9 Simple Tips To Increase Height Naturally

Are you desperate to increase your height and look taller? Do not worry; today you can learn to grow taller. 

We all are aware of the fact that your height increases up to a particular age and then it comes to a halt. 

Generally, the height increases till the age of 24 in men and up to the age of18 in women. However, if you think that you cannot grow tall after 25 years of age –it is not completely true. 

It is difficult to increase height after the age of 25, but you can still increase your height naturally by improving your posture, proper diet and performing some height increasing exercise. 

Surgeries and growth hormones supplements that promise high growth in adults are potentially dangerous and harmful for the body. However, with these height-increasing tips it is possible to add a few inches to make you appear taller.

Well having said all this, let me make it clear that height is not as important as person’s attitude or character. 

 

Appearance in general is a little overrated. People may be of a variety of heights just like that, we have different features. We look different due to 75% genetics factors; which mean 25% depends on environmental or other external factors. 

 

This also means that if your both parents are tall most likely you will be tall, but there are some cases where both of your parents are tall and you may be a little bit short. Short itself is subjective, there is nothing wrong with being short,. 

 

What you may think is short could be not short to me or someone else. Honestly speaking, some people suit taller physiques and some suits shorter. Therefore, besides calculating your projected height by looking at both your parents you do not actually really know how tall you can be until you reach your full physical adulthood, which is around your mid-twenties i.e. at the end of puberty.

Why Does Height Stop Increasing?

Increases in height attributed to the production of a hormone within the human body called the human growth hormone, which is secreted by the pituitary gland. 

 

Bones increases in length due to the presence of cartilage growth plates or epiphyses during puberty at the end of long bones. 

 

Human Growth Hormone stimulates bone growth at the growth plates. As we attend adulthood or at our mid twenties these growth plate fuses, and there is no room for HGH to stimulate bone growth. Thus it is becomes difficult to increase height after reaching adulthood.

How To Increase Height After 25 Naturally?

Although it is difficult to increase height after the age of 25, but you can still increase your height naturally by improving your posture, proper diet and performing some height increasing exercise. With this height-increasing tips it is possible to add a few inches to make you appear taller. So, discover these simple yet effective tips to grow taller.

1. Proper Diet and Nutrition:

Nutrition is the most vital factor after genetics to increase height. Nutrients giving the proper fuel to your body promote the growth process. Lack of any vital nutrient, can result in weakening of bones, breaking and even shrinking of bones, making you even look shorter than you were before. 

 

On other hand, with a height increasing diet you can also provide your body with the energy it needs to keep you healthy and replenish depleted nutrients. 

 

A protein rich balanced diet will not only stimulate the production of growth hormone but also it will keep your immune system strong.  Strong the immunity lesser you will fall ill and the faster you will grow. 

 

There are some foods that you can eat, which will help boost your body to grow to its maximum potential height.

 

1.     Milk:  Milk contains a ton of calcium as well as vitamin D and B12, which helps

with growing bones and cells in the body. To is recommended to drinking at least two cups of milk a day, one in the morning for breakfast and one before bed, for better result. It also helps you sleep better.

 

2.     Spinach: Spinach not only makes you stronger but it also makes you taller. Spinach is low in fat high in protein, fiber, calcium, and iron, Vitamin A, C, E, K and B6 not to mention magnesium phosphorus, potassium and copper. Consume spinach daily. Make sure you add it into your juice or your smoothie.

 

3.     Carrots: Especially raw carrots are rich in vitamin A, which is essential for the body to synthesize protein. Add it in your salad or juice it but do not overdo it. 

 

4.     Eggs:  You can have eggs so many different ways. It is an awesome source of protein, which is good for height growth but also keeps your hair healthy as well.

 

5.     Sardines: Sardines contains ton of nutrients including Omega-3 fatty acids EPA, DHA and proteins that produces amino acids that are required to produce new proteins, which is required in the basis of cell structure. It also contains vitamin D.

2. Calcium:

Calcium is the most important mineral for your bone health as it is the building block of your bone. Calcium is also important to increase your bone density and strength. If you want to grow taller, you must take care of your bone health and for a healthy bone; you should ensure a proper supply of calcium to your bone. 

 

Inadequate calcium intake may result in bones weakening, breaking and even shrinking, making you even shorter than you were before. 

 

All the dairy products, red meat, green leafy vegetables, nuts and fruits are good source of calcium. Make sure to incorporate these foods in your regular diet for growth and maintenance of strong bones and cartilages.

3. Exposure to Sunlight:

It is very important to have the daily dose of vitamin D for the body to absorb calcium effectively. Because of its effect on bone growth, Vitamin D contributes to your height in the greatest way. The best and inexpensive source of vitamin D offered to us is sunlight. 

