Don't give up to your DESK JOB, learn to stay fit

Don’t let your desk job make you unhealthy and fat. Here are a few exercises and diet tips to stay fit in spite of a sit-down job. Many people complain about this. Increasing stress and inactivity at work leads to weight gain. Here’s what to do…

Exercise at your desk

1. For a toned stomach: Sit tall and straighten the spine. Clench the abdominal muscles tightly pulling the naval into the spine. Hold for one to five seconds and repeat 20 times. Try doing this at least three times in a day.
2. For great thighs: Be seated with knees together. Keep them together in a way that no one can pull them apart even if they try their best. Squeeze your inner thigh muscles in one-second pulses. Do this at least three times daily.
3. For a shapely butt: Start to stand up and tighten your butt and thigh muscles; then pause for a beat. Sit back down and stand up as you normally would. Do this every time you get out of your chair.

Nutrition chart

1. Eat more of nuts and seeds: The vital nutrients that your body requires – protein, magnesium, vitamin B and healthy monounsaturated fats are found in favorites like almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds. They help keep blood sugar under control. Have them in the earliest part of the day – they will pack you with lot of energy.
2. Raw vegetables and cold cuts: Consume foods that are high in fibre. Vegetables like broccoli and celery are rich in plant compounds that regulate blood sugar. Also, go for cold cuts like turkey and cheese slices that are high in protein.
3. Have eggs daily: Egg is the highest quality protein you can have. They increase nitrogen stores in muscles and make them firmer so they burn more calories even when your body is at rest. Moreover they are loaded with vitamin D and prevent fat from trapping.
4. Sip oolong tea: Oolong tea balances blood sugar and cortisol levels – this reverses the fat-storing mechanisms caused by office inactivity. Consume one to three cups while you’re at work.

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The most powerful HOME REMEDIES FOR HAIR GROWTH

Hair is important for our looks. Why else would anyone spend so much of time, efforts and money to find that most suitable hairstyle for one’s face? Your hair gives you a distinct personality. So if you are worried about hair loss that you have noticed recently, there is nothing unnatural here. Even if you are losing only the normal amount of hair but want to have thicker hair, you may do so through various remedies for hair growth. So here we go and give you 6 (plus one super tip) hair growth remedies with which you can have a good volume of hair without spending a whole lot of money for clinical treatments!

Home Remedies for Hair Growth

1. Onion juice- smelly but effective remedy for hair growth

Onion not only makes your food tasty but also makes your hair grow and multiply effectively. Why? Because onion juice has sulphur in it which boosts the production of collagen tissues. These tissues assist in re growth of your hair. You will only need red onions, even shallots would do.

Directions:

1. Take two to four onions.
2. Grate the onions and squeeze out the grate thing to get its juice.
3. Massage your scalp with this fresh onion juice.
4. Let it be there for, preferably one hour. If not, leave it there at least for 15 minutes.
5. Now wash off your hair with a mild shampoo and water.

Alternative method for using onion for hair growth

If you are scared of tears and irritation in eyes due to grating of onions while taking out its juice, you can use onions in another way. Here are the directions for it:

1. Take 4-5 onions and chop them.
2. Take a liter of water and boil it.
3. Add the chopped onions to boiling water.
4. Let it boil for another 5-10 minutes.
5. Put off the flame and let the water cool.
6. Now strain and use the water to wash your hair after using shampoo.
7. If you can stand the smell, do not rinse hair with other water that day. Next day shampoo your hair use clean water to wash off.
8. If you can’t stand the smell, at least do not wash off with clean water for an hour. After that shampoo and rinse hair with clean water.

Onion not only helps in re growth of hair but also lends your hair with a fabulous sheen.

