10 great foods for men

A varied, balanced diet is the cornerstone of healthy living for everyone, yet healthy eating can sometimes mean different things depending on your gender. While there are some foods we should all be eating more of, men and women also have their own set of dietary requirements as well as their own unique health concerns. Here are 10 foods that contain certain nutrients that have been shown to benefit men..
 Food for men 1: Tomatoes
Tomatoes are possibly one of the best "superfoods" around, and the popular fruit has particular benefits for men. Studies have suggested that the lycopene found in tomatoes may reduce risk of colorectal cancer, lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease; the leading cause of death in men. Research has also shown that men who frequently eat foods rich in lycopene may drastically reduce their risk of developing prostate cancer.
Food for men 2: Blueberries
Blueberries are another fruit that have been linked to a reduced risk of prostate cancer, thanks to their high levels of proanthocyanidins. However, blueberries' positive benefits for men don't stop there, as studies have also suggested that blueberries may be effective in reducing risk of heart disease, Type 2 Diabetes and age-related memory loss; a condition more prevalent in men than women.
Food for men 3: Brazil nuts
Snacking on nuts is great for heart health and good skin. However, Brazil nuts are particularly beneficial for men as they are packed with selenium; a powerful antioxidant which studies have suggested can boost sperm health and motility. Furthermore, selenium is also great for lowering "bad" cholesterol levels, preventing blood clots and lifting your mood.
Food for men 4: Broccoli
Broccoli - along with other cruciferous vegetables like cabbage and sprouts - contains a strong cancer-fighting chemical, sulphoraphane, which research has suggested may reduce men's risk of developing bladder cancer (a cancer more commonly affecting women than men), prostate cancer and colorectal cancer.
Food for men 5: Oysters
Oysters are the highest natural source of zinc; an essential requirement for men's fertility and sexual health. Zinc not only helps to maintain healthy testosterone levels in men, but it is essential for healthy sperm production.  On top of this, zinc deficiency may be responsible for hair loss in men, so an increased intake may benefit men's appearance as well as health.
Food for men 6: Whole grains
Whole grains are great for our health thanks to their high levels of vitamins, minerals and fibre. Most whole grains, including brown rice and oats, are particularly rich in B vitamins, which are good for general wellbeing and can also help alleviate depression. Individual B vitamins can also benefit male health in various ways. Studies have suggested that folate (vitamin B9) can keep sperm healthy, while biotin (B7) may help hair loss. Silica, also present in whole grains, could also help with healthy hair growth.
Food for men 7: Eggs
For men suffering from hair loss, eggs may also provide the perfect solution. Eggs are an excellent source of protein, which is essential for hair growth, as well as being rich in biotin (vitamin B7). Egg yolks are also a good source of iron, which some studies have suggested can alleviate hair loss, which can be caused by anaemia.
Food for men 8: Pomegranate juice
Pomegranates are packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and research has suggested that drinking the juice of this "superfood" can help lower cholesterol - which can be high in many men as young as their 20s - and prevent hypertension. A study has also found that drinking just one 8oz glass of pomegranate juice a day could dramatically slow down the progress of prostate cancer.
Food for men 9: Garlic
Garlic is well known for boosting heart health, and a study on the effects of garlic consumption on males has shown that regularly eating garlic could help lower men's cholesterol levels. Furthermore, research findings published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute have suggested that regularly eating garlic and onions could help lower men's risk of developing prostate cancer.
Food for men 10: Salmon
Salmon is not only a great source of protein, but it is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help address many of men's most common health complaints. Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to lowered levels of "bad" cholesterol and can also reduce risk of many illnesses, including heart disease, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer and depression.

