Tips for Monsoon – Safety Measures | Food to eat in Monsoon season

Simple Skin, Hair and Health Care Tips for Monsoon – Safety Measures | Food to eat in Monsoon season

With the monsoon blues hitting you very often, you might be dwelling in the seasonal changes that keep you rejuvenated every now and then. It’s okay if you forget to take care of your health and body for quite some time. But you dare to forget the whole season? The answer is a perfect NO, as you know you need to take extra care of your skin, hair and health.  As you can find noticeable changes in weather, taking formidable steps would decrease your efforts as the season continues.

Drink lots of water

This is perhaps an eternal secret to a glowing hydrated and fuller supple skin all throughout the year. You must be drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day to keep the skin problems away. Water adds an element of hydration and boost your skin’s essential oils, flushes toxins away and leaves your skin feeling fresh and amazing as ever.

Skin Care Tips:

There is a lot more to take care of your skin this monsoon as dust particles easily settle on your skin which eventually damages the regular soft and toned look your skin possess. Here are some tips to maintain your skin healthy:

skin_care_tips_in_monsoon

    Most of the times use soap free cleansers and a good scrub so as to keep your skin moist all the time.
    An alcohol free toner is suggested as the high humidity could open up your pores (Toning is usually followed after cleansing).
    Most of them stop using sunscreen once the climate turns cool, but you must continue it even if it is cloudy.
    Heavy makeup is a huge turn off in rains, better if one opts for a water- proof makeup.
    Opt for a lotion- based serum, which keeps your skin rehydrated and brightens it up.
    Avoid bleaching and facials in this season, as bleaching could do more harm for your face and facial makes your skin rough.
    Wash your lips at night and apply some milk cream. Avoid lipsticks especially the dark shaded ones. Apply coconut oil if they are slightly cracked.
    Waxing, pedicure, and manicure are always recommended to give your skin and body a toned look all the time.
    Always wash your face, hands and feet as soon as you reach your home with lukewarm water. This makes you feel refreshed and stay healthy.

However there are different other methods based on whether the skin is oily or dry. These are the general tips that you must follow as the season begins.
Hair Care Tips:

It is as important to take care of your hair as you take care of your body. The best method is to keep good care by following some safety measures:

Monsoon_hair_care

•     Most of the times try to protect your hair from rains, but that’s something impossible as we get caught in rains at least once in a while.
•     As you reach home better wash your hair with mild shampoos and let it dry.
•     Always apply shampoos in a gentle manner and do not forget to use a conditioner in this season after every wash.
•     At night times, massage your hair with warm coconut oil and comb your hair for the even distribution of oil on your scalp and hair.
•     You can also try applying warm oil mixed with curry leaves for your hair to remain thick and black.
•     Usually in this season you invite itchy scalp because of dandruff or some other reasons. For such irritating scalp applying neem oil is the best remedy.
•     Replacing herbal products in place of heavy organic shampoos and conditioners to maintain the natural glossy look of the hair would be best suggestible.
•     Hair coloring is not a good idea in this season as it takes very long to wash your hair and dry. Keep it as natural as possible.
•     Beer is a good conditioner. Initially wash your hair with beer and after few minutes wash it off with cold water. This tip helps your hair in adding glow to your hair.
•      Use of hair dryers though necessary it is better suggested if you limit its usage. Instead opt for dry towels to remove moist from your hair.

Till the end of this season it is better suggested to keep your hair as simple as possible and avoid elaborate hairstyles. Nothing can beat the natural beauty.
Health Tips:

You need to be extremely careful in maintaining a healthy diet this season as the food we intake is more prone to fungal, viral and bacterial infections which naturally affects the body’s immunity.

