• 15 Things to Avoid if you have Asthma

    1. Dust
    Dust, due to its allergy-inducing properties, causes havoc for asthmatics. Therefore it’s absolutely essential that very high levels of hygiene are maintained and that rooms are kept dust-free. This can be achieved by thoroughly vacuuming the entire room including every nook and cranny.

    2. Flowers
    Pollen from flowers is a known trigger for asthma attacks and one will do well to avoid them. Growing plants indoors can be dangerous too, since they can be a source of mold – which triggers asthma. To avoid the formation of molds, make sure not to overwater plants, keep them in a sunny place and remove dead parts as soon as they appear.

    3. Pets
    Animal lovers are going to the find the going tough. Research suggests that contact with cats or dogs is extremely dangerous for asthmatics. Not to mention the fact that small pieces of fur, particles of hair, saliva and even skin are all known asthma triggers. Even if the pet is not physically around you, their fur/hair might be in your environment and may pose risks.

    4. Smoke and aromas in the kitchen
    The smoke and aromas given off when cooking can be a major irritant to asthma sufferers so take steps to reduce such problems. If a proper exhaust fan or chimney is not available, then ensure there is an open window in the kitchen to help the cooking smells to escape outside.

    5. Smoking
    Cigarette smoke contains different chemicals and gases that can irritate the lungs. Smoking increases your chance of getting asthma. Symptoms such as coughing and wheezing become worse when you smoke. Babies whose mothers smoked during pregnancy have worse lung function and increased risk of wheezing. (Read: 8 steps to manage asthma in children better)

    6. Anti-inflammatory drugs
    Certain prescription and over-the-counter drugs like aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen and beta blockers) may trigger asthma attacks. Whenever a doctor is prescribing you medicines, make sure you tell him/her that you suffer from asthma. You may like to read everything about various medicines used to treat asthma.

    7. Exercise
    Exercise-induced asthma is a type of asthma triggered by vigorous or prolonged exercise or physical exertion. Narrowing of airway begins five to 20 minutes after exercise begins, making it difficult to catch your breath.

    8. Extreme weather
    Hot and humid weather or extremely cold weather causes asthma symptoms to flare-up. Even though weather is not in our control, asthmatic patients should ensure that they do not expose themselves to varying temperatures in a short time. You may like to read about 4 tips to prevent asthma attacks during winter.

    9. Artificial lemon or lime juice
    You’d be much better off using real lemon or lime juice. It might take a little extra work, but not only will it taste fresher, you’ll be able to breathe better too.

    10. Salt
    People suffering from asthma may also want to avoid salt. Scientists have observed since the 1930s that a high-salt diet worsened asthma symptoms in children. Researchers at Indian University studied the phenomenon and found that exercise-induced asthma sufferers who ate a low-salt diet can exhale more air, and need bronchiodiolator drugs less often, than those on a high-salt diet. More than 75 percent of the salt eaten by Americans comes from processed food, and processed foods are also a source of sulfites. For this reason, asthma sufferers should avoid processed foods.

    11. Beer, wine, hard cider, juice and tea
    Ever wondered why you had trouble breathing after drinking beer, wine or hard cider? Now you do! Sulfites are to blame.

    12. Dried fruit or vegetables
    Besides typical dried fruits, such as raisins, pineapple, apricots and cranberries, these foods also include things like maraschino cherries and pre-packaged guacomole.

    13. Pickled foods
    Pickles, peppers and relish, oh my! Avoid anything pickled if you have a reaction to sulfites. Let the jar with murky liquid be the warning sign to stay away.

    14. Packaged potatoes
    Things like frozen hash browns and french fries and dehydrated potatoes have sulfites, so beware. A healthier substitute would be a baked sweet potato or roasted potatoes with a touch of olive oil.

    15. Naturally-occuring sulfites
    Other foods with sulfites include asparagus, chives, corn starch, eggs, garlic, leeks, lettuce, maple syrup, salmon, soy products and tomatoes.

    Sources:
    https://www.hellolife.net/asthma/b/eat-right-to-avoid-asthma-foods-to-avoid-to-reduce-asthma-symptoms/
    http://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/10-asthma-triggers-you-should-avoid/
    http://www.healthcentral.com/asthma/cf/slideshows/7-foods-to-avoid-if-you-have-asthma#slide=7
    http://www.slideshare.net

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  • 15 Ways to Stay Hydrated

    1. Radishes
    These refreshing root vegetables should be a fixture in your spring and summer salads. They provide a burst of spicy-sweet flavor—and color!—in a small package, and more importantly they’re filled with antioxidants such as catechin (also found in green tea).

    2. Tomatoes
    Sliced and diced tomatoes will always be a mainstay of salads, sauces, and sandwiches, but don’t forget about sweet cherry and grape varieties, which make an excellent hydrating snack, Gans says. “They’re great to just pop in your mouth, maybe with some nuts or some low-sodium cheese,” she says. “You get this great explosion of flavor when you bite into them.”

