Eating Healthy Throughout Pregnancy

Eating Healthy Throughout Pregnancy

Eating Healthy Throughout Pregnancy

Starting off your with a healthy well
balanced diet is the most effective factor you do for yourself
and your baby.  This approach, you may solely need to form
a few adjustments during your pregnancy.

Your first trimester
If you find it robust to take care of a balanced diet
during your 1st trimester, you'll be able to rest assured
that your not alone.  Due to queasiness, some
girls will eat all of the time and gain a lot of
weight in the process.  Other women have trouble
getting food down and subsequently lose weight. 

Preventing malnutrition and dehydration are your
most vital factors throughout initial trimester. 

Calories
When you are pregnant, you need to consume around
300 calories additional than usual every day.  The simplest
approach to travel regarding doing this is taking note of your
body when you are hungry.  You should attempt to eat
as several foods as doable from the bottom of the
food pyramid.

If you gain weight too slow, try eating tiny
meals and slightly increase the fat in your diet.
You ought to continuously eat when you're hungry, as you
are now eating for 2 instead of one.

Calcium
By the second trimester, you'll would like around 1,500
milligrams of calcium every day for your bones and
your baby', that is a lot of than a quart of milk.
Calcium is something that's missing from many
diets.  Along with milk, different nice sources for
calcium embody dairy product, calcium fortified
juices, and even calcium tablets.

Fiber
Fiber can help to prevent constipation, which is
a standard pregnancy drawback.  You'll be able to realize fiber in
whole grains, fruits, and even vegetables.  Fiber
supplements such as Metamucil and Citrucel are
safe to take during pregnancy.

Protein
Unless you happen to be a strict vegetarian, your
protein intake is not normally a downside for girls
who eat a healthy diet.

Iron
A lot of ladies will begin their pregnancy off with
a little bit of iron deficiency.  Smart sources of iron
include dark leafy green vegetables and meats.  Iron
supplements should be avoided, as they will cause
internal symptoms like cramping, constipation,
or diarrhea. 

Vitamins
Seeing as how you get a majority of the vitamins you
need in your diet, you may need to discuss prenatal
vitamins together with your doctor.  Folate is one in every of the most
necessary, and if you're obtaining enough of it, you
could be ready to avoid vitamins all along - just raise
your doctor to form certain.Becoming A Healthy Eater

Being a healthy eater needs you to become both
educated and smart about what healthy eating
truly is.  Being food good isn't concerning
learning to calculate grams or fat, or is it
concerning finding out labels and counting calories.

Healthy eating is all about balanced and moderate
eating, consisting of healthy meals at least
three times per day.  Healthy eaters eat many
completely different types of foods, not limiting themselves
to 1 specific food type or food group.

Eating healthy needs quite a bit of leeway.  You
would possibly eat an excessive amount of or not enough, consume
foods that are sometimes more or less nutritious.
However, you ought to continually fuel your body and
your brain regularly with enough food to keep
each your mind and body sturdy and alert.

A healthy eater may be a smart problem solver.  Healthy
eaters have learned to take care of themselves
and their eating with sound judgement and creating
wise choices.  Healthy eaters are invariably aware
of what they eat, and understand the impact that it
will have on their bodies.

When somebody is unable to require control of their
eating, they're conjointly seemingly to urge out of management
with other aspects of life in addition.  They might
finish up spending too much, talking an excessive amount of, even
going to bed later and later. 

You must perpetually keep in mind that limiting food
in any way is usually a dangerous thing.  Healthy eating
is a means of life, one thing that you'll be able to do to
enhance your body or your lifestyle.  If you've
considered creating your life higher, healthy
eating is simply the place to start.  You will build
life easier for yourself, those around you, and
even your family. 

Eating For A Healthy Heart

Eating For A Healthy Heart

Eating For A Healthy Heart

Dangerous cholesterol or a unhealthy diet is something we tend to all
experience at some purpose in time.  It's not possible to eat healthy our whole lives, although we tend to could attempt arduous to do it.  Eating healthy for your heart is something everyone ought to strive to do, especially when it involves restoring health and reducing heart attacks.

Your heart and food
We tend to apprehend these things for sure - a diet high in
saturated fats can facilitate raise your cholesterol,
that could be a risk issue for heart disease.  Folks
that are obese are more vulnerable to heart disease.  A
diet high in sodium could elevate your blood pressure,
leading to inflammation and even heart disease.

To help prevent heart disease and improve your health,
place the guidelines below to good use.

Eat masses of fish
Herring, sardines, and salmon are all wonderful sources
of Omega three essential fatty acids.  Other fish are great
to, although Omega 3 could facilitate to get your cholesterol
down to a healthier level.

Choosing healthy fats and oils
Saturated fat can increase the chance of heart disease.
It's found in meat, butter, and even coconut oil.  You
ought to avoid them until your cholesterol levels are
down and you are at a healthy weight.  Even those
that love red meats will get pleasure from seafood and nuts for
their main sources of protein.

Monounsaturated fats such as olive oils can facilitate
you to shield your heart.  Olive oil is a perfect
choice for cooking, dressing, or maybe as a dipping
sauce.

Plenty of fiber
Fiber can facilitate your management your cholesterol.  You
can notice fiber in whole grain product to help
control sugar absorption furthermore, which will help
you retain your digestive system healthy.

Choosing carbohydrates
Eating for your heart involves staying away from
sugary foods like candy, cookies, cakes, and
pastries.  Eating a heap of sugar isn't good for
your heart disease the least bit.  Healthy carbohydrates
involve whole grain breads, whole grain pasta, brown
rice, and a ton of vegetables.  You should build
fruits and vegetables the most aspect of your diet.

Healthy cooking ways
Stir frying and sauteing with olive oil or canola
oil are both great ways, as you mustn't dip
your food in batter and fry it anymore.  If you
cook chicken, remove the skin and bake it within the
oven in foil.

Instead of frying your fish you must forever bake
it.  Steaming your vegetables can help maintain the
most nutrients.  You should use cream sauces or lots
of butter anymore either.  When you eat vegetables,
try squeezing lemon juice on them or using your
favorite seasonings.

As you create the correct changes to your diet, keep in
mind that it takes time for them to become habits. 
Eating healthy is always great for your body and your
lifestyle, especially when it involves your heart and
the prevention of heart disease.Changing How You Eat

As you will apprehend, not fueling up with the right
nutrients can affect how well your body performs
and your overall fitness edges.  While
healthy eating is important, there are myths that
hinder your performance if you hear them.

