week. If applied frequently scrubbing might damage the new layer of skin once the dead skin comes out. Also, do not do a rigorous scrubbing. Scrub gently specially in case of dry skin. Also you have to be very careful in winters as dry skin could be more damaged during scrubbing.

Options Available While Choosing a Body Scrub?

There are lots of established brands available in the market. The body scrub is available in variety of gel like oat gel, cranberry, almond, apricot, walnut just to name a few. You can even make a body scrub at home. They are quite easy to make and harmless too as they do not contain any synthetic ingredient in it.

How to make homemade Body Scrubs?

You really do not have to go too far to collect ingredients to make body scrub. They are easily available in the market, be it honey, salt or milk. You can make five different types of body scrubs using these ingredients:

Salt Scrub:

Mix one cup of salt to half of cup of almond oil. Mix them properly. Also make sure that the salt is really very fine else it can be hard on the skin thereby damaging the skin. Apply it for some time and take a shower with shower gel.

Honey and Walnut Scrub:

Grind a cup of walnuts. Add 3 tsp of honey and equal quantity of milk. Mix them rigorously. Apply it gently all over your body. This scrub will just remove the dead skin leaving the inner skin soft and smooth. After applying it for some time have a bath with shower gel. This kind of scrub is really effective in winters and milk and honey is a very good moisturizer in itself.

Coffee Scrub:

Mix 1 cup of coffee with half cup of yoghurt. Mix it properly till it becomes a fine paste. Gently apply this scrub on the body in a circular motion. Keep it on for sometime. Take a warm water bath. After applying this scrub you do not need to apply any moisturizer on the body as the scrub itself is a very good moisturizer.

Mint Scrub:

Mix one cup of mint leaves, one cup of yoghurt and half a cup of chickpeas. Grind them well so that they become a fine paste. Gently apply this mixture on your body and then rinse it with warm water. This is a wonderful homemade scrub. The chickpeas present in the scrub helps remove dead skin, yoghurt helps in nourishing the skin and mint refreshes it.

Chocolate Scrub:

Take half a cup of fine sugar and one cup of cocoa butter. Mix it so that it becomes a fine paste. Apply it on your whole body including arms, legs and feet. Keep it on for sometime and take a warm bath. This is a wonderful homemade pampering body scrub in which sugar helps removing the dead skin and cocoa butter acts as a moisturizer.

Lemon and orange peel body scrub

Dry lemon and orange peel till they dry totally. Please make sure that they are not dried in the sun. After drying it, grind it to make a fine powder which you can store it in the jar. To begin with, take out 2 tablespoon of this powder; add porridge grain, half tsp of homey and little milk. Mix them properly. Apply it thoroughly this course paste. Always apply this paste in a circular motion. Keep it for sometime and then take a warm water bath. This is a great body scrub and the effect is visible immediately.

Online Pregnancy Test

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 06:44:29 GMT

Online Pregnancy test is the newest service offered by web sites and web portals and since the launch of this service by several providers, people have been flocking to the sites to use this free online service and in most cases they are confidential ensuring privacy, hassle free and less time consuming. Most online pregnancy tests use different technologies and the advance technology used is known as Zeta Waves, it is a kind of non-damaging and invasive radiation. Web sites offers forms to fill in the details of your current situation and the site analyses your input and then based on the scientific facts and theories and logics programmed the site will give you an assessment of the potentiality of you being pregnant.

If you think you are pregnant? And want to take a private test, the online pregnancy test feature and functionality is a cost effective and private way of knowing whether you are pregnant.

Most online pregnancy tests are designed to utilize the natural menstrual period cycle and especially the date of intercourse to provide as input to a mathematical logic calculation- indicates the potentiality of you being pregnant.

Most websites also collect the following information for calculating the potential of you being pregnant.

1) Your age or Date of Birth

2) On an average, your exact menstrual cycle possibilities in the sense- how many days or which week is it from the starting day of the menstrual cycle to the first day of your next period? 28 days is the average for most women.

3) Enter the start day of your last menstrual cycle:

4) Date you think might be when you got pregnant?

5) Date of last successful intercourse around that date period?

The there are also options to select on symptoms for pregnant women during the initial stage.

Vomiting or Nausea
Need for Extra Sleep or a Fatigue
Feeling Empty or Bloated
Changes in Appetite or Weight Gain
Frequent tendency to Urinate
Tender or Sore Breasts
Odd feelings and sensations in the belly
Pregnancy Test Positive or Negative
Unbearable or Sharp Pain in the Side or Abdomen
Under Unusual Stress Lately
Sweating More than Usual
Taste changes
Some sites also ask for birth control methods used when you were having sex?:
None- but want to get pregnant
None - but do not want to get pregnant
Withdrawal - pull-out method
Calendar or Rhythm Method
Basal Body Temperature Method
Male or Female Condoms
Spermicides
Pills for Birth Control
Cervical or Diaphragm Cap
Sponges / IUD
Depo / Provera
Norplant
Tubal Ligation
Vasectomy

Online pregnancy test has many advantages as it is cheap, easy, fast and easily accessible. Most online pregnancy test service providers provide their service for free and it is a big advantage for people who want to know and test whether they are pregnant in a private fashion. Confidentiality, easy access and free service are the basic advantage with online pregnancy test providers. Based on recent surveys on people who have used the service of online pregnancy tests, it has been found out that they have given a satisfactory outcome on the online pregnancy test results. Most results have been proved correct and most sites now used comprehensive questionnaires to find out the actual mood and the feelings of the user and based on that it will be predicting / estimating the chances of the user being pregnant.

Online pregnancy test have a disadvantage of being not in touch with the person but it depends on what the user inputs and the result is also based on what the user inputs and if the user is able to input almost everything or at least 80 % of the questionnaires correctly the chance of getting an accurate prediction from the online pregnancy test is very high and the chance of the output to be correct is also very high.

Online pregnancy test have been a boon to teens and others who are not able to easily access a confidential and private way to test whether they are pregnant and the cost effectiveness is also another major advantage of online pregnancy tests and the technology is being upgraded day by day and in 5 years or so online pregnancy test will be the most used service in the medical domain.

Benefits Of Eating Ginger

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 10:33:06 GMT

Ginger is a plant whose root is the main part of interest due to the many benefits that comes with it. Ginger has over the time been known for its use in cooking and for the aromatic smell that it adds in food. Besides having the nice taste and the flavor it adds on foods, ginger has got a lot more benefits than one could have imagined. It is also used in the health issues where it is used for the curing nausea not forgetting that it is very effective with digestion problems.

Health benefits

Ginger is known traditional for being effective in alleviating gastrointestinal distress symptoms. Like in the cases of herbal medicine, ginger is one of the best carminatives i.e. the substance that helps in the removal of the air in the intestines, it is also one of the substances used to relax and sooth intestinal tract. According to the modern scientists’ research, ginger has been found out to posses therapeutic properties which have in them antioxidant effects. Ginger also has the ability to inhibit any development of inflammatory compounds by taking control of the compounds by creating anti-inflammatory effects.

Gastrointestinal Relief

This is one of the greatest success stories that the ginger has made on health due to it’s know to relieve the Gastrointestinal distress as revealed in the recent double blind studies. Ginger has demonstrated effectiveness in the prevention of motion sickness in the likes of the seasickness. A study has shown that ginger is superior to drugs like Dramamine which i=s the common prescription drug for this condition. It reduces all the symptoms of the disease which include nausea, cold sweating, dizziness and also vomiting.

Benefits during pregnancy

Ginger contains an anti vomiting action during pregnancy at the same time reducing the nausea that is associated with pregnancy. Other severe conditions like hyper emesis gravidum, a condition that requires hospitalization is controlled effectively by the use of ginger. The use of ginger is side effects free unlike in the case of the anti-vomiting drugs where birth defects is a common problem, ginger is highly safe and one is required to just take a small dose of it.

Colorectal Cancer protection

Ginger contains an active component called gingerols which is responsible for the flavour that is so distinctive. According to the Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research this component of ginger is known to inhibit the growth of colorectal cancer cells.

Killing of the Ovarian Cancer Cells

Gingerols component that is found in ginger contains active phytonutrients which kill the ovarian cancer cells, this done by inducing apoptosis which gets to kill the cancer cells in the body. According to various researches carried out, ginger has been found to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and also the anti-tumour effects on the cells. In the development t of the ovarian cancer, a pro-inflammatory state is said to be the highly contributing factor, but in the presence of ginger most of the inflammatory indicators are reduced on this cell hence the possibility of the development of cancer or highly reduced.

Action for boosting immune

Ginger is known for being of help during the cold days, it is important to note how much beneficial in promoting the healthy sweating to an individual which comes in handy when one has cold and flu. Ginger as a substance is filled with the active components that fight infections like arthritis; you find the relief when you happen to settle for the ginger use.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

With the compound gingerols being one of its components, ginger is a very useful anti-inflammatory herb. It helps the people with osteoarthritis experiences reduce their pain levels and be able to improve on their movements. This is as a result of the ginger consumption regularly. Anyone experiencing arthritis problems more so with the people in the old ages where the knees are of age, they should consume good potions of ginger to be able to overcome this problem.

Benefits Of Eating Water Melon

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 07:48:52 GMT

Watermelon is only known as the thirst quencher, but knowledge of its health benefits are less pronounced. Watermelon is packed with antioxidants that can be found in nature. It is rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin A. Vitamin A is found in the form of beta-carotene in watermelon. Watermelon is also a good source for potassium, an element necessary to control blood pressure, heart rate and even prevent strokes. Potassium helps to work against high blood pressure, prevent the formation of kidney stones and age related bone loss. Vitamin C and beta-carotene also help to stay away from heart attacks, cancer and other chronic diseases.

Watermelon also contains surplus of Vitamin B which are responsible for energy production in the body. It also hydrates the body. So it is advisable to consume a glass of watermelon juice before any physical exercise rather than preferring coffee. Coffee only results in dehydration of the body. The richness of Vitamin A and beta carotene in watermelon also helps to avoid macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is also known as loss of vision. This is a common problem in older people. The powerful antioxidants present in watermelon travel through the body and neutralize any free radicals. Free radicals are not at all necessary for our body as they oxidize the cholesterol in the body. This form of cholesterol sticks to the vascular tubes thereby choking them and increasing the risk of heart diseases.

Watermelon is also rich in citrulline which is an amino acid used for the production of another amino acid called arginine. Arginine is used in the urea cycle to remove the toxic ammonia. It is also used by the cell lining to produce nitric oxide which is used to relax the blood vessels which in turn reduces blood pressure. Arginine is also used to increase the sensitivity of insulin in obese diabetic patients. Watermelon is also known to boost the sexual health of the individual through supplementation of arginine. Good levels of arginine are responsible for the immune system of the body. Watermelon helps to increase the level of arginine in the body.

Watermelon is also a very good source of a carotenoid called lycopene. Lycopene is abundant in tomatoes, especially in cooked tomatoes. It is also found in mangoes. Watermelon ranks next when the abundance of lycopene is considered. Lycopene is an antioxidant and is capable of preventing cancer. It is a proven fact that lycopene is highly efficient in preventing cancer. The cancer varieties include prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, endometrial cancer and colorectal cancers. It is observed that in people suffering from colorectal cancer, the level of lycopene in the blood is 35 percent less as compared to a person free of this type of cancer. It is also realized that the protection of DNA in the white blood cells is primarily due to the anti-oxidant property of the lycopene.

It has to be understood that watermelon can provide with high amount of energy while it is low on its calorific value. So if you are conscious about your weight and overall health, watermelon makes a good choice.

When will Periods Commence after Miscarriage

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 22:16:17 GMT

After a miscarriage, a woman’s body returns to the normal state it was before pregnancy in a few weeks time. HCG levels start rising during ensuing months of pregnancy. After a miscarriage doctors monitor the levels in order to keep it at 5.0.

While for some, periods may begin a good 45 days after the miscarriage, usually for most women, the first menstrual cycle after a miscarriage happens after four weeks. The extreme cases are when the periods begin as early as in fifteen days or as late as 180 days (6 months!)

When the miscarriage happens with the minimum of complications and the woman normally has regular periods, the cycle will resume within a month or 45 days. If you do not feel comfortable when the menstrual cycle is delayed, it is important you consult the doctor to discuss the issues pertaining to resuming a normal, healthy period.

Though periods may commence, it is only after a few menstrual cycles that they become as normal as they were before conceiving. A significant fact to remember is that though the periods begin after four weeks (at the earliest), ovulation begins a fortnight after miscarriage.

It is prudent to use birth control methods now as the woman is yet to recuperate from the trauma of the miscarriage. Having unprotected sex soon after miscarriage may make a woman conceive within a fortnight of the incident! A home pregnancy test may explain why the menstrual cycle has not resumed!

