Dehydration Disaster Prevention – Tips and Tricks to Staying Hydrated All Year Long
July 11, 2012
Photo Credit: dr_relling
Summer is here, and while we all enjoy some fun in the sun and outdoor activities, we must take the right steps to ensure that we are able to enjoy ourselves without getting hurt. Did you know that dehydration affects a large amount of Americans not only in the summer months but year round? Roughly 75% of our body mass is made of water, and when our water supply depletes, our energy and overall state of health decreases rapidly. Dehydration occurs when your body is losing more water than it is taking in, which means that the less water you drink, the less your body can restore itself and will become weak.
How Can I Tell If I Am Dehydrated?
There are many signs and symptoms that point to possible dehydration and while some are more severe than others, each should be taken seriously. They are as follows:
Dry mouth: While this seems pretty self explanatory, a dry mouth and an obviously need to quench thirst is a sign that your body needs some attention from good ole H20. I always say that if you start to feel thirsty you are already dehydrated. Drinking at least eight 8 ounces glasses of waters per day will help prevent this thirst. If the inside of your mouth around your jaw begins creating foam, drink at least 16 ounces of water immediately.
What you have been drinking: If you have had a large amount of caffeine or alcohol you must learn to follow up with water; the caffeine and the alcohol serve as dehydrators and will natural rid your body of the water it needs to thrive. Try cutting your consumption of soda and coffee if you drink enough to affect your body in this way.
Flu-like symptoms: Vomiting and diarrhea can be signs of severe dehydration. If this occurs, go see a doctor right away!
Finger nails: Push lightly on your fingernail and watch the color turn to white, release your “pinch” from your finger and see how long it takes to return back to flesh toned. If your nail bed stays white and takes an elongated period of time to return to the original color then chances are you are dehydrated and need to drink so fluids as soon as possible.
Dry lips, skin, hair etc: Anything that is connected to your body is connected to your total body health. If you are experiencing dry lips, brittle hair and itchy skin this could be a sign that your body is not producing any moisture for your skin and hair thus making everything seem so dry. Fix the issue by finding good moisturizers and taking in natural moisture through at least 64 ounces of water every day!
Dehydration is 100% preventable if you make sure that you are always staying constant with your fluid intake. Drinking at least 64 ounces of water everyday will help prevent these symptoms from occurring and will help your body stay constantly rejuvenated. If you are a slow sipper or need to visualize the water you need to drink, I suggest purchasing a bpa-free water bottle big enough to hold the recommended daily amount of water. Fill the bottle up every morning and make it a goal to drink all of the water by the end of the day – This will not only flush your body of toxins and keep you hydrated, it will also promote a green approach to drinking water and staying hydrated.
True Total Body Wellness- Natural Homemade Hair Care on a Budget
July 7, 2012
Photo Credit: SneakerDog
Have you ever heard the saying, “your body is a temple”? When most people hear this they think that it only applies to our internal health as it pertains to our muscles and bones, but did you know that the health of our skin, hair and nails also is determined by the lifestyles we lead? Total body health should include all things external and with these homemade remedies you can show some TLC to all the little parts of your body that we can see every day like your hair.
Everyone’s hair is different; it reacts to the environment differently and acts according to its genetic makeup. Regardless of whether your hair is straight, curly and long or short, your hair’s health depends on the health of your scalp. Take a small cotton ball or pad and soak it in witch hazel. Use the cotton to dab oily spots of your scalp, this will remove the excess oil and help your hair build stronger defense against its return.
Is dandruff a problem for you? The white flakes are your body’s way of telling you that something is imbalanced. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your shampoo while you are in the shower and lather as usual. This will add moisture and help balance the health of your scalp. You may be a bit sensitive after the treatment but resist the urge to scratch.
Every woman wants voluminous and bouncy hair like the women we see on shampoo commercials, but we always fall flat after buying expensive treatments that claim to work but never do.
What you will need:
- ½ cup of honey
- 2 ripe avocados
- 2-3 TBSP of olive oil
- 1 egg yolk
In a small bowl or food processor (I like using the magic bullet or ninja), puree the avocado until smooth, then add in the egg yolk and honey before eventually adding in the olive oil. Once is it the desired consistency, use your hands to coat your entire head of hair from root to tip. It helps to wrap your hair in a bun and wrap your scalp lightly with saran wrap while it begins to set. Leave this mixture on for at least an hour, and rinse with lukewarm water when the mixture hardens. Always use lukewarm water when rinsing hair – if the water is too hot it can deplete your hair’s natural moisture.
