Ways to stop ageing

Keeps steady weight

As we get older, we need fewer calories and metabolism slows down with our sedentary lifestyle. We should stick to a sensible eating plan and avoid fast weight lose or gain. Without exercise adults lose about 2 to 3 kg of muscle every decade. This leads to a drop in metabolic rate which cause weight gain.

Enough of sleep

Having enough sleep is good for your looks and health. Woman who slept for six to seven hours a night had a lower death rate than those who sleep less. Getting enough sleep may even help to prevent cancer. Those who sleep around eight hours a night have lowest rate of getting cancer. Sleeps helps to strengthen your immunity, boosts your attention span and also helps to banish stress.

Keep mind occupied

Increase mental activity can protect against age related memory loss and impaired brain function. Keep the mind occupied can help to prevent the loss of brain stimulation and keep your brain building new spines of dendrites in your brain cells. Dendrites received impulses from nerve cells. They can be damaged by ageing. Exercising can make them grow.

Manage stress

Stress causes ageing too. Stressed people were have 20 times more likely to develop heart disease. A prolonged tension also reduces the number of the immuse system and also reduces the number of the immuse system and robs the body’s antioxidants thought to help prevent premature ageing and cancer.

Healthy sex life

Couples with a healthy sex life can look seven years younger than those who don’t. Improving sex life can help one look about four to seven years younger. It’s because sex reduces stress, improves relationships and leads to greater life contentment and sleep better.

Quit smoking

Smoking or even passive smoking contributes to ageing too. Spending over four hours a day in a smoked filled environment can add seven years to your age and increase your risks of heart disease and emphysema. Women who smoke are three times more likely to have lined leathery skin. The toxins diminish the skin’s oxygen supply, affecting its tissues, elastin and collagen.

Bananas

After reading this, you'll NEVER look at a banana in the same way again.

Bananas, containing three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.

But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier. Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of haemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it the perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand, for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.

Smoking: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Strokes: According to research in "The New England Journal of Medicine, "eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!

Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many illness. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around.

Berries Fight Cancer

A large body of research suggests that berries may be among the most potent cancer-fighting fruits.

The main berries being researched include black and red raspberries, blackberries, strawberries and elderberries. Although blueberries have numerous health benefits, they do not appear to have the same cancer-fighting properties as other berries, researchers say.

Berries contain a number of healthful compounds including vitamins A, C, E and folic acid; selenium; calcium; polyphenols; and compounds called anthocyanins, which give berries their colour.

While berries, particularly raspberries, look like a promising super food, many people may not find it practical to eat them on a regular basis. Another concern is whether variations in climate and growing techniques may alter the concentration of the beneficial compounds found in the fruit.

Although frozen berries can substitute for fresh ones when they are out of season, the fruits are expensive and may be too costly for most people to eat daily. As a result, researchers are trying to identify the key ingredients that make berries cancer fighters.

In a study published this month in Cancer Prevention Research, scientists compared rats which ingested a diet of whole black raspberries or a concentrated powder of black raspberry anthocyanins, to rodents which ate a regular diet.

The study found that the anthocyanin powder worked just as well as whole raspberries for slowing tumour growth. Both groups of rats consuming either whole berries or anthocyanin powder developed 50% fewer oesophageal tumours compared to untreated rats.

"We're quite encouraged by that," said Gary Stoner, professor emeritus and former head of the Cancer Prevention Programme at Ohio State University. "It's not total inhibition, but it was pretty substantial. It tells us the anthocyanins in the berries are pretty important and they are deserving of more research."

Although the verdict on berries as cancer fighters is still out, Dr Stoner said more people could benefit by eating them. Studies already show people with diets high in fruits and vegetables are healthier.

Dr Stoner added that frozen berries are a good option as they will not spoil as easily as fresh ones, can be eaten all year round and are often cheaper than fresh berries.

New York Times

Source: The Straits Times

Party tricks

We all love the feeling of bonhomie of a festive and the days fill with shopping and feasting. But you started to feel sins when gaining of weight. You can maintain your weight during these occasions if you had a bit of discipline and preparation.

During Christmas the tables are usually piled high with food that your host insists you eat. What should you do?

1. Take more of vegetables and fruits and less of foods like fried dishes or cakes. Your host will see that your plate is full and won’t feel insulted.
2. Eat slowly to maintain the illusion of a plate constantly stacked with food.
3. Avoid arriving at a party feeling very hungry. Eat something like whole wheat crackers or fruits before going to a party to reduce temptation.
4. Dink water before or during meals to help to keep you feeling full.
5. Beware of appetizers and nibbles that goes with drinks and cocktails, a handful of mixed nuts or crisps with cocktail could have as many calories as a regular meal.
6. Limits consumption of cookies, desserts and cakes at home as you can have them at a party. But please concentrate and savor in moderation.
7. Don’t try to skip main meals; this is most likely to lead to eating a lot more later in the party.
8. Alcohol is a big calories contributor, drinking in moderation.
   