 

You get the required dose of Vitamin D by allowing your body a regular exposure to sunlight. So make sure you go out in the sun especially early in the morning or late afternoon can be very beneficial. 

 

This is for the reason that the ultraviolet radiation is at its lowest during this time and you can save yourself from the harmful effect of sunrays.

4. Stretching And Exercise:

While you are growing, regular exercise releases height growth hormones, which help in making you taller. Stretching and exercise is extremely vital to grow taller, as growth is stimulated when the body is being stretching apart from exercise. 

 

It has been also found that exercise stimulates the nerve ends that are directly linked with the pituitary gland. Pituitary gland then secretes more Human Growth Hormone that can lead to the increase in height even after the typical growth ages. 

 

EXERCISE: Exercise is very beneficial to your body. It is much easier to look taller by being slender and muscular, especially when combined with high flattering shoes, clothing and a short haircut. 

 

Exercise also keeps your bones strong and you can keep your bones healthy long into old age by keeping a steady balanced diet.

 

The best exercises that you can do to increase your height Is skipping, cycling, sprinting, or any other aerobic exercises that involve jumping and sprinting will result in the longer and stronger bones. 

 

Avoid doing exercise with weight, doing so actually confuses your body to focus on muscle growth as opposed to height growth.  

 

You may feel a little boring of doing regular exercise and stretching.  Therefore, what you can do to avoid boring is you can play our favorite sports that will automatically stretch your body. 

 

Swimming and basketball are great sports in regard of increasing height. Sports activities like cycling and swimming can also assist to grow taller. 

 

 

STRETCHING: Stretching is the best way to let your spine elongate to its’ full length and release stress on your lower back. Perform stretching exercise regularly to increase your height. On a daily basis, stretch yourself after having a hot bath while your muscles are warm. 

 

After a 5-minute walk, gently shake each leg and arm to release tension and loosen up. The whole side of your body must be stretched, start stretching from your fingertips through your shoulder and hip till all the way to your toes. For best results, repeat this sequence at least 3 to 5 times.

 

Here are few easy stretching exercises that you can perform at home.

 

·        Bar hanging is swinging your body while hanging from the bar that is 6 to 7 feet above the ground. Keeps your back straight while swinging on the bar. Bar hanging can be beneficial for growing height.

 

·      Stand upright with your back straight and keep your feet touching each other without leaving any gap in between. Now lift your hands slowly up to your shoulders level and hold it there for a few minutes. 

 

Then stretch your arms towards the back. Now moving your arms upwards while you inhale and then bring it down while exhale. Performing this stretching makes your posture erect and gives an appearance of being tall.

 

·        Lie down on your back; stretch your right foot towards the left foot and repeat this with your other foot. Then bring your feet back to their normal position.

5. Yoga:

Apart from regular stretching and exercise, daily practicing yoga also helps in maintaining the correct posture, which in turn makes you look taller. Yoga also contributes to the overall development of your body. Various yoga positions make your body supple and stimulating the growth hormones. Therefore, here are the best yoga poses to make you grow taller.

i)                 Tadasana (Mountain Pose):

Tadasana also called the mountain pose. Practicing this pose helps in lengthening your spine.

Steps

·     Stand straight with your shoulders relaxed, without slouching or hunching forward, and feet slightly apart.

·        Raise your hands slowly above your head and lock the fingers together of both your hands.

·        Slowly lift your ankles and turn your locked palms up. You will feel a stretch starting from your ankles to calves to spine and up to your head.

·        Stay in this pose for 3 seconds and then slowly lower your ankles and unlock your hands.

·        For best result repeat this pose 10 times. Perform this tadasana early in the morning.

ii)              Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose):

Steps

·       

Lie down flat on your belly, palms on the side of your chest, toes pointed out, tucking your elbows to your sides and your forehead touching the ground.

 

·        Now, slowly lift your head up, while your palm supporting your body and lift your upper torso up. Look towards the ceiling. Be sure that you raise your body only as far as you can and keep your buttocks firm.

 

·        This yoga posture will lengthen of your spine. You could feel the stretch. Stay in this position for a slow count of 15. 

 

·        Slowly, lower your upper body while exhaling and come back to the starting position. Practicing this pose at least 10 times daily facilitates you to maintain a longer spine and thus, increase your height.

iii)           Trikonasana (Triangle Pose):

Steps

·       

First stand eject with your feet wide apart.

·        Now, turn right with your right foot pointing towards right and left foot pointing straight.

·        Touch your right foot with your right hand by bending your body to the right side. Now keep your left arm above your head. Be sure that both arms in a straight line.

