Causes of Acne to Occur

Who doesn't wants to have clear and beautiful skin? but almost all of us experience acne at some or the other time in our lives. Acne outburst on any part of the body, be it your face, neck or back, is always irritating. So, it is always advisable to get acne treatment at the initial stages of the outburst and keep the acne at bay.

Causes of Acne to Occur
Always remember that when something is wrong with the internal organs of the body, the complaint regarding their malfunctioning is exhibited through the skin. The digestive organs only react to what we have given to them. It has been revealed that the combination of rich carbohydrates and protein in large amounts, forces the toxins to the surface of the skin and form acne and pimples, which later on leaves acne scars. So, if you think that applying a lotion will do, it will not, some of them will disappear but host of other pimples are readying themselves for the attack on the surface of the skin, they may however change the strategy and appear on other parts of the body.

If you have been struggling with breakouts and still finding new ways to cure pimples then you need to follow a complete skin care regimen that actually works at preventing acne from taking over your face. A reliable daily acne skin care regimen with natural acne remedies followed on a regular basis is the best way to treat acne prone skin.

To treat acne prone skin your acne skin care regimen should have:

• Moisturizers are the best ways to prevent your skin from drying out. But to cure pimples use the one which is not oily, made for sensitive skin. It will be more beneficial if you get one that has salicylic acid along with glycolic acid for more protection against acne all through the day.
  
• Salicylic acid - helps reduce the shedding of cells lining the follicles of the oil glands. Also opens the pores and cleanses the skin having dirt and bacteria.
  
• Astringents and Toners, use them for cleaning with glycolic or alpha hydroxy acids because they are great for toning the face and helps to fade away acne scars. These acids actually can reduce the pore size, and help avoid ingrown hairs. They also helps in exfoliating your skin
  
• SD Alcohol 40 if used on regular basis, will remove excess oil and sebum which will keep your face from looking shiny.
  
• Avoid wearing skin tight clothes, they are known to cause body acne by trapping sweat.
  
• Use make up brand which does not clog the pores.
  
• Use a sun-blocker by wearing a hat.
  
• Dry your face carefully after washing, do not apply pressure.

So, try these tips and include them in your daily regimen, but it will be better if you consult your condition with a dermatologist.

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Depression?

What is Depression?
Depression is a medical Illness & not just a feeling of hopelessness. It's more then just feeling sad.

How common is Depression?
It's as common as the Common Cold. According to the World Health Organization, it's the Third Most Common Illness in the World after Infectious diseases & Heart disease. It's the 4th to the 10th most frequent diagnosis made by the family doctor.

Who is at risk to get Depression?
All of us are! An alive human being (with fair intelligence) is the greatest risk!! As confirmed by scientific data ¼ to 1/3 of us are going to have it once in lifetime. Every 3rd female and every 5th male will have it at least once.

What are the causes of Depression?

• » Biological
• » Psychological
• » Social

Biological causes:

I. Chemicals / Neurotransmitters: Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers, which are critical in the transmission of nerve impulses in our brain and nerves. The level of certain neurotransmitters, NORADRENALINE & SEROTONIN are decreased in the brain. Most of the medications used for treating depression (Anti depressants) help in elevating the levels of these chemicals in the brain.

II. Genetic: For every possible physical and mental feature there is a gene in our cells. So is a gene for Depression. The parents of a depressed person are at a higher risk for depression. If a sibling has depressive illness then there is a 15% chance, that it will be there in another sibling .If the onset of depression is after the age of 40 yr. then chance of it being genetically transmitted is less.


III. Hormonal imbalance: Though the exact mechanisms are not understood but imbalance of female sex hormones can lead to depression. Depressions in the postmenopausal and post partum (after delivery) period are the examples.

Psychological causes:

I. Personality/ Attitudes: Following types of personality traits predispose to depressive illness.

• » Very ambitious
• » Anxious
• » Obsessive/perfectionist
• » Setting very high standards for self

Persons having above traits/attitudes are more likely to experience depressive episodes in their lives as compared to people who don't have such type of personality.

II. Coping strategies with life events: How we deal with stressful events like separation/divorce/death, etc. determines how predisposed we are to depression. People who are

• » Impulsive
• » Aggressive
• » Self centered

Are more likely to have depression.

Social causes and social supports:

• » A lot of stressful life events like death/divorce/disease predispose to depression.
  
• » Interpersonal relationships matter a lot - good relations with the friends / spouse / siblings have a positive effect in preventing depression.
  
• » Single people are more prone to depression than couples.
  
• » Similarly, studies have found divorced persons to be more prone to depression.

What are the features of depression?
Most of the people who feel low and depressed are given a lot of advice by friends and relatives. It is automatically assumed that these feelings of low energy / low mood are just a matter of time and would get better if the individual made a little effort to feel good and happy.

Persistence of such feelings of lethargy / low energy / low mood despite all this indicates that the person may be suffering from clinical depression. Following are the features that a depressed individual experiences.

