Tag Archives: tips

7 Tips To Help Ease IBS Symptoms

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common and troublesome gastrointestinal condition afflicting between 25 and 45 million Americans. IBS can cause a whole host of frustrating digestive symptoms such as chronic constipation, diarrhea, gas, distension or cramping. Even though it isn’t life-threatening and doesn’t increase your risk of more serious stomach problems, IBS can negatively impact quality of life. So, what can be done? Aside from working with your doctor to find medical treatment that works for you, there are a few things you can do to help ease those symptoms:

  1. Keep a food diary – By keeping track of everything you’re eating you will likely be able to identify triggers that you didn’t realize you had before, as well as foods that seem to help ease your symptoms.
  2. Avoid triggers – Stress is a big trigger for many IBS sufferers, so try your best to control your stress and anxiety levels. Examples of common IBS food triggers include: caffeine, alcohol, onions, red peppers, spicy foods, chocolate, artificial sweeteners, wheat and milk products.
  3. Hydrate! It can be hard to ensure you reach the recommended daily water quota, but it is especially important if you have IBS, as water promotes easier digestion and helps your body filter toxins.
  4. Check your fiber – While fiber is essential for healthy digestion, too much fiber can be a problem for some IBS sufferers, causing unwanted gas and bloating. Alternately, many IBS sufferers find extra fiber helpful to help ease constipation. How much fiber you should take in depends on your own personal bowel situation.
  5. Try some peppermint – Certain studies have proven peppermint to help symptoms of IBS better than a placebo, so it may help to try drinking some peppermint to see if it improves your symptoms. Be aware that if you suffer from GERD or heartburn, peppermint can sorely exacerbate those symptoms.
  6. Yoga for your belly – The gentle movements of yoga and Tai chi have proven beneficial for easing symptoms of IBS (and other conditions) by reducing pain, easing stress and promoting healthier digestion.
  7. Practice caution with medication – Even some anti-diarrheal medications may cause unwanted effects on someone with IBS such as constipation, similarly, anti-constipation medications may cause dependency so, be sure to discuss any medications with your doctor first.

Check out some more helpful IBS tips in our post: IBS Symptoms, Triggers and Management!

A Look at Childhood Obesity

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Childhood obesity rates have been steadily climbing over the past few decades which bodes ill for the future health status of our children. Let’s take a look at some of the facts:

  1. From 1980 to 2012, the percentage of children under 12 who were obese rocketed from 7% to 18%.
  2. In 2013 over 42 million children in the world were obese.
  3. Approximately 70% of obese children already have one or more heart disease risk factors such as high cholesterol or blood pressure.
  4. Obese children are more prone to such health complications as joint problems, sleep conditions and psychological issues such as low self-esteem.
  5. Obese children are at greater risk of developing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.
  6. The number of children with type 2 diabetes has risen 5% of all newly diagnosed cases in 1994 to approximately 20% of newly diagnosed cases today.
  7. Studies show that obese toddlers and children are more likely to be obese as adults
  8. Schools can help reduce the rates of childhood obesity by implementing policies like mandatory fitness classes, health lessons that teach about the dangers of obesity as well as serving healthier lunches.

Tips for Parents to Help Curb Childhood Obesity

While schools can help prevent or reduce childhood obesity, parents can have the most influence. Here are some tips for parents to help their child maintain a healthy weight:

  1. Make steps toward a healthy diet for your whole family – try to cut out or drastically reduce intake of high fat snacks like chips, bars and cookies, and stock up on fruits and veggies. Also try to introduce more healthy protein like meat, beans and whole grains, limit sodium, reduce portion sizes and encourage everyone to drink more water.
  2. Use substitutions to make favorite family dishes healthier.
  3. Promote physical activity by exercising as a family.
  4. Encourage your children to participate in extra curricular sports like karate or tennis.
  5. Send your children outside to play with friends – children should get approximately an hour of physical activity daily.
  6. Set a technology time limit for your family – there is a strong link between too much screen time and childhood obesity.

