Homemade Hair Treatments

Eggs, yogurt and honey are, at first glance, all components of a tasty breakfast—but they also happen to be hair treatment ingredients, and affordable, all-natural ones at that. And they're not the only ones. Did you know, for instance, that the oils in avocados more closely resemble our own skin's oils than any product in the beauty aisle does? Or that the mild acidity in lemon is an effective—and gentler—alternative to chemical-laden products? Next time your locks need a lift, save money by using one of these kitchen fixes.


For All Hair Types

The raw egg is really the best of all worlds. The yolk, rich in fats and proteins, is naturally moisturizing, while the white, which contains bacteria-eating enzymes, removes unwanted oils.
  
To Use: For normal hair, use the entire egg to condition hair; use egg whites only to treat oily hair; use egg yolks only to moisturize dry, brittle hair. Use 1/2 cup of whichever egg mixture is appropriate for you and apply to clean, damp hair. If there isn’t enough egg to coat scalp and hair, use more as needed. Leave on for 20 minutes, rinse with cool water (to prevent egg from “cooking”) and shampoo hair. Whole egg and yolks-only treatments can be applied once a month; whites-only treatment can be applied every two weeks.




For Dull Hair

Styling products (as well as air pollution) can leave a film that both saps moisture and dulls shine—but dairy products like sour cream and plain yogurt can help reverse this damage. Lactic acid gently strips away dirt while the milk fat moisturizes.

To Use: Massage 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt into damp hair and let sit for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water, followed by cool water, then shampoo hair as you normally would. Treatment can be applied every other week.




For Itchy Scalp

To fight flakes—brought on by poor diet, stress and climate, among other factors—try a lemon juice and olive oil mixture in your hair. The acidity in lemon juice helps rid your scalp of any loose, dry flakes of skin, while the olive oil moisturizes the [newly exposed] skin on your head.

To Use: Mix 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 Tbsp olive oil and 2 Tbsp water, and massage into damp scalp. Let mixture sit for 20 minutes, then rinse and shampoo hair. Treatment can be applied every other week.




For Limp or Fine Hair

To add body to hair, reach for an unlikely beauty beverage: beer! The fermented drink contains generous supplies of yeast, which works to plump tired tresses.

To Use: Mix 1/2 cup flat beer (pour beer into a container and let it sit out for a couple of hours to deplete carbonation) with 1 tsp light oil (sunflower or canola) and a raw egg. Apply to clean, damp hair, let sit for 15 minutes, then rinse with cool water. Or add flat beer only to a spray bottle and spritz onto dry hair. When the liquid evaporates, the remaining protein residue (from the wheat, malt or hops) continues to strengthen and structure hair. Treatments can be applied every other week.




For Dry or Sun-Damaged Hair

Whatever your hair-dehydrating demon—hard water, sun overexposure, your trusty flat iron—nature's sweetener can help. Honey is a natural humectant, which means it attracts and locks in moisture.

To Use: Massage approximately 1/2 cup honey into clean, damp hair, let sit for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water. You can also add 1 to 2 Tbsp olive oil to loosen the honey for easier application. For extremely sun-damaged hair, trying mixing honey with 1 to 2 Tbsp of a protein-rich ingredient, like avocado or egg yolk, which will help replenish the keratin protein bonds that UV rays attack. Treatment can be applied once a month.




For Oily or Greasy Hair

Used properly, cornmeal or cornstarch is an inexpensive way to remove oil and grease.

To Use: Pour 1 Tbsp cornmeal or cornstarch into an empty salt or pepper shaker and sprinkle onto dry hair and scalp until you’ve used it all. After 10 minutes, use a paddle hairbrush to completely brush it out. Treatment can be applied every other day.





For Frizzy Hair

Home beauty experts swear by avocado—and not just to repair damaged hair. Its oils (which are light and moist like our own natural skin secretions) and proteins boast the best combination of nutrients for smoothing and weighing down unruly hair.

To Use: Mash up half an avocado and massage into clean, damp hair. Let sit for 15 minutes before rinsing with water. Amp up moisturizing power by combining mashed avocado with 1 to 2 Tbsp of a hydrating ingredient, like sour cream, egg yolks or mayonnaise. Treatment can be applied every two weeks.




For Residue-Ridden Hair

Nothing eats through product buildup like baking soda. Sodium bicarbonate essentially breaks down anything acidic.

