Acne is one of the banes of existence that you can never really get away from, no matter what. Most of us usually get it during adolescent years, when hormones are raging, bodies are changing, and peer pressure and stress are becoming part of daily life. It’s tough when you have to handle project deadlines and deal with acne at the same time.

It’s something we’d rather get rid of as soon as possible rather than wait for the adolescent years to pass and see if it disappears on its own. Thankfully, there are a lot of remedies available that can clear your acne or at least prevent more from showing up. And the best thing is that you don’t always have to run to the nearest drugstore for these; you can simply raid your kitchen cupboards to get great homemade acne remedies such as these:

Get a honey mask. Honey has been known to possess antibacterial properties and is an effective acne remedy on its own. Simply slather it on the affected areas or on your whole face like a mask, let sit for ten minutes, and rinse. Just be careful since the honey might drip after some time. You might also want to try mixing in some nutmeg, cinnamon powder or lemon juice for a more effective treatment.

Use baking soda. Make a thick paste using baking soda and some warm water, then apply the mixture on your face. Using your fingers, scrub gently to remove dead skin cells and clear up pores. Rinse immediately after scrubbing.

Another great remedy that has gained popularity is toothpaste. It works well on pimples and can make them disappear in a matter of days. Simply take some toothpaste (the paste kind, not the gel) and apply it on the zits. If your acne is only very light, let it sit for about half an hour only. If not, you can leave it on overnight. Remember to wash it off afterward. Take note, though, that this will definitely sting but that’s how you can feel it’s working.

Oatmeal is not just for cookies or a healthy breakfast. It’s also a good way to treat acne because of its absorbent property that can help remove excess oil. Just cook some oatmeal according to package instructions and let cool. Apply on the acne-infected area and wait until it becomes dry and crusty, then wash off thoroughly with lukewarm water.

Lemon juice is another great way to remove those zits. The citric acid it contains scrubs off dead skin cells and kills bacteria, greatly reducing acne and preventing more from flaring up. To apply the lemon juice, dip a cotton ball in the lemon juice and dab on acne spots. Pure juice might sting too much, though, so try diluting with water until the sting is bearable. Leaving it on overnight will produce the best results but if it hurts too much to keep it on that long, just rinse it off with cold water before going to bed.

If there are no lemons lying around the house, check if there’s vinegar. Any vinegar will do well as a substitute for lemon juice, although many prefer the apple cider kind. Just apply the vinegar in the same way as lemon juice. Diluting it is also recommended if the acid burns too much.

Been wondering what to do with those egg whites left over from a recipe that called for egg yolks only? Don’t throw them away just yet! Egg whites are protein-rich and make a good face mask that helps heal the skin, and can also be used as a great alternative to store-bought pore strips to remove those nasty blackheads. To use as a mask, simply beat the egg whites and apply in all areas of your face like you would with a mask. Leave it on for 15 minutes, and then rinse off. To use as pore strips, cut up some toilet paper or paper table napkins into your desired size and dip them in the egg whites. Make sure the egg whites are enough so they will stick properly. Apply the strips to your nose and other areas affected with blackheads and let them sit until they have dried up. Then, slowly pull the strips away from your skin to gently remove the blackheads. Rinse with cold water to close your pores and prevent other irritants from getting in.

In order to make these treatments really effective, keep in mind to always cleanse your face before every application. Warm water does a great job at opening your pores and making it easier for blackheads, oil and dead skin cells to be removed. Another important thing to remember is that different skins react to treatments in different ways.

What removes some people’s acne might not have results on others’ or might even aggravate the acne. If this happens, the treatment should be discontinued. It might take a little bit of experimentation to find out which of these homemade acne remedies are right for you, but a little more perseverance is always an affordable price to pay for better-looking, acne-free skin.

Here’s a video with 12 remedies you can do at home that might work for you:

According to a research (Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, December, 2003), drinking two cups of water increases metabolic rate by 30 percent in just 30 to 40 minutes. This is because water arouses the sympathetic nervous system which causes increase in metabolic rate. Researchers concluded that an average of eight cups of water a day would increase caloric expenditure by 100 calories which is an excellent weight loss solution.

Experts’ advice is to drink half your weight in ounces daily. For example, if you weigh 140 pounds, you should drink at least seventy ounces or approximately nine cups of water daily. This amount of water is the standard amount your body needed for normal daily hydration. For those who also exercise, additional amount of water is needed aside from the mentioned amount. To prevent hydration, it is advised to drink one and a half cups of water thirty minutes before exercise. The best source of water is portable bottled water or tap water. Make sure to stay away from caffeine whenever possible because it speeds up your metabolism and dehydrate you.

