Your nail-biting habit can actually kill you!

A British man, who used to bite his nails constantly, has died due to his bad habit. 

John Gardener had contracted a septic infection because of his habit and died while he was recuperating from a surgery to remove the tip of a finger, Metro.co.uk reported. Gardener's doctor said that the former amateur football referee's fingernails were always in a 'bad condition' and he had lost a lot of sensation in them.

'Gardener's mum said that she wouldn't want this to happen to anyone else's son and people should be aware of the potentially fatal results stemming from this habit.

Your derriere is super important. Build it!

They can make or break an outfit. Here's how to get your derriere in perfect shape

So your thighs and arms are toned and waist is just perfect. And you think that's all you need to slip into a clingy dress and pull it off. It's one of the most neglected parts of the body, but, as Pippa Middleton will guarantee, your derriere grabs more attention that you might give it credit for.

Here's how to get a peach-perfect behind:

Booty booster 
If your bottom is more flat than fabulous then invest in a pair of buttock-enhancing knickers which contain hidden pads that give you a curvier look.

If gravity is your problem (not so much size) invest in good quality shape wear that will leave a smooth finish under clingy fabrics and enhance those curves, while keeping your tummy in.

The derriere diet 
Working out increases protein turnover — the rate at which protein is broken down and then rebuilt. Consequently, if you're working out and don't eat sufficient protein, then you could actually end up losing muscle mass. Your muscles use protein better if it's eaten little and often, so opt for around 25g several times a day.

High-quality protein comes from foods such as eggs, fish, milk and chicken, and to stimulate protein you need insulin, which is released when we eat carbs. Combining food is ideal — for instance sweet potato with tuna, pasta with chicken, even a glass of milk helps. Don't forget to add some fruit for an extra antioxidant hit.

Beautify your bottom 
Most of us tend to neglect our back side when it comes to cleansing routines. This can lead to dry skin buildup and can cause small bumps under the skin. To avoid this problem make sure you exfoliate the skin on your bottom twice a week when you shower. Try a good scrub or exfoliating gloves.

This area of the body is prone to cellulite. While there is no perfect cure for this problem, daily dry body brushing will help. Just be sure to always brush upwards and towards the heart.

Exercises for your tush
Do the squat 
Squats are one of the best exercises for the lower body as they target the hips, glutes and thighs. And you can do them anywhere. Stand in front of a chair with your feet shoulder-width apart. Now, contract your abs and, keeping them tight, bend the knees and slowly squat, aiming to touch your hips to the chair. Ensure that your knees don't extend beyond your toes. Hold the pose for a few seconds. As you rise, contract the glutes and hamstring muscles. Fully extend the legs until you are back to standing position.

Lunge forward 
Lunges help target the glutes and hamstrings. Stand with feet about three feet apart. Both knees should be at right angles. Hold weights in each hand.

Bend both knees and lower the back knee toward the floor, keeping the front heel down and the knee over the centre of the foot. Keep the torso straight and hold your abs tight as you push through the front heel. Return to starting position.

Sex heals your body and Soul

Sex is not just about pleasure and getting close to your partner, it is also has certain health benefits that we have listed below. 

Lowers stress

Sex helps to create a balance between our emotional and mental health as it is a great stress buster. After sex, the brain releases endorphins that decrease stress, inducing a state of euphoria, in an individual.

Boosts our immune system

Regular lovemaking boosts the body's production of virus fighting chemicals. Recent research has revealed that regular sex can maintain antibodies at a higher level, thereby protecting us against infection.

Improves sleep

If you suffer from insomnia, then try having sex before you head to bed, as it induces sleep.

Promotes heart health

A recent study shows that men who have sex more than twice a week, have a lesser chance of having a heart attack, when compared to men who avoid sex.

Balanced hormone level

Have trouble with your menstrual cycle? Then, make love with your partner, as this will help regulate the menstrual cycle and also decrease cramps as sex helps maintain a balanced hormonal level.

