Stripped of essential nutrients, detox diets can be downright dangerous
After the first sip
Your brain's hunger signals are answered with a dump of pure fruit-juice sugar.Veggie-based cleanses aren't any healthier.
The sweet stuff prompts the pancreas to squirtout insulin, which moves sugar—now in your blood in the form of glucose—intoyour cells.
After 30 minutes
As your cells suck up the glucose, your blood sugar level will plummet and you may feel dizzy.
Meanwhile, lacking enough calories, your bodyis operating off its supply of glycogen, a form of short-term energy stored inthe liver and muscles.
After two days
With each shot of juice, your insulin levels skyrocket, then crash. Yourglycogen stores are gone, leaving you feeling weak Since you're getting onlyabout half the calories you need, your body draws on two long-term powersources: triglycerides, a type of energy stored in fat cells, and protein,taken straight from your muscles. You begin to lose muscle mass, even if you'restill exercising every day.
After three days
Your brain enters into semi-starvation mode and gobbles ketones, fuel thatcomes from the breakdown of fat. Ketones work, but they're like low-gradegasoline; as a result, you may feel unfocused or irritable. (Any "mentalclarity" is likely due to a strong placebo effect.)
Sans a fresh protein infusion, your brain isalso lacking amino acids, the raw materials that neurotransmitters need tomaintain your mood. The proteins in your shrinking muscles break down intoammonia and uric acid, unwelcome chemicals that invade your bloodstream. Nowyour kidneys are busy detoxing your detox.
Stay near the bathroom: The juice's highcarbohydrate load causes a surfeit of water to enter the intestines. That extraH2O in your gut means you're apt to get diarrhea.
After four days
With no food to digest, your small intestine feels ignored. Its villi—the rowsof tiny fibers that move food elements into the blood—start to atrophy. Yourdiarrhea may get worse, leading to dehydration... and there goes your rosyglow.
On the eighth day
Solid food! Even if you go back to your regular eating habits, you now haveless muscle mass to burn those calories; instead, the calories are more likelyto be turned into fat.
Women should recognize the importance of an annual check- up for a healthy body and also to determine any changes in the health status. Health check-up leads to better health and helps to prevent disease. Regular check-ups can help find problems before they start. They also can help find problems early, when the chances for treatment and cure are better. By getting the right health services, screenings, and treatments, you are taking steps that help your chances for living a longer, healthier life.
Your age, health and family history, lifestyle choices (i.e. what you eat, how active you are, whether you smoke), and other important factors impact what and how often you need services and screenings. Medical history of the patient is also important to determine any predisposition for future disease.
Healthy age for annual check-up for women can start as early as 18 years. Here is the list of some important check-ups to be administered annually for better health:
Hemoglobin: To assess overall health your doctor may test your hemoglobin as part of a complete blood count during a routine medical examination to monitor your general health and to screen for a variety of disorders, such as anemia.
Biochemical parameters:
Fasting blood glucose: A method for learning how much glucose (sugar) there is in a blood sample taken after an overnight fast. The fasting blood glucose test is commonly used in the detection of diabetes mellitus.
Uric acid: This test checks to see how much uric acid you have in your blood.
The lipid profile: This is a group of tests that are often ordered together to determine risk of coronary heart disease. They are tests that have been shown to be good indicators of whether someone is likely to have a heart attack or stroke caused by blockage of blood vessels or hardening of the arteries
General tests: Blood Grouping & RH Typing, Stool examination, ECG(Resting), X-Ray(Chest), Ultrasound screening of the whole abdomen and Pap smear
Liver function Test: Liver function tests check the levels of certain enzymes and proteins in your blood.
Kidney assessment: Kidney diseases can be diagnosed using urine tests, blood tests, imaging studies and a bladder biopsy or kidney biopsy. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can reduce the risk of kidney failure. Kidney diseases include kidney stones, cancer and inherited disorders such as polycystic kidney disease.
Everyone comes in different shapes and sizes. This is especially applicable to women where their physical attributes have been classified according to the features that are more dominant than the others. To know more about what is your body type we have listed the most common categories for your reference.
Different Body Types.
Apple Shaped: In this type women generally have broader shoulders and thinner hips and legs comparatively like a downward triangle. Usually women with this body type have unproportioned abdomen and chest giving the bulk look on the upper body. The distribution of fat is more in the upper body than the lower.
Shape It: Work out on your gluteus, thighs and legs to find a better proportion with your shoulders. Reduce fat from your upper body for a finer look.
Banana Shaped: Usually women in this body type have a straight figure. The bust, hips and waist are in the same line giving the effect of a banana. The body fat distribution is quite same throughout.
Shape It: Workout your upper body as well as your lower body. Muscle up your gluteus thighs maintaining a slim waist for a curvaceous look.
Pear or Bell Shape: Pear shape body type have wider hips than then their bust. The fat distribution is more at the buttocks area with a slimmer bust. Women of this type have bigger butts and thighs.
Shape It: Reduce weight from the hips area and workout on the legs to even with the bust or shoulder area. Work out on the back but more on the lower body.
Hourglass Shape: The hips and bust are almost the same size and the fat distribution in the body is more in both hips and bust region. This type of women have broad upper body as well as broad lower body giving a look of an hourglass.
Shape it: Go for a entire body toning and look for inch loss and fat reduction to decrease the size of the body. Reducing the fat and size will get you nearer to a perfect body.
Once you know your body type work on the problem area to fix the problem and look better. These problem areas for different types are the areas where their is maximum weight gain. But if you manage your diet and exercise right you can shape them and convert them to your attractive physical attributes.
Newborns are fed with mother’s milk through breast feeding which is the best child food and essential for child’s growth. It is incorporated from child's birth to at least 6 months of his age. Breast milk is known as Colostrum which is yellowish sticky milk and recommended as perfect baby food by World Health Organization. It supports the child growth and immunizes its body from infections and illness. It has to be avoided if the mother has tuberculosis or HIV virus, as it would result in passing of the infection from mother to the child.
Breast milk is usually made from the nutrition in the mother’s blood stream and the body stores. The milk of the mother contains the perfect proportion of fats, protein, carbohydrates and water required for the child's body. Breast feeding a child causes the mother to lose around 500 calories and its quantity can vary according to individual's lifestyle. Mothers need to take special care of nutrition and eat food that is high in vitamins and minerals. Some of the foods that are the recommended nutrient rich include whole grains and cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables, and foods that provide plenty of protein, calcium, and iron to the mother’s diet for quality milk. Mothers that breast feed feel very thirsty and need to increase the intake of water & fluids. Ensure that flavoured drinks, soda or packaged juices are not being substituted for healthier fluids. No supplement can also substitute for natural food. Ensure a balanced diet is followed all the time.
Breast feeding helps pass a number of antibodies which prevent infections from getting into a child’s body. It protects the child against amoebic infections, binds to iron and inhibits the growth of intestinal bacteria and protects against microorganisms. Children are sensitive and their metabolism is just developing, so mother’s milk is the safest for your child’s health and care. Breast feed atleast 8-12 times a day and approximately 15-20 minutes per breast.
Mother’s milk is easily digested by the child's digestive system than cow's milk or solid foods which could get stuck in their food pipes which are vulnerable and tender. Not only is it safe but requires no preparation, boiling, maintaining temperature or mixing anything for the right balance as it is a natural process which saves time and allows the mother to concentrate on her child more. Breast feeding improves mother’s health too as it lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes, breast cancer etc. to the mother.
Urinary tract infection is seen more often in women than men and is the infection in the urinary tract. The infection starts at the lower end of the urinary tract and can spread to the length of the urinary tract. Women with UTI may have burning sensation and pain while urinating. Most symptoms of the urinary tract are in response to the inflammation caused by the infection in the tract.
