Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Eucalyptus Oil: How It Heals

Eucalyptus Oil: How It Heals

You can use eucalyptus oil to treat everything from bad breath and body odor to bronchitis and colds and flu.



Australian Aborigines traditionally used infusions of eucalyptus leaves to relieve respiratory congestion, coughs, and fevers, and as topical applications for sore muscles. Essential oil was distilled from eucalyptus trees not long after the first European settlers arrived in Australia. Commercial production commenced in the mid-1800s, and the oil soon came to be highly prized around the world for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties.


How Eucalyptus Oil Works


Eucalyptus oil contains several active constituents. The most important is 1,8-cineole (sometimes referred to as eucalyptol), which has an antimicrobial effect against a wide range of disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and fungi.


How to Use Eucalyptus Oil


For respiratory conditions such as asthma, sinusitis, bronchitis, colds and flu, eucalyptus oil is often used as an inhalation—commonly via a nebulizer or vaporizer in which the oil is diluted in steaming water. It is sometimes also used in a cream or ointment that is rubbed onto the chest, delivering the therapeutic actions through a combination of inhalation and the penetration of the oil through the skin. It is also sometimes included in throat lozenges or cough mixtures in minute quantities.

Topical applications of eucalyptus essential oil (usually in dilute concentrations) can also be used to treat infections of various kinds. For example, the essential oil and/or 1,8-cineole derived from it are often included in mouthwash products to help kill the bacteria that cause plaque, gingivitis, and bad breath. Eucalyptus oil can also be added to laundry to kill dust mites in sheets, disinfect clothes and leave the washing smelling fresh.

Research also suggests that an ointment containing eucalyptus oil and other antimicrobial substances may be beneficial in the treatment of fungal toenail infections.


Safety First


Eucalyptus oil should not be taken internally. The topical use of the oil is not suitable for babies, children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or people allergic to Eucalyptus spp. Caution is advised with eucalyptus inhalations as they can irritate the eyes, mucous membranes and skin.


Where to Find Eucalyptus Oil


Eucalyptus essential oil is available in health food stores and pharmacies or from a qualified aromatherapist.
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Benefits of Ginger: How It Heals Indigestion and More

Benefits of Ginger: How It Heals Indigestion and More

Think beyond ginger ale.



This tasty spice has been used as both a condiment and a medicine for centuries. It was a staple at Roman banquets, to counter symptoms of overindulgence, and was much favored in ancient China and in India’s Ayurvedic medicine as a remedy for indigestion, stomachaches, respiratory congestion, constipation, and diarrhea. It was also used as a tonic for women’s gynecological conditions, being thought to stimulate the flow of qi, or energy, to the reproductive organs.

How Ginger Works:

Ginger contains antioxidant substances called gingerols, which are thought to be responsible for its ability to alleviate nausea and indigestion. Unlike many conventional antinausea medications, ginger has the important benefit of not causing undesirable side effects such as a dry mouth or sleepiness. Research has shown that ginger can address nausea caused by a variety of causes, including food poisoning, motion sickness, pregnancy, postsurgical procedures, or the side effects of conventional drug treatment, notably chemotherapy. Similarly, ginger has been shown to alleviate symptoms of indigestion, including flatulence, bloating, and griping pain.

The gingerols in ginger are also thought to account for its ability to alleviate some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and muscular discomfort such as pain, inflammation, and swelling, possibly by inhibiting the production of inflammatory substances called prostaglandins and leukotrienes. This may also account for its ability to naturally relieve menstrual cramping.

Ginger is often given as a tonic to fight colds and chills and improve circulation, with Taiwanese research confirming its benefits for circulatory health, as it does have mild blood-thinning properties. Ginger also has antimicrobial, carminative, and diaphoretic (increases sweating) properties and may help to boost the immune system. These qualities make it of some benefit in treating coughs, colds, laryngitis, or a sore throat where it is often combined with honey and lemon.

How to Use Ginger:

Ginger can be eaten fresh or dried, or in pickled, jellied (candied), crystallized or syrup form, as a tea, or taken as a supplement, either as a tablet or capsule. When using supplements, follow label instructions or take as professionally prescribed.

Safety First:

Consult your doctor if using high doses of ginger while taking anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications.

Where to Find Ginger:

Ginger supplements and tinctures are available in health food stores. Fresh ginger is sold in supermarkets.
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How Much Invisible Fat Is Hiding in Your Favourite Food Items?

How Much Invisible Fat Is Hiding in Your Favourite Food Items?



Do you pay attention towards every calorie and crumb that you eat in the day but let the fat content go unnoticed? If yes it’s time to understand all about fat content and take it into consideration too. Not to forget, fats are as important as all the other nutrients that you consume every day.

