Food Reward: a Dominant Factor in Obesity, Part VII

Now that I've explained the importance of food reward to obesity, and you're tired of reading about it, it's time to share my ideas on how to prevent and perhaps reverse fat gain. First, I want to point out that although food reward is important, it's not the only factor. Heritable factors (genetics and epigenetics), developmental factors (uterine environment, childhood diet), lifestyle factors (exercise, sleep, stress) and dietary factors besides reward also play a role. That's why I called this series "a dominant factor in obesity", rather than "the dominant factor in obesity".
Read more �

Watery Eyes : Causes, Symptoms, Home Remedies

Watery eyes occur when your body makes more tears than you lose through evaporation or drainage. Watery eyes or excess tearing may happen naturally in response to emotions or to cold, windy weather. Otherwise, persistent watery eyes can have many causes, including allergies and infections. A blocked tear duct is a common cause of watery eyes. Complications from dry eyes or eye irritation can trigger the release of a large amount of tears in an attempt to lubricate your eyes. The excess tears overwhelm the drainage system, causing watery eyes.

Causes of watery eyes include:

.Allergy to mold, dander, dust
.Blepharitis
.Blockage of the tear duct
.Conjunctivitis
.Environmental irritants (smog or chemicals in the air, wind, strong light, blowing dust)
.Eyelid turning inward or outward
.Foreign bodies and abrasions
.Infection
.Inward-growing eyelashes
.Irritation

Depending on the cause of your watery eyes, other parts of your body may also be affected. A variety of symptoms involving your eyes or other parts of your body can occur along with watery eyes. Watery eye may accompany other common symptoms including:

.Burning feeling in the eyes
.Crusting of the eyelid margin
.Discharge from the eyes
.Gritty feeling
.Redness of the eyes or eyelids
.Runny nose (nasal congestion)
.Sense of a foreign body in the eye
.Sneezing
.Swelling of the face

There are a lot of eyes drops available over the counter that will help in soothing the eyes and providing them with the necessary lubrication. It is recommended to consult your eye doctor before using any drops. Watery eyes can be very uncomfortable and can cause considerable harm if not taken care off.

There are also some tips and home remedies to cure watery eyes and they are as follows:

. Wash your eyes with cold water and put 2 or 3 drops of rose water in it. Do thi5 to 6 times a day.

. Add a few drops of diluted honey to some rose water mix this well and then put a drop or two in each eye. You could also soak some cotton pads in this mixture and place it over your eyes while you relax and lie down.

. Aloe Vera juice and rose milk also have a lot of soothing properties so you could apply a few drops to your eyes as it will take care of the burning sensation that make your eyes water.

. Carrots are very good for your eyes as it contains beta carotene which is essential for good vision. You must have a salad with carrots or at least two glasses of carrot juice every week.

. Vitamin C supplementation is helpful for treating watery eyes.

. Take an Aloe Vera leaf and slit it. Keep the pulpy part over your eyes several times a day.

. Steep 1 tsp of dried eyebright herb in 1 pint of boiling water. Strain it and use this liquid as an eyewash.

. Boil chamomile in water and soak cotton balls in this solution and apply on your eyelids.

. Place two spoons in the refrigerator and then take them out after a few minutes. Place the cold spoons on your eyes.

. Press your thumbs to the either side of the nostril to bring a fresh blood supply to the area and soothing relief.

. Steep equal parts of chamomile and eyebright in boiling water, cool, and use as an eyewash.

. Add 12 drops of tincture of chamomile to 1 cup of boiled water, cool, and use as an eyewash.

. Put a moist teabag of eyebright tea on the affected eye for several minutes. Repeat several times a day.

. Make an elderberry blossom tea and use it as eyewash, to soothe your eyes.

. Refrigerate two thin cucumber slices. Then, place one slice over each eye socket. Lay down and relax with the cucumber slices on your eyes for 5-10 minutes.



~source:bettermedicine.com~

Dry Skin On Face : Causes, Home Remedies

Dry skin on face is one of the common skin problems. Dry skin on face is common during winters but some may experience this throughout the year. When the skin is unable to retain moisture and the sebum level decreases, it becomes dry and looks patchy. It feels stretched, tight, uncomfortable and sometimes even itchy. Only when you apply some moisturizer, does it become soft. Extremely dry skin looks chapped and cracked. Mostly the skin on cheeks and area around the lips have this problem.

