Suryanamaskar is more than weight loss

Suryanamaskar can do to your body what months of dieting cannot. And it can do to your mind what no spiritual discourse can.

Not surprising, the world is going crackers over this ancient yogic tradition of worshipping the rising sun. What with the likes of Jennifer Aniston, Victoria Beckham and Kareena Kapoor endorsing it over gym workouts and bizarre diets.

From improving your posture, strengthening muscles to whittling extra inches around the waist, the benefits of Suryanamaskar are many, provided you adapt it the right way. A set of 12 fixed, cyclic postures define Suryanamaskar which when performed repeatedly at an easy pace can bring a sense of well being, almost immediately. However, those with a heart condition, arthritis or slip-disk, need their doctor's consent before starting the routine. Suryanamaskar's surging popularity notwithstanding, jumpstarting a schedule is most definitely not the best thing to do for a fitness novice. If you have been gravely out of form in a way that you haven't stretched your muscles in ages, first give your body some time to open up, which you can do with some flexibility and stamina-building exercises before embarking on the more arduous 'Suryanamaskar'.

And once your body has registered a certain fitness level, you can begin with a set of three Suryanamaskars in the first instance and increase it to five then ten and more depending on your stamina. Anymore than clocking up numbers, it is important to get each posture right, for the very essence of this yogic ritual lies in perfecting every move. To say the least, it can be an uphill task for beginners. But our expert-backed warm-up exercises are sure to make Suryanamaskar less strenuous and ever so graceful.

1. Neck: Breathe in while you turn your neck to the right and breathe out as you come back to the starting position. Again, breathe in while turning your neck to the left and breathe out in the centre. Repeat this movement thrice. Rotate your neck first clockwise and then anti-clockwise.

2. Arm and shoulder: Stretch your arms out in front of your chest and move your palms up and down, then sideways. Further on, rotate your fist clockwise and anti-clockwise. To relax your arms, place your palm on your shoulder and move your shoulders first clockwise then anti-clockwise.

3. Knee: Bend forwards with your palms resting on your knees, join your knees and move forwards and backwards. End the routine by rotating your knees clockwise and anti-clockwise.

4. Stomach and back: Interlock your fingers over your chest and slowly raise your hands upwards while you breathe in and stand on your toes. Return to Position 1 as you breathe out. Repeat this cycle three times.

5. Legs and waist: Stretch your legs wide in standing position, touch you left toe with the right hand, then the right toe with the left. Keep your knees straight while you do so. Repeat a few times.

By now your body is suitably warmed up to begin the Suryanamaskar routine. Here is a step-by-step account of the 12 postures. Don't try this routine on a mat, you are better off on the bare floor or on the grass.

Posture 1# Stand erect, ideally facing the morning sun. Fold your hands in prayer close to your chest and chant 'Om Suryadevaya Namah' thrice.

Posture 2# With your hands together raise your arms up in the air while you breathe in. Bend over backwards forming an arch from the hands to your feet. The flexibility of the spine is ensured in this posture.

Posture 3# Bring your hands down while you breathe out to touch the floor on either side of your feet. In this posture, it is imperative to keep your knees straight as you bend forward from the waist, and your head as close as possible to the knee. This posture helps melt the excess fat around the stomach by aiding digestion.

Posture 4# While breathing in, put your hands flush with the floor and lower your hips and stretch your left leg back, allowing it to balance on your toes, and your right leg bent in a crouching stance. With your hands firmly on the ground and your arms straight as a die, raise your head upwards to face the sky. This one is for the flexibility of spine and leg muscles, and boosts immunity from diseases.

Posture 5# As you breathe out, let your hands stay firmly on the ground and push your right leg back parallel to the left. Make sure your feet firmly touch the ground and your hip raised high. With your arms and knees straight lower your head to face your navel.

Posture 6# Hold your breath as you bring your hips down while keeping your hands and feet in the same position, and stretch your whole body near the floor. With your face downward, bring your chest and knees to lightly brush the floor, and hold your hips slightly high. At this juncture, 8 points of your body are touching the floor - your palms, forehead, chest, knees and toes.

