Encouraging children to taste new food
Fussiness about food is a normal part of a child’s development. Young children are naturally neophobic — they have a distrust of the new. Even the most determined parents can be cowed by a child’s resolve to eat nothing rather than try something new. As a result, parents often give in, deciding that a bowl of Cocoa Puffs or a Pop-Tart, while not ideal, must be better than no food at all.
“I think parents feel like it’s their job to just make their children eat something,” Ms. Worobey said. “But it’s really their job to serve a variety of healthy foods and get their children exposed to foods.”
The immediate problem which arises is how to encourage the children to taste new food. Given below are simple steps which will encourage children to go in for new food.
1. Ask the children to help you in preparing food: Sending children out of the kitchen does not help the parents in any way. With hot stoves, boiling water and sharp knives at hand, parents don’t want children in the kitchen when they’re making dinner. But studies reveal the opposite. Children who help in preparing meals are often open in trying new foods than those who don’t.
2. Don’t put pressure on children to take a bite: Demanding that a child eat at least one bite of everything seems reasonable, but it’s likely to backfire. Studies show that children react negatively when parents pressure them to eat foods, even if the pressure offers a reward. We very often see parents saying things like ‘eat your vegetables and you can watch TV,’ but it does not work. You may encourage the child to eat in the short run, but in the long run, they will be less likely to eat those foods.
Instead it will be better if you put the food on the table and encourage a child to try it. If the child refuses do not complain and do not praise if the child tastes it. Try to stay neutral.
3. Keeping ‘good stuff’ out of reach: Parents worry that children will binge on treats, so they often put them out of sight or on a high shelf. This act of the parents increases the want of having such food among the children. Studies reveal that children whose food is highly restricted at home are far more likely to binge when they have access to those forbidden foods. So instead of bringing restricted food and keeping them out of reach of children, its better to bring healthful snacks and give children free access to the food cabinets.
4. Food habit of the parent: Kids are generally tuned into their parents’ eating preferences and are far more likely to try foods if they see their mother or father eating them. If the parents are open to taste new food the children will also taste it.
5. Dress up the vegetables: Calorie-counting parents often serve plain steamed vegetables, so it’s no wonder children are reluctant to eat them. Nutritionists say parents shouldn’t be afraid to dress up the vegetables. Adding a little butter, ranch dressing, cheese sauce or brown sugar to a vegetable dish can significantly improve its kid appeal. And adding a little fat to vegetables helps unlock their fat-soluble nutrients. The few extra calories you’re adding are a worthwhile tradeoff for the nutritional boost and the chance to introduce a child to a vegetable.
6. Giving up too soon: Eating preferences keeps on changing among children. So parents should keep preparing a variety of healthful foods and putting them on the table, even if a child refuses to take a bite. In young children, it may take 10 or more attempts over several months to introduce a food. Sibling dynamics and friendships can also change a child’s eating habits. Once a food is accepted, parents should use “food bridges,” finding similarly colored or flavored foods to expand the variety of foods a child will eat. If a child likes pumpkin pie, for instance, try mashed sweet potatoes and then mashed carrots. If a child loves corn, try mixing in a few peas or carrots. Even if a child picks them out, the exposure to the new food is what counts.
Stay Healthy with Honey
Honey is a sweet, thick sugary solution. It is prepared by the bees. They collect the nectar from the flowers and store it in their hive where honey is made. Honey is composed of sugars like glucose and fructose and minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium chlorine, sulphur, iron and phosphate. It also contains vitamins B1, B2, C, B6, B5 and B3 all of which change according to the qualities of the nectar and pollen.
The 3 key health benefits of honey are related to the fact that:
1. Honey is nature’s energy booster: Honey is a great natural source of carbohydrates and is easily absorbed by the blood.. So it acts as a quick energy provider. Whether you’re looking for an energy boost or just a sweet reward after a long workout, honey is a quick, easy, and delicious all-natural energy source!
2. Honey is a great immunity system builder: Honey is a powerful immune system booster. It’s antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties can help improve digestive system and help you stay healthy and fight disease.
