Body Odor, It May Be in Your Genes

magine showering all you can, using deodorant, essentially being squeaky clean, yet your body odor still resembles fish, or maybe even garbage.

about one-third of people who report such body odor may have the metabolic disorder trimethylaminuria (TMAU). And it may be a lot more common than previously believed, For some people, it's an unwelcome reality. It's called "fish odor syndrome. And it may be a lot more common than previously believed, about one-third of people who report such body odor may have the metabolic disorder trimethylaminuria (TMAU).


 It is not as uncommon as people may have thought. The good news is that once it is diagnosed, changes to your diet can all but eliminate this foul, fishy odor.



TMAU is a genetic disease. A specific, hereditary gene hinders the body's ability to break down trimethtylamine (TMA), which  is found mainly in choline-rich foods such as:

• Eggs
• Wheat germ
• Saltwater fish
• Organ meats such as livers, brains, and hearts
• Certain legumes

To put it bluntly, when excess TMA builds up in your body, you stink.  It's released via sweat, urine, and breath.

Levels of TMA and the odor it produces wax and wane based on what a person eats and when they eat it. Even in the most severe cases, you only have the odor when you eat choline foods such as refried beans and eggs.

This makes testing a challenge. What's more, there is no readily available test to measure levels of TMA in urine. But there are reportedly a few labs in the U.S. that can test for the condition.

Treating TMAU

The treatment is to avoid eating foods that are rich in choline.

In some cases, antibiotics may help. If you are attending a special event or wedding and know you will be eating and not watching what you eat, consider antibiotics.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) & ACNE

All cases of acne have their roots in hormone production, but some acne is a symptom of an underlying hormonal condition that can cause far more than facial blemishes. If troublesome blemishes are plaguing you long after your teen years are over, it’s possible that they’re telling you to look beyond your skin for the problem.


Acne is caused by an excess of oil production, which in turn is caused by the action of testosterone. The oil glands are the most testosterone-sensitive tissue in the human body. 


Typical adolescent acne starts when testosterone levels start to increase during puberty (in both boys and girls), but certain diseases and conditions can also send testosterone and estrogen levels up. These are particularly common in girls and women, and the most common is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).


The most common female endocrine disorder, PCOS affects between 5%-10% of all women. It involves multiple organ systems, and although it’s not fully understood, doctors believe that it is caused by insensitivity to the hormone insulin. In addition to irregular menstrual cycles and ovulation, weight gain, and thinning hair, one of the most notable symptoms of PCOS is acne.  


PCOS-related acne tends to flare in areas that are usually considered “hormonally sensitive," especially the lower third of the face. This includes:

• Cheeks
• Jawline
• Chin
• Upper neck, especially at the angles of the jaw

Patients with PCOS tend to get acne that involves more tender knots under the skin, rather than fine surface bumps, and will sometimes report that lesions in that area tend to flare before their menstrual period. They take time to go away.

So if you tend to get acne in the places Schlosser describes and have noticed irregular periods, it’s a good idea to ask your dermatologist to refer you for PCOS testing.

There are some other hormonal disorders whose symptoms can include acne, but these are much more unusual. For example, people affected by a group of inherited disorders known collectively as congenital adrenal hyperplasia often produce either too much or too little of certain sex hormones, including testosterone. People with these disorders have a problem with the adrenal glands, which produce and metabolize hormones.

Fighting cancer with vinegar !

All are aware that in poor countries most women die due to cervical cancer. Though it is easily treatable if diagnosed early, but rarely it happens, as Pap smear test is expensive in these countries. So, a very simple & inexpensive procedure is carried out with vinegar. 


Nurses using the new procedure developed by experts at the John Hopkins medical school in the 1990s & endorsed last year by the WHO, brush vinegar on a woman's cervix. It makes pre-cancerous spots turn white. They can then be immediately frozen off with a metal probe cooled by a tank of carbon-dioxide, easily available from any soft drink bottling plant.

