According to new study, women with diabetes have higher risks of developing heart failure than their male counterparts.

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death globally. Recent research has shown that people with diabetes have a higher risk of developing heart failure. Before now, researchers are unaware of the role gender plays in diabetics developing heart failure.

Researchers compared roughly 12 million men and women. They discovered that women with type 1 diabetes had a 47 percent higher risk of heart failure compared with men with type 1 diabetes. Also, women with type 2 diabetes had a 9 percent higher risk of getting heart failure than men with type 2 diabetes. This result is from a study published in May 2019 in Diabetologia

The lead researcher at the George Institute for Global Health in Newton, Australia, Toshiaki Ohkuma, PhD, said:

"The increased risk of heart failure succeeding a diabetes diagnosis is considerably higher in women than men, which highlights the importance of intensive prevention and treatment of diabetes in women.”

READ ALSO: Symptoms Of Type 1 And Type 2 Diabetes

It is yet unclear what could be the cause for the difference, but scientists where able to come up with some theories.

The prediabetes period (period when blood sugar levels are high but you may not have diabetes symptoms yet), may be longer in women by as much as two years, which may be connected to a greater risk of heart failure.

Symptoms of heart attacks in women are not well diagnosed and often go without treatment, which may also lead to a bigger chance of heart failure among women.

An endocrinologist, Robert Busch MD, said the symptoms of heart attack in women are less known than the symptoms in men. This is probably because many women experience silent heart attacks. Since the first attack is untreated, the second heart attack is often more deadly than the first.

READ ALSO: Heart Attacks More Severe in Morning than Night, Study Finds

According to the researchers of this study, gender differences in managing diabetes could strengthen these links. This is because factually women have had poorer control of blood sugar than men.

“More research needs to be conducted to understand the mechanisms supporting the excess risk of heart failure caused by diabetes, particularly type 1 in women.

Preventing Diabetes

Doctors are well aware of the relationship between heart failure and diabetes and, according to Dr. Busch, “Given this close relationship, we try to make sure to treat diabetes while protecting and caring for the heart.”

Steps you can take to cut down your chances of developing heart failure includes:

Monitor your blood sugar and take all diabetes medications as prescribed. Consult your doctor regularly to check if your prescription needs updating.
Monitor your blood pressure. For people with diabetes, a systolic pressure of 130 to 140 and diastolic pressure of around 90 are ideal.
Watch your cholesterol. Endeavor to regularly monitor your LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) levels. Your doctor may prescribe statin drugs to help lower your chances of developing heart disease.
Maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise routine. Avoid high-fat and high-carb foods. See your doctor before beginning any new exercise programs to ensure your heart is not affected by physical stress.

Source: http://healthdiary365.com/diabetes-increases-risk-of-heart-failure-more-in-women-than-in-men/

Condoms are designed to protect you from contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) from an infected partner. However, there are some STDs that can still be transmitted even with a protective barrier like condom during intercourse. STDs that are spread by skin-to-skin contact can still be spread even with the use of a condom during sex. This can happen when an STD is exposed to infected parts of the partner’s body that the condom did not cover.

READ ALSO: Curable and Incurable Sexually Transmitted Diseases

The use of condoms is mainly to act as a protective barrier to STDs present in bodily fluids like semen, vaginal fluids and blood by either containing the fluids if the individual wearing the condom is infected, or protecting the individual who is wearing the condom from a partner who is infected. This is applicable to both male and female condom.

Natural condoms like those produced from lambskin are unsafe for preventing STDs. Though their pores cannot allow the passage of sperm cells, but they allow the passage of bacteria and viruses.

STDs You Can Get While Wearing A Condom

STDs that cannot be prevented even with the use of a condom include:

HPV (human papillomavirus)

This is the most common STI, it has over 100 strains of the virus. Some strains of HPV go unnoticed and may cause no symptoms, while others can cause genital warts or various cancers. Genital warts can appear on parts of the genitals that are not covered by a condom, this makes it easy for HPV to be spread by skin-to-skin contact. There is no known test for male HPV, this makes it easier for infected males to unknowingly transfer HPV to their sexual partners.

READ ALSO: Everything To Know About Pap Smear

Genital herpes

Genital herpes is a viral STD that causes the appearance of sores or lesions on the anus, genitals, or upper thighs. A case of either HSV-1 or HSV-2 is called genital herpes when it affects the genitals or the surrounding area. Herpes that appear on body parts not protected by condom can be passed on to another partner during sex.

Syphilis

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that spreads during vaginal, oral, and anal sex. Syphilis sores occur at the infection site, and can be passed on by a partner through skin-to-skin contact irrespective of condom use.

Pubic Lice/Crabs[/b]

Pubic lice, also called crabs, are Pthirus pubis that infect the genitals. These lice are commonly spread during sexual or skin-to-skin contact. Pubic lice lives in pubic hair and can spread with or without the use of a condom.

READ ALSO: How to Identify Penis Rash Caused by HIV

[b]Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a sexually transmitted disease that causes small red or pink raised bumps to develop on the body. These bumps are firm and painless and can also appear in form of small dimples. They can be termed as an STI when they occur on the genitals from skin-to-skin contact with an infected sexual partner.

Source: http://healthdiary365.com/stds-that-cannot-be-prevented-by-wearing-a-condom/

What Is Oil Pulling?
Oil pulling has been used for a very long time now to treat diverse dental ailments. Oil pulling is a medical practice in which oil is swished inside the mouth before spitting it out. People who use oil pulling alleges it is capable of boosting oral and general health.

READ ALSO: 10 Effective Home Remedies to Eliminate Bad Breath

Oil pulling is similar to oral rinses and mouthwashes and may involve a mechanism similar to the soap-making process. The fat in the oils used in the process is creamed into bicarbonate ions found in the saliva. This increases the cleansing properties of the oil. The viscous nature of the oil prevents plaque buildup and oral diseases. Oil pulling helps relieve chronic tooth ailments that modern medicine cannot treat.

Best Oils for Oil Pulling
There are a number of oils you can use for oil pulling, but the three below stand out from others.



Coconut Oil– Don’t just use any type of coconut oil, you must opt for the unrefined, virgin coconut oil. This oil contains 50% of lauric acid which contains antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Sesame Oil– The unrefined and cold pressed form of sesame oil is the best type to use for oil pulling. The oil contains sesamin, sesamolin, and sesaminol. These compounds impart detoxification, antioxidant, and antibiotic properties to the oil.

Sunflower Oil – For sunflower oil the unrefined and cold pressed type is best for oil pulling. It has antibacterial properties and the essential vitamins A, D, and E.

You should consult your dentist first before using any oil for oil pulling.

Benefits of Oil Pulling
Oil pulling contains antimicrobial and antioxidant effects that helps to promote oral health. Regular use can prevent oral bacteria and eliminate bad breath. The use of oil pulling also helps to treat cavities, oral inflammation, and gingivitis.

1. Treats Gingivitis
Oil pulling contains antibacterial properties that can help treat gingivitis, also called gum inflammation, and promote gum health. Gingivitis is caused by the bacteria found in plaque. Coconut oil pulling can treat plaque-related gingivitis since it contains lauric acid – a medium-chain fatty acid) in the oil, which contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

READ ALSO: Possible Causes of Salty Taste in Mouth

Oil pulling coats the teeth and the gums, thereby inhibiting bacterial accumulation. The use of oil pulling makes the gums pink and healthier and stops their bleeding too.

Fights Harmful Oral Bacteria
Over 700 types of bacteria reside in your mouth, making it one of the stongest breeding grounds for bacteria. When bacteria accumulates excessively in your mouth, it can lead to tooth decay and severe oral issues. According to studies, using oil pulling can reduce the concentrations of Streptococcus mutans in the plaque and saliva (6). This eventually helps prevent oral problems associated with the bacteria. Oil pulling activates the salivary enzymes that absorb bacterial toxins and get rid of them from the body through the tongue. Using coconut oil pulling achieved similar antibacterial effects as compared to an OTC mouthwash, according to study.

READ ALSO: How is Bad Breath Linked to Diabetes?

3. Treat Toothache
Some reports state that oil pulling can treat toothache. Though the mechanism of oil pulling behind these effects is yet unknown, more research is still underway. Ensure you consult your doctor before using oil pulling to ease toothache.

Eliminates Bad Breath
Oil pulling helps reduce bad breath, since it eliminates oral bacteria. A study concludes that oil pulling treatment achieved similar results in reducing bad breath as chlorhexidine mouthwash. Oil pulling reduces bad breath and fights off the microbes causing it.

READ ALSO: Top 6 Home Remedies to Whiten Your Teeth

5. Treats Cavities
Oil pulling can treat cavities and dental caries, according to studies. The two most common bacteria that causes cavities are S. mutans and Lactobacilli. The antibacterial action of the oils can help treat cavities.

May Treat Dry Mouth
Bacteria thrives best in dry mouth. Bad breath and tooth decay are a couple of the symptoms of dry mouth. Oil pulling helps eliminate these problems. Traditional medicine also uses oil pulling for treating dryness of throat.

How to Use Oil Pulling
Take one tablespoon of the oil you are using (coconut, olive, or sesame oil).
Swish it around in your mouth for 15 to 20 minutes.
Then spit the oil into a trash can. Do not spit into the sink or toilet as this may cause oil build-up and lead to clogging.
Ensure you meticulously rinse your mouth with water before you eat anything. You can brush your teeth after this.
You should have two separate toothbrushes – one for your regular brushing, and one for brushing after oil pulling.
READ ALSO: 8 Best Home Remedies for Dry Mouth

You can do oil pulling a few times a week or even three times daily. Work your way up. Start by swishing for 5 minutes and gradually increase the duration.

Precautions
Avoid swallowing the oil after you are done because it contains bacteria and other toxins collected from your oral activity.
If you have tooth filling or crowns, consult your dentist before using doing oil pulling.
Avoid using oil that you are sensitive to.
SOURCE: http://healthdiary365.com/6-benefits-of-oil-pulling-for-oral-health/

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Chronic kidney disease or chronic kidney failure is the gradual loss of kidney function over time. Normally, wastes and excess fluids is being filtered from your blood by your kidneys. Chronic kidney disease causes dangerous levels of fluid, electrolytes and wastes can accumulate in your body, especially when disease reaches an advanced stage.

READ ALSO: Kidney Failure: Symptoms, Causes, Stages, and Treatment
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Chronic kidney disease, also called chronic kidney failure may have few signs or symptoms in the initial stage, though it may not become superficial until your kidney function is considerably damaged.

To treat chronic kidney disease, your doctor will prescribe medications to slow the progression of the kidney damage, usually by controlling the underlying cause. If left unchecked, chronic kidney disease can progress to kidney failure. Kidney failure is deadly when patient isn’t undergoing dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease
Signs and symptoms of chronic kidney disease develop over time if kidney damage progresses slowly. Signs and symptoms of kidney disease may include:

Loss of appetite
Problems with sleep
Nausea
Vomiting
Persistent itching
Loss of appetite
Fatigue and weakness
Changes in how much you urinate
Decreased mental alertness
Muscle twitches and cramps
Swelling of feet and ankles
Chest pain, if fluid builds up around the lining of the heart
Shortness of breath, if fluid builds up in the lungs
High blood pressure (hypertension) that’s difficult to control
Signs and symptoms of kidney disease are often general, meaning they can also be caused by other illnesses. Because your kidneys are highly adaptable and able to compensate for lost function, signs and symptoms may not appear until permanent damage has occurred.

Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease occurs when a disease or condition damages kidney function. Diseases that cause chronic kidney disease include:

High blood pressure (hypertension)
Type 1 or type 2 diabetes
Inflammation of the kidney’s filtering units
Interstitial nephritis. Inflammation of the kidney’s tubules and surrounding structures
Polycystic kidney disease
Prolonged obstruction of the urinary tract, from conditions such as enlarged prostate, kidney stones and some cancers
Vesicoureteral reflux. A condition that causes urine to back up into your kidneys

READ ALSO: Kidney Infection: Symptoms, Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

https://healthdiary365.com/kidney-infection-symptoms-causes-prevention-and-treatment/
Risk factors
Factors that may increase your risk of chronic kidney disease include:

Family history of kidney disease
Obesity
Older age
Diabetes
Hypertension
Heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease
Smoking
Being African-American, Native American or Asian-American
Abnormal kidney structure
Complications
Chronic kidney disease can affect almost every part of your body. Potential complications may include:

Anemia
Fluid retention
A sudden rise in potassium levels in your blood which could damage your heart’s ability to function properly
Heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease
Weak bones and an increased risk of bone fractures
Irreversible damage to your kidneys
Decreased immune response
Pericarditis, an inflammation of the membrane that envelops your heart (pericardium)
Pregnancy complications
Low sex drive, erectile dysfunction or reduced fertility
Damage to your central nervous system, which can cause difficulty concentrating, personality changes or seizures
Prevention
To reduce your risk of developing kidney disease:

Follow instructions on over-the-counter medications.Follow the instructions on the package when using nonprescription pain relievers, such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others). This is because taking too many pain relievers could lead to kidney damage.
Maintain a healthy weight.If you’re at a healthy weight, work to maintain it by being physically active most days of the week. If you need to lose weight, talk with your doctor about strategies to shed off some pounds.
Don’t smoke.Cigarette smoking can damage your kidneys. If you’re a smoker, talk to your doctor about strategies for quitting smoking.
Diagnosis
To begin diagnosis, your doctor will ask questions about your personal and family history. Next, your doctor will perform a physical exam to check for signs of problems with your heart or blood vessels, and conducts a neurological exam.

Some tests and procedures to confirm diagnosis include:

Blood tests.Blood tests check your kidney function to examine the level of waste products in your blood.
Urine tests.Urine test helps reveal abnormalities that point to chronic kidney failure and help identify the cause of chronic kidney disease.
Imaging tests.Your doctor may use ultrasound to evaluate your kidneys’ structure and size.
This involves removing a sample of kidney tissue for testing, often performed with local anesthesia. A long, thin needle is inserted through your skin and into your kidney. The biopsy sample is sent to a lab for testing.

READ ALSO: Excess Intake of Vitamin D May Lead to Kidney Failure, Study Finds

https://healthdiary365.com/excess-intake-of-vitamin-d-may-lead-to-kidney-failure-study-finds/

Treatment
Chronic kidney disease cannot be cured. However, some types can be managed, depending on the underlying cause. Treatment usually consists of measures to help control signs and symptoms, reduce complications, and slow progression of the disease. Though kidney damage can still persist even after controlling causal condition.

Treating complications
Treating complications may include:

Treating high blood pressure. People with kidney disease may experience deteriorating high blood pressure. Your doctor may recommend angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers to lower your blood pressure and to preserve kidney function.
Medications to relieve swelling. People with chronic kidney disease may retain fluids, leading to swelling in the legs. Medications called diuretics can help maintain the balance of body fluids.
Lowering cholesterol levels. Your doctor may recommend medications called statins to lower your cholesterol. People with chronic kidney disease often have high levels of bad cholesterol, which can cause heart disease to develop.
Protecting your bones. Your doctor may prescribe calcium and vitamin D supplements to prevent weak bones and cut down your risk of fracture.
A lower protein diet to reduce waste products in your blood. Eating proteinous diet causes your body to create waste products that your kidneys must filter from your blood. Your doctor may advice you to eat less protein so as to reduce the amount of work your kidneys must do.
Treating anemia. Your doctor may recommend supplements of the hormone erythropoietin, sometimes with added iron. Erythropoietin supplements help in more red blood cells production.
Your doctor may recommend follow-up testing at regular intervals to see whether your kidney disease remains stable or progresses.

Treatment for end-stage kidney disease
In some cases, medications cannot help your kidneys keep up with waste and fluid clearance on their own. When this occurs, the person may develop complete or near-complete kidney failure, a condition called end-stage kidney disease. At that point, you need dialysis or a kidney transplant.

This is the process of removing waste products and extra fluid from your blood artificially, when your kidneys can no longer do this. There are two types of dialysis:
Hemodialysis. This involves a machine filtering waste and excess fluids from your blood.

Peritoneal dialysis. This involves inserting a thin tube (catheter) into your abdomen, which fills your abdominal cavity with a dialysis solution that absorbs waste and excess fluids. After a period of time, the dialysis solution drains from your body, carrying the waste with it.

Kidney transplant.This is placing a healthy kidney from a donor into your body surgically. Transplanted kidneys can come from deceased or living donors. You’ll need to take medications for the rest of your life to keep your body from rejecting the new organ.

Source: http://healthdiary365.com/chronic-kidney-disease-symptoms-causes-risk-factors-diagnosis-and-treatment/

Regular exercise can keep your joints and muscles strong, this also applies to people with rheumatoid arthritis. It can improve your heart health, keeping you well-equipped to deal with complications that may come up.

READ ALSO: Breathing Exercises for People with COPD

Other benefits of regular exercise include:

More stability in your joints
Less pain
More energy
Better bone health
Improved quality of life
Improved physical function and performance
Joint-friendly exercises

Stretches
You need to stretch your muscles to ease joint stiffness and widen your range of motion. Morning is a good time for gentle stretching or yoga.

Leg/hamstring stretch: Lean forward while standing as far as you can and reach toward your toes. Make sure you bend your knees a little to keep your legs soft. Hold it for 10-20 seconds.

Finger/wrist stretch: Bend your fingers forward, then backward, holding each stretch for 10–20 seconds each time. Repeat with your hand to stretch your wrist muscles.

Cross-body arm stretch: Place your arm across the front of your body and gently hold it for 10-20 seconds, then switch to the other arm. Then reach up to the sky with one arm and then the other, tilting each arm slightly over your head to stretch your shoulders.

Neck stretches: Drop your head forward gently, and then roll it slowly toward one shoulder and back toward the other.

READ ALSO: Should You Drink Sports Drinks Instead of Water During Exercise?

2. Yoga Poses
Cobra: Lie on the floor face-down, keeping your toes pointed away from you. Press your palms into the floor and slowly raise your upper body. Your elbows should remain close to your side.

Extended leg balance: Put all your weight on one foot while standing. Use a chair or table for support and gradually lift your leg and hold it with one leg on the outside of your knee. For an even better stretch, rotate your leg out to the side from that position and hold.

Seated spinal twist: Sit up tall in a chair and put your hand on the outside of the opposite thigh. Gently twist in the direction of your arm and hold. Switch to the other side.

3. Strength Exercises
Rheumatoid arthritis can slowly take away muscle mass. So, it’s essential to work out your muscles to help them remain strong.

You can do isometric exercises if you have swollen joints. They hold your muscles in one place. They also don’t make you move your joints.

READ ALSO: Six Most Effective Workouts

If your joints aren’t swollen, isotonic exercises (movements that work against resistance, like weightlifting) are good for building up muscles. Discuss with your doctor before you start any kind of strength training.

Abdominal contractions: To do this isometric exercise, lie on your back and put your hands on your stomach muscles. Lift your head and hold it. You can continue this exercise by squeezing the muscles that lifted your head without actually picking it up, too.

Palm press: This is isometric, too. Hold your hands so they face each other. One hand should have fingertips up and the other should have fingertips down. Press your palms together and hold.

Bicep lifts: While you sit in a chair with your arms resting on your thighs palms up, hold light weights in your hands. Then, raise them toward your shoulders, bending at the elbow.

Seated knee lift: With a resistance band over your legs in a seated position, raise one leg slowly, then switch sides.

4. Exercises for Endurance
Aerobic exercises raise your breathing and heart rates. Engage in exercises that get your blood pumping while being easy on your joints.

Walking: Taking daily walks are important. Start with slow and short strolls if you’re new to regular exercise. Then work up to longer, faster walks as you get stronger. Ensure to stretch before you start and after you finish. Drink lots of water, too.

Cycling: A stationary bike takes away your risk of a fall. Start slowly if you’re a beginner, and go faster as you get better.

Swimming: Water exercise like swimming is great when you have rheumatoid arthritis. They take weight off your joints. They also raise your heart rate. Water also acts as resistance against your muscles. That can make you stronger.

Source: http://www.healthdiary365.com/2018/07/09/exercises-that-are-easy-on-your-joints/

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Coughing is a normal body function, but when it lasts for a protracted time, it can affect daily activities. A chronic cough can either be wet  or dry.  It can produce phlegm or tickle the throat.

READ ALSO: 10 Early Symptoms Of Cancer In Men

A cough that last longer than 8 weeks is considered chronic. For children, if cough lasts longer than 4 weeks, then it is chronic. Common causes include allergies, asthma, bronchitis, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It can be a sign of a heart cough or lung disease in some cases.

What causes a chronic cough?

Chronic cough can be caused by different factors. Sometimes, more than one factor may be responsible. Some common causes of chronic cough includes:

Bronchitis. This causes long-term inflammation of the airways that can result to a severe cough. Bronchitis can be part of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an airway disease that is mostly caused by excessive smoking.

Asthma. Asthma causes the upper airways to be sensitive to irritants in the air, cold air, or exercise.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). When acid comes back up from a person’s stomach and into their throat, the condition is called GERD. It leads to chronic irritation in the throat, and subsequently, cough.
Lingering after-effects of infection. Severe infection can cause a chronic cough to linger. Examples are flu and pneumonia. The airways can still be inflamed even when most of their symptoms have subsided or disappeared.
Postnasal drip. A postnasal drip is the result of mucus dripping down the back of the throat. This irritates the throat and triggers a cough reflex.
Blood pressure-lowering medications. Medications to lower blood pressure such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors can cause a chronic cough in some people.
Less-common causes

Some less common causes of a chronic cough include:

Cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis causes excess mucus in the lungs and airways, which can lead to a chronic cough.
Aspiration. This occurs when food or saliva goes down the airway instead of the food pipe. Bacteria or viruses may accumulate in the excess fluid, causing inflammation of the airway. Aspiration can cause pneumonia.
Bronchiectasis. Excess production of mucus can make the airways to become larger than normal.
Lung cancer. Persistent coughing associated with bloody sputum and chest pain can be a sign of lung cancer.

READ ALSO: The Flu Diet: Foods to Eat and Avoid When You Have the Flu

Bronchiolitis. This condition mostly affects children. It is caused by a virus that causes inflammation of the bronchioles, which are small airways in the lungs.

Heart disease. Coughing and shortness of breath can be symptoms of heart failure or heart disease. This is called a heart cough. Symptoms may deteriorate when a person lies flat.
Sarcoidosis. This causes small growths to develop in the lungs, lymph nodes, eyes, and ski

Symptoms of Chronic Cough

Cough occurs when something causes irritation in the airways, causing the muscles in the chest and stomach to contract. The irritation causes the glottis that covers the airways to open quickly, making air to rush out and resulting in a cough.

