Fast Weight Loss Clinic

LASU Post UTME/DE Screening Forms 2017/2018 Cut-Off Mark

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 09:25:00 +0000

Lagos State University, LASU Post-UTME and Direct Entry forms for 2017/2018 admission screening is out. LASU cut-off mark for admission for 2017/2018 academic session has also been released
The LASU Post-UTME (100 Level) and Direct Entry (200 Level) application forms, admission cut-off mark and screening dates are out. The 2017 LASU Post-UTME Cut-off mark is 190. Information on how to apply and application deadline have been published on LASU’s Post-UTME portal.

LASU Post-UTME Eligibility Criteria for 2017/18

The following are the categories of candidates who are eligible for LASU Post-UTME & DE for 2017/2018:

Candidates who have chosen Lagos State University as their First Choice Institution in the 2017 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME), and have scored a minimum of 190 marks are eligible to participate in the Online Admission Screening Exercise. In addition, Candidates must be at least 16 years of age, by 1st October, 2017.
ALL Pre-Degree Studies (PDS) students who have successfully completed their studies and wish to be considered for admission into Lagos State University in the 2017/2018 Academic Session, who must have chosen Lagos State University as their First Choice Institution in the 2017 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME), and have scored a minimum of 190 marks are eligible to participate in the Online Admission Screening Exercise.
ALL Direct Entry candidates, including LASU Foundation (JUPEB) Programme, who wish to be considered for admission into Lagos State University for the 2017/2018 Academic Session, who must have obtained Direct Entry Form from JAMB are also eligible and must apply for the screening exercise.
Candidates of Lagos State Origin, for 100 & 200 Levels who have proved their claims before the Independent Indigeneship Verification Committee (IIVC) set up by the Lagos State University.

LASU Admission Cut-off Mark for 2017/2018

The Post-UTME cut-off mark for 2017/2018 admission is 190. All candidates should take note.

List of Accredited Lagos State University Courses

1. ARTS
– Arabic
– English
– Christian Studies
– French
– Islamic Studies
– History & International Studies
– Music
– Theatre Arts
– Portuguese / English
– Philosophy
– Yoruba
2. EDUCATION
– Arabic Education
– Christian Studies Education
– Islamic Studies Education
– English Education
– French Education
– History Education
– Yoruba Education
– Biology Education
– Chemistry Education
– Mathematics Education
– Physics Education
– Physical & Health Education
– Health Education
– Computer Science Education
– Educational Technology
– Business Education
– Accounting Education
– Educational Management
– Geography Education
– Economics Education
– Political Science Education
3. LAW
– Law
4. SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE
– Agriculture
5. MANAGEMENT SCIENCES
– Public Administration
– Marketing
– Accounting
– Banking & Finance
– Business Administration
– Management Technology
– Industrial Relations and Personnel Management
– Insurance
6. SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION
– Mass Communication
7. SCIENCE
– Biochemistry
– Botany
– Chemistry
– Fisheries
– Mathematics
– Microbiology
– Physics
– Zoology
– Computer Science
8. COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
– Medicine
– Physiology
– Dentistry
– Nursing
9. SOCIAL SCIENCES
– Geography & Planning
– Psychology
– Economics
– Political Science
– Sociology
10. SCHOOL OF TRANSPORT
– Transport
11. ENGINEERING
– Mechanical Engineering
– Electronics & Computer Engineering
– Chemical and Polymer Engineering
LASU Online Screening For All Candidates (UTME & Direct Entry)
The Screening of Candidate(s) will be based on Point Grading System, using the UTME Score and SSCE (or equivalent) Grades in Five (5) BEST RELEVANT subjects to Candidate’s Choice of Course.
The relevant subjects are obtainable from 2017 JAMB Brochure available online.
Candidates are advised to visit JAMB website to study the O’ Level subject requirements for their Course of choice before participating in the online Admission Screening.
The Lagos State University Post-UTME/DE Point grading system is as follows:
O\LEVEL SSCE (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB) GRADING POINTS
GRADE POINT
A1 -10
A2 (B2)-9
B3 -8
C4-7
C5 -6
C6-5
TOTAL OBTAINABLE: 50 %

Natural Skin Care Is The Way To Go

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 09:01:00 +0000

Skin problems are nothing new, almost every one of us have to go through them at some point of our lives and some of us never get rid of them. This does go down to the fact that the person who is facing continues skin problems has sensitive skin but it could also mean that the product that they are using does not suit their skin or in-organic products are just not working for them.
In the past people only used natural ingredients to cure their skin problems but we lost it for some years because people just didn't have an eye for that but now we have seen a rapid rise of natural products for skin care among people present in every part of the world. Not only are these products cheaper but almost have no side effects what so ever.
With the growing pollution and the amount of unhealthy food that we eat skin problems have grown in number. Acne is no longer a puberty problem but is something that is found in every age group now rather than going for expensive skin care options people should opt for organic skin care.
Here are some every day remedies you can use to take care of your skin
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is a natural skin moisturizer and is used to keep the skin soft and shiny. It is also used during different massages options because it is very good for the skin.
Lemmon peels
Lemmon peels are a very effective way to get kid rid of these age marks.
Banana peels
Banana peels are often regarded as the best remedy for skin tightening. It makes the skin glow and gives it a firmer look.
But with people not having the time to treat every problem separately people should opt for natural beauty products.
With time most of the remedies that our elderly left behind have been manipulated or have been forgotten, and to use such information after that is really not the way to go but there is an alternative. There are products available in the market that are effective and carry no harm. These products are cheap and are very effective. No matter what the problem, there is a product for that. These products use natural ingredients rather than inorganic stuff and help the consumer immensely.
Some people tend to believe that there is no difference between the natural products and the other products available in the market but having worked in a company that was associated with natural products, I can guarantee that there is a big difference. The products that are put into natural creams and other beauty products are grown in farms that use very little chemicals, there are very less colors involved and hence have very little side effects. The other products are good and effective as well but they are made to produce faster results and some time may not be suited to your skin typ

How to Remove Pimple Marks Naturally & Fast?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 25 Aug 2017 14:34:00 +0000

After writing how to get rid of pimples overnight?, how to get rid of blackheads?, how to get rid of whiteheads?, and how to reduce pimple size?, we are now writing how to remove pimple marks naturally and fast? “Pimples” is a form of acne. “Acne” is a type of skin disease in which the sebum gets together in the tiny holes of the skin and gets trapped there. Acne appears on the face, back, shoulder, neck and chest. A pimple looks as a juicy blemish with a yellow and white spot or head on it. You can see a white or yellow liquid come out. There are so many ways to remove pimple marks and remedies to stop pimples. Also, there are many creams and medicines in the market to remove pimples marks, but it will take time. In this article, we are providing some home remedies, which are effective in removing pimples marks within a very short period.

1.) Use The Ice to Compress Area

Ice is most popular to get rid of pimples marks. It assists in improving the blood circulation to the pimple, and freezes the skin in tiny pores and removes dirt and oil gathered on the skin. Take Ice cubes and fold them in cloth and massage the pimples. You can directly apply the ice on the pimple for fast result. You can further add green tea to ice cubes. Green tea contains a high measure of antioxidants that battle free radicals that harms your skin. It also has antiseptic properties that executed germs that causes acne and pimples and keep your skin wonderful and healthy.

Alternatively you can use the Iced green tea, when become more effective by combining ice and green tea. Take a glass of warm water and soak a green tea bag into it. Remove the tea bag and pour the green tea water into the tray. Place the tray into freezer and allow it to make ice cubes. Take one ice-cube and rub everywhere throughout the face. Please note that before rubbing the ice cubes, it is must that you steam your face, so the pores get open and the decency of green tea enters into the pores. Do it once before going to bed and then repeat it when you get up in the morning.

2.) Use The Lemon Juice

Lemon is the another quickest way to remove pimple marks. Lemon juice is loaded with vitamin C, which aids pimples dry up faster. Squeeze lemon juice in a bowl and take a cotton ball. Dip the cotton ball in lemon juice and apply it to pimples or pimple marks and leave it overnight. In the morning, wash the area with lukewarm water for better result.

3.) Take Help From Honey

Honey is an enormous source of natural antibiotics that can accelerate the healing process. Also, honey will help to avoid infections. Apply the honey directly on pimples and pimple marks. Leave the honey overnight and wash the area with water in the morning to get rid of pimple marks. You can also add yogurt to honey to make a mask.

Yogurt contains alpha hydroxy acids that help in reducing the pimple redness, pimple marks and other blemishes. It additionally helps in rejuvenating the skin. Take 2 tablespoons of yogurt and 1 tablespoon of honey and mix it thoroughly. Apply the mask and allow it to set for 15-20 minutes. Rinse it off with lukewarm water and pat dry.

4.) Steam Out The Area

Steam is amazing for your skin at any time, but mainly when you have pimples. The steam will unblock the blocked pores and permit your skin to respire. This helps to remove oils, dirt as well as the bacteria trapped in the hair follicle that can cause infection or inflammation. To take the steam you can use a steamer or simply boil the plain water in a pan. Now, take a fresh towel and cover your head and face to take the steam from the boiling water. Be careful since pan is hot.

5.) Take The Help From Garlic

Garlic is an antiviral, anti-fungal, antiseptic agent that can assist in the removing of pimples & pimple scars. The sulphur in garlic also supports fast healing of pimples. Take 4-5 garlic clove and crush them to extract their juice. Apply the juice on pimples marks with the help of cotton and after that you can also apply the crushed garlic on it. Wash the area in morning with fresh water to get rid of pimple marks. Repeat the procedure 2 times a week to see the better results.

6.) Must Use Baking Soda Paste

Baking soda is an excellent option for all, but particularly those with sensitive skin, since it will not produce any kind of skin irritation. It also helps to keep the skin pores clean by removing bacteria and excess oil that causes pimples. Baking soda is also helpful to get the glowing skin at home. Take the 1 spoon baking soda and mix it with rose water to make a paste. Now apply this paste on the pimples and leave it overnight and wash the face in the morning.

You can also add lemon juice with baking soda to make a paste. Lemon goes as a natural remedy to lighten the skin and remove pimple marks. It also helps to clear the dead skin and gives a great spot free look. Take a bowl and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Also, add lemon juice in it to make a thick paste. After making the paste, apply this paste to the scars. Leave it for 8-10 minutes to get it dry. Once the paste dries take some water on your hand and gently scrub the affected area on your face. Wash your face utilizing lukewarm water and pat dry. If your face becomes excessively dry, then apply some antiseptic cream or lotion.

7.) Cucumber to Get Rid of Pimples and Pimple Marks

Cucumber gives instant cooling impact on the skin. It cleanses and peel the skin. It helps to reduce dark spots and sunburn also. Cucumber is a rich source of potassium and vitamins for instance Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin E. It also has a cooling and soothing effect on the skin.

You can take the cucumber and crush it with the help of a blender or in a mixer. Apply the crushed cucumber on the infected area and wash the face with cold water after 30-40 minutes. Alternatively, Take a few slices of cucumber and mash it. Extract the cucumber juice. First clean and dry the affected area. Now, apply the cucumber juice and leave it for 10-15 minutes. After that wash your face with cold water.

8.) Make Fenugreek and Rosewater Mask

Fenugreek has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that stop and reduce growth of pimples, clogged pores and other skin infections. It also helps in feeding and rejuvenating the skin and prevent pimple marks.

Take a bowl filled with water and then put a handful of fenugreek seeds for soaking. Leave them for minimum 5 hours for soaking. After 5 hours, take them out and make a fine paste by grinding them in a mixer. Now, put few drops of rosewater to make skin glowing. Wash your face/affected area with warm water so that the pores get opened. After that, apply the paste with the help of brush on the affected area. Leave the paste for 12-15 minutes to get it dry. When the paste completely dry, wash it with cold water.

9.) Use The Fresh Aloe-Vera Gel

Aloevera contains therapeutic and healing properties that help to get rid of pimple marks, scars and rashes. It also prevents skin discoloration that is brought on after pimple heals. Also, It helps to makes your skin clear and smooth. It slaughters bacteria that cause skin infection.

Take a fresh stick of aloe-vera leaf, slice away both the ends. Extract the aloe-vera gel from the center a piece of the leaf. Take the aloe-vera gel and apply to the face. Keep rubbing until the gel began to dry. Once the gel gets completely dry, wash your face with lukewarm water and pat dry. Read aloe-vera for acne and its treatment.

10.) Make Sandalwood, Basil and Rosewater Mask

Sandalwood helps in shrinking the pores and remove excess oil. It also helps in reducing the redness of pimples and removing impurities. It likewise helps in reduction of dark spots and scars. Basil has solid antibacterial and anti parasitic properties to get rid of pimple marks.

Take something like 2 tbsp of sandalwood powder in a bowl. Add few dry crushed Basil leaves to it. Then mix it properly utilizing few drops of rose water. Make a thin paste. Apply this paste uniformly on the face. Rinse your face with cold water and pat dry.

11.) Tea Tree Oil Will Help

Tea tree oil is one of the superb treatment for pimple or Acne. It has strong antibacterial and antiseptic properties that prevent skin infection, helps in healing of wounds and injuries. Take 1-2 tea tree oil in your palms, add 5-6 drops of almond or olive oil to it and rub over the affected area for 10-12 minutes. Take some lukewarm water in a bowl, dip the cotton into the bowl. Now rub the cotton everywhere on your face to remove the excess oil. Read tea tree oil for acne.

12.) Turmeric, Clay Mud and Lemon Juice Mask

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that help to alleviate the issues of acne. It additionally helps in the reduction of spots and likewise helps in lightening of skin. Take 1 full teaspoon of clay mud and add 1/2 spoon turmeric to it. Now, make a thick paste by adding a few drops of lemon juice to it. Now, apply the paste to your face or affected area. Leave it paste for 15-20 minutes or until it gets completely dry. Now, wash your face with lukewarm water and dry it with a towel. Don’t rub the towel.

13.) Use The Green Coconut Water

Coconut water has cytokinins and antioxidants that help to get rid of pimple marks, drooping skin and help deep marks recovery. Intake of coconut water keeps our skin healthy, smooth and more youthful looking. Cut a fresh green coconut and pour the green coconut water into a bowl. Now, soak a cotton ball in the coconut water and wipe everywhere throughout the face. Then wash your face utilizing lukewarm water. Wash your face with coconut water consistently to get best comes about.

14.) Apply The Tomatoes Paste

Tomatoes are a rich source of Vitamin A that is why it nourishes and refresh your skin. It handles to remove the scars from your skin. You can use tomatoes for pimple marks removal. You should slice a tomato into pieces, press it into a pulp, and apply the paste on your pimple.

15.) Use Egg Whites Mask

You need to use the fingers to place the egg whites onto your skin, focus on the affected areas. Let the egg whites, dried out on the pimple marks and wait a few hours before clean away softly with warm water. Do this 3-4 times a week to get the better result.

16.) Use The Potatoes

Potatoes work on clearing pimple marks. Just rub a piece of raw, unrefined potato on your pimple marks to get clear skin. Potato reduces the marks because of its bleaching properties.

17.) Sip On Some Green Tea

Drink three to four cups of green tea in a day. It will take out toxins from your body and is also good for reducing under-eye puffiness and dry skin. You can also apply the green tea directly on pimple marks. Put some green tea leaves in water for a few minutes and then crush them and apply to infected area. Do this 4-5 times in a week to get rid of pimple marks.

18.) Try Some Olive Oil

Wash your skin with warm water and dry it with a towel. Take few drops of olive oil and massage your skin. Keep it for three to four hours. This oil will help to kill the pimples causing bacteria and remove the pimple marks also.

19.) Make Use of Mint

Crush mint leaves and twist the juice in a muslin cloth. Apply this to the pimple or pimple marks. This will help remove pimple marks naturally and gradually.

How to Get Rid of Black Spots on Face Fast, Naturally from Pimples, Home Remedies to Reduce Dark Spots on Skin Overnight

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 24 Aug 2017 11:22:00 +0000

Black spots on face affect your complexion. They cause uneven skin tone. Most dark patches on skin come from pimples and acne spots. Here’s how to remove black spots on face fast and naturally using simple home remedies. Follow these tips on how to get rid of dark spots on face due to pimples to reduce the appearance of black dots on cheeks, forehead, under eyes, nose and even legs.

Dark spots on face are majorly caused by pimples and acne scars. In some cases, hormonal imbalance during pregnancy can also lead to the discoloration and hyperpigmentation marks on the face.

How to remove black spots on face fast

What is the best way to get rid of black spots and patches on face caused by pimples? Most kitchen home remedies such as tomato juice, lemon, potato juice and aloe vera can help remove dark spots on caused by pimples on face. But most of these methods will take quite some time to fade the spots.

1. Use lemon juice to fade dark spots on skin

Lemon juice is acidic and works as a skin lightener. Lemon is known to treat acne, fade acne scars and breakouts and lighten body scars in general. The vitamin C in lemon juice will lighten dark spots on your face fast, and it is easy to apply at home. Here’s how to use lemon juice to get rid of dark spots on face due to pimples.

1. Get 4 fresh lemons, clean and slice them.

2. Squeeze them to get fresh lemon juice into a bowl.

3. Dip a cotton ball into the lemon juice.

4. Rub it on the black spots on your face.

5. Leave it on for a few minutes to dry.

6. Wash it off with clean lukewarm water.

Repeat this remedy everyday for two weeks to remove black spots fast. Take caution if you have a sensitive skin: lemon juice may not be good for a sensitive skin. Dilute it with water or rose water to reduce it’s strength before applying on a sensitive skin on your face.

Also, if you are getting rid of black spots under eyes, avoid using lemon juice completely. The skin under eyes is very delicate. If you still have fresh pimple scabs and sores, do not apply lemon juice on your face as it will sting and cause further irritation and discomfort.

2. Apply potato juice to lighten dark patches quickly

Potato juice is known as one of the best home remedies to lighten black spots and dark patches on the face. If you had teenage pimples and acne breakouts, use potato juice or slices to cure the spots fast.

Herbs Forever and other sources list potato juice as one of the natural skin bleaching remedies. If you apply it on your face with black marks, it will correct uneven skin tone and get rid of the blemishes or hyperpigmentation fast. Here’s how to use potato juice to remove black spots naturally, fast or quickly enough.

1. Take and clean a few potatoes.

2. Grate them to obtain potato paste.

3. Add honey to strengthen the potato remedy’s potency.

4. Apply the potato mask to your face and leave it for 20 minutes.

5. Rinse it off with lukewarm or cold water.

Repeat this dark spots cure to remove black spots on face fast. This remedy can be used on acne scars, blemishes, dark sunspots on face and hyperpigmentation marks as well. Starch that is found in potatoes bleaches and reduces pigmentation on the black patches. It also nourishes your skin.

Alternative potato cure recipe

If you do not want to grate potatoes or to make a paste, you can use the following procedure instead.

1. Slice up a big potato into somewhat round pieces.

2. Soak the slices in water for about 5 minutes.

3. Put the slices on areas of your face with black marks.

4. Leave it on for a few minutes.

5. Wash your face with lukewarm water.

6. Repeat the procedure daily for quicker results.

A potato plus honey face mask is said to be more potent. Apply it on your face to clear black spots from pimples in a few weeks.

3. Aloe vera remedy for black face spots

Aloe vera gel has a soothing effect on your skin. It is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Other than removing black pimple marks fast, it can also heal pimple scabs and reduce pimple breakouts. You can use this natural remedy to prevent pimples and also to get rid of dark spots naturally. Here’s how to use aloe vera remedy on your face to correct dark spots and acne hyperpigmentation marks.

