How Hair Spa at Home

How to spa at home hair - Hair care is very important to keep hair thick and shiny. Just shampooing and conditioning will not help in maintaining healthy hair. All you need is in the form of deep conditioning hair spa. Hair spa is usually made up of massage oil, hair mask application, shampooing and deep conditioning. Spa hair done at the salon is quite expensive, if done regularly can drain bag. But you can also do hair spa at home. All you need is the right hair care products.



How to do Hair Spa at Home

Materials needed:

* Extra virgin olive oil

* Deep conditioner

* Shampoo

* Hair Mask

* Wide-toothed comb

* Towels

Procedure:

Step 1 Hair Spa at Home
Heat half a cup of extra virgin olive oil and let it cool. When the oil is still slightly warm, apply on scalp and hair. Overall oil massage of the scalp with fingertips with gentle circular motions. Make sure that you are not pulling your hair while massaging, as it can cause hair loss.

Step 2 Hair Spa at Home
Next, soak a clean towel into a bucket of warm water. Squeeze the towel to remove water. Wrap a warm towel to the head, so the hair is covered by a towel. Leave the towel wrapped around his head for 10 to 15 minutes. This will help the oil get into the hair shaft.


Step 3 Hair Spa at Home
After applying steam to the hair, the next step is to wash the hair with shampoo thoroughly. Choose a shampoo that suits your hair type and texture. Rinse hair with warm water.

Step 4 Hair Spa at Home
Wipe off excess water in the hair. Make sure that you do not rub your hair with a towel. It can make the hair rough up the cuticle and contribute to frizziness.

Take a few deep conditioner and apply it on your hair, use a wide toothed comb. You can also use a natural conditioner that suits your hair type. With deep conditioning, you can protect your hair from frizziness. Leave the conditioner on your hair for 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 5 Hair Spa at Home
Hair conditioner rinse to remove. Pat with a towel to dry and remove the water on the hair. Next, comb the hair using a wide-toothed comb. Apply a hair mask to each section of hair. Make sure that every hair is coated with a hair mask. Wrap your head with a warm towel for 10 to 15 minutes and then wash it off thoroughly with warm water.

Sources: tipkecantikan.com

Recognize 9 Iron Deficiency Symptoms That Can Lead To Dangerous Diseases

In general, iron deficiency can lead to disruption of biological processes in the body, including the more severe conditions may cause anemia. Iron deficiency can lead to several dangerous diseases, and even, a new research reveals that, it can lead to stroke. Iron is necessary for the body to transfer oxygen from the lungs throughout the body and help the muscles in order to save the and use oxygen. Iron is classified as an essential nutrient for the growth and development of infants, therefore, advised to pay attention to symptoms that may lead to iron deficiency.

Adult male (weight 75 kg) containing ± 4000 mg of iron, while the adult female (body weight 55 kg) containing ± 2100 mg of iron. Males have a reserve of iron in the spleen and bone marrow as much as 500-1500 mg, which is why the lack of blood (anemia) is relatively rare in men. In contrast, women only have backup iron 0-300 mg so susceptible to anemia, especially in women of childbearing age who are menstruating.

Iron intake is needed at any time, and is usually fulfilled by implementing a diet with balanced nutrition. In certain conditions, the body needs more good intake of natural food sources or iron supplements. The signs that indicate the body need iron supplements are as follows:

1. Fatigue: Blaire Morriss, a nurse at the Vanderbilt Center for Integrative Health, said that the body uses iron to make hemoglobin, a substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Therefore, if you do not have enough healthy blood cells, you certainly will feel tired.


2. Hard to focus: synthesis of neurotransmitters, may change in the iron-deficient. According to Morriss, this change leads to a function which is lower than normal, so you will be more difficult to focus and concentrate. 


3. Apathy: One of the other effects of changes in neurotransmitter synthesis is the appearance of apathy. The attitude appears to various issues, including friends, family, work, and even couples.


4. Shortness of breath: Kimberly Mueller, RD, owner of Fuel Factor Nutrition Coaching said, without enough iron in the blood, the body becomes deprived of oxygen. This condition continues to shortness of breath. 


5. Pale skin: Mueller also said that, the pale appearance of the skin caused by reduced blood flow and a decrease in the number of red blood cells.


6. Its hard to exercise as usual: Need a struggle to make the portion of practice as usual? A recent study from Cornell University found that low iron levels also affect your ability to perform usual activities. 


7. Muscle pain: Not having enough iron, blocking the ability of the muscles to recover after strenuous activity. This condition then have an effect on the appearance of pain in the muscles.


8. Brittle nails: Less iron can also give effect to the nail. The nails will be very fragile, thin, and easily damaged. 


9. Pink or red urine: Beeturia is a condition characterized by a pink or red urine after eating fruit bits. Although normally occurs in 10 to 14 percent of people, but Morriss said the number is much higher in people who are deficient in iron.

5 Main Vitamin E Benefits Functions To Human Health

Vitamin E provides benefits to prevent people from free radical attack and prevent various diseases such as liver, slows premature aging due to oxidation processes, and much more. Therefore, it is advisable to always meet the daily requirement of vitamin E. Vitamin E is the generic name for "Tocopherol" and is available in four different forms. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant, which is why benefits of Vitamin E for health no need to doubt.

Tocopherol is insoluble in water but soluble in fat solvents such as oils, fats, alcohol, acetone, ether and so on. Because it is not water soluble, vitamin E can only be digested in the body with the help of the liver bile, as an emulsifier in oil through the duodenum. Vitamin E is stable on heating but will be damaged if the heating is too high. Vitamin E is alkaline, if there is no oxygen and is not affected by the acid at a temperature of 100⁰ C. When exposed to oxygen in the air, it will oxidize slowly. Meanwhile, when exposed to the light color will be darker gradually.

Vitamin E is easily obtained from the oily foods or vegetables. Vitamin E is found in many fruits, milk, butter, eggs, vegetables, especially sprouts. Examples of the many vegetables that contain vitamin E are wheat germ oil, soybean oil, corn oil, alfalfa, lettuce, beans, asparagus, bananas, strawberries, sunflower seeds, beans, sweet potatoes and green vegetables. Vitamin E is more abundant in fresh unprocessed foods.

One unit is equivalent to 1 mg of alpha-tocopherol acetate or can be considered equivalent to 1 mg. Besides breast milk also contains vitamin E to meet the needs of the baby.

During its development, Vitamin E is produced in the form of pills, capsules, and other vitamins as that already exist beforehand. Vitamins are already packaged in various forms is sold freely in the market and are considered useful.

Vitamin E Benefits For Health

1. Preventing Heart Disease: The role of vitamin E can prevent atherosclerosis caused by plaque on the walls of the arteries leading to the heart. The presence of plaque can be formed by the oxidation of blood cholesterol and eventually the material will accumulate and eventually clog the arteries. Vitamin E can prevent cholesterol from oxidation, so it will not form materials that can clog the arteries so the less cholesterol is oxidized, the less cause arterial blockage will cause the risk of heart disease.