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Greasy burgers, French fries and pizza, are all well known for their fat content and hence it’s no surprise when someone tells you that these are loaded with fat. But what you may not know is that many things that you perceive as low fat, may actually be just the opposite. These even include some vegetables and fish. One thing that we need to keep in mind, is that fat is an important component of our diet and not every fat is bad. What matters is that we closely evaluate the amount of fat that we consume day in and day out as well as the type of fat.

How much fat should you be consuming?



It is important to closely monitor the amount of fat grams that you have been consuming daily and to keep a tab on the right amounts of healthy fats. The daily recommendation of fat is no more than 20-30% of the daily diet. If you are consuming a 2000kcal diet, then you should probably be eating less than 65 gm of fat each day. However, it is easy to consume more than the required amounts of fats on a daily basis, especially in the case of invisible fats.

Invisible fats in food we all love eating


While we might be aware of the fat content of most of the foods but there are a bunch of other foods that tend to contain loads of hidden fats.



1. Movie theater popcorn (because of the way it’s processed, addition of butter, cheese and sugar)

2. Packaged meals with added sauces, butter, oil and salt
 
3. Chicken and other poultry if consumed with the skin

4. Packaged salad dressings (usually very high in fat content)

5. Highly marbled meats like red meat, lamb and pork (The white marbling is a thick layer of fat, easily seen in a slice of bacon)

However, it is important to realize that packaged snack foods and meals are the biggest sources of hidden fats. These foods contain high levels of trans fats which are listed as partially hydrogenated oil or vegetable shortenings (read the ingredients’ label carefully), which are responsible for the longer shelf life of these foods. Trans fats can act like demons as they have been linked to various health problems like high cholesterol and heart diseases. Hence, the consumption of these fats need to be restricted as much as possible.




Given the fat content of these commonly eaten food items, if you are not careful you might easily exceed the daily limits. Hence it’s important to include good fats i.e unsaturated fats in your diet, limit saturated and eliminate trans fats. Take care of your health and your heart and waistline will say a big thank you to you some day.

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Morning Habits of Naturally Thin People

Morning Habits of Naturally Thin People

Rise and shine! Incorporating these simple steps into your morning routine may make it easier to lose weight.

They open the shades


A flood of sunshine isn’t just an instant morning pick-me-up: A Northwestern University found that people exposed to moderately bright light in the morning have significantly lower BMIs than people who get the majority of their light exposure later in the day. Independent of physical activity, sleep timing, caloric intake, age, or season, morning light exposure accounted for about 20 percent of an individual’s BMI. Lack of sunlight can de-synchronize your internal body clock, altering metabolism and leading to weight gain. Just 20 to 30 minutes of morning light is enough to affect BMI.

They butter the bottom of toast

It sounds strange, but if you’re looking to lower calorie intake, look to the bottom side of your breakfast foods. “Butter the bottom of toast, and salt the bottom of potato rounds,” Devin Alexander, chef and host of FitTV’s Healthy Decadence, told Health. “It really helps with weight loss. When you eat foods this way, the flavor hits your tongue right away, and you actually taste more of it. Ultimately that means you can cut out at least half the belly-bloating salt or butter.”

They pick the right glassware

When you pour your OJ or apple juice, use a tall, thin glass to save on sugar and calories. A Cornell University study found that when participants poured into a short, squat glass, they drank 25 to 30 percent more. Researchers say individuals tend to focus on the height of the liquid they pour (rather than the width) and therefore estimate tall glasses hold more liquid than wide ones of the same volume.

They include protein in breakfast

Most Americans only get about 10 to 15 grams of protein for breakfast, but doubling that may help you lose weight. Research presented at an Obesity Society meeting found that women who ate a breakfast with 30 grams of protein from sausage and eggs consumed about 100 fewer calories at lunch compared to those who ate a low-protein pancake breakfast. “Protein is key for satiety,” Heather Leidy, assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology at the University of Missouri, told Eating Well. “It activates the body’s signals that curb appetite, reduce food cravings, and prevent overeating.”

They take a few minutes to meditate

No need to chant in lotus position. Just focusing on your breath for a few minutes in the morning could help increase your mindfulness, leading to a day of smart food choices. Brown University researchers distributed a 15-question survey to nearly 400 people and measured their body composition. The survey included questions such as “I find it difficult to stay focused on what’s happening in the present.” People who showed low levels of mindfulness on the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) were 34 percent likelier to be obese and held a pound more of fat in their bellies. Researchers say individuals who are more aware of their thoughts may be likelier to notice the negative emotions caused by eating too much.

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Clever Ways to Stay Hydrated This Summer

Clever Ways to Stay Hydrated This Summer

 Forget boring water: think Popsicle sticks and summer soups!

Make a sports drink out coconut water



Coconut water contains natural electrolytes including potassium and sodium, which are key nutrients in replenishing and rehydrating your body. Electrolytes are also critical to proper nerve and muscle function, which is why athletes drink them in sports drinks like Gatorade. But sports drinks contain unnecessary sugar, calories, and artificial dyes. Instead of grabbing a Gatorade, try adding 1 cup of coconut water with 1 cup of your favorite fresh-squeezed juice (and a dash of raw honey if you like it sweet) for a homemade and all natural sports drink. (You can get two servings out of it.) These are signs you might be dehydrated.