Below, you may find some myth busters on healthy eating.

1.  Working out on an empty stomach.
If you hear a rumbling noise in your abdomen, the
rumbling is attempting to tell you one thing.  While not
being attentive to them, you are forcing your body to
run while not any fuel.  Before you exercise or do
any physical activity, always eat a light-weight snack
like an apple.

2.  Relying on energy bars and drinks.
Although they are fine every once in an exceedingly while, they
do not deliver the antioxidants you wish to prevent
cancer.  Fruits and vegetables are your best bets,
as they are loaded in vitamins, minerals, fluid,
and fiber.

3.  Skipping breakfast.
Skipping breakfast is never a sensible plan, as
breakfast starts the day.  Your body desires fuel
while attainable, and without it, you will be
hungry throughout the day.

4.  Low carb diets.
Your body needs carbohydrates for your muscles and
the storing of energy. 

5.  Eating what you want.
Eating healthy and exercising does not give you an
all access pass to eat something you wish.  Everybody
desires the same nutrients whether or not they exercise or
not, and fruits and vegetables.

6.  Not enough calories
Although losing weight involves calories, losing
it too quickly is rarely safe.  What you should do,
is aim for 1 - a pair of pounds every week.  Perpetually make positive
that you are getting enough calories to stay your
body operating smoothly.  If you start dropping
weight too quick, eat a small amount additional food.

7.  Skip soda and alcohol.
Water, milk, and juice is the best to drink for
active folks.  You should drink usually, and not
require on thirst to be an indicator.  By the time
you get thirsty, your body is already running a
bit too low.

Changing how you eat is often a nice step
towards healthy eating and it can have an effect on how your
body performs.  The healthier you eat, you better
you'll feel.  No matter how recent you may be, healthy
eating is something you must attempt for.  Once
you give it a chance, you may see in no time at
all just how abundant it can amendment your life - for the
better.

Becoming A Healthy Eater

Becoming A Healthy Eater

Being a healthy eater requires you to become both
educated and smart about what healthy eating
actually is.  Being food smart isn't about
learning to calculate grams or fat, or is it
about studying labels and counting calories.

Healthy eating is all about balanced and moderate
eating, consisting of healthy meals at least
three times per day.  Healthy eaters eat many
different types of foods, not limiting themselves
to one specific food type or food group.

Eating healthy requires quite a bit of leeway.  You
might eat too much or not enough, consume
foods that are sometimes more or less nutritious.
However, you should always fuel your body and
your brain regularly with enough food to keep
both your mind and body strong and alert.

A healthy eater is a good problem solver.  Healthy
eaters have learned to take care of themselves
and their eating with sound judgement and making
wise decisions.  Healthy eaters are always aware
of what they eat, and know the effect that it
will have on their bodies.

When someone is unable to take control of their
eating, they are also likely to get out of control
with other aspects of life as well.  They could
end up spending too much, talking too much, even
going to bed later and later. 

You should always remember that restricting food
in any way is always a bad thing.  Healthy eating
is a way of life, something that you can do to
enhance your body or your lifestyle.  If you've
thought about making your life better, healthy
eating is just the place to start.  You'll make
life easier for yourself, those around you, and
even your family. 

How to prevent muscle cramps

The muscle spasms or cramps occur when a muscle contracts or involuntarily, which becomes rigid causing pain and discomfort. Often arise at night during sleep or during and after physical exercise. Its causes can be several, from muscle fatigue, lack of minerals and vitamins in the diet to bad postures. Besides knowing treat them properly, it is important to know some tips that can help prevent muscle cramps.

Leading a sedentary life and not doing any physical activity is one of the main causes for the occurrence of muscle cramps. In fact, people who do not exercise in your daily routine are prone to muscle spasms more frequently. That is why sport or follow a regular routine of exercise will help you prevent and also enjoy better health at all times.

Yet it is also true that muscle cramps occur regularly during or after physical exercise, which may be due to prolonged exercise or muscle overload. In this sense, there are certain practices that we can take to prevent muscle cramps in training sessions:

• Prepare the muscles of our body doing a good warming before starting the exercise, and perform stretching exercises at the end, will help prevent muscle cramps or spasms.
• Increase our exercise intensity progressively and gradually. It is also essential not to exercise the body to reach a state of maximum exhaustion. 
• Avoid physical activity when temperatures are extremely high or low.

Another of the most common causes of muscle cramps is the loss of fluids and minerals from the body. Therefore, it is essential to stay well hydrated throughout the day. Do not forget to consume the recommended daily amount of water (2 liters) and, especially, hydrated with plenty of water and sports drinks to make sport and exercise.

Watch your diet is also a key factor in preventing muscle cramps, as its recurrent appearance may be due to a lack of minerals such as potassium, magnesium or sodium in the diet. These minerals are essential to keep our muscles in good shape and regulate the distribution of water in the body.

Try to include in your daily diet foods rich in potassium such as bananas, legumes, green leafy vegetables and nuts, and rich in magnesium such as brown rice, soybeans, dry beans, wheat bran or oat, sunflower seeds, etc. It is also good to consume foods high in vitamins C, D and E.

At bedtime, try not to take bad posture. Remain long with poor posture may involve muscle contractions that lead to the occurrence of nocturnal muscle cramps. This condition also occurs in women who abuse the use of high heels in their day to day.

Finally, a good way to prevent muscle cramps or spasms is by performing massages muscle in those areas of the body in which we usually have. The result will be excellent if we go to a good therapist, but we can also try to make them ourselves if possible.

If we follow the above procedures we will be prevent muscle cramps or spasms problems from our daily life and enjoy a healthy life.

Health Benefits of Red Palm Oil

Health Benefits of Red Palm Oil

The health benefits of olive oil have been touted for many hundreds of years. More recently, coconut oil has become all the rage and hailed by many as the king of oils. But, whatever oil you choose - whether it’s olive, coconut, almond, canola, peanut, safflower, walnut, or even avocado oil - none compare to the powerful nutritional virtues of virgin organic red palm fruit oil.

The health benefits of red palm fruit oil can be achieved by incorporating only 1-2 tablespoons into your daily diet.

