✿Health and Wellness Corner ✿

Effective Home Remedies for Gout

noreply@blogger.com (Anneille07) — Wed, 5 Mar 2014 17:52:00 -0800

What is gout?

Gout is a painful, arthritic condition of the joints. It usually strikes the big toes, but it can also affect the ankles, heels, knees, wrists, fingers and elbows.

What are the causes of gout?

Gout has a strong genetic component. The hallmark of gout is elevated blood levels of uric acid, a breakdown product of protein metabolism (a distinction should be made by a physician between true gout and pseudogout, a similarly painful, arthritic condition that occurs when calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate crystals are deposited in a joint). Uric acid comes from the metabolism of purines, a subclass of proteins that are abundant in human tissues and such foods as organ meats, sardines, anchovies, mushrooms, asparagus and lentils. Also, a number of drugs and supplements can increase uric acid levels in the blood and its tendency to form irritating crystals in joints. These include salicylates (the active component of aspirin), vitamin B3 (niacin), excess vitamin C and diuretics that may be prescribed for high blood pressure, edema or, cardiovascular disease.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar, which is used to treat headaches and acid stomach, also helps treat gout and arthritis. The acidity in apple cider vinegar will help relieve acute pain. You can also add honey to the remedy to boost the body’s anti-inflammatory response.

· Mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink it two to three times daily. If you find this remedy helpful, you can increase the dosage of apple cider vinegar to up to two tablespoons.

· Another option is to mix two tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar with two tablespoons of honey. Take it two times daily, once in the morning and once before going to bed.

Lemon Juice

To get relief from gout pain, it is essential to alkalize the body and neutralize the excess uric acid in blood stream. This can be done easily with fresh lemon juice and baking soda. Along with lemon juice, also eat other fruits rich in vitamin C to strengthen the body tissues.

· Mix the juice of one lemon with one-half teaspoon of baking soda. Let it sit for a few seconds, and then mix it in a glass of water. Drink it immediately.

· Another option is to add the juice of half a lemon to a glass of water and drink it three times a day.

Bananas

Bananas are also very effective in treating gout. The high potassium content in bananas will help convert uric acid crystals into liquid form that will be flushed out of the body later through urination. Bananas also contain moderate amounts of vitamin C, which can be very effective in managing swelling and pain.

· Simply eat one or two bananas daily, and soon you will notice improvement in your condition.

· Another option is to add one ripe banana to one-half cup of yogurt.

Ginger Root

The anti-inflammatory properties present in ginger root can be very helpful in relieving pain and inflammation. There are many ways to use ginger root in the treatment of gout.

· Mix equal amounts of fenugreek powder, turmeric powder and dried ginger root powder (sonth). Have one teaspoon of this mixture along with warm water. Take it twice daily.

· You can simply add ginger root in cooking recipes, or eat a small, raw piece of ginger root daily.

· You can also add one-half teaspoon of ginger root to one cup of boiling water and mix it well. Drink this solution at least once daily.

· Another option is to make a paste of ginger root with a little water and apply this paste on the affected area. Leave it on for about half an hour. Do this once daily.

Cherries. Cherries may remove toxins from the body, clean the kidneys, and yes, even help give you a rosy complexion. Because of their cleansing power, they're at the top of the gout-relief list. If you can bake a cherry pie, you may be making a gout treatment. Cherry compote, cherry juice, cherry jam, cherry tea, cherry anything works.

Avoid icing or heating the area. Unlike other types of pain, gout doesn't respond well to heat or ice therapy. For instance, the warmth of a heating pad may feel good, but it will also speed up circulation, which will in turn increase inflammation by sending more white blood cells to the joint. On the other hand, crystals form more rapidly in low temperatures, so hold the ice. (By the way, doctors believe that gout tends to strike joints in the hands and feet for this very reason, since body temperatures are lowest in the extremities.)

Do's & Don'ts

· Take fish oil supplements to ease the inflammation that comes with gout.

· Don't take nonprescription diuretics. They can keep you from properly excreting uric acid.

· Remind your doctor that you're on diuretics or medication for blood pressure or heart disease if you are prescribed gout medication. They may have bad interactions.

· Do keep your toes warm enough. Gout seems to rear up more often when it's chilly.

· Avoid turkey meat, organ meats, herring, anchovies, meat gravies, beer, and red wine. These are high in purines, which are metabolized to uric acid.

So, if you are suffering from gout, simply try these natural remedies to get relief from the pain and inflammation. Bear in mind, there is no quick cure. Time and determination are required to treat gout. This information is solely for informational purposes. It is not intended to provide medical advice.

Herbal Treatments to Remove Skin Tags…

noreply@blogger.com (Anneille07) — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 17:11:00 -0800

I could go over the typical remove a skin with duct tape or fingernail polish and they do work but can be painful. Instead, in this article I am going to focus on herbal remedies to treat skin tags. The upside to herbal remedies is that they are less invasive than other "fast" remedies. The downside is that they take a little more time and consistency in order for them to work....

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil works very well for removing skin tags as well as moles. In fact, tea tree oil is used on various skin disorders. To use this all you need is a little tea tree oil and a cotton ball. Soak the cotton ball in the oil and apply it directly to the affected area. Do this once or twice daily for up to 4 weeks or until the skin tag vanishes.

Castor Oil

Most of you are too young to remember castor oil but this oil was used on a wide variety of common ailments and can be taken both internally and externally. The good news is that you will be using castor oil as an external ointment (I still shudder whenever I think of drinking that stuff). Here is what you will do. Take a little baking soda and mix it with the castor oil to create a paste. I suggest you add some citrus oil as it will stink to high heaven. Apply it to the affected area and cover with a band-aid. The typical time it will take is 2-4 weeks before the skin tag vanishes.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar works very well for removing skin tags and the good news is that you can buy it in a grocery store for fairly cheap. Just like tea tree oil, you simply dab some of it on a q-tip or cotton ball and apply it directly to the skin tag. Unlike the tea tree oil, Apple Cider vinegar may cause a stinging sensation for a couple minutes after being applied. Typical time until the skin tag vanishes?..2-4 weeks.

Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe Vera is good for any skin condition. Massage it onto your skin daily. Apply the aloe vera juice directly on the skin tag. Because of its ability to health any kind of skin disorders so it is used as a main in gradient in many skin care products

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice contains citric acid, which helps you in decomposing off the cells in the skin tags. Dab some lemon juice onto a cotton ball and apply it directly on the skin tag. Leave it on the affected area till it dries. You will notice some changes in the skin tags after a applying it for few days and in due course the skin tag will dry out and vanish.

Banana Peel

Banana peel is a good remedy for skin tags. To use it cut the banana peel into small pieces. Put the peel on the affected area and hold it securely with a bandage. Take care that the inside of the peel comes in contact with the affected skin area. Let it rest overnight and repeat this process daily until the skin tag falls off.

Dental Floss

Another method to get rid of skin tags. It can be used on any body part. In order to use this dental floss, tie a knot tightly around the base of the skin tag close to your body. After a period of 2 – 3 weeks the skin tags will become smaller and will disappear in due course. This helps in killing the skin tag by blocking blood flow temporarily to the affected area.

Garlic

Apply some crushed garlic juice onto the affected area and cover it with a band. Take care that you change the band and the garlic juice at least thrice a day.

Those are just herbal treatments that you can use to remove skin tags. If you don't mind waiting a couple weeks and can discipline yourself to treating the skin tag at least once a day, then these will naturally treat your skin tags from your home.

10 Benefits/Uses of Garlic...

noreply@blogger.com (Anneille07) — Tue, 4 Feb 2014 02:16:00 -0800

1. For ear pain: use two crushed garlic, boil, strain and apply a few drops warm.

2. To sleep: to sleep; eat salad with garlic at night.

3. Against warts and spots on the skin: Apply the garlic directly onto the skin to clear spots, especially those caused by acne. Its topical use also removes warts.

4. For rheumatism: Rub the peeled garlic over the sore and swollen joints. This choice leads to a rather anti-inflammatory action and reduces pain.

5. Lower blood pressure: People with high blood pressure can take a garlic clove fasting party. To avoid irritating the stomach lining, it is recommended chopping the garlic clove and swallows every bit as if they were pills. You can also prepare a syrup with two heads of peeled garlic. Must be mixed with sugar, and a glass of water. To lower the pressure should take 2 tablespoons a day.

6. To restore virility: Combine the garlic with wheat germ oil and cayenne. You can also rub garlic in the area of the lumbar spine.

7. Against pertussis: Spread garlic in the chest and back to soften the cough and relieve airway. To prevent flu and allergies, garlic mixed with honey and lemon.

8. For muscle aches: Eating garlic tones the muscles. Prepare a paste of a head of garlic and crushed rub it on the affected area. You can also compress and prepare a place for the entire night on the sore area.

9. Smoking cessation: Take a couple of raw garlic on an empty stomach, two with lemon juice before lunch and before dinner the other two.

10. Hair loss: You can prevent it by rubbing the scalp with a mix of 1 teaspoon of garlic juice, 8 oz. of rosemary tea, 1 tablespoon of honey and lemon juice.

Nursing women should avoid using garlic as it alters the taste of milk and produces pain in the stomach and intestines infant child. People who suffer from headaches should also avoid using garlic.