1. Cut a fresh, succulent aloe vera leaf.

2. Squeeze the leaf to get aloe vera gel out of it.

3. Apply the gel on to the dark marks and gently massage the acne spots with it.

4. Repeat this natural remedy twice a day to remove black spots on face permanently.

According to Mind Body Green, aloe vera helps fight age spots, treats acne, sunburn spots and makes the skin look clearer. It can also diminish stretch marks fast. For this reason, you should consider including it in your skin care regime more regularly.

4. Sandalwood face mask

Sandalwood is used as a major home remedy for dark circles, spots, blemishes, pimple marks etc. When mixed with lemon, it can correct uneven skin tone or hyperpigmentation. When used regularly, this natural remedy can help get a glowing skin due to its oils and bleaching properties. Here’s how to remove black spots on face fast using sandalwood mask.

1. Put one tablespoon of sandalwood in a bowl.

2. Add one a tablespoon of glycerin and 3 of rose water.

3. Mix well to make a consistent paste.

4. Apply the sandalwood paste directly on your face to reduce pimple marks overnight.

5. Leave it for about 8 minutes.

6. Wash it off with lukewarm water.

Repeat this treatment daily to get rid of dark spots permanently (in a few days or weeks). You can alter this recipe to suit you: If you do not have rose water, you can use honey or a little milk to make the paste for your face mask.

5. Use turmeric powder to reduce black spots on face

Turmeric is the orangey-yellow tinged powder in most kitchens. It is a common home remedy for skin lightening. According to SkinCareOrg, turmeric powder has “curcumin which is a powerful anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant which plays a big role in reducing excess production of melanin (a substance that gives the dark skin complexion) and replaces your unclear skin to beautiful and glowing skin.” Here’s how to remove black spots caused by pimples using turmeric.

1. Put a pinch of turmeric powder in a small bowl.

2. Add one tablespoon of lime juice and one tablespoon of honey.

3. Mix these ingredients to make a consistent paste.

4. Wear plastic gloves before applying to prevent staining your nails yellow.

5. Apply the mixture on your face evenly.

6. Allow it to dry.

7. Wash it off with lukewarm water.

Use this treatment regularly to remove black spots on face fast and permanently. The face mask can eliminate black spots on lips, facial skin, nose, cheeks and even under eyes.

6. Sour milk or buttermilk to remove black spots on skin quickly

Buttermilk or sour milk has acidic properties. It is used in most fast skin lightening remedies for its ability to bleach dark marks on the skin.

When applied topically, the lactic acid in the buttermilk or sour milk helps in reducing the appearance of black spots, hyperpigmentation and pimple marks. Milk can remove black pimple marks and dots fast by lightening them. Here’s how to use it to get rid of dark pimple and acne dots on face.

1. Pour a little buttermilk or sour milk into a bowl.

2. Dip a piece of cloth or cotton ball into the sour milk.

3. Apply it on the areas of the skin with pimple marks.

4. Leave for about 15 minutes.

5. Wash it off with lukewarm water.

6. Repeat this home treatment twice a day to remove black spots on your face quickly.

You can make different recipes with this home remedy. You can add tomato juice or just dip lemon slices into milk and then rub onto your face areas with hyperpigmentation or sun tanning spots. The sour milk is a good treatment for skin exfoliation, so it brighten your complexion or skin tone.

7. Oatmeal for removing pimple marks

Oatmeal is a very good home exfoliation remedy. It can remove black marks left by pimples and acne spots. How does oatmeal reduce black marks on the skin around the nose, forehead, face, cheeks, legs and under eyes?

Exfoliating with oatmeal removes the dead skin cells that have the scars. As the scarred skin reduces, the appearance of pimple marks also diminishes. This way, you will have a much lighter complexion without black spots. Here’s how to get rid of pimple marks fast, in a few days with oatmeal remedy.

1. Put 3 tablespoons of ground oatmeal into a bowl.

2. Squeeze half a lemon into the bowl.

3. Mix the two ingredients to get a consistent paste.

4. Scrub your face with the paste, concentrating on the areas of your face with black marks.

5. Leave it on your face for about 20 minutes.

6. Wash your face with lukewarm water.

7. Repeat this pimple mark cure twice or three times a week.

Other benefits of oatmeal for your skin include reducing oiliness that causes pimples in the first place, making the skin brighter and treating acne and eczema. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that make it ideal for a sensitive skin.

8. Cucumber to remove black spots under eyes

Cucumbers are known to have many benefits for skin. One of the most common uses of cucumber slices is getting rid of dark circles or dark spots under eyes. According to Visually, cucumbers have the ability to quickly, safely and easily reduce the appearance of dark circles under eyes.

They are rich in antioxidants and silica that can rejuvenate the skin and fade black spots under the eyes. They are easy to use and will nourish your skin, give you clear skin and even complexion. Here’s how to remove black spots under eye and on face overnight or fast using cucumber slices.

1. Get a fresh cucumber and slice it to get round pieces.

2. Place the slices in the fridge for about 10 minutes.

3. Take the slices and place them over your eyes and relax for 20 minutes.

4. Repeat this step everyday to get rid of dark spots under eyes fast.

An alternative method is to make a cucumber face mask. A face mask can cover the entire face and remove pimple marks quickly by correcting the complexion of your skin. To make a cucumber face mask to lighten dark spots on face fast:

1. Clean a fresh cucumber and grate it with its skin on.

2. Wash your face and pat dry.

3. Mix with a tablespoon of honey to make a consistent paste.

4. Apply the grated paste on your face.

5. Leave it for 30 minutes and wash it off with lukewarm water.

6. Repeat this home remedy for dark marks on face everyday for quicker results.

After the treatment, ensure that you moisturize your skin to reduce dryness.

9. Papaya remedy for dark spots on face

Papaya is rich in vitamin C and E as well as an enzyme called papain. These are good for nourishing the skin and also exfoliating it to remove dark spots. When you exfoliate the skin, new cells emerge, leaving your skin looking brighter and clearer without blemishes. Here’s how to fade dark spots on face using papaya.

1. Obtain a green papaya.

2. Peel it off and remove the seeds.

3. Slice a few pieces and take each piece and put on the black marks caused by pimples.

4. Keep the papaya slices on the face for about 20 minutes.

5. Rinse your face with lukewarm water.

To get a clear skin faster, repeat this remedy twice a day. An alternative method is to make a papaya face mask. Simply blend the papaya to make a smooth paste. Apply it as a face mask, covering all the pimple marks and black spots. Allow it to sit for about 30 minutes to be able to fade black spot blemishes quickly. Rinse it off afterwards. When used well, the bleaching power of papaya can remove black spots within a few days or within a week.

10. Baking soda to clear black spots

Baking soda has exfoliating power. When used the right way, it can lighten skin and get rid of black pimple spots. You can use it to remove scars and dark spots caused by acne, ageing, chicken pox, eczema, tanning etc. Here’s how to clear black spots on face at home using baking soda.

1. Put a little baking soda in a bowl.

2. Add a little water and stir to get a consistent paste.

3. Apply the paste on your acne and pimple scars.

4. Leave the paste on your face overnight for quicker results.

5. Rinse your face in the morning using lukewarm water.

If you want to make your skin glow or look brighter, use this recipe together with rose water. You can remove black spots on face in a week or a few days if you use this remedy constantly.

11. Honey prevents pimple dark spots

Honey can be used as an ingredient in many skin lightening home treatments and remedies. Research has shown that honey contains hydrogen peroxide that kills bacteria and also works as a bleaching agent. Honey kills bacteria that cause pimples and acne in skin pores.

According to Home Remedies for Life, “Interactions between the sugar in honey and the secretions from a healing breakout trigger the production of hydrogen peroxide, which kills the bacteria that cause acne and naturally bleaches away scars.”

If you cannot use it to prevent acne scars, you can apply it as a bleaching remedy to reduce acne scars on your face, cheeks, forehead, neck, lips and nose. It is recommended that you use raw honey. Here’s how to fade black spots caused by pimples using honey.

Recipe 1: Raw honey for acne spots

1. Cleanse your face and pat it dry.

2. Using a cotton ball, apply raw organic honey on the face.

3. Leave it overnight on the face.

4. Rinse it off with cool water in the morning and pat dry.

Recipe 2: Raw honey + lemon juice

For even quicker results, honey and lemon juice can be combined to make one of the best home remedies for black spots on your face. Lemon is a natural bleaching agent and will fade acne scars within days when mixed with raw honey. Here’s how to get rid of brown spots on face naturally with this remedy.

1. Mix raw honey with lemon juice in a ratio of 1:1.

2. Wash your face with cool water and pat dry.

3. Apply the honey-lemon mixture on the face, concentrating on black patches and dots.

4. Massage it into the skin with your fingers. Do this gently.

5. Rinse off with cool water.

6. Repeat this remedy daily to remove black spots from face fast.

12. Olive oil to lighten black spots on face

Olive oil is rich in fatty acids, vitamins and minerals that are good for the health of your skin. It has been used over the years to keep the skin healthy and soft. Being a powerful exfoliant, olive oil can reduce dark spots and patches on face if used regularly. You should use extra virgin olive oil with warm water, line, honey and sugar granules to make this exfoliation paste.

1. Mix extra virgin oil with honey, fine sugar granules and warm water.

2. Add a little lime and mix to paste.

3. Cleanse your facial skin using gentle cleanser.

4. Rinse it, leaving it a little damp.

5. Gently massage your face using the olive oil paste.

6. Repeat the procedure once per week to remove pimple marks fast.

All the ingredients of this recipe are safe and can be used during pregnancy. If you get black spots on face during pregnancy because of hormone imbalances, try this olive oil home treatment to get a clear complexion.

13. Onion juice

Onion juice is a natural tonic for hair and can be used to grow hair. Additionally, you can use it to remove black spots naturally. Red onion juice is highly acidic and can be used to bleach the black pimple marks overnight. Here’s how to remove black spots naturally on face using onion juice.

1. Mix one tablespoon of honey with onion juice.

2. Apply on your dark spots.

3. Leave it for about 20 minutes.

4. Wash it off with lukewarm water to remove the bad smell.

Some people prefer rubbing raw onion onto the areas of the face with blemishes and hyperpigmentation marks. This can also work but you have to be prepared to deal with the strong odor.

14. How to remove black spots naturally using tomato juice

According to Home Remedies Org, “Tomatoes are rich in sulfur, vitamin A and C. These have bleaching properties tomato juice is very strong in lightening dark spots under eyes but also mild for the sensitive skin around the eyes.” The following is how to remove black spots on face using tomato juice cure.

1. Extract tomato juice from one ripe tomato fruit.

2. Add one teaspoon of lemon juice.

3. Stir to mix well.

4. Apply the mixture on your face and dark spots areas.

5. Leave it for 20 minutes for it to fade the black dots.

6. Rinse it off with cool water.

Repeat this home remedy three times a week to get quick results. You can also use it to cure dark circles under eyes overnight.

15. Almonds

Almonds and almond oil are also used for skin lightening. It can be used to brighten skin and correct dark spots. Almond oil contains niacin – a compound that lightens skin pigment when used on dark areas.

According to eTopical.com, almond oil is rich in vitamin E and A that nourish the skin, reducing skin pores and acne blemishes. It facilitates the renewal of skin cells. Using it will leave you with a clearer skin with less dark spots. Here’s how to remove black spots caused by pimples using sweet almond oil.

1. Put sweet almond oil, lemon juice and honey in a mixing bowl, all in equal parts.

2. Mix well to get a consistent mixture.

3. Apply on your face and allow it to stay for 20 minutes.

4. Wash it off using warm water.

5. Apply a gentle moisturizer to keep your skin moisturized.

Other benefits of almond oil for the skin include tightening it to remove wrinkles, getting rid of stretch marks and making the skin look young and glowing. If you have dark tanning spots, you can also apply almond oil as a home remedy to treat black patches from sunburn.

16. Apple cider vinegar to get rid of black spots on face

Another best way remove black spots on your face is to use apple cider vinegar. The acid in apple cider vinegar can help correct the pH of your skin and prevent breakouts. If you already have dark pimple marks on your face, you can use this home remedy to fade black spots fast. Here’s how to remove black spots on face naturally using apple cider vinegar.

1. Put a little apple cider vinegar in a glass.

2. Add an equal amount of water to dilute it.

3. Apply the solution to your face or on brown spots and dark spots.

4. Leave it to stay for a few minutes.

5. Wash it off.

Repeat this home remedy once a day until you fade the dark spots. To make it more effective, you can mix apple cider vinegar with honey and use it the same way. Note that if you have a sensitive skin, do not use vinegar as it can burn it.

Treatments to remove dark spots overnight

Most of the home remedies discussed above can remove black marks from acne. However, they may not give you a clear skin in 3 days, overnight or in just the first week. Medical treatments can give much better or much faster results. These include laser treatment, microdermabrasion and chemical peels.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion for dark spot removal is “a cosmetic treatment in which the face is sprayed with exfoliant crystals to remove dead epidermal cells.” It allows to renew itself as new cells are generated and exposed.

“The procedure makes way for a new, smoother layer of skin to replace the skin that’s been treated… It works best on problems such as dull skin, brown spots, and age spots.” [WebMD]” The treatment procedure has to be done at the dermatologist’s office.

Laser removal of blemishes

According to Vogue Magazine, lasers can be very effective in treating dark patches of discoloration on the skin. They employ laser lights that penetrate deep into the skin to correct the pigment that causes black marks.

Intense pulsed light laser treatment is said to be the best. The only downside to this overnight removal of black marks is that it is very costly. A few treatments are required to completely remove the marks, which can make the process more expensive.

Chemical peels

Chemical peels can also remove dark spots on face overnight. This treatment uses chemical depilatories to remove the upper pigmented layer of the skin. It leaves the skin clear without dark spots and even wrinkles or skin folds.

The downside of chemical peels for black marks on face is that the skin is left more prone to sun damage. It also produces good results for light haired people as opposed to those who are hairy. Chemical peels are also expensive and may require the attention of a dermatologist to do right.

Dark spot corrector creams

Creams with Retin A, salicylic acid and hydroquinone are said to produce the best results in fading dark spots on the face. There are many creams out in the market, but not every cream out there can give you the fastest results. It will take some time to fade black spots using topical creams.

More Tips on How to Get Rid of Dark Spots on Face Fast

Brown spots on legs, arms, face, nose and cheeks can be stubborn to remove. Blemishes are a problem for teenagers as well as women and men in their 40s or above. Stress, prolonged exposure to sunlight and poor skin care routines can all lead to blemishes. Here are more tips on how to get rid of black spots on face.

Apply sunscreen

Always wear sunscreen to prevent black dots on your face. If sun damage is the primary cause of the black marks, ensure that you wear sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful sun rays. Buy a sunscreen that is SPF 35 or at least SPF 30.

Reduce stress

Believe it or not, stress affects the health of your skin. According to Mario Badescu Skin Care, “When your body is stressed, there is a hormone fluctuation that causes an increase in the amount of oil your skin secretes, which can cause acne to form or worsen.” If you have an acne-prone skin, try to relax and reduce stress to prevent pimple breakouts on your face. Breakouts end up causing black spots and flare-ups.

· Get enough sleep every day for a healthier skin.

· Take time to relax and manage your stress better.

· Avoid foods that stress your body to process, such as fatty foods, or junk foods in general.

Drink plenty of water

Oily skins are more prone to pimples and acne scars. But if your skin is dry, it can suffer from pimples and pimple scabs a lot more. Dry skin produces a lot of dead skin cells. When they clog pores and mix with excess oil and dirt, pimples erupt.

· Drink plenty of water to keep your body and skin hydrated.

· You can use a gentle moisturizer to help prevent black spots on your face.

Keeping your body hydrated helps it remain supple and soft. It is also a good way to get a clear skin without blemishes.

Diet to prevent pimple dark spots

Your skin is most likely the representation of what you eat. There are lots of food that cause black spots as a result of pimples. In order to remove black spots on face or skin on nose, consider making changes to your diet.

· Avoid fatty foods. They cause much of the breakouts.

· Eat a lot of dark berries. According to the Glamour Magazine, dark berries have plenty of antioxidants that will help get you a clear skin.

· Eat plenty of fruits that provide your body with vitamin C. Vitamin C is good for the health of your skin.

· Red grapes are good for your skin too. They have powerful antioxidants that treat inflammatory skin problems such as acne pimples, psoriasis and eczema. These may go a long way in preventing and getting rid of black spots on your face.

Other foods to include in your diet include nettle water, peppermint, nuts, tomatoes, watercress, and oat milk. Avoid sugar and dairy products. Also, ensure that you exercise a lot to keep your body fit and also reduce stress levels. Follow each of these tips on how to remove black spots and get rid of blemishes to get a clear skin.

Kidney Stones: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 14:49:00 +0000

Different people at peculiar stages in life experience kidney stones and face the cumbersome challenge of how to manage and treat the disease. I will share insights on the causes, and the effective treatment options. You will also get more information on how you can prevent the incidence of this disease and take the right precautions.
Before we go further it is necessary to explain the term "Kidney Stone."
Kidney stones are small and hard mineral substances that are formed within the kidney.
They are formed from materials that contain crystals such as calcium and uric acid which could not be diluted by the fluid in your urine and this often occurs when your urine does not contain materials that prevent crystals from being stuck together. This results to formation of kidney stones in the body.
Symptoms
Kidney stones are not asymptomatic until they get into the ureter. The following are symptoms of kidney stones.
Blood in urine.
Vomiting and nausea
Reduced amount of urine excretion
Burning sensation while urinating
Acute pain in the groin
Precautions
There are some precautions that must be maintained and these include the following:
Drink lots of water: Medical practitioners recommend that you should drink lots of water, roughly 12 glasses or about 3 quarts of water in a day, especially if you have a history of kidney stones. This helps to flush out toxins your urinary system. The chances of being dehydrated is higher if you live in a hot and dry climate, so you may need to increase the quantity of water you consume. If your urine is light and clear, it's a signal that you take enough water, but if it's dark and concentrated, then it's time to make the necessary adjustments.
Reduce oxalate-rich foods: If your stones are calcium oxalate in nature, then you may need to avoid foods that contain oxalates such as okra, beets, spinach, sweet potatoes, nuts, soy products and Swiss chard.
Reduce the salt intake and animal protein: You need to minimize the quantity of salt you consume; add little amount while cooking or eating and go for non-animal protein like legumes.
Consult your Doctor: If you have kidney stones, you need to consult your Doctor regularly. Also seek recommendation of a good dietitian that could help you plan your diets.
Treatments options
Medical therapy: Your doctor could give you some medication known as alpha blocker, and this will enable you pass out the stones from your body. It calms the muscles in your ureter and makes you pass the stone more easily. This treatment only works if the kidney stones are small.
There are other treatment options that are effective, if the stones are too large.
Sound waves: Your doctor may opt for another treatment if the stones are too large by using extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). It uses sound waves with strong vibrations to dissolve the stones into little pieces. Then you can easily pass it out in your urine.
Surgery: You may need to undergo a surgical operation if the kidney stones are large and the ESWL procedure was not successful.
Prevention measures
The best preventive measure is by ensuring you eat right, reduce the intake of salt, and increase the volume of water you drink on a daily basis. This will make you hydrated with sufficient water in your body to dilute the urine and flush out substances that could stick together to form kidney stones.
It goes without saying that there are little ways you can avoid this disease. Always ensure you drink enough water, stay hydrated, avoid much salt intake, and seek medical help where necessary.

