FOODS TO BOOST YOUR TESTOSTERONE

Testosterone is a male sex hormone that affects more than just sex drive. This hormone is also responsible for bone and muscle health, sperm production, and hair growth. You can lose testosterone as you age, as well as from chronic illnesses.
Hypogonadism (also called low testosterone or low T) is often medically treated to prevent future health problems. Along with your doctor’s recommendations, you may consider potential testosterone-boosting foods as a natural complement to low T.below are the foods that could help you prevent that
Egg Yolks

Egg yolks are another rich source of vitamin D. While cholesterol has gained a bad rap, egg yolk contains more nutrients than egg whites. Furthermore, the cholesterol of egg yolks may even help low T. As long as you don’t have any preexisting cholesterol issues, you can safely eat one egg per day.
Shellfish

Shellfish and other types of seafood are rich in zinc, which is critically important for the heart, muscles, and reproductive system. Zinc levels below normal are linked to poor sperm quality and male infertility. Not fond of seafood? Beef, turkey, chicken, nuts, and seeds offer a healthy dose of zinc too.                                                                                                                                      Avocados
The Aztecs referred to avocados as, ahem, testicles, because of their physical shape. But the scientific reason why avocados make sense as an aphrodisiac is that they are rich in unsaturated fats and low in saturated fat, making them good for your heart and your arteries. Anything that keeps the heart beating strong helps keep blood flowing to all the right places; in fact, men with underlying heart disease are twice as likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED).

 
Strawberries

The color red is known to help stoke the fire: A study found that men find women sexier if they’re wearing red, as opposed to cool colors such as blue or green. Strawberries are also an excellent source of folic acid, a B vitamin that helps ward off birth defects in women and, according to a University of California, Berkley study, may be tied to high sperm counts in men.

ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS FOR ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

A health treatment that is not classified as standard Western medical practice is referred to as "alternative" or "complementary." Alternative treatments include nutritional supplements, herbal remedies, and acupuncture.Men can judge themselves pretty harshly when it comes to their performance in between the sheets. The unsettling fear of not being able to rise to the occasion becomes a reccurring nightmare for men that is often equated with failure, loss of dignity, and masculinity. If you suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED), don’t be so hard on yourself, since impotence can almost always be improved with treatment, without having to rely on Viagra or other medications. Whether you suffer from ED, or hope to prevent the condition, here are six tips to overcome impotence without the side effects of the little blue pill.

1. WALK AS A MEANS OF EXERCISE


When it comes to boosting sexual performance, many men will walk all over God’s green earth looking for ways to maintain a good sex life. Luckily men, all you have to do is walk and not run  two miles a day. This, along with other healthier lifestyle interventions can help obese men reduce their risk of ED, or even “reverse” current impotence, according to a study. This comes of importance, since maintaining a trim waistline is a good defense for ED, as men with a 42-inch waist are 50 percent more likely to have ED than those with a 32-inch waist. Getting to a healthy weight and maintaining it is a good strategy for preventing and treating ED.
2. Move Your Nether Regions

The phrase “use it before you lose it” can be applied when it comes to helping men with ED regain normal erectile function. Pelvic exercises, more commonly known as kegel exercises, are used to promote urinary continence and sexual health. They help to strengthen the bulbocavernosus muscle, which does three things: allows the penis to engorge with blood during erection, it pumps during ejaculation, and it helps empty the urethra after urination.

Three months of twice-daily sets of kegel exercises combined with biofeedback and advice on lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, losing weight, and limiting alcohol, worked far better than just giving the participants advice. “Wearing tight pants will affect impotence along with some other medical conditions like diabetes and heart disease,” which can also affect a man’s degree of impotence.

3. Get Needled

The art of acupuncture has become the new treatment for everything from back pain, depression, and even ED. Impotence could be more of a state of mind, and acupuncture may help. Through this alternative therapy, fine needles are placed in various parts of the body to relieve pain or stress. Although there are many mixed studies for acupuncture and ED, many tend to confirm positive results. A 1999 study found acupuncture improved the quality of erection and even restored sexual activity in 39 percent of participants.

4. Take Some 'Herbal Viagra'

Ginseng, specifically “red ginseng,” is known as the “herbal Viagra” that helps puts to rest men’s bedroom woes. Red ginseng is when the root has been steamed and then dried. The ginseng root is the part of the plant that is mostly used as a natural remedy when in its supplement form. However, the plant must be grown for a minimum of five years before it can be used. In a review, seven studies on red ginseng and ED, ranging in dosages from 600 to 1,000 milligrams three times a day, were found to provide evidence for the effectiveness of the herb in ED treatment.

5. Take This Amino Acid Found in Your Body

L-arginine, an amino acid that is naturally present in the body and helps make nitric oxide, supports a successful erection. Nitric oxide is responsible for making the blood vessels relax, which helps sustain an erection for men. A study, observed the effects of six weeks of high-dose (5 grams/day) orally administered nitric oxide (NO) donor L-arginine on men with organic ED. Thirty-one percent of those who took 5 grams/day of L-arginine experienced significant improvements in sexual function. Burns told Medical Daily, “l-arginine and deer antler velvet” have been the most popular go-to natural treatments for men.

6. Drink Watermelon Juice

A cold slice of watermelon can do more than just satisfy thirst and hunger during the warm summer months; it can help with bedroom satisfaction. Citrulline, the amino acid found in high concentrations of watermelon, is found to improve blood flow to the penis. A 2011 study revealed men who suffered from mild to moderate ED and took L-citrulline supplementation showed an improvement with their erectile function and were very satisfied. Natural watermelon juice, or “nature’s Viagra,” can also be easier on the stomach, since taking pills like Viagra can cause nausea and diarrhea.

