The 5 Best and Worst Foods for Acidity

Don’t invite pain and discomfort by eating acidity-triggering foods. Check out the 5 best and worst foods for acidity.

If you suffer from acidity, you know how terribly uncomfortable it can be. And one wrong food is all it takes to trigger off a day of heartburn and discomfort.

For those prone to acidity, we have a list of foods you should include and foods you should avoid like the plague.

5 best foods for acidity

Apples and bananas

Amongst fruits, apples and bananas are safe to be consumed and generally do not cause acidity. If you’re in the mood for juice, apple juice is a good option.

Vegetables like cabbage, beans and peas

These vegetables are healthy and do not cause acidity. If you enjoy potato, try baked potato and avoid deep-fried preparations.

Egg white, chicken and fish

Lean white meats and egg white are perfect for acidity-prone individuals.

Low fat cheese

Heavy foods are a no-no for those prone to acidity. So try and go for low-fat dairy items like low-fat cheese or milk.

Whole grains

Avoid refined carbs like white rice and maida and instead opt for whole grains like wheat and brown rice to ward off acidity.

5 worst foods for acidity

Spicy food

This is a no-brainer. Anyone prone to acidity knows what a spicy sabzi or a stray chilli can do to you. In general, it’s best to avoid overly spicy food and go in for something a little milder.

Citrus foods

Bad news for orange lovers! Citrus foods are one of the worst triggers of acidity and if you think you might be prone to it, stay away from citrus fruits, as well as juices.

Coffee

For those with a chronic acidity problem, it’s best to cut out coffee from your diet. Instead try green tea

Fried foods and fatty foods

Biscuits high in fat, or fried snacks have to be banished from the diets of all those prone to acidity. These are instant triggers and can cause days of discomfort.

Alcohol, especially wine

Although wine recommended as one of the healthier alcohols, it’s a no-no for the acidity prone. The tannins in the wine can cause acidity and is best avoided.

Wonder foods for your eyes

When we talk about staying healthy, we mostly focus on heart, bones, and brain. But for healthy aging, we also require our eyes to be fit and healthy. With aging, different problems ail our eyes such as loss of vision, cataract, mucular degeneration and night vision problems. There are several nutrients which help to protect our eyes such as Beta Carotene, Vitamin C, plus Zinc, Omega 3 Fats and Vitamin E. Here is a look at some foods that keep our eyes fit.

Beans: Beans ranging from kidney beans to chick peas and lentils are a great source of zinc. Zinc releases Vitamin A to your diet. Deficiency in Zinc leads deterioration of macular, in retina. Zinc is also present in beef and poultry.

Broccoli is important in keeping heart and cancer disease away from you but it is equally important for eyes. It has nutrients which reduce the problems related to mucular degeneration and loss of vision.

Eggs are an important source of zinc, lutein, B12, Vitamin D, Vitamin A and cysteine which helps in protecting your eyes from various diseases.

Wheat germ: Being a big source of Vitamin E, Wheat Germ decreases the development of cataract and muscular degeneration. Almonds, hazelnut and sunflower seeds are also a great source of Vitamin E which helps in keeping your eyes healthy.

Carrots: The saying turned out to be true. Carrots are actually good for your eyes. Rich in beta-carotene, that protects the eye and reduces the risk of cataracts, carrots can easily be included in your diet in the form of salads or stir-fried veggies.

Turkey: A healthier option than red meat, it turns out that turkey is effective in warding off cataract. Loaded with zinc and vitamin B, this meat is a terrific food for your eyes. It tastes best in burgers and salads and is quite versatile. Don’t shy away from experimenting.



Spinach: Along with carrots, spinach is probably the other food that pops in your mind when you think of foods that help maintain eye health. And not without reason. Packed with beta carotene, zeaxanthin, lutein, vitamin C and a number of antioxidants; spinach works by absorbing more than 40% of blue light intensity that may harm your eyes and increase the pigment density of the macular  thus significantly lowering the risk of muscular degeneration.

Cherries: Cherries contain antioxidants that can prevent eye problems that lead to blindness. They are also rich in bioflavonoids that strengthen the blood vessels that carry oxygen to the eyes and brain. Cherries also contain calcium, potassium, fiber and iron, and Vitamins A, B and C.E

Ostrich meat: Another substitute for red meat, ostrich meat has a good amount of zinc. Zinc plays a vital role in maintaining eye health by aiding smooth enzyme function. For people suffering from macular degeneration, ostrich meat is one of the best foods. The low levels of zinc in the retina during macular degeneration can be thus successfully leveled up by including ostrich meat in your diet.

