15 tips to find well-being and mood immediately

After a weekend of tension like the one just passed us all feel a po'sottotono, also because of the bad weather of the day today, with the month of May a cold and rainy for anything that does not seem to herald the approach of summer, the heat and holidays.It 'important to remember that to take care of our health and feel just a bit' better is often not necessary to completely escape from the routine, but simply retrieve an instant of time during the day or evening to devote to the implementation of some small gestures that can only improve our mood and our health, helping to make us feel immediately at peace with ourselves, with others and with all that surrounds us. Here are some tips to put into practice as of today, even once!1) The power of a hugEmbracing you care and are just waiting to get a hug from you will help you make them feel better both you and yourself. The embrace causes the release of hormones that regulate the body well-being as oxytocin, which will help you to ward off sadness and negative feelings.

2) A walk in the parkTonight, before you go home from work, treat yourself to a walk in the park, such as a park, for at least twenty minutes. Notify the family of your small delay or decide to bring everyone with you for a walk before or after dinner. It will be an activity to do together that you can put fun and that will allow you to absorb the positive effects caused by the proximity of the trees and the ability to walk on the grass, on unpaved paths or near cultivated fields.

3) A colorful saladFight the greyness of the day concludendola tasting a salad colorful and cheerful, which will help make you a good mood they already its preparation and that will give your body a boost of beneficial vitamins. Consume more fruits should become a good habit to practice every day, maybe In preparing the portions to take to work for a snack of children.

4) Just a glass of waterSometimes we are so busy in performing our daily chores to forget that our body needs water for its proper functioning. Some mild symptoms, such as headaches or dry skin, could disappear simply by drinking some more. If you are in a bad mood and coffee makes you nervous, try to replace it with a glass of cold water, which will make you feel instantly refreshed.

5) A relaxing rideA ride or a relaxing bike ride will help you relax your mind, allowing you to download the road every negative thought. Our body was created for movement and all his muscles, including the heart, they need to be kept in training. Often we forget that, then we must remember to learn how to move more.6) MeditationThe positive effects of meditation have been confirmed recently in a study conducted in Australia, which has brought to light the benefits for both the body and mind, with particular reference to the possibility to hold off negative thoughts and to curb stress. You can find the time to dedicate to it just before going to sleep.

7) A healthy smoothieRecharge your mood, energy, vitamins and antioxidants in a single step, ie preparing and drinking a smoothie made with fruit and / or vegetables according to your tastes, maybe trying to see one of our fifteen proposals.8) A deep breathAgainst discontent and agitation there is a remedy too often underestimated. It's take a few moments to take some deep breaths that will prove to be able to immediately re-establish a sense of peace and calm, helping to slow labored breathing and heartbeat accentuated because of anxiety. Five minutes of deep breaths during the day will help to reassure you and the evening will allow you to get to sleep and rest better.

9) A fragrant flowerTake a moment to smell the scent of a flower means treat yourself to a short treatment free natural aromatherapy that will allow the body to immediately enter into contact with the essence of it unleashed, giving us an immediate feeling of well-being thanks to a simple gesture that perhaps not accomplish some time.10) A healthy snackThe moment you realize that they are victims of a decline in mood or energy, is thought to be positive to resort to a sugary snack, the effect of which, however, will disappear within a very short time. So better to opt for healthier foods, such as almonds, walnuts and hazelnuts, which, thanks to their content of magnesium, potassium and trace elements are able to facilitate our well-being both physically and emotionally.

11) A yoga session
Yoga is a discipline sweet can put you in touch with the mind and body to act positively on both. Practicing yoga provides an immediate relaxation and at the same time a sudden energy recovery, as well as give some moments of rest to the mind, that in practice the exercises will detach himself from the daily concerns.

12) Positive Thinking (indeed, ten!)Take a pen and paper and try to list ten positive aspects of your life, things or people whose presence you want to express a special thank you. Focus on feelings and pleasant experiences will help you get a more optimistic vision of the turns, despite the difficulties.

13) A good deedThink of a simple gesture that could help to give a positive turn in the day of a person of your knowledge and make sure you put it into practice as soon as possible. This may be to make a phone call, to prepare something good with your hands or to arrange a little surprise. The happiness of the recipient will only be yours.

14) A cup of teaTo be sipped alone in a moment of complete relaxation, to drown the sorrows of tea every day, or to enjoy with friends, chatting happily, possibly alongside the homemade cookies. Do not forget the possibility of preparing a herbal tea or an infusion of charge!

15) A journey to scheduleIt can be as simple as a trip to take in one of the weekend in the company of family or friends, maybe moving to on public transport and going to discover places close to your place of residence, but so far you had ignored (lakes, museums , parks ...). The mere thought of planning a short trip and decide to give you a break from the routine will help you feel calmer before departure.

15 health benefits of lemons

For centuries, lemons, along with other gifts of nature, such as apples, garlic and ginger, were considered the real medicine can help the body in the treatment and prevention of disease.Given the many beneficial properties of these fruits, which we list here, it would be advisable to try to enrich your diet with them, for example by using lemon juice for dressing salads and vegetables, juices and smoothies or to enrich for the preparation of ice completely natural. Why Lemons are good? Let's find out together.