Red Palm Fruit Oil vs. Palm Kernel Oil
Regarded as a sacred healing food by many civilizations, including the ancient Egyptians, crude or virgin red palm fruit oil should be regarded as one of the most nutritious edible oils in the world. It is not to be confused with palm kernel oil .

It is derived from the fruit of the oil palm tree (Elaeis guineensis) and is referred to as "red palm oil" because of its rich dark red color in its unprocessed natural  state. Palm kernel oil is derived from the seed or the kernel.

Power-Packed Contents  

Red palm oil’s health promoting properties are largely attributed to its high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory contents. Red palm oil is a rich source of tocotrienol, a powerful form of vitamin E,  lycopene and carotenoids, the latter being responsible for the oil’s distinctive red color in its unprocessed state.

Red palm oil has great science behind it for its beneficial role in fighting heart disease and high cholesterol.

Red palm oil has repeatedly stunned researchers with its heart-protective and cholesterol-lowering properties.  Studies have shown that adding palm oil in the diet can reduce plaque build-up in arteries and, therefore, reverse the process of plaque and prevent blockages formation within blood vessel walls. Science now understands that inflammation in the artery lining is what causes cholesterol to deposit in the first place. So, it makes sense that the protective effects come from the high antioxidant, anti-inflammatory content of the red palm oil which works to quench free radicals and keep inflammation under control.  Apart from helping tear away plaque from blood vessel walls, red palm oil also helps maintain healthy blood pressure and
cholesterol levels.

Brain Health
One of the natural vitamin E forms found in high amounts in red palm oil is known for its neuro-protective properties. When it comes to your brain,  the special form of vitamin-E (tocotrienol) in red palm oil stops destructive damage and improves blood flow to brain cells, which can also help to prevent Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

Anti-Cancer Food 
The high antioxidant content of red palm oil makes it a potent anti-cancer food. Though  tocotrienols can be found in rice bran, barley and wheat, red palm oil is the richest source of  tocotrienol. Research suggests that this form of vitamin E may help fight skin, stomach, pancreas, liver, lung, colon, prostate, breast, and other
cancers.

The  antioxidant power of red palm oil can be of help in protecting against a variety of health  problems, including osteoporosis, asthma, cataracts, macular degeneration, arthritis, and liver disease. It can even slow down the premature aging processes by protecting the skin against damaging UV rays.

Additionally, research has shown that red palm oil promotes  nutrient utilization, improves liver detoxification pathways and improves immune function. 

6 Steps How to Treating Acne with Lifestyle Changes-p2

Eat healthily. 

Foods that are highly processed and contain a heap of oils greatly increase the number of acne on your body. Getting the proper amount of nutrients from whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and protein facilitate your skin to regenerate faster and limit unnecessary oil production. When in the slightest degree possible, avoid foods that are processed or contain a heap of sugar (suppose junk foods).

Get a minimum of eight hours of sleep. 

Sleeping kills 2 birds with one stone, as it helps to relax your body along with
detoxify it. If you aren’t getting enough sleep, chances are your skin hasn’t had the time or ability to renew its skin cells. Regulate your sleep cycle by visiting bed at a regular time every night and sleeping for no less than eight hours.

Drink lots of water. 

Although we tend to’ve all heard to drink eight glasses of water on a daily basis, there isn’t a group quantity on how abundant water you should consume. Water helps to detoxify your body and purify your skin, thus build certain you drink water often throughout the day.

Relax your body and mind. 

High stress levels result in increased oil production, thus do your mind and your skin a favor by giving yourself it slow to relax. Try taking a bath, reading a book, meditating, or practicing yoga and watch your skin rework in response

Wash your fabrics. 

Any fabric that comes into contact together with your skin on a daily basis - garments, towels, pillowcases, and sheets - should be washed at least once every week to get rid of oil and bacteria that build up over time. Use a light cleanser for sensitive skin to help solve your acne drawback.

Use oil-free makeup. 

If you wear makeup, you'll be stuck in a very vicious cycle of covering up acne while simultaneously causing it together with your cowl-up usage. Find acne-fighting oil-free mineral makeup to help forestall worsening your acne whereas merely trying to hide it. When attainable, avoid carrying makeup at all though as it clogs your pores over the course of the day.

3 Steps How to Treating Acne with Lifestyle Changes-p1

Exercise regularly.

Exercising will a range of things to help scale back your acne. It releases endorphins that lower stress levels and therefore scale back oil-production, and conjointly makes you sweat which cleans out dead skin cells. Try exercising each day for at least thirty minutes to help scale back your acne not solely on your face, however also on your chest, shoulders, and back.

Don’t bit your face. 


This is incredibly difficult, as individuals are at risk of touching their faces on a regular basis. Be careful concerning scratching your face, resting your face on your hands, and selecting at pimples. Never pop your zits or squeeze at pesky blackheads, as this solely introduces more bacteria to your skin and will create your acne worse.

Shower often. 

Although you'll wish to keep your water bill down, showering often helps to stay oil production low, kill bacteria, and rinse away dead skin cells. Wash your entire body with a gentle cleanser and use shampoos that limit oil production in your hair. Be sure to continuously shower once exercising to remove the dead skin cells your body has sloughed off through sweating.

TUBERCULOSIS - HOME REMEDIES

TUBERCULOSIS - HOME REMEDIES

This is a contagious and an infectious disease caused by the tubercle bacillus, which enters the body through the nose, mouth and windpipe and then settles down usually  in the lungs (called as the primary tuberculosis) or may settle in the tonsils, bones, intestines, glands, lymphatic system, joints and urinary tract. It multiplies very fast and produces small raised spots called as tubercles. The usual symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis are fatigue, lethargy, decreased appetite, weight loss, low grade fever (especially in the evening), persistent coughing, difficulty in breathing, indigestion and occasionally in later stages blood in the sputum.  

HOME REMEDIES 

1. Taking a glass full of fresh orange and lemon juice daily also helps since it contains a lot of vitamins useful for quicker healing. 

2. Onion soup should be taken daily. Milk and rice diet is given to the patient. 

3. Garlic  is a wonderful herb for tuberculosis since it contains many vitamins, calcium, iron, phosphorus, iodine and even a few trace minerals. Thus two to three cloves of garlic  or  one to two teaspoonfuls of garlic juice are given to the patient daily. 

4. Boil a few dates in some milk and then after cooling it for some time take this as a nutritive tonic especially for children. 

5. Holy basil (tulsi) leaf juice is also very useful, since it has a few antibiotic properties and is a useful expectorant. 

