Mindfulness has been scientifically proven to improve memory, relieve stress, and enhance immunity. Start with your home, the place that doubles as your personal space. Disconnect by turning off electronics at night or when you have company. Mirrors encourage self-criticism, so don’t hang too many. Decorate with houseplants to invite Mother Nature into your home. De-clutter and clean regularly to make your house visually pleasing. This will make it easier to focus on what’s really important.
Face wash products don't come in one-size-fits-all. Frequent breakouts mean that you need ingredients that kill acne-causing bacteria, like benzoyl peroxide or papaya. Irritation may point to an allergic reaction, demanding sulfate and fragrance-free ingredients. If the skin feels tight, you need a moisturizing cleanser for dryness. Shininess indicates that your cleanser isn’t made for oily skin, but you may benefit from oil cleansing. And if you have flushing and suspect rosacea, avoid harsh scented cleansers.
Dieting is the best way to beat inflammation. Skip added sugar, an ingredient that increases pro-inflammatory cytokines. Remember, artificial sweeteners aren’t any better, as the gut gets inflamed. These can be in store-bought condiments! So, instead, make your own dishes or look for versions without added sugar and salt. Other foods that promote inflammation include refined starches and red meat. For anti-inflammatory benefits, eat whole grains, fruits, veggies, and omega-3 fats.
If you’re not careful, overdoing certain superfoods may cause weight gain. Nuts are high in calories so eat one handful a day. If you like dried fruit, be mindful of added sugar. Just one tablespoon of coconut oil has enough saturated fat for the entire day. Dark chocolate is linked to lower BMI, but only if had as often as twice a week. Avocados are energy-dense, so use them in place of other fats.
Anemia rashes often cause petechiae, or red and purple tiny dots, caused by blood vessels breaking apart. Aplastic anemia is a common cause, but other conditions may also lead to anemia. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura uses up platelets, causing constant clotting. Red blood cells breaking down too fast can cause paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. If a gastrointestinal infection releases toxins, hemolytic-uremic syndrome develops, leading to hemolytic anemia. Treatments range from blood transfusions to iron supplements.
Hemicrania continua (HC) is a chronic headache disorder. Here, the pain often affects one side of the head and lasts for minutes to days. The constant pain is interrupted with a severe, piercing pain that feels like a migraine. Symptoms may also include nausea, vomiting, nasal congestion, and droopy eyelids. HC is officially diagnosed if the headache responds to the NSAID indomethacin. Remember, this drug is not safe for long-term use. Consult your doctor for treatment.
Certain behaviors in our body are common and normal, like sneezing and snoring. However, these can indicate an underlying health issue! Constant sneezing is an indicator of an allergy, as is frequent mucus formation in the throat. Snoring is a serious condition that can result in sleep apnea. An off-color eye discharge with itching can be an infection. Stress can lead to heart disease and depression and rashes can be an indication of leukemia.
Some foods increase hunger instead of satisfying it. Focus on fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Egg whites are rich in protein, but the yolk adds more substance. Instead of juicing, make smoothies with the fiber-rich skin. Diet soda has artificial sweeteners that increase sugar cravings, so drink with caution. White refined grains are also digested quickly and won’t leave you satisfied. So, for a snack, skip salty foods because they increase energy needs.