To Use: Mix 1 to 2 Tbsp baking soda with small amounts of water until a thick paste forms. Massage into damp hair and let sit for 15 minutes. Rinse with water, then shampoo hair. Treatment can be applied every two weeks.

Happy Mother's Day

Foods That Will Boost Your Mood

1. Berries - Berries are very efficient against depression, as they are full of antioxidants that support the proper functioning of the brain and improve the cognitive function. In addition to this, berries also promote positive energy, they stimulate the production of “feel-good enzymes” in the brain and they can prevent a variety of potentially fatal diseases, such as cancer. The high amount of antioxidants also prevent cell oxidation caused by free radicals, and prevent premature aging. In other words, you should replace the traditional popcorn with frozen blueberries when watching TV or when you feel sad – you will not only stay fit in the long run, but you will also feel happier!

2. Chocolate - If you think chocolate is nothing more than a delicious treat, you are wrong! Dark chocolate can improve cognitive function, it can prevent Alzheimer and dementia and it can also boost your mood in a matter of minutes. The darker the chocolate you consume, the better! Dark chocolate slows down the production of stress hormone, and the anxiety levels automatically decrease – moreover, chocolate also makes the brain release endorphins and also boosts the serotonin levels. This creates a feeling of well-being that lasts for several hours.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Green Tea - Green tea has been used for thousands of years due to its numerous benefits. Just like berries, green tea is also very rich in antioxidants, amino acids and L-theanine, known for reducing stress and anxiety while improving the mood. If consumed on a regular basis, green tea can give a feeling of overall well-being. In addition to elevating mood, L-theanine found in green tea can also increase focus, memory as well as mental alertness. For a healthier, longer life doctors recommend one cup of green tea a day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Bananas - Bananas contain high amounts of vitamins and minerals, as well as tryptophan which is known for raising serotonin levels. All the compounds found in bananas are mood-boosting, and vitamin B6 converts tryptophan into serotonin, the mood-lifting hormone. This way, you will not only feel better but you will also get a better night’s sleep. Tryptophan is a compound that is widely used in medications for treating insomnia, anxiety and depression. You can easily add a banana to your milkshake or eat them raw – regardless of the form, bananas can and will treat depression if consumed properly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Sardines - Numerous studies have revealed the fact that people who are deficient in Omega 3 and Omega 6 are far more susceptible to anxiety and depression than those who have normal levels of fatty acids in the body. Sardines are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, and this elevates the mood and keep the brain healthy in the long run. Moreover, sardines also ensure the efficiency of neurotransmitters because they keep the brain cells flexible and fully functional over the years (if consumed regularly).

 

 

 

 

 

6. Avocados - Avocados contain good, healthy fats that are known for raising the levels of dopamine and increasing endorphins. No matter if you consume avocados in the form of shakes or salad, this true superfood is perfect for lifting your mood when you feel blue!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. Poultry – Just like bananas, chicken and turkey also contain high amounts of tryptophan which increase the serotonin levels. In addition to this, chicken and turkey are also very rich in tyrosine, an amino acid that helps the body cope with stress more efficiently. Also, it must be mentioned that tyrosine is the building block for norepinephrine and dopamine, two important neurotransmitters that can influence mood. If you increase your intake of tyrosine, then you will automatically improve your mood and prevent depression in the long run!

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. Dark Leafy Greens – Consuming dark leafy greens can also treat anxiety and depression due to the high amounts of acid, which elevates low mood and reduces fatigue as well. In addition to folic acid, dark leafy greens like romaine lettuce or spinach which ensure the proper functioning of the nerves and muscles. Besides, recent studies have shown that low magnesium levels can cause a drop in the levels of serotonin, therefore causing depression.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9. Eggs - eggs (especially egg yolk) also come in handy when you try to fight depression and improve your state of mind. Eggs are very rich in Vitamin D, and studies have revealed that Vitamin D can relieve mood disorders because it stimulates the production of serotonin in the brain. Moreover, doctors highly recommend consuming eggs during the cold season, to prevent what is known as “winter blues”. This is a seasonal affective disorders that affects a large part of the population, and it can be easily treated and prevented by consuming eggs on a regular basis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10. Walnuts - Last, but certainly not least on the list of 10 superfoods that boost a mood, walnuts are known to improve cell health due to the fact that they are the richest nuts in essential fats. Besides the fact that they elevate mood, ten walnuts a day can properly optimize the cell wall composition and lower blood cholesterol levels, which will automatically improve the blood circulation, treat depression and give an overall sense of happiness and well-being.

