Foods For Healthy Hair

Long, beautiful, gleaming, steaming, flaxen, waxen... I adore hair! ~James Rado and Gerome Ragni, Hair. Like Rado, practically everybody in the world admires good and healthy hair. Well nourished hair is probably one of the most attractive features of a person’s being. But, not all of us are blessed with such feathery tresses and for such people, acquiring beautiful looking hair requires some attention. You need to eat, sleep and exercise right. Yes, you heard it – exercise also! All these factors are extremely essential in determining how your hair looks. It is not important what hairstyle you have or how you accessorize your hair, if it looks limp and dull, the effect will definitely be lost. Whatever the length of the hair, it needs to be oiled, shampooed and conditioned for a fabulous effect. As mentioned earlier, eating right defines your hair and comprises a major part of the hair-care regimen. This article provides some tips and advice on the diet you need to follow regularly for a happy and healthy crowning glory. So, step out of the dressing room, and step into the kitchen!

Diet For Healthy Hair

Dark Green Vegetables

We know you feared this one! But it is a fact that spinach, broccoli and other greens, that you don’t like, have plenty of vitamins and other nutrients in them. These nutrients are required by your body to produce sebum (the oily substance that acts as a natural hair conditioner). They supply iron and calcium to your body which reduce breakage of hair. So, it is time to include those green leaves into your diet at any cost!

Seafood

Seafood is also essential for hair growth and maintenance and fish is the best way you can get the sulphur and fatty acids required for healthy hair and skin. Shrimp, mussels and oysters have an enormous amount of zinc which is required for various body functions such as hair growth, cell building and growth etc and it also strengthens hair follicles and assists in absorption of other vitamins. However, if you are allergic to seafood, you can always opt for certain dietary supplements like cod-liver oil etc to ensure that you hair do not suffer from any deficiency.

Cottage Cheese

Vegetarians should definitely try the low fat cottage cheese during lunch or breakfast for a glossy and shiny effect on the hair. What you eat, shows externally. Tastier options include adding it as a topping on berries or other fruits or salads. It is an excellent source of calcium as it is a dairy product. Increase your intake of this magic food and strong hair would follow.

Poultry

Chicken and turkey are some of the vital providers of high quality protein. Weak and brittle hair is revitalised on eating these meats. Protein deficiency can result in loss of colour in the hair which leaves it looking dull and distressed. Chicken also happens to be high in iron content which ensures healthy blood circulation leading to healthier, stronger and lustrous hair.

Nuts

Thick hair is procured by eating nuts and dry fruits. The best ones are Brazil nuts which supply important mineral called selenium to your hair. Walnuts contain alpha linolenic acid that conditions your hair while cashews, pecans and almonds are a terrific source of zinc. Be careful as zinc deficiency leads to hair shedding. Follow the nutty way and go nuts over the good looking hair you obtain!

Bean Sprouts

Silica is present in most bean sprouts that are a must to prevent hair loss. Silica helps your body in absorbing the vitamins and minerals that you consume with your diet. So, if you’re not consuming some form of silica, you’re not doing your job for strong hair. Other than bean sprouts, silica is also present in peppers and cucumbers. Hair follicles and roots need nutrition to give you a good output. If you haven’t shopped for it yet, pick them up right away!

These are some of the food items you need to include in your diet to achieve your dream of having gorgeous and healthy tresses!

How To Treat Insect Bites

Earth is not a habitat of human beings only; it also inhabits zillions and zillions of species which are exceptionally unique and fascinating, adding a special charm to the glorious beauty of nature. One of these species is insects. There is a wonderful world of insects that exists in the lap of Mother Nature. According to research, it has been estimated that there are over 1 million species of only insects present in the world; and that every day, a new specie is introduced in the list. Isn’t their selfdom amazing? However, don’t be too happy for out of the numerous insect species, there are many that are destructive by nature and can harm people with their dreadful bites. There is a huge variety of insects that bite humans such as mosquitoes, fleas, bedbugs, midges, ticks, etc. There are also insects like bees and wasps, which do not bite but sting. Humans encounter insect bites often during daily activities, especially in warm and humid weather. Therefore, it is a must to know how to treat insect bites. For the same, an underlyingknowledge about the types and symptoms of the bite is cardinal. General symptoms include redness, itchness, pain and swelling in the effected region. There are also insects whose bite can give birth to some allergic reactions. Treating insect bites is not a laborious task and can be performed at home only.

