Category: Health

Allergies suck. That’s probably what just about anyone who suffers with allergies will tell you. Combating the symptoms that can make life miserable at times is a business that has made obscene amounts of money for manufacturers of drugs and other remedies. If you’re looking for ways to relieve allergy symptoms naturally, you may find that there are some natural treatments that work very well and cost a lot less than those medications from the pharmacy.

#1 Apple cider vinegar

This age-old formulation is something that has more uses than you might think. From cleaning to improving your health, the uses for apple cider vinegar are almost too numerous to count. It is reported that it can help cut down on the body’s production of mucous, which may result in some relief for allergy sufferers with runny noses or irritating coughs.

#2 Neti pots

A strange-sounding name for a strange-looking device that could be a godsend for allergy sufferers. Looking at a neti pot, it may not be immediately clear what its purpose is. Basically, it is used to irrigate the nasal cavities with a saline solution or other beneficial liquid. This helps to flush our allergens and also loosen stubborn mucous that make make breathing more difficult.

#3 Saline spray

This solution works much the same way a neti pot does, but it much more convenient to use when you are away from home. A nasal spray is also much less messy than a neti pot and provides much the same benefit. A number of prepackaged nasal sprays are available. Like neti pots, the spray can help flush allergens and irritants out of the nasal cavities, and also make it easier to clear up and reopen airways.

#4 Quercetin

This is an herb that some people have reportedly used successfully to treat allergy symptoms. The key is its ability to help stabilize mast cells – a prime component of the body’s immune system – and reduce their production of histamine, which is a key contributor to allergy symptoms. In addition, it is believed that Quercetin is also an antioxidant that may reduce inflammation.

#5 Locally-produced honey

This one is kind of clever, but you’ll probably think so only if it helps with your allergy symptoms. The idea is that using honey that is produced by bees that are local to you will help you build up an immunity to the types of pollen in your area that may be making you miserable. This potential remedy is a bit controversial since the idea has been tested by scientific studies that did not agree with each other. Oftentimes it’s best to give these remedies a try and if they help – whether it is due to the beneficial properties of the remedy or because you “expect” it to work – if you feel better, you’re still enjoying the benefit.

#6 Probiotics

The more medical science studies the body’s immune system, the more they realize that the digestive system, or “gut,” plays a huge role in the body’s ability to fight off infection and other illnesses. A probiotic supplement may help boost the natural immune ability of your gut, and help you dial back the reaction of the body to things that it should not be trying to fight so aggressively, like various allergens. Beyond the potential to ease allergy systems, other benefits of probiotics may include improved digestion and less susceptibility to sickness.

#7 HEPA filters

We’ve probably all heard of HEPA filters at one time or another. This may not meet the criteria of a “natural” remedy, but it does not involve the use of drugs or other medications. HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air, and air filters with this technology are very efficient at cleaning even the tiniest particles in the air. Reducing allergy-causing particles like pollen or pollution in the air is an obvious benefit for allergy sufferers, and can all but eliminate allergy symptoms in some cases. Using HEPA air filters in bedrooms and other areas where allergy sufferers spend a lot of time works best, and whole-home solutions are available as well.

#8 Washing

Believe it or not, the simple act of taking a shower can help ease allergy symptoms. In addition to the tendency of water vapor to help clear your sinuses and help soothe inflamed airways, taking a shower will also help rinse allergens off your body which may be worsening symptoms. Allergy sufferers who enjoy spending time on activities like gardening are strongly encouraged to shower immediately after spending time in the garden.

#9 Steam

For those who want to take a more direct approach to soothing airways beyond showering, steam from commercially-available vaporizers can certainly help inflamed and irritated airways feel better. Using steam is quicker and more convenient than taking a shower for many people, and there are also natural solutions such as certain essential oils that can be added to increase effectiveness of steam and possibly provide a soothing, pleasant aroma as well.

