Liver Pain Treatment

Liver is a vital organ, situated under the rib cage, just under the diaphragm, on the right side of the abdomen. Liver plays an important role in digestion, excretion, metabolism and detoxification. Liver helps purify the blood by removing toxins from the blood. Liver dysfunction therefore can result in buildup of toxins and waste material in the body, resulting in various health complications. Actually, damaged or dying liver cells cannot cause pain as they do not have nerve endings in them. Thus, liver cannot cause pain. In layman's language, the term 'liver pain' is commonly used for upper right quadrant pain. So, liver pain treatment refers to the treatment for reducing upper right quadrant abdominal pain. Before learning about the liver pain treatment, let us take a look at what causes liver pain first, and then at the symptoms.

Liver Pain Causes

* Liver cirrhosis
* Fatty liver disease
* Liver cancer
* Hepatitis
* Other acute or chronic liver diseases
* Alcohol abuse
* Autoimmune disease
* Acetaminophen (Tylenol) overuse
* Certain other diseases like type 2 diabetes, congestive heart failure, tuberculosis, etc.
* Scroll through for more information on liver pain causes

Liver Pain Symptoms

Liver disorders usually do not exhibit any liver pain symptoms in earlier stages. Body efficiently manages loss of liver function to a certain extent. Liver cirrhosis or liver cancer are therefore known as 'silent killers'. Some of the commonly noticed symptoms of liver impairment are:

* Jaundice, skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow
* Stomach problems like constipation and diarrhea
* Abdominal pain, swelling, bloating
* Itchy skin
* Nausea and vomiting
* Weight loss

Liver Pain Treatment

Considering the signs and symptoms of liver pain, doctors will find out the exact underlying cause of liver pain with the help of various tests, such as CT scan, ultrasound, biopsy etc. Along with prescribed medicines, patients need to make some lifestyle changes. Dietary changes are an important part of treatment for liver pain. These changes help alleviate liver pain and help delay the progression of the disease. Here is a list of dietary changes:

* Drink plenty of water (at least 8 glasses of water) which helps get rid of the accumulated toxins.

* Many of the herbal medicines help detoxify the body. So use of herbal detoxifying agents can help alleviate liver pain.

* Use of flaxseed oil can help liver work properly, because it is packed with essential fatty acids needed for liver functioning.

* A high fiber diet consisting of lots of fruits and vegetables helps flush away toxins. You may keep a high fiber foods list handy.

* Certain drugs or medications may worsen the situation. So before taking any drugs or medicines, you should consult your physician.

* Liver cirrhosis may result in high blood glucose levels. Vitamin B1 helps lower the blood sugar levels.

* Supplying more vitamin A is necessary in case of liver disorders. Taking whole food supplements, increasing the intake of vitamin K is quite beneficial.

* Avoiding alcohol is a must. Animal foods and animal proteins including dairy and meat should be avoided. A high fat diet, high protein diet can worsen the situation. A high fiber low calorie diet should be followed.

* If the liver has almost stopped functioning, liver transplant surgery is the option available.

Since chronic liver disease often goes unnoticed or the symptoms of chronic liver disease are often misinterpreted, it is necessary to know about liver disorder causes and symptoms. Diagnosis of the disease in early stage can help avoid complications. Serious liver diseases diagnosed in the last stage are difficult to treat. More liver pain treatment options are available for diseases diagnosed in the earlier stages. So people need to watch for such symptoms carefully, and if they notice any symptoms of liver disorder, they should consult the physician immediately.

By Leena Palande

Pseudomonas Infection

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a blue-green pus like bacteria, that usually domiciliate in marshy land or marine habitats. Most antibiotics cannot fight off this infection, and it also resists phagocytes, present in our body which fight off infections. It multiplies in the most uncommon of places, like sinks, eye drops, soaps, stored distilled water, toilets, hot tubs and more. This bacteria infects heart valves of endovenous drug abusers or even those with artificial heart valves. This infection can lead to a lot of health related problems, sometimes even resulting in death. Learn more on the pseudomonas bacterial infection and how to cope with the problems caused by it, in this featured write up.

Causes of Pseudomonas Infection

These are the causes that lead to pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Get a vast understanding of these different causes and act on it accordingly.

Bone infections
Prematurity
Disorder/disease which is present at birth but not necessarily hereditary, and is now a problem in adulthood.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Cystic Fibrosis
Ruptured membranes over a long period of time.
Bacteremia (presence of bacteria in the blood stream).

Symptoms of Pseudomonas Infection

Here are some of the commonly observed pseudomonas infection symptoms.

Pain
Breathing difficulties
Feeling feverish
Eyelids swell up
Losing weight
Skin turns a bluish color
Coughing
Consciousness is hazy
Feeling irritable
Headaches
Vision decreases
Pus starts to accumulate

Occurrence of Pseudomonas Infection

The infection can affect different parts of the body. Given below are the likely places the infection can hook onto a person and multiply.

The central nervous system can be infected, with the bacterium causing inflamed tissues that cover the brain and the spinal cord. This can be caused by bacterium present in the blood stream or from brain injury/surgery.
The bacteria can infect bones and joints caused by injury. Infection of the bones/joints also include endovenous drug abusers, bone surgery patients and so on.
Eye and ear infections can leave room for infections in the external ear canal, that can usually clear up without any treatment. It can affect the elderly more than younger adults, leading to problems like hearing loss and even death. Eye infections can be treated by surgical means, although they can cause ulcers in the cornea, that can destroy tissue leading to blindness.
Urinary tract infections can be the result of medical instruments, surgery, etc.
Those exposed to the bacteria who are perfectly healthy, can also fall prey to its infectious nature. This causes skin infection on contact with the bacteria.
Those suffering from chronic lung disease, or those on antibiotic therapy or people with congestive heart failure, can also get the infection.

Pseudomonas Infection Treatment

When someone is diagnosed with this infection, there is immediate treatment given to the patient. Antibiotics are given which include - aminoglycosides like tobramycin/gentamicin which is combined with penicillin which is pseudomonas sensitive like ticarcillin and carbenicillin disodium. Other two drugs were added to the list - anti pseudomonal fluroquinolones and imipenem. There are more antibiotics used which include amikacin and several penicillins like piperacillin, mezlocillin, and azlocillin which are active against pseudomona infection. When the infection is localized the necrotic tissue is debrided (removal of the infected issue) and abscesses are then drained. 1 percent of acetic acid irrigations/topical agents such as polymyxin B or colistin is administered to the patient which is known to be effective. The patient's drug history must be known before giving any of the above drugs, in case of allergies. Make sure a doctor gives you the right dosage, and do not attempt to take these drugs on your own.