2. Potato Juice- yet another vegetable that helps your hair grow

No, we are not in a vegetable juice shop nor are we cooking food in your kitchen but these vegetables really do wonder when it comes to hair growth. Along with onions, you can also use potatoes to grow your hair. In fact, potato juice can even cure thinning of hair due to ‘alopecia.’ Potatoes are rich in certain vitamins like vitamins A, B and C. When your body lacks this vitamins, your hair gets dry and brittle. So, you must have those foods that are rich in these vitamins. Using potato juice on hair directly too is beneficial. Just grate 3-4 potatoes and squeeze out the juice from it. Massage your scalp with this juice for at least 15 minutes. Rinse off with water. If your hair is very dry, instead of using just the potato juice, you can use this potato hair mask.

You will need:

• Potatoes – 3
• Egg yolk- from one egg
• Honey – 1 tablespoon

Directions:

1. Grate and squeeze out the juice from potatoes.
2. Add egg yolk and honey to this juice.
3. Mix well to get the potato hair mask.
4. Apply on your scalp and leave for at least half and hour.
5. Wash off with mild shampoo and water.

The egg yolk and honey add a good amount of moisture to potato juice which is beneficial for your dry hair. This hair mask helps in growing hair faster.

3. Eggs give extra protein to grow extra hair

Hair is primarily made up of protein. What’s the better way to grow hair than to provide it with extra protein,in fact, one of the best proteins- the egg white. What you need to do is take one or two eggs and massage your scalp with the liquids in it. Let it sit there for an hour, preferably covered with a shower cap. Then wash it off with a mild shampoo and water. You may even make an egg mask for your hair to give it extra shine and strength.

For egg hair mask, you will need:

• Egg white – from 1-2 eggs
• Olive oil- 1 tsp
• Honey- 1tsp

Directions:

1. Mix egg white, olive oil and honey well to make the egg hair mask.
2. Apply this mask on your scalp. Cover your hair too.
3. Let it sit there for about 15-20 minutes.
4. Wash off with mild shampoo and water.

4. Rinse Hair with Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has many benefits for your hair. It stimulates the hair follicles and help them grow faster. It also cleanses scalp apart from maintaining the pH balance of hair which accelerates their growth. You just have to use this vinegar as an after-wash rinse. Add apple cider vinegar with water and use it as a final rinse for your hair each time you shampoo your hair. Although it has a mild smell that doesn’t bother anyone too much yet if you want your hair smell good even when they grow with apple cider vinegar, just add a couple of drops of some essential oil (such as lavender oil) to your mixture of water and vinegar.

5. Use Fenugreek- the age old remedy for hair growth

Fenugreek has been used to treat hair fall since ages in many parts of the world. Even you can use this spice for growing hair.

You will need:

• Fenugreek seeds – 2-3 tablespoons
• A large pan filled with water

Directions:

1. Soak the fenugreek seeds in the water for 24 hours.
2. Strain and use the water to rinse hair.
3. Do not immediately was hair with normal water. Let this water be there for at least 3 hours
4. After 3 hours, wash your hair with lukewarm water (never use hot water on your hair)
5. Repeat this daily for at a month to see your hair gaining strength and volume.

Fenugreek can also be used to make a superb hair mask for growing hair faster.

For Fenugreek hair mask, you will need:

• Fenugreek seeds paste- 1 tsp
• Coconut milk – ¼ cup or more if you have longer hair

Directions:

1. Mix fenugreek seeds paste and coconut milk well.
2. Apply to your scalp and hair.
3. Leave for half an hour.
4. Now wash off with a mild shampoo and water.

6. Ayurvedic Herbs -Amla Shikakai Reetha- for long and strong hair

Indian gooseberry (amla) is well recognized as the powerhouse of vitamin C and antioxidants. Thus it helps in production of collagen and also fights off free radicals promoting hair growth and even improving pigmentation of your hair. You can simply mix 2 teaspoons each of amla powder and lime juice and rub this on your scalp. After some time, rinse with warm water. This will help your hair grow. There is, however, another herbal remedy using amla which can promote faster hair growth by making your hair long, strong and shiny. For this you’ll have to make a shampoo at home using amla, shikakai and reetha.

