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      How your hormones can play important role in how you feel

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      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      4 mins ago

      Dr. Mohsen Soofian, leading physician at Hortman Clinics shares how hormones can play a vital role in how we feel.
      Talk us through your background and how you became interested in wellness and anti-aging?
      I am an Osteopathic Physician with American Board Certification in Family Medicine. I have advanced training through the American Academy of Anti-Aging medicine through their Fellowship for Anti-Aging, Metabolic, and Functional Medicine and the Aesthetic Anti-Aging Fellowship. This reflects five state licenses (Alabama, California, Hawaii, Florida, and New York) and I have practiced all over the United States and established my clinic in Miami (The Renaissance Clinic). I have currently joined Hortman Clinics as their mindset and goal to bring elevated wellness and longevity to the UAE matched with my passion and professional goals.
      What are the main symptoms or signs that indicate the need for hormone testing?
      Hormone testing in women is typically indicated when there are symptoms or signs suggesting hormonal imbalances. These may involve reproductive, metabolic, or systemic functions. Here are some of the main symptoms and signs that warrant consideration for hormone testing: Irregular menstrual cycles, Amenorrhea (Absence of menstruation for more than three months), Heavy or prolonged periods,Infertility, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Hot flashes and night sweats, Mood changes, Sleep disturbances, Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, Unexplained weight changes. Hormone testing in men, on the other side, is typically indicated when symptoms or signs suggest hormonal imbalances affecting reproductive, metabolic, or systemic health. Below are the main symptoms and signs that may encourage hormone testing in men: Low testosterone (Hypogonadism), Physical changes (Decreased muscle mass and strength), Energy and Performance, Hypothyroidism (low thyroid function), Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), Low cortisol (Adrenal Insufficiency), High cortisol, Cushing’s Syndrome), Estrogen imbalance, Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Syndrome, Prolactin imbalance, Fertility issues, Bone, and joint symptoms. If an imbalance is found, what treatment options are available? Different treatments are offered to patients according to their imbalances. For instance, Low Estrogen Imbalance is treated with Hormone Replacement Therapy, while High Estrogen Balance is corrected through lifestyle changes or Progesterone Therapy. With Thyroid Hormone Imbalance, Iodine, and selenium-rich foods if deficient are added to the diet. For Hyperthyroidism, Methimazole or propylthiouracil (PTU) is used to suppress thyroid activity. To lower cortisol, medications such as ketoconazole and metyrapone are used. The treatment varies on the issue and can be personalised as per each client’s requirements.
      How do lifestyle factors like diet, stress, and exercise affect hormone levels?
      Of course, stress, diet, and sleep are so important. If these are not made optimal then your hormone levels will suffer. Stress management, good sleep, healthy food, minimising/eliminating alcohol will help greatly in keeping your body resilient and keep hormones at healthy levels.
      How important is physical fitness when it comes to balancing your hormones?
      This is everything. Physical fitness will improve your bodies resiliency and release optimal levels of hormones for men and women.Testosterone has been shown to increase dramatically after exercise, also increasing endorphins in the brain, so your stress is reduced, and you have a sense of well-being. There is no shortcut or avoiding it, physical fitness is necessary to maintain health. All the studies show,the more muscle you have and the more you exercise, the less risk of mental health issues, less risk of dying, and less cancer.
      Are there natural or non-prescription approaches to balancing hormones?
      While natural supplements are available (such as LJ 100 for boosting testosterone), there is nothing that can replace the efficacy and treatment response we get from pharmaceutical interventions. All my patients on pharmaceutical hormones are very happy and love the treatment response they get and how tremendously it benefits their well-being. We need to understand that hormonal dysfunction is a consequence of aging, so while it is natural to experience a decline in hormones, we do not need to tolerate the decades of suffering and the symptoms that come with the aging process and suboptimal hormone levels. We can directly intervene to keep you feeling good, functioning well, and performing at your best every day. As a testament to this, I can proudly say that all my patients who startedhormones have continued, and none have stopped.