·        Feel the stretch in your thighs, back, oblique’s, and neck while looking up towards your left arm.

·        Stay about 20 seconds in this pose. Keep breathing in and breathe out as you hold the pose.

·        Then return to the starting position slowly.

·        Repeat this on the left side in the same way.

·        Do this pose 5 times every day.

iv)            Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand):

Steps

·       

Lie on your back with feet together, and shoulders relaxed.

·        Contract your glutes, quads, and hamstrings muscles and slowly lift your legs up.

·        Now, with your palms, support your back by holding your waist and then lift up the pelvis.

·        Form a steady and straight line with your toes pointing up. Look up at your toes.

·        Stay in this position for 5 seconds.

·        Then gently, lower your body and come back to the initial position.

·        Repeat this pose 5-7 times.

6. ProperSleep:

Growth of our body actually takes place when we are sleeping. Sufficient sleep is necessary because of the fact that during deep sleep, the growth hormone does its job of thickening and lengthening your bones. Sleep helps to preserve and rejuvenate the body especially during the growing years.  As per research findings, growing pre-teens and teenagers need about 8-11 hours of sleep at night, especially during the golden hours of 11:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m.

Do you know that the way you sleep can define your growth? Yes, correct sleeping posture is vital for proper growth. You should have deep sleep on a daily basis in conjunction with proper diet and exercise, and the follow the following postures during sleep to facilitate growth.

·        Sleeping on your back without a pillow is the best way. It is even better if you can keep the pillow under your knees. This is considered to be the most natural posture for spine.

·        Sleep on a firm but comfortable mattress.

·        While sleeping, always wear clean, soft and comfortable clothes.

·         Before going to sleep have a warm bath, this will enhances the circulation and help the growth hormone to play its role.

·        Mind that you bed is big enough to keep your arms and legs stretched while you are sleeping.

7.     Posture:

A good posture is one more way to make yourself appear taller. A good posture at the same time prevents many of the complications that come up from poor posture such as neck aches, backaches. Practicing good posture is irrespective of your age. A slouched posture not only makes you look shorter but also makes you less impressive. Therefore, always stand or sit in an upright posture. Practice by standing up straight against the wall for at least 20 minutes a day and this will help strengthen your spine and help you to gain a few inches. Trust me; this will be a game changer. Regular massage also assists to improve your body posture.

8.     Try Ashwagandha:

Ashwagandha is a very powerful Ayurvedic herb that is known to stimulate the Human Grown Hormone indirectly. 

 

Ashwagandha also known as Indian Gensing.  It also contains some minerals that help broaden the bone structure. Take one tablespoon of Ashwagandha powder and mix it in 1 glass of warm cow milk. Add jiggery or honey to sweeten it. Drink this milk before you go to sleep at night. Continue to take this ashwagandha milk for at least 45 days to see some visible results.

9.     Avoid Growth Inhibitors:

If you are looking to grow taller, you must avoid inhibitor like alcohol, smoking, stress, steroids, drugs and even junk food.

ALCOHOL: Alcohol is found to have growth inhibiting effect and affect the body’s natural functioning because it damages your liver, which is a very important organ for your body.

 

SMOKING: Smoking will destroy cellular structure pretty much destroys everything inside of you which is your organs and everything that is vital in order for you to stay alive and be healthy. Smoking raises the level of carbon monoxide in the blood that restricts the flow of nutrients and thereby stunting the growth.

 

STRESS: Stress causes many problems for the body. When you stress your body produces bad hormones that will go around disturbing growth. So stress less and smile more.

 JUNK FOOD: Junk foods are high in saturated fats and low in nutrients. Saturated fats hinders with the production of the growth hormone.

Hope these methods will allow your body to grow to its maximum potential height.
Source

How Natural Medicine Can Help You, A 5000 Year-Old Medical Secret Unearthed!

When you get sick, you go to the doctor. And the doctor will, of course, prescribe medicines. You will go and buy medicines. You take them, and hopefully, you get well.

This is how the health profession goes on nowadays – a cycle of diagnosis and prescription.

If anyone were to give you herbs for medicine, you would probably say that that person was a quack.

But nowadays, studies are being conducted to see if there are really is any merit to what is called natural medicine.

Natural medicine is the use of natural methods, herbal medicines, and traditional practices to heal ailments.

Every culture has a form of natural medicine. In ancient cultures, village medicine men served as the doctors of the community, passing on medical knowledge to the apprentices that followed them.

Many categories of the healing methods fall under natural medicine. Among these are traditional medicine, complementary medicine, and alternative medicine.

Usually, natural medicine refers to medical practices that were in place before the advent of modern medicine.

