Impotence Natural Remedies - Herbal Remedies for Erectile Dysfunction

Herbs and Supplements

Generally, manufacturers of herbal remedies and dietary supplements do not need FDA approval to sell their products. Just like a drug, herbs and supplements can affect the body's chemistry, and therefore have the potential to produce side effects that may be harmful. There have been a number of reported cases of serious and even lethal side effects from herbal products. Patients should always check with their doctors before using any herbal remedies or dietary supplements.

The following are special concerns for people taking alternative remedies for erectile dysfunction:
Yohimbe. Yohimbe, which is similar to yohimbine, is derived from the bark of a West African tree. Side effects include nausea, insomnia, nervousness, and dizziness. Large doses of yohimbe can increase blood pressure and heart rate and may cause kidney failure.

Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL). GBL is found in products marketed for improving sexual function (Verve, Jolt). This substance can convert to a chemical that can cause toxic and life-threatening effects, including seizures and even coma.

Gingko. Although the risks for gingko appear to be low, there is an increased risk for bleeding at high doses and interaction with vitamin E, anti-clotting medications, aspirin, or other NSAIDs. Large doses have also been known to cause convulsion. Commercial gingko preparations have also been reported to contain colchicine, a substance that can be harmful in people with kidney or liver problems.

L- arginine (also called arginine). Arginine may cause gastrointestinal problems. It can also lower blood pressure and change levels of certain chemicals and electrolytes in the body. It may increase the risk for bleeding. Some people have an allergic reaction to it, which in same cases may be severe. It may worsen asthma.

DHEA. DHEA is a supplement related to certain male and female hormones. Studies show inconclusive results in its treatment for erectile dysfunction. DHEA may interact dangerously with other medications.

Aphrodisiacs. Aphrodisiacs are substances that are supposed to increase sexual drive, performance, or desire. Some examples include the following:

• Viramax is a well-marketed product that contains yohimbine and three herbal aphrodisiacs: catuaba, muira puama, and maca. It has not been proven to be either effective or safe, and interactions with medications are unknown.
• Spanish fly, or cantharides, which is made from dried beetles, is the most widely-touted aphrodisiac but can be particularly harmful. It irritates the urinary and genital tract and can cause infection, scarring, and burning of the mouth and throat. In some cases, it can be life threatening. No one should try any aphrodisiac without consulting a doctor.

Other Alternative Products Marketed for Erectile Dysfunction. Vinarol is an over-the-counter supplement that was recalled after reports surfaced that it contained the same ingredients found in Viagra. Herbal supplements sold as Viagro and Vaegra have no association with Viagra.

10 Tips for Men’s Sexual Health

All me want to be healthy, and in many cases, they try and take care of themselves by watching what they eat, getting exercise on a regular basis, and managing the stress in their lives. But many men are unaware that they can also take care of their sexual health and prevent problems before they occur.

Here are 10 tips for men to keep in mind for maximum sexual health:

• Eat a healthy diet – Many men are surprised to learn that what they eat can affect their sexual performance, but it does.  By eating healthy foods that are rich in nutrients and low in fats, you will keep your “sexual” system in good working order.  Strive for plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean cuts of meat, whole grains and low-fat milk.
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• Get regular exercise – Men who live a “couch potato” lifestyle may soon find themselves with sexual problems.  By “getting up and moving” you will be taking an active role in maintaining your sexual health.  Check with your physician, and then start a program of regular exercise that includes walking, cycling, tennis or whatever you find enjoyable.

• Stop smoking – Many doctors agree that smoking can be a major cause of sexual dysfunction in men.  Studies have found that a major of men who suffer from ED are smokers, and that smoking can also reduce sperm count and quality.  Smoking damages the small arteries that feed blood to the penis, making it difficult at times to maintain an erection.

• Reduce your alcohol intake – While you may enjoy the buzz you feel when you drink alcoholic beverages, you are putting yourself at risk for ED.  Alcohol may make you feel sexier by lowering inhibitions, but it also reduces libido, causes erection problems, and often times impairs the ability to have an orgasm.

• Learn to manage stress in your life – Stress can leave you feeling exhausted, worried, uptight and very nervous, and can also lead to sexual problems as well.  If you allow stress to manage your life, instead of the other way around, your life will soon feel as if it is out of control.  Learn stress management techniques, find ways to handle anger and sadness, and you will be doing your part to maintain your sexual health (and your sanity).

•  Do Kegel exercises – Usually associated with women, Kegel exercises can increase sexual enjoyment in men as well.  Kegels are a way to strengthen the muscles that connect the base of the penis with the tailbone.  These muscles act to control the flow of fluids through the urethra, so by learning how to control them, you can delay ejaculation to heighten your orgasm.  To learn how these muscles feel, try stopping the flow of urine the next time you urinate.  These are the muscles you need to tighten, so to do Kegels, just squeeze the muscles, hold them for a few seconds, and then relax them.  By contracting these muscles, you gradually build up their strength, and your pleasure.
• Use lubricants – As men grow older, they often experience a gradual loss of sensitivity in their penis.  Lubricants can help men with this problem to gain a freer range of motion, and increase sexual enjoyment.

• Have a yearly check-up with your doctor – It is no secret that men do not like going to the doctor, but if you want to maintain your overall (and sexual) health, you should make sure that you have a physical at least once a year.
  

• Avoid illegal substances – Unfortunately, some men will take illegal drugs to get high, thinking that it will enhance their sexual experience.  But it most cases, it has the opposite effect.  If you want to avoid ED, then avoid illegal substances.

• Maintain a positive attitude – Medical studies prove that men who have a positive attitude towards life also enjoy a problem free sex life as well.  So, adjust your attitude to a positive one, and enjoy the benefits!                 

Beauty Tips & Tricks Every Woman Needs to Know

We love good beauty tips, so we’ve rounded up our best get-gorgeous tricks in one spot. Whether you want to learn how to create the perfect wavy hair or brush up on your smoky eye technique, you’ll find beauty tips galore to help you get pretty from head to toe.

How to Get Long Hair ASAP
Pixie cuts, bobs and shoulder length hair can perfectly frame a face, but when it comes time to grow out strands for a new style, the wait can be a long one. Forget marking days off the calendar for a Rapunzel-inspired mane. Read on for how to get long hair, sans extensions.
An Owner’s Guide to Naturally Wavy Hair
If you have naturally wavy hair, then you know that sometimes your texture feels like a curse. Wavy hair isn’t as wash-and-go as straight strands, and lacks the bounce that curls have. But even though getting there may take a little extra work, waves can look shiny and gorgeous…as long as you know how to style them.
101 Ways to Make Your Eyes Pop
All of the tips and tricks you need to know to make your eyes stand out and really pop.
How to Wash Your Hair — the Right Way
You may do it practically every day, but do you really know how to wash your hair the right way? Using the correct techniques can make a world of difference in your hair’s health, bounce, and shine — but if you’re making some common mistakes, you could be damaging your strands without even knowing it.

