Yearly Archive December 6, 2017

Byjoana

Summer skin tips

Summer is the month of fun and dreams. But if we want to preserve our skin health and good look, between our daily activities we should consider taking care of it. Summer impacts our skin, because of the heat. Sunlight is strong and harmful for the skin. Protecting yourself of getting pigmentation and other disasters is the key.

It’s necessary to protect our skin which isn’t covered from the sunbeams. Often those are: facial skin, hands, legs and arms. Protecting the facial skin is possible by using SPF. These creams are created to fight with sunlight reflection. Being better protected by skin creams with SPF, UVA, UVB is an easy way to avoid troubles. Those creams take care of harmful sunlight. Such creams make the skin gentle and mild, simultaneously it’s appropriate for sensitive skin. When we talk about skin care for the body a must is to take care of these body parts which are exposed to sunlight. There are many products – lotions, emulsions, body creams. We have to choose one appropriate to our skin type for the summer. It’s necessary to choose the right product that preferably contains SPF, UVA, UVB protecting, too.

 

Usually most of us forget to take care of our hair. Probably you use a hair dryer or go to a hair stylist and that’s all. Your hair needs care similar to your skin. Especially in the summer when the sunlight is even more harmful. If you don’t want to damage your hair, look for products which regenerate the hair deeply and take care in regard to its shine. For colored hair you need a product which protects the color from fading and hydrates the hair deeply. Don’t forget using a hair mask. This product takes care for the reconstruction, revitalization and hydration of the hair. Home care is important for those who want to or already have  good-looking hair.

 

In the summer it’s easier to concentrate on drinking more water and eating food that contains more water for a better body balance. Add rich in water fruits in your daily meal like: melon, watermelon, grapefruit, peach and strawberries. These fruits contain about 88% – 92% water. Those fruits are favourable to your skin hydration. Vegetables which help hydrating are: cucumbers – 96.72% water; salad iceberg lettuce – 95.7%; radishes – 95.3%; green pepper – 93.9%. There are a lot of recipes including delicious salads. Try some of them and enjoy your hydrating food.

 

What colors are your summer clothes? In this season its’ preferable to wear light tones. They aren’t attracting the sunlight. Avoid wearing dark colors – they aren’t appropriate in summer. Avoid standing out of shade. The direct contact with  sunbeams will harm your skin. You can also use accessories that protect you from sunlight. Carrying a cap could be your new trendy look while you’re protected from the sun. Take care of your eyes too by carrying sunglasses. Choose the one with high protection against the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Bycleverhealthtips

Get Rid of This Belly, Man

Women tend to gain fat in the thighs and hips (especially during childbearing years), but men are doomed to gain weight in their bellies. And the male belly comes in all shapes and sizes. That’s why fighting the bulge takes different approaches and strategies depending on your metabolism, your genetics, your will power, etc. Here are some simple rules you should follow if you want to get rid of this annoying belly fat.

Watch what you eat!

The weight loss plan for bellies includes healthy carbs, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grain and lean sources of protein – poultry, seafood, beans and lean pink meat. The diet must be low in trans and saturated fats. Avoid soda, white bread and sweets. You should eat three times a day, with each meal about the same size, plus one snack. Eating often boosts your energy levels and controls hunger.

Do the right training!

The best way to lose belly fat is with a suitable balance of muscle-building and fat-burning exercises. The most effective training includes:

  • Lunge Twist
  • Lunge Reach
  • Step Hop
  • Hands-Up Hop
  • Squat Jump

15 minutes a day is an effective start, but as a minimum half-hour a day (ideally 45-60 minutes), 5-6 times a week produces the greatest result.

Change your lifestyle!

There are several changes that are essential for losing belly fat. First of all, quit smoking – it increases visceral fat. Also sleep well, because studies found that constantly getting less than 6-hours sleep can result in greater abdominal fat in people around 40. And most of all – limit your stress levels. The “burnout syndrome” can cause you to pump out the hormone cortisol, which is the main reason for the visceral fat gain.

A flat belly is a badge of honour. It’s an outstanding sign that you keep fit. So get rid of this belly fat, man!

