Amazing Benefits of Aloe Vera

<div class="single-post-thumb"> <img alt="beauty-benefits-of-aloe-vera" class="attachment-slider wp-post-image" height="330" src="http://www.healthdigezt.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/beauty-benefits-of-aloe-vera-620x330.jpg" width="620" /> </div>Aloe Vera is really quite an incredible plant. It is a succulent plant and part of the lily family (Liliaceae), the same family that garlic and onions belong to. Different parts of the plant are used for different effects on the body and Aloe Vera has both internal and external applications.<br /> I love to juice the inner gel of the aloe plant and I even add it to my smoothies to gain some of the benefits of this incredible plant. Be sure to read the last section about over-use of this plant as well as dose recommendations.<br /> Aloe Vera contains over 200 active components including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, polysaccharide, and fatty acids- no wonder it’s used for such a wide range of remedies. The bulk of the Aloe Vera leaf is filled with a clear gel-like substance, which is approximately 99% water.<br /> Man has used aloe therapeutically for over 5000 years. The list of benefits and effects for this miraculous plant are many.<br /> Here is a list of the<strong> Top 12 Benefits and Medicinal Uses for Aloe Vera:</strong><br /> <h3><strong></strong><strong>1.  Aloe Vera Is High in Vitamins & Minerals:</strong></h3>Aloe Vera contains many vitamins including A, C, E, folic acid, choline, B1, B2, B3 (niacin), B6. Aloe Vera is also one of the few plants that contains vitamin B12.<br /> Some of the 20 minerals found in Aloe Vera include: calcium, magnesium, zinc, chromium, selenium, sodium, iron, potassium, copper, manganese.<br /> <h3><strong>2. Aloe Vera is High in Amino Acids & Fatty Acids</strong></h3>Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. There are about 22 amino acids that are necessary for the human body and it is said that 8 of these are essential. Estimates of the amino acids found in aloe range from 18-20 amino acids, with all 8 essential amino acids.<br /> Alove Vera also includes quite an impressive range of fatty acids. Aloe contains three plant sterols, which are important fatty acids- HCL cholesterol (which lowers fats in the blood), campesterol, and B-sitosterol. All are helpful in reducing symptoms of allergies and acid indigestion. Other fatty acids include linoleic, linolenic, myristic, caprylic, oleic, palmitic, and  stearic.<br /> <h3><strong>3. Aloe Vera is an Adaptogen</strong></h3>Aloe Vera is a well-known adaptogen. An adaptogen is something that boosts the body’s natural ability to adapt to external changes and resist illness. It is thought that aloe’s power as an adaptogen balances the body’s system, stimulating the defense and adaptive mechanisms of the body. This allows you an increased ability to cope with stress (physical, emotional and environmental stress like pollution)<br /> <h3><strong>4. Aloe Helps with Digestion</strong></h3>Poor digestion is related to many diseases. A properly functioning digestive tract is one of the keys and foundations of health. Aloe is known to soothe and cleanse the digestive tract and help improve digestion. The interesting thing about taking aloe internally is that, because it is an adaptogen, it helps with either constipation or diarrhea, helping to regulate your elimination cycles in whatever way you need.  It’s been a great remedy for people with problems such as irritable bowel syndrome as well as acid reflux. Aloe also helps to decrease the amount of unfriendly bacteria and in our gut keeping your healthy intestinal flora in balance. Aloe is also a vermifuge, which means it helps to rid the body of intestinal worms.<br /> <h3><strong>5. Aloe Helps in Detoxification</strong></h3>Aloe Vera is a gelatinous plant food, just like seaweeds and chia. The main benefit to consuming gelatinous plant foods in your diet is that these gels move through the intestinal tract absorbing toxins along the way and get eliminated through the colon. This will help the proper elimination of waste from your body and help the detoxification of your body.<br /> <h3><strong>6.  Aloe Alkalizes the Body</strong></h3>Disease cannot manifest in an alkaline environment. Most people are living and subsisting on mostly acidic foods. For great health, remember the 80/20 rule – 80% alkaline forming foods and 20% acidic. Aloe vera is an alkaline forming food. It alkalizes the body, helping to balance overly acidic dietary habits<br /> <h3><strong>7. Cardiovascular Health</strong></h3>There hasn’t been a lot of studies conducted in this but there has been some research to show that Aloe Vera extract injected into the blood, greatly multiplies the oxygen transportation and diffusion capabilities of the red blood cells.<br /> According to a study published in the 2000 issue of the British Medical Journal, beta sitosterol helps to lower cholesterol. By regulating blood pressure, improving circulation and oxidation of the blood, lowering cholesterol, and making blood less sticky, Aloe Vera juice may be able to help lower the risk of heart disease.<br /> <h3><strong>8. Aloe Helps Boost the Immune System</strong></h3>I think given the stresses of our daily lives, every one can use a boost to their immune systems. The polysaccharides in aloe vera juice stimulate macrophages, which are the white blood cells of your immune system that fight against viruses.<br /> Aloe is also an immune enhancer because of its high level of anti-oxidants, which help combat the unstable compounds known as free-radicals, contributing to the aging process. (Free radicals are a bi-product of life itself, it is a naturally occurring process but we can overload ourselves with unnecessary free-radicals by living an unhealthy lifestyle) Aloe is also an antipyretic<strong> </strong>which means it used to reduce or prevent fever.<br /> <h3><strong>9. Aloe Vera is Great for the Skin</strong></h3>Because of aloe’s well-known healing properties for the skin, aloe is one of the primary compounds used in the cosmetic industry. It is a known vulnerary, (meaning it helps heal wounds) and is great for applying topically to burns, abrasions, psoriasis and even to bug bites. Aloe acts as an analgesic, acting to help relieve pain of wounds. It’s feels especially good to cut a stem of aloe, place it in the fridge and rub it on sun burnt skin – the immediate soothing effect feels like an absolute lifesaver. Aloe is also an antipruritic: A substance that relieves or prevents itching. Aloe Vera is an astringent: which causes the contraction of body tissues, typically used to reduce bleeding from minor abrasions.<br /> Due to aloe’s high water content (over 99% water) it is a great way to hydrate, moisturize and rejuvenate the skin and fits within my general guideline: “Don’t put anything on your skin that you wouldn’t eat!” Aloe increases the elasticity of the skin making it more flexible through collagen and elastin repair. Aloe is an emollient, helping to soften and soothe the skin. It helps supply oxygen to the skin cells, increasing the strength and synthesis of skin tissue and induces improved blood flow to the skin through capillary dilation.<br /> <h3><strong>10. Disinfectant, Anti-biotic, Anti-microbial, Germicidal, Anti-bacterial, Anti-septic, Anti-fungal & Anti-viral:</strong></h3>Wow, I think that covers all anti- bases. Okay, I admit, that was just a sneaky way to add in another 8 good reasons why you should keep Aloe Vera handy and incorporate it into your lifestyle. Aloe Vera’s active ingredients are sulphur, lupeol, salicylic acid, cinnamic acid, urea nitrogen and phenol which are substances that prevent the growth of disease-causing microorganisms and act as a team to provide antimicrobial activity thus eliminating many internal and external infections, also active against bacteria. It also helps to treat fungal and viral infections.<br /> <h3><strong>11. Aloe Helps Reduce Inflammation</strong></h3>Aloe Vera contains 12 substances, including B-sisterole, which can help to slow down or inhibit inflammation.  This may be able to help with painful joints due to stiffness and help improve joint flexibility.<br /> <h3><strong>12. Weight Loss – A Secondary effect</strong></h3>Improving your digestion, and detoxifying your will have a secondary effect in promoting weight loss because when we start to improve our digestion we naturally eliminate more efficiently, which is a primary way they we detoxify – through our bowels. This will lighten our toxic load on the body and will give us more energy.<br /> <h3><strong>Aloe Vera Intake Precautions</strong></h3>This plant is incredibly medicinal, yet there are some cautions against long-term use. Just because a little is beneficial, doesn’t mean that a lot is more beneficial. This is an incredibly potent herb and should be used with a level of respect for its potency. Long-term use can lead to loss of electrolytes, especially potassium.<br /> Avoid taking aloe internally during pregnancy, menstruation, if you have hemorrhoids or degeneration of the liver and gall bladder.<br /> <h3><strong>Aloe Vera Dosage</strong></h3>Many people are trying to sell their aloe vera juice products. Like I always say “fresh is best”. Aloe plants can grow pretty much anywhere. When I was living in Canada, I used to have several indoor aloe plants and they did really well. Now that I live in Hawaii, aloe grows everywhere, so I don’t need to buy the juice, I just make it myself. Some companies selling Aloe juice recommend that we should take it ‘regularly’ but I don’t necessarily agree. We need to treat this plant as the medicine that it is and by tuning into our bodies we can really start to notice if we’re pulled to this plant for some level of healing. Would we take medicine unnecessarily without our bodies really needing it? Probably not, and that’s the same with plant medicines. If you’re experiencing one of these digestive ailments use it for a short period of time for it’s course in treatment (1-2 weeks) and then stop and wait at least a month before starting again.

Amazing Benefits of Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is really quite an incredible plant. It is a succulent plant and part of the lily family (Liliaceae), the same family that garlic and onions belong to. Different parts of the plan…

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Healthy Cooking: Grilling Vs. Frying

<div class="single-post-thumb"> <img alt="grilledfood" class="attachment-slider wp-post-image" height="330" src="http://www.healthdigezt.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/grilledfood-620x330.jpg" width="620" /> </div><b>Cooking methods</b> have a significant impact on the quality of food you consume. Grilling and frying are two popular methods used to cook food. To grill foods, you place them on a wire grid placed under or above a dry heat source. The food is cooked by thermal radiation. It is also referred to as broiling or pan grilling. Fried foods are usually dipped into a fryer or pan that contains very hot oil or fat. Foods may be deep fried or shallow fried. The high temperatures and high heat conductivity cooks the food. This yields attractive, crispy food with a great aroma. However, the quality of food drops considerably when fried. Many fried foods can be grilled as a healthier alternative.<br /> <h4>Disadvantages of Frying</h4>When foods are fried, they absorb a lot of fat. Even if the food was a low fat item, it ends up with a high fat content when fried. When consumed, it increases the blood cholesterol level. High cholesterol levels pose greater risks to health. Arteries get clogged over time. This prevents the smooth flow of blood and increases blood pressure. High cholesterol levels also increase the risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.<br /> Higher calorie intake from fried foods results in weight gain. It becomes more difficult to manage a healthy weight program when fried foods are eaten regularly in the diet. Other foods, such as vegetables, loose much of their moisture and easily perishable vitamins when fried. This is because of the extremely high temperatures of the heated oil. Although fried food may be tasty with a great texture, it is harder to digest than grilled foods. This is because of the high amount of fat absorbed by the food as it cooks. Foods with a high fat content exert more pressure on the digestive system and organs. This contributes to disorders of the digestive tract. It also exacerbates conditions such as ulcers and gallstones. A healthier cooking alternative to frying is grilling.<br /> <h4>Health Benefits of Grilling</h4>Grilled meats have a reduced fat content. This is because the fat drips off as the food cooks. It results in healthier meals and makes it easier to manage a low fat diet. Grilled foods also have lower calorie content than fried foods. This helps in weight management and keeping fit. Reduced fat intake helps to lower bad cholesterol levels in the blood. Healthy cholesterol levels improve cardiovascular health. Various health conditions such as obesity, stroke, heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes become a risk with fried foods.<br /> When you grill your food, it helps to reduce the risk of such diseases. It also ensures that you get more value out of your food. This is because of the shorter cooking time involved when you grill. It results in minimal loss of moisture and vitamins from vegetables. This ensures that as much of the nutritional content is retained in the food when cooked. Healthy cooking contributes to good health and overall wellbeing.

