Live Happy.

Health | Food | Fitness | Motivation

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Antibacterial vs. Regular soap

• Antibacterial soaps are no more effective than regular soap and water for killing disease causing germs

• Regular soaps are cheaper

• Regular soap won’t kill healthy bacteria on the skin’s surface

• Disinfectant won’t get dirt off your skin any better than water, but it will kill bacteria

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Today I learnt ...

Generations

Baby Boomers: 1946 - 1964

Gen X: 1965 - 1980

Gen Y aka Millennials: 1981 - 1996

Gen Z: 1997 - 2012

• Higher suicide rates

• Higher rates in asking for help

• Largest population as of 2019: 32% of global population // 2.47billion of 7.7billion people

Gen Alpha: ~2010 - 2025 [millennial & gen z parents]

Gen Beta

https://nypost.com/2020/01/25/generation-z-is-bigger-than-millennials-and-theyre-out-to-change-the-world/

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Be Kinder To Yourself. turned 7 today!

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Thic Thighs = Occasional Thigh Spots

Skin-against-skin chafing

aka Hidradenitis suppurativa

Causes and treatment of pimples on the thighs

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periods.

On average, every month, starting from about 13-years-old, until the big 5-0  you'll have your period. That means you'll have about 456 periods in your life. If that number hasn't sunk in yet, try this one - that's 2,280 days, or 6.25 years of your l-i-f-e. Basically, that's a lot of cramps, and a whole lot of discouraging math.

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PREVENT PMS

The real cause for PMS is simply this: Your hormones become unbalanced, your estrogen levels increase and progesterone levels decrease, either relatively or absolutely.

1. Clean up your diet.

Stop eating refined flour, sugar, and processed foods.

Cut out caffeine.

Stop drinking alcohol.

Balance your blood sugar by eating protein, such as a protein shake, eggs, and nut butters, for breakfast.

Eat evenly throughout the day and don’t skip meals.

Don’t eat within three hours of bedtime.

Cut out all dairy and consider eliminating other common allergens for a few months, especially gluten.

Increase fiber in your diet from vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, beans, and whole grains. Two tablespoons of ground flax seeds a day are especially helpful in correcting constipation and balancing hormones. Put them in a shake or sprinkle them on salads or food.

Increase omega-3 fats by eating more wild fish like sardines, herring, and wild salmon, as well as omega-3 eggs and walnuts.

Eat organic food, especially animal products, to avoid environmental estrogens from pesticides.

2. Take supplements.

A number of supplements have been shown to help ease PMS symptoms by improving metabolic function and hormone metabolism.

Magnesium citrate or glycinate — Take 400 to 600 mg a day.

Calcium citrate — Take 600 mg a day.

Vitamin B6 — Take 50 to 100 mg a day along with 800 mcg of folate and 1,000 mcg of vitamin B12.

Evening primrose oil — Take two 500mg capsules twice a day.

EPA/DHA (omega 3 fats) — Take 1,000 mg once or twice a day.

Taurine — Take 500 mg a day to help liver detoxification.

A good daily multivitamin (all the nutrients work together)

3. Herbs and phytonutrients can also be very helpful. Here are the best studied and most effective:

Chasteberry fruit extract (Vitex Agnus-astus) can help balance the hormones released by the pituitary gland that control your overall hormone function. Studies of over 5,000 women have found it effective. Take 100 mg twice a day of a 10:1 extract.

Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) and cramp bark (Viburum opulus) can help regulate cycles and relieve menstrual cramps.

Dandelion root can help with liver detoxification and works as a diuretic.

Isoflavones from soy, red clover, or kudzu root improve estrogen detoxification by boosting the activity of specific detox enzymes. They can be taken as supplements or consumed in the diet.

Flax seeds contain lignans that help balance hormone metabolism and block the negative effects of excess estrogens.