      What are the common causes of hormone imbalances in women in the UAE?
      Hormone imbalances in both women and men can arise from a combination of genetic, lifestyle, environmental, and medical factors. In the UAE, specific cultural, environmental, and lifestyle influences may play a role. Below are the “common causes of hormone imbalances” in women and men, with a focus on factors prevalent in the UAE. In women, they include various elements such as lifestyle factors, dietary patterns, PCOS, stress, physical inactivity, Thyroid disorders, and other external factors such as Vitamin D deficiency and more can cause these imbalances. In men, various elements such as diet, stress, lack of sleep, Hypogonadism and environment factors such as pollution, toxins and vitamin D deficiency play a big role.
      This is The Optimism Issue – how do you stay positive during testing times?
      I’m a big believer in stoicism, but a positive approach to it. Life happens. Life is 10 per cent of things that happens to us and 90 percenthow we respond to them. “This too shall pass” is a very powerful concept, that we just accept what has happened and that it will move on, and we can work hard to overcome it. Losing hope is the biggest sin, because if you have accepted giving up, nothing can be done. Thephrase: “It’s always darkest before dawn” is very true, because when times are bad and it may seem there is no way out, we need to countour blessings and find opportunity in every challenge that lies ahead.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      January’s – The Optimsm Issue – Download Now 
      Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @daily_sleeper More

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      in lifestyle and culture

      5 post-workout ice baths in Dubai to keep you cool

      by

      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      5 mins ago

      After an intense workout routine, ice baths are the most efficient way of recovering after a long day.
      Here are five of the best ice bath spots to visit in Dubai to calm your muscles and to ensure you’re ready for the next HITT or spin class.
      Embody Fitness

      Embody Fitness offers state-of-the art recovery suites, Olympic standard gym equipment, sport therapy treatment rooms, luxury changing rooms and a healthy café. For expert sports therapy, customers can utilise the modern recovery suite including infrared saunas, ice baths and sports therapy treatment rooms to improve their performance to the next level. Located in ICD Brookfield, the session is priced at Dhs130 for 60 minutes and Dhs1,200 for unlimited sessions per month.
      Contrast

      Guests can experience an immersive ice bath to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, aid muscle recovery and strengthen mental resilience, making it the perfect modality to complement the sauna experience. As a sanctuary for recovery, visitors can soothe, switch off, rest and recharge. With both hot and cold therapy, guests have the choice to promote relaxation and detoxification. Located at Golden Mile 6, Palm Jumeirah, the Ice Bath is priced at Dhs95 per 30-minute session.
      ReFIVE Spa, FIVE Palm Jumeirah

      Plunge into the icy cool waters at the Ice Bath at ReFIVE Spa, FIVE Palm Jumeirah. After quickly becoming one of the top wellness treatments, this cold-water immersion action has an array of epic benefits including faster muscle recovery, improved sleep patterns, stress reduction and even boosting immunity. Expect reduced stress and anxiety levels, an increased metabolic rate to aid with weight loss and cellulite, plus the ultimate sports recovery for those post-workout muscle aches. Post-treatment, you can expect a deeply relaxed state for improved sleep. At ReFIVE Spa, the Ice Therapy treatment represents the epitome of this fusion, providing you with an opportunity to embark on a journey of self-discovery, revitalization, and transformation. Rediscover yourself at ReFIVE Spa, where the power of Ice Therapy meets the art of well-being. Immerse yourself in a world of renewal and embrace the cold as your ally on the path to a healthier, happier you. Each session is priced at Dhs125 per person.
      Boxica

      Guests can opt for this regimented training technique to regulate the nervous system and train the vagus nerve which is linked to the parasympathetic nervous system. Beneficial to anyone, ice baths are recommended to be between 10 to 15 degrees Celsius. This experience is designed to improve mood, completemental clarity, reduce inflammation,muscle soreness and conquer fear. Located in Dubai Studio City, the sessions are priced at Dhs100 for Boxica members and Dhs150 for non-members.
      Longevity