Sugar In Fruit - Good Or Bad?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 14:46:00 +0000

In general, sugar in fruit is not bad for us. As a matter of fact, fruit contains a natural sugar, fructose, that is better for you if you are diabetic. That's because the body digests fructose slower than it does sucrose or table sugar. Because of the slower digestion, fructose doesn't cause the same high glycemic swings as other types of sugars. In 2008, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition advised diabetics to use fructose instead of sucrose based on research studies.
Few fruits contain enough sugar to make them bad for you.
Consider this a 20-ounce bottle of soda contains about 225 calories, 60 grams of added sugar, (usually high-fructose corn syrup), and few nutrients. On the other hand, a cup of strawberries has 50 to 60 calories, about 7 grams of natural fructose, 3 grams of fiber, and loads of vitamin C and minerals -- all good for you.
But you do have to watch which fructose you are getting. There is natural fructose and high-fructose corn syrup. The latter is not natural and will cause your blood sugar to spike. This is something you also have to watch out for when buying canned fruit. Much of it is packed in that high-fructose corn syrup. If it doesn't say packed in natural juices, buy your fruit either fresh or frozen instead.
You still have to keep track of how much sugar you're consuming, even if it's largely fructose containing fruits. The American Heart Association recommends up to 24 grams of sugar per day for females and 36 grams for men. But you can easily exceed that if you don't make the right selections. For example, two cups of sliced bananas has 36 grams of sugar by itself. If you add in the sugar you are getting from the rest of your food, you are probably far in excess of what you should be eating each day.
Why is excess sugar bad for you? Obviously, as we've known since elementary school, it can cause tooth decay. But it also causes weight gain and increases the triglycerides in your blood stream. That has been shown to increase your risk for high cholesterol, heart disease and stroke.
Strawberries, bananas, oranges, kiwi... the healthy list goes on and on. Fruit is touted as a super-healthy snack option, but while the fiber and other nutrients found in fruit are a great part of any diet, many varieties can also be very high in sugar. Too much sugar, regardless of where it comes from, can have some serious negative effects. (Yes, even sugar from fruit if you eat too much of it!) Does this mean you're not even safe in the produce aisle? Well, you're definitely safer. But it might be smart to limit your fruit-based sugar consumption.

Antioxidant-Rich Fruits and Vegetables

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 22 Aug 2017 20:15:00 +0000

The experts at the Human Nutrition Research Center tested different fruits and veggies in order to find out their ORAC, which refers to the antioxidant power. If you want to find out the results of the research, you may want to read on.
Prunes
Research showed that black plums offer an impressive amount of 4,873 antioxidants. On the other hand, half a cup of dried black plums contains 7,290 antioxidants. So, you may want to consume prunes on a regular basis.
Raisins
In the same way, each serving of red grape comes with 2,016 antioxidants. Moreover, raisins have 2,490.
Blueberries
Blueberries offer a lot more antioxidants. For instance, eating just one cup of blueberries will give you 13,427 antioxidants. On the other hand, the framed blueberries contain 9,019 in just one cup.
Blackberries
As far as antioxidants are concerned, blackberries are on top of the list. However, you should keep in mind that they also have polyols that are known to cause abdominal problems.
Strawberries
Just like raspberries and blueberries, strawberries contain a lot of antioxidants that protect your cells from different types of cancers.
Raspberries
If you want to boost your protein, you may want to go for fruits and veggies that have a lot of ellagic acid, such as raspberries.
Plums
You should choose the black plums because they offer 4,873 antioxidants in just one serving. However, prunes offer a bit more of it.
Oranges
Oranges, peaches, mangoes, and watermelons have a lot of beta-cryptoxanthin that lower your risk of arthritis by 20 to 40%.
Cherries
Cherries are on the list of an ideal source of melatonin. It protects your skin from the UV radiation of the sun. Moreover, this nutrient also repairs your sunburned skin as it boosts the growth of new skin cells. Moreover, cherries also come with vitamin C that develops collagen, which prevents wrinkles.
Kale
Kale is heavy with cancer-fighting vitamins and antioxidants. Besides, it contains beta-carotene. It is also the best combination of both zeaxanthin and lutein.
Spinach
Rich in carotenoids, spinach boosts the health of your eyes in addition to help you prevent macular degeneration. So, you are less likely to have blindness.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussles sprouts come with lots of sulforaphane and the compounds known as isothiocyanates. It detoxifies the substances that cause cancer. A study found that consuming Brussels sprouts on a daily basis for 3 weeks reduce 28% of genetic damage.
Alfafa Sprouts
Alfafa sprouts have a lot of beta-carotene, which protects you from lung cancer and promotes healthy hair, skin, gums, teeth, bones and glands. Aside from this, it's a great source of vitamin E that prevents heart attacks and reduces the risk of death due to bladder cancer.
So, if you have been looking for a list of fruits and vegetables to get antioxidants in a natural manner, we suggest that you check out the foods given above. They will provide you with the required amount of antioxidants and you will be able to prevent a lot of diseases down the road without any problem.

What Is Orthodontics and What Are Orthodontic Treatments?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 20 Aug 2017 13:41:00 +0000

Orthodontics is one of the many dental specialties and deals with the alignment of improperly positioned teeth and jaws to improve their appearance, and more importantly, their health and functionality.
Who is an orthodontist?
A specialist in orthodontics is referred to as an orthodontist.
What is an orthodontic treatment?
It is nothing but a method to move/straighten your non-aligned teeth and augment both their functionality and appearance. Depending on your exact problem, your orthodontist would choose a suitable orthodontic treatment. It's an orthodontist's job to prevent, diagnose and treat your oral irregularities.
Why do you need an orthodontic treatment?
Crooked, non-aligned teeth are difficult to clean and thus susceptible to losses due to periodontal diseases and dental caries. Such teeth also cause stress on the chewing muscles which further leads to head, shoulder, neck and back pain and TMJ disorders.
When do you need an orthodontic treatment?
The foremost step here is to assess your teeth's present condition and determine how they are going to develop further. Using diagnostic tools such as plaster models, x-rays, clinical exams and photographs, an orthodontist will determine whether you're eligible for an orthodontic treatment or not.
Also, if you have any of the following conditions, you are definitely a suitable candidate:
- Underbite: This is when your lower teeth stick out or the front one too far back
- Overbite: The opposite of overbite
- Open bite: open slot between biting surfaces
- Spacing: Gaps and spaces between teeth
- Crowding: Too many teeth for the dental ridge to accommodate
- Crossbite: This is when your upper teeth do not come down in front of your lower teeth
- Misplaced midline: Misaligned upper and lower molars
How does an orthodontic treatment work?
An orthodontic treatment requires a number of different appliances used to retain oral muscles, help your teeth move and affect the growth of your jaws. Either fixed or removable, these appliances perform by placing pressure on your teeth or jaws.
Fixed appliances:
- Braces
- Fixed space maintainers
- Special fixed appliances
Removable appliances:
- Aligners
- Removable space maintainers
- Jaw repositioning appliances
- Palatal expander
- Removable Retainers
- Headgear
- Lip/cheek bumpers
- Headgear
How to take care of your orthodontic appliances?
Impeccable oral hygiene becomes all the important with orthodontic appliances. Make sure you brush and floss twice, daily and schedule regular appointments with your dentists. It's equally important that you maintain a balanced, nutritious diet and limit your sugar intake.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9770508

How to Turn Yellow Teeth White and Keep Them That Way

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 20 Aug 2017 13:39:00 +0000

Teeth whitening is very important as it is believed by many that one can obtain more success and influence by looking good! It is in fact true that people instinctively follow and adore people who look better. An extremely important facet to attaining a confident and healthy look is finding out how to eliminate yellow teeth in a safe and efficient way.
Nowadays, there is a constant bombardment of images wherein famous people are praised for their success and beauty - they all have the same thing in common - they do not have yellow teeth!
Dangers in Teeth Whitening
There are many teeth whitening products and tools out there but it is essential to ensure they are safe and do not strip the enamel from the teeth. Enamel is the layer that protects teeth from the elements which can destroy them permanently.
First of all, there is no overnight method to getting whiter teeth that is safe. It is like many other things in life - nothing worthwhile happens overnight. And, any product or tool that suggests or promises this shall be avoided like the plague.
The only way one can be rid of yellow teeth safely is by using a solution or tool that is not harsh and will not strip the enamel from the teeth; once enamel is gone, it is gone for good. Slow and steady wins the race is a warning that shall be headed when exploring options for teeth whitening.
Oil Pulling to Get Rid of Yellow Teeth
The process of using oil for whiter teeth is by far the safest process. This method actually reduces tooth decay, gingivitis, and gum disease which will all produce yellow teeth. Coconut oil seems to be the solution of choice wherein the oil is swished in the mouth for about 20 minutes. What happens is the oil adheres to the stain and pulls it from the tooth just as motor oil in a vehicle becomes dirty because it circulates through the motor and collects deposits. Daily oil pulling is essential to get rid of yellow teeth.
Hydrogen Peroxide for Teeth Whitening
This method is somewhat faster than oil pulling to get rid of yellow teeth but must be approached with extreme caution. The reason why some products on the market destroy tooth enamel is that the concentration and ratio of water to hydrogen peroxide is way too low; in other words, there is too much hydrogen peroxide. To safely use hydrogen peroxide for teeth whitening, a ratio of 1:100 (or 1%) should be used.
Activated Charcoal
Charcoal is used for many things these days from pulling pimples to distilling beer. Like oil pulling to get rid of yellow teeth, activated charcoal is effective as it pulls the stains from the teeth instead of scrubbing them off like hydrogen peroxide. Teeth whitening via activated charcoal takes a bit longer like oil pulling does and therefore is a safer option. It is said that this option for elimination of yellow teeth is the most effective method available.
Before Choosing a Method for Teeth Whitening
As with anything, rushing into the process of getting whiter teeth could have severe and permanent consequences. Yellow teeth can lead to low self-esteem and a desperation to figure out how to get white teeth. The results of research over the years leads to the conclusion that any of the above methods are safe for teeth whitening.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9753084

Symptoms of Dehydration

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 20 Aug 2017 13:36:00 +0000

Dehydration is a condition in which a person's body doesn't receive enough fluids and water. States of dehydration range from mild to very severe. The latter is extremely dangerous. That's why it's important to know the symptoms of dehydration. You may realize you yourself are dehydrated, or recognize these symptoms in someone else. You can then take the necessary steps to get properly hydrated. Let's take a closer look at dehydration symptoms.

Symptoms of Mild Dehydration
The many symptoms of dehydration depend upon the severity. If it's a mild case you may notice increased thirst. This is often associated with a dry and slightly parched mouth. You might begin to experience headaches and dizziness, as well as a general feeling of tiredness. Your urine can also be affected by dehydration. The amount will be decreased and it will be a darker yellow. That means you haven't taken in enough fluids. the latter of which indicates that you simply haven't had enough hydration in quite some time. These symptoms are typically exacerbated if you're working out or playing a sport. They will also worsen over time if you don't take steps to address the issue, eventually worsening to become severe dehydration.

Symptoms of Severe Dehydration
Once severe dehydration sets in, there are a wide range of new symptoms that may begin to occur. Do not wait for them to occur. They require immediate medical attention. If you stop urinating altogether, or have only a very small output of urine when attempting to urinate, then your dehydration is likely to be severe. Any urine will be an extremely dark yellow, or even an amber color. You could develop a fever, often accompanied by chills. A fever can be very dangerous when secondary to dehydration. Severe dizziness could occur, even to the point of preventing you from standing up or moving around. A rapid heart rate that occurs at rest, and when doing nothing strenuous points to severe dehydration.
Your blood pressure might also begin to drop at moments when you stand up after lying down for a period of time. Though it can be difficult to notice this symptom, your skin may begin to lose some of its elasticity. In this event the skin takes quite some time to return to normal after being pinched. The most serious symptoms of severe dehydration include shock, seizures, lethargy and confusion, and coma at its worst. If you notice any of these symptoms, in yourself or someone else, regard it as an emergency. Get help. Head to a hospital right away.

Body Basics

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 20 Aug 2017 13:33:00 +0000

The human body is the beginning and the end, without a healthy, fit body our lives are reduced to series of medical woes. It is also what we tend to take most for granted and neglecting. But taking care of marvelously engineered body is a priority and not an option.
Health is wealth is an old adage that we hear and spout so often that it has lost any significance for us. Until that sudden, unforeseen visit to the nearest doctor. And at that point, it is already too late. In an age of consumerism and conspicuous consumption, health is an anomaly. You can't buy it. At any price. Health is defined as the condition of a person's body or mind and it has to be nurtured and maintained in a continuous process that affects all aspects of your life or, to use a new age term, lifestyle. That is a lot easier said than done in today's world and the lifestyle generated by that world.
Seriously Stressed
The modern lifestyle brings with it its own baggage: stress, tension, work environment generated problems - posture, carpal tunnel syndrome, noise, pollution, etc. Each of these, minor irritants in their own right, contribute their bit until the aggregate is greater than the parts and unfortunately we tend to realise this only when it is past the point of no return. The picture of urban health is a grim one indeed. But, before you decide fatalistically that since you are doomed anyways, might as well as have fun and reach for that cholesterol clogging, calorie laden meal and decide to skip the walk to watch your favourite telly soap, consider the fight back options. The range, variety and possibilities will delight you.
Food First
Eventually it all boils down to food-the fuel of life. Food affects our health in the most primary way, being the basic building block. A change in food patterns and a mismatch between the food pattern and the lifestyle being lived is the biggest culprit. From the fundamentally active, physical lifestyle of the earlier generations, the urban world has become a sedentary space. We no longer have the time or space to burn our calories. Long working hours, urban traffic and urban housing conspire to keep us seated for the larger part of our lives and the result is weight gain. Eating healthy is the easiest step to health. It does not mean starving yourself or denying yourself. It simply requires switching to healthier options. Opt for whole grains to refined ones. Use cooking oils that are naturally fat and cholesterol free such as Olive oil. And remember the basic equation: what you eat should not be more than what you burn as body fuel.
Fighting Fit
If lifestyles have changed so have the fitness options. Some are your everyday, basic variety. Where possible, opt for the stairs rather the elevators. If it is short distance and there is a proper walking path, use two feet instead of four wheels. Your health and the environment, both will benefit.
Gym
The gymnasium, your friendly neighborhood variety or the super trendy multinational variety, fondly abbreviated to gym, has evolved a lot from the original Greek model. Then it was a place to develop the mental faculties alongside the physical prowess of young men. Today, half the tradition is upheld with gyms having become the altars where the average man and woman shed copious quantities of sweat and cellulite to appease the gods of health and musculature. The options are innumerable, from ancient techniques such as Yoga and Tai Chi to modern corruptions such as Krav Maga and Kick Boxing, from gleaming edifices to technology such as treadmills, nautilus trainers to cross trainers to dances as a fitness fountain, the gyms cover the horizons. Well trained acolytes, otherwise known as trainers are always on hand to not only help but to custom design a training program that is ideal for your body and your problem areas.
Spa Style
The other route to holistic health is the more luxurious spa route. Traditionally spa stood for a route to health that was dependent upon nature's gifts in the form of geysers or hot water springs where the water and mud are saturated with minerals. Drinking of these waters, bathing in them, mud baths and body wraps help in improving health directly by curing certain kinds of diseases and indirectly by making up certain kinds of mineral deficiencies and by detoxifying the body. Spa treatments today are a continuation of the same principle. Massages that use aromas to address health concerns, skin treatments that seek to undo the damage of pollution and urban living, and a holistic assessment of body are some of the hallmarks of spa treatments. The focus is less on the physicality of the body and more on the internal health of the body.
Or you can have both. The Addiction gym and spa chain perfectly combines both, luxury alongside fitness facilities. Catering to lifestyle pressures, gyms and spas offer innovative features such as flexible timing and customized training programs.
Solo Star
Ultimately, health is in the hands of the self. Not all the trainers of the world or massagers or chefs of the world can give you good health unless you want it yourself and are willing to burn for it. They can only make the path smoother and the targets more achievable. If you take your health seriously or want a perfect body or to increase your stamina and endurance, it is time for you to sit down and make a choice. Choose a path that appeals to you and then stick with it. Remember, the healthier you are the more you will enjoy your life.

14 Keys to a Healthy Diet

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 20 Aug 2017 13:26:00 +0000

Developing healthy eating habits isn’t as confusing or as restrictive as many people imagine. The essential steps are to eat mostly foods derived from plants—vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes (beans, peas, lentils)—and limit highly processed foods. Here are our guidelines for building a healthy diet.

1 Consume a Variety of Foods
Not all the nutrients and other substances in foods that contribute to good health have been identified, so eating a wide assortment of foods helps ensure that you get all of the disease-fighting potential that foods offer. In addition, this will limit your exposure to any pesticides or toxic substances that may be present in a particular food.

2 Keep an Eye on Portions
Sure, you can eat all the broccoli and spinach you want, but for higher-calorie foods, portion control is the key. In recent years, serving sizes have ballooned. In restaurants, choose an appetizer instead of an entree or split a dish with a friend. Don’t order anything that’s been “supersized.” When reading food labels, check serving sizes: some relatively small packages claim to contain more than one serving, so you have to double or triple the calories, grams of fat and milligrams of sodium if you’re planning to eat the whole thing.

3 Eat Plenty of Produce
Aim for 2½ cups of vegetables and 2 cups of fruit a day, for a 2,000-calorie diet. If you consume more calories, aim for more; if you eat fewer than 2,000 calories, you can eat less. Include green, orange, red, blue/purple and yellow produce. The nutrients, fiber and other compounds in these foods may help protect against certain types of cancer and other diseases. Legumes, rich in fiber, count as vegetables, though are moderately high in calories. Choose whole fruits over juice for more fiber. Frozen and canned fruits and vegetables are good options.

4 Get More Whole Grains
At least half your grains should be whole grains, such as whole wheat, barley and oats. Whole grains retain the bran and germ and thus all (or nearly all) of the nutrients and fiber of the grain. Look for a product labeled “100% whole wheat” or “100% whole grain.” If it doesn’t say that, look for a whole grain listed as the first ingredient, though there still may be lots of refined wheat (also called “white” or “enriched” flour) and/or sugar. Another option is to look for the voluntary “Whole Grain Stamp” from the Whole Grains Council.
ADVERTISEMENT

5 Limit Refined Grains, Added Sugar
The refined carbohydrates in white bread, regular pasta and most snack foods have little or no dietary fiber and have been stripped of many nutrients. On food labels, watch out for “wheat flour” (also called “white,” “refined” or “enriched” flour) on the ingredients list. Also, limit foods with added sugar, such as soda and candy. These are sources of empty calories that contribute to weight gain. Many sugary foods are also high in fat, so they’re even more calorie-dense.

6 Enjoy More Fish and Nuts
Nuts, fatty fish, avocados and vegetable oils supply healthy unsaturated fats. Recent research suggests these foods, though high in calories, tend not to promote weight gain because they are satisfying. Still, it’s best to eat them in place of other high-calorie foods. For instance, substitute olive or canola oil for butter. Fatty fish helps reduce heart disease risks and has other benefits, largely because of its omega-3 polyunsaturated fats.