Bycleverhealthtips

How Many Hours Sleep Do You Need?

Sleep is the key indicator of well-being and good health. We spend up to 1/3 of our lives sleeping and the general condition of our sleep health is an essential question through our life. Getting plenty of rest each night is important to make your entire day more productive.

But how many hours of sleep do you actually need?

Researches cannot pinpoint an exact measure of sleep needed by individuals at different ages, but the chart of the National Sleep Foundation, which features maximum and minimum ranges for health as well as “recommended” windows, identifies the “rule-of-thumb” amounts specialists agree upon.

  • Older adults (65+): Sleep range is 7-8 hours
  • Adults (26-64): Sleep range did not change and remains 7-9 hours
  • Younger adults (18-25): Sleep range is 7-9 hours
  • Teenagers (14-17): Sleep range widened by one hour to 8-10 hours
  • School age children (6-13): Sleep range widened by one hour to 9-11 hours
  • Preschoolers (3-5): Sleep range widened by one hour to 10-13 hours
  • Toddlers (1-2 years): Sleep range widened by one hour to 11-14 hours
  • Infants (4-11 months): Sleep range widened two hours to 12-15 hours
  • Newborns (0-3 months): Sleep range narrowed to 14-17 hours each day

To open a new chapter where healthier lifestyle and healthier rest are a priority, start by assessing your individual needs.

Ask yourself: How does my body respond to the different amounts of sleep?; Am I experiencing sleep problems?; Do I depend on caffeine to get me through the day?; Do I feel sleepy when driving?; Am I productive after 7 hours of sleep?

If you are experiencing symptoms such as insomnia, sleepiness during the day, difficulty breathing during sleep, leg cramps, snoring, gasping or other symptoms that is preventing you from a good sleep, you should consult your primary care physician.

Above all, listen to your body and mind and make sleep a priority. You should plan sleeping like some other daily activity. So put it on your “daily agenda” and check it off each night.

Bycleverhealthtips

Superfoods for Stronger Nails and Bones

Did you know that your fingernails mirror your bone health? Believe it or not, the most important indicators of your bone health are your nails. Researchers found out that individuals with osteoporosis had weaker fingernails than those with normal bone density.

So look at your nails and find out whether everything is alright with your bones.

  • Dry nails can indicate a lack of calcium… or a lack of hydration.
  • Curved or rounded nail ends can be an indicator of Vitamin B 12 deficiency.
  • Spoon-shaped nails (the nail end curves up) can indicate a lack of iron.
  • Nail fungal infection indicates a lack of the “friendly” bacteria in the gut our systems need.
  • You need more  Vitamin B if your nails are fragile, with vertical and horizontal ridges.
  • White spots a potential indicator of zinc deficiency.
  • Very white, pale nails can indicate an anemia.
  • Frequent hangnails could mean  lack of sufficient folic acid, Vitamin C or protein.

Of course, the nail issues listed above, can have many causes and should be checked out by a health practitioner.

Feed your nails and bones

You can support strong nails and healthy bones by increasing your intake of certain foods. “Feeding” your nails and bones with food rich in calcium, selenium, iron, protein, zinc, beta-carotene and copper is essential to your health.

Salmon

Fatty fish like salmon offers bone boosting ingredients like Vitamin D, Vitamin B 12 and Omega 3 fatty acids. So eat up for your nails and your bones.

Oats

Oats include: potassium, magnesium, biotin and other B vitamins, anti-inflammatory properties, and protein. They are also filled with antioxidants and fiber. All of these promote healthy bones and fingernails.

Leafy Greens

Let’s not forget about the importance of our greens for our bone health. Leafy greens are possibly one of the top foods for your fingernails. They contain copper, magnesium, protein, zinc, Vitamins A and E, along with biotin and other B vitamins. Leafy greens contain raw, easy to assimilate nutrients that feed your nails, bones and skin.

Bycleverhealthtips

Fungal Infection – Causes, Types and Treatment

A fungus is an organism which lives in soil, in water, on plants and… in the human body. Only about 50% of all types of fungi are harmful, but most of them are really hard to kill. Some fungi are resistant to anti-fungal drugs, there are bacterial contaminations that no longer respond to antibiotics.