3. Honey is a natural remedy for many ailments: Honey can be used a natural treatment to many ailments like cough, wounds or cuts, tonner for ageing skin, moisturizer. It helps to cure stomach ulcers.
Other benefits of Honey:
• The calorie level present in honey is very less. So it doesnot give extra weight to the body.
• Honey diffuses into the bloodstream in 7 minutes and thus reduces fatigue.
• Honey helps in cleansing the blood. It has some positive effects in regulating and facilitating blood circulation.
• It acts as a protection against capillary problems and arteriosclerosis .
• It helps to soothe the skin against an abrasive treatment.
• Honey is used as a moistening agent in baking.
• It helps in improving the bowel system
• It reduces the duration of diarreaha
Honey as a Herbal cure:
• Add a spoon of honey to hot milk and drink before going to bed if you are unable to sleep soundly. It acts as a mild sedative.
• Cover the wounds such as cuts with honey and bandage it. The cut will be cured.
• Mix honey and apple cider vinegar in equal proportion and it dilute with water.It helps in digestion and heals joint inflammation.
• Mix a desert spoon in hot water and inhale the fumes to clear nasal congestion.
• A tea spoon of honey empty stomach helps in preventing osteoporosis.
• Add ¼ cup of honey to your bath to keep your skin soft and supple.
Herbal Remedies to sun tanned skin
The sun emits ultra violet rays. The sun rays are beneficial to us in many ways. They are the vital source of vitamin D. They have also proved good for treating many diseases. Insufficient exposure to sun rays may lead to the disease called Rickets.
Though these rays are very useful to us excessive exposure to UV rays [sun’s rays] results in increasing pigmentation and melanin. As a result, it leaves a dark coloration [skin tan] or skin tanning.this will lead to dark patches on the part of the body exposed to sun rays. So we should always avoid excessive exposure to sun.Not only this excessive exposure to sun rays may lead to skin cancer.
Simple ways to prevent Sun Tanning:
1. Cover up your body as much as you can. Reduce the area exposed to sun.
2. Use umbrella while going out in sun. Umbrellas not only protect us from rain but also prevent us from getting tanned.
3. Avoid moving in sun between 10am to 3 pm as it is this time when the maximum amounts of ultra violet rays reach the earth’s surface.
4. Always prefer using a sunscreen lotion. Make sure that you go out in the sun only after 15 minutes from the time of applying a sunscreen lotion. The SPF (sun protection factor) of the sun screen lotion should not be less than 15.
5. Apply the sunscreen lotion to all the parts which are exposed to sun. Don’t restrict it to your hands and face.
6. Drink plenty of water
Herbal treatment to Sun tanning:
• Keep cool tea bags, cucumber slices, or a soft cotton towel dipped in cold milk over your face.
• Mix sandalwood powder with coconut oil and almond oil to make a paste. Apply this paste on your skin and leave it for half an hour before washing off with cold water
• Make a paste of an egg white and a tea spoon of hazel and honey. Apply this on the affected area and then leave it on for a few minutes. After 5-10 minutes, wash it gently with lukewarm water
• Grate a potato and extract some fresh juice. Apply this to the affected area. Rinse with tap water after 15 minutes.
• Mash the papaya pulp and massage the sun tanned area.
• Make a paste of sandalwood with milk and little turmeric. Apply it on affected area.
• Rinse skin everyday with coconut water.
• Make a thick pate of turmeric powder with yoghurt and honey. Apply this paste on your skin for about 15-20 minutes and rinse it off in cold water.
• Mix grounded powdered almonds, oatmeal, plain yogurt, milk and allow it soak for few minutes. When they are mixed well apply to your face. Leave it for 30 minutes and when fully dried wash it warm water. Repeat it twice in a week
Teenage Depression-causes and remedies
Teenage depression is not just bad moods and occasional melancholy. Depression is a serious problem which can destroy the very essence of a teenager’s personality, causing an overwhelming sense of sadness, despair, or anger. If left untreated, teen depression can lead to problems at home and school, drug abuse, self-loathing-even irreversible tragedy such as homicidal violence or suicide.
