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English articles about health and beauty



Foot Pain Causes

Foot pain problems are common and vary from complaint to complaint. There are so many triggers that can cause foot problems, like a simple blister from wearing a new pair of shoes, or having a very tight fitting shoe.

Below are some complicated and not so complicates foot pain causes.

1.    Bunions are one of the self inflictive things we do to ourselves, which is noted by a protrusion usually found at the base of the big toe, but also can be on the little toe as well. This is something that becomes inflamed over time with a callus. This can be corrected early enough if you just pay attention to the type of shoe you are wearing. This is more common with women because they like to wear narrow toed shoes (high heels).

2.    Achilles bone spur which requires surgery is a little more complicated and painful. Some say the pain can actually go away on its own, but sometimes it can bother you for years and you will require medical attention to correct it.

3.    Hammer toes is when your toe curls downward into a claw-like position, and may need to be taped to straighten and realign.

4.    Corns are usually developed from ill fitting shoes that put pressure on a certain area which forms a callus over time. This thickening of the skin can become tender and sore, and you may have to have it removed. You can also find calluses on the balls of the feet or heels.

5.    Plantar fasciitis is commonly found in the heel of the foot, but can also be caused from fallen arches, also known as flat feet. It just hurt you're standing. This is caused by straining the ligament that supports your arch. You may find relief with a good pair of orthotics.

6.    Gout is another painful condition that requires medical attention. This condition is caused by excessive production of uric acid in your blood. What happens is crystals build up in the joints, which can lead to severe pain. This disease is common amongst males and some females, and this is also seen in people with kidney diseases, diabetes, obesity, and sickle cell anemia.

7.    Other things you want to watch for are fungal infection which can cause peeling, redness, itching, burning, and sometimes blisters and sores, and athlete's foot is another mildly contagious foot issue that is passed on by direct contact or by walking barefoot in areas such as locker rooms, or near pools. These fungi will grow in your shoes. Athlete's foot can be treated with topical antifungal lotions, sprays or medications.

8.    Another cause of foot pain as silly as it sounds, is tying your shoelaces too tight, which puts pressure on the top of the foot and can cause pain, bruising, and a circulation problem. This is something people with diabetes need to be aware of.









Caring For Dry Facial Skin

There are many different causes of dry facial skin, some are external factors and others can be related to conditions inside the body. Dry skin usually appears taught and tight, with a fine texture and flaky patches.

Internal factors that can be related to dry skin:

Thyroid imbalances,
Stress,
Imbalanced diet,
Genetics,
Age

External conditions commonly related to dry skin:

Extreme weather conditions, especially cold dry weather,
Use of harsh soaps and washes for cleansing,
Insufficient moisturising, or the use of poor quality synthetic moisturisers, especially products based on mineral oils,
Excessive use of central heating

Caring for dry facial skin

Dry skin needs to be treated in a truly holistic form to have lasting relief. This includes making any necessary changes to ones diet and lifestyle as well as limiting exposure to harsh chemicals.
Cleansing dry facial skin.
Dry skin needs to be thoroughly cleansed and exfoliated just like any other, however dry skin is usually sensitive skin so using a gentle, natural cleanser that effectively removes dead skin cells and impurities without stripping the skins precious natural oils is vital. Choose a cleanser that is free from alcohol, mineral oils, and artificial fragrances/colours as dry skins can react to these ingredients. Gentle facial exfoliation is also beneficial as the removal of deeply imbedded dead skin cells allows moisturisers to penetrate more deeper in to the skin providing it with the hydration and nourishment it needs.