To make amla, shikakai, reetha shampoo, you will need:

• Amla or Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis) – 100 gm
• Shikakai (Fruit of Acacia concinna shrub) – 100 gm
• Reetha or soapnut (Sapindus Mukorossi) – 100 gm
• Water – 2 liters

Directions:

1. Soak all the three herbs- amla, shikakai and reetha – in water overnight.
2. In the morning, boil the mixture till the time water reduces to half.
3. Let it cool.
4. Once the mixture cools, with the help of hands mash the boiled herbs to pulp in the water itself.
5. Now strain and collect the homemade shampoo in another utensil.
6. Wash your hair with this shampoo.
7. Do not try to rub the herbal liquid as you do when using regular shampoos. This will entangle your hair leading to breakage as your hair goes rough as soon as it comes in contact with this herbal shampoo.
8. The right way to use Amla-Shikakai-Reetha shampoo is to apply it over all of your wet hair and let the hair soak in it for about 5 minutes.
9. After 5 minutes, rinse with water and apply some conditioner.
10. Take care to not let the concoction enter your eyes.

This homemade shampoo will remove all the oil and dirt from your scalp and hair giving you healthier shiny hair with lots of volume. Use this amla herbs mix whenever you shampoo your hair for about 2 months. You will love the pace at which your hair grows.

The Super Tip for Hair Growth

Apart from using one or many of the above remedies for hair growth, you should always do one thing regularly. Massage your hair with some nutritious oil at least once a week. Warm a little olive oil, coconut oil or almond oil and gently massage rubbing this oil on to your scalp in circular motions. This is done best when you leave the oil overnight in your hair. However, you cannot or do not wish to do so, dip a towel in hot water, squeeze the extra water from it and wrap the towel around your oiled hair. Leave it like this for sometime and then wash off your hair with mild shampoo and conditioner. Warm towel treatment helps the massaged oil reach deep hair follicles, which in turn makes your hair strong, thick and healthy.

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9 HOME REMEDIES FOR COLD FEET

Cold feet can be quite a common problem in people with poor blood circulation. Physiologically, your feet get cold when inadequate oxygen and blood supply reach the legs due to poor blood circulation. When the circulation improves, the problem goes away.

However, persistent cold extremities can also be a symptom of other health problems, such as anemia, chronic fatigue syndrome, restless legs syndrome, peripheral neuropathy or nerve damage, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, hypothyroidism, Raynaud’s disease and hypothermia.

Nutritional deficiencies, alcohol abuse and excessive smoking are also contributing factors in cold feet.

If cold feet are accompanied by additional symptoms like changes in skin color, numbness or tingling sensations, open sores or blisters, and tightened or hardened skin, seek medical attention immediately.

As the reasons for cold feet differ from person to person, consult a doctor for proper diagnosis if you have this problem frequently. In the meantime, you can try some simple and effective home remedies for relief.

1. Warm Oil Massage

Massaging your feet is a simple and therapeutic way to restore warmth. It stimulates blood flow to your extremities. Plus, regular foot massage will help keep your feet healthy and free from many kinds of foot problems.

Warm some olive, coconut or sesame oil in the microwave for a few seconds.

Apply this warm oil on one of your cold feet.

Use gentle but firm pressure with your fingers to massage from toe to ankle for 10 minutes.

Repeat with the other foot.

After the massage, put on cotton socks.

Do this daily before going to bed and, if needed, once again during the day.

2. Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is one of the simplest options that you can try at home to restore warmth to your feet. Hydrotherapy utilizes both cold and warm water soaks. The warm water soak helps improve circulation, while the cold water soak helps reduce symptoms.

Fill 2 foot basins – one with cold water and the other with warm water.

Sit in a comfortable position, and soak your feet in cold water for 2 minutes.

Then, switch to the warm water basin for 1 minute.

Continue alternating between the two basins for 15 to 20 minutes.

Pat dry immediately and put on warm socks.

Repeat a few times daily until you get relief.

Note: You can mix a few drops of ginger, rosemary, peppermint or cypress essential oil in the water.

