How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks Fast

Stretch marks are visible lines on the skin surface, with an off-color hue. Stretch marks are mainly found in the abdominal wall, but can also occur over the thighs, upper arms, buttocks and breasts.

As skin is stretched, the collagen is weakened and its normal production cycle is interrupted and damaged.

This ultimately results in fine scars under the top layer of the skin. Initially the marks look pink or red, but over time a thin, silvery line appears on the skin surface and a stretch mark is born.

Stretch marks appear on the skin surface when someone grows quickly, or puts on weight quickly.

Stretch marks can make you feel self-conscious and uncomfortable about your appearance. Fortunately, there are several natural ways to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

1. Castor Oil

Castor oil, which is used in the treatment of a number of skin problems such as wrinkles, age spots, moles, dark spots, fine lines and pimples, can also be used to get rid of stretch marks.

Apply some castor oil to the stretch marks and gently massage the area in circular motions for 5 to 10 minutes.

Wrap the area with a thin, cotton cloth. Using a hot water bottle or a heating pad, apply some heat to the affected area for at least a half an hour.
Repeat this process daily for a minimum of one month to notice positive results.

2. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is effective in the treatment of many skin problems. Its healing and soothing properties can be used to get rid of stretch marks. There are a couple of ways to apply it.

You can directly rub aloe vera gel on the affected skin area, leave it on for 15 minutes and then rinse the skin with lukewarm water.

Another option is to make a mixture with one-fourth cup of aloe vera gel, oil from 10 vitamin E capsules and oil from five vitamin A capsules. Rub this mixture onto the skin until fully absorbed. Repeat this process daily.

3. Egg Whites

Eggs are a rich source of protein. For stretch marks, you want to use only the egg whites, which contain amino acids and proteins.

Whip the whites of two eggs gently with a fork. Clean the affected skin area with water and then apply a thick layer of egg whites with a makeup brush.

Allow the egg whites to dry completely and then rinse the area with cold water.
Finally apply some olive oil on the skin to keep it moisturized.
Repeat the process daily for at least two weeks and watch for positive results.

4. Lemon Juice

Another simple way to lessen stretch marks is to use lemon juice. Lemon juice is naturally acidic which helps heal and reduce stretch marks, acne, and other scars.

Rub fresh lemon juice gently onto the stretch marks using circular motions. Allow the lemon juice to soak into your skin for at least 10 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.

Another option is to mix equal quantities of cucumber juice and lemon juice and apply the mixture on the stretch marks.

5. Sugar

Natural white sugar is one of the best natural remedies to get rid of stretch marks. You can use the sugar to exfoliate your skin.

Mix a tablespoon of raw sugar with some almond oil and a few drops of lemon juice. Mix it well and apply it on the stretch marks and other skin areas.

Gently rub the mixture on the skin for a few minutes every day before taking a shower.
Do this for a month or so and watch your stretch marks become lighter.

6. Potato Juice

Potato juice contains vitamins and minerals that foster growth and restoration of skin cells.

Cut a medium-sized potato into thick slices.
Take one of the potato pieces and rub it gently on the stretch marks for a few minutes.

Make sure the starch from the potato covers the affected area.
Allow the potato juice to dry for some time and then wash it off with lukewarm water.

7. Alfalfa

Alfalfa leaves contain eight essential amino acids which are good for overall health of the skin. They are also rich in protein and vitamins E and K, which help nourish the skin.

Mix some alfalfa power with a few drops of chamomile oil to form a smooth paste.
Massage the paste into the affected area two to three times a day.
Repeat this daily for a few weeks and you will notice great improvement.

8. Cocoa Butter

Cocoa butter is also very beneficial in treating stretch marks. Being an excellent natural moisturizer, it helps nourish your skin and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

You must apply cocoa butter over the affected area at least two times a day for a few months.

Another option is to make a mixture using half a cup of cocoa butter, one tablespoon of wheat germ oil, two teaspoons of grated beeswax and one teaspoon each of apricot kernel oil and vitamin E oil.

Heat this mixture until the beeswax melts. You can store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator and apply it to your stretch marks two to three times a day. This mixture will make your skin more hydrated and smooth.

9. Olive Oil

Olive oil contains a lot of nutrients and antioxidants that help improve various skin problems including stretch marks.

Massage slightly warm extra-virgin olive oil into the affected skin area. This will improve the blood circulation and reduce the stretch marks to a great extent.

Leave it for half an hour so that the vitamins A, D and E present in the oil are absorbed by the skin.