Moisturising dry facial skin

Dry skin needs extra nourishment and hydration as it has fewer sebaceous glands than other skin types. Moisturising with a quality product made with organic and natural ingredients that replenish and restore moisture are vital in the control of dry facial skin. Unfortunately so many products that are labelled as natural are anything but natural, in fact they usually contain a cocktail of chemicals and are based on MINERAL OIL which has NO NUTRITIONAL VALUE for the skin. Products based on these ingredients can make dry skin even drier and irritated due to their unhealthy, synthetic ingredients, especially if used long term.
Moisturising dry facial skin with products based on pure and wholesome ingredients like natural plant butters and cold pressed oils is a great way of providing the skin with vital nourishment and hydration to stay smooth and supple. Natural botanical oils and butters are better absorbed in to the skins deeper layers as their structure is more compatible with the skin.

Helpful tips for dry facial skin

Use natural and organic products specifically for dry skin,
Avoid products with chemicals, mineral oils and Alcohol and harsh facial washes,
For a super moisture boost use a facial oil/serum under your moisturiser,
Try to avoid exposing the skin to sudden changes in temperature,
Try to incorporate foods high in essential fatty acids and vitamin E in your diet, especially oily fish, nuts/seeds, and avocados,
Evening primrose oil supplements are reported to be helpful for dry skin,
Drink the recommended amount of pure, filtered water every day,
Use of natural, chemical free skin care products is one of the best ways of preventing and controlling dry skin


Carbs Or Fat For Fuel
  

One of the major problems with today's fitness programs is a dependence on carbohydrates for muscle fueling. Athletes have been shifting away from low glycemic fat/protein fuel into the high glycemic carbohydrate fuel for a few decades now, resulting in an inefficient fueling source especially for endurance sports.
The fact is that throughout the day the fat cells will provide a significant portion of fuel for general activity and during sleep fat flowing out of the fat stores will keep you fueled until morning.

Traditional nutritionists still believe that carbohydrates are the preferred fuel for the body, which is not true. Any of the three energy-producing nutrients - carbohydrates, fat, and protein - can provide the body with energy, according to the landmark book Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism.
The body only uses these carbohydrates first to keep blood sugars under control. After a meal containing carbohydrates is ingested, insulin is released into the blood, with a particularly large increase in secretion occurring after the ingestion of sugars and simple carbs. This is sometimes referred to as "insulin shock."
Some of the cells will uptake this sugar immediately for fuel (not so for fructose)... some will get stored in the muscle in the form of glycogen. The liver can also store some of this sugar in the form of glycogen but also converts some of it to fat. Fat cells store it as fat.

Insulin levels can remain elevated for 60-90 minutes, inhibiting the release of energy from glycogen in the liver and from fatty acids, which are a major energy source during prolonged cardiovascular exercise. The aerobic system (oxidative phosphorylation) derives one third of the ATP ( the source of energy for muscle action) from metabolizing carbohydrates and two thirds from fats.

 

How To Make All Natural Hair Products

All natural hair products are made solely from organic materials that, rather than damage hair, will nourish hair, returning it natural the shine and thickness. Commercially produced shampoos, conditioners and dyes are full of harsh chemicals, which can dull, dry and cause split ends.

Unnecessary Chemicals
Many shampoos and conditioners are created with unnecessary chemicals that merely add shelf life to the product. Foaming agents are incorporated into hair products because most consumers mistakenly associate the soapy lather and the "clean" feeling they provide with hair health.
In addition, many people experience allergies to the chemicals in synthetic hair products, forcing consumers to discover the advantages of organic hair products.

Natural Hair Products Ingredients
The great thing about all natural hair products is that most of the ingredients needed to create a natural shampoo or conditioner can be found on your kitchen shelves. Some of these ingredients include:
  • Olive oil
  • Wheat germ
  • Safflower oil
  • Eggs
  • Cider vinegar
  • Honey
  • Yogurt
  • Avocado
The results of making your own shampoo and conditioners will be better with fresh ingredients, so always make sure they are not out-of-date. For example, slightly spoiled yogurt will not contain the active cultures necessary to replenish your hair's natural beauty and expired eggs lose the potency for hair restoration.