Sardines: Now here’s something you may not have expected. Sardines are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, which are not only healthy for your heart, but also for your eyes. They can be included in your diet twice a week and they work by protecting the tiny blood vessels in your eyes and maintaining overall eye health.

Sweet potatoes: An easy accompaniment to your meal, sweet potatoes taste best when fried or boiled and mashed. They are packed with beta-carotene when makes them a total must-have for eye health.

Almonds: Almonds are rich in Vitamin E that help prevent cataract and improves vision.

Flax-seeds: Flax-seeds are one of the richest sources of natural omega-3 fatty acids, that helps build immunity and prevent age-related mucular degeneration in the eyes.

Avocados: Avocados are packed with antioxidants that improve eyesight and prevent problems like astigmatism, glaucoma and cataracts.

Corn: Corn is a great source of lutein and zeaxanthin, and a fair source of beta-carotene and Vitamin C.

Sunflower: Sunflower seeds and parsley are rich in Vitamin E and B2 that are extremely beneficial for the eyes.

Strawberries: Strawberries are rich source of Vitamin E. Studies reveal that person whose diet is rich in Vitamin E is three times less likely to develop macular degeneration that is the main cause of poor eyesight in the elderly.

Top tips to beat acidity

Top tips to beat acidity

Most people these days are suffering from acidity but the good news is that it is a completely reversible condition. Here are a few tips to beat it!

Are your eating habits irregular? Do you eat out a lot? Do you love spicy food? And have you been experiencing burning sensations in the throat, gas formation, sour taste in your mouth and fatigue? Chances are that you are suffering from acidity.

What causes acidity?

Acidity is caused when the digestive juices produced in our stomach are not utilized completely. In fact the acid helps digest food we eat. However, when there isn't enough food for digestion or if there is an over production of this acid, you will experience acidity pangs.

In addition, acidity may also be due to eating a meal filled with either sugar or spices, stress, lack of exercise or long gaps between two meals. In most cases, the main trigger for acidity is the food we eat and our eating habits.

Though acidity is one of the most common problems faced by most of us, preventing acidity from occurring is very simple. Here are a few tricks which will help you beat acidity!

Eat at regular intervals

Always eat in small portions. Instead of one heavy breakfast, break it down into two portions and eat it at two-hour intervals. This way, your stomach is neither too full nor completely empty.

Fruits and veggies

Eat a lot of fruits, vegetables and whole wheat grains as this will increase the amount of fibre you consume. The fibre in your food will absorb the extra acid produced in your stomach and also discard it out of your body. Fruits such as bananas, papayas, cucumbers and watermelons go a long way in relieving acidity. Also, dry fruits like raisins, dried figs and almonds help in easing heartburns and the burning sensation in your stomach. Eat more vegetables like drumsticks, beans, pumpkin, cabbage, carrot and spring onions.

Drink water

Drink warm water first thing in the morning. This is said to flush out the excess acid which gets accumulated in your stomach through the night. In addition, drinking tender coconut water three times a day will also help you fight acidity.

Essential foods for a healthy die

Milk: Remember how your mother would force you to have 2 glasses of milk every day when you were a child? She would do it for a number of good reasons. Milk is extremely rich in calcium and also aids in burning fat. With increased cases of osteoporosis and arthritis among elderly males, a regular intake of fat-free milk will do wonders to their health. A glass of milk at breakfast, and one before going to bed will fulfill the daily dietary needs.
 Eggs: Eggs are best sources of dietary protein. They are rich in choline and antioxidants which reduce the risks of breast cancer and eye diseases. Though most of us tend to abstain from eating eggs because of their cholesterol inducing properties, we fail to realise that consuming them in moderation will actually result in a healthy heart. Having an egg daily will boost the immune system and help the skin and hair glow with health. Heart patients, however, are advised to restrict their intake to two a week.
Avocado: Though dangerously termed as butter fruit, the nutritional goodness packed in avocados do not match its cholesterol producing namesake in anyway. Rich in Vitamin-E, Foliate and potassium, avocados reduce the risk of heart disease and blindness. A dollop or two in salads will not only call for good taste, but will also aid in better absorption of beta carotenes.