Burns cautions men and says, “Not all natural treatments are a safe alternative to Viagra. Like with everything herbs have side effects just like drugs do. Depending on the person there might be drug-herb interaction and sometimes people overdose thinking more is better.

These six natural ED treatments could potentially help to prevent and fix impotence in men, but it’s always best to check with your doctor first to see if these are safe for you.

FASTEST WAY TO TOPUP ONLINE

SEX ADDICTION

Sexual activity is something that is essential for procreating and carrying on the human race. Like eating, drinking water and breathing, sex too is a necessary activity for a human’s survival. Species which do not have a tendency to procreate usually end up becoming endangered, and later extinct. 
Sex is a taboo topic in many cultures, while in other liberal societies, it is talked about freely. You should however, have some understanding of the subject, since it is the only way that will become aware of complications or problems associated with it that's why sex education is advised to be taught to children by their parents. These might include STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), and sexual addiction.

IS SEX ADDICTION A REAL HEALTH CONDITION?
It should not be ignored but yes, sexual addiction is a very real and tangible condition. Some people believe that it is not something substantial and is only used as an excuse by people who just are interested in sex. However, this should not be seen as an excuse, but rather something that needs to be worked on, and which cannot be helped without proper consultation.
Some people crave sex because of underlying reasons such as shame, depression, stress and anxiety. Their emotions give way to risky and even life threatening sexual behavior. Just as most people start eating when they are depressed or resort to other habits when avoiding something, sex addicts concentrate their energies towards sex when something goes wrong in their lives. However, just because sex is a taboo topic in most societies like nigeria, this condition is not given the attention it merits.

WHAT IS SEX ADDICTION?
Sexual addiction is a condition in which people cannot be in full control of their sexual desires. They find themselves craving sex at odd times and they also find it hard to control themselves. In most scenarios they think about it compulsively. There are many names for this condition such as compulsive sexual behavior, sexual dependency, "nymphomaniac", a term used for women and "satyriasis" for men, sexual compulsivity and hyper sexuality.
When an individual starts becoming obsessed with sexual thoughts and activities and this obsession starts affecting their day to day life, his or her condition can be termed as a sexual addiction. Some people also recognize sexual addiction as a spectrum of obsessive compulsive disorder.

 SIGNS OF SEX ADDICTION
An increased sex drive could be due to a variety of reasons and even though there is no official diagnosis for the condition at the time, many medical experts have gotten together to list down the signs and symptoms regarding the condition. Here are some behaviors that may denote a person is suffering from sexual addiction:

Compulsive masturbation
Unsafe sex
Cybersex
Prostitution or solicitation of sex
Having a lot of love affairs or multiple sexual partners
Having a lot of one night stands
Using alcohol and drugs along with sex to stimulate pleasure and get away from worldly problems
Exhibitionism
Persistent watching of pornography
Voyeurism
Molestation, incest and sexual harassment
Rape
Detachment from the world and feeling guilty or shameful
Emotional unavailability
Lack of control
Thinking about sex  majority of the time
Giving up day to day activities
Sexual rage disorder
Complications of Sex Addiction
If the condition is left untreated, then the person suffering from it can be left feeling guilty and might even commit illegal activities such as solicitation of sex, rape, and so on. Some people even face psychological problems as a result of shame and guilt and might avoid seeking proper medical treatment because of these feelings. This could later lead on to depression, anxiety and even more sex addiction. A sexual addict could even go on to become an alcoholic or an intravenous drug user.
He or she may even face problems having sex at some point due to their psychological conditions which could worsen their state of mind.

 CAUSES OF SEX ADDICTION
There is no hard and fast explanation of compulsive behavior and many people are fueled by a variety of reasons when it comes to intimacy. When people fail to get sex education and live in fear of the act and the word itself, they face greater problems. Ignorance and avoidance are things that rile the condition on.

Emotional pain, psychological traumas and the need for intimacy and complete rejection from society are just the tip of the iceberg. Sometimes certain medications also increase sex drive. Growing up in an environment of exhibitionism, prostitution and being exposed to sexual activities at a young age can also be a factor. Sometimes, being an alcoholic or drug addict can also cause a person to crave sex a lot of the time.

 TREATMENTS  FOR SEX ADDICTION
Once a condition has been recognized, the next step is to treat it. Just as there are treatments for other conditions, there are treatments for sexual addiction. There are several things that can be used to treat sexual addiction:

You can join an in -patient treatment program
A 12-step program like  Sex Addicts Anonymous (SA) whichs follow the same recovery model as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Medication like antidepressants can help
Outlook for Sex Addiction
Sexual addiction is treated differently because it is not possible for human beings to give up sex for the rest of their lives. If alcoholics need to give up alcohol and drug addicts need to give up drugs, sexual addicts have to adopt a healthy lifestyle, balancing sex with other daily activities in their life.
The outlook of a sexual addict is similar to a compulsive eater. Their battle is to figure out a healthy balance between healthy eating and compulsive eating. Similarly, sex addicts have to find out what amount of sex is healthy and what is dangerous. There are many factors that can trigger a relapse, so it is best for friends and family to keep these in mind while helping a sex addict recover from the condition.

DIFFERENT BLOOD COLOURS AND TEXTURES OF MENSTRUATION

This is kind of a continuaton from my previous post,a menstrual period usually occurs when the uterus is lined with endometrial tissue that thickens under the influence of hormones. This lining, which is rich with blood, is shed periodically (approximately every 28 days) when there is no pregnancy, and this may last for two to seven days. The length of a normal menstrual cycle may range from 21 to 35 days, and the duration of a period is usually 3-5 days. A woman may lose as little as 4 teaspoons or as much as 12 teaspoons of blood per period.

