HOME REMEDIES FOR TREATMENT OF ACNE VULGARIS

By Emmanuel Chukwu

First of all I would start by explaining briefly the meaning of acne vulgaris.

What is Acne?

Acne is a skin condition. It occurs on the face, neck, back, chest and shoulders. It involves the oil glands at the base of hair follicles and commonly occurs during puberty when the sebaceous glands come to life. These glands are stimulated by hormones produced by the adrenal glands of both males and female. Acne is found too affect mostly teenagers and youths than the elderly and aged. This is because youths produce more hormones than the elderly.

The skin as we all know has lots of tiny holes called pores through which a small hair called follicle grows. The function of these tiny holes (pores) is to excrete dead skin cells from the body.

Therefore when these dead skin cells are being prevented from leaving the body as a result of blocked pores, the dirt accumulates in the pores which lead to an inflammation called ACNE.

Acne also known or referred to as pimple is not as dangerous as people term to regard it; although it can leave ugly scars if not treated properly.

CAUSES OF ACNE

·        STRESS

Stress has always been a part of us, though we try hard not to let it get in our way and instead dwell on happy thoughts everyday. Studies have shown that when one feels anxious and tense, the body releases hormones particularly cotisol which in turn increases the production of skin oil, which also increases the chances of acne.

·        FOOD/DIET

Studies have shown that sugar and foods that have high glycemic index do cause acne. This is because too much sugar can boost one’s insulin level, increasing sebum production and thus clogging the pores.

HOME REMEDIES FOR TREATMENT OF ACNE

·        Applying sugar scrub

Applying sugar scrub can also help you control acne. The sugar granules work to exfoliate the skin. The grains work to dislodge any dead skin and also to clean out the pores. It is always a good idea to rinse with cool water, because it helps the pores to close back up.

·        Applying grated potato

Another method of acne treatment is the use of grated potato. Potato has been used for years to draw out infections and it works great to absorb all the dirt and oils that are on your skin. Grated potato also helps remove dark circles around the eyes, puffiness and it even helps diminish wrinkles and blemishes.

·        Applying Cinnamon mixed with Honey

The use of cinnamon and honey is another effective way of treating acne. Cinnamon has antimicrobial properties and honey adds beautiful glow to the skin.

In this case it has to be proportioned for effective result. The proportions to apply are 1 cinnamon part to 3 parts of honey (ratio 1:3). The treatment should be left on the skin overnight and then rinsed off with warm water in the morning.

·        Applying orange peels

This method is much simpler as well as effective and suitable for persons who don’t want to go through a lot of prep work. All you have to do is grind the orange peels (sun dried peels) and mix with some water to form a paste and apply it on the affected area. Allow it to sit for 25 to 30mins and then rinse it off.

The vitamin C and citric acid contained in the orange are great for acne and they also will leave your face refreshed.

·        Wash your face regularly

Washing your face regularly helps clear up your skin pores, and this really helps in preventing and removing acne. You can also use a regular face wash with scrubbers to dislodge dirt from your skin pores.

·        Watch your diet

Your diet plays a huge role in your health, and a good diet helps prevent all sorts of complications and illnesses. As pimples can often be caused by vitamins deficiencies, remember to take foods rich in vitamins. Such foods include carrots, oranges, lemons, spinach, liver, eggs and marine fish.

·        Drink water regularly

This is also known as water therapy. Drinking up to three (3) litres of water a day is an absolute must for anyone looking to be healthy and free from health complications. Sometimes acne can be a symptom of chronic dehydration.

Drinking lots of water helps your body get rid of toxins which has a direct impact on your pimples.

·        Another home made solution is the application of Aloe-Vera mixed with glycerin on the affected spot. This can be used as treatment for acne as it reduces its size.

·        Finally the application of lemon juice mixed with rose water on the affected area is also a home remedy for acne.

In conclusion I’ll advice you try as much as possible to avoid rubbing your face with dirty hands as you will transfer dirt and bacteria to your face which will end up blocking the pores and causing acne.

I Need To Drink How Much Water?