#10 Spicy food

Here’s another one that sounds a bit off-the-wall, but some people are doggedly convinced that eating a spicy meal is a great way to clear the sinuses and provide much-needed relief of allergy symptoms. Results are bound to differ from one person to another, and those that don’t care for spicy foods may find that the temporary relief that spicy foods may provide for some people are not worth it. For lovers of spicy foods, it might make for a great excuse to belly up to a meal that’s heavy on ingredients like garlic, wasabi, chili peppers and horseradish.

Although many of us are concerned about trying to stay healthy and fit, for parents it is an especially important issue because they are responsible for the health of their children, and most parents want their kids to be happy and healthy.

The food that is pushed at us these days doesn’t offer many good alternatives. Food manufacturers seem to put most of their effort into marketing unhealthy processed, fast or “junk” foods. The nutritional value of these foods is questionable at best. That’s why parents should consider providing their children with the vitamins and nutrients that they are probably not getting from the food they eat. Below are some of the best vitamins for children.

1. Vitamin A

Vitamin A is essential for children’s growth and also has a well-earned reputation as being beneficial for good vision. It also promotes healing, and helps maintain a healthy immune system. Taking beta carotene supplements may be a good way to get the Vitamin A kids need since the beta carotene is converted by the body into vitamin A in accordance to its needs.

2. Vitamin B

Since there are a whole family of B vitamins, it is important to be sure kids are getting the most important ones such as B-2, B-3, B-6, and B-12. Together, these vitamins help to keep energy levels up, and are also extremely important for the development and on-going health of the nervous system. The circulatory system also benefits from an adequate supply of these B vitamins.

3. Vitamin C

Who does not think of oranges and orange juice when this vitamin is mentioned? Although someone may get an adequate supply of vitamin C from drinking orange juice all day long, most people will require a supplement to meet their nutritional requirements. Vitamin C plays a very important role in maintaining a healthy immune system, and also promotes muscle development and healthy skin.

#4 Vitamin D

The “sunshine vitamin” is one that may not be needed in supplement form if kids get adequate exposure to the sun. Sunshine prompts the body to create its own supply of vitamin D, which is also another one that is vital for proper function of the immune system. Kids are likely to need more vitamin D during the winter months due to decreased exposure to light from the sun.

#5 Calcium

This mineral is extremely important for the development of strong bones, which is especially important for children since they are developing the bone structure that they will live with for the rest of their lives. It should be noted that adequate levels of vitamin D are necessary before the body is able to properly absorb the calcium it needs.

#6 Zinc

This mineral is not only greatly beneficial for a healthy immune system ,studies have found that their could be a link between zinc deficiency and both attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHS). Zinc promotes healthy brain function and since it it tends to accumulate in the area of the brain called the hippocampus, it is likely that it can enhance memory and learning ability.

#7 Acidophilus

Although more and more is being revealed about the importance of having a sufficient number of “friendly” bacteria residing the the digestive system, it is still an issue that seems to be overshadowed by others, such as the need for vitamins and minerals. Taking acidophilus, either from supplements or food products that contain this beneficial bacteria is another good way to boost immune system function, as studies on children in daycare centers has shown. Kids who took acidophilus were less likely to suffer with ear infections, colds and the flu.

#8. Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral that we would not be able to survive without. Insufficient levels of magnesium has been linked to ADD and ADHD as evidenced by a medical research study that was conducted in Poland. Children with ADHD were more likely to be deficient in certain nutrients and magnesium in particular.

If you want to eat better or if you want to give your body the boost it needs to function properly then you have come to the right place. Here are some foods that your body will thank you for, given that it requires less effort to digest them. They’re especially helpful for people who perhaps have digestive problems.

Yoghurt

Yoghurt might be a dairy product but at the end of the day, it can offer you various benefits. It contains plenty of probiotics and it contains calcium and protein as well. If you want to go with Greek yoghurts then you’ll be getting more protein.

Sauerkraut

This is actually a type of fermented cabbage and it is incredibly easy for your body to digest. In fact, it can also help your body to digest other foods as well. The cabbage contains lactic acid and when you eat it alongside other foods, you’ll be sure to feel better.

Kimchi

This food is actually a Korean cuisine but it is great for you. It might be very spicy but it can help your digestive system to process food because it is fermented and it can take months to prepare at any one time. There are even special types of Kimchi fridges that can help to keep the food at the right temperature so you can get the biggest benefits of all.

