5 Foods That Help Lower the Risk of Dementia

Guest post by Masooma Memon

Dementia is a disease of the brain that occurs due to a number of reasons depending on the type of the disorder. For instance, damaged blood vessels that transport blood to the brain are blamed as culprits behind vascular dementia.

Likewise, the most common type of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, occurs due to an accumulation of abnormal beta-amyloid protein in the disease-affected brain. Only a few cases of dementia can be treated, provided the damage to the brain cells is not permanent. The majority of the cases are, however, progressive and culminate in eventual loss of cognitive functioning.

Statistics paint a bleaker picture. According to the Global Voice on Dementia, as of 2015, there were roughly 46.8 million people living with the mental condition around the globe. This number is only forecasted to swell. The same source reveals that the number of dementia patients will climb to nearly 75 million and 131.5 million in 2030 and 2050, respectively. The graph presented below showcases the rise.

This leaves us with a sudden chill that runs down the spine while wondering about such a horrible neurodegenerative disorder. Scientists are still digging out a cure but to no avail. However, the good news is that you are not unarmed in this battle against the progressive brain disease.

You can always take some preventative measures to lower your odds of developing dementia. One effective preventative step is eating foods that protect your brain from damage.

In this regard, here is a look at five foods that help you reduce the risk of dementia:

1.  Omega-3 fatty acids

While omega-3s are not food items to be exact, they are essential nutrients to add to your diet. The nutrients are critical for healthy brain development. These also help curtail inflammation, which chips in the build-up of abnormal protein in the brain.

Some common sources of omega-3 fatty acids are white tuna, herring, and salmon. In addition to the seafood, you can also get your fill of omega-3s from olive oil, flaxseeds, and walnuts. You might recognize these staples from the Mediterranean diet that promotes good heart health. In fact, a study credits this meal plan for lowering the risk of dementia by as much as 35%.

2.  Blueberries

These little blue dynamos are rich in vitamins and are packed with a powerful dose of antioxidants, in particular, flavonoids. Antioxidants are applauded for their role in fighting inflammation that sits at the heart of brain damage. Not only do these berries lower the dementia risk but they also prevent memory impairment.

Researchers highlight that berries alter the way the brain cells communicate. In doing so, these prevent inflammation that culminates in neural damage. Another study found out that participants who consumed 30 milliliters of blueberry juice exhibited significant improvement in brain activity. The study also confirmed that drinking blueberry juice enhanced blood flow to the brain.

    Related Post:  Enhancing The Nutritional Value Of Foods     

3.  Oats

Oats are a healthy source of wholegrain foods that work to maintain consistent blood sugar and insulin levels. On the flip side, processed or highly refined foods enriched with carbs contribute to rapid fluctuations in the glucose markers.

Pairing these blood sugar level spikes with inflammation is the recipe for injuring neurons and their communication. This is why Alzheimer’s disease is referred to as, “diabetes of the brain.” Oats help beat both these culprits, so you get to kill two birds with one stone.

4.  Curry powder

Curry powder is commonly used in India and other Eastern countries. It not only adds flavor to the dishes but also diminishes the risk of dementia. The number one reason for the effectiveness of curry powder in this regard is the presence of turmeric in it. This golden spice boasts a high content of antioxidants that curtail inflammation.

Studies reveal that this super spice helps in the breakdown of amyloid-beta plaques that are the villain in the dementia tale. These also view turmeric as a potential ingredient that has the ability to treat Alzheimer’s. The researchers write, "Curcumin as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipophilic action improves the cognitive functions in patients with Alzheimer's Disease.”

5.  Vitamin C and E enriched foods

The by-product of the chemical reactions going on in our brain is free radicals. These are unstable molecules that generously contribute to inflammation and damage that results in mental decline. Antioxidants are, however, the antidotes that mop up the harmful free radicals. You can get rid of this free radical pollution in your brain by including food items that are rich in vitamin C and E.

Red peppers, broccoli, and strawberries are some rich sources of vitamin C. On the other hand, you can get your share of vitamin E via almonds and olive oil. All these food items assist in minimizing the risk of the degenerative disorder. A study unveiled that folks who took vitamin E from food sources lowered their risk of developing Alzheimer’s by 67%. Research also links the intake of vitamin C with enhanced cognitive functioning.

