Know These 5 Hormones That Mess With You Every Month

Do you experience mood swings, irrational crying fits, and out of the ordinary cravings? If once a month you experience some of these things, then guess what? This is just normal as reproductive hormones can affect your period, fertility, and sex drive—and your mental state and sleep cycle and appetite.

Read on below and use them to keep everything in check.

1. Estrogen

Estradiol, the most potent type, prepares the uterus for conception. Stable levels can boost sex drive and immunity.

Big Impacts: Estrogen sends “grow” signals to your body’s every cell, from your breasts to your bones. But too much can lead to severe PMS, fertility woes, even breast cancer. Too little can lead to osteoporosis.

The Balancing Act: Being way too thin can hinder production, while extra fat cells can produce a type of estrogen that messes with estradiol. The key: maintaining a healthy weight. Aim for a BMI between 18.5 and 30.

2. Progesterone

It creates a cushy uterine lining (i.e., an embryo crib) each month. No conception? Levels sink, triggering your period.

Big Impacts: Talk about a love-hate affair: Progesterone has a mild sedative effect that can lead to solid sleep (hence those sounder pre-rag z’s). It can also ramp up water retention, gassiness, and constipation…ouch.

The Balancing Act: Since regulating this hormone is critical for baby-making, many wannabe mamas turn to OTC creams. Don’t. Studies show they’re useless. What may work: meditation, as little as five minutes per day.

3. Testosterone

Not just for guys, the androgen hormone supports regular ovulation and a hearty libido. Rawrr!

Big Impacts: Too-high levels—often associated with PCOS (see page 150)—can cause acne, dandruff, or dark hair in abnormal places. Lacking levels can zap your mojo and overall sense of well-being.

The Balancing Act: Excess testosteronehas been closely linked to obesity, so strive for that beneficial BMI. If you’re low, zinc-rich foods like hummus may increase levels. (Relax—you’ll get an energy lift, not a man-beard.)

4. Prolactin

This one’s made in the brain, and its main jobs are to govern egg release and stimulate breast-milk production in new moms.

Big Impacts: Rare sky-high levels can squash your sex drive and bring on menopause-like symptoms. Slightly elevated levels can suppress ovulation. Post-childbirth, normal levels can help you ditch pounds faster.

The Balancing Act: Skimping on sleep can spike stress hormones such as cortisol and prolactin. Score optimal levels by committing to seven to eight hours of uninterrupted shut-eye every night.

5. FSH/LH

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) readies eggs for prime time; luteinizing hormone (LH) makes them drop.

Big Impacts: Ideal FSH/LH amounts can also contribute to favorable progesterone levels, while spiked FSH has been linked to memory problems, insomnia, and acne.

The Balancing Act: Keep a lid on your booze intake, especially if you’re looking to have a baby: More than two drinks per day can throw FSH and LH production out of whack.

Quotes

When we act according to our conscience, we are already living in Heaven

~Connie~

God acknowledges when we pray, forgives when we repent if we do it wholehearted & sincerely

~Connie~

Just like our body has bodily mother, our soul too have one

~Connie~

7 Home Remedies to Control Hair Loss

1. Regular Massaging with Basic Oils

Regular massaging of the scalp with lukewarm oil helps to stimulate the hair follicles. This is also an easy way to cure hair growth deterrents like dandruff and fungal infections. Regular massaging increases the blood circulation in the scalp. It is also useful for lowering anxiety orstress that is often the underlying reason for thinning of hair. Recommended oils for 3 to 4 times-a-week massaging schedule includes coconut oil. You can alternate this with mustard oil. Keep the oil on for at least six hours before washing it off with a mild shampoo. Other oils that can be mixed with coconut oil in trace amounts for faster results include almond oil.

2. Natural Concoctions for Preventing Hair Loss

Coconut milk is among the richest sources of tissue-nourishing, plant derivatives. It is an excellent home remedy for keeping the hair soft without depending upon chemical formulations and regenerating dead hair follicles. You can also use a concoction of coconut oil mixed with half the amount of Amla oil. Just add a dash of lemon juice to this mixture and you have an effective, dandruff-fighting and scalp-healing concoction that arrests receding hairline.

3. Nature’s Effective Hair-stimulating Juices

Wheatgrass juice is one of the most effective remedies against hair fall. It is known to decrease the shedding tendency of hair within a few weeks of regular intake. Aloe vera juice has a similar effect. However, aloe gel can be applied to the scalp too. This is helpful for preventing hair loss due to irritated, dry or infected scalp. After massaging the head with aloe gel, wash the hair with lukewarm water. This can be done twice, every week.

4. Slightly Demanding But Very Effective Natural Therapies

You can make your own hair fall-preventing medicine at home by frying some fenugreek (methi) seeds in coconut oil. Strain this mixture and apply it in minimal amounts, rubbed gently into the hair roots. Alternatively, you can boil some henna leaves in mustard oil. After cooling and straining this preparation, add drops of it in your coconut oil container that you are using for regular massaging.

