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General, Learn, Foods, Healthy Eating

The Best Time to Eat Carrots

Carrots are one of the most beneficial vegetables since it has immense benefits to the human body. Therefore, eating of carrots is recommended for an overall healthy condition of the body. Carrots have several benefits. For example, carrots are rich in vitamin A, they help in the prevention of digestive disorders, help in the reduction of blood pressure levels, helps to maintain good dental health, carrots are good for the skin and there are several other benefits that one can get from carrots, if consumed properly.

Appropriate Time to Eat Carrots:

As stated above carrots play a crucial role in overall maintenance of good health but when eaten at perfect times these benefits are maximized. The best times to eat carrots are as described below.

  • Eating carrots in empty stomach:

Eating raw carrots in empty stomach is best for health. It inhibits the absorption of several minerals in the body which is highly beneficial. Drinking carrot juice in the morning is simply the best for the detoxification of blood. Carrots are actually the best way to cleanse blood within a quick span of time. Carrots are highly capable of prevention of anaemia and helps to increase the weight of the body. The juice of carrots is great for the skin and has immense benefits. It improves skin tone and texture which brings facial glow. It prevents pimples and acne.

  • Eating carrots before a meal:

The consumption of carrots before a meal is best since it aids the complete process of digestion. The presence of fibers in carrots plays a crucial role in the overall digestive health of the individual. Besides the digestive health, eating carrots before a meal in the form of salads or raw is very good since it makes one full which prevents us from consuming more amounts of foods of higher calories which is perfect for to maintain a healthy body weight. Thus, salads are best before a meal to the ones who are looking for a control of diet and losing weight.

  • Eating Carrots during the day:

It is best to consume carrots during the daytime because it makes sure that the body gets the required dose of vitamins and one would definitely not refrain from having the vegetables since one won’t be full. Carrots are very rich in beta carotene which is the precursor of vitamin A. The body converts the beta carotene into active vitamin A which is then used for the utilization of the body. Also, carrots provide the essential minerals like calcium and potassium to the body.

However, it is not a wise idea to consume carrot before going to bed. This is because the human body has to digest the food, during the resting hours. It is always better to cook it slightly in case you are eating carrots at night. Dietitians recommend consuming at least one or two cups of carrot juice in a week, in order to reap the benefits of the vegetable. Season them slightly, with herbs or spices and it might turn out to be a tasty low calorie snack.

General, Learn

What is the best time to drink coconut water?

Coconut water is a natural hydrating drink which is a great source of potassium and has several health benefits. It acts as a great alternative to the other high-calorie and high sugar filled drinks available . Coconut water Is low in calories and high in important nutrients like potassium which gets lost in sweat and workouts. Drinking coconut water at right time can double the health benefits. Read below to know what are the perfect timings to have coconut water for maximum benefits:

What is the best time to drink coconut water
  • Early morning on empty stomach: There are several benefits of drinking coconut water on empty stomach, early in the morning. Lauric acid present in the coconut water can improve the immunity naturally, enhance metabolism and detoxify the body. Regular consumption of coconut water also helps in maintaining electrolyte balance thus regulating blood pressure and improving intestinal functions. Coconut water intake in the morning also aids in weight loss due to the less fat content in it.

  • Before workout sessions/gym: Having coconut water before the workout sessions can ensure that the electrolytes lost during the workouts are replenished. It is a great drink to have which is lower in calorie content and is a much better option than the other bottled beverages. Coconut water also suppresses the appetite and makes one feel full because of its rich nature and nutrients presence. The ingredients in coconut water make it very effective at hydrating the human body than those of other sports and energy drinks available in the market.

  • Pre- and post-meals: Found in abundance in most tropical countries, coconut water is a refreshing drink and acts as a health enhancer if taken pre- and post meals. Drinking coconut water pre-meals makes you feel fuller and prevents overeating and weight gain problems. Taking it post meals helps in quick digestion and prevents common problems such as bloating, nausea, loss of appetite and reduce inflammation as well. The tannins present in coconut water also have anti-bacterial properties that prevent infection.

  • During night time: Regular intake of Coconut water before bed time benefits the urinary tract and bladder aiding in cleansing and removing infections. It also eliminates toxins from the body and reduces kidney problems. Known to strengthen the immune system, coconut water helps from chronic fatigue and boost energy.

  • During pregnancy: It is safe to have coconut water during pregnancy in moderate amounts as it contains many minerals and vitamins. Coconut water curbs dehydration caused by morning sickness during the first trimester of pregnancy. Also, helps in constipation and heartburn problems during pregnancy. Full of nutrients like manganese, vitamin c, calcium and dietary fibres, coconut water is a very refreshing drink for pregnancy.

Coconut water is a favorite of many due to several health gains. Benefits of coconut water include facilitating digestion, aid in weight loss, and in boosting hydration. It can be enjoyed in combination with other liquid drinks or as a standalone beverage on daily basis. Highly affordable and full of energy and health benefits, coconut water is the best drink available for people of all age groups.

General, Wellness

27 Top Self-Care Tips for Taking Care of You

There are infinite ways you can practice self-care. Here are dozens of ideas to get you started.

Are you feeling a little under-self-cared-for? Many things can get in the way of us taking care of ourselves, including family caregiving responsibilities, work, social commitments, and more.

But, ultimately, when we do take care of ourselves and our needs is when we’re best able to show up for all of the other people and responsibilities in our lives.

“Self-care is not selfish”.

Need some self-care inspiration?

We’ve rounded up a list of self-care tips meant to inspire your health and wellness anytime — while helping you feel less stressed and more resilient.

1. Prioritize Sleep — Your Mood and Immune System Are Counting on It

2. Know Your Personal Signs of Stress

3. Work. It. Out.

 Exercise releases endorphins (hormones that make you feel good!), sharpens focus, and aids sleep. Staying physically active also lessens the risk of mood disorders, increases energy, and improves mood overall. Talk about a one-two punch against the midafternoon slump!

4. Test-Drive a Workout You’ve Never Done Before

5. Downward Dog Like You Mean It

6. Skip, Jump, Hop, and Get Silly

Basically, if it makes you feel like a kid and a little silly, it can be a mood booster. Play in any form can cause a cascade of positive neurochemicals, such as serotoninoxytocin, and dopamine. Even just a minute of childlike activity can cause a good-chemicals surge, especially if you’re feeling stressed.

7. Take a Forest Bath

The Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing,” simply means walking in an area with trees and deeply inhaling the air. Trees release certain chemicals, like terpenes, that have been associated with the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, which sends your body into “chill-out” de-stress mode. The practice is so powerful that forest bathing has been shown to decrease measures of depression.

8. Play a Game

9. Avoid Mindless Snacking; Eat Intuitively Instead

10. Swap Out One Coffee for Decaf

Caffeine is one of the most researched substances, with more than 10,000 studies to date, according to a review published in November 2017 in Food and Chemical Toxicology. Not surprisingly, that’s led to a wide range of conclusions, but one that’s fairly consistent is that having too much can lead to less-than-ideal effects, the researchers conclude. They note that getting more than 400 milligrams of caffeine daily can affect your central nervous system, gastrointestinal system, and sleep quality. Check your consumption with this chart from the Center for Science in the Public Interest (and remember that not every cup of coffee is equivalent when it comes to caffeine content; it depends on the roast of coffee and how strongly it’s brewed). Too much caffeine can even increase anxiety and stress. So enjoy your buzz, but try limiting your daily amount.

11. Enjoy the Healing Power of Baking

“Self-care comes with the idea of nourishing yourself, on every level. And doing something creative can promote that feeling of well-being,”

12. Reach for High-Protein Snacks When You Need an Energy Boost

13. Keep Stress-Busting Foods on Hand

14. Leave Stress-Inducing Foods in Not-So-Convenient Places

Though you may be inclined to indulge in treats or your favorite cocktail, know that this may be counterproductive. Foods that exacerbate or mess with stress in a less-than-savory way include caffeine, alcohol, and refined sugars. You don’t have to cut them out completely, but do limit your intake and enjoy them in moderation.