Healthy Cooking: Grilling Vs. Frying

Cooking methods have a significant impact on the quality of food you consume. Grilling and frying are two popular methods used to cook food. To grill foods, you place them on a wire grid pla…

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Tips to keep you Kidney Healthy

<div class="single-post-thumb"> <img alt="Tips-to-Keep-Kidney-Health" class="attachment-slider wp-post-image" height="330" src="http://www.healthdigezt.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Tips-to-Keep-Kidney-Health-620x330.jpg" width="620" /> </div>“Prevention is better than cure”, and prevention lies in including a few management tips in your health routine like- <strong>1) </strong> <strong>Limit the work load on the kidney:</strong> You can action this by making certain changes in the diet to lower harmful toxins. This ensures that the kidney eliminates the harmful, waste ingredients from the blood as well as expels it out from the body through urination. In the course of your day, the entire blood in the body gets strained more than 20-25 times. For this reason, it’s crucial that you decrease the amount of work on the kidney.<br /> <strong>2) Drink plenty of fluids:</strong> Do you wonder why is it essential to have 8-10 glasses of water per day? Imagine a reservoir with low water levels. It may look dry, dusty, or shallow, with many objects bobbing on the surface that otherwise might be carried off downstream. This grim image is a picture of your bloodstream and kidneys when you don’t drink enough fluids. Although the kidneys act as more of a filter than a reservoir, toxins can build up if there isn’t enough water pressure to push them through to the urinary tract for excretion.<br /> <br /> <strong>3)</strong> <strong> Eat cleansing foods: </strong>Fruits and vegetables help the kidneys remove excess acid from the body and excrete it in urine. Foods that contain antioxidants can help prevent damage to cells caused by free-radicals in the body.<br /> a. Egg whites provide protein, addition to being the highest quality of protein with all the essential amino acids with less phosphorus than other protein sources such as egg yolk or meats.<br /> b. Cabbage- High in vitamin K, vitamin C and fiber, cabbage is also a good source of vitamin B6 and folic acid. Low in potassium and low in cost, it’s an affordable addition to the kidney diet.<br /> c. Red bell peppers- Red bell peppers are low in potassium. This tasty vegetable is also an excellent source of lycopene, vitamin C and vitamin A, as well as vitamin B6, folic acid and fiber.<br /> d. Grapes – are an excellent choice for detoxifying the kidneys as they help to flush out excess uric acid from the system.<br /> e. Cranberries -contain an essential nutrient and antioxidant called proanthocyanidin. They are also rich in quinine, which converts to a substance called hippuric acid that helps to eliminate toxins from the body.<br /> <strong>4) Magnesium Intake:</strong> Due to high blood pressure and toxic overload when magnesium is deficient, kidney function can be largely affected. To ensure that your body is getting enough magnesium, which keeps the kidneys functioning well, make sure you eat as many dark green vegetables, seeds, nuts and whole grains.<br /> <strong>5) Cut the Sodium, salt and protein:</strong> The body spends a lot of energy eliminating unnecessary things like excess protein, salt and even water. The kidneys being the body’s filter in removing waste will have to work harder if any of these are consumed in excess. Sodium is essential in maintaining fluid balance, but if it is consumed in excess and then not properly filtered out in someone with a kidney disease, it can cause high blood pressure and may lead to heart attack and stroke. Kidney malfunction may also occur if it has to handle excess protein (more than 1 gm. / kg of body weight), as they have to work harder to remove the blood urea nitrogen from the body. Drinking too much water when it’s not needed also puts extra stress on kidneys and can lead to renal damage.<br /> <strong>6) Calcium mineral supplements:</strong> The Kidney performs a crucial role in calcium supplement supply in the body. Up on reduced calcium intake, a hormone is actually released. This hormone in conjunction with vitamin D encourages release of calcium through bones which is soaked up from the intestine. However though, kidney is actually actively involved in staying away from osteoporosis, excess calcium supplement in kidney stones. As a result it is essential to have an organic diet that is full of calcium and to steer clear of supplements unless informed to do so by a competent physician.<br /> <strong>Renal friendly recipe for world kidney day ( 14th March )<br /></strong><br /> <strong>Vegetable patties<br /></strong>Portions: 6<br />Serving size: 2 cutlets<br /> <strong>Ingredients-</strong><br />1 cup grated carrots<br />2 cups grated cabbage<br />2 cups  french beans, chopped<br />1/4 teaspoon salt<br />1 teaspoon cumin powder<br />1 teaspoon red chili powder<br />1/2 cup all-purpose white flour<br />4  brown bread slices<br /> <strong>Preparation-</strong><br />Steam cabbage and carrots in a pan. When half cooked, add the chopped french beans and cook until completely done.<br /> When cool, add spices, flour and bread slices (soaked in water and drained by squeezing between the palms), coriander leaves and the lime juice.<br /> Make 12 balls and flatten each into a patty (the size of a small burger).<br /> Heat a saucepan over medium heat. Add the oil and place patties in the saucepan, two or three at a time without crowding.<br /> Flip patties over when cooked, about 2-3 minutes on each side. Serve hot.

Tips to keep you Kidney Healthy

“Prevention is better than cure”, and prevention lies in including a few management tips in your health routine like- 1) Limit the work load on the kidney: You can action this by making certa…

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The Importance of Vitamin E

<div class="single-post-thumb"> <img alt="vitamin-e" class="attachment-slider wp-post-image" height="330" src="http://www.healthdigezt.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/vitamin-e-610x330.jpg" width="610" /> </div><h2><b>The importance of vitamin E</b></h2>Vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient (your body’s fat soaks it up) that helps protect your cells from free radical damage, which is associated with cancer and other health conditions. Many scientists believe it may help prevent or delay the onset of dozens of chronic diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, cancer, bladder infections and cataracts. It’s also believed the vitamin can help protect skin from UV damage.<br /> <h2>Signs of a vitamin E deficiency</h2>There are several signs indicating you may be running low on vitamin E, including:<br /> <ul><li>Pain, tingling or loss of sensation in your hands or feet</li><li>Development of digestive issues like malabsorption</li><li>Problems with your gallbladder, liver or pancreas</li></ul>Some research suggests skin problems (like dryness or sensitivity to light) may also be a sign of a vitamin E deficiency, but most scientists agree more research needs to be done before a link can be confirmed.<br /> <h2>Are you at risk for a vitamin E deficiency?</h2>Vitamin E deficiencies in the US are rare. However, people who have a hard time absorbing fat from their diet are more at risk, since it is fat that absorbs vitamin E so the body can use it. Other at-risk groups include:<br /> <strong>People on medication:</strong> Some medicines like cholesterol-lowering drugs hinder the body’s ability to absorb fat.<br /> <strong>People with digestive diseases:</strong> People who suffer from Crohn’s or irritable bowel syndrome will have a harder time absorbing fat and vitamin E from foods. They also experience bouts of diarrhea (one of the ways the nutrient is excreted from our bodies).<br /> <strong>People with cystic fibrosis:</strong> This disease of the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas and liver interferes with normal digestion and, therefore, absorption of nutrients as well as fats.<br /> <strong>Premature babies:</strong> Infants who are born prematurely or with a very low birth weight may have a harder time absorbing vitamin E and fat from their diets. (This situation usually improves over time and with medical treatment.)<br /> <h2>Recommended daily dose for vitamin E</h2>The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin E varies by sex and age group.<br /> Children (ages 0-4 months): 4 mg per day<br />Children (ages 7-12 months): 5 mg per day<br />Children (ages 1-3): 6 mg per day<br />Children (ages 4-8): 7 mg per day<br />Children (ages 9-13): 11 mg per day<br />Adults (ages 14 and older): 15 mg per day<br />Pregnant females: 15 mg per day<br />Lactating females: 19 mg per day<br /> Vitamin E toxicity is very rare and only really occurs in people taking vitamin E supplements. As a result, a Tolerable Upper Intake Level has been set for the nutrient at 1,000 milligrams a day. Before you take more than the recommended amount of vitamin E, talk to your doctor.<br /> <h2>Food sources for vitamin E</h2>Oils, nuts, green leafy vegetables and fortified cereals are the most common food sources of vitamin E.<br /> <strong>Some healthy options include:<br /></strong><br />Wheat germ oil, 1 tbsp = 20.3 mg<br />Sunflower seeds, dry roasted, 1/4 cup = 18.1 mg<br />Almonds, dry roasted, 1/4 cup = 8.97 mg<br />Olives, 1 cup = 4.03 mg<br />Peanut butter, smooth, 2 tbsp = 4.2 mg<br />Spinach, boiled, 1 cup = 1.72 mg<br />Kiwi, medium, 1 = 0.85 mg<br />Broccoli, steamed, 1 cup = 0.75 mg<br /> <h2>How to get more vitamin E in your diet</h2>Here are some quick and easy ways to get more vitamin E in your diet.<br /> <strong>1. Eat more healthy fats.</strong> Unsaturated fat sources, such as sesame, flax, and olive oils as well as nuts are full of healthy vitamin E rich fats.<br /> <strong>2. Store your foods properly.</strong> Vitamin E is very sensitive to oxygen so it’s best to store your vitamin E-rich foods in sealed, capped and sturdy containers.<br /> <strong>3. Eat unprocessed foods.</strong> Processed foods have 50 to 90 percent less vitamin E than unprocessed ones.<br /> <strong>4. Get enough vitamin C and zinc in your diet.</strong> Vitamin C and zinc help boost your body’s ability to absorb and use vitamin E.

The Importance of Vitamin E

The importance of vitamin EVitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient (your body’s fat soaks it up) that helps protect your cells from free radical damage, which is associated with cancer and other…

