Important Causes and Natural Remedies for Arthritis

The problem of arthritis is associated with the inflammation of the joints. Usually it is a process of chronic disease. It affects the people in various forms. Osteoarthritis rheumatoid arthritis affects the people more frequently. Osteoarthritis usually affects the people of older age group and it is related with the degenerative joint disease. Rheumatoid arthritis is more serious in comparison to other arthritis problem as it affects hips, knees, feet, wrists and joints of the fingers in addition to the muscles, tendons and other tissues of the body.

Some of the important cause of arthritis -

1. Sometimes structural changes in the articular cartilage in the joints may be one of the cause of arthritis especially the people who are weight bearing.

2. Sometimes it may be the result of hormonal imbalance, physical and emotional stress.

3. Sometimes hereditary factors are also responsible for enhancing the problem of arthritis.

The major symptoms of arthritis are stiffness and pain in the joints. Usually after exercise the pain due to arthritis increases. Rheumatoid arthritis is also known as 'cooked food disease'. Usually it develops over the months and result into stiffness and pain in one or more joints. Gradually it affects the whole body. Some of the symptoms which are related with the problem of arthritis are constipation, colitis, anaemia and also deformed feet and hands.

The problem of arthritis can be cured with the help of natural remedies. Some of the effective natural remedies of arthritis -

1. Mustard or castor oil is also very effective in treating the problem of arthritis. You have to warm mustard oil or coconut oil mixed with 2-3 pieces of camphor. Massage this prepared oil on the affected area especially on the stiff and aching joints. It increases the supply of blood and also reduces the stiffness and inflammation of the joints.

2. A proper diet is also essential in reducing the problem of arthritis. Intake of fruits and vegetables especially in the form of salad and also two cooked vegetables. In more severe case the patient may be kept on raw vegetables and also on juice therapy for a week.

3. Proper ventilation in the bedroom is necessary. The patients are also advised for proper rest. It will be helpful in reducing the problem of arthritis.

4. For the patients of arthritis, sea bathing has been found very valuable. The patients are relieved from the pain after sea bathing as sea water contains natural iodine.

Gray hair management and remedy

Hair grows gray naturally due to various reasons like stress, heredity, illness, vitamin and nutrient deficiency. But the most important factor which turns our hair gray is the rapid decline in melanin which is responsible for pigmentation or color to the hair. The appearance of hair turns to gray when molecules of melanin separate from each other. Hair turns to gray when the production of melanin decreases. So if you want your hair to be in a good condition then try to increase the production of melanin in the body. Some of the main causes of gray hair are thyroid disorders, vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, smoking, early menopause and also vitigo which is a condition in which skin loses melanocytes and results into gray hair.

There are different natural remedies which are helpful in reducing the graying of hair.

1. Increase the intake of protein rich food like meat, lean, soy, eggs, whole grains and cereals.

2. Increase the intake of foods rich in iron, minerals and vitamin A and B like bananas, tomatoes, green leafy vegetables, yoghurt, liver, dried apricots, kidney beans, oysters, eggs and sunflower seeds.

3. Prepare a paste of yoghurt, henna powder and fenugreek seeds. You can also use coffee, basil juice, mint juice and methi seed powder. Apply this paste on your hair and allow it to set for 3-4 hours then shampoo your hair.

4. Stress reduction is an easy and effective natural remedy for graying hair. Rest, exercises and meditations are also necessary to reduce the problem of gray hair. You must find different ways to reduce anxiety and stress as these things contributes towards the gray hair.

5. Massage the butter of cow's milk into the roots of the hair to prevent additional graying. First you have to melt the butter and then spread into the hair and its scalp at least twice a week and then rinse it properly.

6. You can also prepare a mixture of grated fresh ginger and honey. Mix these ingredients and set aside in a container. Take one teaspoon of this mixture every day. It is also an effective remedy for gray hair.

7. Application of coconut oil is also very effective. Massage the coconut oil on the scalp each night before going to bed and wash it in the morning.

8. The other effective remedy for treating premature graying is Indian gooseberry. You can also cut gooseberry and dry into the sun and then take it regularly.

Acne Remedies Might Be The Solution

For millions of people around the world, acne rears its' ugly head often and with a vengeance. Teenagers are at the highest risk, with 70 percent of them affected with these unattractive and painful blemishes. Clear, glowing skin, free of acne is what we want.

Psychological trauma can also result from acne. Some people experience a loss of self esteem and general depression over the fact that their appearance is far from perfect. When you believe there is nothing that can be done, this only serves to promote low self esteem and increase your depression.

Fortunately, there are several acne remedies available to get you back on track to a healthy, clear complexion.