Dehydration is the basic and most common cause of dry skin on face. If you are not drinking enough water throughout the day or consuming excess caffeine or sugary products, then this may definitely lead to dry skin on face. Unhealthy eating habits and low intake of healthy foods is another cause of dry skin on face. Vitamin A and vitamin B deficiencies also contribute to this problem.

Dry skin requires particular care and attention as it is prone to a variety of problems. Regular moisturizing and application of other protective lotions and treatments is necessary on a regular basis. Most of us fail to realize that nature offers us some of the best natural remedies for dry skin. These natural remedies are not only cost effective, but also quite efficient and are very easily available.

. Massage the face with almond oil or olive oil every night before going to bed. The oils can also be used to massage the other parts of the body.

. The best cleaning method for dry skin is soaking the face in lukewarm water for 10 minutes. It is better to avoid warm water to clean the face especially in winters.

. Add 1 egg yolk, 1 teaspoon of orange juice,1 teaspoon of olive oil, few drops of rose water and some drops of lime juice. Apply this well prepared mixture on the face in the morning 15 minutes before taking bath.

. Mash a ripe banana and apply it on the face and neck. Leave it for sometime and then wash the face with lukewarm water.

. Massaging the skin with grape seed oil is the best and effective method for dry skin.

. Blend together 1 teaspoon green clay powder and 1 teaspoon raw honey and apply this well prepared mixture to your face, avoiding the eye area. Leave it on for fifteen to twenty minutes, then wash well with lukewarm water.

. After bathing applying Aloe Vera gel is also effective. This is good dry skin remedy.

. Mash half an avocado and mix it with a few drops of fresh lime juice and spread this paste over the cleansed skin. Stay it for fifteen to twenty minutes. Wash the skin alternately both with cold and warm water.

. Mix 2-5 tablespoons of raw peanuts with milk and make a fine paste. Add 1/4 teaspoon of honey to this paste. Apply this paste on face. Leave this paste to dry. Then wash with cold water.

. Make a mixture of cooked oatmeal and honey for moisturizing and cleaning the face. This is also one of the useful natural remedy for dry skin.

. Take the yolk of an egg and dab it on your face leave for 15 minutes.

. Mix milk cream with a pinch of turmeric powder and apply it on the face daily.

. Soak 4 or 5 almonds overnight, in the morning peel the skin and grind it nicely, mix it with raw milk and apply it on the face and wash it off after 15 minutes to prevent dryness of skin.

. 4 to 5 almonds should be soaked overnight, peel its skin in the morning and chew it .It nourishes your skin from within.

. Mix egg yolk, milk cream and rose water and apply it on the face. Wash it off after sometime in warm water followed by cold water.

. Boil a carrot in a little water. After it cools, grind it to a paste and apply to the face.

. Apply honey on the face and wash it off with warm water after 15 minutes.

. Mash papaya until creamy and use it as a mask once in a week to prevent dryness.

. Dip cotton in cold raw milk to which a few drops of olive oil or sunflower oil is added and cleanse the face with it. Wash with cold water.



~source:buzzle.com~

Strep Throat : Symptoms, Causes and Home Remedies

Strep throat is a bacterial infection in the throat and the tonsils. The throat gets irritated and inflamed, causing a sudden, severe sore throat. Strep throat is most common in children between the ages of 5 and 15, although it can happen in younger children and adults. Children younger than 3 can get strep infections, but these usually don't affect the throat.

Strep throat is most common in the late fall, winter, and early spring. The infection is spread by person-to-person contact with nasal secretions or saliva, often among family or household members.

Strep throat may be very mild, with only a few symptoms, or it may be severe. Often, persons with strep throat get sick 2 to 5 days after they are exposed to the bacteria that causes the illness.

Symptoms usually begin suddenly, and can include:

.Fever that begins suddenly and is often highest on the second day
.Red throat, sometimes with white patches
.Sore throat
.Headache
.Stomach ache
.Nausea
.Chills
.General discomfort, uneasiness or ill feeling
.Loss of appetite and abnormal taste
.Tender, swollen lymph nodes in the neck
.Difficulty swallowing

Strep throat will go away in 3 to 7 days with or without treatment. Doctors usually treat strep throat with antibiotics even though they may not make you well faster. There are also many home remedies that you can make yourself feel better while you are waiting for the strep infection to go away.

. Drink plenty of fluids to help keep your throat moist.

. Drinking warm liquid particularly lemon tea with a dash of honey is an excellent home remedial option.

. Gargle several times a day with warm salt water (1/2 tsp of salt in 1 cup water).

