Sweating Tips

Acne is a skin condition that leads to breakouts like pimples and other eruptions on the skin, including white heads and black heads. In very severe conditions, an acne breakout may come with pus filled boils too. An acne breakout happens due to various reasons. Inflammation of an infected sebaceous gland leads to this breakout. This infection and consequent inflammation can take place due to hormonal changes, poor diet, as well as high testosterone levels and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Dirt and grime that clog the pores and dead cells that have not been washed off properly can also cause these breakouts. So what kind of skin care regimen can you have in order to prevent acne? Read on to know more.

1. Cleaning Acne Prone Areas: You must wash the acne prone areas with soap and warm water at least twice a day. If your case has been very severe in the past, you can even use a medicated soap to wash the neck, shoulders and back as sometimes, acne spreads to these areas as well. Concentrate on the face and remember to clean it to remove dust, grime and other irritants that come from pollution. If this is not done on a regular basis, the particles can block the pores and lead to infection where the dead skin cells play a major role. 
2. Make Up: If your skin is acne prone, you can use non oily make up or avoid it on a daily basis, if you can. Non oily make up does not irritate the sebaceous glands, which can end up secreting excessive oil leading to acne breakouts. Non oily make up and skin care products are known as non comedogenics which do not clog the pores. Also, you must remember to remove your applied make up carefully before you go to bed so that the pores are clean and get a chance to breathe rather than getting infected. Further, your old make up needs to be thrown out regularly even if the products do not come with an expiry date. Invest in new make up every few months and clean your brushes regularly too. 
3. Sweat: After a particularly intense work out session or after a run, you must remember to wash you face and take a shower so that the sweat and oil is can be removed, as these lead to breakouts if they are allowed to gather on the skin's surface and enter the pores. 

Taking care of your skin with a proper cleaning and hydrating routine is as important is getting the right nutrition as well.

LSC is a severely pruritic chronic disorder characterised by 1 or more lichenised plaques. Most common sites of involvement are the scalp, nape of neck, extensor aspects of extremities and anogenital regions. 

Causes:

LSC is induced by rubbing and scratching the body secondary to itch. Environmental factors like heat, sweat, irritation may also aggravate the condition. Patients with emotional lability or tension are more prone to develop this condition.

Clinical Features:

Severe itching is the hallmark of lichen simplex chronicus. Itching may be paroxysmal, sporadic or chronic. It may be conscious and to the point of replacing the sensation of itch with pain or may be unconscious occurring during sleep.

The frequent rubbing leads to development of lichenified scaly plaques. The most common sites of involvement are the nape of neck, scalp, ankles, extensor aspects of extremities and the anogenital regions. The scrotum is the common site of involvement in men. The nodules may vary in size from 0.5 mm to 3 mm.

Treatment:

Treatment is aimed at interrupting the itch scratch cycle. Systemic causes of itch should be identified and addressed. Potent topical steroids are generally prescribed to control itch. Anti histaminics like hydroxyzine or levocetrizine can also be given. Capsaicin, calcipotriol, cryotherapy have been used in the treatment of prurigo nodularis. PUVA therapy has also known to show some benefit.

Rosacea is a skin condition defined by redness and small, pus-filled red bumps all over the face. The main symptoms of rosacea include

1. red bumps that are swollen and filled with pus (these are often confused with acne problem)
2. visible blood vessels
3. flushed skin (redness)
4. thickened skin

Rosacea cannot be cured completely. Its symptoms come and go and is commonly treated with anti-acne medicines or antibiotics. Homeopathy can be a good alternative choice to treat rosacea. Rosacea has multiple symptoms and not all of them show up in a single person. Some may have redness but no visible blood vessels, some may have flushed skin, and so on. 

