Read these 64 A Flurry Of Facts Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Alternative Health tips and hundreds of other topics.
Foods that help give you extra Biotin in your diet ( a nutrient essential to healthy hair) include brewer's yeast, brown rice, bulgur wheat, green peas, lentils, oats, soybeans, sunflower seeds, and walnuts. Incorporate them into your daily diet and help your hair stay thick and healthy!
According to a list compiled in Smart Guide To Healing Food, the nutritional powers of chili peppers:
*Lower cholesterol
*Help prevent blood clots
*Improve Circulation
*May help prevent heart disease
*May reduce cancer risk
*Act as decongestants - even for those suffering breathing problems from emphysema
*And strange as it may sound - may HELP prevent ulcers!
If smelly feet are a problem, wash your feet daily with anitbacterial soap and wear ONLY cotton socks. Dust feet with cornstarch and sprinkle some into your shoes. It's also advisable to soak you feet daily in either white vinegar or in a mixture of black tea. Brew 2 tea bags in a pint of boiling water for 15 minutes, then add tea to 2 quarts of cool water and soak for about 20 minutes. It may take a week or so but great improvement generally occurs by doing this.
Kelp is a sea vegetable that is a concentrated source of minerals, including iodine, potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron. It assists in making thyroid hormones, which are necessary for maintaining normal metabolism in all cells of the body. A good amount to take ranges between 1,000 to 1,500 mg daily, which can aid in weight loss.
Water is vital to your health because it assists the body in metabolizing stored fat. This is important because your liver can get overtaxed when your kidneys don't get enough water. Your liver metabolizes fat and it can't do that at its maximum potential if it has the added responsibility of the kidneys' job of filtering out toxins.
Dehydration poses the GREATEST threat to the health of your kidneys and the process of blood purification in your body. This rates as THE most common type of stress we inflict on our kidneys, which are ready and waiting to take on the task of ridding our body of toxins. IF you are feeling thirsty you are ALREADY dehydrated, so make it a point to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day - and more if you are working out or perspiring excessively.
If your intestines don't have the proper amount of water in them to function properly, constipation is a common side effect. Adequate water intake helps relieve constipation, easily and naturally. The magic number is eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day.
Burdock is an outstanding blood cleanser that helps clear the kidneys of excess waste, which is a common cause of canker sores. Burdock is available in tincture form and recommended intake is between 30 to 60 drops (mixed in a small amount of water) three to four times per day. Other helpful herbs include Goldenseal, also available in tincture form. Use 20 to 90 drops three times a day.
Cupping, the use of small rounded cups made of bamboo, pottery or glass, has been used by the Chinese as a form of treatment since the third century B.C. A match is lit and held inside the "cup" and then the match is removed and the cup is quickly applied to the skin, creating a vacuum of sorts which makes the cup stick tightly to the skin. The cups are usually left on the body for about 15 minutes during which time they actually increase circulation & blood flow to the specific area being treated. Conditions that respond well to cupping include rheumatism, stiff neck, lumbago, and shoulder ailments.
Some specific fasts have been utilized for helping specific problems, and these include the Guelpa Fast - a 3-day saline fast, often used to address rheumatic conditions; the Schroth Cure - also used for treating rheumatism, but this fast alternates "dry" days with liquids over a period of two to three weeks.
The spices in your cupboard can tickle your tastebuds but they can also be used to warm up cold feet. Just combine 1 tablespoon of cayenne powder and 1 teaspoon of ginger powder - mix together and sprinkle 1/8 teaspoon into a pair of socks - and slide your chilled piggies inside. The combination of muscle-warming cayenne and muscle-relaxing ginger works wonders to ease your tired feet, whether you're kicking back and relaxing, sleeping or walking around. It is a gradual warming but lasts for a few hours. This powder combo does stain so use dark socks or socks that are expendable. Also, if you have any cuts, this powder can really sting. Keep away from your eyes also, and wash your hands thoroughly after touching mixture.