Posture 7# This posture is a mere extension of Posture 6, in that you breathe in and straighten your arms and lift your chest upward in an arching stance, and your head thrown back facing the sky. Your arms, at this point, carry the weight of your body, with you knees and toes resting on the floor.

Posture 8# Bring your body back to Posture 5 by raising your hips and lowering your chest and head. Keep your arms and knees straight while you do so, and place your feet flush with the floor. Then lower you head to face your navel.

Posture 9# As you breathe in, return to a similar position as Posture 4, only this time you will be crouching on the left knee and stretching back your right leg. Place your hands firmly on the ground, and with the weight of your body on your arms move your chest forward and arch your head up to face the sky.

Posture 10# From here, flow back to Posture 3 while keeping your hands flush with the floor and bringing your right foot side by side with your left one. As you straighten your knee, raise your back to arch in a standing position with your head as close as possible to the knee and your hands on either side of your feet.

Posture 11# Take a deep breathe and raise your arms up in the air as you straighten your back and gradually bend over backwards, akin to Posture 2. Your knees stay straight all the while.

Posture 12# Bring yourself to Posture 1 from here with your hands folded before your chest in prayer, and your spine erect, your knees straight and your eyes shut in meditation.

With Posture 12 you complete one full circle of Suryanamaskar. From here you can flow back to Posture 2 to continue the routine. However, always follow up your Suryanamaskar regime with Savasana, better known as Corpse Pose. In this posture, you lay down on the floor with your legs and arms apart, your palms facing the sky, and eyes deep shut. Breathe in and out heavily and try to focus your thoughts on something happy. Stay on this way for a few minutes and you will feel a sense of calm run down your body like a drug.

Weight loss is just one consequence; you can so much as put your life together with this ancient yogic tradition.

Source: Suryanamaskar is more than weight loss

7 Interesting facts about women's breast

-- Biben Laikhuram

They are soft, warm, beautiful, bouncy, sensitive, sexy, curvy, but apart from these are you aware of any other interesting fact about a woman's breasts?

Breasts are probably the most beautiful part of a woman's body. They can easily be counted among one of the first things men notice in women. Women are always conscious about their breasts; however, with all due respect, they know very little about them. Apart from arousing sexual desire, breasts also symbolise beauty, femininity.

We put together some lesser-known facts about breasts which every woman, or man for that matter, must know.

1.    The left breast is usually bigger: It's little hard to notice but the left breast is always bigger than the right one. They are never exactly the same size. Nipples also come in varying sizes, and they also point in different directions.

2.    Every woman has some nipple hair: It's a big turn-off for men but it's a fact. Each woman has between 2-15 dark, straight strands growing. The darker your skin and hair, the darker the nipple hair. Breasts can also get blackheads and pimples. So, always take special care of your breasts.

3.    Average breast weighs 0.5 kilogram: The average breast weighs about 0.5 kilograms. Each breast contributes to about 4-5 per cent of the body fat and thus 1 per cent of the total body weight of an average woman. Breasts get fatter as women grow older. Also remember that smokers will have saggier breasts than non-smokers.

4.    Over 2 million women have fake breasts: From Pamela Anderson to Katie Price more than 2 million women have breast implants. The figure shows how much women think about their breasts. Not every woman who went under the knife is always pleased with the results. The average age of a woman who gets implants is 34.

5.    Breasts get bigger when aroused: Just like the penis, breasts swell up and become taut when aroused. The same goes for nipples.

6.    Breasts don't like bouncing around: Jogging, walking and aerobics can cause your breasts to bounce around. Always wear a proper bra to minimize the bounce, so that you can also reduce your breast pain. Remember, the main function of bras is to protect the health of your breasts.

7.    Breasts can go out of shape: It sounds strange but sleeping facedown can sometimes misshape your breasts. Always take care of your sleeping position so that you maintain the firmness and shape of your breasts. The best sleeping position is to sleep on your side, with a pillow under them for support as you sleep.