Causes

The infected skin has flakes and if other skin contacts flakes’ spores, there is a probability a new fungal infection to be developed. Public spaces like swimming pools, toilets, saunas and showers are places where fungal infections can strike up.

Here are the most common reasons for fungal infections:

  • Diabetes
  • Weak immune system
  • Steroid use
  • Overweight or obesity
  • Antibiotics
  • Have suffered from fungal infections on previous occasions

Types

The most common types of fungal infections are jock itch, athlete’s foot, and ringworm that can affect any part of the skin. Other wide-spread diseases are candidates (that can infect the vagina, mouth, and urinary tract) and onychomycosis that affects the nails. The seriousness of a fungal infection may vary from individual to individual.

Diagnosis

Fungal elements are sometimes hard to find, particularly if the tissue is extremely inflamed, so a negative result does not discover a fungal infection. Early fungal diagnostics are critical for effective treatment. Your GP will examine the infection and ask you about your symptoms. To confirm or establish the diagnosis of a fungal infection, hair, nail and skin tissue is collected for microscopy and mycology. For persistent infections, several other tests may be used for monitoring and diagnosis.

Treatment

Many patients suffering from fungal infection are using natural treatments. Unfortunately, there are some disadvantages from the usage of these home remedies. It is proved that their effectiveness is much lower than the one of chemical products and many people do not have the patience in order to complete the natural treatment. On the other hand, drugs used for systemic infections usually include highly toxic ingredients. It is essential to read the information leaflet that comes with your medicine for a full list of possible side-effects and cautions.

In conclusion, the best advice you can get is from a specialist. He will tell you the pros and cons of virtually every method of treating fungal infection. This way you will choose the safest method for your problem.

Byjoana

Snoring and ignorance: Ruining your health more than expected!

Do you or your husband snore?

It’s not easy to live with someone who snores. Many people with similar problems have hardship in their relationship or even get divorced. Snoring disturbs your daily rhythm of life, since your sleep is less effective. We all know how hard it is to work without rest. If you or someone in your family suffers from snoring, surely you know what I mean. But in fact this is the smallest problem. The main damage snoring causes is to destroy your health.

 

Research has proven that snoring causes:

  • Breathing disorder also called – sleep apnea
  • Respiratory arrest
  • Harms to the brain – memory; movement coordination; concentration. It causes stress to the human organism.

Snoring increases the blood pressure, leading to lack of oxygen, which could be a reason to get a heart attack. In addition to all these issues it can cause chronic fatigue, too.

 

 

Reasons for snoring could be:

  • Running nose
  • Sinusitis
  • Sick tonsils
    Luckily there are different ways to cope up with snoring. Nowadays it’s better to try some of them instead of taking the risk of having snore disorder.
    1. Overweight is the first thing you need to overcome. It limits your breathing power. Your organism reacts with loud snoring to the needless weight.
  • 2. If you’re a connoisseur of alcoholic drinks in the evenings you should consider stopping this habit. The alcohol impacts the breath rhythm and activates snoring.
  • 3. There are different anti-snoring products on the market that can help you. You may try anti-snoring patches or other product for better breathing.
  • 4. The possibility of surgery also exists. Visit a doctor for available treatment options.
  • Whatever you do, don’t forget to take care of your family and yourself. Damage of snoring could be bad for your health and for your relationship or marriage. It’s better to take precautions before snoring gets loud and insufferable.
Bycleverhealthtips

How to overcome the connection between sight decay and headache

Do you feel muscle pain in the neck and shoulders? Perhaps, you are experiencing blurry vision and dry eyes or a constant headache? These are all symptoms of computer or digital eye strain, experienced by more than 65% of Americans.

Causes

The continuous use of the computer, improper viewing distance and poor seating posture are the main reasons for digital eye strain. With so many of us using computers at work, the vision problem has progressed toward becoming a major job-related complaint. But working adults are not the only ones affected by digital eye strain. Kids and teenagers who stare at tablets and computers during the day at school can have issues, too.