7 Cut Down on Animal Fat
Saturated fats, especially from red meat and processed meat, boost LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. To limit your intake, choose lean meats, skinless poultry and nonfat or low-fat dairy products. It’s also a good idea to replace saturated fats with “good” fats, found in nuts, fish and vegetable oils, not with refined carbohydrates such as white bread and snack foods.

8 Shun Trans Fats
Trans fats are supplied by partially hydrogenated vegetable oils used in many processed foods (such as commercial baked goods, snack foods and stick margarines) and fast foods (such as French fries). Trans fats raise LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and also reduce HDL (“good”) cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart disease. Since 2006, when a trans fat labeling law went into effect, many food makers have eliminated or greatly reduced these fats in their products.

9 Don't Worry About Cholesterol
Though a 300-milligram daily cap on cholesterol intake has long been advised, there's abundant evidence that cholesterol in food has little, if any, effect on blood cholesterol in most people. Thus, many experts no longer recommend limiting dietary cholesterol (found only in animal foods, notably eggs and shrimp). The best way for most people to lower their blood cholesterol is to reduce saturated fats (as in meats) and trans fats (from partially hydrogenated oils in processed foods). A possible exception is people with diabetes, who should talk to their doctor about their overall diet.

10 Keep Sodium Down, Potassium Up
Excess sodium raises blood pressure in many people and has other harmful effects. People over 50, black people, and those with hypertension, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease—that’s most adults—should limit sodium to 1,500 milligrams a day (about two-thirds of a teaspoon of salt). Everyone else should aim for less than 2,300 milligrams a day. At the same time, consume more potassium, which lowers blood pressure. Potassium-rich foods include citrus fruits, bananas, potatoes, beans and yogurt.

11 Watch Your Calcium and Vitamin D
These nutrients are vital for bone health. Get calcium from low-fat or nonfat dairy products and fortified foods such as some orange juices and soy drinks. If you can’t get 1,000 to 1,200 mg a day from foods, take a calcium supplement. It’s hard to consume enough vitamin D from foods, and getting it from sunlight is risky. Many people—especially those who are over 60, live at northern latitudes or have darker skin—may need a D supplement (800 to 1,000 IU a day).

12 Choose Food Over Supplements
Supplements cannot substitute for a healthy diet, which supplies countless other potentially beneficial compounds besides vitamins and minerals. Foods also provide the “synergy” that many nutrients require to be efficiently used in the body. Still, for many people a basic multivitamin/mineral pill can provide some of the nutrients they may fall short on. In addition, many people need calcium as well as vitamin D supplements to meet recommended intakes.

13 Be Aware of Liquid Calories
Beverages supply more than 20 percent of the calories in the average American’s diet. Some liquid calories come from healthy beverages, such as milk and 100 percent fruit juice. But most come from soda and other sweetened beverages and alcoholic drinks, which have lots of calories yet few, if any, nutrients. Soft drinks are a major source of sugar and calories for many Americans, especially children. Though juice is more nutritious than soft drinks, it’s also high in calories, so most people should drink no more than one cup a day.

14 Limit Alcohol
If you drink, do so in moderation. That means no more than one drink a day for women, two a day for men. Older people should drink even less. A drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1½ ounces of 80-proof spirits. While alcohol in moderation has heart benefits, higher intakes can lead to a wide range of health problems. Even moderate drinking impairs your ability to drive and may increase the risk of certain cancers. Some people, including pregnant women and those who have certain medical conditions, should avoid alcohol altogether.

Here are the 6 WORST things you can do if you want to ignite your body's own fat-burning furnace and get lean, strong & totally ripped in less time:

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 09:20:00 +0000

"These High-Intensity Interval Workouts, Circuit Workouts & Strength Workouts Get You Lean & Ripped So Fast, Your Friends Will Beg You to Tell Them Your Secret...

Here are the 6 WORST things you can do if you want to ignite your body's own fat-burning furnace and get lean, strong & totally ripped in less time:

Mistake #1:
Doing Isolated Exercises

Doing isolated exercises like bicep curls and tricep kick-backs will NOT get you any significant results. These one-muscle-at-a-time moves simply don't stimulate enough muscle fibers to build lean muscle or expend enough energy to maximize your calorie burn.

If you want to build lean muscle while burning fat so you can get serious definition, you need to perform exercises that stimulate as many muscles and expend as much energy as possible at the same time. Using these types of exercises (which I'll reveal on the next page) will dramatically accelerate your results.

Mistake #2:
Working Out With Machines

Fancy machines may make the gym look high-end, but truthfully, about the only thing they're good for is for sitting down while you tie your shoes or catch your breath! The problem is this: Machines alter the way your body naturally moves and restrict your range of motion. This severely limits your ability to fully activate all of your muscles fibers -- that means less fat burning and less muscle definition. Worse yet, machines can cause excessive strain on your joints, leading to nagging injuries down the road.

If you want fast results, it's critical that you incorporate exercises that allow your body to move naturally with full range of motion so you can skyrocket your metabolism and tone your entire physique. In minute, I'll explain the 6 primary movements that are the foundation of these full-body exercises...and I'll also fill you in on the best types of weights to use for your workouts.

Mistake #3:
Doing Long Bouts of Cardio

Look, you need to do cardio if you want to lose weight and burn fat...BUT there's a rightway and a wrong way to do your cardio workouts. If you've been pounding the pavement or the treadmill with nothing to show for it (except sore joints and a pair of stinky worn out sneakers), you already know it takes a lot of effort to get minimal results.

In this article, I'm going to reveal the most effective way to pump up your cardio routine that will get you insane results in half the time of your regular cardio workout -- without causing unnecessary stress on your joints. Seriously, don't skip this article because once you learn this simple trick, you'll kick yourself for not doing it all along.

Mistake #4:
Doing Crunches & Sit-Ups To Get 6-Pack Abs

If you want washboard abs, doing traditional ab exercises like crunches and sit-ups WILL NOT get you a six pack. In fact, doing any exercises that target your abs won't get you a six pack either! These so-called "ab" exercises are a complete waste of time. They don't make your abs get any more defined and they definitely don't burn any fat.

The key to getting sculpted abs is to burn off that stubborn layer of belly fat that's hiding them! In the next few minutes, I'll show you how to burn away the "ab flab" while stimulating all 6 of your abdominal muscles at the same time so you can finally carve out your six pack abs.

Mistake #5:
Repeating The Same Workouts Over & Over

Repeating the same workouts over and over is a surefire way to STOP getting results. We're creatures of habit and we tend to stick to things we're familiar with and good at. But when it comes to your workouts, if you want to keep making progress and keep seeing changes in your body, you've got to start switching things up.

You see, your body has an amazingly ability to adapt quickly and when it does, that's when you hit the dreaded plateau and you stop making progress. On the next page, I'm going to tell you exactly how often you need to change up your workout routine so you can keep your body guessing to accelerate the results process.

Mistake #6:
Doing Loooong Workouts

Longer workouts do NOT equal better or faster results. If you've been slaving away at the gym and your body isn't visibly changing, you can't do more of the same thing and expect a different result.

When it comes to getting lean and fit, your body responds to quality over quantity. I'm going to tell you the #1 way to super-charge your workouts -- this simple, yet overlooked method is the single fastest way to getting lean and ripped while cutting your workout time almost in half. No joke - this technique will open up a can of whoop-ass on your workout!

Stop doing the same old workouts that haven't gotten you any results and find out the TRUTH about how to get lean and ripped with shorter, more effective workouts...

Women, discover the biggest mistakes that are sabotaging your workout efforts. Plus, learn the only way to use high intensity intervals, strength, and circuit training to get maximum fat-loss & muscle tone.

Guys, find out why your workouts aren't cutting it. Discover the secrets to kicking your fitness into high gear so you can pack on more muscle, get more cut, melt the fat, and improve your athletic performance

Admission into the Unilorin Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB) programme for 2017/2018 academic session

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 09:48:00 +0000

JOINT UNIVERSITIES PRELIMINARY EXAMINATIONS BOARD (JUPEB)

ADMISSION INTO THE UNILORIN JOINT UNIVERSITIES PRELIMINARY EXAMINATIONS BOARD (JUPEB) PROGRAMME FOR 2017/2018 ACADEMIC SESSION

The Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB) is a national examination body approved by the Federal Government of Nigeria. The Board is responsible for conducting common and standard examinations for candidates who have been exposed to a minimum of one-year approved learning in the University and are seeking Direct Entry admissions into 200 level in Nigerian and partnering Foreign Universities.
Applicants are hereby invited to apply for THE UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN JUPEB PROGRAMME via Unilorin JUPEB Portal
Applicants must possess credits in at least five (5) relevant O'Level subjects (which must include English Language, Mathematics and any other three O'Level subjects) in WASC/SSCE, NECO, NABTEB and its equivalents, in not more than two sittings. Candidates with awaiting results may also apply.
Applicants are to register for a combination of 3 subjects out of 16 subjects according to their proposed course of study in the University.

S/No	SUBJECT COMBINATION
1.	Biology, Chemistry, Physics
2.	Agricultural Sciences, Chemistry, Physics
3.	Economics, Government, Literature in English
4.	Government, Literature in English, Islamic Religious Studies
5.	Business Management, Economics, Government
6.	Literature in English, Economics, Yoruba
7.	Literature in English, Economics, Music
8.	Literature in English, Economics, History
9.	Economics, Geography, Literature-in-English
10.	Economics, Geography, Mathematics
11.	Government, Mathematics, Physics
12.	Government, Literature-in-English, Christian Religious Studies
13.	Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics
14.	Mathematics, Physics, Geography
15.	Chemistry, Physics, Economics
16.	Literature-in-English, Economics, Christian Religious Studies
17.	Accounting, Economics, Geography
18.	Accounting, Economics, Government
19.	Christian Religious Studies, Government, Economics
20.	Islamic Religious Studies, Government, Economics
21.	Economics, Government, Mathematics
22.	Business Studies, Economics, Geography
23.	French, Government, Literature-in-English

Follow the application steps below to get started.
APPLICATION STEPS

Visit the University of Ilorin website (unilorin.edu.ng) to access the JUPEB portal
Note: you are expected to have a valid e-mail address and phone number
Sign up : Fill the “sign up registration form”
Account Confirmation: confirm your account via the email sent to your inbox.
Login to your account
Online application Payment : Pay a sum of N25, 000 for your application
Complete the Bio-Data form

Candidates should check the website from time to time for the actual date of the entrance examination and other relevant information.
E.D. Obafemi
Registrar

Click here to apply

Easy Ways to Burn More Fat

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 15 Aug 2017 13:06:00 +0000

DON'T DIET

The Women's Health Diet isn't about eating less; it's about eating more—more nutrient-dense food, to crowd out the empty calories and keep you full all day. That's important, because restricting food will kill your metabolism. It sends a signal to your body that says, "I'm starving here!" And your body responds by slowing your metabolic rate to hold on to existing energy stores.

What's worse, if the food shortage (meaning, your crash diet) continues, you'll begin burning muscle tissue, which just gives your enemy, visceral fat, a greater advantage. Your metabolism slows further, and fat goes on to claim even more territory.

GO TO BED EARLIER

A study in Finland looked at sets of identical twins and discovered that in each set of siblings, the twin who slept less and was under more stress had more visceral fat.

EAT MORE PROTEIN

Your body needs protein to maintain lean muscle. In a 2006 article in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers argued that the current recommended daily intake for protein, 0.36 grams per pound of body weight, is woefully inadequate for anyone doing resistance training and recommend that women get between 0.54 and 1 gram per pound of body weight. (If you want to lose weight, use your goal body weight as your guide.)

Add a serving, like 3 ounces of lean meat, 2 tablespoons of nuts, or 8 ounces of low-fat yogurt, to every meal and snack. Plus, research shows that protein can up postmeal calorie burn by as much as 35 percent.

GO ORGANIC WHEN YOU CAN

Canadian researchers report that dieters with the most organochlorines (pollutants from pesticides, which are stored in fat cells) experience a greater-than-normal dip in metabolism as they lose weight, perhaps because the toxins interfere with the energy-burning process. In other words, pesticides make it harder to lose pounds.

Of course, it's not always easy to find—or afford—organic produce. But in general, conventionally grown items that you peel—avocado, grapefruit, bananas—are fine. But choose organic when buying celery, peaches, strawberries, apples, blueberries, nectarines, sweet bell peppers, spinach, kale and collard greens, cherries, potatoes, and imported grapes; they tend to have the highest levels of pesticides.

GET UP, STAND UP

Whether you sit or stand at work may play as big a role in your waistline as your fitness routine. Missouri University researchers discovered that inactivity (4 hours or more) causes a near shut- down of an enzyme that controls fat and cholesterol metabolism. To keep this enzyme active and increase your fat-burning, break up long periods of downtime by standing up—for example, while talking on the phone.

DRINK COLD WATER

German researchers found that drinking 6 cups of cold water a day (that's 48 ounces) can raise resting metabolism by about 50 calories daily—enough to shed 5 pounds in a year, with essentially zero additional effort. The increase may come from the work it takes to heat the water to body temperature.

EAT THE HEAT

It turns out that capsaicin, the compound that gives chile peppers their heat, can also fire up your metabolism. Eating about 1 tablespoon of chopped peppers (red or green) boosts your sympathetic nervous system (responsible for your fight-or-flight response), according to a study published in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology. The result: a temporary metabolism spike of about 23 percent. Stock up on chile peppers to add to salsas, and keep a jar of red-pepper flakes on hand for topping pizzas, pastas, and stir-fries.

REV UP IN THE MORNING

Eating breakfast jump-starts your metabolism so it's no accident that those who skip this meal are 41⁄2 times as likely to be obese. The heartier your first meal is, the better. In one study published by the American Journal of Epidemiology, volunteers who got 22 to 55 percent of their total calories at breakfast gained only 1.7 pounds on average over 4 years. While those who got zero to 11 percent gained nearly 3 pounds.

DRINK COFFEE OR TEA

Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant, so your daily java jolts can rev your metabolism by 5 to 8 percent—burning about 98 to 174 calories a day. A cup of brewed tea can raise your metabolism by 12 percent, according to one Japanese study. Researchers believe antioxidants called catechins in tea provide the boost.

FIGHT FAT WITH FIBER

Research shows that some fiber can fire up your fat burn by as much as 30 percent. Studies find that those who eat the most fiber gain the least weight over time. Aim for about 25 grams a day—the amount in about three servings each of fruits and vegetables.

EAT IRON-RICH FOODS

Iron is essential for carrying the oxygen your muscles need to burn fat. Unless you restock your stores, you run the risk of low energy and a sagging metabolism. Shellfish, lean meats, beans, fortified cereals, and spinach are excellent sources.

GET MORE VITAMIN D

Vitamin D is essential for preserving muscle tissue. Get 90 percent of your recommended daily intake (400 IU) in a 3.5-ounce serving of salmon. Other good sources: tuna, fortified milk and cereal, and eggs.

DRINK MILK

There's some evidence that calcium deficiency, which is common in many women, may slow metabolism. Research shows that consuming calcium through dairy foods such as fat-free milk and low-fat yogurt may also reduce fat absorption from other foods.

EAT WATERMELON

The amino acid arginine, abundant in watermelon, might promote weight loss, according to the Journal of Nutrition. In a laboratory study, adding this amino acid to the diet of obese mice enhanced the oxidation of fat and glucose. Snack on watermelon and other arginine sources, such as seafood, nuts, and seeds, year-round.

STAY HYDRATED

All of your body's chemical reactions, including your metabolism, depend on water. If you are dehydrated, you may be burning up to 2 percent fewer calories, according to researchers at the University of Utah. Drink at least eight to twelve 8-ounce glasses a day.

Healthy living facts

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 15 Aug 2017 12:01:00 +0000

"Healthy living" to most people means both physical and mental health are in balance or functioning well together in a person. In many instances, physical and mental health are closely linked, so that a change (good or bad) in one directly affects the other. Consequently, some of the tips will include suggestions for emotional and mental "healthy living."

Eating (diet)

All humans have to eat food for growth and maintenance of a healthy body, but we humans have different requirements as infants, children (kids), teenagers, young adults, adults, and seniors. For example, infants may require feeding every four hours until they gradually age and begin to take in more solid foods. Eventually they develop into the more normal pattern of eating three times per day as young kids. However, as most parents know, kids, teenagers, and young adults often snack between meals. Snacking is often not limited to these age groups because adults and seniors often do the same.

Tips:

Eat three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner); it is important to remember that dinner does not have to be the largest meal.
The bulk of food consumption should consist of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk products.
Choose lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts (with emphasis on beans and nuts).
Choose foods that are low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars; look at the labels because the first listed items on the labels comprise the highest concentrations of ingredients.
Control portion sizes; eat the smallest portion that can satisfy hunger and then stop eating.
Snacks are OK in moderation and should consist of items like fruit, whole grains, or nuts to satisfy hunger and not cause excessive weight gain.
Avoid sodas and sugar-enhanced drinks because of the excessive calories in the sodas and sugar drinks; diet drinks may not be a good choice as they make some people hungrier and increase food consumption.
Avoid eating a large meal before sleeping to decrease gastroesophageal reflux and weight gain.
If a person is angry or depressed, eating will not solve these situations and may make the underlying problems worse.
Avoid rewarding children with sugary snacks; such a pattern may become a lifelong habit for people.
Avoid heavy meals in the summer months, especially during hot days.
A vegetarian lifestyle has been promoted for a healthy lifestyle and weight loss; vegetarians should check with their physicians to be sure they are getting enough vitamins, minerals, and iron in their food.
Cooking foods (above 165 F) destroys most harmful bacteria and other pathogens; if you choose to eat uncooked foods like fruits or vegetables, they should be thoroughly washed with runningtreated (safe to drink) tap water right before eating.
Avoid eating raw or undercooked meats of any type.

Tips for special situations:

People with diabetes should use the above tips and monitor their glucose levels as directed; try to keep the daily blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible.
People with unusual work schedules (night shifts, college students, military) should try to adhere to a breakfast, lunch, and dinner routine with minimal snacking.
People who prepare food should avoid using grease or frying foods in grease.
People trying to lose weight (body fat) should avoid all fatty and sugary foods and eat mainly vegetables, fruits, and nuts and markedly reduce his/her intake of meat and dairy products.
Seek medical advice early if you cannot control your weight, food intake, or if you have diabetes and cannot control your blood glucose levels.

Physical activity and exercise

Physical activity and exercise is a major contributor to a healthy lifestyle; people are made to use their bodies, and disuse leads to unhealthy living. Unhealthy living may manifest itself in obesity, weakness, lack of endurance, and overall poor health that may foster disease development.

Tips:

Regular exercise can prevent and reverse age-related decreases in muscle mass and strength, improve balance, flexibility, and endurance, and decrease the risk of falls in the elderly. Regular exercise can help prevent coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure. Regular, weight-bearing exercise can also help prevent osteoporosis by building bone strength.
Regular exercise can help chronic arthritis sufferers improve their capacity to perform daily activities such as driving, climbing stairs, and opening jars.
Regular exercise can help increase self-esteem and self-confidence, decrease stress and anxiety, enhance mood, and improve general mental health.
Regular exercise can help control weight gain and in some people cause loss of fat.
Thirty minutes of modest exercise (walking is OK) at least three to five days a week is recommended, but the greatest health benefits come from exercising most days of the week.
Exercise can be broken up into smaller 10-minute sessions.
Start slowly and progress gradually to avoid injury or excessive soreness or fatigue. Over time, build up to 30 to 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise every day.
People are never too old to start exercising. Even frail, elderly individuals (70-90 years of age) can improve their strength and balance with exercise.
Almost any type of exercise (resistance, water aerobics, walking, swimming, weights, yoga, and many others) is helpful for everybody.
Children need exercise; play outside of the home is a good beginning.
Sports for children may provide excellent opportunities for exercise, but care must be taken not to overdo certain exercises (for example, throwing too many pitches in baseball may harm a joint like the elbow or shoulder).
Exertion during strenuous exercise may make a person tired and sore, but if pain occurs, stop the exercise until the pain source is discovered; the person may need to seek medical help and advice about continuation of such exercise.

