Bad Taste In The Mouth – Symptoms, Causes, Home Remedies, And Prevention Tips

Did you know that about 25% of the people worldwide are believed to suffer from chronic bad breath! A stinky breath is one of the many causes of a bad taste in your mouth. Are you wondering what further triggers these taste and breath changes? A long night’s sleep, poor oral hygiene, infections, or even eating certain foods like garlic can cause a foul taste to linger for too long in your mouth. If you want to eliminate this issue for once and all, you must make a few diet and lifestyle changes. We have lined up a few home remedies that will help you get rid of the foul taste in your mouth. Keep reading to know more!

Table Of Contents

• What Causes A Bad Taste In Your Mouth?
• Signs And Symptoms
• Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Bad Taste In The Mouth
• What To Eat To Avoid Bad Taste In The Mout
• Prevention Tips

What Causes A Bad Taste In Your Mouth?

A bad taste in your mouth that lasts even after you have brushed your teeth could be due to the following
causes:

Oral Causes

• Poor oral hygiene and dental problems
• Dry mouth
• Oral thrush

Infections

• Respiratory infections like sinusitis, colds, tonsillitis, etc.
• Hepatitis
• Pregnancy
• Menopause
• Acid reflux

Medications And Supplements

• Dietary or vitamin supplements
• Medications like antihistamines, diabetes medicines, oral contraceptives, antibiotics, antidepressants, etc.

Cancer Treatment

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy

Neurological Conditions

Conditions that affect the nerves in your brain, like:

• Brain tumors
• Dementia
• Head injury or trauma
• Epilepsy

If you often have a bad taste in your mouth, you may also experience a few of the following symptoms, depending on the underlying cause.

Back To TOC

Signs And Symptoms

Individuals who suffer from oral problems may notice symptoms like:

• Bad breath
• Bleeding gums
• Red or swollen tissues in the mouth
• Tooth sensitivity

Other symptoms that may be prevalent in individuals who also have a bad taste in their mouth are:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of taste
• Difficulty in eating
• Diarrhea
• Bad breath

These symptoms could be traced to causes like acid reflux, hepatitis, respiratory infections, or oral thrush.

Since the bad taste in your mouth can interfere with your appetite and cause nutritional deficiencies, it is best to get this condition treated immediately. To help you with the same, here are some effective home remedies.

Back To TOC

Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Bad Taste In The Mouth

1. Apple Cider Vinegar
2. Baking Soda
3. Oil Pulling
4. Warm Salt Water
5. Hydrogen Peroxide
6. Aloe Vera Juice
7. Turmeric
8. Lemon
9. Green Tea
10. Cinnamon

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Shutterstock

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1 glass of warm water

What You Have To Do

1. Add a tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar to a glass of water.
2. Mix well and add a little honey to the mixture and drink it up.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this once daily.

Why This Works

Apple cider vinegar is acidic. It helps in restoring the pH balance of your mouth, promoting your oral health. This remedy also stimulates the production of saliva that helps in getting rid of the foul taste (1).

Back To TOC

2. Baking Soda

Shutterstock

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• Lemon juice (a few drops)

What You Have To Do

1. Take a teaspoon of baking soda and add a few drops of lemon juice to it.
2. Use this paste to brush your teeth daily.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once daily.

Why This Works

The alkaline nature of baking soda can help in restoring the pH of your mouth. Its exfoliating properties can also help in getting rid of the plaque deposits on your tongue and teeth, thus helping with the foul taste or smell (2).

Back To TOC

3. Oil Pulling

Shutterstock

You Will Need

1 tablespoon of coconut or sesame oil

What You Have To Do

1. Take a tablespoon of coconut or sesame oil and swish it inside your mouth for about 10 to 15 minutes.
2. Spit the oil and go about brushing your teeth normally.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this once every morning.

Why This Works

Oil pulling helps in plaque removal and addresses various oral conditions (like oral thrush, bad breath, and gingivitis) that may be causing a foul taste in your mouth (3).

Back To TOC

4. Warm Salt Water

Shutterstock

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 glass of warm water

What You Have To Do

1. Add a teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water.
2. Mix well and use this solution to rinse your mouth.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this 2 to 3 times daily.

Why This Works

Salt has natural antiseptic properties that can prevent the build-up of infectious oral bacteria. Regularly rinsing your mouth with the salt solution can help eliminate the foul taste and smell of your mouth (4).

Back To TOC

5. Hydrogen Peroxide

Shutterstock

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide solution
• 2 tablespoons of water
• A soft bristle brush

What You Have To Do

1. Mix a tablespoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide with two tablespoons of water.
2. Dip a soft bristle brush in the hydrogen peroxide solution.
3. Gently brush your tongue and the insides of your mouth with this solution.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this once daily.

Why This Works

Hydrogen peroxide is a strong antibacterial agent that combats the infectious oral pathogens that could be causing your mouth to taste weird. It provides a healthy oral environment by eliminating bad bacteria (5).

Back To TOC

6. Aloe Vera Juice

Shutterstock

You Will Need

1 teaspoon of fresh aloe juice

What You Have To Do

1. Take a teaspoon of fresh aloe vera juice and swish it in your mouth for about 5 minutes.
2. Spit the juice out.
3. Alternatively, you can also drink half a cup of aloe vera juice.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this twice daily.

Why This Works

Aloe vera juice has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities that heal oral infections and treat the foul taste and smell that accompany such oral problems (6).

Back To TOC

7. Turmeric

Shutterstock

You Will Need

• ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder
• A few drops of lemon juice

What You Have To Do

1. Add a few drops of lemon juice to half a teaspoon of turmeric powder.
2. Apply this thick paste to your tongue and the insides of your mouth.
3. Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once daily for about 2 weeks to see the desired effects.

