© Dawn Hudson | Dreamstime.com

Who among us has not suffered at one time or another from bad breath?  It could have been caused by food, skipping that last tooth-brushing or a stomach problem.  The fact still remains that mouth odor is something that

can be embarrassing if not gotten under control.

What are some causes of bad breath?

Food, such as onions or garlic, mouth diseases in the form of gingivitis or nasty bacteria hanging around on the lips, tongue, teeth and gums may be the cause of bad breath.  In addition, post-nasal drip, infections of the sinus, throat or any upset of the gastro-intestinal or respiratory tract can cause bad breath.  Furthermore, if one is not evacuating the bowels on a regular basis – constipation – this may also have an effect on breath odor, because the waste is backed up in the body.

Homemade Remedies for Bad Breath

Avocado – Eating avocado on a regular basis (two times a week) may assist in lessening bad breath.  Avocado may help to eliminate intestinal toxins, which in turn helps the body evacuate waste.

Tea - Drink a cup of unsweetened tea.  The tannin in the tea may assist in removing bad bacteria that cause bad breath from the mouth.

Parsley – Grab a sprig of parsley and chew it after a meal with odorous spices such as garlic and/or onion.  It’s a useful garnish! If you boil the sprigs in water, it can be used as a mouthwash.

Baking Soda – Brushing or gargling with a baking soda mix may help to eliminate bad breath.

Other actions you can take:

If you can brush your teeth after every meal, this would be optimum.  If not, brush at least twice a day – in the morning and before bed.

Use dental floss to get rid of those pesky food particles that stick between the teeth..

Fresh fruit such as apples, guava or strawberries may help keep breath fresh.

Above all, visit your dentist on twice yearly basis.  If bad breath persists, then it may be necessary to consult with a medical professional.

Ginger is a natural remedy for menstrual cramps that comes highly rated and recommended.  Ginger is an ideal home remedy, as it can be taken a number of different ways.  Many women have found relief by grinding up a teaspoon of ginger, swallowing it, and drinking a glass of water right afterwards.  Others recommend grinding up a teaspoon of ginger and boiling it in a cup of water and waiting until cool for consumption.  This is ideal for painful menstrual cycles.

Omega 3 Fatty acids are also a natural way to treat the pain associated with female menstruation.  Omega 3 Fatty Acids are ideal, especially when compared to magnesium, as there are little to no side effects.  Omega 3 Fatty Acids can be found in fish; however, supplements in the form of capsules are available for those who prefer not to eat fish products.  To see the best success with this natural remedy, it should be consumed on a regular basis, not just when cramps begin.

Exercise is another natural way to relieve menstrual cramps.  Walking, running, aerobics, and yoga are all ideal ways to relieve cramping.  In fact, stretching alone can also relieve some of the pain.

Heat is another way to relieve the pain, discomfort, and cramps that often accompany a menstrual flow.  When using heat to seek relief, there are many individuals who use a heating pad or temporary heating pads that stick right to the body.  If you are looking to use heat as a way to relieve your cramps, soak a washcloth in warm water or water that has been boiled.  When using this approach, do not put a washcloth near an open source of heat, such as a stove flame, and let cool a little before placing directly on your abdomen.

The above mentioned natural remedies and home remedies are all ideal ways to relieve the pain and discomfort associated with menstrual cramps.  Water is also advised.  As an important side note, never take any foods or herbal supplements are you are allergic to, as doing so can pose a significant health risk.

So, you had a fun night out on the town last night with your romantic partner or a few close friends.  Although you may have had a great time the night before, you may be feeling a little bit “weird,” the next day, especially if you consumed alcohol.  If alcohol was consumed, you may be experiencing the ever so dreaded hangover.