Strengthens pelvic muscles

Sex involves the use of several muscles; hence, it can help you develop stronger pelvic muscles. Sex can also help strengthen your quads, core, and upper back.

Look beautiful

Sex can be a beauty treatment for women, since during intercourse, the estrogen levels double and this makes hair shine and the skin becomes softer.

Lifestyle changes to be cancer free

Here are seven lifestyle nips 'n' tucks that will help improve your odds against cancer

Recent research on the genetics of cancer may give an impression that some are fated for the disease, but that's not necessarily true. Healthy behaviours could prevent about half of all cancer deaths. Here are seven dos and don'ts to reduce your risk of the dreaded disease.

1. Exercise regularly: Be physically fit. Research shows active people have a lower risk of developing colon and breast cancers than people who don't exercise. You don't need to be a superathlete to get the benefits of exercise. Any exercise that raises your heartrate and makes you sweat like brisk walking, biking, dancing or aerobics is beneficial. While at it, ensure that your weight is in the normal range for your height. Keep to a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or less. Increases in BMI are linked to endometrial, gall bladder, esophageal, renal, thyroid and colon cancers. Medical experts advise, stay within five to 10 kilos of what you weighed at 18.

2. Cut down on alcohol: Alcohol does not only put a load on your liver and slows
vitamin absorption, but is also a contributing factor to oral cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, oral cancer is six times more common in alcohol users than in people who don't drink. Limit your alcohol consumption. This means no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women. And steer clear of weekend binge drinking. You tend to consume more alcohol than you would have set out to.

3. No smoking: The graphic packet makes it amply clear that 'cigarette smoking is injurious to health'. Smoking causes a host of cancers, including that of the lung, esophagus, mouth, throat, stomach and pancreas, according to the National Cancer Institute. It's also the leading cause of premature, preventable death. Is this relevant reason enough for smokers to quit the stub?

4. Get sun screened: Protect your skin from the sun. Its ultraviolet rays damage the skin's DNA and can cause genetic mutations that lead to skin cancer. Use sunscreen every time you go outdoors (preferably one with an SPF of 30 or higher that protects against both UVA and UVB rays). Keep covered with a broad hat and sunglasses. Also, stay away from radiation. Avoid exposures to cancercausing substances. Radiation exposures and some chemicals are known to cause cancer. For example, ionizing radiation that comes from gamma rays, high-energy UV rays and X-rays is linked to cancers of the lung, skin, thyroid, breast and stomach.

5. No HRT: Women, as far as you can, avoid taking hormone replacement therapy to treat symptoms of menopause. A number of studies have linked hormone use to an increased risk of uterine cancer. If you need to take hormones, limit the use to less than five years, your gynaecologist would advise.

6. Follow a healthy diet: Eat a colourful diet rich in green leafy vegetables, pink carrots, and red tomatoes. It reduces the risk of cancer. Research suggests that a plant-based diet is associated with reduced risks for several cancers, especially colon cancer. The recommendations include keeping your intake of red meat to no more than four ounces per day. Avoid processed meats, eat at least five servings of a variety of non-starchy vegetables and fruits every day, and minimise your intake of sugary drinks, juices, desserts and candies, refined breads and chips.

7. Go for screening: Get screened for cancer regularly. Screening tests can detect cancers of the colon, breast, prostate, cervix and skin (ask your doctor how often to get them and at what age you should start). Even if you don't have any symptoms, finding cancer early greatly increases your chances of treatment and even cure. Screening tests can include physical exams, blood tests, imaging and X-rays and genetic tests.

There are several medications that have been tested and found effective for reducing risk for cancer. For example, drugs called selective oestrogen receptor modulators can help women with a high risk of developing breast cancer stay cancer-free. But consult your family physician first and do not self-medicate.