Biological features (duration - 15 day or more)

• » Decreased sleep--- the person gets up very early in the morning say, at 3 am & can't sleep again. Frequent awakenings. Poor quality of sleep.
• » Decreased appetite/ weight
• » Dryness of mouth
• » Constipation
• » Reversed diurnal variation - everybody feels better in the morning but a depressed patient feels worst in morning & slightly better in noon to evening.
• » Generalized body ache - lot of poorly localized pains and aches like headaches, abdominal pains.
• » Easily fatigued & lethargic.
• » Panic features like palpitations and sweating.

Psychological features

I. Sadness of mood

II. Decreased pleasure & interest in activities which they enjoyed previously

III. Decreased attention, forgetfulness, like forgets where he/ she has kept things.

IV. Easily irritated

V. MOST IMPORTANTLY, OCCASIONALLY NO WISH TO LIVE.
BAD NEWS IS THAT THIS CONDITION CAN BE FATAL. 40% OF ALL SUICIDES REPORTED ARE IN PEOPLE WITH DEPRESSION.

GOOD NEWS IS, IT IS EASILY DIAGNOSABLE & EASILY TREATABLE.

What are the treatments available for depression?
A number of medicines are available suitable to different Patients. Broadly these are termed as Anti Depressants. These drugs remain the mainstay of therapy for depression.

There are certain important things to be kept in mind regarding anti depressant use:

• » ADEQUATE DOSE, FOR ADEQUATE DURATION IS THE CARDINAL RULE.
  
• » SOMETIMES SMALL DOSES FOR LESS DURATION IS GIVEN BY NON SPECIALISTS It leads to incomplete recovery with frequent relapses.
  
• » Antidepressants are NOT sleeping pills.
  
• » THEY ARE NOT HABIT FORMING.

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Anxiety

All of us have experienced some form of anxiety in our lives; those sweating palms before the start of an examination; the pounding heart on going to the stage are all features of anxiety.
A little anxiety is good in the way that it helps us focus on the task at hand and the body also channels it resources to meet the demands of the job. All of us experience milder forms of anxiety - stress, worry or tension - but when these symptoms collect (or are denied), they can quickly build upto a crescendo. This kind of an anxiety can be severly incapacitating.

Features of Anxiety
People who suffer from anxiety tend to experience physical symptoms such as palpitations, tremors, sweating, gastrointestinal discomfort, diarrhoea, muscle tension, shortness of breath, blushing and confusion. The first step in diagnosing an anxiety disorder is to rule out a physical cause: asthma, diabetes, seizure disorder, inner ear problems and hypothyroidism can all produce symptoms associated with anxiety.

Physical conditions can create or exacerbate anxiety as well. Also, those who suffer from cumulative stress may create a physiological condition (such as insomnia or impotence) that in turn makes the stress worse - initiating a destructive cycle. Over time, stress can raise blood pressure,contribute to ulcers, or impair neuroendocrine regulatory systems in the brain - the very one which control mood and anxiety disorders.

Without early intervention, some anxiety cases can become chronic. But many people - especially men - feel that seeking help is a sign of weakness. This is true for nearly all anxiety or mental health problems.


Experts believe that some of the fault lies in our culture, in which men aren't supposed to be fearful. Men buy into this myth themselves, say psychologists. They'll insist that it's a medical condition, like a cardiac arrest, even after that's been ruled out. The fact is, with true panic, the experience in the body feels almost the same as a heart attack.

10 ways to cope

• Admit your need, and then seek professional help.
• Have a physician check for a physical cause of anxiety symptoms.
• Practise muscle relaxation and abdominal breathing regularly.
• Engage in regular physical exercise.
• Eat nutritiously. Eliminate caffeine. Stop smoking.
• Practise meditation and creative visualization.
• Learn positive self-talk and disregard negative messages.
• Identify and express your fears.
• Determine what meditation and / or alternative therapies are right for you.
• Explore the deeper side of your anxiety; give meaning to your suffering.

What will help?

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advise

follow the tips regularly ,and be healthy

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healthy Food Recipes

Healthy Food Recipes

Food is one of the basic necessity for life. However, it can even prove detrimental to life if not taken wisely. Food recipes, without any nutritional value can exactly do that. If one wants to stay healthy, s/he must have food that is according to body type as suggested by Ayurveda. This ensures that people live healthy and happily. Healthy food recipes need not be boring. The right mix of ingredients and the right technique of cooking can, in fact, lead to some mouth watering yet healthy food. Here we list for you some Ayurveda food recipes that are not only health recipes but also tasty food that you will love to have. Some of these homemade recipes are quick and easy to make food recipes while others will take a little longer to get prepared but one thing is common in all these healthy recipes- their high nutritional value!

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nutrition

The importance of nutrition in attaining good health can never be ignored. What you eat will determine how long you will live, how obese you become, how often you fall sick, how physically fit you are, and a host of other vital factors. Nutritious food also helps you in maintaining your body weight.

Four major nutrients required by your body are:

• Carbohydrates
• Fats
• Protein and
• Water

Carbohydrates: The main form of energy you intake for your body is carbohydrates. Your body has the easiest time digesting carbohydrates like starch and sugar. Carbohydrates are broken down into individual fructose, glucose, units and so they are easy to digest.

Fats: Fats are essential for body to perform many corporal functions. Even saturated fats are indispensable because they help in strengthening your immune system. And they are also good for liver and lungs and help calcium absorption.