Source: 7 Interesting facts about women's breast

Arthritis Natural Treatment

Arthritis is a progressive inflammatory condition caused when the soft muscles in the joints become inflamed, severely restricting the movement of the joint and causing a lot of pain and discomfort. In older people, who are most susceptible to this condition, arthritis is the leading cause of restriction of movement or immobility. Arthritis is a condition that we are all quite familiar with and even if you haven’t been afflicted with the condition it is most likely that you are acquainted with someone who is. Arthritis is a degenerative condition that affects the joints causing severe pain and greatly reducing mobility. In severe cases and if neglected the effects can be debilitating. Arthritis is typically associated with old age and although most prevalent among the aged it can affect almost anyone, but this it is uncommon among young adults and children. Arthritis may not be a life threatening condition but it is a dreaded condition because of the extent to which it affects your life. Simple tasks and routines that we normally take for granted can become quite a challenge. For example, arthritis in the hands, wrists or fingers can make working at the computer near impossible. While it can be quite debilitating it is not unmanageable. Arthritis can be managed and controlled to minimize its impact on your life. But to effectively control and treat the condition you need to be well informed and understand the condition.

The word 'arthritis' means 'inflammation of the joints'. It is derived from two Greek words: athron, meaning joints; and itis, meaning inflammation. It is, generally, a chronic disease process. Arthritis occurs in various forms, the most frequent being osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease which usually occurs in the older age-group. Rheumatoid arthritis is a serious disease which affects not only the joints of the fingers, wrists, hips, knees, and feet, but also the muscles, tendons and other tissues of the body.

There are a lot of different kinds of arthritis, categorized according to the extent of wear and tear in the joints and the cartilaginous tissues. Sometimes, the inflammation could be caused due to excessive wear and tear of the joints. However, the inflammation could also be caused due to autoimmune disorders. Such disorders, in which the immune system attacks the joints, are one of the leading causes of arthritis and rheumatism.

There are various types of arthritis but most forms of the condition do cause some amount of swelling and pain the joints, so if you do experience pain and stiffness in any of the joints in your body on a regular basis then it is possible that you may be suffering from arthritis. All of our bodily movements and our mobility or flexibility is dependent on the proper functioning of the joints. Swelling or inflammation of the joints, which is typical of most types of arthritis, can however cause the joints to get severely damaged over time. Some forms of arthritis can even cause problems in organs like the eyes or skin.

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common manifestations of arthritis and this usually develops as a result of aging or due to some injury. Some types of arthritis may also develop as a result of your immune system turning on your own body. The immune system which normally protects against infections may begin attacking your own body’s tissue in this type of arthritis, with rheumatoid arthritis being the most common. Although arthritis is by and large associated with old age or aging, the condition can also affect children. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is fortunately a very rare condition. At times arthritis may develop as a result of an infections spreading from one part of the body to the joint, and this is termed as infectious arthritis.

Arthritis may be a degenerative condition to which there is no permanent cure, but treatment can help to manage and control arthritis, reducing its effect on your everyday life. The main focus of arthritis treatment, whether with conventional treatment or with natural arthritis remedies is towards preventing further deterioration of the joints and to increase and preserve mobility, while restricting arthritis pain. Arthritis pain relief and management is best achieved through a combination of medical treatments and natural remedies or self care that could include specialized arthritis diet plans, lifestyle routines, and physiotherapy that may include specific exercises like yoga or pilates.

Arthritis in the hands and feet or hips can be particularly problematic during pregnancy. Women suffering from arthritis should give serious thought to a decision to get pregnant because of the risk of complications.

Arthritis symptoms

·         Pain and Stiffness in the Joints, Anaemia, Colitis

The main symptoms of osteoarthritis are pain and stiffness in the joints. The pain usually increases after exercise. Rheumatoid arthritis is often called the 'cooked food disease'. lt usually develops gradually over several months, with persistent pain and stiffness in one or more joints. Ultimately the whole body is affected. Symptoms include anemia, colitis, constipation, deformed hands and feet.

The gradual onset of osteoarthritis will typically cause symptoms like a progressive stiffening of the joints and some amount of pain but there is unlikely to be any noticeable swelling, or fever and chills.

Rheumatoid arthritis can cause symptoms like painful swelling and inflammation of the joints with stiffness, usually affecting the fingers, legs, arms and wrists. These symptoms are generally most severe when you wake up each morning.