    3. Cucumbers
    No matter how you slice ‘em and dice ‘em, cucumbers keep cool at the number one spot on the list of water-logged fruits and vegetables. Composed of 96 percent water, cukes have no saturated fat or cholesterol, and are very high in vitamin K, vitamin B6 and iron.

    4. Salad Greens
    Part of the reason that 2 cups of salad greens has fewer than 15 calories is that greens are more than 90 percent water. They are also packed with nutrients, such as folate, vitamin C, fiber and the antioxidant beta carotene, which helps keep your eyes and skin healthy. Plus, having a salad for lunch (or dinner) is a great way to bang out a couple of veggie servings.

    6. Green peppers
    Bell peppers of all shades have a high water content, but green peppers lead the pack, just edging out the red and yellow varieties (which are about 92% water). And contrary to popular belief, green peppers contain just as many antioxidants as their slightly sweeter siblings.

    7. Grapefruit
    This juicy, tangy citrus fruit can help lower cholesterol and shrink your waistline, research suggests. In one study, people who ate one grapefruit a day lowered their bad (LDL) cholesterol by 15.5% and their triglycerides by 27%. In another, eating half a grapefruit—roughly 40 calories—before each meal helped dieters lose about three and a half pounds over 12 weeks. Researchers say that compounds in the fruit help fuel fat burn and stabilize blood sugar, therefore helping to reduce cravings.

    8. Cauliflower
    Don’t let cauliflower’s pale complexion fool you: In addition to having lots of water, these unassuming florets are packed with vitamins and phytonutrients that have been shown to help lower cholesterol and fight cancer, including breast cancer. (A 2012 study of breast cancer patients by Vanderbilt University researchers found that eating cruciferous veggies like cauliflower was associated with a lower risk of dying from the disease or seeing a recurrence.)

    9. Watermelon
    Ninety-two percent water (hence the name), watermelon is a good source of vitamin C and, when it’s red (some are orange or yellow), also has lycopene, an antioxidant that may help protect against heart disease and some types of cancer. Enjoy fresh wedges (go ahead and see how far you can spit the seeds) or, better yet, get creative with watermelon recipes.

    10. Yogurt
    Depending on your preferred type, regular plain yogurt is 85 to 88% water (surprisingly, there’s more water in fuller-fat yogurt). You’ll also get calcium, some B vitamins (namely B12 and riboflavin) and, to be sure you’re getting some good-for-you probiotics, look for a yogurt that carries the “Live & Active Cultures” seal.

    11. Papaya
    At 88 percent water, this fruit will help you stay hydrated. Better yet, 1 cup delivers 3 grams of fiber for just 55 calories.

    12. Strawberries
    Even without the shortcake, strawberries are a sweet treat perfect for staying hydrated. They are 92 percent water (the most of any berry) and are loaded with fiber and vitamin C — as if you needed an excuse to sip on this refreshing summer cocktail!

    13. Lettuce
    Iceberg lettuce may be 96 percent water, but it’s not known for much else in the nutrition department. Richer salad greens and sandwich toppers including butterhead, romaine and spinach are more well-rounded choices and still up your hydration. Need some inspiration? Start with these creative, healthy salads.

    14. Coffee
    Isn’t coffee a diuretic? Well, yes, but a recent study in PLOS ONE debunks the myth that it also causes dehydration. Not only will your daily cup contribute to your water needs, coffee can also give you a sharper memory, boost athletic endurance and performance, and reduce the risk of many serious ailments including diabetes and heart disease.

    15. Baby carrots
    A carrot’s a carrot, right? Not when it comes to water content. As it turns out, the baby-sized carrots that have become a staple in supermarkets and lunchboxes contain more water than full-size carrots (which are merely 88.3% water).

    Sources:
    http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/top-10-ways-to-stay-hydrated
    http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20709014_last,00.html
    http://www.eatingwell.com/nutrition_health/nutrition_news_information/7_refreshing_foods_to_help_you_stay_hydrated?page=8
    http://dailyburn.com/life/health/healthy-foods-stay-hydrated-without-water/
    http://cutebackgroundwallpapers.blogspot.com

     

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  • 9 Prevention tips for Hay fever

    Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is a common condition that shows signs and symptoms similar to a cold with sneezing, congestion, runny nose and sinus pressures.

    1. Reduce your stress
    Try to reduce your stress levels. The survey showed a clear link between stress and the severity of hay fever symptoms. Almost seven out of 10 stressed-out hay fever sufferers rate their symptoms as unbearable or debilitating. As stress levels drop, symptoms become milder. For more information, read about stress management.