15. Add More Fruits and Veggies to Your Day

Incorporating more fresh fruits and vegetables into your daily diet is a long-term strategy that supports your mental health, according to a cross-sectional survey published in April 2018 in the journal Frontiers in Psychology. A produce-packed diet supplies antioxidants that guard against oxidative stress and prevent our gut bacteria from becoming unhealthy, both of which have been linked to conditions like depression.

Some more great options to nosh on include bananas, apples, dark leafy greens, citrus fruits, and fresh berries, according to the 2018 research.

16. Develop a ‘Don’t Do’ List

“This list helps you get unstuck. You may not get this perfect the first time, but you can keep making adjustments until you’re doing more of the things that perk you up,”

17. Practice Positive Self-Talk

A major aspect of self-care is the “self” part, and that includes how you view yourself and, importantly, the language you use when talking to yourself.

Appreciate the small tasks you do during the day and remember to tell yourself “good job” — whether it’s a work task, making time for exercise, or keeping your patience when disciplining your child. 

Celebrate your daily successes with positive self-talk. It might feel weird at first, but your brain will soak up that self-care goodness, and research suggests it can help begin to turn your thoughts and feelings in a happier direction (according to a paper on the topic published in 2014 in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology).

18. Take a Few Minutes to Practice Diaphragm Breathing

Calm and measured breathing can have immediate effects on your mental and physical state, whether the tension comes from the relentless news cycle or your ever-present housemates. Do your breathing practice regularly to start or finish your day in a positive way, or try it in a moment when you need a little more zen.

19. Try Alternate-Nostril Breathing

Deep breathing is very useful for slowing down the nervous system.

If anxious thoughts keep pinging around, try this alternative strategy. First, exhale completely, then inhale deeply. On your next exhale, gently place an index finger against your right nostril to close it off. Inhale using just your left nostril. Then move your index finger to the left nostril to close that one off and exhale through only the open right nostril. Continue alternating sides and repeat for 15 rounds.

20. Give Yourself a Meditation Break

You don’t need any special equipment or space for this one; you can do it anytime, anywhere. Simply put, meditation is thinking deeply or focusing your mind for a set period of time. The benefit: Meditation can help reduce stress, ease symptoms of depression and anxiety, and regulate negative thinking. If you’re looking for another tool to add to your arsenal to combat stress, consider it.

21. Try Chilling Out With Music

22. Relax With an Audiobook

Audiobooks can transport you somewhere else just like paper books can — and they may have additional benefits, too. Turning on an audiobook, then laying down and closing your eyes to listen. “If you have racing thoughts, sometimes your inner monologue needs something else to latch onto for a while”. You may even find it easier to focus on the story because you don’t have to keep your eyes open. 

23. Take a Vacation Day

24. Stand Up and Stretch

Sometimes all you need is just to change your body position for about 15 to 30 seconds to give yourself a restart.

When you make a conscious and physical shift, like standing up and stretching, your mind recognizes the change and responds in a beneficial way. Consider it a mini break for mind and body alike. Try standing up and stretching your arms high overhead, bending over to touch your toes, or sitting on the floor in a cross-legged position for a hip-opening stretch.

25. Avoid Nonstop News Consumption

It’s important to stay informed and alert to critical updates in your area, especially those that affect your health. But no one needs to listen to the same alerts and see the same headlines repeatedly, especially during times when the news can be upsetting. Experts recommend limiting news consumption to two or three sources a day to help cope with the anxiety it may bring, and checking in at regular times (not continuously) throughout the day for updates. Consider making one of your sources a local news source. And if you can, avoid checking the headlines just before bed.

26. Reap the Health Benefits of Laughter by Watching Funny YouTube Videos


27. Practice a Positive Affirmation

Spending some quiet time with yourself might be all you need. Pat your heart and say, “It’s okay. I am enough. I have enough.”

“This is a nice mantra to use when you notice you’re not feeling okay,”.

General

How to Stop Snoring

Don’t let snoring ruin your relationship or a good night’s sleep. Learn what causes snoring and how you can cure it.

What causes snoring?

Just about everyone snores occasionally, and it’s usually not something to worry about. Snoring happens when you can’t move air freely through your nose and throat during sleep. This makes the surrounding tissues vibrate, which produces the familiar snoring sound. People who snore often have too much throat and nasal tissue or “floppy” tissue that is more prone to vibrate. The position of your tongue can also get in the way of smooth breathing.

If you regularly snore at night it can disrupt the quality of your sleep—leading to daytime fatigue, irritability, and increased health problems. And if your snoring keeps your partner awake, it can create major relationship problems too. Thankfully, sleeping in separate bedrooms isn’t the only remedy for snoring. There are many effective solutions that can help both you and your partner sleep better at night and overcome the relationship problems caused when one person snores.

Since people snore for different reasons, it’s important to understand the causes behind your snoring. Once you understand why you snore, you can find the right solutions to a quieter, deeper sleep—for both you and your partner.

Common causes of snoring

Age. As you reach middle age and beyond, your throat becomes narrower, and the muscle tone in your throat decreases. While you can’t do anything about growing older, lifestyle changes, new bedtime routines, and throat exercises can all help to prevent snoring.

Being overweight or out of shape. Fatty tissue and poor muscle tone contribute to snoring. Even if you’re not overweight in general, carrying excess weight just around your neck or throat can cause snoring. Exercising and losing weight can sometimes be all it takes to end your snoring.

The way you’re built. Men have narrower air passages than women and are more likely to snore. A narrow throat, a cleft palate, enlarged adenoids, and other physical attributes that contribute to snoring are often hereditary. Again, while you have no control over your build or gender, you can control your snoring with the right lifestyle changes, bedtime routines, and throat exercises.

Nasal and sinus problems. Blocked airways or a stuffy nose make inhalation difficult and create a vacuum in the throat, leading to snoring.

Alcohol, smoking, and medications. Alcohol intake, smoking, and certain medications, such as tranquilizers like lorazepam (Ativan) and diazepam (Valium), can increase muscle relaxation leading to more snoring.

Sleep posture. Sleeping flat on your back causes the flesh of your throat to relax and block the airway. Changing your sleep position can help.

Ruling out more serious causes

Snoring could indicate sleep apnea, a serious sleep disorder where your breathing is briefly interrupted many times each night. Normal snoring doesn’t interfere with the quality of your sleep as much as sleep apnea, so if you’re suffering from extreme fatigue and sleepiness during the day, it could be an indication of sleep apnea or another sleep-related breathing problem. Call your doctor if you or your sleep partner have noticed any of the following red flags:

  • You snore loudly and heavily and are tired during the day.
  • You stop breathing, gasp, or choke during sleep.
  • You fall asleep at inappropriate times, such as during a conversation or a meal.

Linking the cause of your snoring to the cure

Monitoring your snoring for patterns can often help you pinpoint the reasons why you snore, what makes it worse, and how to go about stopping it. To identify important patterns, it helps to keep a sleep diary. If you have a sleep partner, they can help you fill it in. If you sleep alone, set up a camera to record yourself at night.

HOW you snore reveals WHY you snore
Type of snoringWhat it may indicate
Closed-mouth snoringMay indicate a problem with your tongue
Open-mouth snoringMay be related to the tissues in your throat
Snoring when sleeping on your backProbably mild snoring—improved
sleep habits and lifestyle changes may be effective cures
Snoring in
all sleep positions
Can mean your snoring is more severe and may require a more comprehensive treatment

Self-help strategies for snoring

There are so many bizarre anti-snoring devices available on the market today, with more being added all the time, that finding the right solution for your snoring can seem like a daunting task. Unfortunately, many of these devices are not backed up by research, or they work by simply keeping you awake at night. There are, however, plenty of proven techniques that can help eliminate snoring. Not every remedy is right for every person, though, so putting a stop to your snoring may require patience, lifestyle changes, and a willingness to experiment with different solutions.

Bedtime remedies to help you stop snoring

Change your sleeping position. Elevating your head four inches may ease breathing and encourage your tongue and jaw to move forward. There are specifically designed pillows available to help prevent snoring by making sure your neck muscles are not crimped.

Sleep on your side instead of your back. Try attaching a tennis ball to the back of a pajama top or T-shirt (you can sew a sock to the back of your top then put a tennis ball inside). If you roll over onto your back, the discomfort of the tennis ball will cause you to turn back onto your side. Alternatively, wedge a pillow stuffed with tennis balls behind your back. After a while, sleeping on your side will become a habit and you can dispense with the tennis balls.