Treating Insect Bites

• First, wash the insect bite with mild soap and water. Now apply antiseptic ointment. This would lower down the infection risk.
• If you are experiencing a lot of itching near the infected area, then you can moist that skin area with water. Also, rubbing an aspirin tablet over the bite can help you treat it, as it contains anti-inflammatory properties.
• Calamine lotion, ice packs and anti-histamine creams can help greatly in decreasing swelling and itchiness generated from the bite of the insect.
• If the above mentioned lotions or creams are not available, you can treat your swelling and itching with salt. For the same, take 1/2 tsp of salt in a bowl. Add a few drops of water to moisten the salt. Using a spoon, mix the two to form a paste. Apply this fine paste on the bitten area. Apply an adhesive bandage over it to keep the paste in place.
• Another home remedy to treat caused due to the insect bite is baking soda. Take a glass of water and add one tsp baking soda in it. Now take a clean cloth and dip it into the solution. Put this dipped cloth onto the bite for about 20 minutes or so.
• Take a bowl and pour a quarter of hot water into it. Now mix one tsp Epsom salt in it. Cool this solution in the refrigerator until it gets chilled. Then soak clean cloth into this solution and apply on the bite for 20-25 minutes.
• If a tick bites you, then very carefully pull out the tick from your skin. Never leave the mouthpart embedded as it can give birth to infection. You can use tweezers to do the same. Wash the affected area thoroughly with a mild soap and water. Next, apply an antiseptic cream onto the bite.
• In case you have been bitten by a spider, then instantly clean the affected area with soap and water. Apply an ice pack over the infected area. This would reduce the venom’s absorption. You can also moist the bite with water and rub an aspirin tablet to reduce the poison. Apply an antiseptic lotion later.
• To avoid swelling to increase, remove the stinger from the skin with the help of fingernail or an edge of any plastic delicately. The sooner you pull it out, the lesser swelling and pain you will suffer.
• Also, in case of sting, you can neutralize the inflammatory chemicals with the help of heat. You can treat the sting with heat through hair or blow dryer.
• To remove the poison, you can open some charcoal capsules and moist its powder. Now apply this paste on the affected area and apply gauze onto it.
• The very easily available remedy if the insect has bitten you in the garden or a park is mud. Take some mud and mix it with water. Now apply this paste on the bitten area and cover it with some clean cloth until mud becomes dry.

Tips

• Try to wear long pants and jackets to decrease the skin exposure.
• When a black widow spider bites, its venom causes severe abdominal pain. Sometimes people assume this pain to be the pain that one feels during appendicitis. To avoid this confusion, ensure that you tell the doctor about the spider bite.
• Brown spider can also give rise to sore lumps, even after some weeks of biting. Consult a doctor in the same case.
• If after all the home remedies the pain and swelling still persists, consult a doctor immediately.

Treating insect bites are essential as they can take a severe face if the immediate treatment is not carried out.

How To Flatten Your Stomach

Who would not want washboard abs? But everyone would agree with the fact that while getting one is extremely difficult, maintaining the same is even more complicated. Yes, we know that acquiring a flat tummy is a very tricky process. The stomach is probably the most unmanageable part of the human body. While a balanced diet goes a long way in helping to reduce those extra inches, diet minus exercise will not help! Similarly, people are wrong when they think that they can gorge on all the food they love and spend an extra hour in the gym to negate the effect. A healthy diet and a fair amount of exercise is the answer for getting a flat stomach. But if it was that easy, why do people still complain about weight gain and bulging tummies? We suggest you some simple tips that will help you keep yourself slim and healthy, and of course bring back that flat stomach.

Flattening Your Stomach

Avoid Crash Diets

Crash dieting is not the best solution to have a flat stomach. In fact not only does it ‘not’ help acquire a flat stomach, it also has ill effects on your health. When you are following a crash diet, you sometimes cut down on food that your body requires and though you lose some extra pounds, you also lose those necessary nutrients which prove harmful for your body in the long run. Following a balanced diet instead, is the way to lose weight and get that prized washboard flat stomach. Do not starve yourself by any means.

Exercise Regularly

Exercising is very important if you want a flat stomach. Follow a regular pattern of exercise in terms of time and type of exercise. Be consistent. Find time out for exercising from your busy schedule, because a gap of even a single day may lead to subsequent weight gain. Only crunches will not help. There are several other exercises which aid in stomach flattening.

Motivation

Just like determination to exercise regularly is very important, the motivation to continue the regimen for a long time is also important if you desire a flat stomach permanently. Most times, an immediate result is not possible. In fact, acquiring a flat stomach requires hard work in the form of exercising and maintaining a healthy diet. While the concerned person has to remain motivated towards his goal, the people around him should also encourage him.

Walk

Walking is the best exercise to getting the flat stomach that you desire. Whenever possible, give the bus ride a miss and walk. Don’t burn the fuel when you can walk to your destination. Jogging in the early mornings and evenings also helps in acquiring a flat tummy. Also, it would give you a chance to explore nature and enjoy its bounties.

Drink Water

Have you ever heard of the phrase, drinking your way to health? No, well, now you have heard it. So, what are you waiting for? Head straight to the water cooler and gulp down a glass of luscious water. Drinking lots of water is a healthy habit. A person must drink at least 8 glasses of water each day. It helps in digestion which subsequently helps in getting a flat tummy. Water also flushes out harmful toxins from the body, maintaining a healthy you throughout.

Follow A Moderate Diet

Being too lenient with your diet will not help and so will being too strict, for while you will have no control over what goes into your mouth in the former, in the latter, you would be overtly conscious which can be harmful. Thus, it is advised to follow a moderate diet. Take a break from your healthy diet once in a while and gorge on your favorite ‘unhealthy’ food. It would not harm you; rather it would keep you motivated to stick to the healthy food.

Eat Small Meals

Eat at intervals throughout the day rather than taking a full meal at once. This will help to increase the metabolism rate and keep the tummy from bulging out in the long run. This will also keep you feeling light throughout the day.

Follow these tips to get a flat stomach today!