The urinary tract includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra which is the most infected followed by the bladder. The symptoms may include urge to urinate more often, little urine, smelly urine and burning sensation. The infection can reach the bladder quickly in women because urethra is shorter than men and bacteria can reach there faster.
Here are some different types of urinary tract infection
Urethritis: It is the infection and inflammation of the urethra. The urethra connects to the bladder and is the tube which helps the urine to pass.
Cystitis: Cystitis is the infection in the urinary bladder wall and usually happens after urethritis when the infection passes further.
Nephritis: This is the most dangerous stage of UTI when the bacteria reach the kidneys. In this case the infection could be fatal and cause kidney failure.
The reasons for UTI may be many. Like, during sexual intercourse, passing of infection from the anus to the urethra and sometimes because of diseases and poor immune system, not able to fight off the bacteria or infection. If one feels the symptoms in the urinary tract then doctors help is advisable as, if left untreated, it could cause pregnancy complication, kidney failure, hypertension etc.
Drink lots of fluids to urinate more often to clear out the bacteria from the system. Urination helps the bacteria on the walls of the urethra to wash out. Drink cranberry juice as it is beneficial and increases the acidity of the urine making it unfavourable for the bacteria to grow. There are medication, good hygiene practise and increasing fluid intake for the diagnosis of UTI. There are tests for tracking UTI and with proper guidance, it can be cured.
Every woman as soon as she enters puberty till she gets menopause at some point of her life experiences menstrual cramps – a symptom that usually accompanies the monthly menstrual cycle. These cramps are medically referred to as “dysmenorrhea,” The primary signs and symptoms of menstrual cramps include a dull or throbbing pain found in the lower abdomen, and pain that travels throughout the lower back and thighs. Some women experience moderate cramps while some have excruciatingly painful five days of periods.
The cramps are caused by a hormone-like substance called prostaglandins, known to cause inflammation and pain. This is what triggers the uterine muscle contractions resulting in spasmic pain in the lower abdomen.
There are many medicines available in the market that will give you relief from the cramps. But there are some natural fixes available for those who don’t enjoy taking medicines for this monthly phenomenon.
Regular Exercise:
Exercising releases “happy hormones” in the body which is the body’s natural pain killer. Contrary to the myths that one should not exercise during the menstrual period, this has been considered the most effective natural form of avoiding menstrual cramps.
Hot Water Bottle:
Hot compression relives cramps. Place a hot water bottle on your stomach to get instant relief from the pain.
Yoga:
Yoga is a light form of exercise that helps stretch your body, increase blood flow and helps relax the body. There some asanas that especially help relieve the pain are Cobra asana, Bow asana, Cat asana and Fish asana.
Drink Hot Liquids:
Warm drinks like Green tea and warm water with lemon help ease the muscles giving some relief to the cramps.
Drink Hot Liquids:
Cinnamon:
Cinannmon is a wonder spice that has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that can ease the symptoms of menstrual cramping. You can sprinkle some cinnamon on your warm drinks and drink it. It also adds flavour to your drinks.
Hair fall to quite an extent is natural as the new hair follicles are continuously growing and replacing the old ones. A human head loses approximately 100 strands of hair each day! But sometimes the hair fall is unusual and might indicate an impending deficiency or skin allergy on the head or our body. There is no conclusive research on the women pattern of baldness but certain factors which cause hair fall in women like genetics,menopause, birth control, drop in sex hormones, diseases and infections, strong medications etc.
Hair loss can happen after thinning of hair and then fallout. Hair fall doesn’t always lead to permanent hair loss. It can be a temporary reaction to something. The major cause of hair loss in women is androgenetic alopecia. It causes large number of hair to excessively fall and also along the line of the head and could be genetical or any other problem.There could be altogether different problems.
Another increasingly common reason especially in young women is excessive use of chemicals to either thicken their hair, even color it. Using multiple hair creams, shampoos, medicines, using harsh dyes and hair lotions could misbalance the chemistry of the hair causing malnutrition and falling of hair. The low estrogen level can be another common cause. During pregnancy and abortion, miscarriage, women undergo low estrogen levels which can cause temporarily hair loss but would come back after some time. Sometimes months of illness or a major surgery can cause hair loss but this too can recover.
Good quality of hair can be maintained by eating a healthy diet and maintain hygiene of the hair for its growing environment. Hair requires certain nutrients for healthy growth like vitamin B2, vitamin E,vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, zinc etc. which promote healthy hair growth and eating cereals, green vegetables, lean protein like meats, eggs, dairy etc. and fruits and nuts would meet your daily requirement for it.
The diagnosis of the hair can be done once the reason underlying it is known. Eat healthy foods and maintain hair hygiene.Don't let dandruff and dirt stay on your hair as it multiplies and spoils hair health. Seek a professional's advice if you see unusual hair fall.
Do you include food that will help your skin become more glowing and radiant? Eating nutritious food will keep the skin soft and beautiful like the way you desire. A healthy diet not only keeps you in good shape but shows the health on the skin too. There are certain foods that metabolize the nutrition in the body to keep the skin healthy and glowing.
Here are tips for good skin:
Eat Vitamin C rich foods: Vitamin C in papaya, orange, guava, kiwi and strawberries help to produce collagen that strengthens the capillaries that nourish the skin. Sweet potatoes, red Peppers and brocolli along with blue berries are healthy options for the skin. These keep the skin smooth and help to slow aging.
Fatty acids: Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids act as anti-inflammatory and fight free radicals in the body to keep the skin wrinkle free and full of nutrition for healthy growth. The omega fatty acids protect collagen and walnuts, fishes are good sources for it.
Meet daily zinc and iron requirement: Iron helps the red blood cells carry oxygen to the skin for more glow and zinc helps in production of cells which keep the dullness in skin away and make the complexion bright. Oysters, pumpkin seeds, meat and fortifies cereals are options for the consumption of these nutrition.
Beta-Carotene Power: Eat carrots, tomatoes, papaya, sweet potatoes and spinach to name a few for the daily requirement of beta carotene which will give a fresh complexion to the skin.
Sun Protection: The ultra violet rays from the sun can have bad effect on the skin and could lead to rashes, infections and cancer. To protect skin from ultra violet rays, seeds and nuts are healthy options, as they contain vitamin E which is an antioxidant which fight and protect from the UV rays. It helps guard the skin and keep the skin soft and supple.
Stay Hydrated: When the body is dehydrated it shows on the skin as the skin becomes dry. So keep yourself well hydrated and drink lots of water and green tea to bring a fresh glow to your skin as these fight free radicals helping the body detoxify.
Fungal infection is a kind of a germ that grows on our skin. Usually the fungus is harmless as it is like a germ but when it starts to cause problems it is known as fungal infection. Though the thought of fungal infection is embarrassing and shows bad hygiene it can be cured.
The symptoms of different skin infections depend on the type of fungus causing it and the body part where it has occurred. Fungal infection can cause rashes or similar physical appearance. It could be itchy,red and sometimes just show as dry skin. The fungus can affect just one area orcan happen at different places.
Most fungal infections grow on the skin and require anti-fungal treatments that are directly applied on the skin in the infected area or some may require oral medication. Most lotions, creams and powders are found with the pharmacist. The time of diagnosis may take several months or a few weeks depending upon the infection as toe nail infection can take a long time to recover.
Most Common Fungal Infections
Jock Itch: It is also known as Tinea Curis and occurs in the groins. Groins provide a warm and moist area making it favourable for the infection to grow. It can be very itchy and can cause social embarrassment. The fungus can be treated with over the counter medicines and anti-fungal creams. Keeping the groin area dry, helps in reducing the itch and further growth.
