Category: Health

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Do Essential Oil Diffusers Actually Do Anything for Your Health or Mood?

Wouldn't it be great if moms could squeeze in little bits of relaxation all day long? That’s what essential oil diffusers promise to do: create a positive, refreshing and energizing ambience that makes you happier and healthier. Do they work?

What Are Essential Oils and Diffusers?

Essential Oils

Essential oils are plant extracts. These natural compounds come from a variety of flowers, herbs, trees and other plants. Some of my favorites are tea tree, lavender, sandalwood, lemon and (of course) rose. Essential oils are often used in aromatherapy to promote wellbeing for body and emotions.

Essential Oil Diffusers

Essential oil diffusers deliver these plant scents into the air as aromatic molecules. That way you can smell relaxing aroma as you’re going about your daily activities. The tiny particles reach your nose’s receptors and send signals to your brain, especially to the area involved with emotions. Today's oil diffusers are similar to the air fresheners of yesteryear, but using comforting natural plant extracts instead of synthetic chemicals.

How Effective Are Essential Oils?

Do essential oils work? To be honest, scientists aren’t completely sure. Some research has shown that essential oils such as lavender can have benefits:

  • Relief from anxiety
  • Help with depression symptoms
  • Sleep quality improvements
  • Calming effects for dementia
  • Pain relief for osteoarthritis

In other words, aromatherapy may help your mood and emotional health, but scientists can’t confirm it. That's why doctors aren't actually writing prescriptions for lavender oil or tea tree oil.

What Are the Best Types of Essential Oil Diffusers?

There are many types of diffusers to choose from. Each has pros and cons, and you should look at the price tag, too:

  • Electric diffusers: You add essential oil to water and an electric fan disperses the air and oil droplets into the air.
  • Reed diffusers: Small sticks absorb essential oils from a jar and release them into the room naturally. This can take a while, but it’s silent. Reed diffusers are my favorites for the bedroom.
  • Ceramic diffusers: Terracotta or ceramic absorb and gradually release essential oil into the surrounding space. These diffusers don’t have much reach, so they’re best for a bathroom countertop, tub, or another small space.
  • Heat diffusers: Heating essential oils can change their chemical properties and take away therapeutic benefits. Skip these diffusers unless you’re only after the scent.
  • Ultrasonic diffusers: These high-tech devices use vibrations to create a fine mist of essential oils and water. These are great all-around diffusers for large spaces, and they can also humidify the air in dry homes.
  • Nebulizer diffusers: For fast dispersion you can smell throughout the house, nebulizers are hard to beat. I don’t like them personally because I’m always afraid of breaking the glass container. They also go through more essential oil than other options.

What's the Bottom Line for Essential Oil Diffusers?

My point of view is that you should find out whether essential oils work for you personally. Don’t believe crazy claims or miracle cures you read online. Try your favorite aromatic scents with an essential oil diffuser for a month or two. Write down how you feel at the beginning and compare again at the end. If you notice you feel less stressed or that you’re sleeping better at night, keep going!

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Enjoy Fall All Year Long With These 3 Sweet Recipes

Everyone knows the fall is all about sweet treats, which nutritionists often tell you to avoid. However, there is nothing wrong with a bit of indulgence now and again if you maintain control.  

The problem with autumn treats is they only come around once a year, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Some fall recipes are just as delicious throughout the year. Why not allow your sweet tooth a taste all year long?

1. Apple Fritter Bites

Hailing from Say Yes contributor Brittany, these apple fritter bites are easy to make, light on the stomach, and delicious. The best part, you can whip up about two dozen of these tiny, golden joys in 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

  • 2 Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and cubed)
  • 2 Beaten eggs
  • 2 Tablespoons melted butter
  • 2 Teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 Teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ Teaspoon salt
  • ⅔ Cup milk
  • 1 ½ Cups flour
  • ¼ Cup granulated sugar
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Glaze Ingredients:

  • ¼ Cup milk
  • 1 Cup powdered sugar
  • ¼ Teaspoon salt
  • ¼ Teaspoon vanilla

Instructions:

  1. Using a pan or fryer, heat the oil to 350° Fahrenheit. Mix the baking powder, sugar, flour, salt, and cinnamon in a separate bowl.
  2. Using another bowl, beat the eggs and add milk and vanilla, mixing thoroughly. Combine dry and wet ingredients, folding to a thick, nearly-combined consistency.
  3. Then, add the melted butter and apples to the mixture.
  4. Place 1 tablespoon of batter into the heated oil. Allow the batter to remain in the oil until golden brown.
  5. Remove the fritter from the oil and place it on a paper towel to drain. Finally, dip the warm cakes in the glaze. Let the fritter sit for about 30 minutes before eating for the best results.

