Monday 18 July 2011

how to reduce body heat naturally

What is Internal Body Heat

Summer is the time of the year when heat and energy is high in the environment. This results in a feeling of weakness and lethargy that affects everyone.
But for some persons are affected more due to their physical constitution and other properties and these persons could feel bloated, tired and acidity and may experience swollen hands and feet. See also: Swollen hands in the morning
These persons have a tendency towards acne and acidity. They have a large appetite and have a medium body size.

How to Reduce Body Heat and Remedies for body heat

Following measures can be adopted to reduce this heat energy
  1. Foods that are astringent are good for reducing body heat.
    1. Vegetables are cooling and consuming of lots of vegetables and vegetable juices are very helpful in summer.
    2. One should eat well during the day and less at night as the food is required in the stomach during the day time to prevent acid build up.
    3. Drink plenty of liquids, coconut water, butter milk, fruit juices and at least 10 glasses of water daily.
    4. Eat light food, avoid hot, spicy and oily foods and opt for foods high in water content including fruits, salads, soups and buttermilk.
    5. Avoid alcoholic beverages and tea and coffee.
    6. Smoking should be completely avoided.
    7. Barley is very  good for cooling the body and also good for kidneys.
    8. Barley can be eaten as salad or barley flour can be mixed with wheat flour for making bread. Get to know about Malted Barley Allergy
    9. Mix barley flour in butter milk and boil. Keep it aside overnight and drink the next morning.
    10. Avoid sour and fried foods and also avoid vinegar.
    11. Nuts are heat generating and should be avoided.

25 ways to make your face brighter naturally ,

Here are 25 ways to glow up your damaged skin through natural treatments or you can say through naturotherapy. Most of the treatments mentioned below can also be used for treating freckles and black spots -
1. Add one table spoon of lavender oil and one table spoon of chamomile oil to a bath tub full of water. Soak yourselves
inside the bath tub for atleast for 35 minutes.
2. Add a cup of dissolved baking soda into a bath tub full of water and immerse yourself into it. This can give good results.
3. Mix nutmeg paste and milk until it gets a thick consistency. Apply this paste all over the sun damaged areas.
4. Applying besan flour and curd is also an excellent remedy for sun tan.
5. Take turmeric powder and tender leaves of lemon tree and mix them. Apply this pack to all over the sun tanned regions of your body. Wash it with warm water after 45 minutes.
6. Take some ripe leaves of banyan tree and mix its paste with butter. Then apply this all over your face.
7. Break open a vitamin E capsule and apply its contents over your damaged skin. This will help in giving you a quite speedy recovery.
8. Application of raw potato juice to your skin will also help a lot.
9. Take cucumber paste and 3 pinches of turmeric powder and mix them. Add half teaspoon of lemon juice to it. This removes tan and additionally treats acne.
10. Mix equal quantities of turmeric powder and red sandal wood paste evenly. Apply this paste to your face and let it remain for about 15 minutes on your face. Make sure that you apply this paste only to the sun damaged areas of your skin.
11. Squeeze 2 or 3 grapes juice over your face and give gentle face massage. This removes the unnecessary dirt particles and leaves your skin fresh and healthy. Use cool water to wash your skin.
12. Cut an orange in to two equal pieces and massage each half of your face for atleast 20 minutes.
13. Mix ramacham powder and honey. Ramacham itself is a cooling agent. Apply it for atleast 25 minutes and afterwards wash the pack with cold water.
14. Take egg yolk, carrot juice and one teaspoon of milk. Mix all of these properly. This gives a perfect glow to your skin and its regular application has always proved a sun tan protection remedy. But still make sure that you don’t go out in the sun without properly covering up your body as well as without applying any sunscreen lotion
15. Take two table spoons of tomato juice and ¾ spoon of butter.Mix them well. Massage with this on to your sun tanned      skin for about 25 minutes and wash it using Luke warm water. Try this out if it’s a mild sun tan but avoid this if it’s a sun burn.
16. Make a thick paste of carrot and potato and apply this to your damaged ares. This paste should be thick enough in consistency to get maximum benefits out of this pack.
17. Mix Saffron paste and honey just to have a light consistency in the paste. Apply this pack for atleast 30 minutes.
18. Mix Saffron paste and coconut milk. Boil this mix. Allow it to cool. Apply this face pack for about 30 minutes before evening time starts.
19. Avoid using any gels with benzoyil peroxide over a sun burned skin. Also avoid excessive use of soap.
20. Mix cucumber paste and milk in the ration of 1:1 .Apply this to your face and if it’s applied regularly, it will promote skin healing and also reduces inflammation.
21. Mix rose water and glycerin. Apply this to your face and use this as a skin toner on a regular basis. Use cotton swab dipped in this mix and gently massage all over your face.
22. Take some tender leaves of lotus. Prepare a paste of lotus juice and butter. Apply this all over to your tanned area for about 35 minutes and then wash this with the help of green gram powder.
23. Drink sufficient amount of water.
24. Add one glass carrot juice, 2 table spoons of cucumber juice and one table spoon of honey. Mix them well. Prefer drinking every night before going to bed.
25. Drink cucumber juice and place cucumber slices all over your face.
26. Bonus Tip: Water melon juice is an excellent drink that can help you in every possible problem during entire summer season.

