Home Remedies for Toothache

Toothaches can vary greatly, from mild soreness to an unbearable throbbing pain in your teeth or around your jaws. Some of the main causes of toothaches are cavities, an infection, an exposed tooth root, a cracked tooth, gum disease, a loose filling, or jaw joint disorder. 

A toothache (see the above diagram) happens when the central region of the tooth, known as the pulp, becomes irritated or inflamed. The pulp consists of several nerve endings that are highly sensitive. Pulp can become inflamed or irritated for many reasons, some of which are noted above.
If you have toothache, it is best to seek immediate advice from a dentist before the problem worsens. You can also try some natural remedies to relieve the pain temporarily.

1. Pepper and Salt

Salt mixed with pepper can be of great use when a tooth becomes extremely sensitive as both the ingredients have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

1. Mix equal amounts of pepper and common salt with a few drops of water to form a paste.
2. Apply the paste directly on the affected tooth and allow it to sit for a few minutes.
3. Do this daily for several days.

2. Garlic

Use of garlic can also provide immense relief from toothache. Garlic has antibiotic and other medicinal properties that can be very effective in reducing the pain.

1. Mix a crushed garlic clove (or garlic powder) with some table salt or black salt and apply it directly on the affected tooth to alleviate the pain. If you prefer, you can chew one or two cloves of garlic to get relief.
2. Repeat this natural treatment for a few days.

3. Cloves

Cloves have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant and anesthetic properties that help alleviate tooth pain and fight infection.

• Grind two whole cloves. Mix in a little olive oil or any vegetable oil and apply on the affected tooth.
• Another option is to dab a cotton ball in clove oil and rub it directly on the sore tooth. Or, you can mix a few drops of clove oil in half a glass of water and use it as a mouth rinse.

4. Onion

Onions have antiseptic and antimicrobial properties that control a toothache. It can provide relief from pain by killing the germs causing an infection.

Onion Home Remedy for a Toothache

• At the first sign of a toothache, chew raw onion for a few minutes to relieve the pain.
• If you are not able to chew it, place a piece of raw onion directly on the bad tooth or gum.

5. Asafetida

Dental problems such as toothaches and bleeding gums can be treated at home with the use of asafetida.

• Simply add a pinch or one-half teaspoon of powdered asafetida to two teaspoons of lemon juice and then warm it slightly. Use a cotton pad to apply the solution on the affected area. This will give you quick relief from the pain.
• Alternatively, asafetida fried in clarified butter can be put in the tooth cavity for instant relief.

6. Warm Salt Water

A simple glass of warm salt water can help treat a toothache. Mix half a spoon of common salt in a glass of hot water and use it to rinse your mouth thoroughly.
It will help reduce swelling and inflammation, and also fight the bacteria that cause infection.

7. Guava Leaves

Fresh guava leaves can also alleviate toothache, thanks to their anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antimicrobial properties.

• Simply chew one or two tender guava leaves until the juice starts working on the affected tooth. You can also use raw spinach leaves in the same way.
• Another remedy is to put four to five guava leaves in water and boil it. Allow the solution to cool to a warm temperature and add some salt. Use the solution as a mouthwash.

8. Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract is another popular home remedy for treating toothache as it helps numb the pain. Plus, the vanilla has a calming effect.

1. Dip a cotton swab in vanilla extract and dab it on the affected area.
2. Do this a few times a day until you get relief.

9. Wheatgrass Juice

Wheatgrass has natural antibacterial properties that will help fight tooth decay and relieve toothache. Extract the juice of wheatgrass and use it as a mouthwash.
It will absorb toxins from the gums, reduce the growth of bacteria and keep the infection under control. If you wish, you can simply chew on wheatgrass.

10. Ice Cubes

 
Ice can help alleviate tooth pain by numbing the nerve endings.

• Wrap a small ice cube in a thin cotton cloth. Hold it on your cheek near the aching tooth for a few minutes. If you have exposed nerves, contact with the cold can cause more pain.
• An acupressure technique that can ease tooth pain is to rub an ice cube between your index finger and thumb for a few minutes.

In addition to trying these remedies, make sure to consult your dentist. Some dental and gum problems require more aggressive treatment than home remedies.

How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks Fast

Stretch marks are visible lines on the skin surface, with an off-color hue. Stretch marks are mainly found in the abdominal wall, but can also occur over the thighs, upper arms, buttocks and breasts.
Sometimes stretch marks can cover large areas of the body. While pregnancy is the main cause behind stretch marks, other reasons can be sudden gain or loss in weight, rapid growth, heredity factors, stress and changes in physical conditions.