2. Preventing Cancer: The content of antioxidants in vitamin E also very instrumental in preventing the onset of cancer. Perhaps the ability of vitamins to prevent cancer is not as strong as its ability to prevent heart disease, but the research shows that, in patients with cancer have low vitamin E levels.


3. Counteract Free Radicals: Free radicals are the cause of many diseases in our body, including cancer. Vitamin E contains antioxidants which can counteract free radicals into the body. Vitamin E also has the special ability to protect cell membranes intruded by free radicals. Vitamin E has the ability to capture and bind free radicals in the cell membrane. To carry out these duties, vitamin E helped with vitamin A, vitamin C, beta-carotene, and other antioxidants. In addition, the elderly also need a lot of intake of vitamin E to boost the immune system and also slow down the risk of developing Alzheimers disease. 


4. Maintain Male Fertility: Free radicals could potentially cause infertility in men. This happens because the fat content in sperm cell membrane, which causes the vulnerability of sperm cells against free radical attack. Intake of vitamin E may help ward off free radicals and prevent damage to sperm cells.


5. Keeping Eyes Healthy: The blood vessels in the eye are very soft, very easily damaged by free radicals. Intake of vitamin E helps prevent damage to blood vessels. In addition, vitamin E also helps protect the lens of the eye from damage by free radicals. People with a low intake of vitamin E had a higher risk of cataracts later in life. Vitamin E intake of 400 IU per day of ones youth will reduce the risk of cataracts in old age to about 50%. With such facts, there is no longer any reason for you to not be concerned with the consumption of vitamin E, which is very much beneficial.

Weak Before Sex treat with carrots and apples

Weak Before Sex? treat with carrots and apples

Sexual Hormones are substances secreted by the sex glands. During the process makananlah an important role. If the establishment of maximum arousal hormone sekspun become more powerful. Sexual problems can come from many things. Such as decreased sex hormones or feel tired before sex. This problem can be overcome if you are eating the right foods like carrots and apples

How to Eat Healthy Coffee

For the coffee enthusiast, know the maximum limit intake of coffee every day.

Talk about coffee, of course can not be separated with the culture of Indonesian people who are already accustomed to consuming coffee since ancient times. Coffee has also been so urban lifestyle. Accompany the start of the opening day, to be friends late night.

This coffee drinking habit is not without risk. Caffeine is known to trigger health problems. But the benefits of coffee is also abundant.

"Coffee actually has so many benefits, but people think coffee is dangerous to health. Fact that since taking it the wrong way," said Heri Setiadi, a coffee expert VIVAlife when found in the "Coffee Experience" at Caffe La Tazza, SCBD, Jakarta .

For the enthusiast who usually consume drinks coffee black, know how healthy coffee following.

- Limit consumption
Safe limit daily caffeine intake of no more than 600 ml, equivalent to 4 cups of black coffee arabica (180ml). If you habitually consume Robusta coffee which has caffeine levels are two times higher than arabica, then simply consume 2 cups of robusta coffee (180 ml) each day.

- Consumption of coffee without sugar and milk
The coffee itself actually has a series of health benefits for the body. Precisely the addition of excessive sugar and milk are harmful to the body. Coffee actually has a sweet taste in it without the addition of sugar.

You can choose the natural flavor of the coffee to taste, because Indonesia has the characteristic flavor of coffee different. Aceh Gayo coffee for example, has a slightly spicy taste like spices, whereas coffee Toraja and Bali Kintamani is fruity. Then there are also coffee Papua chocolate taste. If you want a coffee with a naturally sweet taste, you can choose the Java coffee.

- Identify Caffeine Content
After knowing the dose and the response of the body, it helps us to know the content of caffeine in the products we consume often. Coffee lest the recommended dose has been reached, but we still consume other products containing caffeine to feel the ill effects of coffee. Some other products that need to be considered caffeine content such as: soft drinks, candy coffee, tea, chocolate, headache medicine.

Ways of processing (roasting and brewing) also affect caffeine content in coffee. For example, a study shows, a cup of coffee at Starbucks contains on average 259 mg of caffeine compared to coffee with the type and size of the same cup at Dunkin Donuts which only contains 149 mg of caffeine.

From other studies, decaf coffee (coffee without caffeine) for those who are obese because it can increase HDL ("good" cholesterol) of approximately 50%. Whereas in those who are not obese can actually lower HDL cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease.

- Get to know the condition of the body
It is important for you to know the limits of daily coffee consumption. This is because each person has a different resistance to caffeine contained in coffee.

-Keep exercising
Sport is a major factor in maintaining a healthy body. One trick that you can still eat your favorite coffee every day and stay healthy is to exercise regularly.

- Eat first
Each coffee has a different level of acidity. Therefore, it is important for you to consume foods before drinking coffee. Drinking coffee in the morning on an empty stomach can cause stomach bloating if excessive can make you feel nauseous.

How to quickly smoothes rough palms

hmmm, no endless to talk about health.
because healthy is expensive if you ask me, as a writer.

This time the author would like some help for my friends who love everything with care.
especially skin care.

ya there are a few tips to smooth the rough palms.
these tips soften hands.

Rough palms impossible for men is not a problem that means but for a woman it is a very serious problem. Not a few women in the world is experiencing a dry hand skin and coarse textured.
In fact, with the palm of the hand is smooth and soft, we do not need to feel inferior to shake hands with others or join hands with our partners.
Conversely, if we have a rough-skinned hands, let alone to shake hands to see the course were feeling shy and lacking in confidence.
If you are having problems with rough hands, the best step to overcome this by making sure you have the skin of the palms sufficient moisture. Use moisturizing lotion is the ultimate choice while trying to cope with the natural way.

Some natural ways to cope with rough hands and dry that you can do yourself at home is:
1. Wash hands with liquid soap that contains moisturizing scrub for exfoliating dead skin cells while gently massaging to improve blood flow ketelapak hand.
2. Use shea butter as a rub on your palms twice a day on a regular basis to provide moisture to the skin. Other benefits of using shea butter is as anti-aging creams.
3. Use this mixture 6 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with warm water and then used water immersion rough palms. Do this as often as possible to get faster results because the herb has no side effects at all.
4. Use butter as a rub on your palms dry and rough before you go to bed but do not forget to wear gloves after buttering it. Do this every night until a few days until your hands feel moist and tender.
5. Use herb olive oil 4 teaspoons and sugar to taste and rub this mixture on the palm of the hand for 1-2 minutes in length before you wash them thoroughly. Benefits of olive oil in addition to lift dead skin cells as well as an essential nutrient for the skin as well as a natural skin moisturizer is excellent.
6. Creating a natural moisturizer to reduce roughness palms with cornstarch herb and olive oil respectively with the same size to be pasta. Apply a paste and massage your palms gently used this herb for a while, then rinse thoroughly.
7. You certainly know with potatoes, yes potatoes was able to repair the skin of our hands rough and smooth making it back. Only by using the potatoes we can make finer palms. Using a potato is a natural way smoothing palms so no need to worry about anything happening with your favorite palms. So when shaking hands with friends or relatives are not ashamed. Steps to smooth your palms are: Take the potato tuber, then wash with water and peel until clean. If so, please scarring. Results grated potatoes just before you rub it on your palms over and over again. How to soften hands and then let it stick to the grater palms up to 20-30 minutes. If so, then clean with lemon juice. By making smooth palms over, your palms will be more subtle.