2. Pumpkin Loaf Cake

Coming from Ashley over at Sugar & Cloth, this pumpkin loaf cake is a Thanksgiving treat that is sure to give you those warm feelings all year long. The recipe makes a 9-inch loaf.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ¾ Cups all-purpose, unbleached flour
  • 1 Cup canned pure pumpkin
  • ½ Cup room temperature, unsalted butter
  • 1 ¼ Cups Sugar
  • ⅓ Cup whole milk
  • 1 Teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 ½ Teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 Teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¾ Teaspoon salt
  • 3 Large eggs

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
  2. Sift the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into a medium-sized bowl.
  3. Using a large bowl, either by hand or using a mixer, beat the butter smooth. Add in the eggs, sugar, vanilla, and pumpkin.
  4. Once the butter mixture is mixed thoroughly, add the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk.
  5. Pouring the batter into a 9-inch loaf pan, bake it for 55 minutes.

3. Hot Chocolate Popsicles

Who said hot chocolate was just for the colder weather? With this Paper & Stitch recipe, you can enjoy your favorite hot chocolate all year long.

Ingredients:

  • Milk
  • Small marshmallows
  • Chocolate syrup
  • Your favorite hot chocolate mix
  • Popsicle mold
  • Popsicle sticks

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the hot chocolate as instructed, but be sure to use milk, not water.
  2. While brewing the hot chocolate, place a few marshmallows into each popsicle mold. Pour the hot chocolate, filling each mold about a third of the way. Freeze for one hour.
  3. Remove from the freezer, add popsicle sticks, and a thin layer of chocolate syrup. Add more hot chocolate. Freeze and repeat once more.
  4. Freeze thoroughly and enjoy.
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The Importance and Role of the Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland — a small butterfly-shaped gland found below the larynx — is part of the endocrine system. As a member of this system, the thyroid gland produces and regulates some aspects of hormone production in the body, specifically the production of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).

The hormones the thyroid gland produces handle metabolic function and the development of the human body. Also, the thyroid helps to regulate mood, so if it is not operating correctly, a person may experience anxiety or depression.

For such a small gland, unnoticeable by touch, the thyroid is invaluable. The body depends on the gland's proper function to regulate its metabolic rate, contributing to muscle, heart, and digestive function, bone maintenance, and brain development.

Your Brain Runs the Show, Usually

The thyroid does not act alone; it takes orders from the pituitary gland, which responds to signals from the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus, sitting above the pituitary gland, has only one job: maintaining homeostasis. Part of maintaining stability in the body is managing hormones.

While a part of the brain, the hypothalamus is also a member of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis, a network critical to metabolic function. However, the hypothalamus is not the only controlling member in the network. The pituitary gland sometimes supersedes directions from the brain to help regulate hormones — a biological balance of power.

Typically, the hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland by producing and sending thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), which encourages the pituitary gland to create and send thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to the thyroid gland. Finally, the thyroid produces the necessary hormones. However, the pituitary gland can also send TSH to the thyroid without the hypothalamus if it senses an imbalance in the blood.

Despite the apparent checks and balances of the HPT, problems can occur. Over- or underproduction of T3 and T4 can happen, and the issue can lead to lifelong health conditions.

Understanding Hyper- and Hypothyroidism

A thyroid gland is usually a well-oiled machine, producing the exact amount of hormones necessary to maintain and balance the body's metabolism. Unfortunately, several disorders can affect the production of thyroid hormones, resulting in too much or too little in the blood.

A condition known as hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland consistently produces too much hormone. Someone with hyperthyroidism might experience several symptoms, including:

  • Increased heart rate
  • Anxiety
  • Irritability
  • Weight loss
  • Muscle weakness
  • Eye irritations
  • Sleep problems

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces too little hormone, resulting in slower or faster energy usage. Someone with hypothyroidism might experience several symptoms, including:

  • Slower heart rate
  • Fatigue
  • Depression
  • Forgetfulness
  • Hoarse voice
  • Dry skin and hair
  • Goiter

Nearly 20 million people in the U.S. have a thyroid condition, making it relatively common. However, women are five to eight times more likely to receive a diagnosis than men.

