Medical Tests Every Man Needs

Medical screening tests are a great way to keep on top of your health. Think of them as basic maintenance, just like checking the oil and tire pressure to keep your car safe on the highway. To keep it simple, we've compiled a list of the most important medical tests every man should have along with what age to start and how often to repeat. Here's to routine maintenance for your health.

1. Cholesterol screening/lipoprotein profile

Cholesterol is a type of fatty protein in your blood that can build up in your arteries, so knowing how much cholesterol is present is a good predictor of your risk for heart disease. There are two kinds of cholesterol: HDL, or high-density lipoproteins, and LDL, or low-density lipoproteins. Confusingly enough, HDL is "good" and protects against heart disease, while LDL is "bad" and poses a risk to your heart.

Your total cholesterol reading combines the measures of both and is used as an overall reading; 220 is the magic number that you want to stay beneath. In addition, the profile measures triglycerides, which are fats in the blood that can also block arteries; you want them below 150 milligrams per deciliter.

What it is: A blood test for cholesterol, measured in milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dl); usually measures triglycerides at the same time

 When to start: Age 20

How often: Every five years. If testing reveals your levels are high, your doctor will recommend retesting every six months to one year. If you have risk factors for heart disease in your family, the regular cholesterol test may not be specific enough; ask your doctor for an additional test called the lipoprotein subfraction test. It's more sensitive and checks the size of the cholesterol particles as well as the amount.

2. Blood pressure check

It seems simple, but checking your blood pressure regularly is one of the most important things you can do to protect your present and future health. One in every five adults, totaling 50 million people, has elevated blood pressure, also known as hypertension. When your blood pressure readings are higher than the cutoff of 140/90, it puts stress on your heart, leaving you at risk for heart attack and stroke. Many experts believe 120/80 is a healthier target to shoot for.

What it is: A physical reading using an arm cuff

When to start: Any age; best to begin during childhood

How often: Once a year if readings are normal; your doctor will recommend every six months if readings are high or if you're taking medication to control hypertension.
 

3. Diabetes screening

To check your risk for diabetes, doctors check your tolerance for glucose absorption, which means how readily your body digests sugar.

What it is: A blood draw performed after drinking a sugary drink; a fasting glucose tolerance test requires you not to eat for nine hours prior to the test.

When to start: At age 45 if you have no risk factors or symptoms. If you're significantly overweight, have high blood pressure, or have other risk factors for diabetes, such as family history of the disease, it's a good idea to get tested younger. If your insurance doesn't cover it, free testing is available at most major chain drugstores.

How often: Every three years.

 

4. Bone density test

The loss of bone strength, called osteoporosis, afflicts nearly 10 million people every year, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Surveys show that men see osteoporosis as a "woman's disease," but this is a misconception. After age 50, 6 percent of all men will break a hip and 5 percent will have a vertebral fracture as a result of osteoporosis. As we age, minerals such as calcium begin to leach from bones, weakening them and leading to osteoporosis, which literally means "porous bone."

What it is: A specialized X-ray called a DXA (dual-energy X-ray) screens your spine, hips, and wrists as you lie on a table.

When to start: At age 65, everyone should have a DXA. But men who have risk factors for bone loss, such as being thin, taking corticosteroids, or having a history of fractures, should talk to their doctor about being screened now.

5. Vitamin D test

Recently, doctors have realized that vitamin D is a key nutrient that helps maintain strong bones and protect against cancer, infection, and other health conditions. For example, a study last year found that men with low levels of vitamin D had a higher incidence of heart attack. Most men have no idea if they're D-deficient or not, though a simple blood test can tell. If you live in a northern climate, work indoors, or don't drink a lot of milk, chances are your vitamin D level is low. If so, your doctor will recommend taking a vitamin D supplement.

What it is: A blood test, often done along with the cholesterol and lipid panel, to check the level of vitamin D in your blood. You want your reading to be between 30 and 80 nanograms per milliliter, though some experts argue that 50 nanograms should be the lowest level considered normal. Many experts recommend the 25(OH)D3 test as providing the more accurate measurement.

When to start: Age 40; sooner if you have signs or risk factors for osteoporosis. As we age, our bodies become less efficient at synthesizing vitamin D from the sun, so after the age of 40 it's more likely that you'll become D-deficient. Also, if you have any signs of low bone density, such as a fracture, your doctor will want to test your vitamin D along with your bone density.

