Category: Health

Did you know that the area of your face or body where you have been noticing acne outbreaks the most may actually indicate some internal problem? Also known as facial mapping, this method is the ideal way to determine the possible root cause of your acne. This technique is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine whose practitioners claim that there are specific areas of the body that are linked with the major organs. Remember, our skin is a mirror of our health so make sure you pay enough attention to it.

To learn more about whether your acne is a result of a poor liver function or hormonal imbalances, continue reading this article!

Acne Face Map

1^st area

This refers to the chin and neck area and having acne and pimple outbreaks in this zone may be a symptom of excessive stress, some adrenal gland problem, or high intake of soda drinks and sugar.

2^nd & 3^rd area

This stands for pimples on the shoulders and having outbreaks in this part of the body may be a result of too much stress and poor immunity. You should find adequate ways to cope with the stress in your life like meditation or breathing techniques.

4^rd area

This is the chest zone and having acnes in this part of the body may be a consequence of high amounts of junk food and poor digestion. To resolve this, try to eat more whole and organic foods.

5^th & 6^th area

Having acne on the arms may be an indicator of lack of vitamins. To better your health, enrich your diet with different types of veggies and fruits. Avoid the supplement versions.

7^th area

Having acne in the stomach usually, develop as a result of high levels of blood sugar. To address this issue, lower the intake of artificial sugar and bread and up the consumption of vegetables and fruits.

8^th area

Having acne in the lower abdomen may be a consequence of poor hygiene.

9^th & 10^th area

Having acne on the upper legs and hips may be a symptom of some allergy to cosmetic products or laundry detergents. Sometimes, having acne in the lower legs may develop as a consequence of shaving or waxing, so make sure they are always clean before using them.

11^th & 12^th area

Having acne in the back and upper part of the back may develop as a result of high amount of calories consumed, as well as a sign of poor sleep and mental overload.

13^th & 14^th area

Acne on the buttocks may appear as a result of indigestion or an unhealthy diet. Make adequate changes in your nutrition so that you improve your condition.

A lot of people suffer from headaches and there are always different tricks which can help soothe them. If you increase your water intake and you start to eat more bananas you will notice how the pain leaves. There are different types of headaches and this is why it’s important to consult the doctor and diagnose the symptoms well because that’s the only way you can treat it correctly.

Not all treatments can cure all types of headaches and this is why you need to watch out for the symptoms. Headaches can be caused by dehydration and fatigue, however, there might be an even deeper and more serious problem.

According to Dr. Sakib Qureshi MD a recognized neurologist, headaches can be often times manifested by “red light warning signals” and this is why it is important to make sure you distinguish between common headaches and headaches which can indicate a health issue.

There are 4 most common headache types and if you learn to recognize the symptoms, you will be able to treat them easily.

Below, we will present you some natural treatments which will help you overcome those annoying headaches:

Sinus Headaches

If you have a sinus inflammation, then you might be feeling a strong sinus headache. Usually, this inflammation leads to pressure which is felt on the forehead, eyes, and cheeks. Additionally, you might be experiencing a fever.

The treatment: try to drink more liquids and especially warm water which can open your sinuses and reduce the inflammation.  If possible, try to eat more fruit such as oranges and drink more tea with lemon and this way you will help your body fight different infections with the help of antioxidants. Moreover, you can try to apply cold and hot compresses, eat fresh ginger and soup since they all have pain-reducing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Tension Headaches

This is the most common type of a headache and it is mostly manifested by a constant pressure on the head, especially in the neck and the back of the head.

Moreover, you can feel pain in the eye area which might additionally cause vomiting or nausea. According to the symptoms, medical experts believe that this headache is caused by stress which contracts the muscles on the scalp and neck.

The treatment: mix some ginger tea and peppermint oil and massage your hairline with this mixture. You will feel a cooling sensation which will relax your neck and head muscles and ginger tea will reduce the inflammation.

Cluster Headaches

These headaches are most common in the eye area and they affect females. They often happen in a cycle or a group, suddenly and they cause a strong pain on one side of the head. If you feel nasal congestions, a watery eye and a runny nose then you might be getting a cluster headache. Its cause hasn’t been confirmed.