The reason so many teens are afflicted with acne is, in part, because of fluctuating hormones, producing extra oils which are secreted through the pores of your skin. The fluctuating hormones are a normal condition at this age. Your most important weapon against acne outbreaks is your diet.

Teens often consume lots of soda, junk food, fried foods, pizzas and those great greasy burgers. This type of diet only overloads your system with still more oils, which may quickly appear on your face and even your body. This develops a classic good news, bad news situation. The food tastes great, but the excess oil soon shows up on your skin. Although you've heard it ad nauseum, try to steer away from these types of foods. Acne remedies they are not!

Instead, make it your habit to include lots of fresh fruits and vegetables in your regular diet. Go for unprocessed and unrefined foods when possible. Did you know that the single-slice type processed cheeses are made mostly with oil? Shocking when you think of it. Drink juices instead of soda. Whole grains, rice and lean meats and fish are other good choices. Avoid fried foods. If you can't do it cold turkey, then make gradual changes. A healthy diet is among the best acne remedies available.

There are several herbs which are effective acne remedies. They are renowned blood cleansers which have been used for centuries to literally clean your blood and organs of toxins which accumulate and contribute to acne outbreaks, especially useful in the teenage years. These herbs include Burdock root, Echinacea root, Red clover blossoms and Dandelion root. All may be found at your local herb shop. Red clover blossoms make a sweet and delicious tea. The other herbs are quite bitter,so you'll want to take them in capsule form. Alternating use of each herb is recommended. Take burdock root one week and Echinacea root the next, and so on.

Vitamin supplements are another addition to your acne remedies. A good, balanced multi-vitamin supplement supports your entire system's general health. Vitamins A, C and E are particularly important to healthy skin.

Pay attention to your diet, get regular exercise and drink plenty of water. Try some of the herbs and supplements. You'll soon see results!

Anti Aging: Tips and Guide to Look Younger

Although there are many different methods of anti aging that are complicated and not well known, there are also some very simple anti aging tips that you can follow that will help keep you from aging too fast. By following simple tips such as wearing sunscreen, drinking a lot of water, eating fruits and vegetables, getting enough sleep, and avoiding harmful addictions, you can slow the aging process to a much slower rate.

Here are a few ways that can help you reverse or delay the appearance of wrinkles:

1.    Avoid the sun: Dozens of studies have demonstrated the effect of sunlight on aging. A study on monozygotic twins showed that sun exposure is even more important than heredity. People who have had limited exposure to the sun, had fewer wrinkles and looked younger overall than their siblings who were sun worshipers. If you need to go out in the sun, you should always wear sunscreen to protect you from skin cancer and help you avoid wrinkles.

2.    Get enough sleep: When we don't get enough sleep the body produces excess cortisone, a hormone that breaks down skin cells. By getting adequate sleep your body will produce more growth hormone that helps your face remain firm and be less vulnerable to wrinkles.

3.    Eat more fish and especially salmon: Salmon is a great source of protein and omega -3 fatty acids. Fatty acids can help you look youthful and reduce wrinkles.

4.    Eat more soy: Studies have shown that certain properties of soy may help protect or treat damage from sunlight. In a recent study published at the 'European Journal of Nutrition', researchers announced that a soy-based substitute improved the skin texture of individuals considerably after six months of use.

5.    Choose cocoa instead of coffee: In a study published in the journal 'Nutrition', scientists found that cocoa contains high levels of dietary flavonoids, which help protect the skin from solar radiation, improve the functions of cells, increase hydration and make the skin look smoother.

6.    Do not forget water: As we age, our skin becomes thinner and drier. Drinking plenty of water can help you keep the skin hydrated and full. Try to drink at least six to eight glasses of water a day.

7.    Eat more fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants that fight the damage caused by free radicals and can also protect you from UV radiation. Try to eat a lot of tomatoes that are rich in biotin and vitamin C and green leafy vegetables and almonds for vitamin E.

8.    If your skin is oily and you want to have a young and fresh look, using avocado will prove to be of great help. For the purpose, all you need to do is apply the avocado, be it in the form of pulp or slices, on your face. Wash your face after 15-20 minutes.

Finally, one of the most important anti aging tips is to avoid stress and get enough rest. You need to have 8 hours per sleep a night if possible, but that is not the extent of the rest you need. You also need to have several hours of relaxation per day to help you get rid of the stresses that are wearing on you, which is a very important aspect of feeling and looking younger.