6. The juice of bananas or banana milkshake is useful for patients with frequent cough, abundant expectoration and high fever.  

7. A teaspoonful of fresh mint juice mixed with two teaspoonfuls of pure malt vinegar and an equal quantity of honey should be stirred in 120 ml of carrot juice and given to the patient thrice daily. 

8. Pineapple juice is found useful to dissolve the mucus and aid faster recovery for tuberculosis patients. 

9. A soup prepared from drumstick leaves (saijan ki phalli) is found useful in this disease. 

10. A mixture of Indian gooseberry (amla) and sesame seeds taken with honey is very effective.

WHOOPING COUGH - HOME REMEDIES

WHOOPING COUGH - HOME REMEDIES

"Whooping cough " is an infectious disease , that commonly affects the young children (commonly from 0-5 years of age) and results in bouts or paroxysms of short, sharp coughs gathering in speed and duration and ending in a deep inspiration during which the characteristic "whoop" is heard. There is extreme exhaustion in the patient and can be life threatening in small babies. Vomiting, which is frequent, may lead to the bursting of the small capillaries in the nose or the conjunctiva. The disease may lasts for several weeks if left untreated. 

HOME REMEDIES

1. Boil the peel of pomegranate (anar) in 250 ml of milk and drink it.

2. The leaf juice of holy basil (tulsi) mixed with honey and ginger is very useful.

3. Peach tea or an infusion made from the bark and leaves of the Peach tree are useful for whooping cough when taken atleast thrice daily.

4. A teaspoonful of fresh ginger, mixed with a cup of fenugreek (methi) decoction and honey to taste is an excellent diaphoretic.

5. A teaspoonful of fresh radish juice with an equal quantity of honey and a little rock salt should be given thrice daily.

6. Juice of garlic is sniffed from time to time. Also a mixture of macerated garlic and ghee is rubbed on the chest and between the shoulder blades to give relief in the cough.

7. Linseed is a good remedy for whooping cough.

8. Paste of pecacuan (hing) when applied to the chest, acts as a good stimulant.

9. Five drops of almond oil should be mixed with ten drops each of fresh white onion juice and ginger juice and taken thrice daily for a few weeks.

Foods for Healthy and Strong Bones

Having healthy and strong bones is essential at every stage of our life and to achieve this and prevent, to the extent possible, diseases such as osteoporosis, it is important to take care of food and include two essential nutrients, calcium and Vitamin D. Both help to keep the bones in optimum condition and ensure good growth. If you want to know what ingredients you can find, in this article we suggest you through a selection of the best foods for healthy and strong bones.

The milk and other dairy products like yogurt and cheese are, as we know, one of the main sources of calcium and are essential to healthy and strong bones. Are preferred low-fat dairy products, they are healthier and offer the same or greater calcium intake than the rest. It's recommended daily consumption of 3-4 servings of dairy products, so you can complement or supplement the milk with yogurt and a few ounces of cheese. A highly recommended product today, for lactose intolerant, is soy milk, although it does not contain much calcium, is very rich in vitamin D, essential for the body to absorb calcium and growth bones.

Among the blue fish, find some like salmon, sardines and tuna are excellent for strengthening bones. Its rich content of vitamin D and omega 3 makes it especially good for increasing bone mass, since they increase the absorption of calcium in our body. They are very tasty and healthy food, so do not hesitate to include them in your diet, you can take them in different ways, either grilled, marinated or with salad, pasta, etc.

Another food that helps maintains strong bones are the spinach. In fact, this vegetable dish contributes approximately 25% of the recommended amount of calcium, and also allows us to benefit from their content rich in fiber, iron and vitamin A. Similarly, other vegetables that are good for the care of our bones are broccoli, chard, turnip and cabbage.

Nuts such as hazelnuts and almonds are also a rich source of calcium. Besides being great for the strength of our bones, provide an important contribution of vitamin E, iron and protein to our body, so take them without overdoing it a good choice for our health.

The egg yolk contains enough amount of vitamin D and, being one of the more easily incorporate foods in our diet, turns out to be an ingredient that we can use to promote bone density and strengthen bones.

Other ingredients that can be taken daily and that will help us to have healthy and stronger bones are cereals such as oats and wheat. They are ideal to take with milk, yogurt or as a component of salads or other dishes.

Acidity and Heartburns

Acidity and Heartburns

Sometimes the gastric glands in the stomach are over productive in secreting the hydrochloric acid which is necessary to break down the food that is eaten. When this happens, acidity and heartburn often develop. This can cause a painful burning sensation which may be the result of chronic acid reflux. The pain can be very disturbing because people often confuse it for a heart attack.

Natural Home Remedies
Many home remedies work well to neutralize stomach acid and prevent damage to the esophagus and intestinal tract. The following suggestions may prevent acidity and heartburn from becoming disruptive:

1. Combine equal parts apple cider vinegar and honey with a cup of water and drink just prior to each meal to control acidity.

2. Eliminate spices and fruits that have not yet ripened from the diet.

3. Drink a glass of milk with each meal.

4. Eat a cup of yogurt as a snack between meals.

5. Chew food longer and slow the eating process by putting down the fork between bites.

6. Add watermelon, bananas, and cucumber to the diet to cool heartburn.

7. Try a cup of chamomile tea for heart burn.

8. Try to reduce events that cause a stressful reaction and use meditation or deep breathing to relax.

8. Always sleep with the head much higher than the rest of the body to relieve the pressure that causes acid reflux to be more severe.

9. Drink a glass of green tea sweetened with molasses to neutralize acids.

10. Eat six small meals, rather than three large one, because a overeating aggravates acid reflux.

11. Chew gum until the heartburn disappears.

12. Eat a stick of raw celery to end heartburn quickly.

Some of these remedies will work better for one person than another depending on the cause of the acidity or heartburn.
Pregnant women seem to have excellent results from chewing gum while cider vinegar sometimes works better for those under stress.

Hair Care Tips For Any Length and Style

Hair Care Tips For Any Length and Style

Regardless of its length or style, we all want one thing: a healthy, great looking head of hair. But the first step to having healthy, luxurious hair is to know its exact type. Is it oily, dry or normal? It your hair naturally curly or straight? Are you troubled by dandruff? Has your hair been processed in some way? Is it brittle or strong? Knowing your true starting point will allow you to better care for your hair and keep it looking its absolute best.

