Wrinkled Lips : Causes and How To Treat Lip Wrinkles

Wrinkles may be a fact of life, but this doesn�t mean that we don�t put them off as long as possible, or that we don�t take action when they start appearing on our face. You may have heard a great deal about treating wrinkles on the face.

Lips get a lot of work over a lifetime. You smile, you frown, you talk, you eat, and you make facial expressions. All of this causes wrinkles as the muscles and even the skin is stretched and used. The lips themselves do wrinkle over time, but the most noticeable wrinkles are the wrinkles immediately surrounding the lips. Everyone wrinkles around the lips, but smokers will have the most noticeable wrinkles in this area.

How to Treat Lip Wrinkles

Products that are sold over the counter that contain both of these ingredients are essential for fighting all wrinkles. However, because the wrinkles that you are treating are on or near the lips, it is vital that you read the ingredients of these products carefully, as there is a possibility of getting them in your mouth. You should apply any product as directed. The products that you choose should contain both proteins, and not just one. Otherwise, you are wasting precious time and money.

Start with your habits, such as smoking. Remember that smokers have the most noticeable wrinkles, and they will appear much earlier than normal.

Also make sure that you eat a healthy diet. Free radicals are also factors when it comes to wrinkles, so you want to eat foods that fight free radicals, such as raw fruits and vegetables.

Smiling, frowning, and facial expressions can cause wrinkles, but you don�t want to stop smiling. Instead, be careful not to hold your mouth in any set position for long periods of time that cause wrinkles in the skin while you are making the expression.

Fatigue : Symptoms, Causes and How To Reduce Fatigue

Fatigue is defined as an ongoing and persistent feeling of weakness, tiredness, and lowered energy level. This should be distinguished from drowsiness, which implies an actual urge to sleep. Fatigue involves lack of energy rather than sleepiness.

Fatigue can be a normal and important response to physical exertion, emotional stress, boredom, or lack of sleep. However, it can also be a nonspecific sign of a more serious psychological or physical disorder. When fatigue is not relieved by enough sleep, good nutrition, or a low-stress environment, it should be evaluated by your doctor. Fatigue is a common symptom, and is usually not due to a serious disease.

There are many possible physical and psychological causes of fatigue. Some of the more common are:

* An allergy that leads to hay fever or asthma
* Anemia (including iron deficiency anemia)
* Depression or grief
* Persistent pain
* Sleep disorders such as ongoing insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, or narcolepsy
* Underactive or overactive thyroid gland
* Use of alcohol or drugs such as cocaine or narcotics, especially with regular use

Fatigue can also accompany the following illnesses:

* Addison's disease
* Anorexia or other eating disorders
* Arthritis, including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
* Autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus
* Cancer
* Congestive heart failure
* Diabetes
* Fibromyalgia
* Infection, especially one that takes a long time to recover from or treat such as bacterial endocarditis (infection of the heart muscle or valves), parasitic infections, AIDS, tuberculosis, and mononucleosis
* Kidney disease
* Liver disease
* Malnutrition

Here are some tips for reducing fatigue:

* Get adequate, regular, and consistent amounts of sleep each night.
* Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet and drink plenty of water throughout the day.
* Exercise regularly.
* Learn better ways to relax. Try yoga or meditation.
* Maintain a reasonable work and personal schedule.
* Change your stressful circumstances, if possible. For example, switch jobs, take a vacation, and deal directly with problems in a relationship.
* Take a multivitamin. Talk to your doctor about what is best for you.
* Avoid alcohol, nicotine, and drug use.

Allergies : Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Allergy is a hypersensitive disorder of the immune system. Allergic reactions occur to normally harmless environmental substances known as allergens; these reactions are acquired, predictable, and rapid.

Common allergic reactions include eczema, hives, hay fever, asthma attacks, food allergies, and reactions to the venom of stinging insects such as wasps and bees.

Mild allergies like hay fever are highly prevalent in the human population and cause symptoms such as allergic conjunctivitis, itchiness, and runny nose. Allergies can play a major role in conditions such as asthma. In some people, severe allergies to environmental or dietary allergens or to medication may result in life-threatening anaphylactic reactions.

Causes

An allergy is caused by an oversensitive immune system, which leads to a misdirected immune response. The immune system normally protects the body against harmful substances, such as bacteria and viruses. When an allergic reaction occurs, it is a result of the immune system reacting to substances (allergens) that are generally harmless and in most people do not cause an immune response.

Risk factors for allergy can be placed in two general categories, namely host and environmental factors. Host factors include heredity, gender, race, and age, with heredity being by far the most significant. However, there have been recent increases in the incidence of allergic disorders that cannot be explained by genetic factors alone. Four major environmental candidates are alterations in exposure to infectious diseases during early childhood, environmental pollution, allergen levels, and dietary changes.