    2. Pinpoint Your Allergy.
    The first step in controlling hay fever is to find out what you are allergic to. Maybe you know, from years of hay fever symptoms, that it’s tree or grass pollen in the spring, or ragweed in the fall. If you aren’t sure, see your physician to help diagnose your allergy.

    3. If You Do Go Outdoors, Shower After.
    If you have hay fever triggered by outdoor allergens, it’s important to shower and wash your hair after spending time outside when the pollen count is high—especially before going to bed. Showering helps remove pollen from your skin and hair and can help prevent a nighttime allergy attack.

    4. Take Steps to “Allergy-Proof” Your Home.
    There are many ways to limit allergens inside the house. Keep windows closed when pollen/mold counts are high. Prevent mold in the kitchen, bathrooms and household plants. Remove some or all carpets and unnecessary furnishings like throw pillows. Use synthetic pillows and encase mattresses in allergy-free covers. Wash clothing often. Keep pets out of bedrooms.

    5. Exercise more
    Regular exercise can improve your hay fever. The survey found that people with hay fever who exercise most have the mildest symptoms. Exercise will help reduce your stress levels, too.

    6. Eat well
    The survey suggests that people with hay fever who eat a healthy diet are less likely to get severe symptoms. Eat a varied, balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, but be aware than some healthy foods can make hay fever symptoms worse. Foods that can worsen hay fever symptoms for some people include apples, tomatoes, stoned fruits, melons, bananas and celery.

    7. Cut down on alcohol
    Watch how much you drink at your summer picnics and BBQs! Alcohol worsens hay fever. Beer, wine and spirits contain histamine, the chemical that sets off allergy symptoms in your body. As well as making you more sensitive to pollen, alcohol also dehydrates you, making your symptoms seem worse.

    8. Sleep well
    Try to avoid too many late nights during the hay fever season. The survey found that people with hay fever who get a good night’s sleep tend to have the mildest symptoms. Just one in eight (13%) people who had at least seven hours sleep a night reported severe symptoms, compared with one in five (21%) who regularly had five hours sleep or less a night.

    9. Ask Your Doctor about Medications to Treat Hay Fever.
    If it’s not possible to avoid your allergy triggers, over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications may be helpful. Available options include nasal sprays, oral medicines—liquids, tablets—and eye drops. Read labels carefully and take all medication as directed.

    Sources:
    http://www.healthcommunities.com/healthy-living-guides/index.shtml/10-hay-fever-prevention-tips_58/page/10
    http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/hayfever/Pages/5lifestyletipsforhayfever.aspx
    http://www.mvcp.com.au
    http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/160665.php

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  • 22 Home Remedies for Curing Chickenpox

    Chickenpox is a viral disease, which is caused by a virus, called Varicella Zoster, and it affects everyone at least once in a lifetime. Two days after getting infection, small, red and itchy blisters appear all over the body. Chickenpox is a contagious infection that quickly spreads from one person to another. Now-a-days, most of the people get the vaccination against chickenpox; but still, it is very common in newborn babies and pregnant women. Sometimes, it attacks adults too. Normally, it takes almost two weeks for the symptoms to subside after getting the infection, but there are certain home remedies that can cure it quickly.

    1. Baking Soda
    Baking soda is one of the popular remedies to give relief from the itching when suffering from chicken pox. When you apply baking soda on the skin and when it dries out there, you are relieved of the irritation the rashes and blisters cause.

    2. Prevent the Infection from Spreading
    If your child or you have chickenpox, do not go back to school, work or day care until all blisters are crusted over. This generally takes about 10 days after the first appearance of your symptoms. Stay away from anyone who is not immune from chickenpox to prevent it from spreading.

    3. Avoid Scratching
    If you scratch, it can cause scarring, slow healing and increase the risk of infection. If your child can’t stop the scratching, you should trim their fingernails and put gloves on their hands, at night especially.

    4. Essential Oils Bath
    Thieves oil is a blend of five anti-infectious, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-septic essential oils. These five oils are cinnamon, clove, lemon, eucalyptus and rosemary oils. When combined with other useful essential oils and Epsom salt, this oil blend does wonders to cure chicken pox. You can use this for an oily Epsom salt bath.

    5. Lilac (Neem)
    Lilac or neem has great anti-viral properties. Take some neem leaves and crush them into a paste. Apply this paste on the blisters in order to get relief from the itchiness. It will also dry out the rashes.

    6. Eat the Right Food
    Particular foods should be added into and removed from meals for those have chickenpox to prevent undue stress on the digestive system and boost your immune system so as to speed up the recovery process.

    7. Honey
    Honey is the natural antibacterial component which can excellently cure irritation. It is said that the simple natural sugars contained in the honey along with its anti-bacterial properties create this soothing effect.