The problem with the pseudomonas aeruginosa, is that its ability to resist most antibiotics is a disturbing trait of the bacterium. This is taken care by multi-drug efflux pumps that have chromosomally encoded antibiotic resistance genes where the low permeability of the bacterium is encased. Make sure that you get regular check ups done, especially if you've been out of the hospital recently. Pseudomonas infection can pounce on people in unlikely places, so it's better to regularly go to the doctor and have even the vaguest of symptoms examined.

Toxic Black Mold

Black mold is a fungus grown in warm areas, where the percentage of humidity is higher than the average level. Classified under the genus Strachybotrys , it is found in different colors, other than black. The ideal growing place for toxic black mold is the basement, bathroom, leaky roofs, water pipes and walls of old houses. Prolonged exposure to this fungus can lead to several health conditions, based on the intensity of exposure, mold species and general health of the person.

Information on Toxic Black Mold

Black mold problems are common in old homes and houses with leakage problems. Hence, those residing in any of such conditions should consider testing for presence of molds and mildews. Failure to detect in the early stages cause spreading of this dreadful fungus to other areas in the house, which in turn will cause poisoning symptoms to the residents. Various aspects concerning toxic black mold problems are highlighted below:

Toxic Black Mold Health Effects

The toxic black mold health risks are many, ranging from mild treatable conditions to chronic medical complications. According to health experts, molds and their spores are the leading causes of allergies in humans. Other health effects are invasive diseases and mycotoxicosis. When exposed to high concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by molds, a person may exhibit a wide range of irritation responses.

Toxic Black Mold Exposure

Speaking about toxic black mold exposure, the main routes for getting exposed to black mold are direct skin contact, inhalation of spores and ingestion of the same, when they come in contact with edible food items. Toxic black mold exposure symptoms in humans are skin conditions, headache, anxiety, hair loss, mental problems, respiratory disorders, numbness and body ache among others.

Toxic Black Mold Symptoms

The symptoms of black mold poisoning are so many that they are grouped together as a syndrome. Also, the severity of the manifested signs depend on the sensitivity of the individual towards the fungus. Like for example; young children, sick people and those who have respiratory diseases will react more seriously than healthy adults. Accordingly, the severity of toxic black mold syndrome may vary from one person to another.

Toxic Black Mold Testing

Nowadays, mold testing kits and black mold treatment products are sold in the home supply centers. In case of any suspected signs, a homeowner is suggested to perform toxic mold testing procedures as soon as possible. The test may involve visual identification or analyzing air samples. It is also crucial to perform mold spores test, while buying a new house or shifting to a new home, especially if it is an old building.

Toxic Black Mold Removal

Gather information on mold removal and you will come across many methods, including home remedies and usage of chemical products. Mild cases can be dealt with do-it-yourself instructions; while heavy mold infestation requires hiring professional services. Using an air purifier, installing a dehumidifier, regular fumigation and keeping the house warm are effective approaches to control growth of mold in the house.

In the medical data, the occurrence rate of toxic black mold poisoning is very high. And toxic black mold removal is the sole remedy to prevent probable health conditions. Failure to do so will cause prolonged exposure to molds and ultimately, risking to severe diseases. Also, every responsible homeowner should make a point to check for presence of mold on a regular basis. Professional mold testing may cost about USD 300. But, hiring a professional service is worth the cost, rather than getting exposed to black mold and risking oneself to the associated health problems.

Best Colored Contacts for Astigmatism

Astigmatism is an eye problem which is associated with the shape, size and vision power of the cornea. This eye problem causes change in the cornea shape, which looks somewhat like a football. Due to this very shape, there are two light reflecting point on the cornea that lead to blurred vision. Astigmatism is gets mostly unnoticed for a long period of time since, the degree of blurred vision varies extensively. The patients of astigmatism who don't want to use the glasses, can opt for vision correction contact lenses. However, they must wear special vision correction contact lenses, since the soft contact lenses are not suitable for their eye problem. So, do they make colored contacts for astigmatism? Well, they do but you need to be very careful while selecting the best colored contacts for astigmatism as well.

Best Contacts for Astigmatism

Well, until recent times it was believed that vision correction with contact lenses is not possible for the patients of astigmatism, which is now totally wrong. Astigmatism can be corrected with special toric contact lenses that are specially developed for such eye problems and are easily available at the opticians as well. These contact lenses for astigmatism are developed with additional light blending properties that direct the light towards retina and provide a better vision. You can also buy special colored contact lenses for astigmatism patients.

Similar to regular contact lenses, toric contact lenses for astigmatism are also available in both (RGP) rigid gas permeable and soft lens forms. The RGP lenses are not as rigid as the traditional ones and they are largely selected on that basis as well. In addition to this fact, the RGP lenses are also more durable and easy to clean than the soft toric lenses for astigmatism. Well, there are a few things more that you need to understand while selecting the best colored contacts for astigmatism.

Best Colored Contacts for Astigmatism

People with astigmatism can get bifocal, multifocal and disposable contact lenses. However, one should never opt for the non prescription colored contacts for astigmatism, since their might be some major issues involved with their ability to correct vision. It also means that you shouldn't buy the Plano contact lenses for astigmatism. Plano lenses cannot correct vision but they only enhance the beauty of the eyes. However, you can choose colored contacts for astigmatism from the following three types.

• Visibility Tint: These are the best colored contacts for astigmatism, especially for the people who wish to have only slightest change in their original eye color. These lenses are also chosen for the fact that they are easy to put and remove from the eyes most favorite tints are the light green and light blue. You must avoid buying colored contacts without prescription though.
• Enhancement Tint: If you check the popular toric contact lenses reviews, you will come to know that most of the astigmatism patients opt for these kind of colored contact lenses. The enhancement tints come with solid color shades and they are translucent at the same time. These are dark colored contacts that are suitable for the people with light eye colors.
• Popular Tint: There is no dearth of crazy colored contact lenses for astigmatism. No wonder they are widely selected as well. These contact lenses are chosen for special occasions like a costume party, freshers party or Halloween since they offer you a solid color alteration. Some of the most popular of them are hazel, green, honey, blue, grey, amethyst, brown, violet and purple contacts for astigmatism.

Well, now that you are well aware about the best colored contacts for astigmatism, also get acquainted with the techniques of cleaning contact lenses. This way you make them more durable and also avoid eye infections that might result with the depositions.