Yoga poses to lose weight

Did you know that yoga not only helps in maintaining the harmony of the mind, body and soul. But also aids in improving the metabolism of the body. Yoga helps you achieve your desired weight loss. The best part about yoga is that it leaves you fresher and more energetic than before after the work outs. Read about the different yoga poses that will aid you in weight loss.

Yoga  postures for weight loss:

Surya Namaskar
Surya Namaskar is the best yoga has to offer as far as the poses are concerned. It works on the whole body especially on the big muscle group. A beginner can start with a few rounds of it and gradually increase the number of rounds. It helps to lose weight.



Warrior Pose
The warrior pose strengthens the hamstrings, thighs, legs and ankles as the body weight is transferred on the thighs with the forward bend. It helps to stimulate abdominal organs which can help increase the stamina. Stamina built up can help you to keep going over a longer period of time.



Cobra Pose
This is the pose which works on the chest and the back region. The heart opening pose helps to take deep breaths resulting in more oxygenated blood being pumped to different parts of the body. The oxygenated blood helps to burn the fat. Helps in toning the buttocks too.



Bow Pose
This is more of an advanced yoga pose but not only helps in burning the fat but also helps in toning of arms and legs. One can feel the stretch in the abdominal region taking this pose. The stretch helps to loosen up the fat in the region. Continous practicing of this asana further melts the loosen belly fat.



Side Bends
It's as important to work on muscles in the stomach region as often as working on other muscles group. After a certain age the body stops to grow and the fat starts accumulating in the stomach region. Side bends helps to melt those love handles. These bends might not help to burn a lot of calories but will be instrumental in inch loss.



Konasana 
Konasana stretches the sides of the body and the spine. It tones the arms, legs, and abdominal organs



Trikonasana 
Trikonasana stretches the sides of the body. It tones the arms, legs, and abdominal organs. This aasan also improves flexibility of the spine and hips



Cat stretch 
Cat Strech gives flexibility to the spine. It strengthens wrist joints and shoulders. It massages the digestive organs and tones the abdomen. Cat Strech also improves digestion.



Weight Loss Recipe
You may like to try this tasty, healthy Ayurvedic recipe that will aid in weight loss

Vietnamese vegetable stock

Preparation time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

Water - 2 liters
Sliced carrots - 1 cup
Sliced cabbage - 1 cup
Sliced celery (stem) - ½ cup
Sliced white radish - 1 cup
Salt - 1 ½ teaspoon

Method

-Steam all the vegetables.
-Boil water separately in a saucepan.
-Add two tablespoons of ground vegetables to the boiling water and stir.
-Put the remaining steamed vegetables into the saucepan.
-Add salt to taste.
-Stir and serve hot.

Natural weight loss foods

Weight loss foods are the first options that come to mind when we think of losing weight. And rightly so; food is crucial to daily living, and intricately tied to how much we do or do not enjoy our lives. Below is a list of foods that help you lose weight:

Whole grains

Whole grains are less processed than the refined starches we find in most bread and pasta products. Not only does the refining process remove a lot of essential nutrients from the grain, it breaks down the fiber before you eat it. Eating whole grains that make you feel fuller for longer may help raise your metabolism with the effort your body takes to break it down. Opt for wheat, oats, barley and brown rice.

Foods rich in Vitamin C

Apparently 500mg of vitamin C can burn 30-39 percent calories while you exercise. Bet you did not know this tiny fact about vitamin C. Load up on oranges and guavas on your next trip to the market.

Foods rich in Omega 3 

Omega 3 is responsible for controlling inflammation and rebooting metabolism. Mind you, these food products help you shed the kilos only if you combine their consumption with exercise. Besides fish, you can source Omega 3 from flaxseeds, walnuts and eggs.

Drink plenty of water

Water plays an important role for the body's healthy functioning. Water aids digestion, lubricates the body's joints and even makes calorie burning more efficient. Is that why we habitually sip on water after we eat anything? It is a good thing after all.