The thyroid gland is vital to the body's equilibrium. While it is a small piece of the endocrine system, its role is crucial to hormone regulation and management. If you are experiencing any symptoms related to hyper- or hypothyroidism, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician.

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4 Reasons Why I Prefer Tinted Sunscreen

To protect your skin, you should use sunscreen every time you go out. Unfortunately, messing around with makeup and sunscreen can also be a hassle, especially when you’re in a hurry to get out the door. The good news is that a relatively simple solution makes life easier and keeps skin safe simultaneously: tinted sunscreen.

What Is Tinted Sunscreen?

As the name suggests, an important part of tinted sunscreens are ingredients that help filter out sunlight. These minerals, mainly titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, are the same ones found in traditional sunscreen. They help reflect harmful UV rays.

What makes tinted sunscreen different is the combination of pigments designed to match any skin tone. So whether you’re looking for a rosier or tanner complexion, it’s not hard to find the color you love.

Tinted Sunscreen Versus Beauty Creams and Color-Correction Products

Choosing between beauty creams with SPF-boosting ingredients, tinted sunscreen, foundation, color-correcting creams and other skincare products can be confusing. Each one excels in different areas.

Beauty creams generally provide better hydration and skin-repair ingredients but don’t offer the same UV protection. Ideally, you want an SPF of 30–50 for the face, but many beauty creams only reach SPF 15, which isn’t good enough for something your skin depends on every day.

Color-correcting creams offer maximum complexion control but little help against UV rays. On the other hand, tinted sunscreen provides good coverage and exceptional sun protection, but the tone results don’t quite compare to foundation.

How Safe and Effective Is Tinted Sunscreen?

Tinted sunscreens are just as safe as regular sunscreens. Unless you have an allergy to common ingredients in mascara, beauty products or sunscreen, you shouldn’t have to worry about a thing. Many health professionals and dermatologists, including the Harvard Medical School and the American Academy of Dermatology, recommend using sunscreen for UV protection. Tinted sunscreens are an effective option that can provide several benefits for people with sensitive skin.

Why Use Tinted Sunscreen?

Tinted sunscreens are accessible, convenient and helpful for protecting your skin against sun damage. Here are some of the ways they can help you:

  • Making it easier to wear sunscreen regularly: Applying sunscreen is one of the most important ways to prevent skin cancer. Sadly, it’s easy to overlook when you’re busy. Tinted sunscreens are a breeze to put on, so they may be easier to include in your daily routine.
  • Avoiding the white sheen associated with mineral sunscreens: Many people prefer mineral sunscreens instead of chemical ones, but traditional options leave your skin with a white tinge. Going with tinted sunscreen can give you the beautiful, balanced complexion you want.
  • Reducing dark spots: Unlike chemical sunscreens, tinted sunscreens that contain iron oxide can block visible light, including artificial light. This can help people with skin conditions involving hyperpigmentation, such as being prone to dark spots.
  • Camouflaging blemishes: There’s nothing wrong with wanting to cover blemishes, spots or other imperfections. However, tinted sunscreen products give you the best of both worlds — excellent UV protection and an even skin tone.

What should you look for when selecting brands? Go with something at least SPF 30. Iron oxides offer extra protection against visible light and dark spots. If possible, look for other nourishing skincare ingredients, including moisturizing hyaluronic acid and protective antioxidants like green tea.

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Why Scent Compatibility Is So Important in a Partner

Anyone who's been on the dating scene for any length of time knows that compatibility is a major factor in romantic success. Compatible partners can find common ground in their interests and goals. Along with the initial attraction, compatibility also ensures a lasting loving relationship.

Compatibility also has a scientific component, particularly when it comes to scent. There are few things in the world better than the way a romantic partner smells, especially in those heady early days when you're still in the "honeymoon" phase. There's an underlying basis for this phenomenon when it comes to whom you're attracted to and why.

Is scent really the key to finding the perfect partner for you? Or are there other, more important factors at play when it comes to attraction? Here are a few things to consider while you're on your quest for love.