    8. Marigold Flower
    Marigold (Calendula) is a flower which is an effective anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory herb. It is great for reducing swelling and redness of skin. Its capacity to stimulate production of collagen relieves you of pain and also speeds up the healing process. Get it from any herbal store.

    9. Green Peas
    Green peas are not only a delicious vegetable but also a great remedy to get rid of itchiness associated with chicken pox. Water made from peas also suppress the urge to itch.

    10. Carrot & Coriander Soup
    Take 100 grams of carrots and chop them well. Also chop 60 grams of coriander leaves and boil it with chopped carrots in water for some time. Now, strain and cool it down. Drink this soup once in a day. This will effectively heal the chickenpox.

    11. Brown Vinegar
     Add ½ cup of brown vinegar to a tub, filled with warm water. Soak in it in order to get rid of irritation and aid in a quick healing of chickenpox while also reducing the scars.

    12. Make Herbal Tea
    Herbal tea is a good way to boost immunity. As chicken pox virus is basically caught by people with weak immunity, it is always advisable to have some herbal tea to improve the defense mechanism of the body. Herbal tea is also recommended even if you have already got the disease. Here is a list of some herbs that you can use to make tea to cure your chicken pox.

    13. Vitamin E Oil
    Apply vitamin E oil on the chickenpox blisters in order to quickly heal them.

    14. Aloe Vera
    Apply fresh aloe vera gel on the rashes to get a soothing relief from chickenpox symptoms. Aloe vera is one of the best natural medicines for healing skin infections.

    15. Try Epsom Salt Bath
    Not an actual salt, but rather a mineral compound, Epsom salt contains sulfate and magnesium which can be very useful in reliving chickenpox itch, soothing inflammation and relieving pain.

    16. Oatmeal Bath
    Oatmeal has been used to prepare a bath for patients of chicken pox and it really soothes their skin by relieving them off the itchiness that they get from rashes and blisters.

    17. Jasmine Flower
    This is a Thai remedy for treating chicken pox. People in Thailand use jasmine flowers to make tea as well as for a bath to treat chicken pox. These flowers are easily available at any herbal medicine shops as well as herbal tea shops.

    18. Ginger Bath
    This is yet another Thai herbal remedy for chicken pox. This relieves you of the itching caused by the disease. Although you can always drink ginger tea by boiling ginger pieces in water, ginger bath is what will get you rid of itching rather instantly.

    19. Get Vitamin D from Sunrays 
    Some researchers from the University of London conducted studies on varicella-zoster virus which causes chickenpox. In their studies, they found a link between UV levels in the regions and the prevalence of chickenpox there. In tropical countries, there is much lesser incidence of chicken pox through out the year. On the other hand, temperate zones have high rates of chicken pox during winter and spring seasons when sun’s ultra violet radiation (UVR) is at its low in these regions. Not only does sun rays kill many viruses, it also provides with the vital vitamin D which boosts immunity. Vitamin D is also anti viral in nature.

    20. Diet Remedies
    Your body needs basic nutrients including vitamins and minerals as also enzymes that may boost its immunity. Not only that, these nutrients also cleanse toxic wastes from the cells to treat chicken pox. So do not take diet lightly and pay proper attention to it.

    21. Take Medications
    A majority of cases of chickenpox need little to no treatment beyond the home remedies for chickenpox. However, some medications can provide help.

    22. Other Methods
    Except the above methods, the following methods also can provide some relief: dab calamine lotion onto the blisters; eat a bland, soft diet if there are chickenpox sores in the mouth; try acetaminophen or ibuprofen for a mild fever.

    Sources:
    http://www.enkivillage.com/home-remedies-for-chickenpox.html
    http://www.homeremedyshop.com/19-home-remedies-for-curing-chickenpox/

    18 Simple Home Remedies for Chickenpox


    http://www.immunize.org/photos/chickenpox-photos.asp

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  • 9 Health Benefits of Marigold

    Other Names of Marigold
     The marigold is also known as Mary bud, pot marigold, ruddes, golds, holigold, gold bloom and the garden marigold

    Useful Parts of the Plant
     The petals or the flower heads
    The marigold is known for its bright orange colored flowers as well as its numerous medicinal properties. Marigold is grown mainly in March and April and is known to grow rapidly. There are different varieties of the plant and they are divided into four basic species. These include African Marigold, French Marigold, Triploids, and single Marigold. There are also sub-types with all of these major varieties.

    Nutritional Information and Properties
    With regards to the nutritional information pertaining to marigolds, they are known to be a rich source of flavonoids and vitamin C. they have no fat content and therefore aid weight loss.

    Health Benefits of Marigold Flower

    1. Antibiotic
    Marigold flowers can be made into infusions, tinctures, and ointments that work well for skin wound, rashes, bed sores, varicose veins, diaper rash, burns of all kinds and even impetigo because it’s a great antibiotic agent.

