'‘I Made 3 Changes To My Diet, and Finally Got a Six-Pack’'

Carl Parnell remembers being a picky eater at 7 years old—so much so, that his parents just fed him whatever he wanted. While he’s been involved with soccer most of his life, the 37-year-old UK native was always a “chubby child,” even through his teenage and early adult years. And he didn't know what to do about it. But in 2012, Parnell got the reality check he needed: His then 4-year-old daughter looked up at him and said “Daddy, you look like you have been pumped up by a bicycle pump.”
“It hit me hard. You can put a brave face on, but it did hurt,” he recalls. “But I really needed to hear that.”

For the next two years, he went through a roller coaster of yo-yo diets and workout plans that didn’t work. It was always the same cycle: He’d lose a little bit of weight and then gain it all back, always tipping the scales at about 216 pounds (he had already lost some weight in the before photo above). After struggling to find a routine that worked for him, Parnell decided to go back to the drawing board. He signed up for an online nutrition course—and that’s when things really started to change.
“I couldn’t find anyone to help me, so I had to help myself,” he says.
He dual enrolled for nutrition and personal training courses, and studied everything from hormones to hypertrophy. Within the first six weeks, Parnell started transforming the way he looked at food.
“I used to believe everything I read,” he says. “I would believe everything people told me and I didn’t know anything about food. I never thought about calories. I never thought about what’s in a specific food and what it actually does to your body. All I thought about was how it tasted.”
Parnell’s diet was once packed with convenience foods, like frozen meals, pizzas, fries, plenty of dessert, and fast food. Even though he’d put his time in at the gym, he never really got the results he was looking for because of his poor diet, he says.

But now, a sculpted six-pack has replaced his belly, thanks to his disciplined diet and a healthy dose of abs exercises three days a week. (For a challenging workout that will help you see results, try Maximus Body from Men's Health.) He credits his success to these three tips.

Pay Attention To Your Calorie Intake
Parnell admits he was simply eating way too many calories a day. After he figured out how many calories his body needed with his activity level, he finally started to see results when he stuck to his quota, which is about 2,600 calories a day. For an easy-to-follow 28-day program, check out the Metashred Diet.

Build a Balanced Meal
A diet full of junk foods means you’re loading up on extra calories, salt, sugar, and artificial ingredients. Now, Parnell sticks to balanced plates full of whole foods, like chicken breast for protein, brown rice for carbs, and a pile of vegetables.

Don’t Deprive Yourself
“I’ve learned that too many people demonize food,” Parnell says. “If you take something out (of your diet) and say you can’t have it, what will you do? You’ll want it.”
Occasionally indulging in his favorite foods made Parnell feel like he could actually stick to his goals without going crazy.

Make no mistake, Parnell has also become a regular at the gym for the past two years: He dedicates four days a week to cardio, strength training, and mobility work. In addition to his abs, he loves working his chest and shoulders with the lateral raise and classic bench press. He could never even do a single pullup before, and now they’re just an everyday part of his routine. Now he weighs in at a lean 150 pounds, but he hopes to pack on more muscle.

Having Knee Pains? This Recipe Has Made All Doctors Crazy, It Heals Your Knees And Reconstructs Bones And Joints Immediatly

As we age, our organs and body as a whole start to deteriorate, which results in many age-related conditions. Bone and joint pain is one of the most common body aches with the passage of time. Many people consider it untreatable and try to soothe the pain with painkillers and other medications, but there is a way of treating the pain completely naturally and with no side-effects.

The knees are one of the body parts that is subjected to a lot of wear and tear over time. They support our weight and are very important for our movement, which is why they need to be protected. Additionally, our joints can be easily worn down due to a number of factors such as bad posture or inflammation.

Once joint or bone pain kicks in, it will only increase if left untreated. These aches are usually among the first symptoms of aging, and they progress over time. They won’t go away after a while, and should be treated as soon as possible in order to avoid bigger problems. Luckily, this can all be relieved with a simple natural remedy that will provide the joints with essential nutrients and protect them from damage.

The natural treatment we have for you today can heal your joints and strengthen them and your bones as well. It contains essential nutrients which can prevent numerous problems. What we eat has a profound impact on our overall health including the health of our joints and bones. Nourishing the body with vitamins and minerals becomes increasingly more important over age, and this remedy will help you do exactly that. Here’s how to prepare it:


INGREDIENTS

40 gr. of pumpkin seeds
200 gr. of honey
2 tablespoons of unflavored gelatin
3 tablespoons of raisins
8 tablespoons of flaxseeds

PREPARATION AND USE
Just mix all the ingredients in a blender until you get a homogenous mixture.

Take a tablespoon of the remedy twice a day and continue with it until you feel positive results.

Try the remedy yourself, and you will restore your mobility soon!

5 Signs You Have Liver Damage Without Even Knowing It

Your liver is the largest internal organ (and also the largest internal gland) that you have in your body. In a healthy adult, a normal liver will weigh somewhere between 3-3.5 pounds and it plays a crucial role in multiple key bodily functions.

The key functions of the liver are to detoxify your blood and to enhance your digestive system by creating bile, which helps to break down the fats that you consume into small pieces, making them easier for your small intestine to absorb.

But that’s not all. Here is a quick summary of what else your liver does for you:

• It stores some of your body’s vitamins and iron
• It stores glucose
• It converts glucose into sugar that the body can use when the body’s sugar levels become depleted
• It processes hemoglobin, insulin, and a variety of other hormones
• It converts ammonia into urea
• It eliminates old red blood cells

You simply can’t live without it, that’s why it’s so important to be able to detect and interpret the early symptoms of liver disease.

5 signs of liver damage

Bruises
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, people with liver damage tend to bruise or bleed easily due to the compromised function of their liver which has inhibited the production of proteins needed for blood clotting.


Itch
Liver disease is listed as an underlying cause of itchy skin by the Mayo Clinic, as well as cancer, thyroid problems, and kidney failure. The itching usually affects the whole body. The skin may look otherwise normal except for the repeatedly scratched areas.

Swelling
When the liver isn’t able to do its job, people may start to retain water in their abdomens and legs, causing swelling, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Turning yellow
Skin yellowing is one of the first signs of liver damage. This happens as a result of bilirubin build up, as a damaged liver is unable to filter out toxins properly. Bilirubin is a form of bile pigment, which accumulates in the blood when liver function is compromised and the liver can’t remove the bilirubin. Bile is secreted by the liver to help digestion.

This Ancient Remedy Cures All Diseases HIV, AIDS, Diabetes, Cancer, Stroke, STDs, Arthritis & More …

The God’s plant – this is the unique herb that is mentioned in the Qur’an and the Bible. Lots of people believe that this herb is created by God himself. That is why people can use it to treat all illnesses and diseases, but death.

This is one of the most famous herbs in the history of medicine. People in ancient Egypt used it to treat cold, infections, headaches, and toothaches, to improve their digestion.

The Cure for Everything
Black cumin, Nigella sativa or cumin –people used the black cumin seeds in Egypt. Today these seeds are known to be one of the most powerful herbs, which can be used to treat and prevent different diseases and help you with many health problems. Many people call this herb – the cure for all diseases because it’s used to treat different health problems and conditions.


More than 200 studies have proven the health benefits of this extraordinary seed. The black cumin seed has several health benefits and it’s useful in treating different diseases, especially the auto-immune health problems, such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, allergy, asthma, allergic rhinitis.

This herb is also useful in lowering the high blood pressure, it reduces cholesterol levels and the number of triglycerides, reduces the symptoms of diabetes, acne, eczema, fatigue, bronchitis, gastritis, pneumonia and sinusitis, ulcers, cancer, liver problems, poor circulation, etc.

We can say that this herb is very useful in reducing the side effects of the chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

The experts have also found that this herb is very useful in alleviating the allergic rhinitis, allergy symptoms, and allergic asthma. The black seed oil opens the airways and makes breathing much easier

This herb helps your body to prepare itself for all types of allergies in  safe and all natural way.

In the last few years, the experts have also found that black cumin seed has also strong anti-tumor properties and that it can be used in treating cancer because it acts on the cancer cells and it boosts up the immune system in the body.

4 Tis to Whiten Yellow Teeth And Remove Plaque And Tartar Buildup

If you are into natural products and beauty treatments, this is the right recipe for you. Yellow teeth are the grosses thing when it comes to physical appearance, and some would try even the impossible to solve their aesthetic problem.