10 Ways to Cleanse Your Liver...

noreply@blogger.com (Anneille07) — Sat, 30 Nov 2013 20:42:00 -0800

Your liver is like the maid of your body, cleaning up all the toxins you put into it, and therefore keeping all internal systems running smoothly. The modern diet, environmental pollutants, and our increasing dependence on toxic personal care products have put our livers on serious overtime.
For this reason, it’s important to know how to clean your liver thoroughly and effectively and naturally.

1. Warm Lemon Water - Warm lemon water is a great way to detox your liver every single morning. This isn’t lemonade, so don’t add sugar or anything else. Just purified water and a healthy dose of fresh lemon juice. Some experts, like author A.F. Beddoe who wrote the book Biological Ionization as Applied to Human Nutrition, also believe that the liver produces more enzymes in response to water with lemon than to any other food. Vitamin C helps to produce glutathione, which is necessary to cleanse toxins from the liver. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, which reduces free radical toxicity within the body. It’s found in fresh fruits and vegetables and is great at boosting the immune system and staving off colds and the flu.

2. Garlic - Add some garlic to your cooking or thinly slice a clove into your next salad. Garlic contains sulfur compounds that can help activate enzymes in the liver. It contains allicin and selenium, which are both good for liver protection.

3. Green Tea Cleanse and protect the liver. Green tea, and hot water with lemon can help to stimulate liver cleansing. Herbs such as dandelion root, burdock, and milk thistle are also safe and effective against protecting the liver. Drink 1-2 cups of tea a day and a lot of water after that. Liver Cleanse Tea flushes and clears the liver of congestion and toxins, restoring the organ to full function.

4. Avocados - As if you need another reason to add avocados to your diet, a Japanese study found that avocados contain compounds that can protect the liver from damage. When compared with 21 other fruits, avocados had the most promise in protecting the liver from galactosamine, a “powerful” toxin that has been shown to produce a liver damage much like human viral hepatitis.

5. Cilantro - This versatile herb can be added to just about any dish, including salads or smoothies. This herb can help remove heavy metals from the body, something your liver could be struggling with right now.

6. Turmeric - Another powerful spice with a long list of benefits, turmeric is said to not only protect the liver from damage, but also encourage regeneration of liver cells. In addition, it increases natural bile production and aids in keeping the body toxin-free.

7. Drink at least 2 quarts of water daily. Our body is 70% water and needs to stay hydrated frequently. Water naturally flushes the body of chemicals, toxins, and impurities through urination, expiration, and sweating. Dehydration compromises the body’s ability to filter toxins.

8. Breathe deep; fill your lungs with air. Deep breathing is an excellent way to relax or relief stress. Breathing deeply circulates oxygen throughout the body, which encourages detoxification through the skin, expiration, lymph, blood, kidneys, liver, etc.

9. Transform stress by emphasizing positive emotions. Stress causes the body to release hormones that increase the toxin levels in the body and leaving the body depleted of essential nutrients, and unable to protect against diseases and infections. Therefore by eliminating stress or transforming stress into positive emotions or a positive outcome you can naturally flush out your system of toxic hormones and chemicals.

10. Hot-Cold Shower. Begin this detoxifying process with a hot shower for about 3 minutes. Switch to cold water for 30 seconds. Switch between hot and cold water several times. This encourages detoxification by stimulating blood circulation throughout the body.

Carrot Breads Filled with Salad...

noreply@blogger.com (Anneille07) — Fri, 11 Oct 2013 03:13:00 -0700

Carrot Breads Filled with Salad...

If you love bread combined with salads then here is a yummy and great looking recipe for you.

Ingredients:
1 tube Pillsbury Crescent Recipe Creations Crescent Seamless Dough Sheet*
1 egg (whisked with 1 teaspoon of water to make an egg wash)
yellow and red liquid food coloring (the kind from the grocery store is fine for this recipe)
1 1/2 cups of your favorite egg or ham salad
1 bunch of fresh dill or parsley

Special Equipment Needed:
pizza cutter or knife
6 metal cream horn molds
pastry brush
non-stick aluminum foil lined baking sheet

*If you can't find this product, you can use sheets of puff pastry, or use crescent rolls and pinch all the seams together.

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Unroll the Pillsbury Crescent Recipe Creations Seamless Dough Sheet onto a cutting board. Use a pizza cutter or a knife to cut the dough lengthwise into 6 equal strips. Brush one strip with egg wash.

3. Roll the strip into a 17"-18" long log. I rolled the strip of dough up into a tube and pinched the seam shut. Then I rolled out the dough into a thinner, longer log by pushing and rolling the log with both hands Repeat, brushing egg wash onto each dough strip before rolling each into logs.Create 6 logs.

4. Wrap one dough log around each cream horn mold, trying to keep the seam side against the metal mold. Repeat. Be sure your dough does not hang over the open end of the cream horn mold, as it will make it difficult to remove once baked.

5. Line a baking sheet with non-stick aluminum foil or parchment paper. Squeeze about 30 drops of yellow food coloring into a small bowl. Add one or two drops of red. Stir to create orange. Brush the orange food coloring all over each carrot shaped dough. Set carrots on lined baking sheet.

If you don't want to paint your dough with food coloring, you can simply brush them with egg wash. The carrot will bake up golden brown.

6. Bake for 6-8 minutes until golden brown. I suggest rotating the pan half way through the baking cycle for even browning. Allow carrot crescents to cool for about 5 minutes. Carefully remove the cream horn form by holding the carrot in one hand and using the other hand to twist the mold and gently pull it out.

7. Fill each Carrot Crescent with egg salad or ham salad. Press a few sprigs of dill or parsley into the egg salad for a decorative effect. Your carrots will keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days, but are best served the day they are baked. Fill your carrots just before serving.

Source:stylishboard

Orange Pumpkin Face Cookies...

noreply@blogger.com (Anneille07) — Fri, 4 Oct 2013 03:36:00 -0700

Ingredients

140g butter, softened

175g plain flour

50g icing sugar

Finely grated zest 1 medium orange

For the filling

100g mascarpone

1 tsp icing sugar

25g plain chocolate (55% cocoa solids is fine), melted

For the glaze

50g icing sugar

About 1 tbsp orange juice

Method

1. Preheat the oven to fan 160C/ conventional 180C/gas 4. Put the butter in a bowl and beat with a wooden spoon until smooth. Add the flour, icing sugar and orange zest and beat together to make softie dough. Knead into a ball and wrap in cling film. Chill for 1 hour.

2. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 3mm. Cut 24 circles with a 7.5 cm round plain cutter. Put them on a couple of baking sheets.

3. Using a small sharp knife, cut out Halloween faces on 12 of the circles. Gather up the spare biscuit dough and press into pumpkin stem shapes, trimming with a sharp knife. Press to the top of each biscuit with a knife to join. Make lines on the face biscuits with the back of a round bladed knife, to look like the markings on a pumpkin. Bake all the biscuits for about 15 minutes until pale golden. Leave to set for a while, then cool completely on a wire rack.

4. Mix the glaze ingredients to make a smooth, runny icing, adding a bit more juice if needed, and then set aside. For the filling, beat the mascarpone with the icing sugar, then stir in the cooled melted chocolate.

5. Spread the filling over the cooled plain biscuits, then press the ‘face’ ones on top – do this just before you want to eat them, otherwise they go soft. Brush with the glaze, using a clean paint brush or pastry brush. Eat the same day!

Foods to Improve Thyroid Health (Hyperthyroidism)

noreply@blogger.com (Anneille07) — Tue, 1 Oct 2013 18:17:00 -0700

A diet alone can’t treat or prevent your thyroid gland from producing excess of thyroid hormone which occurs as in case of Hyperthyroidism. They symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism respond well to prescription medications and therefore, it is imperative to immediately seek doctor’s assistance. Moreover, intake of specific foods can help to overcome few mild hyperthyroidism symptoms. A proper diet aims at easing the symptoms of hyperthyroidism and it basically comprises of reduced iodine intake as it helps to reverse iodine-induced hyperthyroidism in many cases. Hence, a proper hyperthyroidism diet plays a key role in reversing the condition. Here is a brief outline about certain foods for hyperthyroidism that should be included as part of your diet:

Intake of Berries

Apart from boosting the overall health with their antioxidant properties, berries strengthen the immune system. Berries can help in boosting up the energy levels. Hence, it is advised to include all types of berries such as raspberries, strawberries, cranberries and blueberries to include a few. A serving of berries is recommended daily

Include Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables are foods that belong to the goitrogen family. It is advised to include vegetables that belong to the goitrogen family as they promote thyroid gland to produce lesser levels of thyroid hormones. Cruciferous vegetables include Broccoli, kale, cauliflower. Hence root vegetables like turnips and rutabagas are advised to be taken as part of the hyperthyroidism diet.

Green leafy vegetables should be taken in plenty. Some of these vegetables such as kale, spinach and mustard greens reduce the production of thyroid hormones and are hence advised to ease the hypothyroidism symptoms.

Omega -3- Fatty Acid and Proteins

Omega -3- fatty acid helps to control the hyper stimulated thyroid gland.

· Eat cold water fish, flax seed oil and nuts to get the omega-3-fatty acid necessary for the body

· Salmon also carries a mega dose of omega-3 fatty acids that keep you healthy. Your body doesn’t naturally produce these fatty acids, so you have to get them from food

Turkey

The most common symptom associated with Hyperthyroidism is weight loss despite having a healthy appetite. Proteins are necessary for the building of muscles and to provide energy for the body. Protein sources also contain L-glutamine which helps in rebuilding the gut and de-inflaming the body.