    2. Burn Treatment
    Based on the University of Maryland, when placed in lotions, marigolds can make an efficient burn treatment. Till they turn translucent to produce a tincture, just steep one tsp of marigold petals (organic ones, of course) in a cup of hot water. Gently dab the tincture on the burnt area to help remedy the area.

    3. Acne and Oily Complexions
    Marigold tinctures are recommended for managing acne and oily complexions. Once per day utilize fresh flowers soaked in hot water and apply them right to your skin; keep them on for about 10 minutes, then rinse completely.

    4. Cold and Flues
    Marigold tea has also been used for treating colds, flues, and even coughs associated with these conditions.

    5. Insect Spray
    Some people take the flowers and leaves and boil them down to make a natural spray for garden insects, and some also use it on horses for biting flies.

    6. Detoxing
    Marigold tea also helps to detox the body and stimulate the lymph system to carry away toxic agents and get rid of swelling… and detox the liver.

    7. Cancer
    Marigold tea is full of great lycopene which is very important for prostate health and for preventing cancer. Studies show that marigold decreases the spread of cancer cells and limits their growth… and works great for breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, and even certain types of skin cancer, and leukemia.

    8. Antioxidants
    Marigold flower tea has great antioxidants that help to prevent cardiovascular disease, strokes, and cancer… and prevent DNA damage.

    9. No Side Effects
    So far there are no side effects to marigold flowers, but herbs should not be used by those nursing or pregnant.

    Sources:
    http://shatteringthematrix.com/profiles/blogs/30-amazing-health-benefits-of-marigold-flowers#.VpX6gvl97IU
    http://www.naturalalternativeremedy.com/category/consumer-tips/
    http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/herbs/marigold.html
    http://www.marigoldasia.com

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  • 15 Ways to Prevent Broken Bones

    1. Pineapple
    Until your broken bone has healed, eat ½ fresh pineapple every day. The fruit contains bromelain – an enzyme known to lessen swelling and inflammation. Avoid canned or processed pineapples, which do not offer the same effect.

    2. Check your protein intake
    You might not associate protein with bone health, but when it comes to helping a broken bone heal, this is one area you need to pay attention to. Bones are made up of “living” protein, and depriving your body of protein during the healing process will result in a soft bone callus rather than the rigid ones necessary for bone strength.

    3. Avoid Caffeine
    Avoid drinking or eating items that contain caffeine, such as cola sodas, which have an effect on the absorption of calcium, which is needed to repair bones.

    4. Vitamin Supplements
    Vitamin supplements, such as boron, aid in the healing of bones. Other selections that encourage an increase in healing include magnesium and potassium. Another way to increase your intake of bone-healing vitamins is to choose foods that contain the above suggestions.

    5. Avoid Smoking
    The chemicals found in a cigarette work against the healing process of broken bones – even up to five months longer for serious breaks. This is because the amount of oxygen reaching bone tissue is reduced when the body comes in contact with tobacco products.

    6. Avoid Alcohol
    Since alcohol affects bone mass and disrupts the absorption of calcium, avoid drinking alcoholic beverages in an effort to maintain the strength of your bones.

    7. Pillows
    Elevating a broken ankle or foot helps reduce swelling. To encourage the healing process, raise the broken bone higher than your heart so that blood and fluid is drawn away from the injury. One of the best ways to elevate your broken bone is to stack several pillows at the end of a bed to use as a prop.

    8. Ice
    For the first one to two days following your broken bone, place a Ziploc bag filled with ice on your injury every 15 to 20 minutes. This method also works even if you’ve been fitted with a cast. Just make sure to use a towel between your cast and the bag of ice to avoid wetness.

    9. Vitamin C:
    Eat foods with vitamin C to encourage the development of collagen, which aids the body in forming healthy bones. Foods to consider for your diet include bell peppers, strawberries, oranges, lemon juice, papaya, and cauliflower

    10. Make sure you’re eating the right amount of calories
    It may not seem like it, but your body is using a lot of energy to repair that broken bone. Just because you are suddenly sidelined with an injury doesn’t mean you should cut way down on your diet. A severely broken bone could demand up to 6,000 calories a day for healing!

    11. Take calcium and lysine
    Calcium is essential to bone health, but if you don’t have the right amino acids, it isn’t going to be as productive as it could be. Lysine is important when it comes to calcium absorption, so make sure you include that in your dietary routine.

    12. Increase antioxidants
    Now is the time to start eating those foods rich in antioxidants. While it’s important to include antioxidants for cellular health, these compounds are also important in reducing inflammation at the site of the break. Inflammation can continue for weeks after the initial injury, and until inflammation starts to go away, the healing process will not fully engage.