The Right Bangs for Your Face Shape
We’ve all seen our favorite celebrities rocking some serious bangs on the red carpet and on magazine covers. But becoming a fringe convert means finding the right style of bangs for your face shape, and for your lifestyle.
The 5 Rules of Luscious Lashes
Long, luscious lashes — those are a year-round necessity. Follow these five rules to get perfect eyelashes without having to revert to time-consuming falsies or expensive extensions.
Follow These Three Steps for a Perfect Ponytail Every Time
Because it’s a style we wear almost daily, we never get tired of learning tips to perfect the ponytail. Here are Rodney Cutler’s tips for getting it right, every time.
101 Beauty Tips for Girls
In the world of beauty, there are endless tips and rules to keep you looking fabulous. We break down all those tips to make the industry less scary—from makeup artists, hairstylists, skincare gurus and of course, our beauty staff.
5 Ways to Make Hair Look Gorgeous (Not Greasy) Between Shampoos
Your hairstylist wants you to stop shampooing every day, but who is she kidding? Luckily, there are solutions to transform every hair type from sad and unwashed to perfectly gorgeous—without starting from scratch.


The Secret to Getting a Great Top Knot
Top knots are our favorite go-to hairstyle on days when we don’t have time to go the heated styling route. The style is also helpful when you want to hide the fact that you haven’t washed your hair in, oh, a week. Here’s the trick to getting it right.
DIY Recipes for Hair Masks
Sometimes the best hair treatments aren’t in the beauty aisle, but in the pantry. Here are some of the best DIY recipes for hair masks that you can mix up in your kitchen.
Curly Hair Tips to Help You Love Your Texture
If you have wavy or curly hair, you know that achieving your best texture isn’t wash-and-go. Ringlets require careful styling that straight haired people just don’t understand. To make the most of your curly hair, try these tips we’ve picked up from top stylists.
What Really Works for Crows Feet, Dark Circles, and More
We all covet bright, wide-awake eyes, but genes and life’s late nights don’t always cooperate. Not sure if your eye cream is working? Find out here.
Hair Mistakes That Make You Look Older
Heavy bangs, straight hair, and other common looks can actually make you look older. Check out the worst offenders—and how to avoid them.
How to Supersize Your Hair
If you have the type of fine hair that falls flat after a few hours and won’t hold a curl, humid weather can leave your style looking deflated (cue the sad trombone). Try these tricks for every styling stage for volume that lasts through anything — even sauna-like heat and humidity.

How Often Should You Wash Your Hair? We Asked the Experts.
You’ve been doing it for ages, but do you really know how often you should wash your hair? The answer might surprise you.
Experts Spill on How to Braid Your Hair Even Better
Even after watching tons of video tutorials, we admit we still aren’t really braiding ninjas. So we turned to the experts to answer some of our most pressing questions about creating amazing braids. Read on for their genius tips to make braiding way easier.

Fix Chipped Nail Polish (Like a Lazy Beauty Editor)
Accidentally ruined your mani? Don’t stress—there’s a two-minute fix that camouflages chips without having to start a whole new manicure from scratch.
Shorten Heat Styling Time for Your Hair
Sometimes, you just don’t feel like drying or flat-ironing your hair, but no-heat hairstyles just won’t cut it. Celebrity hairstylist Josue Perez walked us through some easy tips to shorten our heat-styling time.
How to Get Rid of Blackheads
Everything you need to know about how to get rid of blackheads, once and for all.
7 Ways to Get Beach Waves
Whether you have naturally wavy or super-straight hair, getting beachy waves is easier than you think.
Tricks to Disguise Thinning Hair
The issue of women’s thinning hair is finally getting the attention it deserves. Whether your hair thins as you age or you experience thinning your 20s, there are simple cuts, coloring techniques and styling tricks that can disguise sparse strands.
The 5 Rules of Heat Styling Your Hair
Hair stylist Anna Jackson, who works at the Maxine Salon in Chicago, says there can be a compromise when it comes to having hair that’s both healthy and styled, as long as you follow these rules.
How to Care for Wavy and Curly Hair
What most people who don’t have curly hair don’t understand about it is the amount of work involved. There’s nothing prettier than a mop of bouncy, perfectly defined ringlets, but getting curly hair to look gorgeous on a daily basis takes dedication.
4 Tricks to Prevent Split Ends
There are some simple changes you can make to your hair routine to prevent split ends. (Thank God.)

Apply Mascara First, and More Backwards Makeup Tricks That Actually Work
One major makeup artist swears by switching up the order of almost every product that goes on your face, and when we first heard his tips, they kind of blew our minds.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Highlights for Hair
Thinking of going lighter with your locks? Highlights can bring out your bone structure and make hair shimmer in the sun, but go the wrong route and the look can turn stripy or brassy, quick. We asked colorist Kyle White of Oscar Blandi Salon in New York to spell out the do’s and don’ts of highlights for hair.
How to Prevent Frizzy Hair
Humidity doesn’t have to be a death sentence for your blowout. To find out the secret to frizz-free, silky smooth hair, we caught up with two stylists who provided expert advice, from long-lasting treatments to styling tricks and must-have products.
101 Hair Ideas to Try When You’re Bored With Your Look
Can’t figure out what you want to do with your hair today, next week or next month? Start with this mega helpful list of styles, tricks and techniques you may have never considered before.
How to Care for Your Red Hair
We have two reservations about taking the plunge for red hair: the commitment and maintenance that comes with it. Here are some tricks to make the transition easier from a celebrity stylist.
3 Tips to Make Your Hair Look Good in Pictures
A recent poll by hair care line Joico found that 69 percent of women report having a “hair fail” that has ruined a photo. To make sure you’re not one of them, learn how to make your hair look good in pictures with these tips from a celebrity hairstylist.
10 Things Every Woman Needs in Her Makeup Wardrobe
Style gurus who preach the gospel of closet staples are right: The perfect trench, a well-fitting pair of jeans and a little black dress pull together a wardrobe like magic. Naturally, the same principle works for your makeup bag.
This 10-Second Makeup Trick Lifts Your Face
Recently, we asked Amanda Bell, a makeup artist for Pixi Beauty, to show us some of her best tricks for creating subtle contours on the face — and she dropped this gem on us.

6 Tricks for Flawless Foundation
At an event for editors, celebrity makeup artist Troy Jensen dropped so much foundation knowledge that even we (who have written about 5,000 articles on the topic over the course of a lifetime) learned a few surprising tricks.
8 Makeup Tricks to Slim Your Face
If you’ve ever seen celebrities without makeup look unrecognizable, then you know how transformative certain techniques can be. These easy makeup tricks can take 10 pounds off your look, instantly — they’re optical illusions!
The Best Eyebrow Shapes to Flatter Your Face
We asked a celebrity eyebrow stylist to break down the best brows for a range of different face shapes, so you can find your own golden arches.
10 Fashion Week Beauty Tricks That Will Blow You Away
Our favorite part of Fashion Week is learning all the brilliant new tricks that we’d never have picked up elsewhere. Here, we’ve distilled our top 10 tips that you can use right now in your own beauty routine.
The Best Makeup for Blue Eyes
Blue eyes are a beautiful feature, but if you’re not wearing the right makeup shades, you risk having those baby blues go completely unnoticed. Samantha Chapman of Pixiwoo told us which colors look best on blue eyes, and here’s a hint: avoid blue shades.
3 Smart Tips for Wearing Glitter Eye Shadow
Backstage at the Jason Wu show, makeup artist Diane Kendal for Lancôme shared a few of her expert tips for pulling off the look in real life.
5 Timeless Makeup Tricks Every Woman Should Master
Fads come and go, but there are some bankable beauty secrets every woman should master. Take your beauty regimen to a whole new level of refinement and precision with my timeless beauty checklist.