Intake of protein is therefore recommended as proteins provide enough energy to the system and increase the muscle mass. The abundant source of protein is Turkey. Other protein rich sources include whey, nuts and beans. It is thus advised to take protein at every meal. Soy products such as beans, soy beans and soy chunks should be included to the diet as these products help in controlling an over-stimulated thyroid in case of hyperthyroidism

Antioxidant Rich Foods and Vitamin D

It is also necessary to consume antioxidants and vitamin D rich foods in the diet. This will reduce the oxidative stress caused by hyperthyroidism. Vitamin D can reduce the inflammation and auto- immune reactions of the body.

· Avocados, olive oil broccoli etc. contain antioxidants.

· Salmon is a good source of vitamin D. You can get your daily dose of vitamin D from eggs, mushrooms etc.

· If you’re not into fish, get your vitamin D from eggs and mushrooms and your omega-3s from walnuts, olive oil, and flaxseed oil. Eat foods with these nutrients daily.

· Spend 20- 30 minutes in the sun to get the necessary vitamin D for the body.

Vitamin C and Vitamin E

These vitamins are helpful in reducing the oxidative stress caused by the hyperactivity of thyroid glands.

· All the citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C.

· Bell peppers, olive oil, wheat etc. are a good source of vitamin E

Consume more Dairy products

Osteoporosis is a serious complication associated with untreated or poorly controlled hyperthyroidism, ultimately resulting in weak bones. Hence, it is imperative to consume necessary amounts of calcium. Some of the calcium rich sources include dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese to include a few. It is recommended to take at least 3 servings of calcium rich foods daily cabbage. About 1 or more servings of these vegetables are recommended per day.

Spinach and Collard Greens

If you are allergic to dairy products, you can get your daily supply of calcium from vegetable sources like spinach collard greens etc.

· Figs, prunes and sesame seeds are also excellent hyperthyroidism foods.

Best Foods for Hypothyroidism...

noreply@blogger.com (Anneille07) — Mon, 30 Sep 2013 19:28:00 -0700

Hypo and hyperthyroidism can have opposing suites of symptoms. In many cases, though hypothyroidism signs are subtler and increase in intensity over time. Unexpected or sudden weight gain may occur, but since that can be due to a variety of factors, it’s not enough to indicate hypothyroidism. Some experts also look for the following symptoms: dry skin, hair loss, forgetfulness, fatigue, frequent chills, constipation, and irregular periods. Another red flag of hypothyroidism is feeling very weak during a workout you use to have no problem getting through. “Thyroid hormones regulate how much energy reaches all cells, including muscles cells.

Iodine Rich Foods

Make sure that you consume a diet that is rich in iodine. Some of the most common foods that you can think about that is rich in iodine are:

· Seaweeds and sea foods

· Salt water fish

· Nori rolls

· Sushi

Tyrosine Rich Foods

One of the best methods to increase the production of thyroid hormones in your body is to consume foods that are rich in tyrosine.

· Fish

· Lentils

· Lean meat

· Soy products

· Almonds

· Bananas

· Avocados

Be certain to use iodized salt while preparing food as it is found to be very effective for hypothyroidism.

Water

One of the best known remedies to treat all kinds of disorders as well as hypothyroidism is pure drinking water.

Make sure that you drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water a day.

Water will help to flush out all toxins in your body.

It will also prevent you from getting dehydrated so that your body does not store more fat and hence you do not gain excess weight.

Bananas

One of the most commonly found fruits are bananas. Try to include bananas in your daily diet as it is a good food for hypothyroidism.

Take at least two to three bananas a day. Make sure that you eat ripe bananas.

You can also at times consume a banana milkshake that is prepared with low fat or skimmed milk.

High Fiber Diet

It is important for you to take a high fiber diet so that you do not gain weight that easily and this will help to prevent hypothyroidism.

Add beans, oatmeal and whole wheat to your daily diet to improve your bowel movement and to reduce the cholesterol levels in your body.

Make sure that you only consume brown rice and not white rice in any form when you suffer from hypothyroidism.

Green Tea

One of the best foods known to treat hypothyroidism is green tea. It has antioxidants and will help in reducing body weight.

It is ideal for you to include green tea in your daily diet and try to skip other drinks like coffee and black tea.

It would be ideal for you to consume three to four cups of hot green tea to increase body metabolism and to burn fat.

Coconut Oil

Take coconut oil cooked food will help in improving the production of thyroid hormone and will help in preventing hypothyroidism.

Add a tablespoon of coconut oil in your diet every day.

It helps in increasing metabolism and is also an emery booster.

Make sure that you consume it in moderation depending on your age and lifestyle and structure of your body.

Vitamin A, Zinc and Copper Foods

It is ideal for you to consume Vitamin A, zinc and copper rich foods in order to increase the production of thyroid hormones in your body.

Vitamin A Rich Foods

· Yellow vegetables

· Carrots

· Dark vegetables

· Eggs

Zinc and Copper Foods

· Lean Beef

· Dried beans

· Spinach

· Seeds and nuts

· Yeast

· Legumes

· Oatmeal

· Raisins

Foods to Improve Thyroid Health...

noreply@blogger.com (Anneille07) — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 18:42:00 -0700

Lodged between the voice box and the collarbone, and wrapped around the windpipe, the thyroid helps control tour body’s energy supply. The butterfly-shaped glands pumps out thyroid hormone, a powerful chemical that regulates metabolism and body temperature, says endocrinologist Jeffrey Powell, M.D., of Northern Westschester Hospital in New York. It also works with just about every system in your body to keep your brain sharp, your bowels moving, your periods regular and your skins, nail and hair healthy. The thyroid is like a car’s gas and brake pedals rolled into one: It can speed up or slow down the rate at which your body burns through its fuel supply.

Thyroid disorders – which are often genetic and typically involve the production of too little hormone (hypothyroidism) or too much production (hyperthyroidism) – can also temporarily or permanently spring up after pregnancy.

Much easier to identify is hyperthyroidism (Graves’ disease is a common type), in which the thyroid unleashes a flood of excess hormone. This can shock your body into sudden weight loss, rapid heartbeat, insomnia or bouts of diarrhea. Sufferers can feel constant weird, warm, and shaky, as if they’re hooked up to an IV filled with espresso. Similar to the warning signs of hypothyroidism, the symptoms of hyperthyroidism can become worse or more persistent over time - but both conditions are highly treatable with prescription meds.

Goitrogens - These are the most natural substances which are found in most of the food items also holding the ability to increase the thyroid glands size which gives it the name goiter. When it comes to hyperthyroidism condition these goitrogens are known to work like drugs against thyroid also slowing down the process of too much production of the hormones finally resulting in hypothyroidism.

Hence those who are suffering from hyperthyroidism conditions should increase their quota of goitrogen foods but also this is once substance which has to be avoided by those suffering from hypothyroidism. Some of the common sources for goitrogen include broccoli, kale, spinach, cauliflower, turnip, cabbage, peaches, peanuts, strawberry, soy, pine nuts and mustard which are better when taken in their raw form.

1. Coconut oil - Any oil which has been commercially produced has negative effect on thyroid, also the unsaturated fats in these oils lessen the response rate of the tissue to those hormones which have been produced by thyroid. Hence it is suggested to go with coconut oil to cook all the meals since it is known to control metabolic rate of body also helping thyroid gland to work better, apart from this 2 tablespoons of oil can also be swallowed or used in cooking or salads.

2. Iodized salt - Iodine is necessary for proper functioning of thyroid glands, in order to prevent any deficiency it is suggested to go with table salt of sea salt instead of iodized salt.

3. Foods with high fiber - Many of the patients who have been diagnosed with thyroid disease are known to suffer with constipation and possibility to increase body weight for which foods full of fiber have to be consumed like eggplant, beans, carrot, mushrooms, peas, spinach and cabbage, fruits with higher fiber like apples, berries, orange, guava, prunes and pear.

4. Soy - There are various benefits form Soy since it is known to work as goitrogen and constrain the absorption of thyroid hormones, however it is not good to consume too much of soy when it has been processed. But even before deciding on the inclusion of soy in diet it is better to consult a nutritional practitioner for those who are suffering from hyperthyroidism problem.

5. Coffee and orange juice - All those who are under thyroid medication are suggested not to take orange juice which is calcium fortified and coffee, reason for this is that they will interfere in absorption of medicines by the body under thyroid conditions. Even if then you cannot kill the urge to drink these beverages it is better to wait for 3 to 4 hours prior to the taking of these medicines.

To be on safe side it is said that any of these foods have to be consulted with the doctor before adding it in diet since there is no assurance that thyroid disease can be completely resolved by including or excluding these foods in the diet however these foods might lessen the thyroid extent in the body.

Grape & Kiwi Smoothie...

noreply@blogger.com (Anneille07) — Thu, 8 Aug 2013 19:08:00 -0700

This smoothie is bursting with fruity flavors. You’ll love the mild grape, tangy kiwi and honey combination all wrapped up into one sweet and delicious fruit drink.

Benefits of Grapes:

Grapes, one of the most popular and delicious fruits, are rich sources of vitamins A, C, B6 and folate in addition to essential minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium and selenium.