Anyone who has ever experienced a hangover before knows the feeling of just wanting it all to go away.  Unfortunately, many individuals believe that there is no “cure,” for a hangover.  Although cure may not be the best word used to describe seeking treatment, there are a number of natural remedies which many claim do provide hangover relief.  You are looking to relieve yourself from a hangover, please continue reading on as a few of these natural remedies, as well as tips for your next alcohol drinking outing are highlighted below.

Water is a natural remedy for hangovers.  Before heading to sleep, after a night of drinking, drinking a lot of water can assist with your hangover the next morning.  Alcohol, especially when consumed in large amounts, can impact a body’s hydration, which can result in unpleasant feelings the next morning.  That is why a glass or two of water before bed is a great idea.  The next morning, as soon as you wake, start drinking even more water.  In addition to helping to treat a hangover, drinking water before you starting consuming alcohol also has a number of benefits.

Eating can also help with a hangover from too much alcohol consumption.  Eating should be done before, during, and after alcohol consumption.  Most importantly, it is important not to consume large amounts of alcohol on an empty stomach.  This increase a drinker’s likelihood of becoming intoxicated or drunk, and it also increases the chances of a hangover the next morning.  Eating before, during, or after alcohol consumption can slow down the rate in which alcohol is absorbed into the body and bloodstream.

As for vitamins, which many individuals turn to when looking for a natural remedy, vitamin C and B is recommended for hangover relief.  It has been claimed that vitamin B helps to shorten the length of a hangover.  As for vitamin C, it can help to breakdown the alcohol in your body, also assisting with a hangover, namely by preventing one, shortening its length, or reducing symptoms.

When it comes to a headache associated with a hangover, there are many individuals who take pain relievers.  Of course, this approach will work for many, but it is not natural.  If you are concerned with that you are putting in your body, you may be looking for a more natural way to relieve the headaches often associated with hangovers.  A natural way to relieve a headache associated with a hangover is to place a cold pack on the head; however, a ziplock bag filled with ice will also do.  Depending on the activities that you have planned for the day, consider getting extra rest, preferably with an ice pack on your head or neck.

Liquid Vitamin D plus other vitamins

Vitamin D is necessary for the body to absorb calcium, which is necessary for bone growth and continued strength.  The body also needs adequate levels of vitamin D to ensure proper function of the immune system and the neuromuscular system.  Vitamin D deficiency in the body can lead to soft and/or fragile bones.  In some recent studies, taking a vitamin D supplement  may be helpful in treating cancer, depression, autism and other maladies.

Vitamin D can be derived naturally from the sun.   For the average person, spending as much at 10 to 20 minutes in the sun at least three times a week will fulfill their vitamin D requirements.  Keep in mind that people with darker skin need more sun exposure because the melanin in the skin tends to block vitamin D absorption.  In addition, those who live in an area which is north of Columbia, South Carolina’s latitude may not be exposed to enough sun during the winter months and may require supplementation.

Rutgers University, with campuses in New Brunswick and Newark, New Jersey is conducting an ongoing study in regards to how supplementation of vitamin D can halt and/or decrease bone loss in post-menopausal women who are dieting. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that keeping sufficient levels of vitamin D through the use of a vitamin D supplement may aid in weight loss.

Even though vitamin D supplements may keep the body healthy and may be natural, more does not always mean better.  An overdose of vitamin D may cause kidney damage, high blood pressure and heart arrhythmia.    If you suspect that you may have a vitamin D deficiency, check with your doctor or other medical professional to get an official diagnosis.

According to the results of a recently released Austrian study from the February issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry, fish oil, which is high in omega-3 fatty acids,  may actually reduce the risk of full blown psychotic disorders in those who display signs of mental illness.

The omega-3 fatty acids in the fish oil may help brain cells repair themselves and remain intact – while the actual cause of schizophrenia is not known, researchers speculate that people with this particular type of mental illness do not process fatty acids properly, which may lead to damage of the brain cells.