The skin consists of three main layers: Epidermis (the outer layer), Dermis (the middle layer) and Subcutaneous or Hypodermic (the deepest layer). Stretch marks form in the dermis or middle layer of the skin when the connective tissue is “stretched” beyond the power of its flexibility due to rapid expansion or contraction of the skin.
As skin is stretched, the collagen is weakened and its normal production cycle is interrupted and damaged. This ultimately results in fine scars under the top layer of the skin. Initially the marks look pink or red, but over time a thin, silvery line appears on the skin surface and a stretch mark is born.
Stretch marks appear on the skin surface when someone grows quickly, or puts on weight quickly.
Stretch marks can make you feel self-conscious and uncomfortable about your appearance. Fortunately, there are several natural ways to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

1. Castor Oil

Castor oil, which is used in the treatment of a number of skin problems such as wrinkles, age spots, moles, dark spots, fine lines and pimples, can also be used to get rid of stretch marks.

1. Apply some castor oil to the stretch marks and gently massage the area in circular motions for 5 to 10 minutes.
2. Wrap the area with a thin, cotton cloth. Using a hot water bottle or a heating pad, apply some heat to the affected area for at least a half an hour.
3. Repeat this process daily for a minimum of one month to notice positive results.

2. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is effective in the treatment of many skin problems. Its healing and soothing properties can be used to get rid of stretch marks. There are a couple of ways to apply it.

Aloe Vera Home Remedy to Get Rid of Stretch Marks

• You can directly rub aloe vera gel on the affected skin area, leave it on for 15 minutes and then rinse the skin with lukewarm water.
• Another option is to make a mixture with one-fourth cup of aloe vera gel, oil from 10 vitamin E capsules and oil from five vitamin A capsules. Rub this mixture onto the skin until fully absorbed. Repeat this process daily.

3. Egg Whites

Eggs are a rich source of protein. For stretch marks, you want to use only the egg whites, which contain amino acids and proteins.

1. Whip the whites of two eggs gently with a fork. Clean the affected skin area with water and then apply a thick layer of egg whites with a makeup brush.
2. Allow the egg whites to dry completely and then rinse the area with cold water.
3. Finally apply some olive oil on the skin to keep it moisturized.
4. Repeat the process daily for at least two weeks and watch for positive results.

4. Lemon Juice

Another simple way to lessen stretch marks is to use lemon juice. Lemon juice is naturally acidic which helps heal and reduce stretch marks, acne, and other scars.

• Rub fresh lemon juice gently onto the stretch marks using circular motions. Allow the lemon juice to soak into your skin for at least 10 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.
• Another option is to mix equal quantities of cucumber juice and lemon juice and apply the mixture on the stretch marks.

5. Sugar

Natural white sugar is one of the best natural remedies to get rid of stretch marks. You can use the sugar to exfoliate your skin.

1. Mix a tablespoon of raw sugar with some almond oil and a few drops of lemon juice. Mix it well and apply it on the stretch marks and other skin areas.
2. Gently rub the mixture on the skin for a few minutes every day before taking a shower.
3. Do this for a month or so and watch your stretch marks become lighter.

6. Potato Juice

Potato juice contains vitamins and minerals that foster growth and restoration of skin cells.

1. Cut a medium-sized potato into thick slices.
2. Take one of the potato pieces and rub it gently on the stretch marks for a few minutes. Make sure the starch from the potato covers the affected area.
3. Allow the potato juice to dry for some time and then wash it off with lukewarm water.

7. Alfalfa

Alfalfa leaves contain eight essential amino acids which are good for overall health of the skin. They are also rich in protein and vitamins E and K, which help nourish the skin.

1. Mix some alfalfa power with a few drops of chamomile oil to form a smooth paste.
2. Massage the paste into the affected area two to three times a day.
3. Repeat this daily for a few weeks and you will notice great improvement.

8. Cocoa Butter

Cocoa butter is also very beneficial in treating stretch marks. Being an excellent natural moisturizer, it helps nourish your skin and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

• You must apply cocoa butter over the affected area at least two times a day for a few months.
• Another option is to make a mixture using half a cup of cocoa butter, one tablespoon of wheat germ oil, two teaspoons of grated beeswax and one teaspoon each of apricot kernel oil and vitamin E oil. Heat this mixture until the beeswax melts. You can store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator and apply it to your stretch marks two to three times a day. This mixture will make your skin more hydrated and smooth.