Recipes for Creating Natural Hair Products
Hair dry and frizzy from harsh shampoos can be restored with an effective conditioner made from avocado and organic coconut milk:
  • Peel a medium-sized avocado and remove the pit
  • Crush the avocado with a potato masher
  • Slowly pour the coconut milk onto the avocado
  • Stir the mixture until the consistency resembles an over-the-counter cream rinse
  • Massage the mixture into your hair thoroughly, making sure the ends are heavily coated. Wait 15 minutes before rinsing and then wash with chamomile shampoo or one of many similar all natural hair products.
Another quick and easy shampoo consists of 6 chamomile tea bags, 1 1/2 tablespoons of pure vegetable glycerin and 4 tablespoons of pure soap flakes:
1.    Steep teabags in 1 1/2 cups of boiled water for 20 minutes
2.    Remove the teabags, leaving the tea boiling
3.    Add soap flakes to the tea
4.    Allow the soap to soften
5.    Stir in glycerin, blending well
6.    Pour mixture into a sealed bottle
This shampoo needs to be stored in a cool, dark area.

Natural Color Enhancers and Dyes
Dyes contain some of the harshest chemicals and continuously dying can permanently damage hair down to the roots. For brunettes, enhancing the rich brown hue of your hair using all natural hair products can be accomplished with a potent black coffee - much stronger than you would drink. Instead of one teaspoon of coffee grounds, add three or four to a cup of water; rinse your hair several times with the coffee, leaving the final rinse in your hair for 15-20 minutes. Finally, pour clear, warm water over your hair until the water runs clear. Brunettes will enjoy the results yielded from this all-natural hair color enhancer.



Five Tips To Help Bunion Pain

Bunions are common foot deformities that affect 1% of the population. Bunions are officially known as hallux valgus deformities. This means that there is a bump on the inner side of the foot at the base of big toe because the bones in the foot are not aligned properly. Hallux valgus deformities are quite painful and should be evaluated by a podiatrist to see if the deformity should be corrected by surgery or with special orthopedic shoes or orthotic devices.
The most common cause of this deformity is tight, poorly fitting shoes. Sometimes there are structural deformities of the foot that place abnormal pressure on the bones in the feet creating the hallux valgus deformity. Pressure over the metatarsal bone in the foot causes the bone to point abnormally and force the toe to point outwards and the metatarasal bone to point in.
Patients with bunions will notice a bump at the base of the big toe that is not painful at first. Over time the deformity will increase. Eventually, this region will become very deformed and may cause pain. Patients often have pain, redness and swelling at the base of the big toe that is caused by pressure from shoes that do not fit correctly or do not have wide areas in the toe region. Chronic irritation can results in swelling and irritation of the joint. As this deformity worsens patient may begin to develop other structural foot deformities such as, hammertoes, corns and calluses.

If you have bunions try these tips to help your feet!

1. Buy new shoes! Find shoes that fit properly. Look for quality              orthopedic shoes that have wide toe areas and can allow for insertion of orthotic devices.

2. RICE! For foot pain, rest, elevate and ice your feet. Ask your doctor if it is safe for you to take an anti-inflammatory pain reliever.
3. Buy the right accessories! Purchase special padding for shoes to cushion the foot from pressure.
4. Try Physical therapy! Physical therapy can show you exercises that can improve joint mobility and decrease pain and swelling.
5. Find a podiatrist! See if your feet require special shoe inserts, orthopedic shoes or surgical correction.

It is not easy to live with bunions. This foot problem can be very painful and can sometimes limit a person's activity level. If you suffer from this common health problem consider trying these tips to help improve your foot pain!


three Things You Should Know About Chronic Fatigue

Do you feel tired and exhausted most of the time? Chances are you may be suffering from fatigue. It may be caused due to general stress or stress at work, depression, insufficient sleep, no exercise, boredom and due to mild ailments like cold or flu or because of taking certain medicines. However, as these ailments or other causes neutralize, the fatigue too goes away. In most cases this general fatigue should ease within two weeks.

