Importance of Pranayama

Pranayama is one of the most important aspects of yoga. It refers to the Prana, which is the force that gives us life. For yogis, the Prana is very important since it is the energy that brings us to life. Beyond giving life, it is the link that connects your mind with its conscious state.

To control the Prana, you use Pranayama. These are a series of techniques to stimulate your breathing. The breathing functions are considered of most importance for aliving since it is impossible to continue life without breath.

But just breathing is not enough for yoga practice. You must learn how to do it right. When you are untrained, you just breath uncontrollably. But once you get involved with pranayama techniques, you will learn how to get control of your breath, which leads to healing and self-control.

The Different Types of Pranayama

There are different techniques when it comes to pranayama. Each yoga stream has different approaches, but all of them are meant for the same porpoises. The most popular types of Pranayama techniques are:

1. Kapalabhati Pranayama (breathing with your skull)
2. Kumbhaka Pranayama (the retention of breath)
3. Mrigi Mudra Pranayama (or the seal of the deer)
4. Mula Bandha (the bond to your roots)
5. Nadi Shodhana Pranayama (to clean the breathing channels)
6. Shitali Pranayama (the cool technique)
7. Simhasana Pranayama (or the lion position)
8. Surya Bhedana Pranayama (breathing with one nostril)
9. Svara Pranayama (the sound of your breath)
10. Ujjayi Pranayama (to conquer your breath)
11. Viloma Pranayama (or the paused inhalation)

Benefits of Pranayama

Once you master the arts of pranayama, there are many good things that come along with it. The most important benefits include:

• Bringing more oxygen to your bloodstream and improve its circulation.As a consequence, your heart works better than before.
• Learning how to reduce your breath rate.
• Longevity
• Reduces feelings of depression or anger

All these benefits are a combination of the pranayama techniques and the yoga philosophy. Of course, it all starts with pranayama, but that is not the only thing to consider. To practice yoga as a whole is going to improve all aspects of your life.

Techniques to Practice Pranayama

Get prepared for Pranayama as we explain in our section “Steps to do Pranayama.” Then, select one of the techniques you want to perform. Here are few details on some of them.

1. To perform the Nadi Shodhana Pranayama, cover your right nostril with your right hand. Then, inhale from the left side. On the second’s step, cover your left nostril with your left hand and exhale from the right side.



2. The Shitali Pranayama started with your mouth opened and shaped like an O as you inhale. Take the air out through your nose.



3. For the Ujjayi Pranayama, you must open your mouth and take deep inhalations and exhalations. As you are doing it, close your through until you listen the sound of the ocean. On the next breath, close your mouth as you still restrict your throat. Then breath. Alternate the breathes between your mouth and nose.

Precautions when you practice Pranayama

The most important thing when you practice pranayama is your posture. You must ensure your back is straight in such a way that your neck and spine are in a perpendicular position to the floor. With a bad position, you will not be able to perform any pranayama technique correctly.

Before you start, make sure you have an empty stomach. Then proceed.

Steps to do Pranayama

Each Pranayama technique has different steps. However, most of them have the same basic steps to start as follows:

• Get to a comfortable position, preferably sitting down with your legs crossed.
• Clear your mind and relax. As you do this, take consciousness of your breath. This step should take you around 5 breathing cycles.
• Feel how the air is moving around you and filling your lunges. Take consciousness of your surroundings.
• Breath according to the type of pranayama you want to perform. Check them out on our section “Techniques to Practice Pranayama.”
• Repeat each pranayama exercise at least ten times.

Only few pranayama requires a different position, and therefore different steps.

Asthma and Pneumonia are both airway diseases. For unversed people, they are practically the same. Next, we will talk about their causes, symptoms and treatments, highlighting the differences of each.

Differences Between Asthma and Pneumonia

Both, asthma and pneumonia, affect the lunge area. But they do it differently. Asthma is chronical. It causes inflammation on the path to the lungs. As a consequence, the airways are stretched, reducing the path in which air can flow and causing the symptoms.

As for pneumonia, it is an infection in the lung area. The infection may affect only one lung or even both. If it is not treated at an early stage, it can worsen fast. The effect of the infection is the inflammation of the lungs themselves. Think of them as air bags whose walls are thicker. Again, the air flow is affected, but at a different area. In the worse pneumonia cases, the lungs can even fill with a fluid that further affects their air flow capacity.

It is important to highlight that asthma and pneumonia can be related. Asthma can lead to pneumonia, so it is imperative to take preventive measures. In fact, asthmatic patients have a higher risk to develop any other respiratory disease, from a simple flu to other more serious health conditions like influenza. This is because their respiratory system is weaker than the average.

