How Do You Know You’re Constipated?

A digestive system which includes a colon, intestines and the necessity to move the bowels is a feature that is common among all mammals. These organs are necessary in order to ensure that we are able to move solid waste from our body, continuing to promote a clean system and good health. In human beings, the condition of a bowel movement, including its colour, shape and density, is one of the easiest ways to analyse the health of an individual. The waste contains enzymes from the body’s digestive system and its physical qualities indicate the state of the digestive system. When the body, particularly the digestive system, is in distress, it is possible that bowel movements will be especially loose and need to be passed frequently or be overly compacted and unable to be moved. The condition in which the bowels are compacted and it is difficult or impossible to move waste is called constipation.

How Do I Know If I Am Constipated?

constipation, constripatedThe first and most obvious indication of constipation is the inability to move your bowels. Most people’s digestive systems, when they are functioning as they ought to, leave them with an idea of how many times they pass waste in a day or a week on average. A person with a healthy digestive system generally passes a bowel movement at least once a day. If the number of times you move your bowels decreases over a couple of days or becomes non-existent, you are likely constipated. You may feel the urge to pass waste and have an aching sensation in your colon or intestines, feeling swollen. Some diffuse symptoms of constipation include the retaining of water in the hands or feet, a headache and pain in the lower back. It is important to know that if constipation does not resolve itself and remains untreated, it can turn into a severe medical issue called an intestinal blockage. This issue often requires a visit to a hospital in order to be resolved.

How Do I Treat My Constipation?

Being constipated is an uncomfortable state that only continues to feel worse as time progresses without a bowel movement. When treating the issue, symptoms may take a day or two to fully resolve as the bowels are emptied. The most important thing that someone suffering from constipation can do is to drink as much water as possible. Dehydration can cause issues with hardened bowels, and increasing hydration levels by consuming at least eight glasses of water a day can help the condition to resolve. Stimulant laxatives are an option that can assist the bowels to move, but it can also cause overly loose stools after the fact. In some cases, a glycerin suppository inserted into the anus is an appropriate solution, as it helps to lubricate the rectal package to allow waste to move more easily. If this is not on the top of your list to do, try a fast acting laxative before going through any extreme procedures.

In order to prevent future constipation, staying hydrated is a must. In addition, adding fibre to the diet helps to make stools bulky but soft, making them easier to pass. Probiotic yoghurt is another solution that many people turn to, as the bacteria in the yogurt help to regulate the digestive system and encourage healthy bowels.

Mandy is a stay-at-home mum with 2 children in primary school, in her past time she loves to garden, travel, cook and write blogs for other stay at home mums and anyone with similar interests.

Image credit: David Castillo Dominici/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Basic Nail Care

fingernails, hands, nailcareOur body is very essential to us especially those body parts that are exposed. The way our body looks speaks on how we take care of ourselves, from the root of our hair down to our toenails. Each of us has our own way of taking good care of the body.

We have our own priorities on which part we prefer to take care more. It can be our hair, skin, face, body, while others give ample attention to their fingernails.

Our fingernails are one of the most exposed part of our body and with a lot of usage. We peel fruits, scratch, and even get small object using them. So it means it should stay neat and clean.

According to studies, fingernails can also determine the condition of the health of an individual. A healthy nail has pink plate and looks white as it grows. The unhealthy ones may have these following symptoms: discoloration, thickened nails, ridged nails, splitting nails, lifted nail plate, bacterial infection, fungal infection, trauma, skin diseases and other diseases.

You may reduce the occurrence of nail problems in many ways. First practice personal hygiene. If you are to wash dishes, clothes, car, etc., wear gloves to avoid harsh chemicals which comes in soap and detergents or chlorine. Don’t clean your hands and nails aggressively. When using artificial nails, upon removing always read the manufacture’s instruction to avoid harm or breakage of nails. Don’t share your towels and other cuticle stuffs to anyone to avoid any transmittable diseases. Use moisturizers every now and then to avoid dryness of the skin and cuticle. When wearing shoes, make sure it is hygienic to avoid fungi infections.

In cases of infections, consult your doctor, dermatologists or a podiatrist for proper medications.

Always remember that prevention is still better than cure.

Image credit: marin/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

5 Quick Touch-Ups Tricks To Look Fresh

Touching up throughout the day is important, even if you are a busy working woman. Even the most high-quality makeup will begin to fade as the day progresses. Luckily, touching up your makeup does not take much time and will make you look fresh and beautiful. Here are five quick touch-up tips that you should follow.

makeupRemove Oil from Your Face With Blotting Paper

The first thing you have to do is remove oil from your face with blotting paper. Doing this is especially important in the summer because your face produces a lot more oil. Just gently pat away the oil and sweat from your face with blotting paper. Your face will feel so much cleaner once you have done this.

Smooth Out Your Foundation With a Fresh Sponge

It is very important to smooth out your foundation with a fresh sponge. Just put a little bit of your foundation on the sponge and apply it all over your face. Then, sweep some loose powder all over your skin with a powder brush. Powder will zap away all of that oil and make you look more polished.

Remove Smudged Eyeliner With Q-tip

If you are like a lot of women, your eyeliner probably smudges on the inner part of your eyes by the middle of the day. It can definitely be a nuisance, but it is surprisingly easily to deal with. All you have to do is wet a Q-tip and remove the excess eyeliner with it. Then, apply some champagne-colored eye shadow to your inner corners. Applying a light-colored eye shadow to the inner corners of your eyes will make you look fresh again.