Herbs that help ease the discomfort of a hangover include White Willow (Nature's aspirin) and Skullcap and Ginseng, which cool your overheated gastric juices, energize the nervous system and detoxify. But if you really want to take care of business, Milk Thistle is the king of liver toxifying herbs.
Toothache making your life miserable? Then break out some clove oil (available at all health food stores) - and douse the tip of a cotton swab with the oil and dab onto the aching tooth. You should begin feeling some relief almost immediately. Clove oil is extremely effective because it is an antibacterial, an antiseptic and an analgesic. It is also VERY powerful so avoid getting too much extra on your gums as this may irritate them.
A few steps can help alleviate bad breath and these can be something as simple as chewing some parsley, cilantro or basil during the day or after a meal. These little green sprigs are extremely rich in chlorophyll, which works wonders against nasty breath odors. Breath-aid can also be gotten from herbs, including rosemary, ginger, eucalyptus, cardamon, spearmint, or peppermint. These herbs are all rich in cineole, a strong antibacterial antiseptic. Thyme is another helpful herb due to its content of thymol, another antibacterial property.
Water has many more benefits than simply quenching your thirst. Here's just a sampling of WHY water is so VERY important to your health.*It helps suppress appetite and helps maintain proper muscle tone.
*Reduces fat deposits in the body and rids the body of waste and toxins *Water intake helps reduce sodium buildup in the body, a VERY good thing for helping blood pressure stay at healthy levels.
The terms Pitta, Kapha & Vata may sound more like the names of fraternities, but they are actually terms associated with Ayurvedic medicine. Pitta is the force of heat & energy (linked with the sun) that controls digestion & all biochemical processes within us. Kapha (the force of water & tides) is influenced by the power of the moon & is the stabilizing influence that controls the fluid metabolism with us. While, Vata (associated with the wind) is the force that controls movement & the functioning of the nervous system in the body.
Chi (pronounced chee) or qi is the vital energy life force the Chinese believe to be the basis of all life. Chi circulates through the body through 14 major energetic pathways called meridians. Most of these meridians connect to one major internal organ, with the power then enabling the organ to function correctly. We cannot see meridians with our eyes but modern science has shown their existence through the use of electronic measures. Acupuncture treatments make use of these meridians.
If you've ever bitten into a hot pepper and then tried to put out the tongue flames with water or a soda, you made the discovery that this is NOT the answer! Instead, try a sip of milk or a few bites of a dairy product like yogurt or cheese. A sip of an alcoholic drink will also douse the fire in your mouth. This works because of a certain protein (casein) in dairy and alcohol that neutralizes the enzyme released by the pepper.
Lecithin (which can also be known as Phosphatidyl choline or choline) is a necessary nutrient needed for cell membrane integrity and to facilitate the movement of fats in and out of cells. It also is helpful in brain functioning processes. Since Lecithin is a fat emulsifier, it does break down fat so it can be removed from the body. Usual dosages of granules or capsules range between 1 tbsp 3 times a daily BEFORE meals or 1,200 mg 3 times daily BEFORE meals.
Although a hangover is technically caused by your body`s reaction to the invading alcohol toxin and a form of dehydration, you can prepare your body beforehand by drinking some extra water and taking some extra vitamin C.
Fasting or not eating solid foods for a certain period of time, can cleanse the system of toxins & accumulated poisons. This gives the digestive system some time off and can actually enhance the immune system's strength and speed up healing. Liquids are still ingested and it is best to get your doctor's approval before going on any fast.
If you have ruled out illnesses like thyroid disease or diabetes as causes for hair loss, and have also ruled out it being a side effect from medication, then begin taking supplemental Biotin. This nutrient is essential for healthy hair and skin. Vitamin B complex is also very important, as are essential fatty acids like flaxseed oil or primrose oil (take as directed on label). Vitamin E (400 IUs daily) increases oxygen uptake, which improves circulation (as does Vitamin C 3,000 to 10,000 mg daily) and Zinc (50 to 100 mg daily - don't exceed this dose) helps stimulate hair growth by enhancing immune function growth.