As you can see, the origin of the discomforts is different. It all has to do with the air flow that can even affect your heart, causing other issues. But the root cause is located somewhere else.

Let’s take a closer look to the causes and symptoms on our following sections to differentiate each disease and avoid confusions.

Causes

Asthma is an inherited condition that is activated by the environment. An asthma outbreak can be triggered by the following factors:

• Airborne chemicals
• Certain allergens (for example, pollen or pets)
• Exercise
• Pollution (smoke)
• Weather (especially during dry and cold seasons)

As for pneumonia, there are many agents that can carry the disease, as it is an infection. They include:

• Bacteria
• Chemicals
• Fungi
• Mycoplasma
• Virus

Symptoms

There are similar symptoms when it comes to asthma and pneumonia. The similar symptoms are:

• Shortness of breath
• Coughs
• Palpitations
• Higher respiratory rates

Specific symptoms of Asthma include:

• A whistling sound (high-pitched) when breathing.
• Tightness of the chest
• Wheezing.

But most of all, asthma’s symptoms are chronical. They can be very light or severe, and may last just a few moments or several hours.

As for pneumonia, the symptoms increase gradually. It all starts similar to a common cold, but eventually it gets worse. The specific symptoms of pneumonia are:

• Chest pain, especially when coughing
• Clammy skin
• Cough with mucus (yellow or green) and at the worse cases blood
• Feeling tired
• Fever
• Headache and muscle pain
• No appetite

Not all cases develop the same symptoms, and they depend on which is the actual cause. Bacterial pneumonia is characterized for very high fever. Viral pneumonia is easily confused with flu, including headaches and muscle pain.

Treatments

As for the treatments, they are completely different. It all has to do with the chronical nature of asthma against the temporary nature of pneumonia.

Asthmatic patients have it and must live with it through their whole lives. On the contrary, pneumonia is caused by an infection, and most cases can be cured. Therefore, the treatments address different things.

To improve asthma, you need to be aware of your surroundings. Each patient is triggered by specific things. If you simply avoid them, then you will be safe of an asthma attack. Nevertheless, when an attack occurs, it must be attended as an emergency right away.

The treatments for asthma depend on the severity of the condition. Allergy meds are useful. Other medications to keep everything under control include:

• Beta-2 agonists (for long term treatments)
• Corticosteroids (oral treatment)
• Immunotherapy agents (usually sublingual)

Besides these meds, it is important to be extra careful. Asthma patients have a weaker respiratory system and are more prone to be attacked by other diseases.

As for pneumonia, rest is the best treatment. Drinking a lot of water and other liquids is also recommended. With pneumonia there are two approaches with medications. The following list is for those meds used to reduce the symptoms and make the disease more bearable:

• Aspirin
• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen

The second group of medicines must be prescribed by a licensed doctor. They are antivirals or antibacterial drugs to get rid of the harmful agent that is causing the infection.

The sore throats result in itchiness, pain and irritation of the throat where the person who has it can have difficulties in the swallowing, whether it is food or liquids. The pain gets even worse when the person tries to swallow and is the first symptom of the sore throats.

What causes the Sore Throats?

The sore throats can be caused:

• By some pollution from the outside
• By some allergens and dry air, flu, measles, cold, mononucleosis, chickenpox and more.

All these infections are viral and no antibiotics can heal them. The bacterial infections are also causes of the sore throats, like the diphtheria, strep throat and whooping cough.

How the Sore Throats can be treated in children and infants?

Here are some tips on how to treat the sore throats at children and infants.

• You can add cool mist in the room of the children and moisturize the air.
• Children under 1 year should not consume honey.
• Avoid giving juices to the children

What is the prevention consisted of?

The prevention consists of staying away from those who are already infected with the sore throats.

• Avoid contacts with people who have strep throat, flu.
• Washing of the hands frequently is definitely mandatory.
• Avoid spicy foods.

Natural Remedies can help in the treatment of the Sore Throats

1. Licorice Root
   • This root has been used to treat the sore throats and is shown to be effective if it is mixed with some solution for gargling.
   • It also soothes the throat after the surgery.