Depending on symptoms, you can adopt the following remedies:

1. Flushed complexion: If your skin becomes red and itchy after exposure to cold air, then Agaricus muscarius is prescribed. But if the skin is hot and shiny, then Belladonna is employed.
2. Flushed complexion with acne like bumps: One form of rosacea is Acne Rosacea. In this form, pus filled acne like bumps appear on your nose, forehead and below the eyes. If the bumps do not have pus, then Psorinum is given. If pus is present, then Silicea is the best solution. But if the area of the skin in general has hardened and is painful, then Eugenia Jambos is employed.
3. Visible blood vessels: If your skin looks blue and the capillaries are visible, your skin has a marbled effect with cold sweat (learn more about sweating). Carbo vegetabilis is the most effective medicine in this case. However, if your skin is hot, not cold, then Lachesis mutus is prescribed.
4. Development of thick skin: If you leave your rosacea untreated for too long, then the area that were injured will start forming connective tissues over your skin. This leads to skin getting thicker. Hydrocotyle asiatica or Sarsaparilla officinalis is helpful in this case.
5. If your eyes get affected by rosacea: If your eyes are hot, watery and itchy, you might have Ocular Rosacea. Euphrasia officinalis, Bovista lycoperdon (if makeup exacerbates your symptoms) and Cantharis vesicatoria (if you were out in the sun for too long) will be prescribed by the homeopath.

Sweating is a normal function of the body, but some people sweat so much that their clothes are often drenched in sweat. Hyperhidrosis is a condition where the amount of sweat produced by the sweat glands cannot be regulated. It is characterized by excessive sweating commonly seen in the underarms, palms and soles. This disorder can affect a person at any age and if left untreated, can become a lifelong condition. Though this condition is not a serious threat to your health, it can be quite embarrassing and can hamper your lifestyle.

In many cases, there is no obvious trigger for Hyperhidrosis, and it is caused by the malfunctioning of the nervous system. This is known as primary Hyperhidrosis. Sweat is a function which helps the body cool itself. In cases of primary Hyperhidrosis, the brain sends a message to the sweat glands to produce sweat even though the body does not need to be cooled. A genetic mutation may also be the cause for some cases of Hyperhidrosis.

Hyperhidrosis with obvious trigger factors is known as secondary Hyperhidrosis. While primary Hyperhidrosis mostly affects the underarms, groin, palms and soles, secondary Hyperhidrosis can affect all parts of the body.

Some of the common triggers for this condition are:

• Pregnancy
• Menopause
• Anxiety
• Low blood sugar
• Hyperthyroidism
• Medication side effects
• Alcohol or drug withdrawal
• Parkinson's disease

Hyperhidrosis can be challenging to diagnose and treat. Lifestyle changes are the easiest way to address this disorder. Some changes that can help you fight Hyperhidrosis are:

• Avoid spicy food and alcohol
• Replace deodorants with antiperspirants
• Choose cotton fabrics over synthetic fabrics
• Wear loose fitting clothes.
• Try using armpit shields and wearing absorbent socks.

Anticholinergic or antimuscarinic medicines can also help treat Hyperhidrosis. This keeps the nervous system from activating the sweat glands. Dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, abdominal cramps and difficulty in passing urine are some of the side effects associated with this medication.

Iontophoresis is a more aggressive form of Hyperhidrosis treatment. This involves passing a weak electric current through a wet pad to the affected area to block the sweat glands. It is usually used to treat excessive sweating in the palms and soles.

Botox injections can also help treat Hyperhidrosis by blocking the brain signals to the sweat glands. However this is not a permanent cure and may need to be repeated after a year or so.
Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy or a surgery to remove the sweat glands may also be recommended in extreme cases of Hyperhidrosis. This is usually seen as a permanent solution for excessive sweating, but are relatively new procedures and hence not very common. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Everyone is familiar with the causes of body odor from sweat. Sweat itself does not have any odor; it is when it interacts with bacteria (underarm pits or groins), the sweat gives out a body odor. Although body odor brings a downslide during social interactions, the sources of body odor can be more serious than a person might consider and may not go away with regular baths or by applying deodorants. The article discusses a few sources of body odor other than sweat.

