Bed rest for liver disease

Bed rest for liver disease

 Often forgotten in cases of cirrhosis of the liver is that the patient must have bed rest. He must also abstain completely from alcohol in any form. He should undergo an initial liver cleaning programme with a juice fast for seven days. Freshly extracted juices from red beets, lemon, papaya and grapes may be taken during this period. This may be followed by the fruit and milk diet for two to three weeks. In this regimen, the patient should have three meals a day, each of fresh juicy fruits and milk. The fruits may include apples, pears, grapes, grape fruit, oranges, pineapples and peaches. One litre of milk may be taken on the first day. It should be increased by 250 ml daily up to two to two and a half litres a day. The milk should be fresh and unboiled, but may be slightly warmed if desired. It should be sipped very slowly. After the fruit and milk diet, the patient may gradually embark upon a well-balanced diet of three basic food groups, namely (i) seeds, nuts and grains, (ii) vegetables and (iii) fruits, with emphasis on raw organically grown foods. An adequate high quality protein diet is necessary in cirrhosis. The best complete proteins for liver patients are obtained from raw goat 's milk, home-made raw cottage cheese, sprouted seeds and grains and raw nuts, especially almonds. Vegetables such as beets, squashes, bitter gourd, egg-plant, tomato, carrot, radishes and papaya are useful in this condition. All fats and oils should be excluded from the diet for several weeks. The patient should avoid all refined, processed and canned foods, sugar in any form, spices and condiments, strong tea and coffee, fried foods, all preparations cooked in ghee, oil or butter and all meats rich in fat. The use of salt should be restricted. The patient should also avoid all chemical additives in food and poisons in air, water and environment.

Enzymes are good medicine

Enzymes are good medicine

 To defeat stubborn diseases, consume enzymes in fresh, uncooked foods and in supplements.

Enzymes are chemical substances produced in the living organism. They are marvellous organic catalysts which are essential to life as they control all the chemical reactions that take place in a living system. Enzymes are part of all living cells, including those of plants and animals. The term enzyme, which literally means in yeast', was coined following the demonstration of catalytic properties of yeast and yeast juices. Although enzymes are produced in the living cell, they are not dependent upon the vital processes of the cell and work outside the cell. Certain enzymes of yeast, for instance, when expressed from the yeast cells are capable of exerting their usual effect, that is, the conversion of sugar to alcohol. It has been estimated that there are over 20,000 enzymes in the human body. This estimate is based on the number of bodily processes that seem to require action. However, so far only about 1,000 enzymes have been identified. But their great role in nutrition and other living processes has been firmly established. They are protein molecules made up of chains of amino acids. They play a vital role and work more efficiently than any reagent concocted by chemists. Thus for instance, a chemist can separate proteins into their component amino acids by boiling them at 166 C for over 18 hours in a strong solution of hydrochloric acid, but the enzymes of the small intestines can do so in less than three hours at body temperature in a neutral medium. A feature which distinguishes enzymes from inorganic catalysts is that they are absolutely specific in their actions. This means that a particular enzyme can cause reactions involving only a particular type of substance or a group of closely related substances. The substance on which the enzyme acts is known as "substrate." The specificity of an enzyme is, however, related to the formation of the enzyme-substrate complex which requires that the appropriate groupings of both substrate and enzyme should be in correct relative position. The substrate must fit the enzyme like a key fits its lock.

Other benefits includes

Speed the recovery from exercise and injury
Digest dead tissues such as cysts and blood clots
Prevent build-up of excess fibrin and scar tissue
Alleviate pain and inflammation
Heal injuries in the post-operative healing process
Natural anti-inflammatory
Anti-fibrosis
Blood cleansing
Immune system modulating
Virus fighting

Avoid ointments and salves for conjunctivitis

Avoid ointments and salves for conjunctivitis

The treatment of conjunctivitis through salves and ointments does not cure the disease. To be effective, treatment must be constitutional. A thorough cleansing of the system and adoption of natural laws in diet and general living alone can help eliminate conjunctivitis. The best way to commence the treatment is to adopt an exclusive fresh fruit diet for about seven days. The diet may consist of fresh juicy fruits in season such as apple, orange, pears, grapes, pineapple and grapefruit. Banana should, however, not be taken. No other foodstuff should be added to this diet. Those who have a serious trouble should undertake a juice fast for three or four days. The procedure is to take the juice of an orange, in a glass of warm water, if desired, every two hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nothing else should be taken as otherwise the value of the fast will be lost. If orange juice disagrees, carrot juice may be taken. A warm water enema should be taken daily during the period of fasting. The short juice fast may be followed by an all-fruit diet for further seven days. Thereafter, the patient may adopt a general diet scheme on the following lines.

* Breakfast: Any fresh fruits in season, except bananas. 

* Lunch: Large mixed raw vegetable salad with whole meat bread or chapattis and butter. 

* Dinner: Two or three steamed vegetables, other than potatoes, with nuts and fresh fruit.

The patient should avoid an excessive intake of starchy and sugary foods in the form of white bread, refined cereals, potatoes, puddings, pies, pastry, sugar, jams and confectionery, which cause the general catarrhal condition as well as conjunctivitis. He should also avoid the intake of excessive quantities of meat and other protein and fatty foods, strong tea and coffee, too much salt, condiments and sauces.

The right fats fight the effects of the wrong fats.

The right fats fight the effects of the wrong fats

 The essential fatty acids which reduce serum cholesterol levels and minimise the risk of arteriosclerosis can be obtained from sunflower seed oil, corn oil or safflower oil. Several studies have indicated that garlic can reduce the cholesterol level in persons whose body normally cannot regulate the cholesterol fractions. Other important cholesterol lowering foods are alfalfa and yoghurt. Lecithin helps prevent fatty deposits in arteries. Best food sources are unrefined, raw, crude vegetable oils, seeds and grains. Fruits and vegetables in general are highly beneficial in the treatment of heart disease. Seasonal fruits are quite effective heart tonics. Apples especially contain heart stimulating properties and the patients suffering from the weakness of heart should make liberal use of apples and apple jams. Fresh grapes, pineapples, oranges, custard apples, pomegranates and coconut water also tone up the heart. Grapes are effective in heart pain and palpitation of the heart and the disease can be rapidly controlled if the patient adopts an exclusive grapes diet for few days. Grape juice, especially will be valuable when one is actually suffering from a heart attack. Indian gooseberry or amla is considered an effective home remedy for heart disease. It tones up the functions of all the organs of the body and builds up health by destroying the heterogeneous elements and renewing lost energy.

Enhance beauty with the mudpack

 Enhance beauty with the mudpack

 The nature cure practitioners at present are making increasing use of mud packs of moistened earth in the treatment of diseases. The use of mud packs has been found highly beneficial and effective in the treatment of chronic inflammation caused by internal diseases, bruises, sprains, boils and wounds. Mud packs have been found to be a valuable treatment of diseases relating to general weakness or nervous disorders. It can also bring down fever and is beneficial in the treatment of scarlet fever, measles and influenza. The mud pack is prescribed for swellings, eye and ear troubles, gout, rheumatism, stomach troubles, kidney and liver malfunctions, diphtheria, neuralgia, sexual disorders, headache, toothache and general aches and pains. This mode of treatment is normally adopted in conjunction with a proper scheme of dietary and other natural therapies. The advantage of mud treatment is that it is able to retain moisture and coolness for longer periods than cold water packs or compresses. The cold moisture in the mud packs relaxes the pores of the skin, draws the blood into the surface, relieves inner congestion and pain, promotes heat radiation and elimination of morbid matter.