By Cody Scharf, DC 

"Drink 8 glasses of water a day." "Drink half your body weight in ounces." Some of us may have heard these recommendations, but is it really that simple?
I get asked this question almost every day. "How much water should I drink?" Check 5 sites online and they probably give you 5 different answers. The truth of the matter is that there is not one correct answer. The amount of water you needs depends on several factors, including gender, activity level, and lifestyle. Even the location you live determines the amount of water you need! Knowing about these factors will help you to get the best estimate about the amount of water YOU need!
Why Should You Drink Water?
Besides the fact that you would die without it, water is the most important "supplement" to your health and well-being. Some us may already know that water makes up an astounding 60 percent of our total bodyweight, but what most of us don't know is that water can aid in immune support, fat loss, and increase energy levels.
Not getting enough water, leads to a condition known as dehydration. Even being slightly dehydrated leads to reduction in performance physically and cognitively. Did you know that you actually lose water through breathing and perspiration? It has been estimated that for a 150 pound male can lose up to 5 pounds of water loss per day just from normal body function!
So How Much Water Do I Need?
According the Institute of Medicine, men living in temperate climate need roughly 3 liters, or 13 cups of water. For women that number drops to only 9 cups of water. Now that may seem like a lot, most of us will consume around 20% of our water demands through diet. Shockingly, your body will produce another cup of water every single day!
Now for the sedentary individuals that translates to around 7 cups of water for men and women. These numbers don't seem as daunting of a task now does it? But wait! I said sedentary individuals, not active.
For active individuals and athletes, there is little research suggesting the appropriate amount of water to consume per day. Athletes and active people will generally require more water than sedentary individuals, as they lose more water through perspiration and breathing, and typically have a higher metabolic rate and demand. Depending on the type of activity, water intake may need to increase as much as 2 times the daily requirement from the Institute of Medicine!
Play It Safe!
Drinking enough fluid should leave urine either colorless or a light yellow in color and you should rarely feel thirsty. Each person will require a different amount to stay properly hydrated. There is no right or wrong answer. "Drinking 8 glasses of water a day" seems appropriate, but active individuals may need upwards of a half-gallon or more per day!
For those that find it hard to drink water, spice things up by adding lemon or cucumber to your water. Not only does this add flavor to water, it adds another health benefit to drinking water.

How To Go About Building a Healthy Immune System

By J Russell Hart 

The body's natural immune system does a superb job of helping fight disease-causing germs. However, as good as the system is, it can fail at times, allowing germs to invade and cause illness. While, the effectiveness of boosting your immune system with lifestyle changes and vitamins is still being debated, that doesn't mean a healthy natural lifestyle can't help. There are many researches exploring the effects of diet, exercise, stress, supplements and vitamins on our immune system. Lucky for us, building a naturally healthy immune system is easy. 

Here are a few suggestions. Start your cleanup by drinking plenty of water. Water hydrates and cleans impurities from the body. Consume about 2 liters of water each day. Build up good bacteria to keep the bad bacteria out. Increase good bacteria by eating plenty of organic yogurt and kefir with live, active cultures. In addition, new studies suggest that gardening, specifically digging in the soil, can increase good bacteria and other healthy organisms that naturally boost your immune system. The vitamin D you absorb from the sun, and the organic vegetables you might grow are an added bonus!

Eat a well-balanced diet. Your body needs healthy nutrition to fight infections. A diet rich in healthy proteins, complex carbohydrates and fresh, organic fruits and vegetables will boost your immune system. Protein is essential for cellular repair. Good sources include legumes, eggs, fish and poultry and dairy products. Most vegetables are filled with vitamins, beta carotenes, and antioxidants. Squeeze lemon juice into your water for a dose of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant.

Get the proper amount of restful sleep. Your immune system works hard while you rest. Sleep recharges the body and your mind. It improves your mood, balances female hormones, and clears your thinking.
Get plenty of exercise. Try to do some type of physical activity every day. Getting outside to exercise boosts your mood and strengthens your heart and bones as well.

Supplement your diet with vitamins, minerals, and herbs. Herbs such as garlic, barberry, black walnut, cinnamon, clover, ginger root, oregano, thyme, and turmeric can potentially kill foreign germs in your immune system. Acai, green tea, pomegranate, cranberry, and blueberry are antioxidant rich fruits.