Caffeine linked to leaky bladder in men

The amount of caffeine that's typically found in two cups of coffee may contribute to urinary incontinence in men, according to a new study.
"It's something to consider. People who are having problems with urinary incontinence should modify their caffeine intake," said Dr Alayne Markland, the study's senior author, from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
The report doesn't prove that caffeine causes bladder leakage, but the men in the study who consumed the most caffeine were more likely to have the problem than those who consumed the least.
Plenty of research has linked caffeine to incontinence among women. But little is known about whether there is a similar connection for men.
It's estimated that 85% of Americans consume caffeine regularly, both in beverages like coffee, tea and soft drinks, and in foods like candy, pastries and ice cream containing chocolate.
Estimates of urinary incontinence among US adult men range from 5% to 21%.
How the study was done
For the new study, Dr Markland's team used responses from about 4 000 men to the National Health and Nutritional Examination Surveys (NHANES) 2005-06 and 2007-08. The researchers looked at how many had urinary incontinence and how much caffeine they ate or drank, as well as how much water they took in from both foods and beverages.
Overall, the men consumed an average of 169 mg of caffeine every day. That's a little more than the typical 125 mg in a cup of coffee.
About 13% reported leaky bladder, but only 4.5% had a problem considered moderate or severe, i.e., more than a few drops of urine leakage during the course of a month.
After adjusting for the men's age and other risk factors, the researchers found that those who consumed at least 234 mg of caffeine every day were 72% more likely to have moderate to severe urinary incontinence than those who consumed the least caffeine.
What the study found
Men who consumed more than 392 mg of caffeine daily were more than twice as likely to be incontinent.
Total water intake, in contrast, was not linked to a man's risk of moderate to severe incontinence.
It's not just a matter of how much fluid a person takes in. Dr Markland said that some research in women suggests caffeine irritates the bladder, and she believes that may also underlie the association in men.
"Although we didn't prove that in the study, that condition has been documented in women and we may need further evaluation in men," she said.
Dr Bryan Voelzke, from the Department of Urology at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle, said the medications such as diuretics could also affect men's bladder control.
This study on its own is not enough to say caffeine is the source of urinary incontinence, according to Dr Voelzke.
"I think - if anything - it's a suggestion. I don't think it's a call for action to stop drinking coffee," he said.

Tips to help you finally quit smoking in 2015

Smokers trying to quit should consider:

•    It's never too late. Although quitting as soon as possible is best, avoiding cigarettes at any age will improve your health and help you live longer. If you're not buying cigarettes, you'll have more money in your pocket. By quitting, you may inspire other smokers to do the same.

•    Learn from the past. If you were unsuccessful in quitting in the past, don't be discouraged. You can apply those experiences in a new attempt to quit. Learn from your mistakes, and let them help you achieve success in the future.

•    Don't go it alone. If you've decided to quit, enlist the support of friends and relatives. Sharing your experiences can help ease your burden. Other smokers you know may also decide to kick the habit.


The American Lung Association offers the Freedom From Smoking program. This support group is available online or in a group setting. The toll-free Freedom From Smoking Helpline is 1-800-LUNGUSA. The hotline is staffed with smoking cessation experts who can answer questions and help devise plans to quit.

•    Consider medication. There are seven medications (like nicotine patches or gum) approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that have been shown to help smokers quit.

The problem is that many smokers don't use them correctly or stop using them too soon. If you decide to try medication, talk to your doctor and take your medication exactly as directed.

•    All smokers can quit. If you think quitting is impossible, think again. There are more than 50 million former smokers in the United States, according to the lung association.

In order to stop smoking successfully, all smokers must find the combination of quitting strategies that work for them. The most important thing is not to give up.

How Onion Helps in Hair Growth

Many people face the problem of hair loss. Though losing 50-100 hairs per day is considered as normal, losing hair cause concern and mental stress in people. Moreover, acute hair loss can affect the appearance of a person and affects their confidence levels. There are many natural remedies which are capable of inducing proper hair growth and the most important and effective among them is Onion juice.

Natural And Safe Method

It is completely safe to use onion for preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth as onion helps in hair growth without any side effects or causing allergies. There is no need to use harsh chemicals on your hair when you have an easily available, cheap and safe method for promoting hair growth. You can use onion as a natural remedy if you have receding hair line or bald patches. You may not be able to get the same result when you opt for hair loss treatment from costly hair spas.

