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Elle Riveira

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Everything You Need to Know About CBD

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Have trouble sleeping? Want to unwind before your finals? Feeling some pain in your back? Is your dog anxious?

CBD claims to be the solution to all of these.

CBD is the trendy natural remedy of the moment. It’s all over social media and used in every industry. It comes in many forms: CBD gummies, candies, chocolate bars, lattes, creams, Vape juices, pills, oils, bath bombs…you name it! But it seems a little unusual to use it as a medicine.

I mean…

Isn’t it bad for you?

It kind of just sounds like a good excuse for people to get high.

Is that what you’re thinking?

Well, you’re not the only one. There are a lot of misconceptions around CBD that prevent people from using its benefits…and it has some noteworthy benefits.

But don’t worry.

We’re going to put the rumors aside and look at some facts.

What is CBD?

The first thing we think about when we hear CBD, is marijuana. And we’re all a little familiar with that.

What we might not know is that marijuana is only one of the two primary species of a plant called Cannabis sativa. The other one is hemp.

Cannabis sativa has more than eighty biologically active chemical compounds or cannabinoids. Two of its most abundant ones are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC is the ingredient that causes a “high” and CBD is not psychoactive on its own. Hemp contains higher levels of CBD and lower levels of TCH compared to marijuana and the trendy CBD is extracted from hemp.

So if you were looking for a justification to get high, I’m sorry to disappoint you. Unless if you are among the exceptional 5% who react differently to CBD.

How does CBD work?

Your body has a regulatory system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS) which naturally produces cannabinoids. These cannabinoids play an important role in different processes like sleep, pain, mood, memory, metabolism, immune function, reproductive function, and appetite.

Although it hasn’t been proven yet, the belief is that CBD interacts with these cannabinoids and enhances their effects. In fact, a survey has shown that 42 percent of people who use CBD have stopped taking other medications.

So what can you use CBD for?

Everything You Need to Know About CBD

  • Rare childhood epilepsies such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) that don’t usually respond to other medications were successfully treated with CBD. A CNN documentary about a little girl suffering from Dravet syndrome showed this when her seizures reduced from 300 a week to only a couple a month by using CBD. Since then FDA has approved a CBD product, Epidiolex, for treating these types of epilepsies. This is the only CBD medicine approved by the FDA.
  • Some studies have shown the effectiveness of CBD in alleviating chronic pains such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, back pain, and even cancer pain.
  • CBD helps with anxiety and insomnia. A study found that a single dose of 600 milligrams of CBD reduced anxiety in people who were about to give a speech. This effect has driven athletes to use CBD with their smoothies or morning coffees to reduce stress.
  • The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD oil have turned it into a suitable product for acne-prone skin. CBD oil is also incorporated into makeup products such as eye shadow palettes and lip glosses.

What are the side effects of CBD?

  • If you use CBD simultaneously with alcohol or medications for anxiety and insomnia, it can increase the risk of sedation. Also, CBD can interfere with other medications you’re taking. So you should consult with a doctor before using it.
  • Since FDA doesn’t regulate CBD, unverified companies may lie about the dosage on the label and include other elements and impurities that will harm your body. A study that tested CBD products, found lower levels of CBD than what was advertised on the label. In another test, products had amounts of THC in them.
  • FDA has listed liver injury and male reproductive toxicity as side effects of CBD.
  • Other reported side effects that occur with high levels of CBD include fatigue, loss of appetite, irritability, dry mouth, and nausea. Although if you start with small doses of CBD, you can avoid these problems.

Final word

So should you try a CBD product next time you’re stressed out or in pain? Can you use CBD oil for your dog safely? Although there is much more research to be done in this area, especially human studies, CBD has proven to be beneficial for most of its users.

Now that the World Health Organization has announced CBD’s safety and many countries including USA, Canada, and Israel have made it legal, you can safely give it a try. Just make sure it doesn’t interfere with other medications you’re taking like blood thinners and antidepressants, and buy a third-party-tested product for quality assurance.

Who knows? Maybe in a few years, pharmacy shelves will be filled with CBD products. Until then, stay safe, keep the doses low, and tell me…what’s your experience with CBD?