   
   
   
   
   Holidays are a time to enjoy and relax, so make a smart choice of what you eat and drink.

Melamine FACTS Important

Receive this in my mail and would like to share it.

AVOID re-using plastic bottles RIGHT AWAY !!!







Did you ever drink from a plastic bottle and see a triangle symbol on the bottom with a number inside?



Do you know what the number stands for?
Did you guess that it's just for recycling?
Then you are WRONG !!!!!!
THE NUMBER TELLS YOU THE CHEMICAL MAKE UP OF THE PLASTIC.....

1) Polyethylene terephalate (PET)
2) High density polyethylene (HDPE)
3) Unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (UPVC) or Plasticised polyvinyl chloride (PPVC)
4) Low density polyethylene LDPE
5) Polypropylene (PP)
6) Polystyrene (PS) or Expandable polystyrene (EPS)
7) Other, including nylon and acrylic
What you aren't told is that many of the plastics used are toxic and the chemicals used to create a plastic can leach out of the plastic and into the food / drink.
Think about it, how many times have you or a friend said "I don't like this, it taste like the plastic bottle ..... "
THAT'S BECAUSE YOU ARE TASTING THE PLASTIC
The WORST ONES are Nos: 3, 6, and 7 !!!

DO NOT USE THESE NUMBERS if stated at the bottom of the bottle) !!!


Check out this chart that breaks down the plastic, its uses and chemical makeup
(I find #7 a little scary)
http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/waste/guide_ref/guide_plascod3.html



Reusing plastic bottles by refilling them is NOT a good idea. WATCH THIS VIDEO:
http://video.wnbc.com/player/?id=238518
Microwaving plastic containers affects the chemical make up of the plastic, allowing the chemical substances to destabilize and leach out more quickly into the food you are reheating. You can check out this article that ran in the Wall Street Journal:
http://www.mindfully.org/Plastic/Microwave-Health-Problems.htm

EVEN one of my favorite "RUMOR DEBUNKING" websites, URBANLEGENDS.ABOUT.COM

Lists the information as: overblown with a grain of TRUTH
READ the FULL 3 pages of the article!
http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/bl-microwave-dioxin.htm

AVOID re-using plastic bottles RIGHT AWAY !!!

Loose thigh fat

Fat thighs is one of the major problem that a lot of women have, because they are programmed by Nature to store fat on the lower part of their body in order to protect our reproductive organs, that is why they typically carry excess weight on their thighs and hips. Every year after the age of 25, the average woman will gain one pound of body fat but at the same time will lose one third of a pound of muscle tissue. Thus these results in a decrease in their metabolism, when they are no longer able to reproduce; their weight distribution changes and they accumulate more fat, and it may be difficult for them to lose weight in these areas even if they have tried various thigh exercises before.

Cause of fat thigh:

• It’s may be genes that influence where we store our excess fat. For example, if the female members of our family have tended to store fat on their hips, we may do the same.
• It’s because what we eat. Most of us eat far more than we realize, fat can be very sneaky and real fat bombs and it turns up in all sorts of foods without us noticing it. No one stores fat anywhere, unless they consume more energy than they expend.
• It can be a lack of exercise and overeating or a combination of these two. Exercising will increase blood circulation to your thighs, helping to keep the connective tissue healthy.
• Poor blood circulation can be the cause because poor blood circulation to your connective tissue tends to cause swelling. These swelling stretch the connective tissue apart, allowing the fat to bulge through.
• Fluid Retention can actually occur all over your body, including your thighs. If you've ever tried pulling on a pair of pants and found them tight in the thighs one day and loose the next, you may have fluid retention.
  

Prevention:

Exercising is an excellent way to keep you loose fat thigh slim. A 20-30 minutes exercise per day can do wonders. Exercise itself won’t reduce fat from your thighs, so do not over exercise your thighs. Exercise like running/jogging, biking, or lane swimming, about 5 times a week, and for at least 20 minutes each time. The more you do, the more you burn. When you lose fat, you'll lose it from all over though. If you aren't really all that big to begin with, and just want to tone your thighs, you can do crunches and pilates for your stomach, and do squats, lunges and leg lifts for your thighs.

Do lots of stretching because the more range of motion you muscle can move, the more you can exercise it! Without stretching your thigh muscles after exercise, your thighs will actually increase in size.

Obviously, the best way to drop fat is to moderate your diet. A balanced low fat high protein and high fiber diet is recommended and what you can do is reduce your calorie-intake. But take extreme care not to starve yourself as most people do, eat in moderation.