Thursday 14 July 2011

10 best ways to make your relationship stronger




Bullet-Proof Your Marriage

You agreed to stick it out through sickness and health and for richer or poorer, but marital vows don’t address the other big things that can untie your knot—boredom, feeling out of touch—or worse, platonic friendship instead of an in-love partnership. While honeymoon headiness will inevitably decline, that doesn’t mean your relationship has to nosedive as well. In fact, some of marriage’s best highlights—raising a family and developing a deeper, more profound connection—require years of togetherness.

Fortunately, there are many things you can do to ensure your relationship stays strong over time. We talked to experts who studied the habits of the nation’s happiest couples for their top bonding tips

1. Shake up date night


Weekly dinners at your favorite neighborhood bistro won’t stoke your passion, says Stony Brook University social psychologist Arthur Aron, PhD. According to his research, novelty is the spice of life—and a key ingredient of a good marriage. You don’t have to give up your favorite couple-time activities, but do make an effort to inject some new plans into the mix: a hike, a cooking class, or even amusement park rides qualify.

Just pick something you’ve never done before (or recently) together. Rewarding experiences flood your brain with dopamine, a mood-boosting chemical. "If your partner is present, that feeling becomes linked to him,"

2. Laugh over inside jokes


Your teens may groan when you start in on the "good old days," but insider moments only the two of you appreciate is healthy for your bond. In one Appalachian State University study, experts asked 52 couples to reminisce about fun times they had experienced both alone and together; those who liked to recall shared laughs were most satisfied with their relationships.

"When people laugh at the same thing, they validate each other's opinions," says lead author Doris Bazzini, PhD. "And inside jokes or pet names—things others just don't 'get'—strengthen ties between couples." Bonding over these moments builds a reservoir of joyful memories that can serve as a buffer against tough times.

3. Ask this question every day


How was your day, hon? Yep, it sounds cliché, but if this nightly ritual has fallen off your radar after years of marriage, consider bringing it back. Sharing this little chat every night really can improve your relationship, says psychologist Angela Hicks, PhD, of Westminster University. She’s found that couples who discuss recent positive events with each other feel happier the next day, with increased feelings of intimacy and connection to their partners

4. Don’t freak out over a fight


If you’ve been under each other’s skin more than usual (and more than you’d like), it’s not necessarily time to panic or rush to a marriage counselor. Feeling irritated with one another is almost always a sign that you're healthfully engaged, not drifting apart, according to a University of Michigan study.

"It means you've become comfortable expressing yourself over time," says study coauthor Kira Birditt, PhD. "Relationships that are close and positive can also be very irritating." That said, if you or your spouse resorts to name-calling or frequent yelling, such behavior may be a sign of a problem worth addressing.

5. And when do you argue, fight right


Resolving a marital dispute without damaging your relationship may boil down to a single choice of words. When researchers recently studied disagreements among 154 couples (all married 15 or more years), they found that pairs who used plural pronouns—such as weus, and our—during an argument were more likely to express positive feelings and report less mental stress afterward. Conversely, those who preferred using "I" during a spat were more likely to have negative emotions and report marital dissatisfaction.