The treatment: capsaicin consists of cayenne pepper which is applied through the nose can hinder the pain signals and thus, relieve your pain.

A migraine

Between the age of 25-55, you are more prone to experiencing headaches. There are about 38 million people in the USA which suffer from migraines. Migraines are the most complicated types of headaches since they are manifested by a severe, throbbing pain only on one side of the head. Not so often, the migraine can attack both sides of the head.

Migraines are usually combined with other symptoms like dizziness, visual disturbances, nausea, vomiting and extreme sensitivity to sound, touch, smell, and light.

The treatment: according to some studies migraines can be treated with omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium and vitamin B12. Make sure you include enough of these products in your diet and you will help relieve your migraines.

Processed food contains different types of sugar and we need to differentiate between them so we can maintain a healthy diet and avoid the side effects of sugar intake.

A lot of people think that the sugar that comes from fruit such as fruit juices and agave is ok for your body, however, the truth is that it can be really dangerous. Our biggest problem is the fact that we don’t recognize the foods that increase our sugar intake. For example, drinking bottled apple juice will increase your sugar intake.

Make sure your block your sugar cravings!

You need to stay focused and stay away from sugar. Once you do this, you will start feeling energized and concentrated. There has to be a period of transition where you will decrease your sugar intake. You need to make sure which foods contain how much sugar and in which amount you are allowed to take them.

What are the effects of sugar consumption?

Once you start avoiding sugar you need to start measuring yourself, including body proportions and weight. Moreover, you need to start reviewing the number of calories you consume daily and try to avoid fructose.

You also need to be aware that sugar is capable of sustaining parasites, microbes, and yeast in your gut which leads to excessive gas and bloating. Sugar can also cause more serious side effect such as exhaustion, migraines, and weight gain.

Although mineral deficiencies in people are more common than vitamin deficiencies, medical researchers have proven that vitamin deficiencies are a big concern. According to some estimations, there is around 25 percent of adult people who suffer from Vitamin B12 deficiency and you need to take good care of your body through your diet in order to improve your Vitamin B12 levels.

An overview of Vitamin B12

If you need to get through an afternoon meeting, or an intense workout that you don’t want to do then vitamin B12 is the right thing for you. It also promotes weight loss and it can be used as a supplement in your daily diet. Vitamin B12 helps transport oxygen to blood cells and that is why it can make you feel as if you have more energy since it enables the production of more oxygenated blood cells.

Why do you need it?

According to Dr. Mercola, Vitamin B12 is really essential for our body since it can help with multiple body processes and aid the proper functioning of different body systems:

• Improved digestion
• Good circulation
• Circulation of red blood cells
• Improved reproductive health in women
• Adrenal hormone production
• Carbohydrate and fat metabolism
• Proper nervous system functioning
• Mental clarity and memory function

Who is at risk for deficiency of Vitamin B12?

There are a few groups of people who might be at risk for B12 deficiency due to their diet and lifestyle. Some of these include:

• Vegans who don’t eat any animal products
• People over 60 who suffer from stomach acid
• People that use Metformin to treat their diabetes

What are the symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency?

• Inability to keep your eyes open
• Nerve damage which might cause a tingling sensation in your legs hands and feet
• Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause memory loss especially in young individuals
• Dizziness as a result of not enough oxygen
• Yellow skin which can start deteriorating as a result of Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Losing the ability to taste and recognize food which might be caused by not enough B12
• Unbalanced dopamine and serotonin levels which can lead to anxiety and depression
• Optic nerve damage which causes double, or blurred vision

Foods rich in Vitamin B12

You need to be aware that plants don’t produce Vitamin B12 since they don’t need it. The only sources to get this vitamin from are fortified or animal products. Below, we present you some foods that have vitamin B12:

• Dairy food (cow milk, cottage cheese, yogurt and cream cheese)
• Seafood (shrimps, scallops, cod, salmon, and tuna)
• Meat (beef, lamb, pork, goat, turkey)
• Vegan sources (fortified coconut milk and nutritional yeast)

If your diet is not providing you with enough Vitamin B12, then you need to start using supplements which will enable your body to function properly.

