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Why does your body do certain things and what is it trying to tell you? Words from the wise Naturopath Rebecca Martin.

When you burp
Reason? Burping is a sign of indigestion. Eating too quickly or eating when stressed, anxious or nervous means your body isn't prepared for proper digestion to take place. Swallowing air while eating may also cause burping, as can fizzy drinks.
Silence it:
Take your time when dining and make sure you're relaxed. Try to cut down on fizzy drinks and replace with water or juice instead.

When you sneeze
What does it mean? Sneezing is caused by an irritation of the histamine-producing cells in the nose and the sinuses. This may be triggered by a virus or bacterial infection, or, if it happens on a regualr or seasonal basic, you may have an allergy to something in the air such as pollens or dust particles.
Stop it: If you're feeling like you're coming down with an infection, add raw garlic to your salads and dose up on Echinacea root.
Tip: Don't hold back a sneeze as it can cause damage to your inner ear drum and sinuses.

When you fart 
Why? Farting can mean you've been gulping food too quickly, improper digestion or constipation.
Curb it: Eat slowly! Drink chamomile or dandelion tea and include pawpaw and pineapple in your diet, as this aids in digestion.

When you hear: Click, Click (Cracking your bones)
Where's it from? Creaking or cracking noises are usually the gases and fluids in the joints moving around. It's not necessarily the start of arthritis, but you need to look after your joints and keep them well-lubricated.
Silence it: Eat fish three times a week or take fish oil supplements. If you have painful or injured joints, glucosamine sulphate (a dietary supplement) can help with repair.

When you Hiccup
What does it mean?
"Hiccupping can be induced by bouts of laughing, crying or coughing. Eating too quickly can also cause hiccups, as this causes air or food to become trapped in the abdomen, putting pressure on a nerve that causes the diaphragm to spasm
Stop it: Some people report that drinking a glass of water while holding the nose is effective. A forced burp or holding a deep breath can help too.

When you yawn
Why? You're tired bored, fatigued or not breathing deeply enough.
Avoid it: If you can't take a nap, have a glass of cold water to wake up your brain and do some deep breathing to increase oxygen levels.

Source: Cleo

 

Q. What style of pants would best suit my curvy figure?
Stylist advice

Don't be afraid of wearing pants that highlight your legs. A black skim-leg pait will make you appear slimmer than if you wore a wide-leg style. Make sure you buy a pair that has a low waistband, because it will make your butt appear half the size - very cleaver! Wearing a loose fitting top will help to balance your outfit and hide any troublesome tummy problems you have.

Q. I am really short. What can I do to make myself look taller?
Stylist advice

There are great news because platform shoes are 'in'. Its all about elongating your lower half: A high heel and a short hemline will add height. Wear something high-waisted to give the appearance of longer legs. Also, draw attention away from your small frame by adding a point of interest like tie-dye - a huge trend for summer.

Q. I'm quite big-busted is there any way I can hide that?
Stylist advice

The scoop neck or V-neck line in a diagonal stripe will help to minimise your big bust. Also, cap or three quarter sleeves will reduce the look of your bust because they draw attention to wear the sleeve ends. Avoid anything with short-sleeves, as they finish in-line with your bust. A drawstring at your waist will highlight the narrowest part of your body, creating an hourglass curve.

Q. I'm pear shaped. What can I do to detract from my heavier bottom half?
Stylist advice

Asymmetrical pieces are right on trend, they draw people's attention away from your bottom-half. The ruffle adds volume to your top and balances out your hips. Buy pants with a little bit of extra length so that they bunch up at the ankles slightly - this will help balance your frame. You should always wear tp[s that skim over your tummy, as tight tops will accentuate your hips.

Q. I have an hourglass figure. What styles would flatter my body?
Stylist advice

The hourglass figure, which was once seen as retro by fashionistas, has been given a noughties twist - so celebrate your curves! Marilyn Monroe had an hourglass figure and she was one of the worlds greatest sex symbols. Wear a ruffle skirt, as it will hide any unwanted lumps and bumps. And a wide belt with funky detailing is also the way to go, as it will draw attention to your tiny middle.

Source: Cosmopolitan. September 2008



 

Listed alcoholic drinks with an example of a food  that has an equivalent amount of kilojoules in it, and what are the hangover effects.  
Note: The more kilojoules you intake, the more exersise you need to do to work it off, otherwise it will stay inside your body and be stored as fat.