      Longevity offers a variety of wellness treatments focused on athletic recovery and performance, including infrared saunas, sports massages, yoga, stretching, and mobility treatments, in addition to ice baths. Founder Dani Afiouni is a passionate mountaineer with extensive experience in endurance sports and brought his expertise to Dubai to allow athletes and health enthusiasts to use cold water immersion to unlock their bodies’ recovery potential. Located at Umm Suqeim, Warehouse #S6, the cold dip is priced at Dhs115 per session.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

    • 125 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      6 post-workout ice baths in Dubai to keep you cool

      by

      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      4 hours ago

      After an intense workout routine, ice baths are the most efficient way of recovering after a long day.
      Here are five of the best ice bath spots to visit in Dubai to calm your muscles and to ensure you’re ready for the next HITT or spin class.
      The PEAQ Club

      PEAQ offers a diverse range of services, including high-intensity workouts like Lagree Method, rejuvenating recovery treatments like ice baths and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and calming practices such as breathwork and sound healing. Beyond physical wellness, PEAQ fosters social connections through its in-house café, providing a welcoming environment for members to relax, work, and socialize. By combining cutting-edge fitness techniques with traditional healing practices and a strong sense of community, PEAQ redefines the concept of wellness, offering a transformative experience for those who seek a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. A single cold plunge session is priced at Dhs130.
      For more information visit peaqwellness.com
      Embody Fitness

      Embody Fitness offers state-of-the art recovery suites, Olympic standard gym equipment, sport therapy treatment rooms, luxury changing rooms and a healthy café. For expert sports therapy, customers can utilise the modern recovery suite including infrared saunas, ice baths and sports therapy treatment rooms to improve their performance to the next level. Located in ICD Brookfield, the session is priced at Dhs130 for 60 minutes and Dhs1,200 for unlimited sessions per month.
      Contrast

      Guests can experience an immersive ice bath to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, aid muscle recovery and strengthen mental resilience, making it the perfect modality to complement the sauna experience. As a sanctuary for recovery, visitors can soothe, switch off, rest and recharge. With both hot and cold therapy, guests have the choice to promote relaxation and detoxification. Located at Golden Mile 6, Palm Jumeirah, the Ice Bath is priced at Dhs95 per 30-minute session.
      ReFIVE Spa, FIVE Palm Jumeirah

      Plunge into the icy cool waters at the Ice Bath at ReFIVE Spa, FIVE Palm Jumeirah. After quickly becoming one of the top wellness treatments, this cold-water immersion action has an array of epic benefits including faster muscle recovery, improved sleep patterns, stress reduction and even boosting immunity. Expect reduced stress and anxiety levels, an increased metabolic rate to aid with weight loss and cellulite, plus the ultimate sports recovery for those post-workout muscle aches. Post-treatment, you can expect a deeply relaxed state for improved sleep. At ReFIVE Spa, the Ice Therapy treatment represents the epitome of this fusion, providing you with an opportunity to embark on a journey of self-discovery, revitalization, and transformation. Rediscover yourself at ReFIVE Spa, where the power of Ice Therapy meets the art of well-being. Immerse yourself in a world of renewal and embrace the cold as your ally on the path to a healthier, happier you. Each session is priced at Dhs125 per person.
      Boxica

      Guests can opt for this regimented training technique to regulate the nervous system and train the vagus nerve which is linked to the parasympathetic nervous system. Beneficial to anyone, ice baths are recommended to be between 10 to 15 degrees Celsius. This experience is designed to improve mood, completemental clarity, reduce inflammation,muscle soreness and conquer fear. Located in Dubai Studio City, the sessions are priced at Dhs100 for Boxica members and Dhs150 for non-members.
      Longevity

      Longevity offers a variety of wellness treatments focused on athletic recovery and performance, including infrared saunas, sports massages, yoga, stretching, and mobility treatments, in addition to ice baths. Founder Dani Afiouni is a passionate mountaineer with extensive experience in endurance sports and brought his expertise to Dubai to allow athletes and health enthusiasts to use cold water immersion to unlock their bodies’ recovery potential. Located at Umm Suqeim, Warehouse #S6, the cold dip is priced at Dhs115 per session.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