    13. Make sure to get enough minerals in general
    While calcium is a must, experts indicate most people are deficient in essential minerals even when they aren’t trying to heal a broken bone. Make sure you get enough calcium, zinc, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, and silicon.

    14. Consider your natural aids
    Though not approved by Western medicine, there are some herbal remedies to help speed bone healing. People interested in adding alternative therapies should look into the use of arnica, wild comfrey, horsetailgrass, and burdock leaf poultice. Be sure to consult with an herbalist and your physician before using one of these suggestions.

    15. Exercise
    Granted, there are some things you can and can’t do with a broken bone, but if you are able to be mobile without risk of displacing the bone, you should do so. Being active promotes blood flow and thus speeds healing.

    Sources:
    http://www.grandmashomeremedies.com/broken-bones/
    http://www.laopinion.com/2014/07/04/8-ways-to-help-a-broken-bone-heal-faster/
    http://www.telegraph.co.uk
    http://goindiya.blogspot.com/2014/03/Home-remedies-for-bone-fracture-heal-broken-bone-faster-naturally.html

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  • 12 Reason Why You’re Always Tired

    1. Anaemia
    One of the most common medical reasons for feeling constantly run down is iron deficiency anaemia. It affects around one in 20 men and post-menopausal women, but may be even more common in women who are still having periods.

    2. Thyroid Disease
    When your thyroid hormones are out of whack, even everyday activities will wipe you out. The thyroid gland, about the size of the knot on a man’s tie, is found in the front of the neck and produces hormones that control your metabolism. Too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism), and metabolism speeds up. Too little (hypothyroidism), and metabolism slows down.

    3. Sleep apnoea
    Sleep apnoea is a condition where your throat narrows or closes during sleep and repeatedly interrupts your breathing. This results in bad snoring and a drop in your blood’s oxygen levels. The difficulty in breathing means that you wake up often in the night, and feel exhausted the next day.

    4. Diabetes
    More than a million people are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes every year, but many more may not even know they have it. Sugar, also called glucose, is the fuel that keeps your body going. And that means trouble for people with type 2 diabetes who can’t use glucose properly, causing it to build up in the blood.

    5. Sedentary Lifestyle
    In today’s busy, office-oriented work environments, it is common for many people to develop a sedentary lifestyle.

    6. Glandular fever
    Glandular fever is a common viral infection that causes fatigue, along with fever, sore throat and swollen glands. Most cases happen in teenagers and young adults. Symptoms usually clear up within four to six weeks, but the fatigue can linger for several more months.

    7. Leaky Gut Syndrome Leaky Gut syndrome, digestive system
    Leaky gut syndrome is a condition in which your digestive tract becomes damaged and small holes begin to develop in your gut lining. Small particles that normally can’t pass through your gut wall begin seeping through into your bloodstream. When someone has leaky gut syndrome, some of the things that can pass through the gut lining include proteins like gluten, bad bacteria and undigested foods particles.

    8. Depression
    As well as making you feel very sad, depression can also make you feel drained of energy. It can stop you falling asleep or cause you to wake up early in the morning, which makes you feel more tired during the day.

    9. Anxiety
    Feeling anxious is sometimes perfectly normal. However, some people have constant, uncontrollable feelings of anxiety, which are so strong they affect their daily life.

    10. Dehydration water splash in glasses, drinking water
    Dehydration occurs when there is an excessive loss of body fluids, especially of water and electrolytes — or not enough water taken in. When you start to feel thirsty, you body is already dehydrated.

    11. Blood Sugar Imbalance
    Most people have blood sugar imbalances that can be easily fixed, but they aren’t even aware that this is a major contributing factor to their health problems and lack of energy. Chances are if you’re always tired, your blood sugar has something to do with it.

    12. Poor Diet Junk food, poor diet, unhealthy eating
    You’ve probably noticed that almost all of the causes of you feeling like you’re always tired can be partially alleviated through changing your diet.

    Sources:
    http://www.prevention.com/health/sleep-energy/why-you-are-always-tired
    http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/tiredness-and-fatigue/Pages/medical-causes-of-tiredness.aspx
    http://draxe.com/always-tired/
    http://www.businessnewsdaily.com

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  • 13 Tips for anger management

    1. Think before you speak
    In the heat of the moment, it’s easy to say something you’ll later regret. Take a few moments to collect your thoughts before saying anything — and allow others involved in the situation to do the same.

    2. Once you’re calm, express your anger
    As soon as you’re thinking clearly, express your frustration in an assertive but nonconfrontational way. State your concerns and needs clearly and directly, without hurting others or trying to control them.

    3. Get some exercise
    Physical activity can help reduce stress that can cause you to become angry. If you feel your anger escalating, go for a brisk walk or run, or spend some time doing other enjoyable physical activities.