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Simple Tips to Look Younger

<div class="single-post-thumb"> <img alt="ultimate-anti-aging-tips" class="attachment-slider wp-post-image" height="320" src="http://www.healthdigezt.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/ultimate-anti-aging-tips.jpg" width="620" /> </div>We definitely live in a youth obsessed culture because it seems like everyone wants to look younger than their age. If you are one of the lucky ones who was born with youthful genes and you naturally look young, you are very fortunate. Most people have to work at it. <br />Many people choose surgery or injections as an option for looking younger, but there are many things you can do right at home that will really make a difference in your appearance without having to visit the doctor.<br /> <br />Here are twenty tips that you can start implementing into your schedule today that will naturally turn back the hands of time for you! Most of these are very simple and anyone can do them. Although I think we should celebrate each year we are given the gift of life, if looking younger is something you would like to do, then try these things below. I’m confident you’ll see a difference!<br /> <br /><span style="color: black;">1. <strong><span style="font-size: small;">Eat Organic Whenever Possible.</span></strong> I know, I know, I’m the chicken wing addict, but we truly are what we eat, and the more I learn about food, the more I realize how high quality food is directly related to aging. When in doubt, organic is always better.</span><br /> <br /><span style="color: black;">2. <strong><span style="font-size: small;">Moisturize Your Face, Neck & Hands Every Day.</span></strong> I am a moisturizer fanatic. I put moisturizer on four or five times a day. Make sure to use a moisturizer that contains SPF. Have you ever noticed those people that have a young looking face but old looking neck and hands? Yep, there is more to moisturize than just your face, don’t forget!</span><br /> <br /><span style="color: black;">3. <strong><span style="font-size: small;">Drink a Ton of Water.</span></strong> Just drink as much as you can. I try to drink 2 liters each day. Learn to love drinking water; it is so good for your skin and your overall health. You’ll definitely look and feel a lot younger when you start drinking water. You’ll lose weight too!</span><br /> <br /><span style="color: black;">4. <strong><span style="font-size: small;">Get Your Vitamin C.</span></strong> Supposedly 75 mg. of vitamin C each day keeps the wrinkles away. That is the amount of vitamin C found in a grapefruit or two medium sized oranges.</span><br /> <br /><span style="color: black;">5. <strong><span style="font-size: small;">Wear a Young Smelling Fragrance.</span></strong> Have you ever noticed that some fragrances smell younger than others? It’s true. Studies show that people that wear younger smelling fragrances are actually perceived as being younger. For example, I love Coco Chanel but it has an older smell to it, so during the day I usually wear Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue because it smells so much younger to me.</span><br /> <br /><span style="color: black;">6. <strong><span style="font-size: small;">Whiten Your Teeth.</span></strong> Erasing the signs of coffee and tea from your teeth will definitely give you a more youthful look. You don’t have to go to the dentist to do this; you can pick up some Crest Whitestrips at the drug store.</span><br /> <br /><span style="color: black;">7. <strong><span style="font-size: small;">Wear V-neck Shirts and Sweaters.</span></strong> This is a trick that every cosmo girl knows. V-necks will always make you look younger and thinner. I have about 20 of them. Haha!</span><br /> <br /><span style="color: black;">8. <strong><span style="font-size: small;">Wear Lip Gloss Instead of Lipstick.</span></strong> Lip gloss will give your whole face a youthful glow. Try skipping the lipstick and just wear lip gloss instead. You know what they say, “You can’t ever put on too much lip gloss!” I’m a big fan of lip plumper too.</span><br /> <br /><span style="color: black;">9. <strong><span style="font-size: small;">Reduce Stress.</span></strong> Stress is one of those things that will age you in a hurry! Learn some relaxation techniques even if it means just learning how to take deep breaths throughout the day. This is an important step not to be overlooked.</span><br /> <br /><span style="color: black;">10. <strong><span style="font-size: small;">Stay Away From Sugar.</span></strong> I’ve been studying the effects of sugar on our body for about a year, and I’ll just say that it is bad for us on so many different levels. If you research this, you’ll find that sugar can actually cause wrinkles. There is a whole process here that is quite nasty. I very rarely ever eat sugar since I’ve learned about this.</span><br /> <br /><span style="color: black;">11. <strong><span style="font-size: small;">Fit Exercise/Yoga Into Your Schedule Every Day.</span></strong> I know, I know.. I hate it too, but it’s a necessary evil. Need some exercise motivation? Read this: <span style="color: black;">How To: Get Motivated to Exercise</span></span><br /> <br /><span style="color: black;">12. <strong><span style="font-size: small;">Get Plenty of Sleep.</span></strong> Lately, for me, sleep has become a luxury that I haven’t been able to indulge in much, but I know it is important. When we sleep, our cells are renewed and our skin actually heals itself. Sleeping is such a healthy activity, and we should all get plenty of it.</span><br /> <br /><span style="color: black;">13. <strong><span style="font-size: small;">Update Your Hairstyle.</span></strong> Ouch. I need to do this badly. I’ve had long hair ever since I can remember. I read that getting bangs instantly takes 5 years off your appearance. I’m making my appointment right now.</span><br /> <br /><span style="color: black;">14. <strong><span style="font-size: small;">Wear Light Colors.</span></strong> Supposedly wearing light colors makes us look younger; however, we all know that wearing dark colors makes us look thinner. I guess with this tip we have to choose, do we want to look young or thin? Hmm…</span><br /> <br /><span style="color: black;">15. <strong><span style="font-size: small;">Improve Your Posture.</span></strong> It’s a known fact that hunched shoulders add age to everyone. Stand up straight, shoulders back, head up.</span><br /> <br /><span style="color: black;">16. <strong><span style="font-size: small;">Remember Your Manicures and Pedicures!</span></strong> I can’t live without my manicures and pedicures. A French manicure on both fingers and toes feels like heaven to me. These little details will definitely make you look and feel younger and more beautiful.</span><br /> <br /><span style="color: black;">17. <strong><span style="font-size: small;">Drink a Glass of Red Wine.</span></strong> Red wine is rich in antioxidants which will prevent free radicals from damaging your skin cells. According to Dr. Oz, only have one glass each day, not much more!</span><br /> <br /><span style="color: black;">18. <strong><span style="font-size: small;">Maintain Your Eyebrows.</span></strong> Ladies, this is a trick that I recently learned: If you fill in your eyebrows with an eyebrow pencil and be sure not to over pluck them, you will look younger. It is amazing how much of the age in our face is related to our eyebrows.</span><br /> <br /><span style="color: black;">19. <strong><span style="font-size: small;">Skip a Meal Each Day or Fast One Day a Week.</span></strong> This is a simple way to cut down on calories without even really noticing it. If you cut down on calories, you will lose weight. Losing weight means you’ll look younger!</span><br /> <br /><span style="color: black;">20. <strong><span style="font-size: small;">Have a Positive Attitude and Smile!</span></strong> This is my favorite one of all. In my opinion, having a positive attitude can cure so many different ailments in life. A simple smile relaxes the muscles in your face and makes those around you feel at ease. You’ve heard the phrase, “grumpy old man.” It’s true that as people get older, they tend to smile less. Having a positive outlook on life and smiling will keep you young!</span>

Simple Tips to Look Younger

We definitely live in a youth obsessed culture because it seems like everyone wants to look younger than their age. If you are one of the lucky ones who was born with youthful genes and you…

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Tips for Preventing Warts

<div class="single-post-thumb"> <img alt="20111108161239prevent-hpv" class="attachment-slider wp-post-image" height="300" src="http://www.healthdigezt.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/20111108161239prevent-hpv.jpg" width="590" /> </div>No matter how well you take care of your skin, there is unfortunately no foolproof way to avoid getting warts. There are some steps you can take to reduce your chances of getting or spreading them. Here’s how you can reduce your risk of getting warts:<br /> <ul><li>Avoid biting and chewing fingernails and cuticles. This can predispose skin to infection.</li><li>Wash hands often (reiterate the importance of this to children).</li><li>Moisturize – especially dry, cracked skin.</li><li>Always wear sandals or flip flops in public showers, locker rooms and pools to prevent plantar warts.</li><li>Clean cuts and scratches thoroughly with soap and water since they are susceptible to warts and other infections.</li><li>Never share razors, towels or socks with others. Even if no wart is visible, they may still carry the virus.</li><li>Keep your hands and feet dry and wear extra absorbent socks if you sweat a lot.</li><li>Avoid touching other people’s warts.</li></ul>Avoid spreading warts:<br /> <ul><li>Don’t rub or scratch your wart.</li><li>Keep the wart covered with a bandage, tape, etc.</li><li>Never brush, comb, shave or clip areas with warts.</li><li>Wash your hands immediately after touching your wart.</li><li>If the wart is on your hand, wear gloves at the gym so you don’t spread it.</li></ul>No matter how hard you try, you’re bound to get a wart at one time or another.

Tips for Preventing Warts

No matter how well you take care of your skin, there is unfortunately no foolproof way to avoid getting warts. There are some steps you can take to reduce your chances of getting or spreadi…

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Amazing thing you should know about Corn