How to Apply Bronzer the Right Way
When applying bronzer, you need the perfect touch — too little and you don’t get the desired sun-kissed glow. Brush on too much and you can end up looking orange.
Pull Off Dark Lipstick Like a Pro
Dark lipstick becomes so omnipresent every fall that it’s hard to call it a trend; it’s more of a seasonal staple, like a leather jacket or a new pair of jeans.
Make Thin Lips Look Fuller
Leave the lip injections to The Real Housewives. There are much easier ways to make thin lips look fuller, like these subtle makeup tricks that plump your pout instantly.
Makeup Tips for Girls With Glasses
we asked Nick Barose, the celebrity makeup artist behind Rashida Jones’ look, for his tips to keep in mind when working with a framed face.
How to Find the Best Blush for Your Skin Tone
Pink blush was always the norm, but now that both red and peach are becoming staples, you may be tempted to give those a try, too. But can you pull off every shade? Here’s how to find your most flattering cheek color.
The Best Eye Makeup for Your Eye Shape
Makeup can completely change the shape of your eyes, but it’s a two-way street. If you know the right techniques, you can make your eyes look bigger and more lifted, but a makeup misstep can close off your eyes in an unflattering way.
Get Fuller Brows With These Tips
For most of us, big, bold brows are but a dream. Whether it’s genetics or too much tweezing in the past, our wimpy little arches could use a boost. Thankfully, in this day and age we have tons of options for getting fuller-looking eyebrows.
Get an Instant Face Lift With These Makeup Tips
You can use all of the contouring serums and anti-aging moisturizers you want, but if it’s instant results you’re seeking, then makeup is the key to looking younger.

How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes
Because makeup, bacteria, oil and dirt get stuck in the bristles of your makeup brushes, it’s essential to give them a little TLC so you don’t end up with clogged pores and — yikes — even breakouts. Here’s a little cheat sheet to makeup brush maintenance.
The 5 Rules of Covering Dark Circles
Sometimes you can do everything right (drink enough water, get enough sleep), but when you look in the mirror, dark circles still stare back at you. Here are the best ways to camouflage them.
7 New Makeup Techniques to Try
After years and years of applying my own makeup, I still wouldn’t call myself an artist. Most of the time I’m not even confident that I’m doing it correctly, so I’m more than happy to try out a new technique when it’s recommended to me.
20 Genius Beauty Tips for Brides
To help you look your most beautiful on the big day, we’ve compiled these 20 essential beauty tips from top hair and makeup pros.
101 1-Minute Makeovers
A new look doesn’t always have to mean making a drastic change or spending the day in a colorist’s chair. These easy little tweaks will help you look brighter and renewed in 60 seconds flat.
The 5 Rules of Natural-Looking Foundation
There’s nothing more beautiful than a flawless complexion, but foundation can be one of the trickiest makeup products to apply. These easy rules let you fake perfect skin.
Makeup Tricks to Make You Look Less Tired
It turns out a lot of women are getting their makeup wrong, which results in a less-than-fresh complexion. Here are some of the most common mistakes.
How to Use Concealer to Cover Up a Zit and More
Grab your makeup bag and read on to learn how to use concealer to cover up (almost) anything.
Makeup Mistakes That Make You Look Older
From blush to too much foundation, there are eight major makeup mistakes that can add years to your face.

Bad Hair Day Fixes for Your Worst Beauty Emergencies
When a bad hair day rears its ugly head, it tends to permeate everything: suddenly, you’re in a foul mood and nothing seems to go your way. Try these tips to resurrect your style — and if all else fails, tie on a headscarf and call it a day (a good one, hopefully!).
The 8 Brushes You Need in Your Makeup Bag
Using the right tools really can make a difference, even in the hands of amateurs, and can help anyone get a polished look that makes the most of both their features AND their fave products.
How to Prevent Dry Skin Before the Cold Kicks In
If you’re anything like us, the falling humidity levels and indoor heating leave your skin more parched than the dead leaves littering the ground. But it doesn’t have to be that way; here are five ways to stop dry skin this season before the itch sets in.

28 Tips for Clear Skin in Less Than a Month
After trying our fair share of products that promise to transform our skin overnight, we know the disappointment that inevitably follows. Instead of looking for a miracle product, try making these small changes each day to get glowing skin in less than a month.
How to Get Rid of Acne Overnight
Need to get rid of acne overnight? It’s definitely possible with these beauty tricks.
Ways to Exfoliate for Smoother, Softer Skin
Here’s how to exfoliate your unique skin type for smoother, softer skin that (yes!) needs less makeup.
The 5 Rules of Clear Skin
A flawless face is something we all search for, whether it’s at the bottom of a face cream jar or in the the DIY acne masks we see on Pinterest. I wanted to hear what dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD considered the most important steps to clear skin.
How to Apply Eye Cream, the Right Way
Eye cream is an important step in any skin care routine. Creams can help reduce puffiness, lighten dark circles and make the face look generally more awake and youthful. But if you’re applying eye cream incorrectly, then you might be doing more harm than good.

The Surprising New Way to Lose Weight

It's a common story for most of us: You eat right, exercise, but still can't seem to lose those extra pounds. Is it genetics, age, or just something unknown that's keeping you looking and feeling heavy?
The surprising truth is that it may be your digestive system.
Many physicians and nutritional experts are pointing to an under-active digestive system as the real culprit behind all kinds of stomach issues. To put it simply, if your gut isn’t doing its job, your stomach can become a breeding ground for nasty bacteria—bacteria that cause painful stomach aches, embarrassing gas, and uncomfortable bloating.
So that expanding waistline you've been unsuccessfully fighting, might actually be your body's reaction to food build up.
And the surprising solution? Specialized probiotics.
For years, health experts have discussed how the healthy bacteria in probiotics can help with digestion, but a new study published in the British Journal of Nutrition links probiotics to fat loss as well. After 12 weeks, people consuming specific probiotic formulas dropped roughly 8 to 9 percent of their visceral fat—a particularly unhealthy type that builds up around your heart and organs — and 1 to 3 percent of their belly fat.
People often think of yogurt when discussing foods containing healthy probiotics, but most brands have tons of calories, carbs and sugars — all of which work against the goal of losing weight. That's why a new product called ProbioSlim is attracting a lot of attention.
Developed by a group of scientists working at a leading Massachusetts nutraceutical company, ProbioSlim contains LactoSpore. This unique and resilient spore-forming probiotic is built to withstand the heat inside your body so that more good bacteria can get into your system and have an immediate impact on your digestive health.
LactoSpore has been shown to promote healthy digestion, help relieve gas, bloating, constipation and diarrhea, and even promote clearer skin by helping to balance the body's pH.
The researchers behind ProbioSlim also added green tea leaf extract, one of the most talked about new ingredients in health and wellness. It contains compounds that help increase thermogenesis and fat oxidation to help burn calories, and caffeine for both improved workouts and appetite supression. There are also healthy fruit extracts that work as prebiotics, providing nourishment for the probiotics that are produced by LactoSpore.
Together, these are some of the most effective weight loss and digestive health ingredients on the market today, all in easy-to-swallow capsules.
If you're tired of never reaching your weight loss goals, and treating your stomach issues with antacids, laxatives, and dietary pills containing unknown chemicals, then maybe it's time to try ProbioSlim. The manufacturers are offering qualified users a free 2-week sample. Try it for 14 days and see for yourself if ProbioSlim works for you.
With a deal like that you've got nothing to lose — except the weight, bloating and embarrassment that comes with an upset digestive system.

