Acidity is catabolic (breaks down) in nature. It is for this reason that it brings about chronic fatigue, low immunity, irritability, and mood swings.  Therefore, it is important to restore the pH levels in the body as continuing to have an acidic state would precipitate disease sooner or later.  The human body has self-healing powers. All we have to do is to support its activity with the right nutrients.  A basic rule to achieve and maintain PH balance is to eat 80% alkaline forming foods and 20% acid forming foods.  If your pH test suggests that your body is acidic switch over to alkaline forming food. Here is a list of alkaline forming foods. Watermelon Mangoes Apples Guava Pears Potatoes Dudhi Turi Honey Dates Corn Millets Mushrooms Raisins Curd At the same time, you must avoid acid forming substances such as: Alcohol Coffee Legumes Lentils Cornstarch White flour Non-vegetarian foods Fried food Dried coconut Cheese Cakes Pastries Pasta Soft drinks Sugar Vinegar Pickles Pappads Apart from food, both physical and mental stress tends to elevate the acidity of the blood. The effect of stress on acidosis is more profound than that caused by wrong eating.  When stress levels are very … Continue reading Restoring pH levels →

If you are a diabetic, sure you already are aware that your body has an inability to control levels of sugar in the blood and that you need to stay away from foods with high glycemic index (simple carbohydrates). However, recent researches point that smoking cigarettes and consuming tobacco doubles the damage to the body caused by diabetes by causing hardening of the arteries. Nicotine & Diabetes Smoking, in itself, poses many adverse effects on your health, but if you have diabetes and you smoke, your risk for heart associated problems, kidney disease, eye complaints (retinopathy), and other complications of diabetes increases dramatically. Not only do the risk levels rise, but existing complications can also worsen. A research recently published in American Journal of Medicine and Diabetes have connected smoking to high risks for glucose abnormalities such as glucose intolerance and impaired fasting glucose. Smokers appeared to have a 44% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes than non-smokers. The risk was highly linked to the smoking degree and not on the fact that whether you smoke cigars, cigarettes, or pipes. The risk increase with each cigarette you smoke and heavy smokers (at least 20 cigarettes daily) had been shown … Continue reading Diabetes, caffeine, and nicotine, what is the link →

There are a number of harmful activities we often indulge in, without thinking twice about what they could do to our health. Here are some activities that maybe contributing to our rising cholesterol levels. Smoking Smoking of cigarettes damages the walls of your blood vessels, which makes them accumulate fatty deposits. Moreover, smoking may lower your HDL level or good cholesterol. Obesity Risk of high cholesterol is higher if one’s body mass index (BMI) is 30 or more. Therefore, obesity is a factor we must control at the earliest possible opportunity in order to ensure a fit and healthy life. Large waist circumference If a man’s waist circumference is around 40 inches (102 centimeters) and a woman’s is around 35 inches (89 centimeters), they would stand a higher chance of suffering from high cholesterol. Poor diet Red meat and full-fat dairy products, which are high in cholesterol, increase our total cholesterol. Furthermore, high cholesterol levels can increase due to consumption of saturated fats found in animal products and trans fats found in certain baked confectioneries Lack of exercise A good exercise regime will help improve our body’s HDL level or good cholesterol while lowering the LDL level or bad cholesterol. However, lack of … Continue reading Factors contributing to cholesterol →

Turmeric Using turmeric is a natural and inexpensive way to look after your skin. As we all know that it is rubbed on the arms and face of the bride before her marriage to make her skin soft and supple. It is one of the most commonly used spices in Indian cuisine. It is a potent antioxidant, a natural antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and also detoxifies the liver. When taken internally it helps purifies the blood. When consumed, it helps with problems like arthritis and joint pain. It can be applied to the skin to reduce swelling and redness. Turmeric helps to reduce pigmentation on face and evens out the skin tone. Application of turmeric mixed with sandalwood powder and water reduces the appearance of acne. Cinnamon The essential oil of cinnamon can be mixed with petroleum jelly and applied on acne to dry it out. Cinnamon is a natural antibacterial, hence disinfects and prevents infection, both internally and externally. It brings blood and nutrients to the skin surface and brings the glow to the skin. Mix 3 table spoon of honey and 1 table spoon of cinnamon powder. Apply a thin layer on the face and keep for 10 minutes. Then … Continue reading 4 best spices to include in your diet to improve skin →

Hair, refers to the thin structures, that grow out of the skin, particularly in a mass on the head. Our hair is important to our appearance, and an outward expression of our personal style. However, due to unhealthy eating habits, stressful lifestyles, dirt and pollution, it often gets dull, damaged and prone to breakage, owing to hair loss. But have no fear, food is the answer! Here are 13 foods that help fight against hair loss. Oats They are rich in fiber and Omega 6 fatty acids which simulate hair growth giving you thick locks. Strawberries They raise levels of silica, a vital mineral for healthy growth. Walnuts They strengthen hair cuticles and nourish the scalp. Salmon They are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids and vitamins, which treat dryness and prevent excessive loss. Sunflower seeds They contain hair loss preventive minerals such as selenium, biotin, and calcium. Yellow capsicum Rich in vitamin C, it strengthens hair shafts and follicles, preventing hair breakage. Chicken & eggs They are excellent sources of protein, and also worthy hair strengthening agents. Oysters Rich in zinc, this food helps treat poor scalp conditions. Avocados Topically applied, it helps stimulate collagen and elastin production. Spinach … Continue reading 13 foods that fight hair loss →