Most of us are affected by unfounded fears and anxiety about the future. Stress, uncertainty, impact of the bad economy and job worries have become deadly scourges in many people’s lives. If you are affected by tension and anxiety, read on to learn effective tips on how to overcome anxiety. Read our advice and implement them to conquer fears and lead a happy, peaceful life.

How to Overcome Anxiety

Mind Your Mind
First, we need to understand the root cause of our fears and anxiety. You can do this by noting down disturbing thoughts as they occur. Go through them carefully and determine whether you can do anything about them at all. Do your best to alleviate the root cause and enjoy the rest as it comes.

Keep Yourself Active
An overly idle mind can indeed become the devil’s workshop. If you have too much leisure time, your mind may throw up needless anxieties and fears. This incessant mental chatter can be taxing. At such times, try light exercises like bicycling or swimming. You can also try yoga, pranayama and meditation to alleviate stress and better understand the working of the monkey mind.

Do Not Use Drugs
There is no reason to use medications to solve psychological problems like anxiety for the simple reason that medicines have their own undesirable side effects. It would be better to put mind over matter and sort out the mental troubles using your intellect, awareness and meditation techniques like mindfulness.

Accept Reality
When fears and anxiety affect us, we need to take a deep breath and think about what could be the worst case scenario. Our motto should be to be prepared for the worst while doing our best. We should learn to let go of things that are not in our control. Go with the flow and embrace life as it happens. Troubles are to be expected in life as planet earth is not utopia. Use troubling experiences to develop patience and fortitude. Embrace silence and solitude to reflect on how to overcome anxiety. Let your intuition guide your way out of the troubling period. Remember, “This too shall pass”.

Take it Light and Easy
Do not take life’s experiences too seriously or personally. Take things easy and laugh loudly at your troubles. A light-hearted attitude will usher in happiness and joy, which can drive the blues away. Treat yourself to TV comedies every day to roll on the floor laughing. You can also try laughter yoga to boost your mental health.

Tips to Overcome Anxiety

• If you are stressed, avoid caffeinated drinks as these stimulate the nerves and add to the restlessness.
• Overcome anxiety and tension by drinking green tea with a dash of lemon.
• Take a warm soothing bath to relax after a stressful day at work.
• Listen to melodious music to calm your nerves and overcome mental troubles.
• Read philosophical books and articles that can provide solace to your troubled soul.

Summary
Remember, anxiety and fears are all in the mind. You can overcome anxiety and other negative emotions by staying aware and mindful of the shenanigans of the monkey mind. A positive and cheerful attitude can help you ride above the mental mess and stay in charge of any situation.

Strong bones are important to maintain our body in good health. Proper diet and regular exercise help to build strong bones. It is important to build healthy and strong bones early in life to avoid bone problems like osteoporosis in later life. Seniors especially are afflicted by osteoporosis which weakens the bones and makes them break or fracture easily. In this article, we reveal how to make bones strong and healthy to ensure good health throughout your life.

How to Make Bones Strong

• Your diet should be rich in vitamin D and calcium. Include dairy products, oysters, kelp, salmon, sardines, broccoli and green leafy veggies in your regular diet.
• Do not consume calcium-rich foods and whole grains together. This is because whole grains inhibit proper absorption of calcium.
• Foods like onions and garlic which contain sulfur are good for bones.
• Avoid soda and carbonated drinks as they contain phosphorus which causes excretion of calcium from the body.
• For the same reason, avoid or limit high-protein animal foods because these also cause excretion of calcium.
• Avoid or limit caffeine consumption.
• You should exercise regularly to make bones strong. Best exercises for bone health are dancing, weight training and running.
• If your diet is not rich in nutrients, take supplements of vitamin D, magnesium and calcium.
• Herbs like rose hips, parsley, nettle, dandelion root, barley grass and alfalfa can make bones strong. These herbs can be taken in the form of tablets, tincture or tea.

Tips to Make Bones strong

• Start early in life to build strong bones and a healthy body, as this will help you avoid bone problems like osteoporosis in old age.
• Do not take herbs or supplements without consulting your doctor first.
• Research reveals that running and walking are two of the best exercises to make bones strong.
• If you have any doubts or questions regarding your diet and health, consult a doctor and get the answers at the earliest.