How to cope with rough hands and dry with a few ingredients above you can try yourself at home. In addition to the above the natural way, the use of cosmetics are also very good moisturizer applied to the skin of the palms were rough to accelerate the healing process.
By applying some natural ways to cope with rough hands over the skin and pamper your hands with skin care routine will provide natural softness throughout the day in the palm of your hand.

How To Beauty Take Care with Coffee

In addition to being a friend who can warm you in the morning, it turns out coffee has its own benefits for body and beauty of your hair. Coffee not only contain caffeine which can make the body more concentrated, but the black beans were also contains fruit acids and organic acids, fats, alkaloids, mineral, potassium, magnesium and iron that are useful for many skin beauty.

In addition to the contents, the coffee is also rich in linoleic acid can prevent wrinkles. As summarized Ourvanity, heres some other benefits of coffee.

1. Refreshing Skin Lotion for Face
Make a cup of coffee and put into ice-cube, then freeze in the freezer until frozen. Then, pulaskan pieces of ice from the coffee into your face like a lotion. The face will return refreshed, after a day of activities.

2. Lotion to the Skin
In the morning, wipe the skin with cotton wool moistened with a solution that has been brewed coffee. Not only to tighten the face, the solution is used as a lotion that coffee can give the impression of smooth brown skin on your face.

3. Anti-wrinkle mask
Dilute a tablespoon of wheat flour with the coffee, mix the egg yolks into it, and stir until thick. Apply the mask to your face, let sit for 15 minutes, then rinse. If the diligent use of this wrinkle mask, then twice a week can seem to fade skin wrinkles.

4. Diminish Cellulite
spread the coffee grounds in the area of ​​your body that have cellulite. Then, using the plastic wrap and let stand for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Do this twice a week, to diminish the appearance of cellulite. In addition, you can also add coffee powder into a liquid soap, and do gentle massage every time you shower.

5. The Black Mask for Hair
Combine two egg yolks, one tablespoon of rum, and two tablespoons of warm water, then add one tablespoon of coffee powder and vegetable oil and stir. Apply the mask to your hair, leave on up to 5 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Darkness of your hair will be more concentrated mixture.

6. Hair Spray Hair To The Shine
Jennifer Love Hewitt also believe in the beauty benefits of coffee as an ingredient. Cast film I Know What You Did Last Summer that use coffee to make the hair more shine. Jennifer gives tips; brewed coffee, then set aside some time, then put the coffee into a tube spray, spray into your hair and comb to tidy.

Source : http://giant41.blogspot.com/

Yoga effective in treating patients with stress related psychological and medical conditions

An article by researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM), New York Medical College (NYMC), and the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons (CCPS) reviews evidence that yoga may be effective in treating patients with stress-related psychological and medical conditions such as depression, anxiety, high blood pressure and cardiac disease. Their theory, which currently appears online in Medical Hypotheses, could be used to develop specific mind-body practices for the prevention and treatment of these conditions in conjunction with standard treatments.



It is hypothesized that stress causes an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system (parasympathetic under-activity and sympathetic over-activity) as well as under-activity of the inhibitory neurotransmitter, gamma amino-butyric acid (GABA). Low GABA activity occurs in anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, epilepsy, and chronic pain. According to the researchers, the hypothesis advanced in this paper could explain why vagal verve stimulation (VNS) works to decrease both seizure frequency and the symptoms of depression.

"Western and Eastern medicine complement one another. Yoga is known to improve stress-related nervous system imbalances," said Chris Streeter, MD, associate professor of psychiatry at BUSM and Boston Medical Center, who is the studys lead author. Streeter believes that "This paper provides a theory, based on neurophysiology and neuroanatomy, to understand how yoga helps patients feel better by relieving symptoms in many common disorders."

An earlier study by BUSM researchers comparing a walking group and a yoga group over a 12-week period found no increase in GABA levels in the walking group, whereas the yoga group showed increased GABA levels and decreased anxiety. In another BUSM 12-week study, patients with chronic low back pain responded to a yoga intervention with increased GABA levels and significant reduction in pain compared to a group receiving standard care alone.

Source : Boston University Medical Center

7 Healthy Drinks for Health

Water is the key to healthy living. Drink six glasses of water a day can prevent you from developing the disease, and reduce wrinkles. Water can even increase metabolism. However, when bored with plain water, you can also try other drinks.

1. ORANGE JUICE (Pure Orange Juice)
Protects against heart disease. Antioxidants in orange juice helps protect your heart by fighting inflammation that can cause damage to blood vessels. Consider this: People who eat fast food with a glass of orange juice have fewer substance artery-damaging free radicals in the blood compared with those who ate burgers and fries with white water, a study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Is not that a good reason to choose the juice? But note also the content of one cup of sugar-containing 21 grams and 122 calories.


2. Chamomile Tea
Can make you calm. People who drank chamomile extract every day for two months to feel the anxiety level in him is reduced, a study report from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Easy to get in on the mellow mood in the evening with a cup of chamomile tea.


3. Cranberry Juice
Can prevent gum disease and urinary tract infections. natural compounds in the juice can prevent gum disease by preventing bacteria from the mouth. Cranberry juice also provides 39 percent of the daily requirement for vitamin C per 8 ounces, increase good cholesterol levels and keep your urinary tract either. One sip berry so smart!



4. Milk Chocolate
A glass of skim milk chocolate provides a large content of carbohydrates and protein, helps you recover after exercise. Athletes who drank reduced levels of post-exercise muscle damage after four days of intense exercise than those who drink water or other recovery drinks, according to findings presented at the meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine in Seattle. That means less pain and fatigue, so you can go back to the gym and start practicing again. Simply stir 2 tablespoons chocolate powder or syrup that has less than 20 g of sugar into your milk and drink.



5. Green Tea
Can keep your weight stable. Mice that drank green tea at the trial as much as 22 percent have a low likelihood to gain weight than those who just simply drinking ordinary tea, according to a study in the International Journal of Obesity. Polyphenols in this beverage makes metabolic inside you and makes it easier to burn fat in the body. Plus, Antioxidants in green tea may reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. Try colder in summer!



6. Tomato Juice
Can reduce the risk of cancer in your body! The content of the fruit is full of vitamins and lycopene, to protect from cancer. Try it with the addition of spices, celery sticks and no-vodka for cocktails at any time during the day!



7. Black Tea
Can help ward off skin cancer. The content of flavonoids, antioxidants carry anticancer agents. Research shows that sipping a cup of tea or more a day may lower the risk of squamous cell carcinoma in the body, the cells contained in skin cancer, as much as 30 percent. Hot or cold, black tea is a delicious addition to how to care who your skin - and a good way to wake up thanks to the caffeine content in it-so your kettle panaskanlah every morning!