A mud pack is prepared with clay obtained from about ten cm below the surface of the earth, after ensuring that it does not contain any impurities such as compost or pebbles. The clay is then made into a smooth paste with warm water. This is allowed to cool and then spread on a strip of cloth, the size of which may vary according to requirements. The dimensions of the pack meant for application on the abdomen are generally 20 cm x 10 cm x 2.5 cm for adults. The mud bandage, after being placed on the body, should be covered with flannel or other protective material. The pack is applied for 10 to 30 minutes. Hot and cold applications are useful in relieving chronic pains, intestinal cramps and lumbago. Alternate application helps to relieve discomfort caused by flatulence and intestinal obstructions. It is also helpful in amoebiasis, colitis, enteritis and other inflammatory conditions of bacterial origin.

Mud Bath

Mud Bath

Use the mud bath to remove impurities. The mud or clay bath is another mode of the nature cure. It is applied in the same way as mud packs, but only on a larger scale on the entire body. In this, mud or clay is first ground and sifted to remove all impurities, and then made into a smooth paste mixed with hot water. The paste is then spread on a sheet that in turn is wrapped round the body. One or two blankets are then wrapped over this, depending on the temperature of the room and that of the pack. A mud bath is followed with a cleansing warm water bath and a short cold shower. The mud bath is found to tone up the skin by increasing the circulation and energising the skin tissues. Frequent mud baths help to improve the complexion, clear spots and patches on the skin following skin disorders or due to smallpox. It is very beneficial in the treatment of skin diseases like psoriasis, leucoderma and every leprosy. This bath is also valuable in getting relief from rheumatic pain or pain in the joints caused by injuries. The duration of the bath should be from 30 minutes to one hour. Care should also be taken to avoid the patient catching a chill during the bath. Mud applications also form a vital part of natural beauty treatment.

Typically, a mud bath lasts from 10 to 12 minutes and is later followed up by another warm, relaxing and cleansing mineral water bath that helps one unwind fully. When this too is done, the person is wrapped with fresh blankets to cool down and achieve a harmonious balance with himself. In order that the delicacy of the procedure is maintained, it is of the essence that special message therapists and estheticians take care of the treatment. When done with utmost care, coating your body with a mud paste can relieve you from physical ailments such as black spots, acne on the back, arthritis, muscle stiffness, and rheumatism.

Acid = Danger

Acid = Danger

Acid works danger, but base works health. Here are the miracles of the alkalising diet. The human body is composed of various organs and parts, which are made up of tissues and cells. These tissues and cells are composed of 16 chemical elements. The balance or equilibrium of these chemical elements in the body is an essential factor in the maintenance of health and healing of disease. The acid-alkaline balance plays a vital role in this balanced body chemistry. All foods, after digestion and absorption leave either an acid or alkaline ash in the body depending on their mineral composition. The normal body chemistry is approximately 20 per cent acid and 80 per cent alkaline. This is the acid-alkaline balance. In normal health, the reaction of the blood is alkaline and that is essential for our physical and mental well-being. The preponderance of alkalis in the blood is due to the fact that the products of the vital combustions taking place in the body are mostly acid in character. Carbohydrates and fats form about nine-tenths of the normal fuel of the body. IN normal health, this great mass of material is converted into carbon dioxide gas and water. Half of the remaining onetenth fuel is also converted into the same gas and water. This huge amount of acid is transported by the blood to the various points of discharge, mainly the lungs. By virtue of alkalinity, the blood is able to transport the acid from the tissues to the discharge points. Thus, our daily diet should consist of four-fifth of alkaline-forming foods such as juicy fruits, tubers, legumes, ripe fruits, leafy and root vegetables and one fifty of acid-forming foods containing concentrated proteins and starches such as meat, fish, bread and cereals. Eating sensibly in this manner will ensure the necessary alkalinity of the food which will keep the body in perfect health.

Unnecessary Medical Practices

Modern medicine effectively incorporates a multitude of tests and procedures to improve the health of patients. However, an estimated $500 billion a year goes toward unnecessary medical practices - tests, procedures, and treatments - that do not benefit patients. "Promoting Good Stewardship in Medicine" is a project of the National Physicians Alliance that identified a number of unnecessary

Some Dating Mistakes

Some Dating Mistakes

Are you making dating mistakes that stand in the way of you finding the right person or keeping the right person after finding him/her? Too often people end up ruining their chances with the person they are dating by committing fixable errors. This article discusses ten common dating mistakes, and what you can do to avoid them in the future.

1. Game playing: This strategy is usually employed for one of two reasons. The first is to protect one's ego. When it comes to dating, everyone, on some level, fears rejection. Playing it cool and not getting too involved may make you feel safe, but you risk coming across as aloof or remote, and may turn the other person off. Balance between demonstrating interest and maintaining your composure is best. Another reason people play games is to get something you want that you wouldn't likely get if you played it straight. For example, telling someone you love him or her so they will sleep with you, and then not calling them again. This form of manipulation is simply unacceptable (to put it mildly), and does not lead to healthy relationships. You will get further in less time in finding a relationship if you allow yourself to be genuine. It's OK to put your best foot forward, and also to be a bit cautious, but have the courage to be upfront and show who you are.

2. Talking too much about your ex: While this information will eventually be shared at least to some extent, it shouldn't be discussed in detail during the initial phase of a relationship. You want to get to know the person and each have a chance for a fresh start. Carrying old baggage into a new relationship amounts to clutter. If you have baggage, then best to work it out in individual therapy before pursuing a new relationship, at least to a point where it isn't affecting your reactions and clouding your judgment.

3. Fantasizing about the future: While men are typically (not always) the masters of game playing, women have this one down pat. When you catch yourself trying on his last name before the third date, it's time to remind yourself to slow down. In the first 3-6 months of a relationship, you are likely running on oxytocin, which is a chemical found in chocolate. It creates the sense of well-being and euphoria that comes with "falling in love." This might as well be dubbed the period of temporary insanity, because you are not in command of all your faculties; your brain is hijacked by those lovely chemicals, interfering with your ability to think clearly. Until you have time to really get to know someone, and see him or her in a wide range of situations, it is helpful to not get ahead of yourself; don't strongly attach to some illusion that you have created about the person. This can lead to pitfalls of setting up unrealistic expectations and subsequent disillusionment, or depression if the relationship doesn't work out.

4. Obsessing over details: This one is common with those who worry. The worry may be a general habit, but now it is turned on the subject of the relationship: worry about what the other person said, worry about what they meant by it, worry about how you reacted, worry about the relationship not working out, worry about what if it does work out, how will your parents react...on and on. Being anxious is a mood killer, and will not make you attractive to a potential mate. But don't go worrying about that! Try to tap into your self-confidence and trust that if the relationship is meant to work out, it will.

5. Ignoring red flags: If someone doesn't show up when you're supposed to meet, that's a red flag. If they don't let you call them at home, yep, red flag. If they kick their dog, bingo, red flag. Of course, there are more subtle warnings that one may be tempted to overlook, especially if one is eager for the relationship to work out. While one shouldn't jump to conclusions without sufficient evidence on the first problem that arises, an emerging pattern is not something to make excuses for or brush under the rug. Address these problems early, and don't waste your time.

6. Interrogating your date: "How many children do you want" is not a good opening sentence. You want to show interest by asking about their likes or dislikes, but not press someone for information. Let things evolve a bit, as you get to know someone. Patience and restraint are required here, even though you may feel pressed for time. Do your best to relax and have fun.

7. Avoidance of intimacy: While this one is traditionally men's domain, women are quickly catching up in the fear of commitment zone.Modern society imposes so many requirements and expectations on what makes for a "good catch," and that makes it hard to sort through whether someone would be a good choice for us. We don't want to "settle," and the quest for the perfect mate can cause us to overlook or undervalue a truly good partner. Alternatively, we might be so fearful of getting hurt, betrayed or rejected, that we exit stage left just as the play gets going. If fear of commitment is an obstacle, better to work out your patterns schemas http://www.cognitive-therapy-associates.com/schemas/ in therapy than in your relationships.

