Tag: Health

YES, YES, YES! AN ACTIVE SEX LIFE IS THE KEY TO MAKING YOUR SKIN GLOW

Published on by Lee4 Comments

I’ve always wondered how orgasms affect your skin. I mean, everyone knows that sex rivals the treadmill when it comes to cardio. And then there’s that whole post-coital glow that people talk about, which I swear is real. So with those two factors combined, one would think that there’s a scientific reason behind having good skin after an orgasm. Right?

After some research, I’ve stumbled upon some good news: orgasms will make you look younger and glowier! Seriously, after-sex skin is a real thing, and by that we mean super glowy, literally lit-from-within skin. It sounds too good to be true, and you’re probably thinking, well that glow’s not gonna last long, but here’s where it gets really interesting; there are tons of studies that show having more orgasms will actually make you look younger while the short term benefits include decreasing stress, helping with sleep, and improving your skin. Even if you’re still not convinced, it’s worth a try, right?!

The thing is, having an orgasm as often as you can could be the cheapest wellness hack you discover this year. Oh, and for the record, Medical News describes an orgasm as “a powerful feeling of physical pleasure and sensation, which includes a discharge of accumulated erotic tension. Having a successful orgasm has numerous health benefits like your body releases serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, and prolactin,” says Shirley Chi, MD, a California-based dermatologist. “What that cocktail does is basically reduce the effects of the stress hormone—cortisol—that’s in your body and creates a deep sense of relaxation.” Here’s all the proof and all the ways orgasms are going to make you look and feel ten times better.

Orgasms Will Make You Look Younger

One study examined 3,500 people and found that women who had three orgasms a week looked, on average, 10 years younger than the women who only had two! Another study, which came to the same conclusion, revealed the reasons behind why having orgasms can make you look so much younger:

Endorphins: The release of the ‘feel good’ chemical, endorphins, naturally acts as a painkiller and helps to reduce anxiety, thereby helping you sleep better – and sleep is the key to health!

Human growth hormones: Orgasms cause human growth hormones to release, which helps improve the skin’s elasticity.

Another study by the University of Michigan showed that orgasms increase estrogen levels, which also has anti-aging benefits: it maintains collagen, which we all know is a protein that promotes more youthful skin. Higher estrogen levels also help skin thickness and elasticity, and may even help lock in the skin’s moisture, thereby keeping the skin plumper and more resistant to wrinkles.

Orgasms Will Make You Feel Better

Okay, so that’s obvious, but it will make you feel better in the unobvious ways! When you orgasm, your body releases what people refer to as the love hormone, aka oxytocin. Oxytocin helps to decrease stress by lowering cortisol levels and it also helps release tension by stimulating feelings of warmth and relaxation.

All this oxytocin and de-stressing leads to better sleep, decreased inflammation in the body – less inflammation means less acne and puffiness – while the lower levels of cortisol improve collagen production, helping the skin to heal better.

Orgasms Will Make Your Skin Glow

After an orgasm, the increased rate of blood flowing through your body coupled with blood-vessel dilation means your system is flooded with oxygen, which boosts collagen production that stimulates and repairs the skin. All that increased blood flow also gives your cheeks what’s referred to as an ‘orgasm flush’ – hence the name behind NARS’ iconic Orgasm Blush – as your body pushes all the blood to your skin to make your face look flushed.

Finally, increased blood flow means more water is transferred to your skin (your largest organ), and we all know hydration is essential for a glowy complexion.

So, other than the initial glowier appearance that you’ll get after an orgasm, the results of orgasm often are actually much longer lasting than you’d think – not just for your skin and body, but for your mental well-being too! And the best thing about orgasms is they’re completely free, and you don’t need anyone else to help you!

This of course doesn’t mean you should ditch your skin-care regimen for a more actively-seeking-orgasm life all in order to get a glow. “Sex and masturbation aren’t the answer to acne, but they’re definitely not bad for the skin,” says Dr. Chi. Sounds like doctors orders to me. If you don’t have time to orgasm you can always fake it – no, not like that! – with makeup!

For the ultimate glowy skin, check out this after-sex skin makeup look that Huda Beauty shared:

CBD OIL: AN EFFECTIVE CURE FOR ACNE?