These foods can Make a Sleeping Beauty

What we eat in the evening it can provide a considerable influence on the quality of our sleep. We can easily get much better rest with just making a few changes and adding some specific foods that can help us sleep.
One thing to remember, we do not need to eat these foods just before bed. Because, this will make us awake due to increased blood flow to the digestive system.

newyork.seriouseats.com

The following are foods that can help you sleep better:

1. Cottage cheese. In the cheese contains casein protein which is slowly absorbed by the body. Casein will distribute amino acids into muscle tissue after a few hours of consumption. In addition, the cheese will help you sleep better because it contains the amino acid tryptophan, which the body converts naturally will be two types of hormones that help you sleep, the melatonin and serotonin.
2. Oatmeal. Most people think oatmeal is the menu for breakfast, but the food is also useful at night. Because carbohydrates are found in oatmeal helps trigger the release of serotonin in the body. Serotonin is a hormone that enables convenient, reduce stress, and create a calmer mind. Because oatmeal is digested more slowly, the selection of food is certainly very tepa eaten before tidurt.
3. Peanuts or peanut butter. Other foods to consider to improve the quality of sleep is nuts or natural peanut butter. Nuts are a natural source of niacin, nutrients that can help pelapasan serotonin in the body. Both of these foods contain fat and calories are slightly higher. Therefore, we must wisely manage portions. By taking them moderate, both types of food can help to success in diabetes management. To get good results, serve peanut butter with whole wheat bread.

4. Warm milk. Drink warm milk can help us to be fast asleep. Because in milk contain tryptophan. Presenting milk in the form of hot drink will make the mind more calm and relaxed. In addition, milk also contains calcium which helps the brain to regulate the production of the hormone melatonin, which regulates sleep cycles naturally every hari.Tambahkan natural honey if you prefer the taste of sweet and honey will add carbohydrates to help release serotonin.
5. Wine. The grapes are the only one that contains the hormone melatonin. Therefore, by adding this fruit regularly in our diet, the bodys attempt to establish the sleep-wake cycle will naturally be helped. And the result we will be able to sleep more quickly and soundly every night. How to serve it, we can mix the wine in the bowl of yogurt pieces.
6. Bananas. Banana is functioning like a sleeping pill. Because the content of magnesium in a banana can make the body more relaxed muscles. Additionally, Melatonin and serotonin makes us feel calm.

Eat them one or two hours before we went to bed. This will provide an opportunity for the digestive process so that the effect or efficacy of these foods would be very beneficial.

Source : tipskesehatan

5 Food Causes Damage Teeth

Toothache, swollen gums, cavities, yellowish teeth color and bad breath is a health problem that is often faced by everyone. Problems with teeth can not only be caused by infrequent brushing teeth, but can also be caused by the ingestion of certain foods.

newbergcommunitydental.com

As reported readerdigest, Tuesday (02/10/2012) The following 5 list of foods that can damage your teeth:

1. Solid candy
Hard candy or cough syrup has the effect of demineralization, where the sugar in the candy can occupy an area in the mouth in a long time and has the potential to cause mouth is acidic.

Acidic mouth is an ideal shelter for the bacteria damaging teeth. Therefore, eat less sweets and brush your teeth afterwards to neutralize mouth. If you take cough syrup, choose sugar-free so as not to damage the teeth.

2. Sticky foods
Sticky foods such as candy or cake made from the starch of starch can stick to the teeth and cause the acid in the mouth. Unfortunately saliva alone is not able to neutralize the acid, so that bacteria will soon develop the mouth and tooth decay. Immediately brush your teeth after eating sticky foods to prevent tooth decay.

3. Sports drinks
Sports drinks are usually a little viscous liquid, sweet, and high in carbohydrates. This not only makes the mouth acidic but also viscous liquid on the teeth for long periods of time. The best drink for teeth is plain water that does not contain sugar at all.

4. Lemon
Not only sweet foods, foods with a sour taste can also damage teeth. Sucking or chewing sour foods like lemon in a long time, can cause enamel demineralization.

5. Soda
Soda is a beverage with high sugar levels, which can damage teeth. Gargle after drinking soda or a glass of water afterwards to neutralize the acid in the mouth. Use a straw when drinking soda so that the liquid is not too long in contact with the teeth.

Nutrients Can Be Natural Sunscreen

Sun protection not only of lotion sunscreen or wear a hat. Some of the food was urgently needed in the summer to be the best sunscreen for your skin.

Skin requires sunscreens to avoid the harmful effects of the sun such as wrinkles, dark spots or even skin cancer. Eating foods containing certain nutrients can be an effective way to prevent it.

Here are some foods that can be a natural sunscreen, as reported boldsky:

1. Green tea
This drink is rich in antioxidants that will restore energy even in peak summer. Anti-aging and cancer-fighting green tea is known, which allows it to protect the skin from the summer heat.

2. Coconut water
In the heat of summer, you also need something to cool the body. Drinking cold water from the coconut to cool the body. When your fear of being sun stroke or heat stroke due, at least one tender coconut drink every day. If you are traveling in the scorching heat during the day, then this is a must to stay hydrated.

3. Cocoa
Cocoa is one of the best summer meals for sun protection. Cocoa is rich in antioxidants that protects against skin cancer, it also has anti-inflammatory properties that calm the body during the summer.

4. Greens
Food is almost there in any list of healthy foods. Green vegetables provide iron, vitamins, minerals, anti-aging benefits, and also provides protection against the sun.

Johns Hopkins University in the United States has conducted research outlining the benefits of broccoli as a sunscreen. According to the study, 1 serving of broccoli each day may provide more protection against skin cancer from sunscreen lotion bottle.


5. Fish
Omega-3 fatty acids contained in fish is not only good for the heart, but also friendly to the skin. Fish oils provide maximum protection against the most deadly type of skin cancer, melanoma. So, seafood and fish are good summer foods to prevent strokes due to the sun (sun stroke).


Source: detik.health.com

Tips to lose weight the best

The Best Weight Loss Tips I’ve been told:


Tips to lose weight. the best:

1. If you really want to see improvements in your life sacrifices must be made.

2. The morning breakfast is important, it will keep you alert, awake and reduces hunger throughout the day.

3. Do not meet your plate to eat anything. Eat comfortably not too full. Stop when you feel 80% full.
4. Reduce your intake of carbohydrates and more protein. because the amount of carbohydrates you eat affects your blood sugar levels that affects the level of hunger. If in your diet more protein, youll feel full longer.
5. Only eat when you are hungry. If the clock lunch and you are not hungry, do not eat lunch.

Wrong Tips

1. If you chew your food longer burn more calories

2. Take vitamins will make you lose weight

3. In slimming centers that claim to get rid of fat electronic machines is nonsense

4. Fat will be lost with a cream that you rub into your skin. This is also nonsense

5. Many powerful berry juice drink will make you lose 10kgs.

6. Lose 10kg in 3 weeks. You should try to realistically lose 1/2kg - 1kg per week
This fastest diet Fromula Click!

Believe that you can. Because you can.