Chinese herbal formulas may also help. One of the most effective is Xiao Yao San, or Rambling Powder. It contains: Bupleurum Root (Bupleurum chinense), Chinese Peony Root (Paeonia lactiflora), Dong Quai Root (Angelica sinensis), Bai-Zhu Atractylodes Root (Atractylodes macrocephala), Poria Sclerotium (Poria cocos), Ginger Rhizome (Zingiber officinale), Chinese Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza uralensis),and Chinese Mint Leaf (Mentha haplocalyx)

Replacing healthy bacteria in the gut also helps normalize estrogen and hormone metabolism. Take 5 to 10 billion live organisms in a daily probiotic supplement.

For intractable cases, I will occasionally use topical, natural bioidentical progesterone in the last two weeks of the menstrual cycle. The usual dose is 1/2 tsp (20 to 40 mg) applied at night to thin skin areas for the last two weeks of the menstrual cycle.

4. Dealing with stress is also critical.

Take a hot bath at night, get a massage, try yoga, learn deep breathing or meditation.

5. homeopathic medicines

Lachesis, Natrum muriaticum, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla, and Sepia.

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Prevent Acne

Hormone Balance

Diet high in omega 3

switching to a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids and other anti-inflammatory foods

Seeds and nuts: flaxseeds and flaxseed oil, chia seeds, butternuts, walnuts

Fish and fish oils: salmon, sardines, mackerel, whitefish, shad

Herbs and spices: basil, oregano, cloves, marjoram

Vegetables: spinach, sprouted radish seeds, chinese broccoli

Foods high in vitamin A

egg yolks, vegetables like sweet potato, spinach, carrots, pumpkin, broccoli, red peppers, summer squash, fruit like cantaloupe, mangoes, apricots, legumes, and meat and fish

Foods rich in Vitamin D

fish and cod liver oil, and dairy, like milk, yogurt, and cheese. Many foods are fortified with vitamin D.

enough vitamin D by spending 15 minutes in the sun

zinc

probiotic

L-glutamine

using herbs to help balance acne

Consult with your doctor or a pharmacist for recommended brands when taking supplements. The supplement industry is not regulated by the FDA, so their purity and effectiveness has not been scientifically proven. Ask a medical professional about reputable brands.

Vitex agnus-castus or chasteberry is an herb traditionally used to balance female hormones. It has been shown very useful in treating Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) as well as Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and has been used to effectively treat hormonal acne.

Maca is a root vegetable and has been traditionally used in South American native medicine. It has phytoestrogenic activity and may increase progesterone levels.

Dong quai or Angelica sinensis is an herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is known as a female ginseng. It has anti-inflammatory effects that may be helpful. Dong quai is commonly used during menopause to treat menopausal symptoms. It may promote progesterone secretion and inhibit estrogen secretions.

Black cohosh or Cimicifuga racemosa is another herb traditionally used to balance female hormones, primarily during menopause, where it has been shown to be effective in reducing menopausal symptoms. Black cohosh has phytoestrogenic effects and has been used topically to treat hormonal acne.

https://wellnessmama.com/5425/balance-hormones/

http://goop.com/how-to-clear-hormonal-acne/

http://www.holistichealthherbalist.com/how-to-treat-hormonal-acne-naturally/

http://highonclearskin.com/how-to-get-clear/balance-your-estrogen/

http://empoweredsustenance.com/balance-hormones/

https://draxe.com/10-ways-balance-hormones-naturally/

http://www.ladiesbalance.com/treat-female-hormonal-acne-naturally-to-get-clear-skin/

Environmental synthetic hormones or even xenoestrogens found in plastic

Emotional and physical stress, this can create adrenal stress and elevate cortisol levels.

Natural anti-androgens like the following are also very helpful-Green tea extract, saw palmetto, licorice, white peony, spearmint tea, pumpkin seed oil and emu oil. http://www.ladiesbalance.com/how-i-cure-hormonal-acne-naturally/

http://www.ladiesbalance.com/cosmetic-ingredients-to-avoid-for-acne/ http://www.ladiesbalance.com/why-not-to-use-birth-control-for-hormonal-imbalance-and-acne/

lactoferrin and probiotics seem to have a synergistic effect

For example, lactoferrin, taken together with l. acidophilus and b. longum have been shown to:

avoid OD’ing on large doses of vitamin C supplements. Vitamin C increases both the amount of iron absorbed from your food, as well as the amount of iron stored in your body.