How often: Although vitamin D testing isn't yet required or listed on the official schedule of recommended tests, more and more doctors are recommending it as an annual test after age 45.

6. Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy

 

Colorectal cancer, which is cancer of the lower part of the intestines, is curable in 90 percent of all cases -- as long as it's caught early. And screening tests that look inside the colon, called colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy, are the secret to catching it early.

Unfortunately, this still isn't happening as often as it should. Currently, 39 percent of cases are already stage III or IV when discovered. This test is considered so lifesaving that news anchor Katie Couric allowed hers to be presented on live TV as an educational campaign to raise awareness after her husband died of colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of death from cancer for men, after lung and prostate cancer, so it's important to take it seriously.

 What it is: An examination of your colon using a tiny scope and camera, which are inserted through the rectum. A colonoscopy can see the whole colon, while a sigmoidoscopy can see only the sigmoid, or lower section of the colon.

 

When to start: Age 50 for those with no risk factors. If, however, you have a first-degree family member who's had colon cancer before the age of 50, begin colonoscopy screening when you're ten years younger than the age at which your family member was diagnosed. If a family member was diagnosed at 45, for example, you should have your first screening at 35.

How often: Flexible sigmoidoscopies should be repeated every five years, and a colonoscopy should be repeated every ten years. A computerized imaging technique called virtual colonoscopy is gaining popularity at some medical centers, but many doctors still consider it experimental and some insurers, including Medicare, don't cover it

 

 

Nutrition and Brain Health: The Role of Food and Lifestyle in Brain Wellness

Recently, I’ve been tempted to subscribe to a Web-based program that purports to improve your memory and mental acuity with daily “brain- games.” This got me brainstorming (pun intended) about ways I could incorporate sound advice about brain nutrition into my practice.

It just so happens that a few weeks ago an international conference devoted to nutrition and brain health was held in Washington, D.C. This consortium of brain researchers urged the healthcare attendees to adhere to the following seven guidelines for brain health in order to decrease their own (and their patients’) risk of Alzheimer’s and to promote the brain’s well-being.

1.  Avoid saturated fats and hydrogenated oils

Saturated fat is found primarily in dairy products and meats, and hydrogenated oil is often listed on the package’s Nutrition Facts as trans fat. Please be aware that foods with less than 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving size can actually be labeled as free of trans fat. Overdo it with food items that use this deceptive labeling rule and you’re getting a toxic load of this “Frankenfat.”
So remember that hydrogenated oil—which is commonly found in bar margarines, cake and biscuit mixes, vegetables shortenings, and fried fast foods—is a tell-tale ingredient that points to the presence of trans fats. Studies in New York, Finland, and Chicago have found that people who consume the largest amounts of these fats are 2 to 3 times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than their low-fat counterparts.

2.  Focus on vegetables, legumes (beans, peas, and lentils), fruits, and whole grains

These fiber-, vitamin-, and mineral-rich foods are the foundation of the so-called Mediterranean diet, which has been associated with lowering the risk of problems with learning and memory. They should be the primary staples of your everyday diet.

3.  Eat a generous ounce of nuts or seeds every day

Here’s a way to eyeball this amount: An ounce is about two heaping tablespoons of something, or a very small handful. This quantity of nuts and seeds is enough to provide you with a healthy amount of vitamin E, a nutrient shown by population to lower rates of Alzheimer’s. Other healthful sources of vitamin E: papayas, avocados, tomatoes, spinach, and fortified cereals.

4.  Identify a reliable source of vitamin B12 (cobalamin)

Possible sources of B12—a nutrient not found in many foods—include fortified foods, nutritional yeast, or a supplement that provides at least the recommended daily allowance for B12, which for adults is 2.4 micrograms (mcg) per day. Cobalamin joins forces with 2 other B vitamins, folate (sometimes called B9) and pyridoxine (B6), to reduce blood levels of homocysteine, high levels of which have been linked to a decline in mental acuity.

 5. When shopping for a multiple vitamin, choose one without iron or copper

You should take an iron supplement only when your physician tells you to. Studies have linked excessive dietary levels of copper and iron to cognitive problems.

6.  Beware of ingesting high amounts of aluminum

This mineral may be in baking powder and antacids. Some researchers have linked diets high in aluminum with neurotoxic affects and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s, although these findings remain controversial.