Natural home remedies: Stress

Your body is designed to handle brief periods of stress from time to time. But too much isn’t good for body or soul. Take control of your stress naturally with these tips

Even when you can’t change a difficult situation, you have some control over the way you deal with stress. So if you’re pulling out your hair, biting your nails to the quick, or worrying yourself into a tizzy, try these techniques to loosen stress’s grip and restore a sense of sanity.

Dose with de-stressors

• Ever since ancient Greeks began enjoying chamomile tea, it has been praised for its healing properties. Today, when an estimated one million cups are drunk each day throughout the world, herbalists and naturopathic doctors praise chamo­mile as a wonderful remedy for stress. Drink one cup three times a day.
• You can also add chamomile, along with other calming herbs such as lavender and valerian, to bathwater for a nerve-soothing soak. Wrap the dried herbs in a piece of cheesecloth and hold it under the faucet while you fill the tub.
• Get more vitamin C. In one study, under-pressure people who took 1,000 milligrams of C had milder increases in blood pressure and brought their stress hormone levels back to normal more quickly than people who didn’t take it.

Beat stress with your mind

• Closely studied by Dr. Herbert Benson of Harvard University, the relaxation response has been clinically proven to short-circuit stress. Sit in a comfortable position in a quiet place. Close your eyes. Now choose a word or phrase to focus on (“It’s okay,” for example). As you concentrate on breathing in and out, repeat the phrase each time you exhale. If you get distracted by other thoughts, gently put them out of your mind and return to your word or phrase. Continue for 10 to 20 minutes. Practice at least once a day.

• Research has found that music can reduce heart rate, blood pressure, and even levels of stress hormones in the blood. Take a break and listen to music you find soothing, whether it’s classical, jazz, or something else.
• Do a time-travel exercise. When you’re feeling knotted up with some immediate concern, remember something that had you feeling equally tense a year ago. How important does it seem today? Now try to project a year into the future, and look back on your present dilemma. Chances are, that “leap forward” in time will give you a better perspective on what you’re going through now.

Take a progressive approach

• When you feel especially tense, try a technique called progressive relaxation. Sit or lie down in a quiet, comfortable place. Close your eyes. Now curl your toes as hard as you can for 10 seconds. Then relax them. After your toes, tense and relax your feet, legs, belly, fingers, arms, neck, and face. In other words, progressively “work” the tension all the way from the tips of your toes to the top of your head, and then “let it go.”

Take steps to prevent stress

• Get out for a walk or do some other form of exercise for at least 20 minutes, three times a week. Exercise boosts feel-good brain chemicals called endorphins, which lift your mood and make you feel less anxious.
• Limit your consumption of alcohol, caffeine, and sugar; and if you smoke, quit. All of these substances can fire up your body’s fight-or-flight response, contributing to physical symptoms of stress like a racing heart, trembling, clammy hands, anxiety, and irritability.
• Take up a calming hobby. Knitting, working on puzzles, reading, or some other favorite pastime can help you take a breather from the stresses of life.

Natural home remedies: Heartburn

Natural home remedies for heartburn

When stomach acid backs up into your esophagus, you feel a burning pain. Large meals as well as certain foods can lead to heartburn. You’re more likely to have heartburn if you’re pregnant, overweight or a smoker, or if you have a condition called hiatal hernia. Some medications, including aspirin, certain antibiotics and some antidepressants and sedatives, may aggravate heartburn. Try some of these natural home remedies to relieve your heartburn symptoms.

What you can do for heartburn

• As soon as you feel the telltale flicker of heartburn, drink a 250 mL glass of water. It will wash the acid back down your esophagus into your stomach.
• Saliva helps neutralize stomach acid. So chew a piece of sugarless gum, suck on a candy or daydream about juicy steaks or buttery lobster—whatever it takes to get you to generate and swallow extra saliva.
• Baking soda is alkaline, so it neutralizes stomach acid. Mix a half-teaspoon of baking soda and a few drops of lemon juice in a half-cup of warm water. Don’t drink the baking soda by itself. You need the lemon juice to dispel some of the gas baking soda creates in the stomach when it comes in contact with stomach acid—there have been cases where baking soda produced such a rapid internal reaction that it ruptured the stomach.
• The juices of vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, radishes, or beets help to tame the acid in the stomach due to their alkaline nature. Feel free to add a pinch of salt and pepper for flavour. If juicing vegetables is inconvenient or strange to you, just eat some raw vegetables.
• No matter how terrible you feel, stay upright. Gravity is a powerful force, and if you’re standing, the earth’s pull helps keep acid in your stomach. Avoid bending over after a meal, and definitely don’t lie down.
• If nighttime heartburn plagues you, eat meals at least two to three hours before you turn in. The added time will give acid levels a chance to decrease before you lie down.
• You might also elevate the head of your bed 10 to 15 centimetres with large wooden blocks. When you’re tilted at an angle while sleeping, gravity helps keep acid in the stomach.
• Try sleeping on your left side. When you lie on your left side, the stomach hangs down and fluids pool along the greater curvature, away from the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the thick ring of muscle that separates the stomach from the esophagus and keeps stomach acid where it belongs. Pooled fluids stay farther away from the esophagus.
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals to minimize the production of stomach acid. And avoid eating too much in one sitting; doing so can force open the LES.
• If you haven’t done so already, quit smoking. Research shows that smoking relaxes the LES.

A natural boost forheartburn treatment

• To make a heartburn-easing tea, add 1 teaspoon of freshly grated gingerroot to 1 cup of boiling water, steep for 10 minutes, and drink. Long used to quell the nausea caused by motion sickness, ginger also helps to relax the muscles that line the walls of the esophagus, so stomach acid doesn’t get pushed upward.
• A tea made from anise, caraway, or fennel seed can also ease the burn, according to herbalists. Add 2 teaspoons of any of them to 1 cup of boiling water, steep for 10 minutes, strain and drink.
• Practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine, the traditional medicine of India, prescribe teas made of crushed cinnamon or cardamom to cool the heat of heartburn. Add 1 teaspoon of either crushed or powdered herb to 1 cup boiling water, steep, strain and drink.
• Marshmallow root is one of the oldest remedies known for heartburn. It produces a gooey, starchy substance called mucilage, which coats and protects the mucous membranes of your esophagus—just what you need when you feel like it’s on fire. Stir 1 teaspoon powdered marshmallow root into 1 cup water and sip it. Drink three or four cups a day.
• You can make a similar soothing drink from slippery elm. Add one teaspoon of the powder to a cup of hot water, and drink a few cups throughout the day.
• A form of licorice called DGL also provides heartburn-soothing mucilage. Take two or three chewable wafers three times daily on an empty stomach.