Proteins: Proteins are the building block your body uses to create new muscles tissues and repair any injured tissues. If you want to bulk up with muscles, then this is your food.

Water: Water helps in washing out the dangerous toxins that your body takes in, from the air you breathe, the food you eat and the chemicals used in the various products you use on your skin and hair. Water also cushion the joints of your body. Water also carries oxygen and nutrients into all your cells and also helps in regulating the temperature of your body.

Fruits and Vegetables for Maximum Nutrition
Different colored fruits and vegetables signify different nutrients. So, it is always advised to go for different colored fruits and vegetables to have all the required nutrients. Yellow and orange items typically are high in beta-carotene and dark leafy vegetables are high in Vitamin C. Cooking vegetables in oil also drains the nutrients present in vegetables. So, its always better to go for a quick steam with just a slight bit of water rather than boiling. Remember that it hardly matters how healthy your items are, if you drown them in oil.

Vitamins Aerobics

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cancer

What is cancer ?
The word Cancer is Latin word meaning Crab. It denotes a continuous, purposeless, unwanted and uncontrolled growth of cells. In our body, under normal circumstances, the number and growth of all the cells is a highly controlled mechanism. Cancer represents a failure of this system of limiting the growth of a particular type of cells in a tissue.

There is an excessive production of abnormal cells. These cells go into the surrounding tissues and cause damage. Through blood lymph vessels these cells may go to distant parts of the body and make new colonies of proliferating cells.

Is Cancer different from an infection? 
When germs or bacteria invade body tissues they cause an infection. The body launches defense mechanisms against these foreign particles and destroys them.

Cancer is due to proliferation of abnormal cells, which develop from body’s own cells. So they are not recognized as foreign and continue to grow and invade without being attacked by body defenses.

Cancers become dangerous if they are detected late, that is at a stage when they have spread to other organs or have caused destruction to surrounding tissues. The secondary growths interferes with the functioning of the particular organ or site involved.

On the other hand, If the cancer is detected at an early stage, it can often be cured either by means of surgery or be other therapeutic means available.

Are there any specific factors, which cause cancer? 
No single cause has been responsible for all cancers. It has been suggested that cancer factors, interfere with the body’s ability to check abnormal proliferation of cells. Agents, which cause cancer, can cause changes in the genetic constitution of cells. These oncogenes, as they are called, can change the nature of the life giving protein component of the cell (DNA or deoxy ribonucleic acid) which may then lead to impairment of the switching off mechanism.

Certain established carcinogenic factors are-

• Tobacco smoking – associated with cancers of lung, mouth, throat and larynx and also esophagus, stomach kidney & bladder.
  
• Ultra violet light from strong sunlight is responsible for increased incidence of skin cancers.
  
• Viruses like Epstein Bar virus is associated with increased incidence of cancer of nasopharynx.
  
• Betel nut, paan, gutkas chewing is associated with cancer of mouth.
  
• Chronically irritated & damaged tissues are more likely to develop a malignant change.

Is cancer contagious? 
NO, cancer cannot be passed from one individual to another. But there are certain cancers like liver cancer, which occurs more commonly in people infected with hepatitis B or hepatic C, which can spread easily from person to person. Also persons affected by HIV/AIDS, have a lowered immune defense mechanism and have a high incidence of cancer.

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Asthma

Asthma is a disease of the airways of the lungs which is characterized by increased sensitivity of the airways to a variety of triggers. It is generally an episodic disease, i.e., acute attacks followed by symptom free periods. Though most attacks are generally short lived, sometimes serious conditions occur in which severe Asthma is unrelieved for many hours or even days, like in status asthmaticus.

Who is affected? It occurs in all age groups, but is found to be more common in children. It tends to affect both sexes equally.

Types of Asthma: There are two types of Asthma--- Allergic and Idiosyncratic. Allergic Asthma: This type is often associated with personal or family history of other types of allergic diseases like hay fever, rhinitis, eczema etc.

The offending agents causing Asthma:

1. Environment and air pollution.
2. Certain drugs like Aspirin.
3. Occupational factors like working with animal skins, chemicals, stone dust etc.
4. Infections of the chest or Upper respiratory Tract can bring about an acute attack of Asthma.
5. Exercise and emotional stress.

Clinical Features: The most characteristic features of Asthma are--- breathlessness, cough and wheezing. The attack often occurs at night but may also occur abruptly due to one of the precipitating factors mentioned above.

The patient often experiences a tight sensation in the chest along with dry cough. Sometimes a long standing dry cough maybe the only indication of Asthma.

When is Asthma really bad?
1. If the wheezing was audible periodically suddenly stops and the patient is still feeling severely out of breath.

2. If the muscles of the neck and those above the collar bone stand out in effort with every act of respiration.

3. If the attack is continuing unabated for several hours or even days with no symptom free periods in between.

What to do:
1. Most of the known cases of Asthma keep 'inhalers' with them, these are devices which ensure direct delivery of the drugs to the lungs and thereby bringing about a rapid relief.

2. Avoiding known triggers which bring about an attack helps, like avoiding strenuous exercises, going out in the cold, etc.

