Top 5 tips to combat computer eye strain

Thousands of young people put vision at risk by straining their eyes and forgetting to visit the opticians. We asked the experts how to prevent eye strain and protect your sight

Eyesight is our most valued sense, beating smell, touch taste and hearing in a recent poll. But despite this, 17 per cent of Brits admit they haven’t had an eye checkup in the past three years.

And on a daily basis, an increasing number of us flit from work computer screens, to mobiles, to TVs to tablets and back again, so it’s no surprise eye strain is on the up.

“If you have a real problem, such as unexplained blurred vision or pain, discharge or redness in the eyes, it’s really important you go and see your eye doctor,” says Steve Schallhorn, Chairman of Optical Express’ International Medical Advisory Board (IMAB), which carried out the survey.

If your eyes are just tired from staring at screens and you’re experiencing tired eyes from day to day tasks, here are Steve’s top five tips for beating eye strain:

1. Take five. Give yourself a few minutes, get comfortable, close your eyes, take off your glasses if you wear them, slow down, relax and take deep breaths. Just for a few minutes to really give your eyes a break.

2. When you get home, avoid near work for a period of time. You’ve been working on a screen all day so don’t jump right into checking your email, or looking at your phone or even read for about an hour.

3. Change your lighting. You want a gentle, soft light that’s not too bright or high intensity, but still illuminates properly. Try dimming a light, or turning on lamp rather than the main light. See how your eyes feel – you don’t want to put them under strain from too little or too much light.

4. Blink. We blink less when we’re doing intense work and some of the eye fatigue can be due to dry eye that we might not even notice. Taking five can help but also blink, get in tune with your eyes and see how they’re feeling. If they’re dry, close them or if that’s not enough use eye drops.

5. Massage. When we work in front of a computer screen our forehead muscles get very tense and just a few minutes to massage the head, brow and neck, if you have someone to do it for you, can help ease the pressure.

During the day Steve advises specs-wearers to ensure they have the right prescription and a well-fitting pair of glasses to prevent eye fatigue.

And even if you don’t need glasses yet (by 65, 94 per cent of us will!), there are things you should do to prevent your eyes being over worked. These include lining your screen up comfortably, so your eyes are level with the top third of it, with you looking down slightly. Also, adjust the brightness of your screen. It should be bright enough to read the letters comfortably but not significantly brighter than the surroundings, as a contrast will mean your retina has to work too hard to compensate.

It’s recommended you have your eyes checked every three years, even if you have no problems as some conditions, such as glaucoma, which can lead to blindness, have no symptoms. For more about eye care, visit Optical Express.

DISCLAIMER: The contents of this site are for information purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Information on specific topics may not apply to everyone or in all cases. If you think you may need medical attention please consult a qualified health practitioner.

As published in Yahoo Lifestyle By Kim Hookem-Smith

Source Link : http://uk.lifestyle.yahoo.com/how-to-reduce-eye-strain-computer-screens-phones.html

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List of Nutrients and their sources for Good Health

Source : http://suhanijain.com/2012/09/03/list-of-nutrients-and-their-sources-for-good-health/

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Drinking Water On Empty Stomach

It is popular in Japan today to drink water immediately after waking up every morning. Furthermore, scientific tests have proven its value. We publish below a description of use of water for our readers.

For old and serious diseases as well as modern illnesses the water treatment had been found successful by a Japanese medical society as a 100% cure for the following diseases: Headache, body ache, heart system, arthritis, fast heart beat, epilepsy, excess fatness, bronchitis asthma, TB, meningitis, kidney and urine diseases, vomiting, gastritis, diarrhea, piles, diabetes, constipation, all eye diseases, womb, cancer and menstrual disorders, ear nose and throat diseases.

METHOD OF TREATMENT
1. As you wake up in the morning before brushing teeth, drink 4 x 160ml glasses of water
2.. Brush and clean the mouth but do not eat or drink anything for 45 minute
3. After 45 minutes you may eat and drink as normal.
4. After breakfast lunch and dinner followed by warm water, do not eat or drink anything for 2 hours
5. Those who are old or sick and are unable to drink 4 glasses of water at the beginning of the day,may commence by taking little water and gradually increase it to 4 glasses .
6. The above method of treatment will cure diseases of the sick and others can enjoy a healthy life.

The following list gives the number of days of treatment required to cure/control/ reduce main diseases:
1. High Blood Pressure (30 days)
2. Gastric (10 days)
3. Diabetes (30 days)
4. Constipation (10 days)
5. Cancer (180 days)
6. TB (90 days)

Arthritis patients should follow the above treatment only for 3 days in the 1st week, and from 2nd week onwards daily.

This treatment method has no side effects, however at the commencement of treatment you may have to urinate a few times. It is better if we continue this and make this procedure as a routine work in our life. Drink Water and Stay healthy and Active.