How To Use Garlic To Treat Hair Loss?

Several natural ingredients can help us in attaining healthier and longer hair. Garlic is one of those ingredients. Use of garlic for hair loss problems was prevalent in ancient times too when the Egyptians made use of this herb for treating several hair and skin conditions. Garlic does not only prevent acute hair loss, but it also stimulates new hair growth.
Garlic is superb for growing new hair, as it aids in decreasing shedding of hair. By doing so, it helps regenerating new hair follicles, and removes toxins from the scalp and the hair. Garlic helps to improve blood circulation in the scalp. It enhances the texture of hair and helps controlling hair loss by strengthening or reinforcing the hair roots.

Interestingly, the more pungent aroma of the garlic, the more useful it is due to the high sulphur content. Sulphur happens to be a prime structural part of many amino acids like keratin, which is the main component of the hair. Use of garlic for hair loss therefore, helps to fortify the condition of hair naturally. In addition to keratin and sulphur, garlic contains other important nutrients such as Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and selenium. All these ingredients contribute to hair growth significantly.

How garlic benefits for hair loss?

1. Garlic provides nourishment to the scalp and the hair follicles. The nourishment of scalp is often obstructed due to the presence of DHT, and sometimes due to improper diet. Garlic helps to efficiently eliminate that deficiency.
2. Garlic contains certain antibacterial agents that help to cure germs, yeast, and fungal infections of the scalp. These infections happen to be the prime cause behind acute hair fall.
3. Garlic also helps to kill parasites that largely affect scalp.
4. The high amount of sulphur in garlic helps in strengthening the hair roots. Therefore, it prevents premature breakage of hair. In addition, it fosters hair growth by stimulating the follicles on scalp.
5. Garlic is an effective treatment for itchy scalp. It helps to remove toxins and impurities from the scalp, and therefore helps to keep the scalp clean and healthy.

How to use garlic for hair loss?

Garlic can be used differently for treating hair loss. Check out some of the most common means of how this natural herb can be used.
Garlic natural oil – Natural oil made of garlic is immensely beneficial. In addition to its hair loss attributes, garlic oil comes to serve a plenty of health benefits. Nevertheless, garlic oil is generally not derived from garlic. Other oils such as olive oil or sweet almond oil are mixed for added taste.  Besides, the sweet aroma of olive or sweet almond also helps to cover the pungent smell of the garlic.
To prepare garlic natural oil, you need to chop the garlic finely. Soak these garlic pieces for a week or two in olive or sweet almond oil. Refrigerate the concoction in order to avoid rancid. However, you can buy the garlic infusion oil right from the store if you do not want to prepare it at home.
Garlic pills – Several odourless garlic pills are available for preventing hair loss. These tablets are available at all local drug stores. Therefore, you can easily purchase them. The tablets are generally for oral consumption. An ideal dosage of the pill is one pill a day. One should not extend the direct consumption more than a month.
Fresh garlic deep conditioners – Another useful method of applying garlic is to infuse it with the deep conditioners.
Raw garlic – Applying raw garlic on scalp is the best method to help hair growth if you can stand the smell of the herb. If you are able to do so, you will instantly enjoy the benefits.

Best Anti Hair Loss Lotions And Oils Available In India

air loss is a very common problem and affects people of all ages. We daily lose up to 100 strands of hair and it is quite normal. Also those who have been suffering from hair loss at a rapid rate may even face baldness or alopecia hair loss. There are many options to treat hair fall home remedies and medications; you can even opt for surgery. Also there are some lotions available for treating hair loss and controlling it in the initial stages. The market offers a wide range from anti hair fall oil, cleaners, serums and also gels, so here are the best ones:

1. Biotique hair care protein cleaner for hair regrowth:

• This is the best anti hair fall oil product of biotique which is known for its natural products.
• It contains bhringraj oil, cocnut oil, goat milk all of which helps to stop hair fall due to alopecia as well as other hair fall.
• It nourishes the scalp and prevents hair fall. It also strengthens hair strands and helps in hair regrowth.

 2. Tvam henna anti hairfall oil:

• This oil has henna, essence of jojoba, sunflower, tea tree, olive oil and sesame which has great effects on hair fall and hair growth.
• Also it contains bhringraj and brahmi oil which is also good for hair loss.

3. Biotique hair care vitaliser poly vegetable compound for hair regrowth:

• This growth stimulating serum has properties which help hair growth.
• It is blended with mountain ebony extracts, lon pepper, glycyrrhizin and euphorbia tree which help new healthy hair growth.
• It stimulates hair from root to tip leaving the scalp toned, exhilarated and free from dryness and irritation.

4. Lass naturals iht 9 anti hair loss therapy hair oil:

• This hair oil is a blend of rare herbs and oils prescribed in ayurveda. It nourishes hair, provides nourishment to the hair follicles and helps hair to grow.
• It gets the hair growing thicker and longer with improved health.
• Also this hair oil improves sleep and increases radiance of hair.
• The oil has soya,olive, walnut, coconut, sesame oil along with brahmi extract. It also has bhringraj extract, jojoba oil, apricot kernel oil, amra, sage, almond oil, aloe vera ,neem extract, hibiscus and sodium benzoate.

5. Kaya hair health gel:

• This gel provides intensive hair root therapy which delivers nutrients directly to the hair roots.
• The nutrients are fda approved and are mostly natural plant extracts and vitamins. It contains aqua, glycerin, acrylate/steareth-20-methacrylate crosspolymer, k2 complex, propylene glycol, hydrogenated castor oil, peg-12- dimethicone, perfume, 2-amino-2 methyl-1-propanol, diazolidinyl urea, lodopropynyl butylcarbamate polysorbate 20, disodium edta, and brilliant blue.
• The innovative mineral vitamin and protein complex promotes hair growth and also causes hair to grow stronger and healthier.
• It provides minerals to the hair and the scalp thus stopping the hair fall.

6. VLCC hair fall control kit:

This kit contains four items:

• Vlcc amino protein gel which contains china grass and wheat germ extracts which is specially effective for thin and weak hair. It adds shine to the hair making it lustrous.
• Vlcc amino protein oil with sesame and almond oil which helps to give the roots nourishment and strength. This helps to reduce hair fall.
• Vlcc amino protein pack, enriched with almond soya protein extracts which also reduces hair fall. It gives back the balance of nutrition to the hair shaft. It also strengthens the hair shaft.
• Vlcc amino protein cleanser which has gooseberry, turmeric, green tea, apple seed, soya bean extract to shampoo the hair after the pack. This cleanses the remaining products and leaves the hair cleansed thoroughly.

7 Simple Home Remedies To Control Hair Fall

Hair fall is no longer a condition barred by age! 15 or 50, when most of us walk out of the shower, the drain gets clogged with hair and when we brush, we lose huge chunks and we don’t know what to do about it. Hair fall was in the earlier days attributed as a sign of aging and was a cause for a great deal of embarrasment. But today, we no longer count by age but rather count by so very many other reasons. No matter what the cause, the embarrassment associated does not reduce even by a fraction.
We hunt for a solution with great intensity. And here are they, a few simple techniques you can implement at home to reduce and control hair loss. But if you suffer from intensive hair fall, the best solution would be to consult a dermatologist before the damage becomes permanent!