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family planning

Considering the population explosion, increasing inflation and scarcity of resources, the family trends have shifted to nuclear families with number of children limited to one or two. Family planning refers to the natural and artificial birth control methods that allow you to control the size of your family and the gap between your children.

Advantages of Family Planning 
Family planning helps you prevent conception and reduce the risk of pregnancy. The biggest advantage of family planning tools is that they save you from the hassles of pregnancy termination and abortion. Adopting a family plan directly effects a woman's health in a good way by preventing unwanted and unplanned pregnancies and subsequent abortions. Restricting the family size allows more resources for bringing up your children and sustaining a family in a balanced way. Adopting family planning methods helps couples to let their children have a more focused upbringing, better education and other amenities.
Family planning perspectives are being given serious thought worldwide, and so, important birth control FAQ are being referred more often than ever for effective family planning.

Birth Control Options: Family Planning Tools 
Family planning tools are broadly categorized into two : Natural Family Planning Methods & the Artificial Family Planning Methods.

Natural family planning is based on avoiding sexual intercourse during the fertile period of women. This method is based on physical signs of ovulation like basal body temperature and certain changes in mucus consistency.

Artificial family planning signifies various contraception methods that include hormonal methods like birth control pills and Norplant implant, barrier methods like condoms which act as foremost male contraception, cervical caps and diaphragms, and sterilization or permanent contraception. Another popular hormonal birth control method is the IUD (Intrauterine device). This is a small metal device which is inserted inside the uterus of women of reproductive age. IUD prevents unwanted pregnancy and is an effective birth control device.

Birth control effectiveness is an issue that is fast gaining importance nowadays. For those who are looking for more family planning information and knowledge on birth control methods, welcome to this complete family planning guide for all your queries, doubts and apprehensions about family planning.

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Alternative Medicine

In general terms Alternative therapy is all those modalities and techniques of healthcare that are not provided by your conventional allopathic practitioner. Alternative medicines are actually used for healing treatments that are not part of conventional medical training. It is an encompassing term for systems of medicine like ayurveda, acupuncture, homeopathy, Reiki etc.

Ayurvedic medicine emphasizes the prevention of illness and maintaining good health by balancing one's life in terms of positive frame of mind, a healthy diet and lifestyle. Moreover, ayurveda also advocates the use of herbs and it is used for weight loss, impotency, liver or heart disease, and other common ailments. Also, ayurveda recognizes three main types of energy within the body known as kapha, pitta and vata.

Homeopathy is another excellent first-aid system and it is also one of the superb methods in the treatment of minor ailments such as the common cold, earaches and flu. Homeopathy is again based on the treatment of the individual and when practiced by a knowledgeable practitioner can also be very effective in the cure of conditions such as digestive problems, respiratory infections, hay fever and rheumatoid arthritis.

Acupuncture is one of the famous chinese art of healing. It involves inserting sterile, fine and disposable needles into specific body parts. Acupuncture stimulates the body's immune and healing systems. Other acupuncture techniques include moxabustion, chinese massage, exercise, diet, herbs, and cupping.
Reiki is a well known Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is carried out by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. And if one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.

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The Good and Bad of Yo Yo Dieting

What is yo yo dieting?

The yo-yo dieting , also known as weight cycling, refers to a cyclical pattern of repetitious loss and gain of body weight. The only good thing about this form of dieting is that it helps in loosing weight in a short period of time. This is achieved by skipping meals, keeping fasts, consuming low calories diet and also starving. Using this method you can lose weight from 2 to 5 kilos per cycle. In extreme cases you can reduce up to 25 kgs.

The yo-yo diet cycle

- As a first step, people go on a crash diet. It leads to instant weight loss and increases the metabolic rate.
- In the second cycle, since people lose weight drastically, they give up dieting and return to the normal eating habits. Many of them also eat high calories foods that have initially helped them to lose the weight. This lowers the metabolic rate.
- In the final cycle, they instantly put on weight. Again, the crash diet is started which leads to weight loss immediately, but this cycle is set and it continues. Hence the entire diet process is referred as the yo yo dieting. You lose weight and then you gain weight, something like the yo yo which moves up and down.

Yo Yo Dieting Cycle

Disadvantages of Yo Yo Dieting

- Leads to weight gain - Loss of muscle mass
- Accumulation of stubborn fat
- Affects the body's fat storing system
- Causes hormonal changes in the body
- Causes mood swings and depression
- Constipation
- Developing heart problems due to increased intake of high protein diet as a part of the crash diet
- Change of energy suppliers. The main energy source for the body is carbohydrates. But with yo yo dieting, consumption of high protein diet makes the body to switch over to fat as the main source of energy as a result of which ketone bodies are produced in the body which loads the kidney and leads to bad breath.

Conclusion
According to experts, yo-yo dieting is not a healthy way to lose weight in the long run. It is possible to lose weight without altering the body's fat to muscle ratio. Some tips are as follows:
- Aim for realistic weight loss goals.
- Decrease calorie consumption at a slower pace.
- Do not skip breakfast.
- Change activity levels to sustain muscle mass while losing weight. 