You can also mix olive oil with vinegar and water and use it as a night cream. This will keep your skin stay moisturized and also exfoliate the skin.

10. Water

Keeping your body well hydrated helps protect the skin from many kinds of problems and also aids in detoxification. It also helps keep the skin supple and restores elasticity.

Try to drink one to two glasses of water several times during a day. Experts say drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water per day is the best way to keep the body hydrated.

It will also make your skin soft and help maintain its elasticity. It is advisable to avoid coffee, tea or soda though.

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10 Best Home Remedies For Cough

Coughing is one of the most common health problems. When there is a blockage or irritant in your throat or upper air passages, your brain thinks a foreign element is present and tells your body to cough to remove that element.

Coughing can also be due to a viral infection, common cold, flu, and smoking or health problems such as asthma, tuberculosis, and lung cancer.

Some of the symptoms of a cough are itchy throat, chest pain, and congestion. Instead of using over-the-counter cough syrups, you can try some natural cough treatments using readily available ingredients in your kitchen.

Here are the top 10 home remedies for a cough.

1. Turmeric

The herb turmeric has a therapeutic effect on coughs, particularly a dry cough.

Heat half a cup of water in a boiling pot. Add one teaspoon turmeric powder, and one teaspoon black pepper.

You may also add cinnamon sticks. Boil this for about two to three minutes. Add one tablespoon of honey. Drink this daily until the condition improves.

Alternatively, make an herbal tea by adding one teaspoon of turmeric powder and one teaspoon of carom seeds to a cup of water, and boil it until water reduces to one-half cup. Add some honey and drink this herbal solution two to three times a day.

Another way to use turmeric is to roast turmeric root and grind it into a smooth powder. Mix it with water and honey, and drink it twice a day.

2. Ginger

Ginger is one of the most popular natural cures for a cough.

Cut fresh ginger into small slices and crush them slightly. Put them in a cup of water and bring to a boil. Drink this herbal solution three to four times a day for relief from sore throat, non-stop coughing and even congestion. You can also some lemon juice and honey to it.

Another option is to chew fresh raw ginger on and off throughout the day to reduce your cough.

3. Lemon

Lemons can be used in a variety of ways for curing coughs. Lemons have properties that reduce inflammation and also provide a dose of infection-fighting vitamin C.

A simple cough syrup can be made by combining two tablespoons of lemon juice and one tablespoon of honey. Drink this healthy syrup several times a day.

Another way to use lemons is to blend lemon juice with a little honey and a pinch of  cayenne pepper and then drink it.

4. Garlic

Garlic has both antibacterial and antimicrobial components that help treat coughs.

Boil two to three cloves of garlic in a cup of water and add a teaspoon of . Allow it to cool to room temperature, add some honey and drink it. This will help your breathing and alleviate other cough symptoms.

Eat a clove of crushed garlic mixed with a few drops of clove oil and some honey for sore throat relief. You can also use garlic in your cooking.

5. Onion

One of the simplest home remedies for a cough is to cut onions. Breathing in the strong vapors can help stop coughing.

You can also make a cough syrup from baked onion juice, comfrey tea and honey. Drink it daily to get relief from a dry cough.

Another option is to combine one-half teaspoon of onion juice with one teaspoon of pure honey. Swallow this solution at least twice a day to alleviate a cough and soothe your throat.

6. Hot Milk with Honey

Hot milk with honey can relieve a dry cough and reduce chest pain you may be experiencing from continuous coughing. For best results, drink it before going to sleep.

For added benefits from the analgesic properties of honey, swallow a teaspoon of plain honey on empty stomach. This will help clear the mucus and soothe your throat.

7. Cayenne

Cayenne helps reduce chest pain due to continuous coughing. It is also warming and stimulating.

Make a healthy cough syrup by mixing one-fourth teaspoon cayenne pepper, one-fourth teaspoon ground ginger, one tablespoon honey, one tablespoon apple cider vinegar and two tablespoons of water.

Drink the syrup two to three times a day.

8. Carrot Juice

Carrots have many vitamins and nutrients that can help relieve various symptoms of a cough.

Make fresh juice from four to five carrots and add some water to dilute it. For taste and added benefits, add one teaspoon of honey.

Drink the juice three to four times a day until your symptoms improve.

9. Grapes

Grapes have properties that act as an expectorant, releasing the mucus from the affected parts of your respiratory system.

The faster you get rid of the mucus, the faster your coughing will end. You can simply eat grapes or make some fresh grape juice. Grape juice with a spoonful of honey will be soothing as well as effective.

10. Almonds

Almonds have nutritional properties that play a proactive role in healing cough symptoms.