Detoxify your liver. Several times a year do a liver detox to filter out toxic substances in the blood. Wash your hands regularly. Clean hands are important in protecting your body from germs. Wash for 20 seconds with warm water and soap. Rinse well.

Reduce or completely eliminate your sugar and caffeine intake . Sugar is simply empty calories. Fruits and vegetables have a natural sugar that benefits you. Caffeine is a diuretic and is filled with empty calories as well. Reduce the stress levels you deal with daily. Stress raises your cortisol levels, which in turn overwhelms your immune system.

Find out what your stressor are and find a way to control them. Learn anger management, exercise, and think positively. Connect with loved ones or nature or your spiritual practice. Get a pet. Keep your home clean. Make sure the air you are breathing is good quality. Get rid of mold and dust. Your immune system is the main fighting force against germs. Keep it healthy, detoxed, and maintained by living a healthy natural lifestyle. With a healthy immune system, you will not only feel great but you may live a longer life.

7 Tips to Prevent Constipation

By ChiKoong Chong

Do you often experience constipation?
If yes, don't worry, as there are ways to overcome it. Constipation simply means a difficulty in passing motions or the infrequent passing of stools that are hard. In most cases, you'll have to exert a tremendous amount of force in order to push the stools out or you may not be able to fully empty your bowels. Most people may have the misconception that if they don't have bowel movement every day, they're most likely to be suffering from constipation. But how often one needs to empty his or her bowel varies from person to person. For instance, this can vary from as frequent as thrice a day for one person, to as infrequent as thrice a week for another. The fact is the consistency of your stool is a good yardstick to define if you're having constipation. Normal stools should be soft or not lumpy and be passed out easily. Maintaining regular bowel movement is vital to remove waste products and toxins from the body as soon as possible. And having them "stored" in your body for longer than necessary will only encourage the growth of harmful bacteria in the colon. 

Try the 7 tips below to ensure that your bowel movements are consistent and regular. 

1. Adopt a high fiber diet.Dietary fiber is generally classified into soluble and insoluble, which can prevent constipation. Soluble fiber aids the stool in water absorption and retention, thus making the stool softer and easier to pass out. Insoluble fiber moves through the digestive tract to build up the bulk of the stool and speed up the bowel movement. Good examples of soluble fiber are oats, barley and peaches and those of insoluble fiber are cauliflower, wheat bran and nuts. Healthcare experts often recommend that one should eat at least 25 to 35 grams of total dietary fiber per day. If you've not been on a high fiber diet before, it's advisable for you to increase your fiber intake slowly and at the same time drink slightly more water to prevent gas build up in your stomach, which would cause bloating and discomfort. You can probably increase your fiber intake by 5 grams everyday for the first week and 10 grams for the next and subsequent, until you meet the recommended daily requirements. You can also add soluble fiber supplements to your diet such as psyllium husk, pectin or slippery elm, which are known for softening of stool. 

2. Drink more water. Water complements the fiber to improve the regularity of the stool. Adopt a good practice of drinking at least 2½ to 3 liters of water and fluid everyday, no matter if you are thirsty or not. Your fluid intake can include fruit juice, soup and other healthy beverages. Of course, it's good to cut down on beverages such as alcoholic drinks, carbonated drinks and caffeinated drinks that cause your body to dehydrate. 

3. Take natural laxatives. When looking for some faster relief from constipation, go for herbs such as senna. This contains natural laxatives named anthraquinone glycosides, which helps to increase the amount of water and electrolyte in the colon and stimulating contractions of the colon muscles, which help to hasten the evacuation of stool. 

4. Maintain regular meals. Studies have shown that one of the best times to have a bowel movement is half an hour after each meal. The reason is that right after you've eaten, the food in your stomach will stimulate intestinal peristalsis and subsequently bowel movements. 

5. Stay active. Avoid leading a sedentary lifestyle, as it's a surefire way of getting frequent constipation. By incorporating exercise into your daily routine, you'll be able to cut down the frequency of constipation quite appreciably. You can try simple exercise like jogging, walking or even stretching, as these are good in stimulating the bowels. 