Acid Reflux Symptoms in Men

Acid reflux disease is also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (or GERD). It is a chronic health condition where the stomach acids that are responsible for the digestion of the food we eat, are pushed back in the esophagus or food pipe. As a result, the lining of the esophagus may suffer extensive damages and lead to a burning feeling in the chest region. Even though it can affect both men and women, it has been found that more number of men tend to suffer acid reflux disease. Their lifestyle and habits like smoking and consumption of alcohol often make them more susceptible to this disease. Sometimes, acid reflux symptoms in men bother them for a short timespan and at other times, it can last for long hours.

Acid Reflux Symptoms in Men

Symptoms of acid reflux disease often vary in individual cases. Here are a few of the most commonly observed symptoms of acid reflux found in men:

Heartburn: This is one of the most common symptoms of acid reflux in men. It can be described as a sharp burning sensation felt in the area that lies in between the base of the throat to the end of the breast bone. This symptom tends to get aggravated with eating, sleeping or lying flat and bending. If the heartburn turns serious, then it results in piercing pain in the chest.

Swallowing Difficulty: Many people complain that they find it difficult to swallow due to acid reflux in the esophagus. While swallowing food, some may experience throat pain and chest pain. Others get a feeling that the food got stuck in the chest region. This is one such symptom that should not be ignored and a doctor needs to be consulted for proper treatment.

Dyspepsia: This condition is often reported by patients as an uncomfortable feeling in the stomach. It gives a sense of fullness in the stomach and frequent burping, because of which, patients lose interest in eating. Sometimes, they may even feel nauseous after eating anything. If this symptom occurs quite frequently, then one should check out with the doctor.

Abdominal Pain: This acid reflux symptom tends to recur again and again. Its severity can vary from time to time. Sometimes, abdominal pain could be mild and get better on its own. At other times, it could give a feeling of a badly pulled muscle in the stomach.

Other Symptoms: Sore throat and frequent cough are two other symptoms that are noticed mostly in the early stages of acid reflux disease. A bile reflux happens after which the patient starts vomiting bile. This leaves a sore taste in mouth can get extended to the throat as well.

Ways to Treat Acid Reflux in Men

Acid reflux disease often requires treatment for a long period of time. For this reason, people prefer home treatment over medicinal treatment for this problem. Here are a few effective ways to control the symptoms:

Aloe Vera Juice: The natural medicinal properties of aloe vera have a soothing effect on the inflamed esophagus. Take two teaspoon of aloe vera juice in the morning after you finish your breakfast. It should be taken everyday and only after eating something. This will reduce the frequency of the symptoms to a large extent.

Licorice Root: This is available in the form of tablets which need to be chewed before eating the daily meals. It can control the production of stomach acids due to presence of a substance named mucin in it. Thus, the chances of acid reflux goes down.

Herbal Tea: Prepare a herbal tea with the help of peppermint, aniseed and lavender herbs. Take equal quantities of all three herbs and soak them in two cups of water for around ten minutes. Strain out the herbs and add some honey into the tea. Thus, your herbal tea is ready. You have to drink this tea two times daily, in the morning and after having dinner. This tea helps to lower the stomach acids.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Even though apple cider vinegar is acidic in nature, it works wonders on the symptoms of apple cider vinegar. Take half glass of water and add one teaspoonful of apple cider vinegar into eat. Take this mixture in small sips when you are eating a heavy meal.

In general, acid reflux symptoms in men does not cause any serious health complications. However, one should not ignore them and delay the treatment, as it can cause scarring in the esophagus. Do not start any self treatment with over the counter medicines without consulting your doctor. When you are undergoing acid reflux treatment, you must follow a healthy lifestyle in order to get best results.

Pain Above Knee

Knees are the joints which connect the lower part of the legs to the thighs. The knee cap is one of the largest and most complicated joints in the human body. The knee supports the entire weight of the body and due to this reason, the knees are prone to injury and other knee problems. Knee pain, especially pain above knee plagues people from all walks of like, be it athletes or sports persons, working people and homemakers. Pain above knee is often experienced in runners so it is also known as runners knee or patellofemoral pain syndrome. Experiencing pain above knee or in any other region surrounding the knee can be very bothersome as it causes a hindrance to the daily chores and makes even basic movements painful.

The symptoms of pain above knee are inflammation and a feeling of stiffness in the affected region. A grinding or crunching sound, sometimes felt like a click, can also be noticed. Let's look into the details of pain above knee with the causes and treatments.

Pain Above Knee: Causes

There are many reasons if an individual is experiencing pain above knee. A few causes of pain above knee are mentioned as under:

• Arthritis: The inflammation of the knee joints can cause severe knee pain. This pain, caused due to arthritis, occurs due to stiffness in the joints that can worsen due to over exertion or under pressure. More on arthritis symptoms in knee.
• Chrondomalacia Patellae: Chrondomalacia patellae is a condition where the cartilage of the knee cap becomes soft. The softening of the knee cap puts pressure on the area surrounding the knee cap which can trigger pain even if there is a slight movement. This condition usually affects people who are above 40 years of age.
• Displacement of the Knee Cap: Displacement or dislocation of the knee cap is caused due to over pressure or over exertion of the knee cap. A dislocated kneecap is the result of rubbing of the knee cap against the thigh bone. The pain caused due to this condition usually occurs above the front or center of the knee. The individual may also experience pain above knee when squatting.
• Muscle Pull: At times, the muscles around the knee tend to get pulled due to a bad posture or sprain causing a dull, aching pain above knee. If the pain continues for more than one week then it is an indication of a serious condition that may require prompt medical attention.
• Tendinitis: Tendinitis is a condition where the tendons in the knee get inflamed or strained. The symptoms of tendinitis are swelling and a feeling of stiff joints in the knee. If pain above knee is experienced continuously for more than a month, then it may be an indication of rheumatoid arthritis.
• Other Causes: Some other causes of experiencing pain above knee are obesity, injury or trauma caused due to an accident or rigorous sport, overuse of the joint and aging.

Pain Above Knee: Methods of Treatment

If the individual experiences pain above knee due to obesity, then it is advisable to follow a proper diet plan and exercise regimen to reduce the excess weight. Applying cold or hot packs to the affected area will provide relief. There are also many knee exercises specially designed for people who suffer from arthritis. But these exercises must be followed under the guidance and supervision of a physiotherapist or a physical trainer. There are plenty of over the counter medication and painkillers that may be prescribed by a doctor to reduce the inflammation and pain above knee.