Drink tea with a meal. The polyphenols in tea apparently inhibit iron absorption.

A probiotic skin cream

During the adjustment period, diluted apple cider vinegar (2/3 water ad 1/3 raw ACV) helped as a toner used after face washing

Sea Spray calming salt mist for skin helps balance oils

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Ingredients to avoid

Even if the product says “won’t clog pores”, check the bottle. Here are some of the ingredients that can aggravate acne.

Acetylated Lanolin, Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol, Algae Extract, Algin, Carrageenan, Cetyl Acetate, Cetearyl Alcohol + Ceteareth 20, Cocoa Butter, Coconut Oil, Disodium Monooleamido PEG 2-Sulfosuccinate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Glyceryl-3-Diisostearate, Hexadecyl Alcohol, Isocetyl Alcohol, Isocetyl Stearate, Isodecyl Oleate, Isopropyl Isosterate, Isopropyl Linolate, Isopropyl Myristate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Isostearyl Isostearate, Laureth-4, Lauric Acid, Myristyl Lactate, Myristyl Myristate, Octyl Palmitate, Octyl Stearate, Oleth-3, Oleyl Alcohol, PEG 16 Lanolin, PPG 2 Myristyl Propionate, Polyglyceryl-3-Diisostearate, Potassium Chloride, Propylene Glycol Monostearate, Red algae, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Solulan 16, Steareth 10, Stearyl Heptanoate, Syearyl Heptanoate, Wheat Germ Oil, Xylene

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where are your pimples?

Forehead Acne

Go to bed early (10pm) and wake up early (6am). Even if you can't fall asleep, it's good to relax so your liver can rest and be ready for work the next day

Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins

Drink less soda and carbonated beverages

20-30 minutes of light exercise every day, especially outdoors

Practice relaxation techniques to worry less

Get enough sleep with a regular sleep schedule

Eat healthy foods, chewing thoroughly to improve your digestion

Reduce refined sugar in your diet

Keep a daily food diary to see if your acne is related to certain food groups (like dairy)

Practice better hygiene (i.e. washing bangs and hair, cleaning hats)

Check if shampoos, conditioners, and hair products are irritating skin

Temples Zits

Eat less processed food, junk food, and fast food

Reduce the amount of unhealthy fat in your diet (healthy fats from avocado and fish are okay)

Eat cooling foods like bitter melon, cucumbers, and gourds

Practice better hygiene, especially during the summer and if you wear makeup and/or sweat a lot

Between the Brows Pimples

Exercise, but avoid overly strenuous exercise

Get more sleep

Avoid alcohol

Avoid smoking

Eat lighter foods and foods that are less "rich" (like butter and cheese)

Avoid late night snacks

Nose Pimples

Eat less pungent foods (spices, garlic, etc)

Eat less meat

Eat less salt

Eat warm temperature foods (not too cold or hot)

Get more fresh air

Exercise everyday (like going for a walk)

Massage the area around your nose for better circulation

Make sure you are getting enough Vitamin B

Left Cheek Acne

Maintain a normal daily routine

Try to keep a positive mood

Eat more cooling foods such as gourds, winter melons, and green beans

Don't overeat, especially junk food

Try to decompress and relax

The liver is the strongest from 1-3 AM. This is when you should be sleeping

The liver is weakest at 1-5 PM, so schedule difficult work for the morning

If you have to work in the afternoon, rest your eyes for 5 minutes every hour

Practice proper hygiene, especially if you live in a polluted city

Check laundry detergent for any irritating ingredients

Change pillow cases frequently if you sleep on this side of your face

Clean cell phones with rubbing alcohol

Lower left cheek acne could represent poor dental health, so keep your gums and teeth healthy by flossing and brushing regularly