Grapes contain flavonoids that are very powerful antioxidants, which can reduce the damage caused by free radicals and slow down aging.
Grapes, due to their high nutrient content, play an important role in ensuring a healthy and active life.
Grapes are very effective in overcoming and eliminating constipation. They are classified as a laxativefood, because they contain organic acid, sugar and cellulose.
Grapes have strong antibacterial and antiviral properties that can protect you from infections.
Grapes prevent dyspepsia. They cure indigestion and irritation of the stomach.
Grapes reduce the acidity of the uric acid and help eliminate the acid from the system thus reducing the pressure of the kidneys.
Anticancer properties. Resveratrol acts as anti-inflammatory. Effective in breast and colorectal cancers. Anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins have properties of anti-proliferate which can inhibit the growth of cancer causing agents.

Benefits of Kiwi:

Kiwifruit can offer a great deal more than an exotic tropical flair in your fruit salad. These emerald delights contain numerous phytonutrients as well as well-known vitamins and minerals that promote your health.

Kiwifruit emerged from our food ranking system as an excellent source of vitamin C. This nutrient is the primary water-soluble antioxidant in the body, neutralizing free radicals that can cause damage to cells and lead to problems such as inflammation and cancer.
Kiwifruit as a very good source of dietary fiber. Fiber is also good for binding and removing toxins from the colon, which is helpful for preventing colon cancer. Fiber-rich foods, like kiwifruit, are good for keeping the blood sugar levels of diabetic patients under control.
Eating vitamin C-rich fruit such as kiwi may confer a significant protective effect against respiratory symptoms associated with asthma such as wheezing.

Smoothie tip: Keep pitted grapes in your freezer and add to this recipe as normal. Then you wouldn't need to chill this smoothie after making it. Simply drink as soon as you’re done creating this delicious drink.

Ingredients:
1 ripe kiwi fruit; peeled & chopped
1 cup white grapes; skinned & pitted
2 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tbsp. acacia honey
2 tbsp. full-cream yogurt

Servings: 2

Instructions:
Combine the kiwi fruit and grapes into your blender along with the lemon juice, acacia honey and yogurt and process until smooth.

Chill for about 30 minutes. Pour into chilled glasses and serve immediately.

Lemon Cucumber Mint - Detox Water

noreply@blogger.com (Anneille07) — Sun, 4 Aug 2013 19:04:00 -0700

Lemon Cucumber Mint Detox Water! So not only does it taste delicious but it also has added benefits:

Benefits of Lemons:

1. Lemons are rich in vitamin C and flavonoids that work against infections like the flu and colds. Vitamin C in lemons helps to neutralize free radicals linked to aging and most types of disease. When vitamin C levels are low, little to no repair happens in the body. These citrus delights are also high in potassium, which stimulates brain and nerve function. Potassium helps reduce free radicals, increases red blood cell production and controls blood pressure.

2. It balances pH levels. Our pH level speaks to the balance between the alkaline and acidic properties in the body. When our body enters a more acidic state, it breeds sickness and disease. This is news to many people, because so often disease feels like an isolated event that can't be controlled. While there are many factors to disease, controlling what you can is a great way to give your body the attention it deserves. Add more alkaline foods, and your whole body starts to wake up, repair, fight, and become a power-house of healing and rejuvenating. Lemon is one of the most alkaline foods around!

3. Your liver loves lemons: “The lemon is a wonderful stimulant to the liver and is a dissolvent of uric acid and other poisons liquefies the bile,” says Jethro Kloss in his book Back to Eden. Fresh lemon juice added to a large glass of water in the morning is a great liver detoxifier.

4. Lemons have powerful antibacterial properties; experiments have found the juice of lemons destroy the bacteria of malaria, cholera, diphtheria, typhoid and other deadly diseases.

5. It improves digestion. The way your gut processes food has everything to do with — yep, you guessed it — your happiness! A clogged or misfiring digestive tract usually indicates a bigger problem in the body. Lemon juice helps flush out unwanted materials, and encourages the production of bile in your body. This synergistic effect helps to soothe and normalize the body's digestive process.

Benefits of Cucumbers:

1. Fight cancers. Cucumber are known to contain lariciresinol, pinoresinol, and secoisolariciresinol. These three lignans have a strong history of research in connection with reduced risk of several cancer types, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer and prostate cancer.

2. Control Blood Pressure. Cucumber juice contains a lot of potassium, magnesium and fiber that work effectively for regulating blood pressure. This makes cucumber good for treating both low blood pressure and high blood pressure.

3. Acts as a diuretic. The water content of cucumber acts as a diuretic. It encourages the elimination of waste products from the body through urination. Regular intake of cucumber helps to dissolve bladder or kidney stones.

4. Keep you hydrated. Cucumber has 96% water content that is more nutritious than regular water, which helps in keeping the body hydrated and regulating body temperature. It also helps in flushing out the toxins from the body.

5. Relieve gout and arthritis pain. Cucumber is a best ingredient for gout pain relief. When mixed with carrot juice, they can relieve gout and arthritis pain by lowering the uric acid levels.

Benefits of Mint:

1. Soothes the digestive tract and if you are having stomach ache then it can be of great help

2. Mint helps in eliminating toxins from the body.

3. Crushed mint leaves helps in whitening teeth and combat bad breath.

4. Mint is a very good cleanser for the blood.

5. Mint can help relax your mind.

Ingredients Needed:

2 quarts bottled or purified water.

Half a large English cucumber, sliced {the ones that are wrapped in plastic wrap = no wax!}

2 medium lemons, sliced

10-15 mint leaves

Instructions

Combine all ingredients and let steep overnight in the refrigerator.

Enjoy over ice the next day!

So the next time you need some flavor in your drink, put down the soft drink and pick up a glass of cucumber lemon mint water! Your body will thank you! Hope you are all having a wonderfully hydrated day!

10 Amazing Health Benefits of Cabbage Juice

noreply@blogger.com (Anneille07) — Thu, 25 Jul 2013 18:58:00 -0700

Cabbage is considered to be the king of cruciferous family. It’s an easily found vegetable in any kitchen and is highly nutritious containing great healing powers.

Cabbage is actually a cluster of stiff leaves layered one over the other, which gives it a round shape. Several varieties of cabbages include green, purple, red, green, savoy, napa, bok choy, brussels sprouts etc.

Cabbage juice is not only nutritious, but also very low in calories. It is a very rich source of vitamins, manganese, it's also high in vitamins K and C, high in fiber and a good source of vitamin B6 and folic acid, yet it's low in potassium.

1. Acne:

Cabbage juice is great for intestinal cleansing, it also contains vitamin C. These will detox your body thereby curing acne.

Cabbage juice helps to keep your skin hydrated. Add honey to 30ml cabbage juice. Apply on face and leave it for 5 min. Wash off after 5min. This remedy will help in wrinkle reduction.

2. Fair skin:

Mix 4tsp cabbage juice with a pinch of yeast and honey. Apply all over your face and neck. Keep it for 15minutes and then wash-off with warm water to get fairer skin.

3. Calories:

Cabbage juice provides very amount of calories. Dark leafy cabbages are very nutritious. 100ml of juice can provide up to 25calaroies.

4. Headache:

Drink 20-25ml of cabbage juice to cure headache. It acts as disinfectant as it has lactic acid in it.

5. Ulcers:

Cabbage juice can be used to cure ulcers. It contains glutamine, which is considered to be more powerful than antacids to cure ulcer.

6. Healthy Bones:

Cabbage juice contains enough vitamin-K. Including vitamin-K in your diet can give you healthy bones and also make them strong.

7. Blood Formation:

Iron in the cabbage juice helps in the formation of red blood cells in the body.

8. Blood Pressure:

Cabbage juice contains potassium that helps to control heart rate and blood pressure.

9. Cabbage Soup Diet:

The best and the most effective method of dieting is by reducing cholesterol. This can reduce 3-4kgs in the first week itself. The powerful antioxidant in cabbage juice helps to reduce “bad cholesterol”.

10. Cancer:

Cabbage juice has powerful antioxidants which help fight against breast, colon and prostate cancer.

Some important tips:

1. Always wash cabbage thoroughly and soak in saline water for about 30mins.

2. Use fresh Cabbage juice for best results.

3. Don’t drink more than 4oz of cabbage juice at a time.

4. Avoid limp cabbages. Make sure its head is firm.

5. Never store Cabbage juice in a refrigerator.

6. Don’t add salt or sugar to cabbage juice, as it may reduce its effect.

This recipe will make about a pint and a half of liquid love.

Ingredients:

1 large English cucumber, peeled

1/2 of a medium red cabbage

1-2 D’Anjou pears

2 meyer lemons

1 inch piece of ginger

Wash, prep, cut into manageable juice-able pieces and send them all down your juicer.

Bottle the juice up in airtight containers or better yet enjoy it right away! Don’t wait more than 48 hours to enjoy your fresh juice!

White Grape Cooler Punch Smoothie

noreply@blogger.com (Anneille07) — Wed, 17 Jul 2013 17:24:00 -0700

Keep guests cool with an easy-to-make punch of frozen juice and soda pop.

White Grape Cooler Punch

Ingredients:

2 cans (12 ounces each) frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed

2 cans (11 1/2 ounces each) frozen white grape juice concentrate, thawed

6 cups cold water

12 cups (about 3 liters) chilled lemon-lime soda pop

Lemon and lime slices

In large container, mix juice concentrates. Stir in water.