Well, the first and best thing you should probably do is go visit your dentist.  However, if you don’t have time, you can also effectively eliminate the tartar at your home.

Things You Will Need:

• Antiseptic mouthwash
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Water
• Cup
• Dental pic
• Toothbrush
• Hydrogen peroxide

Baking soda is the most used and beneficial and ingredients when it comes to removing plaque.

Four Steps To Do This Procedure at Home

1. Mix half a teaspoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of baking soda. You should use warm water in order to wet the toothbrush. Dip the toothbrush into the mixture and scrub your teeth for 5 minutes. Then, just spit.

2. Mix one full cup of hydrogen peroxide with half a cup of warm water. Use this mixture to rinse your mouth for 1 minute then spit. Make sure to wash off with cold water.

3. Rub the yellow tartar with a dental pick. Make sure not to scrape the gums because it can lead to damage and irritation.

4. Rinse your mouth with antiseptic mouthwash. Repeat this procedure every second day.

Additional Advice for Better Smile

Floss your teeth regularly.

Every night, before going to sleep, you should rub your teeth with orange peel. The orange peel can fight bacteria, so make sure not to wash it off.

Always use a soft toothbrush and brush your teeth by doing vertical movements. Be careful with the space between your teeth and gums.

Spicy food stimulates the salivary glands. So, by consuming spicy food you will be able to effectively clean your mouth from saliva.

Foods for Better and Improved Smile

Cheese
The Swiss cheese and cheddar neutralize the acids responsible for the plaque. It is recommended to eat the cheese before meals. The aaged cheese contains an ingredient that can work as a barrier agent.

Strawberries and Tomatoes
Strawberries and tomatoes are very beneficial for your oral health due to their rich content of vitamin C. Put them in your mouth and let them stay for 5 minutes. This will soften the accumulated tartar.

Then, you should wash off your mouth with baking soda and warm water. Other foods rich in vitamin C include papaya, orange, lemons, berries, bell peppers, and lime.

Real Facts on Urinary Tract Infections

It’s a common misconception that a urinary tract infection (UTI) automatically equals a bladder infection. In reality, a UTI can develop in any part of the urinary tract, including the urethra, bladder, ureters, or kidneys.
The villain in this scenario is bacteria. When a UTI is diagnosed and treated properly, most people won’t have complications.
How can you make sure this happens to you?
 
Symptoms
The Urology Care Foundation – which is the official foundation of the American Urological Association (AUA) – describes a UTI as the lining of the bladder and urethra becoming red and irritated just like your throat does during a cold. This can result in pain in the belly and pelvic area, and may make you feel like urinating more frequently. Sometimes trying to urinate isn’t successful, as only a few drops are released and/or there’s burning. Incontinence can occur, and the urine can smell bad or look cloudy.


Women tend to get more bladder infections than men, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). At least 40 to 60 percent of women will get a UTI in their lifetime, and most of those infections are bladder infections. Additionally, one in four women will be likely to have a recurrence.
We can blame our anatomy for making us more likely to get bladder infections. We have a shorter urethra, which means bacteria have a shorter distance to travel. Men’s urethras are at least 10 cm while ours is only 4 cm. The opening to the urethra is also closer to the rectum in women, and that’s where bacteria live.

Presdisposed
Some people tend to get these infections more than others. It can be a matter of the bacteria itself, so if someone is colonized with bacteria that has a receptor that binds tightly to the bladder mucosa, UTIs become more common, says Dr. Lisa Hawes, a urologist who specializes in women’s urologic care and is a consultant for the AUA on female pelvic health. She says incomplete emptying as well as constipation also increases the risk.
Post-menopausal women often get UTIs because of the change in vaginal flora coupled with the loss of hormones – in other words, less estrogen, says Dr. Hawes. New birth control pills – which cause a change in hormone levels – can also result in a UTI.
Other anatomical reasons for being plagued with UTIs are possible (stones, prolapse, incontinence), says Dr. Aisha Taylor, urologist in the Department of Urology at Magee-Womens Hospital and assistant professor of female urology at the University of Pittsburgh. A specialist can address these causes. Genetic risks are still being studied.

The NIDDK says you’re more likely to develop a bladder infection if you:

• Are sexually active
• Have gone through menopause
• Use certain types of birth control, like diaphragms or spermicide
• Have trouble emptying your bladder completely
• Have a problem in your urinary tract that blocks or obstructs the normal flow of urine (kidney stone)
• Have diabetes or problems with your body’s immune system
• Recently used a urinary catheter
• Had a UTI in the past.
  
  Minimizing re/occurrence
  If infections in the lower urinary tract (like bladder infections) aren’t treated, they can lead to kidney infections. A bladder infection during pregnancy is more likely to become a kidney infection, which is why pregnant women are routinely tested for bacteria in the urine.
  People often talk about avoiding tight underwear or clothing because they can lead to UTIs. This is another common misconception, as this has never been proven. What does help, however, is the following, according to Dr. Hawes and Dr. Taylor:
  
• Drinking lots of fluid (especially water)
• Voiding regularly without holding too long
• Avoiding constipation (sometimes Miralax is needed)
• Voiding within 30 minutes after intercourse
• Dietary cranberry supplementation

Treatment
The most likely treatment is antibiotics, but it depends on the diagnosis. The NIDDK says that researchers are studying ways to treat or prevent bladder infections without antibiotics, because the bacteria that cause these infections can become stronger and harder to fight when antibiotics are taken repeatedly. Alternate approaches can include probiotics, vaginal estrogen, and “watchful waiting.”
Recent research led by Dr. Stefan Heytens from the University of Ghent, Belgium, published in Clinical Microbiology and Infection has found that the majority of women who had UTI symptoms probably did have a bacterial infection, even when nothing was detected through standard urine testing. A more sensitive test was able to pick this up. The consequence is that testing might be unnecessary for women with symptoms of an uncomplicated UTI. It’s not yet determined whether all women with these symptoms would benefit from antibiotics.

Dr. Hawes has seen this data and says there’s a company she knows of that advertises a urine test they claim is better than a culture, similar to the test in the study. She’s used it before, but has found many glaring inconsistencies in the results. “Although there may be something to this concept, the tests available at this time are not helpful in my opinion,” she says. “Perhaps the test will be better refined with time.”

Dr. Taylor wasn’t surprised by the study either, but says the finding doesn’t contradict her approach. “We treat symptoms and await culture results (OTC medication or prescription strength medication),” she says. “By the time culture results are back, women feel better with this approach.” She looks forward to more sensitive tests to aid in UTI diagnoses.


In the meantime, evidence shows that treating the symptoms of frequency, urgency, and painful urination with a urinary analgesic and waiting for culture data to be available has the same microbiologic outcomes as treating with just antibiotics, says Dr. Taylor. “In fact, this strategy addresses patients’ symptoms sooner and better than antibiotics alone,” she adds.


Often missed with patients is a chronic nonbacterial cystitis, which can be misdiagnosed as a UTI and treated as such, says Dr. Hawes. They have UTI symptoms with a negative culture. This inflammation of the bladder can be improved with proper treatment, not antibiotics. “The take-home message here is that if you feel like you have a UTI and you seek treatment, ask the treating physician to send a culture!” says Dr. Hawes. “This ensures a bacteria is present [if it is in fact a UTI, and] an antibiotic is necessary.”

Is Your Period Pain Free?

I remember the first time I got my period. I was 12 and in school – of course. My bleeding and cramps were severe enough to warrant a get-out-of-school-free card. The only person available to pick me up was my taciturn grandfather. That was fun.
My cycle has varied over the years, and as I approach menopause, I look forward to no longer receiving my monthly visitor. I’m thankful that it gave me two kids, but I won’t miss the sore breasts, bloating, mood swings, inconvenience, or the pain.