. Drink cold beverages, or suck on popsicles, and ice cream to soothe the throat

. Suck on hard candies or throat lozenges but should not be used in young children because of the choking risk.

. Herbal teas containing ingredients such as licorice may also provide significant pain relief.

. Chamomile tea is one of the best natural remedies for strep throat. Its analgesic properties can provide rapid relief for throat pain.

. Eat foods such as soups, cooked cereals, mashed potatoes, soft fruits, yogurt and soft-cooked eggs as they are easy on a sore throat.

. Use a humidifier or cool-mist vaporizer in your bedroom to help soothe a dry and itchy throat.

. Simmer some basil leaves in hot water. Add some crushed ginger and peppercorn as well as a dash of honey to it and drink the mixture a few times a day.

. Simmer some crushed basil leaves in water and use the brew for gargling.

. Add some powdered cinnamon to water and boil it. Add a spoon of honey and some pepper powder. Drink this mixture.

. Add some fenugreek seeds to water and boil. Strain the water. After the mixture has cooled a bit, use it for gargling a few times a day.

. Heat milk and mix some turmeric to it. Drink this mixture before your bedtime.

. Pour hot water in an inhaler and add eucalyptus oil to it. Put a towel over your head and inhale the steam deeply to relief strep throat.

. Boil some milk with basil leaves, ginger and turmeric. Drink this milk when still warm for relief.

. Add some mashed garlic in your soup. This will soothe your throat.

. Tamarind water can also be used as gargle which could help in lots of other throat problems other then strep throat.

. Gargle with a mixture of two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and water. Do this every hour for faster effect.

. Add a teaspoon of honey to the apple cider vinegar and water and drink it.

. Drink pomegranate juice at regular intervals to help in healing strep throat infection effectively.



~source:remedyluv.com~

Itchy Eyes : Symptoms, Causes, Prevention and Home Remedies

Many individual tend to suffer from itchy eyes as soon as the allergy season approaches wherein the eyes become irritated and there is a constant itching sensation. This itching may become frustrating and intense and there may be an irresistible urge to scratch and itch.

There are two types of allergic conjunctivitis;

Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis
- typically happens during the spring and fall and is due to the exposure of certain allergens like grass, pollen, trees and weeds.

Perennial Allergic Conjunctivitis
- it happens all year long due to the exposure of household allergens like mold, dust,chemicals, cigarette smoke, pollen, pet dander and pet hair.

Allergic reactions occur when the surface of your eye is exposed to allergens. The reaction triggers the release of histamines which causes itchy eyes, as well as other symptoms like red and watery eyes. Rubbing your itchy eyes is highly discouraged. As you rub your eyes, you release more and more histamines which results in worse symptoms. Also, you can damage, scratch or cause other trauma to the surface of your eye by rubbing the itch.

You can help prevent itchy eyes at home and outdoors with these helpful tips.

At home:
.Vacuum regularly to reduce dust and pet dander and pet hair.
.Keep your windows shut to reduce outdoor allergens.
.Keep your pets out of bedrooms or areas you spend a lot of time in.
.Run your air conditioner to reduce indoor allergens, also keep your air filters and air ducts clean.
.Avoid smoking, especially in rooms with little or no ventilation.

Outdoors:
.Watch the news to check the pollen counts. Pollen counts are the highest between 5am and 10am.
.Dry your clothes in dryer, not outside. Outdoor allergens stick to the fabric of your clothes.
.Avoid or take precautions before doing yard work. Wear face masks, gloves, etc..
.Take a shower after being outside to wash away allergens that have clung to your hair and skin.

If you happen to suffer from the symptoms for an unusually long period or at very frequent intervals, you may need to consult a doctor and ask for proper medical treatment. Meanwhile, you can try out some of the common home remedies that are often used to remedy this condition.

. Apply cool compress on the itchy eye to get some relief. A cold compress is an effective way of getting relief from itchiness.

. Use cucumber juice to wash your eyes � this will also help in reducing the eye irritation significantly.

. Have garlic soup regularly � garlic is known to have immune-boosting qualities and also provides effective relief from common cold.

. Boil slices of ginger in water, let it cool down, and then use the solution as an eye wash.

. Use some rosewater to rinse the eyes with a couple of times a day. Alternately, pouring 4 or 5 drops of rosewater into the inflamed eye is a lot more beneficial than using drops that are medicated.

. A chilled raw potato should either be grated or cut into thin slices and applied on to the eye, for a period of at least 30 minutes, before the eye is washed.