9. Olive Oil

Olive oil contains a lot of nutrients and antioxidants that help improve various skin problems including stretch marks.

1. Massage slightly warm extra-virgin olive oil into the affected skin area. This will improve the blood circulation and reduce the stretch marks to a great extent.
2. Leave it for half an hour so that the vitamins A, D and E present in the oil are absorbed by the skin.

You can also mix olive oil with vinegar and water and use it as a night cream. This will keep your skin stay moisturized and also exfoliate the skin.

10. Water

 
Keeping your body well hydrated helps protect the skin from many kinds of problems and also aids in detoxification. It also helps keep the skin supple and restores elasticity.
Try to drink one to two glasses of water several times during a day. Experts say drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water per day is the best way to keep the body hydrated.
It will also make your skin soft and help maintain its elasticity. It is advisable to avoid coffee, tea or soda though.
These natural remedies can help stretch marks fade, but they may not completely remove them. You can always see your doctor if you are greatly concerned about the appearance of stretch marks on your skin.

How to Get Rid of Pimples Fast

Pimples are a normal skin condition that affect many people. Pimples are an inflammation of the skin in which the sebaceous glands (oil glands) become infected with bacteria, swell up, and fill with pus.

Excess sebum secretion by the oil glands is the primary cause behind this problem. Pimples generally occur on the face, neck, back and shoulders. Though not a critical condition, pimples can make a person feel miserable due to their appearance.
There are a lot of lotions and medicines on the market to treat pimples but they can take time. Many natural methods are effective in treating pimples within a very short time period.

Here are the top 10 ways to get rid of pimples fast.

1. Ice

Ice can be used to quickly reduce the redness, swelling and inflammation of pimples. It helps in improving blood circulation to the affected area, and in tightening the skin pores and removing dirt and oil accumulated on the skin. You can use ice cubes or crushed ice, whichever is convenient.

Use this Ice Remedy to Remove Your Pimples

1. Wrap the ice in a piece of cloth and hold it on the affected skin area for a few seconds.
2. Wait a few minutes and repeat the process.

[Related: Top 3 Face Masks for Acne (Pimples)]

2. Lemon

Another quick way to get rid of pimples is the use of lemon juice, which is rich in vitamin C. Lemon juice helps pimples dry up faster. Be sure to use fresh lemon juice and not bottled juice, which has preservatives. There are a couple of ways to apply this remedy.

• Dip a clean cotton swab in fresh lemon juice and apply it to the pimples before going to bed.
• You can also mix one tablespoon of lemon juice with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and put it on the pimples overnight. In the morning, wash the skin well with lukewarm water. However, this particular remedy is not suitable for those with sensitive skin.

3. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is excellent for treating acne and pimples. It has antibacterial properties that help fight the bacteria that cause these skin problems.
Plus, its soothing properties help reduce the redness and inflammation of pimples. It also helps dry out blackheads and whiteheads.

• Just dip a cotton ball in tea tree essential oil and dab it on the affected area. Rinse your face after 15 to 20 minutes.
• Another option is to mix a few drops of tea tree oil in 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel. Apply it on your pimples and blemishes, leave it on for 20 minutes and then rinse it off.

Note: Steer clear of tea tree oil if you have sensitive skin.

4. Toothpaste

The toothpaste that you use every morning to clean your teeth also can be used to treat pimples quickly. It is most effective when used following the ice remedy. You must use white toothpaste; avoid using gel toothpaste.

1. Apply some white toothpaste over the affected skin area before going to bed.
2. In the morning, wash your face with water and you will see a significant improvement in the swelling.

If you wish, you can repeat the process in the daytime also. Just make sure the toothpaste remains on the pimples for at least half an hour.

5. Steam

Steaming is wonderful for your skin at any time, but particularly when you have pimples. The steam will open your pores and allow your skin to breathe. This helps get rid of oils, dirt and bacteria trapped in the pores that can cause infection or inflammation.

1. Fill a large container with hot water and allow the steam to come in contact with your face for a few minutes.
2. Rinse your face with lukewarm water and, after drying, apply an oil-free moisturizer.

6. Garlic

Garlic is an antiviral, antifungal, antiseptic and antioxidant agent that can help in the fast treatment of pimples. The sulfur in garlic also promotes quick healing of pimples.