The healthiest option for woman who has just had a miscarriage would be to consider pregnancy only after the menstrual cycle has resumed. Until this time partners should opt for safe birth control methods.

Another reason why health care givers suggest waiting for a couple of menstrual cycles to pass before considering pregnancy is that, by that time the woman would also have learned to cope with her loss, both emotionally and physically.

If the miscarriage has been fraught with complications like severe bleeding, tiredness, and unregulated discharge then the doctor would advise a woman to wait for the symptoms to wane before considering a pregnancy.

At the same time hormonal changes are also taking place for the woman. Because of that too her physical and emotional conditions may become abnormal and fluctuate. Before planning the next child both parents must jointly determine that the woman is physically and emotionally ready for the next pregnancy.

The most significant aspect to remember, after a miscarriage, is that it happened because further progress of the pregnancy would have brought in more complications.

Care must also be taken to see that the emotional trauma should not overwhelm future plans for the family. The woman must learn to cope with the recent misfortune, with the care and co-operation of her partner and look forward positively towards the birth of the next child.

Miscarriage is an unfortunate incident in any woman’s life. It may or may not be accompanied by complications. Complications include pain, tiredness, severe bleeding and abnormal discharge. There are also emotional issues to deal with after a miscarriage. Periods resume four to six weeks after miscarriage if there have been no complications. Ovulation starts a fortnight later. A woman must take care of herself and cope with the incident in a manner that she can positively look forward to a pregnancy in the coming days.

Benefits Of Mullein

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 00:33:13 GMT

Making top of the list of the herbs that are naturally capable of offering treatment to the human body, mullein grows as a shrub in warm climatic regions. This beneficial herb which is commonly known as mullein is also referred as verbscum. This herb mullein grows on very dry and barren grounds and the most common areas to find it is at the edge of the forest.

The mullein contains several compounds which are anti-inflammatory, antiviral, emollient, and antihistaminic and that have calming effects. Mullein is home to substances like flavonoids, saponins, tannis, glicozide, carotenoids and the glucidic substances.

Benefits of mullein

Being a good expectorant, mullein clears out the congestion and in the process it soothes the mucus membranes that are found in the respiratory tract. This has made mullein very effective in the treatment of bronchitis and coughing. Upon taking the tea which is made from the mullein flowers, lime, colt’s foot leaves and the plantain, one is sure of getting over the hoarseness.

The mullein is also a good remedy for the stomach-aches bladder dysfunctions and also the intestinal inflammations moreover, the mullein decoct which is made form the mullein flowers offers a good treatment for haemorrhoids, burns, and the chilblains.

A mixture of the mullein like the syrup alleviates breathing problems, sleeping disorders and also coughing. This syrup is made from boiling the mullein flowers in proportions of water and then there is sugar added to it. This mixture is boiled until the fluid turns viscid. If an adult takes up to three spoons a day and a child took one spoonful a day, it is said to yield very good results.

It is thought to be an antispasmodic, where it is good in relieving stomach cramps and it helps in controlling diarrheal. Other major benefits of mullein are

It puts a cover on scraped tissues at the same time protecting them

Mullein soothes and softens irritated skin

The herb also helps shrinks tissues

Mullein is one of the herbs that have shown effectiveness in the treatment of bronchitis, the treatment is done by the use of mullein tea which constitutes emollient and expectorant effects. And for the effectiveness of the mullein against hoarseness, the recommendation is that one should take mullein tea which is made from the mixture of colt’s foot, mullein flowers and the mallow root. Other diseases that the mullein tea is good at treating is a among them the breathing problems, coughing and the sleeping disorders

Blood cleansing is another benefit of mullein tea, this reduces the blood problems

There is a combination which is made out of the mullein, this compound is known as mullein enemas, mullein enemas is effective for the treatment of the spleen and liver disorders

Another effectiveness of mullein is in the urinary tract irritations and treating of the bladder not forgetting hematuria which is the condition of blood in the urine.

Treatments of haemorrhoids, furuculosis are done by the use of the mullein decot and it has over the time given results in all these conditions

Insomnia can be combated by the drinking of the mullein tea; the same tea will be a good remedy for frayed nerves for it helps in calming them.

Intestinal worms are expelled from the body by the taking of the mullein tea mean that one can have a rubble free stomach from the use of the mullein herb

The mullein herb when crushed in a cup of water is used to make a weak infusion which helps much against dry complexions. When applied to the skin, mullein have anti-inflammatory and emollient effects that show goods results on the complexion if it is applied directly to the skin and its infusion takes good care to the earaches.

Caution with mullein

Flower petals of the fine puff of the mullein cause itchiness to the skin arms, the neck and the hands. It therefore recommended that contact of the herbs and the hands the eyes too should be highly avoided. To be able to avoid the itchiness brought by the herbs one can put on clothes that have long sleeves and those clothes that will continue up to cover the neck.

Should We Take Protein Shakes and How Much

Sat, 18 Jul 2009 07:41:59 GMT

A majority of people rely on protein shakes for the purpose of reducing their weight or increase energy during a weight lifting program. The protein in these drinks work towards increasing muscle mass, strengthening bones, clearing the skin and making other tissues strong. According to a number of professionals and medical experts, those who consume protein shakes can benefit in a number of ways. Therefore, for those who want to reduce weight or build muscle mass, protein shakes are the way to go. However, it is always recommended to consult a physician before beginning a routine that consists of meal replacements drinks.
Fortunately, protein shakes are available quite easily and in number of textures and flavors. Each drink offers a different benefit. Popular flavors like strawberry and chocolate are available as well. While some shakes combines proteins and vitamins, others combine proteins and carbohydrates.
Therefore, the shake that you choose depends on your ultimate goal. In case you want to lose weight, look for a protein shake that promises to reduce hunger and increase the level of metabolism.

While buying protein shakes, make sure that you read the ingredients properly. It is always better to choose natural ingredients over chemical additives. They will not only have a better taste but also lesser side-effects.

Ultimately, the decision is in your hands-whether you should take protein shakes or not. Even though it offers the above mentioned benefits, the following warning must also be kept in mind:
Those who wish to begin the consumption of protein shakes should remember not to eliminate real food from their diet. They should only depend on these shakes to satisfy hunger between meals in order to eliminate unnecessary snacking. An excess of protein can lead to nausea and in some cases, death.

It is important to remember that consuming too much protein is not only unnecessary but also harmful. Contrary to popular belief, adding an excess of protein to your diet will not lead to an instant appearance of extra muscles. If you consume more protein than is required on a daily basis, your body will use the amount it needs and store the rest as fat. Naturally, you will end up putting on weight instead of losing it.
Most protein shakes consist of about 1,200 calories. Adding more than 1000 calories on a daily basis will definitely not make you lose weight. (Unless of course you wish to gain some extra weight) An excess of protein can also lead to kidney diseases and damage to the bones.
Even though a large number of people rely on protein shakes and swear by them, the truth is that you can get the extra protein that you need from a good home-cooked meal. At the end of the day, protein shakes are processed supplements and consuming those are never safe.

Proteins: How much should be consumed:

If you can’t figure out how much protein you need, simply multiply your body weight with .36. Make sure that your body weight is in pounds for accurate results. For example- if your body weight is 180 pounds and you multiply this with .36, it comes out to 64.8 grams which is about 65 grams. Therefore, you should consume about 65 grams of protein on a daily basis. If you wish to consume protein shakes for the purpose of increasing your protein intake, make sure that you consume this calculated amount for healthy results. However, most protein shakes consist of about 300 grams of proteins. Depending on your requirements, you will have to measure these shakes and divide the amount carefully in order to ensure that you do not consume more than you need.
However, if you are looking to build muscle, you should be consuming about 1.2 grams of protein for every kilogram of your body weight. For example- if you weight 135 pounds, you should be consuming 70 grams on a daily basis in order to increase muscle mass.

The bottom line is that even though taking protein shakes has its benefits and limitations, the ultimate decision is up to you. Keep the warnings in mind and do not go overboard.

Dry Skin Woes In Winter

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 02:45:23 GMT

The onset of winter season not only introduces a dip in the temperature but also welcomes dry skin. Although it is not a life threatening condition but it can easily manage to wreck one’s appearance. All we want to do during such a phase is to confine ourselves in our homes, away from the prying gaze of people. But this sort of behavior will not help anybody to get rid of dry skin. During winter, the degree of humidity decreases, which affects the skin resulting in its dryness. Skin experts endorse the idea of taking care of the skin throughout the year and especially during the period when the winter season is just about to barge in. Following a good skin care routine a month before the start of the winter will prepare the skin to maintain the moisture equilibrium.

During summers we use such products which help us to have an oil free complexion. But when it comes to the winter season, one should change the type of products related to skin care as well. If during the summer you are using a moisturizing lotion which is very light, then in the winters you should shift your focus to a lotion which is of much thicker density. Even the usage of face wash gels should be given proper attention. Winters demand a face wash which is devoid of any foam forming chemicals, as foams can cause the skin to get rid of the oil produced by the sebaceous glands. But during summers a face wash should be used which develops foams as it reduces the amount of oil produced by the oil glands. If the oil surfaces in the skin then the pores of the skin gets blocked and acne develops. Therefore, one needs to be extremely careful about the type of skin products that is used during different seasons. Face cleansing is a daily ritual, and it should be followed religiously. The next step after cleansing is moisturizing so that the skin can remain hydrated.

The skin products which are purchased should also be comodegenic in nature, which will prevent the pores from getting blocked with excessive oil. A sunscreen lotion is necessary not only for the winters but also for all the seasons as it can save us from contracting skin cancer which is primarily caused by the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Moisturizer which has glycerin as one of its ingredients should always be preferred by a consumer. Usage of scrubs in the winter can prove to be extremely harmful for the skin so mild face wash should be used. Although some quantity of alcohol can give you the much needed warmth in the winter but at the same time, it also plays a major role in dehydrating the body, which is bad news for the skin. Application of oil in the area of the scalp can also help to deal with dry skin during the winters because if the skin of the scalp is dry then it has a ripple effect and dry skin is also experienced on the face.

Calcium Rich Foods

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:58:17 GMT

For the healthy functioning of the body, it is extremely important to ensure that all essential nutrients are consumed in adequate amounts by the body. Each of the nutrients including different vitamins and minerals have their own important role to play to take care of specific functions in the human body.

Similarly, the intake of appropriate amounts of calcium is important for children, men as well as women of all the age groups. The requirement of calcium is for the entire lifetime of an individual and therefore being careful about the right and the most appropriate calcium rich foods is extremely important.

In addition to calcium which can be supplemented through the calcium rich foods, there are several other minerals that are important for the appropriate functioning of the body. These include magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, etc. All of these are categorized as dietary minerals. However, calcium is one of the most abundant and most visible amongst all available dietary minerals and the requirements of calcium in our body can be taken care by consuming different calcium rich foods.

The daily intake value of calcium continues to increase in human beings as the age of a person increases. The children who are in growing age group particularly require greater amounts of calcium in order to support an adequate growth of their growing bones and to also make the bones strong and healthy. The parents of the growing children should be particularly careful about the intake of the calcium rich foods for their growing children in order to ensure healthy development of their teeth as well as bones. Not only, calcium also plays a very important role in different age groups for maintaining a normal heartbeat as well for regulating the blood pressure in a human being. Not only this, an adequate intake of calcium through the calcium rich foods is also helpful in contributing to a healthy nervous function in our body.

Research has also shown that calcium rich foods and calcium supplements can be also helpful in relieving the different symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome. Some of the research studies have also proven the role of calcium in the reduction of colon polyps. Thus, one must ensure an appropriate intake of calcium in order to gain from its several roles and functions. This can be assured through an adequate intake of calcium rich foods.

The adult men and women need approximately 1000 mg of calcium daily whereas the post-menopausal women need 1200 mg of calcium daily. The different examples of the various available calcium rich foods includemilk, cheese, plain and fruit yogurt, milk shakes, etc. One can easily check the calcium nutrition offered by different food items by checking their labels. These are the examples of the dairy calcium rich foods.

However there are several non-dairy calcium rich foods also which offer adequate amounts of calcium. These include beans (white as well as baked), broccoli, peas, almonds, spinach, etc.

Cream for stretch marks

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 01:56:12 GMT

Let me break a few myths for you, stretch marks are caused due to skin dryness, superficial treatment such as chemical peeling will cure stretch marks permanently . Others include cream for stretch marks which have collagen have permanent cure for stretch marks. Yes, all these statements one hears every day are myths. Stretch marks are not caused by dryness, what is caused by dryness is the chapping of the upper layer of the skin. Chemical peeling does not permanently abrogate stretch marks, what it does is, it mildly burns the epidermis, removes dead skin cells to bring to your sight, a stretch mark free skin. Chemical peeling does not remove stretch marks from the core; it just removes the surface layer where stretch marks reside.