 

Close up of a woman's breasts wearing a bra

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Breasts play an important role in a woman’s confidence. While it’s true that all forms of breasts with different shapes and sizes are beautiful, many women are not content with how their breasts look and want to change their appearance. So they turn to plastic surgery. Breast surgery can be done for cosmetic or medical reasons while benefiting both aspects. There are several types of procedures that can address your personal issues, improve your body image and even your health. A surgeon will help determine the right procedure for you, but knowing what breast surgery options are out there can be helpful in making the final decision and giving you an idea of what to expect.

Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is the most popular form of breast surgery with over 400,000 teens and adults undergoing it each year. It’s the right choice for those who don’t like the size or asymmetry of their breasts or women who want to undo the changes in their appearance after pregnancy. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that can enhance the size and contour of breasts and improve their appearance. The enhanced result is achieved with either implants or fat transfer.

Breast implants are silicone shells filled with saline or silicone gel. First, your size will be determined with a trial fitting and the surgeon will help you chose the best option to achieve your desired look. The implants can be placed over or under the chest muscle via an incision in the armpit, areola, or lower breast fold. Implants may have to be replaced every 10 to 15 years and there is the risk of silicone leakage and interference with mammography. So they may not be the ideal option for everyone.

Fat transfer is another option great for women who want a slight increase in the size of their breasts. This procedure uses liposuction to remove excess fat from other parts of the body like the abdomen and thighs. Then the fat will be purified and injected into the breasts until the desired look is achieved.

Breast Lift

Breasts can lose their firmness due to age, weight fluctuations, and gravity. Their skin will stretch out, causing them to hang down instead of sitting firmly on the chest. A breast lift procedure can correct sagging breasts and create a perkier look.

This procedure starts by making an incision on the breast through different surgical techniques. Then the surgeon will reposition the fat and other tissues, remove excess skin, and adjust the position of the nipples. You might get some scars that you can later heal with different products available on the market. Although this is an effective procedure with instantly noticeable results, it cannot prevent future sagging of breasts due to weight fluctuations and changes in the skin’s elasticity. That’s why many women supplement this with a breast augmentation procedure to improve the results.

Breast Reduction

Many women with heavier breasts face multiple problems. Larger breasts can cause pain in the shoulders, neck, and back while limiting clothing options. Even some men with conditions like gynecomastia suffer from enlarged breasts. Breast reduction is a procedure for people who want to reduce the size of their breasts to relieve physical discomfort and make them more proportional to the rest of their bodies.

After making an incision around your breast, the surgeon will remove excess fat, skin, and tissue, relocate the nipple and reduce the size of your breast. Although prominent scarring and the inability to breastfeed are side effects of this breast surgery, people who have undergone it are satisfied with the results and improvement in their physical comfort.

Breast Reconstruction

There are more than 3 million breast cancer survivors in the US who have gone through a mastectomy and may choose breast reconstruction surgery to recreate their breasts. This procedure will replace the breast tissue, skin, and nipple that were removed during mastectomy and create the desired appearance, contour, and size.

The breast can be recreated with implants that will be matched in size to the other breast and usually placed under the chest muscle. Another way for reconstructing the breast is using the patient’s own tissues like tissue from the lower abdominal wall, back muscle and skin, or fat and muscle from the buttock.

Breast reconstruction can be performed any time after the mastectomy and it has no known effect on the recurrence of cancer. Patients who have undergone this procedure report improvement in their physical as well as psychological health.

Next Step on Your Breast Surgery Journey

Breasts are a critical part of your body image. Choosing to do plastic surgery on them is very personal, but the improved physical and mental results are undeniable. The procedures are relatively straightforward with few risks. If you’re ready and have decided to go through with it, your next step should be consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Ask the surgeon about the benefits and risks of the procedures and share your concerns and expectations. Ask your insurance if the costs will be covered and do all the necessary research beforehand.  You can look at the American society of plastic surgeons’ website to find a plastic surgeon near you.

Have you undergone any form of breast surgery? Let us know about your experience in the comments and share this article with your friends.

 

10 Natural Remedies for Period Pain

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All women experience period pain. Some live through it and some take measures to alleviate it. Although it’s natural and a sign of fertility, it can be unbearable. So much that it has turned it into a monthly nightmare for most women.

And let’s be honest…

No one likes this bloody week.

You are uncomfortable, tired, grumpy, nauseated, dizzy, and sometimes it feels like someone is pulling at your insides.