Myth:

In order to avoid getting too big and bulky, don’t use any exercises for your thigh muscles at all. This is big mistake, women don't have the amount of testosterone that a man has. It’s the fact, so that is why you won’t get big and bulky like from any of the thigh exercises.

Avoid certain upper leg exercises or use lighter weights for higher reps on the upper leg exercises they do perform to prevent big and bulky thigh like body builder. This is a mistake, exercises your thigh muscles with light weights or with high repetitions will not burn more fat or tone and firm your muscles better than a heaver weight upper leg exercises with moderate repetitions (8-12 reps).

No thigh exercises can replace the benefits of aerobic training. This is a mistake, aerobic training itself doesn't increase or tone muscle, and lean muscle is the only answer to the weight loss problem.


Tips:

You shouldn't just do the exercises for your thigh muscles and nothing else because you need to implement a complete and comprehensive fitness and nutrition program along with performing the thigh exercises.

Be sure to carry out all exercises for in a slow, controlled manner to avoid injury and to ensure the effectiveness of the exercises.

For people who are older or less flexible you should be especially careful to start slowly with any exercises.

You need to do thigh exercises that not only tone, firm and strengthen you thighs, but also burn the fat because if you don't burn the fat, you'll never see how good your thigh muscles actually look.

You can eat whatever you want, but please eat in moderation. Remember to include plenty of fresh vegetable and fruit in your daily diet.

The majority of women, possibly you included, want to be slim with a flat stomach and defined muscles in their thighs and you probably already know that thigh fat is a little harder to burn off, but that doesn't mean you can't burn it off. And remember that results are not instant; they take time and hard work.

Healthy Juice

Found this useful tips from http://jo-bitsnpieces.blogspot.com/ and would like to share it here with you. Visit Bits N Pieces for other health tips.

Carrot + Ginger + Apple
Boost and cleanse our system.

Apple + Cucumber + Celery
Prevent cancer, reduce cholestrol, and improve stomach upset and headache.

Tomato + Carrot + AppleI
mprove skin complexion and bad breath.

Bitter gourd + Apple + Milk
Avoid bad breath and reduce internal body heat.

Orange + Ginger + Cucumber
Improve skin texture and moisture and reduce body heat.

Pineapple + Apple + Watermelon
To dispel excess salts, nourishes the bladder and kidney.

Apple + Cucumber + Kiwi
To improve skin complexion.

Pear + Banana
To regulates sugar content.

Carrot + Apple + Pear + Mango
Clear body heat, counteracts toxicity, decreased blood pressure and fight oxidization.

Honeydew + Grape + Watermelon + Milk
Rich in vitamin C + Vitamin B2 that increase cell activity and strengthen body immunity.

Papaya + Pineapple + Milk
Rich in vitamin C, E, Iron. Improve skin complexion and metabolism.

Banana + Pineapple + Milk
Rich in vitamin with nutritious and prevent constipation.

Coping with stress

We all know that Stress is a part of our life we really have to find ways how to cope up with it. There's a lot of ways to overcome stress. You can remove and control stress by breathing exercises and meditation. Meditation and breathing exercises have been proven to reduce stress and the effects that it has on your body. By using these techniques, you can lower stress levels within minutes.




Exercise is also a good way to help with stress. Simply walking for 30 minutes a day can help relieve stress. You could also try swimming or aerobics.




If reading or listening to music relaxes you, especially lively or your favorites, then do that. Listening to meditation CD's or some music that makes you want to move and dance round your room. You will usually end up with a smile on your face especially after doing it.




If you are in Stress find out whether you are unsuited to a certain type of diet. Foods or diet can help. For example you may know that you are sensitive to certain types of grains or that dairy foods cause you a problem, and so these should be avoided. Try also to avoid eating large amounts of refined and processed foods that fall into this category, remember to give your body a break from these by eating fresh, simple foods to allow your body to recuperate. Once you have established a diet that agrees with your metabolism then work out which foods within that dietary regime cause your body less stress.




Doing anything that interests you may also help like for example you are fund of gardening, painting, drawing etc. try to do these things when your in stress I’ll sure you will be relax.
Take a shower if your muscles are also tense. You can put Epsom salts in the bath to help relax you. Do whatever it is that makes you feel good. Some people like to take a hot bubble bath and soak in it until the water cools off to help with stress.




Get out of the house; go out with friends or go to spa to get a massage. Go out to dinner or a movie with friends. Take a day trip to a museum, the mountains, or the park.




If you have work related stress or stress over exams studying like crazy and you are too busy you have to find time for food, hobbies and for meditation. You should learn to manage your time by prioritizing your duties, be sure to take breaks to vent a little bit.