The Fish Odour Syndrome

Trimethylaminuria (TMAU) is a common body odor disease due to a genetic disorder. It is also commonly known as the fish odor syndrome and might be inherited in nature. The rare metabolic disorder does not allow the production of Flavin-containing Monooxygenase 3 (FMO3), an enzyme which generally converts trimethylamine (TMA) into trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) by the process of N-oxidation. This results in building up of TMA, which releases a fish odor smell through sweat and mouth. TMAU can be treated naturally in the following ways –

1. Keeping distance from foods, which have choline, carnitine, nitrogen and sulphur. For example, salt-water fish, eggs, etc.
2. Reducing the doses of antibiotics taken.
3. A medical study also suggested that in 85% of the cases, taking in charcoal or copper chlorophyllin helped to reduce the body odor.

There is also secondary trimethylaminuria (TMAU2), a type of TMAU where it is not hereditary.

Rotten Apple Smell

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a diabetic disease when untreated. When the body is not able to compose enough insulin, there is a metabolic disorder which makes the body burn or break down excess fat for fuel. This causes the person to exhale breath with a sweet but disgusting aroma similar to the smell of rotten or decomposing apples. This is the reason why doctors, specializing in body odor, ask the patients to go for a urine or blood test, to determine whether the patient has diabetes. Treating diabetic ketoacidosis is same as managing teeth disorder –

1. Brushing teeth regularly and flossing daily.
2. Drinking plenty of water to keep the mouth moist.
3. Following all the medical prescriptions to regulate the sugar level of the body as given by the doctor.

Stress Disorders

It is also reported by medical clinics that body odor can result from emotional stress disorders causing excessive perspiration. It is common among teenagers who are in the phase of developing hormones.

Conclusion

A man or woman who is looking completely healthy and fit from the outside can too have body odor disorders. This will affect their social relationships, and so it is always better to seek advice from the specialists so that effective actions can be undertaken as soon as possible. A doctor can prescribe appropriate medication and advise some natural measures to restrain the problem.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Black walnuts are one of the best foods to have. They have tonnes of health benefits owing to their multi-utility nutrient source. Not only they can keep a person away from various diseases, they can ensure steady health in an individual. The best part is the fact that black walnuts can be used to make multiple yummy dishes.

Here are some of the not-so-known benefits of black walnuts:

1. Parasites: Green harvested black walnuts are known to be very useful vermifuge. They serve as a very good treatment for ailment concerning pinworms, hookworms, tapeworms and such other parasites.
2. Candida: Overgrowth of Candida is hard to diagnose and can pose a serious threat to health. When Canida overgrowth attacks the intestine, the intestinal wall becomes weak and toxins are being released in the process. The immune system becomes weak and it takes a lot of antibiotics to set things right. A good alternative to the powerful antibiotic is a 3 serving black walnuts. They contain compounds such as the zinc undecylenate, selenium sulfide, astringent tannins, naphthoquinone juglone etc. can make the walls of the intestine favorable and arrest the growth of Candida.
3. Antifungal: Black walnuts are known to have antifungal properties and are, therefore, used to treat fungal infections leading to conditions such as the ringworm, jock itch and athlete’s foot etc. Black walnuts, when pasted and applied to the site of the infection, can fetch dramatic results within a short time interval.
4. Skin conditions: Black walnuts are a good fix for many skin conditions. They can successfully address skin conditions such as psoriasis, acne, and eczema. Depending on the seriousness of the skin condition, the tincture can be applied externally or consumed internally.
5. Excessive sweat: For people who sweat way too much, black walnuts can be their best friend. The presence of high level of astringent tannins in black walnuts can address the sweat gland to ensure that excessive sweat is not produced. Studies have also revealed that black walnuts can also help to reduce body odor.
6. Diabetes and cardiovascular benefits: A study conducted by the Harvard School of Nutritional Sciences revealed that black walnuts can reduce the LDL cholesterol by a good 4 percent. What’s more, no weight gain is associated with the over-consumption of black walnut. Similarly, their nutritional value can help an individual lower blood pressure, reduce blood sugar level and refrain from cardiovascular diseases.
7. Anti-cancer properties: There have been many studies conducted on the effect of black walnut on cancer. Most studies have found that juglone, a compound present in black walnut is capable of kill cancer cells by the process of necrosis and apoptosis. 3 serving daily can fetch rich dividends to cancer patients.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Running is proven to be one of the most efficient forms of exercise as it has a ton of benefits attached to it. For instance, running helps you in maintaining your body weight by cutting down that unwanted or extra body fat, and helps in keeping you slim and trim. It also aids in improving your metabolism. Regular exercising will keep you energised, and increase your stamina.

