Blackheads, also known as comedomes are caused due to the accumulation of excess oil in the hair follicles. Blackheads are a type of acne that get their appearance due to oxidation which occurs when they are exposed to air. When the oil glands beneath the skin go into over-production, the excess oil that is produced tends to collect in the skin pores. Dirt and bacteria combine with the oil to form a plug which clogs the opening of the pores.

Blackheads can develop on the skin due to many reasons. Excess oil production may be triggered by hormonal changes in the body. Stress could also cause fluctuations in the hormonal levels, which in turn stimulates the oil or sebaceous glands to produce more oil. Blackheads may be indicative of an outbreak of acne. Sebum also accumulates in the pores and allows bacteria to grow. Blackheads differ from whiteheads as they are open and exposed to oxygen in the air. This causes darkening due to the oxidation process. Whiteheads are covered by cellular material at the surface and hence are not exposed to oxygen. When bacteria are present in blackheads and whiteheads, they cause infection thereby resulting in acne.

There are several home remedies for the treatment of blackheads. One effective home remedy is to add four drops of iodine and a teaspoon of Epsom salt to a quarter cup of warm water. After it cools, apply the solution to the affected areas with the help of a cotton ball and wipe it off later with a cloth. You can also grind fresh fenugreek leaves and mix with water to make a paste. Apply to the affected skin and leave it on for fifteen minutes. Steam is also very effective in unclogging blocked pores and getting rid of blackheads. After taking steam, rub the skin with a towel to remove blackheads and dead skin, and then splash cold water on the face to close the pores again. A paste of radish seeds and water is known to be beneficial in treating blackheads. Another effective home remedy is to mix five grams each of turmeric and red sandalwood powder and mix with some milk. Apply to the affected areas and wash it off once it dries. A mixture of honey, lemon and salt may also be used as a facial scrub to remove blackheads. You can also mix equal parts of lime juice and groundnut oil and apply the mixture to your face. Leave it on for ten minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water. Consuming adequate amounts of water is essential for keeping the skin healthy and free from infection. Your diet must also consist of healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, and high-fiber foods such as whole grains.

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Happy holidays! Holiday simply means outings, relaxing, parties and enjoying. The diet and exercise routine that you had followed for months goes topsy turvy and you come back to square one. Starting your diet and exercise all over again after your holidays can be boring. Even the few pounds that you gain during holidays are difficult to shed once you get back to your normal routine after holidays. Listed below are some of the time-honored special holidays’ dishes which you love, but can be modified in terms of calories and fat without compromising on the taste.

Holiday food: Holidays often brings along parties and parties surely brings along cocktails, creamy dips, savory finger foods and fried canapés.

Merry food: Bypass hard drinks, alcohol, fried chips and other creamy foods. Instead lay your hands on a small handful of nuts, chilled shrimps, grilled salmon, fresh fruit or reduced fat cheese. Instead of alcohol try a small glass of refreshing fresh lime soda, red wine or just a plain glass of water with a slice of lime.

Holiday food: Dark red meat or turkey meat covered with gravy and turkey sandwiches loaded with cheese and mayonnaise.

Merry food: Opt for low fat white turkey or white meat without the skin with just a drizzle of gravy made from low sodium chicken broth or defatted pan juices. Broiled or grilled seafood can also be a great option.

Holiday food: A big mountain of fried or mashed potatoes swimming in salt and butter, the essential holiday food!

Merry food: Choose baked sweet potato or baked potato with their jackets along with a dash of butter and bean gravy.

Holiday food: Pecan pie is often a holiday highlight for most people.

Merry food: The butter, corn syrup and sugar in the pecan pie can add loads of fat on your tummy and hips. Try some strawberries dipped in low-cal chocolate sauce or a small piece of pie (pumpkin filling) without the crust instead.

Holiday food: A baked turkey with corn bread stuffing loaded with a variety of vegetables, nuts, meats and butter.

Merry food: Try wild rice stuffing instead of corn bread as the latter stuffing tends to absorb loads of the liquefied fat that would otherwise drain out. Preferably bake the wild rice stuffing separately in another casserole.

Healthy Holiday Tips For Dine Out

• Before going out for dinner or a party, snack heavily on fresh fruits or other low calorie cereals. This will ensure that you don’t binge later at the party.
• Remember holidays also mean other outdoor activities like skating, rollerblading, swimming, playing tennis, badminton, cycling or just running. Have healthy competitions among your friends, this is an excellent recreational way to burn calories and thus compensate for the holiday foods you eat.
• Avoid heavy desserts after meals as they tend to add additional unnecessary calories. Sip enough water or eat healthy desserts like mixed fruit bowl or even better chew a sugar free gum.
• Learn to watch your portion size. Do not deprive yourself of your favorite foods but at the same time do not overindulge in fatty foods.

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My height is 5 ft 2 inches and my current weight is about 74 kg. Please guide me to choose foods wisely while eating out (in restaurants). I’m a non vegetarian.

Hi! Your ideal body weight is around 55 kg. You need to be careful, as you are much above the desired level. There is inadequate information regarding your age, gender and physical activity. You have specifically mentioned about eating out. Are you forced to eat out or do you do it at your will? The first advice is to try eating at home, as it is the safest place to eat, from the angles of hygiene, quality and nutrition. It is cost effective and saves your system from unwanted problems. The main disadvantage of eating out is the difficulty of meeting with restricted quantity. Eat out once a while, but eat wisely. The choice of right kind of foods is important, especially while eating out. Animal foods needs special concern, as improper cooking causes various health hazards.

Animal foods are cooked in rich gravies with lots of fat, in addition to the invisible fat in them. Margarine, butter and lard are the various saturated fats, which are commonly used in restaurants. Red meat and processed meat, in the form of sausages, luncheon meats and bacon are not recommended, as they are loaded with salts and marbled with fat. Lean meat is a good substitute for red meat. Egg is a good source of high quality protein and is preferred in the poached, boiled or scrambled form. Bull’s eye is good, though yolk contributes to high levels of cholesterol. Fish is a good source of protein and is beneficial, owing to the omega 3 fatty acids.  But, they are generally deep fried in restaurants, to enhance the flavor and taste, which results in weight gain. Certain methods of cooking that proves beneficial are steaming, grilling, poaching, boiling and micro waving.

Healthy Eating Nutrition

Crisps, chicken nuggets, potato wafers, French fries and so on contribute to a hell lot of calories. Salads served with meals are good appetite suppressants, as they provide dietary fiber. Though soups are appetizers, they are loaded with salt. They are generally not low calorie foods, as they are thickened with various flours and other thickeners, which increase the calorie of the meals. Certain cream dips used for pizzas and breads are an excellent source of cheese and butter. Beware of them!

Limit your intake, by opting for smaller plates. Do not go in for second servings. Desserts are the main culprits in outdoor eating! They are abundant in fats and calories, though highly appetizing! Do not give your mind for ‘prestige and self esteem’. Do not eat for your friends and others. Eat for yourself, as you have to face the consequences. Eat out with individuals who are self restrained and might help you achieve your goal of ‘healthy eating’.

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