Take breaks to vent a little bit and make sure to get plenty of sleep. Some say 8 hours is enough but some people normally get like 10. That does depend on individual.





There are lots of other ways and it really depends on individual to individual. Just do what you love for a bit, and then focus on tackling the problem. Create a soothing environment in your house and office. Organize your table or home; remove clutters etc have a very good effect in managing stress.






About Author
Lynn Chua

Author of http://lynns-recipes.blogspot.com/
Source: ArticleFree.com

Food as Medicine

HEADACHE? EAT FISH!

Eat plenty of fish -- fish oil helps prevent headaches. So does ginger, which reduces inflammation and pain.

HAY FEVER? EAT YOGURT!

Eat lots of yogurt before pollen season. Also eat honey from your area (local region) daily.

TO PREVENT STROKE DRINK TEA!

Prevent buildup of fatty deposits on artery walls with regular doses of tea. (actually, tea suppresses appetite and keeps the pounds from invading. Green tea is great for our immune system)!

INSOMNIA? HONEY!

Use honey as a tranquilizer and sedative.

ASTHMA? EAT ONIONS!!!!
Eating onions helps ease constriction of bronchial tubes. (make onion packs to place on the chest, helped the respiratory ailments and actually help breathe better).

ARTHRITIS? EAT FISH, TOO!!

Salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines actually prevent arthritis. (fish has omega oils, good for our immune system).

UPSET STOMACH? BANANAS - GINGER!!!!!

Bananas will settle an upset stomach. Ginger will cure morning sickness and nausea.

BLADDER INFECTION? DRINK CRANBERRY JUICE!!!!

High-acid cranberry juice controls harmful bacteria.

BONE PROBLEMS? EAT PINEAPPLE!!!

Bone fractures and osteoporosis can be prevented by the manganese in pineapple.

PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME? EAT CORNFLAKES!!!!

Women can ward off the effects of PMS with cornflakes, which help reduce depression, anxiety and fatigue.

MEMORY PROBLEMS? EAT OYSTERS!

Oysters help improve your mental functioning by supplying much-needed zinc.

COLDS? EAT GARLIC!

Clear up that stuffy head with garlic. (remember, garlic lowers cholesterol, too.)

COUGH? USE RED PEPPERS!!

A substance similar to that found in the cough syrups is found in hot red pepper. Use red (cayenne) pepper with caution, it can irritate your tummy.

BREAST CANCER? EAT Wheat, bran and cabbage!
Helps to maintain estrogen at healthy levels.

LUNG CANCER? EAT ORANGE AND VEGGIES!!!

A good antidote is beta carotene, a form of Vitamin A found in dark green and orange vegetables.

ULCERS? EAT CABBAGE ALSO!!!

Cabbage contains chemicals that help heal both gastric and duodenal ulcers.

DIARRHEA? EAT APPLES!

Grate an apple with its skin, let it turn brown and eat it to cure this condition. (bananas are good for this ailment).

CLOGGED ARTERIES? EAT AVOCADO!

Mono unsaturated fat in avocados lowers cholesterol.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE?EAT CELERY AND OLIVE OIL!!!
Olive oil has been shown to lower blood pressure. Celery contains a chemical that lowers pressure too.

BLOOD SUGAR IMBALANCE? EAT BROCCOLI AND PEANUTS!!!

The chromium in broccoli and peanuts helps regulate insulin and blood sugar.

Wrinkles Prevention

Prevention

Our skin begins ageing in our mid twenty’s although the signs are usually not visible. Genetic factors greatly determine the skin’s quality over time. The skin’s rate of ageing is also influenced by genetically predetermined cessation, hormone depletion and immune suppression. We cannot turn back the clock and change the fact but we can avoid further damage and prevent wrinkles.


Protect your skin from prolonged exposure to the sun. Wear protective clothing such as wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves or use an umbrella. Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen that offers both UVA and UVB protection that should be applied at least 20 minutes before going outdoors, even in winter. Select skin-care products with a built-in sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.

Quit smoking because smokers are also more prone to wrinkles than non-smokers. You can improve your skin tone and texture and prevent future wrinkles by quitting smoking.

Get enough sleep because when you don't get enough sleep, the body produces excess cortisol, a hormone that breaks down skin cells. With enough rest and you'll produce more HGH (human growth hormone), which helps skin remain thick, more "elastic," and less likely to wrinkles.

Use moisturizers though they can’t prevent wrinkles but they can temporarily mask tiny lines and creases. Because dry skin turns plump skin cells into shriveled ones, creating fine lines and wrinkles long before you’re due.


A balance diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains, consume at least 8 glasses of water daily (to hydrate and moisturize your skin) are important and cannot be undermined.