If you experience persistent and severe pain above knee, consult an orthopedic who may take an X-ray of the affected region and diagnose the exact cause of the pain. Wish you good health!

Cerumen Removal

Cerumen is the medical term referring to earwax and is a creamish, yellowish, waxy substance produced by the glands of the ear canal. Oft earwax is looked upon with disdain and considered a disgusting substance in the ear. However, on the contrary, earwax is very important for our overall health and well being. It's job is to clean, moisten and protect the ear canal from attack of bacteria and fungi. The body produce small amounts of wax needed to protect the canal and ear drum. However, at times, the production of earwax can be abnormally high, thereby conducing to blockage, pain, itchiness and inability to hear. One should consider cerumen removal only when one experiences pain in the ear or constant blockage caused by excess production of earwax in the ear canal. Read more on how does ear wax build up.

Cerumen Removal Guidelines

Cerumen Removal Importance
On a general note, cerumen is not to be removed. Only when it is formed in excess it should be removed. This is because excessive wax in the ear canal can result in clogging, which reduces hearing capacity. Excess wax can also trap bacteria, thereby forming the perfect rostrum for onset of infection. Your audiologist will use an otoscope to examine the amount of wax collected in your ear canal and will treat you accordingly. Read more on excessive ear wax.

Cerumen Removal Techniques
One needs to be really careful while selecting cerumen removal tools for earwax removal. The doctor may use the irrigation technique to flush out the ear wax. They take a straight tip syringe, filled with hydrogen peroxide and warm water and inject it into the ear canal. This solution enters the ear canal and softens the earwax. The wax gets flushed out and leaves the person relieved at the end. However, this technique should not be carried out on oneself. It is dangerous as the ear drum can get ruptured. Moreover, hydrogen peroxide is not good for sensitive ear canals. Read more on ear wax blockage.

The other cerumen removal techniques are wire loop technique and vacuum technique. In the wire loop technique, under the light of a powerful headlamp, as wire loop is used to gently pull out the extra wax. Vacuuming the ear with light suction is also another technique to remove the wax. Vacuuming has been used to clear wax, however, it is not recommended because several people have complained that after several years of suctioning their ears have stopped producing wax properly. Several commercial cerumen removal products are also available that are used to remove earwax. Read more on how to clean wax out of ears.

Cerumen Removal Home Remedies
Home remedies for cerumen removal should be tried out only if one has a healthy eardrum. One of the home remedies for cerumen removal is paraffin oil. Take 2-3 spoons of paraffin oil and warm it over a candle till it warms up. Take an eye dropper and suction up the oil into it. Drop a few drops of this oil into the ear and lie motionless for the next 5-10 minutes. The oil would have softened the wax slightly, thus, get up and empty the oil into the sink. Continue this procedure for the following week, by the end of which the earwax will dissolve completely. Instead of paraffin oil, you can also use baby oil or olive oil.

Refrain from using cotton ear buds, hair pins, keys or fingers to remove earwax. This will not only push the earwax deeper into the ear canal, but can also injure the eardrum and conduce to irreparable damage. Moreover, if you have a medical history of ear problems, refrain from trying our any cerumen removal remedies at home. Please consult a doctor, as treating the problem on your own can even cause irreparable damage to your ear. The ear is a sensitive organ and it's our duty to treat it with utmost care.
By Priya Johnson

Red Palm Oil

Red palm oil has been in use for over 5000 years, both, for nutritional as well as medicinal purposes. Particularly in Egypt, red palm oil was revered and considered a sacred food. Palm oil is extracted from the fruit of the oil palm, that originated in tropical Africa. Now, it is grown in other parts of the world too. Though it has been in use for so many years, it is only now that doctors and scientists have begun researching about the benefits of red palm oil on our health and well being. Red palm oil is rich in vitamins, antioxidants and phytonutrients, that are essential for good health. It is dark red in color, due to the presence of a compound called carotene, that also give carrots and tomatoes their color. Take a look at how red palm oil can benefit our health, skin and hair.

Red Palm Oil Benefits

Red palm oil has been found to be the only cooking oil that is packed with nutrients that are lacking in any other type of cooking oil. Studies have even shown that topical application of red palm oil for skin and hair problems has been found useful.

Red Palm Oil Health Benefits
Find out how the regular consumption of palm oil, in limited amounts, can help you in deriving maximum health benefits.

• The carotenes contained in red palm oil make it a powerful source of antioxidants. These are converted into vitamin A by the body, a lack of which causes blindness, weak bones, poor immunity, and even affect normal mental functions. Since carotenes require fat to be converted into vitamin A, red palm oil serves as the perfect solution, and helps those who consume this oil by preventing all the above mentioned problems.
• Mothers who are breastfeeding may be able to enrich their milk with vitamin A, that is necessary for the healthy growth and development children, upon including red palm oil in their diet.
• Apart from vitamin A, red palm oil is also a great source of vitamin E. Vitamin E contains tocotrienol, of four types, all of which are found in red palm oil. These also give red palm oil antioxidant properties, that help in eliminating free radicals from the body which are a cause for the development of several diseases including cancer.
• Unlike other cooking oils such as olive oil, that lose their nutrients upon heating, red palm oil retains all of its nutrients and is therefore popular as a cooking oil. In fact, in many government programs that are undertaken to eliminate nutritional deficiencies, the food is cooked in red palm oil. This gives the sufferers all the nutrients required by their body.
• Though red palm oil contains a high amount of saturated fat, studies have shown that the consumption of red palm oil in fact prevents heart disease. This is possible as it has the ability to remove the build up of plaque in the arteries, and thus even bring down cholesterol levels. However, it has been advised to consult a doctor before you begin the intake of red palm oil, if you are at the risk of heart disease.
• Another way in which red palm oil can protect the heart is by stabilizing blood pressure levels. Due to its antioxidants, red palm oil also reduces the possibility of inflammations of the arteries. This helps in keeping the blood pressure levels under control.
• The regular consumption of palm oil has shown to reduce the risk of developing cancer. This because of the tocotrienols, that contain anti-cancer properties, and help in preventing skin, pancreas, liver, lunch, colon, stomach and prostrate cancer. However, the best results have been experienced against breast cancer.
• The antioxidants in red palm oil also help in protection of neurological degeneration. Thus, the degeneration of the brain, caused due to stress is prevented upon the intake of red palm oil. Thus, brain problems such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and even schizophrenia are kept at bay.
• Other problems that can be prevented by the use of red palm oil include macular degeneration, arthritis, cataract, osteoporosis, liver disease, and asthma.

