Body Care Facts & Health Tips

Ovarian cysts are a common problem for women, and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS is the most discussed variety of this condition. PCOS happens when the ovaries produce more androgen than what is considered as a normal level for women. The increased presence of androgens leads to the growth of hair and can also cause acne. This is a common problem for pre-menopausal women an can sometimes take severe proportions.

PCOS occurs in 5-10% of women worldwide, yet there is no single cause of this problem, which has been identified yet. In fact, it is actually a combination of genetic and environmental factors which cause PCOS. The most commonly noted ones are:

• Genetics, because often it is seen that if the mother has polycystic ovarian syndrome, the daughter has it too. Researchers are still trying to pinpoint the link between genes and PCOS.
• Problems in the blood sugar control system or insulin imbalance. A high percentage of women who have insulin resistance and abnormal levels of insulin in blood, tend to develop PCOS syndrome.

Other factors such as presence of multiple cysts in the ovaries, fetal exposure to male hormones and imbalance in the levels of the hormone LH are also cited as possible reasons for this condition.

So, what are the symptoms which tell you whether you are suffering from PCOS?

Well, this polycystic ovarian problem manifests itself in different ways, some of the most common among which are:

• Excessive hair growth, which is a direct result of the increased secretion of androgen (the male sex hormone). Hair grows in area such as the face, chest, toes etc. At the same time, the opposite effect or hair loss, can also occur in some cases.
• Infertility is a common symptom, which you may not relate to PCOS initially, but later find out.
• Irregular or absent periods can also indicate that you are suffering from PCOS.
• Then there is the outbreak of acne, which is usually something which affects teens. So if you are in your thirties and have a bout of acne, you may suspect PCOS.

Effective PCOS treatment can help you recover well from this problem. The basic objective of most treatments is not only getting rid of polycystic ovaries, but also making sure that the cysts do not become malignant (cancerous). Birth control pills or progesterone hormone injections can help regularize periods and thus reduce the risk of uterine cancer.

For treating acne or excess hair growth, diuretics are used. If the hair growth is really strong, hair-removal creams or processes such as electrolysis can be employed too. To help prevent infertility, medicines are provided to induce ovulation.

A PCOS diet can also help you deal successfully with the condition. This is because losing weight is really effective for neutralizing several threats and complications associated with PCOS. Low glycemic-index foods and vitamin and mineral supplements feature prominently in these diets.

So, if you are diagnosed with PCOS, do not panic and remember what you have just read through.

It is more important these days than ever to prevent sunburns. Sunburns are caused by an over abundance of UV rays on the skin and they are actual burns. There is no need to ever suffer sunburn if you practice a few safety precautions.

Even one severe sunburn during childhood can lead to skin cancer later in life, with statistics like that it is important that we do everything we can to protect our skin as well as our children’s skin from the damaging effects of UV rays. Here are some tips for sun protection.

Sunblock

You should be wearing a sunblock on your face every day that is atleast 15 SPF. This rule holds true even when it is cloudy or winter and regardless of the tone of your skin. Wearing SPF 15 each day can help to prevent skin cancer as well as premature aging caused by harmful UV rays.

For a day at the beach or hiking it is recommended that you wear a sunblock that is even higher than 15 SPF. 30 SPF is probably a safer bet for adults who will be spending prolonged periods of time in the sun.

For small children, especially on days at the beach or outside for prolonged periods of time SPF 50 is recommended. It should be reapplied every few hours especially if your child will be getting in and out of the water. This is true even if the sunblock claims to be waterproof.

Sunblock alone is often not enough during prolonged outdoor activities. Wearing sunglasses and a hat can also help to prevent sunburns. You can damage your eyes from excessive sun exposure as well as your scalp. This is an added benefit to wearing a hat and glasses, in addition the fact that the hat will offer protection for your delicate facial skin.

If you will be taking small children out for a beach day you may want to invest in a beach umbrella. These help to shade the area where your children will be spending most of their time on the sand. It helps to block out a lot of the UV rays and they also keep the area cool which can be a great benefit to mom on those hot summer days.

