Homemade Treatments and Recipes to Get Rid of Acne


Written on August 15, 2008 – 10:21 pm | by HealthWellnessJunkie.com

Homemade Treatment and Recipes to Get Rid of Acne

Many people consider acne to be a rite of passage, something every teenager must go through and deal with.  But if you’re a teen or adult with severe or even moderate acne, you probably don’t see it that way.

You’ve probably tried different creams, pills, and lotions, only to find they do little or nothing to help you.  While many people simply tell you to wait and grow out of it, acne is not something you have to simply live with.  There are many remedies for acne, and some of them are just sitting around your house.

The first thing you’ll want to try is different facial applications.  Here are some home washes and masks to try:

* Apply lemon juice, white vinegar, or apple cider vinegar daily with a cotton ball.  These are great at killing bacteria and are used in many other home cures.
* Apply a daily mask of cooked oatmeal for 15 minutes a day.
* Apply cucumber juice directly to pimples.  Cucumber juice is known to be great for swelling.
* Apply toothpaste directly on pimples to kill bacteria and seal off the area.  Don’t apply to your whole face because it can cause over-drying.

Another way to treat acne is by altering your diet.  While eating chocolate probably isn’t going to immediately cause you to have an outbreak, certain diet changes may reduce your chances of having a breakout.  Try to eat foods lower in oil and fats.  Also switch to more whole grains and less processed sugars.  Some other foods people swear by for curing acne are: cucumbers (and cucumber juice), carrots, wheat grass juice, radishes, and foods rich in vitamins C and E.

Often the best home remedy for acne isn’t really a remedy at all.  Many cases of acne are really an allergic reaction to something, possibly a food or a chemical you apply to your skin.  If this is the case, it is much better to get rid of the cause rather than treating the problem.

The biggest problem with allergies is figuring out what is causing your reaction.  Try keeping a journal of how bad your breakouts are, along with factors that might affect your skin - like what you eat, what you use on your skin, and other factors like environment and daily activities.  Look for patterns to what may be causing your breakouts and limit your exposure.

The key to getting rid of acne is to never give up.  There is no miracle cure that works overnight; getting rid of acne takes time, patience, and persistence.  There is also no cure that works for everyone.  If you’ve stuck with one treatment for a while and it’s not helping, don’t give up.  Try something new and see if you find any improvement.  If not, move on and try something else.

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Arthritis Pain Reduction With Glucosamine & Chondroitin Supplements


Written on August 15, 2008 – 4:56 pm | by HealthWellnessJunkie.com

Arthritis Pain Reduction With Glucosamine & Chondroitin Supplements

If you suffer from arthritis pain, chances are you’ve heard of a relatively new over-the-counter remedy called Glucosamine. But what is Glucosamine, and how does it work to relieve arthritis? In this article, I’ll introduce you to this new treatment and provide you with the pros and cons of its use. By the time you’ve finished reading this article, you’ll be able to make an informed decision on whether or not Glucosamine is right for you.

What is Glucosamine?

Glucosamine, together with a related ingredient called Chondroitin, are substances which exist naturally in your body. It is believed that glucosamine helps to build and repair cartilage (the soft, spongy material between your joints), while chondroitin lends to the elasticity and flexibility of joints. A deficiency of either one can lead to increased wear and tear on the joint, and cause redness, swelling and stiffness as a result. When used together, glucosamine and chondroitin act as a tag-team of arthritis fighters, improving flexibility, soothing inflammation and reducing swelling caused by achy joints.

Where Can I Buy Glucosamine and Chondroitin Supplements?

You can find these products in virtually any pharmacy or health goods store. The downside to this is, like other herbal and alternative medicines, supplements are not regulated by any governing body. That’s why you’ll need to do a little bit of research to find the best, most potent brand for your needs. Here’s what you need to know when comparison shopping for a glucosamine supplement:

· You should expect to pay anywhere from $1-3 per pill when taking glucosamine daily. Since insurance companies rarely cover supplements of any kind, you’ll most likely be paying for them out of pocket.

· Read the ingredients label on the bottle to determine the dosage. Approximately 1500mg of glucosamine and 1200mg of chondroitin have been safely used in clinical trials. Depending on your individual medication tolerances and the severity of your arthritis, you should consult your physician or rheumatologist to find the right dose for your individual needs.

· Select supplements manufactured by a well-known, reputable company. Recommended brands include: Osteo Bi-Flex, WholeHealth, Flex-A-Min, MoveFree and individual pharmacy brands.

Are There Any Side Effects I Should Know About?

As with any medication or supplements, there are a few warnings you should know:

· If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not use glucosamine/chondroitin supplements, as no long-term studies have been done to gage what materials (if any) are passed on to the baby either internally or through breast milk.

· If you are diabetic, chondroitin (a form of sugar) may cause your blood sugar to rise.

· Chondroitin also acts as a mild blood thinner. Therefore, if you are taking any heart medication or are taking an aspirin regimen, have your blood clotting time checked more frequently by your doctor.

· Glucosamine/Chondroitin supplements should not be taken by children since no studies have been done to determine their effect (if any) on the child’s development.

(Please note: The information contained within this article is not intended to replace or substitute for that of an experienced physician. Remember to check with your doctor or rheumatologist before starting daily glucosamine/chondroitin supplements, and don’t stop or reduce any of your current medications (whether they’re for arthritis or not) without first talking with your doctor).

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