This includes herbal medicine, or phytotherapy, which is prevalent in Chinese, Ayurvedic(or Indian), and Greek medicine.

Upon the advent of modern medicine, many professionals discarded the use of herbs in favor of man-made medicine. The fact that these treatments are based on the healing properties of some herbs was forgotten.

For example, opium, digitalis, quinine, and aspirin all have their roots in traditional medicine.

Natural medicine can be considered as a lost art. This does not mean that it has lost efficacy over time. In some cases, natural therapy is actually better than modern medicine. This leads some doctors to seriously consider and study the possible uses of natural medicine

Before we continue, it is important to stress that not all the natural remedies are legitimate. It would help to only try those remedies which have been thoroughly studied and are relatively risk free.

Take herbal medicine for example. There are many well-documented and studied herbal remedies available. However, only those that deal with minor ailments such as cough, colds, fever, skin rashes, and its ilk are likely to be recommended by health professionals.

These remedies are sometimes superior to synthetic medicine. This is because herbal medicines are less likely to cause negative side effects.

Currently there are numerous organizations that study the effects and advocacy of natural medicine – among which is herbal medicine. Some governments and health agencies openly advocate the use of natural methods since they are inexpensive and relatively risk-free.

As their studies compile, more herbs and treatments are added to the list of accepted medicines. However, many herbs and treatments have been proven to be bogus medicine.

This represents a challenge for both the user and the agencies because they have to ascertain that the treatments they either use or advocate are legitimate.

There exist today many alternative medical treatments that fall under natural medicine. However, not all of them have been proven to be effective. You could mention homeopathy, aromatherapy, acupuncture, and other alternative medical treatments. It would pay to consult the experts as to the legitimacy of these treatments.

Natural medicine should also be thought of as an accompanying medicine. Right now, the current collective medical thought suggests that natural medicine be used only to supplement accepted modern medical practices. In that case of minor ailments your expert we actually advise you to take natural therapies instead.

The practice of modern medicine revolves around diagnosing an illness and prescribing treatments for such.

 Natural medicine is helpful because it suggests that treatment be not necessarily given only when sick.

Natural medicine strives to make each patient practice good health habits. These habits include good diet, healthy living, and the regular natural treatment.

It is this same line of thought that leads our parents to tell us to eat our vegetables. Yes, a healthy lifestyle and will do no harm to our well-being. And this is the foundation of natural medicine – may it be massage, herbal medicine, aromatherapy or others.

It is funny but true that science, in its quest for excellence, is studying the knowledge of sages past. This, surprisingly, leads us back to the remedies nature offers. The possibilities of finding remedies to everyday illnesses in natural medicine are encouraging.

So staying tuned to studying these remedies is worthwhile until we can verify that these therapies are truly helpful to our health and our society.

Simple Modern Ways To Whiten Your Teeth

Everyone desires to have a great smile. For a killer smile, one should have sparkling, bright, and shiny teeth.

Today, a lot of people are spending more money just to have their teeth whiter. They make use of the best teeth whitening treatments and undergo procedures to achieve the brilliant white teeth.

Teeth whitening had been an effective procedure to lighten the color of the teeth, without taking away any of the tooth surface.

It will not completely whiten the whole set of teeth; it will just lighten the existing color of the teeth.

Only a few are blessed with pearly white teeth, and our teeth normally become discolored as we grow up.

Our teeth can also be stained on the outer part because of the food and drink. Coffee, tea, blackcurrant and red wine have effect on the discoloration of our teeth.

Smoking is another cause of teeth discoloration. Most people may encounter staining beneath the surface which is caused by tiny cracks in the teeth or certain antibiotics that absorb the stains.

But what are these teeth whitening treatments and procedures? And are these done?

Bleaching. This is most common form of teeth whitening procedure. Your dentist will advice you if this is the best teeth whitening treatment suitable for you.

Bleaching is done by placing a gel or rubber to shield the soft tissue of your gums. Then, the whitening product will be applied on your teeth by using a special tray which shapes into your mouth like a gum shell.

The teeth whitening product usually contains carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide as the 'active ingredients'

. When these ingredients break down, the oxygen enters the enamel of your teeth thus, making the color lighter. The entire treatment can be completed in three to four weeks time.

For those who wish to undergo to this treatment, you will need at least three visits to the dentist. On your first visit, the dentist will create a mouth-guard and take a caricature or impressions of it.

 Once the treatment has started, it is recommended that you continue it at home. You have to regularly apply the teeth whitening product over four weeks, for at least 30 minutes at a time.

Most of the known and best teeth whitening products can be applied for up to several hours at a time. The treatment can be done even while you're sleeping. Ideally, a good result can be attained in as little as one week.