3. Foot Exercises

Exercising your feet is essential to keep the blood flowing continuously and keep your feet warm. Foot exercises also help strengthen blood vessels.

Stand up straight on the tips of your toes for 1 minute, then slowly come down on your heels. Repeat the procedure for 10 minutes.

While seated, rotate each foot clockwise and then counter-clockwise at the ankle joint 10 to 20 times.

Walk alternately on your toes and then your heels for 10 to 15 minutes.

Use your toes to pick up a piece of cloth or some other object from the floor several times.

Perform any of these exercises to restore warmth when you feel your feet getting cold.

4. Epsom Salt

Another simple way to make your feet warm is an Epsom salt soak. The heat of the warm water will have a warming effect, while the magnesium sulfate present in Epsom salt will provide magnesium to the body. Magnesium deficiency is one of the causes of cold feet as well as hands.

Mix ½ cup of Epsom salt in a small tub filled with warm water.

Stir until the salt is dissolved.

Soak your feet in it for 15 to 20 minutes.

Repeat this remedy twice a week.

5. Ginger

Ginger promotes blood circulation and can help combat cold extremities. It contains compounds like gingerols and zingerone that have a warming effect on the body. Plus, it can reduce the risk of blood clots.

Simmer 1 tablespoon of sliced ginger in 2 cups of water for 10 minutes. Strain, add a little raw honey and drink it 2 or 3 times a day.

Boil a pot of water with a handful of ginger slices. Allow it to cool, then soak your feet in this solution for 15 minutes, twice daily.

Another option is to take ginger supplements, after consulting your doctor.

6. Green Tea

Green tea is considered a valuable natural cure for cold feet. Drinking green tea improves the functioning of the vessels that carry blood through the body, including your feet.

Drink 2 to 3 cups of green tea throughout the day. To make green tea, add 1 teaspoon of green tea leaves to a cup of hot water, cover and steep for 5 minutes. Strain, sweeten with honey and drink it.

You can also steep 3 or 4 green tea bags in a large pot of hot water for 10 minutes. Remove the tea bags and soak your feet in it for 10 minutes. Repeat twice daily.

7. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper contains a compound called capsaicin that helps improve blood flow throughout the body, including your feet. It will help keep your feet warm and provide relief from symptoms like swelling and tingling sensations in the legs.

Evenly spread 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper in a pair of thick socks. Put on a thin pair of socks, then put the thick socks sprinkled with cayenne pepper over them.

You can also massage the soles of your feet with an over-the-counter cream containing capsaicin.

Another option is to take a supplement, after consulting your doctor.

8. Walk on Grass

Walking barefoot on grass early in the morning is one of the best ways to boost circulation in your feet. This simple exercise is very good for treating cold feet. Moreover, walking strengthens and stretches the muscles, tendons and ligaments in your feet, ankles and calves.

Plus, when you walk barefoot on grass in the early morning sun, your body produces vitamin D. Having low vitamin D increases the likelihood of becoming anemic and having cold hands and feet.

Start your day walking barefoot on grass for 30 minutes to enjoy good circulation and overall health.

9. Increase Iron Intake

Those suffering from iron-deficiency anemia often have cold hands and feet. This happens because blood with a low hemoglobin level can’t deliver a proper oxygen supply to various organs and tissues.

Women between the ages of 19 and 50 need 18 mg of iron daily, while men in the same age category need 8 mg daily.

To fight iron deficiency, eat iron-rich foods like dates, apples, lentils, liver, red meat, spinach, soybean flour, tofu, almonds, dried apricots, olives, fortified breakfast cereals, watercress, oysters and asparagus.

You can opt to take an iron supplement, after consulting your doctor for the proper dosage. High doses of iron can be harmful to your body.

10. Eat Magnesium-Rich Foods

Magnesium is another nutrient required for good circulation and absorption of vitamin D. Without enough magnesium, you are more likely to suffer from cold feet as well as hands.