Collagen initially was considered to be the prime ingredient in any cream for stretch marks. But more and more companies seem to highlight this ingredient less. Initial marketing for a product would show the viewers that collagen gets absorbed in the skin which results in a well hydrated skin and a stretch mark free skin. Now, companies do not advertise collagen exhaustively for the simple reason that it has come to public awareness that collagen is a heavy molecule and can not be broken into smaller molecules. This simply implies that the skin can not absorb collagen and get rid of stretch marks. After busting these myths let me tell you what really works as a best cream for stretch marks.

Almost 80% anti stretch mark creams are a failure. This could be because you bothered too late in life to remove stretch marks or because the cream for stretch marks does not work at all. There are many creams for stretch marks available in the market; it depends on how much you are willing to invest in the quest of getting rid of stretch marks. Organic, botanical, herbal, homeopathic, chemical and clinical treatments are available, consult your dermatologist and see what suits you the best. Make sure you undergo an allergy test to prevent any break outs or rashes, no company sells a product without a disclaimer, so be rest assured in case of any problem you take responsibility of your own self, you can not go and lash back at the company which manufactured that product. A good and efficient cream for stretch marks must restore the elasticity of your skin and increase the metabolism of the skin. If the metabolism of your skin is good it can prevent the formation of deep stretch marks. A cream for stretch marks must also enable the molecules in the product to distinguish between dysfunctional skin cells and healthy skin cells to prevent any skin damage. The cream for stretch marks must also increase collage synthesis by providing the body special molecules to destroy free radicals. A combination of all these factors will answer your question of what is the best cream for stretch marks when you intend to invest in one to reveal stretch marks free skin.

How To Achieve Flat Stomach With Exercises

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 02:29:39 GMT

If you are dying to get rid of your belly fat, and get the flat stomach look, then it should be quite pleasing for you to know that this can be achieved quite easily! Getting a flat stomach isn’t actually rocket science, so a bit of exercises and diet control is all you need to fulfill your dreams. It must be kept in mind that both exercises and diet are equally important in the flat stomach process. However, in this article, we will concentrate on the diet aspect of achieving a flat stomach.

Restrict your carbohydrate diet to a fixed amount and high-quality items only. Carbohydrate consumption should be balanced, and in general case must not exceed 40-60 percent of your total calorie consumption. Anything less or above that can create problems like bloating, water retention and weight gain in the belly part. Carbohydrates, when consumed, break down into glucose, and are stored as another compound in the muscles and liver. This compound, known as glycogen, carries water that amounts to three times its own weight! This excess water causes bloating and weight gain, and that is why one should control the consumption of carbohydrates! The best way to have high-quality balanced carbohydrate diet is to eat vegetables fruits and breads.

Consume fiber to a sumptuous level. It is considered that women gain those extra flabs due to insufficient intake of fiber. According to certain studies, at least 25 grams of fiber should be consumed daily to shed the extra belly and achieve a flat stomach. However, fiber is nothing but the indigestible part of most fruits and vegetables. So how do we add fiber to our diet? Before coming to that, we need to be aware of the fact that fiber consumption should be done gradually to avoid gas. There are some soluble fibers present in beans, barley and oats, which also is a low-cholesterol food! The best way to add it to the diet is to go slow, and intake should be accompanied with drinking lots of water to get it through the system fast.

Drinking water helps. There is a general perception that, since excess water due to carbohydrate consumption causes bloating, drinking too much of water would result in the same! However, the fact is that water helps in flushing out a lot of components out of the body, which helps in reducing bloating. One such component happens to be sodium. Soft drinks and soups are known to contain sodium in its ingredients. Hence low consumption of such things, along with a sufficient intake of water and water-rich items like fruits and vegetables would help the cause of achieving a flat stomach by reducing bloating.

Light diet at night is the best option. Diet is not always about what stuffs to eat and what not to eat. It is also about the right time and quantity of food consumption. During the night, the heavier diet you follow the lower the metabolism would be, as the total system is at rest. Therefore, it is wise to have a light dinner. However, make sure you consume enough during the other times of the day. Breakfast should be fiber-rich while you should be feeding yourself every 4 hours, as your body needs it. But remember to keep yourself from having the largest meal in the later part of the day, not unless you want to get up in the morning with an extra layer of tummy!

Sodium consumption has to be reduced at any cost. It is a fact that sodium helps in regulation of blood pressure and nerve transmission, and absorption of certain nutrients. But excess sodium that remains undigested is a primary cause behind bloating. Therefore, one should consume only the required amount of sodium during the day, which shouldn’t be more than a teaspoon to be precise. There are some healthier options to sodium-rich foods. Soups are known to be very rich in sodium, and hence low-sodium soups should be consumed. Similarly, if pickle is a part of your diet, make sure you do not consume it on a daily basis as it has a high concentration of sodium in it.

Benefits Of Eating Oats

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 01:25:49 GMT

If there were only one advice that someone were to give you to change your dietary habits to gain maximum benefits out of it then they would ask you to eat moreoats. When you reach out for oats you have far reaching effects on your health and it could be the best breakfast option. Just the kind that kicks starts your day.

If you were to think of any drastic ailment and you will find that oats have a beneficial effect by preventing it or stopping its onslaught on your body.

The benefits of eating oats regularly are:

They are just the kind that will keep your cholesterol levels in check. They are made by nature to give you enough fiber and at the same time provide these fibers are of two different variants. The soluble as well as insoluble kinds. This ensures that you get double fold the benefits in the form of protection against heart diseases and lowering of cholesterol and the insoluble fibers help keep your digestive tract unclogged and food flowing smoothly through it.

Oats play a major role in controlling blood sugar levels in one’s body. This is because when you have oats the rise in blood sugar is released over a longer period of time rather than at one go. If lowers the rate at which carbohydrates are absorbed in one’s body.

Oats have phytochemicals that help lower a person’s risk of getting cancer.

The hormone phytoestrogen is released by eating oats and this in turn helps one to fight breast cancer. This is because when you eat oats it lowers your chances of having free circulating oestrogen in your body which substantially lowers one’s risks.

Oats have a phenomenal impact on blood pressure. It goes on to reduce the reading of hyper-tensives by just eating a bowl of oats for breakfast.

The high fiber content in oats enables one to have a free flowing bowel movement. This keeps other problems at bay such as constipation, gas and bloating, and piles and hemorrhoids.

If you are keeping an eye over your weight then oats will enable you to lose weight and once lost enable you to maintain the same weight. Oats eaten for breakfast has the same impact on children too. It avoids people reaching the point of obesity.

Oats have an impact on the metabolic rate and hence it can up your performance in energy requiring sports and athletics. The amounts of carbohydrates enable the releasing of energy in a staggered manner.

Furthermore, oats can enable one to concentrate on the task on hand hence they are good for everyone be it a student or professional.

Oats help to increase the lifespan by enabling the person to be far happier and keep chronic diseases at bay.

It is also known to up the immune system thereby not allowing germs to enter the body and for faster healing.

Ayurveda For Fibroids

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 03:09:15 GMT

A Fibroid is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor of fibrous tissue in the womb that may develop in the muscular wall of the womb. Fibroids are often accompanied by severe pain, pelvic discomfort and excessive menstrual bleeding. These fibroids can grow to a large size. This growth will prevent pregnancy. This condition usually affects women over 30 years of age. The growth of Fibroids is triggered by hormonal imbalance and production of excessive estrogen.

Fibroids can be removed by surgery but to avoid complication other safe methods to dissolve them safely are advisable. The small fibroids normally disappear when the uterus membranes contract and due to the dryness of the canal leading to the vagina. If the fibroids are extremely large, surgery is the only option to get rid of them.

Fibroids in Ayurveda

The names given to Fibroids in Ayurveda are Arbuda and Granthi. Ayurveda suggests that dosha imbalance in the muscles in the body can lead to the growth of Arbuda or Granthi. The three doshas namely vata, pitta and kapha when aggravated may weaken the body’s immune system and give way to diseases.

Ayurveda refers to tumors as Rakta Gulma and attributes it to the impurity in the blood. Depending upon the dosha type of the affected person and the dosha vitiation the course of treatment is decided.

The fatty substances that constitute the tissues namely ‘Medha’, the fat muscles known as ‘Mamsa’, and blood get affected by the dosha aggravation and show various symptoms depending on the nature of the dosha disturbance.

Types of Fibroids

The fibroids may be of different types depending upon the dosha vitiation and the nature of the tumor.

Vata: Tumors caused by vata aggravation are large in size accompanied by intestinal bleeding. They are malignant (cancerous) and can be identified by the dark color of the menstrual blood that is thin and also dry. The person may have symptoms like sleeplessness, constipation, dryness of skin and body aches.

Pitta: Fibroids are caused due to inflammation or infection and may be malignant. It is accompanied by burning sensation, acidity, thirst and excessive bleeding known as menorrhagia and infection of the urinary and genital systems.

Kapha: The tumor is usually big in size and grows slowly. The affected person feels lethargy, heaviness of body, excessive sleep and menorrhagia containing plenty of blood clots.

Medoj Arbuda: These fatty tumors may be made up of fluid, mucus and sebaceous material usually related to problems related to obesity.

Mamsa Arbuda: They are muscular fiber growth and are immobile, smooth and hard. These fibroids are from different origins.

Ayurvedic Remedy for Fibroids

The Ayurvedic herbs generally are cold and astringent and help to balance and strengthen the systems and check the excessive bleeding. The combination of these herbs is found highly effective in the treatment of gynecological disorders caused by fibroids. They help in reducing the pelvic discomfort, bleeding and improve the patient’s general health.

Herbs Useful in the Treatment of Fibroids

Ashoka, Babul, Bilba, Kanchar, Guggulu, Gum Tragacanth, Kalajaji, Lodhra, Laksha, Mochrus, Hiradukhi, Majuphal, Nagkesar and Harida are used in herbal medicines in the treatment of fibroids as they are highly effective in reducing the symptoms.

In Ayurvedic treatment of fibroids the patients are advised to increase the intake of foods containing iron as it can prevent anemia caused by excessive bleeding. They should take banana, apple, amla, spinach, nuts, molasses, wheat bran and jaggery etc. Moderate exercise and avoiding stress can also relieve the effects of fibroids.

Pros And Cons Of Head Shave

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 01:55:22 GMT

Shaving one’s head may seem like a drastic change to make but a lot of people find it comfortable. A majority of men shave their heads because they suffer from male pattern baldness or extreme hair loss. However, teenagers usually shave their heads if there is an ongoing fashion trend on the scene. To want a different look is also another reason that drives boys and men to shave their heads. Some religions and traditions also require infants to shave their heads. It has also been said that shaving ones head allows the hair to grow back with a better texture.

If one is seriously considering shaving their head, they must follow the following steps so that the desired results can be achieved and maintained

The first step is to completely cut one’s hair till the scalp. This is because it is difficult to shave a head which has long hair on it. This part can be carried out easily at home and with the help of a friend or family member. Hair clippers are usually used for this purpose and are recommended.

Completely wetting the newly shortened hair as well as the scalp is essential as this helps to avoid razor burns.

The application of shower gels, shaving cream or shower cream is also recommended as it allows the razor to glide through the head easily and without causing skin abrasions or irritations.

Moving the razor slowly is also recommended. One should also remember the moving the razor and targeting a particular spot again and again will not lead to desired results. The method of shaving perfectly is difficult to master and one should make sure that they are properly equipped before they go ahead with it. In case they feel as though they cannot, salons offer such services.

After the head is shaved, the application of after-shave or cream is recommended.

If you make sure that you follow all the above mentioned tips in an orderly fashion, your freshly shaved head will undoubtedly look good.

Pros of having a shaved head

When one does not have any hair, there is no hassle to wash condition or maintain it.
It puts you in the spotlight and makes strangers notice you. While some may not like this, a large number of people view this to be an advantage.
It has been said that people who have no hair are more carefree and easy going.

Cons of having a shaved head

During winters or during rainfall, it is essential for the individual to wear a hood or a cap. If they do not do say, they will catch a head cold.
Sunburn is another major limitation. Applying sunscreen on an hourly basis is extremely important if you are spending time outside the house.
Even though the spotlight may be fun, it will get tiring after a particular period of time. Jokes and humor will lose their charm and begin to annoy you.
It is not necessary that your head is shaped perfectly. A majority of heads have a few bumps here and there which can end up looking quite unattractive. Therefore, the entire purpose is defeated.
Many people who have gone though with shaving their heads often wonder if they will need to shave their heads on a regular basis. However, this answer differs from person to person. If one wants a smooth and spotless head everyday, they must shave it everyday. On an average, those with shaved heads usually shave their heads every other day.
If one goes overboard, one will suffer from serious razor burns and also develop ingrown hairs.