But does that mean that simply drinking water is enough for weight management? Certainly not. Simply drinking water is not enough. Also, does this mean that you should drink at least eight glasses of water every day? The urine colour is the best test. If it's translucent or has a tinge of yellow, your body is hydrated, if it is bright yellow, drink up. But excess water can lead to water intoxication and hyponatermia, so ensure that you sip one cup at a time at a regular intervals instead of guzzling bottles at a time.


Green tea

While green tea may boost metabolism; this is not enough to make one lose weight fast, unless people complement it with physical workouts and other alternatives.

Spicy food

The heat from the spices can help in burning calories. That doesn't mean that one must cover all curries with chilli powder; you don't want an angry stomach surging up your throat for revenge.

The truth is capsaicin, found in cayenne peppers, leads to short increases in metabolism, which - by itself - is too miniscule to affect long term weight loss. Hence don't count on spices to pump up your metabolism.

Black coffee

Consume at your own risk: Moderate level of black coffee consumption can result in speeding up metabolism for a short period of time. Coffee is quickly absorbed in the blood stream increasing your heart rate and metabolism. Coffee stimulates the production of adrenaline and cortisone; it decreases your chances of cardiovascular diseases, cancer and type 2 diabetes risks. But...

Extra servings of sugar in it, or cream, increases your calories, excess coffee will give you heartburn and digestive problems.

Oatmeal

Oats & oatmeal are considered 'power foods'. Its glycemic index levels (does not increase insulin levels at a go) make it the best option for a healthy diet and an excellent source for fat loss.

The best way to have a heart-healthy wholesome treat is to mix 1 cup of oats, a pinch of cinnamon, ¾ cup of low-fat skimmed milk and 1 tablespoon of honey.

Or to a bowl of oatmeal, add sliced bananas, peaches, chopped nuts of all kinds with raisins and cinnamon for a sweet but nutritious hot cereal.

Vegetables

They are generally low in calories and fat and many contain fiber. Choose dark colored vegetables for the most benefits. Dark green, leafy vegetables should top your list.

Other great vegetables choices include cabbage, carrots, tomatoes and peppers. Choose from a variety of colours for maximum benefits. Potatoes and sweet potatoes contain more starch but work for weight loss too!

Nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds have the added benefit of protein. They are filling, and also contain healthy fats, which can help boost your metabolism to help you lose weight. Good carbs work even better for weight loss when combined with a protein source. But remember that nuts do contain fat, so keep a tab on your portions.

Quick tip: They are excellent when used as a topping for salads, fruit salads, casseroles and soups.

Low-calorie diet

Low-energy diets or short-spell diets which combine to less than 800 calories a day can have long term benefits, researchers said from Britain-based Robert Gordon University (RBU).

Catherine Rolland, a member of the research team, said: "We have found that long-term benefits such as weight-loss and improvements in cardiovascular risk, respiratory disorders and fertility are achievable with the use of these short-burst, low calorie diets."

Red wine

Not only does red wine top the list with the lowest sugar content and thus low calories, but it also contains resveratol, that super antioxidant able to combat cancer and reduce signs of aging amongst other feats.

Fight heat with fluids, cucumber, citrus fruits

Here are a few ways to enjoy the summer outdoors. 

-Heat-related ailments are common around this time — sunstroke, dehydration, skin diseases. If you know how to tackle these, the battle is half won. 

-Most importantly, keep yourself hydrated through the day by consuming a lot of fluids. Gulp down as many gallons of water as you can and avoid aerated drinks 

-Barley water is a coolant and so is tender coconut water. Drink these at least twice a week. 

-If heat stroke hits you, then make sure you apply an ice pack as a first-aid but consult a doctor immediately because it could turn fatal depending on its intensity. 

-Fruit juices too are a good option. Eating fruit as a whole is even better. You could perhaps try citrus fruits like orange, lemon and sweet lime. Water melons too are abundantly available in the market. 