Red Palm Oil for Skin
Apart from the benefits to our health, the intake and application of red palm oil is perfect for a variety of skin conditions.

• For the skin, red palm oil works as a great solution to heal old scars, including scars from acne, and even stretch marks. This is because it has a high vitamin A and vitamin E content. Since red palm oil is unrefined, its nutrient value is higher, and thus helps as a solution for skin problems.
• The application of red palm oil on the face also keeps the signs of aging at bay, leaving your skin looking fresh and young. Before you sleep at night, apply palm oil and leave it overnight. It will repair all the damage that has already afflicted your skin, and will also prevent it from further damage.
• Red palm oil has moisturizing properties. Those suffering from skin diseases such as psoriasis and eczema will find relief with the application of red palm oil over the affected area.

Because this oil is red in color, it is going to leave your skin looking slightly orange, unless you completely rub it in.

Red Palm Oil for Hair
Packed with vitamin A and vitamin E, red palm oil is the perfect remedy for those who suffer from hair problems.

• When used on the hair, red palm oil has a great conditioning effect, and is the perfect remedy for dry hair. Just massage a small amount into your hair, and let it be for about half an hour. Follow your usual shampoo and conditioning routine. You will notice that your hair is left feeling much softer and also has a lustrous sheen. If you use red palm oil for hair regularly, you are bound to have naturally soft and silky hair. Use only a small amount as it is difficult to rinse out larger amounts.
• Due to its rich amounts of vitamin E, not only does the use of red palm oil help premature hair loss, but several people have experienced that it has helped restore hair among those who had started showing signs of baldness.

After learning about the benefits of the wonderful red palm oil, ensure that you include it in your diet, and keep yourself fit and healthy in the long run. Remember to consume it in moderation, as an excess of anything is never good. A tablespoon a day should keep all your problems away.
By Puja Lalwani

Forehead Acne

Acne is a common skin disorder and hence, every person has to deal with it, at some point of his life. Acne is scientifically known as acne vulgaris. It is caused when the skin pores get blocked with either the dead skin cells or excessive oil secretion. Various causes of acne lead to different types of acne. Due to the variety in its causes, one can experience acne onslaught anywhere on his entire body, which makes it all the more annoying and disturbing. Forehead acne is one such thing that many people have to come across. Many people experience the trouble of forehead acne, with pain and its ugly appearance. Before learning how to get rid of forehead acne, we must firstly concentrate on the things that cause the forehead acne.

Forehead Acne Symptoms

As forehead is one of the most exposed parts of our face, the skin pores of the forehead are constantly on the verge of getting affected by dust and other pollutants. This exposure blocks the skin pores and leads to the formation of blackheads and whiteheads. These blackheads and whiteheads then get converted into acne. Sometimes, acne is found in the form of several red spots on the forehead, which later on get converted into fluid filled cysts. This fluid is nothing but the fatty acids, which are excessively secreted by the body. If such acne is neglected, then it could get aggravated to form cystic acne. Cystic acne takes time to get completely cured and and it also leaves acne scars. Acne scars are not only bad for the beauty conscious people, but they also work negatively on the self esteem of a person.

Forehead Acne Causes

One of the main reasons for forehead acne is the dandruff and/or oily hair. Other than that, the causes of forehead acne are not very different than the other types of acne. Hormonal changes can also lead to acne on forehead. Sudden hormonal changes can also lead to acne attacks. Adolescence and youth are the two stages of life which experience immense hormonal changes and as a result, it is the prime time when one suffers from forehead acne. The acne caused by hormonal changes takes a severe form, when that person enters into his youth. But most of the experts claim that such types of acne fade away, by the time the person gets into his mid twenties. Hormonal change is also a reason why some women suffer with forehead acne while pregnancy and/or during their menstrual cycle.

Another things leading to forehead acne are - skin infections and usage of oily cosmetics. Some skin care products contain harmful chemicals and excessive amount of oil, which provoke the oil secretion of the skin pores, leading to forehead acne. Using medications like birth control pills, is also a well known reason behind the acne on forehead. On the other hand, consuming unhealthy diet, consisting higher amount of fatty foods can lead to forehead acne, as it causes the blocking of skin pores. It is also said that forehead acne is caused due to some genetic factors. People who have a heredity of acne attacks, are more prone to get affected by the acne on forehead. While, higher levels of stress is also a contributing factor, which causes forehead acne. I hope you are now well aware about the causes of acne. Well, now, let's get to know about how to get rid of forehead acne.

Forehead Acne treatment

After knowing what causes forehead acne, the next obvious question is how to get rid of forehead acne? Well, there are a few best acne treatments that work equally great for treating the forehead acne. One of the best ways to get rid of forehead acne is to use a few home treatments for acne. If you are suffering from acne on forehead due to dandruff, then getting rid of the dandruff should be your main concern. There are a few home remedies for dandruff, to help you in getting rid of the dandruff.

Secondly, you should also work towards unclogging the skin pores. It is a good way of acne prevention. The best way to do so is to cleanse the skin with a good quality cleanser. It would be further more better, if you take hot water steam on your face. After taking adequate amount of steam, scrub off the face with a gentle facial scrub. After you wash off the scrub, make sure you apply a toner on the skin. Never forget to repeat this procedure at least thrice a day. Read on acne treatment at home as well.

You can also use some homemade acne masks for acne treatment and acne prevention. There are various natural skin care products, which are easily available at your home. For instance, the sandalwood paste and the black gram paste! Mix equal amounts of sandalwood paste and black gram paste in rose water and add a hint of turmeric into it. Mix it well and then apply it on the face. Let this face mask dry completely and then wash it off with lukewarm water. This face mask is also very useful for acne scar removal.

Treating the root cause which leads to acne is the best method of acne control. Well, this was all about the 'forehead acne'. I hope now you all are well aware about the causes and treatment of the forehead acne! Take care and stay beautiful!
By Rutuja Jathar

Sensitive Teeth Home Remedy

If on consumption of something cold, sour or hot, the person is left with a slight twitch of pain to severe electric sensation radiating through the oral cavity, it is called to be sensitive teeth condition. Sometimes inhaling cold air conduces to tooth discomfort. This pain and discomfort may last for some minutes to few hours, thus, leading to uneasiness and irritation all day.