Routine Eat Fish Make Longevity

Good news for you who like fish. A new study says, regularly eating fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids may be able to prolong your life.

The study, conducted by researchers from the United States is analyzed more than 2,600 elderly people. Those who had higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids are highest in their blood live on average 2 years longer than those with lower levels.

"This study is not a study of fish oil supplements, but studies on omega-3 levels in the blood are associated with diet," said researcher Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, associate professor of epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston.

The study, published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine did not show evidence of eating fish regularly can prolong life, but this study suggests there is a relationship between the two.

"Levels of omega-3 in the blood associated with lower risk of death, mainly caused by cardiovascular problems," said Mozaffarian.

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in salmon, mackerel, herring, mackerel, tuna, and sardines. Fish are rich in protein and fatty acids has been widely studied previously to reduce the risk of death from heart disease. However, for deaths from other diseases, remains unclear.

Therefore, Mozaffarian and his team also measured levels of fatty acids in the blood, not the fish intake of diet as has been done previously.

At the beginning of the study, the researchers analyzed blood samples, physical activity, and lifestyle participants, average age 74 years. At that time, none of the participants who took omega-3 supplements.

Having followed for 16 years, as many as 1,625 died, 570 of which were caused by cardiovascular disease. The study found that higher levels of omega-3 in the blood, the lower the risk of death.

Alice Lichtentein, director and senior investigator at the Cardiovascular Nutrition Laboratory at Tufts University, Boston, who was not involved in the study, said the study can not demonstrate causality.

This study, he said, can not determine whether omega-3 is directly responsible for reducing the risk of death or as an indicator of a healthier lifestyle. However, people who regularly eat fish usually also a fan of vegetables and fruits.

American Heart Association recommends eating fatty fish such as salmon of about 100 grams two times a week. Even so, according to Lichtentein, replacing fish with fish oil supplements may not produce the same effect.

Vitamin D Deficiency Can Cause Several Dangerous Disease

Vitamin D has the function to form the structure of bones and strong teeth also increases the absorption of calcium in the digestive tract. According to the latest research, vitamin D deficiency can cause several dangerous diseases such as osteoporosis, osteopenia, diabetes, hypertension, and other cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, endometrial cancer and so on.

Vitamin D deficiency signs and symptoms

Vitamin D deficiency symptoms that often found are bone and muscle problems. The other symptoms such as fatigue, periodontal disease, crooked leg, diabetes type I, tuberculosis, chronic pain in muscles, joints and bones, decreased calcium levels and high blood pressure. Vitamin D deficiency is known to cause several bone diseases including:

• Rickets, a childhood disease characterized by impeded growth, and deformity, of the long bones. The earliest sign of subclinical vitamin D deficiency is Craniotabes, abnormal softening or thinning of the skull.
• Osteomalacia, a bone-thinning disorder that occurs exclusively in adults and is characterized by proximal muscle weakness and bone fragility.
• Osteoporosis, a condition characterized by reduced bone mineral density and increased bone fragility.
• Muscle aches and weakness (in particular proximal limb girdle)
• Muscle twitching (Fasciculations)

Are you vitamin D deficient?

Normal vitamin D level in children 1 year to 70 years adults is 15 mcg both male or female. You can check your vitamin D levels by blood test or consult the doctor, and below are RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) for vitamin D based from lpi.oregonstate.edu.

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for Vitamin D Set by the Institute of Medicine
Life Stage	Age	Males mcg/day (IU/day)	Females mcg/day (IU/day)
Infants	0-6 months	10 mcg (400 IU) (AI)	10 mcg (400 IU) (AI)
Infants	6-12 months	10 mcg (400 IU) (AI)	10 mcg (400 IU) (AI)
Children	1-3 years	15 mcg (600 IU)	15 mcg (600 IU)
Children	4-8 years	15 mcg (600 IU)	15 mcg (600 IU)
Children	9-13 years	15 mcg (600 IU)	15 mcg (600 IU)
Adolescents	14-18 years	15 mcg (600 IU)	15 mcg (600 IU)
Adults	19-50 years	15 mcg (600 IU)	15 mcg (600 IU)
Adults	51-70 years	15 mcg (600 IU)	15 mcg (600 IU)
Adults	71 years and older	20 mcg (800 IU)	20 mcg (800 IU)
Pregnancy	all ages	-	15 mcg (600 IU)
Breast-feeding	all ages	-	15 mcg (600 IU)

How to Overcome and prevent vitamin D deficiency

In foods, natural sources of vitamin D are liver and fish oil. Eggs contain small amounts of vitamin D, as well as some foods such as cereals, fresh fruit juice and yogurt are fortified with vitamin D. But,it is difficult to meet the need of vitamin D from food alone, therefore we need sun exposure to meet the daily requirement of vitamin D. Sunlight provides 90 percent of vitamin D is needed by the body. When the heat and ultraviolet light touches the skin, the production of vitamin D is activated.

The best time to get exposure to the sun is morning between 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 for approximately 15 minutes. Do not be too long and not more than 08.00 a.m. Exposure to the sun before noon containing ultraviolet A and B rays can damage the skin causing the skin membrane of red and burn and damage mechanisms of cell regeneration.

It is suggested in bare chests condition and in turned position of sun exposure to avoid the risk of lens and retina damage. The location does not have to be in open air, inside room with the glass that can be pierced by sunlight are eligible.

Know more about the danger of vitamin D overdose.

Causes of Menstrual Periods Longer

Women generally every month the arrival of "guests" aka having menstrual periods. On average the women having periods every month for between two to seven days. But not infrequently also humiliation of women who experience menstrual periods longer than two weeks or more.

On this subject, should not be underestimated and should be detected early. Because there may be dangers lurking your health condition. Menstrual period occurred in all women since puberty, the average age of 11 or 12 years until menopause. Menstruation occurs when an egg cell is located in the uterine lining to decay because it is not fertilized by sperm, resulting in bleeding and out through the vagina or Miss V.

The length of each menstrual period of women varies between two to seven days, with an average interval of 28 days. However, the time span between menstrual periods also vary from 24 days to 35 days, it is still considered normal.

But if your menstrual period is too long even by more than two weeks, you need to be aware of some health reasons that caused it. This may be reasonable if you are nearing the age of menopause, which is between 45-55 years of age due to hormonal changes very drastically.

Here are some of the causes of menstrual periods become longer, as reported empower, Thursday (11/10):

1. The growth of non-cancerous fibroids in the uterus (uterine fibroids).
2. Growth of polyps in the uterus.
3. Have endometriosis, a disease in which uterine endometrial tissue growth protruding uterus up.
4. With pelvic inflammatory disease
5. Temporary hormonal imbalance, for example, when changing hormonal contraception.
6. Installation of the copper IUD contraceptives may make your periods become heavier.
7. Pregnant and miscarried, maybe you think blood pregnancy miscarriages of previously unknown as menstrual blood.
8. Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB / Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding), doctors do not know what causes DUB and can diagnose you with this condition if it can not find the cause of the bleeding.