The symptoms

Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis (�hay fever�) is the most common of the allergic diseases and refers to seasonal nasal symptoms that are due to pollens. Year round or perennial allergic rhinitis is usually due to indoor allergens, such as dust mites, animal dander, or molds. It can also be caused by pollens. Symptoms result from the inflammation of the tissues that line the inside of the nose (mucus lining or membranes) after allergens are inhaled. Adjacent areas, such as the ears, sinuses, and throat can also be involved. The most common symptoms include:

* Runny nose
* Stuffy nose
* Sneezing
* Nasal itching (rubbing)
* Itchy ears and throat
* Post nasal drip (throat clearing)

Asthma

Asthma is a breathing problem that results from the inflammation and spasm of the lung�s air passages (bronchial tubes). The inflammation causes a narrowing of the air passages, which limits the flow of air into and out of the lungs. Asthma is most often, but not always, related to allergies. Common symptoms include:

* Shortness of breath
* Wheezing
* Coughing
* Chest tightness

Allergic Eyes

Allergic eyes (allergic conjunctivitis) is inflammation of the tissue layers (membranes) that cover the surface of the eyeball and the undersurface of the eyelid. The inflammation occurs as a result of an allergic reaction and may produce the following symptoms:

* Redness under the lids and of the eye overall
* Watery, itchy eyes
* Swelling of the membranes

Allergic Eczema

Allergic eczema (atopic dermatitis) is an allergic rash that is usually not caused by skin contact with an allergen. This condition is commonly associated with allergic rhinitis or asthma and features the following symptoms:

* Itching, redness, and or dryness of the skin
* Rash on the face, especially children
* Rash around the eyes, in the elbow creases, and behind the knees, especially in older children and adults (rash can be on the trunk of the body)

Hives

Hives (urticaria) are skin reactions that appear as itchy swellings and can occur on any part of the body. Hives can be caused by an allergic reaction, such as to a food or medication, but they also may occur in non-allergic people. Typical hive symptoms are:

* Raised red welts
* Intense itching

Allergic Shock

Allergic shock (anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock) is a life-threatening allergic reaction that can affect a number of organs at the same time. This response typically occurs when the allergen is eaten (for example, foods) or injected (for example, a bee sting). Some or all of the following symptoms may occur:

* Hives or reddish discoloration of the skin
* Nasal congestion
* Swelling of the throat
* Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting
* Shortness of breath, wheezing
* Low blood pressure or shock


Treatments

The best �treatment� is to avoid what causes your allergies in the first place. It may be impossible to completely avoid everything you are allergic to, but you can often take steps to reduce your exposure. This is especially important for food and drug allergies.

Medications that can be used to treat allergies include the following:

* Short-acting antihistamines � these are generally non-prescription and often relieve mild-to-moderate allergy symptoms but they can cause drowsiness. In addition, these antihistamines can blunt learning in children (even in the absence of drowsiness). An example is diphenhydramine. One formerly prescription medication, loratadine (Claritin), is now available over the counter. It does NOT tend to cause drowsiness or affect learning in children.
* Longer-acting antihistamines cause less drowsiness and can be equally effective; usually they do not interfere with learning. These medications, which require a prescription, include fexofenadine (Allegra) and Cetirizine (Zyrtec).
* Nasal corticosteroid sprays are very effective and safe for people with symptoms not relieved by antihistamines alone. These prescription medications include fluticasone (Flonase), Mometasone (Nasonex), and Triamcinolone (Nasacort AQ).
* Decongestants may also be helpful in reducing symptoms such as nasal congestion. Nasal spray decongestants should not be used for more than several days because they can cause a �rebound� effect and make the congestion worse. Decongestants in pill form do not cause this effect.

* Leukotriene inhibitors � Montelukast (Singulair) is a prescription medicine approved to help control asthma and to help relieve the symptoms of seasonal allergies.

Joint Pain : Types and Symptoms of Joint Pain

Joint pain, also known as "Arthralgia," is defined as pain, stiffness, or swelling in or around a joint. There are 360 joints in the human body. Joint pain often occurs in joints of high impact, such as the knees, hips, and back, but many women notice the joints in their hands become stiffer and more painful with age.

Types of joints

There are several types of joints in the human body. Below of the joints most commonly associated with joint pain.