Even since we were little children we were told that we need to drink milk to make our bones stronger. And now that we’re adults, doctors try to emphasize the importance of consuming enough calcium. You must be aware of the importance of calcium, calcium deficiency is dangerous especially if you are a woman. The recommended dose of calcium for men and women between 19-50 is around 1000 mg and women over 51 and men over 71 should consume around 1200 mg. These numbers have been confirmed by the National Institute of Health, as well as the Food and Nutrition Board.

Medical News warns that diets that are low in calcium can cause the body to release a hormone known as PTH. PTH helps balance the decreased calcium levels in your blood. Not having enough calcium can put you at a risk for osteoporosis.

Below, we present you the symptoms of calcium deficiency:

1. Leg cramps can be felt in the calves, quads and hamstrings. They are usually a sign of calcium deficiency since they cause your nerve endings to spasm.
2. Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet can be another result of cramping nerve endings.
3. Cavities are a symptom that shows your body is low in calcium. This usually happens when your body doesn’t get enough calcium through food and it starts getting the calcium from other sources in your body such as your teeth.
4. Peeling nails are another symptom of calcium deficiency and this means that you need to start eating more dairy products, green vegetables and to switch to fortified foods. After a while you will notice a change in your nail strength.
5. Sleeping problems are also caused by calcium deficiency. In order for the body to go into deep sleep, melatonin needs to be produced and calcium helps in this process. If you suffer from calcium deficiency, you won’t be able to get your body to the level of deep sleep.
6. Having a humped posture is a sign that your bones have become weak as a result of calcium deficiency and that your body is responding by stooping. Feeling back and neck pain can also be signs of calcium deficiency.
7. Memory loss and hallucinations are neurological symptoms which can be explained as a result of calcium deficiency.

Seizures might appear as a result of calcium deficiency. It is important since it aids the process of neurotransmission and muscle contractions

The accumulation of water in the tissues, which is a result of the body liquids imbalance, is known as fluid retention. In order to maintain a healthy balance of our hormones, we need to keep them stable and this requires drinking a lot of water. The excess amount of water we consume can never be harmful, since it is flushed away, through our kidneys, in the form of sweat or urine.

You should avoid the following things in order to prevent water retention:

• Foods which contain too much sodium

Sodium is an ingredient in almost any food we consume, but if we don’t drink enough water to balance out the levels then, we might experience some problems i.e. fluid retention.

• Processed foods

This type of food contains a lot of sugar and sodium which can be a cause of edema.

• Dehydration

If you don’t drink enough water, you will become dehydrated, since your body will start working on retaining water to survive and consequently, this can lead to tissue swelling.

• Vitamin B6 deficiency

If you lack vitamin B6, you might experience fluid retention. So, try to improve the levels of vitamin B6 by eating more tuna, potatoes, sunflower seeds, bananas, chicken or pistachios.

• Magnesium deficiency

One of the essential minerals for our health is magnesium since it has an important part in different functions. Our body requires at least 200 mg of Magnesium a day. If you follow this rule, you’ll be able to avoid fluid retention. You can also try improving your magnesium levels by consuming more nuts, dried fruits, whole grains, spinach, and avocado.

Follow this tips to prevent fluid retention:

• Start exercising to improve your circulation
• Lift your legs up while resting, so you avoid swelling
• Eat more fruits and vegetables
• Stop wearing tight clothes, which can stop your circulation.

A glass of warm lemon water in the morning has become essential around the world and it is not without a reason. Namely, it is considered to be a very good beverage which is full of vitamins and minerals which do wonders for our health.

Lemon water can improve your digestion and immune system and it also promotes weight loss and it works on alkalizing our bodies.

• Acne treatment

Lemon water is able to treat different issues and it can prevent acne outbursts and different skin problems. If you rub a fresh lemon on your face, you can clean it from all the dirt that’s accumulated during the day.

• Eliminates kidney stones

Lemons contain a lot of potassium which is able to raise the levels of citrate in our urine and thus hinder the creation of oxalates which are the mean reason kidney stones appear.

• Immune system improvement

It will improve the function of your lymphatic system. It will eliminate different pathogens which can disrupt your immunity.

• Manages your cravings and promotes weight loss

By drinking lemon water on a daily basis i.e. in the morning you will be able to regulate your sugar levels. It allows you this since it contains a fiber known under the name pectin and this fiber will help you control your appetite. Also, it will improve your metabolism and you will be able to lose weight much easier.