A dry cough does not produce mucus. This type of cough mostly occurs in cigarette smokers and people who take ACE inhibitors. A wet cough produces mucus or sputum. This is seen in people with postnasal drip or cystic fibrosis.

When to see a doctor
If a person experiences the following symptoms along with a chronic cough they should seek emergency treatment:

fever greater than 103°F
shortness of breath
coughing up blood
chest pain
If a chronic cough interferes with a person’s everyday activities, it often warrants further examination by a doctor. Other symptoms that may mean a person needs to see their doctor include:

fatigue
appetite loss
coughing up a lot of mucus
night sweats
unexplained weight loss

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask questions about the person’s medical history, lifestyle habits, symptom and other information that may be useful for diagnosis. A doctor will likely also listen to the person’s lungs using a stethoscope. A doctor will require further testing to help with diagnosis. Tests may include:

Examining sputum sample for the presence of blood or cancerous cells
Imaging scans, such as X-rays or computed tomography scans to determine if there are signs of lung disease or inflammation
Bronchoscopy, where a doctor views the lungs for signs of irritation or disease.
Treatment

The underlying cause of chronic cough will determine the type of treatment that will be administered. A doctor can decide to treat the most common contributing factors for a chronic cough.

A common cause for chronic cough is postnasal drip. So doctors may recommend the person taking decongestants or antihistamines to dry up secretions and reduce inflammation. Decongestant or nasal steroid sprays may also help.

Other treatment options may include making lifestyle changes and taking medications that reduce the effects of acid on the stomach. Examples of these changes can include:

eating several small meals a day
avoiding foods that trigger GERD, such as caffeine, citrus fruits, high-fat foods, chocolate, or peppermint
avoid lying down until two hours after eating
sleeping with the head of the bed raised or using extra pillows to elevate the head
taking medications, such as ranitidine (Zantac), cimetidine (Tagamet), or famotidine (Pepcid)

Those who have a cough related to ACE inhibitors may wish to consult their doctor. There are some medications that may be able to reduce high blood pressure without causing a cough.

Risk factors

A person’s risk of developing chronic cough can be increased if they smoke cigarettes and exposes themselves to second-hand smoke. The smoke can irritate the airways and cause a chronic cough as well as lung damage. Exposure to chemicals in the air can also lead to long-term coughing.

Complications

Coughing can gets so severe that it affects a person’s daily life. A chronic cough can have the following additional effects:

headaches
insomnia if coughing occurs at night
daytime fatigue
difficulty concentrating at work and school
dizziness

In rare cases, chronic cough can lead to:
broken ribs
fainting

Source: http://healthdiary365.com/what-causes-a-chronic-cough/

Most health practitioners argue that drinking warm or hot water helps improves a person’s health. Though there is little or no scientific research to support the benefits one can derive from drinking hot water.
Drinking sufficient amount of water can help support skin, muscle, and joint health. Also, water helps the cells of the body to fight off infections and absorb nutrients. So, drinking a few glasses of warm or sipping on hot water daily might offer even greater health benefits.

8 Health Benefits of Drinking Hot Water.

Body detoxification
Natural health experts claim hot water helps to detoxify the body. Hot water raises the body temperature of a person, leading to sweating. Sweating helps to clean pores and to expel toxins from the body.

Improved circulation
Hot water is a vasodilator which expands the blood vessels, thereby improving circulation. This can cause the muscle to relax and reduce pain. Researchers are yet to establish a connection between hot water and constant improvements in circulation. Even brief improvements in circulation can support better blood flow to muscles and organs.

Fighting colds and improving sinus health
Hot water can help to get rid of colds since heat applied to the sinuses can alleviate pressure caused by colds and nasal allergies. Drinking hot water helps unclog the sinuses and help free and quick movement of mucous.

Reduced pain
Hot water improves circulation and blood flow, especially to injured muscles. No research has linked the consumption of hot water to pain relief. But some people regularly use heat packs and hot water bottles to ease pain and discomfort. Drinking hot or warm water may help relief internal pains, including menstrual cramps and pains.

Healthier digestion
Most of the water consumed through food and drinking is mostly absorbed by the small intestine, particularly when a person does not drink enough water. This can lead to dehydration and constipation.

Chronic dehydration can cause chronic constipation which makes bowel movements painful and may cause other problems like bloating and hemorrhoids.

Consuming hot water helps to break down food faster than drinking cold or even warm water. Hot water helps to reduce the risk of constipation by supporting regular bowel movements.

Reduced stress
A cup of hot or warm water may help ease stress and anxiety. Results from a recent research confirmed that drinking hot liquids, such as tea and coffee, could lower stress and ease anxiety.

Weight loss
Drinking sufficient amount of water can help a person lose weight. Though drinking water increases the feelings of fullness, but it helps the body absorb nutrients and flushes out waste.

A 2003 study found that swapping from drinking cold water to hot water increases weight loss. Researchers found that drinking 500 ml of water before a meal increased metabolism by 30 percent.

Encouraging consumption of coffee and tea
When mixed with coffee or tea, hot or warm water offers extra benefits. When taken in moderate quantities, coffee and caffeinated teas can be beneficial to the body. However, taking it in excessive quantities can lead to dehydration.

Risk of Drinking Hot Water
The main danger of drinking hot water is risk of being burned, this is avoidable. Water that is warm to the touch on a fingertip may still burn the tongue or throat. Avoid drinking water that is near boiling temperature. Always test a small sip before taking a gulp.

Drinking caffeinated coffee or tea may cause a person to become overcaffeinated or jittery. Prevented this by reducing the cups of coffee or tea consumed, or simply replacing caffeinated drinks with warm or hot water.

Source: http://www.healthdiary365.com/2018/07/03/what-are-the-health-benefits-of-drinking-hot-water/

Demisexual refers to someone who only feels a sexual attraction to those whom they already have a deep and powerful emotional bond with. The emotional connections doesn’t have to be romantic in nature, and it’s actually common for demisexuals to be attracted to their friends before anyone else. They do not experience sexual attraction like majority of people most of the time though.

7 Signs You Are Demisexual
1. You don’t place a lot of importance on sex

Most people consider sex important, but not demisexuals. These people would rather have intelligent conversations than have sex. If you don’t spend much time thinking about having sex or don’t experience a sexual attraction to random people, then you may be a demisexual.

READ ALSO: 8 Steps to Rekindle the Lost Spark in a Relationship

2. Your romantic relationships begins as friendships

Though this is not always the case, but a lot of demisexual relationships begin as friendships. Think about all of the romantic relationships you have ever had and ask yourself how many of them started out as friendships. Demisexuals prefer to get to know someone on a deep level before they consider getting into a romantic relationship.

3. You are attracted to someone’s personality rather than their looks

Demisexuals are more interested in a person’s personality much more than their physical appearance. Majority of people first notice a person’s looks, but this may not be the case with demisexuals. This is not to say that you haven’t had your fair share of crushes, but they haven’t really come with a lot of sexual thoughts and feelings like with most people. You probably don’t fall for strangers, simply because you don’t know what kind of personality they have and therefore can’t tell whether or not you’re actually attracted to them.

4. You have been accused of being a prude

If you have been accused by others of being old-fashioned when it comes to sex, you could be a demisexual. Many people who fall under this category aren’t very sexually active and definitely don’t hook up.

5. People have called you Asexual

Demisexuals may be classified as asexual. You may have been called asexual by friends, family members or even people you’ve dated. Though most demisexuals still feel sexual attraction to others, but it just usually comes after they have bonded with someone emotionally. If you have been accused of being asexual more than once, then you may be a demisexual.

6. You don’t truly understand the terms “Sexy”

When you are with a group of friends and someone points out someone they consider sexy, you don’t really understand what they mean. This is because for you sexual attraction is something that is deeply interweavon with emotional attraction. Since you obviously cannot have an immediate emotional attraction to someone you’ve never met, it’s impossible to understand how others can find someone they don’t really know attractive. You may understand the notion of words like hot and sexy, but you cannot agree with them.

7. Your relationships have suffered due to low sex drive

When a demisexual gets into a relationship with someone who isn’t a demisexual, there can be problems with the relationship because of sex. You should think about whether or not any of the relationships you have been in before have been negatively affected due to your low libido or not wanting to engage in regular sex. Demisexuals can physically enjoy having sex, but it’s usually not something they are interested in doing a lot.
Source: http://healthdiary365.com/what-does-demisexual-mean-7-signs-you-might-be-one-of-them/

What is Pancreatic Cancer?

Pancreatic cancer occurs when cancerous cells grow, divide, and spread in the tissues of the pancreas. The pancreas is located in the stomach, it is a 6-inch-long spongy, tube-shaped organ. The two major functions of the pancreas is:

produces digestive juices (enzymes) that help the intestines break down food.
produces hormones that helps regulate the usage of sugars and starches in the body.

READ ALSO: What is Pancreatitis?
http://healthdiary365.com/what-is-pancreatitis/

Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is usually described as a silent disease because in the initial stage, the disease may show no obvious symptoms. However as the cancer progresses, symptoms may include:

Pain in the upper abdomen that sometimes spreads to the back
Discoloured urine
Stomach ulcers
Blood clot in veins
Jaundice
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Weight loss
Weakness
Belly pain
Fatigue
Back pain
Causes of Pancreatic Cancer

Researchers are yet to establish the exact cause of pancreatic cancer, though some factors may be responsible including:

Smoking: Smokers are more vulnerable to developing the disease than non-smokers.
Age: Pancreatic cancer mostly affects those above 45 years.
Diabetes: Diabetes is connected to pancreatic cancer since it’s a risk factor, and it can also be a symptom of the disease.

READ ALSO: Colon cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Risk factors, and Complications
http://healthdiary365.com/colon-cancer-symptoms-causes-risk-factors-and-complications/

Other possible causes of pancreatic cancer include:

Family history of pancreatic cancer
Liver cirrhosis
Lack of exercise
High fat diet
Chronic pancreatitis
Diagnosing Pancreatic Cancer

The challenge of this disease is detecting it early. It is difficult for doctors to see or feel a tumor during a routine exam. So, imaging tests such as MRI, ultrasound, or CT scan are performed to help diagnosis.

Treatment of Pancreatic cancer
Surgery

Surgery can be performed to get rid of cancer that hasn’t spread past the pancreas. The tumor is removed leaving as much of the normal pancreas in one piece. Unfortunately, since pancreatic cancer if difficult to detect at its early stage for lack of symptoms, the cancerous cells usually have spread beyond the pancreas at the point of diagnosis. Though surgery can still be performed, even if the tumor is too large to remove. The surgery would involve procedures to help reduce some of the symptoms.

READ ALSO: Early Warning Signs Of High Blood Sugar
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Radiation Therapy

This treatment uses high-powered radiation to kill cancer cells. Radiation is usually performed five days a week for several weeks or months. This schedule helps to protect normal tissue by spreading out the total dose of radiation. Radiation is also being studied as a way to kill cancer cells that remain in the area after surgery. Radiation therapy can help relieve pain or digestive issues caused by large cancerous masses.

Chemotherapy

This therapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. A drug or a combination of drugs may be administered for this treatment which may be given orally or intravenously. Chemotherapy is best for cancer that has spread. Chemotherapy is also effective in destroying cancer cells that may remain after surgery.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapies are employed to attack exact parts of cancer cells. This method have fewer side effects than chemotherapy and are less harmful to normal cells. Targeted therapy is presently being employed for treating pancreatic cancer.

Immunotherapy

This biological therapy involves boosting a person’s immune system to fight disease. Immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer is being actively researched, along with the study into vaccines that support the immune system to attack cancer.