Key takeaway:

Healthy eating is a crucial measure for reducing the risk of developing dementia. You need to include foods that are rich in flavonoids, vitamin C, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids. If you are looking to follow a straightforward diet plan, then you can try the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet. It is a cross between the DASH diet and Mediterranean diet that helps cut back the odds of dementia by 34%.

About the Author

Masooma is a freelance writer by day and a novel nerd by night. She is a multi-niche writer who crafts content on everything ranging from marketing to mindfulness and health.  You can learn more about Masooma’s work and read her blog at Masooma's Portfolio

Dealing with Chronic Pain

Guest post by Sara Russell, Ph.D., NTP

I have a hereditary connective tissue disorder which causes chronic pain across the body. Musculoskeletal pain due to tight muscles and unstable joints, joints which partially dislocate during sleep when my body is relaxed, and which partially dislocate at times during the day when I do things as simple as taking a step, putting on my backpack, carrying food to the table, typing at the computer, sneezing, turning my neck ever so slightly. Head pain due to excessive vasodilation. Gastrointestinal pain at times just from eating. Excruciating foot pain when I walk. (Do you remember fairy tale of the Little Mermaid, who feels pain with every step she takes once she is transformed into a human?)

I am used to a baseline level of pain that is probably much higher than what the average person. At the same time, I know what it means to feel pushed over the edge with pain, once you cross the threshold of your ultimate pain tolerance. It is definitely not fun.

Before I go on, I want to say that I’m sharing my experience in the hopes that it will help others with chronic pain, and help those without chronic pain understand and support us more. I also understand that what helps me may not be the same as what helps you, so please don’t feel in any way judged if you're doing something different!

I don’t take pain medication on a regular basis. I would hate to become addicted to pain medication. I do keep some prescription anti-inflammatory medication on hand to use in those situations when the pain is beyond unbearable.

But for the most part, I have come to appreciate the importance of addressing my pain through rest, an adaptation of daily activities, regular physical therapy, careful exercise, and mindfulness. I have come to accept and understand that while I have come a long way in reducing some sources of pain by adapting my nutrition and lifestyle, there is some pain that I can’t erase.

Indeed, in today’s world, we are conditioned to fear pain, to hate pain and to seek to erase and eradicate it at all costs. In addition to the known risks of addiction, I would hesitate to medicate my pain with narcotic medications because they may increase my risk of injury making me less alert and less aware of my body. Additionally, narcotic pain medication can impair digestive motility, which in my case is already slow due to poor connective tissue function.

    Related Post:  Silver Lining On The Dark Clouds     

I live in a world where others around me can’t see or imagine my pain, and where my pain sometimes stops me from functioning properly. I am also good at masking my pain in order to function as well as possible.

It’s not my fault that my body struggles with a disorder that causes injury and pain. But it is my responsibility to do what I can to live as well as possible with the body I have.

This means working constantly on four main areas:

Doing what I can to improve the areas that are improvable.

For me, a nutrient-dense diet that focuses on properly prepared real food is really important. I have difficulty assimilating nutrients, so quality and digestibility is definitely more important than quantity!

I also am careful to stay well-hydrated and maintain good electrolyte balance.

I have regular physical therapy sessions with a good physical therapist and do my physical therapy exercises daily. The regularity is so incredibly important!

Staying physically active while avoiding/limiting situations that put me at unnecessary risk of injury

This is a difficult balance to strike because over-limiting activities from fear of getting hurt comes with its own set of problems! The challenge is staying active while staying reasonably safe at the same time. For me, this means choosing daily physical activities that I enjoy, adjusting the duration, frequency, and intensity of the activity depending on what I have going on.

The more I like and look forward to a specific type of physical activity, the more motivated I am to stay active in spite of fatigue and accidental injuries. For example, I love walking in the woods and observing nature’s beauty far more than I do going to the gym. The more conditioned I am, the better my overall quality of life. So exercise is definitely a priority for me!

I avoid contact sports and high-impact sports, after experiencing injuries in martial arts classes and the high hurdles. But I do enjoy doing gentle yoga and riding my bike on non-strenuous trails.

Using medications sparingly for beyond-unbearable situations

This point is fairly self-explanatory, keeping in mind that what constitutes unbearable levels of pain is pretty subjective. I don’t take pain medication to turn off the pain, but do take it on those occasions when I experience pain so severe that I can’t think or move.

Accepting the rest and really appreciating everything in my life that is positive!