With short hairstyles, it’s important to protect your hair and your scalp every time you are in the sun. Look for protective styling products, and be sure to wear a hat to avoid sunburn. If your hair is short and curly, you should know that curly hair tends to break easier and needs more moisture than other types of hair.The key to keeping medium-length to long hair beautiful and healthy looking is to protect it from split ends and becoming brittle. The longer hair is, the heavier it is, and as a result, more prone to breakage. If you have long or medium-length hair, never use a rubber band to pull your hair back into a ponytail as they can pull and damage hair. Instead, use a something elastic that is covered in a soft cloth to avoid breaking the delicate hair shafts.

Here are a few simple do’s and don’ts to remember for every length and style of hair :


6 Essential Hair Care Do’s :

- Do gently brush your hair each night before going to bed as it will stimulate blood flow to your scalp and promote healthy hair growth.

- Do be sure to hold the hair dryer at least six to eight inches away from your hair and keep it moving at all times to avoid scorching the hair.

- Do gently wash your hair using a mild shampoo suitable for your type of hair with lukewarm water.

- Do use a conditioner to keep your hair manageable, healthy, and free of tangles.

- Do be sure to drink plenty of water and follow a balanced diet. Many people aren’t aware of the important role that proper nutrition plays regarding healthy hair care. Water is essential to keep your body and hair properly hydrated.

- Do try to avoid touching your hair unnecessarily as the oils from your hands can cause your hair to lose its luster and become dirtier faster.

6 Essential Hair Care Don’ts :

- Don’t brush wet hair, use a comb instead to avoid pulling and risking breakage.

- Don’t blow-dry your hair every day, the constant heat will cause it to become brittle and prone to breakage. Likewise, use your curling iron on the lowest possible setting.

- Don’t over process your hair using strong dyes and chemicals. If you do relax your hair or have it permanently waved, be sure to wait as long as possible in between treatments to avoid over processing and damage.

- Don’t change your hair color to more than three shades, in either direction, lighter or darker, to avoid excessive damage.

- Don’t wash your hair in extra hot water, instead use warm, and use cool water for the final rinse.
- Don’t allow stress to adversely affect your health, including your hair.

Check your healths, learn about cholesterol

Check your healths

Check your healths, learn about cholesterol

You will know that just how healthy you are when you check your cholesterol on a regularly basis. You will also find that your doctor will break down that report so that you have several numbers and a real understanding of just how healthy you are. With all the medical advances, that you will come across you’ll be able to know exactly what part of your cholesterol is out of control and how your overall progress is doing.

You will be getting the numbers with an explanation, but it still can be very confusing. It is very difficult to explain what you are told to someone else. You will want to get a cholesterol testing kit so that you can test yourself in the comfort of your own home. You may find that it is difficult to understand the kit, but if you learn how to do the math, then you will be able to understand your results and the numbers.

You will first be given a number for your bad cholesterol that is often referred to as low density lipids cholesterol. This is commonly referred to as “bad cholesterol” and you can remember this by using the L to stand for Lower—you want to be sure to lower this type of cholesterol. The bad cholesterol will end up making about 65-75% of your total cholesterol, however, you should make sure that your total number is at least lower than 130. Because LDL cholesterol is the type that causes heart attacks, if you have other risk factors such as obesity or a family history of heart disease, you want to keep this number even lower, less than 100 if possible. Your diet is very important in many ways, but it will lower your bad cholesterol levels.

You will then realize that your second number is your good cholesterol or HDL. This is a high density lipid cholesterol. You can always remember that your HDL is healthy by remembering the link to the “h”. You will want this to be of at least 35 or higher for men, but 40 or higher for women. Women have an easier time raising HDL levels than men do, but this can be done through exercise and not smoking.

As for your last number, you will fid that it is your total cholesterol level that will add both your good and bad together. You will find that if you keep your LDL and HDL levels normal, then you will be able to have a good total cholesterol level. However, you should consult your doctor if you have any questions about your cholesterols and the numbers. They will be able to place you on medication so that you can have a healthy life with the cholesterol under control.

Fascinating Facts About Human Body

Fascinating Facts About Human Body

1. The Skeletal System 
-  The largest bone is the pelvis, or hip bone. In fact it is made of six bones joined firmly together.
-  The longest bone is the 'femur', in the thigh. It makes up almost one quarter of the body's total height.
-  The smallest bone is the 'stirrup', deep in the ear. It is hardly larger than a grain of rice.
-  The ears and end of the nose do not have bones inside them. Their inner supports are cartilage or 'gristle', which is lighter and more flexible than bone. This is why the nose and ears can be bent.
-  After death, cartilage rots faster than bone. This is why the skulls of skeletons have no nose or ears.


2. The Muscular System
-  There are about 60 muscles in the face. Smiling is easier than frowning. It takes 20 muscles to smile and over 40 to frown.
-  The longest muscle in the body is the sartorius, from the outside of the hip, down and across to the inside of the knee. It rotates the thigh outwards and bends the knee.
-  The smallest muscle in the body is the stapedius, deep in the ear. It is only 5mm long and thinner than cotton thread. It is involved in hearing.
-  The biggest muscle in the body is the gluteus maximus, in the buttock. It pulls the leg backwards powerfully for walking, running and climbing steps.


3. The Circulatory System 
-  The heart beats around 3 billion times in the average person's life.
-  About 2 million blood cells die in the human body every second, and the same number are born each second.
-  Within a tiny droplet of blood, there are some 5 million red blood cells, 300,000 platelets and 10,000 white cells.
-  It takes about 1 minute for a red blood cell to circle the whole body.
-  Red blood cells make approximately 250,000 round trips of the body before returning to the bone marrow, where they were born, to die.
-  Red blood cells may live for about 4 months circulating throughout the body, feeding the 60 trillion other body cells.


4. The Nervous System 
-  The brain looks like a giant, wrinkled walnut.
-  Unlike other body cells, brain cells can not regenerate. Once brain cells are damaged they are not replaced.
-  The brain and spinal cord are surrounded and protected by cerebrospinal fluid.


5. The Immune System
-  The skin secretes antibacterial substances. These substances explain why you don't wake up in the morning with a layer of mold growing on your skin - most bacteria and spores that land on the skin die quickly.
-  Tears and mucus contain an enzyme (lysozyme) that breaks down the cell wall of many bacteria.
-  Lymph nodes contain filtering tissue and a large number of lymph cells. When fighting certain bacterial infections, the lymph nodes swell with bacteria and the cells fighting the bacteria, to the point where you can actually feel them. Swollen lymph nodes may therefore be a good indication that you have an infection of some sort.


