When you're over 50, decreased muscle mass and metabolic rate lead to weight gain. To lose weight, make a few changes to your lifestyle. Take up weight training to build muscle mass and burn more calories. Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and legumes. Cut out added and artificial sugars and get enough sleep each night. Get tested for hormone imbalances, insulin resistance, or thyroid issues. Live a stress-free life and indulge in joint-friendly exercises.
Adrenal glands secrete cortisol, the “stress hormone.” At high levels, cortisol prevents fat breakdown and promotes weight gain. That’s why managing stress may be the answer to successful weight loss! Start by meditating and doing yoga, two activities that lower cortisol. Aromatherapy, with scents like lavender and bergamot, has the same effect. Laughter also controls cortisol levels, so make time for fun. Avoid smoking cigarettes, as nicotine withdrawal mimics stress and raises cortisol.
In its early stages, magnesium deficiency causes nausea, fatigue, numbness, tingling, and muscle cramps. Abnormal heartbeat and behavior changes are also likely. These symptoms develop because magnesium controls nerve, muscle, and heart function. As deficiency progresses, the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, and migraines increases. Foods rich in magnesium include nuts, spinach, avocado and soy products. With a doctor’s approval, you can also take supplements to boost your intake.
From padded bras to breast implants, society suggests that bigger breasts are better. But that's not always true! Bra shopping is easy when you have small breasts. You can even get away without wearing a bra. Pain in the back, shoulders, and neck is also less likely. There’s a lowered risk of poor posture, painful strap marks, and skin irritation. Exercising is also more comfortable. And less breast tissue reduces breast cancer risk.
By itself, ginger is a potent anti-inflammatory food. It can relieve joint pain, suppress fat accumulation, and stop obesity-related complications. As an antioxidant, ginger also enhances immunity and fights cancer cells. The active compounds soothe digestive issues like nausea and bloating. To ferment ginger, let it sit in a brine with vinegar, sugar, salt, and turmeric. After two weeks, the good bacteria will grow and you’ll have an amazing food for gut health.
Splurge-worthy home items have long-term benefits and are a smart investment. Choose a mattress that offers lumbar support and is toxin-free. Buy a high-efficiency vacuum cleaner to get rid of dust mites and allergens. Invest in good-quality bathroom fittings, especially a shower filter. Lighting is important for good eyesight. Good quality paint lasts long and looks professional. Good water filters remove odor and toxic chemicals. And high-quality bed linens look and feel great.
Not all processed foods are unhealthy. Processing involves canning, freezing, dehydration, refrigeration and aseptic processing. Processed foods can be categorized into mildly processed, basic processed, moderately processed and highly processed. Foods that fall between mildly processed and moderately processed can be added to one's diet without compromising on nutrition. Processed milk is often fortified to be more nutritional. Frozen fruit and vegetables as well as canned food preserve their nutritional content for a long time. Nut butters and Greek yogurt are rich in protein and healthy fats and are good additions to one's diet.
Lemon juice is a natural remedy for acne scars. To fight hyperpigmentation, dab fresh lemon juice onto a scar. You can also mix it with green tea for extra lightening effects. A lemon juice and sugar scrub will remove dead skin and excess melanin. For a protein boost, mix lemon juice with egg whites. Even papaya can lighten hyperpigmentation while preventing future breakouts. Have sensitive skin? Use lemon juice with care.
