Tips for Health: prevention

Showing posts with label prevention. Show all posts

Reasons For Getting Skin Fungus And How To Prevent It

Skin fungus is a common skin issue affecting people of all ages, including children. In fact, fungus infection is practically impossible to avoid as fungi live virtually everywhere.

Now, there are beneficial fungi, which naturally live on the skin. Normally, we aren’t aware of these. But, when these fungi proliferate, i.e. when they multiply out of balance, skin issues such as athlete’s foot, ringworm, jock itch or yeast infections occur. Although not life-threatening, these conditions can be really uncomfortable, and even embarrassing.

There are a number of contributors to skin fungus. The most common include sharing clothes and personal hygiene items with someone already infected.

The most common risk groups include:

People who sweat excessively (fungus thrives in moist places)
People with weakened immune system
People working close together with people that are at higher risk of getting infected like doctors, nurses, students etc.
People who have been taking antibiotics or immunosuppressants for a long time
People or children who don’t have bladder control

The most affected parts of the body include the armpits, toes and feet, genital area and places where skin creases because fungus depends on moisture to reproduce and thrive.

One way to get skin fungus is through direct contact with someone infected or with their skin cells, meaning you should always be careful when using public areas such as swimming pools and locker rooms. It’s also important never to use things like combs or towel in those places.

It’s also good to know that synthetic materials also create perfect breeding grounds for fungi, so aim at wearing natural fabrics like cotton and linen. Pay particular attention when choosing your underwear. Also, keeping your skin, especially the skin under your breasts, clean and dry throughout the day is important too. Don’t forget your toes too, especially if you spend a long time in footwear.

A weakened immune system is another risk for fungal infections. A healthy well-balanced diet including lots of vegetables and fruits as well as natural probiotics, like yoghurt, can significantly improve your body’s immune response. As fungus thrives on sugar, it’s essential to cut down carbohydrates and increase protein and healthy fat intake. Proper hydration and good quality sleep are important too.

As fungal infections are highly infectious, avoid scratching the affected area in order to prevent spreading of the infection. Plus, maintaining proper hygiene at all times, like keeping the skin clean and dry, speeds up recovery. Use only clean towels to wipe your skin and make sure you wash them on a hot cycle afterwards.

Being updated on different types of fungal infections is important too. Fungal infections often give different symptoms depending on the area where they occur. For instance, athlete’s foot affects the toes and the skin in between causing prickly red skin. It can sometimes affect the soles of the feet as well.

Jock itch affects the groin area, predominantly in teen boys and adult males who play sports and spend a lot of time in locker rooms. It’s manifested by red scaly patches on the skin that feels sore.

Ringworm infection look like a small lifted red area resembling a small blemish. It is prickly and becomes flaky in no time. It affects different parts of the body except for the scalp, feet and groins.

There are a number of over-the-counter ointments and powders that effectively treat fungal infections. Although not serious, these skin conditions can affect the quality of your life, so it’s highly recommended to consult a doctor before you start treatment on your own. This is particularly important if you have a low immune system or diabetes.

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It`s a popular belief that hair loss affects women only. However, the truth is that men and children are as prone to hair loss as women. Many factors contribute to hair loss, but androgen, a hormone derived from testosterone, is believed to be one of the main causes.

The entire body is covered in various types of hair, except for the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands. Of course, not all types of hair are the same- some of them are hardly visible while others are thicker and much more noticeable.

Hair consists of protein, a substance produced in the hair follicles. During the production of new hair cells, the old ones are removed through the skin`s surface. As a matter of fact, the hair on the surface of the skin is actually a string of dead skin cells.

Losing Your Hair: What Causes It?
An average adult head has 100,000-150,000 hairs, and most people lose up to 100 hairs on a daily basis. This is the reason why you may find hair strands on your hairbrush, particularly after showering.

There are many factors that affect hair loss, such as:

Iron deficiency
Stress ( physical and emotional)
Drugs, such as chemotherapy
Medical conditions such as thyroid disorders

Testosterone travels in the blood attached to sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). When attached to SHBG, it`s considered inactive and when not bound, it`s called free testosterone.

Free testosterone is usually turned into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. Low amounts of SHBG equals higher amounts of free testosterone, and more available of it to be converted to DHT. Nearly 5 percent of free testosterone is converted to DHT, the compound that cause the hair follicles to have a shorter lifespan and to shrink.

9 Treatments for Hair Loss

1. Saw Palmetto

The effectiveness of saw palmetto lies in its ability to inhibit the conversion of testosterone into DHT. High levels of this compound are linked to hair loss while high levels of testosterone are liked to hair growth.

As the conversion is inhibited, testosterone levels increase, reducing hair loss and promote hair re-growth. It is recommended to take 160 mg twice daily.

2. Pygeum (Prunus Africana)

It works by blocking 5-alpha reductase enzyme from converting testosterone to DHT.

3. Nettle Root

Just like pygeum, this herb is also known to stop 5-alpha reductase enzyme from converting testosterone to DHT.

4. Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are packed with delta-7 stearine, a steroid that blocks the accumulation of DHT in the hair follicle. Consequently, DHT is unable to affect the hair follicle.

5. Tomatoes, Watermelon, Carrots, and Mangoes

All of the aforementioned foods contain lycopene, a compound that blocks DHT by stopping 5 alpha reductase from converting testosterone into DHT.

6. Almonds, Walnuts, Peanuts, and Pecans

They are loaded with L-lysine, a compound that acts as natural DHT inhibitor.

7. Spinach, Kale, Cashews, Wheat Germ, and Cooked White Mushrooms

These foods are rich in zinc, a well-known DHT inhibitor.

8. Green Tea

Green tea contains Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate, or EGCG, a compound that blocks the production of DHT and reduces its levels notably.

9. Fenugreek

Fenugreek is yet another powerful inhibitor of the conversion of testosterone to DHT.

More Tips for Reducing Hair Loss
Keep optimal levels of SHBG in order to leave less free testosterone to be converted to DHT. SHBG reduces with obesity, which means that keeping a healthy body weight optimizes SHBG levels.

Since DHT is far more damaging when there are high levels of inflammation within the body, reduce inflammation by following a healthy diet high in omega-3 fats.