Keep a healthy lifestyle by exercising, good diet, and a positive mindset to reduce stress and tension. Use anti-ageing creams with vitamins A, C, E and glutathione which boosts internal supply of anti-oxidants to skin cells.

Don’t over-wash your face as tap water strips skin of its natural barrier oils and moisture that protect against wrinkles. You will be washing away protection if you wash them too often. Use a cleanser instead of soap unless your soap contains moisturizers.

What causes wrinkles?

You can't iron wrinkles nor can you wish that you don't have them, whether you like it or not they are there. Wrinkles are a natural part of ageing. As you grow older your skin starts to lose collagen and Hyaluronic Acid. Your skin gets thinner, drier and less elastic. As a result, wrinkles, lines and creases form in your skin, they showed up with your facial expressions and appear deeper. Everything we do eventually will show up on our face, they show that we have lived and it all adds up.

What causes wrinkles?

• As you get older, your skin naturally gets thin and loses collagen and elastic fibers. The sweat and oil glands becomes less in number and decrease in size causing the skin to lose moisture and become dry. There is a decline in the quality and quantity of major structural proteins such as collagen and elasticity, and a decline in healthy cell renewal, the layer of the skin known as the dermis thins. Fat in the deeper layers of the skin, which gives the skin a plump appearance, starts to lessen. Because of persistent gravitational force, sagging and drooping of the skin occurs. They are also the result of a reduction in the mass of facial bone and cartilage due to ageing. They are cause by gravitation effects and due to loss of collagen, this causes loose, saggy skin and more pronounced lines and crevices.

• Exposure to ultraviolet light such as UVA and UVB speeds up the natural aging process and cause early wrinkling. They appear because of chronic exposure to UV lights, for example sun or solarium. UV light breaks down the skin's connective tissue such as the collagen and elastin fibers, which lie in the deeper layer of skin. Without the supportive connective tissue, the skin loses its strength and flexibility. UV rays also prompt the formation of free radicals, which when in excess, can contribute to wrinkles and even skin cancer. The effects of the sun cause the collagen fibers to break down such that abnormal elastin proliferates and pigmentary changes occur. As a result, skin begins to sag and wrinkle prematurely.

• Wrinkles occurred when we form facial expressions, especially when we smile or frown, our facial muscles contract causing our skin to wrinkles, as in the case of eye wrinkles, as in the case of eye wrinkles that appear when we smile, and vertical lines between our eyebrows when we frown. As we age, repetitive facial expressions or movements lead to fine lines and wrinkles because it loses its flexibility and is unable to return to its original state. Every facial expression causes the contraction of underlying muscles, the result of which is a groove that forms beneath the surface of the skin then become permanent features on your face.

• Smoking is another cause of wrinkles; it can accelerate the normal aging process of your skin, contributing to wrinkles. It produces free radicals that induce the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin due to the constriction of blood vessels and also reduces moisture level. Smoking also reduces the production of new collagen, leading to the development of wrinkles. In addition, repeated exposure to the heat from burning cigarettes and the facial expressions you make when smoking. As pursing your lips when inhaling and squinting your eyes to keep out smoke could cause wrinkles.
  

• Other causes could be rapidly weight loss because it can cause wrinkles as the volumes of the fat cells (which have a cushioning effect) are drastically reduced. This causes the skin to sag and crease. Depletion of vitamin E can cause the skin quality to deteriorate.

The Pre-Diabetes Stage

Normally by the time you’re diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, it is often too late. Early detection and intervention in the pre-diabetes stage may help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. This pre-diabetes stage has no significant sign; this is why it may skip everyone’s notice.

Pre-diabetes refers to a state when a person’s blood sugar is slightly elevated but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes; it is also clinically known as Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT) or Impaired Fasting Glucose (IFT).

Beside from having a higher chance of developing type 2 diabetes, people with pre-diabetes also run a higher risk of developing other complications associated with diabetes such as heart disease and stroke. The pre-diabetes stage, progression to diabetes is likely but with correct lifestyle modification, this may be prevented or delayed. Up to a third of people with pre-diabetes may be able to bring their blood glucose levels back to normal over time.

Weight loss, regular exercise and medication are important because the hormone insulin which is ineffective in controlling blood sugar, though the three measures, the body becomes more sensitive to the action of insulin. It works better in controlling blood sugar, and sometimes, diabetes can be prevented in the pre-diabetes stage.

The fastest and surest way to find out if you have pre-diabetes is to go for a blood test, IFG can be detected by an early morning blood sample after an overnight fast, while IGT can be detected using an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). This involves taking a glucose drink and a second blood sample two hours after the first blood test. If you are diagnosed with either IFG or IGT, the most important thing to do is to re-look at your lifestyle.