Calcium for Strong Bones
To maintain strong bones, we need to deposit as much calcium as possible in the body in our childhood and teen years. After the age of 18, we cannot add any more calcium and we can only maintain the stored calcium to keep our bones healthy. Dairy products and milk are rich in calcium. These foods also contain vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium better. Other good sources of calcium are bok choy, broccoli, spinach, soy beverages, breakfast cereals, orange juice and calcium-fortified tofu.

Physical Activity for Strong Bones
Besides a healthy diet, regular physical exercise is also necessary to make bones strong. Weight-bearing exercises are especially helpful as they make muscles and bones become stronger. However, consult your doctor before you start a regimen of exercises and activities to make your bones stronger.

Scorpions infest many tropical regions like South America, Mexico, the Middle East, South India and some parts of Africa. About 1.2 million people suffer from scorpion stings every year, which cause 3,250 deaths. In Mexico alone, scorpion stings cause 1,000 deaths every year. However, neighboring United States is luckier and only a handful of victims have fallen prey to scorpions in the past few years. In this article, we reveal effective scorpion sting treatment.

Symptoms of Scorpion Sting

• Burning sensation or pain
• Swelling
• Sensitivity to touch
• Tingling/numb sensation

Scorpion Sting Treatment

• First, wash the affected area with water and soap.
• Apply ice on the sting for about 10 minutes. Repeat this treatment if necessary.
• If the sting is on a leg or arm, elevate the affected limb to the level of your heart.
• To relieve pain, you can take acetaminophen (Tylenol). But, avoid ibuprofen and aspirin.
• Antibiotics are not used in scorpion sting treatment.
• Do not apply suction or cut into the stung area.
• Seek immediate medical treatment.
• It is important to stay calm and avoid panicking.
• Do not try methods like slashing the affected area, drinking alcohol to relieve pain, tying a tourniquet, taking strong narcotics like morphine, or trying to suck the venom out.

How to Avoid Scorpion Sting

• Check your clothes and shoes before wearing them to ensure a scorpion is not nestled inside.
• Remember that scorpions are immune to pesticides. If you find a scorpion in your house, you need to call a professional pest exterminator.
• Seniors and children are most vulnerable to dying from scorpion sting. So, they should take extra care.
• Not only humans, but pets can also be stung and harmed by scorpions. So, check your pet’s bed and kennel every day to ensure no scorpion lurks in them.

Winter season heralds chilly weather and early sunsets, which means we spend most of our time indoors often snacking on sugary and starchy foods. This hibernating instinct can cause a host of health problems. For one, since our activity level decreases, we can become prone to constipation. Our immunity also gets affected, and we may become victims of winter flus and colds. To avoid these problems, we reveal effective health tips for winter which can help you maintain energy and health all through this winter.

Drink Healthy Fluids
The cold weather outside may tempt us to drink plenty of hot caffeinated and sugary beverages like coffee. This can cause dehydration, weight gain and affect our immune system. Instead of coffee, try herbal tea to boost your energy, maintain ideal weight and improve digestion. White and green teas are recommended as they are rich in antioxidants.

Get Plenty of Sleep
The holiday season means you have a lot of parties to go to. Heavy partying till the wee hours can affect your health. So, ensure that you get enough sleep to feel rejuvenated for the next day.

Grab Some Garlic
Garlic contains sulfur which can improve your immune system and ward off colds. You can eat garlic cooked or raw to enjoy its benefits.

Zinc is Good
Zinc-rich foods can keep your immune system healthy throughout the cold and dark winter. These foods include yogurt, garbanzo beans, sesame and pumpkin seeds, lentils, lamb, turkey, pork, lean beef, liver and oysters.

Favor Veggies and Fruits
Health experts say we must eat at least five servings of vegetables and fruits every day. But, surveys reveal that very few people do this. Make it a point to include plenty of vegetables and fruits in your daily diet. These foods are rich in vitamins and other nutrients. They are also fiber-rich, which means you can prevent constipation in winter, despite not being very active.

Move it
The chill winds and cold climate make us lethargic in winter. But, brave the weather and go to the gym or yoga studio regularly. A good workout can boost your energy and blood circulation, and burn calories.