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weight loss

The most common problem of today seems to be that of obesity. You search the net, buy books, read magazines, watch health based TV shows, just to know how to lose weight. You know you should drink a lots of water, eat smaller meals five times a day, include more of fruits and vegetables in your diet, cut back on carbohydrates and sweets, take herbal products to increase your metabolism, do exercises- walking, running, swimming, cycling- anything that will melt your fats down. However, when it comes to actually losing your weight, nothing seems to do wonders.

If anyhow, you stick to your schedule and complete all your targets, you lose weight but as soon as you come out of your strict “starving” schedule to a mild “starving” schedule, you again put on weight. Puzzled about what is going wrong? Lets try to figure out some “not so common” facts about weight loss that might help you remain slim on a consistent basis. Be aware that these are not substitutes of your weight loss program, but enhancer of the same!

Now Use Internet Differently to Lose Weight!
Enough searching for tips to lose weight, use Internet and its many creative and unique resources to help you lose weight.

Bet you'll lose weight: Find out websites that help you take challenges. Bet on them, whether you can lose weight and get in shape. When your money's at stake, you will definitely do it! Won't you? Some sites also let bettors challenge each other. Bet that you'll beat someone else at achieving your goal weight. These sites assist you track each participant's progress and reward you for hitting your goals.

Tweet what you eat: The website with the same name offers a simple food diary that lets you track your food and weight on the Web or your mobile using Twitter. If you don't include calories as part of the tweet, the site fills them in for you using its food calorie database. It also gives daily reminders if you forget to update your diary. Such many other websites help you watch what you're eating.

Make online weight-loss friends: A University of Vermont study says that online weight-loss buddies help you keep weight off. The volunteers in the research program who were assigned to an Internet-based weight maintenance program sustained their weight loss better than those who used face-to-face support groups.

Keep Your Taste Buds Satisfied!
Baked, boiled food; raw fruits and vegetables- all said and done for losing weight- you also need to keep your taste buds alive and satisfied! Now you know the reason for those hunger pangs when you forget all your weight loss plans and binge on that junk food!

Take a weekly “high calorie – low calorie” treat: Now what is this “high calorie – low calorie” treat? These foods don't give the feeling of deprivation and they are categorized as high calorie food but down in the chart ( lesser calories than the more higher calorie foods). For example- just 83 calories in 85 grams of Lobster, just 60 calories in 12 large Shrimp, just 66 calories in 57 grams of smoked salmon and just 8 calories in one tablespoon of whipped cream that can be dropped over a bowl of fresh fruit for dessert. You can even take a spoonful of ice cream on this bowl of fruits or a little cheese with a lots of salad but remember- only once in a week!

Use smaller and dark colored plates: Colors have impact on appetite too. Dark blue kills your appetite. So go for such plates to eat in. Remember not to buy red, orange and yellow ones, they will just throw your appetite out of control- just think of those big fast food chains and the colors of their logos all in red- were they so foolish, not to research before finalizing their logo colors? Anyway, when you go for your weekly treat to these restaurants, remember to order half of your food to be packed even before it is served. This way you'll get two treats- one for the morning breakfast! Anyway, only half of these high calorie food is enough to feed you for once.

Watch Your Drinks!
Its good that you drink a lots of water but what about other drinks you consume? Do you keep watch on them along with what you eat? Probably no! You never thought that drinks too can contribute calories that you are so confidently losing by eating low calorie foods.

Carbonated drinks, add to your calories: For every 20 ounces of your favorite cola, you are taking in 250 calories. Several glasses a day and about 1000 liquid calories enter your body. Simple soda too can do what a cola can do to your weight loss program- ruin it!

Diet drinks, not safe either: Now you might be thinking of going for diet colas or soda instead of colas. A study published in a medical journal said (way back in 1980s when the safety issue of artificial sweeteners was being debated) that artificial sweeteners cause increase in appetite. More recently, some health studies too have suggested that they actually increase cravings for sweet foods.

Relax Yourself and Reduce Weight!
And as the saying goes “old is gold,” with adopting all the new ways to lose weight, also listen to ayurveda which suggests massage as an excellent way to reduce weight. It increases metabolism and helps fat absorption but only when done by expert hands. So find some good Ayurveda Treatement Centres and relax yourself while they help you reduce your weight!

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Benefits of Honey

Benefits of Honey

• • Eyesight
  Regular use of honey mixed with the carrot juice helps to improve the eyesight. It should be taken one hour before meals in the morning.
  
• • Cough
  Mixture of equal quantities of honey and ginger juice is a good expectorant. It gives immediate relief in symptoms like cold, cough, sore throat, congestion of chest and runny nose.
  
• • Asthma
  Mix half a gram of black pepper powder with honey and ginger juice mixture (equal quantity). Take this mixture at least three times a day. It helps to cure asthma.
  
• • Blood Pressure
  Take one teaspoonful of garlic juice mixed with two teaspoonful of honey. It can be taken twice a day in the morning and evening. Regular use of this mixture is beneficial for high blood pressure.
  
• • Blood Purification and Fat Reduction
  Take one glass of warm water and mix 1-2 teaspoonful of honey and one teaspoonful of lemon juice. Take this preparation daily before evacuation. It helps to purify the blood. It also helps to reduce fat and to clean the bowels.
  
