10 Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a disease that slowly develops in the brain that diminishes the memory eventually causing disturbance in planning, language and reasoning.
Alzheimer’s disease mostly affects the people after the age of 70 and almost 50% of people over the age of 85 are affected due to it. Some people live up to the age of 100 and never get Alzheimer’s disease
The Alzheimer’s Association has made a list of following list of warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease. If anyone shows the following symptoms, he/she should see a physician for complete checkup.

1. Loss of memory.
2. Difficulty in performing well-known tasks.
3. Problems with language.
4. Not recognition of time and place.
5. Poor judgment.

Six easy tips to keep your skin looking young and healthy and saving too

Are you concerned about your skin and not sure what to do? Are you confused as to which of the thousands of skin products being marketed you should use? You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to keep your skin glowing and healthy. Many high priced products simply can’t justify their price tag. Here are six tips that will save you money and will help keep your skin young and healthy.
Most skin problems are due to lack of moisture causing dryness and chapping. This and can be easily treated:

Sun exposure

Your eyes aren’t all that suffers under the sun’s powerful rays. So does your skin. Too much sun exposure will dry your skin causing wrinkles. Keeping your skin soft and smooth while outside is easy when you apply sunscreen or moisturizing lotion of a minimum SPF 15 rate.

Beauty sleep

Here’s a tip that’s easy to do. Be sure to get a full night’s sleep on a regular basis. A solid eight hour sleep time is Mother Nature’s way of recharging your battery. During this time your body is able to reset from the previous days activates. Your body fluids and vessels are restored and muscles are re-energized.

Stress

Insomnia and backaches aren’t the only health problems linked to stress. Stress can be a major reason you are concerned about your skin.  Stress produces an upsurge in the production and release of adrenaline in the bloodstream. Adrenaline is hormone that is secreted by the adrenal medulla in response to stress and increases heart rate, pulse rate, and blood pressure, and raises the blood levels of glucose and lipids. Too much stress can result into acne breakouts, dry skin, rashes and hives. This can be treated simply by taking long relaxing showers or baths and by applying a moisturizing lotion immediately after showering or bathing. Dry skin makes wrinkles more noticeable. Do your best to manage stress within your life.

Diet

If breathing and being in the sun are such risky propositions, how can you be sure that your body has sufficient antioxidant reserves to ward off free radical attacks? The best way is to review your diet. Make sure you are eating a plant-based diet that’s rich in fruits and vegetables.” Fruits and vegetables contain an abundance of natural antioxidants, particularly vitamin C and E and beta-carotene as well as toxins of other free radical fighting compounds. It is recommended that you balance your intake of proteins from a variety of lean meat, fish, nuts, cheeses and yogurts.

Housework

Caution, house cleaning can be dangerous to your health. Harsh household cleansers loaded with toxic chemicals can easily take a toll on your skin’s youthfulness. When purchasing cleaning supplies, choose household cleansers containing natural ingredients

Water

Are you drinking enough water? There are a large percentage of people today experiencing skin problems simply because they aren’t hydrating enough. Make sure you consume a minimum of a 24 oz container full of water daily. In addition keep your consumption of caffeine to a minimum.

By following these six simple tips you’ll be able to reduce your budget for personal care products and more importantly you’ll have younger looking skin.

How Does Exercise Improve Mental Health?

We know that exercise has positive effects on the brain. Researchers at Duke University demonstrated several years ago that exercise has antidepressant properties. Other research has shown that exercise can improve the brain functioning of the elderly and may even protect against dementia. How does exercise improve mental health?
One theory for some of the benefits of exercise include the fact that exercise triggers the production of endorphins. These natural opiates are chemically similar to morphine. They may be produced as natural pain relievers in response to the shock that the body receives during exercise. However, researchers are beginning to question whether endorphins improve mood. Studies are showing that the body's metabolism of endorphins is complex, and there are likely additional mechanisms involved in the mental health effects of exercise.
Some studies have found that exercise boosts activity in the brain's frontal lobes and the hippocampus. We don't really know how or why this occurs. Animal studies have found that exercise increases levels of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters have been associated with elevated mood, and it is thought that antidepressant medications also work by boosting these chemicals.
Exercise has also been found to increase levels of "brain-derived neurotrophic factor" (BDNF). This substance is thought to improve mood, and it may play a role in the beneficial effects of exercise. BDNF's primary role seems to be to help brain cells survive longer, so this may also explain some of the beneficial effects of exercise on dementia.
The bottom line is that most of us feel good after exercise. Physical exercise is good for our mental health and for our brains. Someday we will understand it all better -- but we can start exercising today.