. Refrigerate two bags of chamomile tea and then applying those bags on the eyes.

. Slice some cucumber and keep it in the refrigerator and then apply this on the eyes. Let it stay on the eyes for 15 to 20 minutes or till the time it feels soothing.

. Soak some fenugreek seeds in water overnight. Make a paste out of the soaked seeds in the morning and apply it on your eyes. Wash the paste off after twenty minutes. You can apply this paste twice daily.

. Make compresses from cotton balls soaked in green or black tea and place on the eyes. Repeat the procedure three to four times a day.

. Boil one cup of distilled water and one teaspoon of salt. Simmer until salt is completely dissolved. Let it cool completely then flush the eyes with the solution.

. Add dried leaves and flowers of Agrimony to boiled water. Strain the infusion and use it to bathe the eyes, to reduce itchy eyes.

. Rub your hands together and cover your eyes; the warmth coming from the hand palm relaxes eye tissues and gives fast relief from itchy eyes.



~source:naturalallergiescure.com~

Drug Cessation and Weight Gain

Commenter "mem", who has been practicing healthcare for 30+ years, made an interesting remark that I think is relevant to this discussion:

Recovering substance dependent people often put on lots of weight and it is not uncommon for them to become obese or morbidly obese.

This relates to the question that commenter "Gunther Gatherer" and I have been pondering in the comments: can stimulating reward pathways through non-food stimuli influence body fatness?

It's clear that smoking cigarettes, taking cocaine and certain other pleasure drugs suppress appetite and can prevent weight gain. These drugs all activate dopamine-dependent reward centers, which is why they're addictive. Cocaine in particular directly inhibits dopamine clearance from the synapse (neuron-neuron junction), increasing its availability for signaling.
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How To Make Eyelashes Thicker : Home Remedies For Thicker Eyelashes

Thick lashes can instantly make a dramatic, glamorous impression. While some women are blessed with naturally thick eyelashes, most have to work harder to create this look. Use a variety of products, techniques, lifestyle changes and natural remedies to help make your eyelashes thicker and add a "wow" factor to any look.

Skim through the natural ingredients you'll find also in your kitchen or at the local store. Have them at hand to improve your look with green methods. These are some of the time-tested options offered by alternative medicine that are both efficient and have a visible effect on our eyelashes.

. Maintain a healthy diet. Vitamins B and D increase the resistance of eyelashes to external factors such as curlers and mascara.

. Apply a few drops of vitamin E oil,every day for at least a month with an eyelash brush.

. Apply a few drops of olive oil to your lashes with cotton wool, leave it on for five minutes, then wash it off with tepid water.

. Regular application of Vaseline to eyelashes may boost hair growth and improve texture. Apply it with an eyelash brush just before going to bed.

. Mix equal parts of castor oil and glycerine in a re-sealable container. Apply the mixed castor oil and glycerine into your eyelashes before you go to bed and rinse it off when you wake up in the morning.

. Trim the tips of your eyelashes using a pair of manicure scissors. Your eyelashes will grow better when trimmed.

. Eat a proper meal with vitamins, proteins and carbohydrates. Take fruit juices, dairy and dairy products.

. Avoid leaving mascara on overnight, as this will certainly stunt natural growth.

. Make an eye lotion by mixing together a small amount of calendula flower and corn flower extracts. Apply the mixture to your eyelashes.

. Apply some natural almond oil to your lashes. Your eyelashes will grow faster and thicker.

. Applying castor oil to your eyelashes is a well known remedy to make them thicker and longer. Get some fresh from the leaves of the plant.




~source:thickereyelashesguide.com~

Food Reward: a Dominant Factor in Obesity, Part VI

Reward Centers can Modify the Body Fat Setpoint

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter (chemical that signals between neurons) that is a central mediator of reward and motivation in the brain. It has been known for decades that dopamine injections into the brain suppress food intake, and that this is due primarily to its action in the hypothalamus, which is the main region that regulates body fatness (1). Dopamine-producing neurons from reward centers contact neurons in the hypothalamus that regulate body fatness (2). I recently came across a paper by a researcher named Dr. Hanno Pijl, from Leiden University in the Netherlands (3). The paper is a nice overview of the evidence linking dopamine signaling with body fatness via its effects on the hypothalamus, and I recommend it to any scientists out there who want to read more about the concept.
Read more �

Puffy Eyes : Home Remedies for Puffy Eyes, How To Reduce Puffy Eyes Naturally

Puffy eyes are a condition where the eyes begin swelling due to different factors. The skin around the eyes is very thin and is full of blood vessels which make it very sensitive. Usually puffy eyes will go away after a little bit of time or some treatments done at home.