Before we step into the solutions, lets take a peek at what might be causing your hair fall.
Causes

• lack of proper nutrition
• aging
• hormonal changes
• stress
• split ends
• heredity
• prolonged illness
• medication like steroids

and quite a few more.

They all sound so very general don’t they? And that is the very problem. They are so general and common place that most us cannot avoid the hair fall issue at all. We have to face them at some point of time or the other.

To curb hair fall, you need to include a few basic practices into our routine along with the treatments that you adopt for better results. Here are these little things that will help.

• Be gentle with wet hair. Avoid rubbing your hair dry and also avoid combing through wet hair. Your hair is more susceptible to breakage when wet and the result will a a clump in your brush and stray strands at your feet.

• Massage your scalp region as frequently as you can. This stimulates flow of the blow of your head which in turn promotes the growth of hair and better health.

• Don’t always opt for styles that require you to tie your hair up tight. As sleek and fashionable as this may look, it puts a great deal of pressure on the hair which adds to the breakage and hair fall.

• Hair styling is essential when you step out. You need to look good at all times in today’s world. But it is necessary that you submit your hair to as less of heat treatment as you can! The heat tends to dry the shaft out making it dry and frizzy which over a period of causes the hair to brittle. The ultimate result will be hair fall.

• Do not wash hair with hot water for the very same reason, always use cold water or water at room temperature. Dry and frizzy hair when you walk out of the shower is the indication that the water was too hot for your hair.

• All said and done, jut these simple precautions are not going to cut the line. It will always hold true that only when you are healthy inside will your hair be healthy too. Your hair is made up of proteins and is a alive at the roots. And like any other living it also requires nutrients to remain healthy and grow. There are a few things that you can add to your diet to ensure that you intake sufficient quantities of these nutrients. First and foremost will be proteins of course. They are the building the building blocks of the hair shaft after all. The next in the list will be vitamins. The vitamins that are essential for the hair are Vitamin A, B complex, C, and E. Each of these perform a significant role. Vitamin B complex is most popularly known for its importance in the hair growth and hair fall control. Vitamin C prevents premature graying. Last but not the least, Iron. Deficiency of iron can be a source of severe hair fall. Which why women suffering from anemia exhibit a great amount of hair fall.

• Work out. Yeah you read that right work out, Exercise increases the blood flow through the body and that helps in stimulation of the scalp.

• If you already have dry hair, then rethink your coffee habit and evaluate your caffeine consumption. caffeine further depletes the body of its natural resources of nutrients. And the nutrients required for hair are not spared either! So cut back on the coffee and move on something more healthy and that which promotes good health.

• Drink a lot of water and stay hydrated.

• Keep the scalp clean and as far as possible away from chemicals. Use a shampoo that is mild.

• Trim your hair regularly to avoid the troubles of split ends.

Home remedies for hair fall

Despite all of the latest technology and  galleries full of products that have launched in the recent past to curb the hair fall problem, the most effective of remedies for hair fall is still the most effective. Here are some hair fall home remedies you can try.

1. Coconut Milk:

Coconut milk is among the richest sources of tissue-nourishing, plant derivatives. Grind the grated coconut and squeeze it to remove its juice. Massaging coconut milk (juice) on the scalp can also help in the management of hair fall.

2.Aloe vera:

Aloe Vera juice is very effective to stop hair loss. Pure aloe gel can be applied directly to the scalp. This is helpful for preventing hair loss due to irritated, dry or infected scalp. Aloe Vera balances the pH level of scalp. After massaging the head with aloe gel, wait for few hours and then wash the hair with lukewarm water. You should do this twice a week for best results.

3. Oil Massage: 

Regular massaging the scalp for a few minutes every day with lukewarm oil will lead to stimulation of blood flow to the scalp. Coconut oil helps in controlling hail fall. Other recommended oils are: Jojoba oil, almond oil, mustard oil, lavender oil. Jojoba oil is especially good because it replaces the sebum in the scalp. It also helps to
control dandruff.

4. Neem Treatment:

Neem is one of the most sort after herbs on the country! It has many benefits, both health and beauty. And when it comes to beauty, it has some very effective hair benefits too.

How to use:

• Boil neem leaves in water until the water level falls to half its initial quantity and then cool it.
• Rinse out your hair with the mixture once a week.

5. Amla:

Boil dried amla in coconut oil till the oil turns black in color. Massage your scalp with this oil. This is an effective and very easy home remedy to check hair loss.

There are also other ways where we can include amla in our hair care routine.

• Use amla and shikakai powder than you can buy in ayurvedic stores. Mix them both and make a paste. Apply this to your hair. Leave it on for a few minutes and wash off after a few minutes.

Caution: If you have dry hair, skip the shikakai.

• The most effective method, however is to drink amla and shikakai juice. Yes, it tastes terrible but if skip the preference of the taste buds once a day, the results will definitely be worth it.

6. Hair fall preventive packs:

When hair fall is really severe, then a preventive hair pack is the way to go. Here are a few packs, you can try at home.

• Pack 1: Aloe Vera mixed with herbal Amla, shikakai and neem powder gives lustrous hair.
• Pack 2: Henna, egg whites and curd when used together stops hair fall.
• Pack 3: Honey, olive oil, cinnamon mixed together make for a soothing yet effective hair growth pack.

7. No Junk Please:

Unhealthy lifestyle, eating junk and all these unhealthy habits leads to hair loss due to high level of toxins in the body. So, start drinking lots and lots of water.

Caution:
When you using hair fall remedies at home it is necessary to keep a few tips in mind. A few necessary precautions. Here they are.

• Check to make sure that you aren’t allergic to any of the ingredients mentioned in the preparatory products. Even though herbs cause a lot less reactions than chemicals, some people are known to have allergies to a few specific ingredients.

• Always follow the instructions precisely. Some herbs are used for many different purposes and when the preparation changes, the use may also vary. This will not help your condition but it may also cause further harm.

While you follow these basic daily and weekly suggestions to reduce hair fall, you need to supplement it with some products that you can use everyday or twice during the week. Shampoos are the best example for such products. Supplementing these treatments with a good hair fall defense shampoo can be really useful.

Here are a few good hair fall defense shampoo’s you can try.

• The himalya anti hair fall shampoo

• L’oreal paris new fall repair 3X  Anti hair fall shampoo

• Tresemme hair fall defense shampoo.

There are many more and make sure you try out a few and pick the one most suited to your hair. Remember your hair is unique and you need to pick what works the best for you!

Follow any of these simple home remedy for hair fall and get lustrous shining hair with regular practice.