8. Rush in, rush out: Are you reckless in love? Do you plunge into the deep end, only to find that the water is way too cold? Then this one's for you. Getting overly involved too soon is a big red flag. If you do it, then you need to pace yourself, and be more considerate of the other person, who you are probably leading on. If you fall for those who do it, then you need to slow things down and not get taken for a ride (or pursue a different type!).

9. Not being honest about your needs: Pretending everything is OK can work for only so long. assetiveness is a golden skill for those who are ready for a mature relationship. Unless you can ascertain and directly communicate your needs (by being clear and specific),
then you are basically operating on a child level. While many people get by this way, it is not very effective, and puts you at a disadvantage when you are trying to get your needs met. Assertiveness is not to be confused with being bossy or demanding. Being tactful and direct is the quickest path to relationship success.

10. Sacrificing too much to get the relationship: If you find that you are doing things you would not otherwise do to get someone's
attention, like bending over backwards and injuring your spine in the process, then you are entering the land of the doormats. Often people tend to do this if there is a problem with low self-esteem.Valuing yourself enough to put your needs on the table as well as the other person's is key in establishing balance and harmony. A healthy relationship is one between two equals, both giving and receiving in reciprocal fashion.

If you find that you are in a relationship that has a lot of benefits but there are some kinks that need to be addressed, best to discover effective ways of handling these conflicts early on. Relationship coaching or couples therapy can help you learn how to better manage problematic issues so that they are no longer impinging on the health and happiness of your relationship.

Have A Good Night Sleep

Have A Good Night Sleep

We all know what it's like to have a bad night's sleep and to feel tired, grumpy and irritable the next day. And for an increasing number of Britons, sleep deprivation is becoming more commonplace, making them more stressed as well as affecting their emotional state and work performance. Here, sleep specialist DR NEIL STANLEY gives you his top tips on how to get a good night's sleep...

WHY IS SLEEP IMPORTANT?
Sleep is a fundamental biological need that is vital for good physical, mental and emotional health. For healthy living, sleep is as important as diet and exercise. Lack of sleep can have serious consequences on health and wellbeing.

Up to 58 per cent of people in the UK have at least one bad night's sleep a week, with 18 per cent having insufficient sleep most nights.

HOW MUCH SLEEP DO WE NEED?
The 'eight hours' sleep a night' is a myth; we all have individual sleep needs and anywhere between four and 11 hours is considered normal.

But it is important for you to get the sleep you need. The average Briton sleeps for approximately seven hours 15 minutes a night, but we're all different and some need much more, while others need less.

If you need lots of coffee and tea to make it through the day, feel sleepy at inappropriate times and overreact to minor things, then you are probably not getting enough sleep.

WHAT ARE THE COMMON CAUSES OF POOR SLEEP?
Being worried about something and finding it difficult to 'switch off' means problems will buzz around your head as you're trying to drop off.

• Drinking too much caffeine or alcohol and eating late can all cause poor sleep. But while it is advisable to avoid large meals close to bedtime, it's important not to go to bed hungry because sleep and eating are biologically linked. The same substances in the brain, known as hypocretins, make us feel both hungry and wide awake, or satisfied and sleepy.
• Another thing to avoid is strenuous exercise too late in the evening. If you do go to the gym, calmer exercise, such as yoga, can help you sleep better.
• Ensure you reduce your liquid intake before going to bed so you do not have to get up in the night.
• One study found that, on average, couples suffer 50 per cent more sleep disturbances if they share a bed. Despite this, only 8 per cent of those in their 40s and 50s sleep in separate rooms. So if your partner disturbs you, perhaps you should consider separate beds or even separate bedrooms. If you've been sleeping together and you both sleep perfectly well then don't change, but don't be afraid to do something different. We all know what it's like to have a cuddle and then say 'I'm going to sleep now' and go to the opposite side of the bed. So why not just toddle off down the landing?
• Make sure you're not too hot or too cold. A good rule of thumb is a cool room with a warm bed.

HOW CAN I WIND DOWN BEFORE GOING TO BED?
Go to bed in a relaxed state of mind and body. Introduce a bedtime routine to help prepare your body to sleep at the right time. Some suggestions you might like to try are:

• Dim the lights to remind your body clock what time it is;
• Have a calming warm shower or bath - but make sure it's not too hot, or it will have an energising, rather than relaxing, effect. You can add sleep-inducing essential oils or bubbles to your bath;
• Play some soft, relaxing music or listen to a relaxation or meditation tape;
• Read quietly for a short while. It's a great way to get those eyelids drooping. But ensure it's nothing workrelated or too stimulating;
• Steer clear of nicotine and caffeine close to bedtime, as these are stimulants. Have a warm milky drink or herbal tea instead;
• Switch off your mobile and don't check your emails before bed;
• Turn the TV off 30 minutes before lights out;
• Write down your worries. If your mind is racing with all the things you have to do tomorrow, make a list of things to be tackled the next day;
• Try to spend at least 30 minutes at the end of the evening winding down.

HOW DO WE MAKE THE BEDROOM A SANCTUARY?
Create a haven from the cares and worries of the day and you may find it easier to drop off.

• The following checklist may help:
• Check your bed is big and comfortable enough;
• Check your thermostat. The ideal room temperature for sleeping is between 16C and 18C;
• Keep it dark, especially if you work shifts - you need to make your body think it's night time;
• Keep it quiet; If you have a pet that keeps you awake, keep it out and ban it from the bedroom - be strong!
• Keep the bedroom for sleep. This means avoiding discussing relationships, financial problems or other potentially stressful topics in bed.

The 5 Secrets for Healthier Living

1. Stop dieting! Find the cause of your imbalance
Most people believe that you lose weight by cutting calories or fat, eating only one meal a day, or only certain foods, or by starving yourself. Research tells us that the reason most diets don't work is because the body adjusts its energy requirements by modifying cortisol levels as it loses weight. The secret is in your metabolism, or how your body converts food into energy or fat.

= Eat and drink only those things that are healthy for your body
= Decrease your sugar intake and eat low glycemic foods.

Despite all opinions on diets, there are few basic principles of human physiology that apply to all of us. Any healthy diet must be based around healthy blood sugar control and proper glycemic control. This means maintaining blood sugar levels. Ideally, you should eat many small meals a day made up of foods that are low glycemic foods, that nourish your body and help maintain and control your insulin and glucagon levels.

2. Eat 5 small meals a day (300 to 500 calories)
Eat large meals in the morning and smaller meals at night to improve your hormone and immune system. Combine protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats. Drink enough clean water, equivalent to half your weight in ounces daily. Water increases nerve conduction, improves digestive function, helps eliminate toxins in your body, and reduces your risk of colon cancer by 45% and breast cancer by 79%. A 2% drop in water in your body is enough water loss to create a foggy shot-term memory, give you trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on a computer screen or printed page. Drink a minimum 8 to 16 ounces of water when you get up in the morning and always drink purified, well, or spring water. Avoid drinking tap water.

3. Breathe
Take deep breaths often. This is excellent for the lymphatic system (circulating immune system) and clears out toxins from your body. Deep breathing will reset your nervous system.

4. Get sunlight
Absorb sunlight at least 20 to 30 minutes daily on as much skin as possible, preferably between the hours of 9 and 11 in the morning. Sun activates Vitamin D, which in turn activates all other nutrients in the body.

5. Get adequate rest and recovery time
Go to sleep by 10 PM to activate your anti-aging hormones and repair your body and mind. According to the American Sleep Disorders Association, 68% of Americans suffer from insomnia. If your hormones are balanced, you burn fat through the night. If cortisol levels are too high, you can't shut down your body and mind. Progesterone helps to turn you body off mentally and physically. Melatonin keeps you asleep so you can rebuild and repair growth hormones (anti-aging) produced during sleep.

Tips to Select Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Tips to Select Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

How do you ensure that the stuff you buy from market for cooking is always fresh? You are at luck. Here is a list of common fruits and vegetables and tips to pick up the fresh ones.