There are as many misconceptions about teen depression as there are about teenagers in general. Yes, the teen years are tough, but most teens balance the requisite angst with good friendships, success in school or outside activities, and the development of a strong sense of self.
Whether the incidence of teen depression is actually increasing, or we’re just becoming more aware of it, the fact remains that depression strikes teenagers far more often than most people think. And although depression is highly treatable, experts say only 1 in 5 depressed teens receive help. While the adults have the ability to seek assistance on their own, teenagers usually rely on parents, teachers, or other caregivers to recognize their suffering and get them the treatment they need. So if you have an adolescent in your life, it’s important to learn what teen depression looks like and what to do if you spot the warning signs.
Signs of Depression:
Teen depression comes in many forms, not all of which are easily recognizable to parents or teens themselves. For some teens, depression can manifest as anger and irritability, while others may display symptoms like apathy, avoidance or isolation.
The following are some of the most common warning signs of teen depression:
- Apathy
- Complaints of pain (headaches/stomachache/low back pain)
- Lack of concentration
- Incapable of decision making
- Excessive or inappropriate guilt
- Irresponsible behavior like being late for school
- Loss of interest in food or overeating resulting in weight gain or loss
- Rebellious behavior
- Feeling hopeless
- Withdrawal from friends
- Improper sleeping habits
- Over reaction to criticism
- Constantly thinking about death or suicide
Effects of teen depression
The negative effects of teenage depression go far beyond a melancholy mood. Many rebellious and unhealthy behaviors or attitudes in teenagers are actually indications of depression. The following are some the ways in which teens “act out” or “act in” in an attempt to cope with their emotional pain: ” Depression may lead to lack in concentration. This may result in drop down of grades in the school and feel frustrated with the school work and studies.
- Many depressed teens talk about running away from house or actually do it.
- Some teens may develop the habit of drinking. They may use alcohol or charas in an attempt to self medicate their depression. But this only worsens their condition.
- Teens having depression generally have low self esteem and feel worthless and incapable of doing things.
- Teens with depression may find solace by going online. But excessive computer use only increases their isolation and makes them more depressed.
- Some depressed teens may engage in high-risk behaviors, such as reckless driving, out-of-control drinking, and unsafe sex.
- Some depressed Teens may become extremely violent and may indulge in taking lives.
Causes for depression in Teens:
There are many reasons for a teenager to go into depression.Some of them are
- A family history of depression
- A history of substance abuse
- Certain medical conditions
- Certain types of personalities
- Physical factors
- Stressful life events.
- Stress from school.
- A death in the family.
- Isolation
- Effects of hormones(generally found in girls)
- Teen depression is also associated with a number of other mental health problems, including eating disorders and self-injury
Parent’s role:
Though there are many reasons teens become depressed, a disconnection from their parents is a common contributor. This disconnect is often at the root of the withdrawal and isolation that are characteristic of teen depression, as teens have given up on developing a tight bond with their parents and others.
Like adults, teens need to feel heard. As a parent you can help your children by spending quality time with them, listening actively to what they have to say and showing their child that they enjoy their time together.”
In addition to spending time together and having fun as a family, it is important for you to talk to your teens about what’s happening at school and with friends. You should also discuss the effects of substance abuse and how it relates to depression.
Christensen, an expert on depression, also encourages parents to ask themselves how they may be contributing to their child’s depression or other emotional and behavioral issues. Sometimes parents aren’t managing their own emotions well or are losing control in their interactions with their child, which sets a poor example
Treatment for Teen Depression:
Some of the effective treatments for teen depression are:
Talk Therapy. It is the traditional therapy and does wonders for some teens, but the adolescent needs to view therapy as a resource, not an obligation they have to satisfy one hour a week. Teens who are resistant to treatment, aren’t making progress or are skipping therapy sessions altogether usually need a more intensive intervention.
Wilderness Therapy for Depression: In wilderness therapy, teens work through their emotions and negative behaviors 24 hours a day, with guidance from a team of therapists, field instructors and peers. Teens quickly reveal who they are and what they’re struggling with, which allows the staff to make progress more quickly than in traditional therapeutic environments. The staff can then invite parents and other family members into the therapeutic process to work on developing stronger relationships and a healthier home life.