Athletes Foot: This fungal infection is also known as Tinea Pedis. The fungus happens on the feet between the toes, foot nails and on the side of the foot.The skin of the foot becomes white, soft and itchy. The skin may blister, peel and scale when there is fungal infection of the feet. Using lotions andanti-fungal creams and powders can help in cure it. Keep your feet clean, wash your feet after playing or sweating and dry it especially between the toes.
Nail Fungus: Toe nail infection can occur due to unhygienic foot conditions where it cannot breathe or get air properly. Usually the infection causes the nails to become brittle, thickens, and separate from the nail bed. It is also known as Tinea Ungulum. Applying anti-fungal foot powder on your feet and shoes may help aswell.
Ringworm: It is known as Tinea Corporis. The fungus usually spreads through coming indirect contact of the infection as it is highly contagious. Ringworm easily spreads from person to person. Stay away from objects and people who have this infection. There are creams that are highly beneficial in curing the infection.
Scalp Ringworm: It is also known as Tinea Capitis and grows on the scalp causing hair loss in patches at various places. The fungus can be treated and the hair grows back. It is usually treated with oral anti-fungal medication.
A working woman is like a super machine. She has to not only take care of her family but also strike the right balance between work-life and home life. This leaves her with very little time to take care of herself. Over a period of time everything else becomes priority except her personal health. Keeping the work and family pressure in mind we have created a list of easy tips to help you lose weight and get fit inspite of your busy routine.
Weight loss primarily is about monitoring calorie intake and calorie burned. If the calorie intake is more,then the extra calorie gets saved as fat which over a period shows on your body. Know how much your daily caloric requirement is and spread equivalent nutritious food over those calories for weight management.
Drink Cold Water: Cold water increases the body metabolic rate and helps you burn calories more than the normal water. Keep sipping some while working in the office.
Low Sodium food: Keep the salt intake less as more salt in the body causes water retention which makes you look bloated and adds extra water weight to the body.Water retention also slows down the metabolism resulting in burning of lesser calories.
Eat Healthy: Don't follow the myths for weight loss with starving yourself and live only on fruits or juices etc. All fruits, vegetables, beans,legumes, grains, dairy are healthy and nutritious options; include them in your diet. Choose options from these food rather than fattening foods. Say no to junk as junk foods are high in sodium, provide empty calories and are fattening. If you are eating junk then the possibility of losing weight is grim.
Sweets: Don't consume lots of sweets as sweets provide a lot of calories and as we consume it in various ways (tea, coffee, ice-tea, sweets,chocolates, drinks, packaged juices etc) adds a lot more than we realise causing weight gain. Keep the check on calories intake from sweets as it may sweep the next meals calories together.
Exercise: To be active and for quicker weight loss it is required to exercise for faster calorie burn. Exercises help curb pain and sluggishness from the body improving the absorption of nutrients and helping in faster weight loss.
Green Tea: Drink green tea in chilled water. It is refreshing and the high amount of anti-oxidants present in it fights the free radicals in the body which causes diseases and inflammation in the body. It also helps in weight loss and improves immunity and skin.
Yoga: Having a peaceful mind is important and the hectic schedule and work pressure tends to increase stress which has repercussions. So yoga will help you relax your mind, improve mental peace and relax the muscles as well.
Skin is the largest organ and the most exposed part of a body. It plays a vital role of protecting the internal parts as well as eliminating toxins in the form of sweat. If adequate care of skin is not taken it turns dull or sometimes develops bacterial infection like pimples, whiteheads or acne over a period of time. For flawless complexion and glowing skin you don’t need expensive creams or treatments. It can be naturally treated with balanced and nutritious food. Here is a list of foods that your skin will love making it glow!
Some foods, as we know, are rich in vitamins and minerals which naturally help repair, protect and feed the skin with the required nutrition to make it glow. Eating foods that nourish the skin will bring a fresh look to the face making it clean and clear as if reflecting light.
Fruits like orange, papaya, guava, kiwi, berries, strawberry, sweet potatoes contain calcium which produce collagen in the body that help better feeding of skin through strengthening of the capillaries.
Wild Salmon, fishes, nuts and seeds that contain omega fatty acids help moisturize skin and provide the smoothness and elasticity to the skin reducing wrinkles, dryness and itchiness of the skin.
Eat tomatoes as it is rich in antioxidants that kill free radicals that damage the skin cells which affects the look of the skin. Whether you have an oily, dry normal skin tomatoes can provide the glow to your skin.
Green tea has antioxidants that clean your body from diseases and foreign substance that can cause damage to your skin and cells. Green tea brings a glow to skin and two cups a day can keep the glow on your skin.
Water is essential to keep the skin healthy. Drink 8-10 glasses of water other than tea, coffee, juices etc. Drinking more water helps the body flush out toxin and impurities keeping the skin cells healthy and improves better absorption of vitamins and minerals to help the skin glow and look younger.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS as it is commonly known is a very common heath problem in teenage girls and women. If not treated early, it can also lead to infertility at a later stage in life. PCOS is animbalance in hormonal growth in women and girls which affects the developmentand release of eggs during ovulation. The root cause of PCOS is yet unknown butr easons such as insulin resistant, diabetes and obesity are believed to be some of the factors leading to the problem.
Hormones, estrogens, progesterone and androgens help in regulating women menstrual cycle. Some women produce higher than normal hormones or when an imbalance is created it obstructs the ovulation process and the follicles containing egg doesn't develop. Sometimes there is more than one egg developing in the follicle called cysts which don't mature to break open and release the eggs for fertilisation.
One could have PCOS from a very early age of 12 years till before the menstruation period. There are irregular periods in women with PCOS and are affected by weight gain and excessive hair growth on the body. Other symptoms during polycystic syndrome which can be light or heavy bleeding during periods, discomfort in abdominal area; acne and obesity are some other symptoms with women with PCOS.
The problem could lead women to being infertile and further increase the chances of other health related problems such as high blood pressure, sleep problem, type 2 diabetes and irregularity in periods; it causes a change in women’s overall body and loss of hair from the head area or thinning of hair. Darkening of skin can also been seen in some cases.
If you feel you have been troubled by some of these symptoms then you should visit a doctor and get yourself checked up. There are no such remedies for PCOS but there are several ways by which it can be managedand the menstruation cycle be brought to normal, like reducing the weight gain which is seen during PCOS. Losing weight could help in managing blood sugar levels in controlling diabetes which is another symptom of PCOS. Weight loss can help in maintaining blood pressure and can get hormonal levels back to normal. If the reason is acne and higher hormone growth then the doctor could also prescribe over the counter drugs. A healthy diet and exercise can really help control and sometimes reverse the PCOS condition in women.
The bones are made of protein, collagen and calciumalong with some other minerals that form bone strength. Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones which increases the risk of fracture or bone breaking. The person who develops this disease sees a decrease in bone density, decrease in strength resulting in fragile bones. There is reduction in Bone Mass Density( BMD), deterioration in bone micro architecture along with the variety and quantity of protein which is altered.
Bones become weak overtime due to unhealthy lifestyle with improper diet and exercise. Bones start deteriorating losing the minerals and nutrition that builds it up. Anyone can develop osteoporosis and is seen mostly in old people. But there has been an alarming rise in women in their early thirties being diagnosed with this disease. It is a silent disease and one doesn't realize it until one breaks his bone. The usual causes that lead to early osteoporosis are cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol consumption,lack of exercise, diet low in calcium, family history and low bone mass.
There are no major symptoms to know it before but breaking of bones is the indication or getting a bone mass density check-up. Breaking of bones from areas such as hips, wrist, vertebral column and ribs where a healthy person would not break his bone is called fragility fracture. Weakening of bones due to loss of bone mass leads to falls in older people which cause fractures.