How Scent Influences Our Emotions

Imagine a scent you absolutely love, such as warm cookies right out of the oven or your grandmother's perfume from when you were a child. Now think about how that scent would make you feel if you smelled it right now. Most people experience a soothing, relaxed feeling upon smelling something enjoyable, just like off-putting smells elicit a feeling of disgust or alarm.

This response occurs because cells within the nose can send signals to your brain, specifically the areas used to regulate emotion. That's why people tend to feel hungry upon smelling something delicious, as the smell scent of food triggers a bodily response that prepares the digestive system for eating.

The same sort of response occurs when a person encounters a scent from a prospective romantic partner. The smell triggers an arousal response intended to increase the attraction to a person, which is why just smelling an item of clothing from someone you love can induce so many warm feelings.

Why Scent Compatibility Is More Complex Than You Think

Scent compatibility is not simply about smelling a pleasant aroma wafting from a prospective paramour, although that definitely plays a role. Your body is actually reacting to specific genes that exist within the immune system. Additionally, you're most attracted to genes with a design that differs from your own.

From a biological standpoint, it makes sense that you would be most attracted to genes that are dissimilar from your own. Our ancestors may have developed this ability to prevent them from breeding with other members of their family, which can have a wide range of poor consequences.

While that's not much of an issue these days, this biological reaction still remains. That means your nose may be aware of an attraction well before you admit it to yourself. It can also explain why you choose a particular romantic partner over another, even when both have much to offer.

How to Emphasize Your Natural Scent

There's a lot more to attraction than just scent, but there are steps you can take to enhance your compatibility with a partner when it comes to personal smell:

  • Use cologne and perfume sparingly, as they will mask your natural scent
  • Look for odorless personal care products, such as antiperspirants and lotions
  • Bathe at least once per day to ensure you maintain a pleasant natural aroma
  • Favor natural materials and fabrics over synthetic ones, as they can give off an artificial scent

At the end of the day, there are lots of components to attraction and relationships. While looks and scent definitely play a role, especially in the beginning stages, they're not the end-all, be-all of romantic relationships. If you're seeking a partner for the long haul, the person must also be kind, considerate, and willing to work to make your relationship a lasting success.

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This Is the Year of Zucchini!

Zucchini isn’t exactly America’s favorite veggie, but there are plenty of things to love about it. This slender, tender variety of squash provides many healthy nutrients. It also packs lots of flavor and freshness — if you know how to use it in dishes the right way.

A Source of Amazing Vitamins and Nutrients

The list of vitamins and minerals in a cup of zucchini reads like the label on a multivitamin bottle:

  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin B6
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin K
  • Manganese
  • Potassium
  • Phosphorus
  • Thiamine
  • Copper

Just one cup of zucchini can give you around 10–15% of your daily needs for these vitamins. That’s pretty impressive for a relatively inexpensive veggie!

Heaven for Your Gut

Zucchini has plenty of water, soluble fiber and insoluble fiber, which is excellent for gut health. Adding it to meals can make them easier for your body to digest. For some people, zucchini and other green veggies can alleviate the pain and inflammation of ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome and other chronic digestive problems.

The Green (and Yellow) Antioxidant Powerhouse

Another reason to love zucchini’s nutrients is that many of them provide important antioxidants. For example, green and yellow zucchini are rich in carotenoids — the same family of antioxidants found in carrots. These compounds support and protect the body:

  • Eyes: Like carrots, zucchini are a great veggie for protecting your eyesight. This isn’t a myth. Beta-carotene and vitamin C can significantly reduce the risk of age-related vision loss and cataracts.
  • Bones: Vitamin K, magnesium and antioxidants in zucchini all work together to help you have stronger bones.
  • Prostate: While more research is needed, some studies suggest that zucchini seeds may help limit prostate enlargement.
  • Thyroid: Some scientists think that extracts from zucchini peels may support balanced thyroid hormones. If true, it could help your metabolism, energy levels and mood.
  • Cells: Some studies point to zucchini for helping prevent the growth of cancer or even destroying cancerous cells. A lot more research is needed to confirm this, but it’s a pretty impressive potential benefit for just adding colorful vegetables to your diet!

A Perfect Carb Replacer

Now for one of the biggest reasons why this is the year of the zucchini: low-carb lifestyles! Zucchini has a firm texture and smooth taste that work great as a substitute for traditional carb-heavy staples. Instead of pasta, you can spiralize zucchini in seconds for flavorful Italian dishes.