Try an anti-snoring mouth appliance. These devices, which resemble an athlete’s mouth guard, help open your airway by bringing your lower jaw and/or your tongue forward during sleep. While a dentist-made appliance can be expensive, cheaper do-it-yourself kits are also available.

Clear nasal passages. If you have a stuffy nose, rinse sinuses with saline before bed. Using a neti pot, nasal decongestant, or nasal strips can also help you breathe more easily while sleeping. If you have allergies, reduce dust mites and pet dander in your bedroom or use an allergy medication.

Keep bedroom air moist. Dry air can irritate membranes in the nose and throat, so if swollen nasal tissues are the problem, a humidifier may help.

Lifestyle changes to help you stop snoring

Lose weight. Losing even a little bit of weight can reduce fatty tissue in the back of the throat and decrease, or even stop, snoring.

Quit smoking. If you smoke, your chances of snoring are high. Smoking irritates the membranes in the nose and throat which can block the airways and cause snoring. While quitting is easier said than done, it can bring quick snoring relief.

Avoid alcohol, sleeping pills, and sedatives because they relax the muscles in the throat and interfere with breathing. Also talk to your doctor about any prescription medications you’re taking, as some encourage a deeper level of sleep which can make snoring worse.

Be careful what you eat before bed. Research shows that eating large meals or consuming certain foods such as dairy or soymilk right before bedtime can make snoring worse.

Exercise in general can reduce snoring, even if it doesn’t lead to weight loss. That’s because when you tone various muscles in your body, such as your arms, legs, and abs, this leads to toning the muscles in your throat, which in turn can lead to less snoring. There are also specific exercises you can do to strengthen the muscles in your throat.

Six anti-snoring throat exercises

Studies show that by pronouncing certain vowel sounds and curling the tongue in specific ways, muscles in the upper respiratory tract are strengthened and therefore reduce snoring. The following exercises can help

  1. Repeat each vowel (a-e-i-o-u) out loud for three minutes a few times a day.
  2. Place the tip of your tongue behind your top front teeth. Slide your tongue backwards for three minutes a day.
  3. Close your mouth and purse your lips. Hold for 30 seconds.
  4. With your mouth open, move your jaw to the right and hold for 30 seconds. Repeat on the left side.
  5. With your mouth open, contract the muscle at the back of your throat repeatedly for 30 seconds. Tip: Look in the mirror to see the uvula (“the hanging ball”) move up and down.
  6. For a more fun exercise, simply spend time singing. Singing can increase muscle control in the throat and soft palate, reducing snoring caused by lax muscles.

Medical treatment for snoring

If you’ve tried self-help solutions for snoring without success, don’t give up hope. There are medical options that could make all the difference. New advances in the treatment of snoring are developing all the time and devices are becoming more effective and comfortable.

Talk to your primary physician or to an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor or ENT). Even if they recommend something that  was uncomfortable or didn’t work in the past, that doesn’t mean the same will be true now.

Medical cures for snoring

Your physician or otolaryngologist may recommend a medical device or surgical procedure such as:

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). To keep your airway open during sleep, a machine at your bedside blows pressurized air into a mask that you wear over your nose or face.

Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) uses a laser to shorten the uvula (the hanging soft tissue at the back of the throat) and to make small cuts in the soft palate either side. As the cuts heal, the surrounding tissues stiffen to prevent the vibrations that trigger snoring.

Palatal implants or the Pillar procedure, involves inserting small plastic implants into the soft palate which help prevent collapse of the soft palate that can cause snoring.

Somnoplasty uses low levels of radiofrequency heat to remove tissues of the uvula and soft palate that vibrate during snoring. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and takes about 30 minutes.

Custom-fitted dental devices and lower jaw-positioners help open your airway by bringing your lower jaw or your tongue forward during sleep. For best results, you will need to see a dentist who specializes in these devices.

Surgical procedures such as Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), Thermal Ablation Palatoplasty (TAP), tonsillectomy, and adenoidectomy, increase the size of your airway by surgically removing tissues or correcting abnormalities.

Snoring and your relationship

No matter how much you love each other, snoring can put a strain on your relationship. If you’re the one lying awake at night as your partner snores away, it’s easy to start feeling resentful. And if you’re the snorer, you may feel helpless, guilty, or even irritated with your partner for harping on about something you can’t control.

When snoring is a problem, relationship tension can grow in the following ways:

Sleeping in separate rooms. While this may be a solution for some couples, it can also take a toll on emotional and physical intimacy. And if you’re the one snoring, you might feel lonely, isolated, and unfairly punished.

Irritability due to sleep loss. Disrupted sleep isn’t just a problem for the non-snorer. Snoring is caused by disordered breathing, which means the snorer’s sleep quality also suffers. Poor sleep takes a toll on mood, thinking skills, judgment, and your ability to manage stress and conflict. This can explain why communication often breaks down when you and your partner try talking about the problem.

Partner resentment. When a non-snorer feels he or she has done everything possible to sleep through the night (ear plugs, sound machines, etc.) but the snorer doesn’t take any action to combat the snoring, it can lead to resentment. Working as a team to find a snoring cure can prevent future fights.

If you value your relationship, make it your priority to find a snoring cure so you can both sleep soundly. Working together to stop snoring can even be an opportunity to improve the quality of your bond and become more deeply connected.

Communicating with a partner who snores

So, you love everything about your partner, except their snoring. It’s normal. Even the most patient amongst us will draw the line at sleep deprivation. But no matter how much sleep you lose due to someone snoring, it’s important to handle the problem sensitively. It’s common to be irritable when sleep loss is an issue, but try reining in your frustration. You want to attack the snoring problem—not your sleep partner. Remember that your partner likely feels vulnerable, defensive, and even a little embarrassed about their snoring.

Time your talk carefully. Avoid middle of the night or early morning discussions when you’re both feeling exhausted.

Keep in mind it’s not intentional. Although it’s easy to feel like a victim when you lose sleep, remember that your partner isn’t keeping you awake on purpose.

Avoid lashing out. Sure, sleep deprivation is aggravating and can be damaging to your health, but try your best to approach the problem in a non-confrontational way.

Beware of bitterness. Make sure that latching onto snoring is not an outlet for other hidden resentments you’re harboring.

Use humor and playfulness to bring up the subject of snoring without hurting your partner’s feelings.
Laughing about it can ease tension. Just make sure it doesn’t turn into too much teasing.

Dealing with complaints about your snoring

It’s common to be caught off guard—not to mention to feel a little hurt—when a partner complains about your snoring. After all, you probably didn’t even realize it was happening. And although it might seem silly that snoring can cause such relationship turmoil, it’s a common and a very real problem.

If you dismiss your partner’s concerns and refuse to try to solve your snoring problem, you’re sending a clear message to your partner that you don’t care about their needs. This could mean your relationship is in trouble, and that’s a bigger problem than the snoring.

Keep the following in mind as you and your partner work together to find a solution to your snoring:

Snoring is a physical issue. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Like a pulled muscle or a common cold, improving the condition is in your hands.

Avoid taking it personally. Try not to take your partner’s frustration as a personal critique or attack. Your partner loves you, just not the snoring.

Take your partner seriously. Avoid minimizing complaints. Lack of sleep is a health hazard and can make your partner feel miserable all day.

Make it clear that you prioritize the relationship. If you and your partner have this understanding, you’ll both do what it takes to find a cure for the snoring.

Address inappropriate behavior. Although sleep deprivation can lead to moodiness and irritability, let your partner know that it’s not okay for them to throw an elbow jab or snap at you when you’re snoring.

General, Benefits

12 unbelievable uses of coconut oil that no one told you

01. Surprising benefits of coconut oil!

Ever wondered about the different ways in which coconut oil can be used? This marvel oil has been used in India for generations for a variety of reasons because of its different health benefits.

Doctor Priyanka Sampat, Ayurveda expert at Birla Ayurveda lists down some benefits.

02. Oral health

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic ritual where you swish oil around in your mouth for about 20 minutes and then spit it out. Removing oral bacteria helps in prevention of various diseases in and around the gums. Oil pulling with coconut oil should be done thrice a week for healthier gums!