It is normal for the period blood colors and textures to vary from bright red to brown or somewhat black and from thin to very thick. These changes may be a sign that the blood has been in the uterus for some time and has not been removed quickly. This may be a normal occurrence, which should not be a cause of concern.

Some women however, feel that something may be going on, and want to know the possible reasons in the changes from their usual menstruation.

DIFFERENT COLOURS OF THE MENSTRUATION BLOOD
Bright red: Bright red menstrual blood signifies that the blood was recently shed and released from the body. This type of blood flow is usually light and one may be having frequent periods.
Dark red: Dark red blood is usually "older blood". This may have been stored in your uterus for a while and has taken a longer time to be shed. Many women shed blood that is dark red upon waking up.
Brown/Black: This is also old blood. Most women see dark brown or black blood towards the end of the period, and the blood flow is not that heavy. It may also be blood that stayed in the uterine folds, or in women whose periods are infrequent, it may be blood that was initially there before being released much later.
Orange: Bright red menstrual blood that mixes with fluids from the cervix can appear orange with red streaks. Bright orange blood may be associated with infection, so if you suspect this, it is best to consult a doctor.
DIFFERENT TEXTURES OF MENSTRUAL BLOOD
Heavy Clots: Blood clotting is a sign of heavy periods. When there is heavy bleeding the body produces anticoagulants to prevent blood clotting, but during heavy periods, this mechanism does not get enough time to do its work, resulting in the formation of clots. These blood clots may appear in any color of blood but are usually associated with dark blood. This is because older blood that builds up in the uterine walls creates a heavy flow. If this occurs frequently, one must suspect a serious problem that should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Slippery, Jelly-like: Slippery blood that is jelly-like may be blood that is mixed with mucus from the cervix. Cervical mucus is normally present in your vagina, and when mixed with menstrual flow that is light, it may give a slippery gel-like texture. This can also occur with bowel movements when cervical mucus flows from the vagina.
Thin: Menstrual blood that is thin is prevented from clotting. Usually bright red, it is usually associated with light or moderate blood flow and appears thinner and sometimes mixed with mucus from the cervix.
Tissue: The appearance of endometrial tissue in your blood may be a sign of miscarriage, or abortion, for which you must immediately seek a doctor's attention.
In most cases, changes in period blood colors and textures are normal and not a cause for worry. There are a few cases, however, when one may suspect an abnormality, which needs further investigation.

REASONS FOR ABNORMAL MENSTRUAL BLOOD COLORS AND TEXTURES
Color and texture changes in menstrual blood may be caused by some problems, which should be discussed with a doctor:

Miscarriage: Passing of large amounts of blood clots or clumps of grey tissue may be a sign that a woman is having a miscarriage. If it is possible that you may be pregnant, see a doctor immediately when you experience heavy bleeding or passing clots or tissue.
Uterine Fibroids: Fibroids or leiomyomas are benign tumors (not cancerous) that develop within the uterus. They are not always associated with symptoms, except that some women may notice they are passing more menstrual blood than usual. They may also have more blood clots during their period than they did before.
Hormonal irregularities: Estrogen and progesterone are hormones that regulate the periodic shedding of the endometrium (uterine lining). When there is a disturbance in the balance between these hormones, the uterine lining may become excessively thickened, which can contribute to heavier bleeding than normal. This can also lead to the development of clots during one's period.
   Hormonal changes occur for various reasons, including:

• Sudden, significant weight changes
• Drug side effects
• Enlarged uterus
• Obstruction to blood flow.
• Abnormal growth of uterine tissue (endometriosis/adenomyosis)
• Menopause

WHEN TO CONSULT A DOCTOR
Changes in menstrual blood colors and textures are not commonly serious. However, sometimes it can lead to a loss of a significant amount of blood over time, without being noticed because it occurs slowly. It is advisable to see your doctor if you experience:

• Easy fatigue after normal activity
• Frequent dizziness
• Pale ashen skin
• Pale fingernails
• Irregular periods

These may be signs of anemia, which can be confirmed with a blood test. Iron supplements may be prescribed to improve this condition.

PAINFUL MENSTRUAL CYCLE

I have a female friend who is always asking God why he made her a woman every month because the pain is so unbearable for her that you would think she won't make it through the night .it's so bad that she is always admitted in the hospital every month for menstrual pain,for funny is that!!!.this is something you have to be happy about because it proves that you going to be a mother some day ,so it really inspired me to research and write about it to help women who are experiencing such a predicament. Most women have experienced period pain. By understanding causes, risk factors and remedies, you can minimize the chances of having a painful menstrual cycle.

Having a painful period is very common among teen girls and young females. Generally speaking, periods will be less painful as the female grow older. In many cases, anti-inflammatory painkillers will help to ease the pain. In most cases, the reason for the period pain is not obvious. Sometimes it will be due to a problem within the pelvis, which is more common among women in the 30s or 40s.

STUDY IN ST VINCENT & THE GRENADINES IN THE CARRIBEANS AT ALL SAINTS UNIVERSITY,SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

Do you wish to obtain an international medical degree in a reputable and highly rated medical school in the carribean?All Saints University is committed to providing high quality education leading to a Doctor of Medicine (MD) Degree at very affordable fees with automatic tuition fees scholarship of up to 50% of total cost of tuition. 
The University strives to produce broadly and thoroughly educated graduates who realize that the medical profession is not simply a trade to be learned but that it denotes a sense of social responsibility. 
All Saints University seeks applicants with demonstrated strong drive and desire to succeed and who are able to focus on the compassionate and the humanitarian aspects of the medical profession. 
Our University encourages its students to actively engage themselves

4 -YEAR MD PROGRAM
The 4-Year MD program can be completed in 3 years and 4 months. Admission into the 4-year program requires a Bachelor Degree or completion of at least two years of post secondary education, which must include successful completion of premedical admission requirements such as: 
Biology - 90 semester hours
Chemistry - 90 semester hours
Physics - 90 semester hours
and one year of Mathematics or Calculus, English and Humanities or Liberal Arts. 