Why This Works

Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful antibacterial agent that kills all the bad bacteria in your mouth, promotes oral health, and eliminates the bad taste (7).

Back To TOC

8. Lemon

Shutterstock

You Will Need

• 1 lemon
• 1 glass of warm water

What You Have To Do

1. Squeeze the juice of a lemon into a glass of warm water.
2. Mix well and use this solution to rinse your mouth.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once daily for at least a week to start seeing results.

Why This Works

The vitamin C in lemons restores the lost pH of your mouth. Also, the bactericidal activities of lemon can keep oral pathogens away, thus preventing further oral problems (8), (9).

Back To TOC

9. Green Tea

Shutterstock

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of green tea
• 1 cup of water
• Honey (optional)

What You Have To Do

1. Add a teaspoon of green tea to a cup of water.
2. Bring it to a boil in a saucepan and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Strain and allow the tea to cool down for some time.
4. Add a little honey to the tea and consume immediately.

How Often You Should Do This

You must drink green tea at least twice daily to avail all its benefits.

Why This Works

Green tea is a great remedy for oral infections. Along with promoting oral health, green tea can also help eliminate the bad taste and foul smell in your mouth (10).

Back To TOC

10. Cinnamon

Shutterstock

You Will Need

• ½ tablespoon of cinnamon powder
• ½ lemon
• 1 glass of warm water

What You Have To Do

1. Add half a tablespoon of cinnamon powder and the juice of half a lemon to a glass of warm water.
2. Mix well and use this solution to rinse your mouth at regular intervals.
3. Alternatively, you can also use a drop or two of cinnamon essential oil instead of cinnamon powder.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this 2 to 3 times daily.

Why This Works

Cinnamon is yet another remedy that can help eliminate the bad taste in your mouth, owing to its antibacterial properties. It can easily combat oral infections and promote your overall oral health by eliminating oral pathogens (11).

Your diet choices have a significant role to play in your health and well-being. They are also critical to help you overcome the bad taste in your mouth. Hence, you must take the following diet tips into consideration in addition to following these home remedies.

Back To TOC

What To Eat To Get Rid Of Bad Taste In The Mouth

Those who have a bad taste in their mouth usually have a low sense of taste and may be intolerant to certain foods. Some foods that can be tolerated by affected individuals are:

• Fresh fruit juices (orange or lemon)
• Eggs, fish, peanut butter, beans, and dairy products like yogurt and ice cream
• Hard candies

The affected individuals must stay away from spicy, sugary, and oily foods.

To prevent the recurrence of a bad taste in your mouth, follow the tips mentioned below.

Back To TOC

Prevention Tips

• Brush and floss daily.
• Use a mouthwash to rinse your mouth regularly.
• Chew on sugar-free gum to encourage the production of saliva.
• Drink enough water and keep yourself hydrated.
• Limit your intake of alcohol and caffeine.
• Quit smoking tobacco.

Although the sudden onset of a bad flavor in your mouth is not of much concern, it has the potential to cause unhealthy weight loss and subsequent nutrient deficiencies. So, it is best if you try and get rid of this condition at the earliest. If you still see no improvement, we recommend you get yourself diagnosed by a medical professional immediately.

Hope you liked this post. For more queries, get in touch with us via the comment box below!

Back To TOC

Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions

Is bad taste in the mouth a sign of diabetes?

Yes, a bad or bitter-sweet taste in the mouth can also be a sign of diabetes. Get yourself diagnosed medically for a confirmation.

Why do I have a rotten egg taste in my mouth?

If your mouth tastes like rotten eggs, it could be due to either a gut infection or the accumulation of hydrogen sulfide gas (from something that you had eaten).

What kills sulfur in the mouth?

The bacteria in your mouth can feed on the leftover debris inside your mouth and generate foul-smelling volatile sulfur compounds. To get rid of these toxic compounds, you must brush, floss, and use a mouthwash regularly.

Does bad taste in mouth occur during pregnancy?

A change in the sense of your taste (dysgeusia) can occur during pregnancy as a result of pregnancy hormones. Some pregnant women may experience a metallic or sour taste in the mouth even if they are not suffering from any specific medical condition.

The post Bad Taste In The Mouth – Symptoms, Causes, Home Remedies, And Prevention Tips appeared first on STYLECRAZE.

from STYLECRAZE https://ift.tt/2PmP8dv

A Simple 10-Minute Meditation Session To Dissolve Anxiety

Depression is not the only severe mental health condition that can affect you. Anxiety is just as worse and way more common than depression! Especially if you’re the kind who has a naturally nervous disposition. In that case, office meetings and a fight with your spouse can equally stress you out and give you panic attacks. If your anxiety worsens, you might even be diagnosed with a full-fledged anxiety disorder (1). So, unless you want to go on a regular cycle of taking anxiety medication coupled with frequent sessions of rapid heartbeat and lots of sweating, you should try and control your anxiety on your own.

Shutterstock

The safest and most effective way to control your anxiety is to meditate. Meditation is known to calm and relax both your mind and your body – which is what you need to prevent anxiety attacks (2). Only 10 minutes of meditating each day can make a dramatic difference in your anxiety levels! Practicing meditation regularly can make you feel much calmer and ready to take on challenges you’d ordinarily shy away from.

We’ve outlined the steps to a simple 10-minute meditation session below to help you beat anxiety. That too without the risk of an impending, panic attack-inducing medical bill!