5. Homemade Pastes

You can wash the hair with a paste made from Neem leaves. This is particularly effective for hair loss caused due excessive build up of scalp oil or invasive skin infections. For restoring the alkaline balance of the scalp and preventing hair fall, you can follow this with washing the hair with apple cider vinegar. Other homemade pastes that can be very useful include a mixture prepared from adding honey and olive oil to some cinnamon (dalchini) powder.

6. Arrest Hair Fall With Elementary Household Items

Before washing your hair, apply the juice extracted from crushed coriander (dhania) leaves. You can also use a mixture of curd and gram flour (chana atta) that should be kept-on for at least an hour before bathing.

7. Hair Fall Dietary Recommendations

For a comprehensive, hair fall prevention regimen, you need to be equipped with a diet plan that includes foods that can arrest hair fall and stimulate better scalp health. Recommendations here include eating more seeds and nuts (almonds and peanuts) along with green leafy vegetables like spinach and sprouts of a variety of dals (legumes). Basically, foods rich in calcium, protein and iron are vital for ensuring overall health of the scalp. Combine this with some basic dietary supplementation, i.e. using over-the-counter products that help to ensure wholesome nutrition for your hair. Regular intake of Amla juice ensures adequate amounts of Vitamin C but you can boost this with eating more guavas. Ensure you take a multivitamin that combines beta-carotenes, Vitamin B complex, Vitamin E and trace amounts of zinc and iron.

Sore Throat – Natural Remedy

You can make a quick syrup for a sore throat orpersistent cough with ingredients in your pantry.

Mix 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of water and 1 tablespoon of honey.

5 Moves to Sculpt and Tone your Arm in 15 Minutes

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The secret to honing a shapely pair of arms is to work your chest and shoulders and both your biceps and triceps evenly.  Strapless dresses expose your upper back, shoulders, upper chest, and arms. This workout will shape all those places. Do these five moves one after another with no rest in between. Repeat the circuit, resting a minute between circuits. Do thisworkout four to six times a week.

 

1.  STANDING V RAISE
Hold a dumbbell in each hand and stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, arms at your sides, palms in (a). With arms straight but not locked, raise the weights diagonally in front of you, so that your arms form a V shape, until your arms are parallel to the floor (b). Hold for one second, then return to the starting position. Do 12 to 15 reps.

2. OVERHEAD TRICEPS EXTENSION

Stand with feet hip-width apart. Hold light dumbbell in right hand, arm extended straight overhead, left hand supporting right elbow (A) to prevent it from flaring out. Bend elbow, lowering dumbbell behind head (B), then press back up to start position. Do all reps, then repeat on opposite side.

3. SHOULDER PRESS
Holding a pair of dumbbells just above your shoulders, palms facing each other, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent (a). Press the weights until your arms are straight overhead (b). Hold for one second, then take three seconds to lower the dumbbells back to your shoulders. Do six to eight reps.

4. ROTATING TRICEPS KICKBACK
Stand with your knees bent and lean forward slightly, with a dumbbell in each hand. Bend your right elbow to bring the dumbbell to your side, making your upper arm parallel with the floor (a). Press the dumbbell back, and as you straighten your arm, rotate it so that your palmfaces the ceiling (b). Rotate it back so that yourpalm faces in, and return your arm to the bent position. Do 12 to 15 reps with each arm.

5. LATERAL RAISE

Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your arms by your sides.  Lift your arms up and out until they reach shoulder height.  Slowly lower the weights and repeat.

Add these five moves to your existing workouts, at least 4 times a week.  Go for a weight thatchallenges you – but make sure you can perform each rep with good form. Your arms should be tired by the end, and you should feel as though you couldn’t do another set with the same weight.

Why You Should Never Throw Away Orange or Banana Peels

The peels of fruits hold some of the most incredible nutrients in the world. There are dozens of uses, both medicinal and practical, for orange and banana peels that are unknown to most. Next time you think about throwing away one of these peels, you may want to have this information handy.

ORANGE PEELS

Always try and minimize your pesticide levels by selecting organic oranges, but since they’re very low in the pesticides, it’s not essential and a good cleaning with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar in 1 cup of water will remove almost any pesticide remaining within the outer peel.

Orange peel and apple skin are similar since most of the nutrients and benefits are in the skin of these fruits. According to Rebecca Wood, author of The New Whole Foods Encyclopedia, “One medium orange contains over 60 flavonoids and 170 different phytonutrients.” They are good for your skin, your system and your home too. Dr. Jaishree Bhattacharjee, Ayurvedic consultant with Satvikshop helps us find out it’s different uses.

Medicinal Properties of Orange Peels

As per Ayurveda, orange peel is tikta (bitter) and it improves digestion and removes sluggishness in the abdomen. It helps to remove gas, heartburn, vomiting and acidic eructation. It works well in perking up appetite and relieving nausea.

Due to its pacifying properties, orange peel powder helps dissolving phlegm in respiratory systems and alleviate cough, asthama etc.