The 4-year MD degree program comprises of 5 semesters of instruction in basic medical science followed by 72 weeks of clinical clerkships.

  THE 5-YEAR MD PROGRAM

The five year MD program is designed for high school graduates intending to obtain a MD Degree. This program includes 4 semesters of premedical courses, including those listed above. Upon successful completion of 4 semesters of premedical courses, students are automatically allowed to complete the Basic Medical Science (preclinical) portion of the degree program with their counterparts in the 4-Year MD degree program.

TESTOSTERONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

Happy sunday to everyone hope you had a blessed day.I hope the men dont think am picking on them because i have been posting about the health challenges experienced by men,am just trying to enlighted those who are going through  these cases and don't really know much about these cases,that's the main purpose of this blog.Testosterone replacement therapy is a viable treatment option for low testosterone levels which can cause low energy, reduced sexual drives, depression, or mood alterations in men. Read more to understand its benefits, side effects, as well as forms of testosterone supplements.
As men age, their testosterone levels naturally decrease. Some men may experience symptoms such as low energy, reduced sexual drives, impaired ability to concentrate, depression, or mood alterations. If these changes are linked to low testosterone levels, in some cases they can be cured with testosterone replacement therapy. Before initiating testosterone replacement therapy, low testosterone levels should be confirmed using a blood test. However, testosterone replacement therapy may have side effects, some of which are still unknown.

CAUSES AND TREATMENTS OF MALE YEAST INFECTIONS

So this is a continuation of my previous post on male yeast infection .                                                  It is common for a healthy human body to have yeast present in their body. These organisms are part and parcel of the dermal structure and various bacteria in the body keeps these organisms under control. However, any changes to the immune system can result in an overgrowth of yeast. For example, HIV or AIDS patients or patients undergoing chemotherapy may be more likely to develop a yeast infection because of their weakened immune systems. There are several other factors that cause the growth of yeast in the body. Below are some of the key factors that can trigger off a yeast overgrowth, leading to an infection.

• Antibiotic use - Antibiotics are often prescribed by doctors for treating various bacterial infections. Long-term antibiotic use can destroy healthy bacteria, enabling yeast fungi to take over and grow.
• Diabetes - Yeast thrives on glucose. This is the reasons why men with diabetes may suffer often with yeast infections. The high glucose content in the urine makes the body an extremely suitable place for yeast to thrive.
• Mercury Poisoning - Yeast cells absorb its weight in mercury preventing harm to the body. However, yeast thrives in elevated mercury levels.
• Foods - Certain foods can also increase the growth of yeast. The typical American diet is quite susceptible to the overgrowth of yeast. For example, wheat, oats, barley and peanuts, corn and red apples encourage the growth of yeast in the body. Beer too encourages the growth of yeast.

MALE YEAST INFECTION

Many men are unaware of having a yeast infection as it progress in males in asymptotic form so they believe it only occurs in women. Most men contract the infection from their partners, as women are more susceptible to develop yeast infections. In women, the condition is easily identifiable as a host of symptoms manifest within a brief period of contacting the infection. However, most men do not know they have it till they are either informed by their partners or through a medical examination. Male yeast infection is contracted through unprotected sex. This is the only method through which the infection can enter the body. Such infections can cause extreme discomfort and irritation. Therefore, it is important to realize that men too are prone to contacting yeast infections, contrary to the myth that only women suffer from this disease. Being knowledgeable about its symptoms and the available treatment options can help people be rid of this condition.

SYMPTOMS OF MALE YEAST INFECTION

Unlike a vaginal yeast infection, a penile yeast infection may not always have symptoms, especially during its progression stages. However, when symptoms start manifesting, they can be extremely discomforting. Some common symptoms of a penile yeast infection are,

• Burning sensation when passing urine.
• Sores on the foreskin of the genital organ.
• Irritation and itchiness
• White discharge, similar to a vaginal infection.
• Discomfort during sexual intercourse.
• Redness and inflammation on top of the penis.
• Indigestion.
• Increased desire for sweet  

Men with yeast infections may also experience mood swings and temporary lapse in memory. Furthermore, penile yeast infections can also cause problems with the prostate. Therefore any signs of penile yeast infections should be checked out medically as soon as possible.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF HONEY

The health benefits of honey are too numerous to be named, and you be so surprised  about it's benefits but here are three key ones:

• NATURE'S ENERGY BOOSTER

The benefits of honey go beyond its great taste. A great natural source of carbohydrates which provide strength and energy to our bodies, honey is known for its effectiveness in instantly boosting the performance, endurance and reduce muscle fatigue of athletes. Its natural sugars play an important role in preventing fatigue during exercise. The glucose in honey is absorbed by the body quickly and gives an immediate energy boost, while the fructose is absorbed more slowly providing sustained energy. It is known that honey has also been found to keep levels of blood sugar fairly constant compared to other types of sugar. So, to experience these health benefits of honey, here are a few tips for you:
1. Next time before you go for a workout, take a spoon of honey to enable you to go for the extra mile.
2. If you are feeling low and lethargic in the morning, instead of reaching out for a can of carbonated energy drink , try honey. Spread it on hot toast or replace the sugar in your tea with it for a refreshing surge of energy.
3.    If your kids are finding hard to cope with the physical strain from the buzzing activities at school, prepare them a honey drink, some sandwiches with honey, butter and ham to make sure they have enough energy to sustain through the day. And for optimal sleep and recovery cycle at night, give your child a spoonful of honey before sleep on a daily basis. They may not care a bit about the health benefits of honey now, but will be grateful and love what you do for them when they grow up! More in: Hibernation Honey for Kids.