How To Lose Weight Fast-One Question With Three Tips

Many people want to have slim and sexy body. Maybe you want to lose weight for the purpose of beach affair and maybe for your wedding day. Whatever your reason is, you just want to lose your wright in a matter of short period of time for the immediate occasion. Oh well, why not give a glimpse on the tips below on how to lose weight fast. These tips might be a big help to you . "How To Lose Weight Fast"?, this will never be a problem!
Here below are the practices for you to observe if you really confuse on how to lose weight fast:

1. The Practice Of Diet
   This does not mean that you will subtract or cut one of your regular meals in a day. Of course you have to eat in the breakfast for you need energy in your first hour of work, class or any activity you are involved in. And not forgetting your lunch for it retains you to be active for the rest of the day. Actually, all kinds of food nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, fats and vitamins are very essential for your body, you need them to live healthy. So, no need to cut any of them, all you need to do is to observe the balance of every kind. Of course, eating of green and leafy vegetables is an advantage. With this, you can conclude that the learning on how to lose weight fast is really not difficult, it is just a matter of discipline in terms of foods.
   You should also limit the intake of carbohydrates and fats because they are the main source of the additional fats in your body. White Bread for example must be avoided, instead you can have an apple as alternative in your snacks. To enumerate the foods that must be eaten in a minimal manner , they are the ice pops, pastries, cookies, ice creams and other sweets! People learning on how to lose weight fast must also increase the intake of protein in their body.
   
2. Drink Enough Water
   Based on my experience, water had helped me in losing my weight. I had my water therapy every morning that carried away the toxic in my body. As you can see, water could make you full and will lead to the minimal intake of solid foods. This may not be the main tip but it can really help you on losing your weight and obtain a perfect curve. And, in terms of health, the proper intake of water could really help your body in a smooth digestion that protects you from constipation!
   
3. The Intake Of Fiber
   
   
   Like the intake of water, eating of foods rich in fiber could also help you in the digesting processes of your body. With this, the excessive fats in your body will be turned to bowels out your body. This kind of food like oats can also reduce the risk of cancer. In the latest study, there is a conclusion that it could prevent colon cancer. See, you do not have only an option on how to lose weight fast, you can also obtain a health benefit on taking in fibers to your body.
   

Asthma attacks: Are air filters good in preventing asthma attacks?

For asthma sufferers it is hard to cope on a day to day basis, knowing they might suffer an asthma attack.
They know better how many things they have to sacrifice in order to be at least a little bit safe, the pleasure they are deprived of in order to avoid an attack and the precaution measures they have to take each and every time they want to go out. Yet, their home should be the place where there is clean air, so that everyone is in a healthy environment and comfortable.
For a person who suffers from asthma, the best healthiest environment for them is one where the air that they breathe is clean and clear. This air has to be clean from things like dirt, dust, pollen, smoke or animal hair, as these can trigger an asthmatic attack, and some asthma attacks can be extremely dangerous.
The most obvious way to do this is by cleaning the house regularly, preferably everyday, getting rid of wall to wall carpets, as well as ensuring that fabric items are washed on a regular basis, preferably every week. The surfaces need to be cleaned, not with just any cleaner, but a cleaning detergent that is made for sensitive people.
As effective as cleaning is, there is a high possibility that there will still be dust particles or animal hair in the air. These particles can still manage to trigger an asthmatic attack for a sufferer, and the best method to attempt to get rid of all particles from the air is to filter the air. This only needs to be done only now and then, maybe every three months, but it is a necessary step in ensuring a safe and healthy environment for an asthma sufferer.
There are two ways in which you can keep the air from a room clean. The first one is to buy an air cleaner. Depending on how large the air cleaner is, it will filter the air from a room or from the entire house. Also, the filters can be replaced or cleaned when they get dirty, so that the breathable air is as clean as possible.
The other method through which you can obtain a clean air inside the house is to install an air filter inside the air conditioning or inside the source of heating. This way it will be able to filter more air and reserve all the allergens inside the filters.
If you are suffering from asthma or you have a loved one who is, the best way to ensure that the air in the house that you breathe, is clean and safe and the best way to do this is to filter it. It is better to deal with a clean house and ensure it is safe than to expose yourself or a loved one to allergens, which can cause an attack and threaten a life.

How to buy healthy foods? What do we have to look out for?

I prefer to spend money on monthly buying quality food, spending averagely then to spend the whole lumpsum to buy New Year Goods and eat them up within the festival.

Many people spend a lot of money on celebrating New Years. Get me straight....... haha...I am not against people spending money on New Years. Afterall it is a festive season where all the people are eating, drinking, enjoying and partying. Don't look at me like that! It doesn't mean that I am not celebrating New Year. But celebrating it in a slightly different way.