Food Sources Of Vitamin D

Have you ever wondered what is the secret behind your healthy bones and adequate overall health? Well, a balanced diet would be your instant reply. Sure, it is. But dude, there is more to it that keeps you on your foot and working for so long. We are talking of one of the essential vitamins in your diet - vitamin D. nicknamed as the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D plays a significant role in maintaining a healthy immune system, absorbing calcium, and improving bone health. Besides, vitamin D delivers some marvelous benefits for our body, such as reduction of certain diseases like heart disease, maintains healthy eyes, releases energy the lack of which can cause sluggishness, and balances the level of calcium and phosphorus in the blood, apart from others. However, vitamin D is not found in many foods; hence, knowing which foods contain vitamin D is highly essential. Apart from sun exposure, let’s take a look at the list of vitamin D rich foods in the lines that follow.

Vitamin D Rich Foods

Milk

Milk is considered to be one of the best sources of vitamin D. A glass of milk is enriched with essential nutrients, not to forget vitamin D. Besides, milk is not only nutritious for children but also for adults equally. Researches indicate that vitamin D present in milk provides anti-aging benefits. As such, make milk a part of your daily diet.

Egg Yolks

Eggs are another rich source of vitamin D, especially the yellow bulbous portion called the yolk. As such, it regulates the nervous system, cardiovascular system, and the brain. Further, it lowers the risk of cataract and helps in improving one’s nails and hair growth.

Salmon

Salmon is yet another one of the major sources of vitamin D. In fact, it is one of the natural sources of vitamin D and essential fatty acids which is very rare. Salmon helps in improving the functioning of the brain and protecting the nervous system. It acts as an anti-depressant and hence, assists in relaxing the brain, increasing brain efficiency, and improving memory.

Cod Liver Oil

Cod liver oil is extensively known for providing vitamin D in large amounts. As such, it is known for improving the condition of the heart and cardiovascular system. Further, it assists in enhancing the functioning of muscles and supporting the elasticity of blood vessels. Researches have linked cod liver oil with reducing high cholesterol levels and thinning of blood, thereby decreasing the chances of clogging arteries.

Mushrooms

Apart from containing fewer calories, mushrooms are savored for their taste, texture, and high amounts of benefits, particularly vitamin D. They are known for reducing hypertension, helping in weight loss, diminishing the risk of apoplectic attack, controlling migraine headaches, and maintaining healthy metabolism.

Canned Sardines

Though both fresh and canned sardines are used for consumption, but the canned versions are believed to provide more health benefits. Rich in vitamin D apart from other nutrients, canned sardines help in improving the overall bone health and cardiovascular health. Further, they are even known to treat inflammation effectively and keep the levels of body sugar under control.

Cheese

Cheese is one of those dairy products that is highly rich in vitamin D. This helps in absorbing high amounts of calcium from cheese, thereby improving bone health and preventing osteoporosis. To add on, the presence of vitamin D in cheese is useful for strengthening teeth and avoiding cavities. This, in turn, is helpful in preventing the wear and tear of the enamel.

Canned Tuna

Canned tunas are filled with large amounts of vitamin D. As a result, they are highly beneficial in protecting the skin against sun burns and skin cancer. Further, it helps in replenishing the moisture content, thereby keeping the skin moist and giving it a natural glowing look.

Herring

Herring is one of the richest sources of extracting vitamin D. With over 952 IU of vitamin D in just one cup of herring, this nutritious fish should be a must-have food in the diet of non-vegetarians. Particularly the Atlantic herring is more beneficial than the Pacific variety. Have it raw, dried, pickled, fermented, or cured through techniques, herring provides all the benefits of vitamin D through all means.

Cooked Liver

For those of you who do not know, liver is yet another great source of providing your body with vitamin D. Though all chicken, beef, and calf livers contain considerate amount of vitamin D, but it is the calf liver that is the healthiest amongst all. It is very useful for proper bone growth, healthy skin and hair, and reproduction.

Apart from the above, mackerel, halibut, catfish, shrimps, oysters, orange juice fortified with vitamin D, fortified yogurt, margarine, and fortified breakfast cereals are also good sources of vitamin D. Hope this list of vitamin D rich foods was helpful to you.

Dry Skin Rashes

The skin encases your whole body. It is a living organ consisting of several layers. The topmost layer of the skin is a protective covering that keeps the inner layers, muscles, fat tissues and blood vessels safe. Hence, it is very important for the underlying layer of the skin to be in the pink. Healthy skin will always be supple and well moisturized. However, many people suffer from dry skin which is regarded as an undesirable quality because it is unattractive. Dryness of the skin can be a symptom of a bad lifestyle or a specific disease and is more prone to rashes. It is a common phenomenon especially during winters. Moreover, dry skin is also prone to itchy rashes. It can even be painful as skin cracks can eventually begin to appear as well. These rashes can also be a mild symptom of allergy and can be caused by things that you hold such as your pets, the food that you eat or prevailing weather conditions. Read further to know more on the causes, symptoms and remedies for dry skin rashes.