• Gallbladder pain treatment

If you consume lemon water together with your meals, you will be able to reduce the pain you’ve been feeling in your gallbladder.

• Cold and flu treatment

Since lemons are rich in vitamin C they have an antibacterial property and are highly effective in the treatment of colds and flu.

• Relieves GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease can be treated by a simple glass of lemon water in the morning. It will make you feel much better in a few weeks.

• Stronger nails

If you drink it regularly, you’ll notice the white spots on your nails disappear.

• Food poisoning prevention

Drink lemon water and avoid food poisoning especially when you are traveling abroad.

• Fibromyalgia treatment

This unpleasant condition can be treated with simple yoga classes and a glass of lemon water.

• Reduce inflammation

As an alkalizing food lemon can help you neutralize acids in your organism and thus maintain good Ph levels. Eventually, this will reduce inflammation and it will reduce the risk of different serious diseases.

• Sore muscles relief

Once you are done with your exercising try drinking lemon water. So, you can reduce the risk of having muscle pain and soreness.

• Relieve joint pain and swelling

Joint diseases such as arthritis can be treated and neutralized with lemon water. After a while, you will start noticing how the swelling goes down and the pain will disappear.

In order to keep our body running smoothly, we need to consume a certain amount of water daily. 10 Signs that show you need to drink more water immediately.

The composition of the human body

• Kidneys and Muscles-73%
• Blood-83%
• Lungs-90%

When we perspire, urinate and breathe we lose water and need to have our daily top-ups of H₂O. Some researchers show that males need to drink around 3 liters of water per day and females around 2.2 liters of water per day, in order to achieve an optimal hydration. If you don’t consume the recommended amount of water, you might dehydrate and experience different symptoms which are related to this.

1. Dark, yellow and smelly urine

If your urine is dark, yellow and smelly it means that you are not consuming enough water. The normal urine color is a light yellow and if you don’t have your daily water amount, your kidneys start to produce a higher concentration of waste which includes toxins, dead blood cells, proteins or other products that need to be excreted and consequently, your urine turns dark.

Also, if you consume certain medicaments such as B-vitamins, or vegetables as beets and asparagus your urine can change its normal color. So, if you notice a different color, first consider what you’ve eaten recently and if it can be a food-related change. Then, start with a water treatment. Drink more water and if after this you notice the color is not going back to normal it means that you might be facing some more serious conditions such as gallstones or hepatitis.

2. Reduced urine output

The normal urination routine is 6-7 times per day. If you don’t drink enough water, your body I not able to replace the fluids that need to be excreted. Your kidneys start retaining fluid in order to prevent dehydration. If you notice you are not going to the bathroom enough make sure you increase your daily water intake.

3. Dry skin and wrinkles

Some people spend a lot of money on expensive skin care products such as moisturizers, in order to keep their skin soft and smooth. There are even expensive cosmetic procedures which people use to eliminate their wrinkles and aging lines. According to Dr. Diana Howard, if you don’t drink enough water, your skin can become severely irritated, itching and inflamed because it loses its moisture. Dr. Diana’s advice is to drink more water in order to revitalize your skin and to make it healthy on the outside and the inside.

4. Constipation

Dehydration can cause constipation and this can be resolved by increasing the daily water intake. If you are not hydrated enough, your body starts absorbing water from different sources including the colon. It is essential that there’s enough water in your large intestine, so your stool is soft and easy to pass. Make sure you start eating more vegetables and fruits, so you can increase the amount of water. There are also other factors, such as physical inactivity, food sensitivities, stress, and hypothyroidism, which may cause constipation.

5. Weight gain and hunger

Our bodies have a hard time differentiating between hunger and thirst. The hypothalamus which helps regulate our thirst and hunger sometimes gets confused. This can make us think that we are hungry when we’re thirsty. When this happens, we start eating more and this can eventually lead to a higher calorie intake and weight gain. When you are on a specific diet and you are trying to lose weight make sure you drink enough water. Instead of a snack, drink a glass of water when you feel hungry and wait to see if your desire for food has passed. If not, then you have a real need to eat.

6. Dry mouth and thirst

If you are experiencing a dry mouth and you are thirsty you might be slightly dehydrated. The only logical solution to this issue is to start drinking more water.