6. The Digestive System 
-  Adults eat about 500 kg of food per year.
-  1.5 litres of saliva are produced each day.
-  The oesophagus is approximately 25cm long.
-  Muscles contract in waves to move the food down the oesophagus. This means that food would get to a person's stomach, even if they were standing on their head.
-  An adult’s stomach can hold approximately 1.5 litres of material.
-  Every day 11.5 litres of digested food, liquids and digestive juices flow through the digestive system, but only 100 mls of fluid are lost in faeces.
-  In the mouth, food is either cooled or warmed to a more suitable temperature.
-  We get two sets of teeth. Our 20 'Baby Teeth’ are replaced starting at around 6-7 years of age with our 32 ‘Adult Teeth’.


7. The Respiratory System
-  At rest, the adult body takes in and breathes out about 6 litres of air each minute.
-  The right lung is slightly larger than the left.
-  Hairs in the nose help to clean the air we breathe as well as warming it.
-  The highest recorded "sneeze speed" is 165 km per hour.
-  The surface area of the lungs is roughly the same size as a tennis court.
-  The capillaries in the lungs would extend 1,600 kilometres if placed end to end.
-  We lose half a litre of water a day through breathing. This is the water vapour we see when we breathe onto glass.
-  A person at rest usually breathes between 12 and 15 times a minute.
-  The breathing rate is faster in children and women than in men.

Amazing Power of Amino Acids

Amazing Power of Amino Acids

In 1838, a Dutch chemist, G.J. Mulder, described a certain organic material as "unqestionably the most important of all known substances in the organic kingdom. Without it, no life appears possible on our planet. Through its means the chief phenomena of life are produced. " This complex nitrogen-bearing substance was called protein from the Greek word meaning " take the first place." Protein in now a group name signifying the principal nitrogenous constituents of the protoplasm of all plant and animal tissues.

Proteins are extremely complex organic compounds of the elements carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and,with some exceptions, sulphur. Most proteins also contain phosphorous, and some specialised proteins contain iron, iodine, copper and other inorganic elements. The presence of nitrogen distinguishes proteins from carbohydrates and fats.

Proteins are thus vital substances, which form important constituent of muscles, tissues, and the blood. Proteins supply the building material for the body and make good the wear and tear of tissues. Several substances concerned with vital life processes such as enzymes, which help in digestion of food, are chiefly protein in nature. 

There are several varieties of protein. Each type contains a specific number of "building blocks " known as amino-acids. Before they can be absorbed by the body, all proteins must first be broken down into amino-acids. When food stuffs are ingested, the nutrients and amino-acids do not immediately diffuse into all the different tissues. There are a series of biochemical reactions in the digestive tract which collect these proteins, break them down and then utilise them as needed. Any interference with the normal digestive process causes in-complete protein digestion resulting in gas, bloating etc.

There are about 22 amino acids needed for the normal functioning of the body. The body can manufacture many amino acids if it has no adequate nitrogen source, but it cannot produce certain others in sufficient amounts to meet its needs. The amino acids that the body cannot synthesis is in adequate amounts are called essential or indispensable because they must be supplied by the diet in proper proportions and amounts to meet the requirements for maintenance of growth of Non-essential or dispensable amino acids are those thatissue. the body can synthesize in sufficient amounts to meet its needs if the total amount of nitrogen supplied by protein is adequate. 

Nutritional Benefits of Milk

Nutritional Benefits of Milk

Milk is an essential part of everyone’s diet. As a primary source for calcium and other nutrients, consuming milk is important for essential growth and development. Encourage children to consume adequate amounts of milk on a daily basis.Infants up to 12 months of age need only breast milk or iron-fortified infant formula.

Children ages one to two years old should be served whole milk. Children ages two and older may only be served fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk.

Nutrition Facts
Fluid milk provides the body with various nutrients essential to growth and development including
1.  calcium,
2.  phosphorus,
3. potassium,
4.  magnesium,
5.  vitamins A, B, and D, and protein.
Low fat (1%) and fat-free (skim) milk provide all of the nutrients above with about one third of the saturated fat found in whole milk.

What is Type 1 Diabetes-part1

What is Type 1 Diabetes

What is Type 1 Diabetes

In type 1 diabetes an individual’s pancreas isn't able to create enough insulin for the body to
function properly.  Sort 1 diabetes is considered an autoimmune disease – the body’s
cells attack the cells within the pancreas that produces insulin either destroying them entirely
or enough of them that there isn’t enough insulin.



People who are diagnosed with kind 1 diabetes are typically shocked because it's not linked
to lifestyle or a healthy body weight.  As of now, there still is not any exact reason that
researchers have found that causes an individual to develop type two diabetes.  Although there
are risk factors that can increase the probabilities of someone being diagnosed.

The Sweet Truth About Cocoa Butter

The Sweet Truth About Cocoa Butter

Nothing melts in your mouth like chocolate-that’s one of the reasons so many people love it.  Chocolate‘s creamy, melting qualities come from cocoa butter, the naturally occurring fat found in cocoa beans.  Many plants are rich sources of natural fats olives, soybeans, peanuts, avocados and sunflower seeds, to name a few.  But only the cocoa bean provides the creamy and luxurious fat known as cocoa butter.

The Story of Cocoa Butter
Like many trees, the cacao tree produces fruit.  Inside this fruit are seeds known as “cocoa beans.”  When cocoa beans are crushed and pressed, cocoa butter and cocoa powder are released, both of which are essential to chocolate making.

Why Cocoa Butter?
The first “eating” chocolate was made in 1847 by adding cocoa butter to ground cocoa beans and sugar.  Look on the ingredient label of any chocolate bar today and you’ll find “cocoa butter” listed.  It’s an essential ingredient in chocolate.  Cocoa butter contributes to the delightful mouth-feel and flavor release of chocolate, and its unique and valuable characteristics set it apart from other  plant-derived fats:

Melting Point 
Cocoa butter is solid at room temperature and melts rather quickly in a 90°F - 93°F temperature range, just below body temperature (98.6°F).  This distinction is responsible for chocolate’s pleasant, melt-in-your-mouth sensation, a characteristic unique to cocoa butter.