Beneficiary aspects of orange peels come from its essential oils, which have anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. Essential oil d-limonene has ability to defuse stomach acids and maintain normal intestinal movements. It also promotes normal liver function.

Studies have shown that orange peel can dissolve cholesterol and triglyceride. That means consumption of orange peel can benefit obese persons who have high cholesterol levels. It has a flavonoid known as hesperidine, which is said to be effective against colon cancer and osteoporosis.

Essential oils from orange peels are sedative in nature so can be used to calm nerves and induce sleep. Use orange peels in baths or simmer in a pot for uplifting your mood and drive away insomnia.

Beauty Properties of Orange Peels

Oily skin responds well to application of orange peels. It balances the skin oils and makes skin smooth and soft.

Dried orange peel beads act as natural exfoliators and remove dead cells and blackheads gently and naturally, bringing a glow to the skin.

Orange peels help in removing dark spots and blemishes.

Due to its cleansing, anti inflammatory, anti bacterial and antifungal properties, it works well against pus filled pimples and acne.

To remove damp or musky odor from house and fill it with beautiful fragrance, it can be boiled in water with clove or cinnamon.

Orange Peels in Cooking

In cooking, orange zest enhances the taste and flavour of many dishes.

Dried orange peels can absorb humidity from brown sugar.

Sweet candies made with orange peel can tickle your taste buds and improve your appetite and the vitamin c in them would protect you from the onset of many ailment.

BANANA PEELS

Again, as with oranges try and make sure you use organic banana peels to reduce pesticide levels, otherwise the natural organic wash mentioned above will suffice.

Banana peels are chock-a-block with antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, so they’re a natural cure for many an ailment and an aid for cell regeneration. Here are just a few uses:

Water Filtration

Research has demonstrated they have a capacity to absorb lead and copper from river water.

Bug Bites

Rub a banana peel on bug bites to soothe the skin and reduce itching.

Bruises

With restorative properties, banana peel can speed up the healing of bruises.

Teeth Whitening

It’s said that if you rub banana peel on your teeth for a couple of minutes every day, your teeth could be noticeably whiter in a few weeks.

Warts

Not only do banana peels help eliminate warts, but they prevent their return. Simply tape (or otherwise fasten) a piece of banana peel to the wart overnight for about a week. Alternately, you can just rub the banana peel on the affected area daily. This even works for plantar warts (on the sole of the foot).

Scrapes and Scratches

Rubbing banana peel on boo-boos can help promote healing.

Splinters

Among the more bizarre applications for banana peels is the removal of splinters. The enzymes actually help dislodge the splinter and start the healing process when you tape a piece of the peel over a splinter.

Acne

Banana peel will soothe the inflammation and irritation of acne and reduce outbreaks. Rub the peel over the acne (face or body) every night. Improvements should be apparent within a few days.

Psoriasis

Once or twice daily, rub a banana peel on a psoriasis-affected area. Bananas have all the properties to moisturize, reduce itchiness, and heal psoriasis providing noticeable differences in as little as a few days.

Rashes and Itches

Got poison ivy? Banana peel is good for relieving the itch. Rub the peel over the rash twice daily until it is gone.

Headaches

Next time you’re at a friend’s house, ask for a banana, peel it, discard the banana, and hold the banana peel across your forehead as a headache cure. Watch for their reaction; your friend may have lost faith in your sanity, but you also might not have a headache any more.

Wrinkles

Given the overall restorative and healing properties of banana peel, it is said that regularly applying banana peel to your forehead and cheeks can tighten the skin and reduce wrinkles.

Household

The theme in household applications for banana peels is polishing. After removing the stringy bits from the peel, rub away and watch the shine.

Shoe Polish

Rub the banana peel on your (leather) shoes, then buff them up with a soft cloth.

Leather Polish

Leather jackets and furniture could benefit from those peels. Please test a small area first before tackling your sofa with a banana peel and buffing it with a soft cloth.

Silver Polish

The application is the same as above: rub and buff.

Thanks to Karen Foster

How To Cure Tonsillitis And Sore Throat In 4 Hours!

All of these recipes are transferred from generation to generation, so here and now we have the opportunity to try some of them.

We want to suggest this popular and highly effective prescription treatment for tonsillitis and sore throat, which ensures quick recovery, even in minor cases for 4 hours!

• Pour 200ml of water over 80g of grounded cumin seeds, and boil for 15 minutes.
• You will receive a thick extensible mass that looks like coffee grounds.
• Strain and add 50 ml of water, and re-insert on fire until it starts boiling.
• Remove from fire and add 1 tablespoon of hard liquor, cognac, whiskey, brandy…

The cure is ready!

Drink 1 tablespoon every 30 minutes.

Already after 2 hours, the sore throat slowly decreases and swallowing becomes easier.

After 4 hours, you will complete the treatment.

In severe cases, you can drink it longer.

This drink is recommended to those who have problems with frequent colds, sore throat or tonsillitis.