Does it annoy you when you’re having a bad day or struggling through a complex problem, and a loved one tells you that it could be worse or that everything happens for a reason? Me too! But as silly as it may sound when I make it a point of noticing what I am able to do, or days when my pain level is low and I don’t wake up feeling disjointed, that gives me something to celebrate. And I leverage every little celebration in my quest to have the best day I can, one day at a time!

About the Author

Sara is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner who frequently blogs about nutrition and health in addition to running a nutritional therapy practice where she specializes in supporting clients with complex health cases. You can learn more about Sara’s work and read her blog at http://buildnurturerestore.com.

Blog:  Build Nurture Restore

Microneedling: An Immense Contribution to the Beauty World!

Guest post by Vanessa Bywater

Have you ever wished for those pesky acne scars to go away?  And what about those stretch marks?  Everyone has something they wish would go away.  Thankfully, there is actually something that can get rid of most blemishes and scars.  The wonder solution is Microneedling, which sounds a lot worse than it really is.  Also known as Dermarolling, it is the procedure of using a device that literally rolls tiny needles across your face.  Or if you are using the Derma Pen which stamps the needles into your skin, which is not my preferred method because if not used right it will pose a greater risk of injury.  Microneedling feels more poky and scratchy, rather than that sharp pain person associates with needles.

It should be noted that due to this potential risk of injury if the device is used wrong, dermatologists recommend having the procedure done in their offices.  However, the average price of one procedure is around $150 which is not exactly cheap.  Thus, many choose to dermaroll at home which is not bad as long as it is done correctly and safely.  So, you are doing this is at your own risk.  Dermatologists also advise that if you want to do this at home then use a shorter needle to minimize the risk of injury and infection.  Cleanliness and safety are the keys here.

Since all of these sounds pretty scary, what are the benefits here?  Well, the benefits are actually pretty great which are as follows:

• Microneedling stimulates the collagen and elastin production of your skin.
• It improves the firmness and texture of the skin.
• It can help in fading the appearance of stretch marks.
• It's also proven to improve or even fade most scars except for keloid scars.
• It helps in reducing hyperpigmentation by shedding the top layer of skin.
• It will improve the appearance of rosacea by upping the production of collagen.
• It can also minimize hair loss such as that caused by Alopecia.
• Microneedling decreases pore size, fine lines, and wrinkles; and increases the skin absorption of serums, essences, and other treatments.

Aren't these benefits incredible?  I am still fascinated that such a small device can have such a tremendous beauty impact.  So, let's talk needle sizes because the size and amount of needles make a difference in what outcome you are hoping for.  For instance:

• To combat hyperpigmentation, the ideal needle size is 0.25-1.0mm.
• For fine lines, creases and wrinkles, you are looking for a 1.0-2.0mm size needle.
• Scars and burns would require a 1.5-2.0mm needle.
• Hair loss would greatly benefit from a 0.25-0.50mm needle.
• And since the skin around the eyes is so delicate, you would want to stick to a needle in the range of 0.25-1.0mm.

Again, it should be reiterated that extreme caution needs to be practiced since with dermarolling you are essentially creating little injuries across your face which can turn into a larger injury if not done right.  And with a derma-pen, there is a higher chance for pinpoint bleeding since it is stamping onto the skin.

Let's discuss just what steps are involved to use a derma-roller/derma-pen:

1. Soak all tools in an alcohol and water mixture, and be sure to rinse them under water before using them.
2. Wash skin with your regular cleanser and pat dry with a towel.
3. Apply a numbing cream across your face; there are several good ones such as this one with lidocaine in it from Amazon.  You are very brave if you skip this step.
4. Leave the numbing cream on for about 20 min.
5. Prep face by using astringent or another alcohol and water mixture to remove the numbing cream and ensure the face is 100% clean. Also, make sure that your hands are equally as clean.
6. Starting on your cheek, if using a roller, run the derma-roller across in several strokes upwards and then in strokes across the skin.
7. Then continue with upwards and across passes on the forehead, nose, and chin.
8. Important:  Do not apply pressure to the skin with the device.
9. After the procedure, soothe the micro-injuries on your skin with a sheet mask of your choosing. Leave this on for about 20 min.

It is easy to include in your Sunday night skincare routine since you only need to dermaroll every 4-6 weeks. It really shouldn't be done any sooner than that since you need to give your skin some time to heal and recover.

I hope you will find your best skin yet with microneedling!