An Easy Meditation Session To Resolve Anxiety In Minutes

As you already know, meditation is a lot about awareness and mindfulness. This kind of mindfulness and awareness is achieved via controlling your breathing. So, before you use meditation as a means to control your anxiety, you should know a little about the basic breathing techniques of mediation first. Take a look at the steps focused on breathing below:

Shutterstock

• Get into a comfortable position and breathe through the nose as you expand your tummy.
• Breathe out from the nose and contract your tummy simultaneously.
• While breathing in, count from 1 to 5. Pause and hold your breath for another count of 1 to 5. Breathe out and count from 1 to 5. Don’t forget to expand and contract your belly each time you count while breathing in and out.
• Practice this breathing technique to get a hang of it. Once you get accustomed to this breathing technique, extend your exhaling time by counting a few extra numbers as you breathe out.

Got it? This breathing technique is at the core of the anxiety-busting meditation session we’re about to unravel to you. So, mastering it is a must. Don’t worry. It’s fairly easy and you won’t take more than 5 minutes perfecting this breathing technique! As soon as you’re confident about your focused breathing, move on to the following this meditation session to reduce your anxiety:

Shutterstock

1. Position yourself on a comfortable straight-backed chair with your feet firmly planted on the ground. Your back should be straight and you can take the support of a pillow for that as your comfort is of utmost importance.
2. Place your hands on your knees with your shoulders rolled over your back. Your hands can be palm up or down, whatever makes you comfortable.
3. Slowly close your eyes and ensure they remain closed throughout this session.
4. Now use the breathing technique we discussed above. Make yourself aware of how you breathe in and out as you go about it. Pay attention to the sensations you feel when you practice this technique.
5. As you breathe, analyze your breathing patterns. Is your breathing slow? Or is it fast? What feeling do you get as you expand and contract your tummy with each breath? Be more mindful of the way your body functions as you meditate.
6. Continue the entire exercise of breathing and becoming more mindful for 10 minutes straight.
7. If during the course of the 10 minutes, you find yourself distracted, don’t ignore the distraction. Acknowledge it, feel it, and gradually bring your focus back to your breath.
8. Once you go deeper into this session, prolong your exhale time slowly and gradually.
9. If exhaling through the nose seems a little hard, you can breathe out via your mouth and quietly enunciate the expression ‘ha’ as you go.
10. Time yourself for 10 minutes. Once the time’s up, slowly bring your focus back to the world around you and open your eyes.

Shutterstock

Just in 10 minutes, you’ll feel much calmer, more relaxed and at ease than before! Your stress levels will go down and your concentration levels will improve significantly. You won’t even remember why you were anxious in the first place!

Meditation can reduce the burden and slow down the pace of your fast and hectic life so you can manage it better. However, you have to be patient and persevere to reap the full benefits of meditation. Practicing every day for 10 minutes and making a habit out of meditation will help you keep anxiety at bay.

The post A Simple 10-Minute Meditation Session To Dissolve Anxiety appeared first on STYLECRAZE.

from STYLECRAZE https://ift.tt/2oqqtt8

10 Best DIY Blackhead Removal Face Masks

“You have so many blackheads!”
“When was the last time you got a facial done?”

These are the kind of comments and questions we receive from the lady at the salon or sometimes even from overenthusiastic friends. You must be nodding your head in agreement, especially if you have oily or combination skin. For the longest time, I did not understand what everyone was trying to tell me because I didn’t notice the tiny little black thingies popping out on my face.

Blackheads are essentially clogged pores due to oversecretion of oil and sebum. With age and the damage caused by free radicals, pollution, sun exposure, and lifestyle factors, blackheads become more vivid and take other forms like dark spots or pigmentation. All you need is a little TLC to combat this problem. If you don’t know where to begin, we have a foolproof list for you. Take a look!

DIY Face Masks For Blackheads

1. Honey And Milk Mask

Shutterstock

What You Need

• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons honey
• Cotton balls

What To Do

1. Mix milk and honey in a bowl.
2. Dip a cotton ball in this runny mixture and apply it generously all over your face.
3. You can also dip thin cotton strips in the leftover paste and place them over the affected areas.
4. Leave the mask on for 10-15 minutes.
5. Rinse your face with warm water.

How Often

1-2 times a week.

Why This Works

Milk contains lactic acid, which is known to be a mild natural exfoliator. It gets easily absorbed into your skin, gently removes dead skin cells, and unclogs pores. Honey is known for its skin brightening properties that make you look radiant almost instantly.

2. Egg Whites And Lemon Juice Mask

Shutterstock

What You Will Need

• 1 egg white
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Facial brush

What To Do

1. Mix the egg white and lime juice.
2. With a facial brush, apply the egg and lemon mixture all over your face.
3. Do not apply it near your eyebrows or eyes.
4. Leave it on for about 10-15 minutes.
5. The mask will dry up and tighten your skin.
6. Wash it off with cool water.
7. Follow up with a moisturizer.

How Often

Once a week.

Why This Works

You can dab a little egg white off the shell the next time you make eggs because it is known to be a natural astringent and works great as a toning agent. It shrinks your pores, making your skin look visibly clear and spot-free. Mixing it with lemon juice (a natural bleaching agent) brightens your skin.

3. Cinnamon And Honey Mask

Shutterstock

What You Need

• 1 tablespoon cinnamon powder
• 3 tablespoons honey

What To Do

1. Mix the cinnamon powder and honey thoroughly in a bowl.
2. Apply this thick paste all over your face.
3. If you have specific problem areas like the T-zone, chin, or forehead, focus on them.
4. Leave it on for 20 minutes.
5. Wash it off with warm water.

How Often

Do it every alternate day for 2 weeks, and you will notice a remarkable change in your face.

Why This Works

Both cinnamon and honey possess antibacterial qualities that are crucial for treating acne-prone skin. They also clear the dead skin cells, bacteria, and oil build-up from the surface of your skin. The astringent property of cinnamon helps shrink your pores, thus making your skin look smooth and clear.