2. Salt Water
   • The throat hurts because the mucous membranes have swollen and become painful due to the inflammation.
   • It is commonly known that doing gargles few times daily is a good natural remedy for the sore throats. It can also prevent swelling.
   • According to some research projects it was proved that warm salty water helps in soothing the throat and shattering the secretions in it.
   • It is also proved that the bacteria that is inside the throat is killed with the salty water.
   • You can make it by adding a teaspoon of salt in 1 glass of warm water



3. Hot Toddy
   • You can make easily a hot toddy and enjoy in the effects while drinking it.
   • The mixture of lemon and honey will sooth your throat and can also help you to sleep, but need to be careful with the alcohol.
4. Honey
   • When the honey is mixed in tea it is the perfect remedy for the sore throats.
   • It is also recommended to use the honey before going to sleep because it has better effects during night time.
   • The honey also helps in the healing of the sores in shorter period of time



5. Apple Cider Vinegar Drink
   • The mixture of ACV drink is commonly known in the natural treatment of sore throats.
   • You can mix apple cider vinegar with garlic and the bacteria will be killed efficiently.
   • Do not drink it while is still warm
6. Peppermint
   • The peppermint is known to give your mouth fresh breath. Some of the sprays that contain the peppermint can also reduce the sore throats and it helps in the reducing of coughs and mucus as well.
   • It also contains anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial effects that can speed up the healing



7. Chamomile Tea
   • The chamomile tea helps in the soothing of the throat and is one of the best and oldest natural remedies that have been used in the traditional medicine for healing sore throats.
   • It is also used as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory medicine.
   • Some of the studies have shown that can reduce the symptoms of the sores and can stimulate the immune system as well.



8. Fenugreek

   You can eat the fenugreek, literally. It has a lot of health benefits for the human organism and can be used in many ways.

   • The oil, the seeds and a tea can be made from the fenugreek and used in the treatment of throat sores.
   • This natural remedy reduces the pain, the inflammation, the presence of bacteria in the throat and the irritation. Can have antifungal properties as well.

True beauty is associated with glowing and healthy skin. Clear and beautiful skin is one of the major elements of a person’s beauty. Healthy skin immensely helps you feel beautiful as well. Some of the leading factors which take a toll on the texture and quality of the skin are a lack of sleep, stress, pollution, poor nutrition, excessive smoking, damage from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, and drinking alcohol. During summer excess heat and humidity enhance sweat production that means more oil available to clog pores. Summer activities – like hanging out in the swimming pools – can have negative effects on our skin.

How the Summer Weather Affects Your Skin?

Summer affects your skin in various ways. Here we have listed a few common ways.

• Acne has potential to get worse as the weather gets hotter.
• Extreme heat and humidity can also facilitate bacterial and fungal infections.
• In a hot, arid climate (including portions with a high altitude), the dry air sucks up all moisture from your skin, leaving it scaly, itchy, and dull.
• The top layer of your skin can curl up like fish scales and flake off, making you even more vulnerable to the weather.
• Dehydrated skin draws attention to fine lines you already have, and chronic dryness can speed up the aging process.

Summer Skin Care Tips

Summer season severely affects your skin texture especially intense UV sun rays and sun tanning results in a rough, dull and dark skin. But now you can have smooth, soft and glowing skin even in the summer season simply by following some effective tips which are given below.

1. Drink Plenty of Water

   First of all, try to drink plenty of water as it not only keep your body hydrated but also removes harmful toxins from your body. Water requirement during the summer season is increased as a lot of water is lost due to excessive sweating during the summer season. So try to drink regularly at least 12-14 glasses of water.



2. Use a Toner

   The best tips for glowing skin must include the toner. It is extremely important to keep your pores closed and skin cool by using the toner. Try the rose water. Its natural cooling properties make it an outstanding toner for the hot season.

3. Go for a Water-Based Moisturizer

   The best beauty tips for glowing skin must include a water-based moisturizer. Don’t make the mistake of skipping moisturizing routine altogether as it’s essential for the skin to remain hydrated. However, if you find your regular moisturizer extremely oily, go for a water-based one.

4. Ditch those Aerated Drinks

   Most people have a tendency to reach out for a cold aerated drink to quench their thirst on a hot day. However, it is immensely important to remember that these drinks are full of sugar that is not great for your skin or your figure. Instead, drink some fresh lime, water, Aam Panna (green mango drink), fresh fruit juices, or coconut water to stay hydrated. It is also best to minimize the intake of diuretics like caffeine and alcohol as they decrease the water from your system.

5. Sun Protection

   If you can, try and stay indoors between 12 pm and 3 pm. That’s when sun’s rays are the strongest and can have an adverse effect on the skin. The best glowing skin tips must include a sunscreen. Don’t forget to apply that all-important sunscreen 25 minutes before you step out. If you have been out in sun for a few hours, touch it up again, so you are well protected. You can use sunscreen like Suncros Sunscreen Lotion.



6. Exfoliate

   The best summer skin care tips must include exfoliation. More than the rest of the year, it is important to exfoliate the skin in the summer to improve the blood circulation to the face. Choose from any of the cosmetic scrubs available in the market or make one at home. Try this simple one using a pinch of turmeric, 4 to 5 tbsps of gram flour, 6-7 drops of rose water and milk or yogurt. Mix it into a paste and utilize it to exfoliate the face. Follow it up with a moisturizer and face mask.