About the Author

She is Vanessa Bywater from the "Mommy Needs Lattes" blog.  It is a website that represents the beauty addicts, the coffee enthusiasts, the fabulous, the adventure seekers and anyone who wants to be the best version of themselves.  There you will find posts about lifestyle, travel, recipes, parenting, beauty and so much more.
Blog: Mommy Needs Lattes

Intoxication: From Fun to Death!

Hello Everyone,

If you are reading my blog regularly, then you might know that I am a Medical Language Specialist, I work on patient’s healthcare records.  I edit a lot of files on daily basis and come across a number of files of patients who are addicted to some or other substances.  Even I know few people in person, who smokes cigarettes, drink alcohol, use cannabis and hookah and are addicted to that.  I wonder why people don’t understand that it’s something that will ruin their lives; just for the sake of temporary fun and enjoyment, they put their lives at stake.  People think that consuming substance is a pride, but I believe, " it's not a pride, it's devastation” and education plays a vital role in preventing substance abuse.  So here I come with an article on substance abuse, what are they, their effects and preventions.  So, just read on.

Substance abuse also known as drug abuse refers to the use or misuse of any substance for wrong and harmful purposes.  Tobacco and alcohol are two of such substances which are abused abundantly.  There are number of other substance, categorized as drugs, which are used for medicinal purposes.  These are cannabis (marijuana), nicotine (cigarettes, cigars, snuff, and tobacco), cocaine (crack), amphetamines, tranquilizers (sleeping pills), inhalants (aerosol, glue, paint thinner), opium, codeine, heroin, morphine, and LSD.

All the aforementioned drugs are psychoactive drugs and they are divided into four types i.e. depressants, stimulants, opiates, and hallucinogens.

* Alcohol, cannabis, nicotine, minor tranquilizers (benzodiazepines), and inhalants are examples of depressants.

* Nicotine, amphetamines, and cocaine are examples of stimulants.

* Heroin, codeine, painkillers are examples of opiates.

* LSD and cannabis are examples of hallucinogens.

Amongst these, alcohol is drunk while cannabis is smoked.  Nicotine is also smoked and inhaled while opiates are taken orally except in case of heroin which is inhaled.  The fumes of cocaine are also inhaled after burning it.  Cocaine is injected into the bloodstream for quick effects.  Inhalants, as the name goes, are inhaled, while tranquilizers and LSD are swallowed.  On the other hand, amphetamines are injected, taken orally and inhaled too.

They are prescribed by physicians and the use of such prescriptions do a lot of good when taken in limits.  Nevertheless, deliberately or in-deliberately misuse of these drugs leads to very harmful effects and in many cases leads to addiction from which it’s quite difficult to withdraw yourself.  And most of the abuses begin in-deliberately due to lack of information or negligence.

    Related Post:  Dealing with Chronic Pain     

The individuals who consume these vary between the young and the old, educated and the illiterate, the male and the female, the urban and the rural.  Of course, all of them have their own different reasons for taking such substances at the initial stages, before addiction set in.

Some people use it to relax and forget the problem, other use it to relieve the stress.  Some use it for being accepted by their peers, other use it just for the enjoyment purpose and some are induced by people around them and some take it for making a bold statement in a conservative society.  Though, there is nothing bold in doing such things.  And in some cases, self-medication also leads to such drug addictions, which is also the very common cause.

Whether you have started using drugs without thinking about any harm to your body or thinking that it won’t become a problem as you are using it occasionally, however it may still affect your health or I would say mental health.  The more you take a drug, the more your body builds up a tolerance to its same effects and this can lead to the need of taking a large number of doses to obtain the effects of the drug.  And that is what known as dependence or excessive reliance on drugs.  Drug dependence can rapidly begin to affect your physical and psychological health, and can also affect your social and work life.

Different kinds of drugs affect your body in different ways.  You may feel differently, behave differently, and think differently if you have taken drugs.  And you may make efforts to control your actions and thoughts.

Effects of Drugs Abuse:

There are short-term and long-term effects that can occur when you take substance/drugs.  The effects related to drugs can vary from person to person.

1.  Depressants:

Short-term effects:  Slow brain function, poor concentration, confusion, fatigue, dizziness, lack of coordination, disorientation, depression, slowed pulse and breathing, lowered blood pressure, slurred speech, fever, sluggishness, visual disturbances, dilated pupils, and difficulty or inability to urinate.

Long-term effects:  Depression, chronic fatigue, breathing difficulties, sleep problems and sexual problems.