Chicken

Chicken is a very lean meat and it is well accepted by the digestive system. It contains plenty of protein and this is great if you are going to the gym a lot. Make sure that you eat this in moderation however, because if you don’t then you won’t be able to digest it as easily.

Brown Rice

If you have a side of brown rice with your meal then you will be getting plenty of carbohydrates as well as making sure that you have plenty of fibre as well.

Salmon

If you love fish but you want to make sure that you are doing your body a favour then you’ll be glad to know that salmon contains plenty of protein. It’s very easy to digest and it has all the vitamins you need.

Bananas

Bananas have been around since the dawn of history and they are one of the few types of food that we have been eating for thousands of years. They are one of the most natural foods around and they won’t usually give you any problems when it comes to the digestion process. A lot of people choose to mix berries with bananas but at the end of the day, this can make things worse for you. This is because berries can interfere with the digestive process so you won’t be doing yourself any favours in this instance.

So as you can see, there are plenty of foods that you can eat to try and help your body with the digestive process and all of the above foods are very accessible as well so you won’t have any problems there.

If you have acne problems then you will certainly understand how frustrating it can be. This is especially the case if you have tried all the creams and lotions that are available but in some instances, they can even make the problem worse. If you don’t try and treat your acne then you may be left with scarring and other damages and that brings around the question, can green tea treat acne effectively?

Green Tea Contains Plenty of Antioxidants

Green tea contains a lot of antioxidants and the main reason for this is because it contains polyphenols. This compound is what gives green tea such a boost in terms of the health benefits it has to offer and you can take it both internally and externally. You will also find that there is a decaffeinated version on the market as well so if you don’t want to stay up all night as a result of drinking it before bedtime then you know that you can drink it with anything to worry about.

It Can Reduce Your Insulin Level

Acne is commonly associated with insulin and even blood sugar levels. Studies have shown that if you have a high level of carbohydrates in your body you’ll be more prone to skin disorders. If you want to reduce this, then green tea can do this for you as well as bringing all your other levels back down to normal.

It’s An Anti-inflammatory

Green tea has properties which help it to act as an anti-inflammatory. This can help you by reducing all of the rashes and scars you experience as the result of acne, so you can have better and clearer skin in half the time.

It’s Also Antibacterial

Green tea is known for its antibacterial properties and this is incredibly helpful because in most cases, this is what causes acne.

Sex Hormone Binding…

There are hormones in the body that can really affect your skin and it can cause multiple disorders as well. Green tea contains various molecules that bind onto these hormones so they won’t become bioactive. So as you can see, green tea can actually help you prevent getting acne in the first place and it is this hormone that plays a part in prostate and breast cancer as well.

It’s Good For Your Body As Well

Green tea can help you clear out the bad bacteria in your body and it is ideal if you want to undergo a detox. This alone will help your body to clear out the acne and it has other health benefits as well so you know you can take your skin and healthcare regime to that next level when you incorporate green tea into your diet.

Green tea is certainly something you need to look out for if you suffer from acne and you’d be surprised at the other health benefits it can offer you as well. One or two cups a day would be plenty to get you started so it’s very affordable for the long term.

Despite its Chinese-sounding name, jojoba oil actually comes from a shrub found throughout the southwestern states of the United States. Its scientific name is Simmondsia Chinensis. It is a wild tree-like shrub that produces nuts from which a waxy substance is extracted which is known as jojoba oil.

What makes jojoba oil unique is how similar it is to sebum, the waxy substance that our skin glands produce. Because of that, it is an amazing skin conditioner. In fact, jojoba oil has replaced most of the animal fats which had previously been used in creams and lotions. It first rose to popularity when there were strong oppositions to whale oils being used in cosmetics.

Here are a few of the uses of jojoba oil.