There are some medications which can help but you can’t pop a pill and expect the problem to go away. So if you are over the age of 40, overweight, obese, smoke, lead a sedentary or stressful lifestyle or have a family history of diabetes you may have a higher risk of having diabetes. For those who are overweight or obese, you should lose weight. Change to a healthy diet and increase daily activity or hop over to a nearby clinic to get yourself screened today without delay.

Depression in Cancer Patient

Every individual, no matter healthy or ill, will experience periods of sadness or depression in his or her lifetime. And people with cancer or their family member especially the care giver are three times more likely than the general population to develop depression. Studies generally indicate that about 25 percent of people with cancer have depression, but only 2 percent of cancer patients in one study were receiving antidepressant medication. It is because most of the time depression in cancer patients goes unrecognized for several reasons; sometimes depression is misinterpreted to be a reaction to the diagnosis and some of the depressive symptoms are said to be attributed to the cancer itself. Finally, depression may be viewed as just the side effect of cancer treatments such as corticosteroids or chemotherapy.


Depression can exist before the diagnosis of cancer or may develop after the cancer is identified. Mostly because cancer or just the thoughts of cancer cause stress, this might result in depression.

Depression is a serious medical condition that affects thoughts, feelings, and the ability to function in everyday life. It adds to a cancer patient's suffering, interferes with his or her motivation to engage in cancer treatment and it can limit the energy needed to keep focused on treatment. Studies shows that, compared to patients without depression, depressed cancer patients experience greater distress, more impaired functioning and less ability to follow medical regimens. Treating depression in these patents not only improves the psychological condition but reduces suffering and enhances quality of life. There is evidence that the lifting of a depressed mood can help enhance survival.

Other factors which increase the risk of depression in someone with cancer are, history of depressive illness, alcohol or other substance abuse, poorly controlled pain, advanced disease, disability or disfigurement, medications such as steroids and chemotherapy agents, the presence of other physical illness, social isolation, and socio-economic pressures.

With treatment, up to 80% of all depressed people can improve, usually within weeks.

Psychotherapy is effective in treating depression in patients with cancer, even those without depression, has been shown to be beneficial in a number of ways. These treatments include, improving self-concept and sense of control, and reducing distress, anxiety, pain, fatigue, nausea, and sexual problems. There is some indication that psychological intervention may increase survival time in some cancer patients.

Electroconvulsive therapy is a safe and often effective treatment depression in cancer patients. Because of it is fast-acting, it may be of particular use for depression in cancer patients who experience severe weight loss or debilitation, or who cannot take or do not respond to antidepressant medications.

When depression is present it should not be taken for granted that cancer will induce depression that depression is a normal part of dealing with cancer, or that depression cannot be alleviated for a person suffering from cancer. It must be treated even when a person is undergoing complicated regimens for cancer and it should be managed by a mental health professional. Like a psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker who is in close communication with the physician providing the cancer treatment. This is especially important when antidepressant medication is needed or prescribed, so that potentially harmful drug interactions can be avoided.

Therefore professionals, patients, and families must be alert for depressive symptoms in cancer patients, and seek evaluation for depression when indicated.

Early Sign of Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer may be hard to detect, but you can reduce the risk of getting it. Stomach cancer is hard to detect in its initial stage, by the time you was diagnosed, the cancer was already in its advanced stage. Such cases are common among stomach cancer victims.

In early stage, the symptoms can be elusive. Those with early gastric cancer wither have no symptoms or have symptoms that are indistinguishable from ailments like gastritis or indigestion. The most common symptom of stomach cancer is dyspepsia, which is pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen. But this pain can be non specific and may be related to ulceration (sores) or obstruction (blockage) of the stomach. This disease runs the risk of being misdiagnosed as normal gastric pain. Only about two percent of the cases suggest early stomach cancer. Normally by the time the symptoms described above show up, it often means that the cancer is at a more advanced stage. Approximately two-third of all stomach cancer patients are diagnosed in the third and fourth stages of the cancer. Another possible warning sign of stomach cancer is bleeding, which occurs when the cancer ulcerates. The bleeding can be heavy, leading to bloody vomit or black stool, or can be more subtle, with small amounts of blood found in the stool. Other symptoms are feeling full after eating a small meal, heartburn, nausea, vomiting especially after meals and difficulty swallowing.


Some risk factors such as family history cannot be helped but you can reduce the risk by making a few lifestyle changes. Like stop smoking, consume more fresh fruits and vegetables, cut down on foods that contain dietary nitrates. Cured meats are bacon, ham, hot dogs and other processed meats and pickled foods. Helicobacter pylori infection caused by bacteria tan can cause stomach ulcer which increase the risk by five times. While smoker have a 1.5 times risk of the disease.