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Kitchen Scald and Burn Prevention Tips

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There are over 40,000 burn-related hospitalizations in the United States annually, not counting the thousands of less serious burns that also cause pain and associated problems. In many cases it may only take proper burn and scald precautions to reduce these numbers and keep you and your family safe in your kitchen. Let’s check out some precautionary measures you can take to help prevent kitchen burns and scalds:

Kitchen Safety Tips

  • Make sure a new fire extinguisher is ready to go someplace in the kitchen (be sure to periodically check the expiry date).
  • Never leave a pot or pan handle sticking out where someone could bump (or pull) it off the stove.
  • Wipe down the stove and surrounding area after every cooking session so built up grease doesn’t instigate a potential future fire.
  • Always be sure to check that the oven and all elements are turned off after use – it is such an easy mistake to make but could prove deadly.
  • Never use aerosol sprays (like cleaners) around an open flame.
  • Never leave a hot stove or oven unattended (especially if you have small children).
  • Make sure you check that containers are microwave or oven safe before warming things in them.
  • Use extra caution when removing hot liquids from the microwave as the steam or contents could scald you or someone standing close.
  • Ensure the kitchen floor is completely clear of debris like children’s toys, as you may trip while holding hot liquids or dishes.
  • Pour hot liquids and open lids away from your body so you don’t get a face full of scalding steam.

Child Kitchen Safety Tips

  • Store anything flammable like lighters in high, out-of-reach cabinets.
  • Try to keep the kitchen kid-free during meal preparation times, even if you have a play-pin setup on the far perimeter of the kitchen while you are cooking to prevent accidents while you’re busy.
  • Ensure your children know that the kitchen (particularly around the stove) is a “no-play” zone.
  • Refrain from using material table cloths when little kids are around, they could pull it down, wasting hot foods that may be resting on the cloth.
  • Tuck small appliances with electrical cords (like the kettle) out of the way so the cord cannot be yanked down atop a child.
  • Test hot food and liquid out first to make sure it isn’t mistakenly scalding.

That concludes our look at kitchen burn prevention tips, keep an eye out for household burn prevention in the future! If you haven’t already, check out our post Treating Minor Burns (And Recognizing Major Ones) next; thanks for visiting DocChat!

Which Public Places Are The Dirtiest?

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Bacteria and germs are everywhere, even on our bodies. Most of them aren’t harmful, but it is important to practice good public hygiene so you don’t expose yourself to unnecessary, potentially harmful pathogens. Sometimes it is easy to become complacent while going about our daily business but little precautions can go a long way in preventing illness. Let’s take a look at some of the germiest places we regularly frequent:

  1. Gas stations – In one study by researchers at the University of Arizona, 71% of sampled gas pump handles were contaminated with dangerous microbes that could lead to illness. The gas station is a spot most of us don’t even think twice about while we go about our daily errands – it pays to wash up well after any public outing.
  2. Hospitals and clinics – Higher than normal numbers of sick people are constantly filtering in and out of hospitals and clinics, many of whom are highly contagious. No matter how diligent the janitorial staff in these facilities may be, it would be impossible to stay on top of all those germs 24/7. Try not to touch many surfaces while in clinics, and use hand sanitizer after you do touch things.
  3. Schools – Unfortunately, schools are hotbeds of illness as germs spread from child to child quickly and easily, especially in younger grades. It is difficult to ensure your child doesn’t catch a cold or come in contact with harmful bacteria like E. coli in schools, but you can teach them the importance of thorough hand washing with warm water and soap after using the washroom or after activities like gym or art class, and especially before they eat their lunch or recess to help cut down on germ over-exposure. It is also a good idea to make sure your child doesn’t pick up habits like nail biting which will enable them to lead all the germs they touch directly to their mouths.
  4. Grocery stores One recent study surmises that there is a 72% chance the grocery cart you choose will have fecal matter on it – gross! If that doesn’t make you want to wipe down most publicly used items before using them, what will?
  5. Banks ATM machine buttons have shown to be highly contaminated as well, which makes sense considering hundreds of people use some of those machines daily and areas of the machines are likely hard to clean since they are electronic. Try using hand sanitizer right after a bank or ATM visit to neutralize some of those creepy crawlies.
  6. Fitness centers – Shared equipment like yoga mats or machines are choc-full of other people’s sweat and bacteria and can facilitate the spread of infectious skin fungi and other issues.