There are quite a few things that can cause under-eye puffiness and puffy lids. Things such as: Lack of sleep, crying, fluid retention caused by the weather or hormonal changes, allergies, taking certain medications or even heredity. For normal puffy eyes that are not caused by other eye conditions, there are many ways to get rid of puffy eyes. The following is a list of what to do for treating puffy eyes naturally:

. Wash face with ice cold water.

. Apply cool cucumber slices on top of your closed eyelids for a few minutes until the slices warm up.

. Moisten two tea bags in cold water, chill them in the refrigerator and place them over closed eyelids for several minutes.

. Stick two teaspoons in the refrigerator or freezer, and gently lay them over your eyes until the spoons warm up.

. Simply wrap some pieces of ice in a soft paper towel or washcloth and gently apply to your eyelids and the puffy area.

. Dip some cotton pads in ice cold milk and then squeeze excess milk out. Apply on lids until pads warm up. You may do this a few times until swelling is gone.

. Apply cool apple slices on top of your closed eyelids for a few minutes until the slices warm up.

. Soak a cotton ball in chilled Witch Hazel, squeeze out excess then place on closed eyes.

. Keep your eye cream in the refrigerator. The coolness will instantly help reduce puffiness when you apply it.

. Wear a cold gel or water mask for a few moments. It not only reduces puffiness but can be very soothing as well.

. Apply cool potato slices on top of your closed eyelids for a few minutes until the slices warm up.

. Tap the puffy areas underneath your eyes with your index finger. Doing so may actually get rid of the fluid that has accumulated under your eyes.

. Get a good amount of sleep each night,roughly six to eight hours. This can naturally reduce the puffiness under your eyes.



~source:ehow.com~

Hyperhidrosis : Causes, Prevention and Home Remedies

Hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating is a medical condition in which a person sweats excessively and unpredictably. People with hyperhidrosis may sweat even when the temperature is cool or when they are at rest. Sweating helps the body stay cool. In most cases, it is perfectly natural. People sweat more in warm temperatures, when they exercise, or in response to situations that make them nervous, angry, embarrassed, or afraid.

However, excessive sweating occurs without such triggers. Those with hyperhidrosis appear to have overactive sweat glands. The uncontrollable sweating can lead to significant discomfort, both physical and emotional.

When excessive sweating affects the hands, feet, and armpits, it's called primary or focal hyperhidrosis. If the sweating occurs as a result of another medical condition, it is called secondary hyperhidrosis. The sweating may be all over the body, or it may be in one area. Conditions that cause second hyperhidrosis include:

.Acromegaly
.Anxiety conditions
.Cancer
.Carcinoid syndrome
.Certain medications and substances of abuse
.Glucose control disorders
.Heart disease
.Hyperthyroidism
.Lung disease
.Menopause
.Parkinson�s disease
.Pheochromocytoma
.Spinal cord injury
.Stroke
.Tuberculosis or other infections

There are various home remedies that you can safely try out. Try out several remedies to find out which one works best for you. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs or cosmetic sprays, these treatments generally take longer to show results.

. Drink a cup of tomato juice every morning. This will help to keep cool your body and prevent excess perspiration.

. Boil a couple of teabags in a large bowl of water for seven minutes or so. Let it cool and then soak your hands and feet in it.

. Soak one teaspoon of dried sage in approximately 100ml of boiling water, and let it steep for about 15 minutes. Then, filter the solution and drink it twice or thrice a day.

. Wear loose fitting clothes. Always go in for light cotton clothing, as it encourages breathing through of air, thereby decreasing the sweat.

. A teaspoon of cider vinegar with honey in equal proportion is an effective remedy.

. Drink green tea at night also proves beneficial.

. Antiperspirant talcum powders are also effective in controlling excessive sweating. Wash and dry the area before dusting a generous amount of antiperspirant talc.

. Foods like caffeine and alcohol are known to cause heavy sweating and should be avoided as much as possible.

. Drinking lot of water is the most simple and effective remedy for sweating. It detoxifies your body.

. Avoid spicy food as it might lead to heavy sweating.

. Potato is a good remedy. Rub fresh potato slice on sweaty places. Let it dry.

. Add tea tree oil in water. Apply it on sweaty places.

. You can use white vinegar in place of deodorant.

. Use baking soda in areas where you are prone to sweat more.