Palliative Therapy

Palliative therapy is used to manage pain regardless of the stage of the disease or the need for other treatments. Palliative care helps improve quality of life in the body, mind, and spirit. Palliative therapies are helpful when given with other cancer therapies.

Preventing Pancreatic Cancer


There’s no one certain action you can take to prevent pancreatic cancer. However, some controllable risk factors can be avoided.  They include:

Quit smoking.
Avoid diet high in fat.
Adopt a regular exercise routine, since exercise can help prevent diabetes and obesity.
Getting Support

Source: http://healthdiary365.com/pancreatic-cancer-symptoms-causes-and-treatment/

It is not uncommon for some women to experience missed or late menstrual period, even when pregnancy test is negative. Though a late menstrual flow can be upsetting, especially when a woman is used to having regular periods, it is usually not a cause for alarm.

READ ALSO: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
http://healthdiary365.com/premenstrual-syndrome-pms-symptoms-causes-and-treatment/

Here are 8 reasons why a woman might have a late period

8 Possible Causes of a Late Period
Weight loss
A woman can miss her period or her period can be late if she engages in intense exercise or experiences severe weight loss. The levels of reproductive hormone can be affected by a low body-fat ratio. This in turn affects menstruation and ovulation. Consult your doctor if you have missed period(s) after losing considerable weight so that the proper amount of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients will be recommended to you.

READ ALSO: 6 Top Causes of Weight Gain during Menstrual Periods and How to Avoid It
http://healthdiary365.com/6-top-causes-of-weight-gain-during-menstrual-periods-and-how-to-avoid-it/

Birth control
A missed menstrual period can also be caused by birth control. Hormonal birth control provides a form of estrogen combined with progesterone for a specific amount of time, followed by several hormone-free days. The withdrawal of these hormones triggers a period.

These hormones tends to make the lining of the uterus so thin that there is not enough of the lining to shed that will trigger a period to occur. This applies to all forms of hormonal birth control, including pills, implants, patches, shots, and rings. Consult your doctor if you have any issues about your birth control method.

Stress
Stressful activities can affect a woman’s menstrual cycle. Some women experience more painful menstrual cramps when undergoing stress. Avoid activities or circumstances that causes stress. Getting regular exercise can help eliminate stress and maintain a regular menstrual cycle.

Perimenopause
Menopuase begins when a woman hasn’t had her period for at least 12 months. The average menopausal age is around 50-52 years. However, some women experience symptoms as early as 10 to 15 years before menopause, a stage known as perimenopause. Irregular estrogen levels can make a woman’s menstrual cycle to become irregular.

READ ALSO: What are the Symptoms of Menopause, Perimenopause and Postmenopause?

Obesity
Being overweight or obese can also affect a woman’s menstrual cycle. Obesity and missed periods can mean a woman has an underlying medical condition, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), so it is vital for a woman to be correctly diagnosed by a doctor. You may undergo blood tests or an ultrasound to examine the ovaries to ensure there are no underlying medical conditions responsible for the missed periods.

PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS, is one of the most common hormonal disorders among women of childbearing age. Women with PCOS appear to have abnormal hormone levels which can cause formation of small cysts on the ovaries, excess facial and body hair, acne, male-pattern baldness, and obesity. Irregular or missed periods is commonly associated with PCOS. Consult your doctor for examination if you suspect you have PCOS. If left unchecked or untreated, absence of periods can lead to endometrial cancer.

Pregnancy
It is possible for women to miss their periods due to pregnancy, even if they are on contraception. Women can still get pregnant even if they correctly use birth control. No forms of birth control that are 100 percent effective if preventing pregnancy. Anyone who is pregnant should seek prenatal healthcare right away after getting a positive pregnancy test. Women should consult their doctor if they experience missed or late periods with negative pregnancy test.

READ ALSO: Possible Causes of Heavy Menstrual Period
http://healthdiary365.com/possible-causes-of-heavy-menstrual-period/

Hormonal conditions
A woman’s period can be late or missed due to imbalance of prolactin or thyroid hormones. A blood test can be used to detect hormonal imbalance that is responsible for a missed or late period.

The cause of these hormonal imbalances needs to be examined by a doctor. Some hormonal imbalances are hereditary. In most cases, periods can be returned back to normal by the use of prescribed medications.


Sources: http://healthdiary365.com/eight-possible-causes-of-a-late-or-missed-menstrual-period/

Dealing with dark knuckles can be a very embarrassing issue that affects self-esteem. Dark knuckles may be caused by several factors. The main reason is the melanin that forms in the body, which causes hype-rpigmentation. Melanin formation is caused by over exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun.

READ ALSO: How to Get Rid of Wrinkles Under-eye Naturally
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Dark knuckles may also be caused by hormonal changes in the body, use of chemical-based products, accumulation of dark cells, and work or sports that cause excessive friction on the knuckles. Some skin diseases can also give the knuckles a discoloration, such as eczema and psoriasis.

Dark knuckles can be lightened by using some simple and effective home remedies.

Effective Home Remedies to Lighten Dark Knuckles
1. Lemon and Sugar Scrub

Exfoliating your hands gently with a homemade lemon and sugar scrub can help lighten the tone of your skin by getting rid of dead cells from the surface of the skin.

Lemon helps to get rid of dead skin cells and improve overall skin tone. It also helps new cell growth. The sugar granules help exfoliate dead skin cells and soften the skin.

Method
Sprinkle some sugar on a halved piece of lemon.
Scrub your knuckles with it.
Allow it to remain for 10 minutes before rinsing off.
Repeat this process once a week.

Alternatively, mix equal amounts of lemon juice and sugar. Apply it on your hands and feet. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes, then scrub off the paste. Rinse off the rest with water. Repeat this once or twice a week.

READ ALSO: Top 5 Anti-ageing Skin Care Tips
http://healthdiary365.com/top-5-anti-ageing-skin-care-tips/

Caution: Avoid exposing your skin to direct sunlight for at least 1 to 2 hours after using lemon.

2. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a good home remedy to get rid of dark knuckles. It contains vitamin E which can help lighten the skin tone and prevent dryness by keeping the skin moisturized. A 2004 study published in Dermatitis reports that coconut oil significantly improves skin hydration and was just as effective as mineral oil.

Method

Rub extra-virgin coconut oil all over the knuckles and massage the area at night before going to bed. Repeat this daily until you see improvement.

You can also prepare a mixture with 1 teaspoon of coconut oil and ½ teaspoon of lemon juice. Rub this oil on your dark knuckles and leave it for 15 to 20 minutes. Wipe it off with paper towels. Do this once daily.

3. Aloe Vera

For skin that has been damaged due to excessive exposure to sun, aloe vera is a great remedy for restoring such skin. It works as an effective sunburn salve, due to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, keeping the skin hydrated and moisturized.

READ ALSO: 5 Effective Home Remedies for Stretch Marks
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A 2017 study published in the International Journal of Pharmacognosy reports that aloe vera may suppress the release of melanin and reduce pigmentation.

Method
Extract the gel from an aloe vera leaf
Apply it on the affected areas
Leave it for 20 minutes.
Rinse it off with warm water.
Repeat 1 or 2 times daily for a few weeks.

Caution: Avoid sunlight exposure after using aloe vera on the skin.

4. Yogurt

The lactic acid in yogurt works as a bleaching agent that helps in lightening skin color. The lactic acid can also get rid of the top layer of dead skin cells. It can help moisturize skin and eliminate dry, scaly or darkened skin.

READ ALSO: Top 5 Benefits of Collagen for your Skin, Muscle, and Gut

Method
Apply some plain yogurt on your darkened knuckles and massage for a few minutes.
Allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes
Rinse it off with plain water.
Use this remedy once daily.

On the other hand, you can blend equal amounts of yogurt and rose water, then mix in 1 teaspoon of vegetable glycerin. Massage your hands with it until fully absorbed. Allow it to remain on overnight and rinse it off with cool water the next morning. Repeat once daily before going to bed.

5. Turmeric

Turmeric is a bright yellow spice that works as an effective skin lightener and to maintain even complexion. It contains a potent antioxidant called curcumin, which helps lessen the melanin production in the skin and remove discoloration.

A 2011 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology reports that turmeric may help protect against sun damage when added in a cream. Turmeric may improve the skin’s hydration and natural protective oils.

Combine 2 teaspoons of turmeric powder with enough cold milk to form a paste.
Apply it on the dark knuckles and allow it to sit for 20 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.
Repeat this 1 or 2 times daily.

Another way to use turmeric is to mix 2 teaspoons each of turmeric powder and olive oil to form a fine paste. Apply this paste thinly on your hands and rinse off after 10 minutes. Repeat 3 times a week to see results.

Warning: Avoid direct exposure to sun after using any turmeric remedy on your skin.

READ ALSO: 7 Effective Home Remedies for Hair loss

6. Orange Peels

Orange peels can also be used to lighten the dark skin of your knuckles, because they contain skin-lightening and exfoliating properties. The good amount of vitamin C in them works as a natural bleaching agent and helps treat hyper-pigmentation.

Method
Put some orange peels in the sun for a few days until they dry out completely.
Grind the dried peels into powder form.
Mix 2 teaspoons of powdered orange peels with enough rose water to make a thick paste.
Apply the paste on your knuckles and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes.
With wet hands, scrub off the paste.
Finally, rinse the area with cold water.
Repeat 2 or 3 times a week.
7. Almond

Almond contains vitamin E which helps to brighten your skin tone by reducing the pigmentation. You can use both almonds and almond oil to maintain an even tone on your hands.

Method
Massage the darkened area of your hands with almond oil before going to bed.
Allow it to remain for the course of the night and rinse your hands in the morning.
Do this on a daily basis.

Alternatively, to use almond:

Soak 3 or 4 almonds in milk overnight.
Grind them to make a paste the next morning.
Add 1 teaspoon each of turmeric and olive oil to the paste and mix again.
Massage this paste on your dark knuckles, allow it to sit for 15 minutes and then wash it off with cold water.

Use this remedy 2 or 3 times a week.

READ ALSO: Puffy Eyes: 10 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Bags Under Eyes

8. Gram Flour

You can use gram flour to naturally lighten dark knuckles. Its rough texture helps to remove dead skin cells and reveal the new and nourished skin underneath.

Method
Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of gram flour with plain yogurt or just water.
Dampen your knuckles area, then smear on the paste.
Keep the paste on for 20 to 25 minutes before scrubbing off the paste and soaking your knuckles in warm water.
Do this 3 times a week for best results.

Alternatively:

Put 3 tablespoons of gram flour, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of milk in a bowl.
Mix all the ingredients together and apply paste on your knuckles.
Wait 15 minutes, then scrub it off and rinse with lukewarm water. Use this treatment twice or thrice weekly.

Source: http://healthdiary365.com/8-ways-to-treat-dark-knuckles-at-home/

Insomnia is inability to get quality sleep, especially at night. It causes you to spend restless nights tossing and turning in bed, which leaves you fatigued and sleepy during the day. Insomnia can affect your daily activities. It can make you to lose concentration, irritated, and even depression can set in.

To overcome insomnia practice healthy sleep behaviors consistently. You can also try sleep restriction, light therapy, and relaxation therapy. Drinking chamomile tea, valerian tea, or nutmeg and milk can help with insomnia. Also, aromatherapy with lavender or vetiver oil can help induce sleep.