The research was funded by the Stanley Medical Research Institute, a nonprofit in Chevy Chase, Md., that supports research on schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Omega-3 fatty acids help to reduce inflammation in the body while omega-6 fatty acids tend to promote inflammation.  The average American diet contains nearly 14-25 more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids.  On the other hand, the Mediterranean diet has a much more healthy balance between the two fatty acids – it does not depend so heavily on meat, but relies on foods higher in omega-3 fatty acids such as fish, olive oil, and garlic in addition to wines.

However, one can still raise their consumption of omega-3 fatty acids without much change in diet through the use of fish oil supplements.  Not only does omega-3 reduce inflammation in the body, but also may help lower the risk of diseases such as cancer, heart disease and arthritis as well as skin conditions such as eczema.

If you do decide to take fish oil supplements, remember to look for high quality fish oils that are screened for mercury contaminants.  And as always, consult a medical professional who can provide you with individualized information.

Eating bad food, not enough exercise, not enough water – these can be all causes for the body to bind up in the intestines and call for a constipation remedy.  There are so many different types of constipation remedies available in your favorite drugstore, but usually the best constipation remedy is a natural one. There are several easy ways to cure constipation naturally and to get the bowels moving again.

Sufficient water intake is vital for efficient bowel function.  The first thing one should do for constipation relief is to increase the intake of water.   The recommended intake of water is at least 64 oz a day, but individual needs may vary depending on physical state.

Another constipation treatment to try is food based.  There are many fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber that if consumed on a regular basis may serve as a natural constipation remedy.  Try foods such as oranges, pears, papayas and figs as a way to jumpstart the bowels and provide the body with much needed vitamins and fiber.  Be aware that if you are on a sugar-restricted diet that some of these fruits are high in natural sugar.

There are several vegetables that may offer constipation relief such as spinach, collard and turnip greens.  The spinach can be taken as a juice, by juicing the spinach leaves, or by eating a salad of raw spinach.  This constipation remedy should offer relief within a few days.

The best way to avoid even needed a constipation treatment is to ensure that the daily diet contains a variety of fruits, vegetables and foods high in fiber.  In addition, don’t forget to keep water intake high to flush out toxins to keep the body hydrated.

Ginger tea is a source of vitamin B6, vitamin C, magnesium and potassium.  The main ingredient in ginger is an antioxidant called gingerol which assists in reducing and/or destroying the free radicals that cause illnesses in the body.  In addition, ginger extract has been used in complementary medicine to reduce inflammation in arthritis as well as ulcerative colitis.

Some benefits of ginger tea:

-          relief of  gas and flatulence

-          lowers blood sugar

-          decreases menstrual pain

-          freshens bad breath

-          wards off cold, flu and sore throats

How to make ginger tea

Ginger tea bags are available for purchase in many health food stores, but the best ginger tea is made fresh from the ginger root.

Tea RemediesGinger Tea Recipe  (with honey and lemon)

1 quart water

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Honey to taste.

2 inch piece of ginger root.

Bring a quart of water (four cups) to a boil.  Peel and slice the ginger root as thinly as you can, and place in boiling water.  Turn off the water and let the tea steep for about 5 minutes.  Add a tablespoon of lemon juice.  Strain tea into teacup, add honey to taste.  You may also shred the ginger root to release more ginger-y flavor quickly.

Enjoy both the warm flavor and the medicinal qualities of this aromatic spice!

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that whose symptoms may include wheezing, coughing and rapid breathing. Asthma attacks may be triggered by allergies, colds and believe it or not, exercise. There are numerous prescription and a few over the counter medications that are on the market to treat asthma, but nearly all may cause side effects in the user. There are a few natural treatments that may assist in lessening or even eliminating asthma attacks – Turmeric, a spice used in curry, is one of them.

Turmeric, a part of the ginger family, is used as a food colorant and is what gives curry its bright yellow color as well as its distinctive flavor. It is grown in India, Asia and parts of Africa. It can be also be used as a substitute for saffron.