Osteoporosis can be defined as - primary type 1, primary type 2 and secondary. The type of osteoporosis found in women postmenopause is classified as primary type 1 or Postmenopausal osteoporosis. Primary type 2 osteoporosis happens in people after the age of 75 which is seen in both men and women and is also known as Senile osteoporosis. Secondary osteoporosis can happen at any age to young or old and is caused by external factors such as medication, chronic predisposing medical problem and is called as Induced osteoporosis.
Higher the bone density, stronger is the bones. Bone density increases through childhood and by the age of 25, it is at its peak and for 10 years it maintains itself after which it starts to decrease at a nominal rate. In women estrogen is important in managing bone density as when estrogen levels drop post menopause then the deterioration of bone mass increases.
Reducing the bone loss is the best prevention forosteoporosis which will reverse osteoporosis and reduce the chance of fall, fractures and pain in bones. It is difficult to completely rebuild the bone density which is lost and permanently cure osteoporosis. Lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, leaving alcohol, exercising and consuming a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D will keep a balanced bone density and maintain the bones from further deterioration.
Breast cancer arises in breast tissues and it is a abnormal growth of cancerous cells. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women and can be fatal causing death in invasive breast cancer. Although it is difficult when the cancer develops but eating healthy foods to prevent from breast cancer can help you fighting the free radicals which cause cancer.
Food to fight breast cancer
Brocolli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussel, sprout etc have cancer fighting power and are highly beneficial in reducing inflammation. They are rich with vitamin C and Vitamin A along with enzymes and antioxidants for fighting free radicals.
Garlic: Garlic is a powerful anti-inflammatory food which is rich in antioxidants to fight the cancerous cells. Onion too reduces the free radicals reducing the chances of breast cancer.
Turmeric: Other than adding flavor and color to food, has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancerous properties.It fights the cancer causing free radicals and keeps you healthy.
Green Tea: It helps in weightloss, skin protection and fights against cancer. Green tea is rich in anti-oxidants which fights the occurring of cancerous cells in the body. Two to three cups of green tea would help you build your immunity and fight against breast cancer.
Flaxseed: Flaxseeds, walnuts, salmon are rich source of omega 3 fatty acids which has powerful anti-inflammatory powers. They help the cancerous cells from multiplying and along with antioxidant rich foods, it helps kill the free radicals causing it.
As girls enter their teens they begin to experience menstruation that continues till the menopausal stage. Though it is a natural phenomenon but tackling periods can be painful and stressful for some. For beginners who have just started experiencing periods can find it more difficult to deal with the situation. Sometimes the period can be irregular for women and can start at any time of the day which can be embarrassing if you have no safety and measures to tackle it.
Here are some tips to handle periods better
Sanitary Pads: It is the safest and best solution in tackling periods as the sanitary pads help in soaking the discharge and does not soil your clothes. It also helps in keeping the pelvic area dry and prevents from spreading to the sides. Carry it with you if you experience irregular periods and if your periods are near. Choose the right pad which comforts you the most. Look for one which is high absorbent and eliminates odor.
Sanitary Pants: Sometimes you could experience staining and spotting which is natural but can be embarrassing as it stains chairs, bed sheets etc. Sanitary pants have a special feature that helps in absorbing liquids and discharge during periods and are also known as leak proof knickers. They are worn as undergarment in women.
Painful Periods: Some women feel pain in during their menstrual cycle and the pain can disrupt their day to day functioning. Though there is no cure for menstrual pain as it is natural and goes away after the periods. But it is advised to increase physical activity and eat foods rich in zinc, calcium and B vitamins. One can look for an over the counter medicine for temporarily relief.
Working women are constantly multi-tasking to strike the right balance between work and home. Following strict office schedule and household chores can leave women with little or no time for themselves. This could have adverse effect on their health causing weight gain, anxiety, depression, obesity or sudden weight loss and health disorders.
Stress and lack of proper nutrition can lead to many health disorders especially in women. There could be many factors which could be affecting working women. With some simple health tips they could get relief from all the health hazards.
Tips for working women
Never Skip Breakfast: Believe it or not but breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Skipping breakfast can not only slow the body's metabolic rate but will make you over eat in your next meal which will result in fat storage. It is not about just eating breakfast for the sake of eating but eating healthy options which balances the intake of carbohydrates, proteins, fats etc. Eggs, dairy, nuts, fruits, cereals are healthy options for breakfast. To avoid skipping breakfast you can prepare it in advance and in case you don’t get time to eat at home it can be easily carried to your office.
Exercise: People who have sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating patterns face more health problems like diabetes, heart health, imbalance in hormones causing several health disorder. Exercising for an hour at home can be really beneficial. Even at work they can do some stretching exercise whenever possible.
Snack Healthy: Your energy level depends on your diet and the foods that you eat. If you snack on unhealthy foods which are deep fried and high in salt your adding empty calories to your system. Good nutrition is important for better metabolism. Eating high salt in diet makes you drink lots of water which causes water retention in the body and therefore bloating. Choose snacks that are healthy like fruits, salads, sprouts, dhokla, tandoori chicken, beans, rajma, cholle, nuts and seeds etc. These options are not only loaded with nutrition and but would also keep your weight under control.
Water: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Whether you are on the move, in office or home keep sipping water as it will boost up your metabolism and flushes out the toxins from the body. Sometimes your body craves for food at odd hours, drinking a glass of water at that time can help you because eating food will only lead to weight gain.
Hand Sanitizers: Picking up files, doing random work can makes dust and germs stick to your hands which can reach your mouth and cause infections. Keep hand sanitizers handy to keep your hands clean and avoid any infections.
Right Posture: Many women complain of backache and they are not aware of the reason behind it . They blame their daily schedule for it. Sitting in bad postures causes the maximum back problems. It is advisable not to lift heavy things as it strains the back. Sitting straight will keep your back problems away.
Are you tired trying to lose fat from your arms? Have you been taking shorts to get a spot reduction of your arms and failed to see any results. You can try as hard as you want but one cannot have spot reduction or specifically from the arms.
Arms loaded with fat can make your arms look horrible and cause disproportion between arms and the body fat. Women have a tendency to store more fat on the arms than men. As the fat increases on the arms its starts sagging which make it look fatter than usual. To lose fat from the arms one need to lose fat from all over the body and not just with an objective of losing fat from the arms.
So to quickly lose fat from the arms and the whole body manage your diet by eating healthy, nutritional low calorie food options like vegetables, fruits, fiber, cereals, legumes , dairy etc. Avoid foods that contain saturated fat and junk food. While you manage your diet to prevent further fat gain the fat in the body needs to be burned through exercise. Exercise to lose fat usually is done through cardio exercises like running, swimming, cycling etc which helps in burning calories fast.
Often people are suggested to pick up weights in the arms. Though the arms will get toned the fat will still remain there and the results would not be the same as compared to cardio exercises. So run and do interval training for faster results. Don't run at a stretch but include giving interval between runnings. Run for high speed for two minutes then slow down for some time till you recover and then again run with high intensity. You can apply the same with treadmill, cycling or with any exercise that you do.
Pimples, black heads, white heads, blemishes etc. are all a form of acne. Acne usually starts at the teens when there is change in hormonal levels and can occur on the face, back, chest, butts etc. Acne can happen at any age and sometimes due to factors such as pregnancy, menstrual cycles, birth control pills etc, can cause an outbreak of acne. Over a period of time acne can cause scars on the face and make the face look unattractive affecting your self confidence.
There are many factors that contribute to the formation of acne. Over production of oil, irregular shedding of dead skin, infection in the blocked hair follicles containing sebum, medications,hereditary factors etc are the major reasons for acne on our bodies. Acne is not caused by dirt as it is believed to be one of the major concerns and greasy foods, chocolates are also not the reasons for developing acne on the skin, though direct skin exposure to greasy material, cosmetics etc can cause acne.