The pain. I imagine wringing out a towel; only it’s my uterus.
Everyone’s menstrual cycle is different, as is everyone’s pain tolerance. So how should you deal with period pain, and how do you know when to see a healthcare professional?
Period pain 
As you may have noticed, menstruation can change with time, or even from cycle to cycle, says Dr. Jennifer Lang, MD, OB/GYN, FACOG. Some women, for example, have no discomfort, while others miss days of school or work due to their symptoms.
Typically, girls start menstruating by 12, but it can start as early as 8 or as late as 16. According to the National Institutes of Health, the average menstruation time in normally menstruating women is about five days, and the average cycle is 28 days. In young females, it can range from 21 to 35 days. Up to 14 percent of women have irregular menstrual cycles or especially heavy menstrual bleeding. Prolonged menstrual bleeding is when bleeding exceeds eight days on a regular basis. Menstrual irregularities can sometimes be a sign of other health problems, which is why it’s important to see your provider to rule this out.
As listed by the Cleveland Clinic, symptoms of a normal menstruation include:

• Moodiness
• Trouble sleeping
• Food cravings
• Cramps in lower abdomen and back
• Bloating
• Breast tenderness
• Acne

Only you will know if your pain is excessive. Dr. Lang says if you have to miss work or an important life event because of a period, it’s excessive. Similarly, if you’re vomiting because of pain or doubled up on your bed crying because you’re so uncomfortable, it’s time to consult a healthcare provider.
This is important because one of my friends was told for years by her gynecologist that her pain and gastrointestinal upset were normal and related to her period when in fact she had an incredibly severe case of endometriosis. She didn’t miss any work but scheduled it around her period. She avoided a full-time job so she could have a flexible schedule, and couldn’t plan any vacations in advance. It wasn’t until she got a second opinion, when her doctor immediately said, “This is not normal,” and looked into it. The moral of the story: See someone for menstrual pain, and get a second opinion if necessary.

Consulting a healthcare provider
In fact, clinicians typically state that when a women can’t function as normally, it’s probably time to seek treatment, says Dr. Jenell Coleman, MD, MPH, Associate Professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Medical Director, Women’s Health Center, JHOC. She explains that most patients have pain during the first one or two days. If this pain persists throughout the menses or other over-the-counter (OTC) therapies have failed, see a healthcare provider.
If you still aren’t sure if you qualify, here are some indications, courtesy of Dr. Lang:

• Flow is so heavy you’re bleeding through feminine hygiene products and need to change them hourly or more
• Feeling completely exhausted and drained of energy
• Feeling faint or dizzy after heavy bleeding
• Unable to manage pain by over-the-counter acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications at doses indicated on packaging
• Any mid-cycle or irregular bleeding patterns
• Significantly inhibiting lives on physical or emotional basis
• Negatively affecting you financially
• Negatively affecting quality of relationships

The bottom line: if the pain is bothersome, seek treatment. “There are so many treatment options that no woman should suffer from menstrual discomfort,” says Dr. Coleman. Medical conditions like endometriosis can cause severe menstrual pain and require specialized treatment, so this is another reason to get checked out.

Pain relievers
There are some go-to remedies for period pain, like OTC medicine (Advil, Aleve, Motrin), but the key is to preload, or get the medication into your system before the period begins, recommends Dr. Coleman. She says a perfect example is taking these at least one or two days before the expected period, and then taking them at prescribed intervals regardless of whether there’s pain. “This will help minimize the prostaglandin effect (which is the cause of the discomfort),” she says. “I think this technique is underutilized and not common knowledge among women.” Unfortunately, for women with irregular cycles, this tactic may not be as successful.
Dr. Coleman also says that hormonal treatments (e.g. contraceptive pills, Levonorgestrel IUD) have had proven benefits in decreasing and eliminating dysmenorrhea, or painful menstrual cramps.
 
Exercise, yoga, and heating pads are other ways to alleviate pain. Dr. Coleman says there are some small reports and anecdotal evidence suggesting that acupuncture and TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) may decrease discomfort. These therapies might be more expensive, however, and there aren’t large trials proving benefit in all women.
Because the uterus is mostly made up of muscle, many of the tips and tricks that help with muscle cramping will help with menstrual pain, says Dr. Lang. She recommends Epsom salt baths with lavender essential oils, taking an oral magnesium supplement or eating magnesium-rich foods. Many women report relief from drinking red raspberry leaf tea or eating anti-inflammatory foods such as cucumber, turmeric, tart cherry, and aloe vera juice. Along these lines, cleansing with a low sugar/low processed grain diet high in vegetables prior to period onset can lead to less water retention, cramping, and irritability. Orgasms can also help (when you experience PMS and are on your period), because they release natural endorphins, which are powerful natural pain relieving chemicals, says Dr. Lang.
 
Advice
Adolescents are particularly impacted by dysmenorrhea, says Dr. Coleman, so parents should acknowledge the discomfort and seek medical advice if the child is missing school, sports, or other activities. “Non-steroidal medications work wonders in this population,” she says.
We live in a world that doesn’t have a lot of patience or tolerance for natural cycles or women’s bodies, and expects us to be constantly “on,” says Dr. Lang. “If you’re able to find that magical balance between honoring the miracle of your body and its rhythms and also recognizing the activities that are important to you, you’ll be golden,” she adds. Luckily there are many tools women can use to improve their menstrual experience. “Find a gynecologist, midwife, or naturopathic doctor who listens, respects your values and your goals, and offers suggestions that you can align with,” she says.

5 Reasons Why Women Feel Dizzy and How to See Straight Again!

Barbara didn’t think much about it when she felt dizzy after getting up from her easy chair. Who didn’t feel a little dizzy now and then? She figured she just got up too quickly. She wasn’t as young as she used to be, after all, so she started to give herself more time to adjust.
A week later, when she was taking a walk, it hit her again. She had to stop and sit down. Must be the heat, she figured. She’d forgotten to take water with her. She’d be sure to bring along a bottle from now on.

A month passed, and still Barbara was struggling with dizziness. She’d made several changes in her lifestyle, trying to address the problem, but the world was still spinning at the most inopportune times. She finally decided to see her doctor.
Estimates are that more than 40 percent of Americans will experience dizziness or vertigo serious enough to see a doctor at one time or another in their lives. According to a 2001 study, women are about twice as likely as men to end up in the hospital because of it. A 2013 study, too, found that in women, the symptoms of dizziness were more frequent than in men in most age groups, except for those over 70 years old.
Like Barbara, most women have no idea what’s causing their dizziness, and tend to downplay the symptoms as being no big deal. It’s important to get it checked, however, as in some cases, dizziness can signal another more serious issue.

How Dizziness/Vertigo Feels 
Usually when we’re talking dizziness, we’re referring to three typical symptoms:

• Vertigo (a sense that the person or their environment is moving or spinning)
• Dizziness (feeling faint, lightheaded, woozy, or weak)
• Unsteadiness (the feeling that you aren’t steady on your feet, and could fall)

These symptoms are often related to each other, and may occur together or in various combinations. All are linked to other symptoms like nausea, headaches, and falls, and all are more prevalent in women.
Whereas short, occasional and isolated symptoms happen to most everyone and usually aren’t at all serious, women should check with their doctors if:

• the symptoms last for more than an hour
• the symptoms go on for more than a few days
• the symptoms occur together or in combination
• the symptoms cause issues like falls or other injuries
• the symptoms interfere with daily life

If your symptoms are more lasting, they may be caused by one of the following conditions.

5 Most Common Causes of Dizziness/Vertigo
Studies have found that most people who see the doctor for dizziness have one of the following conditions. Your case may be unique, though, so your best bet is to keep a daily diary of your symptoms, and give your doctor all the information you can to help come up with the right diagnosis.
Dizziness can be difficult to pin down sometimes, so it’s important to watch for details such as when the dizziness occurs, what you were doing at the time, any and all medications you’re taking, changes in your life that may have occurred recently, and any other health issues that you may have.

1. Otologic Dizziness (Inner Ear)
“Otology” is the science that deals with the ear, so otologic dizziness is that which is caused by some sort of issue in the ear and its connections to the brain. Estimates are that otologic dizziness accounts for about 50 percent of all dizziness cases.
The inner ear contains a balance system called the “vestibular” that’s filled with fluid. As you move, this fluid moves too, and hair fibers inside the system react to the movement and send messages to the brain, which help keep the body in balance.
If one part of the inner ear stops functioning correctly, the brain will receive faulty messages, making you feel like you’re off-balance. The brain then sends out messages to the eyes that make it seem like the world is spinning, and things go downhill from there.
There are four general conditions that can cause an inner ear dizziness:

1. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This is the most common cause of vertigo, and occurs when little calcium crystals or “stones” move from their usual location into one of the inner ear sensory organs. They effect the fluid in the vestibular, causing dizziness, usually when you get out of bed, look up to something above you, or otherwise move your head around. Physical therapy and exercise programs usually help remove the little “stones” and solve the problem.
2. Infection: If an infection occurs in the inner ear, particularly if it settles in around the vestibular nerve, it can cause vertigo. This condition may be treated with antibiotics and anti-inflammatories.
3. Meniere’s disease: This is a condition where the fluid builds up to an abnormal level inside the inner ear. Symptoms may include sudden vertigo that lasts several hours, ringing in the hear, and hearing loss. The disease is usually treated with medications that help reduce fluid retention, as well as dietary changes.
4. Migraine: Women who suffer from migraines may also have this type of dizziness/vertigo.