7. Don’t like Your Tan?

   Gram flour can also be utilized as a face mask to get rid of an uneven tan. Mix it with yogurt and 4-5 drops of lemon and gently apply and leave it on the face till it’s dry. The citrus properties of the lemon are effective in removing the tan.

8. Cleanse Your Face Twice a Day

   At least! This is extremely important to do even if you have been home all day and feel like your skin is clean. Cleansing and moisturizing the skin before sleeping is an absolute must.



9. Get that Warm, Summer Glow

   Papaya is full of natural goodness, and one can utilize it as a homemade pack. Just mash 3 tbsp of papaya with a tsp of honey and 2 egg whites. Leave the mixture on the face for about 15-20 minutes and enjoy the glow you get afterward.

10. Cool Your Skin

    Blending half a cucumber and 2 teaspoons of yogurt in the mixer can make another effective and simple homemade face pack. Apply this to the face for about 10 minutes and feel completely pampered.

11. Repair and Treat Sun Damage

    UV light causes photoaging in form of coarse skin, brown spots and wrinkles, whether you have burned the skin or not. When sunlight comes in contact with the skin a cascade of damage results causing inflammation, the production of the reactive oxygen molecules that affect healthy cell growth, and stimulation of collagen destructing enzymes. The tan may be a popular summer look, but it also indicates severe damage. Bombard the skin with age-fighting ingredients to immensely help undo any damage that may occur and to further protect it from the aging effects of UV.

Eat healthy, exercise and sleep well! The holy trinity of great health and glowing skin holds true for the whole year. Therefore, along with all tips above, do not forget to eat a healthy, balanced diet, work out for at least 25 minutes every day and get 7 to 8 hours of sleep. Enjoy the summer!

With today’s beauty and health products it is easy to forget about the natural products from our ancestors. The marketing and advertising of every product today got across every media. The food and the drinks that are served in India are of a high nutrition value and mostly they have herbs and spices. But wouldn’t be better if instead of using all those expensive products for the health of your skin, use homemade products with the common ailments? These homemade remedies are used among the people in India and are affordable by any person.

Ayurvedic Skin Care Tips

1. Water
   • Using water it is everyday use where the drinking water nowadays is stored in the plastic containers also in modern India today. It is believed that the water would be stored better in metallic or clay containers at a room temperature.
   • Drinking a glass full of water early in the morning, on an empty stomach helps in the cleaning of the bowels. Water that is being kept in a pure copper vessel over the night is even better because it has health benefits, according to Ayurveda. This helps to lose weight, detox the bowels, regulating the thyroid gland and much more.
   • It also helps the digestive system to perform better, putting aside the effects on the skin.
   • If the water is kept at room temperature, stimulates the blood vessels and the nerves, so avoid drinking cold water.



2. Water, Lemon and Honey

   Drinking glass of water, honey and lemon helps in burning the fat in the body. It is usually good to drink it with fresh lemon juice, warm water and organic honey. It also provides cleaning the bowels. A person needs healthy bowels because we will feel better and our physical appearance will be better too, we will feel and look healthy and beautiful.

3. Turmeric Mask

   This is one of the healthiest and is one of the most expensive herbs in India. It can be used in the food as an ingredient and in medicines as well. It provides excellent effect on the skin and is nutrient-rich.

   • It can also serve as antioxidant and antiseptic and has a lot of health benefits.
   • With massaging the skin with homemade turmeric masks and pastes- like “tsuch” paste, helps in the cleaning process of the skin and cleans it deeply.
   • The turmeric mask also gives glow to the skin.
   • The turmeric mask does not contain any chemical that can be harmful to the skin.
   • In India is common to give the bride and the groom turmeric massage before their wedding.
   • The mask can be applied to 5 parts of the body – feet, knees, arms, hands and face and has to be done in this exact order.