Biotin is yet another nutrient needed for healthy hair, as it helps create a healthy environment for the hair to grow. Solid sources of biotin include tuna, salmon, eggs, legumes, Swiss chard, peanuts, berries, bananas, and wheat germ.

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Blood clot is gel-like clump of blood. According to the Mayo Clinic, some blood clots form inside your veins without a good reason and don’t dissolve naturally. These may require medical attention, especially if they are in your legs or are in more critical locations, such as your lungs and brain.

Too many lives are affected by blood clots, and too many lives are lost because public awareness about life-threatening blood clots is so low, says National Blood Clot Alliance.

On average, one person dies every six minutes from a blood clot. Don’t be one of them. Blood clots can be prevented. Understand the risks. Know the signs and symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of blood clots

Blood clot in the leg: swelling; pain; tenderness; a warm sensation; pain in your calf when you stretch your toes upward; a pale or bluish discoloration.

Blood clot in the heart: chest pain; light-headedness; shortness of breath

Blood clot in the brain: sudden and severe headache; sudden difficulty speaking or seeing.

Blood clot in the lungs: sudden shortness of breath; chest pain; rapid heart rate; breathing problems; coughing up blood.

Risk factors that can put you at a moderate risk for a blood clot include:

Older than age 65
Antiphospholipid syndrome
Arteriosclerosis / atherosclerosis
Certain medications, such as oral contraceptives, hormone therapy drugs and some breast cancer medications
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Factor V Leiden
Family history of blood clots
Heart arrhythmias
Heart attack
Heart failure
Obesity
Peripheral artery disease
Polycythemia vera
Pregnancy
Prolonged sitting or bed rest over 3 days
Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in an artery in the lung)
Smoking
Stroke
Surgery

Practical Steps to Lower Your Risk for a Blood Clot:

Avoid sitting for long periods. If you travel by airplane, walk the aisle periodically. For long car trips, stop and walk around frequently.
Stop at least every two hours when you drive, and get out and move around.
After you’ve had surgery or been on bed rest, the sooner you get up and move around, the better.
Drink plenty of fluids when traveling.
Lose weight, lower high blood pressure, stop smoking and exercise regularly.
Follow any self-care measures to keep heart failure, diabetes, or any other health issues as stable as possible

This incredible remedy lies in walnuts, or, more precise, in walnuts’ baffles, which are located between the kernels. This remedy is especially recommended for smokers. Narrowing of the coronary arteries is often a result of chronic nicotine poisoning, as well as the consumption of fatty foods.

Tea made of walnuts’ baffles acts against blockage of the coronary arteries, heart diseases and high body temperature.

Use walnuts’ barriers, located among the walnut kernels, to prepare tea. Soak 4-5 walnut compartments in the evening and boil them in the morning as you prepare tea. Drink the tea on an empty stomach.

It is recommendable to drink this tea on a regular basis because it allows great blood circulation, regulates blood pressure and soothes chest pains.

This tea is also great for dealing with temperature associated with heart pain.

You will feel improvement after the first consumed cup of this tea.

It is somehow hard to completely avoid processed and unhealthy foods although we are all aware that they do much harm to our body and health.To change your diet, reduce the desire for processed foods and detoxify your body this 3 day-cleansing treatment will help you.

Two days before you start with the treatment, as they are slowly digested and can prevent the cleansing treatment you ought to stop consuming dairy products. Your body must be clean from toxins found in dairy products before you start cleansing your lungs.

The night before you start with the cleansing method, as it will help in cleaning the intestines from toxins that can cause constipation you need to drink 1 cup of herbal laxative (e.g. the Black Forest) tea. During the process of detoxification your lungs shouldn’t be overloaded by blockages in the body.

The next morning, prepare a drink with lemon juice from 2 whole lemons and a 1/2 cup of water and drink it before breakfast. In digestion of powerful alkaline foods which, on the other hand, will help your lungs to regenerate this will help.

Then, when you consume your breakfast you need to drink 1.5 cups of grapefruit juice. You may replace it with pineapple juice or dilute it with fresh water if you do not like the taste of this juice. Rich in antioxidants that keep the health of your respiratory system are both these juices, grapefruit and pineapple juice.

Moreover, drink 1 to 1.5 of pure carrot juice between your breakfast and your lunch. During the detoxification treatment this juice will aid in alkalizing your blood. Since they are rich in beta-carotene which the body turns into vitamin A carrots are beneficial for the respiratory tract.

Next, by squeezing celery, parsley, sea greens, carrots, and spinach prepare a juice rich in potassium. As potassium is a powerful antioxidant which is great for cleaning the body, especially if consumed as a liquid drink 1.5 cups of potassium juice with your lunch. Also, with pure Noni juice mixed with one cup of water you can substitute this juice. You can buy Noni juice in healthy food stores.

In the evening, an hour before dinner drink 1 cup of mucus-cleansing tea. This tea is rich in ginger, rose hips and peppermint, which are amazing against mucus build up, stuffy nose and congestion. In supermarkets and healthy food stores you can also find this tea.

Afterwards, drink 340ml of pure cranberry juice before going to bed. Against bacteria in the lungs which can cause infection helps the cranberry juice. Cranberries are potent antioxidants, which are extremely beneficial for your blood and urine. During the 3 days of the treatment the procedure is the same. The results will be invaluable: eliminated toxins, fat, and water, clean lungs and completely detoxified body!

source: https://www.healthyfoodteam.com

The natural remedy we recommend here is extremely beneficial for treatment of osteoporosis, back pain, bone and joint pain and arthritis. In fact, if you have older members in your family, they will surely already know about this highly effective recipe.

This recipe has proved extremely helpful in all who’ve tried it. What people normally experience after using it is rejuvenated bones. Their bone and joint pain disappear along with the heaviness that’s normally felt in legs. You no longer need to spend money on expensive ointments and gels if you are suffering from back or joint pain, or you have some past injuries. This recipe of only a few simple ingredients will do more than over-the-counter anti-inflammatory products.

Ingredients:

100ml iodine
300ml 70% alcohol (it’s easily obtainable in drug stores)
10 pills – analgin, andol or aspirin

Preparation:

Start by crushing the pills then mixing them with the alcohol and the iodine. Leave the ingredients to blend well for 21 days. The remedy is ready for use after this period.