Tanning Beds

Tanning beds are not much safer than the sun and for this reason the FDA has released several new warnings regarding their use. Though tanning beds provide artificial UV rays they can still cause real skin cancer.

In order to achieve the appearance of a tan on naturally pale skin self-tanners and spray on tanners are highly recommended. These products have come a long way in the last few decades and many provide undetectably natural looking tanning.

When you purchase a good self tanner and apply it properly it will look completely natural. Many self tanners even come in self adjusting formulas these days so that you can gradually add to your tan as the summer season progresses. If you lack the confidence to give yourself a fake tan many salons now offer spray on tans. This involves you standing in a room while a professional sprays your body down with a high quality self-tanner. The tanner is sprayed on to provide even coverage for the entire body.

In the event that you do get sunburned it is important to keep the area moisturized with lotions, Aloe Vera, or a combination of both. This will help to ease some of the pain and prevent peeling and discoloration of the skin.

Fish oil contains a large amount of omega 3 fatty acids. Scientists have known since the 1930’s that omega 3 fatty acids were important to a healthy diet but only in recent years have they found out just how important it is. Fish oil is one of the best sources of omega 3 fatty acids that exist and it is reported to have a number of beneficial qualities. Here are some of the many benefits of fish oil.

Anxiety Treatment

Fish oil which can be safely taken on a daily basis has shown potential as a treatment for a number of mental illnesses, anxiety being one of the most promising. Fish oil is a powerful natural treatment for anxiety. As long as you by organic mercury free versions of fish oil it can even be taken throughout pregnancy.

Male Fertility Issues

Recent evidence suggests that fish oil may help to treat male infertility issues. A recent Iranian study showed that men who were infertile had much lower levels of omega 3 fatty acids in their body then men who had normal fertility levels. Insuring that a man gets enough omega 3 fatty acids through fish oil or regular consumption of fish may help to improve overall fertility.

Bipolar Disorder

Several studies have shown that fish oil can act as an effective mood stabilizer for those who suffer from bipolar disorder or manic depression. Though this evidence has not been proven beyond the shadow of a doubt it is definitely something worth trying out. Bipolar patients should of course discuss this with their doctor before stopping any prescription medication. However the overwhelming evidence suggests that a daily dose of fish oil may be as effective as lithium or other mood stabilizer for some sufferers of bipolar disorder. This may account for the low incidence of clinical depression in countries that regularly consume fish. It is definitely a safer and more natural form of treatment than standard mood stabilizers and anti depressants.

Cancer Prevention

Fish oil has shown a lot of potential in helping to prevent or treat cancer. This is especially true for breast, colon, and prostate cancer. Something in the omega 3 fatty acids that are so prevalent in fish oil may help to slow the growth of cancerous cells.

Cardiovascular Health

Because of the high level of omega 3 fatty acids contained within fish oil it is widely believed that getting it in any form can help to regulate cholesterol within the body. Rather you take fish oil supplements or make fish a regular part of your diet you may be saving yourself from future heart problems by the reduction of bad cholesterol.

In fact the American Heart Association recommends consuming 1 gram of fish oil per day for sufferers of heart disease. The preferred method of consumption is through actual fish but even taking a fish oil supplement can help immensely.

Fish oil has several health benefits and appears to have no downsides. It is best to get your fish oil from a natural source of fish. Salmon and fish like it that are high on the food chain tend to be the best sources of fish oil. If you take a fish oil supplement make sure that it is low in toxins and toxins and derived from the entire fish.

Aloe Vera is a plant that grows in arid climates like North Africa where it most likely originated. This plant is green and has long stems that when broken off are filled with a clear gel type liquid.  It has long been used by Westerners to ease burns including sunburns. It turns out that there are a lot of other uses and purposes to Aloe Vera as well.

Aloe Vera Juice for Regulation

One of the oldest touted uses of Aloe Vera is as a digestive system regulator. It is widely believed that Aloe Vera juice, which has a very faint water-like flavor, will regulate irritable bowel syndrome and reduce heart burn through regular consumption. Many department stores and drug stores carry Aloe Vera juice on the same aisle as laxatives and fiber supplements, for this purpose.