If you are looking to brighten you color or liven up your natural shine, mix beer, lemon or vinegar with water and rinse your hair with it after applying shampoo to your scalp. These rinses will boost your shine and leave your hair show stoppingly shiny. If you prefer a shine treatment simply brush olive, jojoba or Moroccan argan oil from root to tip and leave in for an hour before rinsing; it will have the same effect.
The “S” word (split ends) affects most hairs at one point or another, and finding a way to prevent and fix the snags can be challenging. Try this out if your hair is constantly breaking or splitting away.
What you will need:
- 1 whole papaya
- 1 cup of Greek yogurt
- ½ cup of honey
Peel the papaya and remove all seeds before pureeing in a blender. Then in a small bowl, combine all ingredients until smooth. Coat hair from root to tip and emphasize the ends. Wrap hair to keep out of face and leave on scalp for 30 minutes before rinsing. This will revitalize your hair and prevent future split ends. For best results, use this mask at least 1 time a week.
This week has been jam packed with healthy hair and skin tips that will leave you feeling like you’ve spent time at a day spa. Remember that taking care of your body needs a total body perspective. If you have your own home remedies and tips we would love to hear them – Happy Pampering.
Homemade Skincare to Turn Back the Clock
July 6, 2012
Photo Credit: olessvensson
In our society there is an obsession with looking younger and fresher everyday. Fighting the clock and turning back time can be difficult, but not impossible if you show your skin the love it deserves. Dry and mature skin have many commonalities, all of which can be treated with a few at home remedies that will break the wrinkle and weathered skin habit without breaking the bank.
Avocados are jam packed with proteins, and honey serves as a natural antibacterial cleanser while also having firming and tightening agents that are particularly moisturizing and great for mature, wrinkled and dry skin.
What you will need:
- ½ avocado
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
After peeling the avocado and removing the rind and seed, smash the avocado in a small mixing bowl. Stir in the honey and yogurt and mix until it is an even consistency. Apply to the entire face using a small brush and leave on for at least ten minutes. When the time has passed rinse off your face with a cool washcloth. Follow with your favorite moisturizer for the added oomph.
Did you know that brown sugar is a natural exfoliate? It gently brushes away the dead skin cells that stay attached to our skin without slicing away at our healthy skin.
What you will need:
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tsp minimum of olive or coconut oil
In a small cup or bowl mix brown sugar and oil until it creates a thick paste. Apply by using your index and middle fingers and massage into your skin in circular motions. Leave on your face for 3-4 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Follow with a warm wash cloth to your face for 5 minutes.
A personal favorite is the orange honey moisturizing mask.Orangesare naturally packed with zinc and antioxidants that become even more present when its juice is freshly squeezed. Oatmeal (as mentioned in our last post about sunburns) is great for exfoliating but also serves as a great aid in moisturizing.
What you will need:
- 1/2 cup oatmeal
- Juice from 1 whole orange
- 3 Tablespoons Greek yogurt with active cultures
- 2 Tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons dried orange peel or zest ( I get mine using a cheese grater on the orange before I juice it)
In a small mixing bowl, combine the yogurt and orange juice and stir for 1 minute before adding in the honey. Add the oatmeal and orange peel and continue to stir until the consistency is fitting of your desires. Use a brush of your choice to apply the mask to your face and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Rinse your face with cool water and follow with a steam treatment if desired.
These treatments are meant to leave your skin feeling youthful and rejuvenated. With simple ingredients found in your very own kitchen you can create a spa experience that you would otherwise spend hundreds of dollars on. Do you have your own recipes? Share them with us! Check back tomorrow for a special Friday post on how to pamper your locks and give your hair homemade TLC that will leave it feeling fresh, clean and healthy.