If you experience joint inflammation and tenderness or pain that is also accompanied by a fever or chills then it is very likely that what you are experiencing could be infectious arthritis or some other disease that causes arthritis like symptoms.

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis could cause symptoms like weight loss and a loss of appetite or anemia and fever in children. You may also notice the appearance of blotchy rashes on the arms and legs.

If the onset of the pain and inflammation is very sudden and is accompanied by redness and tenderness then there is a high possibility that it is the beginning of gout.

Cause of Arthritis

·         Structural Changes in the Articular Cartilage in the Joints: Osteoarthritis results from structural changes in the articular cartilage in the joints, usually those which are weight-bearing, such as the spine and knees.

·         Hormonal Imbalance, Physical and Emotional Stress: Rheumatoid arthritis is due to an inflammation of the synovium or lining of the joints. This is accompanied by swelling and eventually leads to deformity. The condition may be caused by hormonal imbalance, physical and emotional stress, infection, severe fright, shock, and injury.

·         Heredity: Hereditary factors may also be responsible for the onset of this disease.

Arthritis Causes

There are various types of arthritis and accordingly a number of possible causes. Arthritis generally does involve a breakdown and deterioration of cartilage however, which is essential for protection of the joints to enable smooth movement. With the destruction of or loss of cartilage there is some amount of friction as the bones make contact causing severe pain and swelling. The causes of arthritis in the back, neck, hips, knees, elbows, wrists, and ankles or other joints could be attributed to various factors such as autoimmune diseases, bone damage, general wear and tear or aging, or because of infection. If caused by some other condition the inflammation or other symptoms of arthritis should resolve once the infection has been treated or the injury healed. At times however the condition will not resolve even after the elimination of the cause as you may have developed chronic arthritis. Arthritis like osteoarthritis is also age related and it will not go away completely.

Some factors that put you at risk of developing arthritis however include being overweight. Obesity may cause arthritis to develop a lot more easily because of the high amount of stress and pressure on the joints. Performing certain repetitive movements like repeatedly hammering at a nail or batting could put stress on the concerned joint, which is why construction workers or baseball players for example are at risk. A lack of physical activity also contributes to deterioration and muscle or tissue loss and may contribute to arthritis. An unhealthy diet that is excessively high in fat or previous injuries to a joint may also contribute to the eventual development of arthritis.

Home Remedies for Arthritis

1.    Arthritis Treatment using Potato Juice: The raw potato juice therapy is considered one of the most successful biological treatments for rheumatic and arthritic conditions. It has been used in folk medicine for centuries. The traditional method of preparing potato juice is to cut a medium-sized potato into thin slices, without peeling the skin, and place the slices overnight in a large glass filled with cold water. The water should be drunk in the morning on an empty stomach. Fresh juice can also be extracted from potatoes. A medium-sized potato should be diluted with a cup of water and drunk first thing in the morning.

2.    Arthritis Treatment using Other Raw Juices: One cup of green juice, extracted from any green leafy vegetable, mixed in equal proportions with carrot, celery, and red beet juices is good for arthritis. The alkaline action of raw juices dissolves the accumulation of deposits around the joints and in other tissues. A cup of fresh pineapple juice is also valuable, as the enzyme bromelain in fresh pineapple juice reduces swelling and inflammation in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

3.    Arthritis Treatment using Sesame Seeds: A teaspoon of black sesame seeds, soaked in a quarter cup of water and kept overnight, has been found to be effective in preventing frequent joint pains. The water in which the seeds are soaked should also be taken along with the seeds first thing in the morning.

4.    Arthritis Treatment using Copper: Drinking water kept overnight in a copper container accumulates traces of copper, which is said to strengthen the muscular system. A copper ring or bracelet is worn for the same reason.

5.    Arthritis Treatment using Calcium: Studies have shown that calcium can help arthritis. Several patients have discovered that joint pains have either been relieved or have disappeared entirely after taking calcium. This mineral should be taken in the form of calcium lactate. Two teaspoons of calcium lactate, each teaspoon providing 400 mg of absorbable calcium, may be taken three times daily in water, before meals for at least four months.