-Avoid eating spicy food and reduce your salt intake. Consume a lot of vegetables that is high in water content — cucumber, bottle gourd, celery, tomatoes. 

-Never step out in the sun between 10 am and 3pm. If you must, then apply sunscreen on your face and body. Also, use an umbrella to protect yourself from the harsh UV rays of the sun. 

-Wear light-coloured clothes.

For questions specific to your health conditions, please write down in the comments section and we will answer it as soon as possible. Thanks

Red Meat Health risks: Myth or Truth?

Studies show that eating too much red meat can increase your risk of many chronic health conditions. 

But what kind of nutrition hole is created when you limit red meat in your diet? The truth is, it's easy to miss out on important nutrients when you cut back on a major food source. So, when you cut back on red meat, make a balanced eating plan to help ensure you don't shortchange yourself on important nutrients such as protein, vitamins B12 and D, calcium, iron, and zinc. 

To get enough of these important nutrients, replace red meat with other foods that contain them. Soy products, such as tofu or soy burgers; legumes, such as lentils or beans; low-fat dairy; dark green, leafy vegetables; nuts; and whole grains can supply many of these nutrients. Also, poultry and fish are leaner sources of protein that provide many of the same nutrients found in red meat. 

Research on red meat Cardiovascular disease: 
In a study, post-menopausal women who substituted vegetable protein for their usual red meat lowered their coronary heart disease mortality by a whopping 30 per cent. 

Arthritis: 

In a recent study, men and women who ate the greatest amount of red meat and meat products and total protein had higher rates of inflammatory polyarthritis compared with people who ate the least amounts. 


Diabetes  : 
If you're at high risk for type 2 diabetes, you may reduce your risk by up to 50 per cent by exercising regularly and eating a diet that emphasises fruits, vegetables, and fibre while limiting red meat and other sources of saturated fats. 

Cancer : 
Several studies suggest that high intake of both red meat and processed meat increases the risk of colorectal cancer. Also, high-heat cooking methods, such as grilling, broiling, or pan frying, provoke the formation of carcinogenic compounds in red meat. You can decrease the formation of these compounds by marinating meat for one hour before cooking, steaming or poaching meat and by turning the meat frequently while cooking over medium heat. 

For questions specific to your health conditions, please write down in the comments section and we will answer it as soon as possible. Thanks

Right way to eat fruits!

Follow these tips and get the maximum benefit from the fruit you eat... 

For the best nutritional value  
Make most of your choices — whole or cut-up fruit rather than juice, for the benefits dietary fibre provides. 
Select fruits with more potassium often, such as bananas, prunes and prune juice, dried peaches and apricots, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, and orange juice. 

At meals 
At breakfast, top your cereal with bananas or peaches; add blueberries to pancakes; drink 100 per cent orange or grapefruit juice. 
At dinner, add crushed pineapple to coleslaw, or include mandarin oranges or grapes in a tossed salad. 

As snacks  
Cut-up fruit makes a great snack. Either cut them yourself, or buy pre-cut packages of fruit pieces like pineapples or melons. Or, try whole fresh berries or grapes. 
Dried fruits also make a great snack. They are easy to carry and store well. Because they are dried, ¼ cup is equivalent to ½ cup of other fruits. 

Fruit tips for children 
Set a good example for children by eating fruit everyday with meals or as snacks. 
Offer children a choice of fruits for lunch. 
Depending on their age, children can help shop for, clean, peel, or cut up fruits. 
While shopping, allow children to pick out a new fruit to try later at home. 
Decorate plates or serving dishes with fruit slices. 
Top off a bowl of cereal with some berries. Or, make a smiley face with sliced bananas for eyes, raisins for a nose, and an orange slice for a mouth. 
Offer raisins or other dried fruits instead of candy. 