Olive Oil: Olive oil is nothing short of a blessing when it comes to maintaining a healthy heart. With its proven abundance in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, it helps reduce chances of cancer and Alzheimer’s. The Extra Virgin varieties available in the market are excellent sources of antioxidants packed with full flavor. Cooking with olive oil will not only make your food more palatable but will also help in the absorption of betcarotenoids present.

Nuts: Although nuts are high in calories and so should be eaten in moderation, the calories in nuts come mainly from their high levels of monounsaturated fats, which are extremely good for health. Eating foods rich in these fats can help reduce bad cholesterol and lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. As well as their heart benefits, nuts are also a great source of protein and are packed with fiber, antioxidants, fatty acids and vitamins and minerals. It is worth noting that peanuts are actually legumes and have different nutritional properties from tree nuts, but there are many other good options to pick from including Brazil nuts, cashews, walnuts, pecans and pistachios.

Oily fish: Oily fish - such as salmon, mackerel, sardines and trout - are renowned for their health benefits when eaten in moderation (between two and four portions a week). Not only are they a great source of vitamins and minerals - including immune-boosting vitamins A and D - but they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These super healthy unsaturated fatty acids have many health benefits, having been linked to a lowered risk of heart disease, brain damage, stroke, dementia and prostate cancer. Research findings published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology also suggest that omega-3 fatty acids can benefit eye health by halting the progress of age-related macular degeneration.

Beetroot: Beetroot is one of the latest vegetables to be hailed as a 'super food', and looking at its reported health benefits it is easy to see why. Various studies have suggested that drinking beetroot juice can improve stamina when exercising, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, improve heart health and liver function, reduce risk of dementia, and fight against cancer. The versatile vegetable is also a good source of many vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, which is important for tissue growth and repair, and foliate, which helps to reduce the risk of birth defects in unborn babies, as well as helping to prevent anemia.

Onions: The onion family (part of the genus Alliums) contains many foods that may do wonders for our health including onion, garlic, leeks and chives. Studies have suggested that both onions and garlic can help lower cholesterol, while findings published in the Journal of Nutrition showed that onions could help lower blood pressure. Onions and garlic also have antiviral and antibacterial properties, so can help to fight against bacteria and illness in the body, while a study by researchers at the King's College London and the University of East Anglia found that eating foods from the onion family could help prevent hip osteoarthritis.

Dark, leafy greens: Dark, leafy greens such as spinach, watercress and kale are automatically associated with healthy eating for many due to the "eat your greens mantra" that has been drummed into our heads over the years. However, this faith in the health properties of green veg is well-founded, as these vegetables are bursting with nutrients including iron, calcium, potassium and vitamin C, and packed with health-boosting phytonutrients. Some of the reputed health benefits of eating your greens include lowered blood pressure, improved eye health and a reduced risk of cognitive decline.

Quinoa: Quinoa has only recently become widely available and well known in many places, but it has quickly become popular with healthy eaters due to its great body benefits. Mostly treated as a grain (although it is actually a seed), quinoa can be used in the place of pasta, wheat or oats for an extremely nutritious meal. Quinoa, like most grains, is high in fiber, making it great for the digestive system, but perhaps its best attribute is that it is one of the few plant sources of high quality protein, containing all eight essential amino acids. On top of this, quinoa is a great source of nutrients including magnesium, manganese, iron, calcium, potassium and several B vitamins.

Berries: Acai berry, blueberry, goji berry, blackberry... With a new "super berry" hitting the headlines seemingly every week, it can be hard to keep up with which berry you should be buying this week. Luckily, the truth of the matter is you generally can't go wrong with any commercially available berry. These super healthy fruits are extremely high in antioxidants and have many individual health benefits, including the ability to help prevent dementia (blackcurrants and boysenberries), fight off colon cancer (blueberries), improve vision (bilberries) and ward off urinary tract infections (cranberries).

Oats: Grains are notoriously good for our health, but the closer they are to their natural state when eaten the better their benefits, meaning that whole oats are a particularly good choice of grain. Oats not only contain many minerals - including zinc, iron and calcium - but they are a good source of B vitamins, which are great for the nervous system. This popular breakfast ingredient has countless other health benefits; helping to reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes, lower cholesterol, reduce blood pressure and benefit the digestive system. Oats are also a great source of slow release energy, meaning that they will keep you feeling full and active for longer.