1) balance the Ph of the bodyThe lemons help the body to rebalance its Ph. They are initially acids, but later act in the body with alkalizing reactions, so as to ensure that the Ph can be perfectly balanced. A balanced pH would also help to prevent the onset of osteoporosis, to promote a good night's sleep and improve digestion.

2) Prevent the coldLemons are rich in vitamin C and flavonoids, which help the body fight flu and colds. Lemon zest can be used together with ginger for the preparation of infusions protective against disease by cooling. Vitamin C also helps to facilitate the absorption of iron by the body. It is therefore advisable, for example, drizzle with lemon juice a healthy salad prepared with fresh spinach and green leafy vegetables.

3) purify the liverLemon juice is considered an excellent stimulant to the liver and is also considered to be in a position to increase the elimination of uric acid. Lemon juice acts implementing a real work of purification of the liver, especially if consumed in the morning on an empty stomach diluted in a glass of water.

4) They help the gutBoth the fruits that their juice are considered capable of favoring the intestinal activity, with particular reference to the peristaltic movements. This helps to eliminate waste from the body and promote natural regularity of each. In this case, you may want to add some lemon juice to a glass of warm water, which will be the first drink in the morning.5) dissolve the calculationsLemons, because of their content of citric acid, help to dissolve gallstones, kidney stones and calcium deposits that can build up in the kidneys. Add lemon juice to your diet therefore contribute both in prevention and in the treatment of urinary stones. The beneficial effects of lemons and their juice to that effect have been around since 1500.

6) They fight free radicalsThe nutritional components present in lemons are considered capable of performing an action of contrast against free radicals, which determine the cellular aging organism. The lemon juice is beneficial for skin care and, by diluting a few drops in water, can be used as a tonic for the face.

7) They lower cholesterolSome scientific studies have proved to be able to determine as one of the components present in the peel of lemons, tangeritina, may be able to keep under control the levels of cholesterol in the blood. It would, at the time of initial studies that need to be fleshed. At the same time, they would be examining the positive effects of tangeritina in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

8) They help in digestionEven in traditional Indian medicine, Ayurveda, lemons fruits were considered capable of stimulating the action of "digestive fire", improving the ability of our body to absorb nutrients. For Ayurveda lemons are fruits warm, light, pungent, astringent and protective for the view. In case of indigestion you should drink lemon juice to add a pinch of salt and black pepper.

9) They help in breathingIt is a very useful advice to those who do hiking or climbing at high altitude. If you experience difficulty breathing or lack of oxygen at high altitudes, the lemon juice would be a really effective remedy, at least according to a statement by Edmund Hillary, the first man to climb Everest, which would give much of their success to consumption of lemons.

10) They have antibacterial propertiesLemons possess proven antibacterial properties. They would be effective against microorganisms capable of generating typhoid, malaria, cholera and diphtheria. Their juice and the pulp are indispensable allies in the preparation of natural detergents for cleaning the house and washing the dishes. See for example this recipe useful for the preparation of a detergent completely natural from lemons.

11) Eliminates intestinal parasitesIntestinal parasites are unwanted guests that can be eliminated by better your diet and getting used to assume, as a natural remedy, a glass of warm water in which it has been diluted juice of half a lemon. The beverage must be taken every morning. To eliminate intestinal parasites usually it is recommended to enrich their diet with fruits and vegetables and eliminate processed foods packaged.

12) Strengthen the blood vesselsThe consumption of lemons and their juice is considered beneficial in order to strengthen the blood vessels. This is possible due to their content of vitamin P, are also able to contribute to the prevention of internal bleeding. The same would also make vitamin lemons effective in the regulation of blood pressure.

13) They possess anti-cancer propertiesWithin the lemons experts have identified as many as 22 elements by anti-cancer properties, including limonene naturally present in them. These elements would be able to stop or slow the development of tumors within the body. These results, however, relate to animal studies, which should be verified in humans.

14) They help eyesThe symptoms of certain ocular diseases, including retinopathy caused by diabetes, would be able to improve due to rutin, a component present within the lemons. Rutin would also be able to strengthen the capillaries and the negative effects caused by cholesterol and oxidation in our body.

15) They favor the production of energyAccording to the Reams Biological Theory Ionization (RBTI), lemons would be the only anionic food in the world. This characteristic would make them particularly beneficial for the health, because of the contribution they would give to the interaction between cations and anions, necessary for the production of energy at the cellular level.

Tumors: 27 foods for cancer prevention

As also stated in recent days by Umberto Veronesi, one of the best ever, to prevent cancer is to have a healthy and balanced diet. It would seem, in fact, that one third of people living with cancer have contracted the disease by failing to comply with a diet completely healthy. The Cancer Cure Foundation, one of the most well-known organization for the fight against cancer in the world, decided to make a list of foods that help prevention. The foods listed are 27 and range from large variety of products, as if to say that to ward off this evil is one of the secrets vary as much as possible what you put in your teeth.

Broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower

They have a chemical component called indole-3-carbinol that can combat breast cancer. Broccoli also have also sulforano fitocomico a perfect ally for the prevention of cancer of the colon or rectum. Separate chapter about the glucoraphanin. This substance helps to inhibit the growth of tumors. The Department of Agricolutra American has even studied 71 types of broccoli plants and concluded that it is more bitter its flavor and more glucoraphanin is present in the food.

Carrots

Help prevent a wide range of cancers, including the lungs, mouth, throat, stomach, intestines, bladder, prostate and breast. It must be said, however, as some research has indicated in its beta-Carotone (substance present in carrots) a cause of cancer, but these have not proved anything to the relationship between the substance and the fact that eating carrots. To find a link you would get to ingest an amount equal to 2/3 pounds of carrots a day and it would seem quite impossible. The Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences (DIAS) has found an additional substance able to prevent it: the falcarinol. This research has studied the isolated tumor cells in contact with it. The result is to observe how their growth takes place, in this manner, much more slowly. In culinary terms, however, you should always avoid overcooking the carrots, if you want it to be this reaction.

Mushrooms

Appear to help the body fight cancer and build the immune system. Contain, in fact, a polissacrido called lentinan which is able to attack cancer cells preventing them from multiplying.

Algae

They contain protein, vitamin B12, fiber, chlorophyll, and important fatty acids that may help in the fight against breast cancer. Also have a high concentration of minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and iodine.

Sweet potatoes

Contain anti-tumor properties which protect the DNA from chemical carcinogens outside the nuclear membrane.

Avocados

They are rich in glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that attacks free radicals in the body by blocking intestinal absorption of fats. They are, however, several loads of potassium of bananas and also have a high percentage of beta-carotene. Many scientists believe that this result may be useful in treating viral hepatitis (a cause of liver cancer).

Jalapeños peppers

This chili pepper, native to Mexico, but also widespread in Europe, contains a chemical - capsaicin - capable of neutralizing substances that cause cancer.

Figs

A study by researchers from the Institute of Physics and Chemistry, University of Tokyo has elected this fruit as one of the most effective in reducing the risk of cancer. In the United States, however, the Department of Agriculture has stated that contains vitamins A and C, calcium, magnesium and potassium is thought to reduce appetite and improve weight loss efforts.

Grapefruit

As a bit 'all citrus fruits, contain monoterpenes: substance that helps prevent cancer sweeping carcinogens out of the body. Some studies have shown that grapefruit can inhibit cell proliferation in breast cancer. It also contains vitamin C, beta-carotene and folic acid.

Grapes

They are strong sources of resveratrol a phenol that inhibits enzymes to stimulate the growth of cancer cells. They also contain ellagic acid, a compound that blocks enzymes needed for cancer cells, slowing it down.

Oranges and Lemons

Contain limonene, which reduces stimulant substances that cause cancer.

Papaya

Rich in vitamin C. This tropical fruit also contains the folacin, substance that has been shown to reduce to a minimum the cervical dysplasia and certain cancers.

Raspberries

They contain many vitamins, plant compounds and antioxidants known as anthocyanins that may circumvent the formation of cancer. According to recent research, reported in Cancer Research, it was stated that the raspberries blacks can fight colon cancer and esophagus.

Tomatoes

Containing lycopene, an antioxidant that attacks the molecules of oxygen or free radicals, is a vegetable great for the prevention of cancer. It would appear, moreover, that more is grown in a hot climate and more the percentage of lycopene present increases. Also rich in vitamin C.

Linen

Contains lignano, antioxidant capable of blocking and suppressing cancerous changes in the body. Also rich in Omega 3 fatty acids that help prevent colon cancer and heart disease

Walnuts

Suppress the growth of tumors in about presents high in quercetin. A quality, commonly called Brazil nut, containing selenium is good for the prevention of prostate cancer.

Garlic

Increases the activity of immune cells and helps to break down the substances that may cause cancer. A study done by the University of North Carolina, reported that people consuming regular garlic have a much lower rate on the risk of stomach cancer. It is believed, that has anti-bacterial effects against a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori infection: a parasite of the stomach, the leading cause of cancer in the organ.

Rosemary

It helps to increase the activity of detoxification enzymes. An extract of rosemary, known as carnosol, inhibits the growth of breast cancer and skin.

Tapioca

This starch, derived from the tuber, is a plant that when taken from an early age can help the non-formation of melanoma. Its use food is predominantly in the form of flour.

Turmeric

It is part of the ginger family, and as it is believed to have medicinal properties, inhibiting the production of inflammation-related enzyme cyclo - oxygenase 2 (COX-2), whose levels are normally high in some inflammatory diseases and tumors .

Red Wine

Containing polyphenols helps to protect the infection of several types of cancer. Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals pathogens. Since, however, for many alcohol a carcinogen, several studies recommend the use of non-alcoholic wines.

Soy Products

Soy milk or tofu contain several types of phytoestrogens. Estrogens, in general, prevent the disease is breast both prostate, blocking and suppressing the cancerous changes.