The body cannot store magnesium for very long, so it is essential to include magnesium-rich foods regularly in your diet.

Adult women need up to 300 mg of magnesium daily, and men require up to 400 mg daily.

Some good sources of magnesium-rich foods are spinach, Swiss chard, turnips, mustard greens, broccoli, seaweed, avocados, cucumbers, green beans, baked potatoes, whole grains, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds and almonds.

You can opt to take supplements, after consulting your doctor.

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MEMORY LOSS STARTS IN 30S, CORRECT YOUR DIET TO FIGHT IT

Good food and exercise can play a powerful role in helping cope with stress and boosting memory.

Increasingly, young people have been complaining of forgetfulness and memory lapses. Forgetting names, faces, important dates, appointments, conversations, where you have put things, stopping mid-sentence and often stumbling on words, trying to remember what you wanted to say, lapses in concentration or experiencing brain fog — if you are experiencing any of these, it is certainly a warning sign of declining memory and brain function. Once associated with old-age and senility, this is no laughing matter for the young generation.

Several scientific studies show that starting in our early 30s, we experience significant memory loss each year along with loss of brain function. A recent scientific study at Georgia Tech University shows that the average person’s memory declines by as much as 40 per cent between 30 and 65 years of age, with an even more pronounced decline in the “golden years”.

The reasons for the acceleration of this decline could be many including multitasking, stress and technologically driven environment, toxins in air, food, and water, and unhealthy diets. Stress can alter our bodies, brains and eating habits. The body responds to stress by increasing the release of free radicals (chemicals that weaken the immune system, exposing the body to degenerative diseases), hormonal imbalances, altering eating behaviour and affecting overall productivity and well-being. Further, increased stress creates a greater need for memory boosting nutrients like Vitamin B, Vitamin C, folic acid, zinc, magnesium etc.

Some of the other common environmental factors implicated are chemicals and heavy metals in our food including fluoride in ground water, toxic pesticides, herbicides, GM (genetically modified) foods and artificial sweeteners; excessive sugar like high fructose corn syrup, increased alcohol consumption; aluminum in cookware, antiperspirants, deodorants and prolonged exposure to electromagnetic radiations.

In fact, there are some special foods known in traditional medicine which are associated with improvement of brain function and memory. These include Brahmi Ghrita and Ginko Biloba which reportedly have cognitive enhancing properties. More scientific research is needed to validate their unique bio-active compounds with specific dosages and memory enhancing properties.

The critical preventive approach to a failing memory lies in correction of diet and nutrient therapy along with sanitising the environment and stress management.

Good food, along with exercise, can play a powerful role in helping cope with stress and boost memory.

To Boost your memory, have more of:

• Antioxidants like Vitamin A, Vitamin E and Vitamin C: Found in eggs, carrots, broccoli, fish, nuts, green leafy vegetables and fruits.
• Omega 3 fatty acids:Found in fish, mustard oil, mustard seeds, methi, urad daal, rajma, soybeans, lobia, walnuts, bajra, and flaxseeds.
• Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): Found in rice bran, whole wheat flour, barley, maize, eggs, cow’s milk etc.
• Vitamin B12: Found in egg, lean meat and low-fat milk.
• Folic Acid: Found in green leafy vegetables, broccoli, pulses etc.
• Zinc: Found in whole grains, pulses, seafood, meat and poultry.
• Magnesium: Found in whole grains, leafy vegetables, legumes, peas, beans, nuts and shellfish.
• Lecithin: Found in egg yolk, soybeans, cauliflower, beans, legumes, grains and wheatgerm.
• Healthy fats: Found in nuts, seeds, olive oil, sesame oil, canola oil, sunflower oil and corn oil.

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10 VERY SIMPLE EATING RULES TO LOSE WEIGHT

Tired of remembering all sorts of complicated rules that claim they can help you shed off excess pounds effectively? Oftentimes, the simplest ones prove to be the most effective as they are easy to remember and incorporate into your life. Below you will find perhaps 10 of the most straightforward rules to losing weight.