1. Standard glass of red wine (448 Kilojoules)
= One piece or brie cheese (459 Kj)
Hangover effect:
"Red Wine and any kind of dark liquir have more fermentation by-products", says dietitian Naras Lapsys. "Your liver has to work hard to process these so you'll get a nauseous hangover"

2. A Strawberry Daquiri (670 Kilojoules)
= Two servings of potato and gravy from KFC (658 Kj)
Hangover effect:
"Cocktails contain a mix of toxins for your body to process and are dehydrating due to their high alcohol levels"

3. One standard glass of champagne (473 Kilojoules)
= One tablespoon of peanut butter (492 Kj)
Hangover effect:
"Carbonated drinks speed up your body's absorption of alcohol, which is why bubbly can make you tipsy fast."

4. A bottle of beer (563 Kilojoules)
= Three McDonald's chicken nuggets (578 Kj)
Hangover effect:
"The saying, "Beer before liqour, never been sicker", relates to the way carbonated drinks make you absorb alcohol faster. Beer also contains carbs which can cause bloating."

5. A standard glass of white wine (420 Kilojoules)
= One rainbow paddle pop (417 Kj)
Hangover effect:
"White wine has fewer impurities than red, so your stomach won't be as upset, but you hangover will be headachy due to dehydration"

6. A Bacardi Breezer (704 Kilojoules)
= Two freddo frogs (678 Kj)
Hangover effect:
"Alcopops contain lots of sugar and very cheap alcohol, so the next day your body will be working overtime dealing with impurities and low blood sugar."

Source: Cosmopolitan. January, 2009





 

A bunch of random list of useful life advice.
I have included the ones I think are most useful from the article.
Source: Cosmopolian, January 2009


(My comments are placed inside brackets)

Life:

- It's virtually impossible to make an unpleasent person behave better, but you do have the power to control your own behaviour. Don't get caught up in someone else's game-playing
(Generally its up them to change in their own time)

- You can't make everybody like you, nor should you want to. But if a lot of people don't like you, it may be time to consider what you might be doing wrong.

- Self pity won't help you, and after a while it will start to annoy those around you, so stop whining

- You can't argue with a person who's not thinking logically. Don't frustrate yourself by trying. Take a deep breath, count to three, then walk away...

- Gossiping is fun but can be hurtful and dangerous. For a fix that won't eat your conscience, read a gossip magazine.

- Complaining is just a waste of time unless it's followed up by a search for a solution, and then by action.

- People who are mean are usually very sad inside.

- Think before you shout. Think before you send a vicious email. Think before you hang up the phone or slam the door on someone. Remember, a split-second of consideration could save you years of regret.

-Shit happens. Deal with it. Unburden (within reason) to friends, eat sensibly, exercise and sleep enough. If you can't cope see a professional.

- Do whatever you can to finish your studies - whether it's a degree, diploma or course, education should be an unnegotiable in your life.

- If you want to do something positive for your health, stop smoking.

- People don't think about you as often as you do, so stop obsessing about it.

-Don't expect your life to miraculously change when: you lose weight, you get a boyfriend/girlfriend, you earn more money or you move to another country... 
(Yes, I had to bold that one as that is very important thing to understand)

- The $5 000 credit limit on your card belongs to the bank, not you.

- Any decision you make motivated by positivity will generally be good.

- Do whatever you are dreading most first thing on Monday morning. Then you can forget about it

- Don't Make choices out of fear, greed, anger or the desire for an easy ride. Do Make choices motivated by curiosity, desire for stimulation.

- Most of the people who make the most valuable contributions to the welfare of the world don't care about fashion, celebrities or weight.

- Famous, rich, beautiful people are not necessarily happier than you 
(Eh enough said)

- Perspective, empathy, patience - these are the three most valuble life skills no one can teach you.

- Sometimes you have to bite the bullet and say sorry.

-Smile. Say "please" and "thankyou". Greet people by name. Good manners will get you a long way.

-Try anything once, as long as it's safe and you're not pushed into something you don't really want to do.

- Help others. You never know when you might be the person who needs help in return.