2. Just before serving, pour into punch bowl. Add soda pop and lemon and lime slices. Pour over ice in glasses.

For festive ice cubes, freeze grapes in white grape juice or water in ice-cube trays.

Save your guests some calories by using diet lemon-lime soda pop.

Mix the frozen juices and water up to 2 days ahead of time.

The Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba

noreply@blogger.com (Anneille07) — Fri, 12 Jul 2013 04:24:00 -0700

Ginkgo Biloba is the oldest living tree species – the tree could live up to 1,000 years. More than 40 components of the ginkgo biloba tree have been isolated and identified, but only two of them -- Flavonoids and Terpenoids -- are believed to account for Ginkgo biloba’s beneficial health effects. Flavonoids are plant-based antioxidants, and studies have revealed that flavonoids protect the nerves, heart muscle, blood vessels, and retina from damage. Terpenoids aid blood flow by dilating the blood vessels and reducing the stickiness of platelets.

Taken orally Gingko Biloba is known to have properties that can help in improvement in symptoms of clogged arteries like painful legs. Also known as claudication this condition has been studied in the laboratories in the context of Gingko Biloba. It has been found that consuming 120mg of the herb in a day (spread over 2 to 3 doses) for about 6 months can cause significant improvement in the condition. This is in conjunction with regular exercise and daily walking; something that is good for all.

Ginkgo Biloba’s natural health benefits have been recognized by practitioners of traditional medicine. They use the health benefits to treat circulatory disorders and enhance memory.

Dementia and Alzheimer's disease

Ginkgo Biloba was used originally to regulate blood flow to the brain. Further studies revealed that it may protect nerve cells damaged by Alzheimer's disease. Many studies reveal that ginkgo biloba can improve memory and thinking in people affected by Alzheimer's or vascular dementia

Intermittent Claudication

For people with intermittent claudication, it is very painful to walk. Published studies reveal that people taking ginkgo biloba can walk roughly 37 yards more than people taking a placebo

Glaucoma

According to one study, people with glaucoma who took 120 mg of ginkgo biloba daily for eight weeks realized that their vision had improved

Memory Enhancement
Ginkgo Biloba is popular as a "brain herb." Studies have proven that it can improve memory in people with dementia. Ginkgo biloba is commonly added to nutrition bars, soft drinks, and fruit smoothies to boost memory and enhance cognitive performance

Macular Degeneration
It is a progressive, degenerative eye disease that impairs the retina. It is one of the most common causes of blindness in the United States. The flavonoids found in ginkgo biloba may help cure or alleviate some retinal problems

While the above are serious issues that Gingko Biloba can help with, it can also be a great aid in managing mountain sickness. Some research has shown that it can help in managing mountain sickness as effectively as prescription medicines.

Regular issues like Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS), Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and Depression have also been known to reduce with regular consumption of Gingko Biloba.

5 INGREDIENT FAT FLUSH WATER. . .

noreply@blogger.com (Anneille07) — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 05:48:00 -0700

This water was featured on The Biggest Loser. There are many variations of it all simple, all delicious.

Grapefruit has tons of vitamin C to help your body turn fat into fuel. Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice is one of the best things for your body. Grapefruits contain high amounts of Vitamin C, which helps your body to detoxify naturally. This drink helps your liver do the job it was meant to do – detoxify and metabolize your body!

Tangerine increases your sensitivity to insulin, stabilizes blood sugar, and stimulates genes to burn fat.

Cucumber helps you feel full and acts as a natural diuretic, which means less bloating and water retention.

Peppermint promotes better digestion and stomach calm. Make a big pitcher (64oz) of Fat Flush Water at night, and drink the next day, throughout the day.

Ingredients:

64 oz. purified Water

1/2 grapefruit sliced

1 tangerine

1 cucumber, sliced

4 peppermint leaves

Ice (made from purified water)

Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher. Make sure you are using organic so you can keep the skins on. The skins have super valuable nutrients and you do NOT want pesticides soaking in your water. Scrubbing does NOT remove pesticides which infiltrate the skins. It is important to clean your organic fruits and vegetables, to remove organic matter.

Detox Beet and Carrot Smoothie...

noreply@blogger.com (Anneille07) — Wed, 10 Jul 2013 21:45:00 -0700

The beets alone would have been enough to call this a detox drink, but they went and added a lot of other antioxidant-rich foods, including green tea. You’re also benefiting from the anti-aging and cancer-preventing properties of the carrot. The grapes also contain Vitamin C so you’ll be helping your immune system, making this a great drink for the cold winter months when everyone is getting the flu around you. They also contain resveratrol, an antioxidant that can help prevent heart disease.

Ingredients:

1 carrot, peeled, sliced

1 beet, peeled, sliced

1/2 cup red grapes

1 clementine, peeled

1 slice of ginger, peeled, about the size of a quarter

1/2 cup green tea

Directions:

Steam carrot and beet until just tender, about 10-15 minutes, depending on how thick your slices are. Let cool.

Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.

7 Dangerous Acts After a Meal. . .

noreply@blogger.com (Anneille07) — Sun, 7 Jul 2013 04:47:00 -0700

1. Don’t smoke - Experiments from experts proves that smoking a cigarette after meal is comparable to smoking 10 cigarettes (chances of cancer is higher)

2. Don’t eat fruits immediately - immediately eating fruits after meals will cause stomach to be bloated with air. Therefore take fruits 1 -2 hours after meal or 1 hour before meal.

3. Don’t drink tea - because tea leaves contain a high content of acid. This substance will cause the protein content in the food we consume to be hundred thus difficult to digest.

4. Don’t loosen your belt - Loosening the belt after meal will easily cause the intestine to be twisted and blocked.

5. Don’t take a bath - Bathing after meal will cause the increase of blood flow to the hands, legs and body thus the amount of blood around the stomach will therefore decrease, this will weaken the digestive system in our stomach.

6. Don’t walk about - People always say that after a meal walk a hundred steps and you will live till 99. In actual fact this is not true. Walking will cause the digestive system to be unable to absorb the nutrition from the food we intake.

7. Don’t sleep immediately - The food we intake will not be to digest properly. Thus will lead to gastric and infection in our intestine.

Please Share it to your friends let them be aware…

Health Benefits of Barley Grass...

noreply@blogger.com (Anneille07) — Thu, 4 Jul 2013 19:11:00 -0700

Green Barley as “Medicine” in Cancer and Other Diseases

Barley

One of the seven sacred cereals, barley comes from the eastern Balkans. From an esoteric point of view, barley is considered a mild nourishing force which stimulates the heart and is used for easing the emotional tension of a person.

Description

Barley is a type of cereal which can reach heights of around 0.7 to 1.2 meters. The plant's fruit is ear shaped. This way there are a number of types of barley, depending on the number of granules on the ear: summer and winter barley. The winter barley is used for feeding animals because of the inferior quality of its granules.

Nutritional Values

When it reaches a height of 20 - 30 cm, barley contains the most nutritive resources necessary for the human body. Thus, barley leafs contain vitamins B (B1, B2, B6, and B12), vitamins E and C, a great amount of iron, calcium, manganese, magnesium, molybdenum, germanium, zinc, copper, lithium, bioflavonoid, polysaccharides, and polypeptides.

The green stem of barley, apart from containing vitamins, minerals and enzymes, also contains natural hormones and chlorophyll. These nutritive substances give barley antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and antiviral properties. Unlike most plants, barley grass provides all nine essential amino acids (those which your body can't produce).

Healing Claims

Barley grass is a powerful antioxidant that is believed to help the body kill cancer cells and overcome a variety of ailments, including acne and ulcers.

An antioxidant called alpha-tocopherol succinate - a potent relative of vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) may be responsible for much of the plant's anti-tumor action, according to Allan L. Goldstein, Ph.D., head of the biochemistry department at George Washington University's School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, D.C., who has studied barley grass. Though its mechanism is unknown, alpha-tocopherol succinate seems to inhibit several types of cancer, including leukemia, brain tumors, and prostate cancer.

Barley helps improve memory, bringing clarity in thought. Also, it eases stomach pains, heals ulcers, and lessens arthritic pains and inflammations. In obesity it helps eliminate weight excess. Green barley juice has an anti-inflammatory effect, revitalizing the tegument and curing it of its dryness. The plant shows visible results in the fight against collagen and leukemia, also neutralizing the toxic effects of tobacco.

Other diseases in which the treatment with barley is utilized: anorexia, anemia, stomatitis, pancreatitis, miocardic arrest, bronchic asthma, arthritis, and epilepsy. Barley stimulates the drainage and regeneration of the liver, activates the immune system helping in the fight against the hepatic virus.

Barley can fights Diabetes

Barley is an excellent food choice for those concerned about type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes because the grain contains essential vitamins and minerals and is an excellent source of dietary fiber, particularly beta-glucan soluble fiber. Research shows that barley beta-glucan soluble fiber promotes healthy blood sugar by slowing glucose absorption.

A long-term study published in the August 2007 edition of the Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice journal reported a 30-percent decrease in HbA1c (average blood glucose level) in type 2 diabetics who consumed a healthy diet including pearl barley that supplied 18 grams of soluble fiber a day. Regardless of the form of the grain, there is always a ready source of beta-glucan soluble fiber in barley.

Is barley a good fiber choice?