4. Mint, Lemon, And Gelatin Face Mask

Shutterstock

What You Need

• Mint leaves
• 1 tablespoon gelatin powder
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

What To Do

1. Boil mint leaves in a little water or pulse them in a hand blender.
2. Let it cool.
3. Microwave one-third cup of water in a glass bowl for 15 seconds.
4. Add the gelatin powder to the warm water and mix it until there are no lumps.
5. Mix the lemon juice and mint tea (or juice) into the gelatin.
6. Apply this mask evenly on your face and leave it on until it has completely dried.
7. Peel it off carefully and rinse your face with cold water.

How Often

Once a week.

Why This Works

Lemon is a natural astringent that tones and brightens your skin. The antibacterial property of mint soothes your skin while removing dead skin cells and shrinking pores. Gelatin is a natural protein that contains collagen and a polymer that holds the mask together.

5. Green Tea, Cucumber, And Gelatin Face Mask

Shutterstock

What You Need

• 1 tablespoon gelatin powder
• 2 tablespoons green tea
• 2 tablespoons cucumber juice

What To Do

1. Microwave one-third cup of water in a glass bowl for 15 seconds before mixing gelatin into it.
2. Add the green tea and cucumber juice to the gelatin.
3. Apply it all over your face.
4. Leave it on for 20 minutes before you peel it off.
5. Wash it off with cold water.

How Often

Once a week.

Why This Works

Gelatin improves the elasticity of your skin and is the easiest way to make an effective peel-off mask at home. Cucumber is a coolant that rejuvenates your skin and hydrates it thoroughly. Green tea is an antioxidant that reduces redness and inflammation caused by acne and dead cell accumulation.

6. Baking Soda And Honey Face Mask

Shutterstock

What You Need

• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• 2 tablespoons honey
• Facial brush

What To Do

1. Mix baking soda and honey in a glass bowl.
2. Apply this mixture to your face with a facial brush.
3. Leave it on for 15 minutes.
4. Don’t keep it on for longer because baking soda can be harsh on your skin.
5. Wash it off with cool water.

How Often

At least once a week.

Why This Works

Baking soda is a strong exfoliator that scrapes off dead skin cells while neutralizing the pH of your skin. Honey acts as a brightening agent that makes your skin look fresh. You can use this mask just on your T-zone if you have oily/combination skin or use it all over your face. Avoid using this mask if you have sensitive skin as baking soda is a pretty harsh ingredient.

7. Bentonite Face Mask

Shutterstock

What You Need

• 3 tablespoons bentonite clay
• Water
• Lavender oil (optional)

What You Have To Do

1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until they form a smooth paste
2. that is neither too thick nor too runny.
3. Apply it all over your face.
4. Leave it on for 20 minutes or until it dries up completely.
5. Dip a soft cotton cloth in water and use it to remove the mask.
6. Rinse your face with cold water.

How Often

Once a week.

Why This Works

Bentonite clay gets rid of toxins and unclogs your pores, thus removing blackheads. It also reduces the appearance of acne scars and combats redness and inflammation.

8. Oatmeal, Yogurt, And Lemon Face Mask

Shutterstock

What You Need

• 2 tablespoons oatmeal
• 1 tablespoon yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

What To Do

1. Soak the oatmeal in the yogurt for a few minutes to soften it.
2. Mix lemon juice into this paste.
3. Apply this mask to your face.
4. Leave it on for 20 minutes.
5. Wash it off with cold water.

How Often

Twice a week.

Why This Works

Oatmeal exfoliates your skin and acts like a mild abrasive to get rid of blackheads. The lactic acid in yogurt cleanses your skin while lemon juice tones it.

9. Green Tea And Aloe Vera Face Mask

Shutterstock

What You Need

• 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
• 1/4 cup green tea

What To Do

1. Steep the green tea and allow it cool down.
2. Mix the green tea and aloe vera gel to form a runny paste.
3. Apply the mask with a cotton pad.
4. Leave it on for 20 minutes.
5. Wash your face with cold water.

How Often

1-2 times a week.

Why This Works

Green tea is loaded with antioxidants and reduces inflammation, redness, and oil build-up. Mixing it with aloe vera gel – which is known for its natural hydration properties – clears your skin and leaves it feeling supple.

10. Orange Juice And Gelatin Face Mask

Shutterstock

What You Need

• 1/3 cup fresh orange juice or pulp
• 1 tablespoon gelatin powder

What To Do

1. Microwave one-third cup of water for 15 seconds and add gelatin powder to it.
2. Add orange juice to this wobbly mixture.
3. Apply this carefully all over your face without touching your eyebrows or eyes.
4. Let it completely dry. It takes about 15 minutes.
5. Peel it off gently.
6. Rinse your face with cold water.

How Often

1-2 times a week.

Why This Works

Orange juice is an excellent source of vitamin C and other antioxidants that are known to clear up your skin. It clears the top layer of your skin by getting rid of dead skin cells, dark spots, and oil build-up. Gelatin locks in these nutrients and also helps with skin tightening.

Taking care of your skin starts with using the right products. However, it also involves tackling it from every angle – diet, exercise, and topical applications. Sometimes, you may end up applying too many products on your face in the hope of repairing your skin. What you don’t realize is that most of them contain chemicals that can be counterproductive to your skin’s health. That’s why it’s important that you follow a skin care regimen that contains natural ingredients. How do you deal with blackheads? Let us know by dropping in a message in the comments section below.