~source:home-remedies-for-you.com~

Impetigo : Symptoms, Causes and Home Remedies

Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection most common among pre-school children. People who play close contact sports such as rugby, American football and wrestling are also susceptible, regardless of age. It spreads when we scratch the infected area and then touch the other parts of our body. Impetigo is not as common in adults.

The following are signs and symptoms of impetigo:

.Red sores that quickly rupture, ooze for a few days and then form a yellowish-brown crust
.Itching
.Painless, fluid-filled blisters
.In the more serious form, painful fluid- or pus-filled sores that turn into deep ulcers


Two types of bacteria cause impetigo � Staphylococcus aureus (staph), which is most common, and Streptococcus pyogenes (strep). Both types of bacteria can live harmlessly on your skin until they enter through a cut or other wound and cause an infection.

The most important thing to remember when treating this infection is that cleanliness is very important. There are also some home remedies to treat impetigo.

. Apply tea tree oil on the affected part after taking a bath.

. Eat a lot of turnip, preferably raw to cure impetigo. One may dip a slice in vinegar or mayonnaise to improve the taste.

. Apply cornstarch on the affected area. This is a home remedy that one can easily use with beneficial results.

. Bathing in soapy water every 4 hours during the day is helpful.

. Tea tree oil in the bath once a day, and then made a rub out of calamine lotion with tea tree oil.

. Make a paste of Vaseline and cornstarch to apply to the diaper area. Vaseline helps to heal sore irritated skin and cornstarch helps to dry up the rash.

. Put 1/4 cup of rosemary leaves and 1/4 cup of thyme in 2 cups of water. Simmer for 15 minutes. Strain cool and use to clean the area several times daily.

. Crush garlic and spread over irritated areas.

. Rub aloe vera gel directly on the impetigo affected area, not less than four times a day.

. Try 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar mixed in 1 cup water for cleaning the lesions.



~source:ehow.com~

Dry Eyes : Symptoms, Causes, Prevention and Home Remedies

Dry eyes as the name symbolizes is the condition where the eyes become dry. Due to this dryness of the eyes and reduced lubrication, the eyes start aching, become red, itchy, the vision becomes blurred and there is a feeling of a dust or some foreign body present in the eye.

Signs and symptoms of dry eyes, which usually affect both eyes, may include:

.A stinging, burning or scratchy sensation in your eyes
.Stringy mucus in or around your eyes
.Increased eye irritation from smoke or wind
.Eye fatigue after short periods of reading
.Sensitivity to light
.Difficulty wearing contact lenses
.Periods of excessive tearing
.Blurred vision, often worsening at the end of the day or after focusing for a prolonged period

Common causes of dry eyes include:

.Aging
.Dry environment or workplace (wind, air conditioning)
.Sun exposure
.Smoking or second-hand smoke exposure
.Cold or allergy medicines
.An eye injury or other problem with your eyes or eyelids (like a drooping eyelid or bulging eyes)
.Sjogren's syndrome -- includes dry eyes, mouth, and mucus membranes, and often rheumatoid arthritis or other joint disorder
.Previous eye surgery

Tears are an important natural mechanism because of which our eyes function smoothly. They contain water, oils, mucus, antibodies and proteins which provide moisture, lubrication and resistance to infection of the eyes. There are certain natural home remedies for dry eyes that are beneficial to cope with the condition of dry eyes.

. Use a warm compress. Use a clean towel and soak it in warm water. Lie down and place this warm compress on the eyes. Warm compresses do a wonderful job of adding moisture to the eyes. You can repeat this twice or thrice daily.

. Blink your eyes frequently is one of the most effective dry eyes remedies. Blinking our eyes produces tears in the eyes that spread evenly throughout the eyes.

. Splash water in the eyes at constant intervals when you are at work or home. Your eyes receive some moisture from water.

. Soak your closed eyes for 5 minutes with a cool, wet facecloth. The gritty sensation eases down and the blood vessels constrict.

. Eye drops or artificial tears should be used, 2 drops 3 to 4 times daily. They help in protecting the delicate front surface of the eye.

. Make sure your diet has lots of fluids like water, fruit juices, etc. Also eat a lot of citrus fruits and green vegetables since they are good for the eyes.

. Increase your intake of fish since they contain fish oils that help the eyes to lubricate.

. Exercise your eyes by rotating your eye balls and slowly moving them from right to left and vice-versa without moving your head.

. Tamarind seeds can be soaked in warm water for some time. The extract from the seeds should be taken to help cure dry eyes. This is one of the many useful dry eyes home remedies.