2. Neurological Dizziness
This type of dizziness is caused by some sort of problem or disturbance that a neurologist would address. The condition is usually linked to an issue with the central nervous system (often called “central vertigo”), or another neurological issue, which simply means that it’s “brain related.”
The brain stem and the cerebellum are involved with keeping you balanced, so neurological conditions like stroke, multiple sclerosis, or tumors somewhere around these areas of the brain can cause this type of dizziness. These are less common causes, however, affecting only about one percent of the population.


3. Circulation Dizziness
Your balance relies on your brain getting the blood that it needs. If there is some issue with the blood circulatory system, you could experience dizziness.

You can think of this one as the “cardiovascular” category, as this type of dizziness is usually caused by some sort of heart disease. If you have a drop in blood pressure, or low blood pressure, you may suffer from occasional dizziness. Poor blood circulation, too, can cause it. That means that conditions like heart arrhythmia, heart attack, and cardiomyopathy can all cause dizziness.
Atrial fibrillation, atherosclerosis (artery narrowing), and even peripheral arterial disease (PAD) can all affect how much blood reaches your brain and when, and may result in dizziness. This is one of the reasons that it’s important to check with your doctor. If your dizziness is caused by a cardiovascular issue, solving that problem is likely to not only improve your symptoms, but safeguard your overall health down the road.

4. Drug-Related Dizziness
A number of medications can cause dizziness, so if you’re experiencing symptoms, check the labels on any and all drugs you’re taking. You can also ask your pharmacist if any of them are known to cause dizziness as a side effect.
Though all types of medications can cause you to feel light-headed, some of the most common are blood pressure drugs, antidepressants, anti-convulsants, sleeping pills, some pain relievers, psychotropic drugs, and muscle relaxants.
If you suspect a medication may be causing your symptoms, talk to your doctor. Sometimes simply switching to another type can help. You may also be able to reduce your dose.

5. Psychological Dizziness
Have you been under a lot of stress lately? Feeling particularly anxious? Psychiatrists have found that sometimes dizziness can be caused by psychological strain, with estimates being that anxiety and panic disorder, along with other mental illnesses, account for about 15 percent of all cases of dizziness.
Don’t worry—it’s not “all in your head.” It could be that you’re simply more sensitive to visual stimulation, particularly if you notice that your dizziness occurs when you’re watching moving objects or when walking in areas where there are a lot of bright lights. Scientists believe that these types of dizziness have a genetic component, though certain psychiatric medications may also be to blame.
Other types of psychological causes of dizziness include agoraphobia (fear of places and situations), depression, and hyperventilation. Simple, outright fear can also trigger a dizzy spell—most of us have experienced something like this when in an area or situation that spikes our anxious feelings.
If you suspect this may be the source of your dizziness, check with your psychiatrist about any related medications you may be taking, and about treatment to help relieve symptoms.

What if None of These Causes Fit?
Sometimes, the cause of dizziness is simply unknown. This can be frustrating for the patient, as there seems to be no hope. Try not to give up. Another option is to check your nutrition levels. Low iron (anemia) and low levels of vitamin B are both associated with vertigo, and can be easily remedied in most cases. A simple blood test can help determine if nutrition is an issue.
Low blood sugar and overheating can also cause dizziness, as can other medical conditions not mentioned here. If you’re struggling to figure it out, try to address any health issues you may have, as they could be related. Don’t hesitate to seek a second or third medical opinion if needed.

5 Ways to Become More Optimistic

Considering these findings, how can we all become more optimistic? Below are several suggestions that may help. Even if you don’t think you’re a particularly optimistic woman, you can improve. Dr. Kaitlin Hagan, one of the lead researchers on this study, told Harvard Women’s Health Watch that people can change:

“Previous studies have shown that optimism can be instilled by something as simple as having people think about the best possible outcomes for various areas of their lives.”
Dr. Sood agrees, stating that optimism can be learned, and that if women can be optimistic, “they are more likely to have more incremental benefit in their health outcomes compared to men.”

1. Keep a gratitude journal.
Many studies have shown that having an attitude of gratitude is good for us. Optimistic people tend to “look on the bright side.” You can generate these feelings in yourself by keeping a journal in which you record five good things that happened to you each day. Some days it will be easy to find those five things. On the days when it’s more difficult, choose the basics: you didn’t go hungry, you had a roof over your head, someone spoke a kind word to you. Just reminding yourself of the little things that were positive in your day can help relieve stress and improve your mood.

2. When the negative train comes, distract yourself.
We can all get caught in negative thinking. Everything is going wrong. It’s all my fault. If only I’d been smarter and done this rather than that. When will I ever learn?
When you find yourself ruminating over the bad stuff, distract yourself. Give yourself something else to do that will keep your mind busy. Turn on some upbeat music, call a good (positive) friend, clean something, run an errand, or simply go for a run.
Get yourself involved in an activity that requires your focus and attention so you can leave the negativity behind. You don’t have to solve the problem first. Just distract yourself, and you’ll be able to attain a more positive frame of mind—which makes it easier to come up with the solution you need.

3. Practice self-compassion.
Neff says that the easiest way to do this is to treat yourself as you would your very close friend. When you find yourself criticizing or otherwise being hard on yourself, stop and ask, “What would I say to a close friend about this?” Talk it out. Actually say what you would say, and then direct that same type of approach back to yourself.
Neff also suggests some form of physical touch that encourages self-compassion. You can place your hand over your heart, give yourself a hug, or wrap yourself in a warm blanket. It may seem a little goofy at first, but mind and body are closely related. Do one of these things and you’ll automatically feel more cared for. Your physical self will respond by becoming more relaxed.

4. Practice mindfulness. 
Mindfulness is the practice of learning to live in the moment. It may involve meditation, but it can also involve paying attention to your thoughts and feelings without judging them.
Practicing mindfulness can help you deal more successfully with unpleasant events. If you’re staying in the moment, you’re more likely to avoid catastrophic thinking about the future, and keep your focus on what you need to do right now to make things better.
This can help us to feel more in control, which reduces stress.

5. Spend more time with optimistic people.
Negative, pessimistic people sap our energy. If you’ve got negative friends that you’re spending a lot of time with, it’s going to be really hard for you to feel more optimistic. You’ll be battling the pessimistic attitudes around you, which creates an uphill battle.
Instead, cultivate your relationships with more positive friends, as they will help boost your mood and increase your hope for the future. If most of your friends are negative Nancy’s, join some new clubs or groups or take a new class to find some women who are more positive in general.

Just Think About It
One more thing you can do that has proven effective in a 2011 study is simply spending five minutes imagining your future self in a positive light. Your job is going great, your kids are thriving, your house is a dream, and you have achieved everything you wanted to achieve. Things are just going great, overall.
Researchers found that when people did this, they significantly increased their optimism after the first day and even after two weeks. So you can use this technique whenever you want to, and enjoy a more positive attitude.
Over time, you can develop the habit of optimism, which may be just as important to your long-term health as eating a healthy diet and exercising every day.

 

Women Who Cop This Attitude Live Longer!

American philosopher and psychologist William James said, “Pessimism leads to weakness, optimism to power.”
It’s a quote that makes sense to most American women. We’re a positive nation on the whole, and believe in having hope for the future. We know that if we can approach each day with an optimistic attitude, things are likely to go better for us than they would if we set out each morning with frowns on our faces.

A recent study suggests that optimism may do a lot more for women than give them hope or happiness, however. Researchers at Harvard’s T. H. Chan School of Public Health observed data from 70,000 women, and found that those who were more optimistic actually had a better chance of living longer lives!
What does this mean for us? After all, we can’t always put smiles on our faces. There are days when things just aren’t good, and no amount of attempts to “be positive” will make them better. What actions do we really need to take in our lives to enjoy the benefits of this overall healthy attitude?