 

 

 

These 7 often overlooked habits that sabotage your health

We know the obvious ones -- smoking, fast food, and not watching our weight. But these seven sneaky habits are just as bad for our health. Are you guilty of these health blunders?

 

1. Driving everywhere

 

Whenever possible, walk or cycle instead, for example when going grocery shopping within your neighbourhood. You'll not only help cut down on environmental pollution, you'll stay fit too! Just 30 minutes of walking everyday -- even broken down into three 10-minute sessions -- can lead to increased energy and weight loss.

2. Skipping regular gyno check-ups

 

We know, nobody likes them! But an annual pelvic exam is an essential tool for keeping your reproductive system healthy and detecting problems like cervical cancer early, so make sure you see your gynaecologist for your yearly Pap smear check-up.

3. Not eating enough fruits and veggies

 

Nearly three out of every four people repeatedly don't eat the recommended five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day needed to reduce our risk of disease. And it's not that hard: An entrée-size salad can pack in three veggie servings, a half-cup of cooked spinach equals a veggie serving, and one medium-sized banana makes a fruit serving.

4. Not eating enough bone-building nutrients

 

Dairy products like skimmed milk, low-fat cheese and yogurt are packed with calcium and vitamin D, both of which will help you avoid osteoporosis and risk of bone fractures later in life. If you're worried about running up a deficit, ask your doctor to recommend a daily calcium supplement for you.

5. Not strength-training enough

 

Weight-training strengthens bones and tones muscles. The result? A shaplier physique plus increased metabolic rate. And pumping iron doesn't take much -- you'll see the benefits by just training three times per week, 10 minutes at a time.

6. Eating in front of the TV

 

Watching TV makes it too easy to mindlessly eat, thus leading us to overeat. Instead, make it a family habit to eat together at the dinner table. This way, you'll also create more time to reconnect with one another over meals.

7. Putting up with secondhand smoke

 

You don't have to be a smoker for smoking to harm you. You can also have health problems from breathing in tobacco smoke from other people. Only zero exposure is safe.

How to Clean Fruits and Vegetables

Clean up. Before preparing produce, clean countertops, knives, and cutting boards. Also, give your hands a thorough cleaning with soap and water.

Stay fresh and local. To avoid having fruits and vegetables stored for a long time, buy locally grown produce and prepare it within five days.

Wash immediately before usage. Washing then storing produce can speed bacterial growth and spoilage. So wait to wash fruits and vegetables until right before using.

Rinse under running water. The best way to reduce the number of microorganisms is by washing produce under running water that’s no colder than 10 degrees cooler than the produce. Rub the produce briskly to remove dirt and surface germs. You don’t need detergent or bleach solutions or special sprays.

Be specific. Different types of produce require different kinds of cleaning. Here’s your guide for several types of popular produce:

Apples and other firm produce:

Wash and rub enough to remove any waxy preservative.

Berries and grapes:

Rinse gently under cool, running water. Don’t let berries sit in water, as that can ruin them. Sort through and remove moldy or squishy pieces to avoid spreading any microorganisms.

Herbs:

Dip and swirl in a bowl of cool water, then dry with a paper towel.

Leafy green vegetables:

If it’s a single head, cut off the base and discard dried or damaged outer leaves. Soak the remaining leaves in a bowl of cold water for a couple minutes. If you’re particularly concerned about bacterial contamination, add a half cup of distilled white vinegar per cup of water, then rinse. Dry with paper towels or a salad spinner.

Melons:

With a soft-bristled vegetable brush, thoroughly scrub melons under running water before cutting, peeling, or eating.

Mushrooms:

Use a soft-bristled brush to lightly scrub and a wet paper towel to remove dirt.

Peaches and other soft fruit:

Lightly wash under running water and dry with a paper towel.

 

Root vegetables:

After peeling root vegetables such as carrot, potatoes, and beets, clean with a medium-bristled brush under lukewarm water.

 

How To Make Your Skin Glow

Most of us think of skin as just our body’s visible outer layer, but doctors consider skin an organ, meaning that it is very much alive and charged with many important duties.

In particular, the skin is the first layer of your immune system, serving as a shield between you and legions of germs such as viruses and bacteria. It also protects your insides from sun, cold, scrapes, cuts, and moisture. And, of course, your sense of touch is crucial for everyday function.