1. Cut a fresh garlic clove into two pieces.
2. Rub the garlic on the pimples and leave it for five minutes before washing the skin with lukewarm water.
3. Repeat the treatment several times a day.

Eating one raw garlic clove daily can also help purify your blood. But do not to eat too much raw garlic as it can upset the stomach.

7. Baking Soda

Baking soda is another effective home remedy to get rid of pimples because it helps exfoliate the skin to remove excess oil, dirt and dead skin cells.

1. Make a thick paste by mixing one teaspoon of baking soda with some water or lemon juice.
2. Wash your skin well, leaving it slightly damp. Apply the paste on the affected areas and allow it to dry for a few minutes. Never keep baking soda on your skin for longer than a few minutes as it can cause dryness or irritation.
3. Wash your face with warm water.
4. Repeat the process twice a day for quick results.

8. Honey

Honey is a source of natural antibiotics that can speed up the healing process, as well as help prevent infections.

1. Dip a clean cotton swab in honey, put it directly on the affected area and leave it on for half an hour.
2. Wash the skin well with lukewarm water.
3. Do this a few times a day.

Another option is to mix honey and cinnamon together to make a paste and applying it over the pimples before going to bed. In the morning, there will be less inflammation or swelling. Wash the skin well with cold water.

9. Cucumber

Cucumber is a rich source of potassium and vitamins such as A, C and E. It also has a cooling and soothing effect on the skin.

1. Cut one or two fresh cucumbers into pieces and soak them in water for about an hour. The nutrients, such as vitamin A, potassium and chlorophyll will transfer to the water.
2. Strain the water and drink it, or use the water to wash your face.

You can also make a face mask by grinding one cucumber. Apply the mask on your face and allow it to dry for 15 minutes. Wash your skin with warm water. This will help clean dirt and bacteria from your pores.

10. Papaya

 
Papaya fruit has a number of properties that help in the treatment of pimples. It is a good source of the antioxidant vitamin A, and it has enzymes that help reduce inflammation and make your skin soft and smooth.

• Crush raw papaya pieces to extract its juice and apply it over the pimples. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing it off.
• To make a exfoliating face mask, mash some papaya pieces and add a little honey. Apply this paste on your face and massage gently. Leave it on until it dries completely and then rinse it off.

10 Scientifically Proven Ways to Reduce Your Stress

Stress is your body’s natural reaction to any kind of demand or threat. It can be related to problems in your professional or personal life, financial issues, a fight with a friend, relationship issues or many other things.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), more than half of Americans suffer from too much stress.
When you are stressed, hormones like cortisol increase in the body, producing the ‘fight or flight response’, which in turn increases your heart rate and contributes to heavy breathing.
It can contribute to chronic conditions like hypertension, headaches, depression and anxiety disorders. It can also worsen existing health conditions, such as asthma, irritable bowel syndrome and insomnia.
In addition, it can affect your productivity, the quality of your relationships and your happiness.
Regardless of your current life circumstances, there are several proven ways to reduce stress that are backed by scientific studies.

Here are 10 scientifically proven ways to reduce your stress.

1. Take a Walk

You can always take a short stroll to walk off your stress. Just a 10- to 15–minute walk can help calm your mind and body. Walking boosts endorphins, which are brain chemicals that promote feelings of euphoria.
Walking in a park or other natural areas with scenic beauty can have added benefits. A 2015 study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine highlights that a green environment has potential benefits for emotional recovery from stress.
Along with fighting stress, a short daily walk can improve your memory, attention and energy level. It will even help you burn calories, fight obesity and reduce the risk of heart disease.
You can even make your daily walk a group activity by asking your friends to join you. This way you can also spend some quality time with friends and develop strong social bonds.

2. Listen to Soothing Music

Music works as a natural regulator of stress and helps clear your mind and soothe everyday anxiety.
A 2004 study published in the International Journal of Nursing Education Scholarship found that a 6-session Recreational Music-making protocol helped reduce burnout, mood dimensions and Total Mood Disturbance (TMD) in associate degree nursing students.
During stressful times, listen to soft and soothing music to reduce your stress hormone levels, slow your heart rate and lower your blood pressure.
Sounds of rain, flowing water and other nature sounds may also be relaxing, particularly when mixed with light jazz or classical music. On the other hand, faster music can make you feel more alert and help you concentrate better.
If you are skilled at playing a musical instrument, simply play that instrument to combat stress in your life.