Here is the first thing you should always bear in mind. There are several ways used by the supermarkets and shops to lure the customer into buying their fruits and vegetables. Most often they make the fruits look fresh by making them look colorful.


Please bear in mind that organic fruits and vegetables may not look as colorful or smooth as inorganically grown ones but they often taste better. As a general rule, try to avoid those that have any blemishes in them.

Given below are some of the common fruits and vegetables you use every day and the tips to ensure that you are picking up the good ones.

Apples
Always look for bright colored apples. Avoid bruises or blemishes

Bananas
Good bananas will be firm and yellow and they will not have any dark bruises. If banana has got any bruise, it is likely to get spoiled quickly when compared to other fruits.

Beets
Good Beets will have a firm and round shape. Other qualities to good for while selecting this are smooth surface and rich red or gold flesh color. Always try to choose the slender main root.

Broccoli
They should have dark green florets and should be crisp. There should be no yellow flowers.

Carrots
Always choose well-shaped, smooth, firm and bright. Don't pick up the ones with splits or wilting.

Cauliflower
Check whether there are any dark spots. If they have black spots then avoid those cauliflowers. Try to pick the ones with firm white heads.

Celery
Pick up the celery with light green crisp leaves.

Cherries
Dark sweet cherries are deep red and some are almost black. One of the bad things about cherries is that they bruise easily. Because of this you should ensure that you should consume it as quickly as possible. The fresh varieties comes to the market in May to August time period.

Corn
Choose the one with fresh husks, bright color and silk ends. They should be plump but not mature.

Cranberries
Deep burgundy color indicates ripeness. Avoid blemishes. Bright color indicates that it is unripe. Cranberries can be frozen for up to one month. We get fresh cranberries during the October to December period.

Cucumbers
Cucumbers will be having green to white green color when ripe. Shriveled ends yield bitter, tough taste and texture.

Garlic
Select the Plump ones with firm bulbs.

Lemons and limes
For more juice, choose smooth skin and a thin peel that gives easily to hand pressure. For zest or slicing, choose firm, rough skinned fruit. Avoid the limes with yellow spots.

Onions
Choose brittle paper skin. There should not be any soft or moldy spots. Sprouting or woody center indicates spoilage. Onions should be stored in a dry place at room temperature other wise there is a chance of them getting spoiled fast.

Parsley
Choose the ones that are fresh looking and not wilted. Trim and inch of the stem bottoms and store the bunched parsley in a glass of water in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.

Pears
Select the ones that are Ripen in closed paper bags at room temperature with no light. Color depends on variety.

Peas
Always remember that the peas are sweetest when plump. Choose full pods and pale green color. Fresh peas are available from February to September period.

Raspberries
Berries mold rapidly and crush easily. Prepare and use within a 24-hour period. Fresh raspberries are available from May to January.

Strawberries
Select the ones that have a deep bright color with full green caps.

Tomatoes
Color can vary depending on variety. Choose tomatoes that appear firm, plump, well shaped and smooth. They should not have any blemishes. To ripen them evenly, place in a closed paper bag.

Healthy Juice Recipes

Healthy Juice Recipes

Extremely tasty, simple, and easy-to-make juice recipes with common fruits available.

The Body Cleanser
Use 3 parts apple 1 part ginger and 3 parts carrot. The main benefits of this juice include revitalization of the body, good for cold and glowing skin. Beauticians usually prescribe this juice because of its extremely good effects on the skin. But the benefits are not limited to the skin. It has a cleansing and boosting effect to the whole body.


The Cholesterol Buster
A juice made from Apple cucumber and celery is known to fight cancer and reduce cholesterol. It also improves any sort of stomach upset and headache. This juice is a must have once you have crossed your 30's. If you have this juice every other day, then you will not have to worry about your cholesterol level any more.
Sample proportion - 2 parts apple, 1 part cucumber and 1 part celery


Super Breath
This juice is specifically for people who want to improve their skin complexion. The ingredients are Apple, Carrot and Tomato. For better effect use Green apples. This juice also had an added advantage of eliminating bad breath. This is due to the Apple, Tomato combination.
Sample proportion- 2 part apple, 2 part carrot and 1 part tomato


Super Cooler
A combination of Bitter gourd milk and Apple is used when one generates lots of internal body heat. This juice will instantly cool down your internal body heat and make you more comfortable. It also fights bad breath just like our previous recipe.
Sample proportion- 1 part Bitter gourd, 1 cup milk, 2 full Apples


Super Skin
It is a very well know fact that orange and cucumber are the most vital things to have if one is concerned about the skin. A combination of these two combined with ginger will act as a supper supplement for your skin. Its combined effect will improve the skin texture and moisture content in the skin. It is also a body heat reducing drink.
Sample Proportion- 2 parts orange 2 parts cucumber ½ part ginger


The Wild Thing
Now, this one is one of my favorites. Apple, Pineapple and Watermelon blends together to form a wonderful mouth watering juice which is excellent for you kidney and bladder. It also helps dispelling excess salts from your body. Some people use a tint of salt with this juice but I like to drink it as it is without the salt flavor.
Sample proportion- 2 Apples, ½ Pine apple and ¼ Watermelon (The seeds should be removed otherwise the taste will differ)


The Vitamin Juice
This is an extremely healthy drink with loads and loads of vitamin content. It is made from Honeydew, black grapes, watermelon and milk. If you have kids at home, they will love this. Other than Vitamin C, it also has Vitamin B2. It also increases the cell activity and strengthens body immunity
Sample Proportion- Mix in equal proportions.


The Sugar Fighter
This is a simple but very useful and easy to digest juice. It regulates the sugar content in our body. The juice is made of Pear and banana. Pear is good for an ulcer, constipation, and urination and also works for congestion, fever alleviation, and cough. Banana is good for people who have high blood pressure because it is low in salt. Banana contains tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin. Serotonin is a hormone that is known to make you feel happy and improve your mood.
Sample Proportion 3 parts pear and 2 parts banana.


Anti Oxidant
A juice made by mixing mango, pear, carrot and apple will act as an antioxidant. It clears the body heat, counteracts toxicity and decrease blood pressure. Apple is a well known anti oxidant. The addition of mango makes this juice a very tasty drink.
Sample proportion- 3 parts mango, 2 parts peer, 2 parts carrot, 2 parts apple


Purple Pine
Purple pine is made from pineapple and grapes. A black grape is usually used. The drink is high in iron and pineapple acts as a Potential Anti-Inflammatory and Digestive agent. It is a good drink to have after your lunch or dinner. Grape juice is known to be good for heart.
Sample Proportion- ½ Pineapple and 1 full cup of grapes.


Pink Floyd
This is an extremely tasty juice (Most of the times used as milk shake) which is made from a combination of banana and strawberry. The strawberries should be ripe enough and should be mixed or blend very well before using. Some people filter this drink but I like to drink it without filtering because I love those tiny strawberry pieces floating in the drink.
Sample Proportion- 8 medium size strawberries and 3 bananas with half cup milk

Top 10 Ways to Retain Youthful Look

Top 10  Ways to Retain Youthful Look

Eating natural food close to its natural state helps ensure maximum exposure to youth enhancing nutrients, many of which are lost during storage, processing, and cooking. It also reduces your exposure to artificial additives used to enhance the flavor, texture, color, and shelf-life of processed foods, from pre-prepared meals to diet dishes.

Natural nutrition
Eating food close to its natural state helps ensure maximum exposure to youth-enhancing nutrients, many of which are lost during storage, processing, and cooking. It also reduces your exposure to artificial additives used to enhance the flavor, texture, color, and shelf-life of processed foods, from pre prepared meals to diet dishes. Here are 10 Ways to Retain or regain youthful look.