• IMMUNITY SYSTEM BUILDER

Amongst the many health benefits of honey, what is most impressive to me is that honey can be a powerful immune system booster. It's antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties can help improve digestive system and help you stay healthy and fight disease. Start every brand new day with this cleansing tonic if you want to see this health benefit of honey: before breakfast, mix a spoonful of honey and lemon juice from half a lemon into a cup of warm water and drink it.

• HONEY IS ANTI-CANCER!

Can honey help fight cancer? What many people don't think enough of or have overlooked is - honey possesses carcinogen-preventing and anti-tumour properties! There are now more and more studies pointing to the potential role of honey in the prevention and the progression of tumor and cancer. More in: Can Honey Fight Cancer? and Honey is Anti-Cancer! 

• HONEY REMEDY FOR AILMENTS 

FOR CUTS AND BURNS:

For thousands of years, honey has been recognized as one of the most natural home remedies to treat a wide range of ailments and complaints including yeast infection, athlete foot, and arthritis pain. Its antiseptic properties inhibits the growth of certain bacteria and helps keep external wounds clean and free from infection. Honey has been used as a natural cure in first aid treatment for wounds, burns and cuts as it is able to absorb moisture from the air and promote healing. Its antibacterial properties prevent infection and functions as an anti-inflammatory agent, reducing both swelling and pain, and even scarring. It is widely believed that UMF Manuka is the preferred honey for wound dressing due to its strong antibacterial property.

FOR HANGOVERS:

When you get a hangover from drinking too much alcohol, combat its effects by applying honey remedy. Honey is gentle on the stomach and contains a mix of natural sugars such fructose which is known to speed up the oxidation of alcohol by the liver, acting as a 'sobering' agent. Follow this recipe: 15ml of liquid honey with 80ml of orange juice and 70ml of natural yogurt. Blend them together until smooth. 

SALT MAKES YOU GAIN WEIGHT

Now i know why my mum is always yelling at me about salt and i happen to like salt a lot in my food so after seeing the amount of weight i gained,had no choice than to cut it down.                               It’s a well-known fact that the overuse of salt in the food that you consume can put you at a higher risk of having high blood pressure and heart related diseases. However, most people discard the possibility of salt causing obesity as salt doesn’t have a whole lot of calories. Some research suggests otherwise. So, does salt make you fat? Let’s find out.

Does Salt Make You Fat?

As already stated, the main reason why nobody really gives any thought to the idea that salt can cause obesity is that salt hardly contains any calories and it’s the calorie intake that defines how much weight a person would gain or lose. There is no denying both these facts. However, it’s also true that calorie count isn’t just the only benchmark which decides whether a person would gain weight or not. There are a number of other factors involved as well. Let’s see how much of a role salt plays in these factors to answer the question ‘does salt make you fat’.

Hunger increases with intake of salt
While salt has no calories of its own, research has shown that it increases hunger. And when you get hungry more often, you will eat more food items and thus, take more calories and this can lead to weight gain. Research also says that dopamine is released when salt is consumed which increases craving for salty foods like French fries etc. which are both high in calories and rich in fat.

Thirst increases with intake of salt
Intake of salt is accompanied with an increase in thirst and while this may not really pose a problem if you would start to drink water to quench the thirst. However, according to research, salt’s consumption increases craving for sugary beverages and high calorie soft drinks which can certainly lead to weight gain.

Insulin production increases with intake of salt
It’s not just calories that increase weight but also the way your body treats fat. Research has shown that the body starts to produce a greater amount of insulin when the food items being consumed are rich in salt. Insulin is a hormone which keeps fat stored in the body. So, in simple terms, salt heavy diets would increase insulin levels which would in turn increase amount of fat in your body which would in turn increase your weight.
To sum it all up and to give a proper answer to the question of does salt make you fat or does salt make you gain weight, it can be said that salt on its own is a healthy substance. Our body requires salt as it acts as an electrolyte. The problem is with over consumption of salt heavy food items. It’s not just the extra salt in these food items which can lead to weight gain, salt heavy food items are often full of fat and calories too which can lead to weight gain. So, consumption of such food items like burgers, French fries and frozen pizzas is what needs to be avoided and not salt itself.
The Limits of Salt and Sodium Consumption
So, if you are wondering about does sodium make you gain weight then you should understand that it’s only excessive intake of sodium/salt that can make you gain weight. According to Dietary Guidelines for Americans, an individual should not take more than 2,300 mgs of sodium in a day. For individuals who are over 51 years of age or who suffer from diabetes or high blood pressure or kidney disease, the limit lies at 1,500 mg per day.
In order to have an idea about how much sodium is a part of your diet, you should know that 1 tsp. of table salt (which consists of sodium and chloride) contains 2,300 mgs of sodium. Along with table salt, prepared and processed foods also have sodium. You should keep all this in mind when deciding on your diet plan so that you don’t exceed the sodium limit. Here we explain more on amount of sodium in different salt quantities and how to limit salt consumption.

WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL CARE FOR DIARRHEA

Diarrhea can usually be treated with home care. In some cases, it may become more severe. A person should go to a hospital emergency department in the following situations:

• if the person has diarrhea along with high fever, moderate-to-severe abdominal pain, or dehydration that cannot be managed by drinking fluids;
• if the diarrhea appears to contain blood (it may be bright red or may look like black, thick tar)
• if the person is sleepy and is not acting like their usual selves (others may notice this and take the person to the emergency department).

Call a doctor if a person has any of these complications:

• vomiting and inability to tolerate any food or drink;
• signs of dehydration;
• high fever, significant abdominal pain, frequent loose bowel movements, or bloody diarrhea;
• if he or she is elderly or has serious underlying medical problems, particularly diabetes, heart, kidney, or liver disease, or HIV/AIDS (contact a doctor when diarrhea first begins as the person may be at higher risk for developing complications);
• a parent or caregiver needs advice about preventing dehydration in newborns and infants;
• symptoms do not improve in two to three days or appear to become worse; or
• if he or she develops diarrhea after travel within their home country, or foreign travel; or if a woman is pregnant.

Diarrhea Diagnosis

In healthy people with diarrhea, and who appear well otherwise, the health-care professional may elect to do no tests at all. Stool cultures (when a sample of the stool is taken and examined in the lab for certain bacteria or parasites) are not usually necessary unless there is high fever, blood in the stool, recent travel, or prolonged disease.

In some cases, the health-care professional may send a sample of the stool (or sometimes a cotton swab from the patient's rectum) to the laboratory to evaluate if the cause of diarrhea can be determined (such as certain bacteria or parasites present in the body). It usually takes approximately one to two days for the results of these tests.
Blood tests are sometimes necessary for patients with other medical problems or with severe disease.
A colonoscopy is an endoscope procedure that allows the physician to view the entire colon to evaluate for infections or structural abnormalities that could cause diarrhea.
Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans are performed to rule out structural abnormalities as the cause of diarrhea, particularly when pain is a prominent symptom. 

• Medically Reviewed by a Doctor 

HEALTH BENEFITS OF SEX THAT WILL SURPRISE YOU

Why do people have sex?

Well, for one, sex feels good and it’s a lot of fun for consenting adults. Besides that, having sex regularly can not only make you feel good and closer to your partner, but also physically healthier. Many scientific studies have found a loving relationship, physical touch and passionate sex can bring health benefits, such as lower blood pressure. In fact, anything that exercises your heart is considered good for you, including sex. Here are 10 surprising benefits of having sex that might make you crave more.
1.   Sex gives you a radiant, youthful glow.
A study conducted at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital in Scotland gathered a panel of judges and asked them to view participants through a one-way mirror and then guess their ages. Participants who were enjoying lots of sex with a steady partner (on average four times a week) were perceived to be seven to 12 years younger than their actual age. Why? Because they had a radiant, more youthful glow about them. Regular sex does this for you: it promotes the release of hormones like estrogen and testosterone, which help keep your body looking young and vital  
2.   Sex improves your fitness.
Yep, sex counts as exercise. According to a 2010 study published in The American Journal of Cardiology, sexual activity is comparable to a modest workout on a treadmill. A good romp keeps your body fit and can burn anywhere from 85 to 250 calories, depending on the length and vigor of the session. Not only will an all-night pleasurefest workout your ticker, but also workout your back, butt and thigh muscles. Breaking a sweat in bed as you thrust during sex can also help sculpt your abs and ensure you are physically fit and ready for the day.
3.   Sex reduces stress. 
People who have sex at least once every two weeks are better able to manage stressful situations in life, such as public speaking. That’s according to findings of a study conducted by the University of the West of Scotland. Study author and psychology professor Stuart Brody, Ph.D. explains that during sex endorphins and oxytocin (feel-good hormones) are released and these hormones activate pleasure centers in the brain that create feelings of intimacy and relaxation, which help stave off anxiety and depression. You don’t have to get an orgasm to reap the benefit, but you do get the biggest surge of stress-busting hormones when you climax. All the more reason to aim for a stellar finish!
4.   Sex gives you sounder sleep.
Have you noticed how after an orgasm you fall into a deep, peaceful sleep? That’s because the same endorphins that help you de-stress and relax are also responsible for priming you for deep slumber. Cindy M. Meston, Ph.D., director of the Sexual Psychophysiology Laboratory at the University of Texas at Austin explains that not only are endorphins released during orgasm, but also another hormone called prolactin. “Prolactin levels are naturally higher when we sleep, which suggests a strong relationship between the two,” she says. If you are aiming for sounder sleep, skip the vigorous acrobatics and opt for a subdued session, otherwise you might feel more energized than sleepy after sex.