Most early detection and treatment improve the chances of survival. If the cancer is detected early, the recovery rate is very high at about 70 percent or more. The most efficient way to find out if you have stomach cancer is to go for gastro copy examination which is performed under light sedation by inserting a fibre-optic tube through the mouth. This allows the doctor to see any abnormality in the stomach.


For those under 40, who are less likely to develop stomach cancer, it is reasonable to have a trial of medical treatment for gastritis. But if the symptoms persist, after two months, then they can consider a gastro copy. But of course, anyone with symptoms suggestive of the disease in its advanced stage should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Vitamins for Acne

There is no cure for acne, but can be treated completely. Vitamin itself does not clear up acne but they support a healthier diet and can offset some causes including stress, poor nutrition, and hormonal imbalances. Our body needs complete nutrition to promote healthy skin and to prevent acne. The fact is most people are deficient in vitamins, minerals and herbs that are important for your body to function properly. They are powerful antioxidants that flush out free radicals and toxins from your body. Some even have antibacterial effects and promote immunity. Both of which are important in keeping your pores clean of clogging toxins and in healing the damaged skin tissue. However, it is important to note that an excess of this vitamin can also create pimples.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A strengthens the protective tissue of the skin and prevents acne formation by reducing sebum (oil) production. It is essential for the maintenance and repair of the tissue which the skin and mucous membranes are made of. Vitamin A is also a powerful antioxidant that relieves your body of oxidative stress caused by free radicals. As an antioxidant, vitamin A also rids your body of toxins and free radicals, including the skin, of harmful toxins therefore helping to clear the skin of many problems, including acne. Vitamin A is usually taken in conjunction with carotenoids which enhances its effects against acne. A deficiency in vitamin A can actually cause acne.

Never combine strong vitamin A medications with other acne cream (such as cream that contain benzoyl peroxide.) that could cause drying. Over dose of vitamin A could cause nausea, itchiness, irritability, vomiting headaches, menstrual problems, and dizziness. If taken in high doses it could also cause liver damage, pain in the muscles and bones. Do not take vitamin A supplements if you are pregnant.

Vitamin A is found naturally in variety of foods such as carrots, dark green leafy vegetables, yellow fruits like oranges and bananas, liver, milk and egg-yolk.

Vitamin B

The group of Vitamin B has a specific role in promoting healthy skin, and also helps you relieve anxiety and stress, and stress can be a major factor that can trigger acne. The vitamins in the B complex are Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacinamide(B3), Pantothenic Acid (B5) and Pyridoxine (B6) and Cyanocobalamin. Each one of these vitamins has a specific role in promoting healthy skin, as well as overall health.

Thiamine (B1) acts as an antioxidant, enhances your circulation, and assists your body to properly digest the food you eat. Vitamin B1 can aid your body in absorbing other vitamins. You should take 100 mg of Thiamine thrice daily to combat acne.

Vitamin B1 is found in baked potato, beef kidney/liver, brewer's yeast, flour; rye and whole grain, dried garbanzo beans (chickpeas), ham, dried kidney beans, dried navy beans, orange juice, oranges, oysters, peanuts, peas, raisins, brown and raw rice, wheat germ and whole-grain products.

Riboflavin (B2) works with Vitamin A to maintain and improve the mucous membranes in your digestive tract. It is also essential for healthy skin, hair and nails. Vitamin B2 deficiency can be a cause of acne and it also plays a role in growth and energy release. You may find that this dose also helps with migraine headaches.

Vitamin B2 is found in bananas, beef liver, dairy products, eggs, enriched breads, fortified cereals, ham, mixed vegetables, pork, tuna and wheat germ.

Niacinamide (B3) is also another essential ingredient important for healthy skin; it enhances circulation and helping your body with the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, proteins and can also provide a more efficient exchange of toxins and nutrients into and out of you cells. A deficiency in Niacinamide will cause acne but may cause flushed skin at high doses.

Vitamin B3 is found in beef liver, brewer’s yeast, chicken, dried beans/peas, fortified cereals, halibut, peanut butter, peanuts, pork, ham, potatoes, salmon, soybeans, swordfish, tuna and turkey.

Pantothenic acid (B5) is noted second in effectiveness only to vitamin A derivatives. Vitamin B5 helps reducing stress, in effect indirectly reducing acne, which stress is known to cause. It is also enhances the circulation of cells involved in healing wounds and is required for the proper function of the adrenal glands. It has been shown to counteract the hormonal imbalance at the heart of acne formation for most people and is known to increase metabolism and stamina, as well as reduce pain and swelling in rheumatoid arthritis. It also plays a vital role in the production of Coenzyme A, which is necessary in order to metabolize skin oil.