A derivative of Aloe Vera known as aloin was once a common ingredient in over the counter laxatives. In 2003 it was banned from use by the United States FDA. This is primarily because it was extremely harsh. Aloe Vera juice contains very small amounts or no aloin because of the way that it is produced; this is why it is still widely available on the market.

Aloe Vera and Beauty Products

Because Aloe Vera seems to help a great deal with improving the condition of skin and hair it is often added to make up and beauty products. Aloe Vera is widely praised for its ability to cool and soften skin. This is why it is a common extract found within beauty products.

Aloe Vera for Sunburns

Aloe Vera is widely found in products that are meant to treat sunburns. It is often used for this purpose even in its natural form. It is not only affective for relieving sunburns but other types of second degree burns as well. It is widely believed that Aloe Vera may also promote faster healing for burns and cuts.

Aloe Vera for Psoriasis and Herpes

Aloe Vera has shown potential as an effective treatment for psoriasis and genital herpes. When the gel was applied topically to affected areas for both ailments positive results were shown in many cases.

Aloe Vera for Cancer Treatment

Aloe Vera has show potential as a cancer treatment option through use in animals. When dogs and cats were given Aloe Vera for cancer treatment it seemed to significantly slow the growth of cancer by increasing the immunity of the animals. Humans have not showed the same response to Aloe Vera as a cancer treatment. There is hope however, that scientists will be able to figure out exactly how to translate the results achieved in animal patients over to human patients in the future.

Aloe Vera to Treat Gum Disease and Gingivitis

Aloe Vera was found to be as effective as fluoride when combined with a dentrice to fight gum disease and gingivitis. This was the result of a double blind study. Though Aloe Vera is not yet commonly used in toothpaste and other products it may become the wave of the future, as many have voiced concern over the use of fluoride.

Scientists have discovered that a number of foods may help to prevent breast cancer. Other foods may be partially to blame for the cancer and are best avoided.  Here are some good diet tips to help you live a long, healthy, cancer-free life.

Fat and Your Diet

Eating a diet low in fat lowers your chance of getting breast cancer.  The rate of deaths from breast cancer is 15 times higher in the US than in Asia. This is related to diet. A diet that is high in fat is bad for a number of reasons; an increased chance of breast cancer is just one of them. Not only is eating fat a factor in getting breast cancer but women who are obese are also more likely to get breast cancer in their lifetime.

Fruits and Vegetables

A diet high in fruits and vegetables is shown to greatly reduce the likelihood of developing breast cancer.  The best vegetables for the job include those that are a part of the cruciferous family of vegetables.  This is because they contain phytochemicals which show promise at combating breast cancer.  Some of the cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, collards, and kale.  It is best to eat them as close to their natural state as possible since cooking these vegetables decreases their amount of phytochemicals.

Organic Soy

Eating organic non-genetically modified soy can greatly reduce your chances of getting breast cancer.  Edamame, tofu, and tempeh are all excellent sources of soy.  They are also low and fat and offer a ton of easily absorbed protein.

Avoid Exposure to Artificial Estrogens

You can do this by eating as much organic food as possible.  The chemical residue left on many non-organic fruits, vegetables, and even meats can be extremely hazardous. To reduce the effects and lower your chances of contracting breast cancer you should eat mostly organic food.  If you feel that it is too expensive than try growing your own healthy organic fruits and vegetables.  It is far cheaper to grow than gardens grown by traditional methods and you will be saving money on food.

Eat Whole Grains and Avoid Bad Carbs

You should always consume whole grain bread, rice, and pasta.  White bread, white rice, bleached pasta, and other bleached or white grains are linked to an increase in cellular growth that can cause breast cancer and they are best avoided. They also increase the likelihood of obesity so you will be doing yourself a favor by sticking to the healthier whole grains.

The more natural your diet and your food source the better.  Many of the chemicals, pesticides, and hormones added to genetically modified food have been linked to breast cancer as well as other cancers.  The safest plan for a cancer free lifestyle is to stay healthy with lots of exercise, drink plenty of water, and keep your food sources as close to their natural state as you possibly can.  Avoid processed foods, non-organic products, and over cooked vegetables as much as you can.