Monsoon_health_tips

•     Continue drinking plenty of water in this season as it is important to keep your body hydrated every time.
•     Wash all the fruits and vegetables, especially the green leafy vegetables and cauliflower as they play a host for worms and larvae and dirt from streets.
•     Keep your body warm as it becomes easy for viruses to attack once the body temperature cools down.
•     Avoid uncooked fruits and salads in this season as the possibility of getting caught by germs in these kinds of foods is much higher.
•     Instead eat salads blenched in boiling water to disinfect them and a healthy vegetable soup that keeps your body warm. This helps your skin nourish from inside.
•      If you are suffering from asthma and diabetes, avoid staying near wet walls as it could be more harmful which increase the growth of fungus.
•     Including garlic, pepper, ginger, turmeric, jeera powder and coriander in your diet as it helps in reducing indigestion problems and improves your immune system.
•     Do not walk bear footed or wear wet shoes in this season specifically suggested for diabetic patients.
•     Increase milk products, nuts and soya products which give your hair natural healthy look.
•     Maintain general hygiene and avoid road side vendor food as the food easily gets affected with bacteria and fungi.
•     Fresh foods are the best served this season and avoid any food that is straight away from the fridge.
•     Avoid sleeping in the day time and extreme physical exercises but do not forget to regulate your exercises to stay fit and healthy.

Following these general skin, hair and health tips for your body would definitely help you to gear up your monsoon blues. Get ready to glow this monsoon.

Here are 10 rainy season foods that you ought to include in your diet:

1. Garlic:

Garlic Pinit


Packed with antioxidants, these cloves are rich with immunity boosting properties. Plus, they ease your digestive system while ensuring that your metabolic rate does not spiral down to a snail pace. While you can add crushed garlic pods to any food of your choice, one of the tastiest and healthiest ways of enjoying garlic is garlic rasam. A spicy concoction enriched with the pungent flavors of garlic and black pepper, it can be enjoyed along with rice or as a hot cup of soup.

2. Ginger:

Ginger Pinit

Ginger tea – this is the first thing that comes to mind when I think about rain! The fiery nature of ginger verves up your mood and at the same time boosts your metabolism. Grate some fresh ginger into a mug of warm water and squeeze in a lemon. Mix 1 tsp of honey. Your daily dose of immune boosting supplement is ready!
3. Pears:
Pears Pinit

Image: Shutterstock

Not much is talked about the immunity boosting potential of pears. However, it is really amazing to know that this crispy fruit is a treasure trove of assorted vitamins and minerals, all which actually shield you from diseases commonly floating around during the monsoon. Along with being a good source of fiber, the crunchy off white fruit contains a good quantity of copper, vitamin C, and vitamin B12. Pear is a natural antipyretic agent as it helps in cooling the body and thereby easing the fever. So, just make sure you drink a glass of freshly squeezed pear juice or munch on some fresh fruit to get relief from fever.

4. Turmeric:

Turmeric Pinit

This golden yellow hued spice powder is a well-accepted immunity boosting agent. It is a natural antiseptic and antibiotic agent too. And, that is one of the reasons you are forced to drink turmeric infused milk when you get a bout of cough or fever! Turmeric is also known to keep the levels of blood sugar under control. You can drink a glass of milk with ½ teaspoon milk with 1 tsp honey in to safeguard yourself from monsoon illnesses.

 

5. Black Pepper:

Black Pepper Pinit

Just add a zing of black pepper to your omelette or soups or even to your khichdi! These fiery black beads are not just tasty, but come with an awesome dose of good health. A natural antidote for fever, cough, cold, muscular pain, flu, and various respiratory conditions, black pepper is a must include rainy season food. Make a spicy pepper soup with a tamarind base or just mix ½ a teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper powder with equal quantities of turmeric powder and 2 tsp honey to milk and drink for healthy monsoon.

 

6. Almonds:

Almonds Pinit

The crunchy, brown skinned nuts are good sources of protein. Quite low on fat, almonds are packed with various nutrients that are beneficial for your health. This tasty nut enhances your digestive fire, keeps your sugar levels under control, and offers a powerful shield from various diseases. Plus, it is a great snack to munch on while you are on your weight loss regimen plus ensures that are at the pink of your health.