Who wants to feel that way?

This drives many to turn to painkillers. Not just one, but sometimes even two or more to get rid of the discomfort sooner. Although these pills are helpful, they have many side effects that are not worth the momentary relief. According to Dr. James N. Dillard, author of The Chronic Pain Solution, these pills cannot completely destroy your pain. Instead, you can find natural alternatives at your kitchen.

Sounds interesting?

We’ll get to it.

But first, let’s talk about what the pain actually is.

What is dysmenorrhea?

Menstrual cramps or dysmenorrhea occurs when the lining of the uterus is destroyed during menstruation. The pain appears in the lower abdomen and intensifies on the first day of your period. This pain can start a few days before the menstruation and last up to four days. Sometimes it travels to your lower back and kidneys. The affected areas can be different in each person.

There are two types of dysmenorrhea: primary and secondary.

Primary dysmenorrhea is the common pain associated with menstruation and it’s not too intense. On the other hand, secondary dysmenorrhea is associated with an intense pain that will not alleviate and is indicative of a disorder, like endometriosis.

Sometimes the pain is so severe that it forces women to give up on their daily activities and lie down.

So it’s good to have a few ways to reduce this pain and get back to your lives.

Below are some of the things you can do.

How to alleviate period pain?

The first thing is to change your eating habits. Salty snacks, sweets, and caffeine are not your friends during this time. These will increase inflammation and worsen the pain. A recent study shows that following an unhealthy snacking pattern can increase the risk of moderate to severe dysmenorrhea. Instead, eat lots of vegetables and fiber. The whole body will benefit from healthy nutrients. But changing dietary habits may not be easy for everyone.

There are other options.

Heat is a good remedy. You can place a heating pad or a warm towel on your stomach. Another way is to massage some lavender oil on your abdomen. Lavender oil is proven to be effective for reducing menstrual pain. Sleep quality is another factor that can affect your period.

Another great way is to turn to your kitchen for some easy and accessible remedies. Traditional medicine has been practiced in eastern cultures for a long time and researchers are only now starting to prove its effectiveness. Here are the most common foods that are used for relieving period pain.

10 Natural Remedies for Reducing Period Pain

1.Turmeric

Turmeric has been used for reducing pain and improving digestion for many years. Turmeric contains curcumin which has anti-inflammatory properties and supports the function of neural cells. Curcumin is also helpful for irritable bowel syndrome, arthritis, and autoimmune diseases.

Use turmeric by adding it to your food or milk.

2.Cinnamon

A study shows that cinnamon is effective for reducing primary dysmenorrhea, menstrual bleeding, and nausea. Also, there are no side effects with using cinnamon for reducing pain.

Add ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon to one cup of hot water. Wait for 5 minutes and add some honey to sweeten it. Enjoy your drink.

3-Chili peppers

Chili peppers contain capsaicin. This chemical compound stimulates the nerve endings and reduces the chemical transporter of pain signals.

Just opt for some spicy food during your period to relieve the pain.

4-Ginger

Ginger is an old solution for soothing stomach pain, fighting seasickness, and nausea. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to treat abdominal pain, arthritis, and migraine. A study shows that ginger is similar to ibuprofen and mefenamic acid in alleviating primary dysmenorrhea.

Add ginger to your food, or boil it in water and drink it with honey and lemon.

5-Fennel

One study shows that fennel can prevent prostaglandin producing contractions and reduce menstrual pain. Prostaglandins cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headaches during menstruation.

Add one teaspoon of fennel seeds to one cup of hot water and boil it for 5 minutes. Add one teaspoon of honey. Drink it while it’s hot to get the most benefit.

6-Mint

Mint prevents muscle spasms and relieves the pain of irritable bowel syndrome. A study shows that drinking hot mint tea during menstruation will significantly reduce the pain.

To make the tea, add mint leaves to hot water and let it rest for 10 minutes for the flavor to come out. You can add some lemon for an extra kick.

7-Chamomile tea

Chamomile contains many anti-inflammatory agents that stop the functions of prostaglandins and acts like ibuprofen. It also increases glycine, which reduces muscle spasms. Research shows that this soothing effect alleviates menstrual cramps.

Make chamomile tea by adding half a tablespoon of chamomile to one cup of hot water and letting it rest for 10 minutes.