Soaking up the Sun – Homemade Summer Skincare for the Sunburned
July 5, 2012
Photo Credit: S Diddy
We all enjoy catching some rays in the summer season but sunburned skin can take all the fun out of going outside. While it is highly recommended that you wear a proper sunscreen for your skin, sunburns still occur and your skin can become itchy, dry and often times very irritated. Did you know that one of the super foods found right in your kitchen can be the starting point for the sunburn relief you have always hoped for? Oatmeal is found is just about every American’s kitchen cabinet and can be used with a multitude of mixtures to help sooth your sunburned skin.
Red and irritated sunburns can keep us from enjoying our day leaving you distracted and unfocused, but with these few recipes you are guaranteed to find something that helps your skin stay strong and soothed when you get summertime sunburns.
What you will need:
- 1 cup natural yogurt- Greek works great because of the naturally thick consistency
- ½ cup dry oatmeal – Any kind of raw oatmeal works (Do not use instant oatmeal)
In a small mixing bowl, hand-stir the ingredients together until they create a visible even mixture of the two ingredients. Use a wide angled brush or facial sponge to apply to the entire face avoiding the eyes and leave on the skin for 15 minutes. It will be easier and much more relaxing if you lay down flat while the mask dries on your skin. After the time has passed, wipe the mask off your face using a washcloth that has been warmed in the microwave, but be sure that the cloth is not too hot for your skin. You will feel instant relief. If you happen to have naturally dry skin adding a few drops of honey to the mix could add in some moisture lost by the skin burn.
Eggs are not only for eating. They have an incredible amount of protein and they aren’t only good for our bodies internally but also externally.
What you will need:
- 2-3 egg whites (you can purchase carton of egg whites if desired)
- ½ cup dry oatmeal
Lightly beat the egg whites and oatmeal together. The egg white will foam a bit depending on the amount of force you beat them with. This should lightly coat the oatmeal and create and thin mixture. After the mixture is a desired consistency apply it to your face and let it dry. After it has dried wash it off with warm water. Follow up with a steam washcloth for five minutes.
Sometimes remedies can come from the most awkward places but when bad sunburn hits, we are willing to try just about anything. Some common remedies include Right Guard deodorant spray, hemorrhoid ointment and Pepto-Bismol. Pepto-Bismol, or pink bismuth as it is generically known, contains subsalicylate which is an active ingredient known to sooth imbalances within the stomach and also on the face.
What you will need:
- 1-2 caps full of pink bismuth (can be found at most Dollar stores)
- ½ cup dry oatmeal
In a small bowl, mix the two ingredients until it is the desired consistency. Apply to your face using a facial brush and leave for five minutes. Rinse with a cool washcloth and then follow with a steaming treatment. If your face is too hot to touch, then use a food processor to mix aloe, cucumber and water and apply the mixture every hour as needed.
Always be sure to protect yourself in the sun, but if the sun still wins the battle and leaves you with a nasty burn try one of these remedies out and let us know what you think. Check back tomorrow for remedies to help with dry, chapped and maturing skin.
Skincare on a Budget- Fighting Acne from the Kitchen
July 4, 2012
Photo Credit: Dermatology.com
Skincare on a budget – Is that possible? Yes it is, and yesterday we introduced a few recipes that can help keep your skin soft and smooth regardless of your skin type. Today we will bring you a few new and innovative homemade and cost effective recipes to help you battle the acne and blemishes that could be affecting your skin.
Did you know that a large portion of women and even men suffer from adult acne? The stresses of life and living in the real world can sometimes affect the way our bodies show we are stressed and in many cases our bodies show it by sending out a red flag on our face in one way or another. Some might get pimples while others get blackheads, wrinkles and excess oil. No matter what your blemish may be, there are ingredients within your cupboards that can help.
Oily skin is a pesky problem, especially among women who battle the oil by powdering it away and in turn further clog the pores every few hours. Fruits are a great way to revitalize the skin and keep the oil at bay.
What you will need:
- 1 banana, preferably ripe and soft
- 1 Tbsp honey
- An orange or a lemon
Smash the banana either by hand or in a gentle food processor and add the honey mixing until it’s a smooth texture before adding a few drops of citrus fruit juice into the mix. Apply to the face with a specialized face brush and keep on for 15 minutes. Consider using cucumber slices on your eyes to rejuvenate them while your mask sets. After the time has passed, rinse your face with a cool washcloth and follow with a steam washcloth.