For questions specific to your health conditions, please write down in the comments section and we will answer it as soon as possible. Thanks

Why men are balding in their 20s

A team of foreign experts and an Indian trichologist zero in on four critical reasons why men are balding in their 20s

It's official. Men are inching towards baldness as early as in their 20s, and that's a leap from our fathers' generation that hoped to walk into their 40s with a full crop of hair.

Losing hair is far from being a modern concern, but premature balding, say trichologists is turning out to be more of a trend than rarity. And the way we live our lives has more to do with it than genes or plain bad luck.

Swedish hair specialist Dr Fred Zuli and Italian scientist Dr Falvio Ferrari, who were in Mumbai for a discussion on hair growth technology, put it down to four enemies: stress, vices, pollution and poor nutrition.

While it's normal to lose between 50 and 100 strands of hair a day, serious hair loss — medically termed alopecia — is a sign that something is wrong with our body, says trichologist Dr Apoorva Shah. "As a reaction to an incident of extreme mental or physical stress, the body typically sheds hair after a gap of three months. For instance, if you are down with food poisoning, the mal-absorption of nutrients during this period can lead to hair loss in the next few months. So, it's important to jog your memory to pinpoint the cause."

Dr Ferrari squarely puts the blame on stress. "While genetics plays a key role in balding, a stressful lifestyle can play havoc. Simple lifestyle changes such as, getting seven hours of sleep, having a glass of water every hour (strands are made up of minerals, which only water can replenish) and eating protein-rich foods at regular intervals can bring about an 80 per cent change."

"Nutrition is vital for hair growth. No other part of the human body grows at the rate of half an inch per month, except bone marrow, so you must feed it," says Dr Shah.

Eat well, see it grow 
The relationship between food and hair is simple. Hair is made up of a protein called keratin. So, it's essential that you include sufficient protein in your diet. A low-protein diet forces your body to save the available protein for other purposes, like rebuilding cells, thus depriving hair of it. Dr Shah says spinach, almonds, walnuts, paneer, tofu and milk are hair-happy foods. Green tea is effective because it blocks out Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone that causes hair loss.

Rapunzels are dead 
Men are not alone. Women are also losing more hair than they did in the past, because a stressful lifestyle isn't the domain of men alone. Stress is driving their bodies to produce more androgens (male hormones), thereby upping the secretion of the hair loss-causing chemical DHT, says Ferrari. With women, excessive styling and colouring is also to blame. "Heat and chemicals weaken the hair, leading to easy breakage," adds Dr Zuli. Dr Shah says the indiscriminate use of oral contraceptives that can cause hormonal imbalance in the long run should be checked.

To moisturise the scalp, he advises oiling it with coconut or almond oil three nights a week, and washing it off the next morning. Trimming split ends every eight weeks helps, too.

Smoking away your mane
Here's one more reason to quit smoking. The carbon monoxide that you inhale, prevents the blood from transporting oxygen and key nutrients to hair follicles. Nicotine narrows the blood vessels, further stalling fresh hair growth.

While moderate drinkers can hold on to their hair, regular guzzlers are at risk. Alcohol is known to suck the body of its iron supply, impeding absorption of zinc. Booze also causes dehydration, stopping the body from absorbing vital nutrients. Since hair is almost one-fourth water, excessive alcohol will invariably leave it brittle.

How stress plays spoilsport 
A hair follicle needs energy to grow. Coenzyme Q10, found in whole grains, fish and meat, boosts the scalp's ability to produce energy, especially in a cell's mitochondria or energy factory. Stress causes oxidation, harming Coenzyme Q10 among other anti-oxidants, thereby accelerating hair fall.

Feed hair with...
Vitamins B3, B5, B9, and E (found in orange, spinach, chicken, fish, broccoli and soya beans)
Zinc (wheat, dairy, oats and egg yolk)
Magnesium (milk, tuna, banana, cashews)
Iron (fish, leafy greens, fortified cereals, and beans)