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      in health and weelbeing

      The Proven Health Benefits Of Getting Outdoors

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      In 2024, all you need to do is open TikTok and scroll for a few minutes before you’ll no doubt come across someone speaking about their cortisol levels and how by using simple techniques, they’ve managed to improve things like their mental health or reduce their weight.  For many, however, it can seem like another buzzword and be highly confusing – causing you to keep scrolling while you’re likely dealing with the silent symptoms without realising. So, what is it? Cortisol, often dubbed the ‘stress hormone‘, is central to our body’s ability to handle challenging situations. Yet, when it remains elevated for long periods, it can wreak havoc on both our physical and mental well-being.  Studies have shown that persistently high cortisol is linked to increased blood pressure, insulin resistance (which can lead to diabetes), and a weakened immune system, making us more susceptible to illness. Furthermore, prolonged high cortisol levels are associated with mental health issues like depression, as well as shortened life expectancy.As a board-certified doctor in both OB-Gyn and Integrative Medicine, Dr Suzanne Hackenmiller spent many years researching the healing power of nature, and one of the most effective ways to combat high cortisol levels is also one of the simplest: spending time outdoors in nature. READ MORE: 5 Ways AI Healthcare is Changing EverythingA prescription for natureAs both a physician and a certified forest therapy guide, she often prescribes nature as part of her patients’ treatment plans for managing stress, anxiety and depression. While there’s no one-size-fits-all recommendation, the evidence suggests that spending at least 120 minutes in nature each week can significantly improve your health, but you can certainly feel results from regular short periods outdoors.  A 2019 study in Scientific Reports found that people who spent two hours or more in natural settings each week were more likely to report good health and higher levels of well-being compared to those who didn’t. Spending time in nature offers a powerful antidote to elevated cortisol. Numerous studies have demonstrated that immersing ourselves in natural environments significantly reduces stress markers, including cortisol. For example, a 2019 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that just 20-30 minutes spent in nature can lower salivary cortisol by over 21%, offering a natural way to combat the stress that comes with daily life. The exact mechanism behind this is still being studied, but one way nature appears to help is by improving heart rate variability (HRV), a measure of the body’s autonomic nervous system. Studies have found that time in nature improves HRV, which allows our bodies to shift from a stressed, “fight-or-flight” state to a more relaxed, parasympathetic mode. This shift is key to reducing cortisol levels and calming the mind. The mental health benefits of natureBeyond its impact on cortisol, nature offers a wealth of mental health benefits. A 90-minute walk in a natural setting has been shown to reduce rumination, which is the repetitive cycle of negative thoughts often associated with anxiety and depression. It also decreases activity in the brain’s prefrontal cortex, a region linked to these negative thought patterns. In short, time outdoors can quiet the mind and promote a sense of emotional well-being.  Sunlight, a natural part of being outdoors, plays its own role in improving mood by boosting serotonin production – a neurotransmitter associated with happiness and emotional balance.  Nature as a physical and immune boosterIn addition to its mental health benefits, nature can also boost physical health in unexpected ways. Spending time outdoors exposes us to phytoncides, the natural chemicals released by trees and plants that have been shown to enhance immune function. Research from Japan has found that these phytoncides increase the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, which help our bodies fight off infections. This practice, known as forest bathing or Shinrin-yoku, has become a key part of preventive health care in Japan and is gaining traction in other parts of the world as well. Physical movement is another inherent benefit of spending time outside. Walking, hiking, or even leisurely strolling not only burns calories but also stimulates the release of endorphins and serotonin, which further contribute to an overall sense of well-being. These mood-boosting chemicals are part of why we feel so much better after spending time in the fresh air. Simple ways to get outsideIf you’re new to spending time outdoors, the good news is that you don’t need to spend hours in the wilderness to reap the rewards. Studies suggest that even short doses of nature – 10 or 20 minutes at a time – can make a noticeable difference. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a hike on a local trail, or simply sitting outside in a natural environment, the key is to make outdoor time a regular part of your life. The benefits begin to accumulate even with small doses of time. For some, incorporating nature into their daily routine might mean exploring nearby parks, while others might prefer longer hikes on weekends or vacations.  READ MORE: 7 Easy Ways To Stay In Shape If You Genuinely Suck At Working Out In The HeatWhether you’re battling the pressures of modern life or simply looking to enhance your well-being, time outdoors is a powerful, accessible and scientifically supported solution. Regardless of how you choose to engage with nature, the important thing is to make it a regular practice, and your body and mind will thank you. This article by Dr. Suzanne Hackenmiller was originally published on Women’s Health AUS. More