Other Germy Public Hotspots

Germ-alicious honorable mentions include:

  • Restaurants
  • Public transport
  • Arcades
  • Office buildings
  • Shopping centers

Bottom Line on Germy Spots

Most any public area will be highly contaminated so It is always a good idea to carry sanitizing wipes in your purse or pocket and wipe down communally used items like restaurant tables. If you want to go the extra mile in avoiding excess bugs, you can pass on leafing through communal magazines in waiting areas and opt to at your own book or phone instead. Lastly, it is smart to bring hand sanitizer with you when in public in case you can’t get to a rest room to wash your hands (or wish to avoid dirty sinks in said washrooms). Having said all this, there is no need to drive yourself to stress over germs – they exist everywhere and most of them are fine, but it is good to be mindful and practice these little tips to avoid unwanted infections or issues.

Thanks for visiting DocChat! If you haven’t already, check out our post “7 of The Germiest Items You Use Daily” next! We hope to see you again soon.

 

Lifestyle Tips To Help Restless Leg Syndrome

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RLS is a troublesome sleep-disrupting condition with neurological elements that causes the legs to involuntarily move, or causes strong urges to move the legs while at rest.

There is Still A Lot To Learn About RLS

It is still quite a mysterious condition to medical professionals, though it appears to often be associated with other chronic conditions such as heart disease, lung disease and arthritis. There is no known ‘cure’ for RLS, but there are many things that can be done to help manage the condition. We’ll take a look at lifestyle changes that can help reduce RLS symptoms in this post, and natural remedies plus medical management options in the following post.

Diverse Treatments For A Diverse Condition

While the condition affects everyone slightly differently, symptoms of RLS are usually extremely unpleasant and frustrating, and can impede quality of life if not controlled. There are various treatments for symptom management. Each person may require different treatments or combination thereof to manage their particular symptoms. These treatments can be medical, homeopathic or lifestyle-based.

Lifestyle Changes That May Help

  1. Take a hot bath nightly to help relax muscles. Try infusing it with lavender or chamomile bath salts for a more relaxing experience before bed.
  2. Keep your mind busy, especially when you are sitting still as symptoms often worsen at rest (busying the brain helps via distraction and also because it stimulates other areas of the brain which can redirect it from signaling pain or unpleasant sensations to your extremities).
  3. Get half an hour to an hour of daily exercise – studies show that moderate daily exercise can help RLS symptoms greatly (but don’t overdo it, vigorous exercise may actually negatively impact the condition).
  4. Try low impact, stretching-based exercise like yoga or tai chi to help control muscles and relieve symptoms. Yoga in particular has shown great promise in RLS management.
  5. Control stress – stress is a major trigger of RLS. Work to bring down your anxiety and stress with relaxation techniques. Check out our Stress Busters post for some good stress management tactics.
  6. Focus on sleeping well – get into a relaxing nightly routine. Some light reading before bed may help (not on blue-lit screens before bed), or have a nightly cuddle or backrub before slipping into the sheets around the same time every evening.
  7. Keep your feet warm – it appears RLS occurs more in people who often have cold feet (or poor circulation), so keep those feet warm in the nighttime with socks, slippers or extra blankets on the foot of the bed.
  8. Examine your diet – are you consuming foods that keep you awake? Try going for iron and magnesium rich foods instead of sugary, processed ones.
  9. Try to cut down your intake of caffeine, alcohol and nicotine as they have all been linked to worsening of RLS symptoms.
  10. Stretch it out – routine stretching can significantly help manage RLS. Try stretching the leg straight out and bending the toes back several times a day to help stretch the hamstrings. This can lessen Charlie horses and leg cramps that are often associated with RLS as well.
  11. Timing travel and other seated activities during times of the day when your symptoms are at their quietest can help make these activities easier. Make sure to take plenty of standing, walking and stretching breaks when you have to be seated for long periods of time.
  12. Try keeping a symptom diary to track when your RLS is at its worst to see if there is a correlation between your symptoms and temperature, certain foods or certain activities.