Did you know that ALL chili peppers offer antioxidant nutrients? BUT the hotter the pepper, the more capsaicin you get into your body. Capsaicin is extremely helpful in blocking a chemical that transmits pain signals through the nervous system and it can also actually soothe your mind by releasing mood-enhancing endorphins into your brain.The mildest peppers include Spanish pimentos, Anaheim & Hungarian cherry peppers - while the hottest peppers include Scotch bonnet & habanero peppers. Jalapenos rate in the middle of the heat index. So, pop some peppers at least a few times a week!
If you are battling the pain of canker sores, it's best to avoid dairy products, oily foods, sweets like cakes, candy and raw fruit, salty foods, and animal protein. This is advised since often times, canker sores arise as a discharge of waste that is NOT being cleansed by the liver and kidneys. Giving these organs a rest by not asking them to deal with the stress of processing the listed foods, helps lessen the demand on them and extra waste is not being sent through them.
Tea tree oil is a very effective remedy for a wide range of skin infections (especially Athlete's Foot) and this is because it is a natural antiseptic. This oil is widely available at health food stores and drug stores. It is most effective when used undiluted and applied directly onto DRY skin. Massage in between four to 10 drops, depending on the size area affected and make sure to WASH your hands thoroughly after application.
Canker sores are extremely uncomfortable to contend with, so it's best to take action quickly when you know you're in for a visit from the Canker Sore Fairy. Researchers have found that using a chemically altered form of licorice (deglycyrrhizinated licorice aka DGL) works a certain magic by adhering to the inflamed mucous membranes. This action seems to be VERY helpful in reducing canker sore symptoms rapidly and continues to offer pain relief for several hours to follow. The one complaint with using DGL is that it must be sucked to get the helpful protective coating onto the canker sore - and if you aren't a big fan of licorice, this may not be overly enjoyable for you.
If halitosis is a frequent problem for you, you should know it is advisable to scrape your tongue with a tongue scraper or just your toothbrush to rid it of the bacterial buildup it gathers throughout the day.
It's also VERY important to drink lots and lots of water or citrus juices to wash away residue and to help keep your mouth tissues properly hydrated.
If you've broken a bone or are concerned about bone loss, it is advised to avoid red meat and sodas or products containing caffeine, and too many foods loaded with preservatives due to their phosphorous content. This is important because phosphorous contributes to bone loss.
To help fight foot odor, you can apply underarm antiperspirant (spray or roll-on) to your feet, again making sure feet are dry before putting shoes on. Since cornstarch absorbs moisture, you can dust your feet lightly with the powder or you can make your own mixture of one cup cornstarch with one tablespoon of baking soda. Try to avoid wearing the same shoes two days in a row and sprinkling antibacterial powder (like Gold Bond or a foot odor powder) in your shoes can help keep the bacteria under control better.
Next time you're feeling antsy, try a VERY old remedy that Hippocrates used. Try eating a few spoons of celery seed (sprinkle them over a salad or in a soup or stew). The essential oils extracted from celery seed have been shown to work very well for tranquilizing the nervous system. These seeds are also VERY helpful in helping to reduce the level of uric acid - a VERY important fact for Gout sufferers to take advantage of, since Gout pain is aggrevated by excessive uric acid in the system.
Acupuncture takes advantage of the meridian system within our bodies - a system that has 14 major energetic pathways connecting to the major organs. Acupuncturists then select from the over 350 acupoints on the meridians of the body to insert fine needles to stimulate and improve the balance of energy (chi) within the body.
Sometimes when the liver becomes overtaxed, having to cope with processed foods, fats, chemicals, and the endless number of toxins we're exposed to daily, a side effect can be increased body odor. This result comes from the toxins being eliminated through the skin. Zinc can aid the liver in breaking down toxins more effectively, so try taking 30 mg of zinc daily to give your liver a helping hand.
Worried about problems with water retention? It may surprise you BUT the MORE water you drink, the MORE urine you put out, so a good intake of water actually helps relieves fluid retention problems. If you don't give your body adequate water, it will hold what it has as a safeguard IF it isn't getting replenished.