• • Heart Tonic
  One teaspoonful of anise powder mixed with one or two teaspoonful of honey acts a very nice tonic for the heart. It strengthens the heart muscles and improves its functions.

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healthy tips

Over stress and over work have become a part of our life and also devoids us of thinking about our health. But still, a healthy diet can help us overcome the chronic stress and heal the rigors of everyday life. The following five tips will guide you in the right direction towards enhancing your life in a better way:

• Plan your meals in such a way that you are able to consume all the nutrient-rich foods because many different nutrients are needed for good health, and no individual food will supply them all. Fruits such as apples, grapes and bananas are great for the busy individual. They are perfect to eat on the run while still providing valuable nutrients.
• It's always better to keep your weight at a healthy level. Your proper weight will depend upon different elements, such as body type, size, your height, gender, and heredity. Eating foods in moderation will help to maintain a required weight.
• Always stock healthy and quick snack items such as veggie sticks, nuts, cheese sticks, protein bars, and greek yogurt.
• Drinking at least a gallon of water per day should be your aim, at any coast. Also avoid starched items such as pasta, potatoes and cereals. Moreover, keep in mind carbohydrates are not the enemy, they should be taken from the right source.
• Get into a habit of having a large bowl of healthy soup over the weekend. And it's better to distribute the large batch into smaller containers that hold an appropriate serving size for one day and freeze these containers. Before heading off to school or work, transfer one container from your freezer to your refrigerator so that it can be warmed up within a few minutes for dinner.

Try these tips to develop a healthy lifestyle even when life is hectic, that too with adequate emotional and physical rest, and the outcome will surely do wonders for you and your life. 

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5 essential tips for weight loss programme

To take photos that accurately track your progress, ones you can actually show to friends (or send to us), here are the five essential tips you must follow.

1. PLAN YOUR LOOK

Take your shirt off, even in the Before photo. Yes, you should feel embarrassed. You’ll have that much more motivation to make a change. But leave your pants on, please. Or wear shorts. Do not, under any circumstances, pose in your jnderwear — you’re not in a Calvin Klein ad… yet.

2. BE YOURSELF

Its OK to look pathetic in your before shot and triumphant in the after but don’t accentuate it by blowing out your stomach or grinning like a madman. You’ll get a better sense of how much your body has changed by standing in the same positions for both rounds of photos. Once you begin your transformation, take a new set of photos every four to eight weeks, so you can see your body’s gradual changes.

3. ACT NATURALLY

Don’t flex or act crazy. But you can try some of the “mandatory poses.” Stand relaxed with your shoulders back, and take pictures of you from the front, sides, and back.

4. GO HIGH-TECH

Use a digital camera — not a 35mm, not an old cell phone, and definitely not a Polaroid. Stand against a white or light-colored background without anything else behind you and pick a
well-lit room so you can avoid using a flash. Or at least take one with and one without, so you have a couple of options to decide between.

5. GO SOLO

The picture should be of you alone — that means no friends, pets, or tropical paradises in the background. These don’t convey a realistic idea of the transformation.

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Unhealthiest of fast foods revealed

ANI,Oct 30, 2010, 12.00am IST

A recent survey by Men's Health magazine has revealed that the Top 10 fast-food restaurants in the US boast entrees loaded with stomach-stuffing, artery-clogging saturated fat, sodium, and calories.

"Fast food requires fast decisions, and we wanted to create a guide to help people lose weight while still eating fast food," the New York Post quoted David Zinczenko, author of the book series 'Eat This! Not That!'' as saying.

Topping the list as the worst of the worst was the Tuna Melt sandwich combo from Quiznos.

The value meal tops out at an astonishing 1,900 calories -- the equivalent of eating an entire bag of Chips Ahoy! cookies and near the average person's daily caloric intake, the study noted.

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1. Good Skin food 
   
   Great skin is not just about using the right products. It's basically about eating the right food. Once you start giving your body the right sustenance, your skin will start glowing, and the right nutrients will clear your skin up.
     
   Here are few key foods that make you look good 
2. 1.water
3. :  Without doubt the best skincare food that nature made. Drink up 8 to 10 glasses daily to flush out toxins and clear up skin. It hydrates skin from inside
4. Tomatoes: The lycopene in the tomatoes are great to remove greasy skin and give our skin a pinkish glow.
5. Green Tea: Green tea boosts metabolism and helps in weight loss. It is a powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals. 
6. Orange & Grapefruit: Vitamin C is important to keep our skin free from patches and even out pigmentation. Daily dose of vitamin C through citrus fruits can clarify your skin.
7. Yoghurt: Lacto bacillus is needed to improve our digestion process. Probiotic yoghurt can improve digestion and remove toxins from inside. It is also a good source of calcium - needed for good teeth and bones.

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power packed foods

Good health and youthfulness are something that all of us crave for, particularly those dedicated to healthy living. While eternal youth or youthfulness may be as evasive as the 'fountain of youth', healthy living is very achievable. The listed ‘healthy foods’ below will not only help you to stay young but will also help to decrease your risk for some life threatening diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Remember your body will be good to you only if you be good to your body. So try and include not all, but as many as possible from the listed healthy foods below in your daily diet.