Contraction 
When liquid cocoa butter becomes solid, it contracts slightly, which keeps it from binding to a mould.  This important property allows chocolate to be easily removed from moulds and gives us popular shaped confections like chocolate Easter bunnies, hearts, leaves, coins and more.

Cocoa Butter and You 
Because cocoa butter naturally contains saturated fat, many people wonder how it will affect their cholesterol levels.  Stearic acid is the predominate saturated fat in cocoa butter.  Stearic acid is unique and research has shown that it has an overall neutral effect on blood cholesterol.

In fact, studies indicate that eating chocolate on a daily basis, without an increase in calories in overall diet, may have no effect on blood cholesterol levels.

A Feel Good Fat
From the bean to the bar, cocoa butter is an essential part of chocolate.  Its exceptional characteristics are responsible for chocolate’s unique mouth-feel and neutral effect on blood cholesterol levels.  While there is still much to learn about this distinctive fat, just like chocolate, it’s something to feel good about.

Good for You, Inside and Out
Because cocoa butter is solid at room temperature, when applied to the skin it forms a thin protecting barrier that locks in moisture and blocks out harsh outside elements. That is why cocoa butter is commonly referred to as the “ultimate moisturizer” and used as a key ingredient in many lotions, lip balms, cosmetics and even anti-aging and scar reducing topical treatments. In fact,  doctors and scientists recognize cocoa butter as a skin protectant often  recommended for care of dry skin conditions.

Myth Melting 
Myth: Cocoa butter is a type of butter.
Fact: According to the Food and Drug Administration, “butter” is made exclusively from milk, cream or both.  Given this definition, cocoa butter is not technically a “butter.” It is a fat that comes from the cocoa bean, the seeds inside the fruit of the cacao tree.

Myth: Cocoa butter contains cholesterol.
Fact: Cholesterol from foods is only found in foods of animal origin, such as meat, fish, seafood, eggs and dairy products.  Because cocoa butter comes from a plant, it does not contain cholesterol.

Myth: Cocoa butter raises blood cholesterol levels.
Fact: Cocoa butter has been found to have an overall neutral effect on blood cholesterol levels.  While researchers are still investigating this effect, it is believed that this is due to cocoa butter’s naturally occurring fats called stearic acid, a unique saturated fat that does not raise blood cholesterol levels, and oleic acid.

Myth: Cocoa butter contains partially hydrogenated oil, a trans fat.
Fact: Partially hydrogenated oils, the most prominent source of trans fats in the diet, are man-made and have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.  Cocoa butter is a naturally-occurring fat that is not hydrogenated and contains no trans fat.

25 Health Tips to Swear By

25 Health Tips to Swear By

How sex, dental floss, and belly laughs can make a good life great. Best-selling author Mehmet Oz, M.D., explains.


1. ROTF, LMAO

Laughing not only eases stress, promotes social bonding, and lowers blood pressure, it may also boost your immune system. So bring some humor into your life, whether it's through friends or even a new TV show (preferably mine).


2. Don't skip breakfast

Fiber in the morning means less hunger late in the afternoon, when you're most likely to feel tired and gorge yourself on sugar. My morning dose comes from steel-cut oatmeal, usually mixed with raisins, walnuts, and flaxseed oil. An early start on eating also keeps your metabolism more active throughout the day; breakfast eaters are thinner than people who just rush out the door.


3. Hit the sack

Conan and Dave are funny, but they're not worth the strain on your system. Seven hours of sleep a night not only helps you live longer, but also lowers your stress, sharpens your memory, and reduces cravings for pants-splitting foods. Set a bedtime and stick to it. My target is 10:30 p.m. I record the late shows and then watch them the next day as I pedal a stationary bike.


4. Admire your work

Don't be so trigger-happy with the flusher. Turn around and take a look at your poop, which speaks volumes about your gut and overall health. Poop should be smooth and S-shaped, like your colon. If it comes out too lumpy, or drops into the bowl like marbles, you're constipated. Increase your fiber and water intake. This happens to me when I travel, so I fiber-load before a trip to avoid getting irritable. But you don't need Metamucil-here are 30 great-tasting ways to add fiber to your diet.


5. Don't pamper your bad back

Even if you're hunched over in agony, taking to your bed will only make a bad back worse. The latest research shows that bed rest weakens back muscles and prolongs the suffering. Married men may suffer more than single men because of all the pampering. I used to love milking the care from Lisa, but the best solution is to get up, take a pain reliever, and be a soldier.


6. Taste the colors

Foods with bright, rich colors are more than just nice to look at. They're also packed with flavonoids and carotenoids, powerful compounds that bind the damaging free radicals in your body, lowering inflammation. (Sadly, Skittles do not count.) Eat nine fistfuls of colorful fruits and vegetables each day and you'll reap the benefits without having to give up other foods. Whenever I shop the produce aisle, I'm reminded that these foods are often more powerful than the drugs sold in pharmacies. My favorites are arugula and blueberries.


7. Brushing is not enough

If you plan to spend your later years eating more than yogurt and applesauce, invest in some floss. No matter how thoroughly or long you brush your teeth, you're missing a good portion of their total surface. That's like washing one armpit after a workout. But the dangers of skipping floss go beyond hygiene: The bacteria that linger can increase your risk of heart disease. I use Reach Ultraclean floss, which stretches to glide between teeth.


8. Take a deep belly breath

Do this anywhere, anytime. Push out your bellows and suck air through your nose until your lungs are full. They'll fill with nitric oxide, a chemical found in the back of your nose that opens up blood vessels. The dose of oxygen will make you feel happier and more alert. This is my secret technique for calming down before a show or a tough stitch in the OR.


9. Join a yoga class

Yoga is the most important exercise of my daily routine. Being surrounded by beautiful women in spandex should be reason enough for you to join a class, but if you need more motivation, consider this: Yoga eases stress, lowers blood pressure, slows heart rates, and increases flexibility. And there's nothing mystical about it. Loosening your muscles will make them more adaptable, so you may be less likely to injure yourself playing sports. Sure, some of the poses may look ridiculous, but that's for a reason you'll learn quickly enough. Yoga can reach and work muscles that are ignored during routine sports and daily life. My favorite maneuver is the sun salutation.