Rule #1: Have a hearty breakfast first thing in the morning

According to experts, your body should be supplied with energy within an hour after waking up. Otherwise, it will turn to your muscles for energy. You don’t want to lose muscle mass as it will surely slow down your metabolism.

Rule #2: Obtain most of your daily caloric needs early on

By making sure that you eat like a king in the morning, lunch like a prince at noon and have dinner like a pauper, you are not going to hit the sack with unnecessary amounts of calories that will be converted into fat.

Rule #3: Eat on a regular basis

Eating on a regular basis keeps your blood sugar level normal, warding off hunger pangs and exhaustion. Make sure that you include plenty of whole grains, fruits and vegetables that pack complex carbohydrates.

Rule #4: Pay attention to two very important signals

First, ensure that what you’re feeling is actually hunger and not just thirst or boredom. Second, see to it that you don’t miss that satiety signal by eating slowly so you don’t end up too full when it goes off.

Rule #5: Consume foods that are rich in calcium and vitamin D

Try to have up to 3 servings of calcium- and vitamin D-rich foods daily. Other than making your bones strong, scientists say that these nutrients are highly effective at keeping unwanted pounds at bay.

Rule #6: Don’t stay away from fats as some fats are good for you

Monounsaturated fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids energize you and help promote weight loss. It’s a good idea to have 3 to 4 servings of healthy oils, avocados, nuts, oily fish and even chocolates to obtain enough of those good fats.

Rule #7: Have enough high quality protein

Protein makes you feel full for a longer period of time. It also helps build and maintain muscles that burn lots of calories all the time. Aim for 3 servings of lean protein daily — fish, chicken, turkey, and lean beef and pork cuts.

Rule #8: Have enough fiber

Experts recommend for you eat not less than 20 grams of fiber a day. Fiber promotes regular bowel movement and makes you feel full. Excellent sources include fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Rule #9: Drink 8 to 12 glasses of water daily

Water fills your stomach and makes you feel full. Also, experts from Stanford Prevention Research Center say that drinking plenty of water is linked to a 5-pound weight loss in a year. It may not seem a lot but 5 pounds is still 5 pounds.

Rule #10: Steer clear of restrictive diets

Being healthy and looking great should not feel like you’re punishing yourself on a daily basis. The reason why fad diets constantly show up is because none of them can make you lose weight for life.

Losing weight need not be made tedious by rules that are too complex. All you need is to abide by very simple ones that are proven to work. If there are other very simple weight loss tips and tricks you know, do share!

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Diet For Ulcers And Gastritis

What is a diet for ulcers and gastritis?

A diet for ulcers and gastritis is an eating plan that limits or does not include foods that irritate your stomach. Your stomach can be irritated by foods that increase stomach acid. You will need to limit or avoid drinks and foods that cause your symptoms, such as stomach pain, heartburn, or indigestion.

Which foods should I limit or avoid?

Not all foods affect everyone the same way. You will need to learn which foods cause your symptoms. Seasonings, such as pepper, increase stomach acid and may irritate your stomach. Foods that contain chocolate, are spicy, or are high in fat may also irritate your stomach. Drinks that contain alcohol or caffeine may also cause symptoms. The following are some foods that you may need to limit or avoid:

• Beverages:

• • Hot cocoa and cola
  • Whole milk and chocolate milk
  • Peppermint and spearmint tea
  • Regular and decaf coffee
  • Green and black tea, with or without caffeine
  • Drinks that contain alcohol
  • Orange and grapefruit juices
• Spices and seasonings:
  • Black and red pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Chili powder
• Other foods:

• • Dairy foods made from whole milk or cream
  • Spicy or strongly flavored cheeses, such as jalapeno or black pepper
  • Highly seasoned, high-fat meats, such as sausage, salami, bacon, ham, and cold cuts
  • Hot chiles and peppers
  • Onions and garlic
  • Tomato products, such as tomato paste, tomato sauce, or tomato juice

Which foods can I eat and drink?