7. Fatigue

Fatigue, low energy, and tiredness can be caused by dehydration. Because your blood volume decreases, your heart has to work harder to get oxygen through the body. So, next time you feel tired, instead of drinking coffee, which can dehydrate you additionally, drink a glass of water.

8. Headaches

Dehydration can also cause your brain tissue to lose its moisture and to start shrinking, which pulls it away from the skull. In this case, the pain receptors which are on the head are triggered and they cause headaches. Also, your blood volume decreases and consequently, the amount of oxygen which goes to the brain is reduced and this can lead to swelling and inflammation which only intensifies a headache.

9. Joint pain

Your joints need lubrication in order to move properly. If you don’t consume enough water your joints can be damaged and chronical dehydration can lead to bone degeneration which cannot be repaired. If you are experiencing joint pain, make sure you increase your water intake and thus protect your bones to become fragile.

10. Weak immune system

Once you are dehydrated the levels of toxins in your body increase and this can make your immune system weaker. This is why it is really important to have optimal hydration and to eliminate any illness byproducts which can help our immune system to fight off infections.

Not all liquids provide hydration

According to Dr. Batmanghelidi, some medical conditions, such as elevated blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, asthma, obesity, cardiovascular disease and joint pain can be treated with a simple water intake increase.

Once you increase your water intake you will feel great, fit and you will be able to optimize your health. So make sure you keep a full water bottle with you at any time!

You may have observed that excessive gain in weight can result in a lot of health ailments including, heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. But are you aware that your body also stores harmful substances in your fat? So, this is very true. Toxins stored in your fat cells are making you fat and also swollen.

The body stores toxins in fat cells, why:

The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) back in the 80’s organized a program which known as the National Human Adipose Tissue Survey (NHATS).
It was found that all samples of human fat contained some quantity of one dioxin and 4 industrial solvents. 9 extra chemicals, including one furan and 3 more dioxins were found in over 90% of fat samples. An average of 83% of the samples has PCBs contained in them.

What are dioxins?

These are a category of chemical contaminants produced during combustion such as backyard trash burning, forest fires, and waste incineration and also during certain industrial activities such as herbicide manufacturing and paper pulp bleaching.
To hinder these toxins from moving about freely and inflicting damage to your organs, the body system traps these toxins in fat cells.

Two types of toxins

Like vitamins, toxins can be divided into two categories:

Fat soluble toxins: they must be converted by the liver to become water soluble.
Water-soluble toxins: these are easily flushed out of the body through the kidney and blood.
Fat soluble toxins include pollutants, heavy metals, plastics, food additives, preservatives, pesticides, and other environmental chemicals too.

Liver – Your First Line of Defense

Bile is produced in the liver. It is a greenish-yellow liquid stored in the gallbladder. It is important for fat digestion and the elimination of worn out red blood cells and some toxins from the body.
The guts become permeable during digestion so that the lymphatic system can absorb fats and transport them to the liver. The good fats are converted to skin cells, brain cells, hormones, cell membrane, and also cholesterol.
Bad fats are marked and processed for disposal through the bile. They are absorbed by insoluble fiber and leave the body as feces. This is why consuming foods with high dietary fiber is very important.

Duty of the Lymphatic System

The lymphatic tissue which envelops the whole intestinal tract is the gut-associated lymphatic tissue (GALT). This tissue processes and absorbs both toxic and nutritional fats from the digestive system and sends them to the lymphatic system. For this process to be well coordinated, both the lymphatic tissue and the digestive tissue must function properly.

Below are some signs of a congested GALT:

• Hypersensitivity
• Joint stiffness
• Allergies
• Bloating
• Itching or skin irritations
• Occasional headaches
• Holding extra weight around the stomach
• Elimination concerns ( diarrhea or constipation)

Why are toxins stored as fat?

Usually, white blood cells in the lymph nodes neutralized toxins which get into the lymphatic system. In the event of an unhealthy digestive system or a congested lymphatic system, the process is heavily hampered and toxins find their way back into the liver.

When the liver gets congested, ineffective and thicker biles are formed, this creates a recycling of toxic substances. So, the liver starts to discard the fat-soluble toxins into the bloodstream. Such toxins are stored in the fat cells for many years and cause degeneration and oxidation (damage of free radicals).