Causes, Symptoms And Remedies For Dry Skin Rashes

Causes

• Though no specific cause can be pinned down for the outbreak of dry skin rashes, the following factors can have a role to play as they can make the skin dry.
• Changes in the climate and cold winds are major causes of dry skin which can in turn lead to skin rashes
• Exposing the skin to direct sunlight can cause dry skin in any climate. The sun’s heat dehydrates the skin by reducing its natural oils. This can cause the skin to flake.
• Water is important to stay hydrated. However, water can dry the skin out in many ways as the more frequently the skin comes in contact with water and hotter the water , more oil gets leeched out of the skin leaving it dry and tight.
• Certain soaps surround water molecules on the skin and take them away when they get rinsed off the skin. Usually, bar soaps are harsher than liquid body cleansers.
• Certain medications make the skin porous and leaky thereby reducing its water content.
• Sometimes malnutrition, kidney disease and dialysis can trigger dry skin as these health conditions deprive the skin of necessary vitamins.

Symptoms

• Redness of the affected area
• Dry skin
• Burning, tingling or stinging sensation
• Scaling or flaking of the skin
• Changed texture of the skin
• Tightening
• Itching
• Pain
• Thickening
• Cracking of the skin
• Small blisters on the skin

Remedies

• To treat dry skin rashes, you must not venture into the sun. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can aggravate the rashes on your skin.
• Dry skin rashes can also be caused by aftershave creams. You must stay away from alcohol based skin formulations or makeup items as they sap the skin of water.
• Opt for soap free and perfume free cleaners for regular cleaning.
• Your skin must be healthy from within so that it can keep dry skin rashes at bay. Increase your consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables and fish to enhance your skin internally to reduce the occurrence of skin inflammation.
• Applying a good body moisturizer will help in softening and conditioning your skin. However, do not apply a moisturizer that contains fragrance and other additives. It is best to use a skin moisturizer that is based on natural ingredients which reduces the skins exposure to harmful chemicals.
• As rashes occur commonly on dry skin, it is important to keep your body hydrated and moist by drinking plenty of water. It is recommended that at least eight glasses of water be consumed every day. Skin that is insufficiently hydrated tends to develop rashes.

Hope you find the abovementioned information on dry skin rashes helpful. Eat healthy and drink lots of water and juices to have that enviable glowing skin.

How To Wear Boots

Remember how cute Shrek’s Puss looks in boots? But boots not only make you look cute but also sexy, sassy and, obviously hot, all at the same time. And as if looks alone were not reason enough to grab a pair, the classy, sophisticated and elegant things that these boots are, they are also timeless. Meaning? They never ever go out of trend! In case you didn’t know it already, you need not wait for snow or rain to take out the pair of boots from your shoe closet. Boots are a necessity for every girl and can be a style attack for any occasion. With different sizes and heels that are available in the market, choose wisely and purchase a pair that is economical and fashionable as well – not to mention it has to be comfortable too! If you have seen any of the cowboy movies, you would probably imagine a girl in fitted jeans, cowboy hat, waist coat and boots and would probably try to picture yourself in that attire. But not all of us live in Arizona and ride a horse for daily commuting so our attires would be a tad bit different from theirs! Read this article to find out how to incorporate boots in your daily attire with great ease and style.

How To Wear Boots With Style

With Skirts

If you have it then go ahead and flaunt it! This is the only line that should stay on your mind when you are dressing up in skirts and boots. The size of the skirt and the boots are to be strictly inversely proportional. If the skirt is small then wear a high raise boot and if it is the other way around then wear an ankle boot. Do not ever make the mistake of wearing a high rise boot with a long skirt. It does absolutely nothing to your figure and makes your legs appear shorter. Wear stiletto heels on boots when you are putting on a short skirt for the flirty look. Put on a pair of tights underneath your skirt if you are the conservative sorts.

With Denims

The more rough and torn and tattered your boots the better they look with a pair of denims. You could experiment with ankle boots, leather boots which are either flat or with heels. Jeans give you the liberty to either be comfortable or dressy all the time. With jeans inside boot you automatically whip up a glamorous air around you. And if you are thinking of boot cuts then the peek-a-boo look of the heel and toe of your boots is chic and fashionable as well. Remember to tuck your skinny jeans inside your tall boots if you have skinny legs and are not afraid to flaunt them!

With Dresses

High boots with stiletto heels can make the most ordinary dresses look attractive and drop-dead-gorgeous! Contrast light and plain frocks with ultramodern leather boots for the best effect. If you want to show some skin then opt for the ankle boots that come in outrageous colours with flashy buckles for the cool and urbane look. For a formal occasion, try out an over the knee pair of boots along with a knee length dress for the smart and professional appearance.

With Leggings

The staple and most popular boots that go well with leggings are the slim and high boots. These are also well-suited for the slim and trim amongst us. Pair a boot which fits well around your leg. Avoid ultra body hugging boots that make the skin above the boot bulge out in an ugly manner! Another thing to look out for is that the boots should not be slouchy and there should not be more than half an inch of space between the leg and the boot. Slouchy boots give you the vibes of the 70s and if you want to be a blast from the past then you can go ahead and try that look as well.

Hope the above mentioned tips give you a good idea of what boots to wear with which outfit. Watch out for the fashion shows and the red carpet events for the latest trends and style.