10. Don't be an island

Ever wonder why women live longer than men do? One major reason: They form tight networks and actually talk about their problems. If you face life's stresses alone, you will make yourself older. Bankruptcy, for example, causes enough stress to wreak havoc on your body. With another person's love and support, that inner aging can be reduced. You really can remake your body into a sleeker, fitter, stronger version of its younger self: Here's everything you need for your best body at 40+.


11. Avoid fad diets

The secret to weight loss is not to avoid carbs, fats, yellow foods, solid foods, or foods that start with the letter G. The real trick is to lower your daily intake by about 100 calories. You'll hardly notice, but it'll add up to a loss of about 10 pounds in a year. Calorie restriction has been shown to lengthen life (in rats and monkeys). I cut back once a year to reset my appetite and tastebuds. Healthy food tastes great afterward. Frankly, any food would.


12. Be a smart patient

Your doctor can help keep you in good health, but the responsibility ultimately falls on you. Seek a second opinion before undergoing any procedure, because 30 percent of the time, that opinion will change the diagnosis or plan. Keep a written medical history, and educate yourself about any family problems, even if that means calling your creepy uncle. You might even consider signing onto Microsoft HealthVault so your files are accessible in case you find yourself in trouble away from home.


13. Lose the beer belly

Most men fasten their belts below their waists. It's just another way of avoiding the truth about that gut. Grab a tape measure and put it around your body at the level of your belly button. That number should be less than half your height. So for my 6-foot, 1-inch frame, I need to keep my waist under 36.5 inches. If avoiding heart attacks and diabetes isn't enough motivation to eliminate that gut, consider this: For every point your body mass index is over 25, your testosterone drops 3 percent, which isn't very manly.


14. Go green

I drink green tea three times a day. It's packed with heart-boosting and cancer-stopping polyphenols that black tea doesn't offer. (These beneficial chemicals are lost when it's fermented.) Green tea also delivers a boost of alertness, but from a smaller dose of caffeine than black tea. Green tea can even fight dandruff, although only if you pour it directly onto your scalp. (It's probably a good idea to let it cool down first.)


15. Sweat till you're wet

If you can work up a sweat for just one hour a week, you'll enjoy a range of benefits: reduced risk of heart attack, better mood, and lower blood pressure. I like interval training on the elliptical, with 15 pullups and 15 dips every 10 minutes. Your muscles will become more efficient, so you'll have more stamina for more enjoyable activities that also work up a sweat.


16. Put it in the bank

Most people rank personal finance as their No. 1 stressor, usually because they feel powerless. Stress not only shortens lives, it also drives people to habits like smoking, drinking, or bingeing on food. Keep some money in a special bank account, safe from your lust for a new television, and you'll establish an emotional comfort zone with major health benefits.


17. Have as much sex as possible

If a 50-something man could have sex 700 times a year, the exercise and stress reduction would make him look and feel years younger. I wouldn't recommend quitting your day job in order to hit that number—but what's the harm in trying? The next time your loved one says she has a headache, tell her she's literally killing you. It works for me. Or use this fun schedule to have sex eight times this week.


18. Know your numbers, and then aim lower

Take the part of your brain dedicated to your steak house's phone number and reassign it to your heart's vital signs. These include blood pressure (which ideally should be below 115 over 75), LDL cholesterol (under 100), resting heart rate (under 70), and fasting blood sugar (under 100). If your numbers aren't ideal, change your diet until they improve.


19. Add some weights

Just 30 minutes twice a week spent lifting weights can build significant muscle mass. What's more, working all that muscle burns tons of calories, making it a great way to lose your gut, too. Don't have weights? Try lifting yourself: Pullups are the most valuable muscle-building exercises I do. Oprah's trainer, Bob Greene, pointed out to me that pullups work the back, pecs, arms, and belly all at once. And since you're lifting yourself, you'll think twice before eating that doughnut, because you'll just have to lift it later. A simple setup in a door frame is convenient and inexpensive.


20. Grab your nuts

Nuts are among the best sources of healthful fats and protein around. I keep a bag of walnuts in my fridge and use their massive dose of omega-3 fatty acids to boost my brainpower while I see patients. Half a handful eaten about 30 minutes before a meal will temper your appetite and help you avoid the drive-thru.


21. No, seriously, grab your nuts

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men in the 15-to-35 age group, but it's usually curable if it's caught early enough. I strongly urge you to grab your testicles. Check them for bumps at least once a month. Each testicle should feel smooth and slightly soft, and one should hang slightly lower than the other, like two avocados (which, in Aztec, actually means "testicles") growing on a tree. Here is everything else you need to know to to keep your package healthy.


22. Hit the dance floor

Crosswords and card games aren't the only way to keep your brain razor sharp. It turns out that any kind of dancing with complex moves is stimulating enough to give your neurons a workout. Even the simplest moves provide some physical exercise. So don't be such a wallflower on your next night out. As a bonus, dancing may help you with tip No. 17.


23. Do your penis a favor and step on a treadmill

Men who exercise enough to burn 200 calories a day significantly lower their chances of impotence. That's because impotence often has the same cause as heart attacks: blocked arteries. Your penis is like a dipstick for your arteries, so check it. If you're interested in keeping it up later in life, lace up the sneakers now.


24. Learn to cook

Think you know how much butter goes into those mashed potatoes at a restaurant? You're probably off by half. If you can cook, you not only save money but also gain control over what goes into your meals. Plus, for most women, a man who knows how to cook is as sexy as one who stars in movies. I have trouble boiling water. Thankfully, I'm already married.


25. Some pills should be popped

The indoor life gives modern man protection from the elements and the ability to watch Gossip Girl in private. Unfortunately, roughly half of us are deficient in vitamin D, of which the sun is a major source. This crucial vitamin may aid in fighting cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. I take a 1,000 IU supplement each morning. 

Herbs and Seasonings

Herbs and Seasonings

Many organically grown fresh and dried herbs, seasonings, and spices are available; I have seldom observed problems with their use. Dried herbs are best purchased whole and then ground at home. Conventionally grown and produced ground herbs, seasonings, and spices contain some or all of the following: fillers, anticaking agents, artificial coloring, preservatives, monosodium glutamate (MSG), and pesticide residues. Reactions to these various extraneous substances often occur.

Culinary herbs go well with natural foods. Many commonly used herbs also have medicinal properties useful in helping alleviate symptoms of acute or chronic disease.

Black pepper is one seasoning best avoided; overuse may irritate the intestinal tract. Cayenne red pepper, used in moderation, does not seem to have this effect.