Like any part of your internal body, your skin can be healthy or ill. It can be well nourished or malnourished. It can be exercised, and it can wear down with age or abuse. In particular, as we age, our skin becomes thinner and drier. Plus, other, more unpleasant things happen to our skin. Things like wrinkles, age spots, dark circles, and large pores, which tend to turn up like uninvited guests at a wedding.

While you can’t control your age, you can control numerous other factors that accelerate this aging process, including excessive exposure to sunlight, loss of estrogen during menopause, poor dietary habits, stress, and cigarette smoking.

Unlike the other organs of your body, you can apply medicines, moisturizers, and other healthy potions directly to the skin. For that reason alone, there is absolutely no reason you can’t have healthy, attractive skin throughout your life.

To keep your skin and face young and healthy, and to maintain its natural, protective moisture, follow these tips......


1. Skip the long, steamy showers and opt for shorter, cooler sprays.
Long, hot showers strip skin of its moisture and wash away protective oils. So limit showers to 10 minutes and keep the water cool.

2. Check the dryness of your skin by scratching a small area on your arm or leg with your fingernail.
If it leaves a white mark, your skin is indeed dry and needs both moisture and exfoliation (that is, removal of the outermost layer of dead skin cells).

3. Treat your neck and chest like an extension of your face.
Your neck and upper chest area is covered by very sensitive skin, making it a prime spot for telltale signs of aging such as dryness, sun spots, and wrinkles. To keep this area youthful, use facial cleansing creams that hydrate and cleanse gently rather than deodorant soaps, which can be drying. Top it all off with a good facial moisturizing cream. If this area is extra dry, use a facial moisturizing mask twice a month.

4. Run a humidifier every night in the winter to moisturize the air in your bedroom.
Not only will it ease itchy, dry skin, you’ll be able to breathe the moist air more easily.

5. Take 160 milligrams of soy isoflavones per day or pour soy milk over your cereal.
Soy consumption may support skin health by supplying high-quality protein needed for building and maintaining collagen, the material essential to connective tissues. Soy isoflavones may also act as antioxidants to protect collagen from damage caused by free radicals, highly reactive molecules that can weaken or destroy cell membranes. Free radicals can also damage DNA, create age spots and wrinkles, and depress the immune system, increasing the risk of skin cancer. Good sources of soy isoflavones include soy milk (20-35 mg soy isoflavones per serving) and tofu (20-30 mg soy isoflavones per serving).

6. Switch from a deodorant soap to one with added fat, like Dove, Oilatum, or Neutrogena. Deodorant soaps can be drying, whereas added-fat soaps leave an oily, yet beneficial, film on your skin.

7. Keep your beauty products clean and simple, particularly if you have sensitive skin.
Stay away from products with color, fragrance, or those that produce bubbles or have “antibacterial” on the label. These can all irritate skin.

8. Smooth a couple of drops of olive oil over your face, elbows, knees, and the backs of your arms every evening.
The oil contains monounsaturated fat, which refreshes and hydrates skin without leaving a greasy residue.

9. For soft, young-looking hands and feet, slather on moisturizing cream and then slip on thin-fabric socks and gloves while you sleep.

10. Tone your skin with a sage, peppermint, and witch hazel combination. S
age helps to control oil, peppermint creates a cool tingle, and witch hazel helps restore the skin’s protective layer. Combine 4 ounces of witch hazel with 1 teaspoon each of sage and peppermint leaves and steep for one to three days before applying to your skin.

11. Select a moisturizer that contains skin-repairing humectants.
Is that a new word for you? Humectants attract water when applied to your skin and improve its hydration. Good ones include glycerin, propylene glycol, and urea. Also look for skin products that contain alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), compounds that help reduce wrinkles and improve dry skin, acne, and age spots. AHAs, which naturally occur in grapes, apples, citrus, and sour milk (think buttermilk or yogurt), work by speeding up the turnover of old skin cells, making skin look younger.

12. Use a loofah daily to keep ingrown hairs and scaly skin under control.
While in the shower, gently scrub bumpy or scaly skin with a circular motion to remove dead cells. For extra-smooth skin, sprinkle a few drops of an alpha-hydroxy product on the loofah before scrubbing.

13. Take rose hips every morning to help build collagen.
Rich in vitamin C, rose hips (available at drugstores) can help keep skin smooth and youthful. Follow label directions.

14. Pop a high-potency multivitamin every day.
Many nutrients are vital to healthy skin, including vitamins C, A, and B. The most reliable way to get them all every day is to eat well, as well as take a daily supplement.