With a Pap smear, a doctor takes a scraping from the cervix, which is then sent to a laboratory to be scanned by a pathologist. Many poor countries lack high quality labs & the results can take weeks to arrive  ( but also in some developed countries too this result takes weeks).

The procedure, known as VIA/ cryo for visualization of the cervix with acetic acid ( vinegar) & treatment with cryotherapy, can be done by a nurse. Only one visit is needed to detect & kill an incipient cancer.
More than 20 countries have done pilot projects & in some countries it has become a routine procedure to screen women between 30-44 at least once.

Diabetics Should Avoid Caffeine

A study published in the journal Diabetes Care reports that diabetics may want to avoid caffeine. According to researchers at Duke University Medical Center, caffeine caused the blood sugar glucose levels of type 2 diabetics to rise throughout the day.

While previous studies show that people who drank coffee had a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, the study by Duke researchers was conducted using a tiny glucose monitor embedded under the abdominal skin to continuously monitor glucose levels. On the days participants consumed an amount of caffeine equivalent to four cups of coffee, their average sugar level rose 8% compared to days they were given a placebo.

Caffeine triggers the release of hormone adrenaline, which can elevate blood sugar levels, says researchers. Additionally, caffeine may also interfere as glucose from blood is transferred into muscles and other cells to be burned as fuel.

TURMERIC

Turmeric, or haridra, is the Indian spice which gives curry its golden color. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years, but it has also been studied scientifically in modern day. It is naturally anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and helps strengthen the immune system. It has been shown to be effective in treating arthritis, diabetes and even cancer. Keep this herb handy in the spice rack! Those who have bad coughs, by adding 1/2 tsp of turmeric powder to a glass of milk & boiling it for 3 minutes, then adding sugar to taste, if you drink it before going to bed, you're sure to get relief from cough.

TRIPHALA (AMLA, BIBHITAKI AND HARITAKI)

Amla, bibhitaki and haritaki are actually three herbs used together exclusively in an Ayurvedic formula known as triphala. Amla is used to treat digestive disorders such as indigestion, gas, constipation, colitis and ulcers. Bibhitaki is likewise used to treat digestive disorders, including Chron’s disease, intestinal parasites and gall stones. Haritaki is used specifically for constipation, but is also effective for hemorrhoids, dysentery and parasites or worms. Together these three herbs make a powerful internal cleansing remedy. They help restore balance and improve regularity. However, they are used only on a period basis due to their cathartic effect.

GYMNEMIA SYLVESTRE

Shardunikagurmar, or more commonly, gymnema, is one Ayurvedic herb which has undergone extensive study. It has been found to be effective in treating and preventing type II diabetes because it appears to help control blood sugar levels. It can be used as a natural sweetener, or taken in capsule form.

GINGER's uses

Ginger, or shunti, is another versatile herbal remedy that doubles as a cooking spice. The root, or rhizome, is used to treat anything from benign conditions such as indigestion and nausea to more serious chronic problems such as arthritis and migraines. It is easily made into and herbal tea and makes a great home remedy to have on hand.

GARLIC- its health benefits

Garlic is revered by both chefs and herbalists alike. The Ayurvedic name for the herb is Lasuna. It is a prolific bulb that is used for a number of purposes. It is naturally antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial. It has been shown to be effective against the common cold and flu, and help enhance immune function.

It is used in both holistic and conventional medical circles to protect against heart disease and lower cholesterol. Garlic is a must-have for the home medicine cabinet.

CORIANDER (CILANTRO)- its benefits

Coriander, or dhanyaka as it is referred to in Ayurveda, is a common culinary spice in both Asian and Latin cuisine. The fresh leaves are called cilantro, while the ground seeds are called coriander. Both contain natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The herb is used in Ayurveda to treat indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, fevers, respiratory infections and allergies. It is also a natural chelating agent, and has been used to help remove heavy metals from the body.