Study Shows Optimistic Women Live Longer
For the study, researchers used data from the Nurses’ Health Study, which included 70,021 women. They measured levels of optimism in 2004, and then assessed mortality rates between 2006 and 2012. They wanted to see how women’s attitudes affected their health outcomes, particularly with cardiovascular disease.
Overall, they found that a higher degree of optimism was associated with a lower mortality risk. After adjusting for other factors like sociodemographic characteristics and health behaviors, they found that women with the highest levels of optimism had about a 30 percent lower risk of dying compared to women with the lowest levels of optimism.
More specifically, the most optimistic women had a:

• 16 percent lower risk of dying from cancer,
• 38 percent lower risk of dying from heart disease,
• 39 percent lower risk of dying from stroke,
• 38 percent lower risk of dying from respiratory disease,
• and a 52 percent lower risk of dying from infection.

Why would this be? Researchers theorized that in general, women who are optimistic are less likely to be stressed out. They focus on their more positive emotions, and on how they can make each situation better, retaining a sense of control. Feeling out of control is directly related to higher stress levels, which can then increase heart rate, blood pressure, and levels of the stress hormone “cortisol” in the blood—all factors that can, over time, increase risk of cardiovascular disease.
“Optimistic people,” said Dr. Richa Sood, an internist at the Mayo Clinic, “because they feel that they can make some change, have this philosophy approach that ‘I can do something rather than avoidance.’ Also, in terms of approach, they are likely to do right things. They are likely to ask for help, from medical facilities, from their friends, or tap into internal resources to get their positive emotions going.”

Optimistic Women are Self-Compassionate
In addition to feeling like they can change a situation, and being able to ask for help, optimistic women, the researchers found, tend to be more compassionate with themselves than pessimistic women.
If you’re not sure whether or not you have the right optimistic attitude, ask yourself this: “When I make a mistake, do I forgive myself, or spend days criticizing and berating myself?”

If you’re the type to forgive and treat yourself kindly, you’re likely to fit the researchers’ definition of optimistic. Unfortunately, many women have trouble with this one. We are more likely to doubt ourselves, and to be harder on ourselves than we would be on others. One good takeaway from this study is that we must be more compassionate with ourselves for the sake of our health and longevity.
“Women have a lot of self-doubt,” said Dr. Sood. “We probably peg our self-worth on things least well done rather than on what we do well. So that doesn’t give us the good, positive energy. But if we could focus on the ‘I tried my best, pat on the back, I will do better next time,’ that’s optimism, and we are caring for ourselves.”
This part of the study surprised me, personally. When I think of being optimistic, I think of trying to see the silver lining in each situation, and of having hope and positive feelings about the future. I never equated self-compassion with optimism, but this study suggests that we should.
Kristen Neff, psychology professor at the University of Texas and author of Self-Compassion: Stop Beating Yourself Up and Leave Insecurity Behind, told The Atlantic that overall, women tend to be less self-compassionate than men, because they are often more focused on self-sacrifice and on meeting the needs of others.
“Women are told they should not take care of themselves,” she says, “that they should always be outwardly focused.” But this can negatively affect our physical health, say nothing of our emotional health. “There’s some work on physical health,” Neff says, “showing that self-compassion is linked to better immune function….
Self-compassionate people are healthier, they take better care of themselves, they are more likely to exercise and eat well, more likely to go to the doctor. Self-compassion is caring about yourself and not wanting yourself to suffer.”

10 Tips to Help You Sleep Better

If you or a loved one is having trouble sleeping, try these tips to leave insomnia behind and enjoy better health no matter what your age. Avoid sleeping pills, as they can cause serious side effects and don’t address the underlying cause of insomnia. Some studies have shown they can even make it worse in the long run.

1. Switch medications: Ask your doctor about the medications you’re taking. If you suspect one of these may be interfering with your sleep, you may be able to take something similar that won’t affect you as much. Changing the dose or the time of day you take the medication could also help. 
2. Ask your doctor: If you suspect that you or a loved one may be experiencing memory problems, check with your doctor for a diagnosis. If you’re seeing the early signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s, early treatment can help delay the progression, and may also lead to better sleep. Urinary problems, GERD, respiratory issues, restless leg syndrome, and more should all be discussed with your doctor to determine how you can improve your sleep.
3. Consider sleep therapy: If you have sleep apnea or other respiratory issues that make it harder to sleep well, ask your doctor about therapy options. CPAP therapy for sleep apnea has shown to be very effective, and supplemental oxygen may also be helpful in some instances. Even a humidifier may make it easier for you to breathe at night.
4. Ease your pain: If you have pain keeping you up at night, look for solutions. Over-the-counter pain relievers are only one option. Acupuncture, massage, injections, and other types of pain relief have shown to be very effective depending on the type of pain you have. Most areas now have pain relief clinics that can help you find the right solution for your discomfort.
5. Use tea: A number of herbal teas can help you relax and go to sleep more easily, and unlike alcohol, they won’t interfere with your deep sleep. Try chamomile, lemon balm, valerian root, lavender, skullcap, rooibos, and passionflower.
6. Go to bed on an empty stomach: Particularly if you have trouble with heartburn, give yourself at least three hours between your last meal and bedtime. Try to do most of your digesting before you lie down to avoid uncomfortable symptoms that can keep you awake. If you still have trouble, prop your head up with an extra pillow.
7. Exercise daily: Exercise helps work your body so your muscles are tired and more ready to sleep. Being sedentary, on the other hand, leads to a restless body and mind. Try to be sure you’re getting in at least a 30-minute walk every day. Going for 45 minutes is even better. Regular strength straining is also good for improving sleep quality as well as muscle strength and balance.
8. Improve your sleep environment: Many people have trouble sleeping because they have a poor sleeping environment. Make sure your mattress is supportive and comfortable. If it’s over 8 years old, consider replacing it. Keep the room very dark—use heavy, dark drapes and avoid excess lighting. Keep the television out of the bedroom, along with all computers, tablets, and smartphones. Don’t overheat the room—we sleep better when it’s slightly cool.
9. Practice a before-bed routine: What you do before you go to bed can significantly affect your quality of sleep. Try not to eat at least a few hours before bedtime. If you get the munchies, go for a very small snack that is soothing, like yogurt, a small bowl of cereal, or a few pears or piece of whole-grain toast. Turn all the technology off at least an hour before bedtime, and engage in a relaxing activity like reading, taking a warm bath, or meditating. Turn down the lights and perform some light stretches to ease muscle tension. Go to bed and get up at the same time every day, even on the weekends.
10. Get out in the sun: Our exposure to sunlight helps set our circadian rhythms, which in turn, help us to feel sleepy at the right time. Older adults are often indoors a lot. Try to be sure that you get outside for at least 30 minutes a day to soak up some sunshine.

As A Woman Over 50: How Much Sleep Do You Really Need?

I’ve heard it said that we don’t need as much sleep as we get older.

Some research seems to support the idea. When asked to stay in bed for 16 hours in the dark each day, younger people (18 to 32 years) slept an average of 9 hours, whereas older people (60 to 76 years) slept an average of only 7.5 hours.

The elderly may need less sleep, the scientists theorized, though they did say more research needed to be done.

Other experts have agreed with this theory, stating that sleep changes from childhood to adulthood into older age. Whereas an infant may require 16 to 20 hours a day, a young child needs only 11 or 12. Adolescents feel best on about 9 hours, and adults seem to do well on 7-8.
But what about seniors?

A new study challenges the idea that we don’t need as much sleep in our golden years. Researchers agreed that older adults often don’t sleep as well as younger adults, and looked into the various reasons why. Turns out that it’s not that seniors need less sleep, but instead, that they have more trouble getting the sleep they need.

Meanwhile, lack of sleep in the elderly seems to be just as dangerous as it is for younger adults. It increases risk of memory loss and other health problems, which means that even older adults need a good 7-8 hours for lasting vitality and well being.
What if you’re having trouble doing sleeping? We’ve got some tips for you below.

We’re Having More Trouble Sleeping 
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that sleeping less than 7 hours a night is associated with an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, stroke, cancer, and even mortality. Insufficient sleep also hurts us mentally, reducing productivity, increasing risk of errors, and resulting in more frequent motor vehicle accidents.
The problem is serious, as evidenced by a 2007 study. Researchers analyzed data from over 10,000 participants over a period of 11-17 years, and found that those who cut their sleeping from 7 hours a night to 5 hours or less faced a 1.7-fold increased risk in mortality from all causes, and twice the increased risk of death from a cardiovascular problem.
Findings were similar in a 2010 study review. Researchers looked at data from 16 studies including over one million participants, and found that short duration of sleep was associated with greater risk of death.