The wonder exercise equipment

Exercise balls are the latest inventions in all the exercise equipments. It is very attractive because of its different colors and its shape. The real benefit of these balls is as substitute of support during exercise.
Exercise balls can be used in all exercise groups. These are core stability, cardiovascular workouts, and rehabilitation exercises.
Working out with the ball helps in strengthening and toning all major muscles in the body. It is best if you use it for yoga positions, working on heavy-duty weight training equipment or using dumbbells in toning your muscles because of its soft texture.
The best thing about the ball is that it can maintain its shape even if it is under pressure. It can take heavy loads without affecting its shape. The advantage of using this is it provides soft yet firm support that will not harm your body. The documentation in the ball will provide information on how much weight the ball will hold.
The exercise ball comes with different colors and finishes. You can get a ball that matches the color of your room or house. You can even choose the ball that best fits your style. Storage for the ball is very simple. You can roll it under your bed or table. You can even play the ball with your kids. Because of its soft texture, the ball will do no harm to your kids. You can play ball games using the ball and indirectly do extra exercise.
The ball can also be used for physiotherapy treatment. These balls can help you get rid of spinal disorders and backache. The adjustment of balance and small range movement of the spine induced by exercising with the ball can help reduce backache. You can feel relief after a back pain if you try using the exercise ball.
The swill ball exercise can help the people restore their movement after experiencing back pain. It is a very simple way of removing the effects of back pain. Using the ball can help improve muscle strength, can provide greater flexibility, and can give wide range of motion of the spine during the treatment.

Uric Acid Diet

Uric acid diet is a natural remedy to cure gout (joint inflammation). To know exactly which foods come under uric acid diet list, read on...

Uric acid diet is commonly prescribed for the treatment of gout. As we all know, presence of surplus uric acid in blood, triggers gout, a condition that causes inflammation of joints, leading to severe pain. Uric acid that naturally occurs in our body is the result of metabolism of two substances; proteins and purines. In most cases, the condition specifically targets the big toe, but it can also affect the knees, wrists and hands. In order to combat gout, it is essential to considerably minimize protein and purine intake, which is nothing but diet rich in uric acid. Read more on foods to avoid with gout.

Uric Acid Diet

Uric acid diet involves exclusion of certain foods, that are known to worsen the gout problem. Staying away from such foods, can reduce joint inflammation and help get rid of gout. Avoiding foods that raise uric acid levels in blood, is a simple way to ease pain naturally. Foods that should be avoided are explained below:

Alcohol
Alcohol, if consumed even in small quantities, can contribute to worsening of gout. This is because analysis of any alcoholic beverage (beer, wine, etc.), has shown that these drinks contain high levels of purine, thus increasing uric acid content in the body. So a person drinking alcohol, during this joint inflammation condition is indirectly 'hitting an axe on his own leg', as it can aggravate the joint pain.

Protein Rich Foods
High protein foods being rich in purines, should not be included in uric acid diet. Fish, poultry products (chicken), eggs, etc. are some of the foods that come under the list of protein rich foods. Even vegetables like spinach, broccoli, lentils, avocados and asparagus are found to be very rich in proteins, hence must be avoided.

Foods High in Sugar
People who think that drinking soft drinks is one of the ways of getting rid of uric acid through urine, are completely wrong. This is because soft drinks contain high amounts of sugar, and recent studies suggest that people consuming sweetened carbonated soft drinks have a very high probability of suffering from gout attacks. Sweetened fruit juice, high sugary foods such as cakes and pastries, as well as fructose rich fruits (oranges) can worsen the pre-existing joint pain.

What to Include in Uric Acid Diet

Foods that reduce uric acid levels in the body, need to be consumed on a daily basis. Indulging in low purine foods, will help in controlling this condition. These foods form an integral part of low uric acid diet.

High Potassium Foods
A diet high in potassium is another effective way to ease discomfort associated with gout. Studies show that sufficient potassium intake can boost uric acid excretion. One of the best sources of potassium are bananas and tomatoes. Read more on foods high in potassium.

Dairy Products
Gout sufferers should be very careful in choosing dairy products. Low fat cheese and yogurt as well as skimmed milk are some dairy products that can help combat gout.

Cherries
Cherries contain high amounts of vitamin C and potassium, which help in reducing uric acid levels in the body. Anthocyanins, a natural flavonoid, is found in high quantities in cherries which bear anti-inflammatory properties and thus help in reducing pain and swelling. Drinking cherry juice can also help in relieving pain. Read more on

• Cherry Juice for Gout
• Cherries and Gout

Water
To encourage elimination of uric acid, drinking plenty of water is crucial. Increasing water intake will help the body to flush off excess uric acid through urine. This is one of the best home remedies that can work wonders to decrease gout symptoms.