Beans: From the macrobiotic to the student, many diets rely on the humble bean in its dry, tinned or baked form - and this could be great news for our health. Studies have found that beans are not only excellent weight-loss and energy foods, but they are a great source of antioxidants, protein and nutrients (such as iron, manganese and B vitamins). Beans are also an excellent source of soluble fiber, which can help to reduce cholesterol, stabilize blood sugar and improve the digestive system, while a study by scientists at the University College of London showed that beans can also help prevent cancer.

Tomatoes

Top 10 Best Diet Tips

 Experts, nutritionists and dieters, recommended the top 10 best diet tips for you. Go forth and lose that extra weight!

Still reeling under the festival time damage to your weight? Want to get fit before the Christmas and New Year parties come around? Too smart to go on some silly crash diet? Then you’re at the right place.

There’s no doubt that regular exercise and healthy eating make the best weight-loss tools. And to aid you with your healthy eating plan, we have some nifty little tips that’ll help you stay on track.

Top 10 diet tips 

1. Think of what you can eat, and not what you can’t. When most people think of going on a diet, the thought of saying no to a lot of foods can really turn them off. A good way to stay positive and inspired is to think of all the food you can eat – plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, veggie bhels etc. The options are substantial, healthy and quite mouth-watering.

2. Keep a food diary. Several studies have shown that those who keep a food diary see far better weight-loss results than those who don’t. By keeping a food diary, you’re ensuring that you’re eating healthy, nutritious food and avoiding foods that can derail your diet plans.

3. Weigh yourself regularly. You could either weigh yourself daily, or once a week, depending on how you want to go about it. Regular weight checks help to ensure that your diet is in fact, working for you.

4. Call it “eating healthy” and not “dieting”. The word “dieting” can get a variety of responses from your friends and family. Some friends may feel pity for you, while some older uncles and aunties might lecture you on how bad dieting is and how you’ll lose your glow etc. To avoid all these unnecessary discussions with well-wishers, just them you’re eating healthy while politely saying no to that samosa and grabbing a handful of nuts instead.

5. Drink two glasses of water just before your meal. This neat little trick helps to give you a feeling of fullness, so you don’t end up overeating.

6. Snack smart. The most important thing to remember about dieting is to never allow yourself to feel starved. Always carry healthy snacks like nuts, fruits or whole biscuits with you and just pop them in between meals, so you never feel deprived.

7. 10 Foods for Fabulous Abs

   Prev

   1. 

      Yahoo Lifestyle Entertainment Photo by ThinkstockWed 18 Apr, 2012 10:30 AM IST

      Yogurt is magic for the tum. Nutritionist Rania Batayneh recommends yogurt, “The probiotic bacteria in most yogurts help keep your digestive system healthy, which translates into a lower incidence of gas, bloating, and constipation, which can keep your tummy looking flat." Ideally go for the plain-flavoured yogurts, that don’t contain added sugars.

   Big breakfast, small dinner. This one’s an oldie, but a goodie! Eating a good breakfast not only keep you going through the day, but is also essential for your body after it’s been deprived of food all night. Dinner, on the other hand, should be light and preferably had at least a three of four hours before you sleep.

8. Eat at the dining table. Avoid eating in front of the TV as that just leads to mindless overeating. Eat a nice family dinner at the dining table instead.

9. Don’t forget to exercise. Someone once said, very rightly, that dieting and exercise are like the two wings on a plane. Without both, the plane can’t tale off. Just because you’re dieting, doesn’t mean you can skip the exercise. Do both to get maximum benefits and feel healthy.

10. Sleep well. Sleeping a full 7 to 8 hours not only helps you stay fresh and healthy, but also aids your weight loss efforts. So don’t skimp on sleep, eat healthy, exercise and you’ll definitely achieve your weight-loss goals.

6 women's health complaints answered

For Sexual Health Week,  Mr N. Pisal, a gynaecologist from London Gynaecology, mentioned and discussed about the most common women’s complaints and what they all mean.

Heavy periods (Menorrhagia)

“A normal period can be hard to define as every woman is different. But if you have to change sanitary protection frequently, or if you have to use double protection (pad and tampon) or if you pass large blood clots, you could call your periods heavy.

Heavy periods can make you anaemic and tired. Hormonal changes, fibroids and endometriosis can cause heavy periods. Simple medications such as Tranexamic acid or using the contraceptive pill can reduce the bleeding significantly, so it is worth seeing you GP.”