Face Moisturizer

If you are looking for an excellent overnight or daily face moisturizer, look no further than jojoba oil. If using as a daily moisturizer, you can use just 4 – 6 drops and rub in. It can leave a sheen on your skin, so carefully blot the excess oil to reduce the shine. If you want to use it as an overnight moisturizer, you can increase the amount used and not worry about excess oil since it will soak in during the night. It also works great as a lip balm.

Facial Cleanser

In the same way that coconut oil can be used as a daily face cleanser, you can also simply apply a few drops of jojoba oil onto your dry skin, allow it to set for a couple minutes, and then rinse it away. It works because the oil actually pulls the impurities from the skin on your face and neck, leaving you feeling fresh and clean.

Blemish Reducer

Jojoba oil contains high levels of vitamin E which makes it great for helping unsightly skin blemishes to fade or even disappear over time. This includes everything from scars, scabs, and stretch marks. You can also use it to help speed up the healing process of wounds.

Hair Conditioner

Starting right at your scalp where it can moisturize your dry skin and get rid of dandruff, it will also work on your hair to moisturize it and improve its texture. Your hair will soon boost a natural shine and be noticeably softer. Plus, you can also use it to manage frizzy hair by using it to replace your anti-frizz products.

Acne Treatment

Because of its ability to remove impurities as well as its anti-microbial properties, jojoba is an excellent choice for better acne control. Whether you are fighting against acne breakouts, blackheads, or pimples, the iodine in jojoba can help you win.

Anti-Fungal

Many types of foot infections are fungal in nature, but jojoba can help you get your feet back to being beautiful by fighting against warts, toenail fungus, and athlete’s foot. The anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties of jojoba will give you fast relief from any foot fungus.

Anti-Aging Serum

There are so many anti-aging serums out on the market today, but few have the powerful antioxidant properties of jojoba oil which can help smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. By applying just a few drops to your biggest problem areas, you will be able to see improvements.

Sunburn Relief

One of the ancient medical uses of jojoba oil was to treat various skin irritations from sunburn to heat a rash. It will not only help you feel more comfortable, but it will also help reduce the flaking and peeling that happens as your skin heals.

Makeup Remover

Jojoba oil is a great makeup remover, especially for those harder-to-remove waterproof liners and mascaras. It can also help you cleanse your skin from foundations and help remove and lighten cheek and lip stains.

Body Lotion

If you want to take advantage of the hydration benefits of jojoba oil, try applying a few drops as soon as you step out of the shower. Then, top it off with a natural cream like cocoa or shea butter which will help to lock in the moisture.

Shaving Gel

Using jojoba oil as a shaving gel will help avoid razor burns and redness of skin while it moisturizes your legs. Try just a few drops of oil and you’ll be surprised at how well it works for you.

Re-Grow Hair

If you’re suffering from thinning hair or hair loss, try using jojoba oil as a hair re-growth serum. It can help unclog hair follicles and protect your hair against split ends, breakage, and damage which will help give you a fuller head of hair once again.

Hair Detangler

Knotted, unmanageable, or dry hair can benefit greatly from a few drops of jojoba oil applied onto your hair after you’ve towel-dried it. Coating it evenly throughout your hair will help you get a brush through it easily and get it under control.

Binge eating is defined as the seemingly uncontrollable consumption of large amounts of food which are not purged afterwards. Although it is normally associated with eating massive amounts of food in very short periods of time, it can also be eating constantly throughout the day to add up to a large amount of food.

People who binge eat love the over-full feeling and will always eat, even if they don’t actually feel hungry. They often don’t experience any joy out of eating and will do so until they begin to feel sick or are in physical pain. Binge eating is usually a result of emotional problems and although it feels like you can’t control yourself, there is a way to get out from under it.

1. Identify Your Triggers

Nearly everybody who binge eats does so for a specific reason, so identifying the thoughts and feelings that you’re having before you begin to binge eat will help you create a strategy to either avoid these triggers completely or to deal with them in a healthier way when you do confront them.

2. Keep a Food Diary

The Center for Behavioral Medicine in Chicago performed a study in which they asked 38 overweight participants to keep a food diary as they tried to lose weight. The study found that this practice helped them lose weight and gave them more control over the amount of food that they ate during the holidays.