Yes! Barley is an excellent choice when it comes to adding both soluble and insoluble fiber to the diet. Our favorite grain compares favorably to other grains in total dietary fiber content. For example, a ½-cup serving of cooked pearl barley contains 3 grams of dietary fiber. In comparison, a ½-cup serving of long-grain brown rice contains 1.75 grams dietary fiber. One-half-cup serving of white long-grain rice contains less than 1 gram of dietary fiber.

NUTRIENT PROFILE

BY WEIGHT, dehydrated barley grass has 11 times the calcium of cow's milk, 5 times the iron of spinach, and more protein than sirloin steak. About 2 teaspoons (6 g) of barley grass powder contains the following:

CALORIES 17

PROTEIN 1.4g

CALCIUM 30mg

IRON 3mg

POTASSIUM 170mg

VITAMIN A 3,120 IU

VITAMIN B1 15 mcg

VITAMIN B2 140 mcg

FOLIC ACID 52 mcg

VITAMIN B12 1.7 mcg

VITAMIN C 19 mg

CHLOROPHYLL 32.6 mg

"[Barley Grass is] one of the most incredible products of this decade. It improves stamina, sexual energy, clarity of thought, and reduces addiction to things that are bad for you. It also improves the texture of the skin and heals the dryness associated with aging."

10 Best Foods that Build Strong Bones…

noreply@blogger.com (Anneille07) — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 21:15:00 -0700

When it comes to building strong bones, there are two key nutrients: calcium and vitamin D. Calcium supports your bones and teeth structure, while vitamin D improves calcium absorption and bone growth.

These nutrients are important early in life, but they may also help as you age. If you develop osteoporosis, a disease characterized by brittle and breaking bones, getting plenty of calcium and vitamin D may slow the disease and prevent fractures

Get these nutrients by trying these 10 best foods that build strong bones.

Soy Milk

If you’re lactose intolerant or simply don’t want to eat dairy products, a good alternative is calcium-enriched soy milk. Half a cup has more calcium than regular milk. Not only have that, but recent research shows that plant-based chemicals called isoflavones in the soy may increase boned density.

Yogurt

Most people get their vitamin D through exposure to sunlight, but certain foods, like yogurt, are fortified with vitamin D.

One cup of yogurt can be a creamy way to get your daily calcium. Stony field Farms makes a fat-free plain yogurt that contains 30% of your calcium and 20% of your vitamin D for the day.

Orange juice

A glass of fresh-squeezed Orange Juice doesn't have calcium or vitamin D, but it’s often fortified to contain these nutrients. Try Tropicana's Calcium + Vitamin D to get a boost of these essentials.

Also, studies have shown that the ascorbic acid in Orange Juice may help with calcium absorption, so you may be more likely to get the benefits of this fortified drink.

Egg and You

Eggs got a bad rap for a while, but they’ve been largely exonerated as long as you eat them in moderation. Along with plenty of protein in a whole egg, the yolks give you about 6% of the vitamin D you need each day. Going for the white-only alternative will cut fat and calories but it won’t help protect your bones.

Cheese

Just because cheese is full of calcium doesn’t mean you need to eat it in excess (packing on the pounds won’t help your joints!). Just 1.5 ounces (think a set of dice) of cheddar cheese contains more than 30% of your daily value of calcium, so enjoy in moderation.

Most cheeses contain a small amount of vitamin D, but not enough to put a large dent in your daily needs.

Peanuts and Almonds

Peanuts and almonds are packed with potassium, which inhibits the loss of calcium in urine. Walnuts are rich in alpha linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that slows down bone loss and helps bone formation to continue. Nuts are also good sources of protein and other nutrients that contribute to keeping bones strong.

Salmon

A 3-ounce serving of salmon has over 100% of your daily vitamin D needs. If you choose canned salmon with edible bones, you’ll also be getting plenty of calcium. Either way, heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids are in the mix, so this is a win-win option.

Tuna

Tuna, another fatty fish, is a good source of vitamin D. Three ounces of canned tuna contains 154 IU, or about 39% of your daily dose of the sunshine vitamin. Try these low-cal Tuna-Melt Tacos as a way to sneak in vitamin D and calcium.

Calcium Rich Veggies: Broccoli

Veggies can’t give you all the calcium you need, but broccoli does a great job of adding to your cache of both calcium and vitamin D along with vitamin C, fiber, and cancer-fighting nutrients. Raw or steamed, broccoli does your bones well and keeps you healthy in other ways as well.

Leafy Greens

Dark, leafy greens are arguably the best non-dairy sources of calcium. Try kale, arugula, watercress, and collard greens either cooked or in your salads. However, while spinach gives you iron and other nutrients, it contains oxalic acid. This makes its calcium content unavailable for absorption by the human body.

Home Remedies for Kidney Stones . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Anneille07) — Fri, 21 Jun 2013 23:15:00 -0700

One of the most crucial organs in your body is the kidneys. This is because the kidneys function in not only enabling your body to detox, but get rid of impurities from our blood stream in addition to waste products from your urine. Unfortunately, these vital functions of the kidney can be hampered by numerous ailments.

The formation of stones in the kidneys is a very common health problem. Kidney stones are formed from the chemicals such as uric acid, phosphorous, calcium and oxalic acid found in the urine. Other common causes of kidney stones are excessive consumption of Vitamin D, mineral imbalance, dehydration, gout and improper diet. Irrespective of the size of the kidney stones it can cause severe pain. Other symptoms of kidney stones are a desire to urinate frequently, painful urination, nausea, vomiting and excessive sweating.

A majority of cases of kidney stones can be treated successfully with the help of natural ingredients. These natural treatments are safe and effective and at the same time they do not have any side effects.

Here are the home remedies for Kidney Stones.

Water

When you are suffering from kidney stone, you need to drink plenty of water.

Make sure you are drinking sufficient water every day to keep your body and kidneys hydrated. When you consume eight to ten glasses of plain drinking water along with other kinds of fluids, the color of your urine will become clear like water which is a good sign. It is recommended to drink mineral water as it is free of sediments. Mineral water will help in reducing the concentrations of calcium and uric acid from the urine, thus making it less alkaline in nature. At the same time mineral water will not allow the kidney stone to increase in size.

Watermelon

In comparison to other types of vegetables, watermelon is packed with potassium salts. Moreover, it is made up of high water content that helps with hydration. For years, doctors and nutritionists have recommended watermelon as it is regarded as a best diuretic and as such can also be used as natural remedy for kidney stones.

Grapes

Grapes have long been regarded as the best home therapy for kidney stones. Grapes are made up of unique diuretic importance with respect to their excessive water substances as well as potassium salt. As a result of its minute sodium chloride plus albumin matter, grapes are of great importance when it comes to eliminating kidney issues.

Lemon Juice

The citric acid present in lemon helps to break down the calcium-based kidney stones and at the same time stops the further growth of such stones. Two to three times a day drink a glass of water with a few drops of lemon juice. When you drink lemonade, the volume of urination will also increase which is really good for those having kidney stones. Else you can mix one tablespoon of lemon juice with one tablespoon of organic olive oil and drink it straight followed by half glass of mineral water. After half an hour add the juice of half lemon in half glass of mineral water and one tablespoon of organic raw apple cider vinegar and drink it.

Pomegranate Juice

Both the seeds and juice of pomegranate can help in the treatment of kidney stones due to their astringent properties. Try to eat one whole pomegranate daily or else drink one glass of freshly-squeezed pomegranate juice. You can eat this fruit in the form of a fruit salad also. Another option is to take one tablespoon of pomegranate seeds and then grind it to make a fine paste. Now take this paste along with a cup of horse gram soup once daily. This remedy will help in dissolving the gravel in kidneys.

Horsetail Tea

Diuretic horsetails are easily accessible in the market and can be used in making horsetail tea. By drinking up to 4 cups of horsetail tea in a day, which is an equivalent of two grams of the thyme pill per day will enable you to eradicate the signs and symptoms triggered by kidney stones.

Bran Flakes

When suffering from kidney stones, it is very essential to eat food items that are rich in fiber content. When it comes to fiber rich food nothing can be better than bran flakes. The fiber present in bran flakes will help in getting rid of the calcium present in your urine and thus cutting down the risk of kidney stones. One bowl of bran flakes when consumed daily can give your body some 8 mg of fiber. So, to cut the risk of kidney stones, eat bran flakes daily without any fail.

Whole Wheat Bread

Whole grain food items such as bread can help a lot in lowering the risk for kidney stones. Whole grain breads are a rich source of nutrients, fiber, and protein along with magnesium. Especially the mineral magnesium can help in the coalescing of crystals in the kidney to form larger stones. So, those suffering from kidney stones must eat two to three pieces of whole wheat bread slices daily for prevention and reduction of stones. Along with bread, one must also eat whole grain cereals, pasta and so on to increase the intake of fiber and other nutrients.

Kidney Beans

Kidney beans are very effective in the treatment of any kind of kidney and bladder problems, including kidney stones. Simply remove the beans from inside the pods, then slice the pods and put them in hot water. Now allow the water to boil on low flame for hours until the pods become soft and tender. Finally strain the liquid and then allow it to cool. To ease the pain, it is highly suggested that you drink the liquid throughout the day. This decoction should not be kept for more than 24 hours as it will lose its therapeutic properties. At the same time one can also take kidney beans in soup or salad form.