. Both alcohol and caffeine have diuretic effect that can cause dryness, so their intake should be at a minimum.

. Smoking and secondhand smoke dries eyes, so avoid them.

. Avoid sugar, toxic fats found in red meat, fried foods and hydrogenated oils.

. Use a humidifier to keep the air in your room from drying.




~source:nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus~

Gingivitis : Causes, Prevention and Home Remedies

Gingivitis, also called gum disease or periodontal disease, describes the events that begin with bacterial growth in your mouth and may end with tooth loss due to destruction of the tissue that surrounds your teeth. In the early stage of gingivitis, bacteria in plaque build up, causes the gums to become inflamed (red and swollen) and often easily bleed during tooth brushing.

When gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis. In a person with periodontitis, the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. When this happens, teeth are no longer anchored in place, they become loose and tooth loss occurs. Gum disease, in fact, is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

Our modern diet of soft, over-processed foods and substances that decay tooth enamel all contribute to gum disease. Medical treatments include laser therapy, root planning and tooth extraction. Alternatively, you can try to cure gum disease with home remedies.

. Use a rubber bristle toothbrush or your thumb and index finger to massage your gums daily.

. Steep 1 teaspoon of dry burdock root in a cup of water until it cools to room temperature. After brushing, rinse your mouth with the liquid, taking the time to swish each mouthful around and between your teeth.

. Crush a few rosemary leaves and use during your daily massages. Rosemary boosts circulation, helping speed the healing process.

. Keep a small jar of baking soda in your bathroom and dip a damp toothbrush before brushing a minimum of twice a day.

. Add a drop of tea tree oil twice a week to your brushing routine. Tea tree oil acts as an antiseptic and an antibiotic to reduce localized infections.

. Apply 100% pure aloe vera to your gums before going to bed.

. Gargle morning and night warm salt water to treat the swelling in your mouth.

. Rub your gums with clove oil and just keep a clove in your mouth.

. Using a mouthwash with antibacterial properties will reduce the swelling of gums caused by gingivitis.

. Eat foods that have low saturated fat, high in fiber and Vitamin C. This includes fresh fruits and vegetables.

. Add 2 drops of peppermint oil to 2 tablespoons of water and swish throughout your mouth for one minute then spit out.

. Dilute some neem oil in water and use this as an herbal gargle.

. Add Omega 3 Fatty Acid to your diet. This oil that comes from fish is also used to treat gingivitis.

. Daily flossing is another important step in reducing plaque and preventing gum disease.

. Brew a cup of green tea to create a soothing mouth rinse. Swish the tea around in your mouth several times to lubricate your teeth and gums.

. Squeeze the oil from a Vitamin E capsule onto your index finger and massage your gums thoroughly with it.

. Add 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar to 1/2 cup of warm water and swish the liquid through your mouth after brushing.



~source:homeremediespro.com~

Anal Itching : Causes, Prevention and Home Remedies

Anal itching is the irritation of the skin at the exit of the rectum, known as the anus, accompanied by the desire to scratch. Itching in the rectum is a fairly common problem which is also called prutitis ani. This problem creates an unbearable itching around the anus and it is worse at night.

Anal itching is mainly due to the diet problems of our modern lifestyle . Too much spices , hot sauces and peppers could easily lead to anal itching . Anal itching also can be caused by the irritation of continuous moisture in the anus caused by frequent liquid stools, diarrhea, or escape of small amounts of stool. Other problems that can cause anal itching include pinworms,hemorrhoids,tears of the anal skin (fissures), and skin tags.

Many over-the-counter products are sold for the treatment of anal itching. These often contain the same drugs that are used for treating hemorrhoids. Home remedies can be used as an alternative way to treat anal itching. Home remedies for anal itching or pruritus ani are simple yet effective solutions for this embarrassing problem.

. It is important to clean and dry the anus thoroughly and avoid leaving soap in the anal area.

. To keep the anal region dry use cornstarch powder.

. Change the underwear (preferably soft cotton ones) 2-3 times a day.

. Include fiber rich foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, sprouts and pulses in your daily diet to avoid constipation which can lead to itching.

. Soak a cotton pad in apple cider vinegar and place it on the itching area. If the area is raw; be prepared for a temporary burning sensation.

. Before bedtime, take a shower , then pat dry the itchy area and apply wheat germ oil. To avoid messy bedclothes and sheets, put a sanitary napkin over the oily area.