Hair follicles on our bodies are connected to sebaceous glands where the glands produce oily substance to lubricate the hair and skin. When the glands produce excess sebum along with the dead skin, they together build up forming a plug. When this plug bulges out at the follicle wall then it is called as white head and when the plug opens at the follicle surface then it is known as blackhead.
When the blocked hair follicles get infected or inflamed they form a red spot with a white center and are known as pimples.When the blockages and inflammation happen deep inside the hair follicles they produce lumps beneath the skin called cysts.
If you have acne, then consult a dermatologist forbest care. Some people believe it is a hormonal change and will disappear itself but it could cause scars and marks which make the face look unattractive. Though there are over the counter medications for your acne butit could have mild effects and not completely cure the problem. Antibiotics, isotretinoin, laser light therapy, cosmetic procedure etc are some of the ways to cure acne from the skin or balance the secretion of sebum and managing dead skin cells.
If you have acne on your body then wash it gently and pat dry instead of using harsh hands on it. Avoid things that are irritating on the skin and promote acne. Try not picking or squeezing of acne as it can cause scaring and infection which could increase acne on the skin.
Infertility means not being able to get pregnant after one year of trying (or six months if a woman is 35 or older). Women who can get pregnant but are unable to stay pregnant may also be infertile. Women can be infertile due to various reasons like heavy alcohol usage, Drugs, Toxins, lead etc, smoking, hormonal problems, side effects of medicine.
Most cases of infertility in women are reported because of problem of ovulation. Signs that a woman is not ovulating is irregular and absent menstrual periods. Ovulation problems are also caused by PCOS which is a hormonal misbalance problem. There are other problems which can cause infertility and they are disease and infections in the pelvic region, physical problem with the uterus etc.
There are some factors that put the women at risk of getting infertile. Age, poor diet, being over weight, smoking, alcohol consumption and sexually transmitted diseases are some factors which can reduce the chances of being pregnant. Sometimes age can be a big factor in getting fertile. These days women wait till their mid thirties to get pregnant. But as the women gets older her ovaries become less able to release eggs. The number of eggs start decreasing and the eggs are not as healthy as in their twenties. Older women can develop health conditions that can cause infertility and miscarriage.
Before women seek the doctors assistance on infertility one should try for at least a year. If you find no success then visit the doctor and go in for an infertility check. Doctors can also check ovulation with blood tests. Or they can do an ultrasound of the ovaries. If ovulation is normal, there are other fertility tests available. Hysterosalpingography and Laparoscopy are some tests for testing infertility in women.
Infertility can be treated with medicine, surgery, artificial insemination, assisted reproductive technology etc. Sometime one or more methods can be combined but usually through drugs or surgery it is treated. The treatments suggested are based on test results, age and time since the couple are trying, health of partners etc.
Medicines often used for treating infertility in women
Clomiphene citrate
Human menopausal gonadotropin or hMG
Follicle-stimulating hormone or FSH
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone
Metformin (Glucophage)
Bromocriptine
Though the drugs should only be consumed on doctors prescription and should not be taken by themselves.
Our skin contains a dark pigment called Melanin in the top layers of the skin that is produced to protect you from the damaging effects of sun exposure and sun damage. People with dark skin have high concentrations of dark brown pigment while those with lighter skin have low concentrations.
Being outside in the sun can cause freckles or make them darker and people who have fair or red hair or fair complexions are most likely to have freckles. Freckles are usually tan or light brown, flat, and very small (smaller than the head of a pin). Sometimes they overlap and run together, so they may look larger.
Some people's freckles fade away almost completely in the winter and return in the summer. Other people's freckles don't change much with or without the sun and can be seen year-round. Freckles also tend to fade as people get older
Freckles and pigmentation occurs on places which are more exposed to the sun like nose, shoulders, face, arms etc. Pigmentation or freckles happen when pigment producing cells called melanocytes, a pigment that gives the skin its natural color start becoming dense. The pigment prevents the skin from sun damage and excess amount of melanin collect in the skin causing the brown spots known as freckles.
Freckles can happen to both men and women and especially people with fair skin and fair or red hair on their bodies. Certain disease and sometimes genetics factors cause freckles. Although the underlying factor for freckles is sun exposure. Freckles are not dangerous. They are a result of body’s natural reaction to prevent the skin from further damage and danger.
Prevention of freckles is done through sun protection. Use sunscreen and other sun protective lotions on your body parts which are exposed to sun. Avoid sun as much as you can. Sometimes Melasma and freckles are considered to be the same as their result is the same but due to different reasons though the spots of melasma are larger than freckles.
Removing freckles from the skin is done in a number of ways. Some doctors suggest the use of bleaching cream which will improve the skin glow and reduce the freckles showing on the skin. Laser treatment is probably the most effective method used to remove freckles, but it can be expensive.
Obesity is a concern for everyone who is getting unhealthy and is quickly loading fat on their bodies. Obesity doesn't just signify that you are getting fat but marks the onset of many lifestyle disorder's that may follow if you don't take quick action. There is a limited amount of essential fat needed for hormonal functions and daily requirements but when this fat keeps increasing it becomes deadly and causes problems. Diabetes, thyroid, PCOD problem in women, weight gain, high cholesterol, heart diseases etc are some problems that can be caused by being fat and following an unhealthy lifestyle. Obesity is defined as an excess amount of body fat.
There is subcutaneous (under the skin) fat which is visible on our body like fat on the belly, arms, thighs, neck etc. and then there is visceral fat which is on our organs inside our body. When excess fat starts to accumulate on the organs then it starts causing problems in the normal functioning of the organs. Likewise when the fat percentage of the liver exceeds then it is termed as fatty liver. Usually when the fat is more than 10% of the weight of the liver it is termed as fatty liver.
When you have a fatty liver you could have alcoholic fatty liver or non-alcoholic fatty liver problems.
Alcoholic Fatty Liver Problem: Many people abuse their body by the consumption of alcohol regularly and in large amounts. Also people who drink less alcohol but everyday are putting themselves at the risk of acquiring fatty liver problems. Alcoholic fatty liver can happen to people who drink moderately and also to who drink in large quantities. Your genetics have an important role to play as it depends on how much alcohol can you drink and your chances of developing alcoholism and also how fast and how much can the liver enzymes breakdown the alcohol or alcohol metabolism. Obesity, diet, excess iron and hepatitis C can cause fatty liver problems. Excess fat can lead to the inflammation in the liver which can cause problems in the normal functioning of the liver.
Non- Alcoholic Fatty Liver Problems: This is one of the biggest reasons for chronic liver diseases and can lead to liver failure. People who have non alchoholic fatty liver don't drink alchohol or seldom drink alcohol. People who develop excess fat in their liver have this non alcoholic fatty liver. The liver may harden and, over time, liver cells may be replaced by scar tissue. This is called cirrhosis. The liver can't work right and you may develop liver failure, liver cancer, and liver-related death. Excessive eating of fatty foods, junk, saturated fat, high sodium foods and sweets lead o accumulation of fat over time and leads to liver problems. Bad lifestyle has made people at risk to this disease even at young age. It also increases the risk of heart disease.
The main reason for the non alcoholic fatty liver is not known but it occurs to people who are obese and have unhealthy lifestyle. These people often have high cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin resistant or are diabetics. Death of liver cells, excess toxin in the liver, medication, associates disease, viral, malnutrition etc.
Fatty liver disease is known as a silent disease which shows not much of sign and symptoms. But when the disease advances over a period of time fatigue, weakness, weight loss, loss of appetite etc can be seen as symptoms for it. Pain in the upper or centre of abdomen, enlarged livers can also be symptoms for fatty liver diseases.
If you have any problems or symptoms in this area then visit your doctor. Usually the problem can be identified during a routine check through blood test, x rays and physical examination. Though there is no complete cure for this problem but usually correcting the underlying disease can help improve the condition. If you are a heavy drinker, quit on booze. If you are over weight or fat, or diabetic it is important to improve your condition with these underlying diseases.