6. Cut down stress. Stress related constipation is also called psychosomatic constipation. This is common in people who are under a great deal of stress or anxiety. Sudden change in the daily routine such as going on traveling or been relocated to a new environment may also give rise to short-term constipation. If you're under some kind of stress, you can relieve it by taking ginseng or vitamin B-complex. Taking calcium or magnesium supplement is also helpful in relieving stress as it helps in the relaxation of the muscle tissues. 

7. Answer the call of nature. If you need to answer the call of nature, just go ahead. Don't try to resist the urge for a bowel movement. Resisting it may cause unresponsiveness in the rectum. Eventually, the colon will re-absorb the water from the stools and causing them to become hard and difficult to move. To better manage your bowel movement, make it a point to have your bowel movement to about the same time every day. Studies have shown that most people have bowels that are most active in the morning. If you don't have a fix time to empty your bowels, perhaps you should now try doing it first thing in the morning soon after you wake up. Over time, you'll get use to this routine and the urge will come naturally. 

Try out the above 7 tips and you'll find yourself constipation free for as long as you're sticking to the routine.

Dieting for Weight Loss

 by: Lance Miller 

The most common reason that people cite for dieting today is weight loss. While most of us would love to claim the noble mantle of dieting for health the vast majority of us are doing so for vanity. This, however, is a perfectly acceptable and plausible reason for making the lifestyle changes that are necessary in order to diet. In fact, this reason might prove to be a far greater motivator than many of the other commonly stated reasons for dieting. 

When dieting for weight loss one of the most common complaints is constantly feeling hungry. In order to help combat this, you might want to incorporate some of the following strategies into your dieting program. First of all, eat more high fiber foods. Whole grains, apples, pears, and lima beans are a great source of fiber as are many breakfast cereals. Easy does it however when it comes to fiber as it may be filling but there are some unpleasant side effects that may accompany heavy fiber eating (remember that beans are a good source of fiber). Try using a product such as Bean-o when consuming larger amounts of fiber. You might also try spreading your fiber intake throughout the day rather than consuming all your daily fiber at once. Another method for feeling fuller when dieting is to drink plenty of water while dieting. Water provides an important service to the body and is very necessary when it comes to delivering all the nutrients where they need to go. Water also helps regulate your metabolism, which is very important to the dieting and weight loss process. Additionally, water will help you skin retain its elasticity so that your skin can go more easily back into place once the serious weight loss begins. Learn to control your portions. We live in a world where portions are over inflated and super sized so often that we no longer know what an appropriate portion looks like. Restaurant meals are quite often more than adequate for at least two full meals and that is before salads, soups, appetizers, or desserts have been ordered. Learning to portion correctly can save you from over loading your calorie intake for the day massively. It can also help you get extra helpings of the lower calorie foods such as lettuce and other vegetables rather than taking such large portions of calorie rich starches or fried foods. Do not go "Gung Ho". There are limits to what the body and the mind can handle. When you go on a diet you are making a drastic change to your bodies caloric intake. If you go overboard you can lead to health risks along the way. Begin cutting calories a little at a time and incorporate changes as you go rather than going in with an all or nothing attitude. If you go overboard with your dieting plans chances are that you are dooming your diet to failure. Take your diet one step at a time for the best results and be sure to incorporate extra physical activity into the mix. Even gardening when done on a regular basis can burn calories, so can cleaning the house, and playing with the little ones. Take a walk to the park or the corner store rather than getting in the car and pull a wagon or push a stroller while you're at it. The added weight will be just enough resistance to burn a few extra calories. Dieting for weight loss does not necessarily have to be a major sacrifice on your part but in order to be successful it will be a radical change in lifestyle, particularly if you need to lose more than a few vanity pounds. The health implications of loosing the weight are well worth the required effort and should not be taken lightly no matter how excited you are about your new body that is hiding inside your old one.

Stopping Panic Attacks Naturally

by: Jacinta Hawthor

If you want to understand how to stop panic attacks naturally then it sounds like you are planning to go the self help option instead of making use of prescription drugs to manage your anxiety and panic. Anxiety attacks can be halted and there are incredible all natural means of accomplishing this. Panic and anxiety attacks start off in the brain and they are created in the area of the brain referred to as amygdala. This really is rather like a switch that turns anxiety and off.