Home Remedies for Hair loss

Every day, you probably lose anywhere between 50 to 100 strands of hair which is perfectly normal, say dermatologists. It is when the hair loss exceeds this figure that we begin to notice thinning of hair or bald patches – a condition known as alopecia. Most people are likely to experience hair loss in their 30s because at this time, hormonal change, stress and an unhealthy diet take their toll. Besides trying to correct these factors, adopting a few herbal remedies is also helpful in facilitating hair regrowth. Onion and garlic
The element sulphur increases the production of collagen which in turn helps the hair to grow. Onion and garlic are rich sources of sulphur and this explains why they have been used in traditional medicines for regrowth of hair.
Health.india.com tip: Chop the onion into fine pieces and squeeze the juice out. Apply to the scalp and leave on for about 15 minutes; then rinse with a mild shampoo. Crush a few cloves of garlic, add in a little coconut oil and boil for a few minutes. When this mix cools down to feel warm to the touch, apply it on the scalp with a little massaging action. Repeat this treatment two to three times a week for best results.
Coconut
When it comes to caring for your hair, coconut provides a host of ingredients that naturally condition and promote growth of hair. The milk of the coconut contains proteins, essential fats and minerals such as potassium and iron; using it regularly can reduce the breakage of hair. Coconut oil also carries the same rich ingredients and it helps to make the hair stronger right from the root, through the shaft to the tip. Regular use of this oil to massage the scalp has a protective action against hair loss.
Health.india.com tip: Grate coconut and squeeze out the milk by mixing in a little water. Apply this to the specific area where you notice thinning or balding. Allow to stay overnight and the next morning, rinse off with water.
Henna
Known for long as a natural hair colour and conditioner in the Asian countries, henna has a major role to play in strengthening hair. When combined with mustard oil, it works even better.
Health.india.com tip: Take about 250 ml of mustard oil in a tin can; add in about 60 g of washed and dried henna leaves. Boil the mixture until the leaves get totally burnt and then filter the oil using muslin cloth. Cool and store the oil in an airtight container and use it to massage hair on a regular basis.
Some people also use a hair renewal pack that consists of 1 cup of the dry powder of henna leaves mixed with half a cup of curd. Apply this to the hair and allow to dry, and then wash with cool water and a mild shampoo.
Hibiscus
Coconut oil and hibiscus are the secrets to the thick mane of hair we observe in people living in Kerala, India. Hibiscus has rejuvenating properties – it nourishes hair, prevents premature greying and also helps cure dandruff. Regular use of the flowers can help prevent hair loss too.
Health.india.com tip: Crush a few flowers of hibiscus and mix with sesame oil or coconut oil to make a fine paste. Apply this to the scalp and hair, leave on for a few hours and then rinse with cool water and a mild shampoo.
Amla
Packed with vitamin C and rich in antioxidants, amla is the perfect solution for most hair loss woes. Besides applying to the scalp, it is also helpful to consume it on a regular basis because the vitamin C is good for your body.
Health.india.com tip: Crush the amla fruit to extract a juice or buy the amla powder available at an herbal store. Add 2 teaspoons of the juice or the powder into an equal quantity of the juice freshly squeezed from a lime. Mix well, apply to the scalp and leave it to dry; then rinse using warm water.
Egg
Eggs are another rich source of sulphur; they also contain a lot of protein and minerals such as selenium, iodine, phosphorus, iron and zinc. This makes it an excellent promoter of hair regrowth especially when combined with olive oil.
Health.india.com tip: Take the white of one egg and mix in a teaspoon of olive oil. Beat to give a paste-like consistency and apply to the entire scalp and hair. Keep it on for about 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse with cool water and a mild shampoo.
Often, hair loss may be the result of a faulty diet or even improper care of the hair. Make sure you eat a healthy and balanced diet that provides your body with all essential nutrients. Also, take care to avoid the use of  harsh chemicals on your hair. Wherever possible, substitute mild herbal shampoos for the ones that contain synthetic compounds and make it a point to massage your hair with oil. With the right hair care regimen and the regular use of herbal remedies, you are sure to see an improvement in your hair condition.

Top Ten Weight Loss Tips

Weight Loss Resources members share the secrets of their success in our Top Ten Tips list. The list represents important ideas that come up time after time when members tell us about their weight loss success.

1. Don't cut out all the food you enjoy. I like the occasional takeaway, but now I save up calories to have one or earn it. If I restricted myself to just fruit and veg I'd give up very quickly. I also found that I could still eat my favourite foods if I 'tweak' them a bit: low fat cheese, low fat spread instead of butter, light mozzarella etc. Also the best thing I did was get olive oil spray!
   
2. Write everything down. Even (or especially) on bad/splurge days. It’s only if you write things down that you know what you are doing. I’m not saying don’t have the Peking Duck. I am saying, at least know what having the Peking Duck means.                                                          
3. I find sticking a wedding invitation or holiday photograph of destinations I want to visit in a prominent place in the kitchen. This is a bit more subtle than a fat photograph of yourself and reminds you when you are tempted. 
   
4. Use scales in the kitchen - it's amazing how easy it is to deceive oneself! 
   
5. I think it is a good idea to buy some new clothes when you are down a size or two. That way, you are reminded of what you have achieved and not to go back to old sizes. Chuck out the old stuff or give it away. 
   
6. Life is too short so build in treats! Ok my weight loss is nice and slow but I don’t feel like I am on a diet or that I am depriving myself of anything (including chocolate and cheese. Lol!!!)    
7. Be honest with yourself. Ok, if you go over the required cals, but keep a record, it's the average calorie intake that matters.
   
   
8. It is not rocket science, but I am convinced that exercising is the key to success with sustained weight loss. I try to vary my routine, including the cross trainer and walking regularly, and cycling and swimming occasionally.
   
   
9. Always measure alcohol consumed at home carefully, as it is easy to fool yourself.
   
   
10. Don’t ever give up! You are going to get bad days/weeks; it happens! Just get straight back on it and limit the damage.
    
    
11. Bonus Tip - my only tip really is to join up for the WLR 24 hour free trial and see for yourself. Everyone seems to adapt the site to their needs and if it works for me (never had much willpower and exercise was a bad word) then it has to be worth a try for everyone trying to lose either a few or a lot of kilos. 