But there is another more severe kind of fatigue referred to as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). What differentiates it from the general fatigue is that you feel tired to a level that impedes your day-to-day activities, and also that the tiredness is present for six months or more. The following 3 points will tell you all about CFS and how to handle it.

• Symptoms
- The causes of CFS are still unknown to medicine, a number of factors when combined together, most probably cause CFS. But you must look out for certain typical symptoms that can give you a fair indication.
- Feeling constantly exhausted even with routine activities.
- Trouble in getting sleep and being tired even after waking up.
- Difficulty in, recollecting things, concentrating or being able to think.
- Extreme tiredness after any physical activity or exercise, which you could earlier do without any strain.
- Headaches, pain in joints and muscles, sore throat and the glands in the armpits and neck feeling tender are other symptoms that might be experienced.

• Diagnosis
Much like the causes of CFS are not known, in the same way there aren't any specific tests to diagnose CFS. Doctors conduct diagnosis through a kind of elimination procedure, by ruling out other ailments, because CFS shares its symptoms with other ailments too. The doctor will start with observing your medical history and conducting a physical exam. To exclude other probable conditions certain tests like blood count, blood glucose level, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, Urinalysis, HIV and skin tests might be prescribed. Even after this some trial and error might be required to effectively address CFS.

• Treatment
- It is commonly believed that CFS cannot be prevented or even cured. After a possible diagnosis, home treatment coupled with medications under doctors' advice can tackle the symptoms which in turn may reduce the ill-effects of CFS.
- Try to regularize your sleeping habits by keeping fixed sleeping hours daily, also sleep only when you feel drowsy, and avoid caffeine before going to bed. A comfortable environment including the bed also helps.
- Do some exercise, but keep a balance so as not to overburden yourself.
- A balanced diet which is low on fat can be equally helpful.
- You can also reschedule your routine to accommodate activities during the time
period when you feel comparatively more energetic, again do not overdo it.

An absence of reliable tests can be extremely frustrating, but you must work with your doctor and learn to be patient, for in most cases, once CFS improves there is rarely any relapse.


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Tips To Treat Oily Skin

Many can attest to the fact that dealing with oily skin is a hassle. Just a few hours after a
facial wash, oily may actually begin to reappear again. Like any skin care challenge, some changes in a daily routine can really make a positive difference.

Normal oil production has wonderful properties. It hydrates the skin. But too much oil can cause issues such as acne breakouts.

The first step to dealing with oily issues is facial cleansing. This should be done at least twice a day. Please find a cleanser suited to deal with this particular skin type. A favorite are botanical extracts to combat oily skin. Professionals like how it regulates oil production without drying out the skin.

Another top ingredient is salicylic acid which is a perfect choice for acne issues.

Orange peel has also been incorporated into cleansers to refresh oily skin, while licorice extract has calming properties.

While the goal for a cleanser is to remove oil, please remember that totally drying out the skin is not part of that goal. Please find moderation in this beauty routine.

The second part of any cleansing regimen is using a toner. While it balances the pH of the skin after a wash, it also is a great tool to soak up excess oil.

Skin toners also come in a host of other different types of names such as:

Astringent
Balancer
Clarifying lotion
Cleansing water
Toning lotion

If a busy life makes it impossible to cleanse the face more than twice a day, then blotting paper will offer the perfect alternative. The goal of blotting paper gets rid of oil and leaves the skin with a shine-free appearance.

Blotting paper is found in the following types:

Linen
Organic flax seed
Rice Paper

Users of blotting paper are really enjoying the natural organic flax seed choice because it is highly absorbent and people can use it as often as they want. Finding a blotting paper in a small size also makes it very discreet.

When it comes to a moisturizer and sunscreen, those with oily skin tend to shy away from these products. But please don't do this. They are both so important in a skin care regimen.

A progressive area in science, skin care has created these products in oil-free formulas. For example, some of these wonderful oil-free products have revolutionary ingredients such as green tea extract, and vitamins such as A, C, and E.