7. Apples:

Apples Pinit

The saying an apple a day keeps the doctor away is perfectly applicable in this scenario. Munch an apple everyday as a part of your balanced, healthy diet. Available in countless variants – Washington, Shimla, Fuji, Granny Smith – apples contains various elements that offer a good cover for you from various health conditions that are always on the prowl during the rains. It also makes sure that your digestive system is functioning properly.

8. Pomegranate:

Pomegranate Pinit

I love this ruby like nibbles! A perfect inclusion in a healthy diet, it is packed with vitamins, especially vitamin C, that ensures that the protein in your body is properly metabolized. This, in turn, ensures that your digestive system is healthy and clean. It also peps up the immunity power, thus helping you combat the various illnesses.

 

9. Beetroot:

Beetroot Pinit

 

Just stir fry grated beets with grated carrots and season it with a little cumin seeds and freshly ground black pepper! You can add 10 to 12 toasted almonds to it and your perfect meal is ready! Packed with the goodness of essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals, including potassium, fibre, and folic acid, beets are amazingly low in calories. It is an ideal veggie when it comes to detoxifying your body. You can have a glass of beetroot juice everyday during the monsoon to revive and revitalize your stamina and keep you healthy during the monsoon.

10. Water:

Water Pinit

Last, but never the least, it is very essential to keep yourself hydrated during the monsoon. There is a natural tendency to cut down on water consumption due to the cold environment. This can put you at the risk of various infections and diseases that are quite common during the monsoon. Ensure you drink at least 8 glasses of water, with each glass measuring 150 ml. Opt for warm water to ensure that you are not compromising your metabolism.

What to Eat and What to Avoid During Rainy Season:

1. Include fruits such as pears, pomegranates, mangoes, guavas, apples, and pears.

2. Enjoy low sodium diet to thwart off hypertension and water retention.

3. Opt for dry foods such as corn and chickpea instead of water-rich foods such as rice and watermelons.

4. Include barley, whole wheat, and oats in your diet.

5. Include curd and buttermilk in your diet.

6. Include bitter veggies and herbs such as Neem and bittergourd.

7. Cut down on tomatoes and tamarind to prevent water retention.

8. Cut down the intake of meat and fish.

9. Include pungent and astringent foods.

10. Drink herbal teas like the ones infused with ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, and cardamom.

11. Cut down on caffeine intake.

12. Avoid veggies such as potatoes, cauliflower, ladies fingers, pigeon peas, sprouted grains, kidney beans, and cluster beans.

13. Avoid green leafy vegetables such as spinach and fenugreek.

14. Opt for steamed vegetable salads.

15. Avoid pre-cut fruits.

16. Drink warm water infused with honey, ginger, and black pepper to pep up immunity.

17. Avoid frozen foods such as ice creams.

18. Bid adieu to fruit juices.

19. Avoid raw vegetable salads.

20. Drink plenty of hot homemade soups.

Bell's palsy: Treatment

                            Bell's palsy: Treatment guidelines

J. M. K. Murthy and Amrit B. Saxena

This article has been cited by other articles in PMC.
The most common cause of acute onset unilateral peripheral facial weakness is Bell's palsy. The incidence of Bell's palsy is 20-30 cases for 100,000 and accounts for 60-70% of all cases of unilateral peripheral facial palsy. Either sex is affected equally and may occur at any age, the median age is 40 years. The incidence is lowest under 10 years of age and highest in people over the age of 70. Left and right sides are affected equally.

Clinical Characteristics
Bell's palsy is an acute peripheral facial weakness of unknown cause and the diagnosis can be established without difficulty in patients with unexplained unilateral isolated facial weakness. The onset is sudden and symptoms typically peak within a few days. Additional symptoms may include pain in or behind the ear, numbness or tingling in the affected side of the face usually without any objective deficit on neurological examination, hyperacusis and disturbed taste on the ipsilateral anterior part of the tongue. Bilateral idiopathic facial palsy occurs less frequently than unilateral involvement. About 7% of patients with history of Bell's palsy may experience recurrence. The mean interval to first recurrence is reported at 9.8 years after the first episode.