Your body can give you an easy-to-read signal of needing more water IF the color of your urine appears dark and concentrated. Healthy urine is light yellow in color and your rate of urination should be frequent if you are getting the proper amount of water in your body to insure the kidneys are able to perform their filtering duties properly. Rememember - eight glasses of water 8 times a day!
Eight million pounds of pesticides are used in American agriculture, breaking down to 3 pounds for each of us. The amount ingested is lower but it's the cumulative effects that cause concern. Tests show pesticide residue on foods alters how our bodies use vitamins A and C, and increasing cancer risk. Foods that generally retain high levels of pesticides include strawberries, apples, peaches, celery, potatoes, grapes, oranges, carrots, green beans, lettuce, peanuts, wheat flour and common white cultivated mushrooms. Buy organic food when possible, invest a pesticide-reducing spray to wash away some of the contamination - or soak items in a bowl of water with a small amount of dishwashing soap for a short time and scrub those with tougher skins with a brush before rinsing.
Nail fungus is the pits, but there are some things you can do to get it under control naturally. First, dramatically decrease your sugar intake. Fungus *loves* to feast on sugar, which helps it live and continue to thrive. Fill your plate with foods high in protein and pile your plate high with veggies. Dab tea tree oil on the nail and also take the herb Olive Leaf (an antimicrobial) or take Garlic capsules (a strong anti-fungal). Emu oil is also a strong ally in the fight against fungus - so apply liberally onto the foot area.
If you're tired of using store bought cleaners and are ready to be your own home chemist, you will enjoy putting this all-purpose herbal spray cleaner together.
Using a spray bottle, combine 1 cup water, 1 cup white vinegar, 2 tsp. liquid castile soap, 20 to 25 drops essential oil of eucalyptus, thyme, tea tree, lavender or lemon. This spray is antifungal and antiviral and is safe for washable surfaces. Shake well before using.
The homeopathic remedy Calendula, available in cream and ointment is very helpful in treating athlete foot discomfort. Apply in the morning and again in the evening to clean, dry skin. You can also make your own tincture by steeping two tablespoons of dried calendula flowers in one cup of boiling water for about 20 minutes. Strain and keep in refrigerator. It can be applied by using a cotton ball dipped in the tincture - and keep in mind, Calendula is wonderful for almost ALL skin problems.
According to guidelines from Smart Choices to Healing Foods, here's a few things you should know about Mineral Water.
* Mineral Water comes from a single underground source and it is required by LAW to be free of harmful bacteria & chemicals, plus it must maintain a consistent mineral content. It can be sparkling or still, filtered or exposed to ultraviolet light but it CANNOT be disinfected or sterilized in any other way.
Mineral water is rated the BEST bet because of its high purity, its consistent good taste factor, AND because it contains health-enhancing nutrients including calcium & magnesium.
It can, however, contain sodium, so make sure to check the label for content levels if you have high blood pressure or heart disease.
Some tips from "The Old Farmer's Almanac of Traditional Home Remedies," suggests adding fennel to your diet to curb your appetite. You can buy fennel in capsules and take up to 6 a day. Also advised, is to drink tea made from sage or thyme leaves. Take boiling water, pour it over the leaves and allow to steep for about 10 minutes, strain and drink.
Lycopene, (a nutritient cartenoid) is what makes a tomato red. The deeper red a tomato is, the more lycopene it possesses - a valuable factor that may play an important role in protecting a man from prostate cancer. Lycopene is NOT produced in the body, so you have to get it by eating lycopene-rich foods or by taking lycopene tablets. Cooked, canned and processed tomatoes have a higher level of lycopene than raw tomatoes and lycopene is better absorbed if it is eaten with some fat, like olive oil, cheese or ground meat. According to a study done at Harvard Medical School, the greatest protection was offered by taking at least 6.5 mg of lycopene a day.
Adaptogen herbs are herbs that increase resistance to stress. These include Siberian Ginseng, Panax Ginseng, Chorella, Astragalus, Suma & Hawthorne.