Controlling the amygdala is the vital thing to mastering precisely how to cease panic and anxiety attacks naturally. Panic and anxiety believe it or not accomplish a useful purpose as their function is to alert you of approaching threat so that you can do something to assure your own survival. This process is named the fight or flight response. Panic and anxiety symptoms happen once this process becomes too easily induced due to over excitement of this response.

The good news is that panic attacks and anxiousness really are a behavioural pattern which you acquired over time when you are in contact with stressful stimulus. Any kind of behaviour that is acquired may be unlearned as well. This is how to prevent panic disorders naturally. Although there are natural cures for panic and anxiety attacks such as natural herbs they simply offer you short-lived reduction because the secret is unlearn this behavour rather than manage it using drugs or herbal treatments.

Learning how to overcome your anxiety and panic necessitates finding out how to do a few simple techniques that can stop this pattern. It is easy to avoid anxiety and panic attacks as soon you feel anxious by performing psychological exercises which have been intended to retrain the amygdala. Once you are in the position to stop the amygdala initiating panic and anxiety attacks this ultimately turns into a brand new behavior which changes the previous behavour where panic and anxiety attacks are brought on easily.

The most essential approaches to getting to know how to stop panic attacks naturally is finding out how to breath correctly. When panic attacks arise your breathing becomes faster and shallower. It's a sign of the fight or flight response getting triggered. By taking power over your breathing by taking extended deep breaths you'll be able to seize control preventing an anxiety attack. It is essential to make deep breathing exercises a part of your everyday regimen because this will help you become a more serene person and less at risk from the stimulus that bring about panic and anxiety.

The most beneficial step you can take with regard to ending panic attacks naturally would be to follow a training course that will take you through each of the approaches you must learn to bring your anxiety and panic under control. The very best help I have found with regard to learning how to end anxiety attacks naturally are The Linden Method and Panic Away. They are easy to understand self help products created for assisting you to simply triumph over any kind of panic and anxiety disorder. Myself and also 1000's of other individuals have found these programs to be very effective methods for teaching the best way to stop anxiety and panic attacks naturally.

Best Ways to Get Rid of Blackheads

by: Mixzy Witz 

Blackheads are often very much disturbing to you specially when it appears in your face, foreheads or chin. These is appear when the skin oil glands discharge excess skin oil combine with dust particles, old skin debris, bacteria or other impurities. You'll find many individuals who seriously look ways just to learn how to get rid of blackheads. Actually, it can be treated in a variety of ways, it just a matter of performing a regular routine. It is common to us as human instinct to look good, charming and appealing to our fellow mankind. Blackheads might be a great hurdle to ourselves showing to everyone which has a very confident and attractive personality.

There are several stuff that you can try to prevent blackheads from appearing on your face. Just be sure that before starting to make use of, you have already the very best methods that truly works with no harmful effects such as skin burns. You will find a lot of products in the market promoting the way to getting rid of blackheads.

What Can Cause Blackheads?

No proper skin cleaning regularly is one of instances that blackheads appear. By just cleansing the face with soapy water, prevents the appearance of acne and blackheads. However, it is possible to some individuals experienced from blackheads even they do a frequent face washing.. Yes, that is because not just dust can cause blackheads, you must consider also the things below;

Hormones - everybody knows that one major factors causing develop of blackheads is excess oil. Basically, hormones can increased the production of oil in your skin which give more chance to develop blackheads.

Skin care and make-up - Some facial make-up can actually cause blackheads as this will absorb to your skin, mixed with your body's oil and can develop blook pores. Toxins - both whitehead and blackhead pimples development looks like it's a predisposed condition which is aggravated or increased when toxins combined.

Tips on how to prevent blackheads

Based on some dermatologist, there's actually no permanent treatment to stop blackheads, however this can be minimize by taking good care of your skin consistently. As is possible, avoid using creamy facial products. Facial cream can certainly increase the chances of sprouting blackheads.

Furthermore, avoid using bar soap as it might cause clog the pores in your skin. It is best option also specially when you have oily skin using clay mask hat. Just make certain that it doesn't contain mint, peppermint or other irritating ingredients. In this way, the oil that may clog the poor will be absorbed. You can used oil absorbing papers as well as this can reduce oil in your pores.