8-Dill

It was proven in a study that dill is as effective as mefenamic acid in reducing period pain. Dill can also improve the hormonal balance of the body and help digestion. Although it might cause allergic reactions in some people. So be careful.

You can use dill as a garnish or add it to salads. You can also add one tablespoon of dill to one cup of hot water and let it rest for 10 minutes before drinking it.

9-Cherries

Cherries contain anthocyanins that are strong antioxidants. Anthocyanins have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties as well. By fighting inflammation, they act like aspirin and alleviate the pain. A recent study shows that eating cherries with breakfast can reduce inflammation and improve health.

So sweeten your mornings with a small bowl of cherries.

10-Fish

Omega-3 fatty acids in fish help improve blood flow. One study found that fish oil is more efficient in reducing period pain than ibuprofen. Another study found that omega-3 supplements can significantly reduce primary dysmenorrhea.

So add some fish to your diet during your period.

Final Word

By using these tips and consuming the suggested foods, you can rid yourself of the agonizing pain of your period without putting harmful chemicals in your body.

With all that said, if the amount of pain and bleeding is too much and feels unnatural, you should pay a visit to your doctor.

I hope this was helpful to you. If you try any of them, let me know how it works out, and if you have any tips of your own for reducing period pain, feel free to share it with me.

How to Do a DIY Facial Treatment at Home

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The week is finally over and it has taken its toll on you. All the stress from work, school, and the pollutants in the air are wearing you down mentally and physically. And it’s all showing on your face. It’s time to treat yourself to something special.

How about a facial sound?

It will clean and rejuvenate your skin, nourish your soul, wash away the stress of the week and give you a glowing complexion and a youthful feeling.

But it costs a little too much to get a professional facial done at a spa.

What if you can do it at home and get the same results?

If you don’t want to spend a ton of money at a spa or if you just prefer to do the process from the comfort of your own home, then this DIY facial treatment with all-natural ingredients is for you. It’s time to pamper yourself.

So grab everything you need and let’s get started.

Step One: Cleanse

First, you need to clean your face to remove any dirt or product buildup. This is an important step that will help all of the ingredients you use next to penetrate your skin.

How to Cleanse:

  1. Pull your hair back with a headband to get it out of the way.
  2. If you’re wearing makeup, use a wipe to remove it. You can also use coconut oil, olive oil or jojoba as a natural substitute. Rub some on your face and wipe it with a cotton pad.
  3. Apply the cleanser all over your face and neck. You can use your go-to cleanser for this or try one of our DIY natural cleansers:
  • Oat and yogurt cleanser: Create a paste by combining ½ cup of rolled oats with ½ cup of plain yogurt.
  • Jojoba and castor oil cleanser: Mix 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil with 2 tablespoons of castor oil.
  • Aloe vera and honey cleanser: Combine ¼ cup of aloe vera gel with ¼ cup of honey. If you want you can add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
  1. Rub the cleanser for 10-20 seconds on each are. Wash with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft, clean towel.

Step Two: Exfoliate

Exfoliation will remove the top layer of dead cells, clean out the clogged pores, and smoothen the skin. This step will reveal the healthier layer underneath and take away that dull look.

How to Exfoliate:

  1. There are two types of exfoliations: physical and chemical. With physical exfoliation, the dead layer of skin is removed with abrasion, while with the chemical method, the enzymes will do the work for you. Choose from one of our DIY scrubs:

Chemical Exfoliants

  • Honey, oat, and pineapple scrub: Blend and mix 2 slices of pineapple, 1 tablespoon of oats, and 1 teaspoon of honey.
  • Blueberry, honey, and sugar scrub: Blend ¼ cup of blueberries, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 tablespoon of sugar.
  • Strawberry and Banana scrub: Blend 2 strawberries and 2 slices of banana.

Physical Exfoliants

  • Sea salt, honey, and coconut oil scrub: Mix 2 tablespoons of sea salt with 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil.
  • Coffee, honey, and sugar scrub: Mix 1 tablespoon of coffee with 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 tablespoon of sugar.
  • Oat and honey scrub: Grind up ½ cup of oats and mix with 2 tablespoons of honey.
  1. Apply the exfoliant all over your face and neck, and gently rub in upward circular motions for about 2 minutes. If you’re using a chemical exfoliant, let it sit on your face for about 10 minutes and then start rubbing.
  2. Rinse with lukewarm water.