The post 10 Best DIY Blackhead Removal Face Masks appeared first on STYLECRAZE.

from STYLECRAZE https://ift.tt/2Pmls0m

12 Easy DIY Overnight Face Masks To Rejuvenate Your Skin

Imagine waking up to satiny smooth and soft, dewy skin, feeling as fresh as the first drop of snow. It’s a dream, isn’t it? And it will remain one if you don’t do anything about it. Does that mean you must spend big bucks on all products you lay your hands on? Or should you get carried away with the subtle sales pitches at beauty stores and passive-aggressive ads online?

How about taking care of your skin on a daily basis? Well, if you don’t have the time, we have a solution! All you need is setting aside a few minutes before going to bed. Let’s look at some easy, effective, and expert-approved overnight face masks.

Table Of Contents

1. Overnight Aloe Vera + Vitamin E Mask
2. Overnight Turmeric And Milk Mask
3. Overnight Egg White Mask
4. Overnight Coconut Oil Mask
5. Overnight Green Tea, Cucumber, And Potato Juice Mask
6. Overnight Charcoal Mask
7. Overnight Tomato And Honey Mask
8. Overnight Vitamin C Lemon Mask
9. Overnight Olive Oil Face Mask
10. Overnight Almonds And Milk Face Mask
11. Overnight Honey Mask For Acne
12. Overnight Green Tea Mask For Cleansing

12 DIY Overnight Face Masks For Healthy Skin

1. Overnight Aloe Vera + Vitamin E Mask

Shutterstock

What You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon or 2 capsules of vitamin E
• 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel

What You Have To Do

1. Take a few drops of the vitamin E oil (capsules or normal oil) and mix with the aloe vera gel.
2. Apply the mixture to your face.
3. Aloe vera dries up pretty quickly. Vitamin E will get absorbed into your skin but will feel a little sticky.
4. Wash your face with cold water first thing in the morning.

How Often You Should Do This

2-3 times a week.

Why This Works

Aloe vera is rich in nutrients that hydrate and moisturize your skin. Mixing it with Vitamin E can brighten your face.

Back To TOC

2. Overnight Turmeric And Milk Mask

Shutterstock

What You Will Need

• 1-2 tablespoons turmeric powder
• 2-3 tablespoons of milk

What You Have To Do

1. Make a runny paste by mixing turmeric with milk.
2. With your fingers or a brush, apply it all over your face.
3. You can leave it on overnight or wash it off once it dries up completely.
4. If you are washing it before you sleep, just let your skin breathe without applying anything else to it.
5. If you are leaving the mask on overnight, rinse your face with cold water the next morning.

How Often You Should Do This

3-4 times a week.

Why This Works

Milk contains lactic acid and fatty acids that seep easily into your skin, making it radiant. Turmeric is antiseptic and antibacterial and also helps with skin brightening.

Back To TOC

3. Overnight Egg White Mask

Shutterstock

What You Will Need

1 egg white

What You Have To Do

1. Apply the egg white evenly to your face.
2. It takes about 15 minutes to dry up fully.
3. You could either leave it on overnight or wash it off.
4. If you leave it on overnight, clean it off the next morning.

How Often You Should Do This

2-3 times a week.

Why This Works

Egg white is a natural astringent and contains vitamin A that tightens the skin, shrinks pores, and even battles anti-aging issues. Using this over time can reduce the effect of wrinkles and fine lines.

Back To TOC

4. Overnight Coconut Oil Mask

Shutterstock

What You Will Need

• Coconut oil
• A few drops of tea tree oil

What You Have To Do

1. Mix both the oils and apply to your face and massage.
2. The blend gets absorbed and can be left on overnight.

How Often You Should Do This

3-4 times a week.

Why This Works

Coconut oil not only hydrates but also cleanses your skin entirely by the next morning. Tea tree oil is an antibacterial and reduces dark spots and pigmentation, leaving your skin radiant and glowing.

Back To TOC

5. Overnight Green Tea, Cucumber, And Potato Juice Mask

Shutterstock

What You Will Need

• Green tea
• Cucumber juice
• Potato juice

What You Have To Do

1. Grate half a potato and half a cucumber in a bowl.
2. Take out the pulp to squeeze out the juice.
3. Make half a cup of green tea with a tea bag or leaves.
4. Let it cool down.
5. Mix all the ingredients to form a runny puree.
6. Apply this mixture to your face with a cotton ball.
7. It gets absorbed easily, so leave it on overnight.
8. Wash your face in the morning with cold water.

How Often You Should Do This

2-3 times a week.

Why This Works

Cucumber juice cools your face down, reduces inflammation and redness, and treats sunburn. Potato juice treats pigmentation and puffiness while green tea is an antioxidant that clears dirt from your pores.

Back To TOC

6. Overnight Charcoal Mask

Shutterstock

What You Will Need

• Charcoal tablets
• 1 tablespoon of gelatin powder
• Water
• Bowl
• Brush

What You Have To Do

1. Add the charcoal tablets to a bowl.
2. Add gelatin powder and
3. mix well.
4. Add a little water and microwave the mixture for about 15 seconds.
5. Mix it again, so there are no lumps.
6. Apply the paste to your face evenly with a brush.
7. Leave it on until it dries. You can leave it on overnight, but it’s best if you clean it up before you sleep.
8. Wash it off with cold water
9. the next morning.

How Often You Should Do This

Once a week.

Why This Works

Charcoal (or activated charcoal) absorbs dust, dirt, grime, and oil. It exfoliates your skin and removes dead cells by pulling them all onto the surface. Everything gets washed out, leaving you with clear skin.

Back To TOC

7. Overnight Tomato And Honey Mask

Shutterstock

What You Will Need

• 3 tablespoons of tomato juice or puree
• 1 tablespoon of honey

What You Have To Do

1. Squeeze one tomato and make it into a puree or juice.
2. Add honey to it and blend.
3. With a cotton pad, apply this mixture to your face.
4. It is absorbed well into your skin.
5. You can either choose to wash it up before sleeping or leave it on overnight.