This makes sense .The Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals,not cold water. Maybe it is time we adopt their drinking habit while eating!!! Nothing to lose, everything to gain.

For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you.
It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion.

Once this "sludge" reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.

A serious note about heart attacks:
1. Women should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting.
2. Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line.
3. You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack.
4. Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms.
5. 60% of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up.
6. Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep.

Let's be careful and be aware.The more we know, the better chance we could survive.

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Health Benefits of Spinach

1. HIGH NUTRITIONAL VALUE

Spinach has a high nutritional value and is extremely rich in antioxidants. It is a rich source of vitamin A (and especially high in lutein), vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, magnesium, manganese, folate, betaine, iron, vitamin B2, calcium, potassium, vitamin B6, folic acid, copper, protein, phosphorus, zinc, niacin, selenium and omega-3 fatty acids.

2. PROTECTS AGAINST CANCER

Spinach contains a strong antioxidant called kaempferol, which helps prevent the formation of cancerous cells in the body.

3. BRAIN FOOD

These leafy greens will help slow the effects of ageing on the brain due to its folic acid conten, a B vitamin which also assists the body in maintaining a healthy heart.

4. LOWERS BLOOD PRESSURE

Just a single portion of spinach will help lower high blood pressure within hours due to the mineral magnesium, which helps prevent cardiovascular disease.

5. ALLEVIATES FATIGUE

Spinach holds high levels of iron, which carries blood and oxygen throughout the body and is responsible for lessening fatigue and giving you that added energy boost.

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Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Bad Breath

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    Bad breath is a major turn off and can also be one of the biggest dreads for some people. This embarrassing problem is caused by bacteria which dwell on your tongue and in other parts of your mouth. Read on to find more about some natural ways which can help you keep your breath fresh at all times.

1. Chew Mint Leaves

Mint leaves are one of the best natural remedies to combat bad breath. Mint refreshes your mouth and gives off a pleasing smell. Chlorophyll present in leaves also absorbs odours and leaves you with a refreshing breath.

2. Gargle with Salt Water

Rinsing and gargling with salt water can clear bacteria as well as food particles and debris on which the bacteria feed on. Put one teaspoon of salt in lukewarm water and swirl the mixture until the salt dissolves completely. Gargling with this mixture will also help you keep a healthy mouth.

3. Brush with Baking Soda

Baking soda contains hydrogen peroxide which neutralized the acid present in your mouth. Acids make for a favourable environment for bacteria growth in your mouth. Simply wet you toothbrush and sprinkle some baking soda over it to brush your teeth.

4. Eat Apples

Apples are often called as nature’s toothbrush as they are known to eliminate many kinds of bacteria in your mouth that can cause bad breath. Be sure to chew well on your apples while eating them.

5. Binge on Yogurt

Yogurt can help you to get rid of bread breath permanently. Consume yogurt regularly up to a period of six weeks to effectively combat bad breath.

6. Go Vitamin-C

Vitamin-C rich foods can help you to combat bacteria build up in your mouth as well as other diseases like gingivitis. Lemons, oranges and carrots are some of the foods that are high in Vitamin C.

7. Drink More Water

Bacteria thrive better if your mouth is dry. Staying hydrated will help your body to regulate all biochemical process and get rid of waste and other toxins. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to get rid of bad breath.

8. Chew on Neem

Neem has powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties. If you can endure its bad taste, you can permanently eliminate all signs of bad breath by chewing on neem leaves.

9. Chew on Cardamom

If neem leaves are too bitter for you, then you can also chew on cardamom which is quite pleasing to chew. Cardamom also helps in eliminating bad breath from your mouth.
There are numerous remedies for bad breath but not each one of them suits everybody. It is best to try out each to find the one which suits you the best. Though bad breath is an intermittent problem, it can be easily prevented by inculcating a few simple habits.

Article Source: http://in.lifestyle.yahoo.com/natural-remedies-rid-bad-breath-094032460.html

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The 13 best foods we are not eating (health tips)

Here are some foods that are bursting full of health benefits but somehow never make it to most people's plates. Starting today, make sure you include them in your everyday diet.


Pumpkin: Pumpkins are fibrous, and boosts immunity.

Pomegranate: Pomegranate juice is full of antioxidants and helps lower blood pressure.

Turmeric: Turmeric is said to have anti-inflammatory properties and fights cancer.

Dried plums: Plums are packed full of antioxidants.

Swiss chard: This green leafy veggie is full of carotenoids that protect the eyes against the effects of ageing.

Sardines: Sardines are heavy on omega-3, full of calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and vitamin B.

Blueberries: Blueberries are known to improve memory and mental health.

Gobi berry: The goji berry is used to protect the liver, and to improve immunity longevity, and fertility.

Guava: Guavas are great for the digestive system, as well as in controlling high blood pressure and lowering the risk of cancer.