Makeup can make women look beautiful and add glamour to their appearance. There are numerous products that women are likely to use ranging from eyeliner's, foundation, concealer, blush, mascara, eye shadow, powder etc. The effect of these products on your skin will be long term and on excess use can cause skin related problems.
It is best to go natural by eating healthy and exercising. Make-up is just a superficial cover to sometimes an unhealthy skin you might be trying to hide underneath. It is ok to use make-up on occasions but using it daily may harm your skin in the long run as it tends to clog pores. Make-up is mostly made of chemicals that cause more harm than anything to the skin. Forge lipsticks contain high levels of lead that are carcinogenic, chemicals in nail polishes discolors the nails, makes them dry & brittle, kohl pencils contain lead that can again have various health implications caused by lead toxicity. To avoid such complications while buying make-up choose products that are more natural and those that have not been tried on animals.
Skin problems appear with the use of make up. Problems appear when hygiene levels are not maintained before and after the use of the cosmetics. Even the quality of products used matters. Bad quality or expired products can have a bad reaction on your skin.
Some makeup and their side effects
Eyeliner: They can cause dark circles around your eyes and dark patches that stand out. Use less of eyeliner and more of mascara as it will be less harmful and make your eyes look radiant.
Foundation: Excessive use of foundation can lead to clog pores on the skin causing acne. It can cause premature ageing of your skin and the ingredients in it might not be so good for regular use.
Powder: The powder will stick to your skin and the ingredients can cause clogged pores and overtime use can cause skin ageing. The chemicals in the powder might enter the skin through osmosis and react with inner chemical causing skin problems.
Concealer: This too can cause blocked pores and premature aging. Use adequately and don' adapt yourself to its regular use.
Eyeshadow: Not very harmful but over a period of time make you not do without it. It doesn't cause ageing to the skin and its side effects could depend on the type of ingredient used to make it.
So continue with your make up but with some precautions may be needed to avoid any kind of skin problems/ troubles.
Remove makeup before sleeping.
Keep it soft on the skin while applying or removing make up
Use makeup in moderation on normal days
Use make up products which use natural ingredients
Don't share your makeup
Don't exchange makeup brush
Close makeup container lid as soon as you use it to avoid bacteria breeding
Drink lots of water to keep your skin moist and natural
Faton your belly can indicate, if you are fit or not and having a flat stomach is every woman's desire as it makes them more appealing and gives them a confident look. Flat stomach boosts you to wear your favorite clothes without the guiltof having a fat belly and you can boast your slim hips too. But doing exercises in a random routine and diet for flat stomach might not give you the desired result.
Many women want flat stomachs and try fad diets and skip meals to burn fatetc. they do exercises to make the stomach flat but see not much of results. Wehave discussed it before and again now that spot reduction is not possible.Losing fat from just a specific area is not possible and impossible to achieve unless it is removed through surgery.
To lose fat from the stomach there has to beoverall body fat loss. This overall body fat loss can be achieved through theright exercises and right diet. Don't starve your self for food as it will slowdown your metabolism and make weight loss and fat loss even more difficult.
Running:Running or any other form of cardio exercise is most effective in burningcalories and reducing fat from the body. Running for 20 minutes alternate dayscan help you burn the excess fat and slowly over a period of time you will geta flat stomach.
Weights: Weights add muscles toyour body and also increase your body metabolic rate. That means the moremuscle you have the more calories your body will burn. For more muscle lift heavy weights.
Sodium Check: Keep a low sodium dietas sodium promotes water retention in the body. Eating foods high in salt willgive you a bloated look and make you look fat. Also it makes you thirsty andblows up your stomach making you look fat. Canned, processed foods, junk food,fast food etc are high in sodium content and do watch them in your diet.
Avoid high sugar foods: Avoid foods high in sugar such as sweets, toffees, candies, carbonated drinks, chocolates, potatoes, rice and other food high in starch content. High sugar foods add huge amount of calories to your diet and stores the excess as fat. Avoiding will notlet the body save fat at all.
Water: Drink loads of water throughout the day. Keep yourself well hydrated and don't substitute water with other liquids. Drink cold water to boost your metabolism and pre load with halfa glass of water before your meal to eat less during meals.
Fiber: Eat foods rich in fiberlike fruits, vegetables, cereals, oats etc as fiber has zero calories and helpsyou fill up fast and improves bowel movement. Fruits and vegetables also addtheir nutrition for better metabolism and better health.
Things to avoid: Flat stomach can happen with balancing our lifestyle. You have to kick out the bad habits like drinking alcohol, smoking, eating junk and fried foods, skipping meals and points likethese. Unhealthy habit slows down the functions in the body delivering and delaying results.
Increasing population is a major concern for most governments across the globe as it raises concern for their food, shelter, education and every other thing that will come in. The rate at which the population is growing is alarming and its time to take steps towards birth control. Birth control is a term used for several ways and methods that prevent fertilization and help to interrupt pregnancy at various stages.
There are different methods through which birth control can be done. Contraception is the prevention of fertilization for birth control. Other ways are contraception and abortion. Contraception includes barrier method which is using condoms or diaphragms, injectable contraceptives, hormonal contraceptives which is also known as oral contraceptives.
Contraception includes some intrauterine devices placed inside the uterus and some forms of hormonal emergency contraception. Hormonal methods of birth control prevent pregnancy mainly by preventing ovulation. Hormonal methods of birth control are prescribed by your doctor and include birth control pills, the patch, vaginal ring or hormone shots.
Sterilization is when a man or women has a surgical operation to permanently prevent pregnancy. Tubal litigation involves closing off the woman's fallopian tube so eggs can't travel between them to reach the uterus for fertilization. Men are sterilized with a vasectomy where the sperm ducts are closed so that the sperm can't travel.
Natural family planning involves a person to understand the drawbacks of coping with a big family and how different ways can be used to enjoy sex life and avoid pregnancy such as understanding a woman cycle when she can get pregnant and learning to withdraw.
Hormonal shots are injections usually taken in the arms to prevent pregnancy for three months. You will have to visit your doctor for each shot. Using it in excessive can have side effects on women. Whereas hormonal implant is a thin, flexible piece of plastic that is implanted under the skin of upper arm which can prevent pregnancy for three years.
One can't say no to sex as it’s a natural phenomenon but with the above mentioned methods you can choose a safe passage for a healthy sex life and avoid pregnancy. There are lots of problems with unwanted pregnancy as you might not be financially ready to bear a child or many such factors, Make sure you go in for counseling if you are facing problems.
Cervical cancer is the cancer of uterus. Uterus is divided into twosections: the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus (womb) and the bodyof the uterus, the upper part where a baby grows. The cervix connects the bodyof the uterus to the vagina (birth canal). Most cervical cancers begin inthe cells lining the cervix.
These cells do not suddenly change into cancer. Instead, the normalcells of the cervix first gradually develop pre-cancerous changes that turninto cancer.
The risk of developing these abnormal changes has been associated withcertain factors,
· Including previous infectionwith humanpapillomavirus (HPV),
· Early sexual contact,
· Multiple sexual partners,
· Cigarettesmoking, and
· Taking oral contraceptives (birthcontrol pills) for aminimum period of 5 years.
Two most popular preventive tests prevent cervix cancer are the Pap test and tests to find human papilloma virus (HPV).These tests are critical to finding the pre-cancers before they can turn intoinvasive cancer. If a pre-cancer is found it can be treated, stopping cervical cancer before it really starts
Sometimes cervical cancer has no signs or symptoms until it has progressed to a dangerous stage. But still here is a list of common symptomsonce the cancer has progressed in the cervical.
· Cervical cancer does not usually cause pain, although it may be in very advanced stages.