6.    Arthritis treatment using Garlic: Garlic is another effective remedy for arthritis. It contains an anti-inflammatory property which accounts for its effectiveness in the treatment of this disease. Garlic may be taken raw or cooked according to individual preference.

7.    Arthritis Treatment using Bananas: Bananas, being a rich source of vitamin B6, have proved useful in the treatment of arthritis. A diet of only bananas for three or four days is advised in treating this condition. The patient may eat eight or nine bananas daily during this period and nothing else.

8.    Arthritis Treatment using Lime: Lime has also been found beneficial as a home remedy for arthritis. The citric acid found in lime is a solvent of uric acid which is the primary cause of some types of arthritis. The juice of one lime, diluted with water, may be taken once a day, preferably first thing in the morning.

9.    Arthritis Treatment using Alfalfa: A tea made from the herb alfalfa, especially from its seeds, has shown beneficial results in the treatment of arthritis. One teaspoon of alfalfa seeds may be added to one cup of water. Three to four cups of this tea should be taken daily by arthritics for at least two weeks.

10.  Arthritis Treatment using Green Gram Soup: Another home remedy found useful in relieving pains in the joints is the use of green gram soup. This soup should be prepared by mixing a tablespoon of green gram in a cup of water, with two crushed garlic cloves. It should be taken twice a day.

11.  Arthritis Treatment using Castor Oil: Treatment with castor oil has been found beneficial in arthritis. The procedure, as prescribed by a Spanish doctor, is to boil two tablespoons of castor oil over a stove burner. The oil should then be poured into a glass of fresh orange juice and taken before breakfast daily till the disease is cured. It was advised to patients to take it for three weeks, wait for another three weeks and then repeat it again for another three weeks. It is, however, essential that the patient must take an alkaline diet while adopting this mode of treatment otherwise the value of the treatment will be lost.

12.  Arthritis Treatment using Coconut or Mustard Oil: Warm coconut oil or mustard oil, mixed with two or three pieces of camphor should be massaged on stiff and aching joints. It will increase blood supply, and reduce inflammation and stiffness with the gentle warmth produced while massaging. Camphorated oil is an ancient rubefacient used for the purpose.

Home Remedies for Arthritis

While arthritis almost always requires medical attention to slow down the degeneration of the joints, a lot of people prefer natural arthritis treatment. This approach is usually slow, but is free of side effects. The treatment of rheumatoid arthritis ranges from herbal remedies to joint replacement surgeries. Depending on the condition and the severity of the damage to the joints, a doctor would recommend treatments.

A lot of people consume garlic to treat their arthritis. You can consume raw garlic with a glass of water, and if that is not acceptable to you, you can even get yourself some garlic supplements. If there is swelling and redness in your joints, you can apply roasted fenugreek seeds, soaked in mustard oil to the joints. These help reduce the redness and the swelling in the joints, giving you a larger range of motion.

Another important thing to do is to pay attention to your diet. Drink lots of fluids so that the body tissues, especially those in the joints, remain hydrated. This would help to maintain the health of your joints.

Arthritis Diet

·         Take fruits and vegetables in the form of salads

The diet of an arthritis patient should be planned so as to produce alkalinity in the blood. It should include fruits and vegetables in the form of salads, and, at least, two cooked vegetables. In severe cases, it would be advisable to put the patient on raw vegetable juice therapy three times a day, for about a week. Repeated juice fasts are recommended at intervals of every two months.

Mango Could Be World's Healthiest Fruit

Already one of the world's most popular fruits, scientists are discovering that mangos may also be one of the healthiest.

Already one of the world's most popular fruits, scientists are discovering that mangos may also be one of the healthiest. New research, presented this week at the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) meeting in San Diego, not only suggests people who eat mangos have a better diet, but the fruit also contains a substance that may have an effect on breast cancer cell proliferation.

Mango consumers may have better diets

The first study presented at the meeting suggests that individuals who consume mangos tend to have a better diet than consumers who do not. The researchers compared the diets of over 13,000 individuals participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2001 and 2008 to the Healthy Eating Index (HEI), a quantitative measure of diet quality relative to federal dietary guidance. They found that those that regularly ate mangos scored higher on the HEI than those that did not.