"Using ‘we language’ during a disagreement may help couples align themselves on the same team, as opposed to being adversaries," says lead investigator Benjamin Seider

6. Sweat with your spouse


Working out with your husband kills two big birds with one healthy stone: You’ll likely get fitter, which benefits your sex life too. One study found that 94% of couples stuck to a fitness program when they did it together, which makes perfect sense. You can keep each other motivated, and it’s exciting to explore new fitness activities, like biking or hiking, together.

Other research shows that women enjoy sex more when they’re physically active—workouts relieve stress, boost energy, and give body confidence a lift, all great for your libido

7. Celebrate each other’s successes


Do you smile when your partner comes home with a pat on the back from his boss or nudges his golf handicap down a point or two? Good, say UCLA psychologists, because the way you receive your significant other's exciting news may be even more important than how you react during a crisis. In a study of 79 couples, partners who shared excitement for each other's achievements ("Your hard work is paying off" versus "Can you handle that responsibility?" in response to a promotion, for example) had the most satisfying relationships.

Interestingly, how a partner reacted to tough times wasn't as closely tied to satisfaction. A celebration provides the opportunity to boost his ego and reinforce your status as a team, say the authors, so break out those champagne flutes and start saluting yourselves more often

8. Listen, don’t just wait to talk


Men get the bad rap for never listening, but admit it: You can probably use a bit of a refresher course too. In fact, Harvard researchers say that couples who express the most empathy and affection are most likely to stay together for the long haul. To become a better listener, try these tips from marriage counselor Harville Hendrix, PhD:
  • Be a mirror. When your partner expresses his or her feelings, show that you're listening by paraphrasing. Start with "Let me see if I've got that: You feel..."
  • Resist the urge to interrupt. "Instead of 'Are you through now?' try 'Is there more to that?'" says Hendrix. "This shows your partner that he or she can feel open and safe with you." Of course, saying it calmly helps too.
  • Validate his POV. Finish with "I can imagine that because of [fill in the situation], you feel [angry, sad, guilty, etc.]."
  • 9. Get closer to his friends

    Of course you’re tight with the couple friends you share, but we bet your partner has close work friends or basketball buddies you don’t know too well—and research suggests you should. The more a couple's friends and family intermingle, the happier spouses are, according to research that examined the social circles of 347 couples.

    "Including your spouse in your network of friends is nearly as important for marital happiness as making him feel like a part of your family," says expert Kenneth Leonard, PhD, a professor of psychiatry at SUNY Buffalo. Women benefited a bit more than men, possibly because they put a higher value on relationships, says Leonard

    10. Rekindle romance in bed


    Last—but most certainly not least—staying intimate and romantically connected is one of the surest things you can do for a happy lasting marriage. But about one-third of couples in American suffer from low sex drive or desire, and getting things back on track isn’t always as simple as splurging on a new negligee or booking a bed-and-breakfast getaway. However, many experts agree that simply putting sex back on your radar can help—the more you do it, the more you’ll want to

Wednesday 13 July 2011

how to reduce blood pressure naturally

how to reduce blood pressure naturally //

12 ways to reduce it

1. GO FOR POWER WALKS


Hypertensive patients who walked at a brisk pace lowered pressure by almost 8 mmhg over 6 mmhg. Exercise helps the heart use oxygen more efficiently, so it doesn’t work as hard to pump blood. Get a vigorous cardio workout of at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. Try increasing speed or distance so you keep challenging your ticker.


2. BREATHE DEEPLY


Slow breathing and meditative practices such as qigong, yoga, and tai chi decrease stress hormones, which elevate renin, a kidney enzyme that raises blood pressure. Try 5 minutes in the morning and at night. Inhale deeply and expand your belly. Exhale


3. PICK POTASSIUM-RICH PRODUCE


Loading up on potassium-rich fruits and vegetables is an important part of any blood pressure–lowering program, says Linda Van Horn, PhD, RD, professor of preventive medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medical. Aim for potassium levels of 2,000 to 4,000 mg a day, she says. Top sources of potassium-rich produce include sweet potatoes, tomatoes, orange juice, potatoes, bananas, kidney beans, peas, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, and dried fruits such as prunes and raisins.