· The mostcommon symptom is abnormal vaginal bleeding. This is any bleeding from the vagina other than during menstruation.
· Abnormal vaginal discharge also may occur with cervical cancer.
Brittle bones and easily fractured bones are some of the symptoms for osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition arising from low levels of calcium and vitamin D that affect men and women alike. Though eating a variety of calcium rich foods may increase calcium levels and decrease the risk of osteoporosis. Here is list of top foods that help prevent osteoporosis:
Milk, cheese and yogurt should be added as a staple in the daily diet to prevent osteoporosis. Decrease the chance of heart diseases by choosing low-fat dairy products to decrease calories and saturated fat.
Helps prevent osteoporosis by being rich in vitamin K which indirectly activates osteocalcin, a major protein in bone which anchors calcium molecules. Green peas are also high in vitamin B6 and folate that inhibit homocysteine, a dangerous molecule that can prevent collagen from forming a proper bone matrix. So remember to incorporate green peas in your diet.
Alkaline green vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, spinach are high in magnesium, calcium, vitamin K, folate and vitamin B6. Some of them are also high in vitamin C which significantly improves calcium's absorption. Being alkaline they provide a favourable environment for calcium absorption.
Green tea also contains many trace elements essential to bone health and help in alkalizing the tissues. Green tea also provides an alkaline medium for calcium absorption.
Despite being acidic citrus foods like lemons, orange have an alkalizing effect on the body when eaten. They are high in trace minerals needed for bone maintenance and are high in vitamin C which increases calcium absorption.
A cosmetic known as the Lip Gloss is that product which is used primarily by women as part of the trend or fashion of the cosmopolitan societies in order to flaunt their charm and their personalities with specific taste and demand to look completely feminine with slight changes done on the facial region and Lip gloss (a cosmetic) is one of that thing for them. As soon as a Lip Gloss is applied over the lips the lips starts shining with a subtle touch of colors applied too therein.
Some brands like Lakme have introduced ‘Transferred resistance’ Lip Gloss and Lipsticks for women who can afford expensive cosmetic products. The unique ability of such technological changes in cosmetic industry is that the lipstick or gloss doesn’t leaves marks of the touch on a cup of coffee or tea or while consuming cold-drinks or Taking Wines (Liquor) in a champagne glass in grand gala parties; birthday parties; etc. Lakme is world’s finest cosmetic manufacturing company with millions of cosmetic products sold worldwide with much ease and satisfactory results to women all around the globe.
How Lip Gloss is used?
Lip Gloss is rather distributed as a viscous liquid cosmetic product in the domestic market. One shouldn’t be confused by comparing Lip Gloss with a Lip Balm. These two are poles apart from each other because the balm can be used as a cure to a problem related to lips as well sometimes such as certain herbal lip balms are available to cure the unwanted and unexpected cracks and lines emerging out over the lips of the ladies, they heal them by a specific process whereas Lip Gloss is only meant for extra shining of the lips when visiting public places. The features of a lip gloss is many such as: the gloss can be extremely clear without any notice to a stranger at the first look over the lips of a women and matching with the color of the lips as well (transparent) but can be translucent with complete hidden natural coloring of the lips and also comes along in various shades of opacity that might include; glittered; frosted and metallic looks. In this day and age women all around the world are recommending metallic looks more to attract the opposite sex.
Having a vaginal infection is very common among women but not everyone who gets it is comfortable enough to discuss it or get it checked by a doctor. Up to about a few years back, this subject could not even be easily talked about on TV. However, with the recent increase of diseases concerning women, infomercials are now bold enough to relay information about the topic and other related issues. Television commercials nowadays also include products for vaginal infections like vaginal creams.
The common symptoms of an infection in the vagina is itching and burning of the affected area. This is normally caused by a sudden change of the female organ’s normal pH count brought about by sex, use of douches, use of contraceptives like IUDs, and other foreign objects that goes inside the vagina such as spermicidal creams and gels, tampons and even stray feces.
Antibiotics are also considered as a major cause. When you take antibiotics for a certain bacterial infection somewhere else in your body, they may also attack the good bacteria in your vagina that maintains a healthy environment.
Other conditions that can influence the condition are the following: pregnancy, diabetes, eating too many sweets and sugary foods, hormonal changes during post-menopausal stage, oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy. Bacterial infections of the female organ may also be sexually transmitted.
The most common vaginal infections are as follows:
1. Yeast Infection – brought about by Candida albicans, a yeast organism. Just a onetime experience of this infection, you will forever remember its symptoms, which is a miserable itch and white curd-like discharge. It is advisable to seek medical help to get proper diagnosis when you first get infected. This is so you’ll be able to recognize the symptoms better if you happen to get infected again.
2. Bacterial Vaginosis – brought about by Gardnerella vaginalis, a bacterium. A thin discharge with the tinge of grey or green is the most common symptom. This infection can be a cause for concern because it has the possibility to extend to the uterus and fallopian tubes which may affect fertility and cause other complications.
3. Trichomoniasis – brought about by a protozoan. If you have a yellowish discharge and experiencing a burning itch or sometimes, a burning sensation when you pee, you might be suffering from this vaginal infection.
A basic home facial usually includes the four steps of cleansing, exfoliating, removal of blackheads and facial massage. You won’t have access to the equipment and products used in a regular salon or spa, but having beautiful, blemish-free and glowing skin is still attainable. Spending a little extra on high quality products will give you the best results, but soap, natural masks you can make in your own kitchen, and oil- and alcohol-free cleansers will also do just fine. Here are the four basic steps to a relaxing and beautifying at-home facial:
Cleansing is the first step. For people who have sensitive skin, a fragrance-free cleanser should be used to avoid irritations that can result from using scented products.
Exfoliation, the removal of dead skin cells that cling to the skin’s outermost surface, is next. You can use a facial scrub, an exfoliating cream or mask or a glycolic acid peel. These are the three most common products used in salons and spas. There are also many natural substances you probably have around the house that have been proven to be effective for exfoliation, such as the combination of oatmeal and eggs. Here’s a simple recipe for an effective natural cleansing mask that uses simple ingredients:
- 1 egg white
- 1/2 cup cooked instant oatmeal
- 1 tsp. lemon juice (use the juice of a fresh lemon, if possible)
- 1 tsp. olive oil
To create the mask, place the cooked instant oatmeal in a bowl and add the egg white, olive oil and lemon juice. Stir until smooth, apply to your face and neck and very gently massage it so that you get exfoliation without causing any damage. Don’t rub it until it flakes away, just long enough so it will remove the dead skin cells. Leave it on for 15 minutes. If you can, take the opportunity to lie down while you wait, to enhance your at-home spa treatment with a little relaxation. After 15 minutes, rinse the mask off with warm water and pat your skin very gently to dry it.
Extraction of blackheads is next. A blackhead strip, such as Bioré, can be used. Most of the time it doesn’t remove all of the blackheads, but if used routinely it will keep your skin blackhead-free. Be sure not to use it more often than the package directions indicate though. A metal blackhead extractor is commonly employed in spas in conjunction with steam and is more effective, but you probably shouldn’t try using one unless you have experience with it.
Facial massage is the last step in your at home facial. Its main purpose is to improve skin circulation and also relax tension in the facial muscles. Once there is proper circulation, more beautiful, glowing skin will result. To massage your skin, gently massage upward as you open your mouth and extend your jaw. Try to release the tension in your facial muscles as you do the massage.
Having a beautiful skin doesn’t need to be expensive. All it takes is proper daily skin care, a good diet, a healthy lifestyle and a monthly regimen of facial skin care. The skin regenerates every four weeks, so a monthly facial is just what you need to keep your skin healthy and beautiful.