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      in health and weelbeing

      Exactly How To Bug-Proof Your Summer And Beat The Itch

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      Summer’s here and so are the bugs. But don’t let them turn your sunny adventures into an itchy nightmare. Whether it’s ticks lurking in the veld, mozzies crashing your backyard braai, or bed bugs haunting your travels, these tiny troublemakers can ruin the holiday fast. Here’s how to avoid scratching your way through the season with our bug-proof guide.Ixodes (Tick)Favourite HangoutThe veld, especially where it’s warm and humid — such as the east coast. “Ticks sit on grass stalks or leaves and wait for animals or humans to pass by so they can latch on,” says entomologist Dr David Merritt.Signs You’ve Been BittenYou’ll find a tick in your bits. Seriously. “Often people don’t realise they’ve been bitten until they scratch an area and find a tick,” says Merritt. Preferred dining areas: hairline, armpits and groin. Symptoms can include an unsteady gait, weakness in your limbs, multiple rashes, headache, fever, flu-like symptoms and partial facial paralysis.Avoid Being LunchWear tight clothing, like leggings, rather than baggy gear in the veld.Ease the ItchGet it out! It’s crucial to get the whole tick out as its head can continue releasing toxins even after the body has been removed.Culicidae (Mosquito)Favourite HangoutMozzies love living near water — because this is where the suckers breed. “Always empty pots and containers around your house after it rains, or mosquitoes will set up camp,” cautions Merritt.Signs You’ve Been BittenA bite is red, raised and itchy as hell.Avoid Being LunchTo bug-proof use an insect repellant containing DEET — it confuses mozzies by jamming their odour receptors. DEET-based repellants keep mozzies at bay for around 300 hours, while citronella-based ones need to be reapplied every 20 minutes, adds Dr Pete Vincent of Netcare Travel Clinics, who also advises spraying your clothing with fabric insecticides containing Permethrin. If you really aren’t keen on DEET-based repellants, try something natural like Pure Beginnings Natural Insect Repellent Stick.Ease The ItchIf you don’t have OTC cream, Dr John Murtagh suggests rubbing dry soap on the bite. Desperate? Vinegar and saliva may also help.READ MORE: 6 Ways To Soothe That REALLY Painful SunburnCimex lectularius (Bed bug)Favourite HangoutMattresses, headboards and carpets in backpackers and dirty hotel rooms.Signs You’ve Been BittenYou’ll wake up with a cluster of itchy red lumps on your body — they often run in a line as the buggers like to follow your veins.Avoid Being LunchThoroughly check your mattress, bedframe and base for bugs — or their little red droppings. “Bed bugs drink blood, so naturally they excrete it too,” says Merritt. Ew!Ease The ItchImmediately hop in a cold shower and clean the bites with antiseptic soap to prevent them getting infected, recommends Murtagh. Post shower, slather on some good ol’ calamine lotion to dull your desire to scratch.Siphonaptera (Flea)Favourite HangoutYour beloved furry housemates.Signs You’ve Been BittenSmall, red, itchy bumps, grouped in clusters of around three or more.Avoid Being LunchUse a flea comb to inspect your pet’s skin at least once a month, recommends Murtagh. If you find any fleas, be sure to use a vet recommended topical treatment. On your pet, that is. PS: never use a dog flea treatment on your cat or vice versa, as the ingredients are different and can be deadly when used on the wrong animal.Ease The ItchIf you’re the one scratching, head to your pharmacist for a cortisone cream (you may need a prescription). Then, to ensure you’ve wiped the critters out of your home, wash all linen on a hot setting and treat your carpets with a DIY fumigation bomb. More