4. Mustard
   • The mustard is also a beauty enhancer and its oil can be used for massaging the body and the hair.
   • Indians massage the babies with the oil in the winter period, under the sun because it is believed that the mustard oil strengthens the bones.
   • The adults use the mustard oil to nourish the bodies as well. It is good to use it before shower and if you use it daily it will help you to have strong and longer hair.
   • The seeds of the mustard can be crashed with the hands and turned into a paste, and the same paste will be used to clean deeply and nourish the skin.
   • The mustard oil can be used for cooking as well.
5. Black Pepper and Ginger
   • Using black pepper and ginger poured into hot water can be used as an excellent remedy for cold. You can do this 2-3 times in the day and see the results immediately. Besides this the ginger and the black pepper can have amazing effects on the skin, giving it glow and smoothness.
   • If you have a dry cough and you can’t stop coughing, and then crush ginger and try to take as much juice as possible and mix it with organic honey. Eat the mixture in small doses with a small spoon. You can practice this 4-6 times per day and will help you immediately with a cough
   • This mixture has also amazing effects on the skin
6. Raw Milk
   • The raw milk is known as a basic Ayurvedic ingredient as a natural skin product. It helps to remove the dirt from the skin and clean the pores. It provides glow and can be as a natural moisturizer.
   • It can be applied on the face with a cotton ball, and then gently clean the skin.
   • Mixture with lemon juice can help as well.



7. Orange
   • On a daily basis you can apply fresh orange juice as well and you will improve the skin tone and the texture of your skin.
   • The orange is rich in vitamin C and acts as a good skin toner which helps the skin to slow the aging.

In this heat, there is an ever-increasing risk of heat-related complications among diabetics, and people suffering from chronic diseases and those undergoing specific medication, like heart disease medication or diuretics, which are frequently employed to treat diabetic complications

Beat the Heat:

Proper Hydration – Dehydration, i.e. the loss of electrolytes from the body, can occur to anyone regardless of their health on a hot, dry summer afternoon. If you are diabetic, fluctuation in blood sugar level can cause dehydration. When the glucose level rises, there is an increase in the amount of urine excreted. To check dehydration, it is strongly recommended to consume plenty of caffeine-free liquids which are ideal drinks for diabetics – water, Alka-Seltzer or sugar-free lemonade or iced tea. Limit your alcohol intake.

Look out for Heat Exhaustion Symptoms

This is to be observed especially while you are exercising outdoors or at the workplace. Diabetes Patients and chronic diseases like heart disease are more prone to overheating the body. This happens when the patient is subjected to increased temperatures for a long time and the fluids lost are not replenished.

Signs of Heat Exhaustion Include:

• Feeling of dizziness and fatigue as if about to faint
• Excessive sweating
• Cold, moist skin with goose bumps when exposed to heat
• Muscular cramps
• Weak, rapid heartbeat and pulse
• Low blood pressure and dizziness on standing
• Headache
• Nausea

How to Avoid Heat Stroke?

Heat exhaustion is a step away from a possibly serious stroke. On having any of the previously mentioned symptoms, try following these steps.

• Rest in a cool, well-shaded spot, or better, an air-conditioned room. Lie down on your back with your legs in an elevated position.
• Drink cool fluids and avoid alcohol which can dry your throat and make dehydration worse.
• Take a shower, or wipe your body with a wet towel.
• Adjust your clothing, loosen them, or remove any unnecessary garments.
• Exercise in cooler environments – To avoid heat exhaustion while working out, exercise in an air-conditioned gym, or keep your gym timings during early morning or late in the evening when the temperature is relatively milder.

Extra Precautions for Neuropathy

• If you are a patient of autonomic neuropathy, which is damage to nerves regulating involuntary functions like heartbeat, blood pressure, perspiration etc., these special tips are to be kept in mind.
• Avoid remaining in environments with temperatures more than 85-90°F.
• Wear shoes that protect your feet adequately. Excessive sweat in the feet makes them more susceptible to yeast, fungal infections, blisters, open sores, etc.
• If you feel numb at the soles of your feet, refrain from wearing flip-flops or open sandals which will not provide sufficient support to your feet and could expose them to injuries which would up the risk of ulcers, blisters, bunions, etc.

Regulate Your Body with a Good Lifestyle:

Boost your energy with good carbs – Carbohydrates are claimed to be bad for metabolism, and it might convince you to stay away from fruits. This is a perpetuated myth. Carbohydrates are the body’s primary energy resource, and one can easily have one serving – one medium piece of fruit, a ½ cup of melon or berries – per day. This means you can vary your diet with a serving of fruit – ½ cup of watermelon (5.5g), a medium-sized peach (14.5g), ½ cup of sweet-tart blackberries and raspberries (7g).

Build up your Immunity with Vitamins and Antioxidants

Summer fruits and vegetables – arugula, cucumber, zucchini, squash, – are rich sources of vitamins C and A. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that fights the side-effects of free radicals resulting from over-exposure to the sun, pollution from smoke and certain processed foods. Vitamin A is necessary for healthy skin. Also, red summer fruits are abundant sources of antioxidant lycopene which helps defend the body from sun damage, according to a study conducted by University of Manchester.