Can Onion Help In Hair Growth?

Most of the people are skeptical about the use of onion for hair growth. Most of you will be thinking can onion help in hair growth? The scientific studies on natural remedies for hair loss has proven that applying onion juice and consuming onions is helpful in controlling hair loss and other problems related to hair such as dandruff, fungal infections and  yeast infections. It has been found that onion juice is also effective in preventing premature graying of hair.

How Does Onion Help In Hair Growth?

Most of the people are unaware of how onions are effective in promoting hair growth. Onions have rich sulfur content in them. Onion juices when applied on the scalp alone or in combination with other hair loss remedies can improve the blood circulation to the scalp. Sulfur also improves the production of collagen tissues which is necessary for the growth of hair. Hair grows from the hair follicles in the scalp and increased blood supply to the scalp brings better nutrients and nourishment to the follicles and promotes hair growth. The sulfur content in the juice also has anti-bacterial properties and prevents the growth of fungi and bacteria on the scalp which reduces the chances of losing hair due to these infections. Onion juice increases the strength of the hair and prevents thinning and breakage. You can achieve improved volume to your hair by regularly applying the onion juice on the scalp.

Onion to Grow Hair Faster

To achieve hair growth with the help of onion juice you need to extract the juice of the onions and apply it on the scalp thoroughly. Though, the juice has a pungent smell, the remedy is highly effective in achieving the results you need. You need to keep the juice on the scalp for at least 30 minutes. You can keep it for longer if you will be able to bear the smell of the juice. Rinse off the juice using water and mild shampoo. You will have to repeat this remedy at least thrice a week for at least two months to see the results. This is a natural remedy and it will take some time to give the expected result.

How Onion Helps in Hair Growth

How To Make Onion Juice For Hair Growth?

It is very easy and simple to make the onion juice for hair growth. You can use a food processor or blender, grater or a juicer to extract the juice. Peel the required number of onions according to the length of your hair and cut them into pieces. You can put them in blender or juicer and run it to get the required amount of juice. To extract the juice using grater, cut the onion into halves and grate each half, squeeze out the juices from grated onion using your hand.

Simple Methods Of Using Onion for Hair Growth

1.    Onion Juice-Honey Mixture

You can use this remedy in two different ways. You can mix ¼ cup of onion juice with one honey tablespoon of honey and you can consume it orally every day or you can apply the mix on the scalp and massage it for 15 minutes daily to see the difference.

2.    Concoction Of Onion Juice And Rum

If you find the smell of onions unbearable you can use this method to prevent the loss of hair and to improve the growth of hair. Finely chop one medium sized onion and soak this in a glass of rum overnight. Next day, strain the mixture to remove the onion pieces. Use the concoction to massage the scalp or use it as a hair rinse after washing the hair.

3.    Add Onion In Your Recipes

You can include onions in regular recipes and in salads to get the benefits of using onion. This will not act as fast as applying the juice to the hair.

4.    Onion Juice Hair Rinse

This is another method of using onions for hair growth without getting tears and irritation to eyes. Add 4-5 chopped onion to one liter of water and boil it for about 10 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool and strain the mixture. Use the onion boiled water to rinse your hair after shampooing. If you are not bothered with the smell you need not wash the hair with water that day. You can clean your hair using water and mild shampoo next day.
Hair is part of the personality of a person. If you are worried about your excessive hair loss, you can try the above remedy. Select a method convenient to you and stick to it for at least two months. Your hair will first achieve a good sheen and slowly you will see your hair becoming stronger and thicker. To boost your hair growth, you can also massage your hair and scalp with a mixture of olive oil, coconut oil and almond oil once in a week. You can achieve better results, if you leave the oil overnight on your hair. Always eat a healthy diet to prevent hair loss and to promote the re-growth of the hair.