BOSWELLIA

Boswellia, known as Shallaki in Ayurveda, is an excellent pain remedy. It is naturally anti-inflammatory and analgesic. In the west it is called Frankincense, and has been used to treat both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, gout, and general aches and pains. Studies have even shown that taking boswellia can alleviate arthritis pain in as little as 7 days without the harmful side effects of over-the-counter NSAIDs.

ASHWAGANDHA- its benefits

Although traditionally an Ayurvedic herb, ashwagandha is now commonly used in herbal medicine throughout the West. Also known as winter cherry, it is naturally antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and has immune-boosting properties.

It is your first line of defense against cancer and other immune system-related diseases. It helps improve vitality and combat insomnia, cancer, arthritis and diabetes.

crochet center piece

This is my own design. can anyone guess the difference between the only white & white & red squares? These squares I've joined to make a center piece of the table for me daughter.

Sjogren’s syndrome

Sjogren’s syndrome ( SS)     pronounced as Show-grins

While SS is one of the most common auto-immune disorders, few people have heard of it & normally doctors rarely ask patients to test for it.

When SS strikes, the body’s immune system attacks its own secretory glands & tissues, causing the classical symptoms of dryness of eyes & mouth. Severe fatigue is another hallmark symptom.

While 9 out of 10 patients are women in the age group of 20-40, the delay in diagnosis averages 6-8 years due to its disparate symptoms.

The symptoms are subtle & non-specific in the beginning & a patient therefore visits a number of specialists like eye doctors, dentists, rheumatologists etc. A patient struggles through a myriad physical distresses like debilitating fatigue, respiratory problems, joint pains, dryness of mouth, skin rashes, dryness of mouth & eyes for many years before getting diagnosed.

Women may suffer from dyspareunia- painful intercourse, because of dry vagina. A small percentage of patients can even develop cancer of the lymph glands.

Patients should learn how to manage their problems once diagnosed, like when the mouth gets dry, then to take the medicines prescribed, which is in proportion to the dryness, also what foods should be avoided, like for some almonds, or cashew nuts. Some may need eye drops, when the eyes get too dry, so one should carry water & eye drops whenever they move out of their homes.

Only positive thing is over the years, some doctors are also getting aware of this disease & stopped telling patients that it is all in their heads.

Prevent heart disease with positive thinking

Steps to a healthy heart

1)      A positive attitude with a balanced approach to life.

2)      Avoid mental stress & strain.

3)      Eat a healthy balanced diet, include at least 5 servings of fruits & vegetables a day.

4)      Avoid saturated fats & transfats.

5)      Regular aerobic exercises of 30 minutes a day.

6)      Regular meditation of 20 minutes a day.

7)      Maintain optimal weight, avoid abdominal obesity ( both very difficult for me at least !)

8)      Avoid excess salt to maintain normal blood pressure ( even after I abstain from salty snacks, pickles, my bp is high, what to do? )

9)      Avoid tobacco in all forms including passive smoking.

10)  Avoid alcohol.

11)  Include physical activity in your daily schedule. Cycle whenever possible, take the stairs, go for a walk during lunch break.

12)  Above all be happy, keep smiling, take that attitude let things take their own shape, as whatever happens, happens for the best !

The Benefits of Flaxseed- how to use it,store it

Some call it one of the most powerful plant foods on the planet. There’s some evidence it may help reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes. That’s quite a tall order for a tiny seed that’s been around for centuries: flax seed.


Flax seed is found in all kinds of foods, from crackers to frozen waffles to oatmeal. 

Flax seed contains all sorts of healthy components,  but it owes its healthy reputation primarily to three ingredients:

• Omega-3 essential fatty acids, "good" fats that have been shown to have heart-healthy effects. Each tablespoon of ground flaxseed contains about 1.8 grams of plant omega-3s.
• Lignans, which have both plant estrogen and antioxidant qualities. Flaxseed contains 75-800 times more lignans than other plant foods.
• Fiber. Flaxseed contains both the soluble and insoluble types.
• Cancer
  Recent studies have suggested that flaxseed may have a protective effect against cancer, particularly breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer. 
  In animal studies, the plant omega-3 fatty acid found in flaxseed, called ALA, inhibited tumor incidence and growth.
  Further, the lignans in flaxseed may provide some protection against cancers that are sensitive to hormones without interfering with the breast cancer drug tamoxifen. Some studies have suggested that exposure to lignans during adolescence helps reduce the risk of breast cancer and may also increase the survival of breast cancer patients, Thompson says.
  Lignans may help protect against cancer by:
  • Blocking enzymes that are involved in hormone metabolism.
  • Interfering with the growth and spread of tumor cells.
  Some of the other components in flaxseed also have antioxidant properties, which may contribute to protection against cancer and heart disease.
  Cardiovascular Disease
  Research suggests that plant omega-3s help the cardiovascular system via several different mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory action and normalizing the heartbeat. New research also suggests significant blood pressure-lowering effects of flaxseed, which may be due to both the omega-3 fatty acids as well as the amino acid groups found in flaxseed.
  Several studies have suggested that diets rich in flaxseed omega-3s help prevent hardening of the arteries and keep plaque from being deposited in the arteries, partly by keeping white blood cells from sticking to the blood vessels’ inner linings.
  "Lignans in flaxseed have been shown to reduce atherosclerotic plaque buildup by up to 75%.
  Because plant omega-3s may also play a role in maintaining the heart’s natural rhythm, they may be useful in treating arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) and heart failure, although more research is needed on this.
  Eating flaxseed daily may help your cholesterol levels, too. Small particles of LDL or "bad" cholesterol in the bloodstream have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. A French-Canadian study in menopausal women reported a decrease in these small LDL particles after the women ate 4 tablespoons of ground flaxseed daily for a year. Fitzpatrick says the cholesterol-lowering effects of flaxseed are the result of the synergistic benefits of the omega-3 ALA, fiber, and lignans.
  
  
  
  
  Diabetes

  Preliminary research also suggests that daily intake of the lignans in flaxseed may modestly improve blood sugar (as measured by hemoglobin A1c blood tests in adults with type 2 diabetes).

  Inflammation

  Two components in flaxseed, ALA and lignans, may reduce the inflammation that accompanies certain illnesses (such as Parkinson's disease and asthma) by helping to block the release of certain pro-inflammatory agents, Fitzpatrick says.

  The plant omega-3 ALA has been shown to decrease inflammatory reactions in humans. And studies in animals have found that lignans can decrease levels of several pro-inflammatory agents.

  Reducing inflammatory reactions associated with plaque buildup in the arteries may be another way flaxseed helps prevent heart attack and strokes.

  Hot Flashes

  One preliminary study on menopausal women, published in 2007, reported that 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed mixed into cereal, juice, or yogurt twice a day cut the women's hot flashes in half. And the intensity of their hot flashes dropped by 57%. The women noticed a difference after taking the daily flaxseed for just one week, and achieved the maximum benefit within two weeks.

  Who Shouldn’t Use Flaxseed? 

   Until more is known,  pregnant women and possibly breastfeeding mothers should not supplement their diets with ground flaxseed.

  
  

  Tips for Using Flaxseed 

  Many experts believe it's better to consume flaxseed than flax oil (which contains just part of the seed) so you get all the components. But stay tuned as researchers continue to investigate.

  Ground flaxseed, in general, is a great first choice but there may be specific situations where flax oil or the lignans (taken in amounts naturally found in flaxseed) might be as good.

  And how much flaxseed do you need? The optimum dose to obtain health benefits is not yet known. But 1-2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed a day is currently the suggested dose .