7.  Get moving!

In your exercise regimen each week, include at least three sessions of aerobic exercise such as brisk walking. Work up to where you can make each of these bouts last for 40 minutes.

By Rosanna Gibbons, MS, RD, LDN

Beautiful Model, Nana Suffering From Anorexia Nervosa Eating Disorder [Video+Photos]

Nana Karagianni is one of the most famous and loved journalist in Greece. She used to be a model and now work as a TV presenter. Nana Karagianni, who has been suffering from anorexia nervosa, seems to have spread great concern not only in the Greek media, but the Turkish as well.

Reporters and journalists of the newspaper Milliyet have made a special tribute with an extensive story on Nana and her eating disorder.
health

Scroll down to watch video...

The article goes, “One of the most beautiful Greek journalists, Nana Karagianni shocks everyone with her terrible illness. In the past she used to work as a model and later on television. Until the moment she was hit by the models’ disease, anorexia. The beautiful and successful journalist has lost so much weight over time that she has now become unrecognizable.”

 

 

 According to News newspaper, the article was accompanied with many of her wedding photos with Giannis Kotsopoulos, along with others showing how she looks today, which Nana herself has been uploading on her personal Facebook page. Following the publication, the article was also uploaded on the newspaper‘s online site hitting thousands of “likes”, as so many people are interested in her health.

 

 

 

How To Prevent Wrinkles: What Really Works

Q. Are smile lines caused by smiling?

 A. Not entirely. "Smile lines are the result of age-related collagen loss, which causes cheeks to lose elasticity and sag, producing those telltale folds," says Boston dermatologist Ranella Hirsch, M.D. "But repeated muscle movements exaggerate them." A skin doc can inject hyaluronic acid fillers to lift the cheek; or, for a quick, temporary fix, use a topical wrinkle filler. One to try: Boots No7 Instant Illusion Wrinkle Filler ($19, Target).

 

 

 

Q. When is the best time of year to start using a retinoid?

A. Spring or summer. This gold standard wrinkle reducer is often irritating, an effect that can be exacerbated by dry air and cold temperatures. Your skin is better able to tolerate the powerful ingredient in moister, warmer weather, but keep in mind that retinoids increase sun sensitivity, so slather on a lotion with SPF every day. "If you find that your skin gets red or flaky when the mercury drops, try decreasing your retinoid use to every other day, or layering a retinoid under a plain moisturizer," advises Heidi Waldorf, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City. One retinol product to try: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Night Moisturizer ($21, drugstores).

 

 

Q. On which side of your face do wrinkles usually show up first?

A. The left side. "Collagen breakdown and wrinkling typically happen more rapidly on that side of the face for Americans," says dermatologist Mona Gohara, M.D., of Yale School of Medicine. The culprit? Driving. The sun's aging UVA rays penetrate the car's window glass. Solution: Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen 365 days a year; try SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50 ($32, skinceuticals.com).

 

Q. Do fair-skinned women wrinkle more easily than those with dark complexions?

A. Yes  at least when it comes to photoaging. While sun exposure ages all skin tones and ethnicities, the specific effects may vary a bit. "Darker skin has a higher amount of melanin, which slows the development of fine lines and wrinkles resulting from sun exposure," says Jeanine Downie, M.D., a dermatologist in Montclair, NJ. "Caucasian women (whose skin has less melanin) tend to develop more lines than African-Americans, who usually experience more sun-induced spots and patchy discoloration."

 

 

Q. Does skin type impact the pace of wrinkling?

A. Skin type actually has nothing to do with how fast you develop wrinkles, reports Dr. Waldorf. "Women with oily skin have more sebaceous glands. While this might create the appearance of denser or firmer skin, it won't affect the development of lines," she explains. Where and when you start to see fine lines is a result of both lifestyle factors — whether you smoke or drink and how much sun exposure you've had, for example — and genetics.

 

 

Q. Will scrubbing soften the look of fine lines?

A. On the contrary — too much exfoliating can lead to skin damage and dryness, which paradoxically makes fine lines look more pronounced. But sloughing can preserve skin's glow and help improve the penetration of anti-aging treatments, says Dr. Waldorf. The key is to stick with a gentle daily exfoliator (check labels) or a once-a-week scrub. "If your skin is very sensitive, consider opting for a chemical exfoliant, like a moisturizing wash with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), which is gentler than a scrub," she says. Try M-61 Brilliant Cleanse ($32, Bluemercury).

