Relief from Constipation
Constipation occurs when bowel movements take place less than thrice a week. When constipation occurs, the stools become dry, hard and are difficult to expel from the rectum. Straining and pain may also occur while passing stools. Some people also experience bloating and the feeling that the bowels are full. Constipation is not an illness in itself, but rather a symptom. It occurs commonly and most individuals experience it at some time in their lives. Most cases of constipation are not permanent or serious.
What Cause Constipation?
When food passes through the colon, water is absorbed and stools are formed. The contractions of the colon muscles push the stools in the direction of the rectum. When the stools reach the rectum, they are solidified since the water is mostly absorbed by then. Constipation takes place when an excess amount of water is absorbed by the colon or when the contractions of the colon muscles are too slow, leading to slow movement of the stools. This results in dryness and hardening of the stools. Constipation may be caused by various factors. Usually an insufficient intake of fiber through the diet is the cause. Lack of adequate physical activity, intake of certain medications, excessive consumption of milk, dehydration and certain medical conditions may also be responsible. Irritable bowel syndrome, pregnancy, ageing and excessive use of laxatives are some of the other causes of constipation.
How to Prevent Constipation?
A drink of warm water to which lemon juice has been added is known to be effective in alleviating constipation. A pinch of salt may also be added to the water. Consuming two apples a day is another remedy that is believed to aid in treating constipation. Regular consumption of papaya in the mornings is effective in preventing constipation. A fruit salad consisting of papaya and guava may be eaten daily to add roughage, thereby preventing constipation. Dry grapes are known to have natural laxative properties and may be eaten to get relief from constipation. The grapes may be soaked in water overnight and eaten the next morning. Another well known remedy for constipation is flax seeds. A tablespoon of flax seeds may be added to water and allowed to soak for a couple of hours. This may be consumed at night before going to bed. Dry figs can also be soaked in water for a night and then eaten early morning. Oranges are known to be beneficial in cleaning out the bowels and may be consumed daily.
What is Gastritis?
Gastritis is a combination of many different conditions which all result in inflammation of the lining of the stomach. There can be many causes of gastritis such as infection caused by bacteria like helicobacter pylori, excessive alcohol consumption and continued use of certain medication. Gastritis can also develop following an injury, burns, and serious infections or even after surgery. Certain illnesses such as autoimmune disorders, pernicious anemia and chronic bile reflux can also lead to gastritis. Gastritis leads to symptoms such as pain and discomfort in the abdomen. Nausea and vomiting, bloating of the stomach, belching and pressure or burning in the abdomen can also occur. In rare cases, blood in the stools and vomit may be detected. This is indicative of internal bleeding of the stomach and is a serious condition which requires early medical attention.
Diet for Gastritis
Proper dietary habits helps to reduce the symptoms associated with gastritis. It is important to take meals at regular timings, as acidity can result if one eats too often. Dairy products such as milk and cheese must be restricted to just three servings each day. Opt for low fat dairy foods as this will help to regulate the production of stomach acid. Foods such as chilies, hot peppers and alcohol must be eliminated from the diet as they can aggravate the condition. Caffeine also contributes to gastritis as it leads to increased stomach acid production. Also avoid tea, colas, chocolate and cocoa. Acidic foods such as tomatoes and citrus juices can result in heartburn and hence are best avoided. Foods that result in gas formation must be avoided. These foods include broccoli, cabbage, beans and peas.
Foods to be consumed and avoid for Gastritis
Only those foods which can be easily digested must be consumed. Oily and spicy foods must be avoided. Foods that may be included in the diet include fresh fruits, leafy vegetables, salads, coconut water, banana, carrot juice, wheat bran and fat-free foods. Food must be chewed thoroughly before swallowing as this allows for proper digestion, thereby preventing gastritis. One should also not eat when the stomach if already full as this exerts pressure on the digestive process. It is advisable to have smaller frequent meals rather than three large meals during the day. This will allow adequate time for the stomach to process and digest the food. Consuming a small meal after every three hours is recommended. In addition, one should also discontinue smoking as it can aggravate the condition. Stress management is also required to keep gastritis under control.