Watch Out for the Blues
Lack of sunshine and the gloomy winter conditions can fluctuate our moods and create depression. Use this time to reflect on your goals and ambitions in life. Spend time doing mindful meditation to realize the shenanigans of the monkey mind. Meditation has many benefits such as improving our physical and mental relaxation, soothing stress, lowering blood pressure and boosting immunity.

Prevent Holiday Heartburn
The holiday season is packed with parties and get-togethers where yummy food can be found in heaps. But, do not give into temptation and hog to the hilt. Enjoy all your favorite foods, but do so in moderation. A full and heavy stomach can only lead to heartburn or worse. Even in parties and dinners, avoid too much of fatty and sugary foods, and stick to whole-grain items, fruits and vegetables. After a sumptuous meal, go for a brief walk to prevent heartburn.

Summary
Winter can become a nightmare season for health if we do not take the required precautions. We hope the above health tips for winter can help you cruise through this winter in a happy and positive mood. Try to implement our tips and enjoy the holiday season. Merry Christmas and a happy new year.

truth about bottled water

? The widely accepted norm is that bottled water is healthy since it goes through multiple purification processes and is treated with healthy minerals. But, you may be surprised or even shocked to know that it is not entirely true.

Did you know that the drinking water coming from your kitchen tap passes through strict purification and quality standards passed by the government? Did you also know that the bottled water you pay for need not be all that healthy after all? There are several myths surrounding bottled water which may be hard to distinguish from the facts. This article tries to find the truth about mineral water you should know before buying.

Some myths and facts about bottled water

Following are some myths and facts about bottled drinking water which, after reading, will definitely make you think twice before spending your hard earned dollars on “packaged drinking water”.

• Myth: Bottled water is something special

  Did you really think all the companies in the bottled water manufacturing industry really bring down 100% stream water to you? Then you are awfully wrong. Many companies just use the same water you get from your kitchen tap. They would probably add back just a few minerals to this water and beautifully package it. Here is another interesting thing. If the company is based out of Philadelphia, then you are probably drinking tap water available in Philadelphia, just from a bottle. How is this any different from the tap water you are drinking in your city?

• Myth: Bottled water is always pure

  How many times have you seen the label on the bottle saying “pure” or “natural”? If you think that this water is really 100% pure, you are wrong. Filling the bottle with tap water is one thing. But, what if the water in the bottle actually contains bacteria? This water may not only have bacteria, but may also have chemical contamination. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council – an ardent environmental crusader, in a test conducted over a 4-year period involving 1,000 bottles of water, approximately 22% of the brands they tested contained at least one sample which contained chemical contaminants at levels dangerously above the state health limits. Now, this may or may not cause serious health hazards. But do you still want to take chances?

• Fact: Plastic used in bottling may be quite harmful

  Are you sure that the plastic bottles which is used for packaging water is completely safe? It turns out that the bottles made of polyethylene plastic, at high temperatures, can give out harmful chemicals. There is a speculation that the chemicals from these bottles may even enter the water present in these bottles. And the chemicals that enter this water are quite harmful. One of these chemicals is antimony – a semi-metal which is lethal in large doses. Hence, if you are storing the bottle in hot temperature for some time, there is every chance of this chemical accumulating in water. I am sure you have a better option than drinking water from a bottle which is stored for quite a long time. And the option is drinking tap water.

  If that was not sufficient, here is another eye opener. About 30 billion polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles are sold each year and about 86% of them end up in trash instead of being recycled (according to statistics by Container Recycling Institute). Now, that is a lot of waste which can outlive twenty generations. Considering that each bottle takes at least 400 to 1,000 years to degrade, you do the mathematics about how many centuries they will keep polluting the environment. Can you or your future generations live with it?

• Fact: Oil demand in America is not just for commuting

  What is the reason for America’s huge rate of oil consumption? Of course, it is due to commuting over long distances. However, the oil demand is not only due to commuting. According to statistics from University of Louisville scientists, about 17 million barrels oil are required every year to manufacture PET bottles in America. Are you still wondering why an ounce of bottled water costs you almost that of an ounce of gasoline?

Now that you know the

truth about bottled water

, are you still sure you want to go for “packaged drinking water” or be smart, save money and settle down for your equally healthy tap water?