Published on by Lee8 Comments

In the world of natural healing, nothing is trending hotter right now than cannabinoid oil, also known as CBD oil. It’s been claimed to heal depression, anxiety, inflammation, and even cure acne! That’s right- acne. Whenever something claims to cure or even help acne, I’m always a skeptic and insist on trying it myself. I did of course, and saw real eye-opening result. Specifically, when it came to reduction of inflammation, sebum production, and stress levels. Did it work for my acne? Yes CBD oil reduced my acne after a month of use. But, we will dig deeper into that in a little bit. Before we get into how it exactly works to treat acne, let’s examine what exactly CBD oil is, how it works, and what it can be used for.

WHAT IS CBD OIL?

First things first, CBD is not weed, okay?! If you’re thinking, “heck yeah, I’m going to get legally stoned”, sorry, but you’d be wrong. It’s true Cannabinoid oil is extracted from the hemp or marijuana plant, but unlike its controversial counterpart, marijuana, it doesn’t contain any physcoactive properties. CBD oil contains higher levels of CBD and low levels of THC; THC being the only chemical in marijuana that causes the physcadelic effects, also known as the “high” feeling when smoked or consumed.

CBD (also known as cannabidiol) is the non-psychotropic component of marijuana or hemp. CBD oil is a mixture of the CBD isolate (pure CBD) + an oil like olive, hemp, or coconut. CBD oil won’t get you high because it doesn’t have the mind-altering properties of marijuana’s tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content (they are sourced in different ways).

It is also important to know that CBD oil is not the same thing as hemp seed oil. The two are often marketed interchangeably, but CBD oil is richly concentrated in cannabidiol, whereas hemp seed oil only contains trace amounts of cannabidiol, if any.

WHAT DOES CBD OIL TREAT?

CBD oil has been claimed to treat various different diseases. It’s basically considered a cure all, here are some of the diseases or general disorders that have claimed to be cured or significantly helped by CBD oil users:

  • Anxiety
  • Alzheimer’s
  • Appetite
  • Migraines
  • Insomnia
  • Stress
  • Cancer
  • Inflammation
  • Chronic pain
  • Sleep Disorders
  • Epilepsy
  • Acne or other skin conditions

IS CBD GOOD FOR ACNE?

CBD oil is extremely effective when it comes to the treatment of acne in three ways, by inhibiting oil production, decreasing stress, and reducing inflammation.

Regulates Oil Production: Cannabinoid oil, either ingested orally or applied topically, helps to regulate oil production by calming down the sebaceous glands and inhibiting the overall production of sebum. This means that if your face is overly- oily and your pores are easily clogged, CBD may be a good choice for naturally regulating oil production to reduce acne.

Tames Inflammation:A second way CBD helps to reduce acne is through its anti-inflammatory effects. As we are well aware, acne is considered an inflammatory disease in which the pore becomes red, irritated, and highly inflamed. When it comes to systematic inflammation, some people can only find relief with CBD oil, more specifically those with serious joint disorders and continuous muscle pain. It is extremely surprising that in most cases people have reported an almost complete recovery from their chronic inflammation when using CBD oil regularly.

It wouldn’t be so far fetched to think that perhaps because acne is an inflammatory disease where the sufferers naturally have higher levels of inflammation (due to the genetic IGF-1 gene), cannabinoid oil may also help to naturally reduce the inflammation that comes along with it.

Reduces Stress: One of the most celebrated aspects of cannabinoid oil is its ability to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress. CBD oil itself has anti-stress properties, it lowers the heart rate and allows stressed individuals the ability to relax. A study published in the international journal of neurophyschopharmacology shows that it has beneficial therapeutic benefits on the health of humans, preventing the development of chronic unpredictable stress (CUS).

This is inspiring news when it comes to the treatment of acne; because undoubtedlyacne causes stress and stress causes acne.It can be a difficult cycle to break.When stressed, the skin and the brain both create a spikein cortisol which leads to higher levels of inflammation, increased sebum production, and in general, the perfect breeding ground for acne.

With stress, inflammation, and oil production all taken out of the picture, it appears that cannabinoid oil tackles acne in a multifaceted approach, which is exactly what is needed when it comes to chronic adult acne that is unresponsive to topicals and medication.

MY EXPERIENCE WITH CBD OIL FOR ACNE

As someone who believes in dealing with acne in a holistic approach by taking all health aspects into consideration, I was beyond ecstatic to give CBD oil a whirl. It actually started couple of years ago at my friend job, when I told her I was experiencing chronic back pain, she whipped out her CBD oil and insisted that I gave it a try- I did. And I never looked back. The very next day I was so eager to try it again that I went to my local store and bought my own bottle.