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      in health and weelbeing

      What Happens To Your Body (And Brain) When You Get A Gift

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      Doesn’t matter if you’re giving or receiving – your brain straight-up loves a fab pressie.The AnticipationIf you’re doling out the goods, your brain’s regions for intellect, memory and emotion are busy trying to ID the perfect present for that special someone. All the activity can leave you excited and anxious.On the receiving end? Sneaking a peek at a wrapped gift can ignite your noggin’s reward centre, releasing the feel-good neurotransmitter dopamine. If your mate hints that what’s inside is beyond awesome, you should both experience this anticipatory pleasure surge.The ExchangeIf you gave or received a winner, your brain’s reasoning and emotion centres pump out oxytocin, the so-called love or bonding chemical. Women tend to get bigger hits of the stuff than guys do – score! That, in turn, unleashes stress-reducing serotonin. Things can become even more intense when it’s a big gift or a huge surprise. The brain fires off arousal signals, which rev up your pulse, tense your muscles and dilate your pupils. And yebo, there’s loads more of that oxytocin, too.If what you unwrap is more ugh than whoop, the area of your brain that deals with disappointment lights up. With little or no oxytocin rush, you may feel emotionally distant from the giver. One study even found that, after an unsatisfying gift exchange, men rated themselves as less compatible with their girlfriends. The AftermathSaying thank you – and meaning it – can increase optimism and overall well-being for both parties. Less altruistic bonus: gratitude can also spur on future largesse.Givers, take note: generosity can trigger extra happy hormones that may keep you cheerful for up to three months – a receiver’s high, by contrast, typically lasts only a few weeks to one month.Gift Ideas For Everyone More

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      in health and weelbeing