1. Five fruits a day - Anti Aging Supplements
Keep looking and feeling young and help ward off diseases of aging, from Alzheimer’s to stroke and heart disease, by eating more fruit and vegetables. They are rich in antioxidants, and the biologically active ingredients of plant pigments and flavorings have antiaging properties, too. Aim to eat a minimum of five portions of fruit and vegetables daily—and up to nine if you can. If you are a person who like to have fresh fruit juices, then you can mix all your fruits and have it. If you love fruit juices, you should check this article on 10 most healthy juice recipes.


2. Fitting in fruit
To boost the number of fruit servings you eat each day, slice fresh fruit or spoon soaked dried fruit onto morning muesli. Snack on grapes, dried fruit and berries, and eat an apple or banana mid morning or afternoon. Follow meals with a fruit salad, baked or poached fruit, or treat yourself to pieces of fruit dipped in fine dark melted chocolate. There are lots of natural power houses of vitamins which lots of people do not know. These are easily available and cheep sources of Vitamins but every one will totally ignore them and go for canned food instead. Here is the ultimate list of all the vitamins, their health benefits and the natural sources for those vitamins.


3. Color combos
A rainbow of colors on the plate ensures you are getting a good intake of plant chemicals. Naturally deep green, yellow, and red foods contain antioxidant carotenoids that boost immunity and offer protection against heart disease, cancer, DNA damage, and age-related sight problems. Include peppers, broccoli, spinach, sweet potatoes, carrots, and pumpkin in your diet, plus extra virgin olive oil to aid absorption. Here is a guide to select fresh fruits and vegetables.


4. Fresh is best
Choose ripe, seasonal fruit and vegetables and grains in their whole form to ensure maximum flavor while retaining vitamins and minerals, antioxidant compounds, and other plant nutrients that are destroyed by processing.


5. Grow your own fruits and Vegetables
The best way to ensure the freshest, most flavorful organic fruit and vegetables is to grow them yourself. Even a city balcony can provide a good supply of tomatoes, salad leaves, herbs, and soft fruit.


6. Increasing variety
Diversity is the key to a healthy diet, since no one food can provide all the nutrients and antioxidants the body needs. Be adventurous and introduce new foods when you can. There are lots of naturally available food which you should consider other than fruits and vegetables. For example the honey and cinnamon combination has got miraculous health benefits.


7. Think like a vegetarian. Your free anti aging program
Plant foods contain such life enhancing properties that long-term vegetarians are 20 percent less likely to die prematurely than meat eaters. You don’t have to become a vegetarian to reap the benefits. Serve meals with two or three vegetables and salads on the side, and add extra vegetables to dishes such as stir-fries and soups.


8. Re sensitize your taste buds
If your diet majors on slimming foods and processed meals, you might be amazed by the taste of fresh produce. Rediscover the difference by sampling organic carrots and butter, sourcing milk from special breed cows and seeking out meat that has been raised and hung well. Rid your kitchen of products such as cookies, potato chips, store bought cakes and pies, margarine, and low-fat foods, all of which have long lists of unwanted ingredients.


9. Ditch dieting
Change the way you think about food and you need never worry about dieting again. Eating mostly fresh, seasonal fare frees you from faddy diets and prevents the yoyoing weight loss and gain that often accompanies dieting. Instead of obsessing over the scales, judge your weight by how well your clothes fit.


10. Cut down on calories
If you are carrying excess weight and it won’t budge, it may be because you now need fewer calories. Over 50s who aren’t active need 200 fewer calories per day than those who lead a very physically active life. Adjust your diet to accommodate your slowing metabolism, for example, by reducing portion size rather than by cutting out foods.


Tips

a. When choosing fruits and vegetables, the more water rich, the better, ie. melons, tomatoes, lettuce.


b. Drink lots of water, while soft drinks and coffee contain water they are often packed with sodium and excessive amounts of sugar and acid.


c. Get plenty of exercise. Walking, jogging and aerobic exercise are great because they get the heartrate up and the stress level down.


d. Always check with your doctor before making drastic changes to your diet and exercise plan.

The World’s Most Unbelievable Facts

The World’s Most Unbelievable Facts

Have you ever stopped to think about all the unbelievable things that are going on in the world? I guess hundreds of unimaginable things should have just happened as you are reading this article.


Here are some of the most awesome facts - so incredible that you won't know whether to believe them or not. You'll find out that subjects like the human body, food, animals and history are far more surprising and exciting than you have ever imagined. So dive in and be prepared to be amazed, amused and astounded.

Unbelievable Body Facts

• An operation on a patient in a Belgrade hospital was disrupted when two surgeons started to fight. They took their punch-up outside and the assistant surgeon completed the procedure.
• A Michigan couple opened a parcel delivered to their home and were shocked to find a liver and an ear inside. The parts should have been delivered to a nearby research laboratory.
• A British pensioner who lost her false teeth discovered that her dog had eaten them. The dog had a three hour operation to have them removed.
• Florida girl Jennifer Mee hiccupped continuously for five weeks. The hiccups stopped as suddenly as they had started.
• A Yemeni man was found to have four kidneys instead of two. Although he was offered money for his spare ones, he decided that they were a gift from Allah and kept all four.
• A New Zealand tree surgeon broke his leg near the top of a 40-metre (130 feet) high tree. He was injured further when the rescue helicopter swung him into another tree.
• A Chinese man has grown the nails on his left hand for 15 years so that their total length is more than one metre (3 feet). He avoids crowded places in case one of them gets broken.
• A Brazilian woman who had suffered from stomach pain for years was finally given an X-ray that revealed a scalpel inside her body. The surgical tool had been left there 23 years earlier when she had given birth by caesarean section.
• An 80-year-old Chinese man agreed to have his hair washed for the first time in 23 years. It took twelve relatives and friends five hours to get all the grime out of his 2-metre (6 feet) long matted locks, followed by his beard which measured 1.5 metres (5 feet).
• Surgeons trying to correct the limp of a 5-year-old boy in China lengthened the wrong leg. The confusion arose when the boy was anaesthetised whilst lying on his back and operated on whilst lying on his stomach. So it's always best to check.

Unbelievable Food Facts

• An Italian woman was cleaning the soil from potatoes for dinner when one turned out to be a hand grenade. Neighbours called the police and the weapon was safely detonated.
• Welshman Captain Beany worships baked beans. He dresses in baked bean orange, bathes in beans and formed the New Millennium Bean Party.
• A British girl put two shop-bought organic eggs in an incubator to see if they would hatch. A few weeks later, two fluffy chicks popped out.
• A Chinese car dealer covered a Volkswagen Beetle in 200 kilograms (440 pounds) of chocolate for his Valentine's Day display.
• The remains of 4,000-year-old noodles was found at a site in China in 2005, settling the argument of where they were invented.
• A Chinese man fed instant noodles to his dogs too often that they became addicted and refused to eat anything else.
• A British man with a food phobia has lived mainly on cheese for 20 years. The only other thing he can bear to eat are crisps.

Unbelievable Animal Facts

• Workers at a Kenyan animal sanctuary were surprised when an orphaned baby hippo chose Mzee the 130-year-old giant tortoise as its new parent.
• Since Owen the hippo was rescued from the sea after the 2004 Tsunami, the pair has lived, slept and played together.
• Staff at a British zoo had to hand-feed milk to a baby colobus monkey after it was rejected by its mother for having hiccups.
• A tiny frog wandered into the freezer of a cafe in Darwin, Australia and was found frozen solid. Once thawed out, it was fine. Maybe it had just gone in for a croaka cola…
• A German cat was sent through the post after sneaking into a parcel while its owner looked for more tape.
• An Australian crocodile was so annoyed by the sound of a chainsaw nearby that it ran at the man using it and grabbed it from him.
• A cow caused an accident by wandering into a road in Columbia and was punished by being put in prison.
• 200 cats brought to a Chinese village to get rid of the rat problem were rewarded for their hard work with an enormous fish banquet.
• A starving mouse will eat its own tail.
• An elderly Swedish woman took animal rescue a little too far. Police found that she had been sheltering 11 swans in her tiny Stockholm apartment for more than five years.

