Recipes to Beautify your Skin Naturally: Rejuvenate your skin using chemical free homemade masks and give instant glow to your look.

Are you tired of using expensive products which make your face shine for just a few hours? Are you looking for a permanent remedy for all your face skin problems? Then, here is the one stop solution. This book talks about various homemade masks for getting the glow on one's stressed out and tired skin back. All the ingredients mentioned in the recipes for beautifying one's skin are readily available at one's home.

Protecting one’s skin from the pollution of the atmosphere is very difficult nowadays as the pollutants are not only limited to air, but are also present in the food that we eat. The most affected part of our body is always the face. If the air is polluted, the dust particles and other harmful chemicals get accumulated on it and when the food is polluted, the symptoms are visible on the face in the form of pimples and acne. Yes, our body is basically what we eat and what we breathe. There are a number of medicines for treatment if your stomach gets upset or the air infects your throat. However, the facial area remains the major concern which is one’s first impression to the world.

Ingredients of such homemade masks work on the cells of the skin and get in to the pores while treating the distressing problems permanently. One must be aware how most of the skin products available in the market can prove harmful for the skin in long run if used continuously. In fact, the glow which one gets on the skin after using such products is very temporary as it only forms an outer layer on the skin rather than treating the ailments internally.


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Are you Aware of these Allergic foods for your Pets?

Many a times, we consider the food items nutritious for us to be a healthy option for our pets as well which can go wrong in some cases. There are a few fruits and vegetables which are not only unhealthy, but can even prove toxic for our pets. If it’s asked generally, can dogs eat tomatoes? Many of us may not be aware of its allergic and toxic effects on a dog. This is the reason why one needs to be sure whether a fruit or a vegetable is healthy for a pet before feeding everything we eat ourselves.

Here is a brief description of some fruits and vegetables which can be dangerous for the health of the pets:

1.Raisins & Grapes

It is the most commonly known toxic food item which one must avoid to give to one’s pet. Now, mostly pet owners are aware of its toxic effects on pets. Though some dogs don’t show any adverse effects after consuming raisins or grapes, the danger still lurks as consumption of grapes or raisins can cause irreparable kidney damage.




2. Onions and garlic

Some pet owners consider garlic to be good for the health of their dogs however; it is strongly warned by Pet Poison Helpline to avoid giving garlic and onion to pets as it can lead to lethargy, pale gums and increased heart and respiratory rates. Not only this, the pet may even collapse in some conditions.

3. Cherries

Though this delicious fruit is considered safe for the pets, the intake of plant and pit by the pets can lead to respiratory failure or even death. The cyanide content in the plants and the pits make it highly toxic so, it is always advised to keep your pets away from these.

4. Mushrooms

It’s true that only a few species of mushrooms are toxic for our pets, but it is recommended to avoid giving mushroom to the pets as many can land up in giving the wrong ones. It may happen as it is very difficult to identify the species which are safe for pets. Intake of toxic species of mushrooms can prove to be fatal in dogs and can cause tremors, seizures and even complete organ failure.

5. Currants

Currants are also severely toxic for the pets as grapes and raisins. In case you don’t see vomiting and diarrhea symptoms in your pet after it consumes currants, you must immediately visit a veterinarian as it can lead to acute renal failure.

6. Raw and Green Potatoes

Though potatoes are recommended as quality foods to be given to pets, unripe, green, and raw potatoes can prove to be toxic for them. Consumption of such potatoes is toxic for not only pets, but humans as well. It can lead to nausea, seizures, vomiting, and heart irregularities in pets.

Apart from these fruits and vegetables, apricots, rhubarbs, apple seeds and tomato plants are also toxic for pets and should be taken care by the pet owners to avoid giving these food items to their pets. Apricot pulp is fine, but apricot plant contains cyanide and can lead to respiratory failure in pets. The leaves and stems of rhubarb are harmful for dogs as it reduces the calcium levels in the body leading to renal failure and various other medical problems. Apple seeds also contain cyanide, and prove to be highly toxic to our dogs.

Many pet owners ask, can dogs eat tomatoes? The answer is the red tomato fruit can be given to our pets, but intake of the other parts of the plant stems, leaves and the unripe fruit can be very toxic. It can cause gastrointestinal problems in the pets.

Bariatric Diet after Surgery

Undergoing bariatric surgery is a complicated process which needs a lot of care after the surgery as well. One must follow the dietary guidelines in order to recover fast and regain health. Following the strict guidelines seem difficult in the initial days, but one gets used to it and starts enjoying it when included it as a part of one’s daily routine.