Common Skin Disorders

A skin problem is much like cough and cold. Just like we ignore cold and usually do not follow a prescribed medication to cure it, similarly we tend to ignore our skin and its problems until it turns into something really serious. Skin is one of the most sensitive parts of the human body. It is made up of several layers and thus, requires proper treatment both internally as well as externally. While some people take care of the exterior surface of skin, they tend to forget to take care of the interior nourishment, consequently leading to a number of diseases. Though a lot depends upon the surroundings that we live in, the quality of the human skin is also dependant upon our daily diet. Skin diseases are varied. They may range from harmless rashes to severe problems. Therefore, the treatment of skin diseases also varies according to the problem. Some of the most common skin problems have been given below.

Common Skin Problems

Atopic Dermatitis or Eczema

Eczema is a chronic skin disorder which is accompanied by itchy scaly rashes that lead to inflammation of the skin’s surface. Eczema is hereditary. The rashes may occur on the face, hands or leg flexures. Eczema is seen in people of different ages. The severity of the rashes decreases as one grows old.

Acne

Acne or pimples is one of the most common skin problems normally seen in teenagers. The pimples which occur in the form of pustules, papules, cysts or even blackheads and whiteheads are caused by the excessive production of androgen hormones in adolescence. The androgen hormones facilitate excess production of oil from sebaceous glands. It is the sebum which leads to acne on the skin’s surface.

Nappy Rash or Diaper Rash

Nappy rash is accompanied by skin inflammations in the nappy area of a toddler. The feces and urine that the baby excretes in the diaper are the reasons behind increased nappy rash. It is always advisable to keep a baby’s diaper clean at all times to prevent rashes.

Dermatomyositis

Rashes in dermatomyositis lead to muscle immobility. The muscles become weak and stiff and therefore, it becomes difficult for the person to move. Dermatomyositis is also accompanied by joint pains and a red-purple coloring of the skin, especially on the skin above the eyelids.

Seborrhoeic Dermatitis

This skin problem usually occurs in hair bearing regions of the body. Inflammation is seen on the head, underarms and beard in men. This problem is also seen in newborn babies. Inflammation occurs in the form of red and scaly rashes.

Mouth Ulcers

These occur inside the mouth in the form of open sores. Though the mouth cankers are not very serious, they are extremely painful. Mouth cankers are caused because of the deficiency of vitamin B in the body. The infected area looks red and swollen.

Psoriasis

The symptom of this skin disease is a red scaly rash on the skin of knees and elbows. Psoriasis can be quite irritating because it is accompanied with continuous itching. The direct effect of psoriasis is soft fragile toe and finger nails. This skin disorder is hereditary by nature.

Rosacea

This skin problem occurs only on the face of a person. It is characterized by a swelling or acne-like eruption on the skin of cheeks, nose, forehead and even eyelids. Rosacea is also chronic and may affect a person throughout his life.

Warts

Wart is a viral infection of the skin that occurs in the form of open lesions on hands and legs, especially in areas which are injured or wounded. Warts are very common and are painful only if they form on the sole of a person’s feet.

Cold Sore

As the name suggests, this is a viral infection that occurs during winters. It manifests in the form of blisters in the cold season on the skin near the lips. The cold sore also leads to swelling of gums and causes redness to the eye.

These are some of the common skin disorders that people are often affected with.

Improve Skin Complexion

We look at actors and actresses on television and it’s almost as if their complexions and skins cast a spell on us. It is but natural for you also to yearn for that flawless complexion which looks no less than a preserve of the privileged. Having a bad or unhealthy complexion can be a quite a prestige issue amongst people especially women. It can also make them lose confidence when they see their counterparts with better complexions. This is because skin is the most prominent part of our image and is first thing that is observed by others. Complexion is essentially the natural color and appearance of the skin of a person and human skin usually ranges from dark brown to pinkish white. Some men and women are blessed with naturally fair skins while others have to struggle hard to maintain that look. However, in general, people from sunny regions tend to have darker skin than those from colder regions. In fact, even the celebrities are not always bestowed with a naturally glowing skin. Most of their pictures are airbrushed and they spend hours dabbing with make up before coming on the screen. But that doesn’t mean that you have to do the same. You can adopt some very easy natural measures to get a better complexion than your current one. Go through the information below for tips on how to improve skin complexion.

Ways To Improve Complexion Of Skin

Moisturize Your Skin

You must keep moisturizing your skin at regular intervals. Applying a nourishing cream at night before you retire for the day helps rejuvenate the skin and makes it soft and supple.

Drink Plenty Of Water

Drinking plenty of water is a great and easy way of keeping the skin moist and hydrated. A tota lof eight to ten glasses of water per day flushes out all the toxins from your body and thereby helps in brightening your skin complexion.

Get Adequate Sleep

Apart from drinking plenty of water, it is also necessary to catch up on adequate sleep on a daily basis. This is the easiest of all beauty treatments which is also among the most effective. If you think the term ‘beauty sleep’ is just another old wives’ tale, you are mistaken. Seven to eight hours of sound sleep is the minimum that your body needs. This helps a lot in preventing wrinkling of skin, dark circles and dull and puffy eyes.

Use Sandalwood

Sandalwood is considered to be the best home remedy for treating dark skin. It is one of the most expensive, exotic and aromatic plants that we know of. It is immensely useful in treating many skin problems like acne, rashes, spots, itching and freckles etc. It works great as a cooling agent and stimulant and is also known to protect the skin from the sun’s rays. Sandalwood also has anti-aging properties that retain the smoothness of the skin.