Such tooth sensitivity is seen mostly in people within the age range of 20 and 40. About 40 million people in the US are apparently affected by this condition. Even the elderly encounter sensitive teeth symptoms, so sensitive teeth is not age biased. The most irking part about sensitive teeth is that it makes eating and drinking cold, sour and hot foods very difficult. This is why one needs to try out a sensitive teeth home remedy that will help control the situation. Read more on sensitive teeth causes.

Home Remedy For Sensitive Teeth

Here is simple sensitive teeth home remedy that will help decrease tooth sensitivity. Though there is no instant sensitive teeth treatment available, following the below mentioned remedies will help alleviate the teeth sensitivity. Read on dental care.

Vertical Brushing
Horizontal brushing of the teeth is not a recommended practice. All of us, sensitive teeth or not should brush in vertical direction. Hold the brush in your mouth and brush with 'up and down' movements. You could also try the circular brushing motion. Just hold your brush at a 45 degree angle and gently brush your teeth in circular fashion. Moreover, always use your fingertips to hold the brush and not your palm. Horizontal brushing only wears out the teeth enamel and conduces to exposure of tooth dentin, thereby, leading to sensitive teeth.

Soft Brushing
Vigorous brushing conduces to wearing out of the outer enamel and results in exposure of inner dentin, due to application of extra pressure on the teeth. It is important to remember that brushing is to be done steadily and slowly, without being aggressive and harsh on the teeth. Moreover, do not forget to use an extra sensitive toothbrush and discard your toothbrush when its bristles begin pointing in different directions.

Fluoride Rinse
People with sensitive teeth need to rinse their mouths once a day with fluoride rinse. People with highly sensitive teeth may need a stronger fluoride rinse than the regular ones available in the local pharmacy. Situations wherein people have gum diseases or dental bone loss and are undergoing root planing treatment, the teeth can end up being left even more sensitive. In such cases, the dentist will apply a strong fluoride gel to counter the problem.

Proper Teeth Cleaning
Sensitive teeth are prone to irritation caused by plaque. Plaque, the sticky substance adhering to the surface of the teeth. This plaque produces an acid that irritates the teeth, thus, making it even more sensitive. To avoid this situation, it is important to clean off the plaque on a daily basis. This may seem quite boring, but, if you want to decrease the sensitivity, then brush twice a day and floss once a day.

Toothpaste
Desensitized toothpaste is recommended for sensitive teeth, which comprises two main ingredients: potassium nitrate and strontium chloride. Potassium nitrate will desensitize the nerve roots, such that the pain stimuli does not get transmitted from the pulp to the teeth root. Strontium on the other hand fills up tiny pores in the dentin layer, thereby preventing the pain stimuli from reaching the tooth root. Thus, together these two help reduce teeth sensitivity to a large extent.

Sensitive teeth condition needs to be dealt with as soon as possible, as more the delay, greater will be the sensitivity. If you look at each sensitive teeth home remedy mentioned above, you will find that these are just small corrections we need to make to our brushing habits. Hope this article was helpful and informative!
By Priya Johnson

Easy to Digest Vegetables and Fruits

How to cope with digestive problems? Taking the required medications may not be sufficient to manage digestive issues effectively. People with digestive disorders such as gastritis, find it difficult to consume certain foods. Also with age, many undesirable changes take place in the digestive system and hence it becomes necessary to modify the diet. To be more specific, a diet that includes easy to digest vegetables and fruits can certainly make things simpler and promote digestive health.

Easily Digestible Vegetables and Fruits
To plan a 'easy to digest diet', it is essential to include easy to digest vegetables and fruits. There are a wide range of choices in foods that go well with the digestive system. Studies show that including high fiber foods will certainly serve the purpose. Also, a high fiber diet provides plenty of health benefits such as it prevents constipation and minimizes the chances of heart diseases and diabetes.

Easy to Digest Vegetables
Looking for vegetables that come in easy to digest food list? Believe it or not, you will be spoiled for choices, as there are a variety of vegetables that can be easily digested. The vegetables mentioned below, also provide high amount of fiber and promote overall health.

• Broccoli (boiled)
• Sweet potatoes
• Artichokes
• Carrots
• Brussel sprouts (cooked)
• Kale
• Peas

Besides being labeled as 'easier to digest vegetables', an added advantage of vegetables like broccoli and carrots, is that they have a high nutritional value. These vegetables are rich in vitamin A, hence promote a healthy eyesight.

Easily Digestible Vegetables: Raw or Cooked?
Which vegetables does the digestive system find it easier to process? Is it raw or cooked? Studies show that cooked vegetables are a better option, when it comes to making the task of digestive system, simpler. Having raw fruits in the diet, could actually aggravate digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Easy to Digest Fruits
In case, you thought only vegetables are easily digestible and fruits cannot be included in the list of foods easy to digest, due to their sugar content, then you need to do a rethink. There are quite a few fruits, that are not heavy on the digestion system. Some of them are mentioned below:

• Apples
• Strawberries
• Bananas
• Oranges
• Pears
• Grapefruit

These easy to digest foods also help in maintaining health. Bananas are a good source of complex carbohydrates that supply energy to the body. The breakdown of carbohydrates releases energy which is used by the body to execute various biological processes. Fruits like strawberries and oranges have a high amount of vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants prevents cellular damage and keep several diseases at bay.

On the whole, staying away from problem digesting foods is the key to a healthy digestive system. Eating easy to digest vegetables and fruits is the right remedy to ensure optimal functioning of a weakened digestive system. By Nicks J

Refresh your Beauty Regime

Just a few simple updates can transform and modernize your look-and give you awhole new lease of life.The experts share their beauty- boosting secrets.

Trade the safety of a classic bob for a playful pixie crop or choose a striking shade of lipstick instead of the usual subtle gloss. You’d be surprised at how you can penetrate beyond your reflection in the mirror.
Our outer appearance is deeply bound in with our inner emotions.Here are tips to help you instantly update your look.

Get Curl Conscious

A change in texture is the quickest way to update any hairstyle. Wearing your hair with a loose, relaxed curl immediately lifts your features and gives your overall look a youthful softness.
Stroke a curl-defining lotion through dry hair and twist sections of hair around a heated hair wand.
Avoid looking too “done” by alternating the direction and positioning of your curls, and then finish with a light mist of a holding spray.

Make Matt Matter

Matt nails are one of the biggest trends this season but, instead of investing in a new collection of polishes. Shape your nails, paint with your favourite nail colour and finish with a mattifying top coat.
Keep nails well groomed with this portable kit, which contains a nail file, polish remover sachets and moisturizer.