Turmeric has been used in herbal medicine for the treatment of arthritis, stomach upset and other physical ailments. This simple spice is an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and is reputed to have anti-cancer properties too. It is the anti-inflammatory properties that are helpful in the treatment of asthma.

According to Nutritionalreviews.org, the exact dosage of turmeric is not clear from the research. The site does advice to get high quality turmeric, one that is high in the active ingredient, curcumin. A commonly cited dosage is one teaspoon of turmeric powder in one cup of hot milk for asthma, taken twice a day. Of course, one could always use this spice in cooking with little to no adverse effects.

Although it is a natural ingredient, it is advisable to consult with your health care provider or physician if you are taking anticoagulant drugs, drugs for diabetes or drugs that are intended to reduce stomach acid. Turmeric may have a possible interaction with these medications.

There has been a lot of talk in the past couple of years about the incidence of ADHD in both children and adults alike. ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a issue with excessive activity, poor impulse control, inattentiveness or a combination of all of these, that is out of the ordinary for that child’s age group. The number of prescriptions for Ritalin® , the most often prescribed drug for the treatment/control of ADHD has risen since the mid-nineties. Ritalin® ’s side effects can include, but are not limited to agitation, sleeplessness and loss of appetite.

It seems the simpler route to take, especially with children, is through diet. It is common knowledge what goes into the body effects what comes out of the body. Too many children today are on a highly processed, fast food diet which is high in fats and sugars. Modification of this diet may lead to alleviation of ADHD symptoms and contribute to overall well being.

Change the diet, change the behavior.

Reduce the consumption of these foods to no more than once a week: high fat foods, fast food, processed foods, artificial sugars such as aspartame, artificial colors, processed (lunch) meats, MSG,

Increase the consumption of these foods: Lean protein, whole grains, fish, walnuts, fruits and vegetables. Protein and good fats feed the brain, which is about 66% specialized fats.

Omega-3 fatty acids, such as found in sardines, walnuts, faxseeds, kidney and soybeans, were found to have an effect on alleviating at least some of the symptoms of ADHD.

While a change in diet may help ease the symptoms of ADHD, please consult with a medical professional before increasing, decreasing or discontinuing medication. This article is meant for informational use only and is not meant to diagnose or treat any condition.

For further information:

Holistic treatment approaches to ADHD
Nutritional supplements for managing ADHD
The ADHD Diet
Fats Build Your Brain

Frequent hand washing keeps germs at bay

© Johanna Goodyear | Dreamstime.com

Just like any influenza infection, the curve of infection for the H1N1 swine flu virus is on the decline, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Both doctor visits and hospitalization for flu-like illnesses have decreased, but are higher than normal for this particular time of year. Additionally, the number of states reporting widespread influenza activity is down by seven states from the end of November. This indicates that while new infections of the H1N1 influenza may be on the decline, it is still important that influenza prevention practices remain in place because pediatric deaths – deaths in those under 18 – are five times higher than they were in a “normal” influenza season.

What can you do to prevent H1N1 infection?

There are simple, common sense practices suggested on flu.gov that you can do:
1. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. Throw the tissue away after use.
2. Wash your hands with soap and water as often as you can, but especially after coughing or sneezing. Hand sanitizers work in a pinch. Hands carry a great amount of germs and can spread them easily and quickly! Think about how many times you touch your face, nose, eyes, eating utensils, etc. Wash those hands!
3. If someone you know is sick, try to minimize contact as much as possible. And if you’re sick, try to stay home to prevent more spreading of germs.

What can you do to alleviate H1N1 symptoms?
If you do get sick, there are natural remedies for the symptoms that may accompany the influenza infection.

1. Get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids including water.
2. For aches/pains associated with the flu virus, try a hot shower or bath.
3. For congestion, try a chest rub containing menthol and camphor. This may act as a cough suppressant also.
4. A warm mist humidifier or vaporizer may also help congestion and cough symptoms.