Cabbage: Cabbages are loaded with a chemical called sulforaphane that is known to fight cancer.

Cinnamon: This super-spice helps control blood sugar and cholesterol.

Beetroot: Beets are a rich source of folate and are thought to be a natural way to combat cancer.

Pumpkin seeds: The seed of the pumpkin is full of magnesium, and is known to lower the risk of early death.

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20 diet tips for busy executives

Being overstressed and under-rested, and thinking that there are a few simple steps that can be followed to stay healthy, brings to mind Cecile B DeMille’s famous quip: “It is impossible for us to break the law. We can only break ourselves against the law.”

Experts agree that the key to healthy eating is the time-tested advice of balance, variety and moderation. In short, this means eating a wide variety of foods without getting too many calories, or too much of any one nutrient.

If you know someone – or, you are one of those busy executives – whose life circumstances are such that you just do not have the “luxury” of getting adequate physical and emotional rest on a regular basis, please consider sharing the following 20 diet tips [better still - practice them!]:

1. Find out how many calories you need

It is not as easy as it sounds, but it is very important for an individual to know his/her caloric requirement [approx 1,800 calories/day] – on the basis of which reduction in calories for weight loss, weight management, or weight gain, can be pursued. Speak to a dietician or nutritionist who can help you decide on what suits your needs best.

2. Be a fan of fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are packed with beneficial fibre, vitamins, and anti-oxidants. They fill up your stomach quickly, so you feel full just as quickly. They are also low in calories and help to keep your calorie count low. Take at least 3-4 servings of fruit and 4-5 servings of vegetables each day. Snack on apples, melons, peaches, carrots, or green and red pepper strips. Don’t forget juices – or, a glass of fruit or vegetable juice.

3. Watch for portion-size

Eat moderate portions. If you keep portion sizes reasonable, it’s easier to eat the foods you want and stay healthy. One serving of pasta means 1/2 cup of cooked pasta. However, most restaurants serve a pasta dish with 4 servings of pasta! You do not need to finish and clean off the plate every time. You can simply ask to take home the leftover.

4. Do not skip meals

Eating small frequent meals helps to balance your calorie intake throughout the day and also keeps your blood sugar level balanced. Instead of eating three big meals, try to eat 5-6 small meals throughout the day.

5. Eat your breakfast

“Breaking the fast” from the prior evening is crucial for sustained mental work. The brain’s sole source of energy is glucose, and it has no storage reserves. Eating breakfast has been shown to improve overall attitude, increase concentration and problem-solving ability. In addition, studies show those who eat breakfast typically consume fewer calories and fat compared to those who do not start their day off with a healthy meal. If you aren’t used to eating something in the morning, grab something light like a yogurt and a piece of fruit, or a bowl of oatmeal. Avoid heavy breakfasts – skip high fat meat, deep fried snacks like samosa, batata wada. Choose oatmeal, 100 per cent fruit juice, milk, yogurt, fresh fruit, or high fibre cereal for a great breakfast.

6. Take time for balanced lunch

Yes, for the busy executive many of your lunches are often something you grabbed out of the pantry and snacked on while working at the computer. Not only is it important to take a break during the day, it is crucial to take time to eat. When you eat at the computer, it becomes unconscious eating. You aren’t paying attention to how much of that food item you are eating and this, in turn, is a quick way to gain weight. It becomes impossible to be conscious of feeling “full” when your mind if focused on work, and not your body. Take some time for yourself to eat a balanced meal during the day. Include some protein, whole grains, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. This will help you to improve your energy and focus during the day as well as keep your weight where you want it.

7. Go for wholesome fresh foods

If possible, purchase fresh foods and avoid package [processed] and convenient foods such as fast-food. Packaged and convenient foods are often high in sodium and fat content. Many people are amazed that they can easily lose weight by packing a home-cooked lunch to work instead of eating out.

8. Reduce, don’t eliminate certain foods

Most people eat for pleasure as well as nutrition. Everyone has his or her favourite treats. Simply allow yourself a little indulgence, but watch out for the frequency and the quantity. Having a small treat once in a while can be rewarding to your weight loss experience. Cutting too much of your favourite treats usually leads to an early relapse.

Choose skim or low-fat dairy products and lean cuts of meat such as flank steak. This can reduce your fat intake significantly. If you love fried chicken, you don’t have to give it up. Just eat it less often. When dining out, share it with a friend; ask for a take-home bag, or a smaller portion.

9. Understand food claims and labels

A product labelled with a fat-free claim does not mean that it is low in calories. Similarly, a product labelled as low-sugar or low-carb does not mean it is low in fat or calories. Always read the nutrition label on the packaging, or ask an expert.

10. Watch for sugary drinks and relinquish caffeine

Juices, pop, cream and sugar in your coffee or tea all add up. Opt for drinking at least 8-10 glasses of water a day. In addition to providing hydration to your body, it will also help you feel full.