Apply the mixture directly on the painful spot or use it as coating.

source: https://www.healthyfoodteam.com

Many experts and nutritionists around the world say that we should eat organic food, plenty of fruits and vegetables, drink plenty of water, sleep at least 8 hours a day, avoid processed and junk food, avoid chocolate and other sugary stuff, cleanse our organism from all harmful toxins, etc.

But, did you know that creating a healthy home environment is also part of the detoxification/clean living process? Of course and after learning about the health hazards of dryer sheets and toxic cleaning products you may have already eliminated these products from your home! But, what about your bedroom? This is very important, because we spend one-third of our lives sleeping. Often times this is the room that is neglected. Ladies and gentlemen, today is your lucky day, because in this article we’re going to show you how to make your bedroom cancer-free!

The experts also say that creating a clean (non-toxic) bedroom can be a financial challenge, so starting small is the easiest solution. And, now you probably ask yourself – why? Well, that’s easy to answer – because every change you can make will have a positive impact on your health. How you begin is a personal decision based on your budget and health issues. Some people begin with replacing their mattress, others an air cleaner or bedding.

Replace Your Pillows and Pillow Cases with Organic Materials
First of all, you should replace your pillows and pillow cases with organic materials! The real and ugly truth is that many people make the mistake of assuming that cotton is a safer choice than synthetics, but the fact is that cotton uses 25% of the world’s insecticides and over 14% of its pesticides. As you can afford it, replace your bedding with organic materials.

Replace or Remove All Artificial Fabrics from Your Bedding, Bedroom, and Closet
This is also very important for you to know – synthetic materials such as acrylic, nylon, and polyester are made from thermoplastics. These fabrics out gas plastic molecules whenever they are heated. If you wear wrinkle free clothes you’re breathing in plastic and formaldehyde. Remember that you also absorb these chemicals directly through your skin.

Replace or Remove Artificial Clothes in Your Closet
As we said, unfortunately, the base for most synthetic fabrics is a liquid made from coal, oil, or natural gas. The liquid is forced through the fine holes of a nozzle, called a spinneret. As the liquid emerges from the holes, it is cooled so that it solidifies to form tiny threads. These threads are woven together to make fabric. Well, ladies and gentlemen, this means one thing – you should opt for clothing made of natural or organic materials.

Remove Faux/Fabric Furniture
Here’s what you need to know – well, if you have any furniture in your bedroom, such as a chair that is artificial leather, it shouldn’t be in your bedroom or any room in your house for that matter. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is often used in synthetic leather. PVC is widely regarded as the most dangerous of all plastics. Throw pillows and seating cushions that are stain and water resistant have been sprayed with chemicals that are toxic.

Remove Particle Board and MDF
If you have any furniture that is made of particle board, MDF or melamine, it shouldn’t be in your bedroom. The chemical that causes the most concern is formaldehyde, which can aggravate asthma and other lung conditions, irritate mucous membranes and cause contact dermatitis. Like MDF, particle board contains formaldehyde, a known carcinogen that has been directly linked to nasopharyngeal carcinoma (throat cancer) in people. The chemical can also cause headaches, allergies, nausea and a burning sensation in the throat.

Remove Accent/Throw Rugs
The experts say that wood or tile floors are easiest to clean and better options for allergy sufferers. While small accent or area rugs may look nice in your bedroom, they hold onto dirt, dust mites, and other allergens. If you can, omit rugs and carpet. Almost all polyester is manufactured with antimony, a carcinogen that is toxic to the heart, lungs, liver, and skin.

Use No-VOC Paint
This is also very important for you to know – if you decide to paint a room use No-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint. VOCs are unstable, carbon-containing compounds that easily vaporize into the air. When they enter the air, they react with other elements to produce ozone, which causes air pollution and a host of health issues including breathing problems, headache, burning, watery eyes and nausea.

Shoe Free Zone
Yes, consider making your home a shoe free zone. Well, this means that you should have indoor and outdoor shoes to avoid tracking in pollen, dirt and chemicals from outdoors in. You can also purchase a shoe or boot tray to keep by your door. When you come in from outdoors simply place your shoes in the tray to minimize dirt, pollen, dust and chemicals from being tracked into your house.

Minimize Electrical Devices
Minimize electrical devices, which means that if you have a computer, TV or other electronic devices in your bedroom, you may consider moving them into another room. Electronic devices can disturb a peaceful night of sleep by disrupting sleep patterns.

Replace or Cover Your Mattress
To be honest with you, I really think that this is the most difficult step, because it is cost prohibitive for many people. The reality is that conventional mattresses are sprayed with flame retardant and stain resistant chemicals. Many mattresses are made of foam that can outgas for years. There are many sources for organic mattresses at local stores and online.

Buy an Air Cleaner
You should get a whole house air cleaner, if you can afford one. Or, a portable air cleaner that can be moved from room to room is a wonderful option. Look for one with HEPA filtration, and be sure that whatever you buy does not produce ozone.

Remove Chemically Treated Drapes or Shades
Ladies and gentlemen, the real and ugly truth is that the drapes and shades hide dust, pollen, and other allergens. If you can remove drapes and shades and replace them with organic fabric drapes and shades. If the cost is prohibitive, consider bartering with a friend who can sew curtains or drapes for you. We really hope you find this article helpful and don’t forget to share it with your friends and family. Thank you and have a nice day!

source: https://www.healthyfoodteam.com

Any time we see small bumps on our body we can’t help but panic a bit. When those bumps appear in key areas such as the lips or genitals, we begin to panic even more. The first thoughts that come to mind revolve around sexually transmitted diseases that are contagious and a serious threat to our health. If you notice these kinds of tiny bumps on your lips you might not have a reason to worry, they just might be Fordyce spots. What are Fordyce spots, you ask? In a nutshell, Fordyce spots are little white spots that appear on lips (particularly on the upper lip, or “vermillion” area), the shaft of the penis or the vulva. Also known as Fordyce’s lesion, Fox Fordyce disease or Fordyce’s disease, among other, their name comes from John Addison Fordyce, the dermatologist who discovered the condition. Thankfully, they are not painful, contagious or dangerous in any way. The only troubles that Fordyce spots on lips could cause you are related to aesthetics, as you might not enjoy having some awkward bumps on your lips and appearing like that in pictures, or worse, in genital areas. The rather strange part is that scientists have yet to identify Fordyce spots on lips causes, but there are a few home remedies that can help you treat, remove or cure them. So what can you do to get rid of Fordyce spots lips? Find out with these 11 tips to prevent and treat Fordyce spots on lips below.

