Sunday, April 3, 2011

Head Cold Home Remedies

Head cold, often referred to as common cold, is a very frequently occurring illness that affects the young and old alike. Head cold is a viral infection that chiefly affects the mucous membrane of the nose. The most common symptoms of a head cold are headache, sneezing and coughing, runny nose, sometimes accompanied with congestion in the respiratory tract. The viral infection normally lasts for more than a week, after which it gradually fades away even without medication. However, the initial period of 10 days can be quite troublesome for the person who has contracted a head cold. Sometimes extreme conditions may lead to a high fever and also flu in certain people. The best medicine for head cold is warmth; the patient must be kept in warm temperatures and should be given warm liquids to drink. If conditions refuse to improve, the patient may also consult a general physician. Here are our suggestions to get rid of head cold at home.
How To Treat A Head Cold
Steam Treatment
Inhaling steam can help you get rid of a running nose and a congested respiratory tract. Take boiling water in a vessel and then place your face above the vessel to take in the hot vapor. Make sure that the steam is not very hot, for it might burn the mucous membrane of the nose. Repeat the process several times throughout the day to completely cure the blocked nose. A nasal spray or humidifier may also be used for the same purpose.
Keep Nose Clean
Inhaling steam may cause mucous to accumulate in the nose. Blow your nose and clear your nose off the mucous instead of sniffing it back. Keep your nose clear at all times of the day if you are to get rid of congestion in your respiratory tract.
Stay Warm
Take rest and keep yourself warm when contracted with a head cold. Sometimes, a head cold may be accompanied by fever. As such, it is advisable to stay wrapped in warm clothes at this point of time even if you feel hot doing so. Also, make it a point to remain stress-free and take rest as far as possible.
Drink Warm Fluids
Warm liquids are very necessary during a head cold as they not only give you comfort, but also keep your system hydrated. Drink more than eight glasses of liquids each day, but avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee as they cause dehydration. Ginger and herbal tea, soup or normal warm water is suggested.
Hot Packs
A head cold often leads to a sinus problem. The best home remedy for sinus pain relief is to use hot packs. Nowadays, a reusable hot pack is available in the market, but you can very well use one available at home. Try a hot water bag or use a warm damp towel to press against the sinus area for relief.
Hot Shower
Though a head cold can make you lazy and you may sometimes be afraid of water, do not avoid a how water bath. You can choose between a warm sponge bath or a steam shower. Hot water brings you instant relief. It helps to ease the pain in muscles which are a frequent occurrence during a head cold and also clears the nose.
Vitamin C Treatment
Drink two glasses of warm lime juice mixed with honey twice every day. This will help increase your resistance power and decrease the duration of the viral attack. You may also try vitamin C enriched tablets prescribed by doctors.
Consumption of Certain Spices
Ginger and turmeric are common spices which cure head cold. Extract the juice of ginger by boiling it in water. Then, add tea leaves to it to make ginger tea. Turmeric, on the other hand, can be helpful by adding it to a cup of warm milk. Both remedies cure throat irritation. Patients with head cold should have both ginger and turmeric at home all the time.  

How To Get Rid Of Tummy Fat

Do not worry. You will manage it. I know how distressing you are feeling over your belly weighing a few more pounds, adding to your overall weight”. Do you find people pouring such statements because you are not able to fit into a sleek dress that you bought last year and wish to wear it for an upcoming wedding or reunion? Tummy fat is definitely a matter of concern, especially if you have been adding too much of it on your so-called sexy figure. Do not panic. You can surely convert your bulging tummy into a slim waistline in sometime, only if you are willing to make some sacrifices and follow a strict schedule. With these guidelines, getting rid of belly fat will not be problematic anymore. Plus, you can confidently slip into your body hugging dress and enter the hall with finesse and poise. Grab these tips before the date draws closer.
 
Getting Rid Of Tummy Fat
 
Eat A Low-Fat Diet
Poor diet and lack of exercise are the only two reasons that result in accumulation of fat in the stomach. Running a mile will not be effective if you gorge on a pound of red meat . As such, eating the right kind of foods in the right quantities is essential for keeping the belly fat at a distance. Your diet should comprise of high fiber fruits and vegetables, such as apples, strawberries, prunes, beans, broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower. Include loads of low-fat proteins, like chicken breast, and complex carbohydrates, such as brown rice, whole wheat, green leafy vegetables, multi grain pasta, and legumes as well. In addition, eliminate fried foods, fast food, red meats, and processed foods from your diet for quicker results.
 
Drink Water
The more water you drink, the faster you will be able to get rid of your belly fat. By eliminating wastes from the body, water helps in reducing the accumulation of fats in the tummy. With insufficient supply of water to the body, the liver, which is highly an important organ for burning fat, starts functioning slowly. As such, if the liver does not function towards burning fat, the body starts building up fat, thereby resulting in weight gain on the belly. Therefore, drinks lots of water, about a gallon, every day to keep your body hydrated and lose belly fat fast. You can also include natural fruit juices along with water.
 
Walk It Out
Cardiovascular exercises are extremely important for burning unnecessary calories and losing out the belly fat. However, you do not have to run for miles to lose those calories. A simple walk to the market or workplace is a great way to keep the fat from collecting on your tummy. Further, this acts as a great exercise for keeping you in shape and energized for the whole day.
 
Exercise
Performing simple stomach crunches will not help you in getting rid of the fat on your belly. You will have to include upper crunches, lower crunches, sit-ups, leg raises, and oblique abdominal exercises in your exercise regimen, along with these crunches. Alternatively, you can also indulge in swimming a number of times every week. This works on your entire body towards losing stomach fat as it builds cardiovascular fitness and works on the muscles in the abdomen. Other cardiovascular exercises that you can indulge yourself are jogging, running, and aerobics.
 
Avoid Skipping Meals
You must heard numerous nutritionists and diet experts asking you to skip meals in order to lose belly fat. But the fact is that skipping meals has never helped in losing weight. Further, it is a gateway for severe problems in the future. It causes a drop in the metabolic rate which, in turn, is a major reason behind burning lesser calories. Thus, to keep your body in the continuous process of burning fat, stay metabolized by eating the right fat burning foods.
 
Quit Alcohol
A belly is often the result of consumption of lots of alcoholic drinks. Though you may think that you are burning calories by drinking, it adds on a lot of fat on your belly, since it contains umpteen empty calories. Thus, it is best to quit drinking. However, if you cannot stand eliminating alcohol from your lifestyle, opt for low-carb or low-calorie beverages.
 
You do not have to be a genius to get a flat stomach. The right kind of expertise, motivation, and persistence will help you burn those calories in your tummy and flaunt a slim waistline in no time!