Starting your day off with a pot of coffee is not exactly a balanced breakfast, but it is likely the most common. People are more dependent than ever on caffeine to provide them a “perk” of energy. The downside is that’s all it is providing – a quick perk. The reality is caffeine gives you small bursts of energy and then you crash to an energy low which leaves you to need even more. Caffeine also pulls fluid from your cells, which can cause mild dehydration and contributes to the three o’clock slump. Symptoms of mild dehydration are: fatigue, lack of concentration, irritability, anxiety, and mild headache. hmm, sounds familiar? Stick to one caffeinated beverage a day and work on drinking more water.

11. Keep a food journal

Writing a daily food journal helps you pin-point your eating pattern and enable you to easily modify it.

12. Exercise

Most authorities recommend 30-40 minutes of physical activity a day to stay healthy. Also, try adding weight-bearing exercises at least two times a week. This will help burn some of the unwanted calories.

13. Eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods

You need more than 40 different nutrients for good health, and no single food supplies them all. Your daily food selection should include bread and other whole-grain products, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meat, poultry, fish, and other protein foods. How much you should eat depends on your calorie needs. Speak to a dietitian or nutritionist for individualized needs.

14. Go for the grain

Nutrition experts recommend 6-11 daily servings of grains, including bread, rice, cereal and pasta. To reach this goal, you can include plenty of grain-based snacks that are low in fat and calories, like crackers, pretzels, and fat-free flavoured rice cakes.

15. Balance your food choices over time

Not every food has to be “perfect.” When eating a food high in fat, salt or sugar, select other foods that are low in these ingredients. If you miss out on any food group one day, make up for it the next. Your food choices over several days should fit together into a healthy pattern.

16. Know your diet pitfalls

To improve your eating habits, you first have to know what’s wrong with them. Write down everything you eat for three days. Check your list with the rest of these 20 tips. Do you add a lot of butter, creamy sauces or salad dressings? Rather than eliminating these foods, just cut back your portions. Are you getting enough fruits and vegetables? If not, you may be missing out on vital nutrients.

17. Make changes gradually

Just as there are no “miracle foods,” or easy answers to a healthy diet, don’t expect to totally revamp your eating habits overnight. Changing too much, too soon, can get in the way of success. Begin to remedy excesses or deficiencies with modest changes that can add up to positive, life-long eating habits. For instance, if you don’t like the taste of skim milk, try low-fat. Eventually, you may find you like skim, too.

18. Remember, foods are not good or bad

Select foods based on your total eating patterns, not whether any individual food is “good” or “bad.” Don’t feel guilty if you love foods such as apple pie, potato chips, candy bars, or ice-cream. Eat them in moderation, and choose other foods to provide the balance and variety that are vital to good health.

19. Don’t forget dairy

Include snacks from milk, yogurt and cheese group. To help meet your daily calcium requirements, choose two to three servings of dairy products each day. Snack on low-fat yogurt, or have a low-fat or skim milk shake.

20. Start small

You’re not going on a diet. Rather, you’re changing the way you eat for the rest of your life. So, there’s no need to cut out dietary fat – all at once. You might start by switching to milk instead of cream in your coffee, or low-fat mayonnaise on your sandwiches and so on.

In addition to this, check your height and weight. Or, use a chart to see if you are overweight for your height. Your body mass index [BMI] is the weight in kilogram divided by the height in meter-squared: remember, it should be below 25.

Most important: follow the Three As in life – adjust, adopt, accommodate.

Source : http://completewellbeing.com/article/20-diet-tips-for-busy-executives/

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Dengue Fever Remedy

I would like to share this interesting discovery from a classmate's son who has just recovered from dengue fever. Apparently, his son was in the critical stage at the ICU when his blood platelet count drops to 15 after 15 liters of blood transfusion.

His father was so worried that he seeks another friend's recommendation and his son was saved. He confessed to me that he gave his son raw juice of the papaya leaves. From a platelet count of 45 after 20 liters of blood transfusion, and after drinking the raw papaya leaf juice, his platelet count jumps instantly to 135. Even the doctors and nurses were surprised. After the second day he was discharged. So he asked me to pass this good news around.

Accordingly it is raw papaya leaves, 2pcs just cleaned and pound and squeeze with filter cloth. You will only get one tablespoon per leaf.. So two tablespoon per serving once a day. Do not boil or cook or rinse with hot water, it will loose its strength. Only the leafy part and no stem or sap. It is very bitter and you have to swallow it like "Won Low Kat". But it works.

*Papaya Juice - Cure for Dengue*

You may have heard this elsewhere but if not I am glad to inform you that papaya juice is a natural cure for dengue fever. As dengue fever is rampant now, I think it's good to share this with all.