Unbelievable History Facts

• Before coins were invented, shells were used in many countries as money.
• The first five Tarzan films were silent. There were no Tarzan calls in those then.
• The three mile (5 kilometres) long tomb of Chinese emperor Qin Shi Huang contains more than 8,000 life-size clay soldiers created 2,300 years ago to protect him in the afterlife.
• Many 19th century artists and writers living in Paris were fond of a green alcoholic drink called absinthe, also known as 'the green fairy'. It was believed to be dangerously addictive and could cause madness, so was banned in most countries in 1915.
• The first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong, was travelsick as a child.
• The Chinese invented fireworks more than 2,000 years ago. The sound was created to scare off evil spirits.
• French artist Henri de Toulouse Lautrec broke both his legs in his early teens and they stopped growing. As an adult, he had a fully-grown torso and child's legs.
• Sunglasses were worn in China as early as the 12th century, using pieces of smoky quartz as dark lenses. They were worn more to conceal facial expressions during interrogation rather than for protection against the sun.
• Early false teeth were made from hippopotamus bone and dead people's teeth.
• The first living beings to go up in a hot air balloon were a sheep, a duck and a rooster in 1783.
• Heavy snow slowed down the normally accurate Big Ben clock in London on New Year's Eve 1962, making it announced the New Year ten minutes late.
• Yellow tennis balls were not used at Wimbledon until 1986. Before that they were white.
• Can openers were invented 50 years after tin cans.
• The owl was a symbol of death for the Aztecs, Mayans and ancient Romans.
• Maybe next time, you'd like to pen down your own unbelievable facts and amaze others…but for now, enjoy reading!

Health Benefits of Amla, Basil & Bitter Gourd Juice

Getting and staying healthy is very important in society today. Transportation and mobility allows greater interaction and exposure. This exposure leads to many new types of illnesses and diseases.As a result, people are seeking ways to prevent getting sick. The increase of fruits and vegetables is known to help in this. However, many people cannot eat that many vegetables in a day.

Three good ones are amla juice, basil juice, and bitter gourd juice. They all have certain health advantages for those taking them. This allows people to take the juice that targets their need.

Health Benefits of Amla Juice

• Amla juice is very famous for anti-aging properties of health. The overall aging process is delayed meaning people look younger. This includes the look of their skin as well as internal organs.
• Amla juice is made from amla berries otherwise known as gooseberries. Amla juice has a very high concentrate of beneficial vitamin C. Vitamin C is well known for warding off common colds and infections.
• There are many other advantages of this natural juice product. Amla juice can help control blood pressure and help diabetics. This natural product has many benefits which makes it popular.

Health Benefits of Basil Juice

• Basil juice is another popular product sold and purchased online. Basil juice works at the cellular level in a person’s entire body. It absorbs positive ions while energizing negative ions in nature.
• Medial issues or illnesses are also treated with basil juice. Basil juice is used in the treatment of fevers of malaria and viruses. Headaches and migraines are relieved when treated with this product.
• Stress has been shown to be reduced by drinking basil juice. Studies show the product protects from stress and keeps it manageable. Many other benefits exist from using this natural herbal product.

Health Benefits of Bitter Gourd Juice

• Another popular juice is bitter gourd juice sold online by websites. Bitter gourd juice is especially helpful for glucose levels. The product works to maintain blood glucose levels in the bloodstream.
• Diabetics speak very highly of bitter gourd juice as it helps daily. Bitter gourd juice even has excellent sources of B vitamins. Bitter gourd juice is a versatile product which makes it popular.

10 diet foods that can make you fat

10 diet foods that can make you fat

1. Juices and smoothies
When totting up our daily intake of calories, many of us forget to take into account those that come in liquid form. However, the drinks you consume throughout the day can vastly contribute to weight gain. While smoothies and juices count towards your daily intake of fruit (and swapping fry-ups for a morning smoothie would certainly do wonders for your waistline!) supplementing meals with these sugary fruit drinks could add hundreds of extra calories on to your daily intake. Smoothies and juices contain more sugar but less fibre than whole fruit, making fresh fruit a much better snacking option.

2. Cereal bars
Many of us believe that cereal bars are the perfect healthy snack and breakfast-on-the-go. However, most breakfast bars are packed with cane sugar and corn syrup, not to mention high levels of fat. In fact, despite their healthy image, cereal bars can contain as much fat, sugar and calories as an average chocolate bar, and can cause crashes in blood sugar levels which will leave you craving more food.

3. Dried fruit
As with smoothies and juices, dried fruit has many beneficial properties and counts towards your daily intake of fruit. However, due to the concentration of sugars that occurs when fruit is dehydrated, it is also very high in calories and sugar when compared to the same amount of fresh fruit, and is much lower in fibre and nutrients. On top of this, many brands add sugar to dried fruit to improve the flavour, which boosts the calorie content even further.

4. Diet drinks
Many of us turn to sugar-free versions of our favourite drinks to help stay trim, yet diet drinks may actually be causing you to pile on the pounds. Research by the Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio found that those who consumed diet drinks daily experienced a 70 per cent greater increase in waist circumference than those who drank none, while a previous study showed that obesity risk increased by 41 per cent for each diet drink consumed. A suggested reason for this is that artificial sweeteners trigger appetite, and they may also inhibit the brain cells that make you feel full.

5. Salads
When eating out or buying food on the go, salads are generally presented as the "healthy option". However, often this is not the case. While salads contain vegetables and other healthy ingredients, these are often buried under a layer of oily, sugary dressings which can be high in both fat and calories. Many salads do contain good fats that can help with weight loss (such as in the case of avocados and olive oil), yet this is not always so. Avoid those sneaky calories by drizzling your salads with a light dressing such as balsamic vinegar, or skipping the dressing entirely.

6. Soup
While soup can be the perfect weight loss food when prepared correctly, not all soups fall into the diet food category. In fact, many soups can rack up a significant amount of fat and calories, particularly those containing dairy products such as cream or cheese. On top of that, many soups are very high in salt, which can lead to bloating. To help stay trim and cut calories, try purchasing (or better yet, making your own) vegetable-based and cream-free soups.

7. Dips
Hummus is often perceived as the perfect diet-friendly dip. However, while the healthy snack is undoubtedly nutritious, it is also packed with calories and fat from its principle ingredients of oil and tahini. Another dip for dieters to watch out for is guacamole which, while traditionally packed with nutrients and good fats, often contains calorie-laden double cream. While most dips can be eaten in moderation, if you want to splurge guilt-free go for a homemade tomato salsa which is packed with nutritious ingredients and is almost fat-free.

8. Vegetable crisps
Many people view vegetable crisps as the "healthy" alternative to the potato variety. However, while some vegetable crisps contain slightly more fibre and vitamins than potato crisps, this is not always the case and the difference is generally very slight, with most of the vitamins derived from fresh veggies being lost in the process of making them into crisps. On top of this, vegetable crisps are often just as high in fat and calories as potato ones and contain just as much salt.

9. Popcorn
Air-popped popcorn is a great nutritious, high-fibre and diet-friendly snack. However, when butter is added into the equation, the tasty snack can quickly lose its healthy credentials. Store-bought and cinema popcorn can be extremely high in fat and calories due to its liberal coating of butter and/or sugar, and is often also served in large quantities. Furthermore, as the TV-friendly snack is often eaten in front of a screen, we can easily consume far more than we intend to due to mindless snacking.

10. Granola
It's marketed as a health food, is sold in health food stores and even looks remarkably healthy, so it must be a diet food, right? In the case of granola, sadly the answer is no. While granola is undoubtedly nutritious and full of fibre, it also contains high quantities of sugar and oil, making it extremely high in fat and calories. To help save your waistline, try eating granola in small portions or, better yet, switch to a lower fat sugar-free muesli which will deliver the same health benefits without the calories.