� Ball and Socket Joints allow for a wide range of rotation and movement. The shoulder and hip are ball and socket joints.
� Condyloid Joints allow movement but no rotation. There are condyloid joints in the jaw and fingers.
� Gliding Joints allow bones to glide past each other. There are gliding joints in the ankles, wrists and spine.
� Hinge Joints allow for movement much like that of a door hinge. The knee and ulna part of the elbow are hinge joints.
Pivot Joints allow bones to spin and twist around other bones. There are pivot joints in the neck and the radius part of the elbow.
� Saddle Joints allow for back and forth and side to side motion but limited rotation. There is a saddle joint in the thumb.


Symptoms of Joint Pain

The symptoms of joint pain will depend on the particular cause of the pain experienced, but the typical symptoms of joint pain related to menopause include: pain, stiffness, swelling, and warmth in the joints. Limited morning stiffness, exacerbation of pain with exercise, and relief from pain with rest are also common symptoms in women who suffer from joint pain.

Corns : How To Remove Corns, Home Remedies

Corns are an unflattering hardening of the skin that occurs for a few different reasons. There are hard corns, which are corns that develop when we wear shoes that do not fit our feet correctly or if we have malformations in our feet. Then there are also soft corns which typically occur between our toes, and are a result of how our feet are genetically designed.

If you happen to have hard corns, the easiest solution would be to purchase and wear shoes that are made for wider feet. Yes, this may mean that you have to sacrifice a bit of style for your feet, but it�s worth it. You can also try to apply some lamb�s wool padding over the affected areas. If all else fails, there are other options that you can look at, such as:

Having your corns cut out.

Having the corns burnt off with an acid preparation.

Having your feet and/or toes surgically altered if the malformation of your feet is causing health issues.

If you aren�t too fond of using medicated ointments, there are herbal alternatives out there as well. Some of these include:

* Green figs
* Papaya
* Lemon
* Licorice

Applying any one of those herbs can help reduce and even eliminate the corn. Some people also swear that ice has greatly helped them in removing their hard corns.

Reduces Your Stress : How To Reduce Stress, How To Treat Your Stress

Stress is no laughing matter. While it does have a place in our lives, having an abundance of stress is both physically and psychologically damaging to our bodies. Stress can lead to anxiety and depression, and other physical conditions such as:

* Heart disease
* Strokes
* Lowered immune system
* Cancer
* Gastrointestinal issues
* Weight gain
* Diabetes
* Pain
* Sleep issues
* Sexual dysfunction
* Reproductive dysfunction
* Memory problems

Stress is also often responsible for other health issues such as skin issues, hair loss, and teeth and gum diseases. It�s easy to see why stress needs to be reduced in our life.

Walking

It perhaps sound so simple that many of us don�t even consider this a being some method or form of stress control. Going for even a short 5 to 10 minute walk when feeling stress will greatly reduce that stress and have us feeling happier far more sooner than if we were to sit and lament. You don�t have to go for a power walk; a simple stroll outside of the office or around the block will help you lower your stress.

Breathe

The easiest way to quickly and effectively reduce your stress is to simply breathe. Focusing on your breathing and taking deep, calculated breaths go a long way in helping your restore your mental capacities and releasing the physical tension that is contributing to your stress.

Take a Mental Vacation

Whenever possible, if you are feeling overwhelmed it is important to take some time to yourself and have a mental vacation. Whether this is 5 minutes or 5 days in length, this will go a long way in helping you keep your stress at bay. Try to use visualization techniques and guided imagery to really help ease your mind.

Muscle Relaxation Exercises

Progressive Muscle Relaxation exercises, otherwise known as PMR, is a well known technique that helps you release all of the tension that is in your muscle groups in a matter of seconds. This technique usually works from the top of the body to your toes and helps ease away any stress that you may be feeling throughout your entire body.

Polyphenols, Hormesis and Disease: Part I

What are Polyphenols?
Polyphenols are a diverse class of molecules containing multiple phenol rings. They are synthesized in large amounts by plants, certain fungi and a few animals, and serve many purposes, including defense against predators/infections, defense against sunlight damage and chemical oxidation, and coloration. The color of many fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries, eggplants, red potatoes and apples comes from polyphenols. Some familiar classes of polyphenols in the diet-health literature are flavonoids, isoflavonoids, anthocyanidins, and lignins.