. Pumpkin seeds have been used as a folk treatment to control and prevent intestinal parasites which may result in an itchy bottom. Buy the shelled and unsalted seeds, and eat a handful daily.

. Dip a cotton ball in the infusion made from witch hazel or chamomile and clean the area with it.

. Apply Aloe Vera skin gel to the itchy area. Aloe Vera soothes and heals the irritated area.

. Apply tea tree oil antiseptic cream to the itchy area.

. Eat 2 cloves raw garlic, taken 2x per day at the beginning of a meal.

. Put 3-5 drops of tea tree oil on a cotton ball, hold to the area for 1 minute. Wait five minutes then apply some corn starch to the area.

. Petroleum jelly is the quickest way to pacify itching. Whenever,it itches apply the petroleum jelly carefully to soothe it.

. Add some oatmeal to your bath water. Oatmeal has naturally soothing qualities that help soften and heal irritated and itchy area.

. Avoid foaming gels in bathtubs and perfumed soaps - rather try a handful of kitchen salt in your bath.

. Sitting in a tub of warm (not hot) water can be one of the easiest ways to soothe the anus.

. Put 3-4 tablespoons of baking soda into a warm sitz bath (a few inches of water) and sit for about 15 minutes. Make sure that you bring your knees up to your chest so that as much water as possible reaches the area.

. Boil some water, add a tea bag, let it seep for a few minutes, then let it cool to a comfortable temperature. Apply a warm, wet tea bag to the area.


If home remedies for anal itching does not work as intended or the itch prolongs, you should consult your doctor for treatment to rule out a more severe underlying problems such as bleeding or tumors.



~source:home-remedies-for-you.com~

Food Reward: a Dominant Factor in Obesity, Part V

Non-industrial diets from a food reward perspective

In 21st century affluent nations, we have unprecedented control over what food crosses our lips. We can buy nearly any fruit or vegetable in any season, and a massive processed food industry has sprung up to satisfy (or manufacture) our every craving. Most people can afford exotic spices and herbs from around the world-- consider that only a hundred years ago, black pepper was a luxury item. But our degree of control goes even deeper: over the last century, kitchen technology such as electric/gas stoves, refrigerators, microwaves and a variety of other now-indispensable devices have changed the way we prepare food at home (Megan J. Elias. Food in the United States, 1890-1945).

To help calibrate our thinking about the role of food reward (and food palatability) in human evolutionary history, I offer a few brief descriptions of contemporary hunter-gatherer and non-industrial agriculturalist diets. What did they eat, and how did they prepare it?
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Joint Pain : Causes, Prevention and Home Remedies

Joint pain is a very common problem prevailing in almost every part of this developing world. It is basically symptom and not a disease. But has eventually become a part of every bodies life especially aged people. It affects one or more joints.

The various causes of joint pain are:

.Joint injury
.Joint strain
.Arthritis
.Tendinitis
.Bursitis


There are many natural and over-the-counter remedies to alleviate the pain from aching joints. There are also many simple and effective home remedies to get rid of joint pains.

. Warm bath is the highly beneficial water joint pains treatment.

. Massaging the affected area with any oil will provide relief from the pain.

. Drink a cup of papaya seed tea six or seven times daily for two or three weeks for relief from joint pain.

. Eat garlic cloves fried in butter to prevent joint pains.

. Take half teaspoon of turmeric powder with warm water at least thrice in a day. It is also helpful in curing arthritis.

. Banana fruit has certain properties that help in restoring lost nutrient in the joints thus is recommended in joint pain cases.

. Consuming warm milk with one table spoon of turmeric helps in relieving from all forms of body aches.

. Carrot juice is also highly beneficial as it strengthens the ligaments.

. Consuming apple cider vinegar has also proven it worth in relieving from joint pains.

. Mix two teaspoonful of winter cherry with ghee and molasses to make porridge. Eat this porridge with an empty stomach for 15 days.

. Rub the aching joints with hot vinegar before going to bed.

. Two teaspoons apple cider vinegar and 2 teaspoons of honey dissolved in a small glass of warm water brings relief.

. Mix fresh carrot juice with equal parts of lemon juice. Take one large teaspoonful everyday.

. Mix two parts pure olive oil and one part of kerosene oil. This makes a wonderful ointment for the affected joints and helps in pain relief and is also good joint pain remedy.

. Increase your intake of oils rich in omega-3 fatty acid and vitamins.

. Apply a heating pad to the area of your body that is suffering from joint pain.




~source:home-remedies-for-you.com~