15. Use unscented baby powder to keep areas where skin meets skin — like the inner thighs, underarms, beneath large breasts — clean and dry. This is important to prevent a common skin condition called intertrigo, which occurs when such areas remain moist, fostering the growth of bacteria or fungi.

16. If you’re gearing up for a day in the sun, steer clear of scented lotions and perfumes. Scented products can lead to blotchy skin when exposed to the sun.

17. To treat dry, rough, itchy skin, try these bath add-ins:     
Half a pound of sea salt and one pound baking soda. Soak until the water is cool to detoxify your skin and soothe the itch.

Two cups Epsom salt. In addition to soaking in it, while your skin is still wet, rub handfuls of Epsom salt on the rough areas to exfoliate skin.

A few bags of your favorite tea. The tea provides antioxidants as well as a delicious scent.
One cup uncooked oatmeal tied into an old stocking or muslin bag. Oats are not only wonderful for your inner health, but provide a healthy glow on the outside as well, leaving a film on your skin that seals in water.

Equal parts of apple cider vinegar, wheat germ, and sesame oil. Apple cider vinegar is both antibacterial and alkalinizing (meaning it helps maintain the proper acid balance), while sesame oil and wheat germ add moisture.

One cup powdered milk with one tablespoon grapeseed oil. The lactic acid in the milk will exfoliate your skin, and the grapeseed oil will give your skin a powerful dose of antioxidants.

18. Apply ice wrapped in a towel to dry, itchy skin.
A few minutes on, a few minutes off. Allow the moist cold to relieve your skin and draw warming blood to it, but don’t let your skin get so cold as to sting or hurt.

19. Smooth aloe vera gel over extra-dry skin. The acids in aloe eat away dead skin cells and speed up the healing process. Cut off an end of an aloe leaf, split open, and spread the gel on the dry area.

20. Plunk your rough, dry elbows into grapefruit halves.
First exfoliate your elbows in your bath or shower, then cut a grapefruit in half and rest one elbow on each half, letting them soak for 15 minutes. The acid in the grapefruit provides extra smoothing power.

21. Hang room-darkening shades in your bedroom.
They help avoid sleep disturbances or insomnia caused by ambient light. Sleep is critical to your skin’s health because most cell repair and regeneration occurs while you’re getting your z’s; if you’re not getting enough rest, your skin cannot renew itself.

22. Cook with garlic every day.
Skin cells grown in a culture dish and treated with garlic had seven times the life span of cells grown in a standard culture. They also tended to look healthier and more youthful than untreated cells. Plus, garlic extract dramatically inhibited the growth of cancerous skin cells.

23. Go for a run, ride your bike, work out in the garden on a hot day — anything that gets you sweating. Sweating is nature’s way of eliminating toxic chemicals that can build up under skin. Plus, regular exercise maintains healthy circulation and blood flow throughout your body, including your skin. If you’re exercising outdoors, though, remember to wear a sunscreen on your face that protects against UVA and UVB rays, or a moisturizer with sunscreen protection.

24. Grill salmon brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with toasted, crushed walnuts.
There, you’ve just gotten a skin-healthy dose of poly- and monounsaturated fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, which studies suggest may affect the amount of sun and aging damage your skin experiences. By extension, make sure olive oil is the primary source of fat in your cooking each and every day, and try to have salmon twice a week or more.

25. Brew a pot of tea, chill, then store in the fridge and drink throughout the day.
Tea, as you probably know, is a great source of antioxidants, molecules that fight the free-radical damage caused by sun exposure and cigarette smoking. One Arizona study, for instance, found that the more tea people drank (particularly tea with lemon) the less likely they were to develop squamous cell skin cancer.

26. Switch moisturizers every time the seasons change.
Your skin needs more moisture in the winter than in the summer. So the same day you bring those sweaters down from the attic for the winter, buy a heavier moisturizer. When you trade in the sweaters for shorts, switch to a lighter one.

27. Here’s one for men:
Recognize that skin-preserving products like cleansers and moisturizers aren’t just for women. Men need skin care just as much as their wives and sisters. To prevent wrinkles and skin cancer, use a moisturizer containing a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 daily. Also use a gentle exfoliant weekly and a nighttime moisturizer that contains alpha-hydroxy acids to encourage skin regeneration.

28. Prepare a homemade oat scrub and use on your face every other day.
Oats moisturize and exfoliate your skin at the same time. Grind enough rolled oats in a food processor or coffee grinder to fill 1/2 cup. Combine with 1/3 cup ground sunflower seeds, 1/2 teaspoon peppermint leaves, and 4 tablespoons almond meal. Mix 2 teaspoons with a small amount of heavy cream. Scrub your face and neck with the mixture, then rinse thoroughly with cool water.