There are also researchers that proved the advantage of drinking your water cold. This is because cold water could burn up more calories heating up the body temperature. Many successful dieters found water as their key component to weight loss by using it as an effective appetite suppressant. Renowned psychologist Kelly Brownell, Ph.D., who had been making studies on weight loss developed a behavioral-modification program for weight loss which includes drinking water as one of effective strategies.

Aside from making you feel full, water as a healthy, non-caloric beverage provides a great alternative to cans of soda. Soda is one delicious culprit of weight gains. It’s one of the best thirst quencher but come with hundreds of calories. Filling up your body with water instead of soda is a great way to cut down calories. Switching from a regular 12-ounce of Coke to water can make a big difference, calorie-wise. An average of 1,000 calories can be eliminated by switching to drinking water from a Coke drinker in a week (that is for somone who drinks 5 regulars and 5 diets). It’s a one-third of a pound already and for a weight loss program, it matters BIG.

Water also flushes out your internal systems. Fat soluble are environmental contaminants that enters the human body and can be there to stay unless you find a way to flush them away. However, during weight loss diet, these fats are mobilized and instigated to get out from your system. Fat soluble are dangerous to your bloodstream as they usually remain sitting dormant for decades or more. When these happen it can slow down your metabolism, leading to health complications. Water like soluble fibers (fruits and vegetables) is one key of flushing these toxins out of your body.

A well hydrated body helps our kidneys and liver to function well. Water helps to eliminate fat and other toxins from our body. On the other hand, a dehydrated body causes our liver and kidney to work overtime – because our body has less ability of removing fat fast. Thus, it is essential to drink plenty of water to keep your cells well hydrated and healthy. Drinking plenty of water to maintain good health for our liver is often called “promote more-effecient and more-effective protein metabolism. Since one of your goals while your on a weight loss program is to build muscles, the last thing you want to do is slow down protein metabolism. Drinking enough water will help you achieve this.

Don’t drink too much! Drinking too much water can dilute the salt content in your blood and tissue, especially during dieting. Athletes have even died from drinking too much water. You need to find a balance between the amount of water you drink and your intake of salts and electrolytes. And remember water alone is not going to help you lose weight, you need to exercise as well.

Here’s a good video about water and weight loss:

Everyone knows staying in shape and keeping off extra weight during the holidays is tough. Here’s a great video with 3 yoga poses to do for the holidays to keep your body in shape when you may not have access to your normal yoga helpers. These are very easy to remember poses, so you won’t even need to watch the video if you are away from your computer.

Today’s fast way of life had spawned a new breed of current illnesses. Chronic fatigue, recurring constipation, sudden allergies, and some strange infections are just some of today’s prevalent diseases that, while not fatal, hinder one’s business.

Most people think there is a magic bullet to end most of them: colon cleansing.

Colon cleansing is actually a method of cleaning the body’s waste disposal system. Taking their cue from the ancient Egyptians and Greeks, people are again of the belief that today’s illnesses spring from faulty body waste disposal and that this discrepancy needs outside help.

Herbs

One of the three main methods of colon cleansing is the use of herbs. These herbs can be found in manufactured colon cleansing systems or can be obtained by anyone interested enough to self-medicate.

It is believed that aside from cleansing the colon, herbs also helps remove from our body’s system those harmful chemicals, pesticides, and metals we ingest everyday. Most people now believe that these environmental toxins also play a big role in the rise of today’s illnesses.

Some particular herbs may not react together well enough. This is where knowledge of these herbal aids becomes crucial. It is important, at the very least, to know the general use of these named herbs for reference purposes. Of course, as the final arbiter, a medical practitioner is the best resource person.

Here is the list and a short description of how they work.

* Cascara sagrada also known as bearberry – this herb has a long history as a laxative fro people suffering from constipation. Note of caution: This cannot be used on a regular basis since it can be habit-forming. Read the manufacturer’s instructions.

* Wormwood – cleanses the colon of worms and also works as a mild sedative. However, this should not be used by pregnant or nursing women.

* Black walnut husk – this cleanses the intestines of parasites, and is also effective in fighting fungal infections. On the side, it helps in digestion.

* Cloves – this herb helps clears out parasites and aids in digestion.

* Rosemary – this versatile herb aids in preventing liver toxicity. It has anti-tumor properties and stimulates digestion and blood circulation.

* Cayenne Pepper- a wonderful herb that does many things including; helps the heart, kidneys, lungs, and stomach. It helps in digestion and is good for sinus problems,
colds and sore throats. Cayenne is rich in folic acid, vitamins B1, B2, B3 and B6, vitamin A and C.

* Yellow dock or curly dock – it cleanses the blood, the colon and good in combating liver disease.

* Parsley – this fragrant herb does many good things: stops tumors from multiplying, helps the kidneys, bladder, stomach, liver and lungs work better. It also helps
lower blood pressure.