Top Herbal Remedies For Fertility Problems

The use of herbal remedies for fertility has been in use for many ages and these remedies are not just an effective way to get rid of fertility problems but are also considered to be a safe one. There are many herbs that can be used to stimulate ovulation in females and will help in normalizing the hormone system in females. Using some of the best herbs will help in reducing the chances of infertility in women to a great extent. The best part is that both men as well as women can use the herbal remedies to reduce their infertility problems.

Top Herbal Remedies For Fertility Problems

The following are the few top herbal remedies that you can try out to help boost fertility in women.

1.    Helonias Root

The Helonias root is also known as the false unicorn root. This is a wonder herb that will help in treating a lot of issues that are associated with infertility in females.
•    It is a wonder herb that will help in boosting ovulation.
•    It will also help in improving and restoring the hormonal system in females.
•    It gives the strength that the uterus needs during ovulation and has a constructive effect on reproductive hormones.
•    It will help in improving the estrogenic activity and also help in increasing the lower progesterone levels.

2.    Ashwagandha

One of the popular herbs that are used to treat infertility problems in women is Ashwagandha. It is an Asian herb that is used commonly in treating infertility in both men and women.
•    It is an excellent herb that will help in bringing the normalcy back to the endocrine system.
•    It will boost the endocrine functions of the body.
•    It will help in improving the immune response of the body.

3.    Stinging Nettle

One of the other popular herbs used in the treatment of uterine malfunctions and help in fertility is Stinging Nettle. It will also help in boosting the functions of the adrenal glands. It is a very effective herb that is helpful in increasing the chances of conceiving. It is very effective in retaining the embryo inside the uterus, preventing miscarriages
•    It is advisable that women drink two to three cups of Stinging Nettle herb tea for many months as it will help in having a healthy pregnancy.
•    Drinking nettle tea even after childbirth is very helpful as it will help in improving milk production in breastfeeding mothers.
•    It is also a rich source of Vitamins A, D, E and K.

4.    Raspberry Leaf

Raspberry leaf is considered to be very effective in improving the chances of fertility in women.
•    It is a rich source of calcium which is found to be very essential ingredient for the normal growth of the embryo.
•    It is also very effective in maintaining the hormonal balance of the body.
•    Taking it along with red clover will boost the hormonal balance effect.

5.    Maca Root

One of the important herbal remedies that are used to treat infertility in men as well as women is the Maca root. It is a rich source of about 31 different varieties of minerals and hence boosts fertility.
•    It maintains normalcy of hormone levels in the body.
•    It will help in improving the energy level of the body and is a very good strengthener of the body.
•    It is an excellent herb to increase sperm count in men and is also effective for increasing libido in both men and women.

6.    Dong Quai

Dong Quai is an excellent herbal remedy used in Asian countries to give strength to the uterus.
•    It will help in properly regulating the menstrual cycle and thereby will help in boosting the chances of fertility in females.
•    This herb improves the blood flow to the pelvis area and helps in strengthening the uterus.
•    It will help in correcting fertility problems like irregular monthly periods and cold uterus.

7.    Oatstraw

One of the most commonly used herb in maintaining the hormonal levels in the body is oatstraw.
•    It will help in maintaining the cholesterol level of the body.
•    It is very effective in improving the function of the nervous system.
•    It is an important sexual stimulant as it has libido enhancing properties.

8.    Red Clover

Two of the very important minerals that is needed for fertility in women are: magnesium and calcium. These two minerals are found in abundance in red clover. It is one of the best herbal remedies that women can try out if they find it very difficult to conceive.
•    Red clover will help in improving the endocrine functioning of the body effectively. This will help the women to conceive easily.
•    Red clover nourishes the uterus and also helps to keep the nervous system relaxed.
Are you suffering from irregular monthly flows? Do you find it difficult to conceive and are looking for herbal remedies to find a solution to this problem? Well, then all you need to do is to try out some of the above mentioned herbal remedies and you are sure to find the right result for your infertility and hormonal problems.