Experiment With Your Eyes

A smoky eye instantly transforms your appearance but, if you find safety in a palette of neutral colours, this winter’s softer, more wearable, glossy, smoldering look could be for you. Using a fluffy shadow brush, buff a black-fused shade of creamy kohl pencil between lashes, blend with a cotton bud and then finish with a coat of black mascara.

Colour Yourself Beautiful

The way we wear our hairs silently expresses our personality, which makes changing its colour one of the most powerful ways to alter your image. Always visit
a professional for complicated colour changes but, to subtly lift or add depth to your natural shade, semi-permanent home-colour kits are a great way to trial a new look.

Nail-colour confidence

Trying out daring shades is an inexpensive way to modernise your look. Get comfortable by applying this season's rich purples and graphite greys to your toes before moving to finger.

Take A Foundation Course

It's easy to get stuck in a rut when it comes to foundation.Refresh your complexion and your look by experimenting with light reflecting properties, add luminosity and create a sheer but flawless finish.

Top 5 Diet Mistakes To Avoid

1. Dieting to lose weight and not improve your health.
People often forget that what they eat not only affects their weight but also their health. A healthy diet's your mood and energy levels and reduce health risk. If you see your health with greater perspective you will make better food choices and lose weight in the prosess.

2. picking an extreme diet that will not suit your lifestyle. Extreme diets will only allow you to be at your ideal weight for a short time. You will be gaining and then losing weight (the yo-yo effect) which slows your metabolism.

3. Expecting miracles overnight. Stop and think about how long it took you to put on all your extra weight. If you follow a healthy diet and exercise programme you should aim to lose 2 to 4 kg per month.

4. Skipping meals. Skipping meals makes you hungrier at the next one you will fing yourself overeating.

5. Not exercising. Is your skin feeling looser as you're losing weight? This is a sign that you may be losing water and muscle and not only fat.
An exercise programme alongside your diet is the only way to ensure that you are burning fat and keeping your muscles toned.

How To Boost Your Memory

Is brain like a sleve? Try these clever tips t ensure you never forget again.

Take A Mental Journeyt

Mentally walk through your home and identify things you see regularly, such as a door knocker, vase of flowers, and the cat's bed.
Practice visualising these feature carefully.
Now if your shopping list consists of bread milk and butter link each item to one of these features. For example bread in the letterbox
milk in the vase and butter in the cat's bes. The next time you visualise walking through your home you'll recall each item.

Double Your Shut-eye

Getting a good night's sleep before an important event might not be enough. Research shows that we sleep for our memory to be at its best.
A study showd memory loss occurs if we have disturbed sleep on either of the two nights followind a study session.
So make sure you catch 80 winks not 40.

Be A Teacher
According to a study those who imagine explaining and conveying material to others as they learn retain more information. Have to learn a presentation by heart? Imagine explaining the conecpt in detail to a friend.

Treat Yourself (Part 2)

Diarrhoea

Home made carrot soup is an ideal cure for diarrhesa and replenishes all the nutrients you lose. Boil three or four carrots in apan of 15oml of water unit they become soft and fleshy. Add a pinch of salt and bring to the boil. Blend then drink the soup every half an hour or so.
Another remedy to try is dried ginger. Mix a tsp of ginger and a small pinch of salt in 150ml of boiled water and drink. Reapeat every two hours untill you feel better.

Coughs

Grapes are an ideal remedy for a persistent cough . When eaten, grapes can tone up the lungs and relieve a cough within a couple of days. Alternatively if you mix a glass of grape juice with a teaspoon of honey and drink this every two hours your cough will disappear very quickly. Almonds are very good for a dry cough.
Mix 20 grams of ground almond with 20 grams of sugar and butter and take once in the morning and once in the evening to cure it.

Wrinkles

For a more natural remedy for lines under the eyes separate two eggs and spread the whites under the eyes every other night for a week.
For deeper lines cut a green seedless grapes in half and gently crush it onto the wrinkles on your face. Leave for 20 minutes and then rinse with warm water.
Another wrinkle buster is the core of a pineapple. Place this flesh side down on the wrinkle and leave for 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and repeat every night.

Neem Oil for Scabies

Scabies is an itchy skin condition, caused due to infection by the ectoparasite, Sarcoptes scabiei. Invisible to our naked eye, this tiny mite can be detected with a magnifying glass. The signs of scabies are superficial burrows in the skin and intense itching at the infested sites. In some people, the symptoms are so severe that they cannot sleep at night. In fact, those who have been through with this skin disorder only know the extent of itching caused by scabies mite.

Though the major reason for causing scabies is poor hygiene, everybody can get infected with scabies mite. And the worst part is that this ectoparasite can spread to other body parts and also, from one infected person to another through direct skin contact. Therapeutic treatment for scabies include applying topical ointments and advocating oral medicines. Nevertheless, there are also scabies home remedies, effective to treat the itching symptoms and kill the causal organism. One such alternative is using neem oil for scabies, which has been practiced as a conventional treatment for many years. Know more on neem oil - natural cure for eczema.

Neem Oil: A Scabies Treatment

Neem oil, extracted from the seeds of Azadirachta indica plant, is bitter in taste, strongly fragrant and light to dark brown in color. It holds a very important place in herbal medicine, especially because of its antibacterial, anti inflammatory and healing properties. This curative action of neem oil is due to presence of high percentage of triterpenoids, triglycerides and other steroid compounds. When applied over the scabies infected areas, it penetrates the skin and kills the mites. Besides this, neem oil relives itching, gives a soothing effect to the skin, reduces pain and prevent secondary infections. Know more on neem oil benefits.

How to Use Neem Oil for Scabies?

Most of the therapeutic medications prescribed for treating scabies are very strong, which at times, result in temporary to long-term side effects. Also, with repeated usage for many years, the scabies mites are already resistant to some medicines. In such cases, it is of no use taking those medicines. Neem oil, on the other hand, is still effective to treat scabies without any adverse effects. You can use neem oil for scabies treatment in the following ways:

Neem Oil in Bathing: In a bathtub filled with water, add some amount of neem leaf tincture (if available) and 2 tablespoons of pure neem oil. Soak yourself in the bathtub for at least 15 minutes. Doing so will give you relief from pain and itching symptoms of scabies. After bath, apply a good quality neem based lotion to treat scabies.

Direct Neem Oil Application: Another effectual method is direct application of concentrated neem oil for scabies management. This will reduce inflammation and provide an instant relief from the discomfort symptoms of scabies. For more effectiveness, it is advisable take saltwater bath before using neem oil topically.