* Yerba mate – it cleanses the blood, helps with allergies, constipation and inflammation.

* Cats Claw – this one is good for intestinal disorders. It also enhances white blood cell action. (Note: pregnant women should not use this.)

* Cranberry – this is great for combating urinary tract infection. Bacteria cannot survive in cranberry’s acidity.

* Corn Silk – helps fight troubles in the intestines, bladder and kidneys. Works well in combination with other kidney-cleansing herbs.

* Milk Thistle – this herb works best for liver problems and is a great antioxidant. It is also good in fighting digestive and kidney disorders.

Aside from these herbs, there are foods that help the body just as well. Mostly, they alkalize and detoxify the body. (Some vegetables and fruits – while good – are acid-forming: asparagus, Brussels sprouts, chickpeas, cranberries, canned fruits.) These comprise most of the vegetables, fruits, soy products, maple syrup and molasses.

For today’s new health troubles, it is good to know some herbs and food that help in the fight. Some of them are strictly classified as colon cleansers and rightly so. Whatever is the name, it is good to know them by heart, especially on how they are used.

That acne is an exclusive teenage dilemma is a common misconception. Some people think that having acne attacks in the adolescent years automatically disqualifies them from developing adult acne. Similarly, those who did not have acne before are thinking they’ve skipped the acne stage. Wrong. Acne can recur or strike in adulthood. Statistics says that 20% of the adult population suffers from acne. Specifically, acne affects 50% of adult women and 25% of adult men. Some have them in their 20’s or 30’s. Others experience adult acne way later in life, usually in their 40’s.

Adults face the same trouble as teenagers do. Their self-esteem is as badly slighted. They get the same sideward glances. They equally get bothered with one new zit. Though it is not a fraction as serious as other health problems, adult acne can be hugely bothersome. Suddenly, socializing has become more of a task and fronting the mirror is an avoided experience. As if that’s not enough, they have to put up with acne scars, which, most of the time, stick around for life.

What went wrong?
Acne develops when the skin follicles are blocked by sebum—the oil produced by the sebaceous glands—dead skin cells, and bacteria. A blocked follicle is usually triggered by using bad cosmetics, birth control pills, and some medicines. Heredity, hormonal imbalances, and allergic reactions can also lead to acne breakouts, although unlike the others, these factors are specifically out of the sufferer’s control.

The face is the most commonly affected, but acne can also appear in other areas where units of follicles and sebaceous glands (pilosebaceous units) are most numerous. Examples are back, chest, arms, neck, and shoulders.

Adult acne treatment
Though most of the acne treatments today are specifically created for teens, there have been a lot of treatments for adult acne available in the market. Thirty percent of them are purchased over the counter. Very popular today are the products with benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, which usually come as topical treatments like soaps, lotions, gels, and creams. Over-the-counter treatments, however, are typically limited to treating mild acne cases. Medications with strong effects, on the other hand, are available only with prescription. Experts usually advise against treatment combination as it may dry up the skin and cause irritation.

Oral medications are also administered to address certain conditions that lead up to acne. Women with hormonal imbalance, for instance, should take spironolactone and undergo hormone replacement therapy.

Acne treatments are as unique as the individual sufferers; no treatment is a cure-all. In other words, a treatment that went good with one person may not necessarily do as well with someone else. Which is why seeking the attention of a dermatologist is highly recommended, especially in serious acne cases, to determine the proper treatment based on the severity of the case, cause of acne, type of skin, and age.

Avoiding adult acne
In the case of an existing acne flare-up, treatment comes as top priority. However, there is something to be said about preventing a breakout. And prevention usually requires deliberate change of practices.

For one, hands should be kept off the face, as they can expedite the growth of bacteria. Acne thrives in a pool of bacteria, and a second of mindlessly touching the face can produce a zit in only a matter of days. Squeezing and picking pimples are also a no-no since they can push the bacteria back into the skin and cause more inflammation.

Use noncomedogenic and oil-free cosmetics and other skin products. These properties can prevent blocked pores and consequently future skin flare-ups. Some, however, may find these same products to be causing more aggravation. Therefore, it is important to be more critical of skin products and use only those that are necessary.

Finally, take extra care of the skin to prevent adult acne breakouts. Wash the skin with mild products twice or thrice a day, starting from under the jaw to the hairline. Don’t rub the skin too hard to avoid inflammation. The key here is not to over wash, as it may do more harm than good to the skin.

If you got a chubby kid, he or she probably often gets pinched in the cheeks by older people or even by other children, because “you are so cute!” and, er, “so chubby!” While your kid may take these as compliments, your kid may also take these as confidence crushers. Not only is it made clearer to your kid that he or she is indeed chubby and fat, it is also emphasized that he or she is not like other “normal” kids. So what better thing to do than to encourage your kid to go on a weight loss plan?