 

 

Q. Can layering makeup help cover up wrinkles?

A. Nope. "Too many women try to fill in fine lines with layer after layer of foundation and concealer," says celebrity makeup artist Carmindy. "But all that does is create cakiness and accentuate skin imperfections." The best bet for mature skin is a sheer, light-reflecting liquid foundation, like Almay Wake Up Liquid Makeup SPF 20 ($13, drugstores). "Luminescence makes skin look young by eliminating the dark shadows in wrinkles," She says.

 

Q. Who wrinkles faster — city dwellers or country girls?

A. Urbanites. They're exposed to a higher concentration of air pollution, a major factor in skin's aging, according to a recent German study. Luckily, protecting your skin against soot is simple. "Wash your face every night so environmental pollutants don't sit on your skin," says Dr. Gohara. Also, since pollutants decrease the atmosphere's protective ozone layer (upping free radical exposure), it's wise to use a daily antioxidant serum. Of course, the sun's a leading cause of wrinkles, so women who live in a sunny climate, like California's, are the most prone to skin aging.

Q. When should I apply my most potent anti-agers?

A. At night. While you catch some zzz's, skin cells are hard at work repairing themselves and can make the most of anti-aging ingredients like retinoids, AHAs, or peptides. For this last type, try L'OrÉal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Concentrated Serum ($25, drugstores). Another benefit: "You can use more of the treatment and don't have to worry about its being diluted or affected by layers of other products like sunscreen or makeup," says Dr. Hirsch. And you're not exposed to the sun, which can interact with certain anti-agers, like retinoids, and make them less effective.

 

 

 

 

Q. Does powder make lines look worse?

A. Not as long as you choose an age-appropriate formulation and apply it correctly. "Use one that's sheer and very finely milled so that it doesn't cake or crease in wrinkles," says Carmindy. We like Sephora Collection Smoothing Translucent Setting Powder ($16; Sephora; left). And rethink how you powder your nose: "Dragging a powder puff across your face deposits way too much product. Instead, for sheer coverage, dust it on lightly with a big, fluffy powder brush. Apply only to areas where you tend to get shiny, like your T-zone, and avoid places where you have prominent lines, like around your eyes," Carmindy suggests

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Healthy Way to Lose Weight and Keep It Off - At Last

The Last Diet You’ll Ever Need

Losing weight and looking younger are dreams shared by people everywhere, but many of us - especially those of us who have labored to shed pounds only to see them creep back on again - often shrug off these goals as wishful thinking. This may be the reason you’ve started reading about the 7 Years Younger Anti-Aging Breakthrough Diet. You want the slim figure and the burst of energy that come from terrific health, and you want to see it in the mirror, too. So, here’s our promise to you: The 7 Years Younger Anti-Aging Breakthrough Diet - developed by the same expert team at Good Housekeeping magazine that brought you the best-selling 7 Years Younger - will take you there. This is the ultimate guide to shedding pounds, losing inches, and looking and feeling better than you have in years. You’ll achieve your weight-loss goal and reap anti-aging benefits in just seven weeks. It doesn’t matter how many diets you’ve been on or how many times you’ve lost and gained weight. It doesn’t matter how much weight you need to drop, whether 10 pounds or 110 pounds. It doesn’t matter whether you’re 30, 40, 50, or 60 years old, or whether you’re a woman or a man.

 

This diet contains innovative weight-loss tools that can work for anybody. Use them and you’ll achieve the dream of a thinner, firmer, and more youthful body. This plan is custom- designed to make it happen, step by easy step.

 A First-of-its-Kind Approach

The 7 Years Younger Anti-Aging Breakthrough Diet has been designed to help you permanently change your mindset about dieting, make it easy for you to adopt healthy eating habits, and provide you with a menu of irresistible foods. But what really makes the 7 Years Younger Anti-Aging Breakthrough Diet one-of-a-kind is its emphasis on anti-aging foods. Research shows that eating the right combination of antioxidant-rich foods and following a healthy lifestyle can turn back the clock - seven full years, according to scientific reports. Many of the foods that promote weight loss also fight aging. These foods protect us against heart disease, diabetes, certain forms of cancer, osteoporosis, and conditions such as mental decline; they help control blood pressure, keep good cholesterol high and bad cholesterol low, prevent insulin and blood sugar from spiking or plummeting, and fight the chronic inflammation that sows the seeds of age-related health problems. And they can return youthful luster to your skin and even help diminish wrinkles. 