Cereals and Grains:
	Oatmeal Oatmeal is loaded with B complex vitamins, calcium, iron as well as protein. It can be a perfect morning fuel for weight watchers as it contains soluble fiber which offers many health benefits, from lowering your cholesterol levels, to helping you stay satiated for a long period of time. If you don’t prefer the taste of oatmeal, try topping it with any seasonal fruits or dry fruits of your choice. Unsweetened plain yogurt along with oatmeal can also be a healthy but appetizing combination.
	Brown Rice Unlike its white polished counterpart, brown rice is a rich source of magnesium, selenium, manganese and fiber. Substitute white rice with nutritious brown rice wherever and whenever possible in your diet.
	Quinoa More than any other grains, quinoa is packed with proteins along with riboflavin, iron and magnesium. Rinse this cereal before eating to prevent the bitter taste.
	Wheat Germ Magnesium from wheat germ will help to prevent muscle cramps. Wheat germ is also a good source of vitamin E. Sprinkle some over your cereals, yogurt and fruits to get the nutrients from wheat germ.
Pulses and Legumes:
	Lentils The heart healthy fiber along with isoflavones from lentils may have a protective effect against breast cancer. Add lentils in any form dried, canned or already in soup for a protein packed meal.
	Pinto Beans Folates from pinto beans have a heart protective effect and also reduce any risk of birth defects in new born infants.
	Tofu A very good source of soy protein and omega 3 fatty acids, tofu offers cardiovascular benefits by lowering the low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in the body.
Nuts and Oilseeds:
	Peanuts Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acid from peanuts helps to decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases by a significant margin. Munch on these healthy nuts when you feel hungry instead of binging on any fried snacks.
	Walnuts These brain shaped nuts not only look like brain but its omega 3 fatty acids offer many protective effects to brain. Omega-3 fatty acids along with manganese also have a heart protective effect.
	Almonds Monounsaturated fats from almonds may reduce your risk for heart disease and also lower your low density lipoprotein cholesterol. In addition to healthy fats, almonds are also packed with vitamin E, magnesium and potassium.
	Flaxseeds An excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids, flaxseeds have anti-inflammatory benefits and protect against heart disease, diabetes, bone disease and cancer.
Fruits and Vegetables:
	Apples Cardio-protective fiber and flavonoids from apples also prevent constipation. Drink a glass of fresh apple juice to prevent the formation of kidney stones.
	Apricots Apricots are a rich source of beta carotene which gets converted to vitamin A in the body. Both beta carotene and vitamin A are potent antioxidants that help to scavenge the free radicals from the body and have a protective effect against many types of cancers and heart diseases. You may choose fresh and firm apricots or may even snack on dried ones.
	Avocadoes Oleic acid from avocadoes helps to lower the total cholesterol levels and even increase the high density lipoprotein levels in the body. Moreover avocado also provides a good dose of fiber. Try an avocado dip or guacamole in your burger instead of other fat loaded dressings.
	Raspberries This dark berry can be a perfect excuse to include whipped cream in your diet. Raspberries are packed with vitamin C and fiber. The ellagic acid present in this tiny berry may help to halt growth of cancerous cells.
	Blueberries Blueberries are tangy nutritional stars that are bursting with flavor and nutrition, at the same time low in calories. They are a powerhouse of antioxidants including lutein, an important component for vision. Choose fully ripe, but not overripe blueberries to gain the maximum nutritional benefit.
	Cantaloupe Cantaloupe, a popular variety of melon is packed with two important antioxidants; vitamin C and vitamin A. The pro-vitamin A in cantaloupe promotes your lung health, protects your vision and vitamin C helps to fight against infection and boosts your immune system. Eat fresh cantaloupe in winters or freeze cantaloupe cubes and blend to make an icy smoothie in summers.
	Kiwi Fruit Vitamin C from kiwi protects the body from any oxidative damage and phytonutrients from this fruit protects the DNA. Peel just ripe kiwis and scoop the inner contents with a spoon.
	Cranberry These bright red berries are rich in vitamin C and dietary fiber. Cranberry juice is valued for its ability to reduce risk of urinary tract infection. The hippuric acid along with other components from the juice reduces E. coli adherence on the walls of the urinary track, as a result of which it is flushed out in the urine.
	Raisins Raisins are low in calories but rich in iron and fiber. The phenols from these little gems have an antioxidant property that helps to prevent oxygen based damage to the body. Add some raisins in your morning breakfast cereal to get the sweetness instead of adding sugar.
	Plums Phenols from plums offer a significant antioxidant protection by neutralizing the destructive free oxygen radicals that cause oxidative stress in the body.
	Prunes Fiber from prunes offers intestinal protection, improves bowel regularity and lowers cholesterol.
	Figs If you use the pill as a mode for birth control then make sure to add some vitamin B6 in the form of figs, as the pill depletes this vitamin from the body. Figs are also a good source of fiber and potassium that can help you to lose weight and maintain healthy blood pressure levels. Enjoy dried figs throughout the year, but when in season don't forget to include sweet and ripe fresh figs in your diet.
	Papayas Papaya is an excellent source of vitamin C and also a good source of vitamin A, E and K. All these antioxidants along with the fiber in papaya surely promote good health and ward off a variety of diseases and conditions.