How to eliminate toxins:

Excessive body weight, food allergies, high-stress levels and poor diet contribute to the development of toxins. Engage in the following to help discard toxins the natural way.

1. Detox:
Routinely detoxify the liver to prevent it from congestion. There are lots of natural and safe ways to do this. Also the more toxins you are exposed to, the more difficult your body will work to discard them. Buy organic foods anytime you can and use natural products to sanitize your home.

2. Eat Well:
It is imperative to ensure you receive plenty of dietary fiber to absorb bile. Whole grain (teff, oatmeal, quinoa), fruits, and calciferous vegetables all perform an awesome job and are composed of vital nutrients. It is also vital that you consider any food allergies you may have such as gluten and milk which will result in more inflammation.

3. Relax:
The main cause of inflammation is stress. It can inhibit the exchange of nutrients and fats in the Gut Associated Lymphatic Tissue. Many ways exist whereby you can keep the body in a state of balance and de-stress.

4. Get Fit:
Preventing toxic overload and keeping healthy and young is promoted by leading an active lifestyle. Sweating also helps the body eliminate toxins through the skin. Also the more you move about, the more the cardiovascular system and lymphatic system is stimulated. Adequate waste removal is guaranteed when these two systems are healthy.

Chronic fatigue is a medical disorder that is extremely contested because it is characterized by complicated and extreme tiredness which cannot be explained by any related medical condition.

The most troubling feature:

Rest in general does not improve the situation. As there is currently no known cause of chronic fatigue, it is suspected to be a condition caused by a combination of factors. Such as hormonal imbalance, problems with the immune system, and viral infections.

Using Meridian Lines to treat Chronic Exhaustion

Meridian lines first originated in ancient Chinese medicine. Qi (Chee) energy flows through the meridian lines coordinator referred to as “energy pathways”. Meridians can be mapped and they span all over the whole human body. They flow into the body and correspond to particular acupuncture points along its path.

The ACOS says, the “meridian” demystifies the whole energy distribution system and, “assists us to understand how basic substances of the body (Blood, Qi, and body fluids) are transported all over the entire body.”

These meridian lines are located on the power distribution network of powerful manifestations. It is no coincidence that this ancient Chinese healing practice has been considered by many to treat their chronic tiredness.

Tiredness and the Triple Warmer

Energy lines found at the back of the ear (a.k.a Tripple Burner Meridian/Tripple Warmer) according to the Ancient Chinese Medicine of meridian lines has a direct correlation with chronic exhaustion and depression. There is completely no single organ for the energy lines, instead, this triple warmer has a link to all the organs and it controls the interaction between the hormonal distribution system and the hormonal glands.

The name “triple warmer” is as a result of the matrimony in the mind, spirit and heat system of the body. That way, it works to regulate heat channels and water throughout the body. If the triple warmer gets over-energized, it will begin to draw energy from the immune system to attack the body thereby causing chronic fatigue syndrome.

One option will be to find a specialist to calm the triple warmer, but making it subside can be done from the comfort of your home.

Whenever you feel drained, pulled, or fatigued, use these self-help energy methods to relax the triple warmer meridian.

Option One:

• Place your left fingers beneath your left knee. Place your right fingers on the left elbow at the same time. You will start feeling your pulse in both places.
• If you hold these places when held long enough, you will see that both pulses will gradually synchronize. This will tell you that both points have been held long enough. Just hold for a couple of minutes if you cannot sense the pulse.
• Repeat the same exercise on your body’s right side (left hand placed on the right elbow, right hand below right knee) and hold again for up to two minutes or until pulses are synchronized.

Option Two:

• Place your left fingers on the end of the toe of the baby’s left leg. Also, hold the fingers on the right hand at the point between the base knuckles of the left side, between the ring and little finger. You might again feel pulses in both points. Sustain for up to 2 minutes or until the pulses beat in a synchronized manner.
• Do this exercise again with the other part of your body. Left hands at the base knuckles of the right hand, right hand at right baby toe.

You can treat chronic tiredness using meridian lines. However, it is imperative to examine your habits and lifestyle and endeavor to locate the source. Do not continue to over labor your body as well as your spirit.