How Often You Should Do This

2-3 times a week.

Why This Works

Tomato is acidic and a natural astringent. It removes tan, helps with sunburns, and reduces pigmentation. Honey brightens your skin and acts as a bleaching agent. With consistent use, your skin will become clearer.

Back To TOC

8. Overnight Vitamin C Lemon Mask

Shutterstock

What You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon of honey

What You Have To Do

1. Mix honey and lemon juice in a bowl.
2. With a cotton pad, apply the mixture to your skin.
3. Leave it on overnight and wash with cold water the following morning.

How Often You Should Do This

3-4 times a week.

Why This Works

Citrus fruits like lemon, lime, and oranges are high in vitamin C that does a lot of good to your skin. The vitamin tightens and brightens your skin and protects it from the damage it goes through on a daily basis. Honey, as we all know, reduces dullness.

Back To TOC

9. Overnight Olive Oil Face Mask

Shutterstock

What You Will Need

1 tablespoon of olive oil

What You Have To Do

1. Take one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and apply it all over your face with a cotton pad.
2. Massage your face in a circular motion and let it absorb the oil.
3. Wash your face the next morning with a mild cleanser.

How Often You Should Do This

As often as you can.

Why This Works

Olive oil works wonders for your skin in many ways. You can use it as a cleanser because it quickly breaks down makeup, oil, and dust from your face. It can be a substitute for your chemical cleansers. It exfoliates, nourishes, and moisturizes your skin.

Back To TOC

10. Overnight Almonds And Milk Face Mask

Shutterstock

What You Will Need

• 5-8 soaked almonds
• 2 tablespoons of milk

What You Have To Do

1. Crush or pulse soaked almonds in a hand blender.
2. You can either remove the skin or leave it on.
3. Add milk to this mixture and blend well.
4. Dip a cotton ball into this and apply to your face.
5. Leave it on overnight and wash it off the next morning.

How Often You Should Do This

3-4 times a week.

Why This Works

Mix almonds with milk to battle fine lines and wrinkles and boost collagen production naturally. This mask is loaded with vitamin E, folic acid, hydroxy acids, and other antioxidants that leave your skin feeling tighter, soft, and supple.

Back To TOC

11. Overnight Honey Mask For Acne

Shutterstock

What You Will Need

1 tablespoon honey

What You Have To Do

1. Apply unfiltered raw honey all over your face.
2. It can be a little sticky – so, if you don’t like it, let it stay for an hour and then wash off with warm water.

How Often You Should Do This

3-4 times a week.

Why This Works

Honey kills bacteria and removes the grime, dust, and oil from the skin pores, thus reducing acne.

Back To TOC

12. Overnight Green Tea Mask For Cleansing

Shutterstock

What You Will Need

1/4 cup green tea

What You Have To Do

1. Prepare one-fourth cup of green tea and dip a cotton ball into it.
2. Apply the green tea all over your face with a cotton ball.
3. It gets absorbed almost immediately.
4. Leave it on overnight and clean it with cold water the next morning.

How Often You Should Do This

2-3 times week.

Why This Works

Green tea reduces puffiness. As it is an antioxidant, it also tones and cleanses your face. You can even place green tea bags on your eyes before your sleep to reduce dark circles.

You have no excuse now, do you? Skin care is all about bringing the little things at home together and whipping them up. You can use a combination of ingredients because each has a unique characteristic. But if you are using something for the first time and you have sensitive skin, be wary and alert.

Are you big on DIY? Or do you just like something more meticulously formulated? Let us know by dropping a message in the comment section below.

Back To TOC

Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions

Can you leave a face mask on overnight?

If the overnight mask you are using is DIY and made with natural ingredients, it should be okay to leave it on overnight. Store-bought, chemical-based or overnight packs that are meant for night time routines might irritate if left on for an extended period. So, clean it up before you hit the sack and let sleep bring the best out of it.
Also, some of the masks mentioned can be a little messy and gross (like those containing bananas, honey, oatmeal, etc.). Some might even have an overpowering smell while others can be sticky and uncomfortable. In that case, rinse the mask off before you sleep – but this is a personal choice.

The post 12 Easy DIY Overnight Face Masks To Rejuvenate Your Skin appeared first on STYLECRAZE.

from STYLECRAZE https://ift.tt/2wsunGw

15 Trans Fats Foods To Avoid For Weight Loss And Better Health

Trans fats are your worst enemies. According to the American Heart Association and scientific research, trans fats increase the risk of heart disease, obesity, inflammation, and cancer (1), (2). To counteract this, the FDA has put restrictions on the use of trans fats (3). Unfortunately, many foods we routinely overconsume are still loaded with partial trans fats.

So, if you think you have gained weight, are finding it hard to lose weight, and don’t feel as fit as you used to be, you should start avoiding trans fats. This article lists 15 trans fat foods that are fatal and belong to the bin instead of your gut. Take a look.

But first, you’ve got to know why trans fats are so bad for your health. Let me take you back to basics and help you understand what trans fats really are and how they affect the body.

What Are Trans Fats?

Trans fats are unsaturated fatty acids. They are found in meager amounts in milk, butter, lamb, and beef. But these natural sources of trans fats are not dangerous when consumed in moderation. Let me tell you why and which sources of trans fats are unhealthy.

The chemical structure of the unsaturated fatty acids has more than one double bond and a “cis” (on the same side of the double bond) configuration. However, many food companies routinely use trans fats by partially hydrogenating the cis-trans fats. The trans configuration helps enhance the taste, increase the shelf life, and is inexpensive. But this “trans” (diagonally opposite side of the double bond) is dangerous for your health.