Mango consumption was also compared to overall nutrient intake and physical health. Compared to non-mango consumers, mango consumers had, on average, significantly increased intake of vitamin C, magnesium, potassium and dietary fiber, while having lower intake of sodium and total fat. In addition, they had a lower average body weight.

Additionally, lower C-reactive protein levels were found in adults who added mango to their diet. C-reactive protein measures inflammation and it has been suggested that high levels of it in the blood are linked to increased risk for heart disease, however the evidence is inconclusive. Additional research is needed to determine whether the lower levels of C-reactive protein are attributable to mango consumption or other factors.

"We found that adults who ate mangos tended to have a lower body weight, higher intake of fiber and lower intake of fat, all of which are associated with better cardiovascular health," stated Victor Fulgoni, of Nutrition Impact, LLC and lead researcher on this study. The National Mango Board funded this research with the goal of better understanding how mangos can promote healthy diets.

Phytochemicals found in mangos may target breast cancer cells

Another exploratory study presented at FASEB this week and conducted by researchers at Texas A&M Univ. discovered that a polyphenolic compound found in Keitt mangos may be toxic to breast cancer cells. The study, done in vitro (in cells) and in mice, found decreased proliferation of breast cancer cells treated with the polyphenolic extract, and reduced tumor size and weight in mice. Though more research is needed, including human clinical trials, researchers hypothesize that the effects of the polyphenolic extract might extend to the consumption of fresh mango.

"In summary, the anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory activity of mango polyphenolics in breast cancer cells were at least in part due to targeting proteins that play an important role in the survival of breast cancer cells," noted one of the study's lead researchers, Susanne Talcott. "The ability for bioactive components in mangos to reduce cancer promoting cells may be the next big thing in the battle against breast cancer, but more research is needed at this time."

Source: National Mango Board

20 foods for 'forever beauty'!

Beauty is not only about good features, or a toned body. It's the whole package -- thick, lustrous hair; soft, supple and blemish-free skin; baby-pink nails; and a perfect set of pearly teeth all contribute towards enrolling you in the 'beautiful' list.

And what you eat goes a long way in achieving all of the above. Certain foods help stimulate DNA repair, improve your blood circulation, and increase collagen production, giving your skin a supple and youthful look and feel. All food groups have their contribution to make in terms of beauty and health.

In the following pages, we bring you a list of 20 that will set you on the path to natural beauty!

LifeMojo is one of the most trusted sources of information about good health and wellness. To those who want to manage their health themselves, LifeMojo provides necessary information, tips, tracking tools and support to help them stay informed and motivated.

1.    Fruits and veggies: Papaya: Papaya is rich in Vitamin C, which is useful in maintaining healthy skin. Apart from this, when eaten regularly it helps in proper evacuation of stools, which indirectly keeps your skin clean and clear.

2.    Fruits and veggies: Strawberries: Collagen helps to keep your skin taut. When collagen levels decrease, your skin starts wrinkling. Strawberries help protect the collagen structure of the skin. They are also rich in Vitamin C.

3.    Fruits and veggies: Blueberries: Blueberries help in protecting your gums, as well as in maintaining beautiful eyes and the elasticity of your skin.

4.    Fruits and veggies: Black currants: These are rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, helping to maintain healthy-looking skin. They are also a rich source of calcium, potassium, and magnesium for healthy nails and teeth.

5.    Fruits and veggies: Apricots: These are rich in phytontrients like lycopene and beta-carotene that are good for the skin.

6.    Fruits and veggies: Pomegranate: Pomegranate contains polyphenol antioxidants, which neutralise the free radicals that damage your skin.

7.    Fruits and veggies: Tomato: Tomatoes are a rich source of lycopene. Lycopene increases the body's natural sun protection factor, minimising the damage caused by the harsh rays of the sun.

8.    Fruits and veggies: Carrots: A good source of beta-carotene, carrots help prevent premature aging of the skin.

9.    Fruits and veggies: Broccoli: Broccoli contains a compound called sulforaphane, which prevents cell damage. It is a high-fibre diet food, which will keep your digestive system healthy, preventing unhealthy eruptions on the skin.