Easy Veggies From Your Garden

Growing zucchini is a breeze. Just plant some seeds in a sunny spot, give them at least two inches of water each week, and enjoy the fruits… er, veggies of your labor in about 45 days. A good harvest will give you plenty of zucchini to share with friends, too.

Awesome Ways To Use Zucchini

If you’ve never eaten zucchini raw in salads, you don’t know what you’ve been missing. Here are other irresistible meal ideas:

  • Tomato and zucchini salad with olive oil vinaigrette
  • Zucchini, carrot and cabbage slaw
  • Grilled halibut with lemon zucchini noodles
  • Grilled zucchini slices with olive oil and basil (side dish)
  • Sauteed shrimp and zucchini stir fry
  • Spicy zucchini with turmeric-ginger chicken
  • No-noodle zucchini lasagna
  • Zucchini au gratin with garlic, parmesan and pecorino

A word of advice: Don’t overcook! Just toss the zucchini in at the last minute, like you would with herbs or green onions.

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Why You Shouldn’t Be Afraid to Randomly Reach Out to Friends

Everyone needs friendship and affection. Calling a friend can be exactly what you need to deal with stressful situations. But, if randomly reaching out makes you nervous, you may be surprised to learn that many friendship worries are just myths.

Myth #1: Your Friends Are Upset With You

Stress does weird things to the brain. It can make you invent imaginary scenarios and replay negative feelings constantly. Worries about friendship are one of the most common fears.

Cut through dark clouds by taking action. Remember that these worries are just a side effect of anxiety. They're not real.

Pick up the phone. You’ll probably be pleasantly surprised by how excited the person is to hear from you.

Myth #2: You Messed Up Texting

You know the drill: You were texting with a friend when your boss called, and you had to rush to the office. Or you wrote a message that sounded great in your head but came out all wrong.

This situation has happened to most people at some point. Your friends have probably done the same thing countless times!

You can still have a great conversation. You just need to break the ice again. Send a humorous or encouraging text message that reminds the person how much you appreciate them.

Myth #3: Friends Shouldn’t Argue Ever

Avoiding arguments with friends is a good goal, but the reality is that it will probably happen at some point. That doesn’t mean the friendship is over.

Real friends are like family members. Being perfect isn’t a realistic requirement.

When you haven’t slept in a week because your kids are sick, it’s understandable to be irritable. That being said, knowing how to apologize and forgive is crucial. Saying “I’m sorry” and sending a cute cat meme is often all that’s needed.

Myth #4: Your Friend Is Avoiding You

There could be a thousand reasons why your friend hasn’t responded, but many people immediately blame themselves. It’s more likely that the person has simply been busier, more distracted or more stressed than usual.

A friendly voice may be precisely what both of you need! Offer to buy a cup of coffee and talk at the park. That way neither has to worry about cleaning the house or getting dressed up for a restaurant.

Myth #5: Your Friend Was Rude to You

Be very careful how seriously you take text messages. Misunderstandings are extremely common.

Text messages are really bad at communicating emotions. Forgetting to include an emoji can make something funny sound sarcastic. Without hearing the other person’s voice, it’s easy to take words incorrectly.

When in doubt, opt for a quick phone call. Asking “How are you today?” can often clear up misunderstandings in seconds.

Myth #6: Too Much Time Has Passed

Time isn't the friendship killer you think it is. Happy memories don't just disappear. You can build on them with new moments.

Don't focus on the time that has passed. Focus on reconnecting.

Real people mature and change, but it only makes them more interesting. The core things that attracted you in the past are still there: good qualities.

The Benefits of Reaching Out

Spending time with friends has many physical and emotional benefits. It can alleviate stress, improve your self-esteem and encourage you to stay fit. Like anything of value, friends take time and effort, but they’re worth it.

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5 Ways To Quickly Reduce the Appearance of Cellulite

Cellulite is as natural as gray hairs, crow’s feet and underarm “batwings.” And, like these three undeniable indicators of age, cellulite is less than welcome. If you are among the 85% of women who seem to develop just a bit more cellulite with each passing birthday, and if you’re tired of feeling a sense of dread every time you check out your bum, stomach or thighs in the mirror, rest assured in the knowledge that cellulite does not have to be forever. With a few easy tricks, you can reduce the appearance of cellulite and go out into the world with confidence once again.