<div class="single-post-thumb"> <img alt="Corn" class="attachment-slider wp-post-image" height="330" src="http://www.healthdigezt.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Corn-620x330.jpg" width="620" /> </div>Health benefits of corn include controlling diabetes, prevention of heart ailments, lowering hypertension and prevention of neural-tube defects at birth. Corn or maize is one of the most popular cereals in the world and forms the staple food in many countries, including the United States and  many African countries. The kernels of corn are what hold the majority of corn’s nutrients, and are the most commonly consumed parts of the vegetable. The kernels can come in multiple colors, depending on where the corn is grown and what species or variety they happen to be. Another genetic variant, called sweetcorn, has more sugar and less starch in the nutritive material.<br /> <h3>Nutritional Value of Corn</h3>Corn not only provides the necessary calories for healthy, daily metabolism, but is also a rich source of vitamins A, B, E and many minerals. Its high fiber content ensures that it plays a significant role in the prevention of digestive ailments like constipation and hemorrhoids as well as colorectal cancer. The antioxidants present in corn also act as anti-carcinogenic agents and prevent Alzheimer’s disease.<br /> <h3>Health Benefits of Corn</h3>Corn provides many health benefits due to the presence of quality nutrients within. Besides being a delicious addition to any meal, it is also rich in phytochemicals, and it provides protection against a number of chronic diseases.  Some of the well-researched and widespread health benefits of corn are listed below.<br /> <br /><strong>Rich source of calories:</strong> Corn is a rich source of calories and is a staple among dietary habits in many populations. The calorific content of corn is 342 calories per 100 grams, which is among the highest for cereals. It is why corn is often turned to for quick weight gain, and combined with the ease and flexibility of growing conditions for corn, the high calorie content makes it vital for the survival of dozens of agricultural-based nations.<br /> <div>Advertisement<br /><ins><ins id="aswift_1_anchor"></ins></ins></div><br /><strong>Reduces risk of hemorrhoids and colorectal cancer:</strong> The fiber content of one cup of corn amounts to 18.4% of the daily recommended amount. This aids in alleviating digestive problems such as constipation and hemorrhoids, as well as lowering the risk of colon cancer due to corn being a whole-grain. Fiber has long been promoted as a way to reduce colon risk, but insufficient and conflicting data exists for fiber’s relationship with preventing cancer, although whole-grain consumption, on the whole, has been proven to reduce that risk. Fiber helps to bulk up bowel movements, which stimulates peristaltic motion and even stimulates the production of gastric juice and bile. It can also add bulk to overly loose stools, which can slow reduce the chances of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and diarrhea.<br /> <br /><strong>Rich source of vitamins:</strong> Corn is rich in vitamin B constituents, especially Thiamin and Niacin. Thiamin is essential for maintaining nerve health and cognitive function. Niacin deficiency leads to Pellagra; a disease characterized by diarrhea, dementia and dermatitis that is commonly observed in malnourished individuals.<br /><br />Corn is also a good source of Pantothenic acid, which is an essential vitamin for carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism in the body. Deficiency of folic acid in pregnant women can lead to the birth of underweight infants and may also result in neural tube defects in newborns. Corn provides a large percentage of the daily folate requirement, while the kernels of corn are rich in vitamin E, a natural antioxidant that is essential for growth and protection of the body from illness and disease.<br /> <br /><strong>Provides necessary minerals:</strong> Corn contains abundant minerals which positively benefit the bodies in a number of ways. phosphorous, along with magnesium, manganese, zinc, iron and copper are found in all varieties of corn. It also contains trace minerals like selenium, which are difficult to find in most normal diets.<br /><br />Phosphorous is essential for regulating normal growth, bone health and optimal kidney functioning. Magnesium is necessary for maintaining a normal heart rate and for increasing bone strength.<br /> <br /><strong>Antioxidant properties:</strong> According to studies carried out at Cornell University, corn is a rich source of antioxidants which fight cancer-causing free radicals. In fact, unlike many other foods, cooking actually increases the amount of usable antioxidants in sweet corn. Corn is a rich source of a phenolic compound called ferulic acid, an anti-carcinogenic agent that has been shown to be effective in fighting the tumors which lead to breast cancer as well as liver cancer. Anthocyanins, found in purple corn, also act as scavengers and eliminators of cancer-causing free radicals. Antioxidants have been shown to reduce many of the most dangerous forms of cancer because of their ability to induce apoptosis in cancerous cells, while leaving healthy cells unaffected. This is particularly relevant when phytochemicals are the source of the antioxidants, which is another type of chemical found in high volumes in corn.<br /><strong></strong><br /> <br /><strong>Protecting Your Heart:</strong> According to researchers, corn oil has been shown to have an anti-atherogenic effect on cholesterol levels, thus reducing the risk of various cardiovascular diseases. Corn oil, particularly, is the best way to increase heart health, and this is derived from the fact that corn is close to an optimal fatty acid combination. This allows omega-3 fatty acids to strip away the damaging “bad” cholesterol and replace them at the binding sites. This will reduce the chances of arteries becoming clogged, will reduce blood pressure, and decrease the change of heart attack and stroke.<br /> <br /><strong>Prevents Anemia:</strong> The vitamin B12 and folic acid present in corn prevent anemia caused by a deficiency of these vitamins. Corn also has a significant level of iron, which is one of the essential minerals needed to form new red blood cells; a deficiency in iron is one of the main cause of anemia as well.<br /> <br /><strong>Lowers LDL Cholesterol:</strong> According to the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, consumption of corn husk oil lowers plasma LDL cholesterol by reducing cholesterol absorption in the body. As mentioned earlier, this reduction of LDL cholesterol does not mean a reduction in HDL cholesterol, which is considered “good cholesterol” and can have a variety of beneficial effects on the body, including the reduction of heart disease, prevention of atherosclerosis, and a general scavenger of free radicals throughout the body.<br /> <br /><strong>Vitamin-A Content:</strong> Yellow corn is a rich source of beta-carotene, which forms vitamin A in the body and is essential for the maintenance of good vision and skin. Beta-carotene is a great source of vitamin-A because it is converted within the body, but only in the amounts that the body requires. Vitamin-A can be toxic if too much is consumed, so deriving vitamin-A through beta-carotene transformation is ideal.<br /><br />Vitamin-A will also benefit the health of skin and mucus membranes, as well as boosting the immune system.<br /> The amount of beta-carotene in the body that is not converted into vitamin-A acts as a very strong antioxidant, like all carotenoids, and can combat terrible diseases like cancer and heart disease. That being said, smokers need to be careful about their beta-carotene content, because smokers with high beta-carotene levels are more likely to contract lung cancer, while non-smokers with high beta-carotene content are less likely to contract lung cancer.<br /> <br /><strong>Controls diabetes and hypertension:</strong> In recent decades, the world has seemed to suffer from an epidemic of diabetes. Although the exact mechanism for this cannot be pinpointed, it is generally assumed to relate to nutrition.  Eating more organic fruits and vegetables, like corn, has been thought to be a return to an older style of diet, and it has been linked to reduced signs of diabetes.  Studies have shown that the consumption of corn kernels assists in the management of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and is effective against hypertension due to the presence of phenolic phytochemicals in whole corn. Phytochemicals can regulate the absorption and release of insulin in the body, which can reduce the chance of spikes and drops for diabetic patients and help them maintain a more normal lifestyle.<br /> <br /><strong>Cosmetic benefits:</strong> Corn starch is used in the manufacturing of many cosmetic products and may also be applied topically to soothe skin rashes and irritation. Corn products can be used to replace carcinogenic petroleum products which are major components of many cosmetic preparations. Many of the traditional skin creams contain petroleum jelly as a base material, which can often block pores and make skin conditions even worse.<br /> <h3>How to select and store Corn</h3>Corn is easily available across markets all over the world. Its always good to consume fresh corn however frozen corn can also be used. While buying fresh corn make sure the husks are not dried out. Also consume fresh corns within few days to ensure good taste. For storing fresh corns you may keep the husk and store in air tight containers in refrigerator.<br /> <h3>Quick ideas to serve</h3><strong>Steamed corn</strong>: Clean the fresh corns and cook them in a container filled with water. Add butter, lime, salt to the cooked corn for additional flavour.<br /> <strong>Soups and salads</strong>: Add cooked corn kernels to salads and soups for additional flavor. Mix chopped onion, tomato, lettuce, cooked corn kernels in a bowl. Season with salt, pepper, lime juice and olive oil.<br /> <strong>A Few Words of Warning: </strong>Corn does contain large amounts of fatty acid, so for people who are already at high risk for heart disease, excess corn or corn oil can dangerously exacerbate those conditions and risks. Also, corn is frequently turned into high fructose corn syrup, which is extracted from corn to use as a cheap sweetener. It  is worse than table sugar and is a cause of obesity, as well as having a negative impact on your blood sugar levels. It is found in many artificially sweetened foods and syrups, so avoid these if you want to only get the positive benefits of corn.<br /> Corn is a rich source of many essential nutrients and fiber. A meal rich in corn can go a long way in protecting against many diseases and ailments. So start shucking!

Amazing thing you should know about Corn

Health benefits of corn include controlling diabetes, prevention of heart ailments, lowering hypertension and prevention of neural-tube defects at birth. Corn or maize is one of the most po…

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Natural Ways to Improve Hair

<div class="single-post-thumb"> <img alt="beautiful-hair" class="attachment-slider wp-post-image" height="330" src="http://www.healthdigezt.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/beautiful-hair-590x330.gif" width="590" /> </div>It is also important to remember that the condition of the hair and skin can be a good indication of the state of the body on the inside, so it is important address the body as a whole to improve hair and skin for the long term. Either way, these natural tips are also good for the body in other ways, so there isn’t much to lose. Have you ever done anything to help improve hair growth? Please share your tips below!<br /> <h2>1. Consume Enough Protein</h2>Protein is essential for hair growth, so consuming enough protein can make sure that the body has the necessary building blocks for hair. Complete sources of protein like meats and fish are the most beneficial for hair growth and many meats also contain iron, which is another essential aspect of proper hair growth.<br /> Foods like meats, fish, eggs, and especially bone broths (see below) are excellent for hair growth. These foods also contain necessary fats that help promote healthy hormones (see below) and healthy hair!<br /> <h2>2. Get The Vitamins!</h2>Some vitamins help promote hair growth- most notably: Vitamin C and Biotin. The body needs Vitamin C to produce collagen, which is necessary for healthy hair and skin. Vitamin C also helps with iron absorption, which promotes hair growth (plus it is an immune booster!). Since the body can’t manufacture Vitamin C, it is one vitamin that must be obtained from food or supplements. Foods like citrus, broccoli and spinach all contain Vitamin C.<br /> Biotin (and other b-vitamins) can also promote faster and stronger hair growth, and it is also good for the skin. Biotin is a water soluble B-Vitamin that is also used in proper digestion of fats and sugars. Eggs, nuts, berries, fish and some vegetables all provide Biotin, though in small amounts, so sometimes a supplement can be helpful.<br /> <h2>3. Up the Gelatin</h2>I’ve posted before about the many benefits of Gelatin, including its support of healthy hair, skin and nails. Gelatin is one thing I make sure to consume daily in some form, either in bone broth or gelatin powder (or both). From a previous post:<br /> “Gelatin is largely composed of the amino acids glycine and proline, which many people don’t consume in adequate amounts as they are found in the bones, fibrous tissues and organs of animals and as a population, we don’t consume these parts as much anymore. These amino acids are needed not only for proper skin, hair and nail growth, but for optimal immune function and weight regulation!<br /> Glycine, which makes up about 1/3 of the amino acids in gelatin powder is anti-inflammatory and evidence is finding that it can help speed wound healing. Glycine in gelatin can also help improve sleep ease and quality.”<br /> Here are some of my favorite ways to incorporate Gelatin.<br /> <h2>4. Balance the Hormones</h2>“When it comes to health, hormones and gut bacteria have a much bigger effect than many people realize. In fact, these two factors can destroy health even if everything else (diet, supplements, etc) is optimized. Conversely, fixing hormones and gut bacteria can do a lot to boost health, even if not all the other factors are optimal. In fact, there are even studies about using certain hormone reactions to heal brain trauma.”<br /> Hormones are often a major cause of hair loss or poor hair growth and unfortunately, there can be many causes of hormone imbalance. This is also the reason for hair loss after pregnancy. Of course, some steps can be taken to improve hair while working to balance hormones, and these are my top tips for balancing hormones naturally.<br /> Stress and lack of sleep are two major contributors to hormone imbalance and here are some suggestions for optimizing those.<br /> <h2>5. External Hair Treatments</h2>Though the major causes of poor hair quality and growth are internal, external treatments can help improve existing hair and prevent breakage. From a previous post:<br /> “I got this tip from Pinterest and have been amazed at what an intensive conditioning and strengthening treatment it is! To make, stir 1 tablespoon of Gelatin powder in to 1/2 cup of cool water until mixed. Add 1/2 cup warm/hot water, 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon of honey to create a thick gel/liquid. Pour into hair and massage through hair and scalp. Leave on for at least 5 minutes and rinse with hot water. Shampoo as normal.”<br /> Another great hair treatment is to mix melted coconut oil and honey and massage through hair. Leave on for at least 20 minutes and then wash normally. My favorite ratio is 4 tablespoons of melted coconut oil and 1 tablespoon of honey.<br /> How do you keep hair healthy?<br /> Share your tips!

Natural Ways to Improve Hair

It is also important to remember that the condition of the hair and skin can be a good indication of the state of the body on the inside, so it is important address the body as a whole to i…

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Natural ways to Whiten Underarm