Better means to reducing blackheads in the face pack is the combination of rose water and fullers. Using rose water and fullers earth, this can make your face smooth and reduce excess oil on your skin. Mix equal parts of almond oil, lemon juice and glycerin and gently massage this combination to your spots, zits, pimples and blackheads. You'll see your blackheads vanishing slowly.

Ways to make your skin healthy

 by: Chloe park

The primary step to keeping your skin healthy is preventing damage. Pollutants, air, sun as well as by just natural aging can certainly mortify the form of your skin. Frequent grumbles incorporate dry along with itchy skin, sagging, wrinkles, color alterations, together with age spots. Luckily, there are various methods that you can readily apply in order to maintain a healthy skin, feeling and looking at its most excellent appearance.

Keeping yourself fit, having enough rest, as well as getting healthy diet can set the basis for fine-looking and vigorous complexion. Moreover, a proper diet is not only the excellent way in attaining good health in general but it as well assists you to guarantee that your skin will get all of the vitamins and minerals, along with the nutrients that it requires to preserve and fix itself.

Another way to keep your skin healthy is to apply the right skin care products to your skin. The best anti aging skincare products that can aid you to hydrate the skin are now available at your favorite skin care product store online. Having a clean skin by using the best skin cleanser is also a great way of preventing skin damages.

One of the most essential ways to protect your skin is to keep it away from the harmful rays of the sun. Ultraviolet radiation harms the skin as well as it can result to wrinkles, premature aging, age spots or even cancer as well. An individual should really get further preventative measures in order to be certain that his or her skin is not totally exposed under the harmful rays of the sun. Do not fail to remember that one should apply a natural sunscreen, or a moisturizer that includes sunscreen (with minimum of SPF 15) every day. Although, it does not mean that you should not go out at all during the day, as if you are like a nocturnal creature. Your skin also needs some sunlight every day. A 10 to 15 exposures at sunrise or sunset will be alright. In addition to that, a variety of fine skin care products such as an all natural moisturizer is one of the essential components for a vigorous complexity. Keep on moisturizing all through the day to keep your sensitive skin vigorous. Your hands as well as your face is especially vulnerable to everyday dent, and might require it to be moisturized further.

New Apple Ingredient Discovery Keeps Muscles Strong!

by: Michael Clonts

Natural Component of Apple Peels Found To Help Prevent Muscle Weakening

In search of an effective method to prevent muscle wasting that comes with illness and aging, researchers have located a natural compound that is very promising.

The findings reported in the June issue of Cell Metabolism (a Cell Press publication), identify a natural component of apple peels known as Ursolic Acid as a promising newnutritional therapy for the widespread and debilitating condition that affects nearly everyone at one time or another.

"Muscle wasting is a frequent companion of illness and aging," explained researchers from The University of Iowa, Iowa City. "It prolongs hospitalization, delays recoveries and in some cases prevents people going back home. It isn't well understood and there is no medicine for it." The research team first looked at what happens to gene activity in muscles under conditions that promote weakening. Those studies turned up 63 genes that change in response to fasting in both people and mice and another 29 that shift their expression in the muscles of both people who are fasting and those with spinal cord injury. Comparison of those gene expression signatures to the signatures of cells treated with more than 1300 bio-active small molecules led them to ursolic acid as a compound with effects that might counteract those of atrophy. "Ursolic Acid is an interesting natural compound," they said. "It's part of a normal diet as a component of apple peels. They always say that an apple a day keeps the doctor away..."

The researchers next gave Ursolic Acid to fasted laboratory subjects. Those experiments showed that ursolic acid could protect against muscle weakening as predicted. When ursolic acid was added to the food of normal subjects for a period of weeks, their muscles grew. Those effects were traced back to enhanced insulin signaling in muscle and to corrections in the gene signatures linked to atrophy. The subjects given ursolic acid also became leaner and had lower blood levels of glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides. The findings therefore suggest that ursolic acid may be responsible for some of the overall benefits of healthy eating.

"We know if you eat a balanced diet like mom told us to eat you get this material," the researchers explained "People who eat junk food don't get this." It is not yet clear whether the findings will translate to human patients, but the goal now is to "figure out if this can help people." If so, they don't yet know whether Ursolic Acid at levels that might be consumed as part of a normal diet might or might not be enough.