Yet despite being aware that we need a good night’s sleep, we’re still having trouble getting it. In 2015, the CDC went so far as to call insufficient sleep a “public health problem,” referencing studies that show Americans are just not getting enough shut-eye. Data from a 2009 study showed that among over 74,000 adults across 12 states:

• 35.3 percent reported getting less than 7 hours of sleep during a typical 24-hour period
• 48 percent reported snoring
• 37.9 percent reported unintentionally falling asleep during the day at least once in the preceding month
• 4.7 percent reported nodding off while driving at least once in the preceding month

The National Health Interview Survey found that nearly 30 percent of adults were sleeping less than 6 hours a day, and in a 2013 Gallup Poll, 40 percent of Americans reported getting less than 7 hours a night.
Why are we having so much trouble?

Seniors Have Trouble Sleeping Because of Health Issues
A number of characteristics of our modern-day lifestyles have been blamed for disrupting sleep. These include technology, electricity, work schedules, and more.
We know, for example, that using smartphones, tablets, and computers before bed can mess with our sleep hormones and disrupt deep REM sleep. Electricity allows us to have lights on all night long, and light signals the brain to stay awake. Shift work and graveyard shifts can also disrupt sleep and sleep quality, leading to hormonal shifts that affect our health.
Seniors often have even more factors working against them. Researchers reported in 2017 that adults in their 50s and older often experience the following sleep changes:

• Earlier bedtimes and rise times
• Taking longer to fall asleep
• Shorter overall sleep duration
• More awakenings, arousals, and transitions to lighter sleep stages
• More fragile sleep—more likely to be awakened
• Reduced amount of deeper REM sleep
• Increased time spent awake throughout the night

Researchers noted that some older adults will sleep just fine—these problems aren’t characteristic of everyone. Rather, these are symptoms adults may experience as they age, with some experiencing dramatic changes in sleep patterns.
In a 2012 study, researchers found that it wasn’t age, alone, causing the problem. Instead, it was other health problems like pain, respiratory issues, and depression that seemed to make sleeping more difficult. A number of factors can cause these issues:

• Medications: Seniors are more likely to be taking medications, and many can disrupt sleep. The AARP notes that high blood pressure pills, corticosteroids, antidepressants, antihistamines, statins, and even dietary supplements designed to relieve joint pain can all cause insomnia.
• Respiratory problems: Asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, chronic sinus infections, and other respiratory issues can easily interfere with sleep as they make it harder to breathe.
• Pain: Any sort of pain, including muscle and joint pain, can keep you up at night.
• Depression: Older adults are much more susceptible to depression and anxiety than we realized. Loss of loved ones, changes in working status, lack of social support, health problems and more can lead to emotional difficulties. Depression is a common cause of insomnia.
• Alcohol: Older adults may use alcohol to help them fall asleep, and it usually does do that effectively. The problem is that it interferes with deep “REM” sleep, causing people to wake up later or experience a restless night’s sleep.
• Dementia: Cognitive problems are strongly tied to sleep issues.
• Heartburn: Both heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) disturb restful sleep. 
• Restless leg syndrome: Waking up with your legs kicking is never a pleasant sensation, but one that many seniors have to deal with. It can make it difficult to go to sleep, and may also interrupt sleep in the middle of the night. Estimates are that restless leg syndrome affects 10-35 percent of those over the age of 65, and is more common in women than men.
• Hormonal changes: In women especially, hormonal changes associated with menopause can interfere with quality sleep. Estrogen deficiency has been found in some studies to contribute to the sleep problems women start to experience in their perimenopausal period.
• Bladder problems: Urinary incontinence can lead to disrupted sleep as seniors have to get up and go to the bathroom in the middle of the night.

Do Seniors Need as Much Sleep as Younger Adults?
Scientists now believe that older adults need their seven hours a night just as much as younger adults. They came to that conclusion by looking at what happens to seniors who don’t get the usual 7-8 hours. Turns out that sleep deprivation can be just as dangerous if not more so for older people.
Sleep problems and insomnia simply reduce quality of life for older adults. A 2008 study found that impaired sleep was associated with declines in social functioning and memory. It affected self-confidence and reduced ability to carry out regular daily activities. It even affected participants’ ability to have healthy and stable relationships with their spouses, friends, and loved ones.
Getting a good night’s sleep has been connected with helping to cement learning and memory, and it’s no different in older adults. Lack of sleep is associated with worse cognitive function in seniors, and worse performance in learning and long-term memory consolidation. It’s just because the people are older, either. No matter what our age, we need our sleep to stay mentally sharp.
Sleep and mental function are so tightly related that researchers reported in 2014 that the less older adults sleep, the faster their brains age. Lead researcher Dr. June low stated that short sleep was a marker of brain aging, and that seven hours a day was the sweet spot for cognitive functioning.
There are other problems associated with not getting enough sleep as we age. The National Institutes of Health states that not sleeping well can lead to depressed mood, excessive daytime sleepiness, more nighttime falls, and overall poorer quality of life in older adults. They add that poor sleep is not a normal part of aging.
“Nearly every disease killing us later in life has a causal link to lack of sleep,” said Matthew Walker, study author and UC Berkeley professor of psychology and neuroscience, adding that sleep deterioration in older age has been linked to obesity, dementia, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
Indeed, getting a good night’s sleep on most nights may be a literal fountain of youth for seniors. It not only helps improve memory and cognitive function, but refreshes the immune system, improves mood, supports cellular repair, and helps the body heal faster. It can also help reduce risk of disease, support a healthy weight, and improve quality of life for years to come.

Fight High Blood Pressure And Heart Disease Without Deadly Medications

The risk of hypertension can be affected by a wide range of risk factors, from smoking, stress, and overeating to excessive drinking and lack of physical activity.  All of these factors impact people in a different manner, meaning that there isn’t any exact way to set the limits on what is too much.

This is the reason why maintaining a well-balanced and healthy lifestyle is quite challenging, requiring elimination of the bad stuff and introducing more of right things in your daily routine.  If you strive towards regulating your blood pressure levels, making certain lifestyle modifications is a must.


High blood pressure levels make it much more difficult for the blood to get pumped through the body, which in turn increases the risk of disease by putting stress on the heart. Complications of hypertension are quite severe, including eye damage, stroke, hardening of the arteries, heart disease, and kidney disease.

4 Herbal Remedies that Help Lower Blood Pressure

The good news is that there are a few herbs which can go a long way in regulating and lowering blood pressure levels in an all-natural way.

1. Oregano
Oregano is highly accessible and quite popular these days. Its carvacrol content is known to lower blood pressure naturally, relaxing the heart rate and making it much easier to pump blood through the body.

Interestingly, oregano works as healthier alterative to salt, which makes it a solid flavoring agent.  This is very important given that excessive salt intake is known to increase blood pressure.

Unfortunately, the standard American diet is loaded with sodium and deficient in nutrients. Oregano helps combat this problem by filling you up with its blood pressure regulating properties and robust nutritional profile.

 2. Valerian
Valerian has tranquilizing properties which help lower stress levels and help you relax. Consequently, its properties lower blood pressure levels, too. Note that stress is one of the critical risk factors for hypertension, so finding a way to deal with it helps keep the heart healthy.

3. Lavender
Adding a few drops of lavender oil to a bath is one of the best and easiest ways to relax. Given that it expands the blood vessels, it also promotes easier blood flow and mental stress reduction.  Its aromatic properties make it one of the best calming options on this list.  It has been scientifically shown that it can help lower blood pressure levels by staggering 50 percent.

4. Passionflower
Passionflower is typically used to promote sleep and is highly beneficial for those with high levels of anxiety or stress. Multiple clinical trials involving patients with generalized anxiety disorders have shown that it can be successfully used to alleviate drug withdrawal symptoms.

Note: Although these herbs are a good and healthy way to maintain healthy systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels, they are not the only way! Staying hydrated, managing stress, following a healthy diet, and eliminating unhealthy habits are all good ways to improve the overall health.

Did You Know You Can Remove Fibroma And Other Skin Warts All By Yourself?

Fibromas are growths on the skin, which are actually benign tumors of connective tissue. They look like small nodes and their size can vary from 1 millimeter to 1 centimeter. They usually have the same color as the skin, but they can also be lighter in color.

They are not dangerous, but their number can increase and they can become an aesthetic problem. They usually appear on the neck, the armpits, the crutches, under the breasts, the stomach and the eyelids.