Keep an eye out for our post on home remedies, alternative treatment and medical options for RLS next time! Thanks for visiting DocChat!

20 Summer Exercise Ideas

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Warm weather is finally catching up to us! If you’re at a loss for exciting fun-in-the-sun exercise ideas, check out these:

  1. Hit the courts – basketball is an excellent way to burn calories and have fun. If you don’t know how to play, join a local beginners league or get a friend or family member to teach you. Even just practicing free-throws and shooting games alone is a fun way to workout.
  2. Start a ball hockey league – get some neighbours and local friends involved in ball hockey and play a couple evenings a week on a quiet street or local sport court.
  3. Dust off your old bike or roller blades. Biking can burn up to 600 calories an hour!
  4. Take up gardening or landscaping. Learning to tend to your own property can help you enhance your home’s curbside appeal while also helping you burn off calories.
  5. Assist in Some Renos – renovations are extremely hard work, from going up and down a ladder 20 times to walking back and forth between the shed and your home, you’ll be sweating off those calories in no time while learning valuable skills.
  6. Water sports can be a fun way to cool off and tone up in the summer. If you have a friend or family member with a boat, learn to waterski. You can chip in on the skis and make it a weekly endeavour.
  7. Join a local softball league – get some exercise and comradery by playing softball.
  8. Set up a designated Yoga Area in your backyard and do it everyday. This would work for Pilates or Tai Chi as well.
  9. Coordinate your own outdoor exercise class or boot camp with friends.
  10. Learn to kayak to really tone those upper body muscles while you take in serene beauty of a lake or ocean. You can burn over 300 calories an hour
  11. Invest in an “adult jungle Jim” or trampoline in your backyard. You can participate in your own makeshift gymnastics on your own property (just be sure to do so safely, learn the proper techniques first).
  12. Get a step counter (pedometer) and get to steppin’. Gradually increase your daily step count goals to push yourself that extra little bit.
  13. Schedule a weekly adventure with a friend or your family. Find great hiking spots around your community that have beautiful views.
  14. Go snorkeling or learn to scuba dive.
  15. Take up tennis. Tennis is the perfect summer sport. You get to exercise, socialize and breathe in that fresh summer air.
  16. Try an extreme outdoor sport like zip lining (you have to hike between lines) or rock climbing to get some exercise and some thrills.
  17. Get a walking buddy and choose three evenings a week to routinely walk around town.
  18. Swim as frequently as you can in the nearest body of water – salt water is an especially good choice for your immune system and skin.
  19. Join an Ultimate Frisbee league.
  20. Set up a horseshoe court in your backyard and invite friends over to play a few times a week. Burn a few calories while you enjoy a leisurely game with friends.

Thanks for visiting DocChat! We hope you enjoyed these exercise ideas!

 

 

 

 

STI Prevention And Awareness

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It is becoming increasingly important to promote awareness and become educated about Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) as the numbers are steadily rising around the country and will only continue to climb if we don’t take preventative measures. Simple choices like not having unprotected or intoxicated sex may mean the difference between being healthy or HIV positive. Untreated STIs can have devastating reproductive consequences if left undetected for years.