Painful periods (Dysmenorrhoea)

“Some pain during periods is common, but if you take painkillers all the time or have to take time off work, it could indicate a condition called Endometriosis which affects up to 10% of women.

Going on the pill will often make the periods lighter and less painful. Often, your doctor will be able to suggest simple measures to help your symptoms.”

Pain during sex (Dyspareunia)

“This also could be a symptom of Endometriosis if it is persistent and deep; especially if associated with painful periods. Sex can be painful after menopause if you have dryness and using lubrication or oestrogen cream can help.”

Bleeding between periods (Intermenstrual bleeding)

“If you are on the contraceptive pill, this could be a common side effect. It will usually resolve in a few months, but sometimes you may have to try a different pill.

It can sometimes be a symptom of benign pathology inside the uterus such as fibroids (non-cancerous lumps in the uterine muscle) or a polyp (grape-like projection of tissue). If persistent, your doctor will recommend a scan to rule out any problems. Occasionally, a hysteroscopy (camera examination of uterus) may be required.”

Bleeding after sex (Postcoital bleeding)

“This symptom could indicate a normal physiological condition called Cervical Ectropion (when the inner delicate lining of the cervix everts out) or infection such as Chlamydia.

Do see your doctor if you get more than one episode. Very rarely, it can also be a symptom of cervical cancer. Make sure that you are up to date with your smear test and also have a sexual health screen if you are in a new relationship.”

Abnormal smear

“If you have received a letter telling you that your smear is abnormal, you will understandably be anxious and worried. However, an abnormal smear almost always means that a minor problem (pre-cancerous change) has been detected and not anything serious (such as cervical cancer).

It means that your smear test has done it's job and this minor problem can now be dealt with. It is very common to have an abnormal smear (1 in 12 smears), but it is extremely rare for this abnormality to be cancer. You may be referred for a special test called Colposcopy (camera examination of the cervix).”

30 Ways to Prevent Diabetes

Diabetes can be a difficult ailment to deal with. However, with proper control, its symptoms can be prevented from surfacing. Here are some steps, to keep you from contracting diabetes.

Diabetes can be a difficult ailment to deal with. However, with proper control, its symptoms can be prevented from surfacing. Here are some steps, to keep you from contracting diabetes.

1. Weight Management

Taking control of your weight is the first step in warding off chances of developing diabetes. A controlled weight not only helps to keep blood-sugar levels in check, but also maintains overall well-being.

2. Exercise

Proper exercise is the key element in maintaining optimum health. Studies have shown that exercise improves the blood flow and clears sugar levels in the blood. This results in higher metabolism and lower risks of diabetes.

3. Avoid Trans-Fats

Trans-fats lower the body’s capability to absorb protein, withholding insulin secretion in the body. This marks an increase in the blood-sugar levels. Avoiding trans-fat containing processed foods will help keep risks of diabetes, at bay.

4. No Sugar

Moderate consumption of sugar will keep blood-sugar levels in check. However, rampant consumption of unnaturally sweetened processed foods will inhibit insulin production and result in the onset of diabetes. Thus, avoiding sugar wholly will be the best approach in the prevention of diabetes.

5. No Refined Carbohydrates

Avoid white rice, pasta, popcorn, rice-puffs and white flour, if you wish to control your blood-sugar levels. During diabetes, the body loses its ability to assimilate complex carbohydrates, causing a rampant sugar deposition in blood as sugar. Avoiding the above-mentioned complex carbohydrates will ensure that your insulin production stays unaffected.

6. Fibre

A fibre-rich diet is highly conducive to controlling blood-sugar levels. The absorbed fibre tends to absorb the sugar in the blood and facilitate insulin secretion to normalize diabetes. Consuming whole-wheat and multi-grain products will load up the body with fibre.

7. No Smoking

Smoking increases chances of contracting diabetes, since it begins to affect cardiovascular health and hormonal secretions in the long run. Carbon deposition in the blood results in inhibited absorption of assimilated nutrients. Giving up your smoking habit will, thus, boost your health and keep diabetes away.

8. Fresh Fruits

Natural fruit sugars are the best options, as dietary supplements, since they provide all the necessary vitamins and minerals required. Studies have shown that an adequate intake of Vitamin A and C maintains blood and bone health. Include fresh citrus fruits like oranges, apples, pineapples, grapes and lemons in your diet. Consume bananas in moderation, since their sugar structure is more complex than that of citrus fruits.