Oil-free sunscreens are sheer, go on like silk, and protect the skin from sun damage.

It's important to remember that those with oily skin can still use products which deliver a potent dose of nourishing ingredients that clear the skin while offering a luminous appearance.






Why You May Have Ugly Saggy Neck Skin ?

The causes of ugly saggy neck skin are numerous. The problem is often thought of as a
natural part of the aging process that can only be solved with surgery. There are other solutions. But first, let's look at the causes.

Decreased Production of Collagen and Elastin Fibers

The skin's collagen and elastin fibers are like the elastic in a pair of sweat pants or other clothing. With constant stretching, they become less elastic.

Because of that, the body naturally produces new collagen and elastin fibers to replace the less elastic one. The replacement process occurs on a regular basis throughout our youth, assuming we are in good health. But as we age, the process slows down. As a result, the entire matrix of the skin because less elastic and starts to sag. It is particularly noticeable on the neck, simply because of gravity.

Decreased Hyaluronic Acid Content

Hyaluronic acid is another component that contributes to the skin's strength and firmness. The amount present in the skin decreases with age, because of enzymes called hyaluronidaise. The enzymes break down the hyaluronic acid. In addition to causing saggy neck skin, low levels of hyaluronic acid play a role in wrinkles, uneven pigmentation and dark under eye circles.

Low Moisture Content

If the skin's moisture content is low, it is more likely to look saggy. When the skin's cells are fully hydrated, they are firm and plump. This helps to hold the skin tight. Low moisture may be caused by excessive cleansing, harsh cleansers and failure to use a good moisturizer. Low humidity, cold, wind and overexposure to sunlight are other possible causes.

Chronic Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is a cause of cellular aging throughout the body. It plays a role in cancer, obesity, heart disease, arthritis and other health problems. The skin may be chronically inflamed for many reasons and inflammation is one of the few things that can damage and degrade the skin's collage and elastin fibers.

If the fibers become damaged or degraded when a person is older and the replacement process has slowed down, ugly saggy neck skin is a probable result. Redness is one of the visible symptoms of chronic inflammation.

Decreased Skin Cell Production

The number of new skin cells created on a daily basis decreases as a person ages. Because of that, the skin gets thinner. Thinning skin is more likely to sag.

Free Radical Damage

Free radicals are a cause of cellular aging, too. The risk of free radical damage increases during exposure to sunlight and because of age. Older skin has been found to contain more free radicals than younger skin.

If they get out of control, free radicals can damage the cells that make new skin cells, which may be the reason that skin cell production decreases with age. They can also interfere with the production of strong new elastic fibers and do a great deal of damage to the existing fibers.
  
Those are the causes. Now, you probably want to know where you can find the solutions. You'll find them in my next article. Please see the resource box below for more help







 Organic Make Up Benefits: Beautifying Your Skin Naturally

By Raymond James 
When we talk about organic make up, plant materials or substances derived from plant materials seem to pop into the mind. This is partially true. Organic make up does refer to cosmetics whose ingredients are derived from plant matter. However, the same can also mean that naturally occurring compounds such as minerals constitute such organic cosmetics. Simply put, the term "organic make up" refers to beautification materials that have not been exposed to chemicals or artificial pesticides of any kind.

Organic cosmetics are also produced in an environmentally friendly manner that ensures no toxins are emitted into the air which is not the same for their chemical counterparts. In contrast to the traditional synthetic cosmetics, the ingredients of organic cosmetics are all natural. Following these statements, it is therefore not a surprising tendency that most women today prefer using organic cosmetics.

Some of the ingredients involved in organic cosmetics include base metals which are used as natural elements in the composition of make up such as eye shadow, lipstick and even blushes. Such elements have the property of rejuvenation. By this I mean they slow down the aging process of the body cells. They also have moisturizing properties and a record of being very skin friendly.