STI Statistics:

  1. Over 110 million American men and women have Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
  2. Of the 8 most common STIs only: syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis are treatable. The other 4: hepatitis B, herpes simplex virus, HIV, and human papillomavirus (HPV) are incurable (however there are medications available to help minimize symptoms).
  3. Gonorrhea is progressively developing resistance to common antibacterial treatments making it harder to treat effectively. If this continues, gonorrhea may become one of the incurable ones, therefore it is important to contain the spread of this STI.
  4. Many STIs are transferrable from mother to baby through birth including herpes and HIV. STIs can cause stillbirth, birth defects such as missing limbs, blindness, prematurity, or ailments such as pneumonia.
  5. Undetected or untreated syphilis causes more than 300,000 fetal fatalities annually, and leads to birth defects, congenital conditions and other health complications in 215,000 babies.
  6. Untreated STIs can cause infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women.
  7. Approximately 290 million women across the world have HPV.
  8. Each year HPV leads to over 520,000 cases of cervical cancer, 266,000 of which are deadly.
  9. Having certain STIs like herpes or syphilis can triple your risk of contracting HIV, so you should use extreme caution if you are already infected with an STI.
  10. Many STIs such as syphilis or gonorrhea can have few-to-no symptoms and may go undetected until they resurface to cause pregnancy complications or other issues years later. It is important to get checked for STIs when you first become pregnant so your doctor can take measures to protect your unborn baby in the presence of an STI such as to arrange a caesarian section birth.

STI Prevention

  • Avoid engaging in risky behaviors, such as: unprotected sex of any kind (unless you are in a committed monogamous relationship and were both tested); sex with multiple partners; sexual encounters with anonymous people; receiving unsterile or dangerous tattoos or injections; engaging in sexual behavior while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (your judgement may be impaired).
  • Females should be vaccinated with the HPV vaccination.
  • Use condoms properly every time you engage in sexual behaviour.
  • If you have multiple sexual partners (or one that you suspect may have an infection) get tested regularly for sexually transmitted infections.
  • If you are engaging in sexual activity with a partner who is HIV positive, ask your doctor about PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) to see if it is a viable option for you.
  • Have open an discussion with your partners about if they were recently tested or have any existing STIs.
  • Talk to your doctor about your sexual habits and lifestyle to see what preventative measures he or she would suggest to help you lower your risk of contracting STIs, or prevent spreading STIs to others if you already have them.
  • Abstinence until you find a desired life partner is another preventative measure some wish to partake in.
  • It is also important to talk to your children when they are old enough about the importance of practicing abstinence or safe sex.

More Information

For more information about STIs or about how to talk to young people about STI prevention, visit the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention’s comprehensive database on sexual health and sexually transmitted diseases. If you already have an STI, there are resources available that can help with management and providing support, such as the American Sexual Health Association. For more information on these topics, you can talk to your doctor or one of our highly skilled DocChat physicians about STI prevention, treatment, management, or how to get tested today.

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IBS Symptoms, Triggers And Management

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a troublesome condition of the large intestine that causes a variety of unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms. IBS sufferers have disrupted digestive rhythms, tending to move food through the tract either too slowly or too quickly resulting in chronic constipation or diarrhea. IBS sufferers experience a range of symptom severity, some with only the occasions stomach upset while others live a more restricted life, always having to know where the nearest washroom is. Fortunately, there are things IBS sufferers can do to better manage their condition and minimize discomfort.

Common Symptoms Of IBS

  • Bloating
  • Bouts of diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Stomach pain or cramps (that are relieved by using the washroom)
  • Mucus in the stool
  • Gas
  • Upper GI tract discomfort (such as heartburn)
  • Frequent urgent need to use washroom
  • Worsening of symptoms with stress
  • Worsening of symptoms with certain foods

Risk Factors of IBS

Some people may have all these risk factors and never develop irritable bowels while others may fit none of the criteria but still develop the condition. However, those that fall into the following categories are at a higher risk of developing IBS:

  • Age: young people are most often affected by IBS.
  • Gender: IBS is much more prevalent among women.
  • Family history: research points to increased risk if a close family member has IBS.
  • Mental health: those with such conditions as anxiety or depression are at a higher risk for IBS as the stomach and brain are highly connected.