    4. Take a timeout
    Timeouts aren’t just for kids. Give yourself short breaks during times of the day that tend to be stressful. A few moments of quiet time might help you feel better prepared to handle what’s ahead without getting irritated or angry.

    5. Identify possible solutions
    Instead of focusing on what made you mad, work on resolving the issue at hand. Does your child’s messy room drive you crazy? Close the door. Is your partner late for dinner every night? Schedule meals later in the evening — or agree to eat on your own a few times a week. Remind yourself that anger won’t fix anything and might only make it worse.

    6. Stick with ‘I’ statements
    To avoid criticizing or placing blame — which might only increase tension — use “I” statements to describe the problem. Be respectful and specific. For example, say, “I’m upset that you left the table without offering to help with the dishes,” instead of, “You never do any housework.”

    7. Don’t hold a grudge
    Forgiveness is a powerful tool. If you allow anger and other negative feelings to crowd out positive feelings, you might find yourself swallowed up by your own bitterness or sense of injustice. But if you can forgive someone who angered you, you might both learn from the situation. It’s unrealistic to expect everyone to behave exactly as you want at all times.

    8. Use humor to release tension
    Lightening up can help diffuse tension. Use humor to help you face what’s making you angry and, possibly, any unrealistic expectations you have for how things should go. Avoid sarcasm, though — it can hurt feelings and make things worse.

    9. Know when to seek help
    Learning to control anger is a challenge for everyone at times. Consider seeking help for anger issues if your anger seems out of control, causes you to do things you regret or hurts those around you.

    10. Own It
    Pretending you’re not angry—especially while exhibiting nearly cartoonish physical signs of anger—does no good for you, the target of your anger, or your blood pressure. Many people think that to acknowledge anger is the same as acting inappropriately on it. That’s simply not true, and the difference in those two concepts is huge. Admitting that you are upset, whether to yourself, or as calmly as possible to the person you’re in conflict with (“I admit I seem to be getting upset here. I want to resolve this and not do anything I regret, so I am going to try to slow down.”) can validate your feelings. This in turn can help you feel more empowered toward working toward a solution, and it will also diminish the conflict within yourself.

    11. Break It Down
    So you’re still simmering after your yearly review? If you jot down some of your thoughts, whether with prehistoric pen and paper or with an app du jour, you’ll gain some clarity as to how they’re serving as the antecedents to your feelings. In the process, you can sort out why you’re upset and what steps you can take work through the situation. Perhaps most important, putting your feelings into words can make them feel more tangible, and therefore more manageable—which can eventually help them work their way out of your system.

    12. Move It Out
    As physical signs go, anger can look very similar to other forms of arousal, like anxiety or even excitement. Calming those physical impulses, or giving them someplace useful to go, can help you get your anger under control. Slow down your breathing through several long, deep breaths. Loosen your muscles through clenching and unclenching your fists and slowly doing a neck roll. If you can use that arousal for good rather than for clocking someone in the face, you’ll be better off. So channel that rage into an activity that can release tension: running, kickboxing, dancing, jumping rope, or even just beating your fists against your chest like a gorilla. A primal scream can be helpful if you are blessed with the space. Instead of letting your frustration burn you up, you can burn it off. And if it comes out in the shape of tears, or even demonic laughter? Just let it.

    13. Find The Big Picture
    If you’re still feeling steamed from that interaction with your colleague or that snarky tone from the person in line at the coffee shop, it might be time to make a list of the things you’re grateful for. Gratitude meditations, or just sitting and focusing on what’s right in your life, will make what you’re angry about seem more molehill than mountain. You might also choose to think about the person whom you think has wronged you, and imagine what unique challenges they may be reacting to. Think about the ways that they could use some empathy, and try to mentally give it to them—that can often neutralize anger.

    Sources:
    https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/friendship-20/201404/how-control-anger-seven-quick-tips
    http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/anger-management/art-20045434?pg=2
    http://defendingcontending.com

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  • 11 Home remedies for nearsightedness

    1. Avoid Watching TV Or Studying For Long Hours
    One of the best home remedies for nearsightedness is to ensure that you take several breaks in between while watching TV, reading or working on the computer for a long time.This is very important because all these activities require you to focus your eyes on an object at a short distance, which leads to the onset of myopia.Therefore, to make sure that the occurrence of myopia is minimal, make sure to take periodic breaks while performing such activities.

    2. Sun Rise:
    Watching the sunrise every morning for three to five minutes is said to be beneficial to the eye. Wake up early each morning and go out on a walk or trek to see the sun rise. The walk will benefit your general health while watching the majestic sunrise will improve eye health and even treat myopia.

    3.Eye Exercises
    Performing regular eye exercises has been found to have a positive effect on myopia. Due to this, most ophthalmologists today recommend several eye exercises besides prescription glasses and medications for improving the condition. Yoga is also considered to be a great source of effective eye exercises.