If the thought of acupuncture, the insertion of fine needles into your body, doesn't thrill you, you still may benefit from the stimulation of pressure points to the meridians or energy pathways in your body. Instead of needles, acupressure involves the use of fingertip or nail pressure to specific points to help remove blockages and enhance and improve the flow of chi (energy) through your body.
B-6 (Pyridoxine) is the master vitamin in the processing of amino acids - the building blocks of all proteins and some hormones. It's also needed to make serotonin, melatonin and dopamine - and aids in the formation of several neurotransmitters, affecting mood and mental function. B-6 does boost metabolism, which in turn helps burn up calories.
This homemade laundry soap is easy to make and works quite well. Fill washer with water, then add each ingredient in the order listed. Start with 1 oz. liquid castile soap, 1 cup washing soda (check your grocery store laundry section for this), 1 cup baking soda and 1 cup of white vinegar. The vinegar helps remove stains, soften the water and banish odors, as well as help reduce static cling in the dryer.
A few helpful extra steps to help defy hair loss include laying head down on a slant board 15 minutes a day to improve scalp circulation. I also highly recommend using specially blended essential oils to massage into your scalp daily. Avoid using a blow dryer or other heated appliances on hair and treat it gently, avoiding hair products that are not all natural. Use only natural and pH-balanced formulas.
The need for replenishing your body's water supply is vital because one of the main activities of the body's self-healing system is the filtration of the blood, a job performed mostly by the kidneys, aided a bit also by the sweat glands. With the proper amount of water coming into the system, the kidneys, heart and blood, combine forces to constantly cleanse and purify the body by removing all the toxic wastes of metabolism and the breakdown products of harmful substances that have gotten into our bodies. The KEY element here, however, depends on the body having the proper amount of water in it to carry out this amazing function. This purification system can operate ONLY if the volume of water flowing through is sufficient to carry away the waste. So, make sure you drink a MINIMUM of eight 8-ounce glasses of purified water DAILY.
You might not be over-joyed if you happen to have a pear-shaped body, but according to Health Magazine, those who have pear-shaped bodies have been shown to have a lower risk for developing heart disease and diabetes!
Green tea may help hangover woes since it is thought to stabilize blood sugar, although be advised, it contains caffeine. Or if you are a fan of ginger, a cup of ginger tea works wonders for the stomach. This comes in tea bags or you can make your own by slicing gingerroot (2 or 3 nickel-size slices) and boiling them with a cup of water. Let the slices steep in the water about 10 minutes, then remove them before pouring tea into your cup.
There are some basic functions I look for in my cleaning products and I was surprised to learn just how valuable the properties are in many great smelling essential oils. If you're looking for an antifungal, choose from eucalyptus, lavender, myrtle, patchouli, savory, tea tree or thyme. Antibacterial oils include chamomile, eucalyptus, juniper, lavender, marjoram, orange, rosemary, sage and thyme. Antiviral properties can be found in cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, lemon, oregano, sandalwood, tea tree and also in thyme. A few drops to a basic homemade cleaning formula is usually all you need.
If you would like to phase out toxic chemicals when it comes to your cleaning products, you may want to try this inexpensive and easy-to-make cleaner. Combine 8 drops of pine essential oil (Pinus sylvestris), 1/2 teaspoon of liquid castile soap, 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar and 16 ounces of warm water. I use a plastic spray bottle and it works great on everything I would normally use something like Fantastic on to clean. This isn't good for windows though. Shake to mix
Fungus thrives on sugar and yeast, so folks who have a high intake of these products in their diets are actually MORE likely to do battle with athlete foot problems. Therefore, it`s highly advised to DECREASE or eliminate these items from your diet.
If you're heading to holiday parties and want to avoid a hangover, you can prepare your body beforehand (for moderate drinking) by taking extra vitamin C and ingesting LOTS of extra water. If you still get a hangover, AVOID reaching for the aspirin and instead reach for White Willow, the herbal aspirin, along with a cup a chamomile tea. This is something your already stressed digestive system will thank you for almost immediately. Also try drinking green tea, available at most grocery stores, to help stabilize blood sugar, although be advised, it contains caffeine.