10.  Fruits and veggies: Cucumber: We all know that cucumber juice, when applied to the skin, makes it soft and supple. Eating cucumber also helps your skin. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals that increase collagen production, making it a very skin-friendly food.

11.  Fruits and veggies: Dark leafy greens: These are good sources of vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and antioxidants. Regular intake is beneficial for your skin

12.  Beverages: Water: Hydration is what keeps your skin supple and soft and dehydration causes it to sag. Therefore, keep your skin hydrated with regular intake of clear, pure water.

13.  Beverages: Green tea: EGCG, which is the primary compound in green tea, protects the skin from the damage caused to the DNA by the UVA rays, which could also result in skin cancer.

14.  Beverages: Apple cider vinegar: The abundant enzymes in this vinegar help peel off the dead skin and keep it youthful and soft.

15.  Other foods: Salmon: Rich in omega 3 fatty acids, eating this fish protects your skin from harmful UV rays.

16.  Other foods: Walnuts: Walnuts are rich in alpha-linolenic acid and keep your skin moist, providing it with lubrication.

17.  Other foods: Olive oil: Olive oil contains essential fatty acids, which help the cell membranes hold onto moisture, thereby making the skin soft and supple. This also helps the skin shield itself from harmful UV rays.

18.  Other foods: Flaxseed: Flaxseed is rich in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, which help your skin stay soft. It prevents clogging of the pores and enables elimination of toxins. Being a good source of fibre, flaxseed also helps regular evacuation of digestive waste, thereby helping your skin steer clear of eruptions due to constipation.

19.  Other foods: Oats: Apart from other rich nutrients oats contain silicon, which is very beneficial in maintaining collagen levels in the skin, making it elastic and supple.

20.  Other foods: Wheatgerm: This is very beneficial to eradicate pimples. It is good to add two tablespoons of wheat germ to your diet regularly.

Apart from streamlining your food habits, staying stress-free and happy contributes a whole lot in maintaining beauty. Worry lines tend to prematurely age your skin. Therefore stay happy, include all these fresh goodies in your diet and stay forever beautiful.

Source: 20 foods for 'forever beauty'!

Home Remedies for Children ::: Animal and Human Bites

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor.

Animal and Human Bites Tactics When Teeth Bring Tears

It can happen in the blink of an eye. Your toddler hollers out 'Kitty!' as he grabs at a fluffy tail. An irate Kitty spins around and sinks her teeth into your toddler's hand.

The same thing can happen with Bowser or Fido, of course. Even the mildest-mannered pet can turn feisty or excited when overwhelmed by kid irritations.

And sometimes it's another child that takes a bite. Small children tend to try out their teeth on anything within reach. With older children, the hard bite that breaks the skin is usually the result of anger and frustration--a down and-dirty kids' battle that gets out of hand.

Whether your child is bitten by a pet, a wild animal or an intolerant playmate, you should call a physician as soon as possible. In the meantime, here's what you can do before you get to the doctor's office.

Stop the bleeding. 'Apply continued pressure until the bleeding stops, which should be two to five minutes,' says Ellie J. C. Goldstein, M.D., clinical professor of medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, UCLA School of Medicine. Never, however, use a tourniquet, he says: A tourniquet cuts off blood flow to the injured area and can lead to permanent damage.

Clean it up. 'Bites should immediately be cleansed with soap and water,' says Joseph Hagan, M.D., clinical assistant professor of pediatrics at the University Of Vermont College Of Medicine in Burlington and a pediatrician in South Burlington. ‘Wash the wound carefully, then soak it for 10 to 15 minutes in warm, soapy water.'

Cover it. To keep the area clean, use a simple adhesive bandage or gauze pad, says Dr. Hagan. Apply it loosely.

Use ice. Some bites just leave deep imprints without actually breaking the skin. But the pressure of the teeth leads to swelling around that area. 'In these cases, ice would be helpful,' says Dr. Goldstein. 'Remember not to apply ice directly. Wrap the ice (or an ice-pack) in a clean towel, to avoid freezing the skin.'