Make sure you keep it as simple as possible, and keep track of the food and the approximate amount rather than worrying about trying to count calories. What is more important is that you include everything that you ate or drank throughout the day.

3. Find Other Socialization Options

If you’re like most people, social gatherings happen around food, which makes it difficult to control yourself when you’re surrounded by friends who are also eating and enjoying themselves. Instead, begin to plan social activities that aren’t focused on food. You can go for a walk at the park, visit a pottery shop to paint your own pottery, go for a bike ride, or try out a new fitness class at your local gym or community center.

4. Eat Fruit First

Because the most over-eaten foods are the calorie-heavy, fat-laden foods, focus on the foods that are lower in calories and fat to fill up on before you move on to some of the heavier foods. That means focusing on things like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. When you fill up on these foods, you’ll also get extra vitamins and minerals that your body needs.

5. Remove Temptation

Purge your home and office spaces of any unhealthy foods, so you don’t even have to worry about resisting temptation. Cookies and other similar sweets can be replaced by pretzels and rice cakes, and frozen treats can be replaced with frozen yogurt. You can fill your fridge with baby carrots and pre-made fruit salads, and your desk drawer with nuts or salt and butter free popcorn.

6. Use Your Table for Eating

Rather than letting yourself sit in the semi-darkness of your living room and eat in front of the TV, take the time to actually sit in your well-lit dining area and focus just on your food while you eat. When you are more aware of what you are eating by seeing, smelling, and tasting it more fully, you’re more likely to stop when you’ve had enough rather than eating simply because the food is there.

7. Break Your Meals Up

This is particularly important for those who tend to binge during meals or late in the evenings. By eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day, you can keep your hunger at bay and benefit from more stable blood sugar and energy levels. By feeling satisfied throughout the day and never reaching that feeling of hunger, you can better avoid binge eating.

8. Don’t Diet

Although this sounds contradictory, it’s important that you don’t put a bunch of restrictions on yourself and what you are allowed to eat or how much. This can cause stress which can lead to over-eating.

Instead, simply replace the unhealthy foods that you’re eating now with healthy choices so you can lead a healthier lifestyle. When you are eating whole foods, you will get more out of them and will automatically begin to eat less.

9. Follow the 10-Minute Rule

If you feel like you want to eat something in between meals, take a moment to ask yourself: “Am I really hungry, or am I bored or using food as an excuse to procrastinate?” If you’re still not sure, take 10 minutes to involve yourself in something else (preferably productive if you’re at work), and then see if you’re still craving something. Sometimes, you may just need to drink a glass of water or chew on some sugar-free gum to satisfy your desire to have something in your mouth.

Jackfruit is a kind of exotic fruit that is sweet, delicious, and best of all very nutritious. It’s literally the jack of all fruits. Jackfruit is filled with vitamins and minerals, along with phytonutrients, carbohydrates, electrolytes, fibre, fat and protein. There is also no cholesterol or saturated fats to be found. Jackfruit has a great taste and is filled with nutrients and health benefits.

The History of Jackfruit

The precise origins of jackfruit are unknown, though it is believed it came from the rainforests of the Western Ghats of India between three and six thousand years ago. Historians associate the discovery of the jackfruit with the Indian Emperor Ashoka, who encouraged the cultivation of several fruits including jackfruit. In 1782 a number of plants were captured from a French ship and planted in Jamaica. Roughly 100 years later the jackfruit showed up in Florida and was introduced to Brazil in the 19th century. As time passed jackfruit showed up in the rest of India, Southeast Asia, the East Indies and the Philippines.

Nowadays the jackfruit is the national fruit of Bangladesh and Indonesia. The Americas have seen it grow in Brazil, San Diego, and Florida, however there are parts of Canada and the United States that don’t have a warm enough climate for jackfruit to grow. Some of the biggest commercial dealers of jackfruit are India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia.

The Health Benefits of Jackfruit

Jackfruit Strengthens Your Immune System
One of the health benefits of Jackfruit is that it contains plenty of Vitamin C which is a nutrient that protects you against viral and bacterial infections. Vitamin C strengthens the immune system by supporting your white blood cells. One cup of jackfruit can give you plenty of the very powerful antioxidant Vitamin C.