    4. Breathing Exercises
    A variety of breathing exercises are also used as home remedies for treating the condition of near-sightedness.These breathing exercises can easily be performed in the comfort of one’s home or in any other relaxed environment. Simply shut your eyes and inhale slowly with your nose.Now slowly exhale from your mouth in a continuous and steady manner for a minimum of 3 minutes. However, make sure not to strain your body by trying to take in too much air.

    5. Care While Reading:
    Reading can be addictive but there are certain things you need to keep in mind while reading your favorite book. Avoid reading in dim or bad light. Ensure that there is enough light so that it does not strain your eye. Never read in a moving vehicle, it can be quite a strain on the eye. Reading while lying down can also be quite detrimental to the eye.

    6. Vitamin Intake
    Proper vitamin intake is another one of the most useful home remedies for treating the condition of myopia. The health of our eyes and vitamin consumption is closely linked with each other.Vitamins like Vitamin B, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E and Vitamin C are closely associated with healthy eye sight.You can obtain the required amount of these vitamins from various vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian food sources like tomatoes, carrots, peppers, apples, green leafy vegetables, fish, nuts, dried fruits etc.

    7. Natural Products:
    Gooseberry (Amla) is said to be a good home remedy for Myopia. Daily use of it acts as an effective tonic for the eye. Bilberry and black currant too are very good for the eye. They help to reduce strain on the eye, improve vision and prevent further degeneration of the eye. Extracts from grape seed can help cure mild Myopia too.

    8. Eye Bath:
    A decoction made of either Horsetail or Nettle in a liter of water is yet another wonder tonic. Prepare and store the solution. Using a towel soaked in the solution over the eyes has been proven to delay the onset of Myopia.

    9. Eye Drop:
    Chamomile is used as a natural eye drop to prevent Myopia. Be sure to consult your physician before using any foreign substance as an eye drop. There are several drops made of chamomile that are available at drug stores that can be used without apprehensions.

    10. Grape Seed
    Grape seed extracts are rich sources of antioxidants that are beneficial in protecting your eyes from diseases and maintain eye health. This extract can help cure mild myopia when taken regularly.

    11. Coconut, Candy Sugar, Aniseed And Almond
    Another useful home remedy for nearsightedness is a mixture of coconut, candy sugar, aniseed and almond. Simply combine these ingredients and prepare a powder and take it twice daily. This recipe has been known to improve the condition to a great extent.

    Sources:
    http://www.searchhomeremedy.com/top-home-remedies-for-nearsightedness/
    http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/home-remedies-for-myopia/
    http://www.findhomeremedy.com/8-most-effective-herbal-remedies-for-myopia/
    http://www.dreamstime.com

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  • 8 Tips to prevent bad smell

    1. Brush & Floss Regularly
    Your mouth is a playground for a vast array of different bacteria. Some are harmless while others perform useful functions – in a healthy mouth. If you’re a smoker though, or you don’t brush and floss regularly, then you’re asking for trouble.Food gets trapped in the teeth and as is the way with any food left lying around in a dark, warm and damp environment it starts to rot and with that comes that oh-so-unpleasant odor.

    2. Clean your tongue
    It is not enough to simply brush your teeth. Since your tongue has a lot of surface area and is covered with textured bumps and grooves, it harbors more bacteria than the rest of your mouth combined. Removing the bacteria on your tongue can go a long way in reducing your bad breath.

    3. Stay Hydrated
    When a mouth becomes devoid of saliva, odor-causing bacteria can thrive. Saliva contains oxygen that deters the growth of oral bacteria. The solution is to always drink plenty of fluids, preferably water, to keep bacteria at bay.

    4. Gums & Mints
    There’s a wide selection of gums and mints available that may help you keep your breath smelling sweet temporarily. If it’s impossible for you to brush your teeth or use a mouthwash throughout the day, find a gum that may do the trick.

    5. Avoid Pungent Foods
    One of the most disgusting smells is garlic breath. Onions and other strongly-flavored foods can also be culprits.

    6. Floss every day
    Flossing your teeth is just as important to good oral health as brushing, and even more important for reducing bad breath. Make it as much of a mindless habit as brushing your teeth.

    7. Use mouthwash
    Mouthwash helps to keep your mouth moist and helps to prevent bad breath.

    8. Drink Water after Your Coffee
    Following on from odoriferous foods such as garlic and onions, we come to drinks. Liquors such as whisky smell pretty bad even before they’re consumed. But when strong-smelling liquors and beers enter the bloodstream they are exhaled in the breath – and smell even worse.

    Sources:
    http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Bad-Breath
    http://idealbite.com/6-fast-acting-tips-to-fix-bad-breath-without-mouthwash/
    http://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/968593/10-tips-to-get-rid-of-bad-breath
    http://www.telegraph.co.uk

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