A friend of mine had dengue last year.. It was a very serious situation for her as her platelet count had dropped to 28,000 after 3 days in hospital and water has started to fill up her lung. She had difficulty in breathing. She was only 32-year old. Doctor says there's no cure for dengue. We just have to wait for her body immune system to build up resistance against dengue and fight its own battle. She already had 2 blood transfusion and all of us were praying very hard as her platelet continued to drop since the first day she was admitted.

Fortunately her mother-in-law heard that papaya juice would help to reduce the fever and got some papaya leaves, pounded them and squeeze the juice out for her. The next day, her platelet count started to increase, her fever subside. We continued to feed her with papaya juice and she recovered after 3 days!!!

Amazing but it's true. It's believed one's body would be overheated when one is down with dengue and that also caused the patient to have fever papaya juice has cooling effect. Thus, it helps to reduce the level of heat in one's body, thus the fever will go away. I found that it's also good when one is having sore throat or suffering from heat.

Please spread the news about this as lately there are many dengue cases. It's great if such natural cure could help to ease the sufferings of dengue patients.

Furthermore it's so easily available.
Blend them and squeeze the juice! It's simple and miraculously effective!! 

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7 steps for quick weight loss

1. Buy a skipping rope

Skipping is a high-intensity exercise that you can do anytime, anywhere. You only need a few minutes to give your metabolic rate a serious jump start that will help you burn more calories for hours afterwards.

2. Replace all drinks with water

This includes alcohol! Hydration is an important factor in optimal health and weight loss. Liquid calories are also the easiest to over-consume as they don't fill you up. Water has zero calories and no additives.

3. Two minute workouts

When you wake up, and when you get home from work, do one to two minutes of plyometric exercises such as star jumps or burpees. Like skipping, they max out your heart rate and boost your metabolism in minimal time.

4. Cut the calories

Reduce calorie-dense complex carbs and protein by replacing half your meal with more salad and vegetables. They are naturally low in calories and high in fibre, so you will seriously reduce the total number of calories you are consuming.

5. Count your steps

Get yourself a pedometer and make sure you take at least 10,000 steps a day. You have to be active every day as well as exercising - not one or the other, both! Get up more often in the office and go for a walk during breaks.

6. Non stop for fat loss

Turn your weights session into a fat-loss super-circuit. Don't rest between sets. Do your exercises back to back with no rest, too, then jump on a bike for a two-minute cardio burn. Rest briefly, then repeat your circuit three times.

7. Stretch out your workout

It's the end of the week so get out for a slower but longer workout, such as a long power walk, gentle swim or bike ride. While intense exercise is great for incinerating fat, long slow workouts also have their place. 

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Tips to look slimmer

There are times when you take a break from your sensible-eating and exercise regime and want to just lie back and enjoy all those forbidden foods. Well then you are bound to put on weight but until you have worked towards reducing the excess weight you can follow these few tips to look slim.

* Stand comfortably erect and stick your stomach in. Good posture always makes you look slimmer.

* Dark colours such as olive, black, charcoal grey, and navy help make areas appear smaller so wear them where you think you need it. For most women it's from the waist down.

* Avoid shiny or heavily textured fabrics. Shiny fabrics reflect light, making any area appear larger. Heavily texture fabrics only add extra weight.

* Sewn-down pleats in skirts and blouses can both create a slimming effect. Include vertical lines in your accessories, such as long chains worn around the neck.

* Avoid extensive use of horizontal lines - belts, boat-collar blouses and border print skirts. These styles can add extra width to your body frame.

* Your best asset is your face; so draw attention to it with scarves and jewellery worn around the face.

* Introduce simple lines, such as A-line skirts, tailor-notched, collared blouses and blazers. The oversized blazer is a great solution for camouflaging large derrieres and hips. Double-pleated skirts and trousers mask protruding stomachs and provide comfort as well.

* If you want to appear thinner incorporate dark, cool and dull colours and textures. Dull textures absorb the light like wool or cotton. Some very slimming colours include black, navy, olive, violet, charcoal grey, chocolate brown, plum, eggplant and burgundy.

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Belly Exercises

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Asanas For A WoW Glow !!

Here are some asanas for great skin and hair: 

Sarvangasana: Lie on your back with your legs together. Raise both legs at 90 degrees from the floor. Now raise your buttocks with your palms and take support with your elbows bent on the floor. Make sure that your legs, chest and abdomen form a straight line. Hold this for some time breathing normally and come back to the starting position.

Poorna Halasana: Put your feet together, hands by the side with the palms crossed on the floor. Raise your hips with support from your palms. Now try to raise your legs upwards towards your head in a 180-degree angle. Hold it for some time and come back to the starting position in the reverse manner.