1. Coconut Oil
If you want to learn how to get rid of Fordyce spots on lips naturally, you should really consider coconut oil as a form of treatment. One of the reasons why Fordyce spots on upper lip appear is connected to a lack of hydration, and coconut oil is known for being an exceptional natural moisturizer. You can either mix coconut oil with other essential oils that we will get into detail about below or use it on its own. If do not have access to coconut oil, you can use olive oil as an alternative.

2. Vitamins
Another way to achieve Fordyce spots on lip removal is by boosting your daily intake of vitamins. While it is recommended that you get a healthy dose of a wide range of vitamins on a day to day basis, there are six ones in particular that work great as Fordyce spots on lips treatment. Of course, getting as much vitamins in a day as you can is recommended in any situation, not just for healing Fordyce spots. Below you can discover all six and some fantastic natural sources for them:

Vitamin A – kale, carrots, romaine lettuce, cantaloupe, sweet potatoes, sweet red peppers, squash, mango, dried apricots, tuna
Vitamin B – crab, salmon, skim milk, mackerel, beef liver, clams, goose eggs, oysters, Swiss cheese, mussels
Vitamin C – strawberries, kale, kiwi, cauliflower, pineapple, Brussel sprouts, mango, peppers (red and green bell, chili), papaya
Vitamin D – cod liver oil, Maitake mushrooms, lean ham, salmon, whole grain cereals, trout (both cooked and canned), tofu, butter, caviar, swordfish
Vitamin E – almonds, Swiss chard, turnip greens, kale, hazelnuts, avocado, parsley, papaya, olives, pine nuts
Vitamin K – asparagus, beans, eggs, strawberries, basil (dried), kale, scallions, Brussel sprouts, cucumbers, soy beans

3. Proper Hygiene
While there is no precise Fordyce spots on lips cure out there, there are a few precautions we can take to avoid and treat this condition. While it does not offer a 100% guarantee for protection or removal, proper hygiene is a significant step in the process of preventing Fordyce spots on lips from appearing or treating them. This means that you should properly wash your face, including the upper lip area well, trying to not miss a spot. If you take care of your body and make sure to keep it clean at all times, you will be blocking out various types of potential diseases and illnesses.

4. Broccoli
Like we said earlier, it is essential that you consume plenty of vitamins on a daily basis so you can protect your body from undergoing Fordyce spots on lips. While many people believe that oranges are the world’s number one source of vitamin C, there are quite a few other foods that can help you out even more for your intake of this vitamin. Broccoli is one of them, with an amazing 149% of your daily recommended amount of Vitamin C, while oranges are just 89%. You can consume broccoli raw, as a snack or in salads, cooked or as a side dish.

5. Water
This is possibly the most delightful Fordyce spots lips treatment, as it is completely free of charge and available to everybody. Fordyce spots on lips can appear if your mouth is dry, so make sure that you drink water in abundance to keep your lips moist. You should drink eight full glasses of water per day at least, and avoid coffee or hot drinks that could irritate your lips. If you respect these guidelines and there are still Fordyce spots on lips, make sure that you consult a doctor to see if you are suffering from another condition.

6. Essential Oils
We are already familiar with the fact that essential oils can work wonders for treating illnesses, diseases and conditions naturally. The same goes for getting rid of Fordyce spots on lips; there are a number of essential oils that you can use either combined or on their own. One of the best essential oils for preventing the little bumps is jojoba oil. By applying it to your upper lip three times a day, it is highly unlikely that you will develop Fordyce spots on lips. Tea tree, bezoin, Frankincense, pine, Palamarosa, cabreuva, olive and Galbanum oils are also excellent for getting rid of Fordyce spots on lips.

7. Asparagus
When it comes to promoting the healthy growth of cells naturally, asparagus is at the top of the list. It is appreciated by specialists to be the vegetable with the highest levels of folic acid available, which supports cell production. If you eat one cup of asparagus every day, you will be benefitting from 65% of the daily recommended amount of folic acid (262 mcg). In addition to wonderful amounts of folic acid, asparagus is also filled with three of the six vitamins you need to get rid of Fordyce spots lip: Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin K.

8. Garlic
One of the most popular home remedies for preventing and treating Fordyce spots on lips is garlic. As both an anti-inflammatory agent and an antioxidant, it is natural that garlic would help you battle off those unaesthetic tiny bumps on your lip. Even though this solution might be a bit smelly, we recommend that you consume about a teaspoon of chopped garlic in the morning and wash it down with a glass of water. If you want to avoid the smell during the day, you can drink a glass of garlic juice before you go to bed at night and incorporate more of this wondrous plant into your diet.

9. Spinach
Among the overwhelming amount of health benefits that spinach has on the human body, fighting off Fordyce spots on lips is one of them. Similar to folic acid, folate acid is also important for healing this condition. Spinach is an amazing source of folate acid, with 263 mcg per cup, adding up to 65% of your daily value. This leafy green is also a vitamin powerhouse, with impressively high levels of Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, B2, B6, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Vitamin K, five out of the six essential vitamins you need to have clean and soft lips again.

10. Citruses
Speaking of folic acid, there is an entire category of foods that you can depend on for an awesome boost. Check out these citrus fruits for high levels of folate acid: papaya (29% DV), oranges (10%), grapefruit (8%), strawberries (6.5%) or raspberries (4%). You can also use these citruses topically, by adding a bit of them to water and dabbing the Fordyce spots with a cotton swab. Within a few days of repeated use the spots should disappear.