Most individuals can begin moderate exercise, such as walking, without a medical examination. The following people, however, should consult a doctor before beginning more vigorous exercise:

Men over age 40 or women over age 50
Individuals with heart or lung disease, asthma, arthritis, or osteoporosis
Individuals who experience chest pressure or pain with exertion, or who develop fatigue or shortness of breath easily
Individuals with conditions that increase their risks of developing coronary heart disease, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cigarette smoking, high blood cholesterol, or having family members who had early onset heart attacks and coronary heart disease
Individuals who are morbidly obese

Consequences of physical inactivity and lack of exercise:

Physical inactivity and lack of exercise are associated with heart disease and some cancers.
Physical inactivity and lack of exercise are associated with type II diabetes mellitus (also known as maturity or adult-onset, non-insulin-dependent diabetes).
Physical inactivity and lack of exercise contribute to weight gain.

Healthy living involves more than physical health, it also includes emotional or mental health. The following are some ways people can support their mental health and well-being.

Tips:

Get enough sleep daily; the CDC recommends the following by age group (naps inclusive); 12-18 hours from birth to 2 months, 14-15 hours from 3-11 months of age, 12-18 hours for 1-3 years of age, 11-13 hours for 3-5 years of age, 10-11 hours for 5-10 years of age, eight and a half to nine and a half hours for 10-17 years of age and those 18 and above need seven to nine hours of sleep. Elderly people need about seven to nine hours but do not sleep as deeply and may awaken at night or wake early, so naps (like kids need) allow them to accumulate the total of seven to nine hours of sleep.
Take a walk and reflect on what you see and hear at least several times per week.
Try something new and often (eat a new food, try a different route to work, go to a new museum display).
Do some mind exercises (read, do a puzzle occasionally during the week).
Try to focus on a process intensely and complete a segment of it over one to several hours, then take a break and do something relaxing (walk, exercise, short nap).
Plan to spend some time talking with other people about different subjects.
Try to make some leisure time to do some things that interest you every week (hobby, sport).
Learn ways to say "no" when something occurs that you do not want to do or be involved with.
Have fun (go on a trip with someone you love, go shopping, go fishing; do not let vacation time slip away).
Let yourself be pleased with your achievements, both big and small (develop contentment).
Have a network of friends; those with strong social support systems lead healthier lives.
Seek help and advice early if you feel depressed, have suicidal thoughts, or consider harming yourself or others.
People taking medicine for mental-health problems should not stop taking these medications, no matter how "well" they feel, until they have discussed their situation with their prescribing doctor(s).

WEIGHT LOOS MANUAL

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 12:36:00 +0000

C O N T E N T S

Chapter 1: Nine Pillars of Successful Weight Loss ....................... 3

Chapter 2: Using Blood Tests to Safely Induce Weight Loss ........ 13

Chapter 3: A Multi-Modal Approach to Combat Obesity ….......... 35

Chapter 4: Insomnia Protocol ….................................................

Chapter One

Nine Pillars of Successful

Weight Loss

When it comes to weight loss, mainstream medicine has recommended “diet and

exercise” for so long, it has become more of a cliché than a momentous scientific

communication.

The fact is that as people get older, they need to do a lot more than reduce calorie intake

and increase physical activity to lose excess body fat and keep it off.

In this chapter, we address the nine steps that most overweight aging people should

follow to achieve optimal removal of surplus body fat. This multi-step program is

comparable to the “drug cocktails” doctors now use to control HIV infections (so

patients now live for decades instead of less than a year, as was the case when the

disease first manifested).

The Nine Pillars of Successful Weight Loss are also analogous to what progressive oncologists

are doing to cure cancer today by administering multiple therapies designed to

neutralize the numerous survival mechanisms cancer cells use to escape eradication.

In some respects, the uncontrolled proliferation and enlargement of adipocytes (fat

cells) in the aging body is analogous to the growth and spread of benign tumors in our

abdomens, buttocks, and other areas of the body.

Most people understand the need to correct several vascular disease risk factors to

protect against heart attack and stroke. In the same way, those seeking to lose weight

should consider making many of these Nine Pillars of Successful Weight Loss a regular

part of their health-maintenance program.

Pillar Number 1: Restore Insulin Sensitivity

Normal aging causes a decline in sex hormones and anabolic hormone production.

In addition, insulin receptors on cell membranes lose their youthful sensitivity or

functionality. The result is a pathological condition called “sarcopenia” that impairs

the ability of cells to efficiently take up glucose and amino acids, and utilize these

fundamental building blocks for tissue growth and repair. “Insulin resistance” is

characterized by the relative difficulty of muscle cells and liver cells to take up glucose.

Hyperinsulinemia, a condition of high circulating insulin levels, is the body’s response

to insulin resistance (the attempt to produce more insulin to “drive” more glucose into

cells). However, an increased risk of heart disease is well-known to be associated with

high circulating insulin levels. In fact, a recent study showed that patients with heart

disease had significantly higher plasma levels of blood sugar and circulating insulin.17

There are several ways to restore insulin sensitivity to our cell membranes. For example,

nutrients such as chromium,18,19 magnesium,20 cocoa polyphenols,21 and fish oil 22,23 can help.

A low-cost prescription drug called metformin can also significantly enhance insulin

sensitivity.24-26 It is approved only as a treatment for Type 2 diabetes, but published

scientific studies indicate it can help reduce body fat.27 The dose range for those seeking

4 | THE LIFE EXTENSION WEIGHT LOSS MANUAL

to enhance their insulin sensitivity and support more youthful metabolic function

can vary from 250 mg three times daily with meals up to 850 mg three times daily with

meals. Consult with your prescribing physician to make sure that metformin is right for

you. As you will read later in this section, restoring free testosterone to youthful ranges

can augment insulin sensitivity in aging men with suboptimal testosterone levels.

The most effective way of restoring insulin sensitivity is to reduce calorie intake.

Calorie reduction to 1,500–1,900 calories/day significantly enhances insulin sensitivity,

as documented by dramatic lowering of fasting glucose and insulin blood levels.27-32

Even a moderate cutback of excess calories can markedly improve insulin sensitivity.

So the first pillar to successful long-term weight loss should involve a moderate reduction

in calorie intake, at least long enough to restore insulin receptor sensitivity to more youthful

ranges. The use of nutrients, hormones, and drugs that enhance insulin sensitivity should

also be considered. As you probably know already, a lot more than just eating less is needed

to lose weight.

Pillar Number 2: Restore Youthful Hormone Balance

Most overweight human beings have suffered the agonies of calorie deprivation

(dieting), but have failed to achieve any kind of sustained fat reduction. While eating

less addresses some of the underlying causes of weight gain, the high failure rate of

dieting is partially attributable to the severe alteration in hormone levels that occurs as

part of normal aging.

A large percentage of men today suffer from abdominal obesity — the most dangerous

kind of body fat. It is often difficult, if not impossible for aging men to lose inches off

their waistline if they are deficient in free testosterone, especially in the presence of

excess estrogen.33-35 Low levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) can also contribute to

undesirable fat accumulation in men and women.36

A comprehensive blood test panel can reveal free testosterone and estrogen (estradiol)

levels so that a physician can prescribe a topical testosterone cream and an aromataseinhibiting

drug (if necessary) to restore a man’s sex hormone profile to a youthful range.

The same blood test panel can also detect DHEA blood levels to enable one to take the

proper dose of this over-the-counter dietary supplement.

A comprehensive blood test panel should also measure prostate-specific antigen

(PSA) in men (along with a digital rectal exam, and prostate ultrasound with biopsy if

necessary) to help screen for occult prostate cancer. Those with prostate cancer cannot

restore these hormones until the cancer is completely eradicated. Some men are able

to reduce excess estrogen while simultaneously boosting free testosterone by taking

nutrient formulas that contain plant extracts to help inhibit the aromatase enzyme

(which converts testosterone into estrogen) and decrease levels of sex hormone-binding

globulin (which binds free testosterone).

A substantial percentage of aging women (and many aging men) have less-than-optimal

thyroid levels, thus predisposing them to weight gain. Thyroid hormone is needed to

maintain healthy metabolic rates. Those who are deficient in thyroid hormone should

be prescribed thyroid medication to maintain or improve their overall health, as well

as to provide this hormone involved in the regulation of body composition. Drugs to

consider are Armour® natural thyroid complex (containing both T4 and T3) or Cytomel®

(containing T3). Trying to lose weight in the face of thyroid hormone deficit can be

particularly challenging.

A common problem women experience during menopause is an increase in belly fat

mass. Estrogen levels plummet during menopause and some studies correlate this

estrogen deficiency with greater abdominal adiposity in women. While treatment with

THE LIFE EXTENSION WEIGHT LOSS MANUAL | 5

high dosages of horse urine-derived estrogens and progestin drugs may contribute to

increases in appetite and weight gain, evidence suggests that individually dosed natural

estrogen replacement facilitates a reduction in abdominal fat in women who are

estrogen deficient.37,38 Restoring hormone balance in aging females requires the intervention

of a health care practitioner with specialized expertise in prescribing bioidentical

hormone replacement therapy. Men are more fortunate in that almost any doctor can

prescribe the proper dose of testosterone (and aromatase-inhibiting drugs, if needed).

Pillar Number 3: Control Rate of Carbohydrate Absorption

We already know that a rapid rise in blood glucose (and the subsequent insulin spike)

associated with large meals predisposes people to gain unwanted fat pounds by, in

addition to an overload of excess calories, a rebound increase in appetite and hunger

when blood sugar levels plummet in response to excess release of insulin. Research

suggests that by taking just five grams of soluble fiber before or with each meal, one can

significantly blunt the glucose-insulin surge.39

Fiber may protect against unwanted weight gain via several mechanisms that involve

both effects on satiety and glucose-insulin responses.39-41 For example, research

has shown that vegetarians weigh significantly less than non-vegetarians, whether

measured by body mass index or body weight.42 Some experts believe that vegetarians’

lower average body weight is linked to one factor: the high fiber content of the plant

foods consumed.43 Plant fiber fills you up quickly, and studies indicate that this results

in less snacking and binging later in the day.

The Seven Countries Study provides additional evidence linking a high-fiber diet with

lower body weight. Researchers found that people living in countries with high fiber

intake weighed less than those living in countries where fiber intake is low.44 Higher

fiber intake is also associated with lower average body weight in the US. In the famous

Nurses’ Health Study, those who ingested more dietary fiber consistently weighed less

than those who consumed less fiber.41

Finally, in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study, which examined

how heart disease develops in adults, researchers linked higher dietary fiber intake with

lower body weight and waist-to-hip ratios, along with a reduction in markers of heart

disease risk. Higher fiber consumption predicted less weight gain more strongly than

did total or saturated fat consumption.43

Not all fibers are created equal. Beta-glucans (derived from oats and barley) are particularly

effective in slowing the absorption of carbohydrates — enabling one to control

blood sugar levels and induce the satiety needed to achieve healthy weight management.

Studies show that when taken with meals, beta-glucan fibers markedly blunt

post-meal elevations in blood sugar and insulin levels. Like other foods rich in soluble

fiber, beta-glucans help improve blood glucose metabolism while also lowering serum

lipid levels.45,46

Getting into the routine of taking five grams of a neutral-tasting beta-glucan fiber mix

before or with each meal would help provide weight loss effects via this mechanism

(i.e., controlling rate of carbohydrate absorption). Alternatively, taking fiber capsules

(containing the highly viscous fiber glucomannan, which promotes healthy glycemic

status) before each carbohydrate-rich meal would also help reduce the glucose-insulin

surge that contributes to obesity.

Request for the full manual by drop your email in the comment box below.

Why you should immunise your child

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 13:43:00 +0000

The twenty-four-year-old said his parents did not allow him to be immunised at all when he was a child. According to him, his father believed so strongly that his children would grow into strong men and women without immunisation that he instructed his family members to chase away any vaccination team that came near his compound.

The young man said though he does not hate his parents for denying him vaccination, he wished he was immunised so that he would be walking around with his legs, and have a better source of livelihood to fend for his family.

Hajiya Hassana Ahmed, a Civil Servant and mother of three, said she ensured all her children accessed all the vaccines for routine immunisation, adding that it has made them very healthy and she has not had course to frequent the hospital as they rarely fell sick.

“I took their immunisation seriously and never forgot any of their immunisation dates and appointments at the hospital. They are very healthy children,” she added.

Narrating her experience on the benefits of vaccination, Chika Offor, a member of the Women Advocates for Vaccine Access, WAVA, and Chief Oversight Officer at the Vaccine Network for Disease Control, said when she first stepped into Damangaza, a Hausa Fulani settlement located at Garki Ward of the Abuja Municipal Area Council, in 2011, vaccine-preventable diseases, deaths were rampant and immunisation was non -existent.

She said advocacy to the community convinced them on the need to keep their children alive with vaccines and in 2013, efforts to improve access to vaccines paid off; “as no child died of vaccine-preventable diseases in the community.”

“ Women in the community now seek out routine immunisation for their children themselves and men too have lent their voice in support of it,” she said.

Early vaccination prevents disability and early child related diseases, but till date some communities and parents still refuse to allow their children to be immunised. Some of them forget their children’s immunisation appointments at the hospital, and do not let them access vaccination during vaccination exercises.

The 2013 National Demographic Health Survey (NDHS 2013) NDHS shows that about 25% of children (age 12-23 months) had received all the recommended vaccinations while 21% of eligible children received no vaccination at all.

UNICEF said that about three out of 10 under five deaths are caused by diseases for which there are preventive vaccines, such as pneumonia, diarrhoea, tetanus, among others.

One in every five children does not receive the vaccines they need, according to a study by the Women Advocates for Vaccine Access, WAVA.

“Immunisation is the process by which a person is protected from or made resistant to an infectious disease, typically by administering a vaccine at defined periods,” said WAVA.

The difference between immunisation and vaccination is that vaccination is the process of administering vaccines to a person, either through oral drops or by injection while immunisation refers to the protection that is acquired or the immunity process.

All vaccines given via the routine immunisation programme in Nigeria are free in government owned or public health facilities across the country. The free vaccines include BCG (against tuberculosis), polio, Pentavalent vaccines (contain vaccines against diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, Hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenza type B - HiB), pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, measles and yellow fever. Other vaccines are currently not free of charge.

Dr Chizoba Wonodi, Convener Women Advocates on Vaccine Access (WAVA) said it was important for children to be immunised because unlike adults, the immune systems of children were immature and not strong enough to eliminate many of the germs they may be exposed to.

“Immunisation provides protection to help children fight diseases in their early life, thereby helping to save millions of children around the world from untimely death,” she said.

Dr Wonodi said immunisation should not be seen as an expenditure, but rather as in investment because when countries spend $1, they get back at least $16 in economic gains.

Dr Uche Ewelike, a public health physician and health economist said as a developing nation, the unarguable importance of childhood immunisation could not be overemphasized.

He said it was a cost-effective way of improving the economic, social and living standard of a nation, adding “Today when you talk about immunisation people only look at the immediate benefit of stopping vaccine preventable deaths, without looking at gains in improving cognitive function, improvement in productive capacity, cost of time caring for the sick children and the cost of burden of care on the parents.”

Dr Ewelike, who is also secretary of the Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria, Federal Capital Territory chapter, said infant mortality was not just a major indicator for a country’s health system assessment, but also has a very severe consequence on economic growth and development of any nation.

The public health expert said we must therefore walk the talk in achieving a healthy generation through effective immunisation, adding that the benefits were tested, evidence based and development driven.

He said: “For instance if a community embarks on good immunisation practices by mobilising a comprehensive vaccination for children 0-5years in their community, the “herd effect” of vaccines also protects the community. This therefore makes such community healthier and improves the quality of life in such communities.

“Parents should also know that it is morally sound, economically better and parentally protecting to have your children immunised. This will save them from incessant visits to hospital for treatments of vaccine preventable diseases and reduce the regressive out of pocket payment that makes the family poorer. If we must have better families, communities and nation’s productive workforce, we must pay adequate attention to immunisation in this country.”

Insufficient Sleep May Add More Than An Inch To Your Waist, Study Suggests

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 13:36:00 +0000

A new study published in PLOS One takes a stab at this question by studying the relationship between sleep duration and a number of quantifiable factors: Waist circumference, blood pressure, lipids, glucose, thyroid hormones and other important measures of a person's metabolic profile.

By now, the connection between sleep and weight gain has been well established. Numerous studies have provided evidence that sleeping too little - less than five hours - messes with your hormones, slows down your metabolism and reprograms your body to eat more.

But just how serious are the consequences in terms of numbers?

A new study published in PLOS One takes a stab at this question by studying the relationship between sleep duration and a number of quantifiable factors: Waist circumference, blood pressure, lipids, glucose, thyroid hormones and other important measures of a person's metabolic profile. The research, led by the Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine and the School of Food Science and Nutrition, involved 1,615 people ages 19 to 65 in Great Britain.

The most striking suggestion was that getting insufficient sleep may make you go up a clothing size.

People in the study who were sleeping an average of six hours each night had waist measurements about 1.2 inches (or 3 centimeters) more than those getting nine hours of sleep a night. Those with less sleep also weighed more. The relationship between more sleep and smaller waists and a lower body mass index (BMI) appeared to be almost linear, as shown below.

The findings appear to contradict other studies that show that too much sleep - nine hours or more - might have a similar impact on the body as too little sleep. This new study appears to show that waist circumference and BMI are lowest for those with 12 hours of sleep.

The theory of why this relationship exists has to do with two hormones that help tell you when to eat and when to stop. Less sleep upsets the balance, making you eat more. Combine that with the slower metabolism that people with lack of sleep appear to have it's no wonder that people are prone to becoming larger and gaining weight.

The PLOS One study also found another worrisome difference between people who had sufficient and insufficient sleep. They found that shorter sleep appeared to be linked with reduced levels of HDL or "good" cholesterol in the blood.Researcher Greg Potter of Leeds, a co-author, expressed concern that insufficient sleep may contribute to obesity and type 2 diabetes: "Understanding why people gain weight has crucial implications for public health."

How to Lose Weight: 40 Fast, Easy Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 05 Aug 2017 13:09:00 +0000

You know the drill when it comes to losing weight: take in fewer calories, burn more calories. But you also know that most diets and quick weight-loss plans don't work as promised. If you're trying to drop a few pounds fast, these trusted expert tips will make it easy for you to lose the weight quickly.

1. Write down what you eat for one week and you will lose weight.

Studies found that people who keep food diaries wind up eating about 15 percent less food than those who don’t. Watch out for weekends: A University of North Carolina study found people tend to consume an extra 115 calories per weekend day, primarily from alcohol and fat. Then cut out or down calories from spreads, dressings, sauces, condiments, drinks, and snacks; they could make the difference between weight gain and loss.
Need major weight-loss motivation? Here’s the secret weight-loss advice used by the folks on The Biggest Loser and other reality shows.