READ ALSO: Artificial Light during Sleep Increases Risk of Obesity in Women
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Your sleep-wake cycle is controlled by your internal clock which is influenced by the natural cycle of darkness and light. The hormone that promotes sleep, melatonin is produced by your brain during night time. Psychological problems like sleep apnea, stress, depression, anxiety, or depression, or medical conditions like asthma, gastroesophageal reflux, or conditions that cause chronic pain like fibromyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis may affect your sleep pattern, leading to insomnia.



It is important to identify and treat any condition that lies at the root of your insomnia, some natural remedies and healthy habits can also help you.

Follow Healthy Sleep Habits
If you often find it difficult getting a quality night’s sleep, you might need to make changes to your bedtime habits. Here are a few ideas that you should integrate into your nightly routine.

Stick to your sleep schedule: Going to bed and getting up at the same time every day trains you to fall asleep at a specific time.

Reserve your bedroom for sleep: Use your bed only for sleeping or intimacy. That means no taking your work to bed with you. If you are not able to sleep, go into another room to do something that’s relaxing and come back to bed when you feel sleepy. This conditions you to associate your bedroom with sleep.

READ ALSO: Sleeping for Less Than 7 Hours Regularly Increases Your Risk of Heart Diseases, Study Finds
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Wind down before going to bed: Try to wind down with some relaxing music or a good book before bedtime. Or you might want to try a soothing bath. Avoid getting on the computer or the phone.

Avoid stimulants: Caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol can keep you awake so avoid them before bed if you have insomnia.3According to research, caffeine or alcohol consumed even 6 hours before going to bed can disrupt sleep.

Create the right environment: The right temperature, lighting, and sound can all help create an atmosphere conducive to sleep. Keep your room at a temperature between 60–67°F as that is considered ideal for a good night’s sleep.

Practice Relaxation Therapy: Stress and worry occupy the minds of most persons, thereby affecting their night-time bed rest. Relaxation exercises can help manage stress and promote restful sleep in most cases. Here are a few techniques that you can try:

Deep breathing: This is one of the easiest relaxation methods to practice. Get comfortable and inhale for about 4 seconds, then hold the breath for around 7 seconds and slowly exhale for 8 seconds. This can help clear tension and stress.

READ ALSO: Yoga: Types, Benefits and All You Need To Know
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Guided imagery: This technique can lower stress and help you sleep better. The powerful connection between your mind and body helps you relax when you imagine a relaxing scenario. Spend a few minutes visualizing soothing scenes such as floating in a peaceful lake or being rocked gently in a hammock while a warm breeze blows. Be sure you picture a scene that you find calming and soothing.

Progressive relaxation: This technique involves tensing and then relaxing different parts and muscle groups of your body one at a time. This makes you aware of mental and physical tension and helps you release it. Typically, you start at your feet and slowly work your way up your body.

Try Sleep Restriction: Avoid spending much time on your bed if you have insomnia. This sleep restriction technique restricts the amount of time you spend in bed. Here’s what you do.

You limit the amount of time that you spend in bed to time that you actually want to sleep. But don’t get up earlier, instead stay up later. So if you get up at 6 in the morning and you plan on spending 6 hours in bed, ensure you stay up till 12 in the night. Once you start sleeping soundly for those 6 hours, you can spend 15–30 minutes more in bed and maintain your new bedtime for about a week, and so on. Carry on this way, till you get an uplifting amount of sleep a night.

Use Light Therapy: Light therapy involves exposure to light. It can also be helpful in some cases of insomnia. Your biological clock which controls your sleep patterns is influenced by the cycle of darkness and light. Morning bright light therapy can help people who have trouble getting to sleep early and waking up early (delayed sleep phase disorder). This can help shift the circadian rhythm. Get exposure to sunlight between 6–9 am in the morning for around 30 minutes to an hour. If you don’t have access to naturally bright sunlight in the morning, you can place a commercial fluorescent lamp at arm’s length. Keep to dim light in the evenings and stick to relaxing activities such as listening to calming music or reading a book. You should see an improvement in 2–4 days though you’ll need to continue your new pattern for about a month until you get used to it.

On the other hand, if you can fall asleep early in the evening without trouble but wake up too early in the morning (advanced sleep phase disorder), evening bright light therapy may help you. Here you get exposure to bright light in the late afternoon, early evening, and even late evening. Take a walk and spend time outdoors in the early evening. If natural light isn’t available in the evening, use artificial light such as during winter. Continue to keep the lights on as you watch TV or go about activities in the evening. Avoid bright light in the mornings and wear sunglasses if you go out. Light exercise in the early evening can also be helpful. In a week or two, you should feel less sleepy in the evenings, be able to sleep for longer early morning, and get more sleep overall.

Sip a nutmeg and milk drink
This is yet another popular remedy for insomnia. Nutmeg contains sedative powers in scientific studies. It also helps ease anxiety that is often at the root of insomnia. Stir 1/8th a teaspoon of nutmeg into a glass of warm milk and drink.

Have Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea has been used for years in promoting sleep. According to research, it does help you achieve sleep faster. It contains a flavonoid known as apigenin which binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain and triggers sleep. Take a calming cup of chamomile tea an hour before bedtime so that you can fall asleep effortlessly. To prepare a cup of chamomile tea, steep 2–3 teaspoons of dried chamomile for around 10 to 15 minutes in boiling water.

Drink Valerian Tea Or Inhale Its Fragrance
Valerian tea is another famous remedy for sleepless nights. Studies indicates that this sleep aid binds to GABA-A receptors in your brain to exert a sedative action. Valerian tea can be prepared by steeping a teaspoon of chopped roots in about 8 ounces of cold water for a night. Experts recommend not using hot water for preparing valerian tea as the heat may diminish its useful properties. Drink up about 30–45 minutes before you go to bed.

Inhale The Fragrance Of Lavender
Lavender is often described as the sleep-inducing fragrance. Study indicates that compounds in lavender such as terpineol and linalool have a relaxing effect. A few drops of lavender oil added to your diffuser should trigger sleep.

Source: http://healthdiary365.com/tips-to-combat-insomnia/

Oily skin is the perfect breeding place for acne, which can be very embarrassing. It is easier to control oily skin if you target on managing the excess sebum instead of trying to dry it out. It may be useless to use facial wash in controlling oily skin, and applying makeup only worsens the condition.

READ ALSO: How to use Baking Soda for Skin Whitening

Oily skin needs special attention, and using the wrong ingredients or habits will just simply cause your skin to be greasier. So the aim should be to control excess sebum, not get rid of it. Drying out your skin will actually encourage sebaceous glands to produce more oil.

Here are a few things you could do to balance things out and get a handle on overactive sebaceous glands.



8 Natural remedies for oily skin

Reduce washing your face to twice daily
You might want to scrub your skin clean several times a day to get rid of oily skin. But it’s imperative to limit washing your face to twice a day and after sweating. Washing your face excessively daily will strip away natural oils and some sebum is needed to maintain a healthy skin

Cleanse your skin after using a cleansing oil to eliminate any excess oil. Avoid using products with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide because these ingredients are quite drying even though they fight acne. Consider using them in spot treatments instead.

READ ALSO: Whiten Your Skin Fast By Combining Aloe Vera with These Ingredients

Use a green tea toner
Toners help tighten your pores and remove oil. There are several different brands of toners, but it is best you go for green tea or a product that contains it as an ingredient. This is because the polyphenols (antioxidants) in it control inflammation, sebum, and bacteria, making it an exceptional choice for oily skin. You can steep green tea leaves in warm water, pour the tea into a spray bottle, and spritz the solution on your face frequently or after cleansing.

Wipe your face with cleansing oil
Cleansing oil works by breaking down sebum, dirt, and makeup while also moisturizing the skin. A good option is sea buckthorn berry oil, a therapy proven to control excess sebum. Also, jojoba oil which is believed to mimic sebum on the skin to “trick” sebaceous glands into making less sebum and help keep oil levels balanced.

READ ALSO: DIY Skin and Hair Care for Women

Use a face mask 2-3 times a week
Oily skin is more susceptible to to breakouts and acne, so treating your skin to a face mask 2–3 times a week will unblock pores and remove trapped oil and dirt. A face mask preparation with ingredients that absorbs oil will handle excess sebum. Also, look for face masks that contains hyaluronic acid or alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) for extra oil-banishing properties. Always do a patch test before trying out a new face mask by applyinh a small amount to your neck, back of the ear, or inner wrist. Wait a few hours and look for any irritation. Proceed to use on face if there is no irritation.

Below are three ways to prepare active face mask for oily skin:

Clay: Clay is incredible for absorbing extra oil. Buying cosmetic clay powder from the health store is cheaper. Mix it with papaya for an instant oil-absorbing mask. Apply it on your face and leave it only for 15 minutes. Don’t allow it to dry out completely.
Papaya: Papaya will give you a natural glow. A 2014 study in the Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Science discovered that papaya fights both oil and bacteria. It’ll also reduce melanin, the natural pigment behind hyperpigmentation, but won’t leave your skin dry. Mash up fresh fruit and use as a mask or cleanser.
Egg whites and lemon: A mixture of lemon and egg whites are believed to tighten pores. Combine 1 egg white with 1 teaspoon freshly-squeezed lemon juice and use it as a mask. You could add a cup of mashed strawberries to the mix for a dose of vitamin C. You may skip this remedy if you have a lemon allergy or sensitive skin.
Add Honey
Honey reduces oil, hydrates the skin, and kills bacteria that causes acne like Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Add it to your face masks, use it as a spot treatment, or slather some on every other day for a few minutes before rinsing it off.

READ ALSO: Causes of Dry Skin and How to Fight It

Blotting Paper
People with oily skin are always trying to deal with excessively greasy skin that makes it appear like we’re continually sweating. Constantly powdering your face to fade out the oily look will only give it a cakey paleness, so it is best to carry blotting paper with you. These thin, small papers can’t prevent the oil from being produced in the first place, but they do a good job at reducing the shiny and greasy look, especially on a hot summer’s day.

Don’t Forget To Moisturize
Even oily skin needs to remain hydrated. Dryness will only make your sebaceous glands work even harder. Use a water-based moisturizer with zero fragrance. Doing so will keep your pores from being saddled with more oil.

READ ALSO: 8 DIY Face Masks for Blackheads and Tightening Pores

Exfoliate with oatmeal or grounded almonds
Exfoliating with oatmeal or grounded almonds will help to remove dead skin cells, oil, and grease. And regular exfoliation will prevent sebum in skin cells from getting blocked and breaking out. Natural ingredients like oatmeal and ground almonds will exfoliate your skin without drying it out. Combine either of the two with honey and gently scrub your skin before washing it off. Use only once or twice in a week.
Source:http://healthdiary365.com/control-oily-skin-with-8-natural-remedies/

Most dating relationships eventually metamorphose into marriage.  So, it is essential for a woman to know the kind of man she is venturing into a relationship with, so that the issues of future regrets would be avoided.

READ ALSO: 8 Steps to Rekindle the Lost Spark in a Relationship
http://healthdiary365.com/8-steps-to-rekindle-the-lost-spark-in-a-relationship/

Since choices differ, there cannot be specific traits to use in describing a hideous guy because what may be considered fun for one woman may be completely unacceptable to the other. However, there are some general hideous dispositions that some guys possess. So, here are 10 creepy guy types you should totally avoid:

Staring intently at Boobs and Butt

A guy who stares fixedly at your bobs without even blinking after a short introduction is up to no good. When you are talking to them, all they do is There’s nothing wrong with a guy staring occasionally at a feature he admires on a woman’s body. But it becomes weird when he exaggerates such act. If you find him staring at your boobs every time you look at him, it is an obvious sign that you must avoid him not minding his charms.