A large number of celebrities believe in shaving their heads. Athletes such as basketball players prefer to keep a bald head as it does not come in the way of their game and also keeps excess sweat away. Many actors opt for a shaved head due to the same reasons. Other celebrities shave their heads because their role in the movie demands it.
The reason for shaving your head does not need to be mad public. If you are happy with your decision, you must go ahead with it as looking different is always an added benefit.

Ayurvedic Herbs To Enhance Memory

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 21:37:52 GMT

Ayurveda has memory enhancing remedies that have been recognized all over the world as they are known to be highly effective and powerful. Ayurveda believes in the concept that the mind and body should be in harmony. The human body is made up of three life energies called Tridoshas namely Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The balance of these three doshas helps the body to stay in harmony with the mind as well as the universe.

Ayurvedic drugs are attracting increasing interest due to their proven efficacy.

Ayurvedic Remedies Memory

Ayurvedic medicines use herbs like Ashwagandha, Shankapushpi and Jatamansi etc that have memory enhancing properties. These herbs have the potential to enhance the brain functionality in different ways. All the herbs used in Ayurveda for preparing brain tonics or memory enhancers are quite safe as they produce minimum or no side effects.

Memory Enhancing Herbs used in Ayurveda

Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera): Ashwagandha is a vital part of all memory enhancing drugs and for enhancing the functioning of the brain. Being a stress buster and revitalizer it can calm the brain. This is very helpful in keeping the brain cool and helps it in performing better that includes memory. It is used as a brain tonic because of its ability to increase memory power. In addition it helps in understanding easier by re-vitalizing the brain cells.

Brahmi: Brahmi is found to be one of the most used herbs in memory enhancing drugs. It has the potency to improve the brain power. The herb Brahmi contains chemicals that augment the protein synthesis in the brain and never cells to develop good mental capacity. This process is helpful in making memory sharp and clearer thinking. Brahmi is used for enhancing mental powers. It is also used as an anti depressant and anti-anxiety agent. It works to make the mind restful and is therefore Brahmi oil is used for head massage to relax the mind.

Ginkgo (Ginkgo Biloba)

Ginkgo improves the blood circulation in the central nervous system that is essential for proper brain function. Ginkgo also can repair any damaged cells of the body including the brain. Ginkgo has got a place of respect in Ayurveda. Due to its power to enhance the health of the brain cells Ginkgo extract is prescribed for treating amnesia and Alzheimer's disease. Many herbal brain tonics contain Ginkgo as a major ingredient

Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica)

Gotu kola is a powerful herb that can effectively increase the blood circulation and supply to all parts of the body, including the brain. It provides protection to the brain cells from damage due to wear and tear. Gotu kola has the property to make a person more energetic. The herb helpful in memory retention and enhances brain power. It is therefore used in brain tonics to revitalize the brain.

Gotu kola is generally used in tonics intended to re-vitalize the brain. It improves concentration, makes the brain more receptive to information and also brings about an enhancement in the memory.

Muleti (Glycyrrhiza Glabra): Muleti is also known as Licorice that has many medicinal properties. It is a good brain tonic and revitalizer that is capable of rejuvenating the brain. It has a calming effect on the brain and is used to cure stress related problems. It can also enhance mental ability and relaxes the nerves. It helps in improving the blood circulation to the nervous system. It is also a memory enhancer and is prescribed for students. The other use of this herb is controlling the blood sugar levels.

Vacha (Acorus Calamus): Vacha can produce instant results in memory enhancing. It helps in improving memory and also helpful in strengthening the nervous system. This is the reason it is prescribed for people suffering from amnesia, a disease due to memory deficiency.

How To Brighten Dull Skin

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:56:29 GMT

Skin may become dull in the area where blood circulation is slow or inadequate. Over-drinking and smoking can cause dullness of the skin. If you are not taking diet with essential vitamins, it can cause dullness of the skin. Stress can change the skin to become dull. Exposing the body to extreme temperatures, staying in the sun for prolonged periods and humid conditions can affect the brightness of the skin. If you expose your body to the wind carrying dirt and dust, your skin becomes dull. However, the look of the skin can certainly be improved if it looks dull. One of the best ways to improve a dull complexion is by exfoliation. The dead skin cells are removed by exfoliation, but this has to be done regularly. At least you should exfoliate twice a week. Regular exfoliation removes the oil and dead skin cells in the skin and improves the look of the skin. The dead skin cells can also clog the pores of the skin and cause any type of acne right from blackheads. The steps for improving the brightness of the skin are as follows.

To rejuvenate your complexion, you should stay well hydrated first. The skin loses its natural glow due to dehydration. You should drink enough water every day, to say at least eight glasses of water, so that your skin tissues remain well hydrated. You should avoid taking excess alcohol, or try to stop alcohol consumption, as alcohol causes fluid loss, dehydration and many other problems that can contribute to dullness of the skin. Alcohol also causes excretion essential minerals from the body.

The next important thing is that you should stop smoking. Tobacco contains nicotine. Nicotine causes constriction of the lumen of the blood vessels. This results in reduced blood flow. Finally the skin cells are deprived of oxygen and nutrients. Therefore the skin begins appearing with grey undertones. It looks lifeless and dull. Particularly, if smokers had started this habit in the early stages of their life, collagen synthesis in their body reduces, causing dry skin. It is therefore very necessary to quit smoking if you are really serious about the look of your skin.

Moisture is another factor which can affect the look of the skin. During the winter and monsoon seasons the harsh climate breaks down the sebum barrier causing the skin to look dull. This leads to loss of moisture and dull skin. To tide over this difficulty, use normal water for cleansing your skin and not hot water. Instead of soap, you can use a cleansing cream. Apply moisturizer to compensate the loss of moisture. You should do this immediately following the facial cleansing. Allow the moisturizer to stay on the skin for sufficient time so that maximum absorption of the moisture can take place.

Exfoliate your skin regularly to give a healthy look to your complexion. You can also dramatically improve the look of your skin if you can undergo microdermabrasion which a dermatologist or aesthetician can do. These procedures may be costly, but give good results.

Best Diet Plan For Me

Fri, 15 May 2009 07:42:45 GMT

The best weight loss programs are those which include ones personal chocies as well as ones needs into the diet plan. The diet specialist or nutritionist who is supervising your diet plan must not only be highly educative but must also have adequate experience in this field. Before determining the best weight loss program for you, the nutritionist must take into account your daily intake of calories for the purpose of forming a proper meal plan. This meal plan must include a balanced ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. As the nutrionist needs to formulate this complex plan, he/she will ask you a number of choices so as to have a better idea of the lifestyle that you lead.

In order to formulate the best weight loss programs for you, the nutritionist will need to know whether you can cook or indulging in this activity on a regular basis.

The nutritionist will also need to know whether you prefer home cooked meals or rely on take-out.

In order to prepare your diet meal and establish the best weight loss programs suited for your needs, the nutritionist will also need to know whether you live by yourself or if you have roommates.

The nutritionist will also need to know whether you eat nonvegetarian food or not so the he/she can formulate the best weight loss programs for you.

Another important question from the point of view of the nutritionist is whether you carry out your grocery shopping on your own or if somebody does it for you. This will help him/her to formulate the best weight loss programs.

Travelling is another factor that must be kept in mind while the nutritionist prepares your meal plan.

The number of hours that you spend working are also essential and this information assissts the nutritionist in devising the best weight loss programs for you.

Whether you snack in between meals is also an important factor to be kept in mind while the nutritionist devises the best weight loss programs for you.

Another important question that the nutritionst will ask you will include the pace at which you eat. This is important for the best weight loss programs.

Whether you are fond of alcohol and the daily alcohol intake will also be considered by the nutritionist while he/she prepares the best weight loss programs for you.

Apart from the above mentioned factors, the nutritionist will also keep in mind your favorite and least favorite food products while preparing the best weight loss programs. This information will lead to the creation of the best weight loss programs that are not only tailor-made to suit your needs but one which satisfies your hunger along with resutling in weight loss.

Exercise must also be incorporated into the best weight loss pograms suited for you. Your physical trainer will take care of this aspect and make you do the excercises that you need to do so that you lose weight in a healthy manner. Strength training coupled with aerobics is recommended for permanent weight loss and should be included in the best weight loss programs.

A number of diets are available out there which allow you to shed the extra weight. These include the Atkins diet, Weight Watchers, South Beach, amongst others. However the following points must be kept in mind while choosing a diet plan:

Does the diet offer variety?
Does the diet incorporate wholesome food into its diet?
Are the choices healthy?
Does the diet result in satisfying your hunger?
The elimination of speficif food should be avoided.Does the diet indulge in this?
Does the diet incorporate adequate portions into its meal plan?
Is the diet flexible?
Instead of instant weight loss, does it lead to the dieter making a lifestyle change?
What are its long-term effects? Is it viable on a long-term basis?
What excercises should be carried out along side the diet plan?

When one takes a look at these 10 factors, it becomes clear that a number of diets especially the cabbage soup diet, the Scarsdale diet, the grapefruit diet and even the atkins diet are not the best weight loss programs. As you begin the diet, you will lose weight at a remarkable speed. However, you will also put it back on at the same speed once you abandon the diet. Diets such as the Sonoma Diet and the Mediterranean Diet are considered to fall under the category of best weight loss programs because they support the belief that dieters must enjoy their food and lose weight in a healthy manner by controlling portions.

Does Eating Apples Help Cure Acne

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 04:13:57 GMT

It seems to be true that an apple a day keeps acne away! People suffering from chronic acne have successfully cured and also prevented it by taking apple on regular basis. Treating acne with medicines is not impossible; but prevention is better than cure. In the experience of many, apple is found to cure acne and also prevent it. Of course, medications for treating acne have their own side effects. Natural remedy therefore is the safest way of treatment. Eating apples is a treatment that you can relish too. Apples help in clearing out the junks in our body. Logically, when other fruits and vegetables can help prevent acne, why not apple?

The health from inside out is improved by adding apples in your diet. Good quality apples have many properties that can nourish the skin and keep it in good condition. Apple contains lot of water. The balanced hydration in apple plays an important role in keeping the skin healthy. Apple also contains lot of fiber. Fiber helps the digestion process. When digestion is good it paves the way for a good skin. However, you have to also include vitamins A and C, iron, calcium, potassium and phosphorous in your diet. This wholly balanced diet certainly improves your overall health and makes your skin shinier. The reason for improvement in the skin could be due to maintenance of balance in production of hormones which is caused by the balanced diet. Acne is triggered only when production of hormones gears up, in turn increasing the production of sebum. Sebum and dead skin cells combine to clog the hair follicles and cause acne. The condition worsens when bacterial infection also takes place in this site.

To say that apple alone can cure acne may not be correct. That way, no food can cure acne on its own. However, adding apples to the diet is indispensable if you need to improve your skin health. Some people may not be able to digest the apple skin. In that case intestinal problems can occur and this condition can encourage the causes of acne. Do not but eliminate apple; take it in the form of juice. Remember, taking fresh apple juice or eating good quality apples is a must for achieving good results. Even though apples are edible despite keeping them in cold storage for weeks together, they lose their nutritional values due to storing it for a long period. Try to get locally grown apples that have not suffered the application of pesticides. Also, apples coming from distant places may be aged ones. Do not peel off the skin of apple as most of its nutrients are just below its skin. It is advisable to eat apple together with its skin as the skin contains fibrous contents. The most important point is that only prolonged intake of apple can help acne cure and its prevention. An overnight success is not possible in this endeavor.

While trying to increase healthy intakes, also try to reduce foods containing much of fats. This will go a long way in improving the skin health and sustain the same

Diet for Healthy Shiny Hair

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:29:28 GMT

If you are looking to improve the quality of your hair or give it a better texture, it is essential that you consume the following food products

1-Salmon

Salmon contains the following nutrients

Omega-3 fatty acids
Vitamin B-12
Iron

These nutrients lead to an improved health of your scalp. On the other hand, if one does not consume these nutrients, one may suffer from a dry scalp which will lead to dryer hair. Hence, the natural sheen will be taken away.
Vegetarians can opt for ground flaxseed in order to consume these nutrients.

2-Dark green vegetables

Dark green vegetables provide the following nutrients

Vitamin A
Vitamin B
Iron
Calcium

Consuming spinach, Swiss chard and broccoli which holds vitamin A and vitamin C allows the production of sebum in your body. Hair follicles produce this substance and it is a necessity for naturally soft and shiny hair.