Common IBS Triggers

  1. Stress and anxiety
  2. Certain beverages: alcohol, carbonated and caffeinated drinks
  3. Fatty, fried or processed foods
  4. Dairy products
  5. Spicy foods
  6. Wheat and gluten may be IBS triggers for certain people
  7. Medications such as antibiotics or antidepressants may effect the bowels
  8. Not getting enough exercise

Lifestyle IBS Management Tips

Get Moving

To help control your IBS through diet and lifestyle, be sure to start exercising more if you are sedentary. Regular exercise can help ease some of the symptoms of IBS. Yoga, routine walking and swimming can be especially good activities to try if you have IBS as they are not too strenuous.

Stress Management

With most IBS sufferers high stress levels can lead to flare-ups, so it would certainly be in your best interest to keep your cortisol levels in-check. Try to set aside some time each morning (or when you feel stress rising) to do something you find relaxing such as journeling or going for a little drive with relaxing music. Some IBS sufferers experience some success practicing relaxation techniques.

Diet Modification

Try to follow a healthy diet which works in high fibre fruits and veggies while limiting intake of junk food, dairy, take out, greasy or spicy food. Drink more water (especially to replenish your fluids if you tend toward loose bowel movements regularly).

Probiotics or Medication

Some people with IBS find success with probiotics; taking certain kinds daily may help replenish beneficial gut flora that can be out of balance from irregular washroom habits. Talk to your healthcare professional before beginning probiotics to make sure they are right for you. You should also consult your doctor (or one of our highly qualified DocChat physicians) if your IBS is still uncontrolled after modifying your diet and lifestyle as you may need to look into other treatment options.

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Spice Up Your Health With These 13 Nutritious Seasonings

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  1. Turmeric contains curcumin which has anti-inflammatory and fat-suppressing properties. It is also associated with helping lower the risk of metabolic conditions such as obesity.
  2. Cinnamon boasts healthy helpings of iron, calcium and antioxidants. It has shown promise in helping stabilize blood glucose and blood pressure.
  3. Cardamom works as a gastrointestinal soother and contains a natural antiseptic called cineole.
  4. Sage has proven effective to help with cognitive function. In a particular study, sage helped increase memory in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s patients. It has also been used in traditional medicine throughout history for a variety of reasons.
  5. Ginger is also a natural anti-inflammatory which, as you may know, is known for its gastrointestinal benefits. It has even been used in pill form by popular pharmaceutical companies as a stomach soothing medication. Research has also linked ginger with appetite suppression.
  6. Peppermint helps reduce irritable bowel symptoms by relaxing the stomach muscles to allow easier food passage as well as reducing bloating. When used in steam form, peppermint can also help decongest people with post nasal drip, sinusitis or rhinitis. When combined with hot water, peppermint helps open the airways and drain blocked nasal passages (breathe in 3-4 drops of pure peppermint oil in a cut of boiling water).
  7. Cayenne is often used to help cold and flu symptoms and works as a natural decongestant. Research suggests it may also help stabilize the metabolism, blood pressure and cholesterol.
  8. Oregano has natural antimicrobial properties and has traditionally been used to help such conditions as dandruff, UTIs, lung conditions and menstrual symptoms. It is also a rich source of vitamin K.
  9. Chili flakes contain an anti-inflammatory compound called capsaicin. Chili pepper flakes have quite a powerful analgesic (pain reducing) effect when enough are consumed.
  10. Chives contain allicin which may help control LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels as well as possibly aid in reducing high blood pressure, thus contributing to overall cardiovascular health.
  11. Thyme is a spice powerhouse. It brags natural antiseptic and antifungal characteristics and contains pyridoxine (also known as vitamin B-6) which helps lower stress levels. Thyme is also rich in antioxidants, potassium, iron, folic acid and vitamins A, B, K, E and C. Can a garnish get any healthier than that?
  12. Garlic is another spice superstar. It contains even more allicin than chives, as well as antifungal and antibacterial components. Research proposes that when consumed regularly, garlic may help lower the risk of cardiovascular problems and shows potential anti-carcinogenic properties as well.
  13. Cocoa may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. There have been several studies done on the effects of cocoa on the heart, many of which have resulted in positive findings that dark chocolate can help the heart when consumed regularly. The anti-inflammatory compound flavanol may be to thank for cocoa’s heart healthy quality.