Wealthy/boastful men

Wealthy boastful men always have the urge to display their possession. For most of them, they believe flaunting their wealth and bragging about it can attract women’s attention. In their company, you are always reminded you of how many expensive cars they have, how many big brands of watches and perfumes they own, their showoffs is unending. Don’t venture into a relationship with such a man. You do not want to be with a ‘brand and price tag’.

READ ALSO: 9 Definite Signs to Show Your Man Is Cheating On You
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Stalker

Stalkers have a way of prying into your private life on a very short notice. You may go for a brief new date with a guy you just met. After meeting him the next day, you discover he has gathered so much information about you in a very short time that has left you short for words. He knows where you live, your siblings’ names and age, who all you met after your last meeting with him, etc. It just shows he has been stalking you. This would make him creepy and you will find his presence disturbing. Avoid any man who comes into your life to unsettle your peace of mind and steal your privacy.

Obsessive

A guy who asks you out on a date and later relationship likes you. However, after a while he gets obsessed about you. He sends you thousands of messages daily and dials your number at every opportunity he gets. He gets angry if you don’t answer his call. He keeps calling until you pick up the call. He doesn’t sleep until you reply to his good night message and doesn’t leave you until you wish him good morning. These signs shows that he is not in love but obsessed. Get away from him fast. Extreme jealousy is unhealthy in every relationship, and an obsessive partner may turn murderous out of utter jealousy.

Dirty Talks

You must avoid a man who is very vulgar and talks dirty most of the time. Some guys just can’t talk straight, they are forced by the need to do dirty talks just to derive pleasure. It could be a bad habit or even a psychological problem. Avoid him before you become the target of his crude talks where he derives his bizarre pleasure from.

Hot

These type of men can’t resist the urge to touch a woman. You should run away fast if he places his hands on your thigh within the first few minutes of chatting with you. It is wrong for him to keep making physical contact with you and trying to get for no seeming reason. He may even ignore your discomfort and may not realize you getting weary of his touches. Never date such a guy because he would always cheat on you.

Too Old or Too Young

Avoid dating a man if the age difference between both of you is very wide. Proverbs like “Age doesn’t matter when you are in love” doesn’t apply in most cases. Avoid old men because with increasing age, their desperation keeps growing to get attention from young girls. Also, dating a younger guy may not be the best because he hasn’t yet attained full maturity to understand the basis of a relationship.

READ ALSO: 12 Things that Kill Sex Drive

Staring Continuously

Every time your eyes meet with his, you notice him staring at you shamelessly. You immediately turn your eyes to other things but he doesn’t. He doesn’t utter a word but keeps staring hard at your face. You find it impossible to ignore his irritating stares. That is creepy, avoid him right away.

Male Chauvinist

Most men thrive on a belief that they are superior to women. You wouldn’t want to be with a guy who leaves no opportunity to show or declare his superiority over female origin. He will eventually steal your happiness and peace. Don’t go into a relationship with him.

Over-protective

It’s okay for a guy to be protective of his woman, this means he loves and cares for her. However, it is not okay if he tries to protect you all the time in way that he doesn’t let you talk to any other guy or keeps a close tab on you, you should avoid him.

Source: http://healthdiary365.com/for-the-ladies-10-types-of-creepy-guys-you-should-avoid/

Cystitis is a common lower urinary tract infection. It is an inflammation of the bladder wall that is caused by a bacterial infection.

Cystitis is usually not a serious condition, but it can lead to complications if left untreated. Mild cystitis usually go away within a few days. Consult your doctor is symptoms persists for more than 4 days.

The urethra and bladder are normally sterile. However, when they get infected, cystitis develops. Bacteria attaches itself to the lining of the bladder, causing irritation and inflammation to the area.

Cystitis mostly affects females than males because women have shorter urethras. Most bacteria form part of the healthy intestinal flora, but once they enter the sterile space in the urethra and bladder, they can cause a urinary tract infection, UTI.

Symptoms of Cystitis
The signs and symptoms of cystitis includes:dark, cloudy, or strong-smelling urine
burning sensation when urinating
traces of blood in the urine
pain just above the pubic bone, in the lower back, or in the abdomen
urinating frequently
Seniors may feel weak and feverish but have none of the other symptoms mentioned above. They may also present with altered mental status. There is a frequent need to urinate, but only small amounts of urine are passed each time.

For children with cystitis may have any of the symptoms listed above, including vomiting and general weakness.

Some other illnesses with symptoms similar to cystitis include:

bladder pain syndrome
gonorrhea
urethritis, or inflammation of the urethra
prostatitis, or inflammation of the prostate gland
chlamydia
lower urinary tract syndrome
candida, or thrush
benign prostatic hyperplasia, in men
Causes of Cystitis

Most causes of cystitis are infectious, and the majority of these cases come from an ascending infection. The bacteria enter from the external genitourinary structures.

Risk factors include:

Tampon use: There is a risk of bacteria entering through the urethra when inserting tampon.
Inserting, changing, or prolonged use of urinary catheter: There is a chance the catheter will carry bacteria along the urinary tract.
Diaphragm for birth control: Using diaphragm with spermicides increases a woman’s risk of developing cystitis, compared with women who do not use one.
Full bladder: If the bladder is not emptied completely, it creates an environment for bacteria to multiply. This is common among pregnant women or men with enlarged prostrates.
Sexual activity: Sexually active women have a higher risk of bacteria entering through the urethra.
Blockage in part of the urinary system that thwarts the flow of urine.
Other bladder or kidney problems.
Frequent sex: Engaging in frequent or rigorous sex increases the chances of physical damage, which in turn increases the likelihood of cystitis.
Declining estrogen levels: The levels of estrogen usually drop during menopause as the lining of a woman’s urethra gets thinner. The thinner the lining becomes, the higher the chances are of infection and damage. The risk increases during menopause.
Gender: The urethral opening of a woman is closer to the anus than that of a man. The chances of bacteria from the intestines gaining access to the urethra is higher in women.
Mucus reduction: Menopausal women produce less mucus in the vaginal area. This mucus acts as a protective layer against bacteria.
Radiotherapy: Late radiation cystitis can cause damage to the bladder. Menopausal women on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), have a lower risks of developing cystitis compared to those not on HRT.

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask the patient some questions, carry out an examination, and do a urine test to diagnose cystitis. A urine culture or catheterized urine specimen may be performed to check the type of bacteria in the urine. After finding out which specific bacterium is causing the infection, the doctor will prescribe an oral antibiotic.

Most doctors will also offer to test for a sexually transmitted infection (STI). STIs often have similar symptoms to cystitis. Patients who get cystitis regularly may need further tests. This may include an X-ray, an ultrasound scan, or a cystoscopy of the bladder.

Remedies

The following home remedies and measures may help:

Abstaining from sex reduces the chance of bacteria entering the urethra.
Painkillers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen, may relieve discomfort.
Drink lots of water to help flush the bacteria through the system.
Alcohol should be avoided.
Cranberries also helps prevents bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall, though they may not contain enough active ingredient to prevent symptoms.

Treatment

Most cases of mild cystitis will resolve itself within a few days. However, a doctor should be contacted if cystitis that lasts more than 4 days.

A 3 day or 7-10 day course of antibiotics may be prescribed by a doctor, depending on the patient. This should start to ease symptoms within a day. If symptoms do not improve after taking the antibiotics, the patient should return to the doctor.

Antibiotics commonly used for bacterial cystitis are nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, amoxicillin, cephalosporins, ciprofloxacin, and levofloxacin.

Prevention

Cystitis is often not preventable, but the following measures may help:

practice good hygiene after sex
use neutral, unperfumed soaps around the genitals.
wipe from front to back
empty the bladder completely when urinating
avoid postponing urination
avoid tight underwear and tight pants
wear cotton underwear.
use a lubricant during sex.

Source: http://healthdiary365.com/cystitis-symptoms-causes-treatment-and-prevention/

Foamy urine can be caused by a lot of factors, including releasing fast stream of urine, some medical conditions such as kidney disease and diabetes. Consult your doctor if you frequently pass out foamy urine with other accompanying symptoms.

Possible Causes of Foamy Urine
Foamy urine may be observed when a person passes out urine forcefully or quickly. This is because the speed at which the urine is released can cause temporary bubbles to form. Also, releasing a lot of urine at once can cause it to appear foamy. The presence of soap in the toilet water may also cause urine to take on a foamy appearance.

READ ALSO: Blood in Urine (Hematuria): Symptoms, Causes, Complications, and Treatment
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However, several medical conditions can cause your urine to be foamy in appearance. They include:

Dehydration
When a person is dehydrated, their urine tends to appear dark and concentrated. This can cause the urine to be foamy. Insufficient intake of water to dilute the other substances in the urine causes it to take on a foamy appearance.

Kidney disease
The kidneys filter proteins in the blood and these proteins help maintain a balance of fluids. Kidney disease can cause proteins to leak from the kidneys into the urine. The result is known as proteinuria, which means “protein in the urine.” Extra proteins in urine causes the surface tension of the urine to reduce, thereby making it to foam. This is similar to the effect that soap has on water. Proteinuria can be an early sign of kidney disease. Other symptoms may include:

itchy skin
breathlessness
swelling
unexplained fatigue
frequent urination
nausea and vomiting
If a person has these symptoms and a family history of kidney disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure, they should see a doctor for testing.

Diabetes
Diabetes can also cause urine to be foamy. Uncontrolled diabetes results to more blood glucose molecules in the body. If blood glucose levels are way too high, the kidneys may have trouble filtering the molecules properly. This causes the kidneys to allow excess glucose and proteins to escape in the urine.

READ ALSO: Possible Causes of White Particles in Urine
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Also, people with uncontrolled diabetes can have symptoms such as:

Itchy skin
Dry mouth
Always feeling thirsty
Frequent need to use the bathroom
Unexplained hunger and fatigue
Diagnosis
To diagnose the cause of foamy urine, a doctor can test a urine sample to check the levels of proteins. If there are high levels of proteins, thorough confirmation may be carried out with a 24-hour urine test. This requires a person collecting samples of all the urine that they produce throughout the day.

The amount of albumin (a primary protein in the blood), is compared to the amount of creatinine (waste product) in the lab.

If the albumin to creatinine ratio is higher than average, this may indicate kidney disease or it may be an injury to the kidneys that is affecting the filtration process.

They may also request imaging, such as an MRI scan, to ensure that there are no problems with the structure of the kidneys.

Treatment for Foamy Urine
The underlying cause of foamy urine will have to be considered for the condition to be properly treated. Drink lots of clear fluids especially water if you are dehydrated. Keep drinking until the urine is pale yellow or nearly transparent.

If diabetes is the underlying cause, a doctor may prescribe oral medications or insulin injections to reduce blood glucose levels. Check your blood glucose levels regularly to keep them at an acceptable range.

A doctor may prescribe medications for people with early kidney disease. Positive lifestyle changes can be recommended by a doctor. Such changes may include:

managing blood sugar levels
controlling high blood pressure
eating a healthful, low-sodium diet
not smoking
exercising regularly

Source: http://healthdiary365.com/foamy-urine-causes-diagnosis-and-treatment/

Constipation is a condition caused by difficulty in emptying the bowels, usually associated with hardened feces. Constipation can be as a result of foods you consume or avoid, poor lifestyle choices, and medication or disease.

