Houston & Alexander, PLLC - December/January 2020

Natural Remedies for Stuffy Noses DON’T LET CONGESTION GET THE BEST OF YOU

Nasal congestion can have many different causes, including allergies, colds, or the flu, but the symptoms are often very similar: sinus pressure, headaches, and a stuffed-up nose. This is the result of membranes in your nasal passage becoming irritated and your body responding by producing mucus to try and flush out the irritants. Unfortunately, that response also causes nasal congestion. This is intensified by winter weather when dry air and heaters can further dry out your already irritated nasal passage. So, what is the best way to ease nasal congestion and sinus pressure? Try these at-home remedies that focus on moistening your nasal passage.

pot or other nasal irrigator, always use sterile, distilled water or water that has been boiled and cooled.

MAINTAIN MOISTURE

Humidifiers add moisture into the air, creating a more humid environment, and can be especially helpful if you have a forced-air

heating system. Try using a humidifier or vaporizer when you sleep. You may also find a warm compress helps ease congestion: Soak a washcloth in warm water mixed with a couple of drops of eucalyptus essential oil (consult the oil distributor for the exact ratio), then place the washcloth over your nose and cheeks for several minutes. Drinking plenty of water and sleeping upright at night can also help ease further congestion. While over-the-counter decongestants can temporarily help ease congestion, they are not intended for long-term use and may further dry out the nasal passage. Adding and maintaining moisture is the best way to prevent or ease sinus congestion. If the problem persists, talk to your doctor.

FLUSH YOUR NASAL PASSAGE

Use a saline nasal spray or a nasal irrigator, like a neti pot, to flush and moisturize your nasal passage. These devices flush out allergens and keep your nasal passage moist, easing congestion and preventing further buildup. When using a neti

You Are What You Eat 3 Beauty Benefits of a Healthy Diet

People can take a thousand different things into consideration when choosing their diet. Maybe they have allergies, need to control a health condition, or need to gain or lose weight — or maybe they just want clear skin, bright eyes, and healthy hair. That’s right: What you eat impacts not only your health and weight but also your features! The starting line for both health and beauty is your plate, and it’s possible to eat your way to victory (or, at the very least, a vast improvement). To set yourself up for beautiful skin, eyes, and hair, check out the diet advice below.

foods and less dairy can help reduce acne. Some evidence shows that during

of Ophthalmology (AAO) rely, nutrient-dense foods are key for bright, healthy eyes. Nine foods in particular top the list: fish, nuts and legumes, seeds, citrus fruits, leafy greens, carrots, sweet potatoes, beef, and eggs. Of course, drinking plenty of water is recommended too!

puberty, acne is more common because our

bodies produce more of the growth factor IGF-1. Unfortunately, many dairy products and quick-digesting, high-glycemic-index foods,

LUSTROUS LOCKS

like sweet cereals, white breads, and enriched pastas, also raise the level of IGF-1 in the body. However, foods with plenty of omega-3s — like fish, nuts, wild rice, spinach, and kale — can reduce inflammation and help calm breakouts.

Your hair’s appearance and how fast it grows do depend on age and genetics, but diet also plays a role. According to HealthLine.com, protein, biotin, and antioxidants all help hair grow and/or safeguard your follicles. Try adding more eggs, berries, spinach, fatty fish, sweet potatoes, avocados, nuts, seeds, sweet peppers, oysters, shrimp, soybeans, and lean red meats to your diet to reap those benefits.

CLEAR SKIN

BRIGHT EYES

Research on the topic is still underway, but Medical News Today reports mounting evidence that eating more omega-3 fatty acids and slow-digesting

According to the Age-Related Eye Disease Study, upon which both the American Optometric Association (AOA) and the American Academy

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