Oddly enough I realized after going out that night and having a few drinks I didn’t breakout, it seemed strange but I didn’t really think too hard about it. Next few days, I was off the rails so to speak, I completely went off of my insanely strict diet and basically ate anything I wanted. I went out a few nights, drank quite a bit, stayed up all night, but wait what’s this- still no acne?! At this point I had been taking CBD oil orally for about 2 weeks.

I never thought of it as an acne treatment, it initially began with pain and easing a little bit of social anxiety, but as time went on I was surprised to find that not only was I physically feeling better but I was looking better too!

My skin, perhaps besides a spot or two, had 100% gained full clarity. I was bewildered, after so much research, time, and energy put into my diet and trying to live a healthy lifestyle, I couldn’t understand why all of a sudden (as I was completely off my diet) my skin had been the clearest and least irritated it’s been in months.

Then it dawned on me, besides ditching my old diet and ways, I wondered if there was anything new I had begun using. As someone who is very routine, it was easy for me to quickly figure out it was the CBD oil. My back pain subsided, stress was at a lower rate, and my skin was the clearest it’s been in aloongggggg time. Could this really be the miracle solution people claim it is?

I still continue to use CBD oil, it has been about a month now and I can say that I honestly have seen dramatic effects, physically and mentally. I no longer wake up and worry if I’m going to breakout, I sleep better at night, my mind feels clearer, and overall it has just been an overwhelmingly positive experience. I would highly recommend it to anyone who hasn’t seen results with their current skincare, diet, or exercise regimen and continues to struggle daily with acne. With all symptoms alleviated and no side effects included, I would stretch as far as to say that it is an even more effective treatment for acne than accutane.

How to Use CBD for Acne

If you are interested in using CBD for acne, you might be wondering the best way to start taking it. You might even be wondering if it is safe and legal.

The good news is that CBD is a safe product that millions of people are already using worldwide—and as it does not contain THC, it is legal in all fifty states.

As mentioned before, more research on CBD is underway than ever before, so far studies have been focusing on it being taken orally or transdermally (directly on the skin) when it comes to acne treatment.  For this reason, it is up to you. You might want to start by taking a tincture or edible product, and see if you notice an improvement.

You can also purchase skin care products that contain CBD or purchase a tincture and create your own home treatments (in the long run, this option might save you money and ensure that you know exactly which products are ending up in your skin care products).

Ultimately, the choice is yours— the only thing you have to lose is your pesky acne.

Have you tried CBD oil for acne or the treatment of any other disorder/disease? Let me know in the comments below! Let’s talk all things CBD.

3 Super Easy Ways To Detox For Free

Published on by Lee14 Comments

With summer fast approaching, I’m well aware that bikini season is right around the corner. And in an effort to stay clear of FAD diets, I’ve started thinking of some quick and easy lifestyle changes that’ll seriously help me and you to detox. Even if weight loss isn’t your goal, it never hurts to go on a little health kick every now and then. I swear with these three easy hacks, you’ll feel tons better, have way more energy, and you’ll look better too – beauty does start from within after all!

Learn To Decode Your Cravings

When you’re craving a particular food, it’s often the source of nutrients that triggers the feeling. That also means there’s always a healthier option with a higher content of the nutrients that your body really needs. For example, when you want chocolate, which I been craving chocolate for a while now, the source of your craving is actually magnesium, which can be found in almonds, spinach or quinoa. Similarly, if you’re desperate for salty foods, you’re in need of chloride silicon; which is found in apples, grapes or bell peppers. And, if you feel like you’re in desperate need of carbs, you’re really after nitrogen, which is found in high protein foods like meat or fish. Even, when you’re tired and desperate for a coffee, you can trade it in for a green tea, as this also contains a high level of caffeine. So the moral of the story is, don’t trust your cravings, decode them and find the source! Even though you may think the only thing that’ll satisfy your cravings is a tub of Ben & Jerry’s, it’s not what your body really needs.

Cut Back On Animal Products

I know that veganism may seem like the latest Insta happy trend, but there are actually some major health benefits to a plant-based diet. I am not suggesting that you go vegan 24/7 – we’re not sure what life is without a grilled cheese sandwich now and again – but cutting back on meat and dairy can make a real difference to your health. So, I try to go meat-free three days a week, and limit dairy intake to one meal a day. Even though meat is a really good source of protein, it also has the highest amount of saturated fats in our diet, especially red meat. When you do eat meat, it’s worth looking for free-range and organic sources, otherwise, the animal may have been pumped with harmful chemicals and hormones, which we all then ingest – gross!