<div class="single-post-thumb"> <img alt="underarms1" class="attachment-slider wp-post-image" height="330" src="http://www.healthdigezt.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/underarms1-600x330.jpg" width="600" /> </div>Wondering how to get rid of dark underarms? Not only do they make you feel conscious while wearing sleeveless clothes, but also while wearing a swimsuit or going to a salon for other treatments. However, to understand how to get rid of dark underarms, you first need to understand the causes. You might have noticed that famous deodorant brands are running campaigns that promise to whiten underarms. However, getting rid of darker underarms is not as easy as we think it is. While these might help to a degree, deodorants are responsible for darker underarms in the first place. So, to understand how to get rid of dark underarms, you need to understand what could be causing dark underarms in the first place.<br /> <h4><strong>Top 6 Causes For Dark Armpits:</strong></h4>It comes as no surprise that so many women have dark underarms, because there are more than a few factors that contribute to this problem.<br /> <strong>1 . Shaving</strong><br /> When you use a razor to shave, you cut off hair just below the surface of the skin. Shaving results in unsightly stubble, which gives the illusion that you have darker underarms. The same goes for hair removal creams like Anne French or Veet. Both of these also remove hair on the surface only, which makes the underarms look darker. The fact that shaving results in ingrown hair also further contributes to the problem. Instead, try waxing as it removes the hair from the root itself.<br /> <strong>2 . Dead Cells</strong><br /> Darker underarms could very well be the result of dead cells accumulation on your underarms. All you need to do is exfoliate gently, either by using a loofah or scrubs with lactic acid.<br /> <strong>3 . Using Deodorants and Antiperspirants Excessively</strong><br /> Many theories reveal that the chemical compounds in strong deodorants could be the reason for darker underarms. This leads to pigmentation, which can result in permanently darker armpits. To change that, use deos for sensitive skin or resort to natural methods for dealing with underarm odour.<br /> <strong>4 . Friction</strong><br /> Sometimes, when we wear tight clothes on a daily basis, the friction between the material and your armpits can lead to darkening. To reverse the damage, switch to looser clothes and fabrics that breathe easily in the summer. Basically, fat accumulated under the arm rubs against fabric and causes darkening. Losing weight will also help.<br /> <strong>5 . Hereditary Factors</strong><br /> Sometimes, hereditary factors can be the cause for darkened underarms. It could be excessive weight gain, hormonal factors that result in pigmentation or even the use of birth control pills. In such cases, visit the doctor to get professional advice as your problem is much deeper than just dark underarms.<br /> <strong>6 . Diabetes</strong><br /> What many people don’t realize is that diabetes also causes pigmentation, resulting in darker underarms. The best way to deal with this is to maintain optimum insulin levels and try natural remedies.<br /> <h3><strong>8 Top Ways To Get Rid Of Dark Underarms:</strong></h3>Now that we know what could be causing darker underarms, let us focus on how to get rid of them.<br /> <strong>1.  </strong><strong>Waxing Or Electrolysis</strong><br /> The biggest reason for dark underarms is shaving or using hair removal creams. Instead, try waxing. It will hurt more, but at least the hair will be removed from the root and your underarms will appear fairer immediately. Waxing also works as an exfoliating method. For those who want to get rid of underarm hair for good, electrolysis is another permanent option. In time, the darkened patches under the arm will lighten.<br /> <strong>2.  </strong><strong>Lemon Juice</strong><br /> One of the most effective ways to lighten underarms is to rub them with lemon juice every day before taking a bath. Lemon is a natural bleaching agent and will slowly lighten the area. After your bath, use moisturizer to soften the skin and skip the deodorant for a few days.<br /> <strong>3.  </strong><strong>Lightening Masks</strong><br /> To get rid of dark underarms, make a homemade whitening pack or buy one at the market. If you want to prepare the mask at home, mix a handful of gram flour with yogurt, lemon and a little turmeric powder. Keep it for 15-20 minutes, and then wash it off. If you want to buy a readymade mask – try any clay-based lightening skin mask.<br /> <strong>4.  </strong><strong>Potato and cucumber</strong><br /> Potato also works as a natural bleaching agent. You can either rub underarm skin with thinly sliced potatoes, or grate the potato and apply the juice to the affected area. Leave it on for 15 minutes and wash. You will notice that soon the underarm skin appears to be lighter in colour. Similarly, you can grate a cucumber and apply the juice under your arms.<br /> <strong>5.  </strong><strong>Saffron Mixture</strong><br /> An effective home remedy that works in two ways is mixing a pinch of saffron in two spoonfuls of milk or cream and applying to the underarms before bed. Keep this for the whole night, and wash off the next morning. Not only does this lightens the underarms, but also kills all germs and bacteria that cause underarm odour.<br /> <strong>6.  Less Usage of </strong><strong>deodorants</strong><br /> Since we know that your deodorant or antiperspirant could be the reason you have darker underarms, give them a miss. Instead, try natural remedies to combat body odour for a few days. You can mix baking soda with a little water and wipe the underarms with this solution. Anti-fungal powders and alum are also great alternatives. Once your underarms look lighter, shift to specialised whitening deos or deos made especially for sensitive skin.<br /> <strong>7.  </strong><strong>Try Sandalwood and Rose Water</strong><br /> Another great way to treat dark underarms naturally is to create a paste of sandalwood with rose water. While the sandalwood has lightening properties, the rose water will cool down the skin and make it softer. Leave the paste for a few minutes before washing it off and use this every day to see a difference.<br /> <strong>8. </strong><strong>White</strong><strong>ning Scrubs</strong><br /> If your dark underarms are a result of dead cell accumulation, the best way to treat this is to use whitening scrubs. Select a scrub for sensitive skin, such as Nivea, St Ives and Everyuth Naturals.

Natural ways to Whiten Underarm

Wondering how to get rid of dark underarms? Not only do they make you feel conscious while wearing sleeveless clothes, but also while wearing a swimsuit or going to a salon for other treatm…

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Natural way to have Red Lips

<div class="single-post-thumb"><img alt="lips" class="attachment-slider wp-post-image" height="330" src="http://www.healthdigezt.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/lips-620x330.jpg" width="620" /> </div><b>Naturally red lips are one of the ornaments of beauty. Do you want to know how to have natural red lips? In this article you will find tips for having natural red lips. Read on and find best home remedies for having natural red lips. You will also find tips for maintaining your natural red lips.</b><br /><br />Lips are said to be the second point of attraction on any woman’s face after eyes. Lips do get older along with you and your skin. But if you want to keep your lips luscious and naturally red, you will have to spend some time and put in your effort. There are natural ways by which you can make your lips look younger, bigger and red.<br /><br />Everyone, especially women long to have red lips. However, there are many factors that take away the natural redness of your lips. With the natural tips you can restore the plumpness and young looks and this you can do by making it soft and sensual. One of the facts is that red lips do depend a lot of genetics, but you can treat them to look red also. So, without spending a lot on cosmetics, you can have red lips and that too by following natural methods.<br /><br /><b>Tips to Have Natural Red Lips</b><br />Have a quick look at the tips for having natural red lips.<br /><ul><li>Extract ginger juice and mix it with the yolk of a village chicken’s egg. Have this with your breakfast every day. You will see the difference in no time.</li><li>If your lips are allergic to lipsticks, you can add egg yolk and honey to green coconut water and drink daily.</li><li>Apply few drops of olive oil mixed with honey or sugar on your lips. Make sure your lips are free of lipstick. Rub the mixture gently on your lips and then wash it off.</li><li>Make paste of a beetroot and apply on your lips. Wash it after half an hour and you will find the instant and natural redness in your lips.</li><li>Increase the intake of fresh fruits and vegetables.</li><li>Do not lick your lips often. This will make it dry and pale.</li><li>Use a lip moisturizer during daytime, especially when you go out. Make sure the moisturizer has sunscreen.</li><li>Make a paste by mixing 1 tablespoon of sugar with olive oil, coconut oil or cocoa butter. Brush your lips with this mixture constantly for 30 seconds and then wash them off.</li><li>Use lip balms that contain Vitamin E, almond, Shea butter or jojoba. If you use this balm regularly, you will be able to preserve the softness of your lips.</li><li>Massaging your lips with coconut oil daily will reduce fine lines and wrinkles on it.</li></ul><h4><b>Remedies for Preventing Dark Lips</b></h4>To maintain your natural red lips, you need to prevent darkening of lips. Have a quick look at some tips for preventing dark lips.<br /><ul><li>If your lips have blackened, you can apply toothpaste on it before taking bath. It will get lightened in few days.</li><li>Quit smoking immediately, if you smoke.</li><li>Avoid using lipstick for too long time as well as using too much of lipstick or its frequent use should also be avoided.</li><li>Clean your lips of any lipstick and apply honey on it every day at bedtime.</li></ul>Besides all these tips, it is very important you take care of your lips daily to save it from getting cracked, thin or chapped. Remember, loss of moisture make the lips flaky, dry or cracked. Along with moisturizing your skin you need to exfoliate your lips regularly.If you are not gifted with beautiful lips, you can even create an illusion of having fuller lips by applying right kind and way of lip makeup. Use the make up tips that are helpful for you in making your lips look luscious on special occasions.

Natural way to have Red Lips

Naturally red lips are one of the ornaments of beauty. Do you want to know how to have natural red lips? In this article you will find tips for having natural red lips. Read on and find best hom…

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10 Health Benefits of Drinking Water

<div class="single-post-thumb"> <img alt="t1larg.drink_.water_.lose_.weight" class="attachment-slider wp-post-image" height="330" src="http://www.healthdigezt.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/t1larg.drink_.water_.lose_.weight-620x330.jpg" width="620" /> </div>Water is the main component of human body. <strong>In fact, the human body is composed of 55% to 78% of water depending on body size.</strong> Adequate and regular water consumption has a lot of health benefits as it has no calories, no fat, no carbohydrates, no sugar. <strong> The amount of water you consume everyday plays an extremely important role in maintaining a healthy body. </strong><br />All health experts recommend drinking at least eight to ten glasses of water a day in order to maintain good health. Human body needs water to function properly as almost every cell present in the body needs water. <strong>Also water helps to keep the body well hydrated which is very essential to for a healthy body. </strong>You can never imagine that just by drinking a healthy amount of water, you gain tremendous health benefits.<br /> <br />Here are the top 10 health benefits of Drinking Water:<br /> <h4>Weight Loss</h4>Water helps you to lose weight in a fast and better manner. Water helps to flush out the by-products of fat. Also when you drink water, your stomach becomes full and you do not feel the tendency to eat more. And the most important thing about water is that it does not contain any calorie and it is also a great replacement for high-calorie drinks such as alcohol, sugary fizzy drinks and sodas that often cause weight gain.<br /> <h4>Healthy Skin</h4>Water keeps the body well hydrated which promotes healthier and younger looking skin. This happens because water helps to replenish skin tissues, moisturizes skin and increases the elasticity in your skin. When the body gets enough water, your skin will feel moisturized and it will look fresh, soft, glowing and smooth. Also your skin will not suffer from soft lines, scars, acne, wrinkles or other aging symptoms.<br /> <h4>Headaches and Migraines</h4>In case of headache and migraine problem, the first thing that you can do to get some comfort is to drink plenty of water. In most cases, the main reason behind headaches and migraines is dehydration. So, when you drink water the body becomes hydrated and soon the problem of headache and migraine get resolved.<br /> <h4>Relieves Fatigue</h4>In case if you always feel tired, then there is a high chance that it can be due to less consumption of water. Water is used by the body to help flush out toxins and waste products that the body does not need. When there is less water in the body, the heart needs to work more to pump out the oxygenated blood to all cells and at the same time other major body organs also become exhausted. All these factors make you feel tired always.<br /> <h4>Improves Mood</h4>Water makes your body feel good and improves your energy level. When your body is active and in proper functioning state, then it gives positive signal to your brain which ultimately boosts your mood and helps you to feel happy from within. Good mood also has a direct impact on your productivity level whether at work or in doing other tasks.<br /> <h4>Helps in Digestion and Constipation</h4>Water also improves the functionality of gastrointestinal tract. This helps in digestion and prevents constipation. Less amount of water in the body often results in constipation. But when you drink adequate amount of water it boosts your metabolism rate and helps the food consumed by you to break down properly. This helps your digestive system to work properly.<br /> <h4>Regulates Body Temperature</h4>Ample amount of water in the body also helps to regulate body temperature. The thermal properties of water and its ability to release heat from the body when sweat evaporates from the surface of skin help a lot in maintaining body temperature throughout the day. A well regulated body temperature will make you feel more energetic when performing exercises and at the same time it also helps to fuel your muscles. At the same time it also helps keep your joints and muscles lubricated, so that you do not have to suffer from cramps and sprains.<br /> <h4>Reduces the Risk of Cancer</h4>There are some studies that suggest that drinking a healthy amount of water also reduces the risks of bladder cancer and colon cancer. Water destroys the cancer-causing agents and reduces the risk of different types of cancer.<br /> <h4>Improves the Immune System</h4>When the body gets adequate amount of water, it also improves your immune system and makes you less likely to get sick. Good immune system means your body can fight against ailments such as flu, kidney stones, and heart attack in a better manner. It will also help a lot to deal with health problems like rheumatism and arthritis etc.<br /> <h4>Solves Bad Breath</h4>Bad breath is a clear sign that your body needs more water. Your saliva helps your teeth free from bacteria and keeps our tongue hydrated. So, whenever you suffer from bad breath, the first thing that you need to do is drink plenty of water. Also you can use water to rinse your mouth properly to get rid of food particles and bacteria that may be stuck in between your teeth and gum line.