Shirshasana: Kneel down and grab your elbows with your hands. Keep the elbows where they are and interlock the fingers in front of you. Place your head on the floor with the back of your head resting against the fingers. Straighten the knees and raise your hips, your body now resembling an inverted V. Keeping your knees as straight as possible, walk with little steps, bringing your feet close to your head. Keep your back as straight as possible to prevent your neck from arching. Bend the knees, keeping them close to the chest and your feet close to your buttocks. Shift the hips to keep your balance. Keep your knees bent and point them to the sky. Now straighten your legs. Keep your feet relaxed. Make sure that the head supports no more than 10% of your body weight, the rest should be on the elbows.

Matsyasana: Sit on the floor and stretch the legs forward with your palms on the side. Now hold the sole of the right foot, place it on your left thigh while you place your left foot on your right thigh keeping the back straight and palms on the knees. Lie on your back slowly with the support of your elbow and bend your head backwards touching it to the ground. Stretch your mid-back, hold toes with index fingers and keep the elbows on the ground. Hold the posture for some time.

Kriya-jalneti: Add a pinch of salt in a glass of lukewarm water and mix it in a jalneti pot. Bend forward in a 90-degree angle from the floor, then turn your neck towards the left and open your mouth. Let the water enter your left nostril through the jalneti pipe and allow it to come through the other nostril while breathing from the mouth. Follow this up with 30 kapal-bhatis in standing position. Repeat with the other nostril. 

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A-Z OF WEIGHT LOSS

A
AVOID ALCOHOL: You booze, you lose! Alcohol increases your levels of the hormone leptin, which in turn makes you crave sweets.Don’t want to be branded a teetotaller? Order a glass of Sauvignon Blanc – 119 cals per 5 ounces.

B
BREAKFAST: A good breakfast with fibre and protein will keep you full till lunchtime and help you avoid bingeing. Opt for multi-grain cereal, lowfat curd or fruits to kick-start your metabolism.

C
CORTISOL: Prolonged stress leads to high levels of cortisol which makes you crave junk foods. Solution: deal with long-standing stressors. As for short-lived ones, treat yourself to an oil massage.

D
DENSITY: Go for grub with an energy density of two or less. To calculate this, simply divide the calories by the weight in grams (per serving). Stay at it and watch the pounds melt faster.

E
EAT AT REGULAR INTERVALS: Go no longer than five hours between meals. Several small meals through the day lead to a better metabolism and greater control over binges.

F
FRUCTOSE: Ditch the artificially sweetened juices and sodas and get your fructose from natural sources such as fruits. Because natural fructose is kinder to your waistline.

G
GUM: Chewing on gum helps cleanse the mouth of bacteria, satisfies a sweet-tooth and reduces your urge to eat. The next time you feel the urge to reach for a biscuit packet, try a piece of sugarless gum instead for a zero-calorie treat.

H
HEART-HEALTHY FOODS: Overweight people face a greater risk of heart disease. So, switch to olive and vegetable oils. Fill up on omega rich foods like walnuts and fatty fish. Choose non-fat dairy products and lean cuts of mutton and skinless poultry.

I
INSULIN: The amount of insulin you secrete may dictate your diet. High insulin secretors shed more weight on a low-carb diet and less on a lowfat/high carb diet. Got a jelly belly? You secrete excess insulin and could benefit from fewer carbs.

J
JOURNAL: Write down everything you eat and you could cut your intake by 1,000 calories a day. Food journaling may seem boring but goes a long way in making you aware of what you eat and thereby helps you shed pounds.

K
KETOSIS: Ketosis refers to the point where your body runs low on carbs and burns fat for fuel. Therefore, ketosis jump-starts a diet. Restrict carbs and lose more initially. Later, allow yourself wholegrain cereals and roti, in moderation.

L
LOW BLOOD SUGAR: This is often the reason for between-meal cravings especially for sweet. When it strikes, reach for naturally sweet foods such as fruits and accompany it with a little low-fat dahi for a healthy dose of protein.


M
MILK: Get better results from your workout by downing milk. Two cups of skim milk after intense weightlifting can build more muscle and burn twice as much fat as drinking fruit juice. But go with real cow's milk as it’s more beneficial than soya milk.

N
NUMBERS: Nobody enjoys weigh-ins, but people who hop on the scale once a day are more likely to lose and maintain their loss. Make a standing appointment for yourself. But try to strike a balance rather than obsess over the number you see.

O
OMLETTE: Eggs are an ideal protein source. Protein helps build muscle, which will fry more calories per pound than fat. Bonus: You burn about 25 per cent of the eggs' calories just by digesting them.

P
PEANUTS = PROTEIN: Take the edge off your appetite by snacking on a handful of peanuts everyday. Because, protein is the "secret" to weight control. Peanuts also boost your resting metabolic rate due to their fatty acid content.

Q:
Q 10
Coenzyme Q10 is one of the nutrients needed to produce energy. Most people an energy - mg a day. Other benefits include a stronger immune system. Besides, it's also a great antioxidant.