However, they can also appear on other parts of the skin. In fact, almost every man has at least one fibroma, so fibromas are not rare.

Fibromas can also get inflamed, start bleeding or get bigger. Their number and size increases gradually through the years. Even though the reasons for the appearance of fibromas are not known, fat deposits contribute to their appearance.

The number of fibromas can vary from a couple to several hundreds. A doctor can diagnose a fibroma and a dermatologist can prescribe the further treatment.

Fibromas are removed usually during the winter months, when the weather is colder, there is less sun and sweating is rare.

A dermatologist usually removes a fibroma by electrocoagulation, radiosurgery or laser surgery. Only one treatment is needed, unless there are more fibromas. Then, the treatment must be repeated.

After the removal, the wound is treated with an antibiotic, usually hygiene and showers for 5 days. After the surgery, for several days, sweating and hard physical exercises should be avoided in order for the healing to be successful and with no complications.

 How to use apple cider vinegar for removing FIBROMAS?

• Apple cider vinegar is considered to be one of the best and most effective homemade remedies.
• It can be used for the treatment of different health issues including fibromas due to its acidity.
• Don’t use apple cider vinegar near your eyes as you can irritate them.

Removing FIBROMAS with Apple Cider Vinegar!
Carefully wash the area around the fibroma with water and soap.

First, soak the fibroma in water using a cotton ball. Then, soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar. Then, secure the cotton ball on the fibroma with a bandage. First, the fibroma will become dark, then dry and in the end it will fall out.

Due to the size of the fibroma, a scar can remain, which should be treated with aloe vera gel or English marigold cream. If the fibroma was not deep in the skin, the scar will disappear completely.

Precautions

1. The vinegar should not spread on the skin near the fibroma as in can cause an irritation.
2. Don’t use apple cider vinegar when the fibroma gets dry.
3. Don’t remove the fibroma. Leave it to fall out by itself.

Never Dispose Eggshells

Most people tend to dispose of the egg shells once they are done with cooking the eggs.However, by throwing them in the trash, you will be deprived of many health benefits.

As a matter of fact, egg shells are probably the best natural source of calcium and are much easier for the body to digest and absorb. Egg shells are healthy and balanced calcium, thanks to the trace amounts of other minerals.

Namely, the calcium found in egg shells is the same calcium which our bones and teeth are made of. Not only is calcium needed for healthy bones, it is needed for the muscles and nerves as well.

As mentioned above, the powder from egg shells is easily absorbed and this is confirmed by several studies conducted in the US National Institutes of Health. In addition, it was found to reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, and of course, to strengthen the bones.

As little as half a tablespoon of eggs shells powder provides about 90 percent of the recommended daily intake for an adult, as it contains about 1000-1,500 mg calcium.

SIMPLE WAY TO USE THE EGGS SHELLS

• First, boil the eggs for about ten minutes in order to eliminate the detrimental bacteria.
• Let them cool.
• Crush them so that you get a powder.
• Store the powder in a previously sterilized jar.

In order to use this powder as a natural calcium supplement, simply add it in smoothies or cereals. However, its use goes far beyond using it as calcium supplement.  Here are a few unusual ways in which you can use egg shells!

• Mix them with an egg white and apply onto the face to restore a youthful glow to your skin
• Mix them with soapy water for a powerful DIY cleaner
• Feed them to your chickens to boost their calcium intake
• Add them to your coffee to reduce bitterness
• Sprinkle them around the garden to repel pests
• Use them as compost to make your garden thrive
• Start some seedlings
• Use them as laundry whitener. For optimal results, use a handful of broken eggshells and two slices of lemon
• Use them as garbage disposal cleaner
• Use the shell’s membrane as an all-natural bandage for cuts, pimples, and splinters
• Use them to make mosaics or mixed-media art projects
• Use comfrey root and fresh egg shell for re-mineralizing your teeth
• Add it to your nail polish to strengthen the nails
• Sprinkle a few teaspoons of the eggshell powder to your pet`s food to treat diarrhea

Add These Two Ingredients To Your Shampoo And Say Goodbye To Hair Loss

A LOT OF EXPERTS CLAIM THAT HAIR LOSS IS OFTEN RELATED TO DIFFERENT FACTORS, SUCH AS A STRESSFUL ENVIRONMENT, WEIGHT LOSS, PREGNANCY, MENOPAUSE AND MANY OTHERS. BUT DID YOU KNOW THAT STRESS CAN ACTUALLY CAUSE A HORMONAL IMBALANCE AND IT CAN LEAD TO EXCESSIVE HAIR LOSS?

Suffering from hair loss can cause you to be insecure and have low self-esteem. You will try all kind of things and different ways in order to prevent it but sometimes it’s just not enough.

Natural remedies are becoming more popular as of late due to their effectiveness. Today we will present you a homemade shampoo that helps you fight hair loss.
The first step is to get a natural shampoo with a neutral pH level, or just use a normal baby shampoo. This is the first out of three ingredients used in this homemade remedy.

Second step is to get some rosemary essential oil. This is great because it increases the blood flow to the scalp, thus is providing strength to the hair. Also you can use some lemon essential oil because it can serve as a great antiseptic and it is quite refreshing.

Last thing on the ingredient list is a couple of caplets of vitamin E. You can get it at the local pharmacy or a health store. Vitamin E is excellent against hair loss. It can prevent the process of hair loss.

Instructions on how to prepare the shampoo:

Use 10 drops of the rosemary essential oil into the neutral shampoo and 10 drops of lemon essential oil. Afterwards add the 2 caplets of vitamin E into the shampoo and shake it well.

How to use it:
Use this shampoo every second day. Let’s say if you use it today, you will have to take a break from it the next day. Just apply it on your hair and gently massage it into your scalp and leave it there for 10 minutes, and afterwards you just rinse it off.

You will love the effects this shampoo will have on you! In just a few weeks your hair will start to grow like never before!

"Castor Oil" Add Few Drops Of This In Your Oil And Your Hair Will Grow Mor Than You Coud Ever Imagine

Hair fall and hair thinning are very common these days . Although there are many solution available in market which claims to solve these issues but many of them are just waste of money. Here’s when natural remedies come in front of us, although there are many hair packs which are effective to solve hair fall/thinning issues but generally we don’t get time for all those remedies but today I will tell you one remedy that will only take few seconds of you and you can use it as regular hair oiling.

For this you will just need

Castor oil + Any other hair oil that you use

Mix 1 spoon of castor oil in your regular oil before hair oiling and massage your scalp with this oil. If you want you can apply it directly on your hair too but it is very thick and makes it very difficult to remove while washing your hair. So it is always better to dilute this oil with some other oil. You can use ratio of 1:1.

Correct way to use this remedy

Use this remedy on clean scalp so that this oil can work properly. After applying this massage your scalp for 15 minutes at least. Let it act for 7-8 hours at least.

Believe me girls castor oil is truly an amazing remedy for new thicker hair growth. It is not just for hair, it also works equally for eyebrows and eyelashes.

You Suffer From Diabetes, Hair Loss, Heart And Joint Inflammation Try This Powerful Fruit

The tamarind fruit originates from Asia and Africa, and is often used in the Indian cuisine, where it’s consumed with a combination of salt and pepper. The tamarind has a unique taste, and besides being delicious, it also offers numerous health benefits. Here’s what the fruit can help you treat:

 INFLAMMATION IN THE JOINTS AND CONNECTIVE TISSUES
Inflammation and pain in the connective tissues is common as we age, but you should know that the problem can be controlled by consuming the tamarind fruit. The fruit has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the pain and protect the connective tissues, as well as antibacterial properties that can protect your body from infections. The fruit has a rich nutritional profile and contains compounds that can reinforce your immune system, detoxify your body and prevent various ailments.

IMPROVES YOUR EYESIGHT
Tamarind contains a lot of vitamin A which can improve your eyesight and reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration and other eye problems.


TREATS HAIR LOSS
Tamarind is one of the best natural remedies against hair loss – just boil it in some water until it softens, then squeeze the fruit to obtain liquid. Apply it on the scalp and rub it in gently, then leave the liquid to work for 60 minutes before rinsing your hair with warm water.

TREATS DIABETES
Tamarind can regulate your blood sugar levels and treat diabetes. Buy some tamarind paste at your local health store and mix it with some herbs and jamun – consume the mixture regularly to control your blood sugar levels and prevent diabetes.