3-Beans

Beans must be consumed if one wants to have healthy hair. Lentils and kidney beans which fall under the category of legumes must be consumed on a regular basis. The protein provided by these food products will lead to an increased rate of hair growth. In addition to this, beans are also an excellent source of iron, biotin and zinc. One can suffer from dry, breakable hair if one’s daily diet does not include enough biotin.
For ideal results, one must consume at least four cups of beans on a weekly basis.

4-Nuts

If you want voluminous, shiny hair, you must include nuts into your daily diet. Brazil nuts provide selenium which keeps your scalp healthy.
Walnuts, on the other hand, provide nutrients such as omega-3-fatty acid and alpha-linolentic acid. The Omega-3-fatty acid makes your hair naturally soft and shiny. They also provide zinc. Cashews, almonds and pecans are also excellent sources of zinc. Zinc deficiency can cause hair loss.

5-Poultry

Poultry such as chickens and turkeys are an excellent source of high protein which will allow you to have thick, shiny hair. Protein deficiency can lead to breakable hair. A severe deficiency may lead to the color of your hair fading permanently. Poultry is also a good source of iron.

6-Eggs

Eggs provide high quality proteins that allow you to have shiny, thick hair. They also provide vitamin B-12 and biotin which allows your hair to retain its natural oils and make it healthier and more manageable. It provides natural conditioning and improves the texture of your hair. A large number of people like to include carrots into their diet by snacking on them or including them in their dinner salads.

7-Whole Grains

Whole wheat bread and whole grain cereals contain zinc, vitamins and iron which allow you to have healthy, shiny and thick hair. It also allows your hair to retain its natural oils and make it healthier and more manageable.

8-Oysters

Oysters are an excellent source of zinc. Zinc is not only an antioxidant. Zinc deficiency can cause hair loss. Zinc also makes your hair thicker and more manageable. Zinc makes sure that your scalp gets enough nutrients and keeps your hair healthy and thick.

9-Dairy products that are low fat

Yogurt and skim milk are low fat dairy products that contain calcium. This nutrient will allow your hair to grow at a faster pace. These low fat diary products also provide casein and whey. These are high in protein which will your hair thick, shiny and more manageable. For added benefits, you can also add walnuts and ground flaxseeds as these contain omega-3-fatty acids and are also high in zinc.

10-Carrots

Carrots are not only good from the point of view that they lead to improved vision, but they also contain Vitamin A which leads to a healthier scalp. If your scalp is not healthy, your hair will be dryer. Therefore, it will break more and lead to excessive hair loss.
If your scalp is healthy, it will also produce sebum at a normal rate which will make your hair naturally shiny and healthy. It provides natural conditioning and improves the texture of your hair. A large number of people like to include carrots into their diet by snacking on them or including them in their dinner salads

Potassium Rich Foods

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 06:00:23 GMT

Potassium is available in quite a large number of foods. In general, fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy products contain high levels of potassium. Foods that are rich in potassium include bananas, oranges, strawberries, apricots, tomatoes, potatoes, cucumber, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, crimini mushrooms, spinach, and turmeric. Besides these foods, raw form of baby carrots, lettuce, onions, garlic, and honey are rich in potassium. The list of foods containing potassium is exhaustive. You can refer the USDA’s National Nutrient Database for knowing about the potassium content in a food.

Potassium is an electrolyte, namely, a mineral salt. Potassium is needed for maintenance a balanced pH levels in the fluids of our body. It plays a key role in controlling the blood pressure. It influences bone mass, and the functions of heart, kidney, and nervous system. Its role is important in regulating the functions of adrenal glands and muscles. Potassium deficiency in our body can invite a cluster of health problems. Potassium deficiency can be caused by poor diet. Certain health conditions such as diabetes and kidney problems also manifest potassium deficiency.

You should check for potassium levels in your body if you experience overall weakness and suffer from fatigue consistently. Muscular coordination may become difficult with potassium deficiency. You may also have high blood pressure, hypertension, heart irregularities and even strokes if you do not have adequate levels of potassium in your body. Consult your doctor if you have any such problems, as early medical attention can help quick recovery.

Mineral imbalance is caused by potassium deficiency and hence the list of diseases. Fish foods, poultry and meat are rich in potassium and include these foods in the right proportions in your daily diets. Potassium supplements are available in the market. However, only a few people include these supplements in their diet regimen. It is advisable to depend on natural sources of potassium instead of going for supplements. When potassium supplements are felt necessary for you, consult your doctor and then introduce them in your diets. Excess of potassium also can cause problems. Supplements may be needed only when your choice on natural potassium sources are very limited.

A medium size banana has about 550 mg of potassium. Eating banana fruit in its raw form or mixing the slices of banana with cereal will fetch you maximum benefits. Alternatively, you can also bake it in bread and consume or you can put banana in a pudding and eat it. Another excellent source of potassium is papaya. One-eight ounce of papaya has 936 mg of potassium. Papaya is curative with respect to digestive problems. Cooked cabbage contains 277 mg of potassium per cup. Cabbage can prevent Alzheimer’s disease too.

Diabetic patients are generally prescribed potassium supplements. Proper potassium levels should be maintained for our body to make use of the insulin effectively. Potassium revitalizes the cells of pancreas. Potassium rich foods for diabetics include cooked beetroot, lima beans, dried prunes, plain yogurt, and cooked spinach. The diabetic patients should decide the quantum of intake of these items after assessing their calories.

How Long Does It Take For Dysport To Work

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 07:26:16 GMT

Dysport is an FDA approved substance for cosmetic improvement, much similar to Botox. It is derived from the same chemical substance, namely, Clostridium botulinim Toxin Type A. It was first developed in the United Kingdom in the 90s. This injectible was used to treat neurological and neuromuscular problems like cervical dystonia and undue muscle contraction in the neck or head regions.

In May 2009, the FDA approved of Dysport injection to treat cosmetic problems. Since then most people who have used Dysport have reported satisfaction. Like all other beauty treatments of today, Dysport is a no fuss injectible that appears to have no serious side effects. The rare occurrences of side effects are minimal and temporary. They can be enumerated as

Nausea
Swelling of eyelids
Respiratory tract infection
Nausea
Increased symptoms of sinus
Drooping of eyelids
Pain and irritation in the region where injection is administered

The treatment Of Dysport

The required amount of Dysport is injected into a muscle because of which it gets paralyzed. Due to this effect, the frowning or wrinkling that would have been caused by the muscle is effectively staved off.

Recovery time for dysport

Dysport users are impressed by the fact that the injection requires no recovery time. All you have to do is to get Dysport injected into the muscle after which you can go home or even back to work! Injecting the chemical itself may take about 15 minutes or less.

Time to heal In Case Of Dysport

Dysport needs no time to heal
This is because the injected area does not have a wound
There are no bandages or plasters required to protect the area
However there may be some red bumps on the area for about 20 minutes after the injection
Do not rub, massage or push the area on which you have received injection for that day
During the actual injecting process, you may feel a slight pain when the needle pierces the skin

Effect Of Dysport Injections

After the Dysport injection, the enhanced looks will remain apparent for about three to six months. The wrinkles that have been removed out of sight may recur after this period, at which point it depends on you as to whether you want to have the next session of the treatment.

There are several studies that indicate the efficacy of Dysport. It was seen that Dysport acts quicker than Botox, on a general level. For instance, if the effect of Botox is visible in six days, for a Dysport treatment the effect is apparent within three days! There have been many cases when patients have claimed that the Dysport injection has worked for them within a day.

Other facts that have emerged from the study of Dysport effectiveness are

(1) women respond better and faster to Dysport injections, (2) people under 65 years of age found the treatment more effective than those above the age and (3)African-Americans found the procedure longer lasting and more effective than other ethnic groups.

Cost Of Dysport Injections

Dysport injections are here quite affordable, and the treatment does not lead to complications. The treatment is quick and does not lead to complications. The average cost is from $200 to $400. The effect is quick, may be evident within a day or two. The wrinkles are kept at bay for about three to six months.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Herbal Medicines

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 10:37:33 GMT

The alternate treatment of diseases which constitutes the use of different plants and their extracts is what herbal medicine is. It is termed as one of the safest and most effective treatment options which is commonly getting used to treat various ailments. Herbal medicine has been very widespread with many people in the wide seeking alternative treatment which is being offered through the herbal medicine. The natural alternative which is found in the herbal medicine is said to have been in use in the past with the time ranging to thousands years ago. The evidence gathered by the archeologists found out that the bygone era civilizations made traditional medicine from the herbal plants. The usage of herbal medicine is said to have been in China where the herbal medicine was used to treat various ailments. In the recent past, many people have come to favor the herbal medicine to the readily available synthetic medicines. The herbal medicines come in different forms that include extracts, tablets, essential oils or even ointments not forgetting tea.

Advantages of the herbal medicine

From the way many people are turning to herbal medicine, it is evident that the herbal medicine is of great benefit to them compared to the synthetic medicines. Herbal medicine is less expensive as compared to the synthetic one making the herbal medicine cost effective than the medicines that are bout from the allopathic pharmacy. In addition the herbal medicine can be bought without the doctor’s prescription this is because the medicine is available in almost every store dealing with the health stuff.

Many herbal medicine have no side effects to the users like in the case of the chemical prescribe medicine by pharmacists which more often show side effects to the user and they are very effective to most ailments.

In the natural process of body detoxification, the herbal medicines are very effective in the process where several plants like the chlorella, garlic are used to cleanse the colon not forgetting that the plants also help in the digestion of food where they improve the digestion and also in food absorption. Herbal medicine is good in dealing with some digestive disorders like the peptic ulcers, colitis, and also the irritable bowel syndrome is well taken care off by the herbal medicine.

Herbs like the ginger, capsicum, garlic are well known for the control of ailments which are related to the blood circulation like the high blood pressure showing the effectiveness of the herbal medicine. Herbal medicine are also known for treating coronary artery disease and in the blood stream, it reduces the cholesterol levels.

Diseases that are known to cause many health problems to many people around the world have been well resolved by the herbal medicines. For instance obesity, known to causing many health problems, herbal medicine has come in to avoid the risk by helping in the reduction of the excess weight while at the same time regulating a person’s appetite.

Disadvantages of herbal medicine

A few demerits are found on the herbal medicine just like found in other alternative health care. There are a few demerits associated with the use of the herbal medicines and their supplements. In cases of the herbal medicine treatment, cure may take some time to come by and in this case one is required to have great patience.

Some of the treatments made using the herbal medicine have certain side effects which are negative. The side effects are hideous where they take months and in other cases taking years for them to be shown on the user. It is highly recommended to discontinue using the herbal medicine in the initial stages if your body does not react positively to them to avoid harm to your body later.

Presently, there is no guaranteed assurance on the quality of the herbal medicine since there is no government regulation on the herbal medicines or the entire herbal medicine industry.

Note

While seeking to have a treatment using the herbal medicine, it is important to undertake sufficient consultation before embarking on the herbal medicine treatment for there are a few good herbal medicine practitioner. It is also important to have your doctor know of you taking the herbal medicine to avoid a reaction of the herbal medicines and the allopathic medicines that he may be prescribing to you.

Men Skin Care Products

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 09:36:01 GMT

Times have changed – in this time and age when men are getting metrosexual, skin care for men is becoming quite a need for them to match with the opposite sex in terms of style, grooming and their personal presentation. The daily skin care for men now does not only include bathing daily with soap but also work towards getting the desired look he is looking for to compete with the fairer sex.

The daily skin care for men should begin with some basics of the body care.

Most of the men feel that going to the saloon is the best way of taking care of their skin, but then there are other ways to take care of men’s skin. They should work on removing stress and worried look on their face and should first work on removing the stress. This is the basic layout of taking are of men’s skin and also the foundation to work towards improving the quality of the skin in return taking care of their skin.

Men skin care – Tip I -Men must understand that their skin is more oily then women’s skin and therefore to take care of their skin they should keep cleaning their face with a cleanser after back from outside to clean the pollutants which might just stick to the skin making it dull.

Men skin care – Tip II – Men should also make it a point to apply sunscreen on their face whenever they are moving out in the heat keeping their skin fresh, wrinkle free, clean and young. They should also wear clothes which absorbs sweat so that their skin avoids rashes and sunburns leading to skin cancer. Men skin care products also helps in protecting direct rays of sun on the skin.

Men skin care – Tip III – Men skin care products also includes no soap cleanser for oily skin which will not cause further damage to the skin, protects irritation of skin, eruption if any and should only use cleanser without alcohol for a cool and rejuvenating feel of the skin.

Men skin care – Tip IV – Since men have a very rough skin due to shaving and use of razor everyday, they should protect their skin from exfoliation. There are lots of scrubs to protect their skin from exfoliation. Men skin care products are very important in today’s age as there is so much of pollution which does not leave their skin flabby, hanging and full of wrinkles. Men skin care products also include some sponges that they can use to scrub their elbows, heels. These sponges should not though used for face cleaning as it might leave some pigmentation if exposed.