9. Fresh Vegetables

Fresh vegetables are rich sources of iron, zinc, potassium, calcium and other essential nutrients. These nutrients restore the balance and aid in overall cardiovascular and nervous health. This prompts the body to assimilate proteins and produce insulin in an optimum level.

10. Green Tea

Green tea is nothing less than a miracle cure for ailments. Consuming a cup of unsweetened green tea regularly will rid the body of free radicals and let the antioxidants, contained within, normalize the blood sugar levels. This will aid in reducing diabetes and help keep the chances at bay.

11. Coffee

Although caffeine has been known to increase chances of cardiovascular ailments, a moderate consumption tends to curb the increase of blood sugar levels. Caffeine has been known to suppress hunger pangs, which in the long run can curb an unruly sweet-tooth syndrome, from loading up the body with unnecessary calories.

12. Small, Frequent Meals

High metabolic rates are highly conducive in maintaining blood-sugar levels and nothing keeps metabolism more fired up than consuming small portions, frequently. Studies have shown that frequent meals result in greater absorption of nutrients and lesser deposition of fat. Without fat deposition, the insulin secretion is normalized.

13. Cardiovascular Health

With an onset of diabetes, cardiovascular health is the first aspect to be affected. Without proper care, diabetic patients develop heart ailments within a short span of time. In order to keep their diabetes in check, they need to monitor their cholesterol levels closely. Through proper medication, diet and rigorous exercise, one can keep their heart healthy.

14. Avoid Red Meat

When consumed in excess, the polyphenols in red meat tend to raise blood cholesterol levels. Red meats, due to their complicated protein structures are digested much slowly. Thus, consuming red meat tends to bring down the metabolic rate and hinder insulin secretion.

15. Cinnamon Powder

Powdered cinnamon, apart from spicing up your foods, has the ability to lower blood sugar levels, as well. Take a pinch of cinnamon with warm water every day and kiss diabetes goodbye.

16. Stress Management

Oxytocin and serotonin are responsible for keeping the nerves functioning on optimum levels. The release of adrenaline under great stress, on the other hand, tends to disrupt insulin secretions. Doing away with stress is, therefore, the most potent way of minimizing the harmful effects of high-blood sugar.

17. High Protein Diet

A diet high in protein is extremely conducive in maintaining energy levels in the body, since people with risks of diabetes are recommended to stay off diets with complex carbohydrates and high fat content. Not only does it aid in normalizing the wear-and-tear of the body, but also maintains a high metabolic rate.

18. Avoid Fast Foods

When it comes to epitomizing bad health, fast foods grace the very top of the pyramid. Not only are they replete in excessive salt, processed sugars and complex carbohydrates but are also steeped in unhealthy oils containing trans-fats. In order to maintain healthy blood-sugar levels, cutting down on fast-foods is a must!

19. Regular Blood-Sugar Checks

Keeping tab on your blood sugar levels is an excellent way to monitor your chances of contracting diabetes. Buy a blood-glucose monitor to be more hands-on in the testing process. These devices require a small sample of blood to determine if your sugar levels are within control or not.

20. Regular Consultation

An ailment like diabetes requires constant check-up. Careful diagnosis keeps blood-sugar within the optimum levels. Since monthly check-ups and blood tests will determine the appropriate dosage to cure one of diabetes, setting up regular consultations with your doctor will be the best option to resort to.

21. Sleep Well

A good night’s sleep is as essential for proper health, as food or exercise. Studies have shown that adults sleeping for 7-8 hours every night have experienced lesser chances of contracting diabetes in the long run, than those who sleep for fewer hours. The science behind it claims that sleep calms the brain and facilitates the normal hormone secretion. Lack of sleep upsets the normal hormonal balance.

22. Avoid Salt

Moderate salt intake is the key factor in controlling diabetes. Salt is responsible for tempering the osmotic balance of the body, which when upset, tends to give rise to various hormonal anomalies. Its ability to hinder insulin production tends to aggravate risks of Type-2 diabetes.

23. Take Care of Bruises

In diabetes, the immune system of the body is rendered weak, which means that minor injuries don’t tend to heal easily. Thus, unexplained cuts and bruises are primary physical signs of high blood-sugar levels.

24. Drink Water

Water tends to mobilize the high sugar content in blood and thereby helps in preventing aggravation. Drinking 2.5 litres of water, on a daily basis, will not only regulate physical functions but will also lower chances of cardiovascular and diabetic ailments.