Dietary Guidelines

Here are a few general guidelines which one should follow after bariatric surgery:

· Take balanced meals in small portions at regular intervals

· Follow a low calorie diet and reduce intake of fats and sweets

· Chew small bites of food thoroughly to help in easy digestion

· Avoid food items which can’t be easily chewed like pork and steak.

· Avoid taking carbonated beverages as it can fill air into your pouch leading to discomfort.

· Balance your calorie intake between 300 and 600 calories a day by increasing the intake of thin and thicker liquids

· Daily calorie consumption in any food form should never go beyond 1000 calories.

What to follow for intake of fluids?

For the intake of fluids, you can’t just take anything and everything. There are certain guidelines which one needs to follow in the intake of fluids as well.

· Intake of water intake and low-calorie or calorie-free fluids should be high for avoiding dehydration. Intake of caffeinated liquids is strictly prohibited.

· Take 1 cup of fluid after each small meal for about six to eight times a day

· Drink at least 2 liters of fluids a day. Initially, it may be difficult, but slowly one gets used to it.

· Avoid intake of any alcoholic beverages as it gets absorbed in the system at a faster speed after surgery which makes one sedative.

What food items should be taken for protein?

A person after bariatric surgery needs a lot of protein to preserve muscle tissue in the body. Some of the food items recommended include eggs, seafood, fish, tuna, poultry, soy milk, tofu, yogurt, cottage cheese and other milk products. The recommended dose of protein is 65 to 75 grams of protein on a daily basis.

Supplements to be taken after bariatric surgery

Here is a brief description of the supplements which are recommended to be taken after the surgery to help the body to recover fast:

Multivitamins- Multivitamins with a minimum of 400 mcg of folic acid, selenium, copper, zinc and 18 mg of iron are recommended to be taken. It is recommended to take at least two tablets daily after surgery for 3 months.

Calcium Supplement- The recommended dosage of calcium is 1,200 to 2,000 mg on a daily basis to avoid bone disease and calcium deficiency in the body.

Vitamin D Supplement- It should be taken with the calcium supplement and doctors recommend a dosage of 800 to 1,000 international units of vitamin D each day.

Vitamin B12 Supplement- Doctors recommend a intake of 500 mcg of vitamin B on a daily basis.

Other Supplements- In complicated cases, the patient may need to take some additional supplements of folic acid and iron. It is specifically recommended for menstruating women.

Diet Succession after Bariatric Surgery

Diet in the Hospital

A clear liquid diet is given immediately after surgery. Gradually, the patient is given thicker liquids after getting discharged from the hospital.

Diet after Two Weeks of Surgery

After two weeks, the patient can be given blended and puréed foods. To meet the protein requirements, liquid supplement drinks or powders are given during this period.

As the stomach size is reduced to less than 1/4 cup after surgery, it is recommended to take only two to three sips or bites at a time and then give a 10 minute gap before taking more. In case you don’t follow this and eat quickly or more, you may feel nausea or pain.

Diet between Week Two to Four of Surgery

The doctor allows the intake of puréed and soft foods during this time however; care must be taken to take everything in small bites. The recommended food items include applesauce, yogurt, cottage cheese, hot cereals, caned fruits, mashed potatoes and scrambled egg whites. Bread in all forms and meats should be completely avoided.

Meal Plan for Weeks Two to Eight till Two Months after surgery

The caloric intake during this period should be limited to 500 calories a day divided into small portions of six to eight meals. Recommended intake is 1/2 cup for liquids and ¼ cup for solids.

Sample Menu
This sample menu can be adjusted according to one’s taste and tolerance:

Breakfast- Take ¼ cup hot cereal prepared with non-fat milk.

Mid-Morning- Take ½ cup of non-fat milk.

Late Morning- Take two scrambled egg whites

Lunch- Take 1/2 cup of low-fat chicken noodle soup

Mid-Afternoon- Take 1/4 cup low-fat cottage cheese

Late Afternoon- Take 1/4 cup sugar-free, nonfat yogurt

Dinner- Take 2 ounces of lean ground meat with 1/4 cup puréed or well-cooked vegetables

Bedtime Snack- Take 1/4 cup of non-fat milk

You can add 1 tablespoon of non-fat dry milk powder to each 1/4 cup nonfat milk for getting additional protein.

It is also recommended to drink 1 cup of water or other non-caloric fluids between meals.