By spending quiet time with themselves in the wilderness, away from the distractions of television, computers and cell phones, teens have a rare opportunity to figure out who they want to be. Their experiences in the wilderness help them discover their passions and their ability to overcome challenges and achieve success in every area of their lives.
Natural remedies to Teen Depression:
- Increase physical exercise.
- Get adequate, regular sleep.
- Expose yourself to sunlight.
- Help others. Volunteering takes your mind off your own problems while helping you feel good about yourself.
Bursitis–Prevention and Cure
Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa. A bursa is a tiny fluid-filled sac that acts as a gliding surface and reduces the friction between tissues of the body which move in different direction. There are 160 bursa in all in the body. The major bursae are located adjacent to the tendons near the large joints, such as the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees. When this bursa gets inflamed, it loses its gliding capacity and causes pain when the muscles move.
Causes of Bursitis:
- Repetitive movements or prolonged and excessive pressure: People who rest on their elbow for a long period or who bend their elbow frequently may develop elbow bursitis.
- Traumatic injury: Trauma results in widening of the blood vessels. This allows proteins and extra cellular fluid into the bursae and the bursae react against these “foreign” substances by becoming swollen.
- A direct blow can cause blood to leak into the bursa. This rapid collection usually causes marked pain and swelling, most often in the knee.
- People with certain diseases such as gout, rheumatoid arthritis, or scleroder may develop bursitis from crystal deposits. Uric acid is a normal byproduct of daily metabolism. People who have gout are unable to properly break down the uric acid, which crystallizes and deposits in joints which forms a cause for bursitis.
- Bursa close to the surface of the skin are the most likely to get infected with bacteria; this is called septic bursitis. These bursitis-causing bacteria are normally found on the skin. People with diabetes or alcoholism and those undergoing steroid treatments or with certain kidney conditions have higher risks for this type of bursitis. About 85% of septic bursitis occurs in men.
Prevention against Bursitis:
- Protect that part of the body that may be most vulnerable.
- Take breaks if you have to do repetitive tasks.
- Before doing any exercise do warming up.
- Strengthen the muscles around the joints.
- Do not stress the joint with particularly heavy or unbalanced loads
- Cushion the joint when possible. Use knee pads when kneeling and other pads on shoulders when carrying loads on them.
- Avoid side loading the joint. In other words keep the motion of the limbs in line with each other.
- Stay healthy and fit. Maintain a healthy weight. Strong bodies are more resilient against the stressors that cause bursitis.
Home Treatment for Bursitis:
- Rest the affected area.
- Apply ice on the affected area. This helps in increasing the blood circulation and reduces the swelling.
- Use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to decrease the swelling and manage pain.
- Soak two tea spoon of grated potato in water for overnight. Filter and drink the liquid empty stomach in the morning. Continue this process for about a week. The inflammation will be reduced.
- Continuous application of hot and cold compression alternatively helps in getting relief from bursitis.
Herbal Treatment for Bursitis:
- Turmeric acts as an anti-inflammatory & antioxidant, both help in bursitis relief.
- Aswagandha helps in reducing inflammation.
- Apply sandalwood paste made by mixing sandalwood powder and water, on the affected area. This will help in reliving the pain.
- Rub warm olive oil on the affected area. This will reduce the swelling.
- Add one tablespoon of cayenne pepper in a cup of apple cider vinegar and boil the mixture for about 15 minutes. Applying this mixture on the affected area. This will reduce the pain.
- Applying tea tree oil or sesame oil is also effective in controlling and reducing the inflammation.
- Emu oil contains high level of linolenic acid. This acid is said to have good effect on bursitis as it works on muscle and joint pains. The linolenic acid is said to be having anti-inflammatory effect which penetrates into the skin and provides the relief.
Polycystic ovary syndrome and its treatment
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common health problem that can affect teenage girls and women. Although no one really knows what causes PCOS, it seems to be related to an imbalance in a girl’s hormones.