Men skin care – Tip V – The most important tip used for men skin care is they should make it a routine to first cleanse and then shave and then again tone with aftershave. Men with Oily skin can avoid moisturizer. The men who have beards should clean their beard with a moisturizer or a toner during the evenings.

Men skin care – Tip VI – We have seen that men often shop for clothes, hairstyle and accessories like shoes; they mostly overlook their skin care. Men skin care needs specialized skin care products that are good, fast to use and not difficult. There are lots of men skin care products available in the market which fulfills these requirements. Its just that men have to be conscious enough to understand that from their younger days they have to be very conscious of taking care of their skin, using and selecting the right skin care products for men so that as they start growing older they do not have to pay extra attention to care their skin as they have been doing so in their early years.

Men skin care – Tip VII– Sometimes men start having this extra hair growth problem like extra hair on chin, face, back and shoulders which requires care. There are 2 methods of solving this problem. One could be, to keep shaving these hairs regularly which is a problem, as it might cause irritation, cuts or patches which is not a very good proposition. The second and a better way of taking care of their skin and stopping growth of extra hair in unwanted areas is to go for laser treatment which solves permanent hair growth problem.

Instant Weight Loss

Fri, 08 May 2009 02:18:28 GMT

If you are planning to lose some weight and the traditional methods for doing so do not appeal to you because they are long and boring, then you should consider losing weight instantly. How can this be done? The answer to this question is just one word: liposuction.

What is liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that has been designed in order to remove fat from your body. It specifically targets those areas where it is nearly impossible to get rid of the localized fat, such as hips, the stomach, arms and thighs, for example.

How does liposuction work?

The procedure consists of the introduction into the affected area of a syringe attached to a plastic tube. All the fat in the area will be extracted by mechanical means. The scar left will be almost impossible to spot.

What about anesthesia?

There are two types of anesthesia that are routinely used during liposuction. One of them is “general anesthesia”, where the patient is asleep throughout the whole procedure. The other type of anesthesia is called “tumescent anesthesia”. In this case the only parts of the body that are anesthetized are those where the liposuction is to be performed.

How long does recovery take?

It all depends on the amount of fat extracted. For smaller amounts, recovery should only take one day. If the amount of fat is considerable, surgeons suggest a couple of days rest. Obviously, in any case, patients are advised against doing strenuous physical activity for a couple of weeks after the procedure. Patients must wear compression garments both during the day and at night for the first week, then only during the day.

Are there any side effects?

As with any surgical procedure, there can be unpleasant side effects. Some of these include swelling of the area, bruised skin, numbness of the skin associated with tumescent anesthesia, pain and, in few cases, infections. These are treated with antibiotics.

How much does it cost?

The cost of a liposuction procedure varies greatly from country to country and from surgeon to surgeon. It also depends on how much fat is to be extracted and how many places in your body are going to be modeled. The cost can be anywhere from $1000 to $7500. If in doubt, contact a cosmetic surgeon that can give you a personalized estimate.

Can it be carried out more than once?

In some patients the procedure can be repeated many times. In others, it is obligatory to do it in two or three times due to the risks involved if too much fat is extracted at the same time.

Rapid and Safe Weight Loss

Thu, 07 May 2009 08:00:58 GMT

When you make any changes to your eating habits, it is imperative that you do it in a safe way. You can’t just one fad diet after another, because your body is certain to suffer the consequences. This is why we are giving you some tips on speeding up the amount of weight you lose per week, but staying healthy and doing it in a safe way at the same time.

Drink water: there’s no harm in drinking water, no side effects. Drinking water hydrates your body so it can function better. It also helps lose weight.

When eating a cereal bar between meals, always opt for a natural, high-fiber one: steer clear from those cereal bars that are full of chocolate, sugar and other additives. 100% natural granola bars are the best choice, always.

Eat a quantity of vegetables and fruits that amounts to 50% of your total food intake. This is a natural, safe and very quick way of obtaining the desired results. Vegetables, especially when uncooked, have large numbers of nutrients and vitamins that help your body shed those bothersome extra pounds. Fruits are good for this too, but because of the content of sugar in them, you should not eat too many if you suffer from diabetes.

Exercise: a little everyday. This is important so as not to overstrain your muscles. Start off by taking short, brisk walks around the block, or move your arms in circles while you are watching TV, you get it. Doing exercise is something that has to be approached gradually in order to ensure safety.

Stay away from “magic” pills that promise fast weight loss but that could harm your health. Some of them have synthetic components that could cause addiction, and then you would have a much more serious health problem.

Use other products moderately: products like meal replacement shakes, or natural herbal supplements can be good for losing weight quickly, but can be dangerous if overused. Always follow the instructions on the packages, and don’t be tempted to overdo it.

Learn to control your cravings: If you go on a diet but the moment you finish it you start eating everything you wanted during the time when you were dieting, you are in for trouble. The body’s metabolism changes after a period of dieting, so having to digest all the food at once can be problematic. Go slowly and easy into your new non-dieting state. Allow yourself only one high-calorie food per week, as a treat and as a way of not losing interest, maybe two or three times a week when you have finished your diet and are trying to maintain your new weight.

These tips are geared towards safety during dieting, an aspect that many overlook when they are looking for quick-fix results. Bear them in mind, and always consult your doctor before starting a diet, or if you feel something is wrong during the diet. Remember not all diets are for all people. If you can get an individualized diet plan, all the better.

Benefits Of Eating Barley

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 23:45:42 GMT

In some parts of the world especially in a few countries Barley was considered to be the poor man’s staple diet. However, now the world has woken up to the fact that it is an extremely good source of fiber and selenium which are fantastic for the human body. Besides these it is laden with other beneficial nutrients too like copper, phosphorus, manganese and just one glass of its juice per day will help you to gets benefits.

Let us enlist the bounty of nutritional benefits that barley can fetch youThe juice benefits the digestive system immensely.

It gets the digestive juices working overtime and hence one feels lighter and good.
The barley juice consumed regularly will reduce any bloating feeling in one’s stomach too.Barley is a haven for people who are trying to lose weight. It not only fills you up and makes one feel satiated but, it also helps shed calories by not allowing any build up of fat and enhancing the rate of metabolism.
Barley is an extremely good source of skin tightening and elasticity enhancing properties. It helps the skin to become more supple and well-toned and thus makes the person look younger. Barley also has anti-aging properties that will help rejuvenate the skin tone.
Barley has an amazing effect on the important organs such as the heart, pancreas and liver.
It is able to keep dangerous diseases such as heart diseases, colon and breast cancers and prostrate problems at bay.
The amounts of phosphorus in barley enable one to be able to keep their bones and teeth healthy. It also aids in the functioning of kidneys and the heart muscles.
The copper found in barley helps in the formation of hemoglobin which aids in the production of red cells which helps in abating anemia.
The manganese in barley helps one feel good and energetic. This in turn is good for the nervous system and also, boosts the immune system.
Barley has an impact in the control of high blood pressure and the regulation of blood sugar too.
The amounts of fiber that one gets from barley keeps the intestines, colon free of harmful bacteria. This in turn reduces your chances of getting piles or hemorrhoids. Even people who have piles or hemorrhoids will greatly benefit by consuming barley as it will reduce the straining to pass stools.

Therefore, the next time round that you are thirsty and wouldn’t want to drink water; do not reach out for any other beverage than barley. This little plant will fetch you immense health benefits. Many people have compared the barley juice with green tea and barley juice has won hands down. Furthermore, it is not very expensive to get barley and benefit from the amazing amounts of health benefits that it fetches one.

So, reach out for the refreshingly fresh feeling after gorging on barley juice and feel the difference for yourself.

Protein Shakes and Teenagers

Sat, 18 Jul 2009 07:46:21 GMT

The main ingredient in protein shakes is of course-protein. Therefore, it is important to know the main function of proteins. The body requires protein for the purpose of building muscles, repairing muscles, fight infections etc. Proteins also make sure that the blood gets enough oxygen. The amount of protein that you need on a regular basis depends on your body weight, age and gender. However, on an average, a majority of teenagers should not consume more than 50 grams of protein on a daily basis. For specific results, carry out the following calculations:
*For teenagers between the ages for 11 and 13- Multiply .455 with your body weight. Make sure that this weight is in pounds.
*For teenagers between the ages of 15 and 18, multiply 0.36 with your body weight in pounds.

These above mentioned figures are mere estimates and if you indulge in increased physical activity, you may require more protein.

Today, protein supplements are available and quite popular, especially with teenagers who wish to build muscle. They come in the form of powder, bars and shakes. While protein is definitely required for the purpose of building muscle, the fact is that this protein can be consumed by eating a good home cooked meal. Most protein shakes today are consumed by teenagers who wish to lose weight or gain muscle. They should not make the mistake of replacing meals with these shakes as this can prove to be quite risky with respect to their overall health. If one is looking to lose weight, protein shakes can be consumed between meals to keep hunger at bay and therefore to eliminate unnecessary snacking.
Protein shakes are actually extremely high in calories, therefore, teenagers should be careful about the way they plan out their diet if they want to indulge in these meal replacement drinks. The fact is that teenagers do not require protein shakes as it may stunt their development. Instead, formulating a healthy diet which consists of carbohydrates, proteins and fats is recommended. However, if it is absolutely necessary, you should consult a doctor before drinking such drinks as you could be allergic to some ingredients.
Most teenagers who indulge in strenuous physical activities are given the advice to drink protein shakes. However, it is important to know how much to drink and when to drink it. A number of protein shakes are available today that contain a healthy balance of protein, vitamins and minerals as well as carbohydrates. In such a case, “Ultrameal” is recommended for teenagers because it provides them with the necessary nutrients.
Many teenage girls also depend on protein shakes for the purpose of getting rid of extra fat. They should remember that while replacing one meal a day with such drinks is healthy, they should not go overboard.
The good news is that not only are protein shakes available quite easily but one can also choose from different textures and flavors. Naturally, each drink and each flavor offers a different benefit. Popular flavors like strawberry and chocolate are available as well. While some shakes combines proteins and vitamins, others combine proteins and carbohydrates. To know which combination to choose, you should keep your ultimate goal in mind.
In case you want to lose weight, look for a protein shake that promises to reduce hunger and increase the level of metabolism.

When you are looking to purchase protein shakes, make sure that you are aware of the ingredients in the drink. It is always better to choose natural ingredients over chemical additives. This is because natural drinks definitely taste better and have lesser negative effects.

In conclusion, even though protein shakes are beneficial and teenagers tend to get tempted into buying them, they should also remember the risks and warning associated with protein shakes.

These include problems related to the kidney, dehydration and an unhealthy, increased level of calcium in the body.
Normally, the average teenager consumes the right amount of protein with the help of a well balanced diet. In some cases, it may be too much. This goes to show that teenagers should not consume protein shakes. If your body gets too much protein, it will turn into fat and make you gain weight.

Ayurvedic treatment For Gum Disease

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 06:40:49 GMT

Gingivitis or inflammation of the gums is one of the most common gum diseases in recent times. Gum disease is known as periodontal disease. The inflammation affects the ligament that supports the teeth by holding the teeth positioned in the jaw bone. This is the earliest stage of gum infection. This condition may lead to loss of teeth as is found in most cases and also affecting the jaw bone if allowed to advance. Sometimes it may be the underlying cause of coronary heart disease.

Ayurveda and dental problems

Ayurveda considers the mouth as the seat of kapha dosha. Vitiation of kapha gives rise to several dental disorders. Disease is viewed as a state of disturbance of thee doshas in the body namely Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Ayurveda is both curative and preventive focusing natural therapies and personalize3d approach to treatments.

Symptoms for Gum Disease

The tartar collection irritates the gums and makes them shrink. Thus a gap is created between the teeth and the gums where bacteria get into and thrive. This inflammation leads to severe inflammation of the gums. The bacteria caused the destruction of the tissues surrounding the gums and disease f the gum starts. The common symptoms of gum disease are swelling of the gums. The pain may be slight pain, bad breath and loosening of teeth. There may be bleeding form the gums and grayish mucus covering them in cases of periodontitis.

Factors contributing to the development of gum disease

Pregnancy, menopause, puberty and users of oral or inject able contraceptives are conditions in which can facilitate development of bacteria in around the gums due to fluctuation in the hormone levels. Smokers are also vulnerable to the attack of gum infections. Certain other diseases such as allergies, scurvy, leukemia, AIDS may also cause gum disease. Some medicines may also lead to gum problems as some of them are sued to block the blood channels to control blood pressure during organ transplant.