  Here are more tips for using, buying, and storing flaxseed:

  • Buy it ground or grind it yourself. Flaxseed, when eaten whole, is more likely to pass through the intestinal tract undigested, which means your body doesn't get all the healthful components. If you want to grind flaxseed yourself, those little electric coffee grinders seem to work best.
  • Milled = ground = flax meal. Don’t be confused by the different product names for ground flaxseed. Milled or ground flaxseed is the same thing as flax meal.
  • Buy either brown or golden flaxseed. Golden flaxseed is easier on the eyes, but brown flaxseed is easier to find in most supermarkets. There is very little difference nutritionally between the two, so the choice is up to you.
  • Find it in stores or on the Internet. Many supermarket chains now carry ground flaxseed (or flaxmeal). It’s usually in the flour or "grain" aisle or the whole-grain cereal section, often sold in 1-pound bags. You can also find it in health food stores, or order it through various web sites.
  • Check the product label. When buying products containing flaxseed, check the label to make sure ground flaxseed, not whole flaxseed, was added. Flaxseed is a featured ingredient in cereals, pasta, whole grain breads and crackers, energy bars, meatless meal products, and snack foods.
  • Add flaxseed to a food you habitually eat. Every time you have a certain food, like oatmeal, smoothies, soup, or yogurt, stir in a couple tablespoons of ground flaxseed. Soon it will be a habit and you won’t have to think about it, you’ll just do it.
  • Hide flaxseed in dark, moist dishes. The dishes that hide flaxseed the best usually have a darkly colored sauces or meat mixtures. No one tends to notice flaxseed when it's stirred into enchilada casserole, chicken parmesan, chili, beef stew, meatloaf or meatballs. For a 4-serving casserole, you can usually get away with adding 2-4 tablespoons of ground flaxseed. For a dish serving 6-8, use 4-8 tablespoons.
  • Use it in baking. Substitute ground flaxseed for part of the flour in recipes for quick breads, muffins, rolls, bread, bagels, pancakes, and waffles. Try replacing 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the flour with ground flaxseed if the recipe calls for 2 or more cups of flour.
  • Keep it in the freezer. The best place to store ground flaxseed is the freezer. Freeze pre-ground flaxseed in the bag you bought it in, or in a plastic seal-able bag if you ground it yourself. The freezer will keep the ground flax from oxidizing and losing its nutritional potency.
  • Whole flaxseed keeps longer. The outside shell in whole flaxseed appears to keep the fatty acids inside well protected. It’s a good idea to keep your whole flaxseed in a dark, cool place until you grind it. But as long as it is dry and of good quality, whole flaxseed can be stored at room temperature for up to a year.
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chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Exercises for COPD can help your breathing, allowing you to stay as active as possible and improving your quality of life. Before beginning with a COPD exercise program, be sure to talk with your doctor or other health care provider.

Exercise -- especially exercise that works your lungs and heart -- has many benefits for those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Exercise can:

• Improve how well your body uses oxygen, which is important since people with COPD use more energy to breathe than other people do.
• Decrease your symptoms and improve your breathing.
• Strengthen your heart, lower your blood pressure, and improve your circulation.
• Improve your energy, making it possible to stay more active.
• Improve your sleep and make you feel more relaxed.
• Help you maintain a healthy weight.
• Enhance your mental and emotional outlook.
• Reduce your social isolation, if you exercise with others.
• Strengthen your bones.

• 4 Types of Exercises for COPD

  These four types of exercises can help you if you have COPD. How much you focus on each type of exercise may depend upon the COPD exercise program your health care providers suggests for you. Before starting these programs speak with your health care provider.
  Stretching exercises lengthen your muscles, increasing your flexibility. Stretching can also help prepare your muscles for other types of exercise, decreasing your chance of injury.
  Aerobic exercises use large muscle groups to move at a steady, rhythmic pace. This type of exercise works your heart and lungs, improving their endurance by working your respiratory muscles. This helps your body use oxygen more efficiently and, with time, can improve your breathing. Walking and using a stationary bike are two good choices of aerobic exercise if you have COPD.
  Strengthening exercises involve tightening muscles repeatedly to the point of fatigue. When you do this for the upper body, it can help increase the strength of your breathing muscles.
  Breathing exercises for COPD help you strengthen breathing muscles, get more oxygen, and breathe with less effort. Here are two examples of breathing exercises you can begin doing for five to 10 minutes, three to four times a day.
  Pursed lip breathing:
  1. Relax your neck and shoulder muscles.
  2. Breathe in for two seconds through your nose, keeping your mouth closed.
  3. Breathe out for four seconds through pursed lips. If this is too long for you, simply breathe out twice as long as you breathe in.
  Use pursed-lip breathing while exercising. If you experience shortness of breath, first try slowing your rate of breathing and focus on breathing out through pursed lips.
  Diaphragmatic breathing:
  1. Lie on your back with knees bent. You can put a pillow under your knees for support.
  2. Place one hand on your belly below your rib cage. Place the other hand on your chest.
  3. Inhale deeply through your nose for a count of 3. (Your belly and lower ribs should rise, but your chest should remain still.)
  4. Tighten your stomach muscles and exhale for a count of 6 through slightly puckered lips.