2. Add 10 percent to the amount of daily calories you think you’re eating

If you think you’re consuming 1,700 calories a day and don’t understand why you’re not losing weight, add another 170 calories to your guesstimate. Chances are, the new number is more accurate. Adjust your eating habits accordingly.

3. Get an online weight loss buddy to lose more weight

A University of Vermont study found that online weight-loss buddies help you keep the weight off. The researchers followed volunteers for 18 months. Those assigned to an Internet-based weight maintenance program sustained their weight loss better than those who met face-to-face in a support group.

4. Get a weight-loss mantra

You’ve heard of a self-fulfilling prophecy? If you keep focusing on things you can’t do, like resisting junk food or getting out the door for a daily walk, chances are you won’t do them. Instead (whether you believe it or not) repeat positive thoughts to yourself. “I can lose weight.” “I will get out for my walk today.” “I know I can resist the pastry cart after dinner.” Repeat these phrases and before too long, they will become true for you

5. After breakfast, stick to water

At breakfast, go ahead and drink orange juice. But throughout the rest of the day, focus on water instead of juice or soda. The average American consumes an extra 245 calories a day from soft drinks. That’s nearly 90,000 calories a year—or 25 pounds! And research shows that despite the calories, sugary drinks don’t trigger a sense of fullness the way that food does.

6. Eat three fewer bites of your meal

…or one less treat a day, or one less glass of orange juice. Doing any of these can save you about 100 calories a day, and that alone is enough to prevent you from gaining the two pounds most people mindlessly pack on each year.

7. Watch one less hour of TV

A study of 76 undergraduate students found the more they watched television, the more often they ate and the more they ate overall. Sacrifice one program (there’s probably one you don’t really want to watch anyway) and go for a walk instead.

8. Wash something thoroughly once a week

Whether that’s a floor, a couple of windows, the shower stall, bathroom tile, or your car, a 150-pound person will burn about four calories for every minute spent cleaning. Scrub for 30 minutes and you could work off approximately 120 calories, the same number in a half-cup of vanilla frozen yogurt.

9. Wait until your stomach rumbles before you reach for food

It’s stunning how often we eat out of boredom, nervousness, habit, or frustration—so often, in fact, that many of us have actually forgotten what physical hunger feels like. If you’re hankering for a specific food, it’s probably a craving, not hunger. If you’d eat anything you could get your hands on, chances are you’re truly hungry. Find ways other than eating to express love, tame stress, and relieve boredom.

10. Sniff a banana, an apple, or a peppermint when you feel hungry

You might feel silly, but it works. When Alan R. Hirsch, M.D., neurological director of the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago, tried this with 3,000 volunteers, he found that the more frequently people sniffed, the less hungry they were and the more weight they lost—an average of 30 pounds each. One theory is that sniffing the food tricks the brain into thinking you’re actually eating it.

11. Stare at the color blue

There’s a good reason you won’t see many fast-food restaurants decorated in blue: it functions as an appetite suppressant. So serve up dinner on blue plates, dress in blue while you eat, and cover your table with a blue tablecloth. Conversely, avoid red, yellow, and orange in your dining areas. Studies find they encourage eating.

12. Eat in front of mirrors and you’ll lose weight

One study found that eating in front of mirrors slashed the amount people ate by nearly one-third. Having to look yourself in the eye reflects back some of your own inner standards and goals, and reminds you of why you’re trying to lose weight in the first place.

13. Spend 10 minutes a day walking up and down stairs

The Centers for Disease Control says that’s all it takes to help you shed as much as 10 pounds a year (assuming you don’t start eating more).

14. Walk five minutes for at least every two hours

Stuck at a desk all day? A brisk five-minute walk every two hours will parlay into an extra 20-minute walk by the end of the day. And getting a break will make you less likely to reach for snacks out of antsiness.

15. You’ll lose weight and fat if you walk 45 minutes a day, not 30

The reason we’re suggesting 45 minutes instead of the typical 30 is that a Duke University study found that while 30 minutes of daily walking is enough to prevent weight gain in most relatively sedentary people, exercise beyond 30 minutes results in weight and fat loss. Burning an additional 300 calories a day with three miles of brisk walking (45 minutes should do it) could help you lose 30 pounds in a year without even changing how much you’re eating.

16. Don’t buy any prepared food

that lists sugar, fructose, or corn syrup among the first four ingredients on the label. You should be able to find a lower-sugar version of the same type of food. If you can’t, grab a piece of fruit instead! Look for sugar-free varieties of foods such as ketchup, mayonnaise, and salad dressing. Also, avoid partially hydrogenated foods, and look for more than two grams of fiber per 100 calories in all grain products. Finally, a short ingredient list means fewer flavor enhancers and empty calories.

Content continues below ad

17. Put your fork or spoon down between every bite

At the table, sip water frequently. Intersperse your eating with stories for your dining partner of the amusing things that happened during your day. Your brain lags your stomach by about 20 minutes when it comes to satiety (fullness) signals. If you eat slowly enough, your brain will catch up to tell you that you are no longer in need of food.

18. Throw out your “fat” clothes for good

Once you’ve started losing weight, throw out or give away every piece of clothing that doesn’t fit. The idea of having to buy a whole new wardrobe if you gain the weight back will serve as a strong incentive to stay fit.

19. Close the kitchen for 12 hours

After dinner, wash all the dishes, wipe down the counters, turn out the light, and, if necessary, tape closed the cabinets and refrigerator. Late-evening eating significantly increases the overall number of calories you eat, a University of Texas study found. Stopping late-night snacking can save 300 or more calories a day, or 31 pounds a year.

20. Walk before dinner and you’ll cut calories AND your appetite

In a study of 10 obese women conducted at the University of Glasgow in Scotland, 20 minutes of walking reduced appetite and increased sensations of fullness as effectively as a light meal.

21. Make one social outing this week an active one

Pass on the movies and screen the views of a local park instead. Not only will you sit less, but you’ll be saving calories because you won’t chow down on that bucket of popcorn. Other active ideas: a tennis match, a guided nature or city walk (check your local listings), a bike ride, or bowling.

22. Hook on a step tracker, and aim for an extra 1,000 steps a day

On average, sedentary people take only 2,000 to 3,000 steps a day. Adding 2,000 steps will help you maintain your current weight and stop gaining weight; adding more than that will help you lose weight.

23. Put less food out and you’ll take less in

Conversely, the more food in front of you, the more you’ll eat—regardless of how hungry you are. So instead of using regular dinner plates that range these days from 10 to 14 inches (making them look empty if they’re not heaped with food), serve your main course on salad plates (about 7 to 9 inches wide). Instead of 16-ounce glasses and oversized coffee mugs, return to the old days of 8-ounce glasses and 6-ounce coffee cups.

24. Eat 90 percent of your meals at home

You’re more likely to eat more—and eat more high-fat, high-calorie foods—when you eat out than when you eat at home. Restaurants today serve such large portions that many have switched to larger plates and tables to accommodate them.

25. Serve food on your plate instead of on platters

If you eat your dinner restaurant style on your plate rather than family style, helping yourself from bowls and platters on the table, you’ll lose weight. Most of us tend to eat an average of 150 percent more calories in the evening than in the morning. You’ll avoid that now because when your plate is empty, you’re finished; there’s no reaching for seconds.

26. Don’t eat with a large group

A study published in the Journal of Physiological Behavior found that we tend to eat more when we eat with other people, most likely because we spend more time at the table. But eating with your significant other or your family, and using table time for talking in between chewing, can help cut down on calories.

27. Order the smallest portion of everything

If you’re out and ordering a sub, get the 6-inch sandwich. Buy a small popcorn, a small salad, a small hamburger. Again, studies find we tend to eat what’s in front of us, even though we’d feel just as full on less.

28. Eat water-rich foods and you’ll eat fewer calories overall

A body of research out of Pennsylvania State University finds that eating water-rich foods such as zucchini, tomatoes, and cucumbers during meals reduces your overall calorie consumption. Other water-rich foods include soups and salads. You won’t get the same benefits by just drinking your water, though. Because the body processes hunger and thirst through different mechanisms, it simply doesn’t register a sense of fullness with water (or soda, tea, coffee, or juice).

29. Bulk up your meals with veggies

You can eat twice as much pasta salad loaded with veggies like broccoli, carrots, and tomatoes for the same calories as a pasta salad sporting just mayonnaise. Same goes for stir-fries, omelets, and other veggie-friendly dishes. If you eat a 1:1 ratio of grains to veggies, the high-fiber veggies will help satisfy your hunger before you overeat the grains. Bonus: Fiber is highly beneficial for preventing constipation, which can make you look bloated.

30. Avoid white foods

There is some scientific legitimacy to today’s lower-carb diets: Large amounts of simple carbohydrates from white flour and added sugar can wreak havoc on your blood sugar and lead to weight gain. While avoiding sugar, white rice, and white flour, however, you should eat plenty of whole-grain breads and brown rice. One Harvard study of 74,000 women found that those who ate more than two daily servings of whole grains were 49 percent less likely to be overweight than those who ate the white stuff.

31. Switch to ordinary coffee

Fancy coffee drinks from trendy coffee joints often pack several hundred calories, thanks to whole milk, whipped cream, sugar, and sugary syrups. A cup of regular coffee with skim milk has just a small fraction of those calories. And when brewed with good beans, it tastes just as great. You can also try nonfat powdered milk in coffee. You’ll get the nutritional benefits of skim milk, which is high in calcium and low in calories. And, because the water has been removed, powdered milk doesn’t dilute the coffee the way skim milk does.

32. If you’re going to indulge, choose fat-releasing foods

They should help keep you from feeling deprived and bingeing on higher-calorie foods. For instance: honey has just 64 fat releasing calories in one tablespoon. Eggs have just 70 calories in one hard-boiled egg, loaded with fat releasing protein. Part-skim ricotta cheese has just 39 calories in one ounce, packed with fat releasing calcium. Dark chocolate has about 168 calories in a one-ounce square, but it’s packed with fat releasers. And a University of Tennessee study found that people who cut 500 calories a day and ate yogurt three times a day for 12 weeks lost more weight and body fat than a group that only cut the calories. The researchers concluded that the calcium in low-fat dairy foods triggers a hormonal response that inhibits the body’s production of fat cells and boosts the breakdown of fat.

33. Enjoy high-calorie treats as the accent, not the centerpiece

Make a spoonful of ice cream the jewel and a bowl of fruit the crown. Cut down on the chips by pairing each bite with lots of chunky, filling fresh salsa, suggests Jeff Novick, director of nutrition at the Pritikin Longevity Center & Spa in Florida. Balance a little cheese with a lot of fruit or salad.

34. Eat cereal for breakfast five days a week

Studies find that people who eat cereal for breakfast every day are significantly less likely to be obese and have diabetes than those who don’t. They also consume more fiber and calcium—and less fat—than those who eat other breakfast foods. Make oatmeal, or pour out a high-fiber, low-sugar cereal like Total or Grape Nuts.

35. Try hot sauce, salsa, and Cajun seasonings

They provide lots of flavor with no fat and few calories, plus they turn up your digestive fires, causing your body to temporarily burn more calories. Choose them over butter and creamy or sugary sauces.

36. Eat fruit instead of drinking fruit juice

For the calories in one kid-size box of apple juice, you can enjoy an apple, orange, and a slice of watermelon. These whole foods will keep you satisfied much longer than that box of apple juice, so you’ll eat less overall.

37. Drop your milk type and you cut calories by about 20 percent

If you drink regular, go to 2%. If you already drink 2%, go down another notch to 1% or skim milk. Each step downward cuts the calories by about 20 percent. Once you train your taste buds to enjoy skim milk, you’ll have cut the calories in the whole milk by about half and trimmed the fat by more than 95 percent.

38. Snack on a small handful of nuts

Studies have found that overweight people who ate a moderate-fat diet containing almonds lost more weight than a control group that didn’t eat nuts. Snacking once or twice a day helps stave off hunger and keeps your metabolism stoked. You can also pack up baby carrots or your own trail mix with nuts, raisins, seeds, and dried fruit.

39. Get most of your calories before noon

Studies find that the more you eat in the morning, the less you’ll eat in the evening. And you have more opportunities to burn off those early-day calories than you do to burn off dinner calories.

40. Brush your teeth after every meal, especially dinner

That clean, minty freshness will serve as a cue to your body and brain that mealtime is over.

How to Lose Weight Fast: 3 Simple Steps, Based on Science

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 05 Aug 2017 12:57:00 +0000

There are many ways to lose a lot of weight fast.
However, most of them will make you hungry and unsatisfied.
If you don't have iron willpower, then hunger will cause you to give up on these plans quickly.
The plan outlined here will:

Reduce your appetite significantly.
Make you lose weight quickly, without hunger.
Improve your metabolic health at the same time.

Here is a simple 3-step plan to lose weight fast.

1. Cut Back on Sugars and Starches

The most important part is to cut back on sugars and starches (carbs).
These are the foods that stimulate secretion of insulin the most. If you didn't know already, insulin is the main fat storage hormone in the body.
When insulin goes down, fat has an easier time getting out of the fat stores and the body starts burning fats instead of carbs.
Another benefit of lowering insulin is that your kidneys shed excess sodium and water out of your body, which reduces bloat and unnecessary water weight.
It is not uncommon to lose up to 10 pounds (sometimes more) in the first week of eating this way, both body fat and water weight.
This is a graph from a study comparing low-carb and low-fat diets in overweight/obese women (3).
The low-carb group is eating until fullness, while the low-fat group is calorie restricted and hungry.
Cut the carbs, lower your insulin and you will start to eat less calories automatically and without hunger.
Put simply, lowering your insulin puts fat loss on "autopilot."

Bottom Line: Removing sugars and starches (carbs) from your diet will lower your insulin levels, kill your appetite and make you lose weight without hunger.

2. Eat Protein, Fat and Vegetables

Each one of your meals should include a protein source, a fat source and low-carb vegetables. Constructing your meals in this way will automatically bring your carb intake into the recommended range of 20-50 grams per day.
Protein Sources:

Meat - Beef, chicken, pork, lamb, bacon, etc.
Fish and Seafood - Salmon, trout, shrimps, lobsters, etc.
Eggs - Omega-3 enriched or pastured eggs are best.

The importance of eating plenty of protein can not be overstated.
This has been shown to boost metabolism by 80 to 100 calories per day.
High protein diets can also reduce obsessive thoughts about food by 60%, reduce desire for late-night snacking by half, and make you so full that you automatically eat 441 fewer calories per day... just by adding protein to your diet.
When it comes to losing weight, protein is the king of nutrients. Period.
Low-Carb Vegetables:

Broccoli
Cauliflower
Spinach
Kale
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Swiss Chard
Lettuce
Cucumber
Celery

Don’t be afraid to load your plate with these low-carb vegetables. You can eat massive amounts of them without going over 20-50 net carbs per day.
A diet based on meat and vegetables contains all the fiber, vitamins and minerals you need to be healthy. There is no physiological need for grains in the diet.
Fat Sources:

Olive oil
Coconut oil
Avocado oil
Butter
Tallow

Eat 2-3 meals per day. If you find yourself hungry in the afternoon, add a 4th meal.
Don’t be afraid of eating fat, trying to do both low-carb AND low-fat at the same time is a recipe for failure. It will make you feel miserable and abandon the plan.
The best cooking fat to use is coconut oil. It is rich in fats called medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). These fats are more fulfilling than others and can boost metabolism slightly .
There is no reason to fear these natural fats, new studies show that saturated fat doesn’t raise your heart disease risk at all

Ginger

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 05 Aug 2017 10:25:00 +0000

Health Benefits

Historically, ginger has a long tradition of being very effective in alleviating symptoms of gastrointestinal distress. In herbal medicine, ginger is regarded as an excellent carminative (a substance which promotes the elimination of intestinal gas) and intestinal spasmolytic (a substance which relaxes and soothes the intestinal tract). Modern scientific research has revealed that ginger possesses numerous therapeutic properties including antioxidant effects, an ability to inhibit the formation of inflammatory compounds, and direct anti-inflammatory effects.

Gastrointestinal Relief

A clue to ginger's success in eliminating gastrointestinal distress is offered by recent double-blind studies, which have demonstrated that ginger is very effective in preventing the symptoms of motion sickness, especially seasickness. In fact, in one study, ginger was shown to be far superior to Dramamine, a commonly used over-the-counter and prescription drug for motion sickness. Ginger reduces all symptoms associated with motion sickness including dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and cold sweating.

Safe and Effective Relief of Nausea and Vomiting During Pregnancy

Ginger's anti-vomiting action has been shown to be very useful in reducing the nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, even the most severe form, hyperemesis gravidum, a condition which usually requires hospitalization. In a double-blind trial, ginger root brought about a significant reduction in both the severity of nausea and number of attacks of vomiting in 19 of 27 women in early pregnancy (less than 20 weeks). Unlike antivomiting drugs, which can cause severe birth defects, ginger is extremely safe, and only a small dose is required.

A review of six double-blind, randomized controlled trials with a total of 675 participants, published in the April 2005 issue of the journal, Obstetrics and Gynecology,has confirmed that ginger is effective in relieving the severity of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. The review also confirmed the absence of significant side effects or adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Ginger contains very potent anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols. These substances are believed to explain why so many people with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis experience reductions in their pain levels and improvements in their mobility when they consume ginger regularly. In two clinical studies involving patients who responded to conventional drugs and those who didn't, physicians found that 75% of arthritis patients and 100% of patients with muscular discomfort experienced relief of pain and/or swelling.

Arthritis-related problems with your aging knees? Regularly spicing up your meals with fresh ginger may help, suggests a study published in a recent issue of Osteoarthritis Cartilage. In this twelve month study, 29 patients with painful arthritis in the knee (6 men and 23 women ranging in age from 42-85 years) participated in a placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study. Patients switched from placebo to ginger or visa versa after 3 months. After six months, the double-blind code was broken and twenty of the patients who wished to continue were followed for an additional six months.
By the end of the first six month period, those given ginger were experiencing significantly less pain on movement and handicap than those given placebo. Pain on movement decreased from a score of 76.14 at baseline to 41.00, while handicap decreased from 73.47 to 46.08. In contrast, those who were switched from ginger to placebo experienced an increase in pain of movement (up to 82.10) and handicap (up to 80.80) from baseline. In the final phase of the study when all patients were getting ginger, pain remained low in those already taking ginger in phase 2, and decreased again in the group that had been on placebo.
Not only did participants' subjective experiences of pain lessen, but swelling in their knees, an objective measurement of lessened inflammation, dropped significantly in those treated with ginger. The mean target knee circumference in those taking ginger dropped from 43.25cm when the study began to 39.36cm by the 12th week. When this group was switched to placebo in the second phase of the study, their knee circumferences increased, while those who had been on placebo but were now switched to ginger experienced a decrease in knee circumference. In the final phase, when both groups were given ginger, mean knee circumference continued to drop, reaching lows of 38.78 and 36.38 in the two groups.
How does ginger work its anti-inflammatory magic? Two other recent studies provide possible reasons.
A study published in the November 2003 issue of Life Sciences suggests that at least one reason for ginger's beneficial effects is the free radical protection afforded by one of its active phenolic constituents, 6-gingerol. In this in vitro (test tube) study, 6-gingerol was shown to significantly inhibit the production of nitric oxide, a highly reactive nitrogen molecule that quickly forms a very damaging free radical called peroxynitrite. Another study appearing in the November 2003 issue of Radiation Research found that in mice, five days treatment with ginger (10 mg per kilogram of body weight) prior to exposure to radiation not only prevented an increase in free radical damage to lipids (fats found in numerous bodily components from cell membranes to cholesterol), but also greatly lessened depletion of the animals' stores of glutathione, one of the body's most important internally produced antioxidants.