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition in which there is an imbalance of a woman’s female sex hormones. It is a common complex hormonal disorder, affecting up to ten percent of women (reproductive age) worldwide. This hormone imbalance may cause changes in the menstrual cycle, skin changes, small cysts in the ovaries, trouble getting pregnant, and other problems.
Female sex hormones include estrogen and progesterone, as well as hormones called androgens. Androgens, often called “male hormones,” are also present in women, but in different amounts.
These hormones help to regulate the normal development of eggs in the ovaries during each menstrual cycle. In cases of Polycystic ovary syndrome, too much of androgens are produced which interfere with egg development and release.
Follicles are sacs within the ovaries that contain eggs. Normally, one or more eggs are released during each menstrual cycle. This is called ovulation. In polycystic ovary syndrome, the eggs in these follicles do not mature and are not released from the ovaries. Instead, they can form very small cysts in the ovary. Because girls with PCOS are not ovulating or releasing an egg each month, it’s common for them to have irregular or missed periods.
If it is left untreated it may lead to hypertension, kidney problems, type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and heart disease.
Signs and symptoms:
• very heavy periods or irregular periods
• obesity
• acne and clogged pores
• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol
• diabetes mellitus
• headaches
• mood swings
• Excess of hair growth on face, breast, chest
Treatment:
• Control weight
• Birth control pills will help to regularize the menstural cycle.
• Anti-androgen medications, such as spironolactone and flutamide is also advisable.
• Exercise.”Exercise works by reducing a problem that underlies PCOS: insulin resistance, which can make the ovaries produce excess male hormones, making it harder to conceive,” says Professor Helena Teede, an endocrinologist and research director at the Jean Hailes Foundation for Women’s Health.
• Exposure to light – Go outside in bright daylight for longer than usual each day to help balance harmones.
Herbal Treatment to POS:
• Tulsi: Consuming 10-12 leaves daily with an empty stomach will help to moderate insulin levels and provide stress relief.
• Pradrantak Churna is particularly effective herbal remedy for ovarian cysts. It’s also useful in painful menstruation, pre menstrual syndrome (PMS), irregular menses, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts and leucorrhoea
• False unicorn root contains plant oestrogens that may help to counteract a high oestrogen level without suppressing ovulation.
Reversing the skin damage caused by sun rays
Soaking up the sun is a major priority for many when the warm weather finally arrives. Little do we realize that sun damaged skin ages faster than skin which is not exposed to Ultra violet rays of the sun. UV skin damage makes you look way older than your years. When it comes to the sun burn, prevention is the best method.
There are many ways by which we can reverse the skin damage caused by sun rays.
The first and fore most things to be kept in mind if you want to protect your skin from harmful sun ray is to apply sun screen. Sunscreen comes in different forms with the most popular being lotions, spray and gels. These have different SPF (sun protection factor) levels to suit your needs. Moisturizers are also available in the market which have sun protector factor in them. Even if you apply them it is beneficial.
Even if you are to stay outside in the sun during summers try to stay in a tree shade or under a covered patio. This will protect your skin from the harmful ultra violet rays of the sun.
If you have already burnt your skin by the sun rays you will have to pay extra attention to your skin. You have to keep the burnt area moisturized and cool. This will reduce the pain of burns and help in healing of skin faster. When the burnt has healed a little, remove the damaged skin cells so that new cells grow in their place.
Protecting your skin from the sun is essential year-round and particularly important during the summer months.
Herbs which help in to reversing sun damaged skin
Green tea: Green tea contains compounds called polyphones. These help in getting rid of damaging free radicals that tend to cause sun damage in your skin. Using green tea orally and topically can help to protect and heal your sun-damaged skin. Applying green tea extracts on the burnt skin reduces the burnt skin.
Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera is a popular topical remedy for treating sunburns and typically offers soothing effects on the skin.
Chamomile: Prepare a bath remedy by boiling 1 lb chamomile flowers with 5 its water and steep covered for 10 minutes. Strain and add infusion to bath water. This will help in reducing the skin irritation. The tea prepared from Chamomile leaf is an excellent wash for sun burn.