Eat a variety of healthy foods from all the food groups. Eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat dairy foods. Whole grains include whole-wheat breads, cereals, pasta, and brown rice. Choose lean meats, poultry (chicken and turkey), fish, beans, eggs, and nuts. A healthy meal plan is low in unhealthy fats, salt, and added sugar. Healthy fats include olive oil and canola oil. Ask your dietitian for more information about a healthy diet.

What other guidelines may be helpful?

• Do not eat right before bedtime. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
• Eat small, frequent meals. Your stomach may tolerate small, frequent meals better than large meals.

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Stress

Stress

About Stress

Stress generally refers to  a state of mind or mental tension that is linked to anxiety, irritability, insecurity, mental disorders like depression or insomnia and physical ones likemigraine, cardiovascular ailments and sexual dysfunction. It occurs in the presence of an external stimulus called the stressor. Usually factors like work pressure, personal commitments and working environment act as common stressors in daily life. Our body can handle stress with a mechanism called fight-or-flight response, where certain hormones are released to combat stress. But when the levels of these hormones are increased, several organs and systems of the body may get affected. Increased stress levels commonly affects the immune system, musculoskeletal system, circulatory system and digestive system.It is also linked to heart disease, diabetes and gastro-intestinal disorders.  There’s a causal link between stress and physiological ailment. However the fact that many individuals remain healthy after stressful events suggests that susceptibility varies from person to person based on genetic, environmental and psychological factors. In this section, you can read some interesting ways to handlestress ex: laughter yoga, natural remedies, healthy food and water.

Stress content

• Causes
• Symptoms
• Complications
• Home remedies

Causes

Everyone is different and tend to react differently to situations, but broadly, stress can be caused due to problems at the workplace, problems at home or even sudden changes in life. Bereavement or the death of a loved one is also one of the most leading causes of stress.

While the stimulus for the onset of stress could be different for all, the extent and severity of the condition depends on your innate strength to bear a problem. Therefore the stronger a person (mentally) the less likely he/she is to suffer from it.

Symptoms

 ‘Stress can manifest in mainly two forms – physical and psychological. Psychological symptoms include anxiety, depression, aggressiveness, restlessness, panic attack, mood swings, etc.

Sometimes due to extreme stress people tend to become increasingly silent, or can react in a manner opposite to his/her normal behavior. Physically the symptoms seen affect various parts of our body. For instance when stress affects the nervous system, a person would experience constant headaches, in the gastrointestinal system the person might experience reduced appetite, stomach upset or pain, and in case of the respiratory system one may experience difficulty breathing.

Stress also affects the heart and can lead to a rise or a sudden fall in BP and possibly a heart attacks. It can affects one’s sexual life as well. Other physical problems one can face is body ache and muscle aches as well’

Apart from these symptoms there are many more symptoms that affect every system in the body. According to the American Institute of Stress, a person may experience symptoms like frequent headaches, bouts of jaw clenching, tremors, trembling of lips, etc.

Complications

 ‘Ignoring it and living without dealing with the condition can leave you with many physical and psychological conditions such as asthma, diabetes, obesity,PCOD, menstrual disturbance, headache, eating disorder, weight loss and even IBS(Irritable Bowel Syndrome).’

Apart from that it can also lead to the development of heart disease and hypertension. 

Home remedies

Stress can affect the functioning of immune system drastically, affecting the defense mechanism against infections. Here are a few natural remedies that can help you combat stress or deal with it in a healthy way.