Hot Rock Massage consists of placing heated lava rocks near sensitive muscles, joints and chakras(spritual & physical energy points). This soothing treatment helps decrease stress, offers relief from muscle strain and arthritis pain, restores circulation, enhances muscle relaxation and balances energy and chakras.
Basically, Naturopathy is a term that covers therapies that deal naturally with the body. The Naturopaths' Philosophy focuses on 3 main principles. First, respect the body's ability to heal itself and offer treatment that does not just alleviates symptoms but also supports the self-healing mechanism. Second, symptoms are not part of the disease itself but are signs the body is trying to eliminate toxins in order to return to a normal state. Third, naturopaths embrace natural, gentle treatment that encompasses a patient's mental, emotional & social aspects.
Just ONE chili pepper contains a very high amount of antioxidant protection with 100 percent of the RDA for beta-carotene and almost 200 percent of the RDA for vitamin C. These factors help the body fight free radicals that can damage cells, which then can open the door for cholesterol-clogged arteries & heart disease. This antioxidant power punch also fends off premature aging and helps boost your immune system!
Want to make dieting easier? Try adding bulgur wheat to your diet, because it's full of protein, niacin & iron, plus it's low in sodium and fat, and a very good source of fiber. Increase your intake of greens, like collard, Swiss chard, beet greens, turnip greens, kale and mustard greens. Add them to brown rice or salads for extra ruffage. Don't skip ANY meals and eat more mini-meals to help shrink the stomach, plus drink lots and lots of water, especially with meals. High fiber foods like whole wheat, beans or baked potatoes also help make you feel fuller. Remember, medications like birth control pills, cortisone pills, some migraine medications and mood stabilizers can promote weight gain.
Most people have never heard of Ayurveda, which means the science of life, but it is believed to be the oldest & most complete medical system in the entire world. It dates back to 3000 B.C., and its roots are linked to ancient Indian civilization & Hindu philosophy. Ayurveda is based on the holy scriptures of the "Vedas" & the texts know as the "Samhitas", which describe medical procedures.
It may seem a bit mid-evil, but many acupuncturists employ the use of moxibustion to enhance the effects of an acupuncture treatment. Moxibustion is the application of heat to specific points of the body to treat diseases and restore the smooth flow of energy (chi) throughout the meridian system in the body. Rest assured, the body itself is NEVER burned. Some conditions that respond well to moxibustion include stiff neck, weak back, frozen shoulder and fatigue.
Sometimes overly odorous feet can be caused by a condition called Bromidrosis, which can be worsened if you indulge heavily in a diet rich in animal fats, sugars and caffeine. Odors from foods you eat, like garlic, raw onions, even black pepper, can also be passed through your blood stream. The general main culprit, however, is bacteria, which thrives on moisture. Try washing your feet with antibacterial soap daily, making sure they are thoroughly dried before putting socks and shoes on - and only wear cotton socks.
If you have ever heard that brushing your teeth with vinegar can make them whiter, it is true BUT it can ruin your teeth in the process. According to Flora Parsa Stay, DDS, a dentist in Oxnard, CA & author of "The Complete Book of Dental Remedies", it's important to know that vinegar is acidic. An acidic oral cavity can act as a breeding ground for bacteria in plaque - the opposite of what you want for cavity & gum disease prevention. Too frequent use of vinegar as a gargle or tooth cleanser can also dry out gum tissues, which if chronic, may be linked to cancer.
Hair loss can be a stressful problem to face and there are many causes, including heredity, hormones, and aging. Other possible factors can include poor circulation, sudden weight loss, iron deficiency, diabetes, thyroid disease, stress, poor diet, and vitamin deficiencies. Check with your doctor to make sure disease is not a cause.
To ease a sore throat, work the front & sides of the big toe with your index finger. Rub gently down the sides of all your toes, which encourages the sinuses to drain. Then gently draw your index finger from the base of each toe and massage gently.
Nausea can be treated with the homeopathic remedy Nux Vomica, which comes in extract drops or tablets, and although the name sound peculiar, trust me, this is one homeopathic remedy that can work wonders on all types of nausea problems.
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