WHAT ARE THE CAUSES AND CURE FOR ECZEMA?

Dear readers, a friend recently informed me that he saw eczema developing on his back. What are the causes of this condition and how can the eczema be removed from the skin? Your comments are welcomed. Thanks.

EAT MORE BANANA AND STAY HEALTHY

Banana is a tropical fruit that is grown using suckers and water-shoot or bits. It matures between 18-24 months, depending on variety planted. Banana is greatly valued for its nutritional content.

The ripe fruit has a lot of potassium which is very good for people who exrcise a lot. Potassium is also known to be able to keep the blood pressure low. In diarrhoea patients, banana is very important as it helps to replace the nutrients that was lost. It also replaces the electrolytes which helps to maintain fluid balance and power the body.

An average sized banana fruit provides about 33mg of magnesium, 452 milligrams of potassium and a little over 2grammes of fibre, which is equally soluble and assist in lowering body cholesterol. The calorie content of banana is made up mainly of carbohydrates . As the fruit ripens, the sugar level rises while the starch level falls. For this reason the fruit is easier to digest the more ripe it becomes. The fruit is generally low in protein, though the amount of protein in the fruit is generally higher than the amount of fat. The vitamin C which is found in Banana helps the body to fight diseses and infections. This vitamin is also important for synthesis of connective tissues, iron absorption and the formation of blood. Banana also has vitamin B6 which assists in synthesis of antibodies in the immune system and also helps in blood formation and proper functioning of the nervous system.

DO You Know That Good Food can make You Feel sexier?

Nutritionists generally believe that eating healthy foods which are rich in nutrients can actually make you feel and look sexier. This is because the nutrients keep your hair and skin healthy. Also eating good food while exercising regularly will make the body strong and fit.

Foods such as dairy products are rich in protein, which is good for beautiful skins and good hairs. Oranges contain a lot of vitamin C. Eating an orange a day gives the body enough vitamin C which is needed. This vitamin makes the body beautiful by keeping the connective tissues strong, thus preventing wrinkling of the skin. Other foods that contribute to healthy skin and hairs are tomatoes, berries, walnut and oysters.

CHOICE OF FOOD AND INFLAMMATION

Inflammation can be defined as a localized reaction of tissue to infection, injury and irritation. They are easily identified by the pain they produce, swellings, red and coloration of the affected parts of the body. In addition affected areas are painful.

It is known that there are certain foods that can worsen inflammations in the body. Such foods should be avoided or their consumption reduced. For example, foods high in fats and sugar, and fast foods may increase inflammation. Processed meats such as hot dogs and sausages contain nitrites which can increase inflammation. Others such as soft drinks and candy which are high in sugar content can also increase inflammation. For excellent health therefore, the consumption of these food should be reduced or eliminated completely.

Nutritional, Social and Economic Significance of Honey

Honey is produced by bees by changing nectar, which is obtained from flowers into honey. The honey is harvested by man in the wild. In recent times, the number of artificially constructed bee hives have increased all over Africa. This is due to the increased awareness of the nutritional and economic benefits of honey, a situation which leads to increased production of honey.
Nutritionally, honey is a very good food substance which contains a lot of carbohydrates. These nutrients are easily digested, absorbed and utilized by the body of man as a source of energy. In addition, the pollen remnants extracted from bees hives are eaten by man as a source of protein. Honey is particularly useful to diabetic patients as a substitute for refined sugar.
In African societies, honey is an important components of the requirements during weddings and naming ceremonies. It is common to bless people by saying that "Your life and marriage will be sweet like honey"
Honey is also highly important for its medicinal properties. Among rural people in Africa for instance, it is commonly mixed with hot water, lemon juice or hot milk and used as remedy for cough and sore throat in children. Sometimes, it may be mixed with lemon juice and garlic for the same purpose. It can also be used as dressing for wounds and burns. At present time, this commodity is finding more uses in the cosmetic industries and the bee wax is used in making candles.
Readers' comments are welcomed. Thank you very much

DO YOU KNOW?

1. That there are about twenty four fatty acids needed by the body?
2. That only few of these twenty four fatty acids are regarded as being essential, i.e. they cannot be synthesized by the body. They must be present in food.
3. That Omega 6, one of these essential fatty acids, is found in many of the cooking oils we use at home, therefore it is rarely deficient?
4. That Omega 3, another essential fatty acid, may sometimes be in short supply, therefore there is need for it to be supplemented?
5. That these essential fatty acids have been linked to lower risk of cancer and hypertensive disorders?
6. That they have also been linked to increased cognitive abilities?

7 STEPS TO OBTAIN QUICK RELIEF FROM EATING DISORDERS

Eating disorders among human population includes anorexia and bulimia. In anorexia the victim abstain from food in order to reduce his perceived weight problem while in bulimia the victim eats too much to gain weight after which he finds ways to vomit the excess food and gain some relief. These conditions are caused by low self-esteem, stress and a desire to fit into a group or win acceptance of peers and friends. Everyone has love and esteem needs but the victims of these disorders carry their own desires to extreme levels. They seek fulfillment at the expense of their health.

The following steps outline the strategies to gain freedom from these disorders:
1. Accept yourself as you really are. Know that you are very unique in all things, therefore do not compare yourself with anyone.
II. Get busy with activities that will benefit yourself and others. This will help you to think less about yourself
iii. Decide in your mind that you will be happy everyday and keep your promise.
iv. Purpose in your heart that you will not overeat or under eat as the case may be.
v. Know in your heart that there is no ideal shape, weight, or fashion. The so-called standards for judging these attributes are always changing. Why then do you need to worry yourself about such things whose standards of assessment keep on changing?
vi Use the principle of auto-suggestion by repeating the following affirmations in front of your mirror early in the morning everyday:
"I am feeling great, spirit soul and body. I am created in the image of God who is perfect in all respect. I am created perfect. My weight is the best for me, i am of the right shape. I am created beautiful. In all my activities today everyone shall see the radiance of God's beauty and glory in me and they shall praise my heavenly father"
vii. The exercise should be performed with absolute faith that it will work