Step Three: Steam

This is the most relaxing step of the process. Steam will open up your pores and prepare your skin to better absorb the next products. It will also boost your skin’s natural oil production.

How to Steam:

  1. Pour some boiled water into a large bowl. You can add a few drops of an essential oil, such as rosemary, jasmine, or lavender for aromatherapy.
  2. Lean over the bowl and keep your face at a safe distance to not burn yourself. Drape a towel over your head to trap the steam. You can come up for air if you need to.
  3. Steam for 5-10 minutes.

Step Four: Mask

Now that your skin is ready to absorb some good nutrients, you can apply a mask to nourish it. This will give you the healthy-looking skin that you want. You can choose the mask based on the current issues on your face or what you want to achieve.

How to Apply a Mask:

  1. Pick a natural DIY mask from our list:
  • Mask for skin tightening: Mix 1 egg white with 1 tablespoon of yogurt.
  • Mask for acne-prone skin: Mix 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel with 1 teaspoon of turmeric.
  • Mask for glowing skin: Mash 1 ripe avocado with 1 tablespoon of honey.
  • Mask for rejuvenating skin: Blend ½ a tomato with ¼ of a cucumber.
  1. Apply the chosen mask and let it rest on your face for 15-20 minutes.
  2. Wash it off with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel.

Step Four: Toner

Toner is necessary for removing any remnants of the mask and balancing the pH level of your skin. It will also brighten your face and prepare it for the final step by shrinking your pores and stopping dirt from settling in.

How to Apply Toner:

  1. Choose a toner from the list below and let it cool in the fridge for 30 minutes beforehand.
  • Apple cider vinegar toner: Mix ¼ cup of water with ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar.
  • Rosewater and lemon toner: Mix ¼ cup of rosewater with 5 drops of lemon juice.
  • Witch hazel and aloe vera toner: Combine 2 tablespoons of witch hazel with 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel and a few drops of lavender oil.
  1. You can use a cotton ball to apply the toner or pour it in a spray bottle and spray it all over your face.
  2. Let it dry.

Step Five: Moisturize

This is the final step and a crucial one. Moisturizer will seal in all the nutritious ingredients you used on your face and hydrate your skin. Your facial is incomplete without moisturizer.

How to Moisturize:

  1. You can use your trusted moisturizer for this step or choose a natural DIY option:
  • Shea butter and jojoba oil moisturizer: Mix ½ tablespoon of jojoba oil with ¼ cup of shea butter with and 5 drops of lavender oil.
  • Coconut oil and tea tree oil moisturizer: Mix ¼ cup of coconut oil with 5 drops of tea tree oil and ¼ teaspoon of vitamin E oil.
  • She butter and argan oil moisturizer: Mix ¼ cup of shea butter with 2 tablespoons of argan oil and 5 drops of your favorite essential oil.
  1. Gently apply the moisturizer by massaging your skin. Start from your forehead and rub in upward circular motions down your temples, nose, cheeks, jaw, and neck. Doing this will increase the blood circulation in your face, give you a flushed look, firm the muscles and finish your pampering with a soothing touch.

And voila! You are done. You just gave yourself a facial.

Some Extra Tips

  • For a spa-like experience, you can set the mood by lighting some scented candles, investing in a face roller, making yourself a glass of cucumber water, and playing some relaxing music. You can also invite your friends and make a ritual out of this.
  • Prepare everything beforehand. This way you won’t have to get up after every step and look around for ingredients.
  • You might be tempted to try an extraction method. Don’t! That should only be done by professionals and if you try, you might scar yourself and it can even lead to inflammation and infection.
  • If at any point you experience irritation or discomfort from the ingredients on your face, wash them immediately.
  • Don’t wear makeup after the treatment. Give your skin a few hours to breathe and preferably do this routine at night.

So there you have it. An affordable DIY facial treatment at home with all-natural ingredients and no harsh chemicals.

Easy, wasn’t it?

You can turn this into a weekend routine. Give yourself a boost for the upcoming week and rid your skin of all the piled up dirt and stress. It’s a relaxing process to make your skin and mind feel refreshed, healthy, and calm. Show yourself a little love, you’re worth it. And if you do, be sure to tell me about it.