Before starting with this physical activity, there are certain things you should know about. These are:

1. Be patient: Patience is key! Now, we all know that that nothing can change in a day. You won't notice any signs of improvement on the first day. So, the best thing to do is work out every single day with dedication, and you'll notice the results in a month or so.
2. Be Comfortable: It is very necessary to feel comfortable before you start your exercise. If you are going to run with your high heels or slippers on, it's never going to work out. So, it is very important to dress in your most comfortable attire before you start running.
3. Eat well: A healthy diet packed with all the essential nutrients is an absolute must if you plan to take up running as a regular exercise. Do not starve yourself at any cost or skip any meal. Running will take up a lot of your energy and a healthy diet is a must if you intend on being fit and strong.
4. Drink lots of water: It is very essential to drink lots of water and keep yourself hydrated throughout the day. Pro tip: Gulp down some water after your run, as we tend to lose water and minerals from our body in the form of sweat.
5. Run with music on: Recent studies have proven that running with music on is the better alternative. Music helps us focus more on our goal and also helps us stay calm.
6. Consistency: You have to be consistent in your workout and only then will you be able to notice a significant change in your health. Running at least once a day is recommended. Some people tend to run twice a day too, but that depends from person to person. Do not burden yourself too much. Running is an exhausting exercise and you should not force your body too much.
7. Calm your body and mind: Running or jogging in the morning can have a positive impact on you as it reduces stress and keeps you calm and sound throughout the day.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

We are all possessive in nature, and we always cling on to things which are ours, be it our home, vehicle, clothes, furniture, jewelry or any other priced possession. While some of us might be okay to share somethings, others are absolutely clear that there is no room for sharing. The other extreme has people who believe that sharing is caring, and there could even be friends who are into sharing clothes and shoes. Whichever group you belong to, there are some things that should never be shared. The following is just a short list, but remember if there is anything that may affect personal hygiene, keep it to yourself.

1. Toothbrush: The mouth is the dirtiest organ in the human body with billions of germs. The comforting news is that they are part of normal flora. Not all of them are harmful, and most are essential for normal functioning. So using another person’s brush can introduce a new set of bacteria that are not normal to your mouth. These could bring in infections like candida or tooth infections. So, avoid using or sharing another one’s brush.
2. Undergarments: The undergarments are loaded with bacteria, which vary from body to body, depending on various factors including food habits, exercise, and living conditions. Also, these areas are prone to sweat and contain different sets of germs. Using another person’s underwear, even if washed, can spell danger and introduce new germs into your system.
3. Soap bars: While some of us have the habit of rinsing someone else’s soap bar and using it, it is best avoided. Germs continue to reside on the soap bar and get shifted to your skin. Liquid soaps are still safer and can be shared, as it does not come in contact with anyone’s skin directly.
4. Hair trimming equipment: Be it razors, blades, shaving sets, or hair trimmers, tweezers, or nose hair clippers, they are never to be shared. These come in close touch with the skin and are exposed to a lot more bacteria. In addition, no amount of cleaning can help get rid of the bacteria in the razors and the fine hair which stays back. The razor also could have traces of blood and body fluids (depending on the area of usage) and can even transmit HIV and hepatitis. Sharing hair trimming equipment should be avoided at all costs.
5. Loofah: Like the soap, the loofah houses loads of bacteria, which can spread from one person to other, leading to bacterial infections. They never dry completely between the uses and provide a good environment for bacterial growth.