A study published in the February 2005 issue of the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine sheds further light on the mechanisms of action that underlie ginger's anti-inflammatory effectiveness. In this research, ginger was shown to suppress the pro-inflammatory compounds (cytokines and chemokines) produced by synoviocytes (cells comprising the synovial lining of the joints), chrondrocytes (cells comprising joint cartilage) and leukocytes (immune cells).

Protection against Colorectal Cancer

Gingerols, the main active components in ginger and the ones responsible for its distinctive flavor, may also inhibit the growth of human colorectal cancer cells, suggests research presented at the Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research, a major meeting of cancer experts that took place in Phoenix, AZ, October 26-30, 2003.
In this study, researchers from the University of Minnesota's Hormel Institute fed mice specially bred to lack an immune system a half milligram of (6)-gingerol three times a week before and after injecting human colorectal cancer cells into their flanks. Control mice received no (6)-gingerol.
Tumors first appeared 15 days after the mice were injected, but only 4 tumors were found in the group of -gingerol-treated mice compared to 13 in the control mice, plus the tumors in the -gingerol group were smaller on average. Even by day 38, one mouse in the (6)-gingerol group still had no measurable tumors. By day 49, all the control mice had been euthanized since their tumors had grown to one cubic centimeter (0.06 cubic inch), while tumors in 12 of the (6)-gingerol treated mice still averaged 0.5 cubic centimeter—half the maximum tumor size allowed before euthanization.
Research associate professor Ann Bode noted, "These results strongly suggest that ginger compounds may be effective chemopreventive and/or chemotherapeutic agents for colorectal carcinomas."
In this first round of experiments, mice were fed ginger before and after tumor cells were injected. In the next round, researchers will feed the mice ginger only after their tumors have grown to a certain size. This will enable them to look at the question of whether a patient could eat ginger to slow the metastasis of a nonoperable tumor. Are they optimistic? The actions of the University of Minnesota strongly suggest they are. The University has already applied for a patent on the use of (6)-gingerol as an anti-cancer agent and has licensed the technology to Pediatric Pharmaceuticals (Iselin, N.J.).

Ginger Induces Cell Death in Ovarian Cancer Cells

Lab experiments presented at the 97th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer, by Dr Rebecca Lui and her colleagues from the University of Michigan, showed that gingerols, the active phytonutrients in ginger, kill ovarian cancer cells by inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) and autophagocytosis (self-digestion).
Ginger extracts have been shown to have both antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects on cells. To investigate the latter, Dr Liu examined the effect of a whole ginger extract containing 5% gingerol on a number of different ovarian cancer cell lines.
Exposure to the ginger extract caused cell death in all the ovarian cancer lines studied.
A pro-inflammatory state is thought to be an important contributing factor in the development of ovarian cancer. In the presence of ginger, a number of key indicators of inflammation (vascular endothelial growth factor, interleukin-8 and prostaglandin E2) were also decreased in the ovarian cancer cells.
Conventional chemotherapeutic agents also suppress these inflammatory markers, but may cause cancer cells to become resistant to the action of the drugs. Liu and her colleagues believe that ginger may be of special benefit for ovarian cancer patients because cancer cells exposed to ginger do not become resistant to its cancer-destroying effects. In the case of ovarian cancer, an ounce of prevention—in the delicious form of liberal use of ginger—is an especially good idea. Ovarian cancer is often deadly since symptoms typically do not appear until late in the disease process, so by the time ovarian cancer is diagnosed, it has spread beyond the ovaries. More than 50% of women who develop ovarian cancer are diagnosed in the advanced stages of the disease.

Immune Boosting Action

Ginger can not only be warming on a cold day, but can help promote healthy sweating, which is often helpful during colds and flus. A good sweat may do a lot more than simply assist detoxification. German researchers have recently found that sweat contains a potent germ-fighting agent that may help fight off infections. Investigators have isolated the gene responsible for the compound and the protein it produces, which they have named dermicidin. Dermicidin is manufactured in the body's sweat glands, secreted into the sweat, and transported to the skin's surface where it provides protection against invading microorganisms, including bacteria such as E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus (a common cause of skin infections), and fungi, including Candida albicans.

Ginger is so concentrated with active substances, you don't have to use very much to receive its beneficial effects. For nausea, ginger tea made by steeping one or two 1/2-inch slices (one 1/2-inch slice equals 2/3 of an ounce) of fresh ginger in a cup of hot water will likely be all you need to settle your stomach. For arthritis, some people have found relief consuming as little as a 1/4-inch slice of fresh ginger cooked in food, although in the studies noted above, patients who consumed more ginger reported quicker and better relief.

Description

The spice ginger is the underground rhizome of the ginger plant, known botanically as Zingiber officinale. The plant's botanical name is thought to be derived from its Sanskrit name singaberawhich means "horn shaped," a physical characteristic that ginger reflects.

The flesh of the ginger rhizome can be yellow, white or red in color, depending upon the variety. It is covered with a brownish skin that may either be thick or thin, depending upon whether the plant was harvested when it was mature or young. The ginger rhizome has a firm, yet striated texture and a taste that is aromatic, pungent and hot.

History

Native to southeastern Asia, a region whose cuisines still feature this wonderfully spicy herb, ginger has been renowned for millennia in many areas throughout the world. Ginger is mentioned in ancient Chinese, Indian and Middle Eastern writings, and has long been prized for its aromatic, culinary and medicinal properties. After the ancient Romans imported ginger from China almost two thousand years ago, its popularity in Europe remained centered in the Mediterranean region until the Middle Ages when its use spread throughout other countries. Although it was a very expensive spice, owing to the fact that it had to be imported from Asia, it was still in great demand. In an attempt to make it more available, Spanish explorers introduced ginger to the West Indies, Mexico and South America, and in the 16th century, these areas began exporting the precious herb back to Europe.

Today, the top commercial producers of ginger include Jamaica, India, Fiji, Indonesia and Australia.

How to Select and Store

Whenever possible, choose fresh ginger over the dried form of the spice since it is not only superior in flavor but contains higher levels of gingerol as well as ginger's active protease (it's anti-inflammatory compound). Fresh ginger root is sold in the produce section of markets. When purchasing fresh ginger root, make sure it is firm, smooth and free of mold. Ginger is generally available in two forms, either young or mature. Mature ginger, the more widely available type, has a tough skin that requires peeling while young ginger, usually only available in Asian markets, does not need to be peeled.

Even through dried herbs and spices like ginger powder are widely available in supermarkets, you may want to explore the local spice stores in your area. Oftentimes, these stores feature an expansive selection of dried herbs and spices that are of superior quality and freshness than those offered in regular markets. Just like with other dried spices, when purchasing dried ginger powder try to select organically grown ginger since this will give you more assurance that it has not been irradiated.

Ginger is also available in several other forms including crystallized, candied and pickled ginger.

Fresh ginger can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three weeks if it is left unpeeled. Stored unpeeled in the freezer, it will keep for up to six months.

Dried ginger powder should be kept in a tightly sealed glass container in a cool, dark and dry place. Alternatively, you can store it in the refrigerator where it will enjoy an extended shelf life of about one year.

High blood pressure hypertension

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 05 Aug 2017 08:47:00 +0000

Lifestyle and home remedies

Lifestyle changes can help you control and prevent high blood pressure, even if you're taking blood pressure medication. Here's what you can do:

Eat healthy foods. Eat a healthy diet. Try the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry, fish and low-fat dairy foods. Get plenty of potassium, which can help prevent and control high blood pressure. Eat less saturated fat and trans fat.
Decrease the salt in your diet. A lower sodium level — 1,500 milligrams (mg) a day — is appropriate for people 51 years of age or older, and individuals of any age who are black or who have hypertension, diabetes or chronic kidney disease.

Otherwise healthy people can aim for 2,300 mg a day or less. While you can reduce the amount of salt you eat by putting down the saltshaker, you generally should also pay attention to the amount of salt that's in the processed foods you eat, such as canned soups or frozen dinners.
Maintain a healthy weight. Keeping a healthy weight, or losing weight if you're overweight or obese, can help you control your high blood pressure and lower your risk of related health problems. If you're overweight, losing even 5 pounds (2.3 kilograms) can lower your blood pressure.
Increase physical activity. Regular physical activity can help lower your blood pressure, manage stress, reduce your risk of several health problems and keep your weight under control.

For most healthy adults, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends that you get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination or moderate and vigorous activity. Aim to do muscle-strengthening exercises at least two days a week.
Limit alcohol. Even if you're healthy, alcohol can raise your blood pressure. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. For healthy adults, that means up to one drink a day for women of all ages and men older than age 65, and up to two drinks a day for men age 65 and younger. One drink equals 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor.
Don't smoke. Tobacco injures blood vessel walls and speeds up the process of hardening of the arteries. If you smoke, ask your doctor to help you quit.
Manage stress. Reduce stress as much as possible. Practice healthy coping techniques, such as muscle relaxation, deep breathing or meditation. Getting regular physical activity and plenty of sleep can help, too.
Monitor your blood pressure at home. Home blood pressure monitoring can help you keep closer tabs on your blood pressure, show if medication is working, and even alert you and your doctor to potential complications. Home blood pressure monitoring isn't a substitute for visits to your doctor, and home blood pressure monitors may have some limitations. Even if you get normal readings, don't stop or change your medications or alter your diet without talking to your doctor first.

If your blood pressure is under control, you may be able to make fewer visits to your doctor if you monitor your blood pressure at home.
Practice relaxation or slow, deep breathing. Practice taking deep, slow breaths to help relax. There are some devices available that promote slow, deep breathing. However, it's questionable whether these devices have a significant effect on lowering your blood pressure.
Control blood pressure during pregnancy. If you're a woman with high blood pressure, discuss with your doctor how to control your blood pressure during pregnancy

Alternative medicine

Although diet and exercise are the most appropriate tactics to lower your blood pressure, some supplements also may help lower it. However, more research is needed to determine the potential benefits. These include:

Fiber, such as blond psyllium and wheat bran
Minerals, such as magnesium, calcium and potassium
Folic acid
Supplements or products that increase nitric oxide or widen blood vessels (vasodilators), such as cocoa, coenzyme Q10, L-arginine or garlic
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish, fish oil supplements or flaxseed

While it's best to include these supplements in your diet as foods, you can also take supplement pills or capsules. Talk to your doctor before adding any of these supplements to your blood pressure treatment. Some supplements can interact with medications, causing harmful side effects, such as an increased bleeding risk that could be fatal.

You can also practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, to help you relax and reduce your stress level. These practices may temporarily reduce your blood pressure.

Eight tips for healthy eating

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 11 Mar 2017 18:11:00 +0000

Eight tips for healthy eating

These eight practical tips cover the basics of healthy eating, and can help you make healthier choices.

Base your meals on starchy carbohydrates
Eat lots of fruit and veg
Eat more fish – including a portion of oily fish
Cut down on saturated fat and sugar
Eat less salt – no more than 6g a day for adults
Get active and be a healthy weight
Don't get thirsty
Don't skip breakfast

The key to a healthy diet is to:

    Eat the right amount of calories for how active you are, so that you balance the energy you consume with the energy you use. If you eat or drink too much, you'll put on weight. If you eat and drink too little, you'll lose weight.
    Eat a wide range of foods to ensure that you're getting a balanced diet and that your body is receiving all the nutrients it needs.

It is recommended that men have around 2,500 calories a day (10,500 kilojoules). Women should have around 2,000 calories a day (8,400 kilojoules). Most adults are eating more calories than they need, and should eat fewer calories.
Base your meals on starchy carbohydrates

Starchy carbohydrates should make up just over one third of the food you eat. They include potatoes, bread, rice, pasta and cereals.

Choose wholegrain varieties (or eat potatoes with their skins on) when you can: they contain more fibre, and can help you feel full for longer.

Most of us should eat more starchy foods: try to include at least one starchy food with each main meal. Some people think starchy foods are fattening, but gram for gram the carbohydrate they contain provides fewer than half the calories of fat.

Keep an eye on the fats you add when you're cooking or serving these types of foods because that's what increases the calorie content, for example oil on chips, butter on bread and creamy sauces on pasta.
Eat lots of fruit and veg

It's recommended that we eat at least five portions of a variety of fruit and veg every day. It's easier than it sounds.

Why not chop a banana over your breakfast cereal, or swap your usual mid-morning snack for a piece of fresh fruit?

Unsweetened 100% fruit juice, vegetable juice and smoothies can only ever count as a maximum of one portion of your 5 A DAY. For example, if you have two glasses of fruit juice and a smoothie in one day, that still only counts as one portion.
Eat more fish – including a portion of oily fish

Fish is a good source of protein and contains many vitamins and minerals. Aim to eat at least two portions of fish a week, including at least one portion of oily fish. Oily fish contains omega-3 fats, which may help to prevent heart disease.

Oily fish include:

    salmon
    mackerel
    trout
    herring
    fresh tuna
    sardines
    pilchards.

Non-oily fish include:

    haddock
    plaice
    coley
    cod
    canned tuna
    skate
    hake

If you regularly eat a lot of fish, try to choose as wide a variety as possible.

You can choose from fresh, frozen and canned: but remember that canned and smoked fish can be high in salt.
Cut down on saturated fat and sugar

Saturated fat in our diet

We all need some fat in our diet, but it's important to pay attention to the amount and type of fat we're eating. There are two main types of fat: saturated and unsaturated. Too much saturated fat can increase the amount of cholesterol in the blood, which increases your risk of developing heart disease.

The average man should have no more than 30g saturated fat a day. The average woman should have no more than 20g saturated fat a day, and children should have less than adults.

Saturated fat is found in many foods, such as:

    hard cheese
    cakes
    biscuits
    sausages
    cream
    butter
    lard
    pies.

Try to cut down on your saturated fat intake, and choose foods that contain unsaturated fats instead, such as vegetable oils, oily fish and avocados.

For a healthier choice, use just a small amount of vegetable oil or reduced-fat spread instead of butter, lard or ghee. When you're having meat, choose lean cuts and cut off any visible fat.

Sugar in our diet

Regularly consuming foods and drinks high in sugar increases your risk of obesity and tooth decay.

Sugary foods and drinks, including alcoholic drinks, are often high in energy (measured in kilojoules or calories), and if eaten too often, can contribute to weight gain. They can also cause tooth decay, especially if eaten between meals.

Many packaged foods and drinks contain surprisingly high amounts of free sugars. Free sugars are any sugars added to foods or drinks, or found naturally in honey, syrups and unsweetened fruit juices.

Cut down on:

    sugary fizzy drinks
    alcoholic drinks
    sugary breakfast cereals
    cakes
    biscuits
    pastries

These foods contain added sugars: this is the kind of sugar we should be cutting down on, rather than sugars that are found in things such as fruit and milk.

Food labels can help: use them to check how much sugar foods contain. More than 22.5g of total sugars per 100g means that the food is high in sugar, while 5g of total sugars or less per 100g means that the food is low in sugar.

Get tips on cutting down sugar in your diet.
Eat less salt – no more than 6g a day for adults

Eating too much salt can raise your blood pressure. People with high blood pressure are more likely to develop heart disease or have a stroke.

Even if you don’t add salt to your food, you may still be eating too much. About three-quarters of the salt we eat is already in the food we buy, such as breakfast cereals, soups, breads and sauces.

Use food labels to help you cut down. More than 1.5g of salt per 100g means the food is high in salt. Adults and children over 11 should eat no more than 6g of salt (about a teaspoonful) a day. Younger children should have even less.

Get tips on cutting down on salt in your diet.
Get active and be a healthy weight

Eating a healthy, balanced diet plays an essential role in maintaining a healthy weight, which is an important part of overall good health.

Being overweight or obese can lead to health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, heart disease and stroke. Being underweight could also affect your health.

Check whether you're a healthy weight by using our Healthy weight calculator.

Most adults need to lose weight, and need to eat fewer calories to do this. If you're trying to lose weight, aim to eat less and be more active. Eating a healthy, balanced diet will help: aim to cut down on foods that are high in saturated fat and sugar, and eat plenty of fruit and vegetables.

Don't forget that alcohol is also high in calories, so cutting down can help you to control your weight.

Physical activity can help you to maintain weight loss or be a healthy weight. Being active doesn't have to mean hours at the gym: you can find ways to fit more activity into your daily life. For example, try getting off the bus one stop early on the way home from work, and walking.

Being physically active may help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. For more ideas, see Get active your way.

After getting active, remember not to reward yourself with a treat that is high in energy. If you feel hungry after activity, choose foods or drinks that are lower in calories, but still filling.

If you're underweight, see our page on underweight adults. If you're worried about your weight, ask your GP or a dietitian for advice.
Don't get thirsty

We need to drink plenty of fluids to stop us getting dehydrated – the government recommends 6-8 glasses every day.

This is in addition to the fluid we get from the food we eat. All non-alcoholic drinks count, but water and lower-fat milk are healthier choices.

Try to avoid sugary soft and fizzy drinks that are high in added sugars and calories, and are also bad for teeth.

Even unsweetened fruit juice and smoothies are high in free sugar. Your combined total of drinks from fruit juice, vegetable juice and smoothies should not be more than 150ml a day – which is a small glass.

For example, if you have 150ml of orange juice and 150ml smoothie in one day, you'll have exceeded the recommendation by 150ml.

When the weather is warm, or when we get active, we may need more fluids.
Don't skip breakfast

Some people skip breakfast because they think it will help them lose weight. In fact, research shows that people who regularly eat breakfast are less likely to be overweight.

Breakfast has also been shown to have positive effects on children’s mental performance and increase their concentration throughout the morning.

A healthy breakfast is an important part of a balanced diet, and provides some of the vitamins and minerals we need for good health.

A wholegrain, lower-sugar cereal with fruit sliced over the top is a tasty and nutritious breakfast.

45 Tips To Live a Healthier Life

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 14 Oct 2016 17:15:00 +0000

45 Tips To Live a Healthier Life

How healthy are you? Do you have a healthy diet? Do you exercise regularly? Do you drink at least 8 glasses of water a day? Do you get enough sleep every day?
Our body is our temple, and we need to take care of it to have a healthy life. Do you know that a shocking over 65% of Americans are either obese or overweight? That’s insane! Think of your body as your physical shell to take you through life. If you repeatedly abuse it with unhealthy food, your shell will wear out quickly. While you may look okay on the outside, on the inside, your arteries are getting clogged up with cholesterol and arterial plaque. That’s not a pretty sight!
Life is beautiful and you don’t want to bog yourself down with unnecessary health problems. Today, your vital organs (kidney, heart, lungs, gall bladder, liver, stomach, intestines, etc) may be working well, but they may not be tomorrow. Don’t take your good health today for granted. Take proper care of your body.
Good health isn’t just about healthy eating and exercise – it also includes having a positive mental health, healthy self-image and a healthy lifestyle. In this article, I’ll share with you 45 tips to live a healthier life. Bookmark this article and save the tips, because they are going to be vital in living a healthier life.