Soak five to six almonds in water for 8 to 10 hours.

Make a smooth paste out of the soaked almonds and add one teaspoon of butter.

Eat it three to four times a day until your symptoms go away.

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20 Early Warning Signs That Cancer Is Growing In Your Body

Indirect Symptoms

1. Wheezing/shortness of breath

Lung cancer patients remember noticing this as one of their first symptoms but didn’t initially connect it to cancer.

2. Frequent fevers or infections

Frequently a sign of leukemia, a cancer of the blood cells that starts in bone marrow. It causes the marrow to produce abnormal white blood cells that hinder your body’s infection-fighting abilities.

3. Difficulty swallowing

Most commonly associated with throat cancer, but can be a good indicator of lung cancer too.


4. Weakness and fatigue

Such a common symptom of cancer that it should be looked at in combination with other symptoms to determine which it is.

5. Feeling full and unable to eat

This is a sign of ovarian cancer. A loss of appetite even when you haven’t eaten for a while is a tip-off.

6. Anorexia

Could be an early sign of pancreatic cancer. A sudden disgust for coffee, wine or smoking can be linked to this as well.

Visible Bodily Changes

7. Rectal bleeding or blood in stool

Common sign of colorectal cancer. Blood in the toilet should be a big enough sign to see a doctor immediately.

8. Lumps in the neck, underarm or groin area

Swollen lymph nodes indicate changes in the lymphatic system which can lead to cancer.

9. Excessive bruising or bleeding that doesn’t stop

Suggests abnormalities with the platelets and red blood cells, which can be a sign of leukemia. Leukemia cells crowd out red blood cells impairing your blood’s ability to carry oxygen leading to clots.

10. Bloating or abdominal weight gain

Ovarian cancer patients reported unexplained bloating that came on suddenly and continued for a significant amount of time.

11. Unexplained weight loss

An early sign of colon and other digestive cancers. Also a sign of cancer that has spread to the liver, affecting your appetite and the body’s ability to get rid of waste.

12. A red, sore, or swollen breast

Indicates inflammatory breast cancer, unexplained changes should be told to a doctor immediately. A nipple that appears flattened, inverted or turned sideways had also been noticed by patients diagnosed with breast cancer.

13. Swelling of facial features

Lung cancer patients have reported noticing puffiness, swelling or redness of the face. Small cell lung tumors commonly block blood vessels in the chest preventing blood from flowing freely to the head.

14. Sore/lump on the skin that bleeds, becomes crusty or doesn’t heal

Different types of skin cancer (melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma) can cause these, so be aware of any odd-looking growths or spots.

15. Changes in nails

A brown/black dot under the nail can indicate skin cancer. Pale or white nails can be a sign of liver cancer. “Clubbing”, which is the enlargement of the fingers with nails that curve down over the tips, can be a sign of lung cancer.
Pain

16. Unusually heavy or painful periods, bleeding between periods
A common sign of endometrial or uterine cancer. A transvaginal ultrasound should be considered if the problem persists.
17. Chronic cough or chest pain
Leukemia and lung tumors (among others), show symptoms that can mimic a bad cough or bronchitis. Some patients also reported a chest pain that extended to the shoulder and down their arm.
18. Pelvic/Abdominal pain
Pain and cramping in the pelvis can be linked with the bloating signs of ovarian cancer. Leukemia also does this because it enlarges the spleen.
19. Pain in back or lower right side
Often an early sign of liver cancer. Breast cancer can also be found through this as a breast tumor can press backward into the chest or spread to the spine/ribs.
20. Upset stomach
Stomach cramps or a frequently upset stomach can be a sign of colorectal cancer.

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How To Get Rid Of Constipation - 7 Home Remedies For Constipation In Children

#1 Water: Make sure that your child is drinking enough water throughout the day to avoid symptoms of constipation. Most of the time dehydration can be a prime cause of constipation. If your child finds it difficult to pass stool or have missed passing stool in a day encourage your child to drink at least one and half litre of water throughout the day, to ensure smooth stool passage. You can also try warm water and lemon which is an excellent home remedy to aid digestion. Sipping glassful of warm water will also help in the same way. 

#2 Whole fruits: One of the best ways to deal with constipation in children is to offer whole fruits that are rich in fibre content. Some fruits that can help beat constipation in younger children are:

Bananas: They are packed with fibre and pectin that helps to beat constipation. Having just two bananas a day can help soften the stool and initiate easy passage. The pectin present in banana helps in easy mobility of bowels helping the stomach to get rid of the wastes. 
Prunes: Prunes are a classic cure for constipation and their sweetness and texture makes it a favourite among children. They are high on fibre and sorbitol which helps to soften the stool and add bulk to it for easy passage. Too much prunes can however make the stool too soft and lead to lose motions. 