Ayurvedic Treatment For Dental Concerns

Ayurvedic treatment mainly focuses on prevention. For bleeding gums the Ayurvedic remedy is taking a cup of water with fresh lemon juice to stop the bleeding. Amla powder mixed with a cup of water is also effective in controlling the bleeding of gums. Vitamin C plays a vital role in restricting the loosening of the teeth. It is helpful in curing other dental disorders as well. Neem powder can be used to brush the teeth that can also strengthen the gums.

Peppermint, sage oil and menthol are good for treating gingivitis. Food should contain lots of fiber. Rubbing the gel of Aloe Vera in the around the gums and gargling with water after that is effective in treating gum diseases. A concoction made from Triphala is highly effective in curing gum disease and gingivitis in particular. Gargling with water in which Triphala powder is added is helpful to control gum disease. Gargling with luck warm water with a pinch of salt twice a day is helpful. Toothpastes that contain basil, babool, Neem and mint should be used to prevent gum diseases. They also prevent the infection if any from spreading, reducing the swelling and inflammation of gums. Herbal mouth wash is another way to prevent gum infection. Using clove oil for rubbing the gums or chewing cloves is helpful in checking the gum disease.

Prevention Of Dental Problems

The most important aspect of gum disease prevention is oral hygiene. Brushing the teeth with herbal tooth paste twice daily is a good way to prevent gum disease. Maintain good general health by eating nutritious and balanced food and avoid indigestion. Avoid smoking as smokers are twice as vulnerable to gum disease as those who do not smoke.

Ayurveda For Frigidity

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 02:29:02 GMT

Frigidity is a long term lack of sexual drive that is more often applied to women. Frigidity can lead to problems in family life. The contributing factors are psychological fear about sex or due to anxiety or trauma. Avoiding sex for prolonged periods or lack of enjoyment in spite of having a desirable and cooperative partner can easily indicate frigidity. An open communication between the partners can help in solving the problem. If no solution emerges, it is advisable to seek counseling or medical advice.

Ayurvedic Approach to Frigidity

Extensive descriptions and treatment methods are described in a special chapter on Female infertility named as Stri Roga in Ashtanga Hrudaya. Ayurvedic texts Charak Samhita, Sarnghadhara Samhita and Ashtang Sangraha also discuss the topic of female infertility and its cure.

According to Ayurveda Kapha dosha is responsible for sexual disorders such as frigidity. Treatment may involve both internal and external therapies. Ayurvedic remedies are aimed at first restoring the normal health of the body by purification of the body to eliminate the accumulated toxins, strengthening the digestive process to promote general health and through rejuvenating procedures.

Causes Of Frigidity (Low Sexual Drive In Females)

If there is a conflict in the relationship of the partners, it is likely to reflect in the attitude towards sex.
Another major reason is anxiety about the sexual performance when emphasis is more on the physical aspect than the emotional.
When there is too much worry about other aspects of life it can also lead to reduced sexual desire.
Women who may have been victims of sexual abuse as a child may suffer from frigidity. Fear of pregnancy is also a factor that causes frigidity in women.
Major health problems such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis may also be the underlying cause for lack of sexual drive in women.

Ayurveda Treatments for Frigidity

Vajikarana is one of the eight branches of Ayurveda Treatment. This is the science that deals with the means of producing healthy progeny and for maintaining sexual health and managing sexual disorders. Ayurveda has specific drugs for sexual disorders. Herbal medicines are prescribed according to the patient’s requirement based on many different factors such physical, emotional and environmental.

Sodhana is a purification therapy that is followed by Samana a pacification therapy. The impurities and toxins accumulated in the body are expelled and then the body is helped to return back to normalcy by activating the internal organs. Ayurvedic massages help in arousing the sexual desire.

Ayurvedic Herbal Remedies for Frigidity

The most common medicine prescribed in Ayurveda is the Ashwagandha Lehyam for 40 days. .It is a nervine tonic and prevents stress in both partners and improves the sexual urge in both.
Adbac: One capsule taken once daily is highly effective in improving stamina and controls frigidity.
Aagosh: One capsule twice daily and taken with warm milk after meals for 6 weeks can cure frigidity.
Aswal Plus: This capsule is another drug prescribed for treating frigidity and it should be taken once daily for 4 to 6 weeks.
Trasina: One capsule with water or milk should be taken after meals for 30 days works well against frigidity.
Other herbs that have properties of enhancing libido in men and women such as Shatavari and Kuchala.
Massage using medicated oils like erotic essential oil are helpful in enhancing the sexual desire in women. Medicinal oils like Dadimadi Ghrita, Kalyanaka ghrita, Kalyana gulam, and Narayana Thailam and Phala sarpis are usually used.
Spiritual advice also helps to clear mental disturbances and restore the healthy mind.
If the patient suffers from cystic ovarian disease, Ushna and Kaphavatahara treatments are given.

Diet Recommendation For Frigidity

A nutritious diet helps in to maintain good health both physically and psychologically.

Female Infertility and its Management in Ayurveda

The descriptions about female reproductive disorders have been dealt in the chapters of Stri Roga in Ashtanga Hrudaya, Charak Samhita, Susruta Samhita, Sarnghadhara Samhita and Ashtang Samgraha.

Causes Of Stress Amongst College Students

Sun, 09 Aug 2009 11:11:55 GMT

Presence of many factors can cause stress to college children. Although the college years are the most exciting years of a person’s life, but at the same time it can be quite stressful too. The primary cause of stress among college children is because of the pressure to excel in academics. These days there is a lot of competition among college students to secure higher marks, so that they can get admitted to a renowned institution. Students who are aiming to receive scholarships have to toil very hard to earn the coveted position or students who have received scholarships have to display excellent academic performance so that they can retain their scholarships. There are a lot of college children who have to experience stress due to lack of finances. So these people are always looking for ways through which they can earn sufficient money to cover their tuition fees and living expenses. College children who have acquired loans to pay their college fees also remain under stress because they have to repay the loan in the stipulated time. College children have to do many kinds of tasks like doing part time jobs, taking care of the studies, etc, which is a major cause of stress. Nonetheless these kinds of activities prepare them to get mature for adulthood but simultaneously it also exerts a lot of stress in their life.

Some students can easily find out what they want to achieve in the future and some children might be unable to take such decisions because of confusion. When they see their peers making decisions instantaneously then they might become stressed because they are unable to manage life as their friends. Many college children are caught in crossfire when they have to make important decisions regarding their career. Career related issues are often a cause of stress among college students. A lot of change is experienced by college students and these changes can be a source of stress as they have to deal with new and unknown things. Students start to become independent when they join college as they get away from the family and are responsible for themselves. Becoming independent is a crucial process and it induces a lot of stress among college children. For the first time a person takes charge of his life and makes important decisions, which can be a very stressful experience for most of the college students.

Peer pressure is regarded as one of the most common causes for stress in college children. Due to peer pressure college students are under constant pressure to experiment with drugs, sexual relationships and other activities which can be harmful to both the body and the mind. College children are always stressed because if they do not give in to the peer pressure then they will not be accepted by the others and hence will have to face loneliness. Stress can be accumulated even when a person tries to resist peer pressure. But college children should remember that experiencing stress during this period of life is considered quite normal.

How To Increase collagen

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 06:31:49 GMT

The primary means of reducing wrinkles is by increasing the production of collagen in our skin. One reason we see aging and wrinkle signs on our skin is mainly because of the decline in the elastin and collagen production as we grow old. Due to this, whole lot of skin-care solutions and products emerged, particularly over the last 2 years. Let us now look at few effective, natural, and safe ways to increase the collagen production which is explained clearly in this article.

You could further proceed to buy several products from different corporations that contain collagen. In reality, you would have used few of them before itself. Unluckily, rubbing collagen onto your skin, simple as this means, would not at all solve your aging and wrinkle problem. Since, the collagen molecules are very large to be engrossed into your skin. Purchasing these skincare products for purposes like increasing collagen is merely a waste of money which will not work in any case.

Nutritional supplements contain collagen which is well-known right now. Main problem is that collagen is made use of everywhere in the body in vital organs, cartilage, and tendons. Thereby, these supplements send this collagen to all the areas in your body and you would not find any noticeable changes on your face. Along with this, there exist several kinds of collagen in addition to several of these nutritional supplements that don’t contain enough or the right type, to make a change with appearance and texture of skin.

An excellent way is by stimulating collagen production in your body. Mainly the increment of protein-fibers that is viewable on one’s face. When the protein production increases, your skin will start to appear smoother and younger with few wrinkles and fine lines. Making use of natural ingredients help achieve radiant glowing and healthy skin with no negative impacts in the long run.

The best ingredient which was developed is the ‘Cynergy TK’ is derived from the wool of sheep, containing a kind of the functional keratin which is effective in stimulating elastin fibers and collagen production. This happens inside the skin where the protein-fibers reside. Individuals who took part in the clinical trials saw a tremendous increase in elasticity and firmness in their skin.

This company later combined other natural components which helped in increasing collagen and exhibiting supplementary anti-aging properties. For instance, a special kind of the ‘Coenzyme Q10’ was included into their line which increased the elastin and collagen production. These ingredients worked together effectively to bring that youthful look onto your face again.

If you are on the lookout for a collagen stimulant which is effective, avoid the lotions or creams and supplements which contain collagen. An excellent option for increasing collagen is by stimulating your body’s protein production. This is indeed is an effective method in reducing the aging signs which start appearing on your face.

So, in case you are looking forward to increase the collagen production to obtain a radiant look, ensure to look for natural skincare products which contain the ingredient named “Cynergy TK”.

Ayurveda For Irregular Periods Menstural Cycle

Tue, 18 May 2010 06:58:51 GMT

Irregular periods are a commonly found condition in women in the reproductive age group. When females reach the age of about 12 years her ovaries start producing large quantities of estrogen. The commencement of menstruation signifies the beginning of their reproductive phase. The normal menstrual flow lasts for about 3-5 days known as periods and the normal menstrual cycle happens in every 20 to 32 days.

Some women suffer from irregular periods in different forms such as bleeding during days other than the regular cycle; these periods are heavier or longer than the normal; in some others there is absence of periods or the time between two periods is longer or shorter than the normal. Irregular periods generally happen at both ends of the menstrual life of woman.

If allowed to advance by leaving it unattended irregular periods may cause diseases like polycystic ovary syndrome that interferes with ovulation. Symptoms include excessive hair growths, acne, infertility, dandruff, high blood pressure and weight gain. Acute cases may lead to major diseases such as heart diseases, endometriosis or ovarian cancer.

Ayurveda approach to Irregular periods

In Ayurveda the condition is known as Vishama Rajahpravritti. Irregular periods in women are characterized by headache and abdominal pain. There may be pain in the back or around the pelvic region. This can cause mood changes in women.

Symptoms For Irregular Periods

There menstrual flow may be profuse or scanty. The time between two menstrual periods may be longer or shorter. Sometimes a white discharge may accompany the menstrual fluid. Anorexia, insomnia or lack of interest, hot flushes are some other symptoms seen in women suffering from irregular periods.

Causes For Irregular Periods

Hormone imbalance can cause irregular periods more often. This can occur as a result of weight loss or gain, certain illnesses and some medications.

Stress is a major cause
Young girls at the onset of the periods may have irregular periods. Their cycle can take months or years to establish regularity.
Dietary problems such as anorexia, bulimia or poor nutrition
Too much of exercise
Thoughts and emotions
Anxiety about pregnancy
Certain drugs - both prescription and recreational
Disruption in routine
Sexual activity - any new occurrence
Illness like thyroid conditions or psychological imbalance

Ayurveda Remedies for Irregular periods Menstural Cycle

Home Remedies Irregular Menstural Cycle

Ginger For irregular Periods

Ginger is highly effective home remedy for menstrual disorders. A piece of fresh ginger should be ground and boiled in a cup of water for a few minutes. This infusion, can be sweetened with sugar and taken thrice daily after meals.

Sesame Seeds For Irregular periods Menstural Cycle

Sesame seeds help in alleviating menstrual problems. Half a teaspoon sesame seed powder is taken with hot water twice a day, acts well in reducing spasmodic pain during menstruation in young, unmarried anaemic girls. If regularly used two days prior to the expected periods, it can cure scanty menstruation. A warm hip bath containing a handful of crushed sesame seeds is helpful.

Papaya For Irregular periods Menstural Cycle

The unripe papaya has a quality that can control the contractions of the muscle fibres of the uterus and is beneficial for inducing proper menstrual flow. Papaya is also found helpful in young unmarried girls when menstruation ceases due to stress or fright.

Coriander SeedsFor Irregular periods Menstural Cycle

Boil 1 teaspoonful of coriander (dhania) seeds in 2 cups of water till it is reduced to 1 cup. Add sugar to taste and drink. Repeat 2 or 3 times a day. In the treatment of excessive menstruation, 6 grams of coriander seeds should be boiled in half a litre of water and the decoction should be taken with sugar candy.