Tips to keep yourself trim
Almost every second person in this world is obsessed. Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have an adverse effect on health. The most common place where this is accumulated is stomach and waist and the most common thing which leads to its accumulation are our food habits and life style. Just by making a few changes in it we trim and shape our body as we desire.
1. Avoid junk food: Say no to all kinds of sweets, chocolates, fried and junk food and soft drinks. All these have a high percentage of calories. If you say no to these, you will protect your body from gaining a couple of kilos.
2. Cut down your cups of hot drinks: Reduce the number of times you drink tea or coffee. Even if you drink reduce the quantity of sugar you put in them. Sugar substitutes like sucralose, stevia, agave syrup are always welcome!
3. Add naturally sugar rich food in your diet: Stave off your sugar carvings by having foods which are naturally rich in sugar like fruits, rasins, dates and prunes.
4. Eat Slowly: Some people tend to eat fast out of habit. They do not properly chew the food. They simply swallow the food immediately when it is put in the mouth. If you eat like this you will end up eating more calories than actually required by your body.
5. Eat Whole grain Food: Add millets, ragi, and bajra to your diet. Instead of white rice eat unpolished brown rice. These whole grains will make your body burn more and increase the metabolism rate. Whole grains not only carter to our nutritional requirement but also reduces the calories we consume other wise.
6. Consume a good amount of Protein: When pressed for time a bread toast or magi seems to be a good option than a proper meal. But compromising on protein intake can thwart feeling of satiety which inadvertently leads to overeating. Instead you can have a chicken or cottage cheese sandwich or a glass of skimmed milk or protein shakes.
7. Include essential fats in your diet: Good fat also known as omega -3, found in nuts and oily fishes, is known to increase metabolism. Sprinkling seeds (flax seed, pumpkin and sunflower seed) or even nuts on your salad, cereal or yoghurt will do the trick.
8. Eat food rich in antioxidants: Berries, dark colored vegetables and fruits which are rich in antioxidants will keep your skin glowing and shining. So consume plenty of them.
9. Fill up with fluids: Fight carving for food by drinking herbal tea, green tea, lemon water or even tender coconut water. Do not drink plenty of energy drinks. Also avoid hard drinks.
10. Keep portion sized small: Eat from smaller plates. Also fill half of your plate with salads so that your carving fore rice or chapatti is less.
11. Use a pedometer: Walk up to 10,000 steps a day. So use a pedometer to track the count of your steps.
12. Walk, stand more and sit less: It is proven fact that standing burns more calories than sitting. So do not sit for long hours at stretch. Either take a stride to wash room or to drink water if your working style calls for long hours of sitting.
13. Do in for building muscles: Building muscles will increase your metabolism rate. So even though it increases your weight to some extent it will help in shaping your body.
14. Have a good sleep: Inadequate sleep will add to your already existing belly fat. So never compromise with your sleeping habit.
15. Reduce weight slowly: Never try to reduce weight all of sudden. Aim at reducing two- four kilos in a month as it ensures you to lose fat permanently.
Reduce obesity through home remedies and herbs
Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have an adverse effect on health, leading to reduced life expectancy and/or increased health problems. (Wikipedia)
If your Body Mass Index (BMI) is between 25 and 29.9 you are considered overweight. If your BMI is 30 or over you are considered obese. (Medical Definition)
The BMI is a statistical measurement derived from your height and weight. Although it is considered to be a useful way to estimate healthy body weight, it does not measure the percentage of body fat.
Health hazards involving Obesity:
Obesity is a major health threat to person of all age. People who are obese face the following threats to their health.
• Bone and joint problems
• Gallstones and liver problems
• Heart Attack
• High blood cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Sleep apnea
• Gout
• Gastro esophageal reflux disease
• Infertility
• Back Pain
How to check weight gain:
It is very simple to check weight gain. Diet control and regular exercise immediately result in weight loss. While going in for diet control care has to be taken that you take all the necessary nutrients required by the body. If they are not taken you will not only reduce your weight but also the energy. You will start feeling fatigue which may lead you to numerous other health hazards. At least half an hour of rigorous exercise is necessary to remove the accumulated fat in the body. Another main reason fro weight gain is irregular eating. Instead of skipping meals if we plan our meals and be regular we may not put on more weight.