Green Tea and Black Tea

It contains antioxidants, some known as polyphenols (catechins) which appear to prevent cancer cells from dividing. Green tea is the best. According to a report in the July 2001 issue of the Journal of Cellular Biochemistry, polyphenols that are abundant in green tea, may protect against various types of cancer in the stomach, lung, colon, rectum, liver and pancreas.

Cold and snow: the 10 golden rules for protecting the health

The Siberian cold in recent days brought frost and snow throughout Italy is likely to endanger our health. The sudden drop in temperature can in fact cause - especially for children and the elderly - a worsening of the symptoms of influenza, affecting mainly the respiratory system, the cardiovascular system, muscles and bones.To avoid all this and warn the Italians (especially after the victims recorded in these days among the homeless, even in big cities), the Ministry of Health has drawn up a list of ten rules to follow to protect our health from the grip of cold and to better face these difficult days.Among the suggestions are the procedures for proper adjustment of the temperature and humidification of the home environment, such as air in the right way the rooms where you spend a lot of hours, but even small suggestions about ideal to consume foods these days and clothing advice most suitable.The ten rules to combat the cold:1) Set the temperature of the heating so that it does not drop below 19 degrees and not more than 22 (that is standards-compliant recommended) and treated humidification of the home environments frequently filling the tanks of radiators. In addition, you should make sure that doors and windows are well insulated from drafts and drafts, or it is necessary to reduce the air passages with draft excluders and insulating tapes.2) properly ventilated and domestic premises frequently, especially before going to sleep: carbon monoxide poisoning is quite common and can cause death.3) Avoid too close and direct contact with sources of heat, such as electric heaters, fireplaces, radiators or hot water bottles.4) Pay particular attention to young children and dependent elderly people, often controlling their body temperature.5) Contact frequently the elderly who live alone (family, friends or neighbors as well) and make sure they have everything they need at home (especially food and medicine) and reported to social services, the presence of homeless people in difficult circumstances.6) Drink at least a liter and a half of water a day, preferably in the form of drinks and hot food (like you, tea or broth) and avoid alcohol, because they promote the dispersion of the heat produced by the body.7) Outputs, if possible, less cold in the hours of the day: avoid the early morning and in the evening, especially if you have heart disease or respiratory disease.8) Wrap up warmly, especially protecting hands, head and face! Wear a scarf, gloves, hat, a warm coat and hydrated often with cocoa butter and creams, both lips hands.9) Pay attention to temperature, especially when you go from a warm to a cold and vice versa.10) Move only when necessary. If you're driving, especially if you face long stretches, bring your blankets and hot drinks. In any case, before leaving Know exactly on the weather conditions of the areas that you will face in the car, fill up before you leave and bring snow chains (or mount them directly if there is already snow).

15 recipes for tasty and healthy smoothies

They approach the richest months of the year with regard to the availability of fresh fruit in season, which can be used not only for the preparation of fresh and varied salads, but also to make at home smoothies really tasty and healthy, rich of vitamins and antioxidants, to be eaten as a snack or breakfast in substitution of beverages and packaged products of various kinds. If you will have organic fruit, not wasting even peel apples, pears, peaches, apricots, plums and more.

Preparing smoothies can become a good daily habit that will require very little time and enabling you to invent variations on the theme like even the smallest.

1) Banana Smoothie

Combine a banana cut into pieces, a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, the pulp of an avocado and a pinch of ginger powder in a blender and control everything for a few minutes until you get the desired consistency. Depending on your taste, you can add to shake the juice of half a lemon.

2) shake to blackberries and raspberries

It will be even better if prepared after a pleasant walk in the mountains spent collecting these small and precious berries are rich in antioxidants, which frullerete simply combining them enough water and, if desired, a teaspoon of brown sugar to sweeten .

3) smoothie fruit and vegetables

Even the dark green leafy vegetables and vegetables such as carrots (previously boiled and allowed to cool) can become part of a smoothie packed with vitamins. Combined as desired and depending on your taste in a blender: the leaves of cabbage and spinach, carrots, slices of banana, greek yogurt or soy yogurt and orange juice enough to get the desired consistency for this drink.

4) Smoothie with avocado and basil
Puree the pulp of a ripe avocado and four fresh basil leaves with a glass of rice milk, a tablespoon of lemon juice and a teaspoon of brown sugar. Add an ice cube if you want to get a refreshing drink.

5) Blender with strawberries

And 'the classic smoothies and will be even tastier if you use strawberries straight from your garden or enrich it with freshly picked strawberries. Puree your strawberries all accompanied with water and ice cubes to be added to obtain the desired consistency. Add the lemon juice and sweetened to taste.

6) smoothie spinach
The spinach smoothie is a simple way to add vegetables to their diet. Together in the blender a handful of fresh spinach leaves, a sliced ​​banana, four stoned dates and a glass of milk plant. Dates and banana should give the smoothie a good sweet flavor, which will allow you to avoid adding sugar.

7) Shakes you 'green
Make this smoothie using unusual ingredients such as green tea has cooled, a handful of lettuce leaves, a sliced ​​banana and a pitted date. This will give you a tasty drink and enriched with antioxidant properties of green tea.