We drink and eat. I have been talking in my health couree about healthy drinks to buy, now I am going to touch on those foods that the Chinese or just anybody buy for their New Year. I understand that New Year should be celebrated with abundance and filling up their few refrigerators to their limits, serving plentiful of foods across the table. No one is to say that there is no food in these auspicious days.

What do we have for Chinese New Year? Most of us will have a whole fish, auspiciously to mean that every year we will have excess...and more to come. Just some to mention, good food to include abalone, bird's nests, lobsters, crabs, shark's fin, sea cucumber, beef tendons, ducks, pork, Chinese sausages, frozen delicacies and cured meats. Meat balls made from almost any sources like fish, crabs, cuttlefish, prawns and many others. Just name it, most of them have, good food.

What do they have to serve to their customers within the festive season? Out in the market, you will see and can buy dried red meat slices made from beef, pork or chicken and sold at high prices. Dried cuttlefish coming in different colors, yellow, red and orange. Colored, mind you..... dead cuttlefish is not of that color....forgive me for describing them in such a way.

You can also see all those sausages and cured meats that come in tins and sacks. And all types of cakes, all types of sweets, all types of 'keropok', crackers, preserved fruits, chocolates, nuts, delicacies that one can typically see from a supermarket! What do you want to buy? It is up to you...

There are also lots of precious nuts, mushrooms, beans, white and black fungus, seaweeds, groundnuts and 'kuachi', chocolates, tofu products, biscuits, canned foods, soft drinks, wine, beer and alcohol. There are abundant imported fruits and vegetables too. No wonder, our refrigerators are filled to the brim. Human beings are all so clever at celebrating and can cook up a storm. Oh yes, and buying all those sauces...and flavorings to spice up the foods.

All foods can be eaten, all drinks can be consumed, all celebrations can be celebrated, all festivals cheered. Life without food or joy is of no meaning, of no use...... but think twice, do you know how they are made? do you know when they are made? do you know what they are made from? How much do you have to pay for them?

How much food can you eat? How much food shall our family eat? How much is too much or too little? Ever thought of DIY? Self made, home made, home baked. It is another choice. No matter how one obtain these foods, remember one good advice. Eat moderately, eat sparingly... eat healthy and look out for those hidden sugars, hidden salts, hidden preservatives, additives, hidden fats, hidden colorings and hidden carcinogeous elements found in some foods.

Preservatives... they are there...bacterias and even germs cannot survive, those minute bad microorganisms that couldn't spare any infection, any attack on living things. Who is immune to bacterial attack? Who is not infected by one? But these foods can stand for weeks, for months and some for years. Think twice, what about those foods that you cook yourself? They go bad even after a day or two.

Preservatives are aimed to extend the shelf life of the product, not to extend the life of the consumer!

Colorings? like I mentioned just now, dead cuttlefish are not red in color... soft drinks are not just plain, ask yourself, what is the color of your uirne after consuming coke? Is it still black or grey? Where are all these colors? You know the answer...

Additives?.... when you cook something without any flavorings or sauces, will they taste as nice? Perhaps all of us are so used to it that one couldn't differentiate the difference between natural flavors versus artificial flavors. Natural flavors are being enhanced by too many artificial flavorings...guess what..permitted and within safe levels??? Within safe levels? When one is consuming it for just that one time, ok...it is within safe limits. But what about those who have been consuming them for months, for decades?

Hidden fats? Fried potato chips, french fries, fried chicken parts....and many others.... try to just take one piece of french fries and squeeze it. You will squeeze out oil, dripping and soaking your paper tissue immediately with fat. I wonder if all of them use clean and fresh oil to fry or dirtied and unfresh oil to do the job.... I fear...yes, I do fear for those who constantly eat deep fried foods...how foods are mass-produced and stored for commercial sales... For sale, for profits, for benefits, for money, whose faults? Nobody's faults?

Hidden sugars? Sweets...and sweetened foods...the lists of sweet drinks and food....what has sugars done to us? Know this disease, we call it diabetes? Diabetics are people suffering from the inability to absorb sugars in a normal way. I will have an article written on some of those suffering from diabetes and how dreadful their lives are. It really pain me so much to see those people suffering and yet I cannot do anything to help.

We are solely responsible for our health. We are totally responsible for our well-being, for our kids, for our family, loved ones.... Spend money wisely, spend them for the benefits of our health. When we have health, we have hope, when we have hope, we have everything. Listen to our health instinct, not our heart's desire to please our taste-buds, to feast on unhealthy foods, one day we would have to pay dearly if our body system becomes overloaded.

REmember that all of us have the choice, the choice to pick and buy what is best for our body...for the sake of oneself and loved ones. Don't let our loved ones suffer too. Think twice before buying.