Meal Plan for Two to Six Months after surgery

During this phase, the patient should take 900 to 1,000 calories and a minimum of 65 to 75 grams of protein a day.

Sample Menu

Breakfast- Take 1 egg or 1/4 cup egg substitute and 1/2 cup hot cereal

Mid-Morning- Take 1/2 cup nonfat milk

Late Morning- Take 1/2 cup chopped melon

Lunch- Take 1/2 cup low-fat chicken noodle soup followed by 2 saltine crackers
Two Saltine crackers

Mid-Afternoon- Take 1/4 cup low-fat cottage cheese and 1/4 cup canned fruit packed in water or juice

Late Afternoon- Take 1/2 cup sugar-free, nonfat yogurt

Dinner- Take 2 ounces lean meat or fish, 1/4 cup mashed potatoes and 1/4 cup pureed or well-cooked vegetables

Bedtime Snack- Take 1/2 cup nonfat milk

This sample menu is recommended for eight small meals per day. It is also recommended to take 1 cup of water or other non-caloric fluid between meals.

Recommended Meal Plan for Six Months Post-Surgery and Beyond
· Take 900 to 1,000 calories per day

· Take three meals and reduce snacks to two snacks per day

· Stop taking high-protein liquid supplement drinks

· Take different variety of low-fat, low-calorie and low sugar foods

· Avoid taking raw vegetables, dried fruits, fresh fruits with skin, breads, nuts, popcorn and red meats if not easily tolerated

Long-term Dietary Guidelines

Going further, you can increase the consistency and variety of foods in your diet. However, the intake of low-fat, low-calorie and low sugar food items are always recommended. And, you also keep a watch on the total calories taken in a day. For p[roper hydration, it is recommended to drink a minimum of 2 liters of water or non-caloric fluids on a daily basis.

Following the above mentioned tips, one can easily recover and gain good health in a short span of time after bariatric surgery.

Effective Natural Ways to Cure Bladder Infection

Bladder infection is mainly a kind of urinary tract infection which infects the lower portion of the urinary tract. These infections are found to be more common in women than men. Some of the major risk factors of this infection include sexual intercourse, family history and female anatomy.  A person suffering from this infection feels a burning sensation while urinating and may also have to go for urination frequently. The process of urination can also be painful in some cases.

Here is a brief description of some of the natural ways to cure bladder infections:

Cranberries:

 It  is  an evergreen  shrub  which  can  be  found  in  acidic  bogs  in  the  northern  hemisphere.  Cranberries  has  vitamin  C,  fiber  and  minerals  such  as  manganese.

It helps to remove problems related bladder infections.  The  raw  cranberries  consist  of  polyphenol  antioxidants  and  helps  in  preventing  urinary  infection  in  women.  If  you consume  300 ml  of  cranberry  juice  every  day, it can  reduce  infections  in  urinary  system to a great extent.

Blueberries:

 These  are  flowering  plants  which has  indigo  colored  berries  and   is  similar  to  cranberries  and  bilberries.  Blueberries  have  micronutrients  with  essential  minerals  like  manganese,  vitamin  C and  Vitamin  K.  These can prevent bladder infection in the urinary system to a remarkable extent.

Sugar D-Mannose: 

 When  you  face  problems and pain while urinating,  drinking  more  water  is  a good method  to properly  flush  out  urinary  tract and  stop  the  bladder  infection.  Sugar  D-Mannose  is  a  good  healthy  food which  can  prevent   the  bladder from getting infected.

Apple Cider Vinegar: 

 This is also one of the best natural remedies for bladder infection.  It  is a little  hard  to  swallow because  of  its sour  taste, but having  two  ounces  daily  for  three  to  four  days  proves to be very effective in curing bladder infection.

Alka-seltzer: 

 Alka-Seltzer  is  an  antacid  and  also  acts  as  a  pain  reliever  for  bladder infection.   You can take its two tablets by dissolving in a glass of water. Beer: Beer is a good remedy for various kinds of infections.  It helps to a great extent in curing the bladder infection.

Baking Soda:

 Baking  soda  can  help  to  reduce  burning  problems related  to  bladder  infections.  In  a  glass of  water, you need to  mix  a half  teaspoon  of  baking  soda  and  drink it.  It will reduce problems caused due to bladder infections to a large extent.