Laser Whitening. This is also called the "power whitening". Though expensive, a lot of people especially artists consider it as the best teeth whitening method.

During this process, a rubber dam is placed over your teeth to shield the gums, and the whitening product is then painted on your teeth.

A laser will be used to stimulate the chemical. The light will help boost the chemical reaction of the bleaching product, thus the color change can be attained more rapidly.

Dentists believe that the result of laser whitening treatment is good. It can make your teeth up to six shades lighter.

Unfortunately, not everyone can get a chance to undergo laser treatment. The dentist will have to check your teeth and ensure that you are fit for the treatment. The total procedure is usually done in an hour.

The effects of this power whitening is said to last up to three years depending on the person. The dentist still advice not to smoke, eat and drink products that may cause a stain in your teeth.

Others may find their teeth vulnerable to cold after the treatment. But these symptoms usually vanish within a few days.

These are just two of the famous and best teeth whitening methods available. Despite the fact that they may cost a lot, the effect is still worth it.

Through these methods, you'll surely flash everyone a perfect smile.

Stop Snoring: Ways To Treat The Night Time Dilemma

The most often question raised to any condition is - can it be cured? Well, that actually depends on the nature of the disease, disorder, or syndrome and what knowledge do the medical and scientific communities have with regards to the problem.

Luckily, snoring is not much of a difficult condition to treat. The nature of which is also well-known that most consider it normal. So normal that many tend not to get bothered of its effects, especially when mild.

Treatments for snoring depend on the diagnosis gathered. While snoring may appear to have no types, it must be understood that there are certain kinds of snoring that excessively disrupts sleep and there are those that do not cause any harm at all.

Examination of the physiology and anatomy of the throat and the underlying tissues will reveal where the problems root. Usually, snoring stems from loose muscles that flaps back and forth when air runs through the throat. However, this is not always the case.

 Sometimes, snoring can also be due to allergies, deformities, infections and abnormal enlargement of adenoids and tonsils. All of which, if carefully examined, will lead us back to the obstruction of air passage.

Normally, prevention of the main causes can treat snoring. This includes abstinence from smoking, drinking alcohol and other relaxants, and maintenance of an ideal weight. All these have adverse effects not only on the body but can directly cause loose muscles to vibrate abnormally.

Treatments to stop snoring can include lifestyle-changing habits, use of stop snoring aids and more intensive surgeries. The choice is normally set for the snorer to take, depending on the aggravation of the condition.

As we have mentioned earlier, simple measures can contribute largely to the treatment of the condition. Stop snoring aids, on the other hand, would require patience to find what fits for you.

The market offers a great variety of snoring aids including nasal breathing devices, adjustable beds, oral and dental appliances and pressurized masks.

Nasal breathing devices normally aim to keep your nasal passages open or your jaws from dropping. You may find nasal strips, nasal clips, chin up strips and chin straps under this category. These products normally require you to breathe using your nose rather than your mouth since mouth breathing typically ends up to snoring. It has been observed that a switch from mouth to nasal breathing can eliminate a number of snoring types.

Mouth pieces or oral devices aim to position the tongue away from blocking the air passage. You should seek dental specialist if you are considering the use of such devices as solutions to nighttime dilemma.

Surgery, on the other hand, is an irreversible decision. Therefore, you should be careful if you truly are considering this option. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty or UPPP is known to be the traditional method of trimming excess tissues in the throat. A more modern approach uses laser thus the name Laser-Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty or LAUP.

Removal of unnecessary tissues in the throat enlarges the air passage which helps reduce the collapse of the muscles.

Approaches to be used in line with your condition vary according to your personal preference and the immediate need to cure your condition. It is best to seek medical help first or get yourself educated with your options before running under the knife or strapping your mouth with some device.

6 Techniques To Loose Weight Rapidly

Other than physical appearance weight affects a person in many ways. This could be the overall quality of life, self-esteem, depression, health risks, and physical incapabilities.

 There are a lot of positive changes once a person experience weight loss.  It is for this reason why a lot of people are searching for a weight loss technique that will surely trim down those fats and get a super slim head turner body.

The first thing that an over-weight should do is seek a doctor to recommend the best weight loss regimen.

This will be done after a full physical examination, which leads to the determination of proper weight loss technique. And to lose weight fast and effectively four aspects of life should be changed: what to eat, how to eat, behavior and activity level.

Here are fast tips that can change an over-weight's life:

First: Fast weight loss composes of a multi-faceted technique that consists mindset, exercise, and in other cases, diet supplements.  Begin by learning a diet food plan that can easily be accustomed with.