20 Pain Cures You Can Find in Your Kitchen

20 Pain Cures You Can Find in Your Kitchen  

1. Make muscle pain a memory with ginger

When Danish researchers asked achy people to jazz up their diets with ginger, it eased muscle and joint pain, swelling and stiffness for up to 63 percent of them within two months. Experts credit ginger’s potent compounds called gingerols, which prevent the production of pain-triggering hormones. The study-recommended dose: Add at least 1 teaspoon of dried ginger or 2 teaspoons of chopped ginger to meals daily.


2. Cure a toothache with cloves

Got a toothache and can’t get to the dentist? Gently chewing on a clove can ease tooth pain and gum inflammation for two hours straight, say UCLA researchers. Experts point to a natural compound in cloves called eugenol, a powerful, natural anesthetic. Bonus: Sprinkling a ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves on meals daily may also protect your ticker. Scientists say this simple action helps stabilize blood sugar, plus dampen production of artery-clogging cholesterol in as little as three weeks.


3. Heal heartburn with cider vinegar

Sip 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar mixed with 8 ounces of water before every meal, and experts say you could shut down painful bouts of heartburn in as little as 24 hours. “Cider vinegar is rich in malic and tartaric acids, powerful digestive aids that speed the breakdown of fats and proteins so your stomach can empty quickly, before food washes up into the esophagus, triggering heartburn pain,” explains Joseph Brasco, M.D., a gastroenterologist at the Center for Colon and Digestive Diseases in Huntsville, AL.

4. Erase earaches with garlic

Painful ear infections drive millions of Americans to doctors’ offices every year. To cure one fast, just place two drops of warm garlic oil into your aching ear twice daily for five days. This simple treatment can clear up ear infections faster than prescription meds, say experts at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. Scientists say garlic’s active ingredients (germanium, selenium, and sulfur compounds) are naturally toxic to dozens of different pain-causing bacteria. To whip up your own garlic oil gently simmer three cloves of crushed garlic in a half a cup of extra virgin olive oil for two minutes, strain, then refrigerate for up to two weeks, suggests Teresa Graedon, Ph.D., co-author of the book, Best Choices From The People’s Pharmacy. For an optimal experience, warm this mix slightly before using so the liquid will feel soothing in your ear canal.


5. Chase away joint and headache pain with cherries

Latest studies show that at least one in four women is struggling with arthritis, gout or chronic headaches. If you’re one of them, a daily bowl of cherries could ease your ache, without the stomach upset so often triggered by today’s painkillers, say researchers at East Lansing’s Michigan State University. Their research reveals that anthocyanins, the compounds that give cherries their brilliant red color, are anti-inflammatories 10 times stronger than ibuprofen and aspirin. “Anthocyanins help shut down the powerful enzymes that kick-start tissue inflammation, so they can prevent, as well as treat, many different kinds of pain,” explains Muraleedharan Nair, Ph.D., professor of food science at Michigan State University. His advice: Enjoy 20 cherries (fresh, frozen or dried) daily, then continue until your pain disappears.



6. Fight tummy troubles with fish

Indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel diseases...if your belly always seems to be in an uproar, try munching 18 ounces of fish weekly to ease your misery. Repeated studies show that the fatty acids in fish, called EPA and DHA, can significantly reduce intestinal inflammation, cramping and belly pain and, in some cases, provide as much relief as corticosteroids and other prescription meds. “EPA and DHA are powerful, natural, side effect-free anti-inflammatories, that can dramatically improve the function of the entire gastrointestinal tract,” explains biological chemist Barry Sears, Ph.D., president of the Inflammation Research Foundation in Marblehead, MA. For best results, look for oily fish like salmon, sardines, tuna, mackerel, trout and herring.


7. Prevent PMS with yogurt

Up to 80 percent of women will struggle with premenstrual syndrome and its uncomfortable symptoms, report Yale researchers. The reason: Their nervous systems are sensitive to the ups and downs in estrogen and progesterone that occur naturally every month. But snacking on 2 cups of yogurt a day can slash these symptoms by 48 percent, say researchers at New York’s Columbia University. “Yogurt is rich in calcium, a mineral that naturally calms the nervous system, preventing painful symptoms even when hormones are in flux,” explains Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., a professor of gynecology at Yale University.


8. Tame chronic pain with turmeric

Studies show turmeric, a popular East Indian spice, is actually three times more effective at easing pain than aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen, plus it can help relieve chronic pain for 50 percent of people struggling with arthritis and even fibromyalgia, according to Cornell researchers. That’s because turmeric’s active ingredient, curcumin, naturally shuts down cyclooxygenase 2, an enzyme that churns out a stream of pain-producing hormones, explains nutrition researcher Julian Whitaker, M.D. and author of the book, Reversing Diabetes. The study-recommended dose: Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of this spice daily onto any rice, poultry, meat or vegetable dish.


9. End endometrial pain with oats

The ticket to soothing endometriosis pain could be a daily bowl of oatmeal. Endometriosis occurs when little bits of the uterine lining detach and grow outside of the uterus. Experts say these migrating cells can turn menstruation into a misery, causing so much inflammation that they trigger severe cramping during your period, plus a heavy ache that drags on all month long. Fortunately, scientists say opting for a diet rich in oats can help reduce endometrial pain for up to 60 percent of women within six months. That’s because oats don’t contain gluten, a trouble-making protein that triggers inflammation in many women, making endometriosis difficult to bear, explains Peter Green, M.D., professor of medicine at Colombia University.


10. Soothe foot pain with salt

Experts say at least six million Americans develop painful ingrown toenails each year. But regularly soaking ingrown nails in warm salt water baths can cure these painful infections within four days, say scientists at California’s Stanford University. The salt in the mix naturally nixes inflammation, plus it’s anti-bacterial, so it quickly destroys the germs that cause swelling and pain. Just mix 1 teaspoon of salt into each cup of water, heat to the warmest temperature that you can comfortably stand, and then soak the affected foot area for 20 minutes twice daily, until your infection subsides.


11. Prevent digestive upsets with pineapple

Got gas? One cup of fresh pineapple daily can cut painful bloating within 72 hours, say researchers at California’s Stanford University. That's because pineapple is naturally packed with proteolytic enzymes, digestive aids that help speed the breakdown of pain-causing proteins in the stomach and small intestine, say USDA researchers.


12. Relax painful muscles with peppermint

Suffering from tight, sore muscles? Stubborn knots can hang around for months if they aren’t properly treated, says naturopath Mark Stengler, N.D., author of the book, The Natural Physician’s Healing Therapies. His advice: Three times each week, soak in a warm tub scented with 10 drops of peppermint oil. The warm water will relax your muscles, while the peppermint oil will naturally soothe your nerves -- a combo that can ease muscle cramping 25 percent more effectively than over-the-counter painkillers, and cut the frequency of future flare-ups in half, says Stengler.


13. Give your back some TLC with grapes

Got an achy back? Grapes could be the ticket to a speedy recovery. Recent studies at Ohio State University suggest eating a heaping cup of grapes daily can relax tight blood vessels, significantly improving blood flow to damaged back tissues (and often within three hours of enjoying the first bowl). That’s great news because your back’s vertebrae and shock-absorbing discs are completely dependent on nearby blood vessels to bring them healing nutrients and oxygen, so improving blood flow is essential for healing damaged back tissue, says Stengler.


14. Wash away pain injuries with water

Whether it’s your feet, your knees or your shoulders that are throbbing, experts at New York’s Manhattan College, say you could kick-start your recovery in one week just by drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily. Why? Experts say water dilutes, and then helps flush out, histamine, a pain-triggering compound produced by injured tissues. “Plus water is a key building block of the cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones, your joints’ lubricating fluid, and the soft discs in your spine,” adds Susan M. Kleiner, Ph.D., author of the book, The Good Mood Diet. “And when these tissues are well-hydrated, they can move and glide over each other without causing pain.” One caveat: Be sure to measure your drinking glasses to find out how large they really are before you start sipping, she says. Today’s juice glasses often hold more than 12 ounces, which means five servings could be enough to meet your daily goal.