The cause of chronic constipation is often unknown. This condition is referred to as chronic idiopathic constipation. A person with constipation experiences less bowel movement, like less than three bowel movements per week. However, it can also involve other unpleasant symptoms, such as abdominal bloating, pain due to stools being hard, dry and difficult to pass.

READ ALSO: Constipation: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
http://healthdiary365.com/constipation-symptoms-causes-and-treatment/

Constipation can be relieved in many natural ways to help relieve constipation. These home remedies are also supported by scientific evidence.

10 Home Remedies for Constipation
Here are 10 natural home remedies to relieve constipation.

Drink lots of water
Dehydration regularly can make you become constipated. This can be prevented by drinking enough water to remain well-hydrated. Drink carbonated (sparkling) water to help you rehydrate and relieve constipation.
Studies have shown that sparkling water to be more effective than tap water at relieving constipation. This includes people with chronic idiopathic constipation or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

However, don’t start consuming more carbonated drinks because they’re a bad choice for your health and may make your constipation worse

Eat more fiber, especially soluble, non-fermentable fiber
Consuming soluble, non-fermentable fiber can also help prevent or relieve constipation. People who are constipated are often advised to increase their fiber consumption. This is because eating fiber is thought to increase the bulk and consistency of bowel movements.

READ ALSO: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Symptoms, Causes, Risk factors, Diagnosis, and Treatment

According to one study, 77% of people with chronic constipation benefited from supplementing with fiber. However, there are some contradicting studies which claim have that increasing fiber consumption can actually aggravate the situation.

There are many different dietary fibers, but they generally fall into two categories:

Insoluble fibers: This is found in wheat bran, vegetables and whole grains. They add bulk to your stools and are believed to help them pass more quickly and easily through your digestive system.
Soluble fibers: This is found in oat bran, seeds, nuts, barley, beans, lentils and peas, as well as some fruits and vegetables. They absorb water and form a gel-like paste, which softens your stools and enhances the consistency.
Studies examining the effects of insoluble fiber as treatment for constipation have been unsettled. This is because insoluble fiber can aggravate the problem in some people with a functional bowel problem. Try to consume a mix of soluble and insoluble fibers to prevent constipation.

Eat probiotic foods or supplements
Probiotics may also help prevent chronic constipation, this is because people who have chronic constipation have been shown to have an imbalance of bacteria in their gut.

It’s thought that probiotic foods could help improve this balance and prevent constipation. They could also aid in the treatment of constipation by producing lactic acid and short-chain fatty acids. These may improve gut movements, making it easier to pass a stool.

READ ALSO: Crohn’s Disease: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

A recent review discovered that probiotics appear to treat functional constipation by increasing the frequency of bowel movements and improving stool consistency.

To include probiotics in your diet, try eating probiotic-containing foods. Examples include yogurt, sauerkraut and kimchi, which contain live, friendly bacteria. Alternatively, you could try a probiotic supplement. It is usually recommended to take it daily for at least 4 weeks to see if it has any beneficial effects.

Try avoiding dairy
A dairy intolerance can cause constipation due to its effect on your gut movements in some cases. Children intolerant to cow’s milk protein and adults with lactose intolerance may experience constipation after taking the product.

If you think that you may be intolerant to dairy, then you could try removing it from your diet temporarily to check if your symptoms improves. Just ensure to replace the dairy in your diet with other calcium-rich foods. Being intolerant to dairy or lactose may cause constipation in some people..

Try a low-FODMAP diet
FODMAP means fermentable oligo-saccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols. Constipation can be a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The low-FODMAP diet is an elimination diet that’s often used to treat IBS. It could be effective at treating your constipation if IBS is the cause.

FODMAP diet involves limiting high-FODMAP foods for a period of time before reintroducing them to check which ones you can tolerate.

READ ALSO: What Is Ulcerative Colitis?
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However, if you have constipation-predominant IBS, the low-FODMAP diet alone is often not enough. You may need to consider other aspects of your diet, such as getting enough water and fiber, to experience relief from your symptoms.

Exercise more
There has been mixed results of studies on the effect of exercise on constipation. Some studies have shown that exercise does not affect the frequency of bowel movements.

However, a recent randomized controlled study on constipated people with IBS found that exercise meaningfully reduced symptoms. If you are constipated, then try going for regular walks. It’s definitely worth a try.

Drink caffeinated coffee
Coffee can increase the urge to go to the bathroom, this is applicable in some people. This is because coffee excites the muscles in your digestive system.

One study found that caffeinated coffee can stimulate your gut in the same way that a meal can. This effect is 60% stronger than drinking water and 23% stronger than drinking decaffeinated coffee.

Coffee may also contain small amounts of soluble fibers that help prevent constipation by improving the balance of your gut bacteria.

Over-the-counter or prescription laxatives
Your doctor can recommend an effective laxatives such as:

Bulking agent: These are fiber-based laxatives that are used to increase the water content of your stool.
Stool softener: Stool softeners contain oils that helps to soften the stools, thereby easing their passage through the gut.
Stimulant laxative: These stimulate the nerves in your gut to increase bowel movements.
Osmotic laxative: Osmotic laxatives soften your stool by pulling water from the surrounding tissues into your digestive system.

Take Senna
Senna is an herbal laxative which is commonly used to relieve constipation. It is available over-the-counter or online, and can be taken orally or through the anus. Senna contains a number of plant compounds called glycosides, which stimulate the nerves in your gut and accelerate your bowel movements. Senna should not be taken by pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers or those with certain health conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease.

READ ALSO: 5 Home Remedies for Abdominal Pain
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Eat prunes
Prunes and prune juice are often flaunted as nature’s remedy for constipation because apart from being rich in fiber, they contain the natural laxative sorbitol. This is a sugar alcohol that has a laxative effect.

According to studies, prunes may be more effective than fiber. For those who are constipated, prunes could be the easiest natural solution available. You can consume around 7 medium-sized prunes twice daily.

Source: http://healthdiary365.com/10-home-remedies-for-constipation/

Can Babies Drink Almond milk?

Almond milk can safely be given to babies and toddlers, but it is important to note that it’s not a replacement for breast milk or infant formula.

Almond milk is a common alternative to cow’s milk for adults, but developing babies have different nutritional requirements.

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Babies that are less than 1-year-old drink should drink breast milk. In cases where breast milk is not available, such babies should be given dairy- or soy-based infant formula unless otherwise advised by doctors.

Feeding a baby other milk alternatives, such as cow’s milk or almond milk should be after a baby’s first birthday, since the specific nutrient profile in breast and formula milk is essential for proper development of the child.

For children who are lactose-intolerant or if they avoid dairy for other reasons, they can be given almond milk. Toddlers who are above 12 months old can drink almond milk once or twice a day in between periods of breast-feeding or eating their other foods.

Almond milk is made of finely ground almonds and water. Other ingredients may include sweeteners, flavorings, such as vanilla and thickeners. Many manufacturers also add nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin D, and calcium.

READ ALSO: 10 Natural Ways for Dealing with Morning Sickness during Pregnancy
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It may be safe to feed your baby Almond milk, however no milk can compare to the nutrients obtained in breast milk or infant formula.

A parent should see their doctor if they have any concerns that a child may be lactose-intolerant. Lactose intolerance is more common in older children and adults than in babies and toddlers.

For people using almond milk to supplement their babies diet, ensure that:

the milk is low in sugar or unsweetened
the milk is enriched with calcium and vitamins A and D
you feed the baby other forms of fat and protein
ask a pediatrician about added ingredients, such as flavorings or thickeners.

It is also necessary to find out whether the baby has a nut allergy. If relatives of the baby have nut allergies, then it is best to avoid nuts altogether and consult a pediatrician on the most suitable alternative.

How does almond milk compare to cow’s milk?
Cow milk and almond milk are nutritionally different. Some doctors recommend using whole cow’s milk for weaning babies from 1 to 2 years old because it has a high concentration of fat.

READ ALSO: Signs to Show a Pregnant Woman Would Give Birth to a Girl

A single cup of whole milk contains about 8 grams (g) of fat, which the developing baby’s brain needs to grow. In comparison, unsweetened almond milk contains only 2.5 g of fat.

Also, cow’s milk is also higher in protein than almond milk: 1 cup of whole milk contains almost 8 grams of protein, but 1 cup of fortified almond milk contains only 1 gram of protein.

However, if these fats and proteins are supplemented somewhere else in the baby’s diet, almond milk may be a suitable substitute for whole milk in toddlers.

Furthermore, cow’s milk contain high naturally-occurring sugars compared to unsweetened almond milk. It is also essential to note the differences in nutrients and vital minerals between the two types of milk.

A cup of cow’s milk fortified with vitamins contains:

276 milligrams (mg) calcium
322 mg potassium
205 mg phosphorus
105 mg sodium
395 units (IU) vitamin A
124 IU vitamin D

A cup of unsweetened almond milk may contain:

482 mg calcium
176 mg potassium
24 mg phosphorus
189 mg sodium
499 IUvitamin A
101 IUvitamin D

It is best to feed your baby with any other kind of milk only after a baby reaches one year, and it should not take the place of other whole foods.

Neither almond milk nor regular cow’s milk are good substitutes for breast or formula milk for babies under 1 year. If the child is breast-feeding, no other milk is needed.

Other non-dairy milk for infants

If almond milk does not sound like the right option, people who are looking for dairy-free alternatives to give their growing toddler may prefer other plant-based milk, such as:

soy milk
rice milk
oat milk
coconut milk
hemp milk
hazelnut milk

Before buying plant-based milk, always check to ensure they are fortified with vitamins and minerals and are low in sugar.

Source: http://www.healthdiary365.com/2018/06/11/almond-milk-can-babies-and-toddlers-drink-it/

A recent research has deduced that a common chemical in household products called triclosan, may promote colon cancer after preliminary studies.

Triclosan contains antibacterial and antifungal properties which makes it useful in household products like toothpastes, detergents, soaps, and mouthwashes. Triclosan has grown in popularity to become one of the most widely used ingredients since 1964.

READ ALSO: How to Make Your Own Natural Homemade Toothpaste

Triclosan is now added to a range of items, such as toys, bedding, and socks to slow down the buildup of bacteria and fungi. Triclosan which is considered safe generally has become alarmingly prevalent. A study run by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost 75 percent of the urine samples they tested contained triclosan.

The compound has also been found in blood plasma and breast milk and is known to be widely distributed throughout the rivers, streams, oceans, and reservoirs.

Because of its latent role in antimicrobial resistance and endocrine disruption, and its theoretical effects on the immune system, it has been considered a contaminant by the United States Geological Survey.

A recent study in the journal Science Translational Medicine, tested whether triclosan might have any negative effects on gut health. The scientists, led by Guodong Zhang, used a mouse model for the research at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

READ ALSO: 6 Benefits of Oil Pulling For Oral Health

The team tested the impact of small doses of triclosan on a range of mouse models. The scientists gave each mouse model a brief, low-level exposure to triclosan.

The team established that in all mouse models used, triclosan prompted inflammation of the colon, aggravated symptoms of colitis (inflammation of the lining of the colon), and promoted colitis-associated tumor growth.

Some models were particularly sensitive. Co-author Hang Xiao explains, We used a genetically engineered mouse model which develops spontaneous inflammatory bowel disease or IBD.”

“Treatment with triclosan significantly increased disease development of IBD in the mice, suggesting that IBD patients may need to reduce exposure to this compound, Xiao stated.”