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Homemade Haircare For Sensitive Scalps

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Many shampoos and conditioners contain harsh chemicals and unpronounceable ingredients that can be bothersome to sensitive scalps, especially for those who have scalp conditions such as psoriasis. Treating yourself to natural spa-like ingredients every now and then can really help revitalize your hair and scalp. There are plenty of homemade shampoo ingredients just sitting on your pantry shelves waiting to be used – some may seem strange, but your hair will thank you for the break from synthetic concoctions.

Coconut Oil

Just as coconuts contain beneficial fatty acids, vitamins and minerals for your nutrition, they can also help fortify your hair. Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that can help reinvigorate dry hair and has also made headway in reducing discomfort from such scalp and skin disorders as eczema. You should check with your doctor before trying this if you have eczema just to make sure it is right for your particular condition. Massaging some warm liquid coconut oil into your scalp and hair helps those vitamins and minerals penetrate the scalp. You can leave the oil on for however long you wish before rinsing (use caution as it can stain materials and is slippery when spilled on the floor).

Avocado Hair Mask

Avocado is a great natural moisturizer, and can even help prevent or slow hair loss. A suggested method of application to get the full effects of avocados is to make a homemade hair mask. To do this, you can thoroughly mash one peeled avocado with either one egg or 1/4th a cup of olive oil (some squeeze in some citrus for good measure). Apply this mixture to your hair and scalp, and leave it on for 30-60 minutes. Once you wash it out, viola! Shiny, strong, conditioned hair!

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar boasts quite an impressive haircare resume. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, it can be used to help ease symptoms of psoriasis such as itching or burning sensations. Apple cider vinegar also acts as a natural disinfectant and helps remove residue left in your hair from years of product use. It is also a natural detangler! Mix equal parts water and vinegar and apply it to your hair and scalp using a spray bottle. Leave the mixture on for a few minutes then rinse it out. For best results, use this treatment every week for shiny, soft, clean hair. Apple cider vinegar works as a natural skincare product as well.

General Haircare Tips:

  • Peppermint and eucalyptis oil are also natural products used for hair health.
  • A list of scalp-friendly haircare products is available here for those who are bothered by standard shampoos and conditioners.
  • Use warm as opposed to hot water to wash your hair. Hot water strips not only your hair’s natural healthy oils, but can also strip color much quicker.
  • Unless your hair is very oily, you don’t need to wash it everyday because over-washing strips your hair of natural, healthy oils as well.
  • Many shampoos have harsh make-ups that gradually sap your hair of its lustre and strength. Tip? The fewer ingredients, the better. Use gentle shampoos such as baby shampoo, which is about as gentle as you can get in stores.
  • Try to refrain from using straighteners and hairdryers too frequently, it is best for your hair to let it dry naturally whenever you can do so.
  • It may seem cliché, but get a trim every month and a half or so.
  • Let your hair breathe, try to resist the urge to always stick it up in a knot as elastics can also damage your hair when used too often. If you have to put it up, use a silk tie.
  • When you swim in chlorinated water, protect your hair with a swimming cap.

We hope you enjoyed our peek into natural haircare. It is always great to catch the occasional break from complex synthetic treatments and do something natural for yourself! Thanks for visiting DocChat.