03. Natural Moisturiser

Coconut oil is used to treat dead skin, while also enhancing complexion. Since it has no side effects, it is used to treat an array of skin problems such as psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and skin burns. Coconut oil also helps in removing stretch marks and enhancing epidermis to prevent cellulite. Apply a few drops of coconut oils on your lips regularly to prevent chapped lips!

04. Hair care

Coconut oil is extremely beneficial for hair growth and helps in adding shine to the strands. A five-minute scalp massage with coconut oil not only increases the blow circulation in the body, but also helps in the replenishment of lost nutrients. By regularly massaging with coconut oil, you can also ensure that your hair is dandruff free!

05. Joint pain

In Ayurveda, due to Pitta Vruddhi, coconut oil is used to ease the pain in arthritis. It improves the ability to absorb calcium and magnesium in the bones.

06. Weight loss

The oil extracted from fresh coconut meat contains more medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) (70-85%) than other coconut oils. MCFAs are easily oxidized lipids and are not stored in adipose tissue unlike long chain fatty acids (LCFAs). Thus, coconut oil containing mainly MCFAs may provide an ideal source for weight reduction.

07. Strengthens immunity

Coconut oil is a rich source of antimicrobial lipids like lauric acid and capric acid which possess antifungal and antibacterial properties. The micro flora in the saliva and gut help to break down the triglycerides in coconut oil into free fatty acids and glycerol, which have these immune strengthening effects.

08. Ideal for cooking

Amongst dietary oils, coconut oil is least vulnerable to oxidation, which makes it the safest for cooking. With a melting point of 76 Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius), it is a white solid fat below that temperature and is clear liquid oil above this temperature.

09. Helps manage diabetes

Coconut oil helps in controlling blood sugar level and improves the secretion of insulin. It also promotes effective utilization of blood glucose, thus treating and preventing diabetes.

10. Relieves stress

Coconut oil has soothing effect that eliminates fatigue and leaves you fresh and relaxed. According to several researches, virgin coconut oil gives relief from stress and is loaded with antioxidant properties.

11. Good for digestion

Good for digestion

Coconut oil is great for digestion as it helps the body to absorb fat-soluble vitamins, minerals, and amino acids and prevents various stomach and digestion-related problems.

12. Great for bone health

Great for bone health

Coconut oil has the ability to absorb important minerals in the body such as magnesium and calcium, which are necessary for the development of bones.

13. Improves heart health

Improves heart health

Coconut oil is loaded with saturated fat, which converts bad cholesterol into good cholesterol. Including a tsp of coconut oil in your diet helps in changing the ratio of HDL to LDL which automatically lowers the chances of developing heart disease.

General, Fitness, Health

We know why you don’t lose weight, but you can change that!

There are many factors behind the failure to lose weight and believe me; it’s not always just junk food or lack of exercise. Learn what can cause your faux pas when losing weight, and how easily you can change it!

You do not intake enough protein

Just as proteins play a role in gaining muscle mass, they also play an important role in the weight loss process. In several ways:

High protein intake increases metabolism

The thermal effect of food (TEF) is the process of digesting, absorbing and metabolising food, which occurs by taking in calories and then burning them. From the group of macronutrients, it is precisely the proteins that contribute the most to TEF. In percentage terms, proteins have about 20 to 30% thermal effect on digestion, with carbohydrates 5-10% and fats only 0-3%. High protein intake also helps prevent metabolic slowdown, which is a common side effect of weight loss. Besides, it helps prevent weight gain. Thus, high protein intake has been shown to increase metabolism as well as calories burned by 80 kcal to 100 kcal per day.

Proteins change the levels of weight-regulating hormones

Proteins change the levels of weight-regulating hormones

If someone tells you that the whole process of losing weight actually takes place only in your head, they are to some extent right. Bodyweight is directly connected to the brain; specifically, its part called the hypothalamus. This is where weight-regulating hormones gather and process various types of information, including what, when and how much you should eat. Higher protein intake has been shown to increase satiety-inducing hormone levels, such as GLP-1, YY peptides, or cholecystokinin, which also lowers the level of the hormone ghrelin, the so-called hunger hormone.

Proteins help prevent muscle loss

Loss of muscle mass is a side effect of weight loss. It occurs mainly if you do not include strength training in your impoverished process, or if you do not receive enough protein. They support the growth of muscles, which are directly responsible for the speed of metabolism. The less muscle you have, the slower your metabolism and the loss of unwanted fat stores will be more difficult. In other words, you burn much fewer calories. Consuming large amounts of protein can reduce muscle loss, which should help maintain a higher metabolic rate with body fat loss. 

Solution

Solution

If you are really serious about losing weight, you should focus on higher protein intake. The average adult needs a minimum of 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. In endurance athletes, the dose is higher, 1.2 to 1.4 g of protein per 1 kg of weight, and bodybuilders or bodybuilders, in turn, receive an average of 1.6 to 1.7 g of protein. [17]

Protein sources are genuinely scarce. You can find them in lean meat, fish, eggs, dairy products or legumes. If you want to have your protein intake under control, you can also reach after supplementation in the form of protein powders or drinks, which state the exact number of proteins taken per dose.

You don’t count your calorie intake

Calories are units of energy obtained from food that we use for several processes in the body. One of the most important factors in losing weight is tracking how many calories you intake and, conversely, how many calories you burn. If your goal is to lose weight, you should burn more calories than you intake during the day. 

The first step in calculating your caloric deficit is to know how many calories you consume per day, ie your total daily energy expenditure (TDEE). If you know this number, the second step is to determine your energy intake so that it does not exceed your TDEE. It consists of three basic parts:

  • basal metabolism (BMR) –  BMR refers to the calories that your body burns at rest during vital functions such as breathing.
  • thermal effect of food – These are the calories that your body burns by digesting, absorbing and metabolizing food.
  • thermogenic physical activity – Calories that you burn during any physical activity, such as sports, strengthening or even doing housework.

Solution

So if you set your calorie deficit correctly, your weight loss will be much easier. It is also true that the lower the caloric deficit, the slower the weight loss. At the same time, the slower the weight loss, the healthier and more effective it is.

See an example of achieving a weight loss of 0.45 kg per week:

daily intake 2000 kcal – if you burn 2,500 kcal daily = your caloric deficit is 500 kcal = weekly 3,500 kcal = – 0.45 kg per week .

How to calculate calorie intake? The easiest and most comfortable way is to entrust yourself to calorie charts or calculators. They will calculate your daily energy intake. Some calculators offer the ability to set a goal, whether you want to lose weight or gain weight, and based on that, you can set in advance, for example, how many calories you should take to achieve a caloric deficit.

You don’t do weights

You can burn a lot of calories with cardio training, but with this type of exercise, building muscle mass is more complicated. But did you know that 0.45 g of muscle can burn 10 to 20 calories a day, while 0.45 g of fat burns only 5 kcal? [8] Therefore, you should definitely not neglect strength training! Strength training increases the long-term burning of calories at rest (BMR), which results in higher weight reduction. Lifting weights can also help prevent metabolic slowdowns and ensure your body stays toned and muscular. 

Strength training increases long-term calorie burning

Solution

If your goal is to lose weight and your training plan consists only of cardio exercises, you should add weight lifting to it. Remember, however, that you should start with lower weights to avoid injury or unnecessary overtraining. If you do not know what ratio of cardio and strength training, you should incorporate into your training plan, contact a professional.

You eat a lot of simple sugars

Flavoured drinks or juices are often sweetened with fructose, a type of simple sugar. Unlike glucose, our body cannot process it so well. Some of the fructose is processed in the liver and the rest is stored in the body as fat stores. Therefore, excessive consumption of fructose can cause weight gain. [1] [9] Consequently, there is an increase in cholesterol levels, fat storage around body organs and many other health complications [8], such as:

  • more frequent development of tooth decay
  • the onset of obesity
  • the onset of type 2 diabetes
  • increased risk of cardiovascular disease
  • development of yeast infections
  • acne and skin deterioration
Simple sugars cause weight gain

However, you should not overdo it with other types of refined sugar. Refined sugar is high in calories, but has no additional nutritional benefit. It contains the so-called empty calories because it contains no proteins, fats, fibre or any vitamins, minerals or antioxidants.