Some home remedies which will help in burning excess weight:
• Add a spoonful of honey to fresh lime juice (of half a lime). Make a solution of the mixture by adding warm water. Drink it regularly. This will help in burning the excess weight accumulated around the stomach.
• Make it a habit of taking cabbage in your regular diet. Cabbage has a chemical called tartaric acid which inhibits sugar and carbohydrates to fat.
• Eat ripe tomatoes in the breakfast. This will help in weight reduction.
• Add mint leaves to the salad. This will help in reduction of weight loss.
Herbs which assist in weight reduction:
• Cayenne: It contains capsaicin that can stimulate digestion, increase metabolism and aid fat burning. Adding 20 gms of it to your daily diet will help in speeding up of metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. But caution must taken before adding it to the diet as it may lead to running nose and watery eyes. Persons having ulcers, heartburn or gastritis should avoid taking it.
• Green Tea: Green tea being thermogenic in nature increases oxidation of fat molecules in the body. Consumption of 4-5 cups of green tea a day will burn 70-80 calories a day.
• Dandelion: It replaces minerals, takes away bad cholesterol and fatty acids before they enter into fat cells through the bloodstream, increases our body’s metabolism but is a mild laxative. Continuous use of this may lead to electrolyte imbalance.
Herbs helpful to minimise breast cancer
Cancer that forms in tissues of the breast, usually in the ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple) and lobules (glands that make milk is called as Breast cancer. It occurs in both men and women, although male breast cancer is rare. According to the statistical data, 230,480 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in USA only. This speaks of the volume of persons affected by breast cancer. If we talk about the world, every 10th women is said to be affected by breast cancer.
Even though the causes for breast cancer are not determined fully some factors which are responsible for its occurrence are listed below:I
• Age-The chances of getting breast cancer is directly proportional to the age. Greater the age, higher is the chances for getting the disease.
• Genes: BRCA1 and BRCA2, The presence of these 2 genes in the body increases the chances of disease.
• Personal factors: Early starting of menstrual cycle and late menopause lead to breast cancer. If menstrual cycle commences before the age of 12 and does not stop even after 55 years of age, is considered to be the cause for breast cancer.
• Obesity: Being overweight is also considered to be a cause for breast cancer.
• Undergoing hormone replacement therapy
• Regular use of birth control pills
Symptoms:
• Lump in the breast
• Change in the shape of the breast
• Discharge from the nipple
• Unusual swelling in a part or the entire breast
• Continuous skin irritation in the breast
• Continuous pain in the breast
• Inversion of the nipple
• Lump in underarm area
Prevention of Breast Cancer:
Though prevention of cancer seems to be ridiculous, we can achieve this by making some positive changes in our life style.
• Maintaining a healthy body weight
• Regular exercise
• Avoiding the use of anti biotic
• Consuming organic food which is free from pesticides
• Avoid alcoholic drinks.
• Keep a low fat diet
• Give your child the benefit of breast feeding
• Have children at earlier age, at least in mid twenties.
Herbal remedies for Breast cancer:
Herbal remedies are not a cure to breast cancer but is useful for decreasing its bad aspects to an extent. It is always better to consult a medical practioneer if you are detected with breast cancer
• Garlic: It has anti biotic properties that help it to get rid of fungi, bacteria. It also plays role in activating the immune cells against cancerous cells. It is always better to eat garlic in raw form as oil, clove or powder instead of consuming cooked.
• Wheat grass: Wheatgrass taken in the form of juice or raw is shown to slow down the growth of cancer cells.
• Green Tea: Herbal green tea has anti-inflammatory properties is very effective to control the growth of breast cancer sells.
• Soybean: According to MD Anderson Cancer Center, it contains phytoestrogens and several other entities that block cancerous cells from using estrogen. It can be taken as sprout or cooked vegetable.
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