To know more about uric acid diet, read

• Gout Diet
• Gout - Natural Remedies
• Foods High in Uric Acid
• Gout Treatment Diet

Along with uric acid diet, one should ensure that body weight does not increase. Losing excess kilos and maintaining a healthy weight is necessary to manage gout pain. Studies show that being overweight increases joint related problems. Exercise, such as walking, can help to improve flexibility in joints as well as reduce weight.

Yogurt Benefits

There are several yogurt benefits that one can speak of. In the following article we will go through a list of these yogurt benefits so that you can switch over to a healthier choice in life.

Yogurt has got to be one of the most underrated products in our society. Sure most of us have had it at sometime or the other in our lives and we even like it for what it is (maybe the scores of flavors that have developed have something to do with it?), but here's something that'll make you view yogurt in a completely different way - yogurt is a powerhouse of health. So 'is yogurt good for you?' Yes it is! For the staggering amount of health benefits that it provides for, yogurt is surely one of the most easiest and healthiest choice that you can make for yourself. Yogurt has a positive effect on varied bodily functions and benefits the human system at all levels. Plus it doesn't hurt that it tastes good. What are these yogurt benefits that we can choose from? In the following article, we will look through some of these yogurt benefits and urge you to switch over to this amazing product.

Benefits of Yogurt

There are several yogurt health benefits to choose from and when you've gone through this list, you'll know just how versatile this product is and how it helps in so many ways. Given below are some of the best yogurt advantages that you can use.

Digestive Health and Immunity
Yogurt is made up of live cultures, which means that it has the inclusion of probiotics or the good bacteria. These bacteria live in the digestive tract and help in keeping the harmful microorganisms that feed off food and cause problems with digestion and the like away. Therefore yogurt helps in improving ones digestive health. And while it kills off all the harmful bacteria and fungi, it also prevents the onset of other diseases and infections that these bacteria can cause. Thereby leading to a stronger immune system.

Heart Health
One of the other benefits of yogurt is that it also promotes heart health by lowering blood pressure and bad cholesterol and increasing the good cholesterol in the body. Therefore it places less strain on the functioning of the heart. Yogurt has the unique ability of flushing out the sodium build up in the body and thereby lowers the chances of heart conditions and strokes.

Weight Loss
This is one of the most significant of all yogurt benefit, surely. It has been found that the consumption of a yogurt diet leads to an increase in calcium in the body. High levels of calcium and amino acids in the body are said to act against body fat. Yogurt by itself leads to significant fat loss by acting upon the accumulated fat and melting it. Yogurt signals the body to produce less cortisol (which is responsible for accumulating fat cells) and thereby helps further. Along with that, frozen yogurt benefits also include that fact that it helps you feel fuller and therefore eat less.

Skin Care
The several yogurt benefits for skin lie in the fact that yogurt can be used both internally as well as externally. Since yogurt helps in improving digestion, it leads to a cleansing of the system and therefore prevents skin infections and other problems. Along with that, yogurt can be applied to the skin surface for providing smooth and supple skin, treating sunburned skin, relieve itchiness and several others.

Other Yogurt Benefits
There are several other yogurt benefits that one can choose from. Here are some of them:

• Yogurt nutrition facts state that it contains high levels of vitamins, potassium, folic acid, protein, zinc, iodine etc.
• Since yogurt contains calcium, it helps a person develop stronger teeth and bones and thereby helps in preventing osteoporosis.
• It provides for a boost of regular energy throughout the day due to the protein that it contains.
• Yogurt helps the in treating yeast infections in women because of the live cultures that it contains (yogurt for yeast infection).
• Yogurt provides great dental care by helping in preventing a variety of problems like bad breath, plaque, cavities, tongue-coating bacteria and the like.

These were the varied yogurt benefits that have been cited in the following article. These will help you realize just how beneficial yogurt really is and why it should be made a part of your daily diet. So either one learns how to make yogurt or finds a good commercial product, the fact is that yogurt is going to prove to be a great choice. So then? When are you making the switch?

Your Health and Insurance

Americans keep getting bigger and bigger. The Trust For Americans Health fourth annual obesity report, reveals in the past year, obesity rates have gone up in 31 states and no states had shrinking rates. Also 2/3 of U.S. adults are overweight or obese, 60% of the population in 32 states is overweight or obese.

Overweight and diseases linked to obesity along with insurance premiums and the number of uninsured Americans is also going up. Heart disease ( number 1 killer in America ), diabetes and cancer are preventable obesity related diseases.

