How oral health can influence your heart health

The health of your mouth may determine the health of your heart. Research shows that there is a link between oral and cardiovascular health, and that the frequency of brushing your teeth has an important role when it comes to heart health. A study found that those who practice good oral hygiene have a lower risk of heart disease than those who brush their teeth once a day. Improving gum health also lowers the risk of contracting periodontal disease.

Gum disease triggers heart disease through toxic compounds that enter through the blood stream. Once it has reached the blood stream, it can damage the lining of the blood vessels, which may cause stroke and heart attacks.

Therefore,keeping your teeth and gums healthy is important for your overall health. Brushing your teeth regularly can eliminate the bacteria that cause inflammation and gum disease.

Danie

How to Take Care of Acne

Acne is an inflammatory condition often brought about by sensitivity to androgen hormones in the body. The result is blackheads and blemishes which are mild cases. However, in severe cases there may be inflamed pustules and cysts.

There is a definite link between acne and stress. The reason is that with acne there may be a bacterial content present on the skin. When stressed this bacteria react to the sebum levels in the skin.

Taking care of the problem

The first reaction to acne may be to start cleaning the skin. Over cleansing the skin is a common mistake and actually leads to over stimulating the production of oil and skin dryness.

Always choose natural plant-based products for optimal healing. A gentle milky cleanser or gel is recommended and remember, never use abrasive scrubs on the skin.

Allow you skin to breathe. Fresh air and a bit of sunlight have immune-stimulating properties.

Tea tree, lavender, myrrh, chamomile and calendula are healing oils and mixed with jojoba and rosehip carrier oils it will encourage healing and also have an antibacterial effect on the skin.

Remember, even an oily skin needs oil. Most people neglect this when they have an oily skin. Plant and essential oils are strongly anti-bacterial and also promote new cell growth. Do not worry, it will not interfere with the natural oil flow of the body, as they won’t congest or block pores.

Skin grows from the inside out - therefore, make sure you have a sufficient intake of nutrients to assist with the strengthening and healing. Always eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and remember the eight glasses of water per day! Try to avoid processed foods and excess sugars.

Lastly, deal with your stress. Physical and mental stress go hand in hand.

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Danie de Villiers

The health benefits of yoghurt

The benefits of yoghurt come from ‘acidophilus’ bacteria in it. These convert milk into yoghurt by forming lactic acid, which partially curdles the milk and suppresses the growth of harmful bacteria population of the gut, helping to fight off infections. Most yoghurts are sold with these bacteria still alive but, kept dormant by refrigeration, and develop a sharp, acid taste if the bacteria in them are allowed to be active. In heat-treated yoghurt, the bacteria have all been killed off, but the lactic acid has by then already been produced and the growth of harmful bacteria inhibited. However, once the carton has been opened, the yoghurt is then still subject to bacterial contamination.

Yoghurt is a source of protein, natural sugars, fat, calcium, and other minerals, as well as of B vitamins. The amount of fat it contains depends on the milk used. Yoghurts sold as low-fat are less than 2 per cent fat, compared with about 3,5 per cent fat in whole-milk yoghurt.

Make your own yoghurt

Bring 600 ml milk slowly to the boil in a thick-bottomed saucepan. Let it cool to blood heat - test by sprinkling a few drops on the inside of your wrist. It should feel neither hot nor cold.

Stir in a tablespoon of live yoghurt (from your last bought carton). Then pour the mixture into a clean shallow dish, wrap it in a linen cloth and then in a thick towel, and put it in a warm airing cupboard for six to eight hours. The yoghurt will keep for up to six days in the refrigerator. Use the last tablespoonful for the next batch.

Woman to woman

Eight steps to healthy nails

There are a number of things you can do to help prevent nail fungus and infections, says the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. The society offers the following tips:

• Purchase your own tools for use in nail salon procedures. Infectious particles can be transmitted on tools such as emery boards, which cannot be sterilised.
• Ask about the sanitation standards of nail salons. How do they clean their equipment and how often? How often do they change the filters in the foot massages?
• Keep your toenails trimmed, clean and neat. Keeping your nails healthy helps prevent the spread of infection and helps your overall health.
• Make an annual visit to a derma surgeon to have your skin and nails checked for early signs of illness or problems.
• Don't have your cuticles cut during salon procedures. If too much of the cuticle is cut back during a manicure, the cuticle can be separated from the nail, and infectious agents can get into the exposed area.
• Don't shave your legs before they're exposed to circulating water in a pedicure spa. Nicks and cuts from shaving can be infected by bacteria in inadequately cleaned pedicure spas.
• Don't ignore infections. If there's redness or soreness after a procedure, it may be a sign of an infection. See your derma surgeon.
• Only go to licensed, trained professionals. Each manicurist should have a state-issued cosmetology license that is current and visibly displayed.

Acknowledgement: HealthDayNews.
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