5.   Sex fights acne.
As farfetched as it may sound, a healthy sex life can actually help fight acne in some instances. Acne is often a manifestation of an internal hormonal imbalance, specifically the imbalance of sex hormones estrogen, progesterone and androgens/testosterone. Having sex eliminates toxins and balances your hormone levels, which may help keep your skin clearer. Sex also improves blood circulation in the body and helps to deliver oxygen to your skin, which can also help give you a healthy glow and keep your skin smooth and supple. You really are helping your skin to stay healthy and acne free when you have regular sexual intercourse.
6.   Sex fends off colds and flues.
A Pennsylvania study found that students who had sex once or twice a week had higher levels of Immunoglobulin A (IgA) in their bodies. IgA is a disease and illness-fighting compound that helps fend off illnesses like colds and flues. This compound was about 30% higher in participants who had sex at least once a week than those who did not have sex at all. Interestingly, IgA was at its lowest level in people who had sex more than twice a week. More research is needed before conclusions on weekly sex can be made, but researchers agree there is a link between how strong your immune system is and how often you have sex. Try weekly sex to boost your immune system, combat disease and keep your body healthy.                                                   
7.   Sex eases annoying aches and pains.
Have a migraine? Before you reach for an aspirin, try an orgasm. What? The surge of hormones released after an orgasm can help ease any annoying aches and pain you have, be it a headache or strained back. This is according to findings of study conducted at the Headache Clinic at Southern Illinois University. In the study, half of women who suffered migraines reported relief after climaxing. Cindy M. Meston, Ph.D., explains: “The endorphins that are released during an orgasm closely resemble morphine, and they effectively relieve pain.” Talk about flipping the script. This is how the script should read whenever you have an ache or pain and your man is around: “Yes, honey. I want it now—I have a headache.”
8.   Sex lightens monthly periods and cramps.
You may not like the idea of having sex during your period, but it might not be such a bad idea. Sex while menstruating can ease cramps and help end your period faster. This is according to a study conducted at Yale University School of Medicine, which also found that sex while menstruating decreases the risk of endometriosis, a common condition in women that causes the uterine tissue to grow outside of the uterus, causing pelvic pain and sex that hurts. If you decide to do the deed on your period, stick to missionary. Apparently, when you’re lying down your flow tends to be lighter.
9.   Sex strengthens bladder control.
About 30% of all women will be affected by urinary incontinence at some point in their lives. It is important that you have a strong pelvic floor, if you are going to avoid incontinence. Sex acts like a workout routine for your pelvic floor muscles and when done regularly can be very beneficial. Moreover, when you have an orgasm, the contractions in pelvic floor muscles strengthens them and also helps you fend off incontinence.
10. Sex reduces risk of prostate cancer.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that men who ejaculated frequently (at least 21 times a month) were less likely to get prostate cancer. The study revealed you don’t even need a partner to reap this benefit since masturbation and nocturnal emission were also factored in the equation. Obviously, there are many factors that affect the risk of cancer, but having more sex won’t hurt.

BENEFITS OF GREEN TEA

I’m a green tea drinker.
Not for the love of the taste — no way! I drink it because I’m told it’s good for me…or, to be honest, the real reason I drink it is because I believe it help keeps my weight in check. But recently I decided to look into it a bit deeper and see what are all these other benefits of green tea people talk of.
WHY GREEN TEA?

Green tea has been used as a medicine for thousands of years, originating in China but widely used throughout Asia this beverage has a multitude of uses from lowering blood pressure to preventing cancer. The reason that green tea has more health benefits attached to it than black tea is (apparently) due to the processing. Black tea is processed in a way that allows for fermentation whereas green tea’s processing avoids the fermentation process. As a result, green tea retains maximum amount of antioxidants and poly-phenols the substances that give green tea its many benefits.
Here’s a list of some of its amazing benefits — benefits that you may not have been aware of. Some of these benefits are still being debated, so please do your own research if you want to use green tea for medicinal purposes.
Weight Loss. Green tea increases the metabolism. The polyphenol found in green tea works to intensify levels of fat oxidation and the rate at which your body turns food into calories.
Diabetes. Green tea apparently helps regulate glucose levels slowing the rise of blood sugar after eating. This can prevent high insulin spikes and resulting fat storage.
Heart Disease. Scientists think, green tea works on the lining of blood vessels, helping keep them stay relaxed and better able to withstand changes in blood pressure. It may also protect against the formation of clots, which are the primary cause of heart attacks.
Esophageal Cancer. It can reduce the risk of esophageal cancer, but it is also widely thought to kill cancer cells in general without damaging the healthy tissue around them.
Cholesterol. Green tea reduces bad cholesterol in the blood and improves the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol.
Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. It is said to delay the deterioration caused by Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Studies carried out on mice showed that green tea protected brain cells from dying and restored damaged brain cells.
Tooth Decay. Studies suggests that the chemical antioxidant “catechin” in tea can destroy bacteria and viruses that cause throat infections, dental caries and other dental conditions
Blood Pressure. Regular consumption of green tea is thought to reduce the risk of high blood pressure.
Depression. Theanine is an amino acid naturally found in tea leaves. It is this substance that is thought to provide a relaxing and tranquilizing effect and be a great benefit to tea drinkers.
Anti-viral and Anti-bacterial. Tea catechins are strong antibacterial and antiviral agents which make them effective for treating everything from influenza to cancer. In some studies green tea has been shown to inhibit the spread of many diseases.
Skincare. Green tea can apparently also help with wrinkles and the signs of aging, This is because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Both animal and human studies have demonstrated that green tea applied topically can reduce sun damage.

4 REASONS TO DRINK HOT LEMON WATER EVERY MORNING

 A cup of hot water with fresh lemon juice is an ideal alternative that many nutritionists drink every day and it's not just because of its tangy flavor! Here are four compelling reasons to make this quick concoction part of your morning ritual.

1. It helps you detox every day: While lemons may seem quite acidic, they're a surprisingly good source of an alkaline food that can help balance your body's pH; since the combination wakes up your liver and flushes out nasty toxins.

2. It wakes up your digestive tract: This simple yet powerful beverage stimulates your gastrointestinal tract—improving your body's ability to absorb nutrients all day and helping food pass through your system with ease.

3. It supports weight loss: Lemon juice contains pectin, a soluble fiber that has been shown to aid in weight-loss struggles. And if you've been sipping on a cup of tea loaded with sugar or honey every morning, this beverage will slash calories from your daily diet.

4. It soothes an upset tummy: When you go to bed on a full stomach, pesky heartburn or a bloated belly can get in the way of your morning. Hot water cleanses your system, while the flavonoids from lemon juice may help reduce acidity in your stomach, so you feel like yourself sooner.