The Case Against Polyphenols

Many diet-health authorities seem pretty well convinced that dietary polyphenols are an important part of good health, due to their supposed antioxidant properties. In the past, I've been critical of the hypothesis. There are several reasons for it:

1. Polyphenols are often, but not always, defensive compounds that interfere with digestive processes, which is why they often taste bitter and/or astringent. Plant-eating animals including humans have evolved defensive strategies against polyphenol-rich foods, such as polyphenol-binding proteins in saliva (1).
2. Ingested polyphenols are poorly absorbed (2). The concentration in blood is low, and the concentration inside cells is probably considerably lower*. In contrast, essential antioxidant nutrients such as vitamins E and C are efficiently absorbed and retained rather than excluded from the circulation.
3. Polyphenols that manage to cross the gut barrier are rapidly degraded by the liver, just like a variety of other foreign molecules, again suggesting that the body doesn't want them hanging around (2).
4. The most visible hypothesis of how polyphenols influence health is the idea that they are antioxidants, protecting against the ravages of reactive oxygen species. While many polyphenols are effective antioxidants at high concentrations in a test tube, I don't find it very plausible that the low and transient blood concentration of polyphenols achieved by eating polyphenol-rich foods makes a meaningful contribution to that person's overall antioxidant status, when compared to the relatively high concentrations of other antioxidants in blood* (uric acid; vitamins C, E; ubiquinone) and particularly inside cells (SOD1/2, catalase, glutathione reductase, thioredoxin reductase, paraoxonase 1, etc.).
5. There are a number of studies showing that the antioxidant capacity of the blood increases after eating polyphenol-rich foods. These are often confounded by the fact that fructose (in fruit and some vegetables) and caffeine (in tea and coffee) can increase the blood level of uric acid, the blood's main water-soluble antioxidant. Drinking sugar water has the same effect (2).
6. Rodent studies showing that polyphenols improve health typically use massive doses that exceed what a person could consume eating food, and do not account for the possibility that the rodents may have been calorie restricted because their food tastes awful.

The main point is that the body does not seem to "want" polyphenols in the circulation at any appreciable level, and therefore it gets rid of them pronto. Why? I think it's because the diversity and chemical structure of polyphenols makes them potentially bioactive-- they have a high probability of altering signaling pathways and enzyme activity, in the same manner as pharmaceutical drugs. It would not be a very smart evolutionary strategy to let plants (that often don't want you eating them) take the reins on your biochemistry. Also, at high enough concentrations polyphenols can be pro-oxidants, promoting excess production of free radicals, although the biological relevance of that may be questionable due to the concentrations required.

A Reappraisal

After reading more about polyphenols, and coming to understand that the prevailing hypothesis of why they work makes no sense, I decided that the whole thing is probably bunk: at best, specific polyphenols are protective in rodents at unnaturally high doses due to some drug-like effect. But-- I kept my finger on the pulse of the field just in case, and I began to notice that more sophisticated studies were emerging almost weekly that seemed to confirm that realistic amounts of certain polyphenol-rich foods (not just massive quantities of polyphenol extract) have protective effects against a variety of health problems. There are many such studies, and I won't attempt to review them comprehensively, but here are a few I've come across:

• Dr. David Grassi and colleagues showed that polyphenol-rich chocolate lowers blood pressure, improves insulin sensitivity and lowers LDL cholesterol in hypertensive and insulin resistant volunteers when compared with white chocolate (3). Although dark chocolate is also probably richer in magnesium, copper and other nutrients than white chocolate, the study is still intriguing.
• Dr. Christine Morand and colleagues showed that drinking orange juice every day lowers blood pressure and increases vascular reactivity in overweight volunteers, an effect that they were able to specifically attribute to the polyphenol hesperidin (4).
• Dr. F. Natella and colleagues showed that red wine prevents the increase in oxidized blood lipids (fats) that occurs after consuming a meal high in oxidized and potentially oxidizable fats (5).
• Several studies have shown that hibiscus tea lowers blood pressure in people with hypertension when consumed regularly (6, 7, 8). It also happens to be delicious.
• Dr. Arpita Basu and colleagues showed that blueberries lower blood pressure and oxidized LDL in men and women with metabolic syndrome (9).
• Animal studies have generally shown similar results. Dr. Xianli Wu and colleagues showed that whole blueberries potently inhibit atherosclerosis (hardening and thickening of the arteries that can lead to a heart attack) in a susceptible strain of mice (10). This effect was associated with a higher expression level of antioxidant enzymes in the vessel walls and other tissues.

Wait a minute... let's rewind. Eating blueberries causes mice to increase the expression level of their own antioxidant enzymes?? Why would that happen if blueberry polyphenols were protecting against oxidative stress? One would expect the opposite reaction if they were. What's going on here?

In the face of this accumulating evidence, I've had to reconsider my position on polyphenols. In the process, and through conversations with knowledgeable researchers in the polyphenol field, I encountered a different hypothesis that puts the puzzle pieces together nicely.  I'll discuss that in the next post.


* Serum levels of polyphenols briefly enter the mid nM to low uM range, depending on the food (2). Compare that with the main serum antioxidants: ~200 uM for uric acid, ~100 uM for vitamin C, ~30 uM for vitamin E.