  Incorporate an exercise plan that allows even at least fifteen minutes a day like brisk walking, running, swimming, and dancing.

Second: Set realistic approaches.  The ability to focus and have proper mindset enables someone on a diet to quickly lose those extra pounds. With discipline and proper mind set, a dieter will never be discouraged and lose focus.

Third: Listen as the body speaks.  Each and everyone's body metabolism reacts differently to different fast weight loss programs and plans.  Try substituting one program for another to compensate the body's reaction.

  Exercise program must be suitable to one's body, as others are not able to exercise as rigorously as others can.  If walking is all that can be done, then walk for this is proven the best exercise.  Muscles burn more calories than fats so it's also best to put on a little muscle and looking good too.

Fourth: Eat more fibers for it makes a person full sooner and stays in the tummy longer, slowing down the rate of digestion.  A single serving of whole grain bread moves fat through the digestive system faster.

 Grains turn into blood sugar that spikes the body's insulin level.  Thus, making the body more energized and ready to tell the body when it should stop burning fats or start storing.

Fifth: Keep away from fried foods especially deep-fried as this contains a great amount of fat.  Although fish and chicken appear leaner than beef, this white meat can contain more fat than when a beef is fried.  It is recommended for those on strict diet to opt for grilled food as this does not have or contain less amount of fat after the food is cooked.

Sixth: Takes lots of fluid.  Drinking at least six to eight glasses of water a day keeps the body refreshed.  Since weight loss depends on how the body eliminates body wastes, the body must stay hydrated.

All in all, discipline and consistency is still the best practice and the key to a rapid weight loss success. 

Light dieting, workout, and right amount of supplementation applied in a regular way everyday will result in faster weight loss than having a massive action only to be followed a return to old habits as this would only lead to gaining more weight than when the weight loss plan has started.

How To Choose The Right Type Of Exercise

The type of exercise you do all depends on you and what you like to do.

What you hate doing, paying membership fees, and whether or not to buy equipment are all things you need to consider as well as answer.

If you choose something that you don't like to do, you aren't going to keep doing it for a long period of time.  Give it some thought - if you don't like jogging, you aren't going to get up at 6 AM and go running.

If you can't find something you like to do, choose something you hate the least, which will normally be walking.

Walking is great exercise, as it suits all levels of fitness.  Anyone can start a walking program at any time, it's normally the intensity and duration that differs.

 Walking is also a social exercise, as it isn't difficult to find a training partner to chat with while you exercise.  Walking with a partner will also make time go by faster.

No matter what exercise you choose, you should  start at a low level of intensity and build it up over a period of weeks, which is essential to the longevity of your exercise program.

If you start off too hard, you could end up with an injury which will require time off to get over.

If you are really in bad shape, you should start off by walking for 10 minutes each day. Then, increase it by 5 minutes every 2 weeks.

To make things more interesting, you should try walking a different course every few days.

You can also roster a different friend to walk with you each day of the week.

If walking isn't your thing, then you may want to try a fitness center. They have loads of  variety and normally have trainers on hand to  answer any questions you may have.

When you  choose a fitness center, make sure that they give good service.

If they aren't willing to treat you well before you join, then they certainly won't after you  join. You should also make sure that the equipment they use is well taken care of.

It's easy to find out, as all you have to do is listen to the machines.  If they squeak a lot or make noise, then chances are they aren't being taken care of.

If you still aren't sure what you should do, then you should look into golf or tennis. Both are good social activities in most areas, and you can even meet new friends.

Tennis is great for fitness although it isn't for someone who is just starting out. If you haven't exercised in a long time, then golf may be the best activity for you.

Have a great day.

Facts And Benefits Of Potatoes

Throughout the World, potatoes are popular vegetables, even being ahead of other well known vegetables such as lettuce and onions.

You can cook potatoes in a variety of ways, and they are included in one out of three meals eaten by almost everyone worldwide.

When they are prepared in a healthy way, a potato can be an excellent source of energy and also pack a nutritional punch.

Like oranges, potatoes are very high in vitamin C. The fact is, one medium potato contains 45% of the vitamin C that's recommended for good health. Potatoes are also high in fiber and carbohydrates and contain more potassium than banana.

A potato is naturally low in calories and contains no fat, sodium, or cholesterol.  The skins of the potatoes provide a helpful dose of fiber, iron,  potassium, calcium, zinc, phosphorus, and several B vitamins.

You can prepare potatoes by boiling them, steaming them, or even roasting them.  If at all possible, you should avoid putting potatoes in the refrigerator or freezing them, as cold will turn the potato starch to sugar and cause them to turn dark when they are cooked.