2.  Stimulants:

Short-term effects:  Intense feelings of happiness, relaxation, increased energy/sociability and self-esteem, improved attention, opened breathing passages/easier breathing, increased sexual desire and performance, and suppressed appetite.

Long-term effects:  Extreme weight loss, breathing problems, headaches, gastrointestinal problems, cardiovascular damage, cerebral hemorrhage, stroke, seizure, muscle deterioration, chronic exhaustion, and reduced sexual functioning.

3.  Opiates or narcotics:

Short-term effects:  Euphoria followed by lack of concern or interest, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, itching skin, slowed thinking and movements, attention problems, memory impairments, drowsiness, slurred speech, pinpoint pupils, and coma.

Long-term effects:  Severe constipation and related gastrointestinal conditions (e.g., bowel obstruction, bowel perforation), irregular menses in women, and sexual dysfunction.  Intravenous consequences:  Abscesses, Tuberculosis, HIV or hepatitis virus contraction, infection of the heart lining, cellulitis, peripheral edema, and track lines or puncture marks.  Intranasal effects:  Nasal bleeding, irritation of nasal lining, and perforation of nasal septum.

4.  Hallucinogens:

Short-term effects:  Euphoria, sense of relaxation and well-being, confusion and difficulty concentrating, thinking or maintaining attention, anxiety, agitation, blurred vision, disorganized thoughts, dizziness, loss of coordination, increased breathing rate, increased heart rate and blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and palpitations, nausea and vomiting,  increased body temperature and sweating (may alternate with chills and shivering), paranoia and feelings of panic, numbness, hallucinations and distorted perception including visual, auditory, body, time and space.

Long-term effects:  Flashbacks weeks, months, or even years after the drug use.  Flashbacks may be pleasant or a living nightmare.  Most flashbacks last a very short time, only a minute or two, decreased motivation, prolonged depression, increased panic, impaired memory and concentration, possible severe mental disturbances, psychosis, increased delusions, bad trips may last hours, weeks, and even months.

Preventative Measures:

It is really difficult to overcome the drug addiction, but there are few things that you can do in order to prevent yourself from falling into the grips of drugs that includes:

• Balance your life and deal with its pressure.
• Build strong bonds and surround yourself with support.
• Develop hobbies that give satisfaction.
• Choose your friends carefully.
• Effectively deal with peer pressure.
• Seek help for mental illness.
• Examine the risk factors/warning signs.
• Keep a well-balanced life.
• Limit negative influences.
• Set and work toward goals.
• Learn about the consequences of drug use.
• Abstain from going to places which are associated with substance use/abuse.
• Take part in community anti-drug, tobacco and alcohol programs.

If you’re reading this because you are addicted or if you’re scared that you’re at risk of developing a substance use disorder or some other dependence/ addiction (to gambling, technology, or food, for example), following the aforementioned preventative measures will increase the feeling of self-worth and confidence and can do a lot to improve the odds and will help you to stay addiction-free.  However, if one feels a sense of addition then think it’s time to consider seeking treatment.  One must take immediate help of a family member, friend and then subsequently of a trained doctor in this area.

Stay Blessed, Be Happy..!! :-)

Preeti

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Disclaimer:  This website does not promote, recommend, or endorse drugs or related substances.  My interest is in the information about dangers coming from lack of knowledge, so this is solely for informational purpose.

"Silver Lining On The Dark Clouds!"

Hello Everyone,

Hope you all are in the pink of your health!

I know you must have seen ups and downs in your life, isn’t it?  I myself have too, but not more than my mom of course.

She has seen various ups and downs of life but has always stayed stronger.  I have never seen a woman as strong as her.  She got married at the very young age of "15 and a half" where it was just normal at that time.  And she delivered her first baby at the age of 17.  By the age of 24, she had 3 girl children and 3 abortions seeking a boy child because her father-in-law wanted a grandson.  The third abortion that she has had risked her life and doctor said: “if she will conceive again, she won't be able to survive.”  And since then she started experiencing a number of health problems by every passing year.

Morning of the hope

She is now 45 and for the last few years, she started having pelvic pain and back pain, which exacerbated during the menstrual period.  She visited and consulted a number of doctors and all of them said it was a swelling in her uterus and they all used to give medications for the same.  But things didn’t go well even after the regular treatment.  It was just the last month when she again began having pain in her pelvic and she went to a nursing home and there it was the only doctor who said: “it’s not just a swelling, it’s more than that; it’s something big.”  She felt something similar to a 4 months old pregnancy and asked to do an ultrasound the next morning urgently.  We (and by we, I mean, myself, my mom, dad, and sisters) all were shocked after coming across this news.