STEPS TAKEN TO LOWER HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE USING DASH DIET

High blood pressure or hypertension increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Hypertension risk factors include obesity, drinking too much alcohol, smoking, and family history. Beta-blockers are a common treatment for hypertension.this one of the illness that's very common around the world and many have lost their lives to it because it was not well managed.

WAYS OF TREATING YOUR OWN HEADACHES WITHOUT MEDICATIONS

You don't necessarily need a doctor's prescription to treat your headaches. Here are some ways you can find relief, without medication:

• Apply an ice pack to the painful area of your head. Try placing it on your forehead, temples, or the back of your neck.
• Take a warm bath or shower; take a nap; or take a walk.
• Ask someone to rub your neck and back, or treat yourself to a massage.
• Apply gentle, steady rotating pressure to the painful area of your head with your index finger and/or thumb. Maintain pressure for seven to 15 seconds, then release. Repeat as needed.
• Rest, sit, or lie quietly in a low-lit room. Close your eyes and try to release the tension in your back, neck, and shoulders.
• If you have excessive muscle contractions in the neck, it may be helpful to perform physical therapy exercises every day.

WAYS TO BRIGTHEN YOUR TEETH AT HOME

We all want that breath taking charming smile or you want the world to literally stop when you smile .Here are some ways to achieve that bright teeth of yours at home

1. Baking Soda and Lemon Juice Paste

Baking Soda isn’t a shocker here. Sodium bicarbonate (its official name) is mildly abrasive; gently scrubbing away surface stains to return teeth to a whiter shade. It’s also very alkaline (the opposite of acidic) so I would think if you have a very acidic mouth or eat a lot of acidic food, it could help balance out the Ph, which would be useful as acid breaks down enamel-this is strictly speculation on my part. It will also reduce the acidity of the lemon juice, which acts as a natural bleach of sorts. I use a mixture of baking soda and water on some days, and use the lemon juice on others, as I don’t want to overdo it.

You will need…

-Several teaspoons of baking soda
-Enough lemon juice or water to form a paste
-A toothbrush

Directions

Mix several teaspoons of baking soda with enough fresh lemon juice (or water) to make a paste. Wipe your teeth and any extra saliva off of them with a paper towel. Put a good amount of paste onto your toothbrush and apply. Leave the paste on for 1 minute, then rinse, so as to avoid the acid effecting enamel. If you are using just water you can leave it on for up to 3 minutes.

2. Strawberry, Salt and Baking Soda Scrub

Strawberries are high in Vitamin C, which can help break-down plaque that is causing your teeth to look yellow. It also has an enzyme called malic acid, which may help to remove surface stains. The salt acts as an abrasive portion of the paste, physically scrubbing away stain-causing gunk, and the baking soda is an extra touch that you can choose to leave out if you’d prefer (I just like to add it to anything involving my teeth.

You will need…

-1-3 large strawberries
-A pinch of seat salt
-1/2 teaspoon of baking soda (optional)

Directions

Mash the berries into a pulp, and add a pinch of sea salt and ½ teaspoon of baking soda, if you’re using it. Wipe any extra saliva off your teeth with a paper towel, and then apply a generous portion of the mixture to a toothbrush and apply. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, then rinse. Do this nightly.

3. Coconut Oil Rinse

I know this sounds absolutely mad (I thought it was crazy too when I first read about it) but rinsing your mouth with coconut oil (called ‘oil pulling’) is a unique, old, remedy that people swear by to help whiten teeth. It doesn’t sound like the most pleasant thing in the world, but I actually don’t mind the taste, and I think it does make a difference in the color of your teeth. It won’t make a difference by “bleaching” per say, but lauric acid in coconut oil can rid your teeth of bacteria found in plaque that can make them yellow. It is also supposed to promote gum health, and help keep your breath fresh.

You will need…

-About a tablespoon of coconut oil

Directions

In the morning, before you brush your teeth, scoop out a tablespoon or a little less (depending on the size of your mouth) of coconut oil. You can either soften it, or just put it in your mouth (I usually do the latter, and just let it soften.) Push, swish, and “pull” the oil through and around your teeth for 10-15 minutes, then spit it out, rinse with water, and brush your teeth.

Note: You can use either of the pastes after you have brushed your teeth at night if you prefer.

Are these remedies going to guarantee ridiculously white teeth within a week? No. You may start to see a difference, but it won’t be as instant as the commercial products. In the end, will your teeth be so white people squint when you open your mouth? No. And I like it better that way. I’ve found that since using these my teeth are indeed whiter, my mouth overall feels healthier and it doesn’t look like I bleached the life out of myself. We live in a world where photo-shopped faces (and teeth) and make-up covered celebrities set the standard for how we look, which makes life hard for people who like, well, real people. As a result we seem to forget what’s good for ourselves, and spend a ton of money just to look like the ideal. By going natural here, you can save the money for something else, feel better about yourself, and have a healthier mouth (and health is what, in the end, creates real beauty.

EXERCISE YOU CAN DO WHILE SITTING

 Sitting all day is bad for your health. But despite all the research that suggests you buy a standing desk or get moving every hour, the reality is that these kinds of recommendations aren’t terribly realistic for most of us. Luckily, even if you’re stuck in your seat for extended periods, you can still do exercises to stretch and move your body.

CHAIR DIPS

DRINKING OF WATER AIDS WEIGHT LOSS

Study has found drinking 500 ml of water half an hour before eating breakfast, lunch and dinner leads to greater weight loss among obese adults compared with those who did not drink water before mealtimes.The beauty of these findings is in the simplicity. Just drinking a pint of water, three times a day, before your main meals may help reduce your weight.