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REPLACEMENTS: Replace any silly weight loss pills you have been advised to take, with a good low fat smoothie.You will lose just as much weight without the side-effects of a pill.

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SLIP-UPS: Slip-ups are bound to happen.Anticipate them. Instead of letting them derail your efforts, learn from them and get right back on track by simply keeping your eye on your target.

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TEA: The fat-busting benefits of green tea boil down to disease-fighting compounds called catechins. Max your results by steeping your tea for longer. The darker the hue of your brew, the more catechin-rich the cup.Add some lime to tone down the bitterness.

U
USER-FRIENDLY: There are a million fad diets around; your friends are probably trying some too. But what helps you lose weight isn't the type of diet but compliance with it. Find a plan you can live with so you'll stick to it.

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VINEGAR: Studies show that consuming 4 tbsp of a vinegar mixture with a high-carb diet drops your calorie intake by 275 per day. If you can't stomach vinegar, mix into a low-fat dressing to add zing to your salad.

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WATER: It quenches thirst without the calories. Infact, water also ups your caloric burn rate. Sipping six extra 8-ounce glasses a day can burn 17,400 more calories (about 5 pounds of fat) per year.

X
XYLITOL: Xylitol is a natural substance found in vegetables that tastes and looks just like sugar. But while sugar harms, xylitol protects against disease and has anti-ageing benefits. In its crystalline form, it can replace sugar in cooking.

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YOGA: Normal-weight women who practise yoga for four or more years will gain three pounds less over 10 years than those who don't. Grab your mat and get breathing!

Z
Zs
When you skimp on sleep, your brain thinks you're low on fuel and sends a message to your stomach to start growling.Women who sleep for 5 hours or less are an average of 5 pounds heavier than women who snoozed for 7 hours.Want to stay slim? Hit the pillow. 

SOURCE : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-4602859,prtpage-1.cms

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10 tips to reduce weight naturally

1) Fruits and green vegetables are low calorie foods, so over weight persons should use these more frequently.


2) One should avoid intake of too much salt. Salt may be a factor for increasing the body weight.

3) Milk products like cheese, butter should be avoided because these are rich in fat. Meat and non-vegetarian foods should also be avoided.

4) Spices like dry ginger, cinnamon, black pepper etc. are good for loosing weight and can be used in a number of ways.

5) Vegetables like bitter gourd (Karela), and bitter variety of drumstick are useful for loosing weight.

6) Taking of honey is an excellent home remedy for obesity. It mobilizes the extra deposited fat in the body and puts it into circulation, which is utilized as energy for normal functions. One should start with small quantity of about 10 GMs. or a table spoonful to be taken with hot water. It is good to take it in early morning. A teaspoonful of fresh lemon juice may also be added.

7) Cabbage is considered to be an effective remedy for loosing weight. This vegetable inhibits the conversion of sugar and other carbohydrates into fat. Hence, it is of great value in weight reduction. It can be taken raw or cooked.

8) Exercise is an important part of weight reduction plan. It helps to use up calories stored in body as fat. In addition, it also relieves tension and tones up the muscles of the body. Walking is thebest exercise to begin with and may be followed by running, swimming, rowing.

9) Lime juice is excellent for weight reduction. Juice of a lime mixed in a glass of warm water and sweetened with honey should be taken every morning on an empty stomach.

10) Measure the portions of your food every meal and make sure that the portions are small. For example one portion of rice should not be more than the quantity which can fit in your fist. Smaller meals at a regular interval of 4 to 5 hours will keep your metabolism high and prevent your body from converting the food you intake into fat. You must also include regular exercise in your daily routine to help enhance weight reduction.

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Aloe vera - nature’s beautician

Aloe vera, which is mostly used to treat various skin conditions and topically heal wounds, can be traced back to early Egypt where it was called the ‘plant of immortality.’

What is aloe vera?

Aloe vera, (pronounced alo vera) which is said to have originated from Africa, is a stem-less or very short-stemmed succulent plant with fleshy green leaves.

Aloe vera, which is also called the ‘burnt plant’ with its anti-inflammatory, anti-healing, healing and cooling properties, is the main ingredient in several skin care products. In addition, aloe vera is rich in amino acids, vitamins A, F, C and B.

For years researchers have been conducting studies to learn the benefits of aloe vera and have found that the plant does have properties that can be effective in treating several skin conditions, minor skin infections and also burns and wounds.

Aloe vera gel is the transparent, juicy substance found in the long thick-skinned leaves of the plant. This gel is suitable for all skin types. Even people with sensitive skin can use the aloe vera gel.

Various uses of aloe vera

Anti-aging agent: Aloe vera protects, nourishes and moisturizes your skin. According to a study published in the Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry magazine, aloe vera, when applied topically, improves the levels of collagen. Aloe vera also protects your face from developing fine lines.

Before going to bed, gently massage a thin layer of fresh aloe vera on your face, around the eyes and the corners of your mouth. This will keep your skin younger looking.