11. Apple Cider Vinegar
Arguably the king of super foods is apple cider vinegar. It helps with treating so many conditions that it would blow your mind to find out about all of them. When it comes to treating Fordyce spots on lips, apple cider is known for getting the job done honorably. Make sure that you do not apply the apple cider vinegar directly to the affected area, as you will probably experience a burning and painful sensation. Instead, take two teaspoons of it and dilute them in one glass of water before using this solution topically. Also, we recommend that you use this home remedy once or two times a week so you will not irritate the skin. In time, the Fordyce spots on your lips are sure to disappear or become highly less visible.

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Nutritionists recommend raw cocoa as a very healthy food because it is very rich in antioxidants, which can prevent heart disease, type 2 diabetes and even cancer. It also gives a great taste to smoothies.

Cocoa comes from South America, where it was used to make drinks and even for medical purposes. Cocoa was brought to Europe in the 1500s.

In the 17th century cocoa had a lot of purposes and a lot of different uses, such as it was used together with other spices to improve the taste and later it was used for making chocolate drink together with milk.

Cocoa and cacao – is there a difference?
Nobody really knows if there is a real difference between the two words. The word ‘cacao’ is believed to be the original pronunciation as opposed to the word ‘cocoa’ which is believed to be a mistake in pronunciation which nobody has corrected.

Other opinion is that cacao is the bean that comes from the cacao tree, whereas cocoa is what the bean is called after it has been processed.

Raw cocoa and its health benefits
As we mentioned earlier, cocoa beans are very rich in antioxidants, much more than any other fruit or vegetables.

Their powerful antioxidants can reduce the incidence of several serious illnesses, such as heart disease and cancer.
They also have protective effect on the cardiovascular system and reduce blood pressure.
Their flavonoids can improve insulin sensitivity, so may help prevent type-2 diabetes.
Cocoa also contains a big amount of neurotransmitters which make us feel good, improve our verbal and visual memory.

Cocoa contains also fiber (33%), protein (20%), all the amino acids, and magnesium – which we all all missing in our daily intake. Besides these cocoa also contains other minerals like iron, calcium, copper, zinc, potassium and chromium.

The center of the bean contains about 54% cocoa butter which contains some vitamin E and is rich in vitamin K.A large percent of cocoa butter is oleic acid, the heart-healthy fat found in olive oil. The beans are also rich in cholesterol-lowering phytosterols.

Cocoa is very bitter so when you take it you must add sugar. The best thing you can do is to incorporate cocoa into your daily meals, put some raw cocoa into your cereal, smoothie or in your hot drinks.

Here are some ways on how to make cocoa drinks:

Chocolate Coconut Smoothie

1 banana, peeled
2 pitted dates
1/2 coconut and all its water
2 tsp raw cocoa powder
1/2 lime, juiced
2 oranges, juiced

Blend all the ingredients together and is ready to drink.

Chocolate Orange Smoothie

4 oranges, juiced
2 tsp raw cocoa powder
2 bananas, peeled
1 mango, peeled and pitted

Put all the ingredients into the blender and blend them together.

Chocolate Peach Green Smoothie

1 peach, pitted
1 cup fresh pineapple, cubed
2 cups of raw baby spinach (or other greens)
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
2 tsp raw cocoa powder
About 1 cup of water

First pour the water into the blender, than add the soft fruit and at the end put the greens. Blend them all together for about 30 seconds.

Chocolate Mango with Goji Berries Smoothie

1 mango, peeled and cubed
2 tsp raw cocoa powder
1/3 cup dried goji berries
1 cup red grapes
2 cups (or large handfuls) of fresh baby spinach
1/2 cup frozen blueberries (or strawberries)
About 1 cup of water

First pour the water into the blender, than add the soft fruit and at the end put the greens. Blend them all together for about 30 seconds.

Chocolate Cherry Green Smoothie

1 cup cherries, pitted
1 banana, peeled
2 cups fresh baby spinach (or other leafy green)
2 tsp raw cocoa powder
About 1 cup of water

Add all the ingredients to the blender and blend until smooth.

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Maintaining health and wellness is a major goal for everyone. To this end, many people spend considerable time doing things to promote good health for themselves and their families.

Unfortunately, despite these efforts, people come down with serious illnesses on a regular basis. One of these is the scourge and the epidemic known as cancer. It kills millions around the world every year, and Western medicine has done little to curb its deadly course.

There is good news, though. For millennia, eastern and traditional medicine has been able to slow and stop the progression of many types of cancer. Diet has been central to this effort, and foods with probiotic properties are of particular value.

One such delicious and nutritious probiotic is the popular and healthy drink known as kefir. It has a proven ability to fight many kinds of illnesses, and it effects on cancer will be detailed in the following paragraphs.

JUST WHAT IS KEFIR?
Kefir as a special beverage that is fermented, contains many beneficial substances, and can be made with just about any kind of liquid.

It is fairly simple to make. In order to do so, kefir grains need to be obtained. These can be readily procured from health food stores, and are also widely available online. Once these arrive, they are mixed with the brewers’ milk of choice and allowed to ferment for a specific period of time. After the appointed period, the kefir can be enjoyed as a drink or an ingredient in one of the thousands of recipes.

CAN KEFIR FIGHT CANCER?
The answer to that question is a resounding yes! Study after study – often at the highest levels – have continued to produce evidence of the anti-cancer capabilities that kefir brings to the table.

An example of this is the intense research that has surrounded the capabilities of kefir which were conducted at the U.S. National Institutes of Health. One of them concerned dangerous cancer that is known as adult lymphoblastic leukemia or ALL. This disease attacks the white blood cells, and thus can have a devastating effect on the human immune system.

During the course of this important study, cancer cells were exposed to varying levels of kefir. After varying periods of time, these malignant cells were re-examined.

In every case, kefir produced surprising and encouraging results. One study came to the conclusion that kefir is quite efficient at preventing the growth and proliferation of cancerous cells! Drinking kefir is thus one of the most delicious ways of avoiding cancer that is known to humanity.

CINNAMON COCONUT WATER KEFIR
And now for a delicious and preventative kefir recipe that is easy to make, and can be enjoyed by just about anybody. That said, individuals with sensitive systems or chronic illnesses will want to check with their doctors before embarking on dietary changes.

The ingredients for this drink are simply coconut water, kefir grains, and a stick of cinnamon. After the coconut water has been obtained, place it in a sterilized glass jar. Add the cultures and any starter fluid, and then the cinnamon stick. Allow it to ferment for at least 12 hours at a room temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The appearance of carbonation bubbles will be noticed when it is just about ready.