When it comes to our dairy intake, we couldn’t believe it when we found out that 65% of the population is lactose intolerant (lactose is the main carbohydrate found in dairy products). This is because it’s a complex compound that our body finds difficult to break down and digest, causing you to bloat and feel sluggish. Limiting your dairy intake to one serving a day is also enough to satisfy your daily requirement for calcium. The rest of your calcium intake can be found in other calcium-rich foods, like pineapple or leafy greens. Plus, dairy is normally high in fat and can be super calorific, so even if you aren’t intolerant, it’s always a good idea to cut back. There are so many alternatives to dairy products too, like almond or oat milk, there’s even vegan ice cream which is surprisingly good, so next time you’re at the store, try these instead!

Eat Within a 12 Hour Window

When I found out that celebrities like Miranda Kerr, Beyoncé, Terry Crews, Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Lopez, Halle Berry and Kourtney Kardashian swear by eating within a 12 hour period, I had to check it out! And OMG it’s one of the easiest “diet” rules to follow! It can make a big difference to your daily metabolic cycle, helping you burn more fat, and it’ll also seriously decrease your daily food intake. Eating within a 12 hour period helps regulate and balance your insulin production (the hormone that’s released after each meal), which is what causes your body to produce glucose. The influx of glucose triggers a hormone called ghrelin, which makes you feel hungry. When you limit your food intake you also limit your production of ghrelin, which means you regulate and decrease your hunger.

Eating within a restricted time frame also means you don’t store fat, but instead you continue to burn it throughout the day and before you go to sleep. Even if you don’t want to regulate your hunger, restricting your eating time will help manage your blood sugar levels, lower levels of inflammation, improve your heart health, and your immune system. Just remember the golden rule, the clock starts ticking from the very first thing you put into your body (apart from water) and it stops exactly 12 hours later.

Are you guys gonna try any of these?

Stop Neglecting Your Tongue! It’s More Important Than You Think…

Published on by Lee1 Comment

Dental health is seriously trending right now; from Kendall’s whitening Moon pen to pretty much every influencer’s fave teeth whitening gadget. But as intrigued as we are with the latest advancements in oral health; it’s the ancient practice of tongue scraping that I am currently obsessing over. It’s super simple, it’s basically free, and it has tons of health benefits.

What is tongue scraping?

Ok, so I realize it sounds kinda gross but Dr. Ghalili explains “Tongue scraping is the method to remove the remainder of the food, possible bacteria, and dead cells from the surface of the tongue and therefore out of the body.” Dr. Garcia adds, “Tongue scraping is nothing new and has been a part of Ayurvedic practice since ancient times. A scraper is designed to fit the anatomy of the tongue and scrape off bacteria and flora on the tongue that can produce volatile sulfur compounds.”

Why you need to start scraping… like NOW

Dental benefits: Dr. Garcia outlines the benefits of tongue scraping; “Tongue scraping can clear up bad breath and help to prevent an incidence of periodontal disease [gum disease].” Dr. Ghalili agrees, saying tongue scraping helps “To remove bacteria and toxins and this prevents them from getting reabsorbed into the body. This improves problems with bad breath and improves overall health.”

Other health benefits: But the benefits don’t stop at helping with bad breath, it’ll help remove toxins from your body, increasing your bodies immunity, and improving your health in general. Plus, don’t forget fewer toxins in your body = better skin. Dr. Ghalili explains how it works, “When bacteria and other possible pathogens remain on the tongue and get reabsorbed by the bloodstream, it can cause serious health issues all throughout the body.” Plus, Dr. Garcia notes that it’s the perfect practice to get into whenever you’re feeling under the weather, “Since bacteria lingers on the tongue, it’s especially beneficial to do regular tongue scraping when you’re sick with a cold or infection.” Oh, and last but not least, it’ll enhance your taste buds as there’s less mucus on your tongue – err, yes, please!

How to use a tongue scraper

The tools: Dr. Garcia recommends, “The tongue scrapers made from copper, tin or brass [which you can buy on Amazon, $8, here]. Using an ergonomic one only designed for tongue scraping is much more effective than using a toothbrush.” Whereas Dr. Ghalili keeps it simple, suggesting “A toothbrush or a tongue scraper. Both are effective. If you use a toothbrush, it is easier to use without toothpaste.”

The technique: With firm yet gentle movements, scrape the surface of your tongue with singular, long strokes using your tongue scraping tool, then rinse your tool in water. Repeat this five to ten times. Follow with mouthwash, flossing, and then brush your teeth as usual.

Let me know if you guys use a tongue scraper in the comments below.