10 Health Benefits of Drinking Water

Water is the main component of human body. In fact, the human body is composed of 55% to 78% of water depending on body size. Adequate and regular water consumption has a lot of health benefit…

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Foods that will make your skin Whiter

<div class="single-post-thumb"> <img alt="white-skin-bright-skin" class="attachment-slider wp-post-image" height="330" src="http://www.healthdigezt.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/white-skin-bright-skin-600x330.jpg" width="600" /> </div>We all want to know many remedies to get white skin easily and effectively. Be it creams, homemade face packs or scrubs, we try numerous ways to bring a white glow to our complexion. However, a healthy lifestyle is one of the primary remedies to get white and glowing skin naturally. We are often advised to have a healthy and nutritious diet. Foods like green leafy vegetables, vitamin rich fruits etc are the healthiest ways to get and maintain glowing skin. Apart from eating skin-friendly foods, you need to drink lots of water and workout regularly. Water flushes out harmful toxins from the body and also cleanses the skin from within. Working out on the other hand increases blood circulation in the body and helps you to get a shiny and glowing face naturally. If you want to get white skin naturally, without applying chemical based creams or face packs, include these healthy skin-friendly foods in your diet. This list includes vitamin A, C and nutrient rich foods that are good for the skin. Have these foods and exclude processed and oily foods as they affect your complexion and also leads to acne and pimples. <h4><img alt="carrots" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-454" height="150" src="http://www.healthdigezt.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/carrots-150x150.jpg" width="150" />Carrots</h4>Rich in vitamin C and carotene, carrots are one of the best vegetables that has many benefits for the skin and hair. To get flawless beauty, have carrots or carrot juice regularly.<br /> <h4><img alt="papaya" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-456" height="150" src="http://www.healthdigezt.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/papaya-150x150.jpg" width="150" />Papaya</h4>Apart from being rich in vitamin C, papaya also has vitamin A, E and antioxidants that clears the skin, removes blemishes and acne. You can use it as a face pack or as a scrub. Papaya also cleanses the system and induces regular menstrual cycles.<br /> <h4><img alt="tomato" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-457" height="150" src="http://www.healthdigezt.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tomato1-150x150.jpg" width="150" />Tomato</h4>The fresh red and juicy vegetable is a rich source of lycopene (modified type of carotene). Apart from being a skin-friendly food, tomatoes aid weight loss and also prevent cancer.<br /> <h4><img alt="kiwi" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-458" height="150" src="http://www.healthdigezt.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/kiwi-150x150.jpg" width="150" />Kiwi</h4>The citrus fruit is a rich source of vitamin C that helps you to get white skin naturally. You can have fresh kiwi and even apply the fruit on dark spots and scars to get flawless beauty.<br /> <h4><a href="http://www.healthdigezt.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/beetroot.jpg"><img alt="beetroot" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-459" height="150" src="http://www.healthdigezt.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/beetroot-150x150.jpg" width="150" /></a>Beetroot</h4>The red vegetable is rich in iron and vitamins that cleanses the skin pores, increases blood flow and also helps you get a pink glow on your cheeks. Drink a glass of beetroot juice every day and also add grated beetroot or its juice in your face packs.<br /> <h4><img alt="leafy-vegetable" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-460" height="150" src="http://www.healthdigezt.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/leafy-vegetable-150x150.jpg" width="150" />Green leafy vegetables</h4>Green vegetables are power foods that are not only good for the skin but overall body. Loaded with vitamins, nutrients and minerals, green leafy vegetables like spinach is very healthy.<br /> <h4><img alt="strawberries" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-461" height="150" src="http://www.healthdigezt.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/strawberries-150x150.jpg" width="150" />Strawberries</h4>The juicy citrus fruit is a rich source of vitamin C. To get radiant and white skin, have this power food.<br /> <h4><img alt="red-bell-pepper" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-462" height="150" src="http://www.healthdigezt.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/red-bell-pepper-150x150.jpg" width="150" />Red bell peppers</h4>Red vegetables like red bell peppers are a rich source of lycopene and vitamin C.<br /> <h4><img alt="green-tea" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-463" height="150" src="http://www.healthdigezt.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/green-tea-150x150.jpg" width="150" />Green tea</h4>Green tea is one of the herbal drinks that can be really great for the skin. It treats sunburn, softens the skin and also lightens dark scars and blemishes.<br /> <h4><img alt="yellow-bell-pepper" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-464" height="150" src="http://www.healthdigezt.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/yellow-bell-pepper-150x150.jpg" width="150" />Yellow bell peppers</h4>The vitamin C rich skin-friendly food is also used as a natural anti-ageing product. Silica present in bell peppers helps you to get glowing and vibrant skin.<br /> <h4><img alt="soy-products" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-465" height="150" src="http://www.healthdigezt.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/soy-products-150x150.jpg" width="150" />Soy products</h4>oy products are rich in vitamin C and zinc. Soy milk for example can cure acne and other skin problems. You can make your dull skin glow by having soy based power foods.<br /> <h4><img alt="broccoli" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-466" height="150" src="http://www.healthdigezt.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/broccoli-150x150.jpg" width="150" />Broccoli</h4>This power food also helps to get glowing white skin naturally. It is rich in vitamin C and E, antioxidants that cleanse the system and brings a glow on the face.<br /> <h4><img alt="fish" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-455" height="150" src="http://www.healthdigezt.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/fish-150x150.jpg" width="150" />Fish</h4>Fish is a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids and essential vitamins that are great for the skin. To get white and glowing skin, have fish. It is also an effective skin renewal food.<br /> <div class="shareaholic-share-buttons-heading"><img class="shareaholic-share-buttons-heading-image" src="http://dsms0mj1bbhn4.cloudfront.net/assets/pub/share-buttons/share-headers-new/sharing-caring.png" /></div>

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Foods that will make your skin Whiter

We all want to know many remedies to get white skin easily and effectively. Be it creams, homemade face packs or scrubs, we try numerous ways to bring a white glow to our complexion. Howeve…

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20 Foods that will Give you Energy

<div class="single-post-thumb"> <img alt="foods" class="attachment-slider wp-post-image" height="330" src="http://www.healthdigezt.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/foods-620x330.jpg" width="620" /> </div>It’s three in the afternoon, your energy is flagging and all you want to do is take a nap, but instead you have to sit through a boring meeting. While you could just have a second – or seventh – cup of coffee, you could also have some pumpkin seeds, an apple, a few red bell pepper slices with hummus or a piece of dark chocolate. These 20 foods can help relieve fatigue, sharpen your focus and give you the jolt of energy that you need to avoid falling asleep at your desk.<br /><strong><br />Leafy Greens</strong> Spinach, kale, arugula and chard. Virtually every variety of leafy greens is flavorful, packed with vitamins and minerals, and a low-calorie addition to your meals. Not only do they contain vitamins C and A, which are important for energy levels, they also contain depression-fighting folate.<br /><strong><br />Nuts</strong> Nuts like almonds, walnuts, pecans and cashews contain protein for endurance and coenzyme Q10, a nutrient that helps produce energy inside our cells. This combination makes them an ideal fuel choice for both a quick energy jolt and long-term endurance.<br /><strong><br />Lean Meats</strong> Skinless chicken, turkey and other lean cuts of meat contain the amino acid tyrosine, which helps fight fatigue. They also have lots of iron, B-vitamins and the protein your muscles need for endurance whether you’re working out, competing in an athletic event or just trying to get through a hectic day.<br /><strong><br />Salmon</strong> Salmon has two grams of essential fatty acids per four-ounce serving, and these EFAs do more than just regulate insulin and facilitate healthy brain function. They also help ease inflammation, so stiffness in your joints or muscles won’t slow you down.<br /><strong><br />Eggs</strong> There are plenty of foods that provide the protein vegetarians need, but perhaps none do so in such a powerful, compact package as an egg. Eggs offer many of the same benefits as lean meats, including protein, B-vitamins and iron.<br /> <strong>Whole Grains</strong> It’s common knowledge that consuming carbs will give you a quick energy boost, which makes them great before a long workout. But the pick-me-up from refined carbohydrates like white bread and white rice won’t last; within 30 minutes you’ll be feeling sluggish again. Choose refined carbs like brown rice, oats or whole-wheat bread instead.<br /><strong><br />Coffee</strong> This one’s a no-brainer. The caffeine in coffee is perhaps the most powerful and well-known energy-booster there is, and millions of people rely on it every morning just to get out the door. But when you combine some of these other pick-me-up foods in each of your daily meals, you may find you don’t need coffee as much as you used to.<br /><strong><br />Tea</strong> Like coffee, black tea and green tea both contain caffeine, but they’ve also got the amino acid L-theanine, which can aid in alertness and memory.<br /><strong><br />Beans</strong> Lean protein, iron, B-vitamins and amino acids make beans an obvious go-to for energy, but another big benefit comes from their fiber content. Fiber slows digestion, giving your body a longer-term source of energy.<br /><strong><br />Apples</strong> Fiber, vitamin C and antioxidants have a lot of energy-boosting power on their own, but apples also contain fructose, which is quickly and efficiently processed by our bodies for energy.<br /> <strong>Bananas</strong> A favorite of bodybuilders, bananas offer potassium, which helps muscles contract properly, as well as the fruit sugars fructose and glucose. Glucose is rapidly digested and turned into energy, so that you’ll start feeling more alert right away.<br /><strong><br />Pumpkin seeds</strong> Like nuts, pumpkin seeds contain muscle-sustaining protein, vitamins and healthy fats. They’re also full of magnesium, which helps convert food into energy.<br /><strong><br />Water with lemon</strong> When you’re feeling a little slow, take the time to drink a glass of water, preferably with a slice of lemon for a little bit of added vitamin C. Dehydration can sap both metabolism and energy levels. Try coconut water, too, which contains electrolytes and potassium.<br /><strong><br />Watermelon</strong> It may seem like mostly – well – water, but watermelon is a surprisingly good source of energy-boosting B-vitamins, potassium and fructose. And thanks to its high water content, it’s hydrating, too.<br /><strong><br />Blueberries</strong> Blueberries are often listed among so-called “superfoods” for a reason. Antioxidants in blueberries can help improve cognition, and were even found to have an anti-aging effect in a 2007 study on rats. Pair them with walnuts, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and you’ve got ideal brain food.<br /> <strong>Red Bell Peppers</strong> You can get 380% of your daily recommended value of vitamin C just by eating one red bell pepper. Vitamin C helps the healing process, so your body feels less fatigued.It also contains the phytochemical lycopene, fiber and vitamin B6.<br /><strong><br />Dark Chocolate</strong> Not only does dark chocolate boost metabolism by lowering stress levels, it also increases alertness and sharpens cognitive skills for a short-term period after eating it. A study found that flavanols in dark chocolate increase blood flow to key areas of the brain for two to three hours, helping to fight fatigue.<br /><strong><br />Low-Fat Yogurt</strong> The same amino acid that makes lean meat such a good choice for relieving fatigue and sluggishness can also be found in yogurt. Choose fat-free or low-fat greek yogurt to eliminate added sugar and get even more protein.<br /><strong><br />Green Smoothies</strong> Take the energy-packing power of leafy greens, greek yogurt, apples and bananas, and combine it with any other fruits you like, and you’ve got a wake-up call in a glass. Spinach and kale are favorites for green smoothies because their mild flavor is masked or even complemented by the flavors of the fruit.<br /><strong><br />Hummus</strong> Hummus combines the protein of chickpeas and sesame-based tahini with vitamin-C-packed lemon juice and the essential fatty acids in olive oil. Eat it with strips of red bell pepper and some baby carrots for triple benefits.