Viewing the computer screen often makes your eyes work harder. They react to changing images on the screen and send signals to your brain so you can process what you are seeing. PC users with minor refractive errors may not notice any visual problems. But without proper vision correction, their performance on a particular task can suffer significantly. Improving the visual status of workers is essential for greater productivity, as well as improved visual comfort.

Treatment

We live in a technology-driven world. It might be difficult to limit the use of digital devices in our daily lives. But there are some important factors in reducing and preventing the symptoms of computer eye strain.

Here are 5 easy steps:

  1. To limit your chances of developing dry eye when using a PC, try to blink frequently. Blinking keeps the front surface of the eyes moist.
  2. The proper location of the computer screen will give comfort to your eyes. It should be 15-20 degrees below eye level.
  3. Position the computer screen to avoid glare, particularly from windows and overhead lighting. Use drapes on windows. You should also replace the light bulbs with bulbs of lower wattage.
  4. Get the right seating position – chairs should be comfortably padded. Their height should be adjusted so your feet rest flat on the floor. Your wrists should not rest on the keyboard when typing.
  5. To reduce the risk of tiring your eyes by constantly focusing on your screen, you should look away from your PC at least every 20 minutes and gaze at a distant object for at least 20 seconds.

Consult with a local optometrist or ophthalmologist who can tell you about additional factors that may impact your eye comfort while on the computer.

Bycleverhealthtips

Depression Treatment Without Medication

Fighting the effects of depressive disorder is hard enough, and being disappointed in the lack of treatment response can result in a deep sense of despair. Pile on top of these various side effects from the drugs and antidepressant, treatment can become unbearable. Some of the side effects include:

  • Nausea and diarrhea
  • Increased appetite and weight gain
  • Insomnia
  • Dry mouth
  • Anxiety
  • Constipation
  • Blurred vision
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue and drowsiness
  • Sexual dysfunction and loss of libido
  • Irritability

The latest studies have also debunked the claims of pharmaceutical companies’ efficacy of antidepressants in treating depression.  That’s why you can try some alternative options in depression treatment, such as:

  • Brain stimulation therapy can play a role in treating depression. Deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) is an effective and safe method for fighting depression symptoms that uses the ability of magnets to activate nerve cells in the brain.
  • Some foods can boost levels of serotonin, a mood-enhancing brain chemical. Such foods are fish (high in omega-3 and proteins), nuts and seed products.
  • Physical exercise and daily workout have a powerful impact on mood by the release of certain brain hormones called endorphins.
  • Mind-body activities can promote overall centeredness and relaxation, which can positively impact mood.  Some of them are mindfulness exercises, yoga, prayer or meditation, guided imagery, journaling and massage therapy.
  • Exposure to sunlight increases vitamin D levels, which boost mood. You can try a therapeutic light box can help in areas that have little sunlight.
  • Get help when you need it. Reaching out for support from family, friends and professionals is part of self-help because discussing makes you feel better.
  • Avoid alcohol, which is a depressant and coffee, which reduces serotonin levels.

And remember, even if you’re doing all of the above, nothing will boost your mood like having a sense of purpose. Find your passion in life and follow it!

Byjoana

Winter skin care tips

Did you know we should take care of our skin even more in the cold winter days than in the summer? In the winter our skin is in risk even more, because the low temperature, cold weather and blizzards cause cracks on the skin. Furthermore most people forget to drink liquids just because we don’t feel this necessity – we don’t feel thirsty like in the summer. Here are some winter skin care tips specially for you.

1. You must take care of your skin. Use hydrating cream for your skin every time after you have a bath. After shower your skin is warm and that is the best moment to apply body cream. It will be more beneficial for your skin. Take care of facial skin as well. You should use SPF cream for your face in the winter, too. Did you know that the sunlight reflection from the snow is 80% compared to 17% sunlight reflection from sand in the summer and this reflection harms your facial skin? That’s why you must protect your facial skin with SPF cream. Your lips need to be protected, too. Use vaseline lip to keep them healthy without cracks. Apply hand cream more often during the day. The hands are frequently uncovered and they need care to be protect.