Cracked lips condition causes your lips to become chapped, peeling and dry. Sometimes, due to a fungal infection called angular chelitis, the corner of the mouth may develop cracks. This condition is caused by inadequate amounts of iron, zinc or vitamin B or excessive quantities of vitamin A. In some people, their

cracked lips

may bleed and become painful. But, there is no need to worry as this condition poses no health risks.

Causes of Cracked Lips

Common causes are cold, nutritional deficiencies, mild dehydration, breathing through the mouth, sunburn, exposure to wind, cold or dry weather or licking your lips too often. Cracked lips cannot be cured by licking the lips because acids in saliva can dehydrate your lips and irritate the skin. Other reasons for cracked lips are allergies to lip products, and canker sores. In some people, their lips may be sensitive to toothpaste and mouthwashes, and even to spicy and acidic foods. Smoking, and drinking alcohol and caffeinated drinks can also cause cracked dry lips.

More Causes of Cracked Lips

• Badly placed and ill-fitting dentures can cause cracked lips.
• Certain medications can cause cracked or dry lips because of their side effects. Talk to your doctor for alternatives.
• Skin disorder is another cause.
• Cracked lips can be an omen of more serious conditions like diabetes. Diabetes patients can also suffer related symptoms like frequent urination, fatigue and excessive thirst.
• Kawasaki Disease is a rare blood disorder that causes chronic dry lips.
• Sjogren’s Syndrome is an autoimmune disease that affects the tear ducts and other glands. It is another common cause of cracked lips.
• Macrocytosis is a condition where the size of the red blood cell balloons to risky levels.
• Sexually transmitted diseases like HIV are another cause.

Treatments for Cracked Lips

If you think the cause of your cracked lips is a serious condition, consult a doctor immediately. Otherwise you can try the following treatments:

• Drink lots of water to combat dehydration.
• Apply glossy lipstick, lip balm, petroleum jelly, aloe vera or vitamin E ointment.
• Protect your chapped lips from harsh sun rays.
• Use a humidifier at home and office.
• Rub a cucumber slice on the affected lips.
• Include more vitamins and eat a healthy diet.
• If you are allergic to fluoride, try to use a non-fluoride toothpaste for some time.
• If the skin on your lips is flaky, do not peel it off as this will lead to soreness and bleeding.
• Do not use a nail file or toothbrush to rub you cracked lips.

Home Remedies for Cracked Lips

• As mentioned earlier, vitamin deficiency can cause cracked lips. Vitamin A especially is useful for skin repair and growth. So, eat plenty of green leafy veggies, tomatoes and carrots which are rich in vitamin A.
• Include nutritional yeast, legumes and whole grains in your daily diet.
• Make and drink this juice rich in vitamins by adding a tbspn each of carrot, water cress and spinach juice, another tablespoon of nutritional yeast, and two tbspns of wheat germ oil. Add all these to a glass full of tomato juice and drink it for relief from cracked lips.

Health statistics reveal that around 21 million Americans suffer from diabetes. Among these patients, about 95% have type 2 diabetes. This disease is caused by high glucose levels in the blood and can lead to severe damage to the kidneys, nerves, eyes and heart. Some diabetes medications are effective, but may have side effects. In this article, we reveal natural

diabetes treatments

that have little or no side effects.

Natural Cures for Type 2 Diabetes

Take the below provided natural remedies under the guidance of your doctor. Some of the herbs and supplements can interact with other medications and cause hypoglycemia. Keep a record of all the supplements, vitamins and herbs you use and share it with your doctor.

Ginseng

Research proves that North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is a great natural

diabetes treatment

. It helps patients by improving blood sugar control.

Chromium

Diabetes sufferers usually have low chromium levels. This trace mineral plays a key role in fat and carbohydrate metabolism. Research proves that chromium also improves insulin sensitivity.

Magnesium

This mineral is found in foods like nuts, seeds, whole grains and green leafy veggies. For diabetes patients, magnesium is helpful as it regulates blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Research proves that lack of magnesium can affect type 2 diabetes patients by worsening their blood glucose control. However, too much magnesium is also not good as it could cause confusion, difficulty in breathing, muscle weakness, nausea and diarrhea.