Keep Your Hair Away

Hair is exposed to a lot of dust and pollution and sometimes it also carries oil and dandruff which do not, in any way, help in improving your skin complexion. If your hair tends to come in constant contact with your face, you can tie it back so that nothing touches your face or forehead.

Consume Plenty Of Fruits And Vegetables

You must increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables as they are amazing reservoirs of essential vitamins and anti-oxidants which are extremely beneficial for the skin. In the same breath, avoid consuming junk and oily food stuffs because they can only harm your skin.

Be Wary Of Laundry Detergents

You must be careful while using certain types of laundry detergents especially if you are diagnosed with any kind of eczema, dermatitis, or sensitive and allergic skin. The chemicals in some detergents tend to irritate the skin causing it to react unpleasantly. You can use hypoallergenic products whenever possible. The best way to avoid this problem is by using mild soaps and cleaning products that are less likely to cause skin irritation and allergies.

Use Gram Flour Instead Of Soap

Soaps generally contain harsh chemicals that do no good to your complexion. On the contrary, they can even damage the skin to a certain extent. Instead of soaps, you can use gram flour made from green gram and Bengal gram mixed in equal proportions. It prevents darkening of complexion and also helps unclog skin pores so that acne can be avoided.

Exfoliate Your Skin

Exfoliation is very useful for those who have a rough skin. For such skin type, superficial cleansing is not enough and the skin needs to be exfoliated deeply to remove oil from its layers. This technique makes the skin resistant to roughness and leaves you with a smooth skin surface and fair complexion.

Now that you know some tips on improving your skin complexion from the information above, you can try them out and find a change for yourself.

Travel Body Care

It is a real fun getting away from home with your family & friends for a holiday. In fact, holidaying is the best way to relax your mind & body from the stress of your routine work. But traveling long distances can make you feel tired and reduce the joy of a vacation. To keep your body fit, it is always better to avoid junk and switch to healthy foods. Any exertion cannot only spoil your mood, but can also result in dehydration, fatigue and hunger. It's better to be proactive rather than reactive. Given here are a few tips on how to take care of your body and health while traveling.

Eat Healthy Food
Some people don't eat enough while traveling which is a big mistake and some eat a lot of junk food which is even worse. While traveling you should try to eat as much of fresh fruits and vegetables as you can. If fresh fruits are not available then try to have some dried apricots or raisins, which you can even take along with you in your hand bags.

Fruits & dry fruits, such as, apples, bananas, unsalted peanuts, dried apricots, etc, have the nutrients that are necessary for your body and helps in keeping you alert and active. Do not eat food that is high in salt content, as they will result in swollen ankles and feet. Drinking plenty of water and limiting the alcohol consumption can help you feel fresh & active. Try to keep your meal timing constant, eat small portions and try to eat slowly.

Carry Enough & Comfortable Clothing
Make sure that while traveling your clothes should be very comfortable as if they are too tight you will have difficulty to sit & relax. You should also keep in mind that clothes you wear are washable so that they can withstand travel stains.

Have A Sound Sleep
Some people have difficulty in sleeping while traveling. If you face same problem then make sure to keep your own pillow in your bag as you are used to that pillow and it is already adjusted according to the shape of your head and you will feel like home by relaxing on it. You could even wear a sleep mask on the journey. Most of these masks are made from soothing herbs that help reducing puffiness and have a cooling effect.

Exercise Is A Must
Wherever you're, try to exercise. As you're spending most of your time in traveling, your joints and back will get stiff. Probably you don't get adequate gear and machines, never mind and try to walk. Walking is the best exercise for everyone. Prefer taking stairs, than elevator or escalator.

Following these simple tips, you can avoid landing up in any undesirable situation.

No Dryness This Winter

Winters and woolens make a great pair but this chilly season also brings with it dryness to skin. CTM should be done regularly irrespective of season but few beauty products need to be replaced when it gets all cold and dry. For instance, those pleasant smelling soap bars should give way to soft face wash and shower gels to prevent your skin from losing moisture. Dr Nishita Sheth, Aesthetic Dermatologist, DNCC clinic adds more to this list.

Hot Out
When the temperature drops we opt for hot water without realizing its after effects. It makes skin more dry and cracky as it takes away moisture from your body. Luke warm water is ideal for your skin. But if you choose to stick to hot water immediately apply heavy moisturizer after taking bath.

Make It Moist
You need to use lot of moisturizer during winters. It should be heavy oil based rather than water based. Medicated moisturizers are absorbed better by the skin. You can also apply petroleum jelly. Toners which are alcohol based should be kept away from your skin during winter season. Rosewater can be used.

No Sun Bath
Exposure to sun can also make your skin dry. Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or less than that as this is number which is suitable for darker toned people. If you are light skin you can go with SPF which is more than 30. Apart from application drink 10 to 15 glasses of water to stay hydrated.

Benefits of Yoga

Early in the morning is the best time for practicing yoga. Although it can be practiced at almost any time, the benefits gleaned from your Yoga routine are maximized when performed early in the morning. It is also a great way to start off your day, because you can continue to enjoy the relaxing and revitalizing effects of your Yoga routine throughout the day.

Make your environment fit for Yoga. It should be practiced in a calm, quiet, well ventilated room that is free from distractions.