25. Lean Meat

Lean meats are great substitutes for non-vegetarians under diabetes risk. The high protein content is essential to sustain physical well-being, since fats and high-carbohydrate diets are out of the question.

26. More Calcium

Consuming optimum amounts of calcium, whether in supplement form or in diet, can reduce chances of contracting diabetes. Studies have shown that people consuming 500 mg in supplement form have experienced 25% less chances of developing Type-2 diabetes.

27. Vinegar

Vinegar is an excellent dietary compound responsible for diluting concentrated sugar-levels in the blood. Studies have shown that two spoonfuls of vinegar before a meal can reduce the glucose influx.

28. Soy

Soy proteins are one of the miracle cures for reducing diabetes among crucial patients. The isoflavones contained in them reduce the sugar content in blood and keep the body nourished, while accumulating much fewer calories, when compared to other foods.

29. Skip Aerated Drinks

Colas and other aerated beverages are replete with excessively high sugar content, which is detrimental to the existing blood-sugar levels. Its sugar content is also a rampant source of empty calories, which hinders the physical ability to assimilate nutrients.

30. Sunlight

Studies have shown that moderate exposure to sunlight boosts the physical synthesis of vitamin D, which is essential for doing away with insulin resistance in the body. Lack of Vitamin D results in low insulin production. While soaking up the sun might sound like an excellent yet easy remedy, to reduce diabetes levels, one must pay attention not to overexpose themselves to avoid risks of skin cancer.

Diabetes is completely manageable, if handled with dedication and care. By following the above-mentioned steps, one can steer clear of the harmful effects of diabetes.

Food for healthy hair!

http://in.lifestyle.yahoo.com//photos/13-food-types-for-healthy-hair-slideshow/

1. previousnext

1. Photo by ThinkstockThu 27 Sep, 2012 9:30 AM 

1. Flax seeds: 
Take a glass of water with flax seed (alsi) in an empty stomach. This will provide you with the omega 3 acid that you need for hair growth.

1. 
   

   
   

Beauty Tip –Turmeric, for glowing skin!

Beauty splash–Turmeric, for glowing skin!

It added color to your food, gave it that extra zing, and has been a lifesaver when you accidently cut your finger. Now, it’s time to switch to turmeric from your fairness creams and moisturizers.

Beauty splash - TurmericTurmeric – curcuma longa has spiced up your curries and sometimes made way into your glass of milk when you caught a cold. This wonderful antiseptic spice is a favorite among grandmas when it comes to whipping up homemade beauty treatments. Read on to find out why.

Battling pigmentation

Turmeric has an old reputation of giving the skin a natural glow. And that’s exactly why traditional Indian weddings follow the custom of the ‘haldi’ ceremony before the wedding day, so that the bride and the groom really glow on the D day. A teaspoon of turmeric powder in your face pack, or with a couple of tablespoons of gram flour and lemon juice helps lighten your pigmentation wonderfully.

For the wow glow

Turmeric has been used in beauty treatments since ancient times. Being an excellent antiseptic, you can freely use it even if you discover a few breakouts on your skin. And believe it or not turmeric doesn’t stain your skin. For a healthy glow, add a pinch of turmeric to the pulp of tomato (if you have oily skin) or a tablespoon of curd (if you have dry skin). Leave it on your face like a mask for 15 minutes and rinse.

Anti-ageing spice

Turmeric is packed with anti-ageing properties. It reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and makes the skin soft and supple. This works best when a pinch of turmeric is mixed with cucumber pulp and applied to the skin. Do this regularly and you’re sure to get compliments.

De-tan

If fair skin is all you covet, here’s turmeric to your rescue. Lemon or tomato juice coupled with turmeric used twice a week reduces the tan and lightens the skin visibly, minus the cakey fairness of the fairness creams.

Acne treatment

If those zits and boils are all you can think about, try treating it the turmeric way. You can’t go wrong with this mixture of coconut oil, turmeric and a nice helping of sandalwood powder (if you want it to be a mask) or sea salt (if you want it to be a scrub). Tired of using the concealer every time to hide the spots left behind? Dab turmeric and lemon juice mixture directly on the spots and leave it for five minutes.

So opt for turmeric – the inexpensive and natural alternative care for your skin instead of the expensive chemical-filled store-bought treatments!