Apples: An apple a day keeps constipation at bay. The crunchy, sweet, juicy fruit helps to relieve your child from symptoms of constipation due to its high fibre content. 
Guavas: Guavas have soluble fibre in the pulp and insoluble fibre in the seeds that help in mucus production in the anus helping the hard bowel to slide easily out of the system and clear the stomach. 

Oranges: Apart from being a rich source of Vitamin C they also provide with adequate amount of fibre that can act as a natural laxative. 
Apart from these fruits, other fruits can also help aid digestion and fight constipation. Always make it a point to offer your child whole fruits over fruit pulp and juices so that the fibre content of the fruit remains intact.

#3 Fibre rich foods: Try and incorporate fibre rich foods like cereals and pulses, whole grains and beans in your child’s diet plan in one way or the other. A diet with enough fibre helps the body to form soft bulky stool. 

#4 Molasses: High in sugar content molasses also helps to fight constipation and indigestion. Blackstrap molasses has rich source of magnesium that specifically helps to tackle constipation.

#5 Olive oil: One teaspoon of olive oil when taken with one teaspoon of lemon juice first thing in the morning on empty stomach helps in passage of the stool and gives relief from constipation.

#6 Aloe vera: Aloe vera is known for its many beauty benefits but it is also an excellent ingredient to fight constipation in children. Two spoonful of aloe vera gel mixed with one glass of warm water works as an excellent laxative.

#7 Yoghurt: Yoghurt can do wonders and one way it helps to treat constipation is to keep the good bacteria flourishing in the gut. This will help prevent constipation and allow passage of the bowels easily. 

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Cancer Fighting Foods - Top 10 Superfoods That Prevent Breast Cancer

[ Top 10 Superfoods That Prevent Breast Cancer]
Link video:

Here are the top 10 superfoods to prevent breast cancer.

1. Turmeric
Turmeric contains a compound known as curcumin that can inhibit various types of cancer cells, such as breast, gastrointestinal, lung and skin cancer.

2. Salmon
Salmon is an oily fish that contains a good amount of omega-3 fatty acids that slow the growth of cancerous tumors and boost the immune system. At the same time, salmon is a lean protein and a good source of vitamins B12 and D. All these elements provide your body with the nutrients required to regulate cell growth and prevent cancer.

3. Tomatoes
A study published in the Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism indicates that a diet rich in tomatoes may help protect postmenopausal women from breast cancer.

4. Garlic
Studies have found that the sulfur compounds, flavones and flavonols present in garlic help in preventing breast cancer. It is also effective in killing cancer cells associated with breast, mouth, stomach and colon cancer.

5. Flaxseed
Flaxseed contains high levels of lignans that protect against estrogen-dependent cancers like breast cancer. Flaxseed and flaxseed oil are among the few sources of the essential omega-3 fatty acid ALA, which forms a protective shield against cancer cells responsible for breast cancer.

6. Spinach
Spinach contains the antioxidant lutein that plays a key role in guarding against breast cancer along with mouth, esophagus and stomach cancer. It is also rich in zeaxanthin and carotenoids that remove unstable molecules called free radicals from your body before they cause damage.

7. Broccoli

Broccoli contains cancer-fighting compounds known as indole-3-carbinol that help alter estrogen metabolism and suppress breast tumor cell growth. They also protect against hormone-dependent cancers such as breast, cervix, and prostate cancer.

8. Blueberries
Blueberries are power-packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can aid in breast cancer prevention. The phytochemicals present in blueberries work together to prevent the growth and spread of various forms of breast cancer.

9. Pomegranate
US researchers have found that pomegranate contains natural compounds like urolithin B that suppress estrogen prevent the growth of hormone-responsive breast cancer tumors.

10. Walnuts
Walnuts contain many helpful nutrients which help your body fight inflammation and actually slow down the growth of breast cancer tumors.

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15 Simple Ways To Make Your Baby Smarter]

What's the best way to mentally stimulate your baby? It doesn't take a genius. Just a loving, involved parent. With some fun ideas and practical tips, you can help your baby be smart, intelligent and creative. Using everyday things and some smart parenting tips, you too can do just that.

Here are 20 ideas for fun and simple things you can do to boost your baby's IQ.

1. READ A BOOK

Even before babies can understand what you are reading, "They will associate reading with cuddling and love," Clinard says. Infants are especially drawn to books with real pictures, she adds.