  COPD and Exercise Guidelines

  You may find that it helps to exercise at the same time each day; late morning or early afternoon may be a time when you have more energy. Here are some other basic guidelines for exercise when you have COPD:

  • Set realistic goals.
  • Gradually increase the number of minutes and days you exercise. A good goal is to exercise 20 to 40 minutes, two to four times a week.
  • Start out slow. Warm up for a few minutes.
  • Choose activities you enjoy, but vary them to help you stay motivated.
  • Find an exercise partner.
  • Keep a record of your exercise to help you stay on track.
  • As you end your exercise, cool down by moving more slowly.

  COPD and Exercise Precautions

  It's good to take precautions when exercising with COPD, but remember that shortness of breath doesn't always mean you should stop altogether. Instead, slow down and continue exercising. If shortness of breath becomes severe, then stop exercising.

  Here are other exercise precautions:

  • Always consult a doctor or other health care provider before starting a COPD exercise program. If you have a change in any medications, talk to your doctor before continuing with your exercise routine.
  • Balance exercise with rest. If you feel tired, start at a lower level. If you feel very tired, rest and try again the next day.
  • Wait at least one and a half hours after eating before beginning to exercise.
  • Remember any fluid restrictions you have when you drink fluids while exercising.
  • Avoid hot or cold showers after exercising.
  • If you've been away from exercise for several days, start up slowly and gradually return to your regular routine.

  Exercises to avoid when you have COPD:

  • Heavy lifting or pushing.
  • Chores such as shoveling, mowing, or raking.
  • Push-ups or sit-ups or isometric exercises, which involve pushing against immovable objects.
  • Outdoor exercises when the weather is very cold, hot, or humid.
  • Walking up steep hills.

  Ask your doctor whether exercises like weight lifting, jogging, or swimming are OK for you to do when you have COPD.

  COPD and Exercise: When to Stop

  If you experience any of these signs or symptoms, stop your COPD exercise program right away. Sit down and keep your feet raised while resting. If you don't feel better quickly, call your doctor.

  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Rapid or irregular heart beat
  • Severe shortness of breath
  • Pain

  Pressure or pain in your chest or your arm, neck, jaw, or shoulder

  
  

  for more info kindly read-

  http://www.webmd.com/lung/copd/copd-breathlessness-

  
  

Diabetes & prostrate

Men with chronic high blood sugar and those who are obese are at elevated risk of suffering from prostate enlargement, according to one study. The study was conducted by University of California researchers and published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

Researchers studied more than 400 adult males between the ages of 27-84, finding the overall rate of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) to be 22% on average. However, the rate of prostate enlargement among only those patients with high blood pressure was three times higher. Obese patients, meanwhile, suffered a 3.5 times higher risk of BPH than their peers. Chronic high blood sugar is a known precursor to the development of type 2 diabetes.