3. Practice Deep Breathing

Practicing deep breathing can reduce your cortisol level and help your body relax when you are under stress. It can even cause a temporary drop in blood pressure and reduce anxiety.
According to a 2010 study done in Spain, controlled breathing therapy helps reduce the level of cortisol in the body.

1. Sit comfortably, put your hands on your abdomen and try to relax your muscles.
2. Inhale deeply through your nose, expanding your abdomen and then filling your lungs with air. Count slowly to 5.
3. Hold your breath and count to 3.
4. Exhale slowly through your mouth and empty your lungs completely. Count slowly to 5 and try to release your muscle tension.
5. Repeat these steps for 5 to 10 minutes.

As deep breathing is a part of many yoga poses, you can also practice yoga to calm your mind and body.

4. Laugh More and More

Laughter is the best medicine as well as technique to reduce stress, physical exhaustion and fatigue. It lowers your cortisol level, enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air and stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, which all promote general well-being.
A 2008 study by the American Physiological Society states that anticipating a laugh helps reduce stress hormones.
Also, a 2011 study published in the Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing highlights the positive effect of laughter therapy on postpartum fatigue and stress responses of postpartum women.
Watching a funny movie or a video is a fine relaxation technique. If you are often under stress, join a comedy club in your area to reap the benefits of laughing more.

5. Get a Massage

A gentle yet firm massage helps reduce pain as well as contributes to stress release. So, the next time you are anxious or stressed, get a good massage.
You can opt for a whole body massage, or simply a good head massage to reduce headaches, a common symptom of stress.
A 2010 study published in the Autonomic Neuroscience: Basic & Clinical journal showed that 5 minutes of touch massage is significant in reducing the body’s stress response.
In addition, a 2008 study published in The Australia and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry pointed out that massage therapy had immediate effect on anxiety-related measures and may help reduce stress and anxiety in acutely hospitalized psychiatric patients.
If you can’t get a professional massage done, simply use some warm oil of your choice to massage your feet, hands, back and head to relax tense muscles and reduce stress.

6. Spend Time with Your Pet

Spending time with your pet can be immensely beneficial to your well-being. A pet will help you enjoy life a little more, improve your level of the stress-reducing hormone oxytocin and reduce production of cortisol.
A 2001 study published in the Hypertension journal states that people with high blood pressure could keep their blood pressure lower during times of mental stress by spending time with their pets as compared to blood pressure patients without pets.
Many people also talk to their pets about their problems, because pets offer a non judgmental ear.

7. Drink a Cup of Green Tea

When you are feeling stressed, take a break to enjoy a cup of green tea. Green tea contains powerful antioxidants that have a calming effect on the mind and body. It also contains an amino acid that promotes relaxation and improves focus and attention.
According to a 2009 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, drinking a few cups of green tea daily is associated with lower psychological distress in general.
Black tea can also reduce stress. A 2007 study published in the Psychopharmacology journal found that six weeks of black tea consumption lead to lower post-stress cortisol, greater relaxation and reduced platelet activation.

8. Eat Some Dark Chocolate

To relieve stress, you can always rely on dark chocolate. It helps release “happy chemicals” known as beta-endorphins in the brain.
This helps reduce the level of stress hormones in your body. In addition, the magnesium in it works as a stress fighter.
A 2009 study by the American Chemical Society found that dark chocolate helps ease emotional stress. Eating about 1½ ounces of dark chocolate a day for two weeks helped reduce levels of stress hormones in people feeling highly stressed.
To fight stress, make sure you are eating chocolate that contains more than 85 percent cocoa.

9. Chew Gum

It’s surprisingly simple, but you can chew your favorite gum to help reduce the amount of cortisol in the body and release stress. It can even reduce anxiety and improve alertness and performance scores.
A 2009 study published in the Physiology & Behavior journal found that chewing gum alleviated a negative mood and reduced cortisol during acute laboratory psychological stress.
The exact mechanisms underlying these effects are not known, however researchers believe that improved cerebral blood flow and better performance while chewing gum may help ease stress.
When choosing chewing gum, opt for sugar-free varieties to to avoid damage to your teeth due to sugar.

10. Put Down Your Smartphone

Habitual use of smart phones is a major contributing factor in increased stress. You can experience heightened levels of stress and anxiety during digital social exchanges. It can also cause elevated levels of aggression, depression and inability to concentrate.
A 2012 study presented at the British Psychological Society’s Division of Occupational Psychology Conference found that stress was associated with how much time you spend on your smart phone.
In fact, the most stressed-out people experience ‘phantom’ vibrations from their phones, when in fact there have been no alerts.
Don’t stay glued to your smartphone. Go out and spend time with people or do any activity that you enjoy.