Test Blood Glucose Levels Regularly

Verifying your glucose levels after fixed intervals is crucial to making sure that your insulin hasn’t gone bad, or the pump isn’t faulty. Check the blood sugar levels a minimum of four times a day with a one-touch glucose meter, more often if you are feeling unwell.

Protect your Insulin and Testing Supplies

Avoid exposing meters, glucose monitor, test strips and insulin to direct sunlight. If medications are outside as in during picnics or beach outings or in a locked car, pack supplies in a dark, protective carrying case with an ice box to avoid damage by severe heat.

Keep the carrying case and supplies dry, as testing equipment when left unattended in humid conditions tend to malfunction and give inaccurate test results.

Travel with an additional supply kit in a separate luggage bag, to make a backup in case the first set is spoiled. Do not use test strips from cracked or puffed bottles. When boarding a flight, keep essential medication and equipment like Accu-Chek Active and Accu-Chek Glucometer in hand luggage to avoid any damage due to the high temperatures in the plane’s cargo hold.

Dark circle under eyes is not a disorder but it is a skin problem which is temporary. These are mainly found in the under eye region and can be seen in the form of rings. The thinning of the skin is the main cause of dark circles. There are many reasons of getting dark circles such as stress, changes in hormones, lack of sleep, hereditary and a disturbed lifestyle.

Here we will discuss about the natural remedies to overcome the problem of dark circles

1. Potatoes

   Potatoes consists of natural bleaching agents which helps in lighten dark circles and get rid of puffiness around the eyes

   • You can grate some raw potatoes and extract the juice.
   • Take a cotton ball and soak it in the potato juice.
   • Now you can close your eyes and place these cotton balls soaked in the juice on your eyes.
   • You should ensure that the cotton balls cover the entire area of the dark circles along with the eyelids.
   • You can leave it for about 10 minutes and wash it with cold water.
2. Cold Tea Bags

   This is a very simple technique of getting rid of dark circles under eyes.

   • Soak a tea bag preferably a green tea bag in water.
   • Put it in the refrigerator for some time to become cold.
   • Now you can place these tea bags over your eyes.
   • If you use this method regularly you can expect good results.
3. Cold Milk

   If cold milk is used on a regular basis it can help to get rid of dark circles. It is soothing for both your skin and eyes.

   • Take a ball of cotton and dip it in a bowl of cold milk or iced water.
   • Apply the cotton ball on the eye and the affected area of the dark circles.
   • Just wait for few minutes and wash it with plain water.
4. Tomatoes

   Tomatoes are considered to be one of the best options to overcome the problem of dark circles. This is due to the fact that tomatoes have the quality of decreasing the dark circles naturally and they also make your skin soft.

   • You need to mix one teaspoon of tomato juice with one teaspoon of lemon juice and apply it under your eyes.
   • Let it sit for 10 minutes and then rinse it with water.
   • You can repeat this treatment for 2 times in a day.
   • You can also drink a mix of tomato juice, lemon juice and mint leaves to get rid of dark circles under eyes.



5. Orange Juice

   Orange juice is another natural remedy to get rid of dark circles quickly.

   • Mix some orange juice with glycerin
   • Apply this mixture on the affected area.

   There are two benefits of this application as it will not only lighten the dark circles but will also provide glow to your eyes.

6. Yoga

   Dark circles under eyes are mainly due to stress and hectic lifestyle. As a matter of fact, you need to keep your mind cool and calm in order to get the benefits of natural remedies. You can practice Yoga and meditation on a regular basis will decrease your dark circles and would also relax your mind, body and soul.

li<>Almond Oil

Almonds are high in vitamin E which makes it a great product for the treatment of dark circles. It is very easy to apply almond oil on the skin and you can see positive results after a week.

• Apply almond oil on the affected area
• Massage gently.
• Use this method regularly for better results



7. Cucumber
   • Put sliced cucumber in your refrigerator for 25-30 minutes.
   • Place that sliced cucumber on the affected area for about 10 minutes
   • Wash it with water.
   • You will notice a fantastic change in your eyes and feel more relaxed than before.
8. Mint Leaves

   Mint is an incredible gift of nature and has a refreshing scent. Mint is also known to have many refreshing qualities and can be used to decrease the problem of dark circles.

   • Crush some mint leaves with water and make a paste.
   • Apply this paste on your dark circles.
   • After 10 minutes wash your face with cold water.
   • In order to get amazing results, you can apply this paste every night for a couple of days.

Conclusion

Dark circles under eyes are not permanent and you can get rid of them by making a change in your living style and eating habits. You should ensure that you drink plenty of water and there is plenty of liquid intake in your body. This will help you to stay fit and would also keep the dark circles at bay.