10 Surprising Foods That Kill Your Sex Life

If you are not able to perform at your bed, then you and your partner are in from the worst sex session of your lives. There are a lot of aphrodisiacs that are available in the market that can help you to boost your libido and make you a big performer in bed. But, are you aware that there is something known as “anaphrodisiac”? These are the foods that will really prevent you from having an enjoyable and pleasurable sex. You will surely be called a failure if you do not perform well in bed with your partner and at times your partner can get so vexed with you, that she might even ditch you. There are many times when you might have come across such a situation where you are in no mood for sex but your partner wants you to rip him or her apart. There are even times when both of you lack the desire to have sex. Hence, it is ideal for you to keep a tag of the foods that are responsible for low libido and also hinder you from having an enjoyable and top of the world sex life.
The following are some of the foods that you and your partner should avoid to improve your sex life.
1. Alcohol
Many people believe that alcohol is very good before sex as it helps them to shed off their inhibitions and approach their partner better. There are even people believe that consumption of a little bit of alcohol increases their sexual drive and makes them a perfect performer in bed. But, in most cases people do not stop with a peg and consume three to four pegs of alcohol that will prevent them from having an enterprising sex with their partner. Too much of alcohol causes depression in you and you might even suffer from psychological symptoms. It will also decrease the production of testosterone in men. So, make sure that you limit yourself to just one drink if you have intentions to entertain your partner in bed.
2. Coffee
If you are a coffee lover, then it is better than you reduce taking a lot of coffee to become a good performer in bed. Taking 5 to 6 cups of coffee every day will cause damage to your adrenal glands. The function of the adrenal glands will be reduced due to excess consumption of coffee and this will in turn produce stress hormones. If you are under severe stress, you will be a total failure in bed with your partner. This can also lead to sexual imbalance. Hence, limit to just one or two cups of coffee everyday to impress your partner in bed.
3. Mint
Many people who are ready to have sex with their partner would pop up peppermint chewing gums or even eat mint leaves to keep their mouth fresh. But, do you know that mint has a bad effect on your sex life? Yes, the menthol in the peppermint has been found to be an ingredient that can lower your testosterone levels and make you a poor performer in bed. If you feel like you want to get rid of bad breath and the foul smell in your mouth, try chewing a piece of ginger.

4. Sodas And Colas
One of the worst foods that cause sexual dysfunction is sodas. Any fixed drink has to be totally avoided before sex and must also be consumed in very minimal quantities if you would like to impress your partner in bed always. It is also responsible for dehydration, obesity and dental cavities. So, make it a point to avoid fizzed drinks totally.
5. Cornflakes
Are you aware that John Harvey Kellogg, the man who created Kellogg’s cereals, made it to reduce sexual drive in men and women? The sugar that is present in the cereals will spike and will also cause a crush in your blood level that will in turn affect testosterone. This will make you a poor performer in bed. Hence, make sure that you do not consume cereals if you have intentions of making love with your partner at night.
6. Artificial Sweetener
All artificial sweeteners contain Aspartame which will reduce the release of serotonin in your body. Serotonin is the main chemical that increases your libido and your sexual drive as well as makes you happy. It is one that controls your mood. Lack of serotonin also leads to headaches, irritability and depression and you will never feel the urge of having sex.
7. Canned Food
There are large amounts of sodium in the canned foods that will reduce the flow of blood all over your body. Consuming too much of canned food will also lower your potassium levels as well as reduce blood flow to your genitals. Finally, you will end up losing vigor and sexual urge completely.
8. Soy Products
It is important for you to stay away from processed soy products as all the essential health products in the soy are wiped away during processing. The Phytoestrogen in the soy is said to be one of the foods that affect the hormonal imbalance in men and women and make their poor performers in bed.
9. Licorice
If you have the habit of drinking licorice tea, then you are well advised to substitute this tea with either green tea or even ginseng to have a better and pleasurable sex life. The active glycyrrhetinic acid in the licorice will reduce the cortisol levels significantly. This will in turn result in lowering of the testosterone levels that reduces your sexual drive.
10. Processed Cheese
If you want to be a good performer in bed and a man with sexual urge at all times, then it is ideal for you to avoid all kinds of processed foods especially cheese. The cheese sold in the supermarkets is made from cow’s milk. This milk has been treated with antibiotics and artificial growth hormones. Too much of processed dairy foods will result in the release of xenoestrogen in your body that will lower your sex drive and also might cause sexual dysfunction.