Protects Against Cancer
Jackfruit has more than just Vitamin C. It also has phytonutrients such as lignans, saponins and isoflavones which are adept at fighting cancer and aging. These phytonutrients can help remove cancer-causing free radicals from the body and can also stop cells from degenerating to fight degenerative diseases and aging.

Helps Your Digestion
Jackfruit is effective at curing ulcers and other digestive disorders. The fibre in the fruit also prevents constipation and keeps your digestion running smoothly. The fibre can also protect against colon mucous membrane by driving away harmful and carcinogenic chemicals from the large intestine/colon.

Keeps Your Eyes and Skin Healthy
Jackfruit is filled with vitamins including Vitamin A, a nutrient that keeps your eyes and skin healthy. It can defend against visionary problems such as macular degeneration and night blindness.

It Boosts Your Energy Levels
If you need a quick burst of energy then it’s hard to beat the jackfruit. There are a lot of carbohydrates and calories in jackfruit but no fat to go with it. It also has a healthy amount of the simple sugars fructose and sucrose that give us energy but doesn’t stay in the body long.

The sugars in jackfruit are not just easy to digest, but they also come from a category of sugars known as “slowly available glucose”, or SAG. The glucose is released in to the body slowly to bring down the glycemic index of jackfruit. To put simply it means that diabetic people who suffer from high sugar levels and sugar spikes can enjoy jackfruit without worrying about having too much glucose.

Lowers Blood Pressure
The potassium in jackfruit has been proven to lower blood pressure and help reduce the risk of heart attack, cardiovascular disease, and strokes.

Get Control of Your Asthma
Jackfruit roots have been shown to help people who suffer from asthma. Boiling jackfruit root is a powerful way to fight asthma.

Strengthens your Bones
Jackfruit is packed with magnesium, a nutrient that absorbs calcium and works with the calcium in your bones to strengthen them and prevent bone disorders such as osteoporosis.

Prevents Anaemia
Jackfruit is rich in iron which prevents anaemia and improves the circulation of blood in the body.

Maintains the Health of Your Thyroid
Jackfruit also has copper that improves the metabolism of your thyroid, especially when it comes to producing and absorbing hormones. Iron is important and jackfruit has it.

To follow a suitable type 2 diabetes diet, it must have healthy fat, carbohydrate, and protein. All there is to a balanced diet is making the right choice, combining foods that help keep your blood sugar level within your target range and also prevent major spikes. Some foods can help control diabetes symptoms such as frequent urination and thirst in the case of high blood sugar or fatigue, dizziness, headaches, and mood swings in the case situation of low blood sugar.

Here is a list of foods that can help.

9. Beans

It is important to choose high-quality carbohydrates instead of low-quality ones if raising your blood sugar level slowly and gently is your goal, which of course with Diabetes, it is. As often as possible, you’ll want to pair or mix these carbohydrates with protein or enough fat. Beans in all forms are a winning mixture of carbohydrates, lean protein, and fiber which help your body blood-sugar level remain stable and keep hunger at bay.

8. Oatmeal

Research has shown that eating a diet rich in whole grains and high fiber foods have the ability to reduce the risk of diabetes by 35 to 42%. Heart-healthy oatmeal is an excellent source of both and it’s packed with soluble fiber that slows the absorption of glucose and this helps keep blood sugar levels under control.

7. Fish

Fresh fish is another leading source of lean protein. An environmental friendly variety like catfish, cod, or tilapia should be the choice; they are all mild-flavored, white-fleshed fishes that can be healthily prepared by baking, grilling, or roasting. Pairing fish with the high-quality carbohydrates present in vegetables, lentils, or beans and you have another balanced meal that will keep blood sugar under control.

6. Yogurt

Yogurt is low in fat and is naturally made up of high-quality carbohydrates and protein, thus making it an excellent food for slowing down the increase in the body’s blood sugar. Diets with high levels of calcium from yogurt and other foods rich in calcium have been shown in studies to be associated with a risk reduction of type 2 diabetes. Ensure to stick to brands with low-fat or without fat; Greek yogurt that is fat-free is an excellent choice because it contains double the protein you find in regular non-fat yogurt.