8) to soy milk shake
It is a protein drink you will get blending together 150 grams of tofu cut into small cubes, two tablespoons of peanut butter, a sliced ​​banana and a glass of soy milk natural. You can also add one or two ice cubes.

9) smoothie with blueberries
It will be even more delicious if you have the opportunity to prepare using freshly picked blueberries. Blend 200 grams of blueberries with a banana into slices and some ice cubes, adding water as needed until you get the desired consistency.

10) smoothie with almonds and coconut
You will need: the flesh of a coconut medium-size, 250 ml of coconut milk or almond milk, a handful of almonds left to soak in water overnight and four or five pitted dates. Blend everything pouring a little at a time, the milk plant depending on the density which you want to obtain.

11) Shakes cocoa
This smoothie will become the most popular summer drink by your children. To get it you can just join in the blender 200 ml almond milk or rice, a fish or two plums cut into slices and two tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder. Sweetened with brown sugar or powdered stevia natural, obtained by chopping finely few dried stevia leaves.

12) watermelon smoothie
Blend 400 gr. pulp of watermelon, a handful of strawberries and a tablespoon of lemon juice with a glass of cool water. The drinks can also add plenty of crushed ice, to get a slush all natural.

13) Shakes kiwi

Whisk two glasses of apple juice (preferably freshly obtained with a centrifuge) with two kiwi, apricot and two pears cut into slices. Add some ice cubes and lemon juice to taste.

14) Smoothie with pink grapefruit
You will need: a pink grapefruit, peeled and divided into segments, a glass of rice milk, some ice cubes and a tablespoon rice malt syrup or agave syrup. Whisk everything together and serve fresh.

15) shake with lemon and ginger
You will need: two oranges, peeled and cut into slices, a banana, a cup of yogurt plant, the juice of a lemon, some chopped fresh ginger or a teaspoon of powdered ginger. Sweetened with brown sugar, blend and enjoy.

Natural remedies for colds

The winter season makes its mark with the first cough and some red nose? It 'good to take care of ourselves in a natural way to prevent and slow down the signs of flu and colds. Some herbal remedies can help us to strengthen our immune system without excluding the medical opinion is particularly important for the most vulnerable such as the elderly and children.

We learn how to defend ourselves with care sweet nature gives us:

Rosa Canina

A good herbalist will be happy to give us some good advice on the therapeutic properties of Rosa Canina, wild plant of forests in Europe and America Tropical, natural source of Vitamin C. Use the leaves and dried fruits for the preparation of infusions and hot drinks and sweetened with honey choice.

MELISSA OFFICINALIS

A good infusion of the leaves of Melissa can relieve headaches and colds. The drink stimulates the kidneys and perspiration with detoxifying effect. It 'a plant with great activities sedative.

LEMONS AND ORANGES

Golden fruit to combat colds and prevent symptoms: to eat or drink. A refreshing and purifying lemon juice or orange segments both red and yellow are a natural source of Vitamin C and antioxidants beneficial effects and protection against the cold.

APPLE VINEGAR

It can be taken in addition to hot drinks or a glass of water to relieve sore throat. Can be used to gargle or fumigations. The apple cider vinegar preserves the virtues of apple to acquire other healing properties as a result of the process of transformation of the juice into cider.

GINGER

Herbaceous plant with yellow flowers or brown. The part used in herbal medicine is the root with which you can prepare an infusion flu, to reduce nausea and upset stomach. And 'considered one of the best digestive herbs.


ONION

Boil a whole onion, preferably red: drink its juice or used for gargling. In pharmacopoeia using the red onion for its high content of quercetin, an antioxidant biflavonoide powerful protector cancer. Expectorant (helps to expel the bronchial mucus) and decongestant of the pharynx.

GARLIC

Garlic is a beneficial plant and many therapeutic properties. Scientific studies prove it: garlic is a natural antibiotic good for coughs and flu to be used with caution in people bleeding, with irritation of the stomach and intestines, gastritis, or ulcer.

PEPPER

The capsaicin contained in red pepper, is the substance that makes this food a strong ally against colds, bronchitis and sinusitis because, among its other functions, stimulates the production of mucosal protective mucus.

HORSERADISH

The horseradish is used in medicine and homeopathy to treat respiratory disorders. It can be used as a tea against coughs and bronchitis.

ECHINACEA

Plant Family dell'Asteraceae, anti-infective, effective natural remedy to protect the immune system and prevent any kind of infection. As a stimulant of the immune system and against the cold symptoms, syrup or infusion of echinacea is a viable alternative.

- Sage

Medicinal plant antibiotic, the infusion of sage is indicated for sore throat: Add two teaspoons of dried sage leaves in boiling water and let stand for ten minutes. Drink several times a day.

- Oregano

Infusion of oregano calms the cough due to the healing properties of phenols.

- Timo

The therapeutic properties are contained mainly in the leaves: thyme is an expectorant, disinfectant, antioxidant, spasmolytic, antibacterial and antiviral.

- Rosemary

Taken as tea, is a remedy to rebalance energy and detoxifying the body in times of stress and fatigue.