20 Foods that will Give you Energy

It’s three in the afternoon, your energy is flagging and all you want to do is take a nap, but instead you have to sit through a boring meeting. While you could just have a second – or seve…

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What are the risk factors for breast cancer?

<div class="single-post-thumb"> <img alt="breast-cancer" class="attachment-slider wp-post-image" height="330" src="http://www.healthdigezt.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/breast-cancer-620x330.jpg" width="620" /> </div><div id="dynamic-converter-document">A risk factor is anything that affects your chance of getting a disease, such as cancer. Different cancers have different risk factors. For example, exposing skin to strong sunlight is a risk factor for skin cancer. Smoking is a risk factor for cancers of the lung, mouth, larynx (voice box), bladder, kidney, and several other organs.<br /> But risk factors don’t tell us everything. Having a risk factor, or even several, does not mean that you will get the disease. Most women who have one or more breast cancer risk factors never develop the disease, while many women with breast cancer have no apparent risk factors (other than being a woman and growing older). Even when a woman with risk factors develops breast cancer, it is hard to know just how much these factors might have contributed.<br /> Some risk factors, like a person’s age or race, can’t be changed. Others are linked to cancer-causing factors in the environment. Still others are related to personal behaviors, such as smoking, drinking, and diet. Some factors influence risk more than others, and your risk for breast cancer can change over time, due to factors such as aging or lifestyle.<br /> <h2>Risk factors you cannot change</h2><h3>Gender</h3>Simply being a woman is the main risk factor for developing breast cancer. Men can develop breast cancer, but this disease is about 100 times more common among women than men. This is probably because men have less of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone, which can promote breast cancer cell growth<br /> <h3>Aging</h3>Your risk of developing breast cancer increases as you get older. About 1 out of 8 invasive breast cancers are found in women younger than 45, while about 2 of 3 invasive breast cancers are found in women age 55 or older.<br /> <h3>Genetic risk factors</h3>About 5% to 10% of breast cancer cases are thought to be hereditary, meaning that they result directly from gene defects (called <i>mutations</i>) inherited from a parent. See the section, “Do we know what causes breast cancer?” for more information about genes and DNA and how they can affect breast cancer risk.<br /> <b><i>BRCA1</i> and <i>BRCA2</i>:</b> The most common cause of hereditary breast cancer is an inherited mutation in the <i>BRCA1</i> and <i>BRCA2</i> genes. In normal cells, these genes help prevent cancer by making proteins that keep the cells from growing abnormally. If you have inherited a mutated copy of either gene from a parent, you have a high risk of developing breast cancer during your lifetime.<br /> Although in some families with <i>BRCA1</i> mutations the lifetime risk of breast cancer is as high as 80%, on average this risk seems to be in the range of 55 to 65%. For <i>BRCA2</i> mutations the risk is lower, around 45%.<br /> Breast cancers linked to these mutations occur more often in younger women and more often affect both breasts than cancers not linked to these mutations. Women with these inherited mutations also have an increased risk for developing other cancers, particularly ovarian cancer.<br /> In the United States <i>BRCA</i> mutations are more common in Jewish people of Ashkenazi (Eastern Europe) origin than in other racial and ethnic groups, but they can occur in anyone.<br /> <b>Changes in other genes:</b> Other gene mutations can also lead to inherited breast cancers. These gene mutations are much rarer and often do not increase the risk of breast cancer as much as the BRCA genes. They are not frequent causes of inherited breast cancer.<br /> <ul><li><i>ATM</i>: The <i>ATM</i> gene normally helps repair damaged DNA. Inheriting 2 abnormal copies of this gene causes the disease ataxia-telangiectasia. Inheriting 1 mutated copy of this gene has been linked to a high rate of breast cancer in some families.</li><li><i>TP53</i>: The <i>TP53</i> gene gives instructions for making a protein called p53 that helps stop the growth of abnormal cells. Inherited mutations of this gene cause <i>Li-Fraumeni syndrome</i> (named after the 2 researchers who first described it). People with this syndrome have an increased risk of developing breast cancer, as well as several other cancers such as leukemia, brain tumors, and sarcomas (cancer of bones or connective tissue). This is a rare cause of breast cancer.</li><li><i>CHEK2</i>: The Li-Fraumeni syndrome can also be caused by inherited mutations in the <i>CHEK2</i> gene. Even when it does not cause this syndrome, it can increase breast cancer risk about twofold when it is mutated.</li><li><i>PTEN</i>: The <i>PTEN</i> gene normally helps regulate cell growth. Inherited mutations in this gene can cause <i>Cowden syndrome</i>, a rare disorder in which people are at increased risk for both benign and malignant breast tumors, as well as growths in the digestive tract, thyroid, uterus, and ovaries. Defects in this gene can also cause a different syndrome called Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome that is not thought to be linked to breast cancer risk.</li><li><i>CDH1</i>: Inherited mutations in this gene cause <i>hereditary diffuse gastric cancer</i>, a syndrome in which people develop a rare type of stomach cancer at an early age. Women with mutations in this gene also have an increased risk of invasive lobular breast cancer.</li><li><i>STK11</i>: Defects in this gene can lead to <i>Peutz-Jeghers syndrome</i>. People with this disorder develop pigmented spots on their lips and in their mouths, polyps in the urinary and gastrointestinal tracts, and have an increased risk of many types of cancer, including breast cancer.</li></ul><b>Genetic testing:</b> Genetic tests can be done to look for mutations in the <i>BRCA1</i> and <i>BRCA2</i> genes (or some other genes linked to breast cancer risk). Although testing may be helpful in some situations, the pros and cons need to be considered carefully. For more information, see the section, “Can breast cancer be prevented?”<br /> <h3>Family history of breast cancer</h3>Breast cancer risk is higher among women whose close blood relatives have this disease.<br /> Having one first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) with breast cancer approximately doubles a woman’s risk. Having 2 first-degree relatives increases her risk about 3-fold.<br /> The exact risk is not known, but women with a family history of breast cancer in a father or brother also have an increased risk of breast cancer. Altogether, less than 15% of women with breast cancer have a family member with this disease. This means that most (over 85%) women who get breast cancer <i>do not</i> have a family history of this disease.<br /> <h3>Personal history of breast cancer</h3>A woman with cancer in one breast has a 3- to 4-fold increased risk of developing a new cancer in the other breast or in another part of the same breast. This is different from a recurrence (return) of the first cancer.<br /> <h3>Race and ethnicity</h3>Overall, white women are slightly more likely to develop breast cancer than are African-American women, but African-American women are more likely to die of this cancer. However, in women under 45 years of age, breast cancer is more common in African- American women. Asian, Hispanic, and Native-American women have a lower risk of developing and dying from breast cancer.<br /> <h3>Dense breast tissue</h3>Breasts are made up of fatty tissue, fibrous tissue, and glandular tissue. Someone is said to have dense breast tissue (as seen on a mammogram) when they have more glandular and fibrous tissue and less fatty tissue. Women with dense breasts have a higher risk of breast cancer than women with less dense breasts. Unfortunately, dense breast tissue can also make mammograms less accurate.<br /> A number of factors can affect breast density, such as age, menopausal status, the use of drugs (such as menopausal hormone therapy), pregnancy, and genetics.<br /> <h3>Certain benign breast conditions</h3>Women diagnosed with certain benign breast conditions might have an increased risk of breast cancer. Some of these conditions are more closely linked to breast cancer risk than others. Doctors often divide benign breast conditions into 3 general groups, depending on how they affect this risk.<br /> <b>Non-proliferative lesions: </b>These conditions are not associated with overgrowth of breast tissue. They do not seem to affect breast cancer risk, or if they do, it is to a very small extent. They include:<br /> <ul><li>Fibrosis and/or simple cysts (this used to be called <i>fibrocystic disease </i>or<i> changes</i>)</li><li>Mild hyperplasia</li><li>Adenosis (non-sclerosing)</li><li>Ductal ectasia</li><li>Phyllodes tumor (benign)</li><li>A single papilloma</li><li>Fat necrosis</li><li>Periductal fibrosis</li><li>Squamous and apocrine metaplasia</li><li>Epithelial-related calcifications</li><li>Other benign tumors (lipoma, hamartoma, hemangioma, neurofibroma, adenomyoepthelioma)</li></ul>Mastitis (infection of the breast) is not a lesion, but is a condition that can occur that does not increase the risk of breast cancer.<br /> <b>Proliferative lesions without atypia:</b> These conditions show excessive growth of cells in the ducts or lobules of the breast tissue. They seem to raise a woman’s risk of breast cancer slightly (1½ to 2 times normal). They include:<br /> <ul><li>Usual ductal hyperplasia (without atypia)</li><li>Fibroadenoma</li><li>Sclerosing adenosis</li><li>Several papillomas (called <i>papillomatosis</i>)</li><li>Radial scar</li></ul><b>Proliferative lesions with atypia:</b> In these conditions, there is an overgrowth of cells in the ducts or lobules of the breast tissue, with some of the cells no longer appearing normal. They have a stronger effect on breast cancer risk, raising it 3½ to 5 times higher than normal. These types of lesions include:<br /> <ul><li>Atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH)</li><li>Atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH)</li></ul>Women with a family history of breast cancer and either hyperplasia or atypical hyperplasia have an even higher risk of developing a breast cancer.<br /> For more information on these conditions, see our document, <i>Non-cancerous Breast Conditions</i>.<br /> <h3>Lobular carcinoma in situ</h3>In lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) cells that look like cancer cells are growing in the lobules of the milk-producing glands of the breast, but they do not grow through the wall of the lobules. LCIS (also called <i>lobular neoplasia)</i> is sometimes grouped with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) as a non-invasive breast cancer, but it differs from DCIS in that it doesn’t seem to become an invasive cancer if it isn’t treated.<br /> Women with this condition have a 7- to 11-fold increased risk of developing invasive cancer in either breast. For this reason, women with LCIS should make sure they have regular mammograms and doctor visits.<br /> <h3>Menstrual periods</h3>Women who have had more menstrual cycles because they started menstruating early (before age 12) and/or went through menopause later (after age 55) have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer. The increase in risk may be due to a longer lifetime exposure to the hormones estrogen and progesterone.<br /> <h3>Previous chest radiation</h3>Women who, as children or young adults, had radiation therapy to the chest area as treatment for another cancer (such as Hodgkin disease or non-Hodgkin lymphoma) have a significantly increased risk for breast cancer. This varies with the patient’s age when they had radiation. If chemotherapy was also given, it may have stopped ovarian hormone production for some time, lowering the risk. The risk of developing breast cancer from chest radiation is highest if the radiation was given during adolescence, when the breasts were still developing. Radiation treatment after age 40 does not seem to increase breast cancer risk.<br /> <h3>Diethylstilbestrol exposure</h3>From the 1940s through the 1960s some pregnant women were given the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES) because it was thought to lower their chances of miscarriage (losing the baby). These women have a slightly increased risk of developing breast cancer. Women whose mothers took DES during pregnancy may also have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer. For more information on DES see our document, <i>DES Exposure: Questions and Answers</i>.<br /> <h2>Lifestyle-related factors and breast cancer risk</h2><h3>Having children</h3>Women who have had no children or who had their first child after age 30 have a slightly higher breast cancer risk. Having many pregnancies and becoming pregnant at a young age reduce breast cancer risk. Pregnancy reduces a woman’s total number of lifetime menstrual cycles, which may be the reason for this effect.<br /> <h3>Birth control</h3><b>Oral contraceptives:</b> Studies have found that women using oral contraceptives (birth control pills) have a slightly greater risk of breast cancer than women who have never used them. This risk seems to go back to normal over time once the pills are stopped. Women who stopped using oral contraceptives more than 10 years ago do not appear to have any increased breast cancer risk. When thinking about using oral contraceptives, women should discuss their other risk factors for breast cancer with their health care team.