These trans fats lower the good cholesterol (HDL cholesterol) and increase bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol), thereby increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. They also cause weight gain, which ultimately leads to diabetes and obesity-related health complications.

So, it is best that you avoid foods that are high in trans fats. Scroll down to take a look at the 15 high trans fats foods.

15 Foods High In Trans Fats

1. Cakes And Pies

Shutterstock

Cakes and pie mixes contain a lot of trans fats. Though they may list 0 trans fats, according to the rules and guidelines, the companies are allowed to write 0 g trans fats if they contain 0.5 g trans fats per serving. And as you know, not many of us stick just one serving. Several servings can make you pile on trans fats and lead to arterial blocks in the long run.

2. Biscuits, Cookies, And Crackers

Biscuits, crackers, and cookies all have a flaky texture. And most food companies use trans fats to build the crunchy texture that we love so much. Trans fats increase the shelf life, which allows them to sell the product for a longer time and helps the buyer to store them for months. Make biscuits, cookies, and crackers using healthy oils and less sugar or a substitute of refined sugar, which are healthier than the packaged ones.

3. Margarine, Butter, Tallow, And Lard

Shutterstock

Animal fats like tallow and lard and dairy fats like margarine and butter are storehouses of unhealthy trans fats. A pat of butter contains 0.2 grams of trans fats, but we consume a lot more butter than just a pat of it per day. One tablespoon of margarine contains 2.1 grams of trans fats, and tallow and lard are animal fats used to make fries and other fried foods. At high temperatures, tallow and lard become toxic and unhealthy for your heart.

4. Microwave Popcorn

The flavored and crispy popcorn in the movies is a match made in heaven. But make sure you don’t get your ticket to heaven so quick! Popcorn, in general, is a great source of fiber and vitamins, but not the microwaved or movie popcorns. So, it is best to avoid consuming packaged popcorn.

5. Breakfast Sandwiches

Shutterstock

If you are in the habit of grabbing a packaged sandwich in the morning, you are probably consuming a whole lot of trans fats in the first meal of your day. The packaged sandwiches contain about 1 gram of trans fats and have other ingredients that contain partially hydrogenated oils. So, avoid consuming packaged breakfast sandwiches. Have a bowl of oatmeal instead.

6. Doughnuts

Many of us loovee doughnuts. But they are loaded with carbs, and the deep frying in oil also makes them overloaded with trans fats. And if you have icing on them, you are probably consuming the worst and dangerous type of doughnuts. Ban doughnuts from your diet completely to improve your heart health and blood lipid profile.

7. Cream-Filled Candies

Shutterstock

Cream filled candies are yummy and gooey. And each candy contains about 0.5 grams of trans fats. But the catch is, we don’t stop at just one candy, do we? Consuming too many cream-filled candies can build up a ton of trans fats in your body. Plus, they are loaded with sugar, which will make you gain weight and prevent you from losing it.

8. Fried Foods

Crispy fried foods taste great, and the crunch adds to the whole experience of the food. The labels may say 0 g trans fats, but as mentioned before, the FDA allows the companies to declare 0 g trans fats in one serving if they contain 0.5 g trans fats per serving. We tend to overconsume fried foods because they taste great, and we literally cannot stop ourselves. So, it is best to avoid consuming fried foods at all occasions.

9. Frozen Foods

Shutterstock

Frozen foods like frozen pizza and frozen ready-to-eat foods are high in trans fats along with carbs, salt, and sugar. These contain about 1 g trans fats per serving, and just like any other fried foods, we all can go overboard and consume a lot of them without even realizing it. Avoid buying these foods so that you can cut down on your trans fats intake.

10. Peanut Butter

Peanuts are healthy, but they are also high in calories. Peanuts contain healthy fats – but they can only help if you consume them in limited amounts. Partially hydrogenated palm oil is used in packaged peanut butter to prevent the natural oils found in peanut from rising. And this is where things go downhill for peanut butter lovers. The next time you think of finishing half the jar of peanut butter, think of the number of trans fats you are consuming and what it can do to your heart.

11. Blended Vegetable Oils

Shutterstock

Blended vegetable oils are a blend of vegetable oils that are refined, deodorized, and bleached. These vegetable oils are used in cooking, frying, baking, icing, filling, and savory glazes. The more you heat the oil, the more the chances that you will consume trans fats. Avoid deep frying or stir-frying foods in these oils. Also, choose a healthy substitute for these oils to keep the trans fats levels to the minimum.

12. Baked Foods

Baked foods like puffs, patisseries, croissants, and tarts are delicious but loaded with trans fats. The packaged ones, especially. The trans fats make these foods crispy and flaky, which adds to the taste. Try making them at home using healthy sources of fat. They may not turn out “restaurant type” but will definitely be the “healthy type.”

13. Pancakes And Waffles

Shutterstock

Great for breakfast, yes, but not so great for your health. Especially if you prepare the pancakes and waffles with a readymade pancake and waffle mix. Prepare the batter at home and use a healthy oil or none at all to make the pancakes.

14. Ice Cream

Ice cream lovers, here’s the bad news. The ice creams that you get from the market are high in sugar and trans fats and can increase the risk of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Make some homemade popsicles or add fruits to frozen yogurt or just make a batch of ice cream at home.

15. Non-Dairy Creamers

Shutterstock

Non-dairy creamers do not contain the traditional cream. And to make up for the taste and texture, they contain trans fats, especially the flavored ones, like French vanilla, hazelnut, etc. Use traditional creamers or consume black coffee or green tea to avoid consuming trans fats from these creamers.

There you go – 15 foods high in trans fats that you must avoid. I know, you must be thinking how boring your life would be without these yummy foods. But the dangers they pose are not fictional. Lower your trans fats intake gradually, and you will see a positive difference in your attitude toward food and your body. So, say NO today, say NO now! Take care!