But, you may ask, if weight loss schemes are already hard for adults, how much more would they be for your kid? Well, at least one good thing about your child having to shed off extra weight is that they got a parent to encourage and support him or her.

Now, how do you know that the tummy flab that peeks under your kid’s shirt is just “baby fat”? You can start by determining your kid’s ideal weight, then, measure his / her weight. If your kid weighs more than children of his/her age should, your kid is overweight. And if his / her weight is 20 percent beyond the ideal, your kid is obese, which is something that needs more attention. To be sure, however, just go to the nearest health center and have a health practitioner take his weight and body mass index to determine his/her actual condition.

If you confirm that your kid indeed needs to lose weight, then you start your “parental project.” Tell your kid outright that he/she needs to lose weight for his/her own health. You can use a matter-of-factly but conversational tone, so that your kid would take you seriously without being offended. Explain the benefits of weight loss—he/she would be able to do more activities, wear regular size of clothes, have more resistance and endurance, etc. Just be sure, however, that your kid gets the proper motivation to lose weight: that he/she should lose extra pounds, not to be “normal” like other kids, not to get the approval and praise of other people, but to be fitter and healthier.

Of course, don’t force a weight loss plan on your kid. It’s better to do it subtly. This way he/she wouldn’t be pressured and stressed, which might even cause depression, one of the common reasons people binge eat and put on extra weight.

Start your kid’s diet at home. Cook less fatty foods, but make sure that your kid would still get a balanced amount of vitamins, minerals, carbs, and protein. Junk the junk foods from your pantry and fridge. If your kid loves junk foods, make him/her homemade ones—minus the fats and artificial ingredients, of course. Use real lean meat for burger patties, real sliced potatoes for chips, and low-sugar dough for cookies.

Encourage your child to take on more physical activities. Reduce the time he/she spends in front of the TV or computer. Take your family for regular walks every evening even just for 10-30 minutes. Or go on weekend camping or hiking outings every weekend. This way you don’t only get to bond as a family, you also make your whole family healthier.

Strike a deal with your kid. Make him/her do house chores in exchange for a little hike in allowance. You can also buy him/her a pet, which he/she can take regular walks with.

The holidays can be a very stressful time of year for some people. Yoga can be a very effective way to reduce and relieve your stress level.

More than 5,000 years ago, yoga was considered as the oldest form of self-development. This practice involves ethical disciplines, physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation.
Although first practiced in the East, it is now gaining popularity in the West. In Britain, for example, it is being used to relax workers and make them healthier and more creative.

Over the years, the practice has been regarded as a reliever of stress. It is a combination of stress reduction techniques, which includes exercise, breathing control, and body relaxation. The increasing popularity of yoga has allowed more people to realize the benefits of this practice to reducing stress.

Yoga originated from the word “yoke” meaning to bring together or unite. This Indian practice is the union of the mind, body, and spirit. Whether its for managing stress or improving physical health, there are various benefits that you can obtain from this form of exercise.

Practicing this ancient form of exercise provides several benefits such as reduced stress, lower blood pressure, decreased heart rate, to name just a few. Its benefits are so plenty that it has a high payoff for the amount of effort you exert.

This form of exercise involves stretching some parts of the body and performing various poses, while maintaining slow and controlled breathing. At the same time, it provides relaxation and energy. There are various styles that have been developed and the movements may vary depending on the style.

In addition, some of the styles focus on the spiritual aspect. The other styles are purely designed as an exercise.

Not only does this form of exercise present physical benefits but also psychological benefits. Regularly indulging in this practice aids in reducing stress and develops your sense of well being. Likewise, it promotes spiritual benefits and makes you feel connected with God or Spirit.

Specific poses can be conducted in any location or venue and a single program can last for hours or minutes that will be determined by your schedule.

While it has its advantages, the practice also has its drawbacks. First, you need to commit some of your time to the practice. Second, for some people with physical disability, the various moves can be difficult.
Another drawback of the activity is that you can be self-conscious when performing some of the poses. Attending a class can be costly on your part but learning from an e-book or video can be more daunting.

When compared with other methods of stress reduction, the practice combines the benefits of breathing techniques, stretching, fitness programs, meditation, and guided imagery in a single technique. For the physically handicapped, basic breathing exercises, meditation, or guided imagery might be the best option offering the same benefits.

Instead of taking pills or herbs, you should instead commit your time and effort to the practice. Every time a class ends, you will be required to perform a corpse pose-savasana for relaxation.

At first, forcing yourself to do this exercise can be difficult but eventually you will feel relaxed in your body or mind. A savasana pose will help you resume your normal routine feeling refreshed knowing that you can now battle the stress that you experienced in your life.

If you have not discovered the benefits of yoga yet, then this is the opportune time to try it out.