When you store potatoes, keep them in a cool, dark place. Too much light will cause them to turn green.
You can store them in the basement if you have  one, as the basement is the best place to keep potatoes.

From mashed potatoes to baked potatoes, a potato is something we all know and love.  They serve  many different tasty foods, and they provide our bodies with plenty of healthful benefits.

We all eat potatoes, some of us even grow our own.  Whether you grow your on or buy them, the potato is the one vegetable that makes everything just a  little bit better.

Food Poisoning And How To Prevent It

Food poisoning is an acute gastroenteritis caused by the consumption of a food material or a drink which contains the pathogenic micro organism or their toxins or poisonous chemicals.Food poisoning is common in hostels,hotels,communal feedings, and festival seasons.

A group of persons will be affected with same type of symptoms ,and they give a history of consumption of a common food before few hours.

Types of food poisoning

1) Bacterial food poisoning:

Here the micro organisms called bacteria are responsible.The food material may contain the pathogenic bacteria or their toxin and will be ingested along with the food.

2) Non bacterial food poisoning:

Due to the presence of toxic chemicals like fertilizers,insecticides,heavy metals and etc.

Since bacterial food poisoning is common it is discussed here.

Bacterial food poisoning:

All bacteria are not harmful.There are some pathogenic bacteria which secrete toxins and cause clinical manifestations.These organisms enter the human body through food articles or drinks.

How food poisoning occurs:

1) Presence of bacteria in the water.

2) The raw materials for the food may contain toxins.

3) Premises where the food is prepared may contain micro organisms or toxins.

4) Food handlers may have some infectious diseases.

5) Some animals like dogs,rats may contaminate the food.

6) If prepared food is kept in the room temperature for a long time and heated again can make a chance for food poisoning.

7) Purposely some body mixing toxins in the food.


Some common bacterial food poisonings.

1) Salmonella food poisoning:

There are three different varieties of salmonella bacteria.(salmonella typhimurium,salmonella cholera suis,salmonella enteritidis) These bacteria are present in milk, milk products and eggs.  Symptoms of this food poisoning include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.  Fever is also common.

2) Botulism:

This is the dangerous type of food poisoning caused by clostridium botulinum.   The spores of these organisms are seen in the soil and enters the human body through pickles and canned fish etc.Compared to other food poisonings here vomiting and diarrhea are rare Mainly the nervous system is affected.The symptoms starts with double vision,numbness with weakness.Later there will be paralysis with cardiac and respiratory failure ending in death.

3) Staphylococcal food poisoning:

It is caused by staphylococcus aureus. These organisms usually cause skin troubles like boils and eruptions.It causes mastitis in cow.Through the milk and milk products it enters and causes gastroenteritis.There will be vomiting,abdominal cramps with diarrhea.

4) Closteridium food poisoning:

This is caused by closteridium perfringens.They are present in stool,soil and water. They enter the body through,meat,meat dishes and egg etc.If food articles are cooked and kept in room temperature for a long time and heated again before eating can result this food poisoning.Symptoms include vomiting ,diarrhea and abdominal cramps.

5) Bacillus cereus:

The spores of these organisms can survive cooking and causes enteritis.  Diarrhea and vomiting is common in this infection.


How to investigate food poisoning?

1) Examine each and every person affected.

2) Water sample should be tested.

3) Kitchen, store room and food samples should be examined.

4) The cook and food handlers should be questioned and examined.

5) Samples of vomits and stool of all victims should be tested to identify the bacteria.


How to prevent food poisoning:-

1) Only purified water should be used.

2) Hygiene should be maintained by all persons keeping contact with food.

3) Workers should use masks, cap and gloves during cooking and serving.

4) Sick individuals should not come in contact with food materials.

5) Kitchen and premises should be neat and clean.

5) Vessels should be washed with soap and hot water.

6) Should not keep the prepared food for a long time in room temperature.

7) All food materials should be kept in closed containers.

8) Animals like dog, cat, rat etc should not come in contact with food materials.

9) Vegetables should be washed before cooking.

10) Meat should be fresh and should be purchased from recognized slaughter house.

Eating Healthy During Pregnancy

Starting off your with a healthy well balanced diet is the best thing you do for yourself and your baby.  This way, you'll only need to make a few adjustments during your pregnancy.

Your first trimester If you find it tough to maintain a balanced diet  during your first trimester, you can rest assured that your not alone.  Due to queasiness, some  women will eat all of the time and gain a lot of  weight in the process.  Other women have trouble getting food down and subsequently lose weight. 

Preventing malnutrition and dehydration are your most important factors during first trimester. 

Calories

When you are pregnant, you need to consume around 300 calories more than usual every day.  The best way to go about doing this is listening to your  body when you are hungry.  You should try to eat as many foods as possible from the bottom of the food pyramid.