In addition to natural remedies is important to remember that, in order to prevent colds and flu states, it is useful to follow a series of daily practices and hygiene in the food sector:

Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and grains to clean the body
Wash your hands often
Be careful when using public toilets
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
Do not nail biting
Drink plenty of fluids
Go to bed early and sleep well
Reduce excess sugars and alcoholic beverages.
And good health to all!

The 15 alternative uses for toothpaste

Usually use toothpaste to shine our teeth and keep them healthy, but this product is much more versatile than you might imagine. Also because they begin to spread positions that call into question its usefulness in terms of oral hygiene. But if the glass of your sink continues to dominate the white tube that is now offered in every size and composition, here's how you use it beyond the mere brushing teeth.


1) It relieves the irritation caused by insect bites. The insect bites often itch, but just apply a small amount on the affected didentifricio to calm the itching and reduce swelling. When applied to small wounds or blisters, however, the toothpaste tends to dry allowing the wound to heal faster.

2) Can relieve pain caused by a burn. For minor burns, those that do not involve an open wound, just apply a thin layer didentifricio to get relief immediately.

3) Wipe the pimples. There is an unattractive pimple popped in the face and you want to kill in a short time? Apply a bit of toothpaste foruncolola only on the evening before going to sleep. The next morning, wash it and you will see that it will be completely dry.

4) Clean your nails. To have clean nails, shiny and strong put a little 'of toothpaste on an old toothbrush and started to gently brush your nails. If you use a whitening toothpaste containing peroxide can finally remove the yellowish color that is created after an extensive use of enamel. You will see results!

5) Keeps hair in order. Have you finished your hair gel and you do not know how to tame the rebellious hair? Know that in gel toothpastes contain the same water-soluble polymers of hair gel then, as a last resort, try to sculpt your strands with toothpaste.

6) Delete the persistent odors. Garlic, onion, fish can leave on our hands a lingering odor even after repeated washing with soap. Distributed on the palms and fingers a good dose of toothpaste and leave for a few minutes, throw them away after rinsing with warm water: the smell will be completely gone from your hands

7) Removes stains. The toothpaste really very resourceful! It can even get rid of tough stains from your clothes (such as those of wine) or carpets. On clothes, apply toothpaste directly to the stain and rub vigorously, then washed his head as usual. A word of advice: beware of toothpaste sbiancantiperché can have a bleaching effect on fabric! Of carpets and rugs, however, apply the toothpaste on the stain to be treated and brushed after rinse immediately with water.

8) It's back to life with the sneakers. Do you have a pair of old sneakers, dirty and maybe a little 'scratch? Apply a small amount of toothpaste, wipe thoroughly with a brush and then wipe dry with a paper towel to remove residue. Your shoes will be like new!


9) Remove the stains on the walls. Your son has enjoyed a house wall color with markers? It can happen ... Then you put the toothpaste on the wall and wiped with a damp cloth: the design of your child disappear like magic!

10) Does the silver shine. Apply toothpaste on your silver pieces or on your jewelry and let it act for the whole night. The next morning everything clean with a damp cloth. Your silver will be bright and shiny! To shine the diamonds, however, do a gentle scrub rubbing toothpaste with a toothbrush and a bit 'of water and then thoroughly washed to remove all traces. Warning! Do not use toothpaste on pearls!

11) Removes scratches on CDs and DVDs. This remedy is useful on surface scratches and stains present on the CDs or DVDs. Just apply a thin layer of toothpaste and rub gently. To remove all debris, then passed on the disc surface with a damp cloth.

12) Stage holes in the walls. Have you taken a picture off the wall and after removing the nail is still an ugly hole in the white wall and you do not have lostucco. What to do? No problem! Use of the toothpaste white.

13) Deep cleans bottles of children. To remove any residue from the bottle and especially to eliminate that characteristic smell of milk left inside, do a cleaning with toothpaste with microgranules helping with a bottlebrush. Remember to rinse several times biberonprima further.

14) Removes burnt crust from the iron. It may happen that, over time, the plate of the iron develops a burned crust. To remove it, use the toothpaste: it contains silica that grinds away any remaining rust.

15) Prevents fogging. The divers or swimmers may know this little trick. It 'simply rub a small amount didentifricio on the lens of the diving masks or goggles, then rinse to prevent fogging. A tip: rub gently because toothpaste contains ingredients slightly abrasive that could scratch the lens.

One last tip: when you choose the toothpaste composition and always check if it is tested on animals.

10 carcinogens to remove from your homes

You do not think, but it should be done. Many of the products are generally used for domestic purposes contain, in fact, carcinogenic chemicals. We are talking about formaldehyde, nitrobenzene, methylene chloride, napthelene, reproductive toxins and endocrine disruptors. All substances which, trust me, are extremely harmful to the body. What would you recommend (and it is not the first time) is to read labels carefully in order to create a kind of park home products non-toxic. Below we indicate, in particular, 10 products for the home, perhaps you ignore it, should be avoided for its purchase.

1 - Deodorants often contain napthelene and formaldehyde. Especially the latter is able to determine irritation to the mucous membranes, contact dermatitis and bronchial asthma. The Iternational Agency for Research on Cancer has recently classified as a substance with "sufficient evidence" of carcinogenicity in animals and "limited" to the man.