If there is no obvious physical cause, especially if you have middle-aged, the doctor will probably wait until your menopause and explain this because hormonal imbalance and can heal on its own without treatment.


As for the pelvic examination and ultrasound uterus will be done to see if there are specific abnormalities that cause the length of the menstrual period. Doctors will perform the operation if it finds fibroids, polyps, or endometrial lining in a place that was not supposed to. Other treatments include hormone replacement therapy, drug therapy make menstrual periods lighter, and anti-inflammatory to reduce the loss of too much blood.

If the length of menstrual periods due to copper IUD contraception, can be altered by hormonal IUD. Hormonal IUD reduces menstrual periods, while the copper IUD makes it heavier. Then you also need to take nutritional supplements to replace the nutrients lost due to excessive bleeding.

15 Foods Fruits and Beverages That Can Lower Your Cholesterol

For those of you who have high cholesterol levels, cholesterol lowering foods list below may be useful. Negative assumptions about cholesterol, not always true. Cholesterol is one of the body fat (lipid) which is essential for the activity of cell membranes, make hormones, vitamins and bile acids. Cholesterol also helps in the transmission of nerve impulses.

Cholesterol levels in the blood depends on what you eat and how the body makes cholesterol in the liver. Having too much cholesterol in the blood is not a disease, but it can lead to hardening and narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis) in the cardiovascular system.

There are two kinds of cholesterol: the bad is called low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and good is called high-density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL can contribute to heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases. HDL removes excess LDL in your blood and bring it to the liver for disposal.

Cholesterol lowering foods, fruits and beverages

1. Grapes. Red grapes increase good cholesterol. It is recommended to drink two glasses of grape juice every day.


2. Blueberry. Blueberries contain a large number of substances that fight bad cholesterol. Compounds in blueberries (pterostilbene) may help lower cholesterol as effectively as commercial drugs with fewer side effects.


3. Plum. Such as blueberries, plums have a large amount of material that lowers cholesterol.


4. Avocado. Unsaturated fat in avocados is the kind of healthy because it can increase your HDL cholesterol levels.


5. Pomegranates. A study by the National Academy of Sciences (USA) showed that pomegranate juice reduces cholesterol plaque buildup and increases nitric oxide production which helps reduce arterial plaque.


6. Tomatoes. Drinking two glasses of tomato juice a day lowered bad cholesterol from your body significantly.


7. Garlic. Garlic has a positive effect on your bad cholesterol while maintaining good cholesterol. Many clinical trials have looked at the role and benefits of garlic in heart disease, mainly by lowering total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. American Dietetic Association recommends that the health benefits of garlic, we should consume 600-900 mg (about 1 clove fresh) per day.


8. Olive oil. Olive oil can reduce bad cholesterol from your body. Researchers at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (Spain) found that olive oil enriched diet helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL).


9. Flaxseed oil. Linseed or flaxseed oil can lower blood pressure in men with high cholesterol. In a three-month study on 59 middle-aged men, those who consumed flaxseed oil supplements every day, decreased blood pressure significantly. 


10. Fish and fish oil. A study from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that people with diabetes type 2 who consumed high doses of fish oil over nine weeks lowered the concentration of cholesterol in their bodies.


11. Olive oil. Olive oil can reduce bad cholesterol from your body. Researchers at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (Spain) found that olive oil enriched diet helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL).


12. Nuts. Walnuts, almonds and other nuts can reduce blood cholesterol. Research has shown that eating a few walnuts every day can lower your cholesterol by 27 percent. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), consuming about a handful (42.5 grams) of almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachio nuts and walnuts, may reduce the risk of heart disease. The content of Omega-3 fats and antioxidants in nuts work to rehabilitate the arterial damage caused by saturated fats.


13. Yogurt with probiotics. Several studies have shown that the probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus reuteri actually help lower cholesterol. They work by preventing the reabsorption of cholesterol back into the blood stream.


14. Green tea. Study in Japan found that theanine in green tea is beneficial to increase good cholesterol and prevent the formation of bad cholesterol. You should drink at least four cups of sugar-free green tea every day to get the benefits.


15. Soy products. Soy products such as soy milk, tofu and tempeh not only reduces your cholesterol, but also rich in protein.

Check your cholesterol level

Data taken from www.nlm.nih.gov

Total Cholesterol Level	Category
Less than 200mg/dL	Desirable
200-239 mg/dL	Borderline high
240mg/dL and above	High
LDL (Bad) Cholesterol Level	LDL Cholesterol Category
Less than 100mg/dL	Optimal
100-129mg/dL	Near optimal/above optimal
130-159 mg/dL	Borderline high
160-189 mg/dL	High
190 mg/dL and above	Very High
HDL (Good) Cholesterol Level	HDL Cholesterol Category
Less than 40 mg/dL	A major risk factor for heart disease
40—59 mg/dL	The higher, the better
60 mg/dL and higher	Considered protective against heart disease

Exercise Threesome The EPO Effect of Oxygen Shortage ☆ The Training Effects Of Eccentric Flywheel Squats ☆ The Time Youd Have to Work Out If You Wouldnt Watch TV

YoYo flywheel device similar to the one used in the study from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm.

There is a lot to learn about exercise today! About the blood building effects of intermediate hypoxia, about the impressive effects on strength and power you can elicit, if you do your squats on a flywheel device such as the one to the right, and - lets not forget that - the indisputable evidence that you just have to cut back on your screen time to make room ... ah, I mean "time" to turn from a sedentary slob to an active individual.

Apropos screen time! Lets  not prolong your screen time more than necessary with this lengthy introduction, but get straight to the point - I mean, the news, of course!

• The EPO-Effect of Oxygen Shortage : A study from the University of Western Australia shows athletes who train in a low-oxygen environment (simulated high altitude training) have significantly higher hepcidin (a protein that inhibits iron transport from the gut into the portal vein)and erythropoietin (EPO) levels in the early hours after the workout.

  

  Figure 1: Changes in serum IL-6 (pre vs. post), hepcidin and EPO levels (pre vs. 3h post; Badenhorst. 2014)

  As Claire E. Badenhorst and her colleagues point out, this would lead to an immediate increase in dietary iron absorption and formation of red blood cells that may be partly responsible for the well-known ergogenic effects of altitude training.
  
  Whether the decreased IL-6 levels immediately after the 8 × 3 min interval running sessions at 85 % of the subjects maximal aerobic capacity are likewise something to celebrate is yet questionable in view of the most recent research on the involvement of this allegedly "bad" inflammatory cytokine (Knudsen. 2014) - I mean, if, as Knudsen et al. argue, the IL-6 increase is responsible for the increase oxidation of fat after a workout you would not necessarily want to decrease it... correct?! The improvements in maximal strength and power, researchers from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden have observed in their latest experiments have been "slightly greater" in the male vs. female subjects. In view of the overall effect size, it is obvious, though that eccentric-overload resistance training is a training technique, both men and women should not forget about prematurely (Fernandez‑Gonzalo. 2014).
• Eccentric Overload Training for Him and Her - While you are looking at the data in Figure 2 you do have to keep in mind, thought, that doing 6 weeks (15 sessions) of flywheel supine squat RE training is probably not what you had in mind, when you read about "eccentric overload training for him and her" - right?
  