Celery

If you are having kidney stones, then a glass of raw celery juice can help in getting relief from the pain due to its antiseptic properties. Celery juice helps in clearing the toxins that causes the formation of kidney stones. At the same time raw celery juice is a diuretic, which means it can help the stone to break down. One must drink a glass of celery juice daily in order to prevent the further formation of stones. Along with the vegetable you can also use celery seed in the treatment of kidney stones. You can use celery seeds to make an herbal tea to treat kidney stones formed due to uric acid accumulation.

Tips for Healthy Eating. . .

noreply@blogger.com (Anneille07) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:20:00 -0700

Eating a healthy, balanced diet is an important part of maintaining good health, and can help you feel your best. It doesn't have to be difficult either. Just follow these diet tips to get started.

Ø Eat the right number 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. The average man needs around 2,500 calories a day. The average woman needs 2,000 calories. Most adults are eating more calories than they need, and should eat fewer calories.

Ø 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.

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

Don't get thirsty

We need to drink about 1.2 litres of fluid every day to stop us getting dehydrated. This is in addition to the fluid we get from the food we eat. All non-alcoholic drinks count, but water, milk and fruit juices are the healthiest. Try to avoid sugary soft and fizzy drinks that are high in added sugars and can be high in calories and bad for teeth. When the weather is warm, or when we get active, we may need more.

Drink less soda

Many drinks, especially sodas and juices, have a lot of sugar and calories. Over time, that can add up to unwanted weight gain, which can put you at risk for diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Water, on the other hand, has no calories. It also helps you stay full longer so you eat less and maintain a healthy weight.

Base your meals on starchy foods

Starchy foods should make up around one third of the foods you eat. Starchy foods include potatoes, cereals, pasta, rice and bread. Choose wholegrain varieties (or eat potatoes with their skins on) when you can: they contain more fiber, and can make 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 they contain fewer than half the calories of fat.

Eat lots of fruit and veg

It’s recommended that we eat at least five portions of different types of fruit and veg a day. It’s easier than it sounds. A glass of 100% unsweetened fruit juice can count as one portion, and vegetables cooked into dishes also count. Why not chop a banana over your breakfast cereal, or swap your usual mid-morning snack for some dried fruit?

Eat less salt

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. 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. 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 a day. Younger children should have even less.

Eat more fish

Fish is a good source of protein and contains many vitamins and minerals. Aim to eat at least two portions a week, including at least one portion of oily fish. Oily fish is high in omega-3 fats, which may help to prevent heart disease. You can choose from fresh, frozen and canned; but remember that canned and smoked fish can be high in salt. Oily fish include salmon, mackerel, trout, herring, fresh tuna, sardines and pilchards. Non-oily fish include haddock, plaice, coley, cod, tinned tuna, skate and hake. Anyone who regularly eats a lot of fish should try to choose as wide a variety as possible.

Don’t skip breakfast

Some people skip breakfast because they think it will help them lose weight. In fact, research shows that eating breakfast can help people control their weight. A healthy breakfast is an important part of a balanced diet, and provides some of the vitamins and minerals we need for good health. Whole meal cereal, with fruit sliced over the top is a tasty and nutritious breakfast.

Cut down on saturated fat and sugar

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. Too much saturated fat can increase the amount of cholesterol in the blood, which increases your risk of developing heart disease. Saturated fat is found in many foods, such as hard cheese, cakes, biscuits, sausages, cream, butter, lard and pies. Try to cut down, and choose foods that contain unsaturated rather than saturated fats, such as vegetable oils, oily fish and avocados. For a healthier choice, use a 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.

Sugary foods and drinks, including alcoholic drinks, are often high in calories, and could contribute to weight gain. They can also cause tooth decay, especially if eaten between meals. Cut down on sugary fizzy drinks, alcoholic drinks, cakes, biscuits and pastries, which contain added sugars: this is the kind of sugar we should be cutting down on rather than sugars that are found naturally in foods such as fruit and milk.

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. Eating a healthy, balanced diet will help: aim to cut down on foods that are high in 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.

Environmental Emergencies: Heat Stroke

noreply@blogger.com (Anneille07) — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 17:15:00 -0700

Heat Stroke is an acute medical emergency caused by failure of the heat-regulating mechanisms of the body. It usually occurs during extended heat waves, especially when they are accompanied by high humidity. People at risk are those not acclimatized to heat, those who are elderly or very young, those unable to care for themselves, those with chronic and debilitating diseases, and those taking certain medication (eg. Tranquilizers, anticholinergics, diuretics and beta-blocking agents). Excertional heat stroke occurs in healthy individuals during sports or work activities, ex. exercising in strong heat and humidity. Hyperthermia results because of inadequate heat loss. This type of heat stroke can also cause death.

Most heat related deaths occur in the elderly, because their circulatory systems are unable to compensate for stress imposed by heat. Elderly people have decreased ability to perspire as well as a decreased thirst mechanism to compensate for heat. The risk for heat stroke is greater among the elderly because many elderly people do not drink adequate amounts of fluid, partly because of fear of incontinence. In addition, many elderly people fear being victims of crime, so they tend to keep windows closed, even when the temperature and humidity levels are high.

Heat stroke causes thermal injury at the cellular level, resulting in coagulopathies and widespread damage to the heart, liver and kidneys. Recent patient history reveals exposure elevated ambient temperature or excessive exercise during extreme heat.

Common sign and symptoms of heat stroke are:

· high body temperature

· the absence of sweating, with hot red or flushed dry skin

· hypotension

· rapid pulse

· difficulty breathing

· strange behavior

· hallucinations

· confusion

· agitation

· disorientation

· seizure

· coma

Preventing Heat Stroke

· Avoid re-exposure to high temperature; hypersensitivity to high temperature may remain for a considerable time.

· Emphasize the importance of maintaining adequate fluid intake, wearing loose clothes and reducing activity in hot weather.

· Advise athletes to monitor fluid losses and weight loss during workout activities or exercise and to replace fluids.

· Plan outdoor activities to avoid the hottest part of the day.

· Take extra precautions with certain medications. Be on the lookout for heat-related problems if you take medications that can affect your body's ability to stay hydrated and dissipate heat.

· Never leave children or anyone else in a parked car. This is a common cause of heat-related deaths in children. When parked in the sun, the temperature in your car can rise 20 degrees F (more than 6.7 C) in just 10 minutes. It's not safe to leave a person inside a parked car in hot weather for any period of time, even if the windows are cracked or the car is in the shade. When your car is parked, keep it locked to prevent a child from getting inside.

The most important measures to prevent heat strokes are to avoid becoming dehydrated and to avoid vigorous physical activities in hot and humid weather.

The primary goal is to reduce the high temperature as quickly as possible, because mortality is directly related to the duration of hyperthermia.

Methods to Treat Heat Stroke Victim

· Get the victim to a shady area, remove clothing, apply cool or tepid water to the skin (for example, you can spray the victim with cool water from a garden hose), fan the victim to promote sweating and evaporation, and place ice packs for the armpits and groin.

· If the person is able to drink water, drink them cool water or cool drinks that do not contain alcohol or caffeine.

· Monitor body temperature with a thermometer and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101-102 F (38.3 to 38.8 C).

· Always notify emergency services (911) immediately. If their arrival is delayed, they can give you further instructions for treatment of the victim.

Home Remedies to Remove Blackheads and Whiteheads

noreply@blogger.com (Anneille07) — Sat, 2 Mar 2013 22:07:00 -0800

Maintaining a clear and beautiful skin, takes time, consistency and effort. Dermatologist may recommend lots of products, but some of them can be expensive and may actually take a long time to work. You can, however, incorporate some home remedies for blackheads and whiteheads into your daily beauty regimen and in a few weeks, you will experience a drastic reduction or even total elimination of the problem.

Almond

Mix almond powder with just enough rose water to make a spreadable paste. Apply it to your problem areas with your fingertips first and then apply it to the rest of your face. Let it set for about 15 minutes and then rinse your face with cold water.

Baking soda

Prepare a mixture of equal parts of baking soda and water and rub it onto your face or other body areas prone to blackheads. Leave it on for 15 minutes and then rinse it off with warm water.

Cornstarch

Mix about a three-to-one cornstarch to vinegar ratio into a paste. Apply it to your problem areas and let sit for 15 to 30 minutes. Remove the paste with warm water and a washcloth.

Coriander leaves

Mix some coriander leaves and a little turmeric powder with water and form a paste. Use this as a mask to eliminate blackheads.

Lemon

Wash your face in warm water. Then, squeeze the juice of one lemon into a bowl. Add in a pinch of salt and stir the mixture. Apply the mixture to your blackheads and whiteheads. Leave the mixture on for approximately 20 minutes and then wash your face with warm water again.

Lime

You can also use equal parts of lime juice and cinnamon powder and apply this mixture to blackheads. Leave it on overnight and rinse it off in the morning

Yogurt

Mix three tablespoons of plain yogurt with two tablespoons of oatmeal. Add one teaspoon of olive oil and one tablespoon of lemon juice to the mixture. Stir the mixture thoroughly and apply it to the effective area of the face. Let the mixture sit for five to seven minutes then rinse off with cold water.

Rice

Soak rice in milk for 5 hours and then grind this in a blender until it is paste-like in consistency. Use the paste as a scrub on affected areas of the body.

Oatmeal

Grind oatmeal into a powder in a blender and then add some rose water. Use this on affected areas for 15 minutes and then wash it off with cold water.

Honey

Honey is also good for removing blackheads. Spread honey on the affected area and remove it after 15 minutes.