10 Foods You Should Never Refrigerate

The invention of the refrigerator was a game changer in our ability to conserve food. It prevents many foods from becoming laden with disease-causing bacteria, as well as helps us save money buying food that goes bad before we can eat it all.
Most of us use a refrigerator with little knowledge about the types of food that should be stored in it and what should not.
Too often, we refrigerate food that should actually be kept on the counter or in the pantry. Storing some foods in the refrigerator will ruin their texture as well as taste.
 
Here are the top 10 foods that you should never keep in the refrigerator.

1. Whole Melons

Whole melons should not be stored in the refrigerator. In a 2006 study, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) researchers found that when stored at room temperature, watermelons have more antioxidants (lycopene and beta carotene) than when stored in the refrigerator.
In fact, the study found that compared to freshly picked fruit, watermelons stored at room temperature had 40 percent more lycopene and 139 percent more beta carotene content.
So, instead of keeping the whole melons in the refrigerator, leave them on your counter at room temperature. However, if you hav cut or sliced melons, you can cover them and store in the refrigerator.

2. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are very delicate in nature, and they lose their flavor and texture when refrigerated. Cold temperature damages the membranes along the fruit’s walls, making them lose flavor and become mushy. Plus, cold air stops the ripening process.
One of the best places to store unripe tomatoes is on the counter at room temperature. To speed up ripening, put them in a paper bag. Also, keep them stem-side down.
Ripe tomatoes are meant to be eaten within a couple of days, so buy them in small amounts as needed. Keep them at room temperature stem side up, away from sunlight. Room temperature, here refers to a temperature of about 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 21 degrees Celsius.
However, if you have overripe tomatoes, you can store them in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days before they go bad completely.
To “recondition” the refrigerated tomatoes, take them out and leave them at room temperature for a few hours. To get the best flavor, pick your tomatoes from a local farmer’s market.

3. Potatoes

Keeping potatoes in the refrigerator will make them sweet and gritty in nature. The cold temperature breaks down the starch in potatoes, thus increasing their sugar content.
This leads to higher levels of a chemical called acrylamide when you cook them at high temperatures. Acrylamide is harmful for your health and increase the risk of cancer.
When stored in warmer or more humid areas, potatoes will start sprouting or going bad. Mature potatoes remain good for months if kept in a cool, dark environment like a root cellar or pantry. If the potatoes are damp, allow them to dry out on the counter before storing them.
Avoid storing potatoes in plastic bags, as lack of air causes them to start deteriorating quickly. You can keep them in a paper bag or a perforated plastic bag, which allows more air circulation.

4. Onions

Do not store whole onions in the refrigerator. Due to moisture, whole onions will turn soft and moldy. However, you can store chopped or sliced onions in a sealed container in your refrigerator for a few days. Keep the temperature at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
Whole onions should be kept in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area in the mesh bag they came in. Do not store them in plastic bags, as lack of air circulation can affect their shelf life.
Plus, never keep onions alongside potatoes, as the moisture and gas emitted from them can cause both onions and potatoes to spoil quickly.

5. Honey

There is no need to store honey in the refrigerator, but you don’t want to keep it near your stove or oven either. Extreme cold or hot temperatures can spoil its taste and texture. When exposed to cold temperature, honey may begin to crystallize.
Room temperature helps preserve your honey’s natural goodness. To keep honey fresh, store it in an airtight, glass container.
Avoid storing it in metal or non-food-grade plastic containers, as they can cause oxidization of the honey. Keep the container in a dry, cool place out of direct sunlight. A cupboard or pantry is best.
Do not use honey if it smells sour or has visible mold growth. Properly stored honey may naturally solidify and crystallize as it gets older.

6. Olive Oil

If you use olive oil for cooking or making salad dressings, do not keep the bottle in the refrigerator. Very low temperature causes the oil to condense and take on a harder consistency. Refrigeration can also cause olive oil to become cloudy, which affects the quality and flavor.
It is better to store olive oil in a sealed, dark-colored container and keep it in a cool, dark cupboard. It will remain in good condition for a year or two.
Never keep your olive oil container on a windowsill, near your stove or in a cabinet above the stove. When exposed to repeated heat and light, olive oil can turn rancid. Rancidity can set in long before you can taste it or smell it.