A compound that is commonly found in red wine known as resveratrol has made quite a buzz lately as one of the new super foods.  The belief that red wine provides certain health qualities has been around for a long time.  It turns out that there is actually a component to red wine known as resveratrol that may be responsible for some of the amazing things that red wine has long been connected with.

What is Resveratrol?

Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant that is found in red wine and the skin of red grapes. Resveratrol occurs naturally in many plants when they are under attack from bacteria or fungus which may have some connection to its touted anti-aging capabilities.

Benefits of Resveratrol

Resveratrol has been connected to a variety of potential positive uses through preliminary scientific research.  For one thing resveratrol is likely the component in red wine that makes it so very good for your heart.  Scientists have known for a while that one glass of red wine a night can help to prevent and control heart disease.  This is what is considered the cause of the French paradox. French people eat tons of fatty foods but have a very low occurrence of heart disease. This is likely related to the fact that they also drink a lot of red wine.

Resveratrol has also been effective as anti-cancer and anti-aging treatment in many different animal tests. For this reason anti-aging creams that contain resveratrol have begun to crop up everywhere in recent years.

As if fighting cancer and making you look younger weren’t enough benefits to resveratrol it has also been linked to a variety of other positive benefits. For one resveratrol has proven to be effective as an anti-inflammatory and therefore may help to ease the aches and pains of arthritis.

Resveratrol has also proven to speed up the metabolic rate in mice.  If this can be repeated in human beings it would mean that resveratrol might serve as a powerful dieting supplement. Proof that this can be replicated in humans is still under investigation but many over the counter diet products are already cashing in by putting resveratrol in their products.

The Negative Side of Resveratrol

There have been conflicting studies about the long term use of resveratrol.  Though some studies indicate that because it is an estrogen compound it may increase the likelihood of breast cancer many other studies have found just the opposite.

Because of the high estrogen content of resveratrol and the fact that its side effects are not clearly known yet resveratrol is not recommended in high doses for women who want to become pregnant or those breastfeeding young children.  It is also not indicated for use in children under the age of 18. With that being said, this is referring to highly concentrated doses of resveratrol, much higher than what would naturally found to occur in grapes.  Therefore there is no known risk from natural consumption of resveratrol. There is also no categorically proven risk to high doses of resveratrol at this time, though it is always best to err on the side of caution.

Carotenoids are naturally occurring pigments that cause the red, orange, and yellow color of fruits and vegetables. They are also often derived from dark green vegetables. There are a variety of different carotenoids including lycopene, lutein, beta-carotene, and alpha-carotene that are common to the American diet. Caratenoids are very important to the human diet because they have a variety of beneficial properties. They were once only celebrated for their high vitamin A content but it turns out that there is much more to carotenoids than just vitamin A. Here are some more things you should know about carotenoids.

Benefits of Carotenoids

Not only will carotenoids combat vitamin A deficiency but they are also a powerful antioxidant with a variety of other super capabilities. For one thing carotenoids are immune boosters. They help to support and enhance the human immune system. Carotenoids may be a powerful anti-aging agent as well as a powerful anti-cancer agent. They help to promote communication between the cells of the human body which can in turn help to keep aging to a minimum and stop the overproduction of cells that leads to cancer.

Here are some of the benefits of the most common carotenoids in the human diet:

Lutein

Lutein is one of the most popular North American carotenoids. It is found in greens like kale and spinach as well as the yolk of eggs. Lutein is also found in the human eye. Getting enough lutein in your diet may help to fight off age related macular degeneration, an eye condition.  Research has shown that people who do not have enough lutein in their diet will not have enough lutein present in the macular part of the eye. This is what likely leads to age related macular degeneration that can result in blindness.

Beta-Carotene

Beta-Carotene is another popularly occurring carotenoid in North America. This carotene is found in carrots, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes. There are three different carotenes. Alpha, Beta, and Gamma Carotene all convert into vitamin A in the human body. Getting enough carotenes like beta-carotene can help to support healthy bones as well as a healthy reproductive system.