In order to educate the masses, this article will highlight the benefits of using organic make up. If you thought this was just another beauty fad then I urge you to read on.

A recent customer poll unearthed that allergic reactions and some skin irritations disappeared in over 50% of all the customers who purchased the product. The research also showed that the people who switched to organic make up from chemical cosmetics had their skin allergies disappear completely.

Other benefits of organic cosmetics specifically organic creams include the fact that they allow the skin to breath without clogging it. This is actually the sole reason why allergies dissipate among organic cosmetic users.

Another benefit of organic make up is that they do not contain any harsh dyes that can compromise the human system. Talc is also absent in organic make up. Those familiar with talc know that it dries up the skin and produces a dull effect. Talc is also notorious for sliding off the face and into the tiny cracks making them more prominent. This does not happen with organic applications.

There are also nutritional benefits associated with this cosmetic. For instance, organic based mascara nourishes the lashes with products such as jojoba oils and Shea butter. In some cases, the mascara has been known to contain bees wax. The wax ultimately strengthens the lashes making them tougher and more durable.

Illuminators such as sericite Mica and Mica have also been blended into organic make up, more specifically the foundation powders. These natural illuminators reduce the appearance of the pores and wrinkles on the skin by reflecting light away from the skin.

That said; it would be unwise to take any article at face value, this one included. After all, we are talking about your body here. So take your time and read everything you can lay your hands on before trying any cosmetic product on yourself.






Biotin - Can Biotin Stop Hair Loss ?
 By  Jimmy Chase

Introduction
Everyone thinks that taking biotin from natural sources will stop hair loss and promote hair growth. Well part of this is true but there is a lot of conflicting data out there. Lets look at the natural sources of biotin, how it helps your hair and what type of hair loss it actually helps.

Natural Sources Of Biotin
Biotin is sometimes called the "H" vitamin, but it is actually part of the B complex of vitamins, B-7. If you are an adult, you need about 30 micrograms to meet the normal dietary requirements. Younger individuals will require much less than this amount.

Two of the best natural sources of biotin are cooked eggs, especially the yolk, and liver. Other natural sources include whole wheat bread, Swiss chard and nuts. If these foods are not your cup of tea, then you can consider taking supplements to get your daily dose.

Taking supplements may be an extreme since our bodies can produce their own biotin in the intestines. Because we can produce our own biotin deficiencies are rare.

Some shampoo companies even put biotin in their products, but there is little proof supporting the absorption of biotin through the scalp. But it may help thicken the hair shaft making your hair look fuller, but absorption through the scalp is doubtful.

How Biotin Helps Your Hair
Biotin is known as the "Vitamin For Your Hair". It helps grow the hair faster and is vital for your hairs well-being. It is known that a biotin deficiency could cause a loss of hair, but these deficiencies are rare since the body can produce their own vitamin B-7.

Types Of Hair Loss Prevention
The only true hair loss biotin prevents is a deficiency in B-7 (biotin). But in the case of male or female pattern baldness, you may want to consider taking a supplement such as biotin or saw palmetto.

It has been found that people with male or female pattern use Minoxidil to help stop hair loss and re-grow their hair. It has been found that taking a supplement such as saw palmetto or biotin has been found to help promote faster restoration of hair.

Conclusion
Biotin deficiency is rare since it is found in our diet and our body can actually produce its own. Biotin does help strengthen your hair, but the only documented hair loss it cures is that caused by its own deficiency. It is believed though that it can help re-store hair faster for people using Minoxidil.

Jimmy Chase got into hair styling when he was in the Navy. After the Navy, he continued on in the profession of hair styling and studied how people can have beautiful hair.

Jimmy Chase started losing his hair when he turned 50. He has done lots of studies on loss of hair, in both men and women, to determine what works and what doesn't. He has successfully stopped his hair loss and has even re-grown some of his hair. He wants to help other people learn what he has learned, on dealing with loss of hair and re-growing hair.





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3 Things You Should Know About Chronic Fatigue

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