The scientists also wanted to understand exactly why triclosan appeared to have this pro-tumor, pro-inflammation effect. They establish that triclosan changed the composition of the gut microbiome expressively. This effect has previously been established in humans, too.

They also proved that triclosan did not have adverse health effects in mice without a microbiome. To support this discovery further, they revealed that genetically modified mice who lacked toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) did not experience the hostile effects.

This is important because TLR4 is known to play an important role in communication between gut bacteria and their host.

Taken together, these findings deduce a role for gut bacteria in the destructive effect of triclosan on colon health.

According to the researchers, since this compound is so widely used, the study suggests that there is an crucial need to further estimate the impact of triclosan exposure on gut health in preparation for the potential establishment of further regulatory policies.

Source: http://healthdiary365.com/common-ingredients-in-toothpaste-may-promote-colon-cancer/

Apart from the conventional “I love you” we occasionally say to our sweethearts, there are other lots of appealing ways you can tell your darling you love him/her. You shouldn’t wait for any perfect moment to show love to those you hold dearest to your heart. It could be on average day or a big anniversary, but whichever way, it’s always charming to show him or her that you care.

READ ALSO: 10 Signs to Tell Your Boyfriend Loves You
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Here are 50 loveable ways to say “I love you”.

50 Sweet Ways to Show Your Love
Give them a big hug for no reason.
Leave them romantic notes everywhere, stating reasons why you love them.
Bring them breakfast in bed.
Throw a surprise get together with all of their closest friends.
Try their favorite hobby.
Step outside your comfort zone for them. Showing that you are willing to try new things for someone means a lot, be it skydiving or karaoke.
Introduce them to people that you respect to show them how important they are to you.
Watch their favorite movie with them.
Create a road trip playlist with all of their favorite songs.
Cook their favorite meal yourself to show you put time and effort into making them pleased.
Listen when they share things with you. Paying attention to minute details is a great way to show you care.
Send them flowers to let them know you have them on your mind.
Make them laugh by putting up even a small gesture, it can brighten their day.
Run errands for them on a hectic day.
Pick up something for them when you know they are running out.
You can fill their gas tank when you notice it’s low, especially when they have a busy day ahead.
Have chocolatessent to their office, this will this make them the envy of the office.
Make a photo album using all the favorite photos you took together.
Take care of them when they are sick.
Send them a letter that shows you took the time to actually express your deepest feelings about them.
Buy them that thing they desire, but don’t have the luxury for.
Give them your undivided attention, at least for one night. No cell phones allowed!
Show them how special they are by treating them to a night on the town.
Surprise them with concert tickets to their favorite band.
Refabricate their favorite movie scene.
Buy them something you saw and thought they would like. It could be a book, a t-shirt or a card.
Include them in your plans for the future.
Compliment them for extra effort they make just to look good for you.
Pick up their favorite dessert on the way home
Give them something of yours to keep to remind them of you when you are away.
Ask for their contribution or advice on something important to let them know you value their view on things that concerns you.
Send text to them for no other reason than to tell them you are thinking about them.
Praise them when you see that they have accomplished something, no matter how small or tasking.
Understand them. Put yourself in their position and try to understand where they are coming from.
When they help you overcome a problem, acknowledge them.
Connect with someone they care about.
Tell them how they motivate you. Everyone loves to know they’ve given a positive inspiration to someone.
Accept them exactly the way they are.
Go out of your way to support them, whether that means attending an intramural sporting event or sending them a note of encouragement on the day of a big presentation.
Give them a back massage when you notice they are stressed.
Write a list of things you love about them and carelessly leave it somewhere for them to find.
Let them have the last slice of pizza or the last bite of cake
Have a star named after them.
Think of an immaterial anniversary to celebrate like your first kiss or the first time you made dinner together.
You can gently squeeze their hands three times to signify “I love you”, particularly if you are in a place where you can’t talk.
Take a day off of work just to spend time with them.
Sign them up for something you know they are interested in but are too scared to do alone, like painting or rock-climbing.
Every night before bed, tell them something you are grateful for that they did for you, no matter how insignificant.
Make up a special code that only the two of you understand to aid easier communication when you are with friends or in public and don’t want people to understand.
Just tell them, “I love you”.

Source: http://healthdiary365.com/50-romantic-ways-to-say-i-love-you/

People with higher levels of belly fat and larger waistlines are more prone to have lower vitamin D levels, according to recent study.

Vitamin D, a fat-soluble secosteroids, is produced in our skin on contact with sunlight, and it plays countless roles in the human body. Vitamin D might protect against diabetes, heart failure, and cancer, according to recent studies.

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to hair loss, obesity, bone health, autoimmune disease and respiratory tract infections.

READ ALSO: How to Use Almonds to Burn Belly Fat
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Since vitamin D appears to play a part in so many conditions, addressing the deficiency issue could have a considerable impact on everyone.

One group of researchers investigating this topic hails from the VU University Medical Center and Leiden University Medical Center, both in the Netherlands. Led by Rachida Rafiq, they recently presented their discoveries at the European Society of Endocrinology annual meeting, held in Barcelona, Spain.

Rachinda Rafiq and her team set out to understand whether the type and location of fat played a role. To do this, they collected data from the Netherlands Epidemiology of Obesity study, including thousands of men and women aged 45–65.

The research team focused on total fat, abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (belly fat under the skin), visceral adipose tissue (around the organs), and hepatic fat (in the liver).

READ ALSO: Vitamin D May Help Fight Colorectal Cancer, Study Finds

During their study, they adjusted the data for a range of potentially confounding variables, such as smoking, alcohol intake, ethnicity, education level, chronic disease, and physical activity levels.

Vitamin D and belly fat exposed

The research results asserted that both total and abdominal fat in women were linked with lower vitamin D levels, but that abdominal fat had the highest impact. In men, however, lower vitamin D levels were pointedly linked with fat in the liver and abdomen.

Rafiq stated that the strong relationship between increasing amounts of abdominal fat and lower levels of vitamin D suggests that individuals with larger waistlines are at a greater risk of developing deficiency, and should consider checking their vitamin D levels.

READ ALSO: Excess Intake of Vitamin D May Lead to Kidney Failure, Study Finds

http://healthdiary365.com/excess-intake-of-vitamin-d-may-lead-to-kidney-failure-study-finds/
The researchers worked to understand why this relationship exists. Does a deficiency in vitamin D cause fat to be stored in the abdominal region, or does belly fat decrease levels of vitamin D? The cause and effect would have to be established.

Rafiq explains that:

“Due to the observational nature of this study, we cannot draw a conclusion on the direction or cause of the association between obesity and vitamin D levels, however, this strong association may point to a likely role for vitamin D in abdominal fat storage and function.”

Source: http://healthdiary365.com/belly-fat-linked-to-deficiency-of-vitamin-d/

It is considered normal to add few cubes of ice to drinks to give it a chill before drinking. However, some people who want to cool down or feel refreshed will eat ice. Some people can get relief from dry mouth symptoms by sucking on ice cubes.

When constant craving for ice cubes become a habit, it can be bad for a person’s teeth, and may also indicate underlying medical condition.

READ ALSO: 9 Foods Makes You Age Faster
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Conditions That Cause Ice Cravings


There are some medical conditions that can make people want to eat or chew on ice. These includes:

Pagophagia

A Pagophagia is a person who has a persistent craving to eat ice. The yearnings for ice can often last more than a month. Pagophagia is an unusual form of eating disorder called pica. Pica makes people to obsessively crave for foods that has no nutritional value. It often accompanies other mental disorders such as schizophrenia and autism.

Some researchers has established a connection between anemia and ice cravings. The reason for this cravings remains vague.

People with anemia have an deficient number of healthy red blood cells, which are essential for carrying oxygen around the body. In iron deficiency anemia, a lack of iron is the cause.

Typical symptoms of anemia include:

pale skin (pallor)
fatigue
feeling dizzy or lightheaded
swollen tongue
cold hands and feet
heart palpitations
breathlessness
chest pain

Reports from a recent research performed on people with iron deficiency anemia found that 13 of the 81 participants had symptoms of pagophagia. For some of these persons, taking iron supplements help to get rid of their ice cravings.

READ ALSO: Top 10 Foods that Causes Cancer
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According to one theory, chewing ice makes people with anemia feel more alert. Researchers believe that it triggers an effect that sends more blood up to the brain, which in turn supplies the brain with more oxygen.

Emotional issues

Some emotional issues can also make people want to chew on ice cubes. For example, a person with stress may find chewing on ice comforting.

Nutritional problems

People who constantly crave ice may have underlying dietary issues that aggravate the cravings. People commonly add flavored syrups to shaved ice, so cravings for this may be sugar cravings. People should reduce their intake of this type of ice due to high sugar content.

Dehydration

Ice cravings can be caused by mild dehydration. The cooling and soothing effect of ice cubes can ease a dry mouth, lips, quench thirst, and lower body temperature on a warm day.

What are the complications?

Eating ice can lead to complications, which include:

Dental issues

Chewing or licking ice in large quantities can damage tooth enamel and cause cracks or chips in the teeth. This can cause pain and higher sensitivity to temperature. People who continuously chew ice may need dental work to repair cavities and interchange lost fillings.

READ ALSO: 10 Super Foods That Boost the Immune System
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Anemia complications

The complications that anemia can cause include:

heart failure
pregnancy complications such as premature birth or low birth weight
an increased risk for infections in children
stunted growth or development in children
Dietary problems

People with unusual ice cravings may be eating more ice than they realize. Adding sugar or flavoring to ice can cause weight gain and other problems relating to too much sugar ingestion.

READ ALSO: 10 Foods That People With High Blood Pressure Should Eat

Pica complications

Ice is unlikely to cause any internal damage. But if a person with pica eats other non-food items, this could lead to severe internal problems, such as:

infections
bowel issues
poisoning
choking
obstructions forming in the intestine
tears developing in the intestine
Treatment

The treatment for ice cravings will depend on the cause of the problem. The treatment for pagophagia can vary since pica is a mental health issue. A doctor may recommend therapy in combination with anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications. Those with iron deficiency anemia can ease symptoms by taking iron supplements.

Source: http://healthdiary365.com/is-eating-of-ice-good-or-bad-for-the-body/

The best time to clean up our facial skin so it will look glowing and gorgeous all through the day is in the morning, this is because our facial skin tends to be very delicate at that time.

Women spend a lot of money in fancy facial wash, cleansers and creams with most of these products leaving an ugly side effect. However, there’s an amazing product that does it all for only one wash. It is rice water. The milky white solution that produced after soaking or boiling rice is called the rice water.

READ ALSO: 5 Common Facial Skincare Mistakes and How to Correct Them
http://healthdiary365.com/5-common-facial-skincare-mistakes-and-how-to-correct-them/

Rice water contains beneficial nutrients for your skin and hair. Rice has vitamins B, C and E as well as minerals and eight essential amino acids that promote overall health internally and beauty externally.
To extract the amazing benefits of rice water, you can make it concentrated, diluted or even fermented. Rice water also improves your skin complexion and makes your skin healthy and immaculate.

Rice water helps prevent aging spots and hyper-pigmentation. It helps flush toxins out the skin, improves skin elasticity and reduces inflammation.

To use rice water to achieve radiant skin, soak a cotton pad in diluted rice water. Apply it on your clean face like a toner. Allow it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Then, massage in circular motions for several minutes. Rinse it off with lukewarm water. Do this at least once daily and expect to see visible results in few days.
Source: https://healthdiary365.com/wash-your-face-every-morning-with-this-for-glowing-skin/