 

4. READ FOOD LABELS FOR SODIUM


Certain groups of people—the elderly, African Americans, and those with a family history of high blood pressure—are more likely than others to have blood pressure that's particularly salt (or sodium) sensitive. But because there's no way to tell whether any one individual is sodium sensitive, everyone should lower his sodium intake, says Eva Obarzanek, PhD, a research nutritionist at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. How far? To 1,500 mg daily, about half the average American intake, she says. (Half a teaspoon of salt contains about 1,200 mg of sodium.)

Cutting sodium means more than going easy on the saltshaker, which contributes just 15% of the sodium in the typical American diet. Watch for sodium in processed foods, Obarzanek warns. That’s where most of the sodium in your diet comes from, she says. Season foods with spices, herbs, lemon, and salt-free seasoning blends


5. INDULGE IN DARK CHOCOLATE


Dark varieties contain flavanols that make blood vessels more elastic. In one study, 18% of patients who ate it every day saw blood pressure decrease. Have 1/2 ounce daily (make sure it contains at least 70% cocoa)


6. TAKE A SUPPLEMENT


In a review of 12 studies, researchers found that coenzyme Q10 reduced blood pressure by up to 17 mmhg over 10 mmhg. The antioxidant, required for energy production, dilates blood vessels. Ask your doctor about taking a 60 to 100 mg supplement up to 3 times a day.


8. GO DECAF


Scientists have long debated the effects of caffeine on blood pressure. Some studies have shown no effect, but one from Duke University Medical Center found that caffeine consumption of 500 mg—roughly three 8-ounce cups of coffee—increased blood pressure by 4 mmhg, and that effect lasted until bedtime. For reference, 8 ounces of drip coffee contain 100 to 125 mg; the same amount of tea, 50 mg; an equal quantity of cola, about 40 mg.

Caffeine can raise blood pressure by tightening blood vessels and by magnifying the effects of stress, says Jim Lane, PhD, associate research professor at Duke and the lead author of the study. "When you're under stress, your heart starts pumping a lot more blood, boosting blood pressure," he says. "And caffeine exaggerates that effect." If you drink a lot of joe, pour more decaf to protect your ticker.


9. TAKE UP TEA


Lowering high blood pressure is as easy as one, two, tea: Study participants who sipped 3 cups of a hibiscus tea daily lowered systolic blood pressure by 7 points in 6 weeks on average, say researchers from Tufts University—results on par with many prescription medications. Those who received a placebo drink improved their reading by only 1 point.

The phytochemicals in hibiscus are probably responsible for the large reduction in high blood pressure, say the study authors. Many herbal teas contain hibiscus; look for blends that list it near the top of the chart of ingredients—this often indicates a higher concentration per serving.


10. WORK (A LITTLE) LESS


Putting in more than 41 hours per week at the office raises your risk of hypertension by 15%, according to a University of California, Irvine, study of 24,205 California residents. Overtime makes it hard to exercise and eat healthy, says Haiou Yang, PhD, the lead researcher. It may be difficult to clock out super early in today’s tough economic times, but try to leave at a decent hour—so you can go to the gym or cook a healthy meal—as often as possible. Set an end-of-day message on your computer as a reminder to turn it off and go home.

11. RELAX WITH MUSIC


Need to bring down your blood pressure a bit more than medication or lifestyle changes can do alone? The right tunes can help, according to researchers at the University of Florence in Italy. They asked 28 adults who were already taking hypertension pills to listen to soothing classical, Celtic, or Indian music for 30 minutes daily while breathing slowly. After a week, the listeners had lowered their average systolic reading by 3.2 points; a month later.


12. SEEK HELP FOR SNORING


It’s time to heed your partner’s complaints and get that snoring checked out. Loud, incessant snores are one of the main symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). University of Alabama researchers found that many sleep apnea sufferers also had high levels of aldosterone, a hormone that can boost blood pressure. In fact, it’s estimated that half of all people with sleep apnea have high blood pressure.

If you have sleep apnea, you may experience many brief yet potentially life-threatening interruptions in your breathing while you sleep. In addition to loud snoring, excessive daytime tiredness and early morning headaches are also good clues. If you have high blood pressure, ask your doctor if OSA could be behind it; treating sleep apnea may lower aldosterone levels and improve BP.