Neem Oil and Turmeric: Using neem oil and turmeric paste for treating scabies has shown prompt results in more than 90 percent patients, within 3 - 15 days. You can take turmeric first and add neem oil drop by drop, while stirring continuously until you get a thick paste. Apply this paste over the scabies infected sites several times a day and your scabies symptoms will be cured within a few days. Know more on skin care.

Neem Oil Products: In case, you cannot get neem oil right away, consider using neem oil soap for scabies. Over-the-counter neem oil capsules are also available in drug stores, which help in combating scabies. But, it is to be borne in mind that neem capsules are temporary treatment alternatives and should not be administered frequently. Know more on neem oil: facts and products.

This way, you can rely on neem oil for scabies cure, rather than going for therapeutic intervention. Practice neem oil treatment for scabies and spare yourself from the harmful effects of chemical formulations, while ensuring a healthy skin. However, if symptoms of scabies do not subside after several days of using neem oil, seek advice from a qualified dermatologist and get necessary treatments. By Ningthoujam Sandhyarani

Food That Fight Fat

Soups

You've heard of value for your money.Soups give you very good value for the calories.
They are filling and satistying ; a bowl of soup can be an entire meal. For many people,
they are more satisfying than raw vegetables, while many give you all the benefits of veggies
(if you choose the soups full of vegetables). They are inexpensive, convenient, easy, and quick to make.
Soups don't make you feel like you're on a diet. Above all, soups are versatille. They can serve as a snack,
as a cooking ingredient; all fruits and vegetable - raw, cooked, fresh, frozen and canned.
Avoid any packaged fruits that have added sugar. Otherwise, the more fruits and vegetables you eat, the better.

Dressings and Dips

We recommend fat-free or light dressing and dips. The light category - low-fat, reduced- fat, and low calories
is midway between totally fat-free and regular, and it's often more pleasing to the plate than fat-free.
Dressings can be used as all purpose condiments, dips, toppings, even cooking liquids. They already
contain a mixture of ingredients, so just slather them on vegetables, seafood, and anything else.
Or cook with them to make up for the lack ok butter or oil.

Candy

Yup, candy. The real thing - not the dietetic variety is best when your sweet tooth starts aching.
Dietetic candies have almost as many calories as regular candies, often lack flavour, and are
an incentive to eat more. Stick to the real thing. Chewing gum or gum balls: any and all.
Hard candy : any and all, including sour balls, candy canes, lollipops.

Frozen Desserts

Any fat-free frozen yogurt, frozen nondiary substiture, or sorbet is a fine addition to the freezer.
Try the lower-calorie choices. Here are some examples:
Soft serve: up to 25 calories per ounce.
Hard pack: up to 115 calories per 1/2-cup serving.
Frozen bars: any others containing up to 45 calories per bar.
Individually packaged frozen bars: up to 110 calories each.

Snacks

Make it a point to eat starchy, crunchy snacks only in conjunction with any fruit or vegetable.
For example, have fruit with popcorn or soup with crackers.
Fill up on the former, and go easy on the starchy snack.

Protein Foods

Legumes: beans, peas, lentils, chickpeas.
seafood: fresh (do not fry!), smoked, canned and frozen.

Treat Yourself

Headache

There are various natural headache remedies to try, but the best one is the common old lemon.

Squeeze the juice from one and put it into a cup of hot tea.

This gives immediate relief and also tastes very nice, too!

Or peel the rind off one and mash it into a paste. Apply it to your forehead and within minutes, your headache will disappear.

Cold Sores

Ice is an ideal remedy, as it not only clears the infection, it also numbs the stinging pain that goes with it. Just put an ice cube on the infected area of the lip and rub it gently for a few minutes. Repeat this every hour or so. Tea bags are another, almost pain-free option. Place a warm one on the sore and hold it there for 30 minutes. Repeat this every few hours and within a couple of days, the cold sore will be gone.

Toothache

There’s nothing worse than toothache when you can’t get to a dentist or a pharmacy.

But, if you pain relief. Its anti-bacterial properties make it the perfect cure for tooth pain.

Chewing a raw one for a few minutes kills any germs in the mouth.

To cure toothache, simply place a small piece of onion on the bad tooth or surrounding gum area and leave for a few minutes. The pain will disappear

Dandruff

Dandruff is caused by a number of things including being run-down, using harsh Shampoos and a poor diet. Specialist hair products can be expensive, so instead rinse your hair with the juice of a lime after washing your hair with a mild shampoo. For best results, don’t wash the lime juice out. Or try cider vinegar. Again, use this after you’ve rinsed the shampoo from your hair.

Toenail Infections

applied undiluted We’ve all done it – squished our tootsies into too-tight shoes, resulting in toenail infection. The latest over-the-counter creams available can cost a lot.
But you can cure any foot infections, including fungus and athlete’s foot, for a fraction of that tea-tree oil is a natural antiseptic and fungicide and can be direct on the toenail for infections, or blended with a little olive oil and rubbed into the foot area.

Refresh your Beauty Regime

Just a few simple updates can transform and modernize your look-and give you awhole new lease of life.The experts share their beauty- boosting secrets.

Trade the safety of a classic bob for a playful pixie crop or choose a striking shade of lipstick instead of the usual subtle gloss. You’d be surprised at how you can penetrate beyond your reflection in the mirror.

Our outer appearance is deeply bound in with our inner emotions.Here are tips to help you instantly update your look.

Get Curl Conscious

A change in texture is the quickest way to update any hairstyle. Wearing your hair with a loose, relaxed curl immediately lifts your features and gives your overall look a youthful softness.

Stroke a curl-defining lotion through dry hair and twist sections of hair around a heated hair wand.

Avoid looking too “done” by alternating the direction and positioning of your curls, and then finish with a light mist of a holding spray.

Make Matt Matter

Matt nails are one of the biggest trends this season but, instead of investing in a new collection of polishes. Shape your nails, paint with your favourite nail colour and finish with a mattifying top coat.

Keep nails well groomed with this portable kit, which contains a nail file, polish remover sachets and moisturizer.

Experiment With Your Eyes

A smoky eye instantly transforms your appearance but, if you find safety in a palette of neutral colours, this winter’s softer, more wearable, glossy, smoldering look could be for you. Using a fluffy shadow brush, buff a black-fused shade of creamy kohl pencil between lashes, blend with a cotton bud and then finish with a coat of black mascara.