1.    Drink Your Daily 8 Cups

Dehydration can cause even the most taut areas of your body to appear wrinkled and saggy, so it makes sense that, when dehydrated, areas of cellulite appear more pronounced. By starting each day with just half a liter of water and consuming up to three liters per day, you can drastically reduce the appearance of dimpled skin. Rumor has it that if you add two to three lemons to your first glass of water, or by swallowing a teaspoon of apple cider first thing in the morning, you can kickstart the benefits.

2.    Massage the Cellulite Away

Cellulite is often the result of fluid buildup in the lymph nodes in the areas around the dimpled skin. By massaging on and around the areas of cellulite, you can encourage lymphatic draining and, in the process, reduce the appearance of cellulite. Massage can also help stretch the skin and make it appear firmer.

3.    Maintain a Healthy Diet

Despite popular belief, weight and cellulite are not directly related. However, low metabolism and cellulite are. By eating a healthy diet that is rich in leafy greens, whole grains, fibrous foods and other nutritious substances — and by avoiding salt, sugary beverages and processed foods — you can speed up your metabolism and reduce the severity of dimpled skin.

As a bonus, a healthy diet can help you reduce your body fat and achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Though, as already stated, there is not a direct correlation between weight and cellulite, increased muscle tone can diminish the bumpy appearance of fat cells and make your skin look firm and smooth.

4.    Use a Homemade Coffee Scrub

Coffee contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. As such, research suggests that, when applied topically, it can help reduce low-grade inflammation and improve blood flow, two outcomes that can help diminish the appearance of cellulite. If you’re a coffee drinker, set aside your used grounds each morning in a jar or a plastic bag. The next time you shower, use a loofa, washcloth or old toothbrush, and massage the coffee grounds into the problem areas. Let them soak in and really get to work while you wash your face, lather your hair, etc. Then, rinse off as normal.

Another homemade scrub that has promise as a quick cellulite treatment is the coffee, raw honey and cucumber juice mixture. Mix these three ingredients until you form a thick paste, then apply to the problem areas a few minutes before you hop in the shower.

5.    Use Self-Tanner

Though not a permanent fix, tanning lotion can help hide fine lines, wrinkles and cellulite. If you’re only concerned about cellulite when you wear certain outfits, use self-tanners to blur its appearance for the day.

Cellulite is completely natural, but that doesn’t mean it’s always welcome. Whether you want to hide it for a day or get rid of it completely, give the above five tricks a try.

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3 Ingredients To Combat Large Pores

Most people are familiar with the idea that warm water opens the pores and cold water closes them, but this is incorrect. Pores are not like doorways that can open and close on demand. Pores are openings in the skin that allow sebum to the surface and provide room for follicles to grow.

You can have narrow or wide pores because they dilate. The shrinking and enlarging results from many factors, none of which are water temperature. The primary causes of enlarged pores include:

  • Gender
  • Genetics
  • Aging
  • Sun damage
  • Oil
  • Impurities

Enlarged pores make the skin appear spotty and damaged. Thankfully, you can do many things to reduce the appearance of large pores. Three ingredients can help combat large pores and make your face appear clean and smooth.

Top 3 Skincare Ingredients To Combat Large Pores

1. Lactic Acid and Other Acids

Lactic acid is part of a group of acids known as alpha hydroxy acids. AHAs help to exfoliate the skin. Exfoliation is crucial to reducing pores size because enlarged pores result from congestion, buildup, and bacteria.

AHAs help remove dead cells from the skin and clean the pores, reducing the risk of future clogs when used daily. Lactic acid is one of the gentlest AHAs, meaning it is helpful to even the most sensitive skin types. It is also more hydrating than other acids. Lactic acid has many benefits for the user, including:

  • Brightened skin
  • Reduction of wrinkles and fine lines
  • Retention of moisture
  • Improved cell turnover
  • Gentle exfoliation

2. Extract From the Red Clover Flower

A member of the legume family, red clover is a wild plant. Medical researchers point to several health benefits of the plant, including the treatment of:

  • Whooping cough
  • Respiratory problems
  • Cancer
  • Skin inflammation

Researchers suggest the extract can clear acne spots and refine skin texture in 15 days, depending on the severity of the condition. The extract can also reduce sebum production and remove dead skin cells.