      6 Ways To Soothe That REALLY Painful Sunburn

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      Itching to give your pasty skin a little colour? Here’s what goes on when you step outside without protection… and what to do if you feel the burn.You slip into your bikiniYour skin is the colour it is because of melanin, pigment molecules produced by melanocyte cells in the basal layer of the epidermis. Melanin protects the cells in the epidermis by converting UV rays into heat. More melanin = darker skin = more natural sun protection. The problem is that most of us don’t have enough for complete protection. Where there’s no melanin, UV rays almost instantly start to damage the DNA in your epidermis by interfering with its chemical structure.READ MORE: Sunscreens For Every Skin Type And SituationYou’re going redOne response to the damage is erythema, the dilation of blood and inflammatory cells – your skin gets red, puffy and sore – as your body amps up blood flow to try and nourish cells and speed up healing. Through a process called melanogenesis, your body, now in protection mode, speeds up melanin formation. It will take around three days for these pigments – your tan – to reach the outer layer of your skin.You blisterWhen sun damage is really bad and cells in the dermis are affected, your skin blisters. Again, this is damage control – the blister (which contains plasma) protects new skin layers as they form underneath.You start to peelThe damaged surface cells die and flake off. Your body works overtime to replace them – particularly keratinocytes, which make up most of the epidermis – and cells are pushed up faster than normal. Without the regular processes of maturation and separation, they’re still bundled together when they reach the surface, causing your skin to peel. But it’s the deeper cell damage that can be a problem. Enzymes begin repairs almost immediately, but sometimes things go wrong – remember, UV rays have altered the cells’ chemistry – and mutations occur. Over time those mutated cells multiply, which can result in skin cancer.OK, so now that you’ve got the lowdown on your burn, how do you treat it? Ease the sting with these easy steps:1. Hydrate WellSunburns are super dehydrating. Heal and hydrate from the inside out by guzzling liquids, ASAP. Drink water with electrolytes (try adding an electrolyte packet or a squeeze of fresh lemon). Or try some unsweetened iced tea: The antioxidants in green and black tea may help repair free radical damage from the sun. You’ll know you’re fully hydrated when your urine runs pale yellow.READ MORE: Stay Active And Hydrated With Stanley’s New Range2. Load up on AloeAloe vera is a healing wonder, especially for sun-parched skin. It’s laden with anti-inflammatory compounds to calm angry skin, heal burns, and boost immunity (which takes a beating under the sun). Look for pure aloe vera (that is, 98 to 100% aloe vera) to avoid feeling sticky. And store it in the fridge so it goes on cool – sweet sunburn relief!3. Bathe with Baking SodaBaking soda is fabulous for two reasons: It helps balance your skin’s pH to aid healing, and when dissolved in water, it feels super cool and nourishing against hot and irritated skin. Add a few heaping tablespoons of baking soda to a cool bath and soak for 15 to 20 minutes. If you don’t want to take the plunge, add a heaping tablespoon of baking soda to a bowl of cool water, soak a washcloth in it, gently wring and use as a compress to treat tender areas.4. Avoid Soap and Skip ScrubbingSoap can be drying for skin and when you’re burned, you don’t need anything stripping away moisture. Keep soap use to a minimum (like, say, just suds up your pits and privates) and skip the washcloth or loofah for now. And forgo shaving (or waxing – ouch!) for a few days to minimise irritation. If you must shave, be sure to lube up thoroughly with a rich, moisturising shaving cream, gel, or lotion.5. Moisturise to the MaxReach for the richest moisturiser you can get your hands on to soothe skin and prevent peeling. Avoid moisturisers with alcohols, retinols and AHAs (alpha hydroxyl acids), which can dry and irritate sensitive skin. Slather up immediately after bathing for maximum absorption, and chill the bottle in the fridge for cooling comfort.6. Dust with PowderFitted clothes can make a sunburn even more painful. Dust your shoulders, ribcage and bikini lines with body powder or baby powder to prevent chafing and irritation from the elastic in bras and underwear. Look for a powder free from artificial fragrances, which can irritate sensitive skin. More

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      in diet and nutrition

      5 DIY Flavoured Waters For Every Situation

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      Flavoured water has taken the health community by storm – and now, it’s near impossible to have a sip of good old H2O without craving a bit of cucumber and lemon to spice it up. But it’s actually a great way to flush toxins while at the same time fixing a few niggles in your system.Here are five flavoured waters for every situation…If you’re hungover Hydration, hydration, hydration! And this doesn’t necessarily involve chugging buckets of plain water either. Drinking in excess means you’ve lost vitamins, most importantly Vitamins B, C and folic acid. Spike your water with strawberries (a yummy source of Vitamin C) and oranges, an ace source of Vitamin B12 and folic acid. And since you’ll be chugging the stuff all day, alternate with lemon water: it’ll not only flush out toxins but balances out the PH levels in your body that are out of whack after a night of booze-induced revelry. You can thank us tomorrow morning.If you’re at the gym Go for what’s rich in magnesium, a mineral that powers your bones and keeps you going for long periods of time. Add leafy greens to your water, like spinach or kale. To even out the bitter taste and promote flushing out last night’s cheat meal, add some lemon, too.READ MORE: What To Look Out For When Picking A Water BottleIf you need to freshen your breath Reach for sprigs of peppermint: it freshens up your mouth with menthol and eases IBS (perfect after a giant plate of garlicky, cheesy nachos). Throw in some cucumber for added hydrating benefits.If you’re nauseous Tummy bug? Ginger’s your gal: she’ll ease inflammation and gas, and coupled with anti-inflammatory pineapple, you’ll be sipping your way to a better gut. Add in mint, too – it combats bloating and constipation.If you’re in need of a detox Drop kiwis and blueberries to your water. It sounds almost too delicious to be true but kiwis are super nutrient-dense with lots of vitamin C, which helps prevent wrinkles and promotes skin rejuvenation. Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, the stuff that combats harmful elements in the air. More