Acne products all have one ingredient in common – salicylic acid. This acid is known for its acne fighting powers and we all flock to the department stores to buy the best products with the biggest bang, but did you know that strawberries have a high amount of salicylic acid and naturally battle acne? Use this recipe if you want to naturally fight against the stubborn pests we call pimples.
What you will need:
- 1/4 cup fresh strawberries
- 1/4 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
Either by hand or in a food processor, mix the ingredients together to make a thick paste. Using your fingers, spread an even layer all over your face avoiding your eyes and let sit for 15 minutes. After the time has passed, rinse with cool water and follow with a steam washcloth.
Blackheads are results of clogged pores and can be some of the toughest blemishes to get rid of. Scrubbing your face may alleviate some of the dots but with a lemon and some honey you can get rid of blackheads in just five minutes. All you need is half of a lemon with 3-4 drops of honey on top. Take the lemon and scrub your face with it for a few minutes. After you are done scrubbing, leave the mixture on your face for five minutes and then rinse with cool water. The result will be visible right away, and did you know that lemons double as a dark spot corrector? Try it out!
These recipes will hit the spot and zap away your unwanted oil and acne blemishes. Show some love to your skin and keep checking back all week for more specialized skin care tips for all the women living on a budget. See ya tomorrow!
Pampering on a Penny – Homemade Skincare on a Budget
July 3, 2012
Photo Credit: Dermatology.com
Everywhere we turn there is a new product claiming to sooth and cleanse our skin until we feel radiantly beautiful. Americans (and more specifically American women) spend millions of dollars on products that promise to fix blemishes, moisturize dry skin and correct our problem areas, but what big companies don’t tell you is that your own kitchen houses ingredients that can rejuvenate your skin – no matter what kind you have. Over the next week, we will be highlighting some of our favorite recipes for homemade skincare that won’t break the bank. After all, our skin and hair’s health depends on how we take care of it.
Did you know that the skin care products we purchase include ingredients that we have at our fingertips every day? Using all natural and raw ingredients is a way to keep our bodies clean both inside and out. Every woman and man’s skin is different; it reacts like an individual and should be treated like an individual. Let’s start with how our kitchen can serve as a dermatological laboratory for any and all skin types.
Human skin is a sensitive and beautiful thing that deserves to be taken care of. The following recipes will leave your face feeling silky and glowing no matter what type of skin you have.
This face mask is suitable for all skin types and is super simple to prepare. It will cleanse and rejuvenate your skin. In only three minutes, you can make a cleansing oatmeal mask with just three ingredients that are commonly found in kitchens.
All you need is:
- 1 Tbsp oatmeal, finely ground
- 1 Tbsp live, organic yogurt
- A few drops of honey
In a small bowl, combine the yogurt and the oatmeal. Warm a few drops of honey with a hot spoon and stir into the mixture. Using your fingers or a flat fanned makeup brush, apply the mask to the entire face and let sit for at least ten minutes before rinsing with warm water. It is also very relaxing to follow up any facial treatment with a steaming washcloth over the face for a few minutes; this will allow the pores to stay open and moisturized.
Did you know that exfoliating the face at least 1 time a week can keep your skin looking healthy and youthful? Every day we have skin cells that die and it is important to remove them from our face before they build up and cause blemishes. Exfoliating the skin will scrape away the dead skin cells and wash away free radicals while clearing up clogged pores. Micro-dermabrasion treatments at a spa can cost hundreds of dollars while at-home exfoliates cost a fraction of a dollar.
Sugar scrubs are a great alternative to micro-dermabrasion treatments and are easy to make. Sugar is found in almost every kitchen and is easier on skin than salt. This recipe will give your skin a youthful glow and will keep the appearance fresh and smooth.
All you need is:
- 4 Tbsp sugar
- 3 Tbsp warm water
- A few drops of lemon juice
- Essential Oil for scent (optional)
Stir all ingredients together until it becomes a paste like texture. Use a cleansing brush or pad if you have one to apply the paste to the face in circular motions. The sugar will lightly scrub slough all of the dead particles away. Scrub for 1-2 minutes before rinsing your skin with warm water and a steam towel treatment.
Be sure to let us know how these recipes work for you, and remember to check back tomorrow for our homemade tips and tricks for battling acne-prone and oily skin!
Thank You Silicon Valley