The post 15 Trans Fats Foods To Avoid For Weight Loss And Better Health appeared first on STYLECRAZE.

from STYLECRAZE https://ift.tt/2PmkPE2

Top 15 Lady Gaga Outfits Of All Time

Lady Gaga is a gifted singer known for her bold sartorial choices. She is someone with immense grit and strength. Whether it is donning a meat dress, a bubble, an egg, beetle wings, an octopus, or a pyrotechnic bra (and other wild costumes you can think of), she does it all with elan. It doesn’t stop there. Her shoes, makeup, hair, entrance…everything about her is fascinating. But on the flip side, her sober, haute-couture, and street style outfits tend to be ethereal and elegant. Let’s take a look at some of her best looks and breathe in a little bit of Gaga!

Best Of Lady Gaga Outfits

1. Lady Gaga At Super Bowl 2018

Instagram

Lady Gaga kicked in at the halftime show wearing a Vera Wang outfit and rappelled down the arena in a sparkling Atelier Versace Swarovski studded bodysuit and matching boots. She then threw on a spiked jacket before changing into hot pants and a sculpted jacket designed by her good friend Donatella Versace.

2. Lady Gaga In A Glittery Armani Dress

Shutterstock

Taking inspiration from the universe, Lady Gaga dolled up in a custom-made glittery Armani dress with purple rings orbiting around the outfit. She finished the look with fully studded platform heels and held a pointy silver star to round off the theme.

3. Lady Gaga For Good Morning America Concert

Shutterstock

Our lady zipped onto the stage in a dark witch costume, looking like a crusader, and opened the Good Morning America Concert in 2011. She set the stage on fire with ‘Born This Way’ and, for all you know, she probably is.

4. Lady Gaga Leopard Print Outfit

Shutterstock

Lady Gaga casually strutted out of her house in this fierce and extremely loud leopard print jacket and matching pants. I know most people don’t get out of their homes looking like this, but she is not most people – so, just deal with it!

5. Lady Gaga White Romper Dress

Shutterstock

Lady Gaga dropped the mic with her entry in an elegant white romper dress designed by her best friend, Brandon Maxwell. Whether she decides to redefine crazy or go on the other side of the spectrum, there’s nobody that comes remotely close to matching her style and aura.

6. Lady Gaga Red PVC Jumpsuit

Instagram

She’s no less than a transformer and makes you believe that she is whoever she turns up as. Her idea of Little Red Riding Hood was driven home with this scarlet PVC jumpsuit. With a flared hemline and cinched waistline, she slayed in this edgy outfit.

7. Lady Gaga Meat Dress

Shutterstock

Five years ago, Lady Gaga walked the VMA red carpet to make a statement, but she got a lot of flak for this one. Gaga explained her intention, but then, there’s always going to be naysayers, so you need to leave them to their interpretations. The dress is now donated to the ‘Women Who Rock’ exhibition, and because the material is so unique, they have taxidermied it to preserve the outfit.

8. Lady Gaga Red Boots

Instagram

Lady Gaga showed off her signature thigh-high red leather boots and shared it with her millions of followers that literally go gaga over everything Gaga. The red shades, trench coat, and black midi dress are some things we can definitely take inspiration from.

9. Lady Gaga Leather Jacket

Shutterstock

A half naked look showing off the underboob in an oversized leather jacket is not something a lot of us could get over. She styled the outfit with leather hot pants with silver chains all over and thigh-high boots. But the show stopper here is the Metallica tattoo she got days before the concert to honor the band. You go, Gaga! There’s no one quite like you.

10. Lady Gaga In A Black Train Gown

Instagram

Here, Gaga showed us what it would be like if Khaleesi was a real person. She won many hearts with every little detail in this outfit. She brings the drama the red carpets deserves with her outfits, and people lose their minds every single time. This custom-made Armani Prive dress with possibly the longest train ever needed several handlers, but we are not complaining. And, let’s also take a moment to talk about her hair, please?

11. Lady Gaga Bubble Dress

Instagram

With every costume she makes you feel that it is as crazy as it can get. But then, she comes around with outfits like this one, then the next, and then the one after. While we try and wrap our head around this dress, she’s already planning her next hard-hitting outfit.

12. Lady Gaga In A Pink Fendi Jacket

Instagram

Her airport looks are better than (y)ours. In a pink Fendi jacket, mesh pantyhose, messy hair, and dreamy eyes, her jet-setting look is taking it up a notch quite literally.

13. Lady Gaga’s Fur Overcoat

Instagram

Lady Gaga’s idea of casual and classy is not something any of us can match. However, we can all take inspiration from not just her outfits but also how she embraces who she is and expresses it without being affected by anything. The light blue overcoat with fur, sequined bodysuit, bejeweled boots, and the hat are no less than a dream.

14. Lady Gaga’s Octopus Costume

Instagram

There’s nothing that Lady Gaga cannot do or pull off. She will never run out of ideas because the way she uses the art of storytelling and imagery to make her point is awe-inspiring. She showed up in an octopus costume at the O2 arena, but we aren’t surprised.

15. Lady Gaga’s Time Magazine Cover

Souce: GQ Italia

An exploding bra for a magazine cover? Only Gaga could have handled a costume like this! And looked like she owned it.

Wearing your eccentricity on your sleeve is one thing, but owning it, having an aura about it, and living it up is not everyone’s cup of tea. What are your favorite Gaga looks? Is she your style icon? What do you like about her? Let us know us to know by dropping text in the comments section below.

The post Top 15 Lady Gaga Outfits Of All Time appeared first on STYLECRAZE.

from STYLECRAZE https://ift.tt/2wtDIO4