Every one of us has a dream of getting the most flawless skin. A flawless skin automatically adds beauty and perfection to our look. If the skin is flawless, there is no need of hiding such crystal-clear skin under the cover of any makeup or cosmetic. However, due to the increasing pollution, hectic schedule as well as unhealthy lifestyle, our skin goes through a number of blunders as well as imperfections. The results are hideous. The best skin dreams become the worst nightmare.

A number of skin problems keep haunting us on a regular basis. The skin issues such as breakout and acne, dead skin, dark circles, dull skin, pigmentation, ageing, etc. make our skin look very old and dull as a result of which our skin loses its charm. The good news is that the problem of a bad skin could be treated very easily and effectively by the way of following a good skin regimen. Now, you can easily get a flawless skin considering and following some of the easiest skin care tips. These tips do not need a regular visit to the salons or buying any high-end makeup, but a few organic tips that you are required to follow regularly to regain the charm of your skin.

Following are the 7 must consider organic skin care tips for a flawless skin.

1. Always Keep Your Skin Hydrated:

   You must mug up this fact if you are looking forward to getting the best skin. Keeping your skin hydrated is one of the most important secrets of a flawless skin. Thus, you must make sure that your intake of water throughout the day is enough to keep your skin healthy and hydrated. You must drink at least 8-9 glasses of water daily. Water helps to flush out all the toxins from the body, thereby keeping your skin healthy and happy. This skin care tip has been used from the ancient times.



2. Make Sunscreen Your Best Friend:

   One of the biggest enemies of your skin is nothing but the direct sunlight that tends to harm your skin like nothing else. The direct heat of the sun, when exposed to the skin for long hours, causes wrinkles as well as ageing spots. Thus, it makes your skin look older and duller. You must, therefore, make sure to apply sunscreen onto your face before stepping out of the sun. The sunscreen with an SPF 50 does wonder to the skin. If you are exposing yourself to the sun for more than three hours, make sure you reapply the sunscreen.

3. Say Goodbye to Stress:

   Stress is considered as one of the biggest enemies of a flawless skin. Too much of stress not only affects your mental and physical health but your skin as well. Thus, if you desire to have a good looking and a glowing skin, you must make sure that you bid goodbye to all kinds of stress in your life. Remember, a happy mood is a happy skin.

4. Exercise is a must:

   Exercise is not just healthy for your body, but for your skin as well. Yes, this is one such skin care tip that helps you to maintain the glow of your skin. Thus, ditch your laziness and start working out so that your skin produces sweat. Exercising regularly will surely help you maintain a healthy skin. You must exercise for about fifteen to thirty minutes a day in order to keep your skin glowing.



5. Use Organic Products onto Your Skin:

   You must have read in a number of magazines and other sources that the use of harsh chemicals on your face leads to a number of side-effects. Although some of these chemicals are known to be treating the skin, however that particular treatment is temporary and it leads to permanent damage to your skin. Thus, instead of chemical-based products, you must make the use of organic products onto your skin. Go for the products where the content of chemical is low or zero. Choose from the aromatherapy products for your skins as there are least chances of damage.

6. Welcome a Good Diet:

   Just like exercising, a good diet also forms one of the best skin care tips which will lead you towards a flawless skin. Your diet must be balanced so that it gives you all the essential and required nutrients which will aid you in protecting your skin from ageing, dullness, dark circles, pigmentation and many other similar problems. Thus, keep all the junk food and fast food at bay and indulge yourself in a super good diet including all the essential vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates and other nutrients. Your balanced diet must include green leafy vegetables, fruits, salmon, nuts, milk, etc. Increase your intake of fresh fruit juices, lime water and yogurt into your daily diet.



7. Pamper Your Skin Following a CTM and Exfoliation:

   Pampering your skin is very important to keep your skin healthy and to attain a flawless skin. Thus, you must not forget to indulge in a daily routine of cleansing, toning and moisturizing. The CTM process is to be performed twice a day, especially before going to sleep so that your skin could rest too. Choose from the best brands with the least content of chemicals to perform CTM. At the same time, you must not forget to exfoliate your skin twice a week. This is because removing all the dead cells from your skin is very important to keep it healthy and glowing. Thus, exfoliate your skin and follow a regular regimen of CTM to get the best skin ever.

These skin care tips are the best organic skin care tips that help you to keep your skin supple and healthy. A good skin is a bliss and therefore you must never ignore proper care of your skin. Follow these easy-to-do tips and get the most beautiful and flawless skin ever. A happy skin is a bliss. Let your skin speak about your beauty!