How to care for your skin

Irrespective of skin type, to be at its best, your skin needs adequate supplies of B vitamins and anti-oxidants such as vitamins A, C, E, zinc and selenium. Anti-oxidants enhance the immune system's ability to fight it out better and cope with allergens-essential for sensitive skin types. Not to forget the importance of drinking plenty of water and consuming essential fats to moisturise skin from within. Therefore, the main foods to focus on are wholegrains, nuts, fruits and vegetables. Increase consumption of essential fats such as Omega-3s, in the form of oily fish and flaxseeds. These foods calm inflammation and moisturise skin from within-crucial for dry skin. Sugary, refined foods are best avoided as they are empty calories. Caffeine and alcohol are dehydrating, therefore not conducive for healthy, glowing skin either. Not to mention smoking, which ruins your skin! Here are some tips for specific skin types.

Sensitive Skin
Look at food intolerances/allergies to ramp up your immunity as they play a huge role in skin flare-ups.

This is what you must do-
1.Keep a food diary and eliminate foods that cause skin reactions.

2.Avoid processed, sugary and refined foods. Additives such as food dyes and preservatives stimulate the body's inflammatory pathways.

3.Sensitive skin is prone to redness and irritability. Deficiency of B vitamins can cause dry, flaky and sensitive skin, Therefore, eat more wholegrains, legumes and pulses-they are rich in B vitamins.

Oily Skin

Hormones have been linked to this skin type as they act on the sebaceous glands and stimulate them to produce excess sebum. If you have oily skin you should aim to balance your hormones.

 Correct Way Of Eating- 

1. Eat a varied diet rich in wholegrains, fruits and vegetables for adequate fibre intake.

2. Focus on phytoestrogens from soya, chickpeas and lentils.

3.There is also a possible link between a deficiency in Vitamin B2/B5 and oily skin. Wholegrains, beans and nuts are good sources of these vitamins.

4. Feast on cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower as they are high in indoles that help eliminate excess oestrogen and hence balance hormones.

5. Get more zinc from your diet to fight blemishes. Mushrooms and pumpkin seeds are good sources.

6. Avoid xenoestrogens (chemicals that interfere with hormones) that are formed by heating food in plastic containers in the microwave.

7. Avoid saturated fats from dairy and red meats as they interfere with the metabolism of essential fatty acids.

Dry Skin

Most of us complain of dryness in the winter months. However, it gets to be a problem when you have chronic rough patches, redness and irritation.

Right way of eating

1. Vitamin E helps maintain skin elasticity and keeps it moisturised. Almonds, eggs, leafy greens, nuts, wheatgerm are rich sources.

2. Ensure that your diet is rich in zinc as it helps skin to heal.

3. Choose foods with high sulphur content as it promotes skin rejuvenation. Eggs, garlic, and onions are good sources of sulphur.

Stress- how you can deal with it !

A  young lady confidently walked around the room while leading and  explaining stress management to an audience; with a raised glass of water, and everyone knew she was going to ask the ultimate question, 'half empty or half full?'.....   She fooled them all...    "How heavy is this glass of water?", she inquired with a smile.          Answers called out ranged from 8 oz. to 20 oz.      She  replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute, that's not a  problem.  If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an  ambulance. In each case it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes." She continued, "and  that's the way it is with stress. If we carry our burdens all  the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on."    "As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again.  When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden - holding stress longer and better each time practiced. So, as early in the evening as you can, put all your burdens down. Don't carry them through the evening  and into the night... pick them up tomorrow.    Whatever burdens you're carrying now, let them down for a moment. Relax, pick them up later after you've rested. Life is short. Enjoy it and the now 'supposed' stress that you've conquered!" 1.  Accept the fact that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue! 2.  Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.    3.  Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.    4.  Drive carefully... It's not only cars that can be recalled by their     Maker..    5.  If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague    6.  If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was  probably worth it..    7.  It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others.    8.  Never buy a car you can't push.    9.  Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won't have a leg to stand on.    10.  Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and  dance..    11.  Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late..    12.  The second mouse gets the cheese. 13.  When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.    14.  Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.    15. You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the  world to one person. 16.  Some mistakes are too much fun to make only once. 17.  We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird  names and all are different colors, but they all  have to live in the same  box. 18.  A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.. 19.  Have an awesome day and know that someone  thought about you today.    20.  It was me, your friend!    Save  the earth -- It's the only planet with chocolate!