Everyone knows that cancer is an ever present risk. That said, those that make use of super foods such as kefir will be giving themselves the tools to fight back.

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Nobody wants to go to the dentist. In order to minimize this obligation to minimum, pay attention to your teeth’s health. In this article we will present a few tips that will help you prevent the development of caries and heal your teeth.

There are many natural ways to protect against cavities. By introducing changes in your diet and practicing proper dental care you will be able reduce the possibility of caries occurrence. Here are the 7 tips which will help minimize the visit to the dentist.

1. Consume food rich in calcium

Milk, cheese and yogurt will strengthen your teeth thus you will reduce the risk of getting caries.

2. Consume food rich in vitamin A, K and D

Vitamin K is responsible for the health and development of our teeth. Therefore, it is important to eat foods that are rich in vitamin K, foods such as cabbage, cauliflower, fish oil, cheese and yogurt. Foods rich in vitamins A and D will also reduce the chance of developing cavities. You can enter these vitamins by consuming goat cheese, eggs, salmon etc.

3. Reduce the intake of carbohydrates and sugars

Studies have shown that people whose diet is rich in carbohydrates and sugar have more cavities. Therefore it is important to limit these foods’ intake and eat them in minimal quantities.

4. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day

Water stimulates the process of decomposing food particles in the mouth and neutralizing the present acid. Therefore, you should drink minimum 6 cups of water daily.

5. Prepare vegetable soup

If you want to “feed” you teeth, prepare yourselves soup rich in vegetables of your choice.

6. Brush your teeth twice a day

By regularly brushing and flossing your teeth, you will allow the food particles in your mouth turn into bacteria that prevent caries. Brush your teeth in the morning and in the evening

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One of the three ingredients you need is also available in winter, which makes it great for the treatment of colds and flu.

Beet has strong anticancer properties, it is packed with carotenoids and folic acid. It is a root vegetable high in antioxidants that protect against free radicals, premature aging and diseases.

It is even more powerful when combined with carrots and apples. All you need to do is juice one beetroot, two carrots and an apple.

Blend the beetroot and put it in a glass. Leave it for an hour in the fridge, then add carrot and apple juice. Drink the juice half an hour before your breakfast.

What you should remember is not to combine all the juices at once. First make the beetroot juice, as it has to stay in the fridge for an hour to lose some of its harmful substances. If you skip this step, you may experience nausea, dizziness and vomiting. These substances lose their properties in contact with oxygen.

This juice will help you strengthen your immune system, prevent cancer and kidney diseases, and heal ulcers. It removes toxins from the body, relieves menstrual pain, builds up low blood count and eliminates fatty deposits from the blood vessels.

source: http://www.healthyfoodhouse.com

These days you can find fluoride everywhere in things like drinkable water, toothpastes, antibiotics etc.

Neurotoxic fluoride is a subject to numerous academic debates for decades, and now it has been linked to many controversies among the general public. Fluoride was used for the first time in drinkable water in Russia. Many people around the world have struck against this toxin’s presence in drinkable water.

There is a new study, published in the newspaper “Pharmacognosy”, titled “Curcumin attenuates neurotoxicity induced by fluoride“ in which there are claims that fluoride really is a toxic compound harmful to human’s brain.

The authors of the study are researchers from the Zoology Department, University faculty of science, “ML Sukhadia” University, “Udaipur” in India, who spent the past decade investigating the mechanism by which we learn that fluoride causes really serious neurodegenerative changes in the mammalian brain, especially in the cells of the hippocampus and cerebral cortex.

According to all those researches, fluoride is the first inorganic ion which attracts scientific world’s attention with its toxic effects and its F-toxicity, which is transmitted through drinking water. This is recognized as a global problem. Health effects in reports about F-exposure also include various types of cancer, adverse reproductive activities, cardiovascular and neurological diseases.

The study is focused on fluoride caused by neurotoxicity, identifying excitoxicity (neuron’s stimulation to the point of death) and oxidative stress as the two main causes of neurodegeneration.

It has been observed that since the subjects with the condition known as fluorosis, and stains on tooth enamel, caused by excessive exposure to fluoride during tooth development, also have neurodegenerative changes associated with a form of oxidative stress are known as lipid peroxidase (rancidity).

Excess of lipid peroxidase in the brain may lead to a reduction in the total phospholipid content. Thanks to these mechanisms of fluoride-related neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration, the researchers identified the main polyphenol in the spice turmeric as a spice which prevents fluoride in killing your brain!

In the previous turmeric-based studies it was suggested that this spice is able to act as an antioxidant in three different ways in order to protect from:

1) molecular oxygen
2) hydroxyl radicals
3) damage of superoxide radicals
Also, turmeric helps in raising endogenous glutathione and its creation in the brain. Turmeric is also a great antioxidant which protects our immune system.

source: http://www.healthyfoodhouse.com

Thanks to their antioxidant properties, mint, hot peppers, garlic, ginger and other spices have proven to be effective in preventing and treating cancer.

Turmeric
Turmeric gives that nice yellowish color to curry, and it is mostly used in Indian cuisine and traditional medicine. In the last few years scientists have conducted many studies and confirmed its power to fight cancer. Turmeric is packed with substances that inhibit tumor growth. Researchers have shown that this spice protects against colon cancer and melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer.

Ginger
Ginger is an old folk medicine that is traditionally used in Northwestern Europe. It can cure a great number of health conditions, ranging from colds to cancer, and you can use it both fresh and dried.
Studies have shown that ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and it provides a great prevention against lung and gastrointestinal cancer. It is often used as a post-chemo remedy, because when combined with honey it reduces the side-effects and boosts immunity.

Rosemary
Rosemary is a powerful antioxidant that increases the blood flow to the brain and protects the brain from free radicals, thereby reducing the risk of stroke and many diseases, including Alzheimer’s. This herb increases both alertness and concentration, and thus provides effective performance of any activities associated with your memory.

People often use rosemary to marinate meat and there is a good reason why you should do the same. Rosemary contains acids and substances that fight bacteria and prevent the meat from spoiling. This method would also make the meat healthier and more delicious.