Lycopene

Lycopene is a red carotene of the carotenoid group that can be found in tomatoes, watermelons, and grapefruits. This powerful antioxidant is believed to be a powerful fighter of prostate cancer. Lycopene has many anti-aging capabilities as well, as one of the most powerful antioxidants in the carotenoid group.

Carotenoids are the main pigment that is found in fruits and vegetables. They are the reason for all the latest advisories to make sure you are getting a variety of different colors on your plate each day.  This is because different carotenoids have different beneficial traits. Some of the benefits that can be derived from eating a diet high in carotenoids have likely not even been discovered yet. Carotenoids may cure or prevent a number of illnesses including yeast infections, skin cancer, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and cervical dysplasia as well as many others.

There are a lot of reasons that women should not smoke.  The list could go on forever.  If you are looking for a convincing reason to quit though, here are some things that might help.  These are some of the top reasons that as a woman you should give up smoking now, rather than later.

It’s Unattractive

You might think that smoking helps you to lose weight, though it actually just greatly retards your metabolism temporarily.  The truth is for the little bit of weight that smoking might keep you from gaining, it does far more harm to your vanity.

For starters smoking makes your teeth and nails yellow and extremely unattractive.  Your hands will always smell like smoke and so will your hair, and to those who don’t smoke it really stinks.

Smoking also causes your skin to wrinkle and age must faster.  It makes your hair appear more dull and lifeless than it would without cigarettes.

It Can Kill You

Smoking is linked to emphysema, heart problems, lung cancer, cancer of the mouth, cancer of the throat, and many more severe chronic illnesses that you probably don’t ever want to experience. Smoking is one of the number one causes of death in the United States and it has claimed the lives of millions.  By smoking you are putting yourself at risk for a very long painful death.

The Effect on Your Children

Women who smoke cigarettes often have a hard time quitting when they find out they are pregnant.  Many do not quit at all.  Though you may know someone who had a child that seemed perfectly healthy after nine months, do not use them as your role model.

For one thing children who are born to mothers who smoke have lower IQs on average than children born to parents who don’t smoke.  This is something that might not be obvious when a smoking friend brings a bouncing baby home from the hospital.

Children who are born to mothers who smoke are also at a much higher risk of being premature or suffering from birth defects. These children are also more likely to get chronic ear infections and suffer from asthma.

Do not think for a second that you are only hurting yourself while smoking during pregnancy.  The smoke that you inhale does infiltrate the womb; it fills your body with hundreds of chemical toxins. Many of these toxins enter your blood stream and the umbilical cord through which you are feeding your child.

What’s more is that children who have a parent who smokes are far more likely to smoke themselves when they get older.  In fact there is a good chance that the first cigarette your child smokes will come from your pack.

Fertility

Smoking also has an effect on the fertility of both men and women.  It can greatly reduce fertility and possibly prevent you from ever getting to the point where smoking during pregnancy is an issue.  Though you might not want to have children now there is a good chance that you will in the future so this is something very important to consider.

Expense

Smoking is expensive.  Depending on how bad your habit is and what brand of cigarette you smoke you could be spending hundreds of dollars a month on cigarettes.  That is money that I bet you would rather be spending on clothes, shoes, your favorite hobby, anything other than a self-destructive cigarette.

There are a lot of so called super foods that have been making headlines over the last few years.  The tree super berries acai, goji, and guarana are some of the forerunners for most popular super foods these days.  This is a basic guide to what you need to know about and how you stand to benefit from acai, goji, and guarana berries.

The Acai Berry

Acai berries hail from Central and South America where they have been consumed for years.  They have been believed by the natives of these areas to be powerful foods for thousands of years, but only recently has this belief garnered any real stamina in the US.

Acai is a dark purple colored berry that is related to the blueberry. It is full of antioxidants which is what makes it a super food.  This super berry has shown potential as a combatant for cancer as well as heart disease.