Go to:
Diagnosis
The first step in the diagnosis is to determine whether facial weakness is central or peripheral. Peripheral facial palsy involves all the facial muscles ipsilateral to the side of facial nerve involvement where as central weakness involves lower facial muscles contralateral to the lesion in the brain stem above pons and cerebral hemisphere.

Bell's palsy is differentiated from other causes of facial palsy such as diabetes mellitus, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, Lyme disease, Ramsay Hunt syndrome (peripheral facial palsy with zoster oticus), sarcoidosis, Sjogren's syndrome, parotid-nerve tumors, leprosy, polyarteritis nodosa and amyloidosis, by its rapid onset over several hours. Facial palsy secondary to other causes progresses over days to months.

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Diagnostic Workup

Diagnosis of Bell's palsy in a patient with unilateral peripheral facial weakness of unknown cause is purely clinical. However, electrodiagnostic testing done within 14 days of onset may provide prognostic information.

The nerve excitability test determines the excitation threshold by recording the minimum electrical stimulus required to produce visible muscle contraction. A difference greater than 3.5 mA between affected and unaffected sides is considered to be significant in terms of poorer outcome. Measuring the peak-to-peak amplitude of the evoked compound action potential of the involved side compared to the normal side has prognostic importance. If there is a 90% or greater reduction in the amplitude of the affected side, the prognosis is poor.

Currently the trigeminal blink reflex is the only test to measure intracranial pathway of the facial nerve and also useful test to study various postparalysis sequelae such as synkinesis and hemifacial spasms. With recovery of facial function the ipsilateral R1 latency becomes less prolonged and the amount of initial prolongation of this response correlates with greater loss of facial motor function.

Gadolinium contrast magnetic resonance (MRI) study reveals enhancement of internal acoustic meatal segment on the affected side; however, this is a non-specific finding. MRI should not be done routinely and should be the investigation to look for other possible causes for acute facial paralysis especially if there is little or no recovery of function.

Treatment

The aims of treatment in the acute phase of Bell's palsy include strategies to speed recovery and to prevent corneal complications. Eye care includes eye patching and lubrication, lubricating drops should be applied frequently during the day and a eye ointment should be used at night.[5] Strategies to speed recovery include physical therapy, corticosteroids and antiviral agents .

Care ,Precaution in Thyroid

 Care ,Precaution in Thyroid

Hypothyroidism can be a tricky condition to manage, and what you eat can interfere with your treatment. Some nutrients heavily influence the function of the thyroid gland, and certain foods can inhibit your body's ability to absorb the replacement hormones you may take as part of your thyroid treatment.

Having a thyroid condition is no picnic, but you're not alone with this health issue. According to the American Thyroid Association, more than 12 percent of the population may end up dealing with a thyroid condition at some point in their lives. And thyroid issues can be sneaky: Of the nearly 20 million Americans living with the disease, as many as 60 percent don't even realize they have it.

As with many health conditions, some factors are out of your control, including your family history and the environment around you. But diet also plays a prominent role — and since you're the one in charge of your plate, you can decide which thyroid-friendly foods to choose.

Some items on this list may strike you as odd, like fiber and coffee, because for many other diets they're considered 'healthy' or ‘safe’ picks. You can still enjoy these foods groups, but moderating your intake is a good idea when managing hypothyroidism.

But many of the others to watch out for already fall into the no-no category as part of a smart diet, so skipping them, or at least cutting way back, is definitely a no-brainer. These include fried fast-food meals, salty processed foods, sugary treats, such as pastry, cake, cookies, and ice cream, and excessive alcohol.