It is believed that rosemary stimulates the immune system, improves blood circulation and food digestion.

Chili
Chili is part of the same gender as hot peppers rich in capsaicin. It is amazingly effective in the treatment of inflammations, contributes to healthy food digestion and prevents the occurrence of polyps in the intestine.
Studies have also shown that people who eat chili regularly have lower risk of developing prostate cancer. Chili peppers are rich in vitamins A and C, meaning they strengthen the immunity and inhibit cancer growth.

Garlic
Prevents lung cancer
Garlic is often referred to as an antibiotic, and it has been long used as both remedy and prevention. Studies have confirmed that people who eat garlic regularly have lower risk of developing cancer, and it is also efficient in the prevention against breast and lung cancer.

Mint
Traditionally, mint tea is used to relieve stomach ache, but it is also believed to improve food digestion. Mint helps in cases of diarrhea, bloating and irritable bowel syndrome.
Mint can also help you control sudden urges to vomit. It is often used in the treatment of colds, sore throat, sinus problems, and respiratory infections.
Mint oil relieves headache, muscle pain or toothache.

Chamomile
Chamomile is mostly prepared as tea, and it is widely known for its calming effect, so it is often used to soothe spasms. Regular consumption of chamomile tea balances pH values and reduces the risk of cancer. Chamomile is also efficient in treating canker sores, tongue and throat cancer.

source: http://www.healthyfoodhouse.com

Almost all people, who experience kidney stones, claim that it is the worst pain that have ever experienced.

Once you get kidney stones, the chances of them returning after treatment are pretty big. Therefore, prevention is always the best cure.

The key advice from doctors is to drink at least 2 liters of fluids during the day. Huge amount of fluids, especially water and unsweetened teas, reduce the chances of kidney stones occurrence by 50%.

The reason why water is so effective is because it is cleansing the entire body, and parts of the stones can be removed easily without being collected as sludge.

Doctors also recommend people with kidney stones to consume a smaller amount of red meat and foods high in oxalate. Oxalate is a substance found in nuts, rutabaga, chocolate and green leafy vegetables. Consumption of tea and coffee is allowed in moderation.
Finally, it is advisable to reduce consumption of carbonated drinks that contain phosphoric acid which helps in the formation of kidney stones. Plus, these drinks can cause dehydration.

Do you have some extra tips for prevention of this unpleasant phenomenon?

source: http://www.healthyfoodhouse.com/

Wet kefir, also known as Japanese crystals, is a type of kefir fungus. Kefir has similar properties as kombucha but it is easier to preserve (something like milk kefir).

This fungus has sharp and refreshing taste and it is easily digestible. This refreshing sour-like taste drink is prepared by kefir fungus. Its preparation is in fact just a symbiosis between bacteria and fungus.

Experience showed that kefir has positive effects on the overall health. It can help in the treatment of many diseases and upsets.

Regular consumption of kefir:

strengthens the immune system
cleans the organism out of toxins
helps in maintaining normal blood pressure
lowers the cholesterol levels
helps in treatment of stomach diseases
restores flora and relieves intestinal diseases
help in treatment of kidney, liver and bile diseases
acts as natural antibiotic (heals inflamed processes
helps in anemia and poor circulation treatment
treats respiratory diseases
helps with stress, insomnia and nervous system diseases
it slows down the spread of cancerous cells
acts against fungi and bacteria
acts against asthma and allergies

Kefir Recipe:

It is important to mention that industrially manufactured kefir is not produced from kefir fungus but from hops and different types of bacteria that give the drink the same flavor, but not the same quality. Due to this fact , the best thing to do is prepare kefir at home.

Its preparation is very simple.

In order to prepare kefir in 1 liter-jar you need:

3-4 teaspoons of kefir
1 liter of water
2 tablespoons of sugar
20-30 grains of dried grapes (you can also use dried figs, apricots but you can never use fresh fruit)

In order to normalize the pH value of this beverage you can add a piece of lemon, among other ingredients. Leave the jar standing still for at least 24 hours. In this way there is enough time for the fermentation process to take place

You can drink the liquid after those 24 hours or you can store it in a bottle and keep it in the fridge. If you store the kefir into the fridge, add water, sugar and dried fruit the next day.

Make sure the water you add is distilled – chlorine free. In case you don’t put sugar, fungus will die. You also need to be careful what kind of spoon you are using. Crystals mustn’t be in contact with metal. This is why you need to use plastic spoon.

Don’t forget to let the jar lid little bit loose so the fungus can breathe.

As we said before, it is similar to kombucha but less complicated. Kefir preparation will only take 5 minutes out of your precious time. You can consume kefir as much as you want at any time of the day.

source: http://www.healthyfoodhouse.com/

The strawberry chips is perfect for the egg, dairy, sugar and gluten free diets. You’ll only need two natural and healthy ingredients : raw honey and fresh strawberries. Strawberries are rich with fiber and Vitamin C. They also contain the important minerals : calcium, potassium and magnesium. Consuming high nutrients density food like the strawberries is essential for healthy eating and weight loss.

The strawberries are a great source of anthocyanins and ellagic acid. Anthocyanins is increasing the production of the hormone adiponectin in our bodies. In turn the hormone will boost the metabolism and will suppress your appetite.

Recent studies showed that regular consumption of strawberries decreases the risk of diabetes – type 2. With slowing the rate of digestion of foods rich in starch, anthocyanins and elllagic acid aid in the controlling of the levels of your blood sugar.

The Recipe For Strawberry Chips :

Ingredients:

-12 strawberries, hulled and rinsed
-half a cup water
-half a cup honey – raw

Method Of Preparation:

In one saucepan bring water and honey to boil, and stir until the honey is dissolved and after that leave it cool completely. Then, preheat your oven to two hundred degrees. Slice the strawberries lengthwise and try to slice them as thinly as you can. After that, dip the slices of strawberries in cooled syrup and then you should lay them on baking sheet that is lined with parchment. You should bake them on lower temperature till they completely dry out, for about two hours.

When they will dry, take the strawberries out and place them on one cooling rack.

source: http://organichealth.co

Among women who are aged between 34 and 54 the main cause of death is the breast cancer. About its real cause there are very little articles.