	Pineapple Bromelain from pineapple offers potential anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. Pineapple is also a good source of manganese, ascorbic acid and thiamin which play a role in antioxidant defenses and energy production. Fresh or canned pineapple pieces with plain yogurt can be an excellent dessert option.
	Limes and Lemons Vitamin C from limes and lemons along with furocoumarins and limonene help prevent many types of cancers. Add a slice of lemon to your iron rich diet for better iron absorption in the body.
	Tomatoes Besides being rich in vitamin A and vitamin C, tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene. Lycopene, a carotenoid acts as a potent antioxidant in the body and offers a protective effect against several types of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Cook tomatoes in a dash of olive oil as lycopene is well available in cooked form and in the presence of fat it is well absorbed in the body.
	Onions Onions are rich in flavanoids, most notably quercitin as well as many phytonutrients and vitamin C. The chromium from onions helps the body cells to respond well to the hormone insulin.
	Artichokes Silymarin, an antioxidant from artichokes helps to prevent skin cancer and the fiber helps to control cholesterol.
	Asparagus Asparagus is rich in folate, an essential vitamin for cardiovascular system. Make asparagus a healthy addition in your meal if you are planning to get pregnant as folate is also a great birth defect fighter.
	Carrots As the richest vegetable source of pro-vitamin A carotenoids, carrots offer protection against cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Beta carotene from carrots helps to promote good vision and also promote good lung health.
	Kale The organosulfur compounds in kale help prevent cancer, especially ovarian cancer. Kale is also a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin K which help to lower cataract risk, promote lung health and boost immunity.
	Ginger Gingerols from ginger may help reduce the queasiness. Other compounds in ginger may also help to ward off arthritis and migraine pain by blocking inflammation-causing prostaglandins. Try some fresh ginger ale to quench your thirst instead of other sweetened and artificial drinks.
	Broccoli Packed with nutrients like vitamin C, beta carotene, vitamin A and folate, broccoli can be an ideal vegetable. Sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol in broccoli may have a protective effect against breast cancer. To preserve the phytonutrients steam or lightly microwave the broccoli, avoid overcooking.
	Brussels Sprouts Sulforaphane, a potent plant phytochemical present in Brussels sprouts have a protective effect against various types of cancer including bladder cancer. Besides they are also an exceptional source of vitamin K, vitamin C and fiber. Add some of these sprouts to your cold salads if you don’t prefer them as your main dish.
	Spinach Blessed with the healthiest nutrients like calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, beta carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin B6, spinach can be considered a leafy powerhouse. Include some blanched leaves in your soups, salads, omelets or lasagna to get a power pack of nutrients.
	Sweet Potatoes Unique root storage proteins in sweet potatoes have been proved to have potent antioxidant effects. Sweet potatoes are a sweet source of vitamin A, vitamin C, manganese, copper and dietary fiber.
	Bok Choy This Chinese cabbage is rich in brassinin, indoles and isothiocyanates all three may offer a protective effect against breast cancer. Toss this vegetable lightly with a dash of olive oil and minced garlic just before serving.
	Winter and Summer Squash A variety of health promoting nutrients in both the squashes, like vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, magnesium and fiber promote overall health.
	Arugula and Watercress Vitamins C and vitamin E along with phenethyl isothiocyanate and beta-carotene in both these greens helps to keep cancer cells at bay.
	Garlic The active components along with the sulfur compounds in garlic gives a typical pungent flavor but also helps to lower the low density lipoprotein cholesterol and also reduce the risk of colon and stomach cancer.
	Olives A concentrated source of vitamin E and monounsaturated fatty acids, olives provide cellular protection against free radicals support gastrointestinal health and prevent the development of colon cancer.
Dairy Products and Eggs:
	Skim Milk Vitamin A along with riboflavin in skimmed milk helps to maintain healthy vision and also reduces allergies and eczema. The calcium and vitamin D from skim milk can not be ignored.
	Yogurt Calcium in active-culture yogurt strengthens the bones and the bacteria help prevent yeast infections. Mix some chopped fruits of your choice to make your yogurt sweet instead of adding sugar.
	Eggs Good quality proteins from eggs along with choline boosts brain health. Choline in egg yolks also helps reduce inflammation. Egg yolks are also a concentrated source of cholesterol.
Seafood:
	Fish Fatty cold water fish like tuna, mackerel and salmon are a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids. These good fats are a blessing as they offer a protective effect against almost everything; from lowering cholesterol, protecting the heart, fighting inflammation to fighting many cancers and preventing Alzheimer's disease.
	Clams and Mussels Vitamin B12 from these shell fishes helps to support brain and nerve function. They are also a good source of iron, potassium and magnesium.
	Crab Zinc and vitamin B12 from crabs will help boost your immunity. Try some crab curry or prepare your own crab cakes at home.
Others:
	Honey Raw honey, besides being sweet golden nectar and a natural sweetener also has anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.
	Green Tea Health promoting flavonoids from green tea are thought to have anticancer and antioxidant effects in the body.
	Water Water is one of the healthiest foods available on earth among the others. Although it has zero calories and negligible nutrients it offers many health benefits which will help you to remain healthy and young at heart.

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