2. CUDDLE AWAY

Human brains are wired to seek safety, and if a baby's brain doesn't feel safe, it can't learn. The love and cuddling you give your baby can help establish her sense of security. "From the time a child is born, that soft and loving voice, and soft touch speaks to children so much," Clinard says.

3. SING

Nursery rhymes, TV jingles or your favourite top 40 hits - babies love to hear you sing.

4. MAKE EYE CONTACT

Gaze into your newborn's eyes. Within a week, infants can recognise their parents' faces, and every time he stares at you he is building his memory and learning how to recognise facial expressions.

5. NARRATE YOUR DAY

Talk to your baby - a lot. Research has shown that the greater number of words children hear from their parents and caregivers before age 3, the higher their IQ. Tell them what you are doing, what you are thinking and what they are seeing.

6. USE THE RIGHT TONE

That baby-friendly, higher-pitched tone that many parents instinctively use has a purpose. 

7. COUNT ALOUD

When you wash your baby's hands and feet in the tub, count his fingers and toes aloud. Count his toys with him, or, when he is older, the Cheerios he is learning to self-feed. Soon enough, he will join in.

8. POINT YOUR FINGER

Research shows that children learn language faster if you point to an object while saying the word.

9. BREAST-FEED, IF YOU CAN

Research has found a small but clear link between breast-feeding and cognitive development. So if you can, breast-feed exclusively through age 6 months and continue at least partial breast-feeding until age 1.

10. TURN OFF THE TV

Stick to real people until 18 months, and after age 18 months, if they are going to watch anything online, watch and view it with them, and talk about what you are seeing.

11. RESPOND TO YOUR BABY'S NEEDS IN A TIMELY MANNER

When a baby cries, she is communicating a need for something like comfort, food or a diaper change. 

12. GIVE HER A CHOICE

Even a 3- to 5-month-old baby has opinions. Show her two books or two toys and watch which one she seems drawn to look at or touch, Clinard says.


13. TICKLE HIS TOES

Playing games like "this little piggy" with his toes teaches your child to anticipate events.

14. GIVE HIM A BREAK

Watch your baby for signs of over-stimulation. If he is looking away, don't force it. Give him downtime on the floor without music or bright lights so he can amuse himself, play quietly or crawl.

15. GET OUT

Maybe it is a puppet show at the library, a breezy day at the park or a stroll through the zoo. 

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Pregnancy Diet - Top 11 Foods and Beverages to Avoid During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is one of the most vital and delicate times in a woman’s life. Therefore, it is more important than ever to eat a healthy diet. This means paying attention to what you eat, and making sure to avoid harmful foods and beverages.
Here are 11 foods and beverages to avoid or minimize during pregnancy. 1. High-Mercury Fish
Pregnant women should not eat high-mercury fish more than 1–2 times each month. This includes shark, swordfish, tuna and mackerel.
2. Undercooked or Raw Fish
Raw fish and shellfish can be contaminated with bacteria and parasites. Some of these can cause adverse health effects and harm both the mother and unborn baby.
3. Undercooked, Raw and Processed Meat
 Raw or undercooked meat may contain harmful bacteria. As a general rule, meat should be cooked all the way through.
4. Raw Eggs
Raw eggs may be contaminated with Salmonella, which can lead to sickness and an increased risk of premature birth or stillbirth. Pasteurized eggs can be used instead.
5. Organ Meat
Organ meat is a great source of iron, vitamin B12, vitamin A and copper. To prevent vitamin A and copper toxicity, pregnant women are advised to limit their intake of organ meat.
6. Caffeine
Pregnant women should limit their caffeine intake to 200 mg per day, which is about 2–3 cups of coffee. High caffeine intake during pregnancy can limit fetal growth and cause low birth weight.
7. Raw Sprouts
Raw sprouts may be contaminated by bacteria inside the seeds. Pregnant women should only eat cooked sprouts.
8. Unwashed Produce
The surface of unwashed or unpeeled fruits and vegetables may be contaminated with several bacteria and parasites. It is important to thoroughly rinse all fruits and vegetables.
9. Unpasteurized Milk, Cheese and Fruit Juice
Pregnant women should not consume unpasteurized milk, cheese or fruit juice, as these foods increase the risk of bacterial infections.
10. Alcohol
Pregnant women should not drink alcohol. Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and fetal alcohol syndrome.
11. Processed Junk Foods
Eating processed foods during pregnancy can increase the risk of excess weight gain, gestational diabetes and complications. This can have long-term health implications for the child.
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