        Something like 4 months old pregnancy…like really?

        What could it be?

        How the other doctors could not diagnose this ever?

        How could they miss this?

        What could be the reason?

We began having such thoughts and discussed the situation at home for long.

The next morning my mom went for the ultrasound, the lab result came back and the doctor was right.  Test result revealed a mass that is grown in her uterus with a long diameter of 8 cm.  It was painful during palpation with no other abdominal masses.  It was also noted that she had an ulcer in the cervix.  She has had very bad condition internally.  We never thought the swelling would turn into something like this.  Preoperatively a uterine fibroid was suspected and a hysterectomy (a procedure for removal of the uterus) with histopathological exam was decided to be practiced as soon as possible.

There is a wedding in the family in coming December, so my mom was denying doing the surgery before the wedding and was asking to do it afterward.  At one point, we all agreed, consulted a doctor and decided to do it after the marriage celebration.  But, unfortunately, her condition was deteriorating day by day.  The symptoms had not been in control even after two weeks.  Hence, we decided to go for an operation immediately.  After all, "nothing is more important than health," isn’t it?

My mom was admitted to a hospital (nursing home) on Tuesday, 14th November 2017, due to uterine fibroids.  After the entire test performed, she was taken to the operation theater the next morning.  To combat this discomfort and prevent further tissue growth, an abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed.   Dr. Kavita Meshram and her team of professionals performed the surgery which came out to be a success as the doctor through her profound expertise could remove the uterus along with the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and cervix.

Following the procedure, the team of doctors appreciated my mom for co-operating them so well.  She came from the operation theater happy and smiling.  We were so relieved and thankful.  But as soon as the effect of anesthesia wears off, she started having unbearable pain, her blood pressure went down to 88/48.  We got crumpled.  Doctor and her team somehow managed to normalize her blood pressure, but she still had extreme pain for at least 24 hours.  Meanwhile, the specimen was sent for the histopathological exam.  She was still writhing in pain.  Hence, was under observation for 4 days there.  She was discharged to home on day 5th in stable condition.

Three days back the histopathological exam report came and it revealed benign intramural leiomyoma of the uterus, unremarkable endometrium, chronic cervicitis with benign follicular cyst right ovary and corpus luteal cyst left ovary.

I can say - it was the right decision at the right time to go for an operation.  And we are glad the surgery has been done successfully.

Freedom from pain

Medications and care helped my mom during her stay in the hospital and gave us peace of mind.  The staff, from the receptionist to the nurses and the doctors (God bless you Dr. Meshram) was friendly and professional.  We are fortunate with the experiences we had with the team of physicians, nurses and other hospital staff.  Many patients came to the hospital sick and left walking and talking.  I just want to say the staff “Thank YOU!!” My mom is healing well and I owe it to God and the staff’s care.

Stay blessed, Be happy..!! :-)

Preeti

Activated Charcoal - A Boon!

Hello Everyone,

Did you know that activated charcoal can be applied over our skin for its beauty benefits and it has health benefits too?

What..?? You said "No"?

Well, well, well……Then you are on the right place because today we are going to discuss about this only.  Yes! There are numerous health and beauty benefits of activated charcoal.  Before proceeding further with its benefits, let’s discuss what Activated charcoal is!

Activated charcoal, also known as activated carbon, is made from a regular carbon which is heated and further highly processed to enhance its natural ability to adsorb and is presumably the most powerful adsorbent known to man.  It is made from a variety of sources such as wood, coconut shells, coal etc. Activated charcoal is a fine black powder that is odorless, tasteless, and nontoxic.

Activated charcoal has been used in hospitals as a treatment for acute poisonings for years; it is used as a “Universal Antidote.”  Some Emergency Rooms dispense bulky doses of activated charcoal for certain types of poisoning or drug overdoses, as chemicals (mostly organic) that have been ingested will stick to it and then it will be pulled out from the body.

One thing to keep in mind is that activated charcoal is not a typical charcoal used in your barbecue grill! Barbecue charcoal is full of toxins and chemicals; activated charcoal is not!  So, please do not use Barbecue charcoal and be very selective while purchasing any activated charcoal.