Ashoka For Irregular periods Menstural Cycle

The bark of the Ashoka tree is an effective remedy for excessive blood loss during the monthly period. The decoction of this herb is helpful in treating menstrual problems.
Other useful herbs are Chandan, Kamal Phool and Lodhra.

Diet For Irregular periods Menstural Cycle

All-fruit fasts for two or three consecutive days can be effective and should be observed at monthly intervals depending on the need. Avoid white flour, tinned and preserved items, strong spices and condiments and strong coffee and tea.

Yoga For Irregular periods Menstural Cycle

Ardha chakrasana, Bhujangasana and Sarvang Asana are beneficial in relieving menstrual disorders.

When Should One Get Pregnant After Miscarriage

Sat, 10 Apr 2010 08:11:51 GMT

As such there is no definite formula that tells you the exact time you can plan a pregnancy after a miscarriage. Most doctors advise their patients to put off the pregnancy for a month or two in order to decrease the risk factor for complications arising from it.

Many of the internal organs are put through great strain and stress during and after a miscarriage. Doctors advise that once the wounds, both physical and emotional are healed, the woman may start planning for the next child.

A miscarriage means a lot of physical and mental trauma for any woman. Both her body and her mindset have to cope with the shock of the mishap and get back to normal. A weak body may not be able to bear through the forty weeks of pregnancy and the risk of complications may become more real.

Once the woman is back to her normal health and functions as she did before the pregnancy, she will be ready to plan for the next child. Until then it is wise to practice birth control methods. Normal physical health translates to a strong and healthy uterus and a well nourished endometrial lining.

Physicians differ from one another in recommending the safe period to conceive. While some doctors encourage the couple to plan the next child after two or three menstrual cycles, there are others who advise couples to wait for half a year or one year, before planning the next pregnancy. They adhere to the theory that by this time the woman would be completely healthy and would have put behind her the mental and emotional stress.

There are some doctors who suggest that once the bleeding from the miscarriage has stopped and the woman does not feel any discomfort, she can start having sex. Pregnancy will occur, according to this group of doctors, only when her system is up to bearing the child.

Having a miscarriage does not mean that further pregnancies will be a problem. Almost 85% of women who have had a previous miscarriage give birth to healthy children. Three out of every four women who have experienced more than one miscarriage can have successful pregnancies later.

Though many couples resume normal life after a miscarriage, it is always prudent to consult a doctor in order to procure advice on essential nutritional supplements and health-care. It becomes very necessary to meet a doctor after a miscarriage if the woman

Is past 35 years
Is suffering from chronic ailments that cannot be managed easily during pregnancy, like diabetes
Has other issues concerning conceiving a child either in the past or in the present
Has had more than two or three miscarriages repeatedly

It becomes evident, therefore, that based on the woman’s emotional and physical well being planning a pregnancy after a miscarriage depends entirely on the couple. .

It is important to consult a doctor after a miscarriage in order to decide when a couple wants to have the next child. Doctors may ask them to wait for a couple of months, for six months or maybe a year, before a pregnancy. It is important that the woman becomes physically and emotionally healthy before that. Until then it is prudent to practice birth control methods. If a woman is over 35 years of age, or is suffering from chronic ailments like diabetes or if she has had a history of fertility problems then it is very important to seek the doctor’s advice to plan the next pregnancy.

How To Ease Underarm Pain Due To Lumps

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 01:26:19 GMT

When you experience pain in the underarm, then you may think How to ease underarm pain due to lumps. But let us first know what is an underarm lumps. Lumps in an armpit or underarm is usually due to the lymph nodes enlargement. Lumps in underarms can be due to many causes. Sometimes because of use of deodorants or anti-perspirants or even shaving cysts may be formed. But you may think How to ease underarm pain due to lumps but lump formation due to the above cause mainly take place among teenagers who just start shaving their armpits. This may be sometimes painful. Also, large painful lumps may be formed under the skin due to abscesses. The lumps formed due to enlargement of lymph nodes are mainly due to vaccinations, bacterial infections, malignancy or viral infections. How to ease underarm pain due to lumps we will discuss a bit later. The most important cause for underarm lumps is breast cancer. Most women neglect the lump in the armpit but it may be due to breast cancer. In most cases lumps are found in underarm but in 80% of the cases its Benign it means that it’s non cancerous.

How to ease underarm pain due to lumps is another factor associated with underarm lumps. The first thing you must do is to consult a doctor and take proper medications initially some antibiotics. Then if that also does not work then go in for an ultrasonography which might detect what’s wrong. How to ease underarm pain due to lumps can also be considered as a cancerous outgrowth. Usually if nothing is detected in ultrasonography then the doctors take some liquid from the lump for the cancer tests. The main cause of underarm lumps can be swollen lymph nodes or some skin lump which usually comes in the underarm. How to ease underarm pain due to lumps is still a matter of issue as one must understand the cause first before treating the lump pain.

How to reduce underarm pain due to lumps is an issue but let us first see the causes in detail. The basic cause is that it can be due to swollen lymph nodes. While the other causes for How to reduce underarm pain due to lumps are virus, Chicken pox, Infectious Mononucleosis, Rubella, Lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, Allergic reaction, Infected gland, Cancer, Cyst, Lypoma, Misplaced breast tissue, Glandular fever, Abscess, Ectopic breast tissue and Folliculitis. There are also some other symptoms which can be for underarm lumps so that we know How to reduce underarm pain due to lumpsAnaplastic large or small cell lymphoma, Breast abscess, Breast cancer, Classical Hodgkin disease, Bubonic plague, Cystic Hvgroma, Launois Bensaude adenolipomatosis, Leishmaniasis, Male breast cancer, Lymphatic filariasis, Nodular sclerosing hodgkin’s lymphoma,plague and Whitlow.

How to reduce underarm pain due to lumps is a kind of common problem especially in women. In some cases there may be tenderness and then in a day or two you may notice a lump. Usually this may be a cyst which may go after taking antibiotics as it goes very soon with these. In this case if it is a cancer then pain won’t subside. If the cyst does not clear after the antibiotics course then a biopsy may be needed. It may take a week or so for the cyst to fully clear. So this is one way How to reduce underarm pain due to lumps. The other case for How to reduce underarm pain due to lumps is that it may be caused due to infection from deodorants incase it does not suit you, so you must use a natural deodorant. So you have seen above many ways How to reduce underarm pain due to lumps. But before trying any thing on your own in this case it is very necessary to consult your doctor because he may be the best person to give you the right advice.

How to reduce underarm pain due to lumps this question is very important if you have underarm lumps. You must get it checked as soon as possible because it may be cancerous and if not taken care it may be disastrous. So How to reduce underarm pain due to lumps is very important.

How To Attain A Glowing Skin

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 02:11:13 GMT

Having healthy, glowing skin is not difficult. All you have to do is follow a few basic tips and you will have beautiful skin for the rest of your life.These include

In order to develop and maintain beautiful, glowing skin, it is important to incorporate a healthy diet into your daily life. Fresh fruits, green and leafy vegetables, dairy and lean meats must definitely be a part of your diet. Avoiding canned and processed food is recommended as these products are high in sodium and such ingredients which causes dry, oil and malnourished skin. Therefore, consuming food that is fresh is highly recommended. Broccoli is one vegetable that is not only high in nutrients but also keeps acne at bay. Fish is considered to be excellent for the skin in a number of ways.

Consuming a minimum of 8 glasses of water on a daily basis is extremely important. This is because if the body gets dehydrated, it tends to extract moisture from the skin. This leads to dry skin that will ultimately flake and you will have dull looking skin. Therefore, making sure that your body gets enough water is one of the most important skin care tips for glowing skin.

Cleansing your face on a regular basis is extremely important. You must remove all traces of make-up before going to bed and then wash and cleanse your face thoroughly. If you go to bed without removing your make-up properly, the product will settle into the pores overnight and therefore, prevent the skin from breathing. Consequently, your skin will breakout and lead to acne. The best way to use a cleanser is to apply it on your finger tips. It should then be applied onto the face in a circular motion. Being gentle while you do this is very important as scrubbing can lead to further problems. You must then wash the cleanser off with lukewarm water.

Exfoliating your skin on a daily basis is another tip that must be followed to keep your skin glowing always. The skin care product that you choose for this purpose must not only be effective but also gentle. Exfoliating every morning before applying make-up will ensure glowing skin till you remove your make up at night. The product must be applied onto the skin in circular motion and be washed off with warm water. The greatest benefit of exfoliating is that it removes the dead cells that collect on the surface of the skin. This allows the skin to look younger, healthier and keeps it glowing.

Sleeping for at least 8 hours daily will ensure that you have glowing skin. While some people suffer from dark circles due to sleep deprivation, others get bags under their eyes. A majority of people suffer from both- causing them to look older than they really are. Sleeping is your body’s way of repairing itself. Therefore, if you do not allow it to rest enough, it will not be able to function properly.

Purchasing a well-known, expensive brand of skin products- just because of these reasons will not ensure beautiful skin. You must choose such make-up and skin care products that are suited for your skin type. Carrying out extensive research before you buy a skin care product can prove to be extremely beneficial as almost every brand today offers products created solely for the different number of skin types.

Keeping stress at bay can take years off your skin. Allowing your body to relax will allow it to repair itself and therefore keep skin glowing always. Taking a warm bath or going on a stroll with a friend will benefit you in the long run. Yoga is considered to be the best exercise that keeps the body young.

The UV rays of the sun are harmful and penetrate into your skin and target the melanin. This can cause pigmentation, discoloration and consequently, premature aging leading to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles before their time. Therefore, applying sunscreen 20 minutes before stepping out into the sun is extremely important. You must choose a sunblock that is high in SPF so that your skin gets maximum protection from the sun rays.

Ayurveda For Grey Hair

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 02:54:50 GMT

Graying of hair is the most familiar sign of aging and it is a natural phenomenon. Most commonly graying starts around the age of forty but it starts earlier in some people which is known as premature graying. The age at which grey hair appears depends on the genes the person has inherited. Once graying of hair starts it may take as long as ten years for the entire hair on the head to go grey. Graying starts near the ears and at the temples and slowly spreads to other areas.

Ayurveda’s Approach to Grey Hair

According to Ayurveda, aggravation of pitta dosha is the main cause of graying of hair. It an also speed up the graying process. Premature graying can also occur due to stress as it causes vata aggravation. Anger, emotional disturbances or excessive physical exertion can cause vata dosha disturbances and the hair loses its natural color due to this.

How Hair Turns Grey

The roots of the hair get their nourishment from the hair follicles that contain pigment cells. These cells are capable of producing melanin which gives the color to the hair. The higher the melanin quantity the darker the hair color. When the cells produce less melanin the condition may lead to graying of hair.

Premature graying occurs mostly due to the lack of important and essential nutrients such as iron, copper, magnesium and zinc. Deprivation of vitamin B6 and folic acid may also cause the hair to turn grey earlier than it should.

Natural Dyeing of Hair

Henna, used as a paste is the most popular form of vegetable dye in India as it is more suitable for Asian hair. Henna also can condition the hair. It prevents any harm to the hair from chemical and heals the hair to reduce split ends. Henna gives luster and smoothness to the hair. Walnut juice can make dark brown hair color deeper. Onion peels boiled with water and a few drops of glycerin added to it can lend a reddish color to the hair. There are many other natural herbs that can change the color of hair.

Herbal Remedies for combating Grey Hair

Taking one teaspoonful of grated fresh ginger soaked in honey is an excellent way to arrest graying of hair.
A paste made by mixing basil juice, mint juice, coffee powder, fenugreek seed powder, henna powder and curd should be applied on the hair and left for 3 to 4 hours and washed off with a mild natural shampoo.

Prevention of Grey Hair

Massaging the scalp with the herbal hair oil medicated with Neela, Bringaraja, Vibhitaki works well to prevent premature graying. Gooseberry, black pepper corns and lemon juice help in preventing graying of hair.
Ayurveda considers certain foods as causing dosha imbalances in the body and hence should be avoided. They are meat, oily and fired foods, acidic, spicy and greasy foods, tea, coffee and alcohol.
Ayurveda suggests the practice of yoga as they produce excellent results in treating and preventing grey hair.
Every morning soon after getting up rub the forehead close to the hairline. This is done to remove any blockage in blood circulation to the scalp.
Certain Yoga postures known as ‘Asanas’ and a breathing exercise known as ‘Kapalbhati’ greatly help to arrest the graying process.
Rubbing the finger nails of both hands - According to yoga, the nerve endings below the fingernails and the hair roots are directly connected. Rubbing the nails of hands against one another promotes blood circulation in the scalp and the hair roots are fortified and work towards reducing grey hair.