Solution

If you want to lose weight, you should consider replacing classic sugar with more healthy natural sweeteners, such as agave syrup, honey, stevia or xylitol.

You don’t get enough sleep

Lack of sleep can also negatively affect your body weight. Poor and non-quality sleep is associated with a higher body mass index (BMI), and thus a subsequent weight gain. Experiencing sleep deprivation can affect the secretion of the stress hormone cortisol, which regulates your appetite. Several studies have also shown that people suffering from sleep deprivation have an increased appetite. This is probably due to the impact of sleep on two important hormones – ghrelin and leptin. Ghrelin signals hunger in the brain, andleptin signals hunger and signals fullness. If you do not get enough sleep, your body produces more ghrelin and less leptin, so your appetite will increase. Fatigue can also cause you to skip workouts, so you burn fewer calories a day.

Lack of sleep can negatively affect body weight

Solution

Treat yourself to a sufficient amount of quality and undisturbed sleep. Its length is individual and depends on the person, his physical condition and many other factors. On average, quality sleep should last from 7 to 9 hours. If you can’t reach the sleep limit at night, you can catch up with him during the day, for example in the afternoon siesta. 

You are not properly hydrated

Sufficient hydration is key to many processes in our body. Weight loss is no exception. The main symptoms of dehydration include fatigue, lethargy and headache, so your energy levels suffer, and you will have no desire to exercise. By maintaining optimal hydration, you will increase the level of energy and ensure the healthy running of your body.

Besides, fluid intake improves digestion and hydration through clean water helps to remove harmful substances from the body more effectively. Drinking water also reduces fluid retention and appetite. It is not for nothing that it is said that hunger is disguised as thirst. If you feel hungry, try drinking a glass of pure water before you eat. You will be surprised how many times your hunger and appetite pass.

Adherence to a drinking regime promotes weight loss

Solution

The solution to this problem is straightforward – follow the drinking regime! So how much water should you drink a day? It all depends on the person, his predisposition and physical activity, but on average women should drink about 2.7 litres of water and men 3.7 litres of water per day. 

You do not follow a conscious diet

Conscious eating is a sensitivity-based technique that gives you control over your eating habits.This will avoid emotional eating or overeating due to stress. This is because conscious eating has been shown to promote weight loss, reduce overeating and help you feel better.

Conscious eating promotes weight loss and prevents overeating

Solution

In order to achieve conscious eating, you should follow these 7 principles:

  • Eat slowly – it will help improve your digestion.
  • Chew every bite well.
  • Sit at the table to eat – never eat standing, give yourself enough peace and comfort while eating.
  • Do not eat directly from the package – the food on a plate or in a bowl looks more aesthetic and is guaranteed to taste better.
  • If you feel full, put the food aside – the goal of eating is not to overeat, but to achieve a feeling of fullness. If you reach it, you should not continue eating.
  • Get rid of distractions – when eating, you should focus only on food, so put away your cell phones, laptops, turn off the TV and enjoy your meal.
  • Pay attention to the consistency, smell and taste of the food – the food will take on a completely different dimension and you will recognize tastes or smells that you were not aware of before.

You have unrealistic expectations

Weight loss is a complex and lengthy process, the results of which are not visible after a few days, but require weeks or months of effort. Many people, therefore, tend to lose patience before reaching a specific goal. The reason may also be that they have set unachievable goals. If you aim to lose a certain number of kilograms in the shortest possible time, you will probably not succeed. At the beginning of your weight loss journey, you will lose more kilograms in a short period of time, but this process will stop over time, the rate of weight loss will slow down, and you will no longer see such marked changes. 

Another unrealistic goal may be to try to look like a specific fitness model. Not everyone can look like a magazine, and the people presented in this way have years of hard work behind them, which you will not catch up within a few months.

Solution

Set realistic, clear and guaranteed achievable goals. Find out how many kilograms you should lose per week to achieve a specific goal healthily, and what tools you will need to achieve it. If you are unsure, consult a nutrition and exercise expert.

You are stressed

For many people, stress can have a direct effect on their weight. If the levels of the stress hormone cortisol are high, it can lead to weight gain. This is because cortisol slows down the metabolism and increases the appetite for sugar, which is stored in the body in the form of belly fat during excessive intake. In addition, stress causes unhealthy habits such as:

  • emotional stress
  • less exercise
  • appetite for junk food
  • less sleep
  • skipping food
Stress causes unhealthy eating habits

Solution

Identify the stimuli that are causing you stress and try to eliminate them. You can also try breathing exercises or yoga, which has proven positive effects on reducing stress.

When losing weight, it is important to realise that it is primarily a permanent change in lifestyle, and by changing a single factor, you will not achieve the desired goal. Therefore, try to look at what you are doing on your way to the “slimmer self”, and you will find that everything is only in your hands. If something doesn’t work, you need to change it! We believe that our article will also help you with this.

Do you want your friends to know about these tips? Feel free to support the article by sharing it.

General, Health

Soybean oil linked to genetic changes in brain, claims study

Researchers discovered roughly 100 other genes also affected by the soybean oil diet

Consuming soybean oil may not only lead to obesity and diabetes, but also “affect neurological conditions like autism, and Alzheimer’s disease,” claims a study in mice by researchers, including one of Indian origin.

Researchers from the University of California – Riverside (UCR) in the US noted that soybean oil is used for fast food frying, added to packaged foods, and fed to livestock in many parts of the world.

The study, published in the journal Endocrinology, compared mice which were fed three different diets high in fat: soybean oil, soybean oil modified to be low in linoleic acid, and coconut oil.

In 2015, the same research team found that soybean oil induces obesity, diabetes, insulin resistance, and fatty liver in mice.

A 2017 study by the group showed that if soybean oil is engineered to be low in linoleic acid, it induces less obesity and insulin resistance.

However, in the latest study, the researchers, including study first author Poonamjot Deol from UCR, did not find any difference between the modified and unmodified soybean oil’s effects on the brain.

They found pronounced effects of the oil on the hypothalamus, a region of the brain where a number of critical processes take place.

“The hypothalamus regulates body weight via your metabolism, maintains body temperature, is critical for reproduction and physical growth as well as your response to stress,” said Margarita Curras-Collazo, an associate professor at UCR, and lead author of the study.

The team determined a number of genes in mice fed soybean oil were not functioning correctly.

One such gene produces the “love” hormone, oxytocin. In soybean oil-fed mice, levels of oxytocin in the hypothalamus went down.

The researchers discovered roughly 100 other genes also affected by the soybean oil diet.

They believe this discovery could have ramifications not just for energy metabolism, but also for proper brain function and diseases such as autism or Parkinson’s, the researchers said.

However, it is important to note there is no proof that the oil causes these diseases, they said.

The team noted the findings only apply to soybean oil — not to other soy products, or to other vegetable oils.

“Do not throw out your tofu, soymilk, edamame, or soy sauce,” said Frances Sladek, a UCR toxicologist, and professor of cell biology.

“Many soy products only contain small amounts of the oil, and large amounts of healthful compounds such as essential fatty acids and proteins,” Sladek said.

Since the research was conducted in mice, the researchers caution that the study might not translate to the same results in humans.

As oxytocin is so important for maternal health and promotes mother-child bonding, the researchers said similar studies need to be performed using female mice.

The researchers have not yet isolated which chemicals in the oil are responsible for the changes they found in the hypothalamus.

However, they have ruled out two candidates: linoleic acid, since the modified oil also produced genetic disruptions, and stigmasterol — a cholesterol-like chemical found naturally in soybean oil.

General, Fitness

Cold vs Flu 101: Essentials to Help You Fight Through the Flu Season

With the fall season in full swing, you may already have started noticing a nip in the air. If you’ve begun removing the sweaters stored at the back of the cupboard and gotten out thick blankets and shawls to keep the family warm, it’s also time to stock up on essentials to help prevent and treat a flu. This is important now more than ever, with COVID-19 looming over our heads, making children and the elderly more susceptible to falling ill during this time. But, avoid panicking if you notice your little one or anyone else in the family having the sniffles and mistake it for the coronavirus, as chances are it could just be a seasonal cold. In this article, we will discuss how to differentiate between a cold and flu, and make note of which essentials to keep on hand to prevent and treat the first instance of any illness.