Love and relationships

-Long term relationships are hard work - but if it's hard work on the third date, it's probebly not worth it.

- Men generally don't like being pursued by woman

- Being scared of losing someone you love won't prepare you for it. If it happens, it'll hurt either way.
(mmm I have to definetly agree with this) 

- There's no such thing as a perfect man, but that doesn't mean you should ever settle for someone who does anything less than make you feel very, very happy - it's not much to ask
(Note: There is no such thing as a perfect man in general, however there is such thing as a perfect man for you, Same thing goes for woman too)

- Even if they are the love of your life, it's possible that the factors considered unimportant in romantic comedies such as disapproving parents, different views on religion, a big age gap, money problems can end the relationship.
... but these hardships could also make your relationship stronger.

-If his/shes honestly into you, you probably know

- Your life isn't over just because your best relationship so far has ended.
(I can understand it hurts a lot now but honestly your life isn't over... I have seen this happen so many times) 

- If you're not that into them, let them know now.

- Long distance relationships can work - but only if you both know for certain when you will be together again

- Men generally tell it like it is. Woman just aren't as keen on hearing it.

- You generally can't change a man/woman, so you'd better like the raw material.

-To find the G spot, sit striaght up.

Each time you fake an orgasm you're reducing the chances of having a good on next time. If you won't show them what does and doesn't work for you, how will they get it?

-If he doesn't wear a condom, he doesn't deserve to sleep with you 

Career

-Money isn't the only thing you should get out of your job. You should also be getting out knowledge, growth, stimulation and enjoyment.

- If you're shy or embarassed about pushing for a pay rise, pretend you're arguing for someone else. It'll make it easier for you to list the reasons why you deserve it.

- Standing up for yourself is important, but know that the person you are standing up to may think you're being disrespectful. There are no guarantees you won't regret it.

-Debt or the high cost of living is not your employer's problem. You should never ask for an increase "because I don't have enough money". Negotiate based on your professional worth.

-However much you love your job, don't let it define you. Having another life is having happiness insurance.

-Invest 10% of your first pay cheque, and keep doing it

- By spending time on facebook or youtube you're neglecting your responsibility to your employer and you're wasting time you could be spending getting better at your job and increasing prospects.

Don't write to your boss in SMS-speak, Ever.

Safety

- There is no way of knowing for sure what the best move in a particular situation is. Don't beat yourself up afterwards if you think you have made the wrong choice.

- Make self defence a habit. Live carefully, then get on with enjoying your life. Don't let fear take your right to happiness away from you.

- Never underestimate or doubt your intuition.
(Your intuition is very important to pay attention to)

- If an attacker wants your bag, car or laptop, give it up.

Friends and Family

- You don't choose your family, but it'll still hurt when you lose them

- Friends tell friends when their lover is cheating on them

- Say what you feel, but expect the truth in return.

- Your love alone can't make an addict get better

- Dont give more power to people who hurt you than those who love and support you.
(A good piece of advice many overlook.)


 

Question from Ashleigh: Whitney when do we get to elope?

Dear Ashleigh,

We may elope when the time is right, till then you must wait patiently

Best wishes,
Whitney

 

Reasons why you shouldnt skip breakfast.
-Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
-Breakfast helps boost your metabolism in the morning -Breakfast eaters tend to have lower intakes of fat and higher intakes of fibre, vitamins and minerals.
-Breakfast lowers craving for unhealthy snacks throughout the day (also a reason why you gain more weight!) 

Source: Kelloggs Special K Advertisement :P


 

Drinking 6 glasses of water each day has long-term benefits. However, everyone has different needs when it comes to drinking water, it depends on their diet, amount of excercise and genetics etc. 

The rule of drinking 8 litres of water isn't as nessary everyday. This is because general hydration does not require that much water and it turns out that it doesn't clear toxins any faster.  

However, there are increased benefits of drinking more glasses a day.
These benefits include that it decreases bladder cancer ( Scientist believe that carcinogens which come into contact with the bladder are to blame for cancer and with more water in the bladder it is flushed out more often), you'll have a healthier heart (Study has shown that woman who drank five or more glasses of water were less susceptible to coronary heart disease than woman who drank 2 glasses a day), you lose more weight (Study has shown drinking water before meal decreases appetite and promotes weight loss).

Source: Cleo July 2009