The general rule is if anything is wet by use and comes in contact with the body fluids, it is best to refrain from sharing it!

Rose is probably the first flower that comes to our mind when we think of flowers. Associated with a variety of relationships including love, friendship, peace, etc., it holds a special place across all celebrations. Not many however, are aware about the wonderful medicinal properties that it has. Whether it is used in liquid, paste, oil or powder form, it has multiple benefits. Read on to know some of the multiple benefits that a rose has.

It is widely grown with very limited climatic restrictions and so it is time to reap the benefits of this simple, readily available flower.

1. Rose powder mixed with fuller earth and rose water is one of the most common household face packs in use.
2. Pure rose water is one of the best skin cleansing agents.
3. The petals of the rose can be made into a paste and applied to control sweating.
4. The dried rose petals can be crushed and made into a paste by adding rose water and further applied on wounds to promote healing.
5. Dried rose petals can be mixed with milk and consumed to reduce acidity and treat stomach ulcers
6. The tincture made from rose petals is useful in diarrhoea
7. Rose buds are used in preparing a decoction which is highly useful in relieving constipation
8. Herbal tea prepared using rose petals is consumed to treat acidity, burning sensation in the body, dryness of the oral cavity and is effective against treating infection in the intestine
9. Rose water can be used as eye drop as they help in reducing burning and irritation
10. Rose petals can be boiled and used for gargling, as it is extremely beneficial in relieving sore throat and cough
11. Rose buds are rich in vitamin C and useful in preventing scurvy and cough and cold problems
12. Pure rose oil is one of the common essential oils and is used to treat insomnia and reduce blood pressure.
13. The rose oils are used in various creams to treat skin inflammation
14. Rose oil is also widely used in various cosmetics (soaps, creams, lotions) for their multiple benefits

How to store your roses?

Given its benefit on various body organs, it generally finds its place in most homes.

1. After watering the night prior, cut the flower diagonally before the sun is up fully.
2. Remove the petals carefully after clearing moisture and insects
3. Place a wet paper towel in an airtight container and spread the rose petals on it and close the box
4. Keep it in the fridge for up to a week before use
5. The dried leaves can be used in essential oils as it further enriches the oils.
6. The oil has various uses and can be stored in an airtight container for months.

Gym nutrition for starters
Just going to the gym, lifting weights, cross-training and running miles will not give good results if the nutrition isn’t in sync-diet plays a big role (almost 80%) here and can either make or break your gym goals.

1.    Check deficiencies
Before even beginning to gym, one of the pre-requisites is to rule out any nutrient deficiencies. For instance, for a person who is vitamin d or calcium deficient, workouts can lead to injury and a weakened immunity. For a magnesium deficient person, workouts can leave bad cramps and delayed recovery.

2.    Pre-workout food
It’s a no brainer that a balanced whole food unprocessed diet is essential, but what you eat/drink around training is more vital for your progress. The best pre-workout food needs to be a good combination of carbs with protein, as they help you in maintaining good energy levels while working out. For e. G, fruits + nut butter (like peanut or almond) or 1 fruit with handful of nuts or 1 bowl of curd with fruits (yogurt parfait) or boiled sweet potato with handful of nuts. One of these combos is a must for gym beginners because their bodies aren’t used to any physical exertion and a sudden bout without proper fuelling may make them go hypoglycaemic and cause dizziness.

3.    Hydrate well
Staying well hydrated before a workout is also one of the basic requirements. Do not start with any new activity without attaining good hydration levels. If we start our workout in a dehydrated state, it adversely affects our performance. The water intake must start 2 to 3 hours before a workout or any sporting activity. If a person sweats too much or works out in scorching heat, he must have at least 500-600ml of water 2-3 hours prior to exercise. The best way to ensure that you are hydrating yourself well is, to weigh yourself before and after the exercise/event and drink at least 400-500 ml of water for every 1 pound lost.