The 7 Years Younger Anti-Aging Breakthrough Diet will help you turn a corner - you’ll learn how to make smarter decisions about how you eat and how you move. You won’t be tempted to go off this diet, because it will teach you how to make the best possible choices for your body; you’ll keep the weight off because you simply won’t feel the need to revert to your old habits.

Our expert nutritionists thoroughly researched the nutrients that fortify our cells against the causes of aging; then we went in search of the foods that provide those key elements and got to work developing recipes that deliver the goods. Along with our editors, they worked for months putting it all together - adding here, subtracting there - to create a seven-week program featuring the healthiest and most delicious combination of vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, seeds, nuts, and lean protein. These are the foundation of the 7 Years Younger Anti-Aging Breakthrough Diet. Our plan delivers an ideal combination of protein, complex carbohydrates, and fat, filled to the brim with health-boosting and skin-nourishing nutrients, with a fixed amount of calories - all designed to produce real weight loss in a sustainable fashion, youthful energy, and health you can feel on the inside and see on the outside.

Gear Up For a Change

Nobody wants to be fat, and yet today it is estimated that more than 70% of adults the world over are overweight. Extra poundage opens the door to killers like heart disease, diabetes, and some forms of cancer. There is no single cause of the rise in obesity - but the fact remains that we simply are eating too many calories and too much of the wrong kinds of foods.
This is not a diet with a built-in gimmick. On the contrary, it is simply a healthy way of eating that is sustainable for a lifetime. It is nutritious and contains enough calories and plenty of food to be satisfying. You’ll never have to feel hungry on it. It fights aging on the cellular level, revitalizes the skin, and renews energy. And it has proven results.
Everybody has a mental vision of what they’d like to look like. When you get up each day, conjure up that vision. Tell yourself this will be the image you’ll see in your mirror. Then follow the 7 Years Younger Anti-Aging Breakthrough Diet to make nutritious foods the focus of the way you eat; add more activity into your daily routine; and practice the strategies that will keep your diet on track and break mindless eating habits. Pretty soon, the day will come and this is a promise when you will say, “I’ve made it, and this time it’s for good.”

GREAT ADVICE FOR LIFE (DESIDERATA)

“Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann, "Desiderata"

BENEFITS OF EGGS

Health Benefits of egg

1- Egg contains 6 gram of proteins which r useful to body and all essential amino acids.

2- Regular use of egg prevents the women from breast cancer and woman which use egg regularly they have 40% lowered chances of breast cancer..

3- Egg is very important to treat macular degeneration because it contains caroteinoids and zeaxanthine and leutin which r present in excess amount in egg..

4- Egg is also used to treat cataract due to the presence of zeaxanthine and leutine..

5- Egg is the only source which contains naturally occurring vitamin-D...

6- Egg yolk contains 3 microgram of choline which is useful for brain, nervous system and cardiac system..

7- Regular use of Egg also prevents stroke and heart attack...

 

MOM GIVES HER SON CIGARETTE TO SMOKE ON EASTER SUNDAY

A mom gave her son cigarette on Easter Sunday,According to Shanghai Style File, the toddler’s parents thought it was pretty funny. The Chinese toddler and his mum were spotted on Easter Sunday in a Shanghai park where she handed her tot a cigarette and then lit it for him. She smiled on as he smoked it… then laughed as he rolled on the ground when he felt sick...... Pictures below.

In my opinion she doesnt deserve the child much less being a mother!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Nutrition & Health Benefits Of Eating Okra