If you gain weight too slow, try eating small  meals and slightly increase the fat in your diet.
You should always eat when you are hungry, as you are now eating for 2 instead of one.

Calcium

By the second trimester, you'll need around 1,500 milligrams of calcium each day for your bones and your baby', which is more than a quart of milk. Calcium is something that's missing from many diets. Along with milk, other great sources for calcium include dairy products, calcium fortified juices, and even calcium tablets.

Fiber

Fiber can help to prevent constipation, which is a common pregnancy problem.  You can find fiber in whole grains, fruits, and even vegetables.  Fiber supplements such as Metamucil and Citrucel are  safe to take during pregnancy.

Protein

Unless you happen to be a strict vegetarian, your protein intake is not normally a problem for women
who eat a healthy diet.

Iron

A lot of women will start their pregnancy off with a bit of iron deficiency.  Good sources of iron include dark leafy green vegetables and meats.  Iron supplements should be avoided, as they can cause internal symptoms such as cramping, constipation, or diarrhea. 

Vitamins

Seeing as how you get a majority of the vitamins you need in your diet, you may want to discuss prenatal
vitamins with your doctor.  Folate is one of the most important, and if you are getting enough of it, you
may be able to avoid vitamins all together - just ask your doctor to make sure.

Do Yoda Proud: Meditation

Meditation refers to a state where your body and mind are consciously relaxed and focused.  Practitioners of this art report increased awareness, focus, and concentration, as well as a more positive outlook in life.

Meditation is most commonly associated with monks, mystics and other spiritual disciplines.  However, you don’t have to be a monk or mystic to enjoy its benefits.  And you don’t even have to be in a special place to practice it.  You could even try it in your own living room!

Although there are many different approaches to meditation, the fundamental principles remain the same.  The most important among these principles is that of removing obstructive, negative, and wandering thoughts and fantasies, and calming the mind with a deep sense of focus.  This clears the mind of debris and prepares it for a higher quality of activity.

The negative thoughts you have – those of noisy neighbors, bossy office mates, that parking ticket you got, and unwanted spam– are said to contribute to the ‘polluting’ of the mind, and shutting them out is allows for the ‘cleansing’ of the mind so that it may focus on deeper, more meaningful thoughts.

Some practitioners even shut out all sensory input – no sights, no sounds, and nothing to touch – and try to detach themselves from the commotion around them.  You may now focus on a deep, profound thought if this is your goal.  It may seem deafening at first, since we are all too accustomed to constantly hearing and seeing things, but as you continue this exercise you will find yourself becoming more aware of everything around you.

If you find the meditating positions you see on television threatening – those with impossibly arched backs, and painful-looking contortions – you need not worry.  The principle here is to be in a comfortable position conducive to concentration.  This may be while sitting cross-legged, standing, lying down, and even walking.

If the position allows you to relax and focus, then that would be a good starting point.  While sitting or standing, the back should be straight, but not tense or tight.  In other positions, the only no-no is slouching and falling asleep.

Loose, comfortable clothes help a lot in the process since tight fitting clothes have a tendency to choke you up and make you feel tense.

The place you perform meditation should have a soothing atmosphere.  It may be in your living room, or bedroom, or any place that you feel comfortable in.  You might want an exercise mat if you plan to take on the more challenging positions (if you feel more focused doing so, and if the contortionist in you is screaming for release).  You may want to have the place arranged so that it is soothing to your senses.

Silence helps most people relax and meditate, so you may want a quiet, isolated area far from the ringing of the phone or the humming of the washing machine.  Pleasing scents also help in that regard, so stocking up on aromatic candles isn’t such a bad idea either.

The monks you see on television making those monotonous sounds are actually performing their mantra.  This, in simple terms, is a short creed, a simple sound which, for these practitioners, holds a mystic value.

You do not need to perform such; however, it would pay to note that focusing on repeated actions such as breathing, and humming help the practitioner enter a higher state of consciousness.

The principle here is focus.  You could also try focusing on a certain object or thought, or even, while keeping your eyes open, focus on a single sight.

One sample routine would be to – while in a meditative state – silently name every part of you body and focusing your consciousness on that part. While doing this you should be aware of any tension on any part of your body.  Mentally visualize releasing this tension.  It works wonders.

In all, meditation is a relatively risk-free practice and its benefits are well worth the effort (or non-effort – remember we’re relaxing).

Studies have shown that meditation does bring about beneficial physiologic effects to the body.  And there has been a growing consensus in the medical community to further study the effects of such.  So in the near future, who knows, that mystical, esoteric thing we call meditation might become a science itself!