GREAT FOR YOUR HEART
The tamarind fruit contains essential vitamins and minerals such as potassium which is vital for the health of your cardiovascular system. The fiber content of the fruit can control your cholesterol levels and fight free radicals in the body, which is why it has been used as a natural remedy against heart problems in Ayurveda medicine for centuries.

Most people reach for painkillers and prescription drugs whenever they face a healthy problem, but as you can see, the key to any diseases lies in nature. Use natural remedies such as the tamarind fruit to treat diseases naturally and stay healthy.

What causes someone to become overweight or obese?

You can become overweight or obese when you eat more calories (KAL-oh-rees) than you use. A calorie is a unit of energy in the food you eat. Your body needs this energy to function and to be active. But if you take in more energy than your body uses, you will gain weight.
Many factors can play a role in becoming overweight or obese. These factors include:
Behaviors, such as eating too many calories or not getting enough physical activity
Environment and culture.

Genes
Overweight and obesity problems keep getting worse in the United States. Some cultural reasons for this include:
Bigger portion sizes
Little time to exercise or cook healthy meals
Using cars to get places instead of walking


What are the health effects of being overweight or obese?
Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of:
Heart disease
Stroke
Type 2 diabetes
High blood pressure
Breathing problems
Arthritis
Gallbladder disease
Some kinds of cancer
illustration of a pear- and apple-shaped woman

But excess body weight isn't the only health risk. The places where you store your body fat also affect your health. Women with a "pear" shape tend to store fat in their hips and buttocks. Women with an "apple" shape store fat around their waists. If your waist is more than 35 inches, you may have a higher risk of weight-related health problems.

What is the best way for me to lose weight?
The best way to lose weight is to use more calories than you take in. You can do this by following a healthy eating plan and being more active. Before you start a weight-loss program, talk to your doctor.

Safe weight-loss programs that work well:
Set a goal of slow and steady weight loss — 1 to 2 pounds per week
Offer low-calorie eating plans with a wide range of healthy foods
Encourage you to be more physically active
Teach you about healthy eating and physical activity
Adapt to your likes and dislikes and cultural background
Help you keep weight off after you lose it

How can I make healthier food choices?
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Department of Agriculture (USDA) offer tips for healthy eating in Dietary Guidelines for All Americans.
Focus on fruits. Eat a variety of fruits — fresh, frozen, canned, or dried — rather than fruit juice for most of your fruit choices. For a 2,000-calorie diet, you will need 2 cups of fruit each day. An example of 2 cups is 1 small banana, 1 large orange, and 1/4 cup of dried apricots or peaches.

Vary your veggies. Eat more:
dark green veggies, such as broccoli, kale, and other dark leafy greens
orange veggies, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and winter squash
beans and peas, such as pinto beans, kidney beans, black beans, garbanzo beans, split peas, and lentils
Get your calcium-rich foods. Each day, drink 3 cups of low-fat or fat-free milk. Or, you can get an equivalent amount of low-fat yogurt and/or low-fat cheese each day. 1.5 ounces of cheese equals 1 cup of milk. If you don't or can't consume milk, choose lactose-free milk products and/or calcium-fortified foods and drinks.
Make half your grains whole. Eat at least 3 ounces of whole-grain cereals, breads, crackers, rice, or pasta each day. One ounce is about 1 slice of bread, 1 cup of breakfast cereal, or 1/2 cup of cooked rice or pasta. Look to see that grains such as wheat, rice, oats, or corn are referred to as "whole" in the list of ingredients.
Go lean with protein. Choose lean meats and poultry. Bake it, broil it, or grill it. Vary your protein choices with more fish, beans, peas, nuts, and seeds.
Limit saturated fats. Get less than 10 percent of your calories from saturated fatty acids. Most fats should come from sources of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, such as fish, nuts, and vegetable oils. When choosing and preparing meat, poultry, dry beans, and milk or milk products, make choices that are lean, low-fat, or fat-free.
Limit salt. Get less than 2,300 mg of sodium (about 1 teaspoon of salt) each day.

How can physical activity help?
The new 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans state that an active lifestyle can lower your risk of early death from a variety of causes. There is strong evidence that regular physical activity can also lower your risk of:
Heart disease
Stroke
High blood pressure
Unhealthy cholesterol levels
Type 2 diabetes
Metabolic syndrome
Colon cancer
Breast cancer
Falls
Depression

Regular activity can help prevent unhealthy weight gain and also help with weight loss, when combined with lower calorie intake. If you are overweight or obese, losing weight can lower your risk for many diseases. Being overweight or obese increases your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, type 2 diabetes, breathing problems, osteoarthritis, gallbladder disease, sleep apnea (breathing problems while sleeping), and some cancers.
Regular physical activity can also improve your cardiorespiratory (heart, lungs, and blood vessels) and muscular fitness. For older adults, activity can improve mental function.

Physical activity may also help:
Improve functional health for older adults
Reduce waistline size
Lower risk of hip fracture
Lower risk of lung cancer
Lower risk of endometrial cancer
Maintain weight after weight loss
Increase bone density
Improve sleep quality

Health benefits are gained by doing the following each week:
Moderate activity
During moderate-intensity activities you should notice an increase in your heart rate, but you should still be able to talk comfortably. An example of a moderate-intensity activity is walking on a level surface at a brisk pace (about 3 to 4 miles per hour). Other examples include ballroom dancing, leisurely bicycling, moderate housework, and waiting tables.

Vigorous activity
If your heart rate increases a lot and you are breathing so hard that it is difficult to carry on a conversation, you are probably doing vigorous-intensity activity. Examples of vigorous-intensity activities include jogging, bicycling fast or uphill, singles tennis, and pushing a hand mower.
2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity
or
1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity
or
A combination of moderate and vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity
and
Muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days
This physical activity should be in addition to your routine activities of daily living, such as cleaning or spending a few minutes walking from the parking lot to your office.
If you want to lose a substantial (more than 5 percent of body weight) amount of weight, you need a high amount of physical activity unless you also lower calorie intake. This is also the case if you are trying to keep the weight off. Many people need to do more than 300 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week to meet weight-control goals.

How you can increase your physical activityIf you normally... Try this instead!
Park as close as possible to the store Park farther away
Let the dog out back Take the dog for a walk
Take the elevator Take the stairs
Have lunch delivered Walk to pick up lunch
Relax while the kids play Get involved in their activity

Silent Killer: HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

High blood pressure is a common and dangerous condition. Having high blood pressure means the pressure of the blood in your blood vessels is higher than it should be. If untreated, over time this extra pressure can increase your risk of a heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and vascular dementia. But you can take steps to control your blood pressure and lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.
You should know your numbers i.e know the readings of the blood pressure.
Blood pressure category (mm Hg) systolic diastolic
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE Called the "silent killer" because it often has no warning signs or symptoms, and many people do not know they have it until it's too late.

Normal < 120 and < 80
Pre-hypertension 120-139 or 80-90
Hypertension stage I 140-159 and/or 90-99
Hypertension stage II ≥160 and/or ≥100

If you already have it, here aree steps you can take to lower/maintain it........
Exercise. One reason exercise is so effective at controlling blood pressure is because it stimulates your body to release a substance called nitric acid. Nitric acid causes blood vessels to open up, which reduces blood pressure. Exercise also helps to strengthen your heart muscle, reduce stress, and aid weight loss.

Lose excess weight. There's no getting around the fact that blood pressure goes up as the pounds pile on. Being overweight increases your risk for heart disease and diabetes, too. Losing even 10 pounds can start to make your blood pressure go back down.
Eat healthily. Eating the right type of diet can lower your risk for high blood pressure or help you return to normal blood pressure. Clinical studies show that a diet high in fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, whole grains, poultry, fish, and nuts really works. You also need to avoid fats, red meat, and excess sugar.

Shake the salt habit. Your body only needs about 500 milligrams of salt a day, but if you are like the average American you may be consuming up to 9,000 mg a day. Studies show that high salt leads to high blood pressure. Current recommendations are to limit salt intake to 2,400 mg per day, the equivalent of about one teaspoon.
Put the brakes on smoking and drinking. These are two other bad habits to avoid if you want to keep a normal blood pressure. Alcohol raises blood pressure and adds empty calories. A safe amount of alcohol is only one drink a day for women and two for men. Smoking is not safe in any amount. Nicotine causes blood vessels to constrict and that raises blood pressure. Quitting will also lower your risk of cancer and heart disease.