  

  Figure 2: Pre vs. post changes after 6-weeks of eccentric flyhweel training (Fernandez‑Gonzalo. 2014)

  Well, in view of the fact that the subjects in the study at hand were not obese couch-potatoes, but science undergraduate students (16 men;  and 16 women) who engaged in 4–6 h of recreational exercise per week, it may be worth to convince the owner of your gym to head over to "yoyotechnology.com" and buy one of these funky devices ;-)
• A Little Less TV, a Little More Sports! I must say, I was not surprised when I hit on a recent study by Sjaan R. Gomersall, Kevin Norton, Carol Maher, Coralie English, and Tim S.
  

  "In search of lost time: When people undertake a new exercise program, where does the time come from? A randomised controlled trial." (Gomersall. 2014)

  Thats the title of the paper that was published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. And if we are honest its also a paper with unsurprising results. It does after all tell us, what most of you will probably already have expected: Reducing their screen time (=TV watching) is the #1 setscrew that will allow previously sedentary individuals to make room for exercise in their lives.

  

  Figure 3: Changes Physical Activity Level (PAL, in METs) and time (min/day) in front of the computer, for active transport, self-care, quite time and work and study activities (Gomersall. 2014).

  Likewise on the list of reduced activities are the time spent in front of the computer and the time thats wasted on video games (not shown) - wasted unless its Tetris, of which youve learned only recently that it will help you lose weight; see "An Effective Appetite Suppressant From the 90s" (learn more).
  
  Whats interesting and actually in line with previous research is the fact that the increased activity levels did not reduce the time spent with friends (socio-cultural) or at work. In other words: Working out will not turn you into a lonely jobless person ;-)

Figure 4: Relative risk of obesity according to sedentary behaviours (in h); adj. for Relative risk of obesity according to sedentary behaviours and physical activity (Banks. 2011)

Bottom line: Whether you manage to exercise in a hypoxic environment or on a flyhweel machine is unquestionably negligible, as long as you decide to exercise instead of sitting in front of computer and television for a couple of hours, everyday.

Why you would possible want to do that? Well, what about the 23% increase in obesity risk that comes with 2h of additional screen time per day of which Banks et al. observed in the 91 266 participants of the 45 and Up Study that it cannot be compensated by extra physical activity (see Figure 4; Banks. 2011)?

References: 

• Badenhorst, C.E. et al. "Influence of post‑exercise hypoxic exposure on hepcidin response
  in athletes."  European Journal of Applied Physiology (2014). 
• Banks, Emily, et al. "Screen-time, obesity, ageing and disability: findings from 91 266 participants in the 45 and Up Study." Public health nutrition 14.01 (2011): 34-43.
• Fernandez‑Gonzalo, R et al. "Muscle damage responses and adaptations to eccentric-overload resistance exercise in men and women." European Journal of Applied Physiology (2014).
• Knudsen, Jakob G., et al. "Role of IL-6 in Exercise Training-and Cold-Induced UCP1 Expression in Subcutaneous White Adipose Tissue." PloS one 9.1 (2014): e84910.
• Gomersall, Sjaan R., et al. "In search of lost time: When people start an exercise program, where does the time come from? A randomised controlled trial." Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport (2014).

14 Foods To Keep Healthy Liver

The liver is a vital organ of the body and needs to be maintained in order to stay healthy. Liver plays an important role in neutralizing toxins or detoxification in the body. To maintain liver function, it is better always to choose healthy foods, especially those that are helping cleansing toxins.

Author of Natural Prescriptions for Common ailments, Dr. Carolyn Dean, said that bitter foods like spinach and mustard greens are very good to wash the liver. Bitter herbs that help stimulate the flow of bile in the liver. Also it is recommended to increase the intake of fruits, legumes, and omega-3 fatty acids to help metabolize fats and reduce the production of triglycerides.

Here are the foods for healthy liver:

1. Onions and Garlic

Contains sulfur which helps sweep range of toxic substances such as chemical drugs, alcohol, pesticides, and other environmental pollutants.

 2. Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, brussel sprouts. 

The amount of vitamin K is important for the detoxification process.

3. Artichoke. 

These vegetables contain acids that can protect caffeoylquinat simultaneously regenerates the liver. Artichoke also increases the production of bile. In one study, 30 minutes after eating artichoke bile flow increased to 100 percent.

4. Legumes

Legumes such as lentils, peas, soybeans, contains the amino acid arginine is needed in the detoxification of ammonia, which is a waste product of protein digestion.

5. Bits and Carrots

Both plants are high in vitamin A can help stimulate and improve overall liver function due to flavonoids and beta-carotene services contained therein.

6. Green tea

This drink is not only delicious to eat, but also has good properties for the body, one of them through catechins that can help the liver function as a whole.

7. Green leafy vegetables

Why should leafy greens? Because chlorophyll content more clearly. Did you know that chlorophyll is able to absorb toxins in the body. In addition to cleaning, green vegetables can also provide stronger protection to the liver.

8. avocado

It would be better to consume avocado regularly, eating avocados can help your body produce glutathione, a liver needed to clean up harmful toxins.

9. apple

The content of pectin in apples can bind the metal and remove it from the body. So, frequently eating the fruit.

10. olive oil

Olive oil can release harmful toxins in the body through the unsaturated fatty acid content.

11. Wheat Seed (Whole Grains)

Rich in vitamin B complex, contain nutrients that can increase overall fat metabolism, liver function, and prevent liver congestion.

12. Lemon & Lime

Lemon fruit is able to handle the removal of toxins in the liver. Rich in vitamin C which helps the body in the synthesis of toxic material into substances that can be absorbed by water. Eat in the morning can stimulate liver function.

13. Walnuts

High content of amino acids in walnuts helps the liver in detoxifying ammonia. Walnuts also contain glutathione and omega 3 fatty acids that support liver cleansing.

14. Turmeric

It is a favorite herb for the liver. Try to add to the mix of lentils or vegetables to detox the liver of carcinogen.

Loss of Libido Sex Drive in Women during Menopause

“At this age, it’s unusual for somebody to do a love scene, to be making love... (But) we still are alive... it’s authentic. The whole idea that you have to look a certain way and be a certain way to earn love is ridiculous.” (Actress Meryl Streep, about her on-screen sex scene at age 60, as quoted in The Times (London) (12/21/2009)).

Loss of libido can be one of the most difficult symptoms of menopause to manage, often because a woman might not understand how and why she has lost the desire to be physically intimate with her partner. It is important to recognize that loss of libido during menopause is common, affecting as many as 20 to 40 percent of women.