Enhance Your Features With Highlighting Powder

It is always a good idea to carry highlighting powder with you. Applying highlighting powder to your skin is an easy way to make you look more fresh and awake. Just sweep the highlighting powder under your eyes, along your cheekbones and down the bridge of your nose.

Put Lipstick on the Apples of Cheeks

If your skin starts to look washed out in the middle of the day, you should apply a dab of lipstick to the apples of your cheeks. A bright red or orange lipstick will give your cheeks a little bit of color so that you look healthy. Make sure to blend the lipstick nicely so that you do not look overdone.

Finally, above all, investing in a long lasting antiperspirant as a quick spray here and there will not only keep that body odour away but will also make you feel fresh and confident.

As you can see, touching up your makeup does not take much effort at all. If you follow these helpful tips, you will look fresh and beautiful in minutes. Make sure to pack all of your essential makeup items in your purse including powder, lipstick, highlighting powder and blotting sheets.

Author Bio: Sarah is a hairdresser by trade and has been for the past 10 years. She loves cutting hair and making her clients feel good about themself, by writing these blogs she hopes that it may help give some people confidence with her beauty tips and tricks.

Image credit: marin/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Soothe and Prevent Cracked Heels Naturally

cracked heelsIt would always be someone else’s asset to have smooth and blemish free heels. Achieving them somehow needs hard work and ample amount of patience. Cracked heel is considered to be a result of poor skin care and improper foot hygiene.

Cracked heels can also be a result of too much pressure on your feet brought by prolonged standing or walking. That’s why it is very important to rest your feet from time to time.

In order to prevent cracked heels, one should take note that your feet, just like any other parts of your body, need to be cleaned and moisturized. It can be prevented by ensuring that your diet is rich in zinc. Foods rich in zinc are brown rice, oysters, yogurt and kidney beans. Another essential mineral that should be included in the diet are those food that are rich in omega 3 such as fish.

Aside from the diet, cracked heels can also be prevented by proper hygiene. Make sure to keep your feet clean and avoid activities that could cause cuts and bruises. If you’re into adventures, make sure that your feet are well protected. If you observed that your feet is somewhat dry, apply moisturizing lotions or petroleum jelly. If necessary, do some exfoliating from time to time.

During times of stressful strolling, allow your feet to rest for a while and have some alternate warm and cold soaking. It naturally soothes your tired feet as well as prevent cracked heels.

If you already have cracked heels, one effective and natural way of soothing it is by wearing foot socks after applying some moisturizing oils or lotions. Do it for several weeks to allow your cracked heels to heal.

You can also make use of milk and honey to achieve that smooth and pinkish heels that you have been wanting to have.

Image credit: ldfootcare.com

5 Meals for the Mum on the Run

Feeding the family and eating healthy can be difficult for mums on the run. If you work, go to school or have other obligations, creating well-balanced meals quickly can be hard to do. Here are five ideas for wholesome ways to feed yourself and your family.

macaroni and cheese, mac & cheese1. Macroni and Cheese

Macroni & cheese recipes are easy to make and cook fairly quickly. Use whole-wheat pasta when you create your dish. Whole-wheat pasta has a higher nutritional value than traditional, bleached pasta. Once your pasta is cooked, add cheese sauce, vegetables or even sautéed garlic. You can add virtually any ingredient you like to your pasta for a creative, quick meal.

2. Wraps

With just a soft tortilla shell, a bag of lettuce and boiled chicken, you can have a great sandwich. Boil your chicken ahead of time, shred it and keep it in the fridge. When it’s time to make your lunch or dinner, pull out a tortilla shell, lay it on a plate and put a handful of chicken on it. Add lettuce, chopped peppers and any other vegetable that you like. You can drizzle olive oil, ranch dressing or sour cream on your sandwich to add a bit of moisture. Roll the shell and you have a fantastic wrap that can be eaten on the go.

3. Crockpot

No, the crockpot isn’t a meal, but it will become your best friend. From roasts to chili, you can throw your ingredients in the pot in the morning and have a hot meal waiting for the family in the evening. Crockpots are excellent tools for making soups, casseroles and roasts. The best thing is that the pot does all of the work for you. Simply put your ingredients in the pot, set it on medium and go about your day. When you’re ready to eat, your meal will be waiting for you.

4. Cook on Sunday

family cookingIt doesn’t have to be on Sunday, but cooking on one day of the week makes meal creation easy. Plan your menu for the week and spend a couple of hours in the kitchen. Put your cooked meals in freezer-safe containers, pop them in the freezer and pull them out when you’re ready to eat. You can reheat your meals in the oven or in the microwave. Cook meals that freeze easily. Pasta sauces, casseroles, chili and soups all freeze very nicely and reheat well.

5. Shakes

If you have a day that you’re simply too busy to prepare and eat a meal, a protein shake can be a good option. Put a few ice cubes in a blender, add four ounces of water, a scoop of protein powder, and a scoop of yogurt. Blend your ingredients well and pour them into a glass. While a protein shake shouldn’t take the place of all your meals, it’s a great alternative when you don’t have time to cook.

Being a busy mum doesn’t mean that you get to neglect your nutritional needs. The above tips are easy to follow and will ensure that you eat as healthy as you should. Use the ideas as starting points for your own kitchen creations.

Author Bio: Kacie is a part time chef and in her free time she experiments with different mixtures of flavour. She writes up some ideas to share with others who are interested in food and cooking.

Image credit: ourfamily2yours.com

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