5. Almonds

Almonds give you the opportunity of having a healthy mix of mono-unsaturated fats and magnesium they help in the breakdown of carbohydrates. Excessive daily intake of magnesium has been found according to an extensive study at Harvard University to lower the risk of developing diabetes by as much as 33%. Including more foods such as pumpkin seeds, almonds, spinach, and Swiss chard, all which are rich in magnesium in your diet, is a smart move.

4. Non-starchy Vegetables

Vegetables that are not starchy like broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, and peppers are a good example of high-quality carbohydrates and are full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The fact that they are nutrient dense and contain low calories makes them have a low-impact on blood sugar. They are also an important component of a diabetes food plan.

3. Wild Salmon

Omega-3s from food help to minimize your risk of heart disease which is helpful as those with type 2 diabetes have a higher chance of cardiovascular diseases. High blood glucose levels lead to the increase of fatty materials in the blood vessels over time, and this, in turn, contributes to the clogging up of arteries. Omega 3 rich foods like wild salmon contain a fat-and-protein mix that reduces the rate at which the body absorbs carbohydrates, which in turn helps regulates blood sugar.

2. Egg Whites

Egg whites have high-quality lean protein in abundance and are also low in carbohydrates and are another healthy choice to control or type 2 diabetes. A large egg white contains high-quality protein and low calories, making them a perfect food for controlling blood sugar levels and also helps people with weight-loss.

1. Avocado

Avocados are high in monounsaturated fats and are considered to be one of the healthiest of fats. Monounsaturated fats have also been proven to improve the health of the heart. Consider including a few thin pieces of avocado in your sandwiches, or mash up a ripe avocado with cilantro, lime juice, and chopped tomato for a tasty guacamole dip.

Losing hair can be traumatizing for most people and they will do anything they can to stop their hair from breaking. To stop hair breakage, you need to be proactive and do a number of things. Here are some of the major steps you can take.

Cut out the split ends
If you don’t cut out the split ends from your hair, they will eventually run up the hair strand and break off on their own. Therefore, it makes more sense to trim off the split ends before the whole hair strand is affected. Have your hair trimmed off every three to four months to minimize cases of split ends. This may seem counterproductive at first, as you are probably trying to grow your hair long, but your hair will eventually grow fuller and thicker. Request your stylist to cut off half an inch or a quarter of an inch of your hair.

Avoid brushing your hair while it is still wet
Your hair is at its weakest when it’s wet. Brushing it will most likely result in breakage. Wait for it to dry before you brush it. When washing your hair, use a wide toothed comb to comb through it after you have applied a moisturizer.

Be careful with the towel
Use a soft cloth, like a t-shirt to dry off your hair after washing it instead of using a towel. Towels are rough on the hair. If you must use a towel, then press it against your hair instead of rubbing it dry.

Go easy on the heat
Let your hair dry off naturally on its own as much as possible. While blow dryers, flat irons and iron curlers are quite convenient to use, using too much heat on your hair too frequently will result in weakening of the hair. This will eventually result in hair breakage. If you must use heat, then set your appliances to the lowest heat level possible. This also applies when it comes to too much sun exposure. Too much sun will result in your hair becoming brittle, so if you will be staying in the sun for too long, find a creative way to cover up your hair. This may include wearing a hat or tying a scarf around your hair.

Style up, but just not too tightly
While holding up your hair in a ponytail may bring out your face, it is not advisable to tie your hair too tightly. It is also not advisable to braid your hair too tightly, as this will stress your hairline. Consider trying out different hairstyles on a regular basis. Also, be careful on the hair accessories that you use. Go for hair accessories that will not pinch or pull your hair too much.

Consult a professional stylist
While styling your own hair at home may help you save some money, you may end up doing more harm than good. That is why it is advisable to let a professional stylist handle your hair, especially when it comes to applying chemicals and color. If these are not properly handled, it can result in major hair breakage.