And elevate limbs. While the ice is on, you should also elevate the limb above the level of the heart to help avoid or get rid of swelling, says Dr. Goldstein. 'In the case of leg injuries, the child should lie down and place the limb on a pillow,' he says. For hand injuries, either use the pillow arrangement or rig a sling that holds the hand at shoulder level.

Check tetanus shots. Find your child's immunization records. Because tetanus bacteria in an open wound can cause a fatal infection, your child will need a tetanus shot if hers isn't up-to-date, says Dr. Goldstein.

Note: Children should have had a series of tetanus shots as part of their DTP--diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough)--inoculations from the time they're about two months until they're five. A booster shot is needed every ten years thereafter.

Medical Alert: When to See the Doctor

Physicians recommend that all bite wounds, whether animal or human, be seen by a doctor if the skin is broken.

If your child has been bitten by a wild animal or a pet that has rabies, he will need a series of shots to prevent rabies, says Ellie J. C. Goldstein, M.D., clinical professor of medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, UCLA School of Medicine. And even if there's no chance the pet is rabid, your child could get tetanus from an animal or human bite. Tetanus can be fatal--so the doctor needs to know about the bite in case your child needs a tetanus booster shot.

Aside from rabies and tetanus, the main concern about bites--both human and animal--is that the child could get an infection from bacteria that have been driven into the skin. Cat bites in particular become easily infected, says Joseph Hagan, M.D., clinical assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Vermont, College of Medicine in Burlington and a pediatrician in South Burlington. 'A cat's jaw is small, but its teeth are like hypodermic needles,' he comments.

Even after a doctor has tended to the bite, if it later becomes painful, red or swollen, you should contact your child's doctor again as soon as possible.

Avoiding Dog Attacks

About three million dog bites are reported each year, and nearly 60 percent of those bitten are children, says Marc Paulhus, vice president for companion animals at the Humane Society of the United States in Washington, D.C. Some of those bites could be prevented, he says, if children knew the proper procedures to follow when they are threatened by a dog.

Here's what you should tell your child to do when he is approached by a dog.

1.    Don't run--stay still. When someone runs, a dog will tend to chase--even a nonaggressive dog. Your child should stop in his tracks and not move.

2.    Don't stare in the dog's eyes. This can be threatening to the dog, who will likely attack.

3.    Try a command. Many dogs will respond to a simple command such as 'Sit' or 'No.' Your child should say the command in a firm but low voice, and if the dog obeys the command, the child can back slowly away.

4.    Flop to the ground. If the dog is charging or attacking--or the child is too frightened to try the command-and-walk-away routine--your child should quickly lie face down and cup his hands behind his neck, with his forearms and elbows over his ears. This covers the sensitive areas, and the dog may just sniff and walk away.

How to Soothe Cheek and Tongue Bites

Everyone has done it--bitten the inside of the mouth or the tongue by accident while chewing. It's painful, and if it was done with any force, it can bleed.

But the home remedy is simple, not to mention tasty, according to Joseph Hagan, M.D., clinical assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Vermont, College of Medicine in Burlington and a pediatrician in South Burlington. 'In the Hagan household,' he says, 'we keep a Popsicle in the back of the freezer for emergencies. If children won't put ice in their mouth--most of them won't--they will suck on a Popsicle.'

Caution: While most tongue bites are minor and will heal on their own, if the bite is gaping or is about ¼ inch wide, take your child to see the doctor.

Check rabies records. Any unvaccinated animal could be carrying rabies, even if it appears healthy, says Dr. Hagan. Check records of pets to see that vaccinations are up-to-date.

Keep tabs on the animal. Any animal that has not been vaccinated against rabies who bites your child should be impounded by an animal control authority for ten days, says Marc Paulhus, vice president for companion animals at the Humane Society of the United States in Washington, D.C. Animals infected with rabies can only pass on the virus when they are near death themselves. 'Any animal shedding the virus will die within ten days,' Paulhus says. The animal may not look like it is near death, however. The animal can be active and alert even up to its last day.

Source: Home Remedies for Children ::: Animal and Human Bites