• Herbs: Herbs such as cardamom (elaichi), aswagandha, jatamansi, guduchi, brahmi, tulsi and shankhpushpi, lettuce, celery, peppermint, chamomile and fennel (saunf) have amazing relaxing properties. Make these a part of your diet by adding it to your tea.
• Oil massage:  oil massage is an easy way of de-stressing the body as well as the mind. For even better relaxation, mix in a little powder of shankhpushpi or brahmi into the oil you use for the massage.
• Cut down alcohol: Alcohol tends to increase feelings of anxiety and stress. Cut down on your intake of such beverages and you are sure to observe your stress levels becoming much more manageable.
• Breathing: A lack of proper breathing technique reduces the amount of oxygen reaching the brain which is a major reason for increasing stress levels. Wherever you feel stressed you should breathe in slowly and deeply a few times. Feel your stomach and chest expand as you inhale, and fall as you exhale.

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HOME REMEDIES FOR COLDS

A dry cough is a type of cough that doesn’t produce any sputum or phlegm. Such type of cough is common when you develop a viral infection of the nose or throat. It feels as if something’s stuck in the throat and you cannot get it out even with continuous coughing. A dry, hacking cough may also be the outcome of an exposure to allergens and dusty environments. A random tickle at the back of your throat will also lead to dry cough. Whatever the cause, you can always make use of certain home remedies for dry cough to improve your condition.

1. Turmeric

The herb turmeric has a therapeutic effect on coughs, particularly a dry cough.

Heat half a cup of water in a boiling pot. Add one teaspoon turmeric powder, and one teaspoon black pepper. You may also add cinnamon sticks. Boil this for about two to three minutes. Add one tablespoon of honey. Drink this daily until the condition improves.

Alternatively, make an herbal tea by adding one teaspoon of turmeric powder and one teaspoon of carom seeds to a cup of water, and boil it until water reduces to one-half cup. Add some honey and drink this herbal solution two to three times a day.

Another way to use turmeric is to roast turmeric root and grind it into a smooth powder. Mix it with water and honey, and drink it twice a day.

2. Ginger

Ginger is one of the most popular natural cures for a cough.

Cut fresh ginger into small slices and crush them slightly. Put them in a cup of water and bring to a boil. Drink this herbal solution three to four times a day for relief from sore throat, non-stop coughing and even congestion. You can also some lemon juice and honey to it.

Another option is to chew fresh raw ginger on and off throughout the day to reduce your cough.

3. Lemon

Lemons can be used in a variety of ways for curing coughs. Lemons have properties that reduce inflammation and also provide a dose of infection-fighting vitamin C.

A simple cough syrup can be made by combining two tablespoons of lemon juice and one tablespoon of honey. Drink this healthy syrup several times a day.

Another way to use lemons is to blend lemon juice with a little honey and a pinch of cayenne pepper and then drink it.

4. Garlic

Garlic has both antibacterial and antimicrobial components that help treat coughs.

Boil two to three cloves of garlic in a cup of water and add a teaspoon of oregano. Allow it to cool to room temperature, add some honey and drink it. This will help your breathing and alleviate other cough symptoms.

Eat a clove of crushed garlic mixed with a few drops of clove oil and some honey for sore throat relief. You can also use garlic in your cooking.

5. Onion

One of the simplest home remedies for a cough is to cut onions. Breathing in the strong vapors can help stop coughing.

You can also make a cough syrup from baked onion juice, comfrey tea and honey. Drink it daily to get relief from a dry cough.

Another option is to combine one-half teaspoon of onion juice with one teaspoon of pure honey. Swallow this solution at least twice a day to alleviate a cough and soothe your throat.

6. Hot Milk with Honey

Hot milk with honey can relieve a dry cough and reduce chest pain you may be experiencing from continuous coughing. For best results, drink it before going to sleep. For added benefits from the analgesic properties of honey, swallow a teaspoon of plain honey on empty stomach. This will help clear the mucus and soothe your throat.

10. Almonds

Almonds have nutritional properties that play a proactive role in healing cough symptoms.

Soak five to six almonds in water for 8 to 10 hours.

Make a smooth paste out of the soaked almonds and add one teaspoon of butter.

Eat it three to four times a day until your symptoms go away.

These home remedies can give you relief from the various symptoms of a cough without the side effects that come with pills and cough syrups. But if you have continuous coughing for more than two weeks, consult your doctor.

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