Top Foods To Increase Libido Or Sexual Desire

One of the most common problems faced by both men and women in today’s world is the reduction in sexual urge and desire or low libido. Sexual desire is an interest that develops in men or women to engage in sexual activities or create an interest in sexual objects. It can be triggered by both internal as well as external cues. If you are also feeling the decrease in the sex drive than before, then you might be facing some medical condition. There are many foods that will help in driving your sexual desire and increasing your libido. But, if these natural foods fail, then you need to consult a doctor.

Common Causes And Symptoms Of Low Libido

1.  Job stress and peer pressure
2. Interpersonal relationship problems
3. Unresolved issues
4. Excess Alcohol
5. Lack of sleep
6. Parenting
7. Obesity
8. Depression
9. Thyroid disorders and fibroids
10. Certain medications
11. Erectile Dysfunction
12. Menopause
13. Lack of intimacy
14. Age
15. Low testosterone

Foods To Increase Sexual Drive

There many foods that can help you to naturally increase your sexual appetite and spice up your sex life. The following are the foods that will help in safely and naturally help in increasing your libido.

1. Chocolates

Pure chocolates made from unadulterated raw cocoa is a super food. It contains more antioxidants than green tea or red wine. A chemical known as phenylethlamine is present in the chocolates that will help in creating a sense of excitement in you.
• Eating chocolates everyday will help you in increasing your sexual drive.

2. Oysters

Oysters help in boosting dopamine, a well being and feel good hormone that will help in boosting libido in both men and women. It is an important food for men who love to increase their sexual drive.
• Try to include oysters in your diet at least two times a week.
• It will help in improving the production of testosterone as it is rich in zinc.
• It will also help in boosting the production of healthy and active sperms.

3. Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are rich in essential vitamins and also very rich in zinc.
• The zinc in pumpkin seeds helps in boosting production of sperms in men and will also help in correcting testosterone deficiency in men.
• They are loaded with Vitamins B, E, D, C and K that will help in boosting libido.

4. Raw Garlic

Eating raw garlic every day will help in boosting your sexual drive. There is no need to worry that it might turn your partner away, but it will help in improving your performance in bed manifold.
• The heat in the garlic is the main thing that will help in increasing your sexual drive.
• It contains allicin that helps in improving blood flow to the sexual organs.
• Take it every day for a month to see visible results.

5. Bananas

Bananas are rich in potassium and Vitamin B. It will help in increasing the libido in men as it contains bromelain enzyme.
• Take one or two ripe bananas everyday to increase your sexual desire and to boost testosterone levels.

6. Avocados

They are an excellent source of folic acid. They will help in providing energy to the body and will also aid in easy protein metabolism.
• Avocados help in increasing libido in men and women.
• The Vitamin B6 helps in boosting production of male hormones.
• The potassium in avocado helps in increasing female libido and also regulating the thyroid glands in women.

7. Blueberries

Blueberries are found to be a natural food that will help in driving the sexual pleasure in men to greater heights.
• They are rich in antioxidants that will help in relaxing the blood vessels and thereby improve the circulation of the blood to al parts of the body including the sexual organs.
• Men will enjoy stronger erections on consumption of blueberries regularly.
• It will also boost dopamine levels and will help in boosting the production of feel good hormones.

8. Peanuts

Peanuts are rich source of L-arginine and will help in especially increasing libidos in men.
• The L-arginine in peanuts has been proven to also improve the erectile dysfunction in men.
• The amino acids in peanuts help in relaxing the blood vessels and thereby improve blood circulation.