Circulation problems in the legs and feet can result from diseases such as peripheral artery and peripheral vascular diseases and by intermittent claudication. Common to these conditions are the narrowing of the arteries which get clogged with plaque. The result of this is that it becomes very difficult for one’s extremities to be supplied with blood.

Whether or not vitamins can aid in improving all or any of these conditions is still in the preliminary stages and can also be quite conflicting at this time, so before thinking of taking any of these supplements, be sure to consult your doctor.

However, the following vitamins are suggested to be helpful to bloody circulation and other conditions.

B Vitamins

One’s circulation is affected by niacin and not getting enough of it could have negative effects. The daily requirements for women and men are 14 and 16 milligrams respectively. In 2003, The journal of Nutrition published a study which found that men with the lowest folate intake were 33% more at risk for PAD (Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease) than their counterparts with the highest folate intake.

The Journal of Vascular Surgery also published another related study in 2004 which noted that those with low levels of vitamin B-6 or folate had greater possibilities of having PAD.

Research in this area is still ongoing and is in the preliminary stages but other vitamins may help too. The Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition in 2012 published a study which discovered that those with low levels of vitamin B-12 were more at risk of getting PVD. This indicates that Vitamin B-12 may aid in limiting vascular diseases too.

Vitamins C and E

Circulation in people with PVD may be improved by Vitamins C and E. It is said that an intake of 500 to 1,000 milligrams of vitamins C, in theory, may be able to restrict any damages to cells in one’s arteries because it may have an antioxidant effect with a result of limiting deposits of artery-clogging fats. For vitamin E, dosages between 400 and 1,000 international units daily may result in blood-thinning resulting in easier passage of the blood through vessels that are narrow.

It should be noted, however, that research to verify whatever potential benefits there are to these supplements improving circulation is ongoing and currently inconclusive. Before ever attempting to take these supplements in the dosages stated here, please consult with your doctor as these dosages are way higher than the recommended daily allowances for the vitamins in question.

Vitamin D

In 2008, Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology published a study by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine which found that the risk for PAD decreased as the blood levels of vitamin D rose.

Take note that more research is needed to find out if intake of vitamin D supplements will improve circulation when a person already has the condition.

Other Beneficial Changes

The Journal of Nutrition published a study in 2005 discovered that a mixture of Vitamins A, B6, and D, folic acid, DHA, EPA, and oleic acid helps in improving PVD symptoms. Recommendations by the Medical Center of the University of Maryland are that one eats a heart-healthy diet which is high in fibre content and low in cholesterol and fats. It has also been said that circulation in the legs may be improved by a lot of exercise which includes walking.

Circulation can also be enhanced by the following supplements.

Potassium

By regulating blood pressure, potassium also aids circulation. Some good sources of potassium include bran wheat, wheat germ, figs and raisins.

Grape seed – antioxidant support for the blood vessels

There are potent antioxidant properties contained in grape seed, just like vitamin E. It is known to protect against damage done to the blood vessels by free radicals. There is a claim that after vitamin E has performed its essential function of destroying free radicals, grape seed may help in its protection and reconversion to its antioxidant form. Symptoms of Chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins may also be relieved by grape seed.

Fish oil supports blood vessel function

Fish oil is known to support healthy peripheral blood circulation and arteries. It is also known, in clinical trials, that fish oil supplement intake has positive effects on the functioning of blood vessels even in individuals that are normal.

Ginkgo and bilberry support peripheral circulation

These herbs, ginkgo and bilberry, have been known for their functions in improving alertness, concentration and memory and in supporting visual function. But they may also be able to aid in the maintenance of peripheral blood circulation. Ginkgo, in addition to this function, may also aid in bringing symptomatic relief to the legs after walking a long distance where they begin aching.

Horse chestnut and butcher’s broom help relieve varicose veins

Clinical studies reveal that the herbs, horse chestnut and butcher’s broom, which have traditionally been used in European herbal medicine in the treatment of vein disorders including haemorrhoids and varicose veins, bring relief to fluid retention, swelling, tension and itching.