Remedies for Common Cold
The common cold is also known as viral rhinitis. It is a viral infection that results in congestion of the nose, nasal discharge, sneezing, sore throat and a general feeling of being unwell. A cold usually lasts for a period of about 3 to 4 days. Colds are generally caused by rhinoviruses which are present in the air around us or on objects we touch. These rhinoviruses can penetrate through the protective membranes of the nose and throat and trigger an immune response which results in the symptoms of a cold.
Preventing Cold
The best way to prevent a cold is to keep safe distance from individuals that are affected with the viral infection. The virus can be transmitted when they sneeze of cough. Also refrain from touching the eyes and nose as viruses can be deposited into the nasal membranes. The body must also be kept well hydrated so that the mucus membranes remain moist. Stress and fatigue can compromise the immunity of the body and hence must be avoided. Another important step in preventing a cold is to maintain good hygiene, especially after contact with other individuals. The diet plays an important role in preventing cold and other infections. Good nutrition is essential in strengthening the immune system of the body. Beverages such as coffee and tea and alcoholic drinks have diuretic properties and hence should be avoided. Dairy products are believed to contribute to congestion in the nose, sinuses and chest and hence are also best avoided. When affected by a cold, meals should be light so that they can be digested easily. Chicken or vegetable broths and soups and lightly cooked fish or lean chicken may be consumed. The diet must be balanced and if necessary vitamin supplements may also be taken. Vitamin C improves the body’s resistance to infections and also aids in recovery. Grapefruit is a rich source of vitamin C which is known to be effective in fighting colds.
Herbal Remedy for Cold
One of the most effective remedies for common cold is lemon. Lemon juice contains high amounts of vitamin C. The juice of one lemon may be added to warm water. Add a teaspoon of honey and drink twice a day for quick relief form cold. Garlic soup is also beneficial in opening up the airways and easing congestion. Another excellent remedy for cold is ginger. Pieces of ginger may be boiled in water and consumed after straining.
Natural Remedy for Dandruff
Dandruff is a condition of the scalp which results in the formation of white flakes. It is a very common condition that can cause a great deal of social embarrassment as the white flakes are quite visible in the hair and on the clothes. The cells of the skin are in a constant process of renewal. As the skin cells of the scalp go through renewal, new cells are formed which causes the old cells to fall off. In individuals with dandruff the entire process takes place a lot faster resulting in greater quantities of dead skin which appear as white flakes.
Prevent Dandruff
There are several causes of dandruff. People who do not regularly brush their hair are preventing the natural shedding of dead skin and as such are more prone to dandruff. People who are at an increased vulnerability to yeast also are at risk for dandruff. Such dandruff improves during warm weather and worsens during winter. This is known to occur since the ultra violet radiation in sunlight acts against the yeast. Winter aggravates the dandruff due to coldness of the air. Those with dry skin also tend to get affected by dandruff. These dandruff flakes are dry and smaller. A condition known as seborrheic dermatitis is known to increase susceptibility to dandruff. This condition can affect other parts of the skin as well. The flakes of dandruff in such cases are oily and white or yellowish in color. Other conditions of the skin such as eczema and psoriasis can also result in dandruff. Use of harsh hair care products may also cause itching and dryness, leading to flaking of the skin on the scalp. Dandruff can also occur when the fungus malassezia affects the scalp. Some even believe that inadequate intake of the B vitamins and zinc can lead to dandruff.
Apple Cider Vinegar for Dandruff Treatment
Apple cider vinegar is a well known remedy for treating dandruff. After washing the hair with a mild shampoo, a mixture of one part water and two parts apple cider vinegar may be applied directly to the hair. A few drops of essential oils such as lavender or rosemary may also be added for fragrance. Massage the mixture gently into the hair and allow it to dry. It is not necessary to rinse the hair after this. However if the smell is bothersome, the hair can be washed. For severe dandruff, a stronger dose of apple cider vinegar could be used.