So while there's no such thing as a "hypothyroidism diet" that will make you well, eating smart can help you feel better despite the condition. Here are nine foods to limit or avoid as you manage hypothyroidism:

Here are 5 things you might not know about the thyroid:

1. The thyroid is the central gear in your body’s metabolism.

Thyroid function intimately impacts the basal metabolic rate, cardiovascular system, bone metabolism, hormone production, glucose metabolism, red blood cell production, protein metabolism, cholesterol metabolism, gastrointestinal function, liver function, gall bladder and brain function. To keep your body in top condition, make sure that your thyroid is working optimally.

2. The thyroid gland is vulnerable to toxins.

Many known environmental disrupters such as heavy metals, pesticides and plastic compounds promote goiter activity and can wreak havoc on the thyroid. Think twice before eating foods sprayed with pesticides and using plastics- it might hurt your thyroid.

3. Medications can disrupt thyroid hormone metabolism.

Thyroid physiology is vulnerable to cross-reactions with many medications including anti-inflammatory medications, antibiotics, antidepressants, cholesterol-lowering medications, antacids, pain medications, and diabetes medications. Talk to your doctor about the potential side effects that your prescription medications can have on your thyroid.

4. Thyroid hormones influence the immune system.

Thyroid hormones exhibit influences on cellular messenger systems that affect T and B cell activity, cell death, and many other immune system functions. Think about your thyroid the next time that you are fighting a cold--it’s fighting with you! Make sure that your Vitamin D levels are optimal, as vitamin D is one of the main regulators of a healthy immune system.

5. Many vitamins and minerals are necessary for proper thyroid metabolism.

Vitamin A, selenium, the B vitamins, iodine, and vitamin D, and zinc are some of the vitamins and minerals that are necessary to ensure healthy thyroid function. To optimize your thyroid’s health make sure that you eat a balanced diet that includes the vitamins and minerals needed to keep the thyroid in tip-top shape.

Best: Berries

The best diet for your thyroid requires more than just iodine, selenium, and vitamin D, says Ilic. And—perhaps unsurprisingly—foods that are high in antioxidants are also good for your thyroid. One 2008 study by researchers from Turkey suggests that people with hypothyroidism have higher levels of harmful free radicals than those without the condition.

Berries are chockfull of antioxidants, according to a 2010 study in Nutrition Journal. The researchers examined more than 3,000 foods and found that wild strawberries, blackberries, goji berries, and cranberries ranked especially high.

Good: Cauliflower, kale, broccoli, bok choy

Do a little Googling, and you might turn up a page or two claiming that cruciferous vegetables can cause thyroid troubles. The truth is a little murkier. While it's true that these veggies contain compounds called glucosinolates, which might interfere with your body's production of thyroid hormones in high amounts, it's pretty unlikely that they'll harm your thyroid if you're eating normal-size servings. One case report in the New England Journal of Medicine highlighted the story of an 88-year-old woman who showed up to the ER with hypothyroidism after eating about 2 or 3 pounds of bok choy a day—but, as Ilic points out, "that's not a normal amount."

Bottom line: "Cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower and kale are important for a healthy diet and a healthy thyroid," says Ilic. (And besides, if you cook down the foods, you'll release enzymes that are related to glucosinolates. See? Problem solved.)

Health is Wealth : http://healthythoughtsbyamit.blogspot.in/2018/04/tips-to-maintain-healthy-diet-this.html

Tips To Maintain A Healthy Diet This Summer

• Cool Off

Carry a face mist with you, so you can mist your face and body while out in hot sun.

I am sharing a great Homemade Cooling Cucumber Mist recipe :

    Puree a peeled cucumber until it is smooth.
    Strain this mixture through your cheesecloth into a clean bowl, and make sure to squeeze that cloth to get all the liquid out of it.
    Add 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of mint juice, 1/2 cup of rosewater, and stir well to make sure it’s all blended together, then pour the liquid into a spray bottle.
    If you find that it’s a bit too viscous, you can add more rosewater or a bit of distilled water to dilute it.