When paired with lactic acid, the natural ingredient can reduce the risks of clogs and prevent mechanical dilation of large pores. Also, red clover extract increases contraction, enabling pores to shrink.

3. Ribose From Corn Seeds

Ribose speeds up cell turnover and increases cellular energy. The ingredient encourages the synthesis of elastin and collagen proteins. These structural proteins improve elasticity and tighten the skin, allowing pores to constrict or shrink. Additionally, ribose returns energy to the cells, helping the skin appear brighter.

Adopt a Skincare Routine

You must adopt a routine to see results from using the above ingredients. Progress comes from the commitment to a product and process. A daily skincare routine can be as simple as:

  • Wash with warm water
  • Exfoliate
  • Rinse
  • Moisturize

You can and should speak with a dermatologist to learn more about specific products or prescriptions to help clear up your complexion. Schedule an appointment with a local dermatologist before using or starting a new skincare routine.

Large pores result from debris, excess oil, and clogs. Using skin care products with specific ingredients can reduce the size of pores and restore elasticity and smoothness to the face and skin.

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Should You Chew Caffeinated Gum? Pros, Cons and Weird Effects

A cup of coffee (or three) in the morning is more than a pleasant ritual: It’s an important way to wake up, get the blood flowing and stay focused at work. Of course, coffee isn’t everyone’s — pardon the pun — cup of tea. Now, some people are switching to trendy caffeinated gum for their morning jolt of energy. What is this new pick-me-up, and how safe is it?

Caffeinated Gum Bootcamp

Caffeine gum looks and tastes like other gum, but it has a serious amount of caffeine as the star ingredient. Caffeine content varies by brand, ranging from 10 mg to 100 mg per piece. In comparison, a small cup of brewed coffee has 100 mg on average.

Athletes, Fighters and … Working Moms?

The U.S. military has used caffeine gum during special forces operations for a long time. When soldiers need a performance boost or have to stay alert for long periods, they pop a piece of the supercharged gum.

Now,  everyday people are getting in on the action. When working parents have to leave early for work, instead of a drive-thru, a piece of caffeinated gum provides the shot of adrenaline they need. When they hit an afternoon energy slump, it’s time for — you guessed it — more gum.

A Bite-Sized Energy Boost

How effective is caffeine gum? That depends on the amount of caffeine in each brand. A shot of 100 mg of caffeine can undoubtedly make a difference:

  • Alertness: The caffeine rush wakes you up big time, getting rid of grogginess and brain fog, and kicking your brain into high gear.
  • Mental performance: Caffeine can improve mental focus, learning, memory and reaction times.
  • Energy levels and mood: Caffeinated gum can energize your muscles and mind, chasing away tiredness and holding back fatigue. Caffeine also stimulates feelings of wellness and encourages a positive mood.
  • Muscle performance: Caffeinated gum offers significant improvements in muscle performance and endurance (about 5%). In other words, it really can help athletes run faster, swim further and play harder.
  • Fast caffeine absorption: A big advantage of caffeine gum versus coffee is that chewing gets the caffeine into your bloodstream more quickly. You get an energy boost right away. Plus, a small pack of gum is pretty convenient on the go.

The Darker Side of Caffeinated Gum

Coffee, energy drinks and other caffeine sources always have a few risks to keep in mind. You mainly need to limit your total caffeine intake. Too much caffeine can trigger negative effects:

  • Anxiety
  • High blood pressure
  • Racing heart rate
  • Dizziness
  • Dehydration
  • Insomnia
  • Headaches

Swapping coffee for gum also means you’re getting less water. To stay hydrated, you would need to increase your liquid intake.

How Much Caffeine?

Doctors generally say that 400 mg of caffeine a day is safe. Caffeinated gum can make things tricky because it’s so easy to pop too many pieces. Even the Department of Defense tells soldiers to use caution with the stuff:

  • Chew only one piece of gum at a time
  • Wait 15 minutes before chewing another
  • Don’t have more than two pieces in three hours
  • Don’t go beyond four to eight pieces a day

Another option is to choose great energy-boosting alternatives such as green tea or matcha powder juices and smoothies. They provide the benefits of caffeine but also deliver filling protein and fiber, protect your cells with antioxidants, and keep you hydrated.