2 - The paints and dyes for the walls often contain toxic substances. We have already done, but it is good to remind you. The market is filled with environmentally friendly alternatives. Same result, but without the risk of getting hurt.

3 - I'm not exactly household products, but it is good to be informed on these. Degreasers are for cars. Most sonoestremamente harmful. If you really have to use them keep them away from heat sources and, once completed, throw them in a special disposal center.

4 - When you need a candle utilizzatene a beeswax with cotton wicks. Completely abolished those composed of paraffin that once lit emit toxic substances such as soot. Recognized as a strong pollutant, as well as "collector" of several carcinogenic compounds (See also the candles that do not hurt)

5 - The soaps for carpets and upholstery are another enemy of health. Buy, also in this case, those that use only natural ingredients. And go read the tips on how to remove stains naturally.

6 - To avoid dry-cleaning products that use perchlorethylene. Even if it is, perhaps, the solvent which guarantees the best results in terms of cleaning, is rather harmful both for the environment and for man. INAIL has recently been reported as a chemical agent in the field of workplace accidents.

7 - To remove, in the home, fleas, ticks and lice do not use pesticides based on lindane. It 's true is very difficult to remove these pests naturally. Operated, then, a preventive measure. One of the most common natural methods is to take some bay leaves or a few sprigs of rosemary (or one or the other, not both!), Place them in a saucepan with water, boil it, let it cool a bit ' , then wet a cloth or old clothes that you no longer use and scrub the fur. You can do it whenever you deem it appropriate, for the case of bay leaves and rosemary is absolutely not toxic either for you or for your animals.

8 - Even on pesticides for the home we have, in the past, recommended natural solutions. Adottatele! Are equally useful and functional properties of the chemical, with the difference that does not hurt.

9 - The microwave oven even if it is convenient, it does just fine. Do not feel, however, advise you to deprive you completely. Be careful, at least, the type of material that we inserted. There seem simplistic, but it is good to remind you: never, never plastic and derivatives!

10 - This advice relates mainly to women. Do not dye your hair or, if you really need to do, using 100% natural remedies. French justice (for one thing) recently punished Schwarzkopf for a product as carcinogenic. In particular, the court condemned the Marseille group specializing in the cosmetics industry for hair, but a story that dates back to the '80s. A conviction unpublished, that casts a shadow on the safety of the products concerned, in particular, hair dyes. Women warned ....

6 ways to reduce your exposure to pesticides

Pesticides are used in intensive agriculture to protect crops from parasites, in order to obtain higher yields. In this way, the quality is to the detriment of the quantity. The fruits and vegetables are not affected by pests, but they remain on chemicals potentially harmful to health. Studies of long-term damage caused by exposure to pesticides are still in progress, but recently the alarming news that relates to any of the products Monsanto.


The use of pesticides is common even among those who grow their own vegetables at home. Who personally handles these substances is certainly a risk of direct contact with them. Those particularly susceptible may poorly tolerate the use of pesticides, developing respiratory problems such as asthma.

Completely avoid exposure to pesticides is almost impossible. They remain as residues in soil, water, air, the fruit and vegetables we buy regularly. With a few tricks it is not possible to reduce our exposure to pesticides. We try to give you some tips applicable in everyday life, from the time that ye go to the grocery store when you go home.

1. Prefer organic fruits and vegetables
The best way to ensure that pesticides do not end up right in your own plate, is to buy fruit and vegetables from organic or biodynamic. Both guarantee to give to pesticides in the cultivation of agricultural products. To save money when making purchases, you can contact a group of fair trade (the list is available here), buy directly from the manufacturers or from one of the many farmers' markets, now present in every part of Italy. Locate the nearest helping with this map.

2. Wash fruits and vegetables well before eating
Fruit, but also vegetables, appears bright and shining in the departments of the supermarket, but that does not mean that it is clean. May in fact be in contact with chemical fertilizers present in the irrigation water or soil. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables under running water. It may help to put it to soak in a bowl, add a teaspoon of baking soda and then rinse well. For some vegetables, such as carrots, it is preferable to use a brush to remove debris at best. Remember to wash the fruits and vegetables that you peel and then to wash your hands before proceeding. (See also our guide to proper cleaning of food)

3. Know which are the most contaminated vegetable
There are fruits and vegetables that can be more easily contaminated by pesticides. To protect their health, it would be better to choose organic or put an even stronger focus for washing. Among the products that have been detected more pesticide residues have strawberries, peppers, spinach, peaches, blueberries, apples, apricots, cucumbers, pears and potatoes. Among the least contaminated include: onions, cauliflower, eggplant, bananas, asparagus, broccoli, cantaloupe, kiwi.

4. Grow their own vegetables
Whether your home is surrounded by a beautiful garden, whether you have only a balcony, cultivate your garden staff is the best choice in terms of safety and economy. If you choose perennial crops, such as strawberries or asparagus, the effort will be minimal. After collecting the first fruits, you will be thrilled to your garden, accorgendovi that fruits and vegetables grown organically from you it tastes better than bought at the supermarket. You will find that growing is not only beautiful, but also therapeutic. If you fear that you do not have a green thumb, our advice is to start from aromatic plants. They will give you great satisfaction.