Vitamin B5 is found in avocados, bananas, blue cheese, broccoli, chicken, collard greens, eggs, lentils, liver, lobster, all kinds of meats, milk, oranges, peanut butter, peanuts, peas, soybeans, sunflower seeds, wheat germ and whole-grain products.

Pyridoxine (B6) is crucial in the functioning of your immune system and your antibody production. It plays a role in metabolizing proteins, sugars, and fatty acids. A deficiency of vitamin B6 can be a cause of acne.

Vitamin B6 is found naturally in bananas, blackcurrants, watermelon, leek, green pepper, and sweet potato, avocado and chick peas.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is needed for the production of collagen (connective tissue in skin and bones); it also aids the absorption of iron and speeds up healing which. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant that protects against infection and increases immunity which helps to eradicate acne. The body uses more vitamin C if you smoke or take antibiotics or oral contraceptives. Found naturally in blackcurrant, blackberry, grapefruit, lemon, oranges, Brussels sprouts. Bioflavonoid is the only vitamin that has an anti-inflammatory effect. If you have diabetes, ask your doctor about the proper dosage. Vitamin C is an excellent component of your vitamins for acne treatment.

Vitamin C is found naturally in citrus fruits, blackcurrant, blackberry, grapefruit, lemon, oranges, and Brussels sprouts, guava, mangos, tomatoes, strawberries, broccoli, cabbage peppers, collards potatoes, green peppers, kale, papayas, rose hips, spinach, tangerines and watercress.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is important for skin repair and retards cellular aging. Vitamin E prevents cell damage by preventing polyunsaturated fats from being oxidized. It is an antioxidant that enhances healing and tissue repair. It also helps with the absorption of vitamin A and prevents cell damage by inhibiting the oxidation of lipids (fats) and the formation of free radicals.

Vitamin E is found naturally in almonds, asparagus, avocados, Brazil nuts, broccoli, canola oil, corn, corn oil/margarine, cottonseed oil, fortified cereals, hazelnuts (filberts), peanuts/peanut oil, Safflower nuts/oil, soy bean oil, spinach, sunflower seeds, walnuts, wheat germ and wheat germ oil.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is also known as phytonadione, it can fortify the skin, speed healing and diminish bruises. It can aid in repairing skin that has been damaged by dryness or discoloration due to acne. Vitamin K aids in blood clotting and the repair of broken capillaries, and is popular in anti-aging medications for its ability to diminish fine lines, spider veins, and dark circles under the eyes. When foods are processed or cooked, very little of vitamin K contained in foods is lost. Great sources of this vitamin include dark leafy greens, oils from green plants, and some dairy products.

Vitamin K is found in alfalfa, asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, Cheddar cheese, green leafy lettuce, liver, seaweed, spinach and turnip greens.

Chromium

Chromium aids can combat acne by reducing infections in the skin. If you have a deficiency in any of these vitamins or minerals, chromium is the most likely candidate. To get the adequate amount of chromium in your diet, chromium should be taken in supplemental form called chromium picolinate or chromium polynicotinate as chromium is not easily absorbed from food and is lost during processing, and high quantities of sugar can cause a loss of chromium from the body.

Zinc

Zinc is a mineral not a vitamin which is essential for absorption of vitamin A and also regulates levels of vitamin E. Zinc can help prevent acne because it aids in regulating the activity of oil glands, in the healing of tissues and helps prevent scarring. It is an antioxidant which helps to fight and prevent the formation of free radicals. It also boosts the immune system and helps kill acne bacteria. Acne can be a sign of Zinc deficiency because a lack of zinc has shown to increase the production of male hormones. Zinc is a heavy metal; users should exercise care if taking Zinc supplements because too much Zinc can cause severe stomach pains.

Selenium

Selenium is an antioxidant that inhibits the oxidation of fats and protects vitamin E. Antioxidants are important because they prevent the spread of oxidative cells that can attack cellular function in all major systems of the body. Selenium is needed for skin elasticity and can also aid acne relief through diminishing inflammation of the skin. Use caution if taking Selenium supplements.

Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA)

GLA-containing essential fatty acids taken from evening primrose, blackcurrant and borage seed oils are effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis. Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) is a rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acids that is needed by the body to produce beneficial prostaglandins. It may assist in the balancing of the body’s hormonal system and relieve discomfort associated with PMT symptoms. It is essential to many bodily cellular functions. It improves skin conditions and relief minor skin irritations, keeping skin supple and radiant. Discontinue use if headache, indigestion or nausea occurs.

While using vitamin and mineral follow dosage as instructed. Over dose may be dangerous, discontinue use if side effect like nausea, indigestion, headache etc. occurs. Call physician when convenient.

The information posted here should not be considered medical advice, and is not intended to replace consultation with a qualified dermatology professional.

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