Right Cheek Acne

Avoid fast food and junk food

Avoid mango, taro root, wine, and seafood or other foods you may be sensitive to

Eat less sugar

Get more fresh air

The lung is strongest at 7-9 AM. This is the best time for aerobic exercise

Practice proper hygiene, especially if you live in a polluted city

Check laundry detergent for any irritating ingredients

Change pillow cases frequently if you sleep on this side of your face

Clean cell phones with rubbing alcohol

Lower left cheek acne could represent poor dental health, so keep your gums and teeth healthy by flossing and brushing regularly

Lip Area Zits

Eat more fiber

Include more fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet

Eat less spicy and fried foods

Massage abdominal area in a clockwise motion

Change your toothpaste and/or chapstick

Chin and Jaw Acne

Reduce the habit of eating before bed

Eat more fresh fruit and vegetables

Get more rest

Get your hormones checked for imbalances

Get 20 minutes of exercise each day

Sleep early and wake up early, getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night

Reduce stress as much as possible (yoga, meditating, listening to music, writing in a journal, etc.)

Massage your body for relaxation, particularly the abdomen

Practice proper hygiene

Check toothpaste, mouthwash, and chapsticks

Drink spearmint tea

Take omega-3s to help regulate hormones

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summer sweat

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Sage Tea

Apply Witch Hazel

baking soda [irratation]

tomato-rich diet or simply drinking a glass of tomato juice each day

applying tomato juice to your underarms (or wherever you sweat most) and let it sit for at least 10 minutes before rinsing off.

A natural detoxifier, wheatgrass juice is also rich in vitamin A, C, B12, B6 and folic acid. By neutralizing and diluting the toxins in the blood, drinking just a tablespoon of wheatgrass a day helps fight sweat. If your sweat is especially pungent, you’re in luck! Wheatgrass juice also reduces odor from sweat.

Consuming too much sodium will cause your body to retain more water. Potassium-rich foods like potatoes and broccoli reverse this process to help push water out of the body. Because of this response, potatoes are known to absorb excess water and help relieve sweating.

Simply rub a potato slice across your armpits for a few minutes daily to experience these drying effects.

Like tea and vinegar, tea tree oil acts as an astringent to fight sweat-causing bacteria. Soak a cotton ball in tea tree oil, and blot it on your underarms daily. The effects should start to show in a few days.

The acid in lemon makes it a perfect candidate to naturally reduce excessive sweating. You can either rub half a lemon on your underarms (while lightly squeezing to extract the liquid) or mix a small amount of lemon juice with baking soda and apply it with a cotton pad. Try to leave the lemon juice on for at least 30 minutes, and rinse thoroughly.

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What is hormonal acne?

Skin gets worse right before your menstrual cycle, usually about 10 days before the period begins.

In the first half of the menstrual cycle, the prominent reproductive hormone is estrogen, and in the second half, the prominent hormone is progesterone, which stimulates the production of sebum. Additionally, the relative levels of testosterone increase, which stimulates even more sebum production.

High levels or excess activity of the male hormone testosterone can cause acne. This can occur during the second half of the menstrual cycle. It is not necessarily a problem of too much testosterone; it may just be a matter of too much testosterone as compared to the levels of estrogen and progesterone.

In some young girls and women, the balance between these hormones is such that acne can flare up in those days before the period begins. In some, that balance can signal significant problems with the reproductive system while others will re-balance without using any hormonal treatment.

Hormonal acne usually appears under the cheekbones and around the chin and mouth. Hormonal acne is generally painful, large, with pockets of pus. It’s usually resistant to any type of treatment.

It is not always clear why acne occurs. Hormonal acne can be caused by an underlying condition, such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). A few common reasons for acne include reactions or sensitivities to chemicals in cosmetics or personal products, smoking, or sensitivity to dairy products and highly processed and sugary foods. It may also be due to inflammation from an underlying condition or bacterial infections.

Reduced fatty acid levels in the skin due to not enough essential fatty acids in the diet may also cause acne.

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Healthhhh turned 1 today!

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