Healthy Home Guide

Cinnamon Helps Heart Health And Weight Loss

Because heart disease is such a devastating problem studies are always underway. Research has shown that there are some controllable risk factors, things that we can take charge of to help prevent the likelihood of heart disease.

Even such problems as unhealthy cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, obesity, and an inactive lifestyle are considered risk factors. These are all things that can easily be controlled with proper diet, exercise, and perhaps in some cases, they can be treated with medications.

Another risk for the development of heart disease is Diabetes mellitus type 2 or type 2 diabetes (formerly called non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), or adult-onset diabetes)type II diabetes, adult onset or diabetes mellitus.

Clinical trials have shown that cinnamon can effectively be used to lower blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Although there has not been a study that proves a direct correlation between cinnamon and heart health, the fact that cinnamon can lower blood pressure can indirectly improve heart health. Therefore, recommendations for cinnamon continue.

The problem is that the typical consumer purchases cinnamon that is sold for use as flavoring in foods. In the United States this will commonly be cassia. Although it is unclear which type of cinnamon was used in the trials mentioned, it is known that consumption of large amounts of cassia is not advisable. The cassia plant contains an element that can be toxic to the liver and kidneys if consumed in large quantities.

Many of the so called ‘fat burners’ contain cinnamon as an active ingredient. These are the products that are advertised to help you lose weight by helping your body burn more fat. While they do not work for everyone there is evidence that they work for some.

Heart health should be of prime consideration during any weight lose attempt. The American Heart Association recommends achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. The health of your heart depends on it. If you are overweight it is important that you eat right and exercise in order to lose the weight. Once the weight is off it is just as important to maintain the weight loss. Fluctuating up and down the weight scale can be as unhealthy as remaining overweight.

Whether you decide to use cinnamon as a diet aid or to help your heart as you lose weight, you will need a plan for your weight loss. Begin with a visit to your doctor. Find out if there are any medical issues that should be addressed as you begin your weight loss journey. Your doctor is likely to have some suggestions for diet and exercise plans that are suited to you specifically.

Keep a weight loss journal to track your progress. This will be more helpful than you can imagine. Set realistic goals and find ways to work your plan into your current lifestyle. Keep your focus on eating the right foods, at the right time, in the right quantity, and getting enough exercise.

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Natural Cures for Acne

Acne most commonly affects those between the ages of twelve and twenty-four. Although acne is thought of as an affliction of the teenage years, many adults also suffer from this common problem.  Because of the vast widespread of acne, you’ll find literally hundreds of curative options available on the market.  The good news is that there are natural cures for acne that can be performed at home without any prescriptions.

What exactly is Acne? It’s an inflammation of the skin’s sebaceous glands. The condition also affects the hair follicles. Acne usually appears as small lesions on the face, neck, shoulders, and chest. Other areas that frequently break out are the temples, cheeks, chins and the back.  The severity of the condition varies a lot from one individual to another.

Vitamins can be very beneficial: Vitamin A, Niacin and Zinc are some natural cures for acne that are also quite affordable.   Many people try taking vitamins for a week and if they don’t see fast results they quickly give up; however, to see best results, one should take them consistently for a least one month to begin seeing positive results and to determine if it’s going to work or not.

This 3-step method can be beneficial: Wash your face with mild soap and water, followed by gently swiping the skin with a cotton ball soaked in witch hazel.  (Witch hazel is a combination of water, alcohol, and extract from the bark and dried leaves of the witch hazel plant.)  Afterward, apply an oil-free moisturizer.

Note: Some people substitute alcohol for the witch hazel; however, this is not suggested because alcohol can damage the skin from the extreme drying effect. Witch hazel is just as effective without being as destructive as the alcohol.

A word on acne prevention:

1. Use cucumber treatments as a simple preventative measure against acne. Apply grated cucumber extract to the face, eyelids, and neck for around 15 – 20 minutes to exfoliate the skin and help to prevent the formation of pimples and blackheads.

2.  Be consistent using the basic strategies of good hygiene. Regularly washing your face (or affected areas) with a mild soap 2 – 3 times per day is recommended. Use a  gentle washing motion to perform a circular massage during cleansing.

3.  Eat a healthy diet. There are many foods that experts claim should be avoided.  You should keep a food journal to try to determine when you have a lot of outbreaks.  Commonly said foods to avoid are those containing hydrogenated oils and trans-fatty acids, such as cookies, chips, chocolate, margarine, milk products and shortening.

4.  Always check the ingredients of  any products that you put on your face, including makeup, soap, lotion, creams, etc.  Avoid oil-based products and choose natural-based products that are safer and just as effective.

Some ingredients to avoid: Alcohol, benzoyl peroxide, isopropyl myristate, lanolin, mineral oil, parabens, propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulphate, sodium laureth sulphate,

5.  Wash your hair as often as necessary to keep it clean. People with acne often have oily hair as well as oily skin. In order to prevent oil from getting on your face, keep your hair clean and pulled back or combed away from y0ur face.

Taking these extra preventive measures may seem tedious, but the effort should be worthwhile.  Remember natural cures for acne are the best options and you should use them consistently in order to get the best results.

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4 Simple Ways to Fall Asleep Faster

Most of us really hate getting up in the morning. What’s even worse is knowing that we lost two or three hours of sleep because we couldn’t get to sleep and now we have to face a rough day ahead.