Cinnamon

It is another great natural

diabetes treatment

as it helps in controlling blood glucose in type 2 diabetes patients. Research reveals that cinnamon reduces cholesterol and triglycerides, and fasting blood glucose levels.

Zinc

This mineral plays a key role in insulin production and storing. Research suggests that type 2 diabetes patients lack sufficient amount of zinc. It can be found in foods such as chicken, walnuts, lima beans, egg yolk, lamb, fresh oysters and ginger root.

Aloe Vera Gel

This gel helps diabetes patients by lowering blood glucose.

Gymnema

Several studies suggest this herb lowers blood sugar levels in diabetes patients. But, if you are taking insulin or diabetes medications, you should take gymnema only under your doctor’s supervision.

Vanadium

This trace mineral helps diabetes patients by reducing blood sugar and improving insulin sensitivity. But, it should be taken only under the supervision of your doctor as high doses can be toxic.

More Natural Diabetes Treatments

• Bitter melon juice:

  has high insulin content and lowers blood sugar levels.

• Banaba:

  This herb is known as “plant insulin”. It is a popular diabetes medicine in the Philippines.

• Vitamin C:

  In combination with other supplements lowers high blood sugar levels. Reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, which is a common condition caused by diabetes.

• Garlic:

  Reduces high blood sugar levels and improves blood circulation.

• Cayenne:

  Helps to lose weight by increasing the metabolic rate.

• Green Tea:

  Enhances insulin action in the body. Green tea also prevents peak blood sugar levels by inhibiting glucose absorption in the intestines.

• Fenugreek:

  Stimulates insulin secretion by the pancreas. Also, lowers blood sugar levels by reducing insulin resistance.

Summary

The benefits of the above mentioned natural


diabetes treatments

will be enhanced by leading a healthy and active lifestyle. Eat adequate amounts of healthy, nutritious foods and exercise regularly to prevent the debilitating effects of diabetes.

]]> http://www.drgranny.com/2011/10/13/natural-diabetes-treatment/feed/ 1 http://www.drgranny.com/2011/10/12/depression-treatment/ http://www.drgranny.com/2011/10/12/depression-treatment/#comments Thu, 13 Oct 2011 02:33:13 +0000 admin http://www.drgranny.com/?p=3801

Depression need not mean you are at the bottom of a deep hole from which there is no escape. You can get out of depression by choosing the right treatment methods. Take appropriate medication, implement lifestyle changes, try exercise and improve your awareness through yoga, meditation or tai chi. Read on to learn more about effective


depression treatments.

Medication for Depression

Though antidepressants are widely touted, they may not be as effective as advertised. Depression is not just caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. Though medicines can relieve some symptoms, they do not solve the underlying cause. Besides, antidepressants are known to have safety concerns and side effects. Withdrawing from them can be difficult too. If you still wish to go ahead, do not ignore other methods of


depression treatment

, which can help you recover and also prevent recurrences.

Tips to Beat Depression

• Each case of depression can be unique. To improve your condition, try to analyze yourself and learn about its cause. First, check if a medical condition is causing your depression. If yes, then that condition should be treated promptly. If your condition is severe, then the
  

  depression treatments

  also need to be intensive.

• There are many options available for
  

  depression treatment

  . Experiment with all of them and choose the ones that are most effective for you.

• Before using medication, try therapy, exercise etc. This is to avoid the side effects of antidepressants. Besides, medication works most effectively when used along with therapy.
• Get help from your friends and family. You don’t have to fight depression alone. Talk to your closest ones and ask for their help which is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength.
• Do not be in a hurry or become disappointed with setbacks. Recovery from depression is a slow and sure process. Give your full commitment and time to depression treatments for sure and stable recovery.

Lifestyle Changes

Sometimes, all you need are effective lifestyle changes to beat depression. They can help a lot to lift the cloud of sadness and make you feel better.

• Exercise:

  boosts the production of feel-good chemicals like endorphins and serotonin. It also generates new brain connections and cells, similar to antidepressants. You don’t have to run a marathon. Brisk walking for half an hour can do the trick.

• Nutrition:

  Eat small, nutritious meals throughout the day. This will keep you energetic all day long. To eliminate mood swings, consume alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks and foods in moderation.