Activated charcoal comes in capsules and powder form, and it depends on you what you want to use.  If you ask me the difference between them, so let me tell you that there is no major difference.  The primary difference between activated charcoal powder and activated charcoal capsules is the “price.”  Activated charcoal powder is cheaper than the activated charcoal capsules. So it’s totally up to you if you want to go with capsules or powder.  I am using “Healthvit Activated Charcoal Powder” and its cost is 350/- (INR) for 250 gram.

Activated charcoal is a natural supplement and has a number of health and beauty benefits.  So here is the list, just read on and find out.

1.  Water Purification:  Have you ever noticed those tiny black particles that are used in water filters?  Yeah, that is nothing, but an Activated charcoal.  The superior adsorption qualities of activated charcoal tend to make it in-demand for water filters.  When the water passes through the charcoal filter, the impurities are trapped in the charcoal’s deep pores to give you filtered water.  It is also found in air filters for purification.  You can say that it is one of best purifiers out there.

2.  Reduces Bloating/Gas:  There were studies that conducted to determine the benefits of activated charcoal in treating abdominal bloating, but the effectiveness is not yet clear.  However, one of the studies that were published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology revealed that activated charcoal reduces abdominal cramps and symptoms of bloating.  And it was also stated that the selective use of activated charcoal may be helpful.

3.  Whiten your Teeth:  I would say that it’s an ancient Indian practice to use charcoal for brushing your teeth.  Activated charcoal can help to a great extent to whiten your teeth while enhancing good oral health by balancing the pH level in your mouth, thus helping to prevent things that cause cavities, bad breath, and gum diseases.  But, make sure not to use it excessively because it will wear away the enamel layer of teeth which then lead to sensitivity and loss of tooth structure.  Apart from that, it’s completely safe, inexpensive and natural substitute that will give you whiter smile just in few weeks.  Even toothpaste companies are adding activated charcoal to their products, one of such brand is “Colgate.”  So if you don’t want to make yourself a grill ;-) with this charcoal powder, then you can opt for toothpaste too that contains activated charcoal in it.

  DIY Recipe:

• Take toothpaste on the toothbrush.  Dip this into activated charcoal powder or sprinkle some charcoal powder onto the toothpaste and brush your teeth as usual.  Rinse well.  For best results, follow these steps two-three times per week.

4.  Improves Skin:  Activated charcoal has detoxification properties so it helps to pulls out all the impurities from your skin, giving you a flawless complexion.  The beauty market is flooded with lots of beauty and makeup products, wherein charcoal is the main ingredient.  The benefits you can get from adding a charcoal mask in your skincare routine are rid of blackheads, whiteheads, acne, rashes, and scars and even it delays the signs of aging.  Activated charcoal is great for acne-prone skin.  It helps in unclogging the pores, uneven skin pigmentation and lightening armpits as well.  An activated charcoal face mask will leave your skin feeling clean and refreshed.  It can also be used as eyeliner.  The best part is that it is suitable to all types of skin.  No breakouts at all.  I myself am using this for months and I am loving it. :-)

  DIY Recipes:

• Mix a teaspoon of activated charcoal powder, a teaspoon of Fuller’s Earth (Multani mitti), few drops of raw honey along with essential oil (optional) and a required amount of water to make a paste. Apply it all over the face, leave it for 15-20 minutes, let it dry and then wash it off.  Moisturize and enjoy your fresh skin! :-)
• Mix a teaspoon of charcoal with a tablespoon of honey/lemon juice/Aloe Vera juice.  Then apply the prepared mask all over your face.  Keep it on for about 10-15 minutes and then rinse well.  Don't forget to moisturize.
  [You can use the same mask to lighten your armpits too.  Mix a teaspoon of charcoal with a tablespoon of a honey well.  Clean and dry your armpits.  Apply the paste and leave it on for 20 minutes.  Later, rinse it off. Do this as often as you can to get the best results!]
  
  

From skin care to detox, teeth whitening and beyond, "Activated Charcoal is a "Star Player."  Activated charcoal is a fine black powder, making it extremely messy.  But, trust me, it’s worth it.  Activated charcoal does not produce results immediately, but it works over time.

Disclaimer:  As with any skin care regimen, always do a patch test first to see if your skin is allergic to any of the ingredients. Everyone's skin is different so results can vary from person to person.  Please discontinue use if your skin does not react well to the regimen.

Have you used activated charcoal before?  How you use it? What has been your experience? Let me know in the comment section below.

Stay Blessed, Be Happy..!! :-)

Preeti