Freeze hydrating pops



Turn this classic summer treat into a tool to refuel and rehydrate. Blend or juice some hydrating ingredients like watermelon (which contains more than 90 percent water) and lemon juice (an excellent source of potassium). Then fill Popsicle molds and freeze for about an hour. You can even add coconut water for an added boost of electrolytes, and raw honey for a touch of sweetness.

Sip some summer soup



Soup is a great hydrating fluid to add more water into your diet, but no one wants hot soup on a summer day. Instead, try a gazpacho recipe with hydrating vegetables like tomato (which contains 94.5 percent water) and cucumber (which contains 96 percent water), and a bit of sea salt, for a refreshing and healthy meal.

Drink an herbal tea cooler



Some teas are dehydrating, but decaffeinated herbal tea is an exception. Cool down and rehydrate after a long day by sipping on an herbal iced tea. Blend up some fruit puree and add it to a pot of herbal tea. Then, let cool in the fridge and server over ice depending on your preference. Try a recipe with cranberry, which contains antioxidants as well as natural minerals that help your body maintain its fluid-balance.

Refuel with milk



Got milk? One study reported in the journal Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, showed that athletes who consumed milk or milk-based products had better fluid retention than those who drank Powerade. Plus milk contains protein, which your body needs to recharge after physical exertion. So next time you exercise, try rehydrating with fat-free or reduced fat milk.

Replace soda with sparkling water




Soda contains caffeine and sugar that can dehydrate your body. Switch it up with sparkling water! Just squeeze in lemon or orange juice, or add some muddled berries (strawberries contain 91 percent water) and mint leaves into this sparkling summer refreshment. Just make sure you’re using sparkling water, and not tonic water.
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Heal Yourself! 7 Tricks for a Soothing Self-Massage

Heal Yourself! 7 Tricks for a Soothing Self-Massage

Massages can relax your muscles, relieve stress, and boost your energy, but you don’t need a professional masseuse to reap its benefits.

Self-massage: Give tired eyes some heat therapy



Staring at a screen all day can leave your eyes tired and strained, but a little heat can help them relax. Quickly rub your hands together until the palms start to heat up, then cup one hand over each eye to let the warmth soothe them.

Self-massage: Use a tennis ball to relieve tension



For tense feet, place the arch of your foot on a tennis ball (or golf ball if that seems too big), leaning one hand against a wall for support. Gradually put more body weight on the foot as the ball presses into your arch. Slowly move your foot around to target your heel, forefoot and toes. A tennis ball can also relieve tight hips. Sit on the ball, then wiggle your backside around and hold it still on areas that feel especially good. Plus, you can use a tennis ball to reach the space between your shoulder blades or in your lower back. Lie on the floor with the ball under spots that are hard to reach with your hands. Here's more about the health benefits of massage, and here are more brilliant ways to use tennis balls.

Self-massage: Give your neck a break



Every hour, give your body some relief from hunching over your computer at work. Clasp your hands together behind your neck, and apply pressure to each side of your spinal cord with the bottom of your palms. Rub up and down slowly. Then press into the trapezius muscle along the left side of your neck just under the base of your skull using the fingers on your right hand. Tilt your head to the left, then rub in downward motions, working your way to your shoulder. Repeat three times, then switch sides. The front of your neck can also get tight while you work, so finish by stretching it out. Lay your head back to allow the top of your chair to press into your neck, just below the skull, and hold it there for 20 seconds. These are other ways to recover from sitting too much.

Self-massage: Hammer out kinks twice a day



Starting with your legs and arms, gently thump your body from top to bottom with your fists. Then pummel your torso from bottom to top. Using this technique in the morning will wake up your body and mind, while doing it in the evening beats out tension and stress, leaving your mind calm. One caveat: Avoid using this technique if you’re on a blood thinner or you could end up with bruises.

Self-massage: Massage your calves after wearing heels



Walking in heels all day can shorten your calf muscles over time, so give them some release with a good rubdown. Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor and then clench your ankle with your thumb placed just over the Achilles tendon. Moving an inch at a time, work your way up your calf, adding pressure and releasing until you reach your knee. Repeat on the other leg.

Self-massage: Rub your belly after eating



Help stimulate digestion by rubbing your tummy after a meal. Using one or both palms, rub your abdomen in clockwise circles—the same direction that your food moves through your intestine. Here are more home remedies for an upset stomach.

Self-massage: Massage yourself pre- and post-workout



Massages increase blood flow to your muscles, which can be helpful before cardio, strength training, or stretches. Thump your legs and arms with your fists before exercising to encourage blood flow to those areas. A post-workout rubdown can help speed muscle recovery. Using your fist or palm, rub your muscles toward your heart after a sweat session to reap the benefits.
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