Drink more water. Most of us actually don’t drink enough water every day. Water is essential for our body to function – Do you know over 60% of our body is made up of water? Water is needed to carry out our body functions, remove waste and carry nutrients and oxygen around our body. Since we lose water every day through urine, bowel movements, perspiration and breathing, we need to replenish our water intake.

Furthermore, drinking more water alone actually aids in losing weight. A Health.com study carried out among overweight/obese people showed that water drinkers lose 4.5 more pounds than a control group. The researchers believe that it’s because drinking more water helps fill your stomach, making you less hungry and less likely to overeat. I agree with that, and I have an added take that your body tries to retain whatever water you take when you don’t take in enough water, leading to increase in weight. Whereas when you regularly drink water, your body knows that it’s going to get its supply of fluids, so it doesn’t try to retain more water.
The amount of water we need is dependent on various factors such as the humidity, our physical activity, and your weight, but generally we need 2.7-3.7 litres of water intake! Since food intake contributes about 20% of our fluid intake, that means we need to drink about 2.0-3.0 litres of water, or about 8-10 glasses (now you know how the 8 glasses recommendation came about!). One way to tell if you’re hydrated – your urine should be colorless or slightly yellow. If it’s not, you’re not getting enough water! Other signs include: Dry lips, dry mouth and little urination. Go get some water first before you continue this article!
Get enough sleep. When you don’t rest well, you compensate by eating more. Usually it’s junk food. Get enough rest and you don’t need to snack to stay awake. Also, lack of sleep causes premature aging, and you wouldn’t want that.
Meditate. Meditation quietens your mind and calms your soul. If you don’t know how to meditate, don’t worry – learn how to meditate in 5 simple steps.
Exercise. Not just a few times a week, but every day. Movement is life. Research has shown that exercising daily brings tremendous benefits to our health, including increase of life span, lowering of risk of diseases, higher bone density and weight loss. Increase activity in your life. Choose walking over transport for close distances. Climb the stairs instead of taking the lift. Join some aerobics classes. Take up a sport of your liking (see tip #5)
Pick exercises you enjoy. When you enjoy the sports, you’ll naturally want to do them. Exercise isn’t about suffering and pushing yourself; it’s about being healthy and having fun at the same time. Adding variation in your exercises will keep them interesting.
Work out different parts of your body. Don’t just do cardio exercises (such as jogging). Give your full body a proper work out. The easiest way is to engage in sports, since they work out different muscle groups. Popular sports include basketball, football, swimming, tennis, squash, badminton, frisbee, and more.
Eat more fruits. Fruits are a plethora of vitamins and minerals. Do you know that oranges offer more health benefits than Vitamin C pills? Taking in synthetic supplements are not the same as consuming the foods direct from nature. Fill your palate with these nutritious fruits: Watermelon, Apricots, Avocado, Apple, Cantaloupe, Grapefruit, Kiwi, Guava, Papaya, Strawberries.
Eat more vegetables. Like fruits, vegetables are important for the well being of our health. Experts suggest that we should have 5-9 servings of fruits/vegetables, and unfortunately most people don’t even have at least 5 servings! Some of my favorite vegetables include: Kidney beans, black beans, asparagus, long beans, french beans, sprouts, button mushrooms and carrots. What are your favorite vegetables and how can you include more of them in your diet today?
Pick bright colored foods. Fruits and vegetables with bright colors are usually high in anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants are good for health because they remove free radicals in our body that damage our cells. So get your fill of fruits/vegetables of different colors: White (Bananas, Mushroom), Yellow (Pineapples, Mango), Orange (Orange, Papaya), Red (Apple, Strawberries, Tomatoes, Watermelon), Green (Guava, Avocados, Cucumber, Lettuce, Celery), Purple/Blue (Blackberries, Eggplant, Prunes). Here’s a full list under the color wheel.
Cut down on processed food. Processed foods are not good because (1) most nutritional value is lost (2) the preservatives added are bad for our health. Many processed foods contain a high amount of salt content, which leads to higher blood pressure and heart disease. Processed foods are anything that are not in their raw form. In general, most of the food in supermarket are processed – the more the ingredients on the label (especially the ones ending with ‘ite’ or ‘ate’), the more processed they are. Watch out for those with salt/sugar as the first 5 ingredients and go for natural foods as much as possible.
Love yourself. How much do you love yourself on a scale of 1-10? Why? How can you love yourself more starting today? In Day 20 of 30DLBL, we explore the notion of self-love and get you started on loving yourself more.
Barefoot walking/running. There have been many proven positive benefits of barefoot walking/running, from better posture, less stress for your feet, less stress for your joints, etc . I’ve been running barefoot since May ’10, and loving it. Read more: 10 Reasons To Run Barefoot
Purge negative people from your life. Positive mental healthy is an important part of a healthy life. You don’t need toxic people in your life. If you feel that a friend is overly critical or negative, then let him/her go.
Purge negativity from yourself. You don’t need negativity from yourself either. Listen in on the thoughts that come up in your mind and get rid of the negative thoughts you hear. A lot of eating happens because one feels unhappy, so by staying in a positive, up state by yourself, you cut out that unhealthy dependence on food to be happy.
Journal out unhappy thoughts. One great way to purge negativity from within is to do brain dumping exercises whenever you feel frustrated. This is something I do with my 1-1 clients as well, where I ask them to journal out their deepest thoughts so we can address them. Don’t keep these thoughts pent up inside of you – it’s not healthy.
Avoid trigger foods. Trigger foods are the foods that make you go berserk and binge like crazy after you eat them. Everyone’s trigger foods are different (mine are donuts, pastries, pasta and chips), but generally trigger foods are candy bars, chocolate, confectionery, chips, cookies, or anything with high level of refined sugar, salt, fat or flour. These foods cause a blood sugar imbalance, hence triggering one to eat more. What are your trigger foods? Identify them and remove them from your diet.
Breathe. Deeply. Oxygen is a vital source of life. You may know how to breathe, but are you breathing properly? Most of us don’t breathe properly – we take only shallow breathes and breathe to 1/3 of our lung capacity. Athletes are coached proper breathing techniques to get their best performance. A full breathis one where your lungs are completely filled, your abdomen expands and there’s minimum movement in your shoulders.
Address emotional eating issues. Emotional eating is eating to fill an emotion, rather than real hunger. Do you eat when you feel stressed out, down or frustrated? Do you reach out for food when you hit a block at work? Chances are, you’re emotional eating. However, emotional eating will never make you feel happy, because you’re trying to fill a void that has nothing to do with food. Food doesn’t give you love or happiness; it’s just food. Why do you reach out for food when you’re down? How can you address it? Get to the root of the issue and address it. Read: How to Stop Emotional Eating (6-part series)
Eat small meals. Choose several small meals over a few big meals a day. This balances out your energy distribution throughout the day. In general, eat when you feel hungry, and stop when you’re full (see tip #20). You don’t need to wait until official meal times before you start eating. Listen to your body and what it tells you.
Stop eating when you feel full. Many of us rely on external cues to tell when we’re full, such as whether everyone has finished eating, whether your plate was empty or not. These are irrelevant – you should look at internal cues, such as whether your stomach feels full or not. Don’t feel obligated to eat just because there’s still food at the plate. Personally I like to stop when I feel about 3/4 full – if I eat till I’m totally full, I feel uncomfortable as my digestive system goes into overdrive. Use your gut as your indicator (literally).
Go for brown carbs vs. white carbs. White carbs are refined grains like white rice, pasta, white bread, crackers, noodles, tortillas, wraps, anything with white flour and breading. The nutrients have been removed in the production process, leaving them rich in calories but low in nutrients. They also cause unhealthy spikes in our sugar levels. Go for brown carbs (unrefined complex carbs) instead, like brown rice, whole grain, oats, oatmeal, legumes, nuts. These come with nutrients and vitamins intact.
Live a life with purpose. Positive health starts from within! Are you living a life of meaning? Are you living in line with your purpose? After I started living in line with my purpose 2 years ago, I’ve never ever been happier. And you can experience that too. Read: Discover Your Purpose in Life (series)
Say no to oily food. Reduce your intake of fast food, fries, doughnuts, chips, wedges, and foods that have been deep fried. Not only are they very fattening (1 tablespoon of oil is 120 calories), deep fried food contains acrylamide, a potential cancer-causing chemical. According to a BBC report, an ordinary bag of crisps may contain up to 500 times more of the substance than the top level allowed in drinking water by the World Health Organisation (WHO). I personally find that when I consume oily foods, I feel sluggish. There are better alternatives, such as grilled, steamed, stir-fried or even raw food (see tip #41).
Cut out sugary foods. These are your candy bars, your pastries, chocolate, cookies, cakes and jelly donuts. Not only do they not fill you, they trigger you to eat more due to the sugar rush they cause (see tip #16). Go for healthy snacks instead (see tip #36) – you’ll be more satisfied and happy.
Go organic. Organic foods are foods produced without “synthetic inputs such as pesticides and chemical fertilizers, do not contain genetically modified organisms, and are not processed using irradiation, industrial solvents, or chemical food additives”. (Wiki) The organic movement is slowly catching on, with more supermarkets, especially in US, offering organic options. Organic food tends to cost more, but hey – would you rather save some money and feed your body with pesticides or pay a few extra dollars for a cleaner, healthier body?
Improve your posture. Good posture improves your breathing (see tip #18) and makes you look more smarter and more attractive. Read more: Benefits Of Having A Good Posture (And 13 Tips To Get One)
Cut out soda and caffeine. Drinks with caffeine are diuretics – meaning they speed up the rate of urine production. Hence, these drinks do not contribute to your 8 glasses of water/day requirement – they actually take away from it! Furthermore, soda is unhealthy, causes weight gain, is an artificial stimulant, among other reasons. Ditch your soda and go for plain water or fresh fruit juices instead! Read more: 5 Reasons To Quit Soda (And How to Do It)
Don’t drink alcohol. Like caffeine, alcohol is a diuretic. Not only that, alcohol is repeatedly proven to have negative effects on our body and health – impacting the proper functioning of our brain, liver, lungs, and other major organs. If you drink alcohol regularly, it’s time to cut it out.
Prepare your meals. Lately I’m beginning to appreciate the value of preparing my own meals. When you prepare your meals, you control what goes into them. No more being in a dilemma between eating healthy and choosing between the sub-optimal food choices. Get some quality kitchen equipment – these will be your best investments ever. I bought my blender 3 years ago and it’s been such a breeze making my own fruit juices!
Learn to say no. Don’t feel like you’ve to eat just because you’re out with your friends, or because other people offer you food. Simply say no and say you’re not hungry if you don’t feel like eating. Read: How to Say No To Others
Bring a water bottle when you go out. That way, you can replenish your fluids whenever you want to. It saves you money as well and you don’t need to subject yourself to poor alternatives like soda, which increases your fluid outtake instead (see tip #27).
Dine at salad bars more often. Lately I’m falling in love with salad bars. Salad bars work like this: You pick your greens, you select X number of toppings (usually 6 or limited, depending on the outlet) and you finish off with a dressing. The variety is huge, it’s filling and it’s extremely healthy.
Go for low calorie, low fat alternatives. There are many low-fat / non-fat alternatives today – from yogurts, to salad dressing, soy milk, spreads, ice cream, etc. Check out this comprehensive list: Lower Calorie, Lower Fat Alternatives.
Stop smoking. It has been extensively proven that smoking is detrimental to health, severely increasing the risk of lung cancer, kidney cancer, esophageal cancer (of our gullet), heart attack, and more. Smoking “light” cigarettes does not decrease health risks. Bottom line – if you’re a smoker, quit for better health of not just yourself, but also your family and friends. If you don’t smoke, stay that way and don’t start.
Avoid passive smoking. Second hand smoking (breathing in air from smokers) causes many of the same long-term diseases as direct smoking (Wiki). Get away from smokers and avoid cigarette smoke where you can.
Have healthy snacks. If you’re hungry during work, eat healthy snacks, like fruits, salads, and fruit juices. These are nutritional and don’t give you that sugar rush. Have them readily available so you can dive in for a munch and stop when you’d had your fill. Get away from cookies and candy bars.
Drink fruit/veg smoothies. I love smoothies because it’s a quick way to get vitamins and nutrients. Simply throw my favorite fruits into the blender, wait for 30 seconds, and it’s done! And it tastes great. I’m drinking an orange and banana smoothie write now as I’m writing this article and it’s delicious!
Juicing. Juicing is where you extract the juice from vegetables / fruits (via a juicer machine). Since the fibre is stripped away, you are literally drinking the nutrients and minerals directly from the juice! Juices and smoothies complement each other – the former gives our digestive system a break while the latter gives us the fibre which aids our digestion. Check out an introduction to juicing video below. If you’re new to juicing, learn more about it here and check out these sample juicing recipes.
Go on a vegetarian diet. First off, going vegetarian doesn’t necessarily lead to better health, because there are many unhealthy vegetarian food out there (fried food, white carb laden diets, etc). On that note, there are many proven health benefits of a vegetarian diet. I became a vegetarian because I tried it for 30 days and saw the positive effects for my mental and physical health. Try it out for 21 days and see how it works out for you. Get started here.
Go on a vegan diet. A vegetarian is someone who does not consume animal products. A vegan is someone who doesn’t consume animal or animal-derived products. This means no dairy, honey, cheese, milk, etc. So in that sense, it’s seemingly stricter, but it brings about even more positive benefits on top of a vegetarian diet. Learn more about veganism here and here.
Become a raw vegan. A raw vegan consumes only non-processed, raw vegan food, mainly fruits, vegetables and nuts. Notice that the progression from vegetarian -> vegan -> raw vegan diet is toward foods that are naturally occurring. There are many reported benefits in switching from veganism to raw veganism, including increased youth, weight loss, increased energy, increased health benefits and more. It’s an area that I’m exploring at the moment and learning more of. Learn more about raw veganism: Here, here, here and here.
Get out more often. If you have a regular 9-5 job, chances are you spend most of your times holed up in the office and not a lot of time going out and having fun. During weekends, you’re probably busy with work or running errands. Make it a point to go out with friends at least once a week. Get some sunlight. Go out and have a change in environment. It’ll be great for your body and your soul.
Exercise good dental hygiene. Not only does good hygiene make you a lot more desirable, it is linked with better health. Brush your teeth twice a day, rinse your mouth after each meal and floss your teeth at night. Read: How to Attain Healthier Gums and Teeth: Path To Better Oral Hygiene
Join classes. Dance classes, aerobics classes, tennis classes, ballroom dancing, scuba diving, wake boarding courses, are all places to start off with. Going there also lets you socialize with a whole new group of people.
Hang out with healthy people. You’re the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with, so the more time you spend around healthy people, the better it is. Eat with people who are health conscious and get workout buddies. It makes healthy living even more fun.

Fast Weight Loss Clinic

LASU Post UTME/DE Screening Forms 2017/2018 Cut-Off Mark

LASU Post-UTME Eligibility Criteria for 2017/18

LASU Admission Cut-off Mark for 2017/2018

List of Accredited Lagos State University Courses

Natural Skin Care Is The Way To Go

How to Remove Pimple Marks Naturally & Fast?

How to Get Rid of Black Spots on Face Fast, Naturally from Pimples, Home Remedies to Reduce Dark Spots on Skin Overnight

How to remove black spots on face fast

1. Use lemon juice to fade dark spots on skin

2. Apply potato juice to lighten dark patches quickly

3. Aloe vera remedy for black face spots

4. Sandalwood face mask

5. Use turmeric powder to reduce black spots on face

6. Sour milk or buttermilk to remove black spots on skin quickly

7. Oatmeal for removing pimple marks

8. Cucumber to remove black spots under eyes

9. Papaya remedy for dark spots on face

10. Baking soda to clear black spots

11. Honey prevents pimple dark spots

12. Olive oil to lighten black spots on face

13. Onion juice

14. How to remove black spots naturally using tomato juice

15. Almonds

16. Apple cider vinegar to get rid of black spots on face

Treatments to remove dark spots overnight

Microdermabrasion

Laser removal of blemishes

Chemical peels

Dark spot corrector creams

More Tips on How to Get Rid of Dark Spots on Face Fast

Kidney Stones: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Sugar In Fruit - Good Or Bad?

Antioxidant-Rich Fruits and Vegetables

What Is Orthodontics and What Are Orthodontic Treatments?

How to Turn Yellow Teeth White and Keep Them That Way

Symptoms of Dehydration

Body Basics

14 Keys to a Healthy Diet

Here are the 6 WORST things you can do if you want to ignite your body's own fat-burning furnace and get lean, strong & totally ripped in less time:

"These High-Intensity Interval Workouts, Circuit Workouts & Strength Workouts Get You Lean & Ripped So Fast, Your Friends Will Beg You to Tell Them Your Secret...

Mistake #1:Doing Isolated Exercises

Mistake #2:Working Out With Machines

Mistake #3:Doing Long Bouts of Cardio

Mistake #4:Doing Crunches & Sit-Ups To Get 6-Pack Abs

Mistake #5:Repeating The Same Workouts Over & Over

Mistake #6:Doing Loooong Workouts

Stop doing the same old workouts that haven't gotten you any results and find out the TRUTH about how to get lean and ripped with shorter, more effective workouts...

Admission into the Unilorin Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB) programme for 2017/2018 academic session

Admission into the Unilorin Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB) programme for 2017/2018 academic session

JOINT UNIVERSITIES PRELIMINARY EXAMINATIONS BOARD (JUPEB)

ADMISSION INTO THE UNILORIN JOINT UNIVERSITIES PRELIMINARY EXAMINATIONS BOARD (JUPEB) PROGRAMME FOR 2017/2018 ACADEMIC SESSION

Click here to apply

Easy Ways to Burn More Fat

Healthy living facts

Physical activity and exercise

WEIGHT LOOS MANUAL

Why you should immunise your child

Insufficient Sleep May Add More Than An Inch To Your Waist, Study Suggests

A new study published in PLOS One takes a stab at this question by studying the relationship between sleep duration and a number of quantifiable factors: Waist circumference, blood pressure, lipids, glucose, thyroid hormones and other important measures of a person's metabolic profile.

How to Lose Weight: 40 Fast, Easy Tips

1. Write down what you eat for one week and you will lose weight.

2. Add 10 percent to the amount of daily calories you think you’re eating

3. Get an online weight loss buddy to lose more weight

4. Get a weight-loss mantra

5. After breakfast, stick to water

6. Eat three fewer bites of your meal

7. Watch one less hour of TV

8. Wash something thoroughly once a week

9. Wait until your stomach rumbles before you reach for food

10. Sniff a banana, an apple, or a peppermint when you feel hungry

11. Stare at the color blue

12. Eat in front of mirrors and you’ll lose weight

13. Spend 10 minutes a day walking up and down stairs

14. Walk five minutes for at least every two hours

15. You’ll lose weight and fat if you walk 45 minutes a day, not 30

16. Don’t buy any prepared food

17. Put your fork or spoon down between every bite

18. Throw out your “fat” clothes for good

19. Close the kitchen for 12 hours

Mistake #1:
Doing Isolated Exercises

Mistake #2:
Working Out With Machines

Mistake #3:
Doing Long Bouts of Cardio

Mistake #4:
Doing Crunches & Sit-Ups To Get 6-Pack Abs

Mistake #5:
Repeating The Same Workouts Over & Over

Mistake #6:
Doing Loooong Workouts