With the ever growing diabetic population, especially in developing countries like India, many diabetic products hits the market every day targeting these diabetic individuals. So, little careful consideration is needed while opting for any foods for a diabetic individual as our Indian diet is mostly dominated by carbohydrates.

Foods which are mostly less in sugars and fats and more in protein and fibers are healthy diets for diabetes. A balanced healthy diet is absolutely necessary for every individual for their long healthy lifespan. This includes plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, meat and foods with low fats and sugars.

Myths and Facts about Diabetes and Diet

• Avoid Sugar
• Cut Down Carbs
• Eat specific Diabetic meals
• Prefer High Protein Diet

Eat More

• Healthy fats from flax seeds, olive oil, fish oils, raw nuts, whole milk dairy, or avocados
• Fish and shellfish, free-range chicken or turkey organic food
• High-fiber cereals and bread made from whole grains or legumes
• Vegetables and Fruits—ideally fresh, the more colorful the better; whole fruit rather than juices
• High-quality protein such as cheese, milk, beans, eggs and unsweetened yogurt

Eat Less

• Deep-fried foods
• Processed meat and red meat from animals fed with antibiotics, growth hormones, and GMO feed
• White bread, sugary cereals, refined pastas or rice
• Packaged and fast foods, especially those high in sugar, chips, sweets, baked goods, , desserts etc
• Low-fat products that have replaced fat with added sugar, such as fat-free yogurt

Prefer High-Fiber Food, Slow-Release Carbs

Carbohydrates have a big impact on your blood sugar levels than fats and proteins—So you need to be smart about what types of carbs you eat. Limit refined carbohydrates like white bread, packaged meals, pasta and rice, as well as soda, candy, and snack foods. Focus on high-fiber complex carbohydrates—also known as slow-release carbs.

Be Cautious about Sweets

Maintaining a diabetic diet doesn’t mean eliminating sugar altogether, you can still enjoy a small serving of your favorite dessert now and then.

• Hold the Bread: Eating sweets at a meal adds extra carbohydrates so cut back other carb-heavy foods at the same meal.
• Prefer to Eat Sweets with a Meal: Don’t take sweets alone. But if you eat them along with other healthy foods as part of your meal, your blood sugar won’t rise as rapidly.
• Add Some Healthy Fat to Your Dessert: Choose healthy fats, such as peanut butter, ricotta cheese, yogurt, or nuts which slow down the digestive process, meaning blood sugar levels don’t spike as quickly.

Tips for Cutting Down on Sugar

1. Avoid Alcohol: Better to avoid alcoholic drinks including beer, wine and cocktails mixed with soda and juice can be loaded with sugar. Drink only with food and monitor your blood glucose as alcohol can interfere with diabetes medication.

2. Prefer Home-made Food: Avoid processed or packaged foods like canned soups, frozen dinners, or low-fat meals that often contain hidden sugar. Prepare more meals at home.

3. Avoid Soft Drinks: Reduce soft drinks, soda and juice. For each 12 oz. serving of a sugar-sweetened beverage increases diabetes by about 15 percent. Try sparkling water with a twist of lemon or lime instead. Cut down on creamers and sweeteners you add to tea and coffee.



4. Healthy Ways to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth: Instead of ice cream, blend up frozen bananas for a creamy, frozen treat. Or enjoy a small chunk of dark chocolate, rather than a milk chocolate bar.

Choose Fats Wisely

Some fats are unhealthy and others have enormous health benefits, so it’s important to choose fats

Ways to Reduce Unhealthy Fats and Add Healthy Fats:

1. Avoid saturated fat from processed meats and packaged meals
2. Instead of frying, choose to boil, bake, or stir-fry
3. If you choose to eat red meat, try to look for “organic” and “grass-fed”.
4. Use coconut oil for stovetop cooking.
5. Add avocados to sandwiches and salads.
6. Commercial salad dressings are often high in calories and trans fat so creates your own with extra virgin olive oil, flaxseed oil, or sesame oil.
7. Choose organic or raw milk, cheese, butter, and yogurt when possible

Eat Regularly and Keep a Food Diary

Most helpful strategies involve following a regular eating schedule and recording what you eat helps you to lose 7% of your body weight to cut your risk of diabetes in half.

• Eat at Regularly Intervals: Your body is better at regulating blood sugar levels—and weight—when you maintain a regular meal schedule. Aim for moderate and consistent portion sizes for each meal.

• Eat Regular Small Meals—up to 6 per Day: Eating regularly will help you keep your portions in check.



• Start Your Day Off with a Good Breakfast: It will provide energy as well as steady blood sugar levels.

• Keep Calorie Intake the Same: To regulate blood sugar levels, try to eat roughly the same amount every day, rather than overeating one day or at one meal.