Difference Between a Cold and Flu

Even after taking preventative measures, if you feel under the weather, the first step is diagnosing what exactly you have. So, is it a cold or flu? Find out!

Symptoms of a Cold

  • Stuffy or runny nose
  • Slight headache, in case of sinusitis
  • Sneezing
  • Coughing or sore throat
  • Feeling low

Symptoms of Flu

  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Mild to severe headache
  • Sore throat and dry cough
  • Moderate to high fever
  • Muscle and body ache
  • Chills
  • Extreme fatigue
Unwell mom with daughter

As seen above, a cold is a symptom of flu, but the flu brings along with it other distinguishing symptoms such as a fever, fatigue, body pain and more. Keeping a note of any rises in temperature can indicate that you have the flu, which an accurate and easy-to-use thermometer will help you with. The Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer is proven accurate by over 87 published clinical studies and comes with a host of features that make it user-friendly and a breeze to track temperature. With a digital LCD display that holds memories of up to 8 readings, all it needs is a gentle swipe across the forehead, and you have the result in 3-5 seconds. The soft glow display makes it easy to check your little one’s temperature in the night, without switching on the light and waking her up. Moreover, it is non-invasive and measures arterial temperature accurately, for a faster and smoother diagnosis. Knowing the right temperature is important, and accuracy matters in order to start the right treatment.

Essentials to Keep On Hand During Flu Season

Having the right items at home will allow you to focus on helping yourself, your little ones or your family members feel better, rather than running to the store at the last minute. Here are some essentials to stock up on during flu season to stay prepared and fight off the infection!

1. Tissues

Colds can spread through the household and infect family members, without proper care. It’s best to hoard up to tissues beforehand and make sure you use and dispose of them immediately to contain the infection. A handkerchief or rough paper towel may cause abrasions over time, so buy soft tissues to minimise chafing.

2. Heating Pad

A heating pad will provide relief to sore muscles and body pain, helping you combat chills and aches that are common symptoms of flu. Plus, warming up your body will also help fight off the infection faster, so invest in a good quality heating pad.

3. Separate Water Bottles

Many households often have a common water jug or bottle that everyone drinks from. But make sure that each family member gets a separate water bottle to drink from. Also, buy 1-litre bottles and make everyone drink at least 3-4 bottles of water a day to stay hydrated and get well faster.

4. Thermometer

A thermometer is a must-have, irrespective of the season. But this is the time when a thermometer can be your saving grace and detect any rises in temperature at the first instance. Track temperature twice a day, as rises in body temperature often happen in the evening due to the body’s circadian rhythm. It’s best to go for a non-invasive thermometer, as in-ear or rectal thermometers will only make the unwell person more irritable and uncomfortable. The Temporal Artery Thermometer by Exergen is perfect in such cases, as it is non-invasive and easy to use. It measures arterial heat balance and gives an accurate reading in 3-5 seconds, making sure that external factors like climate or consumption of hot beverages do not interfere with the reading. All it requires is a gentle swipe across the forehead, and you can immediately see the result on its digital LCD display. Its memory feature gives you some respite from writing down or remembering previous readings, so you can easily track temperature without much effort. With this thermometer in your arsenal, you can rest assured that any indication of fever will be detected at the earliest.

temporal artery thermometer

5. Sanitiser

This one product has proven to be very effective in preventing the transmission of viruses, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Stock up on sanitiser and make sure everyone disinfects their hands regularly, especially if they are feeling unwell. In case of dryness due to alcohol in the sanitiser, pick up a tub of cream and use it regularly.

6. Disinfectant Sprays

It’s only a matter of time for the virus to spread across the household once someone falls sick, and the culprit is often common surfaces around the house that everyone touches. Buy a disinfectant spray and regularly use it around the house to kill any lingering germs and keep everyone safe.

7. Medication

It is hard to sleep comfortably when sick. Decongestants, pain relievers and cough drops relieve some symptoms accompanying the flu, so the patient can rest comfortably. But don’t take this lightly, especially for children. Consult your doctor beforehand for a list of medicines and their usage and keep two separate kits- one for adults and one for kids. Always check with the doctor before administering any medication!

8. Humidifier

Humidifiers add moisture to the air and ease cold and chest congestion. Plus, they don’t allow your skin to dry out. Buy a humidifier for the room and clean it regularly, so that you can rest comfortably and recover faster.

Mom comforting unwell child

Tips to Prevent a Cold and Flu

If you’re worried about catching a cold during this season, here are some tips and tricks to increase immunity and stay safe!

1. Maintain Hygiene

Wash and sanitise your hands regularly and avoid stepping outside unless absolutely needed, especially during the pandemic. Don’t share any utensils or glasses with anyone in the family and disinfect surfaces in the house from time to time. Make sure every family member follows the same hygiene practices, no matter the age.

2. Eat Nutritious Food

Eat nutritious food throughout the day, making sure you cover all the food groups and have a balanced diet. Stick to home-cooked food using simple ingredients, and you’ll see the family’s immune systems stay strong!

3. Track Temperature Regularly

Temperature tracking has proven highly effective in diagnosing many infections, most importantly, the flu. Track temperature twice a day, if not more, for anyone who is feeling sick or prone to infection, especially kids. Exergen’s Temporal Artery Thermometer is the most preferred by doctors and nurses in the USA for temperature tracking. It requires minimal contact and shows readings after only a gentle swipe across the forehead. Its memory feature ensures you can detect any sudden rise in temperature that may be a cause for concern, and the soft LCD display makes it a breeze to check temperature at night. If your little one dislikes rectal or in-ear thermometers, the temporal artery thermometer will be her best friend, as it is non-invasive and takes under five seconds for a reading, so she can sleep or play comfortably. With accurate readings and easy usage, this one is a go-to thermometer for every household.

4. Stay Active

Exercise and stay active every day, even if you cannot go outdoors. Allotting an hour daily for the entire family to exercise together can help you motivate each other and makes for some fun bonding time too.

With flu season just beginning, it’s time to amp up your immunity game and take measures to stay safe. Eating healthy, tracking temperature and staying active, among others, work wonders to prevent cold and flu, and even recover quickly from illnesses. If you notice any symptoms worsening, make sure to contact your doctor immediately, who can give you the right advice. To health and happiness!

General, Beauty, Fitness, Women Health

How to Increase Breast Size Naturally?

Can you increase breast size? Well, the answer is yes. Most women would want to have the perfect body and for this, every woman would want to have perfectly shaped boobs that you can flaunt off.

Medically speaking, a surgery called breast augmentation is done to increase the size of your boobs. In this surgery, a surgeon places saline and silicone under the breast tissue to make it look puffed. Moreover, there can be serious complications associated with such a procedure. The average life-span of an individual would be 12 years. You wouldn’t want to get this one done.

Increase Breast Size Naturally

There are natural ways to increase boobs such as massage, enlargement exercises, dieting and enlargement pumps. This article will give you an insight into some of the best natural Side-Effect Freeways of breast enlargement.

Interesting Facts About Breasts

Breasts have a purpose and can do a lot more than you can imagine. Here are some interesting facts about boobs and it’s very purpose in a woman’s life.

  • Did you know that the left boob is bigger than the right? Yes, no two boobs appear to be the same.
  • Boobs move in the number 8 when you exercise.
  • Breast size changes almost 6 times in a woman’s entire life. This is because of the type of bra that is worn.
  • Your boobs get matured only after pregnancy and lactation.
  • Breasts naturally grow until 4 years after a woman’s first period.
  • Ancient Egyptians were the first to identify breast cancer that was documented on papyrus 3500 years ago. The hieroglyphs depicted bubbling tumours on boobs that cannot be healed.
  • Men can also get breast cancer. Yes, Peter Criss was the first man to have survived breast cancer.

How to Increase Breast Size at Home? Can You!

Yes, you can increase the size of your boobs naturally by massaging, breast enlargement exercises and foods that make it look bigger. Here is what you need to do to make it look big and flaunt it.

1. Breast Increase Foods

Foods such as milk products, fruits and nuts can aid in natural breast enlargement. Here are some healthy recipes that will ensure results in a month.