•Okra is recommended for pregnant women, as it is rich in folic acid, which is essential in the neural tube formation of the fetus between the 4th and 12th week of pregnancy. •The mucilage and fiber found in okra helps adjust blood sugar by regulating its absorption in the small intestine. •The fiber present in the vegetable helps in maintaining the health of the gastro-intestinal tract. •It helps absorb water and traps excess cholesterol, metabolic toxins and surplus bile in its mucilage, slipping it out through the stool. •Okra is the ideal vegetable for weight loss and is a storehouse of health benefits, provided it is cooked over low flame to retain its properties. •The vegetable is completely non-toxic, non-habit forming, has no adverse side effects, is full of nutrients, and is economically within reach of most individuals. •The sodium content of okra is quite high. This is the reason why it is made into tablets, for replenishing sodium deficiency in the body. These tablets are also good for stomach ulcers. •It contains a vegetable mucin that is soothing to the irritated membranes of the intestinal tract. •Okra proves beneficial in normalizing blood sugar and cholesterol level in the human body. •The vegetable is good for asthma. The vitamin C present in it is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, helping curtail the development of asthma symptoms. •Okra is good for atherosclerosis, and it is also believed to protect some forms of cancer expansion, especially colorectal cancer. •Some researches have shown that eating okra lowers the risk of cataracts. •Okra is good for preventing diabetes and protects from skin ailments like pimples and acne.

14 FOODS THAT CLEANSE THE LIVER

1. Garlic

Just a small amount of this pungent white bulb has the ability to activate liver enzymes that help your body flush out toxins. Garlic also holds high amounts of allicin and selenium, two natural compounds that aid in liver cleansing.

 2. Grapefruit

High in both vitamin C and antioxidants, grapefruit increases the natural cleansing processes of the liver. A small glass of freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice will help boost production of the liver detoxification enzymes that help flush out carcinogens and other toxins.

 3. Beets and Carrots

Both are extremely high in plant-flavonoids and beta-carotene; eating beets and carrots can help stimulate and improve overall liver function.

 4. Green Tea

This liver-loving beverage is full of plant antioxidants known as catechins, a compound known to assist liver function. Green tea is not only delicious, it’s also a great way to improve your overall diet. Learn more about the benefits of green tea.

 5. Leafy Green Vegetables

One of our most powerful allies in cleansing the liver, leafy greens can be eaten raw, cooked, or juiced. Extremely high in plant chlorophylls, greens suck up environmental toxins from the blood stream. With their distinct ability to neutralize heavy metals, chemicals and pesticides, these cleansing foods offer a powerful protective mechanism for the liver.

 Try incorporating leafy greens such as bitter gourd, arugula, dandelion greens, spinach, mustard greens, and chicory into your diet. This will help increase the creation and flow of bile, the substance that removes waste from the organs and blood.

 6. Avocados

This nutrient-dense super-food helps the body produce glutathione, a compound that is necessary for the liver to cleanse harmful toxins.

 7. Apples

High in pectin, apples hold the chemical constituents necessary for the body to cleanse and release toxins from the digestive tract. This, in turn, makes it easier for the liver to handle the toxic load during the cleansing process.

 8. Olive Oil

Cold-pressed organic oils such as olive, hemp and flax-seed are great for the liver, when used in moderation. They help the body by providing a lipid base that can suck up harmful toxins in the body. In this way, it takes some of the burden off the liver in terms of the toxic overload many of us suffer from.

 9. Whole Grains

Grains, such as brown rice, are rich in B-complex vitamins which are nutrients known to improve overall fat metabolization, liver function and liver decongestion. If possible, do not eat foods with white flour, instead try eating whole wheat alternatives.

10. Cruciferous Vegetables

Eating broccoli and cauliflower will increase the amount of glucosinolate in your system, adding to enzyme production in the liver. These natural enzymes help flush out carcinogens, and other toxins, out of our body which may significantly lower risks associated with cancer.

 11. Lemons & Limes

These citrus fruits contain very high amounts of vitamin C, which aids the body in synthesizing toxic materials into substances that can be absorbed by water. Drinking freshly-squeezed lemon or lime juice in the morning helps stimulate the liver.

 12. Walnuts

Holding high amounts of the amino acid arginine, walnuts aid the liver in detoxifying ammonia. Walnuts are also high in glutathione and omega-3 fatty acids, which support normal liver cleansing actions. Make sure you chew the nuts well (until they are liquefied) before swallowing.

 13. Cabbage

Much like broccoli and cauliflower, eating cabbage helps stimulate the activation of two crucial liver detoxifying enzymes that help flush out toxins. Try eating more kimchi, coleslaw, cabbage soup and sauerkraut.