15. Heal sinus problems with horseradish

Latest studies show sinusitis is the nation’s number one chronic health problem. And this condition doesn’t just spur congestion and facial pain, it also makes sufferers six times more likely to feel achy all-over. Horseradish to the rescue! According to German researchers, this eye-watering condiment naturally revs up blood flow to the sinus cavities, helping to open and drain clogged sinuses and heal sinus infections more quickly than decongestant sprays do. The study-recommended dose: One teaspoon twice daily (either on its own, or used as a sandwich or meat topping) until symptoms clear.


16. Beat bladder infections with blueberries

Eating 1 cup of blueberries daily, whether you opt for them fresh, frozen or in juice form, can cut your risk of a urinary tract infection (UTIs) by 60 percent, according to researchers at New Jersey’s Rutgers University. That's because blueberries are loaded with tannins, plant compounds that wrap around problem-causing bacteria in the bladder, so they can’t get a toehold and create an infection, explains Amy Howell, Ph.D. a scientist at Rutgers University.


17. Heal mouth sores with honey

Dab painful canker and cold sores with unpasteurized honey four times daily until these skin woes disappear, and they’ll heal 43 percent faster than if you use a prescription cream, say researchers at the Dubai Specialized Medical Center in the United Arab Emirates. Raw honey’s natural enzymes zap inflammation, destroy invading viruses and speed the healing of damaged tissues, say the study authors.



18. Fight breast pain with flax

In one recent study, adding 3 tablespoons of ground flax to their daily diet eased breast soreness for one in three women within 12 weeks. Scientists credit flax’s phytoestrogens, natural plant compounds that prevent the estrogen spikes that can trigger breast pain. More good news: You don’t have to be a master baker to sneak this healthy seed into your diet. Just sprinkle ground flax on oatmeal, yogurt, applesauce or add it to smoothies and veggie dips.


19. Cure migraines with coffee

Prone to migraines? Try muscling-up your painkiller with a coffee chaser. Whatever over-the-counter pain med you prefer, researchers at the National Headache Foundation say washing it down with a strong 12- ounce cup of coffee will boost the effectiveness of your medication by 40 percent or more. Experts say caffeine stimulates the stomach lining to absorb painkillers more quickly and more effectively.


20. Tame leg cramps with tomato juice

At least one in five people regularly struggle with leg cramps. The culprit? Potassium deficiencies, which occur when this  mineral is flushed out by diuretics, caffeinated beverages or heavy perspiration during exercise. But sip 10 ounces of potassium-rich tomato juice daily and you'll not only speed your recovery, you'll reduce your risk of painful cramp flare-ups in as little as 10 days, say UCLA researchers.

The Warm Winter Wardrobe

For a variety of reasons, people spend time outdoors in the winter. Exercising, shoveling snow off sidewalks, or just getting to work or the grocery all expose our relatively poorly insulated bodies to the cold. This is where wearing the right clothing can make the difference between being protected and comfortable or vulnerable and miserable. The following common sayings related to dressing for

8 Wonder ways for a flat tummy

8 Wonder ways for a flat tummy

Blame it on SRK's six-pack-magic, Aamir's eight-pack-charisma or Priyanka'shot bikini body, but flaunting the flattest tummy and a set of well toned abs is the latest dream for many youngsters.

But, they usually tend to forget that it takes more than just basic crunches and crash dieting to carve a drool worthy,flat stomach. Explains fitness trainer, Deanne Pandey, "Ab exercises + cardio exercises + right diet – this is the most effective formula to achieve well-toned abdominal muscles. Missing upon any one of these will take away the real impact of an abs-workout."

"An ideal diet and workout for every individual depends upon his/her weight loss requirement, body type and body shape,"suggests Pandey. For instance, a pear shaped person may indulge in a less strenuous workout and minimal diet modifications to get the desired tummy in comparison to an apple shaped body, who is usually heavy in the tummy area.

Here are a set of workout and physical activities, which when combined with an ideal eating plan and cardio workouts can assure you of the killer abs that you always dreamt of...

1. Naukasana- A common yoga posture that works wonders on your abs.

Method: Lie flat on the ground, with your back on the floor. Raise your upper body and legs to an angle of 30 degrees and hold the posture for 30-40 seconds, then relax. Repeat this asana for 10 times to begin with, graduating to 30 times.Breathe normally all through the work out.

"Holding onto the posture tightens and contracts your upper and lower abs while repeating the movement tones them up," tells yoga expert Usha Chegappa of Bharat Thankur's Artistic Yoga.

2. Ushtrasana : It is the counter pose to naukasana .

Method: Stand on your knees, with heels facing upwards. Arch your back, placing your hands on your knees one by one.
Hold your head behind pushing your belly outwards. Hold this posture for 30 seconds and repeat 30 times.

"During naukasana , the ab muscles contract building up tension in the area, while ushtrasana releases the tension by giving your tummy a good stretch. It is important to practice ushtrasana after naukasana to save one's back from injury,"explains Usha.

3. Basic crunch : The good old crunch still remains the best exercise to bag the perfect abs.

Method: Lie on the floor with your legs off the floor in a right angle. Keep your shoulders just above the floor. Breathe in and bring your knees in towards your chest, while lifting your upper body to an angle of 30 degrees and breathe out while you relax. Repeat this exercise 15-20 times to begin with.
"Don't arch your back. The crunches will help you contract your abdomninal muscles giving them an effective workout," suggests Deanne.

4. Bridging: Stretch till you feel the burn!

Method: Lie flat on the floor with your hands resting by your sides, feet flat on the floor, shoulder width apart and knees bent. Now, contract your abdominals, lower back and gluts and slowly lift your midsection to form a bridge from your knees,through your hips to your shoulders. Hold this position for a few seconds, and then slowly lower. Fitness expert Kiran Swahney suggests, "Avoid this exercise in case you are suffering from lower back problems."

5. Lying Torso Twists: Twisting motion stretches the oblique muscles.

Method: Lie on the floor with knees pulled over your chest. Place a ball between your knees and stretch arms to the sides like an airplane, palms facing up. Contract your abs and twist your hips to the right, bringing knees towards the floor Don't touchthe floor, but use your abs to bring your knees back to the start and go to the other side."Make sure your shoulders lie flat on the floor and keep breathing normally," advises Kiran.

6. Cycling: Not on the cycle, but on the floor.

Method: Lie on the floor and raise your legs. Make slow pedaling motions with both your legs alternatively. Keep breathing normally.Touch your left elbow to your right knee, then your right elbow to your left knee.

"The slower and controlled are the motions, more is the pressure exerted on your abs giving better results," explains Deanne.

7. Side plank: targeted to your oblique muscles or side abs.

Method: Lie down on your side with elbows supporting your body above the ground. Now lift your body sideways. This will make you feel the stretch on your oblique muscles giving them a good workout. 2-3 sets of 15-20 movements are ideal."Make sure your body is in one line without any bends and arches. If indulging in a strenuous workout is on your mind, hold in the position and pulsate," adds Deanne.

8. Dancing wonders: Feel the pulse

"Stomach muscles are core muscles involved in any kind of dancing. A toned stomach accentuates your moves, while dance movements make your stomach sexy. It's a co-related process," says dance instructor, Nanda Kundu.Some of the dance forms that can help you tone your stomach include Lindy Hop, Jive, cha cha and belly dancing."All these forms of dance involve lots of lifts, dips and tricks which give a great workout to the stomach muscles," adds Nanda.

The above mentioned abdominal muscles are required to be repeated over a period of time to get desired results."Give sufficient rest between abdominal exercises and sets. Increase the amount of repetitions that you performeach week by two times, until you can comfortably perform 20 repititions of each abdominal exercise," advises Kiran.