29. Add a teaspoon of grapeseed oil to your toner.
The oil acts as an anti-aging serum by helping your skin cells repair and rejuvenate themselves.

30. Avoid these three skin destroyers: Smoking, tanning salons, and sunbathing.
All three will age your skin prematurely.

31. For double protection, apply a cream containing vitamin C to your face over your sunblock. The cream helps prevent facial skin damage, dehydration, and wrinkles. Also try creams containing vitamin E or beta-carotene.

32. Use a spritzer with rose, sandalwood, or bergamot essential oils mixed with water.
These oils are great for hydrating the skin. To create an herbal spritzer, mix a few drops of essential oil with water in a small spray bottle and spritz on your face whenever your skin needs a little boost. Your skin is more pliable when it’s hydrated, so a spray helps stave off frown lines and general movement wrinkles. The hydrator also keeps pollutants out and keeps your skin’s natural lubricants in.
An added bonus: Your makeup will stay on longer and look more natural.

33. Clean your face and neck with a natural cold cream and follow with a rosewater and glycerin rinse twice a day to remove skin-damaging pollutants.

34. Keep your hands off your face!
Because your hands touch so many surfaces, they are a magnet for dirt and germs. Rub your eyes, stroke your chin, cup your cheek, and you’ve transferred everything on your hands to your face. As an extension of this, use headphones or a headset when talking on the phone. This, too, keeps hands and germs away from your face.

35. Stop with one glass of wine or one alcoholic drink.
Overdoing it enlarges the blood vessels near the surface of your facial skin.

36. De-shine your face throughout the day by periodically dabbing on loose powder to blot excess oil. Don’t use pressed powder, which actually contains oil as an ingredient.

37. Never, ever rub your eyes — apply compresses instead.
The skin on your face is extremely delicate, especially under your eyes. So use a very light touch on your face at all times. If your eyes itch, apply a cold compress or washcloth to the area, or try a cotton pad moistened with toner or witch hazel.

38. Use a single family of skin-care products.
If you buy and use lots of different skin-care products, there’s a good chance some contain the same ingredients, thus making them redundant. And some brands just aren’t very compatible with others, though you’d have no way of knowing that until you already paid for and opened them. You’ll get much better results if you use products that are designed and formulated to work together, such as Clinique, Mary Kay, Albolene, or Neutrogena. You may have to shell out a little more cash, but experts agree you’ll get better results.

Kidney Care: How to Prevent Kidney Stones in Summer

People who work in a hot environment or have a work routine that does not allow them to have enough water are prone to develop stones. Specifically a 5 to 7 degree temperature rise due to climate change could yield a 30% increase in kidney stone problems. When people relocate from areas of moderate temperature to areas with warmer climates, a rapid increase in stone formation has been observed. There is a known geographic variation in stone disease that has been attributed to regional differences in temperature. The incidence of kidney stone disease is particularly high in areas with dry, hot climate.

Kidney stones are also caused due to dehydration, which too increases due to rise in temperature. This happens when people lose more water through sweating but fail to consume enough water to make up for the lost volume. The water loss eventually leads to higher urine concentrations, which in turn increases the risk of kidney stone formation.


These 9 steps to prevent kidney stones
1. Drink plenty of water during the day and at night before bed so that your body stays hydrated throughout each 24-hour period. If you don't void (urinate) every couple of hours, you're not drinking enough. You should shoot for producing a whopping 2.5 liters of urine daily.

2. Drink lemonade as this has been shown to reduce the risk of kidney stones

3. Cut back on products with large amounts of oxalate - an acid that can lead to the formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones. These include products like drinking soda, iced tea, chocolate, rhubarb, strawberries and nuts.

4. Cut down the intake of caffeine as it leaves you dehydrated even though you think you are taking in plenty of liquids.

5. Reduce the salt intake and make that a regular habit

6. Ask your physician about medications that can help prevent kidney stones. Medications include those that control the amount of acid, alkali or cystine in the urine – factors that can cause kidney stones to develop.

7. Check your intake of animal protein, including meat, eggs, and fish. These foods contain purines, which are natural substances that metabolise or break down into uric acid.

8. Have more salads as it maintains the coolness levels.

9. Exercise and lose weight and stay healthy


Stay Healthy ......