The acai berry has also showed some promise as weight loss supplement.  Though it has not been proven by the FDA yet many companies are already using acai berries and acai berry juice in their weight loss products.  A lot of people are pretty satisfied with the results.

Scientists know that people who eat a diet rich in antioxidants tend to maintain a healthier weight, so one could easily reason that eating berries rich in antioxidants could be a good weigh to safely maintain your weight.

The Goji Berry

Goji berries hail from Asia.  Asian herbalists have been using these berries for thousands of years to treat a number of ailments.  They are part of the nightshade family and they tend to be eaten dried.  They resemble red raisins.

Goji berries have a pretty impressive list of benefits.  They contain a beta carotene as well as another rarer antioxidant that may help to prevent blindness as we age.  They are also linked to cancer prevention and healthy liver function.

Chinese oncologists have done studies that prove cancer patients who are consuming goji or goji supplements respond better to treatment. There are several other studies to back this up as well as some of goji’s other remarkable disease-fighting capabilities.

Though goji juice can be very expensive the berries are relatively cheap and can be used in cooking.  Chinese herbalists often use the berries to make broths and teas.

The Guarana Berry

Guarana berries are similar to coffee beans in size, shape, and make up but they contain more caffeine, double the amount actually.  Guarana berries are the number one source of caffeine for South Americans. Guarana berries are often used in soft drinks and energy drinks.

The really amazing thing about the guarana berry is that something contained in its many antioxidants seems to cause the memory to sharpen.  Scientific studies have practically confirmed the evidence.  So not only are you getting a boost of energy when you are consuming guarana but you are also developing a sharper memory. That is a pretty good combination.

Exercising for women is often disregarded by the slender or happily plump as an activity only for those who wish to lose weight.  The truth is that regardless of your weight, exercise is a necessary part of the human experience and women stand to benefit from regular exercise in a lot more ways than just waist size.

Stress Reduction

Photo by andria.richards

It is no surprise that women tend to be far more stressed than men on average. Women today often work 40+ hours a week outside of the home and are still left with the majority of household tasks and child rearing. Between this issue and natural DNA women everywhere are feeling the stress.  Regular exercise can help to decrease those ever present worried, anxious feelings.

Exercise is one of the best ways to combat stress in women. It works so well because exercise causes the body to produce endorphins.  These endorphins in turn make women feel good and otherwise help to regulate the stress hormones that the body is producing.  Within a few weeks of regular exercise, even if it is just a twenty or thirty minute walk a day, you will begin to notice a huge difference in your disposition.  This is the exercise at work.

Better Sleep

Exercising can help to balance a woman’s circadian rhythm making it easier for her to sleep through the night and wake in the morning.  There is a reason that we feel the need to stretch when we wake up. Stretching when you first wake up helps to keep you alert.  Conversely, stretching and light exercise at night can help to keep you asleep.  We all know that better sleep has plenty of benefits of its own, so exercising to achieve it can help you in a multitude of ways.

Osteoporosis Prevention

According to the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission osteoporosis strikes around 1 in 5 women over the age of 50.  Exercising regularly throughout life can have a great impact on your chances of getting osteoporosis.

Women who exercise regularly, especially beginning prior to their 30th birthday are able to build up a good amount of bone density.  When exercise and a calcium rich diet are combined to improve bone density, osteoporosis can often be prevented.

Some of the best exercises for preventing osteoporosis include weight training exercises that help to build muscle and strengthen bones.  Strength training exercises like Yoga and Pilates can also help to prevent Osteoporosis later in life.

Cancer Prevention

Not only will regular exercise help to prevent osteoporosis but many scientists believe that it can also help to decrease a woman’s chances of getting cancer, especially breast and ovarian cancer.  Though the reasons aren’t exactly clear, plenty of evidence supports the fact that women who exercise regularly do not get cancer at the same rate as those who live a primarily sedentary life. This is probably one of the best reasons for starting to exercise regularly.

Exercising to lose weight is great, just don’t think because you are in good shape or naturally skinny that you will not benefit from regular exercise.  Losing weight is only one of the many reasons that regular exercise for women is incredibly important.