• Sound Sleep:

  Aim to sleep for at least eight hours every night. Sleep deprivation can exacerbate your depression and cause fatigue, moodiness and irritability. Try yoga nidra (yogic sleep) to lull yourself into deep and restful slumber.

• Stress Reduction:

  This is important as stress can worsen your depression symptoms and make you vulnerable to future episodes. Try yoga, pranayama and meditation to beat stress and keep a calm, cool mind. They also improve your awareness and alertness about mind and body, so you will quickly latch on to what is causing your depression and take appropriate remedial measures. Yoga, pranayama and meditation can also make you feel good about yourself, and boost emotions of well-being and joy.

Summary

Depression treatment

is most often all in the mind. If you promise to think and act positively, half the battle is won. Follow the above tips and tricks to overcome depression and lead a happy and contented life.

]]> http://www.drgranny.com/2011/10/12/depression-treatment/feed/ 0 http://www.drgranny.com/2011/10/03/how-to-improve-immune-system/ http://www.drgranny.com/2011/10/03/how-to-improve-immune-system/#comments Tue, 04 Oct 2011 01:46:45 +0000 admin http://www.drgranny.com/?p=3770

It is essential for all of us to have a robust immune system that can keep away illnesses and ailments. In the West, the cold winter season usually heralds an onslaught of minor ailments like sniffles and runny noses. You can avoid the discomfort and inconvenience of such experiences if you have good immunity. In this article, we tell you simple yet effective tips on


how to improve immune system.

Try to implement at least a few of the following suggestions to enjoy robust health even in the harshest weather.

How to Improve Immune System

Drink Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is a great drink to boost your immunity. You can drink lemonade, or add lemon juice to tea and salad dressings. Lemon juice keeps at bay harmful bacteria and viruses. Besides, lemonade tastes great too.

Make Use of Herbs

Natural herbs and herbal supplements can also


improve your immune system

. It is preferable to take fresh herbs in food as these are more potent and also get more efficiently absorbed in the body. If that is not possible, try an effective herbal supplement after getting the go-ahead from your doctor.

Sleep Well

Quality sleep for about eight hours a day can keep you healthy and refreshed. A good night’s sleep balances your hormone levels, keeps weight down, enables clear reasoning and thinking, improves mood and gives you healthy, radiant skin.

Take Lots of Protein

Your diet should be rich in proteins rather than carbs. Proteins pave the way for a robust immune system, and healthy mind and body. But, carbs get converted into glucose which spikes blood sugar and stresses the immune system and pancreas.

Drink Lots of Water Every Day

Drink plenty of water even during the cold winter season. Most people slack off in winter as it is too cold to go the gym or anywhere outdoors. This affects their body and they fall prey to constipation and other ailments. To prevent this, keep drinking plenty of water in winter to keep your bowels moving and remove toxins. In summer, drinking plenty of water is essential to ward off thirst and dehydration.

Avoid Coffee

Of late, coffee has been touted almost as a health drink which has many benefits. But, the fact is too much coffee can affect your health and immune system. Caffeine removes vitamins and minerals and also causes dehydration. If you are a coffee buff, add more water to your coffee. You should also take mineral supplements to offset the damage caused by caffeine.

White Sugar is Unhealthy

The best thing you can do to


improve immune system

is to eliminate refined white sugar from your diet. This will boost your immunity and energy levels, and keep your weight steady. Many nutritionists categorize sugar as a drug for its adverse impact on the body. Some dieticians equate consuming sugar with smoking. You should also stay away from artificial sweeteners which are worse than white sugar.

Eat Plenty of Vegetables and Fruits

It is recommended to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day as they are rich in fiber, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. Vitamin C in fruits protects your body from environmental toxins. Broccoli, kale and berries are rich in antioxidants. Seaweed is a great source of minerals.

Play Outdoor Games

As mentioned earlier, it is daunting to go outside during the cold winter. But, you need to strengthen your resolve and go out and play, even if it is just a snowball fight. Exercise can improve your happiness and health as it releases endorphins. Besides, playing in the cold revs up the thyroid gland.

Think Positive

Health experts are finding out that many physical ailments actually have mental causes. So, it is imperative to be positive and happy to


improve immune system

. To ward off stress and tension, you can try yoga, meditation, tai chi and other arts. Do not get caught up in the daily rat race, but take some time off to smell the roses. When you are happy and content, you are much less likely to fall sick.