Aloe vera as moisturiser: Apply aloe vera on the skin before the application of make-up. This will prevent your skin from drying. Even men can use the aloe vera gel like an aftershave. The healing properties will help in treating the minor nicks and cuts caused while shaving. During winter your skin tends to dry more often. To keep your skin hydrated, make a mask by mixing equal parts of honey and aloe vera gel (pure extract from the plant) and apply on your face. Wash it off with warm water after 15 minutes for a glowing, soft skin.

Aloe vera for treating acne: For those suffering from acne, aloe vera with its anti-inflammatory properties is a blessing. According to a study conducted by the University of Maryland Medical Center, aloe vera gel has more anti-inflammatory properties than one percent of cortisone cream. It also has strong antibacterial properties, which will heal the skin quickly and naturally with very little scarring.

Aloe vera to reduce stretch marks: Want to get rid of those ugly stretch marks you gained due to weight gain or pregnancy? Hundreds of women try scores of cosmetics to hide these scars, but in vain. Stretch marks are nothing but tiny tears in the skin caused due to sudden and excessive stretching. Aloe vera gel can help you with that. Regular application of aloe vera gel helps in hiding these marks by healing the wounds.

Aloe vera for sunburns: Application of aloe vera gel on sun burns will reduce the pain as well as the swelling and keep your skin moisturised. Recovery will be quicker if your skin retains its moisture.

In addition, aloe vera also acts as a brightening gel by removing dead cells and keeps oiliness under check.

So go ahead and make aloe vera a part of your daily beauty regime for a glowing, supple and spotless skin!

Article Source: http://in.lifestyle.yahoo.com/beauty-splash-aloe-vera-nature-beautician-110019077.html

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Useful Natural Healing Chart

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Top 5 HIV Myths Busted

The word HIV still causes unease among a lot of us. There are a lot of myths and misconceptions around this infection; including the one that it is not safe to share food with someone who has contracted the virus.

According to Dr Shivi Jaggi, a sexologist, one of the causes of HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus is unprotected sex. “It gradually destroys the immunity of your body, but a person infected with HIV can lead a normal life,” he says. So, Let's take a look at few HIV myths which are busted.

Myth 1: HIV is the same as AIDS

HIV is not the same as AIDS! Period. HIV can lead to AIDS or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. A person could get or become more susceptible to AIDS only when their immunity is lowered. “However, proper precautions and medication can delay or even prevent an HIV positive person from getting AIDS,” says Dr Jaggi.
Myth 2: I am faithful to my partner, I cannot get HIV

The HIV virus can be transmitted through other mediums like use of infected needles, transfusion of infected blood, unprotected oral sex, anal sex, etc. “Being monogamous does not necessarily make you safe,” says Mumbai-based sexologist, Dr Ketan Parmar. However, it can reduce your chances of getting infected
Myth 3: People with HIV cannot hug or share food

HIV can be contracted through unprotected sex with an infected or multiple partners, sharing needles, transfusion of infected blood and unprotected oral and anal sex. Your saliva contains very minute traces of the virus which means kissing cannot transmit the virus. "Unless one of the person has cuts or sores in their mouth," says Dr Parmar. Sharing food, and utensils does not put you at risk .
Myth 4: Women infected with HIV cannot have children

Women who are infected by the HIV virus are afraid they might pass on the infection to the infant. “But with antiretroviral therapy, the chances of transmitting from mother to child is very low,” says Mumbai-based gynaecologist Rishma Dhillon Pai. This gives many women a chance to conceive in spite of being infected. The medication should be taken through pregnancy and after, as recommended by your doctor. “If there are any complications, one may have to opt for a caesarean,” she says. Mothers should however avoid breast feeding as that could pass on the infection to the child.
Myth 5: You don’t need a condom for oral sex

HIV can be contracted through oral sex. “If semen from an infected partner enters your mouth and you have cuts, sores or bleeding gums, you are at risk,” says Dr Jaggi. This could also mean that you could pass on the virus if you are infected. You could get infected with HIV through anal sex as well. 

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STROKE - Top Ten Facts

Stroke is the third most common cause of death, after cancer and ischemic heart disease.

It is also the most prominent cause of physical deformity

Stroke has a yearly incidence of 180-300 per 100,000, in the United States. 

Its incidence is accelerating in developing countries due to unhealthy lifestyles. 

2/3 of stroke victims are above 60 years old.

1/5 of the victims die within a month of its occurrence. Half the survivors become physically deformed.

A damage in the left side of the brain may result in paralysis of the right side of the body; a damage on the right side, paralyzes the left side. 

Hypertension accounts for 30-50% of stroke risk.

Patients with diabetes mellitus are 2-3 times more predisposed to stroke.

Stroke can occur due to a disruption in blood supply or due to a blood vessel damage.

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