Studies have proven that working women experience higher stress levels than men. There is also evidence that women are more likely to bring work-related stress at home than their partners. The reason behind is that women’s responsibilities donot end at the workplace. It’s quite normal for men to grab a can of beer and relax in the sofa while watching TV once they get home from work, but most women still have to finish a lot of household chores such as prepare dinner and take care of the kids after office. While there’s nothing wrong with multitasking, women who put too much pressure on themselves by doing too many things at a time have a chance to snap and succumb to severe stress.
Thething with stress is that it can be a silent killer. Most experts agree that stress is the root of most chronic disease known to man, and when left unchecked, it can lead to several health problems such as obesity, heart disease, hypertension, and many more. Not only does stress affect a woman’shealth but also affects her time with her family. When pressured by a deadlineor a presentation, a mother will usually end up giving all her time to work. In this kind of a situation, she loses quality time that would otherwise have been spent with her children. And when she gives lesser priority to her chores such as preparing a healthy meal for her family, it is the latter that suffers.
Stresscan also affect a woman’s mood. Upon arriving from work, she might either betoo tired physically or grumpy that she is unable enjoy time with her husband and her kids anymore. Some mothers might try to fight stress, but more often than not, they are the one who lose the battle. So what does a working mother do to manage her stress load and be the woman that she ought to be – to her husband and children?
When it comes to managing work-related stress, the first key is to leave your work at the office. This may be easier said than done especially since most women have the tendency to play super woman and try to finish everything at atime. However, the same way that you don’t bring your house hold chores to the office, so should you not bring your paper work at home. Whether you’re single or married, you should consider going home as a reward for a long day at the office and not an extension of it.
Ifyou know how to set your priorities, you should have no problem dealing with stress at all. “There is a time for everything”, as the old proverb goes. There is no point spending all your energy into office work if it’s going to give you a heart attack in the end. Your company can easily replace you if you die, but to your family, there is no one out there who can take your place. It is simply not wise to pour out all your efforts into something that is not stable as your career, and it’s never worth it in the long run. Therefore, focus your time and energy towards spending time with your family and consider your career only as second priority. The more you are happy with your family life, the healthier you become, and the more productive you will be in the workplace. It’s not the other way around.
Making time for yourself is also a good way for a working mother to beat stress. Each day, set aside even just an hour doing something you love – on your own. It could be going to the spa, getting a facial or a manicure done, or even reading a good book.And whenyour “me” time is over, engage in some relaxing activities with your family like strolling in the park, playing in your backyard, or just enjoying a good movie. The key is to keep your mind off work and just enjoy.
Fat on your belly can indicate if you are fit or not and having a flat stomach is every woman's desire as it makes them more appealing and gives them a confident look. Flat stomach boosts you to wear your favorite clothes without the guilt of belly and you can boast your slim hips too. But doing random exercise routine and diet for flat stomach might not give you the desired result.
Many women want flat stomachs and try fad diets and skipping meals to burn fat etc. they do exercises to make the stomach flat but see not much of results. We have discussed it before and again now that spot reduction is not possible. Losing fat from just a specific area is not possible and impossible to achieve unless it is removed through surgery.
To lose fat from the stomach there has to be overall body fat loss. This overall body fat loss can be achieved through the right exercises and right diet. Don't starve yourself with food as it will slow down your metabolism and make weight loss and fat loss difficult.
Running: Running or any other form of cardio exercise is the most effective in burning calories and fat from the body. Running for 20 minutes alternate days can help you burn the excess fat and slowly over a period of time you will get a flat stomach.
Weights: Weights add muscles to your body and also increase your body metabolic rate. That means the more muscle you have the more calories your body will burn. More more muscle lift heavy weights.
Sodium Check: Keep a low sodium diet as sodium promotes water retention in the body. Eating foods high in salt will give you a bloats look and make you look fat. Also it makes you thirsty and blows p your stomach making you look fat. Canned, processed foods, junk, fast food etc are high sodium and watch them in your diet.
Avoid high sugar foods: Avoid foods high in sugar such as sweets, toffees, cadies, carbonated drinks, chocolates, potatoes, rice and other food high in starch. High sugar foods add huge amount of calories to your diet and stores the excess as fat. Avoiding will not let the body save fat at all.
Water: Drink loads of water throughout the day. Keep yourself well hydrates and don't substitute water with other liquids. Drink cold water to boost your metabolism and pre load with half a glass of water before your meal to eat less during meals.
Fiber: Eat foods rich in fiber like fruits, vegetables, cereals, oats etc as fiber is zero in calories and helps you fill up fast and improves bowel movement. Fruits and vegetables also add their nutrition for better metabolism and better health.
Things to avoid: Flat stomach can happen with balancing our lifestyle. You have to kick out the bad habits like drinking alcohol, smoking, eating junk and fried foods, skipping meals and points like these. Unhealthy habit slows down the functions in the body delivering and delaying results.
Many beauty product ingredients can be found at home, for a fraction of the price of store-bought equivalents.
Avocado
An emollient for the skin and hair, avocado is an oil-rich tropical fruit that’s full of vitamins and potassium. Its oil is often used in commercial skin preparations, because it makes an exceptional moisturizer and has many anti-aging properties. To use it as a home facial treatment, simply mash one avocado until smooth, spread it on your face and rinse off first with warm water and then cold to close the pores after 15 or 20 minutes.
Cucumber
Well known for its healing properties, it has a wonderful calming and soothing effect on sensitive or sunburned skin and makes a wonderful mask. One can place sliced or grated chilled cucumber on your face or put the chilled cucumber in a blender and use the puree instead (keeping it away from your eyes). Leave it on for about 30 minutes while you lie down and then rinse it off and follow with a moisturizer.
Bananas
High in potassium, bananas are natural humectants that are often used in homemade facial and body masks for dry skin. Simply apply a mashed banana to your face. Add some plain yogurt and an egg white or a tablespoon of honey to the bananas to make the mask more luxurious.
Honey
Honey is known for its skin conditioning and antibacterial effects, and is a wonderful healing ingredient for moisturizers, masks, cleansers and lip balms. Active Manuka honey is especially beneficial for healing skin. Use a warm, wet towel to open your pores, and then spread the honey on your face. Leave on for 15-30 minutes, and then rinse with warm water and then cold to close the pores.
Kiwis
Kiwis are high in vitamin C, and soothe and refresh the skin when used in masks and toners. Fresh kiwi juice or pulp can be added to a variety of other ingredients to form masks, but it can also be used by itself as a cleansing mask. It’s fairly astringent, so it may pinch a little. But this is okay, as long as you keep it away from your eyes. Leave the mask on for 15 minutes, wash with warm and then cold water and follow with your normal moisturizer.
Lemons
Lemons are a natural astringent and are often found in toners and exfoliators. They’re excellent for oily and greasy skin, because they remove excess oil and to help lighten pigmentation. To make a mask to address oily skin issues, mix the juice of half a lemon and one beaten egg white and apply it to your face, avoiding the eyes. You can actually leave this mask on overnight if you want, or for just 15 minutes if you want a quick treatment.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal softens and heals the skin and is therefore a great addition to any mask for sensitive skin. It can also be used as a mild exfoliant by mixing it with enough water or milk to make a soft paste and using it to wash your face. If you have oily skin, use the same preparation as a mask, leaving it on until it dries. Once it does, rub it off with your fingers, making sure to do it very gently so you protect your skin.
Pineapple
Pineapple makes a great exfoliant, due to its natural enzymes. Puree or mash the pineapple, apply it to the skin and let it set a few minutes. After you rinse it off, finish with a gentle mask made from one cup yogurt and yogurt and a tablespoon of honey for the ultimate SPA treatment.
Watermelon
Watermelon’s astringent and skin conditioning properties can be very helpful for those suffering from oily skin conditions. Mash enough watermelon to cover your face (avoiding the eye area), spread it on and then lie down for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm and then cold water and follow with your favorite moisturizer.