2. Avoid dehydration by drinking more liquids. Most of us don’t drink enough water in the winter just because the body doesn’t remind us as during the summer. But you need plenty of water in the winter too, to keep your skin in good health. If you feel harmed to drink more water in cold days, try to drink another healthy liquid like warm herbal tea or make your own magical elixir with lemon, honey and water. If you prefer you could add ginger, too. This’s amazing non-alcoholic cocktail would help you to keep your skin hydrated and simultaneously protect your body from cold.

 

 

3. We spend more time at home in the winter and that gives us the possibility to take care of our skin better. You can use cold winter evenings to take special care for the facial skin. Winter is the season when the skin needs oil products. You could use macadamia oil, almond oil, coconut oil and every kind of oil which you know. The oils have stunning effect to our skin. Use it in the evening after the skin is cleaned and applying it with gentle massage on your face. The oils are rich in vitamins and helpful for anti-aging. Oils in combination with face massage are beneficial to your skin.

 

4. What kind of food do you prefer during the winter? Most people forget about having a healthy nutrition in this season. It’s hard to choose salad in this cold period and the level of vitamins for our bodies lowers down. But we have a good way to cope with this. There are too many kinds of seeds which you could add to your daily meal. For example – chia seeds contains vitamins A, B, E, D – which are good for the skin, flax seeds are rich in omega 3 fatty acids which fight with aging. You could mix them with other vegetables in a blender or in the main dish. The seeds are very healthy for your young-looking skin, also as precautions for your health. Thrust seeds to cope with skin stress in the winter.

Bycleverhealthtips

Eat to Lose Weight

1 food calorie equals 1 kilo-calorie, but not all calories are created equal. That’s why different types of calories affect our body differently. Calories can have vastly various effects on hormones and hunger. The things that matter when getting in shape are the food you choose and the workout you do for weight loss. The golden rule is to eat less than you burn.

Here are the 5 most weight loss-friendly foods, that will boost your metabolism and help you shed pounds.

1. Eggs

Eggs are a killer weight loss food and a nutritional powerhouse.

Researches prove that whole eggs help protect heart health in those at increased risk of disease. The egg-based breakfasts promote feelings of fullness for several hours in overweight people by reducing hunger. Studies also show that those who ate 3 eggs for breakfast consumed 400 fewer calories per day and had a 16% greater reduction in body fat, compared to those who ate a bagel breakfast.

Eating eggs increases metabolic rate by about 20–35% for several hours after consuming. Including eggs in your diet will help you burn fat.

2. Fish

Fishes like trout, salmon, tuna, cod and haddock are rich in essential nutrients and omega-3 fatty acids which are perfect for the heart and brain. Moreover, researches prove that the oily fish is the best for weight loss. You can replace your usual serving of pork, beef or poultry with fish. It will make you feel fuller and can help you decrease the number of calories you consume in your diet by reducing hunger and cravings.

Be careful, because due to pollution of the oceans, some fish may contain contaminants.

3. Honey

While you don’t ordinarily consider sweeteners as diet foods, honey is an exception. It has been well-studied for its health advantages – its antioxidants and antimicrobial properties prevent genetic mutations and protect the cells from damage. Honey also might help with weight loss, but is still high in calories, so you should eat it in moderation.

4. Nuts

Nuts are rich in healthy fats, high in protein and low in simple carbohydrates. They stimulate your body to burn excess fat, because nuts make an incredibly versatile addition to your diet.

Keep calories in mind when eating nuts for weight loss, because they are an incredibly energy dense food. Researchers found that consuming nuts is associated with better diet compliance and helps reducing the risks of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

5. Yogurt

It is a low-fat food packed with calcium as well as protein. With the yogurt’s trifecta of fat, carbs, protein it can make you full and ward off hunger by keeping blood sugar levels steady. Go for 2% with whole milk, instead of choosing the non-fat kind to wind up hungriness. Yogurt has no added fat and provides all the advantages of dairy. Because of the way it is made, yogurt contains more calcium and protein per serving than other dairy product.

Eat yogurt every day for consistent weight loss.

Whether you want to get healthier or lose weight, these 5 superfoods will help you get there.