7. Garlic

If whole garlic bulbs or garlic cloves are refrigerated, the cold temperature is likely to cause them to soften and start deteriorating.
It will even change the consistency and flavor. However, chopped or minced fresh garlic can be stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container for a short period.
Always store your garlic bulbs in a cool place away from direct sunlight to extend their shelf life and prevent sprouting.
Your kitchen cupboard or a shady corner of your kitchen counter works fine. The bulbs need to breathe, so never store them in a plastic bag or sealed container. Keep them in a mesh or wire basket to allow ventilation.
Use all the garlic cloves quickly once broken from the bulb, which shortens their shelf life. Plus, avoid buying young, wet garlic as they tend to rot quickly.

8. Coffee Beans and Grounds

As coffee beans are hygroscopic in nature, they easily absorb moisture from the surrounding area. Moisture will affect the aroma and flavor of both coffee beans and grounds. Plus, coffee may take on the smell of other food in the refrigerator.
Store coffee in an airtight, ceramic canister or vacuum canister. Keep it in a cool, dark and dry place. Avoid exposing coffee beans and grounds to air, heat and light. This will help retain its freshness and full flavor that you love when drinking a cup of coffee.
Also, try to buy your coffee in small quantities as needed.

9. Bread

Bread also should not be stored in the refrigerator. Wheat flour, the primary ingredient in bread, is packed full of granules of starch.
When exposed to moisture, the starch breaks down and becomes increasingly amorphous. This causes the bread to dry out quickly. Plus, it actually gets stale faster.
Keep your bread in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, such as in your pantry or a bread box. This will help maintain the proper crumb and crust texture.
You can keep bread wrapped in plastic or aluminum foil at room temperature for no more than two days. Or, you could wrap an entire loaf in plastic or aluminum foil and store in the freezer to arrest starch retrogradation and hold the bread in a stable state.
If there is high humidity, buy fresh bread as needed and avoid storing it for next day. Before using partially stale bread, heat it in the oven.

10. Stone Fruits

Stone fruits are those that have seeds or pits in them that are relatively large compared to the size of the fruit. Examples of stone fruits include peaches, apricots, cherries and plums.
There is no need to keep stone fruits in the refrigerator. Cold temperature and humidity can quickly affect their quality and flavor, and turn them into a moldy mess.
You can keep any stone fruits wrapped in a brown paper bag in a cool, dry place. Always arrange the fruits stem-end down and store at room temperature until ready to eat. To make them ripen quickly, put them on a sunny windowsill or table.
Once ripe, eat them as soon as possible. Plus, it’s best to buy these fruits in small amounts as needed.

Top 10 Liver-Cleansing Superfoods

The liver, weighing in at about 3 pounds in healthy adults, is one of the body’s vital organs. It is responsible for many important functions related to digestion, metabolism, immunity and the storage of nutrients that the body needs to survive.
Moreover, the liver is a gland that secretes chemicals required by other parts of the body. In fact, the liver is the only part of your body that is both an organ and a gland.
A healthy liver regulates the composition of blood, removes harmful toxins from the blood as well as processes and converts nutrients absorbed by the intestines during digestion into forms that the body can use. It also stores some vitamins, iron and simple sugar glucose.
It is also responsible for breaking down insulin, hemoglobin and other hormones. In addition, it destroys old red blood cells and produces chemicals needed for blood to clot properly.
Because the liver performs so many vital functions, it is important to keep it healthy.

An unhealthy diet and poor lifestyle can overwork and overload the liver, leaving it unable to process toxins and fat efficiently.
This in turn can raise the risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, chronic fatigue, headaches, digestive problems, allergies and many other health problems.
Many foods can help cleanse, rejuvenate and detoxify your liver. This will help keep your liver healthy and functioning the way you need it to.

Here are the top 10 liver-cleansing superfoods.

1. Garlic

Garlic is great for cleansing your liver. It helps activate enzymes in the liver that help clear out toxins. It also contains two natural compounds called allicin and selenium, which aid in the liver-cleansing process and protect the liver from toxic damage.
Moreover, garlic reduces cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which can overload the liver and hamper its functioning.
To promote liver health, use fresh raw garlic instead of processed, minced garlic or powder.

• Eat 2 to 3 raw garlic cloves daily and include garlic in your cooking whenever possible.
• You can also take garlic supplements, but only after consulting your doctor.