9. Watermelons

• Watermelon is regarded to be a natural Viagra with no side effects.
• They produce L-citrulline, an amino acid, which helps in increasing the blood flow to sexual organs.
• It will also help in boosting nitric oxide in the body which takes away the fatigue, mental and sexual dysfunction factor away.

10. Fishes

Some of the sea water fishes are found to be a rich source of omega -3. These fatty acids help in boosting the sexual urge in men and women and will also improve sexual stamina. They will help in fighting depression, improves the mood and helps in proper functioning of the brain and the nervous system. Some of the fishes that you need to include in your daily diet are:
• Trout
• Anchovies
• Herring
• Wild salmon
• Tuna
• Mackerel
• Sardines

11. Dates

Dates are a rich source of iron that will help in improving and strengthening the ovulation process is women. It will also help in increasing the sexual desire in women and men.
• Take a few numbers of pure Arabian dates and soak them in a cup of honey.
• Take one or teaspoons of the honey every day to improve your sexual desire.

12. Onions

Onions have aphrodisiac properties and hence will help in increasing libido.
• Peel off the skin of the onion. Crush it and then fry it in clarified butter.
• Take this regularly with a spoon of honey every morning on an empty stomach to boost your sexual drive.
Are you worried that you do not have the energy to perform in bed? Do you like to satisfy your partner in bed like never before? If you are looking at ways and means to increase your sexual drive, then you can try out a combination of the above foods to enjoy increased libido.

4 Secrets to Never Getting Sick

Ever wonder why you always seem to come down with a life-interrupting virus this time of year, while other women you know sail through the season sniffle-, cough-, and ache-free?

We canvassed the research and talked to top experts to uncover these key, study-backed secrets for staying well, even when you're surrounded by germs. The docs' number one tip: Get the flu vaccine, ASAP. Then, follow these simple steps to boost your virus protection even more.

Make friends with fresh air

Common wisdom has it that staying indoors, where it's warm and toasty, is easier on your immune system than being outside in the cold. Problem is, being inside puts you in close constant contact with other people—and their germs.

Not only does escaping into the fresh air give you a break from all those germs circulating inside, but going for a stroll can actually boost your immunity. "Exercise leads to an increase in natural killer cells, neutrophils, and monocytes, which ultimately increases immune function," says Ather Ali, ND, MPH, assistant director of Complementary/Alternative Medicine Research at the Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center.

Relaxation fights off colds

There are a trillion reasons why taking time to chill out might be the last item on your to-do list. But here's why it should be a priority: "Being stressed will increase your susceptibility to catching a cold," says Ali. That may be because, over the long term, it leads to the ongoing release of stress hormones, such as glucocorticoids.

These impede your body's ability to produce cell-signaling molecules called cytokines, which trigger a disease-fighting response from your immune system. "You're also less likely to take care of yourself—get ample sleep, eat right, exercise—when you're stressed," says Ali, which is crucial to upping your immunity.

Clean hands are everything

 Cold and flu can spread all too easily through touch. Keep your fingers away from your eyes, nose, and mouth as much as possible, and make sure to master the art of hand-washing. Soap and water remain your most effective tools there, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Germs can grow on bar soaps, so use the pumped kind—or better yet, a hands-free dispenser and choose regular soap over antibacterial. Lather for a solid 20 seconds before rinsing, and make sure to dry thoroughly (but not on your germy clothes!): "Damp hands are far more likely to spread bacteria than dry ones," says Dana Simpler, MD, a primary care physician at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore. 

The magic bullet

 An occasional restless night is nothing to worry about, but a continuous lack of zzz's can hamper your immune system's ability to function. Though experts often say that sleep requirements vary by individual, a 2009 Carnegie Mellon study found that anything short of seven hours nearly triples your odds of catching a cold—and that means seven straight hours, with no middle-of-the-night wake-ups.