2.2 million more people are without insurance since 2006, bringing the total to 47 million in the U.S.A. Health insurance expenditures for a family of four are up 87% since 2000 claims AARP.

Sedentary lifestyles and poor diet are causing devastating illness and premature death. Exercising and forming good eating habits can help prevent the diseases that are overwhelming families by restoring your heart and body with nutritional foods and physical activities to get the blood circulating.

Health insurance companies can have some strict guidelines that will determine your premiums and deductibles. Some of these guidelines will include preexisting conditions and if you don't have insurance you could be declined or the premiums will be out of reach. Health insurance rates are also being effected by the high rise in obesity linked illness.

Obese children rates are now at epidemic levels with one in five being overweight or obese. Corporate junk food advertising and busy parents not monitoring their kids physical daily activities and nutritional intake is having an overwhelming negative effect on their lives and chances of leading a good healthy existence into their young adult lives. Kids are growing up and dying of heart disease before they reach forty years old.

If everyone would take responsibility for their families wellness and start living by new healthy diets and physically active rules, it would be just like taking out an extra insurance policy free of charge.

People who have sedentary jobs or lead an inactive lifestyle are at the most risk, but it's not to late to start regardless of your weight or age. Form good eating habits and stop all poor eating habits by avoiding saturated fats found in fatty meat, ice cream, whole milk, butter, plus trans fats found in cookies, donuts,cakes and junk food, soda pop ( less sugars,) fast food restaurants,(cook at home more) and eat in moderation. .

The World Health Organization states there is evidence that, on a population level, the risk of chronic diseases, increases progressively as average body mass index (BMI) increases above 21. WHO defines overweight as 25 or more,, and obesity 30 or more. This is determined by a persons weight (in kilograms) divided by the square of his or her height (in meters). A high body mass index is a major risk factor for a number of chronic diseases., including cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes.

Television is one of biggest factors facing inactive persons. So many hours are spent sitting and snacking in front of the TV everyday, becoming overweight and lathargic is the result. Turn part of your tube time into workout time with some jumping jacks, aerobics, or any rousing heart pumping routines you like while you enjoy your program.

With the climb of health care cost and the risk of loosing a job or days off due to illness, or obesity preventing you from getting decent employment, and employers looking for ways to pass the cost to employees, you need to take as many preventive measures as possible for you and your family . The important thing is to get started and make these changes a part of your everyday life for the rest of your life, so you can avoid financial and medical catastrophy.

How you run your life will determine the wellness of you and your family. Start a quality nutrition a

How to Care Your Body in Summer

During summer “Kairali” provides special ayurveda programmes to rejuvenate you completely from head to toe. Special herbal oils are prepared to give the head a very cooling effect. Oils like Kairali’s hair oil named “KAIROIL” when applied improves circulation and detoxifies of the scalp. This is very essential during summers. This cool oil nourishes the hair roots and hair, retrieves mental fatigue, and helps to enhance mental clarity, focus and balance the emotions.

During summer a course of “Thalapothichil” is highly recommended as an ideal treatment for hair. One could also avail “Thakradhara”. Both these treatments base is made of medicated buttermilk and Amla, together they provide absolute bliss by helping one sleep and keep ones head cool.

Kairali’s offers various Body care packages during summer. One of the best on offer is a very special programme of 7 to 14 days called “Navarakizhi” ie. It is a treatment in which the body is massaged with small linen bags filled with cooked Navara Rice, after which a liberal application of medicated oils like “Kairkare”is applied. It exfoliates dull dry skin to retain its youthful appearance, eliminates dead skin cells leaving the skin feeling soft, moisturized and looking radiant.

Another important aspect we should take care of is our eyes especially during summers. Eyewash with herbal decoctions is highly recommended. “Triphla” decoction is one of the best during the period.

These external medicated treatments are more like giving exercise to the body with the right medium or oils and thereby strengthening the immune system.

When it comes to following the norms of Ayurveda during summer, diet is a very important aspect. One should avoid eating heavy & toxic forming foods. Food has to be light and wholesome. The diet should contain many leafy vegetables and fruits. Leafy vegetables like – Agate, Amaranth (Red & Green), Coriander, Drumstick leaves, fenugreek leaves, mint, pumpkin leaves, Radish leaves, spinach etc. are very good if taken daily. Seasonal fruits available are recommended. Too much of coffee, Tea and aerated drinks should be avoided.

Irregular eating habits especially while on tours or travelling must be avoided as far as possible. Fried food too is to be avoided, as it would cause adverse effects to the body. Wrong diet is the main factor for disease. Food needs to be easily digestible to prevent unwanted deposits and excess toxins in the body.