The terrible downside…

The lack of sleep will leave us feeling fatigued and stressed during the day. This can also lead to feelings of frustration and irritability which can have an impact on how we relate to the people around us.

If we are feeling exhausted our metabolism often drops (leading to weight gain) because we lack the motivation to exercise or even fork out the effort to prepare a healthy meal…which means we may be tempted to grab fast food and perhaps spend the entire evening on the couch.

Occasional loss of sleep doesn’t seem to have long term affects, but what if we are deprived of sleep on a regular basis? Just imagine the cumulative effect! We would likely feel lousy, lose our friends, gain weight, and be out of shape physically. That’s proof of how important sleep is to our well-being!

Obviously, we desire a good night’s sleep, but may find ourselves scratching our heads for ways to fall asleep faster. The good news is that there are some simple tactics that you can use to improve your chances of sleeping through the night.

4 Simple Ways to Fall Asleep Faster…

Don’t eat too close to bedtime.

Eat at least 2 – 3 hours before your scheduled bedtime so that your food will be mostly digested. If possible, avoid spicy foods or anything that might cause indigestion. Also avoid caffeine if it seems to over stimulate you and make you restless.

Try to get more active or schedule a time to exercise.

Your body needs to exert some energy during the day. Exercise and activity helps the body crave sleep at night. If you spend your day at the office where you sit at a desk for long hours, then scheduling some exercise time during the early evening can help improve your chances of falling asleep faster at bedtime.

Develop a bedtime routine.

We know that establishing a consistent bedtime routine works for children. The good news is that it works for adults too.

Develop a bedtime routine that you follow faithfully every night before going to bed. An example would be reading a chapter from a book, then having a drink of water before brushing your teeth and getting into bed.

Choose whatever works best for you. Eliminate a lot of activity and make your routine pleasant and peaceful as possible.

Pamper yourself.

Make yourself comfortable and relaxed as possible. Some people prefer sleeping with a fan on for a breeze or some type of white noise (an air purifier, for example) and some people insist on a night light.

Some people love to have socks on in order to be comfortable, but others would feel that their feet were suffocating. Other individuals cannot go to sleep without the tones and voices coming from the TV. On the other hand, some need absolute darkness and total silence.

Your goal is to determine exactly what you need and then try to create the perfect atmosphere that will help you drift off peacefully into a nice slumber.

Also, consider other things such as the position of your bed. Perhaps you’re too close to your window where you feel chilly drafts or hear too much noise. Think about relaxing fragrances that you might like to use. Many people enjoy the scent of lavender and other soothing fragrances.

If after trying the above techniques you are still having difficulty sleeping, you may want to seek professional help. Your doctor might want to run some tests to see if there are medical issues for your insomnia.

Over all, your main focus is to know what is necessary to create the best atmosphere for your bedtime in order to induce sleep. It pays to sleep well. Remember that sleep is very important to your well-being.

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Symptoms, Causes  and Prevention of Strokes

Causes of Strokes

Strokes are caused by a lack of oxygen to the appropriate area of the brain. Oxygen is of course carried through the body via the blood.

A stroke is a medical emergency as it can cause numerous types of complications and even death. A stroke is the leading cause of disability in the United States and Europe. The effects of strokes can range in severity from extremely mild to paralysis. The affliction is limited to one side of the body – the side opposite the side of the brain that was oxygen deprived.

With some stroke victims that are affected in the limbs, they may still retain some control of their arms and legs. However, in some cases their muscles may shake so badly that the sufferer requires assistance with even the simplest of tasks. He may not be able to keep his balance well enough to walk and therefore may need a wheelchair.

Symptoms of  Strokes

Symptoms of strokes usually come on very suddenly and seemingly without cause. Face weakness, arm dangling, and abnormal speech are the usual early signs of a stroke, but they can include any or all of the following:

-  Brief loss of consciousness

-  Dizziness or loss of balance

-  Difficulty speaking or understanding others

-  Sudden weakness or numbness of face, arm, etc. (particularly on one side of body)

-  Intense headache that comes on suddenly and unexplained

-  Sudden nausea

-  Blurred or dimmed vision

After these basic symptoms are noted the patient will be in an emergency room and at that time he/she will likely be assessed for the following:

-  Inability to move tongue from side to side or to protrude it

-  Inability to turn head to one side

-  Altered smell, taste, hearing, or vision

-  Altered breathing or heart rate

-  Decreased reflexes and sensations

-  Problems with balance

Prevention of  Strokes

Just as with other health matters, prevention is always the best way to deal with strokes. And the way to prevent a stroke is much like the way you would prevent heart disease or in general, live a healthy lifestyle.

First of all you need to control your blood pressure. You also need to insure that your diet is nutritious and healthy, including being low in salt and cholesterol, but rich in potassium. Regular exercise is advised and of course, smoking is frowned on.

Some suggested healthy foods that can help prevent strokes:

-  Almonds

-  Apples

-  Apricots

-  Blueberries

-  Carrots

-  Oat Bran

-  Rice Bran

-  Salmon and Tuna

The effects of stroke can affect victims in various ways, including physically, emotionally, mentally, or even a combination of any two or all three. The resulting dysfunctions are related to the areas of the brain that have been damaged. If severe enough, the stroke can result in coma or even death.

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