Learning more about loss of libido, its myriad causes, and how it can be managed, can not only bring a woman peace of mind but is the best step towards resolving this complex symptom of menopause.

About Loss of Libido

Loss of libido is a complex phenomenon with psychological, relational, physical, and hormonal dimensions as unique as the women who experience them.

The term libido has long been used to describe a persons sexual drive and their desire for sex. Loss of libido, medically termed "hypoactive sexual desire disorder," is a reduction or lack of interest and desire in sexual activity.

Loss of libido is chiefly characterized by a lack of interest or desire for sexual activity. Many women with loss of libido find that they are less in touch with their sexuality. Sexual feelings come less frequently and energy for sex drastically dwindles or disappears from a womans life.

Loss of Libido Overview

While loss of libido differs from the inability to become aroused or achieve orgasm, menopausal women may also experience these symptoms of sexual dysfunction.

While male sex drive is easy to define -- and relatively easy to restore -- thats often not the case for women. Because the female sex drive is multi-factorial, the desire to make love is not only influenced by physical issues, but emotional ones as well.

"Part of the desire to make love is clearly physical, but part is also emotional – depression can make a difference, so can any emotional issue in a womans life; female sex drive is very multidimensional," says Glenn D. Braunstein, MD, an endocrinologist and chair of the department of medicine at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. While emotions are frequently behind a loss of sex drive in younger women, doctors say it is frequently the aging process itself thats causes changes in desire in women over age 45. "The very fact that a woman is no longer ovulating regularly, or not ovulating at all, automatically takes her sex drive down a few notches," says Steven Goldstein, MD, professor of ob-gyn and NYU Medical Center in New York City. He also continues that trying to avoid sex because of associated difficulties only leads to more pain. The old "use or lose it" theory really does apply. "From a strictly physical standpoint, the less sex you have the more painful it is when you try to have it," he says.

Causes of Loss of Libido

Like many menopausal symptoms, the primary cause of loss of libido has its roots in hormonal imbalance. However, physical, psychological and relationship issues can affect the libido during menopause as well.

Hormonal Causes of Loss of Libido

During menopause, one of the most common identifiable causes of loss of libido is hormonal imbalance. Reductions in the levels of three major hormones can contribute to the reduction of sexual drive and energy.

Estrogen

Estrogen plays a vital role in female sexuality by increasing sensations, assisting in the production of vaginal lubrication, and maintaining the health of vaginal tissue.

As a woman approaches menopause, her body begins to produce less estrogen. This can cause a host of symptoms that can contribute to a womans loss of libido, such as hot flashes, night sweats, irregular periods, and vaginal dryness.

Progesterone

Progesterone hormones are also integral to maintaining sexual health. When levels are too low during menopause, the resulting irregular periods, fatigue and other menopause symptoms can cause loss of libido.

Androgens/ Testosterone

As with estrogen, the body begins to produce lower levels of androgens (e.g. testosterone) with age. Experts believe that this drop in androgens can also cause women to experience loss of libido around the time of menopause.

While hormonal change is often a major cause of loss of libido during menopause, other factors can also cause or contribute to a womans loss of libido. Read on to learn about these other causes of loss of libido

Other Causes of Loss of Libido

In addition to hormonal causes of loss of libido, several other factors can lead to this common menopausal symptom. The other causes can be separated into three categories: physical, psychological, and relational causes. These other causes are listed below.                                                                                                            

Physical Causes

• Sexual dysfunction
• Pain-related conditions
• Medication use
• Hysterectomy
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Anemia
• Chronic disease
• Vaginal dryness     

Psychological Causes

• Stress
• Fatigue
• Changes in self esteem and body image
• Concerns about aging
• Feelings about sex
• Psychological disease (e.g. mood swings, depression, and anxiety)   

Relational Causes

• Changes in partners   physical health
• Intimate relationship   changes
• Availability of partner
• Lack of communication   between partners
• Changing social role
• Family changes
• Low sex drive in partner
• Major life changes

Loss of libido is a complex symptom of menopause with many potential causes.

Chronic Stress and Sex Life

Most of us know that chronic stress isn’t healthy, but we may not realize the toll it takes on libido. The body interprets ongoing stress as life threatening, so naturally, survival is prioritized ahead of pleasure. Stress over-burdens the adrenal glands, “stealing” the substances normally used to make estrogens and testosterone, both vital to desire and sexual response.

Many women we talk to at the clinic and in our Personal Programs tell us they feel overwhelmed by stress. This puts them at significant risk for adrenal imbalance. If you are under constant stress, you’re not going to feel much like having sex. So in the interest of your health, and your sex life, it may be time to reassess the conditions that are creating stress in your life.

There’s also a connection between nutrition and libido, because nutrient deficiencies stress your internal systems and set the stage for hormonal imbalance. Many women diet continually to improve their appearance, unaware that ongoing nutrient deprivation can have a drastic impact on physical health, energy levels, and self-image. All of these effects make you feel awful and drain your sex drive. Note that low-fat diets are especially problematic, because your body needs lipids and cholesterol to make hormones, including the testosterone needed for sexual response.

Treatments for Loss of Libido

Fortunately, loss of libido can easily be treated through a variety of methods. Oftentimes lifestyle changes such as a few changes in diet and exercise patterns will not only help to treat loss of libido, but corresponding stress and anxiety as well.

You CAN improve your sex drive by...

• Restoring balance between the three major sex hormones.
• Practicing sound nutrition to support physical and emotional health, and taking steps to get regular, restorative sleep.
• Exercising, to build energy and stamina, both elements of libido. Exercise can also directly reduce menopausal symptoms.
• Healing old emotional wounds, and being aware that stress takes both an emotional and physical toll on your libido.
• Understanding that your self-image and sexual identity evolve throughout your life. It’s a gift to allow yourself to be (and look like) the woman you really are.

Recommended Foods

• Oysters, Red Meat, Liver, Kidney Beans (zinc)   
• Leafy Greens, Almonds, Buckwheat (magnesium)
• Lean Meats, Fish, Nuts, Dairy (protein)
• Edamame, Tofu, Miso, Soymilk (soy products)

Recommended Exercises

• Yoga (increased flexibility, relaxation)                                                                                            
• Kegel Exercises (strengthens vaginal muscles)
• Aerobics (heart health, circulation)
• Stretching (relaxation, stress relief, improved muscle tone)                                                        

However, because the root of the problem for women going through menopause is a drop in hormone levels, the best way to treat this problem is to go directly to the hormonal source. Natural supplements are an excellent and safe way to achieve this.

In more extreme cases, there are medical solutions such as surgery or pharmaceutical options, though due to risk of side effects or other complications this should be the last resort.

Sources and Additional Information:

http://www.34-menopause-symptoms.com/loss-libido.htm

http://www.womentowomen.com/sexualityandfertility/menopause-sexdrive-libido.aspx

http://www.femhealth.net/menopause-symptoms/treatment-loss-of-libido.htm

http://www.webmd.com/menopause/guide/sex-drive-and-menopause