MilkYour boobs are entirely made of fat and consuming whole milk products that are rich in fat can increase boobs size.
PapayaPapaya mixed with milk increases breast size. However, if you are pregnant, it is not the fruit that needs to be added to your pregnancy diet.
Fenugreek seedsContains a rich source of estrogen that stimulates bigger boobs. Make a paste and mix with mustard oil and massage your breasts gently.
Fennel seedsAdd fennel seed powder to your food OR make a paste and mix it with olive oil and massage.
Flax seedsChew flax seeds OR add flax seed powder to your food.
NutsNuts have a rich source of monounsaturated fats that are essential for building breast tissue.
SoybeanSoybean is rich in phytoestrogens which is a hormone that is responsible for big boobs. It also prevents free radicals that cause cancer.

2. Yoga For Big Boobs?

Yoga has been a natural healing agent for thousands of healing. It unites the body with mind and helps you counter diseases from within. Moreover, when it comes to making boobs seem bigger, this ancient art can do it for you. Here is how yoga can make your boobs big.

BhujangasanaAlso known as cobra pose- you will have to lie down on your stomach joining your foot straight on the floor and put your hands on your chest. Repeat 10 times every day.
Ustrasana Camel pose is kneeling facing your head to the ceiling and bending your back to touch your feet. Repeat 10 times.This pose also benefits you with good digestion and reduces arms and thigh fat.
DwikonasanAlso known as a double angle pose- this asana includes standing, stretching both your hands backwards and locking it & bending down to touch your head to your knees. This is one of the best yoga exercises for big boobs.

3. Massage Oil For Big Boobs

Of course, massaging is one of the best ways to increase boob size. If your guy is using a cream or lotion to massage your breasts, well, there’s nothing that can match this pleasure. So what natural oils or lotions can you use to massage your boobs? Here is what you need to know.

  • Flaxseed oil
  • Breast enlargement creams
  • Fennel; and
  • Olive oil

How To Get A Boob Massage? 

The best natural way to increase boobs size is by getting an oil massage done. Here are some simple steps as to how to get one done.

Step 1: Move your hands around both boobs in a circulator way.

Step 2: Join both boobs together

Step 3: Repeat for 10 times every day using some of the above-listed natural oils.

NOTE: Do not do this for too long as it can lead to swelling and sensitivity. If this massage is done by your husband or boyfriend, the results will be faster.

4. Exercises for Big Boobs

There are a number of exercises that can increase the size of your boobs and here is what you need to know.

Breast Enlargement ExercisesHow To Do? 
Arm CirclesStep 1: Stretch out both your armsStep 2: Gently move it around backwards for 1 minute.Step 3: Gently move it round forward for 1 minuteStep 4: Then gently circulate it for 1 minuteStep 5: Repeat this for two minutes.
Arm PressesStep 1: Open your hands until they go behind and again.Step 2: Bring your hands front and back.Step 3: Repeat this for 1 minute.
Horizontal Chest PressStep 1: Stretch your arms in front of your body bend it in a 90-degree angle.Step 2: Open your arms wide and bring them back togetherStep 3: Repeat this for 1 minute.
Prayer PoseStep 1: Join both your handsStep 2: Then stretch both front and backStep 3: Repeat this 15 times.
Modified Push-UpsStep 1: Lie on the ground with your face facing the ground.Step 2: Place both your hands on the ground.Step 3: Push your body upwards and downwards.Step 4: Repeat this 15 times.

Can Supplements Increase Breast Size?

Yes, breast enlargement supplements do help you get bigger boobs. You don’t have to be worried because most supplements are made from natural ingredients and do not offer any side-effects. The only possible thing that can affect you is the cream, lotion or capsule can make you allergic. Make sure you consult a doctor before you opt to use breast enlargement supplements.

It is recommended that you use essential oils such as olive oil, tea tree oil and lavender oil to massage your boobs 10 times daily. These oils can also prevent you from risks of cancer and other allergies.

FAQs

Increasing breast size the natural way is good can boost your self-confidence and keep you relaxed. Here are some frequently asked questions that will shed more light on this topic and some of its other facets.

1. How to increase breast size in 7 days at home? 

Here is what you need to do. It’s simple!

  • Add estrogen rich foods to your everyday diet. (Apple, Fenugreek seeds, olive oil, oranges, peaches, dairy products, walnuts, ginger, peanuts etc.)
  • Regular breast massage. (Increases production of prolactin, a hormone that is responsible for breast enlargement).
  • Drink dandelion root tea every day. (Helps in growth of new breast cells and tissues). Must be consumed twice daily for better results.

2. Does breastfeeding make boobs permanently big?

No! A lactating mother’s breasts seem bigger because of its storage of milk in it. After breastfeeding comes to a halt, breast size tends to shrink.

3. Why does breast size increase after marriage?

Post marriage excitement builds as sex drives increase. During this stage, women’s nipples tend to erect due to sexual arousal. You will begin to notice that there are small veins visible often understood as a sign that breast size is increasing.

4. How much milk can a boob hold? 

A lactating mother can produce 30ml of milk every day. You will generally witness a rise in the number of milk produced from 30ml to 900ml in 40 days.

5. Does sucking increase breast size?

Absolutely not. Sucking stimulates sex drives and not make your boobs big. Consuming milk products will make it look bigger.

6. Does regular sex increase breast size?

No. Regular sex does not increase breast size. It is the estrogen levels produced by your boobs that is responsible for its increase. Of course, sex stimulates nipple effects and tightens breasts. But this gets normal after sexual intercourse. Moreover, this does not mean that regular sex increases breast size.

Breasts have an important purpose in producing milk and nutrition to a newborn infant. On the contrary, it helps certain women feel confident about their looks in society. There are few who want to increase its size and few who want to reduce it. Well, if you are looking for natural ways to increase boobs size, the above-mentioned exercises, massaging techniques and yoga poses will do you good.

General, Diet, Fitness, Foods, Health

What Is the Ayurvedic Diet? Benefits, Downsides, and More

The Ayurvedic diet is an eating pattern that’s been around for thousands of years.

It’s based on the principles of Ayurvedic medicine and focuses on balancing different types of energy within your body, which is said to improve health.

Unlike many other diets, the Ayurvedic diet provides personalized recommendations about which foods to eat and avoid based on your body type.

It’s also popular because it’s not only said to promote better health for your body but also your mind.

This article reviews all you need to know about the Ayurvedic diet, including its benefits, downsides, and foods to eat and avoid.

What is the Ayurvedic diet?

Ayurveda is a form of holistic medicine that’s focused on promoting balance between your body and mind.

According to Ayurveda, five elements make up the universe — vayu (air), jala (water), akash (space), teja (fire), and prithvi (earth).

These elements are believed to form three different doshas, which are defined as types of energy that circulate within your body. Each dosha is responsible for specific physiological functions.

For example, the pitta dosha controls hunger, thirst, and body temperature. Meanwhile, the vata dosha maintains electrolyte balance and movement, while the kapha dosha promotes joint function.

The Ayurvedic diet is a component of Ayurveda and has been practiced for thousands of years. It’s based on determining your dominant dosha and eating specific foods to promote balance between all three doshas.

How does it work?

The Ayurvedic diet is a type of eating plan that sets guidelines for when, how, and what you should eat based on your dosha, or body type.

Here are some of the main characteristics for each dosha to help you determine which type matches you best:

  • Pitta (fire + water). Intelligent, hard-working, and decisive. This dosha generally has a medium physical build, short temper, and may suffer from conditions like indigestion, heart disease, or high blood pressure.
  • Vata (air + space). Creative, energetic, and lively. People with this dosha are usually thin with a light frame and may struggle with digestive issues, fatigue, or anxiety when out of balance.
  • Kapha (earth + water). Naturally calm, grounded, and loyal. Those with a kapha dosha often have a sturdier frame and may have issues with weight gain, asthma, depression, or diabetes.

According to this diet, your dosha determines which foods you should eat to promote inner balance.

For example, the pitta dosha focuses on cooling, energizing foods and limits spices, nuts, and seeds.

Meanwhile, the vata dosha favors warm, moist, and grounding foods while restricting dried fruits, bitter herbs, and raw veggies.