First allow your mind and body to communicate effectively with each other where the entire purpose behind Yoga exist. This is defeated if you perform your Yoga poses in a room that has any distractions. If you practice Yoga at home make sure you designate a clean, noise free and well ventilated room as your Yoga zone. It is important that you should switch off your cell phone and let friends and family know that this is your �alone time� and you should not be disturbed.

Benefits of Yoga:

1. Yoga strengthens Kids and helps them become more flexible and coordinated

2. Yoga enhances self-awareness for Kids. Children who practice yoga learn early on to tune into their bodies. Self esteem is bolstered as the children gain control over their bodies and minds.

3. It enhances imagination and empathy. Children are asked to strike poses from nature. They might assume the pose of a snake, or a tree, or a dog. Then they are asked to imagine what it would be like to be those life forms. In this way, children learn early on to connect with all the life on the planet and realize that similarities far outweigh differences.

4. Yoga teaches children to have fun and move their bodies in a con-competitive environment. Yoga is not about being right or wrong, or being best or worst. But it is about bringing unity to one's own life. Children can work together to help each other reach this goal.

5. Moreover yoga for kids teaches self-discipline. As part of the practice of yoga, kids need to slow down, hold certain postures, breathe or think in a certain way.

6. Yoga encourages children to master themselves rather than wait for an adult to control them.

7. Yoga for kids can also be a way to strengthen families.

8. Children can learn ways to relax and get control of stress in their lives through Yoga. A child worried about a test, for instance, might use the meditation or breathing techniques of yoga to help her calm down and focus.

Miracle Drink : Carrot, Beet Root and Apple

his MIRACLE DRINK has been circulating for a long time long ago. You need one beet root, one carrot and one apple that combine together to make the Juice. There is a celebrity Mr. Seto who swears by it. He wants to make it public to draw the attention of people who have cancers. This is a drink that can protect bad cells forming in your body or it will restrain its growth! Mr. Seto had lung cancer. He was recommended to take this drink by a famous Herbalist from China. He has taken this drink diligently for 3 months and now his health is restored.Thanks to this drink! It does not hurt for you to try.

This Miracle Drink will be effective for the following ailments: 1. Prevent cancer cells to develop. It will restrain cancer cells to grow. 2. Prevent liver, kidney, pancreas disease and it can cure ulcer as well. 3. Strengthen the lung, prevent heart attack and high blood pressure. 4. Strengthen the immune system 5. Good for the eyesight, eliminate red and tired eyes or dry eyes 6. Help to eliminate pain from physical training, muscle ache 7. Detoxify, assist bowel movement, eliminate constipation. Therefore it will make skin healthy & LOOK more radiant. It is God sent for acne problem. 8. Improve bad breath due to indigestion, throat infection, 9. Assist Hay Fever Sufferer from Hay Fever attack. Drink it in morning with empty stomach. There is absolutely no side effect. Highly nutritious and easily absorbs! Very effective if you need to loose weight. You will notice your immune system will be improved after 2 week routine. Please make sure to drink immediately from the juicer for best effect.

Lose belly fat without sit-ups or leg lifts

The way to burn weight is burn more than you take in. If you do this you will loose weight. Turn your diet into a high fiber diet and the more you eat the more you will loose. Eat two or three bowel per day. Salads of fresh veggies will help as well. Stay away from burgers and processed foods. Chicken meat and good cuts of pork are OK.

You need to eat 5 or 6 times per day. From early morning on. Eat small meals. Understand this.. There`s no such thing as "spot reducing", or in other words, you can`t do exercises to lose fat in one particular place on your body.

To lose fat, you need to do an exercise that raises your heart rate to above 110 beats per minute, and keep your heart at that rate for about 30 to 45 minutes. People who want to lose fat often go for jogs. If you have neck problems you might just want to go fast walking for 45 minutes or so per day. Just go out in your neighborhood and walk as fast as you are able.

Stop SMOKING right now - Tips

Everyone is different and a method that works well for one person may not work so well for others. The main ingredient is your desire to quit - once you are 100% sure YOU WANT TO QUIT then all methods actually get easier.

Any kind of addiction is more of a psychological than a physical one. Smoking is one of it. If you really want to quit smoking, you must discover the reasons to smoke.

Once you deal with the psychological side of smoking it makes the quitting process easy, no matter your level of addiction. To quit smoking does not require any patches, gums, hypnosis. Once you deal with the psychological side of smoking it makes the quitting process easy, no matter your level of addiction. To quit smoking does not require any patches, gums, hypnosis. These methods are expensive, time consuming and simply do not work. All that is required is a bit of motivation, self belief and determination. Tips you can try: Whenever you REALLY crave a cigarette, put a timer on for five minutes and do not light it until the timer goes off. Do this and gradually work your way to 10, 15, 20, and even 30 minutes. Chew some gum or drink water in the process. BELIEVE in yourself, and KNOW that you can quit. Make a list of all the positives of quitting smoking (Eg.: save money, live longer, do not always have the smell of smoke.. ect.) and hang it where you can see it every day. Set a quit date. Write down a date when you will never ever have a cigarette again. Write it down, plan for it, and prepare yourself for it. Get a friend to quit with you. Think of what you are doing to youself every time you light a cigarette. Whenever you take a puff, think of a negative thing (ex: i am hurting other's around me, over 400, more people die EACH YEAR doing what i am doing right now) Some people think its easier to quit "cold turkey" than trying to gradually move off it. See what works best for you and come up with your own special tips. When craving a cigarette start cooking a meal that needs maintaining, that way you can't stop to have a smoke. Buy one pack of cigarette at a time, and switch to a brand that you do not like. Start only smoking in certain places such as outdoors.