Garlic and Oregano Oil:

 Both  garlic and oregano oil have  strong  antibacterial  properties  which  can  fight  bladder  infection.  Garlic  has medicinal properties and having  a  five-hundred  milligram of  oregano  oil  for  four  to  five  times on a daily basis can cure the infection.

Fermented Cod Liver Oil:

 Fermented  cod  liver  oil  has  vitamins  like  A  and  D. Vitamin  D  has  anti-microbial  peptides  which  fights  off  the  infections  in  bladder.  Vitamin  A  helps  cells  to  maintain  proper  resistance  for  the  bladder  infection.

Energiser Tablets:

 Energiser  tablets  have  vitamin  C  and  it  is  of  orange  flavor.  You need to mix it with 200 ml  of  water  and  the  problems  will  be  rectified  within  3  hours.
 
Asparagus:

 Eating  Asparagus  and  drinking  water  eases  the  problems  in  bladder  infections.  Eat 12 oz of asparagus and then drink water. It helps in relieving the pain within hours.   Always  use  the  remedies  which  are  helpful  for  your  body.

Don’t overuse any antibiotics and always stick with the suggestions of natural remedies to cure bladder infections in an effective manner.

Natural Cures for Muscular Cramps

Muscle is a soft tissue and forms a vital part of human body a muscle cramp is a physical condition when a muscle contracts involuntarily and forcibly and does not relax. It can occur mostly while exercising, swimming, playing, sleeping or after sitting too long in one place without much moving your body parts.



Given below are some of the best remedial measures for curing muscular cramps:

Massages: Massage the cramped body part gently and slowly .This comforts the contracted muscles by improving blood circulation in the cramped area. One massage a day would serve the purpose.

Stretching: Stretching should be done to overcome the cramps in leg muscles; it is especially recommended for calf and thigh muscles. Stretch your legs with toes pointing upwards and towards the head for muscle tension in your calf. Hold on to this position for 20 seconds. This also softens cramps in the back of the thighs. And also for the front thigh, pull your foot towards your buttocks and hold for 20 seconds.

Healthy diet: Often cramps can be caused due to lack of minerals like calcium and potassium in your diet. Consume skim milk and yoghurt for calcium intake. Eat bananas and potatoes to increase potassium level. It will surely allay all kinds of muscle cramps.

Cold treatment: Ice pack should be rubbed over the affected area for five to ten minutes, till the skin turns red. It improves the blood circulation, thus alleviating the muscle tension.

Hot showers: In order to get respite from cramps take hot water baths or showers. Expose the tensed area to hot water for a longer time. Also, you can use a piece of cloth to spread water more effectively on the hurt area.

Hydration: Dehydration often leads to muscle cramps. To get rid of this, it is recommended to increase the intake of water in order to revitalise your body as well as to continuously replenish lost fluids.

Chamomile Tea: It is enriched with glycine, an amino acid which is found to be of great help in relaxing the muscles. You can take five cups daily for two weeks to relax muscle cramps.

Ayurvedic solution: Make a saturated solution of hot water with a homemade teabag of brown or black mustard seeds. Dip your feet in this tub for twenty minutes to soothe your cramped muscle.

Pressure points: First, you need to locate the epicentre of the cramp. Then, you need to press the located spot with your thumb. You can also do it with the heel of your hand or a loosely clenched fist. After holding the pressure for ten to fifteen seconds, you can repeat the whole process again. You're doing it right if you feel some discomfort, but not extreme pain. After a number of iterations, the pain from the cramp would start to allay.

Mustard, Pickle juice: They both contain acetic acid, which helps produce acetylcholine, a stimulant for your leg muscles. A spoonful (15 ml) of mustard or a few grams of pickle juice would be enough to soothe leg cramps.

Honey and Vinegar mixture: Take one teaspoon (5 ml) of honey and mix it with two teaspoons (10 ml) of vinegar in a glass of warm water and drink this mixture. It would help relieve the pain to a great extent.

The above mentioned techniques are helpful in consoling and mitigating muscle cramps. However, if you still experience cramps, it would be appropriate to consult your doctor immediately.

Major Causes of Eye Infection

The eyes are our window to the world and when infected is a painful experience both physically and psychologically. Eye infections are diverse and encompass the entire eye both externally and internally. The cause of eye infections is usually a virus, bacteria or fungi. Examples of common eye infections are conjunctivitis and styes.