 14. Turmeric

The liver’s favors spice. Try adding some of this detoxifying goodness into your next lentil stew or veggie dish for an instant liver pick-me-up. Turmeric helps boost liver detox, by assisting enzymes that actively flush out dietary carcinogens

HOME REMEDIES FOR BLACKHEADS

Lemon

 Lemon used in acne treatment can also be used to remove blackheads. The nutrients and vitamins present in lemon are good for all types of skin. With lemon you can make a nice face scrub. For this you will have to mix lemon juice with salt, yoghurt and honey. Use this mixture to scrub the area gently having blackheads. Else you can use fresh lemon juice mixed with milk to eliminate blackheads. Apart from milk, you can also mix lemon juice with rose water. Follow this remedy daily for ten to twelve days without any fail.

 2. Honey

 Honey is another common ingredient easily available at homes that can be used to treat blackheads. The balancing quality present in honey is good for both oily skin and blackheads. When honey is applied on the affected skin area, it hydrates as well as tightens the skin pores. This results in a clear complexion. Regularly apply some pure honey on the face for about ten minutes so that it can dry and then rinse your face with lukewarm water.

 3. Turmeric

 Turmeric that works well for minor burns can also be used to treat blackheads. Add some turmeric powder to two tablespoon of mint juice and mix it properly and apply it to the affected areas. Allow it to dry for a few minutes and then wash the area with lukewarm water. Else you can make a thick paste by mixing red sandalwood, turmeric powder and milk together. Apply it on the affected area and after ten minutes wash the skin with water. Regularly follow this remedy to treat blackheads naturally.

 4. Green Tea

 Your regular green tea can also be used to treat blackheads. Take one teaspoon of green tea and add a little water to make a paste. Use this paste to scrub the skin gently for two to three minutes. This scrub deep cleans oily skin and helps unclog pores. Rinse with lukewarm water with extra care. Do not treat your skin roughly as it can damage your skin. This remedy is good for the blackheads and at the same time your skin will have a natural glow.

 5. Baking Soda

 Acne can be treated with baking soda and so does your blackheads. Baking soda clears the skin from impurities such as debris and dirt from the skin. For treating blackheads, take two tablespoons of baking soda and mix it with mineral water to make a paste. Apply the paste generously on the affected skin area and massage gently. Allow it to dry for a few minutes before rinsing it well with warm water. Repeating this remedy once or twice a week can give you good results.

 6. Oatmeal and Yogurt

 The combination of oatmeal and yogurt is great to keep your skin free of blackheads. For this remedy, you need two tablespoons of oatmeal, three tablespoons of plain yogurt, small amount of lemon juice and olive oil. Mix all the ingredients properly and apply it to your entire face, including the infected area. Leave it for five minutes and then rinse your skin with normal water. This remedy must be repeated regularly if you wish to have a clear skin.

 7. Fenugreek

 One of the easiest and simplest natural remedies for blackhead is fenugreek. Make a thick paste from fresh fenugreek leaves by adding little water. Apply it on the affected area every day and allow it to dry for around ten minutes and then rinse it with lukewarm water. When repeated regularly, your skin will become free of blackheads and at the same time you will not have the problem of wrinkles also.

 8. Epsom Salt

 Another effective and natural way to treat blackheads is Epsom salt. Add one teaspoon of Epsom salts and few drops of iodine to little amount of hot water and mix it well so that all the ingredients dissolve in the water properly. Allow the mixture to come to room temperature. Now dip a cotton ball into the mixture and apply it to the affected area. Allow the mixture to dry properly and then remove it gently with the help of a clean washcloth.

 9. Cornmeal

 Cornmeal can also be used to treat blackheads as it can react abrasively on dirt blocking the pores on your skin. Take one tablespoon of powdered cornmeal and mix it with some of your regular facial cleanser. Before applying the mixture, go for steam therapy so that the skin pores open up. Now apply it on your face and gently massage it in a circular motion. Concentrate on the nose and chin area. After a few minutes, rinse your face with cold water. This will help the pores of your skin to close.

 10. Cinnamon

 Cinnamon can be used to remove blackheads and it will even prevent their future growth. For this remedy take one teaspoon of cinnamon powder in a bowl and mix it with honey to form a thick paste. Apply the paste on the affected area before your bedtime and leave it overnight. Next morning, wash your face properly with normal water. For best result, follow this remedy daily for about ten days. Else you can make a mixture by adding one teaspoon each of cinnamon powder and lime juice with a pinch of turmeric powder.