Avoid Hair Loss - General Tips

Reasons for Hair Loss:

People lose hair for several reasons. Illness and medication (like chemotherapy to treat cancer) can cause hair loss. Hair loss can also be inherited from parents. Medications can weaken hair, causing it to break or fall out. Semi-permanent color is good in this case, too, because it does not contain ammonia or peroxide. It will not damage hair, but will give it body and volume. Don't stay too late at night.

Tips to avoid hair Loss:

Get enough sleep, massage your scalp. Supplement your diet with biotin capsules. That would help and you can take a lot of it without getting sick or overdosing. There are some examples where people who have had success in reversing thinning hair with biotin supplementation. Get a lot of iron and protein in your diet (not pills), the best method is through supplements (multivitamin tablets). If you suffer from dandruff as well, try a 2% Ketoconazole medicated shampoo and maybe take an antifungal tablet once a week(get it prescribed by a doctor). To protect hair, one of the best practice is to shampoo only when hair is dirty. Because fine hair gets dirty faster, people with fine-textured hair need to shampoo more frequently even though fine hair breaks more easily. For that reason, fine-textured hair benefits from a good shampoo and volume-building conditioner.

Dandruff problem:

Medicated shampoos for dandruff are not really a solution because after start using them, you will have to use them basically all the time.

Try something natural, for normal hair like Ayurvedic formulas, for sensitive skin, baby shampoos. Do weekly hot oil treatment using olive oil. This will nourish the scalp and stimulate healthy hair growth. Trim your hair once every 8-10 weeks to remove split ends. Massage your scalp every night using a wide toothed combed to improve blood circulation in your head and stimulate growth.

Hair Thinning

Hair Thinning is a very common one. If you loss more than 50-75 hairs a day, you have to consult a physician and have a complete medical examination conducted. This is the only way to reveal the existing cause for the problem and treat it properly. Thinning of hair all over the scalp can be due to various causes like stress, work pressure, depression. There are other causes for hair thinning in men and women, some include genetics, malnutrition, illness and side effects from any other medications.

Hair Thinning is a very common one. If you loss more than 50-75 hairs a day, you have to consult a physician and have a complete medical examination conducted. This is the only way to reveal the existing cause for the problem and treat it properly.

Thinning of hair all over the scalp can be due to various causes like stress, work pressure, depression. There are other causes for hair thinning in men and women, some include genetics, malnutrition, illness and side effects from any other medications.

Also if you believe your hair is thinning, see your family doctor, who will be able to find out the common causes such as thyroid deficiency and iron deficiency. Some skin disorders like eczema or psoriasis of the scalp, can cause thinning of the hair.

Don't try the following drugs that may cause thinning of hair:

Drugs for epilepsy (valproate sodium, vigabatrin) Calcium antagonists for blood pressure (amlodipine) Anti-thyroid drugs (carbimazole, propylthiouracil) ACE inhibitors for blood pressure or heart failure (captopril, enalapril, lisinopril) Antimalarials (chloroquine) Anticancer drugs Blood-thinning drugs (warfarin) Mood-stabilizing drugs (lithium, valproic acid) Drugs for gout (allopurinol) Drugs for Parkinson's disease (for example, pramipexole, bromocriptine) Anti-acne drugs (isotretinoin) Lipid-lowering drugs (clofibrate, bezafibrate)

General Tips:

Try something natural, for normal hair like Ayurvedic formulas, for sensitive skin, baby shampoos. Do weekly hot oil treatment using olive oil. This will nourish the scalp and stimulate healthy hair growth. Trim your hair once every 8-10 weeks to remove split ends. Massage your scalp every night using a wide toothed combed to improve blood circulation in your head and stimulate growth.

Mental Health: General Tips

Proper diet and exercise are the two big ones to our mind healthy. Interesting puzzles are also good to keep the brain on top. If you have any serious problems that don't go away, see a doctor. It could be depression or something else affecting your mind. Sleep is important for repairs and rejuvination and exercise is important because it increase blood flow to all parts of the brain.

1. At initial stage it's very hard to concentrate so don't worry

2. Keep your eyes closed

3. Try to focus on one thing, like breathing in happy things and breating out negative thoughts

4. Keep this practice and do it daily

Stimulate Kids Mental Development:

Play classical music when your kids were sleeping and on long drives, it supposedly stimulates the brain.

Talking to a baby is very important from the start.

Read books to him and make things into little songs, stimulate the responses in them by singing, reading, talking and once he is a little older playtime on the floor not only on the back but the tummy too.

A gym you set above them is great visual stimulation and makes them want to reach out for it when old enough.

Meditation is an avenue for self understanding. The more you understand who you are the better you will feel and the happier you will be. At first, you might feel what you discover is a mess in yourself, but as you go deeper, the more you will forget about yourself find your meaning in the world and the happier you will be.

Remember focus on your breathing, breathe in deep, hold it, let it out slowly. Feel the blood rushing your body. Focus on your thoughts and breathe. Close your eyes.