Toothpaste

Toothpaste is an effective blackhead and whitehead remover. Apply a thin paste to your infected areas and let it sit on your face for at least 25 minutes. You will probably feel a burning sensation when you apply the toothpaste, but this is normal and will pass. Once you remove the toothpaste, the top of your blackheads and whiteheads will disappear, but you still need to thoroughly wash your face to remove the buildup underneath. Repeat this home remedy every other day for two weeks.

Tomato

Tomatoes have natural antiseptic properties that dry up whiteheads and blackheads. Peel and mash a small tomato. Apply the tomato pulp to your blackheads and whiteheads before going to bed. Leave the tomato pulp on your face while you sleep and then wash your face in warm water in the morning.

Potatoes
Grate raw potatoes and then rub the area with the mixture. Wash it off after 15 minutes.

Remember – Be gentle to your skin. Never pinch, scrape, poke, press, or squeeze too hard!

Top Kidney-Friendly Super Foods. . .

noreply@blogger.com (Anneille07) — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 04:05:00 -0800

People with kidney disease experience more inflammation and have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease than those without kidney problems. If you have kidney disease, it's important that you consult a renal dietitian and follow a kidney diet. Including super foods in your kidney diet eating plan can help you increase your intake of nutrients and antioxidants.

Super foods are nutrient dense, which means they offer multiple nutrients while providing minimal calories. Nutrient-dense super foods are the colors of the rainbow. They are red, orange, pink, yellow, purple and green. These are the colors of super foods such as blueberries, bell peppers, spinach, salmon, kidney beans and grapefruit. Super foods contain antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals. Even in relatively low amounts, antioxidants can help slow or stop the rate of oxidation caused by free radicals. Examples of antioxidants include flavonoids, lycopene and vitamins C, E and beta-carotene.

Here’s a list of the top kidney-friendly super foods. These foods are good for everyone, not just people with kidney disease, so by using them in your family's meals, you'll be helping your loved ones enjoy good health too.

Apples

It really is true what they say, an apple a day really does help keep the doctor away! High in fiber and anti-inflammatory properties apples are great in reducing cholesterol, protect against heart problems, decrease your risk of cancer plus help to prevent constipation. Renal-friendly apples can be eaten raw or cooked. Or get their health benefits by drinking apple juice or cider.

Berries

Cranberries, raspberries, blueberries, strawberries and cherries are wonderful rich in a variety of kidney-friendly nutrients from improving bladder and heart health to containing anti-cancer properties and reducing inflammation. So go, go berry-crazy and start introducing them to your morning cereal or add them to a kidney-friendly smoothie!

Cabbage

Cabbage is a wonderful vegetable and should be frequently added to any diet! Bursting with delightful goodness including Vitamin B6, C and K, great as a source of fiber and folic acid plus is low in potassium to keep your kidneys happy.

If you're following the dialysis diet, add cabbage by turning it into coleslaw or use as a topping for fish tacos. Cabbage can be boiled, steamed or microwaved and then enjoyed with a touch of butter or cream cheese and a sprinkling of pepper or caraway seeds. Other nutritious meal options include cabbage rolls and stuffed cabbage.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower has a high concentration of vitamin C as well as fiber and folate. It also helps the liver to neutralize toxins in the body.

Cauliflower can be eaten raw with dip or in salads. Steamed or boiled, it can be seasoned and turned into a great side dish. You can even mash cauliflower as a dialysis-friendly replacement for mashed potatoes.

Cherries

Cherries are filled with antioxidants and phytochemicals that protect your heart. When eaten daily, they have been shown to reduce inflammation.

Fresh cherries make a delicious snack. Of course, cherry pie is a popular dessert, but there's also cherry crisp, cherry cheesecake and even cherry coffee cake. Cherry sauce makes a nice accompaniment to lamb or pork.

Egg whites

Did you know that eggs whites are a pure source of protein, offering the highest quality there is? This added to the fact they are rich in essential amino acids make them a great food choice for those with kidney problems, especially since egg whites contain less phosphorus than other protein sources.

Fish

Another high-quality source of protein is fish. Besides being a great source of protein, fish contains anti-inflammatory fats called omega-3s. These healthy fats help prevent diseases, such as cancer and heart disease. They also help lower LDL (the bad cholesterol) and raise HDL (the good cholesterol).

The types of fish that have the most omega-3s are salmon, albacore tuna, mackerel, herring and rainbow trout.

Garlic

Great for reducing inflammation and lowering cholesterol with additional benefits of being high in antioxidants and anti-clotting properties. (Cooking garlic will not affect its antioxidant properties, but it will reduce its anti-clotting and anti-inflammatory effects.)

Olive Oil

You may not know this but studies show people that use olive oil instead of other types of oils have lower rates of cancer and heart disease. Olive oil is high in polyphenols, antioxidants (especially extra virgin olive oil) and oleic acid – the latter of is an anti-inflammatory fatty acid which protects against oxidation.

Use virgin or extra virgin olive oil – they're higher in antioxidants. Olive oil can be used in cooking or to make salad dressing, as a dip for bread and as a marinade for vegetables.

Onions

Onions are a great choice to add flavour to many dishes and they’re healthy too! They are a powerful source of antioxidants due to containing flavonoids, particularly quercetin for reduced heart disease and known to protect against various forms of cancer. Low in potassium, onions are not only kidney-friendly; they also contain chromium, a mineral that assists your body with the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates.

Red bell peppers

Red bell peppers are a good choice for those concerned about kidney health, because they're low in potassium. In addition, they add color and taste to any dish, while packing a generous portion of vitamins A, C, B6, folic acid and fiber. They also contain the antioxidant lycopene, which protects against certain types of cancer.

Red grapes

These are good for your heart, because they prevent oxidation and reduce the chance of blood clots. One flavonoid in grapes, resveratrol, may boost production of nitric oxide, which increases muscle relaxation in blood vessels for better blood flow. Flavonoids also help protect you from cancer and prevent inflammation.

Summary

If you're concerned about the health of your own kidneys — or somebody else's — these super foods for kidney health should be on your grocery-shopping list. Ask a renal dietitian for help including them in your kidney-friendly meal plan if you have chronic kidney disease. When buying fruits and vegetables, get the freshest ones you can find and be sure to include a variety, since some are rich in one nutrient and others are rich in another. If you can only find fruits that are not at their peak, the flavor may be lessened, but you'll still get good nutritional value from them for your kidney health.

8 Foods To Help You Sleep Better!

noreply@blogger.com (Anneille07) — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 02:57:00 -0800

Some people have trouble falling asleep. Others can’t stay asleep. And then there are the people who have trouble turning life “off” and tucking into bed at a reasonable hour.

What you eat will have a big influence on the quality of your sleep. You can easily sleep better by making a few changes and being sure to include foods that promote rest.

Almonds

A handful of these heart-healthy nuts can send you snoozing because they contain both tryptophan and a nice dose of muscle-relaxing magnesium.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile is a staple of bedtime tea blends because of its mild sedating effect, which makes it the perfect natural antidote for restless minds and bodies.

Grapes

Finally, the last food that you'll want to consider having before bed to sleep better are grapes. Grapes are the only fruit found to contain the sleep-regulating hormone melatonin, so by adding them regularly to your diet you can help boost the natural sleep-wake cycle in the body. This will then allow you to get to sleep faster each night. Toss some sliced grapes into a small bowl of yogurt for added calcium and you'll have a perfect before-bed snack.

Honey

Drizzle a little in your warm milk or herb tea. Lots of sugar is stimulating, but a little glucose tells your brain to turn off orexin, a recently discovered neurotransmitter that's linked to alertness.

Jasmine Rice

When healthy sleepers ate carbohydrate-rich suppers of veggies and tomato sauce over rice, they fell asleep significantly faster at bedtime if the meal included high-glycemic-index (GI) jasmine rice rather than lower-GI long-grain rice, in a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. While the authors aren’t sure how it happened, they speculated that the greater amounts of insulin triggered by the high-GI meals increased the ratio of sleep-inducing tryptophan relative to other amino acids in the blood, allowing proportionately more to get into the brain.

Oatmeal

While most people think of oatmeal as a breakfast food, it does work well in the evening due to the fact that the carbohydrates cause a serotonin release in the body. Serotonin is a ”feel good” hormone that decreases stress and puts you in a much calmer state of mind. Oats are a rich source of sleep-inviting melatonin.

Since oatmeal is also a slower digesting source of carbohydrates, you won't have to worry about waking up halfway through the night with crashing blood sugar levels.

Slice up half an apple and add to your oatmeal, along with a bit of cinnamon. Serve with a splash of skim milk if desired.

Warm milk

You might have heard it before and just chalked it up to an old wives' tale, but having a glass of warm milk before bed can actually promote faster sleep. The reason behind this is due to the fact that milk also contains that tryptophan amino acid, and for most people, the warm liquid provides a soothing effect.

Additionally, milk also offers up a good dose of calcium, which works in the brain to help regulate the production of melatonin, which is a substance that's going to naturally control your sleep-wake cycle.

Whole-wheat bread

A slice of toast with your tea and honey will release insulin, which helps tryptophan get to your brain, where it's converted to serotonin and quietly murmurs "time to sleep."

Note, however, that you should not eat these foods immediately before going to bed, as that can keep you awake due to the increased blood flow to the digestive system; eat them one to two hours before you plan to turn in for the night. This will allow the heaviest part of digestion to take place and also give the sleep-enhancing effects a chance to kick in.