<br /> <b>Depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate</b> (DMPA; Depo-Provera<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">^®</span>) is an injectable form of progesterone that is given once every 3 months as birth control. A few studies have looked at the effect of DMPA on breast cancer risk. Women currently using DMPA seem to have an increase in risk, but the risk doesn’t seem to be increased if this drug was used more than 5 years ago.<br /> <h3>Hormone therapy after menopause</h3>Hormone therapy with estrogen (often combined with progesterone) has been used for many years to help relieve symptoms of menopause and to help prevent osteoporosis (thinning of the bones). Earlier studies suggested it might have other health benefits as well, but these benefits have not been found in more recent, better designed studies. This treatment goes by many names, such as <i>post-menopausal hormone therapy</i> (PHT), <i>hormone replacement therapy</i> (HRT), and <i>menopausal hormone therapy</i> (MHT).<br /> There are 2 main types of hormone therapy. For women who still have a uterus (womb), doctors generally prescribe both estrogen and progesterone (known as <i>combined hormone therapy </i>or<i> HT</i>). Progesterone is needed because estrogen alone can increase the risk of cancer of the uterus. For women who no longer have a uterus (those who’ve had a hysterectomy), estrogen alone can be prescribed. This is commonly known as <i>estrogen replacement therapy</i> (ERT) or just <i>estrogen therapy (ET)</i>.<br /> <b>Combined hormone therapy:</b> Using combined hormone therapy after menopause increases the risk of getting breast cancer. It may also increase the chances of dying from breast cancer. This increase in risk can be seen with as little as 2 years of use. Combined HT also increases the likelihood that the cancer may be found at a more advanced stage.<br /> The increased risk from combined hormone therapy appears to apply only to current and recent users. A woman’s breast cancer risk seems to return to that of the general population within 5 years of stopping combined treatment.<br /> The word <i>bioidentical</i> is sometimes used to describe versions of estrogen and progesterone with the same chemical structure as those found naturally in people. The use of these hormones has been marketed as a safe way to treat the symptoms of menopause. It is important to realize that although there are few studies comparing “bioidentical” or “natural” hormones to synthetic versions of hormones, there is no evidence that they are safer or more effective. The use of these bioidentical hormones should be assumed to have the same health risks as any other type of hormone therapy.<br /> <b>Estrogen therapy (ET):</b> The use of estrogen alone after menopause does not appear to increase the risk of developing breast cancer. In fact, some research has suggested that women who have previously had their uterus removed and who take estrogen actually have a lower risk of breast cancer. Women taking estrogen seem to have more problems with strokes and other blood clots, though. Also, when used long term (for more than 10 years), ET has been found to increase the risk of ovarian cancer in some studies.<br /> At this time there appear to be few strong reasons to use post-menopausal hormone therapy (either combined HT or ET), other than possibly for the short-term relief of menopausal symptoms. Along with the increased risk of breast cancer, combined HT also appears to increase the risk of heart disease, blood clots, and strokes. It does lower the risk of colorectal cancer and osteoporosis, but this must be weighed against possible harm, especially since there are other effective ways to prevent and treat osteoporosis.<br /> Although ET does not seem to increase breast cancer risk, it does increase the risk of blood clots and stroke.<br /> The decision to use hormone therapy after menopause should be made by a woman and her doctor after weighing the possible risks and benefits, based on the severity of her menopausal symptoms and the woman’s other risk factors for heart disease, breast cancer, and osteoporosis. If a woman and her doctor decide to try hormones for symptoms of menopause, it is usually best to use it at the lowest dose needed to control symptoms and for as short a time as possible.<br /> <h3>Breastfeeding</h3>Some studies suggest that breastfeeding may slightly lower breast cancer risk, especially if it is continued for 1½ to 2 years. But this has been a difficult area to study, especially in countries such as the United States, where breastfeeding for this long is uncommon.<br /> One explanation for this possible effect may be that breastfeeding reduces a woman’s total number of lifetime menstrual cycles (similar to starting menstrual periods at a later age or going through early menopause).<br /> <h3>Drinking alcohol</h3>The use of alcohol is clearly linked to an increased risk of developing breast cancer. The risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed. Compared with non-drinkers, women who consume 1 alcoholic drink a day have a very small increase in risk. Those who have 2 to 5 drinks daily have about 1½ times the risk of women who don’t drink alcohol. Excessive alcohol consumption is also known to increase the risk of developing several other types of cancer.<br /> <h3>Being overweight or obese</h3>Being overweight or obese after menopause increases breast cancer risk. Before menopause your ovaries produce most of your estrogen, and fat tissue produces a small amount of estrogen. After menopause (when the ovaries stop making estrogen), most of a woman’s estrogen comes from fat tissue. Having more fat tissue after menopause can increase your chance of getting breast cancer by raising estrogen levels. Also, women who are overweight tend to have higher blood insulin levels. Higher insulin levels have also been linked to some cancers, including breast cancer.<br /> But the connection between weight and breast cancer risk is complex. For example, the risk appears to be increased for women who gained weight as an adult but may not be increased among those who have been overweight since childhood. Also, excess fat in the waist area may affect risk more than the same amount of fat in the hips and thighs. Researchers believe that fat cells in various parts of the body have subtle differences that may explain this.<br /> <h3>Physical activity</h3>Evidence is growing that physical activity in the form of exercise reduces breast cancer risk. The main question is how much exercise is needed. In one study from the Women’s Health Initiative, as little as 1.25 to 2.5 hours per week of brisk walking reduced a woman’s risk by 18%. Walking 10 hours a week reduced the risk a little more.<br /> <h2>Unclear factors</h2><h3>Diet and vitamin intake</h3>Many studies have looked for a link between what women eat and breast cancer risk, but so far the results have been conflicting. Some studies have indicated that diet may play a role, while others found no evidence that diet influences breast cancer risk. Studies have looked at the amount of fat in the diet, intake of fruits and vegetables, and intake of meat. No clear link to breast cancer risk was found.<br /> Studies have also looked at vitamin levels, again with inconsistent results. Some studies actually found an increased risk of breast cancer in women with higher levels of certain nutrients. So far, no study has shown that taking vitamins reduces breast cancer risk. This is not to say that there is no point in eating a healthy diet. A diet low in fat, low in red meat and processed meat, and high in fruits and vegetables might have other health benefits.<br /> Most studies have found that breast cancer is less common in countries where the typical diet is low in total fat, low in polyunsaturated fat, and low in saturated fat. But many studies of women in the United States have not linked breast cancer risk to dietary fat intake. Researchers are still not sure how to explain this apparent disagreement. It may be at least partly due to the effect of diet on body weight (see below). Also, studies comparing diet and breast cancer risk in different countries are complicated by other differences (like activity level, intake of other nutrients, and genetic factors) that might also affect breast cancer risk.<br /> More research is needed to understand the effect of the types of fat eaten on breast cancer risk. But it is clear that calories do count, and fat is a major source of calories. High-fat diets can lead to being overweight or obese, which is a breast cancer risk factor. A diet high in fat has also been shown to influence the risk of developing several other types of cancer, and intake of certain types of fat is clearly related to heart disease risk.<br /> <h3>Chemicals in the environment</h3>A great deal of research has been reported and more is being done to understand possible environmental influences on breast cancer risk.<br /> Compounds in the environment that have estrogen-like properties are of special interest. For example, substances found in some plastics, certain cosmetics and personal care products, pesticides (such as DDE), and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) seem to have such properties. These could in theory affect breast cancer risk.<br /> This issue understandably invokes a great deal of public concern, but at this time research does not show a clear link between breast cancer risk and exposure to these substances. Unfortunately, studying such effects in humans is difficult. More research is needed to better define the possible health effects of these and similar substances.<br /> <h3>Tobacco smoke</h3>For a long time, studies found no link between cigarette smoking and breast cancer. In recent years though, more studies have found that long-term heavy smoking is linked to a higher risk of breast cancer. Some studies have found that the risk is highest in certain groups, such as women who started smoking when they were young. In 2009, the International Agency for Research on Cancer concluded that there is limited evidence that tobacco smoking causes breast cancer.<br /> An active focus of research is whether secondhand smoke increases the risk of breast cancer. Both mainstream and secondhand smoke contain chemicals that, in high concentrations, cause breast cancer in rodents. Chemicals in tobacco smoke reach breast tissue and are found in breast milk.<br /> The evidence on secondhand smoke and breast cancer risk in human studies is controversial, at least in part because the link between smoking and breast cancer hasn’t been clear. One possible explanation for this is that tobacco smoke may have different effects on breast cancer risk in smokers and in those who are just exposed to smoke.<br /> A report from the California Environmental Protection Agency in 2005 concluded that the evidence about secondhand smoke and breast cancer is “consistent with a causal association” in younger, mainly premenopausal women. The 2006 US Surgeon General’s report, <i>The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke</i>, concluded that there is “suggestive but not sufficient” evidence of a link at this point. In any case, this possible link to breast cancer is yet another reason to avoid secondhand smoke.<br /> <h3>Night work</h3>Several studies have suggested that women who work at night—for example, nurses on a night shift—may have an increased risk of developing breast cancer. This is a fairly recent finding, and more studies are looking at this issue. Some researchers think the effect may be due to changes in levels of melatonin, a hormone whose production is affected by the body’s exposure to light, but other hormones are also being studied.<br /> <h2>Controversial factors</h2><h3>Antiperspirants</h3>Internet e-mail rumors have suggested that chemicals in underarm antiperspirants are absorbed through the skin, interfere with lymph circulation, cause toxins to build up in the breast, and eventually lead to breast cancer.<br /> Based on the available evidence (including what we know about how the body works), there is little if any reason to believe that antiperspirants increase the risk of breast cancer. For more information about this, see our document <i>Antiperspirants and Breast Cancer Risk</i>.<br /> <h3>Bras</h3>Internet e-mail rumors and at least one book have suggested that bras cause breast cancer by obstructing lymph flow. There is no good scientific or clinical basis for this claim. Women who do not wear bras regularly are more likely to be thinner or have less dense breasts, which would probably contribute to any perceived difference in risk.<br /> <h3>Induced abortion</h3>Several studies have provided very strong data that neither induced abortions nor spontaneous abortions (miscarriages) have an overall effect on the risk of breast cancer. For more detailed information, see our document, <i>Is Abortion Linked to Breast Cancer?</i><br /> <h3>Breast implants</h3>Several studies have found that breast implants do not increase the risk of breast cancer, although silicone breast implants can cause scar tissue to form in the breast. Implants make it harder to see breast tissue on standard mammograms, but additional x-ray pictures called <i>implant displacement</i> views can be used to examine the breast tissue more completely.<br /> Breast implants may be linked to a rare type of lymphoma called <i>anaplastic large cell lymphoma</i>. This lymphoma has rarely been found in the breast tissue around the implants. So far, though, there are too few cases to know if the risk of this lymphoma is really higher in women that have implants.<br /> </div>

What are the risk factors for breast cancer?

A risk factor is anything that affects your chance of getting a disease, such as cancer. Different cancers have different risk factors. For example, exposing skin to strong sunlight is a ris…

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