Aluminum and breast cancer

We use very different beauty products such as lotions, creams and makeup. On first look these kind of products appear to be harmless but wait until you see from what are they made of.

Here I present you several contents they own:

Aluminum – it is believed that is linked with breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease

Propylene glycol – known as anti- freeze agent

Parabens – brings disruption of hormones

Formaldehyde – carcinogenic substance

Phthalates – hormone disruption

Aluminum is present in all the beauty products as we already know and is quite popular in the cosmetic industry. The latest researches show that several tested cancerous cell tissues contain high doses of aluminum. Autism and Alzheimer’s disease are linked with aluminum and it is one strong neurotoxin.

Not just you, all of us use different deodorants and antiperspirants with changing several of your lifestyle habits here is how you can detoxify your armpits:

Sauna – Naturally the body expels the toxins from the procedure called swelling. Going to sauna can speed up this process and will increase the amount of sweat. You will boost your immune system and your armpits will be cleaned.

Mineral water – With drinking high amounts of water you will flush out the toxins and the aluminum.

Deodorant change – Always check labels before you buy deodorants, many contain other chemicals than aluminum.

DIY armpit detox recipe:

Want to reverse the effects of deodorant?

This homemade recipe is the right solution for you. The bacterium which is responsible for your body odor can be also controlled by it.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon organic apple cider vinegar,
1 tablespoon bentonite clay,
3 drops rosemary essential oil
5 drops cilantro essential oil.

Preparation:

Betonite clay and the apple cider vinegar are mixed together in a bowl. Add the essential oils and apply the mixture on your armpits. Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes. After this, wash it with damp cloth. This procedure can be repeated daily for once a week.

source: http://www.goodmorningcenter.com/

Moderation in everything, exercise and a healthy diet are important when it comes to the quality of your life, as well as its great duration. We cannot help you in the first two, so you need to be moderate and do exercise regularly, but we can list the foods which have the strongest anti-cancer effect, and you should try to consume them more often.

Cabbage

Cabbage gives the body the essential and necessary fuel to fight against certain forms of cancer. Add it to every meal.

Peas

It has been proven that peas contain phytochemicals that protect against cancer. Add a little in every stew, pasta and sauces.

Sweet potato

It is an exceptional source of beta- carotene and fiber. During preparation, avoid peeling it. Choose sweet potatoes instead of white whenever possible.

Grapes

Black grapes have a high concentration of resveratrol which affects the division of cancer cells. Except as snacks, you can consume grapes in wine as well, but only a glass daily.

Grapefruit

Unlike other fruits, grapefruit has fewer sugars, and equally a lot of vitamin C. It directly affects the body’s resistance. Use it to prepare fresh natural juices, and you can use it instead of vinegar in salads.

Watermelon

Watermelons are an important source of vitamin A and C. It is best to eat it in slices, and you can use it to prepare interesting salads and desserts.

Broccoli

Broccoli contains sulforaphane that can slow down the spreading of the disease. Certain clinical studies have pointed out its importance. It is best to eat it boiled.

Brussels sprouts

Despite the fact that it belongs to the group of healthy foods, it is a leader in the fight against the harmful effects of free radicals.

Kale

It is packed with vitamin A and C and perfectly protects against the harmful effects of free radicals. Use it often in the preparation of stews and salads.

You can even enter the vitamins and minerals through supplements, but despite the supplements the reason why natural food is always recommended is because the fruits and vegetables contain hundreds of other phytonutrients beside vitamins which are not found in multivitamin tablets.

Some of these substances are: flavonoids (from citrus, berries fruits, wine and dark chocolate), various pigments with antioxidant activity (from grapes, eggplant, radishes and red cabbage), quercetin (from apples, onions, tea and wine) carotenoids (from carrots, melons and apricots), lycopene (from tomatoes), lutein for the eyes (from spinach and kale)…

source: http://www.goodmorningcenter.com

Three independent studies, conducted between 2004 and 2009, found that green tea and turmeric and the tomato-broccoli combination are the best “superfoods” for the prevention of prostate cancer.

The effect of polyphenols from green tea

The clinical marker used to establish the prostate cancer is glycoprotein, also called the prostate antigen (PSA). The level of PSA in the blood serum is lowered by the agents which reduce the level of testosterone.

Green tea is considered a “superfood” for the prevention of this type of cancer, because it contains antioxidants that are able to reduce the levels of PSA in vitro, in a cell culture of prostate cancer in patients.

The effect of the polyphenols on levels of PSA depends on the dose. Another ingredient in green tea, epigallocatechin, also contributes to the prevention of prostate cancer and other cancers. (This research was conducted at the University of Wisconsin.)

The effect of curcumin

Curcumin is a natural carotenoid and polyphenol, which is a component of turmeric (a yellow powder which is commonly used as a spice). Carotenoids act as hunters of free radicals, which makes them great antioxidants; it is proven that they enhance the immune system of vertebrates, including humans.

Curcumin also has antibacterial and anti-cancer effects. Tests have shown that curcumin, when combined with radiation therapy, inhibits the growth of various tumors. In the case of prostate cancer, curcumin helps to destroy cancer cells that survive radiation. (This research was conducted at the University of Kentucky.)

Tomato and broccoli

The study of the function of the combination of tomato and broccoli was performed in rats, but the results are encouraging.

Tomato alone reduced the growth of tumors in experimental animals for 34% and broccoli alone by 42%.

However, when combined in the diet, tomatoes and broccoli together reduced tumor growth by 52%. This research confirms the importance of recommendations to increase the amount of vegetables in the diet as a form of prevention of cancer.

In this case, it was shown that the synergistic activity of tomato and broccoli is an excellent prevention of the development of prostate cancer. (Research of the University of Illinois, Ohio)

Conclusion: proper nutrition for prevention

Research shows that green tea, turmeric and broccoli are great foods that would bring benefit if introduced in the diet as a prevention of developing prostate cancer.

There are other foods that show similar, preventive protective properties, and these include pomegranate juice, Bok Choy (Chinese cabbage), cauliflower and soy.

Indeed, a growing number of studies point out that a healthy diet and natural foods, such as fruits, vegetables and spices can help us to protect our health.

source: http://www.goodmorningcenter.com

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