This is a wonderfully cooling and soothing mist on sunburns, dry weather ravaged skin, or during a menopausal hot flash.

• Do away with Dry Skin

Use a gentle scrub on dry skin to exfoliate, before you bathe. Pay special attention to knees and elbows. Finish with a rich body cream or oil within three minutes of toweling off.

A Very effective Home made Exfoliating Coffee Body Scrub

    Mix 1/4 cup sugar sugar with 1/2cup finely ground coffee beans, 2 tablespoons of sesame oil,and 1/2 teaspoon (about 20 drops) eucalyptus essential oil. Turn it to a paste. You can add a tablespoon of sea salt and extra virgin olive oil too.
    The firming effect of caffeine,nourishing sesame oil and purifying eucalyptus oil work magic with your skin.
    Use this mixture to scrub your entire body.
    Scrub away gently for 10 to 15 seconds until you feel your skin has turned soft and silky.
    Rinse it off with lukewarm water. Make sure you use a body wash to experience the softness of your skin.

Once done, apply a moisturizer of your choice to retain the moisture.

•  Eat Your SPF - literally!

Oral intake of vitamins C and Vitamin A can limit potential for sunburn. A salad with vitamin C rich citrus, berries, tomato, and vitamin E rich nuts is an ideal SPF meal.

    A mixed fruit treat of mango, strawberries, papaya is an amazing reward for your skin.
    Mango is rich in betacarotene, a natural sunscreen given to us by nature in this season. It also fights against skin ageing, regenerates skin cells and restores the elasticity of skin.
    Papaya is also a rich source of Vitamin A with a great sun protective action.

•  Ease the Eyes

The summer elements can be particularly harsh on the fragile skin around the eyes.

Apply sunscreen around the eyes too. You can use homemade packs to soothe your eyes. Use glares to protect your eyes.

A very soothing Homemade Cucumber Mint Eye Mask

    Blend a cucumber (it is ok to leave the skin on) and 5-6 mint leaves.
    Add a small amount of water to thin the cucumber’s juice.
    Dip cotton pads in the juice and gently squeeze them to get rid of excess juice with your palm.
    Place the cotton pads flat and separated in a clear zip-lock bag and freeze them until they are iced.

At the end of a tiring hectic day, just take two cotton pads out of the bag, place them over your eyes for around 20-25 minutes and relax.

• Protect your pout

The sun’s rays are very drying on the delicate lip tissue.

To keep your lips luscious and hydrated, apply a richly textured lip balm with a minimum SPF of 15 and reapply regularly, when outdoors. Apply little coconut oil or ghee on lips at night to prevent them from chapping.

The following Homemade lip pack will be well appreciated by your lips.

    Apply a mashed ripe banana in a teaspoon of sour cream and leave on to soothe your chapped lips.

• Take a cool shower

Hot showers after sun exposure further dry the skin. A cool shower after excess sweating helps keep the skin unblocked, and decreases acne breakouts.

Stay Hydrated

One of the biggest dangers of being outdoors in the summer is dehydration. “Drink lots of water!” – make this your motto until we hit July. Our body naturally loses a lot of moisture in the summer, so increasing the intake of water becomes a priority. Only the liquid can keep your body cool and skin soft. And yes, your mom is right!
 

• Avoid Aerated Drinks

Though the TVCs claim that aerated drinks can take care of your really hot day, avoid the temptation. Aerated drinks contain a high percentage of sugar which is bad for skin. Remember, your skin is already being exposed to the summer heat, and these drinks tend to augment its ill effects.

• Give Your Diet a Berry Boost

Here comes another summer motto – “Berries are good!” It is necessary to give your diet a berry boost to cope up with this heat. Intake of blackberries, blueberries, or strawberries in any form (Raw/Juice) will work well. This will help prevent the damage to tissues caused by heat. Moreover, they are rich in anti-oxidants and keep your cholesterol in control.