Walking for weight loss

Looking for an easy way to boost your fitness? Take a walk says Ellie Moss

Walking is one of the easiest and best ways to boost your fitness, lift your mood and beat stress. ‘A brisk walk can burn up to 100 calories per mile. It’s also a great way to clear your head, reduce stress and release mood-boosting endorphins,’ says Rory James Manning, managing director of RJ Fitness . We help you make the most of every stroll with these top tips.
Bring a friend
The best way to get into walking is to simply start – but it helps to have company. ‘Walking with a friend, partner, family or in a group is a great way to make new friends and keep motivated,’ says Rory. So, enlist a buddy – or even your dog! – and head outdoors.
Start small
If you haven’t done much walking before, don’t sign yourself up to trek Kilimanjaro as your first challenge. Instead, start closer to home. ‘Find ways to naturally include more walking in your life, such as walking the dog, walking your children to and from school, walking to the local shops, using the stairs instead of the lift or taking a stroll on your lunch break,’ Rory suggests.
Find a route
You don’t have to live in the Lake District or somewhere particularly picturesque to find a good trail. ‘Who says you have to go to the country to enjoy a walk?’ says Rory. ‘London, for example, has plenty of interesting walks including parks, heritage trails, towpaths, riverside paths, commons, woodlands, heaths and nature reserves.’ Have an idea of your route before you set out and try to include some interesting landmarks on your way.
Build up slowly
Pick walks to suit your fitness. ‘Both the length and terrain of a walk can affect how difficult it is – it’s important to realise that a short hill walk can sometimes be more tiring than a longer, but flat city stroll,’ says Des de Moor, senior walking officer for Ramblers. ‘Make sure you’re well aware of your fitness and honest about what you feel comfortable with.’
Commute to work
OK, so it may not be possible to foot it all the way to the office and back, but it might be possible to walk at least part of the way. ‘Get off the bus or train one stop earlier or take a slightly longer route on your way to work,’ suggests Rory. You’ll be amazed at the difference this can make to your fitness.
Go online
Use the internet for inspiration. ‘Get Walking, Keep Walking is a Ramblers project that helps people do more regular local walking to improve their health and wellbeing,’ explains Des. ‘It provides free, locally based 12-week walking programmes in certain cities, or you can use the online resources to find tips on how to plan your walks, set goals and monitor your progress.’ Check out getwalking.org for more information.
Or, join the club!
There are lots of walking clubs all over the country where you can meet fellow walkers and sign up to a range of walking and trekking adventures. ‘Many Ramblers clubs now offer shorter walks at an easier pace,’ says Des. ‘You can find details of hundreds of walks led by Ramblers volunteers on our online Group Walks Finder.’ It’s free to try up to three walks before becoming a member. Sign up to your first trial walk at ramblers.org.uk.
Set yourself a goal
Give yourself some targets to keep your fitness on track. You could even invest in a pedometer to help you monitor your progress. ‘You can walk 1,100 steps in around 10 minutes,’ says Rory. ‘So, try gradually building up to walking 10,000 steps on five or more days a week.’ You’ll soon see a difference.
If you want to really make a change to your fitness and you think walking could be for you, set yourself a challenge. Whether it’s Everest Base Camp or your local park ramble, a goal will keep you motivated. Sign up to a charity trek or check out the inspiring events in the box, then build up to it slowly using the tips here to prepare for the big day.

Honey diet for weight loss

Most of us know about the beauty benefits of honey, but did you know that honey is an effective ingredient for weight loss? According to research, you could drop a dress size in about three weeks, simply by taking a spoonful of honey before bed. Sounds too good to be true? Here's why honey works well for weight loss.

What is the honey diet?

Founder of the honey diet, Mike McInnes, discovered that athletes who ate foods rich in fructose such as honey burnt a lot more fats and had increased stamina levels as well. Honey acts as a fuel to make the liver produce glucose. This glucose keeps the brain sugar levels high and forces it to release fat burning hormones.

To benefit from the honey diet, simply replace your sugar intake with honey, throughout the day. In addition to that you should consume three spoonfuls of honey with hot water every night before bed. Combine this with an exercise regime (try and exercise three times a week) and you will notice a sizeable drop in your weight. The study showed that the mechanism in the brain that caused the sugar craving could be shut down completely with this honey routine.

How it works?

According to McInnes, most of us struggle to lose weight because we consume too much sugar and processed food. When we consume honey before bed, the body begins to burn more fat during those early hours of sleep. When you go a step further and replace all refined sugar from your diet with honey, you rebalance the brain signal that compels you to consume more sweet stuff.

The results noticed from the honey diet have been remarkable. But remember to keep these points in mind:

Replace all sugar with honey: Cut out sugar from your diet. This means you will also have to give up on artificial sweeteners. Use honey in your tea, coffee and cereal instead of refined sugar. Keep a check on what you cook too, so that you don't use sugar in there either.

Skip junk food: Junk foods are processed food that contains empty calories. To fully benefit from the honey diet, stop eating junk food.

Opt for unrefined carbs: Refined white flour in white pasta and white rice may cause a spike in blood sugar levels. Opt for wholemeal flour instead as they are good for digestion and will keep you fuller for a longer time.

Consume Proteins: Keep your proteins lean but make sure you consume proteins with every meal as it will keep you full and also avoid a blood sugar rise that leads to cravings.

Be careful with your fruits: Fruits are a convenient option while dieting but remember that most fruits are high in sugar levels and can hamper your honey diet. Either reduce your fruit intake or opt for low-carb fruits like berries and rhubarb.

No potatoes: Any form of potato can cause your body's insulin level to rise. The honey diet requires you to avoid eating potatoes.

15 Best effective weight loss tips

In a bid to lose weight, we go all out to change our diet, go on a yo-yo diet or workout intensively for long hours.

Here are 15 best weight loss tips to lose weight effectively, gradually and ways to avoid negative effects of rapid weight loss.

Increase fibre intake:
Fibre helps to absorb water making you satiated; it produces energy and improves digestion. Beans are highly recommended for weight loss - it contains protein and includes fibre. To lose weight includes fibre rich foods.

Avoid fresh fruit juice:
Instead of drinking fresh fruit juice, consume fresh fruits. Simply put, you are consuming fibre along with the nutrients. Consuming fruits also reduces cravings. Also when you eat, the brain is triggered to begin the digestion process, if you drink fresh fruit juice your brain is not stimulated to digest, which still causes cravings.

Sleep is important for weight loss:
Sleep deprivation is one of the reason for gaining unhealthy weight. It is necessary to get sufficient amount of sleep for effective weight loss.

Eat eggs:
For weight loss and fat loss, you need to have eggs for breakfast. Eggs are an excellent source of protein that will cull your cravings. This will avoid you from consuming any junk food or fried snacks till lunch time.

Lemon essentials:
Lime slows down digestion, especially starch. It also reduces the time for your stomach to clear by properly absorbing nutrients before discarding it. It is recommended to add lime or vinegar to your food, or to have it before your meal.

Get sun kissed:
Vitamin D lacks in people who are overweight. High levels of vitamin D are linked to high energy levels and it is a mood booster.

Fat burning foods:
Certain foods can boost your metabolism, which burns fat and increases your chances of weight loss. Fat burning foods includes apples, beans, ginger, oats and chillies.

Pick the right cutlery:
If you have smaller bowls, plates and tall thin glasses, then you may tend to eat less. It does work when your mind is fooled into thinking that you are eating platefuls. Weirdly, bigger forks makes you consume less food.

Don't eat in front of TV:
This is a common habit in several households. But you may have noticed that eating in front of the television makes you eat more; you don't realise how much your consuming.

Omega 3:
The brain is what triggers hunger pangs, but if you feed it the right food your cravings will reduce. And Omega 3 is the best brain-healthy food that is sourced from fish.

Reduce coffee intake:
It is acceptable to consume four cups of coffee a day, but go easy with sugar. Less sugar will reduce the intake of calories.

Add vegetables to meat dish:
Along with meat dishes, it is important to add three times the amount of vegetables to the dish. Consume more vegetables for weight loss as it contains fibre and less calories. Vegetables also have vital nutrients and will keep you full for a longer duration.

Have soup or salad:
Have soups and salads before a meal to keep you satiated. But the soups and salads should be prepared without cream and mayonnaise. A healthy salad will reduce your cravings.

Chew more:
It is important to chew your food, especially at the beginning of the meal. Chewing your food most will help you eat less. When you chew the food, your brain sends a signal to your stomach which begins the digestion process. This process will reduce your cravings to pile on more food.

Skip diet soda:
Artificial sweeteners and sugars cause more damage than harm to your body. If you have sugar craving and you choose diet soda, you will land up overeating. Artificial sweeteners and sugars have fewer calories, that's why you land up eating more to supply the calories.