5. Without pesticides ...
You will not need to use harmful pesticides to take care of your garden, if you follow our advice. See for example our guide to repel insects and our advice against garden pests. Whether you cultivate the balcony, whether you have a real garden, do not forget that you can easily create your own natural fertilizer through composting. To make a compost do-it-yourself you can follow our instructions. Even the fallen leaves that gather in the garden can become a part of your compost. That is also our advice to make pesticides and organic fertilizers do-it-yourself.

6. Take off your shoes
To remove their shoes before entering the house to put on his slippers is one of the first rules of politeness that we are taught as children. In order to keep pests out of our homes, including pesticides, it is good that this good habit extends not only to the whole family, but also to your guests. You can try to make some beautiful slippers do-it-yourself recycling of old sweaters. Remember to remove your shoes before entering the house is a valid rule and also useful for those suffering from allergies.

10 food tips for lowering blood pressure

Blood pressure rises and falls of course, but when it due to several factors, reaches too high and causes the phenomenon known as hypertension, can be transformed into the underlying cause of heart problems, kidney and even the brain.

Doctors usually recommend to those who suffer from high blood pressure to reduce the amount of salt at the table. It is hidden in many foods, some of which should be eliminated, reduced or replaced with less harmful products. So here are some tips about it.

1) Avoid frozen dinners
The frozen ready meals may appear as the most convenient means to those who do not have time to cook, when it comes time for lunch or dinner. Especially if you suffer from high blood pressure, you should pay particular attention to the salt content of the same, that could reach 1800 mg per serving, compared to 2300 mg recommended maximum daily sodium intake as. The solution would be to freeze portions of homemade dishes that could be used at times when you will not have time to cook.

2) Replace salt with herbs
In addition to salt, there are other foods that can add flavor to your dishes and you can very well replace the salt. These are the herbs and spices, such as rosemary, parsley, marjoram, horseradish, thyme, paprika, chives, garlic and onion but also dried, possessing the natural property of lowering blood pressure.

3) Avoid ketchup and soy sauce
Ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard and especially soy sauce, can contribute to higher blood pressure because of their sodium content. It would therefore be wise to avoid the most common commercial versions of the sauces, and replace them with homemade preparations low in salt for seasoning salads and sandwiches, or simply with oil and vinegar.

4) Limit canned foods
Other foods that would be good to limit the consumption are canned foods to which salt has been added for storage. It 'necessary to pay attention to the sodium content present in peas, corn and beans in cans, or packaged in containers under glass in tetra pak. The canned vegetables can be easily replaced with their variant frozen (without added sodium) or dried, to be cooked and seasoned simply with herbs.

5) Limit pickles
We refer in particular to olives, onions, capers, gherkins and mushrooms, whose preservative liquids are often very high in sodium. Often not enough rinse thoroughly to remove most of it. The salt is also used for the preparation of canned housewives, but in this case you can adjust independently the quantity. The pickled onions can be replaced by borettane onions to prepare stewed or baked, and mushrooms in oil can be replaced by their variant fresh or dried.

6) Beware of meats and meat products
Not only canned meat, tuna or mackerel in olive oil may contain a high sodium content, but also meats, with particular reference to their smoked version and / or stored under vacuum. Those who suffer from high blood pressure and habitually consume such foods, should always pay attention to the sodium content indicated on the packaging. 100 grams of ham can contain up to 2600 mg of salt. Its contents up to 1600 mg and 1500 mg salami for the cup.

7) Avoid crisps and savory snacks
Chips, pretzels, crackers, bread sticks, popcorn and other snacks that are high in salt should be carefully avoided by those suffering from high blood pressure. They may be replaced by nuts and oil seeds provided they are chosen in their variant without added salt. The popcorn can be easily prepared at home without the addition of salt. Even crackers and breadsticks can be prepared at home or purchased in their low-sodium version.

8) Cooking without salt
This is one of the options that doctors recommend in case of hypertension and more often frightens patients, who fear that they enjoy from then on foods completely devoid of flavor. In fact, cook without salt or a pinch of salt, opting instead for the sea salt, will bring all to rediscover the true flavors of the food. The salt, per se, should not be demonized. Without it, our body disidraterebbe. And 'necessary, however, to use them with caution, especially if you suffer from high blood pressure.

9) Attention cheese
Those who suffer from high blood pressure have to learn to take into account the content of sodium in cheese that usually buy it. Some of them may be, without your knowledge, particularly rich. In most savory cheese sodium content can reach 8%. Among the cheeses with higher sodium content are taleggio (870 mg of sodium per 100 g) and grain (700 mg per 100 grams). It 'so good that people with hypertension adjust accordingly.

10) Indulge in dark chocolate and bananas
After a long series of disclaimers, here's a small consolation, to be granted in small quantities. This is the dark chocolate with a high cocoa content. Its rich content of flavonoids may in fact help to keep the dilated blood vessels and lower blood pressure. Because of their content of potassium, bananas help to maintain cardiovascular health and help combat hypertension blood pressure leading to better values.