2. Grapefruit

Being a good source of vitamin C, pectin and antioxidants, grapefruit also aids the natural cleansing process of the liver.
It also contains glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and detoxifies the liver. Glutathione also helps in the detoxification of heavy metals. Moreover, the flavonoid naringenin in grapefruit helps break down fat.
Drink a small glass of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice or enjoy the whole fruit with your breakfast daily.
Note: If you are on medications, consult your doctor before taking this fruit as it may interact with certain drugs.

3. Beetroots

Beetroots are another powerful food for cleansing and supporting liver function. High in plant flavonoids and beta-carotene, they help stimulate and improve overall liver function. Moreover, beetroots are natural blood purifiers.

• Simply add fresh beetroots or juice to your daily diet.
• Make a powerful liver-cleansing salad with 1 cup of chopped or grated beetroots, 2 tablespoons of cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil and the juice of ½ lemon. Mix all the ingredients together and eat 2 teaspoons of it every 2 hours during the day for a week.

4. Lemons

Lemons help detoxify the liver mainly due to the antioxidant D-Limonene present in it, which helps activate enzymes in the liver that aid detoxification.
Moreover, the high amount of vitamin C in lemons helps your liver produce more enzymes to aid digestion. Lemons also boost mineral absorption by the liver.
Make lemon water at home by adding the juice of 1 lemon to a jar of water. You can even add chopped lemons to it. Drink this water at regular intervals. If desired, add a little honey.

5. Green Tea

By drinking green tea daily, you can help your body flush out toxins and fat deposits, while increasing hydration levels.
A 2002 study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that the catechins in tea help stimulate lipid catabolism in the liver. This in turn prevents fat accumulation in the liver. This healthy beverage also protects the liver from the damaging effects of toxic substances like alcohol.
Green tea is also beneficial in treating or preventing liver disease. According to a 2009 study published in Cancer Causes and Control, people who drink green tea have a lower risk of developing liver cancer.
Drink 2 to 3 cups of green tea daily. If desired, sweeten your tea with honey.
Note: Avoid drinking green tea in excess as it can have an adverse impact on your liver and other body parts.

6. Avocados

Avocados contain potent chemicals that may reduce liver damage, according to a 2000 study by the American Chemical Society. This fruit is rich in glutathione, a compound required by the liver to cleanse harmful toxins and to function properly.
The high amount of monounsaturated fat in avocados helps reduce low-density lipoproteins or “bad” cholesterol and increase high-density lipoproteins or “good” cholesterol. The liver easily processes good cholesterol.
Moreover, avocados contain many minerals, vitamins and plant nutrients that support overall liver health and help break down fats.
Eat 1 to 2 avocados per week for a couple of months to help reverse liver damage.

7. Turmeric

Turmeric is another popular and effective liver-cleansing food. It also improves the body’s ability to digest fats.
The compound curcumin in turmeric induces the formation of a primary liver detoxification enzyme called glutathione S-transferase. It also helps regenerate damaged liver cells.

• Mix ¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of water and boil it. Drink it twice daily for a couple of weeks.
• Also, include this spice in your daily cooking.

8. Apples

 
An apple a day is the secret behind a healthy liver. Apples are a good source of pectin, a soluble fiber that helps remove toxins from the digestive tract and cholesterol from the blood, in turn preventing the liver from being overworked.
Moreover, apples contain malic acid, a naturally cleansing nutrient that removes carcinogens and other toxins from the blood.
All types of apples are good for your liver, however, for fast liver cleansing choose organic apples. Eat one organic apple or drink a glass of fresh apple juice daily.

9. Walnuts

The high amount of the amino acid l-arginine in walnuts aids the liver in detoxifying ammonia. Moreover, walnuts contain glutathione and omega-3 fatty acids, which aid the natural liver-cleansing process.
According to a 2008 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, walnut polyphenols prevent liver damage induced by carbon tetrachloride and d-galactosamine.

• Munch on a handful of walnuts as a snack daily.
• You can also sprinkle them over a salad, side dish, soup or baked goods.

10. Broccoli

 
Support the natural liver-cleansing process by including broccoli in your diet. Being rich in glucosinolates, it helps flush carcinogens and other harmful toxins out of the body.
The high fiber content in broccoli also improves the digestion process. Moreover, it contains fat-soluble vitamin E, an important antioxidant for the liver to carry out its functions.
Eat 1 cup of broccoli 3 times a week to keep your liver healthy.
Also, to keep your liver healthy, health experts recommend eliminating or reducing animal foods as well as alcohol, refined sugar, excess caffeine and processed foods from your diet. In addition, stop smoking as it causes significant damage to different organs of the body, including the liver