Here is a list of some major contributors to eye infections:

Unhygienic habits - Irregular bathing habits and poor personal hygiene is by far the major culprit in case of eye infections. Maintain good hygiene, always take care of yourself with a good wash. Bathe at least once a day. Wash your hands and face when going to and fro from home and office. Make a habit of washing your hands whenever coming from the restroom and especially after using public restrooms. Keep soap strips handy always for emergencies.

Contact lenses - A great invention that improves a person's aesthetic appearance however it is another cause of eye infections. Again poor hygiene related to contact lens maintenance can cause irritation and infection from germs that get onto the lens. Use of a lens cleaner is a must to prevent these germs from getting into the eye.

Foreign bodies - Dust particles and other objects that roam freely in the air can contaminate the outer eye and lead to an infection especially if the foreign body is something dangerous like polluted smoke or water. Chlorine in swimming pools usually tends to redden the eyes of swimmers. In some cases the irritation may persist unless treated effectively.

Insect bites - Insects are also culprits as most insect bites contain toxins that lead to swelling, pain and discomfort. Riding a motorcycle or a trip in the wilderness can be really fun but insect bites are something to watch out for.

Allergies and weak immune system- Some people are prone to allergies and need to be careful about what they eat as some food that they eat may cause allergies to manifest as eye infections. People with weak immune system who are prone to catching infections and disease are most at risk along with people who are prone to allergies.

Sexually transmitted infections - Some types of Herpes and other STD viruses may come into contact with the eye after sexual contact. It is alway better to be careful and take adequate precaution to wash up immediately after sexual contact to eliminate the risk of contaminating the eye.

Trauma - Any accident of or near the eye can lead to minor or major infection of the inner or outer eye. This may be an extreme cause of eye infection and in this case the eye may be irreparably damaged.

Simple steps are always the best to thwart any disease as most disease are contagious and germs thrive on being transmitted from person to person. The simplest of solution is always the best. Maintaining good hygiene is the best way to prevent eye infections and for that matter any contagious disease.

Best Home Remedies for Food Poisoning

As we are human beings, by nature we love foods and drinks. We can’t stop ourselves when we see mouthwatering things to eat. Food poisoning is the common illness suffered by most of us due to the consumption of contaminated foods or drinks. At home, it is very important to take care while food processing; food storage and food preparation to be safe from food poisoning. 

What is food poisoning?

Food poisoning can be defined as an illness caused by bacteria or toxins due to the consumption of contaminated foods or drinks. Sometimes, intake of a wrong medicine can also lead to food poisoning. Here are a few names of bacteria which can cause food poisoning:

• Salmonella

• Listeria

• E.coli

• Campylobacter 

Symptoms of Food Poisoning:

Normally symptoms of food poisoning can be detected within 2-6 hours of eating the food. Common symptoms of food poisoning are Stomach pain and inflammation, diarrhea, fever; cold and chills, headache; vomiting, weakness etc.

Remedies for Food Poisoning

To avoid stomach pain and inflammation, some fruits and vegetables like apple, banana, lemon, ginger etc. can be taken. You can make a juice of ginger and honey and drink it. It helps in lessening the stomach pain and inflammation.

Lemon is also very useful because of its high acidity. The high acidity of lemon kills micro-organisms and toxins in our gastrointestinal tract. You can also drink apple juice and banana shake to reduce the effects of food poisoning.

 Dehydration is one of the common symptoms of food poisoning. In such a situation, one should drink plenty of fluids. You can drink plenty of water. Also, drink oral re hydration powder mixed with water to recover from dehydration. It will keep you safe from dehydration, vomiting and diarrhea. Oral dehydration powder is easily available in a chemist shop. It is good to drink electrolytes which are rich in potassium and sodium to recover from dehydration and vomiting. It can be taken 3-4 times in a day to get good results.

To get rid of fever caused due to food poisoning, a wet cotton or small towel can be kept on the forehead to lower down the body temperature.

If you suffer from vomiting due to food poisoning, it is recommended to drink little amount of water. Don’t take any solid foods until vomiting stops. You can eat bread, apple, bananas and biscuits which have salt taste. You can also drink soda which can help in stopping vomiting.

If you suffer from frequent food poisoning, you should avoid eating roadside foods or drinks frequently. Environment also plays an important role in causing food poisoning. Keep your surroundings especially kitchen neat and clean to avoid from food poisoning.

Don’t take any medicine for food poisoning without the advice of doctor. If none of the remedies is supportive at all, it is recommended to immediately to consult a doctor.

Until fully recovered after the treatment of food poisoning, you should avoid spicy foods, dairy products, caffeine and alcohol to stay hydrated.