Nutrients that Improve Immunity

• Vitamin C

  : This is perhaps the number one immunity booster. It is found in many vegetables and fruits and you can also find Vitamin C-fortified foods.

• Vitamin E

  : is important to improve your immune system. It is found in grains, vegetable oils and seeds.

• Carotenoids

  : Boost immunity by fighting infection. Beta carotene is the most famous carotenoid.

• Bioflavenoids

  : Protect the body from environmental pollutants.

• Zinc

  : Aggressively fights off infection. It is found in beans, oysters, turkey, beef and crab.

• Garlic

  :
  

  Improves immune system

  by producing more antibodies.

• Selenium

  : stimulates cells that fight cancer and infections. It is found in lamb chops, Brazil nuts, garlic, sunflower seeds, chicken, cottage cheese, egg yolks, brown rice, vegetables, whole grains, shrimp, lobster, red snapper and tuna.

• Omega-3 fatty acids

  : Protect against infection. You can take supplements like fish or flax oils to boost immunity.

Summary

We hope the above information on


how to improve immune system

will help you ward off infections and stay healthy. Try to implement at least a few of them to garner effective results. Here’s to your healthy immune system and happy life.

]]> http://www.drgranny.com/2011/10/03/how-to-improve-immune-system/feed/ 0 http://www.drgranny.com/2011/10/03/how-to-prevent-bad-breath/ http://www.drgranny.com/2011/10/03/how-to-prevent-bad-breath/#comments Mon, 03 Oct 2011 05:37:13 +0000 admin http://www.drgranny.com/?p=3764

Bad breath is an embarrassing experience that can literally drive away your friends and loved ones. Rather, than fret about bad breath after it occurs, it is wise to know how to prevent bad breath. This way, you will also ensure good dental health. In this article, we give you easy tips on


how to prevent bad breath.

Brush and Floss Daily

You should brush your teeth twice daily in the morning and at night. Also, at night after brushing, floss your teeth to remove the food particles stuck in between them. After flossing, rinse your mouth with mouthwash to ensure good dental health.

Go for Regular Dental Checkups

You should visit your dentist once in six months for a thorough dental checkup. He/she will examine your gums and teeth and clean them if necessary. The dentists can also detect abscesses in teeth and gums or tooth decay as soon as they occur and treat them promptly.

Avoid Smoking

Smoking not only affects your lungs, but also fouls up your breath. Most people don’t like to go near regular smokers because the latter have tobacco stink in their breath. Besides, smoking can also cause periodontal disease. Therefore, for the sake of your health and social relationships quit smoking now if you are a regular smoker.

Avoid Dry Mouth

The condition of dry mouth can cause bad breath. To avoid your mouth becoming dry keep sipping water all through the day. This will also prevent dehydration and flush out toxins from your body. You can also chew on sugarless gum, breath strips or mints or use a breath spray to keep the saliva flowing in your mouth. These products can also add a minty, crisp aroma to your breath. Breath fresheners containing the sweetener xylitol are known to prevent cavities. But, ensure you don’t use products with sugar as these lead to plaque accumulation on the teeth.

Natural Remedies to Prevent Bad Breath

After meals, chew parsley which is a natural breath freshener. You can also put some drops of peppermint oil or tee tree oil on your toothbrush before brushing with toothpaste and brush your teeth. The oils have antibacterial properties that prevent halitosis. To keep your breath fresh, avoid over-consumption of coffee, certain spices, cabbage, onions and garlic.

Avoid Alcohol

Alcohol is a drying agent that dries up your mouth. A dry mouth starts to breed bacteria that can cause bad breath. For this reason, avoid alcohol or consume it moderately to


prevent bad breath

. You must also be wary of mouthwashes that contain alcohol.

Scrape Your Tongue after Brushing

After brushing your teeth, you should also scrape your tongue daily. This will remove surface coating on the tongue which can breed bacteria. Do not be too harsh on your tongue while scraping. Apply even, gentle pressure and remove the coating on your tongue from back to front.

Summary

We hope you will successfully implement the above easy tips on


how to prevent bad breath

. Good oral hygiene will not only ensure good health, but your sparkling fresh breath will also make you popular in your social circles.

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