"For many of us, the only quiet time we have to think through things is when we're lying down at bedtime. Unfortunately, problem-solving in bed interferes with sleep," says Leslie Swanson, PhD, a sleep specialist at the department of psychiatry at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. 

  

 

Why Your Period Might Change After Having a Baby

After I had my second baby, my periods became a lot heavier. That didn’t happen after the first one. Why is that?
As you know, your body changes drastically with each pregnancy, but it doesn’t stop at an expanding belly. For example, you produce about 100 times as much estrogen during a day of pregnancy as on a normal day. Other hormones, like progesterone and human chorionic gonadotropin, increase during this time as well. These temporary hormonal shifts alter your body not only during those nine months—they can have lasting effects, even after you’re done giving birth and have finished nursing.

This means that just as your breasts may never look quite the same again, your periods may become unrecognizable. Some women experience a pattern shift (differences in PMS symptoms, cramps, duration or heaviness, mood changes or all of the above) after their first baby, and then may go through another menstrual 180 after their second or third child. Still others have no changes at all.

Your period pattern may also undergo an adjustment in your late 30s as estrogen and fertility begin to decline. So your monthly deluge could be due to a combination of factors. If heavier bleeding or increased pain is making your periods harder to cope with, see your doctor; birth control pills can help even out your hormones.

ADHD in Childhood May Raise Risk for Obesity in Adulthood

Boys who are diagnosed with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are twice as likely to become obese adults as those who didn’t have the disorder when they were young, a new 30-year study shows.
Researchers found that men with childhood ADHD tended to have a higher body-mass index (BMI) and obesity, even if they no longer had symptoms of the disorder. Socioeconomics made no difference; well-off or poor, they tended toward obesity.
“The bottom line is, boys who were hyperactive when followed up for more than 30 years turn out to be more likely to be obese than comparable kids from their same communities,” said study co-author Dr. Francisco Xavier Castellanos, a professor of child and adolescent psychiatry in the Child Study Center at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City.
“That really seems to be reflective of their early hyperactivity. It doesn’t matter what their current diagnosis is so much, so we think these are longstanding issues that likely arose in early adolescence,” he added.
A lack of impulse control and poor planning skills, symptoms often associated with ADHD, could lead to poor eating habits and food choices as well as the tendency to overeat, the study authors speculated.
“It fits with other studies, and suggests that the inability to control one’s impulses, the tendency to be relatively reward-driven, may represent a risk of obesity over time,” Castellanos said.
The study, published online May 20 and in the June print issue of Pediatrics, tracked 111 men diagnosed with childhood hyperactivity, touching base with them at ages 18, 25 and 41. By adulthood, 41 percent had become obese, compared with a non-hyperactive control group that had a 22 percent obesity rate.
The results are somewhat confounding, Castellanos said.
“The pattern of results to a certain extent was counterintuitive,” he said. “We thought we would get the strongest effect in those men who manifested ADHD as adults, and that wasn’t the case. That suggests that it’s not something that is very tightly related to the current diagnosis, but the tendency to have the diagnosis.”
The findings run counter to an earlier study that showed that hyperactive adult men had a greater tendency for obesity than men who left childhood ADHD behind, said Dr. Craig Surman, scientific coordinator for the Adult ADHD Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
“So, the simple story here would be we don’t know, because you have to replicate studies to know,” he said. “The question now becomes why the findings are different.”
Future research also needs to consider whether women with childhood ADHD are as likely as men with childhood ADHD to become obese, and whether controlling hyperactivity through the use of medication can have an impact, Surman said.
ADHD is more common in boys than girls, with 12 percent of U.S. boys aged 3 to 17 receiving the diagnosis, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The link between ADHD and obesity has become a topic of great interest as elevated rates of obesity have been reported in children with the disorder, Surman said. Obesity can lead to heart disease and diabetes later in life.
“It’s very important to understand the ways ADHD affects life and self-care,” Surman said. “We’ve known for some time that it’s not just people’s desks and houses that are messy. For some people, it’s a lack of ability to control how to care for themselves as well.”