Finally, the kapha dosha limits heavy foods like nuts, seeds, and oils in favor of fruits, veggies, and legumes.

Red meat, artificial sweeteners, and processed ingredients are limited for all three doshas. Instead, the Ayurvedic diet encourages eating healthy whole foods.

SUMMARY

The Ayurvedic diet is an eating pattern focused on promoting balance within your body by following guidelines for your specific dosha, or body type.

Benefits

Here are a few of the potential benefits of the Ayurvedic Diet.

Encourages whole foods

Although the Ayurvedic diet has specific guidelines for each dosha, the diet as a whole encourages eating whole foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes.

This can benefit your health greatly, as these foods are rich in many essential nutrients.

The diet also minimizes processed foods, which often lack fiber and important vitamins and minerals.

Studies show that eating higher amounts of processed foods may be associated with a higher risk of heart disease, cancer, and even death.

Thus, the Ayurvedic diet may help protect against chronic disease and promote better health. However, more studies are needed.

Could promote weight loss

Given that the Ayurvedic diet emphasizes nutrient-rich whole foods, it might boost weight loss.

While limited research is available on the Ayurvedic diet and weight loss, some studies have found that it may be effective in this regard.

For example, one study in 200 people with pitta or kapha doshas showed that following the Ayurvedic diet for three months led to significant weight loss. These people supposedly tend to be heavier than those with vata doshas.

Another small study found that following an Ayurveda-based lifestyle modification program, which included dietary changes and yoga classes, resulted in an average weight loss of 13 pounds (6 kg) over 9 months.

That said, large, high-quality studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Ayurvedic diet for weight loss in the general population.

Promotes mindfulness

In addition to what foods you eat, mindfulness is another major part of the Ayurvedic diet.

Mindfulness is a practice that involves paying close attention to how you feel in the present.

In particular, mindful eating emphasizes minimizing distractions during meals to focus on the taste, texture, and smell of your food.

According to one small study in 10 people, practicing mindful eating reduced body weight, depression, stress, and binge eating.

Mindful eating may also enhance self-control and promote a healthy relationship with food.

SUMMARY

The Ayurvedic diet emphasizes eating whole foods, which can improve your overall health and boost weight loss. The diet also encourages mindful eating, a practice that may promote a healthy relationship with food.

Downsides

Although there are several benefits associated with the Ayurvedic diet, there are drawbacks to consider.

Here are a few of the potential downsides of the Ayurvedic diet.

Can be confusing

One of the major issues with the Ayurvedic diet is that it can be confusing and difficult to follow.

Not only are there specific food lists for each dosha but also many additional rules to follow.

For example, the recommendations regarding which foods you should eat and avoid change throughout the year based on the season.

There are also suggestions for when, how often, and how much you should eat, which can be challenging — especially for those just getting started on the diet.

May feel overly restrictive

On the Ayurvedic diet, there are extensive lists of foods that you are advised to eat or avoid depending on your dosha.

This can mean cutting out healthy, whole foods or entire food groups that are thought to aggravate specific doshas.

Other ingredients like red meat or processed foods are also left out, which may require you to make significant modifications to your current diet.

This can feel overly restrictive and less flexible than other meal plans and may make it difficult to stick to the diet long term.

Often subjective

Another issue with the Ayurvedic diet is that it’s subjective.

The diet is centered around determining your dominant dosha, which is based on a set of physical and mental traits.

Although there are plenty of guidelines and online quizzes available to help ease the process, figuring out your dosha is not foolproof.

As the recommendations for the diet are tailored to each dosha, choosing the incorrect dosha could negatively impact your results.

Furthermore, no evidence currently supports the concept of doshas or the claim that your personality traits determine which foods you should eat and avoid.

Therefore, it’s unclear how beneficial the diet is, even if you correctly determine your dosha.

SUMMARY

The Ayurvedic diet can be confusing and may feel overly restrictive, especially as you start out. Also, the theory of doshas is subjective and not based on scientific evidence.

Foods to eat

In Ayurveda, foods are categorized based on their physical qualities and the way they are said to affect your body. This helps determine which ingredients work best for different doshas.

Below are some of the foods you should eat based on your specific dosha.

Pitta

  • Protein: poultry in small amounts, egg whites, tofu
  • Dairy: milk, ghee, butter
  • Fruits: sweet, fully ripe fruits like oranges, pears, pineapples, bananas, melons, and mangoes
  • Vegetables: sweet and bitter veggies, including cabbage, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, zucchini, leafy greens, sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, and Brussels sprouts
  • Legumes: chickpeas, lentils, mung beans, lima beans, black beans, kidney beans
  • Grains: barley, oats, basmati rice, wheat
  • Nuts and seeds: small amounts of pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, coconut
  • Herbs and spices: small amounts of black pepper, cumin, cinnamon, cilantro, dill, turmeric

Vata

  • Protein: small amounts of poultry, seafood, tofu
  • Dairy: milk, butter, yogurt, cheese, ghee
  • Fruits: fully ripe, sweet, and heavy fruits, such as bananas, blueberries, strawberries, grapefruit, mangoes, peaches, and plums
  • Vegetables: cooked vegetables, including beets, sweet potatoes, onions, radishes, turnips, carrots, and green beans
  • Legumes: chickpeas, lentils, mung beans
  • Grains: cooked oats, cooked rice
  • Nuts and seeds: any, including almonds, walnuts, pistachios, chia seeds, flax seeds, and sunflower seeds
  • Herbs and spices: cardamom, ginger, cumin, basil, cloves, oregano, thyme, black pepper

Kapha

  • Protein: poultry in small amounts, seafood, egg whites
  • Dairy: skim milk, goat milk, soy milk
  • Fruits: apples, blueberries, pears, pomegranates, cherries, and dried fruit like raisins, figs, and prunes
  • Vegetables: asparagus, leafy greens, onions, potatoes, mushrooms, radishes, okra
  • Legumes: any, including black beans, chickpeas, lentils, and navy beans
  • Grains: oats, rye, buckwheat, barley, corn, millet
  • Nuts and seeds: small amounts of pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds
  • Herbs and spices: any, including cumin, black pepper, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, basil, oregano, and thyme

SUMMARY

Depending on your dosha, there are specific guidelines regarding which foods to eat as part of an Ayurvedic diet.

Foods to avoid

Here are some of the foods you should limit or avoid based on your dosha.

Pitta

  • Proteins: red meat, seafood, egg yolks
  • Dairy: sour cream, cheese, buttermilk
  • Fruits: sour or unripe fruits, such as grapes, apricots, papaya, grapefruit, and sour cherries
  • Vegetables: chili peppers, beets, tomatoes, onions, eggplant
  • Grains: brown rice, millet, corn, rye
  • Nuts and seeds: almonds, cashews, peanuts, pine nuts, pistachios, walnuts, sesame seeds
  • Herbs and spices: any spices not included in the list above

Vata

  • Proteins: 
  • Fruits: dried, unripe, or light fruits, such as raisins, cranberries, pomegranates, and pears
  • Vegetables: any raw vegetables, as well as cooked broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, mushrooms, potatoes, and tomatoes
  • Legumes: beans, such as black beans, kidney beans, and navy beans
  • Grains: buckwheat, barley, rye, wheat, corn, quinoa, millet
  • Herbs and spices: bitter or astringent herbs like parsley, thyme, and coriander seed

Kapha

  • Proteins: red meat, shrimp, egg yolks
  • Fruits: bananas, coconuts, mangoes, fresh figs
  • Vegetables: sweet potatoes, tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers
  • Legumes: soybeans, kidney beans, miso
  • Grains: rice, wheat, cooked cereal
  • Nuts and seeds: cashews, pecans, pine nuts, Brazil nuts, sesame seeds, walnuts

SUMMARY

Based on your dosha, the Ayurvedic diet recommends that you limit or avoid certain foods.

The bottom line

The Ayurvedic diet is a meal plan based on the principles of Ayurvedic medicine, a form of traditional medicine dating back thousands of years.

The diet involves eating or restricting certain foods based on your dosha, or body type, which is claimed to boost weight loss and support mindfulness.

However, it can be confusing and restrictive, and it’s based on subjective assumptions about your personality and body type. Plus, its theories are not supported by scientific evidence.

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